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Question:

I’m looking at buying a new amp. Currently using a Peavey Studio Pro 40 This will be for basement use only (maybe an occasional jam with a friend or two) I don’t need gig quality, volume or sound and am intrigued by the new modelling amps. (I know that there are better ways to get the sounds I am looking for but I can afford one amp only) My interest at the moment runs to the Vox AD30VT or AD50VT or the equivalent Spider 2 from Line6 which are a bit less expensive and have a few less features. I’m wondering if anyone has any pracitical experience with both amps and can give any constructive advice on a comparison between the two amps. I’ve been through the sound files on both web sites and find them a little lacking in comprehensiveness on top of which, playing them through computer speakers hardly stacks up to live. My guitar is a 20 year old Ibanez Roadstar and I am looking for the best clean Fender/Peavey sound, a true as possible AC30 sound and a good Tweed sound. The ability to get the Marshall stack sound is nice but secondary as is the metal sound which both do adequately. I haven’t been able to hear both side by side or to run both through their paces enough to make an informed decision. Good effects is also an important consideration Thanks. — Bob Mann Help save trees. Wipe your ass with an owl.

Response:

> My interest at the moment runs to the Vox AD30VT or AD50VT or the > equivalent Spider 2 from Line6 which are a bit less expensive and have > a few less features.

Everything a modelling amp can do can be had in a modelling stompbox, so a better approach would be to use one of those in front of a tube amp (if you really must) so you can mess around with all those sub-standard digitized FX and then when you tire of them or whatever, you still have the tube amp.  It just seems to me that it’s better not to put all your eggs in one basket if you know what I mean. I know I’ll never buy another L6 product, because I bought one of their modelling amps to mess around with some years back and when it broke down under warranty I discovered their warranty service blows, big time.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> My interest at the moment runs to the Vox AD30VT or AD50VT or the > equivalent Spider 2 from Line6 which are a bit less expensive and have > a few less features. >Everything a modelling amp can do can be had in a modelling stompbox, so a >better approach would be to use one of those in front of a tube amp (if you >really must) so you can mess around with all those sub-standard digitized FX >and then when you tire of them or whatever, you still have the tube amp.  It >just seems to me that it’s better not to put all your eggs in one basket if >you know what I mean. >I know I’ll never buy another L6 product, because I bought one of their >modelling amps to mess around with some years back and when it broke down >under warranty I discovered their warranty service blows, big time.

All of that is true of course. OTOH, that would require me to buy a tube amp (which I wouldn’t mind) and a decent stompbox (which I also wouldn’t mind) both of which are likely to run more than the modelling amp alone. I suppose I could buy a Pod (but that is also made by Line6) and run it as a pre-amp for my Peavey but the basic Pod is as much as the 30 Amp Vox (exactly the same price) I know where you are coming from as I have seen these purist vs heathen arguments erupt into flame wars in other domains. I have a buyer for the old Peavey and I want a little more versatility. I also want a reasonable approximation of a tube amp with ease of use and a single package instead of several hundred $$$ of pedals. I love the sound of tube amps (I used to have an old 1950s Fender – a long story) but don’t have the money to buy one. I’m getting the feeling that Line6 is reasonably good equipment if you never have to deal with the company after. — Bob Mann Help save trees. Wipe your ass with an owl.

Response:

> I also want a reasonable approximation of a tube amp with ease of use > and a single package instead of several hundred $$$ of pedals.

I had the same idea, unfortunately the L6 Spider I bought decided to crap out and the mfg. was totally unresponsive, I had to get the manager of the shop that sold it to me to rattle L6’s chain, and even then the repair only lasted until the warantly expired.  I know a couple of working guitarists who use the Pod as a practice tool, although they wouldn’t dream of taking one to a gig or into the studio.  Check out the used market, if you can get a real deal on one of their amps in good condition then at least it won’t sting too much if you decide down the road that it was a bad choice, but I sure wouldn’t buy one new based on my experience.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I also want a reasonable approximation of a tube amp with ease of use > and a single package instead of several hundred $$$ of pedals. >I had the same idea, unfortunately the L6 Spider I bought decided to crap >out and the mfg. was totally unresponsive, I had to get the manager of the >shop that sold it to me to rattle L6’s chain, and even then the repair only >lasted until the warantly expired.  I know a couple of working guitarists >who use the Pod as a practice tool, although they wouldn’t dream of taking >one to a gig or into the studio.  Check out the used market, if you can get >a real deal on one of their amps in good condition then at least it won’t >sting too much if you decide down the road that it was a bad choice, but I >sure wouldn’t buy one new based on my experience.

Thanks very much. I was already leaning towards the Vox even though it cost more. This will probably be enough. I was also leaning towards buying one of their guitars but another thread put me off that too. I really would like an A30 or a Fender (both really) but that would take money from home renovations and the accountant I call my wife would never go for that. Especially after I surprised her with a Harley (for me) last spring. I have to say, Line6 has some very effective advertizing on their website. I will indeed check out used. Thanks again — Bob Mann Help save trees. Wipe your ass with an owl.

Response:

> I’m wondering if anyone has any pracitical experience with both amps > and can give any constructive advice on a comparison between the two > amps.

If you’re interested in modeling amps you should also check out the Behringer V-Ampire range. They have a nice 60 watt 1×12 combo hat sels for around $250 as well as a 120 watt head for around $200.

Response:

>> I’m wondering if anyone has any pracitical experience with both amps > and can give any constructive advice on a comparison between the two > amps. >If you’re interested in modeling amps you should also check out the >Behringer V-Ampire range. They have a nice 60 watt 1×12 combo hat sels >for around $250 as well as a 120 watt head for around $200.

I haven’t seen those anywhere around here. Here being Winnipeg. I’ll check them out if I get a chance to find a dealer. It certainly looks interesting from the website. — Bob Mann Help save trees. Wipe your ass with an owl.

Response:

I can’t compare the AD30VT with the Spider 2 as I only have the Vox. The clean settings on this are more than adequate for home practice. You may wish to consider the AD50VT as that has a speaker out jack which the AD30VT doesn’t.  The stock speaker, to my ears, on the AD30 is a bit harsh in the higher frequencies when the volume is high. This is an area where Vox saved money.  I was a bit hesitant about changing the speaker as I thought the harshness might be more a solid state issue rather than a speaker issue.  However, I slapped a Celestion G10 Vintage on the amp over the weekend and it made a world of a difference.  The amp actually sings rather well at high volume, the upper frequencies are more articulate, especially on the higher gain settings. The AC30 chime is much more convincing.  If you are only going to play at low volumes then changing the speaker is not that much of an issue – but if you are jamming at volume then I’d consider it as part of the budgeting for the AD30. Good luck. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I’m looking at buying a new amp. >Currently using a Peavey Studio Pro 40 >This will be for basement use only (maybe an occasional jam with a >friend or two) >I don’t need gig quality, volume or sound and am intrigued by the new >modelling amps. (I know that there are better ways to get the sounds I >am looking for but I can afford one amp only) >My interest at the moment runs to the Vox AD30VT or AD50VT or the >equivalent Spider 2 from Line6 which are a bit less expensive and have >a few less features. >I’m wondering if anyone has any pracitical experience with both amps >and can give any constructive advice on a comparison between the two >amps. >I’ve been through the sound files on both web sites and find them a >little lacking in comprehensiveness on top of which, playing them >through computer speakers hardly stacks up to live. >My guitar is a 20 year old Ibanez Roadstar and I am looking for the >best clean Fender/Peavey sound, a true as possible AC30 sound and a >good Tweed sound. The ability to get the Marshall stack sound is nice >but secondary as is the metal sound which both do adequately. >I haven’t been able to hear both side by side or to run both through >their paces enough to make an informed decision. >Good effects is also an important consideration >Thanks.

– Tim Westcott

Response:

> I really would like an A30 or a Fender (both really) but that would > take money from home renovations and the accountant I call my wife > would never go for that. Especially after I surprised her with a > Harley (for me) last spring.

Light of My Life says nothing about guitars or amps, but whenever I makes noises about a Road King she gives me that look, you know, that look? Curious, considering she bought herself a Nissan 350Z not so long ago….

Response:

The Vox works better in a band. It stands out more and cuts a bit better than the Line6. However, my bandmate readily admitted that my old silverface Deluxe Reverb had "tons more balls" than his Vox modeling amp. The Vox is a bit bright and harsh to my ear. The Line6 stuff tends to be "fuzzy" and mushy sounding by comparison. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’m looking at buying a new amp. > Currently using a Peavey Studio Pro 40 > This will be for basement use only (maybe an occasional jam with a > friend or two) > I don’t need gig quality, volume or sound and am intrigued by the new > modelling amps. (I know that there are better ways to get the sounds I > am looking for but I can afford one amp only) > My interest at the moment runs to the Vox AD30VT or AD50VT or the > equivalent Spider 2 from Line6 which are a bit less expensive and have > a few less features. > I’m wondering if anyone has any pracitical experience with both amps > and can give any constructive advice on a comparison between the two > amps. > I’ve been through the sound files on both web sites and find them a > little lacking in comprehensiveness on top of which, playing them > through computer speakers hardly stacks up to live. > My guitar is a 20 year old Ibanez Roadstar and I am looking for the > best clean Fender/Peavey sound, a true as possible AC30 sound and a > good Tweed sound. The ability to get the Marshall stack sound is nice > but secondary as is the metal sound which both do adequately. > I haven’t been able to hear both side by side or to run both through > their paces enough to make an informed decision. > Good effects is also an important consideration > Thanks.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I’m looking at buying a new amp. > Currently using a Peavey Studio Pro 40 > This will be for basement use only (maybe an occasional jam with a > friend or two) > I don’t need gig quality, volume or sound and am intrigued by the new > modelling amps. (I know that there are better ways to get the sounds I > am looking for but I can afford one amp only) > My interest at the moment runs to the Vox AD30VT or AD50VT or the > equivalent Spider 2 from Line6 which are a bit less expensive and have > a few less features. > I’m wondering if anyone has any pracitical experience with both amps > and can give any constructive advice on a comparison between the two > amps. > I’ve been through the sound files on both web sites and find them a > little lacking in comprehensiveness on top of which, playing them > through computer speakers hardly stacks up to live. > My guitar is a 20 year old Ibanez Roadstar and I am looking for the > best clean Fender/Peavey sound, a true as possible AC30 sound and a > good Tweed sound. The ability to get the Marshall stack sound is nice > but secondary as is the metal sound which both do adequately. > I haven’t been able to hear both side by side or to run both through > their paces enough to make an informed decision. > Good effects is also an important consideration > Thanks. > — > Bob Mann > Help save trees. Wipe your ass with an owl.

Bob If you think a modelling amp will get you anywhere near close to the real deal than you are sadly mistaken.  A modelling amp will get you as close to an AC 30 as say a Pontiac Fierro will to a Ferarri. My old guitarists and I spent two hours one night trying to get a warm punchy, cranked amp sound out of a Line 6 and gave up.  Two days later he bought an old Ampeg V4 head for like $150 that blew the Line 6 away. Chris

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I’m looking at buying a new amp. > Currently using a Peavey Studio Pro 40 > This will be for basement use only (maybe an occasional jam with a > friend or two) > I don’t need gig quality, volume or sound and am intrigued by the new > modelling amps. (I know that there are better ways to get the sounds I > am looking for but I can afford one amp only) > My interest at the moment runs to the Vox AD30VT or AD50VT or the > equivalent Spider 2 from Line6 which are a bit less expensive and have > a few less features. > I’m wondering if anyone has any pracitical experience with both amps > and can give any constructive advice on a comparison between the two > amps. > I’ve been through the sound files on both web sites and find them a > little lacking in comprehensiveness on top of which, playing them > through computer speakers hardly stacks up to live. > My guitar is a 20 year old Ibanez Roadstar and I am looking for the > best clean Fender/Peavey sound, a true as possible AC30 sound and a > good Tweed sound. The ability to get the Marshall stack sound is nice > but secondary as is the metal sound which both do adequately. > I haven’t been able to hear both side by side or to run both through > their paces enough to make an informed decision. > Good effects is also an important consideration > Thanks.

