USA Bus Lines

Charter bus driver question? I've always thought that it would be fun to be a charter/tour bus driver, but I don't know a whole lot about these kind of jobs. What are the pros & cons of being a driver? What is the average pay? What kind of tests/training do I have to go through to become a driver? At 22 years old, is this something I should consider going after? I love to drive and love to travel. I'm welcome to all input! Thank you!

Organizing a Nation wide tour. Need driver for tour bus/Motor Home. how to pay them? Where to find them? I am organizing a tour around the continental US. We will have 2 tour buses and i am i need of drivers. googleing: "tour driver wanted" doesn't work, i need to know what the normal accommodation for a driver would be. this is going ot be a 24/7 job,so how do you go able calculating hours? i need all information about hiring and requirements that are normal in this situation. also where to find people that have mechanical backrounds who do this kind of work. thank so much.

Another 'Which Option' Poll: Limo Driver for a movie star or Bus Driver for a rock band? If you had to choose a summer job, which would you choose? 1) Being the limo driver for a popular movie star or 2) Being the bus driver for a popular rock band on summer tour Thanks.

What is your definition of a travel or traveling job? Is it more of... a) A full-time job with alot of traveling involved? eg: Pilot, traveling nurse, truck driver etc, tour-guide, journalist b) A working holiday? eg: teaching English, au pair, picking fruits, seasonal jobs in Alaska etc c) Freelancing while traveling? eg: Doing writing, photography, designing, programming, or translation while traveling. d) Job in the Travel related Industry - eg: Tour guide, tour bus driver, resort worker, theme park worker, cruise ship jobs etc e) Volunteer work? - or is this totally out of the picture f) Travel Agency business? Allows people to travel and run their business at the same time. Which of the above would you relate more to a "Travel or Traveling Job" or is it a combination of all of the above?

How many countries have you worked in? What did you do and did you enjoy it? I have had about 50 jobs working in 20 countries including: A Hotel porter in Norway, A film extra in Morrocco, a taxi driver in Australia, A ski coach driver in France, A motorcycle dispatch rider in London, a burger bar worker in New Orleans, a truck driver on Metallica's European tour and operating a cannabis smokers bus service from UK to Amsterdam. They were all interesting in different ways. Now, I'm a bus driver in Co. Monaghan, Ireland, and I like it.

Can YOU Attempt this Impossible HomeWork?!?!? 1. Brett works as a lifeguard. His gross pay each fortnight is $1102.80 and he pays $174.59 income tax. Calculate: (a) his net pay per fortnight (b) his net pay for the year. 2. Mohammad pays $117.76 in income tax each week. His net weekly pay is $531.34. Calculate: (a) his gross weekly pay (b) his gross pay for the year. 3. Wages and salary are two types of income. (a) Explain the similarities and differences between these two types of payment. (b) Name one job where you would be paid a wage, and one job where you would be paid a salary. (c) Name two other types of income. 4. Alana is employed full time as a tour bus driver. She is paid as a ‘Grade 5’ bus driver according to the MOTOR DRIVERS, ETC AWARD – SOUTHERN DIVISION. (a) Use the internet site http://www.wageline.qld.gov.au/ or other means to find Alana’s weekly wage. Print out the information and highlight the amount Alana should receive per week. Include the printout with your work to be sent. (b) Alana works a 38-hour week. Calculate her hourly rate of pay. (c) What is Alana’s gross annual wage? (Assume she works a 38-hour week each week, and the wage does not change throughout the year.) 5. Marnie works as a waiter in a restaurant. She is paid $11.30 per hour. How much does Marnie earn in a week when she works 13 hours? 6. Liam decorates mugs. He is paid 45c for each mug he decorates. (a) How much will Liam earn for decorating 150 mugs? (b) Liam finds he can decorate approximately 35 mugs each hour. Approximately how much will Liam earn for the week if he works for 22 hours? uMMM, hMMM. Last time i checked this site is called Homework Answers in my language, Who cares im from sri lanka any way.

If you could have a job in the music industry...? Which would you rather be: singer musician (which instrument(s)) songwriter producer technician tour bus driver artist's assistant (cook, hairdresser, maid, etc.) stage crew member booking agent historian other (specify) There's really no best answer to this, so I'm gonna have to let it go to a vote... I find it interesting that none of you want to be a singer. I wouldn't either. I'd love the history and possibly touring with an artist as an assistant. Ok...so we do have a couple singers. :)

--- Tipping tips? ---? We are going to Hawaii - Honolulu to be exact - for 10 nights staying at the Embassy Suites. I know in restaurants ands bars you tip 10% + depending upon the service. My question is what do you tip maids? and how? If you leave change lying around will they assume its a tip and take it? Some people say tip well and you'll get better service, like what? Do you tip every day? Bellhops, again isn't their only job to carry luggage? Do you only tip them then or are you expected to tip whenever you talk to them? How much to tip? Again I have been told tip well and their your best bud, how? Who else do you tip, taxi drivers? tour guides? bus drivers? tour bus drivers? retail? other staff at the hotel? and if so, how much? In Australia, tipping is not custom so we don't want to seem rude yet don't want to spend a fortune on tips either. Thanks in advance.

