Sunday, November 25, 2007

Verizon versus MacBook.

Setting up a MacBook and a Windows based PC on the same cable modem turned out to be a long drawn out project. Admitting I had basically no experience with modem setup and I do assume many of us are in a similar position.
The modem in my system is a Verizon DSL Westell model #B90-210015-04, very common. I started out trying various set up modes on my new MacBook The message I got was “you are not connected to the Internet”.
The next step was calling the Verizon technically help line. Explaining my situation of wanting to switch cable from my modem between my PC and MacBook as needed. The tech. help person did a line check and cleared the modem. After re-starting the modem and MacBook I was online. Later I switched the cable to my PC and was unable connect to the Internet. Several hours later I tried again without changing any settings the PC connected immediately to the Internet the MacBook did not.
Calling Verizon help again days later we went through the same procedure as the first time and my MacBook worked fine. I did ask the help person why it quit working the first time. The reply was “it was the IP number”.
So, fine some time later I wanted to use my PC online but was unable to connect again.
The situation was getting a bit frustrating.
I did call Verizon help again and talked to a very knowledgeable help supervisor. He explained to me, this particular modem will attach to one device and is unable to serve another without resetting it. His recommendation was to either replace the modem to a different type or use a router. I decided to ad a Linksys model BEFSR41 router with 4 ports. The supplied CD with step by step instructions made the router set up quick and simple. The final message I got was “you are not connected to the Internet”. I expected this to happen though. Calling the Verizon help line again the modem was cleared, and a new IP number assigned to the router. After restarting the modem, router and PC the system worked perfect.
Next my Mac needed to be set up. Any one of the open router ports to complete the Mac/router cable connection can be used. The Mac Network setting is DHCP automatic. As soon as the connection was completed both computers were up and running with improved speed and reliable connection. This type of set up is required any time more than one computer of any type connects to this type of Westell modem.
Technology is great but finding clear accurate instructions on how to set up or use devices in a specific situation is often difficult to find. I don’t believe my situation was so unusual.

Thursday, November 22, 2007

This is the watch to have!

Lange & Söhne a prestigious watch manufacturer appeared in 1990, after Germany’s reunification on the world market of fine watches equaling rival Patek Philippe.
The brand originated 160 years ago in the town of Glashütte in Saxony. Adolph Lange established a thriving watch making center and resurrected the ailing town’s economy to new prosperity. Adolph Lange and his descendants set the standards of the finest time pieces produced world wide. Making them part of the most desired watches in the world.
Every watch part is manufactured to high standards, inspected and hand assembled with the greatest care. Intricate engraving on the watch body is done by hand. Precious metals gold and silver are used extensively. Diamond accents are also available.
After assembly the watch is tested for accuracy over a length of time before certification.
Besides the patented technological sophistication each watch is a work of art.

Monday, November 19, 2007

A new generation of men’s jewelry

Tungsten and Titanium have developed into an attractive alternative metal used in men’s jewelry.
Coming from an engineering background I have worked with Tungsten and Titanium all my life and never associated these metals with jewelry making until now.
After noticing men’s Tungsten rings displayed in jewelry stores and finding them aesthetically pleasing I adjusted to the idea of buying a Tungsten bracelet.
New ring designs and now men’s bracelets too appear on the market. Tungsten is a heavy metal with a good feel of durability to it. Because of its hardness it is extremely scratch resistant and retains its high polish almost indefinitely.
Titanium is also used in watch heads and bands for its light weight. It can be anodized with various accent colors or gold and silver plated also for accent. Diamonds or color stones can be embedded in Titanium changing the appearance and value of the jewelry item.

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Delivery Bag, now that’s an idea!

I got drafted recently by my wife to drive her around shopping for a baby shower gift for her niece. This is absolutely not a guy thing. Anyway after trotting through several mall stores during high traffic time looking at baby item after baby item we went home still undecided.
My favorite shopping place is the internet so I went online and started a search. One site grabbed my attention for its unique approach to an old problem. littlestork.com offers a Delivery Bag filled with necessities for the new mother during her hospital stay.
I remembered the time when my wife was close to her first delivery and packed her bag with general items for the hospital. Unfortunately she had no clue what to expect and what her specific needs are going to be. She did the best she could. It was difficult for me at times to round up women maternity items she had missed to pack. Help from family members was only limited available.
When I read the list of items included in Little Storks Delivery Bag I was impressed. It was a well thought out supply of quality necessities put together by a woman apparently with children of her own. No other product like it is on the market.
We did order the bag and not to our surprise it was a hit and saved our niece and her husband a lot of shopping around and discomfort for not having necessities available when needed.
Thanks Little Stork

Friday, November 16, 2007

Be Selective!

With the rapid increase of outdoor activities, consideration to the most effective eye protection from the sun must be given. Besides being a fashion statement sunglasses protect the eyes from glare and harmful ultra violet rays.

The actual color of sunglasses is given little attention except if it will match your clothing or personality. However, the color of sunglasses does make a difference to subconscious pathways in your brain. Eyesight is the act of seeing, but vision is the act of giving meaning to perceived information. Thus eyesight is but one of many systems used in visual processing. Part of the eye receptors (the peripheral part) is connected with non-visual pathways in the brain. This includes pathways linked with sleep, memory, emotional and posture centers in the brain. In fact, there are 306 visual connections among 47 of the brain's different sections affecting your health, ability to perform socially, academically and in sports. According to research in Germany, reddish light stimulates the nervous system, triggering activity; lights from blue to violet normally has a sedating effect. Light traveling through colored lenses will bend in different ways depending on color. Grey lenses bend light one-way; brown bends it another way. Also, the location of the center of the glasses makes a difference. A person's neck muscles can be tightened in response to a distorted visual input.Extensive research conducted worldwide, by specialists in visual development and neuroscientists have achieved remarkable progress in the field of vision. Licensed Optometrists or Optometrists specializing in visual development should address any questions you may have concerning glasses.