How to (really) keep your family from getting sick this winter!

I have 6 kids – 4 in Elementary School (Jake, Sahara, Meghan, Kyle) one toddler and one infant, plus I travel on airplanes and through germy airports.   Like dominos the first one gets sick then the rest fall. I think we had 5x flus in 2007, perpetual colds, sinus infections, ear infections, sore throats and runny noses - all 8 of us, five separate flus.  We officially had a quarantine procedure and everything.  We had to buy extra bowls and lay down towels on the floor.

It was insane, totally gross, depressing and expensive.

And let’s be clear, the kids shower every other day, germx when they get home and we eat mostly healthy meals.  This wasn’t for lack of trying.

We spent hundreds of dollars on cold and flu medicine, prescriptions and doctors; medicine that hurt our livers and bodily eco-systems and gave us side effects almost as bad as the sickness themselves.  It was stupid – I should have bought stock in pharmaceutical companies, kleenex and rug doctor.

2008 was a different year.  Really different.

We tried essential oils.  I heard some BS about it and read some more BS about it. Well, we figured it wouldn’t be worse than 2007…  They saved our household with 6 kids from getting sick and made the house smell great.

Last year nobody puked and we sniffled a few times. I didn’t buy stock in kleenex or nyquil. I didn’t buy gallons of germx. The pharmacy and doctors office was not our second home, we even dropped our health insurance (no joke)… why?

Essential Oils.

Below is why they work and what they do. Here’s the high level:

1) Some essential oils have very powerful anti-microbal (viral, bacterial, fungal) properties. Diffuse them in the air in your home and space to kill airborne germs. Basically it’s like a healthy version of lysol or oust, germx.  Makes the air smell good too!

2) Essential oils boost immune and healthy cell function. Cell memorization and other biological effects of ingesting essential oils (like through breathing) have positive systematic effects. And again, they smell good and help to boost your mood which reinforces the positive biological systematic effects.  This is like inhaling emergen-c, airborne, or zinc – not only is the air disinfected, but it’s also an immune system booster.

3) It works. Proof is in the pudding. When I have neglected to diffuse the oils in the air in 2008 because I was getting lazy, we started getting sniffles or feeling under the weather, so I’d up the dosage to make up for lost time and push out the germs.

So in 2008 we got flu symptoms once, kid #1 stayed home then kid #2… I kicked it up… and kid #3 felt a little bad for a day and that was it. No extra missed school, no carpet cleaning, no missed work – unlike 2007!

I’m still amazed.

But let me put it to you this way, the day we started to close the windows and turn on the heat in 2009 I bought new essentials for this winter – they are running now.  I feel like the close call of 2008 and the hell of 2007 was enough to show me the light.

Yes, there’s a cost; but it’s less than copays, otc medicine, prescriptions and time off work.  The oils aren’t cheap and you should invest in a nebulizing diffuser (as opposed to a fan diffuser).  Nebulizing is less wasteful and more automatic and its a one-time expense.  You might spend $100 to $200/yr on oils – way better than copays and meds.

Here’s my Essential Oil Shopping List

There are four blends made primarily for killing germs (from birchhill):
- Pure Cleansing (50+ml)
- Four Robbers (50+ml)
- Heroes (in lieu of robbers if you want)
- Breathe Easy (10+ml)

* Depending on your budget, but definitely stock up on the Pure and Robbers.  It’ll save you money to buy in bulk then just refill the 10ml bottles that come with the AromaAce.

Robbers smells a bit more pleasant (kinda like dentyne gum original) but is more expensive.  Pure Cleansing has more of a eucalyptus scent but is cheaper.  I usually use Pure most of the time and switch it up with Robbers on occasion.  I have enjoyed the new Heroes blend, which is a premium version of Robbers with even more germ killing oils.  I like the Breathe Easy (equal to a Vicks) for those stuffy noses and lung issues if they creep up.

Check out other cool blends that smell good.  You can run these on occaision for a little festive scent.  But if they do not have significant germ-squashing capabilities like basil, lemon, tea tree, lavender, etc you won’t get as much germ benefit.  I like to use special “smelly” blends like Holidays and Xmas, and Muffin on a separate diffuser or use them on a fan/paper towel or fan diffuser when we need a festive scent.

Because it’s not a pitch and I make no money, here’s where I buy my stuff.  If you drop my name you won’t get special treatment or prices and neither will I.  Just do it for your health, ok?

http://birchhillhappenings.com

http://diffuserworld.com

I buy diffusers from diffuserworld.com and essential blends from birchhillhappenings.com and both have had excellent support, especially birch hill who has quality oils and blends for small prices – they are willing to answer questions and they ship fast and cheap.  Diffuserworld just released the AromaAce which is an automated diffuser that rocks.  I set mine on for 3min and off for 15-30min and it just runs all day (in our modest but large-size 3,000sqft home).

I hope this helps.  I’ll add to this as we move into the 2009 winter season.  Maybe we can keep H1N1 Swine Flu from getting us…

What will we find at Tech Policy Summit aka #tps09 and the Broadband Summit #tpsbb tomorrow?  

Follow me @wirelesscott on twitter as well as#tps09 and #tpsbb for live updates and coverage of the Tech Policy Summit 3-day event by @TechPolicy (website/agenda click here).

There are some excellent speakers and notable folks (except me, wah wah), which can either mean great thought-provoking debates or dreary self-stroking discussion and manifesto, depending on whether or not Mercury is in retrograde.  I’m obviously hoping for  and as an audience member, I will of course be outspoken as usual on the topic at-hand to promote debate instead of pure discussion.

What goals do I have here?  I plan to represent broadband’s best interests, which to me is the end-user and the applications.  ”Broadband is only as good as the applications that successfully side over it.” I like to say.  And the applications are only as useful as the (quantity and type) of people who have access to them.

Megabits to the Masses!!!

I want “megabits to the masses” – which is hundreds of megabits at home and the office, with tens of megabits on the road.  I believe in hyper-connectivity and useful mobility (useful again being perceptive and personal in nature) to create seamless personal connectivity for as reasonably many humans as possible.  I believe in open-standards and standards-based platforms.  I believe in profits after a social benefit is met (by belief of a socialist moral underpinning w/ capitalist economy = near perfection).  I believe in fostering competition, research and development (= progress).  I believe in technology’s ability to improve education and healthcare and to solve problems of old.  I believe in thinkers who will try to keep future problems at bay like cyber-security, personal security and disaster prevention.

I believe we will achieve these goals.  

Do I believe we will tackle all of these goals?  Not tomorrow, but I do hope we will touch on them.  And just as I have over my past decade in the broadband space, continue to promote these ideas through my public and private work, in the public as an outspoken thought-leader to help align the stars and  in the private side as a pioneer and catalyst to the creation and propagation of these ideas through capitalism, thus establishing de facto industry standards with hope to push the de jure along (keeping it open, however.

Time to get back to work, then to sleep.  

Follow me @wirelesscott on twitter as well as #tps09 and #tpsbb for live updates and coverage of the Tech Policy Summit 3-day event by @TechPolicy (website/agenda click here).

My short Mother’s Day with my 5 kids + 1 in oven and my wife was enjoyable, but I was sad to leave on such a beautiful holiday day, leaving my wife to bravely take on the task of single-handedly manage our household while I’m off suffering in places like Washington D.C. and San Francisco (which of course are also her fav’s).

So to my wife, thank you my dear for all that you do every day for our family and life and for supporting me and my career in the industries I serve!  I am confident you will do great once again this week, kiss the kids and sing them my lullabies!

Much Love,

Scottie

(My kids = Jake 10, Sahara 10, Meghan 9, Kyle 7, Tate 2, TBD in oven)

I contract to a company across the river from my home in Hood River, Oregon.  This company, Insitu, manufactures very cool man-sized drones with amazing imagery capabilities.  I provide them technical consulting services on communications systems ranging from radio to networking to video based on my broad and directly applicable experience in wireless, broadband, networking and VoIP/Video applications.

Below are some of the news articles and links to the stories surrounding Insitu’s ScanEagle drone and the pirate event.

