October 2007 Archives
Context is unimportant sometimes. Sometimes the message is universal. In txt'ing an old friend of mine today, his last response was:
"Thanks bro that's why I love ya always there for me/us"
Sometimes that type of message makes me stop for a moment. Moments of recognition, of self-realization.
In this case, I was just checking with Mark to see how Carrie was doing with their baby--she's due any day now (and apparently, any minute now!). Of course I offered that if they needed anything to just let me know.
That's twice this week where I've been recognized, shall we say, for my actions (or offers of action). But as I told Priest in the earlier conversation, for me it's not a choice. There is but one way to approach these situations.
On Monday, when I arrived to the Great Burning-Down of San Diego of 2007, my first instinct, my first reaction was to get on the phone, check to see that my co-workers and my staff were OK. Were they being evac'd? Did anyone need anything? etc. Immediately from the airport I went to rendezvous with one evac'd family, and another who were voluntarily evac'ing. Helping out, if only for moral-support, however I could. Priest said the way I approached the situation "spoke volumes to my character."
In both these cases, I ask "Is there a choice?" In my mind, no. To me, it's not even really a conscious decision as to my reaction in these cases. This is the right and proper thing to do. Period. These people are important to me in my life. You only get out of life what you put in.
"Thanks bro that's why I love ya always there for me/us"
Sometimes that type of message makes me stop for a moment. Moments of recognition, of self-realization.
In this case, I was just checking with Mark to see how Carrie was doing with their baby--she's due any day now (and apparently, any minute now!). Of course I offered that if they needed anything to just let me know.
That's twice this week where I've been recognized, shall we say, for my actions (or offers of action). But as I told Priest in the earlier conversation, for me it's not a choice. There is but one way to approach these situations.
On Monday, when I arrived to the Great Burning-Down of San Diego of 2007, my first instinct, my first reaction was to get on the phone, check to see that my co-workers and my staff were OK. Were they being evac'd? Did anyone need anything? etc. Immediately from the airport I went to rendezvous with one evac'd family, and another who were voluntarily evac'ing. Helping out, if only for moral-support, however I could. Priest said the way I approached the situation "spoke volumes to my character."
In both these cases, I ask "Is there a choice?" In my mind, no. To me, it's not even really a conscious decision as to my reaction in these cases. This is the right and proper thing to do. Period. These people are important to me in my life. You only get out of life what you put in.
One family from work lost their home. There's one other we're concerned about, but have not heard one way or the other.
A friend of mine got a good overhead photo. You can see it here. It has a good view of the burn zones, the smoke, overlaid with the freeways for locative reference.
I spent most of yesterday helping out co-workers/families who had evac'd to the office. Took a box of supplies to them in the morning, made everyone waffles. Hung out just trying to help everyone with whatever they needed. Left around 3 or 4. Went down to see a friend in Chula Vista who was alone and having a bad time of it. Home was fine, but it had gotten pretty close. His roommate was outta town, too. As with many people right now, sometimes it's just good to have someone around.
My throat is starting to bug me. I'm going to try to lay off talking today.
Schools are closed the rest of the week. Work is shut down as well.
A friend of mine got a good overhead photo. You can see it here. It has a good view of the burn zones, the smoke, overlaid with the freeways for locative reference.
I spent most of yesterday helping out co-workers/families who had evac'd to the office. Took a box of supplies to them in the morning, made everyone waffles. Hung out just trying to help everyone with whatever they needed. Left around 3 or 4. Went down to see a friend in Chula Vista who was alone and having a bad time of it. Home was fine, but it had gotten pretty close. His roommate was outta town, too. As with many people right now, sometimes it's just good to have someone around.
My throat is starting to bug me. I'm going to try to lay off talking today.
Schools are closed the rest of the week. Work is shut down as well.
San Diego is burning.
Well, not totally - but parts. There's the big "witch" fire that started in Ramona, and a "Harris" fire down south. The witch fire is the one that matters to me. Right now the mandatory evac zone, one tip of it is about 5(?) miles north of me. There's a part of that zone which was recently extended south of the 56 (but that's about 10mi north of me, and west). I'm literally hearing right now that the extention south of the 56 is "voluntary" - that the mandatory is only north of 56 (according to SD County Fire Dept).
