HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: adams@spss.com (Steve Adams)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
Subject: Re: Do you think it was really Sears?
Date: 21 Nov 92 22:19:25 GMT
Organization: SPSS Inc.

guppy@wixer.cactus.org (Jennifer Mery) writes:

>I got a phone call Wednesday (during Seinfeld, grr!). The woman on the
>other end asked for me and said that she was from Sears, and that they
>wanted me to apply for their credit card. Okay, I think, I wouldn't mind
>having a Sears card. 
>
>First she asks if [my address] is my correct address. It is. Next she
>asks how old I am. I tell her. Then she asks if I'm a US citizen! I say
>yes, but I'm starting to wonder what's going on. She asks how many
>dependents I claim on my tax return. I say it's none of her business how
>many people I claim on my tax return. She says that I don't have to
>answer any questions I don't want to answer. She then asks if I'm
>employed. I said "I don't want to talk to you anymore" being fed up with
>these ridiculous off base questions. She says "This is the Sears credit
>card [blah blah blah]." I told her "I already have a Dicover card and
>Visa card and I don't need your card." the end.
>
>Is this for real? I couldn't believe the tax return question. If it is
>for real, I'm not even sure if I want to shop at their store. what
>weirdos!
>
Don't know if it's for real, but the questions ARE valid if it was.  I'd
suggest not giving this information over the phone unless you placed the
call to them, and even then I'd be hesitant.  Apply by mail...

If you look at a standard credit app, this kind of information is asked
for.

 -Steve
--
  The opinions expressed above are those of the author and not SPSS, Inc.
                         -------------------
   adams@spss.com                                  Phone: (312) 329-3522
   Steve Adams        "Space-age cybernomad"       Fax:   (312) 329-3558
From: JULIE.KADASHEVICH@OFFICE.WANG.COM ("Julie Kadashevich")
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
Subject: REQUEST: Where do I find Zefir?
Keywords: locating food source
Date: 18 Nov 92 16:17:38 GMT
Article-I.D.: tuna.199211181616.AA19521
Organization: Mail to News Gateway at Wang Labs

Help!  I am trying to locate a Russian candy called Zefir?
It comes in several flavors: vanillar, strawberry, and covered
in chocolate.  Does anyone have any suggestions where I can buy
it?

Thanks a lot!

Julie
Newsgroups: misc.consumers,misc.consumers.house
From: bullock@watson.bms.com (JOAN BULLOCK)
Subject: Re: Kerby Vacuum Cleaners Information
News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.4-b1  
Keywords: We are talking about a Kirby not a Dirt Devel
Organization: Bristol Myers Squibb Pharmaceutical Research Institute
Distribution: usa
Date: Mon, 16 Nov 1992 17:47:00 GMT

In article <guido.721925112@sparc-3>, guido@blink.att.com (Guido Bertocci) 
writes... 
>Unless you are renting and planning on moving soon a central vac is one
>heck of a lot more convenient.  Try cleaning cobwebs near the ceiling with
>a Kirby or a Rainbow.  Try vacuuming under a sofa with a Kirby.  It can
>be done, but you will spend half your time switching from the power head
>to the hose and back or trying to lug the damn thing up and down stairs.


Isn't switching between a power head and attachments (as well as lugging these 
around along with _all that hose_) a problem for the central vacs too?  

Please enlighten - I'm central vac ignorant.


Joan Bullock
bullock@bms.com

Newsgroups: misc.consumers
From: richard@pegasus.com (Richard Foulk)
Subject: Re: Blockbuster Video
Organization: Pegasus,  Honolulu
Date: Sun, 15 Nov 92 13:50:28 GMT

>: Would anyone happen to know the address of Blockbuster Video's headquarters
>: or main branch.  I've received very bad service from a local store and would
>: like to send my destroyed card to the main store with an explanation of why.
>: 
>: Thank you for your help.
>: 
>: Paula Borden
>: att!hogpb!paula1
>
>I called one of the branch offices in Milwaukee and they gave me this:
>
>Blockbuster Entertainment Company
>1 Museum Plaza
>200 S. Andrews Avenue
>Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
>(305) 832-3000
>
>If the phone is not correct (a person who gave it to me was kind of uncertain)
>call 1-(Florida's Area Code - whatever it is)-555-1212 and ask them (that's
>Directory Assistance).
>

Their policy of not carrying any NC-17 videos is another good reason
to take your business elsewhere.


