Today's Articles

• Where that amp is going

  Question:

  A while back I asked what to do with an old amp I decided to rebuild.  Now it’s being transformed. Original: two channels, ea. with two inputs, tone and volume, one channel has trem with depth and intensity.  Three 12A?7s, two 6V6s plus rect (6C4). Just FYI, it’s Class A or steenking close to it. There’s a very slight voltage variation, but I’m not sure if it’s squish or a tiny bit of sag, or both.  Need to put a scope on it.  (I won’t mess with the outputs til later, if at all.) New:    Channel 1: one input, volume control, no input       resistor, 220K plate resistor, 1500 + 1u on cathode,       .022 original output cap.  Good crunch.    Channel 2: one input, volume control, no input       resistor, 100K plate resistor, 2200 + .068u on cathode,       .1u output cap.  More headroom and bass.    PI: changed from direct coupled gain stage plus cathodyne       to 5C3 tweed Deluxe style I’m really happy with the changes so far. Channel 3 will be based on the Orange head preamps, with    volume, bass and treble.  That leaves one control free.    I haven’t decided whether to play with the Orange FAC    there, or leave the pot and use it as a MV or channel    3 post volume. If the amp is Class A, I’ll probably switch to SS rectification. Or I may just play with the bias, drive it (more) into AB, and see how that sounds. I’d forgotten there’s an extra hole for another 9 pin socket; at this point I don’t need it.  But who knows?  Before I’m done I may add more gain stages, resurrect the tremolo, add reverb, or who knows what?

  Response:

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->A while back I asked what to do with an old amp >I decided to rebuild.  Now it’s being transformed. >Original: two channels, ea. with two inputs, tone >and volume, one channel has trem with depth and >intensity.  Three 12A?7s, two 6V6s plus rect (6C4). >Just FYI, it’s Class A or steenking close to it. >There’s a very slight voltage variation, but I’m >not sure if it’s squish or a tiny bit of sag, or >both.  Need to put a scope on it.  (I won’t mess >with the outputs til later, if at all.) >New: >   Channel 1: one input, volume control, no input >      resistor, 220K plate resistor, 1500 + 1u on cathode, >      .022 original output cap.  Good crunch. >   Channel 2: one input, volume control, no input >      resistor, 100K plate resistor, 2200 + .068u on cathode, >      .1u output cap.  More headroom and bass. >   PI: changed from direct coupled gain stage plus cathodyne >      to 5C3 tweed Deluxe style >I’m really happy with the changes so far. >Channel 3 will be based on the Orange head preamps, with >   volume, bass and treble.  That leaves one control free. >   I haven’t decided whether to play with the Orange FAC >   there, or leave the pot and use it as a MV or channel >   3 post volume.

  The pot’s location could be used for something else.  Like maybe a rotary switch?  A DPDT switch, to do…  who knows what?  Maybe to switch between two different tone stacks in one of those channels. >If the amp is Class A, I’ll probably switch to SS rectification. >Or I may just play with the bias, drive it (more) into AB, and >see how that sounds. >I’d forgotten there’s an extra hole for another 9 pin socket; >at this point I don’t need it.  

  Ventilation! >But who knows?  Before I’m done >I may add more gain stages, resurrect the tremolo, add reverb, >or who knows what?

  I’m surprised that you want three channels. Pete — You call that limping? I can limp circles around you! –Yumi

  Response:

  <snip cool amp amp stuff> > I’d forgotten there’s an extra hole for another 9 pin socket; > at this point I don’t need it.  But who knows?  Before I’m done > I may add more gain stages, resurrect the tremolo, add reverb, > or who knows what?

  Had a late model Bogen cross the bench this week (yes, the name’s still around; this was an FET output mono power amp rack unit, ~300 watts RMS 70V unit from Korea; not *too* bad inside) and when I opened it I found an empty 9 pin miniature socket- for an accessory input transformer (had to laugh.) I considered disconnecting it from the PC board (Dremel, then cover my tracks with paint, then stick a bad 9A tube in it- the ultimate ‘tech joke’ for the next guy, but I’d have to wait years for the laugh.) Spare tube (? unwired socket); or maybe the ‘Mojo’ tube? Or maybe a buffer/amp stage to trigger a few resistive divider stepped neon bulbs on the front to respond to signal level (? ‘All tube VU indicator!’) How about (dare I say?) a tube buffered effects loop/board send? Or an internal tube Theramin (? almost not kidding here- you could do a VCA stage, not an oscillator stage, and have a collaspable whip antenna stick out the top of the amp, ready to sense the player’s proximity; the ultimate tube geeks’ wireless built-in volume pedal?) -Robert ‘Currently hooked on ‘Triangle’, and oh, 47 tube testers and still counting.’

  Response:

  - Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > A while back I asked what to do with an old amp > I decided to rebuild.  Now it’s being transformed. > Original: two channels, ea. with two inputs, tone > and volume, one channel has trem with depth and > intensity.  Three 12A?7s, two 6V6s plus rect (6C4). > Just FYI, it’s Class A or steenking close to it. > There’s a very slight voltage variation, but I’m > not sure if it’s squish or a tiny bit of sag, or > both.  Need to put a scope on it.  (I won’t mess > with the outputs til later, if at all.) > New: >    Channel 1: one input, volume control, no input >       resistor, 220K plate resistor, 1500 + 1u on cathode, >       .022 original output cap.  Good crunch. >    Channel 2: one input, volume control, no input >       resistor, 100K plate resistor, 2200 + .068u on cathode, >       .1u output cap.  More headroom and bass. >    PI: changed from direct coupled gain stage plus cathodyne >       to 5C3 tweed Deluxe style > I’m really happy with the changes so far. > Channel 3 will be based on the Orange head preamps, with >    volume, bass and treble.  That leaves one control free. >    I haven’t decided whether to play with the Orange FAC >    there, or leave the pot and use it as a MV or channel >    3 post volume. > If the amp is Class A, I’ll probably switch to SS rectification. > Or I may just play with the bias, drive it (more) into AB, and > see how that sounds. > I’d forgotten there’s an extra hole for another 9 pin socket; > at this point I don’t need it.  But who knows?  Before I’m done > I may add more gain stages, resurrect the tremolo, add reverb, > or who knows what?

  Thankfully, you aren’t a plastic surgeon..! ! ! gtski (just kidding of course..! !)

  Response:

  PMG, tied to the tracks, said: … > I’m surprised that you want three channels.

  I don’t, especially…

  Response:

  gtski, tied to the tracks, said: … > Thankfully, you aren’t a plastic surgeon..! ! !

  Yeah, every time Mrs. Morton goes to sleep, we wander in with the anesthetic and try something new– at random. “My dear Doctor O’Neal, why do I have three ears, one of which obviously came from a bat?”

  Response:

  > gtski, tied to the tracks, said: > … > Thankfully, you aren’t a plastic surgeon..! ! ! > Yeah, every time Mrs. Morton goes to sleep, > we wander in with the anesthetic and try > something new– at random. > “My dear Doctor O’Neal, why do I have three > ears, one of which obviously came from a bat?”

  http://www.modifiedmind.com/rt/tooextreme.html Anybody you know?

  Response:

  Jeff E, tied to the tracks, said: … > http://www.modifiedmind.com/rt/tooextreme.html > Anybody you know?

  8^) I do know a guy who’s so tattooed he’s been on TV and in magazines.  And I’ve passed Austin’s most famous tattooed man on the street, but never met him.  He’s been on national TV.  His ears are guage 00000 now or something.

  Response:

  > Jeff E, tied to the tracks, said: > … > http://www.modifiedmind.com/rt/tooextreme.html > Anybody you know? > 8^) > I do know a guy who’s so tattooed he’s been on > TV and in magazines.  And I’ve passed Austin’s > most famous tattooed man on the street, but > never met him.  He’s been on national TV.  His > ears are guage 00000 now or something.

  You are typing of the Enigma and his wife Katsen. They can be found here http://www.humanmarvels.com/gallery/galleryViewGallery/9/0/ their songs here http://www.humanmarvels.com/content/145/1/ tour schedule here http://www.humanmarvels.com/content/137/1/ "The Enigma is a man tattooed to look like a living blue puzzle. He came up with this concept after a few years of being a geek in a traveling modern freak show. In addition to his tattoos, the Enigma also has large lip and ear piercings, body piercings and horn implants on his forehead. Helping him with this transformation is his tattooist wife Katzen. She put the outline of the puzzle pieces on him initially. Both she and other artists have been doing the fill work over the years. At the Amsterdam Tattoo Convention in 1995, the Enigma set a world record by having 22 different tattoo artist work on him simultaneously. Now THAT’S endurance…. Katzen herself has full body tattoos of stylized tiger stripes and performs with her husband as well as her tattoo artist work." I’ve seen them around town, mainly at Cafe Mundi on east 5th.  I have to admit that Katzen’s whisker implants creep me out a little bit, especially when she does her cat moves to freak out the bewildered public – people like me. It’s like you have to look because no one does that to themselves unless they want attention but then you start crossing personal boundries and it gets weird. I guess that’s part of the game. They are currently working on the soundtrack for the film "Firecracker" starring Dennis Hopper, and have appeared on the soundtrack for "PUNKS" starring Jessica Alba. I wonder what kind of amps they use????

  Response:

  > Jeff E, tied to the tracks, said: > … > http://www.modifiedmind.com/rt/tooextreme.html > Anybody you know? > 8^) > I do know a guy who’s so tattooed he’s been on > TV and in magazines.  And I’ve passed Austin’s > most famous tattooed man on the street, but > never met him.  He’s been on national TV.  His > ears are guage 00000 now or something.

  Back in the early 80’s when I was in grad school I had an encounter that might seem tame by today’s standards, but it gave me the chills at the time. It was a Sunday evening in the winter, and I went down to the supermarket for some groceries.  The store was nearly deserted due to the late hour and cold weather.  I was nearing the end of an aisle when around the corner came a pair that totally startled me: a man and woman both sporting facial evtreme tattoos. He was a white guy with a black batwing mask tattooed around his eyes, wearing knee breeches and a beret, and carrying a walking stick with screws sticking out all up and down the shaft.  She was black, with cat whiskers tattooed on and dressed in similarly bizarre fashion.  They had an overall hostile demeanor, and I just kept on walking.  Later at the checkstand I remarked about the two costume party refugees, and the checker told me they were really tattooed, and that they came in every week around that time because it was quiet, and they liked to avoid people as much as possible. (This was in the days before 24 hour operations.) Some months later a piece appeared about them in the student rag, complete with pictures.  They had named themselves Storm and Flame Alligator.  The facial tattoos had come about during an acid experience, when he decided to tattoo his face with india ink.  He "just started punching it in with a needle."  The initial result was less than professional, so he had a pro redo the work later on.  I’m not sure now how her whiskers came about, but acid must have had something to do with it.  Who’d have known it would become a trend? Jeff

  Response:

  No comments tattoo picture
  
  

• GARY BURNORE CONVICTION INFORMATION

  Question:

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->         GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA >                    SESSION 1999 >               SESSION LAW 2000-125 >                   HOUSE BILL 813 >   AN ACT TO MAKE CYBERSTALKING A CRIMINAL OFFENSE, CLARIFY THE >   CRIMINAL ACT OF INTRODUCING COMPUTER VIRUSES, AND TO PERMIT >   DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ABUSER TREATMENT AS A SPECIAL CONDITION OF >   PROBATION IN CERTAIN CRIMINAL CASES AND TO MAKE CONFORMING >   CHANGES. >   The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts: >   Section 1.  Article 35 of Chapter 14 is amended by >   adding a new section to read: "

  No comments tattoo picture
  
  

• Jews Rule America

  Question:

  <snip> > Forrest

  OT – Please Post to the   "alt.jews.rule.x"    series of newsgroups – where x is your favorite location/country/region/religion/Alein entity and so on.

  Response:

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > The Finlandization of America > > by Edgar J. Steele > > May 23, 2005 > > Finally, Senator Ernest "Fritz" Hollings has come clean.  He dared to > > say what everybody else in Washington already knew:  America dances to > > Israel’s tune, as dispensed through its Washington lobby, the American > > Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).  "You can’t have an Israel > > policy other than what AIPAC gives you around here," said Mr. Hollings > > from the floor of the Senate just two days ago.  Of course, now it’s > > safe for him to do so, since he is retiring in a few months. > > From the reaction to Mr. Hollings’ statement, you would think he had > > proposed that American Jews be rounded up, tattooed and sent off to > > death camps.  Rabbi Philip Silverstein of Columbia?s Beth Shalom > > synagogue, who claimed to be "horrified" by Hollings’ remark, > > hysterically ranted, "It makes him anti-Israel.  It’s > > anti-Semitic…it’s dangerous."   Abraham Foxman, National Director of > > the Anti-Defamation League, issued what has become the ADL’s standard > > denunciation of any national figure who implies, even, that America > > carries Israel’s water:  "To hear such crudeness, such ugliness, such > > classical anti-Semitism.  It’s sad." > > The ingratitude apparent in Mr. Hollings’ recent statements > > particularly must rankle AIPAC’s membership, since they thought they > > had bought and paid for him, to the tune of $73,275.  Of course, > > that’s peanuts compared to what has been paid for some of AIPAC’s > > favorites, such as the Senators from Pennsylvania (Arlen Spector – > > $366,123), Iowa (Thomas Harkin – $423,895) and Michigan (Carl Levin – > > $564,858). > > What?  You say the Senator from your state won’t return your calls? > > Well, how much did you bribe…er, give in "campaign contributions" to > > him or her recently?  What?  Well, no wonder he or she refuses to > > listen to you.  No wonder Israel calls the shots.  Is it really any > > wonder?  And AIPAC is just one of Israel’s seemingly countless lobby > > groups. > > There are lots of other Jewish organizations that also bribe…er, > > contribute to Congressmen, such as the World Jewish Congress and The > > Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish American Organizations, just > > to name a couple.  And there are a great many wealthy individual Jews > > who give serious, and I do mean serious, bribes…er, contributions, > > such as Seagram’s heir Edgar Bronfman, whose work on behalf of Israel > > was recognized with the American Presidential Medal of Freedom (look, > > you have to admit that this is so off the wall that I couldn’t just > > make up stuff like this).  Is it really any surprise for you to learn > > that well over half of all bribes…er, campaign contributions now > > come from Jews? > > Getting back to Mr. Hollings for a moment, the 82-year-old gentleman > > from South Carolina is retiring from public office after 38 years in > > the Senate.  That’s longer than most Americans have been alive, you > > know.  Oddly enough, 38 years also is almost exactly as long as it > > took for the coup to take place.  What coup?  You really haven’t been > > paying attention, have you?  Why, the one now reaching its climax in > > America.  You know, the coup that began with JFK’s assassination.  The > > coup that put the Zionist International Banker cabal atop America for > > good. > > I appreciate that Hollings has come clean at last, but what I really > > want to know is – where have you been for the past 38 years, Fritz? > > And where were all your colleagues while America was sold down the > > river?  You know, the ones busy shuffling their feet and averting > > their eyes during your recent floor speech?  Yes, the very ones with > > whom you took that oath in which you swore allegiance to America and > > against all enemies, both domestic and foreign. > > Bush recently signed off on Israel’s current campaign of genocide > > against the Palestinian people whose land Israel steals, inch by mile, > > on a daily basis.  Why?  Because he, and every President stretching > > back nearly one hundred years to Woodrow Wilson, the very first > > American President to sell America out to Zionist interests, has bowed > > low before Zionism. > > "Israel’s governments have mobilized the collective power of US Jewry > > – which dominates Congress and the media to a large degree – against > > them. Faced by this vigorous opposition, all the presidents, great and > > small, football players and movie stars – folded one after another." > > Israeli journalist and peace activist, Uri Avnery, Ha’aretz, March 6, > > 1991. > > John F. Kennedy reneged on his deal and look what it got him. > > Incidentally, let me tell you once again about the absolute last word > > on the JFK assassination, Final Judgment, by Michael C. Piper – it’s > > available once again, in a new, expanded edition at > > http://www.americanfreepress.net/Final_Judgment.pdf.  Do yourself a > > favor and order a copy.  Get this latest, updated version and give > > your old one away, if you already own a copy (yes, I know you paid > > upwards of $200 for it on the Internet while the book was out of print > > because essentially it was banned, but think of it as bread upon the > > water). > > During his speech to AIPAC the other day, George the Second referred > > to a picture we all now have seen, of four black-clad men standing > > behind Nicholas Berg and accused of having executed him, saying, "The > > faces of the terrorists were cloaked, but we have seen their kind > > before."  Yes, indeed, Mr. President.  We certainly have.  We see them > > every day, in our own ranks.  How ironic that you should bring up this > > specific incident, which already has been debunked so thoroughly by so > > many. > > Just as with 9-11, which now conclusively has been shown to have been > > a "false flag" operation, not to mention the Oklahoma City Bombing, > > the Berg decapitation quite simply wasn’t done by the people being > > blamed by George.  There really isn’t room here today to list, let > > alone develop, the mounting anomalies that call the Berg affair into > > question and there is not yet a unified site that discusses them all, > > but go here and here for some of the more complete preliminary > > discussions. > > George the Second also told his masters, as represented by those > > assembled at the AIPAC Conference:  "(A)ll terrorists burn with the > > same hatred.  They hate all who reject their grim vision of tyranny. > > They hate people who love freedom. They kill without mercy.  They kill > > without shame.  And they count their victories in the death of the > > innocent."  Yes, Mr. President.  Once again, you have said something > > with which I wholeheartedly agree. > > Problem is, we are the terrorists, because it is America that burns > > with hatred these days.  America that hates those who reject its grim > > vision of democracy.  America that hates so many who know the real > > meaning of freedom.  America that kills women without mercy.  America > > that kills children without shame.  You and the Jewish organ grinders > > for whom you are but a dancing monkey count your victories in the > > deaths of innocent Palestinians and Iraqis.  You have shamed us and > > you have condemned us all to Hell, right along with you and your > > Jewish masters. > > George the Second also told the AIPAC audience that "(W)e have a duty > > to expose and confront anti-Semitism, wherever it is found."   He > > followed that up with "The demonization of Israel…can be a flimsy > > cover for anti-Semitism."  With those two statements, George the > > Second made crystal clear where his loyalties lie with regard to the > > mushrooming portion of America’s population that objects to our Middle > > Eastern campaign of conquest:  With Israel and against America, that’s > > where. > > Could it be any more clearly stated, folks?  Of course, George is the > > same fellow who gave new life to the phrase, "yer either with us or > > agin us."  At least, now we know what he meant by "us," and it most > > assuredly isn’t us, fellow Americans. > > In contrast to what George the Second thinks, I rather liked what > > Fritz Hollings had to say in response to his Jewish critics from the > > Senate floor two days ago:  "I want them to apologize to me. Talking > > about ‘anti-Semitic.’  They’re not getting by with it." > > Finland avoided military invasion and conquest by Joseph Stalin’s > > Soviet Union back in the 1940s by adopting a Soviet-style government, > > paying fealty to the USSR and otherwise acting just as it would, had > > it been conquered by force.  Today, the US has gone along with > > International Zionism in precisely the same fashion:  installing > > Jewish and Christian Zionists in all governmental power points, bowing > > to the wishes of Israel’s lobbyists, removing Christianity from > > America’s culture by edict of an increasingly-Jewish judiciary, > > fighting Israel’s fights and even purging those who disagree with > > foreign Jews pushing Zionism by imprisoning its own citizen political > > dissidents on phony charges.  Of course, Finland had the example of > > 20-80 million Russian Christians executed right next door early last > > century, simply for being anti-Semitic, a lesson that America seems to > > have forgotten.  The term "Finlandization" has come to refer to > > quislings like Finland and, now, America.

  … read more »

  Response:

  > Forrest is obviously a closet bigot. Why would anybody but a bigot align > himself with the thinking of the likes of Ernest Hollings?

  Closet bigot? You should read what he posts to other froups. Then you’d know he’s been way out of the closet for quite some time.

  Response:

  Forrest is obviously a closet bigot. Why would anybody but a bigot align himself with the thinking of the likes of Ernest Hollings? James I didn’t know this!  If I rule America, why was I out of work for 17 months and why am I not rich? Forrest, come over to my home and say this to my face so that I can bash in yours. Assholes like you hide behind your computer screens and post this crap.

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> coool  i had no idea i ruled the country. BWAAHAAAHHAA.  Ok, troops > out of Iraq now. >  <snip> > > Forrest > OT – Please Post to the   "alt.jews.rule.x"    series of newsgroups – where > x is your favorite location/country/region/religion/Alein entity and so

  on.

  Response:

  I didn’t know this!  If I rule America, why was I out of work for 17 months and why am I not rich? Forrest, come over to my home and say this to my face so that I can bash in yours. Assholes like you hide behind your computer screens and post this crap. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > coool  i had no idea i ruled the country. BWAAHAAAHHAA.  Ok, troops > out of Iraq now. >  <snip> > > Forrest > OT – Please Post to the   "alt.jews.rule.x"    series of newsgroups – where > x is your favorite location/country/region/religion/Alein entity and so on.

  Response:

  coool  i had no idea i ruled the country. BWAAHAAAHHAA.  Ok, troops out of Iraq now. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >  <snip> > Forrest > OT – Please Post to the   "alt.jews.rule.x"    series of newsgroups – where > x is your favorite location/country/region/religion/Alein entity and so on.

  Response:

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > The Finlandization of America > > by Edgar J. Steele > > May 23, 2005 > > Finally, Senator Ernest "Fritz" Hollings has come clean.  He dared to > > say what everybody else in Washington already knew:  America dances to > > Israel’s tune, as dispensed through its Washington lobby, the American > > Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).  "You can’t have an Israel > > policy other than what AIPAC gives you around here," said Mr. Hollings > > from the floor of the Senate just two days ago.  Of course, now it’s > > safe for him to do so, since he is retiring in a few months.

  Hollings merely dug up one of his old speeches and recycled it. Of course, he edited out the usual ethnic slurs against "niggers, papists and spics" that found useful back in the good old days when he was a leader of the White Citizens Council in South Carolina. I expect that he will start slipping in references to Papists soon, as slurs against Catholics is now politically acceptable. One of the great traditions of the Democrat Party is being revived. James

  Response:

  - Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> The Finlandization of America > by Edgar J. Steele > May 23, 2005 > Finally, Senator Ernest "Fritz" Hollings has come clean.  He dared to > say what everybody else in Washington already knew:  America dances to > Israel’s tune, as dispensed through its Washington lobby, the American > Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).  "You can’t have an Israel > policy other than what AIPAC gives you around here," said Mr. Hollings > from the floor of the Senate just two days ago.  Of course, now it’s > safe for him to do so, since he is retiring in a few months. > From the reaction to Mr. Hollings’ statement, you would think he had > proposed that American Jews be rounded up, tattooed and sent off to > death camps.  Rabbi Philip Silverstein of Columbia?s Beth Shalom > synagogue, who claimed to be "horrified" by Hollings’ remark, > hysterically ranted, "It makes him anti-Israel.  It’s > anti-Semitic…it’s dangerous."   Abraham Foxman, National Director of > the Anti-Defamation League, issued what has become the ADL’s standard > denunciation of any national figure who implies, even, that America > carries Israel’s water:  "To hear such crudeness, such ugliness, such > classical anti-Semitism.  It’s sad." > The ingratitude apparent in Mr. Hollings’ recent statements > particularly must rankle AIPAC’s membership, since they thought they > had bought and paid for him, to the tune of $73,275.  Of course, > that’s peanuts compared to what has been paid for some of AIPAC’s > favorites, such as the Senators from Pennsylvania (Arlen Spector – > $366,123), Iowa (Thomas Harkin – $423,895) and Michigan (Carl Levin – > $564,858). > What?  You say the Senator from your state won’t return your calls? > Well, how much did you bribe…er, give in "campaign contributions" to > him or her recently?  What?  Well, no wonder he or she refuses to > listen to you.  No wonder Israel calls the shots.  Is it really any > wonder?  And AIPAC is just one of Israel’s seemingly countless lobby > groups. > There are lots of other Jewish organizations that also bribe…er, > contribute to Congressmen, such as the World Jewish Congress and The > Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish American Organizations, just > to name a couple.  And there are a great many wealthy individual Jews > who give serious, and I do mean serious, bribes…er, contributions, > such as Seagram’s heir Edgar Bronfman, whose work on behalf of Israel > was recognized with the American Presidential Medal of Freedom (look, > you have to admit that this is so off the wall that I couldn’t just > make up stuff like this).  Is it really any surprise for you to learn > that well over half of all bribes…er, campaign contributions now > come from Jews? > Getting back to Mr. Hollings for a moment, the 82-year-old gentleman > from South Carolina is retiring from public office after 38 years in > the Senate.  That’s longer than most Americans have been alive, you > know.  Oddly enough, 38 years also is almost exactly as long as it > took for the coup to take place.  What coup?  You really haven’t been > paying attention, have you?  Why, the one now reaching its climax in > America.  You know, the coup that began with JFK’s assassination.  The > coup that put the Zionist International Banker cabal atop America for > good. > I appreciate that Hollings has come clean at last, but what I really > want to know is – where have you been for the past 38 years, Fritz? > And where were all your colleagues while America was sold down the > river?  You know, the ones busy shuffling their feet and averting > their eyes during your recent floor speech?  Yes, the very ones with > whom you took that oath in which you swore allegiance to America and > against all enemies, both domestic and foreign. > Bush recently signed off on Israel’s current campaign of genocide > against the Palestinian people whose land Israel steals, inch by mile, > on a daily basis.  Why?  Because he, and every President stretching > back nearly one hundred years to Woodrow Wilson, the very first > American President to sell America out to Zionist interests, has bowed > low before Zionism. > "Israel’s governments have mobilized the collective power of US Jewry > – which dominates Congress and the media to a large degree – against > them. Faced by this vigorous opposition, all the presidents, great and > small, football players and movie stars – folded one after another." > Israeli journalist and peace activist, Uri Avnery, Ha’aretz, March 6, > 1991. > John F. Kennedy reneged on his deal and look what it got him. > Incidentally, let me tell you once again about the absolute last word > on the JFK assassination, Final Judgment, by Michael C. Piper – it’s > available once again, in a new, expanded edition at > http://www.americanfreepress.net/Final_Judgment.pdf.  Do yourself a > favor and order a copy.  Get this latest, updated version and give > your old one away, if you already own a copy (yes, I know you paid > upwards of $200 for it on the Internet while the book was out of print > because essentially it was banned, but think of it as bread upon the > water). > During his speech to AIPAC the other day, George the Second referred > to a picture we all now have seen, of four black-clad men standing > behind Nicholas Berg and accused of having executed him, saying, "The > faces of the terrorists were cloaked, but we have seen their kind > before."  Yes, indeed, Mr. President.  We certainly have.  We see them > every day, in our own ranks.  How ironic that you should bring up this > specific incident, which already has been debunked so thoroughly by so > many. > Just as with 9-11, which now conclusively has been shown to have been > a "false flag" operation, not to mention the Oklahoma City Bombing, > the Berg decapitation quite simply wasn’t done by the people being > blamed by George.  There really isn’t room here today to list, let > alone develop, the mounting anomalies that call the Berg affair into > question and there is not yet a unified site that discusses them all, > but go here and here for some of the more complete preliminary > discussions. > George the Second also told his masters, as represented by those > assembled at the AIPAC Conference:  "(A)ll terrorists burn with the > same hatred.  They hate all who reject their grim vision of tyranny. > They hate people who love freedom. They kill without mercy.  They kill > without shame.  And they count their victories in the death of the > innocent."  Yes, Mr. President.  Once again, you have said something > with which I wholeheartedly agree. > Problem is, we are the terrorists, because it is America that burns > with hatred these days.  America that hates those who reject its grim > vision of democracy.  America that hates so many who know the real > meaning of freedom.  America that kills women without mercy.  America > that kills children without shame.  You and the Jewish organ grinders > for whom you are but a dancing monkey count your victories in the > deaths of innocent Palestinians and Iraqis.  You have shamed us and > you have condemned us all to Hell, right along with you and your > Jewish masters. > George the Second also told the AIPAC audience that "(W)e have a duty > to expose and confront anti-Semitism, wherever it is found."   He > followed that up with "The demonization of Israel…can be a flimsy > cover for anti-Semitism."  With those two statements, George the > Second made crystal clear where his loyalties lie with regard to the > mushrooming portion of America’s population that objects to our Middle > Eastern campaign of conquest:  With Israel and against America, that’s > where. > Could it be any more clearly stated, folks?  Of course, George is the > same fellow who gave new life to the phrase, "yer either with us or > agin us."  At least, now we know what he meant by "us," and it most > assuredly isn’t us, fellow Americans. > In contrast to what George the Second thinks, I rather liked what > Fritz Hollings had to say in response to his Jewish critics from the > Senate floor two days ago:  "I want them to apologize to me. Talking > about ‘anti-Semitic.’  They’re not getting by with it." > Finland avoided military invasion and conquest by Joseph Stalin’s > Soviet Union back in the 1940s by adopting a Soviet-style government, > paying fealty to the USSR and otherwise acting just as it would, had > it been conquered by force.  Today, the US has gone along with > International Zionism in precisely the same fashion:  installing > Jewish and Christian Zionists in all governmental power points, bowing > to the wishes of Israel’s lobbyists, removing Christianity from > America’s culture by edict of an increasingly-Jewish judiciary, > fighting Israel’s fights and even purging those who disagree with > foreign Jews pushing Zionism by imprisoning its own citizen political > dissidents on phony charges.  Of course, Finland had the example of > 20-80 million Russian Christians executed right next door early last > century, simply for being anti-Semitic, a lesson that America seems to > have forgotten.  The term "Finlandization" has come to refer to > quislings like Finland and, now, America. > I will be speaking at the Duke International European American Unity > and Leadership Conference in New Orleans this next weekend, May 28-30. > Call 985-626-7714 or go here to reserve on line.  From David Duke’s > web site

  … read more »

  Response:

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• AGA Negatron Beam; Same Ol's

  Question:

                 Creativity ends where polemics begin. Life                consists of many choices and forks in                throad but it’s hardly a binary process…                The fascination of the limited with Fox                (Newscorp’s) bilateral division of                everything into "us" vs. "liberals" is a                wonderful study in "consider the source".                Each of these AGA regulars blindly adheres                to the mold set for him, appearing all the                while to have scaled the heights of                anonymous mania on line; attempting to                imitate Rush Limbaugh, Bill O’Rielly and                Sean Hannity simultaneously. The pathology                provides passable entertainment until one                realizes it’s at the expense of this poor                bastard’s own personal stuck-record                Dante’s Inferno life. At that point,                compassion, pity and the refrain "there                but for the grace of God", ROCKS.                Regards,                Marc

  Response:

  - Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Creativity ends where polemics begin. Life >                consists of many choices and forks in >                throad but it’s hardly a binary process… >                The fascination of the limited with Fox >                (Newscorp’s) bilateral division of >                everything into "us" vs. "liberals" is a >                wonderful study in "consider the source". >                Each of these AGA regulars blindly adheres >                to the mold set for him, appearing all the >                while to have scaled the heights of >                anonymous mania on line; attempting to >                imitate Rush Limbaugh, Bill O’Rielly and >                Sean Hannity simultaneously. The pathology >                provides passable entertainment until one >                realizes it’s at the expense of this poor >                bastard’s own personal stuck-record >                Dante’s Inferno life. At that point, >                compassion, pity and the refrain "there >                but for the grace of God", ROCKS. >                Regards, >                Marc > —

  Hi marc.

