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Mom Confessions
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this was taken from webmd.com. i personally am against smoking weed. its not safer than cigarettes like most think (i dont smoke cigarettes either by the way) and the mental effects are not something i want to deal with when taking care of children.
How Does Marijuana Affect the Brain?
Scientists have learned a great deal about how THC acts in the brain to produce its many effects. When someone smokes marijuana, THC rapidly passes from the lungs into the bloodstream, which carries the chemical to the brain and other organs throughout the body.
THC acts upon specific sites in the brain, called cannabinoid receptors, kicking off a series of cellular reactions that ultimately lead to the "high" that users experience when they smoke marijuana. Some brain areas have many cannabinoid receptors; others have few or none. The highest density of cannabinoid receptors are found in parts of the brain that influence pleasure, memory, thinking, concentrating, sensory and time perception, and coordinated movement.1
Not surprisingly, marijuana intoxication can cause distorted perceptions, impaired coordination, difficulty with thinking and problem solving, and problems with learning and memory. Research has shown that, in chronic users, marijuana's adverse impact on learning and memory can last for days or weeks after the acute effects of the drug wear off.2 As a result, someone who smokes marijuana every day may be functioning at a suboptimal intellectual level all of the time.
Research into the effects of long-term cannabis use on the structure of the brain has yielded inconsistent results. It may be that the effects are too subtle for reliable detection by current techniques. A similar challenge arises in studies of the effects of chronic marijuana use on brain function. Brain imaging studies in chronic users tend to show some consistent alterations, but their connection to impaired cognitive functioning is far from clear. This uncertainty may stem from confounding factors such as other drug use, residual drug effects, or withdrawal symptoms in long-term chronic users.
Addictive Potential
Long-term marijuana abuse can lead to addiction; that is, compulsive drug seeking and abuse despite the known harmful effects upon functioning in the context of family, school, work, and recreational activities. Estimates from research suggest that about 9 percent of users become addicted to marijuana; this number increases among those who start young (to about 17 percent) and among daily users (25-50 percent).
Long-term marijuana abusers trying to quit report withdrawal symptoms including: irritability, sleeplessness, decreased appetite, anxiety, and drug craving, all of which can make it difficult to remain abstinent. These symptoms begin within about 1 day following abstinence, peak at 2-3 days, and subside within 1 or 2 weeks following drug cessation.3
Marijuana and Mental Health
A number of studies have shown an association between chronic marijuana use and increased rates of anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. Some of these studies have shown age at first use to be an important risk factor, where early use is a marker of increased vulnerability to later problems. However, at this time, it is not clear whether marijuana use causes mental problems, exacerbates them, or reflects an attempt to self-medicate symptoms already in existence.
Chronic marijuana use, especially in a very young person, may also be a marker of risk for mental illnesses - including addiction - stemming from genetic or environmental vulnerabilities, such as early exposure to stress or violence. Currently, the strongest evidence links marijuana use and schizophrenia and/or related disorders.4 High doses of marijuana can produce an acute psychotic reaction; in addition, use of the drug may trigger the onset or relapse of schizophrenia in vulnerable individuals.
What Other Adverse Effect Does Marijuana Have on Health?
Effects on the Heart
Marijuana increases heart rate by 20-100 percent shortly after smoking; this effect can last up to 3 hours. In one study, it was estimated that marijuana users have a 4.8-fold increase in the risk of heart attack in the first hour after smoking the drug.5 This may be due to increased heart rate as well as the effects of marijuana on heart rhythms, causing palpitations and arrhythmias. This risk may be greater in aging populations or in those with cardiac vulnerabilities.
Effects on the Lungs
Numerous studies have shown marijuana smoke to contain carcinogens and to be an irritant to the lungs. In fact, marijuana smoke contains 50-70 percent more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than tobacco smoke. Marijuana users usually inhale more deeply and hold their breath longer than tobacco smokers do, which further increase the lungs' exposure to carcinogenic smoke. Marijuana smokers show dysregulated growth of epithelial cells in their lung tissue, which could lead to cancer;6 however, a recent case-controlled study found no positive associations between marijuana use and lung, upper respiratory, or upper digestive tract cancers.7 Thus, the link between marijuana smoking and these cancers remains unsubstantiated at this time.
Nonetheless, marijuana smokers can have many of the same respiratory problems as tobacco smokers, such as daily cough and phlegm production, more frequent acute chest illness, and a heightened risk of lung infections. A study of 450 individuals found that people who smoke marijuana frequently but do not smoke tobacco have more health problems and miss more days of work than nonsmokers.8 Many of the extra sick days among the marijuana smokers in the study were for respiratory illnesses.
Effects on Daily Life
Research clearly demonstrates that marijuana has the potential to cause problems in daily life or make a person's existing problems worse. In one study, heavy marijuana abusers reported that the drug impaired several important measures of life achievement, including physical and mental health, cognitive abilities, social life, and career status.9 Several studies associate workers' marijuana smoking with increased absences, tardiness, accidents, workers' compensation claims, and job turnover.
by Anonymous 50December 12, 2012 at 4:21 PM
I laughed my ass off watching Reefer Madness. Can't believe people were so gullible then. Up until William Randolph Hurst pitched his bitch they were still using hemp for paper and so forth. It was his crap, along with that Dewy dimwit which made drugs including pot illegal.
Shit in 1895 housewives could buy a 5 cent portable morphiene kit out of the Sears&Roebuck.
Quoting Anonymous:
I'm sorry but I completely disagree. Other countries have studies on cannabis and the effects of thc, they were all very different than what the evils the US says it causes.
In Canada they proven it helps deteriorate cancer cells. It is less dangerous than cigarettes. Sorry but that's fact. Cigarettes have POISON in them...like actual poison.
You are basically believing "reefer madness " propaganda. Do ACTUAL research... not a why is weed bad Google search.
by Bonita131December 12, 2012 at 4:23 PM
What a bunch of bullshit. Drinking to much booze is a hundred times worse than smoking pot. Booze has the potential of affecting the brain, the potential of causing addiction, the potential of compulsive seeking and abuse, the potential to cause problems in daily life & making a person's existing problems worse, and it's legal to buy.
What has been shown to be clear as a bell, is booze can be severely addicting and sometimes deadly. What has never been shown to be clear as a bell is smoking pot can be severely addicting & sometimes deadly. My generation smoked pot all the time. No one died from smoking pot, no one's brain got damaged, & no one got hooked on heavier drugs because they smoked pot.
I'll be dollars to donuts it's a hypocritical religious nutcase behind such a bogus report.
December 12, 2012 at 4:23 PMWhat a bunch of rubbish.
by BitchessDecember 12, 2012 at 4:24 PM
Awww dammit, then I've been using my FS wrong this whole time. JK!!!
Quoting epoh:
Hey, you! stop buying weed with your FS!
(Too soon?)
Quoting stacefaceninja:
uuuuuuuuhh, whuuuuuu? *drools*
by opal10161973December 12, 2012 at 4:26 PM
Perhaps, but if being pain free means being unable to be cognizant, then what good is that? Technically the coca and poppy plants were also put here, but they remain illegal and there is no movement to make them legal. See how it all connects? UGH! I am writing myself into circles. LOL
Quoting blues_pagan:
I get tired of people who go on and on about it as well. All they do is perpetuate the stereotype and make it all hard on the majority of us who are responsible about it.
As for pain free, I think that life itself is a discomfort and that certain things, like marijuana, were put here in order to help us deal with the bad discomforts in life.
Quoting opal10161973:
That's awesome! I wish other people were like that with pot. It probably wouldn't bother me at all. I just get so tired of people going on and on about how they HAVE to do it every day, when there are other ways of treating their disorders. Some don't even involve drugs, but they just love the pot so much, why change? SMH.
I have Fibromyalgia and RA and I still manage to do well, mostly, in the classes I take and in life. Do I still live with pain? Sure do, every single day. People were never meant to be pain free. Pain is a part of life. I just don't understand why people would rather be numb instead of having feelings, even if it hurts. No one is entitled to live pain free. People should just learn to accept it and embrace it.
Quoting blues_pagan:
LOL, thankfully DD isn't at that age yet...
As for peer pressure, I know that DD will be peer pressured into so many different things that are probably things I wouldn't approve of. I know I did it when I was a teenager lol. Haven't we all? But I didn't grow up to be some loser bum. Granted, am I where I want to be, no, but life isn't perfect. Either way, I have accomplished many of my goals even while smoking. Why? Because my mom raised me to realize that there is using things like alcohol, tobacco and such in a responsible manner and then abusing it. I will teach DD the same. She will see both her father and I drinking in a responsible manner and when pot becomes legal for recreational use here she may even see us smoke (of course never in the house and not with her sitting right there with us). But she will learn that we are responsible about it. We won't drink to get drunk and we won't smoke to get stoned out of our minds.
Quoting opal10161973:
Good point, but teens may convince her otherwise. That is where the danger lies. Once they are teens. We can stress it every. single. day, and they are still at risk. It's why we have so many programs out there aimed at teens, to prevent it. Of course, we do have punishments to reinforce, if we need to. My DS9 is a mess when he gets his laptop taken away for a day. LOL You would think he was suffering from some malady, the way he goes on.
Quoting blues_pagan:
I think that are harmful for us, like alcohol which has become a very "normal" substance, should be taught to us by parents. It is my job as a parent to teach my daughter that if taken over board these things can do serious harm. So while it may be normal she still knows that even "normal" things have bad side effects.
Quoting opal10161973:
I agree. It's just big government sticking their noses in everywhere. However, the more things we make legal, the more it normalizes them. So, kids will not think they are bad for you and kids do not need to think that stuff like pot is anywhere close to being normal. It can open the door for other drugs. I am not saying it always does, but it does sometimes. So does drinking, so don't think I am for that either. The issue is that we have to draw the line somewhere. Why go around changing the lines after decades of this being illegal? As an adult, we have the option of moving to other countries that have kept it legal. Why does it need to be legal here?
Quoting blues_pagan:
If women here are doing it everyday then I would be seeking medical help for whatever they have.
Studies have proven that if you ingest too much of anything, including water, it can be dangerous to your health and possibly life threatening. Doesn't mean we should make certain things illegal.
Quoting opal10161973:
The reason is that people are so convinced it doesn't impair, that it is not cited as a reason for death. Also, many people who smoke also smoke cigarettes, so when they get cancer, it is blamed on the cigarettes, not the pot. It does lead down the exact same roads as cigarettes. Since both are carcinogenic, both cause cancer. I am not against the occasional smoker, but the ones who go on and on about how they do it every day and are PROUD of it. They have no defense in my eyes. Studies HAVE shown that there are many bad things about it, but the push is so strong for it's legality, that they sweep them under the rug and pretend they aren't there. It is now big business in the states that have legalized it, since they require permits, pay taxes, and other costs associated with it's growth, distribution, and sales.
I am more concerned about the children though. It impairs the nervous system and brain growth of children who are around it. Since is has tar, just like cigarettes, it sticks to clothing, hair, furniture, carpets, etc. Even if someone just smokes it after the kids are in bed, they may be getting some in their systems anyway. Personally, I wouldn't chance it.
Quoting blues_pagan:
Marijuana is like any other legal drug such as nicotine and alcohol. If you don't want to have side effects then don't smoke it.
I would like to know where you found this article since it has some things in it that I have to disagree with (such as compulsive drug seeking, marijuana is not a gateway drug).
I would also like to point out that legal drugs such as tobacco and alcohol have some fairly high death rates in the US, pot has none.
As for me, I smoke every now and then and it has not affected my life in any way other than giving me the munchies.
by Anonymous 50December 12, 2012 at 4:38 PM
We would be better off if all drugs were legalized and regulated. The facts are out there. The war on drugs is a joke, we'd save a whole lot more money just legalizing it. Again pot, and heroine (morphiene) weren't illegal, but were made that way due to some fancy footwork done by the big wigs of DC at the time. Early 20th century.
Back in the 20's and 30's due to propaganda people were being taught that pot was something black people and mexican immigrants smoked and would go out and rape white women, among many other terrible untrue myths. Since they had created that mass hysteria, it was easy for the government to ban pot and other drugs.
Quoting mary841108:
it was illegal in the first place for a reason, it is still a drug and i dont think it should be legal at all. i mean if we make this legal why not meth or herione or crack?
Quoting Liyoness:
So.... Why do you think it should be illegal?
by shawnypooh4December 12, 2012 at 4:57 PM
This chick has no job, and apparently no friends so she sits on Cafe Mom and judges others....LMAO!!! Don't associate with me, trust me it doesn't bother me at all. As for you tho, smoking and playing mommy?? As I said, I don't smoke around my kids, so Im not sure what your talking about? im a pothead, i have no life, i am bored so i think i'll smoke some weed." its the dumbest shit i ever heard. Well I have to assume YOU have no life if your going to respond to every comment made towards you, and you must be bored as well. Go get a life Mary, unless you have a gavel and a robe on you have no right to say anything about what anyone does in their own home on their own time. Grow up lady, or go smoke you some weed
by Luna091306December 12, 2012 at 4:58 PM
Should we remove children if the parents have a drink every once in awhile???
Quoting mary841108:
so you think if people want to be mentally impared its ok to let them attempt to take care of their kids?
Quoting SevenKisses:
So don't smoke it. But don't think it's ok to take it from others who like it and who NEED it for any reason. All I read in this bullshit article was 'the potential to' 'it may be known to' and other BS statements that are most all inaccurate.
December 12, 2012 at 4:59 PMAnd look at the spice and bath salts!! They are both legal!!
Quoting notjstanothrmom:
Hmmm... have you compared that with alcohol? Cigarettes?
Both are MUCH worse and legal.
by shawnypooh4December 12, 2012 at 5:00 PM
Click the Link above Mary, it may be useful for you


