Question:

<ilya_shambat2…@yahoo.com

wrote in message

news:1130094859.620154.16780@g47g2000cwa.googlegroups.com…

[nothing of importance...] Ilya Shambat.

Please stop crossposting your messages.

Response:

millipede man wrote:

<ilya_shambat2…@yahoo.com wrote in message news:1130094859.620154.16780@g47g2000cwa.googlegroups.com… [nothing of importance...] Ilya Shambat. Please stop crossposting your messages.

xdressing is fun —

Response:

At the center of the visible universe was seen a cross, and the voice of Julia saying "Do you want this?" I kept coming back and forth and back and forth and going back to snares and she was unhappy and then I came forth and she was saying partially is not good enough so I started writing and I saw her energy reaching to different parts of the world with her beautiful warm compassionate heart and I put my soul inside of her heart and was taken to the center. I saw something else: That it did not appear a singularity but rather that it was always there and that’s it, that there need not be a beginning or an end but rather eternity, and it did not feel foreign or boggled the mind as does the idea of universe sometime beginning (as was told me, we are comfortable with the idea of time going on forever but not it beginning) – but this was something else: That this has been always, and for once it felt not foreign or unponderable but seemed the most natural thing in the world, indeed the most comfortable thing in the world – as natural as is water and air. Here was eternity itself: A subject that seems totally strange to comprehension, but in this moment – at this point and place – appeared the most natural – indeed the most obvious – thing possible. It has always been; that indeed is its nature. All time and space belongs to it – all time and space is in it and it is in all time and space. To think of something being before what I was seeing is as meaningless as it is to think of there being south below south pole. At this place time and space merged and was eternally self-existing. It felt eternity – it was eternity. It was not that there was something before it; it’s that nothing COULD be before it, because in it all dimensions of visible universe were enfolded. Not 15 billion years, not big bang, not expansion and collapse – no, not beginning and end either – not circular Eastern time nor Western linear time nor some Hegelian synthesis – but something only here, encoded in what I was seeing and feeling, was the preceding and consummation of all existence; and it felt the most comfortable – indeed the most obvious, the most simple, and most beautiful – thing in the world. It felt like any new thought – a "how could I have ever missed something so obvious?" Not piercing like a singularity or edgy like the top of a turtle; more like a bed of roses – or so it seemed with her being there and asking me to come to her and share with her the beauty and inspiration of which she knew. I lost myself in her arms, and through her shone a luminosity. She had tied herself to the cross, in order that I go where she had gone and from what she drew her inspiration. It was not only the cross on which Jesus died. It was a cross in which were contained the dimensions – that radiated through the cosmos and in which all was indeed one. I had listened to hymn saying such things as "O beautiful cross" and I thought how could they be possibly glorifying something that was a monument not to God or to Jesus but to the Roman order that crucified criminals, but this was something else: Cross as the beginning and continuity of all time and space. And once again, the feeling it called for was not anything that could have been expected of such a place. It was this: That eternity of the pre-existing seemed natural and easily apparent and indeed obvious. It did not start before, sometime in the past; it was right there, right before me. And it did not feel at all like a sharp point. It felt soft and continuous and in it the four dimensions – three spatial one and the time – came together and became a cross. When I was a kid and read astronomy books and tried to understand what existed beyond the edges of universe, I thought that the universe beyond its edges must be totally filled with light. I thought that the darkness had to end somewhere, and that the light – endless, boundless light – not like the sun but like the sky in the day – was what stood at the end of the universe and spread beyond and beyond. It was inconceivable to me to see infinite darkness; but infinite light seemed natural and obvious and arose inside me no wonder on whether it had an end: It was endless and that’s all. Whether this idea came from my experience, as a creature on earth, living within an atmosphere that is light during the day, or from some fundamentally optimistic view of the world, or an evolutionary adaptation necessary for life, or an ancestral memory, is not of significance; it may be as natural for someone else to see the universe beyond its edges as being total darkness as it was for me to see it as being total light. It may even be natural for people to see the universe as having an end, and that’s it – there’s nothing beyond that, dark, light, polka dots, perfect forms, stars and stripes or hammer and sickle. However here was something else: in what I was seeing, was all that was or could be. And it felt completely natural and completely real. I tried to find out what came before; I tried to find out what was around this. I was seeing white light, all-engulfing white light, and thoughts saying "Stay There." Aroused light-forms, unsettled light-forms, stay there, and then something else: Light brighter than sun and then again, feeling unendurable but yet again totally loving, as if this was the most natural thing to experience and how could I have missed this at all. I had discovered that different people had different visions of God, and through their prayers and thoughts – or through my deliberate attempts to experience and understand them – I could experience all of them, and many of them were quite different from one another, some loving and wise and compassionate and others shrill and authoritarian; and once while in a hypnosis class I had discovered one that was far more powerful than them all and something that did not appear a fabrication of mind at all – it was a screaming sun, it was as Bible said was totally full of light but not light that is easy to endure and not exactly good news either for most. It was all these things: Luminous, demanding and very difficult to endure; its compassion came later. There was even time when a pagan memory activated and I felt Jesus stopping me saying that soul was his & his energy, firm and luminous. I was told that there are many Jesuses, but true Jesus speaks word of God – and I asked how hard would it be for someone else to speak word of God and claim to be Jesus or coming from Jesus – and I was told that true Jesus speaks in your heart. Well. This light was all-consuming, and it could not make sense that there could be to it a start or a finish, or that it could be caused by anything else, or that anything could be despite it. This was beyond timespace; enfolding timespace. The cross was the inspiration of timespace; and light was its enflodment. The luminosity that Plato claimed to be available through noesis – through studying the shapes on the walls of the cave until he figured out what’s out there and was then liberated into the light – which light was surrounded by perfect forms that through their working among each other created the true world of mind – came through the cross. Which was the beginning of timespace – indeed the South Pole of timespace – and around which was the Self-Existing One. The morning of this day I walked into a church, and the black priest – who had been on the streets for two years and was guided by God until he now runs DC’s biggest addiction-treatment center – had given a fiery sermon about the right way to follow Christ, and how it is about loving people before all else. I had been studying the dichotomy that appeared far more than chance rate: "Mankind is great it’s people that are the problem" vs. "Mankind is vile but people are quite all right" – and then I was thinking about a trickle-up spirituality (based on trickle-down economics): Reaching first those who are in the worst places (untouchables, people in absolute poverty, prisoners, outcasts, women in horrible domestic situations) and then coming up gradually to all else: In the same way as trickle-down economics worked opposite. Thus we have David’s Star turned over: The triangle of matter intersecting the triangle of spirit – and together make the body of life. Through this inversion is therefore found a path for the two aspects of human existence to merge. Merge-and-refine, merge-and-refine, and lead to luminosity. When I came back I did what I’d never done before and put on sandals, and then I experienced the peace-and-love hippie mindset (I’ve done protest against social oppression and I’ve done communing with nature and I’ve done Burningman stuff and romanticism but never got the peace and love thing until yesterday evening). It was a mood of complete – well, peace and openness and taking out of all harshness and being able to be completely free inside. I was talking to my friend Mike who was born on Haight in 1969 to hippies who died next year, and he was perpetually angry at everything while trying to practice the ideology of tolerance and compasion and standing up for people’s rights – and what I recognized was, here was someone standing up for a paradise; for a world that was dreamed of and fought for and brutally demolished. The pieces of that world find me; I also seek them out. Perhaps they want me to piece it back together, or at least take the inspiration and animate it and make it produce lasting fruit. To take it from status of nostalgia to status of continuous aspect of life on the world – not necessarily in the hippie lifestyle or "revolution," but rather in artwork and relationships, where it can live sustainably and beautifully while allowing the civilization to go on and enriching the human existence long-term. Making the beauty an ongoing and sustainable aspect of human existence. And with it giving light the living and inspiring the yet-to-live. Leading to creation of masterpieces … read more »

Response:

Question:

millipede man wrote:

<ilya_shambat2…@yahoo.com wrote in message news:1130094859.620154.16780@g47g2000cwa.googlegroups.com… [nothing of importance...] Ilya Shambat. Please stop crossposting your messages.

xdressing is fun —

Response:

<ilya_shambat2…@yahoo.com

wrote in message

news:1130094859.620154.16780@g47g2000cwa.googlegroups.com…

[nothing of importance...] Ilya Shambat.

Please stop crossposting your messages.

Response:

