It's been quite a while since I've added a new blog to my read list. Today's entry was found while reading comments on Eric's site. If you haven't already, take a look at Eagle Eye View.
I'm not an exciting person, but anything that crosses my mind that I care to share with the rest of the world will appear here.
Saturday, November 30, 2002
This is an unsolicited plug for YACCS commenter and its very helpful author, Hossein. I mentioned in an earlier post that Mike had discovered a failure in my comment system. I had speculated that it might be due to a buffer overrun, and just to be sure, I reported the problem to YACCS.
A few minutes ago, as I was scrolling through old posts, I noticed a comment on that post (and like I said, I knew that comments absolutely would not work there). It turns out the comment was from Hossein - asking me to verify that all was working properly.
Now, that's the kind of person (and service) I don't mind contributing to!
A few minutes ago, as I was scrolling through old posts, I noticed a comment on that post (and like I said, I knew that comments absolutely would not work there). It turns out the comment was from Hossein - asking me to verify that all was working properly.
Now, that's the kind of person (and service) I don't mind contributing to!
Friday, November 29, 2002
My sister and her husband in Windsor sent me a beautiful card for Channukah. I guess with the proliferation of broadband, the email cards you can send these days from sites like Hallmark include real video - not just animated gifs and computer-generated images. It was a really nice treat. Thank you Miriam.
Miriam also forwards a lot of email. I once got on her case about indiscriminately forwarding the stuff, but now, even though she forwards lots of mail - it always is interesting and often thought provoking. Just the other day, she sent me a couple of articles that addressed the issue of terrorism against Israel and Jews.
One dealt with Muslims and their attitude towards Jews. The message was that although the great majority of Muslim individuals are not terrorists, the fact that Muslim states (and their citizenry) condone acts of violence places them in the same historical context as countries like WW-II Germany (whose citizens, by and large, were not terrorists either). The message - what you accept from your leaders is what you would do if you were the leader.
The second email addressed Palestinian claims of being "thrown off their land" and being denied the right to self-determination (statehood). The author of that piece (a non-Jewish author, just like the previous piece) challenged Palestinians to offer proof that they were ever a nation in their own right - by asking for the most basic proofs of "national" existence - a common currency, national anthem, etc. The piece basically labeled these people as throwoffs from neighboring Arab states who refused to accept them as citizens.
I generally try not to be too emotional about politics. But these times are trying. Where else in the Middle East would a freely held party nominating election take place (an election that offered more than one "real" candidate). And where else would the winning candidate be the less-hawkish of the two rivals. With Ariel Sharon defeating Benjamin Netanyahu for the leadership of his party, Israelis on the right-wing are still saying that attempts at peace should be made. And today, a suicide bombing in Kenya (yes, KENYA) destroyed a hotel owned by an Israeli. Elsewhere in Kenya, terrorists tried (and thankfully failed) to shoot down an airliner bound for Israel.
Jesus - can you imagine what the world would say if Jews around the world started behaving in a similar fashion?
Talk about fucking hypocrites.
I hope all my U.S. friends had a good Thanksgiving.
Happy Channukah to all Jews, whoever and wherever you are.
Now it's off to work, where I can finally calm down.
Miriam also forwards a lot of email. I once got on her case about indiscriminately forwarding the stuff, but now, even though she forwards lots of mail - it always is interesting and often thought provoking. Just the other day, she sent me a couple of articles that addressed the issue of terrorism against Israel and Jews.
One dealt with Muslims and their attitude towards Jews. The message was that although the great majority of Muslim individuals are not terrorists, the fact that Muslim states (and their citizenry) condone acts of violence places them in the same historical context as countries like WW-II Germany (whose citizens, by and large, were not terrorists either). The message - what you accept from your leaders is what you would do if you were the leader.
The second email addressed Palestinian claims of being "thrown off their land" and being denied the right to self-determination (statehood). The author of that piece (a non-Jewish author, just like the previous piece) challenged Palestinians to offer proof that they were ever a nation in their own right - by asking for the most basic proofs of "national" existence - a common currency, national anthem, etc. The piece basically labeled these people as throwoffs from neighboring Arab states who refused to accept them as citizens.
