Life

A rather odd day today. On one hand, my odometer clicks to 31 years today. On the other, my uncle's funeral is also today. The really odd part about it is that I didn't know this uncle at all. I believe the last time I saw him was when I was four. My mom and sister saw him about 10 years ago at my grandparent's 50th wedding anniversary party. I saw a photo where my mom's entire family was on the couch, and I actually can remember that shot, even though I haven't seen it in years. That is honestly the only memory I have of him. I really know nothing about him, his family, or what he has been up to all these years. Hearing of his passing was almost like hearing of a celebrity or politician's death on the news. You've heard about the person, but you don't know them. That's not how family is supposed to be...

The good news: I know all my other relatives quite well. His death sure made me step back and make sure I had that knowledge. I am glad I do, as I can say I cherish that sense of family, even though I am not the most communicative person ever (I bet $5 that both my mom and sister verbally said something after reading that sentence).

For my birthday, if you happen to be in the Portland area, stop by The Montage tonight around 7:30...

Lens, baby...

Last weekend I met up with some friends from Boise and Eugene in a little "Kick Bill Out of the Country" get-together in Bend, Oregon. As I forgot my ski boots, we didn't hit the hill, but no problem! It was sunny, in the high 50s, and no snow on the roads, so it was time for the road bike. Conveniently, my Eugene friends, Mark and Jess, knew a local that could act as tour guide. We did a nice 30 mile loop through wonderful farmland in the shadow of the Three Sisters.

Now, I just got a new toy before going. A new lens called a Lensbaby. This is a single lens mounted in a rubber tube. You pull it, twist it, and flex it to make it take some funky images. It is the only lens I used the entire weekend, and I had quite the time playing with it. Here's Michel (from Boise) downing some tasty water:



I like the effect. So, this $90 lens makes my $1500 camera perform like a $20 plastic Chinese camera. Progress!

More shots here.

Why Turkey?

Some people visiting this blog (perhaps you) didn't know that I was going to Turkey, or if you did, didn't know why. Well, this post is here to rectify that lack of hard knowledge.

I currently work for Pixelworks. We make custom chips that go inside of flat panel TVs, monitors and projectors. Right now, the flat TV thing is booming. A big market for these hip little units is Europe. They were a big part of Pixelworks bottom line last quarter. So, where are these TVs for Europe made? Well, lets first look at the USA. Where are a lot of our TVs made? Mexico. They have low labor wages, but are still inside of the NAFTA free-trade system so they don't have to pay extra taxes on TVs like even low-wage powerhouse China does. Where is a similar situation in Europe? Turkey. While they are not in the EU, they are still inside many of the tariffs, including TVs. Two companies inside of Turkey, Beko and Vestel, account for a majority of the TVs sold in Europe. So, when Pixelworks wants to sell chips to the European market, we go to Turkey. We have designs in both companies, and with the volume they are producing, deserve a little Pixelworks TLC. That would be me. I will be over there working with both companies on a range of new projects.

As of my last visit, I have been to Turkey five times now, so I know it well. The people are nice, the culture is a wonderful mix of West and East, and history abounds. Not only is this a great opportunity for me inside of Pixelworks, but it is a great adventure as well.

As you can tell from the apartment tour, there will be a guest bedroom, so why not be part of the adventure as well?