(Course author here)
Thanks. We chose Python because it's a little more approachable for many people that Java, and is the language used in Udacity's Comp Sci 101 course. Also, using Hadoop Streaming saved us from having to explain a bunch of concepts such as WritableComparables, InputFormats etc that would just have got in the way of the basic MapReduce principles.
I travel a lot. I locate the place I'll be working at on Google Maps, then type 'hotels' in the search box to find nearby hotels. Find one that's part of the Hilton chain (I collect Hilton points), then book it via the Hilton Web site.
I use a Kindle for reading simply because of the lack of distractions. On the iPad I see notifications every time someone posts on Facebook, every time I get a new e-mail... it's hard to lose myself in the book.
We're the leader in Apache Hadoop-based software and services. We're hiring in a ton of positions - check our careers page for details.
In particular, I'm looking to grow our certification program and curriculum development department. You'd primarily be working on helping to develop and expand our certification program - we've huge plans for the next year, and we need more staff to make it all happen. If you're smart, technical, able to learn new stuff quickly, a good writer, and able to work on your own initiative, you might be the person I need. Bonus points for having experience of professional certification programs, curriculum development, Hadoop. E-mail me directly: e-mail address is in my profile.
Lots of openings for engineers, ops, business development...
In particular, I'm looking for someone else to work with me on curriculum development and certification (you can work from anywhere in the US). If you can take technical subjects and make them interesting and comprehensible, you're the person I'm looking for. You'll have a technical background, and ideally you'll know Java in some depth. Bonus points for knowing Hadoop, HBase, or similar technologies, and/or for having experience in the certification field. Apply via the Web site or contact me directly (e-mail in my profile).
Cloudera is hiring -- we have a ton of open positions in areas including business development, engineering, solutions architects, IT, product management, and training. Info is here: http://www.cloudera.com/company/careers/
Cloudera's looking for an Operations Engineer. From our job description: Cloudera is looking for an Operations Engineer to join our engineering team. You must have a strong understanding of Linux system deployment, configuration and management. IP network design, administration and security are part of your expertise. Strong communications and troubleshooting skills are critical for success in this role.
If you're doing "deep technology work" in a field that's as relatively new as Hadoop, chances are your name will start to make it out there -- and that you'll start to become known to others in the community, including Cloudera staff, because you're bound to be on IRC, asking questions, submitting patches, going to conferences, etc etc etc. I agree that there are plenty of people who don't really know the technology, but who make a habit of commenting on others' blogs and so on, but those people are pretty easy to spot as soon as you start really talking to them about the technology. (Disclaimer: I work at Cloudera.)
It's very scary that you didn't already know about them. They haven't exactly been in stealth mode -- most people have been aware of them for at least the last three months.