My dad is losing his job..? He is working as a tour driver right now, but now there are some new rules and requirements.. His buses are just barely not cutting the requirements, so the tour companies are not issuing him any more tours.. He is thinking about trying to sell off the old buses but we do not know what to do from there. We will have little money to use while trying to sell our buses, due to lack of job. My dad's tour job only gets his 100 NZD per day.. Which is an extremely low pay compared to other jobs seeing as how he works pretty much the entire day and hardly comes home.. The pay is like 100 NZD per day, and the tours usually last for 4 days or so, so thats $400, but he has to put a lot of effort into the work, and wake up very early to get the tourists from the ariport etc.. It is very very hard work, but we do not know what other jobs he can do, because he has limited english. (The tours are chinese) So if anybody knows any jobs suitable for a 46 yr old dad, I would be very grateful.

Tipping tour guides out of control? We had our tour guide swear and cuss at us for not leaving him enough tip for a 1hour tour around the city. How much is expected to leave for that type of service? Isnt it his job to just give the tour and my tipping him is not obligatory? I am so angry right now. I wish I wouldnt have left any tip at all. The tour was already expensive-$75. Do they really expect you to leave 15-20% of that cost? I gave him a few dollars and said thank you. He proceeded to turn around and tell the bus driver that I didnt tip him enough and swore. Apparently, they want to be tipped up to 20% just like at a restaurant. I tip waitstaff 20% b/c they only make $2-3 dollars an hour. This tour guide SURELY gets paid more than a server at a restaurant. I am so disappointed, it really ruined my day feeling like I was a cheapstake or a bad person for not leaving him 10 or 15 bucks like he seemed to believe he deserved. I cant stand this tipping industry, it seems now everyone wants a tip from the guy who opens your door to the mailman. I cant afford to tip everyone and be able to maintain my standard of living.

How many people REALLY know about other nations? I'm finding the flamewars here about the USA and Australia rather juvenile. I'm an Australian living in the USA and I have seen both sides of the argument here. On the expatriots site I post on I am generally regarded as a bit of a malcontent because I openly prefer Australia and am only in the USA because my wife is an American and it makes financial/career sense for us to be here right now. I'm also not afraid to point out cultural difference I struggle with. Now, having said all that, I do UNDERSTAND the differences. Americans and Aussies (or any other nations) alike could really benefit from seeing both sides. To Australians - Americans may seem obnoxious, arrogant and extremely patriotic to you, but you have to realise - superconfidence in your abilities is viewed as an admirable strength here. I'll admit I bristle somewhat watching CNNs coverage and hearing US athletes interviewed stating flatly that they are "the best" or "the strongest", but this culture values this. If you'd ever applied for a job in the USA you'd see that your CV/Resume is not a simple list of the places you've worked but a list of "achievements" - most often extremely talked up BS like secretaries who were "Managers in charge of administrive co-ordination and information dispersement" and so forth. "Selling yourself" is considered critical in many spheres here - This carries over into other areas. Similarly, many things seem by Australian standards to be overhyped. It starts at the school level where there are "pep assemblies" to get the kids hyped up for sporting events that are beyond anything I'd have ever believed before I'd seen them (I'm a teacher) - Very much not to my taste, but then I didn't grow up with this sort of thing. A friend of mine recently came on a Contiki tour to the southwest USA and told me a story of how the American bus driver tried to hype up the largely Australian/New Zealander group at the start of each day - "Are you ready to go to Vegas!?!?!"and everyone sort of sat there confused at how they were supposed to react. If the bus was full of Americans there would have been large amounts of whistling, cheering and shouting. That's just how things are. Now, to Americans: You guys also have to realise that on the world stage you can look a little insular (I saw in another thread someone flaming a poster for "incorrect spelling" when all they were doing was posting in British Commonwealth (ie: Non US) English.) Without making excuses for people who are quick to jump on cultural differences, the hype, superconfidence (and willingness to say so) and razzamataz involved with US sporting culture can look brash and abrasive to countries who are more reserved. Australians face similar cultural misunderstandings with regard to the sport of Cricket where the even more reserved than we are people of the sub-continent (mostly India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka for cricketing purposes) view Australians in much the same way as many Australians view Americans - mostly, again, because of cultural differences regarding what is proper behaviour. The Australian Cricket team, much reviled at times in India and other places as "unsporting" and "arrogant" would never claim to be "the best" in the way US teams do but instead would say something like: "We have a strong team, but India has the ability to push us all the way and we have to be on the top of our game if we are going to beat them." (The Australian cricket team, although declining a little now has been at the top of world cricket in recent decades). American confidence, national excitement and a perceived lack of understanding about other nations (although as many Aussies have shown in the anti-US questions, Americans aren't the only ones guilty of this) can look arrogant to others. Personally I really dislike the fist pumping, high fiving and shouting of "YEAH!" that goes on with American teams and supporters too - it looks obnoxious to me culutrally - but I understand it's just cultural difference. So, since this is a question, I guess my question is - Who understands this? Does anyone agree? Are there others who have lived in both nations? I'd really like a bit of live and let live during these olympics. As for the games themselves? I still want Australia to thrash the US in every event we can, but hey, I wouldn't be an Aussie otherwise. DJCJ - No, this is exactly the point I'm trying to make. I agree with what you are saying about winning with grace but the "BOOYAH! WE WON!" thing is part of a deeply entrenched US sporting culture that's not going away. It might not be present in ALL competitors but it will be very common. They can't just turn off decades of cultural expectations about how things work for the benefit of other countries who view things differently. Believe me, I'm constantly gritting my teeth about cultural differences. There's all sorts of things here that seem really petty and pathetic to me, but at th end of the day it is just cultural and I learn to live with it. A good example from the other perspective. Australians can often offend Americans with our frankness and our tendency to "call it like it is". In many areas Americans play their cards much closer to their chests than Australians who are very open about everything.