At the center of the visible universe was seen a cross, and the voice of Julia saying "Do you want this?" I kept coming back and forth and back and forth and going back to snares and she was unhappy and then I came forth and she was saying partially is not good enough so I started writing and I saw her energy reaching to different parts of the world with her beautiful warm compassionate heart and I put my soul inside of her heart and was taken to the center. I saw something else: That it did not appear a singularity but rather that it was always there and that’s it, that there need not be a beginning or an end but rather eternity, and it did not feel foreign or boggled the mind as does the idea of universe sometime beginning (as was told me, we are comfortable with the idea of time going on forever but not it beginning) – but this was something else: That this has been always, and for once it felt not foreign or unponderable but seemed the most natural thing in the world, indeed the most comfortable thing in the world – as natural as is water and air. Here was eternity itself: A subject that seems totally strange to comprehension, but in this moment – at this point and place – appeared the most natural – indeed the most obvious – thing possible. It has always been; that indeed is its nature. All time and space belongs to it – all time and space is in it and it is in all time and space. To think of something being before what I was seeing is as meaningless as it is to think of there being south below south pole. At this place time and space merged and was eternally self-existing. It felt eternity – it was eternity. It was not that there was something before it; it’s that nothing COULD be before it, because in it all dimensions of visible universe were enfolded. Not 15 billion years, not big bang, not expansion and collapse – no, not beginning and end either – not circular Eastern time nor Western linear time nor some Hegelian synthesis – but something only here, encoded in what I was seeing and feeling, was the preceding and consummation of all existence; and it felt the most comfortable – indeed the most obvious, the most simple, and most beautiful – thing in the world. It felt like any new thought – a "how could I have ever missed something so obvious?" Not piercing like a singularity or edgy like the top of a turtle; more like a bed of roses – or so it seemed with her being there and asking me to come to her and share with her the beauty and inspiration of which she knew. I lost myself in her arms, and through her shone a luminosity. She had tied herself to the cross, in order that I go where she had gone and from what she drew her inspiration. It was not only the cross on which Jesus died. It was a cross in which were contained the dimensions – that radiated through the cosmos and in which all was indeed one. I had listened to hymn saying such things as "O beautiful cross" and I thought how could they be possibly glorifying something that was a monument not to God or to Jesus but to the Roman order that crucified criminals, but this was something else: Cross as the beginning and continuity of all time and space. And once again, the feeling it called for was not anything that could have been expected of such a place. It was this: That eternity of the pre-existing seemed natural and easily apparent and indeed obvious. It did not start before, sometime in the past; it was right there, right before me. And it did not feel at all like a sharp point. It felt soft and continuous and in it the four dimensions – three spatial one and the time – came together and became a cross. When I was a kid and read astronomy books and tried to understand what existed beyond the edges of universe, I thought that the universe beyond its edges must be totally filled with light. I thought that the darkness had to end somewhere, and that the light – endless, boundless light – not like the sun but like the sky in the day – was what stood at the end of the universe and spread beyond and beyond. It was inconceivable to me to see infinite darkness; but infinite light seemed natural and obvious and arose inside me no wonder on whether it had an end: It was endless and that’s all. Whether this idea came from my experience, as a creature on earth, living within an atmosphere that is light during the day, or from some fundamentally optimistic view of the world, or an evolutionary adaptation necessary for life, or an ancestral memory, is not of significance; it may be as natural for someone else to see the universe beyond its edges as being total darkness as it was for me to see it as being total light. It may even be natural for people to see the universe as having an end, and that’s it – there’s nothing beyond that, dark, light, polka dots, perfect forms, stars and stripes or hammer and sickle. However here was something else: in what I was seeing, was all that was or could be. And it felt completely natural and completely real. I tried to find out what came before; I tried to find out what was around this. I was seeing white light, all-engulfing white light, and thoughts saying "Stay There." Aroused light-forms, unsettled light-forms, stay there, and then something else: Light brighter than sun and then again, feeling unendurable but yet again totally loving, as if this was the most natural thing to experience and how could I have missed this at all. I had discovered that different people had different visions of God, and through their prayers and thoughts – or through my deliberate attempts to experience and understand them – I could experience all of them, and many of them were quite different from one another, some loving and wise and compassionate and others shrill and authoritarian; and once while in a hypnosis class I had discovered one that was far more powerful than them all and something that did not appear a fabrication of mind at all – it was a screaming sun, it was as Bible said was totally full of light but not light that is easy to endure and not exactly good news either for most. It was all these things: Luminous, demanding and very difficult to endure; its compassion came later. There was even time when a pagan memory activated and I felt Jesus stopping me saying that soul was his & his energy, firm and luminous. I was told that there are many Jesuses, but true Jesus speaks word of God – and I asked how hard would it be for someone else to speak word of God and claim to be Jesus or coming from Jesus – and I was told that true Jesus speaks in your heart. Well. This light was all-consuming, and it could not make sense that there could be to it a start or a finish, or that it could be caused by anything else, or that anything could be despite it. This was beyond timespace; enfolding timespace. The cross was the inspiration of timespace; and light was its enflodment. The luminosity that Plato claimed to be available through noesis – through studying the shapes on the walls of the cave until he figured out what’s out there and was then liberated into the light – which light was surrounded by perfect forms that through their working among each other created the true world of mind – came through the cross. Which was the beginning of timespace – indeed the South Pole of timespace – and around which was the Self-Existing One. The morning of this day I walked into a church, and the black priest – who had been on the streets for two years and was guided by God until he now runs DC’s biggest addiction-treatment center – had given a fiery sermon about the right way to follow Christ, and how it is about loving people before all else. I had been studying the dichotomy that appeared far more than chance rate: "Mankind is great it’s people that are the problem" vs. "Mankind is vile but people are quite all right" – and then I was thinking about a trickle-up spirituality (based on trickle-down economics): Reaching first those who are in the worst places (untouchables, people in absolute poverty, prisoners, outcasts, women in horrible domestic situations) and then coming up gradually to all else: In the same way as trickle-down economics worked opposite. Thus we have David’s Star turned over: The triangle of matter intersecting the triangle of spirit – and together make the body of life. Through this inversion is therefore found a path for the two aspects of human existence to merge. Merge-and-refine, merge-and-refine, and lead to luminosity. When I came back I did what I’d never done before and put on sandals, and then I experienced the peace-and-love hippie mindset (I’ve done protest against social oppression and I’ve done communing with nature and I’ve done Burningman stuff and romanticism but never got the peace and love thing until yesterday evening). It was a mood of complete – well, peace and openness and taking out of all harshness and being able to be completely free inside. I was talking to my friend Mike who was born on Haight in 1969 to hippies who died next year, and he was perpetually angry at everything while trying to practice the ideology of tolerance and compasion and standing up for people’s rights – and what I recognized was, here was someone standing up for a paradise; for a world that was dreamed of and fought for and brutally demolished. The pieces of that world find me; I also seek them out. Perhaps they want me to piece it back together, or at least take the inspiration and animate it and make it produce lasting fruit. To take it from status of nostalgia to status of continuous aspect of life on the world – not necessarily in the hippie lifestyle or "revolution," but rather in artwork and relationships, where it can live sustainably and beautifully while allowing the civilization to go on and enriching the human existence long-term. Making the beauty an ongoing and sustainable aspect of human existence. And with it giving light the living and inspiring the yet-to-live. Leading to creation of masterpieces … read more »

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -wexwimpy wrote:

A finder’s fee for foster parents By JONEL ALECCIA Mail Tribune You couldn’t pay most people to take a boy like Jon Williams into their homes. At 16, the Cave Junction youth was already a criminal and a flight risk, hardly appealing to potential caregivers – at any price. Still, Community Works hopes a little cash will translate into compassion. The Medford social service agency is offering a $500 finder’s fee

to

anyone who recruits a successful foster parent into the agency’s Proctor Program, which provides paid homes for teenagers convicted of crimes. The unusual move is aimed at increasing space to help delinquent

youth

turn their lives around, says Taher Kashuba, program coordinator. Right now, there are only two proctor homes in the

region

and a waiting list to get in. Advertisement "We haven’t found a new family in three years," she said. "We would

be

able to serve all these kids if we had a place for them." But foster parent Liz Pyke knows from experience that it will take more than a $500 bonus – or even a monthly stipend of $1,200 per youth – to persuade people to shelter such kids. "People are afraid of teenage boys," she said. "I think they’re

afraid

of being robbed or mistreated." That’s too bad, said Pyke, who with her husband, Wads Pyke, has

spent

the past year caring for Williams and two other teenage criminals at their Talent home. After 21 years as a foster parent, including five as a proctor

parent,

Pyke said she believes the rewards of the arrangement far outweigh the risks. "We’ve learned something and gotten something from every one of

those

boys," said Pyke, who has cared for some two dozen teens in the proctor program. Take Williams, for instance. Convicted of a sheaf of petty crimes two years ago, he fled from the J-Bar-J Boys Ranch in Bend, where he was sent for treatment. After hitchhiking around the country, he came home and reported himself to a probation officer. "Honestly, I really enjoyed the travel and being on the run, but I wanted to try it without looking over my shoulder," Williams said.

"It

got to the point where I’d rather be in jail." Instead, he landed in the Lithia Springs Program run by Community Works through a contract with the Oregon Youth Authority. Lithia Springs offers residential treatment for boys and girls ages about 14 to 18, plus proctor homes for up to six youths. Services include drug and alcohol treatment, counseling, schooling

and

vocational training, all aimed at redirecting young people toward productive lives. Grateful to be placed in the less-secure proctor setting, Williams brought what Pyke calls a "quirky" perspective to the home. "He’s got a real interesting way of thinking," said Pyke, who added that Williams displayed a level of empathy and compassion not common in most proctor clients. Like Williams, nearly all of the kids who come to Pyke’s home have histories of substance abuse, as well as criminal backgrounds. Most come from families where such abuse was common. Many have never lived in a stable home. Pyke, an administrative assistant, and her husband, an elementary school janitor, figure it’s their calling to help kids overcome the effects of their histories. The pair have a grown son of their own, but with the training and support offered by Community Works, Pyke said being a parent has become her profession. "I tell the boys, ‘You have to listen to me; that’s my job,’"

said

Pyke, who receives about $3,400 a month to feed, clothe, house and care for three boys. Sometimes, the job is hard. The Pykes must make sure the boys perform daily chores, live up to the treatment requirements of the Lithia Springs program and address everyone with respect. The Pykes admit they’ve had boys steal from them, break into their homes, ignore their rules and run away. Liz Pyke said she’s never been scared of any boy, but the couple

know

that some of the kids have the potential for violence. Despite those drawbacks, the job is mostly a joy, said Liz Pyke. She particularly likes mealtimes. "That’s my very favorite thing to do, is to look around and find my table full," she said. Finding dedicated families like the Pykes is difficult, said Kashuba. The agency must weigh the pressing need for foster parents with screening and training to ensure the security of the clients. "Of course we want a safe, structured home environment," she said. For Williams, now 18, who graduated from the Lithia Springs program two weeks ago, the Pykes’ home was his last stop before independence. It was hard work changing his attitudes, beliefs and thinking patterns, he said. But his eyes sparkle when he describes his chance at a new life. "I learned a lot about living on my own and surviving legally," he said. Williams’ departure left an empty bed at the Pykes, but not for

long.

A 17-year-old boy was set to move in Wednesday. Liz Pyke is happy to have him, but she’d be even more pleased to welcome another proctor family to the fold – and not just because of the $500 finder’s fee. "I’ve had some strong incentive for years," she said. "It’s still

been

tough to find people to help care for these kids."

http://www.mailtribune.com/archive/2005/0310/local/stories/05local.htm

"Meddle not in the affairs of Dragons, For you are crunchy and taste good with catsup."

I think the key phrase in this story is that the family’s own kids are grown.  Many foster parents have kids still living at home, which would make it very difficult to find fps that want to introduce a convicted criminal into the presence of impressionable younger children – extra money has little to do with it. chickeyd

Response:

A finder

Question:

Harbhajan Singh Khalsa Yogiji, known as Yogi Bhajan to hundreds of thousands of adherents worldwide, left his physical body at 9 pm MST on October 6th. His passing took place at his home in Espanola, New Mexico surrounded by family and friends. The cause of death was complications due to heart failure. He was 75 years old. An outstanding pioneer in many fields with a deep and compassionate insight into the human condition, he established permanent institutions, created spectacular events, and produced a prolific body of teachings. The first to publicly teach Kundalini Yoga, when he arrived in the West in 1968, he announced he had come to the West "to create teachers, not to gain students". A deeply devoted Sikh, his inspiration and example motivated thousands to embrace the Sikh way of life. Through his personal efforts, Sikh Dharma was legally incorporated and officially recognized as a religion in the USA in 1971. In 1971, in acknowledgement of his extraordinary impact of spreading the universal message of Sikhism, the president of the SGPC (governing body of Sikh Temples in India), Sant Charan Singh called him the Siri Singh Sahib, Chief Religious and Administrative Authority for the Western Hemisphere, and he was given the responsibility to create a Sikh Ministry in the West by the Akal Takhat, the Sikh seat of religious authority in Amritsar, India. He was honored with the title Bhai Sahib by the Akal Takhat in 1974. Born Harbhajan Singh Puri, August 26, 1929, in the part of India that became Pakistan in 1948, he was the son of a medical doctor. He spent his youth in privileged environments in private schools and his summers in the exclusive Dalhousie mountain region of Uttar Pradesh. As a young boy he attended a Catholic convent school. When he became a United States Citizen in 1976, Yogi Bhajan changed his name legally to Harbhajan Singh Khalsa Yogiji When he was just eight years old he began his yogic training with an enlightened teacher, Sant Hazara Singh, who proclaimed him to be a Master of Kundalini Yoga when he was sixteen and a half. During the turmoil of partition in 1947, at the age of 18, he led his village of 7000 people, near what is Lahore Pakistan today, 325 miles on foot to safety in New Delhi, India, where he arrived with only the clothes on his back. Displaced Indians were given houses in India and soon he was able to continue his education at Punjab University where he excelled in debate and was a star athlete, playing both hockey and soccer and earning the name "China wall" from his opponents. After graduating with a degree in Economics, he began Indian government service with India’s Internal Revenue Department, and supervised the creation of the IRS building in New Delhi. Shortly thereafter he moved to the Customs Service and become head of Customs at Palam International Airport (now known as New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Airport). He married Inderjit Kaur in 1952. They had two sons, Ranbir Singh and Kulbir Singh, and a daughter, Kamaljit Kaur. Throughout his academic career and government service he continued to teach yoga to people from all walks of life. In September of 1968, he left India for Canada to teach yoga at Toronto University, carrying a letter of recommendation from Sir James George, Canadian High Commissioner in New Delhi, who had been his student. After two months in Canada, he flew to Los Angeles for a weekend visit. Arriving in Los Angeles virtually unknown, Yogi Bhajan met a number of young hippies, the spiritual seekers of that era, and immediately recognized that the experience of higher consciousness they were attempting to find through drugs, could be achieved by practicing the Science of Kundalini Yoga, while simultaneously rebuilding their nervous systems. Breaking the centuries old tradition of secrecy surrounding the empowering science of Kundalini Yoga, he began teaching it publicly. With the yogic sciences of yoga, meditation, yogic philosophy, and loving acceptance, he gave the soon to be called "Baby Boomers" an effective alternative to the prevalent drug culture. He called it the "3HO" (healthy, happy, holy) way of life. From humble beginnings, teaching first at the East West Cultural Center and then in a student’s furniture store in West Hollywood, "The Yogi" was like a magnet. Students flocked to his classes. Soon he was teaching at colleges and universities, including Claremont and UCLA, and accepting invitations to teach in other cities. In July of 1969 the non-profit 3HO Foundation (Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization) was incorporated in California. 3HO’s service to humanity is through Kundalini Yoga, meditation and the Science of Humanology which improves physical well being, as well as deepening spiritual awareness. Under his guidance as Director of Spiritual Education, 3HO mushroomed worldwide, to 300 centers in 35 countries. In 1994 3HO became a member of the United Nations as an NGO (Non-Governmental-Organization) in Consultative Status (Roster) with the Economic and Social Council, representing women’s issues, promoting human rights and providing education in alternative systems of medicine. Traveling extensively in the seventies and eighties, Yogi Bhajan crusaded tirelessly to educate, uplift, and enlighten everyone he met. His basic message was "It is your birthright to be healthy, happy, and holy." Inspired and motivated by his words and adhering to the practices he taught, students created music, art, and poetry reflecting the universal wisdom he shared. Over 200 books have been written based on his teachings, as well as a wealth of CD’s, videos, paintings, and sculpture. He himself wrote over 30 books including The Teachings of Yogi Bhajan, Furmaan Khalsa, Masters Touch, and Mind and Its 81 Facets. Becoming the Mahan Tantric (only living Master of White Tantric Yoga) in 1971, he conducted workshops in cities around the world. In 1987 he transferred these workshops to videotape, calling them "Renew to be New" Courses, which will continue to be held worldwide. In 1973, Yogi Bhajan founded 3HO SuperHealth, a remarkably successful drugless, drug rehabilitation program, blending the proven ancient yogic wisdom of the East with the modern technology of the West. SuperHealth was accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization and received its highest commendation. In 1973 it distinguished itself as being in the top 10% of all treatment programs throughout the U.S. In 1989 Yogi Bhajan met with then President Mikhail Gorbachev and established addiction treatment programs in Russia based on the 3HO SuperHealth model. Currently a pilot project of Superhealth is being formed by the Punjab State Government in India. True to his earliest commitment, "I’ve not come to gather students, but to train teachers," the International Kundalini Yoga Teachers Association and KRI (Kundalini Research Institute) now holds teacher-training courses throughout the world. Embodying a rare combination of spiritual and down-to-earth practical wisdom, Yogi Bhajan was equally at home in the pulpit, the podium, the board room, the living room, or sitting on the grass in a park, teaching and educating people in all walks of life. His expertise and influence extended into the realms of communication, the healing arts, business, religion, and government. Loyal friend and mentor of Senators, Congressmen, and Governors regardless of political affiliation, he promoted spiritual awareness in all arenas. An ardent advocate of world peace and religious unity, the Siri Singh Sahib met with world leaders of all faiths to encourage dialogue, including Pope Paul VI, Pope John Paul II, the Dalai Lama, and two Archbishops of Canterbury. In 1995 he received the Courage of Conscience Award from the Peace Abbey in Sherborn, Massachusetts In 1971 at the Celebration of Life Music Festival in New Orleans he shared the podium with Swami Satchidanda and Swami Vishnudevananda. He participated in many interfaith forums and conferences, including the World Parliament of Religions. In the early 70’s he helped organize the first ‘Meeting of the Ways’ in San Francisco and was co-founder of the Unity of Man Conference. He became Co-President of the World Fellowship of Religions in 1974. He served on the Board of Directors of the American Council of Executives in Religion and was a member of the Interreligous Council of Southern California, the Rotary Club, and the Los Angeles World Affairs Council. In June of 1985 he established the first International Peace Prayer Day Celebration in New Mexico. This annual day of musical celebration and interfaith prayer draws several thousand participants, including prominent national and international leaders in the realms of religion, politics, and humanity. Those honored at this event and given grants for leading the way in spreading the word of peace have included: Grandmothers for Peace and the Gesundheit! Institute. A graduate in Economics from Punjab University (1952) and a savvy entrepreneur he encouraged his students to start their own businesses. One of the first, Yogi Tea, brought his famous recipe into the mainstream, and it is now one of the leading tea companies in the health food market in the USA and Europe. He became a trusted management consultant for 14 corporations worldwide, representing industries as diverse as health food manufacturing (KIIT-Golden Temple Foods), computer systems (Sun and Son), and security services (Akal Security). He conducted business seminars and authored several books to guide the aspiring entrepreneur as well as the seasoned executive. He was a champion of women’s rights, and believed that it is women who are the backbone of society, and since 1972 when he inaugurated the first of annual women’s camps, he taught technology to turn ‘chicks into eagles.’ Yogi Bhajan fathered the science of Humanology and in 1980 he earned his Ph.D. with his dissertation titled … read more »

Response:

On Wednesday evening, October 6th, the the Siri Singh Sahib, Yogi Bhajan, left his physical body peacefully. A memorial service is currently planned to take place in 17 days (Sunday, October 24) in Espanola, USA. Similar services are also currently being arranged around the world, including here in Europe. Please check this site for confirmation of activities. In Eugene, Oregon, on Wednesday at ca. 10 pm Pacific Western time, having heard the news a few hours before, the community were in the midst of a special Gurdwara service and chanting to Guru Ram Das. The children at Miri Piri Academy in India had heard the news at an early point, and students and staff had been chanting and doing kirtan pretty much all Wednesday night (India is ca. 12 hours ahead). At 11 am Thursday morning, chanting and meditation was still going on at the school after confirmation of the Siri Singh Sahib’s leaving his physical body. This web page http://3ho-europe.org will be updated every few days in the coming weeks with current information on activities surrounding memorial activities for the Siri Singh Sahib. Sat Nam – Hari Har Singh

Response:

Question:

On Sat, 19 Jun 2004 17:53:37 GMT, "bobD" <phatbh…@REMOVEshaw.ca

wrote in

alt.support.mult-sclerosis:

i dont know cause the conservatives would not answer,,

They lost my vote the first time Harper was asked a question and he replied that he would answer questions only about issues that were in his campaign platform. Citizens, through the media, wanted to know where he stood on an issue and he refused to answer. Why is this party in the lead, according to polls?  The Conservatives will not get my vote.  __ *

Question:

I. Submit a report by a qualified psychiatrist (with lots of history and supporting documents) II. Submit a  report by a qualified psychologist whose tests are to include: (1) complete Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-R)  (2) the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality  Inventory (MMPI-2/MMPI),  plus any three or more of a list of about 9 other tests with similarly exotic names.

This is the standard FAA PPP.   It’s the standard answer that the FAA gives to any thing psycological, you might be able to head some of this off if you work with the regional flight surgeon.    The entire workup could run you $1000.   Just the tests alone runs $500. I would see if you can contact the flight surgeon responsible for the evaluation. The FAA really makes it difficult for you to do this, but if you are persistant you might be able to convince them to relax some of the requirements if you gave some other supporting documentaton (like a report from the doc treatinting you at the time).    The regional flight surgeons office was helpful in decoding the letter and giving the phone number of the right person to call.   The regional FS offices are listed on the AOPA medical section.

Response:

My IQ went from 125 in 1998 to 145 in 2002.   Jesus! A 125 IQ wasn’t enough for them! How many people in the whole FAA building in OK have an IQ that high?

All of them.  Cumulatively, of course. Michael

Response:

No, they won’t. Once they have the test results, they’ll issue him a certificate, and that will be the end of it.

Sorry George, not on your life it will be the end of it.   A special issuance will most likely be only valid for a year, and they will want another report and then one with every renewal afterward.

Response:

You get high marks from the rest of us for getting and staying alcohol – free but the FAA will make your life hell from now on, and for no good reason. No, they won’t. Once they have the test results, they’ll issue him a certificate, and that will be the end of it.

Doesn’t really sound a whole lot worse than the hoops you have to jump through with high blood pressure. (My doc charges less than the psychiatrist, but there was still a lot of to-ing and fro-ing, and the procedure took four months and an intervention call from a friend in Washington.) all the best — Dan Ford (email: web AT danford.net) see the Warbird’s Forum at http://www.danford.net/index.htm Vietnam | Flying Tigers | Pacific War | Brewster Buffalo | Piper Cub

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Knowing better, I made a similar mistake and checked a box on a questionaire during a medical.  No illusions here about character and honesty, but I have an organ that squirts truth serum into by bloodstream at unpredictable times (could be confused with character and honesty).  Took 3 months to resolve the non-issue. Everyone has already given you all the good advice.  To everyone else, DON’T DO IT UNLESS YOU WANT THE FAA TO DENY YOU MEDICAL.  They ask the questions for a reason.  A positive response means action needs to be taken.  At best, ‘action’ takes longer than it should. Why must they act?  Imagine an accident where the pilot is found to be under the influence.  And then it is found that the pilot had checked box X and no action had been taken!!!!  Somebody’s butt is in a sling. It seems obvious in retrospect, but for those of you susceptible to sudden attacks of truth serum, don’t do it.  Think of your aviation medical as an adversarial encounter – play to win.  Keep your medical care separate. Show your good character and honesty by not flying impaired and not flying when you pose a danger.  That’s the higher standard we must follow.. Good luck Wolfgang.  Don’t be discouraged if the first round of appeals fail.  That seems to be part of the process.. <snip I thought that, in sticking with the high standards of a pilot’s character and honesty, I’d declare anything, even if this is purely self-diagnosed.