About me: Professional consultant in the broadband and wireless industries, with a current focus on helping service providers, utilities (smartgrid), public safety, education, healthcare municipal gov’t on tapping into the nearly $100 billion in ARRA Stimulus funds available for buildout of broadband and IT infrastructure. http://aspenwireless.net

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ScanEagle Provides Real-Time View of Piracy, Rescue

Recent attacks and pirate activity have made their way to prime time television through the lens of Insitu’s ScanEagle. Actionable, real-time intelligence and long endurance played a role in the successful outcome. See below for a selection of coverage and related stories.

• KGW Channel 8 News coverage: Watch Video…
• Fox video from Thursday, April 9. Look for timecode 2:01: Watch Video…
• Today Show shows imagery from ScanEagle: Watch Video…
• Baltimore Sun: “The Bainbridge has launched an unmanned drone called a ScanEagle, which is providing a real-time video feed of the lifeboat. The military cannot see the captain or the pirates directly because the boat is covered. However, the ScanEagle can carry an infrared camera that might provide information about where the pirates and the captain are on the 24-foot craft.” Full Story…
• Washington Post, April 9, Last Paragraph: “The Bainbridge carries with it the ScanEagle, a 40-pound drone with night vision. It can fly as high as 16,000 feet and linger over a target for more than 20 hours. The Navy used a ScanEagle aboard another ship to detect a suspicious small boat in February. Nine suspected pirates were captured.” Full Story…
• Associated Press: “The Navy released images of the scene from an unmanned drone, Scan Eagle. It showed that the snipers had positioned themselves on the fantail of the Bainbridge. The snipers fired simultaneously. One of the pirates was in the pilot house. The Navy released images of the scene from an unmanned drone, Scan Eagle. It showed that the snipers had positioned themselves on the fantail of the Bainbridge. The snipers fired simultaneously. One of the pirates was in the pilot house.” Full Story…
• Daily Mail (UK), April 14, Two Images From ScanEagle video: “‘Flawless’: U.S. Navy Snipers Killed Three Somali Pirates With Just Three Shots… In The Dark, From The Deck Of A Rolling Ship” Full Story…

 

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Drone built by Boeing subsidiary watches pirates

The ScanEagle, an aerial drone built by Boeing subsidiary Insitu in Bingen, Klickitat County, was used in the Navy operation that led to the rescue of Capt. Richard Phillips from Somali pirates

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By Hal Bernton

Seattle Times staff reporter

The ScanEagle, an aerial drone built by a Boeing subsidiary called Insitu in Bingen, Klickitat County, was used in the U.S. Navy operation that led to the rescue of Richard Phillips from Somali captors.

The ScanEagle was launched from the USS Bainbridge to take surveillance video of the lifeboat where four Somali pirates were holding the cargo-ship captain hostage.

Images from this video were released in the aftermath of the Navy SEAL operation that killed three of the pirates.

The ScanEagle used in surveillance of the lifeboat weighs about 40 pounds and has a wingspan of about 10 feet. It can fly for up to 20 hours with a camera that can be fitted for day or night operations, said Damien Mills, a Boeing spokesman.

The Navy has used the ScanEagle since 2006. In recent months it has been deployed extensively as U.S. Navy ships patrol the Gulf of Aden in search of pirates. In February, Mills said, pictures taken by a ScanEagle drone operating at night from the USS Mahan helped captured nine pirates.

Boeing acquired Insitu last year.

 

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By Jesse Burkhardt

The Enterprise - White Salmon, WA

Insitu’s “ScanEagle” drone aircraft — designed and built in Bingen — contributed to the successful military operation on April 12 that freed an American ship’s captain being held hostage by Somali pirates

To recap the story, which made headlines around the world: Armed pirates operating out of Somalia attempted to capture the American container ship Maersk Alabama on April 8. The hijacking effort failed, but the American captain — Richard Phillips — volunteered to be held as hostage to end a threat of violence to members of his crew.

Phillips and several pirates left the Maersk Alabama in an inflatable lifeboat. U.S. Navy ships — including the destroyer USS Bainbridge — converged on the scene to make sure the pirates did not escape the area with Phillips.

A four-day standoff ensued.

Half a world away in Bingen, Insitu officials followed the incident closely.

“We know the ships we’re deployed on,” said Steve Nordlund, Insitu’s vice president/business development. “When we heard the Bainbridge was on the scene, we knew we had a chance of being in the operation.”

The Bainbridge employed its ScanEagle technology to provide around the clock observation of the lifeboat.

“The ScanEagle is not an airplane, it’s more of a flying camera,” Nordlund said. “The airplane is a facilitator to get to our product: We’re known for very good imagery. The ScanEagle provides daytime and nighttime imagery, and long endurance. It’s not unusual for the ScanEagle to go on 16-hour missions.

On the evening of April 12, U.S. Navy SEALs were able to individually target and kill the three pirates holding Phillips. Phillips was not injured.

After his rescue, Phillips praised not only the Navy SEALs, but also the creators of the highly-specialized surveillance technology that provided a big assist in freeing him from pirates armed with AK-47s.

“The Boeing/Insitu team (on board the Bainbridge) did get a chance to meet with Capt. Phillips, and he expressed his appreciation to the entire team,” Nordlund said.

Knowing Insitu played an important role in the successful rescue of an American hostage was an extraordinary experience for the company’s staff.

“There were a lot of Insitu employees walking around the streets of Bingen and White Salmon very proud of our involvement and what we do,” Nordlund said. “The overall sense of the employees at Insitu is, we’ll all reflect back on this one day and say, `Wow.’ There are lots of jobs in life, but how often is there a chance to work on something really cutting edge that makes a difference, or something that is viewed around the world. We’re humbled by it. At the same time, we are working with our customers every day and saving lives. This one just happened to make the headlines.”

Insitu’s ScanEagle was first deployed in 2004. It has a 10-foot wingspan, can fly as high as 20,000 feet, and operates very quietly. The drones are lightweight — 40 pounds for a fully-fueled ScanEagle — and can be launched by what is in effect a slingshot.

“That’s one of the reasons it’s used so pervasively in the military,” Nordlund said. “It helps in our overall force protection. The sons and daughters of Americans are being protected by ScanEagle every day.”

Nordlund said Insitu technology has been increasingly employed in operations in the Gulf of Aden — off the Horn of Africa — in recent months.

“It’s a hot spot for pirate activities,” Nordlund said. “Even though there are wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, there is another war going on, and our Navy is fighting it.”

Nordlund added that President Barack Obama made a phone call to the Bainbridge to offer congratulations on the successful mission, and he also spoke directly to Phillips.

For Insitu, trying to keep a relatively low profile about a customer like the U.S. Navy — which was using Insitu’s products during an incident the whole world was watching — proved to be a daunting task.

“We do not discuss customers’ operations,” Nordlund explained. “But the images we saw on TV were coming from our vehicle, and when you’re involved in operations that get the focus this did worldwide, it makes us very proud.”

Nordlund pointed out that the footage aired on television news programs around the world were supplied to the media by the U.S. Navy, and not by Insitu or its parent company, Boeing, which made Insitu a wholly-owned subsidiary in 2008.

Perhaps it was a case of wanting to share in some good news, but Nordlund noticed some apparent “pride of ownership” in the various television news reports on the Boeing/Insitu involvement in the rescue of Phillips.

He pointed out that the Portland television stations tended to focus on Insitu, based in nearby Bingen, while Seattle stations talked about Boeing, which has deep roots in Seattle.

“On KATU-TV, a Portland station, it was Insitu that was given the credit, and on KING-TV in Seattle, it was Boeing,” Nordlund said. “They were tailoring to their particular area. But we are part of the same family. The combined Insitu-Boeing team made it happen.”

The high-profile success of the Navy’s rescue operation is likely to further heighten demand for Insitu’s products, and the company is continuing to expand. Insitu currently has more than 500 employees, most of them working in Bingen and White Salmon.

“We’ve hired 90 new employees since Jan. 1,” said Jill Vacek, communications specialist for Insitu.

Vacek pointed out that Insitu is also in the process of adding new facilities in Stevenson.

“Overall, we’re continuing to grow, and are growing into space in Stevenson,” she explained. “The Stevenson move will be for about 60 additional employees, but there will be no lessening of the number here.”

Nordlund hinted that further expansion is anticipated.

