HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: georgec@eng.umd.edu (George B. Clark)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
Subject: Re: Charles Givens Organization
Date: 23 Aug 92 00:20:57 GMT
Organization: University of Maryland

In article <1992Aug22.225945.12185@morrow.stanford.edu> veeduh@leland.stanford.edu () writes:
>
>What "other sources" do you recommend?  Other seminars, books or periodicals?

I went to the public library today, and checked out the new edition of
"Wealth Without Risk" by Givens. It appears to duplicate much of what my
friend gets for being a member. It looks like a good book.

Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine is OK. Money Magazine is OK.
Straight Talk by the Dolans is OK. If you're trying to save money, any
of the newsletters that assess no-load mutual funds would be worthwhile.

Your public library will carry a ton of books on personal money management
at 332 in the Dewey decimal system. There you will find "The Complete
Finance Guide To The 1990s" by Gary Klott, which is a great book. Also,
you will find "Winning With Mutual Funds" by the editors of Money Magazine.

Basically, look at the copyright date, and don't spend too much time
reading stuff that's more than three years old.

Again, you would probably get a bigger response if you were to post
in misc.invest, but since some people may not get it at their site, I'm
willing to continue here.
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
From: dedek@meaddata.com (Mike Dedek)
Subject: Re: Boric Acid--the best roach killer!
Organization: Mead Data Central, Dayton OH
Date: Wed, 19 Aug 1992 13:36:30 GMT

In article <MMEYER.92Aug18124253@m2.dseg.ti.com>, mmeyer@m2.dseg.ti.com (Mark Meyer) writes:
|> In article <Bt6pvq.22x@news.cso.uiuc.edu> acheng@ncsa.uiuc.edu (Albert Cheng) writes:
|> > I heard their "skin" dries up and withered. 
|> 
|> 	I thought it acted as a stomach poison, after the roaches
|> ingest it while "cleaning" themselves.  Hmm...
|> 
|> -- 
|> Mark Meyer                                               | mmeyer@dseg.ti.com |

I've heard two theories:  1) It clogs their pores, preventing respiration, 
and they suffocate.
2) It turns into cement in their stomachs.

-Mike

Newsgroups: misc.consumers,alt.locksmithing
From: Larry Margolis <margoli@watson.ibm.com>
Subject: Re: Rekeying locks
Date: Thu, 20 Aug 1992 18:30:46 GMT
Reply-To: margoli@watson.ibm.com
Disclaimer: This posting represents the poster's views, not necessarily those of IBM
Organization: The Village Waterbed

In  <1992Aug20.171149.26686@csi.jpl.nasa.gov>  eldred@rrunner.jpl.nasa.gov (Dan Eldred) writes:
> In article <1992Aug19.213147.36653@watson.ibm.com> margoli@watson.ibm.com writes
> >
> >One way is to key them to a key you already have.  Another is to cut a key
> >by hand.  A third is to have a key machine and a depth key set, or a key
> >machine that lets you cut a key "by the numbers", and create a new original.
>
> The rekey kit comes with 2 keys.

If you don't want to buy the kit, you can just swap pins around in the
lock, or you can buy a few different size pins (I think they were about
a dollar a gross last time I bought them at a locksmith wholesalers).

Larry Margolis, MARGOLI@YKTVMV (Bitnet), margoli@watson.IBM.com (Internet)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
From: veeduh@leland.stanford.edu ()
Subject: Charles Givens Organization
Organization: Stanford University, California, USA
Date: Sat, 22 Aug 1992 03:42:25 GMT

Are you a member of the Charles Givens Organization?  What do you think of it?  
Is the information useful?  Is it worth the cost?  

Please reply directly to my address because I don't read the newsgroup that
often.

Thanks!

Newsgroups: misc.consumers
From: bd670@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Russell I. Dyreng)
Subject: Re: Universal Life
Organization: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, (USA)
Date: Thu, 20 Aug 92 20:18:39 GMT


 richw@grok64.ColumbiaSC.NCR.COM (Rich Wescott) writes:

>My wife recently heard part of a news story regarding the safety
>of buying Universal Life policies. Does anyone out there know 
>about this story? 

