Business History Books » Business Plan Consulting

Report on Serenade of the Seas

admin — Fri, 18 Jun 2004 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

> It looks to me as though they have fixed the stairway problem on the > Mariner. > We have aft cabin 1388 on our next cruise, I just looked at the diagram and > it shows a stairway. The diagrams for the other ships in this class do not > indicate one. > Bob

We just got off the Mariner and had cabin 7688. The stairways you refer to are closed off and marked as "crew only", even for the lifeboat drill. I thought the same as you, but was disappointed. dave

Response:

Ain’t that the truth! A major design flaw in my book. We had a Cat D aft, which I liked, but not when I hiked! We did discover the "staff" staircase and ended up using it liberally…. Jeff – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > One drawback of the stern on this class of ship is the lack of any aft > stairwell or elevators, so any movement up or down requires a fairly long > walk to the atrium.

Response:

> > Sorry — I’m still lost in the euphemisms > Well aside from writing for CruiseMates (and 40 cruises of prior > experience), I am in the hotel/bar/restaurant business.

So you’re relaying your gut feel, and you have substantial, relevant credentials in that regard. I can respect that, whether or not it helps me "feel" the experience you’re relaying. Thanks for the input! — bicker

WSJ on traveling to India for surgery

admin — Mon, 26 Apr 2004 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->If surgery in India is a quarter of the cost in Canada it would be more >efficient for the Government to rent a jumbo jet and send also those that >are waiting for surgery to India,.than trying to relieve the backload by >hiring doctors from India and from other countries. There may be a discount >if such patients select the tourism package that you mention in your post. > Gosh, why go all the way to India to outsource medical care? Why not > allow patients to go to a private hospital in, of all places, Canada? > Oops! Can’t do that! That would violate "universality", the principle > that guides Canadian socialized medicine. Private MRI clinics are > anxious to open all across Canada, but it just can’t be allowed. Must > not allow someone to actually pay to have a cancerous tumor diagnosed! > Far more socially responsible to just let them die while waiting in an > endless line alongside those who can’t afford to pay. Universality — > equality in death. > Jeff

Natives plan private MRI clinic ‘Tip of the iceberg’: Saskatchewan band plans to build private MRI clinic on reserve, where Health Act holds no jurisdiction Adrian Humphreys, with files from Tom Blackwell National Post Wednesday, April 21, 2004 A Saskatchewan Indian band plans to build a for-profit diagnostic imaging clinic on its urban reserve land, a move some say could open the door to private hospitals operating in Canada outside the control of the provincial or federal governments. The 35,000-square-foot, two-storey health care centre, including 6,000 square feet for MRI and CT scans, is being proposed for a Saskatoon industrial park owned by the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation and considered an extension of its reserve. The province announced it will not fund services at the clinic, despite Saskatchewan having the longest waiting periods for MRI scans in the country. That leaves the Cree band reconfiguring its business model on a strictly fee-for-service model, said Lester Lafond, the band’s business advisor. "The province is hung up on the philosophical side of it rather than looking at the rational or innovative side," Mr. Lafond said. "We are all in discussions about innovation in health care but their discussions amount to the status quo with lip service to the word innovation." The Muskeg Lake Cree’s plan was recently unanimously supported by a vote at the assembly of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, which represents 74 Saskatchewan bands, said Mr. Lafond. Other bands in Canada are watching the Saskatoon project for possible replication, said several native officials. A renowned private clinic in the United States has also approached an Alberta Indian band about co-operating on a joint medical facility, said Assembly of First Nations regional chief Bill Erasmus, who handles the health portfolio for the AFN. Because of the unique status of First Nations reserves, provincial laws on health care services and fees and even the Canada Health Act — which enshrines the tenets of universal access to health care — have no jurisdiction there. That presents the prospect of unfettered private health care being offered on reserves close to large Canadian cities, making the Cree plan dramatically different than the approximately 30 other private MRI clinics in Canada. "This is the tip of the iceberg," said Normand Laberge, chief executive officer for the Canadian Association of Radiologists. "An MRI clinic is less controversial but the intent is to continue to grow and to go to an extreme, which is going to be, eventually, a private hospital, a full-service hospital, American style," Mr. Laberge argued. "The issue this exposes is wider than simply another private MRI — the consequences of this, if not not managed properly, has the potential of literally killing the public health care system, and it is happening in Saskatchewan, the birthplace of public health care," Mr. Laberge said. But he said it is difficult to condemn the private plans for the province when the waiting period for an MRI is up to 22 months in Saskatchewan, a situation he called "medically unacceptable." Brian Lee Crowley, president of the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies, a public-policy think-tank in Halifax, suspects the Cree idea will soon spread. "Imagine if, instead of traveling to the United States, Montrealers could take the bridge to Kahanawake or some other nearby reserve; or Vancouverites could go to Indian reserves on the North Shore or in south Vancouver and visit a modern medical clinic with all the technical and other innovations that our moribund health care system can’t or won’t allow," he writes today on the Post’s Comment page. But Mr. Lafond said the sweeping visions of outside observers are nowhere in his modest plans. "We have no intentions, no vision, no future discussions planned on moving away from the Canada Health Act," he said. "We feel our government can operate within the Canada Health Act now and in the future, no matter what type of project we take on in terms of health care." Pierre Pettigrew, the federal Health Minister, said in a speech yesterday that governments must work harder at reducing waiting lists or face increasing pressure to allow "new solutions," such as two-tier medicine. "Most of the so-called new solutions aren’t really so new at all," the minister said in Toronto. "They are a step backward, to a time when those able to pay their way to the front of the line got the best care, and those who couldn’t, did without." Mr. Pettigrew said he would like to see standards that set out maximum wait times for different procedures, as well as reports indicating whether the medicare system is meeting those targets. He also issued a warning about the growing practice of having the private sector deliver health services that are still paid for by the public system. The rules of medicare need to be clarified to ensure those experiments do not violate the Canada Health Act, he said. Machines for conducting MRIs, or magnetic resonance images, are employed to diagnose a variety of bone and tissue diseases and cost about $2-million. A simple scan can cost about $300 and a complex one about $700, Mr. Laberge said. Simple scans that do not require an injection can be done by a technician without a physician present. "Most of the people in the business are saying that you can cover your costs if you do five MRIs a day," Mr. Laberge said. An efficient and busy clinic can schedule 15 or even 20 scans a day. Mr. Lafond said the Muskeg Lake Cree are examining the legal and business framework for their plan, which would also provide general medical, rehabilitation and dental services for band members. The Muskeg Lake Cree Nation is located on their main reserve, covering about 26,000 acres, about 100 kilometres north-west of Saskatoon. The band has been buying agricultural, recreational and urban land and owns 35 acres in the eastern quadrant of Saskatoon where it has built four office buildings and a service station as part of a $20-million development, Mr. Lafond said.

Grand Caravan moans and groans, squeaks and creaks. Brake related.

admin — Mon, 02 Feb 2004 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

My ‘90 has been making those noises for years in the cold. I think it is the front struts and the front end bushings. When I hit the brakes I think it is the body movement that makes noises. When the van is parked,move the front bumper up and down. I get the same noises.

Response:

I purchased this vehicle for my family. If there is any place to get advice it should be and is through forums like this. I also understand that each automobile has it’s own story and problems. I go on this forum to hear the different problems and solutions to each. If a guy wants to tell me something he has encounter let him. This is the first time he told me. Please understand I’am also not going to go to the dealer and have them measure every little thing, nor will I even mention 85% percent of the things I read about on such forums. This is a "advice" forum or opinion forum and that for me has been well worth the free registration. Let’s keep to the purpose of talkaboutautos.com. That is advice on keeping my family safe. This has been far more help then any dealer I have ever dealt with in 5 cars and 15 years.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > When the temperatures plumeted to below 20 degrees F. recently (and > stayed there for over a week) my 93 Grand Caravan started moaning and > groaning and sqeaking and creaking everytime I used the brakes. The > brakes worked fine I just got these terrible loud noises everytime I > used them. When I take my foot off the pedal the noises stop. The > noises seem to be the same regardless of speed of the vehicle as long > as the car was moving, except sometimes they seemed to come from the > front other times from the rear, or under me. The noise is a little > like a noisy shock absorber when you go over a bump. But the noises > were continuous and had nothing to do with bumps. It did it on even > perfectly smooth roads. > Today the temperature came up to about 32 degrees and there were no > noises at all. > Anyone have any ideas what might be causing this? And whether or not > it could be a serious problem? > Thanks, > Gary Stewart

Response:

Picked up van today and all is fine. New sway and two new bushings. Thanks again, but found out after I picked it up that that overhead rear vents for the rear air do not work? Looks like I picked a winner! Back to the dealer again this week.

