January 2009 - test-neighbhorhood@test.highlandparkpa.com

[Highland Park] Info on Mac help
by P Morelli 26 Jan '09

26 Jan '09

Hi Some of you asked me to share the information on MAC computer help. Here's what I got: Several people recommended the Genius Bar at the Apple store in Shadyside. However my experience there has never been good nor helpful---I think they rather just sell you a new computer (how green is that?) Other recommendations: ---Highland Parker, Randy Venturini, who has done some audio and mac consulting from time to time: dabr(a)mac.com or 412-965-2554 ---Email David Sevick davesevick(a)mac.com ---You could call Wally 412-983-0531, he lives in Highland Park as well. ---greg slavick (412) 486-6075 slavik(a)graphicsupport.net ---Contact David Saul at City Computer in Shadyside. He can be reached at 412-621-2222 after 1 pm. ---chris.sandvig(a)comcast.net ---tsefzik(a)gmail.com That's pretty much it... Good Luck.

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[Highland Park] More DSL/Verizon/Comcast/Cable/FIOS info
by Bob Staresinic 26 Jan '09

26 Jan '09

More responses to the emails: ***************** Verizon/Comcast/FIOS/DSL I am sorry to hear about the disatisfaction from Fios. I've had it for almost a year and half now, yes for some reason I live on one of the streets in the city who got it early, and love it. I have had very few problems with it and when my house was wired, it worked out well. I do see a difference between both. My only issue comes from the wireless, but I had the same problem before because of all of the interference around. I personally would reccommend Fios and will never go back. Cindi Dorfzaun ********************* One thing should be clarified about the final set of comments re DSL vs cable. The statements about a cable line being shared with the neighborhood apply to traditional cable (e.g., Comcast), but not to FIOS. FIOS has a dedicated line (fiber) from each subscriber to the central office. Bill Ghrist ********************** Thank you to Bob for collecting the comments and to Missy for bringing up the subject of security, in the article about sniffers. Cable, fios, or DSL ... all are just as secure or insecure, IMHO. Security is best managed closer to our local computer or network level. There's a very simple online test to determine if a sniffer or scanner can actually "see" your computer. The test is called "Shields Up"" and the site is maintained by an internationally famous ( at least in my field ) security expert, and the test is provided for free and is totally safe. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Click to go to Shields up: https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2 Hit the Proceed Button Scroll down to "All Service Ports" on the silver bar, and click on it and the test will begin. Wait until the test finishes. You will be shown which ports on your computer are either open, closed and visible, or invisible. Invisible = Full Stealth(all green) ... meaning you're as secure as it gets when it comes to sniffers / scanners. ------------------------------------------------------------------ More info: The best security one can have, in my opinion, is a hardware router. Most routers will not allow your computer to respond to a ping on the WAN port, making it impossible to even be "seen." Netgear is my favorite company for routers. Very secure, configurable and affordable. A simple analogy would be that your PC is a happy friendly child that will say hello(respond to a ping) to any stranger that says hello (sends a ping) first. A good router makes it impossible for any stranger to even know that there is a PC there to say hello to. No ports are visible, the router and PC don't respond to a ping ... it "appears" there is an IP address(the router) but no computer living (behind or) at that, IP address. Feel free to call if you have any concerns or questions. Steve Karl 412-441-4349 *********************** We too are having major problems with FiOS. We had it installed for internet and phone in December. The internet is fine (although we have not set up the wireless router yet) but the phone is a disaster. It took them about 12 man hours to install it (one guy for 9 hours plus another called in for about 3 or so) and that was without having to run cable. It took several hours for us to have a dial tone even after the technicians were gone. I made a service call and after running around inside and outside the house (in the cold) to find the many boxes and reset them it worked. The service agent was friendly and even called back when my cell phone dropped his call in the basement, but it was a pain. We apparently have voice mail but have no instructions as to how to access it. Our dial tone and ability to connect when we pick up the phone is spotty at best. There have been times when it has taken up to 13 tries to get a dial tone. Most of the time when the phone rings and I pick it up it doesn't connect. I hope we don't have to call 911 anytime soon! I have tried to contact Verizon and end up on interminable hold. They told my husband that likely a technician would have to come out to the house. This is obviously inconvenient as we both work full time. I will try to get it repaired and will let you all know if it gets any better! Morgen on Grey stone **************************** Does anyone use any other carriers besides Verizon or Comcast? I've been considering Cavalier, since I'm doing just phone/DSL, not looking for cable at this time. I haven't heard any yay or nay stories about them, just their ads. I used to use Nauticom. I currently have Verizon, no real problems, but am always interested in shopping around. Nidhog? (used to be Telerama). BTW, thanks for all the info on FIOS--while it's not in my budget, I'm glad to know that it's not necessary better than sliced bread. Suzi W. Heberton St. **************************** you may want to tell this list that local company consolidated communications http://www.consolidated.com/ offers cheap, fast and stable dsl internet (and I just noitced, cell and tv cable service, though i can't vouch for those), and great customer service, and your money isn't going to a corporation like comcast or verizon who's using their monopoly power to raise your rates and lobby for policies that hurt your privacy and free access to information. and that your daughter in lawrenceville uses consolidated so it's likely accessible to HP residents.

