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Posted by AgentKid on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 11:37 PM

I've had a cell phone since '97 or '98. In the last few years though, I have had a lot of problems with the belt clips they sell for the phones. I will have to carry my phone loose in my jacket now, since I noticed my current clip gave up the ghost as I was removing it from my belt when I got home Christmas evening. The reason I have my current phone is the belt clip of the previous phone broke off, and the phone fell to the street and I didn't notice until it was too late.

I had had the previous phone for about 8 or 9 months of a three year term. The clip that broke off was already the second clip I had for that phone. The carrier would waive all of the replacement costs if I took this phone on a new three year term.  The clip that came with this phone looked like the proverbial accident waiting to happen, so I bought another clip the day I got the phone.

My current three year term ends this spring, but I don't think I will go the smartphone route. I am not away from home often enough anymore to justify the extra costs necessary to receive my e-mail anywhere on the planet. And I think I do enough online shopping as it is, without having the extra convenience of being able to do it from my phone. The big question is though, will they even have ordinary cell phones in stock to sell to me, or will there be no choice but to get a smartphone? We shall see.

Bruce

 

So shovel the coal, let this rattler roll.

"A Train is a Place Going Somewhere"  CP Rail Public Timetable

"O. S. Irricana"

. . . __ . ______

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Posted by tree68 on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 10:26 PM

Modelcar
We have had a cell phone since 1989.....Can you imagine how different they were then....

I think my daughter was 18 when I got my first cell phone - in fact, I know she was, 'cause my son wanted to give it to me for Christmas, but he wasn't old enough, so my daughter ended up signing for it.  That would have been 1993.  It was a "bag phone."  None of this fits in your pocket stuff.  I semi-permanently mounted it in my truck.

I have managed to keep the same number all these years, though.

As for pictures - I put a memory chip in my last phone.  If I took a picture I'd just pull the chip out, put it in the adapter, and copy it over to the computer.  Not sure I can do that with this device yet. 

You can always mail your cell phone pictures to your regular email account - instead of a phone number, just put in your email address.  I've done that dozens of times.

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
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Posted by Modelcar on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 9:04 PM

.....Boy, I know I'd never get as "smart" as any smart phone that I might own Larry.

We have had a cell phone since 1989.....Can you imagine how different they were then....

And the Motorola phone we've had now for for a few years is just that....A cell phone, that of course also is a camera.

But...........I've never been able to get any of the pictures over on the computer here from it....And don't worry too much about it, since I've never tried to take any very serious photos with it.  The digital Canon can handle that.

Got to thinking upon hearing of Sears / Kmart to close up to 100 / 150 brick and mortar stores.  Seems the "smart phones"...Ipads....computers are coming of age so fast in enabling the public to set down anywhere and place an order for merchandise over the instrument, and in a few days the item is dropped right at one's doorstep by UPS or some other carrier.

That brought me to wonder and look way out in the distance....Will that grow into such a change the "brick & mortar" businesses will pass away.....??  The demise of the malls.....20 years hence....Who knows, but it made me wonder.

It won't happen in my lifetime but I really wonder if that can be signaling a big change way out there......

Quentin

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Posted by tree68 on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 7:41 PM

Well, if the rain that's come down this evening (so far) was snow, we'd have about 4 feet by now (assuming 10" of snow to 1" of rain - your results may vary).

The temps are dropping, and we may well see snow by morning.

Got a new cell phone today.  At least, that's one of its functions.  It's a "smart phone," and if I work really hard I might get at least as smart as it is... 

Having fun loading "apps" on it, though.  One will even show me a map of where a fire call is when I get the text notification.  Now I have to wait for a call to see if I set it up right...

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date
Come ride the rails with me!
There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...

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Posted by Modelcar on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 6:55 PM

....We've had the wet snow / rain parts of our day here.  Mid 30s for temps.

I estimated 1.5" of snow for today, and at the 6 oclock local news they were reporting 1.5" of snow officially here in Yorktown, which we're annexed into for a few years now.

That brings our total so far for the season at 3".  Much less than last season.  And we're still low {in comparrison}, on heating degrees days.

I usually put my 70# sand bags {2}, in the back of the bed of my S-10 Xtreme for Winter last of November, or so, and I still have not done so this season.  Remember back a few years ago it was January before I had to put them in.  So, so far, we are doing pretty good on Winter.

Just spoke to a friend of mine over in our homeland of Pennsylvania {who's family was in the coal business for some years}, and he mentioned they are really hauling out the coal in {unit trains},  I'm guessing much of it's going for export.

