A very happy “Thoughts for Thursday” or “TFT” to everyone! I hope today finds all of you quite safe and healthy as we navigate through whatever the rest of 2020 holds for us. Fall is dead ahead (my favorite time of year) and with it, the stretch run of events and holidays that will now be altered by Covid just like everything else has been this year (Whoo Freakin’ Hoo). Before I descend into a rant about my General Malaise (Not a military leader- I Googled It), I would like to firmly establish some well-known facts about my personality and disposition. People who know me at all understand that I am the last to complain in any situation (Cough, cough). Steadfast, Stalwart, Positive, Cheerful, Sanguine (Google again), “Bon Vivant” (Hi Mrs. VanderWoude! Best French Teacher Ever!), are all words that could be used to describe me. 17 Magazine may have referred to me as “The most up-beat and optimistic person anyone has ever met”, and I am a 3-time winner of the “Perkiest Business Owner of the Year Award” (as far as you know). Now, having firmly established these unassailable and inviolable (Google getting a workout) facts, it should be shocking to anyone that I, like many of you, am getting just a bit downtrodden (disheartened, discouraged, dispirited?) I honestly know how fortunate I have been through all this. I go to work and my business is thankfully surviving while so many others have not been as lucky. The door to Computer Greeks is open from 10am to 6pm, Monday-Saturday with an amazing selection of New and Refurbished Desktops, Laptops, Printers, Accessories and the World’s Finest Repair Services (see what I did there), and our customers are the greatest (sincerely). My family and I are healthy with nothing significant to complain about other than my typical “how did I get this old and out of shape” issues that many of us have. And what is with “Out of Shape”? Pear is a shape, isn’t it? But despite attempting to keep the proverbial “Bright Side” in my sights, the advent of what is usually the Festive Fall season and my accompanying Happy Thoughts about it are being threatened by the imposing reality of how everything might just suck. A Halloween with nary a Trick nor a Treat? Thanksgiving with families in isolation eating Hungry-Man Turkey Dinners? (Ok, those are actually delicious! But what exactly is Compote?). Apple picking while wearing hazmat suits and disinfecting each apple before it is carefully placed into its government approved Covid-safe storage container while wearing gloves and diligently watching any other apple pickers to ensure they don’t violate my 6 ft safety zone? Sounds like good times, amirite? So these thoughts keep creeping into my mind and with them, a somewhat fatalistic and predestinarian (Google is getting worn out) mood keeps stalking me. But despite all of my misgivings (Could be a working name change for that November holiday? Happy Misgivings?), I will attempt to redouble my efforts to drag some Festive Joy out of the 2020 Fall season, even if it comes kicking and screaming. To that end, I would welcome any of your thoughts on how to make the upcoming season the best for all of us. For example: my GrandDog Bea was looking forward to her first Halloween. When we told her what Trick or Treating was, she could not believe that one day a year, something she is never allowed to do would actually be required, going door to door to meet complete strangers who were legally required to give her pats, attention, and most importantly, treats. (It’s in the freakin’ Name!). So if somehow as I expect, complete strangers may not be comfortable this year opening their doors to wandering bands of tiny people and their canine companions, I will make sure that Bea has the chance to dress up and visit every room in my home to be greeted by someone who will give her all the pats, attention, and treats she can stand. Even if that someone has to be me in various disguises and accents to provide the full effect of the Trick or the Treat process. After that, I’ll figure out how we make a Zoom Thanksgiving work as well I suppose. Strange Days Indeed. Reply with your ideas and as always, Stay Healthy and Stay Safe. Forever Perky, Uncle Steve

Happy "Thoughts for Thursday" for August 27th. If anyone was disappointed that I missed last week's post (I'm reliably unreliable), my defense is that Facebook updated the interface and it took me a week to find the new "Post" button. But I've got it now so here we go- First, some updates: Our current hours of Monday-Saturday 10am to 6pm seem to be working well for everyone (although to be honest, I kinda liked the shorter days). The locked door has not been the aggravation it was just a few short months ago so all seems well. I can thankfully say that the "Great Mask Controversy" has not been a real issue within the realm that is Computer Greeks, and I could not be more relieved. I know there is still a great deal of heated arguments, resentment, and contention over these policies, but it appears that our community has (for the most part) risen above and are just doing what they can. Thank you to everyone for making my days slightly less aggravating. Much appreciated. It's "Back to School" season, although currently it appears to be more Back to Home School for now. Again, 2020 has given us yet another pandemic related twist that we can all argue over until we are sick of hearing about it- Hooray! On the business side, Computer Greeks is working hard to make sure we have the inventory and resources to help keep people who need to go to school from home or continue working from home, up and running. We are well stocked in laptops, desktops, monitors, webcams, printers, and are spending a great deal of time providing remote services for whatever you may need. We will continue to do our best to keep up and adapt as things change, but unfortunately, it doesn't look like things are going to change much for now. But enough with the commercial for the finest Computer Store in the world... On the issue at hand of Home vs In Person School- I will tell you that I do try to see both sides (as is the case with almost everything- except for that Pineapple on Pizza debate- there is only 1 right side there). My wife (Hiya!) works in the school district and I still have one child in college (Hi, Sage!), so I do have a vested interest in their safety. We decided my son should only take on-line classes this term and given what has already happened at Notre Dame, UNC, and many other institutions, I'm pretty sure that was a good choice. I'm