Doctors being harrased, MSIR-OXYCONTIN etc.
Question:
Try methadone. It is much cheaper than oxycontin or mscontin, and very effective. Also Kadian allows 24 hour dosing, but I believe it is expensive.
Response:
Hi – I have a good friend, an attorney, who just retired from the CA Attorneys General office as deputy AG for pharmaceutical oversight. He is the person responsible for the good changes that have taken place in CA in recent years and a true champion to our "cause." If you wish, write to me personally and we’ll see if there is a way to get you some help. Dave L D Lamborne Home: http://painlinks.org
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, My first post to Google Groups but I’m by no means an amateur to Newsgroups and Usenet. My doctor here in the Orange-Anaheim-Yorba Linda Area ended his practice and transfered to a local hospital. He had been prescribing MSIR for my phantom pain caused by the traumatic hemipelvectomy of the right leg. For those of you who don’t know what that means, I had my entire right leg and a small portion of my pelvic girdle torn off instantaniously during a Motorcycle accident in 1996. I had been taking Oxycontin 400 mgs per day until I asked if I could try something different that would allow me to only take the medication when I needed it. I could go for as much as 36 hours at times when involved in something that engaged my mind or was physically taxing. I do not feel any pain when I am asleep but sometimes experience pain immediately upon waking. The Oxycontin was over $800.00 per month but the same amount of MSIR cost only $109.00. I had a share of cost of about $324.00 for the two years I was on Cal-optima aand could not have afforded to pay for the Oxy unless I had insurance or a health plan of one sort or another. I am on Medicare parts A&B and have been paying for my meds all by myself for all these years. Have any other doctors been quiting lately. I know that the HMO-plan situation is not helping out at all here in California, and that could cause Dr.’s to end their practices early or move to another region entirely. I wish it was possible to access a clearinghouse of Physicians to see how many are being intimidated into not providing proper levels of pain relief. I can assure you, less than complete relief is not proper care when the pain is so severe it keeps you up for days and causes even those who witness the writhing and moaning and groaning to become exhausted and mentally affected by it also. It frustrates me so much to know that some lazy or even worse, a real go-getter DEA beuracrat is acting like he knows more about a patient that he has never seen than the patients own Dr. I guess their jobs are very important to them and they need to do all they can to keep them and increase the power they wield over us ordinary mortals.
Response:
Hello, My first post to Google Groups but I’m by no means an amateur to Newsgroups and Usenet. My doctor here in the Orange-Anaheim-Yorba Linda Area ended his practice and transfered to a local hospital. He had been prescribing MSIR for my phantom pain caused by the traumatic hemipelvectomy of the right leg. For those of you who don’t know what that means, I had my entire right leg and a small portion of my pelvic girdle torn off instantaniously during a Motorcycle accident in 1996. I had been taking Oxycontin 400 mgs per day until I asked if I could try something different that would allow me to only take the medication when I needed it. I could go for as much as 36 hours at times when involved in something that engaged my mind or was physically taxing. I do not feel any pain when I am asleep but sometimes experience pain immediately upon waking. The Oxycontin was over $800.00 per month but the same amount of MSIR cost only $109.00. I had a share of cost of about $324.00 for the two years I was on Cal-optima aand could not have afforded to pay for the Oxy unless I had insurance or a health plan of one sort or another. I am on Medicare parts A&B and have been paying for my meds all by myself for all these years. Have any other doctors been quiting lately. I know that the HMO-plan situation is not helping out at all here in California, and that could cause Dr.’s to end their practices early or move to another region entirely. I wish it was possible to access a clearinghouse of Physicians to see how many are being intimidated into not providing proper levels of pain relief. I can assure you, less than complete relief is not proper care when the pain is so severe it keeps you up for days and causes even those who witness the writhing and moaning and groaning to become exhausted and mentally affected by it also. It frustrates me so much to know that some lazy or even worse, a real go-getter DEA beuracrat is acting like he knows more about a patient that he has never seen than the patients own Dr. I guess their jobs are very important to them and they need to do all they can to keep them and increase the power they wield over us ordinary mortals.
Response:
RSG-ATL: The Unusual Suspects
Question:
Well if it’s Yo-Yo, then it’s Yo-Yo — The DeMented Golfer "Golf spelled backwards is flog Rick DeMent "Time to pull a quick Hank Snow." RSG roll call http://u1.netgate.net/~kirby34/rsg/dementr.htm
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What if it turns out that his name is really Yo Yo?? Who’s that You know with all the ink devoted to the gender identity of Annika I think the real "under the radar" story for me is going to be finding out Yo Yo’s real name…I’ve played golf with the guy twice and I still don’t know it…I just called him Yo Yo. — The DeMented Golfer "Golf spelled backwards is flog Rick DeMent "Time to pull a quick Hank Snow." RSG roll call http://u1.netgate.net/~kirby34/rsg/dementr.htm Interesting that "The Usual Suspects" was brought up by Annika1980. In the movie, one of the main characters is not all that he "seems" to be. Could Annika1980 be dropping us a hint? Oooohhh….the suspense. Such is the enigma, that is Annika1980. ;-)
Response:
Yo Yo is surprisingly quiet on this. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well if it’s Yo-Yo, then it’s Yo-Yo — The DeMented Golfer "Golf spelled backwards is flog Rick DeMent "Time to pull a quick Hank Snow." RSG roll call http://u1.netgate.net/~kirby34/rsg/dementr.htm What if it turns out that his name is really Yo Yo?? Who’s that You know with all the ink devoted to the gender identity of Annika I think the real "under the radar" story for me is going to be finding out Yo Yo’s real name…I’ve played golf with the guy twice and I still don’t know it…I just called him Yo Yo. — The DeMented Golfer "Golf spelled backwards is flog Rick DeMent "Time to pull a quick Hank Snow." RSG roll call http://u1.netgate.net/~kirby34/rsg/dementr.htm Interesting that "The Usual Suspects" was brought up by Annika1980. In the movie, one of the main characters is not all that he "seems" to be. Could Annika1980 be dropping us a hint? Oooohhh….the suspense. Such is the enigma, that is Annika1980. ;-)
Response:
Perhaps he’s the famous cellist 
JB — "Usenet news is rather like television; there’s a lot going on, most of it has little social redeeming value…" — Building Internet Firewalls
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What makes you so sure that’s not his real name? Randy RSG-ATLANTA Information: http://www.YouGoGolf.com/rsg-atlanta.htm The RSG TOUR: These Guys are Goons My RSG Roll Call profile: http://u1.netgate.net/~kirby34/rsg/brownr.htm RSG FAQ: http://ttsoft.com/thor/rsggolf.html Voiceovers/Narration/Voice Acting: www.RandyBrownProductions.com To e-mail me, go to my website at www.YouGoGolf.com and find the link. You know with all the ink devoted to the gender identity of Annika I think the real "under the radar" story for me is going to be finding out Yo Yo’s real name…I’ve played golf with the guy twice and I still don’t know it…I just called him Yo Yo. — The DeMented Golfer "Golf spelled backwards is flog Rick DeMent "Time to pull a quick Hank Snow." RSG roll call http://u1.netgate.net/~kirby34/rsg/dementr.htm Interesting that "The Usual Suspects" was brought up by Annika1980. In the movie, one of the main characters is not all that he "seems" to be. Could Annika1980 be dropping us a hint? Oooohhh….the suspense. Such is the enigma, that is Annika1980. ;-)
Response:
<clip supposition that Annika is T. Woods Or, maybe not. I could be wrong about the whole thing. But I think this is the most plausible and most logical explanation we’ve got so far.
