[Date Prev][Date Next][Date Index]
INKYTEXT 304
_ _ __ ______
(_) ____ / /__ __ __ / /_ ___ _ __ /_ __/
/ / / __ \ / //_/ / / / / / __/ / _ \ | |/_/ / /
/ / / / / / / ,< / /_/ / / /_ / __/ _> < / /
/_/ /_/ /_/ /_/|_| \__, / \__/ \___/ /_/|_| /_/
/____/
THE VOICE MAIL SYSTEM IS DEAD
Debate on financing replacement machine - don't hold your breath
Tomorrow is the quatorze juillet, Bastille Day, Fete nationale
Issue No 304 Tuesday 13th July 1999
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Editorial correspondence should be sent to InkyText@lancaster.ac.uk
Subscription requests to Inkytext-distribution-request@lists.lancaster.ac.uk
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
MENU
Minutes, Amendments, Matters arising
1. Editorial: Degree Class revisited
2. News: Birth, Death, Crime, Job moves, Honest Jogger wanted, Pay rise,
AUT Salary Campaign.
3. Catering Review [Held over till the sun stops shining]
4. A Tale of Two City Hospitals [Held over - ditto]
5. Small Ads: Car, Accommodation wanted, Free Concert of summer music,
Dog sitter, Holiday, Garden Open, Pick Your Own Blackcurrants, Video
wanted.
6. Readers' Letters: Answering machines, degree class, Bardsley (bis),
Cycle path, Stansted, Extra-terrestrials.
MINUTES, AMENDMENTS, MATTERS ARISING
------------------------------------
VOICEMAIL: the present system has been declared finished, dead, kaput.
At least that's news at last. Deciding where the finance can come from
to buy us a new one is expected to take at least a month. A great pity
outside callers unaware of this can't be diverted to a message
informing them that it is now unavailable. Something needs to be done
before admissions time.
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE met on Friday. Still no firm news on budget
cuts, but budget holders are again reminded that when Mr McG refers to
a 'shortfall' that refers to the amount by which we would fail to
achieve the desired 5 percent (4m pound) _surplus_, not to break even.
To agree to academically damaging cuts on such dubious financial
grounds is to let the tail wag the dog.
Best wishes to Mike Pengelly who is to succeed Pip Merriman as County
Senior Tutor
1. EDITORIAL: DEGREE CLASS REVISITED
------------------------------------
There is a brand of men's underwear in France which exists only in the
sizes Large, XL and XXL. The reasons for this choice of names has more
to do with the male ego than with objective measurement. 'Large' means
'small'. A healthy reminder that all names are essentially arbitrary.
So it is with honours degrees, some of which are in any case
indistinguishable in content and duration from what used to be called
'ordinary' degrees (save perhaps that they are less honourable).
Some readers were puzzled by reference to 'hierarchical naming
systems' last time. Yet these same readers are familiar with just such
systems in, for example, detergent packaging, clothes, the sizing of
McDonald's drinks or railway carriages. Post-modern marketing
considerations have replaced the word 'small' and 'second class' with
'regular' or 'standard'. Even sizes 10 and 12 seem to have evolved over
time....
Perhaps its time to do the same with degree classes, if label them we
must. At least it would remind us that they are neither mathematical
nor measures.
In America, Scotland and elsewhere one still sometimes sees the
formulae 'magna cum laude' and 'summa cum laude' on degree
certificates. In France they actually classify doctorates rather than
first degrees, but performance in a given course unit is still called
'very good', 'good' or 'quite good'. (In France, unlike here,
'excellence' is not an attribute of mere mortals in an average year.)
Personally I'd happily label degrees 'economy', 'regular', 'premium'
and 'super', if label them we must. Some students might even want to
'go Large'.
What we mustn't do is confuse any such naming systems, even the
present one, with education, to which they are at best tangential, if
even that.
Some years ago the Engineering department argued emphatically that
someone with 9 marks of 68 ought to be given a First on the grounds of
consistency and a higher average than some of those who achieved the
desired number of 70s.
One sees what they meant of course. Yet the only definition of '70' is
'work that would warrant the award of a first class degree'. Such a
person has, with perfect consistency, been judged not quite of first
class standard by a host of different examiners. To recognize this by
doctoring the marks to award a First in such circumstances emphasizes
the absurdity of the whole game.
