George Carlin Dies

I normally do not write about Hollywood, but I have always had a love for George Carlin and his wild antics. He was normally over the top for most, however he just kinda hit the spot for me. I typically prefer comics who are not afraid to push the limits.

All thought, Adam Sandlar in this Nobody beats the Zohan flick went too far even for me. I cannot remember ever crawling around a movie theater seat before as much as that flick.

However, besides the point George was one of those guys that no matter what show you would always want more. I wish his family the best and hope they can at least laugh a little while remembering him.

Cradlepoint CTR500 Review

After seeing the USB based Wireless Broadband Router that Jason Calacanis was using at SES NYC this year. I have been hunting around for a device that I could use. I can't even count the occasions I have needed such a device when associates could no longer access the wireless services offered, usually due to over use.

It is important to understand that even 3g broadband cards only provide a small amount of bandwidth. Thus these cards will crawl to a halt if abused.

I purchased the Cradlepoint CTR500, which supports Express based broadband cards. Which is what the Macbook Pro uses as a standard device. As well as USB based devices and some teatherd phones via USB. It is important to be sure that not matter the router you choose, be aware if the compatible devices that it has drivers for.

Another side note, these devices from what I can tell do not have the ability to send activation scripts out. Thus be sure to install your data card to your computer first and ensure that it is working correctly before trying to use it on any router.

The CTR500 uses a web based control system, which is less than well thought out and not for the basic user. It also defaults to the last 6 digits of your MAC Address as your password, you can change this, however you need to hunt for the menu first.

Other than a fairly crappy web based administration menu. The device, once configured runs very well and seems to be dependable. I need to beat it up a bit more to be sure, but I was very happy with my initial data requests.

This device desperately needs a battery, it seems silly to have such a great portable device, however when you get to where you are going you are left franticly hunting for a power outlet.

Verizon Customer Service

After my Verizon V640 data card was damaged and started to act up I called and had it replaced under the extended warranty. They where out of the V640 and offered me a V740 as a replacement. I thought this was a great idea and figured that this should be a simple replacement. This also offered me the ability to purchase an express based broadband router, which normally was not available with the V640, however available with the V740 card.

The Verizon V640 did not come with software or drivers for the Mac. The crafty folks at Apple, however updated the operating system with drivers and simple support for the card. The V740 was designed to use the VZAccess manager software previously available only for Windows. Thus swapping out the 2 cards was not so simple.

When I called in to Verizon to change out the ESN # on my account, I asked to assistance getting this new card to work. This was the only part that was a hair annoying, Mac support is a level 3 help desk support function. So I had to talk to the new and technically less than savvy person from level 1 for a few minutes, not so bad, normally I am sent through heavy obstacle courses before they will transfer me.

Since the VZAccess software for the Mac is poorly designed, when I was asked to install it, the process took 15 minutes just to install and reboot. My laptop is a 2.33 Mac Book Pro with 3GB of memory. The rep on the phone was not rushed at all and did not mind waiting. A level of service that I have never seen from a wireless phone company in the past. We spent a total of 45 minutes getting all of the setting back to normal and testing the card. Even though it was excessive, I could not believe he was so willing to work with me.

Thus even though I will be switching service from my Blackberry 8830 to the new 3G iPhone next month. I will really be sad to move from Verizon to AT&T. When they where Cingular I criticized their coverage and service continually. However, the iPhone is the ultimate Mac device and the Blackberry does not compare. I will not move my data services from Verizon to AT&T and I will also keep a spare Verizon phone to ensure coverage in the US, while I travel.

DHL customer service

Last week my Verizon Broadband card started to act up after the TSA abused my computer bag. So I did the normal call in and get a replacement under the paid warranty I had with Verizon. Not only was the process easy, but the overall ability of the service agent was far beyond anything I had ever seen. At the end of my call I was told that my new card would be sent overnight via DHL.

The manager of my apartment building has had nothing but nightmares with this company, loosing packages, saying they delivered items with false signatures. You name it, I heard about it.

So, frankly I was not to happy about it. However I had little to no choice in the matter. Just as expected the delivery rep never even tried to dial my unit from the system out front of leave any notice of delivery attempt for 3 days. Thus I decide to call in and ask about the situation and advise DHL that both FedEx and UPS commonly partake in the same tactics. However, after months of bitching, both have gotten far batter.

To my surprise, DHL actually called me back the very next day to assure me that my package would be delivered. I was frankly shocked! I have never seen such a level of service from any shipping company that I have ever dealt with. The next day, under record heat I got my replacement card.

I have to say, other than the typical crap they really followed through!

United Double Elite Miles

For those who signed up for United's Double Elite Miles, it looks like these will not be posted until the end of July. I called to find out, looks like they only want to make one major update to their database.

