Frugal Living: Dec 20, 2007

Thursday, December 20, 2007

25 new messages in 14 topics - digest

misc.consumers.frugal-living
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living?hl=en

misc.consumers.frugal-living@googlegroups.com

Today's topics:

==============================================================================
TOPIC: Travelers Cheques
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/30646f032f4ff9e6?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 6 ==
Date: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 6:42 am
From: "Evelyn C. Leeper"

josh@phred.org wrote:
> In article <sufaj.30936$lD6.11963@newssvr27.news.prodigy.net>,
> sfgeorge@paccbell.net says...
>
>> On a related note debit cards have really cut into the sales of
>> travelers checks. I can not remember the last time I used them.
>
> I know when I last used TCs -- a month in India in the early '90s. I
> hadn't been to India in years, and was expecting the same crumpled-paper
> economy I'd experienced in the mid-'80s, so I took along a couple of
> thousand dollars in travelers checks. Didn't use any of them, most
> larger stores were happy to take my credit card, and I got a better
> exchange rate, too.

We used them in Vietnam in 2001. No one took credit cards.

We also used them in India in 1992, and Japan in 1996. While we could
use credit cards, we also needed cash for a lot of things. (Japan had
ATMs, but finding ones with English prompts was difficult at that time.)
We also used TCs in Turkey in 1998 when we couldn't get our ATM cards to
work because the phone lines were so poor.

--
Evelyn C. Leeper
I believe I found the missing link between animal
and civilized man. It is us. -Konrad Lorenz

== 2 of 6 ==
Date: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 6:47 am
From: goaway@fractious.net

krw <krw@att.bizzzzz> writes:

> but that never stopped a criminal. Yet, I see the whine about
> debit cards here constantly. No one complains about the "pull"
> system (Europeans, AIUI, have a "push" system, which make far more
> sense, IMO).

Folks can complain all they like, but they basically have
little choice but to have a checking account with all the
vulerability that entails. It's easy to avoid having a
debit card, though, and it's not too hard to minimize
the likelihood of that checking account vulerability
being taken advantage of (ie. never authorize anyone
to pull money from the account - always push payments
yourself, try not to write many checks, and, of course,
don't use debit cards).

The Europeans (actually, the only ones I know for sure
use a system like what you describe are the Germans)
bank check system is definitely better. But it's not
coming here too quickly. In the meantime, folks should
do what they can - starting with avoiding debit cards.

That said, for all that folks claim that your checking
account number is such a vulnerability - anyone who
actually *processes* an ACH transaction for your account
needs to provide proof that you authorized it and they
can get in some serious trouble (ie. lose their authorization
to process them - and thereby very likely go out of
business - and this is the *processors* not the little
fly-by-night merchants).

> > I know people who take their pay checks to their employers bank
> > (often incurring a fee) because they do no want anyone in the company to
> > have their account number.
>
> ....at least their employer doesn't have their bank account
> numbers. ;-) ...of course they're the least likely to do anything
> mischievous with them.

It'd probably be a lot easier for those folks just to keep
a second account - their "real* account - and have their
employer's ACH payroll deposits go into a temporary "holding"
account. As soon as it arrives there, transfer it elsewhere.
Their payroll deposit account, a checknig account, is probably
not earning them much interest anyway and they shouldn't be
keeping much there regardless.

== 3 of 6 ==
Date: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 6:54 am
From: Peter Bruells

goaway@fractious.net writes:

> krw <krw@att.bizzzzz> writes:
>
>> but that never stopped a criminal. Yet, I see the whine about
>> debit cards here constantly. No one complains about the "pull"
>> system (Europeans, AIUI, have a "push" system, which make far more
>> sense, IMO).
>
....

> The Europeans (actually, the only ones I know for sure
> use a system like what you describe are the Germans)
> bank check system is definitely better. But it's not
> coming here too quickly. In the meantime, folks should
> do what they can - starting with avoiding debit cards.

Actually, unless I misunderstood, we have a pull system at well. I
can authorize a seller to pull money directly from my giro account. I
usually prefer that because it is basically tamper proof, if one
bothers to check his statements.

A bank *has* to re-call such a direct debit when the account holder
objects and the proof of burden lies with the other party.

== 4 of 6 ==
Date: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 6:59 am
From: George Grapman

Bill wrote:
> SMS ???• ? wrote:
>> George Grapman wrote:
>>
>>> Some parents give their children a debit card,especially if they are
>>> at college or otherwise away from home. Each month they put money in the
>>> account and that has to last until the next month. The parents make sure
>>> not to link it to their accounts.
>> My bank has this but it's much safer because it's a prepaid debit
>> Mastercard, and it isn't linked to a specific checking account.
>>
>> Visa has a product like this called the PAYjr Visa Buxx card but it's
>> full of onerous fees. The prepaid debit Mastercard from my bank has no fees.
>>
>> Be sure that there is no activation fee, no annual fee, no monthly fee,
>> no inactivity fee, and no reload fee. I.e. the Visa PAYjr Visa Buxx card
>> has the following fees: $4.95 activation fee, $2.95 monthly fee, $5
>> inactivity fee (no activity in 120 days) and a 50Â¢ reload fee.
>
> I had those cards for my daughter when she was in high school.
> First I had an AMEX Cobalt card, which was fee-free. That
> folded, then I was able to get a Citibank card which usually had
> a startup fee but I got a code to get it for free (and there
> were no other fees). It folded as well.
>
> The Visa Buxx has been around for a while and the banks offering
> it have always had awful fees. Is your bank's something similar
> (in terms of features for kids) or is it just a standard
> pre-paid debit card? What bank is it?
>
> Bill

The rip off check cashing places here sell them with a list of fees
including activation,reloading and monthly fees.

== 5 of 6 ==
Date: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 7:43 am
From: "rick++"

> The real question is why anyone would ever want to use a MC/Visa debit
> card rather than a credit card. The advantages of using a credit card
> are overwhelming.

20% or more of US residents are totally outside of the US banking
system.
A debit card is easier to obtain at the beginning.

== 6 of 6 ==
Date: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 12:18 pm
From: val189

On Dec 19, 11:39 am, George Grapman <sfgeo...@paccbell.net> wrote:

> Correct. I check mine twice a day. Takes about 30 seconds each time.
> It also helps me keep track of recurring charges which may vary slightly
> from month to month.

Twice a day? Does your bank or cr. cd. co. post changes more than
once in 24 hours? Lucky you.
I check my cr. cd. and 'gateway' chkg accounts once a day and have
never found them to change more often than once daily.

One of mine just changed the menu tho - it's taking about 45 seconds
now to go thru the process. Yet, it's quicker than their online
method.

==============================================================================
TOPIC: Did hot air popcorn machines go extinct?
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/1cd18f9995361a81?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 3 ==
Date: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 7:00 am
From: "Janie"

"Rick" <rickajho@rcn.com> wrote in message news:4769D756.E9980DAB@rcn.com...
> Hey all
>
> Can't find them when I went looking for one.
>
> Well, I can find two. They both have the same design problems and spew
> uncooked kernels and popcorn everywhere. The first disaster is a $9.99
> item carried by Walgreens. The other one looks stupid enough - the red
> "pop corn vendor" cart model. Target carries it and there are a ton of
> bad on line reviews at Amazon. It costs up to three times as much as the
> Walgreens one but is designed pretty much the same way and does the same
> thing: The way they are designed they "spin" the popcorn around in hot
> air, and that seems to make it fly everywhere - both the popcorn and hot
> kernels - once a few kernels start to pop. Which leads to hot kernels
> exploding in the bowl of popcorn - which sends the popped stuff in the
> bowl flying everywhere. In a way, it's kind of funny. But then you try
> it maybe once more with the same results - not funny any longer - and
> then you return it to the store...
>
> Kinda tired of the cost per unit for that prepackaged microwave popcorn.
> And - if anyone remembers - the microwave stuff is good, but it's kinda
> soggy compared to hot air popcorn. But shocked I am to find out that
> popcorn machines - especially hot air poppers - seemed to have vanished.
> Not looking for a hot oil machine - Presto has reinvented the "Stir
> Crazy" hot oil machine this year - already seen it.
>
> Rick

Go to Amazon.com and type in hot-air popcorn popper to find several models.
You should be able to find something that you will like.

