Question:

E-mail me if you need a new website at rockbottom prices, or if you need a total redesign of your current website! I will offer the best prices, references can be provided, do ask for my portfolio.

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I am looking to create a website to help people with financial accounting, could you supply me with information to help me do this?

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What price do you charge for help in designing a basic website?

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I am looking to create a website to help people with financial accounting, could you supply me with information to help me do this?

I see by your email address that you are on Yahoo.  Can you be more specific about what kind of web page design you want? Usually a designer will want to know basically what kind of site you have in mind. Will you want a free hosting site or do you want your own domain name?  Do you want to add pictures, databases, forms, guestbook, etc……. Rose’s Web Page Designs http://members.aol.com/Roseb44170/designs.htm

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Question:

Good joke. Bill S. —

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Staff Notice With immediate effect, a toilet policy will be established to provide a more consistent method of accounting for staff, ensuring effective time management and equal treatment for all. On the first day of every month, all staff will be issued 20 toilet trip credits which may be accumulated. The doors to all toilets will be equipped with computer-linked voice recognition devices. Staff must immediately provide management with two voiceprints, one normal and one under stress. Once the employee’s toilet trip bank reaches zero, the doors of the toilet will not unlock for the employee’s voice until the first of the month. In addition, all cubicles are to be equipped with timed paper-roll extractors. If the toilet is occupied for more than three minutes, an alarm will sound. Thirty seconds later, the roll of toilet paper will retract into the dispenser, the toilet will flush and the door will open automatically. If the toilet remains occupied, your photograph will be taken by a security camera and will appear on the Toilet Offenders Board. Anyone appearing three times will forfeit three months’ toilet trip credits. Anyone caught smiling when the photograph is taken will undergo counseling by a clinical psychologist. Be advised that workmen’s compensation insurance does not cover any injuries incurred while trying to stop the toilet paper retracting into The dispenser. MANAGEMENT

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Staff Notice With immediate effect, a toilet policy will be established to provide a more consistent method of accounting for staff, ensuring effective time management and equal treatment for all. On the first day of every month, all staff will be issued 20 toilet trip credits which may be accumulated. The doors to all toilets will be equipped with computer-linked voice recognition devices. Staff must immediately provide management with two voiceprints, one normal and one under stress. Once the employee’s toilet trip bank reaches zero, the doors of the toilet will not unlock for the employee’s voice until the first of the month. In addition, all cubicles are to be equipped with timed paper-roll extractors. If the toilet is occupied for more than three minutes, an alarm will sound. Thirty seconds later, the roll of toilet paper will retract into the dispenser, the toilet will flush and the door will open automatically. If the toilet remains occupied, your photograph will be taken by a security camera and will appear on the Toilet Offenders Board. Anyone appearing three times will forfeit three months’ toilet trip credits. Anyone caught smiling when the photograph is taken will undergo counseling by a clinical psychologist. Be advised that workmen’s compensation insurance does not cover any injuries incurred while trying to stop the toilet paper retracting into The dispenser. MANAGEMENT

Response:

Staff Notice With immediate effect, a toilet policy will be established to provide a more consistent method of accounting for staff, ensuring effective time management and equal treatment for all. On the first day of every month, all staff will be issued 20 toilet trip credits which may be accumulated. The doors to all toilets will be equipped with computer-linked voice recognition devices. Staff must immediately provide management with two voiceprints, one normal and one under stress. Once the employee’s toilet trip bank reaches zero, the doors of the toilet will not unlock for the employee’s voice until the first of the month. In addition, all cubicles are to be equipped with timed paper-roll extractors. If the toilet is occupied for more than three minutes, an alarm will sound. Thirty seconds later, the roll of toilet paper will retract into the dispenser, the toilet will flush and the door will open automatically. If the toilet remains occupied, your photograph will be taken by a security camera and will appear on the Toilet Offenders Board. Anyone appearing three times will forfeit three months’ toilet trip credits. Anyone caught smiling when the photograph is taken will undergo counseling by a clinical psychologist. Be advised that workmen’s compensation insurance does not cover any injuries incurred while trying to stop the toilet paper retracting into The dispenser. MANAGEMENT

Response:

Good joke. Bill S. —

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Staff Notice With immediate effect, a toilet policy will be established to provide a more consistent method of accounting for staff, ensuring effective time management and equal treatment for all. On the first day of every month, all staff will be issued 20 toilet trip credits which may be accumulated. The doors to all toilets will be equipped with computer-linked voice recognition devices. Staff must immediately provide management with two voiceprints, one normal and one under stress. Once the employee’s toilet trip bank reaches zero, the doors of the toilet will not unlock for the employee’s voice until the first of the month. In addition, all cubicles are to be equipped with timed paper-roll extractors. If the toilet is occupied for more than three minutes, an alarm will sound. Thirty seconds later, the roll of toilet paper will retract into the dispenser, the toilet will flush and the door will open automatically. If the toilet remains occupied, your photograph will be taken by a security camera and will appear on the Toilet Offenders Board. Anyone appearing three times will forfeit three months’ toilet trip credits. Anyone caught smiling when the photograph is taken will undergo counseling by a clinical psychologist. Be advised that workmen’s compensation insurance does not cover any injuries incurred while trying to stop the toilet paper retracting into The dispenser. MANAGEMENT

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Question:

I am also not from the US, so I don’t know much about ebay, but forbidding someone to mention his negative experience is absurd. As for musician’s advocate, I have got a bad impression about them for a number of reasons: They chose to call their customer a nut hiding the fact who they were. They seem to have a policy of giving negative feedback to their customers. They appear to sell too much stuff on ebay, yet their homepage is "under construction" and I can see no contact/official information about them. Do they have a place somewhere? Can they be contacted? Who are they anyway? As for the rest of their mailing etc etc, I have seen many abusive "bussinessmen" like that, getting a bad reputation and going out of bussiness is just what they deserve.

Yeah, I agree.  I am in America and have completed about 2000 transactions on Ebay, but have never dealt with MA.  I once looked at something they offered for auction, but choose not to bid after checking not only feedback left for them, but the feedback they have left for some of their customers. Bobby

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Yes, if I read the original account of events correctly, you told MA that you would not recommend them. Nothing more. And in your response to their feedback you suggested people email you for more details. I see that in a lot of neg feedback responses. I know you want to get all this out in the open (and off your chest) and in full detail. But keep in mind people tend not to read long posts thoroughly. As far as I can tell, you haven’t really done anything wrong, but you’re obviously worked up about the whole thing. Just don’t let yourself boil over. Sounds like you’ve provided eBay with your side of the story. Let us know how it works out.

Hey, hold on a minute! That was a reasonable and level-headed response, containing sound advice. Don’t you know that this is Usenet, and that sort of thing isn’t tolerated? — Thad

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Yes, if I read the original account of events correctly, you told MA that you would not recommend them. Nothing more. And in your response to their feedback you suggested people email you for more details. I see that in a lot of neg feedback responses. I know you want to get all this out in the open (and off your chest) and in full detail. But keep in mind people tend not to read long posts thoroughly. As far as I can tell, you haven’t really done anything wrong, but you’re obviously worked up about the whole thing. Just don’t let yourself boil over. Sounds like you’ve provided eBay with your side of the story. Let us know how it works out. Hey, hold on a minute! That was a reasonable and level-headed response, containing sound advice. Don’t you know that this is Usenet, and that sort of thing isn’t tolerated?

Sorry Thad, what was I thinking…you shut the fuck up you!!! — Arch

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Sorry Thad, what was I thinking…you shut the fuck up you!!!

Heh, that’s more like it! Now, next time you get the urge to make an excellent point or observation instead either type misspelled profanities at them or call them ‘gay’. — Thad

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Let’s just say I’m having them judged in the court of public opinion.

…and having admitted that, you are still surprised and angered by their retaliation? Ok, you walk up to a stranger on the street and you slap him in the face.  He looks at you in shock and disbelief for a moment, then he winds up and slugs you in the eye with about 10 times the force of your slap.  Do you run crying to the police because he hit you, or do you accept the fact that you started the fight in the first place…and lost? I’ll end my comments at this point, because frankly I doubt that you are open minded enough to grasp what I’m trying to say. I defend your right to express your opinions or take action against some company that you are angry with, but whether you like it or not, that company has just as much right to defend itself, even if that means countering one attack with another. I’m not defending the company’s actions.  I’m just suggesting that you look at the big picture, cool your jets and move on.  There is nothing to be gained by this nonsense. JC

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If the buyers sought your advice by contacting you first then Musicians Advocate has no grounds for complaint.  If you contacted the buyers on your own initiative then you have not only violated Ebay’s policy, you have also made yourself culpable for libel/slander.

I’ve seen a couple of people accuse him of ‘libel or slander’ so far and that is only the case if he lies.  He has every right to contact someone on his own volition and tell them the truth.  No one (including Ebay) can prevent him from doing this, so long as he’s honest. Ross

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You had no right to email bidders on ebay about this seller. That is against

ebay rules and borders on libel and slander. WOOAH! Hold on a minute. Who said I e-mailed their bidders? I did no such thing. I know the eBay rules. They, apparently, do not know the feedback rules. As to libel and slander, you are using legal terms freely that you apparently don’t understand. Steve C

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Forbidding people to complain, is not against your amendments ? Where is your

right for free speech then?<< Complaining is not just legal, it’s American. Steve C

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Did you email bidders warning them off the  seller?<<

Nope…not a single one. Steve C

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Yes, you did.  The vendor’s non-response was poor judgement on their part

because they risked losing a customer.  However, you took specific and damaging action against them.  Their act was passive.  Your act was agressive.<< Please tell me where I took damaging action. Truth is a defense and I am entitled to an opinion. And her it is again: It is my opinion, and my opinion based on my experience, that I could not recommend dealing with Musician’s Advocate after the e-mail they sent me twice. Their act was agressive. The clearly screamed in net-vernacular in caps to "KNOCK IT OFF" and threatened to post a negatiove feedback when they should have been posting a positive one. I suspect eBay will look at the evidence and remove what they so arrogantly decided to post under my feedback. Let’s just say I’m having them judged in the court of public opinion. Steve C

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Did their customers contact you or did you contact them?<<

I have no idea who is a customer, a potential customer, or even a shill for them. I know I have been told by people that they appreciate bringing this forward and they will avaoid dealing with Musician’s Advocate. Let me repeat: I have not contact any of their current eBay bidders. Steve C

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You had no right to email bidders on ebay about this seller. That is against ebay rules and borders on libel and slander. WOOAH! Hold on a minute. Who said I e-mailed their bidders? I did no such thing. I know the eBay rules. They, apparently, do not know the feedback rules. As to libel and slander, you are using legal terms freely that you apparently don’t understand. Steve C

Yes, if I read the original account of events correctly, you told MA that you would not recommend them. Nothing more. And in your response to their feedback you suggested people email you for more details. I see that in a lot of neg feedback responses. I know you want to get all this out in the open (and off your chest) and in full detail. But keep in mind people tend not to read long posts thoroughly. As far as I can tell, you haven’t really done anything wrong, but you’re obviously worked up about the whole thing. Just don’t let yourself boil over. Sounds like you’ve provided eBay with your side of the story. Let us know how it works out. — Arch

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Instead, I get threatened and obviously he has now followed through on the threatwith lies in the feedback  because I did as I said I would do and informed people of the fact that I could not recommend them.  I was basically told to keep my mouth shut about their lack of support else they’d get even with me.

Did you email bidders warning them off the seller? That is against eBay rules, as is posting about another eBay member in a public forum (such as this one.) I think you may have a valid grievance but unfortunately eBay is biased in favor of its sellers (who generate the revenue) and you won’t get far with them. Life is unfair and I suggest you just forget about this get on with yours. Steve.

