HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: stu@Warren.MENTORG.COM (Stu Brown)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
Subject: Re: DAK Breadmakers. You MAY get lucky.
Date: 18 Nov 1992 12:00:42 -0500
Organization: Mentor Graphics -- IC Group
NNTP-Posting-Host: stu.warren.mentorg.com

From article <1ebcknINNsv0@usenet.INS.CWRU.Edu>, by bk134@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Keith William Bowes):
> 
> 
>  We have had a DAK Turbo II for what will be one year this
> Xmas. The problem we experienced with our unit is that the
> light blue plastic ring that encircles the glass dome and
> frames it into the metal band on the lid broke as the
> machine was cooling down. This occured during the initial
> warranty period on maybe the 20th loaf of bread we made
> (give or take). We had not touched the machine at all. The
> bread baked, the fan came on to cool the bread, 20 minutes
> later we walk into the kitchen and see a cracked rim.
> Anyway we returned it (and paid the postage and $14 as
> stated in the warranty so THEY could return it to us), and
> they sent another unit (the same, reconditioned? who knows?).
> Well, with the new unit the novelty had subsided and we were
> not making bread as often. Well, the same thing happened
> again, and again this was probably around loaf #20 +/-.
> Except by this time it was a month or more beyond the
> warranty expiration. So we are stuck. The unit still works,
> but with every loaf the ring spreads a little further and
> becomes weaker. Someday it will fail to hold the dome on at
> all.

I have had the same problem with my machine - the blue ring has
cracked. I was not about to pay DAK $14 to do warranty service. My
wife and I spent WEEKS trying to get through to their customer "support"
and it was busy from the second they opened until the second they closed!
I just wanted them to send me the replacement piece for free - I'll
replace it. I finally faxed them a letter and a few weeks later they
sent me a price list for purchasing replacement parts. Of course, the
blue ring was on it - I think it was about $15.

Since the ring seems to be just decorative and not splitting any
wider, I'll live with it. My wife and I really like the machine, though.

A friend of ours, on our recommendation, bought a Turbo II also. Hers
was D.O.A. She could not get through to their customer support number,
with the same results as us. She just packed it up and returned it
for a refund.

I have ordered a few things from DAK. I ordered $900 worth of CD-ROM
drive and software which they said would ship in a month. A month later
I call them up (the order line since that's the only one they answer) and
they had no record of my order! A few weeks later I get a postcard saying
"your order is delayed..." I just wrote "cancel" and sent it back. I will
never order from them again.
-- 
Stuart Brown
Mentor Graphics Corporation
I.C. Group, Warren NJ
stu@warren.mentorg.com or uunet!sdl!stu
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
From: igb@fulcrum.co.uk (Ian G Batten)
Subject: Re: eyeglasses: want info about anti-reflective coatings
Organization: Fulcrum Communications
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1992 09:42:29 GMT

In article <22486@drutx.ATT.COM> bew@druwa.ATT.COM (WeissBE) writes:
> two years ago.  I should preface my remarks that my prescription is
> for -7.0 diopters; I don't know whether that has a bearing on the
> following.  I don't like the anti- reflective coating and will not

Are you sure you didn't get high-refractive index glass at the same
time?  That tends to have higher chromatic abberations.

ian
From: pielet@inland.com
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
Subject: Re: Encyclopedia Britannica - their obnoxious salesmen
Date: 18 Nov 92 18:37:44 CST
Organization: Inland Steel Company; East Chicago, IN

In article <1992Nov05.172627.6307@eng.umd.edu>, georgec@eng.umd.edu (George B. Clark) writes:
> On "60 Minutes" a few weeks ago, Andy Rooney did a commentary on
> Encyclopedia Britannica salesmen. His complaint was that they
> insist on making you listen to their entire sales pitch before giving
> you any hint at what the price is. He told one salesman in his home,
> "if the next word you speak is not the price, then get out." Needless
> to say, the salesman rambled on, and Andy Rooney through him out of
> his house.
> 
> Anyway, what is the price, and why are Encyclopedia Britannica salesman
> so reluctant to tell you, even to the point of being obnoxious?
> 
> When I shop for merchandize, I prefer to ask the questions and
> control the dialog. Any salesperson who won't comply is going to
> have to find himself another customer.
> 
> (no e-mail, please.)


We had exactly this bad experience with a Britannica salesman many years ago.
Therefore, I was understandably concerned when my wife decided to sell
World Book a few years afterwards.  (I am an engineer and couldn't sell
hot coffee in Alaska.)