You’re looking for plausible and logical? Wrong, RSG-Atlanta entrant…wrong NG:-) "Someone likes every shot" bk RSG FAQ:http://ttsoft.com/thor/rsggolf.html
Response:
LOL! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – <snip <Yo dude, stop bogarting that stuff!
Response:
Interesting that "The Usual Suspects" was brought up by Annika1980. In the movie, one of the main characters is not all that he "seems" to be. Could Annika1980 be dropping us a hint? Oooohhh….the suspense. Such is the enigma, that is Annika1980. ;-)
Response:
Ever seen the movie, "The Usual Suspects?"
Yes, but have forgotten most of it. Fine movie. However, am tempted to rent it again after reading this post.
Response:
Ever seen the movie, "The Usual Suspects?" Yes, but have forgotten most of it. Fine movie. However, am tempted to rent it again after reading this post.
Me too. You can get the list of the actual quotes from the movie by searching for them on http://www.imdb.com
Response:
this into my newsreader.. Pitts: I’m a businessman now. Annika: Yeah? What’s that, the computer business? No. From now on, you’re in the gettin’-fucked-by-me business.
Oh dear GOD. Not only is "she" a guy, Ken.. but you get to be the chick in the homo festivities after the day’s golf! BRING SOME LUBE! — Bryan S. Slick, bryan at m1a1hokie dot net "To those who preserve it, freedom has a flavor the protected will never know."
Response:
From reading the original post, one thing jumps out at me. Annika seems to be deriving much of "her" vocabulary from the vocabulary Tiger Woods, on his bad days. Perhaps… just maybe… Annika1980 is really Tiger Woods, and he just comes here to post when things aren’t going his way? That would explain the whole rush of posts this last weekend. Maybe he figures, "I cannot defeat the top PGA golfers… but I oughta be able to knock out Ken Pitts!" Then he laughs really menacingly, like he did on that "spooky" Buick commercial. "Muahahahahahaha!" Or, maybe not. I could be wrong about the whole thing. But I think this is the most plausible and most logical explanation we’ve got so far.
Response:
From reading the original post, one thing jumps out at me. Annika seems to be deriving much of "her" vocabulary from the vocabulary Tiger Woods, on his bad days. Perhaps… just maybe… Annika1980 is really Tiger Woods, and he just comes here to post when things aren’t going his way? That would explain the whole rush of posts this last weekend. Maybe he figures, "I cannot defeat the top PGA golfers… but I oughta be able to knock out Ken Pitts!" Then he laughs really menacingly, like he did on that "spooky" Buick commercial. "Muahahahahahaha!" Or, maybe not. I could be wrong about the whole thing. But I think this is the most plausible and most logical explanation we’ve got so far.
Makes sense to me! <Yo dude, stop bogarting that stuff! ;-D — Dan Driscoll Member USGA, NCGA RSG FAQ: http://ttsoft.com/thor/rsggolf.html RSG Roll Call http://u1.netgate.net/~kirby34/rsg/driscolld.htm
Response:
What makes you so sure that’s not his real name? Randy RSG-ATLANTA Information: http://www.YouGoGolf.com/rsg-atlanta.htm The RSG TOUR: These Guys are Goons My RSG Roll Call profile: http://u1.netgate.net/~kirby34/rsg/brownr.htm RSG FAQ: http://ttsoft.com/thor/rsggolf.html Voiceovers/Narration/Voice Acting: www.RandyBrownProductions.com To e-mail me, go to my website at www.YouGoGolf.com and find the link. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You know with all the ink devoted to the gender identity of Annika I think the real "under the radar" story for me is going to be finding out Yo Yo’s real name…I’ve played golf with the guy twice and I still don’t know it…I just called him Yo Yo. — The DeMented Golfer "Golf spelled backwards is flog Rick DeMent "Time to pull a quick Hank Snow." RSG roll call http://u1.netgate.net/~kirby34/rsg/dementr.htm Interesting that "The Usual Suspects" was brought up by Annika1980. In the movie, one of the main characters is not all that he "seems" to be. Could Annika1980 be dropping us a hint? Oooohhh….the suspense. Such is the enigma, that is Annika1980. ;-)
Response:
What if it turns out that his name is really Yo Yo?? Who’s that – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You know with all the ink devoted to the gender identity of Annika I think the real "under the radar" story for me is going to be finding out Yo Yo’s real name…I’ve played golf with the guy twice and I still don’t know it…I just called him Yo Yo. — The DeMented Golfer "Golf spelled backwards is flog Rick DeMent "Time to pull a quick Hank Snow." RSG roll call http://u1.netgate.net/~kirby34/rsg/dementr.htm Interesting that "The Usual Suspects" was brought up by Annika1980. In the movie, one of the main characters is not all that he "seems" to be. Could Annika1980 be dropping us a hint? Oooohhh….the suspense. Such is the enigma, that is Annika1980. ;-)
Response:
You know with all the ink devoted to the gender identity of Annika I think the real "under the radar" story for me is going to be finding out Yo Yo’s real name…I’ve played golf with the guy twice and I still don’t know it…I just called him Yo Yo. — The DeMented Golfer "Golf spelled backwards is flog Rick DeMent "Time to pull a quick Hank Snow." RSG roll call http://u1.netgate.net/~kirby34/rsg/dementr.htm
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Interesting that "The Usual Suspects" was brought up by Annika1980. In the movie, one of the main characters is not all that he "seems" to be. Could Annika1980 be dropping us a hint? Oooohhh….the suspense. Such is the enigma, that is Annika1980. ;-)
Response:
Ever seen the movie, "The Usual Suspects?" Some of the lines from it sound like they might come from RSG-ATLANTA. (I might have made a few word changes where appropriate.) ——- Pitts: I’m a businessman now. Annika: Yeah? What’s that, the computer business? No. From now on, you’re in the gettin’-fucked-by-me business. —— Joe Cartpath: Back when I was picking beans in Guatemala, we used to make fresh coffee, right off the trees I mean. That was good. This is shit but, hey, I’m at Mystery Valley! —— R&B: You think you can catch Annika1980? You think a guy/gal like that comes this close to getting caught, and sticks his/her head out? If he/she comes up for anything it’ll be to get rid of Pitts. After that… my guess is you’ll never hear from him/her again. —— Dave Kujan: Do you know a dealer named Ruby Deamer, Verbal? Verbal Kint: Do you know a religious guy named John Paul? Dave Kujan: Did you know Ruby’s in Attica? Verbal Kint: He didn’t have my lawyer, Gary Young. —— R&B: I’m telling you this Annika1980 is protected from up on high by the Prince of Darkness. [After being strip-searched.] Rob Hamilton: Man, I had a finger up my asshole tonight! Pflum: Is it Friday already? (Insert 5-iron joke here) —— R&B: The way I hear it, Annika is some kind of butcher. A pitiless, psycho, fucked-up butcher. —— [Suspects in a lineup are asked to read a phrase.] Cop: Number 1, step forward. Koenig: Hand me the keys, you fucking cocksucker. Cop: Number 2, step forward. Dement: Give me the fucking keys, you fucking cocksucking motherfucker, aaarrrghh! Cop: Knock it off! Get back! Number 3, step forward. Annika: [laughing] Hand me the keys, you cocksucker! Cop: In English, please? Annika: Excuse me? Cop: In English. Annika: Hand me the fucking keys, you cocksucker, what the fuck? —— Strauss: I just can’t believe we’re going to walk into certain death! —— Cartpath: Ohh, is that the one about the hooker with, um, dysentery? —— Cop: I can put you in Cincinnati on the night of the hijacking. Pflum: Really? I live in Cincinnati, did you put that together yourself, Einstein? Got a team of monkeys working around the clock on this? —— Pitts: One cannot be betrayed if one has no people. —— Annika (to Pflum): What about it, pretzel man, what’s your story? —— Randy: She’ll flip ya. She’ll flip ya for real. —— Bobby Knight: Let me tell you something. I’m smarter than you are. I’m going to get it out of you whether you like it or not. —— Pitts: Koenig once said, "I don’t believe in God, but I’m afraid of him." Well I believe in God, and the only thing that scares me is Annika1980. —— R&B recalls playing with Pitts: Big fat guy, I mean like orca fat. —— Annika: The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world she didn’t exist. —— Randy Brown: There’s nothing that can’t be done. —— Annika: How do you shoot the devil in the back? What if you miss? —— RSG post on Saturday Night: And then she showed these men of will what will really is. —— Annika: It didn’t make sense that I’d be there. I mean, these guys were hard-core hackers, but there I was. I wasn’t scared, I knew I hadn’t done anything they could do me for. Besides, it was fun. I got to make like I was notorious. —— R&B: So who the goddamned piss-hell stole the fuckin’ peach jacket?