What is this movie called? It’s about a girl who has a job as a tour guide and falls in love with the bus driver who she finds out can actually speak English and looks cute when he shaves off his bearded.

Baby Daddy Drama.............? Here's my problem..... I am no longer with my daughters father, and he hasn't really been helping me to support our child. Especially knowing that I didn't have a job. As of last week Monday I just started working. Anyways, his way of helping me out is buying a case of diapers and giving me $20-$30 every 16th and 31st. Well, it makes it even worse because I live on my own (through section 8) and I have no way of paying my bills. He tells me that he can't give me much because he's gotta pay for his car or he's gotta pay his family and his girlfriend back cause they paid for his car. He's a bus driver for a tour company and he makes $7.50 an hour. We haven't been together since last year in November. Everyone's advicing me to take him to child support but I'm tryin' not to stress him out or put him through so much. But it's hurting me as well. being broke and not being able to buy my daughter the things she needs. PLEASE HELP ME............ I need advice.........

what are some good ways for kids about 14-15 to earn about $3000? My friends and I want to know because there is a trip that--the Orchestra at the high school that we'll be going to-- is going on and we want to go really bad. We're (the Orchestra) traveling to France/ Italy and the total cost is $2,579 (for the students) minus tips for the bus driver and the tour guide and spending money. (My teacher says to bring about $400) My friends and I want to make about $3,000 for the ticket and spending money. I went to Japan last year, and the cost for that was a little less. (I went with the Sister Cities program we have here.) I know that I'll have to get a job, but like, what are some other types of things to do to earn money?? (To do both in the winter, LIKE RIGHT NOW, and this summer.)

God, why does America think everyone works in a Office?!? I'm so sick of going online to get advice about jobs, and all I ever find is "10 ways to keep your office job more fun", "Cool things to talk about around the water cooler", "Bored at work? Switch projects with someone else." Sorry, but not everyone works in a fucking office! There are thousands upon millions who work in customer service jobs, like tour guides and cashiers, factory works and waiters, and CTA bus drivers. Why are there never any Tips online geared towards this? I got so mad about America (which is apparently in a bad economy, yet still assumes the average person is making $50,000 a year) doing this, I verbally attacked a person sitting at his desk when I went out for coffee. I just pissed me off. Since this is the Religious section, I thought you all would be more understanding. Please explain why this Myth is something the Media & America Online thinks. Only answer if you're going to give me detailed responses! I AM NOT in the mood to read smart-ass remarks like "2 points". You jerk-offs, and you're supposed to be all Holy since you believe in going to Heaven. God would frown on some of these answers.

