I recently received my Nokia N800 handheld computer in the mail. After considering what product I could use for mobile computing and got a recommendation for the N800, I ordered it from an eBay store in October and it took a while to be sent and get here. I’ll calculate the total cost and time later (I also had to pay customs on it).

This is what I got.

I can conect to Wi-Fi networks, browse the Internet, make VOIP calls, and run any software that its maemo Linux OS can handle.

I am still learning how to use it and considering its potential. Here I go.

I ran into a friend yesterday who told me he recently finished a business program at HEC in Montreal. I looked it up this morning to read more and found that they had recently rung the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange to celebrate their 100th anniversary.

This is an interesting thing because two years ago University of Waterloo rang the opening bell at NYSE.

Of course, neither of these schools are listed on the exchange, so their presences there were as guests of actual companies — Brookfield Asset Management in UW’s case and Gildan Activewear for HEC.

While it may be unusual for schools to appear at the bell, it is a good image for schools who want to portray themselves as good places to learn business.

The Whig-Standard is reporting on the university reaction to the incident of alleged racism at Queen’s University.

Queen’s University is investigating whether a suspected case of racism is indicative of a wider problem on campus. A faculty member says she was forced off a sidewalk and then subjected to racial taunts by four white, male students last Wednesday afternoon on University Avenue.

Queen’s investigates ‘racist abuse’ Whig-Standard 23 Nov 2007

The university has a statement posted.

We are deeply disturbed by the account of this incident, and especially concerned that members of the student community were apparently involved. An investigation is underway which has the full support of the University Administration.

We recognize that the vast majority of students and faculty across this institution, and in the Faculty of Applied Science in particular, are outraged by incidents of the sort described, and are committed to an inclusive campus where all members of our community are permitted the opportunity to pursue their academic goals in an environment not merely tolerant, but respectful and supportive as well

[...]

Statement by the Principal and Vice-Principals regarding report of racist incident queensu.ca

Racism alleged at Queen’s 22 Nov 2007

The CIty of Guelph pleaded guilty to a charge over its odour causing compost plant and was assessed a fine of $40,000.

This morning, the province fined the city $40,000 for one charge of releasing odour from the compost plant. The other seven charges — plus two against a former staffer — were dropped.

A different point of view 59 Carden St. 22 November 2007

Magda and Laura’s Guelph city hall blog 14 November 2007