not one of the many who have younger children in school and are desperately trying to weigh the choices of wanting a quality education for their children with a safe academic environment, while at the same time dealing with how to care for children at home when you have to be at work as well. No easy answers here (like anything about this year has been easy). I do know that I have never met a parent who didn't want the best for the kids and hopefully, everyone's safety can be properly balanced with providing a quality education at the same time. Let's hope the schools can get their act together and deliver an e-learning experience that the children deserve. But enough of my thoughts on this (although it is in the title after all).. Instead- here is an attempt at finding some humor in another issue that will be around for a while... Here are the best of How is Home School Going? -Two students were suspended today for fighting -The lunch lady quit after the first day -A teacher has been fired for drinking on the job -A student has put in for a transfer to another school -Bath-time is now considered a Marine Biology Fieldtrip -Lunch time has been changed to "Independent Culinary Instruction". -Talking to yourself can now be considered a Parent-Teacher conference -Are Snow Days still a thing? -Who knew the hardest thing about this Pandemic would be 4th grade math -If mommy has 3 bottles of wine and it is only Tuesday, how many children can she home school and for how long before she needs to run out to the store? -Search "Documentary" on Netflix and you're good for a while -The kids aren't allowed in the kitchen if it's now the "Teacher's Lounge". -Spirit Week starts off today with Meltdown Monday! -Today's classes: Honors Laundry and AP Vacuuming -After homeschooling a 6 and 8 year old for 57 minutes, teachers deserve a million dollars a week for this -Everyday is Crazy Hair Day -First day of home school and my kid called in sick -Is repeating a grade a possibility? A safe and healthy week to all... Uncle Steve

Quick Updates: 1- My apologies for not posting last week- I was laid up with a bad back. I hurt it being alive, so I guess that’s just something I need to be careful of at my age. 2- Our current store hours are now super easy to remember- Monday to Saturday: 10am to 6pm. Closed Sunday. See- isn’t that way easier than Monday 10:48 to 4:19, Tuesday from 1:99am to Dusk, … 3- Limited electronics recycling is available- Computers and related items only. No appliances or TVs for now. I know this has disappointed many people trying to clean out their homes, but you guys realize we are a freakin’ Computer Shop. I didn’t open a TV and Microwave recycling center. We added the recycling because of the demand and need given everyone else stopped doing it and I’m glad to offer the service when able. But for now, limited is what I can do. Maybe consider using the old TVs to create a modern art piece? Could be the Pandemic Hobby you were looking for. 4- Bea, my GrandDog, is doing great! Her heart surgery went perfectly and her follow up with the vet seems to confirm no more Heart Murmur. Now if we could just get her to understand the whole potty training thing. I’m getting a bit tired of the number of times I now say Pee-Pees and Poo-Poos every day while pleading with a creature that I’m sure is just laughing at me. 5- And a final update using a word that I am even more sick of using than Pee-Pees and Poo-Poos: Masks. Never in my wildest nightmares did I ever think that this would turn into the Nationwide conflict it has become. The great news is that we have had no issues with our customers lately. An occasional reminder when someone walks in without a mask on or a minor annoyance when asked to wear it properly (having a mask with you is a good start, just not quite the entire goal mind you). I did have an incident with a FedEx delivery guy. Some of our delivery people come in without masks, but they walk in, drop their packages and leave quickly without interacting, so I haven’t made an issue of it. But this guy… Came in without a mask as usual, then proceeded to spend nearly 5 minutes talking to the person working the counter about how useless the masks are and how he never wears one and how he had only been yelled at 1 time for behaving this way. I came out from the back and made sure his new total was 2. But this is nothing compared to what you see on the news. People being shot at? Attacked? Berated and Assaulted? This is insane. I said it early on when this started and the idea of wearing a mask or not was debated in terms of safety, not as a challenge to our freedom. I heard all of the arguments and kept coming to one simple conclusion: it’s not a big deal to wear one. If it helps, great. If you think it doesn’t, you can still wear one. I’d rather err on the side of being too cautions that not careful enough and none of this actually brings in the real facts and evidence that should convince most people. Our world seems to have evolved into one where you can seek out whatever “proof” you want for the “facts” you already believe no matter what side you sit on. Facebook is a great source of people spreading opinions as facts and honestly I’m too busy and too damn tired to argue over this with people who won’t consider that they might be wrong anyway. It’s a waste of time. So back to the first point and my original conclusion. Wear a mask. It isn’t too much to ask. (Hey look, it rhymes so that’s a bonus). Now, on to computer related stuff and new thoughts: People often ask me how often should they have us go through their computers to make sure everything is updated, secure, and running properly. Normally, I would suggest ever 2-3 days, but given that this would be a bit expensive for the typical budget, a better answer is Once a Year. I make the comparison to maintaining your furnace. Get it checked out and cleaned up every year to make sure it’s running properly and safely. And let’s be honest, your computer is even more important. You can’t use your furnace to post on Facebook now can you? Windows 7 is dead. It died January 14th of this year when Microsoft ended all standard support. I’ve argued and pleaded with anyone still using a Windows 7 system to see if it can be upgraded to Windows 10 or if not, replaced, for almost a year now. Some of you have not listened to my dire warnings so here I go one more time. If you have a Windows 7 computer, stop using it right now (Unless you’re reading this post on it then go ahead and finish reading first). It’s not safe. You’ll regret it. Bad things will happen. What bad things you ask? Stuff. Bad Stuff. Like Virus infections, Malware, Scams, Identity Theft type things and even worse. You could forget your garage code and probably stub your pinky toe and your bread will go moldy before the sell by date. Don’t risk it! We can help prevent these disasters. Consider yourselves warned. Do you remember Places? I miss going to Places. They were fun. What old time places do any of you remember that don’t exist anymore and if you told a 20-something about them, they would look confused and need an explanation? Like “Old Chicago” or “Swallow Cliff” toboggan slides or Howard Johnsons, or JCPenney? Good times. I have another repairman on the way so I will continue another time- a Happy and Healthy week to everyone. Uncle Steve

