RICH-C: test
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changed username to George RICH-C: good evening George George: hello Rich RICH-C: nice to swee you made it RICH-C: hows the health tonight? George: better RICH-C: that's good to hear even if it's temporary George: my computer is sluggish RICH-C: you folks getting the benefit of that east coast storm? George: no its dry but cold now RICH-C: bummer RICH-C: most of the coast seems to be getting quite a young blizzard RICH-C: I know that you folks really need a good bout of precipitation George: where is everyone? RICH-C: oh, it's early times yet, they'll bve by RICH-C: Bob may not be back from Florida yet George: everytime a strm comes near it either goes north or south RICH-C: I tried to tell him about Slingshot but I'm not sure he got the message RICH-C: well, it is also important what happens up in the Poconos, in the Delaware watershed RICH-C: I suspect that is whre Philadelphia gets its water from George: we get it from new youk state RICH-C: Really? That far away? I'm astonished RICH-C: northern New Jersey I could see, it's part of your watershed
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changed username to Scott RICH-C: see, here's someone else now Scott: Hello, Rich George: the poconos covers the chesappeake RICH-C: hi Scott, how's it going? Scott: Good. RICH-C: anything to report on the disc drive? Scott: How are you? Scott: Oh, crap. Scott: I totally forgot about your drive. RICH-C: hope you got those images OK RICH-C: because I don't have them any more Scott: Phonecall George: i'm losing my floppies RICH-C: right - George I see what you mean RICH-C: the Delaware rises in New York state RICH-C: why are you losing your floppies, George? George: they fell all over the floor RICH-C: oh, you mean they just spilled RICH-C: mine do that all the time George: 2000 floppy pickup RICH-C: these days it's even more annoying 'cause I don't bend as well as I used to RICH-C: how come you have so many floppies? George: i don't either RICH-C: went out shopping today and now my left hip is telling me about it George: i like to hoard things on floppy Scott: Ok, back Scott: Yes, I have your drive RICH-C: and welcome back, Scott Scott: My dad sent it along with all my other ADAM stuff RICH-C: anyway, you did put those images on a CD, right? Scott: He did some repair work Scott: But it was my understanding he didn't finish repairing it. Scott: So it's semi-repaired. RICH-C: well, can you give it a try and see if it works? Scott: Sure. RICH-C: OK, if it's respectable, I would want it back Scott: I must dig it out of all my ADAM stuff. RICH-C: though wasting postage on a defunct drive might not be wise Scott: Sure, it's yours, so you should get it back. RICH-C: if necessary it could wait till Adamcon Scott: I don't know how to repair drives. If I did, I would finish the job. RICH-C: which when you come to think of it isn't far way now Scott: I won't be coming to ADAMCon, so I'll have to ship it. Scott: I can't come due to the cartridge investment. RICH-C: you can't make Adamcon? That's a disappointment! Scott: It's about 8,000 dollars Scott: So I have to choose between ADAMCon and possibly the Classic Gaming Expo RICH-C: well, maybe by August you'll be getting enough return to come by Scott: The expo is where we will sell tons of ColecoVision carts. Scott: It's over here in Nevada. RICH-C: when and where is it, Scott? Scott: Not that I'm in Nevada. Scott: Las Vegas. RICH-C: well, you are a few days drive closer to it than we are Scott: I received your images fine. RICH-C: that's good bexcause my hard disc croaked - knock of death Scott: I was waiting to update my site until AT&T released the names I was using. RICH-C: the computer's in the shop now getting the replacement put in Scott: Bummer. Scott: I have been playing a brand new ColecoVision cartridge called Cosmo Fighter 3 RICH-C: well, if I am extraordinarily lucky, the drive image I made Jan. 20th was successful Scott: It's very good. We will be manufacturing a limited quantity. RICH-C: if so, I'll get it back in its state as of Jan. 20th and only lose a month's work Scott: I have scrapped plans to use Telegames for plastic manufacturing. Scott: We are now using a company in Taiwan. Scott: But we are in the early stages. RICH-C: you've been doing a fair amount of entreprenurial work of late, then RICH-C: George, do you play Colecovision games? Scott: There's a lot of interest in ColecoVision development Scott: Larger than I had anticipated. RICH-C: you'd never know it by the action on eBay Scott: Actually, a limited release copy of Mrs. Space Fury recently sold for a few hundred dollars. Scott: I was shocked. Scott: Others weren't. RICH-C: (stunned silence at this end) Scott: Also, check out some of the auctions for the rare carts. RICH-C: maybe I should try some of those Expansion Modules and see if they work Scott: Those Xonox double ender cartridges are being sold for over a hundred dollars. Scott: You won't get much for an expansion module. RICH-C: I only have one of the RICH-C: one end is Artillery Duel and the other isn't Scott: Marcel Kogel, the creator of ADAMEm created Cosmo Fighter 3. Scott: He's also got another project he's working on. Scott: I'm trying to get an e-mail response so that I can share development tools. RICH-C: right, in that case I may even have a ROM image, maybe of teh alpha version
moved to room Meeting Place Scott: I too am getting involved in game development Scott: But not a lot of time.