For those familiar...I'm speaking of Shanksville and Windber area.  The Shanksville loads go out on the Somerset / Cambria branch of former B&O to gain the main at Rockwood.  And the other would be N S...{former Pennsylfania RR}, out of the Winber area to I believe it is Southfork where they gain the main {former Pennsy}, east / west main line....{Horseshoe Curve route}.

Weather here tomorrow is believed to be forecast to be partly sunny.

Quentin

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Posted by AgentKid on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 4:39 PM

I hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas. I enjoyed mine. It was good to see everyone and have a good visit. I felt better on Boxing Day than Christmas, but I managed to get through Christmas Day. I hit the pillow hard though Sunday night, about five minutes after getting home.

I had mentioned over on the Lounge back in October that I bought a new book, "Canadian Pacific in Color - Volume 2 - Western Lines" by Bill Linley. After over a quarter of a century looking for one, there was a photo in that book of the Water Car that brought out the water for the station in Irricana each Monday. Where local water wasn't good, the CPR provided water to stations, Roadmasters, and Section Men's houses that needed it

I brought the book with me, and my Mother was amazed to see a photo of it. My sister and my niece couldn't believe people would put up with a thing like that. Oh, the health implications. After seeing that car every week for over eight years, it turns out my Mother is a bit of a rivet counter when it comes to verifying a picture like that.

It has always surprised me about how often she seems only concerned with the most general details of a thing, yet at other times she zeros in on fine points with laser like precision. I joke with her that she could send and receive Morse Code, but she is passionately disinterested in computers and the internet.

I received another new RR book, and a gift certificate from Amazon, to buy even more books. Looks like I will have to force myself away from the boob tube.

We have had some fairly nice days with temps in the mid-forties and Chinook winds. A lot of our snow has melted.

For the first time in over a week I checked with my sources and there is no new local RR news.

Bruce

 

So shovel the coal, let this rattler roll.

"A Train is a Place Going Somewhere"  CP Rail Public Timetable

"O. S. Irricana"

. . . __ . ______

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Posted by cherokee woman on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 2:39 PM

We've had mostly rain this morning.  Around 1 p.m., we did have a nice little snow shower, where the snow was coming down pretty good.  Ground is too warm for any of it to stick, though.  Current temp seems to be holding at around 36, 37 degrees, so probably won't see any snow on the grass. 

Produce went well this morning; the truck pulled at right at 8:30, and by 9:00, we had everything given out to the 29 people who showed up this morning, and were waiting for the Bread/Pastry truck.  On the truck this morning:  broccoli, potatoes, corn, zuchinni squash and half gallon jugs of soy milk. 

For the rest of the day, our menu is:

1.  Tacos

2.  Burritos

3.  Spanish Rice

4.  Chimichanga dinners

5.  Fajitas

6.  Tostadas

7.  Rib eye steaks

Everyone enjoy your afternoon/evening, take care and see you all later.

Angel cherokee woman "O'Toole's law: Murphy was an optimist."
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Posted by Modelcar on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 11:34 AM

....Earlier this morning, snow was on the grass.  It was an off and on very wet snow / rain most of the morning.

Now, it's snowing with what looks like full snow....Mid 30s temp now.

We're in a forecast bracket of 1 to 3" today, stopping sometime this evening.

I note now, it's finally getting the streets covered.  Previous, just wet.

Believe this is just a light system moving thru over us, and that will be about it for the snow until {as now forecast}, about next Tues., I note the word snow in it's long range forecast.

Partly sunny / cloudy most of the week forward.

Quentin

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Posted by switch7frg on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 9:11 AM

Smile  Hi Joe,  yesterday on the train show ( trains & locomotives)    Ohio Central was featured. That was really interesting.   Question ~~ is Ohio Central  still alive and well?  Mr. Jacobson  has done a great job of preserving a part of history in Ohio.

                                                  Cannonball

Y6bs evergreen in my mind

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Posted by mudchicken on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 9:10 AM

Minus eight (-8) degrees in Alamosa this morning on my way to relative warmth in Durango.. Fortunately most of the work this time is indoor research looking for skeletons in CDOT's closet.

Lurch has been left behind in Denver, on the verge of retirement. Hope the temorary replacement doesn't have any kamikaze/ditch hunter tendancies around the snowdrifts on the side of the road over Wolf Creek Pass.

