Question:

Yngwie Malmsteen’s manager swindled him out of his savings while he was recovering from a blood clot in his brain suffered during an automobile accident! POLL:  Should Yngwie have unleashed the fucking fury on his manager or not?  (yes or no)

Response:

Yngwie Malmsteen’s manager swindled him out of his savings while he was recovering from a blood clot in his brain suffered during an automobile accident! POLL:  Should Yngwie have unleashed the fucking fury on his manager or not?  (yes or no)

Yes. That sounds worthy of a Townshend style guitar shot. It’s a shame Mr. Malmsteen was hurt. I thought Swedish cars were safe?

Response:

Question:

We understand the term "Piss off"  as we  should go to the U.S. to present our theory ,is that right? Thanks for the advice. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does the term ‘piss off’ mean anything to you? Peter French To realize profit in profit organizations or companies using the theory of units , the organization’s objective should be determined at first then units that the organization deals with i.e. units which the organization trade in , produce , extract or classify are determined.After determining these units accurately and listing them in the organization’s chart of accounts theory of units starts to give real movement of each account in terms of quantity and value which result in the profit of that account during its daily movement. This is obvious in all organizations which deal with quantities.Questions may arise about how this is achieved in companies which deal with intangible units or cash (exchange) and about the way profit is determined in these companies. As mentioned before the organization’s objective and units should be determined, for example , an exchange organization that deal basically with the Kuwaiti dinar, purchase ten thousand (10000) U.S dollars, price of one dollar is (290) filses and sold of them (5000) dollars, dollar price is three hundred filses.The following diagram illustrates how profit is realized from this operation :       Incoming Units (+)           |     Outgoing Units (-)        (intangible )               |       (intangible )                                    |   No.  price   value in dinar      |  No. price   value in dinar  10000 x290.  =  2900              |  5000 x 300. = 1500               The purchasing       |              The selling               operation in the     |              operation in the                previous example    |              previous example               =  50                |  5000  x 290. = 1450              Gross profit of       |             represents the              the previous         |             remaining U.S                operation           |               dollars  10000   Total   2950  Total       |    10000   Total   2950  Total          Units         Values      |            Units         Values In theory of units there are no purchases or sales but they are mentioned in this example for the purpose of simplifying.  To show results in theory of units in the previous example (10000) U.S dollars were added to the organization at a price of two hundred and ninety filses . In the second operation (5000) U.S dollars are sold at a price of three hundred filses , from the previous diagram this accounting operation made profit of (50)U.S dollars. Finally , theory of units is general and could be applied in all fields whether in companies or agencies that deal with tangible units or authorities and organization which deal with intangible units, also profit authorities and authorities that aim to serve the public. Applying it to non-profit authorities is a lot easier than the double entry system that is applied in the governmental organization and agencies currently.Applying the theory and its benefit include all activities and all organizations.  In addition to that extracting accounting data in theory of units is easy and accurate.Experiments proved that the theory  saves about 50% of annul expenses for profit or non-profit companies or organizations whether they deal with tangible, intangible units or both.

Response:

Does the term ‘piss off’ mean anything to you? Peter French

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – To realize profit in profit organizations or companies using the theory of units , the organization’s objective should be determined at first then units that the organization deals with i.e. units which the organization trade in , produce , extract or classify are determined.After determining these units accurately and listing them in the organization’s chart of accounts theory of units starts to give real movement of each account in terms of quantity and value which result in the profit of that account during its daily movement. This is obvious in all organizations which deal with quantities.Questions may arise about how this is achieved in companies which deal with intangible units or cash (exchange) and about the way profit is determined in these companies. As mentioned before the organization’s objective and units should be determined, for example , an exchange organization that deal basically with the Kuwaiti dinar, purchase ten thousand (10000) U.S dollars, price of one dollar is (290) filses and sold of them (5000) dollars, dollar price is three hundred filses.The following diagram illustrates how profit is realized from this operation :       Incoming Units (+)           |     Outgoing Units (-)        (intangible )               |       (intangible )                                    |   No.  price   value in dinar      |  No. price   value in dinar  10000 x290.  =  2900              |  5000 x 300. = 1500               The purchasing       |              The selling               operation in the     |              operation in the                previous example    |              previous example               =  50                |  5000  x 290. = 1450              Gross profit of       |             represents the              the previous         |             remaining U.S                operation           |               dollars  10000   Total   2950  Total       |    10000   Total   2950  Total          Units         Values      |            Units         Values In theory of units there are no purchases or sales but they are mentioned in this example for the purpose of simplifying.  To show results in theory of units in the previous example (10000) U.S dollars were added to the organization at a price of two hundred and ninety filses . In the second operation (5000) U.S dollars are sold at a price of three hundred filses , from the previous diagram this accounting operation made profit of (50)U.S dollars. Finally , theory of units is general and could be applied in all fields whether in companies or agencies that deal with tangible units or authorities and organization which deal with intangible units, also profit authorities and authorities that aim to serve the public. Applying it to non-profit authorities is a lot easier than the double entry system that is applied in the governmental organization and agencies currently.Applying the theory and its benefit include all activities and all organizations.  In addition to that extracting accounting data in theory of units is easy and accurate.Experiments proved that the theory  saves about 50% of annul expenses for profit or non-profit companies or organizations whether they deal with tangible, intangible units or both.

Response:

To realize profit in profit organizations or companies using the theory of units , the organization’s objective should be determined at first then units that the organization deals with i.e. units which the organization trade in , produce , extract or classify are determined.After determining these units accurately and listing them in the organization’s chart of accounts theory of units starts to give real movement of each account in terms of quantity and value which result in the profit of that account during its daily movement. This is obvious in all organizations which deal with quantities.Questions may arise about how this is achieved in companies which deal with intangible units or cash (exchange) and about the way profit is determined in these companies. As mentioned before the organization’s objective and units should be determined, for example , an exchange organization that deal basically with the Kuwaiti dinar, purchase ten thousand (10000) U.S dollars, price of one dollar is (290) filses and sold of them (5000) dollars, dollar price is three hundred filses.The following diagram illustrates how profit is realized from this operation :       Incoming Units (+)           |     Outgoing Units (-)        (intangible )               |       (intangible )                                    |   No.  price   value in dinar      |  No. price   value in dinar    10000 x290.  =  2900              |  5000 x 300. = 1500               The purchasing       |              The selling               operation in the     |              operation in the                previous example    |              previous example               =  50                |  5000  x 290. = 1450              Gross profit of       |             represents the              the previous         |             remaining U.S                operation           |               dollars  10000   Total   2950  Total       |    10000   Total   2950  Total          Units         Values      |            Units         Values In theory of units there are no purchases or sales but they are mentioned in this example for the purpose of simplifying.  To show results in theory of units in the previous example (10000) U.S dollars were added to the organization at a price of two hundred and ninety filses . In the second operation (5000) U.S dollars are sold at a price of three hundred filses , from the previous diagram this accounting operation made profit of (50)U.S dollars. Finally , theory of units is general and could be applied in all fields whether in companies or agencies that deal with tangible units or authorities and organization which deal with intangible units, also profit authorities and authorities that aim to serve the public. Applying it to non-profit authorities is a lot easier than the double entry system that is applied in the governmental organization and agencies currently.Applying the theory and its benefit include all activities and all organizations.  In addition to that extracting accounting data in theory of units is easy and accurate.Experiments proved that the theory  saves about 50% of annul expenses for profit or non-profit companies or organizations whether they deal with tangible, intangible units or both.

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I am a new Quickbooks user, and new to bookkeeping. My company structure is an LLC. Quickbooks automatic accounts after interview include 3 subaccounts for owner’s equity. They are ‘Partner One Draws’, ‘Partner One Investments’ and ‘Partner One Earnings’. Can anyone explain what defines ‘Partner One Earnings’? I was under the impression that since members of an LLC do not receive payroll checks, they take a ‘Draw’ from profit; that ‘Investments’ is the money and/or property that the members have put into the business. Could ‘earnings’ have to do with whether or not the member works in the business? – perhaps as a way of crediting or distinguishing the value of the work done? OR – is this perhaps the same as retained earnings. I have checked in accounting references, but I think "Partner One Earnings’ may be Quickbooks nomenclature. Thanks in advance for any help, Lisa C.

The working member often takes a "guaranteed payment which is the equivalent of a salary. This item is treated as an expense.

Response:

I am a new Quickbooks user, and new to bookkeeping. My company structure is an LLC. Quickbooks automatic accounts after interview include 3 subaccounts for owner’s equity. They are ‘Partner One Draws’, ‘Partner One Investments’ and ‘Partner One Earnings’. Can anyone explain what defines ‘Partner One Earnings’? I was under the impression that since members of an LLC do not receive payroll checks, they take a ‘Draw’ from profit; that ‘Investments’ is the money and/or property that the members have put into the business. Could ‘earnings’ have to do with whether or not the member works in the business? – perhaps as a way of crediting or distinguishing the value of the work done? OR – is this perhaps the same as retained earnings. I have checked in accounting references, but I think "Partner One Earnings’ may be Quickbooks nomenclature. Thanks in advance for any help, Lisa C.

Response:

You are on the right track. Each partner’s "earnings" account should include his or her share of undistributed partnership income. QuickBooks includes in "retained earnings" any prior year undistributed partnership that has not been allocated among partners.  Since partnership do not have retained earnings, I usually change the account title to something such as "unalloacated prior year income." QuickBooks does not provide for automatic allocation of profit / loss among partners.  You allocate it yourself, but that’s another story. Chuck Charles L. Lemkin, CPA Gitlin, Campise, Pascoe & Blum LLC Voice (860) 236-5833 Fax    (860) 236-4496

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am a new Quickbooks user, and new to bookkeeping. My company structure is an LLC. Quickbooks automatic accounts after interview include 3 subaccounts for owner’s equity. They are ‘Partner One Draws’, ‘Partner One Investments’ and ‘Partner One Earnings’. Can anyone explain what defines ‘Partner One Earnings’? I was under the impression that since members of an LLC do not receive payroll checks, they take a ‘Draw’ from profit; that ‘Investments’ is the money and/or property that the members have put into the business. Could ‘earnings’ have to do with whether or not the member works in the business? – perhaps as a way of crediting or distinguishing the value of the work done? OR – is this perhaps the same as retained earnings. I have checked in accounting references, but I think "Partner One Earnings’ may be Quickbooks nomenclature. Thanks in advance for any help, Lisa C.

Response:

Question:

Bernhard, Thanks for your well-written and reflected post. One comment on the general effect of boycots: There is a lot of debate about how effective they are. But in the case of South Africa under Apartheid, former leaders of the white regime admit that the growing isolation the country faced was important in seeking a negotiated solution with Nelson Mandela. In the case of Iraq it depends what you see the goal as. If the goal was to remove Saddam Hussein it has failed. If the goal was to keep the country down and stop it from rearming and possibly cause war again, it has succeeded.

I agree. I think we all do not want to keep the country down. Burma needs a real change. IMHO, boycott of independent tourism does not lead to such change. Investment boycott and even boycott of organized, prepaid tourism is a different thing. I don’t know what is the best thing to do in the case of Burma. I do sympathise with the individual citizen who badly needs the tourist dollar. But if the pressure works and the regime gives in, could happen unexpectedly, just as when the Berlin wall came down in 1989. But the long history of civil and ethnic war in Burma, and the not-so-hidden hand of China (and India, both seeking regional influence) in supporting the current military government makes it difficult to apply pressure in a way that would really weaken the generals. Perhaps this regional support, as well as the money made from the drug trade, is what really keeps the military clique in power.