I generally try not to be too emotional about politics. But these times are trying. Where else in the Middle East would a freely held party nominating election take place (an election that offered more than one "real" candidate). And where else would the winning candidate be the less-hawkish of the two rivals. With Ariel Sharon defeating Benjamin Netanyahu for the leadership of his party, Israelis on the right-wing are still saying that attempts at peace should be made. And today, a suicide bombing in Kenya (yes, KENYA) destroyed a hotel owned by an Israeli. Elsewhere in Kenya, terrorists tried (and thankfully failed) to shoot down an airliner bound for Israel.
Jesus - can you imagine what the world would say if Jews around the world started behaving in a similar fashion?
Talk about fucking hypocrites.
I hope all my U.S. friends had a good Thanksgiving.
Happy Channukah to all Jews, whoever and wherever you are.
Now it's off to work, where I can finally calm down.
My new loveseat reminds me of home. When my wife was last in Toronto, we shopped together and bought it because it matched the pattern of the furniture back in Windsor. The idea was that when our two households are remerged, the furniture won't look out of place. Fair enough... but in this small apartment (I didn't think it was small until the loveseat arrived) the loveseat proportionately looks like a massive couch - completely dominating the room it's in.
Another thing that reminds me of home was a short video postcard I received from my wife when she got her computer fixed the other night. The microphone is working now, and she recorded a short video. That video reminded me of one we recorded together earlier this year. It's so funny it makes me laugh - and cry. I wanted to post a link, but my personal web space is too full so I couldn't upload it. If anyone knows of a FREE site for hosting my video (AVI format), I'll post it. But I warn you - if you watch it, you'll fall in love with the woman I married.
Another thing that reminds me of home was a short video postcard I received from my wife when she got her computer fixed the other night. The microphone is working now, and she recorded a short video. That video reminded me of one we recorded together earlier this year. It's so funny it makes me laugh - and cry. I wanted to post a link, but my personal web space is too full so I couldn't upload it. If anyone knows of a FREE site for hosting my video (AVI format), I'll post it. But I warn you - if you watch it, you'll fall in love with the woman I married.
Can you believe it? Stefanie has her license! What happened to that little baby girl who was born to my baby sister in Israel just yesterday? On Wednesday, I picked her up after dance class and she was much more gracious than usual. Having lived with her and her mother for that month, I got to see their day-to-day interaction. It was a picture of a mom who would do anything for her daughter, to the point of sometimes taking shit I couldn't put up with. Israelis have a reputation for being more forthright in their opinions and actions than the average North American, and watching those two go at it when neither wants to back down is entertaining (to say the least). Still, I think of my sister as my "baby" sister - and think of her daughter (the youngest of my nieces) as practically a new-born. And now she's driving. God, I'm getting old.
Wednesday, November 27, 2002
God works in mysterious ways. Today is the day I was supposed to receive the last of my new furniture. Yesterday morning, my sister had sent me an email urgently requesting my assistance Wednesday evening - she needed to be elsewhere and had not been able to arrange for her daughter to get a ride home from night school. I told her I would try to arrange for my landlord to be present for the furniture delivery, so I could help her out. Unfortunately, my landlord had other plans and would not be available to help.
I had a bit of a dilemma. I didn't want to say "no" to my sister (who had graciously opened her home to me when I first moved to Toronto); but I also didn't want to miss the delivery and have to fork over extra for a second delivery attempt. I went to work this morning not knowing what I was going to do.
The day was beautiful. I was feeling good, and my progress at work was phenomenol. Everything I tried was working perfectly. Then, around 12:00PM, I started to get a bit of a headache. It wasn't the normal "needs food" headache. The pain was dull but persistent, and I was beginning to get a sore neck as well. I've had my flu shot, so I didn't suspect that, but as time went on, the pain was getting worse, and I also felt feverish. By 1:30PM, I was feeling so ill, I couldn't continue, and asked to go home.
