HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: burke@tss.com (Jim Burke)
Subject: Re: MSG
Reply-To: burke@tss.com (Jim Burke)
Organization: Teknekron Software Systems. Inc.
Date: Fri, 24 Jul 1992 18:15:40 GMT

In article <oePiyPX0BwwbI_4kUM@transarc.com>, Lyle_Seaman@transarc.com writes:

|> I can sympathize with people who are more sensitive to MSG than I am,
|> but I also have a friend who is allergic to bannanas.  Therefore, 
|> I cannot support an outright ban on the stuff, or what seems to be
|> an overblown concern.  I *do* support better disclosure.

I seem to recall that there is glutemate in almost everything we eat,
and MSG is simply derived from natural foods anyway.  Some experts say
that the addition of MSG should not be significant since you're already
getting lots of the stuff naturally.  I believe beets are especially 
high in the stuff.  Still, there are lots of people who say they are
very sensitive to it.  However, if disclosure was required, everything
you eat would have a warning label on it, kind of like the "sulfites"
labeling on every bottle of wine you buy.  Since every wine contains
sulfites, what has the labeling really added?

-- 

	Jim Burke	"Life is uncertain - eat dessert first!"
	Teknekron Software Systems		... burke@tss.com
  	phone:(415) 617-2432			... uunet!tekbspa!burke
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
From: markm@wri.com
Subject: Tropez 900DX Cordless Phone
Reply-To: markm@wri.com
Organization: Wolfram Research, Inc.
Date: Fri, 17 Jul 1992 13:10:15 GMT



With all the talk about cordless phones recently, I thought I'd post  
information from a brochure for the new (and very expensive) Tropez 900DX  
cordless telephone.  I wonder if this digital transmission and voice encryption  
stuff really works?  And is it worth the extra $150-200 over a similar phone  
without those toys?

--Mark Moline
markm@wri.com

================  begin brochure ================



Dear Customer,
Thank you for your recent inquiry about our new Tropez 900DX digital cordless  
phone.

The Tropez 900DX is the world's first fully digital cordless phone and truly  
provides performance that exceed expectations.  You can venture farther than  
ever before and expect to receive and transmit exceptionally clear voice  
communication.  Tropez digital -- the ultimate destination in cordless phones.

Tropez 900DX -- Unique Features:

o  Extended Range:  5 to 10 times that of other cordless phones.

o  Digital Clarity:  Tropez digital transmission shuts out
   interference normally associated with other cordless phones.

o  Unparalleled Security:  Tropez provides 65,000 [ed: 65,536?]
   security codes, plus voice encryption.

Tropez 900DX -- Key Features:

o  20-channel automatic select

o  Speakerphone

o  10-number programmable memory

o  Dual key pads [ed: handset and base]

o  Two-way intercom

o  Out of range indicator, operates in on or off position

o  Privacy control on handset and base [ed:  This is a separate
   key.  There is also a Mute button.  This must be the voice
   encryption mentioned above.]

o  Four user-selectable ring types

o  Hold

o  Mute

o  Auto-redial function key

o  Battery saver and low-volt detection

o  Ton or pulse dialing, HAC

o  4.5 hours continuous talk time, 48 hours standby

o  $349.95 suggested retail price.

Buy the Tropez 900DX at these fine stores near you:

	American of Madison	Lifestyle Fascination
	Elder Beerman		Macy's
	Hammacher Schlemmer	Sharper Image
	Hello Direct		Sound Advice
	L.A. Tronics		Swallen's
	Lechmere

Tropez by VTECH Communications
8770 SW Nimbus Avenue,
Beaverton, Oregon  97005
(503)643-8981 / 800-624-5688
FAX (503) 644-9887
From: pngai@adobe.com (Phil Ngai)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
Subject: Re: Need info on Caruso Molecular Hairsetter
Date: 21 Jul 92 20:08:18 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: Adobe Systems Incorporated

In article <1992Jul20.010846.4896@zip.eecs.umich.edu> kfr@dip.eecs.umich.edu (K. Fritz Ruehr) writes:
>Does anyone have any information on the Caruso Molecular Hairsetter? I have 
>seen the infomercials about it but I don't know anyone who's used one. 
>Does the curl really last for 3 days? My hair doesn't always hold a perm 
>(I have VERY straight, stubborn hair and sometimes they have to perm it 
>twice which makes my hair really dry). I have tried conventional hot rollers 
>and curling irons but the curl doesn't last for long. 