Michael Shear - Just Thinking About My Brother

Recently a few friends have had either siblings or parents pass. One from a serious accident. Which has pushed my brother back into my memory this past evening. To any friends of Michael Allen Shear, please think of him and what he brought to all of us.

He was born on April 6th 1978, he had Cystic Fibrosis and had a very tough life.

United Airlines Booking Tips

As you may or may not know, United has been dropping services, upgrades and benefits that Elite members can use. I wanted to share how I get around some of these issues, weather or not you may have seen this by now.

You may or may not know, United domestic economy no longer provides meals free of charge. Thus bring some cash along if you wish you purchase a meal, some flights including the PS "Premium Service" now take credit cards. So the smile and try to use a $50 or $100 bill no longer works towards getting a free lunch per say. On these specific flights they do not take cash at all.

Priority baggage, a feature provided to "Premier", "Premier Executive", "1k or 100k mile", "Global Services" named "Priority" only works in cities where they feel like providing such a service. For example, normally these bags are delivered off the turn style first. However in cities such as San Diego you commonly find your baggage delivered LAST!, usually due to loading so that the baggage agent can be sure to unload them first. No matter how much you complain at any status, they DO NOT CARE! and will do nothing about it.

500 Mile Upgrades: These upgrades allow for an upgrade, depending on status and distance domestically. For example if you wish to move from coach to first class from San Francisco to San Diego, it requires 1 500 mile coupon. Since the distance is less than 500 miles. Anything more than 500 miles is 2 coupons. This can only be applied within 60 hours of flight time depending on status, price of ticket and availability.

Regional "Confirmed" Upgrades: These upgrades allow a user to upgrade a flight within the US at time of booking, again depending on availability to the next level of status. This upgrade will not work on a paid "PS" Premium Service flight from Business to First class. These tickets from what I can tell are purchase only flights. This type of upgrade is provided only to a 1K status customer. You can only earn up to 2 of these per quarter in a calendar year. You must earn at least 10k elite miles within the quarter to gain this credit.

System Wide Upgrades: These upgrades allow a user to upgrade any international flight at the time of booking and or at the time of flight, depending on availability and level of ticket. Previously you could upgrade any economy ticket no matter what level if available. From what I can tell this works an a purchased business class ticket moving to first class as well. When you first gain 1K you receive 6 of these upgrades. However in 2008 it looks as if you need to fly over 150K paid miles in a calendar year before you can earn additional System Wide upgrades.

Premier status at this point only provides access to Economy Plus at no extra charge, wow all $14. The ability to upgrade with 500 Mile coupons which you earn for every 10k miles that you fly within a quarter. A light discount on access to the Red Carpet Room, but basically not much more. Well if you are on standby to get on a flight that can help as well, but prey you do not have Premier Executives, 1K or Global Service members in front of you. You can forget getting on the flight, unless you have paid a bit more than the Premier Executive for your flight. Somewhat priority boarding, the computer will insert you into boarding group 1. A minimum of 25k paid flown miles is required to either gain or maintain this status on United, which will provide "Silver Star Alliance" status as well.

Premier Executive status will get you about the same as Premier, except a few things. A slightly larger discount to the Red Carpet Room, unless I am mistaken. Higher seating priority for standby customers than Premier and a less long of a wait to use a 500 mile upgrade on a flight. A so called higher level phone clerk for reservations is also provided, this is typically at joke. 50K paid flown miles is required to either gain or maintain this status. This level of service also provides "Gold Star Alliance" status.

1K or 100K Status provides the user these same booking access as Premier and Premier Executive and to not only 500 mile upgrades, however regional upgrades and system wide upgrades as well. You can no longer receive 2 System Wide upgrades per 25k miles flown in a quarter, as previously allowed. Now you must fly at least 150k paid miles per year to earn these points. This level of status is what I currently have and is difficult to live without. However, the level of customer service provided to this level has dropped over the years, despite what several 1K customer service rep has told me. The additional Regional and System Wide upgrades make this status well worth having. You also receive a different phone number for booking, which at most times is faster. Especially since it detects your phone number and asks you less silly and at times stupid questions. I have seen this line pick up much slower than the "Premier Executive" phone line at peak times.

Another 1K advantage is a separate line to board your flight, reserved for Business Class, First Class, Global Services and 1K. If you have baggage, it is at time imperative to get on the plane first just to find a place to put your bags as well as a spot close to where you are seated. I love the bulkhead, however you cannot store bags at your feet. Thus you must be on first to put your bags up, for frequent travelers we learn that checking bags can tack on a minimum of 30 minutes to your exit time on United.

