2000-2008 U.S. Dark Ages

Question:

In the Henry Lee Lucas case in 1998, GWBush showed where the real power lay. He intervened with the Texas pardons board before they had a chance to make a recommendation, and after his intervention, the board handed him the decision he wanted: a 17-1 vote for commutation of Lucas’s death sentence. Henry Lee Lucas & Ottis Toole The Tag Team from Hell: the Sadist King and the Generalissimo of Pain. The numbers speak for themselves. As a kid, Henry was the poster child of the "Future Serial Killer Club." His alcoholic father, called "No Legs" because of a chance encounter with a freight train, killed himself after repeatedly being humiliated by his abusive wife. When little Henry sliced an eye while playing with a knife with his brother, his bootlegging, prostitute mother — Viola Lucas — left his gashed orb unattended for days until it eventually withered and had to be removed by a doctor. Once mom beat him so severely with a piece of wood that he lay in a semi-conscious state for three days before Viola’s boyfriend decide to take him to a local hospital. Another time, she cruelly decided to send Hank to school in a dress and with his hair curled. Years later, in a drunken binge, Henry stuck a knife in his mother’s back and proceeded to rape her dead corpse. Later, like on many other occasions, he recanted his act of inscestuous necrophilia. He got 40 years for matricide, but was out after 10. Free again, Henry launched his stellar career as the nation’s most notorious random killer. In 1976, after a chance meeting in a Jacksonville soup kitchen, he joined up with a part-time transvestite and deeply psychotic retard, Ottis Toole, to carry out numerous homicidal escapades. Ottis had a taste for human flesh and had many of his victims for dinner. Henry, however, was not a cannibal because, he said, he disliked the taste of Ottis’ barbecue sauce. He was more of a sadist and a necrophile, preferring sex with mutilated bodies and live or dead animals. The consummate killer couple, they enjoyed picking up hitchhikers to satisfy their lust for blood. Sometimes, when they didn’t want to go through the hassle of killing and disposing of their prey, they would just run over the occasional hitchhiker and continue on their merry way. These lethal lovebirds parted ways after Ottis’ niece, Becky Powell, shacked up with Henry at the age of seven. The unfortunate lassie was found at the age of fifteen dismembered, stuffed in pillowcases and strewn over a field. After his arrest, Lucas toured the country as a star killer uncovering evidence of his handiwork for local police departments. In 1985, Dallas Times-Herald journalist, Hugh Aynesworth, claimed their reign of terror was a hoax and that overzealous detectives fed the would-be killers many details of their crimes. Henry and Ottis confessed to more than 600 killings in 26 states. Henry even claimed to have carried the poison to Guyana as a favor to his good friend Jim Jones. Many investigators still believe that Lucas — a fifth-grade dropout — was responsible for just a couple of murders and the real criminals were the officers who fed him information on unresolved cases and coerced confessions. Serial killer expert Robert Ressler believes Henry might be responsible for as little as five killings. The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle. To many investigators’ surprise one of Henry’s earliest alleged victims, a Virginia schoolteacher, was found alive and kicking as he was charged with her murder. Not one to hold back his most outrageous boasts, he claimed to have committed murders in Spain and Japan eventhough there’s no evidence suggesting he ever left the United States. Some of the crimes, he said, were committed under orders from the Satanic cult, the "Hand of Death." After confessing to over 300 hits, Hank recanted it all only to confess again when he became born-agai. As he awaits execution on Death Row in Texas, Hank still mentions bits and pieces of evidence linking him to numerous killings in 18 states. Meanwhile back in Florida, Ottis was diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic and his death sentence was commuted to six consecutive life termss. In prison Ottis confessed and later recanted killing 6-year-old Adam Walsh, whose 1981 disappearance outside a Hollywood, Florida, mall set off a nationwide manhunt and launched the TV career of his father, John Walsh, as the creator and host of the Fox television series "America’s Most Wanted." On September 15, 1996, Ottis died in a prison hospital of liver failure. Walsh, who repeatedly criticized the police handling of his son’s case, questioned why investigators did not try to interview Toole on his deathbed or try for another confession. Speaking from prison after Ottis’ death, Lucas said Toole killed Adam and later showed him the remains of the boy in a shallow grave. "I got sick about it. I said let’s get the hell out of here." On March 31, 1998, Texas State District Judge John Carter set June 30 as the execution date for Henry Lee. Although his many confessions, he was sentenced to death for the 1979 murder of a female hitchhiker known as "Orange Socks" for the only item of clothing left on her body. During many of his detractions Lucas claimed that he was working as a roofer in Florida when the hitchhiker was killed. No execution date had been set for Lucas until now. He was granted a stay in September 1995 so his claims of false confessions could be investigated. The stay was lifted a year later. On June 27, 1998 Governor George W. Bush spared Henry’s life because of overwhelming evidence proving that Henry was not in Texas when "Orange Socks" was murdered. Although Lucas confessed to killing her, work records and a cashed paycheck indicated he was in Florida at the time of the murder. Bush issued the reprieve on the recommendation of the state parole board. "I can only thank them for believing the truth and having guts enough for standing up for what’s right," Lucas said from death row. "Henry Lee Lucas is unquestionably guilty of other despicable crimes which he has been sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison," said Bush, in Brownsville for a conference of U.S.-Mexico border state governors. "However, I believe there is enough doubt about this particular crime that the state of Texas should not impose its ultimate penalty by executing him."

Response:

But you never mention what kind of guitar’s Henry and Ottis prefered. So I must wonder what your point is. SotR

Response:

> But you never mention what kind of guitar’s Henry and Ottis prefered. So I > must wonder what your point is. > SotR

The SadoCaster and IQ035.

Response:

> But you never mention what kind of guitar’s Henry and Ottis prefered. So I > must wonder what your point is. > SotR

It might have been the roundbacked Ovictim and the LesPulse -or was it the Breaknbacker and the MasoCaster?

Response:

> But you never mention what kind of guitar’s Henry and Ottis prefered. So I > must wonder what your point is. > SotR

Maybe it was a dead Fartin and a PRS (Please Resuccitate Survivor).

Response:

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In: Lovebirds

Tag Team / Dynamic Trio! claudel, deadgas 'n stalky

Question:

Serial killers tend to be white, heterosexual males who are sexually dysfunctional and have low self-esteem. Their methodical rampages are almost always sexual in nature. Their killings are usually part of an elaborate fantasy that builds to a climax at the moment of their murderous outburst. Serial killers generally murder strangers with cooling off periods between each crime. Many enjoy cannibalism, necrophilia and keep trophy-like body parts as mementos of their work. Serial killers are sadistic in nature. Some return to crime scenes or grave sites of their victims to fantasize about their deeds. Many like to insert themselves in the investigation of their crimes and some enjoy taunting authorities with letters or carefully placed pieces of evidence. Serial killers tend to prey on women and children of their same race. Prostitutes, drifters and hitchhikers are their victims of choice. Some homosexual killers enjoy hunting young boys and gay men. Most serial killers grew up in violent households. As youngsters they enjoyed torturing animals, setting fires and were chronic bed-wetters. As adults, many serial killers have had some type of brain damage and are addicted to alcohol and/or drugs.

Response:

Henry Lee Lucas & Ottis Toole The Tag Team from Hell: the Sadist King and the Generalissimo of Pain. The numbers speak for themselves. As a kid, Henry was the poster child of the "Future Serial Killer Club." His alcoholic father, called "No Legs" because of a chance encounter with a freight train, killed himself after repeatedly being humiliated by his abusive wife. When little Henry sliced an eye while playing with a knife with his brother, his bootlegging, prostitute mother — Viola Lucas — left his gashed orb unattended for days until it eventually withered and had to be removed by a doctor. Once mom beat him so severely with a piece of wood that he lay in a semi-conscious state for three days before Viola’s boyfriend decide to take him to a local hospital. Another time, she cruelly decided to send Hank to school in a dress and with his hair curled. Years later, in a drunken binge, Henry stuck a knife in his mother’s back and proceeded to rape her dead corpse. Later, like on many other occasions, he recanted his act of inscestuous necrophilia. He got 40 years for matricide, but was out after 10. Free again, Henry launched his stellar career as the nation’s most notorious random killer. In 1976, after a chance meeting in a Jacksonville soup kitchen, he joined up with a part-time transvestite and deeply psychotic retard, Ottis Toole, to carry out numerous homicidal escapades. Ottis had a taste for human flesh and had many of his victims for dinner. Henry, however, was not a cannibal because, he said, he disliked the taste of Ottis’ barbecue sauce. He was more of a sadist and a necrophile, preferring sex with mutilated bodies and live or dead animals. The consummate killer couple, they enjoyed picking up hitchhikers to satisfy their lust for blood. Sometimes, when they didn’t want to go through the hassle of killing and disposing of their prey, they would just run over the occasional hitchhiker and continue on their merry way. These lethal lovebirds parted ways after Ottis’ niece, Becky Powell, shacked up with Henry at the age of seven. The unfortunate lassie was found at the age of fifteen dismembered, stuffed in pillowcases and strewn over a field. After his arrest, Lucas toured the country as a star killer uncovering evidence of his handiwork for local police departments. In 1985, Dallas Times-Herald journalist, Hugh Aynesworth, claimed their reign of terror was a hoax and that overzealous detectives fed the would-be killers many details of their crimes. Henry and Ottis confessed to more than 600 killings in 26 states. Henry even claimed to have carried the poison to Guyana as a favor to his good friend Jim Jones. Many investigators still believe that Lucas — a fifth-grade dropout — was responsible for just a couple of murders and the real criminals were the officers who fed him information on unresolved cases and coerced confessions. Serial killer expert Robert Ressler believes Henry might be responsible for as little as five killings. The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle. To many investigators’ surprise one of Henry’s earliest alleged victims, a Virginia schoolteacher, was found alive and kicking as he was charged with her murder. Not one to hold back his most outrageous boasts, he claimed to have committed murders in Spain and Japan eventhough there’s no evidence suggesting he ever left the United States. Some of the crimes, he said, were committed under orders from the Satanic cult, the "Hand of Death." After confessing to over 300 hits, Hank recanted it all only to confess again when he became born-agai. As he awaits execution on Death Row in Texas, Hank still mentions bits and pieces of evidence linking him to numerous killings in 18 states. Meanwhile back in Florida, Ottis was diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic and his death sentence was commuted to six consecutive life termss. In prison Ottis confessed and later recanted killing 6-year-old Adam Walsh, whose 1981 disappearance outside a Hollywood, Florida, mall set off a nationwide manhunt and launched the TV career of his father, John Walsh, as the creator and host of the Fox television series "America’s Most Wanted." On September 15, 1996, Ottis died in a prison hospital of liver failure. Walsh, who repeatedly criticized the police handling of his son’s case, questioned why investigators did not try to interview Toole on his deathbed or try for another confession. Speaking from prison after Ottis’ death, Lucas said Toole killed Adam and later showed him the remains of the boy in a shallow grave. "I got sick about it. I said let’s get the hell out of here." On March 31, 1998, Texas State District Judge John Carter set June 30 as the execution date for Henry Lee. Although his many confessions, he was sentenced to death for the 1979 murder of a female hitchhiker known as "Orange Socks" for the only item of clothing left on her body. During many of his detractions Lucas claimed that he was working as a roofer in Florida when the hitchhiker was killed. No execution date had been set for Lucas until now. He was granted a stay in September 1995 so his claims of false confessions could be investigated. The stay was lifted a year later. On June 27, 1998 Governor George W. Bush spared Henry’s life because of overwhelming evidence proving that Henry was not in Texas when "Orange Socks" was murdered. Although Lucas confessed to killing her, work records and a cashed paycheck indicated he was in Florida at the time of the murder. Bush issued the reprieve on the recommendation of the state parole board. "I can only thank them for believing the truth and having guts enough for standing up for what’s right," Lucas said from death row. "Henry Lee Lucas is unquestionably guilty of other despicable crimes which he has been sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison," said Bush, in Brownsville for a conference of U.S.-Mexico border state governors. "However, I believe there is enough doubt about this particular crime that the state of Texas should not impose its ultimate penalty by executing him."

Response:

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In: Lovebirds

One more local music store–gone

Question:

A rant of sorts….but not really. I’m very disappointed. I stopped by my favorite local music store yesterday, only to get some sad news. They’re getting out of the guitar, bass, drums, etc., business and going to focus on school band instrument sales and rentals, insead. They have always been the kind of store that did both. But, the business was clearly divided…staff, building…everything. So, I go in the place and notice that they are "remodeling", with the gear (guitars, amps, drums, PA stuff, strings, cables…you name it) all pushed to the middle of the room, in sort of a "self service" setup. What’s more….not a single sales person in the place to wait on those customers. Hmmmmmm……not a good sign. A short conversation at the new "central sales counter" explained everything. All my buddies had been let go. Once stuff on that side of the store is sold, there will be no reorders. (heaven forbid you might have a technical question about something, before buying, too!) Bummer…. This place was a very down to earth sort of store. The kind of place that would let you take an amp or effect home, before buying…just to make sure it’s what you wanted. Their prices were very competetive with all the major mail order companies, too. I did as much business there, as I could. Even if they didn’t stock something…if they could order it, I’d get it there. They always gave me a fair price for doing so, too. But, it looks like that was their undoing…. The company that owns them, also owns a couple more stores in surrounding communities. Profits are down, because of the mail order/internet companies. But, the thing that really did it, was greed, I think. This company just successully negotiated agreements with almost all the area school districts, to become the "official source" for their band instrument sales & rentals. ($$$$$) So….I’m bummed. We do have a couple more stores in our area….but they’re not the same. One guy’s is good, but he’s a Peavey dealer….not that there’s anything wrong with Peavey! But, it’s not what I use, eh? The other place….well, frankly, I don’t know how they’re still in business. If you value your local music store….support them! Spend money there! More often than not, the price I paid at the store, was *very* close to the mail order price. Sales tax was usually a little less than I’d pay for shipping, too. But even if I did pay just a little more, it was worth it. You can’t try a bunch of guitars, looking for just the right one….on a web page. I looked at it as investing in the store’s ability to provide me the opportunity to really see, touch and play stuff, before buying. A small price to pay! And now…they’re going away. Thanks for reading, Mike

Response:

Hello Mike, I’ve posted many times previously on this topic of supporting the local merchants. The bottom line for me is that how, when and where you spend your money is in part creating the future you will have in your local community. So many times I’ve seen threads where someone is talking about the poor set-up quality of their instrument they just purchased, and invariably it was purchased from a mass market discounter who literally takes the guitar out of the shipping container from the manufacturer, puts it on a shelf, and then sometime on down the road sells it and puts in into a shipping box and off it goes. The "set-up" if you will was done months ago by the factory (if it was a good day for them) and the guitar of course is affected by so many enviromental variables. I’ve done business with my locally owned music store for over 40 years now, and my personal history is very much tied to having purchased quality instruments and gear from them. Service after the sale is immediate, local, and quality. Friendships are developed, great gear found – sometimes the phone rings with a "you won’t believe what just walked in the door" message that alerts me to a potentially great piece of gear. The person who gloats over having saved some money by purchasing their gear on-line has decided to not support the locally owned store, and that individual who spent their money outside of their community is ultimately standing to lose much. The person who posted in another thread about trying gear at the local place and then doing business with a company outside of his/her area was literally using the local music store to accomplish his/her end result. That sort of energy comes back to the individual in many shades and forms. If one doesn’t want to support the locally owned stores, then the individual had better not cry about the example of a local company firing the workers hired locally, and out-sourcing their labor to another country or area of the world. In my mind there is little difference. If the "bottom line" is your sole (soul) priority, then the world you create with those decisions will reflect that. All the best. Walk in Beauty, Peace. Scott

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> A rant of sorts….but not really. I’m very disappointed. > I stopped by my favorite local music store yesterday, only > to get some sad news. They’re getting out of the guitar, > bass, drums, etc., business and going to focus on school > band instrument sales and rentals, insead. > They have always been the kind of store that did both. But, > the business was clearly divided…staff, building…everything. > So, I go in the place and notice that they are "remodeling", > with the gear (guitars, amps, drums, PA stuff, strings, > cables…you name it) all pushed to the middle of the room, > in sort of a "self service" setup. What’s more….not a > single sales person in the place to wait on those customers. > Hmmmmmm……not a good sign. > A short conversation at the new "central sales counter" > explained everything. All my buddies had been let go. Once > stuff on that side of the store is sold, there will be no > reorders. (heaven forbid you might have a technical > question about something, before buying, too!) > Bummer…. > This place was a very down to earth sort of store. The kind > of place that would let you take an amp or effect home, > before buying…just to make sure it’s what you wanted. > Their prices were very competetive with all the major mail > order companies, too. I did as much business there, as I > could. Even if they didn’t stock something…if they could > order it, I’d get it there. They always gave me a fair > price for doing so, too. > But, it looks like that was their undoing…. > The company that owns them, also owns a couple more stores > in surrounding communities. Profits are down, because of > the mail order/internet companies. But, the thing that > really did it, was greed, I think. > This company just successully negotiated agreements with > almost all the area school districts, to become the > "official source" for their band instrument sales & rentals. > ($$$$$) > So….I’m bummed. We do have a couple more stores in our > area….but they’re not the same. One guy’s is good, but > he’s a Peavey dealer….not that there’s anything wrong with > Peavey! But, it’s not what I use, eh? > The other place….well, frankly, I don’t know how they’re > still in business. > If you value your local music store….support them! Spend > money there! More often than not, the price I paid at the > store, was *very* close to the mail order price. Sales tax > was usually a little less than I’d pay for shipping, too. > But even if I did pay just a little more, it was worth it. > You can’t try a bunch of guitars, looking for just the right > one….on a web page. I looked at it as investing in the > store’s ability to provide me the opportunity to really see, > touch and play stuff, before buying. A small price to pay! > And now…they’re going away. > Thanks for reading, > Mike

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Response:

This is a resource that you can use if you care to fight the chain store trend http://www.newrules.org/retail/ars_archive.php This is a great article about New Rules for the New Localism Favoring Communities, Deterring Corporate Chains http://www.multinationalmonitor.org/mm2002/02oct-nov/oct-nov02intervi… Over the past 10 or 15 years, we have seen an unprecedented shift from locally owned retail to absentee-owned retail. Two or three companies now dominate nearly every sector. What we’re getting is not more competition, but less. It is also important to realize that economic consolidation is not simply the result of market forces. It is a trend that has been driven in no small part by public policy. Affecting public policy means involving yourself in politics. That’s why political discussions are important even in an amp group. Look how these policies affect how you are able to shop, obtain your equipment, even develop friendships and working relationships. How and where you spend your money is a political statement.