World Book's methodology is entirely more pleasant, however.  My wife does a
soft-sell demonstration.  She has sold to many of our friends and they all
thank her when we get together and recommend World Book to _their_ friends.

So let me tell you the price!  This year, for the first time, they are holding a
$150-off sale of the current edition while it is still current.  Prices are now
$447 for the latex binding to $749 for the leather binding, and includes the
'93 Yearbook.  They also sell a CD-ROM version for $559 ($299 if you also buy
the books).

World Book is the best-selling encyclopedia in the world.  Teachers and
librarians recommend it as the most usable encyclopedia.  We use it for
everything from general look-up to checking things to do and weather before we
take a trip.

We'd be interested in other peoples' experiences with World Book.

Howie Pielet       pielet@inland.com
From: Brian.E.Hannon@dartmouth.edu (Brian E. Hannon)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
Subject: Re: Lucky Supermarkets copies social security numbers on to 
 checks.
Date: 22 Nov 92 23:53:23 GMT
Organization: Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH
X-Posted-From: InterNews1.0b1@newshost.dartmouth.edu

In article <1992Nov19.122719.14861@crash>
dbw@crash.cts.com (David B. Whiteman) writes:

> The California DMV has started to require a social security number when applying
> for an initial Calif. drivers license or identification card, or for renewing
> them.  This is suppose to be used as an aid for tracking down fathers who skip
> out on child support payments (but they require a social security number from
> males and females).

Ever give any thought to the possibilities that mothers can skip out on
child support payments too????

Bri
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
From: chrz@tellabs.com (Peter Chrzanowski)
Subject: Re: Nintendo Game vs. 386sx Computer
Organization: Tellabs, Inc.
Date: Wed, 18 Nov 1992 00:02:55 GMT

In article <BxvJBJ.GBM@icon.rose.hp.com>, nicki@hprnd.rose.hp.com (Nick Ingegneri) writes:
> Charles N. Tomlinson (chuckt@austin.ibm.com) wrote:
> : 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.   
> 
> Not only simpler, but you will also probably find it easier to find games
> that suit their interests.

And video places often rent Nintendo games, but they don't rent PC games.


> On the other hand, by using the 386sx to play games on you would let them
> start to gain experience in using a computer.  If they ever expressed an
> desire to learn programming or such, they couldn't do that on an Nintendo
> system.  

Nintendo games don't seem to be all that reliable.  The edge connectors
that the game carts fit into are notoriously unreliable (although you
can replace or repair 'em if you're so inclined).  The Nintendo game
pads don't have such a wonderful feel to them.

IMO there's better selection, more variety in PC games than Nintendo
although most of this is for older kids.

> My $0.02 worth would be to let them use the 386sx.  BTW, there are game
> pads available for the PC that they would probably like more than a 
> joystick.

My $0.02 would also be to let 'em use the 386sx, as long as it doesn't
conflict with your need to use it ...

Newsgroups: misc.consumers
From: he5r@quads.uchicago.edu (Steve Herscovici)
Subject: Walter E Smithe / Experiences ?
Reply-To: he5r@midway.uchicago.edu
Organization: University of Chicago Computing Organizations
Distribution: chi
Date: Mon, 23 Nov 1992 15:11:51 GMT


I am posting this for a friend, so please e-mail, but I will
check the board for any public responces.  


Has anyone ever dealt with Walter E Smithe Furniture, and
if so, what were your experiences, good or bad.  I am 
particularly concerned with quality for the price and after
the sale service.  

Any advice would be appreciated.
From: arun@natinst.com
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
Subject: NEED ADVICE- Are the lessons from Hume Series worth.
Date: 17 Nov 92 04:46:13 GMT
Article-I.D.: falcon.1eb7klINNqeq
Distribution: usa
Organization: National Instruments, Austin, TX
NNTP-Posting-Host: falcon.natinst.com

SUB:  NEED ADVICE- ARE HUME's SERIES OF LESSONS ON MONEY MATTERS GOOD


Dear Netters:
	I am posting this for a friend who does not have access to the net.
Please e-mail to this account, since I rarely read news.  
Thanks a lot in anticipation.

	My friend is wondering if the Hume's Series of Lessons on successful
money management and their other three categories of lessons are useful
and worth the money.
Any experiences or suggestions will be greatly appreicated.

arun
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
From: berger@atropa (Mike Berger)
Subject: Re: Millennium rechargeable batteries -- Summary
Organization: University of Illinois at Urbana
Date: Sat, 21 Nov 1992 23:07:46 GMT

rsingh@goliath.Stanford.EDU (   raj) writes:
>1. I paid cash at Fry's and don't have receipts any more since I sent
>   the ORIGINAL receipt, for the two free batteries that never arrived.
>   The fine print said it had to be original receipts for free batteries.
>   Will the company still exchange these nonworking batteries for new,
>   hopefully working ones?
*----
It's been my experience that reputable firms will exchange the product
anyway.  Often the point of the receipt is so they can track down
potentially bad batches of the product that got past quality control.