I want to welcome all of you who are kind enough to be reading this back to my “Thoughts for Thursday” series of posts. I had hoped it would be easier to keep up with getting these updated, but the last few weeks life has been a bit more demanding than usual. For those who anxiously waited for an update on my Grandog Bea, here you go- As I hope you remember, Bea, possibly the world’s cutest dog, was found to have a congenital heart defect known as “PDA”. Thankfully, it was correctable with surgery, so last week we traveled to the U of I vet center for her to be evaluated and then operated on. That is what my family and I were doing last week. After a few days of anxiety and worry, everything seems to have gone as well as we could have hoped. They were able to complete the procedure and send us home for her to rest and recover. Bea, having been a hyperactive puppy before her heart was working at 100%, has had other ideas. If you have never tried to enforce “cage rest” on a Crazed Corgi, I do not recommend it. When the medicine they send her home with to “sedate” her, instead makes her even more Cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs, good luck. But thankfully, she should be just fine and that is certainly what is important. So, update completed. Store News: The store is now open what should be our “normal” hours for a while- 10am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday. It’s not quite the schedule we had before all of this nonsense began, but hopefully it offers enough hours and flexibility to keep up with the work we need to do and allow our customers convenient times to visit when needed. Additionally, we are still accepting only computer related recycling, are limiting customers to the front of the store to allow us to keep it sanitized properly and are not resuming regular on-site service for now. Our remote services have been able to fill the gap for almost everything that would have routinely been an on-site service. Moving On: I have a question for everyone. This year has been a challenge for businesses that is almost unprecedented. Adapting to the changes has become a priority for us and wanting to know what we can do or do better, is my question. So, what would you like? What do you need? What can we sell or fix or help with that we might not have thought about? I will be glad to consider almost anything that makes sense, so any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated. You can post your ideas here or email me directly at computergreeks@aol.com. I will be sure to update everyone next week, as long as life doesn’t get in the way again. Hope the week ahead is safe for all... Uncle Steve

Since the picture of my new GrandDog got more replies and more attention than my “Thoughts for Thursday” post from last week (thanks a lot by the way), I’ve handed today’s post over to her. “Bea’s Thoughts for Thursday” 07-02-2020 Grrrrrd morning humans. The humans who live with me keep complaining about “4am is too early to be up”, need to learn what 4am is. There is no such thing as an ankle that isn’t worth biting. All the toys you bought me are great, but this sock I found in your room is so much better. People wearing face masks can be scary, but the ones who don’t wear them are even scarier. Yesterday must have been what my humans call a “lazy day”, they wore their sleep clothes all day and I walked around without my collar on, naked. There is no good reason to ever set off fireworks. My humans lock a gate to keep me out of some places. I have learned that once I pull on it and see it is locked, continuing to pull on it over and over again would be stupid. When I do the “Biiiig Stretch”, does it even count if someone isn’t there to say, “Biiiig Stretch”? I must find out Who the Good Girl is. The one who lives here they call The Cat is my very best friend. He does not seem to agree. I often get picked up to join my Mom’s video calls, all the faces on the magic screen cheer when they see me. I am the reason she has a job. I know you hid a pill inside that cheese. What happened to the honesty in our relationship? I love you, and there’s nothing you can do about it. Feed me. My two Best Frens are Crinkles McDragon and Liberty Head Ball. Having Frens is good. When you walk out of the room, I will follow you wherever you go. Life’s an adventure and we must go together. Today I found half of a treat I forgot about under the couch! Don’t give up on your dreams. Sometimes after I beg, we go outside. Then I realize it was inside I wanted after all. When my human they call Grandpa come home from work, I greet him because I know his day was hard. There are many words my humans use that I do not understand yet like, “No, Drop It, Quit It, and Stop Biting my Toes you little…”, maybe I learn them tomorrow. I like to play a game where I pee outside, but save a little for when we come back in. My human seems to enjoy this. My humans seem worried about this “Virus” they talk about. I vote we all stay home whenever we can. Home is great, it has all my toys. Sometimes I wake up from my nap and start another nap right away. I have invented this. Yesterday I got stuck under the couch, house alert level was set to Red. I was saved. I like to chew on my fren Crinkles McDragon and toss him around. He doesn’t seem to mind. I’m told that’s what frens do. I drank almost all my water this morning. I looked now and my bowl is full again. Only explanation: magic bowl. I bork because I am. My human likes to ask, “What have you got now?” many times a day. This is a game we play. I must nap now, typing with paws is hard. Bea the Dog