I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow. At 5:15PM, I was awoken from a deep sleep by a phone call from my sister. She wanted to know whether I would be picking up her daughter. Before I could answer, I needed to know when Sears was coming for their delivery. My "delivery window" was 6:30-9:00, but I was hoping Sears could give me a narrower timeframe. When I hung up, I saw that I had missed one call. It had been from Sears, a half-hour earlier. Calling them back, I asked whether they could give me a better idea of exactly when the delivery man would be coming. No sooner had I spoken the words, than my doorbell rang....
So now, I have my furniture. The delivery men came more than an hour ahead of the delivery window. In fact, had I been healthy and at work, I would have missed their call (it wouldn't have been my fault, but I still would have had to reschedule the delivery). Instead, I have my furniture, and I have plenty of time to make it to the school to pick up my niece.
I had a bit of a dilemma. I didn't want to say "no" to my sister (who had graciously opened her home to me when I first moved to Toronto); but I also didn't want to miss the delivery and have to fork over extra for a second delivery attempt. I went to work this morning not knowing what I was going to do.
The day was beautiful. I was feeling good, and my progress at work was phenomenol. Everything I tried was working perfectly. Then, around 12:00PM, I started to get a bit of a headache. It wasn't the normal "needs food" headache. The pain was dull but persistent, and I was beginning to get a sore neck as well. I've had my flu shot, so I didn't suspect that, but as time went on, the pain was getting worse, and I also felt feverish. By 1:30PM, I was feeling so ill, I couldn't continue, and asked to go home.
I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow. At 5:15PM, I was awoken from a deep sleep by a phone call from my sister. She wanted to know whether I would be picking up her daughter. Before I could answer, I needed to know when Sears was coming for their delivery. My "delivery window" was 6:30-9:00, but I was hoping Sears could give me a narrower timeframe. When I hung up, I saw that I had missed one call. It had been from Sears, a half-hour earlier. Calling them back, I asked whether they could give me a better idea of exactly when the delivery man would be coming. No sooner had I spoken the words, than my doorbell rang....
So now, I have my furniture. The delivery men came more than an hour ahead of the delivery window. In fact, had I been healthy and at work, I would have missed their call (it wouldn't have been my fault, but I still would have had to reschedule the delivery). Instead, I have my furniture, and I have plenty of time to make it to the school to pick up my niece.
Sunday, November 24, 2002
James Bond! When I was a teen, I loved him. OK, I loved him throughout the past 40 years, but mostly, I enjoyed Sean Connery, Timothy Dalton, and now Pierce Brosnan. I never could get into Roger Moore's interpretation. He went from being a dangerous Simon Templar to a comical Bond, and I really never appreciated the transition. This installment of 007 goes back to basics, with Bond being more sinister and less comical than recent versions. And having Halle Berry portray his "equal" is really a nice touch. Sure, there have been recent attempts to make the Bond girl more brainy and less dependent, but only with this version do they really create an intellectual and physical equal.
This past week, I discovered a long-lost friend. My sister had spotted an article in the University Alumni Magazine that made mention of someone she thought I knew. She was right, and a quick internet search yielded an active email address. For the past week, we've been exchanging emails, catching up on nearly 30 years of our lives. We've both experienced significant ups and downs during that period, but the seeds of our friendship seem to still be intact, and it's been pleasant corresponding. She's living in Wisconsin now, and is a University professor. I've told my wife about my contact, lest she find out elsewhere and put the wrong interpretation on matters. I'm actually hoping that at some point she will meet my friend (should my friend come back to Canada to visit relatives). There are probably some funny stories they could share behind my back.
In other news, we're returning the McAfee Virus Scanning software to McAfee and going with Norton (which, I hope, will work out better). I've finalized plans for New Year's Eve. My wife and I will be going to Medieval Times for just the second time ever. We so enjoyed ourselves the first time around, I'm looking forward to this return visit.
And in Grey Cup news (the Canadian Superbowl), Montreal won the cup for the first time in 25 years. This was the 90th year the cup has been contested.