changed username to james RICH-C: he did put up a sample a couple of years back, didn't he? james: good morning RICH-C: good morning, james Scott: Of Cosmo Fighter 1 & 2. Scott: Those never came out as cartridges. Scott: We'll correct that pretty soon. RICH-C: like, Cosmo Fighter is a SERIES? Scott: Cosmo 3 is brand new. Scott: I am playing an unfinished build. Scott: Yes, teh Cosmo Fighter series. RICH-C: who'd 'a thunk it? George: i had to make an emergency run to the BR. Scott: Love to do more with my ADAM, but the activity right now is in the ColecoVision world. RICH-C: ah, I was wonderingv where you had got to, George Scott: You may not leave! Scott: Hah! George: it was unexpected RICH-C: I tend to consider Colecovision as simply part of Adam, not a world of its own Scott: Heh, it certainly is a world of its own. Scott: ADAM is merely an extension of ColecoVision. RICH-C: I think you'll find james is a part of it - or wants to be George: my ADAM is back in mothballs Scott: ColecoVision's the original. RICH-C: no, Colecovision is simply one example of the many powers of Adam Scott: Bzzt! Wrong! RICH-C: little more respect there for your elders, Scott! Scott: ADAM is an example of what ColecoVision could be with a little more memory, drives, etc. james: sorry, i've been spacing out - part of what? Scott: Just giving you a hard time! RICH-C: Colecovision, james - you're a game enthusiast Scott: ColecoVision is what led me to ADAM. George: i used my ADAM for many things Scott: So I have great respect for both camps. RICH-C: of course - it supports the extended, really good games Scott: Those who like ColecoVision for games only, and those who use ADAM for development purposes. james: yeah. on occasion. i'm working on getting some stuff together. when and if i ever have free time i think it would be a very interesting project to james: port ms. pacman RICH-C: and me, who only bought it to finally get a typewriter that worked like a typewriter should james: since it was written for the z80. of course the graphics and sound routines would need to be rewritten. Scott: James: have you seen the ROM of Pacman for ColecoVision? Scott: That could help. james: i have it on cartridge scott :) Scott: You have the ColecoVision cartridge of Pacman? james: that's what got me thinking about ms. pacman. they're almost the same game. james: i most certainly do. interested? Scott: Yes, very. Scott: Didn't know it ever got released. Scott: I assumed that it only was available in ROM format. james: i also have dig-dug, steam-roller, powerlords and another i can't bring to mind right now. Scott: I am currently contacting Marcel to get some of his tools for game development. Scott: Lord of the dungeon, by chance? RICH-C: where is Marcel these days, by the way? Scott: Supposedly, I have a copy of LOD on the way. james: no, don't have that. never heard of that. Scott: Guess what? Lord of the Dungeon is the first game to ever use battery backup. Scott: It's an RPG. Scott: A true RPG for the ColecoVision. Scott: As I've been told, at least. Scott: If you are serious about your project, then I have some people you need to talk to.
