8/17/08 Captain Jack's Repossession Repo Cruise to PC thru TPC Part 15

[micmse2003]

Hazel was on her way home from her Ladies Night Out at the church last night and she called to let me know she saw gas at 2.459 a gallon. I told her to fill the car up, she said we still had half a tank, I said I don't care, fill the car up....... The gas station around the corner from was still selling gas at 2.659 yesterday.

That's the best price I've heard about in I don't know how long.

Send some over my way!!! We are still above $3.00 here!!!

You got me beat Andy. Onthe way to the Dr today, I'm filling up at Sams. 2.75 best price around here.

We can only dream about gas prices like that.

Hi all! Been MIA lately. Have a great time at WDW and than last week got a sinsus infection. Went to the doctor to head it off, but it didn't work! I hate it when my equilibrium gets knocked off. Life is an adventure when your walking on the bias!

Hope everyone is doing well. Stay cool it is going to be a hot one today.

We were wondering about you in chat last week. Glad you had a great time at WDW and hope you feel better.

Third possibility is that someone (no longer a DCL employee) #*($&*ed up royally....

No room assignment here.....maybe I'm one of the people they want off.

We do not want you off.

WOW! You guys have it MUCH better than us Chicagolanders! I'm in the far West suburbs which is cheaper than closer to the city - but the BEST we've seen anywhere recently was 3.029 - most stations are between 3.089 and 3.159. This is a major improvment over a few weeks ago when the best was about 3.239 and I saw as high as 3.399!

So far, I haven't seen a satisfactory answer on why Chicago area prices are so much higher than other parts of the country.

Pamela (pdarrah)

We are seeing $3.15 here yet!!!

Got my tank filled yesterday at Costco for $2.61 - could not believe my eyes! Hopefully the prices will keep the downward motion!

We not only have the highest gas in the country but in my opinion some of the most horrible winters too!!! Lucky us who live in Illinois!!!

or did the former employee royally #*($ up?



Even if they knew fees would increase some...they would at least have budgeted the cost of the previous charge to transit the canal... It wasn't free last set of Repos.



Maybe this is the first tactic in a long line of strategy to weed out the numbers.

Can you imagine the damage control if no one cancelled? (or not enough anyway) I'd be peeved.

Because by the time DCL knew they wouldn't have enough rooms...people would have already planned trips...booked rooms...and had airfare...and ordered passports.

I think the extra tax is a ploy to get people to give up their reservations. I still believe DCL grossly overbooked the cruise!!!

I heard they are getting rid of all of the lawyers second

I bet Tom felt that one!!!

Ugh - so sorry for the belated wish.......

A Very Happy (belated) Birthday

sounds like it was your LUCKY Day to boot ​

Thank you for remebering me!!!!

 

[tom31b]

I heard they are getting rid of all of the lawyers second

What do you call 10,000 lawyers at the bottom of the ocean?

 

[micmse2003]

I dunno. San Francisco seems to have Chicago beat. I filled up this morning at Costco for $3.149 for regular. That's the lowest it's been in a while.

In the City of Chicago gas is still around $3.39. Most of us live in the suburbs!!! I love your city!!!! I have only been there once but I want DH to go with me next time!!

OK - this isn't DIS related, cruise related or even panama canal related!

Has anyone here built a deck in the last few years? If so, did you use wood (ie cedar) or composite (ie trex, ChoiceTec, etc) decking? We are about to build an all new deck and would love some first hand opinions. DH usually tends to the traditional and is leaning toward cedar, but the idea of not having to stain/sealcoat and all the other maintance also sounds good. Composite, of course, costs quite a bit more, but if it lasts longer with less effort it could be worth it. Anyone have any thoughts or opinions?

Pamela (pdarrah)

I see so many of our neighbors stain and clean their wooden decks every year!!! We just have cement blocks that are 30 years old. DH knows contractors who love the compsite(pretend wood).

Drive by posting...