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You had no right to email bidders on ebay about this seller. That is against ebay rules and borders on libel and slander. If you did not get a response to your requests for a price on another item, then go elsewhere and spend your money. You are acting like a little kid who thinks everyone should do exactly as they feel they should or you will retaliate by ruining them. I think you got what you deserve, should suck it up, and move on with life. Stuff happens.

Response:

This just gets worse and I apologize to those that feel it should not be posted here

It seems E-Bay sucks…. =;-) Since I am not from the US I have one (or two)question(s). Forbidding people to complain, is not against your amendments ? Where is your right for free speech then? I just cant believe you can not argue against ebay if they messed up a transaction or communication. an astonished Count

Response:

You had no right to email bidders on ebay about this seller. That is against ebay rules and borders on libel and slander. If you did not get a response to your requests for a price on another item, then go elsewhere and spend your money. You are acting like a little kid who thinks everyone should do exactly as they feel they should or you will retaliate by ruining them. I think you got what you deserve, should suck it up, and move on with life. Stuff happens.

You make some valid points. Emailing bidders is a no-no. Hopefully bidders considering making a big purchase will look at the seller’s feedback closely, not just the number rating. This seller has an 1800+ rating, but if you examine his negs and neutrals you can see that he always leaves a retaliatory neg (even for neutrals). A seller leaving a buyer a neg for being only moderately satisfied raises a red flag if I’m buying. When I sell, I leave a buyer positive feedback for timely payment. That is all a buyer is required to do. Pay for the item. If they aren’t satisfied they can ship it back and I refund their money. I’ve only had to do this once, but everything turned out well and the buyer left me a positive for being fair. — Thad

Response:

Did I toss the first volley? Well, I did try for 5 days to get a simple reply to a price of a unit they tried to sell me. This wasn’t like a customer who hadn’t spent money. I had just spent $574. So if my displeasure with getting no response to telling them I wanted to order a unit on the phone is, I believe, justified. What good company turns away a previous customer with cash in hand? Well, I guess a foolish one.

Yes, you did.  The vendor’s non-response was poor judgement on their part because they risked losing a customer.  However, you took specific and damaging action against them.  Their act was passive.  Your act was agressive. But what really makes this absurd is the threat and now the fallacious replies he made in a feedback on eBay from a transaction from six weeks ago.

I don’t disagree with you.  All I’m saying is that you started it.  You reap what you sow, as it were. Now, I  think a prudent man would have reacted to my message of displeasure of having no repsonse to two e-mails and two phone calls with "oops, sorry, how can we help you now, Steve."

Absolutely.  Clearly, this vendor cares more about closing the deal than retaining customers. Instead, I get threatened and obviously he has now followed through on the threatwith lies in the feedback  because I did as I said I would do and informed people of the fact that I could not recommend them.  I was basically told to keep my mouth shut about their lack of support else they’d get even with me.

All’s fair in love and war….and you started the war.  They threatened you to make you think that they have the bigger gun.  Of course, in reality, you do.  The saying "the customer is always right" hold true because the customer can do so much to damage the vendor’s business.  And that is exactly what you did by giving them negative feedback…so, they fought back. I’m not saying they are right.  I’m not saying that any of this is fair.  I’m just saying that you could have avoided the whole mess by not going to battle over a few non-answered questions.  You picked the wrong battle, and now everyone loses. Let the chips fall where they may. Tonight’s message to me was a legal threat if I speak to anyone bidding on eBay. They obviously don’t want the truth on this out. But they are intimidating the wrong guy. They are being exteremely stupid. I don’t believe the customer is "always" right. But you don’t threaten customers. It’s just bad business.

Agreed.  They have no legal standing in this matter.  They can sue you for libel, but it is likely that freedom of speech would rule the day…that is, if it ever went to court.  You can rest assured that they are just blowing off steam.  Yes, I agree with you that they are stupid for conducting business this way.  However, it was your spleen-venting that started this whole mess. My point is simple…when the day is done, was any of this worth the aggrevation that it hase cause you?  Don’t you have better things to do with your time and emotional energy?  Have you won anything?  Do you stand to win anything?  IMHO, I don’t think so.  This is about penis waiving.  You waived your’s, they waived their’s…now its time to let it rest. Jeff – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Enjoy the show, Steve

Response:

Instead, I get threatened and obviously he has now followed through on the threat with lies in the feedback.

Did their customers contact you or did you contact them? If the buyers sought your advice by contacting you first then Musicians Advocate has no grounds for complaint.  If you contacted the buyers on your own initiative then you have not only violated Ebay’s policy, you have also made yourself culpable for libel/slander. As we all know, a business is not obligated to offer good customer service just as we are not obligated to purchase from them.  Granted – they were wrong in that the feedback was not related to the transaction, but by unsolicited contact (spam) with their potential customers you have basically done the same thing. It’s time to take responsibility for your actions.  You started it.  The fact that they didn’t answer your e-mails or phone calls concerning a transaction that DID NOT take place DOES NOT give you grounds for your actions.  Just as their feedback should only pertain to the transaction so should your representation of their company.  If contacted by one of their potential customers THEN relate your experience. But you don’t threaten customers.

You threatened them.  Two wrongs don’t make a right, but you started it. You shouldn’t have mounted your vendetta.  Surely you aren’t so arrogant as to think they’d just sit idly by while you sent unsolicited e-mail (spam) to their other customers. because I did as I said I would do and informed people of the fact that I could not recommend them.

In order to recommend someone or something your opinion needs to be solicited.  Yours wasn’t, what you did was the equivalent of spamming their customers.  You did it first, they followed your lead. I’m sure your angry.  The desire to get even is strong.  Let it go.  You did wrong first, be a man and admit it.  Learn your lesson and move on.  One complaint isn’t that big of a deal. Sort of reminds me of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict.  Everyone is in such a hurry to get even they don’t realize that they’re both to blame.

Response:

I also think its important for someone to point out that in your accounting

of the story below, you are the one who threw the first volley of negative feedback<< I just wanted to be clear again that I left them very positive feedback regarding the eBay transaction. Five weeks later, they still hadn’t the time or desire to say anything with their eBay feedback till they lied as they did. I now read a few more of the negative feedbacks and it seems that rather than answer in a dignified way, the customer is a kook; or insane; or is mistaken, etc. That was their biggest mistake and I have no plans of dropping this issue when they are trying to affect my future eBay tranactions with lies. I can accept people with different points of view. But what they posted to that transaction is a pack of lies. And for that act alone, I do intend to continue to point it out anywhere I feel like it. It’s too bad. A simple "sorry" without a threat would have been fine. Steve

Response:

Now, I’m going to put on my Nomex coveralls and wait for the flames to begin.

<< Well, that’s surely a plan. I wish I were watching instead of being threatened. It might be more fun. Did I toss the first volley? Well, I did try for 5 days to get a simple reply to a price of a unit they tried to sell me. This wasn’t like a customer who hadn’t spent money. I had just spent $574. So if my displeasure with getting no response to telling them I wanted to order a unit on the phone is, I believe, justified. What good company turns away a previous customer with cash in hand? Well, I guess a foolish one. But what really makes this absurd is the threat and now the fallacious replies he made in a feedback on eBay from a transaction from six weeks ago. Now, I  think a prudent man would have reacted to my message of displeasure of having no repsonse to two e-mails and two phone calls with "oops, sorry, how can we help you now, Steve." Instead, I get threatened and obviously he has now followed through on the threatwith lies in the feedback  because I did as I said I would do and informed people of the fact that I could not recommend them.  I was basically told to keep my mouth shut about their lack of support else they’d get even with me. Let the chips fall where they may. Tonight’s message to me was a legal threat if I speak to anyone bidding on eBay. They obviously don’t want the truth on this out. But they are intimidating the wrong guy. They are being exteremely stupid. I don’t believe the customer is "always" right. But you don’t threaten customers. It’s just bad business. Enjoy the show, Steve

Response:

Oh, I don’t know…how to respond to this…. Sure, I suppose every time someone wearing a customer service hat gives us less than stellar service we should jump up and down and scream bloody murder about how we’ve been "done to".  On the other hand, as customers we do have a tendancy of asking a million questions, not all of which have merit, and we expect the poor minimum-wage plus commission earning sales dweeb to not only have all the answers, but to graciously spew them over and over and over again… I also think its important for someone to point out that in your accounting of the story below, you are the one who threw the first volley of negative feedback.  Then you got mad because the vendor shot back.   Yep, you started it.  Perhaps they didn’t answer your questions in a timely manner, but instead of continuing the discussion with that company’s management, you decided to take an action that directly impunes their reputation in a public forum…an action that should have been your last resort, not your first. Sure, I know.  This is America and the customer is always right.  Well, perhaps we should all step back and think about what its like for that call centre or order fulfillment person who just wants to do his/her job and go home. I’m not forgiving this company’s alledged lack of professionalism, but in any relationship it takes two to tango. Now, I’m going to put on my Nomex coveralls and wait for the flames to begin. JC – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This just gets worse and I apologize to those that feel it should not be posted here. But I have received feedback thanking me for pointing this out about the conduct I have experience from Musician’s Advocate. After a seemless transaction on eBay that is item # 914179207 I was thanked for my business. I mailed them a money order and they mailed the Neumann mic. I left excellent feedback because the transaction was fine. I had no complaints at all at the time. This is what I wrote on Nov 5th. Five weeks later they finally left autrocious, deceitful, and vindictive feedback. Maybe they wait to see if you are going to complain before they leave feedback. FEEDBACK [for them]: Great mic as promised. Packaged to survive anything. Will buy from again.AAA+++ 5 weeks later they finally left the lies that they just did in their feedback. After my purchase, my questions about other items received no answers and I said I was not going to recommend them. The said "DON’T DO IT"  and I did. Then today, they decided to leave this feedback which is unwarranted and also violates the feedback feature of eBay, IMO, since the argument that transpired had absolutely nothing to do with the auction # above. Here is the feedback they left: Complaint: SELLER BEWARE!!! Angry, Vindictive, Unstable customer, BAD MOVE!!!!! Response by walsh927 [my eBay ID] – Complaint about bad support. Told me "shut up" or bad feedback, now this. email me Follow-up by musiciansadvocate – Look at the auction, compare our feedback scores, he is lying…..SELLER BEWARE Sorry, but I am not lying. They are so concerned with shutting me upthat  I just received the following e-mail with yet another threat involving  legal action: Steve- Your Email is now blocked, and copies of everything will be forwarded to Safe Harbor on Ebay, where they will most likely issue you a formal warning.  If you are Emailing my bidders, you will be removed from Ebay, and hear  from our Attorney.  KNOCK OFF THE BULLSHIT NOW!!!! Well, eBay has a copy of this and the other threat and I am awaiting their decision to remove the abusive feedback left regarding a transaction they thanked me for. Again, here is where they thanked me, then threatened me: Their threatening e-mail again: OK- I see that you have purchased a KMS105MT, and a TubePac from us. Thank you for your business. However, I do not respond well to threats Steve, and you have already left feedback for us on the Neumann purchase.  If you would like for us to reciprocate in a positive fashion, knock off the angry customer nonsense and let us know what we can do for you OK?? That message is what I believe to be what eBay is speaking about when they discuss extortion with feedback. I was told to not be upset and to – implied – not tell people about this or they would  leave negative feedback. eBay will decide. I just readon alt.guitar  that he has offered to post my e-mails to him. He can be my guest. Post them all and he’ll just be putting more nails in a coffin. IMO, and only from my own experiece, I would avoid any transaction with Musician’s Advocate. They are welcomed to have their "lawyers" contact me. I can pick of any of three [two on Park Ave. NYC] that will represent me for free as they pay theirs $200 an hour to lose. But they have no case. I am merely stating facts. They are posting lies about that transaction number. I have repeatedly told this individual that truth is a defense. He should learn to be truthful. The feedback related to that transaction was a blatant lie and they know it and I suspect Musician’s Advocate (HA!) will regret having left that feedback and it will be removed. There are 16 other stellar responses to my eBay activity because I am an honest person. But the person leaving the feeback on eBay for Musician’s Advocate is not from the feedback he left. Just from a business POV, this is incredibly foolish on their part. As someone who ran a  business, I think I see now why some of these discount places go out of business as quickly as they open; they don’t have any people skills. I now looked back and see a few complaints about Musician’s Advocate that sound similar to my experience. The negative feedbackMusician’s Advocate posts is a template of what  they left for me. What a shame that you hand people your hard-earned money and they try to screw you like this if you say a peep. Steve C P.S. This feedback just was posted from another eBay purchase I made 925105784 – so now it is 17 of 18 excellent responses. Praise: Payment within the hours. Excellent communication. AAA+++ I bought this Lexicon unit used on eBay and it works great. Musician’s Advocate didn’t have the courtesy of responding to my e-mail asking whether they were a Lexicon dealer.

