Scott Cate: Family

Escalator with Auto On / Off

Scott Cate — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 12:37:37 GMT

Check out this YouTube video post, about the escalators? Maybe a silly post, but I thought it was cool. The escalators in the Berlin Convention center are on auto pilot, based on motion. As you approach the escalator, it happily comes alive to serve you. When there is no one on the escalator it turns it self off, presumably to save power.

In the states, if you see an escalator that is stopped, you automatically look for stairs, or an elevator to change floors, especially if you're going up.

This seems like a great/simple way to save a lot of energy!

Good job - whoever thought of that first :)

Travel from Hotel Berlin to the Messe Convention Center

Scott Cate — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 11:59:00 GMT

At TechEd in the US, there are normally dozens of “Official” hotels, and a bus line that is dedicated to your hotel. Just wake up, exit your hotel, get on the bus, snooze for a while, and wake up (again??) at the convention center. Not this year, or at least, not at our hotel. I’m not sure if this was a TechEd decision, or a city of Berlin decision. It doesn’t look like the convention center is setup the same as LAX, or Orlando, where dozens of Bus queues could be handled. Then again, this place is huge so it’s possible (probable) that I missed it.

There is a train that is pretty convenient between the hotel and the convention center, but for my first trip, I was a little confused, so I thought this would be helpful for others, trying to get between the two places. Particularly for those that might not be familiar with trains/tubes in Europe. Not all the signs are in English, and virtually none of the announcements are, so again, I hope this will be helpful.

First, as a speaker I received an email to print that is a weekly transportation pass. The email says the pass needs to be printed, and then validated, but when I went to the train station ticket booth, they said it does not need to be validated, just keep it with you, and if you’re asked for your train pass, just show it. So it’s on the honor system – but have your pass with you. The station isn’t like NY where you need a pass to enter the station, or the train, you just have to have it with you if you’re asked to present it. Mine looks like this …

I should have printed it with a color printer, so it looks more official, but ... it’s too late for that :)

OK, now that you have your pass, here is a map of the Hotel Berlin, Berlin, and the closest two train stations ... it’ll be an extra stop on the train (while you’re sitting) but I recommend the Lollendorf station. The only reason I’m showing both is that the original directions talk about taking the Wittenberg station, but this one is closer, and the directions are easier. Literally exit the front of the hotel, and make a right down Einemst (Which in my mind is Em-In-Em street – although I know that isn’t correct :) If you look down this street two or three small block, you’ll actually see the train overpass, so you know you’ll be walking in the right direction.

If you’re not familiar with trains/tube lines, here is a quick lesson. Every train has two names. The train itself has a Line that it’s on, like U1, U2, U3, and second, it has a destination. The train literally runs on a line, and it just goes back and forth. The line that you’re looking for is the U2 line. So when you enter a train station, look for U2, this is the platform that you need. Now you might be confused that there are two U2 platforms, one for each direction of the train. When you are going to the convention center from the hotel, you want to get on the U2-Ruhleben. I think it is 7 or 8 stops, and you want to exit at the Theodor-Heuss-Platz station.

One thing to note is that the doors don’t open automatically like most trains in the states, so don’t just stand there, press the green circular open button, and the door will open for you.

When you come up from the station, street side, you’ll be a little confused because there is very little direction. Look across the street and you’ll see a big blue structure, and beyond that, you’ll see a Sky Needle that is very similar to the Needle in Seattle. It’s very large, and tall, probably 50 stories. Even with it’s size, you might miss it based on the trees that are blocking your view. On your tube map, you’ll see this listed as Funk-Turm. Walk towards it walking down the Masuren allee Neue street.

This actually takes you to the back of the convention center, and TechEd registration is on the Entrance South. Once you see the convention center, simply head towards it. The signs here are in both German and English, so you’ll be able to find your way.

One final tip … if you have an iPhone – there is a free application you can download that has all the Berlin tubes on it. It’s named “Berlin City” and has an icon of the likes to the London Tube. You know the famous red circle with the blue line through it. Here is a snap shot of the app running, showing the line you need to be on.

