Time for a users report on our satellite systems

We got Wildblue satellite broadband about 4 months ago. After some initial tweeking, we got both ME and Firefox to work pretty much like they're supposed to. Wildblue does seem to like ME better connection wise than Firefox. We haven't had any major problems with the system, and the speed is pretty good- even according to the wife (who's used to RoadRunner at work). We got the lowest priced package @$49.95 (plus tax) and about 500K download speed and 125K upload.
We haven't had the frog-strangling downpour test yet, but our reliability is fine.

The bad part,Vonage doesn't work for chit on it. Something about the latency. The only reason we're paying the lowest rate of $14.99 is for those international calls home. We can call out and it's usually fine, just can't call in 8 out of 10 trys. With Wildblue and Vonage, we're paying about the same price as we did for just SBC(now AT&T), with about the same phone quality.

The Sprint cell phones work alot better, still have alot of iffy areas in the house. We found if we stand next to the window, we have cell contact- works for us.

The only problems we've had with DirectTV is the intermittent power outages. If we loose power for too long, or get a too-close lightning hit, we have to reset the boxes. Kinda a PITA, but better than Charter cable. We only lost the signal once because of the FSD-with lightning.

The new ceiling fan controller (wireless) switch is a beauty- hey! I got that for Karen for Christmas (and Karen appreciates it very much -Karen). The hardware is wired and hidden in the base of the fan and controlled by a battery powered remote. It even has a dimmer switch. Not bad for less than $50.

That's our wireless round-up of the year.

Ok, I'm looking at jobs in the paper

because I'm getting tired of the 120 mi daily commute, pluse I put a hole in the skin of the bosses brand new warehouse (it was a piece of rebar, not the bobcat).
when I came on this ad:

LANDSCAPE Installation, gay-owned hill country business. 512-738-2934

Ok, it's an Austin area code, but WHY did he have to mention his sexual preference orientation in the paper? Giving the "heads-up"(so to speak) to any potential employees, or just trolling for REAL brown-nosers?

I'd buy some of their "Dick Cheny Gun Club" stuff

Exept I don't want to reward something I detest.
See the liberal version of the NRA.

I found this picture blog on my sitemeter

Don't go if you don't like:

1. The French
2. Nekkid chickens
3. Chicken choking
   
4. Blatent fake blood and gore
5. Snoopy as inspector Cleauso.

It's in French, and I didn't bother translating any more than the little Cajun French that I know.

This ain't right




That's the thermometer on out front porch.
That's 28ºFahrenheit for my European readers.

Real life vs. internet

was brought to you by the words Flame War.

Can I get a Fatwa on me now?

I just made a cartoon of moHAMmid, and so can you!
Just in case you nutjobs want to riot at my house- remember, I live in Texas. We are allowed to shoot if we feel out lives or property is in danger. I consider ANY peadephile worshipping muhhamadine approaching my property with a sign to be a threat.
Just tell me what you flavor is: a scoped .22 auto, 20 gauge deer slug, or a 30.06 that I can used to be able to hit a headsize target at 300yds.

One the reasons that I've kinda got my undies in a wad is that Aelfheld sent me a link about the second third attempted hijacking of flight 93. This is the redesign refinement of the First islamic appeasement. If you're going to put a religious symbol that can be seen from the sky, make it a CROSS pointing at mecosMecca.
If you're as pissed at the US Dept of Interior as I am; go to the site and flood them with mail, both e-mail and snailmail.
I wish I could say that I don't believe they're letting this through, but it IS Bush's "Compassionate Consrevative" appointee in charge. Besides it's PC to appease a bloodthirsty religion because the ACLU won't use our taxdollars to stop it.

My mini Blogalanch of the day

Just some blogs, I've been meaning to put up. I've just been on the laptop alot, since the 14 15year-old is usually on the big computer (this one). I don't write alot on the H/P laptop because the layout/keys have me making even MORE mistakes than a regular keyboard.

Without forther ado Chief RZ over at The Truth gives his take on life- when he posts.

Mr. Completely tried to help with my gun question. Since none of my gun-geeks bothered to reply, I'll not tell you why we think they don't want .22 shorts in a revolver.

Someone I completely forgot I was going to link, Stop the ACLU blog, good idea there.