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Manchester United full-back Rafael believes that he has progressed well over the past 12 months.
Although suffering the disappointment of missing out on the Premier League title to rivals Manchester City, the Brazilian has recently established himself as one of the few mainstays in the current United side, starting more matches than any other player in the squad this season.
"It's been a great year for me," the defender told his club's official website. "I feel like I have grown up a lot and that I am maturing - my daughter was born this year which has helped me a lot too.
"And on the pitch I have been able to play a lot of games. So I've had a lot of good moments not just in football but in life this year.
|Manchester United are 11/1 with Bet365 to beat Swansea City 3-1 away
"I feel more experienced and like I am growing as a player and a person. I was only 18 when I first came here, I was just a boy. Some people may think I am still young and still a boy but now I feel like I am a man.
"Playing games week in, week out helps you feel more comfortable and confident on the pitch and I'm pleased I've been able to do that this season."
Looking forward to what might come of the current campaign, the 22-year-old was keen to stress the importance of taking advantage of the busy fixture schedule over the festive period in order to set the club in good stead for the rest of the league season come the New Year.
"My target for 2013 is like every player – we want to win trophies," he added. "When you're at this club that has to be your focus, we all want to win and personally I want to play as many games as I can and be consistent in my performances.
"When you get into January you know the really important time in the season is not far away and there will be big game after big game.
"Of course, every game is important but after Christmas they become massive matches. Hopefully we can do well."

subset: commoncrawl


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On the Weblogtoolscollection.com site there's an interesting post talking about something that should concern members of (or those considering becoming members of) the WordPress community - it seems that there's not a lot of love to go around.
Over the past few weeks, I've noticed a disturbing trend. Many of the plugin authors I have spoken with throughout the community tell me that very rarely do they ever get a donation let alone a Thank You for releasing their work to the public. Based on the plugin authors feedback, end users demand more features, demand better support, and in the end, have this feeling of entitlement even if the plugin is available without a price tag.
Thankfully, not everyone in the community is this way, but there's apparently enough of it to cause a problem. They suggest just a few simple ways you can do your part and let the author of your favorite plugin know you appreciate them and the hard work they've put in. It doesn't even have to be donation, just a nice "thank you" is sometimes enough.
Be sure to read the comments for some great discussion on the matter.


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- Many more early photographs.
- Outlaw Harry Tracy's connection to John and Frank Clancy (Soapy's partners).
- New information on Soap Gang members.
- More original documents never before published.
- and much more...
October 8, 2010
One post a day?
6 comments:
Friend Jeff: I think the Blog is GREAT! I can only speak for myself, but I think one new 'article' entries a day...may be to much for me as a reader of the blog... to keep up. Two or three a week seems about right for my schedule. :)ReplyDelete
However,I do love the old photo's and other images such as the one above.
Happy trails.
Friend Rich,ReplyDelete
Your continued support is greatly appreciated! I enjoy reading your interesting comments and additional information. It is exactly what I had hoped for. You and your posts are a most welcome addition. I know it seems like you and I are the only ones here but trust me, "they" are out there, and new members are joining almost weekly, 2 this week alone. Most surely others will soon join in the discussions.
Oh yes Jeff! I surmise there are other blogsters who are just as interested in ths amazing era of American History.ReplyDelete
Personally, I enjoy learning more and more about the various characters...especially JRS II! whom, as your graphic analysis [above] indicates.... was more in the peoples conscience than a well known 'giant' figure who many believe to hold that position.
JRS II just keeps entering the scene it seems... no matter where my research takes me.
IMHO JRS II was the 'most direct, and kind hearted' scoundrel to come down the road. He even admitted to a judge ...he sincerely [I paraphrase] felt he was doing a service to family men...by making them realize...they can't win! Thus, persuading them to return to taking care of their families, and quit being so foolish. Tough Love! LOL
Not yet beyond the range. :)
He surely believed that if they did not listen to his warnings then they deserved to be taken, lol.ReplyDelete
Jeff Smith
"You can't cheat an honest man...never give a sucker an even break or smartin' up a chump" ! ...Egbert Souse' {w.C Fields in "The Bank Dick"]ReplyDelete
And..."It's not 'Sowse' it's 'Soosay'. LOL
How true my friend.ReplyDelete
Thank you for leaving your comment and/or question on my blog. I always read, and will answer all questions left here. Please know that they are greatly appreciated. -Jeff Smith


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Worm War I has begun. Hordes of giant worms are decending upon the city of Teriyaki! It's up to you, a master tank commander, to skillfully navigate through the ruins and blow away these destructive invaders. Be careful, many a good driver has run out of a gas and been wiggled to death under the weight of a giant worm. Lots of luck, commander!

Game Information

- Game Name: Worm War I
- Released By: 20th Century Fox, 1982
- Left Difficulty: B / Novice - Fixed Worm Movement
- Right Difficulty: B / Novice - Faster Brake Response
- Game Mode: Default

Challenges

- Worm Warrior - Score 150,000 points or higher and you get 2 bonus points.

Current High Scores

- 1,000,000 (oyamafamily) [+11][+2]
1,000,000 (Gorfy) [+11][+2]
1,000,000 (Vocelli) [+11][+2]
1,000,000 (toymailman) [+11][+2]
1,000,000 (Scrabber15) [+11][+2]
1,000,000 (JacobZu7zu7) [+11][+2]
1,000,000 (Frostbite76) [+11][+2]
- 300,365 (classicgamer_27330) [+10][+2]
- 212,035 (pokeplayer984) [+9][+2]
- 184,760 (Amstari) [+8][+2]
- 152,300 (SpiceWare) [+7][+2]
- 124,125 (Curious Sofa) [+6]
- 97,050 (keilbaca) [+5]
- 84,875 (HatefulGravey) [+4]
- 79,575 (Krytol) [+3]
- 60,040 (roadrunner) [+2]
- 46,695 (zylon) [+1]
- 40,445 (Miss 2600) [+1]

Best Tips

Scrabbler15 [+2]

TwinGalaxies Top 3

(Game 1, Difficulty B)

- 656,565 (Stephen Riesenberger)
- 71,065 (Greg Troutman)
- 30,520 (Glenn Bussell)
- JacobZu7zu7 [66]
- oyamafamily [64]
- toymailman [60]
- Vocelli [54]
- Frostbite76 [47]
- Deteacher [42]
- Gorfy [35]
- pis [30]
- SpiceWare [30]
- Miss 2600 [21]
- SeaGtGruff [20]
- classicgamer_27330 [20]
- keilbaca [17]
- Amstari [15]
- Scrabbler15 [10]
- roadrunner [8]
- HatefulGravey [6]
- Curious Sofa [5]
- zylon [4]
- bennybingo [4]
- Krytol [3]
- LarcenTyler [3]
- atariUCLA24 [3]
- Mister VCS [2]
- SpaceDice2010 [2]
- littleman jack [2]
- Wickeycolumbus [1]
- rmaerz [1]
- Cream147 [1]
- theKLT [1]
- DickNixonArisen [1]
- leematari [1]
- Cortat G [1]

Scoring Points in Worm War I

- The Worms will always attack in groups. Each group begins with the appearance of one Worm on the screen, then two Worms and then three on up to six Worms at once! You earn 20 points for each Worm shot in the first attack group. The Worm point value increases AND bonus points are awarded after every group is destroyed.
- You can also get points for blasting down obstacle Blocks. Blocks are always worth 5 points a piece.

