Captain's log, stardate 2009.239
I am writing this blog exclusively using speech recognition, a built in feature of Microsoft Windows 7. it last time I used speech recognition that didn't work very well, however I am impressed with how far it has come. I had to make several corrections, but it actually has a speech activated interface for doing so. A neat feature is that as I type using it, and correct its failures, it learns to recognize my voice better.
Well, that's all I have for you today. LaFrance out.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Dealing with Campus Security
Captains log, stardate 2009.239.
As I mentioned in my last post, I received a parking ticket on Monday. I filed a dispute form with campus security, as I was unaware that parking on the grass wasn't allowed. In hindsight it should have been obvious, but about 30 other students also parked there, so the example seemed to be otherwise. Nonetheless, Sergeant Friendly didn't appreciate it.
Back to the dispute.. I received an email Tuesday afternoon stating that my request for dismissal was declined. I didn't have a problem with this -- I violated the parking regulations. Even though I did so unknowingly, ignorantia juris non excusat. What bothered me is that the email header showed "undisclosed recipients". I had received a personally signed mass email. Thanks.
Anyhow, that wasn't my issue. The issue at hand was that I had gone through the system and received a parking permit on time, and showed up to the parking lot on Monday morning with it attached to my vehicle. I was of the 10th percentile, possibly higher. As I walked from my illegal parking spot in the back of the lot, I passed a good 20-30 cars without permits.
After respectfully replying to my email disputing the citation, I received the contact information for the Chief Security Officer (he's actually the "Security Chief", but I'm using Star Trek terminology just because I can). I emailed him about the situation and he asked me to stop in and talk with him. As a result, we came to an understanding of the event and he has dismissed my citation on the premise that I was a freshman, didn't know better, and won't do it again. Now I can tell my mom about it and not get yelled at. :)
On the way out I asked if the security department employs students or only professionals. He not only told me that students are employed, but he handed me a job application to become an officer, even though they were currently full. Now, I'm not a professional in non-verbal communication, but it seemed like he almost enjoyed it. I guess being being respectful goes a long way.
LaFrance out.
As I mentioned in my last post, I received a parking ticket on Monday. I filed a dispute form with campus security, as I was unaware that parking on the grass wasn't allowed. In hindsight it should have been obvious, but about 30 other students also parked there, so the example seemed to be otherwise. Nonetheless, Sergeant Friendly didn't appreciate it.
Back to the dispute.. I received an email Tuesday afternoon stating that my request for dismissal was declined. I didn't have a problem with this -- I violated the parking regulations. Even though I did so unknowingly, ignorantia juris non excusat. What bothered me is that the email header showed "undisclosed recipients". I had received a personally signed mass email. Thanks.
Anyhow, that wasn't my issue. The issue at hand was that I had gone through the system and received a parking permit on time, and showed up to the parking lot on Monday morning with it attached to my vehicle. I was of the 10th percentile, possibly higher. As I walked from my illegal parking spot in the back of the lot, I passed a good 20-30 cars without permits.
After respectfully replying to my email disputing the citation, I received the contact information for the Chief Security Officer (he's actually the "Security Chief", but I'm using Star Trek terminology just because I can). I emailed him about the situation and he asked me to stop in and talk with him. As a result, we came to an understanding of the event and he has dismissed my citation on the premise that I was a freshman, didn't know better, and won't do it again. Now I can tell my mom about it and not get yelled at. :)
On the way out I asked if the security department employs students or only professionals. He not only told me that students are employed, but he handed me a job application to become an officer, even though they were currently full. Now, I'm not a professional in non-verbal communication, but it seemed like he almost enjoyed it. I guess being being respectful goes a long way.
LaFrance out.
College, and Writing Assignments
Captain's blog, Stardate 2009.239.
Today is my 4th day as a college student. Already I've learned a few things. None of my teachers are "professors", only "instructors". It seems that none of them mind being addressed on a first name basis. Everything I've heard about college, such as them not taking attendance, not caring, and basically being elitist jerks, has been dispelled.
I feel like my mindset is being constantly changed, though. Already I've received a parking ticket, gone through the system to request it's dismissal, and even escalated the incident to writing a letter to the Chief of Security. I've actually scheduled a meeting with him after this class (it hasn't started yet) to discuss a few suggestions.
