Author |
Topic: Boston, you're doomed (Read 887 times) |
|
fubar
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Gender: 
Posts: 1933
|
 |
Boston, you're doomed
« on: Feb 5th, 2008, 5:08pm » |
 Quote  Modify
|
So, I've been a little quiet... thought I'd share some news...
I just joined a little startup company that is based in Boston. My terms of employment require that I move my happy ass to Boston before the end of this year. I figured 12 months warning should be fair... you have been warned.
So, Boston, as the saying goes... "You're wicked screwed"
I'll be there a lot this year before I move... in fact I'm there all next week.
For anyone who is curious... the company is actually pretty cool. We are building eco-friendly data centers. Our first buildings are in Iceland, so I'll be spending a lot of time *there* too. I am employee #2. Two venture funds are giving us a total of $150M to get this done... talk about pressure. This is the biggest project I've ever been part of (and I built AT&T Worldnet up from paper to a functional network).
CH is the same as it has always been, but I am stronger than ever. Can't wait to have some brews with the crew in Beantown.
Shawn
|
|
 IP Logged |
"He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how." -- Friedrich Nietzsche
|
|
|
echo
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Chronic and still alive --- I Win!
Gender:
Posts: 4214
|
|
Re: Boston, you're doomed
« Reply #1 on: Feb 5th, 2008, 5:11pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Congratulations Shawn.
At least you have time to make a smooth transition to Boston.
|
|
IP Logged |
"If you love something, let it go. If it doesn't come back, hunt it down and kill it".
Proud Dad of a US Marine, and a former Marine turned Police Officer.
|
|
|
Jonny
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Give me a shovel Ill dig my own grave!
Gender:
Posts: 26213
|
|
Re: Boston, you're doomed
« Reply #2 on: Feb 5th, 2008, 5:14pm » |
Quote Modify
|
FUCKENEH!!!!! 
Keep in mind that I make custom rail systems, bro.....if you have prints I can make it! 
Edit to add: You probably can get cheaper rails in Iceland....LOL 
|
| « Last Edit: Feb 5th, 2008, 5:21pm by Jonny » |
IP Logged |
It is up to YOU to educate yourself and then help your doctor plan your treatment. If you just sit down in front of your doctor and say "make me better" you are setting yourself up for a great deal of pain.
- Guiseppi
|
|
|
fubar
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Gender:
Posts: 1933
|
|
Re: Boston, you're doomed
« Reply #3 on: Feb 5th, 2008, 5:26pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Custom rails system sounds cool for the home pad... got pictures?
|
|
IP Logged |
"He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how." -- Friedrich Nietzsche
|
|
|
Mosaicwench
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Find joy in your day
Gender: 
Posts: 1657
|
|
Re: Boston, you're doomed
« Reply #4 on: Feb 5th, 2008, 5:26pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Ok - please elaborate. What is an "eco-friendly data center"?
My first thought was . . . a tree to sit under and take it all in?
God already makes those so you're screwed if that's what you're planning.
|
|
IP Logged |
The difficulties of life are intended to make us better, not bitter. ~Author Unknown
|
|
|
fubar
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Gender:
Posts: 1933
|
|
Re: Boston, you're doomed
« Reply #5 on: Feb 5th, 2008, 5:40pm » |
Quote Modify
|
A data center is a fancy building to house large numbers of computers and data storage. If you want to run a business like hotmail.com or slashdot.com, it takes a lot of computers and they have to be somewhere that has a lot of power, cooling and network. Almost every web site you ever visit lives in a data center somewhere.
Data centers currently consume 2 to 4 percent of all of the power generated in the USA. All of that power is generated using fossil fuels. Well, almost all. Don't nit pick.
The problem, as I see it, isn't about global warming. The problem is that the power it takes to run these huge data centers is priced based on a oil-based economy. This creates price instability in the power market, leading to huge fluctuations in costs for power, mostly spiraling upward.
Think about it, if your business costs are 95% based on your power bill, and that bill goes up 300% in a few short months... your business is screwed if you don't have the margins to cover the unanticipated costs.
Eco-friendly is another way of saying not-fossil-fuel-based. And that means no price fluctuations at all to worry about. Our data center in Iceland runs entirely on hydro-electric and geothermal power, with fixed price contracts for power that go beyond 20 years. So, while it is truly eco-friendly, it's really just a smart business thing to do.
Make sense?
|
|
IP Logged |
"He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how." -- Friedrich Nietzsche
|
|
|
Jonny
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Give me a shovel Ill dig my own grave!
