ADDITIONAL UPDATES > PAGE Y2K

UPDATE 2-4-2000 P.M.: THIS IS AN ADVANCE SHEET VERSION SUBJECT TO ADDITIONS, CHANGES AND MECHANICS IMPROVEMENTS!

Attention! Hot off the press! Over especially the last few weeks, there has been a growing negativism toward my using the Downers Grove Public Library computers more notably since I gained access to the Internet computers.

Two nights ago not to mention a number of times prior I was verbally insulted and embarrassed in front of the patrons in the computer room because I over shot the cut off time by approximately two minutes irrespective of the reason for the delay. The librarian made an open conversational issue of it. It could be construed as defamation under the circumstances as they know that I have been diligent to be in good faith with this facility!

As has been frequent at this library, I had computer delay due to slow downs on the web, network and other idiosyncrasies on the library computers. When I have carefully defined the problems I have been having there has often been suspicion. The suspicion has been vented with accusations about me always having problems with the computers.

Well listen up! I have observed over the last year while using the network computers at this library, whether on the Internet or just using the word processors, that numerous times attempts to invade my privacy as well as invasion of privacy has occurred!

One time I had shut down the programs and just had the Windows desktop on screen and noted that someone on the network was uploading information off my floppy disk! I called one of the librarians and she came to the computer, observing the scenario and then said to reboot the computer. The reboot was performed to disconnect the invader.

Today while just getting into the routine of checking my e-mail I again noted that someone was on the network apparently uploading information off the programs I was using including my e-mail. I shut down the programs and had just a desktop and watched the invader stop the upload a few moments later. When I put my e-mail back up I noticed it start again a few moments afterward. I shut it down and noted that the upload activity stopped. I know that this activity is not normal due to the fact that I have frequently used this same computer often! In fact, while I have been writing the second part of this document on another Internet computer I have not seen any suspicious activity since I made my complaint!

Having been told that the only way to stop the invasion is to reboot the computer I was seriously considering doing it. However, I tried putting the word processor back up to save some information to a floppy. When I did so the invader immediately started reading my disk in addition to the normal initial read! I immediately pulled the disk and the computer went to a blue screen saying in essence that I can reboot the computer or I can return to windows. I attempted to return to windows and the computer went to the task bar saying the word processor was not responding. The computer froze at that point and having tried a system request several times and control alt delete several time I got no response!

I then rebooted the computer by shutting it off for about 30 seconds. At this point, the librarian came in and said the she noticed my screen black numerous times today and in the last few days and that I have been frequently rebooting the computer. I said that it has not been black prior and this is the first time that I can remember that I have ever rebooted this machine at least in recent weeks. I said I have rebooted the word processor machines recently due to similar lock ups. The librarian responded saying that my denial was an outright lie and that she was going to get the supervisor. I left it go and sat there for a few minutes wondering if there was going to be another scene or if they would call the police or what as I have seen it "all" as you know! I related the context to another party that is involved in computers as I am and of whom I am acquainted.

The supervisor never appeared after a few minutes went by so I began checking my e-mail and then started writing this news story. Just about two minutes after I had started writing this story I was given notice by the librarian that another user has arrived and wants to use my specific computer at 10:35 A.M.. I noted other computers were available! Never the less I finished up this news item and waited to see what else befell me!

There seems to be a technocratic spirit here, especially lately! Certainly not professional nor user friendly! Is Dave from the shower scenario stirring the pot and encouraging others to harass me ? Is "the man" and / or his agents in the background of the big picture? Is a judge pulling strings? I do believe I am owed an apology in the least!

Note also that the librarian said she noticed my screen black numerous times over the last few days. Why such scrutiny of my screen? Why the trumped up accusations? What has happened to my right to privacy? The screens on the Internet computers are purposefully designed to greatly limit viewing by others! Yet this librarian suggests that she has been watching what is on my screen frequently.

PART II

I am back! After I relinquished the computer within the ten minute warning I was given. I went out to a carrel and was regrouping when I noticed the library director talking with the librarian with whom I had a problem. I waited to see what was the outcome.

The director apparently made no issue and did not approach me. I then signaled him that I wanted to talk with him. We went down one of the main aisles and talked.

