Yay! Blog! http://www.ssmrocks.com/kimnovak/mt/blog/ Vocalist Kim Novak's not quite daily postings about stuff she's thinking. en-us Kim Novak Copyright 2010 2010-07-29T19:11:17-06:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 My Generation and Blacktino http://www.ssmrocks.com/kimnovak/mt/blog/archives3/2010_07.php#003749 I drove by two filming locations today. One was "My Generation" being filmed at the Texas School for the Deaf. It's a new show that will be on ABC in the fall brought to you by the person who wrote/produced "The Unusuals", a favorite show that was canceled far too soon.

The other was a movie called Blacktino, a dark teen comedy due out next year.

Over the last year, I've driven by locations for the Coen brother's True Grit remake and Robert Rodriguez' Machete.

The only celebrity I've seen, though, is Danny Trejo stretched out on a gurney in an alley as I drove by Machete.

]]> 3749@http://www.ssmrocks.com/kimnovak/mt/blog/ I drove by two filming locations today. One was "My Generation" being filmed at the Texas School for the Deaf. It's a new show that will be on ABC in the fall brought to you by the person who wrote/produced "The Unusuals", a favorite show that was canceled far too soon.

The other was a movie called Blacktino, a dark teen comedy due out next year.

Over the last year, I've driven by locations for the Coen brother's True Grit remake and Robert Rodriguez' Machete.

The only celebrity I've seen, though, is Danny Trejo stretched out on a gurney in an alley as I drove by Machete.

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]]> Movies and TV 2010-07-29T19:11:17-06:00 Richard's Conservation http://www.ssmrocks.com/kimnovak/mt/blog/archives3/2010_07.php#003747 My coworker, Richard, is conservation minded. I'll give you an example. I found a typo on one of the web pages he manages. There was an extra word in the sentence. It started "There are a two ways to...." So I notified him. He asked if I had noticed a missing "a" anywhere else on the page because he wasn't sure what to do with it. He didn't want to delete it and waste a perfectly good letter. So we decided the best course of action was to cut and paste it into notepad to save for later when he needed an "a." In our current budget crisis, Richard is a hero for that kind of thinking.

]]> 3747@http://www.ssmrocks.com/kimnovak/mt/blog/ My coworker, Richard, is conservation minded. I'll give you an example. I found a typo on one of the web pages he manages. There was an extra word in the sentence. It started "There are a two ways to...." So I notified him. He asked if I had noticed a missing "a" anywhere else on the page because he wasn't sure what to do with it. He didn't want to delete it and waste a perfectly good letter. So we decided the best course of action was to cut and paste it into notepad to save for later when he needed an "a." In our current budget crisis, Richard is a hero for that kind of thinking.

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(Rob on Jul 15, 2010 11:07 AM) Is cutting less wasteful than deleting? Does pasting the "a" cost less than typing the "a"? Do you pay storage on the "a" in notepad? These are not things I've considered during my budget crisis.

(boogaboo on Jul 23, 2010 11:02 AM) I only understand "eh" but I'm canadian ;)

]]> People 2010-07-15T10:53:35-06:00 On Hold http://www.ssmrocks.com/kimnovak/mt/blog/archives3/2010_07.php#003746 I'm on hold. There's music. There's also a lady who breaks in every 40 seconds to say "We appreciate your patience. All of our agents are assisting other customers, but your call is very important to us. Please continue to hold for the next available agent. Your call will be answered in the order it was received."

Why do I need that repeated every 40 seconds? My short term memory isn't *that* bad. Plus, every time that voice breaks in, I think they're answering. Soon, I'll become immune and when they do answer, I won't realize it. Then they'll hang up on me. Waaah.

]]> 3746@http://www.ssmrocks.com/kimnovak/mt/blog/ I'm on hold. There's music. There's also a lady who breaks in every 40 seconds to say "We appreciate your patience. All of our agents are assisting other customers, but your call is very important to us. Please continue to hold for the next available agent. Your call will be answered in the order it was received."

Why do I need that repeated every 40 seconds? My short term memory isn't *that* bad. Plus, every time that voice breaks in, I think they're answering. Soon, I'll become immune and when they do answer, I won't realize it. Then they'll hang up on me. Waaah.

