Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Earlier this week, I got a call on my cellphone from someone with a badly broken Indian accent who claimed he was from Microsoft and could fix the issues I was having with my computer.  Funny thing, at the time, I WAS having issues with a computer.

Now, out of the MILLIONS and MILLIONS of customers that Microsoft has, why did they call me?  I have no answer, but they've been calling a LOT of people in Northern Iowa lately and tricking them into doing damage to their computers.

It starts off with this sympathetic (or pathetic) person concerned about my computer, then they want to install some monitor software like TeamViewer on it, so they can take control of the computer.  Then they want to open up the Command Prompt so they can do more damage by "inspecting" the computer.

It was at this point, I used some very colorful language at this person then hung up.  I really should have stayed on the line to hear the whole thing and find out what exactly they were going to do.  Some techs have told me they get into the computer registry and start a bunch of RUN commands....Very bad.

One lady who had this issue is now getting abusive calls at 3am demanding money.  Sad.

Again, if it's too good to be true, it is...they want your credit card info and PLEASE don't give it to them!!  Be safe, call The Computer Guy if you have issues -- we'll solve the problem and we won't call you back at 3am!

Mr. Alexander - A Fine Man Remembered

A while back in February, for those who are regular readers remember, I had a computer repair job at my old school superintendent's home.  His name, was Jim Alexander -- Mr. Alexander to a whole lotta folks for a long time, and STILL Mr. Alexander to me.  I rang the doorbell and after a bit, a tall, frail man with silver/white hair answered the door.  Naturally, I recognized the big smile and he knew mine.  His computer had "issues" and he just wanted to get them fixed because he LOVED reading his emails from his kids and former teachers.

He was slow, but steady -- he took his time getting from place to place in his house.  But, when I was done we chatted for a bit and I left.  As I stated before in a former post, he had slowed down.  Not until last Thursday when he passed away, did I know he was 84.

I'll share a few stories, but FIRST, I'll tell you I was never on the wrong side of the desk with him, so to speak.  While I had a few "chats" with Mr. Nelson, the Middle School Principal and Mr. Johnson, the High School Principal, Mr. Alexander and I were on good terms....well most of the time.

The first time I ever met the man, I was in 5th grade and our bus driver Lucy had some ruffians on the bus to Hansell.  It was odd that when Mr. Alexander rode the bus one morning, you could have heard a pin drop...thus we had no more "issues" on the bus.  He commanded respect.

Between my 8th and 9th grade, I received my Eagle Scout Award.  He was not only at the ceremony, but had sent a very nice card with some thoughtful words in it.  He was also invited to and attended my graduation reception in 1983 at the house.  Another nice card, with thoughtful words.

From what I could tell after high school, Mr. Alexander had somewhat of a temper if he couldn't watch the Hawkeyes play football.  When I was on the Hampton City Council he called the house and told me to "straighten out those morons" who ran our cable system.  For some reason, the next week, the Hawkeye games were able to be broadcast on cable and I was happy to call him back with the news.  His reply, "I knew you could straighten them out, Palmer."

In 2003 I had to go to Oelwein for work and ran into some people at the Yankee Scoreboard Hotel/Lounge, as I remember.  Naturally small talk occurred and like everywhere I go, I tell them I'm from Hampton.  The first thing out of the old timer's mouth who was behind the bar was, "Hey, I remember a Jim Alexander who moved there who was a damn fine ball player."  So, we chatted about Mr. Alexander and sort of caught them up on what he was up to and that he had retired.  I saw Mr. Alexander in Seven Stars Restaurant after that and told him the story, he just smiled.

In the spring of 2010, we both got called for jury duty.  Judge Drew, also a former student, asked if anyone had any issues or conflicts and needed to be excused.  Judge Drew also referred to him as "Mr. Alexander" when he raised his hand and was promptly excused from jury duty.  No explanation needed.

In December of 2011, we didn't have a bad winter, but it was one of those windy days with just a bit of ice here and there on the pavement.  I was at Kum & Go in Hampton and Mr. Alexander was just getting ready to walk out the door.  The cashier looked scared as the wind had picked up and it really wasn't nice out.  I saw him and asked him how he was doing and then I decided I'd chit chat with him and walk him to his vehicle.  We both knew that he was not good on his feet, so I know he appreciated someone strolling to his vehicle that was out at the gas pumps.  We took it slow and he went on his way, big smile, big wave.