Response:

> Picked up van today and all is fine. New sway and two new bushings. Thanks again, but found out after I picked it up that that overhead rear vents for the rear air do not work? Looks like I picked a winner! Back to the dealer again this week.

While you’re at it, have them check for a leaking rear bank head gasket.

Response:

> > Picked up van today and all is fine. New sway and two new bushings.

Thanks again, but found out after I picked it up that that overhead rear vents for the rear air do not work? Looks like I picked a winner! Back to the dealer again this week. > While you’re at it, have them check for a leaking rear bank head gasket.

Yeah, and how about a blown transmission, or failed CV joints, or clouded headlamps or rotten tires or broken rocker arm posts or any of a *number* of other potential failed components on this vehicle, Bob? Why doesn’t he just have them take the whole damn van apart and measure every individual component, test every diaphragm and replace every fluid and filter and vacuum hose while they’re at it? They should probably change the air in the tires while they’re at it, that lousy Chrysler factory air might fail someday too! Get over it, man, you had bad luck with a head gasket! You know, somebody with *your* credentials *ought* to know better. You *do* realize you’re giving away the URL to your website with each one of these inane posts, don’t you? Are you planning for the future in which you’ve been professionally associated with the childish behavior your exhibiting on Usenet? How much consulting business do you plan on getting after everyone in the airline industry realizes that you whine like a little kid when presented with a mechanical problem that *somebody else* won’t pay for? Do you realize that you’re now just a Google search away from that future? I suggest you stop it with this, ASAP, and try to act like the professional you claim to be. *plonk* –Geoff

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > Picked up van today and all is fine. New sway and two new bushings. > Thanks again, but found out after I picked it up that that overhead rear > vents for the rear air do not work? Looks like I picked a winner! Back to > the dealer again this week. > While you’re at it, have them check for a leaking rear bank head gasket. > Yeah, and how about a blown transmission, or failed CV joints, or clouded > headlamps or rotten tires or broken rocker arm posts or any of a *number* of > other potential failed components on this vehicle… > *plonk* > –Geoff

The buyer has already expressed doubts about the quality of the dealer’s "100-point inspection. The head gaskets are a quick visual inspection with a leak-down if warranted. Unfortunately, they do fail prematurely. (Google that.) A ‘heads up" based on experience is hardly unprofessional.

Response:

And it’s also time to find another reputable shop for future service needs. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > First off I would like to thank this web site and the people who post and reply to this forum. I just bought a 2001 Grand Caravan Sport AWD on Saturday 1/31/2004. When me and my wife test drove the van a week prior to purchase I heard a clunking noise when going over small bumps or turning into driveways. Also the negative of the battery was barely on and there was a couple of hoses not connected. This van is a so called "Certified" Used car from a Dodge dealer in Connecticut. Before buying the van I told them if they fix the noise and the other little things we would buy it. Well of course after 1 week of waiting for the parts they told use the van was all set. They replaced the steering box and column along with the tie rods. They assured use all was fixed. Well needless to say after signing the paperwork it was time to take it home. I didn’t even get out of there parking lot and it was still making the same noise. > Now it’s monday and I brought it back bright and early. Once again thanks for your post they helped me and saved me another 45 minute trip to them. When I told them that the sway bar and the bushings may be the problem, from what I heard and this forum they brought it in the shop looked at it and said, " We need to replaced the sway bar and bushings" Gee what a thought. This dealer would of just keep replacing part after part and having me go back and fourth until they fixed it. What a waste of time and money, maybe that is why it takes 2 hours for a oil change? Thanks again

Response:

Mine did the same thing a few days ago, I found so much ice and snow in there I figured that’s what it was from, I knocked off what I could and it was a little better and yes once it warmed up it stopped. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >When the temperatures plumeted to below 20 degrees F. recently (and >stayed there for over a week) my 93 Grand Caravan started moaning and >groaning and sqeaking and creaking everytime I used the brakes. The >brakes worked fine I just got these terrible loud noises everytime I >used them. When I take my foot off the pedal the noises stop. The >noises seem to be the same regardless of speed of the vehicle as long >as the car was moving, except sometimes they seemed to come from the >front other times from the rear, or under me. The noise is a little >like a noisy shock absorber when you go over a bump. But the noises >were continuous and had nothing to do with bumps. It did it on even >perfectly smooth roads. >Today the temperature came up to about 32 degrees and there were no >noises at all. >Anyone have any ideas what might be causing this? And whether or not >it could be a serious problem? >Thanks, >Gary Stewart

Response:

First off I would like to thank this web site and the people who post and reply to this forum. I just bought a 2001 Grand Caravan Sport AWD on Saturday 1/31/2004. When me and my wife test drove the van a week prior to purchase I heard a clunking noise when going over small bumps or turning into driveways. Also the negative of the battery was barely on and there was a couple of hoses not connected. This van is a so called "Certified" Used car from a Dodge dealer in Connecticut. Before buying the van I told them if they fix the noise and the other little things we would buy it. Well of course after 1 week of waiting for the parts they told use the van was all set. They replaced the steering box and column along with the tie rods. They assured use all was fixed. Well needless to say after signing the paperwork it was time to take it home. I didn’t even get out of there parking lot and it was still making the same noise. Now it’s monday and I brought it back bright and early. Once again thanks for your post they helped me and saved me another 45 minute trip to them. When I told them that the sway bar and the bushings may be the problem, from what I heard and this forum they brought it in the shop looked at it and said, " We need to replaced the sway bar and bushings" Gee what a thought. This dealer would of just keep replacing part after part and having me go back and fourth until they fixed it. What a waste of time and money, maybe that is why it takes 2 hours for a oil change? Thanks again

Response:

Very often this is the rubber support bushing in the front sway bar. Changing them will usually make the problem go away, but it may not be worth it to you. As mentioned, it normally only occurs when temps are fairly cold. Will normally go away when the weather warms up. And if you look at them and they are not falling apart, they will carry on like this for a long time. I believe there is a TSB on this problem.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> When the temperatures plumeted to below 20 degrees F. recently (and > stayed there for over a week) my 93 Grand Caravan started moaning and > groaning and sqeaking and creaking everytime I used the brakes. The > brakes worked fine I just got these terrible loud noises everytime I > used them. When I take my foot off the pedal the noises stop. The > noises seem to be the same regardless of speed of the vehicle as long > as the car was moving, except sometimes they seemed to come from the > front other times from the rear, or under me. The noise is a little > like a noisy shock absorber when you go over a bump. But the noises > were continuous and had nothing to do with bumps. It did it on even > perfectly smooth roads. > Today the temperature came up to about 32 degrees and there were no > noises at all. > Anyone have any ideas what might be causing this? And whether or not > it could be a serious problem? > Thanks, > Gary Stewart

Response:

When the temperatures plumeted to below 20 degrees F. recently (and stayed there for over a week) my 93 Grand Caravan started moaning and groaning and sqeaking and creaking everytime I used the brakes. The brakes worked fine I just got these terrible loud noises everytime I used them. When I take my foot off the pedal the noises stop. The noises seem to be the same regardless of speed of the vehicle as long as the car was moving, except sometimes they seemed to come from the front other times from the rear, or under me. The noise is a little like a noisy shock absorber when you go over a bump. But the noises were continuous and had nothing to do with bumps. It did it on even perfectly smooth roads. Today the temperature came up to about 32 degrees and there were no noises at all. Anyone have any ideas what might be causing this? And whether or not it could be a serious problem? Thanks, Gary Stewart

Response:

Could you also describe it as a "rubbing noise".? My ‘98 Gr Caravan Sport has been doing that as of late. Seems to happen when I am turning into a partking space or backing up (3 point-turn, etc..) It has been very cold here as well…. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->When the temperatures plumeted to below 20 degrees F. recently (and >stayed there for over a week) my 93 Grand Caravan started moaning and >groaning and sqeaking and creaking everytime I used the brakes. The >brakes worked fine I just got these terrible loud noises everytime I >used them. When I take my foot off the pedal the noises stop. The >noises seem to be the same regardless of speed of the vehicle as long >as the car was moving, except sometimes they seemed to come from the >front other times from the rear, or under me. The noise is a little >like a noisy shock absorber when you go over a bump. But the noises >were continuous and had nothing to do with bumps. It did it on even >perfectly smooth roads. >Today the temperature came up to about 32 degrees and there were no >noises at all. >Anyone have any ideas what might be causing this? And whether or not >it could be a serious problem? >Thanks, >Gary Stewart

Response:

While you’re at it, have them check for a leaking rear bank head gasket.