I didn't see the story, but Universal Life is a big ripoff.

Russ
##
1
From: asa@STL-09SIMA.ARMY.MIL (Will Martin on 9000)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
Subject: Re:  More Video Rental Horror Stories
Date: 17 Aug 92 19:19:08 GMT

|From: peterson@CS.ColoState.EDU (james peterson)
|One thing I *don't* like about Blockbuster, at least here in
|Fort Collins, Colorado, is that they seem to censor their movie offerings,
|either by offering "cut" versions of movies (they seem less concerned
|with violence than with sex), or by not offering movies someone in the
|organization deems "too controversial."  "The Last Temptation of Christ"
|is not available through Blockbuster here, ofr example, evidently to
|avoid offending the religious right.  If they wanted to avoid offending
|people, it's too late -- I'm deeply offended.
|Does anyone know if this practice extends to Blockbuster oulets nationally?

Such censorship is common here (St. Louis, MO), and, as a matter of fact,
I was rather surprised when I read another posting on the net some time
back in which the poster mentioned that the tapes he was interested in
were "next to the X-rated" or "next to the porno" at Blockbuster. No
BB here has any X-rated tapes. Actually, you cannot even find "non-rated"
versions of mainstream films that came in "R" and "non-rated" versions,
such as "Scandal".

Actually, within the city of St. Louis, all the stores that once rented
X-rated tapes have been repeatedly prosecuted and persecuted -- combine
that loss of income from products like that (which the little shops could
carry and not face competition from the big franchises) with the general
trend of big chains like Blockbuster taking over and driving out of
business the smaller neighborhood "mom-and-pop" video-rental outlets, and
you see a microcosm of the changes ahead nationwide in video rental.

Regards, Will
From: pdm@sisters.cs.uoregon.edu (peter d. mark)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
Subject: rollerblades vs. switchits
Date: 17 Aug 92 04:34:37 GMT
Organization: /local/lib/rn/organization


i'm interested in buying some "inline skates" (i think
that's what the generic name for them is), and i'm
thinking about getting "switch-its"  (sp?).

they're the brand which lets you pop off the rollers
and pop on ice skating blades, so you can use the
same boots for either sport.

does anyone out there have any experience with the
switch-its brand, or with rollerblades, or (best yet)
know the comparative merits and disadvantages of these
two brands--or any others?

if possible please respond via e-mail ... news-
reading facilities here have been flaky lately.
i'll summarize to the net if there's any interest.

thanks,

peter
pdm@cs.uoregon.edu
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
From: wb8foz@skybridge.SCL.CWRU.Edu (David Lesher)
Subject: Re: My Office is Going Copier Shopping!
Reply-To: wb8foz@skybridge.scl.cwru.edu (David Lesher)
Organization: NRK Clinic for habitual NetNews abusers - Beltway Annex
Date: Fri, 21 Aug 92 02:31:16 GMT

Others said
# That's right, my office is going to buy a new copier.  We are taking 
# advantage of the "free trial" that the copier companies offer, and now this 
# place looks like copier heaven.

You've done it wrong!

Get one demo'ed at a time.....
By the time you've tried them all, the first salesman will have
quit, and you can demo it again......

;-}
--
A host is a host from coast to coast..wb8foz@skybridge.scl.cwru.edu
& no one will talk to a host that's close..........................
Unless the host (that isn't close).........................pob 1433
is busy, hung or dead....................................20915-1433
From: cep@taligent.com (Christophe Pettus)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
Subject: Request: trouble-free car recommendations
Date: 17 Aug 92 23:07:39 GMT
Organization: Taligent, a little subsidiary of two really big companies.
Supersedes: <Bt5HFu.C7z@taligent.com>

In article <cindy.8@berkp.uadv.uci.edu> cindy@berkp.uadv.uci.edu (Cindy Windham)
 writes:
>I'm looking for a car that is large enough to seat two adults and two small
>children (and their carseats) comfortably, enough room to tote a stroller,
>and other sundry children's paraphernalia, peppy even in automatic, and
>amazingly trouble-free (having your car break down with two small kids in it
>is _not_ okay).  Any suggestions?