As soon as I landed today, I made calls to every one of my staff, make sure everyone was okay. Everyone was. A lot of people already got evac'd. More have been since then. I went from the airport up to Sven & Kristin's place. Tom & his family (and dogs) had just gotten the evac order and they were going there. We went out & got lunch for everyone. I finally was dead tired (being up since 4am PDT). Came home, took a nap.
I'm trying to coordinate information, help indirectly as I can. A lot of Playstation staff have evac'd to the Playstation offices. We have an external webpage to update everyone on status of staff. Contact me if you need that page (I'll only provide to Playstation employees).
You can check out this Google map for a map I got, supposed updated as new info comes in.
I'll probably be up late tonight, dealing with information, etc. I'll head up to the offices tomorrow morning to help bring supplies, etc. I expect the office will be closed (I spoke with Kristin a bit ago, and she seemed to think it was already a fact).
So right now, I'm fine. I'm almost disappointed at how FEW people have called to check on me. Namely, only 2. Either I'm doing good at updating my status everywhere I can (blog, myspace, facebook) and people know... or they just aren't aware of the danger here in SD. I know there are a couple, tho, which are likely just trying not to crowd the phone lines and will wait for contact (since there's nothing they can do). <shrug> I'll get thru all this, even if it's alone, by myself.
Well, not totally - but parts. There's the big "witch" fire that started in Ramona, and a "Harris" fire down south. The witch fire is the one that matters to me. Right now the mandatory evac zone, one tip of it is about 5(?) miles north of me. There's a part of that zone which was recently extended south of the 56 (but that's about 10mi north of me, and west). I'm literally hearing right now that the extention south of the 56 is "voluntary" - that the mandatory is only north of 56 (according to SD County Fire Dept).
As soon as I landed today, I made calls to every one of my staff, make sure everyone was okay. Everyone was. A lot of people already got evac'd. More have been since then. I went from the airport up to Sven & Kristin's place. Tom & his family (and dogs) had just gotten the evac order and they were going there. We went out & got lunch for everyone. I finally was dead tired (being up since 4am PDT). Came home, took a nap.
I'm trying to coordinate information, help indirectly as I can. A lot of Playstation staff have evac'd to the Playstation offices. We have an external webpage to update everyone on status of staff. Contact me if you need that page (I'll only provide to Playstation employees).
You can check out this Google map for a map I got, supposed updated as new info comes in.
I'll probably be up late tonight, dealing with information, etc. I'll head up to the offices tomorrow morning to help bring supplies, etc. I expect the office will be closed (I spoke with Kristin a bit ago, and she seemed to think it was already a fact).
So right now, I'm fine. I'm almost disappointed at how FEW people have called to check on me. Namely, only 2. Either I'm doing good at updating my status everywhere I can (blog, myspace, facebook) and people know... or they just aren't aware of the danger here in SD. I know there are a couple, tho, which are likely just trying not to crowd the phone lines and will wait for contact (since there's nothing they can do). <shrug> I'll get thru all this, even if it's alone, by myself.
This weekend I've been back home in Austin. It was time for the annual Intellimark party. Had a wonderful time, of course. Mr. Frager never ceases to impress! Got to see lots of old friends--always fantastic. Danced with no fewer than 3 ladies. Some of them multiple times! GoodTimes(tm).
Flew in that afternoon, got setup, had dinner with Jeff, then off to the party. Saturday I had early breakfast with Vernon & Richard. Two & a half hours! haha Love it! And yes, Richard, TheIdea(tm) is still yours :) After that I did some shopping -- got a new cowboy hat (I'll post pics in my Gallery shortly). Got back to the hotel - Clay came over, and we went out - shopping for Texas-stuff down at Barton Creek Mall (had to get some stuff to bring home -- both for me and at least one co-worker). Got lunch at Rudy's - because it was a moral imperative :). Came back & hung out at the hotel -- we kinda puttered out, so he went home. I almost took a disco-nap. Seth finally called me--I was getting to the point of thinking he was not going to call me back--I'd been trying to reach him all week! Clay & I were going to goto a movie, but pushed that off because I was so tired (I was literally thinking if we saw the 7:30p movie that I would end up falling asleep). I can't help but think that God intervened and set things up for a reason. Because it was just after that when Seth called--and we made plans to hang out. He had some things going on that he needed to talk about. So we hung out til almost 2am. It was too ironic for the timing to play out the way it did. Last time I was here, we never really got a chance to sit down, catch up, talk the good talk. So Sat nite we finally got to do that--and it was good.
