The journey continues...

Brian Bilbrey July 16, 2011

Just Don't Lie To Me

Karon(09:06:39): Hello. Thank you for choosing Verizon and visiting our Verizon chat service. How can I help you place your order? You(09:07:06): Old bundle expiring, looking at new bundles... Confused by pricing, let me explain: Karon(09:08:42): Thank you for being a valued Verizon customer. Karon(09:08:52): Please go ahead with your question. You(09:09:07): I select the bundle with Ultimate HD, 35/35 Internet, Freedom Essentials - price listed as 139.99. I click the button to do a 2-year deal. The next page shows the price: 139.99 (same as before), only it *ALSO* says "Price included these discounts: $5 24-Month Contract Discount". You(09:09:22): There's no actual $5 discount reflected.

Brian Bilbrey July 15, 2011

Creepy Thoughts

I was in the chair at my dentist's office on Wednesday morning. I chose not to tell them what I thought of as I was falling asleep the night before... I'm talking to my dentist. "You know, I was looking on the Internet, and found evidence that 90% of problems with teeth originate with the gums." The dentist nods in agreement, and I continue. "So I found a couple of sites that made specific recommendations, and followed them. I got a fresh #11 X-Acto blade and cut all the gums way, way back. Once the screaming and bleeding was done,…

Brian Bilbrey July 14, 2011

GOLD! Errr, Vegetables!

It's getting to be happy veggie time, fo' shuzzle. This evening's haul was everything I could fit into and balance on top of a stainless gallon bowl. Sure looks pretty, right? It's delicious, too. I put tomatoes and green beans in with my pasta and chicken for supper. Absolutely superior. Soon ... Salsa. Another week, perhaps. And out front, the tiger lilies are once again spectacular. The day's gone fairly well, too. The temps are down 10 degrees from the peak a couple of days ago, and the humidity is down, too. I was able to walk Lexi after supper…

Brian Bilbrey July 13, 2011

Arbitrary Crap

I lost two points out of fifteen on my first database project. I did so by following the directions literally, and by counting on the review by the instructor and the TA to provide useful feedback. The loss of two points doesn't bother me, except that why did I bother getting it reviewed if I'm not going to get useful feedback. That makes me angry. No point in fighting city hall, though. I'm taking the day off tomorrow, and I'll get plenty of work done on the next class projects that are due in about ten days. After this summer…

Brian Bilbrey July 11, 2011

Byte? SRSLY?

First off, Byte is back. Yeah, SRSLY, Byte. Talk about your basic reincarnation myth, remixed about 5 times over the last 10 years. And equally fully of #FTW, Jerry's involved. Huzzah! * * * Also, Jerry's got a column out, having finally battle his way past nearly four months of creeping crud. I just finished the editing pass and got the column posted for him within the last hour. There's still kinks to shake out of CMR at the new hosting site, but we'll get them licked, one way or another. * * * Nothing else going on, work and…