Rumble Strips|You have been warned!

What’s the big deal with the new X-Box 360? Is the technology improvement such a leap that even those who are merely occasional game players must have one as soon as possible else cease to exist? Or is it that the time of year is that of giving and many folks would like to give one of the technological marvels to a loved one?

I read an article in the paper on Saturday that a Circuit City in an upscale area of Houston had quickly sold out of their initial shipment of twenty systems. First I thought that must be a misprint. Only twenty new X-Box 360 systems to a single store. The manager of the store was noncommittal but did say she was expecting at least one more shipment before Christmas–which will likely be the real shipment of 300 systems arriving a week or two, or three late.

On the other hand, there are plenty of accessories available which are reportedly being snapped up. Probably on fears that the accessories will soon be sold out as well.

First and foremost my comment is that it is a monumental blunder not to have these gizmos readily available on the shelf for the Christmas buying season. However, having said that…

Microsoft has not quashed its competition over years by accident. To me it seems that some marketing geniuses in Redmond turned a failure to meet production quotas into a mastermind marketing campaign to lock in consumers to the X-Box 360 even when there are no X-Box 360 systems actually available.

First, spread the available systems thinly in the upscale urban markets where they will be missed the most. Be sure the press knows there is a limited supply of systems and is on hand for the Black Friday onslaught of overwrought computer gamers.

Second, be sure to have plenty of X-Box accessories on hand for those who are looking to buy the X-Box system as a Christmas gift for someone else.

Brilliant. Simply brilliant.

After someone has invested a hundred or so dollars in games, rumble packs, memory sticks, or whatever comes on an X-Box 360, they will be very unlikely to buy a competing product even if they have to wait until the first week of January to get the actual system.

Earlier this year Microsoft hired Ray Ozzie, the inventor of Lotus Notes, and now they have hired Burton Smith, the head scientist at super-computer maker Cray. I wonder what evil trickery Gates is up to now.

Ozzie was named Chief Technology Officer, but there has been no word yet on what Burton Smith’s duties will be. Color me intrigued. I would expect something very powerful and very innovative.

Read this Forbes article for a glimpse at what Ozzie has in mind for Microsft and the obstacles he faces to achieve his goals.

This is another funny from last night that was definitely Seinfeldian in nature. When we go out to eat or dancin’ we take The Wife’s truck because the surburby is a POS. It’s still reliable, but still a POS. She is almost ten, what do you expect.

So anyway The Wife has a pickle on her key chain. In contrast, I have a mini-flashlight on mine, super thin and thumbsize with a bright-ass light good for small situations or signaling. All beside the point.

The last several times I’ve used her truck I’ve taken the pickle off when I leave and then put it back on upon return of the truck. Last night before we left, I took the pickle off and left it on the kitchen counter. As we were walking out the door she notices the pickle and says, “Aw, you don’t like the pickle.”

“I don’t mind the pickle, I just don’t want to have to carry the pickle around in my pocket all night,” I explain.

“Yeah, right.”

“Really, it’s not about the pickle. I love the pickle. It’s the pocket bulk. I don’t like the pocket bulk.”

“Don’t lie, you hate the pickle.”

I try to re-assert, matter-of-factly, “Its not about the pickle. It’s about pocket bulk,”

“Liar…. Dont hate.”

I give up.