>3. (Ok, one extra question.)  The batteries/recharger only have the
>   city name for the company along with zip code, no street address/po box
>   number. I called 800 directory but there is no listing under
>   Millennium Batteries/Millennium Corporation/Inc OR under Gates energy
>   products.  So where do I send these batteries for a replacement?
>   (Spend more money calling Gainseville/Gainseville-suburb directory
>   assistance??)
*----
Gates is a v-e-r-y large reputable firm that has been in business
for a long time.  Call your local radio station - chances are they're
using a Gates transmitter, or wish they were.  I'll bet the
engineers know the address and phone number.
>--raj
>-- 
>Rajesh Kumar Singh               E-mail: rsingh@goliath.stanford.edu
>Gauls!  We have nothing to fear; except perhaps that the sky may fall
>on our heads tomorrow.  But as we all know, tomorrow never comes!!
>                                         -- Adventures of Asterix.
--
	Mike Berger
	Internet    berger@atropa.stat.uiuc.edu
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
From: rhalse20@ursa.calvin.edu (Rob Halsey)
Subject: Best gasoline for my car
Organization: Calvin College
Date: Wed, 18 Nov 1992 23:18:44 GMT

Can anyone offer me a suggestion for the best brand of gasoline?
--
* rhalse20@calvin.edu is...* -OVERHEARD AND QUOTABLE- * "So get out there
Rob Halsey (A.K.A. Trebor) *  "Bend over, bend over,  *  and rock, and
Calvin College  Phi 33     *  'cuz "Slick Willie" is  *  ROLL THE BONES!"
Grand Rapids, MI 49546     *  takin' over!!!"         *        -Rush
From: bob@reed.edu (Robert Ankeney)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
Subject: Discount silverware?
Date: 17 Nov 92 17:08:50 GMT
Article-I.D.: reed.1992Nov17.170850.7518
Organization: Reed College, Portland, OR


     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.

     Thanks,
     Robert
Xref: sparky misc.consumers:19257 rec.music.makers:11036 rec.antiques:1566
From: pbwhite@rodan.acs.syr.edu (White)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers,rec.music.makers,rec.antiques
Subject: Fletch Poster
Date: 18 Nov 92 17:51:00 GMT
Organization: Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY

Just wondering if anyone out there knows where I can get a "Fletch" movie
poster.  Everywhere I go they tell me it is out of print and I can't get
it - but someone has to have one!

Thanks,
Brian  pbwhite@mailbox.syr.edu
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
Subject: camcorder suggestions
From: rjewkes@cntr.usu.edu (RICHARD JEWKES)
Date: Tue, 17 Nov 1992 22:49:51 GMT
Organization: Utah State University (USU)
Keywords: camcorder

Hi.  My wife and I are looking into buying a camcorder and are wanting to get
the best deal, of course.  Are there any suggestions you might have as to
which brands to consider or preferences you may have?  Also - what features
have you found convenient and worth paying for?

As for the format:  8mm, VHS-C, Full size, - which do you prefer?

Thank you for any suggestions or comments you may have.

Richard Jewkes
rjewkes@cntr.usu.edu
From: Donald.E.Reed@dartmouth.edu (Donald E. Reed)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
Subject: Re: DAK "customer service"
Date: 22 Nov 92 17:39:28 GMT
Organization: Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH
X-Posted-From: InterNews1.0a5@newshost.dartmouth.edu

In article <Bxz35A.4E4@ulowell.ulowell.edu>
wex@cs.ulowell.edu (Paul M. Wexelblat) writes:

> Has anyone ever gotten through?
> Any help?
> -- 
> 
> 	...Wex

I had some problems with a product that arrived defective. I tried 
calling for over 2 hours with no luck. I finally called the ordering
number and asked them (customer service) to call me back. They never
called back. I kept calling and finally I was able to reach customer
service but it wasn't easy and it took far too much of my time.
I sent back the item, received a card saying it was on backorder, then
got another card saying they had discountinued it. I did write a letter
and got back a $25 certificate towards their merchandise. I haven't
decided if I want anything else from them.