Gender:
Posts: 26213
|
|
Re: Boston, you're doomed
« Reply #6 on: Feb 5th, 2008, 5:43pm » |
Quote Modify
|
on Feb 5th, 2008, 5:26pm, fubar wrote:
Do you got a loft?...LOL
Need some glass rail?....LOL
How about some ramp rail?....LOL
............................
|
|
IP Logged |
It is up to YOU to educate yourself and then help your doctor plan your treatment. If you just sit down in front of your doctor and say "make me better" you are setting yourself up for a great deal of pain.
- Guiseppi
|
|
|
Melissa
New Board Hall of Famer
Gone Crazy. Be back soon.
Gender:
Posts: 1748
|
|
Re: Boston, you're doomed
« Reply #7 on: Feb 5th, 2008, 5:45pm » |
Quote Modify
|
on Feb 5th, 2008, 5:40pm, fubar wrote:A data center is a fancy building to house large numbers of computers and data storage. If you want to run a business like hotmail.com or slashdot.com, it takes a lot of computers and they have to be somewhere that has a lot of power, cooling and network. Almost every web site you ever visit lives in a data center somewhere.
Data centers currently consume 2 to 4 percent of all of the power generated in the USA. All of that power is generated using fossil fuels. Well, almost all. Don't nit pick.
The problem, as I see it, isn't about global warming. The problem is that the power it takes to run these huge data centers is priced based on a oil-based economy. This creates price instability in the power market, leading to huge fluctuations in costs for power, mostly spiraling upward.
Think about it, if your business costs are 95% based on your power bill, and that bill goes up 300% in a few short months... your business is screwed if you don't have the margins to cover the unanticipated costs.
Eco-friendly is another way of saying not-fossil-fuel-based. And that means no price fluctuations at all to worry about. Our data center in Iceland runs entirely on hydro-electric and geothermal power, with fixed price contracts for power that go beyond 20 years. So, while it is truly eco-friendly, it's really just a smart business thing to do.
Make sense?
|
|
kewl
|
|
IP Logged |
 
DON'T WORRY ABOUT NOTTIN - NOTTIN IS ALRIGHT
My mosaic Crosses on Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5494187
|
|
|
Brew
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Low Four!
Gender:
Posts: 6515
|
|
Re: Boston, you're doomed
« Reply #8 on: Feb 5th, 2008, 6:21pm » |
Quote Modify
|
You got a good first name for living in Boston.
|
|
IP Logged |
Always remember that you're unique, just like everyone else.
|
|
|
Kevin_M
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
withered branches grow green again.
Gender:
Posts: 6184
|
|
Re: Boston, you're doomed
« Reply #9 on: Feb 5th, 2008, 7:12pm » |
Quote Modify
|
on Feb 5th, 2008, 5:40pm, fubar wrote:| A data center is a fancy building to house large numbers of computers and data storage. |
|
The last move my old employer (an airline) made before outsourcing and closing operations here was to move all the computer equipment to a nearby data center. Most likely coal-fired electricity though around here but supposed to be stabile. The a tech guy spent eight seconds explaining it to me in a rare moment of patience with a non-techie.
It seems to be a great idea, Shawn.
|
| « Last Edit: Feb 5th, 2008, 7:14pm by Kevin_M » |
IP Logged |
|
|
|
chewy
Guest
|
|
Re: Boston, you're doomed
« Reply #10 on: Feb 5th, 2008, 7:19pm » |
Quote Modify
 Remove
|
Given any thought to where your going to live? House? Condo?
Boston housing is mucho bucks. Think suburbs.
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
fubar
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Gender:
Posts: 1933
|
|
Re: Boston, you're doomed
« Reply #11 on: Feb 5th, 2008, 8:00pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Good question, one I hope to figure out in the next 12 months.
I know I won't be buying anything soon. We'd like to rent somewhere and figure out if we like it before we buy.
It's the toughest part of the move, picking a location to live in.
|
|
IP Logged |
"He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how." -- Friedrich Nietzsche
|
|
|
Linda_Howell
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Hearing is one thing. Listening is another.
  
Gender:
Posts: 6721
|
|
Re: Boston, you're doomed
« Reply #12 on: Feb 5th, 2008, 8:02pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Quote:| Boston housing is mucho bucks |
|
I don't believe there is a more expensive place to live than where he's at right now in California.
But Shawn, this is going to be a culture shock to you hon.
The BIG DIG compared to So. Cal Freeway construction.
Gangs compared to Mafia.
Lobstah compared to sushi and kelp.
