=======================================================================
T h e F i d o G a z e t t e! Volume IV Number IV April, 2010
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+--------------------------+------------------------------------------+
| .----------------------. | dr.debug: dr.debug @ filegate.net |
| | A monthly E-Zine | | bbslists: bbslists @ filegate.net |
| | published by Fidonet | | articles: fidogazette @ filegate.net|
| | to promote BBSing | +------------------------------------------+
| | ____________. | |
| | / __ | "Anyone who has never made a mistake |
| | / / \ | has never tried anything new." |
| | WOOF! ( /|oo \ | Albert Einstein |
| \_______\(_| /_) | |
| \@/ \ | Got Something To Say? |
| .---.\ _ | Say it in the |
| (jk) _ |usb| \ \\ | =The FidoGazette= |
| / | .___. \ ))| |
| / | /_ | / \// | Editor: Janis Kracht |
| |___| // || _\ / | janis @ filegate . net |
| .--`-. (_|(_|(____/ | janis kracht 1:261/38 |
| |____| (jm) | |
+--------------------------+------------------------------------------+
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==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=Contents=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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Contents...................................................(i)
Editorial..................................................(1)
Notes from the Z1C - Reminder..............................(1)
New and Returning Members..................................(2)
Importance of POTS technology..............................(3)
Old School Toolbox: It's Not All About You.................(4)
Food.......................................................(5)
Batter Up!.................................................(6)
FidoGazette BBS List.......................................(7)
Info (Where to Send Articles)..............................(8)
Page i
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T h e F i d o G a z e t t e! Volume IV Number IV April, 2010
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Editorial
=========
It seems neverending sometimes... why do people think that we don't
need modems and LD plans, etc. these days... Are you thinking the
answer is "We don't need them anymore, we've got VOIP, 24/7 internet
connections, dedicated servers, the internet for news, emergency and
otherwise... who needs the _added_ cost."
Well, this issue looks at some reasons why you might want to pull that
modem out of the closet and some ways you can use it.
It is true that we don't want to lose sight of a vision for the future,
and we want to continue to progress - but I do believe we need to
examine what problems any exclusions might create, if we go only in one
direction (ION). Your comments are welcome, of course. (fidogazette @
filegate.net or netmail to 1:261/38 Janis Kracht)
=#=
Notes From the Z1C
==================
**********
*Reminder*
**********
From the Z1C
============
Region 14's RC, Jeff Smith has had a health setback which prevents him
from participating in Fidonet for the time being. His family is not
sure whether he'll be back or not.. I know Jeff had mentioned retiring
from the RC position as some point in the future to me, so at least I
was somewhat mentally prepared for his leaving. I hope his health
improves in any case! But we'll miss you Jeff! Jeff was always there
to help new nodes in his region, giving his time and knowledge whenever
needed.
Region 14 nodes who are not connected to an echomail feed should
contact myself at 1:261/38 ( janis @ filegate . net) or Ross Cassell
at 1:123/500, or Bob Seaborn at 1:140/1. You should connect to the
following regional echos:
R14_CHAT
R14_RC
R14_REC
R14_POST - -
Once you are connected either netmail me at 1:261/38, or say HELLO in
the R14_CHAT echo. Hopefully we'll get an election for a new RC going
there soon. If that doesn't work out, I'll be appointing the new RC.
Thanks to all who are helping "lost" members get reconnected.. our
usual suspects that I know are helping out are Ross Cassell, Bob
Seaborn and Richard Webb. Thanks again for providing links to these
echos.
Additionally, these are the results of polling various R14 members from
my system (still working on some of them at this point):
**Present 1:282/1055 Robert LaPrise
**Present 1:282/1045 Richard Vonzel
**Present 1:298/5 Jon Justvig
**Present 1:300/3 Bob Ackley
Connected, waiting for response 1:282/1050 Nicholas Boie
**Present 1:288/34 Gaylen Hintz
Connected, waiting for response 1:289/51 Christopher S Wilson
Information received from Rob Starr 1:300/5 Brad Hansen
Waiting to hear from Brad.
Note: My mailer reports No Carrier on a Binkp Connection that is down.
Most of these are Internet nodes, not telephone nodes. My mailer knows to
switch to the correct type of connection.