-- 
Richard Foulk		richard@pegasus.com
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
From: smpod@ariel.lerc.nasa.gov (Stefan)
Subject: 27" TV Recommendations
News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.41    
Organization: who knows
Distribution: usa
Date: 18 Nov 1992 11:44 EST  

I asking for recommendations for a 27" TV.  Priorities are:
1)reliability
2)price  (around $600 max)
3)performance
4)convenience

Thanks.
From: lou@hpkslx.mayfield.HP.COM (Lou Kvitek)
Date: Wed, 18 Nov 1992 01:20:51 GMT
Subject: Re: Any Experiences/Opinions on NordicTrac Exercisers?
Organization: HP Response Center Lab
Newsgroups: misc.consumers

In misc.consumers, sasbrb@rolypoly.unx.sas.com (Brendan Bailey) writes:


>    Does anyone have any opinions or experiences with NordicTrac ski
> exercisers?  I've seen the infomercial and actually got to browse their new
> store at SouthPark Mall in Charlotte.  Are they worth the money when compared
> to the cheaper cross-country-type ski exercisers?   

We have one.  Its great.  Very well built.  Will last a long time.
The other ones on TV are very cheasy.  Saw a David Horowitz special 
on them once.  The Nordic Trak is great.  Try to buy one second
hand first, you might save some money. 

Lou
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
From: massengi@cloves.unx.sas.com (Darrell Massengill)
Subject: Re: A problem on 1990 Dodge CaraVan and other problems.
Date: Tue, 17 Nov 1992 13:45:24 GMT
Organization: SAS Institute Inc.
Keywords: Dodge, CaraVan, Plymouth, Voyager

In article <guido.721924527@sparc-3> guido@blink.att.com (Guido Bertocci) writes:
>florence@infonode.ingr.com (John Florence) writes:
>
>>In article <402@yak.COM>, clg2521@yak.COM (Cindy Guo) writes:
>>> 
>>> I have problems with my 1990 Dodge Caravan (around 30,000 miles), 
>>> and I wonder if anyone there similiar problem ? The car died once 
>>> when I drove it, but the dealer and a local shop could not find any 
>>> problem.  
>>> 
>>  I could not restart the car, but I can restart it after 40 mins. 
>>> 
>>   you probably have a marginal heat sensitive computer chip that 
>>   controls the flow of fuel........
>>	
>>	I am working on my third Caravan/Voyager....so far have only
>>	experienced what you describe once and that was the prob.
>>	
>>	replaced chip and no more problem.............good luck !!
>
>I would strongly suggest having the contacts to the computer cleaned.
>Our 88 Voyager died while driving in sleeting rain on the highway.
>We ended up having it flatbedded to the dealer.  They replaced the
>computer which solved the problem.  They then replaced the old computer
>and it still worked fine and has ever since.  I think that just the
>process of removing and replacing it cleaned the contacts enough to
>solve the problem.  
>
>Another known possible problem if the car is failing when hot is the
>MAP sensor.  Being about a $60 item it is a fairly easy thing to replace.


Hmmm.  There seem to be a lot of people (that I know - 6 off the top
of my head) who have had this type of problem.  The symptom is 
always the same.  There have been many different solutions applied.  
I know of some people who have had the sensor replaced.  Another 
solution involves replacing the fuel filter (under the van at 
the sliding door).  The fuel filter seems to
have worked for me for a while (until just before it blew a head
gasket).   All solutions seem to have some effect.  But I keep 
wondering why so many Caravan/Voyager owners are having the problem.  
Are the Dodge/Plymouth people hiding a known problem?