I'm sick of masks. I'm sick of wearing them, seeing them, and most of all, sick of talking about them. I want to discuss computer stuff and summer and sales and fun and anything else for the love of God. I feel like an obsessed parent who has to keep checking up on their toddler to make sure they aren't getting into trouble. Look both ways, hold my hand, don't put that in your mouth! My kids are grown and with the exception of the tiny puppy (Hi Bea!) that joined my household last week, I haven't had to be that guy in a long time. My thoughts last week were meant to take a break from the overwhelming concerns that COVID-19 continues to create. I had some fun talking about locked doors and poorly worn face coverings, but I would love to move on and joke about some new things. Except COVID-19 and the occasional spoiled brat of a customer won't seem to let me (Hi there Mr. storm out rather than wear a mask guy! I miss you!). Illinois is doing a pretty good job keeping things under control. We are about to enter Phase 4 as many businesses open up or relax many restrictions and so now was the time to rethink our hours and restrictions as well. (I will post updates in the near future.) But here's the thing, this isn't over. I know we all want it to be, but in reality, until there is a vaccine, this isn't going to go away and we are really still figuring out how to adapt. Here is an excerpt from a CNN article earlier today: The coronavirus pandemic isn't expected to ease throughout the summer and an updated model shows the importance of being cautious and wearing masks. If you're heading outside of the house, cover your face. "Not wearing a mask in public is like driving drunk," Cardiologist and Professor of Medicine at George Washington University, Dr. Jonathan Reiner said. The latest coronavirus projection from the University of Washington says more than 179,000 Americans will die by October 1. If masks are worn universally, researchers say the death toll could drop by about 33,000 more. "For pretty much every state that we've looked at if we can get people to wear masks we can not only save lives but I sort of think of it as we can also save the economy because we can keep business going," University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Dr. Chris Murray said. This comes as more than half of the U.S. is seeing an increase in week-to-week cases with records being set in California, Florida, and Texas for single day coronavirus case reports. "You need to understand COVID-19 is still here, it's spreading faster than ever before," Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said. Health experts say progress is being made on a vaccine, but, in the meantime, erring on the side of caution is best. "We have evidence, early evidence, that masks can reduce transmission even up to six-fold," said Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN's chief medical correspondent. "I think it's clear that they can save lives." There you have it. I'm not making this stuff up. Wearing masks saves lives. Holding your parents hand while crossing the street instead of letting your kids run out into traffic, saves lives. Go figure. And some kids hate it. No! I'm big enough to do it myself! I don't need to listen to you! You are a big boy aren't you? You can still hold my hand though, Ok? If you're so big now, maybe I need to hold your hand? See- that works too. Whatever it take I guess. So, to sum up yet again: For the time being, all employees at Computer Greeks as well as any customers who would like to enter our delightful business, will be required to wear proper face covering worn properly in a proper manner properly approved by me. Whether the state continues to enforce it or simply makes it a strong recommendation is irrelevant. I don't plan to put this up to a vote either. I'll continue to do what I believe is best for everyone concerned. What I'm asking of you, my customers, is so little I can't believe I have to keep justifying it to some out there. Wear the freakin' mask, will you. If that's the worst thing that you have to go through in your day then you are amazingly blessed! And if after all of the evidence and my words fall on deaf ears and you still feel so strongly about doing it "your way", then you can do that too. Just not in my store. Note: we have a mask available for anyone who might have forgotten when they need to come in. Look both ways, we'll hold each other's hands, and we'll get through this together. Uncle Steve

In a departure from any thoughts about Locked Doors, Mask Wearing, or the more serious issues we face right now, today I present my actual "Thoughts for Thursday": 1- I really wish high school had offered a class in Personal Finances and Tax Prep instead of Geometry 2. 2- I spend more time Googling phone numbers that call me than actually answering the phone. 3- As a kid, "Because I said so" seemed so unfair, as an adult, It makes complete sense. 4- My social life was pretty close to "Quarantine" to start with. 5- I will never get back all of the time I spent trying to fold a fitted sheet. 6- The Olympics should have 1 "Regular" person compete in each event for the sake of comparison. 7- I've woken up every morning for almost 20,000 days and I'm still terrible at it. 8- Christmas went from feeling like a magical holiday to a deadline. 9- They make "Do Not Touch" signs in Braille. 10- Kids today will never know what it's like to live your life not knowing the answer to some random piece of trivia- "I think Tom Cruise was born in Colorado" or the correct lyrics to a song- "I'm not talkin' 'bout the Linen". 11- Why aren't history classes longer now than they were 50 years ago? 12- How do Deer know to use the "Deer Crossing" locations? 13- They need to have Billionaire contestants on the Price is Right. I want to see if they think the price of RiceARoni is more than $50. 14- Why is the phrase "Tuna Fish" normal, but not "Chicken Bird"? 15- If people could fly, it would be considered exercise and most wouldn't do it. 16- Nothing makes me feel as old as how far I have to scroll down when entering my birth year on a website. 17- We don't make "U" turns, we make "n" turns. 18- When babies are born, we post their weight and length, much like when we're fishing. 19- If a Pinata doesn't break, it's broken. 20- How much time has to pass for Grave Robbing to become Archeology? 21- Someone wearing a Ski Mask is more likely to be robbing a place than skiing. 22- The ocean has meat, salt and veggies in it- it's basically Soup. 23- You never hear much about the Original "Zealand". 24- It never says that Humpty Dumpty was an egg. 25- Do regular dogs see Police Dogs and think, uh oh, it's the cops? There you go- 25 completely useless thoughts that let you forget about how crazy things are right now. Back to work... Uncle Steve