== 1:289/49 Kim Palmer (DOWN)
No Carrier 1:298/2 Todd Wilson
No Carrier 1:298/3 Keven Coots
Domain not found/ 1:298/4 Charles E Pratt
No answer, no ping 1:298/6 Gordon Jones
Domain not listed/host not found 1:299/14 Aelksander V Galiyev Pvt
Domain not listed/host not found 1:2800/18 Todd Boyd
No contact info 1:2800/22 R Sharp (PVT)
No contact info 1:2800/24 Tom Davidson (PVT)
550 - Invalid mailbox: ViperUSA@kc.rr.com 1:2800/5750 Viper
Busy constantly will keep trying 1:2809/0 Mark D Winton
No info available 1:2809/5 Brett Miller (PVT)
Domain not listed/host not found 1:2905/2 Jay Hodges
Domain not listed/host not found 1:2905/10 Barry Davis
Election for a new R14C will take place either when we have some more
members present, however I may decide to appoint an RC without an
election.
Janis
Z1C
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T h e F i d o G a z e t t e! Volume IV Number IV April, 2010
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=========================
New and Returning Members
=========================
From http://www.filegate.net/zone1/ and other mirror sites such as
http://www.filegate.ca/zone1/
New Members:
===========
Robert Ridigns Auckland, New Zealand, Zone 3
Welcome!
Returning SysOps:
================
Nikita Sarychev Swampscott, MA R16
Welcome Back!
=#=
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T h e F i d o G a z e t t e! Volume IV Number IV April, 2010
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Importance of POTS Technology
by Janis Kracht
Mike Luther gave me permission to include a post of his in this month's
edition of Fidogazette. Some of us consider our POTS/Modem lines just
as essential as our internet connection. True, if your main objective
is surfing the web, you may have other priorities. Thankfully, there
are still people like Mike Luther and Richard Web about, using their
systems and resources when disaster strikes. They as well as I cannot
stand the thought of software developers removing telephony from our
BBS systems and mailers.
Entered on 23rd March, 2010 at 11:01, 137 lines by Mike Luther in the
Muffin echo [edited]:
[...]
Mark Lewis wrote:
> number... also, there's been many times that i've seen someone
> online on my bbs that was obviously having problems or was needing
> assistance while they were online... if they only list phone number,
> it is rather hard to call them to help if they are using that number
> for their connection... however, if they list two numbers, then it
> is a much easier task to call them and walk them thru things while
> they are online or trying to come online...
Mvan Le wrote:
MvLe> Are you serious ? You actually spend money to -call- people to
MvLe> assist their BBS use ? ...
Yes and ABSOLUTELY necessary in some cases for Emergency Operations Center
(EOC) mission critical military and public service reasons. Read on please.
ml> what $$$? we're talking about a local call... not
ml> something half way around the world... local calls
ml> don't cost a thing over here...
And in MANY cases now in the whole USA there is no such thing as
long distance calls anywhere in the whole USA or even into MANY
countries using POTS calling techniques. There are now many telephone
services here that include *ALL* long distance calls completely in your
monthly phone bill flat rate service charge. Even as I think I am
correct in stating that it may even be less than USD $20 a month for
such services.
... Which absolutely CAN be used in many cases for BBS message and file
transfer work, particularly for BACKUP mission critical communication
when what most people think is total bliss IP service ** is gone... For
however long 'gone' is or is going to be. Please read on.
FidoNet 1/117 here of which I'm the NC has a lot more responsibility
that just the 'normal' message stuff that we tend to think is the
purpose of FidoNet. Although it has very few nodes published in the
formal NodeList, it also has some 50 more PRIVATE nodes which are *NOT*
published in the formal NodeList and have *NEVER* been the subject of a
problem for FidoNet as to 'improper' access. This very special
collection of nodes is TOTALLY capable of POTS phone connections for
backup and emergency file data and message purposes in case the normal
IP service for an EOC or a medical facility or whatever ceases to be
available for whatever reason. But a telephone connection still can be
made between two facilities that are desparate to share even low level
data and message service.