Hints and Tips

The Manual
As always, you really should read the manual. In case you don't have the manual, AtariAge has a typed copy available online. Here are the hints it provides:
- To avoid being totally clobbered by hordes of Worms, pull back on the stick whenever a new group is appearing.
- If a fuel Pagoda appears on top of a block, carefully shoot away the block, or try just to nick the Pagoda.
- When you are refueling, you are safe from collisions. Use this to move over inconvenient Blocks.
- The far left and right sides of the screen are safe spots, but don't hang there too long. If you don't shoot Worms, you won't bring on any Pagodas.
- The faster that you run into the house, the more extra seconds you get . Slam into it, then hit the brakes afterwards (pull back on thie stick)
- Aim your shooter into the middle of the group of worms. Accidental shooter counts the same as sharpshooter.
- When the group of worms materializes, take a half second to see to if a house comes up, too.
- Shooting the house clears the screen. Try to do this when you run out of room to move side to side.
- After shooting the house, if another house comes up immediately, make quick work of the worms and run all out to the house to get the extra time. Shoot the blocks on either side of the house beforehand, so you have somewhere to go after soaking up the seconds in the house.
- When there are lots of blocks, clear a column that will allow worm shooting as they go back and forth. Keep widening the column, as possible.
- The house seems to come up less often at the higher level, so take advantage when the chance comes.
WAIT FOR THE WORMS TO "FORM" BEFORE SHOOTING... if you only hold down the fire button you will shoot precious gas stations.
When you shoot down a gas station you start the round over again, so the worms will be back in which ever group, they started in.
Be a patient driver. There is plenty of time "go slowly" (unless picking up gas) and collect as much gasoline as your tank can handle! Of course always shoot worms as fast as possible.


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Model# IW1287
Acer XF Draw Hybrid - Clubhead
Starting at: $17.95By mixing and matching the stylish XF hybrids, you are not tied down by what constitutes a "traditional" set make up providing you with complete customization. Let's face it some players are better fairway players than others or their weakness is using certain irons. Hybrids are designed to bridge that gap. For instance a 2 and 3 hybrid club may replace a 5 and 7-wood respectively, but the shorter length provides more confidence. The broader shape of a hybrid enables increased forgiveness over a long or even mid iron.This is why the XF hybrids will make a welcome addition to many golfers' bags. They are equally attractive to the rest of the Acer XF woods, but in a traditional hybrid shape. Plus they offer the same variable crown and face technologies for improved performance and feel.The draw version of the Acer XF Hybrid features offset hosel to help reduce slices. Learn More
Model# I358
Power Play System Q Hybrid - Clubhead
Starting at: $9.95The tri-port weighting system not only allows for a lower, deeper center-of-gravity and increased MOI, but the three interchangeable weighted screws may be configured for variable swingweights, lengths or to encourage straight, draw, or fade trajectory with additional screws (sold separately). Now available through SW to replace your entire set of irons.Comes preconfigured with three 6-gram weights in each port. Learn More


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Server Virtualization Kingpin Turns Attention To End Users
On May 2, VMware will unveil a series of product updates in its end-user computing portfolio, including View 5.1, the Project Octopus beta, and an on premise version of Horizon Application Manager, according to an internal VMware document viewed by CRN earlier this month.
VMware is also stepping up its "post-PC era" rhetoric and offering more insight into how it plans to hasten its arrival. VMware executives use the term to describe how mobile devices, virtualization and SaaS apps are combining to diminish the importance of the physical PC. View 5.1 desktop virtualization, and VMware's ThinApp application virtualization technology, represent the first steps down this road.
Following are seven aspects of VMware's end-user computing launch wave that stand to leave a lasting impact on the IT industry landscape.


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About this paper
SAS Marketing Operations Management is a Web-based solution that enables marketing professionals to automate and streamline their marketing operations and processes. This white paper describes the solution's architecture and various aspects of its deployment and security.
About SAS
SAS is the leader in analytics. Through innovative analytics, business intelligence and data management software and services, SAS helps customers at more than 83,000 sites make better decisions faster. Since 1976, SAS has been giving customers around the world THE POWER TO KNOW®.
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A Doncaster MP has renewed calls for the government to apologise for Margaret Thatcher's handling of the miners' strike.
Rosie Winterton described the then government's treatment of mining communities – including those in Doncaster – during the 1984-85 industrial dispute as "appalling".
The Doncaster Central MP's demand is part of the Justice for the Coalfields campaign, launched earlier this year, which aims to address grievances in communities where the most violent clashes between miners and police took place after papers released in January showed ministers had secret plans to close 75 pits.
However, government ministers have so far refused to condemn any of the police actions, instead attacking union leaders for their role in the strike.
Rosie said: "During the miners' strike the Thatcher government tried to close pits, escalate the dispute and attack solidarity.
"That appalling treatment left deep scars in communities across the country, including here in Doncaster. Many families never recovered and people have died waiting for justice.
"After 30 years, they deserve the truth and they deserve an apology – I have reiterated those calls to Francis Maude, the minister for the Cabinet Office, but he has again refused to say sorry."
The cabinet papers also show that Thatcher was willing to go as far as declaring a state of emergency in order to gain victory over the miners and the unions.
Rosie added: "The objective was the destruction of an entire industry and the proud mining communities that sustained it.
"This resulted in mass unemployment and huge social problems that blighted those parts of the country for years to come.
"We're still living with that legacy today. Current Conservative ministers should apologise to former miners and their families for the actions of the previous Conservative government lead by Margaret Thatcher."
Rosie joined hundreds of former pit workers in Armthorpe in March for a moving memorial to mark the 30th anniversary of the miners' strike.


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Your community needs you
By Miriam Lens
Commission, committee, task force vacancies
HAYWARD, Calif.
-- The City of Hayward seeks individuals interested in serving Hayward. We currently have openings on the following: Community Services Commission (8 potential vacancies); Council Economic Development Committee (1 vacancy); Downtown Hayward Business Improvement Area Advisory Board (2 vacancies, 1 potential vacancy); Keep Hayward Clean and Green Task Force (KHC>F) (7 vacancies); Library Commission (2 vacancies, 1 potential vacancy); Personnel Commission (No vacancies); and, Planning Commission (no vacancies).
Appointees to these bodies serve in an advisory capacity to the City Council. Prospective applicants must reside within the Hayward city limits and be registered voters.
Applicants for the Downtown Business Improvement Area Advisory Board do not need to live in Hayward; however, they must own a business in the Downtown Business Improvement Area of Hayward and pay assessments.
Applicants for the Council Economic Development Committee must be residents of Hayward, own/operate a business in Hayward, be senior management at a corporate business in Hayward or be formally affiliated with and represent another entity or agency concerned with economic development in the City of Hayward.
Individuals appointed to the Planning Commission, Community Services Commission, Council Economic Development Committee or Keep Hayward Clean and Green Task Force will need to file a Fair Political Practices Commission Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700).
Interested individuals can apply online at www.hayward-ca.gov, obtain applications from the Office of the City Clerk, 777 B Street, Hayward, California 94541 or call (510) 583-4400.
The City is hosting a Community Engagement Open House on Saturday, June 1, 2013, at City Hall, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., to provide more information about our various Boards, Commissions, Committees and Task Force.
The deadline for submitting applications is Thursday, July 11, 2013, 5:00 p.m. Interviews with the City Council are scheduled for Tuesday, July 23, 2013. Qualified Keep Hayward Clean and Green Task Force applicants will be required to interview with the Task Force Panel on Wednesday, July 17, 2013.


