Blunt Perspectives

So now we hear that everyone in several international governments, who can implement it, are ready to roll out the new E passport which can be scanned like groceries at a checkout counter. It is touted as secure, high tech, and will be good for everyone. Even though security experts in the field, including an EU funded network of IT security experts are against E passport schemes. They claim they are not secure and can be compromised even leading to identity theft, but the governments issuing them don’t seem to care what the experts think.

Why would that be? Could there be another agenda going on here? Over the last few months there has been more and more speculation among knowledgeable commentators in the information media that the nations of the world are leaning in the direction of a world government, or a tight coalition to facilitate more control over events, corporations, and individuals. If, that, could be part of the reason for bringing out the E passport, with the enormous amount of opposition to it; to create more identity theft, confusion, and chaos in the world, leading to the need for governments to implement more laws and systems to control the problems created, then, it may work.

It is an accepted norm that in order to lead people, with their approval, you have to have a common enemy, something for them to rail against, something distasteful to eliminate, and it has worked for centuries. The theory was first described by Tsu Sun in 500 BC in his book “The Art of War” as to how to maintain discipline and the will of the soldier to fight the battle. You needed to give him a reason to put himself in harms way willingly, for the “cause”. Niccolo Machiavelli in his writings and book in the 1500’s AD titled “The Prince”, also eloquently and with precise detail describes how a Prince (governor in a government) under various scenarios can control the direction in which the “people” go, and that they will be willingly to go there.

Perhaps the powers in charge, behind the scenes, already have some chip or thing that is ultimately so secure that it is married to each individual through DNA, and that chip would need to be inserted into the individual to work properly… Give the people enough chaos and they may agree to the intrusion into their lives and ultimately insertion of a chip into their bodies. These chips would do it all, banking, shopping, transportation, etc., therefore, governments could finally know your every movement, everything about you, how you live, how you recreate, and what you buy.

With the growth of the technological possibilities in miniaturization, who knows, someday even a small implanted chip could hear what you are saying, anywhere and anytime. The possibilities are endless,.. who will control it.., when even now the governments ignore the knowledgeable scientists and technicians of the world who care about security and privacy of the individual, you, and me.

If you happen to get the inclination to read the books I mentioned you will see, and be amassed, at the cause and effect of events as described there, prevalent in the world today. All of the great and evil events of history have used these principals enumerated in these books, namely, because they work. …Things to ponder… Till next time.    Juris

It gets to be a chore to read the so-called News of this modern age.  That statement is a fact, and not an opinion of mine, stated to you.  It takes me quite a while to get to the facts of an article and it’s summation, which I would cherish, if I could find such an elusive thing in today’s massive amount of articles.  What has occurred is a proliferation of…opinion…sprinkled sparingly with the facts of the subject at hand.

News writers have forgotten that there, even today, exists an editorial page, which should be dealing with those kinds of things.  So, I stopped to think about it for a while, and decided there was probably a reason for it being that way.  My reason may be wrong, yet then again, I may be right or somewhat right.

As the internet has opened up the world to every hidden corner that used to be beyond reach to most of us, and is now at our beck and call instantly, the writers at these remote places have to make it seem relevant, important, and interesting just to make us think we were lucky to come across their article and have us come back for more.  I’ll admit I fell into the trap many times and went back, but found the same strategy used over and over to keep enticing me to come back, even to the point of…yes…bookmarking those sites. I WAS HOOKED.  But I went to RAA (Readers Anonymous Already) and worked myself out of the addiction, cleaned up my bookmarks and am quite looking forward to a new web site that one of the ex chief executives of CNN is starting in Iraq. It will bring all the important “news” to one site. Sounds good, but I hope that it does not turn out to be a gigantic…bookmark, as in my opinion, The Matt Drudge report is. … Later - with less facts and more opinion. …       Juris

I was inundated with news from here-n-there AND everywhere a few weeks prior to my visiting Colorado and seeing friends and loved ones along the way. The visit itself was a joy, and not soon to be forgotten.

That joy was replaced by a realization; as I turned the computer on and had the so-called news hit my nerve endings with a vengeance this past week. It was not the same back and forth in disguised demands, allegations of this and that, and words written and said to create trepidation among the readers and listeners, of what has become a maddening chorus, to make it look like the world has an excessive amount of legitimate problems that need to be addressed and then solved.

The world in my opinion has gone crazy. There are real problems that need solving, we all know what they are, but the world leaders now, in unison, are trying to micro manage their own country and unfortunately the rest of the universe, claiming everything, even what was at one time a minor irritation, is now a major problem to be dealt with. I ask, who elected them GOD? God is sovereign and needs no help. It seems that the average person in this world throughout time has only wanted to be left alone to live in peace, love his wife, raise his children, and provide for them without destroying others and their livelihood.

The leaders do not care what their ambitions will do to that average person. It also just irks me to no end to see false civility and PC on top of all that, as the so-called leaders confront each other and posture for dominance on the world stage. It is getting worse and I do not see an end to it. Everyone has thrown too many ingredients into the pot and it is overflowing. All we can do is watch as it happens and also watch as it tumbles into the abyss.

Even the newly elected in this country will succumb to the call of the siren as she bids them to become arrogant and fall in step with the rest of the politicians in power. It has all happened before and at this point I think, unstoppable…. Keep watching!  It is a convoluted mess; and, it is real….Till next time…….Juris

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 $$$.

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