After posting the notice of his death on Facebook, an outpouring of words came from people around Hampton to describe him -- Gentleman, Classy, Fair, Honest, Role Model, Wonderful, Tremendous -- It doesn't get much better than that.

Thank you, Mr. Alexander, you've made us all better people for having known you.

James Alexander Obituary

The State Of Now -- Follow Up

Last Monday was the #140 Character Conference, AKA State Of Now AKA #140ConfDM.  What a nice day to listen to people come to Des Moines and share their ideas, dreams, stories, fears and triumphs.

This year, I could tell the conference was off to a good start was the microphones and cameras worked just fine, Deb Brown and Jeff Pulver were on point and the speakers had great content.  Several speakers came from out of state, some I didn't understand their points, but mostly I had a nice time listening and participating.

My segment was a 20 minute panel on the restaurant business and how there are tools out there to actually help your food business.  I enlisted the help of Christopher Juhl and Phil James and we filled 19 1/2 out of 20 minutes with stories (mostly mine) and helpful hints and tips plus a challenge to restaurants to get out there and DO SOMETHING!!!

Here's the video from our segment -- Enjoy!

Food Panel - State Of Now - 2012

I guess that's the point of this conference -- After it is all said and done, DO SOMETHING.

Overall, I'd give the day a B+.

Next year, I'd like to see more media attend the event with THEIR stories and some people from the entertainment world (local or national) to share their stories as well.  You can bet, I'll be there as it is worth attending and being a part of the show!

The State Of Now Conference!

Last year I attended and was part of a great conference called The #140 Character Conference.  Speakers from all over the midwest attended and spoke for just 10 minutes each (WHAT!! JUST 10 MINUTES??) and talked about how Social Media has changed, improved or revamped their life or the life of their business.

The conference has changed slightly and is called "The State Of Now" -- because social networking IS now!

I'll be speaking, along with about 50 other folks.

You could watch online, but it would be great to have you there!!  Tickets are available for $70, but save money by using the code "VERIZON" when you check out and you will be SHOCKED at how much you will save!

Here's the link, we'll see you there!!

STATE OF NOW CONFERENCE!!!

Hello India -- Press 1 For English!

How many times have you had a computer issue while your computer is under warranty and you pick up the phone only to get a person in a far away land to read a script to you like a 5 year old.  All you want is for someone to own the issue, take care of you and get your stuff fixed!  Or you call and you get "Press 1 for this, 2 for that" which also has its limitations.

Here's what we can do for you.  Bring us the problem.  We'll own it, we'll deal with the tech in far away land and we'll push 1, 2, or 3 and get the problem solved.  Yes, there's a basic fee, but you also have the piece of mind that your computer is going to be fixed -- no hassles, no frustrations.

In the last couple of months, we've saved customers so much frustration and time, it's made the service a hit!  No, your neighborhood Big Box store doesn't do it, but we do.

Partly Personal -- Saying Goodbye

I remember when I worked at several radio stations that carried Paul Harvey, when he would send out a message to his wife Angel or son Paul, he'd say, "This is partly personal." 

So far 2012 has really been terrible for friends of mine passing away.  Several customers have died unexpectedly, a local businessman, and now within a week -- a good friend and fellow karaoke singer John Fransen and Becky's grandfather Harvey Krassin.  In fact, John's graveside service and Harvey's service are at the same time!!  I'm hitting John's visitation and Harvey's funeral.

John loved, to be cliche, "Wine, Women & Song."  His wonderful voice attracted the ladies to his side of the Kozy Korner and he was never far from a glass of Ten High & Water.  I once submitted his photo to some Kenny Rogers Look Alike website.  Here's a link of you'd like to hear him sing, but it will take a while to load up, so be patient.

John - She Believes In Me

I remember before I got to know John, he'd say "hi" but that's about it.  He stayed in his end of the bar and I had my own reserved table on Wednesday nights.  After several long nights at the Kozy Korner, we warmed up to each other and became good friends.  I had him sing at several events I had organized and he was thrilled to do it.  Once, we both sang for 2 hrs at a lady's 100th Birthday Party.  She swore up and down that she had Kenny Rogers at her party.  "John R" as he was known, will be missed.