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The Hamtramck Historical Museum is designed to be more than just a repository and display venue for historical items.
It is to be a living entity focused on the present and future as well as the city's great past. A wide range of programs and services will be offered, including: • Slide/Power Point presentations • Book signings • Guest lectures • Craft demonstrations • Ethnic cultural demonstrations (dance, song, etc.) • Video presentations • School Programs
more about us


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Thursday's Afternoon Update
What you need to know about Florida today
Florida's planned job cuts stay level in February
Florida's planned job cuts were 1,384, nearly the same level as a year ago when they were 1,380. Year-to-date in 2013, job cuts announced in advance by employers totaled 4,276, said Challenger, Gray & Christmas, an global outplacement firm that tracks layoffs, on Thursday. Nationwide, planned job cuts increased for the second consecutive month. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Chavez's death could hit Florida real estate
For years, rich Venezuelans have fled to Florida to escape Chavez's socialist economic policies. When Florida housing tanked six years ago, Venezuelans became the top foreign buyers of empty condos. Now brokers think Venezuelans will wait and see if a new round of elections will yield a business-friendly president. More at CNNMoney.
Batting brings bucks with new Fort Myers training facilities
Fort Myers batting facilities are gearing up for a big season and beyond as new locations open or update their technology. Extra Innings will open a Fort Myers location Saturday, and Peak Performance SportsZone has new training equipment used by Major League Baseball teams. More at the Fort Myers News-Press.
Food truck builders shift into high gear
The whirs and hisses of drills and welding torches carry outside a warehouse tucked away in a Fort Lauderdale office park. Inside, rows of step vans and delivery trucks are being reborn as food trucks. As mobile eateries have flourished in South Florida in recent years, food truck builders have also shifted into high gear. More at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Time to spring into retirement planning
While South Florida may not have defined seasons, spring is in fact on its way. In celebration of the new season, Social Security has some advice on how to spring into your retirement. The decision of when to retire is personal and depends on a number of factors. More at the Palm Beach Post.
Editor's Column
In the past decade, a healthy development in K-12 education has been the emergence of programs like Choice Institutes and career academies, which allow students to choose a set of career-oriented courses tied to the workforce needs of local businesses. These programs succeed because they give students a sense of relevance for the math, science and other information they're asked to learn. And they present a career map where a four-year degree isn't the only route to a good job.
» Full column from Florida Trend Executive Editor Mark Howard
In case you missed it:


text: The Kansas City Chiefs have signed free agent left guard Ryan Lilja in another step toward beefing up their offensive line. The deal was announced Tuesday. Terms were not released. Lilja played in 66 games with the Indianapolis Colts, who claimed him off waivers from Kansas City in 2004. He started eight playoff games with the Colts, including two Super Bowls.


text: Sometimes the most impactful innovations are those made to simple, every day acts — like picking up your dog's waste. We were introduced to Eco Dog Planet's Doggie Waste Bags at last month's Global Pet Expo where they debuted their eco-friendly poop bags made from tapioca. The light but sturdy bags are manufactured from the starch of tapioca plants, a sustainable non-GMO crop that helps support small farmers in Indonesia. The material easily decomposes in soil or landfills when exposed to micro-organisms. Renewable resources, community farming — a great back story for sure, but how does the product … perform? Very well we've found. The bags have a slightly thicker feel to them than other starch bags we've tested, and a toothy surface that helps buffer the tactile experience. Plus, they don't fall apart in your pocket after a few weeks as some other starch bags do. Bark loves Eco Dog Planet's Doggie Waste Bags! A pack of 60 bags sells for $9.99 at ecodogplanet.com


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Most Awkward Moments of 2013 [VIDEOS]
The high five that never was, the "I hope no one saw that" moment and the, well, we have no words times. These gems all make up the most awkward moments of the year. Thankfully, they were all caught on video and are presented to you on repeat for your enjoyment. You're welcome!


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BOSTON — As he's wont to do, Nathan Horton today tried to make as though it was no big deal that he popped Dominic Moore in the mouth in the closing seconds of the Bruins' loss Saturday night in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final.
After all, this is a guy who once got cut in a fight during the regular season and the next day claimed that he didn't remember what happened.
"Did I get a 10-minute [misconduct]? I didn't even know," said the Bruins forward today after he was made available to the media for the first time since the incident.
Horton's punch wasn't the first time this season he and Moore engaged in extracurricular activity. Back in early March Horton and Moore nearly came to blows near center ice — an exchange that resulted in Milan Lucic hitting Moore with a high stick and then fighting Tampa Bay defenseman Eric Brewer.
Despite the rematch nature of Saturday's incident, Horton said Moore's not getting under his skin.
"It's over. It happened," said Horton. "Hopefully we don't have to get in that situation again and we're protecting a lead."
"He's not under my skin at all. I'm just trying to play physical and he was there so it just kind of happened."
For the Bruins to have a lead and be in a different situation when Game 2 winds down, Horton, Lucic and center David Krejci must get on the score sheet and erase the collective goose egg they posted in Game 1.
That'll require Horton and Lucic — who threw his own sucker-punch at Victor Hedman right after Horton's blow — to direct their energies toward the front of the Tampa Bay net and goaltender Dwayne Roloson rather than toward the heads of unsuspecting Lightning players.
"We had lots of chances. We had some chances we could've scored, too. It's just how it went, the game," said Horton, who finished with five shots on net in that game. "And obviously the next game, it's going to be different. We want to keep working hard, keep getting our opportunities and hopefully they go in."
That hard work has to involve more than just getting shots and getting chances. It has to create quality chances — the type that requires a player to pay the price to create. The Lightning were able to box out and keep Roloson's eyes clear and the shooting lanes free all through Game 1.
"I think we just weren't working hard enough to get there," said Horton. "Not to take anything away from the way they played because they worked harder than us to win. But we weren't battling enough to get in front so we could screen the goalie and get rebounds. A lot of goals go in that way, that's how you score goals, and we just weren't in that spot."


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It looks as if it's going to be Mitt Romney after all. With Paul Ryan, Marco Rubio and Jeb Bush endorsing the former Massachusetts governor last week, there aren't any white knights left to play the role of GOP savior.
But that news hasn't reached his competitors yet.
Psychoanalyzing the remaining competitors for why they are staying in the race is probably a fool's errand. Ron Paul has never worked under the assumption he might be the nominee, never mind the next president. Newt Gingrich often seems like he wants to shake his fist heavenward shouting, "Curse you, historical dialectic! You promised it would be me!" And while Rick Santorum clearly thinks he still has a chance, his dyspeptic personality often makes it seem that, like a character out of "Seinfeld," he's staying in the race out of spite.
COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS: Presidential Election 2012
But Santorum says otherwise, and one of his core arguments is that the author of "Romneycare" — the Massachusetts healthcare reform that was a precursor of sorts to "Obamacare," at least according to Barack Obama and his supporters — is unfit to take on the president in the general election.
"Frankly, I think he will be destroyed by President Obama on this issue come the fall," Santorum toldCNN'sJohn King recently. "And it should be the biggest issue that helps us win this election. It will be turned into a negative under Mitt Romney." Indeed, throughout the debate season, Santorum and others constantly insisted that Romney can't attack Obamacare.
The funny thing is: Even as they were saying he can't attack Obamacare, Romney was — you guessed it — attacking Obamacare. Romney has been attacking Obamacare since its inception. "I'll stop it in its tracks on Day One!" he promises constantly on the stump.
Throughout this primary season, the urge to sound like pundits has been strong with some of the candidates, particularly Santorum and Gingrich — probably because they have been pundits. As a result they've imported a style of argumentation better suited for high school debate class. Yes, Romney might be inconsistent to attack Obamacare, at least on the mandate, but there's no basis in reality to say he "can't" attack it nonetheless.
Obama opposed the mandate vociferously when running against Hillary Rodham Clinton, but that didn't stop him from favoring it.
Moreover, the broader bipartisan assumption that Romney will be hurt by Romneycare in the general election is deeply flawed.
First of all, Obamacare is unpopular. That's why Democrats don't talk about it on the stump, and neither did Obama for a very long time — until the Supreme Court forced him to reacquire political ownership. If the court upholds the Affordable Care Act, Obama is not going to want to remind voters of his responsibility for an unpopular piece of legislation. If the court throws it out, Obama is not going to want to remind voters that his signature accomplishment — which distracted him from a bad economy and cost the Democrats the House — was so flawed that the court had to reject it. Either way, Obama will not be racing to talk about healthcare. But Romney will.
It's often said that Obama will respond to Romney's attacks by saying the mandate was based on Romneycare. Romney will respond, "Well, you did it wrong" and promise to repeal and replace the law. All the voters really need to know is that Romney is against Obamacare. Besides, Romney will have plenty of other lines of attack: the raid on Medicare, the rationing board, the tax hikes, the religious liberty issues, the creation of a vast new entitlement when the existing ones are crushing us with debt, etc.
Core Republican voters will vote against Obama, not for Romney. Polls show GOPers are more enthusiastic about voting in 2012 than Democrats. Meanwhile, the independents and moderates who dislike Obamacare but are not libertarians will most likely see Romneycare as evidence that Romney is not one of the right-wing crazies the "Today Show" keeps warning them about.
Democrats are truly comfortable only attacking Republicans as "extremists" of one flavor or another. But over the weekend Joe Biden tried attacking Romney for being too "flexible." That might have bite coming from the right in the primaries, but it looks as if the primaries are over.


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My Butterflytchi, Sam, on my version 2 died while I was playing Tamagotchi no Narikiri Channel for Nintendo DS. He was six years old, and I was up to generation 8. He was such a fun pet to look after... I'll miss ya, buddy. :<
Gigashyun... Bye, Sam. :/
Started by Eternal Mametchi Fan , Jun 09 2012 11:38 PM


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The Institute communicates its scientific and educational information in a number of ways. One major outlet is peer-reviewed publications and reports. Cary Institute staff regularly publish in the best-rated journals in their respective fields.
Export 2 results:Sort by: Author Title Type [ Year]
Filters: Author is White, P.S. [Clear All Filters]
Mountaintop Mining Consequences", Science, vol. 327, p. 148-149, 2010., "
Light regimes beneath closed canopies and tree-fall gaps in temperate and tropical forests", Can. J. For. Res., vol. 20, p. 620-631, 1990., "


