March 1st, 2010 by Al

I want to share a funny story.

Ever since I returned to consulting, there have been moments when I’ve really missed my old crew. The thing I miss the most, is working with my old buddy. We knew and worked with each other for over 10 years. Working with him, there was no such thing is ego, and we truly complemented one another. Especially with programming, If something could be scripted, I knew he’d be the one who could  do it. I could complement that by offering my input. All I’d have to do is feed him and idea, and off he’d go, hammering away until done. That’s the way it is with teams, especially us UNIX admins,  we really have to have a sense of laziness, in order to function efficiently. Repetitive tasks take up way too much time if you have to manually do them. But the true value has always been working with a great team, each bringing unique perspective to the project.

Our motto was always, “We postulate to automate…“

Not all working situations are like this, and I’ve worked with some possessing such deep insecurities, you didn’t let your guard down– not even a moment. But not these guys, they were a riot.

I remember this one time, I was in Northern California attending a course on the HP XP256 Storage Array. It was a grueling 5 day boot camp. Picture information being thrown at you, it’s like drinking from the fire nozzle. You get the picture. Early this one particular morning, I awoke, and logged in to check my email–keeping in touch. The team was in the process of installing a new HP9000 server for the Data Warehouse project and the guys were in the process of coming up with a name for it. So one of the wiseguys decide to take the lead on a practical joke by emailing me the new name, “pecker.”

I thought to myself, no-way. They wouldn’t, they’re not going with that name. In my mind, I could just hear it going over the company PA speaker, “Attention, Pecker is down!” or “Pecker is coming down for maintenance!” or “Great news! Pecker is up!“

Well you get my drift. I was tired, irritable and didn’t see it coming, those guys set me up. I ranted at them, “You better come up with something else or else!

I went back to finish up, caught the plane home and Monday morning when I got to the office, there they were with SEG’s just about to bust. I tell you, I learned all about humor that day!

Yeah, I miss those days. What a team.

Have fun, live large, laugh lots…

And guys, if you’re out there reading this, I still owe ya!

February 25th, 2010 by Al

Support people get all kinds of support requests. Variety is the spice of life, wouldn’t you say?

Caller:  “Good Morning, our printer is not working.”

Support: “What’s wrong with it?”

Caller: “The dam mouse is jammed.”

Support: “Mouse? Printers don’t have a mouse you fool!”

Caller: “Mmmmm, Oh really? …. I’ll send you a picture.

Support hangs up, a minute later an email arrives with the picture.