2. NEWS
-------
CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES TO MARTJE AND CRAIG GRAHAM-ROSS whose
7 lb 1 oz son was born on Sunday morning. Martje (nee Ross), a
Lancaster English graduate, is a Dutch citizen and Systems Operator of
Lubbs, Lancaster's exemplary student bulletin board, as well as the
maintainer of IELE systems. Craig remains a physics post-graduate, part
time ISS employee and sheep fancier.
BEST WISHES TO ALAN ELLIS (Estates) who is leaving to join Trinity
House, the lighthouse group. Also to one of the university's longest
serving employees, caravanner, star plumber and all-round tradesman
Peter Dixon, the only workman Mrs Hanham would trust in The Croft
whatever the problem, and who is retiring far too prematurely. These
events deserve to be commemorated with rather more solemnity and
panache than has been current in recent years, where people's
disappearance after 35 years is marked not by a party but by a standard
letter from Personnel, thanking them and reminding them not to forget
to return property and hand in their keys.
WELCOME TO MR DAVID PEEK who took up his post as Commercial Director
of Catering and Conferences on 1st July. Mr Peek was formerly with
Apollo Leisure, where he was in charge of running Southport Floral
Hall.
PAY RISE AND BACKDATED PAY: a note from the VC yesterday announced
that where possible the 3.5 percent pay rise, backdated where
appropriate to 1st April, will be paid with July salaries. This move,
clearly aimed at weakening the AUT pay campaign, was proposed in a
liberal and non-threatening way, since the money is there and people
could use it on their holidays. LAUT President Prof Kirby is understood
to have been consulted on the wording of the announcement, more
emollient than in some other institutions.
THE AUT PAY CAMPAIGN CONTINUES as people try to read the Bett report
commissioned by UCEA (the salary negotiating body). Leaflets in the
form of a mildly worded open letter to parents from the national AUT
president and the General Secretary were placed on seats at Graduation
ceremonies with the VC's blessing. Not many exec members involved in
this alas, hence the use of other helpers to Mr Halstead's displeasure.
DROP IN RECORDED CAMPUS CRIME FIGURES: with three (quiet) months to go
crime figures are substantially down on the previous year, with only 1
car theft, bike thefts down from 35 to 6 and as yet no motorbike theft.
Assault and false fire alarm complaints are also substantially down.
These figures are pleasing to security, who point out that the closure
of the Green Lane access at nights and weekends made a huge difference,
as perhaps has the introduction of CCTV.
HONEST JOGGER WANTED: Mrs G Harrison, a visitor to the graduation
ceremonies, lost a valuable antique bracelet on the perimeter road near
the Ruskin Library on Wednesday 7th July. A student or staff jogger
later found it and handed it to a member of staff who passed it to the
Security department. The owner is very grateful and wishes to express
her thanks to the finder. Unfortunately his or her identity is unknown.
Any info to Security, please.
DEATH OF A CYCLIST: a 67 year old man from Barley Cop Lane Lancaster,
not known to be connected with the university, was cycling with 3
friends on Sunday when he was taken ill on the perimeter road near the
junction with Pendle Avenue. The air ambulance attended but sadly he
was pronounced dead by the paramedics.
NO NEWS OF UMAG MEETINGS: but the urgency of restoring voicemail is
something they might address if no one else is doing so.
TRAFFIC CHAOS RETURNS TO CITY CENTRE: another round of digging up the
streets has started. North West Water is carrying out work under
Rosemary Lane one year after a similar project caused traders to call
for compensation. Eight weeks of disruption last year brought calls
for compensation for loss of business. Traffic is again being diverted
along St Leonardgate.
A NOTE FROM PERSONNEL to porters moots the idea that new appointments
to portering or Security should not be distinguished but should both be
designated 'assistant security officers'. This is clearly intended to
break the current bond between porters and colleges and may be seen as
another attack on collegiality.
