Category Archives: general

Just regular kinds of stuff that happened (that doesn’t fit in other categories).

What a bunch of junk…

I can’t believe how much stuff I have. A lot of it is old computer/stereo stuff that was a fortune that I can’t bear to part with because (A) it was expensive when I got it or (B) what if someone I know needs a spare part for that model someday (in the far future) or (C) someday I might want a bunch of this stuff for the Gary LaPointe Computer Museum (actually if I ever have my own company or consulting firm the lobby/waiting room will be a computer museum of sorts).

Needless to say I cleaned/sorted the spare bedroom and storage area (under the stairs) and threw away a lot of stuff. Grabbed a few things to give a away and put a bunch of stuff in the garbage. The storage room is done, the spare bedroom will never be done but at least you can move around in there (and all the holiday stuff is down and in the farthest corner).

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Breaking my landline phone

So I increased my minutes on my cell phone. The intent was to give up my landline and save $$$.

So I’m having issues giving up my phone number. I’ve considered something like Packet8 (VOIP) Voice Over IP (19.95 a month, only 3% tax, no other fees) for some phone over my high speed internet and while they’ll give me unlimited calls and let me keep my current number it’s kind of a wash dollar-wise after adding the extra minutes to my cell. I guess if it sounds great I could lower my cell plan but I’m just not sure.

I’d probably be happy with even just switching my phone to a voice mail service or something internet related (like e-fax, at least they used to have voice mail) like that. If I could keep my number somehow just for a little while so I don’t have to lose it if I change my mind.

Is anyone out there doing something like this? Any suggestions?

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Yeah! Sunshine!!!

I’m out and about running errands (free WiFi at Panera and a lemonade) and it’s gotten sunny out. After the fog weather advisories a few hours ago this is a very welcome change. I’ve been to the doctor (allergy shots), Target (good deals and some normal stuff), Kohls (some awesome clearance items) and the Sprint PCS store (they seem the think that Sprint is still going to release the ultra-geeky Samsung i-550 Palm OS phone!) all before I’m normally even done eating breakfast!

Later: Plus I got to go to the Apple Store (fyi, they just did a speed bump on the powerbooks) and I got to visit my mom at work and I washed my car…

Apple Ranks Number One

In a news article at Yahoo/Reuters they polled brand recognition with branding professionals (it’s an odd url, I’m assuming it won’t last but I’ll put the pertinent info below). It’s interesting that Apple nudged Google out of first place. I’m surprised that Ikea isn’t as high in North America as it is globally and that Al Jazeera is on the global list. Even though I’m a big fan of 80% of the North America list, I’m still surprised that Pixar made the list. Also, Coca-Cola didn’t make the top 5 list anywhere world-wide….

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Winter Wonderland

I cannot believe how much snow we’ve gotten today! I actually had to go out in it to get more drugs (medicine, in case you didn’t read the previous post). It’s everywhere and it’s high and it’s cold out. Unfortunately there were several ice festivals today, I’m sure this affected attendance…

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Mr. Gary and Miss. Hello Kitty in Vegas

Misskitty2005I thought the little kids at work (in the daycare) would think it was funny to see Mr. Gary with Miss. Hello Kitty. I just spotted this while digging through my CES photos and decided to share with you all too!

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Tsunami Before and After

A before and after photo of a residential area about a mile inland. This is totally unbelievable, I just don’t have any sort of frame of reference for this sort of disaster…

I want to go here!

Now this looks like a cool place to go to college!
Fsu Joke Map

Stolen Borrowed from Costa at Population Statistic who has more information on the how and why of this map.