Isn’t falsly answering a medical question grounds for pulling your license? — Matt Lang AirplaneListings.Com

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – … Why must they act?  Imagine an accident where the pilot is found to be under the influence.  And then it is found that the pilot had checked box X and no action had been taken!!!!  Somebody’s butt is in a sling. … You may be right, but I would think the following: Imagine an accident where the pilot is found to be under the influence.     Then it was found that the pilot had NOT checked box X.  AND THEN it was found out that the pilot does indeed have a history, and in fact was How does all that sit with his insurance, with the FAA, with whomsoever???

Like someone else said, it is basically a self administered standard.  I could get my medical today and drink like a fish for the next year, even fly, and maybe get a nice strong dependency going yet the medical is still quite "good." However, if you lie on the application, you will (and deserve to) get the book thrown at you.

Response:

My IQ went from 125 in 1998 to 145 in 2002.  

Jesus! A 125 IQ wasn’t enough for them! How many people in the whole FAA building in OK have an IQ that high?

Response:

Isn’t falsly answering a medical question grounds for pulling your license?

…and certain sexual relations between consenting adults can land you in jail in many states. I’ll relate my experience to the best of my abilities in the hope that it saves other pilots a possibly unnecessary detour. I sought counseling several years ago to help deal with what seemed like some mid-life crisis issues.  It eventually resulted in a prescription for Wellbutrin.  I don’t remember the list of possible side effects but based on the advice of the prescribing doctor and another flying doctor, and my experience with it, I determined that my 1 pill a day was safe to fly on. (sheilds up, flak jacket on)  BTW, I did not query my medical examiner. Fact is, I couldn’t tell I was taking anything.  But after a month or so, I felt better.  Don’t know if it was the counseling or the pill or both. By the time my medical came up, I had stopped taking it regularly (not the best way to use it).  Had found it possibly beneficial but frankly no longer needed it. I am not familiar with the various questionaires used in conjunction with the medical.  I think the question was "are you taking any medications" but I am not sure.  Whatever it was,  I checked yes and filled in Wellbutrin. My examiner asked me about it and I told him that I had kind of stopped taking it against my other Dr’s advice (it’s most effective if taken regularly).  After we discussed it, he said he didn’t think it would be any problem for flight but that I should stop taking it and that it would have to be ‘reported’ and that it would probably result in a ‘problem’.  I told him that I would completely stop taking it immediately but he explained it didn’t matter since I had checked the box. The details I don’t remember but I did receive a letter from the FAA.  So how do you tell the FAA that the medication you were taking you are no longer taking?  Not so simple.  Now I had to respond to the reason I was taking it.  Depression? How do you explain to the FAA that you were feeling a bit low after being laid off from a 20+ year career.  Well, I had felt fine for a long time and I wasn’t taking the drug but now I had a guv’ment agency that needed paper.  After several deliveries of the appropriate paper, they caved and I was free to fly again.  It wasn’t horrible, just stupid. BTW, Welbutrin is used for several things including smoke cessation.  That was the only side effect I encountered.  I have never smoked cigs but I do enjoy the occassional cigar.  It’s hard to put your finger on how it works, but smoking is no longer pleasurable when you are taking it.  So if you are looking for a way to quit, this seems to be one possibly effective therapy. But of course you’ll have to quit flying.  Or risk having your certificate pulled. This should be interesting.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Knowing better, I made a similar mistake and checked a box on a questionaire during a medical.  No illusions here about character and honesty, but I have an organ that squirts truth serum into by bloodstream at unpredictable times (could be confused with character and honesty).  Took 3 months to resolve the non-issue. Isn’t falsly answering a medical question grounds for pulling your license?

Response:

Hello Fellow Pilots, I have a non-current private pilot’s license with approx. 400 hours in command.  I just underwent the exam for a third-class medical to renew the license.  My health is perfect, with the only blemish of a checked box 18. o) on the medical check form — alcohol dependence or abuse. I thought that, in sticking with the high standards of a pilot’s character and honesty, I’d declare anything, even if this is purely self-diagnosed. I have never had  any alcohol-related conviction, nor have I ever tested positive on any alcohol or drug test  (nor have I had any conviction of any kind whatsoever).  However, over three years ago I completely voluntary entered a two-week alcohol treatment program, with the goal of leading a totally alcohol-free lifestyle.  I have been totally successful at this ever since. Nevertheless, having checked box 18. o), I am being asked by the FAA to: I. Submit a report by a qualified psychiatrist (with lots of history and supporting documents) II. Submit a  report by a qualified psychologist whose tests are to   include: (1) complete Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-R)  (2) the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality  Inventory (MMPI-2/MMPI),  plus any three or more of a list of about 9 other tests with similarly exotic names. Has anyone out there encountered a similar situation?  Has anyone been asked to undergo those procedures merely on the basis of self-diagnosing alcohol abuse and checking 18.o) Would you have any advice for me in this regard? P.S.: A cursory check of available psychologists and psychiatrists in my town show a going rate of $250 per visit, excluding the tests (which seem to go for a similar price tag per test)` Thanks for your advice and help. Wolfgang, Oxnard, CA

Response:

My suggestion to you is that if you aren’t already a member of AOPA, go to their web-site (http://www.aopa.org) and become one. They have a medical certificate help line.  I’ve dealt with them in the past and I recommend them highly.  They know just what procedures to follow in such cases and in fact may be a big help to your Aviation Medical Examiner.   Please understand that the FAA policies when it comes to personal health and medicine are often unrealistic, silly, and even counterproductive.  However, they take a VERY dim view of anyone who attempts to circumvent these rules.  You did the right thing revealing your past history to the FAA.  Unfortunately, now they want proof that you are no hazard to others while you’re at the controls of an aircraft.  You will need to provide all this information to them.   If you’re interested in learning to fly sailplanes, know that they do not require a medical certificate.  Ultralight aircraft don’t even require a license of any sort.   Another alternative is to see if the new Sport Pilot proposal becomes a reality.  I understand that one of the features of this new license is that it may not require a medical certificate.  This will be a boon to all sorts of people who for one reason or another would have problems keeping a Class III medical certificate current. Whatever path you choose, Good Luck and Happy Flying! Amateur Radio Station AB3A

Response:

Bad move, dude.  The whole medical process is inherently self regulating.  A medical shows you were good on that day, but its still up to you to use common sense and not fly if you’re not fit the other 364 days a year.  You get high marks from the rest of us for getting and staying alcohol – free but the FAA will make your life hell from now on, and for no good reason. For anybody else out there in a similar situation, do NOT let your regular physician also be your FAA medical examiner. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I thought that, in sticking with the high standards of a pilot’s character and honesty, I’d declare anything, even if this is purely self-diagnosed.

Response:

Wolfgang, It is admirable that you have been so forthcoming with yourself as well as the FAA. And, I congratulate you on your success and wish you continued success in your aim to lead a completely alcohol-free life. However, you may have opened the proverbial ‘can of worms’ here. You checked the box and that has put things into motion. Once you stick that quarter in the machinery, it simply grinds out the gears until the process is completed. I suspect you are, at the very least, in for a six-month stint with the powers that be. I’d suggest, as I am sure others will, that you contact the AOPA legal section to assist you in deciding on the best course of action. Good luck! Keep us posted on your progress. Tony

Response:

… I thought that, in sticking with the high standards of a pilot’s character and honesty, I’d declare anything, even if this is purely self-diagnosed.

Absolutley!!!    A good pilot IS honest. … However, over three years ago I completely voluntary entered a two-week alcohol treatment program, with the goal of leading a totally alcohol-free lifestyle.  I have been totally successful at this ever since.

Nevertheless, having checked box 18. o), I am being asked by the FAA to: I. Submit a report by a qualified psychiatrist (with lots of history and supporting documents) II. Submit a  report by a qualified psychologist whose tests are to include: (1) complete Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-R)  (2) the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality  Inventory (MMPI-2/MMPI),  plus any three or more of a list of about 9 other tests with similarly exotic names. Has anyone out there encountered a similar situation?

I survived an automobile wreck with a closed head injury, coma and 3 months hospitialization in 1991.  I decide that I wanted to fly and began flying with a CFI in 1998.  After 30 hours I went for a medical.  Of course they referred me to CAMI.  CAMI requested a neurolologist tests, psychiatrist and psychologist.  CAMI denied me but said that I may appeal.  I appealed.  CAMI called me (YES, they called me!!!!).  They said my denial was because of the report from Dr Sutco.  I hadn’t seen Dr Sutco since my hospitializaion. They hadn’t recieved the report from the psychologist that I had done for them.  I faxed them my copy and had the doctor mail a copy to them.  They denied me again.  AOPA called and talked to them.  They said that I needed improvement on certain tests.  I retook the tests from the psychologist.  My IQ went from 125 in 1998 to 145 in 2002.  My memory and GAF were higher.  I beleive it was the low GAF score in 1991.  AOPA said to FedEx the report to them and gave me a toll free number to verify that they recieved it.  (That was last week.  The delay was caused by the slowness of my psychologist.  He was waiting for payment.  He hadn’t sent the billing to his accounting department until recently.  We finnally got that all taken care of.)  AOPA says that now we wait for 6 weeks.  If I haven’t heard from them in 6 weeks then AOPA will shake things up.  I really recommend you get support and encouragement from AOPA.  They are wonderful. Has anyone been asked to undergo those procedures merely on the basis of self-diagnosing alcohol abuse and checking 18.o) Would you have any advice for me in this regard?

DON’T QUIT. P.S.: A cursory check of available psychologists and psychiatrists in my town show a going rate of $250 per visit, excluding the tests (which seem to go for a similar price tag per test)`

My recent psychologist visits with tests (4+ hours) cost $1215.  I will be having a party when I get my medical.  I will fly to several airports inviting the doctors and therapists that worked on my case.  Many said I would never be able to drive a car let alone fly an airplane.  As I wait I fly a friend’s Beech Musketeer.  Of course he has to be in the plane at the same time.  But soon it will be different. Rob http://fp1.centurytel.net/Robs_Place/

Response:

You get high marks from the rest of us for getting and staying alcohol – free but the FAA will make your life hell from now on, and for no good reason.

No, they won’t. Once they have the test results, they’ll issue him a certificate, and that will be the end of it. George Patterson "Cuius testiculos habes, habeas cardia et cerebellum." – When you have  their full attention in your grip, their hearts and minds will follow.

Response:

Knowing better, I made a similar mistake and checked a box on a questionaire during a medical.  No illusions here about character and honesty, but I have an organ that squirts truth serum into by bloodstream at unpredictable times (could be confused with character and honesty).  Took 3 months to resolve the non-issue. Everyone has already given you all the good advice.  To everyone else, DON’T DO IT UNLESS YOU WANT THE FAA TO DENY YOU MEDICAL.  They ask the questions for a reason.  A positive response means action needs to be taken.  At best, ‘action’ takes longer than it should. Why must they act?  Imagine an accident where the pilot is found to be under the influence.  And then it is found that the pilot had checked box X and no action had been taken!!!!  Somebody’s butt is in a sling. It seems obvious in retrospect, but for those of you susceptible to sudden attacks of truth serum, don’t do it.  Think of your aviation medical as an adversarial encounter – play to win.  Keep your medical care separate. Show your good character and honesty by not flying impaired and not flying when you pose a danger.  That’s the higher standard we must follow.. Good luck Wolfgang.  Don’t be discouraged if the first round of appeals fail.  That seems to be part of the process..

