PANetworks

Satellite internet connections are more and more popular, largely thanks to new technologies that allow for faster connection speeds and lower prices for subscribers. The wireless internet provided by satellite companies is certainly faster than dial-up alternatives, and is far more readily available in rural areas than DSL or Cable internet. So, how exactly is satellite internet able to offer affordable and speedy internet access to such a broad geographic area?

One of the reasons that the price and speed for satellite net connections has improved is the approach known as geostationary connection. Geostationary connection gets your home’s satellite receiver in touch with a satellite that is always in the same direction. Obviously, the satellite is constantly revolving around the world, so it’s not in the same “position.” However, it is revolving on a trajectory that allows it to be in the same position relative to your receiver. This means fewer problems maintaining a stable connection, lower installation costs, and greater overall performance consistency.

In order to cover all these different areas, different satellites are launched. An independent satellite is needed for each area the size of the state of Wyoming, give or take. These satellites themselves function at an incredibly high “rate of transfer,” or in more common terms, speed. Their frequency is 18 ghz or higher – an earth shattering speed so impressive that it would overload your computer. So the transmission of data goes between the satellite and the receiver, and the receiver’s hardware tones down the data before it gets to your computer, or before your information is transmitted up to the satellite, minimizing the amount of data that actually needs to be displayed or sent. This transfer and conversion is what causes the latency often associated with satellite net connect ions.

This conversion also works to minimize the total data that can be transfered. This works to the advantage of all subscribers in the area, since all of the people using the same satellite will take up a portion of that satellite’s resources.

Everyone’s life gets crazy. When you just can’t think straight anymore, use these four steps to staying sane.

Time. Take time to breathe. Every day, you should have ten to fifteen minutes of time to yourself to collect yourself and refresh. Their should be no ifs or buts about it—without it, you won’t stay sane at all. If Baby goes down for a nap, first take 10 minutes to yourself before rushing off to clean. If you’re a planner who schedules your day to the last half-hour, leave at least one half-hour slot open. This will give you more leeway in case you run behind, and allow you to feel less rushed and feel able to take those ten minutes you need.

Place. It is important to have a safe place you can run to that energizes you. If you have a garden, go walk around in it. If you really love your porch, sit on the swing. If incomplete projects bother you, try to create one space where everything is done—even if its just the wall-papered powder room downstairs. If messes bother you, clean one corner of a room and sit with your back to the rest of the mess.

Action. Once you are in a place that calms and energizes you (or at least doesn’t make you more anxious), do something you enjoy. Pick up your favorite book and read your favorite part, or do a little crocheting. If you still need calming, put in a good cd, close your eyes and listen to it. Lay on the floor and relax. Meditate or pray. Do whatever will relax you and release the tension that has built up over the day.

Be Thankful. Focus on what you have to be grateful for—a nice neighborhood, a good family, a job at all. Try pulling out old pictures and remembering good times you’ve have and be thankful for them. Remember the people in your life who support you.

These simple ways to distress might just be enough to help you keep your head in your crazy day.

Everyone has great stories from their children. What are some of the most endearing things children do? They tell you they love you more than their special stuffed animal or toy (you know, the one they can’t fall asleep without).

They’ll even risk a scolding in order to spend time with you. Your little boy will sneak downstairs (after him and his brothers were put to bed), just because he wants more time with you and your family. And sure, he’s supposed to be asleep, but all he’s doing is curling up next to you while you talk with your brother and his wife. And with his shock of red hair, blue eyes, and shy little smile, you just can’t send him away.

It’s so amazing to see children’s creativity and knowledge growing, too. One girl will just love taking pictures. As a toddler, you’ll be able to see her mind working as you show her how to aim the camera and take a picture. When you upgrade and let her help you take a picture with your nicer camera, you’ll get to see her amazement and excitement at the flash that pops up and makes a loud “click,” and you’ll get to help her learn to aim the camera by herself, and teach her how to be careful with it.

Sometimes the most endearing things they do will be so artless and unconsciously affectionate. They’ll hover close by you when around new people because they know you are the one who keeps them safe. They’ll show you around their make-believe house, or they’ll reach up and give you a big kiss goodnight.

Some stories and times might be crazy or even unpleasant, like the little girl who pees on the hardwood floor and then stomps in it with her Sunday shoes, but then she’ll bring you a bouquet of flowers from the yard and melt your heart. And in the end, it is not so much what your child does that makes you love them, it’s simply the fact that they are yours.