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Did you read today's front page stories & breaking news?
From the Wires
Whether MCC to Seek Changes Against Predicament After Sending Away a Painful 2012
By: ACN Newswire
Jan. 27, 2013 09:52 PM
Hong Kong, Jan 28, 2013 - (ACN Newswire) - 2012, for the listed company MCC, is a year attracting more attention from the capital markets and also a year with unceasing pains.
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Jello Molds
Rudi Reiner 9/5/2011 10:44:40 AMFantastic color! #1406383
Merna L. Nobile 9/28/2011 9:48:19 PM
Youre the kind of person who makes the world a better, brighter place You worked hard for this, you made it happen, and you have a right to be proud. So enjoy these satisfying moments; you deserve every one! Merna
Manual with flash I uesed out side lighting with a red bulb I took At my home ,
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Camera: Nikon Coolpix P80 Digital Camera
Copyright for this gallery photo belongs solely to margaret E. klink. Images may not be copied, downloaded, or used in any way without the expressed, written permission of the photographer.
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Want to remind yourself or a friend about this program? Fill out this simple form and klru will email you a reminder on the day that it will air.
Retro Desserts
series: Cook's Country From America's Test Kitchen
air date: 1/02/13 7:30 PM
Bridget uncovers the secrets to perfect Banana Pudding. Then, Adam reveals his top picks for finemesh strainers. And finally, Erin updates a lost recipe and shows Chris how to make the ultimate Chiffon Cake.
WARNING: Email reminders for this program have already been sent out. Your reminder may not reach the intended address in time for this program's airing.
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Mayor Thomas M. Menino celebrated his 70th birthday Thursday by returning to his City Hall office for the first time since falling ill in mid-October, his chief spokeswoman said.
"The mayor enjoyed his birthday by visiting with staff, having lunch with people in his administration, and doing city business in his favorite place: at City Hall," Dot Joyce, the mayor's spokeswoman, said by phone.
Joyce said city officials briefed the famously detail-oriented mayor on several issues, including a Parks and Recreation Department truck stolen from a parking lot at Franklin Park on Wednesday night. Police Commissioner Edward F. Davis and members of the city's labor relations staff briefed Menino on contract negotiations between the city and ranking officers of the School Department's police force, Joyce said.
Some school police officers have expressed concern that they are ill-prepared to act in an emergency such as the recent shooting at an elementary school in Newtown, Conn., because they are not trained for such situations and have neither guns nor bulletproof vests.
At lunchtime, the five-term mayor and staff members shared a sugar-free ice cream cake, a necessity following Menino's recent diagnosis with Type 2 diabetes.
"People in the office gave him a very nice card with lots of well wishes, and they were very happy to see him," Joyce said.
For dinner Thursday, Joyce said she believed Menino would be joined by close relatives, including his son and daughter, their spouses, and his grandchildren. "His pride and joy," she said of the children.
Menino left Boston with his wife, Angela, on Oct. 14 for an Italian vacation but cut the trip short after falling ill, returning 12 days later and entering Brigham and Women's Hospital. He arrived with a virus and a blood clot that traveled from his leg to his lungs. While at the Brigham , according to his physicians, Menino suffered a compression fracture in a vertebra; he subsequently developed an infection at that site. Later, he was diagnosed with diabetes.
He went to Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in late November and remained there until he and his wife moved into the city-owned Francis Parkman House on Beacon Hill Sunday.
Unlike his home in the Readville section of Hyde Park, the Parkman House has an elevator, which will help the mayor get around as he works to regain strength in his legs after nearly two months in hospital beds, Joyce said Sunday.
As he prepared to leave the rehabilitation hospital, Menino joked with reporters about how speedily he would recover his mobility. "I'm ready to run a marathon next April," he proclaimed Sunday.
On Monday, Menino made his annual Christmas Eve visit to a youth center in the Bowdoin-Geneva section of Dorchester. The mayor remained in the passenger seat of a sport utility vehicle but said he was feeling better and was glad to be back amid the city he loves.
"It gives you an energy," Menino said Monday. "It's good to be back in touch with people."
During his convalescence, Menino continued to run the city from his hospital bed, city officials have said. Joyce and other staff said they have met with him regularly to discuss city business.
For some time to come, Menino will shuttle between City Hall and Parkman House, making time for physical therapy to rebuild his strength, Joyce said.
The spokeswoman said Thursday that the mayor will need time to fully regain mobility. But, she said, "he can get around. He can do what he needs to do. And he's getting stronger every day."
Joyce said Menino has retained his humor despite his health issues.
"You can tell he's back and raring to go," she said, with a laugh. "The only issue is the mobility in the legs, and he's working hard on that."Jeremy C. Fox can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Janie Mae Gilreath Conwell, 87, passed away Saturday, December 1, 2012.
She was born on January 29, 1925, in Wheeling W.V., the daughter of the late Andy and Ruth Davis Gilreath. She worked for many years at Ila Manufacturing as a seamstress. Mrs. Conwell is preceded in death by two brothers.
Survivors include children, Regina Baughcum, Colbert, Jerry Conwell, Ila, and Larry Conwell, Monroe; four sisters; two brothers; nine grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Graveside services were held Monday, December 3, in Meadow Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Steve Cole officiating.
Memorial donations may be made to the Quiet Oaks Nursing Home.
Lord and Stephens, Danielsville, was in charge of arrangements. (www.lordandstephens.com)
Janie Mae Conwell (12-1-12)
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Just got back from setting up our toy segment for the Today Show tomorrow morning. Rockefeller Center was packed with all the people waiting for the tree lighting–an event that seems to get bigger and bigger every year. We have so many great toys to talk about–and only about 4 minutes to cover just a small portion of our Platinum List (complete list is on our site at www.toyportfolio.com). As hard as this season has been because of the lead/safety issues, it's always fun to see our award winners ready for tv the night before. While we don't make any of these toys or sell them, after a year of searching for the "best", we do get a certain sense of pride about them. The studio was packed with cooking segment people, holiday table decoration people, producers, art directors and the amazing crew that puts it all together. It's a dance of boxes, props and people — that happens every afternoon like clockwork!
OTP Platinum Awards on Today Show tomorrow


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ROCK FALLS – Gerald A. Latimer, 75, of Rock Falls, died Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, at his home, after an extended illness. He retired from Rochelle Foods after 20 years.
He was born Jan. 25, 1937, in Sterling, the son of Leo and Vera (LaFavre) Latimer. He served in the Army.
Surviving are three daughters, Kathy (Bill) Hilbert of Florida, Sue (Vern) Wedekind of Sterling, and Margaret (Randy) Johnson of Indiana; one sister, Marguerite Johnson of Rock Falls; and grandchildren, Jennifer Knapp, Jeff Johnson, Joey Brown, Carey Kobbeman, Billy Hilbert and Cassie Hilbert.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Leo Latimer and Raymond "Bud" Latimer.
A gathering will be from 9 to 9:45 a.m., followed by the memorial service at 10 a.m., Saturday at McDonald Funeral Home & Crematory in Rock Falls, with Deacon John Kellen officiating. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Sterling.


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My Day Snapshot
Amy Beekley hasn't written a snapshot yet.
My Life To-Do List
Amy Beekley hasn't written a life to-do list yet.
Recent Activity
Questions answered
Do you have a blog? Is it just personal or do you aim to make money from it? (please post a link too!)
Answered on 27th September 2007:
I became a bit of a blog junkie after starting my personal blog. Eli's blog was set up so that family members living far away could track the progress of my pregnancy and Eli's birth: http://BeekleyBaby.blogspot.com. I started a "professional" blog, http://FlexibleWorkforce.blogspot.com soon after returning to work to vent my frustrations about a completely inflexible employment situation. The topic became an obsession and I added a few AdWords ads and listed a few services I could offer, but overall, the purpose was to write, not to make money. Most recently, I started the Return to Work project and launched a blog to track the progress of the project: http://ReturntoWorkGifts.blogspot.com. I enjoy writing for all three blogs and try my best to keep up with demand each week.
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Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with S2, nor am I a fan of their game, just their business model.
Every time a businessman smiles after cutting some cost or forcing someone to pay more does because he's too stupid to realize what he has lost.
I know there's limited space here, but that's quite a sweeping generalization, at least if I understood it correctly given the sketchy grammar. I'd say it's all about balance. Cutting costs and finding good ways to get people to pay more aren't always bad things. Businesses should be, if I can invoke a cliché, customer focused; however, if you're so focused on the customer that you don't make any money, well, then that's not really a business, is it? And if you don't mind businesses making money,
But I don't think the artists are losing much from those people anyway.
When you got the music in digital format pirated you don't get any additional value by buying the CD.
Give away the free single player game, then charge for the online, either once or as a subscription
This would essentially kill adventure games (Monkey Island, Maniac Mansion, etc.), and single player, story oriented RPGs (e.g. Chrono Trigger) -- two of my favorite genres.
Has anyone ever made a decent (massively?) multiplayer adventure game? (This is not rhetorical, but a genuine inquiry of curiosity)
Er, did music start to suck because it became digital, or did music start to suck because of the loudness war [wikipedia.org]?
Also, I do like to buy CDs due to album art and a wish to support the artist.
He's not the first author to notice that "giving away" (quotes intended) your books via the Internet leads to increased sales. This might be called an extension of what Baen discovered several years ago. Let people read your books "for free," don't stick restrictions on them, and quite a number of them will end up purchasing those books and others by the author.
I think he's one of the first to really show that encouraging "piracy" actually leads to increased book sales. Obviously, you have to be a good writer in the first place - if your stuff sucks, it doesn't matter whether you give it away or not - but if you are, it'll encourage people to read what you're writing, and buy your books. Somehow, I think that this will get lost on the "suits" at the major publishers, though.
Of course. For some reason these people have a concrete rule in their head that says:Somehow, I think that this will get lost on the "suits" at the major publishers, though.
Obviously, you have to be a good writer in the first place - if your stuff sucks, it doesn't matter whether you give it away or not
This is actually one of the reasons that some artists are scared of this business model. In the traditional author / publisher / reader model, an author only has to impress the publisher (who shoulders the risk of failure). In this new model, if you suck, you suck, and you will know it. No other entity will screen you financially from failure.
It's a bit scary, but it'
This is the where the music labels and book & video game publishers fit. Think about it when you see the RIAA fighting to survive. That is their purpose. The tubes have made them non-important. If your only purpose for existing was being made irrelevant by some new technology, wouldn't you fight that with everything you had? I'm not saying I agree with it, but it certainly gives you insight into the reasons "WHY".About fifty percent of the human race is middle men and they don't take kindly to being eliminated.
--Malcolm Reynolds, Captain of Serenity
Coelho has sold over 100 million books in over 150 countries worldwide and his works have been translated into 66 languages (Goodyear, Dana (2007-05-07), "The Magus", The New Yorker: 38-45, ). He has received numerous literary awards from a variety of countries, including La Legion d'Honneur (France), Grinzane Cavour (Italy). In addition, he has written Maktub[5], which is a collection of his best columns published in the Brazilian newspaper Folha de São Paulo, The Manual of a Warrior of Light, By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept[6], The Fifth Mountain, Veronika Decides to Die, The Devil and Miss Prym, Eleven Minutes, Like The Flowing River and The Valkyries[7].
Paulo Coelho obscure?
Yet another proof that slashdot editors really don't control anything that gets posted here
Paulo Coelho has sold around 100 million books on 150 countries and has been translated to more than 66 languages http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paulo_Coelho [wikipedia.org]. Somehow the bozo submiting stories will credit all of that to torrent publicity? Check out (in the portuguese wikipedia) http://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paulo_Coelho [wikipedia.org] the number of international prises he got way before torrents were in any way popular. Please just read the list of prises he got BEFORE 2000.
Yeah, obscure all the way. Indeed.
BTW, what's the name of that obscure comedy writer that released a book on the internet, and after he got famous, decided not to do that again? Oh, yeah that would be (otherwise unknown) Scott Adams http://www.themillionsblog.com/2007/11/giving-it-away-for-free.html [themillionsblog.com]
"Call immediately. Time is running out. We both need to do something monstrous before we die." -- Message from Ralph Steadman to Hunter Thompson


