Well, Garmin has renewed my faith in customer service. Or... something.
Over the weekend I bought a Garmin 60Cx. I needed something that would be rugged, reliable, and have the ability to show topographic maps. I originally had purchased the Magellan 500LE from Walmart. I wasn't really regretting that purchase, either. But, when I discovered that Garmin's Topo maps show actual trails and have far more coverage of dirt roads, it was pretty clear that I would return the Magellan.
I'm not regretting that decision either. The Garmin unit is superior in almost every way. Most noticeably, it runs so much faster than the Magellan offering. Then again, for an extra $125, it should. I won't bother really comparing the features, nor will I review either of them. Let's just say that the Garmin does everything I hoped it would.
The whole experience wasn't without hitch, though. I had previously gotten a copy of Garmin City Select NT v7 for my Garmin c320. (Also an excellent GPS, although without a SiRF Star III chipset.) City Select allows you to use the software with two GPS receivers. Since I had only used it on one, I was grateful to be able to use it for the new 60Cx. Didn't quite work out that way, though.
Apparently, the unit I bought from Cabela's was a return item. I know this because, well, they said as much when I got it at a reduced price. What I didn't know was that whoever returned it put a different 60Cx back in the box that didn't come with it. Long story short? I requested the unlock key for my City Select maps based on the serial # on the box instead of the unit's actual serial number. So, that used up my last unlock. When I found out what had happened, I was furious.
So, I sent an email to Garmin support. I have to admit that I really didn't expect them to do anything for me. They're very verbose when they talk about how they won't help you if you put in the wrong serial # when getting your license key. I thought I was totally marfed. While I've been totally and completely satisfied with Garmin's hardware, the fact that they wouldn't help me really rubbed me raw.
So, imagine my surprise when I had an email from Garmin in my Inbox today telling me that the GPS units must have been switched at the retailer, along with a new unlock key for City Select for my 60Cx. I was, honestly, floored. Garmin customer service comes through. Needless to say that Garmin has pretty much ensured a life customer. Having owned both Garmin and Magellan systems, Garmin has always come out the winner. A buddy of mine who's a pilot will wholeheartedly agree with that statement.
I will rant on this one thing, though. How stupid is it that GPS manufacturers don't include REAL maps with their handheld GPS receivers? The basemaps they include are a joke. When you buy an automotive GPS, you get a full set of maps with it. And many auto systems are half the price of these handhelds. To pay twice as much, then have to pay to buy the same maps you get for free with an automotive system is, well, STOOOOOOPIIIIIIIIIIIID! That's all I have to say about that.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Monday, September 10, 2007
I've really gotta cut back...
These 50 word stories are getting a little out of hand. It's like a mini addiction. And I don't even fancy myself a writer! Still, they're awfully fun, and a great challenge. So, here's some more for you.
"First Kiss"
The first cars were beginning to arrive. His body ached as his lips drew from hers. As his eyes opened, he beheld his angel in her scarlet prom gown. Beautiful as it was, It was white only moments before. It was their first kiss, but only he would remember it.
"Distance"
He could hear the children playing in the backyard. His wife smiled sweetly in the kitchen. He could feel her love. As the crimson stain spread over his chest, he wondered what theyd tell her. Probably just another "training accident." Funny thing was, they weren't even supposed to be here.
"Secret Code"
Jack's eyes were bloodshot. He could hardly keep them open, but he knew he had to finish. He'd been trying to see, trying to find the problem for hours. Suddenly it dawned on him. How could something so small cause so many problems? Finally. It was ready for beta.
"Aftershock"
The chandelier crystals were still tinkling as it swung. On the street below, car alarms wailed. In the distance, he could hear the first sirens. He sat up, sweating, and looked around. Broken glass littered the floor. The woman beside him smiled. She said she'd rock his world, but damn.
"Cancer"
"It's cancer," she stated sterilely. My mind went blank. You always think you've got things figured out. You think you're going to know what to do, what to say. Fear gripped my heart. I had to say something. I faltered another moment, then, looking at her, said "Scorpio."
"First Kiss"
The first cars were beginning to arrive. His body ached as his lips drew from hers. As his eyes opened, he beheld his angel in her scarlet prom gown. Beautiful as it was, It was white only moments before. It was their first kiss, but only he would remember it.
