Right after I posted on Apple’s increased market share in personal computers being attributed to their retail stores, I had to use one.
My MacBook Pro suddenly developed a problem with the DVD drive. Running across the street in Houston to the Galleria Mall, I got immediate attention. Actually, I got an appointment to see a “genius” next morning at 8:20AM.
He took my laptop, promising to replace the drive same day. On warranty, no cost to me. Now that’s service.
Watched this terrific and informative “entertainment” with Dave and Lisa Adlard. For a Hollywood movie, I think it captures the flavour of how things get really done in politics.
Charlie Wilson’s War is a 2007 biographical drama film based on the true story of Democratic Texas Congressman Charlie Wilson, who conspired with a “bare knuckle attitude” CIA operative named Gust Avrakotos to launch an operation to help the Afghan mujahideen resist and ultimately defeat the Soviet Union’s military occupation of the nation.
It is directed by Mike Nichols, written by Aaron Sorkin, and stars Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, and Ned Beatty. It was nominated for five Golden Globe Awards, including “Best Motion Picture”, but did not win in any category. Phillip Seymour Hoffman was nominated for an Academy Award for “Best Supporting Actor,” but did not win.
To oversimplify the plot, it’s the story of how the USA eventually and reluctantly delivered Stinger missiles into the hands of illiterate tribesmen. That weapon turned the tide in the campaign against the brutal invading Soviet Army.
George Crile, author of … the book on which the film is based, wrote that the mujahideen’s victory in Afghanistan ultimately opened a power vacuum for bin Laden: “By the end of 1993, in Afghanistan itself there were no roads, no schools, just a destroyed country — and the United States was washing its hands of any responsibility. It was in this vacuum that the Taliban and Osama bin Laden would emerge as the dominant players. It is ironic that a man who had almost nothing to do with the victory over the Red Army, Osama bin Laden, would come to personify the power of the jihad.” …
Sure Apple owners are far happier with their computers and service than any other manufacturer.
But they only have … like 3% of market share. Right?
That was once true. But look what’s happened in the first quarter of 2008. During an American recession economic slowdown.
Apple’s market share in what NPD calls the “premium” category, or laptop and desktop PCs selling for $1,000 or more, is nothing short of phenomenal: 66 percent. That’s right, two-thirds.
… the retail stores make a huge difference. “Apple has got better distribution than it’s had in the last 15 years,” Stephen explained. “They’re in the right spot right now. There’s the iPod advantage. But the big thing is the stores.”
Apple’s retail stores aren’t just places to buy Mac products. They’re part of a larger end-to-end value chain—and with it the promise of a certain kind of experience. …
Driven inside by a pelting rain storm, we quite enjoyed this popular chain restaurant.
Ever tried deep fried pickles?
ST. PETE BEACH. Yes, you do sit at picnic tables inside, but how much easier could it be to crack crabs and dig into Bill’s good, simple seafood? This family-owned place appeals to folks who don’t want impressive decor but just a fun time eating. The menu offers crabs (of course!), oysters, and platters of flounder, grouper, shrimp, yellowfin tuna, and catfish. Frog legs, lobster, crab cakes, scallops, and even conch fritters please diners’ palates, and steak, chicken, and ribs satisfy the uninitiated. Affordable and great for family outings.
Over the years at least a half dozen people have recommended the Scottish author Ian Rankin.
I’ve just finished listening to one of his books on MP3. Excellent.
Rankin is a “grape-picker, swineherd, taxman, alcohol researcher, hi-fi journalist, college secretary and punk musician” turned writer.
Fleshmarket Close is a 2004 novel … named after a real close off Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. It is the fifteenth of the Inspector Rebus novels. It was released in the USA under the title Fleshmarket Alley. It was the second episode in the second Rebus television series starring Ken Stott, airing in 2006.
I’d like to see that BBC production. Rebus is a compelling, complex character.
You must buy a back-up drive. I got a Hitachi-branded external, portable 160Gb USB model for about $100. Any external drive will do.
Everything is automated. Back-ups are incremental, so long as the drive is plugged in. It could not be simpler.
The only glitch I can report has to do with the USB ports on the MacBook Pro. My Hitachi only works in one of the USB ports, not the other. Turns out not all USB ports are created equal. If you have any trouble with a USB peripheral in future, try a different port.
Calgary Transit simply keeps raising fares to pay for all damage rather than finding a more durable way to build shelters.
This is a good example of how natural monopolies are flagrantly unaccountable for cost.
Once again I’ll send this complaint to Head Office. They’ve never once replied. Leave a comment if you know someone who would respond.
UPDATE:
Thank you for this inquiry. Calgary Transit contracts out all shelter maintenance and as a result we pay the maintenance firm so many dollars and it is their responsibility to repair the shelters. So, if there were no broken shelters we pay the same as when there are many broken shelters. However, if a shelter is broken on a regular basis then we remove it.
Cathy Baker
CSR Coordinator
Calgary Transit
Kudos to Cathy and Calgary Transit for responding. And promptly.
They should give Cathy a RAI$E. Design different bus shelters. And budget LESS for maintenance.
Rick McCharles 