== 2 of 3 ==
Date: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 8:17 am
From: barbie gee

On Thu, 20 Dec 2007, George wrote:

> Rick wrote:
>> Hey all
>>
>> Can't find them when I went looking for one.
>>
>> Well, I can find two. They both have the same design problems and spew
>> uncooked kernels and popcorn everywhere. The first disaster is a $9.99
>> item carried by Walgreens. The other one looks stupid enough - the red
>> "pop corn vendor" cart model. Target carries it and there are a ton of
>> bad on line reviews at Amazon. It costs up to three times as much as the
>> Walgreens one but is designed pretty much the same way and does the same
>> thing: The way they are designed they "spin" the popcorn around in hot
>> air, and that seems to make it fly everywhere - both the popcorn and hot
>> kernels - once a few kernels start to pop. Which leads to hot kernels
>> exploding in the bowl of popcorn - which sends the popped stuff in the
>> bowl flying everywhere. In a way, it's kind of funny. But then you try
>> it maybe once more with the same results - not funny any longer - and
>> then you return it to the store...
>>
>> Kinda tired of the cost per unit for that prepackaged microwave popcorn.
>> And - if anyone remembers - the microwave stuff is good, but it's kinda
>> soggy compared to hot air popcorn. But shocked I am to find out that
>> popcorn machines - especially hot air poppers - seemed to have vanished.
>> Not looking for a hot oil machine - Presto has reinvented the "Stir
>> Crazy" hot oil machine this year - already seen it.
>>
>> Rick
>
> Time to move on to microwave (but not that stinky prepackaged stuff). I
> bought an inexpensive microwave popper which is simply a bowl with a loose
> fitting lid quite some time ago. It pops almost every kernel and no oil is
> used. As a side benefit the popcorn tastes better than the hot air version.

I discovered that you don't even need to buy the microwave popper bowl!
see this:
<http://www.instructables.com/id/Microwave-Popcorn%3a-Home-made%2c-cheap-and-easy/>

basically, you can use a plain paper bag, and staple the bag shut w/ 2
staples. They don't arc in the microwave, and you don't even have a bowl
to clean up...
You can totally omit the oil, and it still pops up beautifully.

== 3 of 3 ==
Date: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 11:17 am
From: Rick

Anthony Matonak wrote:
>
> Rick wrote:
> > Can't find them when I went looking for one.
>
> I think microwave popcorn has taken over but you could
> always try the google "shopping" search.
>
> http://www.google.com/products?q=hot+air+popcorn+popper&btnG=Search
>
> Anthony

Thanks. It appears things are down to two: Presto or Toastmaster. (That
"Nostalgia Electrics" is the disaster that comes up in 99% of the other
hits.) But since the Presto manufacturer's web site says their model is
on back order it might explain why I can't find it in any of the stores
Presto says it's supposed to be carried by.

IMO I don't agree that microwave popcorn is better. I got a chance to
try hot air popcorn again recently and it's lighter and fluffier than
microwave, which to me seems somewhat soggy and a little tough. What I
don't like about any microwave version is that the moisture gets trapped
in the cooking process and that seems to be what makes it relatively
soggy and tough compared to a hot air method. (Some microwave ovenss
exhaust moisture better than others but you can't eliminate the
problem.) Just my preference.

Rick

==============================================================================
TOPIC: International Calling with Cell Phones Made Affordable
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/09c8b554f2a6f16e?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 7:03 am
From: George Grapman

Buy a Costco phone card and call the 800 number from your cell. The
per minute rate is cheaper than the poster offers and there is no
monthly fee.

==============================================================================
TOPIC: http://www.silkonroad.com/index/news.asp
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/6576309b5e07c713?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 9:27 am
From: yuwenwu001@gmail.com

http://www.silkonroad.com/index/news.asp
http://www.silkonroad.com/index/faq.asp
http://www.silkonroad.com/index/Payment.asp
http://www.silkonroad.com/index/Shipment.asp
http://www.silkonroad.com/index/register.asp

==============================================================================
TOPIC: WEDDINGO ON LINE WEDDING MALL! ------Wedding dresses, bridesmaid
dresses for your wedding day!
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/1665c3b0b783ba59?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 2 ==
Date: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 9:35 am
From: "啊啊"

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== 2 of 2 ==
Date: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 9:36 am
From: "啊啊"

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Wedding dresses pages ( http://www.weddingo.net/dresspage.asp).

We are reliable partner for you and all products are made by our own
factory with good quality according your measurements.

We offer wedding dresses & gowns, bridal dresses & gowns, evening
dresses & gowns, prom dresses & gowns, bridesmaid dresses & gowns,
flower girl dresses & gowns, and wedding accessories.

Many wholesalers from all over the world , such as US, UK, Germany and
so on do a long business with us for our company' high quality, low
price and excellent services .

Why do we sell our products in such low price?

If you have any questions about the dress which you chose, please feel
free to contact me. It is my pleasure to do service for you.

I am looking forward to hear from you soon.

With warmest regards

Best wishes

Weddingo

==============================================================================
TOPIC: Exploding television...
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/354f162529b27d4f?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 2 ==
Date: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 9:59 am
From: "Rod Speed"

PaPaPeng <PaPaPeng@yahoo.com> wrote
> Rod Speed <rod.speed.aaa@gmail.com> wrote
>> PaPaPeng <PaPaPeng@yahoo.com> wrote

>>> In modern equipment (ie anything 20 years old or newer) the parts
>>> are so small and draw so little juice that even if a component does
>>> smoke (short circuit) the worst that happens is a charred spot
>>> smaller than a shirt button. Often you cannot even spot the part
>>> that failed. Ergo modern electronics are not repairable on account
>>> of very highly integrated parts (a whole function block in a single chip).
>>> The electrical interconnects are thinner than a human hair and the
>>> whole board is sealed under a thick polymer coating. The slightest
>>> electrical surge and some electrical trace will vaporize somewhere.
>>> There is no heat build-up to start any sparks or flames. A 32 inch
>>> CRT TV has only a single board. If that goes the only option is to
>>> replace the whole board.

>> Thats wrong. There are still a few components on that that can be
>> replaced cheaply if they are what has failed, most obviously with the
>> diodes that rectify the mains etc and they are often what has failed
>> because they are the most highly electrically stressed components.

> All modern electronic equipment from mainstream
> manufacturers have very high reliability.

Irrelevant to that claim you made about replacing the whole board,
that you carefully deleted from the quoting and I have restored.

> Heard that famous line about them failing one
> week after a five year warranty period?.

Pity its aways been a mindlessly silly lie. It
isnt even possible to design them to do that.

> Components like diodes are sources from very few remaining global
> sized manufacturers and they are all manufactured to the same
> specs - with MTBF (mean time between failure) measured in years.

Irrelevant to the fact that the ones that the diodes which rectify the
mains live in one of the most demanding environments, because
they are exposed to spikes on the mains, and thats why they do
still sometimes fail. Thats got nothing to do with MTBF either.

> There's no savings in buying from a less reliable manufacturer.

Irreveant to what is being discussed, whether when
they do fail, you dont have to replace the whole board.

> The returns and repairs will bankrupt any business promptly.
> When equipment fails the vendor gives you a brand new one
> and toss out the return. That's a lot cheaper than hiring
> knowledgeable experienced service guys. The few service
> guys they have are essentially board and module swappers.

Irrelevant to what can be done if it fails outside warranty and they
dont all have 5 year warrantys, particularly the low end stuff.

> Out of five modules swap out each one in succession until one
> works. No one does diagnostics or component repairs anymore.