"Distance"
He could hear the children playing in the backyard. His wife smiled sweetly in the kitchen. He could feel her love. As the crimson stain spread over his chest, he wondered what theyd tell her. Probably just another "training accident." Funny thing was, they weren't even supposed to be here.
"Secret Code"
Jack's eyes were bloodshot. He could hardly keep them open, but he knew he had to finish. He'd been trying to see, trying to find the problem for hours. Suddenly it dawned on him. How could something so small cause so many problems? Finally. It was ready for beta.
"Aftershock"
The chandelier crystals were still tinkling as it swung. On the street below, car alarms wailed. In the distance, he could hear the first sirens. He sat up, sweating, and looked around. Broken glass littered the floor. The woman beside him smiled. She said she'd rock his world, but damn.
"Cancer"
"It's cancer," she stated sterilely. My mind went blank. You always think you've got things figured out. You think you're going to know what to do, what to say. Fear gripped my heart. I had to say something. I faltered another moment, then, looking at her, said "Scorpio."
Want to help buy a goat?
If you haven't checked out kiva.org, then I suppose it's time you had.
What is it? It's a place where your small contributions can make a huge difference.
I should elaborate. I'm not really into the whole "charity" thing. Not having charity, but just giving people money doesn't appeal to me that much. There are exceptions. I just don't like the idea of my money going to buy something like alcohol, drugs, etc. No, not everybody does that with donations. But it does happen. I've seen it happen many, many times in the area I grew up.
What I do like is someone who is willing to work. Some people are quite willing to work hard, but just need an extra boost. That's where Kiva comes in.
Kiva is a "microloan" collection center. I don't really know if that's the right thing to call it. But a person such as you or me can go and give these microloans to people who are trying to better their circumstances (or even survive in some cases.) These are people looking for small loans to start or expand business. And some of the loans are quite small. I've seen some in the $200 range. It may not seem like much to most of the world, but to these people it can be a Godsend.
Now, you don't have to loan $200 to participate. You can loan as little as $25, which will be aggregated with other people doing the same thing, to raise money for the people seeking the loan. (The loans are all handled through outside partners.) The site provides pictures of the people requesting loans (usually within their business environment) and a small description of what the loan is for, repayment terms, etc. The beauty of the system is how much good can be contributed with such small amounts. Plus, the money you "spend" almost always gets fully replaced as the person pays off their loans. You can then put the money back in your pocketbook, knowing that you've helped make the world a better place, or you can put it back into the system by giving out another loan.
Kiva, of course, is a non-profit organization. They really seem to be making a difference, too. Now you can make a difference, too. And you can do it knowing that you're just not throwing money at some nameless, faceless entity & wondering if your money really is going to help someone, or just lining someone's pocket. Go take a look - see what you think. You haven't got anything to lose, and you may have much to contribute.
What is it? It's a place where your small contributions can make a huge difference.
I should elaborate. I'm not really into the whole "charity" thing. Not having charity, but just giving people money doesn't appeal to me that much. There are exceptions. I just don't like the idea of my money going to buy something like alcohol, drugs, etc. No, not everybody does that with donations. But it does happen. I've seen it happen many, many times in the area I grew up.
What I do like is someone who is willing to work. Some people are quite willing to work hard, but just need an extra boost. That's where Kiva comes in.
Kiva is a "microloan" collection center. I don't really know if that's the right thing to call it. But a person such as you or me can go and give these microloans to people who are trying to better their circumstances (or even survive in some cases.) These are people looking for small loans to start or expand business. And some of the loans are quite small. I've seen some in the $200 range. It may not seem like much to most of the world, but to these people it can be a Godsend.
Now, you don't have to loan $200 to participate. You can loan as little as $25, which will be aggregated with other people doing the same thing, to raise money for the people seeking the loan. (The loans are all handled through outside partners.) The site provides pictures of the people requesting loans (usually within their business environment) and a small description of what the loan is for, repayment terms, etc. The beauty of the system is how much good can be contributed with such small amounts. Plus, the money you "spend" almost always gets fully replaced as the person pays off their loans. You can then put the money back in your pocketbook, knowing that you've helped make the world a better place, or you can put it back into the system by giving out another loan.
Kiva, of course, is a non-profit organization. They really seem to be making a difference, too. Now you can make a difference, too. And you can do it knowing that you're just not throwing money at some nameless, faceless entity & wondering if your money really is going to help someone, or just lining someone's pocket. Go take a look - see what you think. You haven't got anything to lose, and you may have much to contribute.
