Question:

I have read the discussions about IDDT with some interest and amazement but have not yet received the e-mail from Peter Hamilton-Scott. However, as Co-Chairman of IDDT, I feel that I should set the record straight so that speculation can cease. 1. Has IDDT satisfied the legal requirements to submit all accounts on time? Yes, although we freely admit that we take the full time allowed before submitting our accounts. 2. Are you prepared to make the latest set of accounts or the latest available? Yes, I can send the full set of accounts to anyone who requests them providing they send me their name and address. 2002 have been submitted to Companies House and are accessible to the public through this means. 3. Who are the chartered accountants [if any] responsible for the preparations of the accounts. I am surprised at the ‘if any’, however our chartered accountants are Pinfield & Co, 61 Worcester Road, Bromsgrove, B61 7DN. 4. Can you please tell me if IDDT receives any funding from the pharmaceutical industry? Absolutely no funding whatsoever from the pharma industry. This decision was taken when IDDT formed in 1994 and our policy has not changed. We quite clearly state this in our literature. 5. Can you please tell me who the major contributors are? I am only interested in corporate contributions. We have no corporate sponsors, all our funds come from voluntary donations. 6. Do your accounts explain and itemise who the recipients are of funding received? The accounts explain our policy ratified by our AGM that our research expenditure should be directed towards research that helps those living with diabetes, but we have not itemised the research grants that we have and are making. We do tell our members through our newsletter and are more than happy to supply the information. Our improved financial position has now enabled us to make a joint award with Havard University to research the molecular structures of insulin, this being carried out in Switzerland and the US. We are also funding Nottingham University who are investigating Policy changes in relation to the NSF for Diabetes and a further research project into care of people with diabetes in rural areas. We have just approved a study ‘Population Awareness of Choice Study’. I hope information satifies your question. 7. How many staff does IDDT employ? And what salaries are drawn? We have one member of staff who earns

Question:

x-no-archive: yes Deficits in and of themselves are not sky-falling events.  Gov’t debt is not the same as personal debt.  

It’s the same as corporate debt, and they have too way too much of it, if they were a corporation, they would have near a junk rating. Gov’t’s live in perpetuity, and they also have the power of taxation

The power to tax is meaningless if not used. , not to mention establishing economic  policy that can affect productivity.

Doesn’t change the bottom line(blance sheet), until the "increased productivity" shows a verifiable benefit to the bottom line, who cares.  Revenues doubled during Reagan’s administration.

Proving yet again a concept thought in accounting 101, Gross < Net, Gross is though the roof, doesn’t matter, what’s net, that’s the "profit". Otherwise you are just playing cash flow games, been there, done that, paid heavily for it, never doing it again.  Raising taxes has an effect on economic behavior.  So simply raising taxes by X to cover a deficit won’t necessarily have the intended effect.

It’s about operating expenses vs. capital expenditures. If the government wanted to invest in some sort of infrastructure such as roads, schools, etc, or had to raise finances for some catastrophic event(like war), then bonds are the appropriate vehicle. What the government is doing is selling bonds to cover operating expenses, if they were a corporation it would be illegal, and it’s absurdly stupid to do so even if it’s not illegal. Live within your means:P

Response:

x-no-archive:yes That’s why I like Republican presidents so much: incredible fiscal responsibility.  ;-) They are very responsible to maintaining a steady revenue stream for people who lend the money to finance the deficit. You don’t want over 6 trillion dollars and growing going to waste on things like schools when we have investment bankers in dire need!

People have tried numerous times to pass balanced budget amendments at the federal level, liberals killed it each and every time. Don’t spend money you don’t have, if there isn’t money available for various special intrust social programs, then they have to go away, be it schools or medicare, if people demand to have them, the tax rate goes up, very simple concept. Of course no one wants the labeled of a tax-and-spend politician, so they become borrow-and-spend politician.

Response:

x-no-archive:yes That’s why I like Republican presidents so much: incredible fiscal responsibility.  ;-)

They are very responsible to maintaining a steady revenue stream for people who lend the money to finance the deficit. You don’t want over 6 trillion dollars and growing going to waste on things like schools when we have investment bankers in dire need! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 — The White House said today that the federal deficit was likely to exceed $200 billion this fiscal year and probably hit $300 billion next year. The ballooning deficits — the largest ever in dollar terms but smaller relative to the economy than deficits in the 1980’s and early 1990’s — could put President Bush’s tax plan in peril…. The estimates assume enactment of the tax plan but do not take account of the potential cost of a war with Iraq, which officials have said could be $50 billion or more. http://www.nytimes.com/2003/01/16/politics/16ECON.html philippa — Survivor guilt: Everyone wants to be one of the rescued or the rescuing. [John Weir, RS 880] X-No-Archive: yes is in the headers.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 — The White House said today that the federal deficit was likely to exceed $200 billion this fiscal year and probably hit $300 billion next year. The ballooning deficits — the largest ever in dollar terms but smaller relative to the economy than deficits in the 1980’s and early 1990’s — could put President Bush’s tax plan in peril…. The estimates assume enactment of the tax plan but do not take account of the potential cost of a war with Iraq, which officials have said could be $50 billion or more. http://www.nytimes.com/2003/01/16/politics/16ECON.html philippa

Deficit spending is a form of taxation. Instead of ‘progressive,’ though, it is regressive. Money flows to the people who finance the deficit by lending money to the US government.  Almost all of the money is going ‘uphill.’ For the next decade or more, everyone will be paying off the deficit. I am not certain what the percentage of government revenue is going to servicing this debt, but it is not an insignificant number. http://home.att.net/~mwhodges/debt.htm

Response:

Question:

Sensing that I am starting to get ‘flamed’, let me say that I AM trying to dwell on "purity" in this case.  Hence, the questions of which I appreciate useful answers very much. As someone stated in an earlier post, non-accountants usually don’t care about this stuff.  That is probably VERY true, and nobody (including the IRS) is going to care about this specific example, unless someone gets a bug up their butt about something totally unrelated and uses this as an example to further their cause. In that case, I feel that I need to make a decision that I can at least stand behind even if I am ultimately proven to be incorrect. I just want to turn this responsibility over to the next volunteer sucker, and as you said, "get on with my life". Thanks for your help.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I like your example, The example is from IRS publication 225.  You like the IRS’s example. but in my case, the adjusted basis is actually higher than the FMV.  And the deal is done, so there is no re-negotiating. Your new basis is still your old basis plus boot (cash paid out in the trade). If I understand your example correctly, you are actually depreciating the original asset a second time ($2,000 of it anyway).  Is that really legal? You are not understanding it correctly. The $2,000 "adjusted" basis could also be called "undepreciated" basis. Example (mine): $8,000 Purchase price $6,000 Depreciation taken —– $2,000 Adjusted basis (undepreciated) ====== Keep in mind that this is tax – not GAAP.  This is practical – get on with your life stuff – not theoretical purity. — Jim Hudspeth, CFE, CPA http://survivalworks.com

Response:

<<SNIP I can get the information, however if I post it to a newsgroup I have violated a copyright and could possibly be prosecuted (not likely but possible).  If I do not post it, and you don’t have some other official source, we have what I would call a one sided conversation.

Once again I feel compelled to express the opinion that regulations – that is rules that have the force of law – should be in the public domain. The IRC doesn’t have copyright protection. Why should the rules the the SEC requires of registered corporations and their auditors be treated any differently? easy2000

Response:

Does the amount of the adjusted basis from the old asset, which is added to the basis of the new asset get depreciated at the same rate as the new asset?

For tax purposes, NO. For financial reporting, YES. easy2000

Response:

Sensing that I am starting to get ‘flamed’,

You are nowhere near being "flamed" – certainly not by me.   let me say that I AM trying to dwell on "purity" in this case.  Hence, the questions of which I appreciate useful answers very much.

<clarity snip I just want to turn this responsibility over to the next volunteer sucker, and as you said, "get on with my life".