Sure, it’s the regional support, the drug trade and huge investments from abroad (i.e. Canadian) companies that makes most of the money for the generals. Compared to that, earnings from tourists, especially backpackers, do not count much. It’s the signal effect that might be of a certain value. But has it achieved anything during the last ten years? AFP: "The poor state of the economy is one factor believed to be behind a nascent political thaw, resulting in senior military leaders meeting with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Some commentators say that the regime is planning to make some concessions to the National League for Democracy in the hopes of shedding its pariah status and easing sanctions." BTW, before the Berlin wall came down, East Germany was facing massive economic problems too. Could this be the beginning of a change? Even if supported by some neighbors, the tatmadaw has led the country to a desastrous economic situation. Will they have to make more concessions or is it just a game to keep international protests down? The more the outside world knows about what’s going on, the better. I hope I will soon find time to add some stories about my recent experiences in Burma to my website. Some of them will show that the country is not just "travelers paradise", even if many of my photos look exactly like that… Bernie — Follow me on a fantastic trip to Indochina Laos, Cambodia and Burma Travelogues http://www.asiaphoto.de

Response:

*snip* A travel boycott is always directed at an entire nation, as it reduces the income of local people too. It has been proven many times that boycotts do not work effectivly. Cuba and Iraq are just two examples that spring to my mind.

*snip* Bernhard, Thanks for your well-written and reflected post. One comment on the general effect of boycots: There is a lot of debate about how effective they are. But in the case of South Africa under Apartheid, former leaders of the white regime admit that the growing isolation the country faced was important in seeking a negotiated solution with Nelson Mandela. In the case of Iraq it depends what you see the goal as. If the goal was to remove Saddam Hussein it has failed. If the goal was to keep the country down and stop it from rearming and possibly cause war again, it has succeeded. On the other side you have Cuba, where the boycott seems pointless, only giving Fidel Castro a perfect excuse for every problem on the island. But the USA is the only Western country to boycott it – Europe and Canada and the others do not. And then there is the signal effect of boycotts. This is even harder to measure or agree upon. But I suspect that, say,  if I was a Thai general wanting to mount a military coup, the international reaction to such an event  would be one of the factors that I considered. The world would be surprised and disappointed to see tanks in the streets of Bangkok in this democratic post-cold-war era. And the Thais, ever face-conscious, know this. So the prospect of becoming an international pariah nation would frighten other segments of society that might otherwise welcome or tolerate a military take-over. I don’t know what is the best thing to do in the case of Burma. I do sympathise with the individual citizen who badly needs the tourist dollar. But if the pressure works and the regime gives in, could happen unexpectedly, just as when the Berlin wall came down in 1989. But the long history of civil and ethnic war in Burma, and the not-so-hidden hand of China (and India, both seeking regional influence) in supporting the current military government makes it difficult to apply pressure in a way that would really weaken the generals. Perhaps this regional support, as well as the money made from the drug trade, is what really keeps the military clique in power. Vagabond

Response:

Myanmar promotes tourism as critics urge boycott February 20, 2001 Web posted at: 3:33 p.m. EST (2033 GMT) YANGON, Myanmar (AP) — The tourism industry thinks it can make the magic of Myanmar — golden pagodas, ancient cities, sarong-clad people — a more potent lure than the calls for a boycott of this military-ruled nation. Business people maintain that lackluster marketing, few international air links and bureaucratic hassles rather than political activists have held Myanmar back from becoming one of Asia’s top tourist destinations. They’re especially hopeful about a new promotion campaign they have planned. "The biggest thing is awareness. The country has basically been locked away from the world since World War II," said Duncan T. MacLean, who heads the recently formed Marketing Myanmar Committee. Travelers urged to stay away The industry contends it isn’t worried by the boycott campaign started by Aung San Suu Kyi, the pro-democracy leader and Nobel peace laureate who is urging tourists as well as foreign investors to shun her country. A number of human rights advocacy groups around the world have taken up her call. They argue tourist spending goes into the coffers of a junta that brutally crushed a people’s power uprising in 1988, uses forced labor on tourism projects and tramples on basic human rights. "The tourism industry and visiting tourists are helping sustain one of the most brutal regimes in the world. The cost of a holiday could be someone’s life," says the Burma Campaign, which is based in Britain. Although tourist numbers have leveled off the last three years, arrivals are up some sixfold from a decade ago. Where once only limited and regimented group tours were available, about 200 travel agencies now offer jungle treks, river cruises, steam locomotive travel and ballooning over ancient temples. Hotels have mushroomed. MacLean estimates that Myanmar, also known as Burma, saw 150,000 to 160,000 tourists last year. The government’s figure, which appears to include businessmen, diplomats and other foreigners, is 200,000. Tourism increase predicted MacLean, also general manager of the Hotel Equatorial, predicts the country will see an increase in business travelers soon and then a significant rise in tourist visits during the 2001-02 high season. His committee, which brings together the private and government sectors, plans major promotion campaigns this year, including the first direct push in the United States. "Each year our marketing gets more effective. It looks like we’re going in the right direction," said S.B. Chetry, local operator of the U.S.-based tour agency Journeys. "We should start on a steady growth from now on." Not if groups like the Burma Campaign have their way. "It’s such a beautiful, magical place; it would be wonderful to have people go there in the future. But we have to hold off now," said a spokeswoman, Yvette Mahon. "We don’t have any sense that the campaign is not working." Mahon said in a telephone interview that her group is focusing on France, Germany and Italy, which send the most Western tourists to Myanmar. It is also urging people not to buy the most popular guide book on Myanmar. The 2000 edition of the Lonely Planet guide argues that tourism revenue flows largely into ordinary people’s pockets, since most of the industry is now privatized. It also says the presence of foreigners has at times ameliorated human rights abuses. "We continue to believe that the positives of travel to Myanmar outweigh the negatives," the guide says. Expatriates and Myanmar people who benefit from tourism generally echo that position and say their focus is on making it easier for foreigners to visit. They want the government to issue tourist visas on arrival and end a requirement for tourists to change $200 into a special currency that does go to the state. "The industry is just a baby. We’re in the crawling stage," MacLean said. "The new tourism is only about five years old." The government-organized Visit Myanmar Year in 1996 was largely a flop, but Chetry said it did heighten Myanmar’s international profile and prompted the government to offer incentives to the private sector. Hotels proliferated and travel agencies were able to obtain such hitherto scarce items as telephones and faxes. These allowed them to plug into the outside world where they are now trying to play down the politics and lure visitors with come-ons like "Be mesmerized by Myanmar." Copyright 2001 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Holiday In Hell A well-intentioned travel boycott of Myanmar hurts ordinary people By RON GLUCKMAN ASIAWEEK MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 23, 2001 We’re bumping along rutted roads in a dusty rented car, Tony and the driver up front, Maureen and me in back, when Tony, face pressed in his Lonely Planet guidebook, suggests another stop. Up ahead is Thayekhittaya, ruins dating back 2,500 years. The description is enticing, but we can’t help but groan. We’ve been lurching for eight, long hours on the road from Myanmar’s capital, Yangon. We ache, it’s nearly dark, and tomorrow morning promises another long ride to Bagan, the ancient city that is our quest. Besides, we bowed to Tony last time, at Shwe-myetman Paya (Temple of the Golden Spectacles). The appeal – you guessed it – a Buddha with big glasses. "It takes nine monks to lift the glasses every fortnight to clean them," Tony gleefully recites from the guide he keeps close at hand. To be honest, we are a bit Buddha-ed out, a common condition among tourists in this pagoda-packed land. Still, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, exhorts Tony. So, as the sun sets, we’re tramping through muddy fields – only the temples are so far away, we never reach one. "Gee, this book should better explain the distance," says Tony, unabashed. "You really need more time here." You’d think he’d be at least a little bit contrite. After all, it’s his guide book. Literally. Tony and Maureen Wheeler practically invented budget travel. Their hand-stapled reports back in 1973 from a honeymoon trek across Asia spawned Lonely Planet and its legendary backpacker guides. With their down-to-earth, first-person reports of how to get there, what to see and where to stay, plus their in-depth sections on history, culture and the environment, all delivered with a 1960s-style counterculture slant, the Wheelers’ guides have long been the bible for independent travelers. But Tony and Maureen were not trudging through Myanmar to check on the accuracy of travel times in their book on the country. They came to this tragic but beautiful land because human rights activists have organized a boycott aimed at forcing them to cease publication of their Myanmar guide. "The development of tourism in Burma is directly linked to mass human rights abuses including rape, torture and murder," declares Tourism Concern and Burma Campaign, two London-based activist groups. "Lonely Planet’s promotion of tourism to Burma . . . have left pro-democracy activists with no choice but to call for a boycott." The campaigners last year asked concerned travellers to stop buying any Lonely Planet books as long as the company publishes a Myanmar guide. The Wheelers were stunned. After all, their guides provide blunt expositions of human rights violations in addition to explaining how to get to obscure pagodas and where to find the best cheap meals. The company donates part of its profits to causes like women’s rights and the environment (and including, for many years, Tourism Concern and Burma Campaign). Only repressive governments ban Lonely Planet guides for being too honest about the problems in countries they cover. Or so the Wheelers thought. The boycott is one of the latest acts in the long-running tragedy that is Burma – or Myanmar, as it was named by the generals who seized power in 1988 over the bodies of thousands of student protesters. They later refused to relinquish control following elections in 1990 won by the opposition led by Aung San Suu Kyi. Her courage in the years of resistance and house arrest since has earned her a Nobel Peace Prize. Tourism might seem a strange target in the battle against the junta, but the long stalemate has forced drastic tactics. The regime’s plan to boost visitor numbers in the 1990s presented an obvious Achilles’ Heel. Aung San Suu Kyi called on would-be tourists to shun her country, arguing that their money only helped the military, not the ordinary people. From there, the boycott has grown from telling foreigners not to go to Myanmar, to insisting that they not even buy books about going to Myanmar. Should you stay or should you go? "The message from Aung San Suu Kyi and the NLD {her National League for Democracy party} has been unequivocal," says Patricia Barnett, director of Tourism Concern. "They say don’t go, and they are the legitimate government. We have to respect their wishes." The Wheelers were not sure. A two-page section in the Lonely Planet Myanmar guide outlines the pros and cons, but concludes: "Tourism remains one of the only industries to which ordinary people have access. Any reduction in tourism automatically means a re-duction in local income earning opportunities. For this reason alone, we continue to believe that the positives of travel to Myanmar outweigh the negatives." Still, logic dictates that the debate be decided in the country in question, not at the home office. Hence, Tony and Maureen have come to Myanmar to see things for themselves. Asiaweek tagged along for our own look. Tourism is bad, say boycott groups, since it props up the military regime and helps no one in Myanmar. That argument puzzles Soe Tint, a taxi driver in

… read more »

Response:

Ah, Walter!  So we meet again.  Since you work for the Burmese action group, it’s clear you agree with their approach and we shouldn’t bore everyone going round and round on this again . . . but I couldn’t resist . . . – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – While I have some sympathy with that point of view, it ain’t always so. One of the problems with tourism in Burma as it’s currently structured, is that licensing for guesthouses (small and large) and "small travel agencies" is rather tightly controlled and frequently dispensed only to SLORC supporters and their family members and friends. Which suggests a couple of things: with my government!  Why can’t people see past the righteous propaganda and do the same with Burma.  On one of my trips there 7 years ago, the workers in the central region were just eating fish paste with rice . . . when the kyat was 100 kyat to the USD.  Now it’s 428 ky to the USD.  Can you really feel good about starving these folks out? The kyat has gone to about 550 per dollar in the past month.  And the reason is not, as you imply,

I’m not implying this at all.  Actual, Walter, we agree.  Tourism makes little if any impact!  That’s the very point you illustrate. So why the tourist boycott? that some people have chosen to support the National League for Democracy’s request that tourists stay away under current circumstances.  The cause is chronic mismanagement of the economy by the military junta.  Last spring they raised military and bureaucratic salaries by a factor of five, and last month they said they’d raise them again by a factor of four.  That doesn’t address the underlying problems in the economy, it just fuels inflation. On top of which, the major cash contributor to the economy is not tourism by a long shot! Funny that in one breath you suggest supporters of the NLD are "starving these folks out" and in the next breath suggesting that tourism is anyway not a substantial part of the economy.