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GEORGIA -- I own a Maytag Maxima 6000 washer. It was supposed to last a good 10 years - at least, according to the fact that is has a 10-year drum/motor warranty. I took that into account when I purchased my machine. My washer suffered a minor injury in a move, such that the front control panel and electrical board were broken. Easy fix (not too terribly pricey, when compared with buying a brand new machine of equal caliber)... unless they no longer make that part.
Apparently, there is nothing that can be done because that particular part is not actually under warranty. So, even though I am perfectly willing to pay for that part because my machine should theoretically last me another 5+ years, Maytag customer service representative "Blake **" believes there is nothing anyone can do for me there at the Maytag corporation.
So, I am here to let the public know NOT to believe Maytag's lengthy warranty claims.... if the part you need is not actually under warranty, they might decide they will not make it anymore - and then you are just out of luck - your appliance doesn't actually get to live its full life, and apparently Maytag really just doesn't care at all that you wasted your money.
I purchased a Maytag refrigerator through the Home Depot, within three days I realized it wasn't working properly. I came home from work one day and found water all over my kitchen floor. I called the 800 number that was given on the receipt for any problems with products. Well they told me they could not replace it until their technician inspected the Fridge and determined if it was repairable or needed to be replaced and they did not have an appointment available until one week later.
I had to wait 7 days before someone came out. Within the next three days I called again because the fridge had stopped working altogether, wasn't cooling at all, to find they were closed, they were not available on weekends. So I went directly to the Home Depot. Home Depot Rep. told me there was nothing they could do for me to wait for my appointment date. Well on my appointment date the technicians (2) came out and inspected the fridge and told me they could not fix it, that it was a manufacturer defect and I should get a replacement. Well they made their phone call and reported their finding.
Well Maytag wasn't satisfied with that. They wanted me to stay home another day from work so they could send someone else to look at it. I said "no way am I staying home another day from work." They were persistent and would not give. I told them "I wanted the refrig out of my house. It wasn't working and I wanted to return it and get my money refunded." Well of course they weren't going to do that. Either they told me I had to let someone come to the house again.
I said "I thought this was the purpose of the technician that were in my house to make the inspection and determine the outcome." They said "Oh no those guys are just delivery men. They are not qualified to make that decision." I asked "why are they in my house?" I was told "the Home Depot sent them." I said "I was told a service Tech was being sent to my house that is why I told the day off from work. I don't need delivery men." Well the point is they would not take the refrig back.
They down and out refused and they told me they had no record of me calling within the 48 hrs their policy stated for replacement of appliances. Which is a lie. I called them within 3 days of the delivery. Their policy did not state 48 hrs. I read the return policy. It states 30 days. Anyway after arguing with them I went to the Home Depot. They said If I returned it, it would be at my own expense for me to bring it in myself. Eventually Home Depot took it back and refunded my money. But I will never purchase a Maytag product again. I made sure all my friends and relatives are aware of how Maytag treats their customers.
I like many others was going to purchase an extended service contract with DEPENDABILITY PLUS; I won't even place the Maytag name in front being Maytag has nothing to do with them. They're a 3rd party company using the Maytag name for business (which Maytag/Whirlpool should put a stop to). First off the company is a complete rip off! I wouldn't trust them to throw dirt on a casket if we were grave diggers.
I was on the Maytag website and noticed the extended contract was cheaper than what was offered when my husband and I purchased our new washer/dryer set. So we decided to go ahead and extend online. After submitting all of my information including payment I received an error message stating there was an error in getting my conformation code but it will be emailed to me within 24-48 hrs.
Something seemed a bit odd so I called and spoke with the 1st representative who also seemed a bit odd and off when she quickly looked me up and was so eager and happy to say "Oh no payment's gone through I can take that now for you!" Was she serious, I mean did she really think that I was going to pay again twice? May I add that upon calling them the 1st time I was placed on hold too many times to remember because they had incorrect information in "their system" on me such as address, purchase date names and numbers!
I couldn't figure out how they even had my address listed as a PO Box when I've never contacted them before. So after getting all of that straight (so I thought), I hang up with the off the wall money hungry rep., I wait a few minutes then I call back because something didn't seem right. Now the 2nd representative tries to verify my mailing address for security reasons...uh this is very interesting. So after he looks up the account in "their system" I'm on hold again!
Here we go ROUND 2! Once again they have incorrect information, so I'm on hold again and all of a sudden we're disconnected. I call back for ROUND 3! Rep. Number 3 seems to be legit. I explain to her the issue (3rd time doing so in 1 hr). She then tells me the company has been experiencing web issues. After this blah-blah-blah she quotes me an over the top price which is obviously way more than what I thought I was paying for online. I then tell her that's way more than online and asked why. So after some more blah-blah she and a supervisor agree to honor the online price if the payment didn't go through online.
I was then instructed to give it a couple of days and call back if I don't get the confirmation email. I take the rep's name just in case someone all of a sudden develops a case of amnesia. OK so I wait and wait and wait, a week later still no confirmation email. I go back to the site which doesn't even let you get further than entering what type of appliance you want a quote on before giving a website error message. Here we go again ROUND 4! I call and immediately tell the representative that unfortunately gets my call that I would like to leave a message for representative 1. being she took my call and was familiar with the situation.
Rep 2 then goes on trying to sell me an extended contract costing more than the online site and more than what all 3 reps quoted to me last week! WHAT ARE YOU SERIOUS! Here we go again, after going through the entire story again he tells me they can't honor the price, I say "yes a representative and supervisor told me on XX date that it will be honored they would have to handwrite in the price." Once I say that he all of a sudden remembers... "oh yeah thank you for saying that, yes they can."
He puts me on hold then comes back telling me "oh my supervisor says we can't." I tell him "put your supervisor on the line!" ROUND 5! She gets on and once again I explain the situation she says the same blah-blah, I tell her put her supervisor on because she's not making any sense to me!
Here we go ROUND 6! This lady gets on the phone trying to say whatever while cutting me off whenever I try to speak! Now by this time I have an outer body experience and let her have it while still being the professional that I am. I tell her it's time out for her to be talking to me she needs to listen because I'm the paying customer! She gives me the same old blah-blah then says a reps. word doesn't hold up...uhh OK! I let her know that I will add to the 200 something complaints already placed on their company within the past 4 months to the BBB.
I also let her know that I hate handling business over the phone especially when the person on the other end isn't in the same state or location because you always get the runaround and that I like to say what I have to say in your face so nothing gets twisted. She apologizes for me feeling that way and says she will discuss this at the morning meeting to see what can be done but doesn't guarantee anything... well go freaking figure! By the way they never put me through to Rep.3's line saying at first they couldn't when I was told they could, then after I pointed that out to them they tried to say they didn't know who she was then covering that up by saying "well she's not in today."
ROUND 7! So the supervisor calls me back the next morning with more blah-blah, when she finishes I then try to tell her that "It's OK because my we've decided not to go with their rip off company and will contact BBB." She tries once again to cut me off so I say what I have to then as politely let her discuss anything further with my dial tone!! TKO I'm so done with those idiots and will write a complaint on every complaint board that I can find! My advice read the complaints and DON'T PAY THEM ANYTHING, THEY ARE RIP OFFS!
I purcahsed a Maytag dishwasher from Home Depot that was delivered to my rental property located at Bloomfield, NJ 07003 on 01-Aug-09. The Tenants/** and her husband ** moved in the weekend of 8/9.Aug and discovered that the dishwasher was not working. I called Home Depot on 10 Aug who stated that they could not do anything for me until we contacted Maytag and give me Maytag's number. I called Maytag who scheduled service on 14. Aug.09. We advised them that we would appreciate them to come earlier. Maytag scheduled an appointment for American Home Appliance Service to come out of the property - they sent an individual named **.
When he arrived, he asked my tentant' mother who answered the door "where is the good" - a derogatory name for a Chinese. At the time he did not know that the lady was my Tenant's mother who stated that "I'm the gook's mother". Prior to leaving the property on 12. Aug. ** stated that the item was defective and needed to be replaced. I called Maytag and advised them. They stated that they cannot do anything for us because ** had not submitted his report. I also called Home Depot who stated that they could not do anything for us because they had to wait on Maytag.
I called American Home Appliance Service today and spoke with a ** was was nasty-rude-ignorant among other things. She stated that ** brought the paper work into the office today. I asked her "why it took so long?" and she stated that "that is the way it is." I told her that that was unacceptable and that I would like to speak to her manager - she hung up on me - I tried calling again - she kept hanging up on me then left the phone off the hook. ** then called my Tenant, ** and told her that we have no choice but to have it repaired. I called Maytag and advised them of such.
I told Maytag that I do not want that kind of business in my property again and that I wanted the dishwasher replaced - Maytag - ** at 866-640-7146 XT 3561 stated that their contract w/Home Depot is to repair the dishwasher and that the retailer, Home Depot has the authority to replace the dishwasher. I called **/manager at Home Depot 609-585-0411 who stated that they cannot do that. I told her that my perception of this situation is that it is okay for them to deliver a defective product w/out the option of them replacing it.
According to them, it is okay for my tenants to be inconvenience by taking time off from work for a couple of days already and for me to spend countless hours on the phone trying to deal w/the situation. I purchased a new product from the retailer but a defective product was past on to the customer who must now deal with repair issues with no recourse offered but the unacceptable issue of having to have it repaired.
