[CGUYS] Antbody else have a problem
I lost some of the tags (album art only) associated information on about 600+ CDs on the 01-01-2011 turnover. It's easily rconstituted but it's a PITA. This is XP Pro SP3 and WMP 11. Anyone have any idea why? Is this in a table that didn't reset? *** ** THIS LIST HAS MOVED TO YAHOO** ** PLEASE JOIN THE DISCUSSION THERE ** ** Info at http://www.cguys.org/ ** ***
Re: [CGUYS] Antbody else have a problem
Y2K strikes a bit late? I don't think so, I think it's tempting to conclude that but it's like all the graphical metadata was stripped off of the trailing bits of the files. If I select a file and hit update it's all there but I think it's just going out there and getting it back. All of the track names and timing information are still there without doing that. I can't explain it yet. I can only experiment, I'd like to recover all of it without doing it manually though. I'm inclined to think that it's a bug in WMP 11, that's why I asked if anyone else is seeing it. I will be able to fix it but for right now it's a PITA If there were a global refresh option in WMP 11 that would be ideal, still looking for that. *** ** THIS LIST HAS MOVED TO YAHOO** ** PLEASE JOIN THE DISCUSSION THERE ** ** Info at http://www.cguys.org/ ** ***
Re: [CGUYS] Fwd: Re: [dcpilots] Re: Chart availability
I love my iPad and I love showing it off. Well, that's honest. I certainly take pride of ownership in some things I have, but unfortunately they aren't things that make even a blip on popular culture's radar. And I won't even speak of value here. Whatever floats your boat, as they say. *** ** THIS LIST HAS MOVED TO YAHOO** ** PLEASE JOIN THE DISCUSSION THERE ** ** Info at http://www.cguys.org/ ** ***
Re: [CGUYS] Missing/delayed posts [Was: illegal search warrant?]
I sent this Saturday evening, and it's just now showed up. Some other emails seem to have never made it to the list at all. It seems to be an inconsistent delay. I'll usually see them all eventually, but it's disconcerting to see replies quoted to a post that's a reply to a post I made! And then I don't see the original reply until a day later. Luckily I've been watching Dr Who for years, so I can deal with this. But this is definitely unusual, normally this list is pretty snappy and close to real time for everyone. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] illegal search warrant?
Generally, people who live in NoVa don't consider themselves residents of Virginia and feel shamed when reminded. Is that the general or the particular? Don't consider themselves residents of Virginia? Well, Richmond doesn't think so. Don't be ashamed of being a Virginian, Tom, here's a nice warm bowl of grits and some frizzled ham for you, along with some Jeffersonian democracy. :-) * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] illegal search warrant?
And the Governor of Virginia seys... Don't get all bent out of shape, BHO was all for drilling until the shit hit the fan. There are quite a few conservatives that are, actually, pretty conservative WRT this. And were from the start. That's why Sarah Palin wasn't acceptable to us. I speak for no one but myself, but luckily in America you get to vote. And I'm not exactly wild about any of these self-serving politicos, I have to tell you that. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] illegal search warrant?
I do. Wanna see my collection of assault weapons and cruise missiles? Seen 'em, thanks. But you do realize that contrary to your statement what you suggest IS legal where you live. http://vaguninfo.com/pages/opencarry.htm The fact that most people don't do it has nothing to do with whether it's legal or not, in the Commonwealth, which it is. But practically speaking, people don't usually do it. It's legal for employers to forbid weapons on company property, etc. It's a complex equation. I COULD walk into a mall in Arlington with an M1911A1 on my hip, legally. Or into a convenience store in Galax. But I'd only do it to make a point. That is to prove you know nothing about gun law :-). Frankly, would you want to tote 3 pounds of steel around to make a point? I didn't think so. Reasonable people make reasonable choices. Not unreasonable statements of quasi-misunderstood fact. But you have the Commonwealth's permission to wear unregistered iron (openly) anywhere you like inside its boundaries. Somehow I think the criminals there have been apprised of this. You can also get a concealed carry permit without too much hoop jumping but you'll have to prove you know the laws, aren't a criminal, and aren't insane. Apologies, but this falls within technology and law. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] FYI: News Alert: Court Rules Against F.C.C. in 'Net Neutrality' Case
It is not a perfect world, in any sense of the way. There's an opinion piece in today's Post br Robert McDowell, who is an FCC commissioner. It is noteworthy that he was reappointed in June of last year, and was the first Republican to be so appointed to an independent agency by BHO. Unanimously confirmed by the Senate. Here's what he thinks: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/08/AR2010040803375.html * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] FYI: News Alert: Court Rules Against F.C.C. in 'Net Neutrality' Case
The Bushies reclassified them so they could more easily escape justice. Actually Clinton signed the 1996 Act. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telecommunications_Act_of_1996 Read the paragraph under the Title VII bullet that begins: The Act makes a significant distinction ... That should clarify any confusion (yeah, rght), * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] FYI: News Alert: Court Rules Against F.C.C. in 'Net Neutrality' Case
I heard the tail end of this story on Market Place this afternoon. Then they said that Comcast's stock went *down*. What's up with that? It comes down to is an information service, as broadband is currently classified, regulable as a telecommunications service, which is the FCC's mandate. If it isn't, net neutrality gets a hit because the high volume users hog the available bandwidth, which is Comcast's point. But that's moot if the network has clearly specified speed limits in its pricing model. What is happening here is that cable uses a shared bandwith model that favors high usage users at the expense of low usage users. Sort of a tragedy of the commons, in effect. The cable operations want the ability to impose caps in software. The phone companies all ready have caps built in. If Betty decides she wants to run flat out, 24/7/365 at maximum rate, that's OK if she gets it from a phone company. That's what she's paying for. Cool, right? No. Uncool if she's getting service from a cable company, because every byte she transfers is a byte that is not available to the other folks on that service. Which sort of sucks and is why cable companies oppose net neutrality. Now, I don't know where this case is going to go. Likely to the Supreme Court. But the fact of the matter is that the cable and telephone companies built these networks and shouldn't be penalized for charging what the traffic will bear. I guarantee that that will be an unpopular statement. But that is what it is. I'd prefer to be regulated in the telecommunications space, frankly, rather than the information provider space. I'm familiar with that and can understand it. If that turns out to be the case, and it would overturn this ruling, I can deal with it and live with it. But I always approached this from a utility standpoint and not a wild west shootout perspective. The unintended consequences of the OK Corral approach to regulation are what led to the current state of affairs. Anyway, I suspect this view would not exactly be popular on my side of the fence, so as usual, I speak only for myself and not for my company. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Looking for a reasonably priced Hi Speed internet service in Northern Virginia area
Verizon DSL is 3mbps for $30 a month. If you're within range, that is. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] My download speed
On the downlink. On the uplink the speed is typically 1/10 of that as the providers have found yet another excuse for charging their customers extra if they want symmetric service. Not really. Most of the traffic is server to client, not vice-versa. It's a well accepted transport architecture. France Telecom/Orange is widely regarded as being one of the highest market penetration providers in Europe, yet they are mostly ADSL. Asymmetric, in other words, not SDSL. http://www.orange.com/en_EN/group/ If I want to do server to server, symmetric makes sense. I have a product line for that, at any speed you like. But if I know from experience that upstream is a creek and downstream is a river, normal in a client/server model, why would I build out what I know from traffic analysis is going to be unused capacity? I mean, it's easy to say that bandwidth is cheap, but not if you're in the business of building the infrastructure. http://news.cnet.com/8301-30686_3-20001377-266.html So, some ups and some downs. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] My download speed
Betty and Stewart will be waiting for Pedro, Jorge, and their amigos to come along and dig up their neighborhoods. Cheap shot. Well below your usual standard, Reid. Many don't actually buy it, in fact, even if it's available. If you're saying I'm using cheap contractors for the buildout, prove it. My union members would love to hear about it. You can contact the union at: http://www.cwa2336.org/ Where I was a steward for 15 years. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] My download speed
Wow! Not out-sourcing the grunt work? I'm impressed. Actually I am, I just was a little POed at Reid's statement. But eveybody has to have papers. The fact is we've fired contractors in the past for being undocumented. Face it, the average VZ union employee is very extremely well paid for professional services. That would include the guy/gal who actually does the hookup. Sorry, Reid, I just objected to the tone, I guess. Or maybe I'm hypersensitive on this issue. No harm intended. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Broadband Speeds Map
For those who say that USA has rotten broadband speeds because we have such low population density, why is Canada ahead of US? A variety of reasons. The real question is how you define broadband. The speeds on the map are somewhat misleading. The FCC says that anything over 768 kBPS qualifies as broadband. Nothing in that says anything about symmetric or asymmetic (and they are setting the bar too low). Taking the broad, statistically flawed numbers on that map as gospel would lead me to the conclusion that the USA is faster on average than France. That's not true in my experience comparing DC to Paris, for example. The assumption seems to be that the few with true broadband access of 10 mbps to 1 gbps, when averaged with the many with only dialup, equals some kind of magic number. That's small comfort to the many. In my business, we're chasing LAN speed targets. Forget that 768K. It's so last week. Actually, I was surprised the US did so well, even though I know that the map was FUBAR. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Broadband Speeds Map