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[Highland Park] Cell Phones not going public
by Bob Staresinic 26 Jan '09

26 Jan '09

There were a bunch of responses to the posting about registering your cell phone. I was out of town with limited internet access, so I did not get to sending these out in a timely fashion. I did not want to send out a bunch of messages that said the same thing, so here is one with all the comments. Bob *************************** While it's not a BAD idea to register your cell number with DO NOT CALL Registry, it's not really necessary. According to the FTC, there is no danger of telemarketers assaulting your phone. It's an understandable hoax email that has been going around for several years. From the federal trade commission's website: http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2005/04/dnc.shtm "If you've received an e-mail telling you that your cell phone is about to be assaulted by telemarketing calls as a result of a new cell phone number database, rest assured that this is not the case. Telemarketing to cell phone numbers has always been illegal in most cases and will continue to be so. In response to recent e-mail campaigns urging consumers to place their cell phone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry, the Federal Trade Commission and Federal Communications Commission issue this advisory to give consumers the facts." ******************** You can register your cell number, but the message that says cell phone numbers are going public is false - an urban legend. FCC prohibits using automated dialers to call cell phone numbers already, so you're not really accomplishing anything - but it might make you feel good. ******************************** it's a hoax. http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/patterson/33202/this-just-in-cell-phone-numbers… ****************************** I looked at Snopes.com for cell phone numbers going public and it seems as if it's an urban myth. Here's the link: http://www.snopes.com/politics/business/cell411.asp That said, the Do Not Call number given in the previous email is accurate and has helped me significantly cut down on telemarketing calls on my home number. You can use it for your cell as well, but according to Snopes cell phone use for telemarketing is much more limited. Not to say I haven't gotten the occasional unsolicited solicitous call on my cell but it has been rare... *********************************** Urban Legends - from About.com; confirmed at snopes.com (also) SUMMARY: Forwarded email warns that a directory of cell phone numbers will soon be published and urges users to enter their cell phone numbers on the federal 'Do Not Call' registry to prevent unsolicited calls from telemarketers. Description: Email rumor Circulating since: Sep. 2004 Status: Mostly false Email example contributed by Wyonne M., Jan. 9, 2009: ----------------------------------- Subject: Cell Phone Numbers Pass it along... REMEMBER: Cell Phone Numbers Go Public next month. REMINDER.... all cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies and you will start to receive sale calls. .... YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone: 888-382-1222. It is the National DO NOT CALL list. It will only take a minute of your time. It blocks your number for five (5) years. You must call from the cell phone number you want to have blocked. You cannot call from a different phone number. HELP OTHERS BY PASSING THIS ON TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS.. It takes about 20 seconds. ----------------------------------- Comments: Yes, you can add your cell phone number(s) to the National Do Not Call Registry. But no, you won't suddenly be at the mercy of 10,000 telemarketers if you don't. While it's true that several of the major wireless phone providers announced a plan some years ago to establish a 411 directory of customers' cell phone numbers, it is not true that the plan involved publishing said directory for any and all to read. Participating companies said the numbers would be made available only via telephone, only to users who dialed directory assistance and paid a fee, and only with customer consent. In any case, the point has been moot since 2006, when the plan to create a 411 directory for cell phone numbers was indefinitely postponed. The Federal Trade Commission does allow cell phone users to add their numbers to the National Do Not Call Registry - the same one already in force for landlines - either online or by calling 1-888-382-1222. Doing so probably isn't necessary, mind you -- per FCC regulations, telemarketers are already prohibited from using automated dialers to call cell phone numbers -- but millions have already signed up, and so can you. Contrary to what most variants of the email rumor claim, there is no 31-day, 16-day, or 8-day deadline for adding cell phone numbers to the Do Not Call list - indeed, there is no deadline whatsoever. More Info from the Federal Trade Commission =