Nope, just suggesting a TOURIST boycott might be more likely to starve out the REGULAR folks of a chance at hard currency . . . clearly the military are well fed! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It’s great to read Amnesty Int’l and I appreciate the Burmese action groups postings as a way to keep in touch with the news, too.  But part of the key to this WHOLE story is the economics of Burma which those groups won’t put in their lit because it doesn’t back their approach.  Check out the US embassy’s economic assessment out of Yangon. Do check out the US Embassy reports, as well as IMF and World Bank analyses, as well as ILO, AI and other human rights reports.  The economic analyses clearly suggest that the junta, by trying to rule the country by force, expends much too much of national wealth on its coercive apparatus, just trying to get people to do what they are ordered to do.  In addition, by running the economy to serve the political needs of the junta, they get extremely poor economic outcomes.  And it is conscious decisionmaking by the junta that provides among the lowest funding on the planet for education and public health. The poverty in Burma is the result of military rule.  Period.

Couldn’t agree with you more.  That wasn’t the issue.  The issue was TOURISM dollar impact.  Everyone agrees on the government, Walter.  You’re arguing something we all agree with.  The issue was whether or not to go as a tourist. Just one last thing, we’re sitting on our plush butts in the Western world deciding whether or not we should make these people matyrs for the cause. Doesn’t surprise me a bit that most Burmese don’t want to be.  Most folks period are trying just "To Live" (as the Chinese film put it) and would forgo boycotts and politics in favor of feeding their families. Nancy And the thousands of students who’ve fled Burma, who’ve sacrificed their best years in the malarial border areas, living underground and in fear inside Thailand, who support the NLD position, what do you say to them? Are they sitting on their plush butts, as you say?  Or do you prefer not to hear them?  Just curious.

No, they’re not.  Walter, you have an uncanny ability to listen and not hear. I can hear you twisting the words from here!  I said Western, Walter, and I meant it.  And while some brave souls revolted and went into hiding, you know the reason why your approach hasn’t been more successful is because the others are understandably afraid and unwillingly to be matyrs. We agree on everything but approach, Walter!  Good to hear from you.  And glad you’re still kicking around! Nancy

Response:

Q. To go or not to go? A. Not to go!

Well argued.

Response:

Well put, Tracy!  Just one point of clarification.  Perhaps I wasn’t clear, but I’m not saying that the Burmese resistance is pursuing an economically destructive policy.  The economic facts actually show that tourism, itself, has little to do with the economics of the country.  So while anyone would applaud the folks fighting a repressive regime, I think that tourism itself, might benefit the regular worker more than bolster a bad system.  It leads to less isolation and a greater world picture for the average Burmese.  And I do believe it helps quite a few small folks financially.  One teacher (of monks learning English) I know has accrued quite a lot of language instruction books and a lot of international friends meeting tourists. S. Africa btw is an interesting scenario, because the burden (for the new gov’t) of a heavy debt the old took on because of boycotts . . . and how to regenerate trade are two great problems. So, briefly, clearly the Burmese government is a problem. . . the question is what tactics will liberalize system . . . obviously, there is more than one way to go about this.  Since 1990 the resistance has tried to make headway by fighting the gov’t.  Meanwhile, the economy has liberalized a bit to allow for independent entrepreneurs, less restricted travel . . . and they’ve joined ASEAN.  It might be the system has to be changed from within. So, I’m not saying I’m some wise backpacker.  (I’m not even a backpacker!  Just a remote traveller.)  But, just as we all determine politics for our countries by gathering information, I’m attempting to do the same pertaining to Burma.   I think the "boycott tourism" stance is more ideological than economic.  But of course, people are free to take action any way they see fit.  (It’s not so different from recognizing a problem with the homeless in your country . . . but choosing between giving money to a soup kitchen that might encourage a "handout" mentality, or giving money to a lobbying group that might reform legislation that puts psychiatric patients on the street.) Take care,   Nancy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hi Nancy, We’ve discussed this issue before, and I’m not going to go on and on about it But while I don’t doubt that the people of Burma would prefer not to be martyrs to the cause (who on earth does?), I do find it curious that people who choose to go insist that the Burmese resistance, which is really the legitimate elected government of Burma, is so completely  ignorant of the economic realities of the country and the wishes of their people, as to pursue a foolish, destructive policy. "These groups" to which you refer, are dispensing information gathered from the Burmese resistance. I do find it to naive to assume a couple of weeks of backpacking imbues a more sophisticated knowledge of the political and economic complexities than a lifetime of being Burmese. Of course political strategies differ, and many opposed disinvestment in South Africa as an anti-apartheid strategy at the time, although it seems to have had a beneficial effect in ratcheting up the pressure on De Klerk. Nothing is 100%. But honestly, not having spent my life studying Burma, I do give some credit to those who have been fighting SLORC for many years. And if there’s something that I, plush Western tourist, can do to assist their struggle, I’ll do it. And it has been asked. Pretty much the same as sending a check after a major earthquake IMHO. You do what you can. Tracy Sorry, Tracy, but on this one you seem like the folks who boycott movies (e.g. Last Temptation of Christ) because someone told them it was bad. Sure, tourism is Burma is structured.  But the very local transport–pedicabs in Yangon, horsecarts in Pagan–are very much independent systems.  So are many of the "independent" cars you can take (though it may cost you black market fuel rates).  And don’t forget, just because these people live in this country and to run a business have to pay it taxes . . . does NOT mean they agree with the leadership.  Heck, Bush has just been voted in in my country and I find is views and lack of integrity elitist, opportunist and embarrasing . . . but I still have to pay taxes.  I would hope those outside the US wouldn’t equate me with my government!  Why can’t people see past the righteous propaganda and do the same with Burma.  On one of my trips there 7 years ago, the workers in the central region were just eating fish paste with rice . . . when the kyat was 100 kyat to the USD.  Now it’s 428 ky to the USD.  Can you really feel good about starving these folks out? On top of which, the major cash contributor to the economy is not tourism by a long shot!  And if you think money doesn’t trickle down from tourism, you can just imagine who keeps all the money from the gem trade, the Yadana oil fields, trade with China.   It’s great to read Amnesty Int’l and I appreciate the Burmese action groups postings as a way to keep in touch with the news, too.  But part of the key to this WHOLE story is the economics of Burma which those groups won’t put in their lit because it doesn’t back their approach.  Check out the US embassy’s economic assessment out of Yangon.   Just one last thing, we’re sitting on our plush butts in the Western world deciding whether or not we should make these people matyrs for the cause. Doesn’t surprise me a bit that most Burmese don’t want to be.  Most folks period are trying just "To Live" (as the Chinese film put it) and would forgo boycotts and politics in favor of feeding their families. Nancy

Response:

Sure, I got the sarcasm part Just wondering about the snip, it looks like a reply to Vagabond when it should have been a reply to "None". Makes poor vagabond look so activist… Roscoe

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Strange, I thought Vagabond has argued for "to go"… snipped the wrong text or is it just me and my Bergheimer Sometimer Alzheimer again? It was (deadpan) sarcasm. Q. To go or not to go? A. Not to go! Well argued.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – While I have some sympathy with that point of view, it ain’t always so. One of the problems with tourism in Burma as it’s currently structured, is that licensing for guesthouses (small and large) and "small travel agencies" is rather tightly controlled and frequently dispensed only to SLORC supporters and their family members and friends. Which suggests a couple of things: with my government!  Why can’t people see past the righteous propaganda and do the same with Burma.  On one of my trips there 7 years ago, the workers in the central region were just eating fish paste with rice . . . when the kyat was 100 kyat to the USD.  Now it’s 428 ky to the USD.  Can you really feel good about starving these folks out?

The kyat has gone to about 550 per dollar in the past month.  And the reason is not, as you imply, that some people have chosen to support the National League for Democracy’s request that tourists stay away under current circumstances.  The cause is chronic mismanagement of the economy by the military junta.  Last spring they raised military and bureaucratic salaries by a factor of five, and last month they said they’d raise them again by a factor of four.  That doesn’t address the underlying problems in the economy, it just fuels inflation. On top of which, the major cash contributor to the economy is not tourism by a long shot!

Funny that in one breath you suggest supporters of the NLD are "starving these folks out" and in the next breath suggesting that tourism is anyway not a substantial part of the economy. It’s great to read Amnesty Int’l and I appreciate the Burmese action groups postings as a way to keep in touch with the news, too.  But part of the key to this WHOLE story is the economics of Burma which those groups won’t put in their lit because it doesn’t back their approach.  Check out the US embassy’s economic assessment out of Yangon.

Do check out the US Embassy reports, as well as IMF and World Bank analyses, as well as ILO, AI and other human rights reports.  The economic analyses clearly suggest that the junta, by trying to rule the country by force, expends much too much of national wealth on its coercive apparatus, just trying to get people to do what they are ordered to do.  In addition, by running the economy to serve the political needs of the junta, they get extremely poor economic outcomes.  And it is conscious decisionmaking by the junta that provides among the lowest funding on the planet for education and public health. The poverty in Burma is the result of military rule.  Period. Just one last thing, we’re sitting on our plush butts in the Western world deciding whether or not we should make these people matyrs for the cause. Doesn’t surprise me a bit that most Burmese don’t want to be.  Most folks period are trying just "To Live" (as the Chinese film put it) and would forgo boycotts and politics in favor of feeding their families. Nancy

And the thousands of students who’ve fled Burma, who’ve sacrificed their best years in the malarial border areas, living underground and in fear inside Thailand, who support the NLD position, what do you say to them? Are they sitting on their plush butts, as you say?  Or do you prefer not to hear them?  Just curious.