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]]> 2010-07-06T13:04:34-06:00 Unconscious Mutterings http://www.ssmrocks.com/kimnovak/mt/blog/archives3/2010_07.php#003745 By special request from Boogaboo:

Unconscious Mutterings

  1. Collectors :: Item

  2. Passion :: Fruit

  3. Winner :: Medal

  4. Uninhibited :: HEB Crazy Lady

  5. Challenge :: Contest

  6. Self :: Me

  7. Your :: Welcome (inside joke)

  8. Viewer :: Mail

  9. Random :: Playlist

  10. Vice :: Squad

]]> 3745@http://www.ssmrocks.com/kimnovak/mt/blog/ By special request from Boogaboo:

Unconscious Mutterings

  1. Collectors :: Item

  2. Passion :: Fruit

  3. Winner :: Medal

  4. Uninhibited :: HEB Crazy Lady

  5. Challenge :: Contest

  6. Self :: Me

  7. Your :: Welcome (inside joke)

  8. Viewer :: Mail

  9. Random :: Playlist

  10. Vice :: Squad

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Comments on this Entry:

(boogaboo on Jul 2, 2010 12:24 PM) 1.Collectors :: stuff 2.Passion :: fruit 3.Winner :: loser 4.Uninhibited :: shy 5.Challenge :: work 6.Self :: changing 7.Your :: move 8.Viewer :: comment 9.Random :: choice 10.Vice :: versa Thanks Kimster ! :cool

]]> Memes - Unconscious Mutterings 2010-07-01T10:25:35-06:00 Where's my iPhone? http://www.ssmrocks.com/kimnovak/mt/blog/archives3/2010_06.php#003744 I pre-ordered an iPhone 4 on June 15, day 1 of pre-orders. I had great difficulty ordering from the Apple site. After 25-30 tries, I went to the AT&T site and found success the first time I tried.

I got an order confirmation that day. Then, two days later, I got another order confirmation. I went to AT&T's order tracking page and it said I ordered on June 17. I figured it just took a couple of days to get it in the tracking system.

The phone was supposed to be delivered today. I took off work because I figured I'd need to sign for it. But when I look at the AT&T order tracking page, it still says "In Progress." No e-mail to tell me it's shipped. My credit card hasn't be charged. No sign that it's on it's way.

It's fine if demand was too large, and they can't get it to me today. But the complete lack of communication about the issue is maddening. Searching for news on the issue, I find others on an AT&T customer forum in the same boat. They've called AT&T customer service, and don't get answers or get rosey assurances that their phone will be delivered on time. AT&T has posted an assurance that those who ordered the first day will get their phones this week. Am I one of those people? I ordered the first day, but their system says I ordered the third day. Argh.

All I want to know... are there enough phones? Have they just not gotten to my order? Do they anticipate shipping it today, tomorrow, when?

I'm frustrated, not because I must have my iPhone NOW, but because of the lack of communication.

]]> 3744@http://www.ssmrocks.com/kimnovak/mt/blog/ I pre-ordered an iPhone 4 on June 15, day 1 of pre-orders. I had great difficulty ordering from the Apple site. After 25-30 tries, I went to the AT&T site and found success the first time I tried.

I got an order confirmation that day. Then, two days later, I got another order confirmation. I went to AT&T's order tracking page and it said I ordered on June 17. I figured it just took a couple of days to get it in the tracking system.

The phone was supposed to be delivered today. I took off work because I figured I'd need to sign for it. But when I look at the AT&T order tracking page, it still says "In Progress." No e-mail to tell me it's shipped. My credit card hasn't be charged. No sign that it's on it's way.

It's fine if demand was too large, and they can't get it to me today. But the complete lack of communication about the issue is maddening. Searching for news on the issue, I find others on an AT&T customer forum in the same boat. They've called AT&T customer service, and don't get answers or get rosey assurances that their phone will be delivered on time. AT&T has posted an assurance that those who ordered the first day will get their phones this week. Am I one of those people? I ordered the first day, but their system says I ordered the third day. Argh.

All I want to know... are there enough phones? Have they just not gotten to my order? Do they anticipate shipping it today, tomorrow, when?

I'm frustrated, not because I must have my iPhone NOW, but because of the lack of communication.

Comments (3)

Comments on this Entry:

(boogaboo on Jun 28, 2010 5:24 PM) yay, a new Kim blog !! :clap btw I miss those "word" ones you used to throw in, I forget what you called them. And also the dream ones :D hugs Kim!

(Rob on Jun 29, 2010 1:16 PM) Saw a big line at the local AT&T store the other day. Had no idea what the line was about then but I do now. I think more than a few left frustrated. Even with 10-12 consultants on duty, that place just cannot get people in OR out. The wife wants one but she cannot justify it in her mind yet. I'm sure that day is coming, though.

(kim on Jul 1, 2010 10:29 AM) I finally got my iPhone 4 days late, and now I'm not mad because it's so cool. It's crazy how people want it the day it comes out. I would have waited except I was without a phone and I don't like to drive without one for emergencies. It's hard to justify, but I agree... Patsy's day is coming. :)

]]> Technology 2010-06-24T12:42:35-06:00 Inconvenient P.O. and comfy clothes http://www.ssmrocks.com/kimnovak/mt/blog/archives3/2010_04.php#003740 I love that there's a post office in the building where I work, but over the last few years, that post office has incrementally become inconvenient to the point that I'm going to start driving to a different post office at lunch when I have to mail a package.