  Response:

  Yeah, but one can be creative writing polemics especially when it comes to lambasting neo-conartists, their dupes and all of the toadies. It’s fun mocking those who take themselves too seriously. Mr. Electron aka Lard Vacuum aka Mudhead Ok, so my outspoken dark side displays itself here too much. It’s sport and entertainment.  [

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• Are you a Tube Neck?

  Question:

  1. You can remember the pinouts for 150 tubes but forget your anniversary. 2. Your wife tells you to turn up the heater and you ask her how many volts? 3. You make your son keep his solid state amp at his friend’s house. 4. You’ve ever been thrown out of the local landfill for pillaging old stereo chassis. 5. Your kids think "Plexi Palace" is the castle at Disneyworld. 6. You have more amps than guitars. 7. You’ve ever used a tube for a guitar slide. 8. There’s a set of EL34s’ on the mantle next to the family portrait. 9. None of your tube amps are in their cases. 10. You cry when your kids get you a matched pair of KT88s’ for father’s day. 11. The inside of your Dual-Showman is cleaner than the inside of your Monte Carlo. 12. You keep an AC30 chassis upside down on top of the TV. 13. Your little girl asks you for an orange and you say "vintage or reissue?" 14. There are a couple 12AX7s dangling on a string from your rear-view mirror. 15. You have a pin straightener in your pocket. 16. You can set the bias on your amp but not the clock on the VCR. 17. You send your boy to his room for using the "transistor word" in front of guests. 18. You build a tube-type CD player. 19. You can tell the difference between an original Mullard box and a fake. 20. You know what a Mullard is. 21. Your TV doesn’t have a remote control because it was made in 1952. 22. Your baby’s first word is "Pentode". 23. VintageAmps.com is your homepage. 24. You look at your amp more than you play it. 25. You have a Fender name-plate on your key ring. 26. All your amps are facing the wall, so you can see the tubes. 27. You hear someone say "Marshall" on a late-night western, and you wake up. 28. You fantasize about being a lawman of the old west, named "Marshall Vox". 29. You wonder why they don’t pose girls in bikinis with amps instead of stupid old sports cars. 30. You read "Tube-Amp Digest" at the nude beach. 31. You have "Plexi’s Rule" tattooed somewhere on your body. 32. A tear comes to your eye when you look at the pictures of Victor’s workshop. 33. You refuse to listen to a band that uses "solid state" amps. 34. There’s a portrait of "Jim Marshall" over your fireplace. 35. Your tube collection is insured with "Lloyds of London". 36. There’s a 5U4GB wired in place of the blown power rectifier in your computer. 37. You and the family spend your 2 week vacation touring the "Marshall factory". 38. You have pictures of your amps in your wallet. 39. You have a "Tubes I need" list in your wallet. 40. You can remember the plate dissipation wattage of a 6L6GC, but forget to bring home a gallon of milk. 41. You keep a copy of "The Tube Amp Book" in the bathroom. 42. You know who "Aspen Pittman" is. 43. You think 6550s look kinda’ sexy. 44. You want to be buried in a SUNN 6×12 cab when you die. 45. You own a $2,500 amplifier and drive a $300 car. 46. Your wife says "is that a tube in your pocket, or are you just glad to see me?" and it’s a tube. 47. You know what year your Magnatone was made, but you can’t remember how old your kids are. 48. You have Altec-Lansing end tables. 49. You think your 1964 Philco phonograph sounds better than your neighbors $8,000 Pioneer. 50. You dream of winning the lottery and buying out Ampeg.

  Response:

  <snip> > 4. You’ve ever been thrown out of the local landfill for pillaging old stereo > chassis. > 6. You have more amps than guitars. > 7. You’ve ever used a tube for a guitar slide. > 14. There are a couple 12AX7s dangling on a string from your rear-view mirror.

         (I’ve got tubes stuck in the bushes out front, on the front door, on my desk lamp…) > 20. You know what a Mullard is. > 25. You have a Fender name-plate on your key ring. > 27. You hear someone say "Marshall" on a late-night western, and you wake up.

          (Frequently out in public, like swap meets etc, I frequently mistake someone’s overheard partial conversation and wake to a start: i.e. "Fender for my 67′ Mustang"…) > 39. You have a "Tubes I need" list in your wallet. > 42. You know who "Aspen Pittman" is. > 48. You have Altec-Lansing end tables. > 49. You think your 1964 Philco phonograph sounds better than your neighbors > $8,000 Pioneer.

          (Well, it does.) > 50. You dream of winning the lottery and buying out Ampeg.

           (Nope. But AES or Fair Radio Sales…) -Robert scored 11 out of 50 (could have scored higher, but I haven’t seen a ‘fake’ Mullard box yet…)

  Response:

  This is *so* last century. 8^P I turned this into a web-based form a long time ago.  You can just check the boxes and see where you are on the tubeneck scale!    http://gort.rru.com/~meo/Guitar/Tubes/tn.pl

  Response:

  > This is *so* last century. > 8^P > I turned this into a web-based form a long time > ago.  You can just check the boxes and see where > you are on the tubeneck scale! >    http://gort.rru.com/~meo/Guitar/Tubes/tn.pl

  It would seem that the link comes from an earlier era as well, since it does not yield the page today.

  Response:

  > This is *so* last century. > 8^P > I turned this into a web-based form a long time ago.  You can just check > the boxes and see where you are on the tubeneck scale! >    http://gort.rru.com/~meo/Guitar/Tubes/tn.pl

  http://www.rru.com/~meo/Guitar/Tubes/tn.pl Sheesh.

  Response:

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• Charter – FAQ's – New Reviews

  Question:

  Folks: I avoided posting the Charter yesterday due to all the info being posted about the tragic accident on the QM2. The Cruise Review Archive has 7 new reviews since the last posting of the Charter, they include. Nov. 2 2003 Carnival Inspiration Nov. 5 2003  Royal Olympia Odysseus Nov. 6 2003 Norwegian Dawn Nov. 6 2003 Princess Tahitian Nov. 6 2003 Carnival  Elation Nov. 8 2003 Celebrity  Millennium Nov. 11 2003  Norwegian Sea Phil Seacruise rec.travel.cruises (unmoderated) CHARTER Rec.travel.cruises is a forum whose purpose is to provide information and support to cruise ship travellers. Discussion might include (but not be limited to) the relative merits of the various cruise ships and lines, ports of embarkation, ports of call, shore excursions, cruise ship activities, cuisine, entertainment, cruise ship personnel, cruise ship management and the future of cruise ship travel. Discussions related to getting the best deals on cruises will be highly welcome. Such discussions might include early vs. late bookings, money back guarantees, cruise protection insurance, the use of general vs. cruise specific travel agencies and strategies for booking your own cruises. Any topic that relates to cruise ship travel and the cruise industry itself could be subject for discussion. In addition, discussion will be allowed on the history of cruise ship and ocean liner travel. Rec.travel.cruises will: 1.    Help the traveller make an informed decision in how to book a cruise without the pressure of a travel agent (travel agents are welcome to the group and are encouraged to participate in the discussion provided that there shall be no overt solicitation of business within postings). 2.    Provide the new cruiser with the benefit of the experience of veteran cruises. 3.    Provide the new cruiser with information as to what to expect once he or she actually arrives on the ship ready to sail. Such topics as cruise ship dress codes, dining room traditions, shopping, booking shore excursions and tipping are all topics that the first time cruiser needs to be familiar with. An FTP site will be maintained for related rec.travel.cruises files. These files will include a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s). Members of the newsgroup who go on cruises will be asked to write reviews of their experiences. These cruise reviews will be stored at the FTP site and will serve as a very valuable resource to anyone looking into sailing on the same ship or itinerary. In addition, a comprehensive listing of all cruise ships and lines will be maintained as part of the FAQ’s. In summary, rec.travel.cruises encourages the free and open discussion on all aspects of cruise ship travel. Justifiable criticism of specific cruise ships and lines will be welcome up to the point of becoming personal vendettas against a specific ship or line. Users are strongly urged to keep messages of a confrontational or argumentative nature to a minimum. Finally, it is requested that articles posted to rec.travel.cruises not be cross posted to rec.travel or the other travel newsgroups. End of Charter Link to the FAQ — http://www.seacruisereviews.com/faq.htm Link to the Cruise Review Archives since the FTP site mentioned in our charter bit the dust many moons ago — http://www.seacruisereviews.com Link to the Group cruise pages  — http://www.seacruisereviews.com/rtcgroupcruises.htm Link to the RTC History — for your bedtime reading pleasure http://www.seacruisereviews.com/rtchistory.htm — Seacruise http://www.seacruisechat.com Canal Cam Schedule http://www.seacruisechat.com/panamacanal/ Cruise Review Archive http://www.seacruisereviews.com English you say? 1) A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum. 2) Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.

  Response:

  What some people will go to get around the RTC Charter policy of no advertising for TA’s. Hypocrite – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Folks: >I avoided posting the Charter yesterday due to all the info being posted >about the tragic accident on the QM2. >The Cruise Review Archive has 7 new reviews since the last posting of >the Charter, they include. >Nov. 2 2003 Carnival Inspiration >Nov. 5 2003  Royal Olympia Odysseus >Nov. 6 2003 Norwegian Dawn >Nov. 6 2003 Princess Tahitian >Nov. 6 2003 Carnival  Elation >Nov. 8 2003 Celebrity  Millennium >Nov. 11 2003  Norwegian Sea >Phil >Seacruise >rec.travel.cruises >(unmoderated) >CHARTER >Rec.travel.cruises is a forum whose purpose is to provide information >and support to cruise ship travellers. Discussion might include (but not >be limited to) the relative merits of the various cruise ships and >lines, ports of embarkation, ports of call, shore excursions, cruise >ship activities, cuisine, entertainment, cruise ship >personnel, cruise ship management and the future of cruise ship travel. >Discussions related to getting the best deals on cruises will be highly >welcome. Such discussions might include early vs. late bookings, money >back guarantees, cruise protection insurance, the use of general vs. >cruise specific travel agencies and strategies for booking your own >cruises. Any topic that relates to cruise ship travel and the cruise >industry itself could be subject for discussion. In addition, discussion >will be allowed on the history of cruise ship and ocean liner travel. >Rec.travel.cruises will: >1.    Help the traveller make an informed decision in how to book a >cruise without the pressure of a travel agent (travel agents are welcome >to the group and are encouraged to participate in the discussion >provided that there shall be no overt solicitation of business within >postings). >2.    Provide the new cruiser with the benefit of the experience of >veteran cruises. >3.    Provide the new cruiser with information as to what to expect once >he or she actually arrives on the ship ready to sail. Such topics as >cruise ship dress codes, dining room traditions, shopping, booking shore >excursions and tipping are all topics that the first time cruiser needs >to be familiar with. >An FTP site will be maintained for related rec.travel.cruises files. >These files will include a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s). >Members of the newsgroup who go on cruises will be asked to write >reviews of their experiences. These cruise reviews will be stored at the >FTP site and will serve as a very valuable resource to anyone looking >into sailing on the same ship or itinerary. In addition, a comprehensive >listing of all cruise ships and lines will be maintained as part of the >FAQ’s. >In summary, rec.travel.cruises encourages the free and open discussion >on all aspects of cruise ship travel. Justifiable criticism of specific >cruise ships and lines will be welcome up to the point of becoming >personal vendettas against a specific ship or line. Users are strongly >urged to keep messages of a confrontational or argumentative nature to a >minimum. Finally, it is requested that articles posted to >rec.travel.cruises not be cross posted to rec.travel or the other travel >newsgroups. >End of Charter >Link to the FAQ — >http://www.seacruisereviews.com/faq.htm >Link to the Cruise Review Archives since the FTP site mentioned in our >charter bit the dust many moons ago — >http://www.seacruisereviews.com >Link to the Group cruise pages  — >http://www.seacruisereviews.com/rtcgroupcruises.htm >Link to the RTC History — for your bedtime reading pleasure >http://www.seacruisereviews.com/rtchistory.htm

  Response:

  I think you lost me on this one, but coming from you, you loose allot of people with your comments. Phil Seacruise – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > What some people will go to get around the RTC Charter policy of no > advertising for TA’s. > Hypocrite >Folks: >I avoided posting the Charter yesterday due to all the info being posted >about the tragic accident on the QM2. >The Cruise Review Archive has 7 new reviews since the last posting of >the Charter, they include. >Nov. 2 2003 Carnival Inspiration >Nov. 5 2003  Royal Olympia Odysseus >Nov. 6 2003 Norwegian Dawn >Nov. 6 2003 Princess Tahitian >Nov. 6 2003 Carnival  Elation >Nov. 8 2003 Celebrity  Millennium >Nov. 11 2003  Norwegian Sea >Phil >Seacruise >rec.travel.cruises >(unmoderated) >CHARTER >Rec.travel.cruises is a forum whose purpose is to provide information >and support to cruise ship travellers. Discussion might include (but not >be limited to) the relative merits of the various cruise ships and >lines, ports of embarkation, ports of call, shore excursions, cruise >ship activities, cuisine, entertainment, cruise ship >personnel, cruise ship management and the future of cruise ship travel. >Discussions related to getting the best deals on cruises will be highly >welcome. Such discussions might include early vs. late bookings, money >back guarantees, cruise protection insurance, the use of general vs. >cruise specific travel agencies and strategies for booking your own >cruises. Any topic that relates to cruise ship travel and the cruise >industry itself could be subject for discussion. In addition, discussion >will be allowed on the history of cruise ship and ocean liner travel. >Rec.travel.cruises will: >1.    Help the traveller make an informed decision in how to book a >cruise without the pressure of a travel agent (travel agents are welcome >to the group and are encouraged to participate in the discussion >provided that there shall be no overt solicitation of business within >postings). >2.    Provide the new cruiser with the benefit of the experience of >veteran cruises. >3.    Provide the new cruiser with information as to what to expect once >he or she actually arrives on the ship ready to sail. Such topics as >cruise ship dress codes, dining room traditions, shopping, booking shore >excursions and tipping are all topics that the first time cruiser needs >to be familiar with. >An FTP site will be maintained for related rec.travel.cruises files. >These files will include a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s). >Members of the newsgroup who go on cruises will be asked to write >reviews of their experiences. These cruise reviews will be stored at the >FTP site and will serve as a very valuable resource to anyone looking >into sailing on the same ship or itinerary. In addition, a comprehensive >listing of all cruise ships and lines will be maintained as part of the >FAQ’s. >In summary, rec.travel.cruises encourages the free and open discussion >on all aspects of cruise ship travel. Justifiable criticism of specific >cruise ships and lines will be welcome up to the point of becoming >personal vendettas against a specific ship or line. Users are strongly >urged to keep messages of a confrontational or argumentative nature to a >minimum. Finally, it is requested that articles posted to >rec.travel.cruises not be cross posted to rec.travel or the other travel >newsgroups. >End of Charter >Link to the FAQ — >http://www.seacruisereviews.com/faq.htm >Link to the Cruise Review Archives since the FTP site mentioned in our >charter bit the dust many moons ago — >http://www.seacruisereviews.com >Link to the Group cruise pages  — >http://www.seacruisereviews.com/rtcgroupcruises.htm >Link to the RTC History — for your bedtime reading pleasure >http://www.seacruisereviews.com/rtchistory.htm

  – Seacruise http://www.seacruisechat.com Canal Cam Schedule http://www.seacruisechat.com/panamacanal/ Cruise Review Archive http://www.seacruisereviews.com English you say? 1) A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum. 2) Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.

  Response:

  >I think you lost me on this one, but coming from you, you loose allot of >people with your comments. >Phil >Seacruise > What some people will go to get around the RTC Charter policy of no > advertising for TA’s. > Hypocrite

  Let me make it plain so that you won’t "loose allot" anymore. You posted the Charter and included your ad/sig line for no other reason that to expose your business to an international market of known cruisers who you want to sell cruises, etc to. I’ll give you a second and let that sink in. You used the Charter posting as your excuse to advertise your business. The Charter prohibits advertising. I’ll give you a minute and let that sink in. You have now established yourself as the Ultimate RTC Hypocrite Among TA’s. I’ll give you a life and let that sink in.

  Response:

  Hey Queenie: Maybe you should do some research before you insert BOTH feet into your mouth. . Seacruise is the first Cruise Chat Channel that was started in 1996. We are a non profit group that accepts no advertising or no money from Travel Agents. All moneys are free will donations from those on Seacruise. Seacruise agreed to keep the Charter and Post the Charter several years ago. As part of the Charter there is suppose to be a FTP site for reviews. Since FTP sites are pretty much a thing of the past http://seacruisereviews was born.     As a matter of clarification SeacruiseReviews (Steve) also posts Group Cruises submitted to him as one post. You see there was a problem with Spam on RTC and it was agreed upon that Seacruise would provide this service FREE OF CHARGE to those that use it in one simple message. We accept nothing in return, except a simple Thank You.     SeacruiseChat and SeacruiseReviews gains NOTHING.     We are doing RTC a service and if you had done some research on Google you would have found this out, but you didn’t. Now I am going to suggest that you visit the links I listed and tell me where we are a business? Also visit this link http://seacruisereviews.com/rtccharter.htm and read the top of the page. I hope this clarifies any misunderstanding you have on what Seacruise is or about. Phil Seacruise Channel Manager > You posted the Charter and included your ad/sig line for no other reason > that to expose your business to an international market of known cruisers > who you want to sell cruises, etc to. > I’ll give you a second and let that sink in. > You used the Charter posting as your excuse to advertise your business. The > Charter prohibits advertising.

  – Seacruise http://www.seacruisechat.com Canal Cam Schedule http://www.seacruisechat.com/panamacanal/ Cruise Review Archive http://www.seacruisereviews.com English you say? 1) A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum. 2) Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.

  Response:

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I think you lost me on this one, but coming from you, you loose allot of >people with your comments. >Phil >Seacruise >> What some people will go to get around the RTC Charter policy of no >> advertising for TA’s. >> Hypocrite >Let me make it plain so that you won’t "loose allot" anymore. >You posted the Charter and included your ad/sig line for no other >reason that to expose your business to an international market of >known cruisers who you want to sell cruises, etc to. >I’ll give you a second and let that sink in. >You used the Charter posting as your excuse to advertise your >business. The Charter prohibits advertising. >I’ll give you a minute and let that sink in. >You have now established yourself as the Ultimate RTC Hypocrite Among >TA’s. >I’ll give you a life and let that sink in.

  Whoosh!   That was the sound of reality slipping through your fingertips, Queenie. Trahn Where are the weapons of mass destruction?

  Response:

  > I’ll give you a second and let that sink in.

  I gotta know.  Just how full is fullbreasted? — Klecko’s Komrades.  All the way in 2003

  Response:

  >Hey Queenie: >Maybe you should do some research before you insert BOTH feet into your >mouth. .

  Here is all the "research" I need. http://www.seacruisereviews.com/links.htm Advertising, pure and simple. You can spin it anyway you way, Phillie, but this link above says it all.

  Response:

  >I gotta know.  Just how full is fullbreasted?

  Two fingers.

  Response:

  >> I gotta know.  Just how full is fullbreasted? > Two fingers.

  me.  Enquiring minds want to know.  Or at least my one insane mind does. — Klecko’s Komrades.  All the way in 2003

  Response:

  Queenie: Sorry to disagree here with you but I think you better go back and do some research here BEFORE you open up that yap of yours. You have been famous for posting messages without ANY research at all, and once again you proved yourself again as a fool. Go back in Google and do some research as to why this came about and then maybe just maybe you will understand…..opps I forgot you will NEVER understand as you think your point of view is always correct.     I could try and explain how spam posts started to run amuck on here and how a change to the Charter was impossible. A compromise was suggested and Seacruise was asked if they would once again step in and help. We did and the problems since then have been kept down to almost nil when compared to other newsgroups. So you have yet to tell me how I or Seacruise make ANY money off of this? Either put up or shut up. Seacruise is proud to have one of the founding people of RTC as one of it’s crew. Sorry Queenie you are out of your league on this one. We are just doing as the majority on RTC want. Phil Seacruise Channel Manager – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Hey Queenie: >Maybe you should do some research before you insert BOTH feet into your >mouth. . > Here is all the "research" I need. > http://www.seacruisereviews.com/links.htm > Advertising, pure and simple. > You can spin it anyway you way, Phillie, but this link above says it > all.

  – Seacruise http://www.seacruisechat.com Canal Cam Schedule http://www.seacruisechat.com/panamacanal/ Cruise Review Archive http://www.seacruisereviews.com English you say? 1) A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum. 2) Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.

  Response:

  >Queenie: >Sorry to disagree here with you but I think you better go back and do some >research here BEFORE you open up that yap of yours.

  Here is all the "research" I need.  http://www.seacruisereviews.com/links.htm  Advertising, pure and simple. You can spin it anyway you way, Phillie, but this link above says it  all. Amazing how you and the TA’s on this board will fight tooth and nail for your thinly disguised attempts to play within the Charter that all of you so highly regard….and then piss all over daily on this newsgroup. >Sorry Queenie you are out of your league on this one. We are just doing as >the majority on RTC want.

  I missed that vote, Phil. Would you post the results again for all to see?

  Response:

  >>> I gotta know.  Just how full is fullbreasted? > Two fingers.

  You’re not a "breast man" are you Hobbes? >   Come on now,  ya gotta tell >me.  Enquiring minds want to know.  Or at least my one insane mind does.

  Two fingers is all that Hubby can get BETWEEN  my two. Mystery solved.

  Response:

  >>>I gotta know.  Just how full is fullbreasted? >Two fingers. >"Two fingers"?? ><signed> >Karens, looking down her shirt

  Yeah but you got that cute thing going on there. http://www.cupcaked.com/cupcaked/tattoo.html More courage than I have.

  Response:

  >>http://www.cupcaked.com/cupcaked/tattoo.html >More courage than I have. >I just wish I ‘d have gotten another one when we were in the South >Pacific.  What a great souvenir that would have been.

  Did you have to stay out of the sun? I was under the impression that you had to.

  Response:

  >Next time, we’ll do it at the end of the trip and sit on the plane for >13 hours with new tattoos

  Neat. I can hear Hans now. "Karens, I have a new line to get you to join the Mile High Club. Lemme see yours, I’ll let you see mine."

  Response:

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->>> http://www.cupcaked.com/cupcaked/tattoo.html >>> More courage than I have. >> I just wish I ‘d have gotten another one when we were in the South >> Pacific.  What a great souvenir that would have been. > Did you have to stay out of the sun? I was under the impression that > you had to. > Yes, that’s why we skipped it last time.  We were in Papeete for the > first few days of our trip before the cruise (this was on Ren), and we > would have had to stay out of the water for the first three-five days. > Next time, we’ll do it at the end of the trip and sit on the plane for > 13 hours with new tattoos > Karen

  Nice tattoo … I don’t have pictures of mine. On one of our previous cruises one of our tablemates got a tattoo in Mexico … She missed dinner that night, as she was a wee bit intoxicated celebrating the new tattoo. Cathy

  Response:

  >>>>http://www.cupcaked.com/cupcaked/tattoo.html

  Cool tattoo, Karen. Howie – benchin today.

  Response:

  >Nice tattoo … I don’t have pictures of mine. >On one of our previous cruises one of our tablemates got a tattoo in >Mexico … She missed dinner that night, as she was a wee bit intoxicated >celebrating the new tattoo.

  That’s different. Most stories are about people getting drunk and THEN getting a tattoo. LOL

  Response:

  - Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->>>>>http://www.cupcaked.com/cupcaked/tattoo.html >Cool tattoo, Karen. > Thanks, Howard! >Howie – benchin today. > Go for it! > Karen, sitting very still in damp and dreary North Jersey

  Now that I’ve seen your tattoo and I know you’re a night owl when cruising, I have one more question.  Do you and Hans like to boogie? Howie – enervated

  Response:

  > You’re not a "breast man" are you Hobbes?

  Heck yes I am!  My whole life revolves around them! LOL > Two fingers is all that Hubby can get BETWEEN  my two.

  Ahhhh…  I see, said the blind man. — Klecko’s Komrades.  All the way in 2003

  Response:

  >> On one of our previous cruises one of our tablemates got a tattoo in > Mexico … She missed dinner that night, as she was a wee bit intoxicated > celebrating the new tattoo. > Gee, I missed that part  I just went home and put "bag balm" > (don’t ask) on it, as instructed. > Karen

  I made the mistake of inviting 2 girlfriends along when I had my last tattoo. They had both wanted one, but one of them was so freaked out by watching me that she’ll never get one. The other one waited 2-3 years and finally got one of her own. They are addicting. I’m planning my third … Cathy

  Response:

  > "Boogie" as in . . . ?

  Move your legs, hips, pelvis, butt, arms, hands, and/or feet to a smooth or driving beat.

  Response:

  >> "Boogie" as in . . . ? >Move your legs, hips, pelvis, butt, arms, hands, and/or feet to a smooth >or driving meat.

  LOL

  Response:

  Queenie: > Amazing how you and the TA’s on this board will fight tooth and nail > for your thinly disguised attempts to play within the Charter that all > of you so highly regard….and then piss all over daily on this > newsgroup.

  I don’t need  to fight tooth and nail as you put it. Seacruise is doing a service for RTC and till we are told otherwise we will continue to do it. > Would you post the results again for all to see?

  No need to, I know what the results are and most do here, why should I do YOUR research that you should have done before you stuffed BOTH FEET into your mouth again. Now I have asked you twice where I or anyone one else on Seacruise makes any money on this. You have accused Seacruise as being a business and I have asked you to show me. Since you can not provide any evidence I  suggest you shut up when you don’t have the facts. Sorry Queenie this is game set and match. Your out of your league on this one. Phil Seacruise Channel Manager — Seacruise http://www.seacruisechat.com Canal Cam Schedule http://www.seacruisechat.com/panamacanal/ Cruise Review Archive http://www.seacruisereviews.com English you say? 1) A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum. 2) Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.

