Genius

The iPad mini decided to become possessed this week, and so it was that my date and I found ourselves at the Apple Store's Genius Bar late Wednesday afternoon. Well, actually, once I arrived at the GB, my date wandered off to buy socks. He may have been in the better place.

Long story short, the iPad was toast -- and, amazingly, NOT because us. Take THAT, Steve Jobs. (BTW, may you rest in peace.)

Double amazingly, it was still under warranty. So. we. got. a. brand. new. iPad. mini. The Genius Bar dude got me set up, we shook hands and off I went to see how the sock procurement was going.

Fast forward to home. Socks secured, it was time to introduce the new iPad to our wireless Internet network. I went to Settings, selected Wi-Fi and our network and logged in.

Nothing.

Tried again.

Nothing.

And again. And again. And again.

Nothing.

45 minutes later, I decided it was probably in the iPad's best interest if I watched Olympic speed skating rather than dealing with a recalcitrant piece of technology so I made ANOTHER appointment the Apple Store Genius Bar and went off to see how my date was enjoying his new socks.

I was at the Apple Store Genius Bar at 5 p.m. sharp yesterday afternoon. My personal Genius, Dan or Dave or Steve (I believe there was a "D" and "ve" in there somewhere), gently but authoritatively walked me through a couple solutions as if he were talking me off the top of a building.

Armed with my new-found iPad knowledge, I scampered home and immediately put it to use.

Nothing. Nada. Zippity-do-dah.

No wi-fi.

It was time for The Nuclear Option: Random pressing of buttons.

After considering my options for a moment, I swiped the Wi-Fi button once or twice and attempted, once again, to grab our wireless. And. . . .

The angels sang. We had connectivity!

Booyah. We don't need no stinkin' Genius Bar, Apple.

We've got the Nuclear Option. And THAT's genius.