Response:

This just gets worse and I apologize to those that feel it should not be posted here. But I have received feedback thanking me for pointing this out about the conduct I have experience from Musician’s Advocate. After a seemless transaction on eBay that is item # 914179207 I was thanked for my business. I mailed them a money order and they mailed the Neumann mic. I left excellent feedback because the transaction was fine. I had no complaints at all at the time. This is what I wrote on Nov 5th. Five weeks later they finally left autrocious, deceitful, and vindictive feedback. Maybe they wait to see if you are going to complain before they leave feedback.   FEEDBACK [for them]: Great mic as promised. Packaged to survive anything. Will buy from again.AAA+++ 5 weeks later they finally left the lies that they just did in their feedback. After my purchase, my questions about other items received no answers and I said I was not going to recommend them. The said "DON’T DO IT"  and I did. Then today, they decided to leave this feedback which is unwarranted and also violates the feedback feature of eBay, IMO, since the argument that transpired had absolutely nothing to do with the auction # above. Here is the feedback they left: Complaint: SELLER BEWARE!!! Angry, Vindictive, Unstable customer, BAD MOVE!!!!! Response by walsh927 [my eBay ID] – Complaint about bad support. Told me "shut up" or bad feedback, now this. email me Follow-up by musiciansadvocate – Look at the auction, compare our feedback scores, he is lying…..SELLER BEWARE Sorry, but I am not lying. They are so concerned with shutting me upthat  I just received the following e-mail with yet another threat involving  legal action: Steve- Your Email is now blocked, and copies of everything will be forwarded to Safe Harbor on Ebay, where they will most likely issue you a formal warning.  If you are Emailing my bidders, you will be removed from Ebay, and hear  from our Attorney.  KNOCK OFF THE BULLSHIT NOW!!!! Well, eBay has a copy of this and the other threat and I am awaiting their decision to remove the abusive feedback left regarding a transaction they thanked me for. Again, here is where they thanked me, then threatened me: Their threatening e-mail again: OK- I see that you have purchased a KMS105MT, and a TubePac from us. Thank you for your business. However, I do not respond well to threats Steve, and you have already left feedback for us on the Neumann purchase.  If you would like for us to reciprocate in a positive fashion, knock off the angry customer nonsense and let us know what we can do for you OK?? That message is what I believe to be what eBay is speaking about when they discuss extortion with feedback. I was told to not be upset and to – implied – not tell people about this or they would  leave negative feedback. eBay will decide. I just readon alt.guitar  that he has offered to post my e-mails to him. He can be my guest. Post them all and he’ll just be putting more nails in a coffin. IMO, and only from my own experiece, I would avoid any transaction with Musician’s Advocate. They are welcomed to have their "lawyers" contact me. I can pick of any of three [two on Park Ave. NYC] that will represent me for free as they pay theirs $200 an hour to lose. But they have no case. I am merely stating facts. They are posting lies about that transaction number. I have repeatedly told this individual that truth is a defense. He should learn to be truthful. The feedback related to that transaction was a blatant lie and they know it and I suspect Musician’s Advocate (HA!) will regret having left that feedback and it will be removed. There are 16 other stellar responses to my eBay activity because I am an honest person. But the person leaving the feeback on eBay for Musician’s Advocate is not from the feedback he left. Just from a business POV, this is incredibly foolish on their part. As someone who ran a  business, I think I see now why some of these discount places go out of business as quickly as they open; they don’t have any people skills. I now looked back and see a few complaints about Musician’s Advocate that sound similar to my experience. The negative feedbackMusician’s Advocate posts is a template of what  they left for me. What a shame that you hand people your hard-earned money and they try to screw you like this if you say a peep. Steve C P.S. This feedback just was posted from another eBay purchase I made 925105784 – so now it is 17 of 18 excellent responses. Praise: Payment within the hours. Excellent communication. AAA+++ I bought this Lexicon unit used on eBay and it works great. Musician’s Advocate didn’t have the courtesy of responding to my e-mail asking whether they were a Lexicon dealer.

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Question:

What does any of this have to do with Episcopalianism? Run on over to a political ng please.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – An Open Letter to George W. Bush from Michael Moore Dear George, When it’s all over in a couple months, and you’re packing up your pretzels and Spot and heading back to Texas, what will be your biggest regret? Not getting out more often and seeing the sights around Rock Creek Park? Never once visiting the newly-renovated IKEA in Woodbridge, Virginia? Or buying your way to the White House with money from a company that committed the biggest corporate swindle in American history? I got a feeling you didn’t miss much by not spending an entire Saturday afternoon assembling a Swedish bookcase — but you should have known that there was no way you would ever finish your term by hopping into bed with Kenneth Lay. It’s kind of sad when you think about it. Here you were — the most popular president ever! — the recipient of so much good will from your fellow Americans after September 11, and then you had to go and blow it. You just couldn’t stay away from your old cowpoke friend from Texas, Kenneth Lay.Kenny has always been there for you. You needed a way to fly around to all the primaries and campaign stops in the 2000 election; so Kenny gave you his corporate jet. Did you tell the voters when you arrived in each city that the bird you flew in on was from a billionaire who was secretly conspiring to give the bird to all his employees and investors? He flew you round America on the Enron company jet, and for that favor you touched down on tarmac after tarmac to tell your fellow citizens that you were "going to restore dignity to the White House, the people’s house." You said this standing in front of an Enron jet! Man, you loved Lay so much, you not only affectionately referred to him as "Kenny Boy," you interrupted an important campaign trip in April, 2000, to fly back to Houston for the Astro’s opening day at the new Enron Field — just so you could watch Kenny Boy Lay throw out the first pitch. How sentimental! I mean, you loved this man so intensely that, when you were awarded a set of keys the Supreme Court had made for you so you could live in the White House, you invited Kenny Boy to set up shop — at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue! He interviewed those who would hold high-level Energy Department positions in your administration.You not only let Kenny Boy decide who would head the regulatory agency that oversaw Enron, you let him hand-pick the new chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission — a former lawyer for his accountant, Arthur Andersen! Kenny and the boys at Andersen also worked to make sure that accounting firms would be exempt from numerous regulations and would not be held liable for any "funny bookkeeping" (don’t you wish you were this forward- thinking?). Then rest of Kenny Boy’s time was spent next door with his old buddy, Dick Cheney (Enron and Halliburton, as you’ll recall, got the big contracts from your dad to "rebuild" Kuwait after the Gulf War). Lay and Dick formed an "energy task force" (Operation Enduring Graft) which put together the county’s new "energy policy." This policy then went on to shut down every light bulb and juicer in the state of California. And guess who made out like bandits while "trading" the energy California was in desperate need of? Kenny Boy and Enron! No wonder Big Dick doesn’t want to turn over the files about those special meetings with Lay! The only thing that surprises me more than all the Enron henchmen who ended up in your cabinet and administration is how our lazy media just rolled over and didn’t report it. The list of Enron people on your payroll is impressive. Lawrence Lindsey, your chief economic advisor? A former advisor at Enron! Treasury Secretary Paul O’Neill? Former CEO of Alcoa, whose lobbying firm, Vinson and Elkins, was the #3 contributor to the your campaign! Who is Vinson and Elkins? The law firm representing Enron! Who is Alcoa? The top polluter in Texas.Timothy White, the Secretary of the Army? A former vice-chair of Enron Energy! Robert Zoellick, your Federal Trade Representative? A former advisor at Enron! Karl Rove, your main man at the White House? He owned a quarter- million dollars of Enron stock.Then there’s the Enron lawyer you have nominated to be a federal judge in Texas, the Enron lobbyist who is your chair of the Republican Party, the two Enron officials who now work for House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, and the wife of Texas Senator Phil Gramm who sits on Enron’s board. And there’s the aforementioned Mr. Pitt, the former Arthur Andersen attorney whose job it is now as SEC head to oversee the stock markets. George, it never stops! My fingers are getting tired typing all this up — and there’s lots more.Don’t get me wrong, George — I do not think you’re an evil man.You don’t need any crap from people like me — heck, you got mother-in-law problems! Now, I have a very good relationship with my mother-in-law, but then, I never told her to put $8,000 of her money into a company my administration knew was going belly-up. You say you didn’t know? Your bag man — Don Evans, the man who squeezed all that money for you from Enron as your campaign finance chairman (and is now collecting his reward as your Commerce Secretary) — has admitted that he got calls from Enron begging for help last year because they were going under. Didn’t he tell you this?Then Paul O’Neill, your Treasury Secretary, admitted that Enron and Kenny Boy called him, too, for some special favors to save Enron. Didn’t he mention this to you? They claim to have called your chief of staff, Andrew Card, and he said he didn’t bother to inform you. What does your mother-in-law think about these boys her daughter’s husband consorts with? I love watching the O’Neill and Evans show. What a couple of cut- ups! They’re, like, all proud of themselves for "not doing Enron any favors." Actually,  I think it’s more like they didn’t do your MOTHER- IN-LAW any favors. Enron got LOTS of favors. And why not? Kenny Boy has been your number one financial backer since you ran for governor. No other American or Saudi has given you more money than Kenny Boy and his gang at Enron.O’Neill, Evans, Cheney, Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham — ALL of them gave Lay and Enron special favors from day one. The New York Times last May was so concerned about how Kenny had the run of the place (1600 Pennsylvania Ave.), they referred to Lay as the "shadow advisor to the president." And what advice! Who was it that wanted you to deregulate the energy industry further? Kenny Boy! Who was it that convinced you to explore the sick idea of PRIVATIZING our water supply and then allow private corporations to "trade" it in the future? Kenny Boy! Who was it that wanted Social Security to be tied to the stock market? Yup, Kenny Boy! (Imagine, if you will, what would have happened to our precious Social Security funds had they been invested in Enron stocks as you, George, suggested be done during your campaign as yuppies everywhere clucked along in agreement over that genius idea.) O’Neill’s and Evans’s admission that they "did nothing" when Enron told them of the company’s shell game and impending collapse is reason enough for you and yours to hit the Beltway and never return to that sacred trust we call Our American Government. They are proud of "doing nothing?" By doing nothing, millions of Americans have been swindled. Tens of thousands have lost their jobs. Thousands more have lost their savings and their retirement.Yet your cabinet secretaries gloat over what a "good job" you and they did by "doing nothing." Let me ask you this: If someone was setting a house on fire, and they called you to help them set it on fire, and you said no you wouldn’t help them — BUT then you also DIDN’T call 911 and inform the police that someone was going to burn down a house, do you think you would have committed a crime? Of course you would have! You had prior knowledge and then you knowingly and purposefully HID this information from the authorities and the people living in the house! You only admitted that you knew a house was going to be torched when you were confronted by the police. Are you complicit? Yes! Are you an accessory? Yes! Who would even think of going around boasting, "Hey, look what a great guy I am — a friend of mine told me he was going to commit an act of arson, and then I decided NOT to tell ANYONE about it!! WHOO-HOO!!" Enron and Kenny Boy bought your silence and the silence of your cabinet members. You yourself didn’t have to actually raid the 401(k) accounts of those poor people in Houston (many of whom probably voted for you every time your name was on a ballot). All you had to do was remain silent, change the government regulations that let them get away with it, and install their hand- picked cronies to sit on the "oversight" boards which were supposed to be keeping an eye on them. While doing all this, you told the American people that these rich friends of yours were not getting any special breaks — when, in fact, Enron had already scammed their way out of paying NO taxes in four out of the last five years. Your economic "stimulus" bill that you got the House to pass after 9-11 had a section that would give Enron a gift of $250 million of our tax money.You were pushing this bill in November and December, long after your administration knew that Enron was raiding the vault and screwing its workers and investors. You and your Republican friends are quick to point out that Enron had their claws into the

