PLATFORMS: My Verizon MIFI 2200 experience

Monday, January 3, 2011

http://3gstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=273&products_id=2130

With tremendous trepidation, I purchased a used verizon mifi 2200 advertised as a refurb with no impact on the existing unlimited data Verizon contracts. My concerns were: (1) “Used car” syndrome; would it work? (2) Would the ESN swap screw up my unlimited data contract with Verizon? (3) Would it work? Period! (4) Would I wind up in finger pointing between me, Verizon, and any number of others?

I received it promptly and in relatively good order. The power cord looked like it had just be wadded up and thrown in the box. So I was regretting my decision after seeing that.

I gathered up everything and went to the Verizon store for the ordeal of the ESN swap. Everything done with Verizon is an ordeal. And, I was right. The swap was trivial. And I even got a piece of paper that says nothing changed but the ESN. I’ll frame that! Cause I still don’t believe it. Then, I went over to “technical support” to activate it. An HOUR later, it was still “unactivateable” with NO explanation why. Three “experts” later, the verdict was that it was defective and I should send it back to where I got it. (Despite that it was in a Verizon box and was a Verizon refurbishment.) They wanted to undo the ESN swap so I could use my old hardware. Something made me question the whole thing. They wiped out my VZACCESS software to put an older version on. So, I said leave everything and I’d get back to them.

Went home. Downloaded, installed, and fired up the LATEST version of VZACCESS. It griped that the MIFI2200 needed a firmware update. (They “did” that at the Verizon store.) So I did it again. It then needed an updated “national map”. (They “did” that at the Verizon store.) So I did that again. Then, it complained it needed to be “activated”. (They “did” that at the Verizon store.) So I did it again. Then, it said it needed to be power cycled. I did that.

Then it started working. I shut everything down and disconnected it. Brought everything backup and the MIFI2200 was “wifi-ing”. Connected various devices to it. And it kept working.

So, if you do get refurbished MIFI2200 and think it needs to being returned, then you know that it’s the Verizon support “help” that needs “return”.

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The MIFI2200 is NOTRECOMMENDED. The Verizon Wireless Broad Band (which I call VWBBIE) is NOTRECOMMENDED.

The MIFI2200 is fine and might be RECOMMENDED if it was attached to an unlimited 3G service and if activation wasn’t an ordeal.

The vendor 3GSTORE is RECOMMENDED because it was correct in the MIFI2200 offering.

The VWBBIE is NOT RECOMMENDED because of the network caps and the stiff charges for overage. Additionally, the network performance they sell is faster than an old 9600 baud modem, but not much. I was so frustrated with using it on a regular basis down at the shore that I bought the cable company’s triple play just to not have to use it.

This is definitely a “proceed at your own risk” type product.

Disclosure, I get nothing from nobody for this review.

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POLITICAL: USPS, an idea who’s time has past

Monday, January 3, 2011

http://www.downsizinggovernment.org/usps

Privatizing the U.S. Postal Service
by Tad DeHaven
November 2010

*** begin quote ***

Although the law says that postal employees should receive wages and benefits comparable to what they could earn in the private sector, the majority of economic studies examining the issue have concluded that a postal pay premium of 20%– 25% exists if just wages are counted and about 35% if the Service’s very generous benefits are also included. {33}

*** and ***

The USPS is in a financial death spiral because of the myriad factors discussed. It faces a projected $238 billion in losses over the next 10 years under the status quo. To avoid a large and growing burden from being foisted on taxpayers in coming years, the USPS should be privatized and postal markets open for competition from FedEx, UPS, and upstart entrepreneurs.

*** and ***

Policymakers resistant to reform often depict the USPS as a “national asset” that “binds the nation together.” But these days, it’s the Internet and our telecommunications networks that bind families and businesses together across the nation. It’s time to let go of the nostalgia for the USPS and bring America’s postal services into the 21st century with privatization, open competition, and entrepreneurial innovation.

*** end quote ***

Of course, “Con”-gress gives itself free mail privileges. And, it is up to its “elbows” in local post office placement and such.

I can’t imagine what the free market will provide, but I’m sure it will.

Think about UPS and FEDEX released.

I’m sure they can do better.