My wife bought one of these. She seems to like it, but I don't see how it
is any different from any other hot roller system. (besides the bogus
name)

-- 
My opinions are my own.
Xref: sparky misc.consumers:14520 rec.autos.tech:10215 rec.autos:18562
From: brooks@mcnc.org (Ted Brooks)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers,rec.autos.tech,rec.autos
Subject: Re: Compressors & Air Tools
Date: 27 Jul 92 20:10:55 GMT
Followup-To: misc.consumers
Distribution: usa
Organization: Center for Microelectronics, MCNC; RTP, NC

In article <1513ckINN6kn@seven-up.East.Sun.COM>, jimv@hienergy.Eng.Sun.COM (Jim Vienneau  - Sun Microsystems) writes:
> In article <1992Jul22.174437.26516@gtephx.UUCP> williamsk@gtephx.UUCP (Kevin W. Williams) writes:
> >I will second a recommendation for Craftsman. Mine is a 5 HP 30 Gallon unit.
> 
> Why don't you just leave it full? My tank is always at pressure, I have a
> 
So you can open the petcock at the bottom of the tank and make sure no water
collects in it. The compressors always say to drain the tank daily for this 
reason. Jim Swonger (I think) posted an interesting message about how those 
condensation - formed rust holes in the bottom of his tank made getting
compressed air out of his air compressor a bit more challenging.  :-)

> ball valve on the output side of the tank to shut off the plumbing, but I
> never turn off the compressor or empty the tank (other than to drain the
> water from time to time). Who wants to wait for the tank to fill everytime?

On the other hand, who wants to dodge shrapnel from a rusted out tank that
blew?
> What a waste of energy...
 
Ted Brooks
 ______________________________________________________________________
| Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are my own, and do not reflect    |
| those of my employer. Advice is free, but you get what you pay for.  |
|                               ________                               |
|                         _____|  1955  |_______                       |
|                        /      Chevrolet      /                       |
|                       /______  BelAir  _____/                        |
|                              |________|                              |
|______________________________________________________________________|
Newsgroups: misc.consumers,alt.folklore.urban
From: gordon@sneaky.lonestar.org (Gordon Burditt)
Subject: Re: Banks + Short Term Car Loans = Scam?
Organization: Gordon Burditt
Date: Sun, 19 Jul 1992 20:10:37 GMT

>> Knowing this, the bank keeps a list of who's about to finish paying off
>> these short term loans.  They watch when the payments come VERY carefully,
>> and those
>> that are even one day late have their cars repossessed, simply because the
>> bank knows it can make money.  The value of the car minus the value of the
>> remaining loan balance is positive, so the banks can cash in either
>> auctioning the car, selling it to a wholesale user car dealer, or offering
>> it back to the borrower at a cost greater than the remaining loan balance
>> but less than the purchase price of an equivilent used car.  

If a bank repossesses something, it does NOT get to keep the full value
of that something.  It gets to keep the amount owed on the loan, unpaid
interest, and legal fees.  The remainder, if there's any money left,
goes back to the owner.  (Owners in trouble with a lot of equity left
in the car/house/whatever would be better off trying to sell it before
letting the bank repossess it - both to save their credit rating and to
get a better price for it.)  There might be a small profit in cooked-up
legal fees.  The only reasonable way for banks to profit from something
like this is to sell it at a little-publicized auction and have an
accomplice buy it cheap, then re-sell it, and pocket the profit.