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moved to room Meeting Place RICH-C: you mean the cartridge itself had a battery backup? Scott: I am heading a project right now to manufacture plastic casings. Scott: Yes, Rich. RICH-C: that I never heard of Scott: I will also be manufacturing a number of new ColecoVision releases. Scott: Neither did I until I found others out there. RICH-C: I do hope the market is as good as you think Scott: These games are courtesy of Good Deal Games. james: oh yeah, now i remember. battery backup and memory on the cartridge. Scott: Yes, that one. Scott: Rich -- we'll be doing limited releases of about 100 cartridges. james: 100 new cartridges? RICH-C: whoops, someone tried to get in but fell off Scott: According to Mike who has sold Sega CD releases, people are screaming for his ColecoVision releases. Scott: The only way to manufacture is in limited runs. james: i'd definitely be interested.
moved to room Meeting Place RICH-C: yes, you have to hold down your investment - it's a very dicey business Scott: I will be manufacturing 2,000-3,000 casings.
changed username to Guy B. Scott: Shortly. RICH-C: hello Guy Guy B.: Greetings!!!! Scott: That should be enough for all of our future releases. George: hi Guy Scott: Hello. Scott: Guy. Scott: James -- how serious are you about your project? RICH-C: not a big output, but in a country of 330 million, there should be that many buyers james: you mean porting ms. pac-man? Scott: Between Marcel, Mike and I we can get your cartridge dreams to the market. Scott: Yes, or any other projects. Guy B.: What!!! Ms. Pac-Man for the Adam? james: well i'm interested but lacking in technical knowledge. i've asked for help several times on the board getting z80 manuals i need and haven't had james: much luck. RICH-C: that's what you get for coming in late, Guy - they have even bigger plans Scott: James, I and others can help you. Scott: So you've never programmed the z80 before? james: i have macadam, but still need a printer to hook it up to. i don't have the tecnical knowledge to do anything right now. Guy B.: Fill me here. Are we talking about more unreleased games for our dearly beloved computer? Scott: Do you have ADAMEm? Scott: Yes. james: no. i did a little 8086 assembler in university, not much else and nothing with sound or graphics. but i am a good programmer, not to be immodest and james: learn fast under the right environment. Guy B.: How is this going to be done? james: i have adamem. Scott: Good Deal Games is releasing Cosmo Fighter 3 (Marcel) and an unnamed snow game. Guy B.: I'd guess it would be available at Marcel Scott: It's already being done, Guy. Guy B.: Marcel's website, right? Scott: You can create a ROM easily with TASM. james: as for my "projects" they're pipe dreams now but are the following: james: ms. pac-man Scott: The ROM won't be available on Marcel's site until we've sold through all the cartridges. james: tasm, yeah, that's the z80 assembler, right. i think i actually have that in my adamem diry. Guy B.: That's fantastic. We need more of these games that never came out or are being developed. Scott: Marcel has a minimum of 2 projects. Cosmo Fighter 3 is 99% done. james: i'm working on getting source code for a game we had on a machine called the nabu network in ottawa called "zot". very fun game but might be 6502 Scott: There are others on the way as well. james: and a game called "grog" (not grog's revenge) Scott: Hmmm. Guy B.: I know I've downloaded the original one he did. Scott: You need to check out Adamcon.org. Scott: Yes, now he's done part 3. Scott: It's pretty good. Scott: I've been playing an unreleased build. RICH-C: Scott, is Marcel still in Holland? Scott: But I can't distribute it, sorry. Guy B.: I guess their's Cosmo Fighter 2 there. Scott: I have it because I'll be burning the EPROMs. Scott: The boards are being printed as I speak. Scott: The biggest hurdle is going to be the plastic. Scott: A company in Taiwan is manufacturing it for us. Guy B.: Scott, what are you plans on the distribution of the games? Scott: But we are early in the process. RICH-C: maybe you should just recycle old CV carts - Donkey Kong or such Scott: No manufacturing of old carts, sorry. RICH-C: lots of them around, dead so cheap George: i would like that james: why not, scott? Guy B.: That's not a bad