Or you could just take a taxi :) I’m not sure of the price, since my rail pass was free, the taxi will be more expensive, and you won’t get the exercise. The one pro of a taxi would be eliminating the walk from to/from the stations, but hey ... it’s Europe ... They want you to walk.

[UPDATE]

It turns out - this is the longer way (in the post below). Ugg. Sorry. I don' t have images for this, but I have another set of directions. You're basically doing the same thing as my directions below, but if you make a train connection, then you end up with a shorter walk to the Entrance South.

Here are the updated notes ... In order to get closer to the Entrance South, exit the train at the Zoologischer Garten station and change onto the S Bahn line S9(Spandau) or S75(Olympiastadion) and exit at Messe Süd.

Google – Please Enhance your Single Sign-In

Scott Cate — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:23:00 GMT

This is a just a quick rant – and maybe, just maybe, there is a solution out there that I’m not aware of. I’m a fan of several Google services. But I cringe every time I have to log in to a service, because I can’t remember which one of the now three accounts I have.

It all started with Gmail. When Gmail was announced – I signed up with ScottCate@ Gmail.com – which was my first Google account. With this account, I started using most Google services, logging in with my ScottCate@ account.

Then months (or years???) later, Google announced Applications, and I signed up for Scott.Cate@ myKB.com which was my second account. To my knowledge – there is no way to merge or link the Gmail account, and my applications account, so now if I see a service to play with like Google Wave, or Google Voice, I have to decide which account to use.

So when Google Voice was announced, I was lucky enough to already have a CentralStation.com account, so it was migrated. And the Applications email didn’t let me log in, so I “Linked” my Google Voice account to my Gmail account. Then months later, Voice announced support for your own number, but I couldn’t see a way to do that with an exiting account, so I setup a new account under Scott.Cate@ myKB.com. Oh wait – That email is now setup as a Google account. Not an applications account.

See my confusion? Now I have a Google Account, and a Google Apps Account – with the same name – Scott.Cate@ myKB.com. I’m sure this whole thing it my fault – and I did it all wrong. But I know I’m not alone, just searching online, I can see a lot of others having this same problem.

The core problem here is that Google treats Application accounts separate than Google accounts. Two totally different and unrelated entities. I’m sure this is a great technical problem, but it’s painful for their consumers.

My simple request from Google.

Please offer a Merge between Gmail and Google App accounts feature.

Thank you!

Hand Carry Passport Services from RushMyPassport.com

Scott Cate — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:32:00 GMT

I recently needed a new passport faster than the 6-8 week turn around, and even faster than the 2-3 week rush service you can pay extra for from the Department of the State. Searching online I found a bunch of Hand Carry services, and I decided to try RushMyPassport.com and here is a quick overview of what happened.

First – The service is 90% automated (very nice), along with a few customer service calls to make sure I knew what I was supposed to be doing. My service agent was Barbara – who was very friendly on the phone, and helpful to make sure I was well organized, knew exactly what I was doing, what I had to include, where the closest “Sealing Agent” is, and probably more information that I have since forgotten.

What’s a sealing agent you ask? I’m glad you asked. Here’s the run down. You can hire a hand carry agency to walk in to a Department of State office, and work on your behalf. If you live in San Francisco or Philadelphia (and I’m sure there are others) then you would not have this problem, since you can do this yourself in person. Living in a state like Arizona, without a local Passport office, you have to look for other options. Now, just any Joe off the street can’t show up and say - “Um, I’m here for Mr. Cate’s passport...” So how do they do it?

Here’s where the sealing agent comes in. There are probably a lot of government places that will do it, but I chose my local post office. One thing I learned here is that you can make an appointment, but not a same day appointment. If you need same day services, call around, and some of the post offices have walk in hours for Passport services, on a first-come-first-serve basis. This is what I chose to do.