Also, my first English assignment was to write the beginning of a paper about an incident of consequence. I decided to write about a school dance, and Brittany's incredibly upset about that. She suggested I change the paper to be about our engagement, but I explained that the story had to have some plot to it. Our engagement wouldn't work, because the entire plot was me asking one question. I even dictated a mock paper about it, which totaled about 20 words. So, we'll see how this goes.
LaFrance out.
Today is my 4th day as a college student. Already I've learned a few things. None of my teachers are "professors", only "instructors". It seems that none of them mind being addressed on a first name basis. Everything I've heard about college, such as them not taking attendance, not caring, and basically being elitist jerks, has been dispelled.
I feel like my mindset is being constantly changed, though. Already I've received a parking ticket, gone through the system to request it's dismissal, and even escalated the incident to writing a letter to the Chief of Security. I've actually scheduled a meeting with him after this class (it hasn't started yet) to discuss a few suggestions.
Also, my first English assignment was to write the beginning of a paper about an incident of consequence. I decided to write about a school dance, and Brittany's incredibly upset about that. She suggested I change the paper to be about our engagement, but I explained that the story had to have some plot to it. Our engagement wouldn't work, because the entire plot was me asking one question. I even dictated a mock paper about it, which totaled about 20 words. So, we'll see how this goes.
LaFrance out.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Family meeting and school
Captain's Blog, stardate 2009.227.
Today my family had a "Friends and Family Cookout" at noon. Our first guest arrived around one in the afternoon, an hour after the party was supposed to start. By 1:30 or so, the whole family had arrived, and the festivities of eating food and sitting around began.
This marked a milestone in me and Brittany's relationship, as her family came down to meet my family. It was kind of uneventful. Both sides seem to like eachother, so I guess that's good. :)
Also, I'm beginning school on the 24th at MATC Truax. I have orientation this coming Thursday, the 20th. There I'll meet some professors, find my classes and buy the one last book I haven't found online (by the way, Amazon is amazing for finding cheap books).
Anyhow, that's pretty much all I have for you today. LaFrance out.
Today my family had a "Friends and Family Cookout" at noon. Our first guest arrived around one in the afternoon, an hour after the party was supposed to start. By 1:30 or so, the whole family had arrived, and the festivities of eating food and sitting around began.
This marked a milestone in me and Brittany's relationship, as her family came down to meet my family. It was kind of uneventful. Both sides seem to like eachother, so I guess that's good. :)
Also, I'm beginning school on the 24th at MATC Truax. I have orientation this coming Thursday, the 20th. There I'll meet some professors, find my classes and buy the one last book I haven't found online (by the way, Amazon is amazing for finding cheap books).
Anyhow, that's pretty much all I have for you today. LaFrance out.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Dihydrogen Monoxide
Dihydrogen monoxide, abbreviated H2O, commonly known as water, is my least favorite molecule. The reason for this is that it's very rude and when changed in temperature either direction from exactly 0 degrees Celsius, it takes more space. When it freezes, unlike every other molecule, it forms a crystal pattern, which causes it to increase in space with the intention of exploding soda cans you put in the fridge. When it heats up, it also expands (although this isn't as rude, it's just following suit with the laws of physics), and therefore causes your soda cans in the trunk of your car to explode.
Therefore, I deem dihydrogen monoxide to be the rudest molecule in existence.
~ W
Therefore, I deem dihydrogen monoxide to be the rudest molecule in existence.
~ W
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
First Post
Captain's Blog, earth date June 24th, 2009.
This is my blog. It'll be about.. whatever I want. And I don't need to use a proper ellipsis (three dots) to note a pause in my speech, even though Brittany corrects me over my shoulder. That's right -- man blog. I do, however, use spell check. A man never spells words wrong. All typos are done on purpose and copyrighted. Not copywritten, copyrighted.
Anyhow, this will be an outlet for my random thoughts about various topics, geeky and otherwise. Enjoy.
-W
This is my blog. It'll be about.. whatever I want. And I don't need to use a proper ellipsis (three dots) to note a pause in my speech, even though Brittany corrects me over my shoulder. That's right -- man blog. I do, however, use spell check. A man never spells words wrong. All typos are done on purpose and copyrighted. Not copywritten, copyrighted.
Anyhow, this will be an outlet for my random thoughts about various topics, geeky and otherwise. Enjoy.
-W
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)