As I see it, your two statements contradict.   Theoretical purity involves a lot of GAAP research and discussion, and a weighty explanation for your next "volunteer sucker".   Using the tax rule is easy.  You print the rule for the file, do the form 990 & hand the folder over to the next guy. A theoretical discussion is made difficult by the fact that there is no easily available GAAP resource online.   I can get the information, however if I post it to a newsgroup I have violated a copyright and could possibly be prosecuted (not likely but possible).  If I do not post it, and you don’t have some other official source, we have what I would call a one sided conversation. If you seriously want to pursue a GAAP discussion I’ll see what I can find that can be safely posted here, but it will take some time. — Jim Hudspeth, CFE, CPA   http://survivalworks.com

Response:

I understand that part, but I wasn’t sure of the mechanics of the actual bookkeeping. For example, I am debiting depreciation every month for first asset, at say, $50.00 per month for the next 4 years.  When I trade that in, and add the adjusted basis to the new asset’s basis, which I will depreciate for 10 years, do I recalculate the remaining depreciation on the original asset to spread it over the new term, or maintain the 4 year/$50 per month plan along with the separate calculation for the new asset? To make matters worse, this occurs in four aircraft that we own.  In two of the cases, the equipment was directly replacing equipment that was being depreciated, and in the other two, the traded-in equipment was part of the overall aircraft since it was already installed in the aircraft when we purchased it. To take it a step further (and this is where it pushes the edge of the envelope (aviation jargon)), we do not depreciate (for reporting purposes) the airframe portion of the aircraft because the FMV has actually increased substantially from the time it was purchased (without any capital improvements).  This was the subject of a recent thread on this board, and I am satisfied with that decision.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK.  Let me see if I have this straight. For tax purposes, I continue to depreciate the traded-in asset as if it still exists.  And, the trade-in value is used to reduce the basis for the new equipment. Sort of. The total depreciation computed is on the new equipment. Part of that total is computed AS IF you still owned the old machine. Part of that total is computed AS IF you had purchased a 2nd machine for the cash payment only. Some tax preparation software apparently requires setting up two assets for the software to depreciate but that does not change the fact that you are really computing depreciation for only one asset for tax purposes. That computation is a two step process. For financial reporting, the cost of the new equipment is added to the basis of the traded-in equipment.  Is the depreciation then recalculated for both, GAAP depreciation is calculated on the total basis of the new equipment. One computation only. Either way you only have ONE asset. easy2000

Response:

I like your example,

The example is from IRS publication 225.  You like the IRS’s example. but in my case, the adjusted basis is actually higher than the FMV.  And the deal is done, so there is no re-negotiating.

Your new basis is still your old basis plus boot (cash paid out in the trade).   If I understand your example correctly, you are actually depreciating the original asset a second time ($2,000 of it anyway).  Is that really legal?

You are not understanding it correctly. The $2,000 "adjusted" basis could also be called "undepreciated" basis. Example (mine): $8,000 Purchase price $6,000 Depreciation taken —– $2,000 Adjusted basis (undepreciated) ====== Keep in mind that this is tax – not GAAP.  This is practical – get on with your life stuff – not theoretical purity. — Jim Hudspeth, CFE, CPA   http://survivalworks.com

Response:

I like your example, but in my case, the adjusted basis is actually higher than the FMV.  And the deal is done, so there is no re-negotiating. If I understand your example correctly, you are actually depreciating the original asset a second time ($2,000 of it anyway).  Is that really legal?

You didn’t understand correctly. The total amount being depreciated on a like kind exchange is the $2,000 book value of the old tractor plus the $11,500 of cash paid or $13,500. No gain or loss is recognized on the old tractor. The total amount being depreciated by trying (unsuccessfully) to arabesque around the 1031 rules is $13,500. No gain or loss is recognized on the old tractor. easy2000

Response:

You’re correct, I mis-read the example and thought that the ‘arabesque’ was a method to improve the situation, and not an example of an unsuccessful method. I now understand the concept of a like-kind exchange, so I guess my question is more of a ‘bookkeeping’ one rather than one of ‘accounting principle’. It is: Does the amount of the adjusted basis from the old asset, which is added to the basis of the new asset get depreciated at the same rate as the new asset? Example:  The old asset, $5,000, was to be depreciated over 10 years.  Five years have gone by when the asset is replaced with a new asset valued at $10,000, to be depreciated over 10 years.  According to what I have read in this forum, I now have a basis of $12,500 to depreciate.  In depreciating this asset, do I depreciate $1,500 per year for the first five years and $1,000 for the second five years, OR simply $1,250 per year for 10 years? (assuming SL depreciation with no salvage value)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I like your example, but in my case, the adjusted basis is actually higher than the FMV.  And the deal is done, so there is no re-negotiating. If I understand your example correctly, you are actually depreciating the original asset a second time ($2,000 of it anyway).  Is that really legal? You didn’t understand correctly. The total amount being depreciated on a like kind exchange is the $2,000 book value of the old tractor plus the $11,500 of cash paid or $13,500. No gain or loss is recognized on the old tractor. The total amount being depreciated by trying (unsuccessfully) to arabesque around the 1031 rules is $13,500. No gain or loss is recognized on the old tractor. easy2000

Response:

I like your example, but in my case, the adjusted basis is actually higher than the FMV.  And the deal is done, so there is no re-negotiating. If I understand your example correctly, you are actually depreciating the original asset a second time ($2,000 of it anyway).  Is that really legal?

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK.  Let me see if I have this straight. For tax purposes, I continue to depreciate the traded-in asset as if it still exists.  And, the trade-in value is used to reduce the basis for the new equipment. Sort of. The total depreciation computed is on the new equipment. Part of that total is computed AS IF you still owned the old machine. Part of that total is computed AS IF you had purchased a 2nd machine for the cash payment only. Some tax preparation software apparently requires setting up two assets for the software to depreciate but that does not change the fact that you are really computing depreciation for only one asset for tax purposes. That computation is a two step process. For financial reporting, the cost of the new equipment is added to the basis of the traded-in equipment.  Is the depreciation then recalculated for both, GAAP depreciation is calculated on the total basis of the new equipment. One computation only. Either way you only have ONE asset. As you may know, GAAP stands for Generally Accepted Accounting Principals.

At one time the name was in fact descriptive of the underlying body of information.  It was based on a relatively small number of easy to

understand concepts, one of which was the "matching principal". Essentially, the matching principal said that revenue in a given period

should be matched with the cost related to producing that revenue.  Since capital equipment (buildings, machinery, etc.) was generally used for a number of

accounting periods, a means to ratably apply those capital costs to the cost of production was developed.  That means became know as depreciation. Over time GAAP has evolved into an extremely complex set of rules that may

or may not be based on any particular principal.  Those rules are promulgated mainly by the AICPA or one of it’s several tentacles (FASB, GASB, etc).

GAAP is copyrighted and not particularly easy to reference. Tax rules are also highly complex, but they are very public and easy to

reference.  Where the differences are not particularly material, as is often the case, practitioners sometimes use tax rules for both financial purposes and tax

purposes (with disclosure of course).  Over time we sometimes forget the specifics of the lesser-used GAAP rules. Such is the case here.  I know the GAAP rules are not the same as the tax

rules, but without doing a bit of research I cannot quote them. The following tax commentary comes from publication 225 (A tax guide for

farmers).  As tax commentary goes, it is exceptionally easy to understand. – IRS-PUB, 2001, IRS Publication No. 225, Sale and Purchase – Publication No. 225: Sale and Purchase If you sell property and buy similar property in two mutually dependent

transactions, you may have to treat the sale and purchase as a single nontaxable exchange.   Example. You used a tractor on your farm for 3 years. Its adjusted basis

is $2,000 and its FMV is $4,000. You are interested in a new tractor, which sells for $15,500. Ordinarily, you would trade your old tractor for the new one

and pay the dealer $11,500. Your basis for depreciation for the new tractor would then be $13,500 ($11,500

Question:

Interesting misspelling of :loses", Daveeee. Another note for the files. Carl N O T E: Your ass has just been kicked courtesy of de Valois

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In short, I apologize for sounding like a dick-hole. That doesn’t mean that I agree with you! Still I’m compelled to apologize for an idiotic tirade on my part. I’ll do my best to refrain from saying stoooopid things like "I’ll meet you … on your turf, I’ll FLY there, and I will personally punch your fucking lights out…" Although, I must admit, I still kinda like the "that’s an American fist in your fuck-wad face…blah blah blah" bit Anyway.  All the best to ya Carl. Amber, Thank you. For what it’s worth, I didn’t think for one minute that you’d fly here to meet me.