Global Services: Other than being at the top of the tier, I am not exactly sure, since its not posted, what you really need to earn this status. I do know that when you exit an international flight, there is a rep waiting to take you to your next gate or in some cases a special way to get out of the airport. I have heard you need to spend $35k +/- a year to get this level of service.

So to get to the promised booking advice. From what I can tell, if you plan on flying with United, booking on their website will provide you with the best of very close to the best fare. However, it is very important to run your exact travel searches through other travel engines to find the best possible fare. I find that the United website is terrible about providing the best options. You can find a greater level of variety at Expedia, Orbitz and Travelocity.

If you are collecting miles, be sure to go back to United and book the exact flight you found. You will earn extra miles, if you use the Chase United Platinum Card, you can earn additional Elite Miles, good for status as well. Which is why I always book directly. The amount of additional miles that you will earn depend on your status, however you can earn 500 miles for booking directly and 500 additional miles for checking in and printing your ticket at home. If you re-print your ticket at the airport it will not credit you the miles.

An additional feature with Premier or highhttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifer, in some airports you can gain access to a faster security line. This can help substantially, however some of the smaller airports only allow 1K or higher. When I fly out of SFO - San Francisco I now use "Clear" a TSA approved high speed security line that can really help, even over the priority line provided by United. Most times no one is in line to use it, thus it can be a quick short cut to get through. The only problem at SFO is that it shares the non priority line. They pick up your bags and put you in front of everyone else which really drives people crazy. However, many of these passengers rarely or never fly which even with 1 or 2 people in front of you can still provide a frustrating flow problem. It is well worth the $100 a year for frequent travelers. If you choose to sign up, please use my refer a friend code of SCB62397. This will give me credit towards my account.

DHL, FedEx, UPS avoiding delivery

Hopefully I am not alone, however since I have moved near Union Square in San Francisco off Geary st. I have had a continual strugal with the major carriers delivering in my area. My building has a gate in front, where you must dial the tenant to be buzzed in. A simple task, I would expect, especially since my unit is tied directly with my mobile phone. However all 3 carriers seem to think that there is little to no reason to even try dialing a tenant. Thus both FedEx and UPS just leave tags on the main door that no one answered and they will either try again or you can pick up at xxx address.

For the past week DHL has claimed to try and contact me every day. I have been home each day and not a peep from my mobile/cell phone. The building manager warned me when I moved in, not to use DHL for they had lost many packages being delivered to the buildings address where I reside.

It is so sad, after spending never ending amounts of time with both UPS and FedEx, alerting them of my home working environment that I need to continue advising further agencies of such issues. While the good old United States Postal Service seems to always deliver on time, even though slower than everyone else.

What a shame that companies who advertise and or guarantee delivery, avoid such a basic level of service on a regular basis. I am not saying that the USPS is any better, since they seem to refuse picking up any outbound mail in my building. Resulting in the loss of several Netflix films, since I have moved in here.

It ashame's me that end users in large cities must work so hard to receive such simple services from large companies.

United Airlines latest scam

On my way home to San Diego last night I noticed that there where well over 40 people on stand by for my flight. What I didn't realize until later is that they where not on stand by from another flight. United oversold the flight by 50%, wow if you do not have status you are so screwed now. The worst part is, since the tickets are non refundable, even though they oversold it. They do not have to give back the money based on their fine print. I sure can see another government investigation starting very soon!

United Airlines dropping to actual EQM for flights under 500 Miles

So normally I fly United for short flights, since I get my 500 Elite Qualifying Miles per run. But as of July 2008 they will only provide actual miles for short flights. If anything the shovel that Jet Blue, Virgin America and Southwest that United handed over is now going to start the burial process.

Flights are less expensive on these other airlines, all 3 of these airlines actually have friendly flight attendants that are happy to be there. I love how the pilots say, flight attendants are primarily here for your safety. They really don't give a crap about your level of service.

So whats next United? Will your customers have to fly on a full moon, every other solar eclipse to get status points any longer? United tries over and over again to get new clients with these fake fairs that is only 1 seat per flight. When you actually get the email its booked by then.

iphone went un-available on the Apple Store

Ok, so as the geek that I am. I have been checking daily for an update around a 3g iphone. But today I just noticed that the iphone is no longer available for sale on the website. Hmm, could it be released this week?

SES NYC

So today was the first day of SES NYC. A very interesting mix of people, every year it seems to change just a little bit. You tend to see more of the change on the first day before the expo floor opens with a flood of free passes.

I ran into Jason Calacanis today with his cool new Macbook Air, what a great machine. I must have one!

We went on a St. Patricks day pub crawl tonight. A blast, I was sorry to leave but had to meet some friends. I was able to call may father, it is his 70th birthday today.