Computers hate me personally...

I used to work with a young lady who really used to believe that... she came to that conclusion when faced with what, in her mind, was overwhelming evidence that there was an intelligence inside that little grey box determined to make her life a misery. And then I heard at the weekend about those folks who believe that your IPod can actually sense your moods! Apparently there are some who put their players on 'random shuffle', believing that the next track to be played would be the one they needed to listen to right then.

Does technology really have those capabilities? Or is it our love of tech, born out of many years of science fiction that seems to instill almost human emotions to our tech? Some writers seem to think so; see one opinion here.

As for me, I just want my tech to work the way I want it to. Is that too much to ask for?

The Balloonist

A man in a hot air balloon, realising he was lost, reduced altitude and spotted a woman below. He descended further and shouted to the lady "Excuse me, can you help me? I promised a friend I would meet him an hour ago, but I don't know where I am."

The woman below replied, "You're in a hot air balloon, hovering approximately 30 feet above the ground. You're between 40 and 41 degrees north latitude and between 59 and 60 degrees west longitude."

You must be in IT," said the balloonist.

"Actually I am," replied the woman, "How did you know?"

"Well," answered the balloonist, "everything you have told me is technically correct but I've no idea what to make of your information and the fact is I'm still lost. Frankly,you've not been much help at all. If anything, you've delayed my trip.."

The woman below responded, "You must be in Management."

"I am," replied the balloonist, "but how did you know?"

"Well," said the woman, "you don't know where you are or where you're going. You have risen to where you are due to a large quantity of hot air. You made a promise, which you've no idea how to keep, and you expect people beneath you to solve your problems. The fact is you are in exactly the same position you were in before we met, but now, somehow, it's my fault..."