Return-Path: Received: by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.7.4/NSCS-1.0S) id BAA28897; Tue, 27 May 1997 01:32:18 -0400 (EDT) Date: Tue, 27 May 1997 01:32:18 -0400 (EDT) From: editor@telecom-digest.org Message-Id: <199705270532.BAA28897@massis.lcs.mit.edu> To: ptownson Subject: TELECOM Digest V17 #132 TELECOM Digest Tue, 27 May 97 01:32:00 EDT Volume 17 : Issue 132 Inside This Issue: Editor: Patrick A. Townson Call for Participation: IJCAI97 WS on Programming in Temporal (M. Orgun) Book Review: "LAN Times Guide to Wide Area Networks" by Parnell (Rob Slade) Re: "Good Morning, and Please Go Away" (John Cropper) Re: "Good Morning, and Please Go Away" (Eric Ewanco) Re: "Good Morning, and Please Go Away" (William H. Bowen) Re: Why Not Have a Pizza Delivered by Taxicab (Herb Stein) Re: Why Not Have a Pizza Delivered by Taxicab (P Morgan) Stopping the Splits (was Re: Ohio Suburb Attempts to Ban) (Jim Gottlieb) Re: Working With the Public on the Telephone (oldbear@arctos.com) TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of public service systems and networks including Compuserve and America On Line. It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'. Subscriptions are available to qualified organizations and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify: * subscriptions@telecom-digest.org * The Digest is edited, published and compilation-copyrighted by Patrick Townson of Skokie, Illinois USA. You can reach us by postal mail, fax or phone at: Post Office Box 4621 Skokie, IL USA 60076 Phone: 847-727-5427 Fax: 773-539-4630 ** Article submission address: editor@telecom-digest.org ** Our archives are available for your review/research. The URL is: http://telecom-digest.org (WWW/http only!) They can also be accessed using anonymous ftp: ftp hyperarchive.lcs.mit.edu/telecom-archives/archives (or use our mirror site: ftp ftp.epix.net/pub/telecom-archives) A third method is the Telecom Email Information Service: Send a note to archives@telecom-digest.org to receive a help file for using this method or write me and ask for a copy of the help file for the Telecom Archives. ************************************************************************* * TELECOM Digest is partially funded by a grant from the * * International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Geneva, Switzerland * * under the aegis of its Telecom Information Exchange Services (TIES) * * project. 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Any organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages should not be considered any official expression by the organization. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Mon, 26 May 1997 14:04:07 +1000 From: Mehmet ORGUN Subject: Call for Participation: IJCAI97 WS on Programming in Temporal Reply-To: Mehmet ORGUN CALL FOR PARTICIPATION Workshop on Programming in Temporal and Non Classical Logics to be held as part of 15th International Joint Conference on Artificial Intelligence (IJCAI-97) Nagoya, Japan, 25 August 1997 Temporal logics originating in philosophy and formal linguistics have been intensively investigated within both AI and traditional Computer Science. A variety of different approaches and formalisms have been developed, some of them admitting and supporting automated reasoning techniques and having strong similarities to those which have evolved in the context of classical logic. Executable fragments of these logics have been proposed in order to provide more appropriate logical techniques for dealing with change in time. Basically, two different approaches to execution of the temporal logic formalism have evolved. The first, which is compatible with the classical logic programming paradigm, is aimed towards a logical basis for temporal databases and knowledge based systems for reasoning about time and, to be more general, a robust basis for the development of advanced AI systems. Its execution is based on deduction in tractable fragments of suitable temporal logics. The second approach is more motivated by a classical computer science problem, namely to define and develop a uniform framework for programming and verification of computer programs, especially those relying on imperative and reactive behavior. Execution within this second approach corresponds to model construction of the formulae in question and is based on the so called imperative future approach. A renewed interest on programming paradigms based on non classical logics has also been stimulated recently by new issues in the context of concurrent constraint logic programming, (temporal) deductive databases, programming of reactive systems, embedded AI systems and multi-agent systems. WORKSHOPS AIMS: The aim of this workshop is to provide a forum both for the exchange of ideas and for the identification of the potential roles and nature of the emerging paradigm of Executable Temporal and Non