It looks like the religious outrage union is taking a break

I didn't see anything about moslem riots on this mornings glance through the news.
Maybe they're just catching their breath and trying to decide which is more worthy of their riots, the "New and Improved" Abu Graib pics, or the gay muhhamidine film?
I don't think they'll have two seperate "outrages" because I don't think their followers are really sharp enough to seperate the two ideas. Wouldn't it be kinda embarassing for them to get mixed up when they load the bus at the local Union Hall- having them carrying Abu Graib signs and chanting the anti-gay moslem canards.

Which outrage do you think will be the next big thing to hit the Mid-East?

(UPDATE FEB. 18)
Looks like Mirriam was right. They probably just took a break, catch their breath, learn the newest outrage, and back at it today.

If you don't want drilling off your coast, fine- pay an energy surcharge

You can help defray the cost of energy that you help increase for all of America.

That goes double for Fla, N.J. and Cali.
These are the states fighting to keep drilling away from any substantial deposits.
Because of the "potential" to ruin our precious beaches by a oil spill.

Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., said he was worried drilling off Virginia would create a "domino effect" that would lead to energy development and the potential threat of oil spills elsewhere along the Atlantic coast

"Our beaches are just too precious to play Russian roulette with," said Menendez.

Menendez and Democratic Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer of California are planning bills to bar development in their state's coastal waters.

Ok, you weinies- if there is a leak on a natural gas well, there WON'T. BE. A. SPILL. it will go into the atmosphere to eat another hole in the Ozone layer.
Modern oil wells have vast and complex safety measures and equipment designed to PREVENT oil spills from most foreseeable causes. Want to know why? Besides from the bad PR- oil spills COST MONEY- alot of money. Not only the clean-up and fines, but lost product.

Your ocean views won't be very much marred by wellheads so small and far out that you have to LOOK -HARD- to see them. I used to live in Port Aransas, Tx (before it became a tourist trap/retirement community) and delt with the results of PEMEX's spill of over 15 years ago.
Guess what? You can't tell the difference between those tarballs and the NATURAL oil seeps.
You know Mother Natures' oil spills. And the The wellheads and platforms give a sense of scale to the featureless water, so you can sense it's vastness.

Also, you enviro-weinies, think of the fish habitat that the rigs will produce. Some of the best fishing in the close-in gulf is around the platforms.

Gawd, if they don't want to do anything but hurt our energy supply, shut their supply off.
(sorry Guy, you can always move to Texas)

Attention, American MSM decides to distribute pictures designed to inflame

exept that it's not the cartoons that the semi-literate muslum masses are rioting against.

these pictures are designed to inflame the same tolerant people against Americans- the Military specifically. Yes, the same Legacy news that barly mentions the intolerant muslems, is running the second set of pictures from Abu Graib- with additional *fake-but-accurate pictures* that didn't happen, but could have. I don't remember which blog I read that on last night, but it's on my blogroll.

I guess it's safe for the MSM to rum pics designed to inflame bomb-throwing savages, as long as it's a PC pic that doesn't endanger them- personally. Abu Graib had already been investigated and the perpetraters were on their way through the military justice system when the FIRST set of pics were flooding the Mid-east. What, besides p*ssing off the camel jockeys are they trying to do?
Sjhow how "brave" they are?

The government is concerned about your internet privacy

In China

They're holding hearings about self censorship to get into Chinas web.

This, the same government who just got done with a massive good size fishing expedition on it's own citizens. Who, three out of the big four handed over potentially self-incrimination evidence on a request.

"Your abhorrent actions in China are a disgrace," said Rep. Tom Lantos, the top Democrat on the House International Relations Committee. "I simply don't understand how your corporate leadership sleeps at night."

Yahoo's senior vice president and general counsel, Michael Callahan, said his company was "very distressed" at having to comply with Chinese law.

-snip-
Lantos, D-Calif., repeatedly asked whether Yahoo had contacted the family of Chinese journalist Shi Tao, who critics say Yahoo helped police identify and convict after he criticized human rights abuses in China.

-snip-
James Keith, the State Department's senior adviser on East Asia, told lawmakers that China's efforts to manipulate the Internet have increased in the last year, "sending a chilling message to Internet users."

-And naturally you have the usual socialistic answer for anything hypocritical. . . it's for the children.
China says its steps are intended to protect its citizens, especially children, from "the immoral and harmful content" of the Internet.

Just when I have to leave for work

I found this Jewish response to all the moslem cartoon rioting.

What kind of firearm are you?