Response:

Hi Nancy, We’ve discussed this issue before, and I’m not going to go on and on about it But while I don’t doubt that the people of Burma would prefer not to be martyrs to the cause (who on earth does?), I do find it curious that people who choose to go insist that the Burmese resistance, which is really the legitimate elected government of Burma, is so completely  ignorant of the economic realities of the country and the wishes of their people, as to pursue a foolish, destructive policy. "These groups" to which you refer, are dispensing information gathered from the Burmese resistance. I do find it to naive to assume a couple of weeks of backpacking imbues a more sophisticated knowledge of the political and economic complexities than a lifetime of being Burmese. Of course political strategies differ, and many opposed disinvestment in South Africa as an anti-apartheid strategy at the time, although it seems to have had a beneficial effect in ratcheting up the pressure on De Klerk. Nothing is 100%. But honestly, not having spent my life studying Burma, I do give some credit to those who have been fighting SLORC for many years. And if there’s something that I, plush Western tourist, can do to assist their struggle, I’ll do it. And it has been asked. Pretty much the same as sending a check after a major earthquake IMHO. You do what you can. Tracy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Sorry, Tracy, but on this one you seem like the folks who boycott movies (e.g. Last Temptation of Christ) because someone told them it was bad. Sure, tourism is Burma is structured.  But the very local transport–pedicabs in Yangon, horsecarts in Pagan–are very much independent systems.  So are many of the "independent" cars you can take (though it may cost you black market fuel rates).  And don’t forget, just because these people live in this country and to run a business have to pay it taxes . . . does NOT mean they agree with the leadership.  Heck, Bush has just been voted in in my country and I find is views and lack of integrity elitist, opportunist and embarrasing . . . but I still have to pay taxes.  I would hope those outside the US wouldn’t equate me with my government!  Why can’t people see past the righteous propaganda and do the same with Burma.  On one of my trips there 7 years ago, the workers in the central region were just eating fish paste with rice . . . when the kyat was 100 kyat to the USD.  Now it’s 428 ky to the USD.  Can you really feel good about starving these folks out? On top of which, the major cash contributor to the economy is not tourism by a long shot!  And if you think money doesn’t trickle down from tourism, you can just imagine who keeps all the money from the gem trade, the Yadana oil fields, trade with China.   It’s great to read Amnesty Int’l and I appreciate the Burmese action groups postings as a way to keep in touch with the news, too.  But part of the key to this WHOLE story is the economics of Burma which those groups won’t put in their lit because it doesn’t back their approach.  Check out the US embassy’s economic assessment out of Yangon.   Just one last thing, we’re sitting on our plush butts in the Western world deciding whether or not we should make these people matyrs for the cause. Doesn’t surprise me a bit that most Burmese don’t want to be.  Most folks period are trying just "To Live" (as the Chinese film put it) and would forgo boycotts and politics in favor of feeding their families. Nancy

Response:

Strange, I thought Vagabond has argued for "to go"… snipped the wrong text or is it just me and my Bergheimer Sometimer Alzheimer again? Roscoe

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Q. To go or not to go? A. Not to go! Well argued.

Response:

Strange, I thought Vagabond has argued for "to go"… snipped the wrong text or is it just me and my Bergheimer Sometimer Alzheimer again?

It was (deadpan) sarcasm. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Q. To go or not to go? A. Not to go! Well argued.

Response:

Q. To go or not to go? A. Not to go!

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – While I have some sympathy with that point of view, it ain’t always so. One of the problems with tourism in Burma as it’s currently structured, is that licensing for guesthouses (small and large) and "small travel agencies" is rather tightly controlled and frequently dispensed only to SLORC supporters and their family members and friends. Which suggests a couple of things: That many of the "ordinary folks" that a backpacker is likely to encounter have reasons for saying that they do not support the boycott. (Partially accounting for the universality of such feedback). That some of the funds paid for accomodation and transport are funding the party And that folks from "small travel agencies" aren’t necessarily providing free guide service entirely from the kindness of their hearts. They may also, at least partially, be directing what is seen and what isn’t. Seeing has value, but it isn’t always wise to take everything entirely at face value, especially when its directly contradictory to what many raised in a culture and a political structure say is happening. Just something to consider. I’ll personally honor the wishes of the resistance party as I understand them. Tracy Thank you. Seeing is believing.

Sorry, Tracy, but on this one you seem like the folks who boycott movies (e.g. Last Temptation of Christ) because someone told them it was bad. Sure, tourism is Burma is structured.  But the very local transport–pedicabs in Yangon, horsecarts in Pagan–are very much independent systems.  So are many of the "independent" cars you can take (though it may cost you black market fuel rates).  And don’t forget, just because these people live in this country and to run a business have to pay it taxes . . . does NOT mean they agree with the leadership.  Heck, Bush has just been voted in in my country and I find is views and lack of integrity elitist, opportunist and embarrasing . . . but I still have to pay taxes.  I would hope those outside the US wouldn’t equate me with my government!  Why can’t people see past the righteous propaganda and do the same with Burma.  On one of my trips there 7 years ago, the workers in the central region were just eating fish paste with rice . . . when the kyat was 100 kyat to the USD.  Now it’s 428 ky to the USD.  Can you really feel good about starving these folks out? On top of which, the major cash contributor to the economy is not tourism by a long shot!  And if you think money doesn’t trickle down from tourism, you can just imagine who keeps all the money from the gem trade, the Yadana oil fields, trade with China.   It’s great to read Amnesty Int’l and I appreciate the Burmese action groups postings as a way to keep in touch with the news, too.  But part of the key to this WHOLE story is the economics of Burma which those groups won’t put in their lit because it doesn’t back their approach.  Check out the US embassy’s economic assessment out of Yangon.   Just one last thing, we’re sitting on our plush butts in the Western world deciding whether or not we should make these people matyrs for the cause. Doesn’t surprise me a bit that most Burmese don’t want to be.  Most folks period are trying just "To Live" (as the Chinese film put it) and would forgo boycotts and politics in favor of feeding their families. Nancy

Response:

What I would say here is well done Lonely Planet Guide. It would have been almost immoral for them to quit the guide. I was in Burma in 1991 and the situation was just the same then. I have the greatest respect for Aung San Suu Kyi (who on earth, apart from the Burmese generals, does not have?) but surely she has not got this quite right. No boycott of individual travellers will ever bring the generals down. The 1988 riots threatened to, but once failed, like in China, the grip tightened so that this route cannot be used again. Quite simply the generals will never loosen their power, not in the next 20 years or so anyway (in my opinion of course). I really don’t believe that there’s any hope of a solution, but to boycott independent travellers cannot help in any way. I came away from Burma with an awareness of the country and I now read the news about Burma with an interest that I would never have if I had not gone there. And this is one of the problems of Burma, very few people have an awareness of the country. I really do not believe that Lonely Planet is doing this for good business reasons. In fact, quite the opposite, I think that it would score on PR if it withdrew the book. I know the type of people too well who say things like "Engagement doesn’t help" and "This is a crisis situation, people just have to tighten their belts" over coffee at Starbuck’s. Also the  NGO’s who sit in riverside cafes in Pnohm Pehn, scoffing at you coming as a tourist, when they are there for such "caring reasons". A growing market economy is the way out of the problems of Burma and Cambodia. It’s hard to underestimate the importance of tourism in giving opportunity to the people of these countries. The independent tourist is quite possibly doing more to help Burma than anyone else here. In my experience in the meetings of the people that press for such boycotts, they all just stick to one conceited blueprint. No one at any of their meeting dares put forward a dissenting voice. Their arrogance, reaching the heights of trying to ban books suggests that they may well have more in common with the generals than it may appears. Osama

Response:

While I have some sympathy with that point of view, it ain’t always so. One of the problems with tourism in Burma as it’s currently structured, is that licensing for guesthouses (small and large) and "small travel agencies" is rather tightly controlled and frequently dispensed only to SLORC supporters and their family members and friends. Which suggests a couple of things: That many of the "ordinary folks" that a backpacker is likely to encounter have reasons for saying that they do not support the boycott. (Partially accounting for the universality of such feedback). That some of the funds paid for accomodation and transport are funding the party And that folks from "small travel agencies" aren’t necessarily providing free guide service entirely from the kindness of their hearts. They may also, at least partially, be directing what is seen and what isn’t. Seeing has value, but it isn’t always wise to take everything entirely at face value, especially when its directly contradictory to what many raised in a culture and a political structure say is happening. Just something to consider. I’ll personally honor the wishes of the resistance party as I understand them. Tracy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thank you. Seeing is believing.

Response:

Thank you. Seeing is believing. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I spent 3weeks in Burma in Dec/Jan and have to echo Eddie’s sentiments. The route I took was way off the ‘tourist path. From Yangon, I went to Lashio (close to the Chinese border) and had no problems what so ever. In case anyone is interested, some of the photographs can be seen at http://inayath.tripod.com I went to Burma as an independant traveller for 3 weeks in March 2000 and took a mountain bike with me.  I flew to Yangon, went by bus to Mandalay, by train to Myitkina (36 hours), Bhamo, by river boat to Mandalay (36 hours), Bagan and back to Yangon by bus. Using the bike was ideal for sightseeing transport around the cities and near countryside as it allowed me to see many areas not visited by foreign visitors. I had hoped to use the bike for travelling between the towns but the lack of accommodation permitted for foreigners, distances, road conditions and schedule didn’t allow this to happen. The Burmese people I met on this trip were very kind and, I felt, genuinly pleased of my interest in their country. On a number of occasions I was escorted on sightseeing trips by them. An old gentleman near the ancient city of Ava could see that I was well off the tourist route (in fact I was completely lost and 5 miles beyond my destination) stopped me and asked if he could help. This man (a retired teacher) gave me a wonderful guided tour and only on my insistance took any payment for his expenses and time. Another young lady from a small travel agency in Myitkina accompanied me by bike around the town and countryside for an afternoon – She absolutely refused any payment. Often while cyling past tea stalls men would call out to me and invite me to watch the premier league football on TV. In Myitkina a group of students saw me and invited me to a tea stall on the banks of the Irrawaddy river. They wanted to practise English and asked if I would come to their "school" the next morning for class. After helping with pronunciations and so on they insisted on taking me for breakfast at their expense. They wouldn’t let me pay so I gave them a bunch of pens instead. At no time did I see the huge military presence and persecution of Burmese peoples that some posters would lead one to expect. I don’t deny that it goes on and am highly suspicious of the government and this being the reason for so many states that are off limits to foreigners. I got the impression that most people were too busy earning a living than fearing from persecution. Again I’m not denying that the government is repressive and that things must change in Burma. These are my unique experiences of Burma and will never be forgotten. I guess my point of this is to say that if you do visit Burma and try to use privately owned enterprises for travel, lodging and food then you will be helping the local people far more than if you stay away. Your trip will be memorable and rewarding to both yourself and the local people you meet. Eddie You can have your own "group tour" organised from Bangkok – a group is 2 people or more, with a local guide to take you around. More or less all expenses taken care of by the travel agent in BKK. They even have a way "around" the forced currency exchange at the arrival port. I have debated with myself for years if I should go to Burma or not. One issue is the forced currency exchange, if that is taken care of there is only the regime thing left. I can just imagine all those politically correct people I know crying in disgust if I tell them I am going to Burma… Come to think of it, they cry in disgust when I go to Thailand too, but for different reasons…. Vagabond  hours)

Response:

Thank you. Seeing is believing. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I went to Burma as an independant traveller for 3 weeks in March 2000 and took a mountain bike with me.  I flew to Yangon, went by bus to Mandalay, by train to Myitkina (36 hours), Bhamo, by river boat to Mandalay (36 hours), Bagan and back to Yangon by bus. Using the bike was ideal for sightseeing transport around the cities and near countryside as it allowed me to see many areas not visited by foreign visitors. I had hoped to use the bike for travelling between the towns but the lack of accommodation permitted for foreigners, distances, road conditions and schedule didn’t allow this to happen. The Burmese people I met on this trip were very kind and, I felt, genuinly pleased of my interest in their country. On a number of occasions I was escorted on sightseeing trips by them. An old gentleman near the ancient city of Ava could see that I was well off the tourist route (in fact I was completely lost and 5 miles beyond my destination) stopped me and asked if he could help. This man (a retired teacher) gave me a wonderful guided tour and only on my insistance took any payment for his expenses and time. Another young lady from a small travel agency in Myitkina accompanied me by bike around the town and countryside for an afternoon – She absolutely refused any payment. Often while cyling past tea stalls men would call out to me and invite me to watch the premier league football on TV. In Myitkina a group of students saw me and invited me to a tea stall on the banks of the Irrawaddy river. They wanted to practise English and asked if I would come to their "school" the next morning for class. After helping with pronunciations and so on they insisted on taking me for breakfast at their expense. They wouldn’t let me pay so I gave them a bunch of pens instead. At no time did I see the huge military presence and persecution of Burmese peoples that some posters would lead one to expect. I don’t deny that it goes on and am highly suspicious of the government and this being the reason for so many states that are off limits to foreigners. I got the impression that most people were too busy earning a living than fearing from persecution. Again I’m not denying that the government is repressive and that things must change in Burma. These are my unique experiences of Burma and will never be forgotten. I guess my point of this is to say that if you do visit Burma and try to use privately owned enterprises for travel, lodging and food then you will be helping the local people far more than if you stay away. Your trip will be memorable and rewarding to both yourself and the local people you meet. Eddie You can have your own "group tour" organised from Bangkok – a group is 2 people or more, with a local guide to take you around. More or less all expenses taken care of by the travel agent in BKK. They even have a way "around" the forced currency exchange at the arrival port. I have debated with myself for years if I should go to Burma or not. One issue is the forced currency exchange, if that is taken care of there is only the regime thing left. I can just imagine all those politically correct people I know crying in disgust if I tell them I am going to Burma… Come to think of it, they cry in disgust when I go to Thailand too, but for different reasons…. Vagabond  hours)

