We Underestimate

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. 

Leo Buscaglia

Tender, Compassionate, Sympathetic

How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these. 

George Washington Carver

An Artistic Prodigy

Downloaded and Uploaded. Copyright of Owner

Yes, food for thought there!

The Curious Incident Of The Leg Of Lamb

These things happen, even to good people. We had taken a leg of lamb from the freezer last night and left it on the kitchen countertop to defrost. However, as she left for horseriding early today, Meabh very kindly fed the cat inadvertently. Garage door open. Cat, being a clever creature, could not resist. Plastic packaging proved to be only a minor obstacle. Here's a transcript of some text conversations between Meabh & myself about an hour later:

Dad: We had a lovely leg of lamb ready for dinner. But now we don't. You need to eat humble pie when you see mam.

Meabh: Whooooops.. missed breakfast though so I night need the lamb too.

Dad: Mmm...

Meabh: I'm starved.

Kitten Says Thanks For Leg Of Irish Lamb

As I mentioned, these things do happen. Strange thing was that as I came upon the cat nibbling through good Irish lamb, both dogs were sitting looking up at it. Probably wondering why they've never been allowed up on the countertop to indulge. Story ends with dogs and cat delighted to be given the joint between them. Now the dogs will likely collude and encourage cat to repeat episode.

Computer Helpline Drama

There's always one. This has got to be one of the funniest things in a long time. I think this guy should have been promoted, not fired. This is a true story from the Word Perfect Helpline, which was transcribed from a recording monitoring the customer care department. Needless to say the Help Desk employee was fired.

Actual dialogue of a former WordPerfect Customer Support employee. (Now I know why they record these conversations!): 

Operator: 'Ridge Hall, computer assistance; may I help you?' 

Caller: 'Yes, well, I'm having trouble with WordPerfect.' 

Operator: 'What sort of trouble??' 

Caller: 'Well, I was just typing along, and all of a sudden the words went away.' 

Operator: 'Went away?' 

Caller: 'They disappeared.' 

Operator: 'Hmm So what does your screen look like now?' 

Caller: 'Nothing.' 

Operator: 'Nothing??' 

Caller: 'It's blank; it won't accept anything when I type.' 

Operator: 'Are you still in WordPerfect, or did you get out??' 

Caller: 'How do I tell?' 

Operator: 'Can you see the C: prompt on the screen??' 

Caller: 'What's a sea-prompt?' 

Operator: 'Never mind, can you move your cursor around the screen?' 

Caller: 'There isn't any cursor: I told you, it won't accept anything I type.' 

Operator: 'Does your monitor have a power indicator??' 

Caller: 'What's a monitor?' 

Operator: 'It's the thing with the screen on it that looks like a TV. Does it have a little light that tells you when it's on??' 

Caller: 'I don't know.' 

Operator: 'Well, then look on the back of the monitor and find where the power cord goes into it. Can you see that??' 

Caller: 'Yes, I think so.' 

Operator: 'Great. Follow the cord to the plug, and tell me if it's plugged into the wall. 

Caller: 'Yes, it is.'

Operator: 'When you were behind the monitor, did you notice that there were two cables plugged into the back of it, not just one??' 

Caller: 'No.'

Operator: 'Well, there are. I need you to look back there again and find the other cable.' 

Caller: 'Okay, here it is.'

Operator: 'Follow it for me, and tell me if it's plugged securely into the back of your computer.' 

Caller: 'I can't reach.'

Operator: 'Uh huh. Well, can you see if it is??'

Caller: 'No.'

Operator: 'Even if you maybe put your knee on something and lean way over??' 

Caller: 'Oh, it's not because I don't have the right angle - it's because it's dark.'

Operator: 'Dark??'

Caller: 'Yes - the office light is off, and the only light I have is coming in from the window. 

Operator: 'Well, turn on the office light then.'

Caller: 'I can't.'

Operator: 'No? Why not??'

Caller: 'Because there's a power failure.' 

Operator: 'A power...A power failure? Aha, Okay, we've got it licked now.

Do you still have the boxes and manuals and packing stuff your computer came in??' 

Caller: 'Well, yes, I keep them in the closet.' 

Operator: 'Good. Go get them, and unplug your system and pack it up just like it was when you got it. Then take it back to the store you bought it from.'

Caller: 'Really? Is it that bad?' 

Operator: 'Yes, I'm afraid it is.'

Caller: 'Well, all right then, I suppose. What do I tell them??'

Operator: 'Tell them you're too f --- ing stupid to own a computer!!!!!'

Shared Computing By HCS Business Solutions

December 2010 brought another leap forward for us in Stradbally when we had much-needed new technology delivered. In place of our four standalone computers in the Senior classes, HCS Business Solutions Waterford advised us and implemented newer technology to meet our needs. A 64-bit Windows 7 server installed has brought us to the next level, and in addition to the four class laptops, we are now in a position to deliver to a greater extent on our policy of integrating ICT into the class curriculum.

Next Generation Technology From HCS Business Solutions

We had considered the purchase of additional laptops to add to our current stock. However, although the mobility of laptops is a key factor, the advantages of this solution became apparent immediately.  This machine allows eight users to work simultaneously on various applications, while also being wirelessly connected to our remaining laptops, netbooks, wireless printer and iPad.

We would like to acknowledge the assistance before, during and post-installation from Seán and Steve. Pupils have seen their PC-time increase dramatically on a daily basis, and we are in a position now to link our delivery of the Primary Curriculum to resources that enhance pupils' learning experience.

A good range of school software is of course essential, and in this regard we are quite fortunate in that we have, over many years, built up a bank of quality titles. In addition, our Parents Association have committed to fund the further costs of new software in 2011.

...Taken from my School Blog. School Blog is published by pupils under supervision. This article, however, is my own.

Beautiful Ballyduff On A Bike

Today was very mild, the calm after yesterday's storm. We had a good group of fifteen to Lismore, and as the rest returned directly, Kieran and I headed on to Ballyduff, Tallow and home via Camphire Bridge. lovely spin, almost spoiled by two big dogs that came behind us unseen at Cappagh, and nearly knocked us off.  52 miles in three and a quarter hours. Good going, especially as we hadn't been out for eight days!

Photo Courtesy of Lismore Cycling Holidays

Finally, I spotted this during the week and want to spread the word... Lismore Cycling Holidays. Have a look at the wonderful photos.