This morning, however... wow, it's noon. Can't track anyone down. I was going to surprize Brian (because I love to hear him scream when he finds out I'm in town)--but no response. Clay's sleeping. Seth is still asleep (or went back to sleep, I should say). So I dunno. I did go grab some breakfast tacos from Rudy's tho. MMMM Rudy's! So we'll see what I do today. I'm trying NOT to spend like mad. :) Shopping is always the easy-out. But this evening I'm going to hang out with James (who I've not seen in over 3 yrs now). Then early tomorrow I fly back to San Diego.
I think it's been a good head-clearing holiday for me. It's certainly difficult to get away from things when you can't get away from things. Austin's good for that for me.
Flew in that afternoon, got setup, had dinner with Jeff, then off to the party. Saturday I had early breakfast with Vernon & Richard. Two & a half hours! haha Love it! And yes, Richard, TheIdea(tm) is still yours :) After that I did some shopping -- got a new cowboy hat (I'll post pics in my Gallery shortly). Got back to the hotel - Clay came over, and we went out - shopping for Texas-stuff down at Barton Creek Mall (had to get some stuff to bring home -- both for me and at least one co-worker). Got lunch at Rudy's - because it was a moral imperative :). Came back & hung out at the hotel -- we kinda puttered out, so he went home. I almost took a disco-nap. Seth finally called me--I was getting to the point of thinking he was not going to call me back--I'd been trying to reach him all week! Clay & I were going to goto a movie, but pushed that off because I was so tired (I was literally thinking if we saw the 7:30p movie that I would end up falling asleep). I can't help but think that God intervened and set things up for a reason. Because it was just after that when Seth called--and we made plans to hang out. He had some things going on that he needed to talk about. So we hung out til almost 2am. It was too ironic for the timing to play out the way it did. Last time I was here, we never really got a chance to sit down, catch up, talk the good talk. So Sat nite we finally got to do that--and it was good.
This morning, however... wow, it's noon. Can't track anyone down. I was going to surprize Brian (because I love to hear him scream when he finds out I'm in town)--but no response. Clay's sleeping. Seth is still asleep (or went back to sleep, I should say). So I dunno. I did go grab some breakfast tacos from Rudy's tho. MMMM Rudy's! So we'll see what I do today. I'm trying NOT to spend like mad. :) Shopping is always the easy-out. But this evening I'm going to hang out with James (who I've not seen in over 3 yrs now). Then early tomorrow I fly back to San Diego.
I think it's been a good head-clearing holiday for me. It's certainly difficult to get away from things when you can't get away from things. Austin's good for that for me.
I'm a geek. Thus, HD programming from whatever television provider is very important to me. How important? Dollars and content. Where is the balance?
Currently I'm paying nearly $90/mo for DirecTV. Their customer service has irritated me to no end this year. The process of getting it into my place, getting programming right, getting a HD-DVR that worked (I'm on #3). Granted, I haven't had any issues since everything *finally* got fully functional, and all the billing stuff got settled in June. Of course why it took 5 months to all get settled is a subject for another blog post.
I woke up this morning - and thru a random string of events my monthly DTV bill came into sight again. *sigh* $90/mo. WHY?! $59.99 for the base package. $34 for HBO/Showtime/Cinemax (I'm thinking of dropping that totally), $2.99 for their silly magazine (need to drop that), and $9.99 for HD channels. Then, to be fair, I do have a running $9.99 HD access credit per month (for the first 12 months?), and a 12-month programming credit for $10/mo (that was due to the fact that I originally got a special 12-month pricing package, which after they did what they did to my account, disappeared--so this credit compensates for it).