Frigid temps compared to balmy breezes and earthquakes.
And OMG.........the Kennedys!!!!!!!!
I will say prayers for you.
|
|
IP Logged |
Kindness, is gladdening the hearts of those who are traveling the dark journey with us.
|
|
|
Jonny
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Give me a shovel Ill dig my own grave!
Gender:
Posts: 26213
|
|
Re: Boston, you're doomed
« Reply #13 on: Feb 5th, 2008, 8:06pm » |
Quote Modify
|
on Feb 5th, 2008, 8:00pm, fubar wrote:| It's the toughest part of the move, picking a location to live in. |
|
You want to be on the south shore near route 3, thats where I am and I can be on RT 3 in two minutes and in Boston in ten. (before the traffic)
Let me know if I can help at all.
|
|
IP Logged |
It is up to YOU to educate yourself and then help your doctor plan your treatment. If you just sit down in front of your doctor and say "make me better" you are setting yourself up for a great deal of pain.
- Guiseppi
|
|
|
Mosaicwench
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Find joy in your day
Gender:
Posts: 1657
|
|
Re: Boston, you're doomed
« Reply #14 on: Feb 5th, 2008, 8:45pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Fascinating technology, geothermal and hydro-electric.
We have friends with a geo-thermal home in Northern Wisconsin and I think they pay $500 max a year for heating and cooling and cooking. And their floors are always toasty warm. 
|
|
IP Logged |
The difficulties of life are intended to make us better, not bitter. ~Author Unknown
|
|
|
BlueMeanie
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Gender:
Posts: 1178
|
|
Re: Boston, you're doomed
« Reply #15 on: Feb 5th, 2008, 8:46pm » |
Quote Modify
|
So are you involved in building the data centers, or the power production for the data centers ? Sounds interesting since my line of work is in both power production and keeping the data centers cool enough to prevent overheating.
I can see using alternative fuels in Iceland, but what methods will be used for the centers here in the US ? I used to work for a company that uses methane gas from landfills as alternative fuel. Cheap to make but costly to maintain.
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
Paul98
Guest
|
|
Re: Boston, you're doomed
« Reply #16 on: Feb 5th, 2008, 8:55pm » |
Quote Modify
Remove
|
on Feb 5th, 2008, 5:26pm, Mosaicwench wrote:Ok - please elaborate. What is an "eco-friendly data center"?
My first thought was . . . a tree to sit under and take it all in?
God already makes those so you're screwed if that's what you're planning. |
|
Why do I picture Shawn bilding these contraptions:
 
-P.
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
Charlie
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Happy to be here
  
Gender:
Posts: 14968
|
|
Re: Boston, you're doomed
« Reply #17 on: Feb 5th, 2008, 9:46pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Sounds Great Shawn. Good luck and have a grinder and a tonic on me.
Interesting stuff too and we'll be bugging you for more info and pics of course. You do good work too Jonny. 
Iceland.....zounds.
Charlie
|
|
IP Logged |
There is nothing more satisfying than being shot at without result---Winston Churchill
|
|
|
chewy
Guest
|
|
Re: Boston, you're doomed
« Reply #18 on: Feb 6th, 2008, 7:42am » |
Quote Modify
Remove
|
Quote:| Lobstah compared to sushi and kelp |
|
That right there should be motivation enough.
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
fubar
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Gender:
Posts: 1933
|
|
Re: Boston, you're doomed
« Reply #19 on: Feb 6th, 2008, 1:33pm » |
Quote Modify
|
on Feb 5th, 2008, 8:02pm, Linda_Howell wrote:I don't believe there is a more expensive place to live than where he's at right now in California.
|
|
Linda, it is expensive here, but I could find much more expensive places in California! I have to admit though, even the rents in Boston aren't as high as I see here, so this may actually be a great move for us. I am working down near Cambridge, and my wife and I have decided that a 2-3 bedroom apartment is plenty for us right now. Based on the few properties I've seen so far, I think we're going to be just fine.
Quote: But Shawn, this is going to be a culture shock to you hon.
The BIG DIG compared to So. Cal Freeway construction. |
|
There is no traffic here, no rush hour. I will miss living in such a beautiful place that has avoided the urban crush all this time.
I am no stranger to culture shock. I have lived in California (Pacific Beach, La Jolla, Coronado, Novato, Kentfield, Greenbrae, Eureka, South Lake Tahoe, Tracy, Grover Beach). For anyone who knows California, I just named at least 5 different countries that speak different languages and have vastly different social structures....but that's just California. I've also lived in Nevada and Ohio. Wanna talk culture shock?
