I'm seriously considering shutting this blog down. Not because I'm tired of it, but I've decided to start a new one that's hosted on my own server. I will more than likely cross-post to this one, but who knows. There will probably be more content on the new one, though.
If you'd like to head to the new destination (as I sarcastically realize this is a powerhouse and must-read blog anyhow...), check it out below, and update your bookmarks accordingly. :-)
http://blog.brockp.com
I've still got a lot of customizing to do to it, but I hope you stop by and enjoy!
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Sunday night
We're finally home after a long weekend at Mom's place. We went down there to deliver some computer items to make her "technology life" a little better. By the way, thanks for letting us use your truck, Brian!
While there, we also got into and cleaned out her storage shed. I've had stuff in there since middle school, and it was time to finally clean it out. We freed up half the space in there, and we made room for a gun cabinet my grandfather made. It will be making its way to our house in the future.
One of the best treasures we found was an original Nintendo system, and it still works. I love my 360, but it was awesome to sit down last night and play Super Mario Bros. Yes, it will be hooked up to my TV here along with the 360. You've got to have some nostalgia in your life.
We also visited with my grandmother today. She is 90-years-old, and not doing well at all. Unfortunately, we weren't able to stay long, but I hope we can see her again soon. She's the last grandparent between Amy and I, and it's not looking good.
It was a pretty eventful weekend to say the least. We're all tired, so I'll close for now. Sorry for the sporadic updates. Sometimes life just feels like a routine.
While there, we also got into and cleaned out her storage shed. I've had stuff in there since middle school, and it was time to finally clean it out. We freed up half the space in there, and we made room for a gun cabinet my grandfather made. It will be making its way to our house in the future.
One of the best treasures we found was an original Nintendo system, and it still works. I love my 360, but it was awesome to sit down last night and play Super Mario Bros. Yes, it will be hooked up to my TV here along with the 360. You've got to have some nostalgia in your life.
We also visited with my grandmother today. She is 90-years-old, and not doing well at all. Unfortunately, we weren't able to stay long, but I hope we can see her again soon. She's the last grandparent between Amy and I, and it's not looking good.
It was a pretty eventful weekend to say the least. We're all tired, so I'll close for now. Sorry for the sporadic updates. Sometimes life just feels like a routine.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Why I love Microsoft
The title of this post is simple: "Why I love Microsoft (or, Customer service gets it right)."
My cherished Xbox 360 died a couple of days after Christmas. I took it to my in-laws so we could play, then the "Ring of Light" flashed a bright red. I was prepared to break out the shovels and bury it six feet under.
Alas, it would not come to that. I called customer service because I read Microsoft extended the warranty for the machines built in 2005. They've had a high rate of failure, and the date on the back of mine said "December 2005."
The service rep was extremely nice, and I explained the symptoms. He then stepped me through a process that would eventually make me proud to be a Microsoft customer. He told me they would repair it at no cost to me. Sweet!
He told me to look for a box in the mail. A few days later, a box showed up with instructions. I was to place my beloved "time waster" in this box, apply the seal, slap on the pre-printed shipping label and send it to them.
This past Thursday, another box came to the house. I open it, and there she is! My 360 was home! Or... was she? She looked a tad different. My 360 was shipped to them without a faceplate. There was a brand new one staring back at me.
Curious.
I immediately flipped it around and didn't recognize the serial number. I looked at the manufacturing date: July 2006. My jaw dropped.
How could this be? My 360 died, and instead of charging me $150 like everyone else to repair it, they sent me a box (free shipping), told me they'd fix it (for free) and did, in my mind, the unthinkable.
They didn't repair my 360. They sent me a brand spanking new one for nothing... Not one cent. Customer support... Microsoft... treating the customer with the highest respect?
Yep. I've never heard of such a corporation going to these lengths. They usually want some money to take care of problems.
So, I sit here with my new 360 (a lot quieter than the old one, too), and I couldn't be happier with Microsoft. Unlike a lot of people, I've always liked MS products. Now, I can say customer support actually thought of the customer.
Kudos to you, Microsoft.
My cherished Xbox 360 died a couple of days after Christmas. I took it to my in-laws so we could play, then the "Ring of Light" flashed a bright red. I was prepared to break out the shovels and bury it six feet under.
