austinlauritsen.com

Mobile Madness

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 21:47:34 -0600

Mobile Madness

Recently, I’ve been on a mission to simplify lately and...

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:45:00 -0600

Recently, I’ve been on a mission to simplify lately and eliminate clutter. That being said, I deviated from that mission last week and purchased a copy of Continuum on vinyl after touring the nation’s oldest record pressing company; United Record Pressing. I love both the musical and sonic qualities of this record and have always thought this album would sound great on vinyl. I can say that it’s well worth the investment. This is definitely clutter worth holding onto!

"I want to put a ding in the universe."

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:39:59 -0600

“I want to put a ding in the universe.”

- Steve Jobs

"There’s no difference between a pessimist who says, “Oh, it’s hopeless, so..."

Sat, 14 Aug 2010 13:33:29 -0600

“There’s no difference between a pessimist who says, “Oh, it’s hopeless, so don’t bother doing anything,” and an optimist who says, “Don’t bother doing anything, it’s going to turn out fine anyway.” Either way nothing happens.”

- Yvon Chouinard - Founder of Patagonia

Video: The Odyssey:Part II: Jonathan Stockdell, Thomas Harding...

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 11:56:00 -0600

Video: The Odyssey:Part II: Jonathan Stockdell, Thomas Harding and Austin Lauritsen embark on an epic quest to find “Things That Go Boom”

Genius: Old Spice guy replies on twitter with hilarious personal...

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 11:01:42 -0600

Genius: Old Spice guy replies on twitter with hilarious personal videos. http://bit.ly/bYw70V

Creative: Single take music video “edited” with...

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 13:39:19 -0600

Creative: Single take music video “edited” with lighting.

Hilarious: Clueless Secretary vs. Graphic Designer

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 21:18:00 -0600

Hilarious: Clueless Secretary vs. Graphic Designer:

Once upon a time, a cat went missing and it’s owner asked the company graphic designer to drop everything and design a poster. Hilarity ensues!

"Vinnie Colaiuta. he spent years with frank zappa so now he can cruise through wierdly timed stuff..."

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 09:48:58 -0600

““Vinnie Colaiuta. he spent years with frank zappa so now he can cruise through wierdly timed stuff like he’s eating breakfast, and has chops like a half latin half black half bassist half drummer autistic caffeine addict.” - Unknown”

Oh so true!

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:02:01 -0600

Oh so true!

2000 iMac VS 2010 iPhone 4

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 14:26:36 -0600

It’s interesting how technology evolves:

2000
iMac
Operating System - Mac OS 9.0.4
Processor - 500 MHz PowerPC G3 CPU, 128MB Memory
Graphics - ATI Rage 128 Pro, 8MB of memory (8 million triangles)
Screen - 786K pixels
Data Transfer Speeds - 1.3-12.5 MB/s (DVD-ROM-1/100 Ethernet)
Storage - 30GB Hard Drive
Dimensions - 15.0 x 15.0 x 17.1 inches
Weight - 34.7 pounds

2010
iPhone 4
Operating System - iOS 4.0
Processor - 1 Ghz ARM A4 CPU, 512MB Memory
Graphics - PowerVR SGX 535, uses system memory (28 million triangles)
Screen - 614K pixels
Data Transfer Speeds - .04-20MB/s (3G-WiFi)
Storage - 32GB Flash Drive
Dimensions - 4.5 x 2.31 x .31 inches
Weight - 4.8 ounces

The second hilarious outgoing voicemail Deborah and I ran...

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 15:54:00 -0600

The second hilarious outgoing voicemail Deborah and I ran across today. This has to be the longest outgoing voicemail message ever made. What really makes it hilarious is the fact you can hear the woman pause and take a breath about halfway through.

The phone is a funny thing. I generally avoid talking on the...

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 15:46:00 -0600

The phone is a funny thing. I generally avoid talking on the phone with people other than loved ones, because it can so easily turn into a black hole for time. For an entertaining view on this please check out theoatmeal.com post “10 Reasons To Avoid Talking On The Phone.”

