[Mgs] MGA Guru Is Going Mobile

[Barney Gaylord]

This should raise a few eyebrows and start some lively discussion.

A few people know about this already, but since there is now a 
definite date it is time to make the public announcement. MGA Guru is 
going mobile in a big way. I have been planning and preparing for 
some time. I bought a laptop computer to replace my old tower cabinet 
PC and large desktop screen and separate keyboard. I bought a new 
digital camera, a cell phone, Bluetooth earpiece for hands free chat, 
and a miniature external hard drive for data backup, all of which can 
recharge from the USB port(s) on the computer. I also have a couple 
of Universal Car Chargers that plug into the cigar lighter and have 
switchable voltage output to recharge the laptop and to power a low 
voltage scanner. I will have to give up my beloved laser printer, but 
I haven't quite decided what to do for a portable low voltage printer 
(as I hate ink-jets). I haven't decided yet on a service provider for 
the mobile hotspot for wireless internet access anywhere, but that 
should happen this week.

Why all this change and preparation? I have just officially retired, 
have picked up my first Social Security benefit check, and I am going 
on vacation. The kicker is, I will not be "coming home". To be sure 
it is nailed down firmly, the house has been sold, and the last day 
in my prior home of 35 years will be May 4, 2014. So where am I going 
on my retirement vacation? Nowhere in particular, just to wander 
around where the wind blows and wherever my urges may take me. Not 
needing to be anywhere on any given day there is no rush, so I plan 
to travel in a leisurely fashion, perhaps little or no mileage in any 
given day, or perhaps more travel if I actually intend to go 
somewhere in particular. There is a golden opportunity here for all 
those people who have said, "If you may ever be in the neighborhood 
stop in". So there will once again be a red MGA with a little black 
trailer following carrying camping gear, tools, a few car parts, some 
personal belongings, and this time communications equipment. The word 
is, home is where you hang your hat, and my hat will be in the MGA 
most of the time, wherever it goes.

Meanwhile I will remain a loyal member of Chicagoland MG Club, and I 
intend to carry on my duties as Webmaster for the club, as well as 
maintaining my own web site MGAguru.com. These functions have always 
been carried out by remote access to the internet. Now that my 
computer and other equipment is portable, that remote access will not 
change, no matter where I may be. Just that I may not be attending so 
many local club membership meetings, and Staff meetings may do with 
more messages and one less live body in attendance. For anyone 
concerned, my prior land line will be disconnected after May 4, my 
new cell phone number is 630.946.3841, and feel free to call any time.

I will definitely keep in touch. I will post regular updates on my 
activities on the MGA forum of the MG Enthusiasts web site, the MGA 
bbs on the UK server, likely have a new communications page on 
MGAguru.com, and I may even learn to use my Facebook account (maybe). 
Most people who visit MGAguru.com and send email and make phone calls 
would likely not notice any difference in the world. Pretty sure my 
snail mail address is going to change to a PO box number, yet to be 
determined. I so far have just one appointment for personal business 
in Arlington, Virginia, sometime soon but with no definite date. Let 
the discussions and inquires begin.

See picture here: http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/restore/pics2/gt33.jpg

Barney Gaylord
1958 MGA with an attitude
<http://MGAguru.com>http://MGAguru.com