<snip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I thought that, in sticking with the high standards of a pilot’s character and honesty, I’d declare anything, even if this is purely self-diagnosed.

Response:

… Why must they act?  Imagine an accident where the pilot is found to be under the influence.  And then it is found that the pilot had checked box X and no action had been taken!!!!  Somebody’s butt is in a sling. …

You may be right, but I would think the following: Imagine an accident where the pilot is found to be under the influence.     Then it was found that the pilot had NOT checked box X.  AND THEN it was found out that the pilot does indeed have a history, and in fact was How does all that sit with his insurance, with the FAA, with whomsoever??? — "The Final 20 percent of the Project… requires 80 percent of the Effort"     —- paraphrased from Vilfredo Pareto (1848-1923)

Response:

How does all that sit with his insurance, with the FAA, with whomsoever???

Good points. The insurance company is likely to argue that the medical certificate is not valid and refuse coverage. The FAA will permanently revoke all certificates the former pilot had (if he survives the incident, that is). There’s also the little note at the bottom of the application – "Whoever in any matter within the jurisdiction of any department or agency  of the United States knowingly and willfully falsifies, conceals or covers  up by any trick, scheme, or device a material fact, or who makes any false,  fictitious or fraudulent statements or representations, or entry, may be  fined up to $250,000 or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both." Dunno how seriously they take that, but I’d rather check the box, myself. George Patterson "Cuius testiculos habes, habeas cardia et cerebellum." – When you have  their full attention in your grip, their hearts and minds will follow.

Response:

Real good question that I don’t have a clue about.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Why must they act?  Imagine an accident where the pilot is found to be under the influence.  And then it is found that the pilot had checked box X and no action had been taken!!!!  Somebody’s butt is in a sling. You may be right, but I would think the following: Imagine an accident where the pilot is found to be under the influence.     Then it was found that the pilot had NOT checked box X.  AND THEN it was found out that the pilot does indeed have a history, and in fact was How does all that sit with his insurance, with the FAA, with whomsoever??? — "The Final 20 percent of the Project… requires 80 percent of the Effort"     —- paraphrased from Vilfredo Pareto (1848-1923)

Response:

My recent psychologist visits with tests (4+ hours) cost $1215.  I will be having a party when I get my medical.  I will fly to several airports inviting the doctors and therapists that worked on my case.  Many said I would never be able to drive a car let alone fly an airplane.  As I wait I fly a friend’s Beech Musketeer.  Of course he has to be in the plane at the same time.  But soon it will be different.

Rob, thank you for sharing your incredibly inspirational story. Best of luck — and I’ll be proud to share the sky with you anytime! — Jay Honeck Iowa City, IA Pathfinder N56993 www.AlexisParkInn.com "Your Aviation Destination"

Response:

How do they end up with the DMV? They are not motor vehicles? My wife doesn’t have a driver’s license. What would she get ticketed under?

They get a ticket like anyone else. Have to show up in court if they want to fight it. In the States in which I’ve lived, the DMV issues licenses, runs inspections, and so forth. They don’t create or enforce the traffic laws. George Patterson       Really, I’m not out to destroy Microsoft. That will just be a completely       unintentional side effect.    -      Linus Torvalds, speaking about Linux.

Response:

I think a distinction should be made between a 5 pound bicycle that goes maybe 15 mph and a 3000 pound car capable of 100 mph. What kind of movng violations exist for bicycles?

The most common ones around here are speeding, failing to have a light after dark, and failure to observe proper procedure (covers stop signs, riding on the wrong side of the road, riding on the sidewalk). And yes, a radar trap *will* pick up a bike doing 35 mph in a 15, 20, or 25 mph school zone. James M. Knox TriSoft                        ph  512-385-0316 1109-A Shady Lane              fax 512-366-4331

Response:

"James M. Knox"  wrote The most common ones around here are speeding, failing to have a light after dark, and failure to observe proper procedure (covers stop signs, riding on the wrong side of the road, riding on the sidewalk).

Here in Florida, a bicyclist has a choice of using the roadways and complying (in general) with the automobile rules OR using the sidewalks and playing pedestrian. Here in Pinellas County (I live in Tarpon Springs) we have a 34 mile paved bike and jogging trail that runs almost the entire length of the county.  It was put down where the old railroad tracks used to be.  Must be about 10′ to 12′ wide. This past June, on my 68th birthday, I did both directions (68 miles) in 6 hours. And, in all of that heat and humidity Jay! I’m up to 1500 miles so far this year. Bob Moore

Response:

I think a distinction should be made between a 5 pound bicycle that goes maybe 15 mph and a 3000 pound car capable of 100 mph.

Do you think a distinction should be made between a 500 pound motorcycle and a 8000 pound SUV?  How about between a 2000 pound subcompact and a 20,000 pound semi? While "might makes right" when it comes to the outcome of accidents, that’s no excuse for the smaller vehicles to not exercise the same care required by the larger, and to obey the same traffic laws. Dennis’ story is a good example of the practical reason for uniform enforcement.  In his case, ultimately no harm was done (except by the cyclist to himself), but too often motorists are held liable for accidents they didn’t cause.  Enforcing traffic laws for cyclists helps encourage them to obey the laws that are there primarily for the purpose of helping to avoid accidents. What kind of movng violations exist for bicycles?

Anything that would be a violation for any other vehicle driven on a roadway.  Cyclists can even exceed the speed limits, but more common are things like unsafe lane changes, failure to yield, failure to stop at a signal or stop sign, failure to signal a turn, that sort of thing. And for the record, I spend a fair amount of time as a cyclist myself.  This isn’t a "me versus them" thing for me. Pete

Response:

The FAA *does* make a big deal of drug problems.  They make a big deal of DWI (DUI) convictions – not because there is a correlation with pilots flying drunk (there isn’t), but because there is a BIG correlation with convictions for DWI and pilots breaking flying rules. [Just had a seminar on this over the weekend.]

That is very interesting. It does not seem at all obvious that the FAA would be interested in DWI convictions for that reason. Thank goodness moving violations in an automobile are not grounds for denial of a medical. I have heard that infractions committed while riding a bicycle can go on your DMV rating. I think Wolfgang should be applauded for his honesty. However, flying is very serious business, and there is no reset button. For many, flying is a recreational activity, an escape from the stress of the workaday world, but when accidents occur, real bones get broken, real blood spills, flesh burns. Wolfgang must work out his alcohol issue on the ground completely (are alcoholics ever totally cured?) before he is let loose in the skies above his home town of Santa Barbara, which has a very busy airport with frequent part 121 turbojet operations. This afternoon, there was what looked like a 737 on the field. Moreover, southern California airspace is an extremely high activiy area with respect to general aviation operations. Perhaps he should consider gliding lessons at nearby Santa Ynez airport, since no medical is required for that endeavor. Ted —     __    /  ___/    |   /    /       |       /   _    |      /   /  _| __  /    — / | __/     __ /

Response:

[...] I have heard that infractions committed while riding a bicycle can go on your DMV rating.

If they are violations of the rules of the road, they can and should.  Just because you’re on a bicycle, that doesn’t mean you’re not responsible for obeying all the same laws everyone else on the road you’re using is required to obey. I think Wolfgang should be applauded for his honesty. [...] Wolfgang must work out his alcohol issue on the ground completely (are alcoholics ever totally cured?)

Did you read his post?  Sure sounds to me like he’s already done the "working out" part.  Now he’s dealing with the "convince the FAA" part.  As for whether alcoholics are ever cured, that’s a matter of opinion but "common wisdom" says no.  However, that doesn’t mean a recovered alcoholic should be treated like a drunk.  It just means they need to avoid alcohol. Pete

Response:

@nntp.ucsb.edu: I have never had  any alcohol-related conviction, nor have I ever tested positive on any alcohol or drug test  (nor have I had any conviction of any kind whatsoever).  However, over three years ago I completely voluntary entered a two-week alcohol treatment program, with the goal of leading a totally alcohol-free lifestyle.  I have been totally successful at this ever since.

Some questions have a time limit, and some don’t, and it’s not always clear on the form (for instance, some say "Have you EVER…").  Your honesty is to be lauded, but you almost certainly told them more than they needed (or wanted) to know. The FAA *does* make a big deal of drug problems.  They make a big deal of DWI (DUI) convictions – not because there is a correlation with pilots flying drunk (there isn’t), but because there is a BIG correlation with convictions for DWI and pilots breaking flying rules.   [Just had a seminar on this over the weekend.] Now that you are "in the system" I would suggest starting with advice from AOPA Medical Certification folks.  Then you may need to get help from an AME that specializes in helping people get their medical.   On the plus side… keep after it.  It’s a pain, but you SHOULD be able to get it straightened out and get your medical with a little effort. James M. Knox TriSoft                        ph  512-385-0316 1109-A Shady Lane              fax 512-366-4331

Response:

Wolfgang, call AOPA immediately (you are a member, are you?). Ask their advice. Ask a senior medical examiner, too. Get advice! Get a medical examiner that knows what s/he’s doing. — Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

Response:

So call the doctor back and say you made a mistake and need to change the form. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello Fellow Pilots, I have a non-current private pilot’s license with approx. 400 hours in command.  I just underwent the exam for a third-class medical to renew the license.  My health is perfect, with the only blemish of a checked box 18. o) on the medical check form — alcohol dependence or abuse. I thought that, in sticking with the high standards of a pilot’s character and honesty, I’d declare anything, even if this is purely self-diagnosed. I have never had  any alcohol-related conviction, nor have I ever tested positive on any alcohol or drug test  (nor have I had any conviction of any kind whatsoever).  However, over three years ago I completely voluntary entered a two-week alcohol treatment program, with the goal of leading a totally alcohol-free lifestyle.  I have been totally successful at this ever since. Nevertheless, having checked box 18. o), I am being asked by the FAA to: I. Submit a report by a qualified psychiatrist (with lots of history and supporting documents) II. Submit a  report by a qualified psychologist whose tests are to include: (1) complete Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-R)  (2) the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality  Inventory (MMPI-2/MMPI),  plus any three or more of a list of about 9 other tests with similarly exotic names. Has anyone out there encountered a similar situation?  Has anyone been asked to undergo those procedures merely on the basis of self-diagnosing alcohol abuse and checking 18.o) Would you have any advice for me in this regard? P.S.: A cursory check of available psychologists and psychiatrists in my town show a going rate of $250 per visit, excluding the tests (which seem to go for a similar price tag per test)` Thanks for your advice and help. Wolfgang Santa Barbara, CA  

Response:

Been said before… Join and call AOPA…and if that doesn’t work there are companies that specialize in working with aeromedical to get your medical.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – So call the doctor back and say you made a mistake and need to change the form. Hello Fellow Pilots, I have a non-current private pilot’s license with approx. 400 hours in command.  I just underwent the exam for a third-class medical to renew the license.  My health is perfect, with the only blemish of a checked box 18. o) on the medical check form — alcohol dependence or abuse. I thought that, in sticking with the high standards of a pilot’s character and honesty, I’d declare anything, even if this is purely self-diagnosed. I have never had  any alcohol-related conviction, nor have I ever tested positive on any alcohol or drug test  (nor have I had any conviction of any kind whatsoever).  However, over three years ago I completely voluntary entered a two-week alcohol treatment program, with the goal of leading a totally alcohol-free lifestyle.  I have been totally successful at this ever since. Nevertheless, having checked box 18. o), I am being asked by the FAA to: I. Submit a report by a qualified psychiatrist (with lots of history and supporting documents) II. Submit a  report by a qualified psychologist whose tests are to include: (1) complete Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-R)  (2) the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality  Inventory (MMPI-2/MMPI),  plus any three or more of a list of about 9 other tests with similarly exotic names. Has anyone out there encountered a similar situation?  Has anyone been asked to undergo those procedures merely on the basis of self-diagnosing alcohol abuse and checking 18.o) Would you have any advice for me in this regard? P.S.: A cursory check of available psychologists and psychiatrists in my town show a going rate of $250 per visit, excluding the tests (which seem to go for a similar price tag per test)` Thanks for your advice and help. Wolfgang Santa Barbara, CA

Response:

you just hosed yourself…

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello Fellow Pilots, I have a non-current private pilot’s license with approx. 400 hours in command.  I just underwent the exam for a third-class medical to renew the license.  My health is perfect, with the only blemish of a checked box 18. o) on the medical check form — alcohol dependence or abuse. I thought that, in sticking with the high standards of a pilot’s character and honesty, I’d declare anything, even if this is purely self-diagnosed. I have never had  any alcohol-related conviction, nor have I ever tested positive on any alcohol or drug test  (nor have I had any conviction of any kind whatsoever).  However, over three years ago I completely voluntary entered a two-week alcohol treatment program, with the goal of leading a totally alcohol-free lifestyle.  I have been totally successful at this ever since. Nevertheless, having checked box 18. o), I am being asked by the FAA to: I. Submit a report by a qualified psychiatrist (with lots of history and supporting documents) II. Submit a  report by a qualified psychologist whose tests are to include: (1) complete Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-R)  (2) the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality  Inventory (MMPI-2/MMPI),  plus any three or more of a list of about 9 other tests with similarly exotic names. Has anyone out there encountered a similar situation?  Has anyone been asked to undergo those procedures merely on the basis of self-diagnosing alcohol abuse and checking 18.o) Would you have any advice for me in this regard? P.S.: A cursory check of available psychologists and psychiatrists in my town show a going rate of $250 per visit, excluding the tests (which seem to go for a similar price tag per test)` Thanks for your advice and help. Wolfgang Santa Barbara, CA

Response:

Not really. I reported 2 dui’s and was issued a medical. Only thing I got was a letter from the FAA saying that if I had any further alcohol related incidents, they would "review" my certificate. The DUI’s were from about 12 years before my first medical. mike regish

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – you just hosed yourself… Hello Fellow Pilots, I have a non-current private pilot’s license with approx. 400 hours in command.  I just underwent the exam for a third-class medical to renew the license.  My health is perfect, with the only blemish of a checked box 18. o) on the medical check form — alcohol dependence or abuse. I thought that, in sticking with the high standards of a pilot’s character and honesty, I’d declare anything, even if this is purely self-diagnosed. I have never had  any alcohol-related conviction, nor have I ever tested positive on any alcohol or drug test  (nor have I had any conviction of any kind whatsoever).  However, over three years ago I completely voluntary entered a two-week alcohol treatment program, with the goal of leading a totally alcohol-free lifestyle.  I have been totally successful at this ever since. Nevertheless, having checked box 18. o), I am being asked by the FAA to: I. Submit a report by a qualified psychiatrist (with lots of history and supporting documents) II. Submit a  report by a qualified psychologist whose tests are to include: (1) complete Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-R)  (2) the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality  Inventory (MMPI-2/MMPI),  plus any three or more of a list of about 9 other tests with similarly exotic names. Has anyone out there encountered a similar situation?  Has anyone been asked to undergo those procedures merely on the basis of self-diagnosing alcohol abuse and checking 18.o) Would you have any advice for me in this regard? P.S.: A cursory check of available psychologists and psychiatrists in my town show a going rate of $250 per visit, excluding the tests (which seem to go for a similar price tag per test)` Thanks for your advice and help. Wolfgang Santa Barbara, CA

Response:

Don’t get depressed from the negative posts to your dilemma.  AOPA is very helpful.  It is worth it to join, if only for access to their medical department. Also, make sure the AME that you went to has worked with alcoholic pilots… the rules are tricky and need to be understood well to make that system work for you. I honestly believe you have already done the hard work as far as your sobriety and what you need to submit to the FAA.  As I said before… call the AME and have him negotiate with one of the doctors in Oklahoma City so you can get back up soon. Good luck with it.

Response:

he did not report a dui.. he reported self admission into an alcohol abuse program.. a dui is one thing.. admitting you may have a drinking problem is another.. BT

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Not really. I reported 2 dui’s and was issued a medical. Only thing I got was a letter from the FAA saying that if I had any further alcohol related incidents, they would "review" my certificate. The DUI’s were from about 12 years before my first medical. mike regish you just hosed yourself… Hello Fellow Pilots, I have a non-current private pilot’s license with approx. 400 hours in command.  I just underwent the exam for a third-class medical to renew the license.  My health is perfect, with the only blemish of a checked box 18. o) on the medical check form — alcohol dependence or abuse. I thought that, in sticking with the high standards of a pilot’s character and honesty, I’d declare anything, even if this is purely self-diagnosed. I have never had  any alcohol-related conviction, nor have I ever tested positive on any alcohol or drug test  (nor have I had any conviction of any kind whatsoever).  However, over three years ago I completely voluntary entered a two-week alcohol treatment program, with the goal of leading a totally alcohol-free lifestyle.  I have been totally successful at this ever since. Nevertheless, having checked box 18. o), I am being asked by the FAA to: I. Submit a report by a qualified psychiatrist (with lots of history and supporting documents) II. Submit a  report by a qualified psychologist whose tests are to include: (1) complete Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-R)  (2) the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality  Inventory (MMPI-2/MMPI),  plus any three or more of a list of about 9 other tests with similarly exotic names. Has anyone out there encountered a similar situation?  Has anyone been asked to undergo those procedures merely on the basis of self-diagnosing alcohol abuse and checking 18.o) Would you have any advice for me in this regard? P.S.: A cursory check of available psychologists and psychiatrists in my town show a going rate of $250 per visit, excluding the tests (which seem to go for a similar price tag per test)` Thanks for your advice and help. Wolfgang Santa Barbara, CA

Response:

Not really. I reported 2 dui’s and was issued a medical. Only thing I got was a letter from the FAA saying that if I had any further alcohol related incidents, they would "review" my certificate. The DUI’s were from about 12 years before my first medical.

Two DUI’s are disqualifying, but there is a time limit.  I believe it is four years.  Older than that and it’s just "a consideration" but not disqualifying. James M. Knox TriSoft                        ph  512-385-0316 1109-A Shady Lane              fax 512-366-4331

Response:

5 pound bicycle?  I wish!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I think a distinction should be made between a 5 pound bicycle that goes maybe 15 mph and a 3000 pound car capable of 100 mph. What kind of movng violations exist for bicycles? mike regish [...] I have heard that infractions committed while riding a bicycle can go on your DMV rating. If they are violations of the rules of the road, they can and should. Just because you’re on a bicycle, that doesn’t mean you’re not responsible for obeying all the same laws everyone else on the road you’re using is required to obey. Pete

Response:

Years back, my wife had a guy on a bicycle, after dark, wearing dark clothing, with no lights on the bike, come flying diagonally across a five lane roadway and t-bone her as she made a left turn… He struck her hard enough to do $2,400 worth of damage…  The officer on the scene (a rookie) then sent her a ticket in the mail a week later for failing to yield the right of way to a pedestrian..  I took the ticket down to the station and sat down with the Lieutenant… At first he maintained that her vehicle was required to yield…  I then asked if the ‘pedestrian’ had been driving an automobile diagonally across five traffic lanes at night with no vehicle lights, who would have gotten the ticket for failure to yield…  He instantly answered, the guy would have gotten it and a whole bunch of other citations… The next question I asked was, since when is a bicycle operated in the roadway not a vehicle?  He blinked about three times and started talking about fishing… What about the ticket, I asked… Oh heck, you made your point… Her ticket is cancelled, now you should have seen this Coho I caught…… Interestingly, the guy’s wife called the next day and demanded we pay for his bike and time off work, etc., or she would have to sue… (she was civil and so was I)  told her I understood her position, but I suspected that my insurance company would be around shortly to see her about their two grand, which ended the discussion.. Denny

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – [...] I have heard that infractions committed while riding a bicycle can go on your DMV rating.

Response:

I think a distinction should be made between a 5 pound bicycle that goes maybe 15 mph and a 3000 pound car capable of 100 mph. What kind of movng violations exist for bicycles? mike regish

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – [...] I have heard that infractions committed while riding a bicycle can go on your DMV rating. If they are violations of the rules of the road, they can and should. Just because you’re on a bicycle, that doesn’t mean you’re not responsible for obeying all the same laws everyone else on the road you’re using is required to obey. Pete

Response:

That should be "50" pound bicycle. mike regish

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I think a distinction should be made between a 5 pound bicycle that goes maybe 15 mph and a 3000 pound car capable of 100 mph.

Response:

What kind of movng violations exist for bicycles?

Speeding and running stop signs are two that I’ve read have been enforced in some places. Basically, anything that applies to a car can apply to a bicycle (with the possible exception of having a loud exhaust system). George Patterson       Really, I’m not out to destroy Microsoft. That will just be a completely       unintentional side effect.    -      Linus Torvalds, speaking about Linux.

Response:

How do they end up with the DMV? They are not motor vehicles? My wife doesn’t have a driver’s license. What would she get ticketed under? Also, now that I think of it, I remember a case where a guy got ticketed for riding while drunk. Don’t know how that’s handled. mike regish – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What kind of movng violations exist for bicycles? Speeding and running stop signs are two that I’ve read have been enforced in some places. Basically, anything that applies to a car can apply to a bicycle (with the possible exception of having a loud exhaust system). George Patterson       Really, I’m not out to destroy Microsoft. That will just be a completely       unintentional side effect.    -      Linus Torvalds, speaking about

Linux.

Response:

Would you have any advice for me in this regard?

I have no personal knowledge of this particular process, but once you’re in the maw of the bureaucracy, the simplest course is to simply give them what they want.  They’re following a stipulated process, and nothing upsets a bureaucrat like messing up the process.  Someone here may have personal experience. In the future, ask advice BEFORE you start checking off boxes on a federal form!!!!   While your personal goal seemed laudable, it is, nonetheless, unusual, and "unusual" doesn’t fit well with government clerks.  Never, never, NEVER volunteer information to the FAA.  NEVER!  Only answer specific questions, and then only with pointed, specific answers. JG

Response:

Bad move, dude. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – checked box 18. o) on the medical check form — alcohol dependence or abuse. I thought that, in sticking with the high standards of a pilot’s character and honesty, I’d declare anything, even if this is purely self-diagnosed.

