The theatrical company I volunteer for is doing a touring show of Seussical: The Musical to the local elementary schools. We have just did our fourth production with thus far being one show a week. We are shortly heading into a week off due to the local TCAP test, but after that we are also going to be doing two shows a week soon.

I am going to pick my “MVA” Most Valuable actor of each performance.  Just a note, after one wins, they are inelegable to win again till everyone has the MVA Award.

First show: The MVA was Jonathan Stephens as Cat in the Hat. Jonathan has a very useful skill. He is able to kick it into overdrive when he is on stage. No matter how he feels, he can give 110%. However, being a prefectionist, he never feels that he gives enough, no matter how good he is. Jonathan is a ball of energy when performing, and is a very talented actor and singer. Congrats Jonathan.

Seconds show: Parker Bunch is the child that plays Jojo, the mayor of Whoville’s son. Parker starts the show, and for the kids that watch, they see a child not too much older than they are doing this role, and it gives them the idea, “Hey maybe I can do this too!” Parker also brings a nice childlick fun to us as well. When he is around, yes we try to be on our best behaviour. However, he can make any of us laugh at just about anything. So far, this is his seconds show with Encore Theatrical company, as his first was as Ralphie Parker in “A Christmas Story”. Parker is also home schooled, so don’t worry, he isn’t cutting classes.

Third Show: Adam Malone. Adam plays Horton the Elephant. For this show, I rally dont know how Adam could do it. He was EXTREMLY sick. So sick infact that as the assistant director of our main stage show “Annie” he missed the day before’s tech rehersal and the rehersal later that day as well. Adam is the perfect choice for Horton. Like Horton, Adam is dependable, loyal, and extremly ploiete.. to anyone but his friends.. LOL. Honestly, Adam is known as one of the real nice guys in the theatre. When something goes wrong, he is the first to attempt to fix it without making it obvious.

Fourth show: Laureeane Porter who protray’s “Mayzie La Bird” gets the nod this week. She was the most imporved this week. Either from being nervous or something for the past few performances, she was never able to get her songs out right. There were some dead spots while the music was going, but those who didn’t know the script or have it in front of them would have never known. Even in the song “Biggest Blame Fool”, she was not even saying her name right. She was calling herself, Gertrude McFuzz, which was the name of another character in the play. However, it came across as Mayzie was making frun of Gertrude in the song, as her solo was right after Susan’s who plays Gertrude. Lauranne nailed all her songs this week, and got her name right on the song as well. I just wished it was a better week for me, as the soundtech the gymnasium was so small, that if I used our wireless microphones, I would have caused nothing but a constant  feedback loop.

actors still to win

Susan, Ashley, Traci, Daniel, James, Dave, Brenda, and Amy

Note to readers: In this blog there will be some “rough language,” but nothing obscene.

Ok, thanks to fellow Lockergnome blogger and wyldryde chat user Snakeyes11 for twittering about this.

Apparently now the extremely comcastic (comcraptastic more like it) ISP Comcast is now able to traffic shape even your basic Web browsing traffic. This is from a Slashdot article that Snakeyes11 twittered.

Slashdot: Comcast Blocks Web Browsing

Posted by CmdrTaco on Monday April 07, @11:16AM

From the because-they-can dept.

Censorship Technology

An anonymous reader writes “A team of researchers have found that Comcast has quietly rolled out a new traffic-shaping method, which is interfering with web browsers in addition to p2p traffic. The smoking gun that documents this behavior are network traces collected from Comcast subscribers Internet connections. This evidence shows Comcast is forging packets and blocking connection attempts from web browsers. One has to hope this isn’t the congestion management system they are touting as no longer targeting BitTorrent, which they are deploying in reaction to the recent FCC investigations.”

In the article, there are three other links, and I shall post them here as well.

University of Colorado at Boulder: Broadband Network Management

SPECIAL NOTICE: Comcast has approached us to better understand our test, the equipment we used and the results of our analysis. We understand that their current network management techniques should not be producing the results we found and that they are not blocking access to any Web sites or email applications. We are committed to working together and will update our analysis once we have additional information. Thank you.