So things in the USA are really much worse than the map would indicate. You are not making us feel better. Farthest thing from my mind (to not make you feel better). I'm saying that the data used to create that map is insufficiently granular, that's all. I wouldn't be privy to the methodology that was used, but I can tell you for a certain fact that it was likely based on slippery terms. It's great for making a point, but it isn't a true reflection of the current state of affairs as I know them. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] iPad's in cars
I agree. We all have to stop living in the past. No kidding. We can anticipate the iJack shortly. Absolutely painless. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] My download speed
Don't know if this is good or bad. Advice, please. 10 mbps is basic LAN speed. That's broadband in my book. If that's what you're paying for that's what you should be getting. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] A Multigenerational Look at the iPad
Yes but it still sucks, * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] This is worth a look
WHY DO I GET THE FEELING I'M ONLY SEEING HALF OF THIS CONVERSATION? Anyway, French is a perfectly civilized and reasonable language. The fact that I don't speak it very well is beside the point, my post was strictly tongue in cheek, intended to describe an idealized telecom utopia. No significance beyond that. I'm sorry if I got anyone's ups in a ballroar. :-) - Original Message - From: Stewart Marshall revsamarsh...@earthlink.net To: COMPUTERGUYS-L@LISTSERV.AOL.COM Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2010 2:33 PM Subject: Re: [CGUYS] This is worth a look Warum? Stewart At 01:27 PM 2/23/2010, you wrote: On Feb 23, 2010, at 10:59 AM, Fred Holmes wrote: Q'est-ce que c'est? ?? WHY DON'T YOU SPEAK ENGLISH LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE! * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] This is worth a look
Oui, exactemont mon point. - Original Message - From: John Settle john_j_set...@yahoo.com To: COMPUTERGUYS-L@LISTSERV.AOL.COM Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2010 5:46 PM Subject: Re: [CGUYS] This is worth a look On 2/23/2010 9:21 AM, tjpa wrote: On Feb 22, 2010, at 6:45 PM, Eric S. Sande wrote: Everybody would be required to learn Chinese and French. We plan to export this. Why French? Il a eu l'intention de dire qu'aussi longtemps que nous allons être taxés comme les Français, nous pourrions aussi parler comme eux. Mais qui? -- Sous le ciel tout étoilé John Settle Personal Webpage: Urban Astro Images http://home.comcast.net/%7Ejjs-cts/ * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] This is worth a look
Not trying to put you on the spot. But this is well worth reading, you probably all ready know about all of it. FM-1 is probably the best management text I ever read, * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] FCC head calls for broadband availability
Does it really make any sense at all for there to be several mostly identical broadband networks anywhere when all that's needed is one good one? Well, typically and ILEC (incumbent local exchange carrier, e, g. ATT, Qwest, VZ, Frontier, Alltel, CenturyLink, etc.) is only going to build out in its own footprint. That would be areas where the ILEC all ready owns the switched landline network (and the mostly fiber interswitch network). You only see duplication in the case of cable, which overlays everyone's territory, but that's a mostly copper coax network that uses a different service delivery model. There are differences in how individual ILECS implement the fiber distribution network. ATT Uverse is based on a FTTC (fiber to the curb) model, which distributes the fiber to curb-level nodes, which then use existing copper lines for the final mile to the home or business. VZ uses a FTTP (fiber to the premise) model, which requires an individual ONT (optical network terminal) at each served location. This is more expensive initially, but offers greater bandwidth. I'm not sure what Qwest's delivery model is. Anyway, there's little duplication for a given terrritory, except in the case of faciities based CLECs (competitive local exchange carriers). These can be colocators, i. e. they lease CO floor space in an ILEC's CO, but own their own switches and fiber. In that case there is duplication, but not to a significant extent. Or, they can have their own POP (point of presence) in a wholly owned or leased structure separate from the ILEC. When Southwestern Bell bought ATT (and promptly renamed itself ATT) the ATT long distance POPs were all ready colocated in SW Bell COs. When VZ bought MCI, the MCI long distance. POPs were largely in separate structures, due to the historical nature of the Bell System. When VZ bought GTE (GTE was never part of the Bell System), we also bought their ILEC territories. No duplication in most cases. It's a bit more complicated than that when you parse it down to the individual acquistion/resale level, and trust me you don't want me to discuss the leasing let alone the wireless situation. But the net result across the USA has been a fairly low level of network duplication. In sum, the Bell System has been reintegrating since divestiture. If this is clear at all, please let me know. Even I find it hard to keep track of who's on first :-). * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] This is worth a look
We seem doomed unless we can get a benevolent dictator. Be careful what you wish for. I know what I'd do. But it would be likely to piss off a lot of really powerful people and antagonize a lot more. I'd nationalize telecom and reconstitute the Bell System. Then I'd mandate standards across the board for 100 mbps for everyone regardless of where they are in the USA. Top managers would get 10x the top union wage, no more. And everybody in the system would get lifetime job guarantees and healthcare. We'd call it the Civilian Communications Corps. We'd mandate that it could only make a 5% ROI and that it would pay a guaranteed 3% of that in dividends. Any infrastructure costs would be paid by specially imposed government mandated taxes. All children of employees would be guaranteed an Ivy League education at no charge. Everybody would be required to learn Chinese and French. We plan to export this. :-) * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] FCC head calls for broadband availability
The Interstate Highway System is pegged at $425 billion in 2006 dollars. So you are saying the unrolling fiber costs almost as much as building a 6 lane national highway system? Basically yes. If you want a chicken in every pot. Every local switch and tandem switch has to be equipped. Every mile has to be rebuilt. If you want to touch every hutch and demesne in the land. It might be twice my estimate. Have a good day. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
[CGUYS] This is worth a look
http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Our-National-Broadband-Plan-Is-A-Bland-Boring-Mess-106979 * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] FCC head calls for broadband availability
Then you must not be a REAL conservative. No, well, I guess not. All I want to do is build something that's better than what my forebears built, which was intrinsically good anyway. When you stand on the shoulders of giants, it is easier to reach the sky, or words to that effect. To build a thing for the greater good, whether it is a work of art or of technology, is of great significance. There would be no human progress without visionaries and the grunts that make the visions possible. This is serious business, when people entrust you with their money and hopes you bear an obligation. I'm not in it for the money. Although it's good, I could make more elsewhere. I'm in it for the vision. I think most people are as well. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] FCC head calls for broadband availability
I love you Eric, you naive son of a gun! :p Don't kiss me now, mike, just be glad your freaking phone works. :-) * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] FCC head calls for broadband availability
Regulators like the SEC will never stop a Bernie Madoff. It's like expecting the police to intercept the burglar before he enters your home. Doesn't happen very often. Problem is that the SEC had all ready been tipped off that the guy was a crook. Big time. And they didn't act on the information. That sort of reduces one's confidence in the government. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] FCC head calls for broadband availability
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/23/Tranquility-node3.JPG NASA is learning the ropes ...they just installed an observation deck ...stargazing platform for well heeled space tourists?? Not exactly. It was in the plans from the beginning. The cupola is the part covered by the white shroud in this pic. It allows the astronauts (or cosmonauts) an observation point to directly visualize remote operations without EVA. Too bad we got too distracted with political BS to keep rolling on this project. Now we have only built the Russians a very nice spaceport and will shortly be relying on their taxi service to get to it. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] FCC head calls for broadband availability
Extrapolate for a national network. OK, for a FiOS level network that can be leveraged as technology improves with a 15-20 year time horizon, probably at least $300B. Based on our best projections we're going to spend at least $35B in our footprint, which is basically now the East coast corridor and parts of TX, CA, and FL. We also figure that going for a Mercedes-level system would pay off in the long term. Our competitors are going to face similar costs, but they chose to go with lesser technologies. One problem is take rate vs pass rate (pass rate is how many subscibers have it available, take rate is how many of those actually buy the product). The take/pass ratio is critical. You want it to be 100%, but experience shows that it isn't. The report previously cited bears that out. To put it in Tom terms, there are a boatload of people who can buy iPhones but who don't for various reasons. Mainly cost considerations. My challenge is to make the product so appealing to the passed that they will become takes. And tilt the ratio toward eventual profitability. That part isn't exactly my department, but that's the general strategy. My optical network is a high-end state of the art product. If you are happy with hamburger, why would you buy filet mignon, if you were lucky to get the hamburger? But if I can give you filet mignon at only slightly more than hamburger prices, you'd be more likely to buy it. Obviously I never took a marketing course. I didn't take an analogy course either, clearly. What seems desirable to technocrats, on a purely theoretical level, isn't immediately obvious to the politicians or their constituencies. I have some connections out in the heartland. They are all ready stretched financially and pissed off at the government. And Wall Street in general. And people have also always hated The Phone Company. So I'm number three on the hit list of a LOT of people. A few posts ago you attributed erosion of liberty with the actions of unregulated corporations. May be that's true. But I'm the most regulated corporation in American history, with the possible exception of liquor companies. The have even been MOVIES that presented me as the villian. The only worse fate would have been to be an Arab-American after 9/11. So it's an uphill fight to do what's best. What do you do if you build a baseball field and they DON'T come? From my POV you build it anyway. It's the sensible thing to do. It's the capitalist thing to do. Corporations live quarter to quarter, capitalists invest for the future. I never expected a dime from the government, anyway. The elected members turn over faster than pancakes in an IHOP, they can't work together effectively, and that is good and built into our system of government. It delays tyranny, which was the intent. Anyway, I have my problems and everyone else has theirs. Sorry to take up your time if you bothered to read this far. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] FCC head calls for broadband availability