Some still do that in their own time with stuff that is out of warranty.

> Microminiaturization makes that impossible anyway.

No it doesnt with the diodes that rectify the mains in the power supply.

> I fixed my own TV set because it cost me $800 new, a generic
> replacement at $300 and I'm not going to lug that 20 year old hernia
> box to the TV service shop that was going to charge $70 for just
> looking. Had the thing just died I would have tossed it. But it had
> an intermittent video problem that a slap on the cabinet side could
> temporarily fix. That means the components were OK and it had
> a cold solder or loose connection somewhere. I loved the
> challenge but it still took me 5 tries to locate the cold solder.

Just as true of a failed mains rectifying diode if you know what you are doing.

Your original that you carefully deleted from the
quoting and I have restored is just plain wrong.

> The service shop guy would give up after 1/2 and hour
> and collect his $70. Any more effort and he loses big.

Irrelevant to what someone else can do if they arent paying for anyone else's time.

> The TV now looks better than before, 5 years now after
> that fix. Dang I take care of my toys and enjoy fixing them.

So your original that you carefully deleted from the
quoting and I have restored is just plain wrong.

> I have 50 year old stuff that still hum along like new.

Me too, but completely irrelevant to what was being discussed,
your silly claim that only a board swap is possible now.

== 2 of 2 ==
Date: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 11:53 am
From: Dennis

On Wed, 19 Dec 2007 22:11:54 -0800, The Real Bev
<bashley101+usenet@gmail.com> wrote:

>Dennis wrote:
>
>> On Tue, 18 Dec 2007 12:20:55 -0500, maryatbeach@webtv.net (Mary
>> Mathews) wrote:
>>>
>>>My sister's friend's TV exploded. The two ladies there were hurt and
>>>taken to the hospital. The house burned to the ground. Does anyone here
>>>know about exploding TV's and what we can do to prevent such an
>>>accident? Thanks. Mary
>>
>> Was there a penguin atop the telly at the time?
>
>Bastard, I was going to say that.

Neener-neener. And I half expected that no one would get the
reference.

Dennis (evil)
--
I'm a hands-on, footloose, knee-jerk head case. -George Carlin

==============================================================================
TOPIC: Ice cream shrinks again
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/cf443aea01762c8b?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 10:34 am
From: Vandy Terre

On Wed, 19 Dec 2007 00:15:15 -0500, Shawn Hirn <srhi@comcast.net> wrote:

>The price of corn and products that use it is on the way up because corn
>has become a popular crop for ethanol.

Pehaps this is a factor. The price may be increasing more due to increased
expense in planting, growing and harvesting the crop plus transporting the crop
to processing plants. Price may also be increasing just because it costs more
to get the product to market.

There may even be a shortage of corn just because so much of the land area used
to grow this crop was either in severe drought conditions or flooded. This just
past growing season was a rough season for many farmers.

==============================================================================
TOPIC: So quiet in here. Everyone Chrismas shopping?
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/14ff3a2698c21c95?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 2 ==
Date: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 12:03 pm
From: val189

From a frugal standpoint, a good artificial a tree will amortize
itself down to a few bucks as the years roll by and you smugly haul it
out one more time. Although, I will admit there's nothing like the
aroma of a real tree.

Mine is prelit, umbrellas into a tree in a trice. Toss on a few
ornaments and it's done.

== 2 of 2 ==
Date: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 12:13 pm
From: Dennis

On Wed, 19 Dec 2007 22:55:28 -0500, Marsha <mas@xeb.net> wrote:

>Dennis wrote:
>> By buying a real tree from my neighbor's lot, I am helping support a
>> small farmer in my community. Some of the money is used to plant and
>> maintain more trees.
>
>I'm all for helping support small farmers, but correct me if this is
>wrong. New trees can't grow as fast as the old ones are cut down, right?

I'm not sure I understand your point. Certainly, you can replant one
(or more) new trees for each one cut down. Once the initial crop
matures, assuming a more or less constant demand, you will have the
same number of new trees maturing in a given year as you want to cut.

Dennis (evil)
--
The honest man is the one who realizes that he cannot
consume more, in his lifetime, than he produces.

==============================================================================
TOPIC: Recommendations for Online Consumer Electronics Retailer
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/1531ca038d6e5ff2?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 12:05 pm
From: Dennis

On Thu, 20 Dec 2007 03:30:39 GMT, mavigozler <mavigozler@turkiye.gov>
wrote:

>I want to know what your favorite online electronics retailer is (and I bet
>they are located in New York City). I want to feel satisfied that I am
>dealing with the best and most inexpensive.

I have been very happy with newegg.com. They have a very good
reputation among online buyers.

Dennis (evil)
--
I'm behind the eight ball, ahead of the curve, riding the wave,
dodging the bullet and pushing the envelope. -George Carlin

==============================================================================
TOPIC: Natural gas space heaters
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/620118e627721656?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 12:06 pm
From: You

In article <lk2hm3hlajqffnujrg5aa9rk06ucahm1it@4ax.com>,
clare at snyder.on.ca wrote:

> Vent free heaters produce COPIOUS amounts of water vapour - a much
> more serious issue in most cases thanoxygen depletement or CO
> concentration.
>
> --
> Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

That would depend on the Relative Humidity of the area you live in....
if your RH is very low, you may just want a bit of humidity enhancement
in your house....

==============================================================================
TOPIC: RodSpeed, how is gold doing in your neck of the woods?
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/f2ad60336cac92ae?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 2 ==
Date: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 12:16 pm
From: Quality_is_job_one

http://www.lvrj.com/news/9893062.html

== 2 of 2 ==
Date: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 12:44 pm
From: "Rod Speed"

Quality_is_job_one <kwokx2@hotmail.com> wrote:
> http://www.lvrj.com/news/9893062.html

Nothing special.

==============================================================================
TOPIC: Make quick legal cash! Live like YOU want to! No major investments!
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/2bf2bee37a7a31e3?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 12:19 pm
From: miopik@gmail.com

LOTS OF CASH, FAST AND COMPLETELY LEGAL, THIS REALLY WORKS!!

: THIS REALLY CAN MAKE YOU EASY MONEY!! IT WORKS!!! BUT YOU
: HAVE TO FOLLOW IT TO THE LETTER FOR IT TO WORK!!!!

: A little while back, I was browsing through newsgroups, just like
you are now, and came
: across an article similar to this that said you could make thousands
of dollars within weeks
: with only an initial investment of $6.00! So I thought," Yeah,
right, this must be a scam",
: but like most of us, I was curious, so I kept reading.

: Anyway, it said that you send $1.00 to each of the 6 names and
address stated in the
: article. You then place your own name and address in the bottom of
the list at #6, and
: post the article in at least 200 newsgroups. (There are thousands)
No catch, that was it.
: So after thinking it over, and talking to a few people first, I
thought about trying it. I figured
: what have I got to lose except 6 stamps and $6.00, right? Like most
of us I was a little
: skeptical and a little worried about the legal aspects of it
: all. So I checked it out with the U.S. Post Office (1-800-725-2161)
and they confirmed
: that it is indeed legal! Then I invested the measly $6.00. Well
GUESS WHAT!!... within 7
: days, I started getting money in the mail! I was shocked! I figured
it would end soon, but
: the money just kept coming in. In my first week, I made about
$25.00. By the end of the
: second week I had made a total of over $1,000.00! In the third week
I had over
: $10,000.00 and it's still growing. This is now my fourth week and I
have made a total of
: just over $42,000.00 and it's still coming in rapidly. It's
: certainly worth $6.00, and 6 stamps, I have spent more than that on
the lottery!!

: Let me tell you how this works and most importantly, why it
works....also, make sure you
: print a copy of this article NOW, so you can get the information off
of it as you need it.
: A cousin of mine did this a few months back, and he is now enjoying
life in his brand new
: Tahoe Sport!! ($30,000+). So it does work!!

