Ramblings of an old veteran.


Lately the smallest things get under my skin.  Nothing big mind you, but the smallest thing can set me off and keep me in a state of agitation for hours it seems.  For instance, this latest shift in daylight savings time was extended for just a week.  No big deal, just don't change your clocks for another week, and it is over with.  But, computers now, things don't always go as planned.  Some computers keep the old time even though connected to a time service, and some don't.  The ones that changed on time seem to cause problems for the ones that do.  Let me try to explain what I mean. 

Let's say that a server that hosts e-mail for about 800 domains, and about 10,000 users did not make a time shift when expected.  But the workstation and web server for one of the domains did.  The machine that did shift on time expects that everyone in the world made the same adjustment, and acts accordingly on reporting little things like when a message was sent or received from Bob.  The only problem is Bob sent the message 10 minutes ago, not an hour from now.  Usually no big deal, but today is the day that this person wants to archive his or her e-mail, and when they try to do that, the error pops up that the file is newer than the one replacing it.  How can that be, it hasn't been received yet?  But computers know deep down how time really works.  And for some reason, it can't figure out that the daylight saving feature has nothing to do with the fact that a file really exists.

Another thing that seems to irk me lately is the run away use of video.  On the internet and on television commercials, there is video every where.  It almost makes sense on television to use a video clip from a computer in a commercial for a product, but it certainly does not make sense to have a video clip on a web site of the commercial which contains a video clip.  First of all, it takes forever to load, and there are still thousands of users out there that connect through a telephone line, called dial up.  Second of all, there are lots of us that don't run with the sound on all day.  It gets rather disruptive in office environments.  So, why the video clip.  Can't they use a screen shot of the part that gets exciting?  Or an old fashioned headline with some pertinent words? 

And what is this thing about breaking news that is hours old already?  Cut into a commercial or program with breaking news.  The ticker banner at the top of the screen or bottom of the screen starts scrolling.  "Person of interest detained in downtown pushing match between two political candidates".  First of all, that isn't breaking news, and second, it was broadcast last night when it happened with the video clips to go along with it.  If there is no news, then just turn the camera on the outside window and show us what the weather is really doing.  Don't try to make something up. 

Maybe all that is wrong with me is information overload.  No matter where you turn, even on city streets, or on freeway billboards, something is flashing and trying to get your attention.  I need to adjust to this, or do I?  Maybe I should just back off, let it all happen, and continue smiling.  That should keep some of you guessing for a couple of hours. 

Thanks again for listening.