Don't laugh. It *CAN* and *DOES* happen. Here in the USA, for actual
fact, hurricane penetration on the Gulf Coast has taken down the
complete electrical power grid operations for entire major land areas
for longer than a week at a time... And in certain rural areas, even
though now power is there, POTS telephone line operation is still
present in that the phone lines, which in many cases are buried
cables,are still there, still work, and still connected to rural POTS
switches which are kept operational with emergency generator services.
I have actually seen East Texas small town medical service which has
POTS service but no IP service for even two weeks that *COULD* access
the mission critial 1:117/3000 FidoNet node by no other than POTS phone
connections. And in some cases the FidoNet Net 117 *HAS* been used for
such emergency data service as was needed - By POTS long distance
service work.
...Which *CAN*, in the case of ZIPLOG mission critical professional
support template sofware for which I am responsible and author, be used
for condensed but SERIOUSLY IMPORTANT life and death support for the
people that choose to use this techqnique in time of emergency. And I
have a formal thank you letter from the USA ARRL ham radio organization
hanging on the wall for proof that this *CAN* be done even all across
the world from FidoNet while even operating for test purposes from the
ham radio Field Day operations with the fully integrated ZIPLOG
managment software template matched to FidoNet. Should this ever be
needed and people choose to use the technique. Yes with PRIVATE nodes
in the network that DO NOT show up in the FidoNet formal NodeList for
VERY good reasons which I think most reading this can appreciate.
You also BADLY need to realize that there are a whole host of evolving
IP service corruption and destruction possibilities that are part of
what all of us telecommunications professional folks know is going to
be a part of the telecommunications revolution. Which has only,
seriously, just begun. That includes wartime and conflict deliberate
issues, as well as the threat of EMP pulse destruction of virtually all
copper wired technology, as well as what is even less understood, the
probablity of Solar Flare massive eruption. Do not laugh. The total
loss of the entire power grid operations in the whole world is also
possible from solar flare eruptions. Few here know about the last
major one we took here on earth in the mid 1800's at the time of the
driving of the Golden Spike when the railroad was first finished
connecting the East and West coast of the USA. 1867 from memory here
right now.
At that time the communications for the whole affair was by copper
wired telegraph instruments and telegraph code. And yes, land line
Morse Code is different in the characters than what virtually all of us
today know as International Morse Code. A long dash for a number zero
instead of what we know as five dashes as in '- - - - -', today. That
actual Solar Flare took out and burned up almost ALL of the telepgraph
sounders in the whole USA! As well, in some places, the electrical
charge that the railroad rails picked up, from the electromagnetic
pulse that hit us from the sun, actually set the wooden cross ties on
fire where it arced across them to the ground from the rails!
Just one nuclear blast sets forth at least a 30,000,000 volt per METER
wavefront moving out to the horizon at the speed of light, folks. The
last test atomic airborne blast in the Pacific about 650 miles from
Hawaii, took out about half of all the traffic signals in the whole
island area in 'sight line' with no ground mountain blockabge, from the
US Navy test blast there at the Johnson Island complex. Tough luck if
you have a pacemaker heart device. You die.
And true, we *CAN* defend against this type of a problem with fiber
optic cable connected devices and not metal cable connected service.
And buried phone lines; not upstairs phone line service. And we *CAN*
use correctly designed computer systems with power supplies that *DO*
block the pulse pickup from power line and printer and phone
connections of sorts. As fact I have a test relay rack server case
here on site which I cooperated with the vendor on EMP pulse protection
designing which can be certified for such service. But we will not be
able to protect any Cell Phones or Ipods or anything like that. Life
as we know it will be GONE for who knows how long if we get hit.
...But at the final step backwards in providing even food, water, basic
medical care and even knowing where to send the first, second, third
responders, whatever, we *MUST* have communications programs which we
*CAN* use ----
PLAIN ORDINARY TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR ADDRESSING.
Case closed.
Please *DO NOT* remove this from the work on MAX, BINK; Whatever. To
do so would be a horrible step in taking away what we *CAN* do for all
the world, if we continue to contribute to FidoNet as some of us do
still today for reasons I have shown you above.
It is ABSOLUTELY necessary to preserve the POTS phone number access and
use techniques in BBS software.
