Technology is very advanced these days. We have GPS so we don't have to consult a map, phones that are powerful computers, you name it. So, why can't some of these modern day technologies be put to use in a gasoline pump. Here is my gripe, and tell me if I'm being greedy or not. When I pump my gas I need a receipt for book keeping, so I press the "yes I want receipt" option when I'm prompted at the start of the process after it ask for my billing zip code. So, when I turn off the pump by placing the nozzle back into its resting place it ends the pumping and should start the receipt printing. Why can I turn, tighten the gas cap, then stare at the pump for a good 8 - 10 seconds waiting for it to print the receipt. Are they using computer processors left over from the Atari 2600? I mean, why can't a simple single item receipt print faster than me putting on a gas cap?
Second thing. I was wondering who reads this blog and how much of a male reader base I have in particular. So the other thing that happened today that got me thinking was that I had a #2 at work today that broke the water line in the toilet! And we have commercial toilets, so this was quite impressive movement. That's all really, this blog has turned to toilet humor, and I'm okay with that. What about you?
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Miles
Last week my sweet Subaru Impreza wagon hit 190k miles. A few days later I passed 16k miles on my BMW 1200GS. Both mileages aren't too impressive and I'm sure everyone can say "I know blah blah who got 295k on their skateboard, or 10-speed, or whatever". But, it's a big deal to me. Well, the motorcycle really isn't impressive AT ALL, but consider this - if you look for used motorcycles, most have well under 10k on the odometer, and when I was helping a family member shop, we saw bikes for sale Used with less than 1000 miles on the dial. So, keep everything in perspective.
Since it's slowly getting warm(er) here in Maryland I will be driving the motorcycle much more often and the Subaru will be used about once a week again. I spent the money to get "heated gear" so I could drive the motorcycle through the Winter, and it was effective at keeping me warm. I wore full heated gear today on the ride in which was 39°, so it wasn't really that bad. I did ride in the 20's this Winter, but I wouldn't be comfortable on an hour ride, my 30 minutes was just fine.
My plan is to get 25k on the bike before 199k on the Subaru. It could happen due to natural causes, but I think the Subaru is good at least through 200k. I'll post a follow up to this post as I get pretty excited about how many years and miles I've had the Subaru.
Since it's slowly getting warm(er) here in Maryland I will be driving the motorcycle much more often and the Subaru will be used about once a week again. I spent the money to get "heated gear" so I could drive the motorcycle through the Winter, and it was effective at keeping me warm. I wore full heated gear today on the ride in which was 39°, so it wasn't really that bad. I did ride in the 20's this Winter, but I wouldn't be comfortable on an hour ride, my 30 minutes was just fine.
My plan is to get 25k on the bike before 199k on the Subaru. It could happen due to natural causes, but I think the Subaru is good at least through 200k. I'll post a follow up to this post as I get pretty excited about how many years and miles I've had the Subaru.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
McDonald's & the Gym part II
It's a lazy Sunday and I was able to muster the strength to go to the gym for a 3rd day, quite an accomplishment. After doing the requisite amount of exercise I went to the lobby to finish reading on my iPod. While I was in the lobby people watching and reading I noticed two things that simply don't belong.
The first was a guy bringing in five pizzas, probably for a party in one of the rental "party rooms", but I feel that pizza is contraband when it comes to a gym. If you think about it pizza is the reason we need to go to the gym in the first place. About one minute later I see two military guys that have a McDonald's bag of lunch and they are sitting at a table ten feet away enjoying their burgers. WTF - really, you are bringing McDonald's into a gym?! I'm not judging, I'm just saying.
After I was done with the reading I left the building and while I was walking to the car I noticed FOUR smokers by a side door. FOUR! What the hell is going on at this place - Pizza, McDonald's, and smoking!?
Maybe the gym isn't the best environment for me?
The first was a guy bringing in five pizzas, probably for a party in one of the rental "party rooms", but I feel that pizza is contraband when it comes to a gym. If you think about it pizza is the reason we need to go to the gym in the first place. About one minute later I see two military guys that have a McDonald's bag of lunch and they are sitting at a table ten feet away enjoying their burgers. WTF - really, you are bringing McDonald's into a gym?! I'm not judging, I'm just saying.