This past week, I discovered a long-lost friend. My sister had spotted an article in the University Alumni Magazine that made mention of someone she thought I knew. She was right, and a quick internet search yielded an active email address. For the past week, we've been exchanging emails, catching up on nearly 30 years of our lives. We've both experienced significant ups and downs during that period, but the seeds of our friendship seem to still be intact, and it's been pleasant corresponding. She's living in Wisconsin now, and is a University professor. I've told my wife about my contact, lest she find out elsewhere and put the wrong interpretation on matters. I'm actually hoping that at some point she will meet my friend (should my friend come back to Canada to visit relatives). There are probably some funny stories they could share behind my back.
In other news, we're returning the McAfee Virus Scanning software to McAfee and going with Norton (which, I hope, will work out better). I've finalized plans for New Year's Eve. My wife and I will be going to Medieval Times for just the second time ever. We so enjoyed ourselves the first time around, I'm looking forward to this return visit.
And in Grey Cup news (the Canadian Superbowl), Montreal won the cup for the first time in 25 years. This was the 90th year the cup has been contested.
Friday, November 22, 2002
Mike sent me an email to say my "comments" section is not working. Actually, it is working - just not for the previous post. You see, I was the beta tester for YACCS new "post within a comment" feature. It really works well. But apparently, that last post of mine - huge as it was - seems to have overrun some buffer. So, if you'd like to comment on the previous post, please do it here.
Monday, November 18, 2002
I like Windows XP. Over the weekend, my wife and I decided to replace her computer - it had been a lemon since almost day 1. We are still on a very tight budget, so we decided on an e-machine. There was some reluctance, having previously purchased TWO e-machines - which both had to be exchanged within the first two weeks of life due to hardware failures - but the price was right. If first impressions are worth anything, this machine is going to be great. The hard drive runs silently, unlike our experience with prior machines, and the e-machine-enhanced version of Windows XP includes a system backup (i.e. file backup) utility and self-healing diagnostics built in.
In fact, the only less-than-satisfactory experiences we had setting up the machine occurred when we tried to install McAfee Virus Scan 7.0. Prior to purchasing the software, we verified that it was XP compatible (according to the box, it is). But when we tried to install it, Windows XP informed us that the application was not XP compliant, and warned us not to attempt the installation. Hey, we live dangerously. We ignored the warning and proceeded. So now, the program is installed, but I'd swear it's sucked up OVER 50% of the CPU's processing power. The computer used to snap to attention any time we clicked on any icon. Now, it sort of non-challantly thinks about whether to comply with our requests, and finally decides to coax a meek response out of the CPU.
I only wish there had been some way to capture the output from the Java-chat session with McAfee's tech support representative. I haven't decided yet whether she was actually human, or a bot programmed to respond to key phrases.
Here's a paraphrased version of my session with tech support. The tech rep's name was Kathy...
Kathy: Thank you for calling McAfee Security Systems online chat helpline. My name is Kathy. How may I help you today.
Me: I'm having trouble installing McAfee VirusScan 7.0 on a Windows XP system. The operating system is issuing a message indicating the virus software is not XP compliant and warns me not to install it. Since the box says it's compliant, I ignored the warning and installed it anyway. Now, my computer is running at less than half the normal speed. Can you tell me why XP issued the warning, even though your software says right on the box that it's XP compliant?
(long delay)
Kathy: Sir, you say you're having trouble installing VS 7.0 on an XP system. What message are you receiving?
Me: The operating system is issuing a message indicating the virus software is not XP compliant and warns me not to install it.
Kathy: I see. Was there a previous version of VS installed?
Me: The computer is new. There was an icon on the start menu offering a trial version of VS 6.0, but we didn't click it. So no, there was nothing installed.
Kathy: I see. You're saying you did not uninstall VS 6.0 before installing VS 7.0.
Me: NO. I DID NOT INSTALL V6.0.
(long delay)
Kathy: Based on the information provided, I am now ready to answer your questions.
(another long delay)
Kathy: I will send you instructions on how to manually uninstall VS 6.0 so you can proceed with V 7.0.
Me: I told you I never installed V6.0.
(A new window opens up on my screen with very detailed instructions to remove VS 6.0)
Kathy: Follow these instructions and let me know what's happening.