If this really was such a lucrative deal for banks, there would be a bunch 
of repossessions in a boom real estate market.  You bought a house for
$200K, borrowed $180K on it, and now it's worth $400K, 3 years later,
and your loan is down to $160K.  Banks would love an excuse to grab the 
house and make $240K, right?  Well, it doesn't work that way.
They don't get to keep the profit.  They also have their money back
and have to find someone else to lend it to to get any interest,
since the owner's not going to keep paying interest after the
repossession.

					Gordon L. Burditt
					sneaky.lonestar.org!gordon
From: dmatthews@uap.umd.edu
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
Subject: Re: How to cancel a credit card (Mastercard or Visa)
Date: 28 Jul 92 15:23:15 GMT
Reply-To: dmatthews@uap.umd.edu
Organization: IPST, U. of Maryland, College Park

In article <22072809441040@vms2.macc.wisc.edu>, DBBARBER@MACC.WISC.EDU ("Deborah B. Barber") writes:
>Misc.consumer folk:  when you cancel a credit card, what is the proper
>(that is, effective and self-protective) way of going about it.
> 
>Do you mail (or UPS, or....?) back the card cut in pieces?  If so, do you
>insure it or send it certified or registered mail.  By phone or in writing,
>do you tell the issuer WHY you are dropping their card (high fees or
>interest rates, etc.)?

Why not phone them and find out what they require?  I suggest the most
important thing is timing -- cancel before they send out the bill for your
next annual fee.
Dr. David L. Matthews, IPST, Univ. of Maryland, College Park MD 20742-2431 
Telephone  (301)405-4830	Internet   dmatthews@uap.umd.edu
FAX 	   (301)314-9363	NSI/SPAN   UMDUAP::DMATTHEWS
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
From: alan@elroy.jpl.nasa.gov (Alan S. Mazer)
Subject: Re: universal card payments
Organization: Image Analysis Systems Group, JPL
Date: Thu, 23 Jul 1992 20:17:51 GMT

In article <1992Jul22.190703.20607@nova.sarnoff.com>, jms@vision.sarnoff.com (Jerry Shapiro x2420) writes:

> You should ask AT&T nicely to remove the finance charge. They probably will. 

I suspect so.  I once forgot to mail a Universal card payment until at least
a week after the due date.  I got a couple letters (one "you may have
forgotten", one "pay up or die :-)"), but no finance charges.  I even called
them up because I felt so bad about it and wanted to make sure everything was
okay and they were quite friendly.  I guess a little stupidity is allowed :-).
-- 
 
-- Alan                        # Mountain Dew and doughnuts...
   ..!ames!elroy!alan          # because breakfast is the most important meal
   alan@elroy.jpl.nasa.gov     # of the day.
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
From: hubcap@hubcap.clemson.edu (System Janitor)
Subject: Which is best???
Keywords: TIRES
Organization: Clemson University
Date: Thu, 30 Jul 1992 13:46:59 GMT

I am about to decide between the following tires for my 4X4:

Star         about $275
Turbo Tech   about $290
Wrangler     about $350

I know Wranglers are good, I've had two sets & put 50,000 miles on each.

I've never heard of Turbo Tech or Star... any comments?

-Mike
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
From: johnl@iecc.cambridge.ma.us (John R. Levine)
Subject: Re: Airline Antitrust Litigation
Organization: I.E.C.C.
Date: Fri, 24 Jul 1992 18:34:57 GMT

My wife just got the anti-trust filing form in the mail, which is a little
strange since she didn't ask to get a copy (though she certainly did buy
tickets.)  There are three ways you can file -- the shortest form is a
postcard in which you say you bought at least one qualifying ticket, and
ask for $100 in vouchers.  The intermediate form lets you claim up to 5
round trips, the long form is for more than that.  The amount you get back
is determined by a very complex formula, and you get credit vouchers for
future tickets, not cash.

For anything other than the short form, be prepared to document your claims
with ticket stubs, credit card receipts, frequent flyer statements, or the
like.  I'm certainly glad we have all of our old American Express bills!