Classical Logics. Our intention is to bring together researchers in this area, to identify common ground, relevant experiences, applications, open problems and possible future developments. In particular, we wish to encourage cross-fertilization between different approaches and to improve the understanding of (tractable) execution of temporal logics. Special emphasis will be given to the study of computation models in the context of Artificial Intelligence, and to new approaches to programming in the context of programming of reactive and embedded AI systems. AREAS OF INTEREST: This workshop will build upon the 1993 Workshop on Executable Modal and Temporal Logics that was organized as part of IJCAI-93, and the 1995 Workshop on Executable Temporal Logics organized as part of IJCAI-95. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, - theoretical issues in executable temporal logics - relationship between execution and temporal theorem-proving - relationship of executable temporal logics to (temporal) databases - design of executable temporal logics - operational models and implementation techniques - programming support and environments - comparative studies of languages - applications and case studies WORKSHOP PARTICIPATION: To encourage informal interaction and the exchange of ideas, attendance will be limited to approximately 30 invited participants. Those wishing to attend without presenting papers are encouraged to submit a statement of interest consisting of a single page description of research interests and current work, to be used to demonstrate the ability of the non-presenting participants to contribute to the discussions by May 20th 1997 to either of the programme chair below. Christoph Brzoska Email: brzoska@ira.uka.de Department of Computer Science Tel: (+49) 721 608 35 64 University of Karlsruhe Fax: (+49) 721 60 77 21 P.O. Box 69 80 D-76128 Karlsruhe, Germany Michael Fisher Email: M.Fisher@doc.mmu.ac.uk Department of Computing Tel: (+44) 161 247 1488 Manchester Metropolitan University Fax: (+44) 161 247 1483 Chester Street Manchester M1 5GD, United Kingdom WORKSHOP PROGRAMME COMMITTE: Marianne Baudinet (Free University of Brussels, Belgium) Christoph Brzoska (Karlsruhe University, Germany) Thom Fruehwirth (Ludwig Maximilians University, Germany) Michael Fisher (Manchester Metropolitan University, UK) Rajeev Gore (Australian National University, Australia) Vineet Gupta (Xerox Palo Alto Research Center, USA) Shinji Kono (University of the Ryukyus, Japan) Stephan Merz (Ludwig Maximilians University, Germany) Ben Moszkowski (Newcastle University, UK) Vijay Saraswat (AT& T Research Labs, USA) Karl Schafer (Karlsruhe University, Germany) Mehmet Orgun (Macquarie University, Australia) COSTS: All workshop participants will be required to be registered to the main IJCAI'97 conference. An additional fee of $US 50 will be charged to cover costs of the workshop. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Information about IJCAI'97 can be accessed via the IJCAI home page: http://www.ijcai.org/ijcai-97/ Information about the workshop, including the workshop programme, will be available via http://iseran.ira.uka.de/~brzoska/ijcai97tlp.html. Christoph Brzoska Institute for logic, complexity, and deductive systems University of Karlsruhe Phone: + 49 721 608 35 64 P.O.Box 69 80 Fax: + 49 721 60 77 21 D - 76128 Karlsruhe, Germany E-mail: brzoska@ira.uka.de URL: iseran.ira.uka.de/~brzoska ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 26 May 1997 10:54:05 EST From: Rob Slade Subject: Book Review: "LAN Times Guide to Wide Area Networks" by Parnell BKLTGWAN.RVW 970226 "LAN Times Guide to Wide Area Networks", Tere Parnell, 1997, 0-07-882228-9, U$34.95/C$50.95 %A Tere Parnell tere_parnell@lantimes.com %C 300 Water Street, Whitby, Ontario L1N 9B6 %D 1997 %G 0-07-882228-9 %I McGraw-Hill Ryerson/Osborne %O U$34.95/C$50.95 +1-800-565-5758 +1-905-430-5134 fax: 905-430-5020 %P 528 %T "LAN Times Guide to Wide Area Networks" While professionals might find it a bit simplistic, for the average non- technical (or, at least, non-data comm) manager this is an excellent guide through the pitfalls of setting up networks encompassing more than a single building. The material is up to date, useful, and presented in a friendly manner. I found the organization of the material a bit disjointed at times, and was disappointed that the "explanations" of some of the newer technologies was more technical rather than based on uses, strengths, or weaknesses. Overall, though, this provides a quick and helpful guide. copyright Robert M. Slade, 1997 BKLTGWAN.RVW 970226 roberts@decus.ca rslade@vcn.bc.ca rslade@vanisl.decus.ca Ceterum censeo CNA Financial Services delendam esse Please note the Peterson story - http://www.netmind.com/~padgett/trial.htm ------------------------------ From: John Cropper Subject: Re: "Good Morning, and Please Go Away" Date: Mon, 