Remote Control Contest
So I’m deep into writing and revising a chapter in an MS that was requested. I’ve been stressing over it and putting in a lot of time. I brought my laptop out and was sitting on the end of the sofa, madly plucking away at it. Suddenly, my computer shuts off. Now, not only did I have full battery life, I was plugged into the wall!
Something is fishy.
I pull it back up and, having never had that happen to me before, I look through to assure I didn’t have "shut off" selected for power saving or some strange thing like that.
Nope. Nothing.
I begin working again. Suddenly, text moves to lower lines. ALL BY ITSELF.
Clearly, my laptop is haunted, right?
I get ticked and begin to curse any and all spirits who might be present. I fix the text and start again. Suddenly, my cursor begins moving at a rapid rate, scrolling through the text like someone is hitting the right arrow key when no one is there and no, nothing is stuck in the keyboard.
Yep. Haunted by spirits who are now super pissed that I cursed them, right?
Then, my computer shuts off again.
I shit you not.
I glance at my husband who is at the other end of a thirty-two foot long room, holding a remote, training it to control his XBOX 360 menu for the Netflix viewing things they only just added.
Yep. You guessed it.
Every time he hits the power button, he shuts off my computer. When he would scroll through the options on the menu, he’d make my cursor move.
Apparently, windows (on my multimedia PCs) recognizes the 360 when its on and my laptop and desktop PCs have remotes for multi media ease. This universal remote when used for the XBOX 360 operates on same frequency. (He went in and tested it on my desktop too) Keep in mind, doesn’t do a thing to my macs.
I figure the case is closed. The remote won’t be used and that he’ll just use the xbox controller like he always has (doesn’t bother my computers).
Hubby stands there and tells me "well, when you’re not in the room I can use this."
DUDE, my office is down here too. Its 3 feet from where he was sitting and using the remote to start with. If he can mess with my computer when I’m thirty feet from him, what does he think 3 feet is going to do?
Then, he suggests I find a way to shut off my computers ability to read/recognize the remote on the off chance (get ready) someone be walking by with a universal remote, programmed to control the menu on the XBOX 360.
Uh, yes. A scenario I see happening often– oy.
Then, he tells me again to find a way to override my computers from sensing it. I, of course, make a few suggestions of my own. I’ll randomly select one winner of a PDF download of Ambient Light out of those who make guesses as to what my suggestions were.
The problem isn’t with the software for windows but with the remote sensors on your laptop. You can either try changing the frequency that the XBOX remote operates on. But it would probably be easier to change the frequency that the sensors the laptop runs on. For a fast and easy solution you could always put duct tape (sounds cheesy, I know..lol) over the sensor port when he’s playing the XBOX and that should get you by until the frequency problem can be resolved… Hope that helps.
November 21st, 2008 | #
Since I just WON an awesome fantabulous contest here, I’ll just play for fun. If it had been me and MY DH, I would have told him to stick the remote up his butt. Sideways. I’m just redneck that way.
Annmaries last blog post..Conversation With Mama
November 21st, 2008 | #
I’m guessing you told him where he could stick the remote. I know that’s what I would have told him. Of course there’s always the nicer option of telling him if he uses it he looses a body part. lol. I’m evil like that.
November 21st, 2008 | #
Well, like the others have said…Stick that remote up your….yeah. Wow. That is interesting, and crazy.
Natasha A.
November 21st, 2008 | #
How can I put this delicately? Do I need to come over there with a shovel? Because I’m guessing the remote might have been involved in a crime.
November 21st, 2008 | #
God Bless,
Rhonda
November 21st, 2008 | #
You could have told him to stick it where the sun don’t shine or you could have told him to stop useing the remote and go back to useing the controler like he use to or tell him not to play at all or just set a time scedule* so you both could have time, to do what you needed and so that he could have time to play….or you could do what i’d do and tell him to let you work and/or beat him over the head with the remote !!!! LOL !!!!! anywayz hope you have a great day/night !!! ~smile~ -Elora-
November 21st, 2008 | #
let me guess… you need an alibi… or at the very least Bail …
November 21st, 2008 | #
November 21st, 2008 | #
im guessing you told him where to shove it but took the batties out first
November 21st, 2008 | #
Since I have the book I am just responding because I think this is funny. LOL…Ummm I am so glad my laptop doesn’t respond to a remote or I would be in serious trouble because we use about 5 around my small laptop all the time LOL.
