Some Joy... Resignation Mostly

[DDT (12)]

                                     Some Joy… Resignation Mostly

I simply was not going to return to the store in Great Falls that I’d visited the afternoon before, even though it was just down the street a couple of blocks from the motel I’d stayed in the previous evening. I’m not at all sure I could have controlled myself if that same techy guy with the dismissive smirk on his face were to have offered to ‘help’ again. OK, and my overall confidence in that body of employees was rather low, too, owing to my recent experience. Since I was going through Missoula anyway, I decided I’d just wait and drop by one there…

Really nice ride! There was a slight chance of sprinkles in the area forecast, but none ever found ALI and me. It was cloudy all day, however, but that only added to the pleasantness of the experience. I did see a few showers way off in the distance, but nothing ever threatened to force me to suit-up for the first time on this trip.

With each passing mile, the road became a little curvier, the ups and downs became a little more pronounced, and the mountains that had been off in the distance grew ever closer until at last they surrounded us… WOW! If Heaven is even half as nice as they told us in Sunday School that it is, it absolutely has to look a lot like this!!!

It was cool but not at all cold (only one sweatshirt, no chaps). That was partly due to the late start we’d gotten because there was just no hurry at all this day… Just under two-hundred miles in total would be ridden.

I was focused almost exclusively on getting myself reconnected with the world and regaining an umbilical cord to all of my friends and family. E-mails and message boards can do just so much… And, who even uses snail-mail these days? Not that I have the addresses for any of that anyhow!

I’d endured yet another phone session with yet another tech rep on the phone the evening before. She explained to me that Apple and iTunes hardware, firmware, and software are all intermingled and intertwined, and that Apple had used some of iTunes’ stuff for its own operating systems, etc., back in the day, and they’re still all interlinked. Hmmm, that would explain why I needed the sign-in info for something I didn’t even know I was linked to… Had I known that, I would have paid far more attention when I bought the danged thing.

I’d had to use the phone in the motel room to place that call… WOW! First time I’ve done that in a while! Anyway, this really nice young gal seemed to know her business, and she guided me through this step, then that. It was looking so promising at one point, I actually found myself having hope! Not to be, unfortunately… No joy in Great Falls for this boy this night. With that I’d given up for sure…

The great ride down to Missoula had included a stop in Lincoln, MT, around mid-day for my first meal of the day. About a decade ago, I’d stopped at the same place I visited this day, also for breakfast. Afterward, I’d walked out for a smoke and spotted a sign at a bar a few doors up: “Elk Bugling Contest Today at 1:30pm.” I figured I’d just get a room next door and go see what that was all about.

This time I had no expectation of any such thing, but… you never know. I walked in and this really cute youngish gal said rather loudly, “Howdy!” Howdy back at you… “You want lunch or breakfast?” You still offering breakfast? “Yep, I’m from Tennessee, so breakfast can be anytime food… Only, we don’t serve sticky stuff this late… pancakes, waffles, French toast, and the like.” Gravy count as sticky stuff? “Nope, we still have that…” Let’s talk some bid-nis then!

She is from Knoxville, so naturally I told her about all my buds there and in Clinton, TN. She was a real treat, too. Chatty until my food was served, then she went about other chores… singing all the while. ‘Rocky Top’ was her first offering, and right then I knew this was going to be a pleasant stop! It truly was…

I arrived in Missoula and stopped to top off. As if right on que, a young guy who looked to be a tech-savvy sort came by emptying trash cans… I inquired about the location of the nearest Verizon store… “Just over the next overpass going straight down this road… you’ll see it on the left.” I thanked him and went in search. Found it right off, too, right where he’d said it would be! That’s something, at least…

I went in and ‘registered’. After a short while, a bubbly young gal came up to me and offered to help. I explained my situation, then told her I’d resigned myself to just buying a new phone… and, I didn’t want an Apple! She then took me over to the display, after satisfying herself that gaining access to my old phone was impossible… Yes, it appears that I do indeed have a brick now!

