Cool Tech Stuff

Okay.  I’m sure that most of you have gotten this call, for those of us who do this for a living, probably weekly.

“Hi honey, it’s <insert relative’s name>.  I’m having a problem with my computer.  There’s an error”
You sigh to yourself and say, “Okay, what does it say?”
“It’s just an okay button.  Do I push it, it says I should if I want to buy something”

or

“My printers not working, why not?”
“Well, I’m in Jersey, and you’re not, so it’s not like I can look out my window and see”
“There’s a flashing light, does that tell you anything?”

I think you get the point.  I’m all for my family asking for help, I don’t mind at all, but it’s REALLY hard to diagnose things when I can’t see their screens.

Well, thank my boss, who found a really good app.  And please consider buying the whole thing, it always helps developers, but they do have a free app version :)  It’s called LogMeIn (it’s Log Me In) and what it does is allow you do download a small application onto a computer, and you can log into their website, and ‘see’ what they do.  I used it the other day and it’s really cool.  This way, when Aunt Gertrude calls you and asks you to help them with their computer (which is probably older than your kids), you can log into the website and help them easily and probably a LOT faster.

I’m going to spend my holiday vacation at my parents installing it on their computer, my aunt’s and probably my bro too.

The other little doodad I found is a Twitter app.  It’s called OutTwit and it allows you to update Twitter from Outlook.  Just type, hit enter and boom.  Don’t have to open a browser or go to Facebook because come on, you already spend enough time in there as it is.

Posted in geeking out | 4 Comments »

epic snowball fight

So we’re at my neph’s Bar Mitzvah (ftnitk – it’s a confirmation for jewish kids.  Bar for boys, Bat for girls, B’Nai if there’s more than one, ie plural), and I step outside for a breath of fresh air.  I used to smoke like a chimney so I think it’s a subconscious need to go outside and at least smell the smoke

A few of my wife’s cousins were out there, A, J, O, S, & F with a few of their wives (I told them I would never use their names on my blog and I meant it).  So A & J are trying to hit a sign with snowballs, both missing in epic fashion (yes, epic is my WOTD so if you don’t like it, suck it!), and I didn’t want to either embarrass them by hitting it the first time, or myself by missing even worse, so I let them go at it.  While they were doing this, a group of local kids came walking by.  Keep in mind, we’re all in button down shirts and ties, the kids are all in coats, hats, and gloves.  This is Philadelphia in December kiddies, it was pretty freakin cold.

So the kids start making snowballs and making fun of A&J for missing.  J, who is taller and bigger than I am (I’m 6’2″, 220) looks them over and says, “What’s UP?” in a challenging tone.  I realize quickly that they are all armed, and the only ones that have any on our side are A&J and their aim hasn’t been so good.  So I get two in hand and slide up behind J when the first one throws.  The three of us with snowballs manage to keep them at bay, meanwhile I’m praying the rest of the crowd gets some ready and they charge us.

Luckily, their aim is pretty sucky too, they’re rushing, trying to hide behind cars and all that.  This poor girl, probably around 15, has this small boulder in her hands and starts to charge us.  Me?  I stood there waiting for it.  She chucks it, pretty hard I might add, and I catch it in midair, and peg her in the ass with it while she tries to get away.  ”Dude, that guy fuckin caught it midair!” I heard, as a bigger kid tries to peg me in the head.  Again, I caught it and hit him with it as well.  The problem is, I’m standing out there alone with only a partially crushed snowball in my hand behind my back.

J, A, S, F, O, and A2 come charging in and pelt the kids till they start running.

What a cool feeling.  Gotta love winning a snowball fight.  We went back and forth, them trying to get cheap shots, us trying to get back inside without being tagged as we walked through the door.  The funniest thing was the people who worked at the place were cheering for us

We went back inside and J slaps me on the shoulder.  ”You’re nuts man” he says talking about catching them in midair.  ”I can still probably hit 2nd base from a crouch.  I was a catcher for 6 years and I have really good aim.”  He laughed saying, “No doubt!”

Cool bonding situation.

Oh, and Mike  and MammaDawg?  Snow is what happens when rain gets really really cold.  You can sometimes pack it together in a ball and throw it at people.

Posted in Daily Entry | 2 Comments »

first of many

I’m going to post about several things today, I know, don’t faint Mike.

My nephews bar mitzvah was last night, and I have to tell you, I was seriously dreading it. Not because of the occassion or anyone there, I’m finding as I get older that I’m almost anxious before any social occassion. Not hide in a corner anxious, but definitely ‘I don’t want to go and it would be easier if I just stayed home and watched movies all night’ anxious.

That being said, we all got ready drove to Philly and all four of us had a really good time. Which I knew we would. So why was I anxious?

Am I becoming that grumpy old uncle that ‘hates these things’, or just completely anti-social?

The funny thing is, I can get along with anyone, pull anyone into a conversation, and have a good time with most groups of people. So what’s my deal?

Not sure, that’s why I’m blogging about it. Tends to help me gets my thoughts together. We had a great time dancing with the kids and each other, catching up with all of Fae’s family, and just having a nice night out. Again, which I knew we would.

Anyway, I think just realizing that its happening and going anyway helps. Its not like I wouldn’t have gone, and I’m glad because my nephew did beautifully.

Posted in general update | 2 Comments »