Archive for July, 2004
7/1/2004
At where I work currently, it is a daily occurrence that I hear several people yapping about how bad their job is. I mean, yeah, we all gotta work. We all gotta do our job to pay the bills. It doesn’t mean you have to bring down everyone else around you just because you’re having a bad day.
Just so everyone knows, I work at a computer technical support call center. Glorious job? Hardly. But, in reality it is not something which is all that difficult. It may be mentally stressful - but anyone can get over that.. or at least I can. Some people just can’t hack it.
On a daily basis, I hear people just flappin’ their gums about this or that or whatever. It’s the same thing I’ve heard at every other help desk I’ve ever worked at, such as “Management doesn’t care about us” or “I’m not being treated fairly because I was asked to do [this] or [that]” or “Why does management seem to get away with everything” or “How come I’m not getting paid as much as I should be paid” and so on. Bear in mind this is a non-union shop.
To those people I say unto thee: Shaddup. It is a priviledge to even work in tough times like this - and all you do is yap about how bad your job is. If it’s just so rotten, quit. Get something else. I personally know that customer support is not that hard. It requires a specific mindset where you just go in and do the best job you can with the tools at hand that the company provides you with. If you let the daily onslaught of customer complaints get to you (and at a help desk there are always complaints), that’s when you need to sit back for a moment, take a breather and just say to yourself “This is not that bad.”
What we do at the help desk is nothing compared to how hard some other people work for so much less than what we make. We’re not out there paving roads or digging ditches, that’s hard work. All we have to do is make sure that computer problems are attended to (and fixed) in a timely and organized manner. It’s not rocket science.
I hear all the time “Well, you know what I’d do if I ran the company…” You don’t. You never will. It’s not your call, and you have no say in the matter. You’re not responsible for the hundreds of thousands of dollars (or millions) it takes to run a large help desk. You’re not responsible when people call out sick (when they’re not sick) or slack off. And even if you did run the company, you’d probably run it into the ground because you truly have no idea what you’re talking about.
I suppose in the end, it is normal to hear people complain about their job. It is true that most people are not happy with what they’re doing for their line of work. But seriously, why bring down everyone around you because you aren’t happy? Why can’t you just bring people’s spirits up instead of driving them into the ground?
And like I said before, if you don’t like your job - quit. Please. No one needs your daily bickering about “this place sucks”. Even if some people already believe that, we don’t need to hear it.
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7/2/2004
A lot of people have been asking me, “What’cha doin’ for the 4th?” Here are my plans:
a) First and foremost, enjoy the long weekend. :-)
b) Clean out the car and the truck.
c) Change the oil on my car.
d) Vacuum the car.
e) Finish a band web site (which I said I’d get done 2 weeks ago but haven’t had the time).
f) Finish the redesign on the biz site (in the works).
g) Sleep in every single day this weekend and Monday.
h) Go see the Spiderman 2 movie.
..I think that’s about it. Further bulletins as events warrant. :-)
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7/5/2004
Today I did not have to work, as part of the long 4th of July weekend. Felt good, the extra day off has done me good. I got a lot of things done other than what is mentioned above, and feel refreshed.
Now I’m ready to go to work tomorrow, and continue my job hunt in search of greener pastures. :-)
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7/7/2004
Seems that recently I’ve been cleaning out several of my friends computers because of massive, and I mean massive spyware “infections”.
Don’t know what spyware is? See if any of this sounds familiar:
- Pop-up windows appear for no reason, even though you have a pop-up blocker and the browser is not even running.
- The web browser (Internet Explorer) runs very, very, very slowly and it didn’t used to. Every time you visit a web site, your computer has to “think about it” for a long time.
- You will get prompted to “install software” for absolutely no reason - and even after you “installed” it (which you shouldn’t have in the first place), you are still prompted to install it over and over again.
How do you get spyware? Basically, you get it by downloading/installing dumb stuff, such as:
- KaZaa (which is LOADED with spyware)
- HotBar
- MySearch bar
- WeatherBug
..and there are tons of other ones.
How do you get rid of them?
There are three tools I use to get rid of spyware permanently:
1. Ad-Aware
2. Bazooka Spyware Scanner
3. HijackThis!
Ad-Aware can be used by anyone. Very easy to use.
Bazooka Spyware Scanner is for more advanced users - and yes it does catch things Ad-Aware will not.
HijackThis! is for expert users only. Not recommended unless you really know what you’re doing - but - it will fix your computer up real proper like. This is the only utility I know of that will get rid of every single app “taskbar icon” at the bottom right next to the clock.
You can easily AVOID spyware if you do the following:
1. Never use P2P (Peer-to-peer) “sharing” programs like Kazaa or Bearshare. They are chock full of spyware apps like SaveNow.