In explaining the ins and outs of various products, I learned that they all have in common similar security features, and that if I didn’t do a good job of keeping track of passcodes and usernames, I’d be in the same boat with any device. Do what?!!! You mean…? Yep… it ain’t over by a long shot, big boy!

What’s more, all the other devices have somewhat different set-ups and operating procedures… Oh goody! I not only get to start over from scratch with a new phone, I get to learn a whole new way of doing stuff!

Not if you get another Apple, she patiently explained… the new phones work just like your brick did… Can you believe it? I actually bought another Apple! Just shows to go ya, I reckon…

She then informed me it’s all really very simple… Stop right there, I said… I was in a mood to deliver a lecture, because young’uns have been patronizing us old guys entirely too long, and I ain’t taking it anymore!!!

I said, I realize this is all very simple for you… But, by now you’ve been through half a dozen cell phones, iPhones, Androids, and a couple of iPads, iPods, notepads, and two or three computers, and you’ve been fooling with this hi-tech gadgetry stuff since you were a small child… Like, you’ve been acclimated to such devices nearly your entire life!

When I was your age I was beginning my own telephone career but in another epoch… I actually installed black rotary dial phones on party lines, and hooked them up to open wire strung on cross arms. I didn’t start getting introduced to his sort of stuff until much later in life. Like, you’ve had a rather significant head start on guys my age! But that’s just part of it…

Technology is just a tool, my dear brilliant child, it is not the end game! I steadfastly refuse to spend much of whatever intellectual capital and time I have remaining on mastering the tools available and never getting around to the actual tasks I have in mind…

I am committed to keeping my eye upon the doughnut and not upon the hole… A sign at a Black & Decker plant once soberly reminded employees, “Customers don’t want drills… Customers want holes.” Can’t you see the distinctions?

My focus is on, and my interests are in, things other than phones and gadgets… I don’t intend to spend a significant amount of time learning and keeping up with doo-dads and their latest trends and updates… I have other, far more important fish to fry!

Well, that was the lecture I wanted to deliver… but I didn’t. Nope, I just listened, punched in this, pointed and clicked that, signed here, smiled… and left with another receipt in my pocket and a brand new phone… an Apple at that!

This time, at least, I had my security information written down, and I plan to place copies of it in several locations where it can be found. Hmmm, perhaps I’ll even draw a treasure map indicating where that info is stashed… Maybe another map to show me how to find the first one…

The major downside to this experience is that I lost all of my information recorded in my old brick. My directory is gone, lost but at least it’s really secure on some microchip somewhere in the bowels of the brick… along with all my pictures, text messages, yadda, yadda.

If there is a silver lining, at least anyone whose phone number I once had, I no longer have… They can choose for themselves whether or not to give it to me again… A call would be best (I still have the same number), that way I can save it.

I remounted ALI, and a strange sight appeared in the store window in front of us when she fired up… Her spotlights were working again. Was that a good omen letting us know that all was well again? For sure it means the reason they were out for the better part of two days was not a blown fuse… a latent, developing wiring issue perhaps?

We headed out of town… Missoula is a nice enough city, but it is still a city. I’ve stayed there a few times over the years, but it was always just a place to bunk-in for an evening or two, then move on. No ‘magic’ at all for this believer in the importance of such things…

The next town south of Missoula is Lolo, oddly enough where the ride over Lolo Pass from the east begins… I'd planned to ride that the next day on my way to Orofino, ID, where I’d stay two nights before going to the cabin nearby on Saturday (it wouldn’t be available any sooner).

I’ve stayed in Orofino several times over the years… It was for me one of those special places where I could hold-up and spend a few days… I have half a dozen places around the country where I used to do that sort of thing… places where ‘magic’ is to be found.

DDT

[The emperor has no clothes]

I have a feeling the magic is in you, you don't need to find it. But I hope you have fun persuing it. 