The blown head gasket is another strange problem.  My '88 only has
39K miles.  It suddenly started running rough, "using" oil and coolant,
and running hot.  A friend with the same van had the same problem -
a blown head gasket.  The odd thing is the fact that they had replaced
the valve covers with a different looking cover when I got it back
(no mention of this).  Is this another "hidden" fix?  Have other people
had the head gasket problem?
-- 
Darrell Massengill    Manager of Image Processing   SAS Institute Inc.
massengi@unx.sas.com  (919) 677-8000 x7658          SAS Campus Dr, Cary, NC
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
From: sethb@fid.morgan.com (Seth Breidbart)
Subject: Re: Bally's Health Club SUCKS Read this...
Organization: my opinions only
Date: Fri, 20 Nov 1992 17:40:46 GMT

In article <Nov.13.10.45.55.1992.2230@net.bio.net>
charleen@net.bio.net (Charleen Bunjiovianna) writes:

>I can't figure out how you concluded that the Bally salesperson lied.
>Here's Eric's account again:
>
>"I told him exactly what my situation was.  I said I was only going to be in
>town for the next two months, and I didn't want to be liable for a full
>year's membership.  ( $600.00 odd dollars ).  He said that was `no problem',
>because if I showed proof that I moved more than 30 miles from the
>Center, I wouldn't be held liable for any additional payments."
>
>...which is exactly the case; Eric wouldn't be held liable for any
>additional payments on the $600 contract.  Eric didn't ask about a
>cancellation fee, and as far as I'm concerned, the salesperson was under
>no obligation to tell him since it was set out in the contract, which
>Eric is supposed to have read.

I guess he just considered the "cancellation fee" to be a "payment".
I'm inclined to agree; anything that involves me paying money is a
payment.

Seth		sethb@fid.morgan.com
Xref: sparky misc.consumers:19247 alt.folklore.science:4054
From: jonathan@cs.pitt.edu (Jonathan Eunice)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers,alt.folklore.science
Subject: Re: Aluminum cookware:  Recipe for disaster?
Date: 18 Nov 92 21:40:42 GMT
	<1edg8qINNrv8@gap.caltech.edu>
Followup-To: misc.consumers
Organization: University of Pittsburgh Computer Science

Aluminum is also one of the most common elements on the earth.  It
appears in many soils and clays, for example, not to mention foods.
So even if one were to avoid Al cookware and pipes, there would be
plenty of opportunity to bring it into your body.
From: masticol@cadenza.rutgers.edu (Steve Masticola)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
Subject: Re: Cranberry relish
Date: 23 Nov 92 03:25:38 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: Rutgers Univ., New Brunswick, N.J.

mf@dancer.cc.bellcore.com (fusco,marc) writes:

>Does anyone have the recipe for cranberry relish, as reported
>on NPR about this time every year?

Wrong newsgroup, but here it is anyway... -S.


		 Grandma Stanberg's Cranberry Relish
		 ------- ---------- --------- ------

2 cups raw cranberries
1 small onion
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup sour cream
2 tbsp horseradish

Grind the onion and the cranberries in a blender. Stir everything else
in. Freeze.  One hour before dinner, let the relish thaw in the
fridge.

>Thanks,
>mf
>mf@cc.bellcore.com

De nada.

- Steve (masticol@cs.rutgers.edu).
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
From: kurt@tc.fluke.COM (Kurt Guntheroth)
Subject: Re: Airline Suit
Reply-To: kurt@tc.fluke.COM (Kurt Guntheroth)
Organization: John Fluke Mfg. Co., Inc., Everett, WA
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1992 16:33:12 GMT

lou@hpkslx.mayfield.HP.COM (Lou Kvitek) writes:

>I agree, it was crap.  They settled on giving us coupons so that 
>we could get some money off of already over-inflated fairs.
>Where's the penalty?
>
>Lou

