Wedding Rings

Jewelry Through Security

admin — Mon, 27 Dec 2004 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > ? > He was VERY proud of his find, and said something to the effect, > ? > "Aren’t you glad we could find something as small as this?" I just > ? > GLARED at him, and said a firm "NO!". > ? > ? At that close range, the wand will report amazingly small amounts of > ? anything metallic. I’d like to hear some experiences from those with body > ? piercings in strange places. Interesting to hear what the TSA goobs do in a > ? case like that. > ? > ? > A gleeful strip search comes to mind. > Don’t you feel safer now, knowing our TSA boys are keeping the skies > free from terrorists

TSA Does not supply Security. TSA supplies the ILLUSION of Security.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Service > ? > He was VERY proud of his find, and said something to the effect, > ? > "Aren’t you glad we could find something as small as this?" I just > ? > GLARED at him, and said a firm "NO!". > ? > ? At that close range, the wand will report amazingly small amounts of > ? anything metallic. I’d like to hear some experiences from those with > body > ? piercings in strange places. Interesting to hear what the TSA goobs do > in a > ? case like that. > ? > ? > A gleeful strip search comes to mind. > Don’t you feel safer now, knowing our TSA boys are keeping the skies > free from terrorists > TSA Does not supply Security. TSA supplies the ILLUSION of Security.

No, TSA doesn’t even supply the ILLUSION of security! :-) They supply a BLATANT FARCE that fooled nobody, as an illusion tend to fool most folks. The Hong Kong TSA goons confiscated ANOTHER one of my finger-nail clippers! If I had been carrying it in my carry-on, instead of my wife, I would have demonstrated to the TSA goon that my bare middle finger could do more damage to him than that finger-nail clipper can.m And then I may be jailed for a few days … but the news media would pick up the news … and everyone will be happy about the security. ;-) — Bob.

Response:

Clothes shopping for DH (dining)…is this OK?

admin — Sat, 27 Nov 2004 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

> Enjoy your cruise, Monica. Feel free to ignore the snobs in this group.

Why is it that anyone on this newsgroup who experesses enjoyment of formal nights and encourages new cruisers (and veterans) to comply with the suggested dress described, well in advance, by the cruiselines, gets classified as a snob? What’s that all about? Just as some folks pick a cruise for a more casual atmosphere, others might specifically pick a cruise for its formality – not because they’re snobs but because they enjoy dressing up, dining elegantly, and spending time in an atmosphere of elegance shared by their fellow revelers. For me, I have so little opportunity to dress and dine formally at home that dressing up on cruises is something I really, really enjoy. I’m a jeans and t-shirts kind of gal every day, but I’m really looking forward to my HAL cruise in March when I can dress up a few nights and get caught up in the elegance of the evening I’ll share with 2000 other people. I’ve also taken a Windjammer cruise where if you showed up for dinner in anything other than a bathing suit or shorts and a tee you were overdressed – loved that too. Formal nights on cruises are a highlight for me and I’m sure for many others – it’s too bad that folks who choose not to dress up might consider us snobs for enjoying the spirit of the evening. Really, cruise ships are pretty lenient compared to some fancier restaurants I’ve been to where gentlemen absolutely will not be seated without a jacket and tie. The meals are worth the effort of dressing up at these restaurants, and I’ve found that formal night meals on cruises are where you’ll find the fancier/better offerings. It may just be worth your while to make the extra effort to dress appropriately for the dining room so you can enjoy, quite possibly, the best food of the week. Do what you want – it’s your cruise. But, you’re not alone on the ship. Lee

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->This was an extreme example of how you can take anything you’re >comfortable in and turn it into formal wear. The key was the total >leather ensemble, of leather jacket (shawl collar resembling a 1920s tux >jacket), formal tux shirt, leather bow tie and gold watch with diamond >accents. When you create an elegant picture out of Rock ‘n Roll and >Biker clothes the single elements become transformed by the whole. >You wouldn’t happen to have a photo of this, would you? I’d love to >see it, although your description made for a great image in my head. >Karen, has always liked the tailored formal style of the ’50s Doris >Day in her Rock Hudson movies. >http://www.cupcaked.com/reviews/pic.html

Sorry, Karen, as an artist I take photographs. I rarely am in them. I did do some self portraits back in South Carolina when I was working on my Masters. But none of the images include me dressed that way. Hey Rene Z brought that whole Doris Day look back in "Down With Love". Go for it girl. — To email me, Edit "xt" from my email address. Brian M. Kochera "Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once!" View My Web Page: http://home.earthlink.net/~brian1951

Response:

> Think of it as a way you both can play dress-up and re-invent yourself > for the cruise. I’m an artist and while in the ’60s I did the whole > long hair, ripped denim thing. I rather enjoy putting together a look > for myself for formal night out of odds and ends I have in my closet. I > once did a black leather tux out of black Levis 501s,

I can’t imagine a normal definition of formal attire that would include 501’s.

Response:

Hi Brian. Well, I did read the first link during my research. Read it again just now to see where I missed the info on dressing formal during the formal evening even if you do not attend formal dining on those nights. Guess I missed it again as I still don’t see it Our TA didn’t mention the dress code in question. Maybe she thought she might lose a booking? I don’t know. She has mentioned, when I inquire about proper attire, that this ship is leaving from Texas with lots of Texas cowboys…there will be lots of men in western wear (including boots) in the dining rooms. Also, I have been on the second website you’ve linked to. Logged in with my booking number and browsed the pages. Again, I don’t see that it’s requested we dress in formal wear even if we don’t do formal dining nights. I guess we need to stop wasting bandwidth with this topic I simply wanted to know if what we chose for DH would be appropriate for dining in all other areas except the formal dining rooms on formal night. He’s not going to don a suite and tie and we won’t stay locked up in our cabin on formal nights. Thanks for all the feedback. I’ll be sure and report back at the end of Jan (provided we haven’t been tossed overboard for looking like heathens ) Monica ps…black 501’s for formal? hummmm

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I hear you Monica, but I find it a little hard to believe that your TA > didn’t tell you about Princess Lines culture. (The kinds of pax and what > people wear and when.) Likewise, I am surprised that in reading general > information at Princess Website you missed > http://www.princess.com/onboard/answer/bring.html. Also, as soon as you > got your booking number, you could have logged in at: > https://book.princess.com/cruisepersonalizer/login.page and got more > details about your itinerary, excursions (with the option to book > online) and information about Formal and Casual nights.

Response:

>> Think of it as a way you both can play dress-up and re-invent > yourself for the cruise. I’m an artist and while in the ’60s I did > the whole long hair, ripped denim thing. I rather enjoy putting > together a look for myself for formal night out of odds and ends I > have in my closet. I once did a black leather tux out of black Levis > 501s, > I can’t imagine a normal definition of formal attire that would > include 501’s.

By themselves black Levis button fly jeans are indeed the very opposite of formal. When worn underneath leather chaps, us Artist types can really push the envelope and be seen for the formal image we want to project. This was an extreme example of how you can take anything you’re comfortable in and turn it into formal wear. The key was the total leather ensemble, of leather jacket (shawl collar resembling a 1920s tux jacket), formal tux shirt, leather bow tie and gold watch with diamond accents. When you create an elegant picture out of Rock ‘n Roll and Biker clothes the single elements become transformed by the whole. Take the classic tux with tails. How does a gentleman define an image that doesn’t confuse him with his butler or a waiter in a gourmet upscale eatery? Accessories, a great cut and a refined feeling about himself, an attitude. These things present the image. It’s not about the tails, it’s about the total look. That’s the fun part about a vacation, cruise, gallery opening, or opening night at the opera. You get to play dress-up. Don’t just rent a tux or buy couture that somebody else told you is dress-up. Create your own image, let the mirror be your guide. Transformation is kinda like picking a persona for a game. It’s grown-up play time with clothes. — To email me, Edit "xt" from my email address. Brian M. Kochera "Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once!" View My Web Page: http://home.earthlink.net/~brian1951

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Thank you Becca! We leave out of Galveston on Jan 22…provided we can GET there Farmer’s Almanac has a treacherous weather in the forecast for North East Texas that week. Here’s hoping Farmer’s is WRONG The further south we travel it won’t be an issue, but it certainly can be here at home. We intend to dress tastefully wherever we go…do so the rest of our lives. Can’t imagine not doing it on a cruise ship. Thanks for the kind words Monica

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> inquire about proper attire, that this ship is leaving from Texas > with lots of Texas cowboys…there will be lots of men in western > wear (including boots) in the dining rooms.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Over the years, I have noticed a change in the way people dress after >dinner. People change into more casual clothes. They go to the showroom >lounge, the casino and to the bars. Is it right or wrong? I can not >I’ve also noticed that there is a huge range of dining times on >Princess — you can easily eat your evening meal anytime >between 5:00pm and 10:00pm. >I’ve noticed that prior to 8:00pm, lots of people are still casual, >as they’re not yet ready for dinner, and after 8:00pm lots of people >are again casual, as they’ve already dined. >I own a tux and a dinner jacket, and I rarely bother hauling them >on cruises any more. …maybe for New Year’s eve. >Just throw on a sports coat, if needed. >Which, of course, brings me to the real point of my post >– for what sport are sports coats intended?

Originally, Fox Hunt. They’ve been modified over the ages. — To email me, Edit "xt" from my email address. Brian M. Kochera "Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once!" View My Web Page: http://home.earthlink.net/~brian1951

Response:

> inquire about proper attire, that this ship is leaving from Texas > with lots of Texas cowboys…there will be lots of men in western > wear (including boots) in the dining rooms.

Monica, I hope you enjoy the Grand Princess as much as I did. When is your cruise? I have cruised out of Texas a few times. You will see plenty of people in jeans and western wear on this ship. They will also be some of the nicest people you will ever cruise with. Over the years, I have noticed a change in the way people dress after dinner. People change into more casual clothes. They go to the showroom lounge, the casino and to the bars. Is it right or wrong? I can not say, I will just say I have noticed it, and it is happening more often. You described what you will be wearing and it sounds fine to me. If you feel uncomfortable, then you can wear something else in the future. BTW, the swimming pools and hot tubs on Princess will be open, I can not imagine people going swimming in formal wear, can you? Enjoy your cruise, Monica. Feel free to ignore the snobs in this group. Most of the people you meet on cruises are actually nice people. Becca <—–enjoy your first cruise… MOAGC http://www.motherofallgroupcruises.com/ Miracle in May http://www.cruisemaster.com/miracle.htm Canada – New England http://www.cruisemaster.com/carnivalFall.htm Caribbean Princess http://www.cruisemaster.com/caribprin.htm

Response:

Grand Princess, sailing out of Galveston to Western Caribbean in Jan. We won’t be doing the two formal nights. This is what we bought for DH for the various dining rooms. Docker type pants in two shades of khaki and one pair of black and one navy. Eight shirts, all collared…4 solid color polos, one pull over (collared) print and 3 long sleeve button down the front. One pair brown "semi dress" dress shoes. Still need to find a black pair. At this point we haven’t bought ties or a jacket. He’s not a tie person but I’ll make him wear one if he needs to. Will he be breaking any rules (implied or otherwise) if he didn’t wear a jacket? Thanks, Monica

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Grand Princess, sailing out of Galveston to Western Caribbean in Jan. We > won’t be doing the two formal nights. This is what we bought for DH for the > various dining rooms. Docker type pants in two shades of khaki and one pair > of black and one navy. Eight shirts, all collared…4 solid color polos, > one pull over (collared) print and 3 long sleeve button down the front. One > pair brown "semi dress" dress shoes. Still need to find a black pair. At > this point we haven’t bought ties or a jacket. He’s not a tie person but > I’ll make him wear one if he needs to. Will he be breaking any rules > (implied or otherwise) if he didn’t wear a jacket? > Thanks, > Monica

If you’re not going to the dining room on formal nights, then no, you’re not breaking any "rules".