Translation: I finally found the balls to quit hiding under the bed It might surprise you to find out that, not only am I a born, bred, and raised American (a New Yorker, to boot), but that I’ve served my country when called upon.

You are not an American you are from Finnland and blowing the entire sixth fleet is *servicing* not serving your country I love this country with all my heart and all my soul. And it really, REALLY annoys me to read screeds from people like mOldOne or Daveee whose idea of "loving this country" means "so long as it doesn’t inconvenience or endanger me or those I love," or serve as a platform for bigotry disguised as vigilance.

What a moron. I see you are back to your cut and paste plagiarism. I don’t see your traitorous ass on a plane to Kabul September 11 proved one thing. As I watched the towers burn from my office window, I realized we can no longer afford the luxury of arm-chair citizenship.

You don’t an office. You lost your accounting job because you posted threats from your work account. This is the reason you use Deja now. Interesting to note that, had this been true, you admit you would have simply sat and watched. Nor can we go the other extreme of the pendulum, as some here would suggest. That you were misinformed by certain people here as to my background, heritage, and nationality is not your fault, but it is signal shame upon them. Not surprisingly, from time to time, those folks say they themselves are not Americans: Canadians, Brits, you have it.

Yawn! Move along I *am* an American, and fully appreciate your feelings of wanting to challenge those whom you perceive as an impediment or in opposition to your country.

You are a stalker and a rapist. You have posted as much yourself. Don’t brag about being such a patriot when you so blatantly disregard our laws and seek to assault and terrify our citizens. Just because you do it one person at a time does not make you any better than the terrorists you emulate Apology accepted. Let’s be friends, as best as we can.

Translation: Please don’t hurt me Carl We’re bigger than Jesus! – JWLennnon Note to Daveeee: See? If’n you’d have just done that simple little act, aplogize, back last December, you wouldn’t be under the gun, Wandy wouldn’t be under the gun, a whole slew of people wouldn’t be facing all sorts of legal and civil actions…but you don’t have it in you to be a human, do you?

Everyone is a facing criminal charges but you, eh, "I de Salvo." That is your paranoid delusion speaking. I can just see your face turning red, your eyes popping out, and the spittle flying as you type that. "You all going to get! All of you! THE WHOLE SLEW OF YOU! I have been watching you and I will get my revenenge! Wait and see, you just wait and see! All of my officers were disloyal! Bwah ha ha ha ha!" Oh, you seemed to have dropped your ball bearings Too bad. Now, you’ll learn what it means to be an American, Daveeeee.

And you will learn what it means to be a penis holster once you get to Attica. — Talesin- Patriot and Witch ICQ 86535317 AIM Tales1n http://home.kc.rr.com/pendragonsloft We are not afraid!

Response:

Question:

I’m currently an accounting student taking my first auditing course.  I have a project to do on flowcharts.  the problem is I have no idea why or how they are used in auditing.  can someone please explain to me why and how they are used in auditing.  and if it makes a difference, it’s for Canadian standards.

Response:

I’m currently an accounting student taking my first auditing course.  I have a project to do on flowcharts.  the problem is I have no idea why or how they are used in auditing.  can someone please explain to me why and how they are used in auditing.  and if it makes a difference, it’s for Canadian standards.

The flow chart helps you visualize the accounting system and how it actually works.  That is, it helps you see the flow of the transactions. Understanding how the system is put together, especially in large complex corporations, is essential both to determining if the system is being followed, and determining if the system is adequate to ensure proper procedures are followed.  If you don’t know who does what and how, you can’t properly test to see that things were done. — Chris Anton, A&A Management Accounting, Inc.

Response:

I suppose you might consider it a step-by-step diagram of how functions are performed.  That’s the way it works in developing computer programs.  Some flow charts show how various systems work together.   In the oil industry one system takes a volume entry (MCF or BBLs), feeds it to the price data file, then it goes against the division of interest file which determines how much is revenue, how much is payable to royalty and co-owners.  Another system determines the production tax and to which state it is to be paid. All of this has to be done in a fixed sequence.  It would help to understand all this if you were auditing such a company.  However, your auditing class may have a different idea in mind. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m currently an accounting student taking my first auditing course.  I have a project to do on flowcharts.  the problem is I have no idea why or how they are used in auditing.  can someone please explain to me why and how they are used in auditing.  and if it makes a difference, it’s for Canadian standards. The flow chart helps you visualize the accounting system and how it actually works.  That is, it helps you see the flow of the transactions.

Response:

I had a accounting information systems class that required us to study flowcharts systems and how they work and the diagramming tools used depending on which type of flowchart you’re doing.  Thing is.. depending on who you work for, the industry you’re involved in depends on the type of flowchart they will require of you.  For my senior project I was again required to document and do flowcharts of the business that I was setting up an accounting system for.  We did two different types of flowcharts.  I can probably send you an example of both types if you are interested.. let me know. Michelle

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m currently an accounting student taking my first auditing course.  I have a project to do on flowcharts.  the problem is I have no idea why or how they are used in auditing.  can someone please explain to me why and how they are used in auditing.  and if it makes a difference, it’s for Canadian standards.

Response:

i finally found a few books on the subject.   but if it’s no trouble for you to send me the examples, I’ll take them. thank you Nathan

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I had a accounting information systems class that required us to study flowcharts systems and how they work and the diagramming tools used depending on which type of flowchart you’re doing.  Thing is.. depending on who you work for, the industry you’re involved in depends on the type of flowchart they will require of you.  For my senior project I was again required to document and do flowcharts of the business that I was setting up an accounting system for.  We did two different types of flowcharts.  I can probably send you an example of both types if you are interested.. let me know. Michelle I’m currently an accounting student taking my first auditing course.  I have a project to do on flowcharts.  the problem is I have no idea why or how they are used in auditing.  can someone please explain to me why and how they are used in auditing.  and if it makes a difference, it’s for Canadian standards.

Response:

Question:

Yeah.  That’s what we’re talkin’ about. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – We *are* talking about Milwaukie’s Best–made by Miller co.–not Old Milwaukee (which I can’t stand).  Right? Yeah, it’s still made…and out here, at least, widely available. —

Response:

I’m drinking a Corona now. Yum.

Corona is my choice also and you can use the bottles if you brew your own.  They cap well. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Buy yourself some Mexican beer. If you can find: "Bohemia" much the better, but "Tecate" is also good. But if you prefer the different taste of "Corona" or "Victoria", that is also good. On the Rum side, I would go for "Bacardi", which is good and affordable. But, I myself would go for the beer. — Teilhard The Extraterrestrial I need to go to the store.  Trying to decide which one to purchase.

Response:

We *are* talking about Milwaukie’s Best–made by Miller co.–not Old Milwaukee (which I can’t stand).  Right? Yeah, it’s still made…and out here, at least, widely available. — It is life itself which raises the philosophical questions.     W. A. Luijpen remove nospam for reply

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Heh…I thought that was really odd.  I didn’t even know they still make the stuff! That’s really funny, since it is the only "mainstream" beer I like well enough to drink.  Heh.  There’s no accounting for taste, eh? — It is life itself which raises the philosophical questions.     W. A. Luijpen remove nospam for reply Um…cough cough…at school, that beer was known as "The Beast" because it was cheap and everyone thought it tasted like shit.  Sorry. Can’t stomach beer that actually has a flavor to it…which means Guinness is absolutely disgusting to me. Got my Bacardi.  Good thing, too. The only "mainstream" beer I like at all is Milwaukee’s Best–ever tried that?  Everything else I drink is microbrew stouts, and Guinness. Rum:  I recommend Mount Gay Eclipse, a Barbados rum. Good luck…and enjoy. — It is life itself which raises the philosophical questions.     W. A. Luijpen remove nospam for reply What kind of beer do you like? I’m a blue collar woman…Miller or Bud Lite is fine with me…or the occasional Icehouse.  No glass. What kind of rum? Bacardi, definitely.  Of course, my experience with rum is pretty limited, to bacardi and malibu.  Malibu is like drinking suntan lotion. I’d better go soon or I won’t go at all.  My body would probably thank me for that, but my mind wouldn’t. I have both rum and beer, and am opinionated on the subject. — It is life itself which raises the philosophical questions.     W. A. Luijpen remove nospam for reply I need to go to the store.  Trying to decide which one to purchase.