Anyone Can Ride the NY Ferry Bus Free, Right? I did a lot of research about taking the Ferry bus. The website simply states that you hail it like a taxi. So instead of paying to get home from my new job, I thought I'd try it. Once on the bus, I asked the driver if it was okay to take it, and let him know I'd like to get off near home (which is along the route). He was kind enough to open the door for me at the red light near my home, along the route. But he let me know that he was doing me a favor. Cool. The next time, I sat quietly and rode it all the way to the destination, then walked a couple of blocks home. No worries. That would be my new routine. Then today, the driver picked up two people in front of my building, so of course I tried to exit as they entered. This driver, unlike the first, swiftly shut the door on purpose, even though we were stopped. Okay, no problem. But some old man took it upon himself to berate me, saying I should take the city bus and he's "payng for me" to take the Ferry. If that's the case, I'm paying for him to work in NYC since he's not a resident. I didn't have my facts together then, but I do now. http://www.nywaterway.com/BusStopsSchedules.aspx "Our FREE red, white and blue shuttle buses are frequently seen and always recognized on the street of Manhattan. They follow the most popular routes around the city which include 57th Street, 49th Street, 42nd Street, and 34th Street, as well as a special Downtown loop. Download Peak Route Map Download Off-Peak Route Map Download Bus Locator Card Our FREE shuttle buses stop at all NYC bus stops along these routes. All you have to do is wave them down, like you would hail a taxi, and then just sit back as our comfortable bus transports you directly to Pier 78, which is where our tour boats depart from. Pier 78 is located at W. 38th St. & 12th Ave. To make it even easier, if you can't find a regular bus stop close by, you can always go to one of our two primary pick-up locations where you can count on a bus at the following times:" So I should not have asked to exit, and I won't again. I thought I'd ask since we were directly in front of my building and people were getting on. But I was within my RIGHT to ride the Ferry to the destination. This man acted like I was some woman on welfare with 5 kids, talking about "I'm paying for you." I hope to see this fossil again to show him the FACTS. The Ferry bus is f-r-e-e! Actually today, a man and his two kids asked to get off at a stop before my home. The driver was kind enough to open the door. Yesterday, a lady exited with a suitcase. WHERE does it show on the website that the Ferry bus is ONLY for Ferry passengers? Name calling is for children. As an adult with some level of maturity, please show me where it states that ONLY Ferry passengers can ride to the bus. Especially in the face of some drivers who do not mind letting people off where they'd stop anyway (at red lights). And why don't they require proof to ride if that's the case? I asked questions and did the research. I am not trying to get over. I am riding a free service that's available for anyone who flags it down -- the website states. I personally will not ask to get off early again. But if someone else gets off in front of my building, I'm getting off too.

Which version of KISS do you like better, make up or the glam 80s version (and can you believe another story)? Hey, tis I your friendly neighborhood mongoose with yet another Riki roadie story. This one bums me out the most because as a kid I worshiped KISS. The Rain Cross Square in Pomona California. I'm asked if I would like to work the KISS concert. This was back in 1993 when KISS' popularity was on the decline. Just so you know, the arena use to be a high school and the gym was where the concerts were held. Anyway my first job is to go to my bosses house and grab the tickets to for the Ticket window. I have never been to the arena before so on my way there I start to freak out because I have no idea where I'm going. Luckily I spot a car on the freeway with the pass anger in the backseat wearing Kiss make-up. Well seeing how it wasn't Halloween I just followed them and sure enough I was there. Backstage and the band arrives. Its no surprise that Gene is a prick and he proved that again that night. Paul needs to just come out of the closet. Bruce Kulick walked around like he was THE rock star (we will file him under the "Where are they now" catagory, Eric Singer was sick so I will leave him alone (although how does it feel to be sucking on Peter Criss' t!t ?) Anyway the shows over and my boss introduces me to Genes personal assistant. She said she needed some help, and I am always willing to help. Turned out I was helping her wash the bands stage clothes in the bathroom sink >:( NOT VERY ROCK AND ROLL! Anyway were talking and I tell her some of the things I know about Gene,like how he was Liza Minelli's manager at one time, things like that. She tells me he is fluent in 7 languages.While we're doing the laundry Eric Singer comes in and starts vomiting in the toilet. I ask him if hes ok and he tells me to "Shut the F" up." Anyway, with laundry done we are taking all the freshly washed stage clothes to her car. On the way there was pass KISS' tour bus. Gene is inside the bus near the driver. The assistant waves and he waves back. I wave and he flips me off. After the show, I was hanging out with some friends and this one girl was bagging on the band saying that some fans were following the tourbus and they crashed and the band didnt bother to help. Thats when my one friend said "Well, thats the one case where God didnt give rock and roll to you....rock and roll gave you God." The not so funny thing is, a few years before I worked that show, I met and became friends with Mark Norton (AKA Mark ST. John) he played on only 1 KISS album, ANIMALIZED. For those who were around, KISS said he had to quit the band due to arthritis. In reality Gene fired him because Gene didnt like his style of guitar playing.One night Mark showed up at Jezebels wearing a suit. He told me he was in negotiation to make an album with Peter Criss When Mark died, there was no mention of him on the KISS website, on Genes so called reality show nor on Genes website. Though, I'm not really that surprised. Anyway heres a Kiss video with Mark (R.I.P.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nu4yy9Nn75Q BTW check out Gene's wig. It "Almost" looks good

What's a productive summer? I have my driver license, so I am planning to learn how to park correctly and learning to drive in the highways and read street signs, so I could avoid citations or traffic tickets. I am planning to go to cherry picking with a few friends on a tour bus. One of my friend lives in San Jose, so I am going to ask the person to show me around because the person has a car. I am also planning to find jobs in San Jose someday if I cannot find any jobs in San Francisco. I have also applied a few applications for part-time jobs and had a few interviews, but haven't heard back from any of them yet. What other good scenaries or trips can I attend to in San Jose or San Francisco? I am also attending 3 classes for summer school, so I am waiting for it to start. My friend is going to pick me up in San Francisco to drive me to San Jose to see a movie together. What other things can I do to become more productive during the summer? Or keep my life going instead of staying home waiting for things to do? Thanks.

