I’m now the proud owner of a MacBook Pro and a new iPod (since Apple is practically giving them away when you buy a computer if you’re in education – on the downside, I’m just betting that solid-state iPods are on the horizon, but I sure couldn’t beat that price.)

On the software front, I still refuse to move away from Firefox, no matter how many people say they prefer Safari (or Camino). But I am running NetNewsWire and MarsEdit.

No worries about me completely dropping Windows, though. I’m working on installing it on some leftover hard-drive space. :) There is finally a new TopStyle beta in the works, after all, and there’s no way I’m not getting my .02 in on that.

I challenge everyone to take back their applications – even if you have to quit your job! It’s totally worth it.

December 6, 2006 is my last day at NewsGator.

I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to get to know Nick Bradbury better as well as work closely with the rest of the team at NewsGator. And it’s been very cool participating in the (lea/blee)ding edge of the RSS space. But after a year-and-a-half, I’ve decided that working from home just isn’t for me. As I like to joke (and my geek physique confirms), I miss birthday cake.

Now that I’m back in Olympia (after that bit of adventure of moving to Las Vegas which was the motivation for getting the job with NewsGator in the first place), an opportunity came up to go back to work in the IT department at the same school district that I left. I really enjoyed that environment and doing my small part for education, so I jumped at the chance. (Remember to vote “YES” on any school district bonds or levies that finance technology. The job you save may be mine. ;))

Special thanks to Ronnie Gilbertson (get a blog, dude) and Jonathon McDougall for being such a great team to work with. Those guys really care about NewsGator’s customers and I feel good knowing that they’re still there as our advocates.

I’m still a TopStyle and FeedDemon fanboy, so I’ll be hanging out in the forums; I’ll just be doing support for free again. (I still expect to have access to pre-releases, Mr. Bradbury.)

I really am much obliged, NewsGator. Thanks for the pleasant stay.

As Nick reports, NewsGator is looking for an experienced Delphi programmer to pick up the reins on TopStyle development, and probably kick in some assistance on FeedDemon.

This is a great opportunity to work with me as uber-TopStyle-user extraordinare (and, yeah, Nick too). And if you get on board soon enough, we’ll throw in a Red Hot Chili Peppers concert. It might even look good on your resume.

Check it out, and tell them I sent you.

Technorati goodies:
topstyle, feeddemon, nick bradbury, newsgator, denver jobs, delphi programming, red hot chili peppers

Well, technically he announced it last night in the forums, but it’s only big big news when it makes the blog.

Overall, this one has been much quieter.