--> Sleep well; OS/2's still awake! ;)
Mike @ 1:117/3001
=#=
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T h e F i d o G a z e t t e! Volume IV Number IV April, 2010
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The Old School Toolbox
By Richard Webb, 1:116/901
IT's not all about you
Over the next few issues I plan to talk about more of the same, old
school tools and techniques, of course. But, I want to do just a
little bit of promoting of Fido's old bag of tricks, to help you get
more out of fidonet. First, we're going to talk about strengthening
your net, so net and region coordinators who would like to see some
backup routings in place can take heed.
I'm sure you noted the comments elsewhere in this issue regarding
use of the switched telephone network and old school fidonet technology
tools and public agencies. Yes, we need to move forward with the
development of the next generation of bbs technology and its attendant
internet connectivity. But, throwing away the old school shouldn't be
part of this forard motion.
As you know, I'm a "pots" pusher. Using the regular switched telephone
system with our standard modems can be a boon to us when internet
connections go down. See my next article in this series for more on
that, and one way it can benefit you, but let's talk about ways of
getting pots capability at least for your net, if not for your
individual node. This can be at little or no cost to you. That's
right, I'm talking potentially no cost to you. Have I got your
attention yet? Hope so. Even if there's some expense, time, an older
computer to donate to the cause, etc. it's well worth it.
Pots benefits your users, and your net as a whole. WIth a reliable
pots connection somewhere in your net you can be sure that all your
connections won't be lost in a single internet outage. There are of
course ways to run pots access on a shared phone line. Limited hours
of availability is one. Distinctive ringing, which would cost you a
few dollars more from your telephone service provider is another. But,
there's a third way as well.
Some out here in Fidonet operate bulletin board systems with themes
that are public service oriented. But, even if you don't, you could
help a public service agency start one of their own. Chances are
they've got a broadband internet connection and internal networking.
Donate 'em a machine and help 'em operate it. Then, talk to them about
that phone line that rings into a back office, but rarely gets used at
nights and on weekends. Talk to them about ready access to their data
for their employees and others while they're out in the field, using
this otherwise unused telephone line. Then donate that old modem
that's gathering dust in your closet to their cause, and help them get
a version of Binkleyterm, Frontdoor or your favorite mailer going on
it. even if someone in your net donates the cpu and somebody else the
modem it's still quite reasonable. After all, most sysops will have an
older computer that's suitable and can still be networked, and somebody
in your net no doubt has a high quality modem lying around collecting
dust.
Suddenly, with the donation of the box and the use of this agency's
phone line you've provided them lots of capability. They can set up
key employees as points, able to retrieve data on their laptops even if
their internet connections are out. If you experience a widespread
internet outage your net can still get all its echomail and routed
netmail. Arrange a feed with somebody who has pots, and who will
deliver on their dime, saving that agency any long distance calls. The
agency's phone line doesn't have to place a single toll call to keep
your mail and files flowing into your net. If this feed is both
internet ready and pots capable little duplication of effort is
required. This means making that system in the back office your local
net's mail HUB, but this isn't difficult.
This is of course going to require some hand holding from you the
experienced Fidonet sysop at least in the early stages. You're going
to want to help them get key employees or associates set up as points.
You'll want to get the software going on the computer you or your net
donates to the project, and get it running properly in their network
environment. You'll want to make sure it can answer the phone
properly, pass callers to the bbs if expected to do so, etc. But, once
up and going you can do a lot of the management of the system by
remote. Yes you can, and you don't even have to log in. Netmail robot
tools such as netmgr can help you get a lot of this done. See my
earlier columns for some brainstorming ideas, with more coming later.
First though there's the legwork to be done. Talk it up in your net's
sysop echo. Find out if one of the nodes in your net has a
relationship with an agency that just might benefit from the extra
margin of safety provided by a switched telephone access point that
gets them to all their important data, and off site backup capabilities
as well.
So what's this off site backup? Can't you guess? The
organization can make arrangements with somebody else, using the
internet to off load files periodically for backup. Yes Virginia there
are services that charge for this. But, consider how easy it is for
the executive director to say he wants a backup of that database on his
system at home. You've set him up as a point already, so when he deems
it necessary it sends email to the system with the proper subject line.