“Insitu has 519 employees now. But check back at 5 p.m.,” he joked.

Nordlund also stressed that, despite the occasional rumors, Insitu is not leaving the Bingen/White Salmon community.

“That’s the furthest thing from our minds,” he said. “We are going to grow.”

Nordlund noted that Insitu recently signed a $30 million contract with the Canadian Army for ScanEagle training and supply.

“We will support their ground forces in Afghanistan,” Nordlund said. “So we’re seeing Canadian uniforms around town now, as we’re continuing to bring an international flavor to Bingen and White Salmon.”

In addition to the Canadian deal, Insitu has a contract in place to provide ScanEagles for the Singapore Navy.

And the product line is being further refined.

“We’re working on a second aircraft beyond ScanEagle — the `Integrator,’” Nordlund said. “We’re getting ready for some real-world operations with the Integrator.”

The Integrator will have a 16-foot wingspan, as opposed to the ScanEagle’s 10-foot wingspan.

“It can carry more payload,” Nordlund pointed out.

 Nordlund reflected back on the humble origins of Insitu, and marveled at the innovative company’s phenomenal growth in a relatively short span of time.

“Great things can happen,” Nordlund said. “Just a few years ago, Insitu was a few guys in a garage.”

Link to The Enterprise

“Not only do we have a right to know, we have a duty to know what our Government is doing in our name.” Fabulous point-on closing to this article. Andrew, even those who may know all which you presented above, it still begs being brought forth in a single and powerful presentation as this – providing the argument to stir passion in the reader to spur change, which is the ultimate goal of your writing. As much as I would revel to see those in our Government who have wronged us over the last 8 years “do the walk” as HopelesslypartisanDEM states and even expand it to include those in the private sector who have wronged us as well, revenge historically only suits our hedonist tendencies. We can and should leverage the excellent punishment of those in the past to set new standards in the future and send a strong and clear message to future wannabe violators and those currently corrupt that these behaviors will not be tolerated; being swiftly and justly punished as we do with the more tangible moral and blue collar crimes. A form of “pest-control” as Andrew so eloquently puts it.

More on Barack Obama
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

My neighbor and I have acknowledged that the best time of year to buy, anything, is Black Friday. This is how you ultimately keep your annual wallet in in the black, however the desire to state your claim as an Uber Consumer (aka American) is not necessary, especially in these financial times.

Sure, the theory is spending money will be a good thing for our economy… in theory… if we didn’t import most of our goods!

I urge folks to take care of their priorities first this season and remember to be thankful for what you have. Instead of buying something useless for co-workers and friends in a $10 exchange battle – pay your bills. Instead of buying unnecessary gifts for family – give them hugs and spend time together (because that’s what they really want). I know it’s easy to spend on everyone around you, especially with the expendability of the $10 and $20 bill combined with great sales – it nearly impossible not to buy buy buy!!!  Show some restraint, man!!!

But do take advantage of the exceptional sales to save money on whatever purchases you will make – whether gifts or things for the home/hobbies for any other time of the year.

Until next time… keep your wallet in the black!

–
Scott Stevens
970.274.3070 Mobile
“wirelesscott” IM and @twitter

http://www.linkedin.com/in/sstevens

http://bluntperspectives.com

http://scottstevens.net

Know anyone in a battleground state?
Make sure they vote!!!

I created this email to send to folks who live in a “battleground” state or might know folks who are. I want to inspire people to vote and ask that you forward this on to others. Below is a link anyone, no matter political affinity, can use to register to vote in their area and get information on voting (early, absentee, locations). PLEASE forward this email to others…

States; CO, WI, MT, MI, NM, IN, IA, ND, NV, OH, GA, FL, NC, VA, PA, NH, MO.

Register to vote!!! (independent of who you are voting for)

http://www.voteforchange.com

Now for my humble opinion – I respectfully request you read my note in its entirety;

Wouldn’t it be nice if there were some “silver bullet” or “magic wand” to fix our economy, education and healthcare systems? Something that would spur job growth, level the playing field and provide us a future? Fix the environment, lower the cost of power and fuel, and improve your every-day quality of life?

I encourage you to look to technology for the answer. By investing and encouraging technology growth and adoption, every sector in the American economy and our life has a chance to thrive while cutting costs and improving quality.

One of the candidates gets it…

In the below video, Obama speaks directly to you about change, about fixing what is wrong, about life today and what you may be experiencing. Read the financial plan on the link below, which includes creating millions of stable jobs and giving a $1000 tax cut for the MIDDLE CLASS… and I know, you deserve a break!

VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONM7148cTyc
DETAILS: http://my.barackobama.com/plan/

I was raised republican. I am voting for Obama. If you are republican, know that by voting for Obama you will get back the country you love, the stability and opportunity. Guns and less government didn’t save millions from having their privacy invaded, being falsely arrested, nor has it saved them on gas and grocery. I urge you to consider that voting this direction will bring forth positive change, without stripping you of freedom, sportsman, or what else moves you to the common right. Read this on Obama for republicans:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/gophome/
Did you know? Obama was endorsed in April by the American Hunters and Shooters Association.

And, if you have other beliefs and values or a cultural affinity – Obama’s website is extremely informative and there’s a part of his campaign for everyone from all walks of life. Whether you are white or green, a woman, young or senior, live rurally, christian, or a kid there’s a section dedicated just for you and your beliefs, and defines the plan to preserve and enhance those values, while promoting the interests of the common American. Click the below link to find the section dedicated to you:

http://www.barackobama.com/people/

We have a Democratic Senate and House which will help approve positive changes, especially technology which I believe is the catalyst to repairing America’s woes and building our future!

Obama understands the power of the Internet to drive innovation and educational opportunity, and he also strongly supports net neutrality (an open, unrestricted Internet you can use how you’d like). Where he goes further is in arguing that “technology offers the tools to create real change in America,” by connecting citizens to each other and by opening up the federal government to change how business is done – including “giving Americans the chance to participate in government deliberations and decision-making in ways that were not possible only a few years ago.” (He calls this creating “a transparent and connected democracy” – hard to argue with that goal.)

Barack Obama not only gets it, he’s put his whole technology/innovation platform into one neat package. Very helpful in following and understanding the vision and implementation!

http://www.barackobama.com/issues/technology/

He also states a clearer case for how new communications infrastructure can help fuel economic growth, create jobs, reduce health care costs and solve the energy crisis. When it comes to education and the digital divide, Obama’s platform continues to imagine potential benefits; recognizing the need to connect schools first. Obama calls for creating a new position of government you may be familiar with, CTO or Chief Technology Officer. Additionally he calls for making sure first responders have interoperable systems, which despite 9/11 and Katrina we still dont have nor is there any source of significant funding or grants for Public Safety and technology innovation.

THESE ARE ALL EASILY ACHIEVABLE!!! And they are absolutely required for our economy to strengthen and heal, providing us leadership for the foreseeable future. There are things that are sure to be added, refined or debated but at the end of the day I give the plan and those on the committee an A-. You don’t have to take my word for it; read below what the tech experts and leaders of today have to say about this plan.

In closing, I am urging you to consider this as the correct move for America today. Forward this message to others to get them registered to vote. If I have made a case for where to place your vote I am humbled. If you have more questions or would like to debate I am energized and willing. Tell me if you’d like to hear more, or if your mind is not open…

No matter what, get your fellow Americans inspired to hit the polls so that we may begin to repair the American Dream and build a solid foundation for us in the 21st Century!!!

Sincerely to all,

–
Scott Stevens
“wirelesscott” AIM/G/Y!/M
Website http://scottstevens.net

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READ BELOW FOR COMMENTS ON FOLKS ABOUT OBAMA’S TECH and SPORTSMEN SUPPORT.

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Reed Hundt, Former Chairman, Federal Communications Commission (1993-1997):
Barack Obama’s innovation and technology agenda will end the current oil-and-gas Administration’s lack of leadership on the issues shaping our future. This is a 21st century agenda, one that was developed for the American people, not the powerful, entrenched interests in Washington, DC. Barack Obama is the one candidate for president who can create the change necessary for America to enjoy real prosperity in a global economy. An Obama administration will drive investment in our communications infrastructure, our human capital and ensure we have a competitive marketplace that benefits all Americans.