Response:

Whiskey only tastes good in apple juice.  Yeah, I know it’s weird, but when you’re looking for something to mix and that’s the only thing in the house, you discover these things. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I really like rum, and some sweet things–like Drambouie–I like well enough.  I can’t *stand* whiskey…that stuff smells and tastes like hair oil. But again, it’s a matter of taste.  Who knows why. — It is life itself which raises the philosophical questions.     W. A. Luijpen remove nospam for reply rum is just too sweet…..I hate sweet things. I jsut didnt’ want beer.  Seemed like a good alternative. I need to go to the store.  Trying to decide which one to purchase. I was about to say beer, buit I have been drinking that tonight and I really wish I hadn’t. Well, good thing I bought rum, then. — JP

Response:

Heh…I thought that was really odd.  I didn’t even know they still make the stuff! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – That’s really funny, since it is the only "mainstream" beer I like well enough to drink.  Heh.  There’s no accounting for taste, eh? — It is life itself which raises the philosophical questions.     W. A. Luijpen remove nospam for reply Um…cough cough…at school, that beer was known as "The Beast" because it was cheap and everyone thought it tasted like shit.  Sorry. Can’t stomach beer that actually has a flavor to it…which means Guinness is absolutely disgusting to me. Got my Bacardi.  Good thing, too. The only "mainstream" beer I like at all is Milwaukee’s Best–ever tried that?  Everything else I drink is microbrew stouts, and Guinness. Rum:  I recommend Mount Gay Eclipse, a Barbados rum. Good luck…and enjoy. — It is life itself which raises the philosophical questions.     W. A. Luijpen remove nospam for reply What kind of beer do you like? I’m a blue collar woman…Miller or Bud Lite is fine with me…or the occasional Icehouse.  No glass. What kind of rum? Bacardi, definitely.  Of course, my experience with rum is pretty limited, to bacardi and malibu.  Malibu is like drinking suntan lotion. I’d better go soon or I won’t go at all.  My body would probably thank me for that, but my mind wouldn’t. I have both rum and beer, and am opinionated on the subject. — It is life itself which raises the philosophical questions.     W. A. Luijpen remove nospam for reply I need to go to the store.  Trying to decide which one to purchase.

Response:

I really like rum, and some sweet things–like Drambouie–I like well enough.  I can’t *stand* whiskey…that stuff smells and tastes like hair oil. But again, it’s a matter of taste.  Who knows why. — It is life itself which raises the philosophical questions.     W. A. Luijpen remove nospam for reply

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – rum is just too sweet…..I hate sweet things. I jsut didnt’ want beer.  Seemed like a good alternative. I need to go to the store.  Trying to decide which one to purchase. I was about to say beer, buit I have been drinking that tonight and I really wish I hadn’t. Well, good thing I bought rum, then. — JP

Response:

That’s really funny, since it is the only "mainstream" beer I like well enough to drink.  Heh.  There’s no accounting for taste, eh? — It is life itself which raises the philosophical questions.     W. A. Luijpen remove nospam for reply

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Um…cough cough…at school, that beer was known as "The Beast" because it was cheap and everyone thought it tasted like shit.  Sorry. Can’t stomach beer that actually has a flavor to it…which means Guinness is absolutely disgusting to me. Got my Bacardi.  Good thing, too. The only "mainstream" beer I like at all is Milwaukee’s Best–ever tried that?  Everything else I drink is microbrew stouts, and Guinness. Rum:  I recommend Mount Gay Eclipse, a Barbados rum. Good luck…and enjoy. — It is life itself which raises the philosophical questions.     W. A. Luijpen remove nospam for reply What kind of beer do you like? I’m a blue collar woman…Miller or Bud Lite is fine with me…or the occasional Icehouse.  No glass. What kind of rum? Bacardi, definitely.  Of course, my experience with rum is pretty limited, to bacardi and malibu.  Malibu is like drinking suntan lotion. I’d better go soon or I won’t go at all.  My body would probably thank me for that, but my mind wouldn’t. I have both rum and beer, and am opinionated on the subject. — It is life itself which raises the philosophical questions.     W. A. Luijpen remove nospam for reply I need to go to the store.  Trying to decide which one to purchase.

Response:

have a rum & coke = heaven

I’m having one right now, thanks.  : ) i once went to the bacardi factory in puerto rico, by the way they have 151-proof rum heheh

That’s some scary stuff! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – sarah. — but my faith in love is still devout

Response:

Well, good thing I bought rum, then.

have a rum & coke = heaven i once went to the bacardi factory in puerto rico, by the way they have 151-proof rum heheh sarah. — but my faith in love is still devout

Response:

rum is just too sweet…..I hate sweet things.

I jsut didnt’ want beer.  Seemed like a good alternative. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I need to go to the store.  Trying to decide which one to purchase. I was about to say beer, buit I have been drinking that tonight and I really wish I hadn’t. Well, good thing I bought rum, then. — JP

Response:

rum is just too sweet…..I hate sweet things.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I need to go to the store.  Trying to decide which one to purchase. I was about to say beer, buit I have been drinking that tonight and I really wish I hadn’t. Well, good thing I bought rum, then. — JP

Response:

Cheers back at ya! wish I had a lime!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Cheers! — Teilhard The Extraterrestrial I’m drinking a Corona now. Yum. Buy yourself some Mexican beer. If you can find: "Bohemia" much the better, but "Tecate" is also good. But if you prefer the different taste of "Corona" or "Victoria", that is also good. On the Rum side, I would go for "Bacardi", which is good and affordable. But, I myself would go for the beer. — Teilhard The Extraterrestrial I need to go to the store.  Trying to decide which one to purchase.

Response:

Cheers! — Teilhard The Extraterrestrial – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m drinking a Corona now. Yum. Buy yourself some Mexican beer. If you can find: "Bohemia" much the better, but "Tecate" is also good. But if you prefer the different taste of "Corona" or "Victoria", that is also good. On the Rum side, I would go for "Bacardi", which is good and affordable. But, I myself would go for the beer. — Teilhard The Extraterrestrial I need to go to the store.  Trying to decide which one to purchase.

Response:

I need to go to the store.  Trying to decide which one to purchase. I was about to say beer, buit I have been drinking that tonight and I really wish I hadn’t.

Well, good thing I bought rum, then. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – — JP

Response:

I need to go to the store.  Trying to decide which one to purchase.

I was about to say beer, buit I have been drinking that tonight and I really wish I hadn’t. — JP

Response:

Um…cough cough…at school, that beer was known as "The Beast" because it was cheap and everyone thought it tasted like shit.  Sorry. Can’t stomach beer that actually has a flavor to it…which means Guinness is absolutely disgusting to me. Got my Bacardi.  Good thing, too. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The only "mainstream" beer I like at all is Milwaukee’s Best–ever tried that?  Everything else I drink is microbrew stouts, and Guinness. Rum:  I recommend Mount Gay Eclipse, a Barbados rum. Good luck…and enjoy. — It is life itself which raises the philosophical questions.     W. A. Luijpen remove nospam for reply What kind of beer do you like? I’m a blue collar woman…Miller or Bud Lite is fine with me…or the occasional Icehouse.  No glass. What kind of rum? Bacardi, definitely.  Of course, my experience with rum is pretty limited, to bacardi and malibu.  Malibu is like drinking suntan lotion. I’d better go soon or I won’t go at all.  My body would probably thank me for that, but my mind wouldn’t. I have both rum and beer, and am opinionated on the subject. — It is life itself which raises the philosophical questions.     W. A. Luijpen remove nospam for reply I need to go to the store.  Trying to decide which one to purchase.