Response:

>If you’re not going to the dining room on formal nights, then no, you’re not >breaking any "rules".

Hi Norm, Princess requests that you stick with the dress of the evening in all public areas. Granted, they do not enforce this. Best regards, Ray LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL 800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905 http://www.lighthousetravel.com

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Is this suggesting that on formal nights, even if you don’t attend the formal dinners, they want you to dress in formal attire if you’re in any of the public areas (iow, anyplace outside your room)?

> Actually, several of the cruise lines print something like "please be > respectful by remaining formally dressed in the ship’s other public > rooms all evening" in their version of the ship’s daily news. It’s

and leave off the "potatoes" to e-mail)

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>Is this suggesting that on formal nights, even if you don’t attend the >formal dinners, they want you to dress in formal attire if you’re in any of >the public areas (iow, anyplace outside your room)?

Hi Monica, Correct, Princess as well as some other cruise lines, ask that you stay dressed as requested in the public areas. The cruise lines believe that this adds to the ambience onboard the ship. Best regards, Ray LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL 800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905 http://www.lighthousetravel.com

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That’s just ridiculous This will be my first cruise but I’m willing to bet this is not reinforced or even expected to be. We’re totally willing to respect the formal night wear in the dining room and since we choose not to dress for this occasion, we would dine elsewhere. Not a problem. But, to expect everyone on the ship that chooses not to dress for formal dining night to stay in their rooms for the rest of the evening is ridiculous! Monica

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Exactly. >Is this suggesting that on formal nights, even if you don’t attend the >formal dinners, they want you to dress in formal attire if you’re in any of >the public areas (iow, anyplace outside your room)?

Response:

Monica, If you don’t like the culture of a given cruise line, don’t book the cruise line. Book one of those informal cruises where folks can show up to dinner in sweats and swim wear. I’m not totally into the formal night thing. But, if everybody at: the theater, casino, piano bar, disco, etc is dressed in formal wear and you turn – up in spandex shorts and a halter top and hubby is wearing cut-offs, sandals and an "I’m with stupid" t-shirt just think how out of place you’d look. Think how out of place you’d feel. On most ships you don’t have to break the bank for formal wear. Women don’t have to go out and buy floor length couture, a simple cocktail dress will do. Men can rent a tux, or wear a dark business suit, shirt and tie. There’s more flexibility for individual expression then you may realize. I’ve seen African-American men and woman wearing really smashing flowing caftan robes. I’ve seen Indian and some other women look absolutely knock-out in a Sari. I’ve worn a Black Suede Jacket paired with very dark charcoal pants set off with a Red Silk Shirt and Black Silk Tie with open weave black leather slip-ons for footwear. Rather than viewing the suggestion as something being imposed upon you, look at it as a chance to play dress-up. Have fun with it! — To email me, Edit "xt" from my email address. Brian M. Kochera "Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once!" View My Web Page: http://home.earthlink.net/~brian1951 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->That’s just ridiculous This will be my first cruise but I’m willing to >bet this is not reinforced or even expected to be. We’re totally willing to >respect the formal night wear in the dining room and since we choose not to >dress for this occasion, we would dine elsewhere. Not a problem. But, to >expect everyone on the ship that chooses not to dress for formal dining >night to stay in their rooms for the rest of the evening is ridiculous! >Monica >Exactly. >>Is this suggesting that on formal nights, even if you don’t attend the >>formal dinners, they want you to dress in formal attire if you’re in any >of >>the public areas (iow, anyplace outside your room)?

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Yes, it’s all part of the "cruise experience"! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Is this suggesting that on formal nights, even if you don’t attend the > formal dinners, they want you to dress in formal attire if you’re in any of > the public areas (iow, anyplace outside your room)? > Actually, several of the cruise lines print something like "please be > respectful by remaining formally dressed in the ship’s other public > rooms all evening" in their version of the ship’s daily news. It’s > and leave off the "potatoes" to e-mail)

Response:

During my extensive research for a cruise line (the various cruise line sites, the many cruise forums and this newsgroup) and during my appt with the travel agent, never did I read or was I told that Princess requests that everyone adhere to the formal wear evenings whether or not you dine in the formal dining rooms during formal night or not. I am indeed attempting to follow the dress code. That’s why I’ve asked several questions (here, on line and to my TA) about dressing properly for the various dining rooms. We will not be dressing in shorts, spandex, halter tops and torn t-shirts We will be dressed respectfully anywhere we go..on or off the ship. We aren’t party animals, don’t like loud and crazy and prefer nicer surroundings. There won’t be children with us. These are the reasons I chose Princess. Today is the FIRST time I’m reading that the cruise line would like us to dress in formal wear (on formal night) to eat in the Horizon court Monica

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Monica, > If you don’t like the culture of a given cruise line, don’t book the > cruise line. Book one of those informal cruises where folks can show up > to dinner in sweats and swim wear. > I’m not totally into the formal night thing. But, if everybody at: the > theater, casino, piano bar, disco, etc is dressed in formal wear and > you turn – up in spandex shorts and a halter top and hubby is wearing

Response:

> During my extensive research for a cruise line (the various cruise line > sites, the many cruise forums and this newsgroup) and during my appt with > the travel agent, never did I read or was I told that Princess requests that > everyone adhere to the formal wear evenings whether or not you dine in the > formal dining rooms during formal night or not.

It is pretty common knowledge so your research was not extensive enough. The reality though is that some people do change out of formal clothes after dinner. Before and during dinner most people are in formal wear, but as the evening goes on after dinner you would find a growing number of people who have changed. Not a majority but a signifigant minority. > chose Princess. Today is the FIRST time I’m reading that the cruise line > would like us to dress in formal wear (on formal night) to eat in the > Horizon court

I call this a request with a wink. If you are not wearing formal wear, if you wear country club casual in the Horizon Court on the formal nights you would probably fit in well. — Charles

Response:

He won’t need a jacket if you’re not going to formal night. If you’d like to have a good meal, he can wear a dark jacket with white shirt, tie & dockers on formal night. there will be others dressed the same. Don’t worry – just enjoy your cruise! ) — Bushwhacker Bushwhacker’s Profile: 442 View this thread: 165556

Response:

>>Monica, >If you don’t like the culture of a given cruise line, don’t book the >cruise line. Book one of those informal cruises where folks can show up >to dinner in sweats and swim wear.

Would you agree, that there is more to a cruise line than the type of dress? For instance, cruises without such formal night "formalities" might have some other things that the poster would not like, like youths running amok.

Response:

I hear you Monica, but I find it a little hard to believe that your TA didn’t tell you about Princess Lines culture. (The kinds of pax and what people wear and when.) Likewise, I am surprised that in reading general information at Princess Website you missed http://www.princess.com/onboard/answer/bring.html. Also, as soon as you got your booking number, you could have logged in at: https://book.princess.com/cruisepersonalizer/login.page and got more details about your itinerary, excursions (with the option to book online) and information about Formal and Casual nights. I am sure that if you wear a nice dress casual dress and you husband wears a dress casual sport jacket, shirt, and tie with slacks you won’t be turned – away from the shows, casino or other public areas. The Suggestion to be dressed in formal wear in public areas as the ones I’ve mentioned, is a suggestion. The cruise line is saying, ‘mostly everybody is making an effort to dress-up, it would be nice if you did too.’ They are just trying to discourage folks from being waay too relaxed on formal nights. They don’t want you to feel out of place. If your husband absolutely loaths wearing a tie on vacation, one of those formal looking shirts with studs to close the collar. (Very popular in L. A.) can do the trick with a dark sport coat and dark slacks. You don’t have to run out and buy a brand new dress. Unless you are traveling with friends, no one will know if you recycle that little black dress you wore to a wedding or similar function. Think of it as a way you both can play dress-up and re-invent yourself for the cruise. I’m an artist and while in the ’60s I did the whole long hair, ripped denim thing. I rather enjoy putting together a look for myself for formal night out of odds and ends I have in my closet. I once did a black leather tux out of black Levis 501s, black leather chaps, a leather jacket with a shawl collar, a formal tux shirt and a black leather bow tie. Separately they didn’t look formal at all. But when I put them together and added a gold watch with diamond accents I was cutting edge formal. Plus since it was a northern cruise, I could walk the promenade deck after dinner well protected from the elements. Too extreme for you? That’s cool. Find your own way into enjoying formal night. But, enjoy it. Brian – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->During my extensive research for a cruise line (the various cruise line >sites, the many cruise forums and this newsgroup) and during my appt with >the travel agent, never did I read or was I told that Princess requests that >everyone adhere to the formal wear evenings whether or not you dine in the >formal dining rooms during formal night or not. I am indeed attempting to >follow the dress code. That’s why I’ve asked several questions (here, on >line and to my TA) about dressing properly for the various dining rooms. We >will not be dressing in shorts, spandex, halter tops and torn t-shirts >We will be dressed respectfully anywhere we go..on or off the ship. We >aren’t party animals, don’t like loud and crazy and prefer nicer >surroundings. There won’t be children with us. These are the reasons I >chose Princess. Today is the FIRST time I’m reading that the cruise line >would like us to dress in formal wear (on formal night) to eat in the >Horizon court >Monica >Monica, >If you don’t like the culture of a given cruise line, don’t book the >cruise line. Book one of those informal cruises where folks can show up >to dinner in sweats and swim wear. >I’m not totally into the formal night thing. But, if everybody at: the >theater, casino, piano bar, disco, etc is dressed in formal wear and >you turn – up in spandex shorts and a halter top and hubby is wearing

Response:

If you’re not going to the dining room on formal nights, then no, you’re not breaking any "rules".

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>If you’re not going to the dining room on formal nights, then no, you’re not >breaking any "rules".

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and leave off the "potatoes" to e-mail)

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I call this a request with a wink. If you are not wearing formal wear, if you wear country club casual in the Horizon Court on the formal nights you would probably fit in well. — Charles

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>>Monica, >If you don’t like the culture of a given cruise line, don’t book the >cruise line. Book one of those informal cruises where folks can show up >to dinner in sweats and swim wear.

Response:

I can’t imagine a normal definition of formal attire that would include 501’s.

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> inquire about proper attire, that this ship is leaving from Texas > with lots of Texas cowboys…there will be lots of men in western > wear (including boots) in the dining rooms.

Response:

> Enjoy your cruise, Monica. Feel free to ignore the snobs in this group.