After I was done with the reading I left the building and while I was walking to the car I noticed FOUR smokers by a side door. FOUR! What the hell is going on at this place - Pizza, McDonald's, and smoking!?
Maybe the gym isn't the best environment for me?
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Have you met a Rock Star?
I have worked with a lot of bands, entertainers, lawyers, doctors, you name it. People find out that I work in stage lighting as a profession and they generally have two questions.
1. Do you get to see a lot of shows for free?
2. Have you met a Rock Star?
The answer to #1 is yes, I see a lot of "shows" for free. Shows about economic reforms in Washington, Plastic Surgery, stock valuations, and lots of music that I end up not liking. The unfavorable outweighs the favorable most times, but that is why it's a job and not a vacation.
The answer to #2 is yes, I've met Vanilla Ice. I've worked with many many bands over the years, some professional, some more challenging to get on with. One of the most professional bands I've had the pleasure of working with is Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, and they put on a very impressive set as well.
My Vanilla Story
This was many years ago, probably around 2002. I was subcontracted by the staging company to provide the lighting package for the Vanilla Ice club show. The venue was Arundel Mills mall at Jillians in a back club room. Jillians went belly up a few years back and is not Dave & Busters for those of you familiar with Arundel Mills Mall.
We get there early to set up some moving lights, some conventional lights and a strobe. Pretty easy load in. Lunch is at the venue which is always nice, so off to lunch we go. In the middle of lunch Mike Scarfe of MHA Audio comes out to us and says "you guys better get in here, they are taking apart the drum riser right now". While we were at lunch the band arrived and got right into it. I get on stage and saw that someone was under the drum riser trying to take it apart with only his legs sticking out. We say that we can handle whatever is needed and Vanilla Ice slides out from the drum riser. I guess he's a take charge kind of guy.
He explains that the drum riser is too big and needs to be moved to the other side of the stage, okay, no problem, we'll take care of it. After the riser is moved Vanilla comes up to me to ask about the control of the strobe light. I explain that I will control it from my console out in the house. He says that his DJ needs to have control of the strobe. I have a small remote for the strobe but the cable is very short. He says we should hook it up with the remote set to full and his DJ will simply use a power strip to turn the strobe on and off with electric. This blew me away because I've never had a musician trouble shot a problem, and his idea was pretty good. Okay, I'm impressed at this point. A musician with a clue about lighting.
Everyone has seen Vanilla Ice on MTV interviews and media and probably thinks he a real ass. NOT the case what so ever. He was great to work with and a good communicator and problem solver, definitely not typical. I went into this job expecting the MTV persona and found out that he's really great to work with.
Now it's time for sound check. WTF - Vanilla Ice is now a hardcore act? Weird, but okay. VI is checking vocals. Then he's on the drum kit, AND he's rocking out. Next over to the bass. WHAT - he knows how to play multiple instruments? At this point I'm really shocked because my expectations from what the media showed me are totally reversed. In summary Vanilla Ice is a pretty cool dude. And that was the time I met Vanilla Ice.
1. Do you get to see a lot of shows for free?
2. Have you met a Rock Star?
The answer to #1 is yes, I see a lot of "shows" for free. Shows about economic reforms in Washington, Plastic Surgery, stock valuations, and lots of music that I end up not liking. The unfavorable outweighs the favorable most times, but that is why it's a job and not a vacation.
The answer to #2 is yes, I've met Vanilla Ice. I've worked with many many bands over the years, some professional, some more challenging to get on with. One of the most professional bands I've had the pleasure of working with is Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, and they put on a very impressive set as well.
My Vanilla Story
This was many years ago, probably around 2002. I was subcontracted by the staging company to provide the lighting package for the Vanilla Ice club show. The venue was Arundel Mills mall at Jillians in a back club room. Jillians went belly up a few years back and is not Dave & Busters for those of you familiar with Arundel Mills Mall.