26 May 1997 08:48:30 -0400 Organization: Mindspring Enterprises Anthony E. Siegman wrote in article ... > I'll type in a few segments from a column by Jon Carroll recently > appearing in the {San Francisco Chronicle} under the above title > > (From the Carroll column) > I hold in my hands an article from the April 24 issue of {American > Banker}. It details the groundbreaking work of NationsBank Corp in > relating customer profitablility with service. > Says the article: "Systems capable of calculating individual customer > profitability will make it possible, for example, to let > less-profitable customers sit on hold longer when they call into a > telephone center." Ahhh ... the miracles of modern technology. To be able to segregate customers so you can pamper some, and abuse others ... all based on profit! > Does that confirm your most paranoid fantasies? > "Unprofitable customers are defined ... as those who maintain minimum > balances to avoid service charges, write lots of checks, and make > heavy use of branches and call centers." > "NationsBank began the program April 18, mailing out fliers promoting > a 24-hour banking service. Customers calling in were assigned > personal identification numbers, on which the bank relies in routing > calls on the basis of a predetermined profitability score ..." > "Customers will be routed to 'agents trained to handle their special > needs'. The idea is to give customers in the most profitable tier > bend-over-backwards service within seconds. Customers ranked in the > lower tiers will be routed to different service representatives. > Because of larger volume, they may experience longer hold times ..." > My favorite quote from the article: "Separating customers into classes > could be dangerous from a public relations standpoint, said industry > observers." People must remember that businesses exist solely because of profit. Conversely, businesses must remember that profit is directly proportional to the amount of services rendered to each and every customer, and while one particular customer may not directly produce fantastic profits themselves, word-of-mouth business produced by serving them properly might well make up for that ... I would strongly encourage ANY customer of ANY company that is dissatisfied to freely vote with their wallet ... John Cropper, Webmaster voice: 888.76.LINCS LINCS fax: 888.57.LINCS P.O. Box 277 mailto:jcropper@lincs.net Pennington, NJ 08534-0277 http://www.lincs.net/ The latest compiled area code information is available from us! NPAs, NXXs, Dates, all at http://www.lincs.net/areacode/ ------------------------------ From: Eric Ewanco Subject: Re: "Good Morning, and Please Go Away" Date: 26 May 1997 09:05:28 -0400 Organization: US Robotics In article siegman@ee.stanford.edu (Anthony E. Siegman) writes: > "Customers will be routed to 'agents trained to handle their special > needs'. The idea is to give customers in the most profitable tier > bend-over-backwards service within seconds. Customers ranked in the > lower tiers will be routed to different service representatives. > Because of larger volume, they may experience longer hold times ..." Hope they've taken into account 800 number customer service lines. Putting an unprofitable customer on hold longer on an 800 line will only make him more unprofitable. Anyone else think it weird that those who maintain minimum balances are regarded as scofflaws? I thought the whole point of minimum balance fees was to penalize those who did little business with the bank and "encourage" them to boost their balances. All this time I've felt guilty when I've fallen below my minimum balance; now apparently some banks would consider me a bad customer because I meet the minimum requirements they demanded. It's like this Drabble cartoon I saw. Drabble gets a letter from his credit card company. It says [this is from memory, I'm probably not doing it justice], "Dear Mr. Drabble: According to your credit history, you consistently pay your balances on full and on time. You incur no late fees, interest, or service charges. You are a responsible and trustworthy consumer. [Here Drabble smiles. Next panel:] Therefore we are cancelling your account. [Next panel:] We don't like your kind." # __ __ Eric Ewanco # IC | XC eje@world.std.com # ---+--- http://www.wp.com/Eric_Ewanco # NI | KA Framingham, MA; USA ------------------------------ From: bowenb@best.com (William H. Bowen) Subject: Re: "Good Morning, and Please Go Away" Date: Mon, 26 May 1997 06:37:15 GMT Reply-To: bowenb@best.com siegman@ee.stanford.edu (Anthony E. Siegman) wrote: > I'll type in a few segments from a column by Jon Carroll recently > appearing in the {San Francisco Chronicle} under the above title > (From the Carroll column) > I hold in my hands an article from the April 24 issue of {American > Banker}. It details the groundbreaking work of NationsBank Corp in > relating