In Memoriam: Ian Merriam

 

In memoriam: Ian Merriam 1973-2010

Early on the morning of June 26, 2010, Honduras lost a son with great potential: Ian Henry Merriam Rubiano, 38 years old.

Known to family, friends and business associates as Ian Merriam, Ian was an entrepreneur in communications who also took great interest in the leadership of his country, following in the footsteps of his father, Henry Merriam, the Honduran architect, and Tegucigalpa mayor from 1976 to 1980, who in 2001 spearheaded real estate reform in Honduras, writing law and winning grassroots support.

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Skycasters @ Satellite 2010

Skycaster President Mike Kister visited Satellite 2010 in March, and iDirect captured Mike at his best in this short video.


What We Look For in an Employee

Those of you who know me (or at least know this blog), are aware that I have a great affinity for BGSU, and regularly assist the business school and the marketing department on various topics. Yesterday I was back on campus for Speed Interviews (spring is a wonderful time at BG, by the way). I had a break during the day, and was asked to speak at Mearl Sutton’s Intro Business Class (comprised mostly of freshmen, completing their first year at BG). The following is an excerpt from that presentation:

One of the questions that the class asked me to cover was about traits and qualities I look for in prospective employees. I’m going to spend the majority of my time today on this question, because I think it will be the most helpful to you in the long run. The future – Where I think we are headed – (and the reason why I value these attributes above all others) will not seem revolutionary to you in this room – It will only seem like the norm. It will be the reality in the only business world you will have ever known…

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Ordinary Hero

I hope that everyone had a nice Easter Holiday, spent with family and friends. While many of us were wishing each other peace and love in the coming year, at least one of our extended family had the opportunity to turn those feelings into actions.

The following is an email from Tim, who works in our Technical Support department, describing the events of Saturday morning, April 3, 2010, the day before Easter. While I am sure Tim would say he was just “doing what anyone else would have done,” I believe his actions go far beyond that. I would like to thank him and commend him for demonstrating the best of what humanity has to offer to our fellow man.

This is his story, in his words:

I was late this morning because on Route 76 East, a Jeep lost its left front wheel, went over the center divider, and struck a car on the West bound side of the freeway. That car was stopped in the center lane of 76 West just before the Route 8 and I-77 split.

That’s were I came into the picture.   Read the rest of this entry »


Spring 2010 Sun Fades

Ah, Spring.

Well, almost. The Winter sun fade means Spring ain’t far behind.

Twice a year, as the Earth’s position in its orbit brings geostationary satellites exactly between the sun and your (and our) satellite dish, the sun overpowers the satellite for several minutes.

The great equalizer. Sun fade affects all industries that use geostationary satellites: radio stations, broadcast and cable TV, military, aid agencies, and broadband satellite Internet , like your business.

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A Letter to the Haitian People

Skycasters sends its condolences and well wishes to the people of Haiti.

As earthquake aftershocks continue to affect the region, Skycasters’ Haitian customers will assess their communications links, and we will work with them to reestablish their links as they repoint dishes shaken out of alignment.

Natural disasters are foremost on our minds, as it’s times like this when communications capabilities are needed the most. Whether first responders, or the ongoing operations of governmental organizations or businesses, fast communications during emergency situations is paramount.

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Video Streaming over Skycasters Satellite Internet

I received an email from a colleague this morning, with a seemingly innocuous question.

“How is satellite for streaming applications (e.g. ESPN 360, etc.)?”

As I wrote the answer, I thought that this would be a good topic for a blog.

Strictly from a technical / “does it work” perspective, streaming video works fine over Skycasters’ satellite service. Although I have not tried espn360.com specifically, I don’t see a technical reason why it would not work.

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Happy New Year

Happy New Year, everyone. I am excited about the future and what 2010 has in store for us. Be safe!

-Mike


Indy

Drove over to Indianapolis last night for a meeting this morning. Department of Homeland Security. I love this biz, we get involved with the coolest projects.


No need to Gamble

Gordon and I went to Vegas on Thursday. Met with Don Chapman of Commerce Department. Positive conversation regarding the Action INTELEX/Skycasters ARRA proposal to bring broadband to the Navajo Nation.

After the meeting (and since we were in Vegas), we each decided to try to lose 20 bucks. I lost 10, then went to watch the Browns game in the bar instead. Much better choice, as we managed to sack Ben 8 times in route to a victory over the Steelers. Ryan for Pres!