Response:

–snip– >If you value your local music store….support them!

Same thing happened here. Customers see lower prices at Sam Ash/Musician’s Friend/ whatever, and go for the bottom line low buck. Even though these same "customers" have spent hour upon hour sitting in the local music store, trying out instruments/amps/effects/etc., getting free advice, lessons, contacts, etc. Some have actually had the gall to bring in a mail ordered instrument for setup, expecting it to be free (as if they’d bought at the store). Music store pays expensive floor plans every month, loses more & more sales to the Wal- marts of the music world, and eventually folds its tent. "Customers" then whine about having no local music store. The Repair Guy http://repairguy1993.netfirms.com/

Response:

Mike Pritchard, tied to the tracks, said: … > If you value your local music store….support them! Spend > money there! More often than not, the price I paid at the > store, was *very* close to the mail order price. Sales tax > was usually a little less than I’d pay for shipping, too. > But even if I did pay just a little more, it was worth it. > You can’t try a bunch of guitars, looking for just the right > one….on a web page. I looked at it as investing in the > store’s ability to provide me the opportunity to really see, > touch and play stuff, before buying. A small price to pay!

You poor, deluded, foolish child. This is not the 1950s. Your behavior is practically un-American. 8^/ Wanna talk about me wanna talk about I If you talk about you I’ll stab you in the eye It’s all about RIGHT NOW, baby. Every last penny I can squeeze out this instant, and screw next year, next month, next day, next instant, and especially the next guy. No, we aren’t there yet, but we’re well on the way to this bing normative. You can see it in big corporations. You can see it in the FDA. You can see it on the road. You can see it in consumer behavior. You can see it all over the place. 8^( I am convinced that if we continue on this course that we, as a society, are doomed. And despite their flaws, screw ups, and impact, if you try to blame it solely on any set of politicians and their followers, you are (IMO) a fool. (I don’t mean you, Mike. You’re smarter than that, even if you’re on the wrong side of some issues. 8^) -Miles

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Mike Pritchard, tied to the tracks, said: > … > If you value your local music store….support them! Spend > money there! More often than not, the price I paid at the > store, was *very* close to the mail order price. Sales tax > was usually a little less than I’d pay for shipping, too. > But even if I did pay just a little more, it was worth it. > You can’t try a bunch of guitars, looking for just the right > one….on a web page. I looked at it as investing in the > store’s ability to provide me the opportunity to really see, > touch and play stuff, before buying. A small price to pay! > You poor, deluded, foolish child. > This is not the 1950s. > Your behavior is practically un-American. > 8^/ > Wanna talk about me > wanna talk about I > If you talk about you > I’ll stab you in the eye > It’s all about RIGHT NOW, baby. > Every last penny I can squeeze > out this instant, and screw next > year, next month, next day, next > instant, and especially the next > guy. > No, we aren’t there yet, but we’re > well on the way to this bing > normative. You can see it in big > corporations. You can see it in > the FDA. You can see it on the > road. You can see it in consumer > behavior. You can see it all over > the place. > 8^( > I am convinced that if we continue > on this course that we, as a society, > are doomed. And despite their flaws, > screw ups, and impact, if you try to > blame it solely on any set of politicians > and their followers, you are (IMO) a > fool. > (I don’t mean you, Mike. You’re smarter > than that, even if you’re on the wrong > side of some issues. 8^) > -Miles

The corporate entity has proven to be extremely good at a number of things, such as producing goods and services efficiently, competing in the marketplace and creating value for the stockholders. But they are inherently myopic: accountability to the stockholder tends to shift emphasis away from a company’s mission of serving the customer to whatever benefits the stockholder most in the short term.[1] Quarterly financial statements become the absolute gauge of a company’s health, when there are many factors crucial to a company’s well-being that aren’t reflected in financial reports.[2] I see this in my business (grocery distribution) all the time. Our corporate competitors (SuperValu, Nash Finch, Roundy’s, et al) have virtually all forgotten the independent retailer, who got them where they are in the first place, in favor of their own corporate chain stores. As a result, the company I work for has grown by leaps and bounds, picking off those companies’ former disaffected customers. My company is a member-owned cooperative, so the customer and the stockholder are one and the same. Of course we are just as apt to be plagued with short-term dimwittedness, but at least we aren’t at cross-purposes with our selves. What is scary is that our economy has most of its eggs in one basket, the corporation. How will our corporations cope with the growing competition from China, where short term financial planning may take a back seat to long term national goals? If Wal-Mart’ s practices are any indication, everyone will continue to buy cheap from China until no alternative remains. Then, cheap won’t be an option any more. [1] Just like our politicians seem to be more accountable to their donors than to the voters. [2] Just like our political system is inept at tackling long term goals because they don’t see beyond the election cycle. Jeff Sometimes, when I look at my children, I say to myself: "Lillian, you should have remained a virgin." — Lillian Carter (mother of the 64th president, Jimmy Carter)

Response:

Were they bought by Music and Arts per chance? We had a local store or two that were bought out by M&A. Thet definitely concentrate on school music programs with rentals, lessons, sheet music, etc. They carry a couple of guitars but stuff I’d never buy. Greg

Response:

markets like political empires are cyclical. When it costs more to trasport that shit from China, we’ll start making it here again (if we remember how) or they will start making it here. On the higher end there is still opportunity. There’s WalMart and then there’s Neiman Marcus with the split 80/20. I noticed in Thursdays business emails a newletter that said that WalMart is feeling a bit pinched by gas prices. Their poor customers are cutting back so they are starting to ad upscale merchendise to try to attract a higher class of customer – I guess they are targeting Target.

Response:

> I am convinced that if we continue > on this course that we, as a society, > are doomed. And despite their flaws, > screw ups, and impact, if you try to > blame it solely on any set of politicians > and their followers, you are (IMO) a > fool. > (I don’t mean you, Mike. You’re smarter > than that, even if you’re on the wrong > side of some issues. 8^) > -Miles

I read through what you wrote and I agree with you, 100%. It’s nice to see that even though we may differ on some things, we can also agree on some. Regards, Mike

Response:

Mike Pritchard, tied to the tracks, said: … > I read through what you wrote and I agree with you, 100%. > It’s nice to see that even though we may differ on some > things, we can also agree on some.

I was thinking that as I was writing it.

Response:

> Mike Pritchard, tied to the tracks, said: > … > I read through what you wrote and I agree with you, 100%. > It’s nice to see that even though we may differ on some > things, we can also agree on some. > I was thinking that as I was writing it.

see…..there are all kinds of possibilities.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > A rant of sorts….but not really. I’m very disappointed. > I stopped by my favorite local music store yesterday, only > to get some sad news. They’re getting out of the guitar, > bass, drums, etc., business and going to focus on school > band instrument sales and rentals, insead. > They have always been the kind of store that did both. But, > the business was clearly divided…staff, building…everything. > So, I go in the place and notice that they are "remodeling", > with the gear (guitars, amps, drums, PA stuff, strings, > cables…you name it) all pushed to the middle of the room, > in sort of a "self service" setup. What’s more….not a > single sales person in the place to wait on those customers. > Hmmmmmm……not a good sign. > A short conversation at the new "central sales counter" > explained everything. All my buddies had been let go. Once > stuff on that side of the store is sold, there will be no > reorders. (heaven forbid you might have a technical > question about something, before buying, too!) > Bummer…. > This place was a very down to earth sort of store. The kind > of place that would let you take an amp or effect home, > before buying…just to make sure it’s what you wanted. > Their prices were very competetive with all the major mail > order companies, too. I did as much business there, as I > could. Even if they didn’t stock something…if they could > order it, I’d get it there. They always gave me a fair > price for doing so, too. > But, it looks like that was their undoing…. > The company that owns them, also owns a couple more stores > in surrounding communities. Profits are down, because of > the mail order/internet companies. But, the thing that > really did it, was greed, I think. > This company just successully negotiated agreements with > almost all the area school districts, to become the > "official source" for their band instrument sales & rentals. > ($$$$$) > So….I’m bummed. We do have a couple more stores in our > area….but they’re not the same. One guy’s is good, but > he’s a Peavey dealer….not that there’s anything wrong with > Peavey! But, it’s not what I use, eh? > The other place….well, frankly, I don’t know how they’re > still in business. > If you value your local music store….support them! Spend > money there! More often than not, the price I paid at the > store, was *very* close to the mail order price. Sales tax > was usually a little less than I’d pay for shipping, too. > But even if I did pay just a little more, it was worth it. > You can’t try a bunch of guitars, looking for just the right > one….on a web page. I looked at it as investing in the > store’s ability to provide me the opportunity to really see, > touch and play stuff, before buying. A small price to pay! > And now…they’re going away. > Thanks for reading, > Mike

I was leafing through a Musician’s Friend catalog this morning while sitting on the thrown (no details spared) and noticed that they sell THD Hotplates for $299. I purchased one from my local store about 5 months ago and they charged me only $250. When I bought my 57 Reissue Strat two months ago, the original price (I bought it at clearance) was $1295.00; I’ve seen it online for around 1325.00 or so. This makes me wonder: Is it that the online retailers are giving such great deals or is it that we, as consumers who want convenience, tend not to check prices as carefully as we should?