A bit serious today- sorry, but I'm not finding this funny right now. I've been hoping to move forward and start talking about something new rather than what has been the theme for several months now, COVID-19 and how it has changed what we do and how we do it. I'm ready to be over this as I'm sure all of you are, but we aren't. Not yet. It seems that with the country opening back up, everyone wants to believe things are better and safer and we can start returning to a semblance of normalcy. Since the beginning of June, we are seeing a much greater anger and irritation from some that we aren't open a normal schedule and that we are still requiring people to wear masks, practice social distancing, and use some common sense. I get it, I'm sick of it too! Some of our neighboring states have almost completely reopened and the general thought is, why not us? It isn't fair that the other kids get to go out and play and I have to still be grounded! I didn't do anything wrong, my dad is just a jerk and he's super mean! Such frustration, much drama. I still have to keep hearing people argue everything from COVID-19 is fake and a political scam to the masks don't do anything and I'm an idiot for making people wear them. Well whether I'm an idiot or not isn't being debated (spoiler- yeah, pretty much), the mask part and safety precautions are a different matter. Here's the real news if you can stand it: (I hate watching the news, amirite?) New cases in the US: Tuesday-17,304; Wednesday-25,510 Deaths in the US: Tuesday- 819; Wednesday- 1,082 Texas, a state that reopened much earlier: New cases Tuesday- 588; Wednesday- 4,135 Deaths Tuesday- 4; Wednesday- 52 Illinois: New cases Tuesday- 776; Wednesday- 621 Deaths Tuesday- 94; Wednesday- 77 Obviously, this doesn't tell the whole story. It's a tiny sample and is designed to make a point. It's not over no matter how much we want it to be. If you want to convince yourself everything is all better, go ahead, but heading out and acting like life is back to normal and being pissed at anyone who doesn't want to play along is absurd. This isn't hard to understand. People are sick of being quarantined, told what they can or can't do, want to go out and eat, see a movie, go to the beach, have a life! Me too! I just don't want myself or anyone else to regret being so impatient and spoiled, that we make things any worse than they already are. So for the time being, we will continue to have some limitations to what we do and when we do it. We will continue to keep a limit of 2 customers in the store at one time. We will continue to limit recycling and require masks be properly worn, and I hope that people will be patient and understanding. It's what I believe is the right thing and genuinely, not much to ask of people. And for those that don't agree and want to voice their anger, go ahead. You have every right to think and feel how you choose. As long as you're wearing a mask and keeping a safe distance while you do. Looking forward to better days for all. Uncle Steve

Well we've made it to June, so that's good I hope? I think I've felt that way with every new month this year. Unfortunately, it seems the current month has taken it as a challenge to top whatever insanity the previous month could come up with, so God knows. As I was considering what I wanted to share with everyone today, two things became obvious to me: 1- It's getting more and more difficult to be optimistic with every passing day and 2- I couldn't even remember all of the events of this year that have made up the roller-coaster ride we have all been on so far. So, in a bit of a departure from my normal posts (way more serious/way less funny), I would like to present a reminder of what 2020 has given us so far, followed by a personal request for anyone who sticks with reading this nonsense and finally, an attempt to lighten the mood. Here is an incomplete summary of 2020: Jan 2: Australia is on Fire- after months of deadly wildfires killing an estimated 1 Billion animals, a third state of emergency is declared. Jan 2: US drone strike kills Iranian General Soleimani. Jan 7: The World Health Organization is notified of the novel coronavirus in China. Jan 8: Iran launches ballistic missiles at two bases in Iraq, injuring American soldiers, retaliation for the drone strike. Jan 8: Iran shoots down a Ukrainian Passenger jet killing 176. Jan 11: First death from coronavirus in China. Jan 16: Impeachment trial begins for the President. Jan 20: First US coronavirus case is reported. Jan 26: Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gigi, and 7 others die in helicopter crash. Jan 31: UK leaves the European Union. Feb 5: President acquitted by the Senate. Feb 24: Weinstein found guilty. Mar 10: Italy implements nationwide lockdown for coronavirus. Mar 11: WHO declares coronavirus a Pandemic. Mar 13: US declares National Emergency Mar 16: Dow drops almost 3000 points. Mar 24: Olympics postponed Apr 2: Coronavirus cases surpass 1 Million worldwide. Apr 9: New York has more coronavirus cases than any Country in the world. Apr 16: Worldwide cases of Coronavirus top 2 Million. Apr 19: Killing spree in Nova Scotia, Canada. 17 dead. Apr 29: South Korean construction fire kills 70+. May 10: Worldwide cases of Coronavirus top 4 Million. May 15: JCPenney declares bankruptcy. May 25: George Floyd killed in police custody. May 26: Protests begin over the killing of George Floyd with riots reported nationwide over the following days. Alright, if you're still here and haven't moved on to something less depressing like literally anything else, here's what I have for you. I'm usually a fairly optimistic type although many who know me would argue that (I've been referred to as "Eeyore" at times). In reality, I may not be the most outwardly Peppy and Perky individual, but I genuinely try to keep a good perspective on things and look on the proverbial "Bright Side". I am amazingly fortunate that I and my family are all healthy and together during all of this and that my business is surviving (Would be nice to get to the 25 year celebration in 11 months). I try to keep the big picture in mind and not sweat the small stuff but seriously! WTH (What the Heck- sanitized for sensitive readers). Maybe I'm just a little more worn out that usual or maybe this morning I needed a third cup of coffee? Not sure, but here's what I would like from any one