3. CATERING REVIEW
------------------
[HELD OVER]
4. A TALE OF TWO CITIES' HOSPITALS
----------------------------------
[HELD OVER]
5. SMALL ADS AND EVENTS
-----------------------
FOR SALE: RENAULT GTS Prima G Reg. Very good condition, white,
Radio/Cass. 75,000 miles, Tax 07/99, MOT 01/00 2,200 o.n.o Please
contact (01524) 840958
-----------
PERFORMANCE ARTIST AND PUPPETEER (FEMALE) seeks home for self, two
civilised junior-age children and gentle dog, shortly to be made
homeless due to disagreement with landlady. Prefer South Lancaster or
nearby. My limit is about 300 pounds or thereabouts pcm. Unfurnished or
part-furnished is preferred as I have some furniture and central
heating is essential as I am part-Greek.Please ring Georgie on 388324
if you can help.
----------------
DO YOU NEED SOMEWHERE TO LIVE from July 27 until August 25? Do you like
dogs? I'm looking for somebody to house sit and dog sit during this
time. Four bedroom furnished house in Bowerham area between town and
university, and on bus route. Please contact Georgie on 01524 388324
--------------
LANCASTER PRIORY
JOHN O'GAUNT STRING QUARTET
present
A programme of music for a summer evening
Sunday 18th July
7.45pm
Catherine Prescott - Violin
Chris Bolton - Violin
Rose Martin - Viola
Alex Housden - Cello
Admission free
This is a 45 minute performance of the pieces that the quartet will play
for HM The Queen during her visit to Lancaster the following week.
-------------------
ER VIDEO WANTED: Did anyone record Wednesday evening screening of 'ER'
- the last in this series? I set the video for the wrong channel and am
very unpopular at home! The short term loan of your video would be much
appreciated. Sue Hubbard extn 93724
-------------
LANCASTER PRIORY CONCERT
Friday 23rd July at 8-00pm
Admission FREE
"TIME - HONOURED LANCAfTER"
A "Lancastrian Shakespeare" Concert by the SORBONNE SCHOLARS
from the University of Paris, under the direction of Prof.
Pierre Iselin and conducted by Gillaune Boulay
There are 15 members of the ensemble, some doubling as singers and
instrumentalists. The Concert includes works by Byrd, Tallis, Dowland &
Weelkes There will be a 40 minute interval at 8-40pm during which
official conference delegates tour Lancaster Castle. Other
concert-goers are invited to tour the Priory to see the Priory's 14th
century Monastic Stalls, Saxon doorway etc. Coffee available The
Concert is organised in conjunction with the International Conference
'Lancastrian Shakespeare' at Hoghton Tower, & The Shakespeare
Programme of the University of Lancaster.
--------------------
HALTON PARK GARDEN OPEN
Saturday and Sunday, July 24th & 25th.
2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Refreshments, Cake, Plant, & Book Stall
Entry 1.00, children free
In aid of NSPCC & Family Holidays Association
For more information, contact John Windsor x93640
----------------
LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY AVAILABLE - due to unforeseen personal circumstances. 2
WEEKS: 24 JULY - 7 AUGUST. Hill top village house in Dolceaqua, Liguria,
Italy. 2 beds, sleeps 4 - 5. Private terrace, excellent restaurant in
village. Area famed for its wine and annual arts festival. 10 mins from coast
- regular bus service. 45 mins by train from Nice airport. 425 per week. Up
to 5 flights also available. Liverpool - Nice - Depart 23rd July, return 8th
August. 120 pounds each. Tel: 015242 21269.
------------------
VIDEO RECORDING WANTED: Sounds daft I know, but does anyone have a
recording of the 'Dinner Ladies' episode that went out on Thursday 8th
July? If anyone did record it for any odd reason, I would very much
like to borrow one - I'd need it by Tuesday afternoon 13th and can give
it back on Wednesday evening 14th! thank you! Fiona Frank CSET, Cartmel
College, (pigeon hole in room C78 Cartmel) email
f.frank@lancaster.ac.uk or home tel 381263
--------------
PICK YOUR OWN BLACKCURRANTS. READY NOW: 65p per pound at FORREST HILLS
GOLF COURSE (adjacent to the University on Green Lane, just beyond the
M-way.) Worth a lunchtime stroll.