I've never liked DTV's new DVR. It's clumsy and slow. Maybe it's because I grew up on TiVo and I'm very sad to see DTV break from TiVo. Maybe. But...I've noticed my HD shows have been recorded with a bunch of dropped frames lately. Not cool. Average person wouldn't notice. I'm not Joe Average.
I started looking into TimeWarner (my local choice for cable). They've been awesome on the broadband side for me (both in Austin, and SD). It just works. I've been contemplating dropping DTV for TWC.
TWC would run me about $60/mo for a similar package.
That highlights why I switched to DTV 10 yrs ago - better quality and cheaper than cable. Suddenly the cost game has gone the other way. So what about quality? Digital on both sides. The argument is merely a wash.
But enter HD. Now I have to compare HD channel lineups. That's my quandry.
Even having SD shows broadcast up-converted to an HD channel make them look cleaner, better, nicer. DTV recently (silently?) added SciFi HD. I randomly came across it a week ago. Sweet! Naturally a lot of shows I watch are on the SciFi channel.
Nothing noted on TWC about that. In fact, the HD lineup (for San Diego?) on TWC looks pretty weak, to be honest. From their website here's what they have in HD:
Premiums: HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, Starz, HDPPV, Movies-on-Demand
Locals: Cable 4 Padres, XETV, FOX, KNSD NBC, KFMB CBS, KGTV ABC, KPBS, CW5
Sports: NBA TV, ESPN, ESPN2, Fox Sports Network, Versus/Golf
CATV: TNT, Discovery HD Theater
I really don't watch the premiums anymore (content isn't there!)
Sports I don't watch but rarely (ok, 'cept for UT games :)
Locals occassionally (network programming)
What's left? TNT & Discovery
In addition to those, here's what DTV has:
A&E, Animal Planet, Bravo, CNN, FoodTV, History, MGM, National Geographic, NFL, TBS, Science, Weather Channel, TLC, USA, HDNet HDNet Movies, Universal
They have a total of 50 different HD channels right now (including locals)
TWC has 21 (also including locals).
Admittedly I don't watch all 50 channels. But I suppose this comes down to having the CHOICE to do so, the options.
By end of year DTV promises up to 100 HD channels (I wouldn't mind FX & SpikeTV--which are on their list).
Long post, I know - thanks for hangin' in.
So I'm left wondering how do I "vote with my dollars" when it would mean taking a "significant" (we can argue the use or meaning of the term) cut in service.
TWC has said (in March 2007) that by EOY2007 they'll have the "technical capacity to offer as many channels as DIRECTV." But I have yet to dig up any plans on what and when they plan to roll stuff out.
I feel "stuck" with DTV. They have the better line-up. Yet the poorer experience for it (cust service, DVR). I wouldn't mind moving to TWC if they at least had a PLAN published for their HD roll-out. It would mean laying down some bucks for a Tivo Series 3 recorder--fine--just give me what I want at a fair price.
Meanwhile - I'll see if I can go online & change my DTV programming - remove the premiums and try to get rid of that magazine.
Currently I'm paying nearly $90/mo for DirecTV. Their customer service has irritated me to no end this year. The process of getting it into my place, getting programming right, getting a HD-DVR that worked (I'm on #3). Granted, I haven't had any issues since everything *finally* got fully functional, and all the billing stuff got settled in June. Of course why it took 5 months to all get settled is a subject for another blog post.
I woke up this morning - and thru a random string of events my monthly DTV bill came into sight again. *sigh* $90/mo. WHY?! $59.99 for the base package. $34 for HBO/Showtime/Cinemax (I'm thinking of dropping that totally), $2.99 for their silly magazine (need to drop that), and $9.99 for HD channels. Then, to be fair, I do have a running $9.99 HD access credit per month (for the first 12 months?), and a 12-month programming credit for $10/mo (that was due to the fact that I originally got a special 12-month pricing package, which after they did what they did to my account, disappeared--so this credit compensates for it).
