Monday, December 26, 2005
The Frequent 1
Given a string of at least four numbers sampled from one or more of these sets of data, the chance that the first digit will be 1 is not one in nine, as many people would imagine; according to Benford's Law, it is 30.1 percent, or nearly one in three. The chance that the first number in the string will be 2 is only 17.6 percent, and the probabilities that successive numbers will be the first digit decline smoothly up to 9, which has only a 4.6 percent chance.
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Shall Not Be Violated
"Since 2002 the U.S. government has been monitoring for suspicious radiation levels outside more than 100 predominantly Muslim-related sites in the greater Washington, D.C., area, as well as various sites in other cities, several government officials with knowledge of the program confirmed to CNN Friday.
One government official said the authorities don't obtain warrants because the testing is conducted from outside the buildings on what they consider public property."
The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act was created in 1978 after widespread domestic surveillance on civil-rights activists and war protestors. The act states the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court must grant a warrant for domestic government surveillance. The act permits the government to begin surveillance without a warrant, provided a warrant is requested within 72 hours.
US Constitution, 4th Amendment.
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
The 4th amendment specifically applies to the government. Intelligence agency civil servants are not upholding the US Constitution, and are infringing American civil liberties.
One government official said the authorities don't obtain warrants because the testing is conducted from outside the buildings on what they consider public property."
The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act was created in 1978 after widespread domestic surveillance on civil-rights activists and war protestors. The act states the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court must grant a warrant for domestic government surveillance. The act permits the government to begin surveillance without a warrant, provided a warrant is requested within 72 hours.
US Constitution, 4th Amendment.
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
The 4th amendment specifically applies to the government. Intelligence agency civil servants are not upholding the US Constitution, and are infringing American civil liberties.
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Vehicle Steam Engine
BMW has an add-on kit that uses engine waste heat to "power a steam engine which also contributes power to the automobile – an overall 15 per cent improvement". Hopefully after-market steam engine kits will be available for other vehicles.
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
NYC Transit Strike
Second day of strike by NYC Transit Workers. News accounts say there is a state law that makes it illegal for them to strike. News says they are striking to protest proposed reduction in retirement benefits for new employees (not existing employees).
If the pension reduction for new employees does go into effect, then in ten or fifteen years these new employees will be most of the work force. At that point they may start wondering how effective the union leaders are at negotiating, and wonder why they send money each month to the union and union leaders. The employees would begin to consider keeping their money instead of sending it to the union.
This strike is about the union bosses protecting their own jobs and protecting the status and clout of the union. The striking employees are only helping protect the long term job security of the union leadership.
Future employees will make a market-based decision of whether the pay and benefits are fair.
This strike is not about future employee's pension benefits - it's about union bosses protecting their fat paychecks over the next two decades.
If the pension reduction for new employees does go into effect, then in ten or fifteen years these new employees will be most of the work force. At that point they may start wondering how effective the union leaders are at negotiating, and wonder why they send money each month to the union and union leaders. The employees would begin to consider keeping their money instead of sending it to the union.
This strike is about the union bosses protecting their own jobs and protecting the status and clout of the union. The striking employees are only helping protect the long term job security of the union leadership.
Future employees will make a market-based decision of whether the pay and benefits are fair.
This strike is not about future employee's pension benefits - it's about union bosses protecting their fat paychecks over the next two decades.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Higher Gas Price
"This ratcheting down of allowable sulfur adds to costs and also strains the refining system," Lundberg said. "In 2006, the EPA could well cost gasoline consumers more than Hurricane Katrina did."
Adding to market pressures will be a government-mandated increase in the production of gasoline-additive ethanol, Lundberg said. Ethanol, which is made from fermented corn or other starchy grains, is mixed with gasoline to stretch available fuel supplies.
While touted as a greener fuel additive, Lundberg said the government requirement translates into an ethanol demand increase of around 5 percent compared with this year, "enough to wreak some havoc in the market."
Adding to market pressures will be a government-mandated increase in the production of gasoline-additive ethanol, Lundberg said. Ethanol, which is made from fermented corn or other starchy grains, is mixed with gasoline to stretch available fuel supplies.
While touted as a greener fuel additive, Lundberg said the government requirement translates into an ethanol demand increase of around 5 percent compared with this year, "enough to wreak some havoc in the market."
