Microsoft is at the tipping point, and it's a long downhill road from here

Computerworld - "Microsoft today must deliver on expectations that have been mounting since the sluggish start of Windows 8 eight months ago, analysts said".

Microsoft is at the tipping point, and Windows 8 is just another nail in the coffin. It would take a Steve Jobs to save it and it ain't going to happen.  'Beached Whale'

Microsoft is a beached whale!

 So, was I wrong? Windows 8 :-)

Microsoft is a beached whale!

And I repeat, Microsoft is a beached whale!

Rufous Hummingbird - My Garden

Dell Computer Orders . .Late..Late..Late!

And what is worse than Dell's phone service? . . . . . NOTHING! 

Want to be MADE to feel helpless? There is no way to speak with anyone who can do more than read from a prepared text, and make the occasional apology. If you press the matter . . . 'CLICK', and back into the queue.

I ordered a desktop computer for my grandson in November for December 5th. delivery. It's January 21st., and today's 'estimated delivery' is February 2nd.. I have received 14 emails, each linked to a delivery schedule delay, requiring me to re-confirm the order to prevent it from being canceled. And countless phone calls requiring the same.

I got a Dell advertising email today for the same model I ordered, touting a 48 hour delivery, and they have added a bunch of free stuff that wasn't included on mine.

So, what has Dell delivered? An interest charge for this purchase on my Dell credit account, that's what! If you want to see more, do a Google search on 'late dell' . . .

Irrititating Advertising - Ancestry.com

I'm a long term subscriber to Ancestry.com. Advertising has begun to infiltrate our user pages, and it's darned irritating. I couldn't complain if the service were free, but it's not. Probably beating a dead horse, but it's REAL irritating . . . I've complained, but . . .

Hard Drive Failure - an Old Trick - New Success!

My daughters aging PC passed away a couple months ago, and I was unable to retrieve her precious store of family photographs and data, so I stuck the drive in the junk drawer.

My friend Howard (a seasoned IT professional) once told me to freeze the drive, and give access another try. So into my freezer it went for a couple hours yesterday. Sometimes a little tap with a small hammer will revive a drive too.

Low and behold the drive worked as a slave in my XP PC. and ran long enough to allow recovery of all Robins files. I always say a little prayer when dealing with a serious computer issue, and keep my fingers crossed too . . the technique sure worked this time. Hey, nothing ventured, nothing gained!

A Sign of the Times!

I usually drive at speeds slightly over the speed limit, and I think most do. I'm usually in the slow lane.

It is becoming increasingly dangerous driving as I do because of the increasing number of tailgaters. My response to tailgaters is to decrease my speed. I believe that slowing them down makes it safer for me because whatever happens as a result of their stupidity will happen at a lesser speed, plus slowing down may motivate them change lanes and go on their way.

Another phenomenon is that once the tailgater realizes I'm not putting up with their behavior, the closer they follow.  I have tried a test wherein I speed up, and low and behold they follow even closer yet.

What do you think, ay?       -    Bob

Dragonfly Farms Nursery and Heidi Kaster

I love to photograph flowers and Dragonflies, and stumbled into a unique place years ago. I don't often make recommendations, but here's one for you.

 

If you live within striking distance and haven't (or have) visited family owned Dragonfly Farms Nursery and owner Heidi Kaster, you're missing a real adventure. I have worked closely with these folks and know them well.
 

Near Hansville, with acres of mature plant and tree growth, Dragonfly Farms is a great place to take a walk, relax, and get ideas for your garden.
 

Fall is rapidly approaching, and Heidi is ready to support your planting needs. Here's the link to their web with nursery information and driving instructions.  Have fun - Bob       http://www.dragonflyfarmsnursery.com/

Hanna Stevens & Dad Dr. Don Stevens - Africa

Be sure to see the Stevens' blogs. Quite a story;

http://hannastevens.blogspot.com/
http://drdkenyanjourney.blogspot.com/

Canna - Dragonfly Farms Nursery