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->A rant of sorts….but not really. I’m very disappointed. >I stopped by my favorite local music store yesterday, only >to get some sad news. They’re getting out of the guitar, >bass, drums, etc., business and going to focus on school >band instrument sales and rentals, insead. >They have always been the kind of store that did both. But, >the business was clearly divided…staff, building…everything. >So, I go in the place and notice that they are "remodeling", >with the gear (guitars, amps, drums, PA stuff, strings, >cables…you name it) all pushed to the middle of the room, >in sort of a "self service" setup. What’s more….not a >single sales person in the place to wait on those customers. >Hmmmmmm……not a good sign. >A short conversation at the new "central sales counter" >explained everything. All my buddies had been let go. Once >stuff on that side of the store is sold, there will be no >reorders. (heaven forbid you might have a technical >question about something, before buying, too!) >Bummer…. >This place was a very down to earth sort of store. The kind >of place that would let you take an amp or effect home, >before buying…just to make sure it’s what you wanted. >Their prices were very competetive with all the major mail >order companies, too. I did as much business there, as I >could. Even if they didn’t stock something…if they could >order it, I’d get it there. They always gave me a fair >price for doing so, too. >But, it looks like that was their undoing…. >The company that owns them, also owns a couple more stores >in surrounding communities. Profits are down, because of >the mail order/internet companies. But, the thing that >really did it, was greed, I think. >This company just successully negotiated agreements with >almost all the area school districts, to become the >"official source" for their band instrument sales & rentals. >($$$$$) >So….I’m bummed. We do have a couple more stores in our >area….but they’re not the same. One guy’s is good, but >he’s a Peavey dealer….not that there’s anything wrong with >Peavey! But, it’s not what I use, eh? >The other place….well, frankly, I don’t know how they’re >still in business. >If you value your local music store….support them! Spend >money there! More often than not, the price I paid at the >store, was *very* close to the mail order price. Sales tax >was usually a little less than I’d pay for shipping, too. >But even if I did pay just a little more, it was worth it. >You can’t try a bunch of guitars, looking for just the right >one….on a web page. I looked at it as investing in the >store’s ability to provide me the opportunity to really see, >touch and play stuff, before buying. A small price to pay! >And now…they’re going away. >Thanks for reading, >Mike > I was leafing through a Musician’s Friend catalog this morning while > sitting on the thrown (no details spared) and noticed that they sell > THD Hotplates for $299. I purchased one from my local store about 5 > months ago and they charged me only $250. When I bought my 57 Reissue > Strat two months ago, the original price (I bought it at clearance) was > $1295.00; I’ve seen it online for around 1325.00 or so. This makes me > wonder: Is it that the online retailers are giving such great deals or > is it that we, as consumers who want convenience, tend not to check > prices as carefully as we should?

Well, there’s the whole "dominate the market, then raise prices" thing going on. Guitar Center swallowed up Musician’s Friend. Then they swallowed Mars, and others. There are less options out there. I’ve noticed price increases. Coincidence? I’ve also noticed changes in posting web prices. Price controls? Gibson/Epiphone recently made some changes resulting in less competition and higher prices. I think that they threatened to pull dealerships if they posted before a certain level, which happened to be MF prices. Then MF raised their price, IIRC! (You’d have to do more checking, to make sure that I’ve got it straight). Now, on a local level, one Guitar Center might sell for LESS than another store, or even LESS than Musician’s Friend. You still gotta shop around. Walmart is also undercutting competition (much of this is done by selling inferior Chinese products at a LOW price, making it impossible for smaller retailers to compete, since they can’t buy the chinese CRAP at the low prices that Walmart has negotiated, even if they chose to sell CRAP). God help us if they continue to grow, because the Chinese CRAP could end up costing as much as the quality merchandise that is getting squeezed out of the market. An informed consumer is the best answer. No matter what you buy, do your research and choose your retailer. Here’s a great tool for lowest price: http://www.froogle.com

Response:

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In: Finch

OT: Drummer Mooching Off Bass Player

Question:

most of the great drummers i’ve played with have been potheads. once your buddy stumbles upon this, about half of these troubles will disipate. the 2am screaming will go away because he will be asleep. he’ll be attracting more (and different varieties of) chicks. he’ll be too mellow to take stuff apart. some of that other stuff about him is gonna be another kind of pickle tho.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Chauncey is our Moluccan cockatoo. > In the wild, Moluccan cockatoos shape sticks and beat them on logs to > mark their territory. They’re natural drummers. > Chauncey, of course, does not have a paying job and so he doesn’t help > with the bills, especially food bills. He doesn’t help around the > house, and in fact has been known to cause significant damage. He > certainly doesn’t have his own car. > Chauncey is fascinated with females but doesn’t know what to do with > them when he gets them. Eventually the females leave frustrated and > screaming. > He’s got the intelligence of a 6 year old and the emotional maturity > of a 2 year old on a bad day. He’s amazingly good with tools, although > he’s far better at taking things apart than putting them back > together. > Chauncey can talk, although his vocabulary is severely limited and > he’s usually incoherent. He complains a lot. He will scream at the top > of his lungs at 2 a.m. for no known reason. > When drumming, Chauncey can keep the beat, but you can’t count on him > to do so. If I’m playing and he’s drumming and he screws up, he looks > at me like it’s my fault. > I’d say he was like every other drummer I know, except Chauncey > doesn’t drink and none of the other drummers I know crap in the > wastebasket. > <g> > Zooty

Response:

Chauncey is our Moluccan cockatoo. In the wild, Moluccan cockatoos shape sticks and beat them on logs to mark their territory. They’re natural drummers. Chauncey, of course, does not have a paying job and so he doesn’t help with the bills, especially food bills. He doesn’t help around the house, and in fact has been known to cause significant damage. He certainly doesn’t have his own car. Chauncey is fascinated with females but doesn’t know what to do with them when he gets them. Eventually the females leave frustrated and screaming. He’s got the intelligence of a 6 year old and the emotional maturity of a 2 year old on a bad day. He’s amazingly good with tools, although he’s far better at taking things apart than putting them back together. Chauncey can talk, although his vocabulary is severely limited and he’s usually incoherent. He complains a lot. He will scream at the top of his lungs at 2 a.m. for no known reason. When drumming, Chauncey can keep the beat, but you can’t count on him to do so. If I’m playing and he’s drumming and he screws up, he looks at me like it’s my fault. I’d say he was like every other drummer I know, except Chauncey doesn’t drink and none of the other drummers I know crap in the wastebasket. <g> Zooty

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In: Cockatoo

Guitar God

Question:

Check this out and his ebay auctions. Pt http://j-walk.com/other/todd/aboutme.htm

Response:

Sorry Pt, that site is about as funny as the Bird Flu Epidemic. P

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Check this out and his ebay auctions. > Pt > http://j-walk.com/other/todd/aboutme.htm

Response:

Well, that’s pretty funny in itself. I’d hate to die from something with a wussy name like that. Makes it seem like your pet cockatiel sneezed on you. — Learning funk bass? visit www.js3jazz.com/store.htm "Speaking the Truth in times of Universal deceit is a revolutionary act." — George Orwell

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Sorry Pt, that site is about as funny as the Bird Flu Epidemic. > P > Check this out and his ebay auctions. > Pt > http://j-walk.com/other/todd/aboutme.htm

Response:

How can I help you son? — O> /() ^^

Response:

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In: Cockatiel

Thai vs. Singapore; BKK vs. SIN

Question:

> >> If you have more than about 6 hours then go Thai as you can now go >> into Bangkok City without paying any Airport tax. >as of when? > As of about 2 months ago when the relaxation of the rules were > announced. > Transit passengers can now obtain an ‘Airport tax exemption form’

How long for? 24 hours? They used to have the exemption but dropped ir sme 5 years ago if not longer. > Why do you feel it necessary to attempt to be anonymous ? > Something to hide ?

yea, from spammers

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> >[follow-ups set] > >>>I’m doing some advance planning for a trip next year and for one leg > >>>(SYD-LHR) the Star Alliance electronic timetable says I have a choice > >>>between Thai or Singapore Airlines if I go the westerly way. It looks > like > >>>a good idea since the trip is up to ten hours shorter than going east. > >>Singapore has nothing of any interest for a Tourist whereas Bangkok > >>has > >[sic] > >What an utterly meaningless statement. What to qualify this or remain > >looking foolish? > I dont have to qualify anything > It has nothing of any historical, architectural or religious interest > Its a dump > – > whilst you may Singapore very sterile their airline is far superior to Thai. > On Singapore you get personal videos and free champagne in economy. Not so > on Thai. Having said that, I definitely found Thailand more interesting

Don’t agree. I just flew BKK – SIN – KUL – SIN – BKK on SQ in economy and was disappointed. Bad legroom, service OK I guess but nothing special. Give me Thai Airways any day. Much better and more legroom. Sjoerd

Response:

> whilst you may Singapore very sterile their airline is far superior to Thai. > On Singapore you get personal videos and free champagne in economy. Not so > on Thai. Having said that, I definitely found Thailand more interesting

You don’t get free champagne on Singapore in economy any longer. Nevertheless they still offer a very good service. I flew with them FRA- SIN-FRA two weeks ago and it was a pleasant experience. Martin

Response:

> If you have more than about 6 hours then go Thai as you can now go > into Bangkok City without paying any Airport tax.

as of when?