I've had excellent results with my Honda Civic wagon (not 4WD, not a
Wagovan).  Hondas continually amaze me with their ability to absorb
abuse and still run fine; I have over 160,000 miles on mine, and no
serious problems (i.e., it has never once quit unexpected on me, or
required major work to repair a problem).

I understand that Honda has discontinued the Civic wagon in favor of
the Accord wagon, which I'm sure is an excellent car, but much more
expensive.  I'm certain that you can find a reasonable used Civic
wagon, however.
--
-- Christophe

"Be calm.  Look cute."
From: bkottmann@falcon.aamrl.wpafb.af.mil (Brett Kottmann)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
Subject: Re: Problems making a purchase from a small business - request advice
Date: 19 Aug 92 15:06:10 EST
Organization: Logicon Technical Services, Inc.

In article <1992Aug7.203349.17644@b11.b11.ingr.com>, heller@heller.b11.ingr.com (Anne A. Heller) writes:
> 
...
> him.  The owner told Jeff that if we did not purchase the computer, he would 
> bill us for a 15% restocking fee (a "restocking fee" had never been mentioned
> or indicated in any way until this point!) and would turn the bill over to a 
> collection agency if unpaid which would eventually report us to a credit bureau.

	Send the guy a bill for $50 for wasting your time and failing to meet
the terms of the implied contract.  Then send the bill to a collection agency.

	That should take care of any "restocking fee" nonsense and protect your
credit rating.  (You can point out that there was a dispute over the contract,
instead of you simply failing to pay a fee.)

> I imagine the restocking fee/threat to report us to a credit bureau was meant 
> to intimidate us into buying the computer.  Although his threat upsets me, we 
> are in no way going to be intimidated in such a manner.  I wouldn't dream of
> entering a business transaction with his shop at this point!  My question is,
> is it legal for him to do this, considering no previous indication of a
> "restocking fee" had been given?  What would be our recourse?  I have read the 
> FAQ and know that we could dispute such information in our credit report, but 
> it still makes me angry that this guy could potentially cause problems for us.

	1) Report him to the BBB.

	2) Send a letter to the paper/local TV station that has a consumers
affairs segment.  They should either intercede for you or do an undercover
report on the guy.

	3) Send him a letter explaining that it was his failure to meet the
terms of sale, not yours.  You never took delivery of the system, thus are not
bound to meet any obligations like a "restocking fee".

	Businesses have this set pattern of intimidation.  They have books and
seminars on the matter.  Obsentisbly to collect from deadbeats, but some people
use the tactis to bully customers.

	I don't think this guy will be in business long.

Brett--------------------------------------------------------------------------
	"Why the courts don't tell a husband who has been living off his wife
to go out and get a job is beyond my comprehension."--Joan Lunden
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Newsgroups: misc.consumers

In misc.consumers, yuanj@ucbeh.san.uc.edu writes:

>I have found that the Boric Acis roach killer works best after comparison with
>all Raid, BlackFlag, JohnsonWax products (in aerosol cans).
>
>Boric acid is much cheaper and less harmful to human beings.  It takes effect
>slowly, which may not appeal to some consumers, but is a more effective way to
>kill the insects since they will not panic when some of the species dies in
>peace.
>
>Any one know how boric acid kills roaches?

It gets stuck on their feet.  They then lick it off, and the acid then
destroys their digestive system.