I am still getting the run-around from Home Depot and Maytag. Neither is willing to replace the defective item but wants to repair it but parts have to be ordered first. This situation can cause me to lose the lease with my tenants who have already been insulted by Maytag's Authorized representative, ** from American Home Appliance Service and **, the rude and ignorant "customer-care" individual. A customer should not have to settle when they purchase a new product - we are concern as to what other issues we will have with this defective product. Please help us.
DENVER, COLORADO -- This comment is both a complaint and a compliment. First the complaint. Reconsider purchasing Maytag appliances especially when it comes to their delivery service and customer service departments. Appliances were delivered two days late. I was told they would be delivered on two separate days but they all came on the latter date. Poor communication but I can accept.
The delivery service is a joke. First they couldn't connect the microwave because of one tile that was in the way. The first solution was to leave the appliance on my counter until someone could fix it. I finally coaxed them to remove the one piece of tile knowing that it could crack but I knew it could be fixed if that had happened. Finally they mounted it. The next problem was inserting the free standing range where another full size range had been sitting. The new appliance would not fit.
To prove it to me, the young man gave it a hefty shove to show me that it would not fit. The appliance was left that way half in and half out but it also blocked the bottom door to the new refrigerator. I asked if he could move the refrigerator to access the freezer as my food was defrosting while they worked. Mockingly, he moved it. He said that I could insert all of the parts (shelving, etc) for the refrig where it was all taped up in a box. I found out later that this was part of his job.
He also did not level the refrig as it sticks out further at the bottom than the top by about 3 inches. That's not all. When I called Maytag customer service to complain about the new scratches on the range incurred by the delivery they would only schedule someone to come out for repair.
After the range was pulled out of the opening, it was discovered missing a foot causing it to wobble and the top front oven door was loose and made the lights turn on and off in the oven. So there were more problems than just the scratches. I was getting nowhere with her so asked to speak to a manager. She then told me that the manager agreed to replace the appliance and he would call me the next day to schedule delivery. I did not hear from him so made the call again to Maytag customer service.
The gal that answered the phone this time said there was no record of replacing the appliance but that she would only place a service call to repair the item. She would NOT let me speak to anyone else and said she was the only one I could talk to and there was only one solution and insisted on making a repair call. I then called Home Depot desperately trying to find someone to help me.
I spoke to the HD appliance manager and he referred me to his HD customer service who took care of the whole problem. She was sweet and patient and ensured that I would receive a new appliance and gave me the date that it would arrive. She also assured me that I would not receive the same delivery guys that I originally had. She talked with Maytag and made all of the arrangements for me. Now if that is not customer service, I don't know what is.
I am writing a letter to her manager giving her accolades. Good customer service is hard to find but she went the extra mile. They tell us to spend money to help the economy, but you know, I don't want to put any more money into the pockets of these jerks who don't deserve a job.
A lot of people are unemployed and I'm sure they could be trained and provide better customer service by far. Sorry Maytag. No recommendations from me. I hope you lose so much business where you don't need customer service employees. And your delivery service - maybe you would be better off building bridges. No customers for you to worry about there.
Maytag stood behind their product. Their home office called me to inform me that a new range would be delivered and provided the delivery date for install. Thank you Maytag!
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA -- In November of 2007, I decided to invest in an upright freezer for entertaining and holding things that would not fit in my refrigerator /freezer that came with the apartment. I have considered myself a savvy and informed consumer, and I always thought of Maytag as being dependable; which may be due to their subliminal advertising. Anyway, I scrimped and saved my money and bought the above model Maytag upright freezer online from Home Depot; another trusted entity. They delivered it, but I noticed that something was not right with the door handle, and had them take it back, and they rescheduled to bring me another.
It was beautiful and I was beside myself with shopping by bulk and then putting the food into my new freezer. It was nice and cold, and initially was very quiet, and was energy star rated. I had no problems with it for the first year, and then as if on cue, when the manufacturers warranty ran out, it began to make noise, first a little, and then you could hear the compressor come on, and shut down. While it was a little annoying, it still seemed to be tolerable.
Last week, I went in to get some ice. The freezer was cold, but I could hear some crackling inside somewhere, like moisture was hitting something hot. I pushed the light off, and through the little vents cut across the interior of the freezer, I could see a red hot coil. I freaked, and immediately disconnected the appliance and called Home Depot. Thank God I was home when that was happening! I have since read where people have lost everything to fires caused by these components! How terribly frightening!
Home Depot asked me if I had an extended warranty, which I hadn't; since I struggled as student to get the freezer itself. They said they would set me up with an appointment to have the Maytag repairman come out an look at it. When I asked how much the repair and charge would be, I was told that the repairman would go over that when he called to confirm the repair date; this coming Tuesday.
Then my Mom told me about the refrigerator recall, and how Maytag may have to replace my freezer for free; which I think they should! She had also purchased Maytag appliances (washer and dryer) from Home Depot, and wondered it there was something wrong there; which is why they have such great sale prices . . . because the appliances are "defective." That's an entirely different concept, but in light of things; completely plausible. So, this morning I called the recall line, and was told that they were only doing refrigerators, period.
I told them that it didn't make sense since the components manufactured were the same ones that went into the refrigerators and freezers! She gave me another number to call, and no one answered. I will try again tomorrow. I feel sad for the people who have lost everything due to their trust placed in a company's products known for their "dependability." Right!!!
To think that prior to this happening, I was going to buy a Maytag side by side, with automatic ice maker from Home Depot! EEK! Now after this experience, I will always buy an extended warranty for any major appliance! Maytag, when you get this complaint, please contact me right away!
SAN DIEGO, CA 92129, CALIFORNIA -- Maytag is an Total Fraud. I bought a Maytag M1010 whole-house A/C system from an authorized Maytag dealer. The AC failed to work with multiple defects. Maytag could not produce any local dealer who is willing to perform warranty service without me paying. After incurring $878 out-of-pocket expense for the diagnosis and repair (at the insistence of Maytag's insurance company), Maytag sent me a $35 refund check and claimed the rest is deductible. I filed a BBB complaint on Whirlpool because Maytag does not have an independent office after the 2006 acquisition.
After an 80 day wait, Whirlpool just notified me that my AC is NOT Maytag because the production had been outsourced to Nordyne. As a result, neither the product quality nor the warranty service is their responsibility. Can you believe this could happen to a major name brand?!
Do not buy Maytag products and don't let the "lonely repairman" advertisement fool you. Maytag has horrific product quality and ridiculous customer service. After a six month warranty repair ordeal on my Maytag A/C system, I have just come to the shocking realization that Maytag might not actually exist as a physical entity. Its management/administration is handled by Whirlpool. Its manufacturing is decentralized and handled by the third parties (in this case Nordyne). Its warranty service is handled by insurance companies (in this case Equiguard).
So as a Maytag customer, I was actually dealing with a phantom operation. When I called Maytag Customer Service, I did not know I was actually talking to the insurance company who can't care less.
So unless you want to repeat my experience, do not buy Maytag. Whirlpool is now the legal entity that superseded Maytag after its acquisition in 2006. Don't buy Whirlpool either, because Whirlpool will not stand behind the brands it carries. I was told Maytag is just a brand they carry. Because its manufacturing is franchised to Nordyne, Whirlpool has nothing to do with either the product quality or service, nor can they compel Nordyne to respond to customer inquiries.
If you do not trust me, please go to www.my3cents.com or www.ripoffreport.com and type in either Whirlpool or Maytag to read the horror stories from hundreds of customers. BBB complaint has tripled to 1400 per year since Whirlpool acquired Maytag, from less than 500 cases per year.
Here is my long story if you want to experience Maytag's "Worry-Free Warranty".
I bought a Maytag M1010 whole-house A/C & furnace system in Jan 2007. In a moment of weakness in my heart, I was persuaded by Maytag's sales presentation which promised:
(1) "Worry-free warranty, 10 years parts and labor": "The precision teamwork required to design, engineer and deliver superior products is a key component of Maytag's appeal. Because of quality controls, such as computer-automated testing on each unit, Maytag home comfort equipment is produced right the first time to ensure worry-free performance."
(2) "Worry-free warranty, 10 years parts and labor": "To put you even more at ease, each Maytag system comes with an exclusive Maytag Worry-Free Warranty! Each M1010 Series product comes with a 10-year Worry-Free Warranty on both parts and labor, as well as Maytag's Dependability Promise. These impressive warranties set a new standard of assurance for comfort."
(3) "Maytag Dependability Promise": "The Dependability Promise states that your entire unit will be replaced if the compressor or heat exchanger fails within the first five years of purchase (if originally installed with a matched Maytag indoor coil or air handler). The 5-year Dependability Promise is standard on the M1010 Series only."
(4) "Additional Maytag Promise (All capitalized in the original document)": "Complete customer satisfaction is our goal. If your Maytag heating product should ever require service, you can count on our NATIONAL NETWORK OF MAYTAG HVAC DEALERS. THESE HVAC-TRAINED EXPERTS KNOW YOU HEATHING SYSTEM AND ARE READY TO SERVE YOU. Toll-Free: 1-866-2MAYTAG."
Looking at the "lonely repairman" picture on the sales literature, I thought I would be enjoying my worry-free A/C for the next 10 years. Little do I know Maytag is a total fraud who will break both the letters and the spirit of every promise, both verbal and written.
The A/C never worked. The first summer I turn it on, nothing happened. I call the Maytag dealer who installed the system. A guy came and refilled the Freon. In early April 2008, I turned on A/C, nothing happened. I called the same company and they had declared bankruptcy (even though they are still doing the same business with the same phone number and the same registered principal under a different company name). I thought I am just glad I purchase a brand-name product and Maytag would not be a fraud like its dealer. So started my 4 (now 6)-month saga with Maytag.