-------------------
6. READERS' LETTERS
-------------------
You asked if an answerphone could be attached to a Uni phone. Yes it
can. I bought one last year because it's so difficult to change the
outgoing message on Voicemail. So now I use the answerphone from Argos.
If I'm on the phone Voicemail kicks in instead (when it's working), and
I have a message on there which tells the caller that I'm currently
answering another call and will ring them back when I've finished.
You've to make sure you have your answerphone set up so that it
answers the calls before voicemail does though. Well, all this makes
sense to me.
Sheila Hargreaves
Music
--------------------------------
> The Switchboard is doing its best but is Siemens...?
Is this the same Siemens who put in the Passport Office's new computer
system, complete with the resultant chaos. I am surprised they have an
engineer to spare for us at all !
Kevin M. Buckley
Systems Administrator
Computer Centre
------------------------
The cycle path. It's time to whine again. When it was first built
it was far from ideal. It only went to Hala and then dumped you on
the roads. It passed the VC's garden and then did a couple of
right-angle bends. And as time has passed, it has got worse.
The VC's hedge has grown in the past couple of years, so that the
sharp bend became a blind curve in the summer foliage. But at least
we had an escape route - if you went round the corner and there was
an oncoming cyclist, jogger, pedestrian, or the man in the electric
cart, you could head up the edge and get stopped in the bushes. Nasty,
but it beats a collision anyday.
Now we don't have that option. The owners of the cottage have put up
a solid wooden fence with concrete posts all along that last section
of the cycle path. Not only is the first corner now blind, but so is
the gentle bend that used to only be obscured until the rhododendrons
were cut back. That section is now walled in on both sides, narrow,
with no emergency escape. Even the last couple of sections of fencing,
which previously were left open allowing some visibility, have been
filled in..
Of course what this means is that we now have to cycle that section
at walking pace. And that will discourage cyclists. Motorists have
speed-humps to slow them down, or discourage them from using a route.
Why is the same thing happening on the cycle path?
I maintain that the choice of the cycle route through campus was
poor from the beginning. It should have gone along the top of the
campus fields, west of the Health Centre, and then through the
woods there to come out at the gate that is now padlocked and
barb-wired.
It's probably too late to get the cycle path re-routed, but the
university should try and make it as attractive as possible. I dont
think the Uni owns the cottage anymore, so there's possibly nothing we
can do about the fence, but perhaps the VC's hedge can be sacrificed in
the cause of energy-efficient transport. And don't anyone suggest a
wide-angle mirror on the corner. What do you think used to be on that
grey post that marks the spot?
Barry Rowlingson
--------------------------------
Spot on re degree classification. Gap between top 2(1) and bottom 2(1)
enormous, that between bottom 2(1) and top 2(2) tiny. Why not just give
an overall average - e.g. passed at 65.3%, passed at 44.7% etc.? Then
no heartsearching re 59 vs. 60, a lot of our time would be saved and
we'd still have distinguished between the excellent, the good, the bad
and the ugly.
Mike Wright
Management Science
----------------------------------
By not allowing me to hold a view because I am NOT THERE ANYMORE Mr.
Owen is making me one-dimensional; simply a nonperson, in his terms,
and nothing more.
If Mr. Owen refrained from arguing against my right to actually express
a view, and thought about the subject at issue, I might not find it so
easy to turn his argument, such as it is, on its head. If it is his
right to say what he feels on a subject without reference to his status,
then how can he argue that I have no right to speak on the basis of my
status, i.e. that I am no longer a student at Lancaster?
I endorse his right to speak as a private student, and fall down in
amazement at the suggestion that I have prevented him from speaking thus
simply by pointing out that he has a deeper interest in the matter. It
is good practice to declare your interests, and it is a simple matter to
say with precision who you are, what if any are your interests and then
to state that you speak purely for yourself, if that is your intention.
It is hardly an onerous thing.
What Huw Owen's argument essentially advocates is a form of censorship
by convention, a thing that must be resisted no less than censorship by
coercion. (The society of the Houynhms in Gulliver's Travels is a good
illustration of the end result of censorship by convention.)
Nick Bardsley
Speaking as a Quixotist
--------------------------------------
I'm with Louis and Nick on this one. Many of those who passed through
Lancaster's hallowed portals have been round the block a few times .