Response:

I went to Burma as an independant traveller for 3 weeks in March 2000 and took a mountain bike with me.  I flew to Yangon, went by bus to Mandalay, by train to Myitkina (36 hours), Bhamo, by river boat to Mandalay (36 hours), Bagan and back to Yangon by bus. Using the bike was ideal for sightseeing transport around the cities and near countryside as it allowed me to see many areas not visited by foreign visitors. I had hoped to use the bike for travelling between the towns but the lack of accommodation permitted for foreigners, distances, road conditions and schedule didn’t allow this to happen. The Burmese people I met on this trip were very kind and, I felt, genuinly pleased of my interest in their country. On a number of occasions I was escorted on sightseeing trips by them. An old gentleman near the ancient city of Ava could see that I was well off the tourist route (in fact I was completely lost and 5 miles beyond my destination) stopped me and asked if he could help. This man (a retired teacher) gave me a wonderful guided tour and only on my insistance took any payment for his expenses and time. Another young lady from a small travel agency in Myitkina accompanied me by bike around the town and countryside for an afternoon – She absolutely refused any payment. Often while cyling past tea stalls men would call out to me and invite me to watch the premier league football on TV. In Myitkina a group of students saw me and invited me to a tea stall on the banks of the Irrawaddy river. They wanted to practise English and asked if I would come to their "school" the next morning for class. After helping with pronunciations and so on they insisted on taking me for breakfast at their expense. They wouldn’t let me pay so I gave them a bunch of pens instead. At no time did I see the huge military presence and persecution of Burmese peoples that some posters would lead one to expect. I don’t deny that it goes on and am highly suspicious of the government and this being the reason for so many states that are off limits to foreigners. I got the impression that most people were too busy earning a living than fearing from persecution. Again I’m not denying that the government is repressive and that things must change in Burma. These are my unique experiences of Burma and will never be forgotten. I guess my point of this is to say that if you do visit Burma and try to use privately owned enterprises for travel, lodging and food then you will be helping the local people far more than if you stay away. Your trip will be memorable and rewarding to both yourself and the local people you meet. Eddie

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You can have your own "group tour" organised from Bangkok – a group is 2 people or more, with a local guide to take you around. More or less all expenses taken care of by the travel agent in BKK. They even have a way "around" the forced currency exchange at the arrival port. I have debated with myself for years if I should go to Burma or not. One issue is the forced currency exchange, if that is taken care of there is only the regime thing left. I can just imagine all those politically correct people I know crying in disgust if I tell them I am going to Burma… Come to think of it, they cry in disgust when I go to Thailand too, but for different reasons…. Vagabond  hours)

Response:

I spent 3weeks in Burma in Dec/Jan and have to echo Eddie’s sentiments. The route I took was way off the ‘tourist path. From Yangon, I went to Lashio (close to the Chinese border) and had no problems what so ever. In case anyone is interested, some of the photographs can be seen at http://inayath.tripod.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I went to Burma as an independant traveller for 3 weeks in March 2000 and took a mountain bike with me.  I flew to Yangon, went by bus to Mandalay, by train to Myitkina (36 hours), Bhamo, by river boat to Mandalay (36 hours), Bagan and back to Yangon by bus. Using the bike was ideal for sightseeing transport around the cities and near countryside as it allowed me to see many areas not visited by foreign visitors. I had hoped to use the bike for travelling between the towns but the lack of accommodation permitted for foreigners, distances, road conditions and schedule didn’t allow this to happen. The Burmese people I met on this trip were very kind and, I felt, genuinly pleased of my interest in their country. On a number of occasions I was escorted on sightseeing trips by them. An old gentleman near the ancient city of Ava could see that I was well off the tourist route (in fact I was completely lost and 5 miles beyond my destination) stopped me and asked if he could help. This man (a retired teacher) gave me a wonderful guided tour and only on my insistance took any payment for his expenses and time. Another young lady from a small travel agency in Myitkina accompanied me by bike around the town and countryside for an afternoon – She absolutely refused any payment. Often while cyling past tea stalls men would call out to me and invite me to watch the premier league football on TV. In Myitkina a group of students saw me and invited me to a tea stall on the banks of the Irrawaddy river. They wanted to practise English and asked if I would come to their "school" the next morning for class. After helping with pronunciations and so on they insisted on taking me for breakfast at their expense. They wouldn’t let me pay so I gave them a bunch of pens instead. At no time did I see the huge military presence and persecution of Burmese peoples that some posters would lead one to expect. I don’t deny that it goes on and am highly suspicious of the government and this being the reason for so many states that are off limits to foreigners. I got the impression that most people were too busy earning a living than fearing from persecution. Again I’m not denying that the government is repressive and that things must change in Burma. These are my unique experiences of Burma and will never be forgotten. I guess my point of this is to say that if you do visit Burma and try to use privately owned enterprises for travel, lodging and food then you will be helping the local people far more than if you stay away. Your trip will be memorable and rewarding to both yourself and the local people you meet. Eddie You can have your own "group tour" organised from Bangkok – a group is 2 people or more, with a local guide to take you around. More or less all expenses taken care of by the travel agent in BKK. They even have a way "around" the forced currency exchange at the arrival port. I have debated with myself for years if I should go to Burma or not. One issue is the forced currency exchange, if that is taken care of there is only the regime thing left. I can just imagine all those politically correct people I know crying in disgust if I tell them I am going to Burma… Come to think of it, they cry in disgust when I go to Thailand too, but for different reasons…. Vagabond  hours)

Response:

While package tourism might indeed fill the pockets of the upper class (just think of the tourist projects by the Suharto dictatorship), low scale, individual tourism does indeed help the local population.

That is to say: Don

Question:

message into the email. It is obvious from his cross postings he is going down the list. Regards, Aaron BTW: here are the message properties… Path: spln!extra.newsguy.com!lotsanews.com!newsfeed.direct.ca!howland.erols.net!n n tp.abs.net!newshub2.home.com!news.home.com!news1.rdc1.bc.home.com.POSTED!no t -for-mail Newsgroups: alt.accounting,alt.acting,alt.activism Lines: 8 NNTP-Posting-Host: 24.113.136.93 X-Trace: news1.rdc1.bc.home.com 945320097 24.113.136.93 (Wed, 15 Dec 1999 20:54:57 PST) Xref:  spln alt.accounting:19568 alt.acting:42145 alt.activism:208520

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – (ADULTS ONLY) Excellent porn site I found. Check it out. Its worth you while! http://www.seek69.com/cgi-bin/hits/ads.pl?advert=2301 lvswcdssnxzwectjxmuvtcsxehchbg

Response:

*cough*

message into the email. It is obvious from his cross postings he is going down the list. Regards, Aaron BTW: here are the message properties… Path:

spln!extra.newsguy.com!lotsanews.com!newsfeed.direct.ca!howland.erols.net!n n tp.abs.net!newshub2.home.com!news.home.com!news1.rdc1.bc.home.com.POSTED!no t – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – -for-mail Newsgroups: alt.accounting,alt.acting,alt.activism Lines: 8 NNTP-Posting-Host: 24.113.136.93 X-Trace: news1.rdc1.bc.home.com 945320097 24.113.136.93 (Wed, 15 Dec 1999 20:54:57 PST) Xref:  spln alt.accounting:19568 alt.acting:42145 alt.activism:208520 (ADULTS ONLY) Excellent porn site I found. Check it out. Its worth you while! http://www.seek69.com/cgi-bin/hits/ads.pl?advert=2301 lvswcdssnxzwectjxmuvtcsxehchbg

Response:

He’s using the at-home server (Relevant text with *** *** around it) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – *cough* message into the email. It is obvious from his cross postings he is going down the list. Regards, Aaron BTW: here are the message properties… Path: spln!extra.newsguy.com!lotsanews.com!newsfeed.direct.ca!howland.erols.net!n n tp.abs.net!newshub2.home.com!news.home.com!news1.rdc1.bc.home.com.POSTED!no t -for-mail Newsgroups: alt.accounting,alt.acting,alt.activism Lines: 8 NNTP-Posting-Host: 24.113.136.93

***** X-Trace: news1.rdc1.bc.home.com 945320097 24.113.136.93 (Wed, 15 Dec 1999 20:54:57 PST)

****

*****

**** – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Xref:  spln alt.accounting:19568 alt.acting:42145 alt.activism:208520 (ADULTS ONLY) Excellent porn site I found. Check it out. Its worth you while! http://www.seek69.com/cgi-bin/hits/ads.pl?advert=2301 lvswcdssnxzwectjxmuvtcsxehchbg

Response:

He’s using the at-home server (Relevant text with *** *** around it)

Duh…  I forgot to check the message properties.:)

Response:

What is spammnig?  Sorry, new to the internet and don’t know much about it. Jon – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – He’s using the at-home server (Relevant text with *** *** around it) Duh…  I forgot to check the message properties.:)

Response:

[Cross-posted with followups directed to alt.acting] What is spammnig?  Sorry, new to the internet and don’t know much about it.

