Dell computers (and, in the spirit of full disclosure, I should mention that I'm already not a fan of Windows computers generally, and Dell particularly) decided to create a new website apparently dubbed Della.
This site is supposedly targeted to women buying computers. The site features soft imagery, tips such as selecting a netbook-style computer for traveling because "Your lightweight, packable netbook can transform your traveling experience … " As if a woman couldn't figure that out on her own?!
I personally consider that this form of marketing, "tarring" an entire sex and, effectively, over half the human race with a single brush, would be ridiculous to the point of hilarity if it weren't so offensive.
Dell, if you want to create a site that speaks to people (men or women) who are less technical, that's one thing; but to presume that ... what? ... women as a whole are so inept with computers that none would ever care about actual technical specifications or understand true technical tips on using a system more effectively? C'mon, give me a break!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Frustrating drivers
What is it about drivers and their driving speed on two-way (i.e., not divided) highways?
I usually set my car on cruise-control. I find that it makes my driving more relaxed and keeps my eyes on the road better since I'm not glancing down at my speedometer so often. Anyway, I frequently have the experience of catching up to another driver who may be driving anywhere from 5 to 10 Km/hr slower than I am. All is well, I don't have a problem slowing down until I reach a suitable place to pass them.
The problem starts when we reach either a passing zone or, especially, a passing lane. All of a sudden, they have now sped up to my speed or even faster(!). Sometimes, I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and remain behind them until the lane ends ... all too often to discover that they then slow back down to their original speed (!!).
So I'm left to wonder: what is it with these folks that they don't want to drive the speed I'm going but seem unwilling to allow another car to pass them?
I run into this type of driver — frequently several of them — almost every day during my commute from Chester to Halifax and back. I can't figure out the mindset. If I'm driving along and another driver catches up to me, I'm usually looking for an opportunity to allow them past. I really don't want behind me, someone who wants to drive faster than I do. It potentially causes them frustration and, ultimately, could lead to them trying to pass when it's really not safe.
So my point? Stop it you folks! If you want to drive a particular speed, then drive that speed and accept that some folks are going to pass you. If you're going to speed up for a passing lane or zone, then keep driving that speed ... at least for a while ... humour me for God's sake!
I usually set my car on cruise-control. I find that it makes my driving more relaxed and keeps my eyes on the road better since I'm not glancing down at my speedometer so often. Anyway, I frequently have the experience of catching up to another driver who may be driving anywhere from 5 to 10 Km/hr slower than I am. All is well, I don't have a problem slowing down until I reach a suitable place to pass them.
The problem starts when we reach either a passing zone or, especially, a passing lane. All of a sudden, they have now sped up to my speed or even faster(!). Sometimes, I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and remain behind them until the lane ends ... all too often to discover that they then slow back down to their original speed (!!).
So I'm left to wonder: what is it with these folks that they don't want to drive the speed I'm going but seem unwilling to allow another car to pass them?
I run into this type of driver — frequently several of them — almost every day during my commute from Chester to Halifax and back. I can't figure out the mindset. If I'm driving along and another driver catches up to me, I'm usually looking for an opportunity to allow them past. I really don't want behind me, someone who wants to drive faster than I do. It potentially causes them frustration and, ultimately, could lead to them trying to pass when it's really not safe.
So my point? Stop it you folks! If you want to drive a particular speed, then drive that speed and accept that some folks are going to pass you. If you're going to speed up for a passing lane or zone, then keep driving that speed ... at least for a while ... humour me for God's sake!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Your brain on auto-pilot
Getting involved with Twitter last week inspired me to start a blog. We'll see where this ends up, but I'll try to add posts at least once in a while.
I had an interesting experience getting ready for work this morning. I, as I suspect many people do, have my morning routine (ritual if you prefer) that I follow when getting ready for work. For me this involves eating breakfast, then showering and dressing.
It's the dressing part that got me caught up this morning. I didn't realize how much I rely on procedural cues to keep me on track. One of the last things I habitually do when dressing is to put on my wrist watch. That act forces me to my night stand which also provides the cues to put some cash and my pocket knife in my pocket, and clip my cell phone on my belt.
Well, this morning I changed up the order. No particular reason for that, I just happened to grab my watch while putting on my shirt and then continued with the rest of dressing. It had the effect, however, of not taking me back to my night stand for those other accoutrements on which I rely.
I was most of the way to work when I realized I didn't have my cell phone, my pocket knife, or any cash with me. Lesson learned: don't change the routine!
I had an interesting experience getting ready for work this morning. I, as I suspect many people do, have my morning routine (ritual if you prefer) that I follow when getting ready for work. For me this involves eating breakfast, then showering and dressing.
It's the dressing part that got me caught up this morning. I didn't realize how much I rely on procedural cues to keep me on track. One of the last things I habitually do when dressing is to put on my wrist watch. That act forces me to my night stand which also provides the cues to put some cash and my pocket knife in my pocket, and clip my cell phone on my belt.
Well, this morning I changed up the order. No particular reason for that, I just happened to grab my watch while putting on my shirt and then continued with the rest of dressing. It had the effect, however, of not taking me back to my night stand for those other accoutrements on which I rely.
I was most of the way to work when I realized I didn't have my cell phone, my pocket knife, or any cash with me
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