Search for modem holy grail
Hooray for westnet, for sending me a replacement modem. It is just something that comes with the adsl technology- modems are difficult creatures, and it is impossible to find the right one. This makes it dificult for broadband companies, because which modem are they going to send to their customers?
Westnet really saved themselves with the excellent customer support, with friendly people who knew what they were doing. It also helped that it wasn’t a call centre- the background noise seemed to be from westnet’s offices. Feeling that you are talking to real people helps.
The support guy lamented that they had had really good things with this kind of modem, but they must have had a bad batch, because several modems had been having issues. The fact that he was honest with me, and made sure, after doing several tests, that it was definitly the modem, increased my confidence in the company.
So it’s hooray for westnet, for restoring my internet connection. They are a well built company that inspires my trust. I hope that many other IT companies follow suit.
COMMENTS
blogging on the run
Here we go then. I am now blogging at the university, because of the untimely demise of my adsl modem. (If I had it near me I would tell you what kind/brand it is, but of course it is several kilometres away, at home, while I am at uni.)
So what of the culture of internet/computer usage (for the two are synonomous) at Monash?
Firstly, it is about work. If you are working on uni stuff, then you are ok to use a computer. I could argue that I am exploring and developing my literary skills here.
(I also have two windows open, hoping between this and the history reading for next week)
The concept of the queue comes into play here aswell- queueing for computers. I prefer to do other stuff, and when there is a computer free, jump on and use it. The idea of queueing for use of a computer, while having some sense, is quite foreign to me.
However, the computers are free to use, and that’s a great policy.
COMMENTS
busy busy
Well, I am feeling a little overwhelmed, I admit, with the amount of uni work I have to do. I am going to have to cut down on web stuff A LOT. That will meant that I will likely not be able to post about interesting news tidbits, very often. I should be starting to write very cool java programs soon, so that should be covered here.
You know how they say “appreciate highschool, you will never have that time again” and man, do they mean free time. Boy, it’s going to be busy busy busy till I retire I think. sigh.
I will still fight to keep this blog going though.
COMMENTS
the hunger strike phenomenon
Hunger strike. It is a phrase that is loaded with sobering connotations of protesters that have no other option to turn to.
Refusing to eat- starving yourself for a cause. It is almost self inflicted martyrdom, and it is the opposite of many protest techniques.
Greenpeace- paints slogans on whaling ships and stops the killing- but these actions are designed to disable the aggressor. Blockading a road- this is meant to fluster and close down a city, to send a very clear message to the government.
Going on hunger-strike is different, for it damages the protester- the aggressor is not starved. This style of protest shows utmost dedication- you would be willing to die for the cause. It is very drastic- it signals that you are serious about the cause, and won’t back down unless your demands are met.
This style of protest directly confronts the moral fibre of a person- no matter their political or social beliefs. They must stop, and look at the issue with new eyes- the basic human to human empathy that we all feel.
Besides forcing the aggressor to look at the issue with new eyes, hunger strike is also effective in that if the protester dies, the offending institution has blood on their hands. Secondly, martyrdom is potent because it swings public opinion. It is an ironic but real force of human interaction, as the saying goes, the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.
This brings us to the nasty issue of force feeding. It is a catch 22 situation for the hated institution- one they can’t let the protester die, they can’t be seen to be crushing protest, and they don’t want to give in. What they decide to do with the situation colours the outcome of the whole issue.
The human aspect, the empathy, brings a hunger strike into the eye of the media, and pubic opinion can impact on the outcome of the event- public pressure can cause an aggressor to end the hunger strike peacefully.
Hunger strike is an effective, if drastic method of protest, that changes the situation, bringing it back from lofty philosophical heights to an earthy real people issue. It is emotionally loaded, and must not be taken lightly.
this article was inspired by [bbc news] Guantanamo man tells of ‘torture’ which is about the force-feeding of prisoners at Guantanamo Bay, a detention centre used by the United States of America to hold suspected terrorists. Often for a very long time.
COMMENTS
great post
Just thought I’d point out a great post at oneandoneis2- read it- it’s worth it.
[oneandoneis2] Pursuing the mythical Windows
COMMENTS
how to pick a lecture seat
So I’m a uni student, hooray! After my first week of classes, here are my tips on where to sit- of course feel free to follow your own preferences.
There are three kinds of lecture theatres that I have experienced at Monash: Older style ones in the science and humanities blocks, and gigantic new ones such as south one and central one. I prefer the older style lecture theatres- they are smaller and have more character, and allow you to immerse your self in the subject. But I digress- I will explain the theatres later- now for the list:
-
Sit close, but not next, to the aisle.
- This is especially true in the newer theatres, which have fancy swivel desks (they sit at rest beside the chair to allow easy access, and then swivel up over your lap) because the ones on the aisle are often loose, causing them to return to their vertical state with little provocation- sending your books flying.
- You also want to be nearer the center to see the front without twisting your neck too much.
- Don’t sit too near the front- you’ll get whiplash looking at your notes, at the professor and at the audiovisual display.
- You’ll also be less conspicuous if you have to leave early or nod off.
- Don’t sit too far back- you still need to hear the lecturer- Don’t sit where the chatter can distract you.
So to summarise- sit near an aisle, around the middle of the theatre, and make sure your desk stays put.
The older theatres have either pull out desks (stored at the back of the seat infront of you) pull up and out, and hinged desks, fold them down once you are in your seat (which is one of those “movie seats” you know, the spring loaded ones. means you have less chance of sitting in something nasty.) These desks have the advantage of giving you slightly more area to spread out, and also staying put until you put them back. They are less likely to break- make sure you have a functioning swivel desk- this is why you arrive early.
ramble ramble- anyway, I’m thinking of sumbitting this (refined of course) to the student newspaper, Lots Wife. What do you think?