Donald Borowski    WA6OMI    Hewlett-Packard, Spokane Division
"Angels are able to fly because they take themselves so lightly."
                                       -G.K. Chesterton

Newsgroups: misc.consumers,rec.autos,rec.autos.tech
From: joec@fid.morgan.com (Joe Collins)
Subject: Re: 1987-1991 CAMRYS may lock you in the car
Organization: None
Date: Thu, 20 Aug 1992 20:28:36 GMT

In article <1992Aug20.130856.1@bronco.fnal.gov> colombo@bronco.fnal.gov writes:
>In article <1992Aug18.205145.18422@fid.morgan.com>, joec@fid.morgan.com (Joe Collins) writes:
>> The Sept issue of Consumer Reports apparently has a story about a 
>> problem with CAMRYs made before the 1992 model year. An electrical 
>> relay can fail, locking the car door locks and windows. The only way 
>> out then is crawl out the trunk, i.e. release the trunk via the 
>> remote switch, pull down the back seat and crawl out.
>> 
>Better hope you have the LE model as the DX didn't have fold down rear seats.
>At least that was listed as a standard feature on my '87 Camry LE.  Of
>course I didn't have to worry, I didn't have power locks/windows.  :-)

I have ordered the 1992 XLE V6 so I am not worried. The 1992 is a redesigned
car (and shares the same engine and body as its more expensive cousin 
the LEXUS 300- they even look much the same) so it is supposed to not
have this problem. Apparently it costs about $1300 to fix this in the earlier
cars and there are some 900,000 of them on the road.....Lets see, that
works out to $1,170,000,000 in repairs - No wonder Toyota doesn't want
to recall the cars.

Joe
joec@morgan.com


Newsgroups: misc.consumers
From: jrwaters@eos.ncsu.edu (JACK ROGERS WATERS)
Subject: j
Organization: North Carolina State University, Project Eos
Date: Tue, 18 Aug 1992 05:50:03 GMT


Newsgroups: misc.consumers
From: tamu@uxh.cso.uiuc.edu (Todd Henderson)
Subject: Re: Movie Rental Place wants my Credit Card #
Organization: University of Illinois at Urbana
Date: Wed, 12 Aug 1992 16:20:56 GMT

dbernard@thewho.Central.Sun.COM (Dave Bernard) writes:

>Unless the by-laws of Visa and MasterCard have changed in the
>last few years, merchants are expressly forbidden to use these
>credit cards as forms of identification, for check ID, for any
>other purpose except to make a credit card purchase.  Likewise,
>they are not to ask for other forms of ID, or for your phone number
>on the charge slip.  If the merchant violates the by-laws, he can
>be forbidden to use these services.  Best to write a letter to
>the credit card company, if you're really curious (not just the
>bank, but actually to Master Card (in St Louis?) or VISA (San Mateo,
>CA)

At block buster(I hate this place) they use your credit card as a charge
waiting to happen.  They told me they require so that if you don't bring
back a tape, they just pop out your old application and use the number to
charge up a premium price for a tape you just bought!

This seems like a highly questionable practice, although I understand their
need for security, I think this is a little out of line.  A lot of places
only want to see a bill(elect., phone) with your address to confirm that
you live where you told them, I assume so they can track you down.

I hate block buster, I hate block buster, I hate block buster.  Sorry, but
their prices and credit card policy drives me crazy.  One more for the
road.  I hate block buster.  Ahhhh, that fills so much better.

Good day,

Todd

>	Dave
Newsgroups: misc.consumers,alt.locksmithing
From: Larry Margolis <margoli@watson.ibm.com>
Subject: Rekeying locks
Date: Wed, 19 Aug 1992 21:31:47 GMT
Reply-To: margoli@watson.ibm.com
Disclaimer: This posting represents the poster's views, not necessarily those of IBM
Organization: The Village Waterbed

In  <Bt90Lw.EwD@news.cso.uiuc.edu>  tmkk@uiuc.edu (Khan) writes:
>
> In article <1992Aug18.162602.3058@csi.jpl.nasa.gov> eldred@rrunner.jpl.nasa.gov
> >
> >You can buy a lock rekeying kit for a number of popular brands (I have one
> >for Kwikset) for about $10, which includes enough pins for doing several
> >locks (depending on the new key you use) and instructions and a special
> >tool for getting the lock apart.
>
> Question: Suppose I buy one of these kits and rekey my lock. I now have
> a lock which my old key no longer fits, and thus I cannot use. How do I
> get a key cut to fit this new lock without the assistance of a
> locksmith?