: STEP 1: Get 6 separate pieces of paper and write the following on
each piece of paper
: "PLEASE PUT ME ON YOUR MAILING LIST." Now get 6 US $1.00 bills and
place
: ONE inside EACH of the 6 pieces of paper so the bill will not be
seen through the
: envelope to prevent thievery. Next, place one paper in each of the 6
envelopes and seal
: them. You should now have 6 sealed envelopes, each with a
: piece of paper stating the above phrase, your name and address, and
a $1.00 bill. What
: you are doing is creating a service by this. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY
LEGAL! Mail the 6
: envelopes to the following addresses:
:
: 1- Bjarte Soeiland
: Kraakenestoppen 90
: N-5065 Boenes, NORWAY
:
:
: 2- Mr Andrew Ross
: 44 deamon street,
: blackwell, alfreton
: derbyshire
: Englad
: DE55 5JQ
:
:
: 3- TR Enterprises
: 27071 Kennedy Rd.
: Willow Beach, Ontario
: L0E 1S0, Box 249
: Canada
:
: 4- Kevin Klingelhoefer
: 615 Crescent St.
: Langhorne, PA 19047
: USA
:
: 5- A.L.
: Rimon 631/24
: Natzareth illit, T.D. 13123
: ISRAEL (17000)
:
: 6- Matt Mason
: 1012 Bay Dr. Apt C.
: Surfside Beach, SC 29575
:
:
:
: STEP 2: Now take the #1 name off the list that you see above, move
the other names up
: (6 becomes 5, 5 becomes 4, etc...) and add YOUR Name as number 6 on
the list. STEP
: 3: Change anything you need to, but try to keep this article as
close to original as possible.
: Now, post your amended article to at least 200 newsgroups. (I think
there are close to
: 24,000 groups) All you need is 200, but remember, the more you post,
the more money
: you make! ---DIRECTIONS -----HOW TO POST TO NEWSGROUPS------------
: Step 1) You do not need to re-type this entire letter to do your own
posting. Simply put
: your cursor at the beginning of this letter and drag your
: cursor to the bottom of this document, and select 'copy' from the
edit menu. This will copy
: the entire letter into the computers memory. Step 2) Open a blank
'notepad' file and place
: your cursor at the top of the blank page. From the 'edit' menu
select 'paste'. This will paste
: a copy of the letter into notepad so that you can add your name to
the list. Step 3) Save
: your new notepad file as a .txt file. If you want to do your
postings in different sittings,
: you'll always have this file to go back to.
: Step 4) Use Netscape or Internet explorer and try searching for
various newsgroups
: (on-line
: forums, message boards, chat sites, discussions.) Step 5) Visit
these message boards and
: post this article as a new message by highlighting the text of this
letter and selecting paste
: from the edit menu. Fill in the Subject, this will be the header
that everyone sees as they
: scroll through the list of postings in a particular group, click the
post message button.
: You're done with your first one!

: Congratulations...THAT'S IT! All you have to do is jump to different
newsgroupes and
: post away, after you get the hang of it, it will take about 30
seconds for each newsgroup!
: **REMEMBER, THE MORE NEWSGROUPS YOU POST IN, THE MORE
: MONEY YOU WILL MAKE!! BUT YOU HAVE TO POST A MINIMUM OF
: 200** That's it! You will begin reciving money from around the world
within days! You
: may eventually wany to rent a P.O.Box due to the large amount of
mail you will receive. If
: you wish to stay anonymous, you can invent a name to use, as
: long as the postman will deliver it. **JUST MAKE SURE ALL THE
ADDRESSES ARE
: CORRECT.**

: Now the WHY part: Out of 200 postings, say I receive only 5 replies
(a very low
: example). So then I made $5.00 with my name at #6 on the letter.
Now, each of the 5
: persons who just sent me $1.00 make the MINIMUM 200 postings, each
with my name
: at #5 and only 5 persons respond to each of the original 5, that is
another $25.00 for me,
: now those 25 each make 200 MINIMUM posts with my name at #4 and only
5 replies
: each, I will bring in an additional
: $125.00! Now, those 125 persons turn around and post the MINIMUM 200
with my
: name at #3 and only receive 5 replies each, I will make an
additional $626.00! OK, now
: here is the fun part, each of those 625 persons post a MINIMUM 200
letters with my
: name at #2 and they each only receive 5 replies, that just made me
$3,125.00!!! Those
: 3,125 persons will all deliver this message to 200 newsgroups with
my name at #1 and if
: still 5 persons per 200 newsgroups react I will receive $15,625,00!
With a original
: investment of only $6.00! AMAZING! When your name is no longer on
the list, you just
: take the latest posting in the newsgroups, and send out another
$6.00 to names on the list,
: putting your name at number 6 again. And start posting again. The
thing to remember is,
: do you realize that thousands of people all over the world are
joining the internet and
: reading these articles everyday, JUST LIKE YOU are now!! So can you
afford $6.00
: and see if it really works?? I think so... People have said, "what
if the plan is played out
: and no one sends you
: the money? So what! What are the chances of that happening when
there are tons of new
: honest users and new honest people who are joining the internet and
newsgroups everyday
: and are willing to give it a try? Estimates are at 20,000 to 50,000
new users, every day,
: with thousands of those joining the actual internet. Remember, play
FAIRLY and
: HONESTLY and this will work.

: Also, for the skeptics, you're looking at this and thinking about
doing it right? imagine how many millions are looking and thinking the
EXACT same thing!!

: Enjoy the money,
: Rick

==============================================================================
TOPIC: Eureka Environ Steamer?
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/d7a79eb50132dfb2?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 11:49 am
From: Rick

Mike wrote:
>
> Does this device still exist? If so, where can I find it?
> I have mostly hard floors in my house (ceramic tiles) and
> am replacing the carpet as I can.
>
> Mike
>

Nope - long gone. Actually it's the Enviro - not Environ - Steamer if
you are doing searches for it. Eureka just makes more conventional
extraction machines now:

http://www.eureka.com/products/extractor.htm

My .02 on steamers is they keep coming and going in the market place
because they are such a pain to use: Fill it up, wait for it to get to
temperature, use it - OOPS! out of steam, wait for it to cool down, fill
it (again), wait for it to heat up (again), OOPS! out of steam
(again...)

You waste more time on the fill, wait for temp, wait for cool, fill,
wait for temp again stages than you do actually cleaning anything. Shark
is running their latest infomercial for their latest reinvention of the
same thing. Sure it looks all whizz-bang on TeeVee. But in practical use
these things waste a huge amount of time. You notice how they completely
skip over the filling and waiting matter and the length of actual run
time for a fill in the TeeVee infomercials? There's a reason for that...
AIRC the Scuncii brand one we tried a few years back produced about 10
minutes of steam for every 25 minutes of diddling with it. The Eureka
had a larger tank - but you still face the same issues.

At least with the extractors in the current Eureka line they can be
refilled immediately and put back into use immediately - saving a pile
of time in the process. Can be used on bare floors - not just carpets.

Rick

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== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 1:00 pm
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Google Groups: http://groups.google.com?hl=en

25 new messages in 21 topics - digest

misc.consumers.frugal-living
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living?hl=en

misc.consumers.frugal-living@googlegroups.com

Today's topics:

== 1 of 3 ==
Date: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 12:30 am
From: "Rod Speed"

The Real Bev <bashley101+usenet@gmail.com> wrote
> Don K wrote
>> Mark Anderson <mea@nospambrandylion.com> wrote
>>> imnot@mycomputer.now wrote

>>>>> Just have to bleed off the CRT pressure once in a while.
>>>>> Problem solved.

>>>> How exactly is this done?

>>> There's a little valve at the back up the picture tube. Use need a
>>> small screwdriver to open the valve that lets the air bubbles out.

> The Brits call them valves,

Not with CRTs they dont.

> but we yanks call them tubes. Either one will work.

Not with CRTs they dont.

> Just make sure you use an insulated screwdriver.

You dont need to do that with the valve that lets the air out.