Sticking with the Paul Harvey theme -- I once heard Paul Harvey address the American Farm Bureau Association with a poem, "So God Made A Farmer."  If I had the where-with-all to be able to read it at Harvey's funeral without busting out crying, I'd do it.  Instead, I'll just print them up and send them out to Harvey's daughters.  They will enjoy it.

I had to adapt it a bit from what Paul Harvey wrote, but I can only imagine how many times it has been read at funerals and other gatherings to honor someone like Becky's grandpa.  Enjoy.....

So God Made A Farmer

And on the eighth day, God looked down on his planned paradise and said I need a caretaker- So God made a Farmer

God said I need somebody willing to get up before dawn, milk the cows, work all day in the field, milk cows again, eat supper then go to town and stay past midnight at a meeting of the church board- So God made a Farmer

I need somebody with arms strong enough to wrestle a calf and yet gentle enough to deliver his own grandchild; somebody to call hogs, tame cantankerous machinery, come home hungry, have to wait for lunch until his wife's done feeding visiting ladies, then tell the ladies to be sure and come back real soon, and mean it- So God made a Farmer

God said I need somebody willing to sit up all night with and newborn colt, and watch it die, then dry his eyes and say “maybe next year.” I need somebody who can shape an axe handle from a persimmon sprout, shoe a horse with a hunk of car tire, who can make a harness out of hay wire, feed sacks and shoe straps, who at planting time and harvest season will finish his forty hour week by Tuesday noon and then, paining from tractor back, will put in another 72 hours- So God made a Farmer

God had to have somebody willing to ride the ruts at double speed to get the hay in ahead of the rain, and yet stop in midfield and race to help when he sees first sign of smoke from a neighbor's place- So God made a Farmer

God said I need somebody strong enough to clear trees and heave bales, yet gentle enough to wean lambs and pigs and tend to pink combed pullets; who will stop his mower for an hour to splint the broken leg of a meadowlark. It had to be somebody who'd plow deep and straight and not cut corners; somebody to seed and weed, feed and breed, and rake and disk, and plow and plant, and tie the fleece and strain the milk and replenish the self-feeder and finish up a hard week's work, with a five mile drive to church on Sunday.

God needed somebody who would bale a family together with the soft, strong bonds of sharing; who would laugh and then sigh, and reply with smiling eyes, when his friends, neighbors and family would say they want to spend their life doing what Harvey did-

So God made a Farmer

Adapted from Paul Harvey - 1987

I never met my Grandpa Palmer who died before I was born and I lost my Grandpa Eckhardt in 1983.  Thanks to Becky's family for loaning me theirs for the last 6 years.  He will be missed.

EntreFest - 2012 - Post Script

I just wanted to reflect for a bit on EntreFest 2012 that was held in Ames this past week.  The price was up, the crowds were down, but I think I got as much for my money as I have in years past.  For me, this year's theme was Customer Service & Streamlining Procedures. 

Kelly McDonald gave a great opening speech about "How to market to people who aren't like you!"  With Hampton being roughly 28% Hispanic, I thought it might be a good idea to pay attention to that.  Did you know, The Computer Guy DOES offer FREE translation service at the shop??  Kelly also gave another seminar as well, pretty much some of the same themes, but in a smaller classroom sized setting.

Josh Fleming of Des Moines, talked Mobile Networking.  He's got a passion, that's for sure.  He wants to do a video on "Shit The Computer Guy Says" -- but, I don't think that would be very good for my "brand" -- as sometimes, I can get carried away with what I DO say, and to remind me of it probably isn't a good thing.  Nice compliment, anyway.  I told him we'd figure something out.

Randy Dean talked about getting your emails all organized, like a file drawer.  I came home and attacked my email and made quite a dent.  I think I have 5 left on my WebMail server and 24 on my inbox on my desktop computer.  His biggest piece of advice for an office setting... TURN OFF THE BLING.  When your new mail arrives, don't have it make a noise to distract everyone else in the office -- and quit checking it all the time.

As always, I made new friends, saw some old ones -- had a few laughs over a few drinks.  All in all, a good show.  I'm hoping next year's conference is in Des Moines, as I think they need to capture back some of the base crowd again. I can't wait for EntreFest 2013.