Response:

> > Picked up van today and all is fine. New sway and two new bushings.

Response:

OT: James Baker

admin — Tue, 09 Dec 2003 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Baker Takes the Loaf: The President’s Business Partner Slices Up Iraq by Greg Palast Well, ho ho ho! It’s an early Christmas for James Baker III. All year the elves at his law firm, Baker Botts of Texas, have been working day and night to prevent the families of the victims of the September 11 attack from seeking information from Saudi Arabia on the Kingdom’s funding of Al Qaeda fronts. It’s tough work, but this week came the payoff when President Bush appointed Baker, the firm’s senior partner, to "restructure" the debts of the nation of Iraq. And who will net the big bucks under Jim Baker’s plan? Answer: his client, Saudi Arabia, which claims $30.7 billion due from Iraq plus $12 billion in reparations from the First Gulf war. PUPPET STRINGS Let’s ponder what’s going on here. We are talking about something called "sovereign debt." And unless George Bush has finally ‘fessed up and named himself Pasha of Iraq, he is not their sovereign. Mr. Bush has no authority to seize control of that nation’s assets nor its debts. But our President is not going to let something as trivial as international law stand in the way of a quick buck for Mr. Baker. To get around the wee issue that Bush has no legal authority to mess with Iraq’s debt, the White House has crafted a neat little subterfuge. The official press release says the President has not appointed Mr. Baker. Rather Mr. Bush is "responding to a request from the Iraqi Governing Council." That is, Bush is acting on the authority of the puppet government he imposed on Iraqis at gunpoint. I will grant the Iraqi ‘government’ has some knowledge of international finance; its key member, Ahmed Chalabi, is a convicted bank swindler. The Bush team must see the other advantage in having the rump rulers of Iraq pretend to choose Mr. Baker; the US Senate will not have to review or confirm the appointment. If you remember, Henry Kissinger ran away from the September 11 commission with his consulting firm tucked between his legs after the Senate demanded he reveal his client list. In the case of Jim Baker, who will be acting as a de facto US Treasury secretary for international affairs, our elected Congress will have no chance to ask him who is paying his firm.. nor even require him to get off conflicting payrolls. This takes the Bush administration’ Conflicts-R-Us appointments process to a new low. Or maybe there’s no conflict at all. If you see Jim Baker’s new job as working not to protect a new Iraqi democracy but to protect the loot of the old theocracy of Saudi Arabia, the conflict disappears. Iraq’s debt totals something on the order of $120 billion to $150 billion, depending on who’s counting. And who’s counting is VERY important. Much of the so-called debt to Saudi Arabia was given to Saddam Hussein to fight a proxy war for the Saudis against their hated foe, the Shi’ia of Iran. And as disclosed by a former Saudi diplomat, the kingdom’s sheiks handed about $7 billion to Saddam under the table in the 1980’s to build an "Islamic bomb." Should Iraqis today and those not yet born have to be put in a debtor’s prison to pay off the secret payouts to Saddam? James Wolfensohn, president of the World Bank, says ‘No!’ Wolfensohn has never been on my Christmas card list, but in this case he’s got it right: Iraq should simply cancel $120 billion in debt. Normally, the World Bank is in charge of post-war debt restructuring. That’s why the official name of the World Bank is "International Bank for Reconstruction and Development." This is the Bank’s expertise. Bush has rushed Baker in to pre-empt the debt write-off the World Bank would certainly promote. "I FIXED FLORIDA" Why is our President so concerned with the wishes of Mr. Baker’s clientele? What does Bush owe Baker? Let me count the ways, beginning with the 2000 election. Just last week Baker said, "I fixed the election in Florida for George Bush." That was the substance of his remarks last week to an audience of Russian big wigs as reported to me by my somewhat astonished colleagues at BBC television. It was Baker, as consiglieri to the Bush family, who came up with the strategy of maneuvering the 2000 Florida vote count into a Supreme Court packed with politicos. Baker’s claim to have fixed the election was not a confession; it was a boast. He meant to dazzle current and potential clients about his Big In with the Big Boy in the White House. Baker’s firm is already a top player in the Great Game of seizing Caspian Sea oil. (An executive of Exxon-Mobil, one of Baker Botts’s clients, has been charged with evading taxes on bribes paid in Kazakhstan.) ALL IN THE FAMILY Over the years, Jim Baker has taken responsibility for putting bread on the Bush family table. As Senior Counsel to Carlyle, the arms-dealing investment group, Baker arranged for the firm to hire both President Bush 41 after he was booted from the White House and President Bush 43 while his daddy was still in office. Come to think of it, maybe I’m being a bit too dismissive of the Iraqi make-believe government. After all, it’s not as if George Bush were elected by voters either. It would be more accurate to say that TWO puppet governments have agreed to let the man who has always pulled the strings come out from behind the curtain, take a bow, take charge — then take the money and run.

Response:

>Baker Takes the Loaf: The President’s Business Partner Slices Up Iraq >by Greg Palast

Greg Palast = double-layer foil helmet. Complete foaming at the mouth conspiracy theorist. Not a shred of credibility in the man. — Dr. Nuketopia Sorry, no e-Mail. Spam forgeries have resulted in thousands of faked bounces to my address.

Response:

Sig heil.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Baker Takes the Loaf: The President’s Business Partner Slices Up Iraq > by Greg Palast > Well, ho ho ho! It’s an early Christmas for James Baker III. > All year the elves at his law firm, Baker Botts of Texas, have been > working day and night to prevent the families of the victims of the > September 11 attack from seeking information from Saudi Arabia on the > Kingdom’s funding of Al Qaeda fronts. > It’s tough work, but this week came the payoff when President Bush > appointed Baker, the firm’s senior partner, to "restructure" the debts > of the nation of Iraq. > And who will net the big bucks under Jim Baker’s plan? Answer: his > client, Saudi Arabia, which claims $30.7 billion due from Iraq plus > $12 billion in reparations from the First Gulf war. > PUPPET STRINGS > Let’s ponder what’s going on here. > We are talking about something called "sovereign debt." And unless > George Bush has finally ‘fessed up and named himself Pasha of Iraq, he > is not their sovereign. Mr. Bush has no authority to seize control of > that nation’s assets nor its debts. > But our President is not going to let something as trivial as > international law stand in the way of a quick buck for Mr. Baker. To > get around the wee issue that Bush has no legal authority to mess with > Iraq’s debt, the White House has crafted a neat little subterfuge. The > official press release says the President has not appointed Mr. Baker. > Rather Mr. Bush is "responding to a request from the Iraqi Governing > Council." That is, Bush is acting on the authority of the puppet > government he imposed on Iraqis at gunpoint. > I will grant the Iraqi ‘government’ has some knowledge of > international finance; its key member, Ahmed Chalabi, is a convicted > bank swindler. > The Bush team must see the other advantage in having the rump rulers > of Iraq pretend to choose Mr. Baker; the US Senate will not have to > review or confirm the appointment. If you remember, Henry Kissinger > ran away from the September 11 commission with his consulting firm > tucked between his legs after the Senate demanded he reveal his client > list. In the case of Jim Baker, who will be acting as a de facto US > Treasury secretary for international affairs, our elected Congress > will have no chance to ask him who is paying his firm.. nor even > require him to get off conflicting payrolls. > This takes the Bush administration’ Conflicts-R-Us appointments > process to a new low. > Or maybe there’s no conflict at all. If you see Jim Baker’s new job as > working not to protect a new Iraqi democracy but to protect the loot > of the old theocracy of Saudi Arabia, the conflict disappears. > Iraq’s debt totals something on the order of $120 billion to $150 > billion, depending on who’s counting. And who’s counting is VERY > important. > Much of the so-called debt to Saudi Arabia was given to Saddam Hussein > to fight a proxy war for the Saudis against their hated foe, the > Shi’ia of Iran. And as disclosed by a former Saudi diplomat, the > kingdom’s sheiks handed about $7 billion to Saddam under the table in > the 1980’s to build an "Islamic bomb." > Should Iraqis today and those not yet born have to be put in a > debtor’s prison to pay off the secret payouts to Saddam? > James Wolfensohn, president of the World Bank, says ‘No!’ Wolfensohn > has never been on my Christmas card list, but in this case he’s got it > right: Iraq should simply cancel $120 billion in debt. > Normally, the World Bank is in charge of post-war debt restructuring. > That’s why the official name of the World Bank is "International Bank > for Reconstruction and Development." This is the Bank’s expertise. > Bush has rushed Baker in to pre-empt the debt write-off the World Bank > would certainly promote. > "I FIXED FLORIDA" > Why is our President so concerned with the wishes of Mr. Baker’s > clientele? What does Bush owe Baker? Let me count the ways, beginning > with the 2000 election. > Just last week Baker said, "I fixed the election in Florida for George > Bush." That was the substance of his remarks last week to an audience > of Russian big wigs as reported to me by my somewhat astonished > colleagues at BBC television. > It was Baker, as consiglieri to the Bush family, who came up with the > strategy of maneuvering the 2000 Florida vote count into a Supreme > Court packed with politicos. > Baker’s claim to have fixed the election was not a confession; it was > a boast. He meant to dazzle current and potential clients about his > Big In with the Big Boy in the White House. Baker’s firm is already a > top player in the Great Game of seizing Caspian Sea oil. (An executive > of Exxon-Mobil, one of Baker Botts’s clients, has been charged with > evading taxes on bribes paid in Kazakhstan.) > ALL IN THE FAMILY > Over the years, Jim Baker has taken responsibility for putting bread > on the Bush family table. As Senior Counsel to Carlyle, the > arms-dealing investment group, Baker arranged for the firm to hire > both President Bush 41 after he was booted from the White House and > President Bush 43 while his daddy was still in office. > Come to think of it, maybe I’m being a bit too dismissive of the Iraqi > make-believe government. After all, it’s not as if George Bush were > elected by voters either. It would be more accurate to say that TWO > puppet governments have agreed to let the man who has always pulled > the strings come out from behind the curtain, take a bow, take charge > — then take the money and run.

Response:

>Baker Takes the Loaf: The President’s Business Partner Slices Up Iraq >by Greg Palast > Greg Palast = double-layer foil helmet. > Complete foaming at the mouth conspiracy theorist. Not a shred of credibility > in the man.

More credibility than you with your character assassinations and twisted logic leading you to endless false conclusions on a daily basis enough to be one of the biggest and bested self-deluded members of the Buffoon Squad. Your commemorative Ronnie Reamgunn medal is in the mail. LV If neo-cons ever spoke the truth, I would be scared to death. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> — > Dr. Nuketopia > Sorry, no e-Mail. > Spam forgeries have resulted in thousands of faked bounces to my address.

Response:

> >Baker Takes the Loaf: The President’s Business Partner Slices Up Iraq >by Greg Palast > Greg Palast = double-layer foil helmet. > Complete foaming at the mouth conspiracy theorist. Not a shred of credibility > in the man.

He is a mouth foamer, but he’s done some good work. Are his facts straight in this piece? That’s the question.

Response:

interested in paid survey on neurostimulators?

admin — Wed, 25 Sep 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Yep, same one as last time….these people even emailed me personally asking for me to take part in this "survey" of theirs. I don’t think so!! >Path: >lobby!ngtf-m01.news.aol.com!ngpeer.news.aol.com!nntp1.roc.gblx.net!nntp.g

blx.net!nntp.gblx.net!news-out.visi.com!hermes.visi.com!news.maxwell.syr.e du!sn-xit-03!sn-xit-06!sn-post-01!supernews.com!corp.supernews.com!not-for- mail – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Newsgroups: alt.support.chronic-pain >Organization: Posted via Supernews, http://www.supernews.com >X-Priority: 3 >X-MSMail-Priority: Normal >X-Newsreader: Microsoft Outlook Express 6.00.2600.0000 >X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V6.00.2600.0000 >Lines: 26 >This is the same one as last time folks. The one who never responded when >questioned about yahoo addresses and posting through google for business. >I found a website that appears to be related based on the registered owner >of the IP address of this post. If there is a contact link I intend to ask >what this is about. > We are a consulting company, currently conducting research on > neurostimulator’s application in treating pain. We would love to talk > to patients with the device implanted and learn what it’s like to live > with a neurostimulator, how effective the therapy is, and the features > patients like and dislike. We will, of course, compensate you for > your time (current rate is 25 US$ for 10-15 minutes of your time). > You are also welcome to ask us questions about our survey/interview > results to learn how general population cope with the device. > Anything personal will be kept strictly confidential. We are a > reputable firm with decades of consulting experience and will not > compromise confidentiality for any reason. > It’s for a good cause and please do not hesitate to respond to this > Thanks

I am *not* a Medical Doctor (MD) or *any* type of Medical Professional. PLEASE consult your own Dr. for medical advice. The information posted is what I have learned from researching or personal experiences. Remove "NOSPAM" from addy to email me.

Response:

What’s the website URL?

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> This is the same one as last time folks. The one who never responded when > questioned about yahoo addresses and posting through google for business. > I found a website that appears to be related based on the registered owner > of the IP address of this post. If there is a contact link I intend to ask > what this is about. > We are a consulting company, currently conducting research on > neurostimulator’s application in treating pain. We would love to talk > to patients with the device implanted and learn what it’s like to live > with a neurostimulator, how effective the therapy is, and the features > patients like and dislike. We will, of course, compensate you for > your time (current rate is 25 US$ for 10-15 minutes of your time). > You are also welcome to ask us questions about our survey/interview > results to learn how general population cope with the device. > Anything personal will be kept strictly confidential. We are a > reputable firm with decades of consulting experience and will not > compromise confidentiality for any reason. > It’s for a good cause and please do not hesitate to respond to this > Thanks

Response:

> This is the same one as last time folks. The one who never responded when > questioned about yahoo addresses and posting through google for business. > I found a website that appears to be related based on the registered owner > of the IP address of this post. If there is a contact link I intend to ask > what this is about.

Maybe it’s an individual in a reputable organisation trying to get promotion by conducting his/her own survey? The pain clinics that implant these things ( I have a dead one in me are not imo welcoming of negative info. Post-op the Doc wanted largely positive feedback I assumed, as I never got a reply to my survey response which included a mix and a conclusion that it was an expensive experiment. Jason

Response:

http://www.mckinsey.com/ Strictly based on the IP in the post and who the whois enquiry says it belongs too. Did a search based on who the IP was registered to. Does seem to be a legit research/marketing company. I just really question the use of yahoo replies and google to post the message as being a legitimate way to find legitimate responders to provide such marketing results information. Seems real nonprofessional way to go about it to me. I did send a reply to the contact info listed on the website. Pointing out my concerns and such. I’ve not received a reply — I did use my ISP mail to request said reply.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> What’s the website URL? > This is the same one as last time folks. The one who never responded when > questioned about yahoo addresses and posting through google for business. > I found a website that appears to be related based on the registered owner > of the IP address of this post. If there is a contact link I intend to > ask > what this is about. > > We are a consulting company, currently conducting research on > > neurostimulator’s application in treating pain. We would love to talk > > to patients with the device implanted and learn what it’s like to live > > with a neurostimulator, how effective the therapy is, and the features > > patients like and dislike. We will, of course, compensate you for > > your time (current rate is 25 US$ for 10-15 minutes of your time). > > You are also welcome to ask us questions about our survey/interview > > results to learn how general population cope with the device. > > Anything personal will be kept strictly confidential. We are a > > reputable firm with decades of consulting experience and will not > > compromise confidentiality for any reason. > > It’s for a good cause and please do not hesitate to respond to this > > Thanks

Response:

This is the same one as last time folks. The one who never responded when questioned about yahoo addresses and posting through google for business. I found a website that appears to be related based on the registered owner of the IP address of this post. If there is a contact link I intend to ask what this is about.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> We are a consulting company, currently conducting research on > neurostimulator’s application in treating pain. We would love to talk > to patients with the device implanted and learn what it’s like to live > with a neurostimulator, how effective the therapy is, and the features > patients like and dislike. We will, of course, compensate you for > your time (current rate is 25 US$ for 10-15 minutes of your time). > You are also welcome to ask us questions about our survey/interview > results to learn how general population cope with the device. > Anything personal will be kept strictly confidential. We are a > reputable firm with decades of consulting experience and will not > compromise confidentiality for any reason. > It’s for a good cause and please do not hesitate to respond to this > Thanks

Response:

We are a consulting company, currently conducting research on neurostimulator’s application in treating pain. We would love to talk to patients with the device implanted and learn what it’s like to live with a neurostimulator, how effective the therapy is, and the features patients like and dislike. We will, of course, compensate you for your time (current rate is 25 US$ for 10-15 minutes of your time). You are also welcome to ask us questions about our survey/interview results to learn how general population cope with the device. Anything personal will be kept strictly confidential. We are a reputable firm with decades of consulting experience and will not compromise confidentiality for any reason. It’s for a good cause and please do not hesitate to respond to this Thanks

Response:

Wow, kick me in the head why don't ya…

admin — Fri, 07 Jun 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

>This is not a nice post. This is not a funny post. I’m not sure what >type of post this is. I do know that I read one post here that made me >feel much better, so I am resolved to not smoke. I’ve come too far, >plus a cig will do me no good.

Sorry about the job, Puter, but you’ll find another. You’re right that smoking won’t help, in fact, it’s a waste of money, double destruction. Look on the bright side: now you’ve got more time to post. Take care, Mike DOF+ — In her mind, clumps of tumors bloomed; soft pink lungs took on the appearance of charred firewood; grotesque tubers, oozing blood and spore jelly, spread like mushrooms across an unsuspecting lawn; arteries withered like the tendrils of parched orchids; clots resembling rotten tomatoes or the brains of diseased monkeys choked the organism, each clot emitting faint wisps of smoke from a combustion that would not die until the organism died. Leigh-Cheri grunted in disgust. –Tom Robbins, Still Life With Woodpecker

Response:

Hey Puter,

*snip* . Inside, I am not a strong person. I have doubts and fears. Yet, > everyday I pull up my britches, throw back my shoulders, and plant a > smile on my face to show the world. And I play with the cards that > life deals me. Sometimes I win, sometimes I lose. BUT I KEEP ON > PLAYING!

The very fact that you do this means to me that you are a strong person on the inside. It takes a lot of courage to get out there and keep on playing. My 2cents, Joy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> *sigh* > I’m okay, really. > Puter > 2M4D

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > This is not a nice post. This is not a funny post. I’m not sure what > type of post this is. I do know that I read one post here that made me > feel much better, so I am resolved to not smoke. I’ve come too far, > plus a cig will do me no good. > I was laid off today. I haven’t been in this situation in over 20 > years and it is just a bit scary. I don’t even know why I am posting > this. It’s not for sympathy, it’s not for attention. Or is it? > I type these words, then look up on the screen and read them again. I > still don’t know. I’m sure at this point that I will hit "Send". > I think, deep down, I want people to know that I am strong enough to > get through this without pickin’ the Butts back up. Or is it that I am > telling myself that I am strong enough? > I’m rambling. I know this – I have been through a LOT this year. A > couple of surgeries, BigC scare, and now this. And I am putting the > Butts down during all of this. So, if I can do this during some of the > worst times in my life, you can put them down for that one moment > more. Inside, I am not a strong person. I have doubts and fears. Yet, > everyday I pull up my britches, throw back my shoulders, and plant a > smile on my face to show the world. And I play with the cards that > life deals me. Sometimes I win, sometimes I lose. BUT I KEEP ON > PLAYING! > *sigh* > I’m okay, really. > Puter > 2M4D

Puter, I know EXACTLY what you mean. Greg (my husband) was laid off back in January or February. (And since the software company Greg worked for last year went out of business in January of 2001 he had been looking for a job for nearly 6 months, landed the job with the architectural firm, worked there about 7 or 8 months, and then they started laying off people, one of which was him) I was just 3 or 4 months into my quit. On top of that my 19 year old and his 17 year old gf found out ‘they’ were pregnant. And he hadn’t even been able to find a job at that time. Shit happens. And it’s hard. But what people say is TRUE: if you can get through this shitty part and not smoke it will make you stronger. You will come out feeling much better about yourself, and if you smoked? It would further damage your self-esteem which has just taken one severe blow from the layoff! You do NOT need two blows to it. (And Putergal doesn’t need/deserve that either, cause you know the worse you feel about yourself the worse she will feel for you. And while most men appreciate sympathy, most do NOT want to be pitied.) Hang in there, Puter. You can do this. And I swear, you will feel much better if you remain strong. And Putergal will be SO proud of you! *Big Hugs* — BinnieBee – Proudly wearing HOF+M status ;^) %% (—-) ( >__< ) ^^ ~~ ^^ ~f3as3~ Seven months, six days, 18 hours, 19 minutes and 2 seconds. 6562 cigarettes not smoked, saving $1,082.67. Life saved: 3 weeks, 1 day, 18 hours, 50 minutes.

Response:

wow, Puter, that truly sux. pop me an email & let me know what area you’re in… I might have a lead, or at least some job sites for you. …pat. who sometimes knows how to spell grammar, and sometimes doesn’t. it depends on my caffeine level. 4m+ — Pat and Ash http://www3.sympatico.ca/patash/ Ash’s ICQ: 152392429 Pat’s ICQ: 153842682

Response:

>I was laid off today. I haven’t been in this situation in over 20 >years and it is just a bit scary. I don’t even know why I am posting >this. It’s not for sympathy, it’s not for attention. Or is it?

I don’t know, but you deserve a hug at least. ((((Puter)))) I’m sorry for what you must be going through right now. Life does hand us some crap sometimes, doesn’t it? Good that you recognize this for the acid test that it is. You don’t need a smoke to deal with this. And it will be okay. Keep us posted. Hugs, elle

Response:

Life sure can be the shits sometimes. Sorry for your trouble Puter. Cathy

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> This is not a nice post. This is not a funny post. I’m not sure what > type of post this is. I do know that I read one post here that made me > feel much better, so I am resolved to not smoke. I’ve come too far, > plus a cig will do me no good. > I was laid off today. I haven’t been in this situation in over 20 > years and it is just a bit scary. I don’t even know why I am posting > this. It’s not for sympathy, it’s not for attention. Or is it? > I type these words, then look up on the screen and read them again. I > still don’t know. I’m sure at this point that I will hit "Send". > I think, deep down, I want people to know that I am strong enough to > get through this without pickin’ the Butts back up. Or is it that I am > telling myself that I am strong enough? > I’m rambling. I know this – I have been through a LOT this year. A > couple of surgeries, BigC scare, and now this. And I am putting the > Butts down during all of this. So, if I can do this during some of the > worst times in my life, you can put them down for that one moment > more. Inside, I am not a strong person. I have doubts and fears. Yet, > everyday I pull up my britches, throw back my shoulders, and plant a > smile on my face to show the world. And I play with the cards that > life deals me. Sometimes I win, sometimes I lose. BUT I KEEP ON > PLAYING! > *sigh* > I’m okay, really. > Puter > 2M4D

Response:

> This is not a nice post. This is not a funny post. I’m not sure what > type of post this is. I do know that I read one post here that made me > feel much better, so I am resolved to not smoke. I’ve come too far, > plus a cig will do me no good.

Well said. > I was laid off today. I haven’t been in this situation in over 20 > years and it is just a bit scary. I don’t even know why I am posting > this. It’s not for sympathy, it’s not for attention. Or is it?

Well, if it’s not a plea for sympathy, it bloody well should be, because we have plenty to spare, and getting laid off is VERY high on the "bad news" scale. I am so sorry to hear your bad news. > I type these words, then look up on the screen and read them again. I > still don’t know. I’m sure at this point that I will hit "Send".