  Response:

  Folks:     I would like to Thank those that have agreed to write articles etc. for the FAQ’s. While no one has agreed to take on the FAQ them self at this point I am hoping someone will step forward.     The Cruise Review Archive has 8 new reviews since the last posting of the Charter, they include. Feb 4 2004 Carnival Spirit Feb 9 2004 Carnival Fascination Feb 10 2004 Holland America Oosterdam Feb 10 2004 Royal Caribbean Radiance of the Seas Feb 11 2004 Royal Caribbean  Radiance of the Seas Feb 13 2004 Carnival Legend Feb 13 2004 Carnival Legend Feb 13 2004 Holland America Zuiderdam Phil Seacruise rec.travel.cruises (unmoderated) CHARTER Rec.travel.cruises is a forum whose purpose is to provide information and support to cruise ship travellers. Discussion might include (but not be limited to) the relative merits of the various cruise ships and lines, ports of embarkation, ports of call, shore excursions, cruise ship activities, cuisine, entertainment, cruise ship personnel, cruise ship management and the future of cruise ship travel. Discussions related to getting the best deals on cruises will be highly welcome. Such discussions might include early vs. late bookings, money back guarantees, cruise protection insurance, the use of general vs. cruise specific travel agencies and strategies for booking your own cruises. Any topic that relates to cruise ship travel and the cruise industry itself could be subject for discussion. In addition, discussion will be allowed on the history of cruise ship and ocean liner travel. Rec.travel.cruises will: 1.    Help the traveller make an informed decision in how to book a cruise without the pressure of a travel agent (travel agents are welcome to the group and are encouraged to participate in the discussion provided that there shall be no overt solicitation of business within postings). 2.    Provide the new cruiser with the benefit of the experience of veteran cruises. 3.    Provide the new cruiser with information as to what to expect once he or she actually arrives on the ship ready to sail. Such topics as cruise ship dress codes, dining room traditions, shopping, booking shore excursions and tipping are all topics that the first time cruiser needs to be familiar with. An FTP site will be maintained for related rec.travel.cruises files. These files will include a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s). Members of the newsgroup who go on cruises will be asked to write reviews of their experiences. These cruise reviews will be stored at the FTP site and will serve as a very valuable resource to anyone looking into sailing on the same ship or itinerary. In addition, a comprehensive listing of all cruise ships and lines will be maintained as part of the FAQ’s. In summary, rec.travel.cruises encourages the free and open discussion on all aspects of cruise ship travel. Justifiable criticism of specific cruise ships and lines will be welcome up to the point of becoming personal vendettas against a specific ship or line. Users are strongly urged to keep messages of a confrontational or argumentative nature to a minimum. Finally, it is requested that articles posted to rec.travel.cruises not be crossposted to rec.travel or the other travel newsgroups. End of Charter Link to the FAQ — http://www.seacruisereviews.com/faq.htm Link to the Cruise Review Archives since the FTP site mentioned in our charter bit the dust many moons ago — http://www.seacruisereviews.com Link to the Group cruise pages  — http://www.seacruisereviews.com/rtcgroupcruises.htm Link to the RTC History — for your bedtime reading pleasure http://www.seacruisereviews.com/rtchistory.htm — Seacruise http://www.seacruisechat.com Canal Cam Schedule http://www.seacruisechat.com/panamacanal/ Cruise Review Archive http://www.seacruisereviews.com English you say? 1) He could lead if he could get the lead out. 2) The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.

  Response:

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Rec.travel.cruises will: >1.    Help the traveller make an informed decision in how to book a >cruise without the pressure of a travel agent (travel agents are welcome >to the group and are >encouraged to participate in the discussion provided that there shall be >no overt solicitation of business within postings). >2.    Provide the new cruiser with the benefit of the experience of >veteran cruises. >3.    Provide the new cruiser with information as to what to expect once >he or she actually arrives on the ship ready to sail. Such topics as >cruise ship dress codes, >dining room traditions, shopping, booking shore excursions and tipping >are all topics that the first time cruiser needs to be familiar with.

  4. Provide RTC TA’s with the opportunity to abuse the spirit of the Charter with spamadvertising. Which brings us to crux of the matter. The Charter is a written, toothless document that is defined by the participants of RTC and by their show of (dis)approval of activities including TA spamadvertising. It is my take that the majority of RTCers are either apathetic to the constant spamadvertising, worn out by it or could care less about the issue. There are a few vocal minorities that raise this spamadvertising question and a vocal minority that fully supports the billboarding spamadvertisers like Goldenburger. So be it. Let the majority have what the majority does not address. The Not So Fine Art Of Google – Go To Top Of Thread http://makeashorterlink.com/?E29A321E6

  Response:

  Folks: Sorry this is a few days late but I have been dealing with ISP issues with Seacruise website. For those that can not access the website the server is in the process of being moved in the coming days. There should be no problems when this move takes place. The Cruise Review Archive has 1 new review since the last posting of the Charter, they include. Feb 23 2004 Carnival Ecstasy Phil Seacruise rec.travel.cruises (unmoderated) CHARTER Rec.travel.cruises is a forum whose purpose is to provide information and support to cruise ship travellers. Discussion might include (but not be limited to) the relative merits of the various cruise ships and lines, ports of embarkation, ports of call, shore excursions, cruise ship activities, cuisine, entertainment, cruise ship personnel, cruise ship management and the future of cruise ship travel. Discussions related to getting the best deals on cruises will be highly welcome. Such discussions might include early vs. late bookings, money back guarantees, cruise protection insurance, the use of general vs. cruise specific travel agencies and strategies for booking your own cruises. Any topic that relates to cruise ship travel and the cruise industry itself could be subject for discussion. In addition, discussion will be allowed on the history of cruise ship and ocean liner travel. Rec.travel.cruises will: 1.    Help the traveller make an informed decision in how to book a cruise without the pressure of a travel agent (travel agents are welcome to the group and are encouraged to participate in the discussion provided that there shall be no overt solicitation of business within postings). 2.    Provide the new cruiser with the benefit of the experience of veteran cruises. 3.    Provide the new cruiser with information as to what to expect once he or she actually arrives on the ship ready to sail. Such topics as cruise ship dress codes, dining room traditions, shopping, booking shore excursions and tipping are all topics that the first time cruiser needs to be familiar with. An FTP site will be maintained for related rec.travel.cruises files. These files will include a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s). Members of the newsgroup who go on cruises will be asked to write reviews of their experiences. These cruise reviews will be stored at the FTP site and will serve as a very valuable resource to anyone looking into sailing on the same ship or itinerary. In addition, a comprehensive listing of all cruise ships and lines will be maintained as part of the FAQ’s. In summary, rec.travel.cruises encourages the free and open discussion on all aspects of cruise ship travel. Justifiable criticism of specific cruise ships and lines will be welcome up to the point of becoming personal vendettas against a specific ship or line. Users are strongly urged to keep messages of a confrontational or argumentative nature to a minimum. Finally, it is requested that articles posted to rec.travel.cruises not be crossposted to rec.travel or the other travel newsgroups. End of Charter Link to the FAQ — http://www.seacruisereviews.com/faq.htm Link to the Cruise Review Archives since the FTP site mentioned in our charter bit the dust many moons ago — http://www.seacruisereviews.com Link to the Group cruise pages  — http://www.seacruisereviews.com/rtcgroupcruises.htm Link to the RTC History — for your bedtime reading pleasure http://www.seacruisereviews.com/rtchistory.htm — Seacruise http://www.seacruisechat.com Canal Cam Schedule http://www.seacruisechat.com/panamacanal/ Cruise Review Archive http://www.seacruisereviews.com English you say? 1) I did not object to the object. 2) How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend?

  Response:

  >argumentative nature

  Okay, I will never argue with others about which cruise, destination(s), ship or line is better or worse -Heather Remove CanOspam to email http://members.aol.com/nookeybear/index1.htm

  Response:

  Folks: Sorry this is a few days late but I have been dealing with ISP issues with Seacruise website. For those that can not access the website the server is in the process of being moved in the coming days. There should be no problems when this move takes place. The Cruise Review Archive has 1 new review since the last posting of the Charter, they include. Feb 23 2004 Carnival Ecstasy Phil Seacruise rec.travel.cruises (unmoderated) CHARTER Rec.travel.cruises is a forum whose purpose is to provide information and support to cruise ship travellers. Discussion might include (but not be limited to) the relative merits of the various cruise ships and lines, ports of embarkation, ports of call, shore excursions, cruise ship activities, cuisine, entertainment, cruise ship personnel, cruise ship management and the future of cruise ship travel. Discussions related to getting the best deals on cruises will be highly welcome. Such discussions might include early vs. late bookings, money back guarantees, cruise protection insurance, the use of general vs. cruise specific travel agencies and strategies for booking your own cruises. Any topic that relates to cruise ship travel and the cruise industry itself could be subject for discussion. In addition, discussion will be allowed on the history of cruise ship and ocean liner travel. Rec.travel.cruises will: 1.    Help the traveller make an informed decision in how to book a cruise without the pressure of a travel agent (travel agents are welcome to the group and are encouraged to participate in the discussion provided that there shall be no overt solicitation of business within postings). 2.    Provide the new cruiser with the benefit of the experience of veteran cruises. 3.    Provide the new cruiser with information as to what to expect once he or she actually arrives on the ship ready to sail. Such topics as cruise ship dress codes, dining room traditions, shopping, booking shore excursions and tipping are all topics that the first time cruiser needs to be familiar with. An FTP site will be maintained for related rec.travel.cruises files. These files will include a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s). Members of the newsgroup who go on cruises will be asked to write reviews of their experiences. These cruise reviews will be stored at the FTP site and will serve as a very valuable resource to anyone looking into sailing on the same ship or itinerary. In addition, a comprehensive listing of all cruise ships and lines will be maintained as part of the FAQ’s. In summary, rec.travel.cruises encourages the free and open discussion on all aspects of cruise ship travel. Justifiable criticism of specific cruise ships and lines will be welcome up to the point of becoming personal vendettas against a specific ship or line. Users are strongly urged to keep messages of a confrontational or argumentative nature to a minimum. Finally, it is requested that articles posted to rec.travel.cruises not be crossposted to rec.travel or the other travel newsgroups. End of Charter Link to the FAQ — http://www.seacruisereviews.com/faq.htm Link to the Cruise Review Archives since the FTP site mentioned in our charter bit the dust many moons ago — http://www.seacruisereviews.com Link to the Group cruise pages  — http://www.seacruisereviews.com/rtcgroupcruises.htm Link to the RTC History — for your bedtime reading pleasure http://www.seacruisereviews.com/rtchistory.htm — Seacruise http://www.seacruisechat.com Canal Cam Schedule http://www.seacruisechat.com/panamacanal/ Cruise Review Archive http://www.seacruisereviews.com English you say? 1) I did not object to the object. 2) How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend?

  Response:

  >argumentative nature

  Okay, I will never argue with others about which cruise, destination(s), ship or line is better or worse -Heather Remove CanOspam to email http://members.aol.com/nookeybear/index1.htm

  Response:

  Folks:     I would like to Thank those that have agreed to write articles etc. for the FAQ’s. While no one has agreed to take on the FAQ them self at this point I am hoping someone will step forward.     The Cruise Review Archive has 8 new reviews since the last posting of the Charter, they include. Feb 4 2004 Carnival Spirit Feb 9 2004 Carnival Fascination Feb 10 2004 Holland America Oosterdam Feb 10 2004 Royal Caribbean Radiance of the Seas Feb 11 2004 Royal Caribbean  Radiance of the Seas Feb 13 2004 Carnival Legend Feb 13 2004 Carnival Legend Feb 13 2004 Holland America Zuiderdam Phil Seacruise rec.travel.cruises (unmoderated) CHARTER Rec.travel.cruises is a forum whose purpose is to provide information and support to cruise ship travellers. Discussion might include (but not be limited to) the relative merits of the various cruise ships and lines, ports of embarkation, ports of call, shore excursions, cruise ship activities, cuisine, entertainment, cruise ship personnel, cruise ship management and the future of cruise ship travel. Discussions related to getting the best deals on cruises will be highly welcome. Such discussions might include early vs. late bookings, money back guarantees, cruise protection insurance, the use of general vs. cruise specific travel agencies and strategies for booking your own cruises. Any topic that relates to cruise ship travel and the cruise industry itself could be subject for discussion. In addition, discussion will be allowed on the history of cruise ship and ocean liner travel. Rec.travel.cruises will: 1.    Help the traveller make an informed decision in how to book a cruise without the pressure of a travel agent (travel agents are welcome to the group and are encouraged to participate in the discussion provided that there shall be no overt solicitation of business within postings). 2.    Provide the new cruiser with the benefit of the experience of veteran cruises. 3.    Provide the new cruiser with information as to what to expect once he or she actually arrives on the ship ready to sail. Such topics as cruise ship dress codes, dining room traditions, shopping, booking shore excursions and tipping are all topics that the first time cruiser needs to be familiar with. An FTP site will be maintained for related rec.travel.cruises files. These files will include a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s). Members of the newsgroup who go on cruises will be asked to write reviews of their experiences. These cruise reviews will be stored at the FTP site and will serve as a very valuable resource to anyone looking into sailing on the same ship or itinerary. In addition, a comprehensive listing of all cruise ships and lines will be maintained as part of the FAQ’s. In summary, rec.travel.cruises encourages the free and open discussion on all aspects of cruise ship travel. Justifiable criticism of specific cruise ships and lines will be welcome up to the point of becoming personal vendettas against a specific ship or line. Users are strongly urged to keep messages of a confrontational or argumentative nature to a minimum. Finally, it is requested that articles posted to rec.travel.cruises not be crossposted to rec.travel or the other travel newsgroups. End of Charter Link to the FAQ — http://www.seacruisereviews.com/faq.htm Link to the Cruise Review Archives since the FTP site mentioned in our charter bit the dust many moons ago — http://www.seacruisereviews.com Link to the Group cruise pages  — http://www.seacruisereviews.com/rtcgroupcruises.htm Link to the RTC History — for your bedtime reading pleasure http://www.seacruisereviews.com/rtchistory.htm — Seacruise http://www.seacruisechat.com Canal Cam Schedule http://www.seacruisechat.com/panamacanal/ Cruise Review Archive http://www.seacruisereviews.com English you say? 1) He could lead if he could get the lead out. 2) The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.

  Response:

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Rec.travel.cruises will: >1.    Help the traveller make an informed decision in how to book a >cruise without the pressure of a travel agent (travel agents are welcome >to the group and are >encouraged to participate in the discussion provided that there shall be >no overt solicitation of business within postings). >2.    Provide the new cruiser with the benefit of the experience of >veteran cruises. >3.    Provide the new cruiser with information as to what to expect once >he or she actually arrives on the ship ready to sail. Such topics as >cruise ship dress codes, >dining room traditions, shopping, booking shore excursions and tipping >are all topics that the first time cruiser needs to be familiar with.

  4. Provide RTC TA’s with the opportunity to abuse the spirit of the Charter with spamadvertising. Which brings us to crux of the matter. The Charter is a written, toothless document that is defined by the participants of RTC and by their show of (dis)approval of activities including TA spamadvertising. It is my take that the majority of RTCers are either apathetic to the constant spamadvertising, worn out by it or could care less about the issue. There are a few vocal minorities that raise this spamadvertising question and a vocal minority that fully supports the billboarding spamadvertisers like Goldenburger. So be it. Let the majority have what the majority does not address. The Not So Fine Art Of Google – Go To Top Of Thread http://makeashorterlink.com/?E29A321E6

  Response:

  Folks: I avoided posting the Charter yesterday due to all the info being posted about the tragic accident on the QM2. The Cruise Review Archive has 7 new reviews since the last posting of the Charter, they include. Nov. 2 2003 Carnival Inspiration Nov. 5 2003  Royal Olympia Odysseus Nov. 6 2003 Norwegian Dawn Nov. 6 2003 Princess Tahitian Nov. 6 2003 Carnival  Elation Nov. 8 2003 Celebrity  Millennium Nov. 11 2003  Norwegian Sea Phil Seacruise rec.travel.cruises (unmoderated) CHARTER Rec.travel.cruises is a forum whose purpose is to provide information and support to cruise ship travellers. Discussion might include (but not be limited to) the relative merits of the various cruise ships and lines, ports of embarkation, ports of call, shore excursions, cruise ship activities, cuisine, entertainment, cruise ship personnel, cruise ship management and the future of cruise ship travel. Discussions related to getting the best deals on cruises will be highly welcome. Such discussions might include early vs. late bookings, money back guarantees, cruise protection insurance, the use of general vs. cruise specific travel agencies and strategies for booking your own cruises. Any topic that relates to cruise ship travel and the cruise industry itself could be subject for discussion. In addition, discussion will be allowed on the history of cruise ship and ocean liner travel. Rec.travel.cruises will: 1.    Help the traveller make an informed decision in how to book a cruise without the pressure of a travel agent (travel agents are welcome to the group and are encouraged to participate in the discussion provided that there shall be no overt solicitation of business within postings). 2.    Provide the new cruiser with the benefit of the experience of veteran cruises. 3.    Provide the new cruiser with information as to what to expect once he or she actually arrives on the ship ready to sail. Such topics as cruise ship dress codes, dining room traditions, shopping, booking shore excursions and tipping are all topics that the first time cruiser needs to be familiar with. An FTP site will be maintained for related rec.travel.cruises files. These files will include a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s). Members of the newsgroup who go on cruises will be asked to write reviews of their experiences. These cruise reviews will be stored at the FTP site and will serve as a very valuable resource to anyone looking into sailing on the same ship or itinerary. In addition, a comprehensive listing of all cruise ships and lines will be maintained as part of the FAQ’s. In summary, rec.travel.cruises encourages the free and open discussion on all aspects of cruise ship travel. Justifiable criticism of specific cruise ships and lines will be welcome up to the point of becoming personal vendettas against a specific ship or line. Users are strongly urged to keep messages of a confrontational or argumentative nature to a minimum. Finally, it is requested that articles posted to rec.travel.cruises not be cross posted to rec.travel or the other travel newsgroups. End of Charter Link to the FAQ — http://www.seacruisereviews.com/faq.htm Link to the Cruise Review Archives since the FTP site mentioned in our charter bit the dust many moons ago — http://www.seacruisereviews.com Link to the Group cruise pages  — http://www.seacruisereviews.com/rtcgroupcruises.htm Link to the RTC History — for your bedtime reading pleasure http://www.seacruisereviews.com/rtchistory.htm — Seacruise http://www.seacruisechat.com Canal Cam Schedule http://www.seacruisechat.com/panamacanal/ Cruise Review Archive http://www.seacruisereviews.com English you say? 1) A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum. 2) Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.

  Response:

  What some people will go to get around the RTC Charter policy of no advertising for TA’s. Hypocrite – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Folks: >I avoided posting the Charter yesterday due to all the info being posted >about the tragic accident on the QM2. >The Cruise Review Archive has 7 new reviews since the last posting of >the Charter, they include. >Nov. 2 2003 Carnival Inspiration >Nov. 5 2003  Royal Olympia Odysseus >Nov. 6 2003 Norwegian Dawn >Nov. 6 2003 Princess Tahitian >Nov. 6 2003 Carnival  Elation >Nov. 8 2003 Celebrity  Millennium >Nov. 11 2003  Norwegian Sea >Phil >Seacruise >rec.travel.cruises >(unmoderated) >CHARTER >Rec.travel.cruises is a forum whose purpose is to provide information >and support to cruise ship travellers. Discussion might include (but not >be limited to) the relative merits of the various cruise ships and >lines, ports of embarkation, ports of call, shore excursions, cruise >ship activities, cuisine, entertainment, cruise ship >personnel, cruise ship management and the future of cruise ship travel. >Discussions related to getting the best deals on cruises will be highly >welcome. Such discussions might include early vs. late bookings, money >back guarantees, cruise protection insurance, the use of general vs. >cruise specific travel agencies and strategies for booking your own >cruises. Any topic that relates to cruise ship travel and the cruise >industry itself could be subject for discussion. In addition, discussion >will be allowed on the history of cruise ship and ocean liner travel. >Rec.travel.cruises will: >1.    Help the traveller make an informed decision in how to book a >cruise without the pressure of a travel agent (travel agents are welcome >to the group and are encouraged to participate in the discussion >provided that there shall be no overt solicitation of business within >postings). >2.    Provide the new cruiser with the benefit of the experience of >veteran cruises. >3.    Provide the new cruiser with information as to what to expect once >he or she actually arrives on the ship ready to sail. Such topics as >cruise ship dress codes, dining room traditions, shopping, booking shore >excursions and tipping are all topics that the first time cruiser needs >to be familiar with. >An FTP site will be maintained for related rec.travel.cruises files. >These files will include a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s). >Members of the newsgroup who go on cruises will be asked to write >reviews of their experiences. These cruise reviews will be stored at the >FTP site and will serve as a very valuable resource to anyone looking >into sailing on the same ship or itinerary. In addition, a comprehensive >listing of all cruise ships and lines will be maintained as part of the >FAQ’s. >In summary, rec.travel.cruises encourages the free and open discussion >on all aspects of cruise ship travel. Justifiable criticism of specific >cruise ships and lines will be welcome up to the point of becoming >personal vendettas against a specific ship or line. Users are strongly >urged to keep messages of a confrontational or argumentative nature to a >minimum. Finally, it is requested that articles posted to >rec.travel.cruises not be cross posted to rec.travel or the other travel >newsgroups. >End of Charter >Link to the FAQ — >http://www.seacruisereviews.com/faq.htm >Link to the Cruise Review Archives since the FTP site mentioned in our >charter bit the dust many moons ago — >http://www.seacruisereviews.com >Link to the Group cruise pages  — >http://www.seacruisereviews.com/rtcgroupcruises.htm >Link to the RTC History — for your bedtime reading pleasure >http://www.seacruisereviews.com/rtchistory.htm

  Response:

  I think you lost me on this one, but coming from you, you loose allot of people with your comments. Phil Seacruise – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > What some people will go to get around the RTC Charter policy of no > advertising for TA’s. > Hypocrite >Folks: >I avoided posting the Charter yesterday due to all the info being posted >about the tragic accident on the QM2. >The Cruise Review Archive has 7 new reviews since the last posting of >the Charter, they include. >Nov. 2 2003 Carnival Inspiration >Nov. 5 2003  Royal Olympia Odysseus >Nov. 6 2003 Norwegian Dawn >Nov. 6 2003 Princess Tahitian >Nov. 6 2003 Carnival  Elation >Nov. 8 2003 Celebrity  Millennium >Nov. 11 2003  Norwegian Sea >Phil >Seacruise >rec.travel.cruises >(unmoderated) >CHARTER >Rec.travel.cruises is a forum whose purpose is to provide information >and support to cruise ship travellers. Discussion might include (but not >be limited to) the relative merits of the various cruise ships and >lines, ports of embarkation, ports of call, shore excursions, cruise >ship activities, cuisine, entertainment, cruise ship >personnel, cruise ship management and the future of cruise ship travel. >Discussions related to getting the best deals on cruises will be highly >welcome. Such discussions might include early vs. late bookings, money >back guarantees, cruise protection insurance, the use of general vs. >cruise specific travel agencies and strategies for booking your own >cruises. Any topic that relates to cruise ship travel and the cruise >industry itself could be subject for discussion. In addition, discussion >will be allowed on the history of cruise ship and ocean liner travel. >Rec.travel.cruises will: >1.    Help the traveller make an informed decision in how to book a >cruise without the pressure of a travel agent (travel agents are welcome >to the group and are encouraged to participate in the discussion >provided that there shall be no overt solicitation of business within >postings). >2.    Provide the new cruiser with the benefit of the experience of >veteran cruises. >3.    Provide the new cruiser with information as to what to expect once >he or she actually arrives on the ship ready to sail. Such topics as >cruise ship dress codes, dining room traditions, shopping, booking shore >excursions and tipping are all topics that the first time cruiser needs >to be familiar with. >An FTP site will be maintained for related rec.travel.cruises files. >These files will include a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s). >Members of the newsgroup who go on cruises will be asked to write >reviews of their experiences. These cruise reviews will be stored at the >FTP site and will serve as a very valuable resource to anyone looking >into sailing on the same ship or itinerary. In addition, a comprehensive >listing of all cruise ships and lines will be maintained as part of the >FAQ’s. >In summary, rec.travel.cruises encourages the free and open discussion >on all aspects of cruise ship travel. Justifiable criticism of specific >cruise ships and lines will be welcome up to the point of becoming >personal vendettas against a specific ship or line. Users are strongly >urged to keep messages of a confrontational or argumentative nature to a >minimum. Finally, it is requested that articles posted to >rec.travel.cruises not be cross posted to rec.travel or the other travel >newsgroups. >End of Charter >Link to the FAQ — >http://www.seacruisereviews.com/faq.htm >Link to the Cruise Review Archives since the FTP site mentioned in our >charter bit the dust many moons ago — >http://www.seacruisereviews.com >Link to the Group cruise pages  — >http://www.seacruisereviews.com/rtcgroupcruises.htm >Link to the RTC History — for your bedtime reading pleasure >http://www.seacruisereviews.com/rtchistory.htm

  – Seacruise http://www.seacruisechat.com Canal Cam Schedule http://www.seacruisechat.com/panamacanal/ Cruise Review Archive http://www.seacruisereviews.com English you say? 1) A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum. 2) Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.

  Response:

  >I think you lost me on this one, but coming from you, you loose allot of >people with your comments. >Phil >Seacruise > What some people will go to get around the RTC Charter policy of no > advertising for TA’s. > Hypocrite

  Let me make it plain so that you won’t "loose allot" anymore. You posted the Charter and included your ad/sig line for no other reason that to expose your business to an international market of known cruisers who you want to sell cruises, etc to. I’ll give you a second and let that sink in. You used the Charter posting as your excuse to advertise your business. The Charter prohibits advertising. I’ll give you a minute and let that sink in. You have now established yourself as the Ultimate RTC Hypocrite Among TA’s. I’ll give you a life and let that sink in.

  Response:

  Hey Queenie: Maybe you should do some research before you insert BOTH feet into your mouth. . Seacruise is the first Cruise Chat Channel that was started in 1996. We are a non profit group that accepts no advertising or no money from Travel Agents. All moneys are free will donations from those on Seacruise. Seacruise agreed to keep the Charter and Post the Charter several years ago. As part of the Charter there is suppose to be a FTP site for reviews. Since FTP sites are pretty much a thing of the past http://seacruisereviews was born.     As a matter of clarification SeacruiseReviews (Steve) also posts Group Cruises submitted to him as one post. You see there was a problem with Spam on RTC and it was agreed upon that Seacruise would provide this service FREE OF CHARGE to those that use it in one simple message. We accept nothing in return, except a simple Thank You.     SeacruiseChat and SeacruiseReviews gains NOTHING.     We are doing RTC a service and if you had done some research on Google you would have found this out, but you didn’t. Now I am going to suggest that you visit the links I listed and tell me where we are a business? Also visit this link http://seacruisereviews.com/rtccharter.htm and read the top of the page. I hope this clarifies any misunderstanding you have on what Seacruise is or about. Phil Seacruise Channel Manager > You posted the Charter and included your ad/sig line for no other reason > that to expose your business to an international market of known cruisers > who you want to sell cruises, etc to. > I’ll give you a second and let that sink in. > You used the Charter posting as your excuse to advertise your business. The > Charter prohibits advertising.

  – Seacruise http://www.seacruisechat.com Canal Cam Schedule http://www.seacruisechat.com/panamacanal/ Cruise Review Archive http://www.seacruisereviews.com English you say? 1) A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum. 2) Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.

  Response:

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I think you lost me on this one, but coming from you, you loose allot of >people with your comments. >Phil >Seacruise >> What some people will go to get around the RTC Charter policy of no >> advertising for TA’s. >> Hypocrite >Let me make it plain so that you won’t "loose allot" anymore. >You posted the Charter and included your ad/sig line for no other >reason that to expose your business to an international market of >known cruisers who you want to sell cruises, etc to. >I’ll give you a second and let that sink in. >You used the Charter posting as your excuse to advertise your >business. The Charter prohibits advertising. >I’ll give you a minute and let that sink in. >You have now established yourself as the Ultimate RTC Hypocrite Among >TA’s. >I’ll give you a life and let that sink in.

  Whoosh!   That was the sound of reality slipping through your fingertips, Queenie. Trahn Where are the weapons of mass destruction?