>> You could use a bleeder resistor, but that's just a band-aid approach.

> Expensive and hard to find. Where did you get yours?

Make it.

== 2 of 3 ==
Date: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 3:46 am
From: John Savage

I wrote:
>maryatbeach@webtv.net (Mary Mathews) writes:
>>My sister's friend's TV exploded. The two ladies there were hurt and
>>taken to the hospital. The house burned to the ground. Does anyone here
>>know about exploding TV's and what we can do to prevent such an
>>accident? Thanks. Mary
>
>Were your friends injured by pieces of exploding tv, or by the fire?
>
>The possibilities? Maybe the set had taken a heavy bump at some time,

I've just been reminded of a number of fires some years back in some
tv sets. It appeared that a particular model had a flaw or was badly
designed, and the fire brigade recommended that [all] consumers always
switch their sets off at the wall socket, rather than leave them in a
hibernation state. The inconvenience of not being able to switch the
tv on using the remote control probably disinclines most consumers from
switching off at the wall. This would be about 15 years ago.
--
John Savage (my news address is not valid for email)

== 3 of 3 ==
Date: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 6:24 am
From: PaPaPeng

On Thu, 20 Dec 2007 13:10:53 +1100, "Rod Speed"
<rod.speed.aaa@gmail.com> wrote:

>
>Thats wrong. There are still a few components on that that can be
>replaced cheaply if they are what has failed, most obviously with the
>diodes that rectify the mains etc and they are often what has failed
>because they are the most highly electrically stressed components.

All modern electronic equipment from mainstream manufacturers have
very high reliability. Heard that famous line about them failing one
week after a five year warranty period?. Components like diodes are
sources from very few remaining global sized manufacturers and they
are all manufactured to the same specs - with MTBF (mean time between
failure) measured in years. There's no savings in buying from a less
reliable manufacturer. The returns and repairs will bankrupt any
business promptly. When equipment fails the vendor gives you a brand
new one and toss out the return. That's a lot cheaper than hiring
knowledgeable experienced service guys. The few service guys they
have are essentially board and module swappers. Out of five modules
swap out each one in succession until one works. No one does
diagnostics or component repairs anymore. Microminiaturization makes
that impossible anyway.

I fixed my own TV set because it cost me $800 new, a generic
replacement at $300 and I'm not going to lug that 20 year old hernia
box to the TV service shop that was going to charge $70 for just
looking. Had the thing just died I would have tossed it. But it had
an intermittent video problem that a slap on the cabinet side could
temporarily fix. That means the components were OK and it had a cold
solder or loose connection somewhere. I loved the challenge but it
still took me 5 tries to locate the cold solder. The service shop guy
would give up after 1/2 and hour and collect his $70. Any more effort
and he loses big. The TV now looks better than before, 5 years now
after that fix. Dang I take care of my toys and enjoy fixing them. I
have 50 year old stuff that still hum along like new.

==============================================================================
TOPIC: enough with 29% interest on credit cards
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/135da25eab845f19?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 12:40 am
From: alan

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http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/3942e2bfe16586a6?hl=en
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== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 12:46 am
From: feiallen

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TOPIC: Christmas big ritual
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/bdc31c88c33bdbcb?hl=en
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== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 12:58 am
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TOPIC: For Updating news,communities,Groups,Classifieds
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/ce94a6cd53b5d860?hl=en
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== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 1:23 am
From: dreamcollege2@yahoo.com

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== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 2:19 am
From: virig

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== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Tues, Dec 18 2007 7:06 pm
From: clare at snyder.on.ca

On 18 Dec 2007 08:46:13 -0500, nicksanspam@ece.villanova.edu wrote:

>I just installed a 30K Btu/h natural gas vent-free radiant heater in
>a house near Allentown, PA, where kerosine now costs $3.50/gallon
>and natural gas costs about $1.50/therm (roughly equivalent).
>
>Empire Comfort Systems (Enerco) makes this "Mr. Heater." Tractor Supply
>sells it for $229.99 as sku #2151954. It comes with a thermostat and
>a blower and a digital temperature display. It has an oxygen depletion
>sensor, and it can work without grid power, but there have been some
>problems since installation.
>
>The thermostat only has 5 temp settings, as well as "pilot only." It is
>supposed to make the room about 55 F min, with 5 F steps above that, but
>the temp sensing bulb is on the back near a cold floor under a cold single-
>pane window. When the first setting heats most of the room to more than
>70 F, the owner turns the thermostat back to pilot before the heater
>turns itself off, while the temperature display still only reads 58 F, ie
>the thermostat isn't doing much. The owner says with the knob between
>the lowest and pilot settings, the heater emits interesting flaming blue
>gas footballs instead of the usual red glow. And it makes condensation
>on the indoor window surfaces.
>
>We might fix the first 2 problems by putting a 25 watt light bulb near
>the temp sensor with a $15 line-voltage thermostat on the wall that
>turns the bulb off when the room is warm enough.
>
>This old house seemed drafty enough to avoid window condensation, but
>it also has a damp basement, with puddles of water after rain. Keeping
>water out of the basement might help a lot. Indoor storm window shrink
>films could also help. Allentown is 31.8 F on an average December day.
>An R1 window with a 1.5 Btu/h-F-ft^2 still airfilm indoor conductance to
>70 F room air and (70-31.8)1ft^2/R1 = 38.2 Btu/h-ft^2 of heatflow would
>have a glazing temp (dew point) of 70-38.2x1ft^2/1.5 = 44.5 F (504.5 R),
>with indoor RH = 100e^-(9621(530-504.5)/(504.5x530) = 40% at 70 F (530 R).
>Basement puddles at 55 F could condense on window surfaces.
>
>If indoor film makes the windows R2 and raises the film temp to 70-19.1/1.5
>59.4 F (519.4 R), the a max indoor RH = 100e^-(9621(530-519.4)/(519.4x530)
>= 69%, with no condensation from basement puddles.
>
>NREL says Allentown has an average humidity ratio wo = 0.0028 pounds of water
>per pound of dry air in December, with Pa = 29.921/(1+0.62198/0.0028)
>= 0.1341 "Hg. Air at 70 F and 100% RH has Psat = e^(17.863-9621/(460+70))
>= 0.748 "Hg, approximately, so merely heating the outdoor air to 70 F
>with no basement puddles would make the indoor RH = 100Pa/Psat = 18%.
>
>The ASHRAE HOF says pure methane (vs a different natural gas mixture) has
>a high heating value (HHV) of 23,875 Btu/lb, when we condense the water vapor
>from combustion and a low heating value (LHV) of 21,495 (11% less) when we
>don't, and 1000 Btu can evaporate a pound of water, so a vent-free heater
>that makes 20K Btu/h also makes 0.11x20K/1000 = 2.2 lb/h of water vapor.
>With window films and no basement puddles, we could keep a 50% indoor RH
>(wi= 0.016) by moving in C cfm of fresh air (at 0.075 lb/ft^3), where
>2.2=60C0.075(wi-wo), so C = 37 cfm, with a heat loss of about 37(70-31.8)
>1420 Btu/h, which lowers the heater system efficiency to 93%, compared to
>an HHV- 100%.
>
>We might move outdoor air into the room with a $30 humidistat and a muffin
>fan, or (more efficiently) use a homebrew HRV with condensation outside
>and fresh air inside Coroplast (plastic corrugated sign material) plates,
>or run a dehumidifier or an $80 low-airspeed window AC inside the room.
>
>If the $1275 DV-20E 81.5%-efficient direct vent and $3268 93%-efficient
>Mantis condensing gas heaters are measured with LHV-based efficiencies
>and we subtract 11% to compare apples to apples, the $229 vent-free
>heater is more efficient, as well as a lot cheaper.
>
>Kiddie's 900-0113 plug-in CO and explosive gas detector with battery backup
>($48 from Amazon, with free shipping) would go well with this.
>
>Nick

Vent free heaters produce COPIOUS amounts of water vapour - a much
more serious issue in most cases thanoxygen depletement or CO
concentration.