Than I tried living in Tokyo, Japan. That was less culture shock than I ever thought it would be. I only stayed for 4 months, so I can't call it living there, but it was an education. I was my first time out of the United States.
After that, I moved to England. Windsor, exactly. I worked in Slough... that 1-stop train ride was a lesson in culture shock all by itself. Windsor and Slough are 1 mile apart on the map, but they are at opposite ends of the spectrum in England.
And, I also lived in Germany for a while. Just north of Munich is a little berg called Ingolstadt. What a beautiful place... but also quite a culture shock. If anyone here ever gets a chance to take a job in Germany... take it. It seems like every other day is a holiday or day off of some kind. They take their leisure time very seriously. So do I.
Quote:
We have gangs here. The central coast of California has a lot of gang problems. Are the 'mafia' problems as real as our gang problems? I mean, how does it show up on the radar? Here, we see news about gang issues every night. Is it the same with mafia issues?
Quote:| Lobstah compared to sushi and kelp. |
|
No complaints.
Quote:| Frigid temps compared to balmy breezes and earthquakes. |
|
I'll miss the earthquakes. I think having seasons will be a weird experience. As a kid, I'm not sure I ever lived in one place long enough to witness a change of season. As an adult, I've never lived where there were real seasons.
Quote:| And OMG.........the Kennedys!!!!!!!! |
|
Who are they? Isn't that a band? Didn't they die?
Quote:| I will say prayers for you. |
|
Say prayers for Boston.
|
|
IP Logged |
"He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how." -- Friedrich Nietzsche
|
|
|
gizmo
New Board Junior
 
Gender:
Posts: 91
|
|
Re: Boston, you're doomed
« Reply #20 on: Feb 6th, 2008, 1:41pm » |
Quote Modify
|
on Feb 6th, 2008, 1:33pm, fubar wrote:
It seems like every other day is a holiday or day off of some kind. They take their leisure time very seriously. So do I.
|
|
Sounds like you lived in a different Germany like the one I live
Are there data centers outside Iceland planned?
- Oliver -
|
| « Last Edit: Feb 6th, 2008, 1:44pm by gizmo » |
IP Logged |
|
|
|
fubar
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Gender:
Posts: 1933
|
|
Re: Boston, you're doomed
« Reply #21 on: Feb 6th, 2008, 1:51pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Oliver... I didn't mean to imply Germans were lazy or anything like that, but if I were to compare the total number of days off to a job in any other country I've worked, Germany was the clear winner. In Germany, we got 4 or 5 weeks of real vacation, plus national holidays, plus 1/2 a day per week to do shopping or banking (really, we got time off specifically to do this), so overall, it seemed like a lot of time off. On the other hand, when it was time to work, we worked like we had no lives whatsoever. It all evens out.
-Shawn
|
|
IP Logged |
"He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how." -- Friedrich Nietzsche
|
|
|
gizmo
New Board Junior
Gender:
Posts: 91
|
|
Re: Boston, you're doomed
« Reply #22 on: Feb 6th, 2008, 2:06pm » |
Quote Modify
|
I'm sure you didn't mean to imply anything and I didn't take it that way.
I admit we have lots of holidays compared to other countries.
The law defines 20 / 24 days (depending if you have a 5 or 6 day work week) as a minimum.
Anything beyond that, which is common, is a result of collective negotiations and "good will" of the employer.
And yes, then there's the "national" holidays as well, between 9 and 13 (depeding on the federal state).
The 1/2 day per week to do shopping or banking sure sounds like your employer was the generous type.
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
chewy
Guest
|
|
Re: Boston, you're doomed
« Reply #23 on: Feb 6th, 2008, 8:35pm » |
Quote Modify
Remove
|
Ah yes. Cambridge.
Land on liberal social workers, smart ass acadamias, and dreadlocks.
Lots and lots of dreadlocks.
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
thebbz
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Ow,Ow,Ow
Gender:
Posts: 2181
|
|
Re: Boston, you're doomed
« Reply #24 on: Feb 6th, 2008, 11:37pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Good for the fu. Way to go Shawn. all the best, on ya.
I need a job. Whats the pay?
Weld Inspectors are us. .
Nice work there
thebb
whack off beast  take that ya ....
|
|
IP Logged |
It wasn't me I didn't do it
|
|
|
|
|
|
Home
Help
Search
Members
Member Map
Login
Register
Reply
Notify of replies
Send Topic
Print
test rss