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NEWJERSEY: “Double dipping” is a universal problem

Sunday, January 2, 2011

http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_16977109?source=most_viewed&nclick_check=1

Double-dipping is common for public-sector ‘retirees’ who take on additional work
By Karen de Sá
Posted: 12/30/2010 05:13:15 PM PST
Updated: 12/31/2010 07:15:00 AM PST

*** begin quote ***

Retirement is a loosely defined term for many Silicon Valley civil servants, who as young as age 50 can begin drawing their pensions even while performing other lucrative jobs on the taxpayer dime.

Newly retired Santa Clara County Fire Chief Kenneth Waldvogel becomes the latest example next week, when he returns to work as a contractor, earning up to $108,480 for the next six months — on top of his $200,000 annual state pension — while the county searches for his replacement.

He joins five other retired Santa Clara County officials who have recently been hired back and are benefiting from a practice critics call “double-dipping.” Meanwhile, the fire chief in the city of Santa Clara has been working under such an arrangement since 2004, when he retired at 53, then immediately returned to his old job, where he continues as a part-timer earning $100 an hour.

*** end quote ***

Story’s from CA, but, rest assured, NJ has the same problem.

Clearly, pensions have to be eliminated. Every private employer has converted to 401Ks.

NJ must do the same thing.

Besides, trusting politicians with one’s retirement money is foolish.

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POLITICAL: Why are we funding foreign banks?

Sunday, January 2, 2011

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/69728262-11ec-11e0-92d0-00144feabdc0.html#axzz19QtftOot

Non-US banks gain from Fed crisis fund
By Robin Harding in Washington, Bernard Simon in Toronto and Christian Oliver in Seoul
Published: December 27 2010 22:04 | Last updated: December 27 2010 22:04

*** begin quote ***

The Taf was set up in December 2007 to provide one-month loans to creditworthy banks as markets dried up for lending longer than overnight. In August 2008, it began offering three-month loans as well.

Rabobank of the Netherlands and Toronto-Dominion of Canada, two of the only banks in the world with triple A credit ratings, used more than $20bn in cumulative Taf loans.

*** end quote ***

One of the problems that have to be addressed is: “why is the US taxpayer funding foreign banks?”

Personally, I don’t think the taxpayer should be funding ANY bank. But certainly not foreign ones.

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POLITICAL: “Campaign FInance” “laws” are used to insure only the very very rich can participate

Saturday, January 1, 2011

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/135387-odonnell-under-investigation-for-campaign-spending

Christine O’Donnell under investigation for campaign spending
By Jordan Fabian – 12/29/10 02:04 PM ET

*** begin quote ***

Federal officials have begun a criminal investigation of defeated Delaware Senate candidate Christine O’Donnell (R) regarding her alleged use of campaign funds for personal expenses.

*** end quote ***

Sure glad the “federal officials” are right on that “investigating opponents” stuff. They are sure Johnny – On – The Spot investigating Democratic corruption. Like in Sacramento!

Too bad CO’D isn’t a witch, she could turn them all into frogs.

And, “Campaign FInance” “laws” are (a) unconstitutional; (b) designed to ensure that only the wealthy can run for office; and (c) a “rigged game” so that lobbyists have the inside track to manipulate the political process for the benefit of all “the insiders”.

Argh!

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INTERESTING: Don’t be a “blocwart”!

Saturday, January 1, 2011

http://munchkinwrangler.wordpress.com/2010/12/29/the-snow-gestapo/

the snow gestapo.
By Marko Kloos

*** begin quote ***

In Germany, they have a derogatory name for people with such a mentality: Blockwart. The blockwart was the Nazi party member politically responsible for the city block, and usually also the local Gestapo denouncer, ratting out the people in his neighborhood if they were overheard talking critically about the regime. A Blockwart is the type of unpleasant fellow who will call the cops on neighbors whose hedges are untrimmed, or who park their car half an inch too far away from the curb.

*** end quote ***

I just like having a word for such folks. Now you do too.

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POLITICAL: Obamacare will make us worse off

Saturday, January 1, 2011

http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/health/articles/2010/12/24/beth_israel_deaconess_admits_mishandling_three_spine_operations/

Beth Israel erred in 3 spinal operations

Vertebrae mix-ups spur new procedures

By Liz Kowalczyk

Globe Staff / December 24, 2010

*** begin quote ***

Surgeons at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center operated on the wrong location on three patients who underwent spine surgery since September, despite taking recommended steps to prevent such errors, prompting federal and state health inspectors to cite the hospital for problems in its surgical service.

In all three cases, the surgeons apparently miscounted the patient’s vertebrae and operated on a vertebra directly above or below the diseased segment, said Dr. Kenneth Sands, senior vice president of health care quality at the Boston hospital.