Response:

2003 accord door handle scratches…

admin — Tue, 02 Nov 2004 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

At first, I thought my wife was clawing up the inside of our accords door handles… I detailed and waxed the car myself a few days ago, and discovered that the back part of our 2003 accords door handles… ALL FOUR… had fine scratches on them… I then thought "We never use the back seats (no kids) my wife rarely wears her wedding ring (encouraging herself to lose wieght) and I never drive the thing" I can only assume that this area of the car gets wierd airflow, and air is circulating inside and fine debris stays in there scratching it up. As hard as this is to beleive, take my corvette for example, 1992 (for sale by the way, if interested). The tail lights get dirty right after you wash them if you drive more than 100 yards… in the corvette group, people complain of this all the time, it is because air somehow comes back up the back of the vette and dirt and road grime can settle in the light wells. I was wondering if anyone knew some place that sold an item similar to this: http://www.madvet.com/shop?frame=1.722 (these are for corvettes) but for the honda accord… thanks in advance! and email me if interested in my corvette! So red (remove the NOSPAM)

Response:

I noticed the same thing too but with an oil or tar like substance. It’s not anything to complain about but I noticed it …

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> At first, I thought my wife was clawing up the inside of our accords > door handles… > I detailed and waxed the car myself a few days ago, and discovered > that the back part of our 2003 accords door handles… ALL FOUR… had > fine scratches on them… > I then thought "We never use the back seats (no kids) my wife rarely > wears her wedding ring (encouraging herself to lose wieght) and I > never drive the thing" > I can only assume that this area of the car gets wierd airflow, and > air is circulating inside and fine debris stays in there scratching it > up. > As hard as this is to beleive, take my corvette for example, 1992 (for > sale by the way, if interested). The tail lights get dirty right after > you wash them if you drive more than 100 yards… in the corvette > group, people complain of this all the time, it is because air somehow > comes back up the back of the vette and dirt and road grime can settle > in the light wells. > I was wondering if anyone knew some place that sold an item similar to > this: > http://www.madvet.com/shop?frame=1.722 (these are for corvettes) > but for the honda accord… > thanks in advance! and email me if interested in my corvette! So red > (remove the NOSPAM)

— Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Response:

Under 21 Priceline Hotel

admin — Mon, 19 Jul 2004 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

> Hi-Do the airlines really care if you book a priceline ticket if you > are 20 instead of 21?

As far as an airline is concerned, if you’re 12 or older, you’re an adult. > Also, I booked a hotel on priceline in DC, will they ask for ID? or > is a credit card good enough? I didn’t realize you had to be 21 > before booking… I’m 20 so I hope they won’t care.

Probably they won’t. You’re prepaid, so they have their money. — _Deirdre web: http://deirdre.net blog: http://deirdre.org/blog/ "Memes are a hoax! Pass it on!"

Response:

Hi-Do the airlines really care if you book a priceline ticket if you are 20 instead of 21? Also, I booked a hotel on priceline in DC, will they ask for ID? or is a credit card good enough? I didn’t realize you had to be 21 before booking… I’m 20 so I hope they won’t care. Thanks, Dan

Response:

>Hi-Do the airlines really care if you book a priceline ticket if you >are 20 instead of 21?

I’ve never seen the airlines care – they just want to be sure your ID matches the ticket name. >Also, I booked a hotel on priceline in DC, will they ask for ID? or >is a credit card good enough? I didn’t realize you had to be 21 >before booking… I’m 20 so I hope they won’t care.

You best call the hotel and see what their policy is. This also depends on local law. I’ve almost always been asked to produce ID when checking in to a hotel. It’s been a while since I passed 21 though…

Response:

Dan Kline extrapolated from data available… > Hi-Do the airlines really care if you book a priceline ticket if you > are 20 instead of 21? > Also, I booked a hotel on priceline in DC, will they ask for ID? or > is a credit card good enough? I didn’t realize you had to be 21 > before booking… I’m 20 so I hope they won’t care. > Thanks, > Dan

Sort of a rule… The "cheaper" (down market) the hotel or chain is, the more likely you’ll be asked for an ID, or translated, "On occasion at the Super 8, but almost never at the J. W. Marriott." I was asked for my DL checking in to a reserved (with credit card) room in a small city in the "Big Thicket" of East Texas (an area which in a cultural sense can be compared to rural Applachia) the other day. Even with occasional stays at "Motel 6" and the like (in small towns across the US, the choices can be minimal and when your profession takes you to small towns, you dance with them what brung’ya), this was the first time I recall being asked for ID at a US hotel in a number of years. On the other hand, I’m an old geezer. Europe’s different, far away lands with inhabitants long accustomed to producing documents for all sorts of natural functions such as sleeping. Shucks, in my youth, one had to show ID or a passport at the Italian post office to make a cheap long distance phone call, and Alexandre Dumas’s France had letters signed by high eminences which would get you arrested and endungeoned within a few ticks of the bureaucratic clock. Now, does your girlfriend have a cheap imitation wedding ring, an absolute necessity back in the US of the 50s, where young couples checking into hotels were subjects of grave suspicion? TMO

Response:

Princess' 2005 Inside Passage!

admin — Wed, 26 May 2004 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Hi Everyone, I received this press release from Princess and thought it would be of interest. If you have missed any of my news’ postings, they are available on my web site. Best regards, Ray LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL 800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905 http://www.lighthousetravel.com 5/24/2004 PRINCESS’ 2005 INSIDE PASSAGE PROGRAM FEATURES MORE SAILINGS ON WEST COAST’S LARGEST AND MOST AMENITY-FILLED VESSELS Convenient Roundtrip Voyages Offered from Seattle and San Francisco Princess will offer additional Alaska Inside Passage cruising in 2005, with more sailings on its convenient roundtrip itinerary from Seattle on the new Sapphire Princess and sister ship Diamond Princess — the largest and most amenity-filled vessels to sail on the West Coast. They are joined once again by Regal Princess’ popular sailings from San Francisco. In total the line will offer 53 departures on three itineraries, all featuring the convenience of easily accessible home ports. These roundtrip cruises complement Princess’ other 2005 Alaska option, the "Voyage of the Glaciers" Gulf of Alaska itinerary, available on four ships. With the Inside Passage program, passengers enjoy an easily accessible U.S.-based discovery adventure that also offers the opportunity to add a land tour to the Canadian Rockies or take advantage of the many attractions in the ships’ home ports with pre- or post-cruise stays in Seattle or San Francisco. "The debut of Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess last year really made our Inside Passage cruises a phenomenal addition to our Alaska program," said Alan Buckelew, president of Princess Cruises. "This year we’ve added even more sailings to make these cruises available for additional passengers who want an easy and carefree way to enjoy the best of the Inside Passage." Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess Sail From Seattle Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess return to Seattle to offer a seven-day roundtrip voyages calling at Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Victoria, plus cruise through the dramatic glaciers, rock walls and waterfalls of Tracy Arm and the twin Sawyer Glaciers. Diamond Princess will offer 20 voyages on this itinerary departing on Saturdays between May 7 and September 17, 2005, while Sapphire Princess will offer 19 voyages departing on Sundays, beginning May 15 and continuing through September 18. Regal Princess from San Francisco Regal Princess will offer 14 departures between May 8 and September 15 on a 10-day Inside Passage itinerary roundtrip from "The City by the Bay," San Francisco. Passengers have a choice of itineraries that feature calls at Victoria, Juneau and two other scenic Alaska ports that rotate between Ketchikan, Sitka, Skagway or Haines. All voyages also offer premiere glacier viewing in Tracy Arm. Canadian Rockies Cruisetours Passengers who would like to add to their vacation have three Canadian Rockies tour options designed to coordinate with Inside Passage cruises from Seattle. Princess’ escorted itineraries take guests to the heart of these spectacular mountains with visits to Banff, Jasper, Calgary and Kamloops, along with other local highlights. The 12- and 13-night packages feature stays at the area’s premiere Fairmont resort properties such as the Chateau Lake Louise, Banff Springs Hotel and Jasper Park Lodge. The Seattle-based Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess offer Inside Passage passengers the opportunity to enjoy the Alaskan scenery from the comfort of the West Coast’s largest and most amenity-filled vessels. These "gems" of the Princess fleet feature such innovations at themed main dining rooms — Italian, Asian, Southwestern and steakhouse. Other popular features include the largest Internet Caf

Need speaker recommendations

admin — Tue, 11 May 2004 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

> I’ve got an SVT 4 through a hartke 410. And it’s the shitty transpoter > series. > Never had a problem, and believe me, I’m playing loud. Except for the POP > when turnng off. > —

If I’m not mistaken, the trasporter series is a step up from the VX.

Response:

I’ve got an SVT 4 through a hartke 410. And it’s the shitty transpoter series. Never had a problem, and believe me, I’m playing loud. Except for the POP when turnng off. — Henry! "Your shoes have got to match what colour guitar you’re playing. I had this black guitar and I was going, ‘Gem, I can’t seem to dress with this guitar’." – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > > I’m surprised no one has asked this question: > > > How the H3LL did you blow EVERY SINGLE SPEAKER?!? > > > Sounds like you need a whole new rig that plays MUCH louder, or you > need > > to > > > turn down. > > > Good luck! > > > Corey > > I would not go so far as a whole new rig but the Hartke speaker gotta > go. > I > > made the same mistake with a vx410 and vx 115 cabinet combination. The > 115 > > was toast after 2 months. I dumped them all and built my own cabs > loaded > > with with 4 eminince delta 10’s and a Kapp 15lf. Harke is fine if you > play > > in a wedding band, but if your trying to put food on the table forget > it. > How so? Are you saying that you suffered failures with your Hartke > equipment? What kind of failures? TIA > Ed Cregger > My 3500 head had a tendacy just quit abrubtly – no sound what so ever for > about 2 or 3 minutes. I beleive it was do to in adiquate cooling. I had to > remove it from my rack and keep an additional fan on it, but this only > worked when the room temp was below 80f. Even with the fan on it, it failed > a couple of times. This was operating with a 4 ohm load. The speakers were > just garbage in general – I found that individually the 10s were only rated > for 75 watts each. The 15 was rated for 300 watts peak. All of them had a > tendancy to fart easily. Now granted my band plays pretty loud – if you > don’t need the volume they are probably fine. I replace the 3500 with an > svt-3 and built my own cabs and loaded them with eminence delta 10s and a > kappa 15lf. Never had another problem with overheating – or undesirable > pops from my speakers.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > > I’m surprised no one has asked this question: > > > How the H3LL did you blow EVERY SINGLE SPEAKER?!? > > > Sounds like you need a whole new rig that plays MUCH louder, or you > need > > to > > > turn down. > > > Good luck! > > > Corey > > I would not go so far as a whole new rig but the Hartke speaker gotta > go. > I > > made the same mistake with a vx410 and vx 115 cabinet combination. The > 115 > > was toast after 2 months. I dumped them all and built my own cabs > loaded > > with with 4 eminince delta 10’s and a Kapp 15lf. Harke is fine if you > play > > in a wedding band, but if your trying to put food on the table forget > it. > How so? Are you saying that you suffered failures with your Hartke > equipment? What kind of failures? TIA > Ed Cregger > My 3500 head had a tendacy just quit abrubtly – no sound what so ever for > about 2 or 3 minutes. I beleive it was do to in adiquate cooling. I had to > remove it from my rack and keep an additional fan on it, but this only > worked when the room temp was below 80f. Even with the fan on it, it failed > a couple of times. This was operating with a 4 ohm load. The speakers were > just garbage in general – I found that individually the 10s were only rated > for 75 watts each. The 15 was rated for 300 watts peak. All of them had a > tendancy to fart easily. Now granted my band plays pretty loud – if you > don’t need the volume they are probably fine. I replace the 3500 with an > svt-3 and built my own cabs and loaded them with eminence delta 10s and a > kappa 15lf. Never had another problem with overheating – or undesirable > pops from my speakers.