  Response:

  > I’ll give you a second and let that sink in.

  I gotta know.  Just how full is fullbreasted? — Klecko’s Komrades.  All the way in 2003

  Response:

  >Hey Queenie: >Maybe you should do some research before you insert BOTH feet into your >mouth. .

  Here is all the "research" I need. http://www.seacruisereviews.com/links.htm Advertising, pure and simple. You can spin it anyway you way, Phillie, but this link above says it all.

  Response:

  >I gotta know.  Just how full is fullbreasted?

  Two fingers.

  Response:

  >> I gotta know.  Just how full is fullbreasted? > Two fingers.

  me.  Enquiring minds want to know.  Or at least my one insane mind does. — Klecko’s Komrades.  All the way in 2003

  Response:

  Queenie: Sorry to disagree here with you but I think you better go back and do some research here BEFORE you open up that yap of yours. You have been famous for posting messages without ANY research at all, and once again you proved yourself again as a fool. Go back in Google and do some research as to why this came about and then maybe just maybe you will understand…..opps I forgot you will NEVER understand as you think your point of view is always correct.     I could try and explain how spam posts started to run amuck on here and how a change to the Charter was impossible. A compromise was suggested and Seacruise was asked if they would once again step in and help. We did and the problems since then have been kept down to almost nil when compared to other newsgroups. So you have yet to tell me how I or Seacruise make ANY money off of this? Either put up or shut up. Seacruise is proud to have one of the founding people of RTC as one of it’s crew. Sorry Queenie you are out of your league on this one. We are just doing as the majority on RTC want. Phil Seacruise Channel Manager – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Hey Queenie: >Maybe you should do some research before you insert BOTH feet into your >mouth. . > Here is all the "research" I need. > http://www.seacruisereviews.com/links.htm > Advertising, pure and simple. > You can spin it anyway you way, Phillie, but this link above says it > all.

  – Seacruise http://www.seacruisechat.com Canal Cam Schedule http://www.seacruisechat.com/panamacanal/ Cruise Review Archive http://www.seacruisereviews.com English you say? 1) A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum. 2) Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.

  Response:

  >Queenie: >Sorry to disagree here with you but I think you better go back and do some >research here BEFORE you open up that yap of yours.

  Here is all the "research" I need.  http://www.seacruisereviews.com/links.htm  Advertising, pure and simple. You can spin it anyway you way, Phillie, but this link above says it  all. Amazing how you and the TA’s on this board will fight tooth and nail for your thinly disguised attempts to play within the Charter that all of you so highly regard….and then piss all over daily on this newsgroup. >Sorry Queenie you are out of your league on this one. We are just doing as >the majority on RTC want.

  I missed that vote, Phil. Would you post the results again for all to see?

  Response:

  >>> I gotta know.  Just how full is fullbreasted? > Two fingers.

  You’re not a "breast man" are you Hobbes? >   Come on now,  ya gotta tell >me.  Enquiring minds want to know.  Or at least my one insane mind does.

  Two fingers is all that Hubby can get BETWEEN  my two. Mystery solved.

  Response:

  >>>I gotta know.  Just how full is fullbreasted? >Two fingers. >"Two fingers"?? ><signed> >Karens, looking down her shirt

  Yeah but you got that cute thing going on there. http://www.cupcaked.com/cupcaked/tattoo.html More courage than I have.

  Response:

  >>http://www.cupcaked.com/cupcaked/tattoo.html >More courage than I have. >I just wish I ‘d have gotten another one when we were in the South >Pacific.  What a great souvenir that would have been.

  Did you have to stay out of the sun? I was under the impression that you had to.

  Response:

  >Next time, we’ll do it at the end of the trip and sit on the plane for >13 hours with new tattoos

  Neat. I can hear Hans now. "Karens, I have a new line to get you to join the Mile High Club. Lemme see yours, I’ll let you see mine."

  Response:

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->>> http://www.cupcaked.com/cupcaked/tattoo.html >>> More courage than I have. >> I just wish I ‘d have gotten another one when we were in the South >> Pacific.  What a great souvenir that would have been. > Did you have to stay out of the sun? I was under the impression that > you had to. > Yes, that’s why we skipped it last time.  We were in Papeete for the > first few days of our trip before the cruise (this was on Ren), and we > would have had to stay out of the water for the first three-five days. > Next time, we’ll do it at the end of the trip and sit on the plane for > 13 hours with new tattoos > Karen

  Nice tattoo … I don’t have pictures of mine. On one of our previous cruises one of our tablemates got a tattoo in Mexico … She missed dinner that night, as she was a wee bit intoxicated celebrating the new tattoo. Cathy

  Response:

  >>>>http://www.cupcaked.com/cupcaked/tattoo.html

  Cool tattoo, Karen. Howie – benchin today.

  Response:

  >Nice tattoo … I don’t have pictures of mine. >On one of our previous cruises one of our tablemates got a tattoo in >Mexico … She missed dinner that night, as she was a wee bit intoxicated >celebrating the new tattoo.

  That’s different. Most stories are about people getting drunk and THEN getting a tattoo. LOL

  Response:

  - Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->>>>>http://www.cupcaked.com/cupcaked/tattoo.html >Cool tattoo, Karen. > Thanks, Howard! >Howie – benchin today. > Go for it! > Karen, sitting very still in damp and dreary North Jersey

  Now that I’ve seen your tattoo and I know you’re a night owl when cruising, I have one more question.  Do you and Hans like to boogie? Howie – enervated

  Response:

  > You’re not a "breast man" are you Hobbes?

  Heck yes I am!  My whole life revolves around them! LOL > Two fingers is all that Hubby can get BETWEEN  my two.

  Ahhhh…  I see, said the blind man. — Klecko’s Komrades.  All the way in 2003

  Response:

  >> On one of our previous cruises one of our tablemates got a tattoo in > Mexico … She missed dinner that night, as she was a wee bit intoxicated > celebrating the new tattoo. > Gee, I missed that part  I just went home and put "bag balm" > (don’t ask) on it, as instructed. > Karen

  I made the mistake of inviting 2 girlfriends along when I had my last tattoo. They had both wanted one, but one of them was so freaked out by watching me that she’ll never get one. The other one waited 2-3 years and finally got one of her own. They are addicting. I’m planning my third … Cathy

  Response:

  > "Boogie" as in . . . ?

  Move your legs, hips, pelvis, butt, arms, hands, and/or feet to a smooth or driving beat.

  Response:

  >> "Boogie" as in . . . ? >Move your legs, hips, pelvis, butt, arms, hands, and/or feet to a smooth >or driving meat.

  LOL

  Response:

  Queenie: > Amazing how you and the TA’s on this board will fight tooth and nail > for your thinly disguised attempts to play within the Charter that all > of you so highly regard….and then piss all over daily on this > newsgroup.

  I don’t need  to fight tooth and nail as you put it. Seacruise is doing a service for RTC and till we are told otherwise we will continue to do it. > Would you post the results again for all to see?

  No need to, I know what the results are and most do here, why should I do YOUR research that you should have done before you stuffed BOTH FEET into your mouth again. Now I have asked you twice where I or anyone one else on Seacruise makes any money on this. You have accused Seacruise as being a business and I have asked you to show me. Since you can not provide any evidence I  suggest you shut up when you don’t have the facts. Sorry Queenie this is game set and match. Your out of your league on this one. Phil Seacruise Channel Manager — Seacruise http://www.seacruisechat.com Canal Cam Schedule http://www.seacruisechat.com/panamacanal/ Cruise Review Archive http://www.seacruisereviews.com English you say? 1) A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum. 2) Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.

  Response:

  No comments tattoo picture
  
  

• GGC2204 Radiance Review Part I ~Warning-Long!

  Question:

  What a wonderful cruise! Our first GGC and we had a ball! So many nice and fun loving people; it was a pleasure to meet them all. Peter and Judy did a first class job putting this group cruise together.. Embarkation: Fastest of 21 cruises~if it took longer than three-four minutes, you had to have tripped and dropped all your docs. Really, we walked right up, picked up our ship account cards, which were also used as room keys and ID when reboarding the ship and a map of the ship and immediately boarded.. Cabin: We had a balcony midship which was convenient to everything~elevators, atrium and not far from the dining areas and casino. The cabin was furnished tastefully and included a king bed made up of two beds together, a large sized sofa and very small coffee table. A drape mid-cabin could be used as a divider making two separate areas if  one of us wanted to watch TV while the other wanted to sleep.. The storage space did not at first appear to be adequate, as there was one closet, but there were many shelves and drawers to make up for it. The safe was a key in number one and there was a mini bar below that was stocked with Cokes and Sprite which really never was very cold~~if you put something in it, it would keep it cool and not much more. The bathroom was small but adequate and had a semi-circle shower area. It had a shampoo wall holder and the shower head was removable. The water temperature and force were fine once you got the drift of how to adjust the shower control. Only shampoo and bars of soap were provided as amenities. No lotion or hair conditioner.Hair dryer was in the desk drawer. The  balcony was a nice size with two chairs and small table. The balcony had a cork like floor. We were on the port side and got the sun early in the morning  and shade in the afternoon which suited us perfectly. Our cabin stewardess, Emily, was from Trinidad, Tobago and a jewel~always pleasant with a slight sing song accent.. Ship: The Radiance is a beautiful ship with a delightful ambiance.. I was pleased with her colors of  beige, maroon and many shades of blue. There was a great deal of light colored wood~very attractive decorating the elevators and balconies of each deck. I felt very much at home~there was a comfortable feeling about her. She also was kept very clean. Crew: Very friendly and helpful. Always there in the Windjammer Cafe to bring you whatever you needed or forgot. Our wait staff, Benedick and his assistant, Jerry~both from the Philippines, were great. They got a kick out of the antics at our table and were always smiling and had a very good sense of humor.. Captain Kent Ringborn (from Sweden) has to be the friendliest and best looking captain on the seas! He welcomed us on the first formal night by breaking out in song!  He had one marvelous baritone voice that just resonated the entire room. Another very nice touch~he stopped by all the dining room tables on Wednesday night and chatted briefly~first time a captain has done that on any of our 21 cruises. It is obvious that he is a *people* person and enjoys being around others. Food: This is subjective and just my opinion. The food in the Windjammer Buffet was very good. Lots of selections and plenty of fruit of all kinds.  Plenty of vegetables both raw and cooked. The doughnuts were the yeast type with icing and there was a raisin-citron bread that was sooo good. There were other fruit filled pastries and desserts which were very tasty. There was a good selection of entrees, although we ate most of our lunches and breakfasts there and did not try them.  Soup, salad and dessert was what I usually had at lunch. Once I had an egg salad sandwich and a tuna salad sandwich which appeared to have been made on a long loaf of French bread and cut in sections. There was plenty of ice cream from the machines on both sides of the cafe. Food in the dining room was good but not as good as it was on the Carnival Pride. The hot and cold soups were good, but somehow the entree offerings were not as appetizing. The presentation was attractive but it lacked the savory flavor even though most of it was quite spice laden . As I said, that is just my opinion. The dining room was attractive, we were on the upper level at a table for ten, where we could view the lower dining room from where we sat. Our tablemates could not have been better if we had chosen them, which in a way we did ..I’ll cover that a little later.. Library: BIG disappointment~very few books and none of the kind that we would care to read, so it was fortunate that we brought our own~not that we got much reading done! Entertainment: I cannot give an overall opinion because we just attended one comedy show with two comedians and we left early because they were not all that funny. I understand from hearing others talk, that the first night entertainment was the best. Ship’s Shops: I found them quite well stocked and with quite a few things that I have not seen available on other ships. Nice large shopping area. Photos: Too many photo ops everywhere one turned. We did not buy any because of the size. We like the album that holds 4×6 photos and they printed all large sized ones. So I just took a lot of photos with our camera.  Key West: We had intended to set out with Lloyd, George, Mary, Becca, Steve and some others, but not setting the time and place to meet the night before, that fell through.  Erm, Ed and I set out to do some shopping.  Bill wanted to just relax on the ship.. Ed finally found a hat he liked and Erm tried to get me to get a tattoo on our ankles (the kind that come off in a week.) She even had the guy talked down to a good rate for the both of us and I chickened out! LOL! She’s a charmer that one! We then proceeded on a six block hike to find the Blond Giraffe to supposedly taste the best key lime pie in Key West. Well, it turned out to be a very small place with a place to sit in front and we ended up getting key lime pie on a stick. Frozen covered with chocolate. Erm and Ed both did not care for theirs but I loved mine! Was disappointed, as on the internet they advertise selling a book on giraffes that I wanted to get; being I collect them and they did not have it nor the key lime cake that I wanted to bring home. Long walk back followed by many shop drop-ins. to Ed’s chagrin I like Key West. Roatan: Was one of my very favorite ports because of the visit to the orphanage. We met Jo-Ann, Bob and quite a few others at the pier entrance. We were so pleased to see that so many people responded to Jo-Ann’s appeal to bring things for the children. Along with cash, there were stuffed animals, puzzles, diapers, medical supplies, baseball bats, baseballs, school supplies, crayons and some people had put things in suitcases that they gave away along with the things in them. There were some very generous and kind people in this group and it was very evident that morning. We drove (six of us) with Brad, the orphanage director, in a pick up truck to the orphanage. Roatan is really a beautiful unspoiled island, but already, there are signs that that will change because large tracts of land have been bought up and are for sale at very high prices. Here and there, we saw resorts already open and some of the moneyed people have built huge lovely homes high on the hill with beautiful ocean views. The orphanage is on a hill with a lovely view of the ocean and is exactly as it looks on the site posted on rtc a few weeks ago. They have a screened in porch where little Anna~ nick-named "Anna-Banana,"( the little 6 yr.old Down Syndrome child who had lived in a chicken coop) and little Brendan (about 3-4) were playing, watched over by a very nice young man in his late teens~I’m awful about remembering names~so I hope some one who remembers his name will jump in and tell~anyway he was a volunteer who is spending a few months helping out. The area around the orphanage is all red soil similar to what you see in Georgia. Construction of a tall retainer wall was in progress. Beyond this wall, was a very large area which Brad envisions as a baseball field one day. It was all cleared and just needs grass. I think he also mentioned a basketball area, too. Brad and his wife are a lovely, decent and very dedicated couple and the determination that they have to make life so much better for those children is awesome, very heartwarming and inspiring. We all took off our shoes before we entered because of the red soil and found the floor, made up of 18" square lt.gray ceramic type tiles~ squeaky clean. Right on the entry wall was a large photo of each child living there. We visited with Anna and Brendan and had our pictures taken with them. Brendan and I became buddies and he held on to my hand during most of the tour of the facility.We took pictures and Brendan would not smile and we teased him about it and I told him that I bet he was hiding some pretty teeth and asked to see them and when he showed them, I told him that I just knew that he had beautiful teeth and he finally smiled for us! Brad showed us a nice large living area and a kitchen which was poorly supplied as far as appliances go and they are hoping to remedy that soon. Then we went upstairs to see the bedrooms. The children decorated their doors with crayon drawings and the bunk beds were sturdy wooden pine- like ones and the rooms were very homey and had bookcases and colorful accessories here and there. As we passed the boys’ bathroom which was all in blue with a counter row of sinks, there stood little Brendan on a stool, brushing his teeth!! What a cutie~he took all that fuss over his teeth to heart and was making sure his teeth looked nice! I would have loved to tuck that little one in one of our suitcases and brought him home. He followed me around with a book that had words of a thing on one side and that thing was hidden in a picture on the opposite page. I would read the word and he would point to the animal or thing in the … read more »

  Response:

  Sorry! I meant to say GGC2004! Wow am I ahead of myself! –Jean

  Response:

  Sorry! Meant to say GGC2004! –Jean

  Response:

  Jean, Thank you  for a wonderful report. S’nd I

  Response:

  > Jean, > Thank you  for a wonderful report.

  You’re quite welcome, Sunny. What I failed to mention was that it was ship that was very easy for the handicapped to get around on. Several people who were on scooters were very pleased about that.The crew was seemed very attentive to their needs. Sometimes Benedick would cheerfully hop on Vicki’s or Barb’s scooter and drive it to our table! –Jean

  Response:

  I guess you were in a time warp and Erm was on another ship….and neither of you noticed. The Not So Fine Art Of Google – Go To Top Of Thread http://makeashorterlink.com/?E29A321E6

  Response:

  LOL That’s what happens when you keep sticking your head in the microwave, SUNSET. Any apologies coming soon to Warren Davis? Naw, didn’t think so. The Not So Fine Art Of Google – Go To Top Of Thread http://makeashorterlink.com/?E29A321E6

  Response:

  What an excellent "Part One" review of your GGC "Radiance" cruise.  It was nice to read your personal observations which made your review lively…..not just a description of the various public rooms. I especially appreciated reading about the excursion to the Roatan orphanage.  That was very special and I am glad that all of you good people were able to, not only contribute, but also see first hand.   Jean, you write that you "get carried away"  with your reviews? Well…..of course, you should….that is what cruising is all nice moments from the GGC 2004 cruise.

  Response:

  > Jean, you write that you "get carried away"  with your reviews? > Well…..of course, you should….that is what cruising is all > nice moments from the GGC 2004 cruise.

  Angelica, I hope you have the opportunity to cruise with Jean some day.  She is a tiny little thing, but she has such a zest for life. Reading her review gives you a hint of her personality.  She is a delight. Becca  <—–and Ed isn’t so bad himself… Mariner of the Seas 3/04 Norwegian Dawn http://www.cruisemaster.com/dawn.htm Sleazy3 http://www.cruisemaster.com/sleazy3.htm MOAGC http://www.motherofallgroupcruises.com/

  Response:

  >>Jean, you write that you "get carried away"  with your reviews? >Well…..of course, you should….that is what cruising is all >nice moments from the GGC 2004 cruise. > Angelica, I hope you have the opportunity to cruise with Jean some > day.  She is a tiny little thing, but she has such a zest for life. > Reading her review gives you a hint of her personality.  She is a > delight. > Becca  <—–and Ed isn’t so bad himself…

  Hi Becca, Welcome home!! I have to agree with you about Jean and Ed. I had the pleasure of cruising with them and geting to know them on the SGC2003 and I can’t wait to see them on the Rhapsody of the Sea at the end of this month. sue

  Response:

  >> Jean, you write that you "get carried away"  with your reviews? > Well…..of course, you should….that is what cruising is all > nice moments from the GGC 2004 cruise. >Angelica, I hope you have the opportunity to cruise with Jean some >day.  She is a tiny little thing, but she has such a zest for life. >Reading her review gives you a hint of her personality.  She is a >delight. >Becca  <—–and Ed isn’t so bad himself…

  He’s especially handsome in his newly acquired hat!  We has such fun shopping that day in Key West, but Jean turned into a real wet blanket at the mere mention of a tatoo!  <grin> Ermalee <—never wants to see another frozen key lime thingee

  Response:

  > I have to agree with you about Jean and Ed. I had the >pleasure of cruising with them and geting to know them on the SGC2003 >and I can’t wait to see them on the Rhapsody of the Sea at the end of >this month. >sue

  Well, Sue, if you go shopping with her before the first formal night, I hope you have better shopping suggestions than I did.  She wouldn’t go for any of the  beautiful sheer stuff that I would have selected. Ermalee <—–meaning really sheer (tiny too)

  Response:

  - Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->>Jean, you write that you "get carried away"  with your reviews? >>Well…..of course, you should….that is what cruising is all >>nice moments from the GGC 2004 cruise. >Angelica, I hope you have the opportunity to cruise with Jean some >day.  She is a tiny little thing, but she has such a zest for life. >Reading her review gives you a hint of her personality.  She is a >delight. >Becca  <—–and Ed isn’t so bad himself… > He’s especially handsome in his newly acquired hat!  We has such fun shopping > that day in Key West, but Jean turned into a real wet > blanket at the mere mention of a tatoo!  <grin>

  Now Ed better bring that hat on the Mardi Gras cruise, so I can see what you are talking about(grin). sue

  Response:

  >>I have to agree with you about Jean and Ed. I had the >pleasure of cruising with them and geting to know them on the SGC2003 >and I can’t wait to see them on the Rhapsody of the Sea at the end of >this month. >sue > Well, Sue, if you go shopping with her before the first > formal night, I hope you have better shopping suggestions > than I did.  She wouldn’t go for any of the  beautiful sheer stuff > that I would have selected. > Ermalee <—–meaning really sheer (tiny too)

  LOL…….tiny would work very well for Jean. I could work to get her some sheer stuff, would look very nice in NO on Mardi Gras day(grin). One of these years I hope that we will be able to cruise with you!! sue

  Response:

  We, too, had the pleasure of cruising with Jean and Ed on the Pride. DH and I hope to cruise with them again. S’nd I

  Response:

  > Angelica, I hope you have the opportunity to cruise with Jean some > day.  She is a tiny little thing, but she has such a zest for life. > Reading her review gives you a hint of her personality.  She is a > delight.

  LOL Becca! You are such a morale booster~but please tell me what to do with those six*tiny* pounds that I gained on the cruise?? (Those darn desserts!) Thank you for the very nice compliments, you are a sweetie.  Speaking of zest for life, you are a great example of that yourself~~wish I could scuba and do all the beach activities that you can. At this stage in life, I guess that is not possible even though our scuba diving son tells me that there is a 79 year old woman who is in his scuba diving group and he keeps after me to take classes~me who can’t swim, yet!! Wasn’t GGC2004 great?  We should have renamed it the GGGC 2004. (Great Grand Group Cruise) It was wonderful seeing you again and meeting so many new friends. –Jean<~~hoping that I’ll be sailing with Becca again, very soon.

  Response:

  > Well, Sue, if you go shopping with her before the first > formal night, I hope you have better shopping suggestions > than I did.  She wouldn’t go for any of the  beautiful sheer stuff > that I would have selected. > Ermalee <—–meaning really sheer (tiny too)

  Sue, you have to be very careful when you go shopping with Erm! She’ll dazzle and wheel and deal those salespeople and they are like putty in her hands. From tattoos to black play boy thongs with a tiny sheer less than a min-skirt! In the end, I agreed to buy one to wear on formal night if she did the same. It was a good thing Ed was there or who knows what kind of trouble she would have gotten me into! –Jean

  Response:

  > LOL…….tiny would work very well for Jean. I could work to get her > some sheer stuff, would look very nice in NO on Mardi Gras day(grin). > One of these years I hope that we will be able to cruise with you!!

  You don’t know what Erm means when she says tiny and sheer, Sue!  I’m afraid there would be a few heart attacks if I wore what she suggested! I really hope that you and Erm meet one day. I built up enough endorphins to last me at least six months of good health from all the laughing at our table. My sides hurt~~we had a great group at our table. Erm’s husband, Bill, is a sweet, gentle and quiet man, so Erm makes up for the two of them! Add Tobie and Barb Gerbrandt, Tom and Vicki Gauldin and Claudia to that mix and you are in for it~non-stop humor. –Jean<~~re-living fun times!

  Response:

  > We, too, had the pleasure of cruising with Jean and Ed on the Pride. DH > and I hope to cruise with them again.

  Sunny, I have stopped having birthdays, so it must be sooner than that! They say that you are as young as you feel and if I keep feeling this well, I’ll have to start back at age 41~the year I kept telling everyone that I was 42~~so I never lived age 41. Good place to stop having birthdays!   That will make Ermalee my mother –Jean,~~getting back at Erm for telling a clerk in Key West not to talk that way to her mother (meaning me!)

  Response:

  as long as you don’t tell the waiters to bring a cake!! or sing. — Sheree

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> We, too, had the pleasure of cruising with Jean and Ed on the Pride. DH > and I hope to cruise with them again. > S’nd I

  Response:

  - Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Well, Sue, if you go shopping with her before the first >formal night, I hope you have better shopping suggestions >than I did.  She wouldn’t go for any of the  beautiful sheer stuff >that I would have selected. >Ermalee <—–meaning really sheer (tiny too) > Sue, you have to be very careful when you go shopping with Erm! She’ll > dazzle and wheel and deal those salespeople and they are like putty in her > hands. From tattoos to black play boy thongs with a tiny sheer less than a > min-skirt! In the end, I agreed to buy one to wear on formal night if she > did the same. It was a good thing Ed was there or who knows what kind of > trouble she would have gotten me into!

  Sounds like you had some fun!! What kind of hat did Ed buy?? Be sure to tell him to bring it on the Rhapsody. sue

  Response:

  > as long as you don’t tell the waiters to bring a cake!! or sing.

  ROTFL…….thanks Sheree I needed a laugh tonight!! sue

  Response:

  > as long as you don’t tell the waiters to bring a cake!! or sing.

  Yeah, Little Miss Innocence!!! ;-D Jean<~~~remembering another fun cruise.

  Response:

  > Sounds like you had some fun!! What kind of hat did Ed buy?? Be sure to > tell him to bring it on the Rhapsody.

  A Panama style but in an light olive green with some mesh material in it. With his sensitivity to the sun he had to get one that shaded his ears, so he got something bigger than what he usually wears. –Jean

  Response:

  >>Sounds like you had some fun!! What kind of hat did Ed buy?? Be sure to >tell him to bring it on the Rhapsody. > A Panama style but in an light olive green with some mesh material in it. > With his sensitivity to the sun he had to get one that shaded his ears, so > he got something bigger than what he usually wears.