	You scored as Sniper Rifle. You like sharpshooting. Stealth, accuracy and range are your best friends. So you need sniper rifle (if you don't already have one). Sniper Rifle 81% Revolver 75% Assault Rifle 75% Shotgun 63% Pistol 56% SMG 44% Machinegun 38% What Firearm Fits You Best? created with QuizFarm.com

Well, I DO like my old 1918 Springfield 30.06 deer rifle.
I can sit back all day and drop 'em into the black with iron sights.

In regards to the ever more tiresome moslem riots

And because nothing is worth the trouble of thinking with this Cedar headache I've had all day.

Three strangers strike up a conversation in the airport passenger lounge in Amarillo,Tx, while awaiting their respective flights.


One is an American Indian passing through from Lame Deer.
Another is a Cowboy on his way to Billings for a livestock show
and the third passenger is a fundamentalist Arab student, newly
arrived at Texas State University from the Middle East.

Their discussion drifts to their diverse cultures. Soon, the two Westerners learn that the Arab is a devout, radical Muslim and the conversation falls into an uneasy lull.


The cowboy leans back in his chair, crosses his boots on a magazine table and tips his big sweat-stained hat forward over his face. The wind outside is blowing tumbleweeds around, and the old windsock is flapping; but still no plane comes.

Finally, the American Indian clears his throat and softly he speaks, "At one time here, my people were many, but sadly, now we are few."

The Muslim student raises an eyebrow and leans forward, "Once my people were few," he sneers, "and now we are many. Why do you suppose that is?"

The texan shifts his toothpick to one side of his mouth and from the darkness beneath his Stetson says in a smooth drawl . .

"That's 'cause we ain't played Cowboys and Muslims yet,
but I do believe it's a-comin'."

Just because I have evil thoughts, does that make me a

Oh, yeah- I AM a conservative.

I'm watching listening to the dog show tonight. They have the English terrier group on now, which reminds me of the trip home tonight.
I was heading west on I-10/HWY-90 and saw one of those ugly @ss red Pitbulls fixing to cross the road in front of me. The traffic was fairly light, so I wouldn't have any problems avoiding it.

This is SouthSan- low class brown trash and gangs, the dog had probably been trained as some kind of attack dog. If it hadn't killed or maimed yet, it has a real good chance soon.

Do I hit it, or avoid it?

So, the way Bush and Co. keep defending out borders

I guess this will become the national pastime?

Man, another one

No, not moslem rioting- a church burning in Alabama.
I think it's unsupervised kids looking for exitement.

It looks like at least one newbie Republican knows why he's in DC

unfortunately his views and mine are 180 degrees apart.
I'm not sure how much to trust the story I'm reading, because it comes from a
notoriously partisan and inaccurate source.
See, the republians went on a retreat to work on their future image- with a new leader.

One of the items raised was earmarks (pork) in the budget.
A controversy over earmarks _ the congressional name for funding pet projects _ is particularly intense. Especially since one GOP-led committee compiled a secret tally sheet showing earmark requests made by Republicans calling for reform.

"Earmarks have become the currency of corruption," Rep. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., (He looks promising-Kurt)recently wrote Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill. "We can't allow this to continue."

High on the list of challenges for the GOP is the annual drafting of a budget. President Bush's appearance on Friday's program was a reminder that he's calling for $70 billion in savings over five years from benefit programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps and payments to farmers. (OHmygod, starving the POOR!!!!!!!!)
-snip-
Fiscal conservatives are particularly determined to cut back on earmarks.

The practice, an old one, has mushroomed in recent years under Republican sponsorship, and the legislation backed by Flake and numerous other lawmakers is designed to trim it.

The measure would preserve the existence of earmarks, but for the first time allow critics to challenge them one by one on the House floor.

Flake, who issues a stream of news releases accusing his fellow lawmakers of wasteful spending, says the purpose is transparency in government. The theory is that forcing lawmakers to defend projects will expose them to ridicule and, eventually, the practice will ebb.
I like this guy, if I were in Az, I'd vote for him again-if he lives up to his words.

The committee that controls the pursestrings compiled a list of earmarks requested last year by GOP lawmakers who favor Flake's bill. The total was 717 requested earmarks, although none for Flake, for more than $4.5 billion.
This other guy, however- shows that he knows how Gov't works, and is determined to be a regular for a long time in DC.