Alas, it would not come to that. I called customer service because I read Microsoft extended the warranty for the machines built in 2005. They've had a high rate of failure, and the date on the back of mine said "December 2005."
The service rep was extremely nice, and I explained the symptoms. He then stepped me through a process that would eventually make me proud to be a Microsoft customer. He told me they would repair it at no cost to me. Sweet!
He told me to look for a box in the mail. A few days later, a box showed up with instructions. I was to place my beloved "time waster" in this box, apply the seal, slap on the pre-printed shipping label and send it to them.
This past Thursday, another box came to the house. I open it, and there she is! My 360 was home! Or... was she? She looked a tad different. My 360 was shipped to them without a faceplate. There was a brand new one staring back at me.
Curious.
I immediately flipped it around and didn't recognize the serial number. I looked at the manufacturing date: July 2006. My jaw dropped.
How could this be? My 360 died, and instead of charging me $150 like everyone else to repair it, they sent me a box (free shipping), told me they'd fix it (for free) and did, in my mind, the unthinkable.
They didn't repair my 360. They sent me a brand spanking new one for nothing... Not one cent. Customer support... Microsoft... treating the customer with the highest respect?
Yep. I've never heard of such a corporation going to these lengths. They usually want some money to take care of problems.
So, I sit here with my new 360 (a lot quieter than the old one, too), and I couldn't be happier with Microsoft. Unlike a lot of people, I've always liked MS products. Now, I can say customer support actually thought of the customer.
Kudos to you, Microsoft.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Hi
Haven't posted in a few days because I've got nothing to talk about. That means this is another meaningless post.
So... Hi.
So... Hi.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
New "Geico" Commercial
I couldn't resist throwing this up here. I have good friends who are Tennessee fans, so please forgive me for this one.
You've seen the Geico commercial with the caveman on the moving sidewalk in the airport? Well, apparently here's the version from Knoxville.
You've seen the Geico commercial with the caveman on the moving sidewalk in the airport? Well, apparently here's the version from Knoxville.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
We've got him!!!!!!
Welcome to Tuscaloosa, Coach Nick Saban! Welcome back to the college ranks!
Saban rolls with the Tide
Yes, he denied becoming the Alabama coach, but he did so because reporters kept bugging him about it. He had to protect his job. It's common for coaches to do that these days (Remember Fran to TAMU and Tuberville to Auburn?).
Will he be at Alabama long? Who knows, but at least we have him for now. He wasn't the greatest in the pros, but he's a great college coach.
Mal Moore can now retire with a little more class.
Saban rolls with the Tide
Yes, he denied becoming the Alabama coach, but he did so because reporters kept bugging him about it. He had to protect his job. It's common for coaches to do that these days (Remember Fran to TAMU and Tuberville to Auburn?).
Will he be at Alabama long? Who knows, but at least we have him for now. He wasn't the greatest in the pros, but he's a great college coach.
Mal Moore can now retire with a little more class.
Monday, January 01, 2007
The fun is over
It's getting mighty close to January 2, 2007. That means in about 14 more hours, I'm heading back to work after a 10-day break.
It's been a great vacation. It's the first one I've had since Christmas 2005, and I don't count that week Alyssa was born as vacation. :-) It was joyous, but hectic with everyone constantly at the house.
I love my job and station. I'm very blessed to be in a place I enjoy with people I enjoy even more. That being said, I did not enjoy November or December 2006 at work. I haven't told a lot of people because no one really wants to hear my complaints, but there was hardly a day I was happy to be there.
I imagine it had a lot to do with the holidays rolling around and being anxious for some time off. On the other hand, there were only a couple of stories I really got fired up about (the big one being the local "We Are Marshall" piece). Outside of that, every day was just "eh."
My two big resolutions this year are knock a dent in the debt and relax more at work. Some would say, "Relax? In news?" Yes, because I can handle the stress better than some. If you've never been in a TV news environment with a deadline and breaking stories looming, you've never seen stress... :-)
Not everyone can be on television where people recognize you and trust what you tell them. That's a blessing, and I love it. I just want to capture that fire I had. Now that I've been away for a few days, I know it'll show up again.
Here's to a great 2007!