I’m glad you did, because I think your post is SUPER and very inspiring. > I think, deep down, I want people to know that I am strong enough to > get through this without pickin’ the Butts back up. Or is it that I am > telling myself that I am strong enough?

Both. You are going to be JUST FINE. > I’m rambling. I know this – I have been through a LOT this year. A > couple of surgeries, BigC scare, and now this. And I am putting the > Butts down during all of this. So, if I can do this during some of the > worst times in my life, you can put them down for that one moment > more. Inside, I am not a strong person. I have doubts and fears. Yet, > everyday I pull up my britches, throw back my shoulders, and plant a > smile on my face to show the world. And I play with the cards that > life deals me. Sometimes I win, sometimes I lose. BUT I KEEP ON > PLAYING!

And you are doing GREAT. Geez, it’s times like these I wish we were all IRL instead of on-line, because I would sure like to give you a big pat on the back right now, and smile back at you, and wish you a better day tomorrow in person. This too shall pass. You hang in there, and keep that winning attitude, and keep looking ahead to the good times, and don’t smoke, and you’ll never regret it. > *sigh* > I’m okay, really.

Yeah, you are, but you deserve all our sympathy anyway, and all our respect. Hang in there. ep dof

Response:

don’t even know why I am posting > this. It’s not for sympathy, it’s not for attention. Or is it?

It’s because you know the same people who reply "Way to go Puter" every time you find a new W or M token in another unlikely place will understand and care and reply "Hang in there Puter" to this. Because your success is *our* success. Hang in there Puter. Dawn DOF — Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Response:

Damn that sucks man. I’ve been there three times in the past 4 years if you can believe that. Laid off, get a new job, get laid off again . . . arrrrrgh. I can definitely relate. But, just remember, that no matter what life throws at you, if you really believe you’ll come out on top, you will. Positive thinking is everything, and it can get you anywhere you want to be. As a consequence of my 3 layoffs, I am now making damn near double what I was 4 years ago. Plus, I’m at a much higher level in the company I’m at now than I’ve ever been before (meaning extra experience and job security). It’ll all work out bro. Just keep a positive attitude and don’t freakin’ smoke Eric Two weeks, one day, 2 hours, 45 minutes and 24 seconds. 453 cigarettes not smoked, saving $109.73. Life saved: 1 day, 13 hours, 45 minutes.

Response:

That’s definitely the pits!! Sometimes life really does seem to gang up on you, doesn’t it? But you know what? I admire your ramble. I admire your fortitude. This, like everything else, you will overcome. Best of luck to you. Jane

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Puter, > Hope this is not too late. Just getting back from a week out of town on > business. I can tell you I was laid-off about 10 months after I quit. Not > only after spending 13 years with the company but at age 53 in a computer > technical field. > I did manage to find a job teaching at an adult vocational school at just > less than 1/2 my prior earnings. Took me over 2 years to get back into my > industry. > Current job is the best one I have ever had in all aspects. I just plain am > having fun working these days doing something I truly love. > No matter how long it takes I am sure you will also find something better > than the company that let you go. My layoff was after a merger and those who > dumped me got theirs a couple years back when the company was merged again so > you too may also get that feeling of revenge in the future. > Keep a positive outlook cause you will feel poorly about yourself even if the > layoff was about nothing you do. I know it took me almost 9 months after I got > back into my industry till I really felt competent again. Remember also that > smoking will never solve anything and in fact will drain your resources quicker > than they would otherwise. > In the long run I have found that all things, even those that seem terrible, > work out for the best in the long run. My first layoff was way back when I was > in college. That led to another job that got me into the career I love more > than the one I was studying for so you can see not all bad things really are > bad. > Ian > OOF > — > 7y 4m 1w 1:50 smoke-free, 91,259 cigs not smoked, $11,261.36 saved, >This is not a nice post. This is not a funny post. I’m not sure what >type of post this is. I do know that I read one post here that made me >feel much better, so I am resolved to not smoke. I’ve come too far, >plus a cig will do me no good. >I was laid off today. I haven’t been in this situation in over 20 >years and it is just a bit scary. I don’t even know why I am posting >this. It’s not for sympathy, it’s not for attention. Or is it? >I type these words, then look up on the screen and read them again. I >still don’t know. I’m sure at this point that I will hit "Send". >I think, deep down, I want people to know that I am strong enough to >get through this without pickin’ the Butts back up. Or is it that I am >telling myself that I am strong enough? >I’m rambling. I know this – I have been through a LOT this year. A >couple of surgeries, BigC scare, and now this. And I am putting the >Butts down during all of this. So, if I can do this during some of the >worst times in my life, you can put them down for that one moment >more. Inside, I am not a strong person. I have doubts and fears. Yet, >everyday I pull up my britches, throw back my shoulders, and plant a >smile on my face to show the world. And I play with the cards that >life deals me. Sometimes I win, sometimes I lose. BUT I KEEP ON >PLAYING! >*sigh* >I’m okay, really. >Puter >2M4D

So true. My last layoff resulted in my present job as the CIO of a national company. It looked bleak back then going 6 months with no work and making ends meet by the odd consulting job but I ended up moving closer to my family and getting my dream job and house. If I was not laid off I would still be working for an egotistical maniac six days a week and spending a third of my time traveling overseas. All things work out in the end. If you are good at what you do you will prevail.

Response:

> I was laid off today…

The same thing happened to me 11 months into my quit. Then 2 weeks later I was diagnosed with heart disease & had to have an angiogram & a stent. Fortunately the procedure has a 99% survival rate :-/ Oh, yeah … it was just before Christmas. Sometimes it seems like too much all at once, you know? Smoking won’t help any of it. *In particular*, you don’t want to be job hunting as a smoker, since smokers are not real popular these days. At my new job, which I got soon enough, nobody knows me as a smoker or even a former smoker. I like it that way. Puter, I expect you’ll do fine. Take the weekend off, and hit the market Monday. Smoking won’t help. Stepper DOF

Response:

Oh Man Puter – I am so sorry to read this bad news. Getting laid off sucks, I know! Been there, as many of us have. I can’t help you there, but you and I both know that smoking will not help the situation any. Hell, it will make it much worse as it will make you frustrated, and PuterGal will avoid you cause you will stink. Dig? Those tokens you keep finding are worth something, but don’t cash them in to buy smokes! Post soon. Tell us how you are doing. We’re here for you, man. -Joe D. does not stink since 03 Oct 2001

(where Puter avoids getting kicked in the head) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Puter > 2M4D

Response:

Damn. And I thought Brain Surgery was a growth industry……. :) (((((((( friend ))))))))))))))) Hang tough dude. FWIW- I was going thought the same shit around 5 years ago and trying to figure it all out. Life, family,job, money, life. That’s when I listened in on a conversation of an 85 year old black lady in the grocery store. She was talking about the good times, the bad times and life. The one thing she said that I took home with me was "somehow we all made it." *85 years old and still making it happen. cw

Response:

Puter, Hope this is not too late. Just getting back from a week out of town on business. I can tell you I was laid-off about 10 months after I quit. Not only after spending 13 years with the company but at age 53 in a computer technical field. I did manage to find a job teaching at an adult vocational school at just less than 1/2 my prior earnings. Took me over 2 years to get back into my industry. Current job is the best one I have ever had in all aspects. I just plain am having fun working these days doing something I truly love. No matter how long it takes I am sure you will also find something better than the company that let you go. My layoff was after a merger and those who dumped me got theirs a couple years back when the company was merged again so you too may also get that feeling of revenge in the future. Keep a positive outlook cause you will feel poorly about yourself even if the layoff was about nothing you do. I know it took me almost 9 months after I got back into my industry till I really felt competent again. Remember also that smoking will never solve anything and in fact will drain your resources quicker than they would otherwise. In the long run I have found that all things, even those that seem terrible, work out for the best in the long run. My first layoff was way back when I was in college. That led to another job that got me into the career I love more than the one I was studying for so you can see not all bad things really are bad. Ian OOF — 7y 4m 1w 1:50 smoke-free, 91,259 cigs not smoked, $11,261.36 saved, – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >This is not a nice post. This is not a funny post. I’m not sure what >type of post this is. I do know that I read one post here that made me >feel much better, so I am resolved to not smoke. I’ve come too far, >plus a cig will do me no good. >I was laid off today. I haven’t been in this situation in over 20 >years and it is just a bit scary. I don’t even know why I am posting >this. It’s not for sympathy, it’s not for attention. Or is it? >I type these words, then look up on the screen and read them again. I >still don’t know. I’m sure at this point that I will hit "Send". >I think, deep down, I want people to know that I am strong enough to >get through this without pickin’ the Butts back up. Or is it that I am >telling myself that I am strong enough? >I’m rambling. I know this – I have been through a LOT this year. A >couple of surgeries, BigC scare, and now this. And I am putting the >Butts down during all of this. So, if I can do this during some of the >worst times in my life, you can put them down for that one moment >more. Inside, I am not a strong person. I have doubts and fears. Yet, >everyday I pull up my britches, throw back my shoulders, and plant a >smile on my face to show the world. And I play with the cards that >life deals me. Sometimes I win, sometimes I lose. BUT I KEEP ON >PLAYING! >*sigh* >I’m okay, really. >Puter >2M4D

