Greetings from Massachusetts,
Just like Galactica 1980, my experience as an iMac owner was unpleasant and short-lived. The day after I posted the last Letter, the iMac wouldn't power up. It turns out that the analog logic board gave out-- a common flaw among the latest batch of iMacs. Another common problem is electromagnetic interference, probably due to the video board or ribbon.
Luckily, the iMac died 8 days after I purchased it, so I was able to return it to CompUSA and get my money back. My research indicated that iMacs have fatal, congenital flaws. Plus, letting CompUSA attempt to repair your computer is always a mistake. CompUSA gave me all of my money back without deducting an open box fee, which leads me to believe that they probably know that these iMac problems are common.
So, I've given up on Apple again. What have I learned from this experience?
First, remember what Lorne Greene did after Galactica 1980 was cancelled? Yes, he worked in TV commercials, selling Alpo dog food. "Dog Food" is the answer. From now on I will eat my own dog food. I'll just have to save up enough money to buy my own Ultra 5 and run Solaris. $1,995, but I get some sort of discount.
The second thing that I learned is, never, ever trust Jeff Goldblum. He is a liar. Don't let his good looks and "look-I'm-dancing-around-in-my-iMac-video" shenanigans fool you. I should have known better-- Geena Davis didn't trust him, why should I have? For that matter, don't trust Renny Harlin either. (But, then again, I've never trusted Renny Harlin.)
On Sunday, I volunteered at the New England Aquarium's "Planet of the Penguins" event. I wore a penguin suit (no, not a tuxedo-- an actual penguin costume) for two hours and greeted visitors in the lobby. I was a Rockhopper penguin. They're the ones with tufts of yellow feathers on top of their heads.
Once again, some of the more notable and/or amusing advertisements from last week's Boston Sunday Globe's "Boston Works" section.
But, first let me tell you about television commercials that I've seen playing in the Massachusetts area. The commercials are for (http://www.hitechny.com/) which claims that there are over 40,000 high tech job openings throughout New York State. I believe that Pataki is in that commercial. Their site lists job openings in New York-- check it out.
Also in the news is an article about Rhode Island's attempts to lure high tech workers and companies from Massachusetts. However, their web site requires Flash and arrogantly proclaims:
Last time, we gave people an html option. Hey, we were new. We were looking to make friends. But lately, we've been doing some thinking. And the thing is, no matter how nice you might be, if you can't deal with Flash 4 or better, we really don't give a crap.
If they don't give a crap, then I don't either. So, I won't list their web site here. (I checked it out, and it was nigh unusable due to all the Flash cruft. For all you prospective web developers out there, usability is more important than style. (http://www.useit.com/) Form follows function.
Spring Tide Networks (www.springtidenet.com) was acquired by Lucent Technologies. They make data networking equipment and have an ad on Page 1 of the 11/19/2000 BostonWorks section. It seems that they use Java and Corba.
Nokia in Burlington, Massachusetts, is also advertising. They seem to be buzzword-compliant and are looking for people with Linux, Java, C++, EJB, JMS, WAP, embedded software, and XML knowledge.
"Anyone who applies here should be committed," says Foliage Software Systems' newest ad. "You don't have to be crazy to see that this is a challenging and stimulating place to work. Which is why we have one of the lowest turnover rates in the entire software development industry. If you think this could be the perfect career move for you, go ahead and commit yourself." (http://www.foliage.com/)
[picture of person bending over backwards, using a computer] "Our work environment is friendly, fun and incredibly flexible. Here at Ennovate, we go to extraordinary lengths to ensure our employees enjoy the very best work environment. That means fostering a culture where everything revolves around teamwork and we never forget to have a good time. As a result, you're just as likely to find our people working on the slapshot during our company hockey games as you are to find them working on leading-edge IP telephony solutions. And if sports isn't your speed, you can join in on a relaxing 'jam' session with co-workers. The band is always looking for more people to play along with."
Ennovate's ad continues, "Individuality reigns supreme at Ennovate. Empowering our people to do their best work has helped us to develop the first carrier-class edge switch that allows NSPs to create and deliver a high density of frame relay and IP services on a common platform. We're enabling the quick and efficient transition from frame relay or private-line networks to new, innovative, network-based IP Virtual Networks and related IP services." (http://www.ennovatenetworks.com/)
On the front page of the 11/26/2000 BostonWorks is an ad for Netegrity. They had an open house with a raffle for a 2-year lease on a new Saab 9-3. They claim that "enabling secure global e-commerce is our passion."
If you have already been tricked by Jeff Goldblum into getting a Macintosh, R.R. Donnelley & Sons is looking for a Macintosh Systems Administrator. They make phone books. Their ad further states, "Females and minorities are encouraged to respond."
"You see them everywhere. Chatting on cell phones. Stenciling palms. Typing on unplugged laptops. Wireless is emerging, thriving and braced to explode. Do you want to be a part of a bright and creative staff that is dedicated to changing the way the world communicates? If yes, iConverse is the place to be. iConverse's innovative wireless application and speech recognition platform empowers all kinds of businesses, from the enterprise with the mobile workforce to ASPs and Portals, to wirelessly deliver the information employees and customers need. If you crave success in a well-funded pre-IPO startup, yearn for excitement, exude ingenuity and thrive on independence, we would love you to play a part in our revolution. Join us and take a ride on iConverse's evolving tide." Unfortunately, because I merely radiate but do not exude ingenuity, this company is not for me.
WGBH Interactive is looking for Web Producers, Developers, and Designers for its web site. WGBH is a public television station, and they seem to be in charge of the "This Old House", "Antiques Roadshow", "NOVA", and "Masterpiece Theatre" web sites, among others. "At last, Content with a Conscience! Develop multi-player gaming, pushing the technology envelope of fun for our ground-breaking kids sites..." (http://www.wgbh.org/)
"... LCC will be giving all qualified candidates a free Palm [Pilot] if your skill set matches one of our 100+ job openings." They do wireless stuff. (http://www.lcc.com/)
If you have any questions about academics, job hunting, or the Boston area, please email me at (bfan2 "at symbol" yahoo "dot symbol" com) and I'll try to answer them.
Until next time,
Ben