The director stated that I have not been following the rules and that if I continue to violate the rules I will no longer be allowed to use the computers.

I attempted to respond asking for specifics. He said I always am overdue when my time is up. I responded that that is not true. I related that the use of the superlative is unfair! When I tried to relate the specific circumstances that took me over the limit he would interrupt me and state that I would refuse to leave when I was requested.

I again tried to relate the context of my delay and I never did get a chance to relate the context fully. He then revised his allegation to I did not move from the computer when I was required.

I have noticed that there seems to be a technocratic approach that says we do not care what your reasons are we want you off when you are told to be off! Kind of a boot camp experience! I find that entirely not user friendly and coercive not to mention unprofessional. I find that even the director does not want to really give me the "time of day" and indeed when I attempted to respond to his terse position and presumption he walked away.

I informed him of my similar circumstances at the Chicago Public Library and that there were specific librarians who where splitting hairs in almost identical circumstances and that it was clear discrimination. I also informed him and his librarians that the Chicago Public Library was informed of the law under Title 42 Section 1983 with regard to the bad faith enforcement of rules, policy, and law. I informed the director that the Chicago Public Library took a serious look at the issues and reversed themselves due to the fact that the issues I pointed out were valid and that enforcement needed flexibility and consideration.

The points that are of issue are that the library cannot enforce a terse application of their policy on the computer users due to the fact that their computers are not always realistically cooperative with the time table especially when they do not function properly and data is at stake. When the computer is on the network it is subservient to the speed of that system and if it bogs down the user bogs down.

One issue that is classic is another day earlier this week I had a document that I had typed on the word processor and I was given a ten minute notice to get off and I immediately attempted to close out my programs and save my documents. Suddenly after waiting a few minutes I found that the computer was not depositing the data on the floppy due to the fact that it was apparently full or the document that I was saving was too large for the disk. I immediately looked for another disk that had enough space on it and after several tries I found one.

One problem though! The computer suddenly put up a blue screen saying that the disk was not acceptable or that the computer was unable to continue. Now at this point the librarian came in and demanded that I close out the computer and I said that I have two hours worth of work that I will lose. I said certainly that a few more minutes is not going to devastate the other party and I have a legitimate problem! She said she was going to get the supervisor! I said fine and continued to try to work out the problem and get my document saved which I finished while the supervisor stood by.

I later related that computers do have idiosyncrasies that just cannot be anticipated. I related that I am a computer tech and have much experience with computers and that I know that I am not the only one that they have had problems with using these computers. I related it is intrinsic to the medium.

The presumption today the paranoia that I am now thought to be trying to circumvent the computer security and reprogram the computer. They apparently feel now that they know that I am a tech they have a patsy for their computer problems. I related that I have not tried to do anything that is not provided for by the library. I was then accused of using the Microsoft Explorer when we are only to use Netscape. I replied saying the Explorer was one of the programs that was freely available on the system! I indicated that I just used what they had made available on the desktop!

Again I was told that if I do not follow the rules that the librarians have gone over with me numerous times that I would lose my privileges. I indicated that the librarians have not gone over the rules with me but once when I signed the Internet policy statement. He said that I have been told numerous times that I am not to reboot the computers. I related to him that my understanding has been just the opposite. That one of the supervisors told me what to do when my computer was being illegally invaded and that was to reboot the computer. I related that I have operated in good faith but their enforcement of the rules is not sensitive to the circumstances that occur on the computers.

Well, it is thought that I am the only one that has so many problems! I related that I think that could be caused by the third party that seems to know when I am on line and tries to access my data! It appears to have cause the problem that instigated this fracas today. It is possible that this was planned and that I was entrapped?

Another notable: While the director and I were talking, not yelling, or screaming but talking, a middle aged woman, my junior, interrupted the director and told us to take our conversation somewhere else! She appeared to be just a patron. I could not believe my ears!

After the director walked away, I approached the lady and informed her that she interrupted the director of the library. She in essence did not care! And when I let her know that I thought that she was intrusive she told me I was crazy! The rest of the conversation was similar! I asked her if she is a councilwoman or a mayor or a police commissioner emphasizing that she just blew on the director of the library and she spurned me and again said I am crazy!

Is this another attempt to sting? A lot of strange circumstances occurring at the same time in very close proximity!