Today, my friend Deborah and I ran into two outgoing voicemail messages that were absolutely crazy.

We were looking around Craigslist for the off chance that we could find someone to clean the office. I don’t know what we expected when we called the number on the ad but the “*Small welding jobs that can be done on site or brought to us.” should have been a clue. Here is the ad.

Wanted Homes and Business to Clean

Date: 2010-04-19, 8:08AM CDT
Reply to: sale-3wfmk-1699141468@craigslist.org ^{[Errors when replying to ads?]}

Wanted homes and business to clean.

We are offering the following services to our coverage areas;
Deep & Regular Cleanings for;

Residential Commercial Real Estate
* New Homes * Office Building * Move In / Out
* Condos * Retail Stores * New Houses
* Apartments * Churches * New Apartments
* Complex * New Construction * Selling or Buying a Home

These includes Services such as,

* Bi-weekly
* Monthly
* Weekly
* Bi-Monthly
* One Time Cleaning
* and much More…

Please call us to schedule your next treat to your home. Call Today for the best services in the area. (615) 677-6434.
Elissa Stacey Cleaning Services.

Also offered are:
*Small welding jobs that can be done on site or brought to us.

iPhone 3GS Owner? Upgrade To iPhone 4 for $27.70

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 20:48:00 -0600

I hadn’t planned on upgrading to the iPhone 4 since I usually upgrade my phone every two years, but I did some digging with Adam Broman (Twitter:@siftedbit) and found an inexpensive way to upgrade my hardware. Today I sold my 32GB iPhone 3GS on Gazelle.com for a surprising $304, put the coupon code “SUNFUN5” on checkout for an extra 5%. Once you submit the sale to Gazelle, you have 30 days to send it to their center. In my case I will be sending in my 3GS well after I receive the iPhone 4. For those of you worried about Gazelle, they are a legit company. I have sold many items on this site with zero issues. They a trusted advertiser on the TWIT.TV network so you will be safe selling your electronics through them. I honestly think this is far more reliable than selling on eBay. Here is the breakdown of the numbers:

Purchase 32GB iPhone 4 retails for $299 + 10% sales tax) + $18 AT&T Activation=$346.90.
Sell 32 GB iPhone 3GS: $304 + 5% Coupon Code = $319.20

$346.90 - $319.20 = $27.70 Out Of Pocket

$27.70 is a pretty sweet deal to upgrade to current hardware. I understand that this implies signing up for another 2 years with AT&T but I don’t talk much on the phone and I rarely have issues with data on the AT&T network so I think it’s worth it. I expect the value of the 3GS to drop significantly in next week so I would sell soon on before Gazelle.com builds up their inventory.

UPDATE: To check your eligibility go to the phone app and dial *639# and hit the “Call” and you will get a message stating when and if you are eligible.

Steve Jobs is a master. His vision, clarity and passion about...

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 08:30:00 -0600

Steve Jobs is a master. His vision, clarity and passion about markets, industry and products is astounding. Definitely worth watching.

Goodbye GoDaddy. I Will Not Miss You

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 16:05:56 -0600

After watching the Indy 500 this weekend (with television coverage brought to me by GoDaddy.com) I have decided to move my 20+ domains to a new registrar. While I’ve always questioned their trashy advertising campaigns, it seems recently GoDaddy has has given up on actually explaining to viewers what they actually do. Come on guys! There was hardly anything in the ads related to the web, domain registration or hosting. I know it’s not the most exciting subject to talk about but get a little creative. Throw in 1000 upsale questions I have to click through during checkout, a few security issues while visiting your homepage, and available domains randomly showing up as unavailable after I search, makes for a receipe for leaving. Goodbye GoDaddy. I will not miss you.

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Skype Calls Over 3G Enabled On iPhone

Sat, 29 May 2010 15:36:37 -0600

Just a quick bit of news. Skype calls are now enabled over 3G over iPhone with the most recent update released today! The update is available now in the iTunes store so go get it!