Contents

1. New traffic shaping can disrupt a Comcast Internet connection

2. Data collection methodology
3. Analysis of network traces
4. Implications
5. People

New traffic shaping can disrupt a Comcast Internet connection

Recently, it has been observed that Comcast is disrupting TCP connections using forged TCP reset (RST) packets [1]. These reset packets were originally targeted at TCP connections associated with the BitTorrent file-sharing protocol. However, Comcast has stated that they are transitioning to a more “protocol neutral” traffic shaping approach [2]. We have recently observed this shift in policy, and have collected network traffic traces to demonstrate the behavior of their traffic shaping. In particular, we are able (during peak usage times) to synthetically generate a relatively large number of TCP reset packets aimed at any new TCP connection regardless of the application-level protocol. Surprisingly, this traffic shaping even disrupts normal web browsing and e-mail applications. Specifically, we observe two different types of packet forgery and packets being discarded.

Data collection methodology

We synthetically generated TCP SYN packets at a rate of 100 SYN packets per second using the hping utility [3]. The packets were destined for the reserved IP address 2.2.2.2, on which no host is present. We simultaneously collect network traces using tcpdump [4]. This data collection process was repeated at various times throughout multiple days. In addition, we could monitor a destination host to determine if outgoing packets reached their destination, and to determine if responses are generated by the destination host or by a third-party. Finally, this data collection was conducted from multiple Comcast accounts, all within close geographical proximity.

Analysis of network traces

In this section, we present our network traces that show the network behavior while the TCP SYN packets are being sent. All traces were collected during peak usage hours (7-9pm local time). The first trace demonstrates an HTTP (web) connection being established, and subsequently being reset. The IP Time to Live (TTL) field for these forged TCP RST packets is consistently set to 255 (indicating that the forged RST packets are originating on one of the local Comcast links).

4717 41.307584 192.168.0.5 -> 207.68.173.231 TCP 53759 > www [SYN] Seq=0 Len=0 MSS=1460 TSV=504421360 TSER=0 WS=7

4718 41.308767 207.68.173.231 -> 192.168.0.5 TCP www > 53759 [SYN, ACK] Seq=0 Ack=1 Win=2048 Len=0 MSS=1460

4719 41.308792 192.168.0.5 -> 207.68.173.231 TCP 53759 > www [ACK] Seq=1 Ack=1 Win=5840 Len=0

4720 41.308852 192.168.0.5 -> 207.68.173.231 HTTP GET / HTTP/1.1

4721 41.310260 192.168.0.5 -> 2.2.2.2 TCP 7038 > www [SYN] Seq=0 Len=0

4722 41.310880 207.68.173.231 -> 192.168.0.5 TCP www > 53759 [RST] Seq=1 Len=0

The next trace shows a secure shell (SSH) connection being established and immediately reset. For this trace, we also captured the network traffic on the 128.138.x.x host. Surprisingly, absolutely no packets were received or sent from 128.138.x.x! This indicates that outgoing traffic from 192.168.1.104 is being dropped, and that the incoming responses from 128.138.x.x are being forged by Comcast.

3 0.036409 192.168.1.104 -> 128.138.x.x TCP 50051 > ssh [SYN] Seq=0 Len=0 MSS=1460 TSV=4498697 TSER=0 WS=5

4 0.038646 128.138.x.x -> 192.168.1.104 TCP ssh > 50051 [SYN, ACK] Seq=0 Ack=1 Win=2048 Len=0 MSS=1460

5 0.038672 192.168.1.104 -> 128.138.x.x TCP 50051 > ssh [ACK] Seq=1 Ack=1 Win=5840 Len=0

6 0.040426 128.138.x.x -> 192.168.1.104 TCP ssh > 50051 [RST] Seq=1 Len=0

The final trace is perhaps even more remarkable. A TCP SYN packet is sent to a non-routeable, reserved IP address (2.2.2.2) and a SYN, ACK packet is received in response. The only problem is that no host exists at 2.2.2.2! This again shows that the outgoing SYN packet is being dropped, and the “expected” response is being forged by Comcast. The IP TTL field for these forged TCP SYN, ACK packets is consistently set to 30.