I'm still alive. We've been sitting on the floor and sleeping on air mattresses for 10 days now. Our 'stuff' will finally be here tomorrow. We like our house, we love our neighborhood. We are close to Chesapeake Bay, lots of trails and a dog park. George Washington is our neighbor. Other than that - you can just take the rest of this place! Good golly is it hot. And crowded. I just cringe every time someone tells me that their commute is "only" and hour. UGH! DH started work and s it, we pretty much knew that would happen.

The boys seem to like it here but they are a bit lonely. DS8 randomly became obsessed with playing lacrosse about 2 months ago. I have no idea where it came from, but we're in the right place for it now. He's going to a lacrosse day camp all next week. DS7 chose a drama camp (he's our diva) At least they won't have to sit around and watch me unpack all next week.

I skimmed enough to see there is a new random $100 per person tax on TOAL. Lovely. I guess I'm going to have to get me one o'them nifty job thingies I've heard so much about lately.

I've had a few interviews that seem to have gone well, now I wait...

Anyway, I came into the library to pay bills & I wanted to pop in and say "Hi"
My goal is to have the wireless network set up in the house in time for chat next week!

We were going to send out a sled dog team but I guess that will not work anymore. Hope to see you in chat Friday!!!

It's a good thing I don't have any stress in my life. My brother Pete called me around 11am asking if I had heard from my mom. I told him no, then asked why. Pete told me that my mom had just had a car accident and totaled her car. My mom got a little banged up and shaken up but no serious injuries were reported. I got to talk to my mom a few minutes ago and she said that left knee went into the dashboard. She was still at the scene of the accident when I called and the police were still there getting their report, so I couldn't talk to her for very long. Once I know more, I'll let everyone know. In the meantime, please send prayers, good thoughts and her way. Thanks so much, you guys are the best!!!

Oh Andy so sorry for your poor mom. Keep us posted !!!!

sknahT
esle enoemos morf ti elots I

!!!! sreywal rof neve egalli si gnilaetS

Andy, so sorry to hear about your mom

We have a state-wide grocery store that's been giving us coupons for money off of gas depending on how much we purchase. Up to $50 you get 10 cents off a gallon up to 12 gallons, $100 = 20 cents off, up to 40 cents off! And now prices are under $3.00 a gallon!! Yesterday I got a 30 cents off coupon. That really helps!!

Tracy

Wow!!! What is the name of the store Tracy???

 

[radioclash2]

OK - this isn't DIS related, cruise related or even panama canal related!

Has anyone here built a deck in the last few years? If so, did you use wood (ie cedar) or composite (ie trex, ChoiceTec, etc) decking? We are about to build an all new deck and would love some first hand opinions. DH usually tends to the traditional and is leaning toward cedar, but the idea of not having to stain/sealcoat and all the other maintance also sounds good. Composite, of course, costs quite a bit more, but if it lasts longer with less effort it could be worth it. Anyone have any thoughts or opinions?

Pamela (pdarrah)

I had a composit deck put on my house last year. The brand is timbertech.
It was a must for me. There was just no way I could keep up with deck maintenance.

The decking is a redwood color. It has a wood grain pattern pressed into the composite. The rails are off white to match my siding. There were lots of color choices.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[micmse2003]

I just double checked the Kennedy Space Center website & they changed the rocket launch to Saturday the 4th! Figures! Oh well! Hopefully I'll catch a glimpse of the shuttle when it takes off around the 7th!

Diane have a great time!!! We will miss you and your cakes.

 

[radioclash2]

It's a good thing I don't have any stress in my life. My brother Pete called me around 11am asking if I had heard from my mom. I told him no, then asked why. Pete told me that my mom had just had a car accident and totaled her car. My mom got a little banged up and shaken up but no serious injuries were reported. I got to talk to my mom a few minutes ago and she said that left knee went into the dashboard. She was still at the scene of the accident when I called and the police were still there getting their report, so I couldn't talk to her for very long. Once I know more, I'll let everyone know. In the meantime, please send prayers, good thoughts and her way. Thanks so much, you guys are the best!!!

 

[Verandah Man]

OK, I'm finally able to get ketched up again.