Is there a third or more party instigation here to stir the pot?

Since I released the story about the shower scenario I have found myself under increasing scrutiny and hyper critical analysis to the point that I find my self jumpy in fear of yet another crises arising due to these technocratic enforcements of the policy!

UPDATE 2-11-2k P.M.: Dateline: Internet web site sabotage, bicycle sabotage, Monday shelter site reverses position, arbitrary changing of the rules by volunteers, non access to a shelter site, harassment when using public restrooms and technocratic evaluations and circumstantial character sabotage or assassination and harassment.

Since the last major occurrence of my web page sabotage there have been several "minor" attacks. Additional altering of my copyright symbols and characters added to punctuation and the like. However, there have also been some major changes made like the background of my search engine page being altered by the insertion of erroneous code inserted into the web page, possible tampering with the internet search engine mechanism preventing multiple word searches, the latter probably existing on the providers side of the network as my tests suggest and the like. It seems that the invader continues to flaunt at the law and is illegally breaking into this web site not to destroy wholesale but rather to psychologically let me know that that potential exists and that my site security can be breached at will.

With respect to the bicycle sabotage: Since my involvement with PADS I have been experiencing consistent episodes of sabotage to my bicycle. Questionable failure of break cables, corrosives used to cause steering failure, tire stabbing, and air let out of tires as well as premature equipment failure to wheels and tires and wheels loosened from their mounts. It seems an intensification has occurred especially in the last two months. It also seems that the main intent is to delay me in schedules I must keep as well as putting a drain on my pocketbook and my ability to earn income!

The Monday night site, upon my inquiry, has reversed itself from denying myself showers on a permanent basis. I was allowed to take a shower with the same terse 10-minute stricture. I was in and out in 10 minutes with one hitch. I could not use the shampoo provided as the time would not allow for an otherwise thorough shower! Notably the shower pressure has been increased making realistically a 10-minute shower approachable with shortcuts taken!

Notably Dave and "Moe Howard" were not on duty last Monday night!

Last Friday brought arbitrary changes to stayed policy in that when a certain volunteer is on duty, and this has happened before, he decides to knock off a half to and hour of time off the shower schedule and preempt the number of people who can have their wash done. I related to the volunteer that he was the only one that does this and has circumvented established custom in policy at this site. I further related that there seems to be no reason for it! He also required a terse 10-minute shower limit in a facility that has approximately 4 showers, two men and two women. He said that he wanted to conserve water. I said that the water consumption has never been an issue and that I try to practice water conservation as a rule! He said to take a comfortable shower and I said I am not interested in a comfortable shower but rather a thorough one. I took a shower as I usually do as is custom at this site and was not bothered further. I did note another party that was in the shower longer than I and nothing was said to him.

The wash issue is a problem. I noted that with this volunteer that the list of people was notably shorter than is customary and that the volunteer just would not let me have my wash included. I related that if we cannot have our wash done here then they should provide a voucher so that we can do it at a laundromat. I said that I am at PADs because I cannot afford normal circumstances like having my wash done! He said there would be no vouchers. I said that PADs director is aware of the problem and I will take it up further with the supervisor at this site.

I went to the supervisor and he checked to see how firm the volunteer was on not allowing more to have wash done. Upon confirmation of no more wash to be allowed he said he would get me a voucher! I did my wash at a laundromat.

There has been an anomaly in the enforcement of policy at PADS. A certain social worker and certain volunteers that have enforced that person's interpretations has forced me on Tuesday night last to have to stay in the local police department waiting room to sleep. I was told that persons that are already registered are not allowed access to the shelter site after 10 P.M. even if they get a police escort. This strange interpretation was news to me.

The social worker stated that circumstances do not mitigate. I was delayed by the fact that my bicycle had been sabotaged and the repairs took longer than anticipated not to mention that gates that have been open in the past blocked the entrance to the property. It took me approximately 20 to 30 minutes to clear a way through the snow just to get to the site doors thus my arrival at approximately 10:30 P.M. I indicated that these problems were circumstances beyond my control.

