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| Sunday, September 21, 2003 |
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Wierd-fi 
| | Here at SFO, out where the long concourses converge, is an Intel Centrino kiosk-office space-age setup that promises "free public wireless Internet access." Explaining this is a big Windows XP screen with a Real video that isn't working. Not a blue screen, but might as well be. There are promos for various laptops (Acer, Sony, Fujitsu) that aren't there. The signs say "try me." Soda is spilled on one of the circular pedesals where, I guess, you're supposed to set your laptop and hook up to... what? I opened my laptop to check for a wi-fi singal, and just got the not-free tmobile hotspot for the United Red Carpet Club. That's where I am now, appreciating the fact that United has finally gotten around to providing a basic Internet service for its premium customers. (Which I'd prefer to get "free," but appreciate paying for none the less.) For a long time you had to leave the clubs to get a wi-fi signal. |
| | [Later...] It occurs to me that this whole Centrino kiosk thing may operate only 9-5 weekdays or something, and that the kiosk-keepers carry the laptops away when there's nobody to run the place. But why would they turn off the free wi-fi? Why not take away the sign too? Not clear. |
| | I didn't mention while I was there that all the action in the kiosk at the time involved a policeman and his very large german shepherd. The dog sat perched like a bird on top of one of the pink pedestals, and proved very attractive to a series of beautiful women who passed by. In the several minutes I was there, about four of these babes stopped to talk to the cop and stroke the dog. It made the dog happy and the cop happier. I was just pissed that I didn't get a good picture of the scene. |
Townhopping
| | Had a great week sailing in and out of Seattle, which is one of my favorite cities (tied, roughly, with Paris, London and New York). Terrific food, among many other things. |
| | Now I head off to my favorite town, and home, where the weather appears to be just as perfect as Seattle's. See ya there. |
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