It's been a great vacation. It's the first one I've had since Christmas 2005, and I don't count that week Alyssa was born as vacation. :-) It was joyous, but hectic with everyone constantly at the house.
I love my job and station. I'm very blessed to be in a place I enjoy with people I enjoy even more. That being said, I did not enjoy November or December 2006 at work. I haven't told a lot of people because no one really wants to hear my complaints, but there was hardly a day I was happy to be there.
I imagine it had a lot to do with the holidays rolling around and being anxious for some time off. On the other hand, there were only a couple of stories I really got fired up about (the big one being the local "We Are Marshall" piece). Outside of that, every day was just "eh."
My two big resolutions this year are knock a dent in the debt and relax more at work. Some would say, "Relax? In news?" Yes, because I can handle the stress better than some. If you've never been in a TV news environment with a deadline and breaking stories looming, you've never seen stress... :-)
Not everyone can be on television where people recognize you and trust what you tell them. That's a blessing, and I love it. I just want to capture that fire I had. Now that I've been away for a few days, I know it'll show up again.
Here's to a great 2007!
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Adios, 2006!
This is it: The final day of 2006! This year has been great to say the least. It started off better than any man could hope for with Alyssa's birth in February.
It's also ending on high note. Alyssa had her first Christmas, and boy did she rack up. We were on the road from the 22nd to the 27th, and we've been at home since then. However, we're still sorting out the toys and gifts. It was a wonderful Christmas with all three families. We all got lots of quality time and great gifts.
If that last sentence isn't structured well, that's okay. I'm very sleepy at the moment. :-)
It's been great being away from work. I really haven't had a vacation since last Christmas, and I haven't missed the station at all. Don't read anything negative into that, but it's been nice not having to come up with stories every day. It's just been relaxing.
I did go to the station in Columbus last night, though. I went to hang out after work with some buddies I haven't seen in a while. A couple of them are basically heading out the door to other jobs in a few months, and that breaks my heart. I've had two great years with them, and I know our friendships will always be there.
I also went with Brian to see "We Are Marshall" today. I did a story a couple of weeks ago with Mike Morehouse. His dad, Gene, was the radio guy when the team plane crashed. Spending that evening interviewing his family really made me want to see the movie, and it did not disappoint. It was a very touching movie, and it's definitely one I'll buy when it comes to DVD.
I guess that will do it for tonight. We're all pooped, and I've got two more days of freedom. I'll go get some rest so I can enjoy them. Happy New Year!
It's also ending on high note. Alyssa had her first Christmas, and boy did she rack up. We were on the road from the 22nd to the 27th, and we've been at home since then. However, we're still sorting out the toys and gifts. It was a wonderful Christmas with all three families. We all got lots of quality time and great gifts.
If that last sentence isn't structured well, that's okay. I'm very sleepy at the moment. :-)
It's been great being away from work. I really haven't had a vacation since last Christmas, and I haven't missed the station at all. Don't read anything negative into that, but it's been nice not having to come up with stories every day. It's just been relaxing.
I did go to the station in Columbus last night, though. I went to hang out after work with some buddies I haven't seen in a while. A couple of them are basically heading out the door to other jobs in a few months, and that breaks my heart. I've had two great years with them, and I know our friendships will always be there.
I also went with Brian to see "We Are Marshall" today. I did a story a couple of weeks ago with Mike Morehouse. His dad, Gene, was the radio guy when the team plane crashed. Spending that evening interviewing his family really made me want to see the movie, and it did not disappoint. It was a very touching movie, and it's definitely one I'll buy when it comes to DVD.
I guess that will do it for tonight. We're all pooped, and I've got two more days of freedom. I'll go get some rest so I can enjoy them. Happy New Year!
Friday, December 22, 2006
Merry Christmas!
This is kind of a copy-and-paste post from last year with a few adjustments. It's Friday night, and I've still got a lot of packing to do. What more do you want? :-)
With that said, from my family to yours, have a safe and merry Christmas! We wish you all of God's blessings and mercies this holiday season. This blog shall return when we do. We've got a few days on the road, then a few days at home to relax.
And the best part of it? We get to watch Alyssa tear into paper and boxes Christmas morning. This is what life should be like all the time. :-)
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