The fido node system then processes his email, creating a semaphore
file which causes the database he wants to be zipped up and put on hold
for him when he polls with his point late that night. The important
work he wants to save off site is now on his desktop machine at home.
A small price to pay for added security. That phone line is sitting in
the back office, it rings during the day, but during the off hours few
people send to it. Oops, it's a fax line! No problem, your faxmodem
you donated can route calls appropriately and the faxes too are stored
for easy retrieval during office hours. What's not to like? Double
the utility, same cost. Off site backup, access to the organization's
email system, all for one low price. Put a good UPS on that computer
and harden the installation and you've got a bulletproof system that
will often be up and running after disaster strikes your community.
For a moment play a little game of what if with me here. Picture
your community after the disaster, tornado, etc. Cable TV and
broadband internet are down for the count, generators are humming near
residences that are so equipped, as well as near public institutions.
But, at one agency their internet services are augmented with a machine
on a beefy UPS well hardened against possible sources of harm. This
machine is connected to the public switched telephone network. Not
connected to a phone line which runs through the agency's switched
telephone net, but the public network.
Have I generated some interest? Stay tuned, more next
month.We're going to talk next month about why you might want to set
yourself up as a point off your own system and install the point
package you choose on your favorite on the go computing device. We'll
get back to this little game of what if though in the following
columns. But, in helping set up and configure just such a system as
described herein you've become a real public benefactor.
As the title of this piece asserts, it's not all about you. It's
about promoting fidonet into the future, and the best way to promote
something such as fidonet is to show those with a potential interest
what fidonet can do for them. An internet only bbs where people can
play door games isn't going to pique the interest of that organization
or agency person with an interest in serving the public. But, a bbs
which helps him distribute information to his staff and allows them the
benefits of electronic mail even when the internet is locally
unavailable is sure a selling point. Your net can benefit from
generating some interest from that segment of the population in a
variety of ways. So, this is both a method of promoting this old dog
hobby of ours, as well as offering the public useful services at low or
no cost.
So, tune in next time, and find out some other ways to give yourself
this capability at zero added cost, and what it will do for you
personally. Once you've worked the kinks out with your own setup
you're ready to approach those public benefit agencies and
organizations with your pitch. Remember that many of these
organizations and agencies thrive on the volunteer can-do spirit, and
solutions that help keep their volunteers in touch and on task with low
or zero added cost are just what the doctor ordered!
=#=
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T h e F i d o G a z e t t e! Volume IV Number IV April, 2010
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-=-=-=-=-=-
F O O D Even sysops have to eat!
-=-=-=-=-=-
By Janis Kracht, 1:261/38
Want to contribute something here? Send your submission to fidogazette
'at' filegate.net or email janis at filegate.net, or janis kracht at
1:261/38 (binkp: filegate.net) and it will get published here in the
next issue :)
Fascinating Food Facts
++++++++++++++++++++++
From:
http://listverse.com/2008/12/01/another-10-fascinating-food-facts/
Hot Chocolate
Fascinating Fact: The ancient Mayans made truly hot chocolate – they
added chilies and corn to it!
The first records of chocolate being used for drinking come from
residue found in ancient Mayan pots – it dates back to the 5th century
AD. The drink was made by pounding chocolate beans in to a paste which
was then mixed with water, chili peppers, cornmeal, and assorted
spices. The drink was then poured back and forth between a cup and a
pot, which gave it a foamy head. This was drunk cold, and people of all
classes drank it regularly. The drink tasted spicy and bitter, unlike
today’s hot chocolate. When Chocolate finally reached the west, it was
very expensive, costing between $50 – $70 per pound in equivalent
modern US dollars. If you ever get to Paris, be sure to visit Angelina
for the best hot chocolate in the world – try the Chocolat l’Africain
Recipe:
Combine 3/4 cup whole milk, 1/4 cup heavy cream and 1 teaspoon
confectioners’ sugar and heat over med-high till bubbles appear around
edges. Remove from heat and add 4 oz of the best bittersweet chocolate
(72%) you can find (chopped). Stir till melted (you may need to return
it to low heat). Serve with whipped cream.
Mysterious History of Donuts
Fascinating Fact: No one really knows when donuts were invented or who
invented them.