Qwest Accounting
Took a long time to get Nacchio for the accounting gimmicks during the bubble days.
Ex-Qwest CEO may face charges on Tues-sources
Tuesday December 20, 1:23 AM EST
By Keith Coffman and Robert Boczkiewicz
DENVER (Reuters) - The former chief executive of Qwest Communications International Inc. may be indicted by a federal grand jury as early as Tuesday for his role in profiting from the firm's overstated results at the tail end of the telecoms boom, people familiar with the matter said.
Joseph Nacchio, who ran the regional telephone carrier as its stock price soared in 1999 and then into a scandal that saw it inflate revenues by $2 billion, could surrender to authorities in Denver and make his first court appearance on Tuesday, one person close to the Qwest investigation said.
Ex-Qwest CEO may face charges on Tues-sources
Tuesday December 20, 1:23 AM EST
By Keith Coffman and Robert Boczkiewicz
DENVER (Reuters) - The former chief executive of Qwest Communications International Inc. may be indicted by a federal grand jury as early as Tuesday for his role in profiting from the firm's overstated results at the tail end of the telecoms boom, people familiar with the matter said.
Joseph Nacchio, who ran the regional telephone carrier as its stock price soared in 1999 and then into a scandal that saw it inflate revenues by $2 billion, could surrender to authorities in Denver and make his first court appearance on Tuesday, one person close to the Qwest investigation said.
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Farmers Insurance
Click the title to link to a site that features upset Farmers customers and employees.
I have Farmers, so this is making me more nervous. I started getting nervous when they wouldn't add my child to the policy without a taxpayer ID. Our child does not have a taxpayer ID, and insurance has nothing to do with taxes, so I think they are being nosy. Iwill continue to look for an alternative insurance carrier.
I have Farmers, so this is making me more nervous. I started getting nervous when they wouldn't add my child to the policy without a taxpayer ID. Our child does not have a taxpayer ID, and insurance has nothing to do with taxes, so I think they are being nosy. Iwill continue to look for an alternative insurance carrier.
Lap Child
We have flown with our child as a "lap child". By booking flight date/times that would have extra seats, we were able to have a seat for our child at no cost.
We just booked international, and found out United charges about $160 just to register the child. That does not provide a seat, so we paid for another seat.
We just booked international, and found out United charges about $160 just to register the child. That does not provide a seat, so we paid for another seat.
Friday, December 16, 2005
Eminent Domain
Government land grabs for commercial development are legal in China and the USA.
DONGZHOU, China (AP) -- The commander of forces that shot and killed people protesting land seizures in a southern village has been detained, the Chinese government said Sunday, as police in riot gear patrolled the community and appealed for order.
The police shootings Tuesday were the deadliest known clash yet amid growing anger in areas throughout China over government land seizures for construction of power plants, shopping malls and other projects.
DONGZHOU, China (AP) -- The commander of forces that shot and killed people protesting land seizures in a southern village has been detained, the Chinese government said Sunday, as police in riot gear patrolled the community and appealed for order.
The police shootings Tuesday were the deadliest known clash yet amid growing anger in areas throughout China over government land seizures for construction of power plants, shopping malls and other projects.
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
More Surveillance
After killing an American in Miami last week, the air marshals have decided to try to expand their role to all modes of transportation. If they keep creating work for themselves, they will have better job security. Maybe next year they will expand their role to guard the nation's milk supply.
http://apnews1.iwon.com//article/20051214/D8EG3LTO0.html?PG=home&SEC=news
Federal air marshals are expanding their work beyond airplanes, launching counterterror surveillance at train stations and other mass transit facilities in a three-day test program.
American Airlines pilot Denis Breslin, spokesman for the airline's pilots' union, said air marshals ought to stick to airplanes. "I don't think there's enough air marshals to cover commercial aviation as it is," Breslin said. "That's what transit police are for."
"TSA expects to find new ways to quickly deploy resources, in the event of an actual threat, that adds complexity to security measures outside of the aviation domain," the agency said in a statement.
http://apnews1.iwon.com//article/20051214/D8EG3LTO0.html?PG=home&SEC=news
Federal air marshals are expanding their work beyond airplanes, launching counterterror surveillance at train stations and other mass transit facilities in a three-day test program.