Instruction 1: Open Settings, select Add/Remove Programs, and select McAfee Virus Scan 6.0
Me: Kathy, I'm trying to follow instruction 1, but there is NO VS 6.0 SHOWING UP IN THE LIST - I TOLD YOU IT HAD NOT BEEN INSTALLED
Kathy: I understand sir, but you have to remove all the remnants of V6.0 before V7.0 can be installed.
Me: (I'm ready to throw in the towel). OK, Kathy, I'll try following these instructions (5 pages printed) and get back to you if there are any problems.
Kathy: If you have any trouble following the instructions, please contact us again. I will issue a call tracking number for this call. Please use it if you have to contact us again for this same problem.
Me: OK, what's the number?
(long delay)
Kathy: Taking into account the current call and service issue, would you say that you have been completely satisfied by the response you have received from me on this matter?
Me: To be honest, I think it's too early to say. Why don't you give me the tracking number, and I'll get back to you after I try these instructions..
Kathy: In 2-7 days, you may receive an email from McAfee asking about my performance on this call. (I can't remember the rest of the message, I was laughing so hard).
Kathy: The tracking number for this call is XXXXXXXX ....
Kathy: Do you have any further questions at this time?
Me: Not at this time (hopefully in my head and not verbally... How did you get this job?)
Me: (sarcastically) Have a great day.
Kathy: (no response)
Me: (terminates chat)
Yup, I guess I'll have that anti-virus program up and running in no time!
In fact, the only less-than-satisfactory experiences we had setting up the machine occurred when we tried to install McAfee Virus Scan 7.0. Prior to purchasing the software, we verified that it was XP compatible (according to the box, it is). But when we tried to install it, Windows XP informed us that the application was not XP compliant, and warned us not to attempt the installation. Hey, we live dangerously. We ignored the warning and proceeded. So now, the program is installed, but I'd swear it's sucked up OVER 50% of the CPU's processing power. The computer used to snap to attention any time we clicked on any icon. Now, it sort of non-challantly thinks about whether to comply with our requests, and finally decides to coax a meek response out of the CPU.
I only wish there had been some way to capture the output from the Java-chat session with McAfee's tech support representative. I haven't decided yet whether she was actually human, or a bot programmed to respond to key phrases.
Here's a paraphrased version of my session with tech support. The tech rep's name was Kathy...
Kathy: Thank you for calling McAfee Security Systems online chat helpline. My name is Kathy. How may I help you today.
Me: I'm having trouble installing McAfee VirusScan 7.0 on a Windows XP system. The operating system is issuing a message indicating the virus software is not XP compliant and warns me not to install it. Since the box says it's compliant, I ignored the warning and installed it anyway. Now, my computer is running at less than half the normal speed. Can you tell me why XP issued the warning, even though your software says right on the box that it's XP compliant?
(long delay)
Kathy: Sir, you say you're having trouble installing VS 7.0 on an XP system. What message are you receiving?
Me: The operating system is issuing a message indicating the virus software is not XP compliant and warns me not to install it.
Kathy: I see. Was there a previous version of VS installed?
Me: The computer is new. There was an icon on the start menu offering a trial version of VS 6.0, but we didn't click it. So no, there was nothing installed.
Kathy: I see. You're saying you did not uninstall VS 6.0 before installing VS 7.0.
Me: NO. I DID NOT INSTALL V6.0.
(long delay)
Kathy: Based on the information provided, I am now ready to answer your questions.
(another long delay)
Kathy: I will send you instructions on how to manually uninstall VS 6.0 so you can proceed with V 7.0.
Me: I told you I never installed V6.0.
(A new window opens up on my screen with very detailed instructions to remove VS 6.0)
Kathy: Follow these instructions and let me know what's happening.
Instruction 1: Open Settings, select Add/Remove Programs, and select McAfee Virus Scan 6.0
Me: Kathy, I'm trying to follow instruction 1, but there is NO VS 6.0 SHOWING UP IN THE LIST - I TOLD YOU IT HAD NOT BEEN INSTALLED
Kathy: I understand sir, but you have to remove all the remnants of V6.0 before V7.0 can be installed.
Me: (I'm ready to throw in the towel). OK, Kathy, I'll try following these instructions (5 pages printed) and get back to you if there are any problems.