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Apple World's Largest Tech Company

Thu, 27 May 2010 10:46:40 -0600

Yesterday, Apple’s market capitalization hit $222 billion, surpassing it’s rival company Microsoft, making it the world’s largest technology company. This is a hug milestone for the company that was on the edge of collapse 10 years ago. It’s very impressive if you think that Jobs has increased the company’s market cap $150 billion over the course of 12 years. Needless to say Apple is firing on all cylinders and shows now sign of slowing down. Hopefully this won’t go to their heads.

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Google To Add Tethering, Wifi Hotspot To Android 2.2 Froyo

Thu, 13 May 2010 08:50:17 -0600

via techcrunch.com

I believe Android is going to become a more advanced platform than the iPhone in the long run. The rate at which features are being added to this platform is staggering. TechCrunch is saying that Android 2.2 will have Tethering and Wifi Hotspot built in = nice.

Posted via web from austinlauritsen.com | Comment »

Rant: Comcast, I Can't Help But Laugh At You

Wed, 12 May 2010 10:54:03 -0600

Long story shortish, my HD cable had not worked for several days and so I figured it wasn’t going to fix itself and that I should contact Comcast support. It never ceases to amaze me just how much they don’t care about their user experience and customer service. The Comcast support site/chat is horrible for user experience and is downright frustrating to use, so typical of Comcast.

Example #1: UI Fail:

This form fails in three places. First, what’s the point of having a red asterisk indicating a field is required when every field is required? Second, there is no legend indicating what the asterisk actually means. Third, the “Short Description” field does designate what a “Short Description” actually is until you click submit and gives you a dialog indicating a “short response” is 256 characters, give me some feedback here. Fourth, there is no word wrap in the “Short Description” = dumb.

Example #2: Chat doesn’t work in Chrome: I started my support chat in Chrome but needless to say it just sat there broken. Yay for not supporting a standards based browser.

Example #3: UI Fail:

The fact that I have to scroll right to read the rest of that Jan said is dumb and shows a lack of caring about customer experience. Again, it’s called word wrap people! Use it!

Example #4: Save Fail:

The “Save Transcript” (bottom right corner behind the popup) and “Email” transcript features didn’t work, which leaves “Print”, “Copy”, and “Close” as an option. Why are there 5 options when there are only 3 that work?

Example #5: Support Fail: Below is the transcript of my support chat:

Austin(Thu May 06 2010 19:39:25 GMT-0500 (CST))>

My digital cable hasn’t worked in 3 days, but my internet access works fine

analyst Mario has entered room

Mario(Thu May 06 2010 19:39:28 GMT-0500 (CST))>

Hello Austin, Thank you for contacting Comcast Live Chat Support. My name is Mario. Please give me one moment to review your information.

Mario(Thu May 06 2010 19:39:32 GMT-0500 (CST))>

It’s a wonderful day here in Comcast. My name is Mario and I will be very happy to assist you today

Austin_(Thu May 06 2010 18:39:42 GMT-0500 (CST))>

Hello Mario

Mario(Thu May 06 2010 19:40:12 GMT-0500 (CST))>

Hello Austin, how are you today?

Austin_(Thu May 06 2010 18:40:35 GMT-0500 (CST))>

i’m doing great, thanks

Mario(Thu May 06 2010 19:40:54 GMT-0500 (CST))>

Nice to hear that

Mario(Thu May 06 2010 19:41:13 GMT-0500 (CST))>
I see that have issues with your DVR? Austin_(Thu May 06 2010 18:42:08 GMT-0500 (CST))>
No, I do not have a DVR, I have a regular HD cable box

Mario(Thu May 06 2010 19:42:27 GMT-0500 (CST))>
Sorry for that Austin_(Thu May 06 2010 18:42:36 GMT-0500 (CST))>
it says “this channel should be available shortly on all channels and has been that way for 3 days

Austin_(Thu May 06 2010 18:42:56 GMT-0500 (CST))>
and the channel guides have not updated either Mario(Thu May 06 2010 19:43:10 GMT-0500 (CST))>
It is unfortunate that you have had this inconvenience. We trust you will experience no further difficulties with our service.