4912 43.259271 192.168.0.5 -> 2.2.2.2 TCP 7222 > www [SYN] Seq=0 Len=0

4913 43.260406 2.2.2.2 -> 192.168.0.5 TCP www > 7222 [SYN, ACK] Seq=4159779480 Ack=1 Win=2048 Len=0 MSS=1460

From our experiments, we noticed that only outgoing TCP connections trigger TCP reset packets. Also, TCP connections established before the traffic shaping is activated are not effected, and it is possible to establish TCP connections to a host experiencing the traffic shaping. Finally, only TCP connections are effected.

Implications

Although the traces given above were generated synthetically, it is possible to produce the TCP reset packet flood using peer-to-peer applications such as BitTorrent. Users may find it extremely difficult to establish new TCP connections while using any application that has a relatively high rate of TCP connection establishment on a Comcast link. For instance, the Firefox browser will give this error message when an HTTP connection is reset.

So yeah, now it appears that if you visit a site too much, comcast will use the dreaded TCP reset (RST) packets for basic browsing. Sorry, but to all you people looking up porn, expect WAY slower than normal load times. That might be a tongue in cheek joke, but the fact that they are resetting the packets of webpages… WHAT THE HELL IS COMCAST THINKING?!? I mean, are they attempting to just infuriate more users now? Are they trying to alieniate the normal users who are trapped in their clutches because alternate net service isn’t available?

Which brings me to this…

Slashdot: Comcast Makes Nice with BitTorrent

Posted by Zonk on Thursday March 27, @11:24AM

From the friendly-dogs-and-cats dept.

The Internet Media

An anonymous reader writes “In a dramatic turn-around of relations, cable provider Comcast and BitTorrent are now working together. The deal comes as BitTorrent tries to put its reputation for illegal filesharing behind it. The companies are in talks to collaborate on ways to run BitTorrent’s technology more smoothly on Comcast’s broadband network. Comcast is actually entertaining the idea of using BitTorrent to transport video files more effectively over its own network in the future, said Tony Warner, Comcast’s chief technology officer. ‘”We are thrilled with this,” Ashwin Navin, cofounder and president of BitTorrent, said of the agreement. BitTorrent traffic will be treated the same as that from YouTube Inc., Google Inc. or other Internet companies, he said. It was important that Comcast agreed to expand Internet capacity, because broadband in the United States is falling behind other areas of the world, Navin said. Referring to the clashes with Comcast, he said: “We are not happy about the companies’ being in the limelight.”‘”

OK, honestly, what the hell? I mean Comcast is all “BitTorrent bad” back before. Now they are in bed together? I mean what’s next.. Paris Hilton not being a bimbo?

And finally…

Slashdot: FCC To investigate Comcast Bittorrent Meddling

Posted by kdawson on Tue Jan 08, 2008 06:41 PM

From the just-the-bits-please dept.

The Internet Politics

An anonymous reader writes “FCC Chairman Kevin Martin said Tuesday that the commission will investigate complaints that Comcast actively interferes with Internet traffic as its subscribers try to share files online. A coalition of consumer groups and legal scholars asked the agency in November to stop Comcast from discriminating against certain types of data and to fine Comcast $195,000 for every affected subscriber. While known for months in tech circles, the issue wasn’t given broad attention until an Associated Press report last year, in which reporters tested and verified the data blocking.”