… read more »

Response:

An Open Letter to George W. Bush from Michael Moore Dear George, When it’s all over in a couple months, and you’re packing up your pretzels and Spot and heading back to Texas, what will be your biggest regret? Not getting out more often and seeing the sights around Rock Creek Park? Never once visiting the newly-renovated IKEA in Woodbridge, Virginia? Or buying your way to the White House with money from a company that committed the biggest corporate swindle in American history? I got a feeling you didn’t miss much by not spending an entire Saturday afternoon assembling a Swedish bookcase — but you should have known that there was no way you would ever finish your term by hopping into bed with Kenneth Lay. It’s kind of sad when you think about it. Here you were — the most popular president ever! — the recipient of so much good will from your fellow Americans after September 11, and then you had to go and blow it. You just couldn’t stay away from your old cowpoke friend from Texas, Kenneth Lay.Kenny has always been there for you. You needed a way to fly around to all the primaries and campaign stops in the 2000 election; so Kenny gave you his corporate jet. Did you tell the voters when you arrived in each city that the bird you flew in on was from a billionaire who was secretly conspiring to give the bird to all his employees and investors? He flew you round America on the Enron company jet, and for that favor you touched down on tarmac after tarmac to tell your fellow citizens that you were "going to restore dignity to the White House, the people’s house." You said this standing in front of an Enron jet! Man, you loved Lay so much, you not only affectionately referred to him as "Kenny Boy," you interrupted an important campaign trip in April, 2000, to fly back to Houston for the Astro’s opening day at the new Enron Field — just so you could watch Kenny Boy Lay throw out the first pitch. How sentimental! I mean, you loved this man so intensely that, when you were awarded a set of keys the Supreme Court had made for you so you could live in the White House, you invited Kenny Boy to set up shop — at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue! He interviewed those who would hold high-level Energy Department positions in your administration.You not only let Kenny Boy decide who would head the regulatory agency that oversaw Enron, you let him hand-pick the new chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission — a former lawyer for his accountant, Arthur Andersen! Kenny and the boys at Andersen also worked to make sure that accounting firms would be exempt from numerous regulations and would not be held liable for any "funny bookkeeping" (don’t you wish you were this forward- thinking?). Then rest of Kenny Boy’s time was spent next door with his old buddy, Dick Cheney (Enron and Halliburton, as you’ll recall, got the big contracts from your dad to "rebuild" Kuwait after the Gulf War). Lay and Dick formed an "energy task force" (Operation Enduring Graft) which put together the county’s new "energy policy." This policy then went on to shut down every light bulb and juicer in the state of California. And guess who made out like bandits while "trading" the energy California was in desperate need of? Kenny Boy and Enron! No wonder Big Dick doesn’t want to turn over the files about those special meetings with Lay! The only thing that surprises me more than all the Enron henchmen who ended up in your cabinet and administration is how our lazy media just rolled over and didn’t report it. The list of Enron people on your payroll is impressive. Lawrence Lindsey, your chief economic advisor? A former advisor at Enron! Treasury Secretary Paul O’Neill? Former CEO of Alcoa, whose lobbying firm, Vinson and Elkins, was the #3 contributor to the your campaign! Who is Vinson and Elkins? The law firm representing Enron! Who is Alcoa? The top polluter in Texas.Timothy White, the Secretary of the Army? A former vice-chair of Enron Energy! Robert Zoellick, your Federal Trade Representative? A former advisor at Enron! Karl Rove, your main man at the White House? He owned a quarter- million dollars of Enron stock.Then there’s the Enron lawyer you have nominated to be a federal judge in Texas, the Enron lobbyist who is your chair of the Republican Party, the two Enron officials who now work for House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, and the wife of Texas Senator Phil Gramm who sits on Enron’s board. And there’s the aforementioned Mr. Pitt, the former Arthur Andersen attorney whose job it is now as SEC head to oversee the stock markets. George, it never stops! My fingers are getting tired typing all this up — and there’s lots more.Don’t get me wrong, George — I do not think you’re an evil man.You don’t need any crap from people like me — heck, you got mother-in-law problems! Now, I have a very good relationship with my mother-in-law, but then, I never told her to put $8,000 of her money into a company my administration knew was going belly-up. You say you didn’t know? Your bag man — Don Evans, the man who squeezed all that money for you from Enron as your campaign finance chairman (and is now collecting his reward as your Commerce Secretary) — has admitted that he got calls from Enron begging for help last year because they were going under. Didn’t he tell you this?Then Paul O’Neill, your Treasury Secretary, admitted that Enron and Kenny Boy called him, too, for some special favors to save Enron. Didn’t he mention this to you? They claim to have called your chief of staff, Andrew Card, and he said he didn’t bother to inform you. What does your mother-in-law think about these boys her daughter’s husband consorts with? I love watching the O’Neill and Evans show. What a couple of cut- ups! They’re, like, all proud of themselves for "not doing Enron any favors." Actually,  I think it’s more like they didn’t do your MOTHER- IN-LAW any favors. Enron got LOTS of favors. And why not? Kenny Boy has been your number one financial backer since you ran for governor. No other American or Saudi has given you more money than Kenny Boy and his gang at Enron.O’Neill, Evans, Cheney, Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham — ALL of them gave Lay and Enron special favors from day one. The New York Times last May was so concerned about how Kenny had the run of the place (1600 Pennsylvania Ave.), they referred to Lay as the "shadow advisor to the president." And what advice! Who was it that wanted you to deregulate the energy industry further? Kenny Boy! Who was it that convinced you to explore the sick idea of PRIVATIZING our water supply and then allow private corporations to "trade" it in the future? Kenny Boy! Who was it that wanted Social Security to be tied to the stock market? Yup, Kenny Boy! (Imagine, if you will, what would have happened to our precious Social Security funds had they been invested in Enron stocks as you, George, suggested be done during your campaign as yuppies everywhere clucked along in agreement over that genius idea.) O’Neill’s and Evans’s admission that they "did nothing" when Enron told them of the company’s shell game and impending collapse is reason enough for you and yours to hit the Beltway and never return to that sacred trust we call Our American Government. They are proud of "doing nothing?" By doing nothing, millions of Americans have been swindled. Tens of thousands have lost their jobs. Thousands more have lost their savings and their retirement.Yet your cabinet secretaries gloat over what a "good job" you and they did by "doing nothing." Let me ask you this: If someone was setting a house on fire, and they called you to help them set it on fire, and you said no you wouldn’t help them — BUT then you also DIDN’T call 911 and inform the police that someone was going to burn down a house, do you think you would have committed a crime? Of course you would have! You had prior knowledge and then you knowingly and purposefully HID this information from the authorities and the people living in the house! You only admitted that you knew a house was going to be torched when you were confronted by the police. Are you complicit? Yes! Are you an accessory? Yes! Who would even think of going around boasting, "Hey, look what a great guy I am — a friend of mine told me he was going to commit an act of arson, and then I decided NOT to tell ANYONE about it!! WHOO-HOO!!" Enron and Kenny Boy bought your silence and the silence of your cabinet members. You yourself didn’t have to actually raid the 401(k) accounts of those poor people in Houston (many of whom probably voted for you every time your name was on a ballot). All you had to do was remain silent, change the government regulations that let them get away with it, and install their hand- picked cronies to sit on the "oversight" boards which were supposed to be keeping an eye on them. While doing all this, you told the American people that these rich friends of yours were not getting any special breaks — when, in fact, Enron had already scammed their way out of paying NO taxes in four out of the last five years. Your economic "stimulus" bill that you got the House to pass after 9-11 had a section that would give Enron a gift of $250 million of our tax money.You were pushing this bill in November and December, long after your administration knew that Enron was raiding the vault and screwing its workers and investors. You and your Republican friends are quick to point out that Enron had their claws into the Democrats as well. Yes, they did, and thank you for making the case why we not only need an alternative to the current make-up of the Democratic Party, we need private money removed from our electoral process ASAP. But, George, let’s be real — the Democrats only got a pittance from Enron compared to the millions you and the Republicans received. Democrats just don’t have the killer instinct to do anything right, and they certainly don’t know much about making money the old- fashioned … read more »

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Question:

this week my body has started this new little thing.   I don’t know if its cuz I’m eating light dinners w/ not enoug fat or what.   But – about 9:30pm I’m getting the munches. UGH.   So far I’ve been behaving myself and maybe have something light to eat.   But – I don’t like this new little habit.

i’ve been getting up and going to bed really late for the past 2 weeks or so and often have a late night snack after dinner because i get plain hungry. i think the secret is how to choose that food particularly wisely (something light, and most of all, nothing high in carbs). nina 210/157/140

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Is it possible that you are not eating enough during the day?  Perhaps it’s a signal from your body to eat more.   Have you been exercising more than usual?   What has recently changed in your WOE that prompts the munchies? If it’s real hunger, not mouth hunger, you could have a little snack or eat a bit more at dinner, depending on your WOE. L 66lb loss maintained since May 1996

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – this week my body has started this new little thing.   I don’t know if its cuz I’m eating light dinners w/ not enoug fat or what.   But – about 9:30pm I’m getting the munches. UGH.   So far I’ve been behaving myself and maybe have something light to eat.   But – I don’t like this new little habit.

Response:

this week my body has started this new little thing.   I don’t know if its cuz I’m eating light dinners w/ not enoug fat or what.   But – about 9:30pm I’m getting the munches.   UGH.   So far I’ve been behaving myself and maybe have something light to eat.   But – I don’t like this new little habit.

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Actually – I haven’t been exercising as much.   The changes in wol recently are:   1.  the BF issue and making sure I cook enough food for him every day.   (which means I’m back to serious portion control on the dinenrs – instead of just a salad or shake).   and 2.   Serious work stress – which means by 9:30 at night – I’m finally beginning to wind down after an extremely stressful day – and not being able to find time for exercise. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is it possible that you are not eating enough during the day?  Perhaps it’s a signal from your body to eat more.   Have you been exercising more than usual?   What has recently changed in your WOE that prompts the munchies? If it’s real hunger, not mouth hunger, you could have a little snack or eat a bit more at dinner, depending on your WOE. L 66lb loss maintained since May 1996 this week my body has started this new little thing.   I don’t know if its cuz I’m eating light dinners w/ not enoug fat or what.   But – about 9:30pm I’m getting the munches. UGH.   So far I’ve been behaving myself and maybe have something light to eat.   But – I don’t like this new little habit.

Response:

this week my body has started this new little thing.   I don’t know if its cuz I’m eating light dinners w/ not enoug fat or what.   But – about 9:30pm I’m getting the munches.   UGH.   So far I’ve been behaving myself and maybe have something light to eat.   But – I don’t like this new little habit.

Oh man, could it be the change in the weather?  I’ve noticed the exact same thing… I sate it with a couple of pieces of toast or a small bowl of cereal. Grrr. Tirya 206/166/160 Minigoal – to stay at or below 170 till I move

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Actually – I haven’t been exercising as much.   The changes in wol recently are:   1.  the BF issue and making sure I cook enough food for him every day.   (which means I’m back to serious portion control on the dinenrs – instead of just a salad or shake).   and 2.   Serious work stress – which means by 9:30 at night – I’m finally beginning to wind down after an extremely stressful day – and not being able to find time for exercise.