--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Wed, Dec 19 2007 7:02 pm
From: Mike

Does this device still exist? If so, where can I find it?
I have mostly hard floors in my house (ceramic tiles) and
am replacing the carpet as I can.

Mike

--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

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== 1 of 1 ==
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== 1 of 1 ==
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TOPIC: television add
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== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 4:49 am
From: clams casino

himana wrote:

>Today, advertisements play a role in most television programming,
>
>
>

Why would I want to advertise in India?

== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 5:08 am
From: George

Parallax wrote:
> imascot wrote:
>> I see that a "half gallon" of ice cream has now shrunk from 1.75
>> quarts to 1.5 From what I've gathered, anything that has corn in it
>> or used to eat corn has gone up in price, for instance, corn muffins,
>> which used to the same price as blueberry, are now a dollar more for a
>> package of six.
>>
>> I'd rather have expanding prices than shrinking product size, though.
>>
>> J.
>
> Man, the price for Corn ice cream is gonna hit the roof.
>

As is corn spaghetti sauce, corn "red sauce" topping on big box pizza
and hundreds of other things that have huge amounts of HFCS.

== 1 of 3 ==
Date: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 5:14 am
From: George

Rick wrote:
> Hey all
>
> Can't find them when I went looking for one.
>
> Well, I can find two. They both have the same design problems and spew
> uncooked kernels and popcorn everywhere. The first disaster is a $9.99
> item carried by Walgreens. The other one looks stupid enough - the red
> "pop corn vendor" cart model. Target carries it and there are a ton of
> bad on line reviews at Amazon. It costs up to three times as much as the
> Walgreens one but is designed pretty much the same way and does the same
> thing: The way they are designed they "spin" the popcorn around in hot
> air, and that seems to make it fly everywhere - both the popcorn and hot
> kernels - once a few kernels start to pop. Which leads to hot kernels
> exploding in the bowl of popcorn - which sends the popped stuff in the
> bowl flying everywhere. In a way, it's kind of funny. But then you try
> it maybe once more with the same results - not funny any longer - and
> then you return it to the store...
>
> Kinda tired of the cost per unit for that prepackaged microwave popcorn.
> And - if anyone remembers - the microwave stuff is good, but it's kinda
> soggy compared to hot air popcorn. But shocked I am to find out that
> popcorn machines - especially hot air poppers - seemed to have vanished.
> Not looking for a hot oil machine - Presto has reinvented the "Stir
> Crazy" hot oil machine this year - already seen it.
>
> Rick

Time to move on to microwave (but not that stinky prepackaged stuff). I
bought an inexpensive microwave popper which is simply a bowl with a
loose fitting lid quite some time ago. It pops almost every kernel and
no oil is used. As a side benefit the popcorn tastes better than the hot
air version.

== 2 of 3 ==
Date: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 6:03 am
From: clams casino

George wrote:

> Rick wrote:
>
>> Hey all
>>
>> Can't find them when I went looking for one.
>>
>> Well, I can find two. They both have the same design problems and spew
>> uncooked kernels and popcorn everywhere. The first disaster is a $9.99
>> item carried by Walgreens. The other one looks stupid enough - the red
>> "pop corn vendor" cart model. Target carries it and there are a ton of
>> bad on line reviews at Amazon. It costs up to three times as much as the
>> Walgreens one but is designed pretty much the same way and does the same
>> thing: The way they are designed they "spin" the popcorn around in hot
>> air, and that seems to make it fly everywhere - both the popcorn and hot
>> kernels - once a few kernels start to pop. Which leads to hot kernels
>> exploding in the bowl of popcorn - which sends the popped stuff in the
>> bowl flying everywhere. In a way, it's kind of funny. But then you try
>> it maybe once more with the same results - not funny any longer - and
>> then you return it to the store...
>>
>> Kinda tired of the cost per unit for that prepackaged microwave popcorn.
>> And - if anyone remembers - the microwave stuff is good, but it's kinda
>> soggy compared to hot air popcorn. But shocked I am to find out that
>> popcorn machines - especially hot air poppers - seemed to have vanished.
>> Not looking for a hot oil machine - Presto has reinvented the "Stir
>> Crazy" hot oil machine this year - already seen it.
>>
>> Rick
>
>
> Time to move on to microwave (but not that stinky prepackaged stuff).
> I bought an inexpensive microwave popper which is simply a bowl with a
> loose fitting lid quite some time ago. It pops almost every kernel and
> no oil is used. As a side benefit the popcorn tastes better than the
> hot air version.

Fully agree. Ours is perhaps 10+ years old & continues to work very
well. although we usually add a little peanut oil for added flavor
(about a half teaspoon). We learned to pop shy of 1/4 cup. More will
likely not pop without added time which typically burns the cooked popcorn.

No question (with or without the added oil) it's better, quicker &
easier to clean than an air popper. Had one of those many years ago,
but never cared for it.

== 3 of 3 ==
Date: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 6:41 am
From: Ron Peterson

On Dec 19, 8:45 pm, Rick <ricka...@rcn.com> wrote:

> Can't find them when I went looking for one.

I have an old Presto hot air popper and a Nordicware microwave popper.
Both are good, but, I do get some unpopped kernels with the hot air
unit more when using premium popcorn because of the greater popping
force.

I use spray canola oil to get salt and other flavorings (cheese or
onion powders) to stick.

--
Ron

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== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 5:39 am
From: reshma

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Date: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 5:42 am
From: Sparky1635

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== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Thurs, Dec 20 2007 6:13 am
From: aassime abdellatif

Searching for Happiness ?

Dr. Saleh Abdul Azeez As Sindee

Happiness is a common goal that everyone strives to attain.
Philosophers, intellectuals, doctors and artists alike have all
strived in search of the causes of happiness and ways to escape
anxiety.

The reality is, however, that the proposed solutions achieve only
partial or superficial happiness. They are more or less like drugs
which only provide temporary relief; when their effect wares off,
anxieties return two fold.

The following words invite you to ultimate happiness and will lead you
to true success. But before you begin reading, I hope that you to take
a moment to try to open your heart and mind - as the intelligent one
is he who searches for the truth no matter where it lies.

An undeniable reality is that permanent happiness cannot be achieved
except by believing in God - The Creator - and following His guidance.
Since it is He who created mankind, He is the one who knows what
pleases and benefits them, just as he knows what saddens and harms
them. A number of psychologists have affirmed that only a religious
person lives with true content and serenity. So if believing in God
leads to ultimate happiness, then how can this be achieved?

There are numerous religions and a variety of creeds. However, their
critical differences in core issues make it impossible for all of them
to be correct. So which is the correct religion? What is the correct
creed that God requires us to believe in and in the end pleases Him?
And which one of these creeds guarantees us happiness in this life and
in the hereafter?

Before answering these questions, a criterion must first be
established to be used as a basis for correctly determining the true
religion. I firmly believe that all sensible people will agree that a
religion is not deemed correct simply due to the fact that one was
raised in that religion, had parents that adhered to it, or lived in a
society that practiced it. Rather a religion's accuracy and
authenticity are based upon substantial evidence and firm intellectual
proofs. Intellect, the distinguishing factor between mankind and
animals, must be applied when studying the issue of religion, which is
undeniably the most important and gravest of all matters.

A short journey into the world of religions and sifting through
various creeds could prove to be a good method in arriving at the
desired conclusion. In order to save you the time and effort, I say
with full conviction and confidence that no matter how much you
investigate this issue, you will only arrive at one reality: that the
true and correct religion is Islam and that true happiness and content
lies within it.

Before you hastily rebut this statement and stop reading, please
realize that completing the rest would not harm you at all, and it may
in fact benefit you. Also, remember that you have an intellect by
which you can distinguish things and determine truth from falsehood.

Why Islam?

