Categories
Geek Love

Reason Number 237…

I use Windows98 at work. I do not have a choice about using Windows98 at work. It is there, it is what we use, and that’s it. I just remembered reason #237 why I HATE Windows98.

I just experience not one, but at least three BSODs.

(That’s the dreaded “Blue Screen of Death” in case you wondered what BSOD meant.)

I HATE Windows98. There are no BSODs in Win2000. Win2000 = gooooood. Win98 = evil.

Categories
Amuse Me

Public Thanks…

I would like to thank everyone that participated in my morning drive this morning for making it such a pleasant one. No construction crews  using

scaffolding fort myers fl tostopping traffic. No idiot drivers cutting me off. Traffic moved fast and orderly, extremely pleasant. The sky was a perfect shade of blue and the Bee Gees were singing some tunes. I would ask that we all work together to make every commute so wonderful. Does that sound like a good plan?

To help spread the sunshine, there are new photos in the Pixelog.

Categories
Amuse Me

There is NO State Department…

I needed information for a client regarding export sanctions against a country. The logical place to start was the US Department of State, often referred to as the “State Department.” You have heard of the State Department, right? You haven’t been living in a cave for the past six months, have you? Well, obviously the operators at information have been.

Me – Calling Information (1411): I need the number for the Houston Office of the State Department.
Operator: The Houston Office of what?
Me: The US State Department. I think they have an office in Houston.
Operator: So it’s a Federal Agency?
Me: (Amused. Yes, that’s what the US means…) Yes, it is. But I think they have an office in Houston.
Operator: I need to pass you to my Assistance Supervisor.

Operator 2: Can I help you?
Me: Yes, I need the phone number for the Houston Office of the U.S. Department of State.
Operator 2: A federal office?
Me: Yes, the location in Houston.
Operator 2: Ma’am, I have several listings for different departments, but there isn’t a Department of State. I can give you a general number though.

Does she know something I don’t know? I mean, it’s THE State Department. It’s one of those key departments. Like the Treasury. You have to have heard of them. I still can’t believe Information told me that they don’t exist.

When I talked to the State Department, after finding their phone number on the website and calling them directly, they were amused to find out that they do not exist. They assured me that they do, in fact, exist and quickly gave me the information I needed… a happy ending to my wild goose chase!

Categories
Geek Love

Laptop Advice…

My Mom is considering shopping for a new laptop computer. Her desktop computer is several years old, and due for an upgrade. She doesn’t like how much room it takes up in her kitchen, so a laptop makes sense for her. My laptop is a Dell Latitude with Attitude, but it’s a business product, not something they sell to consumers. So she called me earlier to ask what brands I recommended for laptops. I’ve always been happy with the HP/Compaq family of laptops, but I figured I should turn to you. Here is your chance to share your tales of laptop joys or sorrows. Tell me what you recommend!

Hey, who needs ePinions when you can just ask your friends?

Edited: Windows laptop. Windows only. I know the iBooks look great, run well, etc. but I don’t think switching to a Mac is a good idea for her. I would have a hard time making that change, and I know that some of her favorite software wouldn’t run on a Mac. My apologies to the iBook lovers out there.

Categories
Picture Time

It’s All About Easy…

First day since last Wednesday that I didn’t wake up with a headache. Mike is back in town, we went out with my parents and Jason for an absolutely delicious dinner at Taste of Texas. Filet … yummmmm… I drank Coke with my dinner, so maybe the caffeine helped. Or Mike’s return to Houston. Or the fact that the sky is a nice sunny blue today so the barometric pressure has probably changed. I don’t care why – I’m just happy my headache is finally gone!

My Six Pictures to Make me Smile photos will be posted here tonight. Meanwhile, over at Pixelog, I’ve added another photo now. It’s all about the Easy Credit… Thanks to Bob the Corgi for reminding me to look for the hidden treasures in this city. Look around you – I’m sure there are hidden treasures everywhere, just waiting for you to find them…