In Life, Software on
18 March 2010 tagged diary, journal, TiddlyWiki with 2 comments
In 2007, between the months of April and December, I kept a private journal on my computer. I don’t know why I stopped.
I want to start writing in my journal again, so I’ll try again with a fresh TiddlyWiki. For a customized look, I installed the K2Blog theme from TiddlyThemes.
Sadly, TiddlyWiki doesn’t seem to be popular, so I don’t know of a site with newer themes. Don’t ask.
Do any of you keep a private journal? Online or offline? What program or service?
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In Business, DSL, Money on
11 March 2010 tagged AT&T, DSL, Internet, Service with 6 comments
I read my AT&T bill for the February 2010 and got freaked out:
PRICE CHANGE NOTICE
Attention AT&T High Speed Internet Members: Starting with your March 2010 bill, the monthly rate for your AT&T High Speed Internet Express, Pro or Elite plan will increase $3 (or $3.01) per month. For details and rate information for your specific plan, please go to http://support.att.com/dslupdate or call 1.866.417.6819.
(My emphasis added in bold.)
I have the Pro service for $30/month. So, twelve months from when it starts increasing, it’ll be $66?!
The text is unbelievable. Someone please clarify.
Related: FCC Commissioner Calls For Examination Of Broadband Price Hikes (MediaPost, March 10, 2010)
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In Gear, Photography on
10 March 2010 tagged Copper Hill Images, Photographic Solutions, QuikStrips, Sensor Swabs, SensorSwipe with 2 comments
After receiving no response from Photographic Solutions, Inc via email for a simple question after 2 business days — and realizing that $2.92/swab is really expensive — I ordered Copper Hill QuikStrips.
I choked it by overlooking that a single order of QuikStrips doesn’t include a SensorSwipe. You can only get that with one of the packages and I don’t need Eclipse solution. I emailed Copper Hill Images and Nicholas included it for $10 extra. That was a close one!
A 100-pack of QuikStrips is $8.95 with free shipping. I won’t have to buy a SensorSwipe, so aside from the sensor cleaning solution, that’s $0.09/pad.
Suggestion: I think they should sell the SensorSwipe by itself (or bundled with QuikStrips) for those who are in my position.
Lastly, the shipment from Virginia arrived here in California in two days with USPS Priority Mail. Very cool. I don’t think UPS Ground would’ve been as fast. (Copper Hill Images – Shipping information)
I’ll happily clean my sensor tomorrow. (I guess that means there will be part two: reviewing QuikStrips from Copper Hill Images.)
P.S. Before you ask, I’ve taken my camera to Canon in Irvine to get cleaned. No thanks, I’ll do it myself.
Update 2010-03-19 — This morning, I finally got a reply via email from Photographic Solutions 11 business days later. Horrible.
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In Business, Car, Life on
4 March 2010 tagged car alarm, maintenance, Toyota Corolla with no comments
About two weeks ago, after my oxygen sensors and spark plugs were replaced, I got my transmission fluid flushed for $130. I’ve definitely noticed an increase in gas mileage. Huzzah!
The last problem with my car: the door ajar light.
I asked the person who installed my aftermarket car alarm to look at it, but he basically ignored me — for several years.
I drove more often a few years ago, so my battery probably didn’t get drained like it did recently because it was always getting charged while driving around.
After getting my third battery (DieHard Gold) had to be replaced within three months of buying it, I was fed up.
Two days ago, I took my car to a local shop (Pro Tint) in Temple City. Their diagnostic service was $25. After waiting three hours, I was told the alarm “brain” circuitry was causing the problem. I was charged $10 more since the removal service was $35. He handed me the “brain” and I went on my way.
I hope that’s the last of my car issues.
Lessons learned:
- When you get a new/used car, find the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and stick to it. (For my 2003 Toyota Corolla S, I should replace the engine oil/filter every 5,000-7,000 miles and automatic transmission fluid flushed every 30,000 miles.)
- If you think you’ll need immediate support with a product or service, choose a company/person who dedicates their time for that.
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In Cell Phone, Life on
3 March 2010 tagged LG Dare with 1 comment
This morning, I accidentally dropped my LG Dare cell phone from about five feet high. It seemed to work fine.
Later that afternoon, I tried to take a photo. “Camera start error.” What?!
Fortunately, a search at HowardForums brought me to this thread. Applying pressure around the lens area fixed the problem. (I didn’t hear any snaps or pops, but I’ll take it.)
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