*** end quote ***

Surprising. But mistakes do happen. While they didn’t kill anyone, clearly they “harmed” the patients involved.

I wonder with Obamacare: (1) How many good docs will stop working leaving us worse off. (2) I’d expect medical “blunders” to increase as the profit motive shifts. (3) And, now that the Gooferment is “in the game”, who will keep “honest stats”?

“We, The Sheeple” have been fooled again.

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LIBERTY: A Libertarian’s New Year’s Resolutions by Harry Browne

Saturday, January 1, 2011

http://www.libertyforall.net/?p=5337

A Libertarian’s New Year’s Resolutions
Posted in LFA Flashback by R Lee Wrights on December 30th, 2010
by Harry Browne

1. I resolve to *sell* liberty by appealing to the self-interest of each prospect, rather than *preaching* to people and expecting them to suddenly adopt my ideas of right and wrong.

2. I resolve to keep from being drawn into arguments or debates. My purpose is to inspire people to want liberty — not to prove that they’re wrong.

3. I resolve to *listen* when people tell me of their wants and needs, so I can help them see how a free society will satisfy those needs.

4. I resolve to identify myself, when appropriate, with the social goals someone may seek — a cleaner environment, more help for the poor, a less divisive society — and try to show him that those goals can never be achieved by government, but will be well served in a free society.

5. I resolve to be compassionate and respectful of the beliefs and needs that lead people to seek government help. I don’t have to approve of their subsidies or policies — but if I don’t acknowledge their needs, I have no hope of helping them find a better way to solve their problems.

6. No matter what the issue, I resolve to keep returning to the central point: how much better off the individual will be in a free society.

7. I resolve to acknowledge my good fortune in having been born an American. Any plan for improvement must begin with a recognition of the good things we have. To speak only of America’s defects will make me a tiresome crank.

8. I resolve to focus on the ways America could be so much better with a very small government — not to dwell on all the wrongs that exist today.

9. I resolve to cleanse myself of hate, resentment, and bitterness. Such things steal time and attention from the work that must be done.

10. I resolve to speak, dress, and act in a respectable manner. I may be the first libertarian someone has encountered, and it’s important that he get a good first impression. No one will hear the message if the messenger is unattractive.

11. I resolve to remind myself that someone’s “stupid” opinion may be an opinion I once held. If *I* can grow, why can’t I help *him* grow?

12. I resolve not to raise my voice in any discussion. In a shouting match, no one wins, no one changes his mind, and no one will be inspired to join our quest for a free society.

13. I resolve not to adopt the tactics of Republicans and Democrats. They use character assassination, evasions, and intimidation because they have no real benefits to offer Americans. We, on the other hand, are offering to set people free — and so we can win simply by focusing on the better life our proposals will bring.

14. I resolve to be civil to my opponents and treat them with respect. However anyone chooses to treat me, it’s important that I be a better person than my enemies.

Originally published by Harry Browne in 1998.

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FUN: My New Year’s grant of amnesty to all!

Friday, December 31, 2010

Sigh. So long ago, when I knew it all, yet knew nothing, I did have one good idea. Having watched my Mom and Dad literally torture themselves over bad decisions, I decided that each year at New Year’s, I would grant myself amnesty for all things — decisions, choices, purchases, sales, whatever — done in the prior year. No regrets. Not to forget the “lessons learned”, but to move forward as if life was a “new problem”.

So speaking ex cathedra from my belly button, I hereby declare all the mistakes of the prior year no longer “mistakes”, but “experiences”.

So, with my tin foil hat firmly adhered to my thinning hair, and grasping my keyboard as my sword, firmly clad in the righteousness of my intentions, I extend my grant of immunity and amnesty to all my fellow human beings and certain annoying animals. I forgive, but don’t forget all those things better left unsaid (because I really don’t remember them), and hope you will do the same for me.

My motto has become: “Don’t attribute to evil what can be better explained by stupidity.”

And quoting that great American Yoda — “Do or do not… there is no try.” (To do it justice, you must say the word try with all the revulsion and disgust you can put on it. Like you were talking about a rapist, a child murderer, or a politician!) — Yoda (Fictional character from George Lucas’s “Star Wars” movie)

I wish you all a “HNY” and will do better in the New Year.

Medically speaking, I forgive all the medical personnel who I have said bad things about. And, I hope for a much better year in 2011. I hope the Universe recognizes the <synonym for excrement> sandwich it presented to me this year and can have a better menu of choices in the coming year.