Response:

> A serious question – what would suggest as an itenerary for a 3 day visit by > a first time tourist there ? (I have never been)

Take a taxi to Changi Airport and buy a ticket to Bangkok. You can see all the buildings in Singapore from the air.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->> Then you are an idiot or a troll. >> Having lived and worked in Singapore its a fascinating place >> with a friendly people and a lot to offer to those with the wit >> to see it. >> Keith >A serious question – what would suggest as an itenerary for a 3 day visit by >a first time tourist there ? (I have never been)

Man, what’s your problem with Singapore? There’s always someplace worth taking a look at, no matter where you go in this world. My late father liked it when he visited in the 70’s, mostly because he got a really good camera and watch really cheap. I still have the watch (a Seiko) and it still works fine.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->[follow-ups set] >>>I’m doing some advance planning for a trip next year and for one leg >>>(SYD-LHR) the Star Alliance electronic timetable says I have a choice >>>between Thai or Singapore Airlines if I go the westerly way. It looks like >>>a good idea since the trip is up to ten hours shorter than going east. >>Singapore has nothing of any interest for a Tourist whereas Bangkok >>has >[sic] >What an utterly meaningless statement. What to qualify this or remain >looking foolish? > I dont have to qualify anything > It has nothing of any historical, architectural or religious interest > Its a dump > –

whilst you may Singapore very sterile their airline is far superior to Thai. On Singapore you get personal videos and free champagne in economy. Not so on Thai. Having said that, I definitely found Thailand more interesting

Response:

I guess a bit of bondage and S&M is your style. Tell me, do you like to see grown men being whipped?

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->>>And with 5 hours to spare you can pick up a city tour >>>from the airport >>>Keith >>Wow a city tour eh. >>Miles and miles of boring buildings >>Like I said >>Singapore has nothing. >well, there *is* the weekly public whipping held near the presidential >palace…this is always a sell-out, so you have to be ther early. some >of the locals camp out the night to get good spots….you will get to >know that singaporians LOVE to get in line – for ANYTHING free. > Ill only go when they put the old Homo JMS there and whip him. > Hell I’ll PAY to see that. > –

Response:

>>And with 5 hours to spare you can pick up a city tour >from the airport >Keith >Wow a city tour eh. >Miles and miles of boring buildings >Like I said >Singapore has nothing.

well, there *is* the weekly public whipping held near the presidential palace…this is always a sell-out, so you have to be ther early. some of the locals camp out the night to get good spots….you will get to know that singaporians LOVE to get in line – for ANYTHING free.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->> A serious question – what would suggest as an itenerary for a 3 day visit >by >> a first time tourist there ? (I have never been) >The first day you will probably be too tired to do anything too >stressful so head into downtown Singapore and take a harbor tour, >have a Singapore Sling at Raffles and take a look at the national >museum and art galley on Stamford road. It has some excellent >reproductions of old Singapore and the development and history >of the island >You’ll want to spend at least one full day on Sentosa, it >has everything from thrill rides, historical sites and museums >to a super food centre in the early evening >If interested in wildlife vist Jurong bird park , they have the most >amazing 5 acre walk in aviary with over 600 species of bird >in a rainforest environment complete with simulated tropical >thunderstorm at noon every day. >The Thian Hock Keng Temple or ‘Temple of Heavenly Happiness’ >at 158 Telok Ayer Street is Singapore’s oldest Hokkien Chinese Temple. >Completed in 1841, it is dedicated to Ma Cho Po, the Queen of Heaven >and protector of sailors and is spectacularly beautiful >The Singapore aquarium is also amazing and you’ll want to visit some >of the hawker centres where street vendors sell food (perfectly safe) >You can move from stall to stall buying what you want before sitting >in the communal eating area. Then there’s the shopping. >Be aware Singapore is hot and humid so drink lots of water >and if you get too hot duck into a shop or use one of >the well signed cool off stations on Sentosa Island. >Keith > Like I said before bugger all to do in Singapore. > All the attractions you list above are fine for locals living in > Singapore. > But do you honestly expect someone to travel halfway round the world > to look at a decrepit Hotel, eat pretty bog standard Chinese food, > visit a sad Amusement park and a Bird sanctuary for christs sake ? > You must be very easy to please.

All of this from a guy who lives in Bradford UK and when in Singapore only liked going to Bugis Street where ther transvestites were. I really wouldn’t be too concerned about what ‘The Man’ has to say about Singapore because he actually thought that Johor Bahru, a city in Malaysia was part of Singapore.

Response:

> A serious question – what would suggest as an itenerary for a 3 day visit by > a first time tourist there ? (I have never been)

The first day you will probably be too tired to do anything too stressful so head into downtown Singapore and take a harbor tour, have a Singapore Sling at Raffles and take a look at the national museum and art galley on Stamford road. It has some excellent reproductions of old Singapore and the development and history of the island You’ll want to spend at least one full day on Sentosa, it has everything from thrill rides, historical sites and museums to a super food centre in the early evening If interested in wildlife vist Jurong bird park , they have the most amazing 5 acre walk in aviary with over 600 species of bird in a rainforest environment complete with simulated tropical thunderstorm at noon every day. The Thian Hock Keng Temple or ‘Temple of Heavenly Happiness’ at 158 Telok Ayer Street is Singapore’s oldest Hokkien Chinese Temple. Completed in 1841, it is dedicated to Ma Cho Po, the Queen of Heaven and protector of sailors and is spectacularly beautiful The Singapore aquarium is also amazing and you’ll want to visit some of the hawker centres where street vendors sell food (perfectly safe) You can move from stall to stall buying what you want before sitting in the communal eating area. Then there’s the shopping. Be aware Singapore is hot and humid so drink lots of water and if you get too hot duck into a shop or use one of the well signed cool off stations on Sentosa Island. Keith

Response:

> I’m doing some advance planning for a trip next year and for one leg > (SYD-LHR) the Star Alliance electronic timetable says I have a choice > between Thai or Singapore Airlines if I go the westerly way. It looks like > a good idea since the trip is up to ten hours shorter than going east. > What I what to know is: Is there a big difference between the two? Is one > considered a better deal or more comfortable than the other? What about > Bangkok International (BKK) and Singapore Changi (SIN)? Are they English > speaker friendly? Is one more safe? (Forgive my fear, I’m just a bit > xenophobic of going anywhere where they don’t speak English) > Any info will be appreciated greatly.

Singapore Air is an order of magnitude better than Thai. And Changi is the best airport on the planet. Don Muang is not particularly good. Both are completely safe and English speaker friendly. I prefer Bangkok over Singapore, but since you’re only talking about laying over in the airport, the only choice is Singapore.

Response:

> > How long Change of Aircraft do you have ? > If you have more than about 6 hours then go Thai as you can now go > into Bangkok City without paying any Airport tax. > Singapore has nothing of any interest for a Tourist whereas Bangkok > has > what bollocks, how about sentosa island, the zoo, clark and boat quay, china > town, little india, sim lim plaza – for the tech geeks….

You’d have to be pretty desparate as a tourist to consider any of this "interesting". Maybe a little bit. But, face it, Singapore is an incredibly boring city. Clean, safe, spotless, faceless and boring. (I’ve been to Singapore 20 or 30 times, and Bangkok probably 100 times, there is no comparison, Bangkok is a more interesting place by far.)

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> >> > How long Change of Aircraft do you have ? > >> > If you have more than about 6 hours then go Thai as you can now go > >> > into Bangkok City without paying any Airport tax. > >> > Singapore has nothing of any interest for a Tourist whereas Bangkok > >> > has > >> what bollocks, how about sentosa island, the zoo, clark and boat quay, > >china > >> town, little india, sim lim plaza – for the tech geeks…. > >And with 5 hours to spare you can pick up a city tour > >from the airport > >Keith > Wow a city tour eh. > Miles and miles of boring buildings > Wow Paris has lots and lots of buildings, it must > be boring too huh ! > Like I said > Singapore has nothing. > Then you are an idiot or a troll. > Having lived and worked in Singapore its a fascinating place > with a friendly people and a lot to offer to those with the wit > to see it. > Keith

A serious question – what would suggest as an itenerary for a 3 day visit by a first time tourist there ? (I have never been)

Response:

> Singapore Airlines this year was ranked 3rd best airline. If you are > interested in airports then choose Changi, 2nd best. To overnight, > Bangkok. Thai Airways is OK, service standars as any western airline, > JR

Indeed I’ve been on both and would recommend both again. TG to BKK and SQ to Bali (chosen over BA, and Indonesian)

Response:

> How long Change of Aircraft do you have ? > If you have more than about 6 hours then go Thai as you can now go > into Bangkok City without paying any Airport tax. > Singapore has nothing of any interest for a Tourist whereas Bangkok > has > what bollocks, how about sentosa island, the zoo, clark and boat quay, china > town, little india, sim lim plaza – for the tech geeks….

