Sunday, July 15, 2007

Ubiquitous does not equal free

A bit of a typo on my trip itinerary led me to arrive at the Tampa International Airport about 4 hours ahead of schedule this morning. I can honestly say that has never happened before. I don't mind so much chilling at the airport. Free wireless, blogs and news to read, Starbucks in my system. The problem was waking up at 4 a.m. to get here "on time." Still, nothing I can do about it now.

I was looking at the hotel I'll be staying at while attending the National Staff Development Council Conference in Denver. Decided to check up on wireless access. Three page clicks in and I found this:
Every convenience is yours in our 360 sq.ft. Denver Colorado accommodations, including Continental breakfast, on-site business center, work station with ergonomic chair and wired/wireless Internet access (fee applies). Enjoy Rocky Mountain or city views from our luxurious downtown Denver accommodations, plus two telephones, 32-inch, flat-screen TV and one king or two double Hyatt Grand Beds with plush pillows, soft sheeting and thick down blankets piled upon a pillow-top mattress.
I might be the only one who thinks this strange. A 32-inch, flat-screen TV and I still have to pay for Internet access?
During my trip home last week, I stayed at La Quinta on the way up and back. La Quinta of Chattanooga boasts:
Guest Room Amenities
  • Free High-Speed Internet Access in some rooms
  • Dataport Phones
  • Cable Television
  • Coffee Maker
  • Hair Dryer
  • Iron with Ironing Board
  • Alarm Clock
Sure, my television wasn't flat, but my access was free. That was for $40/night. Baffled I tell ya, baffled!
More later.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

hey Mr. Chase,
we all miss you lot.
especially me and Brittany Lewis.
we don't like the subs. their not like you. the room doesn't even feel like you exist anymore.
come back to say high. we all love you all ways and forever.

Anonymous said...

Mr.chase we miss you so much everyday is harder because that sub is mean. I hope you get to come visit us because everyone is depressed and are so sad. Mr.Francis is trying to say he is the coolest teacher now but i dont think so, our best teacher is gone and is probably never coming back but to just visit. I'm so happy for you because you are going to be near your family but the family you have her is now broken apart. Well i hope you have good luck finding a nice place. Yeah like Brittaney said its not the same because there is not that smell of coffee that was there everyday. Our life isn't all the same in that class because you aren't there to make all of us laugh. We love you and hope you never forget us. Me and Brittaney Williams both love you to death.

Anonymous said...

today is my last day at phoenix acadamy, also sarasota. will not be a sarasota resedent anymore.
:( i'm missing you. ilylab
( i love you like a brother.

Anonymous said...

Well said.