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I just came back from visiting Toys”R”Us as another disappointed customer. Their semi-monthly paper advertisement contained a Sportspower “My First Trampoline With Enclosure” for $79.99. So what’s the issue? It’s out of stock. None of the stores within 60 miles currently have them in stock. However, the warehouse that services ToysRUs.com does — for $99.99 (plus $18-$19 shipping). It’s amazing that after 10+ years, the gap hasn’t been filled between online, ecommerce retail and store retail. Sure some stores have, such as Best Buy, but their prices and stock have other issues. Just the other day we needed a 10 … Continue reading The Gap Between eCommerce and Brick and Mortar

What fitting way to end 2008 than a list of my own version of technology-related highlights of 2008. Dell’s Acquisition of Equallogic – Ok. So technically this happened in November of 2007. But the acquisition wasn’t completed until early this year. After review of the devices, they are definitely a cost-effective NAS solution. What a great way to introduce storage solutions to small businesses. ASP.NET MVC – Again, this technically happened in 2007, but my first experiences really happened this year. What a great, clean way to build web applications. Flip MinoHD – When Pure Digital introduced the Flip Ultra, … Continue reading Technology Highlights of 2008

While we’re still around the holidays, I figured I’d continue my break from actual dev content and review one of the gifts I received this holiday season. My wife picked up a Keurig B70 (Platinum); a single cup coffee/tea brewing system made by Keurig, a subsidiary of Green Mountain Coffee. I wasn’t sure what to expect being that I’m a huge Starbucks fan. However, I was quite surprised. Here’s my quick wish list for Keurig: Additional Brands such as… hmmm… Starbucks? Or Seattle’s Best? Currently, I’m stuck with Green Mountain brands only (or tastes generated or packaged by them). The … Continue reading Review: Keurig Platinum B70 Home Brewing System

This is one of my favorite times of the year. It’s a busy time of the year, but it’s fun. If you’re not into the holidays, chances are you’re too busy and you need a vacation. Even the busiest individuals can enjoy the holidays. Since I was little, I was always fascinated with Christmas lights and decorations. (1980’s photograph will be inserted at a later date) There’s nothing like seeing the faces of the young and old when they see the glow of Christmas lights. Over the years, things have changed quite a bit. We’ve gone from C7/C9 bulbs to … Continue reading So What Happens When Technology and Holidays Come Together???

User groups, blogs, and community forums exist because of the community. Our User Group, .NET Valley, alone has received thousands of dollars worth of software, books, food, and more over the years to attract members and thank them for coming to our events. It’s time for us to collectively do our part. Many of my colleagues including Scott Watermasysk and Steve Andrews have already issued similar requests and the response has been great so far. It’s been extremely tough this year for many. A few have lost their jobs, a few even their homes. But much like a user group, … Continue reading Holiday Challenge – Donate or Help Out

I am expecting a package from the USPS and have been since Thursday. The package was too large for my mailbox, so I received a re-delivery notice. On Thursday night, I signed it and placed it in my mailbox. It was picked up on Friday and the package wasn’t on the truck for redelivery. Thinking that maybe they didn’t bring the package out for redelivery on Friday just because, I waited for Saturday. Sure it was pouring rain all day, but I never received my package on Saturday either. Today I called the post office. They told me that they … Continue reading USPS Service Leaves Much To Be Desired

I’m moving my sports blog from MSN Live Spaces over to ESPN. Hopefully ESPN will release an RSS aggregate for the blog posts, but for now, you can add me to your fan profile here: http://sportsnation.espn.go.com/spaceman126/.