  Sounds cool. I think Ed is going to have to watch out for Kevin, he loves hats(grin). sue

  Response:

  What a wonderful cruise! Our first GGC and we had a ball! So many nice and fun loving people; it was a pleasure to meet them all. Peter and Judy did a first class job putting this group cruise together.. Embarkation: Fastest of 21 cruises~if it took longer than three-four minutes, you had to have tripped and dropped all your docs. Really, we walked right up, picked up our ship account cards, which were also used as room keys and ID when reboarding the ship and a map of the ship and immediately boarded.. Cabin: We had a balcony midship which was convenient to everything~elevators, atrium and not far from the dining areas and casino. The cabin was furnished tastefully and included a king bed made up of two beds together, a large sized sofa and very small coffee table. A drape mid-cabin could be used as a divider making two separate areas if  one of us wanted to watch TV while the other wanted to sleep.. The storage space did not at first appear to be adequate, as there was one closet, but there were many shelves and drawers to make up for it. The safe was a key in number one and there was a mini bar below that was stocked with Cokes and Sprite which really never was very cold~~if you put something in it, it would keep it cool and not much more. The bathroom was small but adequate and had a semi-circle shower area. It had a shampoo wall holder and the shower head was removable. The water temperature and force were fine once you got the drift of how to adjust the shower control. Only shampoo and bars of soap were provided as amenities. No lotion or hair conditioner.Hair dryer was in the desk drawer. The  balcony was a nice size with two chairs and small table. The balcony had a cork like floor. We were on the port side and got the sun early in the morning  and shade in the afternoon which suited us perfectly. Our cabin stewardess, Emily, was from Trinidad, Tobago and a jewel~always pleasant with a slight sing song accent.. Ship: The Radiance is a beautiful ship with a delightful ambiance.. I was pleased with her colors of  beige, maroon and many shades of blue. There was a great deal of light colored wood~very attractive decorating the elevators and balconies of each deck. I felt very much at home~there was a comfortable feeling about her. She also was kept very clean. Crew: Very friendly and helpful. Always there in the Windjammer Cafe to bring you whatever you needed or forgot. Our wait staff, Benedick and his assistant, Jerry~both from the Philippines, were great. They got a kick out of the antics at our table and were always smiling and had a very good sense of humor.. Captain Kent Ringborn (from Sweden) has to be the friendliest and best looking captain on the seas! He welcomed us on the first formal night by breaking out in song!  He had one marvelous baritone voice that just resonated the entire room. Another very nice touch~he stopped by all the dining room tables on Wednesday night and chatted briefly~first time a captain has done that on any of our 21 cruises. It is obvious that he is a *people* person and enjoys being around others. Food: This is subjective and just my opinion. The food in the Windjammer Buffet was very good. Lots of selections and plenty of fruit of all kinds.  Plenty of vegetables both raw and cooked. The doughnuts were the yeast type with icing and there was a raisin-citron bread that was sooo good. There were other fruit filled pastries and desserts which were very tasty. There was a good selection of entrees, although we ate most of our lunches and breakfasts there and did not try them.  Soup, salad and dessert was what I usually had at lunch. Once I had an egg salad sandwich and a tuna salad sandwich which appeared to have been made on a long loaf of French bread and cut in sections. There was plenty of ice cream from the machines on both sides of the cafe. Food in the dining room was good but not as good as it was on the Carnival Pride. The hot and cold soups were good, but somehow the entree offerings were not as appetizing. The presentation was attractive but it lacked the savory flavor even though most of it was quite spice laden . As I said, that is just my opinion. The dining room was attractive, we were on the upper level at a table for ten, where we could view the lower dining room from where we sat. Our tablemates could not have been better if we had chosen them, which in a way we did ..I’ll cover that a little later.. Library: BIG disappointment~very few books and none of the kind that we would care to read, so it was fortunate that we brought our own~not that we got much reading done! Entertainment: I cannot give an overall opinion because we just attended one comedy show with two comedians and we left early because they were not all that funny. I understand from hearing others talk, that the first night entertainment was the best. Ship’s Shops: I found them quite well stocked and with quite a few things that I have not seen available on other ships. Nice large shopping area. Photos: Too many photo ops everywhere one turned. We did not buy any because of the size. We like the album that holds 4×6 photos and they printed all large sized ones. So I just took a lot of photos with our camera.  Key West: We had intended to set out with Lloyd, George, Mary, Becca, Steve and some others, but not setting the time and place to meet the night before, that fell through.  Erm, Ed and I set out to do some shopping.  Bill wanted to just relax on the ship.. Ed finally found a hat he liked and Erm tried to get me to get a tattoo on our ankles (the kind that come off in a week.) She even had the guy talked down to a good rate for the both of us and I chickened out! LOL! She’s a charmer that one! We then proceeded on a six block hike to find the Blond Giraffe to supposedly taste the best key lime pie in Key West. Well, it turned out to be a very small place with a place to sit in front and we ended up getting key lime pie on a stick. Frozen covered with chocolate. Erm and Ed both did not care for theirs but I loved mine! Was disappointed, as on the internet they advertise selling a book on giraffes that I wanted to get; being I collect them and they did not have it nor the key lime cake that I wanted to bring home. Long walk back followed by many shop drop-ins. to Ed’s chagrin I like Key West. Roatan: Was one of my very favorite ports because of the visit to the orphanage. We met Jo-Ann, Bob and quite a few others at the pier entrance. We were so pleased to see that so many people responded to Jo-Ann’s appeal to bring things for the children. Along with cash, there were stuffed animals, puzzles, diapers, medical supplies, baseball bats, baseballs, school supplies, crayons and some people had put things in suitcases that they gave away along with the things in them. There were some very generous and kind people in this group and it was very evident that morning. We drove (six of us) with Brad, the orphanage director, in a pick up truck to the orphanage. Roatan is really a beautiful unspoiled island, but already, there are signs that that will change because large tracts of land have been bought up and are for sale at very high prices. Here and there, we saw resorts already open and some of the moneyed people have built huge lovely homes high on the hill with beautiful ocean views. The orphanage is on a hill with a lovely view of the ocean and is exactly as it looks on the site posted on rtc a few weeks ago. They have a screened in porch where little Anna~ nick-named "Anna-Banana,"( the little 6 yr.old Down Syndrome child who had lived in a chicken coop) and little Brendan (about 3-4) were playing, watched over by a very nice young man in his late teens~I’m awful about remembering names~so I hope some one who remembers his name will jump in and tell~anyway he was a volunteer who is spending a few months helping out. The area around the orphanage is all red soil similar to what you see in Georgia. Construction of a tall retainer wall was in progress. Beyond this wall, was a very large area which Brad envisions as a baseball field one day. It was all cleared and just needs grass. I think he also mentioned a basketball area, too. Brad and his wife are a lovely, decent and very dedicated couple and the determination that they have to make life so much better for those children is awesome, very heartwarming and inspiring. We all took off our shoes before we entered because of the red soil and found the floor, made up of 18" square lt.gray ceramic type tiles~ squeaky clean. Right on the entry wall was a large photo of each child living there. We visited with Anna and Brendan and had our pictures taken with them. Brendan and I became buddies and he held on to my hand during most of the tour of the facility.We took pictures and Brendan would not smile and we teased him about it and I told him that I bet he was hiding some pretty teeth and asked to see them and when he showed them, I told him that I just knew that he had beautiful teeth and he finally smiled for us! Brad showed us a nice large living area and a kitchen which was poorly supplied as far as appliances go and they are hoping to remedy that soon. Then we went upstairs to see the bedrooms. The children decorated their doors with crayon drawings and the bunk beds were sturdy wooden pine- like ones and the rooms were very homey and had bookcases and colorful accessories here and there. As we passed the boys’ bathroom which was all in blue with a counter row of sinks, there stood little Brendan on a stool, brushing his teeth!! What a cutie~he took all that fuss over his teeth to heart and was making sure his teeth looked nice! I would have loved to tuck that little one in one of our suitcases and brought him home. He followed me around with a book that had words of a thing on one side and that thing was hidden in a picture on the opposite page. I would read the word and he would point to the animal or thing in the … read more »

  Response:

  Sorry! I meant to say GGC2004! Wow am I ahead of myself! –Jean

  Response:

  Sorry! Meant to say GGC2004! –Jean

  Response:

  Jean, Thank you  for a wonderful report. S’nd I

  Response:

  > Jean, > Thank you  for a wonderful report.

  You’re quite welcome, Sunny. What I failed to mention was that it was ship that was very easy for the handicapped to get around on. Several people who were on scooters were very pleased about that.The crew was seemed very attentive to their needs. Sometimes Benedick would cheerfully hop on Vicki’s or Barb’s scooter and drive it to our table! –Jean

  Response:

  I guess you were in a time warp and Erm was on another ship….and neither of you noticed. The Not So Fine Art Of Google – Go To Top Of Thread http://makeashorterlink.com/?E29A321E6

  Response:

  LOL That’s what happens when you keep sticking your head in the microwave, SUNSET. Any apologies coming soon to Warren Davis? Naw, didn’t think so. The Not So Fine Art Of Google – Go To Top Of Thread http://makeashorterlink.com/?E29A321E6

  Response:

  What an excellent "Part One" review of your GGC "Radiance" cruise.  It was nice to read your personal observations which made your review lively…..not just a description of the various public rooms. I especially appreciated reading about the excursion to the Roatan orphanage.  That was very special and I am glad that all of you good people were able to, not only contribute, but also see first hand.   Jean, you write that you "get carried away"  with your reviews? Well…..of course, you should….that is what cruising is all nice moments from the GGC 2004 cruise.

  Response:

  > Jean, you write that you "get carried away"  with your reviews? > Well…..of course, you should….that is what cruising is all > nice moments from the GGC 2004 cruise.

  Angelica, I hope you have the opportunity to cruise with Jean some day.  She is a tiny little thing, but she has such a zest for life. Reading her review gives you a hint of her personality.  She is a delight. Becca  <—–and Ed isn’t so bad himself… Mariner of the Seas 3/04 Norwegian Dawn http://www.cruisemaster.com/dawn.htm Sleazy3 http://www.cruisemaster.com/sleazy3.htm MOAGC http://www.motherofallgroupcruises.com/

  Response:

  >>Jean, you write that you "get carried away"  with your reviews? >Well…..of course, you should….that is what cruising is all >nice moments from the GGC 2004 cruise. > Angelica, I hope you have the opportunity to cruise with Jean some > day.  She is a tiny little thing, but she has such a zest for life. > Reading her review gives you a hint of her personality.  She is a > delight. > Becca  <—–and Ed isn’t so bad himself…

  Hi Becca, Welcome home!! I have to agree with you about Jean and Ed. I had the pleasure of cruising with them and geting to know them on the SGC2003 and I can’t wait to see them on the Rhapsody of the Sea at the end of this month. sue

  Response:

  >> Jean, you write that you "get carried away"  with your reviews? > Well…..of course, you should….that is what cruising is all > nice moments from the GGC 2004 cruise. >Angelica, I hope you have the opportunity to cruise with Jean some >day.  She is a tiny little thing, but she has such a zest for life. >Reading her review gives you a hint of her personality.  She is a >delight. >Becca  <—–and Ed isn’t so bad himself…

  He’s especially handsome in his newly acquired hat!  We has such fun shopping that day in Key West, but Jean turned into a real wet blanket at the mere mention of a tatoo!  <grin> Ermalee <—never wants to see another frozen key lime thingee

  Response:

  > I have to agree with you about Jean and Ed. I had the >pleasure of cruising with them and geting to know them on the SGC2003 >and I can’t wait to see them on the Rhapsody of the Sea at the end of >this month. >sue

  Well, Sue, if you go shopping with her before the first formal night, I hope you have better shopping suggestions than I did.  She wouldn’t go for any of the  beautiful sheer stuff that I would have selected. Ermalee <—–meaning really sheer (tiny too)

  Response:

  - Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->>Jean, you write that you "get carried away"  with your reviews? >>Well…..of course, you should….that is what cruising is all >>nice moments from the GGC 2004 cruise. >Angelica, I hope you have the opportunity to cruise with Jean some >day.  She is a tiny little thing, but she has such a zest for life. >Reading her review gives you a hint of her personality.  She is a >delight. >Becca  <—–and Ed isn’t so bad himself… > He’s especially handsome in his newly acquired hat!  We has such fun shopping > that day in Key West, but Jean turned into a real wet > blanket at the mere mention of a tatoo!  <grin>

  Now Ed better bring that hat on the Mardi Gras cruise, so I can see what you are talking about(grin). sue

  Response:

  >>I have to agree with you about Jean and Ed. I had the >pleasure of cruising with them and geting to know them on the SGC2003 >and I can’t wait to see them on the Rhapsody of the Sea at the end of >this month. >sue > Well, Sue, if you go shopping with her before the first > formal night, I hope you have better shopping suggestions > than I did.  She wouldn’t go for any of the  beautiful sheer stuff > that I would have selected. > Ermalee <—–meaning really sheer (tiny too)

  LOL…….tiny would work very well for Jean. I could work to get her some sheer stuff, would look very nice in NO on Mardi Gras day(grin). One of these years I hope that we will be able to cruise with you!! sue

  Response:

  We, too, had the pleasure of cruising with Jean and Ed on the Pride. DH and I hope to cruise with them again. S’nd I

  Response:

  > Angelica, I hope you have the opportunity to cruise with Jean some > day.  She is a tiny little thing, but she has such a zest for life. > Reading her review gives you a hint of her personality.  She is a > delight.

  LOL Becca! You are such a morale booster~but please tell me what to do with those six*tiny* pounds that I gained on the cruise?? (Those darn desserts!) Thank you for the very nice compliments, you are a sweetie.  Speaking of zest for life, you are a great example of that yourself~~wish I could scuba and do all the beach activities that you can. At this stage in life, I guess that is not possible even though our scuba diving son tells me that there is a 79 year old woman who is in his scuba diving group and he keeps after me to take classes~me who can’t swim, yet!! Wasn’t GGC2004 great?  We should have renamed it the GGGC 2004. (Great Grand Group Cruise) It was wonderful seeing you again and meeting so many new friends. –Jean<~~hoping that I’ll be sailing with Becca again, very soon.

  Response:

  > Well, Sue, if you go shopping with her before the first > formal night, I hope you have better shopping suggestions > than I did.  She wouldn’t go for any of the  beautiful sheer stuff > that I would have selected. > Ermalee <—–meaning really sheer (tiny too)

  Sue, you have to be very careful when you go shopping with Erm! She’ll dazzle and wheel and deal those salespeople and they are like putty in her hands. From tattoos to black play boy thongs with a tiny sheer less than a min-skirt! In the end, I agreed to buy one to wear on formal night if she did the same. It was a good thing Ed was there or who knows what kind of trouble she would have gotten me into! –Jean

  Response:

  > LOL…….tiny would work very well for Jean. I could work to get her > some sheer stuff, would look very nice in NO on Mardi Gras day(grin). > One of these years I hope that we will be able to cruise with you!!

  You don’t know what Erm means when she says tiny and sheer, Sue!  I’m afraid there would be a few heart attacks if I wore what she suggested! I really hope that you and Erm meet one day. I built up enough endorphins to last me at least six months of good health from all the laughing at our table. My sides hurt~~we had a great group at our table. Erm’s husband, Bill, is a sweet, gentle and quiet man, so Erm makes up for the two of them! Add Tobie and Barb Gerbrandt, Tom and Vicki Gauldin and Claudia to that mix and you are in for it~non-stop humor. –Jean<~~re-living fun times!

  Response:

  > We, too, had the pleasure of cruising with Jean and Ed on the Pride. DH > and I hope to cruise with them again.

  Sunny, I have stopped having birthdays, so it must be sooner than that! They say that you are as young as you feel and if I keep feeling this well, I’ll have to start back at age 41~the year I kept telling everyone that I was 42~~so I never lived age 41. Good place to stop having birthdays!   That will make Ermalee my mother –Jean,~~getting back at Erm for telling a clerk in Key West not to talk that way to her mother (meaning me!)

  Response:

  as long as you don’t tell the waiters to bring a cake!! or sing. — Sheree

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> We, too, had the pleasure of cruising with Jean and Ed on the Pride. DH > and I hope to cruise with them again. > S’nd I

  Response:

  - Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Well, Sue, if you go shopping with her before the first >formal night, I hope you have better shopping suggestions >than I did.  She wouldn’t go for any of the  beautiful sheer stuff >that I would have selected. >Ermalee <—–meaning really sheer (tiny too) > Sue, you have to be very careful when you go shopping with Erm! She’ll > dazzle and wheel and deal those salespeople and they are like putty in her > hands. From tattoos to black play boy thongs with a tiny sheer less than a > min-skirt! In the end, I agreed to buy one to wear on formal night if she > did the same. It was a good thing Ed was there or who knows what kind of > trouble she would have gotten me into!

  Sounds like you had some fun!! What kind of hat did Ed buy?? Be sure to tell him to bring it on the Rhapsody. sue

  Response:

  > as long as you don’t tell the waiters to bring a cake!! or sing.

  ROTFL…….thanks Sheree I needed a laugh tonight!! sue

  Response:

  > as long as you don’t tell the waiters to bring a cake!! or sing.

  Yeah, Little Miss Innocence!!! ;-D Jean<~~~remembering another fun cruise.

  Response:

  > Sounds like you had some fun!! What kind of hat did Ed buy?? Be sure to > tell him to bring it on the Rhapsody.

  A Panama style but in an light olive green with some mesh material in it. With his sensitivity to the sun he had to get one that shaded his ears, so he got something bigger than what he usually wears. –Jean

  Response:

  >>Sounds like you had some fun!! What kind of hat did Ed buy?? Be sure to >tell him to bring it on the Rhapsody. > A Panama style but in an light olive green with some mesh material in it. > With his sensitivity to the sun he had to get one that shaded his ears, so > he got something bigger than what he usually wears.

  Sounds cool. I think Ed is going to have to watch out for Kevin, he loves hats(grin). sue

  Response:

  No comments tattoo picture
  
  

• Western Europe Itineraries for review……………. Thanks!

  Question:

  I referred to Let’s Go: Western Europe guide. Since i planned to spend 2 months in Europe and there is a quite similar itineraries for reference. I might follow it. Can u guys please have a look and waive anyone of those which u think won’t worth to spending time in? So that i have more time exploring others. Thanks so much. Paris – Versailless – Loire Valley – Bordeaux – Madrid – Lisbon – Barcelona – Avignon – Aix-en-Provence – Nice – Cinque Terre – Pisa – Florence – Siena – Rome – Venice – Milan – Zermatt – Interlaken – Geneva – Zurich – Salzburg – Vienna – Budapest – Praque – Munich – Dachau – Romantic Road – Rhine River – Berline – Hamburg – Copenhagen – Amsterdam – Brussels – Bruges

  Response:

  > I referred to Let’s Go: Western Europe guide. Since i planned to spend > 2 months in Europe and there is a quite similar itineraries for > reference. I might follow it. Can u guys please have a look and waive > anyone of those which u think won’t worth to spending time in? So that > i have more time exploring others. Thanks so much. > Paris – Versailless – Loire Valley – Bordeaux – Madrid – Lisbon – > Barcelona – Avignon – Aix-en-Provence – Nice – Cinque Terre – Pisa – > Florence – Siena – Rome – Venice – Milan – Zermatt – Interlaken – > Geneva – Zurich – Salzburg – Vienna – Budapest – Praque – Munich – > Dachau – Romantic Road – Rhine River – Berline – Hamburg – Copenhagen > – Amsterdam – Brussels – Bruges

  I would go from Zermatt to Geneva and then Interlaken and don’t miss Luzern/Lucerne on the way to Zurich. and your order for Prague to the Romantic Road may need a little tweaking. You have cut off a leck of a trip an two months may not be enough to do it well. You will still have only a bare taste of the places and they will start to run together. Personal opinion of mine is to pare it a bit by skipping Bordeaux, Spain and Portugal. Not that they aren’t worthwhile, but one needs to cut down on hotel changes and travel even with two months (you will need an occassional off day to do laundry and catch your breath. Paris, Rome, Vienna, Berlin are all multi day stops.

  Response:

  >I referred to Let’s Go: Western Europe guide. Since i planned to spend >2 months in Europe and there is a quite similar itineraries for >reference. I might follow it. Can u guys please have a look and waive >anyone of those which u think won’t worth to spending time in? So that >i have more time exploring others. Thanks so much. >Paris – Versailless – Loire Valley – Bordeaux – Madrid – Lisbon – >Barcelona – Avignon – Aix-en-Provence – Nice – Cinque Terre – Pisa – >Florence – Siena – Rome – Venice – Milan – Zermatt – Interlaken – >Geneva – Zurich – Salzburg – Vienna – Budapest – Praque – Munich – >Dachau – Romantic Road – Rhine River – Berline – Hamburg – Copenhagen >- Amsterdam – Brussels – Bruges

  35 places in about 60 days? It seems too much to me. I would cut it by about half. There is nothing to stop you making further visits later. PB

  Response:

  Marc

  > I referred to Let’s Go: Western Europe guide. Since i planned to spend > 2 months in Europe and there is a quite similar itineraries for > reference. I might follow it. Can u guys please have a look and waive > anyone of those which u think won’t worth to spending time in? So that > i have more time exploring others. Thanks so much. –snip– >Vienna – Budapest – Praque – Munich –

  –snip–   Between Vienna and Prague and about 2 hours off the track is Cesky Krumlov One of the most wonderful and unique sites in all central Europe.  I hope you can spend a couple of days there.   In addition to exploring a town That is very much the same as it was 250 years ago, and the castle, there are lots of recreational activites such as canoeing on the Vlatava, Horseback riding, bicycle riding and hiking.  Also dozens of historicale and cultural sites with in a short drive. My wife and I have spent 12 days there in the last four years.  More than any of the other cities you have mentioned.  We will probably stop by on our next trip to Europe also. I suggest you explore this web site <http://www.ckrumlov.cz/uk/atlas/i_cmm.htm>.  Start just by clicking on various features on this click sensitive map. I have spent dozens of hours exploring this web site and I’m not tired of it yet. — "Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel."  Samuel Johnson "Patriotism is your conviction that this country is superior to all other countries because you were born in it."                                                   George Bernard Shaw

  Response:

  >>Paris – Versailless – Loire Valley – Bordeaux – Madrid – Lisbon – >Barcelona – Avignon – Aix-en-Provence – Nice – Cinque Terre – Pisa – >Florence – Siena – Rome – Venice – Milan – Zermatt – Interlaken – >Geneva – Zurich – Salzburg – Vienna – Budapest – Praque – Munich – >Dachau – Romantic Road – Rhine River – Berline – Hamburg – Copenhagen >- Amsterdam – Brussels – Bruges >35 places in about 60 days? It seems too much to me. I would cut it by >about half. There is nothing to stop you making further visits later. >PB

  Doesn’t sound like a vacation to me either.  I believe the best part of a vacation is after the 3rd or 4th day when you forget to even think about what time it is or what day of the week it is.  For most of the year my life is ruled by the clock and calendar, so I look forward to the feeling of complete control on vacation.  Just looking at an itinerary like that fills me with anxiety and foreboding.  My advice to the OP is to get a rail pass and go with the wind.  Nothing wrong with a little spontaneity. K

  Response:

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Marc > I referred to Let’s Go: Western Europe guide. Since i planned to spend > 2 months in Europe and there is a quite similar itineraries for > reference. I might follow it. Can u guys please have a look and waive > anyone of those which u think won’t worth to spending time in? So that > i have more time exploring others. Thanks so much. > –snip– >Vienna – Budapest – Praque – Munich – > –snip– >   Between Vienna and Prague and about 2 hours off the track is Cesky Krumlov > One of the most wonderful and unique sites in all central Europe.  I hope > you can spend a couple of days there.   In addition to exploring a town That > is very much the same as it was 250 years ago, and the castle, there are > lots of recreational activites such as canoeing on the Vlatava, Horseback > riding, bicycle riding and hiking.  Also dozens of historicale and cultural > sites with in a short drive. > My wife and I have spent 12 days there in the last four years.  More than > any of the other cities you have mentioned.  We will probably stop by on our > next trip to Europe also.

  I ABSOLUTELY AGREE!!! Don’t miss Cesky Crumlov. It is one of the most amazing towns I have seen. Trim time off Prague and Vienna if you need to. There is heaps of accomodation and cheap eats, and great beer! This town is some awesome that one of the locals (that can be found around the town) has an enormous tattoo on his back devoted to his town. Now that says something! On hot days, you can hire a tire inner-tube, and float down the river, past the castle and tower, and the cross a small bit of land, and start the circuit again. Heaps of stuff to do there aswell. I went there intending on staying 1 night, and nearly stayed 2 weeks. Enjoy! — DFM

  Response:

  Thanks So much!!! jcoulter, I have no idea about the order. I just typed what the book suggested! I will arrange and reduce where necessary. Thanks! Padraig Breathnach, half? err… i will try to get rid some. but not much… Keeger, i also prefer to have a unplanned trip.. but worry about the accomodation Since i go to around june and july.. must be tons of ppl these days also trying to find for some cheap accomodation Marc, Two words! Trust you!!!!!!! I will arrange few days there… i really have no idea what’s going on in Europe. U guys are the only people i can trust DFM, I will try to find that local when i arrive hoping to take photo with him then send to you!!!!! ^_^ You guys are the best!!!

  Response:

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Thanks So much!!! > jcoulter, > I have no idea about the order. > I just typed what the book suggested! > I will arrange and reduce where necessary. > Thanks! > Padraig Breathnach, > half? > err… i will try to get rid some. > but not much… > Keeger, > i also prefer to have a unplanned trip.. > but worry about the accomodation > Since i go to around june and july.. must be tons of ppl > these days also trying to find for some cheap accomodation > Marc, > Two words! > Trust you!!!!!!! > I will arrange few days there… > i really have no idea what’s going on in Europe. > U guys are the only people i can trust > DFM, > I will try to find that local when i arrive > hoping to take photo with him then send to you!!!!! > ^_^

  He doesn’t take kindly to photos. He also doesn’t speak much English. There are a series of maps, I think one for Berlin, Prague and Cesky Crumlov, and the CC one has his a picture of his tattoo. Anyone got a link to the picture I am talking about? I couldn’t find it… — DFM

  Response:

  June is a good time for Cesky Krumlov.  If you time it right you can catch the Festival of the Five Petal Rose. For a cheap BB try this place <http://www.ckrumlov.cz/uk/mesto/objekt/i_lat28.htm>  this is actually a defensive tower built to defend the City Walls in the 15th century.  If you stay there say hi to Artha from Marc & Joan. Our favorite place to stay is this <http://www.ckrumlov.cz/uk/mesto/objekt/i_kaj66.htm>.  It is a bit more but still moderate.  It has more charm than any other place we have ever stayed in Europe.  If you dont stay there, EAT there.  It is great inexpensive food and you will have to squeeze into a table shared with 12 or so locals and German tourists and a spattering of other nationalities.  A great way to meet people and get good travel tips.  In fact its damn hard not to mix and have a good time, If some one comes in and plays the piano be prepared to spend the rest of the evening there drinking Czech Beer and singing old ssongs. — "These are the times that try men’s souls."  Tom Paine Marc B.    http://www.newsfeed.com       The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–= Over 100,000 Newsgroups – Unlimited Fast Downloads – 19 Servers =—–

  Response:

  Here are some links to my photo galleries.  2 of them are from Cesky Krumlov. <http://www.pbase.com/marc4ucb> — "These are the times that try men’s souls."  Tom Paine Marc B.    http://www.newsfeed.com       The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–= Over 100,000 Newsgroups – Unlimited Fast Downloads – 19 Servers =—–

  Response:

  > Doesn’t sound like a vacation to me either.  I believe the best part > of a vacation is after the 3rd or 4th day when you forget to even > think about what time it is or what day of the week it is.  For most > of the year my life is ruled by the clock and calendar, so I look > forward to the feeling of complete control on vacation.  Just looking > at an itinerary like that fills me with anxiety and foreboding.  My > advice to the OP is to get a rail pass and go with the wind.  Nothing > wrong with a little spontaneity. > K

  I’d have to agree wholeheartedly with the above, but it really is a matter of personal preference. For me, every day is filled with great stuff, and I’ve never found hitting a list of so-called "must-sees" more gratifying than just wandering semi-aimlessly. I say semi, because there are always general areas I want to get to, but I’ve never ever gone off with an itinerary of any kind, unless there are specific events I want to get to. bob

  Response:

  >I referred to Let’s Go: Western Europe guide. Since i planned to spend >2 months in Europe and there is a quite similar itineraries for >reference. I might follow it. Can u guys please have a look and waive >anyone of those which u think won’t worth to spending time in? So that >i have more time exploring others. Thanks so much. >Paris – Versailless – Loire Valley – Bordeaux – Madrid – Lisbon – >Barcelona – Avignon – Aix-en-Provence – Nice – Cinque Terre – Pisa – >Florence – Siena – Rome – Venice – Milan – Zermatt – Interlaken – >Geneva – Zurich – Salzburg – Vienna – Budapest – Praque – Munich – >Dachau – Romantic Road – Rhine River – Berline – Hamburg – Copenhagen >- Amsterdam – Brussels – Bruges

  You’re missing out Normandy. Mont St Michel (The 8th wonder of the world)  Caen (the home of Wiliam the conqueror) Bayeux (the home of the Tapistry)  Rouen (where Joan of Arc was burnt) and of course the D day landing beaches. www.cpmac.com/normandy.html Colin www.cpmac.com

  Response:

  I have always found the Michelin Green Guides to be an excellent and reliable resource when planning any trip in Europe. If they say it is "worth a trip" 99% of the time it actually is, plus their "detour" suggestions are often full of hidden charms. They are expensive, but worth every penny IMHO. I like their Red Guides too. I you can find these guides used and even several years out of date, they are still good resources. Things don’t change all that dramatically. Their best feature are the very detailed and accurate maps showing every little feature of downtown areas, where it would be next to impossible to find all of those maps independently on your own. No better guides. Worth the money. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I referred to Let’s Go: Western Europe guide. Since i planned to spend > 2 months in Europe and there is a quite similar itineraries for > reference. I might follow it. Can u guys please have a look and waive > anyone of those which u think won’t worth to spending time in? So that > i have more time exploring others. Thanks so much. > Paris – Versailless – Loire Valley – Bordeaux – Madrid – Lisbon – > Barcelona – Avignon – Aix-en-Provence – Nice – Cinque Terre – Pisa – > Florence – Siena – Rome – Venice – Milan – Zermatt – Interlaken – > Geneva – Zurich – Salzburg – Vienna – Budapest – Praque – Munich – > Dachau – Romantic Road – Rhine River – Berline – Hamburg – Copenhagen > – Amsterdam – Brussels – Bruges

  Response:

  I agree with your used guides assessment. Hotel rates change, museums change days they are closed and train schedule change of course but for basic info on history and what’s worth a look they are great for setting up an itinerary. Just compare a current edition of ant travel guide with one from the same company from two or three years ago and the "boilerplate" history info is mostly the same. Our county library has an annual book sale and guides just two years old can be had for $.50. Used book store sell them for generally half price.  Once you read up and decide on an itinerary I would however, get current info. If your going to spend some four figure number on a trip, don’t hedge by not getting an $18 guide book. Sometimes we just check out the current one at the library and return it in two or three weeks when our trip is done. It’s back on the same shelf after a nice trip to Europe. Doug Burke – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I have always found the Michelin Green Guides to be an excellent and > reliable resource when planning any trip in Europe. If they say it is > "worth a trip" 99% of the time it actually is, plus their "detour" > suggestions are often full of hidden charms. > They are expensive, but worth every penny IMHO. I like their Red > Guides too. I you can find these guides used and even several years > out of date, they are still good resources. Things don’t change all > that dramatically. > Their best feature are the very detailed and accurate maps showing > every little feature of downtown areas, where it would be next to > impossible to find all of those maps independently on your own. > No better guides. Worth the money. > I referred to Let’s Go: Western Europe guide. Since i planned to spend > 2 months in Europe and there is a quite similar itineraries for > reference. I might follow it. Can u guys please have a look and waive > anyone of those which u think won’t worth to spending time in? So that > i have more time exploring others. Thanks so much. > Paris – Versailless – Loire Valley – Bordeaux – Madrid – Lisbon – > Barcelona – Avignon – Aix-en-Provence – Nice – Cinque Terre – Pisa – > Florence – Siena – Rome – Venice – Milan – Zermatt – Interlaken – > Geneva – Zurich – Salzburg – Vienna – Budapest – Praque – Munich – > Dachau – Romantic Road – Rhine River – Berline – Hamburg – Copenhagen > – Amsterdam – Brussels – Bruges

  Response:

  I referred to Let’s Go: Western Europe guide. Since i planned to spend 2 months in Europe and there is a quite similar itineraries for reference. I might follow it. Can u guys please have a look and waive anyone of those which u think won’t worth to spending time in? So that i have more time exploring others. Thanks so much. Paris – Versailless – Loire Valley – Bordeaux – Madrid – Lisbon – Barcelona – Avignon – Aix-en-Provence – Nice – Cinque Terre – Pisa – Florence – Siena – Rome – Venice – Milan – Zermatt – Interlaken – Geneva – Zurich – Salzburg – Vienna – Budapest – Praque – Munich – Dachau – Romantic Road – Rhine River – Berline – Hamburg – Copenhagen – Amsterdam – Brussels – Bruges

  Response:

  > I referred to Let’s Go: Western Europe guide. Since i planned to spend > 2 months in Europe and there is a quite similar itineraries for > reference. I might follow it. Can u guys please have a look and waive > anyone of those which u think won’t worth to spending time in? So that > i have more time exploring others. Thanks so much. > Paris – Versailless – Loire Valley – Bordeaux – Madrid – Lisbon – > Barcelona – Avignon – Aix-en-Provence – Nice – Cinque Terre – Pisa – > Florence – Siena – Rome – Venice – Milan – Zermatt – Interlaken – > Geneva – Zurich – Salzburg – Vienna – Budapest – Praque – Munich – > Dachau – Romantic Road – Rhine River – Berline – Hamburg – Copenhagen > – Amsterdam – Brussels – Bruges

  I would go from Zermatt to Geneva and then Interlaken and don’t miss Luzern/Lucerne on the way to Zurich. and your order for Prague to the Romantic Road may need a little tweaking. You have cut off a leck of a trip an two months may not be enough to do it well. You will still have only a bare taste of the places and they will start to run together. Personal opinion of mine is to pare it a bit by skipping Bordeaux, Spain and Portugal. Not that they aren’t worthwhile, but one needs to cut down on hotel changes and travel even with two months (you will need an occassional off day to do laundry and catch your breath. Paris, Rome, Vienna, Berlin are all multi day stops.