Mario(Thu May 06 2010 19:43:16 GMT-0500 (CST))>
To get us started, may I have the account number, account name and telephone number attached to the account Austin_(Thu May 06 2010 18:43:45 GMT-0500 (CST))>
Account Number: #############

Austin_(Thu May 06 2010 18:43:56 GMT-0500 (CST))>

Phone : ###########

Mario(Thu May 06 2010 19:45:00 GMT-0500 (CST))>
Alright, please give a minute or two to pull up the account Austin_(Thu May 06 2010 18:45:08 GMT-0500 (CST))>
sure

Mario(Thu May 06 2010 19:50:01 GMT-0500 (CST))>
Austin, may I ask Mario(Thu May 06 2010 19:50:29 GMT-0500 (CST))>
The box that you have, is it COMCAST equiptment?

Austin_(Thu May 06 2010 18:50:36 GMT-0500 (CST))>
yes, it is

Mario(Thu May 06 2010 19:53:07 GMT-0500 (CST))>

Austin may i ask if you are at home?

Austin_(Thu May 06 2010 18:54:13 GMT-0500 (CST))>

yes, i am at home

Mario(Thu May 06 2010 19:54:23 GMT-0500 (CST))>

Okay

Mario(Thu May 06 2010 19:55:29 GMT-0500 (CST))>

Can you please pull out the cable from the power outlet and plug it back after 30 seconds

Mario(Thu May 06 2010 19:55:52 GMT-0500 (CST))>

Please tell me what happens after that

Austin_(Thu May 06 2010 18:56:26 GMT-0500 (CST))>

sure…standby

Austin_(Thu May 06 2010 18:58:43 GMT-0500 (CST))>

the cable box boots up, (a few things flash on the screen on the front of the box), then the guide shows up on my TV and no video comes through

Mario(Thu May 06 2010 20:02:21 GMT-0500 (CST))>

Yes Austin

Mario(Thu May 06 2010 20:03:03 GMT-0500 (CST))>

I would say that the box you are seeing is a modem box for your internet, right?

Austin_(Thu May 06 2010 19:03:59 GMT-0500 (CST))>

No, this is my cable box, my cable modem is in a completely different room

Mario(Thu May 06 2010 20:05:26 GMT-0500 (CST))>

I understand

Mario(Thu May 06 2010 20:05:44 GMT-0500 (CST))>

May I have the SN of the box please

Austin_(Thu May 06 2010 19:08:31 GMT-0500 (CST))>

there are 6 barcodes/ numbers…none of which have s/n in front of a number. how many digits am I looking for. what might this look like?

Austin_(Thu May 06 2010 19:09:52 GMT-0500 (CST))>

here is the motorola # 1257210087

Austin_(Thu May 06 2010 19:10:18 GMT-0500 (CST))>

I have a GI1345TC3337

Austin_(Thu May 06 2010 19:10:51 GMT-0500 (CST))>

GI1345TC3337 seems to be on it in multiple places

Mario(Thu May 06 2010 20:11:03 GMT-0500 (CST))>

Okay thank you

Mario(Thu May 06 2010 20:14:10 GMT-0500 (CST))>

Austin, thank you for your patience

Mario(Thu May 06 2010 20:14:15 GMT-0500 (CST))>

• I have successfully sent a signal to your receiver box and within 30-45 minutes, your box will be working again.

Mario(Thu May 06 2010 20:14:34 GMT-0500 (CST))>

Just make sure it is ON

Mario(Thu May 06 2010 20:14:54 GMT-0500 (CST))>

The signal will refreshen your box

Mario(Thu May 06 2010 20:15:24 GMT-0500 (CST))>

That is it will take out all the system glitches

Austin_(Thu May 06 2010 19:16:42 GMT-0500 (CST))>

just a second here…i’m making sure everything is plugged in and on

Mario(Thu May 06 2010 20:17:05 GMT-0500 (CST))>

No problem Austin

Austin_(Thu May 06 2010 19:17:58 GMT-0500 (CST))>

interesting, i plug in the power and nothing happens

Mario(Thu May 06 2010 20:19:06 GMT-0500 (CST))>

I understand Austin

Mario(Thu May 06 2010 20:19:35 GMT-0500 (CST))>

However the upload takes 30 to 45 minutes to take effect

Austin_(Thu May 06 2010 19:20:22 GMT-0500 (CST))>

right, but there is now indication that it is powered on at all..no lights, etc is this how it should look?