[solo1]

Bruce, I know the feeling.  Having perused your diatribe or having read your post,( take your pick) I'm glad that I have this simple cell phone (it does have a camera, tho). I, too am almost overwhelmed by the technology of communication.  I can barely get through working with my desk top computer, especially since I do the old "hunt and peck" having never learned to type as it was considered 'sissy" when I went to school (also during the era of 'pay' phones, wow!)

A very interesting read and that makes me think of another escapade into technology.   Self Publishing.

All the ins and outs of the latest in phone technology pales in comparison to self publishing. I just finished a book on it (self published, of course).  My head was spinning.  It made me think.

IMO, I think that the VRCC forum has four writers on this forum.  Three of them are excellent; You, Carl, and Daniel.  The fourth is under suspicion.....Me.

Daniel has already gotten his feet wet with his three? books.  I have decided that I will not self publish.  That leaves you and Carl.

So when you master your i phone and all its apps, maybe you might want to inquire into the next headache for technical illiterates...... self publishing. Jes a thought to try to keep you frustrated, Bruce

[Hook#3287]

This time, at least, I had my security information written down, and I plan to place copies of it in several locations where it can be found. Hmmm, perhaps I’ll even draw a treasure map indicating where that info is stashed… Maybe another map to show me how to find the first one…

That sounds like an idea I may use. Thanks.

I agree with Rob, the magic IS in you.

Ali and your travels are the vehicles to get it out.

Who else could take a frustrating trip down a technology road and make a story out of it?

Please continue.

[DDT (12)]

I have a feeling the magic is in you, you don't need to find it. But I hope you have fun persuing it.  

Thanks a lot, ol' buddy... a nice thing to say. Yeah, our attitudes, perspectives, and expectations, but more importantly what our state of mind is, determine what we wind up seeing and experiencing. When ALI and I are out like this, I'm in a near constant state of euphoria, so naturally everything that comes up will have a good or positive hue to it. Part of the addictive properties of a road trip for me, I reckon. Oh yeah! Fun seems such an inadequate word, though, to describe what's going on within me...

DDT

Bruce, I know the feeling.  Having perused your diatribe or having read your post,( take your pick) I'm glad that I have this simple cell phone (it does have a camera, tho). I, too am almost overwhelmed by the technology of communication.  I can barely get through working with my desk top computer, especially since I do the old "hunt and peck" having never learned to type as it was considered 'sissy" when I went to school (also during the era of 'pay' phones, wow!)

A very interesting read and that makes me think of another escapade into technology.   Self Publishing.

All the ins and outs of the latest in phone technology pales in comparison to self publishing. I just finished a book on it (self published, of course).  My head was spinning.  It made me think.

IMO, I think that the VRCC forum has four writers on this forum.  Three of them are excellent; You, Carl, and Daniel.  The fourth is under suspicion.....Me.

Daniel has already gotten his feet wet with his three? books.  I have decided that I will not self publish.  That leaves you and Carl.

So when you master your i phone and all its apps, maybe you might want to inquire into the next headache for technical illiterates...... self publishing. Jes a thought to try to keep you frustrated, Bruce

Funny thing, Wayne... In my mind's eye I could see you, along with a couple of others (John, RJ, me) who've expressed similar challenges and frustrations, as I wrote this... Change is the natural order of things, as we advance, hopefully, but move on for sure. Earlier in life it seemed so much easier... I didn't have a vested interest in the status quo, and having learned so much already, it is easier to be satisfied with how things are...

Writing, especially self-publishing, appears to probably be too much of a daunting task for me to attempt. I'm confident I could do it if I were motivated enough, but... I'm just not. I have no need for a vanity label like 'author', no burning passion to inform others, and no expectation or need of making any money at it. Nope, I reckon I'm just a recreational writer who doesn't want to turn a pleasure into work...