Mudchicken Nothing is worth taking the risk of losing a life over. Come home tonight in the same condition that you left home this morning in. Safety begins with ME.... cinscocom-west
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Posted by Mookie on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 7:04 AM

Grandma really did get run over by a reindeer!  Got the tracks on my sweatshirt to prove it. 

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by JoeKoh on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 6:29 AM

good morning

rain here in nw ohio for now.might get 1-2 inches of snow by this afternoon.guessers say the 40's on thursday so the snow will be gone.work is busy.matt is enjoying his week off from school.Time for bed.

stay safe

Joe

Deshler Ohio-crossroads of the B&O Matt eats your fries.YUM! Clinton st viaduct undefeated against too tall trucks!!!(voted to be called the "Clinton St. can opener").

 

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Posted by grampaw pettibone on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 5:32 AM

Peace be with you. 44 with clouds in Carolina, expected to rain off and on all day and reaching 69 some time or other later. I had a tolerable CHRISTMAS day, but spent a lot of time in bed due to old age (!) problems. All in all, it wasn't too bad. I didn't get the flame thrower that I asked for tho.

Everybody have a safe warm day.

Tom

COAST LINE FOREVER

It is better to dwell in the corner of a roof than to share a house with a contentious woman! (Solomon)

A contentious woman is like a constant dripping! (Solomon)

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Posted by cherokee woman on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 4:50 AM

Good Tuesday morning everyone.  Rainy, and a temp in the upper 30s, will slowly continue to drop throughout the day.  Our morning rain is supposed to turn to snow around 10 this morning.  Shouldn't have much accumulaton, except on grassy areas and elevated roadways may see a slushy accumulation. By the weekend, our temps are to be back in the mid to upper 50s. 

Coffee, juices and other morning beverages are fresh and ready to go:  plenty hot chocolate and hot cocoa, hot water for hot tea, and hot cider.  And on the warmer/serving station:  bacon, sausage, eggs, tater tots, hash browns, buttermilk biscuits and sausage gravy, bagels and bear claws.

Everyone have a good morning, and I'll see you all this afternoon.

Angel cherokee woman "O'Toole's law: Murphy was an optimist."
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Posted by Stourbridge Lion on Monday, December 26, 2011 9:30 AM

Good Morning Railfans!

Hope all had a good holiday with friends and family.  It's currently 27F here and overcast but the forecast looks to be heading for a small heat wave that should melt most the snow that fell the over day.

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Posted by Modelcar on Monday, December 26, 2011 9:00 AM

....Our day after Christmas is bright and sunny.  No snow.   It is frosty.  28 degrees when I first checked.

Looked at my records here and it shows we had 11.5" of snow last year by this date....This year:  Just 1.5"....I like that.

The nice sunshine over the holiday has enhanced it's greatness.

Some are still on vacation, but for many, it's back to work.

Right now, we're headed to our local restaurant for breakfast.

Good wishes to all for the in between holiday's time.  Perhaps some stores will be the same all over again....Bargin hunters.

Quentin

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Posted by JoeKoh on Monday, December 26, 2011 6:15 AM

good morning

Cw thanks for breakfast.We are looking at negatives through a picture scanner.Lots and lots of memories.Just finished looking at a group from where CSX replaced the cpls here in defiance.It's back to work tonight for me.Mom is on vacation with Matt.

stay safe

joe

Deshler Ohio-crossroads of the B&O Matt eats your fries.YUM! Clinton st viaduct undefeated against too tall trucks!!!(voted to be called the "Clinton St. can opener").

 

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Posted by cherokee woman on Monday, December 26, 2011 5:53 AM

Good Monday morning and Happy Boxing Day to everyone who celebrates it!  We celebrate it here in the Cafe, so who will be taking over here today?  I have made fresh coffee, fresh juices and the other morning beverages.  And a light breakfast is on the warmer/serving bar.

I would ask Dan if he could take over; but, it has been so long since he's been in here.  Think he's lost somewhere.Wink

Everyone enjoy your day, and hope you all had a very Merry Christmas yesterday. 

Angel cherokee woman "O'Toole's law: Murphy was an optimist."
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Posted by Modelcar on Sunday, December 25, 2011 4:52 PM

....Their music has been flowing thru the family room area yesterday and today via XM radio...They play quite a bit of it.

Quentin

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Posted by Mookie on Sunday, December 25, 2011 1:43 PM

Jim - they are from Omaha and Chip Davis lives very close to Omaha, so they usually do a concert there if not every year, at least often.