I wonder why it's not like that here. Oh, right, no national broadband policy with conservatives fighting against it at every turn--for no good reason, just to be against something. I'm wondering who these hypothetical conservatives are that seem to be the demons in this passion play. You know I'm conservative, but more often than not I agree with you. You should know that I'm a capitalist and a technocrat, but it seems that you cast the argument in terms of why something should be done rather than the nitty-gritty issues of why it is difficut to do it. I can explain until my face turns blue what it actually takes, from as technical and financial standpoints as you like, the requirements to achieve the objective. That's what I do for a living, achieve objectives. So what is the objective? Universal brodband in the USA. I 100% agree with you on this. That is the desiderata. But how does one achieve this, and what constitutes broadband. How do you define it? Is it 3 mbps? Is it 100 mbps? Is it 1 gbps? Look at the report that was posted earlier. Is it anything better than dialup? I can roughly tell you how much it would cost to do any of this if you give me something to go on. Betty, believe it or not I'm an expert at doing this. I'm not political. I'm maybe not even a Republican. I'm just trying to inject some sense here. You can wave the flags of other nations like an expert, but nowhere have you defined the network in clear and practical terms. Smarter people than me and you wrestle with this, but only I am actually building out. Because I'm a good soldier and I was given a clear order to do it. Make it so. Yes there are challenges and difficulties. But the bottom line is that I'm doing it, with private capital, and I'm doing it as fast as I can. Because that is the future. You want it now, that's understandable. But what is it that you actually want. Read the report. Remember that the government hasn't specified any standards on this. To be absolutely truthful I'm making the standards up as I go along. Yes they are technically excellent. If it makes you uncomfortable that a corporation can set a standard in the marketplace if ideas, without a government interfering, then just say so. I sell what I have to sell. Everything that comes out of the government on this so far has been hot air and wishful thinking. I sell product. I tell you what it is, I tell you if it is available, and I give you a price. I give you a choice. That's about it for now. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] FCC head calls for broadband availability
So, do you think it will take similar action to get broadband out to everyone? Did the early telephone service providers similarly want to only serve areas where they could maximize profits, thereby causing government to mandate service for everyone? My guess is probably so. I agree. It goes in technology driven cycles. I've been in telecom long enough to have seen the Bell system divested, broken apart and recoalesce. Where there were 7 RBOCs there are now 3, and all of them compete with each other outside of their core territories. All of them are selling off the less profitable elements of their operations, because there is no regulated mandate for universal service in the same sense as the Bell System. Yes, prices are much lower in high density areas, but at the cost of rural areas no longer even worth serving in a broadband sense. The margins aren't there. I CAN provide Betty with a gigabit connection, but not at a price she'd accept. Not without a way of covering my costs in terms of provisioning and maintenance. In a universal service model , as a still heavily regulated telecom, I CAN'T cream skim in terms of basic service. But I CAN, and have to, in the broadband arena. Because after deregulation, that's exactly what my competitors are doing. The present regulatory environment militates against universal service, or at least universal broadband service. The way it's headed now, at least in my opinion, is in the opposite direction of the Kingsbury Commitment. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingsbury_Commitment That was intended to avoid nationalization, which happened anyway in WWI. The FCC itself was set up the regulate Ma Bell, in 1934. Well, the brakes got taken off that train in 1984. That was before the technologies to actually impelement broadband became widespread and available off the shelf. I was in favor of Genachowski as chairman of the FCC. But that is where the regulation authority resides. So now we're at the start of a new cycle, or at least we're in a position to rethink what amounts to a series of sometimes bad decisions over more than a century. Hope this helps or at least provides food for thought. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] FCC head calls for broadband availability
We could easily legislate that ISPs provide physical service to everyone in their geographical area at reasonable rates. Easily? Not actually. You have to take into account that dereg has been around for 26 years, just about the same time I've been in the business. Here's a typical scenario, and this happens very frequently. By regulation, I have to give up the network elements (network elements are the CO space, the wires to the customer, and the phone number itself) to a competitive local exchange carrier at wholesale rates if the customer requests it. There's enough margin between the regulated wholesale rate and my retail rate that the CLEC can sell it to the customer at a discount. But here's the kicker. They don't have trucks and techs and network engineers. All they have is a billing system. So they order it from me, I build it, and then they take it over. So I'm basically doing the work for a one-time charge, also regulated. That's a net loss for me, but the law says I have to do it. I get no compensation for that. In fact, we probably have to sell the maintenance piece to them at wholesale rates as well. Hooray deregulation. Everybody gets to play at my expense. What would persuade me that it's even remotely profitable to play on that field. You're right, jack all. Where can I actually, maybe make money? By building a network that's not subject to those regulations, a broadband network. And by getting rid of the playing fields where I don't have a chance of competing. That basically tends to lead to no rural broadband. Change the rules, the telcos will change their strategies. Right now, we're running on Reagan rules. Deregulation is great but I can tell you for a fact that people suffer. I mean Betty and everybody like her. I mean I'm like the Golden Goose, I know how to lay the goddam eggs. I mean I have the technology right freaking here. I have the people, the databases, and all of it ready to go. But in order to get the gold you have to feed the goose. I'm France Telecom or Deutsche Telekom without France or Deutschland on my side. I'm freaking BELL. You want to rescue Chrysler and the banks. I never took a dime. Y'all hit me and hit me and never take me to dinner. :-) So I'm whining. But don't get too down about that. I'm going to do what I have to do to survive. If that means cutting off Ma and Pa Kettle, so be it. I don't want to do that. My people built this network and we'll build a better one if you give us a chance. And that's a promise. We've got a good start on this and we're going to keep rolling even without help. We may end up bankrupt, but we are ready to invest our capital and take our chances. Just for God's sake change the regulations. I'd be happy to be nationalized right about now, have you seen my stock lately? Needless to say nothing here reflects the opinions of my employer. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Gigabit Broadband To Your House?
I guess the hope is that this will get incumbent providers off their rears. If you pay for it I will build it. I can all ready do what they are describing, and do. For the paying customers. I'm disinclined to bankrupt myself under any circumstances. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Gigabit Broadband To Your House?
Only if you have the infrastructure. Actually my model is to build it on demand, in the gigabit arena. In other words build to order. I can't do it any other way. It's not inexpensive. FiOs alone is a hugh investment. But we feel it's worthwhile in high density areas. If you want gigabit speeds elsewhere, you'll pay the construction costs. Yes I can do it. But I can't afford to do it on an affordable basis to EVERYWHERE. If Google can afford the investment then they'd be well advised to partner with my engineering and construction people. They are the experts. I agree that the infrastructure has to be built. But what Google is saying is like saying that interstate highways or railroads are desirable without actually consulting people whose business it is to build them. This kind of action costs money. Big, serious money. Maybe Google has it. I don't know. But right now I don't. I AM rebuilding my system. But the scale they propose is unprecedented. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Gigabit Broadband To Your House?
Imagine an Internet Provider who bought access, and taped into that line to offer service? That opens up a can o' worms. The FCC says I HAVE to open the copper network, which I built BTW, to alternative providers. Part of the motivation to build a separate data network not subject to those regs. What's the Google take on that? I mean, if I build and maintain the network should I not own it? Oh yes, if Google builds a network they should own it. The cable providers do, with theirs. Whatever the final decision, the stakes remain: Who owns the highway? The Feds can say that the people own the highway, but that isn't an actual fact with things that people built, like the railroads and the cable network. Those are privately owned. The copper telephone network was legislated into public ownership. Too bad, it was very effective and still is as a utility. But I have no motivation to maintain it in the absence of profit. Only regulation keeps it going. If I build a new thing, a new highway if you will, what guarantees do I have that IT isn't going to be regulated into another commodity? None whatsoever. Google wants bandwidth. They'd like to do it as expeditiously as possible. And they'd like my engineers to build it for them at cut rate prices under government sanction. I'd tend to resist that business model. Only because I have responsibilities to MY stockholders. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Gigabit Broadband To Your House?