“My love, were it in my power, I would sadly grant thee this boon. But, we have to continue to follow His Plan for us. Let’s go forth and speak no more of this. Who ever is last will be last. It will be His choice; not ours. We’re but humble custodians of His temple on earth. It’s not our place to trump His plan. Whatever that plan be, know that I will be with you to my last breath.” — character “John” in CHURCH 10●19●62 Volume 2 Page 399

Remember the sources of my education: I’m just a fat old white guy injineer with: Law “degree” from watching Judge Judy; Medical “degree” from watching Doctor Phil; Building “degree” from watching “Holmes on Homes”; Investing “degree” from reading about Bernie Made-off; and creating caring human relationships from studying the movie roles of Gunny Ronald Lee Ermey!

Good luck. Good hunting. Good night. And, may God Bless America.

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INSPIRATIONAL: Best and Worst of 2010?

Friday, December 31, 2010

http://www.irishcentral.com/news/Ten-best-and-worst-moments-of-2010-112654449.html?page=2

Ten best and worst moments of 2010
The bad and good, the ying yang of news stories from this year
By PATRICK COOPER , IrishCentral.com Staff Writer

# – # – #

Everyone seems to be doing this. Guess I’ll have to do one as well.

BEST

① Frau Reinke escapes the clutches on RWJUH and appears to be good enough to stay out. Barely!

② The genuine admiration of Frau Reinke for my completion of “CHURCH 10●19●62”

③ Blood and platelets were available every time she needed them.

④ My oldest friend calls to console me on Mom’s death and, reflect on my Aunt’s death a few weeks prior, tells me: “Things happen in threes”, not knowing that Ev’s just crashed and is in the Cardiac Cath lab with the Doctors disagreeing on what to do. I found it hard to tell him and his chagrin was funny. I laughed so hard … Well let’s just say that’s the type if thing I do. No wonder I love him.

⑤ A fun afternoon with an “older” friend who can’t stand hospitals. Great beer and wings. I gotta get back there.

⑥ She requalified for her “black label”; thanks to our “old” friends coming to visit her. That was all she was worried about. Not dying, but losing her “black label” status. That, and missing out on her pillows. ROFL!

⑦ The rapport she established with the Four North staff. She has a gift to connect with people that I just don’t have. She made them laugh. As she does me. Or used to before she got so sick. Now not so much is funny.

⑧ The rapport she established with the nurses of the SPUH Infusion Lab and other patients in the lab. She encourages others; I don’t have that skill.

⑨ The great prix fix dinner at Sea Blue when Frau Reinke was healthy enough to enjoy it and our old friends.

⑩ The few times when I’ve been able to help people with their problems, it’s been very satisfying. Like the worried old woman coming in to 4 North, and I told her she was coming to the “best floor in the hospital”. She relaxed and gave me a big smile. The nurses told me later that she was a different person after that comment. Made me feel good! Connecting folks on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Jottings.

WORST

❶ Frau Reinke hits an HG of 3 and rushed to the ICU. Several doctors give me “the talk”.

❷ Frau Reinke spends the better part of the summer and fall in RWJUH with no diagnosis. (It upsets me how the medical folks make her “my problem”. Threw her out the door, like a boomerang, and they act surprised when she comes back into them in critical, or near critical, condition.)

❸ The death of a baby, third grandchild of our “old friends”, of a blood abnormality at exactly the same time as Frau Reinke. To have potential life lost is sad. One wonders at “The Plan”?

❹ TV rental at RWJUH of almost 5 bucks a day. Parking 20$/day unil I got their Frequent Flier card. The ambulance bills from RWJUH; let them sue.

❺ The inability to get anyone to read my magnus opus “CHURCH 10●19●62”; I still cry when I read it. What could have been. That’s the story of my life. Like Rocky, “I coulda been a contender”.

❻ Continued inability to focus on much of anything but her. Writer’s block, paperwork block, diet block. Frustration!

❼ Realization that I am now unemployed / retired. I’m now a home health aide. It’s not how I expected to spend my retirement.

❽ Regret for lost opportunities! So many, makes me sad.

❾ Fender bender on the way to RWJUH!

❿ Realization of what life would be like without my soul mate. Realization of how much life has changed with her condition. Realization of how much she can’t do. Frustration with her insistence “to do it herself” and I have to clean up after.

Now it’s time to move on!

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