  Response:

  >I referred to Let’s Go: Western Europe guide. Since i planned to spend >2 months in Europe and there is a quite similar itineraries for >reference. I might follow it. Can u guys please have a look and waive >anyone of those which u think won’t worth to spending time in? So that >i have more time exploring others. Thanks so much. >Paris – Versailless – Loire Valley – Bordeaux – Madrid – Lisbon – >Barcelona – Avignon – Aix-en-Provence – Nice – Cinque Terre – Pisa – >Florence – Siena – Rome – Venice – Milan – Zermatt – Interlaken – >Geneva – Zurich – Salzburg – Vienna – Budapest – Praque – Munich – >Dachau – Romantic Road – Rhine River – Berline – Hamburg – Copenhagen >- Amsterdam – Brussels – Bruges

  35 places in about 60 days? It seems too much to me. I would cut it by about half. There is nothing to stop you making further visits later. PB

  Response:

  Marc

  > I referred to Let’s Go: Western Europe guide. Since i planned to spend > 2 months in Europe and there is a quite similar itineraries for > reference. I might follow it. Can u guys please have a look and waive > anyone of those which u think won’t worth to spending time in? So that > i have more time exploring others. Thanks so much. –snip– >Vienna – Budapest – Praque – Munich –

  –snip–   Between Vienna and Prague and about 2 hours off the track is Cesky Krumlov One of the most wonderful and unique sites in all central Europe.  I hope you can spend a couple of days there.   In addition to exploring a town That is very much the same as it was 250 years ago, and the castle, there are lots of recreational activites such as canoeing on the Vlatava, Horseback riding, bicycle riding and hiking.  Also dozens of historicale and cultural sites with in a short drive. My wife and I have spent 12 days there in the last four years.  More than any of the other cities you have mentioned.  We will probably stop by on our next trip to Europe also. I suggest you explore this web site <http://www.ckrumlov.cz/uk/atlas/i_cmm.htm>.  Start just by clicking on various features on this click sensitive map. I have spent dozens of hours exploring this web site and I’m not tired of it yet. — "Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel."  Samuel Johnson "Patriotism is your conviction that this country is superior to all other countries because you were born in it."                                                   George Bernard Shaw

  Response:

  >>Paris – Versailless – Loire Valley – Bordeaux – Madrid – Lisbon – >Barcelona – Avignon – Aix-en-Provence – Nice – Cinque Terre – Pisa – >Florence – Siena – Rome – Venice – Milan – Zermatt – Interlaken – >Geneva – Zurich – Salzburg – Vienna – Budapest – Praque – Munich – >Dachau – Romantic Road – Rhine River – Berline – Hamburg – Copenhagen >- Amsterdam – Brussels – Bruges >35 places in about 60 days? It seems too much to me. I would cut it by >about half. There is nothing to stop you making further visits later. >PB

  Doesn’t sound like a vacation to me either.  I believe the best part of a vacation is after the 3rd or 4th day when you forget to even think about what time it is or what day of the week it is.  For most of the year my life is ruled by the clock and calendar, so I look forward to the feeling of complete control on vacation.  Just looking at an itinerary like that fills me with anxiety and foreboding.  My advice to the OP is to get a rail pass and go with the wind.  Nothing wrong with a little spontaneity. K

  Response:

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Marc > I referred to Let’s Go: Western Europe guide. Since i planned to spend > 2 months in Europe and there is a quite similar itineraries for > reference. I might follow it. Can u guys please have a look and waive > anyone of those which u think won’t worth to spending time in? So that > i have more time exploring others. Thanks so much. > –snip– >Vienna – Budapest – Praque – Munich – > –snip– >   Between Vienna and Prague and about 2 hours off the track is Cesky Krumlov > One of the most wonderful and unique sites in all central Europe.  I hope > you can spend a couple of days there.   In addition to exploring a town That > is very much the same as it was 250 years ago, and the castle, there are > lots of recreational activites such as canoeing on the Vlatava, Horseback > riding, bicycle riding and hiking.  Also dozens of historicale and cultural > sites with in a short drive. > My wife and I have spent 12 days there in the last four years.  More than > any of the other cities you have mentioned.  We will probably stop by on our > next trip to Europe also.

  I ABSOLUTELY AGREE!!! Don’t miss Cesky Crumlov. It is one of the most amazing towns I have seen. Trim time off Prague and Vienna if you need to. There is heaps of accomodation and cheap eats, and great beer! This town is some awesome that one of the locals (that can be found around the town) has an enormous tattoo on his back devoted to his town. Now that says something! On hot days, you can hire a tire inner-tube, and float down the river, past the castle and tower, and the cross a small bit of land, and start the circuit again. Heaps of stuff to do there aswell. I went there intending on staying 1 night, and nearly stayed 2 weeks. Enjoy! — DFM

  Response:

  Thanks So much!!! jcoulter, I have no idea about the order. I just typed what the book suggested! I will arrange and reduce where necessary. Thanks! Padraig Breathnach, half? err… i will try to get rid some. but not much… Keeger, i also prefer to have a unplanned trip.. but worry about the accomodation Since i go to around june and july.. must be tons of ppl these days also trying to find for some cheap accomodation Marc, Two words! Trust you!!!!!!! I will arrange few days there… i really have no idea what’s going on in Europe. U guys are the only people i can trust DFM, I will try to find that local when i arrive hoping to take photo with him then send to you!!!!! ^_^ You guys are the best!!!

  Response:

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Thanks So much!!! > jcoulter, > I have no idea about the order. > I just typed what the book suggested! > I will arrange and reduce where necessary. > Thanks! > Padraig Breathnach, > half? > err… i will try to get rid some. > but not much… > Keeger, > i also prefer to have a unplanned trip.. > but worry about the accomodation > Since i go to around june and july.. must be tons of ppl > these days also trying to find for some cheap accomodation > Marc, > Two words! > Trust you!!!!!!! > I will arrange few days there… > i really have no idea what’s going on in Europe. > U guys are the only people i can trust > DFM, > I will try to find that local when i arrive > hoping to take photo with him then send to you!!!!! > ^_^

  He doesn’t take kindly to photos. He also doesn’t speak much English. There are a series of maps, I think one for Berlin, Prague and Cesky Crumlov, and the CC one has his a picture of his tattoo. Anyone got a link to the picture I am talking about? I couldn’t find it… — DFM

  Response:

  June is a good time for Cesky Krumlov.  If you time it right you can catch the Festival of the Five Petal Rose. For a cheap BB try this place <http://www.ckrumlov.cz/uk/mesto/objekt/i_lat28.htm>  this is actually a defensive tower built to defend the City Walls in the 15th century.  If you stay there say hi to Artha from Marc & Joan. Our favorite place to stay is this <http://www.ckrumlov.cz/uk/mesto/objekt/i_kaj66.htm>.  It is a bit more but still moderate.  It has more charm than any other place we have ever stayed in Europe.  If you dont stay there, EAT there.  It is great inexpensive food and you will have to squeeze into a table shared with 12 or so locals and German tourists and a spattering of other nationalities.  A great way to meet people and get good travel tips.  In fact its damn hard not to mix and have a good time, If some one comes in and plays the piano be prepared to spend the rest of the evening there drinking Czech Beer and singing old ssongs. — "These are the times that try men’s souls."  Tom Paine Marc B.    http://www.newsfeed.com       The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–= Over 100,000 Newsgroups – Unlimited Fast Downloads – 19 Servers =—–

  Response:

  Here are some links to my photo galleries.  2 of them are from Cesky Krumlov. <http://www.pbase.com/marc4ucb> — "These are the times that try men’s souls."  Tom Paine Marc B.    http://www.newsfeed.com       The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–= Over 100,000 Newsgroups – Unlimited Fast Downloads – 19 Servers =—–

  Response:

  > Doesn’t sound like a vacation to me either.  I believe the best part > of a vacation is after the 3rd or 4th day when you forget to even > think about what time it is or what day of the week it is.  For most > of the year my life is ruled by the clock and calendar, so I look > forward to the feeling of complete control on vacation.  Just looking > at an itinerary like that fills me with anxiety and foreboding.  My > advice to the OP is to get a rail pass and go with the wind.  Nothing > wrong with a little spontaneity. > K

  I’d have to agree wholeheartedly with the above, but it really is a matter of personal preference. For me, every day is filled with great stuff, and I’ve never found hitting a list of so-called "must-sees" more gratifying than just wandering semi-aimlessly. I say semi, because there are always general areas I want to get to, but I’ve never ever gone off with an itinerary of any kind, unless there are specific events I want to get to. bob

  Response:

  >I referred to Let’s Go: Western Europe guide. Since i planned to spend >2 months in Europe and there is a quite similar itineraries for >reference. I might follow it. Can u guys please have a look and waive >anyone of those which u think won’t worth to spending time in? So that >i have more time exploring others. Thanks so much. >Paris – Versailless – Loire Valley – Bordeaux – Madrid – Lisbon – >Barcelona – Avignon – Aix-en-Provence – Nice – Cinque Terre – Pisa – >Florence – Siena – Rome – Venice – Milan – Zermatt – Interlaken – >Geneva – Zurich – Salzburg – Vienna – Budapest – Praque – Munich – >Dachau – Romantic Road – Rhine River – Berline – Hamburg – Copenhagen >- Amsterdam – Brussels – Bruges

  You’re missing out Normandy. Mont St Michel (The 8th wonder of the world)  Caen (the home of Wiliam the conqueror) Bayeux (the home of the Tapistry)  Rouen (where Joan of Arc was burnt) and of course the D day landing beaches. www.cpmac.com/normandy.html Colin www.cpmac.com

  Response:

  I have always found the Michelin Green Guides to be an excellent and reliable resource when planning any trip in Europe. If they say it is "worth a trip" 99% of the time it actually is, plus their "detour" suggestions are often full of hidden charms. They are expensive, but worth every penny IMHO. I like their Red Guides too. I you can find these guides used and even several years out of date, they are still good resources. Things don’t change all that dramatically. Their best feature are the very detailed and accurate maps showing every little feature of downtown areas, where it would be next to impossible to find all of those maps independently on your own. No better guides. Worth the money. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I referred to Let’s Go: Western Europe guide. Since i planned to spend > 2 months in Europe and there is a quite similar itineraries for > reference. I might follow it. Can u guys please have a look and waive > anyone of those which u think won’t worth to spending time in? So that > i have more time exploring others. Thanks so much. > Paris – Versailless – Loire Valley – Bordeaux – Madrid – Lisbon – > Barcelona – Avignon – Aix-en-Provence – Nice – Cinque Terre – Pisa – > Florence – Siena – Rome – Venice – Milan – Zermatt – Interlaken – > Geneva – Zurich – Salzburg – Vienna – Budapest – Praque – Munich – > Dachau – Romantic Road – Rhine River – Berline – Hamburg – Copenhagen > – Amsterdam – Brussels – Bruges

  Response:

  I agree with your used guides assessment. Hotel rates change, museums change days they are closed and train schedule change of course but for basic info on history and what’s worth a look they are great for setting up an itinerary. Just compare a current edition of ant travel guide with one from the same company from two or three years ago and the "boilerplate" history info is mostly the same. Our county library has an annual book sale and guides just two years old can be had for $.50. Used book store sell them for generally half price.  Once you read up and decide on an itinerary I would however, get current info. If your going to spend some four figure number on a trip, don’t hedge by not getting an $18 guide book. Sometimes we just check out the current one at the library and return it in two or three weeks when our trip is done. It’s back on the same shelf after a nice trip to Europe. Doug Burke – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I have always found the Michelin Green Guides to be an excellent and > reliable resource when planning any trip in Europe. If they say it is > "worth a trip" 99% of the time it actually is, plus their "detour" > suggestions are often full of hidden charms. > They are expensive, but worth every penny IMHO. I like their Red > Guides too. I you can find these guides used and even several years > out of date, they are still good resources. Things don’t change all > that dramatically. > Their best feature are the very detailed and accurate maps showing > every little feature of downtown areas, where it would be next to > impossible to find all of those maps independently on your own. > No better guides. Worth the money. > I referred to Let’s Go: Western Europe guide. Since i planned to spend > 2 months in Europe and there is a quite similar itineraries for > reference. I might follow it. Can u guys please have a look and waive > anyone of those which u think won’t worth to spending time in? So that > i have more time exploring others. Thanks so much. > Paris – Versailless – Loire Valley – Bordeaux – Madrid – Lisbon – > Barcelona – Avignon – Aix-en-Provence – Nice – Cinque Terre – Pisa – > Florence – Siena – Rome – Venice – Milan – Zermatt – Interlaken – > Geneva – Zurich – Salzburg – Vienna – Budapest – Praque – Munich – > Dachau – Romantic Road – Rhine River – Berline – Hamburg – Copenhagen > – Amsterdam – Brussels – Bruges

  Response:

  No comments tattoo picture
  
  

• I'm going to Irealnd and Scotland

  Question:

  Originally posted by Congokid – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> In article , Christian M. > Nielsen  writes >What are the MSUT SEE sights there? >I like nature better than the opera, and architecture better than >     modern art >museums. > Amazed that no one’s mentioned Giant’s Causeway and the rest of the > north Antrim coast. But then one historical man of letters (can’t > remember who) did comment that it was ‘worth seeing, but not > worth going > to see’. Have a go at crossing the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge. > I also like the Ring of Kerry but it’s quite busy during summer > months. > And Lough Corrib in County Galway – 365 islands on it, apparently. > — Hey if someone is going to N.I. don’t forget ports Balintoy and > Ballintrae, Bushmills whiskey distillery and the Marble Arch Caves in > Fermanagh, Dunluce Castle ? Carrickfergus Castle ?

  – Posted via http://britishexpats.com

  Response:

  > — Hey if someone is going to N.I. don’t forget ports Balintoy and > Ballintrae, Bushmills whiskey distillery and the Marble Arch Caves in > Fermanagh, Dunluce Castle ? Carrickfergus Castle ?

  What are the best Destilleries to see in the Fort William area?? (Scotland) — Mvh / Regards -=< Christian >=- What capital has 164 letters in its name? See my web page to find out. http://www.cmnielsen.dk     ICQ: 25308942 " If something’s hard to do, then it’s not worth doing. Homer J. Simpson"

  Response:

  Had a wonderful tour of Scotland with Cameron Tours last March.  He did a customized and economical tour in his van, staying at B&B’s.  Highly recommended if he fits your schedule. Barbara in CT – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->What are the MSUT SEE sights there? >I like nature better than the opera, and architecture better than modern >art >museums. >In Scotland the best architecture is to be found in the Old town area of >Edinburgh and in the centre of Glasgow.  If you want nature travel up the A9 >to Inverness, the scenery is superbly rugged and Inverness is a great town >gary

  Response:

  Hi PB- Yup- I made a number of errors in spelling and exact locations. You’ve been very careful to correct each one. And criticize some that you didn’t have to correct. And you disagree with some of the things I enjoyed. That’s cool. But you added very little. Since you clearly know quite a bit, why don’t you spend some energy helping by suggesting some things that YOU think the writer might find interesting instead of just the negativity? You probably have a lot to offer. Susan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Also Doolan – a little town on the west coast (Mayo maybe?)- is full of >Irish music and a great place to spend an evening- or two or three). > I think you mean Doolin, in County Clare — some distance from Mayo! >Be sure to kiss the Blarney Stone. (Do you think I’d have written so >much here if I didn’t get the gift of gab? They even sell you a >certificate attesting that you’ve kissed it and OFFICIALLY have the gift >of gab!) The second time I was there, they had spiffed it up a little >and made it safer-looking (so you can’t fall of the castle wall >upside-down and backwards when you lean over to kiss it. But a little >old leprechaun-looking man holds your feet, so you won’t even feel >(much) that you’ll fall. Part of the local lore is that the local kids >sneak up at night and pee on the stone. Sounds very plausible to me. > Jaysus, don’t go near the Blarney Stone! It’s about as naff a tourist > trap as you can find. >If you like nature, you’ll love a pony and trap ride across the Lakes of >Killarney. A trap is a tiny cart pulled by a pony. The ones that I’ve >been in hold 4 people. You get them at a broken down farm yard where >local men bring their ponies and traps for you to board (wear old shoes >or boots- it’s mucky) and then they guide it over the Gap of Dunloe >which is a ride over a beautiful, barren gap in the mountains. The >scenery is breathtaking and unusual! When we did it, it ended at the >head of the Lakes of Killarney where you transfer to little boats that >take you across the lovely, quiet little Lakes to Muckross House where >your transportation takes you back to town. > They cost a bomb! Use your hire car, and drive slowly (don’t, however, > attempt to cross the lake by car). >Another place I really enjoyed both times I was in the southeast  was >the Rock of Cashel- where Brian Boru is reputed to have ruled >Ireland. A walk up a steep road to the ruins. The ruins are beautiful >and moving. The view from the graveyard outside is stunning. > All correct, except for the bit about Brian Boru. He was based in > Kincora, close to the very pleasant small town of Killaloe. >If you like gardens, I’ve heard Powers Court is supposed to be THE place >to see a glorious display. > Good. It’s in Co. Wicklow, just to the south of Dublin. Perhaps better > is Mount Usher, also in Co. Wicklow. >A drive through the area south of Dublin was fascinating- be sure >someone (or a guide book) explains the peat fields and how they’re >stacked and why, etc. > That’s Wicklow, again. You will see more turf-cutting in the west > coast counties. >The Cliffs of Moher, the limestone caves in the Burren, the dolmens- all >in the northwest make a lovely day. > Southwest — Co. Clare. >Ruined abbeys and castles all over >Ireland. (I didn’t stop for EVERY one- but just about!) >Moran’s Oyster Hut just south of Galway City was delicious. >A dinner at Bunratty castle is touristy but if you like that sort of >thing, is was fun. Serving wenches, eat with your hands (and ?maybe? a >fork) medieval music, etc) > It’s better during the day, without the dinner. The folk park at > Bunratty is an excellent visit. >And the Book of Kells- breathingly gorgeous! It used to be that you >could only see it for a brief time as the line is pushed along- but I >hear that they’ve created a whole little room where you’re shown and >told all sorts of things about it before you see it. And that one of the >things is a series of hugely enlarged  illuminated pictures of the pages >to get to really "see" them. Would have been nice to have an idea what I >was about to see. >It’s at Trinity college in Dublin which is lovely itself. Just wander. >If it’s open, be sure to look at the long, old, beautiful library room. >(Can’t think what it’s called. It’s where the Book of Kells used to be >displayed.) > The Long Room, in the Old Library. Worth seeing. I believe that its > image was used in the recent Harry Potter film. Look for the Brian > Boru harp there; the national emblem is the harp, and that one is the > model; you will find it reproduced on Irish coins and on letters from > government agencies such as the Revenue Commissioners. > PB

  Response:

  > What are the MSUT SEE sights there? > I like nature better than the opera, and architecture better than modern art > museums. > — > Mvh / Regards

  Scotland: For nature/scenery you will be spoiled for choice. My favourite is to drive up the small west coast roads, try from Oban going north up past Port Appin towards Fort William. Maybe Applecross if you have time. Hills, Islands, sea & white beaches. Some people like Glencoe – it is a very ‘dark’ steep sided valley (glen) although maybe that adds to the history (massacre of Glencoe). Loch Lomond (my favourite is the small east coast road) is very pretty, but can be busy if the weather is nice. Numerous other scenic places throughout the Highlands, and the lowlands/borders ars also nice if you like less rugged, more rolling scenery. For architecture, definitely Edinburgh #1 with the castle and lost of old buildings. Stirling is also quite nice. Countless other castles – Eilean Donnan (sp?) on mainland but near island of Skye is probably one of the most photographed. Have fun, and if you are coming late summer/fall remember insect repellant for the Midgies…… Mark

  Response:

  - Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> >One thing to add to those suggested already is the National Museum of > >Ireland in Dublin. I found it (near Merrion Square) to be a fasciating > >glimpse of the ancient Irish past and in a very nice building as well. >It’s > >small so it shouldn’t take more than an hour or so to see. > It is fairly good, and it’s free. It’s on Kildare Street, only a short > stroll from Trinity College. The Museum also has a larger display at > Collins Barracks, about 2 km. away. There is a bus link between the > two premises. > PB >Ahh – So it’s the same museum is it – Not two museum with the same name ? >I did get a bit confused when I saw a sign pointing to the National Museum >of Ireland in the wrong direction – so I ignored the sign

  Usually a good idea in Ireland. >I had assumed that the one at the barracks was a military museum – So is it >just a bigger but similar version of the Kildare street one. (planning my >next visit already)

  The Kildare Street premises is relatively small. In fact, it has got a good deal smaller during my lifetime as space was taken from it for other purposes (principally to accommodate parliamentary and government offices in adjacent buildings). When the new museum was opened, I was charmed to find things on display which I had not seen for many years, and much that I had never seen. The cream of the collection is displayed in Kildare Street. >P.S. for anyone going soon – Waiting for Godot at the Gate theatre is very >good. (IMO)

  Probably. Nearly everything done at the Gate Theatre is very good! PB

  Response:

  > What are the MSUT SEE sights there?

  If you’re big on stone circles, standing stones and stuff, the guy who runs www.megalithomania.com was a wealth of information about Ireland. He noted a stone back behind an Army training range which was well worth the hunt. Other bits which stood out for us were the Cliffs of Moher, the mountain drive from Killarney to Kenmare (there’s another way back that’s a bit out of the way but less stressful), using the train-system throughout the Dublin area for sight-seeing, Kinsale on the south coast, the Rock of Cashel and staying at Dromoland Castle near Shannon airport.

  Response:

  >One thing to add to those suggested already is the National Museum of >Ireland in Dublin. I found it (near Merrion Square) to be a fasciating >glimpse of the ancient Irish past and in a very nice building as well. It’s >small so it shouldn’t take more than an hour or so to see. > It is fairly good, and it’s free. It’s on Kildare Street, only a short > stroll from Trinity College. The Museum also has a larger display at > Collins Barracks, about 2 km. away. There is a bus link between the > two premises. > PB

  Ahh – So it’s the same museum is it – Not two museum with the same name ? I did get a bit confused when I saw a sign pointing to the National Museum of Ireland in the wrong direction – so I ignored the sign I had assumed that the one at the barracks was a military museum – So is it just a bigger but similar version of the Kildare street one. (planning my next visit already) P.S. for anyone going soon – Waiting for Godot at the Gate theatre is very good. (IMO)

  Response:

  > Since you clearly know quite a bit, why don’t you spend some energy > helping by suggesting some things that YOU think the writer might find > interesting instead of just the negativity? You probably have a lot to > offer.

  He already did that. Barbara

  Response:

  >Yup- I made a number of errors in spelling and exact locations. You’ve >been very careful to correct each one. And criticize some that you >didn’t have to correct. And you disagree with some of the things I >enjoyed. That’s cool. >But you added very little. >Since you clearly know quite a bit, why don’t you spend some energy >helping by suggesting some things that YOU think the writer might find >interesting instead of just the negativity? You probably have a lot to >offer.

  I had already posted on this topic. I get the impression that you didn’t really like what I wrote. Be grateful that I didn’t actually point out every error. Do you want a list of what I let pass? The touristy things I would not ever do in Ireland are: – kiss the Blarney Stone; – hire a jaunting car in Killarney – take a "medieval" banquet at Bunratty. They are theme park Ireland, and there are enough authentic experiences available without such things being needed. PB

  Response:

  > What are the MSUT SEE sights there? > I like nature better than the opera, and architecture better than modern art > museums.

  One thing to add to those suggested already is the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin. I found it (near Merrion Square) to be a fasciating glimpse of the ancient Irish past and in a very nice building as well. It’s small so it shouldn’t take more than an hour or so to see.

  Response:

  >One thing to add to those suggested already is the National Museum of >Ireland in Dublin. I found it (near Merrion Square) to be a fasciating >glimpse of the ancient Irish past and in a very nice building as well. It’s >small so it shouldn’t take more than an hour or so to see.

  It is fairly good, and it’s free. It’s on Kildare Street, only a short stroll from Trinity College. The Museum also has a larger display at Collins Barracks, about 2 km. away. There is a bus link between the two premises. PB

  Response:

  Forgot to say it’s this July — Mvh / Regards -=< Christian >=- What capital has 164 letters in its name? See my web page to find out. http://www.cmnielsen.dk     ICQ: 25308942 Destiny is not a matter of chance it is a matter of choice

  Response:

  What are the MSUT SEE sights there? I like nature better than the opera, and architecture better than modern art museums. — Mvh / Regards -=< Christian >=- What capital has 164 letters in its name? See my web page to find out. http://www.cmnielsen.dk     ICQ: 25308942 Destiny is not a matter of chance it is a matter of choice

  Response:

  >What are the MSUT SEE sights there? >I like nature better than the opera, and architecture better than modern art >museums.

  In Ireland, most of the best scenery is to be found on the west coast — almost anywhere along that coast. Dublin has some good Georgian architecture. What about historic sites and social life? We do some good stuff in those areas. PB

  Response:

  > In Ireland, most of the best scenery is to be found on the west coast > — almost anywhere along that coast.

  OK; Thx a lot. > Dublin has some good Georgian architecture. > What about historic sites and social life? We do some good stuff in > those areas.

  I like historical stuff better that social life (if it’s the same as night life??) Of cource I’ll see your night life too, but it’s not the main reason for me to travel there. — Mvh / Regards -=< Christian >=- What capital has 164 letters in its name? See my web page to find out. http://www.cmnielsen.dk     ICQ: 25308942 Destiny is not a matter of chance it is a matter of choice

  Response:

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> In Ireland, most of the best scenery is to be found on the west coast > — almost anywhere along that coast. >OK; Thx a lot. > Dublin has some good Georgian architecture. > What about historic sites and social life? We do some good stuff in > those areas. >I like historical stuff better that social life (if it’s the same as night >life??) Of cource I’ll see your night life too, but it’s not the main reason >for me to travel there.