Don
From: Alex@camp.wpic.pitt.edu (Alex Ferguson )
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
Subject: Government Auctions
Date: 20 Nov 92 18:35:50 GMT
Organization: DAC, Child Psych, UPMC


Hi,

	I thought that some of you may know a little about this.  I'm 
curious about the adds that advertise "Government Jeeps for $44, Mercedes $
150, etc.)  I know that these companies charge a fee ($70-$90) for a listing 
of items that are about to be auctioned, but I had a few questions.

	1) Is it a closed bid thru mail, or do you have to travel?

	2) How many auctions per year (if there is only 1 or 2 a year, then
	   the list should have a vast array of items, but if there's one
	   every month, I may be paying just to find out that there's not
	   much on the list that interests me.)

	3) If I go in with a few people can we all buy individually, or 
	   am I the only valid bidder?

	4) Is this generally a good idea, or a rip-off?

	5) Do they set minimum bids on items (for instance the $150 mercedes
	   is actually a chasis with four wheel with the rest burnt to a 
	   crisp...)

	6) How long would my biddorship be good for - only the next 
	   auction, or for a set amount of time?

	7) Any type of warranty on items (probably not, huh?)

	8) Do they auction only large ticket items, or are there small
	   thinks also (color tv's, cordless phones, etc...)

	9) Would any of you recommend/advise against this?

						Thanks for any info,

							Alex
	
/~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\
| Alexander J. Ferguson III                                          |
| Database Manager, DAC (Data Analytic Core)                         |
| Child Psychiatry, Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic           |
| University of Pittsburgh Medical Center                            |
|                                                                    |
| alex@camp.wpic.pitt.edu   voice (412) 624-3705                     |
|                           fax   (412) 624-0223                     |
\~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~/

Xref: sparky misc.consumers:19411 rec.autos:27670
Date: Monday, 23 Nov 1992 11:30:59 EST
From: <MARK@wvnvm.wvnet.edu>
Newsgroups: misc.consumers,rec.autos
Subject:    Sure-Grip Cable Chains

Does anybody have the name, phone # of the manufacture of
Sure-Grip Cable Chains.  (They used to be advertised on the Weather Channel
but I do not receive this channel anymore)  Would also be interested in
hearing any comments on these tire chains or any others.  I own a rear
wheel drive vehicle an somtimes require the extra traction.
From: michael@afterlife.ncsc.mil (Michael of Nebadon)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
Subject: Re: Whining about buying American cars
Date: 16 Nov 92 17:23:23 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: The Great Beyond

In article <5779@sumax.seattleu.edu> grtorlba@sumax.seattleu.edu (George Torralba) writes:
>In article <1992Nov16.005705.18532@afterlife.ncsc.mil> michael@afterlife.ncsc.mil (Michael of Nebadon) writes:
>>
>>Too many people won't even consider a U.S. automobile... IMHO they're
>>just as misguided as the people who wouldn't consider anything else.
>
>Not too many people have $10,000 dollars, at least, of money to gamble.  I'd
>rather be called a misguided person than have to risk living with a car that
>will give me nothing but headaches and frustrations.

Then don't buy a car. You're taking that risk, whether you're willing to
admit it or not, no matter what car you buy. My point in the posting was to
encourage people to give cars of both countries (all countries, I suppose)
a chance when you are considering a new car. You may be surprised,
particularly if you are as afraid of one kind or another (you didn't
mention which) as your post implies you are.

And, as you might expect, I didn't have $10,000 to gamble any more than anyone
else here probably does. But $10,000 is a lot of money to spend without
considering the all the alternatives available to you. I considered, I made
my choice, and, so far at least, I've managed to avoid both of the choices
you've outlined above.

For the record, however, I should point out that only a tiny portion of the
$10,000 is currently owned by my wife and I... we're working on buying the
rest from our bank. ;-) ;-(

michael@afterlife.ncsc.mil
Newsgroups: misc.consumers,alt.folklore.science,alt.folklore.urban
From: jeremy@sw.oz.au (Jeremy Fitzhardinge)
Subject: Re: Aluminum cookware: Recipe for disaster?
Organization: Softway Pty Ltd
Date: 23 Nov 92 02:46:04 GMT

In <pod.722481275@sour.sw.oz.au> pod@sour.sw.oz.au (Paul O'Donnell) writes:
>In <yenamand.722402987@mega> yenamand@mega.cs.umn.edu (Murthy yenamandra) writes:
>>Anyone have more info?
>
>This research was conducted at Oxford by a friend of mine.

All of the below must be true - POD's a friend of mine.