I've never liked DTV's new DVR. It's clumsy and slow. Maybe it's because I grew up on TiVo and I'm very sad to see DTV break from TiVo. Maybe. But...I've noticed my HD shows have been recorded with a bunch of dropped frames lately. Not cool. Average person wouldn't notice. I'm not Joe Average.
I started looking into TimeWarner (my local choice for cable). They've been awesome on the broadband side for me (both in Austin, and SD). It just works. I've been contemplating dropping DTV for TWC.
TWC would run me about $60/mo for a similar package.
That highlights why I switched to DTV 10 yrs ago - better quality and cheaper than cable. Suddenly the cost game has gone the other way. So what about quality? Digital on both sides. The argument is merely a wash.
But enter HD. Now I have to compare HD channel lineups. That's my quandry.
Even having SD shows broadcast up-converted to an HD channel make them look cleaner, better, nicer. DTV recently (silently?) added SciFi HD. I randomly came across it a week ago. Sweet! Naturally a lot of shows I watch are on the SciFi channel.
Nothing noted on TWC about that. In fact, the HD lineup (for San Diego?) on TWC looks pretty weak, to be honest. From their website here's what they have in HD:
Premiums: HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, Starz, HDPPV, Movies-on-Demand
Locals: Cable 4 Padres, XETV, FOX, KNSD NBC, KFMB CBS, KGTV ABC, KPBS, CW5
Sports: NBA TV, ESPN, ESPN2, Fox Sports Network, Versus/Golf
CATV: TNT, Discovery HD Theater
I really don't watch the premiums anymore (content isn't there!)
Sports I don't watch but rarely (ok, 'cept for UT games :)
Locals occassionally (network programming)
What's left? TNT & Discovery
In addition to those, here's what DTV has:
A&E, Animal Planet, Bravo, CNN, FoodTV, History, MGM, National Geographic, NFL, TBS, Science, Weather Channel, TLC, USA, HDNet HDNet Movies, Universal
They have a total of 50 different HD channels right now (including locals)
TWC has 21 (also including locals).
Admittedly I don't watch all 50 channels. But I suppose this comes down to having the CHOICE to do so, the options.
By end of year DTV promises up to 100 HD channels (I wouldn't mind FX & SpikeTV--which are on their list).
Long post, I know - thanks for hangin' in.
So I'm left wondering how do I "vote with my dollars" when it would mean taking a "significant" (we can argue the use or meaning of the term) cut in service.
TWC has said (in March 2007) that by EOY2007 they'll have the "technical capacity to offer as many channels as DIRECTV." But I have yet to dig up any plans on what and when they plan to roll stuff out.
I feel "stuck" with DTV. They have the better line-up. Yet the poorer experience for it (cust service, DVR). I wouldn't mind moving to TWC if they at least had a PLAN published for their HD roll-out. It would mean laying down some bucks for a Tivo Series 3 recorder--fine--just give me what I want at a fair price.
Meanwhile - I'll see if I can go online & change my DTV programming - remove the premiums and try to get rid of that magazine.
Technically the day is 12 Oct. But it was Thurs nite. The nite I first had "the talk" that resulted in me coming to Sony and to San Diego. It's also the nite I got dumped (hard). It's better-sweet, to be sure. The heart-ache is generally over (forgiven, I think, but certainly not forgotten). I'm going shooting Saturday - it's a nice way to celebrate since the Sony-talk originated over 9mm cartridges. But tonight's the (physical?) nite. I've had "one year" in my head ever sine the break-up. I'm hoping things get better in that space following this. I think I've avoided stuff as a result of the "one year" thing -- can't explain why. Nothing magical about it--it's just a number. But I guess the good thing is that it's over and I passed, survived, unscathed.
I bought the Nokia E61i. I think it's newer than the one Zac has (I believe?).
Shipped last night via UPS. Stupid UPS wants a signature (I hate that!)--so it went into 'delivery exception' today. I called to have them hold it so I can pick it up after work tonight. They always say the local service center will call me to confirm -- but they never do/never have (at least for me). I'm going to try to pick it up anyway, and then geek out all nite on the features :)
Shipped last night via UPS. Stupid UPS wants a signature (I hate that!)--so it went into 'delivery exception' today. I called to have them hold it so I can pick it up after work tonight. They always say the local service center will call me to confirm -- but they never do/never have (at least for me). I'm going to try to pick it up anyway, and then geek out all nite on the features :)
"ou sucks" beer.