This is an important question, indicating that the questioner is
mature and enlightened. In response I say:

Islam is a religion that includes a number of merits and
characteristics that are absent from other religions. These
characteristics, alone, serve as convincing evidence that Islam is the
true religion of God. You can determine the authenticity of this
statement by contemplating them.

Islam's many merits and characteristics make it impossible to
elaborate on all of them. However, some of the most important can be
summarized as follows:

1. Amongst the greatest merits of Islam is that it fulfills the
spiritual aspects of the human being and enables those who embrace it
to have an ongoing connection with God. This makes it possible for
them to be at ease spiritually. It shields them from chaos, being lost
or feeling (spiritually) empty, and protects from mental instability.

2. Another of Islam's merits is that it coincides totally with common
sense. All of the Islamic legislation and its rulings are acceptable
intellectually and are never contradictory. One man who embraced Islam
was asked why he did so and replied, "Islam never ordered me to do
anything that I later wished wasn't obligated, and it never forbade me
from anything that I later wished wasn't forbidden."
Much of what is readily accepted in other religions causes great
confusion. This confusion makes it difficult to believe many of the
fundamental tenets/doctrines that these religions are based upon. On
the other hand, we find that Islam respects the intellect, prohibits
ignorance, and condemns blind following.

3. Islam is an all-inclusive way of life attending to both spiritual
and physical needs. Practicing Islam does not mean that one has to be
secluded or that he is prohibited from the finer things in life.
Rather, according to Islam, a person can be religious and still enjoy
a normal life - attaining prestigious ranks/positions and achieving
the highest academic degrees.

4. Among the merits of Islam is that it is a comprehensive religion.
Every aspect of a person's life is managed by Islam. There is not a
problem except that a solution for it lies in Islam, which makes it
possible to embrace and practice in every time and place. How can this
not be the case in such a well organized religion that has guidelines
and positive instruction for every aspect of life including: conflict
resolution, buying and selling, social and marital relations,
greetings, public etiquettes, and even how a person eats, sleeps and
dresses. These practices have not been addressed generally, but rather
in precise detail, causing the mind to wonder in amazement. Know that
Islam even provides direction on how to wear and remove footwear. It
encourages people to use their right hand when eating, drinking,
shaking hands, and when giving and receiving items. As for disliked
affairs such as using the bathroom, the left hand is to be used.
Islam also has wonderful instructions regarding going to sleep and
waking up. When two Muslims meet, Islam directs them on how they
should greet each other; a rider should initiate greeting the
pedestrian, the youth should initiate greeting the elderly, and a
small group should initiate greeting a larger group. These are but a
few of Islam's many comprehensive guidelines for all aspects of life.

5. Another of Islam's merits is that it establishes good for mankind
in all its regulations and safeguards them from evil. It is man
himself who benefits from these regulations. Islam's prohibition of
alcohol and drugs for example is only because of the great harm they
cause to a person's physical and mental health. You can witness the
state of a drunken man, no longer human except in appearance. A lot of
murders, disputes, traffic accidents and rapes would not have taken
place were it not for consuming these mind-altering products.
Islam's prohibition of premarital sex relieves societies of
destructive diseases (such as AIDS and other STDs), immoral behavior,
and the existence of a generation of illegitimate children. This
generation is often deprived of a mother's love and a father's
upbringing which can lead them to become burdensome on society. Islam
prohibits women from displaying themselves publicly. This is because
Islam considers women to be valued, preserved pearls; not some cheap
merchandise to be displayed for all to see. It does so to protect them
from the wolves of mankind - those who are only concerned with
satisfying their lusts, even if it is at the cost of a woman's honor,
nobility, status, and purity.
On the other hand, Islam permits all harmless and beneficial drinks.
It also permits married couples to enjoy one another within a happy
home.
In summary, Islam has not eliminated freedoms and desires. Rather, it
regulates them for the benefit of mankind and the society at large.

6. A radiant aspect of Islam is that it pays a great deal of attention
to values, character, and praiseworthy manners, while prohibiting
mankind from oppression, transgression and bad character. Islam is a
religion of love, unity and mercy. It defines an individual's
relationship with his parents, relatives, neighbors, friends and all
people. Islam embeds the best of manners in those who embrace it and
prevents them from living selfishly. It encourages its followers to
help others and take others' feelings into consideration - especially
the poor, orphans, elderly and widows. They all have rights in Islam
that must not be taken lightly by Muslims. Muslims shouldn't feel like
they are bestowing favors upon others when giving them their due
rights, rather these rights are obligations upon Muslims. It is
considered to be a great sin in Islam for one to go to sleep with a
full stomach knowing that his neighbor is hungry.
Islam even prohibits two people from whispering to each other in the
presence of a third, taking his feelings into consideration. Islam
goes even further than that, obligating kind treatment to animals and
prohibiting harming them. More specifically, Islam prohibits
slaughtering an animal while another watches, or sharpening a knife
while it is watching, so that it is not tormented along with being
slaughtered.
Truthfulness, trustworthiness, bravery, generosity, humility, abiding
by promises, visiting the sick, attending funerals, being dutiful to
parents, visiting relatives and neighbors, and striving to help others
are all etiquettes that are encouraged by Islam.
On the other hand, Islam strictly prohibits oppression, lying,
conceitedness, envy, and insulting or betraying others. It is
impermissible in Islam to speak ill of a person in his absence, even
if what is being said is true. Islam encourages people to moderate in
spending, being neither excessive nor misers.
During times when a lot of societies complain about cold heartedness,
materialism, selfishness and so on, we find that Islam has proven
remedies for all of these problems.

This summarized introduction should make it clear that Islam is a
logical religion that can be easily understood by all people. The
doors to Islam are wide open and do not shut for anyone looking to
enter.

Understanding all of Islam's teachings in a short article is
impossible. However, briefly discussing some of its fundamental tenets
should assist in further clarifying the religion for those who are
interested.

All of Islam's regulations and teachings are important, but some have
precedence over others. There are six essential articles of faith that
one must believe in, and five pillars that one's faith must be built
upon.

As for the six articles that must be believed in:

1. Believing in Allah (God) alone, associating no partners unto Him in
worship. This is done by believing that Allah alone is the Creator of
this universe and everything that is within it, and that it is He
alone who disposes its affairs as He sees fit. Consequently, worship
can only be offered to Him alone. Worship is implementing the
teachings of Islam and its legislation while believing that all other
religions are false.

2. Believing in the angels. Angels were created by Allah but we can
not see them. They worship Allah and never disobey Him. Allah orders
them to carry out many of the universe's affairs. The angel Gabriel,
for example, (peace be upon him) delivers Allah's revelation to the
messengers. Another is Mikayeel (peace be upon him), who is entrusted
with the affairs of rain. Still there are other angels responsible for
writing the deeds of mankind - deeds which they will be held
accountable for on the Day of Resurrection. It is essential to believe
that all of the angels act solely upon the order of Allah and do only
what He wills.

3. Believing in the Books of Revelation. This means to believe that
Allah revealed books to His servants comprising of His words. These
books contain bliss for mankind by clarifying what Allah is pleased
with as well as what He dislikes. The Angel charged with delivering
revelation to the Prophets is Gabriel (peace be upon him) - the
greatest of angels. A prophet then conveys the revelation to the rest
of mankind.
Allah has revealed many books, amongst them: The Torah, revealed to
Moses (peace be upon him), The Psalms, revealed to David (peace be
upon him), The Gospel, sent down to Jesus (peace be upon him) and the
Quran, which was revealed to Muhammad (peace be upon him).
One must believe that the Quran has abrogated all books prior to it,
meaning that - after the Prophet (Muhammad) was sent - it is the only
book that can be acted upon, especially since the Quran combines all
the merits of past books and further supplements them.
Know that the Quran is from the greatest evidences that this religion
is the truth revealed by Allah (God) the Most High. The Quran was
revealed over 1400 years ago. Since then till this day, no
contradictions or mistakes have been found in the Quran, not even in a
single word. Many of the scientific discoveries of modern times were
mentioned in the Quran. Since that time until today, nothing has been
added to or subtracted from the Quran, while previous revelations have
been tampered with and altered.
It is for this reason that you can pick up a copy of the Quran in the
far East and find it to be exactly the same as one you pick up in the
far West. If you were to come across a copy of the Quran that is
hundreds of years old, you would also find that it is exactly the same
as the one being printed currently - you wouldn't be able to find even
one letter that is different. This is because of Allah's protection of
this Book, the Book of the religion that sealed all other religions.
Speaking about the Quran would take a lot of time. However, it is
enough for you to know that there is nothing like it whatsoever; not
by way of (literary) style, its effect on people, nor its information
about the unseen.