2. If Internet Explorer ever prompts you to install anything, don’t. Don’t do it.
3. Who says you have to use Internet Explorer? Use Mozilla instead! It’s free! Does the same job, works just as well. Remember, most spyware is designed for the flaws in Internet Explorer. When you don’t use it, you’ll notice that a lot of web pages load much, much faster.
4. Never ever open any attachments in e-mail unless it’s from someone you really know well. When you open attachments, even if it “looks important”, it’s probably just another virus or spyware app. Don’t be fooled.
How bad can it get?
I just cleaned out a friend’s computer that had 1800+ (not a misprint) spyware related files, plus a pop-up that would not go away, AND an app that would constantly try to install itself over and over. Took 2 hours to clean it out.
Spyware… don’t let it happen to you! :-)
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7/9/2004
From time to time I like to get a tarot card reading. It’s good for the soul. I recommend that everyone get a tarot reading if they can. One of the easiest ways to get one is to visit webtarot.org. So if you’re the skittish type, you can go there and no one has to know. ;-)
As far as I’m concerned, I don’t care who knows about it. I dabble in spiritual stuff, I know a lot about my star sign (Aries), and I believe I have a very good sense of self because of my “knowledge of the stars” so to speak. In my opinion, whatever brings you a good sense of self is a good thing - whether it’s religion or faith or a moral set of values or vows or whatever it is you do to “get to know you”, that’s ok.
I had a darn good reading on webtarot yesterday. I used the Celtic Dragon Deck in “Path to a Goal” layout. My question to the cards was about my current job situation because I’ve been kinda bummed about that recently.
Here’s what the cards said:
2 of Wands
in the Health position.
Hidden health; physical and emotional.
Focus your will and energy to accomplish your desires. Help with realization of a dream may come from a distance. A new endeavor requires courage and planning for the future.
This one is more or less self-explanatory. I have to stay focused on what I’m doing and not deviate.
9 of Cups
in the Health position.
Visible health; physical and emotional.
Your wish will be granted. Success, accomplishment, and satisfaction will soon enter your life.
Sounds good to me. :-)
Ace of Wands
in the Attitude position.
Hidden mental attitude.
New beginnings are now possible. This is a good time to start a new cycle of life. Fresh ideas come to you from unexpected sources. An adventure is on the horizon.
Looking forward to the adventure!
6 of Swords
in the Attitude position.
Visible mental attitude.
A journey or move from one place to another is indicated. To progress you must make a change in consciousness and attitude. A difficult choice must be made that may involve great changes.
My friends who know me best (and to those who read this site regularly) know that I’m itching to move, and my mind is very set on it. Some choices will be difficult during this time, as expected.
The Wheel
in the Relationships position.
Hidden relationships.
Luck and fate are turning in your favor. Your life has entered a change of cycles that will allow you to move forward or slide backward, depending upon your preparation and determination. It is time to make changes. Break with incompatible lovers, friends, relationships, or careers.
Again, my drive and determination are paramount in making things I want to happen, happen. I will also have to “break off the chaff” in certain respects also.
5 of Swords
in the Relationships position.
Visible relationships.
You face a period of malicious slander, arguments, and pettiness. There is a possibility of failure of plans. Problems and trouble may arise from rash behavior.
There are some people out there who have nothing better to do than yap about me concerning my plans and goals. The key here is to not let that get to me and interrupt what I want to do - and I haven’t.
4 of Pentacles
in the Career position.
Hidden career.
You or someone close to you is very money oriented. This card indicates a person who has an unhealthy grasping control of finances. You could receive gifts, even a possible inheritance.
I know who the ’someone’ is concerning my finances - that is being taken care of. As far as getting gifts or inheritance goes.. I wonder who it is? :-)
The Magician
in the Career position.
Visible career.
You are discovering how to use the laws of magick, faith, and will-power to get what you need and desire. Study and practice in a new career or spiritual path that attracts you. Your thoughts and energies flow in harmony to accomplish what needs to be done. This is an excellent time to gain self-control.
All very true, I have come back to a faith which I had neglected for some time. It is allowing me to rediscover who I am.
The Chariot
in the Spirit position.
Visible spiritual path.
Balanced control of a situation allows you to benefit. Success comes through confidence and being centered. You must pull two opposing forces together to accomplish a goal.
The two opposing forces are emotions which need to be overcome then combined in order to allow me to flourish. I know what they are - and am meeting that head-on.
The World
in the Outcome position.
Outcome of the present path.
Everything is going right for you. You are contemplating a decision to cut away all the deadwood and begin a new cycle in life. This is a good time to achieve your goals. You are entering a period of success in all areas of your life. New opportunities arise.
The decision to cut away the deadwood has already been made, and yes, opportunities are coming my way. Good ones. :-)
To traditionalists concerning the cards, yes I omitted one card here because it was a bit too personal to mention. (grin)
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7/9/2004
Check THIS out..
Google has this thing called GMail which allows you to have 1 GIG (yeah, a gig, as in 1000MB) on webmail space for a GMail account. This would be someone@gmail.com. You get to choose your e-mail name obviously.