Thanks for your always insightful comments... You are one of those folks I enjoy reading, because there is always something meaningful in your offerings to seriously ponder and digest. Thanks...  

DDT

This time, at least, I had my security information written down, and I plan to place copies of it in several locations where it can be found. Hmmm, perhaps I’ll even draw a treasure map indicating where that info is stashed… Maybe another map to show me how to find the first one…

That sounds like an idea I may use. Thanks.

I agree with Rob, the magic IS in you.

Ali and your travels are the vehicles to get it out.

Who else could take a frustrating trip down a technology road and make a story out of it?

Please continue.

I always enjoy seeing your replies! You make my head swell, so I have to be careful to read your stuff after I'm through riding... my helmet wouldn't fit otherwise... Yeah, we have so many codes, passwords, pin numbers, security inputs necessary in the hope of defeating hackers, that we end up defeating ourselves more often than not. Oh well, the price of progress, I guess. Good luck with your wrestling matches with technology! And, thanks again for your replies!!!

DDT

[John Schmidt]

Well Bruce, glad you got that sorted out....sorta!    I guess that's part of why I still use an old flip phone that's at least 10 yrs. old, if not older. Was used when I got it off Ebay and cost me less than $30, second best life's investment next to the marriage license, and about the same price. Come to think of it, my honey paid the $25 for the marriage license, so does that move the flip phone up a notch? After watching 60 minutes last night and their documentary on hacking the various models of smart phones, makes me wonder if I even want to bother getting one.

As for writing, it always came easy for me in school, especially when compared to World History and other deeply engaging subjects full of yawn material. Such was the opinion of a 17 yr. old and went cross grain with my school teacher parents. Only thing of note that I ever did in a history class actually got me a big "A" and I argued with the teacher on that. He read my paper to the whole class and then told me the only reason I got such a good grade was quite simple; I had written a totally worthless paper on (whatever the subject was), but had done so in such an eloquent fashion just the presentation itself deserved a top mark. As for publishing, I've only had one thing published.....a bit of prose (not poetry) done in reference to my wife. All the rest I've written is for my own use to share as I see fit. I refer to it as prose, as opposed to poetry, because it doesn't have the "ryhme" content. One of the definitions of prose is probably more fitting: "a dull or ordinary style, quality, or condition."  Yup...that's me!   

In looking at the country around where you're staying prior to the cabin, I'd love to be able to fly into one of those mountain grass strips and stay a while. That's some rugged but beautiful country. Enjoy your stay and remember.....always evacuate the system downhill from the cabin. Really adds to the taste of the water. 

[BradValk48237]

DDT....

Sorry about you Apple issue... I have had every model iPhone since they came out and have ALMOST run into the lockout several times....

So heres a way other than carrying a card in you wallet with all you passwords (which if you do get robbed they are going to take you wallet and your cell- so not a good idea)......

What I do is email myself the update passwords and leave those email in a special file....

Depending on what server you use, they will be there forever and you can access them from anywhere you can sign into a computer to access your email..... Library, hotel, etc- unlike a lost wallet

The other thing... just trying to help without a smirk as I also hate the punks at the genius bars- did they give you a new iTunes account???? Or did they just use the existing? You might want to see if there is anything in your basic iCloud account... they usually set up the phone to automatically back up to your standard free cloud account.. so you might be able to get your info....

They ARE hacks to unblock a phone..... that the apple guys will not tell you about , but you have to find a guy that knows it... some of the independent repair guys know....

Hope it helps and stick with Apple, you only make this mistake once....

B

[DDT (12)]

Well Bruce, glad you got that sorted out....sorta!    I guess that's part of why I still use an old flip phone that's at least 10 yrs. old, if not older. Was used when I got it off Ebay and cost me less than $30, second best life's investment next to the marriage license, and about the same price. Come to think of it, my honey paid the $25 for the marriage license, so does that move the flip phone up a notch? After watching 60 minutes last night and their documentary on hacking the various models of smart phones, makes me wonder if I even want to bother getting one.

