Leap Day

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Once again we are blessed with a "leap day," which is a phenomena created by man to accommodate the reality of the universe with our need for an orderly accounting of days, months, seasons, and years. 

According to various "news" items today, Leap Years are sometimes skipped (I didn't know that until today) - when the Leap Day is inserted in an century year that is not also divisible by 400 we skip and go on to the next opportunity (years divisible by 4).  Again, a minor bow to the universe and movement of the planet around our sun.

Clearly, this need for an "extra" day is not shared by our fellow inhabitants of Earth.  For example, Blondie could care less about what day it is, as long as the cat dish contains food and treats are periodically offered for her enjoyment. 

Ever since Newton was struck on the head by an apple, humans have attempted to develop what we refer to as a "scientific" theory to explain our observations.  Many of these theories have not with stood the test of time (such as the earth is flat, the stars travel around the earth, and politicians are the best minds of the country). 

Observation has been descried as a basic tenant of science and the scientific method.  At times a person postulates an idea and then gathers "evidence" to support that point of view.  Others, such as Darwin, make observations and then develop an idea to support what is seen (again another person who made errors in developing the theory of evolution).

In the end, it doesn't really matter what science suggests.  What is will be, and the description of such is irrelevant to nature (or cats).

If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate. ~Henry J. Tillman

Windows 10

Well, it finally happened.  When I wasn't paying any attention, overnight Windows 10 came into my computer (this after about two months of attempting to download with the system shutting off at 60 - 70% complete).  The morning was slow with the computer attempting to complete the setup, downloading appropriate drivers, and what have you.

Early afternoon and I tried to use the new system.  You guessed correctly - not a good deal.  Frustration set in.  I had to take a break and walk with my neighbor - ranting and raving the entire mile and a half.

I returned and made my first mistake.  I used the built in browser (Bing with Cortana - or whatever the app believes its name is) to find a phone number for Microsoft.  Waited, pushed buttons, waited, etc.  Finally I reached a "real person."  I was not happy - she attempted to tell me that the version I had installed on the laptop was developed for Canada and I needed to purchase a new key code.  I hung up.

I called Dell, and spent about an hour and a half with Manu from India  I am now happy.  System works, and all four of my e-mail accounts are downloading into my Outlook.  The number I had called, thinking it was Microsoft, was a scam.  What an idiot I am.  I knew better, but forgot to check the web address associated with the search listings.  Don't make the same mistake I did.

The new OS will take time to learn.  It is different from 8.1, but hopefully I will be able to maximize the differences.  Right now the letter "b" doesn't want to work on my keyboard - OS or laptop?  Hard to say.

What are the quips related to teaching "old dogs" - well I for one am not about to let that get to me. 

"You learn something every day if you pay attention." ~Ray LeBlond