When it’s your turn, present the “Sealing Agent” all your paperwork. (S)He’ll go over it, making sure you have everything in order, and will put everything into a 8X11 envelop, and put special seal on it. This is kind of like a high end notary, but with a package instead of a signature. They seal it, and then put a bunch of stamps around the seal to make sure it can’t be tampered with.

Then you send FedEx the sealed envelop, along with copies of everything in the Envelop to the Hand Carry agent. They do the rest, and within a few days a new passport, along with your original documents show up via FedEx, in plenty of time for your time.

I chose the 3-4 business day option, and as promised, I’m now holding a new passport :)

Since there are a bunch of these services online, and I had success with RushMyPassport.com I thought I would write a quick review and let you know of the success I had with them. I really like that it’s mostly automated. Automated by email that is. When I first signed up, I got a payment confirmation, and a nice note outlining what was going to happen over the next week. After I followed the directions, I got all my paperwork in place, I was contacted by Barbara. (I knew she would be calling because an email said - “Your case is assigned to Barbara who will be calling you today”). Once she confirmed I had everything in line, she emailed me a pre-paid FedEx print out. After I sent the overnight FedEx, I received email confirmation that the package was received. Then an email saying it was processed, and finally an email with a tracking number stating that my new Passport is on it’s way back to me.

All in all, I’m very happy with the services from RushMyPassport.com and I would recommend them to anyone else who finds them selves in a “OMG I need a new passport” moment like I did :)

MacBookPro Cries for help on Sleep

Scott Cate — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 03:10:24 GMT

As I closed the lid on my MBP today, it let out a very loud and annoying cry for help. Like it was saying ... Nooooooo, Don't close me, I'm not ready to sleep! This the first time it happened, and luckily I was at Gangplank HQ and peeps were around to grab a quick video. All in fun .... A quick shut down and restart seems to have solved the issue, but we'll see what happens over the next couple days/weeks. Wish me luck.

Watch this quick YouTube Clip.

Google Maps Tip: Right Click for Point-To-Point Directions

Scott Cate — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 01:55:00 GMT

A friend asked me today on twitter about this, and after I explained it in 140 char's or less (probably very badly) he asked for a screen cast. The core question was - How can I use Google Maps to create point-to-point directions, without having to type anything, only using the mouse.

Here you go :)

The real trick is right click, but hey, here's a YouTube HD Screencast to show it live and in color.

False Advertising on Google.com/Products

Scott Cate — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 01:28:00 GMT

Are companies just allowed to put whatever bait-and-switch pricing they want on Google Products?

I'm searching for a replacement keyboard for my MacBook Pro. I could just replace a couple of keys, but it seems like the price of a whole new keyboard might be the same price, and then I'll have plenty of extras :)

Anyway ... Back to my rant ...

I did a search on Google Products, and found the keyboard I was looking for, for an amazingly low price of $37.99

Only to click through to the website, and find a Bait-And-Switch price of $54.99.

I'm sure this is all pretty automated (and maybe even a legitimate mistake) but it sucks for the consumer.

Just saying....

Taking asp.net app offline – with appoffline.htm

Scott Cate — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 23:18:00 GMT

Don’t beat your head against the wall for this next time Scott – just read your old notes.

As a gentle reminder (to self :) the file name is App_Offline.htm

not ... AppOffline.htm

and not ... AppOffline.html

it’s ... App_Offline.htm (casing does not matter but don’t forget that underscore)

Happy to be Insured with Allstate

Scott Cate — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 03:14:00 GMT

We have all of our insurance with Allstate agent Wes Cain. As many of you know, a month ago I was in a minor car accident. I say minor because there were no injuries, and just external body damage to the rear of my car.

I have never been in a car accident before that was my fault, so I didn’t really know what to expect. Now, a month later, the accident is behind us (me really) and the car is back good as new.

My final thoughts on the whole accident are ...

I’m glad no one was inured
I’m glad the car accident was minor
I’m grateful that Wes Cain is our insurance agent.
I’m grateful that we’re insured with Allstate

Here is a quick run down of how easy it was to get everything solved.