They are building highways now with private contractors. Toll roads. Yes. But if I charge my costs off to these contactors at full rate I still won't recover my build expense. I mean I use contractors. If I used line personnel it would be prohibitive. Yes I rely on the tolls to recover the costs. But I still can't realize a profit without a reasonable timeline. If I sold only the access I'd be in a negative situation. That's what Google wants me to do. But I can't do that. Like I do with the copper. That's a money drain. I have to offer value added services in order to leverage my network. I never went to business school. But I figure if I have more money going out than I have coming in that's bad. And I'm not exactly paying for cut-rate talent. My core people are the best professionals that money can buy. That's an expense that's worth the dollars. It's why we're the best at what we do. Oh, yeah, we're more expensive. But we also have an amazingly high reliability rate. I mean we are Bell Telephone. Or what used to be Bell Telephone. None of the standards have been relaxed. I guess we're sort of nonplussed and taken aback when it is assumed that we'll take on a mission that someone else (like Google) has arbitrarily defined without funding or a plan. It is easy to say that something should be done but less easy to describe how it could be done. But we are experts at how it can be done. We didn't build the greatest telecommunications network in the world without our professionals and our research labs and our manufacturing capacity. It can be done again. All of the talent and resources are in place. Maybe we should think about doing that again instead of rescuing banks and car manufacturers. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Gigabit Broadband To Your House?
It is not unprecedented. It exists in Japan, Korea, and other places I'm not going to look up. I'm not going to cite numbers on how small physically Japan and Korea are. Compared to the US. I won't say how much their governments pay towards supporting telecom. I'll say that it's apples and oranges. You want private telecom to deliver universal broadband in the US, you are going to have to pay for it. One way or another. That's your choice as a taxpayer and a voter. If you fund me, I can deliver the technology. I know it's not a thing that liberals want to believe, but it costs real money to deploy that technology. Go ahead and vote for it, I know how to do it. But it is going to cost real money to implement on a wide scale. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Bill Gates saves the world...well some of it
There aren't any dead babies. A little perspective would be nice. It isn't as bad as it looks. It's an OS, not a war crime. Sure, a lot of people don't like it. A lot of people don't like a lot of things. That doesn't invalidate Windows. As far as the strategies, that's business. Why agonize over something you can't do anything about. The bottom line is that the OS does, with some tweaking, the task. It may not be elegant but it does the job. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] apple-stanza-usb
The area is a couple of miles north of there, closer to where RI Av merges with Baltimore Av, in a residential neighborhood. No problems with access on R.I. Ave NW, I'm at 15th and R.I. in the District. My only issue is no satellite TV, due to line of sight, and no FiOS. I'm not likely to get FiOS soon anyway. All of the cable is in underground conduit which is lovely from an appearance perspective (none of my utilities went off in the snowstorm) but lousy from an upgrade perspective. As far as wireless I'm not an expert on that. Every wireless device I have here works to spec. And that would be very few wireless devices. A phone, and that's it. I know you may not credit this, but as far as technology I'm a very conservative person. I prefer tested state of the art solutions vice things that only work part of the time. And that is what you are talking about. Things that only work part of the time. It has to work all the time for me to accept it. - Original Message - From: b_s-wilk b1sun...@yahoo.es To: COMPUTERGUYS-L@LISTSERV.AOL.COM Sent: Saturday, February 06, 2010 5:02 PM Subject: Re: [CGUYS] apple-stanza-usb I have T-Mobile... There's another DC dead zone, I think along Rhode Island Avenue. Curious. I also have T-Mobile. My office is on Rhode Island Ave. No dead zone. The area is a couple of miles north of there, closer to where RI Av merges with Baltimore Av, in a residential neighborhood. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Bill Gates saves the world...well some of it
What's wrong with making a buck off of a war, people do this. I'm afraid you haven't got the message. I know there's a lot of great companies that have done this. Bell Labs, for one. Messerschmitt for another. Mitsubishi. Ford. General Motors. Name the ones that haven't profited from war. It's hard to do. They ALL make money from death and destruction. Luckily our guys may have saved more lives overall. But listen to me, Daddy Warbucks, it ain't a free ride. There's an open market for souls on this planet and corporations are the biggest whores on the block. Sorry for the imagery. I wish I could call it another way but I can't. As far as Bill Gates, the court finds him not guilty. Complicit enabling is not a crime, * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Digital humanity (was: apple-stanza-usb)
Actually the Russian space agency provides this service at lower cost and greater accuracy (because it has not been deliberately dumbed down by the generals). Don't get too confused on this. GPS is a strategic necessity. Or something like it is. The US doesn't depend on the Russians for strategic necessities. What goes on at NASA is for public consumption. What goes on in the military arena is a totally different kettle of fish, IMHO. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] You Saw the Demo? Are you impressed?
I don't understand how their marketing department could have let them
down so badly,
From Wikipedia, that well-known source of sometimes (not always)
misleading information:
Apple declared the 'i' in iMac to stand for Internet; it also represented
the product's focus as a personal device ('i' for individual).
We also have the Thinkpad, from IBM, a fine personal computing
device if a little dated. Nobody was thinking about feminine hygiene when
they named that bad boy. Think was IBM's motto.
i think Apple is just hung up on sticking an i in front of whatever they
make. Maybe they should have called it a Macpad.
A new improved model could be called a Maxipad.
:-)
From Wikipedia,
- Original Message -
From: Constance Warner cawar...@his.com
To: COMPUTERGUYS-L@LISTSERV.AOL.COM
Sent: Thursday, January 28, 2010 8:39 PM
Subject: Re: [CGUYS] You Saw the Demo? Are you impressed?
Don't be silly. All the items you cite are paired with something other
than a single letter. Launch pad, note pad, lily pad, crash pad, etc.
pair the word with SOMETHING ELSE that is the DOMINANT word of the pair,
and that immediately offers to the reader the image of something beyond
feminine sanitary supplies. iPad emphasises the word in a way the
others don't--you have poor naked little pad with only the lower-case
i to escort it. And while I admire Apple and use their products, the
heavy promotion of their products--with rather simple-minded names--can
be both annoying and amusing. To see them so badly misnaming a product
inspires amusement and pity, not offense.
I don't understand how their marketing department could have let them
down so badly, especially with a well-known skit on Mad TV to inform them
on the perils of such a choice of names. I want Apple to stay in
business; making stupid mistakes like that does not improve their chances
of survival.
On Jan 28, 2010, at 7:28 PM, tjpa wrote:
On Jan 28, 2010, at 5:38 PM, Constance Warner wrote:
Not to be too delicate about it, but for any adolescent or adult woman,
something named iPad inspires, at best, discreet laughter. (Not to
mention a mental picture you'd rather not contemplate.) Sorry about
that, guys.
That's taking a long reach to find offense.
Do you refuse to use Window's Notepad? Or protest Office Depot's sale of
the same name item? Never bought a mouse pad? Do you recoil in horror at
keypads? Or refuse to touch a trackpad? Won't draw on a graphics pad? Do
you avert you eyes from NASA's launch pads? Won't fly from a helipad?
Eschew elbow and knee pads? Reject jackets with shoulder pads? Won't
play a drum pad? Never watch Poker After Dark?
I don't believe it.
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Re: [CGUYS] This is dedicated to all those spending big bucks on components
Yep. At least four threads going right now about this on Audio Asylum, various forums. Lexicon is a division of Harman International, by the way. Caught red-handed. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] This is dedicated to all those spending big bucks on components
Take a look at some of this: http://www.lampizator.eu/LAMPIZATOR/REFERENCES/wadia%20WT%203200/WT3200.html http://www.lampizator.eu/LAMPIZATOR/REFERENCES/CYRUS/Cyrus%20DAD1.html http://www.lampizator.eu/LAMPIZATOR/REFERENCES/Meridian207/meridian207.html http://www.lampizator.eu/LAMPIZATOR/REFERENCES/MHZS/MHZS_CD66F.html http://www.lampizator.eu/LAMPIZATOR/REFERENCES/TEAC-T1/VRDS-T1.html http://www.lampizator.eu/LAMPIZATOR/REFERENCES/THETA%20Universal/theta.html * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Cars and the CES...