We're still interested in the old place, and might have a little piece
of insight - might help to prevent/divert mistakes we made in the past
and all that. I seem to remember that the original topic concerned a
non-meeting of Union Council (or am I confusing issues?). Nick and I
were at the birth of the UC - I recall that the constitution allowed
for extraordinary meetings to be called - so no excuse if the issue
was deemed important enough.
That's enough sticking the oar in from an old-timer. Regards to
everyone.
Paul McGreal (EX-student, SU hack etc.........)
-------------------------------------
My reference to Mr.Bardsley not being here anymore was to make the
point that what is apparent now at this University is likely to be
better understood by someone here, staff or student, rather than
someone who is not.
My intention was not to ward off ex-students who, no doubt, care
deeply about the institution (I know I do). On the contrary,
ex-students who have knowledge of the Student's Union and the
circumstances of the SU's handling of the LAUT strike (i.e. Mr Barfe
and Mr. Bardsley) SHOULD comment on the situation if they see fit.
My gripe with Mr.Bardsley in the first place was not due to the
accuracy of his letter. You see, I know very little about the LAUT
situation myself apart from useless gossip and the facts presented to
Union Council. My gripe was about the barbed manner in which Mr.
Bardsley chose to communicate his opinions. Some of us on the Council,
I am sure, agree with him on the issue but feel, rightly I think, that
those who are involved and know the "ins" and "outs" of the issues (of
which there are few) are in the best position to comment. These few
chose not to, leaving only speculation in the wake of this deafening
silence. It is the speculation that then affects others' judgements on
the issue etcetera, etcetera, proving beyond reasonable doubt that
objectivity does not exist.
I am not in the habit of writing all my various guises after my name.
The "student" moniker, which was written "emphatically" according to
Louis Barfe (on a word processor, Louis?), was partly due to it being
my first correspondence to this organ. Nobody would have a clue who I
am or where I had sprung from. Also, it just happens to be the truth.
Huw Owen, student.
[NOTE: This correspondence is now closed (Ed.)]
-----------------------------------
Am I really the only person who thinks that there is a considerable
conflict of interest involved in holding both the office of Dean of
County College and the position of General Manager of the Student's
Union? I happen to think there's a conflict of interest in being both
General Manager of LUSU and a voting member of University Council, but
it is surely even clearer that a conflict exists in the case we now
find before us.
The conflict that arises from any LUSU General Manager's full
membership of University Council comes from the fact that it is
University Council that approves changes in the constitution of LUSU
(as seen recently), that approves the LUSU accounts (for which the
General Manager has some responsibility) and, in general, University
Council takes many decisions that affect the students of the university
for which _all_ members of the Council should be accountable.
On the matter of any LUSU General Manager being a college dean, there
is a quite jarring conflict of interests. JCR committees are
sub-committees of LUSU, therefore the conduct of a college dean who
happens to be LUSU General Manager may not be discussed by that
college's JCR. Absurd. Wrong.
I might add that if equivalently conflicting roles were held by such
people as the University Secretary or the Director of Finance there
would howls of indignation, some emanating from InkyText. The standards
that should be observed at the level of University House, should be
observed no less at the Students Union.
Nick Bardsley
[NOTE: I fear you do seem pretty much alone in holding this view.
Don't see the problem myself and at least two other SU employees are
already officers in the Graduate College. (Ed.)]
------------------------------------
You ask whether one can attach an answering machine to an office
extensions socket. Most definitely - I have never used voice-mail
because of its unreliability, likewise others among our staff, and some
who have are now reverting to answerphones instead. I use a BT Response
55, which records digitally and so doesn't need a cassette, and most of
its controls are relatively intuitive... btw, learning from you that it
is the same computer company (Siemens) that cocked-op the Passport
Agency's system which is also responsible for our voice-mail system
hardly imbues confidence in the future...
Alan Waters
IELE
----------------------------------
I'm not sure if your query re answerphones was intended as a
characteristically acerbic barb, and I have no idea of official policy
- but, in my opinion, it is trivial to connect a standard answering
machine to a University extension. Indeed, one of my colleagues has
already done so (the volume has been turned up so loud, that I can
clearly hear when a message is left through the dividing wall!).