I called the 800 number, filed a claim, and in just a few minutes on the phone had a claim filed.
My agent, Wes, called Monday morning to make sure everything was ok.
- While on the phone call – he recommended an auto body shop, if I didn’t already have one in mind (I used his suggested shop, since it was better than just opening the phone book)
I dropped my car off the same day (Monday) to the body shop.
Allstate setup a rental car with Enterprise, pre-paid, who picked me up from the body shop.
Two weeks later, my car was fixed.
Returned the car to Enterprise – who drove me to the shop.
I paid my very low deductible (due to out previous good driver deductible credits)
Done.

During the whole process I spent less than 30 minutes on the phone, and one hour retrieving and returning the rental car. This includes talking to the claim recorder, the adjuster, my agent, the accident reporter (from Allstate), and the body shop. The entire process could not have been easier.

If you live in the Phoenix metropolitan southeast valley area, I recommend you call Wes Cain for Auto Insurance 480-926-4582. If you’re not in the area, seriously consider switching to Allstate for insurance.

I have known Wes and his staff for around 10 years, and I can say that both personally and professionally he is a great person. Wes has an agent page on the Allstate Website Here. I highly recommend him.

http://www.allstateagencies.com/WesCain/Welcome/

The Best Online Training is now Free or $500 off from PluralSight

Scott Cate — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 21:26:00 GMT

In an announcement that I just received from INETA, PluralSight On Demand training is now free to INETA user group leaders, $500 less for all INETA user group members, and a one month free pass to User Group members that are currently unemployed.

Are you active in your local INETA user group community? If you’re not – you should be.

I have subscribed to the PluralSight.com On Demand Training for almost 5 months now, and I love it, here’s why. There is simply too many technologies to be good at all of them. With PluralSight On Demand, you can spend a few hours in front of a really nice Silverlight player, and get your foot in the door to most of the Microsoft Technologies. Since my membership started, they have updated several courses, as well as added courses around VSTS and ASP.net MVC. I love love love love this online training – I really can’t say enough great things about it.

Lastly is a free 1 month offer to anyone that is an INETA user group member, and is currently unemployed. WOW – talk about giving back to the community – and at the right time. You’re out of a job, and want to sharpen you MS Stack Skills. This is the plan for you.

Here is a copy/paste of the INETA announcement. Check with your local user group leader to see if you qualify.

Tier 1: Group Leaders receive a free 1-year subscription to Pluralsight On-Demand!. On-Demand! is a great resource for Group Leaders to improve their .NET skills and enhance their presentations. Group leaders can offer the group member subscription discount and the unemployed member free pass, outlined further below. Our purpose is to empower the group leaders and provide them with a resource to not only improve individual .NET skills, but help build the relationship among the user group and create a common synergy. To get started, they simply send an email from the web page listed and they will be provided an INETA Group Leader “kit” with the scoop – details at: http://www.pluralsight.com/main/partnerPrograms/ineta.aspx
Tier 2: User Group Members receive a $500 discount off of the 1-year Pluralsight On-Demand! subscription. This is a grass roots effort to contribute to the success of the .NET User Group community by providing high quality Pluralsight On-Demand! training opportunities. Group members can access the discount by reaching out to Pluralsight directly, existing relationships with Pluralsight and their instructors, contacting their Group Leaders, seeing the promotions in the INETA newsletters, blogs, tweets, and other viral channels.
Tier 3: Unemployed Group Members receive a free 1-month pass to Pluralsight On-Demand!. This tier, as mentioned above, gives the Group Leader an opportunity to provide an unemployed group member with an opportunity to sharpen their skills and ramp up Microsoft technologies. In the past month, we’ve already heard about (2) instances where developers became employed after using Pluralsight On-Demand! training. We require the Group Leader to introduce Pluralsight to the unemployed member for validation and to endorse the core mission of INETA and .NET user groups – to provide structured, educational support to the growing worldwide community of Microsoft .NET developers. After the 1-month pass, unemployed Group Members can purchase the Pluralsight On-Demand! subscription with the $500 discount.