After spend half an hour waiting on Maytag help line, I was told my A/C is not Maytag but Nordyne who manufactured the product under Maytag name. So Maytag is not responsible for my unit. I called Nordyne, who told me to get help from Maytag Customer Service, without explaining the 1-866-2MAYTAG number is for the insurance company Equiguard. Apparently, Maytag does not have any customer service organization and let the insurance company masquerade as Maytag. This "Maytag" representative, **, reassured me I can use any authorized dealer with 25 miles of my home to get the thing repaired and get reimbursement.
I found the only authorized dealer Anderson PHA and spent $68 to find out the coolant pressure was low and there was a leak. ** now refused to admit the leak was caused by the product and asked me to prove it was not the installer's fault. Anderson quoted for $735 for a full leak test but demand up-front payment because Equiguard had a track record of not reimburse them. I talked to ** again about the cost, this time I felt like talking to a lawyer: I would have to pay up-front for the diagnosis and then only if the problem is with Maytag product would I get reimbursement from Maytag. I said "that's fine."
When I asked Anderson to perform the test, I was told they will not do it even if I pay. Their ongoing negotiation with Equiguard had broken down. Anderson was concerned that, if they did the leak test, they would feel obligated to perform warranty repair for which Equiguard will not adequately reimburse. (How insightful! I wish I knew before I put in my money.) I asked ** how can I find a dealer in "Maytag's National Network" to check my unit so that I can enjoy this "Worry-Free Warranty"? ** led me to a month long saga to find a dealer and can't come up with any.
After running out of all options, I begged Anderson and asked if I can have my problem diagnosed if I join their annual maintenance plan as a preferred customer with a $175 annual premium. Anderson finally agreed to take on my case and I negotiated a preferred customer discount to reduce the leak test cost from $735 to $635. The May 9th leak test determined there were two leaks, one in the cooling coil and another in the condenser unit. Both are due to Maytag equipment defects and not related to the initial installation. I was relieved that Maytag warranty would finally get me covered.
The repair was performed by two Anderson employees on June 6, 2008. Anderson also helped me to fax all the receipts involved in this repair/diagnosis to Maytag. On June 23, 2008, I received a $35 refund check from EquiGuard for the diagnosis. I called ** "why do I only got $35 out of the $878 back?" EquiGuard basically said the rest is "deductible". I asked "where did it say "deductible" on my warranty?" ** said "why don't you talk to **?" ** picked up the phone and said there is nothing he can do now or in the future.
I filed a BBB complaint on June 25 to bring Maytag's attention. Because Maytag does not really exist, the complaint had to be filed under Whirlpool. Mrs.** at the Whirlpool Executive Office tried to compel a response from Nordyne and Equiguard. After 40 days, I got a private response (no recorded by BBB) that Maytag cannot provide anything. The decision was made by ** of Equiguard and Mr. ** of Nordyne, who is VP Sales/West Coast.
Specific to my complaint: 1) Maytag will not refund my $878 out-of-pocket expense caused by multiple Maytag product failures. 2) Maytag could not found a local dealer who will not demand upfront payment for any future repair. 3) Maytag will not explain which part of my 4 (now 6) month nightmare is "Worry-free".
Maytag says they can not be responsible for poor product quality of another company (Nordyne) who lease its name. Maytag also takes the position that my now-out-of-the-business Maytag authorized dealer is to blame. I beg to differ: (1) If Maytag advertise its product under Maytag name, it is responsible to deliver the promises in its sales literature regardless of who is the manufacturer and the insurance company. (2) If Maytag's product quality is good, I would not have this problem. This is not an installation problem.
(3) If Maytag can identify any authorized dealer to repair my unit without demanding up-front payment from the customer, I would not be in this dilemma either. (4) If Maytag opted for repair when the dead A/C had been diagnosed to leak, I do not need to incur the cost of the full leak test. You just cannot have it both ways. The responsibility is squarely with Maytag.
With regard to the fabulous 4 paragraphs of "Worry-Free Warranty" quoted earlier, here is my point-to-point rebuttal:
(1) Two out of the three components in my system failed, which is a good testimony of Maytag's product quality. The A/C failed for two consecutive years since the installation in Jan 2007. My 4-year old son was unknowingly inhaling Freon the whole time next door to a leak. A check on Consumer Report found Maytag ranked among the most repaired brands across a broad category of products. A quick check on the website turns out hundreds of Maytag horror stories. Yet Maytag had the audacity to call this "Worry-Free Performance".
(2) For all the capital letters and acclamation mark for the "Worry-Free Warranty!", my unit fit every description, yet Maytag's customer service line does not even admit it is a Maytag product. They insist it is a Nordyne product. Nordyne insist it is not their problem either and give me another phone number. Unknowingly, I was talking to an insurance company Equiguard who misrepresent themselves as Maytag.
Equiguard refused to acknowledge it is a product quality issue, led me to an adventure to find an authorized dealer, duped me into paying up-front, and then renegade in reimbursement. Did I read "10-year both parts and labor"? Where does it say diagnosis is not covered? If not covered, why the $35 refund? Where does it say "deductable" that Equiguard now claims? When the product was diagnosed by an authorized dealer to be not working, why insisting on a full leak test that they now refuse to reimburse?
(3) Yes, my unit is less than 5-years old, and both the compressor AND the heat exchanger leaks. It fits every description for whole-unit replacement, yet Maytag gives the repairmen only the coils. The two service men worked 10.5 hours straight to dissemble the entire compressor using my home as the assembling factory. They kept cursing Maytag who made it "much worse than a new install".
(4) What a joke! The (866) 262-9824 number is for Equiguard, the insurance company who refused to help. Maytag substitute customer service with insurance company lawyers, and claim to have "set a new standard" in customer assurance. Yes, a new standard beneath LOW and almost obscene! After 4 months, Maytag still have not found ONE dealer who will service my unit without demanding up-front payment from me. Where is that NATIONAL NETWORK OF MAYTAG HVAC DEALERS?
I can only conclude Maytag does not have any intention to keep any of the wonderful promises. Maytag is a fraud because: (1) It used sales practice/literature with fraudulent claims to misled customers into purchase. (2) It manufactures poor quality products with multiple defects, yet advertised as "most reliable". (3) It cannot produce any dealer to do repair without up-front payment yet advertise as "dependability promise".
(4) It made and then reengaged verbal promise in diagnostic reimbursement if the problem is related to the product. It forced me into full leak test then asked why it was so expensive. (5) It failed to honor written commitment for "entire unit replacement" when the product failure met all descriptions. (6) It cultivated a disorganized corporate culture that is at once incompetent and indifferent.
Please tell me why, as a customer, should I be led to run in circles between Maytag, Whirlpool, Nordyne, Equiguard and Maytag dealer, with nobody responsible for anything? I conclude Maytag does not have the decency to delivery on any of their promises, nor do they care what you think. The "lonely repairman" is indeed long dead.
LYONS, NEW YORK -- If you buy a Maytag, Kenmore, Amanna, Jenn-air or Whirlpool because you think one is better than the other you are only deceiving yourself. They are all the made by the very same company!! I and my wife argued about which dishwasher, washer/dryer and refrigerator was the best so I did some research on all of them. It's not that hard to find out who owns what. I found that all are made by the same company!! Boy was I fooled. Sears gives Maytag the specs. for what they want and the company builds it for them.
The TV/print ads even fight each other over which is better. It's funny how they will even fight themselves for the market share. At any rate we went with Maytag because we felt that was a better product. Boy where we WRONG!!!!! We also bought the extremely expensive Jenn-Air dishwasher because she, my wife wanted the best. We had it less than 1 yr. when the timer control caught fire. After fighting with "customer service" (hahaha) for an hr. I was no closer to a fix than I was to getting a brand new mach. We paid $1200.00 (or close to it) for the mach. and the fix was $696.43 to fix it. I said no so we bought a GE and it's worked fine for 6 yrs. now.
Anyway, we got the runaround for a month. (with no dishwasher other than me or my wife. mostly me.) When we had enough and bought the new one, the part came in a box 6"x6" and weighed less than a LG candy bar plus installation mind you. (and the gov. got on Bill Gates for owning too much with Microsoft???) That was another $155.00. This co. is way too big for their own good, let alone ours.
Bottom line, no matter what you buy it's the same company making it these days. It's a shame that a company that once made a VERY good product has gone the way it has. My mom has an Maytag stove that has been in the house and used everyday for the past 40 yrs. and is still going strong. What happened to that kind of product?
NAPERVILLE, ILLINOIS -- I have used Dependable Maytag in Naperville for years to buy appliances, purchase repair parts and for repair service at my house. Most recent experience will be my last. Bought a repair part for a dryer. Due to lack of time, I could not install the part and called their service dept, who repaired the unit the next day. Spare part I purchased was not needed. Asked if part was returnable and technician said "yes".
Got to store and was told "no problem, just need manager approval". This is when the fun started. Manager said not returnable due to it being a custom order. Reminded them the part was a stock item when I bought it, 1 of 3 they had in house just 3 days ago.
Manager agreed but THEN said it was not returnable due to being an electrical part. I challenged this because the only electrical component on the item was a single wire and a light bulb socket. Manager agreed but THEN said not returnable because it was used. I showed the manager the invoice from his own service tech showing that the part was not used, and was still in the original box. Manager agreed but THEN said he could not take returns due to the owners return policy. I pointed out that the return policy is not written anywhere in store, just appears to be made up as they go.
Manager THEN said he would credit me the repair part price toward the purchase of a new dryer. At this point I walked out with my now useless part. I am horribly disappointed that what used to be a "dependable" sales and repair shop is now resorting an ambiguous return policy to make a buck on a repair part, or even worse, force me to buy a new dryer just to get my money back. I could have bought somewhere else for less, now I wish I had.
"Dependable" Maytag needs to publish a clear return policy and show a little respect for repeat customers, instead of laughing and telling them "Good Luck" as they walk out the door in frustration. (Yes, I was really told "Good Luck" as I walked out!)