Response:

The only "mainstream" beer I like at all is Milwaukee’s Best–ever tried that?  Everything else I drink is microbrew stouts, and Guinness. Rum:  I recommend Mount Gay Eclipse, a Barbados rum. Good luck…and enjoy. — It is life itself which raises the philosophical questions.     W. A. Luijpen remove nospam for reply

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What kind of beer do you like? I’m a blue collar woman…Miller or Bud Lite is fine with me…or the occasional Icehouse.  No glass. What kind of rum? Bacardi, definitely.  Of course, my experience with rum is pretty limited, to bacardi and malibu.  Malibu is like drinking suntan lotion. I’d better go soon or I won’t go at all.  My body would probably thank me for that, but my mind wouldn’t. I have both rum and beer, and am opinionated on the subject. — It is life itself which raises the philosophical questions.     W. A. Luijpen remove nospam for reply I need to go to the store.  Trying to decide which one to purchase.

Response:

What kind of beer do you like?

I’m a blue collar woman…Miller or Bud Lite is fine with me…or the occasional Icehouse.  No glass. What kind of rum?

Bacardi, definitely.  Of course, my experience with rum is pretty limited, to bacardi and malibu.  Malibu is like drinking suntan lotion. I’d better go soon or I won’t go at all.  My body would probably thank me for that, but my mind wouldn’t. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have both rum and beer, and am opinionated on the subject. — It is life itself which raises the philosophical questions.     W. A. Luijpen remove nospam for reply I need to go to the store.  Trying to decide which one to purchase.

Response:

I’m not a big rum fan so I would go for the beer.

Thanks for the advice.  I’m leaning toward the rum, though.  I don’t know why, but i am. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Bruce.

Response:

I’m drinking a Corona now. Yum.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Buy yourself some Mexican beer. If you can find: "Bohemia" much the better, but "Tecate" is also good. But if you prefer the different taste of "Corona" or "Victoria", that is also good. On the Rum side, I would go for "Bacardi", which is good and affordable. But, I myself would go for the beer. — Teilhard The Extraterrestrial I need to go to the store.  Trying to decide which one to purchase.

Response:

What kind of beer do you like? What kind of rum? I have both rum and beer, and am opinionated on the subject. — It is life itself which raises the philosophical questions.     W. A. Luijpen remove nospam for reply

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I need to go to the store.  Trying to decide which one to purchase.

Response:

I need to go to the store.  Trying to decide which one to purchase.

I’m not a big rum fan so I would go for the beer. Bruce.

Response:

I’m not a beer connossieur.  I can only drink Miller Lite or Bud Lite. Admittedly, I’m a very blue collar chick in this respect.  I don’t even use a glass.  As for rum, it’s definitely Bacardi or nothing.  I can’t decide, though.  If I get rum, I’ll have it in the house for awhile, which is both a good and a bad thing.  If I get beer, it could make my stomach upset again. I don’t know.  *shrug* – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Buy yourself some Mexican beer. If you can find: "Bohemia" much the better, but "Tecate" is also good. But if you prefer the different taste of "Corona" or "Victoria", that is also good. On the Rum side, I would go for "Bacardi", which is good and affordable. But, I myself would go for the beer. — Teilhard The Extraterrestrial I need to go to the store.  Trying to decide which one to purchase.

Response:

I need to go to the store.  Trying to decide which one to purchase.

Response:

Buy yourself some Mexican beer. If you can find: "Bohemia" much the better, but "Tecate" is also good. But if you prefer the different taste of "Corona" or "Victoria", that is also good. On the Rum side, I would go for "Bacardi", which is good and affordable. But, I myself would go for the beer. — Teilhard The Extraterrestrial – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I need to go to the store.  Trying to decide which one to purchase.

Response:

Question:

Thank you James for that information, it is very helpful. Regards, Armand Albano – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have implemented Platinum SQL at two fairly large corporations ($4.5B and $1.3B in annual revenues, respectively).  It is a fairly robust system, with a lot of flexibility.  Some of their modules (namely Purchase Order and Order Entry) don’t appear to be used by many people and may need some work to be used for your purposes (whatever they may be).  This isn’t a big hang-up with us since we have a separate system that we interfaced with Platinum to feed this info (my former employer did the same thing). One thing you have to keep in mind with Platinum SQL is that with flexibility you have a price.  That price is that they have few canned reports and their internal report writer is not set up to handle all needs for all people.  You need to purchase both Crystal Info and FRx report writer packages to do all of your custom reporting.  Neither are expensive nor hard to learn, but you need them to customize your reporting. Overall, I like Platinum over other packages I’ve used and/or implemented.  We did full implementations in less than a year from start to finish, going from 1970’s vintage mainframe systems to the latest in client-server technology.  Training our people was very straight forward, so there was very little downtime due to a learning curve.  I’d implement again if I moved to another company… Thanks, James K. Carter, CPA Controller  My company, a deregulated gas and electricity marketer is currently reviewing accounting software packages.  We are currently using UA, and it is, by far, the most poorly designed system I have ever had the displeasure to work with. The product that seems to be leading the pack is called Platinum SQL. It is obviously SQL server based.  Has anyone had any experience with this package?  Good or bad.  I would appreciate whatever information any of you could provide.

Response:

I have implemented Platinum SQL at two fairly large corporations ($4.5B and $1.3B in annual revenues, respectively).  It is a fairly robust system, with a lot of flexibility.  Some of their modules (namely Purchase Order and Order Entry) don’t appear to be used by many people and may need some work to be used for your purposes (whatever they may be).  This isn’t a big hang-up with us since we have a separate system that we interfaced with Platinum to feed this info (my former employer did the same thing). One thing you have to keep in mind with Platinum SQL is that with flexibility you have a price.  That price is that they have few canned reports and their internal report writer is not set up to handle all needs for all people.  You need to purchase both Crystal Info and FRx report writer packages to do all of your custom reporting.  Neither are expensive nor hard to learn, but you need them to customize your reporting. Overall, I like Platinum over other packages I’ve used and/or implemented.  We did full implementations in less than a year from start to finish, going from 1970’s vintage mainframe systems to the latest in client-server technology.  Training our people was very straight forward, so there was very little downtime due to a learning curve.  I’d implement again if I moved to another company… Thanks, James K. Carter, CPA Controller – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  My company, a deregulated gas and electricity marketer is currently reviewing accounting software packages.  We are currently using UA, and it is, by far, the most poorly designed system I have ever had the displeasure to work with. The product that seems to be leading the pack is called Platinum SQL. It is obviously SQL server based.  Has anyone had any experience with this package?  Good or bad.  I would appreciate whatever information any of you could provide.

Response:

The 3 leading products at this time in this category are Great Plains Dynamics c/s+, Solomon IV, and Navision (not as well known but pretty solid). Platinum and Mas90 c/s are just climbing out of the 16 bit BTrieve / DOS / Novell environment. For years, Platinum claimed to be "client-server".  They only recently offered a MS SQL based system. "Design" could mean look and feel, documentation, … ?   Actually, UA Corporate Accounting products are slightly out of the mold of conventional accounting systems. If the choice were to spend $50K on Great Plains or $22K on UA plus another $10K or $20K for modifications, you would have a more perfect fit for less money with UA. In this category, custom satisfaction is often a function of the resources and experience of the vendor. Respectfully,  - Carl Dick 800-997-7944 My company, a deregulated gas and electricity marketer is currently reviewing accounting software packages.  We are currently using UA, and it is, by far, the most poorly designed system I have ever had the displeasure to work with. The product that seems to be leading the pack is called Platinum SQL. It is obviously SQL server based.  Has anyone had any experience with this package?  Good or bad.  I would appreciate whatever information any of you could provide.