Whenever I see a really thin, compact power amp for bass, I am suspicious of its ability to handle the thermal loads that are encountered with normal use. I wonder if the sensor that shuts it down was defective? Or if it was "out of adjustment" if there was one. I doubt the latter. Most of those are fixed at a certain temperature. Still, the sensors have been known to be defective from time to time. My VX410 cost me $300. I forget if I paid shipping or not. Probably not. I was going to sell it since I have since obtained some beefier enclosures that I know will not burp or fart during normal high volume use. Then I turn around and order an Agile V2 six string bass from Rondo the other day when the price dipped to $199 and some change. I’ve been wanting an active six string, but I don’t think I’ll be able to justify an expensive one. Hence the Agile. Well, now I just might need that Hartke to handle the upper end of the register. It’s not eating anything and it won’t be worth any less five years from now, so I guess I’ll hold on to it. The VX410 has a power rating of 400 watts RMS. I suppose they rate the crossover and tweeter sufficiently to absorb the rest of the power. I suppose… I like Ampeg equipment myself. Ed Cregger

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > I’m surprised no one has asked this question: > > How the H3LL did you blow EVERY SINGLE SPEAKER?!? > > Sounds like you need a whole new rig that plays MUCH louder, or you need > to > > turn down. > > Good luck! > > Corey > I would not go so far as a whole new rig but the Hartke speaker gotta go. > I > made the same mistake with a vx410 and vx 115 cabinet combination. The > 115 > was toast after 2 months. I dumped them all and built my own cabs loaded > with with 4 eminince delta 10’s and a Kapp 15lf. Harke is fine if you > play > in a wedding band, but if your trying to put food on the table forget it. > How so? Are you saying that you suffered failures with your Hartke > equipment? What kind of failures? TIA > Ed Cregger

My 3500 head had a tendacy just quit abrubtly – no sound what so ever for about 2 or 3 minutes. I beleive it was do to in adiquate cooling. I had to remove it from my rack and keep an additional fan on it, but this only worked when the room temp was below 80f. Even with the fan on it, it failed a couple of times. This was operating with a 4 ohm load. The speakers were just garbage in general – I found that individually the 10s were only rated for 75 watts each. The 15 was rated for 300 watts peak. All of them had a tendancy to fart easily. Now granted my band plays pretty loud – if you don’t need the volume they are probably fine. I replace the 3500 with an svt-3 and built my own cabs and loaded them with eminence delta 10s and a kappa 15lf. Never had another problem with overheating – or undesirable pops from my speakers.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’m surprised no one has asked this question: > How the H3LL did you blow EVERY SINGLE SPEAKER?!? > Sounds like you need a whole new rig that plays MUCH louder, or you need > to > turn down. > Good luck! > Corey > I would not go so far as a whole new rig but the Hartke speaker gotta go. I > made the same mistake with a vx410 and vx 115 cabinet combination. The 115 > was toast after 2 months. I dumped them all and built my own cabs loaded > with with 4 eminince delta 10’s and a Kapp 15lf. Harke is fine if you play > in a wedding band, but if your trying to put food on the table forget it.

How so? Are you saying that you suffered failures with your Hartke equipment? What kind of failures? TIA Ed Cregger

Response:

Aguilar uses custom Eminence – I ordered a replacement from the Aguilar web site once, and it had an eminence custom order sheet in the box when I received it – obviously an oversight. Aguilar sells its own replacement speakers via its web site, and they are reasonably priced and special tuned for your cabinet. I’d recommend them. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->John .. would you be able to recommend a driver replacement for the Aguilar >GS112 cab too?It is a 1 one twleve bass cab. Just figured that i would ask. > Actually, I’d LOVE to know what Aguilar and Epifani are using, > because those cabinets kick ass. I’d try to get the OEM driver direct > from Aguilar. You could use an Eminence Delta12LF in a pinch, but it > doesn’t have much midrange, I really can’t say how it would sound, > other than massive low end response.

Response:

I’d go here http://www.webervst.com/ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I was wondering if anyone could provide opinions on the best brands of > speakers in terms of durability, sound and price. I need to replace every > speaker in a Hartke bass rig that I bought only a year and a half ago. I > can’t find the receipt and Hartke won’t do anything for me. I’ve heard > mention of Eminence, Celestion, and Peavey among others. I’m looking to > replace a 15" and 4- 10"s. Thanks. > Vinny

Response:

>John .. would you be able to recommend a driver replacement for the Aguilar >GS112 cab too?It is a 1 one twleve bass cab. Just figured that i would ask.

Actually, I’d LOVE to know what Aguilar and Epifani are using, because those cabinets kick ass. I’d try to get the OEM driver direct from Aguilar. You could use an Eminence Delta12LF in a pinch, but it doesn’t have much midrange, I really can’t say how it would sound, other than massive low end response.

Response:

> Actually, I’d LOVE to know what Aguilar and Epifani are using, > because those cabinets kick ass.

John, I know that Epifani uses Eminence. They say they’re custom-built, but no matter how "custom" they are, they won’t vary drastically from the stock designs. Don’t know about Aguilar.

Response:

>>The stamped basket speakers will sound as good UNTIL > you happen to have an accident and the cab takes a small drop. > The weight of the magnet (which you want big and heavy for > efficiency) may bend a stamped basket in a fall. That pretty much > trashes the speaker. > Funny, I have been in the music gig for 28 years and have never heard of a > basket bending due to a drop, at least not a drop the cabnet survived.

I’ve done it! And it wasn’t off the back of a truck either! So I know it CAN happen! All it takes is enough misalignment until the voice coil starts to rub…then doom soon follows. Benj — Due to SPAM innundation above address is turned off!

Response:

I just found out that Aguilar uses eminence too. >John .. would you be able to recommend a driver replacement for the Aguilar >GS112 cab too?It is a 1 one twleve bass cab. Just figured that i would ask. > Actually, I’d LOVE to know what Aguilar and Epifani are using, > because those cabinets kick ass. I’d try to get the OEM driver direct > from Aguilar. You could use an Eminence Delta12LF in a pinch, but it > doesn’t have much midrange, I really can’t say how it would sound, > other than massive low end response.

— Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Response:

John .. would you be able to recommend a driver replacement for the Aguilar GS112 cab too?It is a 1 one twleve bass cab. Just figured that i would ask. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I was wondering if anyone could provide opinions on the best brands of >speakers in terms of durability, sound and price. I need to replace every >speaker in a Hartke bass rig that I bought only a year and a half ago. I >can’t find the receipt and Hartke won’t do anything for me. I’ve heard >mention of Eminence, Celestion, and Peavey among others. I’m looking to >replace a 15" and 4- 10"s. Thanks. >Vinny > For those Hartke boxes, I’d strongly suggest the Eminence > Kappa Pro 15 and the Eminence BP-102. The 10" driver is not super > efficient, but will perform with a broad frequency response in that > box. The Kappa Pro 15 will also give the best lows in that Hartke cab, > since it has a fairly low resonant frequency, and a low Vas factor, > meaning it will give good low end in a fairly compact cab. > Fane and RCF also make premium drivers, and Carvin also sells > OEM drivers (which I think are Eminence). > Look for a low Fs (resonant frequency), a low Vas (how well it > produces lows in a compact box) and reasonable efficiency (95dB or > higher if you can). A few dB extra efficiency will perform like 100s > of extra watts of amplifier power in actual use.

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Response:

I’m surprised no one has asked this question: How the H3LL did you blow EVERY SINGLE SPEAKER?!? Sounds like you need a whole new rig that plays MUCH louder, or you need to turn down. Good luck! Corey – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I was wondering if anyone could provide opinions on the best brands of > speakers in terms of durability, sound and price. I need to replace every > speaker in a Hartke bass rig that I bought only a year and a half ago. I > can’t find the receipt and Hartke won’t do anything for me. I’ve heard > mention of Eminence, Celestion, and Peavey among others. I’m looking to > replace a 15" and 4- 10"s. Thanks. > Vinny

Response:

>I was wondering if anyone could provide opinions on the best brands of >speakers in terms of durability, sound and price. I need to replace every >speaker in a Hartke bass rig that I bought only a year and a half ago. I >can’t find the receipt and Hartke won’t do anything for me. I’ve heard >mention of Eminence, Celestion, and Peavey among others. I’m looking to >replace a 15" and 4- 10"s. Thanks. >Vinny

For those Hartke boxes, I’d strongly suggest the Eminence Kappa Pro 15 and the Eminence BP-102. The 10" driver is not super efficient, but will perform with a broad frequency response in that box. The Kappa Pro 15 will also give the best lows in that Hartke cab, since it has a fairly low resonant frequency, and a low Vas factor, meaning it will give good low end in a fairly compact cab. Fane and RCF also make premium drivers, and Carvin also sells OEM drivers (which I think are Eminence). Look for a low Fs (resonant frequency), a low Vas (how well it produces lows in a compact box) and reasonable efficiency (95dB or higher if you can). A few dB extra efficiency will perform like 100s of extra watts of amplifier power in actual use.

Response:

Yup. I’m impressed. And it takes a lot to impress me in that area. — Henry! "Your shoes have got to match what colour guitar you’re playing. I had this black guitar and I was going, ‘Gem, I can’t seem to dress with this guitar’." – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’m surprised no one has asked this question: > How the H3LL did you blow EVERY SINGLE SPEAKER?!? > Sounds like you need a whole new rig that plays MUCH louder, or you need to > turn down. > Good luck! > Corey > I was wondering if anyone could provide opinions on the best brands of > speakers in terms of durability, sound and price. I need to replace every > speaker in a Hartke bass rig that I bought only a year and a half ago. I > can’t find the receipt and Hartke won’t do anything for me. I’ve heard > mention of Eminence, Celestion, and Peavey among others. I’m looking to > replace a 15" and 4- 10"s. Thanks. > Vinny

Response:

I was wondering if anyone could provide opinions on the best brands of speakers in terms of durability, sound and price. I need to replace every speaker in a Hartke bass rig that I bought only a year and a half ago. I can’t find the receipt and Hartke won’t do anything for me. I’ve heard mention of Eminence, Celestion, and Peavey among others. I’m looking to replace a 15" and 4- 10"s. Thanks. Vinny

Response:

I’m a former guitar player and those brands make pretty good guitar amp speakers, but I’m not sure about bass cab….I know that Bag End uses some pretty swift sounding speakers in their $$$$$$ cabinets, but

Response:

> I was wondering if anyone could provide opinions on the best brands of > speakers in terms of durability, sound and price. I need to replace every > speaker in a Hartke bass rig that I bought only a year and a half ago. I > can’t find the receipt and Hartke won’t do anything for me. I’ve heard > mention of Eminence, Celestion, and Peavey among others. I’m looking to > replace a 15" and 4- 10"s. Thanks.