We get there early to set up some moving lights, some conventional lights and a strobe. Pretty easy load in. Lunch is at the venue which is always nice, so off to lunch we go. In the middle of lunch Mike Scarfe of MHA Audio comes out to us and says "you guys better get in here, they are taking apart the drum riser right now". While we were at lunch the band arrived and got right into it. I get on stage and saw that someone was under the drum riser trying to take it apart with only his legs sticking out. We say that we can handle whatever is needed and Vanilla Ice slides out from the drum riser. I guess he's a take charge kind of guy.
He explains that the drum riser is too big and needs to be moved to the other side of the stage, okay, no problem, we'll take care of it. After the riser is moved Vanilla comes up to me to ask about the control of the strobe light. I explain that I will control it from my console out in the house. He says that his DJ needs to have control of the strobe. I have a small remote for the strobe but the cable is very short. He says we should hook it up with the remote set to full and his DJ will simply use a power strip to turn the strobe on and off with electric. This blew me away because I've never had a musician trouble shot a problem, and his idea was pretty good. Okay, I'm impressed at this point. A musician with a clue about lighting.
Everyone has seen Vanilla Ice on MTV interviews and media and probably thinks he a real ass. NOT the case what so ever. He was great to work with and a good communicator and problem solver, definitely not typical. I went into this job expecting the MTV persona and found out that he's really great to work with.
Now it's time for sound check. WTF - Vanilla Ice is now a hardcore act? Weird, but okay. VI is checking vocals. Then he's on the drum kit, AND he's rocking out. Next over to the bass. WHAT - he knows how to play multiple instruments? At this point I'm really shocked because my expectations from what the media showed me are totally reversed. In summary Vanilla Ice is a pretty cool dude. And that was the time I met Vanilla Ice.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Security Measures
We've all experienced the *new* *enhanced* Security measures in our daily life. Today I was greeted by ING's newest form of enhanced security when I logged on to see if 1099-INT forms were available for download. No tax forms available yet, BUT - please update your 4 digit pin to a 6-10 digit pin. Okay, I'll just repeat my four digit pin. Nope, not allowed. Alright, I'll repeat and change the last two digits, nope not allowed. What then! It's getting as bad as having the company just assign a pin to you! How is the general public supposed to remember their respective pins when everyone keeps changing the rules? Some don't require a capitol letter, some require the capitol letter, some require the capitol letter AND at least one number, but NO characters other than letters and numbers. When will an emoticon be required in the password - NOT at the beginning or end of the password, but somewhere in the middle of the 12-18 string of characters?
Can't Google, Apple, or Visa come up with an industry standard password format AND STICK TO IT? I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who is frustrated with the ever changing virtual security.
Can't Google, Apple, or Visa come up with an industry standard password format AND STICK TO IT? I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who is frustrated with the ever changing virtual security.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Three days
MONDAY-
The Maryland auditor showed up on time at 9:30. I had all of the documents printed and organized per the audit letter as to speed the process and show compliance. The auditor was friendly and happy to see the documents all ready to review, he asked a few reasonable questions and was on his way. Total time was one hour, 9:30 - 10:30. THAT is why I didn't loose any sleep over this one, nothing to hide, so I wasn't worried. There was a funny moment when he asked what a "Hog Widget" is and why I needed to rent it.
SUNDAY-
In geekier news I spent a good bit of Sunday out of the cold enjoying the arcade. I spent hours playing Donkey Kong and Burgertime. In Donkey Kong I finally got to the 5th level. In Burgertime I got to the 5th or 6th screen. Burgertime is a very difficult game for those of you that don't know (Xbox generation, or just plain forgot).
SATURDAY-
I went to the annual 12th Night party held at Andrew and Caroline's house. The evening was started off by a stop to Cubanos for dinner. The Cuban food and drinks at this restaurant in Silver Spring are simply fantastic. The food and service are top notch and the bar tender knows how to pour a proper drink. No chain restaurant short-pour-glass-full-of-Cool-Aid at this place. Their mojitos are the best I've ever had, but I really haven't had that many, I should have more... If you happen to be near Silver Spring you should really check this place out. Yelp Reviews
Cubanos Restaurant site
After we left the restaurant we drove the 30 minutes to Caroline and Andrews. We got there a little early, before the table full of liquor, beers, and wines were opened. Andrew could get a job at Cubanos due to his heavy pouring hand. There was food here and there through the house with lots of choices. I saw the deviled eggs, and made a mental note to get some, but I must have gotten distracted. I enjoyed a strong cocktail called a Tipperary containing chartreuse (like the color). Make sure you get at least one ice cube in the glass, more if you have the option. I only had one Tipperary before switching to "lighter" drinks for the rest of the evening. I should mention that I was not driving during the evening of many drinks. Anyhow, the party was a good time as expected. It got crowded, met a few cool people, good conversation, and most surprisingly there was no football or sports talk of any kind. I didn't even see people fooling with their phones. I must have been in an alternate universe. I love their parties.