Should we be together? Long story but please read.? my best guy friend is a musician and recently we've been getting really close. I was invited to watch his photo-shoot with his band and so I went and we met up and he kissed me on the side of my head and put his arm around me. After the photo-shoot was done, I was standing where the pictures come up on the screen and he comes by me and puts his hands on my shoulders and starts rubbing them and goes, "What do you think?" and I said, "you did a perfect job" and he goes, "Well I wouldn't be considered a model." and then I leaned back and put my head on his chest and he kisses the side of my head while rubbing my shoulders. Then I walked away and he followed behind me and he goes, "Lets go chat" so we went to the tour bus and talked. He then says, "I'm not expecting you to answer this but I wanted to take you out on a date on Friday night." and I looked over at him and said, "That's a first" and then he laughs. He came and picked me up Friday night and he goes, "Well I thought we would go to a romantic restaurant and then the rest of it will come later". So after dinner, he opens the door to his truck and shuts it once I get in and comes around to the drivers side and gets in and says, "Well I booked us a boat ride to watch the sun set" and then that made my night because I have always wanted to go on a boat ride to see the sun set at night. While driving down to the boat launcher, he grabs me by the hand and kisses the back of it. I obviously moved closer to him and put my hand on his knee and put my head on his chest, while he was driving. When we parked he got out and opened the passenger door and shut it behind me and then grabbed me by the hand and we got on the boat and we sat really close to one another and he put his hand on my knee and started rubbing it and then we looked into each other's eyes and he kissed me on my nose and goes, "I'm not gonna kiss you until your ready." and then I put my head on his chest and enjoyed the night with him snuggled next to one another. When the captain docked the boat, we got off and he opened the truck door (being a romantic guy), he goes "Well I thought now, I would take you home" and I didn't want to go home just yet. So I said, "Have you ever been to a park late at night to watch the stars and he goes, "No, do you know a park that is open this late?" and I said, "Well I think I do" and then he goes, "tell me which way to go" so when we got there, we get in the back seat, and he goes, "I don't think you wanted to see the stars tonight did you?" and I said, "No not really" and he goes, "good" and then he starts to rubbing my knee and then I removed his hand and I said, "I know you want to kiss me" and he goes,"Only if you want me to" and then I get up off the seat and I put one leg on either side of his and I said, "you can kiss me now" and we start kissing and sparks start flying everywhere. We pull away from one another and he goes, "Wow. I've never experienced that much kissing in my life" and then he leans back over for a few pecks and then he goes, "Its 12:30" and I said, "Why not just spend the rest of the evening together" and looks over at me goes, "No I need to get you home and we will talk more later". He drove me home and I get out of the car and he goes, "Come around the other side of the truck" and so I walked around the truck and he goes, "I'll call you later" and then we kissed and he goes, "Oh give me another one" and then we kissed again and he goes, "leave your phone on" and then I walk in the house and I don't know what came over me, but for some reason, I fell in love with him. Should we be together after this?

Who do you tip, how much, and when????? This topic came to mind, because I was talking to a friend, and he does NOT think it is necessary to tip cab drivers. I do, but wish to know how much tip to leave these helpful people. Please specify flat fee or percentage Cab drivers? Bartenders? per drink Salon? Barber? Massage? Curb check in at airport per bag? Waiter/tress? Asking info from conceigre? (sp) ? Is it out of ordinary to tip front desk personel?? Room service bringing food?? Extra toothbrush, razor, etc? Car wash workers ? Valet? Tour guides on bus, boat, trolley, walking?? Housecleaners? And please include any if I have missed important service industry jobs and include tip suggestion. I would also like to include, it is very thoughtful to tip maid service in hotel rooms and I normally leave cash in room with a thank you note on last day. Come to think of it, it should be daily, because it may not be same person if staying multiple days. Thanks for your time and input