of you kind enough to take the time- Tell me something Good! Anything! A Positive Story. An Uplifting Proverb. Your Favorite Recipe. A Joke. A Kindness. Something that helped you stay positive and keep up your hope and optimism. I have literally never asked for a comment or a share and I despise the "repost this to cure your rhematism" junk that shows up in Social Media, but this time I'll make an exception. I will begin with an old dumb joke that came to mind: One day, a man walking along the beach sees an unexpected sight. There in front of him is another man with a Peg Leg, a Hook for a Hand, and an Eye Patch over one eye. Not wanting to be rude, but too curious to just walk away, he approaches the figure and says, "I'm sorry, but I just have to ask, what happened to you?" "Well, I be a Pirate", the man claims. "There be a terrible storm when I fell overboard only to be spied by a shark, and before I could be brought aboard, he took a big bite out of me, and that's why I has a Peg for a Leg". "That's horrible" exclaimed the first man. "What's with the hook". "That be from a sword fight some years back", the pirate said. "I ended the victor, but not before's he took off me hand, and that's why I has a Hook for a Hand". "And the Eye Patch?" "One day I was walking along this here beach, when I looks up and a bird he pooped in me eye". "Well that sounds terrible, but how did you lose the eye"? "It was my first day out with the Hook." And with that, I look forward to whatever you may have to offer. Uncle Steve

Another week gone by and another "Thoughts for Thursday" for anyone who has a few minutes to waste. 1: I had hoped the "Saga of the Locked Door" would have run its course, but last Tuesday shows there are new chapters still to be told. Let's be clear- I understand that we modified our hours a few months ago and realize it can still be confusing as to when we are open. We do our best to keep people updated (Spoiler- more updates coming later in this post), but unfortunately, you can't reach everyone. So, when 2 cars pull up to the store at nearly the exact same time, 3 hours before we open, I feel bad that people are being inconvenienced, but a Pandemic will do that to you I guess. Man from Car #1 approaches the door, sees that it is dark inside (I like working in the dark, it's peaceful and quiet and not an indication that I'm in a deep depression at all), reads the "Modified Hours" sign, and pulls on the door (Take a Chance, who knows right?) only to find it will not yield. He follows the standard routine that everyone faced with this impenetrable barrier has performed before him: Pull on the door again (maybe you did't pull hard enough?); Push your face up against the glass to see if others have somehow defeated the "Door of Lockedness"; Knock Loudly to alert someone that they forgot to disable the "DOL"; and finally, in a confused sense of resignation, return to your vehicle determined to try again (hopefully guided by the Hours Sign that informs you when your attempt should succeed). Man from Car #1 departs. Man from Car #2 exits his car and approaches the door... And repeats everything that Man from Car #1 has just performed. ??? Confused, I watch wondering what might be the reasoning? Maybe Man from Car #1 did something wrong? Pushed instead of Pulled? Didn't Knock loudly enough? Maybe the store opened in the 1 minute since his departure? Maybe I just don't recognize someone who possesses the Blind Optimism that has carried them through their lives! I envy you Man from Car #2! I wish I had your outlook on life, but instead I continue to work in the dark, alone, watching in silence while others live their lives. A quick note in case anyone was wondering, I did not approach the 2 gentlemen when they took their turns at defeating the "DOL", not because I was being rude, but because I have learned that if they see me, it only adds to the confusion and I end up trying to have a loud conversation with the "DOL" between us to explain what they have already discovered and that just makes everyone even more annoyed and who want's that? 2. With May coming to a close(Finally! You Suck May!) and many of the limitations that the Pandemic(You Suck Too Pandemic!) has created beginning to ease, I think that it is time to expand the 4 hour window that we are currently open. I am deeply concerned that with everyone venturing out more and more, things could begin to get worse. I hope that is not the case and that everyone makes good choices and takes the prescribed precautions (Wear a Mask/Keep Your Distance/Only Cough at Home), but experience tells me that may not be the case. Computer Greeks will continue to maintain our current procedures to ensure our store is as safe as possible. We will still limit the number of customers in the store to 2 at one time, sanitize all surfaces throughout the day, wear life vests when it rains, and require properly worn masks from anyone who wants to enter. For questions regarding this, please review previous editions of "Thoughts for Thursday"/"Thursday Thoughts" for all of the exciting details. I'll summarize quickly for those too busy to hunt for the previous posts: Masks Good- Wear Masks! You Don't Agree- Still Wear Masks! Simple, See? So, beginning Monday June 1st, Computer Greeks will be open 2 Hours more each day: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat: 10am to 4pm Tues, Thur: 12pm to 6pm Sun: Closed Hopefully, this will make the frantic nature of helping everyone with their repairs and purchases a bit less frantic. Trust me, we could all use a little less Franticness right now. 3. e-Recycling: For the past few months we have not been accepting e-Recycling to limit the need for people to come to our store and due to the limited availability of our Recycler to make a pick up. This will also change on Monday as we will allow some items to be dropped off again. For now, we will accept only Computer Related Items such as: Laptops, Desktops, Monitors, Drives, Cables, etc. We will not be able to allow other items including Appliances and TVs until a later date. Not sure if what you have is "Computer Related" or not? Just call and we can offer clarification. Helpful Tip- your Microwave is not a Computer. And Finally... I know that the last few months has been beyond difficult for many and even worse for some. I'm sure that we can all agree we are ready for better days and a return to "Normal", but don't let boredom and frustration and a desire for all of this insanity to be over cause us to make bad choices. I mentioned early on when the "Lockdown" was announced that we may never know if we did "too much", but we will certainly know if we did "too little". Maybe we can start to see the Light at the End of the Tunnel- let's just make sure it's not a Train before we rush in. Stay Well, Stay Safe Uncle Steve