Response:
Ans. to Science FAQs on Psychotherapy
Question:
PsycInstructor wrote: > Issue 1, Regarding who are good counselors (cute title for issue):
<SNIP> <SNIP> <SNIP> <SNIP> > responsibilities.
Dear Mr PsycInstructor If you actually want people to read your message then try writing in plain English. Trying to be witty, sarcastic and serious at the same time doesn’t work either and please don’t reiterate your points. This is not a University paper you are writing but a news group posting and for either I would give you a big F for communication. As for for your points some of them are quite valid but I think you misunderstand some things. For issue one I can’t work out what you ar talking about you babble on so much. For issue two you seem to be making the mistake of putting things in boxes that don’t fit. You cannot have a perfect classification system for Mental Illnesses as every case (person) is different but you are right in saying that the DSM doesn’t go far enough. Certainly we could do with a good set of tests for determination of the "possible" type of illness and these should be given out to GP’s and counsellors. As for issue three this is a problem common in other areas for example a Microsoft Certified Engineer is not an Engineer they never had to take all the University Engineering courses but that doesn’t mean they can’t do their job. It just means they don’t have a deep undestanding of the principles behind what they do. Have a Nice Day Richard
Response:
Issue 1, Regarding who are good counselors (cute title for issue): "We can’t ‘Just Go With The Best’ UNTIL We can Determine what CONSTITUTES "the Best" and make sure we know where to concentrate training to make "THE Best" otherwise we won’t really have the best and won’t really get the best. Okay ?" Let me deal with your confusion from my title (above) by trying to state the issue still briefly, but more simply: If you don’t know what good peer counselors can do or what they can easily be trained to do and handle, you will not know where you really need SPECIALLY trained (long trained) individuals or the problems that they especially need to be trained for. Trying for ten words or less: "If you don’t make comparisons with regular good people, you don’t know what you got." (scientifically speaking) (Sorry, 15 words.)] Ok, Let’s take a look at this specific issue in a little more detail: A major set of FOUNDATION research studies for the counseling/"therapy" field has not yet been done. AND indeed, ONLY 3 CONTROLLED studies (the last in 1979 !) have been done comparing the effects of counseling from professionals *with* counseling from "other reasonable helpers" (with no professional grad. training). THIS, in spite of the fact that these best studies in the area essentially show that other REASONABLE helpers do as well for arguably a broad range of problems. These studies, at the same time, indicate the other helpers are an ethical comparison group, having been found *good* for a broad range of problems for which counseling is most often sought. More recently much research shows peer counselors in colleges to be VERY helpful (though their performance is NOT directly compared to that of professional helpers in these studies). ANYWAY, these studies are NEEDED to show where professionals ARE really needed AND where treatments need to be developed (as is, this situation REMAINS VERY UNCLEAR). These studies might well also indicate the desirability of other mental health care provider roles (like well selected and well-trained peer counselors and/or more extensively trained paraprofessionals). Now to the "ethics" matter (the first defense of the many backing the status quo in the field): Not only have other reasonable helpers been shown effective for a broad range of problems in past studies, BUT ALSO: "other helpers" (peer counselors or "paras"), used as a comparison group to professionals (professionals who are licensed & grad.-trained), would ETHICALLY only have to be NO WORSE than the NO TREATMENT groups (or waitlist control groups) used today OR NO WORSE than the placebo controls used today for the study to be considered ethical. *AS WITH* the types of studies now done, clients treated by peer counselors OR "paras" could be offered professional care AFTER the study. (Today waitlist people wait up to around 3 months for treatment — they just wait until the other exactly equivalently disturbed group is treated.) AGAIN: Without these studies we do NOT KNOW where professionals are really needed or most needed. Areas where treatment developments are most needed are not being identified. (I hope readers appreciate these and other LIKELY negative effects ON CLIENTS of an inexcusable LACK of work in certain, basic areas of FOUNDATION RESEARCH.) Also, a reasonable, delineated mental health care SYSTEM (with a variety of helpers or at least specializations) is NOT being developed. IT REALLY CAN’T BE FROM ONE STANDPOINT: *BASIC FOUNDATION* RESEARCH IS *NECESSARY*. There are many things about which one cannot conclude without clear research. ——— Issue #2: (not so cute title): "If you want to have a good classification system (and you MUST if you want to be any kind of scientist), THEN you must do work on making your diagnostic (or classification) system understandable. You must at the most basic level set up definitions so people show agreement on diagnoses (or formal classification)" This requires research DEVELOPING interrater reliability SURROUNDING the specific diagnostic criteria (PER SE) — i.e. as written — between each "revision" of said criteria. This is rarely done. Regarding the therapists’ major guide for objectivity, the Diagnostic and Stat. Manual of the Amer. Psychiatric Assoc.: It is without question that one could develop criteria-through-procedures that show MUCH better inter-rater agreement than the DSM. The last time the Amer. Psychia. Assoc. published and reported COLLECTED reliability data (within the DSM itself (DSM III)), there was only a r=.7 correlation between clinicians AS TO WHETHER a client had a disorder in the Mood Disorder GROUP (or NOT). SIMILARLY, there was an equally low level of agreement on whether a client had a disorder in an Anxiety CATEGORY (or NOT) (quite inadequate!!). (Often there is disagreement on whether a disorder is an Anxiety Disorder or a Mood Disorder.) AND this is all beside the issue that today’s "diagnoses" are possibly good for very little and possibly often more destructive than constructive. VERY VERY little work was done investigating the inter-rater reliability of criteria *between* DSM-III and the meeting of the DSM-IV committee to define "new" diagnostic "options." In fact, only 14 of the top 40 diagnoses had ANY inter-rater reliability data generated on their criteria in the 15 years since DSM-III (source: DSM-IV Sourcebook, Vol. 2). Judging by the "new" ICD-10 criteria and their inter-rater reliabilities, we can expect the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria to show little better inter-rater reliabilities than DSM-III (the DSM-IV criteria were made to be very similar and consistent with ICD-10). To comfort us in some way a number of therapists say "we don’t like diagnoses either." A GOOD RETORT: I don’t care about diagnoses, but you still need good definitions THROUGH THE PROCEDURES YOU USE within an agency to have the minimum science standard — decent inter rater agreement. Otherwise you cannot discuss anything clearly with any others (you can’t communicate). I am in no way comforted by the INDIVIDUAL therapist making his decisions in idiosyncratic ways, with way too little accountability. (It is a principle: power corrupts. Without accountability or communication you will have an inappropriate degree of power BECAUSE it is in no way appropriately negotiated, sanctioned, or scientifically monitored.) I am quite aware that "therapists" often do not use the DSM. They VERY often do not use ANY proven diagnostic OR CLASSIFICTION system. They think what ever they want and do whatever they want. I can’t believe that people can possibly be given doctorates in this area (esp. given I have well shown that clinicians are in NO real sense whatsoever "science-practitioner" – in NO sense at