Response:

Keep on trucking mate! Many people would not have posted that & just buggered off & smoked but you didn’t. Not giving you sympathy but a lot of respect! Keep us updated! Mark

Response:

"Puter" wrote >…. I was laid off today….. >…..And I am putting the > Butts down during all of this….

Well, no; I won’t kick you in the head. Life’s conspired to do that already. I’ll just give you a brotherly pat on the back and offer a really butch-style handshake by way of acknowledgement, commiseration and encouragement. You’ve demonstrated far too much creativity, determination, intelligence and sheer wit to be sunk by something so plebian as a layoff. I expect we’ll be seeing a "I got a fabulous job and didn’t smoke during the _____ (amount of time) it took me to land it" post before too much longer. No more bromides, platitudes or clich

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admin — Thu, 31 Jan 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

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admin — Thu, 03 Jan 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

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Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Do you want to invest in South-Africa? > What type of business would you start? > Can you trust the people you want to business with in South Africa? > How would the South African labour law affect your plans? > We offer answers to your nagging questions. > Business Management Consulting > Phone -27 11 4775560 > Phone -27 83 3242320 > Be sure Be safe.

Response:

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admin — Thu, 22 Mar 2001 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Are you enticed by the real money to be made in MLM but yet to find a program that actually works.
(Member quotes at the bottom of the message)
There is NO Better Online Recruiting System.
Voted "Company of the Month" in the multi billion dollar industry.
We offer multi-level marketing for people who don’t want to sell or recruit. Are you enticed by the real money to be made in Network Marketing ( MLM ), but have yet to find a program that actually works? We have the best home network marketing ( mlm ) opportunity in the World to make you financially independant.
Finally a company that actually helps you build a solid, secure and highly profitable home-based business, and
best of all you can do it all from the comfort of your own home…
– No selling
– No face to face selling
– No meetings
– No telephone calls
– No presentations
– No running around
– No time required
Imagine for a second, a company that actually helps you build a solid,
secure and highly profitable home-based business.
Our trade-marked online-recruiter could actually put active distributors in your business. 3,279 Executive Distributors will pay you approximately $14,000 per month – (wow), plus available bonuses.
This takes the effort off you from having to go out and sponsor or recruit like a superstar.
Go check it out now …
Visit http://www.home-based-business-work-at-home.com
Quotes from our members…it really is happening..
"I’ve been with Streamline for 15 months. With the compensation plan I was able to quit my full time job of 17 years in the auto repair industry as a licensed technician for a Dodge/Chrysler dealer. I’ve probably enrolled a couple hundred people myself, I have 1523 members in my downline to date " – Paul Drummond, Canada
"I came to Streamline by looking at its site, then comparing the opportunity, with the help of a great Princeton Mathematician, to the plans and products of every other company we could find. Streamline is the obvious choice." A. Leaver, Thailand
"I enrolled 7/99 and have about 400 people in my downline. I took a non-active roll with Streamline and have not personally recruited one single person myself…my check this past month was for over 1000USD. People need to see that this works in time. I have tried many on-line businesses, spent much time & energy for nothing in most endeavors. My Streamline experience has been DIFFERENT. " Mimi Fuller "I have been involved with several Multi-level Companys in the past, let me tell you, there is not another MLM company like Streamline . . . My group has grown by leaps and bounds in the past 4 months, and all do to with their Online Recruiter." – Mike Z., Utah Real people earning real money with Streamline International
Go to visit http://www.home-based-business-work-at-home.com NOW and get a peice of the action.
Best Regards
Parana Marketing

Response:

Distributors can earn approximately $14,000 pm
Virtually a SELF RUN ONLINE e-BUSINESS
Finally a company that actually helps you build your own solid and highly profitable home business.
We have the most lucrative compensation plan in the industry with 4 entry positions to choose from. As a Representative or Executive you benefit from guaranteed monthly checks plus lucrative bonuses to reward your hardwork if you personally enrol others with Streamline International
– No selling
– No face to face contact
– No dressing up
– No telephone calls
– No cold calling
– No presentations
– No running around
– No time required
Our trade-marked online recruiter will place distributors in your downline at no cost to you. 3,279 distributors will earn you approximately $14,000 per month plus available bonuses. How many distributors do you want?
A fail safe sponsoring system to put your income on auto-pilot!
Check it out..
visit http://www.home-based-business-work-at-home.com
Final Days for GOING GPLATINUM – IT MATTERS WHO YOU JOIN PLATINUM WITH.
By now, you will definitely have heard about Going Platinum because it has taken the Internet by storm.
If you haven’t joined this great opportunity, well, don’t worry. You still have time, but don’t wait any longer.
Visit http://www.goingplatinum.com/members/paranamarketing and use the referral ID paranamarketing
Going platinum is a new FREE ISP community that pays you to use the internet. You also get paid 14% of the revenue generated by anyone your refer to Going Platinum.
An ISP that pays YOU to be a part of its community!
An ISP that shares its profits with all its members!
An ISP to rival AOL!
What if you were paid everytime someone visited AOL???
This company is owned by major corporations, such as, MCI WorldCom, Anderson Consulting, the world’s largest advertising company, will be rolling out the Ad campaign very soon. It has taken 2 years and
millions of dollars, to develop this opportunity. You have NEVER seen anything like this.
Were talking T.V., Radio, Billboards, Newspaper, and magazines. They
will be blasting it EVERYWHERE which will include internationally.
If you had a chance to be in at the beginning of America On Line and the chance to buy into the company you would have made a HUGE amount of
money. Well, here is your chance to get in on the ground floor and it will cost you nothing to Join as a Community member
Visit http://www.goingplatinum.com/members/paranamarketing and use the referral ID paranamarketing
and benefit from Strong upline support. Believe me,YOU ARE ALL GOING TO JOIN GP EVENTUALLY, BUT SOME WILL BE LUCKIER THAN OTHERS, THEY REALISE THAT ‘NOW’ IS IMPORTANT, ALSO THEY KNOW ‘WHO’ IS MORE IMPORTANT…..Our group is going to be seriously wealthy because of group dynaimcs…the little known secret.
Then comes the Affiliate program with a $25 one time fee. Not only do you benefit from up to 10X the earnings from the Community but you can also earn big time as an affiliate member.
But hurry, you can only join as a paid member before the launch – 15 Januray 2001 – In just a few days, if you have not signed up, you will have to earn the right to be a member in the affiliate program.
Don’t forget the massive advertising that will commence once GP launches. If you are not an affiliate by the time GP launches, you will miss out of the huge sign up of new members being placed in your downline & generating income for you. ACT NOW.
After launch on 15.01.01 there will be a second class of GP Member, not enjoying the opportunity door that is closing in days… Affiliate BRONZE faststart.
Remember Going Platinum Bronze membership is subject to a ONE TIME fee of $25. Although there are ongoing monthly fees is, if you do not earn enough commissions to cover the membership fee in a month, you will NOT OWE Going Platinum for that month.
Going Platinum will never take any money from you that you do not have. If you do not have enough money to cover your membership fees, only the amount you have will be deducted. You will never owe GP anything you weren’t able to pay from a prior month.
Parana Marketing upline, supporting your GP group.
Join now or miss out later…..
http://www.goingplatinum.com/members/paranamarketing and use the referral ID paranamarketing when you sign up
Total Email Saturation – Fully Automated The Most Powerful Auto-Email System. Place Your Ad In One Million Emails Daily! 100% Automated! – no setup required.
They offer a 100% Non Spam, 100% Opt-In, 100% Legal mailing program to people who have asked to be in a variety of opt-in email groups
Visit http://totalsaturation.cjb.net Wishing you a very prosperous New Year
Michelle Aldous
Parana Marketing