- Carl Dick 949-261-2694 800-997-7944 www.cpaccess.com

Response:

My company is currently switching over to Platinum and as of yet we have only had minor complaints. From what I understand, I didn’t see the price tag, it is a farily expensive product. If medium to high priced software is what you are looking for Platinum is supposedly the best, I have worked with Macola and MAS90 software packages and they are both very good. MAS 90 is a windows NT server program and although tech support initially was bad they have improved significantly in the last few years. They have very few errors and seem to have all of the reporting you could want but they also have a report writer function to write custom reports. I hope this helps you. HCR     My company, a deregulated gas and electricity marketer is currently reviewing accounting software packages.  We are currently using UA, and it is, by far, the most poorly designed system I have ever had the displeasure to work with.     The product that seems to be leading the pack is called Platinum SQL.  It is obviously SQL server based.  Has anyone had any experience with this package?  Good or bad.  I would appreciate whatever information any of you could provide.

Response:

My company, a deregulated gas and electricity marketer is currently reviewing accounting software packages.  We are currently using UA, and it is, by far, the most poorly designed system I have ever had the displeasure to work with. The product that seems to be leading the pack is called Platinum SQL. It is obviously SQL server based.  Has anyone had any experience with this package?  Good or bad.  I would appreciate whatever information any of you could provide.

Response:

Question:

I would like to remove my SSN from FAA records,      and be issued a pilot license certificate with      a different number.  How can I do this? —  Brian Mork, 928-E Grenoble Dr., Lansing, MI 48917

Response:

I did this last April.   It is handled similar to a change of address.  I sent $2.00 and all the information on my current certificate (including a copy) to Airman Certificate Flight Standards Service Airmen Certification Branch, AFS-760 FAA, P.O. Box 25082 Oklahoma City, OK 73125 (405) 954-3261 There is a $2 processing fee for replacing lost certificates. Send a check or money order made payable to Federal Aviation Administration I asked for a new certificate without my SSN.  I received a letter from Harold K. Everett, Manager Flight Certification Branch with a temporary certificate and asking me to return my original.  I sent it in and got back a new certificate w/o my SSN. — David Abrams – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I would like to remove my SSN from FAA records,     and be issued a pilot license certificate with     a different number.  How can I do this? — Brian Mork, 928-E Grenoble Dr., Lansing, MI 48917

Response:

I would like to remove my SSN from FAA records,      and be issued a pilot license certificate with      a different number.  How can I do this? —  Brian Mork, 928-E Grenoble Dr., Lansing, MI 48917

Brian, The following link will take you to the FAA’s MMAC (Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center) where you can get the address and phone number for "Airman Certification Branch", AFS-760.  I’ve changed mine and I think they will direct you as to how to do the same.  http://www.mmac.jccbi.gov/info.html — John Williams http://www.flash.net/~jwwda20 ICQ-UIN 3543301

Response:

I did this last April.   It is handled similar to a change of address.  I sent $2.00 and all the information on my current certificate (including a copy) to

If you have a FSDO in your city, the task is even simpler. Just hand in your old certificate, an application form and they will type you a new temporary certificate. A few weeks later you will get the permanent one in the mail. There is no fee involved. — Andrew Sarangan PP-ASEL-IA      http://lights.chtm.unm.edu/~sarangan/aviation/

Response:

I would like to remove my SSN from FAA records,     and be issued a pilot license certificate with     a different number.  How can I do this?

I believe that all you have to do is ask.  Now why did you give them your SSN number in the first place?   –Sylvain

Response:

I believe that all you have to do is ask.  Now why did you give them your SSN number in the first place?  

I’m not the original poster, but here’s an answer to that question. Because the application requires it.  Or at least, it requests it and does not even hint at the possibility that providing the information is optional.  Is it optional?  I know that non-government agencies can’t require it, but these are the feds that are asking. As for why it ended up on the certificate, in my case I wasn’t given the option.  I was so gleeful at having passed the checkride that the examiner had typed up the paperwork, with SSN, before I knew what he was doing.  He didn’t offer and I didn’t have the chance to request that a different number be used.                                 William LeFebvre                                 Group sys Consulting                                 +1 770 813 3224 —                                 William LeFebvre                                 Group sys Consulting                                 +1 770 813 3224

Response:

Now why did you give them your SSN number in the first place?   Because the application requires it.  Or at least, it requests it and does not even hint at the possibility that providing the information is optional.  Is it optional?  I know that non-government agencies

this is one of my pet peeves:  there is no such thing as an indiscreet question,  only indiscreet answers; answers to any question on any application form is optional (well,  may be not taxes stuff,  but this is a different matter when I applied for a Class-III here,  the lady at the desk gave the application form back to me saying that the SSN was required;  I gave it back to her saying NO.  and that was it.   happened to me a couple of other times in other circumstances (incredible the number of people who wants to know this darn number); be assertive! –Sylvain

Response:

Now why did you give them your SSN number in the first place? Because the application requires it.  Or at least, it requests it and does not even hint at the possibility that providing the information is optional.  Is it optional?  I know that non-government agencies

<snip when I applied for a Class-III here,  the lady at the desk gave the application form back to me saying that the SSN was required;  I gave it back to her saying NO.  and that was it.

I did the same thing, up to where she told me it was required. I didn’t argue though. The ticket was more important to me than the SSN, which can be found in dozens of other places. If I continue training and building ratings, I’m going to have no choice but to submit to a more serious invasion of privacy and comply with FAA drug testing, something I would NEVER accept otherwise. I’ve refused contracts with firms because they wanted *me*, the owner of the company, AND any employee who *might* work on a project, to agree to their drug testing policy. No way in hell. What happens if I return a positive for marijuana? I go to concerts and people around me smoke pot (I can’t stand the stuff myself). If I smoke pot in the Netherlands, I’ve broken NO law (as long as I don’t go flying under the influence, just as with alcohol). I can likewise use a variety of drugs legally in other countries. But my urine test would then cause me no end of problems. The US would not tolerate tourists from countries under Muslim law being fined/jailed for drinking alcohol in the US. How can the US allow me to be persecuted (or persecute me directly) for doing something in another country which, there, is perfectly legal? I don’t see even the US trying to do this to drivers — not even holders of Commercial Drivers Licenses (not yet, anyway). Why pilots? Cheers- m w grossmann P.S. Hold off on the flames, please. This is a serious question concerning privacy, not some troll-bait on the right to shoot up and fly.

Response:

I don’t see even the US trying to do this to drivers — not even holders of Commercial Drivers Licenses (not yet, anyway). Why pilots?

Any job I’ve had with my 500 ton ocean masters lisence, comercial pilots lisence, or class A CDL, has requred a D.O.T. drug screen test required by law. It’s been this way for nearly a decade now.  The companys are required to have a drug testing policy in place which includes a minimum of pre-employment test and random screening of (not possitive about this number) 50% of the employees annually.  Yeah it suck and is an invasion of privacy,  but the legislators onc again have thrown the constitution out the window for "the greater good". I’m waiting for mandatory testing of lawyers and politicians along with random breathalizer tests of legislators entering thier respective houses of congress.  Think it might happen?

Response:

I’m waiting for mandatory testing of lawyers and politicians along with random breathalizer tests of legislators entering thier respective houses of congress. Think it might happen?

Hey, it’s hard enough getting them to follow existing laws, much less new ones!

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Now why did you give them your SSN number in the first place? Because the application requires it.  Or at least, it requests it and does not even hint at the possibility that providing the information is optional.  Is it optional?  I know that non-government agencies <snip when I applied for a Class-III here,  the lady at the desk gave the application form back to me saying that the SSN was required;  I gave it back to her saying NO.  and that was it. I did the same thing, up to where she told me it was required. I didn’t argue though. The ticket was more important to me than the SSN, which can be found in dozens of other places.

Last time I checked (about a year ago) the SSN was not required. Read the instruction sheet which comes with the form. Same thing for  pilot certificates. Jeff

Response:

waiting for mandatory testing of lawyers and politicians along with random breathalizer tests of legislators entering thier respective houses of congress.

        I support drug testing. I believe every public official should be given a shot of sodium pentathol and asked "Which laws have you broken this week?".                                         -Dana — Don’t use reply….. Above email address is invalid to defeat robot spammers! If replying by email, remove the exclamation points (!). Most politicians aren’t crooks, but the ones that are sure are making the other 10 percent look bad.