  Newgrange/Knowth is a must. Recommended: Glendalough; the Rock of Cashel; Clonmacnoise. Worth seeing if you are in the area: Gallarus Oratory (Kerry); Bunratty (Clare); Grianan Aileach (Donegal); Monasterboice (Louth); Carrowmore (Sligo). PB

  Response:

  >Also Doolan – a little town on the west coast (Mayo maybe?)- is full of >Irish music and a great place to spend an evening- or two or three).

  I think you mean Doolin, in County Clare — some distance from Mayo! >Be sure to kiss the Blarney Stone. (Do you think I’d have written so >much here if I didn’t get the gift of gab? They even sell you a >certificate attesting that you’ve kissed it and OFFICIALLY have the gift >of gab!) The second time I was there, they had spiffed it up a little >and made it safer-looking (so you can’t fall of the castle wall >upside-down and backwards when you lean over to kiss it. But a little >old leprechaun-looking man holds your feet, so you won’t even feel >(much) that you’ll fall. Part of the local lore is that the local kids >sneak up at night and pee on the stone. Sounds very plausible to me.

  Jaysus, don’t go near the Blarney Stone! It’s about as naff a tourist trap as you can find. >If you like nature, you’ll love a pony and trap ride across the Lakes of >Killarney. A trap is a tiny cart pulled by a pony. The ones that I’ve >been in hold 4 people. You get them at a broken down farm yard where >local men bring their ponies and traps for you to board (wear old shoes >or boots- it’s mucky) and then they guide it over the Gap of Dunloe >which is a ride over a beautiful, barren gap in the mountains. The >scenery is breathtaking and unusual! When we did it, it ended at the >head of the Lakes of Killarney where you transfer to little boats that >take you across the lovely, quiet little Lakes to Muckross House where >your transportation takes you back to town.

  They cost a bomb! Use your hire car, and drive slowly (don’t, however, attempt to cross the lake by car). >Another place I really enjoyed both times I was in the southeast  was >the Rock of Cashel- where Brian Boru is reputed to have ruled >Ireland. A walk up a steep road to the ruins. The ruins are beautiful >and moving. The view from the graveyard outside is stunning.

  All correct, except for the bit about Brian Boru. He was based in Kincora, close to the very pleasant small town of Killaloe. >If you like gardens, I’ve heard Powers Court is supposed to be THE place >to see a glorious display.

  Good. It’s in Co. Wicklow, just to the south of Dublin. Perhaps better is Mount Usher, also in Co. Wicklow. >A drive through the area south of Dublin was fascinating- be sure >someone (or a guide book) explains the peat fields and how they’re >stacked and why, etc.

  That’s Wicklow, again. You will see more turf-cutting in the west coast counties. >The Cliffs of Moher, the limestone caves in the Burren, the dolmens- all >in the northwest make a lovely day.

  Southwest — Co. Clare. >Ruined abbeys and castles all over >Ireland. (I didn’t stop for EVERY one- but just about!) >Moran’s Oyster Hut just south of Galway City was delicious. >A dinner at Bunratty castle is touristy but if you like that sort of >thing, is was fun. Serving wenches, eat with your hands (and ?maybe? a >fork) medieval music, etc)

  It’s better during the day, without the dinner. The folk park at Bunratty is an excellent visit. >And the Book of Kells- breathingly gorgeous! It used to be that you >could only see it for a brief time as the line is pushed along- but I >hear that they’ve created a whole little room where you’re shown and >told all sorts of things about it before you see it. And that one of the >things is a series of hugely enlarged  illuminated pictures of the pages >to get to really "see" them. Would have been nice to have an idea what I >was about to see. >It’s at Trinity college in Dublin which is lovely itself. Just wander. >If it’s open, be sure to look at the long, old, beautiful library room. >(Can’t think what it’s called. It’s where the Book of Kells used to be >displayed.)

  The Long Room, in the Old Library. Worth seeing. I believe that its image was used in the recent Harry Potter film. Look for the Brian Boru harp there; the national emblem is the harp, and that one is the model; you will find it reproduced on Irish coins and on letters from government agencies such as the Revenue Commissioners. PB

  Response:

  >>Dublin has some good Georgian architecture. >What about historic sites and social life? We do some good stuff in >those areas. >. . . and how about Trinity College?  I enjoyed that when we were >there.

  Included. The buildings which contribute most to its character are Georgian. PB

  Response:

  > What are the MSUT SEE sights there? > I like nature better than the opera, and architecture better than modern art > museums.

  In Scotland the best architecture is to be found in the Old town area of Edinburgh and in the centre of Glasgow.  If you want nature travel up the A9 to Inverness, the scenery is superbly rugged and Inverness is a great town gary

  Response:

  > What are the MSUT SEE sights there? > I like nature better than the opera, and architecture better than modern art > museums. > Mvh / Regards

  My favorites are Donegal & the cliffs at Bunglass also the ruins from stone age to medieval north of Dublin for Ireland.  In Scotland just wander the highlands and go to the islands if you have time. Frank Matthews

  Response:

  > What are the MSUT SEE sights there? > I like nature better than the opera, and architecture better than modern art > museums. > Mvh / Regards

  My favorites are Donegal & the cliffs at Bunglass also the ruins from stone age to medieval north of Dublin for Ireland.  In Scotland just wander the highlands and go to the islands if you have time. I would have sent to you as well but couldn’t decipher your address. Frank Matthews

  Response:

  Or drive from Glasgow to Fort William on the A82 – that’s a famous journey. Love the Isle of Skye. Also some amazing beaches on the west coast of Scotland.  Not something that you hear much about but true nonetheless.

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> What are the MSUT SEE sights there? > I like nature better than the opera, and architecture better than modern > art > museums. > In Scotland the best architecture is to be found in the Old town area of > Edinburgh and in the centre of Glasgow.  If you want nature travel up the A9 > to Inverness, the scenery is superbly rugged and Inverness is a great town > gary

  Response:

  Hi Christian- They’re two of my favorite countries. Hope you’ll have a wonderful trip! (This turned out to be hugely long but I just kind of free associated. Sorry!) As for Scotland-One of my favorites is the gravesite of Rob Roy in a tiny church graveyard. He’s a national hero but the gravesite is simple. I saw it about 9PM, when the sun hasn’t yet set that time of year. His tombstone reads "McGregor forever!"- a true patriot to an independant (not British-ruled) Scotland. He’s buried next to his wife and kids, as I remember. The "wee kirk" (tiny rural church) is simple and moving. It’s open at night and free but you to put a coin in the light box to turn on the lights- I think. You may only spend a simple half hour- but it’s beautiful and moving. Can’t remember the exact location- but along the east side of Loch Lomond. Not an exciting place- but if you’re interested in history, it’s worth it as part of a nice evening ramble. For fun, visit the Loch Ness Monster "Museum". It’s pretty hokey- but that’s part of the fun of it. Worth about an hour. It’s toward the northern part of the Loch- on the west, I think.   If you’re in Edinburgh during the Arts Festival (which may or may not be of interest), you’d likely enjoy the Fringe Festival. The Fringe is a counter-culture alternative to the more formal and traditional Arts Festival- and to me- lots more fun! There are hundreds of all sorts of performers from street mimes and street theatre to beautiful chorales and chamber music in lovely, old  churches to experimental theatre to almost anything else you can imagine. Once a small alternative to the more formal Arts Festival, it’s now a major and highly regarded festival of it’s own. Though many tickets are available the day of the event at the local ticket office, many things sell out and need to be purchased on line before yo go. But then part of the fun and enjoyment is just hanging out on the streets with the throngs of street performers (some quite skilled in their crafts) and those there to soak up the atmosphere. Another fascinating event in Edinburgh is the Military Tattoo, a military (mostly bagpipe) musical display and trooping of the colors and military "Acrobatics (like the Gurkhas) and lots of pageantry. It takes place at night in the courtyard of Edinburgh castle. I hate military stuff but this was actually pretty exciting- which is a lot to say since I had a 104 degree fever and chills you wouldn’t believe on a drizzily cold night and I still liked it. Get tickets ahead of time- very popular! Now Ireland is a whole other story. I presume you’re referring to the Republic. There are many beautiful or historic and fascinating things about the North but most tourists don’t go there. If you’re gong to the North, please let me know and I’ll tell you more about what I like there. So- for the Republic- What a treat! The music- available almost anywhere and always. Stop in any  bar filled with locals and you’re bound to have a fun evening and great music! The fleadh (spelling?) is the word for the Irish music festivals. They are frequent during the summer all over the country. The National Fleadh is not to be missed but might be later in the summer. I think it moves from city to city- but it’s been in Listowel all three times I’ve been there. All sorts of Irish music events (competitions, performances- instruments and dancing)  performances and dances in the evenings for the public). During the days- mostly competitions for all levels from school kids to adults on all kinds of instruments and dancing and singing. Quite informal as many things in Ireland are. Lots of spontaneous street music and standing around listening and drinking (Guiness of course- or lots of wonderful local alternatives) – friendly to everyone. All ages. Also Doolan – a little town on the west coast (Mayo maybe?)- is full of Irish music and a great place to spend an evening- or two or three). Be sure to kiss the Blarney Stone. (Do you think I’d have written so much here if I didn’t get the gift of gab? They even sell you a certificate attesting that you’ve kissed it and OFFICIALLY have the gift of gab!) The second time I was there, they had spiffed it up a little and made it safer-looking (so you can’t fall of the castle wall upside-down and backwards when you lean over to kiss it. But a little old leprechaun-looking man holds your feet, so you won’t even feel (much) that you’ll fall. Part of the local lore is that the local kids sneak up at night and pee on the stone. Sounds very plausible to me. If you like nature, you’ll love a pony and trap ride across the Lakes of Killarney. A trap is a tiny cart pulled by a pony. The ones that I’ve been in hold 4 people. You get them at a broken down farm yard where local men bring their ponies and traps for you to board (wear old shoes or boots- it’s mucky) and then they guide it over the Gap of Dunloe which is a ride over a beautiful, barren gap in the mountains. The scenery is breathtaking and unusual! When we did it, it ended at the head of the Lakes of Killarney where you transfer to little boats that take you across the lovely, quiet little Lakes to Muckross House where your transportation takes you back to town. I don’t remember the company that does them- but you can e-mail the tourist info place in Killarney and they’ll be able to tell you who to contact. Another place I really enjoyed both times I was in the southeast  was the Rock of Cashel- where Brian Boru is reputed to have ruled Ireland. A walk up a steep road to the ruins. The ruins are beautiful and moving. The view from the graveyard outside is stunning. If you like gardens, I’ve heard Powers Court is supposed to be THE place to see a glorious display. A drive through the area south of Dublin was fascinating- be sure someone (or a guide book) explains the peat fields and how they’re stacked and why, etc. The Cliffs of Moher, the limestone caves in the Burren, the dolmens- all in the northwest make a lovely day. Ruined abbeys and castles all over Ireland. (I didn’t stop for EVERY one- but just about!) Moran’s Oyster Hut just south of Galway City was delicious. A dinner at Bunratty castle is touristy but if you like that sort of thing, is was fun. Serving wenches, eat with your hands (and ?maybe? a fork) medieval music, etc) And the Book of Kells- breathingly gorgeous! It used to be that you could only see it for a brief time as the line is pushed along- but I hear that they’ve created a whole little room where you’re shown and told all sorts of things about it before you see it. And that one of the things is a series of hugely enlarged  illuminated pictures of the pages to get to really "see" them. Would have been nice to have an idea what I was about to see. It’s at Trinity college in Dublin which is lovely itself. Just wander. If it’s open, be sure to look at the long, old, beautiful library room. (Can’t think what it’s called. It’s where the Book of Kells used to be displayed.) Guess I could go on and on- but if I do, you’ll be here til next summer just reading and never get to go on your trip. Have a wonderful trip. I’m jealous!!! Susan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > What are the MSUT SEE sights there? > I like nature better than the opera, and architecture better than modern art > museums. > — > Mvh / Regards > -=< Christian >=- > What capital has 164 letters in its name? See my web page to find out. > http://www.cmnielsen.dk     ICQ: 25308942 > Destiny is not a matter of chance it is a matter of choice

  Response:

  > In Scotland the best architecture is to be found in the Old town area of > Edinburgh and in the centre of Glasgow.  If you want nature travel up the A9 > to Inverness, the scenery is superbly rugged and Inverness is a great town

  If you wanr REALLY great scenery, continue on past Inverness – go up the west coast, then along the north coast.  You might even consider taking the ferry over to Orkney.

  Response:

  Originally posted by Congokid – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> In article , Christian M. > Nielsen  writes >What are the MSUT SEE sights there? >I like nature better than the opera, and architecture better than >     modern art >museums. > Amazed that no one’s mentioned Giant’s Causeway and the rest of the > north Antrim coast. But then one historical man of letters (can’t > remember who) did comment that it was ‘worth seeing, but not > worth going > to see’. Have a go at crossing the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge. > I also like the Ring of Kerry but it’s quite busy during summer > months. > And Lough Corrib in County Galway – 365 islands on it, apparently. > — Hey if someone is going to N.I. don’t forget ports Balintoy and > Ballintrae, Bushmills whiskey distillery and the Marble Arch Caves in > Fermanagh, Dunluce Castle ? Carrickfergus Castle ?

  – Posted via http://britishexpats.com

  Response:

  > — Hey if someone is going to N.I. don’t forget ports Balintoy and > Ballintrae, Bushmills whiskey distillery and the Marble Arch Caves in > Fermanagh, Dunluce Castle ? Carrickfergus Castle ?

  What are the best Destilleries to see in the Fort William area?? (Scotland) — Mvh / Regards -=< Christian >=- What capital has 164 letters in its name? See my web page to find out. http://www.cmnielsen.dk     ICQ: 25308942 " If something’s hard to do, then it’s not worth doing. Homer J. Simpson"

  Response:

  Forgot to say it’s this July — Mvh / Regards -=< Christian >=- What capital has 164 letters in its name? See my web page to find out. http://www.cmnielsen.dk     ICQ: 25308942 Destiny is not a matter of chance it is a matter of choice

  Response:

  What are the MSUT SEE sights there? I like nature better than the opera, and architecture better than modern art museums. — Mvh / Regards -=< Christian >=- What capital has 164 letters in its name? See my web page to find out. http://www.cmnielsen.dk     ICQ: 25308942 Destiny is not a matter of chance it is a matter of choice

  Response:

  >What are the MSUT SEE sights there? >I like nature better than the opera, and architecture better than modern art >museums.

  In Ireland, most of the best scenery is to be found on the west coast — almost anywhere along that coast. Dublin has some good Georgian architecture. What about historic sites and social life? We do some good stuff in those areas. PB

  Response:

  > In Ireland, most of the best scenery is to be found on the west coast > — almost anywhere along that coast.

  OK; Thx a lot. > Dublin has some good Georgian architecture. > What about historic sites and social life? We do some good stuff in > those areas.

  I like historical stuff better that social life (if it’s the same as night life??) Of cource I’ll see your night life too, but it’s not the main reason for me to travel there. — Mvh / Regards -=< Christian >=- What capital has 164 letters in its name? See my web page to find out. http://www.cmnielsen.dk     ICQ: 25308942 Destiny is not a matter of chance it is a matter of choice

  Response:

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> In Ireland, most of the best scenery is to be found on the west coast > — almost anywhere along that coast. >OK; Thx a lot. > Dublin has some good Georgian architecture. > What about historic sites and social life? We do some good stuff in > those areas. >I like historical stuff better that social life (if it’s the same as night >life??) Of cource I’ll see your night life too, but it’s not the main reason >for me to travel there.

  Newgrange/Knowth is a must. Recommended: Glendalough; the Rock of Cashel; Clonmacnoise. Worth seeing if you are in the area: Gallarus Oratory (Kerry); Bunratty (Clare); Grianan Aileach (Donegal); Monasterboice (Louth); Carrowmore (Sligo). PB

  Response:

  >>Dublin has some good Georgian architecture. >What about historic sites and social life? We do some good stuff in >those areas. >. . . and how about Trinity College?  I enjoyed that when we were >there.

  Included. The buildings which contribute most to its character are Georgian. PB

  Response:

  > What are the MSUT SEE sights there? > I like nature better than the opera, and architecture better than modern art > museums.

  In Scotland the best architecture is to be found in the Old town area of Edinburgh and in the centre of Glasgow.  If you want nature travel up the A9 to Inverness, the scenery is superbly rugged and Inverness is a great town gary

  Response:

  > What are the MSUT SEE sights there? > I like nature better than the opera, and architecture better than modern art > museums. > Mvh / Regards

  My favorites are Donegal & the cliffs at Bunglass also the ruins from stone age to medieval north of Dublin for Ireland.  In Scotland just wander the highlands and go to the islands if you have time. Frank Matthews

  Response:

  > What are the MSUT SEE sights there? > I like nature better than the opera, and architecture better than modern art > museums. > Mvh / Regards

  My favorites are Donegal & the cliffs at Bunglass also the ruins from stone age to medieval north of Dublin for Ireland.  In Scotland just wander the highlands and go to the islands if you have time. I would have sent to you as well but couldn’t decipher your address. Frank Matthews

  Response:

  Or drive from Glasgow to Fort William on the A82 – that’s a famous journey. Love the Isle of Skye. Also some amazing beaches on the west coast of Scotland.  Not something that you hear much about but true nonetheless.

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> What are the MSUT SEE sights there? > I like nature better than the opera, and architecture better than modern > art > museums. > In Scotland the best architecture is to be found in the Old town area of > Edinburgh and in the centre of Glasgow.  If you want nature travel up the A9 > to Inverness, the scenery is superbly rugged and Inverness is a great town > gary

  Response:

  Hi Christian- They’re two of my favorite countries. Hope you’ll have a wonderful trip! (This turned out to be hugely long but I just kind of free associated. Sorry!) As for Scotland-One of my favorites is the gravesite of Rob Roy in a tiny church graveyard. He’s a national hero but the gravesite is simple. I saw it about 9PM, when the sun hasn’t yet set that time of year. His tombstone reads "McGregor forever!"- a true patriot to an independant (not British-ruled) Scotland. He’s buried next to his wife and kids, as I remember. The "wee kirk" (tiny rural church) is simple and moving. It’s open at night and free but you to put a coin in the light box to turn on the lights- I think. You may only spend a simple half hour- but it’s beautiful and moving. Can’t remember the exact location- but along the east side of Loch Lomond. Not an exciting place- but if you’re interested in history, it’s worth it as part of a nice evening ramble. For fun, visit the Loch Ness Monster "Museum". It’s pretty hokey- but that’s part of the fun of it. Worth about an hour. It’s toward the northern part of the Loch- on the west, I think.   If you’re in Edinburgh during the Arts Festival (which may or may not be of interest), you’d likely enjoy the Fringe Festival. The Fringe is a counter-culture alternative to the more formal and traditional Arts Festival- and to me- lots more fun! There are hundreds of all sorts of performers from street mimes and street theatre to beautiful chorales and chamber music in lovely, old  churches to experimental theatre to almost anything else you can imagine. Once a small alternative to the more formal Arts Festival, it’s now a major and highly regarded festival of it’s own. Though many tickets are available the day of the event at the local ticket office, many things sell out and need to be purchased on line before yo go. But then part of the fun and enjoyment is just hanging out on the streets with the throngs of street performers (some quite skilled in their crafts) and those there to soak up the atmosphere. Another fascinating event in Edinburgh is the Military Tattoo, a military (mostly bagpipe) musical display and trooping of the colors and military "Acrobatics (like the Gurkhas) and lots of pageantry. It takes place at night in the courtyard of Edinburgh castle. I hate military stuff but this was actually pretty exciting- which is a lot to say since I had a 104 degree fever and chills you wouldn’t believe on a drizzily cold night and I still liked it. Get tickets ahead of time- very popular! Now Ireland is a whole other story. I presume you’re referring to the Republic. There are many beautiful or historic and fascinating things about the North but most tourists don’t go there. If you’re gong to the North, please let me know and I’ll tell you more about what I like there. So- for the Republic- What a treat! The music- available almost anywhere and always. Stop in any  bar filled with locals and you’re bound to have a fun evening and great music! The fleadh (spelling?) is the word for the Irish music festivals. They are frequent during the summer all over the country. The National Fleadh is not to be missed but might be later in the summer. I think it moves from city to city- but it’s been in Listowel all three times I’ve been there. All sorts of Irish music events (competitions, performances- instruments and dancing)  performances and dances in the evenings for the public). During the days- mostly competitions for all levels from school kids to adults on all kinds of instruments and dancing and singing. Quite informal as many things in Ireland are. Lots of spontaneous street music and standing around listening and drinking (Guiness of course- or lots of wonderful local alternatives) – friendly to everyone. All ages. Also Doolan – a little town on the west coast (Mayo maybe?)- is full of Irish music and a great place to spend an evening- or two or three). Be sure to kiss the Blarney Stone. (Do you think I’d have written so much here if I didn’t get the gift of gab? They even sell you a certificate attesting that you’ve kissed it and OFFICIALLY have the gift of gab!) The second time I was there, they had spiffed it up a little and made it safer-looking (so you can’t fall of the castle wall upside-down and backwards when you lean over to kiss it. But a little old leprechaun-looking man holds your feet, so you won’t even feel (much) that you’ll fall. Part of the local lore is that the local kids sneak up at night and pee on the stone. Sounds very plausible to me. If you like nature, you’ll love a pony and trap ride across the Lakes of Killarney. A trap is a tiny cart pulled by a pony. The ones that I’ve been in hold 4 people. You get them at a broken down farm yard where local men bring their ponies and traps for you to board (wear old shoes or boots- it’s mucky) and then they guide it over the Gap of Dunloe which is a ride over a beautiful, barren gap in the mountains. The scenery is breathtaking and unusual! When we did it, it ended at the head of the Lakes of Killarney where you transfer to little boats that take you across the lovely, quiet little Lakes to Muckross House where your transportation takes you back to town. I don’t remember the company that does them- but you can e-mail the tourist info place in Killarney and they’ll be able to tell you who to contact. Another place I really enjoyed both times I was in the southeast  was the Rock of Cashel- where Brian Boru is reputed to have ruled Ireland. A walk up a steep road to the ruins. The ruins are beautiful and moving. The view from the graveyard outside is stunning. If you like gardens, I’ve heard Powers Court is supposed to be THE place to see a glorious display. A drive through the area south of Dublin was fascinating- be sure someone (or a guide book) explains the peat fields and how they’re stacked and why, etc. The Cliffs of Moher, the limestone caves in the Burren, the dolmens- all in the northwest make a lovely day. Ruined abbeys and castles all over Ireland. (I didn’t stop for EVERY one- but just about!) Moran’s Oyster Hut just south of Galway City was delicious. A dinner at Bunratty castle is touristy but if you like that sort of thing, is was fun. Serving wenches, eat with your hands (and ?maybe? a fork) medieval music, etc) And the Book of Kells- breathingly gorgeous! It used to be that you could only see it for a brief time as the line is pushed along- but I hear that they’ve created a whole little room where you’re shown and told all sorts of things about it before you see it. And that one of the things is a series of hugely enlarged  illuminated pictures of the pages to get to really "see" them. Would have been nice to have an idea what I was about to see. It’s at Trinity college in Dublin which is lovely itself. Just wander. If it’s open, be sure to look at the long, old, beautiful library room. (Can’t think what it’s called. It’s where the Book of Kells used to be displayed.) Guess I could go on and on- but if I do, you’ll be here til next summer just reading and never get to go on your trip. Have a wonderful trip. I’m jealous!!! Susan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > What are the MSUT SEE sights there? > I like nature better than the opera, and architecture better than modern art > museums. > — > Mvh / Regards > -=< Christian >=- > What capital has 164 letters in its name? See my web page to find out. > http://www.cmnielsen.dk     ICQ: 25308942 > Destiny is not a matter of chance it is a matter of choice

  Response:

  > In Scotland the best architecture is to be found in the Old town area of > Edinburgh and in the centre of Glasgow.  If you want nature travel up the A9 > to Inverness, the scenery is superbly rugged and Inverness is a great town

  If you wanr REALLY great scenery, continue on past Inverness – go up the west coast, then along the north coast.  You might even consider taking the ferry over to Orkney.

  Response:

  >Also Doolan – a little town on the west coast (Mayo maybe?)- is full of >Irish music and a great place to spend an evening- or two or three).

  I think you mean Doolin, in County Clare — some distance from Mayo! >Be sure to kiss the Blarney Stone. (Do you think I’d have written so >much here if I didn’t get the gift of gab? They even sell you a >certificate attesting that you’ve kissed it and OFFICIALLY have the gift >of gab!) The second time I was there, they had spiffed it up a little >and made it safer-looking (so you can’t fall of the castle wall >upside-down and backwards when you lean over to kiss it. But a little >old leprechaun-looking man holds your feet, so you won’t even feel >(much) that you’ll fall. Part of the local lore is that the local kids >sneak up at night and pee on the stone. Sounds very plausible to me.

  Jaysus, don’t go near the Blarney Stone! It’s about as naff a tourist trap as you can find. >If you like nature, you’ll love a pony and trap ride across the Lakes of >Killarney. A trap is a tiny cart pulled by a pony. The ones that I’ve >been in hold 4 people. You get them at a broken down farm yard where >local men bring their ponies and traps for you to board (wear old shoes >or boots- it’s mucky) and then they guide it over the Gap of Dunloe >which is a ride over a beautiful, barren gap in the mountains. The >scenery is breathtaking and unusual! When we did it, it ended at the >head of the Lakes of Killarney where you transfer to little boats that >take you across the lovely, quiet little Lakes to Muckross House where >your transportation takes you back to town.

  They cost a bomb! Use your hire car, and drive slowly (don’t, however, attempt to cross the lake by car). >Another place I really enjoyed both times I was in the southeast  was >the Rock of Cashel- where Brian Boru is reputed to have ruled >Ireland. A walk up a steep road to the ruins. The ruins are beautiful >and moving. The view from the graveyard outside is stunning.

  All correct, except for the bit about Brian Boru. He was based in Kincora, close to the very pleasant small town of Killaloe. >If you like gardens, I’ve heard Powers Court is supposed to be THE place >to see a glorious display.

  Good. It’s in Co. Wicklow, just to the south of Dublin. Perhaps better is Mount Usher, also in Co. Wicklow. >A drive through the area south of Dublin was fascinating- be sure >someone (or a guide book) explains the peat fields and how they’re >stacked and why, etc.

  That’s Wicklow, again. You will see more turf-cutting in the west coast counties. >The Cliffs of Moher, the limestone caves in the Burren, the dolmens- all >in the northwest make a lovely day.

  Southwest — Co. Clare. >Ruined abbeys and castles all over >Ireland. (I didn’t stop for EVERY one- but just about!) >Moran’s Oyster Hut just south of Galway City was delicious. >A dinner at Bunratty castle is touristy but if you like that sort of >thing, is was fun. Serving wenches, eat with your hands (and ?maybe? a >fork) medieval music, etc)

  It’s better during the day, without the dinner. The folk park at Bunratty is an excellent visit. >And the Book of Kells- breathingly gorgeous! It used to be that you >could only see it for a brief time as the line is pushed along- but I >hear that they’ve created a whole little room where you’re shown and >told all sorts of things about it before you see it. And that one of the >things is a series of hugely enlarged  illuminated pictures of the pages >to get to really "see" them. Would have been nice to have an idea what I >was about to see. >It’s at Trinity college in Dublin which is lovely itself. Just wander. >If it’s open, be sure to look at the long, old, beautiful library room. >(Can’t think what it’s called. It’s where the Book of Kells used to be >displayed.)