all). See http://homepages.go.com/~psycadvoc/it.html for more. —— Issue #3: (not cute at all) : "Claims of Being "Science-Practitioners" are Fraudulent, Misleading and Scientifically Unethical" People of science should do the main basic science practices when and where they can (e.g. in their own local agencies or professional group). To be a "science-practitioner" you must do some science practice, not just read science (or in this case read a hodgepodge of poor science and speculatively "extrapolate"). To be a "science-practitioner" you must clearly and regularly engage in some science procedure. Extrapolating from studies done in the irony tower is NOT practicing science. In fact, it is doing NOTHING special OR professional at all. Such a person is acting just as a lay reader of science and unless the practitioner uses the results of the single study (or much more rare, a study program) *directly* and in a controlled manner, he is only speculating. In NO substantial way is their any truth to the claim that clinical psychologists, etc. are science practitioners. Clinical psychologists do not have the discipline to establish good operational definitions WITHIN AGENCIES (e.g. for defining (i.e. diagnosing) personality disorders). NO PROGRESS CAN BE MADE UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES (and many other similar problems-in-science cases). Because they are not scientists they cannot progress OR really work well together. They cannot self-evaluate. DSM criteria are so far from good operational definitions, I would not dignify them with the word "criteria." I know of no counselor or agency that has made any credible attempt at scientific respectability (or any that could be argued to be doing such). It is simply pitiful and inexcusable. Practice, as is, is actually an abuse of power and taking advantage of vulnerable populations. Someday such practice may result in law suits. Using diagnostic procedures that do lead to excellent inter-rater agreement is certainly possible today, not only at some level but at a useful level. At present counselors and therapists don’t even respect each other. Since I am trained in psychology myself I know what is meant when it is said that therapists are "trained in scientific methods." Trouble is they engage in no regular (much less integral) scientific PROCEDURES in the normal or typical conduct of their work. This is true to such a degree it is unacceptable. And it is true of all therapists I know of. Again, their failure to develop operational definitions of personality disorders that at least show excellent within agency inter-rater reliability is an excellent illustration. There is correspondingly a lack of proven agreement on the application of procedures (loosely called "therapies") and on the assessment of results IN actual practice. The field itself recognizes deficiencies in how "therapies" are considered "validated." (Obviously with this problem most treatments should NOT be termed "therapies.") The fact that the idea of scientific procedure INTEGRAL in a therapist’s daily work makes no sense to many therapists is not surprising. THERE ARE NONE!! I would hope you could see a … read more »
Response:
showcases
Question:
Hi. I have some questions about acting showcases. First, what exactly is the point of an acting showcase? What can an actor gain from it? Second, what goes on at an actor showcase? Do the actors there read monologues in front of audiences or what? And third, how can one sign up for a showcase or find some more info on them? I am a 17 year old female actress from Massachusetts and I am just seeking some info about showcases, as I have heard they can open doors and that some agents go to them. Thanks very much!
Response:
Hi. I have some questions about acting showcases. First, what exactly is the point of an acting showcase? What can an actor gain from it?
A showcase is precisely what the name implies, Mer: a way for actors to showcase their talent. Not every actor is able to be working in (even non-paying) roles every day. The catch 22 of the biz is, if you ain’t working, you ain’t going to get work. A showcase is a structure for actors to present themselves in a piece and invite casting people and agents to come and see them perform, and hopefully help them find more work. Other things a young actor can gain: experience in performance in a less-threatening environment (as opposed to a play), valuable tips on the technical performance aspect of the theatre (you’d be surprised how many times I’ve had to help an actor understand "stage left, right, upstage, downstage"), stuff like this. Second, what goes on at an actor showcase? Do the actors there read monologues in front of audiences or what?
Usually, a group of actors will perform scenes from plays or short plays themselves, depending on the structure of the show. There are some monolog showcases, but thankfully very few, because there’s very little dramatic tension for an audience when there is a series of individuals presenting monologues. There are monologue showcases done for specific agents or casting directors, who are paid to pay attention, but these will cost you money to be in. Avoid them. And third, how can one sign up for a showcase or find some more info on them?
Your best bet is to go find the drama department of the local college. Usually there are notices for showcases interested in presenting actors. Alternatively, if you take a class, sometimes the class itself might put together a showcase periodically. Or…you can make one yourself! Carl — I promise to change my sig lines as often as I change my underwear. – CASalonen
Response:
Hi. I have some questions about acting showcases. First, what exactly is the point of an acting showcase? What can an actor gain from it?
The first acting showcases I spotted were in L.A. during the mid-70s. Until then, the "way to get seen" by an LA agent or CD was to get cast in an Equity Waiver production which rents one of those many under-99 seat theatres. Then a few clever entrepreneurs realized that there were sooooo many thousands of actors who didn’t want to do a full-length show (or just couldn’t get cast.) And thus they created actor showcases. For $25 (probably $35-$50 today) an actor gets to show his/her stuff, sometimes in cold readings, sometimes with a prepared monologue during the noon hour. The assumption was that agents and CDs would see your work and, if they liked you, would give a business card and invite you to arrange an interview/audition. And for a while, this worked. But within a few years, it became apparent that many of the "auditors" were coming for a free lunch and their cut of the financial pie. Then it became apparent that some of the agents or CD’s who were coming were receptionists, secretaries and gophers for agencies, but not the real agents. Every once in a while, a poster on alt.acting will mention that they made a valuable connection from an acting workshop, and then it’s pointed out that for every one actor who was seen and signed, there were thousands of others who paid their money and never got even a nibble. There are a series of articles called "Scamwatch" that discuss this and related issues. Take a look at: http://www.Eperformer.com Second, what goes on at an actor showcase? Do the actors there read monologues in front of audiences or what?
Some showcases (of the variety you’re talking about) ask for monologues, while others have you do cold copy readings, solo or with a scene partner. The variation on this theme is literally imported from L.A. or N.Y. — a group of TA’s and CD’s will come to your home town for a weekend, charging rates like $750-$1200. The sad thing is that CD’s of the calibre of Mike Fenton (CSA) do this… and they do it for the bucks and first class accommodations. Nobody gets "discovered" in a weekend acting showcase in Des Moines, Iowa (even though there are marvellous actors who ply their livelihood in that fair city.) And third, how can one sign up for a showcase or find some more info on them? I am a 17 year old female actress from Massachusetts and I am just seeking some info about showcases, as I have heard they can open doors and that some agents go to them. Thanks very much!
