Internet connection Archives

A Double-header this weekend

November 17, 2023 By JPMcLean 4 Comments

Two Christmas Craft Fairs

I’m excited to be attending a double-header this weekend. On Saturday, November 18, from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm, I’ll be at the Qualicum Bay Christmas Market. Then, on Sunday, November 19, from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm, I’ll be at the Union Bay Christmas Craft Fair. There’s plenty of parking at both venues. I love these Christmas markets. It’s my first real taste of the holidays and for me, there’s no better way to ease into the Christmas season. I hope they’re playing Christmas carols!

And speaking of double-headers!

Your Internet Connection is Unstable

June 29, 2020 By JPMcLean 9 Comments

Yesterday I heard someone say “I was having internet connection issues,” is the new “I got stuck in traffic.” It’s the kind of line that gets a chuckle, unless it’s true. All the time.

Living on a small, ferry-dependent island has its advantages, but fast, dependable internet isn’t one of them.

Like everyone else out there, I’m doing a lot of Zooming these days. Board meetings and writers’ groups, webinars and on-line master classes. Even family gatherings. But unlike most of my fellow Zoomers, I’m rarely able to turn on the video and still hear the audio. Voices echo in a weird boomerang effect and faces freeze on the screen.

“Your internet connection is unstable” flashes on and off, reminding me that MY INTERNET CONNECTION IS UNSTABLE. As if the flickering feed wasn’t clue enough that we have internet connection issues. The final slap in the face is losing the connection altogether. The abrupt drop is like having the welcome mat yanked out from underfoot.

Urggg. The CRTC’s target for Internet speed is 50 Mbps download. On a good day, we’re lucky to get 20 Mbps.

Want to watch Netflix?

Occasionally we get through a Netflix program without the little wheel of frustration spinning in the centre of the screen.

I know companies are working on solutions for rural customers, I just hope one of them finds a solution soon because I’m pretty sure this “online” thing isn’t going away.

All right. Rant over. I think I got that out of my system. And now I have a thrilling offer!

Dark Addictive Summer Thrillers

A few times a year I rake through the author offerings on Bookfunnel and pick one I think you’ll enjoy. This time around it’s dark, addictive summer thrillers.

Take advantage of the deals and load your ereader for summer. But you’ll have to act fast because the offer ends tomorrow, June 30. Read about the books on offer with a click on the promo image, or click this link: https://books.bookfunnel.com/darkthrillers/6sg5ef4u8k.

I’ve downloaded a couple of the books already and may go back for another. If you find one you enjoy, please tell me about it. I’m always looking for a new book. Just drop it in the comments below.

And if nothing in the bundle interests you, why not give Secret Sky a try? Get your copy from Kindle with one click right here. And if kindle or ebooks aren’t your preference, click on the bookstore tab for other purchase options (or just click on the covers below).

Blurred Light Banner Photo by chuttersnap on Unsplash

Dishing up Frustration

January 19, 2014 By JPMcLean 2 Comments

Moments ago I signed out of Twitter in a fit of frustration. Not with Twitter—with our Internet connection, which is dishing up frustration. I couldn’t open a link to save my life. As much as I love living on a small island, it has its drawbacks.

We live in one of those rare pockets of civilization not serviced by high-speed land lines. Satellite service is the next best thing, and the dish is usually sufficient, but every once in a while…urghhh!

Just a few days ago, the adjacent neighbours and I had a discussion about how far we’d all come since the dial-up days. Remember that? The phone line was tied up all the time and it took all night to download your email. Large attachments were a nightmare and forget about streaming anything.

I don’t know how it happened, but sometime between dial-up and the dish, access to the Internet became indispensable. Like appliances and power tools, it’s become a time-saving device that makes short work of chores. Especially research—remember card catalogues? I miss those about as much as I miss dial-up.

There are talented artisans who eschew modern technologies and still manage to create masterpieces; sadly, I’m not one of them. I’m not that writer who could turn out a book on an old Underwood or even a Selectric. Without my word processor, I’d be a tree’s worst nightmare.

My apologies for whining and moaning about our Internet service. I’m just venting. I couldn’t manage with it and I wouldn’t trade our worst day of service here for better service elsewhere. So I’ll shut up now and go see if the dish is behaving yet.