First, they changed their opening time from "early enough to go before work" to 9:00 a.m.

Second, they only ever have one person working, so the line can get pretty long. Sometimes it's a grumpy person which makes an already inconvenient trip miserable.

Third, they removed the self-serve stamp machine so you have to go inside to buy stamps.

Fourth, when the line is so long that it extends out the door, they refuse to unlock the other side of a double door, forcing the people in line at the door to have to move out of the way every time someone exits.

And the final straw... today I went to mail a package at 1:00 p.m. to find a sign on the door that said they had gone to lunch and would be back at 2:25.

On another note, I am comfortable in my clothes today. Shoes, pants, undergarments and shirt... all very comfortable. I don't look like a million bucks, but I don't care. I wuv to be comfy.

]]> 3740@http://www.ssmrocks.com/kimnovak/mt/blog/ I love that there's a post office in the building where I work, but over the last few years, that post office has incrementally become inconvenient to the point that I'm going to start driving to a different post office at lunch when I have to mail a package.

First, they changed their opening time from "early enough to go before work" to 9:00 a.m.

Second, they only ever have one person working, so the line can get pretty long. Sometimes it's a grumpy person which makes an already inconvenient trip miserable.

Third, they removed the self-serve stamp machine so you have to go inside to buy stamps.

Fourth, when the line is so long that it extends out the door, they refuse to unlock the other side of a double door, forcing the people in line at the door to have to move out of the way every time someone exits.

And the final straw... today I went to mail a package at 1:00 p.m. to find a sign on the door that said they had gone to lunch and would be back at 2:25.

On another note, I am comfortable in my clothes today. Shoes, pants, undergarments and shirt... all very comfortable. I don't look like a million bucks, but I don't care. I wuv to be comfy.

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(Rob on Apr 17, 2010 10:19 AM) I think stamp dispensers have been removed in ALL post offices. Not sure why. They were very convenient, particularly the ones that took $5-$10-$20 bills. Thankfully, I don't have much need to go inside post offices any more but the ones I do get to go into are well-staffed.

(Chris Wray on Apr 25, 2010 7:35 PM) Hey Kimmeth!!!! MUAH! Glad to see you're doing ok. We'll have to catch up some time. xxXxx

(brykMantra on Apr 28, 2010 10:12 PM) Just wanted to pop in and say HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! And you thought I forgot! :party

(k-sue on Apr 30, 2010 9:05 PM) oh no, did i miss it? :nerd happy belated birthday wishes, kim! :clap

(boogaboo on Jun 12, 2010 1:04 AM) ok you've been sluffing... we need more Kim blogs now!!! :foottap :clap :lol

(boogaboo on Jun 24, 2010 12:10 PM) <---- checks watch :foottap :P [Kim says... Okay! Okay! ;)]

]]> What's Going On? 2010-04-12T13:19:44-06:00 Class Action http://www.ssmrocks.com/kimnovak/mt/blog/archives3/2010_01.php#003734 I got an e-mail saying I am a member of a class action lawsuit against a popular online flower seller. It said that because I had made a purchase between specific dates and there was a shipping charge, I was entitled to a $10 voucher toward the purchase of flowers there.

Doesn't that seem to benefit the flower seller more than me? You can't get delivered flowers for $10.

I'm suspicious that it's really a promotional e-mail instead of a lawsuit.

]]> 3734@http://www.ssmrocks.com/kimnovak/mt/blog/ I got an e-mail saying I am a member of a class action lawsuit against a popular online flower seller. It said that because I had made a purchase between specific dates and there was a shipping charge, I was entitled to a $10 voucher toward the purchase of flowers there.

Doesn't that seem to benefit the flower seller more than me? You can't get delivered flowers for $10.

I'm suspicious that it's really a promotional e-mail instead of a lawsuit.

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]]> What's Going On? 2010-01-09T17:37:36-06:00 New Austin law prohibits texting while driving and more http://www.ssmrocks.com/kimnovak/mt/blog/archives3/2009_12.php#003733 Austin City Council passed an expanded version of a ban on texting while driving. I'm all for it. They expanded it to include doing anything with your phone besides talking. I'm all for that, too, except I don't see why people need to talk on their phones while driving either.

I don't use my phone in the car, so that part won't affect me. I do use my iPod, though, and even though the ban doesn't include iPods, a cop won't know whether I'm fooling with a phone or an iPod before he pulls me over. I don't want to get pulled over, so I can't be switching from music to podcast on my iPod while driving in Austin anymore. It should be noted, the ban doesn't include time sitting at a stop light, so there will be plenty of opportunities for me to goof around with it in between the mobile segments of an in-town trip.