William E. Kennard, Chairman, Federal Communications Commission (1997-2001):

Barack Obama’s technology plan is unique because it focuses first and foremost on empowering people to connect with each other and with government to solve problems. The plan recognizes that technology is not an end in itself, but a means to improve education and health care, create jobs and make America safer. No other candidate so fully embraces technology as a way to strengthen our democracy and improve people’s lives. The plan is truly innovative.

Eric Schmidt, Chairman and CEO, Google, Inc:

Senator Obama’s plan would help make sure that the Internet remains a free and open platform, and that America maintains an atmosphere of high-tech growth and innovation. We particularly share his aims of getting more Americans online, using the Internet to increase government transparency, and applying high-tech know how to thorny problems like education and health care. As the 2008 campaign unfolds, we hope that more candidates on both sides of the aisle will present their concrete ideas for maintaining America’s competitive edge.

Wisconsin Sportsmen for Obama:

The Wisconsin Campaign for Change announced on Thursday the membership of its Sportsmen and Sportswomen for Obama Steering Committee, a diverse group of avid hunters and anglers that will advise the campaign and lead outreach to fellow sportsmen and sportswomen. Committee members praised Obama’s understanding of and respect for Wisconsin’s hunting and fishing traditions and his strong record on conservation.

“Barack Obama is right for Wisconsin when it comes to restoring the middle class and revitalizing our economy, and he’s right for Wisconsin’s cherished outdoor traditions,” said U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (WI-03), who will act as the honorary chair of Sportsmen and Sportswomen for Obama in Wisconsin. “In addition to upholding the constitutional rights of law-abiding gun-owners, hunters, and sportsmen to purchase, own, and use guns, Barack Obama’s record and policies on the conservation and environmental issues sportsmen care about are beyond reproach.” An avid hunter and angler, Rep. Kind also acts as co-chair of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus in Washington.

“This election, Wisconsin voters don’t have to choose between someone who will deliver the change we so desperately need and someone who will protect our right to bear arms and hunt,” said Wisconsin State Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker (D-Weston). “Senator Obama believes the Second Amendment protects an individual right. He has made it clear to hunters and other law abiding citizens: if you’ve got a gun in your house, he’s not taking it, and as a member of the NRA, I believe and trust him.”

“As someone who represents Midwestern rural communities, Barack Obama understands the outdoor traditions of Wisconsin families, and he will protect them as president,” said Friendship resident Diane Lueck, International Director of the Becoming an Outdoors Woman program and national board member of Pheasants Forever. “Obama will fight to keep our lakes and rivers clean, ensure that land is open for sport and work to stop climate change so that our sport can continue to flourish.”

“We need to elect Barack Obama to protect our rivers and streams for fishing, boating, safe drinking water, and to insure we have healthy watersheds across the country” said Madison resident Steve Born, former Chair of Trout Unlimited’s National Resource Board and Board member of Henry’s Fork Foundation. “Obama has a record of protecting habitat and clean water; George Bush and John McCain do not.”

As President, Obama will continue to stand up for sportsmen and sportswomen by:
Protecting the rights of hunters and other law-abiding Americans to purchase, own and use guns.
Improving access by providing financial incentives to private land owners who voluntarily open their land to hunting and fishing.
Advocating funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which provides needed resources to state agencies to conserve important wildlife habitat.
Recognizing that global warming is real, is happening now, and poses a real threat to America’s fish, wildlife, and the future of hunting and fishing, and providing real leadership to combat climate change.
Supporting proposals endorsed by dozens of national hunting and fishing organizations to devote billions of dollars annually to state game and fish agencies and federal land management agencies to help them ensure that fish and wildlife survive the coming impacts of climate change.
Ensuring that Farm Bill conservation programs are funded to provide maximum benefit to fish and wildlife.
Supporting state efforts to educate youth in order to maintain hunting and fishing traditions.

Obama was endorsed in April by the American Hunters and Shooters Association.

I’m pleased to announce that Mark/Space, Inc. has just made available a public preview of The Missing Sync for BlackBerry. While the final release version won’t be available until the end of the quarter, the public preview lets interested individuals take a pre-release version for a spin to check out its features.

The Missing Sync for BlackBerry public preview synchronizes contacts, calendar events, tasks and notes between a Mac running Mac OS X 10.4.8 or later and a USB-capable BlackBerry handset running version 4.0 or later of the BlackBerry operating system. Owners of BlackBerry Pearls or the new 8800 series handsets will enjoy The Missing Sync’s iPhoto album and iTunes playlist syncing (for unprotected audio files). The Missing Sync for BlackBerry really brings out the multimedia capabilities of these devices.

For more information, or to download and try the public preview release, please visit

http ://www.markspace.com/missingsync_blackberry.php

Scott “Seize the Day” Stevens

As I was traveling last Friday I had several hours to kill before my flight left, so where better to sit and do some work than at Denver International Airport, which sports Wi-Fi in the while airport by AT&T and allows roaming partners like my subscription to Boingo.

I found a comfortable spot in a restaurant, opened my laptop and tried to login only finding my “login was rejected”. Much to my dismay, the AT&T “rejected” page did not offer any more specific information or a recharge page like CenturyTel Wi-Fi does. It also does not have “white-listed” links to roaming partners or an account management tool – and since I am a roaming customer through Boingo, I was left wondering how to fix this with Boingo when I can’t get to their website.

I felt trapped and frustrated.

Luckily the “rejected” AT&T Wi-Fi page does offer their toll-free number to call. I gave it a long shot hoping they could tell me some information about my account status or if my user/pass was just wrong (which I knew it was not). At a minimum all I wanted at that point was a number for Boingo.

From my mobile I call the 800 number and reach 3 options of which #1 is a somewhat logical choice as a customer, then the following prompt offering an account issue or tech support option.

Ring, ring, pickup…

I was stunned. I was maybe on hold about the length of time it takes for the call to transfer and a friendly female voice greeted me on the other end. I informed her that I was reaching that page, that I was a Boingo subscriber and that I believed my user/pass was okay.

The customer service rep informed me she could not help with Boingo account questions. My hope balloon just went flat. I asked if she had Boingo’s number and she happily looked it up. We laughed about my inability to get it without my login working. She offered me the number for Boingo which took a minute or two and to my surprise…

She offered to transfer my call.

I was glad to hear that Boingo and AT&T Wi-Fi decided to do the logical thing and at least allow transferring of calls. I accepted her offer and was transferred to Boingo where I was literally picked up on first ring. I asked the rep if they staff 1 customer service agent per subscriber and we laughed.

We got down to business…

We asked for my credentials (not secure ones; last name, first, account city) which I passed with flying colors despite an error from a recent address change. He informed me that the old card we had was expired and I gladly provided him a new card. He suggested a “few minutes” until all systems update and I can get back online.

Total support time: 5 Minutes

Because I was impatient from email withdrawals I tried to login about 30-seconds later with success. My email was downloading and the crisis evaded.

It was an experience of melancholy…

My customer service call was one of the quickest and most successful calls in my life. The reps were friendly and helpful, I was never on hold for significant time and the prompts were easy enough – Kudos to both AT&T and Boingo.

Although it had a happy ending, the beginning was very frustrating and restricting. The obscure message about my rejected login. No conspicuous links to white-listed roaming sites or roaming support pages. No phone numbers to roaming partner support. No mention that their support number would help. No more specific information on my login or account status. No conspicuous helpful troubleshooting tips.

In conclusion:

As a professional who builds Wi-Fi networks (including citywide “Muni” networks) I feel that I have more patience when it comes to these issues and typically resolve problems on my own. However, I was very disappointed at first because of the pure lack of information given to me on the “reject” page. Because I know what technical capabilities are available I felt underserved and confused. Many folks (especially Wi-FI consumers) are tech-savvy and prefer to fix problems on their own.

Unfortunately AT&T only offers phone support as the obvious option – despite an excellent support site that offers lots of good information, it was not an obvious option. Kudos to AT&T for the excellent support info and for the quick and helpful customer service. Thank you Boingo for impressively easy and fast support too.