Ah, but did the LAWYERS get coupons?
The Lawyers got their money.  That's what matters.
Xref: sparky misc.consumers:19134 misc.consumers.house:14673
From: guido@blink.att.com (Guido Bertocci)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers,misc.consumers.house
Subject: Re: Kerby Vacuum Cleaners Information
Date: 16 Nov 92 14:57:10 GMT
Article-I.D.: sparc-3.guido.721925830
Distribution: usa
Organization: AT&T

cloos@theory.TC.Cornell.EDU (James H. Cloos Jr.) writes:

>After reading all this about the Kerby vacs, I thought you all would
>be interested to know that the dealer (aka salesman), as of Summer'91,
>made $250 commission on a full price sale of everything except the
>sander (was $1250, now apparently $1295).  Also, each 3 sold in a week
>gets an additional $200 or so bonus.  As you can see, the dealer's
>cost is about $1000 for the vac+shampooer+Zip-brush.  (Also, the
>dealers usu only get about $50 for a Kerby trade-in, or $5 or $10 for
>any other trade-in.)

>Now just what the Distributor's price is I'd be very interested to know....

This seems very high. I (stupidly) bought a Kirby with every
attachment known to man for $400.  This including things like the dog polisher,
carpet shampooer, floor buffer, hand turbo nozzle, extra wands, 
extra bags and extra belts.  I didn't have to argue, dicker or 
beat the salesman.  A friend and I simply found who the Kirby 
salesman was and called him up and told him that we would each 
buy one for $400 and he said ok.  This was about 5 years ago 
and I find it hard to believe that it has gotten that much more expensive.
From: sbp2@ns1.cc.lehigh.edu (SARA BETH PIWOWAR)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
Subject: Re: Nintendo Game vs. 386sx Computer
Date: 21 Nov 92 21:58:26 GMT
Organization: Lehigh University

In article <1992Nov16.194546.18890@awdprime.austin.ibm.com>, chuckt@austin.ibm.c
om (Charles N. Tomlinson) writes:
>
>Well I have a problem I would like to get some opinions on.  I have 2 children,
>a 3 year old & an 8 year old.  Earlier this year while at my mother-in-laws
>house, the kids found an old Atari system that she had.  We brought it home and
>the kids have really enjoyed it.  My wife and I were thinking about buying them
>a new video game.
>
>Now here is the problem.  I already have a 386sx computer in my home, and I hav
e
>a hard time justifying going out buying a Super Netendo 16-bit($140.00) to play
>games on when I can do most of the same thing on my computer.  So I guess what
>I am looking for is some of your opinions on the pros and cons of the two.
>Here are a few that I thought of:
>
>Pro for buying Nintendo:
>  1. Simple to use.  As I stated the kids are 3 & 8.  The 8 yr old has no
>     problem with using the computer but the 3 yr does.  It would be alot
>     easier for him to use the Netendo by himself.
>  2. My computer would not be tied up all the time with the kids on it.
>  3. Get to hear all the nice music that plays when you play the game. ;)
>
>Con for buying Nintendo:
>  1. The computer has a more cpu power. ( 32 bit processor as apposed to 16 bit
)
>  2. All I would have to do is buy joy sticks for the computer (approx $50.00)
>  3. The computer games cost about the same or cheaper.  (Super Nintendo 16-bit
>     games are about $50.00 to $60.00)
>
>Well that is all I can think of right now.  Please feel free to add to this.
>With Christmas approaching, there may be others out there you are running into
>this same problem of trying to decide what to get.
>
>Chuck T.
>
>===============================================================================
=
>   The knights of Neee : " We are the   | Charles N. Tomlinson    (Chuck)
>    keepers of the sacred words.....    |
>    Neee...Pang...and Neuuong"          |
>                                        |
>  Monty Python's "The Holy Grail"       | Inet  : chuckt@scnteam1.austin.ibm.co
m
>===============================================================================
=
>
>
Although I am only a college student, I suggest teaching your children to use
the 386.  They will undoubtedly need the computer background later, and $140
is way to much to pay for a toy that you already have.
From: aem@symbiosis.ahp.com (a.e.mossberg)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
Subject: Re: Government Auctions
Date: 23 Nov 1992 16:38:03 -0500
Organization: Symbiosis Corporation, Miami, Florida  (305) 597-4000
Distribution: na
Reply-To: aem@symbiosis.ahp.com
NNTP-Posting-Host: symbi1.symbiosis.ahp.com

wb8foz@skybridge.SCL.CWRU.Edu (David Lesher) writes:

>C) If you want to snare a bunch of suckers, cheap, publish an ad
>in a magazine offering to sell them info you got for free....