Regards,
John Levine, johnl@iecc.cambridge.ma.us, {spdcc|ima|world}!iecc!johnl
Newsgroups: misc.consumers,misc.consumers.house,misc.rural
From: lriggins@afit.af.mil (L. Maurice Riggins)
Subject: Re: Weedeater recommendations
Organization: Air Force Institute of Technology
Distribution: usa
Date: Thu, 30 Jul 1992 16:45:54 GMT

In article <1992Jul30.130433.8207@plex-1.ann-arbor.mi.us> cnmne@plex-1.ann-arbor.mi.us (Chris Ellinger) writes:
>I'll second the recommendation of Echo.  I bought one three years ago and 
>have cut ACRES of heavy weeds, lots of dogwood, and many small (2-3") trees 
>with it.  The only problem I've had is keeping the blades sharpened.  The 
>trimmer is a straight shaft type about 35cc.  It starts easily cold or hot, 
>runs well, and has plenty of power.  I also recommend the "special" 
>two-cycle oil (don't recall the brand name) rather than the standard gas 
>station type.  Seems to make a significant power difference.

I'll "third" that recommendation.  Mine is ten years old now (actually
it's a straight shaft Echo with John Deere label).  Still starts on the 
second or third pull and has plenty of power (I'll also confirm that the
"special" 2-stroke oil adds power).  I bought the saw blade with it, but
haven't had to use it yet.  The .080-.095 line takes care of anything I've
had to deal with up to about 1".
-- 
Maurice               INTERNET:  lriggins@afit.af.mil
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
From: feeney@tigger.jvnc.net (Michael J. Feeney)
Subject: Need info on credit cards
Originator: feeney@nisc.jvnc.net
Organization: JvNCnet, Princeton University, NJ
Date: Mon, 27 Jul 1992 14:07:04 GMT

Can someone please e-mail the list of the best credit card offerings
that floats by this newsgroup from time to time?

Thanks in advance!

-Mike

Newsgroups: misc.consumers
From: tjoa@cory.Berkeley.EDU (Richard Tjoa)
Subject: Re: Airline Antitrust Litigation
Summary: Big money cash settlement! Or thereabouts...  Maybe.  Well...
Keywords: airlines antitrust litigation refund
Organization: Dis organization
Distribution: usa
Date: Thu, 23 Jul 1992 04:12:15 GMT

In article <1992Jul23.020251.9846@athena.mit.edu> ankleand@mtl.mit.edu (Andrew Karanicolas) writes:
>Hello,
>
>I recently read in the New York Times that there has been a court
>decision that will force many US airlines to pay back excess ticket
>fares charged over some period of time.  There was an address printed
>but I think it is incorrect:
>
>	Airline Antitrust Litigation
>	PO Box 209
>	Philadelphia, PA
>	10107

The address I got (from United Airlines, no less) is:

	Airline Antitrust Litigation Committee
	P.O. Box 209
	Philadelphia, PA  19107-9711

>I am almost certain that Phila. Pa does not have a 10107 zip code.
>Anyone know what the correct address should be?  Any more details
>about the litigation?  As I understand, the period of time in question
>is several years.  I have flown Continental, USAir, Delta, United an
>untold number of times in the last 5 or 6 years.  I want money back :)

Me too!  I hope you saved your ticket stubs/receipts...

>-- 
>Andrew Karanicolas
>MIT Microsystems Technology Laboratory
>ankleand@mtl.mit.edu

-Richard
Berkeley, CA and Pomona, NY

Newsgroups: misc.consumers
From: rlatham@mailbox.fwrdc.rtsg.mot.com (MaX hEadRoOm)
Subject: Re: Uncut Dollar Bills - Yoo Hoo... WHAT'S THE NUMBER?!
Originator: latham@black
Organization: Motorola Inc., Cellular Infrastructure Group
Date: Tue, 28 Jul 1992 18:12:38 GMT


In article <1992Jul23.160945.19635@newsgate.sps.mot.com> r1156c@sps.mot/com (Michael R. Dow) writes:
>
>	Will someone *PLEASE* post the number again?  PLEASE?!  I missed 
>most of the thread and want to check it out.
>

Try 202-874-3019.  Ask them for an order form for uncut bills.