I was told that the rules of late entry changed with the advent of this '99 / '00 season. I said that has not been my experience! I mentioned one example in which the police let me into another site, not to mention that I had another experience about a month prior similar. The kicker is that last night at still another site I was allowed in after 10 P.M. with a police escort no questions asked! Yes, that is since the denial on last Tuesday.

Again circumstances beyond my control delayed me. The Pace bus driver at the train station left approximately 4 minutes early and took a different route so I could not even snag it on the way out. I missed same bus by a few hundred feet! I later tried to flag it down at another location and was apparently not noticed. I walked with between fifty to a hundred pounds of papers to the site approximately 3 miles away and missed cut off time by approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

The terseness of the social worker suggested to me she was setting me up to get enraged so to perhaps foment a reason to bar me permanently from the PADS program or at least the site of issue or, of course, an arrest! She had indicated that she just had another party arrested prior that evening! She was not reasonable in the least and abruptly shut the door on me and ignored any further attempts at conversation! She offered no alternative place for me to sleep for the night when asked.

I called the local police and asked for intervention. By the time we got back to the site, approximately one half hour later, the social worker had left and the volunteer, that answered the door, rudely told us that I could not come in for the night. He then abruptly closed the door and ignored my further inquiry not to mention any the officer might have had. I asked the officer to make a note of the abruptness and rudeness we had just experienced. He said he would. I related that the social worker was similarly terse and abrupt. He indicated he was the officer that had come to the earlier arrest.

On last Wednesday morning, just after arriving from sleeping at the police station I was at a train station in another community using the rest room. After approximately 10 minutes in the rest room the door was knocked on by the ticket agent asking if anyone was in it. I answered that there was. About five minutes later another attempt to get in and a remark that I had been in there for 40 minutes. I replied and said that that is not true. Then another voice chimed in, that of the cleaning lady, saying that yes it was 40 minutes that I had been in the rest room. I waited a moment and then stated that that was not true.

The fact is that again, like the shower incident on January 3, 2000, hyperbole was exacted! I left the rest room approximately 20 minutes after arriving and had used it to change clothes, shave and use the toilet! When I came out I said that my accusers had exaggerated the time and then they denied that they had said 40 minutes and reduced it to 20 minutes. The ticket agent said that he and several other persons had to use the lady's room. I stated that I think the use is first come first serve! He said that I took too long as it was rush hour train time. I replied saying that 9:44 in the morning cannot hardly be construed as rush hour! He argued the point. Then the cleaning lady stated that I have taken long periods in the past also and then escalated that circumstance to calling the police on me when I denied her accusations!

The police arrived and were professional and listened to both sides of the circumstances and in fact stated to the cleaning lady and the ticket agent that 20 minutes is not an excessive amount of time to use the restroom! The officer was apprised of what was said to me and of what I was doing in the restroom. He determined that no offense had occurred. I informed him that the method of operation was similar to the incident I had had at the shelter nearby and informed him who was involved in that episode!

No word on the storage scenario from anyone.

Needless to say, this has been a stressful week just trying to make time count!

UPDATE 2-18-2k P.M.: Take a look at my quotes under the ,"click" here: Porcupine Quills masthead. The fronts have been relatively quiet with the exception of certain librarians, at various libraries, that appear to be over zealous in seeking out knowledge of what programs I am accessing on the Internet: "over the shoulder peek a boo"! Still no word on "my" storage property!

UPDATE 2-20-2k P.M.: In oversight, last week did present a repeat of sorts regarding harassment in using the restrooms. At the Wednesday night site I was harassed by one of the PADS participants. In the morning I accessed the unisex restroom on the main floor and left my change of clothes in same and stepped out the door to get a volunteer to obtain some more toilet paper as when I walked into the restroom I immediately discovered that it was used up. Upon exiting the door partially another participant started to enter and I said I am using the restroom. He immediately accused me of having been in there an hour and that I always take too long. He then got the attention of a volunteer and stated same to him and I objected and said that the participant owes me an apology. I said that I was in the restroom no more than one minute and he was out of line. He left to use the downstairs restroom as I had suggested he do when he began to harass me. The volunteer did not take the participant seriously and I was moments later provided with toilet paper although another volunteer said she had just put some in there earlier. I said it was depleted. While using the restroom numerous attempts were made to harass me by excessively jiggling the door and pounding on the door every minute or two. The participant that instigated the harassment has been hot and cold in amicability toward me this season but has been growing steadily more cold in the few contacts I have had with him!