The Maryland auditor showed up on time at 9:30. I had all of the documents printed and organized per the audit letter as to speed the process and show compliance. The auditor was friendly and happy to see the documents all ready to review, he asked a few reasonable questions and was on his way. Total time was one hour, 9:30 - 10:30. THAT is why I didn't loose any sleep over this one, nothing to hide, so I wasn't worried. There was a funny moment when he asked what a "Hog Widget" is and why I needed to rent it.
SUNDAY-
In geekier news I spent a good bit of Sunday out of the cold enjoying the arcade. I spent hours playing Donkey Kong and Burgertime. In Donkey Kong I finally got to the 5th level. In Burgertime I got to the 5th or 6th screen. Burgertime is a very difficult game for those of you that don't know (Xbox generation, or just plain forgot).
SATURDAY-
I went to the annual 12th Night party held at Andrew and Caroline's house. The evening was started off by a stop to Cubanos for dinner. The Cuban food and drinks at this restaurant in Silver Spring are simply fantastic. The food and service are top notch and the bar tender knows how to pour a proper drink. No chain restaurant short-pour-glass-full-of-Cool-Aid at this place. Their mojitos are the best I've ever had, but I really haven't had that many, I should have more... If you happen to be near Silver Spring you should really check this place out. Yelp Reviews
Cubanos Restaurant site
After we left the restaurant we drove the 30 minutes to Caroline and Andrews. We got there a little early, before the table full of liquor, beers, and wines were opened. Andrew could get a job at Cubanos due to his heavy pouring hand. There was food here and there through the house with lots of choices. I saw the deviled eggs, and made a mental note to get some, but I must have gotten distracted. I enjoyed a strong cocktail called a Tipperary containing chartreuse (like the color). Make sure you get at least one ice cube in the glass, more if you have the option. I only had one Tipperary before switching to "lighter" drinks for the rest of the evening. I should mention that I was not driving during the evening of many drinks. Anyhow, the party was a good time as expected. It got crowded, met a few cool people, good conversation, and most surprisingly there was no football or sports talk of any kind. I didn't even see people fooling with their phones. I must have been in an alternate universe. I love their parties.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Your Chance to Win!
I went to Taco Bell for lunch on Friday (no fries). The girl at the register went into this rehearsed speech stating to please fill our the survey fora chance to win... Yeah, yeah the latest trend in marketing - the brief online survey. It seems like this trend went viral all at once. The bank receipt I was given at the drive through measures 10". The first 3.5" are my deposit information, and the rest is blank space and they "fill out our brief survey for your chance to win!" Really M&T bank? You are supposed to be professional, not a fast food or mall vendor. I'm sick of it, and have been for a while now. What irks me the most is the receipts that are a minimum of double their needed size because of all this foolishness. It bothers me because I need to process all business receipts which now entails an additional step. When I get the stack of business receipts for fuel, Home Depot, Lowes, and anywhere that uses thermal paper receipts I have to rip off the unneeded portion before scanning and filing of the documents. Otherwise, I would opt to not have the receipts and the bogus surveys, but I need to have accounting documents for everything.
On a brighter non-rant note the 12th Night party is tonight, and I'm really looking forward to it. Fancy drinks, and I'd say the crowd and music are the exact opposite of the 98 Rock crowd, if that makes sense. That's all for now.
On a brighter non-rant note the 12th Night party is tonight, and I'm really looking forward to it. Fancy drinks, and I'd say the crowd and music are the exact opposite of the 98 Rock crowd, if that makes sense. That's all for now.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