American Airlines pilot Denis Breslin, spokesman for the airline's pilots' union, said air marshals ought to stick to airplanes. "I don't think there's enough air marshals to cover commercial aviation as it is," Breslin said. "That's what transit police are for."
"TSA expects to find new ways to quickly deploy resources, in the event of an actual threat, that adds complexity to security measures outside of the aviation domain," the agency said in a statement.
Monday, December 12, 2005
Free Medical Care To Illegals
"Sweden places more restrictions on healthcare provision for illegal immigrants than almost any other country in the European Union, according to MSF. Countries including Spain, France and Italy provide free emergency healthcare to all immigrants."
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Automated License Plate Reader
"The system incorporates Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags in stickers that would go on a vehicle’s windshield as well as in reflective sheeting placed over the license plate.
As vehicles drive past sensors, the 3M tags would send vehicle registration and insurance information as well as data about inspection compliance, such as overdue smog checks, to a database. Automatic notices could be sent to the vehicle owners."
Government finding more ways to track people and their moving taxable machines.
Most people don't share more than one or two cars (and then only within their family), so when RFID readers are placed on most roads, government will track even those people who turn off their cell phones.
As vehicles drive past sensors, the 3M tags would send vehicle registration and insurance information as well as data about inspection compliance, such as overdue smog checks, to a database. Automatic notices could be sent to the vehicle owners."
Government finding more ways to track people and their moving taxable machines.
Most people don't share more than one or two cars (and then only within their family), so when RFID readers are placed on most roads, government will track even those people who turn off their cell phones.
Monday, December 05, 2005
New Element
The recent hurricanes and skyrocketing oil and
gasoline prices helped to prove the existence of a new
element. In early October 2005, a major research
institution announced the discovery of the heaviest
element yet known to science. The new element has been
named "Governmentium."
Governmentium (Gv) has one neutron, 25 assistant
neutrons, 88 deputy neutrons, and 198 assistant deputy
neutrons, giving it an atomic mass of 312. These 312
particles are held together by forces called 'morons'
which are surrounded by vast quantities of lepton-like
particles called 'peons.' Since Gv has no electrons,
it is inert. However, it can be detected, because it
impedes every reaction with which it comes into
contact. A minute amount of Gv causes one reaction to
take over four days to complete, when it would
normally take less than a second!
Gv has a normal half-life of 4 years; it does not
decay; but instead undergoes a reorganization in which
a portion of the assistant neutrons and deputy
neutrons exchange places. In fact, Governmentium's
mass will actually increase over time, since each
reorganization will cause more morons to become
neutrons, forming 'isodopes'. This characteristic of
moron promotion leads most scientists to believe that
Gv is formed whenever morons reach a certain quantity
in concentration. This hypothetical quantity is
referred to as 'Critical Morass.'
When catalyzed with money, Gv becomes "Administratium'
(Am) - an element which radiates just as much energy
as Gv, since it has half as many peons but twice as
many morons.
Unknown Author. Leave a comment if you know the author.
gasoline prices helped to prove the existence of a new
element. In early October 2005, a major research
institution announced the discovery of the heaviest
element yet known to science. The new element has been
named "Governmentium."
Governmentium (Gv) has one neutron, 25 assistant
neutrons, 88 deputy neutrons, and 198 assistant deputy
neutrons, giving it an atomic mass of 312. These 312
particles are held together by forces called 'morons'
which are surrounded by vast quantities of lepton-like
particles called 'peons.' Since Gv has no electrons,
it is inert. However, it can be detected, because it
impedes every reaction with which it comes into
contact. A minute amount of Gv causes one reaction to
take over four days to complete, when it would
normally take less than a second!
Gv has a normal half-life of 4 years; it does not
decay; but instead undergoes a reorganization in which
a portion of the assistant neutrons and deputy
neutrons exchange places. In fact, Governmentium's
mass will actually increase over time, since each
reorganization will cause more morons to become
neutrons, forming 'isodopes'. This characteristic of
moron promotion leads most scientists to believe that
Gv is formed whenever morons reach a certain quantity
in concentration. This hypothetical quantity is
referred to as 'Critical Morass.'
When catalyzed with money, Gv becomes "Administratium'
(Am) - an element which radiates just as much energy
as Gv, since it has half as many peons but twice as
many morons.