I dont live in a high traffic area. (Southern Alabama lets get real) I ride a bicycle in DC traffic. Have for years. Successfully, so far. I see people yakking on handheld cells all the time (which is allegedly illegal) while driving. The cops don't do anything about it. A cyclist sees a lot of this craziness going on. I happened to be in Tennessee when I saw a guy nearly collide his Lexus into a semi at 70 mph. No, I wasn't on a bicycle at the time. I was in a Ford. But that kind of thing happens all the time. In aviation, it's called task load. You can pick and train the absolute elite people and build the best interfaces possible and there will still be a point at which the user will be overwhelmed or distracted. The classic case is flight 401. http://www.freshgasflow.com/flight401.htm There was no attenrion to anything but a burned out lightbulb. It's VERY hard to concentrate on what's actually important when the device is demanding attention. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Computer Guys ( gal) Show
I don't determine quality of service available--neither do you. Providers determine that. They also decide where and what kinds of services they offer. As long as companies decide that nobody lives here and don't provide service for us, we're stuck with the minimum. Moving is not an option. You have to get over the idea of provider and get with the idea of it doesn't profit me to serve you at the same level I would someone who would actually pay my costs. The machine is not working in your direction, girlfriend. And I say that with all frankness and honesty. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Computer Guys ( gal) Show
Are you not making a strong case for nationalizing the telecoms? No. I don't think so, anyway. But that's one solution. The telco has been nationalized in the past. It hardly hurt anyone and it benefitted rural areas. That was universal service. As long as it was, pardon me, landlines. Technology has obviously changed. If it is time for the government, that you and others elected, to step in with a national mandate for broadband, a la France, then there are going to have to be negotiations. I won't be at that table, but I know what the conditions are going to be. Just as they were on the former deal. Trust me, you really don't want that. Not if you want a free industry and competition. Capitalism produces casualties. But that is what you voted for with the Telecom Act(s). You get what you pay for. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Computer Guys ( gal) Show
[ever been to Lappland?] No. But technically DSL is a badly flawed technology from an economic standpoint. It requres the maintenance of a copper network which is very, very expensive. And becoming more so because most of these facilities are nearing or past the end of their service life. DSL is like putting a terminal patient on life support. Utilities are necessities and must be treated as such. Agreed. Verizon can't complain that they it's not profitable to install fiber in rural areas. It isn't. I'm not complaining, I'm just saying what it is. Does ATT want to remove the copper lines to install fiber, giving it an excuse to keep prices higher? Sure looks like it. Existing VDSL service is overpriced by at least 100%. Look, Betty, it's not that I don't want you to have a high bandwidth connection (you seem to be doing pretty well with the bandwidth that you've got, forsooth). I'm trying to tell you that I'm not going to bankrupt the company in pursuit of a fool's errand. I don't know where you might have got the idea that it doesn't take actual, physical effort and a boatload of capital, dollars, humans, machines and equipment, etc. Even lawyers and so forth, to do this. It's an enterprise that is audacious for a private capital investment. And, it may fail. If I CAN'T remake the network, then it dies. Just like that. I fold up my laptop, switch off the lights, and bicycle off into the distance with my swag, such as it is. What you want at the moment is instant gratification. I'm telling you that's impossible. Unless you are willing to pay the freight. Or unless you can convince the electorate to pay for it. What I want you to do is forget about the momentary discomfort and wait until I get around to it, on my schedule. If you want to run the schedule you have a vote. But I'm not on your payroll. I AM your neighbor, though. I want this as much as you do. It is certainly bad that American capitalism is so effed up. Somehow we seem to figure it out, though. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Computer Guys ( gal) Show
So I wouldn't throw away that old compass just yet. No, I wouldn't either. And I don't figure that most people have completely lost their minds as far as their best interests are concerned. Evidence to the contrary. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] a new word?
It's this kind of sloppy writing that makes the rest of us have to learn useless new words. I've never in my life heard the word wireline before today, and really can't see the need when landline works so well. In general usage wireline is equivalent to landline or POTS. There are subtle differences. I've seen POTS referred to as terrestrial DTMF (dual tone multi frequency) to describe touch tone as opposed to rotary signaling. Wireline as a class would include anything over copper pairs, say up to a DS3. Regardless of whether it's analog or digital. Landline could include optical fiber, in principle. Although true, that would be stretching the traditional definition somewhat. Normally we'd characterize it by transmission medium, bandwidth, and protocol, as That's copper DS1 carrier frame relay, or similar. Actually we'd probably put the protocol first, That's frame relay over DS1 carrier, it would be assumed that that was copper unless otherwise specified. If you aren't confused yet, landline is a catchall term that includes everything but wireless. Wired line includes all copper but no fiber transport (to the end user). POTS is really a bandwidth specification, which stipulates 56K, in-band signalling. Of course we also say ISDN POTS, which is 64K out of band signalling. Digital on (usually) wired carrier. The terms actually have separate meanings, let's just say that the technologies have changed faster than the terminology. - Original Message - From: chad evans wyatt cewyattph...@yahoo.com To: COMPUTERGUYS-L@listserv.aol.com Sent: Tuesday, January 05, 2010 2:02 PM Subject: Re: [CGUYS] a new word? Amen, Tony --- On Tue, 1/5/10, Tony B ton...@gmail.com wrote: From: Tony B ton...@gmail.com Subject: [CGUYS] a new word? To: COMPUTERGUYS-L@listserv.aol.com Date: Tuesday, January 5, 2010, 11:45 AM It's this kind of sloppy writing that makes the rest of us have to learn useless new words. I've never in my life heard the word wireline before today, and really can't see the need when landline works so well. Unless maybe we're talking about wired lines in the air? Even underwater lines lay on the ground. Apparently this comes from someone at the Justice Department. God knows where they heard it. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/04/AR2010010403062.html?wpisrc=nl_tech If wireline providers charge more for service packages that involve greater speeds and/or higher usage limits, consumers purchasing these packages may not enjoy the benefits of competition from wireless broadband, or may do so only indirectly to the extent that consumers as a whole display a willingness to substitute slower wireless service for faster wireline service, the agency said in its filing. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Computer Guys ( gal) Show
Well, they could talk about technologies that aren't widely available to the general public. I'd be happy to discuss high bandwidth solutions. That's not exactly their mission, though. It's a fact that they aren't going to discuss what I offer. It's way too expensive for anyone but big business and government to attempt. It's just as well that they discuss consumer technology. Mostly what I can offer isn't really relevant to the original ideas of the Computer Guys. Yes, I can still tell y'all about how the network operates. From dialup to optical carrier. I can't tell you anything about wireless, that's not my specialty. I can tell y'all about how to build a computer, set up a network, and do the other things. But I couldn't run an Iphone if my life depended on it. Well maybe I could. But I don't see it happening. Maybe that network space is where the show needs to be. That is certainly where the listeners are, OK. I'm sure you've seen my rants on MP3 and my general disagreements on low-resolution audio. That pretty much sums it up as far as the current radio show is concerned. The issues as I see it are that it is possible to do much more. If you will accept low quality you have already compromised yourself into a position that is unacceptable. Betty and others will say that I'm responsible for this. As the phone company. But I'm not. YOU determine the quality of service that you get. I'm your friends and neighbors. Just the same usual people you see in the grocery store or on the street. Regular Americans. It would be hard to believe that we didn't work harder for you than we do. Ask me another question. This one is too hard. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Kill it!!!
So if I decide I want to wire my outhouse for broadband, Eric should be compelled to haul a cable or go to jail? If you've got the casheesh to cover my costs, and you're in my territory, I'll wire that joint like George Jetson. But I'm not going to do it at a loss. I'm not a charity, I'm a for profit business accountable to my stockholders. Who are happy with my dividend but not exactly pleased with the stock performance. I think there's a lot of stress here that is based on ideology and self-interest. Folks, I CAN put a chicken in every pot as far as broadband. I'm working on it. The problem is that my pockets, while deep, aren't deep enough to do it as fast as certain people would prefer. Take rate is an issue. If I wire fifty houses for FIOS and only ten subscibe, I'm losing money. The reality is that a lot of people don't actually give a rat's ass about broadband. Those that want it the most tend to live further away from my POPs, which drives up the cost of the buildout. We'll get to them, but this is all a capital investment balancing act. But we don't need no stinkin' government handouts. We'll do this on our own, unless the American people get fed up and vote for more bread and circuses. If that happens I'll deploy faster. But I will not compromise the quality of my build or the financial basis of my company under any circumstances. And you can take that to the bank. (Obviously not a feel-good message, and of course I don't speak for anyone other than myself, certainly not that telephone company that I allegedly work for,) * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Kill it!!!
You could blame it on terrorists. That's not fair. We lost people in the 9/11 attacks. Maybe you didn't know that. They were on their jobs. I'm not forgetting that, ever. We're somewhat of an extended family. What can I say about those we lost? Probably not enough. I have nightmares about little Asia Cottom on her first plane ride. Donna Bowen burned to death in the Pentagon. The guys in the WTC. But we won that day. Yes our people did do their jobs. Yes we got the network up and running after a major hit. I'm proud to say that everyone around me did their job, just as they were trained. And our training is the best in the world. Don't make any mistake. We don't forget this. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Kill it!!!