Russ Latham (rlatham@mailbox.fwrdc.rtsg.mot.com)


Newsgroups: misc.consumers
From: stank@cbnewsl.cb.att.com (Stan Krieger)
Subject: Re: advice needed for dealing with dentist/insurance
Organization: Summit NJ
Distribution: usa
Date: Thu, 23 Jul 1992 20:26:32 GMT
Keywords: dentist, insurance

>I need some advice in dealing with my dentist. 

>I paid for the first appointment in cash (credit card) because of
>"office policy for new patients".

Oh, this scares me.  In my case I have a "policy" also.  It's "We
pay our medical bills within 48 hours after receiving a determination
from our insurance as to what is covered.  Also, for those expenses
where our medical policy covers some percentage of the total fee,
up to a 'reasonable and customary' limit, the insurance company
payment and our co-payment will never exceed this reasonable and
customary limit."

I mean, does a business have a monopoly on "policy"?  It seems to
me that my "policy" is just as valid and enforceable as their
"policy".

>I do not really want to
>deal with the abusive manner of the receptionist when I go
>(it seems that if you question the filing of claims,
>she gets very verbally abusive and defensive).  Needless to say, I will not
>be returning to this dentist, but I still have 4 unhealed teeth to attend
>to in the meantime.

I've heard such things too when I instruct a family member on how
to spend my money at the doctor's (like "But she's so insistent on
my paying at that moment", or "She insisted that I must pay $75",
or "I feel very uncomfortable having to argue with her".).  Hey
look, if someone is violating your rights, you don't have to be
nice, or sociable, or agreeable, or say "yes" to get rid of
them.  The worst thing you can do when arguing with a clerk who
is trying to throw around what little power they have (because it's
probably the only time in their life they feel important), is
to play their game.  Just disarm them.  If they gripe, agree with
them ("Yeah, I know paperwork can be a pain, but I really need
the insurance reimbursement; I'm really having trouble because
I laid out so much money in advance."); if they sent it in,
NICELY ask when, so you can check with your insurance company.
Don't be demanding, but be insistent.   Beg a bit if you have
to; as long as you get what you want, what difference does it
make how you get what you want?  Remember, all you want is for
the claim to be filed; your goal is not to get the office staff
to bow down to you.

-- 
Stan Krieger                     All opinions, advice, or suggestions, even
AT&T UNIX System Laboratories    if related to my employment, are my own.
Summit, NJ
smk@usl.com
Xref: sparky misc.consumers:14480 misc.consumers.house:9821
From: joseph@emmax5crd.ge.com (joseph)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers,misc.consumers.house
Subject: Sticky paste in plumbing
Date: 26 Jul 92 14:14:14 GMT
Reply-To: joseph@c2a.crd.ge.com (joseph)
Organization: GE Research



Yesterday when I was walking around in the basement of my house,
I noticed something which has gotten me worried.  I have copper
plumbing, and the welding material (lead ?) used to join sections
of pipe together seem to be melting.  This happens only on
pipes carrying hot water.  The welding material has turned into
sort of a sticky paste.

Anybody know why this is happening, and what the remedy is ?
Any advice and/or opinions before I get ripped off by a plumber
will be appreciated.

thanks in advance.

james joseph           joseph@c2a.crd.ge.com
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
From: dw@unislc.uucp (Dan Wright)
Subject: Re: Braun vs Interplak Rotary Toothbrushes?
X-Newsreader: Tin 1.1 PL4
Organization: Unisys Corporation SLC
Distribution: na
Date: Thu, 23 Jul 1992 02:01:26 GMT

I've owned one Interplak for 2 1/2 years.  At first I did not follow the
instructions and so the gears in the head became stripped and the tufts
fell out in about 9 months.  You're not supposed to use regular toothpaste
because most toothpaste brands contain small abrasive particles which wear
down the gears quickly.  You're supposed to use Interplak toothpaste which
is a gel containing no abrasive particles.  Well I can't remember to re-
order Interplak toothpaste all the time so I just use Plax and my heads
have not fallen apart since.