Unknown Author. Leave a comment if you know the author.
Friday, December 02, 2005
Water Heater Using Microwaves
..."microwave technology to heat water on demand".
Microwave water heating units sized to fit under sinks would be very useful. Potentially just a cold water line could be run to each sink.
Microwave water heating units sized to fit under sinks would be very useful. Potentially just a cold water line could be run to each sink.
Monday, November 28, 2005
Ice Climbing
Residential ice climbing could be a profitable business. The ski tourists will enjoy the sport, and they will also like relaxing in the hot tub.
Friday, November 25, 2005
Socialized Medicine
"Swedes facing long waits at home for state-funded medical treatment and operations will soon have the option of going to Thailand for private care, a travel organizer said on Tuesday.
"In Sweden, the waiting period for an operation or treatment can be anywhere from two to 80 weeks. That's a long time to wait if you're in pain...We think this offer will appeal to many Swedes," Leif Erre, the head of the Swedish company RelaxU which is organizing the trips, told AFP."
"In Sweden, the waiting period for an operation or treatment can be anywhere from two to 80 weeks. That's a long time to wait if you're in pain...We think this offer will appeal to many Swedes," Leif Erre, the head of the Swedish company RelaxU which is organizing the trips, told AFP."
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Comcast Hockey Over Internet
I heard I could watch hockey games over the internet with a comcast.net subscription. I learned they broadcast only one selected game each night. I contacted support to find a game I was interested in watching, and support was not very helpful and installed an unwanted toolbar in the web browser. I still haven't seen a game through the internet, so I don't know the viewing quality. Here are the two transcripts from support:
Curtis(Mon Nov 21 22:24:22 MST 2005)>
Thank you for contacting Comcast, my name is Curtis,
may I ask who I am speaking with and how I may assist
you?
(Mon Nov 21 20:24:50 MST 2005)>
How do i watch colorado avalance hockey through your
web site? do you have a link for me
Curtis(Mon Nov 21 22:25:28 MST 2005)>
In order to view the online NHL games,, you will
need to log on to www.comcast.net with your username
and password. Are you able to log on to the Comcast
webpage at this time?
(Mon Nov 21 20:26:19 MST 2005)>
yes i did log on. i cant find the link. do you have
link for me? thank you.
Curtis(Mon Nov 21 22:28:31 MST 2005)>
Yes,. What I can do for you, is send you a link
to the Comcast webpage that will allow you to verify
that you have the minimum system requirements in order
to view the NHL games online. As well, once you have
logged on, you will be able to view the NHL games
using Flash Player for Internet Explorer. Would you
like me to send you that link?
(Mon Nov 21 20:29:09 MST 2005)>
Please.
Curtis(Mon Nov 21 22:29:17 MST 2005)>
Alright, the link is:
http://www.comcast.net/help/faq/index.jsp?faq=Comcast_net_SiteHockey_Live18354
(Mon Nov 21 20:30:39 MST 2005)>
OK, that is the FAQ. How can I find the link to watch
the game?
(Mon Nov 21 20:35:22 MST 2005)>
hello?
============================================================
chat id : 6ced72ee-990f-40ff-8551-f23c81b62750
Problem : Comcast.net Site/Content not displayed
properly/Internet Explorer
Paul > Hello! Thank you for contacting Comcast, my
name is Paul, how may I help you today?
> Was talking to Curtis and he hung up on me.
Am looking for colorado avalance game at
http://www.comcast.net/sports/nhl/hockeylive/schedule/.
I dont see it. How do I watch it? Thank you.
Paul > I can provide what information we have
available regarding the sports game. Am I speaking
with this evening?
> Yes.
Paul > Great, thank you. The game you are wishing to
view is not listed in the line up here, correct?
> I dont see it at the link I provided.
Paul > Okay, what is the time and date of the specific
game you wish to view?
> I wanted to watch the avalanche hockey
tonight, if you provide it for me.
> The game is playing right now.
> 21 - Mon - 7:00 Calgary Home Pepsi Center
Paul > Okay, if you are not able to view it, we may
not be broadcasting that game online. You may be able
to refer to your television service to view that game.
> Oh. So you only show one or two games, not
every game? (also, i dont have tv, just your
internet.)
