twothirds

Since I more or less work in IT, I get to deal with crap like the y2k change and most recently the day light savings time (DST) change. While this has been known for some time and most software vendors have released DST-specific patches months ago, one of my vendors of overpriced content management software has yet to release a patch. What makes matters worse is that their pending patch is not only a DST-specific patch, but a complete application service pack with tens if not hundreds of other unrelated fixes. So let me get this straight, I am supposed to:

• install this SP in a dev environment

• verify the DST patch works
• verify all of the other bug “fixes” work (they have a very bad track record)
• deploy this to a test environment for blessing by QA
• deploy this to production during an out of cycle release

Oh, and all of this needs to be completed in less than two weeks?!?! No thanks!

After reading between the lines and talking with a few internal folks, the DST fix in the service pack is a simple JVM upgrade. So, I could put my system at risk and install the SP in a two-week turnaround, or I could simply run a JVM update tool from Sun. Yeah, I choose this option.

At the end of the day I will be DST compliant, but I am not feeling warm and fuzzy about our software vendor.

My preferred beers tend to change over time. I used to be fan of the maltier brown ales from England, but these days I am more of a golden ale whore. Unfortunately, the beers from Belgium are on the top of my list these days which do quite the number on the wallet and can be difficult to track down. While it is cheaper than an expensive wine obsession, one 750ml beer costs a few more clams than a sixer of New Castle or Speckled Hen. Some selections from the top of my list include

• Duvel

• Ommegang Hennepin (also owned by Duvel but made in the USA)
• La Chouffe Golden Ale

While not a “golden ale” per se, these often come home with me from the store:

• Chimay Grand Reserve (Blue)

• Hoegaarden Witbier
• Scaldis (a good “after dinner beer” which will put you on your ass.)
• Wittekerke White (it comes in a can!)

While on the topic of Belgium beers, nothing is worse than a restaurant that does not know how to serve it. If you are going to take the time to procure, sell and serve a Belgium beer in a restaurant, please treat it like a fine wine and:

1. Obtain the proper stemwear

If you are serving a Duvel in a pint glass, I just might send it back. Just like a fine wine, the aroma and taste of a Belgium beer is enhanced by the proper serving glass. Ideally the beer will be served in the vessel created by the brewery, (example), but a properly matched generic such as a “trappist”, “tulip”, or “tumbler” glass is just as acceptable.

2. Serve at the correct temperature

Belgium beer tastes good! The flavor does not have to be dulled by serving it at 33 degrees Fahrenheit. The subtleness of the beer will only make an appearance when served at the proper temperature. This is often in the 50 degree Fahrenheit range.

3. Learn how to pour it

Different beers will have different recommendations for pouring it. For some beers, a little head goes a long way to develop the flavors, aroma and cut down on the carbonation. Duvel even has a “how to” on their website. Watch it. Learn it. Live it.

Thanks to the Interweb, I now know the following about me. I am,
o …an ISTJ (and painfully punctual)
o …a Social Liberal and Economic Moderate
o …IRON MAN!!!

And no–I will not be putting my “purity test” results up here
Your results:
You are Iron Man

I am fed up with my macbook. While I have been in love with the little guy when in working order, I have spent way too much time on the phone and traveling to visit my local Genius. I’m still not sure why I broke my never-buy-one-dot-oh-products rule.

The latest in the LemonBook saga includes

• Defective battery
• Limp Mouse button

This brings the complete list to four warranty items over the past ~7 months with the inclusive list being

• Stained case (cover replaced)
• Random shutdowns (internals replaced)
• Limp mouse button (pending part replacement)
• Defective battery (battery replaced)

While I am not much for extended warranties, I might make an exception and spring for the extended care. The biggest issue with all these repairs is “downgrade” process before requesting repair work. Each repair quest requires me to swap out my RAM and HDD upgrade. Quite the pain in the ass.