A more tantilising prospect still, may be the use of a voice capable
modem (internal or external) for your chosen PC/Mac. I believe it may
then be possible to receive voice mail messages as one would email
(although obviously not using gods chosen email reader on the unix
cluster).
Hope this helps,
Adrian Friday
------------------------------
I received an upper 2nd a few years ago. On the course that I took it
was clear that some people simply worked harder than others and the
results reflected that with about half my friends receiving upper 2nds
and the other half receiving lower 2nds. Among us all there was a sense
of acceptance that those who had worked harder deserved the better
result. But a 2:2 is not the end of the world: my friends who received
2:2s have all gone to to rewarding and well-paid jobs. A number of them
said that the 2:2 was enough to kick them out of their complacency.
Like it or not, some students do work harder than others - whether the
end result can be vouched in terms of their reward or the humilation of
others is merely down to semantics. [NOTE: I've re-read that sentence
several times but can't find a meaning in it. (Ed.)]
One of the aims of University should be to prepare students for the
real world, where unfortunately employers take a much less favourable
view of missed deadlines or poor work. Playing down the competitive
nature of industry will not help students when they do start working.
The 2:1 is a reasonable goal that most students can and should try to
obtain.
The Mattachine Society (Lancaster branch).
[NOTE: I fear you miss my point entirely. Nor do I agree about what a
2:1 is.... Confirmation that degree class doesn't 'mean' what we may
think.(Ed.)]
---------------------------------
InkyText is normally a fine medium for communication about matters of
relevance to university affairs, but do we have to put up with Michael
Jackson's stream of prejudiced, abusive and most recently violent,
comments about cyclists and others? It would be well within the bounds
of reasonable editorial discretion to exercise a bit of quality
control. Perhaps he has started on InkyText because the local press has
started doing just that.
Robert Poole.
[NOTE: If I censored correspondence merely because I disagreed with it
or thought it cranky there would be precious little left. No need to
_read_ the stuff of course. Be selective. (Ed.)]
--------------------------
I read your description of your trip to Lyons, and noted the places
you stayed and ate for my own reference.
It might be worth reminding readers in your part of the world that
trains leave Liverpool Lime Street and pass through Birmingham New
Street to arrive at Stansted airport. A lift from the station in the
bowels of the terminal building takes you direct to the departure
lounge.
The journey takes a full 5 hours and the 1st train does not arrive
till 13.11 so it would not always help. There's an extra earlier
service on Saturday arriving at 11.52. After that, they're roughly
hourly till the last train arrives at 21.08 Other North-Western cities
are connected by using the Norwich train and changing at Ely or
Peterborough. The service is run by Central trains. As ever in this
country, there is nothing much on a Sunday.
I haven't yet used Ryanair, but I found Easyjet deeply uninterested in
duty-free. They said they could run a cheaper operation by not selling
anything, save a very few snacks and soft drinks.
Andrew Nightingale (Furness, Maths, 1971)
NB _ sorry this is the winter timetable.
------------------------------------------------------
InkyText readers involved in the SETI@home project may be interested to
know that there is a Lancaster University group, set up for the
principal purpose of "showing the flag". To join this group, go to the
following Web address on the SETI@home site:
http://setiathome.ssl.berkeley.edu/stats/team/team_15847.html
The SETI@home (Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence at Home)
project is basically an attempt to perform 'hard sums' radio astronomy
using normal computers all over the world. Through the Internet,
thousands of computers are combined to form essentially the world's
largest supercomputer, which is then capable of performing data analysis
on a scale not otherwise possible. The project aim is to sift through
huge quantities of radio data from the skies to search for 'intelligent'
signals amongst all the noise from satellites, stars and microwave
ovens.
To participate in SETI@home, one installs a special screensaver which
performs calculations when the computer is idle, making better use of
resources which would otherwise be hard at work floating fishes around
one's screen!
To find out more about SETI@home visit
http://setiathome.ssl.berkeley.edu/
And, no, I don't watch the X-Files...
--
Tom Fitzpatrick (tf@comp.lancs.ac.uk)
Computing
----------------------------------