Paul > It does seem according to this lineup that only
one game is available online at a time, the current
service is being used for another game on this date.
> Okay. Next question - when I started chatting
with Curtis a yahoo toolbar was installed. Can you
help me get rid of it?
Paul > Unfortunately that software would be supported
by Yahoo directly. I can however provide information
on general ways to uninstall toolbars. Usually this
can be done by going to the Control Panel and to
Add/Remove Programs. The Yahoo Toolbar should be
listed there. You can also find plugins used by
Internet Explorer by going to Tools, then to Internet
Options, and then to the Programs Tab. there will be a
button called Manage Addons.
> This was installed when I started the chat
session with you guys... I guess I will figure out
how to remove it.
Paul > It was likely installed along with the Flash
plugin.
Paul > Customer has closed chat and left the room
Paul > Did you have any additional questions for me
today?
Paul > Thank you for contacting Comcast and have a
great evening.
Curtis(Mon Nov 21 22:24:22 MST 2005)>
Thank you for contacting Comcast, my name is Curtis,
may I ask who I am speaking with and how I may assist
you?
How do i watch colorado avalance hockey through your
web site? do you have a link for me
Curtis(Mon Nov 21 22:25:28 MST 2005)>
In order to view the online NHL games,
need to log on to www.comcast.net with your username
and password. Are you able to log on to the Comcast
webpage at this time?
yes i did log on. i cant find the link. do you have
link for me? thank you.
Curtis(Mon Nov 21 22:28:31 MST 2005)>
Yes,
to the Comcast webpage that will allow you to verify
that you have the minimum system requirements in order
to view the NHL games online. As well, once you have
logged on, you will be able to view the NHL games
using Flash Player for Internet Explorer. Would you
like me to send you that link?
Please.
Curtis(Mon Nov 21 22:29:17 MST 2005)>
Alright, the link is:
http://www.comcast.net/help/faq/index.jsp?faq=Comcast_net_SiteHockey_Live18354
OK, that is the FAQ. How can I find the link to watch
the game?
hello?
============================================================
chat id : 6ced72ee-990f-40ff-8551-f23c81b62750
Problem : Comcast.net Site/Content not displayed
properly/Internet Explorer
Paul > Hello! Thank you for contacting Comcast, my
name is Paul, how may I help you today?
Am looking for colorado avalance game at
http://www.comcast.net/sports/nhl/hockeylive/schedule/.
I dont see it. How do I watch it? Thank you.
Paul > I can provide what information we have
available regarding the sports game. Am I speaking
with
Paul > Great, thank you. The game you are wishing to
view is not listed in the line up here, correct?
Paul > Okay, what is the time and date of the specific
game you wish to view?
tonight, if you provide it for me.
Paul > Okay, if you are not able to view it, we may
not be broadcasting that game online. You may be able
to refer to your television service to view that game.
every game? (also, i dont have tv, just your
internet.)
Paul > It does seem according to this lineup that only
one game is available online at a time, the current
service is being used for another game on this date.
with Curtis a yahoo toolbar was installed. Can you
help me get rid of it?
Paul > Unfortunately that software would be supported
by Yahoo directly. I can however provide information
on general ways to uninstall toolbars. Usually this
can be done by going to the Control Panel and to
Add/Remove Programs. The Yahoo Toolbar should be
listed there. You can also find plugins used by
Internet Explorer by going to Tools, then to Internet
Options, and then to the Programs Tab. there will be a
button called Manage Addons.
session with you guys... I guess I will figure out
how to remove it.
Paul > It was likely installed along with the Flash
plugin.
Paul > Customer has closed chat and left the room
Paul > Did you have any additional questions for me
today?
Paul > Thank you for contacting Comcast and have a
great evening.
Monday, November 21, 2005
TV On The Net
It is nice that TV is moving to web broadcasts. NBC nightly news can be seen on the net, with delay.
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Passport With RFID Chip
US Passports are still being renewed without the radio chip in the cover and digitized picture data. Get your passports renewed now and they are good for a decade. It takes a couple weeks and $67.
SSN/Tax Payer ID is not needed for a US Passport.
SSN/Tax Payer ID is not needed for a US Passport.