And with 5 hours to spare you can pick up a city tour from the airport Keith

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->> > How long Change of Aircraft do you have ? >> > If you have more than about 6 hours then go Thai as you can now go >> > into Bangkok City without paying any Airport tax. >> > Singapore has nothing of any interest for a Tourist whereas Bangkok >> > has >> what bollocks, how about sentosa island, the zoo, clark and boat quay, >china >> town, little india, sim lim plaza – for the tech geeks…. >And with 5 hours to spare you can pick up a city tour >from the airport >Keith > Wow a city tour eh. > Miles and miles of boring buildings

Wow Paris has lots and lots of buildings, it must be boring too huh ! > Like I said > Singapore has nothing.

Then you are an idiot or a troll. Having lived and worked in Singapore its a fascinating place with a friendly people and a lot to offer to those with the wit to see it. Keith

Response:

Singapore Airlines this year was ranked 3rd best airline. If you are interested in airports then choose Changi, 2nd best. To overnight, Bangkok. Thai Airways is OK, service standars as any western airline, JR

Response:

[follow-ups set] >I’m doing some advance planning for a trip next year and for one leg >(SYD-LHR) the Star Alliance electronic timetable says I have a choice >between Thai or Singapore Airlines if I go the westerly way. It looks like >a good idea since the trip is up to ten hours shorter than going east. >Singapore has nothing of any interest for a Tourist whereas Bangkok >has

[sic] What an utterly meaningless statement. What to qualify this or remain looking foolish? Cheers, Jason.

Response:

what bollocks, how about sentosa island, the zoo, clark and boat quay, china town, little india, sim lim plaza – for the tech geeks…. > Also Singapore is an interesting Airport but if you want to buy > something different then Bangkok will do. > In both airports you wont have a problem with the language > The airlines are pretty much the same.

yeah, except that on SQ you get seat back tv’s guaranteed and the seats are more comfortable and more likely to get a newer aircraft – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> –

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’m doing some advance planning for a trip next year and for one leg > (SYD-LHR) the Star Alliance electronic timetable says I have a choice > between Thai or Singapore Airlines if I go the westerly way. It looks like > a good idea since the trip is up to ten hours shorter than going east. > What I what to know is: Is there a big difference between the two? Is one > considered a better deal or more comfortable than the other? What about > Bangkok International (BKK) and Singapore Changi (SIN)? Are they English > speaker friendly? Is one more safe? (Forgive my fear, I’m just a bit > xenophobic of going anywhere where they don’t speak English) > Any info will be appreciated greatly. > — > Goliath & Wildwing’s Storage Room > http://anatidae.homestead.com/frontdoor.html

Also depends on your height. Thai has more legroom (34in) and because it does not have seatback video does not have boxes under the seat in front. Singapore is 32in. If you are Star Gold or other status there is more chance of an upgrade on Thai. The Singapore flights are usually full and then some. Stephen

Response:

> What I what to know is: Is there a big difference between the two? Is one > considered a better deal or more comfortable than the other? What about > Bangkok International (BKK) and Singapore Changi (SIN)? Are they English > speaker friendly? Is one more safe? (Forgive my fear, I’m just a bit > xenophobic of going anywhere where they don’t speak English)

Both airports are completely safe. You can get by in English in both, though in Singapore most (probably all) people you deal with will be completely fluent. In Bangkok it will be more broken English, but not enough to matter unless you’re hoping to have philosophical discussions. Singapore’s airport has a LOT more to do, including amenities that make long stopovers nicer (pool, cinema, comfier seats, more restaurants, etc.). miguel — Hit The Road! Photos and tales from around the world: http://travel.u.nu

Response:

Well both airports are ‘English friendly’ but I would have to admit that Singapore is perhaps moreso. Singapore airport is certainly more modern that Bangkok and depending upon how long your stay in the airport will be there will be more to do in Singapore than Bangkok airports. If you are in Singapore for several hours you can also take advantage of the city tours they do especially for transiting passengers. Both places are quite safe. As for airlines, it really is becoming much of a muchness and cost may be a factor. Both airlines have very good service, although entertainment on SQ is better. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> — > Goliath & Wildwing’s Storage Room > http://anatidae.homestead.com/frontdoor.html

Response:

go singapore airlines – much better food and service imho, changi airport would have to be the best in the world – and i believe it is ranked that too, have 12 hours there tomorrow and i know i won’t get bored – even after 40 or so trips through there in the last 2 years with SQ meals ask for the chilli sauce for meals too so as to spice the flavours up! but go easy on it!!! besides with SQ you get in seat video and games – and pretty recent releases – X Men 2 at the moment for instance – in economy class.

Response:

I’m doing some advance planning for a trip next year and for one leg (SYD-LHR) the Star Alliance electronic timetable says I have a choice between Thai or Singapore Airlines if I go the westerly way. It looks like a good idea since the trip is up to ten hours shorter than going east. What I what to know is: Is there a big difference between the two? Is one considered a better deal or more comfortable than the other? What about Bangkok International (BKK) and Singapore Changi (SIN)? Are they English speaker friendly? Is one more safe? (Forgive my fear, I’m just a bit xenophobic of going anywhere where they don’t speak English) Any info will be appreciated greatly. — Goliath & Wildwing’s Storage Room http://anatidae.homestead.com/frontdoor.html

Response:

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In: Aviary

Hi Again

Question:

Hey Marco! How’s life? I am going to be gone again now that I am back! I have to go to San Diego for a week on business! I’ll write when I am back. Regards, Jess

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Welcome back Jesse & Doolie. > Nice to hear you both are doing good, > Marco > Hey Folks, > I have not been posting or reading much lateley, but I am back. Remeber > me…the guy with the new Meyers Parrot named Doolie. > I changed ISPs and bought a new computer but I am back in the group again. > I hope you are all well. Doolie has been great. She spoke (???) her first > word (sound that is). She now does a very impressive impression of my > cordless phone ringing. Too funny. > I hope you all are well, and if you have been trying to email me please > Regards, > Jesse

Response:

Leaving so soon? Well, come back and keep in touch. Marco – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hey Marco! How’s life? > I am going to be gone again now that I am back! I have to go to San Diego > for a week on business! I’ll write when I am back. > Regards, > Jess > Welcome back Jesse & Doolie. > Nice to hear you both are doing good, > Marco > > Hey Folks, > > I have not been posting or reading much lateley, but I am back. Remeber > > me…the guy with the new Meyers Parrot named Doolie. > > I changed ISPs and bought a new computer but I am back in the group > again. > > I hope you are all well. Doolie has been great. She spoke (???) her > first > > word (sound that is). She now does a very impressive impression of my > > cordless phone ringing. Too funny. > > I hope you all are well, and if you have been trying to email me please > > Regards, > > Jesse

Response:

Welcome back to the NG, Jesse. Happy to hear you’re enjoying your little Doolie so much. I recently got a male lime-green English budgie, that we’ve named Rocket. He’s such a goofy little guy. He’s big and lumbering and makes a quacking type noise when he sings out loud. He’s really different from my other "regular" budgie, Toby, in character and personality … Rocket’s really laid back compared to Toby who seems to bounce around the cage like a rubber ball. They’re so cute together, but Toby looks like a midget compared to Rocket. Talk about the Odd Couple!! Anyway, hope to hear more about Doolie’s exploits. — Linda "Jesse" – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Hey Folks, >I have not been posting or reading much lateley, but I am back. Remeber >me…the guy with the new Meyers Parrot named Doolie. >I changed ISPs and bought a new computer but I am back in the group again. >I hope you are all well. Doolie has been great. She spoke (???) her first >word (sound that is). She now does a very impressive impression of my >cordless phone ringing. Too funny. >I hope you all are well, and if you have been trying to email me please >Regards, >Jesse

Response:

I’d love to see their pictures!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Welcome back to the NG, Jesse. Happy to hear you’re enjoying your little > Doolie so much. I recently got a male lime-green English budgie, that > we’ve named Rocket. He’s such a goofy little guy. He’s big and lumbering > and makes a quacking type noise when he sings out loud. He’s really > different from my other "regular" budgie, Toby, in character and > personality … Rocket’s really laid back compared to Toby who seems to > bounce around the cage like a rubber ball. They’re so cute together, but > Toby looks like a midget compared to Rocket. Talk about the Odd Couple!! > Anyway, hope to hear more about Doolie’s exploits. > — > Linda > "Jesse" >Hey Folks, >I have not been posting or reading much lateley, but I am back. Remeber >me…the guy with the new Meyers Parrot named Doolie. >I changed ISPs and bought a new computer but I am back in the group again. >I hope you are all well. Doolie has been great. She spoke (???) her first >word (sound that is). She now does a very impressive impression of my >cordless phone ringing. Too funny. >I hope you all are well, and if you have been trying to email me please >Regards, >Jesse