Great idea! And the GPO stuff is copyright free!

aem
-- 
andrew mossberg           systems specialist           symbiosis corporation
(305) 597-4110            fax (305) 597-4002           miami, florida 33166-6202
aem@symbiosis.ahp.com     uunet!symbi1!aem             SPAN: UMIGW::AEM
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
From: monica@searchtech.com (Monica Skidmore)
Subject: Re: Discount silverware?
Organization: Search Technology, Inc.
Date: Wed, 18 Nov 1992 17:15:26 GMT

In article <Nov.17.10.21.28.1992.21506@net.bio.net> charleen@net.bio.net (Charleen Bunjiovianna) writes:
>In article <1992Nov17.170850.7518@reed.edu> bob@reed.edu (Robert Ankeney) writes:
>>
>>     Does anyone know if there are any mail-order places to get discount
>>silverware?  I'm looking specifically at Gorham Chantilly (sp?), but would
>>be interested in other makers too.
>
>Sure.  Try Ross-Simons (which is in Rhode Island) or Barron's (not sure
>of location).  My catalogues are at home, but if you call 800 directory
>assistance, you're bound to have some luck.
>
>I've never ordered from Barron's but have been pleased with everything
>from Ross-Simons.
>

I have also been pleased with Ross-Simons.  A similar company is House of
1776 in Texas, at 1-800-989-1776.  However, I have found the best silver
selection and prices through Beverly Bremer, here in Atlanta.  These other 
companies also sell china, crystal, and jewelry at a discount; Beverly Bremer 
is strictly silver.  I'm sure they have an 800 number as well; they frequently
advertise in "Southern Living."

The neat thing about BB is that they deal in used silver.  This means
that they even have a wide selection of discontinued patterns and pieces.
If you order used pieces, they select the best ones they have in stock and 
polish them until they look like new.  Used is cheaper, naturally, and can 
be a good option if you're matching an older set anyway.  You can register 
with them and they will send you periodic updates on their new and used stock 
and prices for your pattern(s).  The only drawback is that they don't always 
have all of the pieces of a pattern in new stock; the neatest thing is that 
they are a great source for unusual pieces like salt spoons and ice cream 
forks in your pattern!  (Chantilly has been around for 70 or 80 years and 
offers many of these unusual pieces.)

Disclaimer:  I'm not connected with any of these places; I'm just a satisfied
silver lover.  :-)

-- 
Monica D. Skidmore                            monica@searchtech.com
Search Technology, Inc.                       emory!stiatl!srchtec!monica
                                              monica@srchtec.uucp
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
Subject: Life insurance query !
From: <NABXDS@rohvm1.rohmhaas.com>
Date: Mon, 23 Nov 1992 16:49:57 EST
Organization: Rohm and Haas Company

Hi Netters, I just started reading this group few weeks ago.  I would like
to know in very simple terms what is the difference between term life, whole
life and universal !

I have been talking to this guy who is starting out as an independent
financial consultant and is (obviously) trying to aggressively advertise for
the whole and universal life policy.  Could any of you explain as to the
differences between the three ?  I get a gut feeling that the whole life and
universal are overkill.