Redwood Rejected
This is much of the old (original?) redwood from the deck. Cut, bundled, and $20 wasn't enough for the Waste Management guy to take it. I thought he would take it for $20, and I had my gloves on and was ready to help load it.
My neighbor offered to take it to the dump. Dump fee was $30. Now that it is gone I can continue to clean out junk so we can park both cars inside the garage.
Second Only To
From the link in the title, "Audible’s Wordcast podcasting platform will play on the Apple iPod and 160 other devices in Audible’s .AA file format, which the company said is the most widely playable file format on portable devices, second only to MP3."
- most widely playable
- second only to
How is something that is the "most" also the "second"?
- most widely playable
- second only to
How is something that is the "most" also the "second"?
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Phone Lines and Energy Pipes
In the US in the 1990s, phone lines had regulations that allowed competitive phone companies to use the lines from the incumbent service provider. The incumbent provider (owner of the copper) was paid a monthly fee for use of the copper. (This regulation has recently been restructured.) The competitive phone provide would provide new service packages and often cheaper service to the consumer.
In Canada, the natural gas pipes to homes are owned by the pipe infrastructure provider. Users can contract with any gas provider to provide gas through the pipe, which is measured at the residence. The user pays a pipe transmission fee along with the gas usage fee. The gas provider can provide different plans, such as locking in a gas rate before price rises in the winter.
In the US, a regulated utility provides the gas along with the pipe. Allowing other companies to rent the transmission pipe from the incumbent provider would allow other companies to provide choice to the consumer. This would lead to more innovative pricing (such as price hedging).
In Canada, the natural gas pipes to homes are owned by the pipe infrastructure provider. Users can contract with any gas provider to provide gas through the pipe, which is measured at the residence. The user pays a pipe transmission fee along with the gas usage fee. The gas provider can provide different plans, such as locking in a gas rate before price rises in the winter.
In the US, a regulated utility provides the gas along with the pipe. Allowing other companies to rent the transmission pipe from the incumbent provider would allow other companies to provide choice to the consumer. This would lead to more innovative pricing (such as price hedging).
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Boogie Woogie
Boogie Woogie and Steve Dore have a few songs available on their web site for download and listening.
SILVER SOLUTION
CONTEMPORARY SOLUTION
GOLDEN EAGLES
HISTORY REPEATS AGAIN
HOLE IN THE WALL
Check them out.
SILVER SOLUTION
CONTEMPORARY SOLUTION
GOLDEN EAGLES
HISTORY REPEATS AGAIN
HOLE IN THE WALL
Check them out.
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Sonic Device
The cruise ship that should not have been too close to Somalia and was attacked by pirates apparently had a sonic defense. Maybe the captain was emboldened by his defense and his over-confidence led him to sail too close to a dangerous country.
Sunday, November 06, 2005
Long Distance Non-Line-Of-Site Networking
Navini networks has some wimax deployed in the field. A base station near an internet connection pointed at the remote wimax modem can provide a connection. Craft a reflecting antenna around the back side to direct the beam. Navinia sells the base station with either omni or sectional antenna. The sectional antenna base station should peform better.
The Junxion Box takes a PC Card and shares the connection via Ethernet or wifi. This is useful with Verizon BroadbandAccess wireless data service, and could be used to back up the primary connection.
Lumin makes a portable wifi repeater with solar cell and battery. This could be a nice package to squat on a ridgeline that has line of site between the source and destination. A backup link such as IDSL or Verizon wireless broadband would be useful as a fall back.
FCC and FAA allow towers up to 200 feet without paperwork and a flashing red light. If this could provide line of sight, then it might even be possible to sell tower space to a wifi provider or Verizon. Remember to ground the tower and consider wind loading and power supply.
Speakeasy can provide DSL, IDSL for those further away from the CO, and T1. Speakeasy has a reputation for good reliability and low ping times. They provide quotes via email by submitting a service address and service phone number.
IDSL is usually more expensive than ordinary DSL and bandwidth is about 130K. With a bandwidth shaper, this could be used for interactive command line work or as a backup link.
Bandwidth prioritization can make a small pipe feel more snappy.
Hawking sells an inexpensive appliance named Broadband Booster that can provide traffic prioritization, though it is not very configurable. This would be useful if running VOIP in a home office. You can also roll your own with an old PC, linux, and bandwidth shaping software. More expensive enterprise class products are available.
