By Angela Hey
About this blog: I write about technology companies, trends and events in and around Mountain View. Where else can you find startups nurtured by
Y-Combinator and
(More)About this blog: I write about technology companies, trends and events in and around Mountain View. Where else can you find startups nurtured by
Y-Combinator and
500 Startups working alongside multi-billion corporations like
Google,
Symantec and
Intuit? I like to write about software and systems that are changing lifestyles. Innovations like self-driving cars, on-demand limousine services and electric bikes are revolutionizing transportation. Smartphones help people find their way, manage their health and make new friends. In my articles, I like to include something for Mountain View residents, something for industry professionals and something for venture investors. I'm particularly interested in mobile apps and cloud computing. I came to California to find software applications for AT&T. I've worked in startups, advised venture capitalists and analyzed enterprise software markets. After getting a PhD at the University of London in engineering, I joined Bell Laboratories, analyzing over 400 telephone company systems. I also have an MMath degree in optimization from the University of Waterloo in Canada, and an MA in mathematics from the University of Cambridge. My husband John Mashey, is a computer scientist and trustee of the Computer History Museum. He also defends climate scientists by blogging.
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If you get your TV programs using an antenna then on February 17 traditional analog TV channels go off the air. If you have cable or satellite dish services then this doesn't apply.
Judging by the number of people I've seen hauling big screen TVs out of Best Buy, Fry's and other retailers maybe everyone in Mountain View already has a digital TV. If you don't have a new high definition digital TV (HDTV) then you can buy a converter box to plug into your old TV.
The government is helping out by giving each household up to two $40 coupons for converter boxes that you can buy from participating electronics stores, such as Best Buy or Wal-Mart. The coupons are plastic cards and are mailed to participating households.
To get one or two coupons go to www.DTV2009.gov (http://www.DTV2009.gov) or call 1-888-DTV-2009 or mail in an application form from the website.
Deaf or hard of hearing callers may dial 1-877-530-2634 (English/TTY) or 1-866-495-1161 (Spanish/TTY). TTY Service is available from 9 AM - 9 PM Eastern Time Monday through Friday.
You have until the end of March 2009 to get your coupons - so don't forget.