Response:

Are you enticed by the real money to be made in MLM but have yet to find a program that actually works? We offer MLM for people who don’t want to sell or recruit. We have the best home business opportunity in the World to make you financially independent.
Finally a company that actually helps you build a solid, secure and highly profitable home-based business, and best of all you can do it all from the comfort of your own home…
– No selling, No meetings, No telephone calls, No presentations, No time required
Imagine for a second, a company that actually helps you build a solid, secure and highly profitable home-based business.
Our trade-marked online-recruiter actually recruits for you. This takes the effort off you from having to go out and sponsor or recruit like a superstar. Distributors to 7 levels pays you approx. $14,000 per month.
Go check it out now …
Visit http://www.home-based-business-work-at-home.com
Best Regards
Parana Marketing
Why are you have trouble findling leads? Here are 2 of the best you will find on the internet today.
** 1)Total Email Saturation – Fully Automated The Most Powerful Auto-Email System. Place Your Ad In One Million Emails Daily! Visit http://totalsaturation.cjb.net ** 2) ProMoneyMail – Opportunity Knocking, but will you answer?. That’s the million dollar question….

http://www.promoneymail.com/?id=13659

Response:

COMPANY OF THE MONTH BY 2 MAJOR MAGAZINES
Our company has been named the COMPANY of the MONTH by Network Opportunity Magazine. We’ve designed a system that enables 97% of MLM’ers to profit an average $2,000 per month within a short amount of time and the potential to earn much more. You will too.
Join today.
Please visit our website for full details with no stone left unturned
Go to: http://www.home-based-business-work-at-home.com

Response:

Do you have the vision?
A new company has put together a very unique and Powerful High-Tech Recruiting System. This system is so powerful it is protected under U.S. Copyright Laws. You have never seen a Powerful High-Tech Recruiting System like this. Sign up new members direct from your own state-of-the-art FREE website.
Your time is valuable so I’ll be direct and to the point.
YOU HAVE – No selling
– No face to face contact
– No dressing up
– No meetings
– No telephone calls
– No presentations
– No running around
– No time required
– ONE customer – YOU
BOTTOM LINE
3,279 distributos placed in your downline by the company for free will earn you approximately $14,000 per month plus additional available bonuses.
If you do nothing it will happen.
If you do something, it will happen faster.
I invite you to visit
http://financiallyindependent.cjb.net Finally 100% SPAM FREE
Remember those ads – how about 1 million. Targeted email is the simplest, most direct & powerful method of marketing on the Internet today. Our Powerful Auto-Email System has No set-up required. 100% Non-Spam, 100% Opt-In. Post 1 MILLION ads to 2,290 individual fully up to date opt-in email groups daily. The hottest automated email system ANYWHERE Go to http://totalsaturation.cjb.net
You are using the internet right NOW, so why aren’t you getting paid for it?
NEW FREE fully functional ISP that pays you to use the internet. You will JOIN GP eventually. Some will be luckier than others. Realise NOW is important (pre launch). Plus WHO to join with is MORE important. With excellent group dynamics, join with us NOW and benefit from very strong upline support. Affiliate program with one time fee of $25 with full lifetime refundable guarantee for non satisfaction – YOU WILL BE SATISFIED. The only company to pay its members is due to take a huge market share away from AOL, etc.
Go to http://www.goingplatinum.com/member/paranamarketing

Response:

Do you know the TRUTH about making money on the Internet?
We offer you a *Self Run* Online Business that’s EXPLODING

Carnival Corp Ships Go Interactive!

admin — Thu, 22 Feb 2001 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Hi Everyone, I received this press release from the Allin Corporation and thought it would be of interest. If you have missed any of my news’ postings, they are archived on my web site. Best regards, Ray LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL 800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905 http://www.lighthousetravel.com PITTSBURGH, Feb. 22 Allin Corporation (Nasdaq: ALLN) announced that it has reached an agreement with Carnival Corporation (NYSE: CCL), to deliver Allin’s interactive television solution to six Carnival Cruise Lines’ vessels. Under the terms of the master agreement, Allin will design, develop and deploy the interactive television system specifically for Carnival. This agreement also provides Allin with an opportunity to deliver the interactive television solution to other Carnival Corporation cruise line brands. Allin will deliver a state-of-the-art interactive television system and use the latest in web technology to provide Carnival’s guests with the convenience of using their staterooms’ TV sets to access a variety of electronic commerce services such as previewing and reserving shore excursions, watching on-demand movies and informational videos, ordering room service, and reviewing their folio accounts and shipboard activities. Allin’s interactive television solution will interface with the vessel’s hotel management system to allow direct billing to guests’ accounts for e-commerce transactions processed through the interactive television system. The development of the system software includes functional aspects of the system, such as the desired interactive modules and the navigation of the system, as well as creative aspects, including the look and feel of the system. Giora Israel, Carnival Corporation’s vice president of strategic planning commented, “Allin offers a user friendly interactive television system tailored to meet Carnival’s rigid guest service standards. Their understanding of the cruise industry combined with their technical expertise was very important to us. We are optimistic that the interactive television system will further enhance the Carnival cruise experience.” “Systems we have designed, developed and integrated into the cruise ship environment have successfully processed millions of dollars worth of transactions for our cruise line clients in real time. As the leader in this industry, working with Carnival Corporation has been a desire of ours for some time,” commented Rich Talarico, CEO of Allin. “The size of the commitment that Carnival has made to interactive television clearly indicates the confidence that Carnival has shown in choosing Allin to support their efforts in this important area.” About Carnival Corporation Carnival Corporation (NYSE: CCL – news) is comprised of Carnival Cruise Lines, the world’s largest cruise line based on passengers carried, Holland America Line, Windstar Cruises, Cunard Line, Seabourn Cruise Line and Costa Crociere. Carnival Corporation’s various brands operate 44 ships in the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Mexican Riviera, South America and other worldwide destinations. About Allin Corporation Allin Corporation is a solutions-oriented information technology consulting company that teams with businesses to help them transform the promise of the Internet into practical business realities through five interrelated Solution Areas: Technology Infrastructure, Business Operations, Knowledge Management, E-Business and Interactive Media. Allin delivers these services through the trade names Allin Consulting, Allin Interactive, and Allin Digital Imaging. Allin has offices in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, San Jose and Walnut Creek, California and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. For additional information about Allin, visit the Company’s Internet site on the World Wide Web at www.allin.com. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to the safe harbors created thereby. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends. The words or phrases “provides Allin with and opportunity to deliver” and similar words or expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations or other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, including, among other things, the Company’s limited operating history under its new marketing strategies, risks inherent in the development of new markets and products, the need for management of growth, limited capital and competitive market conditions. These are representative of factors, which could affect the outcome of the forward-looking statements. In addition, such statements could be affected by general industry and market conditions and growth rates and general domestic and international economic conditions. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements because of new information, future events or otherwise.

Response:

Any idea when we’ll see this on board?? Lisa Hetherington Guild Stationers Limited Marketing Dept. 905 662 4939 ext. 236

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi Everyone, > I received this press release from the Allin Corporation and thought > it would be of interest. If you have missed any of my news’ postings, > they are archived on my web site. > Best regards, > Ray > LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL > 800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905 > http://www.lighthousetravel.com > PITTSBURGH, Feb. 22 > Allin Corporation (Nasdaq: ALLN) announced that it has reached an > agreement with Carnival Corporation (NYSE: CCL), to deliver Allin’s > interactive television solution to six Carnival Cruise Lines’ vessels. > Under the terms of the master agreement, Allin will design, develop > and deploy the interactive television system specifically for > Carnival. This agreement also provides Allin with an opportunity to > deliver the interactive television solution to other Carnival > Corporation cruise line brands.

Response:

Any idea when we’ll see this on board?? Lisa Hetherington Guild Stationers Limited Marketing Dept. 905 662 4939 ext. 236