Start with the Boston market, call SAG/AFTRA local and ask for information on publications (general press or speciality) that deal with acting for stage and camera. There’s a good change that you’ll find with a bit of web searching websites like EPerformer (which I mentioned earlier) that include audition notices, interviews and articles about the local market and links to agencies, acting coaches, etc. There is another kind of actor’s showcase…. what is commonly called a theatre showcase. These usually are found in major marketplaces and are the extension of a professional actor’s workshop…. the best of the best might take workshops/classes for 3-4 months focusing on specific projects (scenes, monologues). The end result is a theatre showcase…. a sample of actor’s best work. The usual audience is fof: friends and family. The focus is on the stretch, the growth and putting all that to the test of a friendly, receptive audience. I do these at my own Studio, and once in a while, I’ll invite an agent when I know that a particular actor needs to be seen. Break a leg, Bill — THE ACTING STUDIO http://gvtg.com/theactingstudio
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http://www.Eperformer.com
What a nice little site. Thanks for introducing it to me. Are you affiliated with it, or what? Anyhow, I’ll be sure and direct traffic there if I have the chance. How handy, especially for the newcomers. Lisa
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http://www.Eperformer.com What a nice little site. Thanks for introducing it to me. Are you affiliated with it, or what? Anyhow, I’ll be sure and direct traffic there if I have the chance. How handy, especially for the newcomers. Lisa
and to tag on to Lisa’s comments, it is now on my list o’ links. —
*UK medical advisors push abortion drugs for own profit*
Question:
Charles, is schmiley the robot feeding you this SPAM from around the globe? Don’t you have any other interests in your life?
Response:
UK Gov’t Medical Advisors Linked to Pharmaceutical Companies LONDON, Aug 10 – Two thirds of the UK Government’s board which licenses new drugs, including abortion-causing drugs, have financial interests in the pharmaceutical companies producing the drugs. The Times in London reported on Tuesday that some of the 39 scientists on the Commission on Safety of Medicines have investments worth $225,000 (CDN) in drug companies such as SmithKline Beecham, whose profits are largely dependent on the agency’s decisions. The paper reports that many others have received extensive financial support from pharmaceutical companies for research. The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children notes that the commission recently recommended that abortifacient morning-after pills should be made available without prescription in the UK. Interestingly the company mentioned in the Times report, SmithKline Beecham, has already come under scrutiny by pro-lifers. LifeSite has obtained an order form for aborted baby parts for research issued by the Pennsylvania office of SmithKline Beecham. For more see the Times at: http://www.the-times.co.uk./news/pages/tim/2000/08/08/timnwsnws01019.htm l
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When pro-lifers distort the truth, it’s just as wrong as when pro-choicers distort the truth. Note to Ray: I am an equal opportunity anal retentive. I think everyone on BOTH sides of the debate should tell the truth. While this is a serious problem with the UK’s board, it has nothing to do with abortion, and everything to do with government corruption. I am 100% sure that the board is corrupt in all areas of drug production, not just morning-after pills. See down for the REAL text of this article. Cheers, James Ewing Indiana University Actual text of the article: The Times August 8, 2000 Medical advisers linked to firms BY HELEN RUMBELOW, MEDICAL REPORTER TWO THIRDS of the Government’s board that licenses new medicines have financial interests in pharmaceutical companies, it was revealed yesterday. Some of the 39 scientists on the Commission on Safety of Medicines have investments worth
vulgarity and rudeness
Question:
I am new to this group and it appears that you are all a bunch of high school kids acting stupid. Rest assured anxiety is no laughing matter and I am sure we that suffer from its affects no not appreciate the type of juvenile behavior exhibited by members of this group.
James, As you are new to the group perhaps you should refrain from making such generalities. Most of the members of this group are kind, supportive, and civil. However, in the midst of the most recent troll attack, some have found it necessary to give the trolls a dose of their own medicine. Ambulance Boy I’m not an ambulance chaser. I’m usually there before the ambulance.
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I am new to this group and it appears that you are all a bunch of high school kids acting stupid. Rest assured anxiety is no laughing matter and I am sure we that suffer from its affects no not appreciate the type of juvenile behavior exhibited by members of this group. James
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I am new to this group and it appears that you are all a bunch of high school kids acting stupid. Rest assured anxiety is no laughing matter and I am sure we that suffer from its affects no not appreciate the type of juvenile behavior exhibited by members of this group. James
Hi James and welcome to ASAP! Your reaction is understandable as we are witnessing some turmoil which no doubt will subside soon. Your opinion of ASAP is a bit premature though. It would have been better if you first would have lurked for a couple of weeks as is often advisable. Everybody here has a serious anxiety disorder and much experience and knowledge, support and friendship is shared here as you will hopefully find out for yourself. Philip
Response:
Anywhere in Ontario Acting Classes
Question:
<< Im looking for ACting Classes good ones not naff, not crap , and also good price not sky high? would anyon eknow Jon Where are you? Guelph, Montreal, Toronto, London, Winnipeg…? All of these cities (and more) usually offer very good classes via their universities. Christina
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Uh… it would help to know where your located? And what is "Naff"? Paul Buckner (last name added to distinguish self from voice-over promo guy) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Im looking for ACting Classes good ones not naff, not crap , and also good price not sky high? would anyon eknow Jon
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Im looking for ACting Classes good ones not naff, not crap , and also good price not sky high? would anyon eknow Jon
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aha and brian rezac
Question:
P.S. Nice to see you back online, and thanks for the .signature quote. — Joel Plutchak "You may write me down in history/With your bitter, twisted lies, You may trod me in the very dirt/ But still, like dust, I’ll rise." – Maya Angelou, Still I Rise
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Any new homebrewers association should be built and run by homebrewers not other organizations. The AHA is run by a few without any say from those that pay. Support, not ownership, from the noted organizations would be of great benefit. Brian, you lead, I’ll follow. Burp, -Dan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I say look to the BJCP to see how grass-roots organizations come into being, and how they pan out Yeah, it’s too bad the AHA can’t revolt and split from the AOB. Just like the BJCP did from the AHA. Leave Charlie and that whole mess behind. Keep the structure intact, just put better people in charge. Uncle Joe, The AHA has so much baggage. It’s been mismanaged for a while now. Why bother splitting it off? I think we need to just start anew with an organization that is run by homebrewers for homebrewers and is honest and up front with it’s constituants. I’m not sure whose text you’re replying to, so I’ll give it a shot. I think there is a lot of room for change within the AHA. And maybe that change can’t happen as long as the same management is in place. But the structure is in place, and I think it would be really hard to start up a new, competing organization completely from scratch and have it go anywhere. There’s just too much inertia that needs to be built up, and a dwindling base of homebrewers who could keep it going (IMO, of course). That said, there does seem to be a bit of collusion between the MCAB, the BJCP, and Brewing Techniques. Could that be the basis for a new organization? Would the people involved in those ventures want to band together and start a real organization? I dunno, but it’s interesting to think about. — Joel Plutchak "You may write me down in history/With your bitter, twisted lies, You may trod me in the very dirt/ But still, like dust, I’ll rise." - Maya Angelou, Still I Rise
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Well… This really SUCKS!!!! Shame on you AHA….. Spitdriver
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Fellow Brewers and Beer Enthusiasts, I’ve been fired…given the boot, axed, bounced, canned, discharged, disemployed, dropped, let go, sacked, terminated. It’s the policy of the Association of Brewers not to announce such happenings, but I just wanted to let you know and to tell you all how much I’ve enjoyed my time at the American Homebrewers Association. Especially being able to work for, and with, such a wonderful group of people…homebrewers. Thanks for the ride! PS – I’m in the Longmont, Colorado phonebook and I’ve set up an email have access to it. Keep in touch. Slainte! Brian Rezac former Administrator American Homebrewers Association
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This is exactly the sort of bullcrap which caused me to cancel my membership almost 2 years ago. I’d suggest that members flood them with Email to let them know how upset they are. cheers, -Alan — — Alan McKay http://www.bodensatz.com/
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well… This really SUCKS!!!! Shame on you AHA…..
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This is exactly the sort of bullcrap which caused me to cancel my membership almost 2 years ago. I’d suggest that members flood them with Email to let them know how upset they are.