Is there some questions I can ask him that he comes out with the truth also ?
Thanks a bunch,

DinakarSubramanian

** What the large print giveth, the fine print taketh away ***
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
From: ghazel@eskimo.com (Geoff Hazel)
Subject: Re: extended warranty
Organization: >>> Eskimo North (206)-FOR-EVER <<<
Distribution: usa
Date: Fri, 20 Nov 1992 18:27:03 GMT

In article <tkevans.722103004@eplrx7.es.dupont.com> tkevans@eplrx7.es.dupont.com writes:
>hemant@cbnewse.cb.att.com (hemant.b.bhatt) writes:
>
>>I am going to buy Plymouth Voyager Minivan.
>
>>(1) Should I buy 7 year 70000 miles Bumper to Bumper
>>    extended warranty?
>
>
>Extended warranties, by and large, are pure profit for dealers;
>otherwise, they wouldn't try so hard to sell them to you.
>
>If you feel you must have one, check with AAA or with Geico
>Insurance, both of which sell them for about half the cost a
>dealer will charge you (demonstrating how much profit there
>is in them).  I don't know about AAA, but you don't have to
>be insured by Geico to buy their extended warranty.  I have
>no experience with either of these extended warranty
>programs.
>-- 
>Tim Evans                     |    E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co.
>tkevans@eplrx7.es.dupont.com  |    Experimental Station
>(302) 695-9353/7395           |    P.O. Box 80357
>EVANSTK AT A1 AT ESVAX        |    Wilmington, Delaware 19880-0357


We bought a new 89 Ford Probe, when they first came out.  Dealer sold
us the extended warrany, cost about $600.00 or so.  Well, we had the
alternator go out, which list cost was $189.00 and then labor on
top came to over $300.00, all of which was covered.  The electric door
motor on drivers side died, which was also covered.  And the plan
included a rental car fee also paid.  So, all in all, the plan did pay
for itself.  Now the downside:  There were some things that were not
covered, like the transmission slipped off its mount; since there were
no parts involved, we had to pay.  The real problem happend when the
plan we bought went out of business!  The dealer did help us out after
we whined and complained a lot; If you want one, be sure to get it from
a reputable company or the Manufacturer's plan.  Otherwise if they go
under, you could lose your coverage!
From: laufer@math.luc.edu (Konstantin Laufer)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
Subject: Re: Government Auctions
Date: 23 Nov 92 17:37:39 GMT
Reply-To: laufer@math.luc.edu
Organization: Loyola University Chicago
Fcc: +outbox

In article <1eqqi7INN68@sixgun.East.Sun.COM>, egreen@east.sun.com (Ed Green - Pixel Cruncher) writes:
> Government auctions are free and open to any US citizen (you paid for
                                   ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

> the stuff they are auctioning off, you know).  The companies that
> charge for information about the auctions monitor all (?) federal
> agencies and simply compile the auction info.

Say what?  Are you saying that permanent residents and other furreners

	[ ] may not attend
	[ ] may attend, but not bid on anything
	[ ] may attend and bid, but not buy anything?

I'd be curious to know.
-- 
-Konstantin [laufer@math.luc.edu]
From: Brian.E.Hannon@dartmouth.edu (Brian E. Hannon)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
Subject: Re: Best gasoline for my car
Date: 22 Nov 92 23:50:24 GMT
Organization: Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH
X-Posted-From: InterNews1.0b1@newshost.dartmouth.edu

In article <rhalse20.722128724@ursa>
rhalse20@ursa.calvin.edu (Rob Halsey) writes:

> Can anyone offer me a suggestion for the best brand of gasoline?

Nope.  Only experts with four years of training in the field can
reliably offer this information.  :-)

But seriously folks...  the best type of gasoline depends mainly on two
things.  1. the type of cleaning additives added to the fuel; and 2.
the octane level of the fuel.  In most other respects, all the major
brands are the same, although some of the cheap brands may use a little
different refining techniques.

For 1, if you have a fuel injected car, I'd recommend a gasoline with
detergent additives.  Mobil and Shell put detergents in all levels of
their gasoline, most of the others only have it in their premium stuff.

For 2, if you have a late model car with a knock sensor, you may get
better performance and higher fuel economy with a higher octane number.
 If you don't have a knock sensor and haven't been noticing any
knocking problems in a well tuned car, you need not use anything more
than the cheap stuff.

Bri