Saturday, August 20, 2011

Hold Everything!

Just when I thought I'd buy a laptop computer to replace or augment my old PC, today's paper tells me that “tablets are flying off store shelves.” This modern world is beginning to move at warp speed. Slow me down, Scotty.

I don't even know what a tablet is. Seriously. Oh, I know it's a small computer but I really have no idea whether it's for me. I'm not familiar with its attributes, what it can and can't do, it's price, size, etc.

In other words, it's back into research mode. I'm trying to be realistic. I'm retired. I don't need to be in touch 24/7 and I don't use a lot of apps. I don't play games. In short, a tablet seems like overkill for me.

I like to write my nightly blog and I'd have to see if a tablet has a comfortable keyboard. If it doesn't, it's a non-starter. Then there's the cost. I understand you have to sign up with a Verizon or an AT&T to get full use of the tablet. If that's the case, I don't want that extra expense.

So there's a lot of questions to be answered and for the time being we'll put the laptop on hold until we can make an informed decision.

I'll keep you posted.

Friday, August 19, 2011

Seeking Speed

I'm conducting an experiment. I deleted more than a hundred, probably more than 200 entries from my C/Drive this afternoon. I'm trying to see if that will speed up the responsiveness of my PC.

True, it's nine years old and its memory and hard drive are ancient by today's standards. I know this because I am eyeing a laptop that has 6GB of memory compared to my measly 256MB and a 640GB hard drive compared to my 60GB.

Am I in the dark ages of PC'dom or what? Well, I know I am and I'm working on it.

So what will I do when I upgrade to this whiz-bang, speedy computer. Probably the same things I do now: use it for email, blogging, video calls to my family in Israel, etc.

You're now asking the same question my wife asks: So what do you need a laptop for?

If you are Muddling Marv in the Modern World you should at least be part of the modern world. No? Test it out, see what it's like? I might even like it. Up to a point, that is.

Smart phones, apps, e-readers, et al, still seem way down the road. I haven't started the car yet, but I have an idea where I'm going. Slowly, of course, as befits a muddler.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

From Flattery to the Out Box

The mail came today and once again I've been “validated.” Usually I'm simply “pre-approved” or “pre-registered” or some similar flattering come-on.

Banks most often ply me with a “pre-approved” rating so I can sign up for yet another credit card, even though I already carry one of theirs. If I held shares in these banks I would not be happy at the amount of money they spend on these insistent marketing efforts. If I ignore you once, you could try again. If I ignore you all the time, you should remove me from your mailing list. Doesn't seem to work that way.

Today I was “validated” for an insurance policy. This was because I’ve belonged to an association for a long time and thus earned their “Member Loyalty” benefit. It's a benefit I can do without, thank you.

I love the language in these pitch letters. Some samples for your amusement:

“I'm delighted to include your Validated Summary.” (underscore theirs)
“...you have already met the eligibility requirements...” (again, underscore theirs)

“READY FOR ISSUE—MAIL WITHOUT DELAY” (All caps and red ink their idea)

Etc, Etc. You get the idea. In my heart of cynical hearts I know they do this because to some degree a significant number of people must respond to these hard ball credit card or policy pitches.

In my case they strike out.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

BLOGGER'S BLOCK

I've got bloggers block. Each night I try to come up with something I think would interest my reader. Not tonight, though. And I will not force it. I'd rather just admit my writing mind is a blank and let it go at that.

We'll try again tomorrow.

Good night.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

The Day That Got Away (TDTGA)

My wife had an appointment to have her nails done this afternoon, a process that usually takes her out of the house for about an hour and a half. I planned to use that time toward finishing the book I'm reading. It's due at the library in two days. I never turned a page.

Here's why (if you're interested). First, I went on line to get directions to a motor vehicle office my wife wants to go to Thursday to renew her driver's license. That took a few minutes.

Then I had to finish today's crossword puzzle. Another few minutes (or more, I'm not that swift). Then I had to take the laundry out of the washing machine, put it in the dryer and an hour later, take it out and fold it. I actually like doing that.

In between laundry duty I read the paper. I read it back to front, which is a habit I developed years ago. I check the TV listings first to see if anything is worth DVR'ing. I leave the front section for last. That's where the bad news is. I also check the editorial and op-ed pages to see if I agree with anything there.

Then the mail arrived bringing two colorful brochures from Tauck touting wondrous river trips, one through France and the other through Costa Rica and the Panama Canal. Definitely required browsing and mulling.

By this time my wife returned from her nail appointment and we discussed the two potential trips. Probably neither. She has her eyes on a different destination. Next thing we know we're both napping sitting on the couch. When we roused ourselves it was cocktail time, followed shortly thereafter by supper. I still hadn't cracked the book.

Someone asked me recently how I spend my time. I don't dare try to explain.

Muddling, definitely, muddling with an occasional attempt at reading a book. Hurry up, dummy, it's due in two days!

Monday, August 15, 2011

Merger Exhaustion

We received our first new bank statement from Wells Fargo today. I really hope this is the last chapter in the transition from Wachovia to Wells Fargo. It seems like it's taken forever.

It started with the frequent advisories we received via email and snail mail about what was going to happen and when it was going to happen and what it meant to us. And then occasionally it did happen.

Last week I got a call from my local Wells Fargo banker telling me I was going to receive a new credit card tied to my equity credit line. I asked why he was telling me this. Just wanted to let you know to expect it. Did I really need a new card? Well, he said, that's up to you. You will get it anyway and then you can decide.

So it arrived finally and I studied it and he was right, it was tied to my equity line of credit. And guess what, every time I would use this card it would count as an advance on my credit line and I would be charged interest on the balance. Not only did I not activate the card, I shredded it.

The new bank statement will take a little getting used to, but between my wife and I we figured it out. The important thing is our account balanced the first time we tried.

Now that's progress.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Heather

Heather called the other day. Wanted to discuss our checking account. She didn't get far because whenever we get one of those automated phone calls from a chirpy voice wanting information that's none of their business we quickly hang up .

Cold call marketing from automated call centers is becoming an epidemic. It's not just the banks with their Heathers, but all kinds of companies wanting to con you into one thing or another.

Then there's the call you get when there is silence before someone or some recording comes on the line. My tolerance for these calls is nil. If I don't hear a voice after I say hello, I hang up.

I think the technical term for these calls is phishing.

Well, we're not biting and I hope you aren't either.