I see what you mean by work stress.  Since I recently started working again for my former company, I have increased stress.  Not to mention also working for my husband in the afternoons.  There was a crisis the other day that I had to fix at night, and the new computer system is so effing slow.   I miss the old host.   Anyway, it still needs a lot fixing up, and I keep finding problems with it to fix.   In hindsight, they should have called me in the first place to set things straight when they moved the computer system to a NT server.   The consultant and the vendor didn’t do a good job with it. Anyway, may I suggest writing down a list of things you could try to relax at night, even if it’s for only a few minutes, if not already?  Say, listening to soothing music, journaling, venting to your BF or your friend, etc.   Anything you can think of for destressing. Oh, I just remembered something.  When you work extra hard, you could be hungrier than before because your brain uses more calories.  I find myself more hungry when I study a textbook or work harder.   According to fitday.com, studying (to me, which is the same as working) burns more calories than just sitting.   In this case, you could use a lite snack. Just a thought. L 66lb loss maintained since May 1996

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I see what you mean by work stress.  Since I recently started working again for my former company, I have increased stress.  Not to mention also working for my husband in the afternoons.  There was a crisis the other day that I had to fix at night, and the new computer system is so effing slow.   I miss the old host.   Anyway, it still needs a lot fixing up, and I keep finding problems with it to fix.   In hindsight, they should have called me in the first place to set things straight when they moved the computer system to a NT server.   The consultant and the vendor didn’t do a good job with it.

I work for a company w/ appr 300 emp, we have thousands of projects and thousands of clients.  Our old accounting system was an alpha server w/ Oracle…  company was bought out and the new company is designing a new system – in the interim they have forced us to "upgrade" to a temp package that is an ….  (get this) …  Access 95 interface ….  installing 9 new servers – as well as forcing an upgrade on all users to be at least a PII 300 or better.  (for the managers who only use email and run the occasional reports for their projects – they’ve been running fine w/ 166’s).   This *new* software has been crashing the 2 citrix servers as well as a couple of the process servers.   Its a nightmare! Oh – and to boot – their software was never tested – we "are" their beta testers. Today I had Fried cheesecake for lunch – before eating my normal lunch.   It was either that or a stiff drink – and I can’t go back to work then.   OK – vent over … Anyway, may I suggest writing down a list of things you could try to relax at night, even if it’s for only a few minutes, if not already?  Say, listening to soothing music, journaling, venting to your BF or your friend, etc.   Anything you can think of for destressing.

My de-stressing has been "weight training for dummies" …  reading the "non school" related books and stuff like that.   Just – relaxing from 10 to 11pm and then going to sleep.  It calms me down. Oh, I just remembered something.  When you work extra hard, you could be hungrier than before because your brain uses more calories.  I find myself more hungry when I study a textbook or work harder.   According to fitday.com, studying (to me, which is the same as working) burns more calories than just sitting.   In this case, you could use a lite snack. Just a thought.

I have been eating a light snack when I do get hungry.   I have finally broken myself (and my son) out of the dessert habit – Last night I had some chicken salad at 9:30pm to satisfy the hunger.

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Today I had Fried cheesecake for lunch – before eating my normal lunch. It was either that or a stiff drink – and I can’t go back to work then.   Jenn, fried cheesecake?  They make such a thing?  Where?  Maybe I don’t want to know :^)

Wow, my two favorite foods in one…fried cheese+cheesecake= yeah, right, I don’t want to know, either! — Lisa B. 243/144.5/145

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Today I had Fried cheesecake for lunch – before eating my normal lunch.   It was either that or a stiff drink – and I can’t go back to work then.   Jenn, fried cheesecake?  They make such a thing?  Where?  Maybe I don’t want to know :^) Good luck with the Access debacle – it sounds like a nightmare that will have to be over soon, one way or another.  Bet the manager’s are happy to get their new P III’s. Julieanne

Lonestar steak house….  4 bite sized pieces of fried cheesecake topped w/ strawberry and carmel sauce then whipped cream.    Hey – in the grand scheme of things – its not "that" bad.  

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Today I had Fried cheesecake for lunch – before eating my normal lunch. It was either that or a stiff drink – and I can’t go back to work then.   Jenn, fried cheesecake?  They make such a thing?  Where?  Maybe I don’t want to know :^) Wow, my two favorite foods in one…fried cheese+cheesecake= yeah, right, I don’t want to know, either!

oops – too late – already posted …  don’t read my response to Julieanne

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Question:

LOL…granted, the flick has been out for awhile; I know *I* usually take awhile to get to some movies though, and there’s nothing that ruins a movie more for me than knowing a twist, an ending, or a joke. Being a big comic fan, I was pumped to see ‘Mystery Men’…became even more so when my best bud described some of the funny scenes.  Became considerably less so when I realized he had described EVERY funny scene. *sigh*.

Sorta like the trailers gave away practically everything you needed to know about Independence Day. Carl — I promise to change my sig lines as often as I change my underwear. – CASalonen

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=8^0) What happened to the caveat *SPOILER*?! <hrmph

Good Lord.  I have become that which I detest. I planned on the warning, DQ–really!  I just forgot.  Sorry. …See it anyway.  Probably the most selfless, non-indulgent performance Banderas ever gave, at least as far as I’ve seen.  He shines. And any literati will appreciate the update of the classical legend, done with guts and respect.  Not exactly the big-screen kind of epic we’ve discussed before, but definitely worth it…the only thing I didn’t like was the fact that I wasn’t in it. –Wall –W.

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=8^0) What happened to the caveat *SPOILER*?! <hrmph Good Lord.  I have become that which I detest. I planned on the warning, DQ–really!  I just forgot.  Sorry.

Oh good grief! Does this mean we’ll have to ask about each and every movie we discuss on the board, on the off chance that someone who may want to have seen has not, even two years after its release? Hope no one reveals that Rhett leaves Scarlett…oops…<g Carl — I promise to change my sig lines as often as I change my underwear. – CASalonen

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – =8^0) What happened to the caveat *SPOILER*?! <hrmph Good Lord.  I have become that which I detest. I planned on the warning, DQ–really!  I just forgot.  Sorry. …See it anyway.  Probably the most selfless, non-indulgent performance Banderas ever gave, at least as far as I’ve seen.  He shines.

That’s OK Wall. It’s hard for me to *not* want to see Antonio Banderas. I rented "Never talk to Strangers" (Canadian version), …almost wore the damn tape out before I returned it. If you’ve never seen the Canadian version, …you’d never understand <g Melanie better clean up her act, cause if she doesn’t, I’ll be breathing down her back. Drama Queen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – And any literati will appreciate the update of the classical legend, done with guts and respect.  Not exactly the big-screen kind of epic we’ve discussed before, but definitely worth it…the only thing I didn’t like was the fact that I wasn’t in it. –Wall –W.

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 Melanie better clean up her act, cause if she doesn’t, I’ll be breathing down her back.

I’d pay to see that. Even more to videotape it. Carl — I promise to change my sig lines as often as I change my underwear. – CASalonen

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – =8^0) What happened to the caveat *SPOILER*?! <hrmph Good Lord.  I have become that which I detest. I planned on the warning, DQ–really!  I just forgot.  Sorry. Oh good grief! Does this mean we’ll have to ask about each and every movie we discuss on the board, on the off chance that someone who may want to have seen has not, even two years after its release?

LOL…granted, the flick has been out for awhile; I know *I* usually take awhile to get to some movies though, and there’s nothing that ruins a movie more for me than knowing a twist, an ending, or a joke. Being a big comic fan, I was pumped to see ‘Mystery Men’…became even more so when my best bud described some of the funny scenes.  Became considerably less so when I realized he had described EVERY funny scene. *sigh*. And believe it or not, somebody’s post here absolutely shot ‘Sixth Sense’ for me. –W.

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You should open up a bit, there, Carl…at least on "Straight Thursday", or alternate Wednesdays, or whatever it is.  It shows self- confidence.  And women love it. <g

Fair enough. When Kevin Costner asks his dad to play catch in Field of Dreams, we’re talking knee high boots around the Salonen household. For the record? I disliked the movie. That scene does touch me, tho. The very end of Defending Your Life, when Albert Brooks jumps onto Meryl Streep’s tram and starts banging on the door, screaming, "I won’t let you go, I won’t let you GO!", that’s a three-Kleenxer. I did like "DYL", because of it’s uplifting message, and because I’ve never met a Meryl Streep movie I didn’t like. When Spock dies at the end of Star Trek II, or when Kirk dies at the end of Generations…but more because it’s the loss of an old friend, a touchstone from childhood (similarly, I cried when Tom Seaver retired, and when I was invited to the ceremony where the Mets retired his number, I couldn’t get into the clubhouse for the tears.). When else…Old Yeller, I suppose. That’s always good for a cry. And I’m sure one of the spousal units would have other tales to tell. Carl — The only Bush I’ll support is the kind I can fuck. – CASalonen Before you buy.

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By the way, Wall? Tearing up during Gladiator…was that because the film was interminably bad, or do you just admire naked sweaty men? And if it’s the latter…I wanna partay with you, my man! Keep holding out (literally) for that Toaster Oven, my friend, it was niether.  I’m just not jaded enough yet to scoff at earnest, heartfelt simple emotion.  When he found his wife and kid dead, I bought it…and I become a quivering mass when he rejoins them.

That got to me too. More ammo for you:  I bawl like a schoolgirl when, at the climax of "13th Warrior", the dying Bulwyr looks at the advancing army and starts the viking funeral prayer: "Lo, there now do I see my father–" *shudder* That one gets me.

=8^0) What happened to the caveat *SPOILER*?! <hrmph This week’s ER flushed out my eyes a bit, too, when Mark told Liz about his condition. William Wallace screams "Freedom"?  An audible sob.  No lie. Surprisingly enough, when he sees his wife in the dream, catches his breath and immediately drops to his knees in supplication, that always has me pawing at fake dust in my eyes.

If you and I ever went to the movies together, we’d drown each other! The worst, though, the absolute WORST–in ‘Rocky II’, the broken-down Balboa has been at the comatose Adrian’s bedside for 3 days straight, she wakes up, and he offers to give up on his dreams if she wants him to.  She pulls him close and says, "You know what I want you to do–?" (pause) "…win.  WIN." (bells strike in the background, music swells) …and Wall begins sobbing uncontrollably.  LOUDLY.  Honestly, I try to prepare myself, I’ve seen the damn thing 67 times.  Doesn’t matter. When I try to hold it back it’s worse–a weird, loud "GUH-HUH" pops out that echoes off the walls.

<Giggle You should open up a bit, there, Carl…at least on "Straight Thursday", or alternate Wednesdays, or whatever it is.  It shows self- confidence.  And women love it. <g –Wall

That we do Wall. That we certainly do! Drama Queen

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By the way, Wall? Tearing up during Gladiator…was that because the film was interminably bad, As far as being interminably bad…*sigh*…there’s no accounting for taste.

Carl thinks everything is bad if it was made during the past 50 years.  BTW, he was irked at The Gladiator because they made a few costume mistakes…and he should know, he used to work for a real Gladiator "back in the day."   And that Russell Crowe is sure no Spencer Tracy! — Michelle "No stupid sig lines, no borrowed phrases."

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Tearing up during ‘Gladiator’, ‘Rocky’ or ‘Braveheart’ is acceptably manly. ‘The Little Drummer Boy’ is just plain embarrassing.

For me, it’s "I Yust Go Nuts at Christmas". By the way, Wall? Tearing up during Gladiator…was that because the film was interminably bad, or do you just admire naked sweaty men? And if it’s the latter…I wanna partay with you, my man! Carl <one more convert and I get that toaster oven — The only Bush I’ll support is the kind I can fuck. – CASalonen Before you buy.