Bob, I’m more happy with the Fender simulations in both my lowly Crate modeling amp, and my Zoom GFX-5 pedal than either of the L6 POD devices I had. BTW, Zoom *still* keeps their OD / dist circuits in the analog realm where they belong. They have other shortcomings (lack of computer USB, MIDI or RJ-45 connectivity). But the sounds are very good. Honestly, I don’t mind the clean sound in the little Peavey Studio Pro amps like you’re selling off. I had one that someone put a Black Widow speaker in, and it sounded great! Of course the speaker was worth as much as the amp, so I kept the BW, put a Jensen MOD in the Peavey; then sold it to a kid for his bedroom practice amp. Anyways, I prefer the separate unit theory, and would probably keep the Peavey amp, get a Behringer Pro, or Yamaha Magic Stomp (I hear they sound good). But if it comes down to the L6 or Vox… I’d go with the Vox sight unseen (or sound unheard as this case may be). I was *really* no fan of the digital harshness I got from the POD’s OD / Distortion tones. Just another 2

Question:

I’m looking at buying a new amp. Currently using a Peavey Studio Pro 40 This will be for basement use only (maybe an occasional jam with a friend or two) I don’t need gig quality, volume or sound and am intrigued by the new modelling amps. (I know that there are better ways to get the sounds I am looking for but I can afford one amp only) My interest at the moment runs to the Vox AD30VT or AD50VT or the equivalent Spider 2 from Line6 which are a bit less expensive and have a few less features. I’m wondering if anyone has any pracitical experience with both amps and can give any constructive advice on a comparison between the two amps. I’ve been through the sound files on both web sites and find them a little lacking in comprehensiveness on top of which, playing them through computer speakers hardly stacks up to live. My guitar is a 20 year old Ibanez Roadstar and I am looking for the best clean Fender/Peavey sound, a true as possible AC30 sound and a good Tweed sound. The ability to get the Marshall stack sound is nice but secondary as is the metal sound which both do adequately. I haven’t been able to hear both side by side or to run both through their paces enough to make an informed decision. Good effects is also an important consideration Thanks. — Bob Mann Help save trees. Wipe your ass with an owl.

Response:

> My interest at the moment runs to the Vox AD30VT or AD50VT or the > equivalent Spider 2 from Line6 which are a bit less expensive and have > a few less features.

Everything a modelling amp can do can be had in a modelling stompbox, so a better approach would be to use one of those in front of a tube amp (if you really must) so you can mess around with all those sub-standard digitized FX and then when you tire of them or whatever, you still have the tube amp.  It just seems to me that it’s better not to put all your eggs in one basket if you know what I mean. I know I’ll never buy another L6 product, because I bought one of their modelling amps to mess around with some years back and when it broke down under warranty I discovered their warranty service blows, big time.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> My interest at the moment runs to the Vox AD30VT or AD50VT or the > equivalent Spider 2 from Line6 which are a bit less expensive and have > a few less features. >Everything a modelling amp can do can be had in a modelling stompbox, so a >better approach would be to use one of those in front of a tube amp (if you >really must) so you can mess around with all those sub-standard digitized FX >and then when you tire of them or whatever, you still have the tube amp.  It >just seems to me that it’s better not to put all your eggs in one basket if >you know what I mean. >I know I’ll never buy another L6 product, because I bought one of their >modelling amps to mess around with some years back and when it broke down >under warranty I discovered their warranty service blows, big time.

All of that is true of course. OTOH, that would require me to buy a tube amp (which I wouldn’t mind) and a decent stompbox (which I also wouldn’t mind) both of which are likely to run more than the modelling amp alone. I suppose I could buy a Pod (but that is also made by Line6) and run it as a pre-amp for my Peavey but the basic Pod is as much as the 30 Amp Vox (exactly the same price) I know where you are coming from as I have seen these purist vs heathen arguments erupt into flame wars in other domains. I have a buyer for the old Peavey and I want a little more versatility. I also want a reasonable approximation of a tube amp with ease of use and a single package instead of several hundred $$$ of pedals. I love the sound of tube amps (I used to have an old 1950s Fender – a long story) but don’t have the money to buy one. I’m getting the feeling that Line6 is reasonably good equipment if you never have to deal with the company after. — Bob Mann Help save trees. Wipe your ass with an owl.

Response:

> I also want a reasonable approximation of a tube amp with ease of use > and a single package instead of several hundred $$$ of pedals.

I had the same idea, unfortunately the L6 Spider I bought decided to crap out and the mfg. was totally unresponsive, I had to get the manager of the shop that sold it to me to rattle L6’s chain, and even then the repair only lasted until the warantly expired.  I know a couple of working guitarists who use the Pod as a practice tool, although they wouldn’t dream of taking one to a gig or into the studio.  Check out the used market, if you can get a real deal on one of their amps in good condition then at least it won’t sting too much if you decide down the road that it was a bad choice, but I sure wouldn’t buy one new based on my experience.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I also want a reasonable approximation of a tube amp with ease of use > and a single package instead of several hundred $$$ of pedals. >I had the same idea, unfortunately the L6 Spider I bought decided to crap >out and the mfg. was totally unresponsive, I had to get the manager of the >shop that sold it to me to rattle L6’s chain, and even then the repair only >lasted until the warantly expired.  I know a couple of working guitarists >who use the Pod as a practice tool, although they wouldn’t dream of taking >one to a gig or into the studio.  Check out the used market, if you can get >a real deal on one of their amps in good condition then at least it won’t >sting too much if you decide down the road that it was a bad choice, but I >sure wouldn’t buy one new based on my experience.

Thanks very much. I was already leaning towards the Vox even though it cost more. This will probably be enough. I was also leaning towards buying one of their guitars but another thread put me off that too. I really would like an A30 or a Fender (both really) but that would take money from home renovations and the accountant I call my wife would never go for that. Especially after I surprised her with a Harley (for me) last spring. I have to say, Line6 has some very effective advertizing on their website. I will indeed check out used. Thanks again — Bob Mann Help save trees. Wipe your ass with an owl.

Response:

> I’m wondering if anyone has any pracitical experience with both amps > and can give any constructive advice on a comparison between the two > amps.

If you’re interested in modeling amps you should also check out the Behringer V-Ampire range. They have a nice 60 watt 1×12 combo hat sels for around $250 as well as a 120 watt head for around $200.

Response:

>> I’m wondering if anyone has any pracitical experience with both amps > and can give any constructive advice on a comparison between the two > amps. >If you’re interested in modeling amps you should also check out the >Behringer V-Ampire range. They have a nice 60 watt 1×12 combo hat sels >for around $250 as well as a 120 watt head for around $200.

I haven’t seen those anywhere around here. Here being Winnipeg. I’ll check them out if I get a chance to find a dealer. It certainly looks interesting from the website. — Bob Mann Help save trees. Wipe your ass with an owl.

Response:

I can’t compare the AD30VT with the Spider 2 as I only have the Vox. The clean settings on this are more than adequate for home practice. You may wish to consider the AD50VT as that has a speaker out jack which the AD30VT doesn’t.  The stock speaker, to my ears, on the AD30 is a bit harsh in the higher frequencies when the volume is high. This is an area where Vox saved money.  I was a bit hesitant about changing the speaker as I thought the harshness might be more a solid state issue rather than a speaker issue.  However, I slapped a Celestion G10 Vintage on the amp over the weekend and it made a world of a difference.  The amp actually sings rather well at high volume, the upper frequencies are more articulate, especially on the higher gain settings. The AC30 chime is much more convincing.  If you are only going to play at low volumes then changing the speaker is not that much of an issue – but if you are jamming at volume then I’d consider it as part of the budgeting for the AD30. Good luck. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I’m looking at buying a new amp. >Currently using a Peavey Studio Pro 40 >This will be for basement use only (maybe an occasional jam with a >friend or two) >I don’t need gig quality, volume or sound and am intrigued by the new >modelling amps. (I know that there are better ways to get the sounds I >am looking for but I can afford one amp only) >My interest at the moment runs to the Vox AD30VT or AD50VT or the >equivalent Spider 2 from Line6 which are a bit less expensive and have >a few less features. >I’m wondering if anyone has any pracitical experience with both amps >and can give any constructive advice on a comparison between the two >amps. >I’ve been through the sound files on both web sites and find them a >little lacking in comprehensiveness on top of which, playing them >through computer speakers hardly stacks up to live. >My guitar is a 20 year old Ibanez Roadstar and I am looking for the >best clean Fender/Peavey sound, a true as possible AC30 sound and a >good Tweed sound. The ability to get the Marshall stack sound is nice >but secondary as is the metal sound which both do adequately. >I haven’t been able to hear both side by side or to run both through >their paces enough to make an informed decision. >Good effects is also an important consideration >Thanks.

– Tim Westcott

Response:

> I really would like an A30 or a Fender (both really) but that would > take money from home renovations and the accountant I call my wife > would never go for that. Especially after I surprised her with a > Harley (for me) last spring.

Light of My Life says nothing about guitars or amps, but whenever I makes noises about a Road King she gives me that look, you know, that look? Curious, considering she bought herself a Nissan 350Z not so long ago….

Response:

The Vox works better in a band. It stands out more and cuts a bit better than the Line6. However, my bandmate readily admitted that my old silverface Deluxe Reverb had "tons more balls" than his Vox modeling amp. The Vox is a bit bright and harsh to my ear. The Line6 stuff tends to be "fuzzy" and mushy sounding by comparison. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’m looking at buying a new amp. > Currently using a Peavey Studio Pro 40 > This will be for basement use only (maybe an occasional jam with a > friend or two) > I don’t need gig quality, volume or sound and am intrigued by the new > modelling amps. (I know that there are better ways to get the sounds I > am looking for but I can afford one amp only) > My interest at the moment runs to the Vox AD30VT or AD50VT or the > equivalent Spider 2 from Line6 which are a bit less expensive and have > a few less features. > I’m wondering if anyone has any pracitical experience with both amps > and can give any constructive advice on a comparison between the two > amps. > I’ve been through the sound files on both web sites and find them a > little lacking in comprehensiveness on top of which, playing them > through computer speakers hardly stacks up to live. > My guitar is a 20 year old Ibanez Roadstar and I am looking for the > best clean Fender/Peavey sound, a true as possible AC30 sound and a > good Tweed sound. The ability to get the Marshall stack sound is nice > but secondary as is the metal sound which both do adequately. > I haven’t been able to hear both side by side or to run both through > their paces enough to make an informed decision. > Good effects is also an important consideration > Thanks.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I’m looking at buying a new amp. > Currently using a Peavey Studio Pro 40 > This will be for basement use only (maybe an occasional jam with a > friend or two) > I don’t need gig quality, volume or sound and am intrigued by the new > modelling amps. (I know that there are better ways to get the sounds I > am looking for but I can afford one amp only) > My interest at the moment runs to the Vox AD30VT or AD50VT or the > equivalent Spider 2 from Line6 which are a bit less expensive and have > a few less features. > I’m wondering if anyone has any pracitical experience with both amps > and can give any constructive advice on a comparison between the two > amps. > I’ve been through the sound files on both web sites and find them a > little lacking in comprehensiveness on top of which, playing them > through computer speakers hardly stacks up to live. > My guitar is a 20 year old Ibanez Roadstar and I am looking for the > best clean Fender/Peavey sound, a true as possible AC30 sound and a > good Tweed sound. The ability to get the Marshall stack sound is nice > but secondary as is the metal sound which both do adequately. > I haven’t been able to hear both side by side or to run both through > their paces enough to make an informed decision. > Good effects is also an important consideration > Thanks. > — > Bob Mann > Help save trees. Wipe your ass with an owl.