]]> 3733@http://www.ssmrocks.com/kimnovak/mt/blog/ Austin City Council passed an expanded version of a ban on texting while driving. I'm all for it. They expanded it to include doing anything with your phone besides talking. I'm all for that, too, except I don't see why people need to talk on their phones while driving either.

I don't use my phone in the car, so that part won't affect me. I do use my iPod, though, and even though the ban doesn't include iPods, a cop won't know whether I'm fooling with a phone or an iPod before he pulls me over. I don't want to get pulled over, so I can't be switching from music to podcast on my iPod while driving in Austin anymore. It should be noted, the ban doesn't include time sitting at a stop light, so there will be plenty of opportunities for me to goof around with it in between the mobile segments of an in-town trip.

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(Rob on Dec 24, 2009 6:24 AM) I'm almost at the point where cell phone usage ought to be so expensive that they would only be used in emergencies. Merry Christmas, Kim.

(kim on Dec 24, 2009 8:32 AM) Merry Christmas, Rob!

(heidi on Dec 25, 2009 11:54 AM) i don't know about that kim, just like drinking if you drink u drink it does not matter how much...(m comparing cell phone 2 ipod)! ps-don't forget 2 light candles for peace

]]> What's Going On? 2009-12-23T15:18:50-06:00 Not selling CDs http://www.ssmrocks.com/kimnovak/mt/blog/archives3/2009_12.php#003731 I've been feeling like removing another layer of clutter around the house. I gathered up 39 of my CDs that I thought I could let go, and went to Secondspin.com to see how much they would pay. Most of them were 10 cents. I'd rather throw the CDs away than sell them for 10 cents, especially when I have to mail them in and pay postage. Ten of them were worth around $2.00. So just for those after postage, I'd get about $16. Doesn't feel worth it.

I've never been big on doing a lot of work to get rid of stuff. I just want it gone. Maybe I'll take them to Goodwill and write them off as a charitable contribution. How much would you value them for charitable purposes? $1 apiece?

]]> 3731@http://www.ssmrocks.com/kimnovak/mt/blog/ I've been feeling like removing another layer of clutter around the house. I gathered up 39 of my CDs that I thought I could let go, and went to Secondspin.com to see how much they would pay. Most of them were 10 cents. I'd rather throw the CDs away than sell them for 10 cents, especially when I have to mail them in and pay postage. Ten of them were worth around $2.00. So just for those after postage, I'd get about $16. Doesn't feel worth it.

I've never been big on doing a lot of work to get rid of stuff. I just want it gone. Maybe I'll take them to Goodwill and write them off as a charitable contribution. How much would you value them for charitable purposes? $1 apiece?

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]]> Music - Other People's 2009-12-06T15:41:31-06:00 UT, Lowes and Christmas http://www.ssmrocks.com/kimnovak/mt/blog/archives3/2009_12.php#003730
  • I worked myself into a frenzy over the UT/Nebraska game. I've been feeling beat up on with home/car repairs, vet bills and office politics. I had it in my head that if UT didn't answer Nebraska's go-ahead field goal at the end, then fate or the gods or whatever really did have it against me. It came down to the very last second. I'm glad they won (duh). Games like that are very hard to watch, and I'm not sure I'm glad I watched it even with the win at the end.
  • I went to Lowes twice today to return plumbing supplies I bought a couple days ago. I also bought some leaf bags. My front yard and driveway are covered.
  • I got some Christmas shopping done. Still more to go, and I hope I get it done early. The hard part is figuring out what to get for people.
    • ]]>     3730@http://www.ssmrocks.com/kimnovak/mt/blog/
  • I worked myself into a frenzy over the UT/Nebraska game. I've been feeling beat up on with home/car repairs, vet bills and office politics. I had it in my head that if UT didn't answer Nebraska's go-ahead field goal at the end, then fate or the gods or whatever really did have it against me. It came down to the very last second. I'm glad they won (duh). Games like that are very hard to watch, and I'm not sure I'm glad I watched it even with the win at the end.
  • I went to Lowes twice today to return plumbing supplies I bought a couple days ago. I also bought some leaf bags. My front yard and driveway are covered.
  • I got some Christmas shopping done. Still more to go, and I hope I get it done early. The hard part is figuring out what to get for people.

    • Comments (1)

    Comments on this Entry:

    (k-sue on Dec 6, 2009 11:08 AM) yay longhorns. after high hopes at the beginning of fb season, my jayhawks crashed and burned. and the coach just resigned. so glad bb season is underway...

    ]]>     Sports 2009-12-05T23:04:12-06:00