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By the way, Wall? Tearing up during Gladiator…was that because the film was interminably bad, or do you just admire naked sweaty men? And if it’s the latter…I wanna partay with you, my man!

Keep holding out (literally) for that Toaster Oven, my friend, it was niether.  I’m just not jaded enough yet to scoff at earnest, heartfelt simple emotion.  When he found his wife and kid dead, I bought it…and I become a quivering mass when he rejoins them. As far as being interminably bad…*sigh*…there’s no accounting for taste. More ammo for you:  I bawl like a schoolgirl when, at the climax of "13th Warrior", the dying Bulwyr looks at the advancing army and starts the viking funeral prayer: "Lo, there now do I see my father–" *shudder* That one gets me. This week’s ER flushed out my eyes a bit, too, when Mark told Liz about his condition. William Wallace screams "Freedom"?  An audible sob.  No lie. Surprisingly enough, when he sees his wife in the dream, catches his breath and immediately drops to his knees in supplication, that always has me pawing at fake dust in my eyes. The worst, though, the absolute WORST–in ‘Rocky II’, the broken-down Balboa has been at the comatose Adrian’s bedside for 3 days straight, she wakes up, and he offers to give up on his dreams if she wants him to.  She pulls him close and says, "You know what I want you to do–?" (pause) "…win.  WIN." (bells strike in the background, music swells) …and Wall begins sobbing uncontrollably.  LOUDLY.  Honestly, I try to prepare myself, I’ve seen the damn thing 67 times.  Doesn’t matter. When I try to hold it back it’s worse–a weird, loud "GUH-HUH" pops out that echoes off the walls. You should open up a bit, there, Carl…at least on "Straight Thursday", or alternate Wednesdays, or whatever it is.  It shows self- confidence.  And women love it. <g –Wall Before you buy.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just tuned in the Three Tenors Christmas on PBS – and they are performing John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s MERRY CHRISTMAS/WAR OVER… Silly as it seems, I am in tears at the moment… KellyL GOOD! <g It makes me feel more normal. I was stuck in traffic the other day, and that stupid song "Christmas Shoes" came on the radio. Did I change the channel? No, …like an idiot I sat there and listened to it, and ended up crying my eyes out. Everytime that song comes on, I’m always in the car, …and I always end up at my destination with my mascara running down my face. Drama Queen Nobody’s immune.  Explain to me why I get misty whenever I hear "pa- rump-pum-pum-pum" every Christmas. Tearing up during ‘Gladiator’, ‘Rocky’ or ‘Braveheart’ is acceptably manly. ‘The Little Drummer Boy’ is just plain embarrassing. –W.

=8^0) Bwahahahaha! Ok, ya got me there. That *is* embarassing! lol Drama Queen

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I just tuned in the Three Tenors Christmas on PBS – and they are performing John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s MERRY CHRISTMAS/WAR OVER… Silly as it seems, I am in tears at the moment… KellyL AFTRA/SAG/Actor/Singer/Director/Stage Manager, Warrior Class/Fool — "but it’slife of children living in,you know,the dark dungeons of the Internet." -dubya 10/24/00migod…

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I just tuned in the Three Tenors Christmas on PBS – and they are performing John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s MERRY CHRISTMAS/WAR OVER… Silly as it seems, I am in tears at the moment… KellyL

GOOD! <g It makes me feel more normal. I was stuck in traffic the other day, and that stupid song "Christmas Shoes" came on the radio. Did I change the channel? No, …like an idiot I sat there and listened to it, and ended up crying my eyes out. Everytime that song comes on, I’m always in the car, …and I always end up at my destination with my mascara running down my face. Drama Queen

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Question:

Exactly !!!!!! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I would like to offer an explanation on this issue. Feel free to object. I believe that the GCWR is basically a value that provides a measure of a vehicles ability to move weight, acceptably. The GCWR is primarily a function of engine and rear end gear ratio. I don’t have a Ford brochure at my disposal, but using a GMC/Chevy brochure reveals the following information. In all GM truck brochures that I have seen since 1994, they provide a GCWR table. The only variables in this table are engine choice and rear end gear ratio. Picking an engine and gear ratio specifies a particular GCWR value. I also believe that the GVWR is basically a value that provides a measure of a vehicles chassis capability to hold weight (basic vehicle plus cargo). The GVWR will be largely determined by such things as axles, springs, wheels, tires and I suppose chassis construction. Therefore, I don’t see any conflict between the specifications for the Ford F250 and F350 GCWR and GVWR specifications. In other words the trailer towing capability is determined not by either weight rating individually, but by both weight ratings. It seems very reasonable to me that the F350 can carry a heavier hitch weight due to it’s larger GVWR. The fact that both(F250 and F350) have the same GCWR is sort of irrelevant. Possible trailering of large fifth wheels with heavy pin weights may well be within the GCWR of either the F250 or F350, but may easily be eliminated by the lower GVWR of the F250. Bob Commonsense tells me the F350 should handle a bigger rig yet, it’s rated the same as the F250.  Can anyone explain why the GCWR is the same for both vehicles? Mark

Response:

It is possible that I will buy a trailer in the future that will put my truck over its GVW.  If that happens, I intend to add air springs and get the truck re certified to a higher GVW.

So you are saying that your truck’s springs are the limiting factor in its GVWR – take a look at some specs on different classes of trucks; you’ll find that the GVWR is based on a huge number of variables, such as wheels, tires, springs, chassis, axles, drive shafts, U joints, brakes, cooling system. engine, warranty records, marketing concerns, and legal restrictions.  Simply adding air bags to anF150 does not turn it into an F250. Whe you buy your new trailer, either match it to your current truck or replace your truck. — Alan Hepburn  (Email: Alan at Hepburn dot com) "…But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security."

Response:

You TOTALLY missed the point, Will !!!

You may be right. I sometimes do miss the point.  BTW more than two exclamation points assisted by caps is considered shrieking. <hype snipped  the frame, brakes, axles, front suspension, engine, transmission, tires, rims, differential, driveshaft etc ARE ALL THE SAME.  THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS THE SPRINGS !!!!  

I am no Ford expert, and I feel sure we will hear from some folks that are.  But if you are saying what you APPEAR to be saying, why do I get the impression that the difference in price oughta be about $50? Is this REALLY true?   Will KD3XR

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See my comments below. You TOTALLY missed the point, Will !!! You may be right. I sometimes do miss the point.  BTW more than two exclamation points assisted by caps is considered shrieking.

Oh !  My net edicate is not always everything it should be ! <hype snipped  the frame, brakes, axles, front suspension, engine, transmission, tires, rims, differential, driveshaft etc ARE ALL THE SAME.  THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS THE SPRINGS !!!!   I am no Ford expert, and I feel sure we will hear from some folks that are.  But if you are saying what you APPEAR to be saying, why do I get the impression that the difference in price oughta be about $50? Is this REALLY true?  

I don’t recall what the price difference is, but I know that it is not much.  I think Ford has some liability issues that get charged in for a higher GVW truck.   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Will KD3XR

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I said it once and I will say it again … EVERYTHING is the same between an F250 and an F350 EXCEPT the springs.  I hate the F350 springs because they make the truck so stiff that it rides terrible.  Let me repeat: the frame, brakes, axles, front suspension, engine, transmission, tires, rims, differential, driveshaft etc ARE ALL THE SAME.  THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS THE SPRINGS !  The two trucks even have the same Gross Combination Weight Rating. (GVWR.) An F250 with air helpers rides MUCH better empty. BTW: I wish Ford sold these trucks with air suspension and I don’t understand why they don’t.  The high/ rougher ride is one of the biggest trade offs of these trucks over a "regular" half ton. (Although the ride in an F250 is pretty good …) Kim     – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It is possible that I will buy a trailer in the future that will put my truck over its GVW.  If that happens, I intend to add air springs and get the truck re certified to a higher GVW. So you are saying that your truck’s springs are the limiting factor in its GVWR – take a look at some specs on different classes of trucks; you’ll find that the GVWR is based on a huge number of variables, such as wheels, tires, springs, chassis, axles, drive shafts, U joints, brakes, cooling system. engine, warranty records, marketing concerns, and legal restrictions.  Simply adding air bags to anF150 does not turn it into an F250. Whe you buy your new trailer, either match it to your current truck or replace your truck. — Alan Hepburn  (Email: Alan at Hepburn dot com) "…But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security."

Response:

According to the Kelly Blue Book web site: F250 XLT 2WD  is $17,993 (invoice) and $20,445 (list) F350 XLT 2WD  is $18,848 (invoice) and $21,450 (list) Pretty expensive just for springs.  I think there is a bigger difference between the two than just springs. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You TOTALLY missed the point, Will !!! You may be right. I sometimes do miss the point.  BTW more than two exclamation points assisted by caps is considered shrieking. <hype snipped  the frame, brakes, axles, front suspension, engine, transmission, tires, rims, differential, driveshaft etc ARE ALL THE SAME.  THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS THE SPRINGS !!!! I am no Ford expert, and I feel sure we will hear from some folks that are.  But if you are saying what you APPEAR to be saying, why do I get the impression that the difference in price oughta be about $50? Is this REALLY true? Will KD3XR

Response:

Bob, Thanks for the explanation.  It makes sense to me.  I’ve been lurking in this NG for a while and the one reoccurring theme is, do not exceed the capability of the tow vehicle.  I’m interested in buying a 5th wheel so I want to ensure I buy the appropriate truck.  The problem is you start talking about a 30 footer and the weight adds up quick.  Keeping the weight under the 75% of GCWR and Max. loaded trailer weight guideline gets difficult.

One solution:  1999 Ford F450 – maximum loaded trailer weight as high as 18,800 pounds! — Alan Hepburn  (Email: Alan at Hepburn dot com) "…But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security."

Response:

"I don’t recall what the price difference is, but I know that it is not much.  I think Ford has some liability issues that get charged in for a higher GVW truck." The difference is about $800. Another difference is that here in Minnesota a F250 is licensed as a car, or for my F250 that amounted to $341.00 per year. A F350 is licensed as a "truck" which costs $10 per month ($120 annually). And yes, the according to the dealer (Boyer Ford Truck), where I purchased mine yesterday, the difference between the 250 and the 350 is springs and "certification" of components (mainly axles). Pat Caulfield New owner of a V10, crew cab, short box, 4×4.

Response:

Alan, I saw in another thread you just bought an F450.  Good luck with it.  Unfortunately whatever I buy has to double as a daily driver.  I’d prefer to buy the F250 for that reason. Mark – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Bob, Thanks for the explanation.  It makes sense to me.  I’ve been lurking in this NG for a while and the one reoccurring theme is, do not exceed the capability of the tow vehicle.  I’m interested in buying a 5th wheel so I want to ensure I buy the appropriate truck.  The problem is you start talking about a 30 footer and the weight adds up quick.  Keeping the weight under the 75% of GCWR and Max. loaded trailer weight guideline gets difficult. One solution:  1999 Ford F450 – maximum loaded trailer weight as high as 18,800 pounds! — Alan Hepburn  (Email: Alan at Hepburn dot com) "…But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security."

Response:

I said it once and I will say it again … EVERYTHING is the same between an F250 and an F350 EXCEPT the springs.  I hate the F350 springs because they make the truck so stiff that it rides terrible.  Let me repeat: the frame, brakes, axles, front suspension, engine, transmission, tires, rims, differential, driveshaft etc ARE ALL THE SAME.  THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS THE SPRINGS !  