Response:

I don’t see even the US trying to do this to drivers — not even holders of Commercial Drivers Licenses (not yet, anyway). Why pilots? It’s been this way for nearly a decade now.  The companys are required to have a drug testing policy in place which includes a minimum of pre-employment test and random screening of (not possitive about this number) 50% of the employees annually.  Yeah it suck and is an invasion of privacy,  but the legislators once again have thrown the constitution out the window for "the greater good".

Even the greater good is very arguable — studies have been done which show no useful benefits to drug testing, while others show drug testing to be very effective.  Like studies regarding guns and crime, the results appear to depend on who pays for the study. However, interestingly enough, there is now an "eye test" which can detect intoxication and impairment based on the reaction of the eye to flashes of light.  This detects intoxication not just for alcohol, but for numerious other drugs as well (including Marijuana).  Now that we appear to have a viable test for intoxication, the so-called need for drug testing in its current, intrusive manner has been significantly weakened.  The argument always was "well, this is an invasion, but it is better than nothing and we don’t have anything like a breathalizer for these other substances."  Perhaps now the tide will turn toward a more rational approach, where people are tested for intoxication while on the job and their private lives are left just that — private. Then again, that may be far too na

Question:

Is the user using the same batch file to run. On a DOS app that uses Btrieve, you must load the btrieve requester first and then the app. I would suggest that you check the load from that workstation; is it calling brequest, is it then moving to the correct directory, and then is it finding the app’s exe file to run? I’ve found that if all these are right, it works. Usually, I have all users call the app from the same batch file which makes life a bit simpler In Novell 3.12, you should have read rights to public; full rights to the app’s directory and its sub’s (but not supervisor unless you want them to create new companies, etc.) since the app will control the things (generally) that the user can do. If no cure, let us know. Dana

Response:

I am getting a message on starting SOLOMON III (DOS) with Windows 95 and Novell only on one machine out of 6. The program starts then it says, error file 11 missing.  It’s a Btreieve error message but not file name or anything else.  It’s like it can not find the data file, but the user has access.  It’s machine specific since trying the user name on another machine works. Any help will be appreciated Brian Branco

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I have had similar problems with MAS90 in a windows 3.x workstation and novell 3.12 environment.  I know that it is related to directory access rights.  I tried various things, finally I just gave the user access rights of a supervisor (our accounting personnell are also are our IS operators).  If security is not a big issue, this would be the fastest solution. If that does not work, a second problem may be that SOLOMON III is not compatible with Windows 32bit environment.  In which case you would have to upgrade to their windows version. I am not an expert, but these are some of the things I would try.  Good luck! I am getting a message on starting SOLOMON III (DOS) with Windows 95 and Novell only on one machine out of 6. The program starts then it says, error file 11 missing.  It’s a Btreieve error message but not file name or anything else.  It’s like it can not find the data file, but the user has access.  It’s machine specific since trying the user name on another machine works. Any help will be appreciated Brian Branco

– <HTML <BRMike Erlich, Accounting/IS Manager <BRProtem Professional Staffing Services <BR1001 SW Fifth Ave, #1225 <BRPortland, OR 97204 <BRT: (503) 228-1177 <BRF: (503) 228-8736 <BRhttp://www.protem-nw.com <BR&nbsp;</HTML

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I agree with Rae.  No matter how rotten or discouraged  you feel, NEVER back down or get intimidated.  It wasn’t until my lawyer filed suit that my employer sat up and took real notice.  But it’s been over a year now and they still delay – picking apart anything that they can find that might disqualify my claim.  The latest pick was that in 1991, on this date,in fact that I saw a psychiatrist.  I had just happened to mention to him that I had tried to fill in as a special needs aid at the local school one day.  It didn’t work out because of pain and fatigue – I just couldn’t make it.  Well this showed up in my report to the insurance company and now the lawyers for the employer want me to explain myself and give details about returning to "work".   Well, I guess if they are going to be that way, I will have a little bit longer to wait to negotiate settlement.  In one more month, my specialist will have the results of my LP and bloodwork.  They are now lying in wait for this.  It does get us down sometimes but if you know you are right, hang in there.  Lorelle

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At the begining of May I’m suppose to start partial long term disability through the insurance company at my job. I have been on short term partial disability (3 months) in which my employer has payed my full salary, since I’m a salaried employee. Now I’m waiting/worrying am I going to be accepted? The insurance company has paided claims for employees for a few months, but I am the first to apply for long term disability (15 hours per week). Hope I don’t have to get a lawyer! Cathy, Arizona Lorelle Gilbert <Richard_Gilb…@gsacrd.ab.ca> wrote in article <334DB6A0.1…@gsacrd.ab.ca>… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I agree with Rae.  No matter how rotten or discouraged  you feel, > NEVER back down or get intimidated.  It wasn’t until my lawyer filed > suit that my employer sat up and took real notice.  But it’s been over > a year now and they still delay – picking apart anything that they can > find that might disqualify my claim.  

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Hi         I’ve been on short term. I recieve 50% pay on this and after 6 months I get long term at 60% pay. I guess I’m rather lucky I work for a hospital in the states. And my employeer said I would have a job waiting even if it takes months for me to recover. I’ve been out of work for 2months. I am checked out with my primary care doctor every month to see if I go back to work. I hope soon! Keep up with the paperwork. Learn all you can about the insurance. make phone calls. You need info to get the benifits. Ask questions.  GOOD LUCK!!! On 9 Apr 1997 22:20:01 GMT, "Sean Edgeworth" <Seane…@indigo.ie> wrote: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Hi all, >    I am interested in corresponding with anyone who is in the above situation >and their experiences with the insurance companys.I have availed of this >because of my MS and have no conection with any insurance company.There >were upcoming redundancys in my job but I was given no indication as to >whether I would be included or not and the company would only state that >there was a job for me there at present and no indications or guarantees >for the future.I am worried about depending >on this as a source of income long term and would be interested in learning >about >any experiences,good or bad.I was lurking for about a year while I >frantically alternated between whether to claim or not.I was hoping to see >some posts on it,unfortunately there were none.It`s too late now as I have >gone through the process and it was a scarey business.I was in a bad way >with the stress of it all and there was no advice available,just shoulder >shrugging and blank stares.I felt like I was going mad again at times,or >even rude for asking such questions.The MS society was of no help and they >ran away from the topic.I wanted to continue working but was not able to in >the end as a result of the uncertainty.I had a really good job by Irish >standards and hated loosing it.There were other people in the company (1800 >employees) who had MS but personnell refused to make repersentation to them >on my behalf to ask them their advice.I did not know who they were as they >were in a different section of the plant.If this is an unsuitable topic for >the public domain just let me know and I will give up. >                    Regds Sean