Renee
November 21st, 2008 | #
Dude…the technology at your house is scary.
November 21st, 2008 | #
ROTFLMAO
I’d be warning him if he doesn’t find a new remote that won’t effect your computer, he’s going to discover in no certain terms what it means to “Turn your head and cough.”
There are some websites that show you how to disable the remote portion, but still… he should think on that first. LOL
November 21st, 2008 | #
I’m not laughing, seriously. It’s so NOT funny. He actually braved your Italian wrath by admitting he was still going to use it? I must admit, he never seemed the type to have a death wish. Poor stupid schmuck. We need funeral music cued in.
Jaycee
November 21st, 2008 | #
You hopefully suggested to him in the nicest, most loving way that if he doesn’t stop using that particular remote or one equally as freaky that you’ll have to do unmentionable things with said remote. Yep, that’s what I would have done.
Tracys last blog post..Sweet Potato Recipe
November 21st, 2008 | #
I can see everyone seems to be on the same page here.
I’d probably tell him to stick it where the sun doesn’t shine
too. Or better yet stick it there myself.
November 21st, 2008 | #
hey i would tell him you are going to shove the remote where he don’t want it~~~ plus theres always the option of removing the batteries or accidently flushing the remote down the toilet
November 21st, 2008 | #
I am in agreement about using the remote as an anal probe… but I would also put the remote in his chair so when he sat down… SMASH
It would be his fault after all.
HAHAHAHA
Candy
November 21st, 2008 | #
Stick with your MACs.
Sashas last blog post..Shipping Now
November 21st, 2008 | #
I’m with everyone else in telling him where he can stick his remote. Would be mighty uncomfortable to sit down for a while. And, if that didn’t work, I’d just tell him it’s either no remote or no XBOX.
November 21st, 2008 | #
November 21st, 2008 | #
Oh, you’re married to a “Gizmo Guy” too (That’s how I refer to my hubby on my blog) My sympathies. My hubby - who has Windows Media installed on one of his computers - has the remote to control it as well. He sides with your hubby, LOL. Gee, I wonder why.
November 21st, 2008 | #
where he could stick the remote and the 360 in no uncertain terms lol
November 21st, 2008 | #
You can ask him nicely if he likes eating and sleeping inside the house. If not then he is free to bother you while you are working to pay the bills. In the event that you need an alibi please let me know I am sure that I can come up with one for you.
Dianna
November 22nd, 2008 | #
Since he was causing the problem, he’s the one who should find a solution so your computer is not affected by his using the remote. Or, if he keeps on using the remote, he may find he has no xbox to use it on! LOL!
November 22nd, 2008 | #
Did you ever so politely tell him that if the remote continues to be used…then there is the possibility that the remote and perhaps the user could mysteriously disappear???
November 22nd, 2008 | #
For some reason an old country song popped into my head when I read this. Instead of “Take this job and shove it” I heard it as “Take that remote and shove it. It ain’t workin’ here no more”
November 22nd, 2008 | #
Well, I’m not the first but I agree, I would have told my DH where he could shove it!
If he didn’t cooperate with me, his remote would disappear.
November 22nd, 2008 | #
He’s still standing?! The remote would be on its way to nether regions stat. You are a stronger woman than me.
November 22nd, 2008 | #
He still has the remote??? It would disappear in my house or he would be told to only play when I wasn’t home.
November 22nd, 2008 | #
Like almost every one else here, I’m guessing you suggested he stick that remote where solar energy will never reach it.
November 23rd, 2008 | #
I do hope you mentioned just how comfortable that sofa would be to sleep on if he didn’t get with the program. Writing trumps XBOX anyday!!
*grins*
November 23rd, 2008 | #
Whoohoo!
You all know me well.
I’ll be announcing a winner in the morning!
November 24th, 2008 | #
Well it sounds like all of us agree on what and where we would have told our man to put the remote!! By the way does it unlock your bedroom door and open your legs too!!! He should be very very very nice to you.
November 24th, 2008 | #
That remote would be long gone. Hey you could always sell it on ebay and make some money just to get even for trouble. but yeah with everyone else, Tell him where you’ll shove it! I suggest smiling while saying it, tends to really scare my husband Good luck living remote free!
Jennifer
November 25th, 2008 | #