Bob If you think a modelling amp will get you anywhere near close to the real deal than you are sadly mistaken.  A modelling amp will get you as close to an AC 30 as say a Pontiac Fierro will to a Ferarri. My old guitarists and I spent two hours one night trying to get a warm punchy, cranked amp sound out of a Line 6 and gave up.  Two days later he bought an old Ampeg V4 head for like $150 that blew the Line 6 away. Chris

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I’m looking at buying a new amp. > Currently using a Peavey Studio Pro 40 > This will be for basement use only (maybe an occasional jam with a > friend or two) > I don’t need gig quality, volume or sound and am intrigued by the new > modelling amps. (I know that there are better ways to get the sounds I > am looking for but I can afford one amp only) > My interest at the moment runs to the Vox AD30VT or AD50VT or the > equivalent Spider 2 from Line6 which are a bit less expensive and have > a few less features. > I’m wondering if anyone has any pracitical experience with both amps > and can give any constructive advice on a comparison between the two > amps. > I’ve been through the sound files on both web sites and find them a > little lacking in comprehensiveness on top of which, playing them > through computer speakers hardly stacks up to live. > My guitar is a 20 year old Ibanez Roadstar and I am looking for the > best clean Fender/Peavey sound, a true as possible AC30 sound and a > good Tweed sound. The ability to get the Marshall stack sound is nice > but secondary as is the metal sound which both do adequately. > I haven’t been able to hear both side by side or to run both through > their paces enough to make an informed decision. > Good effects is also an important consideration > Thanks.

Bob, I’m more happy with the Fender simulations in both my lowly Crate modeling amp, and my Zoom GFX-5 pedal than either of the L6 POD devices I had. BTW, Zoom *still* keeps their OD / dist circuits in the analog realm where they belong. They have other shortcomings (lack of computer USB, MIDI or RJ-45 connectivity). But the sounds are very good. Honestly, I don’t mind the clean sound in the little Peavey Studio Pro amps like you’re selling off. I had one that someone put a Black Widow speaker in, and it sounded great! Of course the speaker was worth as much as the amp, so I kept the BW, put a Jensen MOD in the Peavey; then sold it to a kid for his bedroom practice amp. Anyways, I prefer the separate unit theory, and would probably keep the Peavey amp, get a Behringer Pro, or Yamaha Magic Stomp (I hear they sound good). But if it comes down to the L6 or Vox… I’d go with the Vox sight unseen (or sound unheard as this case may be). I was *really* no fan of the digital harshness I got from the POD’s OD / Distortion tones. Just another 2

Question:

The RS Blog Ridge out, Abu Guantanamo, Jeffersonian patience, and Justice Breyer’s "Tomato Children" By TIM DICKINSON Extreme Makeover, Bush Edition The cabinet renovation continues. Sad sack Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge is the latest (but certainly not the last) of the President’s men to head for the exit. In an odd letter of resignation, Ridge likened his service to the self-sacrifice of the passengers of United Flight 93 who "knowing their fate, fought back to avoid an even greater tragedy." It?s easy to understand why Ridge would have a martyr’s complex. This is a man who gave up a cushy governorship to take one of the hardest jobs on the planet. Not only did he have to lead a monstrous merger of ossified government bureaucracies, but Ridge became the man responsible for preventing and/or responding to future terrorist attacks on American soil — both terribly outsized tasks for a man whose public persona seemed the epitome of ordinary. By all appearances, Ridge possessed neither the drive nor the true backing from the White House required to do more than a cosmetically passable job. It would be false to suggest that Ridge’s DHS has been worse than useless — although its most memorable innovation, the nation’s Homeland Security Advisory System certainly is. (And we’d be remiss not to mention that duct-tape incident.) We’re better prepared now than we were three years ago, but the litany of the DHS’s unfinished and under-funded work is long and embarrassing. Chief among these: The appalling absence of radiation detectors at our nation’s ports, the industry-pleasing refusal to regulate security at the nation’s potentially deadly chemical plants, and the jaw-dropping inattention to the cargo holds of the nation’s passenger jets. To grasp how much of the nation’s security work remains undone, I recommend reading Matthew Brzezinski’s important book Fortress America: On the Front Lines of Homeland Security. This adaptation featured in Mother Jones ought to entice you: "Special interests routinely trump security at DHS," Brzezinski writes. "Several of Tom Ridge’s former aides now lobby for companies in the security industry. So does Tim Hutchinson, a former Republican senator from Arkansas and the brother of DHS undersecretary Asa Hutchinson, who heads the department’s massive Border Protection and Transportation Security Directorate. (A meeting Tim Hutchinson had arranged for an Arkansas client with his brother in D.C. was strictly ’social,’ the undersecretary assured reporters when word of the get-together was leaked to the Washington Post.) . . . Born blind because it was denied the capacity to collect or properly analyze raw intelligence, DHS must rely on the fiercely territorial Federal Bureau of Investigation to be its seeing-eye dog. That the FBI’s counter-terror division has not been folded into the department, as logic and the experience of other nations would dictate, is a severe handicap, and a clear sign that the new department does not enjoy favor with the power brokers at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue . . . . . . Aside from being hamstrung by its reluctant architects, DHS simply has not been able to compete with Iraq in the battle for resources . . . Homeland security has been a main target of domestic penny-pinching — one reason why officials at department headquarters have had to share phones, why firefighters and other first responders across the country still don’t have radios that work on the same frequencies, and why airline cargo is still not being properly screened." Doing Politics Homeland Security’s greatest failure — by far — has been one of public perception. Despite Ridge’s frequent assertions that "We don’t do politics in the Department of Homeland Security" — DHS has earned (and I don’t use that word lightly) a reputation for crying wolf at politically auspicious moments — including two days after Kerry selected Edwards as his running mate and four days after the rousing Democratic convention, when three-year-old intel suddenly prompted Ridge to raise the terror level to orange. The political effects of issuing terror alerts — which produce predictable upticks in the president’s approval ratings — cannot have gone unnoticed by Karl Rove & Co. From a political perspective, all of this is perfectly understandable: I have no doubt that any administration would be tempted by the power to scare the citizenry shitless on occasion if it meant consolidating or maintaining power. But for all of our sakes, DHS should — must — be above politics, it must deal with hard reality, and it should never try to blow sunshine up our asses, as in the case of the Bush DHS appointee who, as described by the Boston Globe, "drafted and distributed a public relations strategy designed to ‘change perception’ about the nation’s security by repeating the message, in the weeks leading up to the presidential election, that America is safer." Loyal to a Fault If the president follows the example he’s set with his earlier choices for Attorney General and Secretary of State, we’re sure to see a supreme Bush loyalist replace Ridge, a move that would draw DHS closer into the administration’s political orbit and leave it at a further remove from the "reality-based community." This is an administration that has made skillful use of public fear to further its ambitions. There’s no reason to hope that a changing of the guard at DHS will change that pattern for the better. Nuestro Bush The far-less-noteworthy nomination this week of Carlos Gutierrez to become the next Secretary of Commerce may yet be more important than Ridge’s retirement. The Republican party made impressive inroads with the Hispanic community this past election, and Bush seems intent on cementing those gains. Nominating the Cuban born-Gutierrez (over, say, his ole pal Mercer Reynolds) sends another strong message from the GOP to U.S. Latinos:

Question:

The RS Blog Ridge out, Abu Guantanamo, Jeffersonian patience, and Justice Breyer’s "Tomato Children" By TIM DICKINSON Extreme Makeover, Bush Edition The cabinet renovation continues. Sad sack Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge is the latest (but certainly not the last) of the President’s men to head for the exit. In an odd letter of resignation, Ridge likened his service to the self-sacrifice of the passengers of United Flight 93 who "knowing their fate, fought back to avoid an even greater tragedy." It?s easy to understand why Ridge would have a martyr’s complex. This is a man who gave up a cushy governorship to take one of the hardest jobs on the planet. Not only did he have to lead a monstrous merger of ossified government bureaucracies, but Ridge became the man responsible for preventing and/or responding to future terrorist attacks on American soil — both terribly outsized tasks for a man whose public persona seemed the epitome of ordinary. By all appearances, Ridge possessed neither the drive nor the true backing from the White House required to do more than a cosmetically passable job. It would be false to suggest that Ridge’s DHS has been worse than useless — although its most memorable innovation, the nation’s Homeland Security Advisory System certainly is. (And we’d be remiss not to mention that duct-tape incident.) We’re better prepared now than we were three years ago, but the litany of the DHS’s unfinished and under-funded work is long and embarrassing. Chief among these: The appalling absence of radiation detectors at our nation’s ports, the industry-pleasing refusal to regulate security at the nation’s potentially deadly chemical plants, and the jaw-dropping inattention to the cargo holds of the nation’s passenger jets. To grasp how much of the nation’s security work remains undone, I recommend reading Matthew Brzezinski’s important book Fortress America: On the Front Lines of Homeland Security. This adaptation featured in Mother Jones ought to entice you: "Special interests routinely trump security at DHS," Brzezinski writes. "Several of Tom Ridge’s former aides now lobby for companies in the security industry. So does Tim Hutchinson, a former Republican senator from Arkansas and the brother of DHS undersecretary Asa Hutchinson, who heads the department’s massive Border Protection and Transportation Security Directorate. (A meeting Tim Hutchinson had arranged for an Arkansas client with his brother in D.C. was strictly ’social,’ the undersecretary assured reporters when word of the get-together was leaked to the Washington Post.) . . . Born blind because it was denied the capacity to collect or properly analyze raw intelligence, DHS must rely on the fiercely territorial Federal Bureau of Investigation to be its seeing-eye dog. That the FBI’s counter-terror division has not been folded into the department, as logic and the experience of other nations would dictate, is a severe handicap, and a clear sign that the new department does not enjoy favor with the power brokers at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue . . . . . . Aside from being hamstrung by its reluctant architects, DHS simply has not been able to compete with Iraq in the battle for resources . . . Homeland security has been a main target of domestic penny-pinching — one reason why officials at department headquarters have had to share phones, why firefighters and other first responders across the country still don’t have radios that work on the same frequencies, and why airline cargo is still not being properly screened." Doing Politics Homeland Security’s greatest failure — by far — has been one of public perception. Despite Ridge’s frequent assertions that "We don’t do politics in the Department of Homeland Security" — DHS has earned (and I don’t use that word lightly) a reputation for crying wolf at politically auspicious moments — including two days after Kerry selected Edwards as his running mate and four days after the rousing Democratic convention, when three-year-old intel suddenly prompted Ridge to raise the terror level to orange. The political effects of issuing terror alerts — which produce predictable upticks in the president’s approval ratings — cannot have gone unnoticed by Karl Rove & Co. From a political perspective, all of this is perfectly understandable: I have no doubt that any administration would be tempted by the power to scare the citizenry shitless on occasion if it meant consolidating or maintaining power. But for all of our sakes, DHS should — must — be above politics, it must deal with hard reality, and it should never try to blow sunshine up our asses, as in the case of the Bush DHS appointee who, as described by the Boston Globe, "drafted and distributed a public relations strategy designed to ‘change perception’ about the nation’s security by repeating the message, in the weeks leading up to the presidential election, that America is safer." Loyal to a Fault If the president follows the example he’s set with his earlier choices for Attorney General and Secretary of State, we’re sure to see a supreme Bush loyalist replace Ridge, a move that would draw DHS closer into the administration’s political orbit and leave it at a further remove from the "reality-based community." This is an administration that has made skillful use of public fear to further its ambitions. There’s no reason to hope that a changing of the guard at DHS will change that pattern for the better. Nuestro Bush The far-less-noteworthy nomination this week of Carlos Gutierrez to become the next Secretary of Commerce may yet be more important than Ridge’s retirement. The Republican party made impressive inroads with the Hispanic community this past election, and Bush seems intent on cementing those gains. Nominating the Cuban born-Gutierrez (over, say, his ole pal Mercer Reynolds) sends another strong message from the GOP to U.S. Latinos:

Question:

Legend: ()=actual arrival or departure times  []=reason for delay if any and if known The report was created using my Apple iBook. In the past I had used a Palm Tungsten E Handheld, although I it is having problems HotSyncing. In addition I have found it not, as easy to enter information in the handheld, as the laptop.  Please pardon me if you think this report is too long (my friend thinks it is), but I much like to read the detailed trip reports here on RTA. The more detailed the better in my opinion. After searching the Internet for about a month and half I finely came across a good fare of $246.69 with Northwest Airlines (I think UA and DL were very close to this fare) for this trip. This was compared to the much higher fares of over $400 that I found with UAL and Delta in the months previous. Not sure if this fare was an introductory fare (NW/Pinnacle started service here at CPR on 10/04/04) or due to a system wide sale started by NW or some other airline. In any event it turned out to be the right price for me. In addition to the low fare my decision to fly on NW was also based on fact that first leg of my trip would be on a jet aircraft, rather than a turboprop plane. My flights on UAX(SkyWest) this past summer to and from DEN were very bumpy. Also they seemed to be very noisy. Good thing they did not last more than an hour. Only thing I am concerned about is the fact the flights on the CRJ will be nearly 2 hours in length. There again at least they are not on a turboprop airplane. I choose to fly into Midway, as I heard from a number of you here on RTA that it might be an easier airport to get around vs. O’Hare. I was only in Chicago once and that was only to make a connection on UA at O’Hare. Don’t remember much other than having to walk down a long tunnel to get to the concourse where my flight to DCA was to leave from. Seems as though this tunnel was lighted with neon light of some type. Just wondering how they are coming along with renovations at Natrona County International Airport (CPR). Looks like the TSA’s checked baggage screeners will be moving from in front of the ticket counters to behind them. Not real sure what they are doing other than possibly painting and changing the carpet. I also am curious, as to whether Pinnacle will be using one of the 2 jetways here or if I will have to board via the stairs. If I remember right Skywest used one of the jetways for its CRJ flights to SLC. Sounds, as though Pinnacle uses jetways at regional terminal at MSP. CPR-MDW via MSP on NW I left for airport at 5:30am for my flight just 1 hour later. I know that does not seem like much time, but is plenty at Natrona County International Airport. I make one stop at the bank to get some cash, as I forgot to get some the night before. Even with doing that I arrive at the airport about 5:50am. Upon arrival I park my car in airport’s lot, which is just steps away from the terminal. Shortly after that I am in the terminal and ready to check-in for my flight to MSP. This process seems to go very smoothly. At the NWA counter I am greeted by one of friendly ladies I have meet in a long time. She is from Dallas Fort Worth, which is line with I have seen of most southern woman, they are some of the friendly people you will ever meet. After check-in I am sent to baggage screening. The people in front of me seem to have to have every bag they own opened by TSA. My bag does not, which is good, as the TSA agent would have had a fun zipping up my bag (very full). With in about 10 minutes or a little more I am through security and in the gate area. After scanning the area I find a seat near the gate. With all the construction it seems, as though there is a lack of seats. As for the above-mentioned construction, it is well underway. Looks as though they are trying to give the airport a more open or airy feel. I say this, as they are adding many windows where there were none. They have added a bunch of windows to front of terminal. Also they are expanding the gate area and it looks like there will be windows around entire room. Of course they will be putting in new carpet, as what have now is very stained due to the renovations. I think I am going to like these improvements very much. Thursday October 14, 2004 CPR-MSP Flight: 2876 operated by Pinnacle Airlines Depart: 6:30am (6:30) [on time] Gate: ? -Not sure, as there are no signs hanging due to the remodel. Arrive: 9:20am (9:20am) [please note listed below in the remarks] Gate: A8 Aircraft: CRJ Remarks: Shortly after seating down near the gate boarding is called for my flight. This will be my first flight on the CRJ in a number of years. It has been at least 5 years since I had flown on this aircraft. This mainly is, because SkyWest downgraded its Delta Connection service to the smaller and NOISIER EMB-120 aircraft. Also the introduction of their UAX service did not bring these commuter jets, but rather only brought more of the above mentioned turboprop aircraft to CPR. Only thing is that they are better then the Beachcraft 1900 flown by Great Lakes or "Not So Great Lakes", as some call them. My flight is a full one and I think that is due mainly to low fares NWA has brought to CPR. The aircraft seems to be fairly new, although it does not have the new NWA livery. I guess I will enjoy the new livery on my computer’s screen saver. Not quite sure how the photo of the CRJ I downloaded ended up becoming a screen saver, but in any event I enjoy it. Not much else to report about this flight, as it is a smooth one. Just wished the clouds had stayed away. Would have made for better sight seeing. This will be my first time at MSP. The map on their web site makes this airport look, as though connections there may not be all that easy. I guess I am used to DEN where all of UAs connections seem to leave from one concourse (B).  I have been told to visit Northstar Crossing (a mall of sorts in this airport), although this may have to wait until my return trip home, as I have more than just an hour then to explore the airport. My flight lands at MSP on time, but does not make it to the gate for several minutes. Not real sure what the hold-up is, but in any event it seems to take more time than it should and this means that I must rush to my next gate on the G concourse. I have just enough time to make to the gate, as they start the final boarding call. No time for a bathroom break or food stop. The gate agent seems impressed that I made it to gate with a few minutes to spare. I think she was thinking that I made miss my connection and that she would have to put me on a later flight, but that was not case. The next time I fly I will try to get a longer layover in MSP. MSP-MDW Flight: 1286 Depart: 10:12am (10:22) [just a little late] Gate: G22 Arrive: 11:35am (11:35am) [on time] Gate: A5 Aircraft: DC 9-30 Remarks: This flight seems to be a little bumpy, but nothing like some of the flights I have been on. Other than that the flight seems to be fine. At this point all I can think about is getting off this plane, so I can find some food. With a flight time of an hour and 5 minutes I think I can hold out. Oh well, the pretzels seems to the best I have had in while. After landing we are at our gate in a few minutes, unlike in MSP and I head for my luggage, all the while thinking that my bag will not be there due to my almost missed connection in MSP. To my surprise it is there. That is good, as I think I may have left my claim stubs on the plane. I later find out that I did not. Shortly after claiming my bag, I am on the orange EL-train to downtown. I get off at State and Lake Street and head north and west toward the Westin River North. Upon arriving there I discover that my room will not be ready for a few hours, so I check my bags and head out on the town to find a bite to eat. Also stop in a few shops before returning to the hotel at 2:30pm. By this time my room is ready, but my bags are not. I say this, as they can only find one. I was asked to come in to look at luggage to see if I can find my second piece. At the same time an older lady arrived claiming that someone has delivered the wrong bag to her room. Sounds, as if it is mine. Within a few minutes a hotel employee returns with my misdelivered bag. I receive a free days worth of Internet for this mix-up. MDW-CPR via MSP on NW Tuesday, October 19, 2004 After claiming my bags from the bellboy at the Chicago Westin River North at about 3:15pm, I head to catch the orange EL line back to Midway Airport. During this 2 or 3 block I have several taxies stop to see if need a ride, but of course I say "no." With in a few minutes I am walking up the stairs at State and Lake El Station with my bags, which seem to weight a ton (must be all the post cards I bought in Chicago). Shortly after this I purchase a fare card and head to the arriving train. It turns out to be a different train than I want, so I have a short wait for my train. After boarding I have a 30-minute trip to MDW. I arrive there at 4:00pm to find a very uncrowded airport. Check-in at the electronic machine is a breeze. While checking in I notice that one of my flight might be oversold. This means that I might have a chance for free tickets somewhere. I am hoping this works out, as would like a free flight to FLL in February. After check-in I take my checked bag to TSA and then am off to security. Security goes smoothly, as remember to take off my shoes and coat and send them through the x-ray machine, as well as my bag and laptop. With in a few minutes of passing through security with no problems I am at my gate. As I am not sure which flight the kiosk said might be oversold I head to podium to speak to the gate agent. She informs me that me flight is not oversold, but may have earlier in the day. This means that it could be my next flight to CPR. I have a 30 minute wait, so I do a little walking around the A … read more »

Response:

> Legend: ()=actual arrival or departure times  []=reason for delay if > any and if known > The report was created using my Apple iBook. In the past I had used a > Palm Tungsten E Handheld, although I it is having problems HotSyncing. > In addition I have found it not, as easy to enter information in the > handheld, as the laptop.  Please pardon me if you think this report is > too long (my friend thinks it is), but I much like to read the > detailed trip reports here on RTA. The more detailed the better in my > opinion.

Nope.  Sorry, I gave up half way through.  Detailed trip reports are one thing but it does not help if you keep digressing MC

Response:

Enjoyed Nice report Micheal thanks.

Response:

Question:

Legend: ()=actual arrival or departure times  []=reason for delay if any and if known The report was created using my Apple iBook. In the past I had used a Palm Tungsten E Handheld, although I it is having problems HotSyncing. In addition I have found it not, as easy to enter information in the handheld, as the laptop.  Please pardon me if you think this report is too long (my friend thinks it is), but I much like to read the detailed trip reports here on RTA. The more detailed the better in my opinion. After searching the Internet for about a month and half I finely came across a good fare of $246.69 with Northwest Airlines (I think UA and DL were very close to this fare) for this trip. This was compared to the much higher fares of over $400 that I found with UAL and Delta in the months previous. Not sure if this fare was an introductory fare (NW/Pinnacle started service here at CPR on 10/04/04) or due to a system wide sale started by NW or some other airline. In any event it turned out to be the right price for me. In addition to the low fare my decision to fly on NW was also based on fact that first leg of my trip would be on a jet aircraft, rather than a turboprop plane. My flights on UAX(SkyWest) this past summer to and from DEN were very bumpy. Also they seemed to be very noisy. Good thing they did not last more than an hour. Only thing I am concerned about is the fact the flights on the CRJ will be nearly 2 hours in length. There again at least they are not on a turboprop airplane. I choose to fly into Midway, as I heard from a number of you here on RTA that it might be an easier airport to get around vs. O’Hare. I was only in Chicago once and that was only to make a connection on UA at O’Hare. Don’t remember much other than having to walk down a long tunnel to get to the concourse where my flight to DCA was to leave from. Seems as though this tunnel was lighted with neon light of some type. Just wondering how they are coming along with renovations at Natrona County International Airport (CPR). Looks like the TSA’s checked baggage screeners will be moving from in front of the ticket counters to behind them. Not real sure what they are doing other than possibly painting and changing the carpet. I also am curious, as to whether Pinnacle will be using one of the 2 jetways here or if I will have to board via the stairs. If I remember right Skywest used one of the jetways for its CRJ flights to SLC. Sounds, as though Pinnacle uses jetways at regional terminal at MSP. CPR-MDW via MSP on NW I left for airport at 5:30am for my flight just 1 hour later. I know that does not seem like much time, but is plenty at Natrona County International Airport. I make one stop at the bank to get some cash, as I forgot to get some the night before. Even with doing that I arrive at the airport about 5:50am. Upon arrival I park my car in airport’s lot, which is just steps away from the terminal. Shortly after that I am in the terminal and ready to check-in for my flight to MSP. This process seems to go very smoothly. At the NWA counter I am greeted by one of friendly ladies I have meet in a long time. She is from Dallas Fort Worth, which is line with I have seen of most southern woman, they are some of the friendly people you will ever meet. After check-in I am sent to baggage screening. The people in front of me seem to have to have every bag they own opened by TSA. My bag does not, which is good, as the TSA agent would have had a fun zipping up my bag (very full). With in about 10 minutes or a little more I am through security and in the gate area. After scanning the area I find a seat near the gate. With all the construction it seems, as though there is a lack of seats. As for the above-mentioned construction, it is well underway. Looks as though they are trying to give the airport a more open or airy feel. I say this, as they are adding many windows where there were none. They have added a bunch of windows to front of terminal. Also they are expanding the gate area and it looks like there will be windows around entire room. Of course they will be putting in new carpet, as what have now is very stained due to the renovations. I think I am going to like these improvements very much. Thursday October 14, 2004 CPR-MSP Flight: 2876 operated by Pinnacle Airlines Depart: 6:30am (6:30) [on time] Gate: ? -Not sure, as there are no signs hanging due to the remodel. Arrive: 9:20am (9:20am) [please note listed below in the remarks] Gate: A8 Aircraft: CRJ Remarks: Shortly after seating down near the gate boarding is called for my flight. This will be my first flight on the CRJ in a number of years. It has been at least 5 years since I had flown on this aircraft. This mainly is, because SkyWest downgraded its Delta Connection service to the smaller and NOISIER EMB-120 aircraft. Also the introduction of their UAX service did not bring these commuter jets, but rather only brought more of the above mentioned turboprop aircraft to CPR. Only thing is that they are better then the Beachcraft 1900 flown by Great Lakes or "Not So Great Lakes", as some call them. My flight is a full one and I think that is due mainly to low fares NWA has brought to CPR. The aircraft seems to be fairly new, although it does not have the new NWA livery. I guess I will enjoy the new livery on my computer’s screen saver. Not quite sure how the photo of the CRJ I downloaded ended up becoming a screen saver, but in any event I enjoy it. Not much else to report about this flight, as it is a smooth one. Just wished the clouds had stayed away. Would have made for better sight seeing. This will be my first time at MSP. The map on their web site makes this airport look, as though connections there may not be all that easy. I guess I am used to DEN where all of UAs connections seem to leave from one concourse (B).  I have been told to visit Northstar Crossing (a mall of sorts in this airport), although this may have to wait until my return trip home, as I have more than just an hour then to explore the airport. My flight lands at MSP on time, but does not make it to the gate for several minutes. Not real sure what the hold-up is, but in any event it seems to take more time than it should and this means that I must rush to my next gate on the G concourse. I have just enough time to make to the gate, as they start the final boarding call. No time for a bathroom break or food stop. The gate agent seems impressed that I made it to gate with a few minutes to spare. I think she was thinking that I made miss my connection and that she would have to put me on a later flight, but that was not case. The next time I fly I will try to get a longer layover in MSP. MSP-MDW Flight: 1286 Depart: 10:12am (10:22) [just a little late] Gate: G22 Arrive: 11:35am (11:35am) [on time] Gate: A5 Aircraft: DC 9-30 Remarks: This flight seems to be a little bumpy, but nothing like some of the flights I have been on. Other than that the flight seems to be fine. At this point all I can think about is getting off this plane, so I can find some food. With a flight time of an hour and 5 minutes I think I can hold out. Oh well, the pretzels seems to the best I have had in while. After landing we are at our gate in a few minutes, unlike in MSP and I head for my luggage, all the while thinking that my bag will not be there due to my almost missed connection in MSP. To my surprise it is there. That is good, as I think I may have left my claim stubs on the plane. I later find out that I did not. Shortly after claiming my bag, I am on the orange EL-train to downtown. I get off at State and Lake Street and head north and west toward the Westin River North. Upon arriving there I discover that my room will not be ready for a few hours, so I check my bags and head out on the town to find a bite to eat. Also stop in a few shops before returning to the hotel at 2:30pm. By this time my room is ready, but my bags are not. I say this, as they can only find one. I was asked to come in to look at luggage to see if I can find my second piece. At the same time an older lady arrived claiming that someone has delivered the wrong bag to her room. Sounds, as if it is mine. Within a few minutes a hotel employee returns with my misdelivered bag. I receive a free days worth of Internet for this mix-up. MDW-CPR via MSP on NW Tuesday, October 19, 2004 After claiming my bags from the bellboy at the Chicago Westin River North at about 3:15pm, I head to catch the orange EL line back to Midway Airport. During this 2 or 3 block I have several taxies stop to see if need a ride, but of course I say "no." With in a few minutes I am walking up the stairs at State and Lake El Station with my bags, which seem to weight a ton (must be all the post cards I bought in Chicago). Shortly after this I purchase a fare card and head to the arriving train. It turns out to be a different train than I want, so I have a short wait for my train. After boarding I have a 30-minute trip to MDW. I arrive there at 4:00pm to find a very uncrowded airport. Check-in at the electronic machine is a breeze. While checking in I notice that one of my flight might be oversold. This means that I might have a chance for free tickets somewhere. I am hoping this works out, as would like a free flight to FLL in February. After check-in I take my checked bag to TSA and then am off to security. Security goes smoothly, as remember to take off my shoes and coat and send them through the x-ray machine, as well as my bag and laptop. With in a few minutes of passing through security with no problems I am at my gate. As I am not sure which flight the kiosk said might be oversold I head to podium to speak to the gate agent. She informs me that me flight is not oversold, but may have earlier in the day. This means that it could be my next flight to CPR. I have a 30 minute wait, so I do a little walking around the A … read more »

Response:

> Legend: ()=actual arrival or departure times  []=reason for delay if > any and if known > The report was created using my Apple iBook. In the past I had used a > Palm Tungsten E Handheld, although I it is having problems HotSyncing. > In addition I have found it not, as easy to enter information in the > handheld, as the laptop.  Please pardon me if you think this report is > too long (my friend thinks it is), but I much like to read the > detailed trip reports here on RTA. The more detailed the better in my > opinion.

Nope.  Sorry, I gave up half way through.  Detailed trip reports are one thing but it does not help if you keep digressing MC

Response:

Enjoyed Nice report Micheal thanks.

Response:

Question:

The Homeland Security Department just issued a report which contains information regarding terrorist threats against VA hospitals in Bethesda, MD, and Aurora, CO. Mecca delenda est. Lord Valve American

Response:

THE SINGLE MOST LUDICROUS REPITITION OF STUPIDITY BY AN IMBECILE EVER TYPED INTO AGA; – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > The Homeland Security Department just issued > a report which contains information regarding > terrorist threats against VA hospitals in Bethesda, > MD, and Aurora, CO. > Mecca delenda est. > Lord Valve > American

Response:

Go back to work: From the Guardian: Veterans Affairs Secretary Anthony Principi told a group of Omaha, Neb., veterans Friday that the warning should not prevent them from seeking the care they need. The VA treats millions of veterans and family members each year. “I want you to know that’s cautionary only,” Principi told the group. “There is absolutely no specific evidence that any VA center is at risk.” Homeland Security Department spokesman Brian Roehrkasse said the bulletin was “informational” and “not driven by threat reporting, and we encourage all those that work in or visit these facilities to be assured that there is a high level of security already in place.”

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> The Homeland Security Department just issued > a report which contains information regarding > terrorist threats against VA hospitals in Bethesda, > MD, and Aurora, CO. > Mecca delenda est. > Lord Valve > American

Response:

>THE SINGLE MOST LUDICROUS REPITITION OF STUPIDITY BY AN IMBECILE >EVER TYPED INTO AGA;

A bit of truthful self-examination there, Mulish? Your Pal Claude

Response:

INTENSELY Stupid EVEN to comment on it. The next act of Al Queda terrorism IF there is to be one, will be confined to D.C. or NYC and almost certainly be linked to either; 1.] The Israel / Palestine issue as it relates to U.S. Policy. 2.] Whatever’s going on in Iraq or AGAINST Iran at the time     as it relates to U.S. Policy. The Olympics? No Al Queda terrorism The DNC? No Al Queda terrorism The RNC No Al Queda terrorism Beyond NYC or DC? Al Queda terrorism improbable AmeriKKKan’t NeoNaziKKKons have GOT to be seriously defective from a neurological standpoint not to see otherwise. This GOP slob now in the White House will mke America a magnet for 9/11/01’s Stop him 11/2/04 Vote: Kerry/Edwards ‘04 Regards, Marc Mulay – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Go back to work: > From the Guardian: > Veterans Affairs Secretary Anthony Principi told a group of Omaha, Neb., > veterans Friday that the warning should not prevent them from seeking the > care they need. The VA treats millions of veterans and family members each > year. > “I want you to know that’s cautionary only,” Principi told the group. > “There is absolutely no specific evidence that any VA center is at risk.” > Homeland Security Department spokesman Brian Roehrkasse said the bulletin > was “informational” and “not driven by threat reporting, and we encourage > all those that work in or visit these facilities to be assured that there is > a high level of security already in place.” > The Homeland Security Department just issued > a report which contains information regarding > terrorist threats against VA hospitals in Bethesda, > MD, and Aurora, CO. > Mecca delenda est. > Lord Valve > American

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >THE SECOND MOST LUDICROUS STUPIDITY EVER TYPED INTO AGA BY A >MALE PROSTITUTE IMBECILE;> > "Your Pal > Claudel"

Response:

> The Homeland Security Department just issued a report which contains > information regarding terrorist threats against VA hospitals in Bethesda, > MD, and Aurora, CO. > Mecca delenda est.

I’ve been halfway expecting an al Qaeda attack on some sort of veterans’ facility.  Military veterans and retirees are something more than mere civilians, since we represent "the enemy" to an even greater extent than ordinary civilians.  Also, veterans as a group are generally more conservative than civilians in general.  (Kerry’s extreme liberalism lowers the average, I’m sorry to say.) The Memphis, TN VA Medical Center ratcheted up its security immediately after 9/11/2001, and hasn’t relaxed much since then.  In fact, some things — like building modifications which were in the works prior to 9/11 — have been upgraded as permanent measures. But notice I said "some sort of veterans’ facility", not specifically a VAMC.  The terrorism effect would be the same if he Bad Guys hit a state (not federal) veterans’ home or other such facility, provided it’s large enough and located in/near a major city.  Most of the major veterans’ organizations have already held their annual conventions, so Osama’s henchmen missed opportunities to attack those high-profile events.   I’ll be making my regular visit to VAMC Memphis next month.  It will be interesting to see if VA is doing even more to provide security for patients, staff and visitors.  I can think of at least three possible avenues of attack that would be difficult (but not impossible) to protect, so I’m hoping to see evidence of renovation and new construction in places where renovation and construction have already been completed. — Walter Luffman    Medina, TN USA Amateur curmudgeon, equal opportunity annoyer

Response:

Question:

The Homeland Security Department just issued a report which contains information regarding terrorist threats against VA hospitals in Bethesda, MD, and Aurora, CO. Mecca delenda est. Lord Valve American

Response:

THE SINGLE MOST LUDICROUS REPITITION OF STUPIDITY BY AN IMBECILE EVER TYPED INTO AGA; – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > The Homeland Security Department just issued > a report which contains information regarding > terrorist threats against VA hospitals in Bethesda, > MD, and Aurora, CO. > Mecca delenda est. > Lord Valve > American

Response:

Go back to work: From the Guardian: Veterans Affairs Secretary Anthony Principi told a group of Omaha, Neb., veterans Friday that the warning should not prevent them from seeking the care they need. The VA treats millions of veterans and family members each year. “I want you to know that’s cautionary only,” Principi told the group. “There is absolutely no specific evidence that any VA center is at risk.” Homeland Security Department spokesman Brian Roehrkasse said the bulletin was “informational” and “not driven by threat reporting, and we encourage all those that work in or visit these facilities to be assured that there is a high level of security already in place.”