Donuts (doughnuts in UK English), were originally made as a long twist
of dough – not in the ring form that is most common these days. It was
also common in England for donuts to be made in a ball shape and
injected with Jam after they were cooked – this is still very common.
Both methods of cooking involve no human intervention as the ball and
twist will turn itself over when the underside is cooked. The ring
donut common to America just seemed to appear – but one Hansen Gregory,
an American, claimed to have invented it in 1847 when he was traveling
on a steam boat; he was not satisfied with the texture of the center of
the donut so he pressed a hole in the center with the ship’s pepper
box.
Apple, Potato, or Onion?
Fascinating Fact: Apples, potatoes, and onions all taste the same when
eaten with your nose plugged.
As a child we had a science class in which we were blindfolded, had our
noses plugged, and given an apple or onion to eat – we were not told
which of the two we would be given. Not one person was able to state
which was which. This shows the incredibly important part that the nose
plays in the sense of taste. The fact that the three items have a
similar consistency makes it virtually impossible to tell them apart
without the sense of smell. If you try this, I should warn you: once
you unblock your nose, you can tell what you have just eaten.
Floating Eggs
Fascinating Fact: When an egg floats in water, it is “off” and should
not be eaten.
As eggs age, gases build up inside the shell making it more buoyant.
This is the best way to test whether an egg has gone rotten without
having to break open the shell, risking the foul odor escaping. When an
egg is extremely fresh it will lie on its side at the bottom of a glass
of water. As it ages, the egg will begin to point upwards, and will
finally float completely when it has gone bad. Fresh eggs have a very
firm white, whilst old eggs have a very watery white. This is why it is
best to use the freshest eggs possible for poaching and frying. Older
eggs are perfectly good for omelets or scrambling.
Vanilla Junkie
Fascinating Fact: The consumption of natural vanilla causes the body to
release catecholamines (including adrenalin) – for this reason it is
considered to be mildly addictive.
When vanilla plants were first exported from Mexico to other tropical
climes, they flowered but wouldn’t produce vanilla pods. It was
discovered that a bee native to Mexico was the only creature that could
pollinate vanilla flowers (vanilla comes from a special species of
orchid). Attempts to move the bee to other countries failed and it was
not until a slave boy discovered a method of artificial pollination
that Mexico lost its monopoly on vanilla. As well as being mildly
addictive, vanilla has also been found to block bacterial infections.
Banana Trees
Fascinating Fact: Banana trees are not actually trees – they are giant
herbs.
The large stem that is mistaken for a trunk on a banana tree is
actually a “pseudostem” meaning “fake stem”. Each pseudostem provides a
single bunch of yellow, green, or red bananas. This then dies and is
replaced by another pseudostem. Smaller bunches of bananas (such as the
ones we buy in shops) are actually called “hands” – not “bunches” which
can weigh up to 50 kilograms. The bananas that we eat are specially
cultivated to exclude seeds – therefore you can’t plant a banana tree
from a commercially grown banana. Wild bananas have many large hard
seeds (pictured above).
Brain Freeze
Fascinating Fact: The term “brain freeze” was invented by 7-11 to
explain the pain one feels when drinking a slurpee too fast.
Believe it or not, there is a real scientific name for “brain freeze” –
it is sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia (try saying that 5 times fast!)
When something very cold (usually ice cream) touches the top palate of
the mouth, it causes the blood vessels to constrict. This makes the
nerves send a signal to the brain to re-open them. The rapid re-opening
of the vessels causes a build up of fluid in the tissues causing a
slight swelling in the forehead and, therefore, causing pain. It
normally takes 30 – 60 seconds for the fluid to drain, relieving the
pain.
[Ed. note: interestingly, my husband and daughter don't get 'brain
freeze', they get it their chest... I expect it's the blood vessels in
their esphogus constricting, in the same way as above... and NO ONE has
ever done a study to see the difference in the number of people who
feel it in their chest as opposed to their head and what that may mean
(vbg) jk]
Ancient Sauce
Fascinating Fact: Ketchup was originally a fish sauce originating in
the orient.