But AT&T needs to beef up their self-help. Make your support docs the FIRST option, not last or obscurely placed on your very busy home page. Provide more information other than “rejected” for current subscribers. Include white-listed links on the page to roaming partners’ support pages. Include support phone numbers for your roaming partners.

Tech support costs all of us money; it affects ATT and Boingo’s bottom line and thus my cost for the service. Give me more info and let me fix my problem for us. I don’t want to spend ATT’s support money just to call Boingo directly.

I think roaming has come a long way and is doing a great job. These are really my suggestions on how to improve support and roaming support. Overall I am extremely happy with the service from Boingo, their partners and believe it’s worth every penny. I flock to use service where I know I can use my subscription on a reliable network. I prefer this far and above unreliable and illusive free Wi-Fi and even greater over incompatible “one-off” and/or non-roaming hotspots.

If given the chance, I would love nothing more than to help prefect Wi-Fi roaming.

Sincerely,

Scott Stevens

Only a few short days after I posted this and notified all parties of the post, this appeared on the Mark/Space website home page…

The Missing Sync for BlackBerry – Product Preview
Missing Sync reliability and usability, coming soon for BlackBerry.

The Missing Sync for BlackBerry is built on the same technology that has garnered 4.5-mice ratings from Macworld magazine. It’s built to be reliable, so that you can count on your information successfully making the round trip between your Mac and BlackBerry handset.

http://www.markspace.com/missingsync_blackberry.php

Now, I am not taking credit for this showing up, but rather I hope that many readers clicked on the survey link to entice Mark/Space to let us know it’s on the way (plus that little show known as MacWorld where they had a booth ) I have not heard back from Mark/Space when specifically this product is supposed to be released – their site indicates Q1 2007 which gives then only 75 more days.

Also, in what I consider a smart move – a discount to convert from Windows or Palm OS:

Upgrade from a qualifying Missing Sync product
Customers who own one of the Missing Sync products listed below will qualify for a special discounted upgrade to the new Missing Sync for BlackBerry, version 1.0.
Missing Sync for Palm OS
Missing Sync for Windows Mobile

Notably, the product page for Missing Sync for BlackBerry indicates the Pearl specifically when taking about syncing iTunes and iPhotos. This is because of the BlackBerry Pearl’s multimedia enhancements. The new Missing Sync needs OS X 10.4.8 (Universal Binary) and these RIM BlackBerry phones:

Mac System Requirements:
PowerPC G4, PowerPC G5, or Intel processor
Mac OS X, 10.4.8 or higher (Tiger)
Internet connection for product registration

BlackBerry Requirements:
The following devices running version 4.0 and later of the BlackBerry operating system have been tested:
7100 series
7290 (Cingular/T-Mobile)
7250 (Verizon)
7520 (Nextel)
7130 series
8700 series
8707 series
8703 series (Sprint)
8705
8100 series, aka “Pearl”
Other devices may work, but have not been tested.

As I wrote in my prior post that “the Pearl is my iPhone of today”, I now have seen the iPhone debut and retract my statement. The BlackBerry device is good, and I am keeping mine for the next 6 months, but then it’s going into the spare hones closet and the wife and I are getting 8GB Apple iPhones (we have been on Cingular for years and LOVE it)!!!

My beef with the Pearl is it’s entirely too reliant on menus – for EVERYTHING. I have found a steep learning curve that makes the kludgy Palm and icky Windows Mobile OS interfaces seem like generations of ease of use ahead. I also have found the BB to be VERY limiting in it’s customizability. It’s been a good phone and pretty reliable, ad Missing Sync for BlackBerry will make it even more useful, but I’m still not “sold” on it.

Sincerely,

Scott “Patiently Waiting for Apple iPhone” Stevens

I’ll begin here with the summary and call for cooperation for the sake of OS X and BlackBerry users everywhere! I have included sync instructions at the end of this post FYI.

Mark/Space has EXCELLENT syncing software for phones and OS X users known as the “Missing Sync”. It includes an easy-to-use interface and it works easily and reliably. Currently it handles an advanced sync for platforms like: PalmOS (Treo, etc), Windows Mobile (Blackjack, Q, etc), and even the Sony PSP. The reliability and support for the product is very worth the ~$40 USD cost. If only there was a Missing Sync for BlackBerry (they have a survey for readers to fill out)…

Mark/Space Website
Mark/Space BlackBerry Survey

Research In Motion (RIM)’s BlackBerry is an excellent phone platform, working off years of refinement by the pickiest of consumers. They’ve now added multimedia functionality on the Blackberry Pearl that works pretty well and, if properly marketed, should open up their user base (it’s inexpensive for a Smartphone too!). The Pearl is available through America’s largest – Cingular, T-Mobile, and the Canadian powerhouse Rogers.

BlackBerry Main Website
BlackBerry Pearl Website

So if you own a BlackBerry and use OS X, here’s the good and the bad news…

The Good News – RIM licensed an OS X sync free to BlackBerry owners.

The Bad News – PocketMac is not an easy, reliable, or powerful solution.

MacWorld UK – PLEASE RE-REVIEW PocketMac for BlackBerry!!!

Much to my dismay and seemingly hundreds or thousands of other vocal reviews on various web pages, the sync licensed by BlackBerry for OS X known as PocketMac sucks. I try not to use that word, but there’s no politically correct way to express the unbelievable complications, problems, unreliability, and unintuitive user interface (and installer). The company that makes this software, Information Appliance Associates, also makes PocketPC sync too, but after my PocketMac experience for BlackBerry I agree with a review I read on the web -it is very much NOT worthy of the 4-1/2 of 5 “mice” it was awarded by MacWorld UK.

I look to Mark/Space to help fix this problem, even though it’s not their fault…

MAKE YOUR SOFTWARE for BLACKBERRY!!!

Now, the reason I bring Mark/Space into this is because I believe they can fix this problem by making the “Missing Sync” for BlackBerry. It is my humble opinion that RIM only licensed PocketMac for their users because there was not another solution on the market. Pardon my play on their own words, but I believe that if Mark/Space found the “Missing Sync” for BlackBerry, they could get the license with RIM for their software to be provided to the loyal and growing BlackBerry contingent.

Okay, maybe Mark/Space hasn’t done it because it does not meet the business case, or maybe RIM is too cheap to fork out the licensing fee (I doubt). I still believe that Missing Sync would be a heavily purchased product in their portfolio, even if it were offered standalone like the rest of their products. They currently compete with Information Appliance Associates PocketMac for Windows Mobile and they should be winning that race hands down. If Mark/Space is not winning that race, then a move like this could win them significant accolades (and revenue)!

Click here to fill out the Mark/Space survey to make this happen!

My survey looked like this:

What model BlackBerry is your primary device?
Pearl

Please rate the importance of the following possible features on a scale of 1 to 5:
Sync tasks – 2
Sync notes – 3
Sync calendar events – 5
Sync contacts – 5
Email sync with Apple Mail – 4
Email sync with Microsoft Entourage – 1
Call log backup and access on the Mac – 5
Encrypted password and account number storage/syncing – 2
iPhoto album import/export between Mac and BlackBerry – 5
iTunes playlist/music/podcast download to BlackBerry – 5
Install video files to Blackberry Pearl – 5
Backup and restore of the BlackBerry – 4
Installation of third-party applications from the Mac – 4

Are there any special features not mentioned above that you’d like to see in a BlackBerry sync product for the Mac?
I would like to sync “sent email” on the BlackBerry with my mail program’s Sent folder.
I miss being able to use my Cellular Data (Edge/GPRS/GSM) on my Mac when I have no Wi-Fi.
The BlackBerry has a separate directory for /ringtones from /music. Being able to dip into the /music/ folder from the ringtone menu would be VERY nice (maybe an alias?).

I look to Research In Motion to help fix this problem for BlackBerry users…

ENTICE Mark/Space to MAKE THEIR SOFTWARE for BLACKBERRY!!!

I want to give RIM kudos on the best SmartPhone on the market – BlackBerry Pearl, an inexpensive and reliable Smartphone. Honestly after handling it I almost stopped looking forward to the coming of Apple’s iPhone – that was, until I sync’d it. It is easy to see that RIM required a solution to open their loyal users into the loyal Mac contingent, but this was not the way to do it. Unfortunately the message boards and review columns are full of dissatisfied Mac/BlackBerry users, frustrated newbies and veterans alike, and words of suggestion for Windows and Palm even against their better judgment.