My initial reaction was similar, but then I realized that drawing conclusions based on *extremely* incomplete information is not a good idea (not very scientific, if you will). When I saw Paul Gatza’s reply on the AHA TechForum, I understood how the situation might be more reasonable than it initially sounded. Heck, I was (more or less) impressed with some of the things Brian Rezac has done at the AHA, but I completely understand how somebody can be a good person yet a not-so-good employee in a particular position. I’ve been in at least one such position, and while I wasn’t canned I was quite happy to move on and suspect my employer was happier, too. Anyway, the moral is to not let (over)reactions get out of hand until we know the full scoop. — Joel Plutchak "The cold war is done, finished, a thing of the past. People should… live in perfect harmony and love each other together." – Sergei Khrushchev
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Anyway, the moral is to not let (over)reactions get out of hand until we know the full scoop.
Good point, however I am less than confident that the AHA would ever give us "the full scoop". Another reason for being so frustrated with them … cheers, -Alan — Alan McKay Small Site Integration 613-765-6843 (ESN 395) Nortel Networks Internal : http://zftzb00d/alanmckay/ All opinions expressed are my own.
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When I saw Paul Gatza’s reply on the AHA TechForum, I understood how the situation might be more reasonable than it initially sounded. Heck, I was (more or less) impressed with some of the things Brian Rezac has done at the AHA, but I completely understand how somebody can be a good person yet a not-so-good employee in a particular position. I’ve been in at least one such position, and while I wasn’t canned I was quite happy to move on and suspect my employer was happier, too.
Good point, Joel, and I can think of a good analogy: Jeff Rheinbold. That name probably means nothing to most of you, unless of course you live in Canada, or you happen to watch ESPN-23 at 3 am when they might run a taped CFL game if there is a shortage of competitive bungee-jumping or underwater frisbee events available. The man was our football team’s coach and GM for almost two years. He arrived in town as a breath of fresh air, he wore an earring and rode a Harley, he was brash, outgoing, loved by his players, by the media, by the public. He was a public relations person’s dream. The only problem was he was a lousy coach and GM and turned a mediocre team into the league joke. His final record was 7-29, but when he was fired, there were still people calling into the talk shows, screaming about the injustice of it all. The point of this is, being popular and having good intentions does not necessarily mean you are good at the job you were hired to do. Management, as a rule, does not operate on a philosophy of, "What can I do today that’s really stupid and guaranteed to piss people off". The AHA was almost certainly aware of Mr Rezac’s popularity, and knew that this parting of ways would be met with some outrage. They decided they had to do it anyway. Numerous people have posted to complain about the lack of organization in the AHA, not being able to get competition results in a timely manner, etc. It appears from Mr Gatza’s response that this was one area where Mr Rezac was not getting the job done, and was not making the necessary corrections to get the job done in the future. One can dismiss this as corporate lies, but that attitude is based more on cynicism, than on any real knowledge of the facts. If I was a member of the AHA (I prefer to contribute my homebrewing support money to our Canadian equivalent, CABA) I would not be acting rashly and dumping my membership over this. If you have other issues, that lead you to conclude that you are not getting good value for your membership dollar, fine. But a few people leaving (and believe me, it will not be a noticeable percentage) will not bring the AHA to its knees, and will not get Mr Rezac his job back. Public displays of protest, while they may make you feel better personally, really accomplish nothing. Real beneficial change comes from becoming part of the "system", and working within it to make a difference. It is a long slow process that requires tremendous patience, and an acceptance of the fact that you will probably not personally benefit from getting the wheels in motion. As always, IMHO. Brian
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Anyway, the moral is to not let (over)reactions get out of hand until we know the full scoop. Good point, however I am less than confident that the AHA would ever give us "the full scoop". Another reason for being so frustrated with them …
Why should the AHA publicize internal employee matters? Every place I’ve ever worked here in the US has had a strict policy of giving out nothing but dates of employ and salary, because to do anything else would invite lawasuits, either from the terminated employee of from a future employer of said employee. Add to that the fact that you’re *not* and AHA member, and ask yourself if you have *any* reason to expect them to do anything for you. Paul Gatza’s message (reproduced without permission previously in this newsgroup) added a reasonable perspective to the situation. Other than over a beer in Longmont sometime, I certainly don’t expect any further explanations. — Joel Plutchak "The cold war is done, finished, a thing of the past. People should… live in perfect harmony and love each other together." – Sergei Khrushchev
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Businesses are one thing but an association or club is completely different (not necessarily from the legal ramifications though). An association is about membership and everyone being a part of the whole. Although from what I read, I think the HA is more a business than an Association. BTW, is it a non-profit organization? I have never belonged to the AHA because I fail to see what it could provide me in return for my bucks. However, I would be glad to join a true association or club where each member gets an equal vote and things are decided in a democratic way. Burp, -Dan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyway, the moral is to not let (over)reactions get out of hand until we know the full scoop. Good point, however I am less than confident that the AHA would ever give us "the full scoop". Another reason for being so frustrated with them … Why should the AHA publicize internal employee matters? Every place I’ve ever worked here in the US has had a strict policy of giving out nothing but dates of employ and salary, because to do anything else would invite lawasuits, either from the terminated employee of from a future employer of said employee. Add to that the fact that you’re *not* and AHA member, and ask yourself if you have *any* reason to expect them to do anything for you. Paul Gatza’s message (reproduced without permission previously in this newsgroup) added a reasonable perspective to the situation. Other than over a beer in Longmont sometime, I certainly don’t expect any further explanations. — Joel Plutchak "The cold war is done, finished, a thing of the past. People should… live in perfect harmony and love each other together." – Sergei Khrushchev
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Good point but the problem is nobody seems to want CP’s fixes and you can;t vote him out of office. I am not an AHA member because all that I have read here. I would defenitely join a grass roots operation and put up with the begingings to see something proper come out of it. Burp, -Dan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Blades) writes: I seriously think that your collective best option is to resign from the AHA and start another organisation pdq. Yeah, a lot of people are using this as (yet another) excuse to vent, etc. I say look to the BJCP to see how grass-roots organizations come into being, and how they pan out. I have nothing in particular against either the AHA or the BJCP– I’m a member of both. But from where I sit both organizations suffer from the same problems– lack of response, lack of organization, lack of people who will follow up on commitments, extreme readiness to circle the wagons and become ultra-defensive when given constructive criticism (I’m expecting it as a result of this message). The main difference between the AHA and the BJCP, as I see it, is that the BJCP doesn’t have dues and doesn’t pay the "employees." I think forming yet another organization would not only be counterproductive, but would lead to exactly the same thing in the end– an organization that is understaffed for the amount of work there is to do. In my experience, organizations like that only work in the local, small-scale case, e.g., homebrew clubs, and even then it takes at least one dedicated person to keep ‘em going. — Joel Plutchak "The cold war is done, finished, a thing of the past. People should… live in perfect harmony and love each other together." – Sergei Khrushchev
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I say look to the BJCP to see how grass-roots organizations come into being, and how they pan out
Yeah, it’s too bad the AHA can’t revolt and split from the AOB. Just like the BJCP did from the AHA. Leave Charlie and that whole mess behind. Keep the structure intact, just put better people in charge.
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I seriously think that your collective best option is to resign from the AHA and start another organisation pdq.