Two words from the Fujian region of China were used to describe a fish
brine / sauce and a tomato sauce – both words bear a striking
resemblance in sound to the word “ketchup”; the words are: ke-tsap and
kio-chiap. Early western ketchups were made with fish and spices, or
mushrooms. In fact, mushroom ketchup is still available in the United
Kingdom and it is prized by some modern chefs for its natural inclusion
of monosodium glutamate – the only substance known to stimulate the 5th
human taste sense umami (savoury).
Feel Good With 7-Up
Fascinating Fact: 7-Up – invented in 1920 contained Lithium – the drug
commonly prescribed now to sufferers of bi-polar disorder.
The drink was originally marketed as a hangover cure – due to the
inclusion of lithium citrate. It was released just a few years before
the Wall Street crash of the 1920s and it was marketed under the name
“Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda” – quite a mouthful! The name was
changed to 7-Up shortly after its release but lithium remained one of
the ingredients until 1950. Some popular myths surround the name of the
drink – but the name is most likely due to the original recipe
containing 7 ingredients (with the “up” portion relating to the
lithium) or the fact that lithium has an atomic mass of 7."
=+=
[goodness.. Coke originally had Cocaine in it.. 7UP had lithium in it..
how could the following generation NOT take drugs jk]
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T h e F i d o G a z e t t e! Volume IV Number IV April, 2010
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Batter up!
By Richard Webb, 1:116/901
This is a shameless plug. You have been warned. So now that we've
got that out of the way we'll get on with it .
Back in the old days I used to enjoy some of the Fidonet sports
conferences, but these days they seem to have fallen into disuse, so
much so that they don't seem to even be able to maintain backbone
status. the sport that I still maintain some interest in is
professional baseball. Although I promised myself during the last big
players' strike that I would thumb my nose at the sport I still find
myself tuning in my favorite ball team's games on the AM radio when
possible.
Because I still enjoy the science and strategy of the game of baseball
I decided to give baseball discussions in Fidonet a shot. So, sysops,
I'm inviting you to help me out, and give your users an interesting
forum in which to discuss the game which has been known for years as
America's pastime. Also, to be honest, I don't see a daily paper, and
my lady love has no interest whatsoever in it, so I don't see the stats
from around the leagues as often as I once did. Another reason I'm
deprived of my baseball info fix is that I don't hang out in bars these
days . When I was a younger man who was self employed I'd find
myself idling away a day off hanging out at the local saloon, and at
some of these neighborhood watering holes if you wanted to get a lively
discussion going you could always start talking baseball with somebody
at the bar. Sooner or later you'd be arguing the merits, or demerits
of the designated hitter rule, or astroturf versus real grass, etc.
When all was said and done usually a couple of rounds were bought and
everybody had an enjoyable afternoon or evening.
The game is still popular enough, and I"m sure that there are denizens
of the Fidonet world here in north America that follow a favorite ball
club. drop in, pull up a chair, tell us what you like about your
favorite team this year, and what you don't. Sysops, you might
actually see your users decide to post in your message bases for a
change! SO, areafix ml_baseball from your uplink and make it available
to your users.
So what will they find in ml_baseball? I'm planning to post the day's
major league schedule for both National and American leagues this
season, and invite folks to just chat about baseball, their favorite
teams and players. Box scores, stats, rumors, comparisons between
players of today and players of yesteryear. The rules are simple,
discuss any aspect of pro baseball, including up and comers from the
farm teams, broadcast outlets to catch your favorite team on radio or
TV, etc. Baseball announcers, baseball writers, it's all relevant to
the ml_baseball echomail conference. Other than that, usual rules of
echomail etiquette apply.
So, drop in, pull up a chair and let's talk baseball!
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T h e F i d o G a z e t t e! Volume IV Number IV April, 2010
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=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
!!! G A Z E T T E B B S L I S T !!!
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
By bbslist @ filegate.net
Send updates, changes to address above or to janis @ filegate.net.
System.......Prism BBS
FidoAddress..1:261/38
Phone........607-655-5652
Software.....BBBS LiI v4.01 Flag #
OS...........Linux (Gentoo)
C/B Verify...None
Access.......First Call access to Msg bases,
and file areas.
Telnet.......filegate.net
telnet access offers full features
of the standard bbs such as doors,
qwkmail, BWmail,Files, etc.
www:.........http:/www.filegate.net:8090/bbbs
[web interface is limited really
to reading messages and replying
online, or downloading messages
in qwk packets, but not uploading
them], and file download access.
