Is the server down?

Bless their hearts. I don't expect my user/customers to know everything about how the IT systems work, but I have to laugh a little when they call and ask "Is the server down?" It makes it sounds like every service (database, e-mails, file, numerous applications) and bit of hardware (servers, switches, routers, firewalls, NAS, SAN) is running on one magic box.

While virtualization has greatly reduced the number of physical servers, I don't see us getting down to one anytime soon.

Best 3-Point Shooter

I agree. Chris Lofton is the best 3-point shooter of all time. My favorite UT basketball teams all include Chris Lofton. Those teams worked hard, were extremely entertaining with their fast pace and pressure defense, and had a lot of success. It would be hard not to like them.

Here is Lofton's "you have got to be kidding me" shot from way out over Kevin Durant.

Drug Cartel Areas of Influence

Since my company has a plant in Mexico, I probably should not read reports like this one from Stratfor. It shows a map of where the various drug cartels are in control. I think I am ready for a job where I never have to leave Knoxville.

Ender's Game the Movie

Having Han Solo in the movie is great, but I'm just happy it is being made. I liked these books better than Harry Potter. It is a bit of Harry Potter in space for those that are unfamiliar with the series.

andrewchen Harrison Ford locked for 'Ender's Game' - Entertainment News, EXCLUSIVE, Media - Variety bit.ly/w1BRsGTue, Jan 24 00:10:07 from Timely by Demandforce

Utilities Bills vs. Technology Bills

I'm a geek, but maybe I am a frugal geek, because my utilities are much more expensive than my monthly technology cost unlike the findings in this article. If you don't like words, there is a good infograph there, too.

It helps that my company provides my smartphone service, but we have the basic internet service with Knology and no home phone. We don't spend a lot on apps or other services - including an on-line backup service. (I've been tempted, but I use a combination of Dropbox, Windows Live Mesh, and USB hard drives to do the heavy lifting there.) It also helps that my daughter is only three - she probably won't need her own smart phone for another 6 months. ;)

Another factor is that my house is one big energy sink when it comes to heating and cooling. My base usage is a small number compared to the heating and cooling costs. I need a smaller house.

Touch Screen Primer

When I posted about the super cheap Android tablet, Paul was kind enough to note that the cheaper tablets have resistive screens, while the higher end devices use capacitive screens. Here is a quick comparison of the two technologies.

Bye, bye Man Card

Boldly going where no man has gone before... Pinterest... so I can bring you cool things like the Tardis iPhone case.

Source: zazzle.co.uk via Nerd on Pinterest

Wouxun KG-UV6X: Commercial HT with Wide Receive

Powerwerx has a new Wouxun HT with a wider receive capability.

Powerwerx New Item: Wouxun KG-UV6X Dual Band Handheld Radio. Exclusive wide receive 370-512MHz. Upgraded dual slot charger. bit.ly/yMZfVNTue, Jan 24 15:00:20 from web

You might want to check our the Powerwerx Wouxun Model comparison page.

KG-UV920R: "No Update" Update

I hesitate to post this as there is still no real news, but CheapHam had a note in their newsletter about the KG-UV920R:

"Wouxun KG-UV920R - We have received many inquiries about the new Wouxun Dual Band mobile. Latest word from the factory is that the unit is still under certification. The release date nor firm pricing have been released yet. Hopefully soon. We are a direct importer of Wouxun products and in constant communication with the factory. Stay tuned for any breaking news."

Ed, at Import Communications, also posted an update earlier in the month:

".......January 01, 2012 Update......
I recently operated this radio while in China.
Wouxun says this radio will be ready in November-December.
I would not expect to see it Certified and for sale until March-April."

I could read that as both good news for 2012 or, given the date he posted it, another scenario where it won't be ready until 2013.

Bonus:

You can subscribe to the CheapHam newsletter on their site. The latest one has a discount code for buying the Wouxun KG-UVD1P for $94.95 after the $5 discount. Or you can get the for Wouxun KG-UVD1P Special Package $139.95. Use WOU-5 as the coupon code when checking out.

A Brief Pit Stop

When milliseconds count, you will go to any extreme to save them. For one F1 team, this means hiring an Olympic runner to train the pit crew. Formula 1 cars are kinda fast.



Another comparison...