Model numbers for the monitors mentioned above:

Dell 27 Video Conferencing Monitor - C2722DE ~ $700

Dell 24 Video Conferencing Monitor - C2423H ~ $450

Our new setup includes 2 different models of Dell's video conferencing monitors. Built in camera (pops up from the top edge), as well as a decent array of mics and speakers below the display. I think management didn't really think it through, as our office is mostly cubicles. 2 or more people on a call turns into a weird, multi-node speakerphone, complete with odd echoes that come from both latency and physical distance. They probably would be great if everyone had them at home, but it's not really a practical solution if you have a budget.

@scottalanmiller said in What Are You Doing Right Now:

@RojoLoco said in What Are You Doing Right Now:

Grabbing a quick coffee then heading to hopefully get a new car.

nice, good luck. What are you getting?

Same thing I had that got totalled, but I got a new one this time. 2022 Nissan Altima:

(stock photo but exactly the same as mine)

Grabbing a quick coffee then heading to hopefully get a new car.

Nearly all the desktop UPS in our office have gone tits up in the last 3-4 months. Obviously, all were purchased at the same time, which was almost 7 years ago by my count. I'm glad to see them go, and they aren't being replaced since our goal is to go all remote by next year!

It has suddenly become autumn in the south! Which will be even better when I get to Asheville NC later. Going to see WEEN tomorrow night, but we're making a weekend of it. Mid 50s F at night.... I'm ready!

About to get some coffee and golfeados at a Venezuelan place right by the data center.

@Dashrender said in Weekend Plans:

@WrCombs said in Weekend Plans:

the italian festival is happening this weekend, Going on Sunday to that - Dinner with my girlfriends mom after that and Monday (labor day) looks like a cook out at the lake boating/fishing/drinking enjoying the sun.

wife got burned to a crisp there over the weekend

I was drunk at DragonCon!

Aww shit, you were in my neck of the woods... But I was camping in N Ga, getting rained on. Started Saturday night and didn't stop. We were leaving Sunday anyway, but packing out in the rain blows. At least the tent finally gave up under the pressure, she was given a proper "rolled up hastily and thrown in a dumpster" funeral.

@gjacobse said in What Are You Doing Right Now:

@RojoLoco said in What Are You Doing Right Now:

Heading out to pick up some Jamaican food!

Dinner was a variation of Red Beans and Rice... not the best i've fixed.. but - it'll do.

That sounds good, I should make red beans n rice when the kitchen is done.

Heading out to pick up some Jamaican food!

@scottalanmiller said in What Are You Doing Right Now:

Just fell over while walking the dogs down the sidewalk. Dammit, I'm too old to be falling on the sidewalk.

At least I'm on coffee number two now.

I managed to take a big fall last night, right on to the concrete. Still feels like I got hit by a truck, as I am equally too old.

Sipping some STRONG cold brew made with some locally roasted beans! I finally found a real coffee shop that's close to the office. Prices run around average, $8 for 12oz of beans, ground to order. Many more options and varieties online:

https://www.peachcoffeeroasters.com/

The GA400 blend is excellent, medium bodied, and well rounded. I haven't tried the Dirty South blend yet, I'll probably start that batch tomorrow night. And then I will go back for more.

...aaaaand a couple of before pics from zillow. The outside pic is what used to be there before KITCHEN!

There has been much progress today while I was out...

Headed to Athens (GA) to see some local/regional doom metal bands

\m/ \m/

1st pic here is the (ripped out) exterior wall of the current kitchen.

A few pics, probably out of order, but they show the progress...

About to start some cold brew, then it's time to find boxes to pack away a big chunk of the kitchen...

Surprisingly, the fiber optic cables and transceivers I ordered showed up about 30 minutes ago. Hopefully that means I'll be leaving the office soon and heading to the data center... This will finally let us connect to our new DR systems remotely!