I've been with my current company for 10 years as of November 24th. This is what I got as an anniversary gift. It's a Wen mitre saw. I think it's kick-ass...now all I need to do is learn how to use it.
Well, Dear Reader, for the past few weeks I've been doing a technology refresh for our call center. Basically what that means is I've been swapping old computer hardware for new hardware. As of today, I've built 80 desktops and 3 laptops. I know how one of Santa's elves might feel.
The interesting part of this is I got the chance to listen to lots and lots (and lots) of calls from insureds filing claims. Let me tell you something folks, I heard some really funny stuff like:
"Uh, Ma'am, so you're saying it was your cow that got hit by the car? And how did he get out of the front yard again?"
"Let me give you your claim number for future reference. Ready? OK, it's 'P', as in the letter 'P'."
"Uh, yes sir, I think I have a cute voice too. Um, no sir, I can't tell you where I'm located, but thanks for asking."
"The adjuster's name is Keith...Keith...his NAME IS KEITH. KEITH. KEITH!! It's Keith. The adjuster's name is KEEEEIIIITH! Ma'am...Ma'am...Ma'am...the claims adjuster's name is KEITH! Yes ma'am. His number is 501...501...Five...OH...One... His phone number is FIVE. Oh. ONE! It's the same area code you're in ma'am. Yes ma'am, it's area code Five Oh One...Five. Oh. One."
Personally, I couldn't do that job. My mouth would get me fired pretty quickly. "Ma'am, if you'd crank up the hearing aid, you MIGHT be able to hear me better."
I have just been asked to play the "Howie Mandel" part in my company's version of "Deal or No Deal". We'll be doing it during our annual Christmas party. Since I was cornered, I said yes. As soon as they explained how it'll work, my brain started coming up with ideas. This is good and bad. Good, in that I'm having some ideas, bad in that I'm having to filter most of them out as not being company friendly.
I'm afraid two things could happen; a) I fall flat on my face and the game sucks, b) I say "FU**" in front of everyone I work with. The problem is I'm not sure which would be worse.
After conducting a rather informal poll (uh...not "pole"...Thanks, C!), it seems I'm the only person in the world that's surprised by Neil Patrick Harris' revelation.
I installed IE 7 the other day for two reasons, 1) it's out and 2) I know our users are going to do it so I thought I'd beat them to it. My opinion?
It sucks.
The tab feature is good, but that's about it. It acted really weird concerning the menu bar. I'd turn it off, but then it'd reappear on certain websites. I'd turn it off again, click the address bar to type a URL and the damn thing would have a seizure on the screen. It'd just start shaking...and I have proof. My boss was standing over my shoulder when it happened. Had some other goofy crap happen too.
Plus, I don't like the location of the address bar waaaaay up at the top of the screen...and I couldn't move the stupid thing. I could move everything else, but not that. I don't know...maybe it's just the layout or it being new, but if you ask me, it ain't quite ready for prime time.
Anyway...I uninstalled it, which was a relatively smooth process. I'll stick with IE 6 and Firefox.