Animated Response to Miss South Carolina 2007's Map Answer
I'm sure by now, everyone in the world and the such as has seen Miss Souf Karolynuh's speech.
This video just takes it to a whole new level, though. Like, such as.
Me too, me too!
I ran into a message thread where people were writing "Fifty Word Flash Fiction." Basically, the idea was to tell a story in exactly 50 words - no more, no less. Thinking it sounded like fun, I finally decided to participate. Here's a couple of what'll be my submissions:
"Rain"
He held a magazine over his head, the only shelter from the driving rain. As he hurried on, he struggled to remember what it was his mother had told him - then it hit him. As the darkness began to engulf him, he remembered: "look both ways before crossing the street."
"The Day"
Tears welled up in her deep blue eyes - she knew this time would come. Her voice trembled with emotion. "Always and forever." She stifled a sob and tore her eyes away from his perfect face, looking down. Her hands shook. The ring fit perfectly. She had never been so happy.
"Awakenings"
My shrill scream sunders the night. I'm cold, wet. What's happened to me? The peace and serenity - the warmth I once felt is ripped from me as I'm plunged into searing white light. I open my eyes on a new world and see my mother for the very first time.
"Detective"
The night was cold and dark. The glow of the cigarette cast eerie shadows across Detective Jablonski's face, a stolid statue against the twinkling city lights. Suddenly, his world was torn apart. The very universe seemed to rend and crumble. It was all too cliched, even for this struggling writer.
"Decisions"
Sweat poured down Ray's face. The leathery, cracked, toothless face looked at him expectantly - all business. "Well?" His breath was hot and dank. Ray knew he had to make a decision. His fist clenched tighter. He slammed his hand down on the counter, releasing the change within. "Cherry Slurpee, please!"
"Rain"
He held a magazine over his head, the only shelter from the driving rain. As he hurried on, he struggled to remember what it was his mother had told him - then it hit him. As the darkness began to engulf him, he remembered: "look both ways before crossing the street."
"The Day"
Tears welled up in her deep blue eyes - she knew this time would come. Her voice trembled with emotion. "Always and forever." She stifled a sob and tore her eyes away from his perfect face, looking down. Her hands shook. The ring fit perfectly. She had never been so happy.
"Awakenings"
My shrill scream sunders the night. I'm cold, wet. What's happened to me? The peace and serenity - the warmth I once felt is ripped from me as I'm plunged into searing white light. I open my eyes on a new world and see my mother for the very first time.
"Detective"
The night was cold and dark. The glow of the cigarette cast eerie shadows across Detective Jablonski's face, a stolid statue against the twinkling city lights. Suddenly, his world was torn apart. The very universe seemed to rend and crumble. It was all too cliched, even for this struggling writer.
"Decisions"
Sweat poured down Ray's face. The leathery, cracked, toothless face looked at him expectantly - all business. "Well?" His breath was hot and dank. Ray knew he had to make a decision. His fist clenched tighter. He slammed his hand down on the counter, releasing the change within. "Cherry Slurpee, please!"
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Bahahahaha
This might explain why I'm so screwed up.
(This is my last.fm listings that I just viewed...)
(This is my last.fm listings that I just viewed...)
Monday, September 3, 2007
Impressive.
Somehow, this site has slipped in under my radar, and I'm only now hearing about it.
http://www.picnik.com/
That's some darn fine web-based photo editing they've got going on there.
http://www.picnik.com/
That's some darn fine web-based photo editing they've got going on there.
Happy Labor Day
If you took the day off, that is. If not, well then it sucks to be you.
It's actually ironic that today is a holiday for "the working man," yet most people in "working man" jobs still have to work. The line cook at Burger King probably isn't at home throwing another steak on the BBQ.
If you eat out today, you might consider tipping a little extra. And for the love of all that's holy, show some respect to your local law enforcement. They're out there protecting your dumb ass (even from yourself) every hour, of every day, of every year.
It's actually ironic that today is a holiday for "the working man," yet most people in "working man" jobs still have to work. The line cook at Burger King probably isn't at home throwing another steak on the BBQ.
If you eat out today, you might consider tipping a little extra. And for the love of all that's holy, show some respect to your local law enforcement. They're out there protecting your dumb ass (even from yourself) every hour, of every day, of every year.
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