Response:

I work to certify pilots with a history of chemical dependency and am surprised that they are making you jump through so many hoops.   When someone is in the commercial arena, they have to do a lot of that stuff, including psychological testing, but usually not for the third class certificates.  The problem is that there is no specific verbage in the FAR’s on when they certify.  The rule of thumb was two years of sobriety if alcohol only, although they would consider someone after one year if they went to treatment and can document sobriety and continue in aftercare.  Talk to your AME and have him call the FAA doc in Oklahoma City.  You should be able to get by with simply the alcohol evaluation by a Substance Abuse Professional. Bob Borucki

Response:

Hello Fellow Pilots, I have a non-current private pilot’s license with approx. 400 hours in command.  I just underwent the exam for a third-class medical to renew the license.  My health is perfect, with the only blemish of a checked box 18. o) on the medical check form — alcohol dependence or abuse. I thought that, in sticking with the high standards of a pilot’s character and honesty, I’d declare anything, even if this is purely self-diagnosed. I have never had  any alcohol-related conviction, nor have I ever tested positive on any alcohol or drug test  (nor have I had any conviction of any kind whatsoever).  However, over three years ago I completely voluntary entered a two-week alcohol treatment program, with the goal of leading a totally alcohol-free lifestyle.  I have been totally successful at this ever since. Nevertheless, having checked box 18. o), I am being asked by the FAA to: I. Submit a report by a qualified psychiatrist (with lots of history and supporting documents) II. Submit a  report by a qualified psychologist whose tests are to include: (1) complete Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-R)  (2) the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality  Inventory (MMPI-2/MMPI),  plus any three or more of a list of about 9 other tests with similarly exotic names. Has anyone out there encountered a similar situation?  Has anyone been asked to undergo those procedures merely on the basis of self-diagnosing alcohol abuse and checking 18.o) Would you have any advice for me in this regard? P.S.: A cursory check of available psychologists and psychiatrists in my town show a going rate of $250 per visit, excluding the tests (which seem to go for a similar price tag per test)` Thanks for your advice and help. Wolfgang Santa Barbara, CA  

Response:

Question:

Hi folks, Interesting, I keep seeing these scientology posts cropping up on this forum. And I’m quite amazed that these people are so relentless in their approach to try and ‘brainwash’ people into believing that among other things, ADHD is a made up non-existant condition, and the stimulant meds used to treat ADHD are evil, deadly, addictive etc. My question is, do these people really have much influence? – L

Response:

SFA, from what I can tell. Certain obsessive members of this forum would love to convince everyone differently, of course. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi folks, Interesting, I keep seeing these scientology posts cropping up on this forum. And I’m quite amazed that these people are so relentless in their approach to try and ‘brainwash’ people into believing that among other things, ADHD is a made up non-existant condition, and the stimulant meds used to treat ADHD are evil, deadly, addictive etc. My question is, do these people really have much influence? – L

Response:

Hi folks, Interesting, I keep seeing these scientology posts cropping up on this forum. And I’m quite amazed that these people are so relentless in their approach to try and ‘brainwash’ people into believing that among other things, ADHD is a made up non-existant condition, and the stimulant meds used to treat ADHD are evil, deadly, addictive etc. My question is, do these people really have much influence? – L

Unfortunately, yes.  Their celebrity shills tend to give the cult entree into Congress and the talk-show circuit; their tax-exempt extortion money pays for glossy psychiatry-is-evil brochures (widely circulated, but widely ignored) fail to mention that the "Citizens Commission on Human Rights" _is_ $cientology. They’re going after what they think is a lucrative cash-cow of drug-addiction treatment through their Narconon false-front. California, for one example, recently passed legislation allocating money They were just salivating at Dubya’s "Faith-Based Initiative" as a source of funding–and a major reason why Dubya has largely shelved it is that people have pointed out that the cult could, indeed, qualify for federal funds. The cult’s founder, L. Ron Hubbard, was nutso on the subject of psychiatry (odd, since he _begged_ the VA for psychiatric assistance at one time.  Too bad he got turned down.)  But then, L-Ron was nutso on so many fronts, it’s just bad luck he picked psychiatry as his "Jewish problem."  He might have picked sushi chefs to focus his sociopathic "intention-beams" on. Note that all this is influence on the public debate, but in the long run it won’t matter.  The cult has always been its worst enemy, and psychiatry is so firmly-established as a workable solution (as opposed to the cult’s madness) that some form of biologically-based psychiatry will always be with us as long as people have problems. The cult’s influence in other areas has also been detrimental–primarily on the legal scene, their barratry (one of their lawyers is literally a textbook example of what not to do) has led to some bad decisions which have already proved detrimental to free-speech issues. And then, there’s the fact that they occasionally kill young women… http://www.lisamcpherson.org

Response:

Hi folks, Interesting, I keep seeing these scientology posts cropping up on this forum. And I’m quite amazed that these people are so relentless in their approach to try and ‘brainwash’ people into believing that among other things, ADHD is a made up non-existant condition, and the stimulant meds used to treat ADHD are evil, deadly, addictive etc. My question is, do these people really have much influence?

They did in Colorado.

Response:

Hi folks, Interesting, I keep seeing these scientology posts cropping up on this forum. And I’m quite amazed that these people are so relentless in their approach to try and ‘brainwash’ people into believing that among other things, ADHD is a made up non-existant condition, and the stimulant meds used to treat ADHD are evil, deadly, addictive etc. My question is, do these people really have much influence?

not in self-help groups or organisations of in the real world. On the net anything can be claimed of course.

Response:

Hi folks, Interesting, I keep seeing these scientology posts cropping up on this forum. And I’m quite amazed that these people are so relentless in their approach to try and ‘brainwash’ people into believing that among other things, ADHD is a made up non-existant condition, and the stimulant meds used to treat ADHD are evil, deadly, addictive etc. My question is, do these people really have much influence?

More than they should; that’s for sure.  Practically every ADDer or parent who comes here with a new diagnosis in hand has a bunch of negative, incorrect information about both ADHD and meds.  They have to sort through what is true and what isn’t before they can even begin to make good decisions.  And how about all the people who don’t come here or read up on the condition?  They just go on believing the nonsense.

Response:

More than they should; that’s for sure.  

And far, far less than the paranoid boobs in this forum would have everyone believing. The Scientologists are in the very minor ass-ache category of public influence and going into ‘ignore’ mode is generally sufficient in dealing with them.

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My range burners on my KitchenAid were kind of grimy so I poured some ammonia on one, brushed it around a bit, and let sit overnight. In the morning I cleaned it off and attempted to use the burner. The burner lit but never stopped sparking to ignite. All other burners worked fine. (ie: turn them on, spark until lit, spark stopped.) Now, later in the day my wife tells me that the burner that I cleaned no longer sparks while all other burners continue to work ok. A bit of research (after the fact) tells me that ammonia will corrode aluminum. Does anyone have any idea on what I have damaged? How to test it / repair it? I don’t know about your KitchenAid but I had a similar problem with a Sears unit.  The gas control knob contains a swtch which provides relatively low volatage which activates a high voltage source that provides the spark to light the gas. I had been using some potent degreaser type spray cleaner and some of it got into the switch mechanism causing continuous sparking.  After several attempts to flush out the cleaner (distilled water spay and rubbing alcohol) it would still occasionally spark on its own.  So I disassembled and removed the switch mechanism.  I soaked it in distilled water overnight followed by the alcohol treatment and after allowing it to thoroughly air dry it worked fine on reinstallation.  But I would would see if I could get a replacement switch assembly rather than go through the trouble if I had to do it again. Make sure it is unpluged before any disassembly.

Hi, Dampness/moisture in the switch is very common for ticking/sparking all the time….this may correct itself once dried out. If the burner and electrode where damaged from the amonia they may need to be replaced. Some ranges have a "re-light" spark modual, some moisture on the electrode and burner may keep telling the spark modual the flame has gone out keep sparking?? http://www.applianceaid.com/gas.html#clicking Some clicking all the time info. jeff. Appliance Repair Aid http://www.applianceaid.com/

Response:

I don’t seem to be having much luck in the appliance department these days. My newest problem is self-inflicted, however I thought I was just cleaning things up. My range burners on my KitchenAid were kind of grimy so I poured some ammonia on one, brushed it around a bit, and let sit overnight. In the morning I cleaned it off and attempted to use the burner. The burner lit but never stopped sparking to ignite. All other burners worked fine. (ie: turn them on, spark until lit, spark stopped.) Now, later in the day my wife tells me that the burner that I cleaned no longer sparks while all other burners continue to work ok. A bit of research (after the fact) tells me that ammonia will corrode aluminum. Does anyone have any idea on what I have damaged? How to test it / repair it? Thanks Frank

Response:

My range burners on my KitchenAid were kind of grimy so I poured some ammonia on one, brushed it around a bit, and let sit overnight. In the morning I cleaned it off and attempted to use the burner. The burner lit but never stopped sparking to ignite. All other burners worked fine. (ie: turn them on, spark until lit, spark stopped.) Now, later in the day my wife tells me that the burner that I cleaned no longer sparks while all other burners continue to work ok. A bit of research (after the fact) tells me that ammonia will corrode aluminum. Does anyone have any idea on what I have damaged? How to test it / repair it?

I don’t know about your KitchenAid but I had a similar problem with a Sears unit.  The gas control knob contains a swtch which provides relatively low volatage which activates a high voltage source that provides the spark to light the gas. I had been using some potent degreaser type spray cleaner and some of it got into the switch mechanism causing continuous sparking.  After several attempts to flush out the cleaner (distilled water spay and rubbing alcohol) it would still occasionally spark on its own.  So I disassembled and removed the switch mechanism.  I soaked it in distilled water overnight followed by the alcohol treatment and after allowing it to thoroughly air dry it worked fine on reinstallation.  But I would would see if I could get a replacement switch assembly rather than go through the trouble if I had to do it again. Make sure it is unpluged before any disassembly.

Response:

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – at Comedian Paula Poundstone is expected to regain custody of her three adopted children today. They were placed in protective custody after her 2001 arrest for driving while intoxicated with the kids in the car. She subsequently pleaded no contest to child endangerment and spent months in rehab. Would non-adopted children be taken away in this case in the US? How intoxicated was she (just over the limit, way over the limit?) I have never heard of non-adopted children being taken away under these circumstances in the UK. A conviction for drunk driving could make approval for adoption difficult here though. Jason An already adopted child in the UK would be treated as any other child. I never heard of anyone in the UK having a child taken away because of a conviction for driving over the alcohol limit even with the kids in the car. I guess if there were a lot of other alcohol problems to go with it, that could happen. I’ve seen Suffolk Social Services move pretty quickly when it was reported to them that a single mother delivered her seven year old to school with a whiff of alcohol on her breath. But in that case just a stern warning and regular visits from a social worker for the next few months. Presumably if the only driver in a family had an outstanding disqualification, that could put a big dampener on an adoption application here. I did hear of a single father here in England having his young kids taken into care after he took them to the pub and fell asleep in a ditch whilst walking home with them. Robin jh The difference here is that there was an accusation by one of the children regarding sexual abuse.  IIRC, that was the reason why the children were removed.  The allegations of abuse were not prosecuted. Jack

That makes more sense. The original report gave the impression that the children had been taken away due to drink driving. Thanks for the correction Jason

Response:

snip I did hear of a single father here in England having his young kids taken into care after he took them to the pub and fell asleep in a ditch whilst walking home with them.