Yeah, Eminence and Celestion make some good stuff ($$$), Peavey makes some good buys as well if you want to save some cash. Also consider the speakers in the Carvin catalog. Decent prices. I’d say get a cast frame speaker for the 15" if possible (About $110) from Carvin. The stamped basket speakers will sound as good UNTIL you happen to have an accident and the cab takes a small drop. The weight of the magnet (which you want big and heavy for efficiency) may bend a stamped basket in a fall. That pretty much trashes the speaker. The 10" ones are lighter and won’t be quite as prone to damage, but if you can afford it, I’d get the cast frames for those as well. OF course, Peavey or Carvin speakers won’t have the tone of the big bux cabs but there is a REASON they cost big bux! Just price some of those drivers. And let me say one more thing about drivers. I have a Fender BXR 200. It came with the Fender 15" Speaker. I also happened to have a similar speaker which is a "hollywood" brand. It’s a West Coast thing designed for sound sytems and VERY well made with HUGE magnet. So I started swapping speakers just for fun. What I found was that the Fender speaker had a lot of distortion in it while the other speaker had a very pure "hi fi" kind of tone. Now you might think that more pure speaker would always sound better. But that was NOT the case! What I found was that the tone you got with a certain speaker very much depended upon the bass you put through it! For example my Ken Smith just came to life on Fender driver, but sounded thin and weak with the "hi fi" driver. Just the opposite was true for my Modulus. The distortion of the Fender Speaker gave it a really muddy tone, while the sound system driver, made it ring like a bell! I guess the point I’m making here is that choosing a brand of speaker for bass cabs has a great deal to do with tone and ALSO depends on the bass you intend to play through that cab. I guess this is why cab building is still an "art". Benj — Due to SPAM innundation above address is turned off!

Response:

>The stamped basket speakers will sound as good UNTIL > you happen to have an accident and the cab takes a small drop. > The weight of the magnet (which you want big and heavy for > efficiency) may bend a stamped basket in a fall. That pretty much > trashes the speaker.

Funny, I have been in the music gig for 28 years and have never heard of a basket bending due to a drop, at least not a drop the cabnet survived. K

Response:

I’ve used RCF 15’s in my Traynor box for 10 years with ZERO problems. S.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->The stamped basket speakers will sound as good UNTIL > you happen to have an accident and the cab takes a small drop. > The weight of the magnet (which you want big and heavy for > efficiency) may bend a stamped basket in a fall. That pretty much > trashes the speaker. > Funny, I have been in the music gig for 28 years and have never heard of a > basket bending due to a drop, at least not a drop the cabnet survived. > K

Response:

Anyone planning a wedding in the UK?

admin — Sun, 18 Apr 2004 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Help! I was just wondering whether there was anyone in the UK planning a wedding right now, and wanted to discuss how to go about everything? I have no clue where to start! Jo

Response:

> Help! > I was just wondering whether there was anyone in the UK planning a wedding > right now, and wanted to discuss how to go about everything? > I have no clue where to start!

Hi, Jo. You know those lovely glossy wedding magazines that you can buy in the newsagents? The ones that try to get you to spend the price of a house on a wedding? Buy a few of those and read them. Do this for a couple of months and then you’ll have a much better idea of what you don’t want and will feel much freer to pick out your wedding. Seriously, though, start by working out what sort of wedding you want. Then work out what sort of wedding you and your partner want. Some people never get beyond this point Most people do, however. Then you set a date, normally a year in advance but lots of people do it before or after then. This will probably be governed by the venue you choose. You can’t have a wedding on 8th January if you can’t find anywhere to get married and you don’t want to get married on cup final day if you are certain your team is going to be in said cup final. In the glossy magazines you will find suggested timescales for things. These aren’t rigid but they generally have a good reason behind them. For example, they usually say to buy your wedding rings three months before your wedding day. That’s because it can take a couple of goes to find something you like and there is often a 28 day lead time on ordering rings. The couple who leave it until three weeks before the wedding might be lucky or they might have to comprimise. There are lots of resources to get suggestions from. Here, for example. http://www.confetti.co.uk/ and http://www.webweddings.co.uk are two good websites. Gather lots of brochures and magazines but don’t let them overwhelm you (I also suggest http://www.etiquettehell.com for how not to do things). Treat finding out what you want as a spiral, you get ever closer to what you want as you make decisions. Don’t get too bogged down in ‘etiquette’. Continue to appreciate that although you are allowed a certain amount of self-indulgence in ‘your’ day, it is also your partner’s day and the day of the people that will be spending it with you. Etiquette is all about not upsetting people or making them uncomfortable, not about rigid protocol that must be adhered to. Hosting a wedding is like hosting any other event, make sure your guests are comfortable. That’s a start for you. And if you read this and decide you don’t want to do it like that, don’t. Best wishes, Liz

Response:

> > Help! > I was just wondering whether there was anyone in the UK planning a wedding > right now, and wanted to discuss how to go about everything? > I have no clue where to start!

Hi, Jo. If you want to find all the services you need, the best Wedding Directory covering the UK is WedUK Wedding Services Directory at http://www.weduk.com Mal

Response:

Our January Cruising Experience – Very Long Post

admin — Sun, 25 Jan 2004 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

>Sunny is the most fascinating person >on the newsgroup. I always read her comments. Ermalee is a very close >second as my favorite. How fortunate you are to include both of them >in your very interesting report.

And they are both more than deserving of the honor. I have met and spent time with both of these delightful women, and can’t wait for my next chance to meet up with them again!

Response:

> Welcome home, guys. Sure enjoyed hearing all about your trip full of friends, > food and fun. Howie, I’m thrilled you did the zip line adventure in the canopies > of Costa Rica. We did it in Puerto Vallarta and felt the same rush; I can’t > wait ’til we can do it in CR where it all began. Eileen, take care of those > new sparklers, you lucky girl, you! > Diana

Hey Artemis, Thanks. How neat that you, Craig, and the kids (I assume) zip lined in Puerto Vallarta. And yes, if y’awl go to Costa Rica, it is a must do. Actually, given your adventurous spirits, the four of you might be interested in staying at the jungle resort, Almonds and Corals Lodge, where I had my adventure. I got to speak with the owners, who are delightful folks. The price of a stay, including daily breakfasts and dinners, is only $60 per person/night in high season, and probably even cheaper for the kids. The ambiance of the place is incredible and the beach is awesome. In addition to zip lining, there are numerous other activities available. Website: www.almondsandcorals.com Howie

Response:

> Welcome back to reality. Great review Howard!!.

Present reality sucks, with 5 inches of snow on the ground and temps hovering at 16 degrees. > We enjoyed meeting Eileen and yourself and hope one day we will cruise > together > Cant promise, though, staying up till the a.m.

No problem, Sunny. I’ll simply begin my evening earlier than normal. Don’t care much for those post dinner shows anyway. Howie

Response:

>Actually, given your adventurous spirits, the four of you might be >interested in staying at the jungle resort, Almonds and Corals Lodge, >where I had my adventure. I got to speak with the owners, who are >delightful folks. The price of a stay, including daily breakfasts and >dinners, is only $60 per person/night in high season, and probably even >cheaper for the kids. The ambiance of the place is incredible and the >beach is awesome. In addition to zip lining, there are numerous other >activities available. Website: www.almondsandcorals.com

As always, the good doctor knows just what to prescribe. That place looks awesome!! It is exactly the kind of trip we can easily fit into a short school break w/ the air time so short. Thanks a million. If you ever do the Mex Riv, you will remember to go check out my PV report & get the scoop on their (two) canopy adventures: http://www.dianaball.net/puerto_vallarata.htm It doesn’t sound like either outfit in PV built as extensive a course as what you experienced in Costa Rica. I definitely look forward to doing it again under less stressful circumstances–Maddie’s situation caused him to suffer great fear for much of the course, so I had to rise to that challenge. (OTOH, dealing w/ him was possibly the best thing that could have happened. I confess, the tiny margin on standing room on the platforms spooked me!) Diana

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > > In what way did you find the pax unsophisticated and boring? > There are some HAL repeaters on the group that want to know. > Ben S. > Unsophisticated is walking around a ship all evening or, for some, all > week with one or more, heavy, cheap Mariner Society medallions hanging > around your neck. There are numerous other examples; but this will do. > Boring, like cheesy, is strictly in the eye of the beholder.

Underwhelming response. Ben S.

Response:

> Underwhelming response.

Thank you, Ben. Underwhelming was my aim.

Response:

LOL, you conveyed it very well Howard! I wish I could say I met all sorts of interesting old salts on our one HAL cruise….but frankly, I think I had more exotic travels under my belt than 99% of the pax on board. No doubt about it, HAL is a bit on the "quiet" side, which has its place, even for me. Jeff – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Thank you, Ben. Underwhelming was my aim.

Response:

I am sure that he did, Charles, but I don’t read everything that is posted. — DG in Cherry Hill, NJ

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Danni and I kinda wondered where you and Eileen had gone but Danni suggested > that you were away and, as always, she was right. > Next time you go please notify me so I won’t worry about you guys. > Howard posted quite a few times to r.t.c. about the three successive > cruises he and Eileen were going on right up to their departure. > — > Charles

Response:

>> Welcome back to reality. Great review Howard!!. > Present reality sucks, with 5 inches of snow on the ground and temps > hovering at 16 degrees.

Howie, Present reality might suck for you, but it is even worse for those of us who have been here all the time you were gone(VBG). This is not a good week to come back from cruising. Welcome back and say hi to Eileen for me!! sue

Response:

> SUNSET at the beach was very, very nice…

She wanted FREE booze, that’s why. The Not So Fine Art Of Google – Go To Top Of Thread http://makeashorterlink.com/?E29A321E6

Response:

>Sunny SUNSET is a highly intelligent and warm human being, who has led a truly >fascinating life. She is VERY articulate..

LOL Two words. Web TV > and I was transfixed with her >stories of living in England during WWII and emigrating to the US as a >young woman. Bernie is a great guy, in fantastic physical shape.

He must carry her cadre of binoculars. The Not So Fine Art Of Google – Go To Top Of Thread http://makeashorterlink.com/?E29A321E6

Response:

>I’m mostly a lurker – but I think Sunny is the most fascinating person >on the newsgroup.

LOL LOL LOL Into the Dumbfile you go. The Not So Fine Art Of Google – Go To Top Of Thread http://makeashorterlink.com/?E29A321E6

Response:

>With all due respect, I like HAL and do not appreciate being labeled as >unsophisticated and boring, Awesome Dickead Howie. This kind of generality is unbecoming. The >comment (as well as much of the tone of the review) is supercilious and > condescending. My comments are, of course, those of a boor…a boring >boor!

He writes as he is. The Not So Fine Art Of Google – Go To Top Of Thread http://makeashorterlink.com/?E29A321E6

Response:

> Danni and I kinda wondered where you and Eileen had gone but Danni suggested > that you were away and, as always, she was right. > Next time you go please notify me so I won’t worry about you guys.

Howard posted quite a few times to r.t.c. about the three successive cruises he and Eileen were going on right up to their departure. — Charles

Response:

Welcome home, guys. Sure enjoyed hearing all about your trip full of friends, food and fun. Howie, I’m thrilled you did the zip line adventure in the canopies of Costa Rica. We did it in Puerto Vallarta and felt the same rush; I can’t wait ’til we can do it in CR where it all began. Eileen, take care of those new sparklers, you lucky girl, you! Diana

Response:

Welcome back to reality. Great review Howard!!. We enjoyed meeting Eileen and yourself and hope one day we will cruise together Cant promise, though, staying up till the a.m. S’nd I.

Response:

> In what way did you find the pax unsophisticated and boring? > There are some HAL repeaters on the group that want to know. > Ben S.