Yeah, a lot of people are using this as (yet another) excuse to vent, etc. I say look to the BJCP to see how grass-roots organizations come into being, and how they pan out. I have nothing in particular against either the AHA or the BJCP– I’m a member of both. But from where I sit both organizations suffer from the same problems– lack of response, lack of organization, lack of people who will follow up on commitments, extreme readiness to circle the wagons and become ultra-defensive when given constructive criticism (I’m expecting it as a result of this message). The main difference between the AHA and the BJCP, as I see it, is that the BJCP doesn’t have dues and doesn’t pay the "employees." I think forming yet another organization would not only be counterproductive, but would lead to exactly the same thing in the end– an organization that is understaffed for the amount of work there is to do. In my experience, organizations like that only work in the local, small-scale case, e.g., homebrew clubs, and even then it takes at least one dedicated person to keep ‘em going. — Joel Plutchak "The cold war is done, finished, a thing of the past. People should… live in perfect harmony and love each other together." – Sergei Khrushchev
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I say look to the BJCP to see how grass-roots organizations come into being, and how they pan out Yeah, it’s too bad the AHA can’t revolt and split from the AOB. Just like the BJCP did from the AHA. Leave Charlie and that whole mess behind. Keep the structure intact, just put better people in charge.
Uncle Joe, The AHA has so much baggage. It’s been mismanaged for a while now. Why bother splitting it off? I think we need to just start anew with an organization that is run by homebrewers for homebrewers and is honest and up front with it’s constituants. Brian Rezac Homebrewer
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I say look to the BJCP to see how grass-roots organizations come into being, and how they pan out Yeah, it’s too bad the AHA can’t revolt and split from the AOB. Just like the BJCP did from the AHA. Leave Charlie and that whole mess behind. Keep the structure intact, just put better people in charge. Uncle Joe, The AHA has so much baggage. It’s been mismanaged for a while now. Why bother splitting it off? I think we need to just start anew with an organization that is run by homebrewers for homebrewers and is honest and up front with it’s constituants.
I’m not sure whose text you’re replying to, so I’ll give it a shot. I think there is a lot of room for change within the AHA. And maybe that change can’t happen as long as the same management is in place. But the structure is in place, and I think it would be really hard to start up a new, competing organization completely from scratch and have it go anywhere. There’s just too much inertia that needs to be built up, and a dwindling base of homebrewers who could keep it going (IMO, of course). That said, there does seem to be a bit of collusion between the MCAB, the BJCP, and Brewing Techniques. Could that be the basis for a new organization? Would the people involved in those ventures want to band together and start a real organization? I dunno, but it’s interesting to think about. — Joel Plutchak "You may write me down in history/With your bitter, twisted lies, You may trod me in the very dirt/ But still, like dust, I’ll rise." – Maya Angelou, Still I Rise
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The only problem is that – as Dan pointed out – this is supposed to be a club that you pay membership dues into. In this circumstance, it is my opinion that they do owe an explanation to the people who pay their dues. Of course, I also think that those same people deserve a vote in matters, and they don’t get that, so I’m not suprized about this.
If we are a club(as I understand it in the UK) then we should have some say in the running of it ,right down to the presidents salary and his/her salary/expenditure on our behalf. In the UK (under the hated EU) we have a say in what the chairman of any association can and can’t do,what salary they should receive,if any.What expenses they may claim(and if they are excessive then we can get them prosecuted) And ,I’ll probably get the next remark flamed,you are the land of the I seriously think that your collective best option is to resign from the AHA and start another organisation pdq. My best wishes to you all Elizabeth
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Good point, Joel, and I can think of a good analogy: Jeff Rheinbold. That name probably means nothing to most of you, unless of course you live in Canada, or you happen to watch ESPN-23 at 3 am when they might run a taped CFL game if there is a shortage of competitive bungee-jumping or underwater frisbee events available.
The only problem is that – as Dan pointed out – this is supposed to be a club that you pay membership dues into. In this circumstance, it is my opinion that they do owe an explanation to the people who pay their dues. Of course, I also think that those same people deserve a vote in matters, and they don’t get that, so I’m not suprized about this. cheers, -Alan — Alan McKay Small Site Integration 613-765-6843 (ESN 395) Nortel Networks Internal : http://zftzb00d/alanmckay/ All opinions expressed are my own.
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The only problem is that – as Dan pointed out – this is supposed to be a club that you pay membership dues into.
Actually, it’s a not-for-profit wing of a larger business. Yeah, it’s in a somewhat gray area, but it’s not on the same level as a local homebrew club. How many homebrew clubs have a magazine on a newsstand, or pay their workers, or report to the IRS as a not-for-profit business? I’m still bemused that people who have had no dealings with the AHA can get so worked up on so few facts. Frankly, I’ve had direct dealings with the AHA for the past few years, and while I won’t comment on specific matters, I can say that I have some reason to be less than 100% satisfied. I can’t say whether that’s Brian Rezac’s fault, but I also can’t say that it isn’t. So now both Paul and Brian have made public statements. I’m satisfied (and am still a Zymurgy subscriber), at least until I have that beer in Longmont. Or Detroit next summer. Or St. Louis next Spring. — Joel Plutchak "The cold war is done, finished, a thing of the past. People should… live in perfect harmony and love each other together." – Sergei Khrushchev
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I’m still bemused that people who have had no dealings with the AHA can get so worked up on so few facts. Frankly, I’ve
I’ve had plenty of dealing with them, both as a member of several years, as well as an author. -Alan — Alan McKay Small Site Integration 613-765-6843 (ESN 395) Nortel Networks Internal : http://zftzb00d/alanmckay/ All opinions expressed are my own.
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This is exactly the sort of bullcrap which caused me to cancel my membership almost 2 years ago. I’d suggest that members flood them with Email to let them know how upset they are. cheers, -Alan
I used to be a member of the AHA over here in the UK,I dropped my membership just after Cathy Ewing rang me to say that she was coming to England and she would like to visit with me(She rang from CO). We fixed a date,and I arranged for someone to look after my shop. The day came and went,no call. Now I took the view that if she could ring me from CO to fix a date ,then to ring when she was in this country to apologise would be not too big a deal. I brought this up with CP when I next saw him and all I got was a smirk. Well Charlie boy, at first I treated as one of those things, but recompense for the cost of a clerks wages would not go amiss.And she is very expensive. All I have to say is thank goodness the post I was offered to contend for(as a member of the advisory board)was refused. I have no desire to be associated with an organization such as this. Charlie you had your time and you abused it. None of us will ever know the true reasons for BR’s termination of employment.We can only speculate. Cheers Liz
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i am really sorry to hear of the aha’s latest stupidity. brian was a breath of fresh air in a musty organization and i think he was really starting to accomplish some things. i guess thats why he was fired. everytime i start to think nice things about the aha they immediatly bounce me back down
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Fellow Brewers and Beer Enthusiasts, I’ve been fired…given the boot, axed, bounced, canned, discharged, disemployed, dropped, let go, sacked, terminated. It’s the policy of the Association of Brewers not to announce such happenings, but I just wanted to let you know and to tell you all how much I’ve enjoyed my time at the American Homebrewers Association. Especially being able to work for, and with, such a wonderful group of people…homebrewers. Thanks for the ride! PS – I’m in the Longmont, Colorado phonebook and I’ve set up an email have access to it. Keep in touch. Slainte! Brian Rezac former Administrator American Homebrewers Association
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I copied this from a post in the AHA Forum Techtalk 2, its somewhat interesting, although is raises more questions than it answers. Rumor has it that Brian Rezac has been let go. Any explanations from Jeff Beinhaur, Camp Hill, PA Home of the Yellow Breeches Brewery from Paul Gatza: Yes unfortunately that rumor is true. I have known Brian since the first time he came in to the homebrew shop after his wife Nancy bought him his start-up kit. We are friends and will continue to be. Brian’s amazing interpersonal skills did not, unfortunately, transfer into the administrative realm. Brian was in a probationary period and unfortunately did not meet the terms of that probation. It is a sad day at the AHA. Brian’s legacy will certainly be positive as Big Brew showed how talented, creative and motivating he can be. There was another side that did not show publicly. Although I was disappointed with the lack of organization with this year’s NHC, the missed deadlines and the wasted member dollars that resulted, that was not reason alone for taking this action. But it did continue a pattern of behavior that led me to lose confidence in next year’s NHC had things continued on as they were. I presented Brian with a list of eight expectations, some of which were directed to standard employee/employer functions and others specifically related to the program work here. I felt he left me no choice and that continuing to employ him was an unfair use of member funds when he could not meet even the most basic item that any employer would expect of any employee. Believe me I wish it did not have to happen. – Kevin Eddy Life is to short to drink bad Beer!