Nuff said.
A friend of mine bought me a bottle. It's going to sit on my shelf at work, next to my SAS Ale, and my token bottle of Rudy's BBQ Sause!
Nuff said.
A friend of mine bought me a bottle. It's going to sit on my shelf at work, next to my SAS Ale, and my token bottle of Rudy's BBQ Sause!
I'm tiring of my sidekick. It's a little on the bulky side, the service issues are more annoying than I believe should be tolerable for technology these days (eg. just losing signal for 5-10 mins and not being able to get re-associated) - the camera just plain sucks (it's not usable, IMHO). It lacks wifi. The MP3 player is crap. It doesn't allow my own ringtones (I'm not a biggie on, but it would be nice to set specific rings per certain callers-- eg. when my mom calls).
So... it just feels like it's time for a tech upgrade. I've had a sidekick for 2 or 3 years now.
I have grown accustomed to the QWERTY keyboard, and that's a must-have for my next phone.
A multi-band phone is a must -- tri-band min, quad-band would be good.
WiFi is a big plus. A camera (since you can't get a phone without one anymore, it seems) should be usable, have decent quality at least. Video would be nice, but not a must. MMS should be supported (right now, with my sidekick, if someone sends me a pic by SMS, I get a notice of it, and then I have to goto a T-Mobile website to view it).
Oh, if it's going to have a browser, it needs to work. The browser on my Blackberry is "usable" -- speed is fine, even tho some sites have issues -- eg. google maps. My sidekick browser? It goes thru Danger's proxy to get "reformatted"--and is just absolutely horrid-- it's slow. Dead slow. If I can get a page to display, it takes forever. Since it goes thru Danger's proxy, servers don't detect it as a WAP-browser, so I can't get "mobile friendly" webpages.
I'm really thinking an unlocked phone that I can use with my existing T-Mobile account. I don't mind canceling T-Mobile (even tho there will be a $200 charge to do so) if I get a really good deal somewhere else. But I'm still first looking at unlocked phones that I can just toss in the SIM and go. Hopefully.
I'm looking, today anyway, at a Nokia E61i. The previous E61 has come highly recommended from a couple friends of mine (3 of you, to be precise). The i-version is new. I'm reading now.
So...if anyone has suggestions, phones they like, phones they don't, comments, questions, etc, leave a comment or drop me a line!
So... it just feels like it's time for a tech upgrade. I've had a sidekick for 2 or 3 years now.
I have grown accustomed to the QWERTY keyboard, and that's a must-have for my next phone.
A multi-band phone is a must -- tri-band min, quad-band would be good.
WiFi is a big plus. A camera (since you can't get a phone without one anymore, it seems) should be usable, have decent quality at least. Video would be nice, but not a must. MMS should be supported (right now, with my sidekick, if someone sends me a pic by SMS, I get a notice of it, and then I have to goto a T-Mobile website to view it).
Oh, if it's going to have a browser, it needs to work. The browser on my Blackberry is "usable" -- speed is fine, even tho some sites have issues -- eg. google maps. My sidekick browser? It goes thru Danger's proxy to get "reformatted"--and is just absolutely horrid-- it's slow. Dead slow. If I can get a page to display, it takes forever. Since it goes thru Danger's proxy, servers don't detect it as a WAP-browser, so I can't get "mobile friendly" webpages.
I'm really thinking an unlocked phone that I can use with my existing T-Mobile account. I don't mind canceling T-Mobile (even tho there will be a $200 charge to do so) if I get a really good deal somewhere else. But I'm still first looking at unlocked phones that I can just toss in the SIM and go. Hopefully.
I'm looking, today anyway, at a Nokia E61i. The previous E61 has come highly recommended from a couple friends of mine (3 of you, to be precise). The i-version is new. I'm reading now.
So...if anyone has suggestions, phones they like, phones they don't, comments, questions, etc, leave a comment or drop me a line!