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> The Homeland Security Department just issued > a report which contains information regarding > terrorist threats against VA hospitals in Bethesda, > MD, and Aurora, CO. > Mecca delenda est. > Lord Valve > American

Response:

>THE SINGLE MOST LUDICROUS REPITITION OF STUPIDITY BY AN IMBECILE >EVER TYPED INTO AGA;

A bit of truthful self-examination there, Mulish? Your Pal Claude

Response:

INTENSELY Stupid EVEN to comment on it. The next act of Al Queda terrorism IF there is to be one, will be confined to D.C. or NYC and almost certainly be linked to either; 1.] The Israel / Palestine issue as it relates to U.S. Policy. 2.] Whatever’s going on in Iraq or AGAINST Iran at the time     as it relates to U.S. Policy. The Olympics? No Al Queda terrorism The DNC? No Al Queda terrorism The RNC No Al Queda terrorism Beyond NYC or DC? Al Queda terrorism improbable AmeriKKKan’t NeoNaziKKKons have GOT to be seriously defective from a neurological standpoint not to see otherwise. This GOP slob now in the White House will mke America a magnet for 9/11/01’s Stop him 11/2/04 Vote: Kerry/Edwards ‘04 Regards, Marc Mulay – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Go back to work: > From the Guardian: > Veterans Affairs Secretary Anthony Principi told a group of Omaha, Neb., > veterans Friday that the warning should not prevent them from seeking the > care they need. The VA treats millions of veterans and family members each > year. > “I want you to know that’s cautionary only,” Principi told the group. > “There is absolutely no specific evidence that any VA center is at risk.” > Homeland Security Department spokesman Brian Roehrkasse said the bulletin > was “informational” and “not driven by threat reporting, and we encourage > all those that work in or visit these facilities to be assured that there is > a high level of security already in place.” > The Homeland Security Department just issued > a report which contains information regarding > terrorist threats against VA hospitals in Bethesda, > MD, and Aurora, CO. > Mecca delenda est. > Lord Valve > American

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >THE SECOND MOST LUDICROUS STUPIDITY EVER TYPED INTO AGA BY A >MALE PROSTITUTE IMBECILE;> > "Your Pal > Claudel"

Response:

> The Homeland Security Department just issued a report which contains > information regarding terrorist threats against VA hospitals in Bethesda, > MD, and Aurora, CO. > Mecca delenda est.

I’ve been halfway expecting an al Qaeda attack on some sort of veterans’ facility.  Military veterans and retirees are something more than mere civilians, since we represent "the enemy" to an even greater extent than ordinary civilians.  Also, veterans as a group are generally more conservative than civilians in general.  (Kerry’s extreme liberalism lowers the average, I’m sorry to say.) The Memphis, TN VA Medical Center ratcheted up its security immediately after 9/11/2001, and hasn’t relaxed much since then.  In fact, some things — like building modifications which were in the works prior to 9/11 — have been upgraded as permanent measures. But notice I said "some sort of veterans’ facility", not specifically a VAMC.  The terrorism effect would be the same if he Bad Guys hit a state (not federal) veterans’ home or other such facility, provided it’s large enough and located in/near a major city.  Most of the major veterans’ organizations have already held their annual conventions, so Osama’s henchmen missed opportunities to attack those high-profile events.   I’ll be making my regular visit to VAMC Memphis next month.  It will be interesting to see if VA is doing even more to provide security for patients, staff and visitors.  I can think of at least three possible avenues of attack that would be difficult (but not impossible) to protect, so I’m hoping to see evidence of renovation and new construction in places where renovation and construction have already been completed. — Walter Luffman    Medina, TN USA Amateur curmudgeon, equal opportunity annoyer

Response:

Question:

hello Anyone here been to Monseratt…what’s it like? If anyone can point me to a discussion group on the island or any other internet resource I’d really appreciate it thx J

Response:

> hello > Anyone here been to Monseratt…what’s it like?

       It’s a hard thing in the ocean. > If anyone can point me to a discussion group on the island or any > other internet resource I’d really appreciate it

           http://groups.google.com/ > thx

               no prob.

Response:

> hello > Anyone here been to Monseratt…what’s it like? > If anyone can point me to a discussion group on the island or any > other internet resource I’d really appreciate it > thx > J

Try http://www.montserratreporter.org/          Earl Colby Pottinger — I make public email sent to me!  Hydrogen Peroxide Rockets, OpenBeos, SerialTransfer 3.0, RAMDISK, BoatBuilding, DIY TabletPC.  What happened to the time? http://webhome.idirect.com/~earlcp

Response:

> Anyone here been to Monseratt…what’s it like? > If anyone can point me to a discussion group on the island or any > other internet resource I’d really appreciate it

The volcanic dome of Montserrat collapsed on July 12th. The island is probably still a mess.  You might want to consider a different time to visit. http://www.centredaily.com/mld/centredaily/news/6455667.htm Regards, Daniel

Response:

>hello >Anyone here been to Monseratt…what’s it like? >If anyone can point me to a discussion group on the island or any >other internet resource I’d really appreciate it >thx >J

There’s this big Volcano on Monseratt.  Jimmy Buffett wrote a song called "Volcano" with a chorus of "I don’t know, I don’t know, I don’t know where I’m gonna go when the volcano blows". It was recorded in a little recording studio on Monseratt.   Shortly after the song was released, the volcano blew its stack and the studio was covered in lava. The big Volcano recently blew it’s stack again.  Right now, I imagine most places are still covered with ash, and the air in some areas still may smell of sulpher.  When the dome collapsed in June (de volcano blow) villages had to be evacuated.  The airport was closed due to poor viability from volcanic clouds.  Tourists were refused entry.   The main volcano on Monseratt is very active.  You really don’t want to go there unless you are working with some charitable volunteer organization or are a volcanoligist come to study the volcano.   If you want to see a volcano, go to Hawaii. While one in the volcano park shows signs of activity, the volcanoes in Hawaii are a bit more predictable and safer to see. —  To  email me, Edit "xt" from my email address.   Brian M. Kochera    "Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once!"  View My Web Page: http://home.earthlink.net/~brian1951

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->hello >Anyone here been to Monseratt…what’s it like? >If anyone can point me to a discussion group on the island or any >other internet resource I’d really appreciate it >thx >J >There’s this big Volcano on Monseratt.  Jimmy Buffett wrote a song >called "Volcano" with a chorus of "I don’t know, I don’t know, I don’t >know where I’m gonna go when the volcano blows". It was recorded in a >little recording studio on Monseratt.   Shortly after the song was >released, the volcano blew its stack and the studio was covered in lava.

Brian, lay off the psychedelic shrooms. There is no lava on M’rat, only pyroclastic flows. Air Studio at Waterworks in the Belham Valley is most likely standing unscathed, although abandoned. >The big Volcano recently blew it’s stack again.  Right now, I imagine >most places are still covered with ash, and the air in some areas still >may smell of sulpher.  When the dome collapsed in June (de volcano blow) >villages had to be evacuated.  The airport was closed due to poor >viability from volcanic clouds.  Tourists were refused entry.  

I imagine seasonal rain has put most of the ash down. The airport was destroyed in 1996. And never a sulpher smell. >The main volcano on Monseratt is very active.  You really don’t want to >go there unless you are working with some charitable volunteer >organization or are a volcanoligist come to study the volcano.   If you >want to see a volcano, go to Hawaii. While one in the volcano park shows >signs of activity, the volcanoes in Hawaii are a bit more predictable >and safer to see.

M’rat is still a beautiful island. Having an active volcano is part of the fun. Go over the northern coast road before dawn and stop just short of dropping into Trant’s (where Blackburne Airport was). See the earth glow red before your very eyes.

Response:

> The main volcano on Monseratt is very active.  You really don’t want to > go there unless you are working with some charitable volunteer > organization or are a volcanoligist come to study the volcano.   If you > want to see a volcano, go to Hawaii. While one in the volcano park shows > signs of activity, the volcanoes in Hawaii are a bit more predictable > and safer to see.

Montserrat is open to tourism, and is in fact an interesting place to go on holiday.  As you and others have pointed out, there was very recently a large dome collapse and will take some time to clean up, but once the clean-up is complete (and certainly after the rains of sept/oct) it will be a good location for tourism again.   An airport capable of handling fixed-wing aircraft (flying from Antigua) is still being built and will be in action within a year or so.  In the meantime, travel from Antigua is via helicopter and fast ferry. The diving in Montserrat is reasonably good, though somewhat difficult (beach entries) because the operator is not permitted to use the only existing jetty.  I recall a dive seeing 50 to 100 rays, seeing seahorses snorkelling, turtles, and excellent night dives due to the lack of light pollution. Being on an island with a live volcano is interesting.  It isn’t a typical tourist location though, and has few restaurants, fewer hotels, and relatively poor grocery facilities.  When everything’s cleaned up again, the villas you can rent affordably can be very nice to spectacular. Car rental is possible, though you won’t get insurance.  There is a hospital on-island, though those in frail health might be better going elsewhere since travel off-island isn’t possible between dusk and dawn. There is an email discussion group; contact me for details. — Ken Tough

Response:

Many thanks for the replies…I wonder if anyone reading this actually lives on the Island? I’d like to know what thats like… thanks again J

Response:

>Many thanks for the replies…I wonder if anyone reading this actually >lives on the Island? I’d like to know what thats like…

I lived there in 1999/2000.  See my other reply; things haven’t changed all that much. Living there isn’t too easy in some ways, great in others. There’s good diving/snorkelling just a bike ride/walk away. There’s very little crime, and we never closed up the various sliding glass panels all around our house (except for when the ash was falling).  We sometimes left vehicles at the ferry with the keys in, when off-island.  Things are quite quiet, and the way Gary falls asleep while serving at Gary Moore’s Wide Awake Bar (in Salem, surely closed for the time being until Salem reopens for business) just about says it all. On the other hand, there’s little in the way of fresh fruit and veg (you have to know who brings the stuff in from Dominica, or who to go to for some bananas etc). The ash is a pain, especially when it’s as bad as from the recent collapse where, if you’re in the wrong place, it will be an average of about 10 cm up to drifts of who knows how much. It’s basically like concrete dust, and difficult to shift. Property is relatively cheap and posh rental villas abound, but it’s not really all that cheap, considering.   Travel on-off island is a bit of a drag.  Internet connection is relatively good except in hurricane season.  There are currently water shortages, and the big disruptions from collapses like the recent one can make life a bit annoying. There’s a few nice beaches, but sadly of the two nicest, one (Foxes) is in the exclusion zone (personally my favourite, nice black sand and not a person around), and the other has been turned into the port/commercial centre and so is pretty much trashed. There is another (Rendezvous) to which you have to hike, but compared to other islands it’s not worth the hike.  Woodlands beach can be nice when it’s got sand on it (hurricane scouring), and has very good snorkelling off it, including a very cozy bit of reef.  The dive operator is very good, very experienced, though he can only offer beach launches which might be a drawback to some.  Personally, I’m not a beach person so lack of beach means nothing to me. The jungle is deep and interesting, though the wildlife is perhaps thinner than you might imagine.  (Birds are about 100x more plentiful here in S.Africa).  There are things like agouti, lots of lizards, huge mountain-chicken frogs, the ubiquitous tree frogs, sea birds, and reasonably consistent sea turtles.  Lots of rays at times, never saw any dolphins. The lack of restaurants would be a drawback for travellers, and people who don’t like cooking goat and chicken all the time.  Shortages of things like cooking gas and petrol are not unknown since shipping is difficult, but they’re getting it sorted gradually.   Other questions? — Ken Tough

Response:

thanks Ken You seem to be the man in the know,perhaps i’ll mail you with some other questions… cheers J

Response:

>thanks Ken >You seem to be the man in the know,perhaps i’ll mail you with some >other questions…

There may be other people here who are from Montserrat, even though they might not live there anymore.  Alphonsus, are you the one we might think, or another one? — Ken Tough

Response:

> >hello >Anyone here been to Monseratt…what’s it like?