Kathy: If you have any trouble following the instructions, please contact us again. I will issue a call tracking number for this call. Please use it if you have to contact us again for this same problem.
Me: OK, what's the number?
(long delay)
Kathy: Taking into account the current call and service issue, would you say that you have been completely satisfied by the response you have received from me on this matter?
Me: To be honest, I think it's too early to say. Why don't you give me the tracking number, and I'll get back to you after I try these instructions..
Kathy: In 2-7 days, you may receive an email from McAfee asking about my performance on this call. (I can't remember the rest of the message, I was laughing so hard).
Kathy: The tracking number for this call is XXXXXXXX ....
Kathy: Do you have any further questions at this time?
Me: Not at this time (hopefully in my head and not verbally... How did you get this job?)
Me: (sarcastically) Have a great day.
Kathy: (no response)
Me: (terminates chat)
Yup, I guess I'll have that anti-virus program up and running in no time!
Where has the week gone!
It seems it was only yesterday I posted my last entry. I was surprised to see it had been an entire week!
Work has been hectic. There's lots to be accomplished in a very short time, and the level of anxiety is growing. I had previously asked for last Friday off, so I could go back to Windsor for a previously scheduled doctor's appointment and get an early start on the weekend. Seeing my wife after nearly two weeks apart was wonderful, and it was so difficult leaving her to go back to Toronto. I ended up staying in Windsor until 10:00 PM Sunday night before making the nearly 4-hour drive back to Toronto.
When I got back, having driven through some snow squalls, I was white knuckled and anything but sleepy. By 5:00AM, I was still awake and realized I would be in no shape to get up for work, so I tried to send an email to the boss explaining the situation. My cable connection was down (maybe due to the storm?), so I couldn't do that. After sleeping in, I contacted my boss at 10:45AM to say I'd be late. DUH! So, it's off to work soon, with nothing to look forward to except four days of overtime to make up for lost hours. And I don't get to see my wife again until the December 7th weekend.
It seems it was only yesterday I posted my last entry. I was surprised to see it had been an entire week!
Work has been hectic. There's lots to be accomplished in a very short time, and the level of anxiety is growing. I had previously asked for last Friday off, so I could go back to Windsor for a previously scheduled doctor's appointment and get an early start on the weekend. Seeing my wife after nearly two weeks apart was wonderful, and it was so difficult leaving her to go back to Toronto. I ended up staying in Windsor until 10:00 PM Sunday night before making the nearly 4-hour drive back to Toronto.
When I got back, having driven through some snow squalls, I was white knuckled and anything but sleepy. By 5:00AM, I was still awake and realized I would be in no shape to get up for work, so I tried to send an email to the boss explaining the situation. My cable connection was down (maybe due to the storm?), so I couldn't do that. After sleeping in, I contacted my boss at 10:45AM to say I'd be late. DUH! So, it's off to work soon, with nothing to look forward to except four days of overtime to make up for lost hours. And I don't get to see my wife again until the December 7th weekend.
Monday, November 11, 2002
It's almost a cliche. Ever seen one of those movies where the bad guy's right-hand man screws up and he's executed on the spot. Then the new guy gets called in to take his place? Well, that happened today. And I'm the new guy. Around 4:00PM, I got called into the boss' office and was told that one of the employees had been dismissed. He was the only one working on a particular project, which is due in six weeks, and now the project has been given to me. I'll learn more about it tomorrow, but for now, I'm supposed to be on this thing full time until it's completed.
And the deadline (Dec 31st) is set in stone, because this is a payroll application that needs to be delivered before the beginning of the new year. In a perfect universe, the application would already be in final trials (after all, there's got to be time to ship and install the application at the end-users' sites) but this isn't a perfect universe. At this point, I really don't know how far along the project is, but I do know that I'll either be a hero or unemployed come January 1st.
And the deadline (Dec 31st) is set in stone, because this is a payroll application that needs to be delivered before the beginning of the new year. In a perfect universe, the application would already be in final trials (after all, there's got to be time to ship and install the application at the end-users' sites) but this isn't a perfect universe. At this point, I really don't know how far along the project is, but I do know that I'll either be a hero or unemployed come January 1st.