You may, if you wish, write this daily for a month or more. Unlike many people, I am not one to start believing something just because it is shouted repeatedly.   If you’re right, fine. But simply repeating yourself makes no points. I was sorta hoping to hear from a credible source that Ford is guilty of selling an F-350 that actually is merely an F-250 with stiff springs. Hey, maybe it’s true – but I am not yet convinced. Will KD3XR

Response:

Norm: The way certification was explained to me is that the axle manufacturer would now certify the axle to a higher rating for warrently, liability, etc.reasons. Pat Caulfield – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This is consistant with the Ford truck brochure, page 41. Suspension – Front Suspension – Rear The Front GAWR on the 250 is indeed 4850 lbs – but the Rear GAWR is only 4970 lbs. Unless there is a different part number for the axles, etc, I don’t know what exactly the "certification" means (not being sarcastic – I really don’t know). It still seems like a "marketing"  exercise to me. Norm <snip And yes, the according to the dealer (Boyer Ford Truck), where I purchased mine yesterday, the difference between the 250 and the 350 is springs and "certification" of components (mainly axles). Pat Caulfield New owner of a V10, crew cab, short box, 4×4.

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Thanks for the verification ! Kim – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – "I don’t recall what the price difference is, but I know that it is not much.  I think Ford has some liability issues that get charged in for a higher GVW truck." The difference is about $800. Another difference is that here in Minnesota a F250 is licensed as a car, or for my F250 that amounted to $341.00 per year. A F350 is licensed as a "truck" which costs $10 per month ($120 annually). And yes, the according to the dealer (Boyer Ford Truck), where I purchased mine yesterday, the difference between the 250 and the 350 is springs and "certification" of components (mainly axles). Pat Caulfield New owner of a V10, crew cab, short box, 4×4.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You TOTALLY missed the point, Will !!! EVERYTHING is the same between an F250 and an F350 EXCEPT the springs.  I hate the F350 springs because they make the truck so stiff that it rides terrible.  Let me repeat: the frame, brakes, axles, front suspension, engine, transmission, tires, rims, differential, driveshaft etc ARE ALL THE SAME.  THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS THE SPRINGS !!!!  The two trucks even have the same Gross Combination Weight Rating. (GVWR.) An F250 with air helpers rides MUCH better empty. BTW: I wish Ford sold these trucks with air suspension and I don’t understand why they don’t.  The high/ rougher ride is one of the biggest trade offs of these trucks over a "regular" half ton. (Although the ride in an F250 is pretty good …)

It’s been my experience that high GVWR and soft suspension are mutually exclusive… — Alan Hepburn  (Email: Alan at Hepburn dot com) "…But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security."

Response:

Alan, I saw in another thread you just bought an F450.  Good luck with it.  Unfortunately whatever I buy has to double as a daily driver.  I’d prefer to buy the F250 for that reason.

Thanks, Mark … my F450 will be a daily driver, but then I’ve not owned a car in over 20 years so I’m not concerned about a truck that drives like a truck! Hey I spent 2 years driving "deuce-and-a-halfs" in the Army – ANYTHING feels soft after that! — Alan Hepburn  (Email: Alan at Hepburn dot com) "…But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security."

– Alan Hepburn  (Email: Alan at Hepburn dot com) "…But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security."

Response:

You TOTALLY missed the point, Will !!! EVERYTHING is the same between an F250 and an F350 EXCEPT the springs.  I hate the F350 springs because they make the truck so stiff that it rides terrible.  Let me repeat: the frame, brakes, axles, front suspension, engine, transmission, tires, rims, differential, driveshaft etc ARE ALL THE SAME.  THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS THE SPRINGS !!!!  The two trucks even have the same Gross Combination Weight Rating. (GVWR.)

Where did you get this information? Mark       ‘30 Ford Model ‘A’                            ’98 Ford Taurus               ‘59 Edsel Corsair                       ‘99 Mercury Cougar               ‘94 Ford Club Wagon w/7.3L Hypermax Turbo Diesel               ‘98 SunnyBrook 33FKDS Travel Trailer

Response:

I think that my local highway department will do this…  I KNOW that they will do it for a heavy truck … Kim – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It is possible that I will buy a trailer in the future that will put my truck over its GVW.  If that happens, I intend to add air springs and get the truck re certified to a higher GVW. Just curious,  who do you think will "re-certify" a truck with aftermarket add ons. Second question,  what will the value of that "re-certification" be? Erich inquiring minds want to know

Response:

The problem with the F350 are springs that are plain old too stiff !!! The F250/F350 trucks already have a "velvet shackle" type connector on the front of the rear leaf springs. Don’t get me wrong here, Ford has done a fairly good job of the design, but there are certain limitations when one wants to build a truck that will haul 3700 lbs in the bed: empty ride suffers.  The best way around this limitation is to equip the truck with air springs because the spring rate changes with changes in air pressure.  Thus, when the truck is empty, decrease the air pressure for a GREAT ride and when the truck is loaded, increase the pressure to handle the load. Kim   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Though I haven’t tried them I’ve read that "Velvet Shackles" can smooth out the ride. Dig around in the web site below and you can find out some info on them. There are apparently more differences between the F250 and F350 than easily meet the eye.  Check out and search the following BBS run by Jason Lester: The Ford Diesel Web site Gordon Santa Rosa, CA Hi people. I have a 1999 4×2 F250 crew cab with the Power Stroke Diesel and the 6 speed.  The truck weighs about 6200 lbs empty, without fuel.  The truck does NOT have the trailer towing package. These trucks are quite stiffly sprung.  With our 32′ 5th wheel attached and everything loaded in, the truck is near its GVW and handles quite nicely at that weight.  I do not think it is necessary to add a big allowance to your expected weight when specing one of these trucks as they, unlike some other trucks on the market, are built to be operated safely at their maximum GVW. I too was trying to decide whether or not to buy an F350.  The ONLY difference between an F250 and an F350 from what I can tell, are the springs.  As far as I can tell the frame, brakes, axles, steering, etc is identical. It is possible that I will buy a trailer in the future that will put my truck over its GVW.  If that happens, I intend to add air springs and get the truck re certified to a higher GVW. An F350 rides quite a bit rougher due to stiffer springs, a penalty that I did not want for using the truck as my daily driver. Just my $0.02 Kim According to the ford truck brochure (page 41) the Ford SD 250 and 350 (SRW) 2×4 specify the same ratings for axle (front and rear), springs, brakes, wheels, etc. Why then is the 250 rated at 8800GVWR and the 350 at 9900GVWR? I am beginning to think this is so specified for marketing reasons – who would pay more for a 350 if a 250 will do? I agree with Will that for a safe and comfortable towing experience, de-rating the max specs is a sensible exercise – however I am finding that with acceptable (de-rated) tongue weight loads, the corresponding trailer weight loads amounts to reduction of 40 to 50% of max. Any comments or data appreciated….. Norm ‘99 SD PSD LB CC AT TT ABS

Response:

You TOTALLY missed the point, Will !!! EVERYTHING is the same between an F250 and an F350 EXCEPT the springs.  I hate the F350 springs because they make the truck so stiff that it rides terrible.  Let me repeat: the frame, brakes, axles, front suspension, engine, transmission, tires, rims, differential, driveshaft etc ARE ALL THE SAME.  THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS THE SPRINGS !!!!  The two trucks even have the same Gross Combination Weight Rating. (GVWR.) An F250 with air helpers rides MUCH better empty. BTW: I wish Ford sold these trucks with air suspension and I don’t understand why they don’t.  The high/ rougher ride is one of the biggest trade offs of these trucks over a "regular" half ton. (Although the ride in an F250 is pretty good …) Kim     – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It is possible that I will buy a trailer in the future that will put my truck over its GVW.  If that happens, I intend to add air springs and get the truck re certified to a higher GVW. If air springs would qualify your truck for "recertification", you kin bet yer bippy Ford would be happy to sell you one that way.  But they don’t. If you find some guy who claims he can "recertify" on that basis, you will probably have to wait in line, because he will be too busy selling inspection stickers for owner installation. If you get my drift.  (In my state you are supposed to AT LEAST take the windshield in for inspection!)* Understand this: while ratings are somewhat political, in that they reflect some mysterious agreements between engineering, accounting and marketing interests within the maker’s organization, they are NOT simply based on what the truck will hold up.  Hey, you can get a li’l ole rice-burner truck to hold up a 40′ fiver if you put blocks of wood between the frame & axle! The ratings consider MANY factors beyond mere arbitrary political questions.  They consider brakes, engine, tires, transmissions, cooling systems, etc ad nauseum. My dad used to say you cannot make a silk purse outa a sow’s ear.  My version: you can’t increase the real capacity of a truck with helper springs. *For the humor impaired, the reference is to black market vehicle safety inspections, conducted in the dark of night by scofflaws. Will KD3XR

Response:

According to the ford truck brochure (page 41) the Ford SD 250 and 350 (SRW) 2×4 specify the same ratings for axle (front and rear), springs, brakes, wheels, etc. Why then is the 250 rated at 8800GVWR and the 350 at 9900GVWR? I am beginning to think this is so specified for marketing reasons – who would pay more for a 350 if a 250 will do? I agree with Will that for a safe and comfortable towing experience, de-rating the max specs is a sensible exercise – however I am finding that with acceptable (de-rated) tongue weight loads, the corresponding trailer weight loads amounts to reduction of 40 to 50% of max. Any comments or data appreciated….. Norm ‘99 SD PSD LB CC AT TT ABS

Response:

Hi people. I have a 1999 4×2 F250 crew cab with the Power Stroke Diesel and the 6 speed.  The truck weighs about 6200 lbs empty, without fuel.  The truck does NOT have the trailer towing package.   These trucks are quite stiffly sprung.  With our 32′ 5th wheel attached and everything loaded in, the truck is near its GVW and handles quite nicely at that weight.  I do not think it is necessary to add a big allowance to your expected weight when specing one of these trucks as they, unlike some other trucks on the market, are built to be operated safely at their maximum GVW. I too was trying to decide whether or not to buy an F350.  The ONLY difference between an F250 and an F350 from what I can tell, are the springs.  As far as I can tell the frame, brakes, axles, steering, etc is identical.   It is possible that I will buy a trailer in the future that will put my truck over its GVW.  If that happens, I intend to add air springs and get the truck re certified to a higher GVW. An F350 rides quite a bit rougher due to stiffer springs, a penalty that I did not want for using the truck as my daily driver. Just my $0.02 Kim       – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – According to the ford truck brochure (page 41) the Ford SD 250 and 350 (SRW) 2×4 specify the same ratings for axle (front and rear), springs, brakes, wheels, etc. Why then is the 250 rated at 8800GVWR and the 350 at 9900GVWR? I am beginning to think this is so specified for marketing reasons – who would pay more for a 350 if a 250 will do? I agree with Will that for a safe and comfortable towing experience, de-rating the max specs is a sensible exercise – however I am finding that with acceptable (de-rated) tongue weight loads, the corresponding trailer weight loads amounts to reduction of 40 to 50% of max. Any comments or data appreciated….. Norm ‘99 SD PSD LB CC AT TT ABS

Response:

Good questions.  I am also considering buying a F250 SD or F350 SD.  The GVWR for the 250 SD PSD SRW is 8,800lbs. and the 350 SD PSD DRW is 11,200lbs. but, the GCWR is the same for both at 20,000lbs.  Commonsense tells me the F350 should handle a bigger rig yet, it’s rated the same as the F250.  Can anyone explain why the GCWR is the same for both vehicles? Mark – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – According to the ford truck brochure (page 41) the Ford SD 250 and 350 (SRW) 2×4 specify the same ratings for axle (front and rear), springs, brakes, wheels, etc. Why then is the 250 rated at 8800GVWR and the 350 at 9900GVWR? I am beginning to think this is so specified for marketing reasons – who would pay more for a 350 if a 250 will do? I agree with Will that for a safe and comfortable towing experience, de-rating the max specs is a sensible exercise – however I am finding that with acceptable (de-rated) tongue weight loads, the corresponding trailer weight loads amounts to reduction of 40 to 50% of max. Any comments or data appreciated….. Norm ‘99 SD PSD LB CC AT TT ABS

Response:

It is possible that I will buy a trailer in the future that will put my truck over its GVW.  If that happens, I intend to add air springs and get the truck re certified to a higher GVW.