The response was sharp.
"I am shocked that the Republican staff of a Republican-led committee in a Republican-majority Congress would do opposition research on a fellow Republican," first-term Rep. Lynn Westmoreland of Georgia wrote in a letter to fellow GOP lawmakers. "I do not see any other purpose behind the preparation of this report other than for it to be leaked to the press."

The Associated Press obtained copies of both the Appropriations Committee tally and the letter.

By committee count, Westmoreland requested 59 earmarks last year, for a total of $536 million. His office declined to release the entire list of projects he requested.
Didn't I tell ya that boy had a real future in politics?

We sent the republicans up to DC because they were SUPPOSED to be the party of constraint.
I guess that's only when a Democrat is living at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. All they've done is change a coal shovel for a grain shovel in the budget department.
They've gone so far to the left that FDR would now probably call himself a moderate conservative.
If there was a viable independent party with a majority of views I agreed with, they'd get my vote in a heartbeat.

You may have noticed the small, inconspicuous Kinky Friedman for Gov. on the top of the blog.
I'll help him get elected simply because he's a real independent. He really can't do much to change the standard rout with out the Leg going along, so like his campaign slogan says-"Why the hell not?" (Besides, I stole it and can't figure out how to resize it)

It's sad to think that this will never happen in America

again.

An Australian football player "dacked"(pantsed) a team-mate in front of a school full of adolescent girls.

What wouldn't happen in America- anymore- because of lawsuits "Zero Tolerance" and Political Correctness is:

Roos said there was no need to fine or reprimand Kennelly further after the dashing defender accepted full responsibility for his actions.

"It's about accepting responsibility for your actions that's what we are all about here at the Swans," Roos said.

"I guess you can debate punishment and all those sorts of things but the most important thing for us as a footy club is to have good role models and good people and characters.

"If mistakes are made we want you to put your hand up and accept the consequences and Tadhg was very keen to get back to the school as quick as he could and very keen to speak to the students tomorrow."

Swans chief executive Myles Baron-Hay, who learned of the Kennelly incident late yesterday, endorsed the way the club and its player handled the situation.

"Tadhg is embarrassed by it and realises it's the wrong thing to do and has unreservedly apologised," Baron-Hay said.


And did I mention how the educators believed how this would affect the girls?
Permanent scarring? Behavioral problems? Councilor's called in?
How about:
"It certainly was an unexpected response to a question in front of a group of girls,"she said. Gurr said Kennelly's actions would not be mimicked in the schoolyard.

"They (the girls) have a very clear understanding about how to behave," she said. "I don't think it will inspire them to do that at all."

Yeah, you think that reaction would happen in America, the p*ssified today?

BWAAAAHAHAHA

I think we had the rest of the kids this morning.

Don't click this link if you have a queasy stomach

No, it's not disgustingly gross, it just has Paris Hilton with a(nother) boob out.

I'd have to hazard a guess and assume the lady on her right thinks as much of her as I do.

I think I'll put Western Caviar on the blogroll for a while, see if they keep regular posts.

In the spirit of bi-partisanship

I offer this idea for a bumpersticker.
Both parties can use it, although it only promotes one name.
It should bring people together (at least while buying it).


RUN HILLARY! RUN!

The Democrats can put it on the tradidtional rear bumper.
The Republicans should put it in front.

Texas forced to patrol their own border

Since President Bush refuses to.

Gov. Rick Perry has decided to launch Operation Rio Grande to try to stem the increasingly brazen border incursions.

AUSTIN Gov. Rick Perry today launched “Operation Rio Grande,” a state-led initiative to address escalating violence, increase border security and ensure Texans’ safety. The operation brings together a variety of state resources to better secure the Texas-Mexico border from Brownsville to El Paso.

ÂThere is not only great concern that the drug trade is becoming more aggressive, but that terrorist organizations are seeking to exploit our porous border, Perry said. Last year alone, 135,000 people who are not of Mexican descent were apprehended entering Texas illegally. The threat is real, and it grows each day.

-snip-

"While enforcing our border remains the responsibility of the federal government, the consequences of an action are felt right here at home in Texas, Perry said. The state will not wait for Washington to take all the necessary actions.

Although Perry emphasized that border threats are best addressed by law enforcement, Texas Army National Guard planners and analysts will also provide support to operation.