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Hi Carol,         thanks for the reply,I was working fulltime when I applied.I was all messed up at the time and could not seem to think straight.I went to a solicitor in the end,gave him the details and asked him to provide me with a comprehensive assesment of the facts. I used him purely for analysing my predicament and had no thoughts of legal action.I felt that he would be used to assesing such dilemmas and did not trust my own judgement based on the fact that I was too close to the situation to make an objective assesment. He provided me with a clear, consice report with a list of options,possible risks and a final reccomendation.he was a real help in my situation. I went back to the neuro twice to be sure that there was no prior evidence of pre-existing illness,he assured me that there was not.I then got him to write to my GP and detail his assesment of my illness.I said I felt he was too expensive for the less significant treatments.I then went to my GP and demanded that he read the letter out loud.He agreed to do so reluctantly.While the neuro insisted that there was no way of saying what my future was,in the letter to my GP he was a little more frank."I am concerned that Seans illness is of a more progressive nature" were the words used I think.I felt a little devious for doing that but I needed some indication of my prognosis.The neuro was following what he felt was the best course of approach and I respect him for that,but I had more to deal with than the immediate consequences of the disease.I was more concerned with the effect it would have on my wife and family and felt it very hard to deal with not being able to provide for them. I really found this the most stressfull aspect of diagnosis and spent many nights/mornings going over and over the details in my mind;usually sitting in the kitchen in my dressingown. When I said in work that i was no longer capable of continuing they were not terribly pleased and gave me 3 months off to be sure I wanted to do that.In the meantime I had started to deteriorate and most days was very ragged in my walking and general health.At the end of the 3 months I was no better and I opted to go.I had to stay out for a further 3 months for the insurance to kick in.After 6 months I was sent two forms to be filled out,one for my neuro and one for myself.I got the neuro to fill out his first and I then completed mine.Some of the questions were a little scarey at the time,e.g When do you expect the claimant to return to work…….3months……..6months…….1year……..other stating when.The neuro wrote "Never". I really felt the pressure when I handed over the forms,and felt I was shutting the doors on employment  and doing it myself.Its a hard thing to do when you have busted a gut for 32 years to reach a level of skill and competancy,to then have to bin it all.Yet I had to be gratefull because many do not have the cover I had, so it was a strange emotion.I guess its a case of always striving for further advancment,and finding it hard to accept less than you expected.I hope I do not upset anyone who is less fortunate,I just want to help anyone in a similar predicament.The application seems to have gone through o.k. I have not been contacted by the insurance company yet.They are paying me 67% of my final years salary indexed by 5% each year.I believe that this is similar to most of these disability schemes and once the diagnosis is made then they do not tend to investigate them unless they are alerted to some evidence of a previous illness.There is no evidence in my case thank God. I was told that "no one could have realistically known prior to now that you had MS so therefor you are covered by the policy.MS is a very difficult disease to diagnose and a whole list of other possibile diseases and conditions must be eliminated first.MRI changes that somewhat and if there are obvious lesions and scar tissue then it can be made with less testing.That is what these policys are for,that is your reason for buying them in the first place,they are not for charity". It does worry me now when I see people begging for a diagnosis without considering the implications,though I never thought there was anything that seriously wrong with me when I first went to the doctor.Things always seem clearer in hindsight . I just wanted to know what was wrong, get it fixed, and get back to where I was before the symptoms started.Depressed,run down, anemia, unfit, all in your head,hypocondriac, middle age,mid life crices ,anything, but nothing serious. It was only when he said to me "your results are consistent with Multiple Sclerosis" that I thought,"what the  hell am I going to do now for a liveing".If you are not diagnosed then you are not ill,that is the bottom line.If you are diagnosed,then when that diagnosis is made the train pulls out of that station.That is not to say that there are not plenty of other options,but that one is not a hot prospect. I hope this is of use to someone out there,it is only ment to be of help and written with that in mind.                         Retired and tired,                                 Sean

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Hi Sean, I’ve been on a combination of Social Security and long term disability through my employer for 7 years now.   I went back to work for a year after being diagnosed but the stress and fatigue got to be too much.  On the advice of family and doctors, I went on disability.  Now I worked in a small company, an orthopaedic practice with about 30 employees. Of course my decision wasn’t too hard to make, especially after the office manager informed me that if I missed too much more time, then I might not have a job to come back to(I’d missed a week in a years time due directly to my MS). I don’t know if you’ve thought about SS or not, but it has worked well for me.  I was only 32 at the time all this happened. If I can be of further assistance, please e-mail me. Marcy

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Sean, My experience with LTD through my employer is very similar to Carol’s, except that I applied for benefits (and was accepted on the first try) before I went to part time status. I was, however (as Carol probably was too) turned down for SSDI because I make more than $500 per month.  I knew that they would turn me down when I applied, but my LTD requires me to apply or they reduce my benefits. Z – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Carol Roberts <Qrobe…@worldnet.att.net> wrote: >This topic is very suitable for this newsgroup.  I think I was lucky.  I >worked as a certified public accountant (CPA) with a small regional >firm. They had some ability to be flexible.  I never paid any attention >to the disability plan that was part of the employee package until I >realized that I would no longer qualify to participate in the plan the >next year due to the decreased hours I was working.  I had gone down to >10-15 per week.  So the idea came to me, maybe I qualify for benefits. >Everyone cautioned me that I would have to appeal at least once. But I >went ahead anyway. I filled out forms, doctors filled out forms, my >employer filled out forms.  We put them all in one envelope and 10 days >later I received a letter stating what my benefits were, and how much >they were reduced for wages earned. ( each dollar earned reduced >benefits by fifty cents) And that even if I earned too much to receive >benefits, as long as the illness persisted I would not have to reapply >at a later time when I could not work full-time again.  I worked for >another year before I was let go because the cognitive problems made my >work very unreliable – sometimes it was trully garbage.  When I went on >full disability the private insurance required that I apply for public >disability (SSDI), and the social security benefits offset the private >benefit almost totally.  But if I should ever be able to work enough to >lose the SSDI, the private benefit will increase accordingly. >Again, I feel very lucky because both times I got approved for benefits >on the first try.  I think I was very clear about how my life was so >different than it was before I got sick.  And I don’t even have a >definite diagnosis of MS.  My benefits are received for possible MS and >major depression.  Hope this info is what you were looking for. >Carol Roberts

http://www.mindspring.com/~cczimmer/ +————————————————————————+ + Carolyn C. Zimmer       | "I’ve been warped by the rain,               | + Duluth, GA              |  driven by the snow, I’m drunk and dirty,    | + cczim…@mindspring.com |  don’t you know, But I’m still…willin’"    | + STANDARD DISCLAIMER     |                               Lowell George  | +————————————————————————+

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Sean Edgeworth wrote: > Hi all, >         I am interested in corresponding with anyone who is in the above situation > and their experiences with the insurance companys.I have availed of this > because of my MS and have no conection with any insurance company.There > were upcoming redundancys in my job but I was given no indication as to > whether I would be included or not and the company would only state that > there was a job for me there at present and no indications or guarantees > for the future.I am worried about depending > on this as a source of income long term and would be interested in learning > about > any experiences,good or bad.I was lurking for about a year while I > frantically alternated between whether to claim or not.I was hoping to see > some posts on it,unfortunately there were none.It`s too late now as I have > gone through the process and it was a scarey business.I was in a bad way > with the stress of it all and there was no advice available,just shoulder > shrugging and blank stares.I felt like I was going mad again at times,or > even rude for asking such questions.The MS society was of no help and they > ran away from the topic.I wanted to continue working but was not able to in > the end as a result of the uncertainty.I had a really good job by Irish > standards and hated loosing it.There were other people in the company (1800 > employees) who had MS but personnell refused to make repersentation to them > on my behalf to ask them their advice.I did not know who they were as they > were in a different section of the plant.If this is an unsuitable topic for > the public domain just let me know and I will give up. >                         Regds Sean

Sean, This topic is very suitable for this newsgroup.  I think I was lucky.  I worked as a certified public accountant (CPA) with a small regional firm. They had some ability to be flexible.  I never paid any attention to the disability plan that was part of the employee package until I realized that I would no longer qualify to participate in the plan the next year due to the decreased hours I was working.  I had gone down to 10-15 per week.  So the idea came to me, maybe I qualify for benefits. Everyone cautioned me that I would have to appeal at least once. But I went ahead anyway. I filled out forms, doctors filled out forms, my employer filled out forms.  We put them all in one envelope and 10 days later I received a letter stating what my benefits were, and how much they were reduced for wages earned. ( each dollar earned reduced benefits by fifty cents) And that even if I earned too much to receive benefits, as long as the illness persisted I would not have to reapply at a later time when I could not work full-time again.  I worked for another year before I was let go because the cognitive problems made my work very unreliable – sometimes it was trully garbage.  When I went on full disability the private insurance required that I apply for public disability (SSDI), and the social security benefits offset the private benefit almost totally.  But if I should ever be able to work enough to lose the SSDI, the private benefit will increase accordingly. Again, I feel very lucky because both times I got approved for benefits on the first try.  I think I was very clear about how my life was so different than it was before I got sick.  And I don’t even have a definite diagnosis of MS.  My benefits are received for possible MS and major depression.  Hope this info is what you were looking for. Carol Roberts

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