As another week trudges onward, if you have a few minutes I have some "Thursday Thoughts" I would like to share including some Virtual Gifts for all of you, but first- we are open today from 2pm to 6pm and Friday and Saturday from 10am to 2pm. I'm going to try to take the day off from discussing Masks and Locked Doors, but... This is still a bit of an issue. The incident last Tuesday of the mask-less customer who pounded on the aforementioned locked door at 1:30pm, when we open at 2pm and then spent several minutes yelling 'It's 1:30!" while I kept yelling back "We open at 2pm" and his repeated reply of "It's 1:30!" had me genuinely confused that maybe 1:30 came after 2pm and I forgot to unlock the door? I rechecked with the NIST (National Institute for Standards and Technology) and I was in fact correct, 1:30pm is still before 2pm. The NIST also told me this was the first time anyone had called with that question, so that was cool. Ok, I didn't make it very far without discussing Masks and Locked Doors, but now I'm done. Probably. Now, what I originally wanted to share today was my "Thoughts for Thursday" or "Thursday Thoughts" (Both are currently under trademark review) about how everyone is managing while trying to stay home and safe as much as possible. I know that I've been very fortunate to still have a job and a schedule that while dramatically modified, still approximates a version of my normal day. My wife and daughter are both working from home as their jobs switched to an online only workplace as many have and my son went to an "online only" version of his college which is a story for another time. I am also well aware that many others are not so fortunate and have seen their jobs suspended or terminated entirely and I have nothing but sympathy and respect for anyone having to go through that in their lives. So, even with a weekly schedule that is still similar to my normal life, I still find myself stuck at home far more than usual with the added stress that every day I return from work, my wife requires that I be processed through a De-Covid19 routine that includes burning my clothes, a disinfectant spray, a shower of at least 105 degrees and a 3 page health questionnaire before I am allowed to return to normal home society. The point is, being home all the time is a challenge. Especially when you are home all the time with other people who are also home all the time and everyone is getting just a bit short tempered and fed up with all of this and with me even though anyone will tell you that I am a delight to be around. So what do I do and what can I offer to you in the way of advice or suggestions that might make your time a little better? Probably nothing of deep insight or great importance but I'll give it a try just the same. Disclaimer: any suggestions or advice are being presented by someone who has already told you he is mostly an idiot and if you choose to follow any of his suggestions then that's on you just so we're clear. Now, as mentioned, I am mostly an idiot- but the one area that is excluded from that is all things tech which if you remember, in these things I am a god! (A god not The God small g no protests please). So it is in this area I will offer some suggestions that may add to the quality of your day to day life. I will make the assumption that if you are reading this you are a customer of Computer Greeks and as such probably own a computer of some sort. In addition, most of you will also have access to a Smart Phone or Tablet of the Android or iOS variety. It is on these devices that I will expect you can take advantage of my "Life Changing Lock-down Suggestions". 1: Make it Pretty! You turn on your computer and look at the same background day after day after day. Even your poor Windows computer is in lock-down! What can you do? In Windows 10 (if you're using Windows 7 you need to upgrade!), do the following: Right Click on an empty area of your desktop Left Click on "Personalize" Click on "Themes" on the left side Click on "Get more themes in Microsoft Store" Pick from a huge collection of amazing themed pictures that will run as a slideshow on your system. Click on "Get" and then wait for it to install. Add as many as you like and you can go back to the "Themes" section to see everything you've added and change to whatever you want when you want. Easy Peasy! 2: Entertain Me! www.plutotv.com The days of growing up with basically 6 or so options (2, 5, 7, 9 ,11, 32, and maybe 64) for your TV viewing are long gone, but even with 100+ channels plus Netflix and Hulu you might still be looking for something new to watch and wouldn't FREE be nice? It sure would! What can I suggest? PlutoTV It's amazing! I'm watching it now while I'm typing at you. 250+ channels of free TV plus 1000's of on-demand movies and TV shows for the low low price of $0. Watch it online (www.plutotv.com), add the app from the Android or iOS store, add it to your Roku or Fire devices, it is even included with your Comcast/Xfinity tv service (just say "Pluto TV" into your voice remote or type it into your search. The interface is great, the selection is pretty incredible including old stuff you haven't thought about for years but will suddenly find yourself binge watching. Fear Factor channel anyone? Yes, Please! There are ads, but who cares? Did I mention the $0 price? 3: Save Me Money! www.slickdeals.net That's it- trust me. You'll be buying things you didn't realize you wanted in no time and saving a ton doing it. I check here everyday and always search for things before I make a purchase, but act fast. Once someone posts a deal here, everyone knows about it. 4: I'm a Gamer! www.epicgames.com Epic Games has several free to play games that you can consider, but it's their Free Game of the Week that I'm sharing with you. If you jump on it immediately, you can grab GTA V for PC while this weeks mystery game will be announced and available shortly. Free games that normally cost actual money? You bet. Note, you will need to have a computer capable of meeting the requirements for these games, but if you need to upgrade your existing system or replace it with something even more amazing, I know a place that can hook you up. And finally, 5: Take a Virtual Trip! https://www.nationalparks.org/…/take-virtual-visit-national… Need to at least pretend you're out and about? You can visit a wide selection of our National Parks without leaving your home. So much to choose from, where should we go first? There you have it. My expert suggestions that should change all of your lives. Your welcome. If you have any issues with the info or instructions I've shared, please let me know and I'll do my best to help out. If you think this information is worth it, "Like" the Computer Greeks Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/computergreeks/ And let your Friends and Family know about us. You wouldn't want them to miss out on my "Thoughts for Thursday" would you? Stay Safe! Stay Healthy! Uncle Steve Computer Greeks