  Don’tcha just HATE when that happens?? Ghoulagirl. "Kim dictates how people think here. If she says it is so then they all believe it to be so. She lives in their heads, you see."                 – Di the Delusional Birthmother,  5/2/2002

Response:

Top Posting: I don’t know anything about this person, but I hope she can make a go of it. Helen

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – USA TODAY Comedian Paula Poundstone is expected to regain custody of her three  adopted children today. They were placed in protective custody after her 2001  arrest for driving while intoxicated with the kids in the car. She subsequently pleaded no contest to child endangerment and spent months in rehab.    I don’t know exactly how it all shook out (plea bargain).  Anybody else remember? Here’s an interview she did with Dateline NBC right after she was released from Rehab in JAN ‘01. The charges of Lewd conduct were dropped after "further investigation" And there was No DUI  for the drunk driving incident–That charge was based on an eye witness report but Poundstone agreed to it to keep her kids from having to go through the trial process. Comedian Paula Poundstone Paula Poundstone speaks out For the first time, the comic talks about the terrible accusations against her and her battle to restore her good name NBC News Jan. 22 –  Her fans would call her a gifted comedian. Her friends say she’s that and more – a kind and loving mother. So the last thing anyone ever thought was that one day Paula Poundstone would also be called a child molester. For the first time, the comedian talks about the accusation and her fight to clear her name. Maria Shriver reports.        "IT’S AMAZING THAT I get up and walk around," says Paula Poundstone. "It’s amazing that I go out in public knowing that part of the population, you know, probably never got the word that I’m not a child molester. You know, I feel awful. If there was a way I could, you know, I would rewind, I would."        Much as Paula Poundstone would like to roll life back a year, she knows her only option is to go forward. The 42-year-old comedienne fought her way up the ladder of a tough business then saw her career and reputation crash down with charges that she abused her children. She knows the road ahead will be rough.        She’s got a lot to handle in this next year. "Yes," she says. "Yeah, I do. I’m thinking a lot about what’s before us, because we’re in a precarious position right now." STUNNING CHARGES ‘It’s amazing that I get up and walk around. It’s amazing that I go out in public knowing that part of the population… probably never got the word that I’m not a child molester. You know, I feel awful. If there was a way I could… I would rewind, I would.’ – PAULA POUNDSTONE        Last June, Poundstone’s image took a serious hit when she was charged with child endangerment for drunk driving and with child sexual abuse. She was stunned when authorities took her three adopted and two foster children away.        "I think, you know, Jesus, there’s kids in the orphanages in, you know, the Balkans that the state of California believes are better off there than with me," says Poundstone. "It’s not a very good feeling."        Nor is the sensation of being under constant and intense scrutiny – and not the friendly variety she’s been used to in the past.        For more than 20 years, Poundstone has been one of the few women in comic stand-up to stand out, enough to get her own HBO specials. She was the one with the tie and the one who toyed with an audience. She was smart, neurotic, quirky, and above all else – original.        She was a workhorse, a regular for years on the strip mall comedy club circuit from Boston to Boise and beyond. She ground it out trying to get to the top of the comedy world.        "And I got to the middle successfully, and you know, which is plenty," she says. "I was the right age for going around the country doing open mike nights, and, you know, opening for a headliner for a week at, you know, very little money, and staying you know, on couches and on Greyhound buses. And I was foldable and tote-able."        And Jay Leno thought she was funny. He sent her to cover the 1992 national political conventions. It was her big break.        She was the first woman to win a cable ACE Award for her HBO special. She had a TV show briefly, headlined major theaters, and by the mid-1990s was earning more than a million dollars a year and getting the big gigs like the Emmys and presidential galas.        Her laidback act paid off, bigger venues, glitzier crowds – not bad for a small-town Massachusetts girl who says she always felt different. AN OUT-OF-STEP CHILDHOOD ‘I think that I was probably alone more than I think I should have been.’ – PAULA POUNDSTONE        "I think that I was probably alone more than I think I should have been," says Poundstone.        Did she feel out of step with other kids? "Yes," she says. "Although I had no idea how much in step that made me."        She says she still suffers from the depression and obsessive compulsive behavior that made her a challenge to her middle-class, middle-aged parents. As a teenager, she spent a year at a half-way house and several years after that, severed her ties to most of her family.        "I would rather spend time with people who bring out the best in me," she says.        And since she felt her family didn’t, Poundstone went in search of something that would. Eight years ago she found it in the foster care system.        "I don’t really know how I became a foster parent, but some of the thought processes that I recall and am aware of is, is really wanting to do something of value," she says. "Something that sort of added to the world."        A single mother, she took in one baby, then another and another – eight of them over the years. She fell in love with each of them and ended up adopting three, each of a different race, each with a different challenge, including one with cerebral palsy.        She bought a house with lots of space for kids and cut down on her traveling for steadier gigs that kept her in town with her children. HER FRIENDS DEFEND HER        Before long she was doing a lot of kids TV and became the poster mom for foster parenting and other children’s issues. Her friends say the commitment is no act.        "I think she’s a great mother," says Andrea Brandt. "She’s very dedicated. She is very loving." More from Dateline . Schedule . Homepage . Newsletter       Kathy Najimy says, "We call her Saint Paula Poundstone because of all the work she did and does with foster children. It’s just unimaginable." ‘She drove four children while she was intoxicated. That wasn’t right. She admitted it from the beginning.’ – STEVEN CRON Poundstone’s attorney        It’s a long fall from sainthood to sinner, but that’s what it looked like when news broke last June that Poundstone had been arrested for endangering four of her children while driving drunk, and for committing lewd and lascivious acts on a child – a girl.        ".with the intent of arousing, appealing to and gratifying the lust, passions and sexual desires of the said defendant and the said child."        "Yes," says Gina Satriano, the Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney handling the case.        That’s pretty tough language in there.        "When we file a case, we evaluate the evidence based on the ability to look at the evidence and determine that we believe beyond a reasonable doubt the charges can be proved to a jury," says Satriano.        Those were the charges that made the headlines initially. No one is saying who made them because the case is sealed to protect the children and there’s a gag order in effect, but it’s believed they involve a 12-year-old girl, a foster child, who had lived with Poundstone for just under a year.        "She drove four children while she was intoxicated," says Steven Cron, Poundstone’s attorney. "That wasn’t right. She admitted it from the beginning."        That’s the only thing she admitted to? "Yes," says Cron. "She has, from the beginning, denied lewd conduct charges. We said all along that she wasn’t guilty of that." A CAREER IN JEOPARDY        As soon as the allegations were made, the state removed Poundstone’s three adopted children and the two other children she was fostering at the time. She put her career on hold immediately and checked herself into an alcohol treatment center. ‘Those first two weeks of rehab, I have almost no memory of. And I think just the pressure… and just the trauma was so great, that I can’t even imagine what I said or did, you know?’ – PAULA POUNDSTONE        "Those first two weeks of rehab, I have almost no memory of," says Poundstone. "And I think just the pressure… and just the trauma was so great, that I can’t even imagine what I said or did, you know?"        The defense tried to show that whatever had transpired between the 12-year-old and Paula Poundstone, it was never intended to be a sexual act. That was critical, because in California, intent must be proven in order to prosecute anyone for sexual abuse.        "I can tell you that the district attorney’s office conducted a thorough and complete investigation, and they made the decision to dismiss those three charges and replace

… read more »

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – USA TODAY Comedian Paula Poundstone is expected to regain custody of her three  adopted children today. They were placed in protective custody after her 2001  arrest for driving while intoxicated with the kids in the car. She subsequently pleaded no contest to child endangerment and spent months in rehab.

   I don’t know exactly how it all shook out (plea bargain).  Anybody else remember?

Here’s an interview she did with Dateline NBC right after she was released from Rehab in JAN ‘01. The charges of Lewd conduct were dropped after "further investigation" And there was No DUI  for the drunk driving incident–That charge was based on an eye witness report but Poundstone agreed to it to keep her kids from having to go through the trial process. Comedian Paula Poundstone Paula Poundstone speaks out For the first time, the comic talks about the terrible accusations against her and her battle to restore her good name NBC News Jan. 22

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – "Like methadone, buprenorphrine is related to morphine. It can be abused and it can kill if taken in an overdose." This methadone treatment is like pouring gasoline on an open fire, in my opinion. The new methodology for treating addiction sounds better, but we’ll have to see if it works. Just in case you little WebTV won’t open the link.   TWO FORMULATIONS of the narcotic painkiller buprenorphine were approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Tuesday night, and under legislation signed by U.S. President Bill Clinton in 2000 they can be prescribed by specially licensed doctors and filled at a pharmacy.        The drugs, called Subutex and Suboxone, are the first two that can be prescribed under the legislation, aimed at getting drug addiction patients away from poorly attended clinics.        The new rules effectively give heroin and other opiate addicts more control over their treatment, and experts hope the combination of a new drug and easier availability will mean more addicts will seek help.        "We hope we have made a major impact on the reduction of heroin addiction," Sen. Carl Levin, a Michigan Democrat who helped sponsor the legislation, said at a news conference.        "Currently the available medications, methadone and ORLAAM (a relative of methadone), are extremely useful but ensnared in regulations that grossly limit their potential effectiveness," said Charles Schuster, a psychiatry professor at Wayne State University.  Advertisement          Fewer than 200,000 of an estimated 1 million opiate addicts in the United States are in treatment, added Dr. Harold Kleber, substance abuse director at Columbia University’s medical school. This is in part because it is so difficult to get treatment at clinics, which tend to be in urban neighborhoods and often in crime-ridden districts.        At least half of those offered methadone treatment turn it down, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Patients often dislike the atmosphere at clinics and want more of a say in their treatment than clinics offer. TWO NEW TREATMENTS        The new drugs, made by British pharmaceutical company Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals, not only block the effects of opiate drugs on the brain but also are considered less likely to themselves cause dependence and addiction.        Like methadone, buprenorphrine is related to morphine. It can be abused and it can kill if taken in an overdose.        Buprenorphine alone is sold under the brand name Subutex, while a second newly approved pill, Suboxone, also contains naloxone – another drug that interferes with the effects of opioids on the brain.        "Subutex and Suboxone are the first narcotic drugs available for the treatment of opiate dependence that can be prescribed in an office setting under the Drug Addiction Treatment Act (DATA) of 2000," the FDA said in a statement.           "Until recently, opiate dependence treatments … like methadone could be dispensed in a very limited number of clinics that specialize in addiction treatment. As a consequence, there have not been enough addiction treatment centers to accommodate all patients desiring therapy."        "I hope that FDA approval will help spur the private sector to redouble its efforts to find new cures for drug addiction," said Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch, a Republican who helped sponsor the legislation.        Hatch and others stressed that drug use should remain illegal, but said they hoped addicts would someday be treated as patients and not as criminals.        "Opioid dependence, as with other addictions, is a chronic relapsing disorder, not a character flaw, failure of will or lack of self-control. These drugs change our brains," Kleber said.