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[Highland Park] Re: Looking for Pitt Notre Dame Tickets
by Randall P Walsh 26 Jan '09

26 Jan '09

Hi Folks, My Mom is in town this weekend and was hoping to see the Pitt Game on Saturday. If anyone has tickets they wont be using and would like to sell, I would be very appreciative! Thanks! -Randy

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[Highland Park] Hootenanny at Your Inner Vagabond on Feb. 8 from 4-7 p.m.
by Myra Carbonell 26 Jan '09

26 Jan '09

Please reply if you'd like to be on my film email list for free films at Pitt & CMU. Pitt shows free Spanish films on Wednesday evenings. Hootenanny, most commonly, refers to a folk-music party. Joan Baez made the analogy that a hootenanny is to folk singing what a jam session is to jazz. The next hootenanny at Your Inner Vagabond, 4130 Butler St. will be on Sunday, Feb. 8 from 4-7 p.m. Please bring your copies of Rise Up Singing if you own them. We will go around the circle and each person on their turn can select a song which we will sing in unison accompanied by several guitars, a flute, and perhaps an autoharp and bodhran. _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live™: E-mail. Chat. Share. Get more ways to connect. http://windowslive.com/howitworks?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_t2_allup_howitworks_012…

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[Highland Park] Fwd: Really hoping you can attend the BIG WEDNESDAY meeting on Peabody
by Vijay Bakrania 26 Jan '09

26 Jan '09

just passing this on: *Change Coming To The EAST END Educational System--YOUR INVOLVEMENT IS CRITICAL* ** *-------------------------------------* ** *Pittsburgh Peabody Stakeholders Meeting* * * *Date: *Wednesday, January 28, 2009 *Time: *6:00 pm * Location: *BGC Community Activity Center 113 N. Pacific Avenue (Garfield) Yes, We Can! Educational Change.. * * *Whether you're a parent, a banker, an economic development/ social service agency leader, a funder, a government employee, a student, a school district staff person, a community member or a civil rights leader you need to yell out---* *Yes* *---*we can restructure the educational system in the East End in order to better serve all children! *Especially for those children whose current educational status leaves them unable to effectively compete in the new American economy.* * * This is an historical time in the East End and a major restructuring of the public educational system needs to occur. Your time and input is critical to the creation of a positive outcome that is a win-win for all. In collaboration with Pittsburgh Public Schools there will be two critical meetings, one on January 28th and another on February 4th. The agendas for the meetings and the January 7, 2009 meeting notes are attached. *We ask that you attend these meetings and --- listen and provide input. * President Obama has challenged us to hold the government accountable. This does not necessarily mean taking on an oppositional or critical nature. Accountability (on the matter at hand) should relate to the public engagement of the Pittsburgh Public Schools in a collaborative, trusting, and partnering manner. When this occurs, great things can happen. Call (412-441-9833 ext. 10) or email Rick Flanagan (Rflanag(a)aol.com) to confirm your attendance and to ask questions. _____________________________________________________ ** * * *5149** penn avenue* * pittsburgh, pa **15224*** *phone** 412-441-6950** **fax** **412-441-6956* *www.bloomfield-garfield.org*** * * *Pittsburgh Peabody Stakeholders Meeting* * * *Date: *Wednesday, January 28, 2009 *Time: *6:00 pm * Location: *BGC Community Activity Center 113 N. Pacific Avenue (Garfield) I. Welcome II. Information item- Director Thomas Sumpter Jr., District 3 School Board Member, acceptance of an invitation to meet at the BGC Community Activity Center on Wednesday, February 4, 2009 at 6:00 pm III. Overview of the January 7, 2009 meeting notes IV. Pittsburgh Public Schools sharing of the International Baccalaureate plan, the roster list of the committee members and the data that the International Baccalaureate committee utilized to inform their decision. Other relevant PPS data will also be shared V. Parameters that guide the work of the Pittsburgh Public Schools and how they relate to the Pittsburgh Peabody Community discussion process. VI. Creation of a collaborative planning process that engages the Pittsburgh Westinghouse, Pittsburgh Peabody, and International Baccalaureate Working Groups VII. Timing and communication with families and community members VIII. Concrete next steps to the planning process IX. Adjourn __________________________________________________________ ** * * *5149** penn avenue* * pittsburgh, pa **15224*** *phone** 412-441-6950** **fax** **412-441-6956* *www.bloomfield-garfield.org*** * * *Topic: Community Engagement Meeting * * Director Thomas Sumpter Jr.* *Date: Wednesday, February 4, 2009* *Time: 6:00 pm* *Location: BGC Community Activity Center* *113 N. Pacific Avenue* * * * * I. Welcome II. Overview of agenda and structure to the meeting (5 minutes) III. Brief presentation on a variety of issues facing the east end schools (5 minutes) IV. Introduction of Director Thomas Sumpter Jr., First Vice-President/District 3 Representative, Pittsburgh Board of Education (5 minutes) V. Director Sumpter's overview of the challenges and opportunities that face District 3 and the overall Pittsburgh Public School System (10 minutes) VI. Questions/Answers period (60 minutes) ------------------------------ *A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps!<http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100000075x1215855013x1201028747/aol?redir=htt…> * ------------------------------ *A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps!<http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100000075x1215855013x1201028747/aol?redir=htt…> *