Guys, don't freak out. Local wired telephony is regulated at the state level. It's a utility. Regardless of what I WANT to do with the network, you all vote for the politicians that make the rules. The Telco is regulated, beyond belief. It's not just the FCC, it's every local and state government down sometimes to city and county level. I can't just decide that my ROI is unfavorable with POTS. Although it frankly is. I'm forced to provide it by regulation. And to add insult to injury, I'm forced to sell unbundled, and bundled network elements to competing providers at bargain basement rates. That's right, I built it and I maintain it and I have to give it away at a loss to CLECs. I have one large customer that always orders from me to get the service delivered. Thirty days later they port the lines out to a CLEC. They can do that, under FCC regulations. I get NOTHING out of that in ROI. And, I have to maintain it all at cut rate prices. So it's easy to figure that if I don't want to die as a business, I'm going to have to get cracking on this optical network. Those same FCC rules say I don't have to share access like I have to do with POTS. So if you were in my position what would you do. Probably you'd sell off as much of the network where you had low to negative returns as you could and concentrate on your core properties. That isn't to say POTS is going away. It isn't. But get used to the idea that it isn't going to be twisted pair for much longer. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Kill it!!!
Most businesses, large and small, continue to use landline phones extensively, in many cases almost exclusively, for incoming and outgoing business calls. Ditto for all governmental agencies nationwide. We are quite professional. No reason for worry. Thanks for your concern, The Phone Company :-) (nothing I say here represents my employer) * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Kill it!!!
- Original Message - From: Eric S. Sande esa...@verizon.net To: Computer Guys Discussion List COMPUTERGUYS-L@LISTSERV.AOL.COM Sent: Friday, January 01, 2010 1:08 AM Subject: Re: [CGUYS] Kill it!!! Verizon is helping out on their end. Interesting. We still have a significant revenue stream from landlines. Very much so. But if you look at recent history we've basically sold off all of the territories where it would be less profitable to deploy newer technologies. That's a business decision. I've never made a secret of the fact that an all-optical carrier network is what is desired. That has a downside in terms of edge device reliability, but in overall maintenance overhead it is way superior (read more profitable) than a copper based model. I'm sympathetic, to a degree. I don't speak for VZ. Only for myself. In a sense, it's a technology transformation. When I started in this business it was all mechanical relays in big, sometimes quarter city block sized switching centers. Microwave towers on mountains and two copper wires to every home straight from the central office. It just isn't that way anymore (well some places it is, but...). I don't know if the ATT petition story cited is true. I'd like a link to it. As far as my operations are concerned, it's BAU. If you need service I'll make it happen. That's my job. But the technology I employ to do it is none of your business, hint. Oh, I'll tell you how I do it, if asked. I have no secrets that can't be figured out with Google and a basic knowledge of network design. We aren't that subtle and Machiavellian. If we are, I didn't get the memo. Wait a minute, who put this Illuminati membership card in my wallet? For that matter, I don't even OWN a wallet. Uh, right. :-) * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Kill it!!!
Verizon is helping out on their end. Interesting. We still have a significant revenue stream from landlines. Very much so. But if you look at recent history we've basically sold off all of the territories where it would be less profitable to deploy newer technologies. That's a business decision. I've never made a secret of the fact that an all-optical carrier network is what is desired. That has a downside in terms of edge device reliability, but in overall maintenance overhead it is way superior (read more profitable) than a copper based model. I'm sympathetic, to a degree. I don't speak for VZ. Only for myself. In a sense, it's a technology transformation. When I started in this business it was all mechanical relays in big, sometimes quarter city block sized switching centers. Microwave towers on mountains and two copper wires to every home straight from the central office. It just isn't that way anymore (well some places it is, but...). I don't know if the ATT petition story cited is true. I'd like a link to it. As far as my operations are concerned, it's BAU. If you need service I'll make it happen. That's my job. But the technology I employ to do it is none of your business, hint. Oh, I'll tell you how I do it, if asked. I have no secrets that can't be figured out with Google and a basic knowledge of network design. We aren't that subtle and Machiavellian. If we are, I didn't get the memo. Wait a minute, who put this Illuminati membership card in my wallet? For that matter, I don't even OWN a wallet. Uh, right. :-) * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Server restrictions
Maybe not own it in the sense that you seem to have taken my statement. There's nothing wrong with the primary ISP. I just want the flexibility to adjust servers as appropriate. The dialup is valuable because it's portable, almost infinitely if that's not a contradiction in terms. Anywhere there's a phone line. Diverse routing has value. It's an eggs in baskets issue, why would one not prefer to distribute risk? I'm not ticked off at VZ, they are what they are. I'm mostly ticked off at RCN, at this point. They've made it impossible for the average user to implement a distributed server model. It's their way or the highway. Pretty high handed for a pissant cable company (that I actually like better than Cox or Comcast). * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Server restrictions
Mail servers. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Server restrictions
Having two made it easier for me to figure out that it was VZ messing with my email. That would be the common factor, yes. I all ready know that they have certain policy elements that would tend to suggest that off network operation is not encouraged. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
[CGUYS] Test, sorry
Trying to see if I can get out over this SMPT server. RCN apparently doesn't want me to use their servers over a VZ connection. Disregard if this goes through. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Test, sorry
What action should we take if it *doesn't* go through? Uh, nothing in either case. Anyway, I think it works now, thanks. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
[CGUYS] Server restrictions
Formerly I was happy to have access over a different network that didn't relate to my primary ISP. This would be in keeping with my belt and suspenders approach to most technology. I reasoned that a backup strategy would be preferred in the event, etc. So I have a dialup account which I have maintained religiously for many years. In fact I was among the first 1000 subscribers to what was then erols.com. The TV store that became an ISP and then got bought out by what is now RCN. With some changes along the way. I think PEPCO was involved at some point. Anyway, my question is why do I not own the network connection if I pay for it. I pay to access RCN and I pay to access VZ. I'm sorry if this looks like a whine, but it was transparent up until recently. I could access RCN servers over a VZ connection with no problem. Now that appears to not be an option. I absolutely understand network diversity, I'm a professional manager or supposedly so at this. But my perspective is necessarily limited by what I do and where I work. Any insight would be welcomed, this situation is a major pain. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Finding web stores overseas
Go to amazon.fr and search on plume waterman. Let me know if it works. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Finding web stores overseas
Do you have an all US made computer? No, because that's not possible right now. My point is that there are still areas where it is possible, at least mostly. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Finding web stores overseas
Toyota is a publicly held company with profits that go to its shareholders who may be anywhere in the world. Yeah, I own some of that stock. But last time I checked Japan was a free democracy. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Finding web stores overseas
The only thing that is domestically produced in large quantities is food stuffs. And historically the best wages come from manufacturing jobs, not agricultural or service sectors. Unless you have outsourced the manufacturing: http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB118677584137994489.html * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Finding web stores overseas
Any town, state or country that becomes captivated by any type of income producing work, will one day find themselves abandoned when someone finds they can do it cheaper, better, or different somewhere else. I agree generally but if it can be done better and differently, cheaper doesn't matter. That's why companies that are world class can survive. Even with higher labor costs. I'll be honest, most high end audio companies don't even try to compete with mass production. Most of them are small, private operations anyway. People are willing to pay more for the handcrafting, quality and support. If some of these folks sell 1000 units a year they can be successful. Sort of like buying a Randall knife, it only costs $350 but you have to wait five years to get it. If you want it now you'll pay $800. An example of economics in action: scarcity drives demand. But only if the product is noticeably superior. America CAN'T compete in the just acceptable category. Not and pay good wages. We CAN compete in the best in class category. In my opinion that is where we need to be in manufacturing. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Finding web stores overseas
High end electronics are not made in the USA they are more appropriately assembled in the US. Not always. Magnepan for example buys raw materials in the US and fabricates in-house. Even the resistors, inductors, and capacitors in the crossovers are US made. White Bear Lake, Minnesota. McIntosh (Binhamton, NY) and Cary (Cary, NC) also fabricate in-house. In Canada, Bryston Ltd (Ontario) does much the same, and offers a 20 year transferable warranty to boot. These aren't assemblers, they are factories, as in manufacturing facilities. These companies have been in business for a long time--37, 60, 20, and 35 years respectively. These companies (and others) have international reputations for quality craftsmanship and state of the art performance. This was formerly true of quite a few US industries, audio is one of the few survivors. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Finding web stores overseas
BTW, the Australian dollar is 20-30% less than the US$. Your point being? I think we're talking about two different things. High end audio consists of, well, high end products. McIntosh, Magnepan, Benchmark, Bryston, stuff like that. It doesn't matter what dollar scale you use, as long as it is equivalent. The fact is that in real terms (correcting for exchange rate) it is more (way more) expensive to buy a Cary preamp in Perth Australia than it is to buy one in Alexandria VA. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Finding web stores overseas
Besides when you order from China, you have to figure out if it's the real thing, No you don't. It's guaranteed to be junk, even if it's designed and supervised by European engineers. I'm guessing that won't be a popular statement. But I KNOW that Americans can do it better. Our audio products are better, our bicycle products are better. The only problem is that they are expensive because we actually pay good wages and don't use slaves (anymore). * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Finding web stores overseas
Question: Is there a good way of finding web stores internationally? Not really. It has to do with tariffs and trade, generally. High ticket items (I don't know if that's your situation) always cost more if they're imports and don't have production cost/volume advantages versus the receiving market. US high end products cost more in foreign markets than they do here. Foreign high end products cost more here than they do there. Chinese stuff does well everywhere because all of it has been commoditized, subsidized, and deregulated to the point that they don't worry about issues of quality or reliabilty. They don't have to. There is no pride but there is volume. Who would ever have thought that we'd see a Communist government with a nakedly capitalistic economic system. :-) * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Finding web stores overseas
