Verizon to sentence top users to reduced bandwidth

After reading an Engadget post about Verizon's plan to throttle its top 5 percent of wireless data users, I'm left pondering the if the 5 percent stated by Verizon is truly 5 percent? According to the terms of service posted on Engadget, "if you use an extraordinary amount of data and fall within the top 5 percent of Verizon Wireless data users we may reduce your data throughput speeds periodically for the remainder of your then current and immediately following billing cycle to ensure high quality network performance for other users at locations and times of peak demand." To summarize, the top 5 percent of wireless data users will have their bandwidth speeds reduced for the remainder of the current billing cycle, and the following billing cycle. Theoretically, if the top 5 percent of data users are placed into a pool of reduced bandwidth users, a new top 5 percent of data users could, and should, emerge. For example, if I am a heavy wireless data user and my bandwidth speed is now filtered, it will now take me longer to download the same amount of content as it did before the filtered bandwidth sentence. Therefore, my wireless data usage should naturally drop as a result of the sentence, thereby allowing someone who was previously in the top 6 percent of bandwidth users to take my place in the top 5 percent pool. The question is what is the true bottom of the 5 percent pool?

The other question is will Verizon disclose to its customers sentenced to reduced bandwidth that indeed their bandwidth is reduced, or will the customer be required to call Verizon customer service to complain about slow download speeds, only to find out they've been sentenced for using too much of the service they are paying to have?

Setting static IP address on network printer

The printer I was working with was a HP CP1518ni. The first step was to select an IP addresses that is not part of the dynamic IP pool. Then I used the printer menu on the printer itself to set the static IP address I selected in step one. I was also prompted to set the subnet mask and gateway too so be sure to have this information available. Because this printer previously had a dynamic IP address, I went to the ports tab on the printer configuration menu (in XP - Start/Printer & Faxes/right click on printer and select properties) and placed a check in the box next to the new static IP address I selected in the previous step. Finally, I printed a test page to verify the printer was properly configured.

Happy printing!

Hello 2010

I saw the following post by Peter Aursnes on twitter the other day and I think his statement can help inspire us to achieve our goals in the new year. Happy New Year!

Beware of always learning and never doing. Trust yourself- that you already have the seeds of greatness inside of you.

- Peter Aursnes

Toothpaste

As I was brushing my teeth this morning, I decided to read the information on the tube of toothpaste to pass the time. The tube I am using is a sample size of Crest Sensitivity, given to my wife at her last dentist visit. I discovered a couple points of interest under the Drug Facts heading.



1: Warnings: when using his product do not use longer than four weeks unless recommended by a dentist.

I have only used this toothpaste for two consecutive days so I am safe from the dangerous reprocussions of using this product past the four week mark, but this raises a question: what happens after using this product longer than four weeks without a dentist's recommendation?

2. Keep out of the reach of children. If more than used for brushing is accidentally swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

Now that I am done brushing my teeth, and enjoying a fresh cup of coffee, what did I put in my mouth? As I sip my coffee, I can't help but wonder if I'm swallowing any poison that maybe left in my mouth. I fell alright, so I guess my body is able to handle small amounts of poison, just not more than what is used for brushing?

3. Directions:

• do not swallow
• 12 yrs. & older: Apply at least a 1-inch strip of the product onto a soft bristled toothbrush. Brush teeth thoroughly for at least 1 minute twice a day (morning and evening) or as recommended by a dentist. Make sure to brush all sensitive areas of the teeth.
• do not use in children under 12 yrs.

A couple of questions come to mind:

1. Applying at least a 1-inch strip of product is recommended, but what amount is considered more than used for brushing?
2. What happens if a child at 11 years of age uses this product? What occurs within our bodies between the age of 11 and twelve helps us fight off the dangers those under 12 years of age face when using this product?

I am not singling out Crest, this just happens to be the tube of toothpaste I grabbed this morning, and I believe I would find similar warnings on other brands of toothpaste. I guess the bottom line is while I meet the general requirements: over 12 years of age and will not use longer than four weeks, I do not meet the main criteria for this product; my teeth are not sensitive.

The Dash

I was sent this poem in an e-mail, and was would like to share this poem with all of you. I found this poem to be inspirational, motivational, and perfect for self-reflection. Enjoy!

The Dash
copyright 1996 Linda Ellis



I read of a man who stood to speak
at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
from the beginning...to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth
and spoke of the following date with tears,
but he said what mattered most of all
was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time
that she spent alive on earth...
and now only those who loved her
know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own;
the cars....the house...the cash.
What matters is how we live and love
and how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard...
are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left
that can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
to consider what's true and real,
and always try to understand
the way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger,
and show appreciation more
and love the people in our lives
like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,
and more often wear a smile...
remembering that this special dash
might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy is being read
with your life's actions to rehash...
would you be proud of the things they
say about how you spend your dash?

Time Management

I just finished watching the Randy Pausch Time Management Lecture, and what a great lecture it is. For those who may not know, Randy passed away July 25, 2008 after a battle with Pancreatic cancer. Randy gave this lecture earlier this year, knowing his time was limited, and therefore has instant credibility of knowing how to manage time.

If you enjoy the Time Management video, you may also enjoy Randy's Last Lecture video.

Enjoy!

Pheasant hunting in Minnesota

According to an article published in the St. Cloud Times, last year was the best year for pheasant hunting in Minnesota since 1964! I wish I would have taken more time to go pheasant hunting last year. According to the article, 655,000 rooster were shot in 2007. Does this mean 2008 will not be as productive?

You can read the full article here - it's a quick read.