I need a little guidance in my life? I'm 18 and very soon to be 19. My whole life I've lived in fantasies. I've spent time pretending to be a high school basketball star, a star athlete, a genius writer. The list goes on. I've always strived to impress, or rather make a strong impression on a group of people who are either ignorant or doubtful of my latent talent. With highschool done, I have no immediate group of peers left to make a strong impression on. Because I'm so slow I can't keep a fast paced job and I lost my only well suited job at a call centre due to my own stupid negligence (lesson learned). I'm slowly watching myself become less of a "child with potential" and growing into a grown man who lives with his parents, has no job or drivers license. I failed my first semester of University and I'm really skeptical that I will do well. For the past few years, I've been stuck in a guitar playing fantasy. It started in high school when I was 15 I received a guitar. I immediately started fantasizing about impressing my high school peers. I became fixated on it, and I deluded myself into thinking that I would "win" and the credits would roll. I would have a "Yo Adrian, I did it!" moment. I'm still stuck in that fantasy, and I'm begin to test the patience of not only my parents and those around me, but myself. I'm self aware enough to know that I probably won't have enough success as a musician to support myself financially. This dream/fantasy, the guitar one I mean, is different. I'm playing shows, and getting infront of audience. However I can't help but feeling like a archetypical loser. I mean, no job, failing university student with some deluded rockstar dream? The crazy part is, I STILL fantasize. I get home from playing a show and I put on music and fantasize about impressing people. But not at a show... at a party with a group of peers who are ignorant and/or doubtful of my abilities! It's crazy, I've already made my shows known to people, and the girls who never paid attention in high school are curious about when the next show is. On the one hand, I'm the guy who's winning over club owners with my songs and lyrics and slowly becoming into the adult I want to be. On the other, I can't hold a job, I have terrible grades, and I'm on my way to being 26 years old and still living with my parents, and STILL fantasizing about showing that hot girl on the bus I can play a mean solo! I never wanted to be the loser guy who "still hasn't given up on the band", but I sadly feel I'm destined to become that. I'm not a "music is my life" kind of guy, in that I dont believe its all or nothing. But I feel like a bad american idol audition waiting to happen. I dont wanna play a show and have no one show up. Or have a friend or a parent say "just give it up". I dont wanna borrow money from an uncle to "buy a van" and "tour the world". I dont wanna be the guy at family reunions everyone feels sorry for. I don't want to be a failure at life, or a loser. But I fear I am headed down that road, anyone have any thoughts?

Vegas Stuff! What did I miss? FREE THINGS Bellagio Fountains-Bellagio Hotel- 3pm-12pm Chocolate Fountain- Bellagio Hotel Volcano Show- Mirage Hotel Fremont Street Miracle Mile Mall White Tiger Exhibit-Mirage 24 hours The Aquarium- Silverton Hotel M&M's World Sunset Stampede Lion- MGM Grand-11am-11pm World's Largest Golden Nugget On Display- Golden Nugget Hotel (Bill always stays at this hotel) Circus Acts Hot Springs Pioneer Saloon (Old Bar) Opened for business 1913 Masquerade Village show in the sky-Rio Hotel (Thursday- Sunday) 7pm-12pm Ethel M Chocolate Factory- 8:30am-7pm Walk on the strip NOT FREE Shark Reef - Mandala Bay- $18.00 Madam Tusauds Wax Museums- $25.00 Titanic Exhibit- $32.00 Dolphin Trainer for the day & Secret Garden- Mirage Hotel- $19.95 Hot Air Balloon- $$$$ ? Ride to the top of Eiffel Tower- $10.50 daytime- $15.50 nighttime Hoover Damn Tour- $100 and up Dig This (Get to play with REAL tractors at tractor playground) $210.00 for one and a half hours Las Vegas Zoo- $9.00 Margaritaville- $$$$ Indoor skydiving- $75.00 Grand Canyon- $75.00 Cirque Show- $$$$ Adventure Dome (Amusement Park)- All day pass- $26.95 ($5.00-8.00) Per Ride Insanity Ride- At Stratosphere- $22.00 admission ( $12.00) Ride ( One over edge) -Rollercoaster- $12.00 (Stratosphere) - X scream- $12.00 (Stratosphere) Jump off stratosphere- $$$$ New York, New York, Roller Coaster ( $14.00 Fremont Zip Line- $15.00 Before 6pm & $20.00 After 6pm "O" - Bellagio Hotel- $155.00 Spa- $$$$ Arcade- Luxor Hotel-$$$$ Gondola Rides- Venetian Hotel- 2 Passenger- $64.00 City Night Flight helicopter- 69.99 and up Nascar Ride Along experience (with real nascar driver) $108.99 See Sights on the strip on a double decker bus for $5.00 Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park-$$$$ Sunbelt Classic Cars (Only By Appointment)-$$$$ Pinball Hall of Fame (Over 200 pinball machines) Visit the Fish- Caesers Palace- 1:15pm-5:15pm $$$$ Dune Buggy Racing- $149.00 Per Person ride along ( Job is to catch expert dune racer) 30 minutes (Free Shuttle from anywhere in Las Vegas) There is pick up times though. $199.00 ride by yourself. $299.00 Ride with a passenger YES i went a little crazy looking! LOL. This is actually an email I was sending to my boyfriend to give us some ideas and prices. What other stuff is there? I would love to know places to eat that aren't TOO spendy. NO, I don't plan on being there for a month, this is just a list of thing so i don't sit there and wonder what to do I could just pick from the list. I hate going somewhere and no one knows what they want to do. I made this list from being bored and, probably thought i should do a little research on vegas if i am going.