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i am really sorry to hear of the aha’s latest stupidity. brian was a breath of fresh air in a musty organization and i think he was really starting to accomplish some things. i guess thats why he was fired. everytime i start to think nice things about the aha they immediatly bounce me back down
I haven’t heard anything, what’s the news? Phil
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Everyone's an actor.
Question:
Everyone on the fucking planet is an actor. If you think about it it’s the only logical choice left in our society. No one is allowed to voice their own opinions or feelings no matter how much they may want to. It’s impossible. No one would ever believe it if someone actually told the complete and utter truth, if there even is such a thing. It’s pounded into our minds that you can only reveal your true self to a few select people, but it ends up that we can’t, finally, do it because then we would be breaking our programming of silence, so we all become actors playing on the stage of what everyone calls ‘real life’ when the only real life is in your mind, if that because it’s so hard to admit even to yourself what you’re really thinking and feeling. So fuck the system that makes us so fucking stupid and fuck everything and everyone that contributes to the system, including me and you. Yes you. Fuck you. Jade.
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Jade, you would seem aptly named, but I hope you’ve got that out of your system, for at least a very long time. Jeremy Ps You’ve got to work on your technique, you’ll find some tips on how to do that at http://www.Jeremy-Whelan-Acting.com
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Gee, Jade, they make some really tasty brands of decaffeinated coffee. May I suggest you try some? Seriously, Jade…gee, if you think acting is what "everyone" does because acting is about not being your true self, and hell, everyone lies every day to survive, then I’m afraid you miss the point about acting. Actors ARE allowed to express our true selves, only thing is, we get to do it in public without anyone really knowing what the hell we are really up to. Yes, everyone lies every day. We suck up to the boss, or we go to a bar and hoist a few and pretend to be some action hero or demure princess, but in truth, we all have to wake up to ourselves each day. It was the waking up part that pushed me into acting. As for honesty, any actor…fuck, anybody, has to choose between being popular and people-pleasing, or being truthful. We have to make that choice many times, but the most important time we make that choice is the first thing each morning. We stand in front of the mirror, putting on make up or shaving, and we have to decide, "Do I want to be, or do I want to do?" Most of us say "Do". I say "Be". <yea, I know…Do Be Do Be Do
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Fear personnel
Question:
Hey, I was wondering if anyone out there knew the names of the members of the early-80’s LA punk band Fear. There was Derf Scratch and I think Flea (of the RHCPs) was in there too. Plus, I read that Fear once recorded an unused "theme song" to the movie "Neighbors" with Belushi and Aykroyd. Does anyone know if it made it to an album/CD? The song was rejected by the movie studio, much to Belushi’s frustration. Thanks, Alan
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Though it defames the name of Fear to be mentioned in alt.music.alternative, Hey, I was wondering if anyone out there knew the names of the members of the early-80’s LA punk band Fear.
Original: Lee Ving (Vox/gtr) Philo Cramer (Gtr) Derf Scratch (Bass) Spit Stix (Drums) Discography: Self Produced Single (?? b/w Must have been something you said, now your dead) 2 tracks on Decline of Western Civ soundtrack _The Record_ (Slash) "Fuck Christmas" single (Slash) b/w radio edit _More Beer_ (Slash) _More for the Record_ (??) recently released CD of a live radio broadcast from KPFK (somewhere in the 1984-6 range). The meeting of Derf and John Belushi is chronicled in the Belushi bio _Wired_. The song "Neighbors" was never released (and I’ve never seen a bootleg of it). Fear appeared on SNL on Halloween 1981 (I think), Donald Pleasence was the guest host. Derf left in 1982, replaced by Flea (x-What is this, later in the Red Hot Chill Peppers), then replaced by a guy who’s name I’ve forgotten, but he was doing double duty as the bass player for the Dickies at the same time. The second bass player appears on _More Beer_ and the live record. The band broke up when Lee went into acting full-time, but his career has never really gotten off the ground. He’s the heavy in _Dudes_, _Black Moon Rising_, and recently _The Taking of Beverly Hills_ (now on cable?). On TV, he’s been on _Three’s Company_ and _Fame_. He also had a cowpunk band called Rangewar, and has relocated to Austin, TX. They recently got back together for a few shows in CA with a new bass player name ?? MacGreogor. Rumors were of a new album and national tour, but they never materialized. When Lee was on the radio promoting the tour (Loveline of all things), he mentioned having a band in Austin. Does anyone from the Lonestar state have any more info? — 3531 Boelter Hall UUCP: …!(uunet,rutgers,ucbvax)!cs.ucla.edu!reeves
Response:
On 16-Jul-92 in Fear personnel Hey, I was wondering if anyone out there knew the names of the members of the early-80’s LA punk band Fear. There was Derf Scratch and I think Flea (of the RHCPs) was in there too.
Lee Ving - singer Philo Cramer - lead guitar Spit Stix - drummer As far as I know, they’ve had three different bassists. Derf Scratch was one of them (he played on _The Record_, I think), and so was Flea except he didn’t play on either of their two studio albums. I forget who played on _More Beer_. I haven’t listened to these albums in years. – Thomas Lee
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Hey, I was wondering if anyone out there knew the names of the members of the early-80’s LA punk band Fear. There was Derf Scratch and I think Flea (of the RHCPs) was in there too. Plus, I read that Fear once recorded an unused "theme song" to the movie "Neighbors" with Belushi and Aykroyd. Does anyone know if it made it to an album/CD? The song was rejected by the movie studio, much to Belushi’s frustration. Thanks, Alan All I know is that the lead singer’s name was Lee Ving. There is some excellent footage (c. 1980) of Fear in a documentary film on the L.A. punk scene around the early 80’s. The name of the film is The Decline of Western Civilization.
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Though it defames the name of Fear to be mentioned in alt.music.alternative, Hey, I was wondering if anyone out there knew the names of the members of the early-80’s LA punk band Fear. Original: Lee Ving (Vox/gtr) [...] The band broke up when Lee went into acting full-time, but his career has never really gotten off the ground. He’s the heavy in _Dudes_, _Black Moon Rising_, and recently _The Taking of Beverly Hills_ (now on cable?). On TV, he’s been on _Three’s Company_ and _Fame_. He also had a cowpunk band called Rangewar, and has relocated to Austin, TX. Didn’t Ving play ‘Mr. Body’ in the film ‘Clue’? — John O’Neil "Occasionally I believed I had thoughts of my own — who does not now and then become the victim of such delusions?" — Paul Feyerabend
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Wasn’t Fear and Derf mentioned in ‘Less Than Zero’ by Bret Easton Ellis. I don’t know about the movie, but I remember Derf for some reason. Mustafa