It includes indiscriminately posting to multiple newsgroups, as you just did.  For a more complete description, look here:     http://spam.abuse.net/whatisspam.html — Daniel Norton

Response:

Question:

I sell food and beverage products and want to have gift baskets which contain some of the items. I cannot figure out how to properly set this up. If I use groups, each item shows up on the invoice with their original prices.  I do not want this. I want the invoice to say "Gift Basket" at $50.00 but take from inventory each individual item. Is there any way to do this? Thanks, Donna

Response:

wrote in alt.accounting: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I sell food and beverage products and want to have gift baskets which contain some of the items. I cannot figure out how to properly set this up. If I use groups, each item shows up on the invoice with their original prices.  I do not want this. I want the invoice to say "Gift Basket" at $50.00 but take from inventory each individual item. Is there any way to do this? Thanks, Donna

Not in QB. Look at Peachtree and MYOB.   Mike Block, Tax Fighting C.P.A.              World’s #1 QuickBooks Top Tester 450+ page QB book/free updates $10 QB add-ons http://www.blocktax.com/    Ft Lauderdale FL 954-566-7540

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I sell food and beverage products and want to have gift baskets which contain some of the items. I cannot figure out how to properly set this up. If I use groups, each item shows up on the invoice with their original prices.  I do not want this. I want the invoice to say "Gift Basket" at $50.00 but take from inventory each individual item. Is there any way to do this? Thanks, Donna

Donna, I’m not sure which version of QB you are using. In the Canadian version 6.0 it is easy. You make a group inventory item. You include all of the items that go in the basket and make sure the total is $50. Make sure that the check box for "print items in group" is cleared. The individual items will show on the on screen invoice, but on the print preview you will see that only the amount and description for the whole group shows. By the way there is a "gotcha". If you make the invoice and then edit the group item, the invoice stays the way the group item was set up when the invoice was entered. You would have to delete the group item (on the invoice) and re-enter it to change the invoice. I hope that helps, Linda B

Response:

Mike knows his stuff, so maybe I’m missing something, but it seems to me that "UNselecting" the "Print items in group" option on the group item is what Donna wants.  The component items display but do not print. The selling price of the group is the sum of the prices of the component items, and can be changed only by changing one or more of the components on the invoice – perhaps this is what Mike means in saying that it can’t be done?  But maybe that’s acceptable to Donna. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Not in QB. Look at Peachtree and MYOB. On Sun, 05 Dec 1999, Donna Gordon wrote in alt.accounting: I sell food and beverage products and want to have gift baskets which contain some of the items. I cannot figure out how to properly set this up. If I use groups, each item shows up on the invoice with their original prices.  I do not want this. I want the invoice to say "Gift Basket" at $50.00 but take from inventory each individual item.

Response:

I did similar to what your looking for by adding a discount item (or a mark-up item) to the group to correct the amounts.  There is also a way to print only the group name instead of all the components.  About the only thing wrong is that you may get a message that your low on discount items or mark-up items. By the way, the discount item can be either a percentage or an absolute amount. …Joe – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – wrote in alt.accounting: I sell food and beverage products and want to have gift baskets which contain some of the items. I cannot figure out how to properly set this up. If I use groups, each item shows up on the invoice with their original prices.  I do not want this. I want the invoice to say "Gift Basket" at $50.00 but take from inventory each individual item. Is there any way to do this? Thanks, Donna Not in QB. Look at Peachtree and MYOB.  Mike Block, Tax Fighting C.P.A. World’s #1 QuickBooks Top Tester 450+ page QB book/free updates $10 QB add-ons http://www.blocktax.com/   Ft Lauderdale FL 954-566-7540

Response:

Your Discount and Markup should NOT be Inventory-type items, that’s why you are getting the messages that you are "low".  Logically, the Discount should be a Discount-type item, though I suppose you could make it any other type if you wish.  Since discount-type items are automatically negative, your Markup must be another type – Other Charge seems logical.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I did similar to what your looking for by adding a discount item (or a mark-up item) to the group to correct the amounts.  There is also a way to print only the group name instead of all the components.  About the only thing wrong is that you may get a message that your low on discount items or mark-up items. By the way, the discount item can be either a percentage or an absolute amount.

Response:

Question:

Mike,

I guess my question is really complex… For starters… I think what you guys are saying is that I can take Actual Expenses on both cars to the extent of course that each is used for business.    So… bear with me on this….. I drive 20,000 miles total annually, 80% is business, and it’s split between two cars. (It’s really close to 90% business but lets use 80%) The Lincoln Navigator  I drive 15,000 mi. It costs me $3000/yr in interest payments $2000 insurance $2000 fuel for a total of $7,000 The Ferrari I drive 5,000 mi. It  costs me $10,000/ yr in LEASE payments $2500 insurance $500 Fuel for a total of $13,000 Without taking into account the deprection factor for the Lincoln, that would be $20,000 total in Actual Expenses x80% business for a total deduction of $16,000 Question #1 —- IS THE ABOVE CORRECT??? Question #2 ——  Under the terms of the provision for what the IRS defines as "Commercial Vehicles" being those with a weight rating OVER 6000lbs., I plan to take the Lincoln Navigator as a Section 179 Deduction instead of as a vehicle subject to the maxed out $3,000 annual deprection.  This will result in my being able to take a Section 179 Deduction of I believe $19,000 each year until the Lincoln is fully depreciated (figure 2 years). If I do the above, can I then still take Depreciation on the Ferrari if I decide to purchase instead of lease.  Is there anything else I need to know or worry about?? I don’t want to lose any sleep by over deducting, I just want to do the right thing while paying no more than I have to in Tax.  As a Realtor, I DO use my car for 80% business use, and can easily substantiate this (since I don’t have a life!!) Question #3 Last one…..   I just filed a C-Corp.  (I think that’s what it;s called… Where all the money comes out at the end of the year). Is there a difference whether I put the cars in the corporate name or mine??? Thanks to you and everyone for their patience… Steve Paul is right on the money.  I have been through an audit with these similar circumstances.  You have to take actual expenses if one person is operating two vehicles, but the auditor in question said she would allow either method as long as they are applied to both vehicles. But, make sure you have your mileage records and receipts or you are dead! Mike

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I use my vehicle 90% for business.  I have 2 seperate vehicles, both of which are used 90% for business.  In the past, I’d been told that I can’t take both of them as a "business car." You can take both vehicles as a business vehicle deduction.  Where the limitations come in to play is in the standard mileage allowance.  It is only available for one vehicle sole-proprietors and employee reimbursements.  Businesses with "fleet" vehicles do not qualify for the mileage allowance method.  More than one vehicle would qualify you for having a "fleet" of vehicles. OK… Now the hard part…. One is a Lincoln Navigator.  Because is has a Weight Rating of more than 6000lbs, it fits into a seperate tax category by which "Commercial Vehicles" as defined by weight, are NOT classed as vehicles, and subject to limitations on how muych they can be depreciated annually, and instead can be placed on Section 179 and deducted to the maximum annual allowance which is currently around $20,000.  Of course, since it’s "Equipment" you can’t deduct mileage or gas. I don’t really think that’s true.  Many of my contractor clients would rip a new one in the local federal building with their dump trucks and dozers, etc.  The heavy vehicle rating does not put it in "equipment" and deny the operating expenses as deductions.  What is true is there is no limitations on the depreciation amount, as are with the "luxury" vehicle limits. Here’s my Question…. If the Lincoln, because of it’s weight, is classed as Sect 179 Equipment (x90%), can I then call my other car a "Vehicle" and deduct 90% of it’s maintenance and depreciation. Again, the Lincoln is still a vehicle, just not subject to the "luxury" vehicle limits.  You can take regular depreciation on the value over 5 years, and if you otherwise qualify take Section 179 depreciation on it. You can also take the operating expenses as deductions subject to the 90% business use. You can take depreciation on your second vehicle and its operating costs, again subject to the business use limits. I hope you have the records and documentation for the vehicle use if you need it.

Response:

Let me see if I can summarize and please correct me if I missed anything. Take 90% of the truck’s cost, taken from the paperwork you got from the dealer when you bought the truck, as Sec 179.  Do not include the DMV fees in the capitalzed total. For 1999 that’s $19,000 x .9 = $17,100 assuming you have the net income and several other important points I won’t go into but you need to go over with your CPA. Set up 90% of the truck’s cost, less the Sec. 179 deduction taken, and depreciate it in the usual way.  (Steve if you don’t know what that is post another question.)  Here I assume that 90% of the other vehicle is already set up to be properly depreciated. Expense all the business related truck expenses and the other vehicle’s expenses based on your carefully kept contemporaneous records.  Sometimes these will be invoices that are allocated 90% business and 10% personal. Don’t forget to get this on you state return also. J. D. Black

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all… This ones a real stumper so get your pencils out…. I use my vehicle 90% for business.  I have 2 seperate vehicles, both of which are used 90% for business.  In the past, I’d been told that I can’t take both of them as a "business car." OK… Now the hard part…. One is a Lincoln Navigator.  Because is has a Weight Rating of more than 6000lbs, it fits into a seperate tax category by which "Commercial Vehicles" as defined by weight, are NOT classed as vehicles, and subject to limitations on how muych they can be depreciated annually, and instead can be placed on Section 179 and deducted to the maximum annual allowance which is currently around $20,000.  Of course, since it’s "Equipment" you can’t deduct mileage or gas. Here’s my Question…. If the Lincoln, because of it’s weight, is classed as Sect 179 Equipment (x90%), can I then call my other car a "Vehicle" and deduct 90% of it’s maintenance and depreciation. Kudos to anyone with an answer to this.  It’s a hard question… Steve

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I use my vehicle 90% for business.  I have 2 seperate vehicles, both of which are used 90% for business.  In the past, I’d been told that I can’t take both of them as a "business car." You can take both vehicles as a business vehicle deduction.  Where the limitations come in to play is in the standard mileage allowance.  It is only available for one vehicle sole-proprietors and employee reimbursements.  Businesses with "fleet" vehicles do not qualify for the mileage allowance method.  More than one vehicle would qualify you for having a "fleet" of vehicles. OK… Now the hard part…. One is a Lincoln Navigator.  Because is has a Weight Rating of more than 6000lbs, it fits into a seperate tax category by which "Commercial Vehicles" as defined by weight, are NOT classed as vehicles, and subject to limitations on how muych they can be depreciated annually, and instead can be placed on Section 179 and deducted to the maximum annual allowance which is currently around $20,000.  Of course, since it’s "Equipment" you can’t deduct mileage or gas. I don’t really think that’s true.  Many of my contractor clients would rip a new one in the local federal building with their dump trucks and dozers, etc.  The heavy vehicle rating does not put it in "equipment" and deny the operating expenses as deductions.  What is true is there is no limitations on the depreciation amount, as are with the "luxury" vehicle limits. Here’s my Question…. If the Lincoln, because of it’s weight, is classed as Sect 179 Equipment (x90%), can I then call my other car a "Vehicle" and deduct 90% of it’s maintenance and depreciation. Again, the Lincoln is still a vehicle, just not subject to the "luxury" vehicle limits.  You can take regular depreciation on the value over 5 years, and if you otherwise qualify take Section 179 depreciation on it. You can also take the operating expenses as deductions subject to the 90% business use. You can take depreciation on your second vehicle and its operating costs, again subject to the business use limits. I hope you have the records and documentation for the vehicle use if you need it.

Paul is right on the money.  I have been through an audit with these similar circumstances.  You have to take actual expenses if one person is operating two vehicles, but the auditor in question said she would allow either method as long as they are applied to both vehicles. But, make sure you have your mileage records and receipts or you are dead! Mike

Response:

I use my vehicle 90% for business.  I have 2 seperate vehicles, both of which are used 90% for business.  In the past, I’d been told that I can’t take both of them as a "business car."

You can take both vehicles as a business vehicle deduction.  Where the limitations come in to play is in the standard mileage allowance.  It is only available for one vehicle sole-proprietors and employee reimbursements.  Businesses with "fleet" vehicles do not qualify for the mileage allowance method.  More than one vehicle would qualify you for having a "fleet" of vehicles. OK… Now the hard part…. One is a Lincoln Navigator.  Because is has a Weight Rating of more than 6000lbs, it fits into a seperate tax category by which "Commercial Vehicles" as defined by weight, are NOT classed as vehicles, and subject to limitations on how muych they can be depreciated annually, and instead can be placed on Section 179 and deducted to the maximum annual allowance which is currently around $20,000.  Of course, since it’s "Equipment" you can’t deduct mileage or gas.

I don’t really think that’s true.  Many of my contractor clients would rip a new one in the local federal building with their dump trucks and dozers, etc.  The heavy vehicle rating does not put it in "equipment" and deny the operating expenses as deductions.  What is true is there is no limitations on the depreciation amount, as are with the "luxury" vehicle limits. Here’s my Question…. If the Lincoln, because of it’s weight, is classed as Sect 179 Equipment (x90%), can I then call my other car a "Vehicle" and deduct 90% of it’s maintenance and depreciation.