>The story goes something like this.[..]
>[Some Neat_Stuff]

	J

>-- 
>Paul O'Donnell - Softway Pty Ltd         |"You're just saying that because
>Internet: pod@softway.sw.oz.au           |you don't understand art."
>Phone: +61 2 698-2322 Fax: +61 2 699-9174|     - Jeremy Fitzhardinge

--
jeremy@sw.oz.au ph:+61 2 698 2322-x122 fax:+61 2 699 9174
...and so the skull farmer throws the dead prarie squid out the window,
and sez, "If that's your Johnson rod, then-- what's in the refrigerator?"
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
From: jain@cs.cornell.edu (Neel K. Jain)
Subject: Bulk source for toys/games/crayons
Followup-To: poster
Organization: Cornell Univ. CS Dept, Ithaca NY 14853
Distribution: usa
Date: Fri, 20 Nov 1992 00:06:13 GMT


Hi

Does anyone know of a (mail order) source for toys/games/crayons in
bulk? A few of us are getting together and purchasing them for an NGO
for street children (many HIV+) in Mwanza, Tanzania.

Nothing fancy - price is our most pressing concern. We don't need
brand-name goods, and we don't need them in a hurry. Any help in
locating a source will be appreciated.

Please reply to jain@cs.cornell.edu.

Neel Jain
jain@cs.cornell.edu
From: karen@misty.boeing.com (Karen Robinson)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
Subject: Re: Discount silverware?
Date: 19 Nov 92 23:56:19 GMT
Organization: Boeing Commercial Airplane BCS Support


 Don't forget some other less conveitional sources--why pay full retail,
 or even discount.  People (desparate people) sell their sterling
 all the time.  Watch the classified ads of major metropolitan area
 newspapers in the housewares section (usually there is a listing for
 China, Silver, Glassware or something similar).  Also, second hand
 dealers and Silver matching services sell at below retail.  Most people
 hardly use their sterling and it's just doesn't wear out!!! Auctions
 are also good places to look.  I have bought sterling, Waterford Crystal,
 and Wedgewood china through such sources.
From: marks@ssdevo.enet.dec.com (Randy Marks)
Subject: Re: eyeglasses: want info about anti-reflective coatings
Organization: Digital Equipment Corp. - Colorado Springs
Distribution: usa
Date: Wed, 18 Nov 1992 15:27:44 GMT


In article <1992Nov16.172320.11880@acuson.com>, marc@acuson.com (Marc Weinshenker) writes...
>I would like to hear about experiences with anti-reflective
>coatings for regular clear eyeglass lenses. I have some idea
>about the advantages as well as the expense, but I would also
>like to know about what the downsides might be.

I've got corrective eyeglasses which I use primarily for night driving.
The coating definitely reduces the halo effect that you normally
get at night with oncoming car headlights.

The only drawback is that they are somewhat harder to clean.
In my mind, the cost and more difficult cleaning is definitely
worth the improved vision while driving at night.

Randy Marks
(UUCP)	                {decvax,ucbvax,allegra}!decwrl!ssdevo.enet!marks
(INTERNET)              marks@ssdevo.enet.dec.com
(domain-based INTERNET) marks%ssdevo.enet@decwrl.dec.com
..........................................................................
	"No man's life, liberty, or property is safe
	while the legislature is in session."
..........................................................................
From: neilw@informix.com (Neil Williams)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
Subject: Re: Millennium rechargeable batteries are COMPLETE JUNK!!!!!!
Keywords: rechargeable batteries, highway robbery!
Date: 19 Nov 92 22:56:44 GMT
Organization: Informix Software, Inc.

In article <1992Nov19.071547.3706@leland.Stanford.EDU> rsingh@goliath.Stanford.EDU (   raj) writes:
>Folks, *don't* buy Millennium rechargeable batteries from a company
>called "Gates Energy Products, Gainesville, Fl 32602."
>
>I bought four millennium AA size rechargeable batteries and a
>recharger at Fry's electronics a while .. it had a offer in that if I
>mail the original receipt and one dollar to some p.o. box number in
>kalamazoo, michigan, they would send me two more batteries free.
>Well, it's been over 2 months and nothing has arrived. (And I put 1#
>note, not a check, so don't even know if they got the letter or not.)
>
>More importantly, the rechargeable batteries seem to have died down
>after just abut 8-10 charges!  Even if I charge it for many hours, it
>still barely runs for 1-1.5 hours in my walkman WITHOUT using the
>motor for cassette, just radio.  Seems like a complete ripoff!

My Milleniumns work fine.  They have a lifetime warrantee - just
send them in to Gates for replacement.

--Neil

-- 
Neil Williams: neilw@informix.com

Seen on my last trip on United: "If you are seated in an exit row 
and can not (sic) read this card... please notify a crew member."