Saturday, November 09, 2002
I waited 'til later into the evening, then tried talking with my wife last night using Intel's Video Phone software. We had done this before while I was staying at my sister's place, but with my sister's "Lite" internet hi-speed service (about twice the speed of dialup), the picture was choppy, and I would get constant hints that things might go better if I reduced bandwidth requirements (a euphamism for turning off video).
Now, with real hi-speed service (though still crippled), I thought I'd try again. It went much better, though there were still occasional hints. As the speed improves I should be able to manage a real conversation. There is a slight problem while using Video Phone. I have to drop my "shields" by turning off ZoneAlarm. Unfortunately, that means that while I'm on the phone, my computer is buffeted by "successful" attempts to locate my machine. I find that each time I use the software, there are days, if not weeks of increased attempts to hack my machine - because the bots determine that my IP address is a live one.
I've been toying with the idea of experimenting with ZoneAlarm - by adding my wife's IP address to my "local zone". I think that would allow me to use the Video Phone software while still keeping ZoneAlarm running. I'm just not sure whether there is any chance that my Windsor IP address could be multiplexed by Cogeco - and be shared by some unscrupulous user who would then be able to penetrate my firewall. I'll need to give that some thought, and perhaps decide that a configurable firewall is more to my liking.
On another digital front, my digital cable TV package was installed at the same time as the Internet, and it too had some initial problems (the cable company's installer recorded the serial number on the set-top box incorrectly, and when I went to authorize it online, they thought I had a stolen box). Luckily, the number was off by only one digit, so they realized it wasn't my fault, and after a couple of days with technical difficulties, I was able to receive acceptable service by 11:30PM last Sunday - literally minutes before the Sopranos encore broadcast I had wanted to watch.
I have the weekend to myself, probably for the first time since coming to Toronto. I've spent a weekend alone before, but I was still busy getting things settled, so I had lots to keep busy with. This weekend, I don't have much to do, and I'll probably be bored out of my tree. Next week, I'll be back in Windsor for the weekend. Maybe I should just concentrate on those positive thoughts.
There have been all sorts of things I've been wanting to photograph and post, but the digital camera is back in Windsor with my wife (who technically owns it, since I bought it as a gift for her). And it's not like she's not using it - she's the designated photographer for all work functions, and she never misses an opportunity to take pictures of our grand-daughter. With another grandchild on the way, there's really no way I can justify taking the camera with me to Toronto.
Now, with real hi-speed service (though still crippled), I thought I'd try again. It went much better, though there were still occasional hints. As the speed improves I should be able to manage a real conversation. There is a slight problem while using Video Phone. I have to drop my "shields" by turning off ZoneAlarm. Unfortunately, that means that while I'm on the phone, my computer is buffeted by "successful" attempts to locate my machine. I find that each time I use the software, there are days, if not weeks of increased attempts to hack my machine - because the bots determine that my IP address is a live one.
I've been toying with the idea of experimenting with ZoneAlarm - by adding my wife's IP address to my "local zone". I think that would allow me to use the Video Phone software while still keeping ZoneAlarm running. I'm just not sure whether there is any chance that my Windsor IP address could be multiplexed by Cogeco - and be shared by some unscrupulous user who would then be able to penetrate my firewall. I'll need to give that some thought, and perhaps decide that a configurable firewall is more to my liking.
On another digital front, my digital cable TV package was installed at the same time as the Internet, and it too had some initial problems (the cable company's installer recorded the serial number on the set-top box incorrectly, and when I went to authorize it online, they thought I had a stolen box). Luckily, the number was off by only one digit, so they realized it wasn't my fault, and after a couple of days with technical difficulties, I was able to receive acceptable service by 11:30PM last Sunday - literally minutes before the Sopranos encore broadcast I had wanted to watch.
I have the weekend to myself, probably for the first time since coming to Toronto. I've spent a weekend alone before, but I was still busy getting things settled, so I had lots to keep busy with. This weekend, I don't have much to do, and I'll probably be bored out of my tree. Next week, I'll be back in Windsor for the weekend. Maybe I should just concentrate on those positive thoughts.