One way is to key them to a key you already have.  Another is to cut a key
by hand.  A third is to have a key machine and a depth key set, or a key
machine that lets you cut a key "by the numbers", and create a new original.

Larry Margolis, MARGOLI@YKTVMV (Bitnet), margoli@watson.IBM.com (Internet)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
From: shun@cbnewsh.cb.att.com (shun.cheung)
Subject: Re: Mail Order Electronics
Organization: AT&T
Distribution: na
Date: Fri, 21 Aug 1992 15:36:54 GMT
Keywords: Mail Order Telephone Electronics

In article <1992Aug21.005330.9510@yenta.alb.nm.us> ben@yenta.alb.nm.us (Ben Klausner) writes:
>Does anyone have any favorite (read "reccomended") sources for mail order
>electronics? I'm specifically looking for a new cordless phone,

Try Camera World of Oregon: (800) 222-1557, good price and
good service according to my experience with them.
Other than a happy customer, I am not associated with CWO
in any ways.
-- 
-- Shun Cheung,    electronic: shun.cheung@att.com    voice: (908) 615-5135
     HR 1A-304, AT&T Bell Labs, 480 Red Hill Road, Middletown, NJ, 07748 USA
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
From: pjd@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu (Peter J Dotzauer)
Subject: international movers - advice wanted
Organization: The Ohio State University
Date: Wed, 12 Aug 1992 23:19:31 GMT

I'd like to solicied advice on international movers & moving.

I'm planning to move from Columbus, Ohio to a place near Munich, Germany.

A rough estimate of the stuff is

One car (VW Golf) (possibly a second car)

500 - 1000 pounds of books, manuals, tapes, etc.

The equivalent of 10 - 20 suitcases of clothes, in boxes

One desktop PC

Three very large boxes, and perhaps 10 medium boxes of toys

leave some room for the stuff I forgot

Questions:

- What is the way to go? Container? door to door? port to port?
  What are the going prices for that kind of move?

- Any positive or negative experiences with certain international movers?

- Any experience of getting a shipped car licensed in Germany? (TUev)
  (It seems to be worth it since used car prices are at least double
   in Germany, unless on is required to have modifications that cost
   too much).

Thank you.

If I get some useful responses, I'll post a summary.
-- 
Peter J. Dotzauer - pjd+@osu.edu - pjd+@ohstmail - osu-mps!pjd
Newsgroups: misc.consumers,alt.locksmithing
From: dougnews@access.digex.com (Doug Humphrey)
Subject: Re: Was this a ripoff?
Keywords: locksmith
Organization: Express Access Online Communications, Greenbelt, Maryland USA
Date: Sat, 15 Aug 1992 04:32:26 GMT

Here in Maryland we had two locks put on the main door to 
our new offices, one Schlage standard "high security" and 
one Schlage "Primus" which is their controlled copy lock
(sidebar, very tight tolerance and drill protection, etc.)
plus had another existing external lock worked on.  Since 
the first two were total replacements of all of the lock 
hardware I did not mind the $250 or so that it cost total
(including labor, etc.)  Copies for the Primus were expensive 
too.  I figure the prices were at least OK because the 
locksmith was a recognized Marklander (obscure reference).

800 for the house sounds a bit high, but it the guy had to 
do a lot of drilling, and installed all new hardware in all 
of the doors, then it could cost a bit of cash.  