A quick mention about last week's "Thoughts for Thursday" which was notably absent- the simple explanation is that I "Thought it was Wednesday" when it was Thursday, so by the time I actually "Thought it was Thursday" it was actually Friday and "Thoughts for Friday" doesn't have the same ring to it and that just wouldn't have made sense. Got it? Awesome. Today, my thoughts are mostly on revisiting comments I made a few weeks ago when I first mentioned that wearing masks/face coverings would be required to enter Computer Greeks (A wondrous land of myth and legend). Now that a few weeks have gone by, I realized that I should have been more descriptive in what I was hoping for in the actual manner of mask wearing. For a moment (maybe longer than a moment), I will address what I realize is still a contentious issue over the Illinois Order that everyone wear a face mask in public. Keeping in mind that for 24 years as a business owner I have avoided wading into political arguments (not enough time, lose/lose situation, I'm an idiot who rarely should be listened to, etc.), I'll make an exception. I can usually see both sides of a situation and even though I may not agree with one side, it doesn't mean I can't understand why people would feel that way. Not so much here. This isn't the argument over how to reopen the country- that conversation has so many moving parts and technical scientific things with numbers and statistics and stuff and a graph or two that I'm not touching that with a disinfected 10 ft pole. This isn't even an argument over whether wearing a mask is safer than not wearing a mask (spoiler- yeah, it is. My dad was a doctor, he wore one all the time and I'm pretty sure if he showed up to your surgery without one you'd be pissed). In reality, this is a simple argument about being told to do something that some people don't want to do. That's it- right there, Plain and Simple. Wear a Mask! No! You can't make me! Yes we can! I won't do it! I'll protest! You're infringing on my Civil Rights! Do it or Else! Nuh-Uh! I'm an American! It's my Right! So many "!!!!!!", so much anger, so much drama. Wow. Let's be realistic- no one likes being told what to do. No one wants to be made to do anything, but this happens everyday to all of us in our normal routine lives, especially if you're married. Speed limit says 20 MPH- that's stupid, I can drive faster than that safely. Wear a seat belt or get a ticket- that's wrong, I don't like it, it's uncomfortable, It's my body- you can't tell me what to do! Don't Take Drugs, Don't Jaywalk, Don't Drink if You're Under 21, Don't Ice Skate in June or August! (That's an actual law- look it up). Everyday, all the time. Hopefully these laws are for the right reasons, hopefully they make sense, but regardless- we live with them. With the masks, you're being asked to wear one. Don't want to wear one, no problem, wear one anyway. Don't like wearing one (me neither, it covers up my sweet stache), wear it just the same. It isn't going to protect me or make any difference! No problem, in that case- wear the mask, but the whole time you have it on, you can be mad about it and make angry faces or mouth bad words at me, I don't mind, as long as you wear it- Ok? Got it? Thanks. And a reminder, you're not wearing it so much to protect you, you're wearing it protect me, and everyone around you. You can put up with a little discomfort for all of us now can't you? Now, onto the original "Thought for Thursday". We are now all wearing a mask because Uncle Steve's words of wisdom have made complete sense and softened our angry hearts and the mask is actually kinda cool and I don't have to shave or brush my teeth or wear makeup to go out and this is really not a bad trade off so I may do this even after they say I don't need to. What's the problem then? It's the way many people are wearing them that is grinding my gears! I had a customer who came in last week, properly wearing a nice medical mask, walk up to the counter and pull the mask away from her face to talk to me. I'm not making this up. A young woman walked in without her mask on. When told she needed a mask to come into the store, she assured me she had one with her. Not on, mind you, but she did have one so that was close I guess. A few days ago, 3 different people came in wearing masks under their noses. I can imagine this does make it easier to breathe while wearing one, but you might be defeating the purpose. A couple entered the store without any face coverings. We alerted them to the signage and need to wear a mask, they proceeded to pull their shirts up over their mouths. That's a big not gonna work for me with this one. If you take a moment to glance up to the top of this Facebook page, you can see 4 examples of improper mask wearing techniques. The first 3 are common issues I can understand, no one came to my house to give me a tutorial on proper mask wearing methods and I imagine you may not have had a class in high school that prepared you for this day either. The 4th guy I have real concern for and hope someone is there to check on him very soon. I'll let you know if I get an update on his condition. For any of you who are still with me this far into my "brief" dissertation, let me 'splain, no there is too much, let me sum up: Computer Greeks is Awesome and everyone should want to visit. To get in, 1: Door must be unlocked and 2: Mask must be worn PROPERLY! There you have it. 1000 words to add that one word to what you already knew. Feel cheated out of the last 10 minutes of your life? I don't blame you. In closing (honestly, I'm about done here) Open today from 2pm to 6pm and tomorrow (Friday)from 10am to 2pm. Need Help? Call (708)636-3473 or Email (computergreeks@aol.com) anytime and we will get back to you. Hoping everyone is doing well! Uncle Steve