customer profitablility with service. > "NationsBank began the program April 18, mailing out fliers promoting > a 24-hour banking service. Customers calling in were assigned > personal identification numbers, on which the bank relies in routing > calls on the basis of a predetermined profitability score ..." Anthony, With NationsBank, NOTHING surprises me!!! As far as I'm concerned, they are the all-time, lowest, sleazest bunch of swine that have ever inhabited the earth! Compared to them, BifA and Wells-Fargo are saints. Regards, Bill Bowen bowenb@best.com ------------------------------ Subject: Re: Why Not Have a Pizza Delivered by Taxicab From: herb@herbstein.com (Herb Stein) Organization: The Herb Stein Group Date: 25 May 97 17:55:44 GMT I've got "Distinctive Ringing" on my main line. You know - normal ring, long and two shorts and short and two longs. My recording very clearly says "You have reached 227-1310 ..." and the idiots that call one of the other numbers will cheerfully leave a message. It's comforting to know that the "idiot" probably drives to work on the same highway as I do. Jeesh! Herb & Ellie Stein St. Louis, Mo. herb@herbstein.com ------------------------------ From: P Morgan Subject: Re: Why Not Have a Pizza Delivered by Taxicab Date: Mon, 26 May 1997 10:25:32 +0100 In message Roger Fajman wrote: > Well, there's no excuse for not listening to what the person on the > other end says -- if you can understand it. When I ring a business number, about eight of ten times, I say "Sorry -- could you confirm the name of the company again, please ?" which seems to hit the staff that their fast-as-they-can-get-it-out is only comprehensible to themself and I've often found that follow-up calls are greeted in a more understandable manner. ------------------------------ From: jimmy@sinden.info.com (Jim Gottlieb) Subject: Stopping the Splits (was Re: Ohio Suburb Attempts to Ban) Date: 23 May 1997 15:16:18 -0700 Organization: Info Connections, San Diego, California In article , > someone has to stop this proliferation of area codes ... or the term > will simply lose its meaning. If they had just listened to me :-) years ago when I proposed 8-digit dialing, then we wouldn't be in this mess today. NOTE: Remove the temp?? hostname to reply after two weeks. Jim Gottlieb | E-Mail: jimmy[@]info.com | In Japan: jimmy[@]denwa.linc.or.jp V-Mail: +1 619 260 6912 | Fax: +1 619 558 1113 My Home Page URL: http://www.info.com/jimmy/ ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 26 May 1997 18:31:55 -0400 From: The Old Bear Subject: Re: Working With the Public on the Telephone > Don't forget those of us that had the fortune to work tech > support and help desk. Many are the stories I can tell you about > working support for a major publisher of microcomputer-based library > automation software based in McHenry, IL (who's company name I'll not > divulge here because I'm still friendly with most of senior management > there, as well as a few that are still working in support since I left > in 1991.) D'jawanna (PA dutch slang, for those that ask) talk about a > technophobic group of people? Try dealing with public school > librarians! While most of them finally caught on to what was going > on, there were several who were clueless on where the power switch was > on an Apple IIe. . . Although I can vouch for the fact that many librarians are among the most techno-savvy users of information retrieval systems, Randy's comment brings back memories of an event which happened at my son's elementary school about four years ago when he was a student in the sixth grade. Our town had networked the libraries of the various schools as the first step toward actually networking the schools themselves. My son was studying in the library after school one day when I came by to offer him a ride home. It was about closing time for the library and the school librarian was trying to email a memo to all of the school librarians concerning some general issue or another. Anyway, there was usually a student from the high school helping out who knew the computer system fairly well. However, he had just left for the day. So my son, overhearding the school librarian asking for help from an equally clueless teacher, shows the librarian how to send her memo. About a minute later, as we are about to walk out the door, I hear a 'beep' from the librarians computer and the librarian exclaims: "Oh, my! It says I have mail. And it's my own memorandum." At that, my son walks back over to her desk and looks at her as if she is the silliest person in the world. With the sound of forebearance usually reserved for use by parents and teachers, he announces with the voice of 12-year-old authority: "Well, you sent it to *ALL* the librarians. You are a librarian, aren't you?" Cheers, The Old Bear ------------------------------ End of TELECOM Digest V17 #132 ******************************