I don't think they do that in Europe, at least, not in France. I'm pretty familiar with what US audio equipment goes for in Japan and Australia. It's a 20-30% percent markup over US list, that it gets bought says something for the quality of the product. Of course it's all high end specialty stuff, expensive even here. Yeah, the exchange rate is a factor, Canadian dollars were at par with US dollars at one point recently, still pretty close. So this may not be the ideal point at which to buy a Bryston amplifier? No, you know you have to have it. Or a pen, forsooth. :-) * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Netbooks vs. Notebooks
So if there are any of those netbooks I've heard about with slightly larger keyboards, I'd certainly like to know about them. I hear that. Keyboard ergonomics is VERY important to me. Most non full-sized keyboards I've used have been unsatisfactory for touch typing. I'm pretty fast on a decent keyboard, less so on the notebooks I've used. Much less so, even on the best of the breed, which I consider the Thinkpad T-series to be. Unscientifically, my pinky to thumb tip (spread hand) distance is 8.5 inches. I can just about feel comfortable on a Thinkpad T but it's cramped. Tactile considerations also come into play. Mushy keys don't make it for me. I guess I'm getting old, but I never did get the hang of texting or whatever. If I were you I'd check out the one that Roy mentioned, I've never tried it, though. I'm challenged enough on my laptops to say that a netbook isn't going to do it for me as far as actually being able to type at a reasonable speed. Good luck, just my experience. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] the moon
Ready for a trip to Mars? Imagine riding a bicycle on Mars! Uh, I've ridden on the Champs de Mars, does that count? Oh, yeah, I'll take the ticket :-). * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] the moon
With such US manned space flights, I think we're talking about champagne tastes on a beer budget You make good points. But it is not productive to say what we CAN'T do. We have this huge pool of resources sitting just beyond our local gravity well, and we're one of two nations that can get to it. Asia (well, China and India, I don't count Japan) may have made huge ecomomic strides, but at the cost of poisoning themselves in the process. The government can do only so much. NASA has a miniscule ($18B) budget compared to the amount of money that got pissed away on the various stimulus packages. Disproportionate, in my view, because the exploration (and exploitation) of space represents the best hope for economic revitalization that we have. Let's play to our strengths, we clearly can't build cars and t-shits better or cheaper, lets build what we build best. Innovative solutions to leverage resources. There's a reason I mentioned the Lagrangian points. They are easy to get to, they don't present the gravity well issues of the Moon or Mars, and they are packed with (potentially) useful raw materials. This isn't a secret. When we talk about space we generally think in terms of exploration, well we can explore with robots. But we can't exploit without people. It's there. We have the technology to make it happen. It won't be easy, but it can be done. And it isn't NASA that's going to do it, it's up to Lockheed, Boeing, and General Electric (and maybe Ford) to do it. They need a mission and a plan. They understand the relationship of investment to profit. To those who say that the time is not now, I say this is the best time. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] the moon
We don't own it. I think it's called the ISS for a reason. Hell, the Russians are broke and seem to be docking there more often then we are. Yes, but as long as Russia is the gas station for western Europe believe me they aren't broke. We (the US) paid for Zarya because we could get it cheap as we didn't want to pay for Lockheed to build it. ALL of the the significant pieces of the ISS were paid for by the US taxpayer, in terms of lift costs (the shuttle program). That's OK, we can afford it. And there isn't anything wrong with leveraging our technology for the benefit of mankind. Our butts are going to be in a bad situation when we close down the shuttle and the only manned transport option is Soyuz. We forced them into the TMA design because the TM design was not to NASA standards. And they'll want payback on that. This is ALL politics. We can't get Ares/Orion off the pad fast enough, at this point. And at that, it's only a rough parity of an existing known reliable system. This would be a good time to look at extending the shuttle program, I know it's past its prime and it has all ready killed fourteen astronauts and two vehicles. And it's expensive as hell. But it is the only man-rated (hah) vehicle we have right now. But we know how to run it. I mean we have 3 out of 5 still flying. Things like the ISS and human spaceflight don't come cheap. This is what JFK called ...the things that are hard... But I seriously doubt that anybody whose name is on this list, http://www.aerospaceweb.org/question/history/q0114.shtml would argue that that it wasn't worthwhile. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] the moon
Like what? I'm not trying to be a smart-ass, it's a serious question. I've yet to read about any really important research that is going on in the space station and that couldn't be done any other way. Microgravity offers real advanages in alloy and semiconductor maufacturing, also pharmaceuticals. We now know how to construct large structures in orbit and maintain a long term presence in space. Energy is unlimited and free. Four nations/national consortia can boost cargo into orbit and to the station assuming JAXA's HTV is successful. I see the potential as enormous. But we have to be there to realize it. The ISS is a good start. If we look at it as a platform for the assembly of space-only ships, and as a fuel transfer point, we could explore the L4 and L5 Lagrangian points. The moon is probably not a good idea if we can't prove the presence of water. Robots aren't smart enough to do it all, and if we look at this new frontier as a government monopoly we are shortchanging ourselves. Just my opinion. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] the moon
Here's another example: the space station, where not much science is getting done by the three-person crew. Up to six now. There are currently two Soyuz spacecraft on station at a given time, since May 29, 2009. To be precise, TMA-14 and TMA-15 are docked at the Pirs nadir port and the Zarya nadir port respectively, and Progress 34P is docked at the Zvezda aft port. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] the moon
Yeh ... and the US announced something er other about wanting to shut the Space Station down in 2015... Ain't going to happen. The Russkies have the operations stuff down pat, they've got a LOT of on orbit expertise, and the ESA and JAXA have a lot of money invested in those labs. Now that the heavy lifting is tapering off and the construction phases are close to done, meaning a sizeable crew can be on station for extended periods, why not use it. It cost enough, it's there, and it's an excellent platform for on orbit construction. OK, the orbit is too low, but it's an asset to be leveraged. We may not have the technology or the will for a manned Mars landing, but just having a 24x7x365.25 platform is good. There are a lot of worthwhile exploration opportunities. With private ventures such as SpaceX starting to come on line we could make some money out of this. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/09/10/japan_htv_launch/ What have you done for me lately? http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f8/ISS_STS-128_Zenith.jpg * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Back to dial up
Did they do a line test? Allegedly. But as I was all ready aware, the problem wasn't with the line per se. I had clean dial tone and could establish a dial up connection at 48-50 kbps, meaning that the line wasn't compromised. I all ready knew it wasn't the router, since I have a second known good unit on hand and it would not sync either. This meant that the problem was sither 1) the jumper in the CO to the DSLAM, 2) a bad port on the DSLAM, or 3) the DSLAM's connection to the upstream ATM network (or the network itself). Didn't really matter which, it did mean that all of the useless questions asked by the India rep were a pointless exercise. Besides, they work from a script and if it isn't all filled out you can't get any further up the food chain. I made no attempt to explain what I'd all ready done, none of it fit the script. Anyway, to make a long story short, I had all the help I needed in terms of technical resources when I got to work, but I decided to let it roll and see what happened. Aroud 11:30 a machine called my cell phone and reported the trouble cleared. Just got back and it does work again. Way more hassle than I needed, I'm told that if you yell enough at tier 1 they'll get you to tier 2, but I didn't try that. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Back to dial up
I've had excellent results with local--more or less--Verizon CSRs. They've been very helpful and generous with credits and offers. It pays to be persistent, as my friend was. I expect no less. Hence my surprise. My customers would not be happy with outsourced tech support, in fact they'd call me directly if they had less than a prompt, helpful and knowledgeable response. I'm glad your friend was well served. That's the kind of response I'd take as a matter of course. Verizon doesn't compete on price, with a union workforce we can't. Where we hope to shine is on knowledge, service delivery, reliability and responsiveness. I discussed my experience with my team today, as an object lesson in how to do it wrong. We just don't operate that way. Granted the people I called didn't know who I was or would have cared if they did, but the bottom line is that I was a customer with a problem. Yes, my problem was fixed, but the methodology and the presentation absolutely sucked. That would not happen in my shop. I should not have to travel to India, then run around Robin Hood's barn whilst being misinformed about a problem that I was completely capable of technically understanding. That is freaking unacceptable. It should not be necessary for me to escalate to supervision to fix a Verizon glitch. Which I did not do because it is more important to me to understand what the typical experience is like than to fix the problem immediately, which I could have done at any time--because I have connections. But most people don't. I know that it is torture for senior citizens to navigate phone menus, which is why I'm my mother's tech support. We don't do a good job in this area, you pretty much have to know an insider to get satisfaction. That didn't use to be the case. You once could call one number and the first thing you'd hear was a friendly voice speaking your brand of English, maybe someone you knew. Maybe not, but they'd listen, and if they couldn't solve the problem right there they'd find someone who could. Not any more. Believe me, I was pissed off with a capital P. Actually, I still am. If my 81 year old mother has a DSL issue, is she calling India? Will they solve the problem? This has gone too far, I'm raising Hell. At some point the bean counting has to stop and the ethics and values have to kick back in. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
[CGUYS] Back to dial up
Lost DSL sync on Monday. Reset, regained sync for a few minutes, then it dropped again. Had the same problem two months ago. It was fixed rapidly last time. This time, I called India. It took, no kidding, I timed it, 45 minutes to run through the call center script. All of which was useless, as I all ready knew my my local setup was perfect. It had to be the card in the DSLAM, my device sees DSL signal but no sync. So press the damn reset, right? No go. I am able to escalate this, I am doing it now. OK good. An hour is now down the tubes. Two hours later a rep, American, calls me. We will send a technician to your location to troubleshoot this, our earliest appointment will be next Tuesday, and someone will have to be home all day. That's right, a week from now. Now this is unacceptable. I didn't pull rank, escalate or even whip out the big guns. I didn't advise them at any point who they were dealing with or even mention that I worked for Verizon or what I did. I was far more interested in finding out what kind of treatment the average Joe gets from our customer service people. Which is not their fault, they do what they are instructed to do. I got NO sense that my problem was important or of any kind of significant issue to either of these representatives. If those people worked for me, and I found out about it, there would be all kinds of Hell to pay. For the record, I will be pursuing this. Not to get special treatment, which I don't expect, but hopefully to raise awareness of how badly I was treated, which I frankly didn't expect. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Intensive Care Unit...
