MOTM

I think I need a satellite in geosynchronous orbit over my head, 
really.

My dad bought a Chevy Avalanche.  Why anyone in their right mind 
would allow my father to operate the world's fastest truck is beyond 
me, but I felt my mom would be somewhat safe because of the GPS 
tracking device and associated 24-hour assistance.  Naturally, Dad 
starts playing with everything as soon as his new toy is in front of 
the house (Mom beelines it to the safety of her kitchen and keeps an 
eye on the old man like she's watching a 5-year-old) and trys the 
OnStar button.  The cell phone rings, Dad fumbles with it for a bit 
and then answers.The man on the other end says, "good afternoon Mr. 
Osthelder.  You are presently in your driveway.  Can I be of further 
assistance to you?"

I think I can reach the power switch from here, thanks...

Chub-waiting for the tubes to warm up...


--- In motm@y..., "mbedtom" <mbedtom@a...> wrote:
> Want the ultimate in power control for your synth?  Here is the 
Rube 
> Goldberg solution: use your cell phone to call the controlled power 
> strip that is also connected to the phone line.  The power strip 
> answers the phone and after entering a username and password, you 
can 
> turn loads on/off by pressing keys on your cell phone.  Of course 
> your actions are guided by an interactive voice response system.
> 
> Think I'm joking?  Check out the products here:
> http://www.dataprobe.com/
> 
> They also have models that connect to the Internet to let you turn 
> your synth on/off via browser.  They have models with and without 
an 
> embedded modem.  No more of that horrific reaching behind the 
cabinet 
> to find a power switch crap!  Just keep your power strip's number 
in 
> your speed-dial, or keep the URL in your "favorites" in your 
browser 
> and off you go!  Yes, I think I should get several of them.
> 
> I wonder if they offer a model that does IR control from a 
phone...  
> You know what a pain in the ass it is when you cannot find the TV 
or 
> satellite remote because it slid under the bag of Cheesy Poofs.  So 
> pluck the cell phone off your belt, dial up your family room and 
> change the channels.  Hell, with call-waiting, that thing ought to 
> mute the TV for you when you pickup the phone for an incoming 
call.  
> You could even mess with your kids... while out of the house 
shopping 
> for more electronic essentials, call up the IR controller and 
change 
> the channel from Skin-emax to TBN.  There's nothing like a good TV 
> evangelist soliciting money from "Six Flags Over Jesus", to perk up 
a 
> teenager.
> 
> Then again, maybe not.
> 
> Cheers!
> Tom Farrand