Work - Sometimes I think working in hardware chip design is like working in Hollywood in terms of stability. Six months ago today I started my current job in hardware R&D at ATI. Today I sat through a video conference where we were introduced to some top level staff at AMD. Of course there was more discussion of the acquisition/merger. It should be final around the Halloween timeframe. Of all of the company mergers, acquisitions, and spinoffs I've been through, I'm actually most hopeful about this one. First, both companies are already profitable. Second, AMD is not buying ATI in a move to reduce the competition. They are hoping to better position themselves in the processing domain against the big I — Intel. It's just that when I started half a year ago, I thought I might be insulated from this kind of tumult, at least for a little while.
Home - It was pretty nice today, but just a bit warm and muggy. Michelle taught her usual step class in Merrimack; I took a step class in Marlborough. Abby got to play with her friend Allie; Claire got to play with her friend Madison. Best of all, Michelle and I got to head out for dinner at The Black Forest Cafe. Once we got home I watched another episode of Eureka. I'm not sure the show will last long. It's a bit intriguing, but I'm not enjoying it as much as Galactica. Anyone else have an opinion about the new Battlestar Galactica?
Scott,
I'm not too sure about the new Battlestar Galactica.... I've found it interesting, but sometimes gets a bit dark for my tastes. I've seen Eureka a few times and enjoyed it, but am not too upset if I forget it's on.
My fav. SCIFI network show is still Stargate:SG-1- so I'm enjoying that for right now.
Have you seen Kyle-XY? It's on the family network and I have enjoyed that too. Very nice story telling.
Erica
Posted by: Erica at August 17, 2006 10:30 AMAfter going through all the ARC/TDI/CI cycles with you, I definitely share your sentiment, Scott. I'd hope that your office wouldn't be affected by this, but everytime I've tried to speculate and use non-banker logic, I've been surprised by the outcome. I think you're right about it not affecting you too much though; I hope that's true for both you and Chris.
Posted by: will at August 17, 2006 10:39 AMHi Erica,
Nice to see you still surf by now and then. There's no doubt that the new BG is a bit dark. Lots o' psychological suspense and intrigue. I found that the Galatica Wiki is a good resource to get more background on the episodes -- what questions are introduced and what we *now* know...
I'll have to give SG-1 some consideration. Isn't it hitting its 200th episode this week? Wow! That's a long run! They must be doing something right.
I've not seen Kyle-XY. I saw some of the promotional posters when I was last in a mall. I'll have to record some episodes of that and see what we think...
Michelle really, REALLY misses Firefly. *sniff*
Posted by: Scott at August 17, 2006 02:53 PMHi Will,
"It's deja vu all over again!" ;) Don't forget: Patrick K is here now. And amazingly, Gregg interviewed today! It's getting a bit weird for me. I know "it's a small world," but this is really something...
I'm less worried about this acquisition than when someone like Compaq buys DEC (or HP buys Compaq). There you have two competitors hoping to reduce the market suppliers.
Posted by: Scott at August 17, 2006 03:05 PMWow, I didn't know that Patrick was working with you guys now and with Gregg interviewing there as well it really is a small world. Now you just need Eric and Gene there and find a software job for Russell, but he wouldn't work in Mass ;)
Eric just needs to get around to starting up his next company that we can all work for. It would be cool working with the gang again... and not have an hour commute to do it.
Posted by: Will at August 17, 2006 05:56 PMScott,
Tell Michelle I miss Firefly too. I really enjoyed it when I was able to catch the episodes.
Erica
Posted by: Erica at August 21, 2006 08:20 AMScott,
Sounds like you're having quite a VA party building in Mass. Can I come and join the fun?
I am planning to come visit Boston with my girlfriend (still not married yet) for a few days and will be around from Sep30th. Do you think you will be free one evening or lunch on Oct 2, 3 or 4th?
Hope I'll get to see you and introduce you to Carolyn.
Let me know,
Andy
Hi Andy,
It's been a long time. Sure! Stop by and visit in early October. We'll grill up a nice dinner and chase the children. October is usually beautiful in New England. I'm sure you'll have a great vacation. And my oldest daughter would be fascinated to meet someone from the UK. She'll think your accent is cool. ;-)
Posted by: Scott at August 25, 2006 06:05 AM