They bring their guns to those events not for protection - there are plenty of police at these functions - but rather to convey a veiled threat of death to those who oppose their views. Note than some of them carry a sign that harkens back to the Revolutionary War about how the tree of liberty is watered in part by the blood of tyrants. One interpretation. Like it or not, this country still has freedom of expression and (in some places) the right to bear arms. I'm not sure a health care debate is the right place to carry a rifle, though. Their point is that the government exists only by the consent of the governed. Of the people, by the people, and for the people. And that the powers of government can be rescinded if necessary by an armed populace. Nobody that I know of argues that the current system isn't badly in need of repair. At least the debate has brought the elected representatives out of the woodwork and allowed them to present themselves to their constituencies on a highly visible stage. Sometimes it IS necessary to send a message to remind the powerful that they are not all that. Pfizer can pay a $2.3B fine and it's just the cost of doing business. Something is rotten in Denmark, here, folks. Sorry, no computer content. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Intensive Care Unit...
But Americans will alwways do the right thing, after trying everything else. Yes, the system is supposed to be self-correcting. But it is naiive to suppose that institutions that have stakes in the game will leave the table. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Guys and GPS
Ask just about any woman. Heh. I'll take the map and the compass every time. I'm not in any sort of a competition, and I do have a handheld GPS device, although I rarely carry it on my bicycle. I must say I've gotten a lot of unintelligible and just plain wrong directions, some even bizarre, on occasion. But my GPS does not talk, it's the kind that says, You Are Here. A friend of mine was on his way to Tierra del Fuego from Fairfax County, VA. On a motorcycle with a GPS. He got lost in the Atacama Desert, which isn't exactly good. He said later, I knew exactly where I was, but I didn't know which way to go. Hence the map and compass. My GPS does have a mapping function, which is as accurate as its map is. Which is pretty accurate, for CONUS. But I don't trust it implicitly, all maps contain errrors. Google maps are good, but not realtime. But a basic knowledge of astronomy, an accurate timepiece and a compass are all that is really required for navigation. Maps are nice, GPS is nice. But these are just in the nice things to have category. As far as the relationship issues are concerned, it is important to value input into the process. What we are trying to do here is get someplace. Women tend, I think, to value cooperation more than men. They value collaborative solutions, and that is good. A consensus value is more important than an absolute. Men want certainty, regardless of the consensus. If the consensus is perceived as wrong, and a certainty is available, a man will take it (it may be wrong too, but it's a basis for action). That I think may be why men are perceived by women as reluctant to ask for directions. And why they value a thing like GPS, because it depends on a certainty, position, but not a context, a map. The only problem is the reliability of the map, which some appear to take for granted but which cannot be assumed. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Guys and GPS
My instincts a long way back were we were being steered wrong but my friend who owned the GPS was adamant about following the GPS... Oh, it's accurate. It will tell you exactly where you are. Within 30 feet anywhere on the planet. The maps are of course the issue. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Guys and GPS
FWIW, Google [and most other] maps have lots of errors. [Any photos of your lost friend in Atacama or Tierra del Fuego?] He made it to Tierra del Fuego, I'll say that. http://www.twowheelsgood.net/americas/americas.html I'll defer to him for the details. He's the adventurer of our bunch, I just ride a bicycle. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Snow Leopard Review
Not Mark Twain, but Groucho Marx. You're right, of course. Old age is my defense. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Snow Leopard Review
Apple and MS both do this to make sure people do not complain that it makes their systems run like a dog not realizing that the hardware was never designed for it to begin with. Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read. --Mark Twain * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] REJECTED [Was: Apple Answers the FCC's Q uesti ons]
Congratulations on being the first to be so rejected. Clearly I should speak longer. I thought I was too wordy by far, now that you say there's a limit I can aspire to exceeding it. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] WSJ.com | Why ATT Killed Google Voice
They're as secretive about their projects as the NSA. How do you know? * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Asking for prepaid cell phone recommendation
Since you asked I'll give you my take on it. Get the cheapest possible cell phone with a pay as you go plan. Even then you won't use it. It will be another inconveniece in your life. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] WSJ.com | Why ATT Killed Google Voice
One of the things that Apple does is to spread a lot of false rumors. Deliberately? I'd question the ethics of a company that did this. I will say rhat any company can have proprietary information. But that isn't the issue. I'll TELL you what I'm doing and planning, I have to. Any publically held company, and AAPL is one, has to play by the same rules. If they play fast and loose, well, I'm not the police. I don't necessarily like them, and they don't like me, but I do respect them. Hard to tell the evil from the good if all the players are on the same field and playing by the same rules. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Zune HD TV Interface Makes It a Media Center For Your Pocket
Well mr moneybags, 2500 dollars to listen to a ten dollar cd is cost prohibitive to a lot of people. OK, I'll accept that. But consider it from a different perspective. If you bought one $10 CD a week for 30 years, you'd have 1500 CDs, which is a respectable but not even close to impressive collection. THIS is an impressive collection: http://www.noiseaddicts.com/2008/09/biggest-record-collection-in-the-world-paul-mawhinney/ Puts a new perspective on a $2500 headphone system. Assuming you all ready have a computer with a USB port, how about this: HeadRoom Micro DACUS$333.00 Sennheiser HD600s US$300.00 Creek OBH-21 Amplifier US$375.00 $1008.00. Better? Not as flexible, but still very good. The HD600s are in my opinion the best value in high end audio right now, but an Ipod won't drive them. Either of the DACs I've mentioned is better than an Ipods'. Swap out the OBH-21 for an OBH-11 and you're at $833.00. I can't get as low as an Ipod because I'm reluctant to compromise too far on DAC, amp, or transducers. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Flush With Cash and Fearing Rules, Major Carriers Tell Rural America to Get Lost
In case you missed this: http://www.upi.com/Business_News/2009/05/13/Verizon-Frontier-agree-to-86B-sale/UPI-64691242244299/ No comment. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Flush With Cash and Fearing Rules, Major Carriers Tell Rural America to Get Lost
Wow I did! It ain't exactly news. http://www.boston.com/news/local/maine/articles/2008/03/30/fairpoint_verizon_deal_comes_to_a_close_on_monday/ No comment, I'm just sayin'. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Zune HD TV Interface Makes It a Media Center For Your Pocket
A lot people of any generation, the cost is prohibitive. Beg to differ. One of the fastest growing and most innovative areas of hi-fi is in headphone systems. The youngsters all ready use Ipods and Zunes, they all ready have computers. They may not have the scratch for a full blown rig, but you can get audiophile quality for not too much more than a Mac Mini, a decent DAC/headphone amp, and some relatively cheap interconnects. Absolutely kills any Ipod or Zune on the planet for under US$2500 or less. Do it with a last generation PC for even less. Mac Mini (new) US$600.00 Benchmark DAC1 US$1000.00 Sennheiser HD600sUS$300.00 Optical interconnectUS$20.00 Itunes Free Monitor, keyboard US$200.00 Of course you're on you're own as far as the tunes are concerned. But that is highly respectable hardware that will support later expansion, that is the way I went, except that my music server is a PC. You can get less expensive than that but only if you are willimg to trade off the control flexibility and balanced outputs of the DAC mentioned. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
