kishk.org

XM Radio Online Fix

So you've been using XM radio online, and all the sudden its broken? Try this fix:

From a command line [as admin in win7]:
cd\windows\system32
regsvr32 wmnetmgr.dll

Thats it.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/957204/en-us
http://www.eggheadcafe.com/tutorials/aspnet/187cb72b-8da5-4dd9-b061-52e6d6304bee/c00d11bb--resolve-protoc.aspx

Drunk driver

So im taking the trash out, and I hear a loud thunk, then another thunk, then a horn stuck on. I live close enough to a highway intersection to know the sound of a wreck. I call 911, grab my wallet and drive over. Some guy plowed into a guard rail at 65mph. his work truck is spun around and all his crap is in the street. 3 wheels are busted and theirs diesel on the ground. By this time the 911 operator has me on the phone w/ the sheriff's dept. I put my truck in position to block both lanes pointing my headlights at this idiots truck. I walk over and make sure he's ok. He asks if I called anyone because he doesn't want help and his cousin is a tow truck driver. I told him just fire dept. He goes back to his truck and starts picking shit up. then he comes back again and asks if i called the cops. This guy is slurring his speech... be it from the wreck or from drinking, I dont know. I told him fire dept again. Guy gets agitated.

Here I am, going out of my way to make sure he's ok, and protect him from getting hit by another car with my car, and HE's getting agitated. Finally a cop shows up. I fill him in. A second cop shows up, and I don't need to block the road anymore. I leave.

The guy was obviously drunk, and probably didn't have any insurance. Its a good thing the 911 dispatch heard me get into my car, and the car dings while driving over there so he couldn't make a story up that I caused it.

Its a sad world when you try and help someone and you have to cover yer ass just in case they try and spin a tale.

The New American Tea Party

I got this email recently, and I enjoyed it enough to share here....

Here's something sent to me that we can all of us do. Let's NOT sit on our duffs and ignore the problem that the idiots in D.C. have made for all of us. It's not a big move, but it sure will get attention... we hope. If not, at least we've lowered the bill for Tea at the White House!! LOL (I hope they like tea....hee hee!!).

There's a storm abrewin'. What happens when good, responsible people keep quiet? Washington has forgotten they work for us. We don't work for them. Throwing good money after bad is NOT the answer.

Sick of the midnight, closed door sessions to come up with a plan? Sick of Congress raking CEO's over the coals while they, themselves, have defaulted on their taxes? Sick of the bailed out companies having lavish vacations and retreats on our tax dollar? Sick of being told it is OUR responsibility to rescue people that, knowingly, bought more house than they could afford? I am sick of being made to feel it is my patriotic duty to pay MORE taxes.

I, like all of you, am a responsible citizen. I pay my taxes. I live on a budget and I don't ask someone else to carry the burden for poor decisions I may make. I have emailed my congressmen and senators asking them to NOT vote for the stimulus package as it was written without reading it first. No one listened. They voted for it, pork and all.

O.K. folks, here it is. You may think you are just one voice and what you think won't make a difference. Well, yes it will and YES, WE CAN!! If you are disgusted and angry with the way Washington is handling our taxes. If you are fearful of the fallout from the wreckless spending of BILLIONS to bailout and "stimulate" without accountability and responsibility then we need to become ONE, LOUD VOICE THAT CAN BE HEARD FROM EVERY CITY, TOWN, SUBURB AND HOME IN AMERICA. There is a growing protest to demand that Congress, the President and his cabinet LISTEN to us, the American Citizens. What is being done in Washington is NOT the way to handle the economic free fall.

So, here's the plan. On April 1, 2009, all Americans are asked to send a TEABAG to Washington , D.C. You do not have to enclose a note or any other information unless you so desire. Just a TEABAG. Many cities are organizing protests. If you simply search, "New American Tea Party", several sites will come up. If you aren't the 'protester' type, simply make your one voice heard with a TEABAG. Your one voice will become a roar when joined with millions of others that feel the same way. Yes, something needs to be done but the lack of confidence as shown by the steady decline in the stock market speaks volumes.

This was not my idea. I visited the sites of the 'New American Tea Party' and an online survey showed over 90% of thousands said they would send the teabag on April 1. Why, April 1?? We want them to reach Washington by April 15. Will you do it? I will..

Send it to; 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Washington , D.C. 20500 .

Forward this to everyone in your address book. Visit the website for more information about the 'New American Tea Party'. I would encourage everyone to go ahead and get the envelope ready to mail, then just drop it in the mail April 1. Can't guarantee what the postage will be by then, it is going up as we speak, but have your envelope ready. What will this cost you? A little time and a 40 something cent stamp.
What could you receive in benefits? Maybe, just maybe, our elected officials will start to listen to the people. Take out the Pork. Tell us how the money is being spent. We want TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY. Remember, the money will be spent over the next 4-5 years. It is not too late.

Of course, if you agree with the way things are being done now, just delete!!!!!

Their website is http://newamericanteaparty.com/

Texas Concealed Handgun License

Texas CHL timeline ranges from 30-180 days. Reading many forums and notices, the time frame is about 90-100 days currently. No one ever states if its based on "completed application submittal" or the "web application" time. One might assume they have your info and will do their checks while you complete the course, but we all know a government entity isn't efficient. I'll assume my time stared 2/7/09.

Its gonna be a long wait. Anyone wanna make bets on when I get it?

Cat genie tech codes

I have one pet left, a cute little cat. I still have the cat genie from a couple years ago... wow. When it works its awesome. when its breaks, its a pain in the ass. Pet Innovations support is great, except for the fact when you ask things like "how do i tell it to dry" or "how do i tell it to just drain." They refuse to give up their little tech codes, like its national security. So I've decided to post what I have so far.... If you know any more, feel free to drop me a line and I'll update:

1) Unplug
2) Press and hold both buttons and plug in at the same time. Keep holding for 10-15secs after power is restores
3) The lights will cycle from 4 lights to 1
4) Press and release the auto-setup until lights 4 and 1 are on (this should require 4 presses)
5) Press start to start the cycle

Codes I have so far:
4-1: Drain (you must toggle it off when done)
4-2: Air on -no bowl spin (you must toggle it off when done)
4-3: Rinse-Drain-Air/Dry Cycle (unit will reset to normal after this)

There are a couple more like "Run water" and "Dispense solution" But I cant remember them offhand.

Long time no write!

So I came to my blog to post something about the cat genie, and I realized, its been over a friggin year since I posted. wow!

Postal increase

Heres a nice link to show the price hike: Endicia Rate Change Information. Most notable: Priority Mail 1lb (oversized, >600 miles) 422% to 711%. I guess they wanna give that business to UPS.