FTP: ftp.filegate.net, port 60721
public access to file areas (please
note change of port for public access).
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
System.......Time Warp of the Future BBS
FidoAddress..1:14/400
Phone........none
Software.....sbbs 3.15a (very beta)
OS...........win. (xp pro. sp3)
C/B Verify...None
Access.......First Call access to Msg bases, and file areas.
Telnet.......time.synchro.net:24 or time.darktech.org:24
or timewarpfuture.dyndns.org:24
telnet access offers full features
of the standard bbs such as doors,
messages or file area etc.
www:.........http://time.synchro.net:81
Web interface is limited really to reading messages
and replying online, or downloading messages in qwk
packets, but not uploading them, and file download access.
SBBS files available.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
System.......Lionsden BBS
FidoAddress..1:224/303
Phone........613-392-8896
Software.....Sunchronet
OS...........Windows XP
C/B Verify...None
Access.......First Call access to Msg bases, and file areas.
Telnet.......lionsden.darktech.org
telnet access offers full features
of the standard bbs such as doors,
qwkmail, Files, etc.
www:.........http:/www.lionsden.darktech.org
You will redirected to a menu where you can
choose one of three sites. The first one is
private and requires PW to get into.
FTP..........FTP://lionsden.darktech.org Files only
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
System.......Christian Fellowship
FidoAddress..1:266/512
Phone........1-856-933-7096
Software.....PCBoard 15.3
OS...........Windows XP pro
C/B Verify...Manually via email or voice
usually within 24 hours.
Access.......Read only until verified. Once
verified write access to Msg bases, file
areas, chat and doors/games.
Telnet.......cfbbs.dtdns.net or cfbbs.no-ip.com
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
System.......Lightning BBS
FidoAddress..1:311/2
Software.....Virtual Advanced
OS...........Windows XP
C/B Verify...None
Access.......First call access to doors, files and
message reading. Message posting requires
validation.
Telnet.......lightningbbs.com
www:.........http:/www.lightningbbs.com/index.php
Thanks to VADV-PHP you can access almost
everything the BBS has to offer from the
web, with the exception of door games.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
System.......Roach Guts BBS
FidoAddress..1:396/60
Phone:.......337-433-4135
Software.....Maximus on Port 23 (primary)
Synchronet on Port 24 (temporary)
OS...........Windows XP
C/B Verify...None
Access.......First call access to doors, files and
message reading. Message posting requires
validation.
Telnet.......roachguts.com
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
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T h e F i d o G a z e t t e! Volume IV Number IV April, 2010
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INFO:
Where to Send Your Articles
Unlike most editors, I surely do not mind running my mouth when
there is a sparcity of articles for the 'zine. I'd MUCH rather
you sent in material but I think until someone starts a
discussion you feel like commenting about, you evil dullards
(just kidding!!!) will no doubt complain about "no issues" (grin)
So I will fill these issues with my meanderings and thoughts and
hopefully we will grow into something of consequence here :)
Don't be offended.. write an article!
If you WOULD like to submit an article and prove me wrong about
the dullard aspect of you guys and gals , feel free to drop
your article off at:
By email attach to address: janis @ filegate.net Fidonet attach:
Janis Kracht at 1:261/38
Modem: 607-655-5652
1:261/100 filegate.net port 24555
via binkp or telnet mailer
(don't send articles as routed attaches, send them direct to filegate.net).
Standard binkp port only supports BinkP (24554).
Give it a title, sign your name and network address if you have
one and send it along!
Don't worry about the format, I can take anything you send me
and mutilate it further as you can see above. Linux is nice
that way (g). Spell checking your own work will help though
(something I'm typically guilty of (g)).
To send reviews or recipes to the Food section, email or netmail Janis
as above.
To send a question to Dr. Debug, email a question to
dr.debug @ filegate.net or post in the fidogazette echo! :)
To send a listing to the fidogazette internet bbs list, send your
bbs listing to bbslist @ filegate.net or post it in the fidogazette
echo! :)
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T h e F i d o G a z e t t e! Volume IV Number IV April, 2010
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