Great place.  Nothing commercial about it. >If anyone can point me to a discussion group on the island or any >other internet resource I’d really appreciate it >thx >J > There’s this big Volcano on Monseratt.  Jimmy Buffett wrote a song > called "Volcano" with a chorus of "I don’t know, I don’t know, I don’t > know where I’m gonna go when the volcano blows". It was recorded in a > little recording studio on Monseratt.   Shortly after the song was > released, the volcano blew its stack and the studio was covered in lava.

The open air recording studio has never even been close to any lava. In fact, not a single building on Montserrat has been damaged by lava. The recording studio is a mess, yes, and isn’t safe to go inside. Only because the owner has totally neglected making any maintenance to it since 1997. My parents own the property right next to the recording studio (Waterworks), which has also suffered from volcanic ash over the years, but they have spent time and money to maintain it, as have many others in the open areas of Montserrat. > The big Volcano recently blew it’s stack again.  Right now, I imagine > most places are still covered with ash, and the air in some areas still > may smell of sulpher.  When the dome collapsed in June (de volcano blow) > villages had to be evacuated.  The airport was closed due to poor > viability from volcanic clouds.  Tourists were refused entry.

The airport was closed many years ago.  This last erruption had nothing to do with it.  Several pyroclastic flows have destroyed most of the airport terminal and covered most of the landing strip.  A new airport is being built, should be ready by Spet 2004. > The main volcano on Monseratt is very active.  You really don’t want to > go there unless you are working with some charitable volunteer > organization or are a volcanoligist come to study the volcano.   If you > want to see a volcano, go to Hawaii. While one in the volcano park shows > signs of activity, the volcanoes in Hawaii are a bit more predictable > and safer to see.

There is very little volcanic activity on Montserrat at the moment, since mid July.  For over 2 years, the maritime boundary for safe passage around the south of Montserrat was 2 nautical miles.  This has been recently lifted, and fishermens are now allowed to fish in the south, where this volcano is located.  I don’t think the MVO or the local government would allow people to fish at the foot of this volcano if it was "active". I’ve been to Montserrat several times over the last 16 years.  If you’re interested in pictures, e-mail me and I will send you links to tons from several trips, many include volcano pics and damage caused by it.

Response:

> >thanks Ken >You seem to be the man in the know,perhaps i’ll mail you with some >other questions… > There may be other people here who are from Montserrat, even > though they might not live there anymore.  Alphonsus, are you > the one we might think, or another one?

I’ve never lived on Montserrat, but my family has owned property for hundreds of years, and I make semi-frequent visits whenever I can. Waterworks, which is pretty much in the middle of the island, can be seen from almost anywhere in the Belham Valley, Old Towne and surrounding area, was built in the 1700s (if you’re in those areas, look for a big white house, red roof, and lots of BIG palm trees around it).  In the mountain above and behind it, is where you will find Killikranke (and I’m sure I misspelled it), which is where 90% of the water on Montserrat comes from. I was in Montserrat just this past week (Aug 23 – 30), and things are picking up quite nicely considering the last eruption was barely 6 weeks prior to that.  A lot of places have vegetation growing again, fruits can be seen in trees again, and the roads are clean, unless you go to Old Towne, where there are still many mounds of ash on the side of the roads and on properties.  I don’t have pics from the last trip, but I did bring a miniDV camera, and I should have a mpg available in the next week or so from it (time permitting) if any of you are interested. Ken, where abouts did you live on the island?  My parents moved from Waterworks quite a few years ago, settling in Old Towne until they were evacuated last Oct, and then found a place in Woodlands.  Old Towne is re-opened, and they have cleaned off the house, you may have seen it, the driveway has raised lettering that says Avalon (or No Lava) if you read it the other way.  Their neighbours have a bright yellow house, and are just 3 minutes away from the Vue Pointe.

Response:

>> There may be other people here who are from Montserrat, even > though they might not live there anymore.  Alphonsus, are you > the one we might think, or another one? >I’ve never lived on Montserrat, but my family has owned property for >hundreds of years, and I make semi-frequent visits whenever I can. >Waterworks, which is pretty much in the middle of the island, can be >seen from almost anywhere in the Belham Valley, Old Towne and >surrounding area, was built in the 1700s (if you’re in those areas, >look for a big white house, red roof, and lots of BIG palm trees >around it).  

I imagine Waterworks was hit pretty hard by the latest dome collapse.   It was looking good a few years ago when we lived there (except for the massive water main which has been broken for years and gushing like mad making a new ghaut…) >In the mountain above and behind it, is where you will >find Killikranke (and I’m sure I misspelled it), which is where 90% of >the water on Montserrat comes from.

Used to.  AFAIK (my wife worked on the water project) no water is taken from Killikranke any more, though in future they might link it back up with the other springs.  It’s very far south for the newly relocated population base and reservoirs.  Great hikes up there, but watch out for the sand flies at 05:00! >Ken, where abouts did you live on the island?  My parents moved from >Waterworks quite a few years ago, settling in Old Towne until they >were evacuated last Oct, and then found a place in Woodlands.  

Used to live in Woodlands, down by where Public Works moved into a villa years ago.  Forget whose place it was now.   Spectacular pool. >Old >Towne is re-opened, and they have cleaned off the house, you may have >seen it, the driveway has raised lettering that says Avalon (or No >Lava) if you read it the other way.  Their neighbours have a bright >yellow house, and are just 3 minutes away from the Vue Pointe.

I’ve probably seen it, but don’t remember it.   Glad they’re back in place now and keeping going with it.  There’ll be at least a good year or maybe even two before the same thing happens again (unless it’s all stopped now).  Just as a point of wording, they haven’t claimed it’s not active yet even though there doesn’t appear to be magma rising at the moment.  Seismology is pretty quiet, but given past history it’ll be a while before anyone decides to go on a limb and say it’s gone inactive.  To a complete layman, it just seems pretty unlikely that it would go inactive at exactly the same time there was a dome collapse.   More likely to me it’s just "catching its breath". — Ken Tough

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->> There may be other people here who are from Montserrat, even >> though they might not live there anymore.  Alphonsus, are you >> the one we might think, or another one? >I’ve never lived on Montserrat, but my family has owned property for >hundreds of years, and I make semi-frequent visits whenever I can. >Waterworks, which is pretty much in the middle of the island, can be >seen from almost anywhere in the Belham Valley, Old Towne and >surrounding area, was built in the 1700s (if you’re in those areas, >look for a big white house, red roof, and lots of BIG palm trees >around it).   > I imagine Waterworks was hit pretty hard by the latest dome > collapse.   It was looking good a few years ago when we lived > there (except for the massive water main which has been broken > for years and gushing like mad making a new ghaut…)

They have been doing a lot of renovations over the last couple of years, and it was really starting to show in the last year or so.  The last ashfall didn’t really do much to the building, but the vegetation all around it, it will take time to get back up. >In the mountain above and behind it, is where you will >find Killikranke (and I’m sure I misspelled it), which is where 90% of >the water on Montserrat comes from. > Used to.  AFAIK (my wife worked on the water project) no water is > taken from Killikranke any more, though in future they might link it > back up with the other springs.  It’s very far south for the newly > relocated population base and reservoirs.  Great hikes up there, > but watch out for the sand flies at 05:00!

Killikranke is being used right now.  Hiked up there with some people from the WMA just 2 weeks ago.  There’s another water source higher up (forgot the name) and they’ve talked about tapping that one if something ever happened to the current one.  But Killikranke is definately alive and well, and being used up.

Response:

Question:

hello Anyone here been to Monseratt…what’s it like? If anyone can point me to a discussion group on the island or any other internet resource I’d really appreciate it thx J

Response:

> hello > Anyone here been to Monseratt…what’s it like?

       It’s a hard thing in the ocean. > If anyone can point me to a discussion group on the island or any > other internet resource I’d really appreciate it

           http://groups.google.com/ > thx

               no prob.

Response:

> hello > Anyone here been to Monseratt…what’s it like? > If anyone can point me to a discussion group on the island or any > other internet resource I’d really appreciate it > thx > J

Try http://www.montserratreporter.org/          Earl Colby Pottinger — I make public email sent to me!  Hydrogen Peroxide Rockets, OpenBeos, SerialTransfer 3.0, RAMDISK, BoatBuilding, DIY TabletPC.  What happened to the time? http://webhome.idirect.com/~earlcp

Response:

> Anyone here been to Monseratt…what’s it like? > If anyone can point me to a discussion group on the island or any > other internet resource I’d really appreciate it

The volcanic dome of Montserrat collapsed on July 12th. The island is probably still a mess.  You might want to consider a different time to visit. http://www.centredaily.com/mld/centredaily/news/6455667.htm Regards, Daniel

Response:

>hello >Anyone here been to Monseratt…what’s it like? >If anyone can point me to a discussion group on the island or any >other internet resource I’d really appreciate it >thx >J

There’s this big Volcano on Monseratt.  Jimmy Buffett wrote a song called "Volcano" with a chorus of "I don’t know, I don’t know, I don’t know where I’m gonna go when the volcano blows". It was recorded in a little recording studio on Monseratt.   Shortly after the song was released, the volcano blew its stack and the studio was covered in lava. The big Volcano recently blew it’s stack again.  Right now, I imagine most places are still covered with ash, and the air in some areas still may smell of sulpher.  When the dome collapsed in June (de volcano blow) villages had to be evacuated.  The airport was closed due to poor viability from volcanic clouds.  Tourists were refused entry.   The main volcano on Monseratt is very active.  You really don’t want to go there unless you are working with some charitable volunteer organization or are a volcanoligist come to study the volcano.   If you want to see a volcano, go to Hawaii. While one in the volcano park shows signs of activity, the volcanoes in Hawaii are a bit more predictable and safer to see. —  To  email me, Edit "xt" from my email address.   Brian M. Kochera    "Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once!"  View My Web Page: http://home.earthlink.net/~brian1951

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->hello >Anyone here been to Monseratt…what’s it like? >If anyone can point me to a discussion group on the island or any >other internet resource I’d really appreciate it >thx >J >There’s this big Volcano on Monseratt.  Jimmy Buffett wrote a song >called "Volcano" with a chorus of "I don’t know, I don’t know, I don’t >know where I’m gonna go when the volcano blows". It was recorded in a >little recording studio on Monseratt.   Shortly after the song was >released, the volcano blew its stack and the studio was covered in lava.

Brian, lay off the psychedelic shrooms. There is no lava on M’rat, only pyroclastic flows. Air Studio at Waterworks in the Belham Valley is most likely standing unscathed, although abandoned. >The big Volcano recently blew it’s stack again.  Right now, I imagine >most places are still covered with ash, and the air in some areas still >may smell of sulpher.  When the dome collapsed in June (de volcano blow) >villages had to be evacuated.  The airport was closed due to poor >viability from volcanic clouds.  Tourists were refused entry.  

I imagine seasonal rain has put most of the ash down. The airport was destroyed in 1996. And never a sulpher smell. >The main volcano on Monseratt is very active.  You really don’t want to >go there unless you are working with some charitable volunteer >organization or are a volcanoligist come to study the volcano.   If you >want to see a volcano, go to Hawaii. While one in the volcano park shows >signs of activity, the volcanoes in Hawaii are a bit more predictable >and safer to see.

M’rat is still a beautiful island. Having an active volcano is part of the fun. Go over the northern coast road before dawn and stop just short of dropping into Trant’s (where Blackburne Airport was). See the earth glow red before your very eyes.