Unsophisticated is walking around a ship all evening or, for some, all week with one or more, heavy, cheap Mariner Society medallions hanging around your neck. There are numerous other examples; but this will do. Boring, like cheesy, is strictly in the eye of the beholder.

Response:

Thank you for a wonderful review, Howard. Danni and I kinda wondered where you and Eileen had gone but Danni suggested that you were away and, as always, she was right. Next time you go please notify me so I won’t worry about you guys. Being where you were was better than where we were for several reasons. First. your butt didn’t freeze every time you walked out the door, and second, you didn’t have to deal with what was being written by some of this newsgroup’s favorite flamers. — DG in Cherry Hill, NJ

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Sadly enough, our winter vacation came to an end yesterday, as we > returned to the icy mid-atlantic state of Delaware. Before settling > down to prepare my syllabi for the Spring semester, which begins for me > on February 10, I would like to relate the highlights of our 25 day > vacation. > We left Delaware on December 30, more than ready for this trip to the > tropics, and excited about seeing many old and new friends whom we knew > would be joining us at various stages of the trip. Our flight to > Lauderdale was smooth and uneventful and by 1 PM we were comfortably > settled in our accommodations at Embassy Suites. > Went to the pool to soak up some rays on this perfect 75 degree, sunny > day, before meeting our traveling companions for happy hour at 5:30. We > would be joined on the Carnival Legend New Years Cruise (our 42nd cruise > but the first over New Years) by four very dear friends. One of these > friends was our best friend, Linda, whom Eileen and I have known since > our first year in College (roughly 40 years). Linda was traveling with > her boyfriend Howie S. The other couple who would be joining us were > Jane (a former colleague from U. of Texas, now at U. Mass Amherst) and > her husband Dan (a former graduate student of mine at UT). We have > cruised many times with Linda, and Jane and Dan joined us on our Mercury > cruise last March. > Two other very old friends would be meeting us for Happy Hour. Ken (a > colleague from my very first post Ph.D. university appointment in > Psychology at Upsala College) and his wife Adine (one of the most > talented artists and coolest people that I have ever met). It had been > a very long time since we had seen Ken and Adine, and the plan was to go > to their place in Hollywood for dinner, when happy hour ended. > It was a perfect evening and a perfect beginning to our long vacation. > Legend New Years Cruise Dec 31 – Jan 8 > We and our friends arrived at the ship about 11:30 AM. Prior to our > trip, Eileen and I had agreed to be witnesses at the wedding of a young > couple we had met on Cruise Critic, who were to be married right after > boarding at 1:30 PM. We left our friends and caught up with this > couple, as well as a group of 15 other mostly very young people that we > had met on Cruise Critic, who were also planning to attend the wedding. > After a rather long security delay, we were the first to board the ship > at 1:00 PM. We went to our midship cat 8G room (this was our third > cruise on the Legend so I will not review the layout of the ship) and > quickly changed in order to get to the Chapel by 1:30. The wedding was > beautiful and it was great to finally meet everyone in this very cool > group of kids that we had been communicating with. > New Years Eve on the Carnival Legend was quite an experience. We dined > (late seating) with our friends. Our waiter and assistant waiter > provided superb and friendly service throughout the cruise. Dinner was > awesome (more on this later). After dinner, we headed for the open lido > deck, which was already packed with people. In fact, in all of my 41 > former cruises, I have never encountered so many people on the open > decks at the same time. The Caribbean band was playing (more on this > later), the champagne was flowing in unlimited quantity, and an enormous > screen high above the deck displayed a live video feed from Times Square > in NYC. The weather was PERFECT (and remained so for the next 24 days > of our vacation). Folks were partying with wild (but courteous) > abandon, and the excitement in the air was magical. Midnight was glorious. > At 1:00 AM, we headed for the disco. Those of you who know me, also > know that I have been to hundreds of dance clubs, at sea and on land. > Never have I seen a club so packed. Got to bed about 3:30 AM. > Our New Years Cruise on the Legend was close to perfect for me. > Food > The cuisine, which had been superb on my back to back cruises in 2002, > could only be described as "EXQUISITE" by cruise ship standards. None of > the other major cruise lines (and I have been on them all numerous > times) even comes close to providing a comparable dining experience. > Scrumptious chocolate truffles, souffl

OT: High Anxiety….

admin — Sun, 21 Sep 2003 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Hi Kita! > Good luck with the new place! Be sure to visit a lot, at random times, > without signing in.. That’s what I used to do, just pop in and keep them > always on their toes. The aides always told me that those with frequent > visitors get much better care.

Yup…..I like to leave them with no idea when I will be *flying* in. Sometimes tho I feel I should arrive with my jaw wired shut! > My gparents spent their lifesavings on the place where they went, it was > a really good place. But stuff still went on there. Like they max the > staff on open house days, or inspection weeks. The rest of the year, > they were always understaffed. > My gmom had her wedding band stolen (after 55 years of marriage) by (I’m > sure) some temp (never recovered it). (don’t bring any valuable > jewelry or stuff)

That sucks! I know what you mean about the valubles……I told them I was leaving my most valuable posession with them….my mom. > But there are a lot of angels there, too. G-d bless them, it’s a hard job.. > Make friends with the nursing aides, they know Everything..

Yeah, it is a dam hard job….not just anyone can do it….not and do it well that is. I like to bring little appreciation gifts for some of the folks working there….I figger it couldn’t hurt…..plus I really do appreciate what they do. > > Yayyyyyyyyy on getting back to biped!

Thanks Kita! You got that right…..I just brought in my laundry off the line….how easy it is with 2 footsies. I had spent weeks figgering out how I could manage to hang my own laundry from the wheelchair….it was quite an ordeal…but I did it. Hell it’s not like I was busy doing anything else but I hope to NEVER have that experience again!! you’re about to be an old fart ain’t cha!! Heehee you go girl! Ripley / Pinky — Spanking clean Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Response:

Thanks for the floating wishes!! :-) I’d do just about anything to make things right for my sweet little mom……except smoke that is. I’ll be glad when the initial move is done. At least I won’t have to do her hair again…..last time I washed it & cut it…….I dang near flipped her in the sink…..the stoopid chair would not co-operate, and in the process I got her soaked and lots of hair down her back!! She took it well…..I just laughed allot and honked her nose!! She’s grrreat! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Ripley? > HELLO, RIPLEY!? > COME IN RIPLEY! > YOUR TRANSMISSION IS BREAKING UP!! > HELLO? > She seems…kind of upset about something. > If only she could come out of her shell, just a little bit, and express > herself… > Sigh… > All good wishes floating your way. I know it must be terribly stressful, and > my hat’s off to you. Takes plenty of guts to endure what you’re going thru, > and I admire the hell out of anyone who can manage it.

— Spanking clean Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Cripes….I got *the* call Wednesday that the NH I picked out for my Alzheimers mom has an > opening for her and were hot on the paperwork trail to get her in. Here comes the > rollercoaster of emotions……excitement, dread, happy, sad, nervous at how she will > react…..gawd! > For those that don’t know me….I’m the talented one who was caring for mom in her home and > stepped out the door one fine day…..and ended up in a wheelchair for over 6 months… > OUCH!! Couldn’t care for mom like that so she entered an assisted living > facility….which really doesn’t provide quite the care she needs in her condition. > It’s time…..I know that….but….she has gotten used to where she is…..a very big deal > for Alzheimers ppl. But the place she is in now has gone thru some changes I don’t > like…..new administrator……some of the *good* ppl left. Last time I was there I had > realize how effing lucky they were I didn’t put a few on them!! I know she bruises easy…but > I didn’t like the location/looks of these……and they had the unmitigated gall to give me a > hard time about the diapers I was getting for her!! My nostrils are still flaring!! They > want the kind that she couldn’t possibly pull down herself and ….oh I dunno….go to the > bathroom on her own……nooooo, they want the ones that will *hold more*…..huh…….I want > you effing ppl to change her dammit….not let her walk around with a pants load > how she could see HER point…..I turned and said I would remember that….when her time > came……and if it’s sooooo effing OK…then why the hell doesn’t SHE just wear em all day > and let it rip!!!! Needless to say the ride home was quiet. Fuck em!! They think I’m nuts > for picking a NG that’s 40 miles away when there’s one right here! Oh yeah….OK……YOU CAN > GO THERE!! They have a nasty record of getting gigged on their inspections for things like > abuse, neglect, using restraints when not necessary, meds foul-ups…….and they get gigged > every single inspection…..why don’t they shut em down for that stuff!!! OK…..I’LL BE > SURE AND SEND YOU THERE ALL RIGHT!!!!! > sigh…..the new place….the NH is beautiful….clean, purdy….all the *inmates* appeared to > be well kept, if you know what I mean, and their inspections have been perfect!! Why can’t > Sally move here!! Hi Sally!! Love ya!……But it’s the ppl working there that make or break > it…..the ones I met seemed like good ppl…..I want effing cameras in every room watching > every move the caregivers make!!! dammit! > And so……it’s gonna be Monday or Tuesday or??? When we make the move…..I hope I don’t > show my ass too much right off. I wish I had a wee small plane or a helicopter so I could bip > over unexpected every other day and see mom. :-( > OK….I’ll shut up now…..sorry….I needed to get that out. I’m so uptight….like a fly on > a turd!! I’ll go for a walk now….heehee….at least I CAN walk…not like I used to but > it’ll do!!!! :-) > roaring screaming assholes……oops……not done yet am I!! > Ripley / flaming in Hot Pink!! > — > Spanking clean > Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Oh, Ripley, I am so happy/sad/relieved/worried for you! I can’t imagine what you’ve been going through nor how it is for you now. I only know that I am very close to my mom and I would want to take care of her as long as necessary, and then certainly would want the best care for her when she was beyond my help. My grandmother is failing fast now, and we’re all grieving over how to handle that. My thoughts and feelings are with you, Ripley. Try to hang on and know that you have people hundreds and even thousands of miles away that care for you and are hoping/wishing you the best transition possible. *Huge Hugs* — BinnieBee – A Proud Old Fogie! %% (—-) ( >__< ) ^^ ~~ ^^ ~f3as3~ Quit since 11/01/2001 http://binniebee.com http://www.cyberdigs.com

Response:

Hi Sally…. > ((((((((((((Ripley))))))))))))))) Gawd, it sounds like you’re going > thru hell right now! I’m not going to stick up for the place she’s at > except to say that the bruises could be the result of a medicine she’s > taking (coumadin, etc)…but I’d be totally pissed off if this were MY > mother, too. I would be fuming and want a few answers myself.

Ya, she is on a blood thinner….could be that…..it’s a hard thing to see, for sure. > As for the incontinence pads, if you’re getting the generic brands, they > usually are ‘crap’ but the only way you can find out is to try different > kinds. Maybe the caregivers meant that it wasn’t the best choice is > all. (I hope Medicaid is covering the COST for you???)

No, I pay for em……I am always suspicious when they want the ones that will *hold NH….medicaid will pay for the diapers and her over the counter meds too!! :-) > I guess I’m trying to look at the positive side, but like I said, if this were MY > mother, I’d be more than just a little upset. That alzheimers facility > that I worked for was very depressing for me (probably explains why I > quit it after just a few months!). They changed the residents every TWO > hours. It didn’t matter if they were soaked and/or had a load of crap > in their pants….if it wasn’t their time to be changed, I saw more than > one caregiver who looked the other way. Pissed me off to think that > they would probably do the same thing to their own parents. I say ‘what > goes around, comes around’….