As for writing, it always came easy for me in school, especially when compared to World History and other deeply engaging subjects full of yawn material. Such was the opinion of a 17 yr. old and went cross grain with my school teacher parents. Only thing of note that I ever did in a history class actually got me a big "A" and I argued with the teacher on that. He read my paper to the whole class and then told me the only reason I got such a good grade was quite simple; I had written a totally worthless paper on (whatever the subject was), but had done so in such an eloquent fashion just the presentation itself deserved a top mark. As for publishing, I've only had one thing published.....a bit of prose (not poetry) done in reference to my wife. All the rest I've written is for my own use to share as I see fit. I refer to it as prose, as opposed to poetry, because it doesn't have the "ryhme" content. One of the definitions of prose is probably more fitting: "a dull or ordinary style, quality, or condition."  Yup...that's me!   

In looking at the country around where you're staying prior to the cabin, I'd love to be able to fly into one of those mountain grass strips and stay a while. That's some rugged but beautiful country. Enjoy your stay and remember.....always evacuate the system downhill from the cabin. Really adds to the taste of the water. 

Good stories, as usual, John. Yeah, we get sucked into using this technology, then we get used to it finally, then we become dependent upon it... then the feces hits the fan! I'm finally at a point now, where it just made more sense for me to move forward than it did to go back... I think I'm right where the marketing folks want me! Thanks for the 'evacuation' advice... words to live by!!!  lol 

DDT

DDT....

Sorry about you Apple issue... I have had every model iPhone since they came out and have ALMOST run into the lockout several times....

So heres a way other than carrying a card in you wallet with all you passwords (which if you do get robbed they are going to take you wallet and your cell- so not a good idea)......

What I do is email myself the update passwords and leave those email in a special file....

Depending on what server you use, they will be there forever and you can access them from anywhere you can sign into a computer to access your email..... Library, hotel, etc- unlike a lost wallet

The other thing... just trying to help without a smirk as I also hate the punks at the genius bars- did they give you a new iTunes account???? Or did they just use the existing? You might want to see if there is anything in your basic iCloud account... they usually set up the phone to automatically back up to your standard free cloud account.. so you might be able to get your info....

They ARE hacks to unblock a phone..... that the apple guys will not tell you about , but you have to find a guy that knows it... some of the independent repair guys know....

Hope it helps and stick with Apple, you only make this mistake once....

B

I appreciate your suggestions, Brad. Oss and others have called and/or sent me a PM with some of the same ideas, plus a couple of others, too. I've already begun incorporating several of those... and it has made me feel a bit more confident and reassured... Still, I reckon I'll never completely shake the dread of having another bout of this disheartening crapola.

Many folks, particularly newbies, have commented on just how huge the wealth of knowledge is in this club, and of how willing members are to share and help others. I'd add that that does apply to all areas of life and its challenges, and not solely to Valks and mechanical issues... You and others are classic examples of the accuracy of what I'm saying... Thanks!!!

DDT

[havoc]

great post!

each generation, it seems, is becoming more and more fixated on "gadgets" and "things". They would rather have "things" than experiences. i find i'm a victim of that materialistic viewpoint myself and i'm fighting it all the time.

[DDT (12)]

You picked up on my point exactly! Yep, an easy pit to fall into, and one we all should be wary of. I, too, am fighting the good fight, but it is a very slippery slope indeed... Thanks for your comments... they are appreciated more than you can know.

DDT

[John Schmidt]

Hmmm....noticed on the weather news this AM there be snow in those parts, mostly the higher elevations in Idaho. Hope it doesn't create a wet blanket for your stay at the cabin.

[Daniel Meyer]

Tech dependence:

Heh...not so long ago my total "kit" for a long ride was smaller than the bag now that has the camera, laptop/pad, chargers, batteries, etc.