But there’s a catch, it’s invite only. Only the select few out there are able to get these e-mail accounts. You have to know someone who has the “invite” priviledge and have them invite you. Well guess what - someone here at work had a few invites left (you’re only allowed so many) and gave me a GMail account. Kick.. Ass. (grin)
How was I able to get this from a guy at work? Pretty simple actually, I wore my Red Sox cap to work today - he said “I’ll give you one because you wore the cap”. He happens to be a big Sox fan.
Awesome. :-)
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7/14/2004
Because of the massive amounts of writing I’ve been doing here, I’ve decided to pick up screenplay writing again. Yeah I know, sounds very cliche to say “I’m writing a screenplay”. But seriously speaking, it’s very cool. I couldn’t go to work yesterday due to an illness, so I spent most of the day writing, for about 5 or 6 hours - uninterrupted. Very nice.
The way I write here is from work usually, and I’m constantly interrupted whenever I’m writing. It’s amazing I can actually get anything on this site (grin), but somehow I do.
Screenplays normally consist of three “acts”, and I was able to finish about 95% of Act 1 yesterday. Couldn’t believe how fast it came together.. that’s what happens when I actually have time to sit and write. :-) I estimate that Act 2 will take a lot longer to complete, and Act 3 should come together very quickly.
Concerning Act 1, I was able to sit back and read through it yesterday after finishing most of it, and it completely amazed me because I could see the pictures from what was written on the page. That is a very cool feeling, because it’s tough to piece together a million ideas into a structured form that’s consistent, but I believe I was able to do that with flying colors. I’m really looking forward to finishing Act 1 completely and starting on Act 2.
..and I was interrupted a total of about 4 times during the writing of this post. :-)
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7/15/2004
I use Thunderbird for my e-mail program. It’s free, works great and doesn’t need a patch every other week due to some stupid security hole.
Anyway, I had to send an e-mail to someone yesterday, but they insisted I send using PGP security (”Pretty Good Privacy”). Here’s my opinion of it: It sucks. I sent off a mail, then tried to reopen the mail I just sent, the passphrase didn’t work, and now when I receive the e-mail from the guy I sent it to I probably won’t even be able to read it because of “bad passphrase”. AAARRHGHGHGHGHGHGHHH.. Why on God’s Earth anyone would use this I don’t know. I think it’s for paranoid people who have this underlying fear of e-mail in general.
So to the guy I sent the mail to.. well.. sorry dude. If you send a mail back I won’t be able to read it. Meh. (angry!!!!!) I’m sticking with plain e-mail. Works for me, always has - no reason to change it otherwise.
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7/15/2004
After my little fiasco this morning trying to use PGP in my e-mail, I think I finally got it figured out. Now I know what PGP is and what it does, which in brief layman’s terms is: encryption for “secure” e-mail. The best part is that I now know how to turn it off. (grin)
I said in my last entry that PGP sucks, but didn’t really say why. Here’s why:
I got a lot of friends who do not use traditional POP-type e-mail, they use webmail like Yahoo or Hotmail or whatever. A lot of these webmail providers do not offer PGP support at all, so there would be no way for any of my friends to “decrypt” an e-mail from me, hence, PGP is worthless for my use. It would also be pointless to try to teach anyone I know how to use PGP, because I would get a response that would look something like this..
Dude, I’ve been using e-mail forever. I send, I receive, I write, I reply, I don’t need no @#(*&% PGP you gaddam nerd.
Well.. maybe it wouldn’t be that harsh (grin), but you get the point.
Also, I have never in my life seen PGP in use in any large company. Never. I can understand why: It would be a completely nightmare trying to keep up with all the security keys. For a large company of 6000 employees, would it be worth it to manage 6000 PGP security keys? Answer: Nope. I currently work at a help desk that has one client which has over 10,000 employees. There is no way in hell any e-mail administrator would be fool enough to administer 10,000 digital security keys. The time alone needed to do that is simply staggering.
PGP? No thanks. It’s hard enough to get some of my friends to even use e-mail!! But on the bright side, I now have it config’d and ready to use for those people out there that must use it.
Maybe someday I will have some super-secret e-mail to send that I have to “scramble up” using PGP, but I’ve never written a super-secret PGP’d e-mail, and I don’t plan to, because: If I send one, I know for a fact the recipient would reply right back and say “What the hell is PGP?!”.. and then I would never be able to tell anyone my super-secret cure for the common cold because most people who use e-mail have no clue what PGP is and how to use it. Such is life.
The super-secret cure by the way is: Don’t get sick. (hardy har har)
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7/16/2004
I just upgraded to the latest version of MovableType today (the blog engine that runs this site), and in order to deter spammers I’ve also been messing around with the “comments” part on each entry. It may act funky until I get everything working right here. Just a word to the wise. :-)
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