So what now? If the “power users” were up at arms then, just image the normal user up at arms because it’s taking forever to check email, or look at the family photos online. Comcast needs to do one thing. STOP ATTEMPTING TO TRAFFIC SHAPE! All it has done is make them the laughing stock of the net. I mean for every thing they attempt to fix, there is another way for it to backfire. I mean at first it was, “Oh, we don’t throttle our users traffic.” They were exposed. Now they are exposed as throttling browsing of Web pages. Now they are in bed with Bit Torrent.. I mean, before we know it, Comcast will be broke from the lawsuits that people will file as parts of a “class action lawsuit”.

Here is a piece of advice to Comcast execs. Stop trying to cover your backsides. Give people an open net. If the “big isp” starts going for net neutrality, then everyone will follow suit, and the netizens will be happy and quit using your name and slogan (comastic) as negatives.

Yes, the title of this blog is a spoof of the classic play, “Death of a Salesman”.

So, why call it this? well I have been almost killing myself this week. I get tot he local stage on Saturday and help a little with set construction, as we are entering tech week. Tech week is the last week before a show opens where you start adding the technical stuff like lights and sound to the play so the cast can get used to it. Then Sunday, since we are using the local college’s stage because the new company, Encore Theatrical Company, is  still trying to earn capitol to either buy a building or build a new one.

Ok,  Sunday at three pm the local college’s “community band” decided to have their concert. That’s all fine and dandy, but Encore decided to move up the production of Annie so that we would not be interfering with the original scheduled band performance.  Well, apparantly he college moved up the band’s performance too.. Darn college.. Ok, so after the band was done, did they stay and help clear their crap from the stage? Ha! No.. So the sound director, , and the director of the show moved all the chairs, stands, and percussion equipment back tot he band room, and then we started setting the stage for the first real tech rehearsal. Ok, near the end of the rehersal our lighting designer, Travis got there. So at the end of the rehersal Travis and I starting cutting gels for the lights. Side note.. Gels are teh colored pieces of plastic like paper that change the color of the lights on the stage.

Monday, we have tech rehersal. That night Travis, director Micah-Shane, and I stay and start to set the light cues for the show. We stayed till about 3:30 am setting all the levels and recording them into the computer controlled light board. Now here comes the rub. I need to be up at 6 am to start getting ready for Tuesday’s performance of Suessical: The Musical that we are touring some of the Elementary schools with. Besides, I need to take the sound equipment that we borrowed from the college to the school and set the sound system up that morning, which takes about an hour to do. After we end the show, tear down the sound system and the backdrop for th set, and load it into my van, we get a pizza lunch fromt eh school we just performed at. It helps when one of th teachers is the mother of one of the actresses, and who is also in our “mainstage show” of Annie. So at around noon, we head back to the college, unload, and I start the rest of my Tuesday with about 1.5 hours of sleep. So I leave the college and go work and collect the money from the vending machines I work. After i’m done with that, I got home with an hour before I needed to be back at the college for rehersal that night.

Now comesto yesterday, Wednesday. I go to  Knoxville TN that day, which is about an hour from Morristown. I get back around 1 pm, and go tot he college. In there, I have to adjust some of the lighting equipment to take care of “dark spots” and to make sure we can get the baton of one of our flies down for a drop. side note, the fly system is the way of lowering a drop, set pieces, or curtain into place and then raising them back up. Jonathan, one of the actors who I have the upmiost respect  for and I start working on various things to get them done, and some we are goign to work on and end up not because it would be too much money cost for the theatre to get them done. After the rehersal, I end up getting home at around midnight.

Today, I am going back at some point and trying to help get some more stuff done. We still got to work on the catwalk lights, which are the lights that are hanging from a catwalk over the audience. We need to “open” some of them up so that they hit more upstage (toward the back of the stage) to eliminate some more dark spots. We also need to get done with hanging one of our final drops and we also need to paint some onthe stage. Not to mention replace the bulb on one of the “follow spots” that is weak. I say “Follow spot” wiotht he quyotation marks because all these spots are are standard Ellipsodial Reflector Spotlights (Leeko) that are modified with a big handle that allows them to be moved as a spotlight. Who know what else needs to be done before we open n Friday.