And it gets worse...

Went in to get a haircut a bit back...

The computer was down and they could not give me one.

The stylist (they don't have 'barbers' anymore) was there. The manager was there. The chair was there. The lights were on...and they couldn't give me a haircut.

Two reasons:
1) The shop gets a cut of the bill...the franchise gets a cut, the manager gets a cut, and the stylist gets a cut...and they had no way to figure it without checking me in on the computer.
2) The state has made it illegal to do business without a POS (aptly named)...Point Of Sale...system...that system can be a piece of paper...but it MUST be defined and consistently in use...so yah...computer's down...can't have a haircut.

See ya on the road! (if my GPS will let me!)

[DDT (12)]

Hmmm....noticed on the weather news this AM there be snow in those parts, mostly the higher elevations in Idaho. Hope it doesn't create a wet blanket for your stay at the cabin.

No snow here, just a very light drizzle... not sure if it'll get the entire sidewalk wet or not... Cool, though, as in 40s, but I haven't seen any 30s yet. Far better than Central Florida this time of year! I've found what I was looking for, and to celebrate I'm gonna grill up a ribeye tonight... wish me luck!

DDT

Tech dependence:

Heh...not so long ago my total "kit" for a long ride was smaller than the bag now that has the camera, laptop/pad, chargers, batteries, etc.

And it gets worse...

Went in to get a haircut a bit back...

The computer was down and they could not give me one.

The stylist (they don't have 'barbers' anymore) was there. The manager was there. The chair was there. The lights were on...and they couldn't give me a haircut.

Two reasons:
1) The shop gets a cut of the bill...the franchise gets a cut, the manager gets a cut, and the stylist gets a cut...and they had no way to figure it without checking me in on the computer.
2) The state has made it illegal to do business without a POS (aptly named)...Point Of Sale...system...that system can be a piece of paper...but it MUST be defined and consistently in use...so yah...computer's down...can't have a haircut.

See ya on the road! (if my GPS will let me!)

Ain't it so! I'm glad poopers don't require passwords... yet. I really dread that day!

DDT

[Daniel Meyer]

Ain't it so! I'm glad poopers don't require passwords... yet. I really dread that day!

DDT

Mmmm....
http://www.pcauthority.com.au/News/145443,the-high-tech-toilet-that-wants-your-credit-card-number.aspx

[DDT (12)]

Ain't it so! I'm glad poopers don't require passwords... yet. I really dread that day!

DDT

Mmmm....
http://www.pcauthority.com.au/News/145443,the-high-tech-toilet-that-wants-your-credit-card-number.aspx




A dark day in American history for sure... A sign of the times, I suppose, but I'm gonna miss 'the good ol' days'. Heck, I already do!

DDT

[solo1]

The credit card thingie for toilets doesn't surprise me.

Many years ago the airport at Ft. Wayne had Pay as you Go toilets (pun).  A nickle to unlock the door of the john.

THAT led to the then risque saying;  "Woe is me, I'm so downhearted, paid a nickle to S*** and only farted.!"

Sorry to downgrade your thread, Bruce.

[DDT (12)]

The credit card thingie for toilets doesn't surprise me.

Many years ago the airport at Ft. Wayne had Pay as you Go toilets (pun).  A nickle to unlock the door of the john.

THAT led to the then risque saying;  "Woe is me, I'm so downhearted, paid a nickle to S*** and only farted.!"

Sorry to downgrade your thread, Bruce.

Not a problem, Wayne. I actually remember those too at bus and train stations in the mid 60s. I also remember a slight variation of that little poem you included... I, wishfully apparently, had hoped those days were long gone never to return.

Not so, it seems, as technology has opened up a way to efficiently exploit human frailty by reviving an old, but very bad, idea... Wouldn't be surprised if this doesn't drive up the demand for laundry detergent... Proctor & Gamble might be a good investment now... reckon? Hmmmm.

DDT