Do it right or don’t do it at all, measure twice and cut once. And with all due respect, which I have for RIM, the move to license PocketMac was just a bad decision among many right decisions. Whether it was haste, lack of options or a lack of thorough research by RIM, PocketMac has turned out to be one bad apple in a “Blue-Ribbon” barrel. It pains me significantly to say that if RIM does not choose to entice Mark/Space to create the Missing Sync for BlackBerry, that they might as well pull the licensed sync software off the shelf.

I apologize in advance for my Blunt on this topic, but I feel very strongly about this. I want to trade in my Treo and convert the rest of the Windows and Palm world if I can. The sales pitch is to but a Mac and a Pearl – I think it’s a match made in Heaven. Both companies have VERY loyal fans and both products work. My iPhone is BlackBerry Pearl … once it works with my computer.

Sincerely,
Scott Stevens

Following are my instructions for PocketMac sync for BlackBerry and OS X.

Read more »

I would like to introduce a new associate blogger – Juris the Reader.

I respect greatly Juris’ insight into this world and human nature. He is one who definitely has Blunt Perspectives and I expect those who read this blog will enjoy greatly his contributions.

Welcome Juris – we eagerly await your first posting!

So here I sit after having spent a full weekend painting the new house that I am renting after an arduous summer moving and making some hard decisions. It is funny how true it is that you cannot judge a book by its cover. Specifically to this house we are renting; it was chosen by Tricia, my significant other, as being “a means to an end”, and although quite dated and of cheaper construction – it has the 3 bedrooms we need, a large kitchen and yard, and even a dedicated office space for me!

I wish this was a bit more turnkey and less stressful, but even this stress and the things we have had to do to make this house a home allow me to escape the bonds of work and this desk, and use my computer for a stereo instead of email while I break a sweat.

I am sure you will enjoy the details of this one…

This house is great, but it has shown its age and history during our time here. Do not get me wrong. It is owned by the local Methodist church and they take good care of the place and us, and is really close to amenities – but it been giving us a bit of a hard time. Unfortunately the first and most noticeable was the previous tenants of 6 years had two big dogs… needless to say that the local carpet store had a 3 week install backlog which our que has now come and gone.

During that 4-week wait, after having pulled the carpet, the sewer line clogged…

Now this was actually a relatively fun experience. The plumber guy happened to own the shop and was a salty dog. He rolled up and decided to use the fun stuff to get it done fast because he was working for one of his guys who called in sick was not supposed to be working. He got right to work, whipped out the waterproof camera-snake and took a looksie – ROOTS! This camera gear is like $5,000 (cheap one) and was a real time-saver and pretty cool. Apparently this clog had happened the year before and the old retired guys form the church replaced a stretch of line, but where the old iron pipe and new conduit came together there was a problem with the bond.

The quick way to fix this was to fill up the tanker trailer on the plumber’s van and shoot 4000psi (yea, four-thousand) of water through a snake hose with a special head. This was really cool. I could actually feel the ground vibrate from where this thing was shooting. Like a hot knife in butter it cut away the roots with no problem and the clog opened right up! The plumber the proceeded to tell us about how he had seen a guy use this type of machine in a regular city/drain sewer before, and he was up to his knees in water and did not know where it was aiming. He shot himself in the leg with that 4000psi and it went through his tissues and cut his bone. Not a hole in his jeans or skin, but he was bleeding internally. Whoa.

Now mind you this was after I had six 70-year old retired church guys here removing all of the carpet in the house.

This was funny – I think old men are my favorite kind of people to hang around. They always have something to say and are funny as hell talking to each other with little accents, hearing aids, and back talking in good humor. We were really mad because in the living room is hardwood, like in the dining, and we hoped to save it and refinish it. But all for not – it was a total loss. Worse yet (aside pulling up every staple in the floor) was a black foam-type substance stuck to the floor in the hallway. It needed to be removed and they were on their knees scraping. I helped as I could through the carpet removal and scraping between working. I then spent a few days cleaning all of the floors (old tiles underneath everything), making sure that enzyme and other cleaning treatments were administered.

But did I tell you about the colors in the house?

The kitchen was like a Sprite logo exploded; lemon yellow in the dining area and lime-green in the kitchen itself – whoa! How about the light blue and pale yellow “castle” style paint decoration in a bedroom – that was not evenly measured from the floor or itself. The purple master bed? The sky-blue office? Luckily for my primer bucket the 4th bedroom is uncolored. Oh sorry, I forgot about the real wood paneling on 3 of 4 walls in the living room – the fourth wall is drywall painted beige. I would feel alot better about all of this work if I actually owned the joint!

And ultimately this brings me for the reason that I decided to write a new blog entry after so much time. We now have an entire house of new carpet, flooring, sewer line, and now we are painting. Painting is tough and expensive work and takes alot of time to do right; dusting, taping, priming, and taking time, multiple coats and colors.

Now all I really need is some reveal light bulbs…

BUT! After sitting behind a desk all day getting stressed about work and life, I must admit that painting and home improvement is a most excellent release. To me it is almost like a hobby; you get to be creative and expressful, then actually create it with your own hands (dirt under fingernails and all), then sit back and enjoy and have others enjoy and compliment on it. Although a full weekend of painting has come and gone and I am still only ~50% done, I feel good as I look into the living room and see a well-selected melody of colors that are relaxing and comforting. I look forward to seeing the concepts find fruition in the other rooms, and I am excited to continue working towards this goal.

It will be slow going though as now we are entering a workweek and so Tricia and my efforts will be limited to evenings and possibly some early mornings. And to further complicate the issue she has 3 kids and activities to take them to/from, she’s 18 weeks pregnant, and I am leaving again at the end of this week for Sahara. Honestly, I will be surprised if I get all of the painting done, but I am aiming for ~90% because if I get things taped and all of the hard work done, she can finish or get the church guys to help.

So I like this and people should do this more. I wish I was able to get outdoors more often and this summer I had planned on it, but sometimes putting forth some energy into your own home or something close to you feels really good – and it’s a great way to relieve stress, even if it’s somewhat stressful itself.

Until next time…

In reading Jeff Pulver’s blog entry “Crash Course in Lobbying 101″ I look at the Internet Communications crowd and believe it’s hurdles to be similar to my experiences in the WISP (Wireless ISP) genre of the community. Similarly, Pulver began his efforts by creating successful businesses and lobbying for Voice over IP (VoIP) and is now looking to move increasingly into all things IP. Just as I had ranted and raved about creating an influential presence in Washington to WISPs, I reaffirm my belief here today – with a commitment to help Pulver and the Internet Communications Community to success!

On the issue of the Internet community’s lack of presence and effort in Washington, I would like to begin by providing some history and insight on my prior experiences.

The WISP community had gained decent traction in DC, but I primarily attribute this to the staff at the FCC during that time (most of which have left), namely Chairman Michael Powell, Director of Policy Development Robert Pepper, and Director of Wireless Policy John Muleta.

We successfully won against an interference claim made by Sirius Satellite, were allocated over 400MHz of “Free” spectrum in the upper-bands (2.4-5.8GHz), assisted in recognition of less regulation for the Internet (both infrastructure and IP), and created an awareness about the significant impact of wireless on a global society. President Bush echoed our efforts in his 2005 speech where every American was to have access to broadband Internet by 2007 – where wireless was the catalyst, especially for rural America. We were also involved in RUS Grants, USF discussions, and other Government assisted financial debates.

These efforts and accomplishments were fine, but did not reach their full potential. Battles are being lost in debates over the HDTV spectrum reallocation, white space, and other battles of spectrum usage. We won an allocation of former DOD (Department of Defense) bands in 3.65GHz but lost the technology battle – the spectrum is useless given today’s technologies and yet remains ignored by vendors in their roadmaps. And there’s more.

Why so bittersweet?