I try to look at the positive side too. Welp….if it’s good for the goose….it’s good for the gander…..I think that anyone who can do that should be forced to sit in their own for an hour or two or four!! Bastards!! oops…… :-( > Restraints being used when not needed?? They shouldn’t use them at all > without a doctors order. At least that’s a state LAW here in Oregon. > made…..one which came VERY close to killing the resident!! I don’t want to upset you any

more than you are already, Rip….but > sounds to me like it’s a good time to get your mom the hell out of that > place.

No, no….that is stuff going on in the NH that is right here in town. The one my aunts think grrrrrr….gggrrrrrrrrrrr somebody stop me!! Don’t ever judge a book by it’s cover…..but ya gotta keep in > mind that we’re not all bad eggs! Cameras in every room of facility > should be a law but it’s an expense that most facilities won’t deal with > unless something drastic happens. (We’ve finally got more security > cameras up in the place that I work….NOT because of abuse or neglect > tho. Someone from the outside has been coming in and stealing from the > elderly folks.) If I’m ever able to open the adult foster home that I > would LOVE to do, I wouldn’t hesitate for a minute when it comes to > cameras in the place.

You know there’s a school that’s been closed here that would be perfect. They just decided to build a new one……sometimes, when I ride by the buildings I picture a home like > It’s probably going to be hard for you to trust the caregivers right > now. I would hate to be in your shoes, lady. One of my residents is > finally moving into an adult foster home this week. Her family wanted > to put her in to a nursing home but I convinced them that there are > other options since she is still able to do some things for herself and > she’s still mentally ‘with it’. I know that if they put her into a NH,

living facilities are taking in those that really need NH care…….and then it’s tough noggies for the lo. money always talks. > Take good care, Ripley! Get the move over with….then sit back for a > bit and keep your eyes wide open. No smoking allowed…what good would > that do your Mom?

Thanks Sally…..no smoking….lots of swearing and pacing and willing the phone to ring and nervous eating and walks, but no to smoking dammit!! I finally got sick of waiting today and called….there is a paperwork holdup…..someone didn’t do the evaluation or didn’t put the paper thru……they can’t seem to figger out which! OK……I’ll just wait…..everything else is done……they just read the PPD test Friday…negative…….so once they pull their fingers out of their butts it’ll be a go…..till then I will eat evrything that can’t run away. :-) just call me fatlizzy….. burp…..pfffttt > BIG hugs to both of ya! > Sally (hoping you’re not pissed off about this post)

Hell no!! don’t want to try and piss in the pot blindfolded!! I’ve got a bid on a Halloween costume….. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2953053468&categor… mom is and fool with all the old folks and try to bite their necks!! What ever happened to the transylvania twist!!!!! LOL Ripley / off to sharpen fangs…. — Spanking clean Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Response:

> I hope it all goes really well for your mom…and you

Hey Maddie……if it goes well for mom, then I’m all set!! Thanks… Ripley > —– > Maddie, 5 months

— Spanking clean Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Response:

> >roaring screaming assholes……oops……not done yet am I!! > Hey Ripley. > Just thinkin’ o’ ya > steveb

— Spanking clean Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Response:

Thanks Dawn……I’m an only child….so she’s stuck with me! I have my moments! Ripley

> Every old person should be lucky enough to have a child who cares. I hope > the move goes smoothly and your Mom settles in quickly. > Dawn > — > Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. > Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

— Spanking clean Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Response:

Hi BB…..

> Oh, Ripley, I am so happy/sad/relieved/worried for you! I can’t > imagine what you’ve been going through nor how it is for you now. I > only know that I am very close to my mom and I would want to take care > of her as long as necessary, and then certainly would want the best care > for her when she was beyond my help. My grandmother is failing fast > now, and we’re all grieving over how to handle that.

> My thoughts and feelings are with you, Ripley. Try to hang on and know > that you have people hundreds and even thousands of miles away that > care for you and are hoping/wishing you the best transition possible.

Thanks BB… :-) I’d like to get it over with….but there’s been a holdup with the all important paperwork…..not at my end.….I’ve done mine….so far as they will let me. One day at a time…….well wishes coming back atcha with your gm. Ripley / anxious….but holdin – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> *Huge Hugs* > — > BinnieBee – A Proud Old Fogie! > %% > (—-) > ( >__< ) > ^^ ~~ ^^ > ~f3as3~ > Quit since 11/01/2001 > http://binniebee.com > http://www.cyberdigs.com

— Spanking clean Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Response:

>roaring screaming assholes……oops……not done yet am I!!

Hey Ripley. Just thinkin’ o’ ya steveb

Response:

((((((((((((Ripley))))))))))))))) Gawd, it sounds like you’re going thru hell right now! I’m not going to stick up for the place she’s at except to say that the bruises could be the result of a medicine she’s taking (coumadin, etc)…but I’d be totally pissed off if this were MY mother, too. I would be fuming and want a few answers myself. As for the incontinence pads, if you’re getting the generic brands, they usually are ‘crap’ but the only way you can find out is to try different kinds. Maybe the caregivers meant that it wasn’t the best choice is all. (I hope Medicaid is covering the COST for you???) I guess I’m trying to look at the positive side, but like I said, if this were MY mother, I’d be more than just a little upset. That alzheimers facility that I worked for was very depressing for me (probably explains why I quit it after just a few months!). They changed the residents every TWO hours. It didn’t matter if they were soaked and/or had a load of crap in their pants….if it wasn’t their time to be changed, I saw more than one caregiver who looked the other way. Pissed me off to think that they would probably do the same thing to their own parents. I say ‘what goes around, comes around’…. Restraints being used when not needed?? They shouldn’t use them at all without a doctors order. At least that’s a state LAW here in Oregon. made…..one which came VERY close to killing the resident!! I don’t want to upset you any more than you are already, Rip….but sounds to me like it’s a good time to get your mom the hell out of that place. Don’t ever judge a book by it’s cover…..but ya gotta keep in mind that we’re not all bad eggs! Cameras in every room of facility should be a law but it’s an expense that most facilities won’t deal with unless something drastic happens. (We’ve finally got more security cameras up in the place that I work….NOT because of abuse or neglect tho. Someone from the outside has been coming in and stealing from the elderly folks.) If I’m ever able to open the adult foster home that I would LOVE to do, I wouldn’t hesitate for a minute when it comes to cameras in the place. It’s probably going to be hard for you to trust the caregivers right now. I would hate to be in your shoes, lady. One of my residents is finally moving into an adult foster home this week. Her family wanted to put her in to a nursing home but I convinced them that there are other options since she is still able to do some things for herself and she’s still mentally ‘with it’. I know that if they put her into a NH, Take good care, Ripley! Get the move over with….then sit back for a bit and keep your eyes wide open. No smoking allowed…what good would that do your Mom? BIG hugs to both of ya! Sally (hoping you’re not pissed off about this post) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Cripes….I got *the* call Wednesday that the NH I picked out for my Alzheimers mom has an > opening for her and were hot on the paperwork trail to get her in. Here comes the > rollercoaster of emotions……excitement, dread, happy, sad, nervous at how she will > react…..gawd! > For those that don’t know me….I’m the talented one who was caring for mom in her home and > stepped out the door one fine day…..and ended up in a wheelchair for over 6 months… > OUCH!! Couldn’t care for mom like that so she entered an assisted living > facility….which really doesn’t provide quite the care she needs in her condition. > It’s time…..I know that….but….she has gotten used to where she is…..a very big deal > for Alzheimers ppl. But the place she is in now has gone thru some changes I don’t > like…..new administrator……some of the *good* ppl left. Last time I was there I had > realize how effing lucky they were I didn’t put a few on them!! I know she bruises easy…but > I didn’t like the location/looks of these……and they had the unmitigated gall to give me a > hard time about the diapers I was getting for her!! My nostrils are still flaring!! They > want the kind that she couldn’t possibly pull down herself and ….oh I dunno….go to the > bathroom on her own……nooooo, they want the ones that will *hold more*…..huh…….I want > you effing ppl to change her dammit….not let her walk around with a pants load > how she could see HER point…..I turned and said I would remember that….when her time > came……and if it’s sooooo effing OK…then why the hell doesn’t SHE just wear em all day > and let it rip!!!! Needless to say the ride home was quiet. Fuck em!! They think I’m nuts > for picking a NG that’s 40 miles away when there’s one right here! Oh yeah….OK……YOU CAN > GO THERE!! They have a nasty record of getting gigged on their inspections for things like > abuse, neglect, using restraints when not necessary, meds foul-ups…….and they get gigged > every single inspection…..why don’t they shut em down for that stuff!!! OK…..I’LL BE > SURE AND SEND YOU THERE ALL RIGHT!!!!! > sigh…..the new place….the NH is beautiful….clean, purdy….all the *inmates* appeared to > be well kept, if you know what I mean, and their inspections have been perfect!! Why can’t > Sally move here!! Hi Sally!! Love ya!……But it’s the ppl working there that make or break > it…..the ones I met seemed like good ppl…..I want effing cameras in every room watching > every move the caregivers make!!! dammit! > And so……it’s gonna be Monday or Tuesday or??? When we make the move…..I hope I don’t > show my ass too much right off. I wish I had a wee small plane or a helicopter so I could bip > over unexpected every other day and see mom. :-( > OK….I’ll shut up now…..sorry….I needed to get that out. I’m so uptight….like a fly on > a turd!! I’ll go for a walk now….heehee….at least I CAN walk…not like I used to but > it’ll do!!!! :-) > roaring screaming assholes……oops……not done yet am I!! > Ripley / flaming in Hot Pink!! > — > Spanking clean > Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Response:

Every old person should be lucky enough to have a child who cares. I hope the move goes smoothly and your Mom settles in quickly. Dawn — Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Response:

Ripley: >Cripes….I got *the* call Wednesday that the NH I picked out for my >Alzheimers mom has an >opening for her and were hot on the paperwork trail to get her in. Here >comes the >rollercoaster of emotions……excitement, dread, happy, sad, nervous at how >she will >react…..gawd!

… I hope it all goes really well for your mom…and you —– Maddie, 5 months

Response:

"Ripley" wrote OK…why the hell > doesn’t SHE just wear em all day and let it rip!!!! …..Fuck em!! >… Oh yeah….OK……YOU CAN > GO THERE!!….OK…..I’LL BE > SURE AND SEND YOU THERE ALL RIGHT!!!!! > sigh……I want effing cameras in every room watching > every move ….dammit!….I hope I don’t > show my ass too much ….like a fly on

Ripley? HELLO, RIPLEY!? COME IN RIPLEY! YOUR TRANSMISSION IS BREAKING UP!! HELLO? She seems…kind of upset about something. If only she could come out of her shell, just a little bit, and express herself… Sigh… All good wishes floating your way. I know it must be terribly stressful, and my hat’s off to you. Takes plenty of guts to endure what you’re going thru, and I admire the hell out of anyone who can manage it.