UPDATE 2-22-2k A.M.: Another "user friendly" episode for the books at the Downers Grove "Public" Library! This morning just about fifteen minutes ago, around 9:05 A.M., I was approached by the Director of the Library as he came in for the day. I was at the north entrance area locking my bicycle up at one of the iron fences to the west of the entryway. It is a project to lock my bicycle and takes a few minutes. I had locked my bicycle at that location numerous times since the snow storm due to the fact that the library has been lax in clearing the snow from the spot that was determined permissible to park normally with my circumstances. Today's confrontation was the second in the last approximately month or so.

The first confrontation by the director took issue with my parking my bicycle under the canopy by the wall that has the Downers Grove Public Library sign affixed to it. I was told that they couldn’t permit my bicycle to be there due to the fact that "everyone" else has to park theirs in the bike rack. I stated that a security problem is of issue. He said no one could see it from there and I said that the librarians and folk can see it down the hall and it acts as a deterrent to vandalism of which I have been experiencing.

He stated I should put it in the bike rack. I said first of all, the bike rack does not permit me to properly dock my bicycle with its circumstances there. I said secondly that the bike rack is not located in such a way to deter vandalism and the like. I said that I need it located minimally where those inside in the library can see it.

He agreed to let me park it at the gate to the utility area just to the east of the north entryway. I have put same there since that confrontation until this last snow storm. The reason is that it becomes extremely icy and hard to access and I have slipped with my bicycle numerous times. It is unsafe when the snow and ice has not been removed!

I pointed out the problem today when, again, I was approached and told that I cannot park my bike at the location just west of the north entryway. I was told to put the bike in the bike rack. I again pointed out that the bike rack has also yet to be cleared of snow and ice and the place that we agreed to park my bike as an alternate was in likewise condition.

The director stated that if I do not move my bike he will come out with a cutter and remove it. I said it is out of the way and not harming anything. He said that it is scratching the paint on the fence. I asked him to show me where. He did not want to do so. I said again show me where, you made an accusation, sustain it. I pulled the bike away and he failed to show me where my bike had damaged the paint. Additionally, I pointed out to him that the lock cable is insulated with plastic.

I asked him for a card and he said he did not have any at the time. I came to his office upon entry after re-parking my bike at the agreed location on the ice and snow and got cards from the secretary.

The director's name is Mr. Christopher F. Bowen.

When placing my bike at the hazardous location I slipped with my bike and it fell with its load. I had to wrestle it back up carefully and lock it thus taking more than twice the time to park and lock my bike.

The Downers Grove Public Library is surely cruising for a slip and fall injury suit. Not to mention remuneration for damage to my bike and property when it falls. The utility people have also had to negotiate these hazardous circumstances by the utility access gate! The Library has to be realistic especially under exceptional circumstances! It has also been noted that other people have been parking their bikes in the locations I have and, to my knowledge, without objection.

UPDATE 2-24-2k P.M.: With reference to theft of personal property: Approximately three Sundays prior my glasses were stolen from the Saturday night site. I checked with a PADS supervisor last night to see if she had heard anything or if they were returned but I came up with a big zero.

The air appears to have been let out of my bicycle tire at the Tuesday night site costing me a mile or so walk and lost time on Wednesday morning as the gas station near by just happened to have its air pump out of order!

UPDATE 3-2-2k P.M.: More PADS and Downers Grove Library events....

A PADS social worker suddenly decides to preempt the shower hour rule shortening same deadline and offering no explanation for same preventing my use of same last night......

The same librarian that called me a liar with reference to rebooting the computer, again has been unprofessional and did not take customary responsibility for notifying patrons when the computers were available after patrons have registered for use. She informed me that patrons are to keep an eye on the computers as to when they are available rather than the librarian in spite of custom having been just the opposite. She criticized me saying that the computer had been waiting for me for ten minutes.

Same librarian also decided that other patrons deserve courtesies extended them that I am not given. She believes that other patrons should be served prior to completing business with yours truly.

Same librarian denied that she ever told me I was a liar and said that I should produce witnesses! I informed her I have witness.

Stay tuned.

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