Hi Folks,
I'm happy to report that since I switched from IE to Safari all of those non-accessible/non-loading websites are now accessible! I have no idea what's up with IE but I wasted many hours talking to Direcway's infamous tech support (BAD!) in pursuit of a fix.
Other than downtime last night due to a light rain storm in Northern Calif I'm now able to browse trouble-free.
BUT I STRONGLY recommend that you read the horror stories about Direcway on the various broadband forums before you subscribe. I hope that this is the end of my troubles - knock on wood - 'cause I don't want to go through this b****t again. It's truly amazing how a company can exist with such a questionable product, horrendously terrible support and misleading advertising and pre-sales lies.
If there's a class action lawsuit - count me in!
Thanks to all for the help!
rm