idea on that. Scott: Guy: I manufacture the carts here with my girlfriend, Good Deal Games distributes. Scott: If you want black cartridge shells. Scott: Used black cartridge shells. Scott: What we're planning hasn't been done. Guy B.: Ok, where will they be sold at? james: did you have other colours in mind? Scott: I'll leave it at that. Scott: The cartridges themselves will be very collectible. Scott: Highly collectible for the plastic alone. Scott: That is all I will say. james: jee. well i think you've said enough. Scott: Guy: www.gooddealgames.com Guy B.: You're keeping us in suspense Scott. Guy B.: Ok, I'll check that out. Thanks. RICH-C: oh, I suspect the kitty is pretty well out of the pouch Scott: Go to the site and check out the information regarding upcoming releases. Scott: It's under Publishing. james: @rich, yeah, i think i've got a good idea of what scott has basically said. Scott: Both are Marcel's creations. RICH-C: to chanbge teh subject, gentlemen: I have a puzzle Scott: Change the subject? Scott: So, James, if you are serious about getting involved, I can forward you information that I have. RICH-C: on my 166MMX I removed the 33.6 modem and put a 56 in its place Scott: If you've done some assembly work, you should be alright. RICH-C: even though I uninstalled to 33.6 and installed the 56, no joy Scott: The z80 is pretty easy to program. Scott: First you need to check out ADAMCON.ORG's resources. Scott: There's quite a few things that will help. james: yes scott, i am, and i'm interested in making new games. Scott: Also grab TASM while you're at it. RICH-C: won't go into gory details, but couldn't get the 56K to work RICH-C: even though Windows recognized it and confirmed installing the driver Scott: I found a link to it off a French guy's site. Scott: Can't think of his name. james: i think i have that already. let me check. RICH-C: tried putting the 33.6 back in and it wouldn't work either RICH-C: uninstalled and reinstalled both at teh same time Guy B.: Rich, what's the latest word on your new system? Scott: Marcel has indicated that if these releases do well, he has other projects in mind. RICH-C: the 33.6bowrked by the 56 didn't Scott: It's kind of exciting being involved. Scott: I have my own releases planned, but must get the manufacturing process in place first. james: okay scott, i have adamem, i have tasm301, what i need is documentation. RICH-C: when I physically interchanged the modems in the slots, the 33.6 worked, the 56 didn't Scott: I've got the boards and chips, next plastic. RICH-C: I'm baffled Scott: James: Need an e-mail address. Guy B.: Rich, did you remove the old modem from the system panel? james: also, will there be deals or at least first grabs on releases on other games for people in the development pool? RICH-C: Guy: the hard disc went t.u. - it's in having the replacement fitted now james: decarlo@mx.miracle.ne.jp RICH-C: with luck I will have it back tomorrow james: that will change soon since my itea.jp domain will be up very soon. RICH-C: meanwhile I'm on the old 166MMX at 33.6 Guy B.: I hope to have mine back by the weekend. I should hear from the dealer either tomorrow or Friday. james: i always reply to my e-mail, so if you send me stuff, i *will* reply. i'm not one of those people who don't reply to e-mail. RICH-C: Guy, I fully uninstalled physically and at the software level Scott: James: Yes. Among first grabs, there are other great incentives. RICH-C: in fact the Logicode 33.6 now thinks it's a 56K ifx Guy B.: I'm glad I kept this old P133. I'm thinking about upgrading the Bios on this one. Scott: I assume that the very first release of each game will go to Marcel. Scott: These carts are all numbered. Scott: Mike at GDG will get #2. I'll probably get the third release because of my role. Guy B.: Did you try using the Add New Hardware Wizard and manual installing the new modem? Scott: The lower the number, obviously, the more valuable. RICH-C: Guy: yes, every permutation and combination thereof james: well i'm more interested in just having them. i don't need a low release number per se as i doubt i would ever re-sell them. Scott: James -- here's a link to get you started. Scott: http://www.adamcon.org/jeff_frohwein/ james: but as long as you and your group deal fairly and equitably, you'll find i'm a very good person to work with.