The WISP community had difficulty banding together because of the different “clicks” and groups, despite the same goals and vision attitudes got in the way. There was WISPA in 2001 (incarnation #1), Part-15 in 2002 (to fight WISPA), WCA in 2003 (who had been in telco/wireless for years prior), WISPA #2 in 2004 (after WISPA #1 failed, and Part-15 became corrupt). Other than Andrew Kreig’s WCA and my involvement with PFF (Progress and Freedom Foundation), none were professional enough with feet constantly in the Lobbying Halls to make an impact and send a strong and consistent message, thus receiving limited support and recognition from the administration.

Aside the above, I believe there were some core issues that existed in the failure of the WISP movement in DC. These issues I believe exist within the Internet Community, and what does not exist can easily become fact if not monitored or a path and leadership chosen wisely.

Below is my short list from the history of WISP lobbying that will hopefully help us do some creative thinking/problem solving as we begin this arduous journey…

#1) Cost

WISPs were an under-funded community, lawyers cost $ and so does paying a dedicated assembly of people to lobby and respond to/create proposals. Entrepreneurs are spending their money on their business (yes, lobbying should be part of that, but is not), and techies spend it on new toys – we must either get enough corporate support or successfully convince the techies and small operators.

#2) Fear

Washington feels like it is more powerful than the people, just as some Americans do not vote because they feel insignificant – the general consensus of the community is one of helplessness. Failed attempts in DC quickly lose moral.

#3) Unity

The Internet community is assembly of skilled, thoughtful, and independent thinkers – entrepenurers and passionate people. Attitudes and debates (ending in disagreement) lead to a loss of continuity and therefore, progress.

#4) Morality

The “organic” WISP contingents that were formed and received support eventually grew leaders with significant attitudes while support funds became profit-centers. These attitudes lost support from the constituents, while potential corruption and inter-fighting lost face with the powers that be through corruption.

#5) Stagnancy

The organic leaders did not mature to meet the demand of professionalism required in the “Lobbies” of Washington. Persistence is a virtue, however the leadership and constituents were unwilling or incapable to adapt to “The DC Way”, evolve with the Internet and technology, and read-between the lines when Washington winked. This lead to the battles being rehashed with a laughable presence under the same failed pretenses.

I am done for now, comments and insight are *strongly* encouraged!

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc. (IEEE) this morning announced the approval of the 802.16e standard, the specification that will serve as the basis for mobile WiMAX technology.

Though the announcement had been expected since the standard was completed nearly two months ago, the news that 802.16e has been approved by IEEE’s Standards Board represents a major milestone in the development and implementation of mobile, broadband wireless services.

Mobile WiMAX trials and certification testing by the WiMAX Forum could now proceed in the first half of 2006, industry observers say, with products to follow in late 2006 or 2007.

“Essentially we’ve been working for two years to enhance this fixed standard to deal with mobile WiMAX as well,” says Roger Marks, chairman of the IEEE 802.16 Working Group. “A lot of parties have been eager for it to wrap up, so they can move this standard into actual gear.”

The key difference between the fixed and mobile WiMAX standards is that a connection should be maintained using 802.16e even when moving between base stations. The new standard will also enable the introduction of more-efficient OFDMA radio technology.

http://www.unstrung.com/document.asp?doc_id=85346

The House passed a bill today that gives broadcasters until Dec. 31, 2008, to stop using analog spectrum. The bill also authorizes $990 million for a digital-to-analog converter box program to help people get digital TV. The switchover program would be funded from an auction of the vacated wireless spectrum, which will be allocated for use by emergency first-responders and wireless broadband providers.

http://www.internetnews.com/bus-news/article.php/3565691

I spent 5 months in early 2004 living in the true “Heart of Texas”, a few miles from Independence where the Texas constitution was signed, Sam Houston used to attend church, in Washington County with the historic “Independence Trail”.

I think Texas is a great state, or I would not have chosen it for building my business. But I do have to disagree with the fact things are bigger in Texas. Simply put, things are more excessive in Texas.

Now Texans, don’t get mad at me, I had folks from “the Heart” laugh about my perception and call it okay… unlike an accidental joke about the Alamo.

There are tons of Bluebell and Indian Paintbrush flowers in the spring, the steak falls off your dinner plate (when you order a medium size), and it comes with a stack of toast, “side” bowl of gravy, and a buffet bar (full of breaded fish, veggies, and anything else you can batter) … oh and did you want a potato or fries?

Excessive amounts of beer (I was told that Washington County, TX has the highest consumption of alcohol in Texas, possibly the whole USA), too much driving drunk as a byproduct, when Texans get mad they get “mad as hell”, and their love is truly larger than life.

Sure it’s bigger in Texas – bigger steaks, fists, hearts, and bar tabs…

God Bless Texas.

Recently I began using NetNewsWire, an RSS reader program for the Mac. Safari’s RSS is terrible to use, and NNW has integration with a built-in web browser and a Mail-ish approach to viewing RSS … move over Safari, Camino, and Mail?!

Excerpt from a post I made to the NNW discussion community…

I would like to see NetNewsWire become a slightly more powerful browser (url memory/history/bookmarks/pdf and word plugin support) as well as handle POP3 email (at a minimum). With that, I will be able to run a single program for everything. It also needs to support keychain (or support it better).

I would pay for use of such a comprehensive single-software powerhouse.

Build in iCal (i dislike iCal’s interface) and Address Book (like in Entourage) and there would be no stopping this platform. Heck, allow it to plugin to Adium and you will have a truly fully integrated program. (I like Adium over iChat, more customizable interface and multiple service/account support)

Welcome to the future of fast-program switching.

I am sick of switching windows and programs, considering I only use one of these at a time anyways. One RSS tab, one mail tab, browser tabs, and links to AddressBook and iCal, maybe even pop-up style. Let the user configure the look/feel as they wish. I loved Entourage, merge the Apple versions of Entourage in this program and we have a winner. Even on my 12″ I could handle having a slim/Zen-style IM list on the left-left-nav.

YAY! One window for everything – offline (unlike Gmail) = /me happy.

Heck, add an iTunes window, how about making this program a full-on desktop/program manager? I use all these programs and they are all nearly full-window size so I see one-at-a-time anyways. I still feel that iPhoto and Preview should be separate. They are big programs and also have their use in a separate window.

In conclusion…

Merge the following programs: RSS, Browser, Mail, Adium, iTunes, iCal, Addy Book – add a dash of highly customizable interface options (layout, color, etc like Adium), remain spotlight compliant, and you have a program that opens eyes even at Google and Microsoft (and Apple? I feel sometimes they are losing it).

I suggest to NNW – get this done and pose for an immediate acquisition $$$.

I had an interesting contemplation while on the phone with an old friend of mine. We were discussing variations of fruit salad, which ultimately can be a combination of any fruits you prefer, with or without some form of a sweet and possibly whipped mix.

It then occurred to me that tomatoes are considered a fruit, but generally consumed as a veggie. Some people have shown odd faces to menus where a salad has apples or some common fruit – to the contrary, I had an *amazing* salad with fruit accents in Boulder, Colorado a couple of weeks ago and my taste buds reveled at the combinations.

So I had to ask, why not a tomato in fruit salad? It’s no more sour than grapefruit or grapes and after all, is classified as a fruit. As a matter of fact, I say that fruit salad without Tomato is a far cry from a “salad”. I would even be willing to suggest to Wikipedia the definition of fruit salad have a nice ripe picture of a tomato next to it!

I personally enjoy greatly the art of cooking, and even baking. We have found many interesting uses for tomatoes in many culinary societies. You can actually find, once you delve deep into a culinary excursion, how fruit is used in creative ways to accent many foods. Many restaurants here in Aspen do this, my absolute favorite being Restaurant Mogador (with an occasional belly dancer and killer decor it’s a great time!)

Needless to say that mention of my theory on fruit, salad, and tomatoes had this old friend of mine rolling on the floor, laughing her apples off. A salad by any name will never be the same.

It is interesting to me how some people are just not good at taking advice, even a healthy dose of constructive criticism. Personally I do all right, I however am into “self improvement”, and tend to enjoy hearing others perceptions of my interactions and personality. I have my fair share of proud moments as well, where I can be very defensive about what I thought I did quite right, or at least the theory behind why it *should have been right*.