Response:

Welcome back Jesse & Doolie. Nice to hear you both are doing good, Marco – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hey Folks, > I have not been posting or reading much lateley, but I am back. Remeber > me…the guy with the new Meyers Parrot named Doolie. > I changed ISPs and bought a new computer but I am back in the group again. > I hope you are all well. Doolie has been great. She spoke (???) her first > word (sound that is). She now does a very impressive impression of my > cordless phone ringing. Too funny. > I hope you all are well, and if you have been trying to email me please > Regards, > Jesse

Response:

Hey Folks, I have not been posting or reading much lateley, but I am back. Remeber me…the guy with the new Meyers Parrot named Doolie. I changed ISPs and bought a new computer but I am back in the group again. I hope you are all well. Doolie has been great. She spoke (???) her first word (sound that is). She now does a very impressive impression of my cordless phone ringing. Too funny. I hope you all are well, and if you have been trying to email me please Regards, Jesse

Response:

Hi Jesse, yes I remember you, I have lurked on this group for many months but have started posting occasionally when something strikes a chord in me. The chord you struck <G> is that I just got a Meyer’s too, he is my first poicephalus. I have had him about a month, and he’s about a year and a half old. He said "hi" when I got him, now he’s saying "hello", "elliot" (his name), "elliot’s a good boy", and he’s practicing a very long sentence to himself that I can’t understand yet…but when he’s ready he will lean toward my face and announce it to me, just like he does everything else new he learns – lol. I have 5 birds that are all dear and lovable in their own ways, but Elliot is stealing my heart at a rapid rate . owly

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hey Folks, > I have not been posting or reading much lateley, but I am back. Remeber > me…the guy with the new Meyers Parrot named Doolie. > I changed ISPs and bought a new computer but I am back in the group again. > I hope you are all well. Doolie has been great. She spoke (???) her first > word (sound that is). She now does a very impressive impression of my > cordless phone ringing. Too funny. > I hope you all are well, and if you have been trying to email me please > Regards, > Jesse

Response:

Hey Jesse! Welcome back! Can’t wait to hear more about Doolie Laurie

Response:

Nice to hear about your little crew and your cute little Elliot. Doolie has turned me into a silly child. It is so fun having her around. She loves visiting my parents house. We have a play gym there and she knows that she gets everyones attention when she is there. My mom sneaks her bits of her cookies! If everyone had a parrot we sould have world peace! Jesse – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi Jesse, yes I remember you, I have lurked on this group for many months > but have started posting occasionally when something strikes a chord in me. > The chord you struck <G> is that I just got a Meyer’s too, he is my first > poicephalus. I have had him about a month, and he’s about a year and a half > old. He said "hi" when I got him, now he’s saying "hello", "elliot" (his > name), "elliot’s a good boy", and he’s practicing a very long sentence to > himself that I can’t understand yet…but when he’s ready he will lean > toward my face and announce it to me, just like he does everything else new > he learns – lol. I have 5 birds that are all dear and lovable in their own > ways, but Elliot is stealing my heart at a rapid rate . > owly > Hey Folks, > I have not been posting or reading much lateley, but I am back. Remeber > me…the guy with the new Meyers Parrot named Doolie. > I changed ISPs and bought a new computer but I am back in the group again. > I hope you are all well. Doolie has been great. She spoke (???) her first > word (sound that is). She now does a very impressive impression of my > cordless phone ringing. Too funny. > I hope you all are well, and if you have been trying to email me please > Regards, > Jesse

Response:

Hey there, Jesse… nice to have you back. Looking forward to reading fun stuff about Doolie! Glad she’s doing well… oh, and you, too! :) — Mama Visit "Mamabird’s Nest" at http://iluvbirds.tripod.com/ To email reply: Change nest to net. "I am he As you are me And we are all together." (J. Lennon & P. McCartney) ——

Response:

Hey Marco! How’s life? I am going to be gone again now that I am back! I have to go to San Diego for a week on business! I’ll write when I am back. Regards, Jess

Response:

I’d love to see their pictures!

Response:

Hey Jesse! Welcome back! Can’t wait to hear more about Doolie Laurie

Response:

Hey Marco! How’s life? I am going to be gone again now that I am back! I have to go to San Diego for a week on business! I’ll write when I am back. Regards, Jess

Response:

I’d love to see their pictures!

Response:

Hey Jesse! Welcome back! Can’t wait to hear more about Doolie Laurie

Response:

Hey Marco! How’s life? I am going to be gone again now that I am back! I have to go to San Diego for a week on business! I’ll write when I am back. Regards, Jess

Response:

I’d love to see their pictures!

Response:

Hey Jesse! Welcome back! Can’t wait to hear more about Doolie Laurie

Response:

Hey Marco! How’s life? I am going to be gone again now that I am back! I have to go to San Diego for a week on business! I’ll write when I am back. Regards, Jess

Response:

I’d love to see their pictures!

Response:

Hey Jesse! Welcome back! Can’t wait to hear more about Doolie Laurie

Response:

Hey Marco! How’s life? I am going to be gone again now that I am back! I have to go to San Diego for a week on business! I’ll write when I am back. Regards, Jess

Response:

I’d love to see their pictures!

Response:

Hey Jesse! Welcome back! Can’t wait to hear more about Doolie Laurie

Response:

Hey Marco! How’s life? I am going to be gone again now that I am back! I have to go to San Diego for a week on business! I’ll write when I am back. Regards, Jess

Response:

I’d love to see their pictures!

Response:

Hey Jesse! Welcome back! Can’t wait to hear more about Doolie Laurie

Response:

Hey Marco! How’s life? I am going to be gone again now that I am back! I have to go to San Diego for a week on business! I’ll write when I am back. Regards, Jess

Response:

I’d love to see their pictures!

Response:

Hey Jesse! Welcome back! Can’t wait to hear more about Doolie Laurie

Response:

Hey Marco! How’s life? I am going to be gone again now that I am back! I have to go to San Diego for a week on business! I’ll write when I am back. Regards, Jess

Response:

I’d love to see their pictures!

Response:

Hey Jesse! Welcome back! Can’t wait to hear more about Doolie Laurie

Response:

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In: Budgie

O/D Off Light flashing

Question:

From my own experience, if they say "your (insert # here) gear is about to blow, you need to have a new tranny ASAP" – wait – dont buy it then. They are gunna be sticking on a new one anyways – wont change much if you do kill the gear or whatnot (just dont go on any long trips anytime soon). I had mine read, it said 3rd gear ratio wrong… they said it would fail within the month. Its been about 4-5k miles since, NO problems. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > The "O/D Off" light on my 98 Explorer will come on intermittently and flash > until I turn off the vehicle. When I return to start the vehicle it may come > on or may not. Any ideas as to what may be causing this to happen?

Response:

it is a soft code being triggered by the vehicle speed sensor(VSS) mostl likely. Clean the wires and all the contacts on the tranny side, then pull the positive on the battery for ten to fifteen minutes, the code will disappear. spend the fifteen minutes drinking a beer. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >From my own experience, if they say "your (insert # here) gear is about >to blow, you need to have a new tranny ASAP" – wait – dont buy it then. >They are gunna be sticking on a new one anyways – wont change much if >you do kill the gear or whatnot (just dont go on any long trips anytime >soon). >I had mine read, it said 3rd gear ratio wrong… they said it would fail >within the month. Its been about 4-5k miles since, NO problems. > The "O/D Off" light on my 98 Explorer will come on intermittently and flash > until I turn off the vehicle. When I return to start the vehicle it may come > on or may not. Any ideas as to what may be causing this to happen?

Response:

I’ll second the vote for the VSS. Quite a few years ago, my son’s 94 Probe OD light did the same thing, the dealer putzed around with it a few times, and the light kept coming on. I read something somewhere about the VSS being a possible culprit, so I got under there & pulled its connector off (not easy to get at on the Probe) & there was water in the connector boot! I dried everything off, put a little dielectric grease around the boot, reconnected it, and he never had the problem again. Wouldn’t you think the dealer would have known about this? Good luck.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> it is a soft code being triggered by the vehicle speed sensor(VSS) > mostl likely. Clean the wires and all the contacts on the tranny side, > then pull the positive on the battery for ten to fifteen minutes, the > code will disappear. spend the fifteen minutes drinking a beer. >From my own experience, if they say "your (insert # here) gear is about >to blow, you need to have a new tranny ASAP" – wait – dont buy it then. >They are gunna be sticking on a new one anyways – wont change much if >you do kill the gear or whatnot (just dont go on any long trips anytime >soon). >I had mine read, it said 3rd gear ratio wrong… they said it would fail >within the month. Its been about 4-5k miles since, NO problems. >> The "O/D Off" light on my 98 Explorer will come on intermittently and flash >> until I turn off the vehicle. When I return to start the vehicle it may come >> on or may not. Any ideas as to what may be causing this to happen?