moved to room Meeting Place Scott: Good.
changed username to Pamela Guy B.: What about the drivers? Pamela: Hi everyone Guy B.: Hi Pam, where were you last week? RICH-C: hi daughter Pamela: I was there last week Guy, it was the week before I missed George: Hi Pamela Scott: James: I am currently writing some documentation on ColecoVision programming. Scott: There's also a programming manual that Dr. Drushel is trying to restore. Scott: We should both contact him for this. Scott: E-mail me at gordon.s@attbi.com Scott: I need to go now, but we will talk more, James. Scott: See ya!
Scott left chat session Guy B.: Ok, that must have been it. Did you dad tell you my 1 year old computer is in the shop. Possibility a virus got to my two PS/2 ports. Pamela: Bye, Scott james: okay, will be in touch. Guy B.: Scott left fast. Pamela: that was a quick exit RICH-C: yes, just zap Pamela: Dad, howcome you're capitalized? Guy B.: He want's to stick out. RICH-C: no, had the caps lock on accidentally when I did it james: hey pam RICH-C: and didnt bother to change Pamela: Yes, James? james: how's it going? Pamela: Tired but good Pamela: and yourself? RICH-C: Pam, I hope to get my computer back tomorrow Pamela: Did they figure out what's wrong? RICH-C: yes, hard drive was toast - head failure Pamela: oooo, not good Pamela: warrantied? Guy B.: Rich, was that drive new? Pamela: whole 'puter is less than three months old RICH-C: yes, it was warranted,I only got it Dec. 12 Pamela: did you lose everthing that was on it? RICH-C: that depends on whether my first try at a disc image was successful RICH-C: the software said it was james: pretty good. just waiting now on the baby. less than a month to go. Pamela: I'm keeping fingers, toes and eyeballs crossed for you, Dad RICH-C: if the image was successful, I've only lost additions after Jan .20 Guy B.: Let's hope you can restore that sucessfully. Pamela: Is it really so soon? Seems like just yesterday you found out! james: unfortunately, i have a bunch of stuff to do today to, so i'm also on my way out. james: yeah, getting the nursery ready etc. Pamela: Well, I didn't mean to drive people off RICH-C: yes, incipient parenthood puts obligations on a man Guy B.: Ok James. See you next week. RICH-C: see you next week, james james: today i need to put in some time making some homework for my students. they're gonna love me. Guy B.: Don't overload them. Pamela: is'nt that what you strive for? james: nah. easy stuff. just printing and writing practice. RICH-C: yeah, give them my modem problem to solve Pamela: (yuck, my spelling and grammer are atrocious this evening) james: grammar.. james: ;-) Pamela: very funny james: :D RICH-C: pity most spellchecks wont work with chat Pamela: : O Pamela: not enough time james: so i will see you all next week! RICH-C: bye then Guy B.: Bye James. Pamela: Bye James james: bye guy, bye rich, bye pam, bye george! james: *poof*
james left chat session Pamela: and they're all spelled correctly RICH-C: George, you're being quiet again RICH-C: mind you, Scott and James really had something going there George: i'm too slow Guy B.: My dog decides to take my warm spot on the love seat and fell asleep. RICH-C: no such thing as too slow Pamela: I hear there are some really good typing programs for the ADAM . . . : ) RICH-C: when we're running six different threads anyway, just type and hit return when ready Guy B.: Expert Type is one of them. Pamela: problem is, sometimes you comment on a thread that's gone by already RICH-C: so what? just put your brain in m7ultitasking mode Guy B.: I'm thinking about heading back to school this fall and might go for a PC End User Specialist or Networking. George: i had 3 years of typing in high school i can't do it Pamela: I got my practice on an IBM typewriter Pamela: thank goodness for correction RICH-C: I never had a typing course - likely would have flunked if I tried Pamela: and the backspace key Guy B.: I took typing in my sophomore year in high school. Pamela: and by the way, I left my brain at work George: all i can do is be a pecker RICH-C: that's why I bought the Adam - I could proofread before committing to paper Pamela: ah yes, the "seek and ye shall find" typist RICH-C: yes - search, discover and land Guy B.: That says it