  The Long Room, in the Old Library. Worth seeing. I believe that its image was used in the recent Harry Potter film. Look for the Brian Boru harp there; the national emblem is the harp, and that one is the model; you will find it reproduced on Irish coins and on letters from government agencies such as the Revenue Commissioners. PB

  Response:

  Had a wonderful tour of Scotland with Cameron Tours last March.  He did a customized and economical tour in his van, staying at B&B’s.  Highly recommended if he fits your schedule. Barbara in CT – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->What are the MSUT SEE sights there? >I like nature better than the opera, and architecture better than modern >art >museums. >In Scotland the best architecture is to be found in the Old town area of >Edinburgh and in the centre of Glasgow.  If you want nature travel up the A9 >to Inverness, the scenery is superbly rugged and Inverness is a great town >gary

  Response:

  Hi PB- Yup- I made a number of errors in spelling and exact locations. You’ve been very careful to correct each one. And criticize some that you didn’t have to correct. And you disagree with some of the things I enjoyed. That’s cool. But you added very little. Since you clearly know quite a bit, why don’t you spend some energy helping by suggesting some things that YOU think the writer might find interesting instead of just the negativity? You probably have a lot to offer. Susan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Also Doolan – a little town on the west coast (Mayo maybe?)- is full of >Irish music and a great place to spend an evening- or two or three). > I think you mean Doolin, in County Clare — some distance from Mayo! >Be sure to kiss the Blarney Stone. (Do you think I’d have written so >much here if I didn’t get the gift of gab? They even sell you a >certificate attesting that you’ve kissed it and OFFICIALLY have the gift >of gab!) The second time I was there, they had spiffed it up a little >and made it safer-looking (so you can’t fall of the castle wall >upside-down and backwards when you lean over to kiss it. But a little >old leprechaun-looking man holds your feet, so you won’t even feel >(much) that you’ll fall. Part of the local lore is that the local kids >sneak up at night and pee on the stone. Sounds very plausible to me. > Jaysus, don’t go near the Blarney Stone! It’s about as naff a tourist > trap as you can find. >If you like nature, you’ll love a pony and trap ride across the Lakes of >Killarney. A trap is a tiny cart pulled by a pony. The ones that I’ve >been in hold 4 people. You get them at a broken down farm yard where >local men bring their ponies and traps for you to board (wear old shoes >or boots- it’s mucky) and then they guide it over the Gap of Dunloe >which is a ride over a beautiful, barren gap in the mountains. The >scenery is breathtaking and unusual! When we did it, it ended at the >head of the Lakes of Killarney where you transfer to little boats that >take you across the lovely, quiet little Lakes to Muckross House where >your transportation takes you back to town. > They cost a bomb! Use your hire car, and drive slowly (don’t, however, > attempt to cross the lake by car). >Another place I really enjoyed both times I was in the southeast  was >the Rock of Cashel- where Brian Boru is reputed to have ruled >Ireland. A walk up a steep road to the ruins. The ruins are beautiful >and moving. The view from the graveyard outside is stunning. > All correct, except for the bit about Brian Boru. He was based in > Kincora, close to the very pleasant small town of Killaloe. >If you like gardens, I’ve heard Powers Court is supposed to be THE place >to see a glorious display. > Good. It’s in Co. Wicklow, just to the south of Dublin. Perhaps better > is Mount Usher, also in Co. Wicklow. >A drive through the area south of Dublin was fascinating- be sure >someone (or a guide book) explains the peat fields and how they’re >stacked and why, etc. > That’s Wicklow, again. You will see more turf-cutting in the west > coast counties. >The Cliffs of Moher, the limestone caves in the Burren, the dolmens- all >in the northwest make a lovely day. > Southwest — Co. Clare. >Ruined abbeys and castles all over >Ireland. (I didn’t stop for EVERY one- but just about!) >Moran’s Oyster Hut just south of Galway City was delicious. >A dinner at Bunratty castle is touristy but if you like that sort of >thing, is was fun. Serving wenches, eat with your hands (and ?maybe? a >fork) medieval music, etc) > It’s better during the day, without the dinner. The folk park at > Bunratty is an excellent visit. >And the Book of Kells- breathingly gorgeous! It used to be that you >could only see it for a brief time as the line is pushed along- but I >hear that they’ve created a whole little room where you’re shown and >told all sorts of things about it before you see it. And that one of the >things is a series of hugely enlarged  illuminated pictures of the pages >to get to really "see" them. Would have been nice to have an idea what I >was about to see. >It’s at Trinity college in Dublin which is lovely itself. Just wander. >If it’s open, be sure to look at the long, old, beautiful library room. >(Can’t think what it’s called. It’s where the Book of Kells used to be >displayed.) > The Long Room, in the Old Library. Worth seeing. I believe that its > image was used in the recent Harry Potter film. Look for the Brian > Boru harp there; the national emblem is the harp, and that one is the > model; you will find it reproduced on Irish coins and on letters from > government agencies such as the Revenue Commissioners. > PB

  Response:

  > Since you clearly know quite a bit, why don’t you spend some energy > helping by suggesting some things that YOU think the writer might find > interesting instead of just the negativity? You probably have a lot to > offer.

  He already did that. Barbara

  Response:

  >Yup- I made a number of errors in spelling and exact locations. You’ve >been very careful to correct each one. And criticize some that you >didn’t have to correct. And you disagree with some of the things I >enjoyed. That’s cool. >But you added very little. >Since you clearly know quite a bit, why don’t you spend some energy >helping by suggesting some things that YOU think the writer might find >interesting instead of just the negativity? You probably have a lot to >offer.

  I had already posted on this topic. I get the impression that you didn’t really like what I wrote. Be grateful that I didn’t actually point out every error. Do you want a list of what I let pass? The touristy things I would not ever do in Ireland are: – kiss the Blarney Stone; – hire a jaunting car in Killarney – take a "medieval" banquet at Bunratty. They are theme park Ireland, and there are enough authentic experiences available without such things being needed. PB

  Response:

  > What are the MSUT SEE sights there? > I like nature better than the opera, and architecture better than modern art > museums.

  One thing to add to those suggested already is the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin. I found it (near Merrion Square) to be a fasciating glimpse of the ancient Irish past and in a very nice building as well. It’s small so it shouldn’t take more than an hour or so to see.

  Response:

  >One thing to add to those suggested already is the National Museum of >Ireland in Dublin. I found it (near Merrion Square) to be a fasciating >glimpse of the ancient Irish past and in a very nice building as well. It’s >small so it shouldn’t take more than an hour or so to see.

  It is fairly good, and it’s free. It’s on Kildare Street, only a short stroll from Trinity College. The Museum also has a larger display at Collins Barracks, about 2 km. away. There is a bus link between the two premises. PB

  Response:

  > What are the MSUT SEE sights there?

  If you’re big on stone circles, standing stones and stuff, the guy who runs www.megalithomania.com was a wealth of information about Ireland. He noted a stone back behind an Army training range which was well worth the hunt. Other bits which stood out for us were the Cliffs of Moher, the mountain drive from Killarney to Kenmare (there’s another way back that’s a bit out of the way but less stressful), using the train-system throughout the Dublin area for sight-seeing, Kinsale on the south coast, the Rock of Cashel and staying at Dromoland Castle near Shannon airport.

  Response:

  >One thing to add to those suggested already is the National Museum of >Ireland in Dublin. I found it (near Merrion Square) to be a fasciating >glimpse of the ancient Irish past and in a very nice building as well. It’s >small so it shouldn’t take more than an hour or so to see. > It is fairly good, and it’s free. It’s on Kildare Street, only a short > stroll from Trinity College. The Museum also has a larger display at > Collins Barracks, about 2 km. away. There is a bus link between the > two premises. > PB

  Ahh – So it’s the same museum is it – Not two museum with the same name ? I did get a bit confused when I saw a sign pointing to the National Museum of Ireland in the wrong direction – so I ignored the sign I had assumed that the one at the barracks was a military museum – So is it just a bigger but similar version of the Kildare street one. (planning my next visit already) P.S. for anyone going soon – Waiting for Godot at the Gate theatre is very good. (IMO)

  Response:

  - Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> >One thing to add to those suggested already is the National Museum of > >Ireland in Dublin. I found it (near Merrion Square) to be a fasciating > >glimpse of the ancient Irish past and in a very nice building as well. >It’s > >small so it shouldn’t take more than an hour or so to see. > It is fairly good, and it’s free. It’s on Kildare Street, only a short > stroll from Trinity College. The Museum also has a larger display at > Collins Barracks, about 2 km. away. There is a bus link between the > two premises. > PB >Ahh – So it’s the same museum is it – Not two museum with the same name ? >I did get a bit confused when I saw a sign pointing to the National Museum >of Ireland in the wrong direction – so I ignored the sign

  Usually a good idea in Ireland. >I had assumed that the one at the barracks was a military museum – So is it >just a bigger but similar version of the Kildare street one. (planning my >next visit already)

  The Kildare Street premises is relatively small. In fact, it has got a good deal smaller during my lifetime as space was taken from it for other purposes (principally to accommodate parliamentary and government offices in adjacent buildings). When the new museum was opened, I was charmed to find things on display which I had not seen for many years, and much that I had never seen. The cream of the collection is displayed in Kildare Street. >P.S. for anyone going soon – Waiting for Godot at the Gate theatre is very >good. (IMO)

  Probably. Nearly everything done at the Gate Theatre is very good! PB

  Response:

  > What are the MSUT SEE sights there? > I like nature better than the opera, and architecture better than modern art > museums. > — > Mvh / Regards

  Scotland: For nature/scenery you will be spoiled for choice. My favourite is to drive up the small west coast roads, try from Oban going north up past Port Appin towards Fort William. Maybe Applecross if you have time. Hills, Islands, sea & white beaches. Some people like Glencoe – it is a very ‘dark’ steep sided valley (glen) although maybe that adds to the history (massacre of Glencoe). Loch Lomond (my favourite is the small east coast road) is very pretty, but can be busy if the weather is nice. Numerous other scenic places throughout the Highlands, and the lowlands/borders ars also nice if you like less rugged, more rolling scenery. For architecture, definitely Edinburgh #1 with the castle and lost of old buildings. Stirling is also quite nice. Countless other castles – Eilean Donnan (sp?) on mainland but near island of Skye is probably one of the most photographed. Have fun, and if you are coming late summer/fall remember insect repellant for the Midgies…… Mark

  Response:

  No comments tattoo picture
  
  

• What does a crew know about you?

  Question:

  Hi, I’m asking me sometimes how much does a flight attend (the whole crew, purser) know about you on the flight besides the name and the frequent flyer status ? Do they know which seat you have (if they haven’t seen your boarding pass of course), which booking class you’re, if you have got an upgrade, if you have changed your seat at check-in, the price you paid for ticket ? So how much information do they have about each passenger ? Does it may be even depend on the FF-status ? Who of the crew knows how much ? I’m mostly interested in Lufthansa, United Airlines and US Airways. Regards, Christian

  Response:

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi, > I’m asking me sometimes how much does a flight attend (the whole crew, > purser) know about you on the flight besides the name and the frequent flyer > status ? Do they know which seat you have (if they haven’t seen your > boarding pass of course), which booking class you’re, if you have got an > upgrade, if you have changed your seat at check-in, the price you paid for > ticket ? > So how much information do they have about each passenger ? Does it may be > even depend on the FF-status ? Who of the crew knows how much ? > I’m mostly interested in Lufthansa, United Airlines and US Airways. > Regards, > Christian

  Just curious.  Why would you care if the crew knows such trivial things and why would the crew care to know such trivial things? Ryan

  Response:

  Hi Ryan, my experience tells me that they treat you different (good and bad) depending on the information and therefore the status they have about you: – FF Status – Ticket Price – Upgrade – Seat change etc. Regards, Christian <Some are more equal then equal>

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi, > I’m asking me sometimes how much does a flight attend (the whole crew, > purser) know about you on the flight besides the name and the frequent > flyer > status ? Do they know which seat you have (if they haven’t seen your > boarding pass of course), which booking class you’re, if you have got an > upgrade, if you have changed your seat at check-in, the price you paid for > ticket ? > So how much information do they have about each passenger ? Does it may be > even depend on the FF-status ? Who of the crew knows how much ? > I’m mostly interested in Lufthansa, United Airlines and US Airways. > Regards, > Christian > Just curious.  Why would you care if the crew knows such trivial things and > why would the crew care to know such trivial things? > Ryan

  Response:

  Just announced by Air Canada, all crews will have PDAs loaded with full pedigree of each passenger, including the X-ray pictures of their carry-on, as well as the ultrasound 3d image of their body, with the clothes semi-transparent. They will know where you were born ,what religion, if you ever met with any supected terrorists, what phones number you normally dial, what allergies you have, what food you like and dislike, how many mistresses you have etc etc. They will also know your blood type and whether you are missing any organs. This is necessary in case of a medical emergency and nobody volunteers to donate their kidney, the FAs will choose one "at random" to donate their kidney for an in-flights kidney transplant

  Response:

  Lufthansa will know name, seat, FF or staff status, food requirements, onward reservation if any.

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi, > I’m asking me sometimes how much does a flight attend (the whole crew, > purser) know about you on the flight besides the name and the frequent flyer > status ? Do they know which seat you have (if they haven’t seen your > boarding pass of course), which booking class you’re, if you have got an > upgrade, if you have changed your seat at check-in, the price you paid for > ticket ? > So how much information do they have about each passenger ? Does it may be > even depend on the FF-status ? Who of the crew knows how much ? > I’m mostly interested in Lufthansa, United Airlines and US Airways. > Regards, > Christian

  Response:

  - Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi, > I’m asking me sometimes how much does a flight attend (the whole crew, > purser) know about you on the flight besides the name and the frequent > flyer > status ? Do they know which seat you have (if they haven’t seen your > boarding pass of course), which booking class you’re, if you have got an > upgrade, if you have changed your seat at check-in, the price you paid for > ticket ? > So how much information do they have about each passenger ? Does it may be > even depend on the FF-status ? Who of the crew knows how much ? > I’m mostly interested in Lufthansa, United Airlines and US Airways. > Regards, > Christian

  Why would the crew care if you changed seats at checkin?  Many people only get a seat assigned at checkin. Most cabin crew also have absolutely zero knowledge of fares and couldn’t tell a full-fare ticket from the lowest fare class.  All they know is your name and any pertinent info which is in your booking in SSR items, e.g. FFP status if applicable, special service requests (meals, wheelchair assistance etc.), or things like GUNB (armed agent of some gov’t agency) or DEPA (accompanied deportee).  Onward connections are possibly shown on some passenger manifests also. Mike NZAA

  Response:

  Just curious.  Why would you care if Christian wants to know if the crew knew such trivial things or why the crew would care to know such trivial things? Marc – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi, > I’m asking me sometimes how much does a flight attend (the whole crew, > purser) know about you on the flight besides the name and the frequent >flyer > status ? Do they know which seat you have (if they haven’t seen your > boarding pass of course), which booking class you’re, if you have got an > upgrade, if you have changed your seat at check-in, the price you paid for > ticket ? > So how much information do they have about each passenger ? Does it may be > even depend on the FF-status ? Who of the crew knows how much ? > I’m mostly interested in Lufthansa, United Airlines and US Airways. > Regards, > Christian >Just curious.  Why would you care if the crew knows such trivial things and >why would the crew care to know such trivial things? >Ryan

  Response:

  With several flight crew members in my family (including both f/a’s and pilots), the things that they mostly say are this…..   the people who are polite are much more likely to get any added attention/amenities, regardless of "status"…….   And conversely, the ruder you are, the LESS you are likely to get, million miler or not…… Cassie

  Response:

  > With several flight crew members in my family (including both f/a’s > and pilots), the things that they mostly say are this…..   the > people who are polite are much more likely to get any added > attention/amenities, regardless of "status"…….   And conversely, > the ruder you are, the LESS you are likely to get, million miler or > not…… > Cassie

  Cassie, get serious.  After the free trail mix and Coke what else can a crew member do for anyone? Ryan

  Response:

  > With several flight crew members in my family (including both f/a’s > and pilots), the things that they mostly say are this…..   the > people who are polite are much more likely to get any added > attention/amenities, regardless of "status"…….   And conversely, > the ruder you are, the LESS you are likely to get, million miler or > not……

  I’ve heard one coach passenger say to an f/a "Today is my birthday! Give me free scotch!"  You can do that?

  Response:

  > I’ve heard one coach passenger say to an f/a "Today is my birthday! > Give me free scotch!"  You can do that?

  In today’s environment,  all that is safe to say to an FA is "yes mam", "chicken" "fish" or "7-up please". Anything other is liable to send you to prison. How many years of prison would one get if one were to slip a whoopie cushion under and FA’s seat just before she sits down prior to departure ? Would all passengers who laugh at the situation be sent to prison too ?

  Response:

  >> With several flight crew members in my family (including both f/a’s > and pilots), the things that they mostly say are this…..   the > people who are polite are much more likely to get any added > attention/amenities, regardless of "status"…….   And conversely, > the ruder you are, the LESS you are likely to get, million miler or > not……

  Hi Jaycey!  So you’re "Cassie" now?  And a "natural blonde" too?   Bwaaahaaahaahaahaaha.  Let us be the judge of that.  Drop your knickers and let’s have a look. Oh, and I doubt they taught you that only the nice passengers should get service at the Delta Flight Attendant Academy hon.  We’ll just have to send a polite letter to DL ASAP to get your wings clipped until you get a more customer friendly attitude. >I’ve heard one coach passenger say to an f/a "Today is my birthday! >Give me free scotch!"  You can do that?

  Oh please!  The most you’ll get out of these self-important flying bimbos is the whole can of Diet Coke IF they like the way you smile and you stick out your tongue and wag your tail and lick their shoes.  It’s the only way they can afford shoe cleaning on their peanut salaries.  Did you know that many flight attendants have to get by on dog food? — Best Greg who wanted to be an Aeroflot stewardess as a young girl

  Response:

  >>I’ve heard one coach passenger say to an f/a "Today is my birthday! >Give me free scotch!"  You can do that? > In today’s environment,  all that is safe to say to an FA is "yes mam", > "chicken" "fish" or "7-up please". > Anything other is liable to send you to prison.

  Just asking for a headset is not a very good idea either, right? > How many years of prison would one get if one were to slip a whoopie cushion > under and FA’s seat just before she sits down prior to departure ? Would all > passengers who laugh at the situation be sent to prison too ?

  I don’t know about that.  I bet Southwest won’t press charges against anyone.  Probably they will love your sense of humor.

  Response:

  > Just announced by Air Canada, all crews will have PDAs loaded with full > pedigree of each passenger, including the X-ray pictures of their carry-on, as > well as the ultrasound 3d image of their body, with the clothes semi-transparent. > They will know where you were born ,what religion, if you ever met with any > supected terrorists, what phones number you normally dial, what allergies you > have, what food you like and dislike, how many mistresses you have etc etc. > They will also know your blood type and whether you are missing any organs. > This is necessary in case of a medical emergency and nobody volunteers to > donate their kidney, the FAs will choose one "at random" to donate their > kidney for an in-flights kidney transplant

  Now, you made this reply in jest, but consider this (for all conspiracy buffs)… 1 – Recent news story about billboards that will track what radio stations most cars driving by are listening to and adjust advertising to suit those demographics. 2 – FCC is still pressing hard for the various mobile phone companies in the USA to comply with their regulation that requires all cell phones to be able to be ‘tracked’ to within 100 feet anywhere in the USA, whether they are turned on or off!  Technology exists for this, but barely. 3 – I’m sure you know about the voluntary body scans in Florida – they are proceeding with the test for passengers that looks under your clothes. 4 – As part of the ongoing Patriot Act nonsense, the federal government wants access to ALL commercial transactions, at every level.  Including what you buy, from whom, when you bought it, how much you paid, and so on.  This used to be the stuff of paranoid conspiracy buffs – we could all laugh it off.  Who’s laughing now? This shit is happening, and the thing that surprises me most is the overall complacency about it.  Nay, even worse, the completely clueless zipperheads who DEMAND that the government step in to protect us by watching us pay our bills and take a dump.  Morons do vex!  The next thing I expect is that the IRS will announce that it is no longer necessary to file taxes at the end of the year – they already know where you’ve been, here’s your refund. 5 – A family in the US recently volunteered to be implanted with GPS tracking chips.  The sales pitch is that it can track down missing/runaway/kidnapped children.  The part they don’t tell you is that unless removed surgically, it’s in there for life and you have no way of knowing who is looking at your whereabouts. 6 – Military started keeping DNA records on all servicemen several years ago.  Just one of the reasons I got out when I did.  Since about 10% of all US citizens end up serving in the military, that’s 10 percent of the US population all nicely mapped out for future reference.  The rest will come along in time. 7 – The debate is on again – national ID cards.  Being touted as the way to REMOVE the onerous crapola that TSA is putting VFF’s and the general flying public through now.  Let’s see if I have this right – they CREATE the problem, and then they offer to solve the problem THEY MADE by giving me a national identification card.  Why not just tattoo it to my forehead?  If they think I’m going to take their national ID card, they can take a flying fuck at a rolling doughnut.  They can take a flying fuck at the moooooon. We joke, but it is all happening.  Sooner than we think, too.  Some of the paranoid conspiracy buffs were not so far off, methinks.  I buy more guns, more ammo. So welcome…to the machine. Best Regards, Bill Mattocks "Where have you been?  It’s all right, we know where you’ve been." – Pink Floyd

  Response:

  - Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> With several flight crew members in my family (including both f/a’s > and pilots), the things that they mostly say are this…..   the > people who are polite are much more likely to get any added > attention/amenities, regardless of "status"…….   And conversely, > the ruder you are, the LESS you are likely to get, million miler or > not…… > Cassie > Cassie, get serious.  After the free trail mix and Coke what else can a crew > member do for anyone? > Ryan

  Response:

  > 1 – Recent news story about billboards that will track what radio > stations most cars driving by are listening to and adjust advertising > to suit those demographics.

  Just look at the efforst web designers go though to track your usage.  look at the amount of javascript at www.hp.com that is designed to track you. I browse the web with javascript disabled. But they can still track me if they are smart enough to just look at their web server log files. > 2 – FCC is still pressing hard for the various mobile phone companies > in the USA to comply with their regulation that requires all cell > phones to be able to be ‘tracked’ to within 100 feet anywhere in the > USA,

  *supposed* to activate only when you dial 911…   > 3 – I’m sure you know about the voluntary body scans in Florida – they > are proceeding with the test for passengers that looks under your > clothes.

  That isn’t bad. It is just voyeurism for exhibitionists. > 4 – As part of the ongoing Patriot Act nonsense, the federal > government wants access to ALL commercial transactions,

  That is absolutely terrible. The upside to this is that they may be so overwhelmed with data that the data won’t be of any use. George Orwell would be proud of George Bush Jr and John Ashcroft. And guess what, the crooks will just start to use more cash payments and those can’t be tracked. And when you think about it, of everyone went back to cash, banks would be starved of their freedy service charges for debit card transactions, and the government would be starved of their transaction data. It will be interesting to see if the US government prevents stored-value cards from happening. Those provide anonymous cash transfers just like cash. > 5 – A family in the US recently volunteered to be implanted with GPS > tracking chips.

  Right out of science fiction. The scary part is that the implanted chip will have some form of numeric identification of an individual. > 6 – Military started keeping DNA records on all servicemen several > years ago.

  So far, DNA has saved lifes in a few instances (wrongly accused men who were found non-guilty after DNA tests). But you are right, one will not be able to escape their identity. Interestingly, with cloning, you may end up with multiple people sharing DNA. > 7 – The debate is on again – national ID cards.

  I realise americans are very paranoid about this. But I am not against such stuff. It is no worse than a passport. You,ll note that the USA wants all canadians to have some form of US sanctioned identity card to travel to the USA. > We joke, but it is all happening.  Sooner than we think, too.  Some of > the paranoid conspiracy buffs were not so far off, methinks.  I buy > more guns, more ammo.

  Question is whether this will all fizzle out in 2 years when the current administration is thrown out.

  Response:

  > Cassie, get serious.  After the free trail mix and Coke what else can a crew > member do for anyone?

  Recently, just after take-off of a 13-hour flight, I very politely mentioned a relatively minor inconvenience to a flight attendant and got an upgrade to business class. Sjoerd

  Response:

  > > 2 – FCC is still pressing hard for the various mobile phone companies > in the USA to comply with their regulation that requires all cell > phones to be able to be ‘tracked’ to within 100 feet anywhere in the > USA, > *supposed* to activate only when you dial 911…  

  Ya, unless you read the full spec.  The system required by the FCC has to be able to locate your phone within 50 meters whether it is turned on or turned off, whether you dial 911 or the feds just decide to locate you.  But yes, they tell us this is just to make 911 service better.  Right. > And guess what, the crooks will just start to use more cash payments and those > can’t be tracked. And when you think about it, of everyone went back to cash, > banks would be starved of their freedy service charges for debit card > transactions, and the government would be starved of their transaction data.

  The government would like very much to abolish cash.  And most people agree that it is far easier to live in a cashless society.  My guess is that eventually cash will be outlawed. > 7 – The debate is on again – national ID cards. > I realise americans are very paranoid about this. But I am not against such > stuff. It is no worse than a passport. You,ll note that the USA wants all > canadians to have some form of US sanctioned identity card to travel to the USA.

  I don’t know what the Canadian theory of province vs federal government is, but I suspect it is different from the US theory of state’s rights.  Originally, the states gave the federal government the right to treat with foreign governments, raise an army, and regulate interstate commerce only.  The federal goverment was supposed to be weak, with the real power residing with the states.  Many of us do not want federally-issued ID cards. It is not like a passport at all.  A passport is essentially an external device.  Issued by the federal government to identify a US citizen to other governments, and to identify a US citizen to US officials when a citizen reenters the US.  You will note that the passport does not have your address on it.  The federal government knows the address where I lived when I applied for my passport, but not my address now.  Presumably, a national ID card would have to be kept updated with such information, just as a state driver’s license is kept updated. > We joke, but it is all happening.  Sooner than we think, too.  Some of > the paranoid conspiracy buffs were not so far off, methinks.  I buy > more guns, more ammo. > Question is whether this will all fizzle out in 2 years when the current > administration is thrown out.

  Nope.  Each side wants full control of US citizens, but from different perspectives.  When Clinton was in office, he signed an Executive Order entitled ‘Federalism’ that gave the federal government the right to take over any state activity that it showed it could do better, cheaper, or just wanted to take over.  It was rescinded, but only after much protest.  It did not make big headlines, except with privacy buffs and conspiracy freaks.  It was never really commented upon by the administration, but it was Big Medicine.  More far-reaching than even the hideous Patriot Act, but from a different point of view. Crooks, scum-sucking bottom-dwelling freedom-hating skags, that’s what ALL US federal politicians are. Best Regards, Bill Mattocks

  Response:

  > Oh please!  The most you’ll get out of these self-important flying > bimbos is the whole can of Diet Coke IF they like the way you smile > and you stick out your tongue and wag your tail and lick their shoes. >  It’s the only way they can afford shoe cleaning on their peanut > salaries.  Did you know that many flight attendants have to get by on > dog food?

  Yeah, I heard that dogs in cabin are the best customers. See, you don’t need a gun to kill flight attendants.  Do these: – Ask for a pillow then when she brings you a pillow, ask a blanket. – When she gives you a drink with ice, tell her you don’t want ice. – Ask for a black coffee then request some cream and sugar when she is serving next passenger. – On a beverage only flight, tell her you have to take some medication with some food. – Ask for the most complex predeparture beverage such as mimosa with lemon and lime and one ice. – After the door is shut, walk up to the front and tell them "I left my wallet at security gate!"

  Response:

  > Question is whether this will all fizzle out in 2 years when the current > administration is thrown out.

  You’re a regular retard Nostradamus, ain’tcha? Go ride your bike…

  Response:

  > Latest Harris poll has 64% saying he’s doing excellent or pretty good.

  Same thing happened to his daddy during gulf war. Then when the gulf war ended, he went down big time and lost. Remmeber the "it’s the economy stupid" phrase ???????

  Response:

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Oh please!  The most you’ll get out of these self-important flying > bimbos is the whole can of Diet Coke IF they like the way you smile > and you stick out your tongue and wag your tail and lick their shoes. >  It’s the only way they can afford shoe cleaning on their peanut > salaries.  Did you know that many flight attendants have to get by on > dog food? > Yeah, I heard that dogs in cabin are the best customers. > See, you don’t need a gun to kill flight attendants.  Do these: > – Ask for a pillow then when she brings you a pillow, ask a blanket. > – When she gives you a drink with ice, tell her you don’t want ice. > – Ask for a black coffee then request some cream and sugar when she is > serving next passenger. > – On a beverage only flight, tell her you have to take some medication > with some food. > – Ask for the most complex predeparture beverage such as mimosa with > lemon and lime and one ice. > – After the door is shut, walk up to the front and tell them "I left my > wallet at security gate!"

  Stand in the aisle and unpack your bag to get the things you ‘just have to have in your seat’ while a hundred people trying to get to their seat wait in line out the door. Ken.

  Response:

  > Same thing happened to his daddy during gulf war. Then when the gulf war > ended, he went down big time and lost. Remmeber the "it’s the economy stupid" > phrase ???????

  See: http://www.academycomputerservice.com/economics/charts.htm — Best Greg

  Response:

  I think this is the correct root of most of the problems we’ve been disccussing – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Crooks, scum-sucking bottom-dwelling freedom-hating > skags, that’s what ALL US federal politicians are.

  Response:

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