Mario(Thu May 06 2010 20:21:51 GMT-0500 (CST))>

I see

Mario(Thu May 06 2010 20:23:20 GMT-0500 (CST))>

it is good that you are able to accurately state to us the condition as happens

Mario(Thu May 06 2010 20:23:48 GMT-0500 (CST))>

i suggest we go one step further Austin

Mario(Thu May 06 2010 20:23:58 GMT-0500 (CST))>

Okay with you?

Austin_(Thu May 06 2010 19:24:10 GMT-0500 (CST))>

absolutely

Mario(Thu May 06 2010 20:25:09 GMT-0500 (CST))>

I will be transfering your issue to our ACTIVATION dept because the system is not allowing us to power cycle your box

Mario(Thu May 06 2010 20:25:36 GMT-0500 (CST))>

Please wait for the transfer Austin

Austin_(Thu May 06 2010 19:25:51 GMT-0500 (CST))>

alright

analyst Dianne.27768 has entered room

Mario(Thu May 06 2010 20:29:08 GMT-0500 (CST))>

Please wait, while the problem is escalated to another analyst

Dianne.27768(Thu May 06 2010 20:29:16 GMT-0500 (CST))>

Hi. I am here to give you the best customer service. How may I help you today?

analyst Mario has left room

Dianne.27768(Thu May 06 2010 20:29:52 GMT-0500 (CST))>

Hello Austin. How are you doing?

Austin_(Thu May 06 2010 19:30:05 GMT-0500 (CST))>

i’m doing just fine

Austin_(Thu May 06 2010 19:30:08 GMT-0500 (CST))>

thanks

Dianne.27768(Thu May 06 2010 20:30:16 GMT-0500 (CST))>

Nice to hear that.

Dianne.27768(Thu May 06 2010 20:30:48 GMT-0500 (CST))>

I can see that you have already verified your information with the previous representative, let me now help you further.

Dianne.27768(Thu May 06 2010 20:31:04 GMT-0500 (CST))>

I understand that you wanted to activate your digital device. I will be more than happy to assist you with the activation process.

Dianne.27768(Thu May 06 2010 20:31:06 GMT-0500 (CST))>

May I have the serial number of the device? It may be written on a white sticker located at the back or underneath the equipment. It will also appear in the middle portion of your welcome letter.

Austin_(Thu May 06 2010 19:31:36 GMT-0500 (CST))>

GI1345TC3337

Dianne.27768(Thu May 06 2010 20:31:45 GMT-0500 (CST))>

Thank you for that information.

Dianne.27768(Thu May 06 2010 20:32:09 GMT-0500 (CST))>

Was the digital device delivered to you by UPS or did you pick it up at the local office?

Austin_(Thu May 06 2010 19:32:59 GMT-0500 (CST))>

the previous representative send a request to reboot my cable box, i plugged it back in and it’s completely dead, no lights on in the front, nothing

Austin_(Thu May 06 2010 19:33:06 GMT-0500 (CST))>

i’ve had this device for 3 years

Dianne.27768(Thu May 06 2010 20:33:40 GMT-0500 (CST))>

Can you please press “cable” then “power” buttons on your Comcast remote to turn it on?

Dianne.27768(Thu May 06 2010 20:34:46 GMT-0500 (CST))>

It is important for me to know if you are still online. Did you receive my last message?

Austin_(Thu May 06 2010 19:35:08 GMT-0500 (CST))>

sure, i can do that

Dianne.27768(Thu May 06 2010 20:35:40 GMT-0500 (CST))>

Thank you.