all! Pamela: if it makes you all feel any better, I passed typing with a 55 RICH-C: oddly enough, I need to watch the keyboard, even though my fingers are usually ahead of my vision Pamela: talk about the skin of my teeth George: i can't get past 5 Pamela: I can't watch the keyboard any more, it makes me disoriented Guy B.: When I had my final exam for my typing course. I was at 31 wpm. I think I'm around 50 now. RICH-C: man, a speed demon Pamela: plus if I'm copying from something else, I can't go back and forth or I make myself sick Guy B.: Well, I do data entry everyday and letters with Word 2000. So, I gained alot. RICH-C: don't speak to me about transcribing something - it would take ages Pamela: speed is not so great anyway if you don't have the accuracy Guy B.: Very true. Pamela: if you want something transcribed ask me to do it RICH-C: note made, daughter George: i even failed special ed Pamela: That must have taken work, George RICH-C: no, but I'll bet a lot of absence had something to do with it Pamela: ain't school wonderful? George: you don't know Guy B.: I had to send a letter up to my translations dept to translate a letter from English to German. Got the letter back the same day. Today, I get a revised one due to typo. RICH-C: of course in teh meantime you've mailed the original, right, Guy? Pamela: gotta watch them foreign typos - you never know what you might be saying RICH-C: right, and some of them can bev real howlers Guy B.: No, I didn't mail it out yet. I needed my supervisor's signature and she didn't sign it yet. So, I printed the revision and put it back in the folder for her to sign when she's ready. George: can we get voice chat? RICH-C: no, for now we're stuck with written Guy B.: You have to ask Dale about that. Pamela: besides, there's something fun about the written version Pamela: otherwise, it's just chatting on the phone Guy B.: We can do this.
(Guy B. groans loudly) RICH-C: yes, and if you get only serious ground, you can look it up in the archive later
(George winks) Guy B.: See, now we can have some fun. George: so much for extras RICH-C: Guy, Pam, saw just the thing for you when we went shopping today Guy B.: What did you see for us? Pamela: and what was that, Dad? RICH-C: Canadian Tirde was offering a cat window seat Pamela: Got one. Guy B.: Jeanene has one for her cat Zoe. She loves it. RICH-C: oh, your mother was contemplating it but didn't know if it would fit your window RICH-C: how do you keep Inky and Willow from fighting over it? Pamela: it isn't up at the moment, but when it was, Willow was the only one interested in it RICH-C: where did you put it? Pamela: Instead of fastening it down, we had it propped on a milk crate George: i may have to come to Canada to get pills RICH-C: what kind of pills dod you need, George? Pamela: In the living room window, over the oak table RICH-C: Inky was likely too lazy to climb up to it Pamela: Inky is not a big fan of window sitting Pamela: Absolutely no interest in catching a 747 RICH-C: doesn't like to chase the 747s as they go by? Pamela: Willow, on the other hand . . . Pamela: We keep telling him if he can catch it, he can keep it Pamela: so far, no success RICH-C: Guy and George: this is a family joke George: nexium, atenolol, cozaar, zyprexa , wellbutrin Pamela: plus, I just don't know where we'd store it RICH-C: seems Pam's cats don't realize how far away aircraft are Pamela: Gesundheit, George RICH-C: seem to think they're birds near the balcony railing Pamela: how do you remember all that stuff? RICH-C: that's quite a list of medications, George RICH-C: I assume that the issue is price George: i forgot prevacid RICH-C: those are of course all prescription stuff, right? George: the HMOs are refusing to pay Pamela: will they pay if you get it across the border? Pamela: or is it simply a matter of they're cheaper here? RICH-C: no, but our prescription prices are much lower than those in the US George: i don't know Pamela: couldn't prove it by me - one of my inhalers is nearly $200 retail RICH-C: have you checked that Meditrust discount outfit? They're more or less around the corner from you Pamela: plus dispensing fee Pamela: I dont' pay retail - I have a drug plan RICH-C: Guy, George: our government health insurance does not cover