I can't imagine a better method for getting under the gum line.  I went to
the dentist for my annual cleaning and he was astonished at the lack of
calculus.  I have a method whereby I cover all the gum lines briefly to
loosen them up, then go back and do each one thoroughly.  It takes about
15 minutes which is usually considered a long time to brush one's teeth
but I only have to do it every other day.

 -- Dan Wright
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
From: billn@hpcvaac.cv.hp.com (bill nelson)
Subject: Re: MSG
Organization: Hewlett-Packard Company, Corvallis, Oregon USA
Date: Wed, 29 Jul 1992 05:46:22 GMT

nathan@laplace.biology.yale.edu (Nathan F. Janette) writes:
: > |> 
: > I certainly agree that MSG is not a neccesity of your life. Nor are
: > hot pepper, parsley, cinnamon, or even sugar. As a matter of fact,
: > salt and sugar do more harm to your body than MSG.
: 
: Salt and sugars are naturally occurring substances within
: the human body; MSG is not.  In reasonable quantities,
: salts and sugars pose no harm to the body.  MSG is a highly
: concentrated substance derived from a natural
: substance.  Hot peppers, spices, etc have inherent taste;
: MSG does not, it just makes your tongue swollen. 

Wrong. Both salt and sugar, as added to food, are highly concentrated
versions of the natural substances. They are not different than MSG
in this regard.

MSG does bring out the flavor in food - even fresh food.

Bill
From: darylb@sword.eng.hou.compaq.com (Daryl Biberdorf)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
Subject: Re: Supplemental Health Insurance??? Does it exist???
Date: 28 Jul 92 15:19:24 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: Compaq Computer Corp.

In article <1992Jul27.225901.13096@tellab5.tellabs.com> chrz@tellabs.com (Peter Chrzanowski) writes:
>In article <BrwIDt.4w0@news.cso.uiuc.edu>, weller@osiris.cso.uiuc.edu (Bonnie Weller) writes:
>> My husband and I were astounded this week when we figure out how much
>> it will cost us in medical bills to have our baby, and this with an
>> 80%- 20% plan.  
>...
>>It will not include any physicals, including the
>> baby's first physical after birth, or well - care for the baby.  It
>> will also not cover any vacinations for the baby.  
>> Are there supplemental coverages that will help capture the 20% 
>> plus some of the maintenance care not covered under our original 
>
>Certain expenses associated with providing good care for a baby are 
>absolutely predictable:  for example, well-baby care, immunizations, etc.
>
>I don't quite understand the logic of having insurance pay for predictable,
>probability-one expenses. 

Hear, hear!  When I was shopping for health insurance last fall, the agent
and I somehow started talking about pregnancy insurance.  In her (the
agent's) opinion, buying the maternity rider for a health insurance
policy is nuts.  She said it usually costs around $3000 to $4000 to have
a baby without complications.  If complications arise (Caesarean section
required, etc.), the surgical coverage of the regular health policy
goes into effect.  Sooo...just sock the $3000 to $4000 away in the savings
account, and save the extra money you'd spend on the *expensive* maternity
rider.

>The saying that comes to mind is, "nobody will insure a burning building".
>If Bonnie has, say, $1500. in predictable, uncovered expenses next year
>it would be surprising if anyone would contract to pay these expenses 
>(supplemental insurance) for any less than $1500.  Would you?

The simple truth.  How lovely!

>If the only purpose of "Health Care reform" is to get someone else to pay,
>I doubt we'll be happy -- since we're all the "someone elses".  I mean, you
>don't expect to get, say, $1000. in medical expenses without seeing your
>taxes rise at least $1000. ?

And it doesn't do much to foster a sense of personal responsibility among
those who are insured.  After all, if there's no personal financial
risk involved in whatever physically self-destructive behavor you choose,
then why should I *try* to remain in good health?

Daryl
--
Daryl Biberdorf                 |  Compaq Computer Corporation | standard
darylb@sword.eng.hou.compaq.com |  20555 SH 249  M/S 060701    | disclaimer
dlb5404@tamsun.tamu.edu         |  Houston, TX 77070           | applies