This is a BIG problem I have with the current president. I have others, but they'll be posted as they come up.
George W. Bush refuses to do anything substantial about the problems on the border. Illegals. Drugs. Lawlessness.
Foreign incursions are all poo-poo'd away and double talked to death. While sheriffs of Hudsputh County are getting personal threats- at their homes from Mexicans driving Mexican tagged vehicles. Bush sends his spokes-flack to lie about how the Border Patrol is changing procedures.


via Rednecks Revenge

Good God, has she no shame?

of course not, she's Saint Cindy- now on E-Bay.
Sorry "Chip", I just had to check, it was too good to be true.

There are only 2 days left to buy a speaking engagement. Go, bid now! As of this posting, she's worth $1,275.00.

Since this won't last forever, here is the text:

Speaking Engagement with Cindy Sheehan
Have this courageous mother and powerful advocate for truth speak to your group.

The journey toward truth often begins with one simple act of faith and determination.

Cindy Sheehan spent months searching for answers for why her son had to give his life in Iraq, and months traveling across the country wading through the spin and the lies seeking a truth that never came. When enough was at long last enough, Cindy went to Crawford, Texas and sat down.

And in that one quiet moment of determination, a ripple of truth became a great river, joined in its journey by the tributaries of thousands of others who could not ignore the simple power of one grieving mother asking, "Why?"

Cindy has become an inspiration to many who fight for truth. She is an example of the extraordinary power we each possess to make change in the world.

Because we in the progressive community are on this journey with her, Cindy is generously donating some of her time to help raise money for the YearlyKos Convention (see below for more info on YearlyKos).

You are bidding on a speaking engagement with Cindy Sheehan. Cindy will come speak to a group of your choice (within the continental US)*, and any speaking fees and transportation costs will be waived (your group will only need to provide lodging for the night).

This is a wonderful opportunity to treat your group to an evening of motivation, inspiration, truth, and the indomitable power of a mother's love... and you get to help out the progressive cause, to boot! How great is that?



* Note: Because of the obvious potential for right-wing shenanigans, Cindy retains the right to refuse to speak to groups antithetical to her cause or offensive to her beliefs. If no group can be agreed upon, the winning bidder will receive a full refund.












On Feb-09-06 at 21:38:14 PST, seller added the following information:

Fair warning: abusive or disruptive e-mails are a violation of eBay's policies, and they are being reported.






Yes, You read correctly, the Absolute Moral Authority won't speak if she disagrees with your beliefs. Also, she believes that it's Ok for her to shut your views off, but not hers.

Man, those mullahhhhas are mining the madness for all they can get, huh?

What is it now, over a week- and they're still rioting in the Mid-east to S. Africa.
Come on people they're CARTOONS!
If you act this way every time someone says or does anything that "offends" you, you really need to refocus your outrage.

Say to the institutionalized rape of half of your population- and then punishing them for it.
A 15 year old girl was hanged the other day for trying to protect herself and a younger sister against a gang rape- in IRAN. She managed to stab one of the followers of moHAMed, and he died.
She was hung for murder. But what do you expect from a cult that treats women as badly as they treat feral dogs?

They really need to STFU and start trying to act like civilized human beings, instead of children throwing an organized temper tantrum.

A nod to CUG

I just gotta bet that the driver was a union guy.

I have to say that on the surface, I find it extremely hard to believe

That Terrorists from the "Religion of Piss" would do a 9-11 on L.A.
I mean, they HAVE attacked French, and other islamaphilic countries before, so it's not beyond reality.

I just have a hard time seeing them attacking their biggest backers, is all. I'm not a strategic thinker, but just can't see turning supporters and appologists into -at worse, foes. I mean crap, they might make a nasty sign and link me with Haliburton at their next demonstration against Bush the war. Those Californians may even act like we're not on the same page anymore and draw piggy faces on their moHALIBURTONommad signs.

It's a good thing the Girl Scout that Bu$Haliburton=Hitler was wiretapping(illegally) mentioned hearing the moslems talking.

PSSSSStttttttt, wanna see something Kinky?

Quite safe for work, unless you work for a major political party.

Two quick thoughts

#1 When taking care of your morning ritual, be sure you know where the deodorant nossel is pointed. Nothing will wake you up like Arid SPORT in the side of your eye first thing in the morning.

#2 I was making my lunch, when I started thinking....MMmmmmm Peanut butter-made from the "food of the slaves." Then I remembered all the people who have stopped our enjoyment of the things in alot of places because of life. threatanging. allergies. The WHITE (ok and black) slavemasters would feed peanuts to their slaves because it was cheap food. What about the slaves who were ALLERGIC to peanuts? They'd DIE..... you Bastards!