Response:

> short somewhere (I hate trying to find those) – maybe something flopping > around – hitting a ground – flashing the light.

No, that isn’t it. The OD light is flashing because the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has detected a transmission problem. I suggest you take it to someone ASAP to find out what the problem is. Small transmission problems have a habit of turning into major rebuilds if ignored. Mark – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> — > O|||||||O O|||||||O > 1998 Sahara TJ – 1989 YJ – 1979 IH Scout > . > The "O/D Off" light on my 98 Explorer will come on intermittently and > flash > until I turn off the vehicle. When I return to start the vehicle it may > come > on or may not. Any ideas as to what may be causing this to happen?

Response:

The "O/D Off" light on my 98 Explorer will come on intermittently and flash until I turn off the vehicle. When I return to start the vehicle it may come on or may not. Any ideas as to what may be causing this to happen?

Response:

short somewhere (I hate trying to find those) – maybe something flopping around – hitting a ground – flashing the light. — O|||||||O O|||||||O 1998 Sahara TJ – 1989 YJ – 1979 IH Scout .

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> The "O/D Off" light on my 98 Explorer will come on intermittently and flash > until I turn off the vehicle. When I return to start the vehicle it may come > on or may not. Any ideas as to what may be causing this to happen?

Response:

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In: Finch

Redheads feel more pain

Question:

Believe it or not ,but that’s what they said on CNN this morning.People with red hair feel pain 20% more than everyone else.I guess blonds feel less pain,and that’s why they have more fun. My question is,Who would pay for such research ? Lem

Response:

LOL about the blondes! (Unfortunately, though, it’s not true.) Editor

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Believe it or not ,but that’s what they said on CNN this > morning.People with red hair feel pain 20% more than everyone else.I > guess blonds feel less pain,and that’s why they have more fun. > My question is,Who would pay for such research ? > Lem

Response:

> Believe it or not ,but that’s what they said on CNN this > morning.People with red hair feel pain 20% more than everyone else.I > guess blonds feel less pain,and that’s why they have more fun. > My question is,Who would pay for such research ? > Lem

Here’s a link to the article http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20021015/od_nm/scie… I don’t know who would pay for a study like this but you know I have red hair and it does take a lot more to knock me out then most people I know. Karen

Response:

wrote : >Believe it or not ,but that’s what they said on CNN this >morning.People with red hair feel pain 20% more than everyone else.I >guess blonds feel less pain,and that’s why they have more fun. >My question is,Who would pay for such research ? >Lem

I saw that a couple of places today also Lem….ya know, I didn’t think to ask the very good question that you did however…my guess? Clairol? codeee It *is* a very interesting finding however, now perhaps more creedence will be placed in the obvious (to us) fact that some people have much, much higher levels of pain tolerance..and the reasons must be genetic in some way. (I’d think so anyway).

Response:

Blonde and flannel! BWC Ronnie

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > wrote : >Believe it or not ,but that’s what they said on CNN this >morning.People with red hair feel pain 20% more than everyone else.I >guess blonds feel less pain,and that’s why they have more fun. >My question is,Who would pay for such research ? >Lem > I saw that a couple of places today also Lem….ya know, I didn’t > think to ask the very good question that you did however…my guess? > Clairol? > codeee > It *is* a very interesting finding however, now perhaps more > creedence will be placed in the obvious (to us) fact that some people > have much, much higher levels of pain tolerance..and the reasons must > be genetic in some way. (I’d think so anyway).

Response:

Lem Lyons: >Believe it or not ,but that’s what they said on CNN this >morning.People with red hair feel pain 20% more than everyone else.I >guess blonds feel less pain,and that’s why they have more fun. >My question is,Who would pay for such research ? >Lem

Codeee: > I saw that a couple of places today also Lem….ya know, I didn’t >think to ask the very good question that you did however…my guess? > Clairol? > codeee > It *is* a very interesting finding however, now perhaps more >creedence will be placed in the obvious (to us) fact that some people >have much, much higher levels of pain tolerance..and the reasons must >be genetic in some way. (I’d think so anyway).

Lots of people have been joking about this in different places. I expect it will be used to further justify the standard practice of giving people with darker skin less pain relief. I mean, pain clinics *already* treat people differently according to how they look. Adrian Turtle sidewalk radical

Response:

Hey, I was just thinking that if redheads have more pain, maybe they should dye their hair =:) Sean C Redhead Connoisseur

Response:

>Hey, I was just thinking that if redheads have more pain, maybe they >should dye their hair =:)

And I was just wondering if those that dye their hair red (I don’t dye my hair, I dye my eyebrows…that’s my story, I’m sticking to it……), does the same apply….their pain is worse…… 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:

I have a very good friend who has suffered many different ways because of her very red hair, and mostly because of the very fair skin that comes with it…Their skin type is much thinner than other skin types, causing the easy burning, so it stands to reason that if it is thinner, then the nerve endings are also closer to the surface than some others. Of course, not all redheads have that skin type, but I would think that this is how the study originated…relating to the skin type rather than directly to the hair color. Just an educated guess from someone who has seen complications of this sort, and I believe that to my friend, it isn’t a joke at all. But even I admit it is kinda funny at face value. Trailingvine – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Lem Lyons: >>>Believe it or not ,but that’s what they said on CNN this >>>morning.People with red hair feel pain 20% more than everyone else.I >>>guess blonds feel less pain,and that’s why they have more fun. >>>My question is,Who would pay for such research ? >>>Lem >Codeee: >> I saw that a couple of places today also Lem….ya know, I didn’t >>think to ask the very good question that you did however…my guess? >> Clairol? >> codeee >> It *is* a very interesting finding however, now perhaps more >>creedence will be placed in the obvious (to us) fact that some people >>have much, much higher levels of pain tolerance..and the reasons must >>be genetic in some way. (I’d think so anyway). >Lots of people have been joking about this in different places. >I expect it will be used to further justify the standard practice >of giving people with darker skin less pain relief. I mean, pain >clinics *already* treat people differently according to how they >look. >Adrian Turtle >sidewalk radical

"To live happily is an inward power of the soul." Marcus Aurelius

Response:

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In: Cockatiel

Baby Pacific Male Parrotlet

Question:

I’m looking for a breeder of these little guys in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I’ve surfed the net & sifted through the list Old Molly directed me to, but the Michigan breeders listed are all in the Lower Peninsula. Can anyone refer a breeder in the U.P.? I’ve found others further away that are willing to ship, but that sounds very stressful for the bird–I’d rather be able to drive & pick him up myself. Any help is appreciated!! Shashy

Response:

Check these folks out if one of them are not in your area, one of them will know someone in your area. http://www.forpus.org/default.html Bob W

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’m looking for a breeder of these little guys in the Upper Peninsula > of Michigan. I’ve surfed the net & sifted through the list Old Molly > directed me to, but the Michigan breeders listed are all in the Lower > Peninsula. Can anyone refer a breeder in the U.P.? I’ve found others > further away that are willing to ship, but that sounds very stressful > for the bird–I’d rather be able to drive & pick him up myself. Any > help is appreciated!! > Shashy

Response:

I had one for 17 years before he died of old age a short time ago. A little bird with a big attitude. My Pionus, and a Rose-Breasted Cocaktoo I babysit on occasion, were both terrified of him. They need a lot of work to keep them from turning into biting monsters > played with one today for about an hour at a bird store, a reliable > bird store. He’s about 10-12 weeks old, weaned 2 weeks ago and was in > a cage by himself without toys. Was a little nippy, but not bad. He > steps up and down on command. Was able to pet his head and back > without much trouble. The store wants $180.00 for him. This will be > my first bird if I get him though I’ve done alot of behavorial > research on birds and species. > So any input on these little guys would be appreciated. > Thanks, > Aldo

–

Response:

Aldo, I’ll bet the little fellow weaned a bit earlier than that or is a bit younger. To a chick mine "all" wean themselves at 6 weeks to the hour, I swear, LOL. There are a lot of folks who can share with you about these mighty little green demons but this group below have a bit more to offer than most: http://www.forpus.org/default.html Bob Wheeler

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> played with one today for about an hour at a bird store, a reliable > bird store. He’s about 10-12 weeks old, weaned 2 weeks ago and was in > a cage by himself without toys. Was a little nippy, but not bad. He > steps up and down on command. Was able to pet his head and back > without much trouble. The store wants $180.00 for him. This will be > my first bird if I get him though I’ve done alot of behavorial > research on birds and species. > So any input on these little guys would be appreciated. > Thanks, > Aldo

Response:

played with one today for about an hour at a bird store, a reliable bird store. He’s about 10-12 weeks old, weaned 2 weeks ago and was in a cage by himself without toys. Was a little nippy, but not bad. He steps up and down on command. Was able to pet his head and back without much trouble. The store wants $180.00 for him. This will be my first bird if I get him though I’ve done alot of behavorial research on birds and species. So any input on these little guys would be appreciated. Thanks, Aldo

Response:

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In: Parrotlet