Monthly Archives: December 2011

Skybeam’s star keeps dimming…

Posted on December 27, 2011 by Dave

I got a call this evening from one of the network support folks at my ISP, Skybeam, who’s looking into the problem that’s affecting a number of us in the local area—our downlink speed has plunged. I pay for 5 … Continue reading →

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Long winter’s nights

Posted on December 25, 2011 by Dave

I’d planned to use winter evenings to put up more motorcycling rides. There’s no dearth of material! True, I’ve spent a lot of time on my latest novel, but I’m not getting to the rides. The biggest challenge in adding … Continue reading →

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Chrome and Firefox winning the browser wars!

Posted on December 22, 2011 by Dave

Just for kicks, I was digging through Google Analytics to learn more about how people are visiting this site. The results are quite interesting. Internet Explorer, which once ruled the roost, continues to be beaten back, standing at 34.4%. Also … Continue reading →

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What’s Happened to Skybeam?

Posted on December 22, 2011 by Dave

My suddenly-inept ISP is www.skybeam.com. Normally very responsive to any calls for tech support, they’re now turning a deaf ear. Or at least what is effectively a deaf ear. Their rep came to my home again today (having stood me … Continue reading →

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SkyBeam Stood Me Up

Posted on December 20, 2011 by Dave

As noted elsewhere, I’m having ongoing trouble with SkyBeam, my ISP. They’re delivering only about 2Mbps instead of the promised 5Mbps. After many long phone calls, they scheduled a service call this afternoon. I had to skip a scheduled luncheon … Continue reading →

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Skybeam isn’t delivering!

Posted on December 14, 2011 by Dave

Skybeam is my ISP – in fact my only choice for broadband with any speed at all. I pay for their fastest service, 7 Mbps. Given I live in a rural part of Colorado, I’m happy to have Internet service … Continue reading →

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iOS5-Related Links from John Clark

Posted on December 14, 2011 by Dave

John Clark is our local “macdoktor.” See his site at macdoktor.blogspot.com. He sent some links about iOS5 for Apple’s various mobile devices as a followup to a class he taught recently. (His classes are excellent and highly-recommended!) I’m parking them … Continue reading →

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Lesson 6.3, Making Contacts

Posted on December 9, 2011 by Dave

Making contacts with other hams is central to what ham radio is all about. This video introduces Lesson 6.3, Making Contacts. I arranged with friend Randy Cassingham, KØRCC, to do two demonstrations, first “simplex,” meaning radio to radio, and second … Continue reading →

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Introduction to Lesson 6.2, Band Plans

Posted on December 9, 2011 by Dave

This video is your introduction to Lesson 6.2 in the ARRL Ham Radio License Manual for Technician. This video discusses the band plans and shows where you can find them on the Internet. Some links: the full color chart (PDF) … Continue reading →

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Dumb Talk About Smart Meters

Posted on December 2, 2011 by Dave

[Update 14 Dec 2011: The Ouray County Plaindealer published my letter in their Dec 15-21 issue.] A “debate” is raging locally about our rural utility, San Miguel Power Association, which wants to install “smart” meters. The uproar over “dirty electricity” … Continue reading →

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