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[Highland Park] Local Insurance Services
by Whitlock III, Richard J. 26 Jan '09

26 Jan '09

Hello Neighbors! I have been impressed with how self-sufficient our community is, for within Highland Park one is able to find references for computer repair, piano lessons, financial counseling and child care. Despite the many services that have been circulated, I have noticed that knowledgeable, competitive and responsive insurance advice has yet to be offered to Highland Park local business and residents. My name is Tres Whitlock and I am a resident of Highland Park. I work for Rodgers Insurance Group. Rodgers celebrated its 50th year of business in 2007 and is currently one of the largest independently owned agencies in Southwestern Pennsylvania. With over 50 employees, and an average of 17 years experience per employee, there is a high degree of knowledge and professionalism available to solve your insurance needs. The Rodgers Insurance Group is an independent insurance agency located in the South Hills of Pittsburgh, marketing all lines of insurance including Commercial Lines, Personal, Life and Benefits. We represent more than twenty-five insurance companies, which enables us to review your insurance requirements with more than one carrier. Our ability to access a multitude of different markets assures you, the customer, the best coverage, services and cost. As the cost of insurance is ever fluctuating, it behooves you to test the market from time to time to make ensure that you have appropriate coverage that is competitively priced. Insurance can be somewhat confusing at times, so please feel free to contact me if you are in need of advice regarding your current coverage or are interested in an alternative quote. Tres Whitlock Rodgers Insurance Group Foster Plaza V, 651 Holiday Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15220-2740 Phone: 412-922-1651 Ext. 149 Fax: 412-922-5117 This communication is intended for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed. It may contain information that is privileged, confidential and/or exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by replying to this message, with a copy to postmaster(a)rodgersgrp.com, then deleting it from your computer.

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[Highland Park] Puppy found a home
by Nancy Trun 26 Jan '09

26 Jan '09

Thanks for all of the interest in adopting the little beagle/daschund mix, Charlie. I'm happy to report that he has a new home with 3 other dogs, one near his own age. He is fitting in well and loves playing all day, without having to be in his kennel! Thanks, Nancy

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[Highland Park] Fwd: ST. RAPHAEL SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE
by EMckin1135＠aol.com 26 Jan '09

26 Jan '09

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[Highland Park] FOUND: Glasses clip & notepad holder
by Julie Gammill Gibson 25 Jan '09

25 Jan '09

Today (Sunday) my neighbors found two items dropped in the middle of King Avenue in the snow. The items were found in the block of King adjacent to the King Estate. 1. A glasses case with a sunglasses clip and cleaning cloth inside. This is the kind of clip made to fit a specific pair of prescription glasses. 2. A notepad in a black leather holder. Please e-mail me if these belong to you! Thank you, Julie

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