Tag: speed Internet access

Webinar World

Is there something missing? Yeah. There were probably a dozen others attending, but I had no contact with them at all.

I took my shower and got ready for work early because I had a webinar today. I shouldn’t be excited about this kind of stuff, but I am.

In this case the webinar was from a vendor with some lessons on how to display winter weather. You know, little tips and techniques.

A few years ago I flew to Madison, WI for this same type of lecture. Today it was at the kitchen table. Someone’s saving a lot of money.

The session was hosted on Webex who claims to have an iPod webinar app. I downloaded and tried it, but halfway through it stopped receiving one part of the presentation. It was also very difficult to see small on-screen text on the smaller screen iPhone.

So there’s now an iPhone app I have installed which will probably not be used again.

Is there something missing in webinar world? Yeah. There were probably a dozen others attending, but I had no contact with them at all. At a ‘press-the-flesh’ meeting there’s always time to talk, kvetch and learn from the other attendees.

A friend who was monitoring the session from the vendor’s side sent me a text message. “What would the 20 year ago Geoff think of Geoff today?”

He’d be impressed with the technology and it’s ubiquity. He be amazed by my laptop and iPhone and high speed Internet access–things I could only dream about 20 years ago (and believe me, I did dream about them).

There’s another session Thursday. I’ve already tipped off the guys I work with that this might be a good idea for them too.

Getting Excited About Vacation

Every summer, we go to Las Vegas. I know – Vegas in July – how wise a weatherman can I be? The temperature is often right around 120&#176! But, we love it nonetheless.

I have the details of last year’s trip available on line.

This year we’re going with another couple and their daughter, who is around Steffie’s age. My parents will also be there, along with my sister and brother-in-law, my Cousin Michael from California, and his wife and young son. Whew!

Helaine is incredibly organized, and on a vacation like this, that really pays off. She has already gotten some show tickets and has worked on our logistics, including the car rental.

Every year when we go, Helaine brings the sheet from the computer which lays out our reservation. Astoundingly, what the rental company has and what we booked are often different. The difference is never in our favor!

Helaine’s dedication to task has gotten us one ‘luxury’ that I would have never even thought of. She always asks for, and receives, line passes for dinner. I know that sounds like a small thing, but some of the dinner sites at the Mirage can have huge, long lines. This pass gets you in first! Wow.

We’re staying at the Mirage again . This year, they’ve added high speed Internet access. That’s a good thing, because I like posting to the blog and putting photos in my gallery. They’ve also redone their buffet. The Mirage Buffet has always been a favorite, but now it’s new and improved. Well, I’ve been told it’s improved. Whether it is or not will be an opinion I’ll form later. It’s certainly going to be more expensive.

I have threatened for the last few years to take a day and drive to the Grand Canyon. It’s just far enough to make a one day drive doable – though with some difficulty. Maybe this will be the year. My parents have never been. It is an experience everyone should have at least once. It’s so majestic that words cannot prepare you for what you’ll see.

I’m also looking to spend a lot of time playing poker. The past few weeks online haven’t been very good, though we’re still up over $300 over the past 9 months. I felt so in control at Foxwoods a few weeks ago that I am anxious to play ‘live’ again.

It’s still nearly two months away – but I’m excited already.

Off To Chicago

I’m on my way to Chicago tomorrow morning for a few days. It’s work related, and though it’s not nefarious, I don’t think I can talk about why I’m going.

Hopefully, on my way home I’ll say it was valuable. Right now, I’d rather not be going. But, I’m going with an open mind.

As I packed, I thought about how much of home I was taking with me. I’m taking a laptop. The hotel, right in the center of the city, has high speed Internet access in all rooms and Wifi access from the lobby. Still, I double checked to make sure my modem would work should it be necessary.

I have grown addicted to email, to writing in this blog, and the web in general.

I’m also taking my cell phone. This is such a recent change in our societal norms. It used to be, if you were in Chicago, you were in Chicago… and difficult to find. With cell phones, I’m a local call, no matter where I am.

Earlier this year, while I was visiting my family in Florida, someone called from work asking me if I could be in early to be in a tease. I explained I was on the golf course in West Palm Beach.

I’m not sure if that’s a good or bad thing. But, it’s my choice to take the phone, so I must be leaning toward good.

I’ll also be taking the digital camera, plenty of memory, and a cable to move images to the laptop. Since I’ve never really spent any time in downtown Chicago, I’m looking forward to getting as many shots as I can. Right after I get home, the camera is going to the hospital for a pixel that’s always on.

Chicago’s most recognized landmark is the Sears Tower. But, to me, nothing says Chicago more than the succession of bridges over the Chicago River. I remember seeing that image every week on The Bob Newhart Show.

Considering I won’t be home until midnight tonight, I’m leaving awfully early tomorrow. I’ll be leaving the house around 7:00 AM for the shlep to Bradley. At the moment fog and rain seem probable. In Chicago thunderstorms might show. By the end of the weekend, there’s the chance of snow.

I’ve gotta remember to pack my open mind.