Again, the Lincoln is still a vehicle, just not subject to the "luxury" vehicle limits.  You can take regular depreciation on the value over 5 years, and if you otherwise qualify take Section 179 depreciation on it. You can also take the operating expenses as deductions subject to the 90% business use. You can take depreciation on your second vehicle and its operating costs, again subject to the business use limits. I hope you have the records and documentation for the vehicle use if you need it. — Paul A. Thomas, CPA  (Georgia) This advice is general in nature and not meant as specific tax or accounting advice. Because all relevant facts may not have been provided, please seek appropriate professional advice prior to taking any action based on this information.

Response:

I use my vehicle 90% for business.  I have 2 seperate vehicles, both of which are used 90% for business.  In the past, I’d been told that I can’t take both of them as a "business car." You can take both vehicles as a business vehicle deduction.  Where the limitations come in to play is in the standard mileage allowance.  It is only available for one vehicle sole-proprietors and employee reimbursements.  Businesses with "fleet" vehicles do not qualify for the mileage allowance method.  More than one vehicle would qualify you for having a "fleet" of vehicles.

I thought that more than one vehicle is a fleet only if used simultaneously. I think you could have a bunch of ninety percent business vehicles as long as they were only used one at a time. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Hi all… This ones a real stumper so get your pencils out…. I use my vehicle 90% for business.  I have 2 seperate vehicles, both of which are used 90% for business.  In the past, I’d been told that I can’t take both of them as a "business car." OK… Now the hard part…. One is a Lincoln Navigator.  Because is has a Weight Rating of more than 6000lbs, it fits into a seperate tax category by which "Commercial Vehicles" as defined by weight, are NOT classed as vehicles, and subject to limitations on how muych they can be depreciated annually, and instead can be placed on Section 179 and deducted to the maximum annual allowance which is currently around $20,000.  Of course, since it’s "Equipment" you can’t deduct mileage or gas. Here’s my Question…. If the Lincoln, because of it’s weight, is classed as Sect 179 Equipment (x90%), can I then call my other car a "Vehicle" and deduct 90% of it’s maintenance and depreciation. Kudos to anyone with an answer to this.  It’s a hard question… Steve

Response:

Question:

Go to your nearest recruiter that has the testing and take the tests.  alot of companies are familiar with these tests and they hold alot of weight.  And actually show the practice appilications on your resume where you utlitized the applications.

Response:

Hello.  I’m wondering what the value of a Microsoft expert-level Office certification is to a prospective employer.  Would this carry any weight in an interview?  Thanks for your comments. MB P.S.  Also, are there any certification programs for accounting software packages (Peachtree, QB, etc).  I’m simply looking for something to display to a prospective employer that I am proficient in the software (something more substantive than saying "Yeah, I know QB.")

Response:

Question:

|http://www.compusmart.ab.ca/advance/index.htm | |You send them your chip, they reprogram it to what ever milage you want and |then you reinstall it. | |Works great. Thanks.   I had already been to that site before I posted my original message here. They said they’re waiting for the new cluster on the 99 GM truck/suv’s to test their system on. … replace "nospam" with "home" to reply email … NOTICE TO BULK EMAILERS:  Pursuant to US Code, Title 47, Chapter 5,  Subchapter II,  227, any and all nonsolicited commercial E-mail sent to this address is subject to a download and archival fee in the amount of $500 US. E-mailing denotes acceptance of these terms.

Response:

|You really are a dumb fuck.  Just drive backwards everywhere you go! |It’s hell on the neck for the first 3 weeks, I even turned the |transmission and engine around in my 1980 Ford F150 so that I could |have 4 reverse and 1 forward speeds!  And, the damned thing is still |under warranty. I have had to put a few miles on it, when I have to |FRONT-IN to a tight parking spot!!  Have fun, you STAIN! I’m new here, but it appears you must be the newsgroup dumbass ? Normally I reply to people like you via email, would go through.  Your mommy and daddy really should do a better job keeping you off the computer. The typical "pop off then hide behind a fake email address" lamer.  What a waste of bandwidth. … replace "nospam" with "home" to reply email … NOTICE TO BULK EMAILERS:  Pursuant to US Code, Title 47, Chapter 5,  Subchapter II,  227, any and all nonsolicited commercial E-mail sent to this address is subject to a download and archival fee in the amount of $500 US. E-mailing denotes acceptance of these terms.

Response:

Well said;  very well said… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey, Junior…. You were the one who came here asking for information on how to commit a crime. If no one wants to get their ass into hot water to help you, is that a reason to tell us that we ‘don’t know anything’? And as gently as I can, may I suggest that you go to your room and sulk, little boy. Regards, GG |I do believe the speedo is much more than that. I think it’s tied to the |throttle position sensor, engine vacuum and on and on……. The computer |uses the speedo to look up fuel and ignition curves in the prom. I suspect |if you disconnect it you will render your vehicle useless and have to take |it to the dealer to get the computer reset. They’ll know what you did, too. There is a computer that monitors the transmission. The speedo is wired off that computer. It’s pretty clear nobody in this newsgroup knows what they’re talking about, so just forget I asked. Usually newsgroups are a great source of experienced information, not the case here. … replace "nospam" with "home" to reply email … NOTICE TO BULK EMAILERS:  Pursuant to US Code, Title 47, Chapter 5,  Subchapter II,  227, any and all nonsolicited commercial E-mail sent to this address is subject to a download and archival fee in the amount of $500 US. E-mailing denotes acceptance of these terms.

Response:

Blake: I’m still curious.  What is the "convenience" factor you mentioned in being able to turn the odo on and off at will? Bob

Response:

Hey boy, You really are a dumb fuck.  Just drive backwards everywhere you go! It’s hell on the neck for the first 3 weeks, I even turned the transmission and engine around in my 1980 Ford F150 so that I could have 4 reverse and 1 forward speeds!  And, the damned thing is still under warranty. I have had to put a few miles on it, when I have to FRONT-IN to a tight parking spot!!  Have fun, you STAIN!

"" ""Anyone know how to disconnect the new digital odos ""on S10 or full size truck/tahoe clusters ?  (On like 97-99’s) "" ""The whole system could easily be wired to a switch to ""turn off and on (cruise still works) at will.  That was with ""the old analog odos. "" ""Now I guess it might be as easy as removing a chip ? ""So I’ve heard. "" ""hmmm, why don’t you just ask the mechanically inclined person at your ""lease company for help?

Response:

TDC of compression stroke. GG

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -You mean, just like you did ? Sorry, never leased (Nor ever will) a vehicle in my life.  I simply know because I work at the GM factory here in Oshawa. As you may have figured out by this point is that I have a little bit of knowledge about digital dashboards and mileage accounting systems that you obviously do not. Leases are for idiots. At least we agree on one thing. mistake on my part.  My next step will be discussing it with my friends at the Proving Grounds. Uh, Ok..  Sure.

Response:

You mean, just like you did ?

Sorry, never leased (Nor ever will) a vehicle in my life.  I simply know because I work at the GM factory here in Oshawa. As you may have figured out by this point is that I have a little bit of knowledge about digital dashboards and mileage accounting systems that you obviously do not. Leases are for idiots.

At least we agree on one thing. mistake on my part.  My next step will be discussing it with my friends at the Proving Grounds.

Uh, Ok..  Sure.

Response:

Contact: http://www.compusmart.ab.ca/advance/index.htm You send them your chip, they reprogram it to what ever milage you want and then you reinstall it. Works great. Cost $200 or $1500.00 for the machine to do it yourself.

Response:

That doesn’t make it any more right, nor is OK to be a drug dealer because people smoke crack anyway. — Robert Hancock      Saskatoon, SK, Canada Home Page: http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Arcade/9967/ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This is not just a matter of being a goody goody. What you are proposing to do is clearly ILLEGAL.. And it likely isn’t as easy as removing a chip anyway. — Robert Hancock      Saskatoon, SK, Canada Home Page: http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Arcade/9967/ So is smoking crack, but people do that anyway, too.

Response:

Buddy, if you’re looking for experienced info on this, maybe you should check your local penitentiary? — Robert Hancock      Saskatoon, SK, Canada Home Page: http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Arcade/9967/ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – |I do believe the speedo is much more than that. I think it’s tied to the |throttle position sensor, engine vacuum and on and on……. The computer |uses the speedo to look up fuel and ignition curves in the prom. I suspect |if you disconnect it you will render your vehicle useless and have to take |it to the dealer to get the computer reset. They’ll know what you did, too. There is a computer that monitors the transmission. The speedo is wired off that computer. It’s pretty clear nobody in this newsgroup knows what they’re talking about, so just forget I asked. Usually newsgroups are a great source of experienced information, not the case here. … replace "nospam" with "home" to reply email … NOTICE TO BULK EMAILERS:  Pursuant to US Code, Title 47, Chapter 5,  Subchapter II,  227, any and all nonsolicited commercial E-mail sent to this address is subject to a download and archival fee in the amount of $500 US. E-mailing denotes acceptance of these terms.

Response:

|My guess would be that there is no direct way to prevent the mileage from |accumulating.  The LCD on the dash is only a simple display device.  It has no |memory of its own.  The actual mileage is most logically maintained in the |computer that controls the transmission, since its counting rotations anyway. |Then the display is simply a dumb output device. You can bypass the connection from the transmission to the PCM altogether. |Disconnect the display, and the computer merrily continues counting rotations. |Disconnect the input, and you have much bigger problems. With some systems, yes it can cause problems.  With others, it can be done with no problems at all.  I’m looking for someone who has "evaluated" this on the re-designed 99 full size trucks to tell me whether or not it can be done. |Now, then, if this assumption is correct, and you can identify the device |which stores the rotation count, replacing it should reset the odo, too. And I’m thinking that would be a chip.  Which can also possibly not just be replaced, but also reprogrammed with the right tools. … replace "nospam" with "home" to reply email … NOTICE TO BULK EMAILERS:  Pursuant to US Code, Title 47, Chapter 5,  Subchapter II,  227, any and all nonsolicited commercial E-mail sent to this address is subject to a download and archival fee in the amount of $500 US. E-mailing denotes acceptance of these terms.

Response:

|I know how to do this on a new Dodge truck and suspect it is similar to |the GM.  The speed sensor comes off of the transmission just like they |always have only its a 3 wire connector instead of a cable.  One wire is |ground, one is the speed sensor wire that goes to the computer for |torque converter lockup etc. and the third wire goes to the instrument |cluster. Disconnecting the entire plug causes the engine to stall when |comming to a stop after the torque converter has locked.  This is |because the computer doesn’t know that the truck has stopped.  However, |disconnecting, cutting, switching, etc. of the wire that goes to the |instrument cluster had no effect at all on the operation of the truck |except of course the speedo and odometer won’t work.  If you were to |find the wire behind the dash and make your changes there it would be |virtually undetectable.  I found the wiring info in the electrical |diagrams in the back of the Haynes manual.  This being said I have heard |that the computer can also keep track of the milage and the info would |be retrievable via the OBD II port, but I can not verify this. Whoa, hey thanks for the post.  Finally someone who can add something useful to the conversation. The wire you’re referring is also the one I’m talking about. This wire can be put on a switch (to turn on and off).  The wire can be found, like you said, under the dash or behind the glove compartment. I’ve recently learned that a "Powertrain Control Module" (in GM vehicles) also allocates mileage information as well as the odometer. … replace "nospam" with "home" to reply email … NOTICE TO BULK EMAILERS:  Pursuant to US Code, Title 47, Chapter 5,  Subchapter II,  227, any and all nonsolicited commercial E-mail sent to this address is subject to a download and archival fee in the amount of $500 US. E-mailing denotes acceptance of these terms.