4. Believing in the Prophets. This is done by believing that Allah has
chosen the best of mankind to be recipients of His revelation and
ordered them to convey His religion to the people. There are numerous
Prophets, among them are: Noah, Abraham, David, Solomon, Lot, Joseph,
Moses and others (peace be upon all of them). Also from them is Jesus.
It is imperative to believe that he is among the best of Prophets and
to love and respect him. Whoever despises him or denies his
prophethood is not Muslim. Likewise it is compulsory to believe that
Allah created him from a mother only, with no father, just as Allah
created Adam with neither a mother nor a father.
Having mentioned this, we now know that Jesus is a noble messenger and
not God, nor is he a son of God. He foretold the coming of a prophet
to come after him; Muhammad ibn (the son of) Abdullah, the last of the
prophets.
Muhammad ibn Abdullah (peace be upon him) was sent 1400 years ago. It
is compulsory for everyone who comes after him until the Day of
Judgment to believe in him and his message, and obey his orders and
prohibitions.
All those who studied the biography of this messenger have agreed that
he is a great personality who has been bestowed with the best of
manners and most noble etiquettes. He had characteristics which were
not present in anyone before him and will not be present in anyone
after him. Anything that you read about him, no matter how small it
is, confirms what I am saying.
Allah has also granted him proofs and evidences that establish the
authenticity of his prophethood, thus having doubt in this fact is
intellectually impossible. Having been given such proofs and evidences
of his prophethood, whoever denies his truthfulness, would make it
impossible for that individual to establish the truthfulness of any
other prophet.

5. The Last Day. This is fulfilled firmly believing that after this
life of ours is over, there is another more complete life. In it,
there are immense rewards and magnificent luxuries, as well as
punishment. Luxury is in Heaven and punishment in Hell. So whoever is
righteous and believes in the religion of Islam enters Heaven, a place
that contains untold pleasure and unimagined bliss. All the luxuries
on earth cannot be compared to it at all. Whoever enters Heaven will
continue to live in such luxuries for eternity as death does not exist
therein.
As for those who act upon evil and do not believe in Islam, they would
end up in Hell, which contains fires and punishment that can not be
imagined, all of the fires of earth and forms of punishment cannot be
compared to the punishment of the hellfire at all.
The existence of punishment and reward after this life is an issue
that is intellectually acknowledged, because it is impossible for this
world to exist and then just diminish into nothingness. This is
trifling about, and our Lord, the Creator, does not engage in such
activities.

6. Believing in Divine Decree. This is to believe that everything that
happens in this world is due to Allah's knowledge and will. Nothing
except what He wills takes place, and what He does not will, does not
take place. Allah has written everything in a great book (The
Preserved Tablet). Believing in divine decree also includes believing
that Allah created everything.

As for the five pillars that must be practiced:

1. Uttering a phrase that is the key to entering into Islam. It is a
contract between a servant and his Lord, signifying that he is upon
this religion:
"Ashhadu an la ilaha ila Allah, wa ashadu ana Muhammad 'abduhu wa
rasuluhu."
"I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah,
and that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger."
This testimony signifies the acceptance, admission, and adherence to
the fact that worship must be offered to Allah alone. It also includes
the acceptance of Islam as the only correct religion, Allah as the
only true deity deserving worship, and that all other deities and
religions are false. The second part of the testimony entails an
affirmation that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah and that he is to
be obeyed and believed in all that he says.

2. The Prayer. It is a combination of statements, actions and
invocations carried out in a specific manner. It is performed five
times daily and doesn't take much time at all. In fact, a prayer may
not take more than five minutes. Prayer is the link between a servant
and his Lord. It enables a Muslim to be confident, mentally and
spiritually at rest, calm and untroubled.

3. The Zakaat. A wealthy Muslim must give a small portion of his money
to the poor, 2.5% of his wealth to be exact. Even though it is a small
amount, it enables the Muslim community to be conciliated and merciful
amongst each other. It propagates brotherhood, love and concern
amongst Muslims. And again, Zakaat is only to be given out by the
wealthy, not the poor.

4. Fasting. What is meant by fasting is that a person withholds from
eating, drinking and sexual relations during the month of Ramadan
[which is the 9th month of the lunar calendar] between dawn and
sunset. The sick, travelers, and those with valid excuses are pardoned
from fasting. They are permitted to eat and drink but must make up the
missed days once they become able.
Fasting has many health, personal, and social benefits. Amongst them
are: giving the digestive system a break, allowing Muslims to grow
spiritually and practice good mannerisms. It enables Muslims to be
conscious of their needy brothers and sisters, those who are unable to
find enough food to satisfy their needs throughout the year.
Consequently, the Muslims humble themselves and strive to help them.

5. Hajj. It is a form of worship that must be performed only once in a
lifetime, in Makkah. Those who are physically incapable or not
financially able to perform it are pardoned from doing so.
Hajj contains many magnificent benefits; the gathering of Muslims from
all around the globe in one place getting to know each other and
displaying love for one another, not to mention what a Muslim achieves
by way of spiritual purification and character refinement due to
experiencing such a spiritual environment in the shade of Hajj.

Hopefully what has preceded is sufficient in clarifying - in a
summarized fashion - some of the merits of Islam. I invite all who
have not yet entered into the fold of Islam to listen to a sincere
invitation from one who only wants good for you: save yourself before
death takes you by surprise, and thus you die upon other than Islam -
what a great loss that is!

Do you know what dying upon other than Islam means? It means that you
would enter the Hellfire, abiding therein for eternity. This is what
Allah has warned all those who die without embracing Islam. So why
would you take a chance with an issue as grave as this?

I'm going to ask you a question that I want you to answer honestly:
What would you lose if you embraced Islam?

If you embrace Islam, you can continue living your normal ordinary
life, but in a more spiritual, organized, and pleasant fashion...and
after death, tremendous delight and eternal pleasure await you.

If you have reached a level of conviction, believing that Islam is the
true religion, but fear that embracing Islam would prevent you from
enjoying pleasures that you cannot live without, then compare these
temporary pleasures with eternal pleasure. Which of the two should be
given preference?

Furthermore, you can embrace Islam and then gradually try to reduce
such pleasures. And if you were to honestly invoke Allah, He would
surely aid you in leaving them. In any case, embracing Islam and
having shortcomings is better than not embracing Islam at all.

If the barrier between you and Islam is due to having a weak
personality, the inability to make such a big decision, or because you
fear that people may talk about you or mock you, know that these are
just unrealistic thoughts. You would not be the first person to
embrace Islam; a lot of others have made the decision to do so. They
did not lose anything, their lives were not ruined, nor do they have
any regrets. Furthermore, does it make sense that you sacrifice your
own well being and happiness in this life and in the hereafter just
because you fear mockery or admonishment?

This affair is worthy of your time. Contemplate upon it deeply.

My last words: Do not lose yourself! I ask Allah to bless you with
true guidance.

One who wishes only the best for you,
Dr. Saleh Abdul Azeez As Sindee.

==============================================================================
TOPIC: Supply jordan/nike basketball shoe,handbag,sunglasses,coat,jean,hat,
watch, and so on
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/browse_thread/thread/debc9e2e89522eb5?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 1 ==
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