drugs Pamela: $3.00 per prescription for three months worth George: i wonder what will happen if stopped taking all of my meds RICH-C: ask your doctor RICH-C: he might be inspired to write a little letter to the state attorney-general George: my doctors will get very angry RICH-C: if you lived long enough for it to do you any good RICH-C: if you have a contract with an HMO, the contract should be honoured Pamela: Well, I think it's time for me to split - the room is starting to spin RICH-C: OK daughter - take care George: HMOs here make their own rules as they go RICH-C: Congress has had some things to say about that lately, George Pamela: Sorry to hit and run, but I'm pooped RICH-C: I'm not sure if the legislation is through yet, but I think it is Pamela: See everyone next week? RICH-C: I'll be here Guy B.: Bye Pam Pamela: Good night, Dad Pamela: Good nite, Guy and George George: yes but they are trying to sweep it under the rug RICH-C: nite Pamela: Dad, will call over the weekend RICH-C: OK but check the race schedule George: nite Pamela Pamela: I will. I'm gone : )
Pamela left chat session Guy B.: I might as well go too. See you all next week. I'm working Saturday, so I won't be there to chat. RICH-C: OK Guy, see you next week then
Guy B. left chat session George: it seems like it is bedtime RICH-C: yes, getting on that way, George RICH-C: before you go though, one or two points George: ok RICH-C: if you like I can find out if our local discount pharmacy sells to US customers George: ok RICH-C: also, I am not clear on the legislative split between the states and the feds on HMO governance George: its a big mess RICH-C: but I seem to have read that there's a federal place to complain if an HMO is not honouring its contract obligations RICH-C: also I know in many states the attorneys-general or consumer offices will interceded if you're being diddled George: right now HMOs do as they please to make profits RICH-C: I think you may have some very effective support at your disposal if you seek it out RICH-C: they have been stepped on federally and in many states - check out what Pennsy will do for you RICH-C: you might get a pleasant surprise George: i don't have a chance with the present Govenor RICH-C: don't bet on that RICH-C: I know what you mean - our provincial premier is a (sorry - can't say -t - would melt the wires) George: he's in the corner of the HMOs RICH-C: but there is a structure of consumer protection law you can avail yourself of RICH-C: I'd try to say more but I don't know how 50 differntstates structure their bureaucracy George: its a mess to say the least RICH-C: yes, but you can find your way through it if you try RICH-C: start with a Google search on, say, "Health care" George: at the voting booth RICH-C: that will likely lead you to ast least some useful sites RICH-C: try looking at sites in the ".gov" domain - those are federal RICH-C: you may see some trustworthy names in the ".org" domains George: yes, it will take time RICH-C: several hours, yes RICH-C: but if it ends up with your HMO being brought to heel, it's worth it RICH-C: you need the drugs and you need them paid for RICH-C: there are state agencies and volunteer groups that will help you RICH-C: but they can't do anything until you tell them you';re there and you're hurting RICH-C: go for it, George RICH-C: you have everything to gain and nothing to lose George: i will RICH-C: good on you. Be here Saturday? George: yes RICH-C: OK, I'll try to remember and join you RICH-C: with luck, you might have some good news to report even then RICH-C: I'll be looking forward tovit George: i tried last saturday but i didn't make it till 3:20 RICH-C: oh, Dr. D. was on from 3 to 3.30, I got on at 3.23 RICH-C: we broke off early, though - there was a problem on the internet George: oh i said hi to dr. d but i got no response and i thought he must have just signed off RICH-C: anyway, look for you this weekend RICH-C: likely he was looking away at the time RICH-C: but we'll do better this time round George: ok nite Rich RICH-C: but now as you say the hour is getting on RICH-C: nite now George: bye
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changed username to Meeka
Meeka left chat session
moved to room Meeting Place
changed username to rich-c