The problem with LJ is...

One of the problems with LJ is...
One of the many problems with LJ is...

People who misquote the Hitch Hikers Guide.

Err, wait. That's not what I meant.

The problem is in working out from a username who the person really is. I was looking at the people who have been at the same schools as me (No, I didn't go to Miskatonic) at the same time, and you find people with names like frauhedgehog. I mean, who the hell is that? I have no idea if I know that person. Looking at their profile it's not likely, but who knows... Even a name like imc with a description of "Daddy Clanger" would have caused me problems, if it wasn't for the fact that I do know that person (we studied the same course at the same time) and they're his initials.

I don't know why I'm moaning about this; it's not as if I really want to get in contact with people I knew at Oxford, really. It might have been interesting to read what they were up to. Although, considering what I write, maybe not!

International calling

I find it perplexing that people don't know how to dial international from their home country. At least Englishmen and Americans. I remember, as a kid, finding it interesting that I could use IDD ("International Direct Dial") to call different countries and learnt some of the country codes. Why did the USA get "1" and the UK a lowly "44". Why did France get a smaller number (33)? Hmmph. Yes, I was a kid :-) Forgotten most of them, now! Huh, a quick google says that IDD came out in 1982. Sounds about right. My memory is failing; I think the code was "010" at the time. Not that I ever did use it; I didn't know anyone in another country to call, and no way would I spent the many many pounds it would have cost!

In the cubicle next to me is an intern; twice now (in the space of 4 weeks) she's had to ask me how to call England from her phone. Neither she nor another intern nor her boss knew how to dial international numbers.

I wonder if the US will ever follow ITU standards and use 00 for IDD in the future?