It’s a 12-step program, but physical instinct is in the way…

Becoming one with criticism is really a transformation of one’s perception of the situation. As a natural defense mechanism our minds will defend our position through adding adrenaline (the fight or flight syndrome) as we perceive the situation to be turning threatening. This is a defense mechanism that will keep you alive when used correctly, but can have a detrimental effect when not controlled in a modern society – after all, we’re not being chased by lions and bears anymore.

Sure, it’s can be a quite unpleasant situation to be proposed by another that you are a flawed human being – and they recognize it. Many people get mad, stomp their feet, cry, and scream, become anti-social or resort to violence. All of these reactions are normal. Our pre-disposition to a “threatening” situation is the fight (anger, yelling, violence) or flight (crying, anti-socialism) – so don’t get mad at me, I’m just telling the truth! But what we do have over other beings on this Earth is logic and reasoning – and this is how we turn the tables.

Step 1: Counter the Natural Response (Guard Down)

No matter what we will have the adrenaline shot into our bloodstream and begin sending us in the wrong direction, but this is when you can gain control. When being offered criticism or unfavorable/strong suggestions (let’s call these things “advice” from now on), when you’re getting “advice” from someone first realize you are not being threatened, especially not in a way that demands a strong physical response. Stay calm and breathe, do not talk, fidget, or walk away. Uncross your arms and get in a comfortable physical position.

Step 2: Control Perception (Open Up)

Once you have slowed the flow of adrenaline and increased oxygen flow to the brain, you are ready to begin taking over the situation with logical control. Use reason and logic to establish there is no danger. Tune in to their voice and what they are saying, re-iterate to yourself who this person is and what they mean to you – admit their intent is in your favor. Realize that in-fact you *are* a flawed and imperfect human being, and this is a part of learning and becoming better. Just like working out, it is good to have a coach and learn from others – and the opportunity for growth is presenting itself to you.

Step 3: Seal those Lips (Listen)

The best way to lose good advice is to open your mouth. Whether it is agreeing with the other or defending your position – just keep quiet. Giving advice typically consists of 3 stages: they will begin with a preview of the problem, possibly with a question to establish their ground, move into providing examples (shhh… listen), and then offer you suggestions on improvement. Take time to sort through everything inside your head. Be careful not to disregard the general piece of advice because of a few minor inaccuracies. Listen for the “bigger picture” of what they are trying to say to you, and realize that giving constructive advice is just as hard as receiving it. Let them talk, a simple nod or “sure is enough to let them know you are listening.

Step 4: Humble Yourself (Learn)

Admit it… we are all wrong more often than we would like to admit. Although we prefer to paint ourselves as near-prefect individuals to people, showing strength business and personal, the reality is far from perfect. I do it all the time, usually even tend to be wrong more than I am right – but I ask you to please keep reading I recall often some advice I received from my father when I was a young(er) business man… “Scottie, be humble. Be humble when you speak to others and when they speak to you.” This helped me tremendously both personally and professionally – especially as there is an unfortunate issue of youth-prejudice at times, which I fully understand. Being humble means realizing you are imperfect, being open to learning, keep quiet at the right times, and be self-confident.

Definition from Wikipedia:
Humility is the state of being humble. While people may have different ideas about the meaning of humility, a protypical humble person is generally thought to be unpretentious and modest: someone who does not think that he or she is better or more important than others.

Step 5: Reanalyze (Sort Through)

Now that you have opened up to advice and listened to it, now it is time to complete the learning process. Hopefully if you did a good job listening, there were a few things you learned from the advice you received. Possibly there was an example that hit home, once you were humble enough to admit it. Possibly you were able to take a suggestion and envision a way to use it in the future. It is now time to take the advice you received, all of the examples and suggestions and process them, apply some additional humility to the examples to find more ways to improve. Process the advice you received, as well as some you found on your own and take these suggestions to heart. Apply them to real-life scenarios in the past, and think about how to use them in the future.

Step 6: Increase Awareness (Observe)

Now that you know what you are looking for, begin looking for others around you who may be using what you have learned. Many say the best way is to lead by example, and by observing others you can find a passive yet powerful opportunity to see it in action. You will also begin noticing folks who may be in need of the advice you received as well, which provides you with a unique opportunity to look at “yourself” in action. Take what you learn from those around you and begin modifying your strategy, or create options for yourself incase some of the ideas do not work out. While you can, live vicariously through those around you!

Step 7: Implement (Execute)

Lights, Camera, Action! You have a chance to use what you have learned and implement it. Either the situation has presented itself again or you took the bull by the horns and decided to act. This is truly the hardest part of all 12 steps and takes a TON of brainpower; you will need to continually tell yourself how to implement the advice. Telling yourself to walk the extra mile, not to slouch in your chair, to be less confrontational – whatever the advice is, keep reminding yourself of it. Do not lose yourself however, maintain harmony with your control of the situation and keep paying attention to the details you have already perfected. Make mental notes on easy and difficult areas, as well as things that are aiding or denying your success.

Step 8: Progress Check (Look Back)

The hardest part is over, time to look back at the situation and review the mental notes we took during that strenuous exercise. This is a time for refinement of the process, where you keep, toss, or modify ideas you tried in order to use the advice you had received. Come up with new and more creative ideas, think of other situations, and review your past again to find other examples where you had difficulty. Chances are you have been in this sort of situation before in your life, and it is always easier to learn from past examples than have to repeat them in trial-and-error again.

Step 9: Get Feedback (Survey)

The first seven steps are focused on receiving and implementing the advice you received. Once you have been successful using advice someone has provided, it is a good idea to take your humility a step further and actually solicit for advice from those around you. Do not just walk down the street or call all of your friends and ask them if you’re a great person or not. Ask those around you who you *respect*, and who are close to you for their “honest opinion on how I can do better.” This can be a broad question or fairly narrow, but be careful not to get too narrow – allow then adequate freedom to provide you with the raw feedback you asked for. It is likely you may have to convince them that you will not take offence, that you actively seek advice in hopes to implement it. As well, sometimes the best raw feedback can come from new people or semi-strangers, as they might be less worried about offending, sugarcoating, or tailoring the feedback. Also, please be sure to avoid disrupting certain relationships by soliciting feedback, especially in business. If they ask for your feedback in return, just beware that they may not handle it as well.

Step 10: Appreciate “Advisors” (Thank)

Like I said, giving advice can be just as hard as receiving it. It is not easy to tell a friend, family, or business partner that there’s some way they are failing, or can do better. They ran a high risk by providing advice; your natural “fight or flight” reaction was very likely to have a negative impact on the relationship. When you receive advice, and after you have successfully implemented it, you are now an improved person. There are two people you should be sure to thank for your progress: Yourself for making it happen, and the person who brought it to your attention in the first place!

Step 11: Provide Others “Advice” (Practice)

You have now come full swing in receiving, using, and respecting this unique opportunity to self-improve. You have opened your eyes to your surroundings as well, and have been able to see where you were not the only one who was in need of some improvement. Avoid becoming a preacher, and definitely avoid providing unsolicited advice on a regular basis – especially in sensitive circles or situations. Remain Humble. Providing advice many times can come across to the other as if you are putting yourself on a pedestal, and at their expense. Sometimes the best way to give advice can be by presenting the suggestion as a gentle breeze, guiding them in a direction of least resistance. Remember to empower them as the ultimate decision-makers. Most people are smart enough to take a good idea or a subtle hint and begin to chew on it, the ultimate result being the desired outcome – improvement. Avoid talking about yourself, outright offending them, and dictating their life – they will accept your advice more readily.

Step 12: Seek “Advice” Regularly (Maintain)

If we reached complete perfection we would end up in Heaven or reaching Nirvana – and if you are still showing up in the mirror then there is still work to be done. Many times improving yourself is not a simple cheer at the beginning or end of the day, or being observant in a certain situation, but rather takes a few hundred reminders through a full conscious day in order to make a real, lasting change. This especially rings true for people who may be trying to quit smoking or drinking, drugs, nail biting, posture, swearing, attitude, depression, eating habits, burnout, breakup/divorce, etc. Most of what we do as humans are habitual or instinctual, and require a powerful and regular mental opposition in order to make the change successfully. Continue to work at advice you have received in the past, and continue to solicit and work on future improvements. Best of all, look inside yourself and self-improve.

“Be humble Scottie…”

Thanks Dad.

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