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> The main volcano on Monseratt is very active.  You really don’t want to > go there unless you are working with some charitable volunteer > organization or are a volcanoligist come to study the volcano.   If you > want to see a volcano, go to Hawaii. While one in the volcano park shows > signs of activity, the volcanoes in Hawaii are a bit more predictable > and safer to see.

Montserrat is open to tourism, and is in fact an interesting place to go on holiday.  As you and others have pointed out, there was very recently a large dome collapse and will take some time to clean up, but once the clean-up is complete (and certainly after the rains of sept/oct) it will be a good location for tourism again.   An airport capable of handling fixed-wing aircraft (flying from Antigua) is still being built and will be in action within a year or so.  In the meantime, travel from Antigua is via helicopter and fast ferry. The diving in Montserrat is reasonably good, though somewhat difficult (beach entries) because the operator is not permitted to use the only existing jetty.  I recall a dive seeing 50 to 100 rays, seeing seahorses snorkelling, turtles, and excellent night dives due to the lack of light pollution. Being on an island with a live volcano is interesting.  It isn’t a typical tourist location though, and has few restaurants, fewer hotels, and relatively poor grocery facilities.  When everything’s cleaned up again, the villas you can rent affordably can be very nice to spectacular. Car rental is possible, though you won’t get insurance.  There is a hospital on-island, though those in frail health might be better going elsewhere since travel off-island isn’t possible between dusk and dawn. There is an email discussion group; contact me for details. — Ken Tough

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Many thanks for the replies…I wonder if anyone reading this actually lives on the Island? I’d like to know what thats like… thanks again J

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>Many thanks for the replies…I wonder if anyone reading this actually >lives on the Island? I’d like to know what thats like…

I lived there in 1999/2000.  See my other reply; things haven’t changed all that much. Living there isn’t too easy in some ways, great in others. There’s good diving/snorkelling just a bike ride/walk away. There’s very little crime, and we never closed up the various sliding glass panels all around our house (except for when the ash was falling).  We sometimes left vehicles at the ferry with the keys in, when off-island.  Things are quite quiet, and the way Gary falls asleep while serving at Gary Moore’s Wide Awake Bar (in Salem, surely closed for the time being until Salem reopens for business) just about says it all. On the other hand, there’s little in the way of fresh fruit and veg (you have to know who brings the stuff in from Dominica, or who to go to for some bananas etc). The ash is a pain, especially when it’s as bad as from the recent collapse where, if you’re in the wrong place, it will be an average of about 10 cm up to drifts of who knows how much. It’s basically like concrete dust, and difficult to shift. Property is relatively cheap and posh rental villas abound, but it’s not really all that cheap, considering.   Travel on-off island is a bit of a drag.  Internet connection is relatively good except in hurricane season.  There are currently water shortages, and the big disruptions from collapses like the recent one can make life a bit annoying. There’s a few nice beaches, but sadly of the two nicest, one (Foxes) is in the exclusion zone (personally my favourite, nice black sand and not a person around), and the other has been turned into the port/commercial centre and so is pretty much trashed. There is another (Rendezvous) to which you have to hike, but compared to other islands it’s not worth the hike.  Woodlands beach can be nice when it’s got sand on it (hurricane scouring), and has very good snorkelling off it, including a very cozy bit of reef.  The dive operator is very good, very experienced, though he can only offer beach launches which might be a drawback to some.  Personally, I’m not a beach person so lack of beach means nothing to me. The jungle is deep and interesting, though the wildlife is perhaps thinner than you might imagine.  (Birds are about 100x more plentiful here in S.Africa).  There are things like agouti, lots of lizards, huge mountain-chicken frogs, the ubiquitous tree frogs, sea birds, and reasonably consistent sea turtles.  Lots of rays at times, never saw any dolphins. The lack of restaurants would be a drawback for travellers, and people who don’t like cooking goat and chicken all the time.  Shortages of things like cooking gas and petrol are not unknown since shipping is difficult, but they’re getting it sorted gradually.   Other questions? — Ken Tough

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thanks Ken You seem to be the man in the know,perhaps i’ll mail you with some other questions… cheers J

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>thanks Ken >You seem to be the man in the know,perhaps i’ll mail you with some >other questions…

There may be other people here who are from Montserrat, even though they might not live there anymore.  Alphonsus, are you the one we might think, or another one? — Ken Tough

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> >hello >Anyone here been to Monseratt…what’s it like?

Great place.  Nothing commercial about it. >If anyone can point me to a discussion group on the island or any >other internet resource I’d really appreciate it >thx >J > There’s this big Volcano on Monseratt.  Jimmy Buffett wrote a song > called "Volcano" with a chorus of "I don’t know, I don’t know, I don’t > know where I’m gonna go when the volcano blows". It was recorded in a > little recording studio on Monseratt.   Shortly after the song was > released, the volcano blew its stack and the studio was covered in lava.

The open air recording studio has never even been close to any lava. In fact, not a single building on Montserrat has been damaged by lava. The recording studio is a mess, yes, and isn’t safe to go inside. Only because the owner has totally neglected making any maintenance to it since 1997. My parents own the property right next to the recording studio (Waterworks), which has also suffered from volcanic ash over the years, but they have spent time and money to maintain it, as have many others in the open areas of Montserrat. > The big Volcano recently blew it’s stack again.  Right now, I imagine > most places are still covered with ash, and the air in some areas still > may smell of sulpher.  When the dome collapsed in June (de volcano blow) > villages had to be evacuated.  The airport was closed due to poor > viability from volcanic clouds.  Tourists were refused entry.

The airport was closed many years ago.  This last erruption had nothing to do with it.  Several pyroclastic flows have destroyed most of the airport terminal and covered most of the landing strip.  A new airport is being built, should be ready by Spet 2004. > The main volcano on Monseratt is very active.  You really don’t want to > go there unless you are working with some charitable volunteer > organization or are a volcanoligist come to study the volcano.   If you > want to see a volcano, go to Hawaii. While one in the volcano park shows > signs of activity, the volcanoes in Hawaii are a bit more predictable > and safer to see.

There is very little volcanic activity on Montserrat at the moment, since mid July.  For over 2 years, the maritime boundary for safe passage around the south of Montserrat was 2 nautical miles.  This has been recently lifted, and fishermens are now allowed to fish in the south, where this volcano is located.  I don’t think the MVO or the local government would allow people to fish at the foot of this volcano if it was "active". I’ve been to Montserrat several times over the last 16 years.  If you’re interested in pictures, e-mail me and I will send you links to tons from several trips, many include volcano pics and damage caused by it.

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> >thanks Ken >You seem to be the man in the know,perhaps i’ll mail you with some >other questions… > There may be other people here who are from Montserrat, even > though they might not live there anymore.  Alphonsus, are you > the one we might think, or another one?

I’ve never lived on Montserrat, but my family has owned property for hundreds of years, and I make semi-frequent visits whenever I can. Waterworks, which is pretty much in the middle of the island, can be seen from almost anywhere in the Belham Valley, Old Towne and surrounding area, was built in the 1700s (if you’re in those areas, look for a big white house, red roof, and lots of BIG palm trees around it).  In the mountain above and behind it, is where you will find Killikranke (and I’m sure I misspelled it), which is where 90% of the water on Montserrat comes from. I was in Montserrat just this past week (Aug 23 – 30), and things are picking up quite nicely considering the last eruption was barely 6 weeks prior to that.  A lot of places have vegetation growing again, fruits can be seen in trees again, and the roads are clean, unless you go to Old Towne, where there are still many mounds of ash on the side of the roads and on properties.  I don’t have pics from the last trip, but I did bring a miniDV camera, and I should have a mpg available in the next week or so from it (time permitting) if any of you are interested. Ken, where abouts did you live on the island?  My parents moved from Waterworks quite a few years ago, settling in Old Towne until they were evacuated last Oct, and then found a place in Woodlands.  Old Towne is re-opened, and they have cleaned off the house, you may have seen it, the driveway has raised lettering that says Avalon (or No Lava) if you read it the other way.  Their neighbours have a bright yellow house, and are just 3 minutes away from the Vue Pointe.

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>> There may be other people here who are from Montserrat, even > though they might not live there anymore.  Alphonsus, are you > the one we might think, or another one? >I’ve never lived on Montserrat, but my family has owned property for >hundreds of years, and I make semi-frequent visits whenever I can. >Waterworks, which is pretty much in the middle of the island, can be >seen from almost anywhere in the Belham Valley, Old Towne and >surrounding area, was built in the 1700s (if you’re in those areas, >look for a big white house, red roof, and lots of BIG palm trees >around it).  

I imagine Waterworks was hit pretty hard by the latest dome collapse.   It was looking good a few years ago when we lived there (except for the massive water main which has been broken for years and gushing like mad making a new ghaut…) >In the mountain above and behind it, is where you will >find Killikranke (and I’m sure I misspelled it), which is where 90% of >the water on Montserrat comes from.

Used to.  AFAIK (my wife worked on the water project) no water is taken from Killikranke any more, though in future they might link it back up with the other springs.  It’s very far south for the newly relocated population base and reservoirs.  Great hikes up there, but watch out for the sand flies at 05:00! >Ken, where abouts did you live on the island?  My parents moved from >Waterworks quite a few years ago, settling in Old Towne until they >were evacuated last Oct, and then found a place in Woodlands.  

Used to live in Woodlands, down by where Public Works moved into a villa years ago.  Forget whose place it was now.   Spectacular pool. >Old >Towne is re-opened, and they have cleaned off the house, you may have >seen it, the driveway has raised lettering that says Avalon (or No >Lava) if you read it the other way.  Their neighbours have a bright >yellow house, and are just 3 minutes away from the Vue Pointe.

I’ve probably seen it, but don’t remember it.   Glad they’re back in place now and keeping going with it.  There’ll be at least a good year or maybe even two before the same thing happens again (unless it’s all stopped now).  Just as a point of wording, they haven’t claimed it’s not active yet even though there doesn’t appear to be magma rising at the moment.  Seismology is pretty quiet, but given past history it’ll be a while before anyone decides to go on a limb and say it’s gone inactive.  To a complete layman, it just seems pretty unlikely that it would go inactive at exactly the same time there was a dome collapse.   More likely to me it’s just "catching its breath". — Ken Tough

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->> There may be other people here who are from Montserrat, even >> though they might not live there anymore.  Alphonsus, are you >> the one we might think, or another one? >I’ve never lived on Montserrat, but my family has owned property for >hundreds of years, and I make semi-frequent visits whenever I can. >Waterworks, which is pretty much in the middle of the island, can be >seen from almost anywhere in the Belham Valley, Old Towne and >surrounding area, was built in the 1700s (if you’re in those areas, >look for a big white house, red roof, and lots of BIG palm trees >around it).   > I imagine Waterworks was hit pretty hard by the latest dome > collapse.   It was looking good a few years ago when we lived > there (except for the massive water main which has been broken > for years and gushing like mad making a new ghaut…)

They have been doing a lot of renovations over the last couple of years, and it was really starting to show in the last year or so.  The last ashfall didn’t really do much to the building, but the vegetation all around it, it will take time to get back up. >In the mountain above and behind it, is where you will >find Killikranke (and I’m sure I misspelled it), which is where 90% of >the water on Montserrat comes from. > Used to.  AFAIK (my wife worked on the water project) no water is > taken from Killikranke any more, though in future they might link it > back up with the other springs.  It’s very far south for the newly > relocated population base and reservoirs.  Great hikes up there, > but watch out for the sand flies at 05:00!

Killikranke is being used right now.  Hiked up there with some people from the WMA just 2 weeks ago.  There’s another water source higher up (forgot the name) and they’ve talked about tapping that one if something ever happened to the current one.  But Killikranke is definately alive and well, and being used up.

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