Austin_(Thu May 06 2010 19:35:53 GMT-0500 (CST))>

nothing happens

Austin_(Thu May 06 2010 19:36:01 GMT-0500 (CST))>

the box does not turn on

Dianne.27768(Thu May 06 2010 20:36:41 GMT-0500 (CST))>

Please check also the connections at that back of the digital receiver and TV. They should be finger tightened.

Austin_(Thu May 06 2010 19:37:49 GMT-0500 (CST))>

everything is finger tight and hooked up as it was for the past few years

Dianne.27768(Thu May 06 2010 20:38:54 GMT-0500 (CST))>

By the way, do you happen to have other equipment (VCR,DVD,etc.) connected in between the digital receiver and your television?

Austin_(Thu May 06 2010 19:39:42 GMT-0500 (CST))>

the cable box is plugged directly into my TV

Dianne.27768(Thu May 06 2010 20:40:39 GMT-0500 (CST))>

That is good to know.

Dianne.27768(Thu May 06 2010 20:41:15 GMT-0500 (CST))>

Could you please unplug the digital receiver from the electrical wall outlet?

Dianne.27768(Thu May 06 2010 20:41:19 GMT-0500 (CST))>

Please wait 30 seconds then plug it back in.

Austin_(Thu May 06 2010 19:41:37 GMT-0500 (CST))>

sure

Dianne.27768(Thu May 06 2010 20:41:52 GMT-0500 (CST))>

Thank you.

Austin_(Thu May 06 2010 19:43:08 GMT-0500 (CST))>

nothing happens when i plug it back in, no lights on the front, etc

Dianne.27768(Thu May 06 2010 20:43:38 GMT-0500 (CST))>

I see. I apologize for the inconvenience, Austin.

Dianne.27768(Thu May 06 2010 20:44:08 GMT-0500 (CST))>

At this point, I suggest that you contact our Helpdesk at 1-888-270-6445 for further assistance.

Dianne.27768(Thu May 06 2010 20:44:36 GMT-0500 (CST))>

Or, you also have the option to swap that digital receiver for a new one from your nearest local office.

Austin_(Thu May 06 2010 19:44:53 GMT-0500 (CST))>

i think i want to swap out my receiver for a new one

Austin_(Thu May 06 2010 19:45:44 GMT-0500 (CST))>

Isn’t this the help desk? This is comcast support, correct?

Dianne.27768(Thu May 06 2010 20:46:37 GMT-0500 (CST))>

I do apologize for any inconvenience this situation may cause you but our Helpdesk can only be reached via phone. What I can do to help is to properly document your account about this issue of your digital device for proper communication with the Helpdesk when you contact them.

Austin_(Thu May 06 2010 19:47:15 GMT-0500 (CST))>

please do that, that would be great, thanks

Simply amazing…

Posted via web from austinlauritsen.com | Comment »

austinlauritsen.com

Mobile Madness

Recently, I’ve been on a mission to simplify lately and...

"I want to put a ding in the universe."

"There’s no difference between a pessimist who says, “Oh, it’s hopeless, so..."

Video: The Odyssey:Part II: Jonathan Stockdell, Thomas Harding...

Genius: Old Spice guy replies on twitter with hilarious personal...

Creative: Single take music video “edited” with...

Hilarious: Clueless Secretary vs. Graphic Designer

"Vinnie Colaiuta. he spent years with frank zappa so now he can﻿ cruise through wierdly timed stuff..."

Oh so true!

2000 iMac VS 2010 iPhone 4

The second hilarious outgoing voicemail Deborah and I ran...

The phone is a funny thing. I generally avoid talking on the...

Wanted Homes and Business to Clean

iPhone 3GS Owner? Upgrade To iPhone 4 for $27.70

Steve Jobs is a master. His vision, clarity and passion about...

Goodbye GoDaddy. I Will Not Miss You

Skype Calls Over 3G Enabled On iPhone

Apple World's Largest Tech Company

Google To Add Tethering, Wifi Hotspot To Android 2.2 Froyo

Rant: Comcast, I Can't Help But Laugh At You

"Vinnie Colaiuta. he spent years with frank zappa so now he can cruise through wierdly timed stuff..."