For power outages, install a large UPS with a generator or solar cells. Or get a tiny (10 miunte capacity) UPS with a whole house generator. A 10kW Cummins Onan generator (natural gas or propane) with automatic transfer switch is nearly $5000 (including shipping, plus installation).
This wind turbine looks interesting, if you have large UPSs for times when there is less wind.
The Junxion Box takes a PC Card and shares the connection via Ethernet or wifi. This is useful with Verizon BroadbandAccess wireless data service, and could be used to back up the primary connection.
Lumin makes a portable wifi repeater with solar cell and battery. This could be a nice package to squat on a ridgeline that has line of site between the source and destination. A backup link such as IDSL or Verizon wireless broadband would be useful as a fall back.
FCC and FAA allow towers up to 200 feet without paperwork and a flashing red light. If this could provide line of sight, then it might even be possible to sell tower space to a wifi provider or Verizon. Remember to ground the tower and consider wind loading and power supply.
Speakeasy can provide DSL, IDSL for those further away from the CO, and T1. Speakeasy has a reputation for good reliability and low ping times. They provide quotes via email by submitting a service address and service phone number.
IDSL is usually more expensive than ordinary DSL and bandwidth is about 130K. With a bandwidth shaper, this could be used for interactive command line work or as a backup link.
Bandwidth prioritization can make a small pipe feel more snappy.
Hawking sells an inexpensive appliance named Broadband Booster that can provide traffic prioritization, though it is not very configurable. This would be useful if running VOIP in a home office. You can also roll your own with an old PC, linux, and bandwidth shaping software. More expensive enterprise class products are available.
For power outages, install a large UPS with a generator or solar cells. Or get a tiny (10 miunte capacity) UPS with a whole house generator. A 10kW Cummins Onan generator (natural gas or propane) with automatic transfer switch is nearly $5000 (including shipping, plus installation).
This wind turbine looks interesting, if you have large UPSs for times when there is less wind.
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Comcast Outage, Again
Comcast internet was out again today for a few hours. I spoke with Frank and he said that a one day credit is issued if the service is out for 24 hours. The hours don't accumulate over the month.
When it works it works and when it don't it don't. Maybe it is time to go to DSL and a provider like speakeasy.net. Last time I checked the copper here was only good for IDSL.
When it works it works and when it don't it don't. Maybe it is time to go to DSL and a provider like speakeasy.net. Last time I checked the copper here was only good for IDSL.
Soviet-Era Compound
NEW YORK (AP) -- The CIA has been hiding and interrogating some of its most important al Qaeda captives at a Soviet-era compound in Eastern Europe, according to U.S. and foreign officials familiar with the arrangement, the Washington Post reported. The secret facility is part of a covert prison system set up by the CIA nearly four years ago that at various times has included sites in eight countries...
Friday, October 28, 2005
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Hair Root Mind Control
For the past few days I have had what feels like an ear ache. It is somehow attached to a patch of hair on my scalp so that when my hairs move it causes pain in one area of my scalp. This is annoying and ibuprofen doesn't relieve the pain. Maybe a seed dropped on my head and sprouted roots down to my ear.
Maybe this is mind control from someone pushing electro forces into my ear. From sfgate.com (click title link for full article).
Indeed, a small defense contractor in Texas, Invocon Inc., is exploring whether precisely tuned electromagnetic pulses could be safely fired into people's ears to temporarily subdue them.
But NTT researchers say they were able to make a person walk along a route in the shape of a giant pretzel using this technique.
This may explain why I bought a box of pretzels last week.
Maybe this is mind control from someone pushing electro forces into my ear. From sfgate.com (click title link for full article).
Indeed, a small defense contractor in Texas, Invocon Inc., is exploring whether precisely tuned electromagnetic pulses could be safely fired into people's ears to temporarily subdue them.
But NTT researchers say they were able to make a person walk along a route in the shape of a giant pretzel using this technique.
This may explain why I bought a box of pretzels last week.
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Thursday, July 28, 2005
GhettoCooler
Cool water runs through tubing taking heat out of the room. This helps cool the room that takes the afternoon sun. As the guy who makes furniture from FedEx boxes says, "It's OK to be ghetto."
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