Many years ago, my girlfriend and I drove up there to see them in concert.  Well worth the trip.  Good thing, too, because we drove home (50+ miles) in an ice storm, in the dark on the interstate.  We were both driving, pushing on the brake and hanging onto each other.  Concert with an added thrill!

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by switch7frg on Sunday, December 25, 2011 10:57 AM

Thumbs UpSmile  Ms. Mookie, I also like the  music of Mannheim Steamroller.  The faster pace of theirmusic really livens up the spirit of the season.  To see them on the "tube"  is a masterpiece indeed.

                                                             Cannonball Jim

Y6bs evergreen in my mind

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Posted by Modelcar on Sunday, December 25, 2011 8:17 AM
.....What a neat video. Very nice. Everyone enjoy this special day.....Must get ready to head to church.

Quentin

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Posted by petitnj on Sunday, December 25, 2011 8:00 AM

Merry Chrstmas and Happy New Year from Minnesota and the Osceola and St Croix Valley RR. Last year we had a foot of snow on the ground for Christmas-- this year a dusting. We have been blessed witih a safe and successful year and hope that 2012 brings the same to all of you. Thank you for your dedication to Trains and the world's most efficient transportation system. Thanks to the dedicated Amtrack staff for a great ride on the CZ this spring and thanks to all of our dedicated visitors who rode the O&SCV this summer. 

BTW I got a new single cup coffee maker for Christmas and I can read the morning forums 10 minutes faster now. 

Thanks to all who participate in the forums and keep the discussions lively. 

 

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Posted by Mookie on Sunday, December 25, 2011 6:39 AM

Awww - Darren - I wanted one of those as a kid.  All I ever got was a silly doll.  Now I find out that those dolls are worth some $$$. 

No matter, I still would have taken a train in a heartbeat.  Now a nice, old F Unit in CB&Q colors or SD 70 (greenie) in the backyard would be nice. 

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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Posted by cherokee woman on Sunday, December 25, 2011 5:55 AM

MERRRRRRYY CHRISTMAS to all our friends here in the Flat Wheel Cafe/Diner!!  And good Sunday morning, too.  Coffee, juices, hot chocolate, hot cider are fresh and ready to go.  Plenty of hot water for our hot tea drinkers.  On the warmer/serving bar this morning:  bagels, bear claws, cinnamon rolls, assorted Christmas cookies, fudge (chocolate, white chocolate, peanut butter), along with bacon, sausage, eggs and toast (reg., cinnamon and french).  Everyone enjoy today with your family. 

Angel cherokee woman "O'Toole's law: Murphy was an optimist."
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Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, December 25, 2011 2:10 AM

Merry Christmas from all of us here in San Antonio to all of you!!!

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Posted by Stourbridge Lion on Saturday, December 24, 2011 10:42 PM

Happy Holidays Railfans!

watch?v=L3QFugxl78

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Posted by locomutt on Saturday, December 24, 2011 9:11 PM

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Being Crazy,keeps you from going "INSANE" !! "The light at the end of the tunnel,has been turned off due to budget cuts" NOT AFRAID A Vet., and PROUD OF IT!!

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Posted by tree68 on Saturday, December 24, 2011 6:56 PM

With no kids here at the house, I've opted to skip the tree.  If I were to put one up, it would be filled with keepsakes of all sorts from over the years.  There'd be no room for plain old glass balls.

I'll be home (at the daughter's next weekend) hoping that everyone here (and everywhere) has a safe day, and that I can enjoy the holiday from the comfort of my recliner.

In case you haven't been over to the lounge:

Here's hoping you and yours have a safe, and happy, holiday, whatever holiday you choose to celebrate (I'm an equal opportunity well-wisher!).

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date
Come ride the rails with me!
There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...

  • Member since
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Posted by Mookie on Saturday, December 24, 2011 6:51 PM

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to all. 

Got to go out this afternoon - it was in the 40's, which for Nebraska is quite unusual.  We are fast becoming the Palm Springs of the midwest. 

Saw a few trains.  Saw a lot of pigeons.  Saw one hawk sawing the pigeons! 

Bruce - hope you get to feeling better.  Maybe move to a warmer climate - ?  Nebraska is wide open!

TV is lousy, so will grab a piece of pizza, get in the hammock and listen to Mannheim Steamroller for the 90th time this season.  Never get tired of it. 

Big family day tomorrow.  I can't wait! Gift

She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw

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