Elvis has Left the Building
A while back, I mentioned my puzzlement about how modern technology seems to, well, take us in giant steps backwards. Here’s another example of what I mean when I say never underestimate the power of brute force!
Those of you who have taken part in Liz Strauss’ Open Mic on Tuesday nights may remember several weeks ago when we talked about Elvis (hey, you never know what the subject will be – you just have to drop by: Tuesday nights at 7pm CST – be there!) During this particular session I mentioned an Elvis clock Mrs. MZM and I picked up at a garage sale many years ago (pretty much exactly like this one).
The legs swing back and forth (naturally), and of course he’s got his blue suede shoes on. Now, although I’m not that big an Elvis fan, I just HAD to have it! (I mean, c’mon, can you imagine someone like me NOT wanting something like this?)
Sadly though, over the years the clock stopped working (although the legs still swing back and forth). So, just for the fun of it, it’s hanging in my office just for the fun of seeing people react to it. It’s set to quitting time (because that’s when Elvis, you know, leaves the building).
The other day I accidently bumped the wall where the clock is mounted (hey it’s a cubicle), which inadvertently caused the legs to stop swinging (because he was “all shook up”? Um, Sorry.) No big deal, right? A little push to restart the swing and he’s back on track.
OK, now here’s the weird part (yes, now… and no snide remarks from the back there). A little later in the day, I noticed the hands had moved. What’s this? Could it be? I reset it to the correct time, and lo and behold, it’s a miracle: My Elvis clock has been healed!
Once again, the brute-force approach solves an inexplicable technological dilemma.
So here’s the lesson, folks: anytime you find yourself confronted by a problem, particularly one that is technological in nature, just follow this simple rule:
Just give it a good whack!
No responses yet
Middle Zone Musings is a comfortable place to stop, have a cup of coffee, swap a few stories and share practical ideas for the real world. I don't ask for much, just a bit of your brain every now and then. Have a seat, take a load off, and relax...
Hey, I do a great Elvis impersonation, in text only.
Thankyouverymuch, passthepeanutbutter.
Lip snarled up.
Very nice “hip wriggle”, too; definitely a natural! Do you do parties?
Tech Support List of Standard Questions:
1) Is it plugged in?
2) Is it turned on?
3) Have you tried giving it a good whack?
Hey! I think you got it!
Now let’s contact all the users-manuals publishers…
Oh Robert,
That makes me want to put on my blue suede shoes again!
Hey Liz – I just had a
meltdownbrainstorm! Let’s make blue suede shoes part of the dress code for SOBCon ’07!!!!!!At first, I was checking the date of your post (just to make sure it wasn’t your April First one).
But, you’re right: a good whack can solve a lot of problems!
I just whacked my crystal radio set on your advice. It is now broken. My lawyer will be contacting yours in the morning.
(Sorry, it’s obviously too late at night to be commenting)
Roger, you of all people should know – you taught me that lesson! And believe me, I’m grateful. It has helped solve a LOT of challenges.
Why just the other day, my boss asked me to do something, so I gave him a good whack! Solved that problem! ‘Course, now I have a different one…
Hey, Pete, if your lawyer contacts my lawyer, then let’s all have lunch!
And don’t worry ’bout the time, the later it is, the more whacky things get – which is about when it gets the most fun, Mate!