government homework help? Tort Reform. Torts are civil lawsuits brought to obtain recourse, damages. Our civil court system is set up to compensate people when they are wronged. Examples are civil matters that fall within the Tort category are medical malpractice, personal injury (auto accidents…), and general negligence claims. Read the fact scenario below, assuming the state you live in has tort reform, limiting the amount an individual may receive for non-economic damages (e.g. for damages other than wage loss) to no more than $500,000. You are a concert pianist, touring the nation playing with big city orchestras, symphonies and other venues earning a very good, almost seven figure salary. You are injured when a Greyhound bus, full of passengers crosses the center line, sideswiping your car. It appears that the driver fell asleep after driving a 16 hour shift. Thankfully no one on the bus was serious injured, but you suffered a grievous injury to your left arm and hand, leaving some fingers amputated and paralysis in you left arm. You are unable to play the piano or earn a living as you once did. After months of intensive therapy you are able to dress yourself, feed and bathe yourself and are looking for work. You sue the bus company. Negligence is admitted, but what are your damages? Economic damages are generally calculated on the loss of income + pain and suffering and non-economic damages? Tort reform advocates argue that non-economic damages (punitive damages for grievous negligence, pain and suffering and the like) should be capped at $500,000. The two are added together by a jury (remember the negligence has been admitted by the Bus Company). At 28 your career making nearly 1 million/year could have spanned 30-40 years or more. You require assistance around your house to do some household chores that you are no longer able to do (or pay to have done). What is this injury worth? Why? Suppose the same set of facts, only instead of a concert pianist, the person is a stay at home mother of three children under the age of five. She gave up her decent paying job to raise her children. Her husband is the sole breadwinner. Instead of losing the ability to use one arm and hand, she lost both and has no use of her arms or hands. She has no income. What is her injury worth? Why? Should it be less than the fact scenario above? Why? Would it change the situation of the driver had been drinking? Why? What if the driver had been drinking, and the manager new about it before he left? I don't understand how you figure out what the injuries are worth?

Just how did an illegal manage to fall through the cracks and get a security job at Jaxport? An illegal accused of stealing two Sheriffs Deputy badges, and a .22 caliber pistol falsely obtaining a , and listing Georgia as his place of birth , would he had gotten amnesty under immigration reform ?It may take awhile before the local, state and federal officials hammer out what went wrong. But we've learned what triggered the investigation that led to the Brazilian man's arrest Tuesday. Jaxport spokesperson Nancy Rubin says Aldenor Abrantes Filho was eventually arrested. He had only worked five shifts. "The individual was driving a vehicle that just didn't seem quite right to our very experienced security officer. It looked to have been configured to represent a police car". The Department of Homeland Security said Aldenor Abrantes Filho, 31, was arrested Tuesday for possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. Filho is accused of falsely obtaining a Florida drivers license, and listing Georgia as his place of birth when he got a job with U.S. Security Associates, a security contractor based in Jacksonville. He is also accused of stealing two St. Johns County Sheriffs Deputy badges, and a .22 caliber pistol. Rubin says Filho was arrested Tuesday morning at the port's Blount Island terminal by Jacksonville police and U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers. "I just want to point out the situation worked as it should, and the individual in question was on the premises on very few occasions" said Rubin. However, Filho managed to fly under the radar since he was hired last month. Rubin didn't say if JAXPort is planning to change their security measures, or, stop using the contractor who hired Filho. According to the complaint filed by Customs and Border Protection, Filho entered the United States on a six-month visitor's visa in 2003 and never left. A petition for more permanent immigrant status was denied in 2007, the complaint says. Or how much will this cost taxpayers ?HOUSTON — Raids on 14 illegal bus companies here have shed light on a seedy underground system that transported illegal immigrants all over the country and that sometimes held them captive until their relatives paid exorbitant fares, federal law enforcement officials said Thursday. Using minivans, the companies were carrying hundreds of illegal immigrants from Mexico to cities across the United States, taking back roads and traveling primarily at night to avoid the authorities, according to criminal complaints filed in Federal District Court. Twenty-two people were arrested earlier this week on charges of using their businesses to transport illegal immigrants. The bus companies worked exclusively with smuggling operations, officials said. The owners paid commissions of up to $300 for each passenger to smugglers who had brought the immigrants across the Mexican border. Then they held the immigrants in safe houses for days, often under guard, until they loaded them onto vans, according to court documents. Agents said that at one of the bus companies raided this week, Super Express Van Tours, they found the operators had used pit bulls and armed guards to keep the immigrants from leaving a safe house next door to the office. “These were not legitimate transportation companies like Greyhound,” said John Connolly, the deputy special agent in charge in Houston for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The companies also charged far more than legitimate carriers would for the trips, asking them to pay as much as $650 for a ride to cities like Los Angeles, Atlanta and Miami. The fee was usually paid at the end of the journey by relatives of the immigrants, officials said. In some cases the drivers refused to release the passenger if the family could not pay, the complaints said. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/05/us/05bus.html What do U think ? Is stealing ok as long as it is intended to provide a better life ?