I talked to my mom this afternoon. She is doing OK, still shook up a bit and she said her knee is quite swollen and turning black and blue already. I told her to go to the hospital to get it looked at, but she is stubborn and won't go, she insists she is fine. I know she will be feeling different in the morning.

My mom already had a rental car and is waiting for the insurance adjuster to come out to look her car over. The man who towed the car said as far as he is concerned it is a total loss. My mom might a have another car already lined up to buy once she gets a check from the insurance company. At least she doesn't waste any time.

The fellow that hit my mom was issued two tickets, he started giving one of the officers some mouth, and the officer told him, "Young fellow, you better take your tickets and leave, or you will be going with me, in the back of my car." My mom said with that, the guy left.

Arlene-my mom is back in Florida, the accident happened on 44 between Tavares and Deland. My mom was on her way to see her new grandbaby when the accident happened.

 

[Verandah Man]

What do you call 10,000 lawyers at the bottom of the ocean?

10,000 lawyers under the sea............

 

[tom31b]

10,000 lawyers under the sea............

Others would say "A good start!"

 

[buckifan]

What do you call 10,000 lawyers at the bottom of the ocean?

A good start

Seriously, I have nothing against lawyers. In fact my late beloved father in law was a lawyer.....so I'm actually quite fond of some of them.

 

[buckifan]

Others would say "A good start!"

Ohhhh....you beat me to the punch....by a hair!

 

[Verandah Man]

Others would say "A good start!"

I was working off of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.............


My first reply was going to be, Fish Food.........


OK, so I'm a little punchy today...........

 

[Sarangel]

What do you call 10,000 lawyers at the bottom of the ocean?

My version of that joke went, "an excellent beginning..."

Do you know why sharks won't eat lawyers?



Also, re: gas prices. It's worth remembering that many places pay more for a gallon of drinking water than a gallon of gas.

 

[tom31b]

My version of that joke went, "an excellent beginning..."

Do you know why sharks won't eat lawyers?

Professional courtesy



Its so cold in Alaska in winter....

How cold is it?

Its so cold that you even see lawyers with their hands in their own pockets!

 

[Sarah's Dad]

Just because I like to "fight the good fight" I called DCL to see if anything had changed in regard to the double taxation for the Panama Canal.

Unfortunately the information being fed to the CMs is just a press release stating this is an "additional" charge and not in place of the old tax model.

Roz (I believe was here name) was pleasant, but she didn't really understand the concept of one tax model replacing another and the reality is they are being told it is just an increase and that's that so me going into an in depth conversation about tax models was way above her head.

What boggles my mind is they seem to be viewing us and a little loopy and that we don't understand that this is a fairly simple increase.

She also claimed this was the first call she had taken in regard to this issue and was sorry I felt this way.

This issue is fairly frustrating; perhaps we need to get more emails to Guest Communications.

~SD

 

[Stepht5]

We would need kids shirts. Unless everyone else is only going to buy them for adults and not children? If everyone is buying for the children too- I don't want my kids to be left out!

We would want children's sizes, also. We would have 3 in Adult sizes and 2 in children's.

 

[arlenesp]

OK, I'm finally able to get ketched up again.

I talked to my mom this afternoon. She is doing OK, still shook up a bit and she said her knee is quite swollen and turning black and blue already. I told her to go to the hospital to get it looked at, but she is stubborn and won't go, she insists she is fine. I know she will be feeling different in the morning.

My mom already had a rental car and is waiting for the insurance adjuster to come out to look her car over. The man who towed the car said as far as he is concerned it is a total loss. My mom might a have another car already lined up to buy once she gets a check from the insurance company. At least she doesn't waste any time.

The fellow that hit my mom was issued two tickets, he started giving one of the officers some mouth, and the officer told him, "Young fellow, you better take your tickets and leave, or you will be going with me, in the back of my car." My mom said with that, the guy left.

Arlene-my mom is back in Florida, the accident happened on 44 between Tavares and Deland. My mom was on her way to see her new grandbaby when the accident happened.

