As a traveling consultant I spend a lot of time in extended stay type hotels. Unless I’m traveling to a client site where I’ve worked previously I tend to spend the first month or more at these types of places. It is best to leave both yourself and the client an escape hatch. Sadly many of these types of places either don’t bother to read the IRS per-diem publications or believe the combined food and … The Ever Shrinking Definition of Fully EquippedRead more
Posted inThank You Sir May I Have Another
Idiots and Oil
Today I was sitting at Meineke getting an oil change when one of the mechanics came out of the back to show the manager a perfectly dry dipstick. This wasn’t wiped clean, it was dry. Listening to the discussion about it was even more entertaining. That particular car had been in for oil changes multiple times when it was out of oil. The manager showed the mechanic the service log. Twice they had told the … Idiots and OilRead more
Posted inInformation Technology / Investing
Did Ford Fire Microsoft?
There is a rather persistent rumor going around that Ford has fired Microsoft, or at least ended the use of their software in automobiles. Of course if Ford wants to really get on the fast track they will end the use of Microsoft software on the desktop and every other part of the company. Does anyone know if this is true? It won’t be long and I will be in the new car market, probably … Did Ford Fire Microsoft?Read more
Posted inInformation Technology / Thank You Sir May I Have Another
A Sad Tale of Power Supplies
A few days ago I came into my office to be greeted by a funky electrical smell. I checked all of the computers. They were all running. It was most odd. For some reason, later in the day, I ended up having to walk around behind my desk and noticed the fan in the power supply wasn’t spinning. The lights were on, though I’ve never figured out why power supplies need need internal lighting of … A Sad Tale of Power SuppliesRead more
Posted inThank You Sir May I Have Another
Sugar Free Products That Aren’t Sugar Free
I have seen a rash of this lately. Perhaps it is because I read labels closer now. The most recent flagrant abuse of advertising came on a package of fudge stripe cookies at my mother’s house. In great big bold letters it proclaimed to be “Sugar Free”. In font too small for elderly diabetic eyes to read was something along the lines “this is not a reduced calorie product” or some such thing. Why such … Sugar Free Products That Aren’t Sugar FreeRead more