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Replacement of the PCM with a performance/aftermarket PCM while the switch is in the off position would cause the odometer to match the factory computer. In the Dodge the performance computer is a complete changeout, I am not sure whether the GM is a complete changeout or a plug in module that simply connects to the factory computer. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The wire you’re referring is also the one I’m talking about. This wire can be put on a switch (to turn on and off).  The wire can be found, like you said, under the dash or behind the glove compartment. I’ve recently learned that a "Powertrain Control Module" (in GM vehicles) also allocates mileage information as well as the odometer.

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So, out of curiosity:  What is the "convenience" of turning the odo on and off whenever you wish? My guess would be that there is no direct way to prevent the mileage from accumulating.  The LCD on the dash is only a simple display device.  It has no memory of its own.  The actual mileage is most logically maintained in the computer that controls the transmission, since its counting rotations anyway. Then the display is simply a dumb output device. Disconnect the display, and the computer merrily continues counting rotations. Disconnect the input, and you have much bigger problems. Now, then, if this assumption is correct, and you can identify the device which stores the rotation count, replacing it should reset the odo, too. Bob – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – |There is a computer that monitors the transmission. |The speedo is wired off that computer. | |It’s pretty clear nobody in this newsgroup knows |what they’re talking about, so just forget I asked. | |If you allready knew, why did you ask? | |And good luck when your leasing company finds out.. And they WILL find |out, I guarentee it.  They didn’t just fall off the turnip truck. You mean, just like you did ? I never mentioned that I am leasing a vehicle with an odometer that we’re discussing. Leases are for idiots. Right now I don’t know where the connection is on the new digital odometers to switch and turn on and off at my convenience.   Evidently no one else here does either.  This NG was simply the first facility I used to find out.  Big mistake on my part.  My next step will be discussing it with my friends at the Proving Grounds. I asked a simple question, and all I get for responses are a bunch of BS.  What a lot of you folks don’t realize is if I post a question and you can’t answer it, then don’t reply AT ALL. You think I don’t know it’s illegal to disconnect the odometer ?    DUH…

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Blake, I know how to do this on a new Dodge truck and suspect it is similar to the GM.  The speed sensor comes off of the transmission just like they always have only its a 3 wire connector instead of a cable.  One wire is ground, one is the speed sensor wire that goes to the computer for torque converter lockup etc. and the third wire goes to the instrument cluster. Disconnecting the entire plug causes the engine to stall when comming to a stop after the torque converter has locked.  This is because the computer doesn’t know that the truck has stopped.  However, disconnecting, cutting, switching, etc. of the wire that goes to the instrument cluster had no effect at all on the operation of the truck except of course the speedo and odometer won’t work.  If you were to find the wire behind the dash and make your changes there it would be virtually undetectable.  I found the wiring info in the electrical diagrams in the back of the Haynes manual.  This being said I have heard that the computer can also keep track of the milage and the info would be retrievable via the OBD II port, but I can not verify this. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone know how to disconnect the new digital odos on S10 or full size truck/tahoe clusters ?  (On like 97-99’s) The whole system could easily be wired to a switch to turn off and on (cruise still works) at will.  That was with the old analog odos. Now I guess it might be as easy as removing a chip ? So I’ve heard. Apologies to all the goody goodies on this NG.  Don’t flame me too bad.  Have a good one… … replace "nospam" with "home" to reply email … NOTICE TO BULK EMAILERS:  Pursuant to US Code, Title 47, Chapter 5,  Subchapter II,  227, any and all nonsolicited commercial E-mail sent to this address is subject to a download and archival fee in the amount of $500 US. E-mailing denotes acceptance of these terms.

Response:

|There is a computer that monitors the transmission. |The speedo is wired off that computer. | |It’s pretty clear nobody in this newsgroup knows |what they’re talking about, so just forget I asked. | |If you allready knew, why did you ask? | |And good luck when your leasing company finds out.. And they WILL find |out, I guarentee it.  They didn’t just fall off the turnip truck. You mean, just like you did ? I never mentioned that I am leasing a vehicle with an odometer that we’re discussing. Leases are for idiots. Right now I don’t know where the connection is on the new digital odometers to switch and turn on and off at my convenience.   Evidently no one else here does either.  This NG was simply the first facility I used to find out.  Big mistake on my part.  My next step will be discussing it with my friends at the Proving Grounds. I asked a simple question, and all I get for responses are a bunch of BS.  What a lot of you folks don’t realize is if I post a question and you can’t answer it, then don’t reply AT ALL. You think I don’t know it’s illegal to disconnect the odometer ?    DUH…

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Hey, Junior…. You were the one who came here asking for information on how to commit a crime. If no one wants to get their ass into hot water to help you, is that a reason to tell us that we ‘don’t know anything’? And as gently as I can, may I suggest that you go to your room and sulk, little boy. Regards, GG – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – |I do believe the speedo is much more than that. I think it’s tied to the |throttle position sensor, engine vacuum and on and on……. The computer |uses the speedo to look up fuel and ignition curves in the prom. I suspect |if you disconnect it you will render your vehicle useless and have to take |it to the dealer to get the computer reset. They’ll know what you did, too. There is a computer that monitors the transmission. The speedo is wired off that computer. It’s pretty clear nobody in this newsgroup knows what they’re talking about, so just forget I asked. Usually newsgroups are a great source of experienced information, not the case here. … replace "nospam" with "home" to reply email … NOTICE TO BULK EMAILERS:  Pursuant to US Code, Title 47, Chapter 5,  Subchapter II,  227, any and all nonsolicited commercial E-mail sent to this address is subject to a download and archival fee in the amount of $500 US. E-mailing denotes acceptance of these terms.

Response:

There is a computer that monitors the transmission. The speedo is wired off that computer. It’s pretty clear nobody in this newsgroup knows what they’re talking about, so just forget I asked.

If you allready knew, why did you ask? And good luck when your leasing company finds out.. And they WILL find out, I guarentee it.  They didn’t just fall off the turnip truck. — Mark,  Oshawa, Ontario, Canada Remove NOSPAM to respond via Email! ICQ# 17308959  www.sledpix.dynip.com

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: Anyone know how to disconnect the new digital odos : on S10 or full size truck/tahoe clusters ?  (On like 97-99’s) : : The whole system could easily be wired to a switch to : turn off and on (cruise still works) at will.  That was with : the old analog odos. : : Now I guess it might be as easy as removing a chip ? : So I’ve heard. : hmmm, why don’t you just ask the mechanically inclined person at your : lease company for help? Yeah.  I mean, when you’re in jail you can’t put any more miles on the vehicle and don’t have to worry about paying extra.  ;) — — Hogan Whittall ‘98 XJ

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This is not just a matter of being a goody goody. What you are proposing to do is clearly ILLEGAL.. And it likely isn’t as easy as removing a chip anyway. — Robert Hancock      Saskatoon, SK, Canada Home Page: http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Arcade/9967/

So is smoking crack, but people do that anyway, too.

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|I do believe the speedo is much more than that. I think it’s tied to the |throttle position sensor, engine vacuum and on and on……. The computer |uses the speedo to look up fuel and ignition curves in the prom. I suspect |if you disconnect it you will render your vehicle useless and have to take |it to the dealer to get the computer reset. They’ll know what you did, too. There is a computer that monitors the transmission. The speedo is wired off that computer. It’s pretty clear nobody in this newsgroup knows what they’re talking about, so just forget I asked. Usually newsgroups are a great source of experienced information, not the case here. … replace "nospam" with "home" to reply email … NOTICE TO BULK EMAILERS:  Pursuant to US Code, Title 47, Chapter 5,  Subchapter II,  227, any and all nonsolicited commercial E-mail sent to this address is subject to a download and archival fee in the amount of $500 US. E-mailing denotes acceptance of these terms.

Response:

Anyone know how to disconnect the new digital odos on S10 or full size truck/tahoe clusters ?  (On like 97-99’s) The whole system could easily be wired to a switch to turn off and on (cruise still works) at will.  That was with the old analog odos. Now I guess it might be as easy as removing a chip ? So I’ve heard.

hmmm, why don’t you just ask the mechanically inclined person at your lease company for help?

Response:

I do believe the speedo is much more than that. I think it’s tied to the throttle position sensor, engine vacuum and on and on……. The computer uses the speedo to look up fuel and ignition curves in the prom. I suspect if you disconnect it you will render your vehicle useless and have to take it to the dealer to get the computer reset. They’ll know what you did, too. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone know how to disconnect the new digital odos on S10 or full size truck/tahoe clusters ?  (On like 97-99’s) The whole system could easily be wired to a switch to turn off and on (cruise still works) at will.  That was with the old analog odos. Now I guess it might be as easy as removing a chip ? So I’ve heard. hmmm, why don’t you just ask the mechanically inclined person at your lease company for help?

Response:

This is not just a matter of being a goody goody. What you are proposing to do is clearly ILLEGAL.. And it likely isn’t as easy as removing a chip anyway. — Robert Hancock      Saskatoon, SK, Canada Home Page: http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Arcade/9967/ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone know how to disconnect the new digital odos on S10 or full size truck/tahoe clusters ?  (On like 97-99’s) The whole system could easily be wired to a switch to turn off and on (cruise still works) at will.  That was with the old analog odos. Now I guess it might be as easy as removing a chip ? So I’ve heard. Apologies to all the goody goodies on this NG.  Don’t flame me too bad.  Have a good one… … replace "nospam" with "home" to reply email … NOTICE TO BULK EMAILERS:  Pursuant to US Code, Title 47, Chapter 5,  Subchapter II,  227, any and all nonsolicited commercial E-mail sent to this address is subject to a download and archival fee in the amount of $500 US. E-mailing denotes acceptance of these terms.

Response:

Anyone know how to disconnect the new digital odos on S10 or full size truck/tahoe clusters ?  (On like 97-99’s) The whole system could easily be wired to a switch to turn off and on (cruise still works) at will.  That was with the old analog odos. Now I guess it might be as easy as removing a chip ? So I’ve heard. Apologies to all the goody goodies on this NG.  Don’t flame me too bad.  Have a good one… … replace "nospam" with "home" to reply email … NOTICE TO BULK EMAILERS:  Pursuant to US Code, Title 47, Chapter 5,  Subchapter II,  227, any and all nonsolicited commercial E-mail sent to this address is subject to a download and archival fee in the amount of $500 US. E-mailing denotes acceptance of these terms.

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Question:

Can anyone tell me what is value chain analysis and its differences with activity analysis?

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Can anyone tell me what is value chain analysis and its differences with activity analysis?

Value Chain studues are have been done by a modest number of major distributors, their suppliers, and their customers, to better understand the relative cost and value of the individual activities that they perform in delivering the products and services that they diliver to each other. The general idea is to eliminate redundancy and unnecessary cost. Rich — "Adversity is the crucible in which greatness is forged." – Ken Baker  Computer Guidance & Support  Richard A. Bilancia  P. O. Box 620127  Littleton, Colorado  80162-0127  Voice: (303) 973-4035 – FAX: (303) 979-2248 Activity-Based Management and Open Systems Accounting Solutions

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Can anyone tell me what is value chain analysis and its differences with activity analysis?

My understanding of the difference is the emphasis that value chain places on activities as adding or not adding value to the end product from the customer’s point of view. John

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