Just curious,  who do you think will "re-certify" a truck with aftermarket add ons. Second question,  what will the value of that "re-certification" be? Erich inquiring minds want to know

Response:

I would like to offer an explanation on this issue. Feel free to object. I believe that the GCWR is basically a value that provides a measure of a vehicles ability to move weight, acceptably. The GCWR is primarily a function of engine and rear end gear ratio. I don’t have a Ford brochure at my disposal, but using a GMC/Chevy brochure reveals the following information. In all GM truck brochures that I have seen since 1994, they provide a GCWR table. The only variables in this table are engine choice and rear end gear ratio. Picking an engine and gear ratio specifies a particular GCWR value. I also believe that the GVWR is basically a value that provides a measure of a vehicles chassis capability to hold weight (basic vehicle plus cargo). The GVWR will be largely determined by such things as axles, springs, wheels, tires and I suppose chassis construction. Therefore, I don’t see any conflict between the specifications for the Ford F250 and F350 GCWR and GVWR specifications. In other words the trailer towing capability is determined not by either weight rating individually, but by both weight ratings. It seems very reasonable to me that the F350 can carry a heavier hitch weight due to it’s larger GVWR. The fact that both(F250 and F350) have the same GCWR is sort of irrelevant. Possible trailering of large fifth wheels with heavy pin weights may well be within the GCWR of either the F250 or F350, but may easily be eliminated by the lower GVWR of the F250. Bob

Commonsense – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -tells me the F350 should handle a bigger rig yet, it’s rated the same as the F250.  Can anyone explain why the GCWR is the same for both vehicles? Mark

Response:

It is possible that I will buy a trailer in the future that will put my truck over its GVW.  If that happens, I intend to add air springs and get the truck re certified to a higher GVW.

If air springs would qualify your truck for "recertification", you kin bet yer bippy Ford would be happy to sell you one that way.  But they don’t. If you find some guy who claims he can "recertify" on that basis, you will probably have to wait in line, because he will be too busy selling inspection stickers for owner installation. If you get my drift.  (In my state you are supposed to AT LEAST take the windshield in for inspection!)* Understand this: while ratings are somewhat political, in that they reflect some mysterious agreements between engineering, accounting and marketing interests within the maker’s organization, they are NOT simply based on what the truck will hold up.  Hey, you can get a li’l ole rice-burner truck to hold up a 40′ fiver if you put blocks of wood between the frame & axle! The ratings consider MANY factors beyond mere arbitrary political questions.  They consider brakes, engine, tires, transmissions, cooling systems, etc ad nauseum. My dad used to say you cannot make a silk purse outa a sow’s ear.  My version: you can’t increase the real capacity of a truck with helper springs. *For the humor impaired, the reference is to black market vehicle safety inspections, conducted in the dark of night by scofflaws. Will KD3XR

Response:

Bob, Thanks for the explanation.  It makes sense to me.  I’ve been lurking in this NG for a while and the one reoccurring theme is, do not exceed the capability of the tow vehicle.  I’m interested in buying a 5th wheel so I want to ensure I buy the appropriate truck.  The problem is you start talking about a 30 footer and the weight adds up quick.  Keeping the weight under the 75% of GCWR and Max. loaded trailer weight guideline gets difficult. Mark – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I would like to offer an explanation on this issue. Feel free to object. I believe that the GCWR is basically a value that provides a measure of a vehicles ability to move weight, acceptably. The GCWR is primarily a function of engine and rear end gear ratio. I don’t have a Ford brochure at my disposal, but using a GMC/Chevy brochure reveals the following information. In all GM truck brochures that I have seen since 1994, they provide a GCWR table. The only variables in this table are engine choice and rear end gear ratio. Picking an engine and gear ratio specifies a particular GCWR value. I also believe that the GVWR is basically a value that provides a measure of a vehicles chassis capability to hold weight (basic vehicle plus cargo). The GVWR will be largely determined by such things as axles, springs, wheels, tires and I suppose chassis construction. Therefore, I don’t see any conflict between the specifications for the Ford F250 and F350 GCWR and GVWR specifications. In other words the trailer towing capability is determined not by either weight rating individually, but by both weight ratings. It seems very reasonable to me that the F350 can carry a heavier hitch weight due to it’s larger GVWR. The fact that both(F250 and F350) have the same GCWR is sort of irrelevant. Possible trailering of large fifth wheels with heavy pin weights may well be within the GCWR of either the F250 or F350, but may easily be eliminated by the lower GVWR of the F250. Bob Commonsense tells me the F350 should handle a bigger rig yet, it’s rated the same as the F250.  Can anyone explain why the GCWR is the same for both vehicles? Mark

Response:

Question:

One reason a man would want to minimize his payments is because no accounting of how the money is spent is required. A lot of child support goes to buy houses in which the child has no ownership interest  and new cars for Mommy and her new hubby.If you pay the minimum support you can then spend the money directly on the kids. Trickle down child support is very inefficient. For information about how to minimize support legally check out http//www.fathers-rights.com     Mothers..If you want more support try giving more visitation and involvement, it will pay dividends.

Response:

Someone wrote. . . Write for free information on how to receive legal methods that non-custodial parents are avoiding paying child support payments.

. . .now let me see. . . write for FREE information about how to get information (NOT FREE) on cheating your own kids. Did I get it right?    / __  / /_  ___ _      __ ____ _  ___  ____   / /  / / / __ / _ | /| / // __ ` / / __ /  __  / / /_/ / / /_/ /  __/ |/ |/ //  /_// / / /   /  / /  /

Response:

Write for free information on how to receive legal methods that non-custodial parents are avoiding paying child support payments. And why, pray tell, Calvin, would a self-respecting parent wish to avail themselves of "legal" techniques to avoid their responsiblity to their children?

test results I have been waiting for my results for 4 months  or you get some incompetent asshole who can’t do his or her own job. I know I am getting it up the ass and get this. my name ain’t even on the birth certifacte how’s this for an answer????

Response:

Write for free information on how to receive legal methods that non-custodial parents are avoiding paying child support payments. This is a "must-read" report that can save you time and money.

Maybe the non-custodial parents should have read the directions on the condom package before they created their kids. That would have saved time and money too. peace. . .adrienne — adrienne fetrow                           "The groove is crucial."

Response:

Write for free information on how to receive legal methods that non-custodial parents are avoiding paying child support payments.

And why, pray tell, Calvin, would a self-respecting parent wish to avail themselves of "legal" techniques to avoid their responsiblity to their children?

Response:

Write for free information on how to receive legal methods that non-custodial parents are avoiding paying child support payments.    "Deadbeat-Dads-R-Us"?

Or deadbeat moms. Why bicker over gender? Mom or dad, you don’t pony up to your responsibility you suck swamp gas through a straw. — Nathan Engle               Shop Steward               Electron Juggler’s Guild, Local #1 "Some Assembly Required"

Byte me. GARRYOWEN!

Response:

Write for free information on how to receive legal methods that non-custodial parents are avoiding paying child support payments. And why, pray tell, Calvin, would a self-respecting parent wish to avail themselves of "legal" techniques to avoid their responsiblity to their children?

Because some people are assholes, my freind. Byte me. GARRYOWEN!

Response:

Go 7th!  Watch out for indians!!

Response:

Keywords: Write for free information on how to receive legal methods that non-custodial parents are avoiding paying child support payments. This is a "must-read" report that can save you time and money.

Response:

Write for free information on how to receive legal methods that non-custodial parents are avoiding paying child support payments.

    "Deadbeat-Dads-R-Us"? — Nathan Engle               Shop Steward               Electron Juggler’s Guild, Local #1 "Some Assembly Required"

Response:

I agree totally, When some dad, can not pay his spouse, money to help her raise the children, What a F**king lame ass SOB. I will try to refrain from cussing, but that kind of shit pisses me off! These men think that by paying there wives this money, the wife is gonna run around town whoring around, and taking luxury cruise lines.. when in all honestly, most do not have the time for it, I know my fiancee did not have the time and sometimes still does not have the time to do all those things with me, which is fine. Like her ex refuses to pay child support sometimes, figuring that the money is going to me or something ( can someone say LOSER). Not to mention he haggled his way to lower his child support, and now he is trying to haggle even more of his child support payments!! God o mighty, there is only so much one women can do with kids, and these dead beat dads don’t pay a dime to them to help them raise not "her" kids, but "there" kids, because that is what they are, they are him and her’s kids, not just one parent, just because you get a divorce does not mean that you can wipe your hands clean of your children or of there finaces that it cost to raise them. I mean the mom gets to buy all there school stuff and cloths, while the dad gets away blind by not helping to pay for none of that, and instead runs up the country side to go camping with his new Whore of a girlfriend, and even though he takes the kids, he does not give them spending money, so the ex wife has to dig into her money and give it to them, those kind of dads i want to take a Towel with a 8-ball in it and whack them upside there heads and knock some sense into them and maybe Say to them " If you can not take care of your children , then don’t do anything at all with them, because you sure as shit did not earn to talk to them" and walk away. If anyone on this board is someone who does not want to pay child support to help raise there kids, I pity you, because it will all reflect on you later, when your children find out about it, or they may know already, and later on, when they can better understand what you are or were doing, you will understand why they will not want to help you or talk to you. because you need to remember, ( jokingly) that those kids will be picking your nursing home when you get older, I wonder what they do to you, or what kinda home they will place you in. Nick

Response:

Question:

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Response:

Please send me information on your program. S. Johnson 2782 Ridgeview Road Memphis, Tennessee  38127 901/357-7090

Response:

Question:

   Xref: CSD-NewsHost.Stanford.EDU rec.backcountry:29644 talk.environment:10787    Newsgroups: rec.backcountry,talk.environment    Path: CSD-NewsHost.Stanford.EDU!stanford.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!usc!rpi !utcsri!geac!torag!zooid!r-node!ndallen    Organization: Echo Beach    Lines: 24    Here is a press release from the Sierra Club.     Sierra Club Names New Chief Operating Officer     To: National Desk     Contact: Teresa Schilling of the Sierra Club, 415-923-5526        SAN FRANCISCO, March 2 — Deborah Sorondo of    Mill Valley, Calif., recently began her duties as the chief    operating officer of the Sierra Club.       Sorondo joins the Sierra Club after an extensive career in the    international and domestic divisions of American Express.  She has a    bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of California    at Berkeley in 1974 and received a Master’s degree in business    administration from the University of Chicago in 1977.       Sorondo is a member of the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified    Public Accountants and is actively involved in pro bono work with the    Development Council of St. Elizabeth’s High School in Oakland.       The Sierra Club is one of the nation’s largest environmental    organizations, with 600,000 members.  Founded by John Muir in 1892,    it is devoted to protecting, preserving and enjoying the earth’s    natural areas.     -30-    – The new appointment suggests that the Sierra Club is substantially devoted to raising money and need an accountant to add it up.  I wonder if she gets paid more than she got at American Express. — John McCarthy, Computer Science Department, Stanford, CA 94305 * He who refuses to do arithmetic is doomed to talk nonsense.

Response:

Here is a press release from the Sierra Club.  Sierra Club Names New Chief Operating Officer  To: National Desk  Contact: Teresa Schilling of the Sierra Club, 415-923-5526     SAN FRANCISCO, March 2 — Deborah Sorondo of Mill Valley, Calif., recently began her duties as the chief operating officer of the Sierra Club.    Sorondo joins the Sierra Club after an extensive career in the international and domestic divisions of American Express.  She has a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of California at Berkeley in 1974 and received a Master’s degree in business administration from the University of Chicago in 1977.    Sorondo is a member of the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants and is actively involved in pro bono work with the Development Council of St. Elizabeth’s High School in Oakland.    The Sierra Club is one of the nation’s largest environmental organizations, with 600,000 members.  Founded by John Muir in 1892, it is devoted to protecting, preserving and enjoying the earth’s natural areas.  -30- —

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