Glad she is ok. But you and I know that knee will be really sore tomorrow. Better send her a tube of Theragisic. DH got a shot today and the speech about it may just be time to consider................. We will see. He is the worst patient. I told the Dr he threw out the OC and PT the last time and that was just to keep him mobile. I can't imagine what he will do when it comes to real pain and real PT.

 

[Sarah's Dad]

Here is a follow-up to my last post. I just sent to Guest Communications the following email.

Dear Guest Communications,

The passengers on the two Panama Canal cruises in 2008 have been in constant contact and we are trying to resolve this issue of what appears to be double taxation. There is a lot of frustration and anger that this tax was imposed first and a letter was sent after the fact with little detail of the taxation.

We have spoken with the Panama Canal Authority and read information on their website explaining that a new transit tax is being imposed. The charge is $100 per berth and that fee is not an "increase", so the new tax "is in place of and not in addition to" the fee we already paid when we first book the cruise on January 31, 2007.

This is the nucleus of our grievance that by imposing the new tax model and old tax model you are charging us twice for the transit tax. It is crystal clear in our minds that the fare quoted us on January 31, 2007 included the Panama Canal tax and the new tax is in place of the old so we should be paying the difference between the two fees and not the entire $100.

At the very least if you disagree with our grievance you need to address and explain this taxation because it is painfully clear from speaking with the Panama Canal Authority that the tax calculation model has changed and that is all.

There are hundreds, if not thousands of passengers on these two cruises that are quite upset at DCL and for the moment it appears DCL has chosen not to address this issue and continues to deflect any questions in regard to this issue.

Respectfully,

Jeffrey


If anyone else is interested they can send an email to Guest Communicatons at dcl.guest.communications@disneycruiseline.com

I am not sure they will change their minds, but it is worth it to try.

 

[GoofyontheHiSeas]

Here is a follow-up to my last post. I just sent to Guest Communications the following email.

Dear Guest Communications,

The passengers on the two Panama Canal cruises in 2008 have been in constant contact and we are trying to resolve this issue of what appears to be double taxation. There is a lot of frustration and anger that this tax was imposed first and a letter was sent after the fact with little detail of the taxation.

We have spoken with the Panama Canal Authority and read information on their website explaining that a new transit tax is being imposed. The charge is $100 per berth and that fee is not an "increase", so the new tax "is in place of and not in addition to" the fee we already paid when we first book the cruise on January 31, 2007.

This is the nucleus of our grievance that by imposing the new tax model and old tax model you are charging us twice for the transit tax. It is crystal clear in our minds that the fare quoted us on January 31, 2007 included the Panama Canal tax and the new tax is in place of the old so we should be paying the difference between the two fees and not the entire $100.

At the very least if you disagree with our grievance you need to address and explain this taxation because it is painfully clear from speaking with the Panama Canal Authority that the tax calculation model has changed and that is all.

There are hundreds, if not thousands of passengers on these two cruises that are quite upset at DCL and for the moment it appears DCL has chosen not to address this issue and continues to deflect any questions in regard to this issue.

Respectfully,

Jeffrey


If anyone else is interested they can send an email to Guest Communicatons at dcl.guest.communications@disneycruiseline.com

I am not sure they will change their minds, but it is worth it to try.

Jeff great letter. If you look back a few pages Tom and I sent similar (in our own way) letters yesterday to Guest Communications, PR director, Tom McAlpin, Jay Rasalo (sp?) and Bob Iger. None of them including Guest Communications have responded so far. I have heard somewhere that legal is preparing a letter of explanation to be sent out. We will have to wait and see. Thanks again for helping with the cause.

 

[Sarah's Dad]

Jeff great letter. If you look back a few pages Tom and I sent similar (in our own way) letters yesterday to Guest Communications, PR director, Tom McAlpin, Jay Rasalo (sp?) and Bob Iger. None of them including Guest Communications have responded so far. I have heard somewhere that legal is preparing a letter of explanation to be sent out. We will have to wait and see. Thanks again for helping with the cause.

Roger,

I did notice the prior letters and I appreciate what both of you have done. I am not sure what will become of our communications, but I would like to believe if DCL is faced with a similar issue in the future that they handle it in a more professional way.