Response:

Good luck with the new place! Be sure to visit a lot, at random times, without signing in.. That’s what I used to do, just pop in and keep them always on their toes. The aides always told me that those with frequent visitors get much better care. My gparents spent their lifesavings on the place where they went, it was a really good place. But stuff still went on there. Like they max the staff on open house days, or inspection weeks. The rest of the year, they were always understaffed. My gmom had her wedding band stolen (after 55 years of marriage) by (I’m sure) some temp (never recovered it). (don’t bring any valuable jewelry or stuff) But there are a lot of angels there, too. G-d bless them, it’s a hard job.. Make friends with the nursing aides, they know Everything.. Yayyyyyyyyy on getting back to biped! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Cripes….I got *the* call Wednesday that the NH I picked out for my Alzheimers mom has an > opening for her and were hot on the paperwork trail to get her in. Here comes the > rollercoaster of emotions……excitement, dread, happy, sad, nervous at how she will > react…..gawd! > For those that don’t know me….I’m the talented one who was caring for mom in her home and > stepped out the door one fine day…..and ended up in a wheelchair for over 6 months… > OUCH!! Couldn’t care for mom like that so she entered an assisted living > facility….which really doesn’t provide quite the care she needs in her condition. > It’s time…..I know that….but….she has gotten used to where she is…..a very big deal > for Alzheimers ppl. But the place she is in now has gone thru some changes I don’t > like…..new administrator……some of the *good* ppl left. Last time I was there I had > realize how effing lucky they were I didn’t put a few on them!! I know she bruises easy…but > I didn’t like the location/looks of these……and they had the unmitigated gall to give me a > hard time about the diapers I was getting for her!! My nostrils are still flaring!! They > want the kind that she couldn’t possibly pull down herself and ….oh I dunno….go to the > bathroom on her own……nooooo, they want the ones that will *hold more*…..huh…….I want > you effing ppl to change her dammit….not let her walk around with a pants load > how she could see HER point…..I turned and said I would remember that….when her time > came……and if it’s sooooo effing OK…then why the hell doesn’t SHE just wear em all day > and let it rip!!!! Needless to say the ride home was quiet. Fuck em!! They think I’m nuts > for picking a NG that’s 40 miles away when there’s one right here! Oh yeah….OK……YOU CAN > GO THERE!! They have a nasty record of getting gigged on their inspections for things like > abuse, neglect, using restraints when not necessary, meds foul-ups…….and they get gigged > every single inspection…..why don’t they shut em down for that stuff!!! OK…..I’LL BE > SURE AND SEND YOU THERE ALL RIGHT!!!!! > sigh…..the new place….the NH is beautiful….clean, purdy….all the *inmates* appeared to > be well kept, if you know what I mean, and their inspections have been perfect!! Why can’t > Sally move here!! Hi Sally!! Love ya!……But it’s the ppl working there that make or break > it…..the ones I met seemed like good ppl…..I want effing cameras in every room watching > every move the caregivers make!!! dammit! > And so……it’s gonna be Monday or Tuesday or??? When we make the move…..I hope I don’t > show my ass too much right off. I wish I had a wee small plane or a helicopter so I could bip > over unexpected every other day and see mom. :-( > OK….I’ll shut up now…..sorry….I needed to get that out. I’m so uptight….like a fly on > a turd!! I’ll go for a walk now….heehee….at least I CAN walk…not like I used to but > it’ll do!!!! :-) > roaring screaming assholes……oops……not done yet am I!! > Ripley / flaming in Hot Pink!! > — > Spanking clean > Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Response:

Cripes….I got *the* call Wednesday that the NH I picked out for my Alzheimers mom has an opening for her and were hot on the paperwork trail to get her in. Here comes the rollercoaster of emotions……excitement, dread, happy, sad, nervous at how she will react…..gawd! For those that don’t know me….I’m the talented one who was caring for mom in her home and stepped out the door one fine day…..and ended up in a wheelchair for over 6 months… OUCH!! Couldn’t care for mom like that so she entered an assisted living facility….which really doesn’t provide quite the care she needs in her condition. It’s time…..I know that….but….she has gotten used to where she is…..a very big deal for Alzheimers ppl. But the place she is in now has gone thru some changes I don’t like…..new administrator……some of the *good* ppl left. Last time I was there I had realize how effing lucky they were I didn’t put a few on them!! I know she bruises easy…but I didn’t like the location/looks of these……and they had the unmitigated gall to give me a hard time about the diapers I was getting for her!! My nostrils are still flaring!! They want the kind that she couldn’t possibly pull down herself and ….oh I dunno….go to the bathroom on her own……nooooo, they want the ones that will *hold more*…..huh…….I want you effing ppl to change her dammit….not let her walk around with a pants load how she could see HER point…..I turned and said I would remember that….when her time came……and if it’s sooooo effing OK…then why the hell doesn’t SHE just wear em all day and let it rip!!!! Needless to say the ride home was quiet. Fuck em!! They think I’m nuts for picking a NG that’s 40 miles away when there’s one right here! Oh yeah….OK……YOU CAN GO THERE!! They have a nasty record of getting gigged on their inspections for things like abuse, neglect, using restraints when not necessary, meds foul-ups…….and they get gigged every single inspection…..why don’t they shut em down for that stuff!!! OK…..I’LL BE SURE AND SEND YOU THERE ALL RIGHT!!!!! sigh…..the new place….the NH is beautiful….clean, purdy….all the *inmates* appeared to be well kept, if you know what I mean, and their inspections have been perfect!! Why can’t Sally move here!! Hi Sally!! Love ya!……But it’s the ppl working there that make or break it…..the ones I met seemed like good ppl…..I want effing cameras in every room watching every move the caregivers make!!! dammit! And so……it’s gonna be Monday or Tuesday or??? When we make the move…..I hope I don’t show my ass too much right off. I wish I had a wee small plane or a helicopter so I could bip over unexpected every other day and see mom. :-( OK….I’ll shut up now…..sorry….I needed to get that out. I’m so uptight….like a fly on a turd!! I’ll go for a walk now….heehee….at least I CAN walk…not like I used to but it’ll do!!!! :-) roaring screaming assholes……oops……not done yet am I!! Ripley / flaming in Hot Pink!! — Spanking clean Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Response:

— Spanking clean Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Response:

… I hope it all goes really well for your mom…and you —– Maddie, 5 months

Response:

>roaring screaming assholes……oops……not done yet am I!!

Hey Ripley. Just thinkin’ o’ ya steveb

Response:

Hi BB…..

— Spanking clean Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Response:

Thanks Dawn……I’m an only child….so she’s stuck with me! I have my moments! Ripley

— Spanking clean Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Response:

> I hope it all goes really well for your mom…and you

Hey Maddie……if it goes well for mom, then I’m all set!! Thanks… Ripley > —– > Maddie, 5 months

— Spanking clean Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Response:

> >roaring screaming assholes……oops……not done yet am I!! > Hey Ripley. > Just thinkin’ o’ ya > steveb

— Spanking clean Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Response:

more than you are already, Rip….but > sounds to me like it’s a good time to get your mom the hell out of that > place.

Response:

Mexican Rivera Question

admin — Wed, 17 Sep 2003 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Wear it, if that’s what you normally do. And please refrain from the all to common practice on ships of wearing all your jewelry all the time. Any of you ever noticed that some gals are apparently afraid to leave anything worth more than $20 in their stateroom safe? They come to the pool looking like an overdecorated Christmas tree, with rings on every finger, and dozens of chains wrapped around each wrist and their neck. Howard – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I have a large diamond wedding ring and I was wondering if it was "safe" to > wear in port or should I leave it on the ship? Maybe I am just being > paranoid but I keep hearing stories of vendors and who knows who else > basically hording you when you get off the ship… Any info would be > appreciated.

Response:

Or, wear it, but turn it around so diamond is inside your hand. I’ve never worried too much in ports, but some are safer than others. I’ve always felt fairly safe on Mexican Riviera…have done that one 8 or 9 times. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Wear it, if that’s what you normally do. And please refrain from the > all to common practice on ships of wearing all your jewelry all the time. > Any of you ever noticed that some gals are apparently afraid to leave > anything worth more than $20 in their stateroom safe? They come to the > pool looking like an overdecorated Christmas tree, with rings on every > finger, and dozens of chains wrapped around each wrist and their neck. > Howard > I have a large diamond wedding ring and I was wondering if it was "safe" to > wear in port or should I leave it on the ship? Maybe I am just being > paranoid but I keep hearing stories of vendors and who knows who else > basically hording you when you get off the ship… Any info would be > appreciated.

Response:

I do not have a lot of expensive rings, etc, but I would leave them at home, and wear the 5 and dime stuff, ON ANY TRIP

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have a large diamond wedding ring and I was wondering if it was "safe" to > wear in port or should I leave it on the ship? Maybe I am just being > paranoid but I keep hearing stories of vendors and who knows who else > basically hording you when you get off the ship… Any info would be > appreciated.

Response:

MY wife NEVER brings an of her good jewelry on a trip. She has a vast assortment of junk jewelry she’s bought just for cruising purposes. Why temp someone especially when there’s no reason to.

Response:

AJ – To be on the safe side, I’d leave the ring in your safe on the ship. It’s not a good idea to flash something like that around. I NEVER wear my good jewelry when I go on a shore tour. I wear my late dad’s wedding ring on my right hand and even that gets put in the safe when we go ashore. I’m not taking any chances! Another good idea – don’t wear any gold necklaces on shore. They can be snatched off in a second. Better safe than sorry! Gayle – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I have a large diamond wedding ring and I was wondering if it was "safe" to > wear in port or should I leave it on the ship? Maybe I am just being > paranoid but I keep hearing stories of vendors and who knows who else > basically hording you when you get off the ship… Any info would be > appreciated.

Response:

> People will horde you , but they will not be cutting off your finger to get > the ring (assuming you are in populated areas, not yelling "Stay away from > my very expensive ring" or anything else like that). If you are worried > about it though, I would leave it in the safe. Better that then ruin your > trip. > I have a large diamond wedding ring and I was wondering if it was "safe" > to > wear in port or should I leave it on the ship? Maybe I am just being > paranoid but I keep hearing stories of vendors and who knows who else > basically hording you when you get off the ship… Any info would be > appreciated.

We NEVER take expensive jewelry on vacation! Find a nice-looking (but expendable) set of rings that can act as standins for your "real" stuff.

Response:

I have a large diamond wedding ring and I was wondering if it was "safe" to wear in port or should I leave it on the ship? Maybe I am just being paranoid but I keep hearing stories of vendors and who knows who else basically hording you when you get off the ship… Any info would be appreciated.

Response:

> I have a large diamond wedding ring and I was wondering if it was "safe" to > wear in port or should I leave it on the ship? Maybe I am just being > paranoid but I keep hearing stories of vendors and who knows who else > basically hording you when you get off the ship… Any info would be > appreciated.

If you are going to worry about it, leave it in the safe in your cabin. sue

Response:

People will horde you , but they will not be cutting off your finger to get the ring (assuming you are in populated areas, not yelling "Stay away from my very expensive ring" or anything else like that). If you are worried about it though, I would leave it in the safe. Better that then ruin your trip.

Response:

If you are going to worry about it, leave it in the safe in your cabin. sue

Response:

We NEVER take expensive jewelry on vacation! Find a nice-looking (but expendable) set of rings that can act as standins for your "real" stuff.

Response:

I do not have a lot of expensive rings, etc, but I would leave them at home, and wear the 5 and dime stuff, ON ANY TRIP

Response:

MY wife NEVER brings an of her good jewelry on a trip. She has a vast assortment of junk jewelry she’s bought just for cruising purposes. Why temp someone especially when there’s no reason to.