Doug
-- 
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
From: jbt@cbnewsi.cb.att.com (jack.b.turner)
Subject: Re: Looking for Information on Mail Order Furniture
Organization: AT&T
Distribution: usa
Date: Fri, 21 Aug 1992 16:19:59 GMT
Summary: Sources of nc furniture by phone/mail
Keywords: furniture, mail, order

In article <1992Aug20.091818.1@mcvax4.d48.lilly.com>, rz66026@mcvax4.d48.lilly.com (Bob Shew <Shew@Lilly.Com>) writes:
> 
> I am looking for information on companies that sell QUALITY furniture by mail
> order.  I believe North Carolina is the hotspot for this.  I would be very
> interested in hearing both good and bad stories about these mail order
> companies.  Any information on what brands of furniture (Cochrane, Thomasville,
> etc.) that can be purchased would also be very helpful.
> 
> I will summarize to the net.
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Bob
> 
> -- 
>  ____________________________________________________________________
> | Robert W. Shew                  | Shew@Lilly.Com         (email)   |
> | Scientific Information Services | (317) 276-9854         (phone)   |
> | Lilly Research Laboratories     | (317) 276-4127         (FAX)     |
> | Eli Lilly and Company           | These are my PERSONAL opinions.  |
> |____________________________________________________________________|


An extensive file of info on NC furniture sources is maintained by 
Tofer Eliot at dg-rtp.dg.com.  To link up, send mail to:
house-archive@dg-rtp.dg.com

In the body, write:

send info
send index
send furniture
path (put your e-mail address here, no paren's)

Subject line is immaterial.  This will get the furniture file plus general 
info on other files in the archive.  It's good stuff!

jbt@falcon2.att.com (Jack Turner)
From: lilychen@aludra.usc.edu (Lily Cheng)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
Subject: Re: Terrible Experience With Alamo
Date: 13 Aug 1992 17:14:04 -0700
Organization: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Distribution: usa
NNTP-Posting-Host: aludra.usc.edu

I have bad experience with Alamo LA, and Hertz, San Jose too!
From: kalagher@mwunix.mitre.org (Dick Kalagher)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
Subject: Pelligrino magazines
Date: 17 Aug 92 19:15:39 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: The MITRE Corporation

I personally had good luck ordering magazines from Pelligrino.  However, 
my daughter ordered from him last fall and still has not received 
anything.  She has written to Pelligrino twice requesting a refund and 
left several messages on his answering machine.  He has ignored them all.  
She even sent a letter certified, return reciept requested, so we know he 
got it.

Is anyone else still in a situation of haveing sent Pelligrino money and 
received no magazines?  Has anyone contacted DEC, since he used a mail 
account their to solicit subscriptions?  Has anyone written to the New 
Hampshire Attorney General or the Postal Authorities?
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
From: schwartz@nynexst.com (S. H. Schwartz)
Subject: Re: Rekeying locks
Reply-To: schwartz@nynexst.com
Organization: Expert Systems Lab., NYNEX Sci. and Tech., White Plains NY
Date: Thu, 20 Aug 92 16:19:11 GMT

This do-it-yourself rekeying sounds like a big job.  If you can remove
the lock cylinder yourself, any competent locksmith can rekey it for 
a few dollars, and cut extra keys for you at the same time.

---
Steven H. Schwartz		Expert Systems Laboratory
schwartz@nynexst.com		NYNEX Science and Technology Center
PROFS: SCHWARTZ@UNIX		500 Westchester Avenue
914-644-2960			White Plains NY 10604
From: ahill@boi.hp.com (Andy Hill)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
Subject: Re: Credit Union Deposit (Share) Interest (Dividend) Calculations
Date: 14 Aug 92 18:32:02 GMT
Article-I.D.: mail.BszKtF.K7t
Reply-To: ahill@boi.hp.com
Distribution: usa
Organization: LaserJets by Bill & Dave
X-Newsreader: Tin 1.1 PL3

In general, credit unions are great places to take out loans from, but lousy
places to invest money.  Sorta makes sense to me - they aren't renting the
money for much, so they can afford to rent it out cheaper.  Our credit
union here at HP had the same sort of policy until recently - the money
had to sit for three months before interest would be credited.  Enough
people bitched so that now they have two types of accounts; a "long-term"
account that works the old way, and a "short-term" account that accumulates
daily interest (but only credited once a quarter) at a somewhat lower interest
rate.  You're a part-owner of your credit union - if you don't like the
way it's run, do something about it!