There have been all sorts of things I've been wanting to photograph and post, but the digital camera is back in Windsor with my wife (who technically owns it, since I bought it as a gift for her). And it's not like she's not using it - she's the designated photographer for all work functions, and she never misses an opportunity to take pictures of our grand-daughter. With another grandchild on the way, there's really no way I can justify taking the camera with me to Toronto.
It's not like I don't have anything to say. I just wish this "high-speed internet" service worked! I had it installed last Saturday, and only today am I getting it going well enough (i.e. continuously, and with more than just a dead snail's pace) to make any headway.
Rogers had been completely down in this area for more than 24 hours. And that was a relief, since it was less frustrating than the surfing speed I had been enduring for the previous four days. This is cable modem service. In Windsor, that translates to 1500-2200 kbps. So far, the best I've experienced (i.e. right this minute) is just over 300kbps. Yesterday, my speed test registered 17kbps - that's right, about 1/4 the speed of a telephone modem. I knew no-one would believe me, so I took screen shots of the results and brought them to work. That got a lot of laughs, but it's really not funny! Needless to say, I've not been too crazy about the idea of paying premium rates for this "service". And Rogers seems to agree! They've told me they'll credit the entire period between November 2nd and whatever date I call to say service is acceptable! I think that's very big of them. Let's see if they actually come through with that promise.
Work this week went extremely well. I'm getting used to Toronto, and my wife has begun shopping (over the internet) for houses. She'll be coming to Toronto soon for my company Christmas party. If she gets an offer of employment from my boss during that visit, we may decide to accelerate the timetable for her move.
I finally got the box spring for my bed tonight. When the bed first arrived last Friday, the box spring wouldn't fit down the basement stairs. I had to return the original one for a split box spring. So tonight will be my first night in a real bed since moving to my new place. I never thought I'd get excited about sleeping in a bed, but I really am. And in two weeks, I'll take delivery of the loveseat and kitchen chairs. For now, I'll continue to eat my meals on the computer table and watch TV from a very uncomfortable hard-backed chair.
Alright, I guess it's time to sign off. Have a great weekend!
Rogers had been completely down in this area for more than 24 hours. And that was a relief, since it was less frustrating than the surfing speed I had been enduring for the previous four days. This is cable modem service. In Windsor, that translates to 1500-2200 kbps. So far, the best I've experienced (i.e. right this minute) is just over 300kbps. Yesterday, my speed test registered 17kbps - that's right, about 1/4 the speed of a telephone modem. I knew no-one would believe me, so I took screen shots of the results and brought them to work. That got a lot of laughs, but it's really not funny! Needless to say, I've not been too crazy about the idea of paying premium rates for this "service". And Rogers seems to agree! They've told me they'll credit the entire period between November 2nd and whatever date I call to say service is acceptable! I think that's very big of them. Let's see if they actually come through with that promise.
Work this week went extremely well. I'm getting used to Toronto, and my wife has begun shopping (over the internet) for houses. She'll be coming to Toronto soon for my company Christmas party. If she gets an offer of employment from my boss during that visit, we may decide to accelerate the timetable for her move.
I finally got the box spring for my bed tonight. When the bed first arrived last Friday, the box spring wouldn't fit down the basement stairs. I had to return the original one for a split box spring. So tonight will be my first night in a real bed since moving to my new place. I never thought I'd get excited about sleeping in a bed, but I really am. And in two weeks, I'll take delivery of the loveseat and kitchen chairs. For now, I'll continue to eat my meals on the computer table and watch TV from a very uncomfortable hard-backed chair.
Alright, I guess it's time to sign off. Have a great weekend!
Monday, November 04, 2002
It's Monday, and I've completed my first weekend in my new home. I've rented a basement apartment and moved in on Friday. And to make things even better, my wife took the train up to be with me for the weekend. We shopped mostly for apartment furnishings this past weekend, so I didn't get an opportunity to shop for food or do laundry. Today, I had hoped to do laundry and shopping, but only managed the latter. I'm running pretty short on basics, and even though I shopped tonight, I forgot some things I really need (like dishtowels). Tomorrow, I'll try to complete my "first shop".