RATE THESE JOKES PLEASE!? 1 When do girls get selected and boys fail in Interview ? ? ? ? ? ? When both keep the 1st button of their SHIRT open ! See the Difference ..!!! 2 Interviewer :- What is Recession ? Candidate :- "Wine and Girlfriends" get replaced by "Water and Wife", that Critical Phase of Life is called Recession. 3 JOB INTERVIEW Boss: What do you know? Johny: I know where your wife lives and where your "NUMBER 2" lives. Boss: You're hired! 4 A boy aftr s*x wit his GF: saw a guy's photo in her bag n askd angrily , Is he ur Ex-BF? Girl(kissin his ear), Silly boy tats me b4 d surgery. 5 Which is d most sensitive part of our body while watchin P*RN movies? . . . . . . . Ears. 2 hear if any1 is comin or not. 6 A couple had a fight fight one nite, Goin to bed Husband says, "Goodnite mother of 3 kids" Wife replied, "Goodnite father of none" 7 A girl to doctor: when I smoke cigarette, I feel very uncomfortable, On first puff, I put off my shoes. On second, my socks. On third, my shirt. Doctor: . . . . . take this cigarette and tell me in detail ! 8 A naked lady gets into taxi. Driver looks at her Lady: haven't you ever seen a naked woman? Driver: no I am just wondering where you have kept the money to pay me 9 "YOU SHOULD NEVER ASK FOR CHANGE YOU MUST BRING THE CHANGE!!" Great words said by a bus conducter.....! 10 Pappu conductor was getting married. When bride came and sat next to him, he said-sit closer,one more can sit in that much place! 11 On a cricket match.. There was a girl.. She painted pakstani flag on her face.. A boy kissed her and said. I LOVE PAKISTAN 12 A person doing self swot analysis: Strength is my wife. Weakness is my neighbour's wife. Opportunity is when neighbour is on tour. Threat is when i am on tour 13 UNIVERSAL TRUTH : When girls wear tight fittings Neither they are Comfortable Nor Boys are comfortable !!

What jobs are available on a tour bus? Please help!? I want to tour with a band before I go to college, but I'm not sure what jobs are available on a tour bus! I have no talent, so I can't be part of the band, and I don't want to be the driver. What other jobs are available? Doesn't the band need a cleaning lady or something? Just for the record, the reason I want to do this for a lot of reasons. I want to see the world but I don't want to spend hundreds of dollars doing it. Also, working on a tour bus will be kinda like doing an internship. I can see if there are any jobs in the music industry I am interested in. I'm not trying to be some groupie and get a tour bus job just so I can meet some famous band.

Trip to China cheated by Ming Ming Travel Service? Trip to China cheated by Ming Ming Travel Service If you are one of the new visitors planning to visit China vacation, you must read this carefully before you get cheated and regretted. On 6th to 13th Feb 2008, 21 of us paid Promises RM3388.00 all in package = Total RM 71,148.00 supposed to be a luxuries tour with classy food to join the tour to Beijing / Chengde through Ming Ming Travel Service Sdn Bhd (Lot 193, Jalan Chan Chin Ann, 93100 Kuching) The brochure promises a 5-stars hotel and ended up to the 2 to 3 stars hotel standard. The 7 days printed itinerary sound great but never brief us the daily itinerary and did not follow the itinerary plans For the last 2 days at our own time in Beijing, then we have to pay for the extra fees to go back to the same Slaughter Tourist Shopping Complex.which we have visited from the 2nd day in Beijing. From our perspective, this was not a holiday, but a very stressful horrible never ever experienced with Ming Ming Travel Service. 1st day in Beijing already spoilt our mood as Beijing is Capital of CHINA Early morning, 22 of us including our group leader have arrived in Beijing Airport and wasted waiting 1 hour for the China tour guide to pick up. Meal – Lunch and Dinner •Lunch arrangement was terrible, 2 tables joined together for 10 person like sitting in hawker centre! Due to no seats arranged for us because the booking was 1.30 pm and we arrived at 11.30 am. Our tour guide shouting and argument between and the Restaurant’s Captain & stuff. Both parties were very unhappy each other. Half an hour has gone we managed to get the joined tables like coffee shop. 15 minutes later the white rice came without foods, Another 15 minutes, and junk foods arrived. Our two tables received the very bad manner service from the fierce waitress, because our tour guide has scolded them. This is the first day of the CNY meals what we have is no luck and all the CNY moods were spoiled. Bad starting, bad ending. •Most of the food served was un-delicious & neat (e.g. soup served – water + salt only + eggs only) •Food served is insufficient for 10pax in a table – no additional food ordered. •Some of the hotel breakfast, drinks like coffee, tea and water are not included. Need to pay at our own costs. •The last day dinner BBQ Stream Boat was very cheap foods. WHITE RICE, TOW HOO, TAN HOON, MIX - VEGETABLES & COOKING OIL. •Early morning 4 am before going to Airport breakfast was packed in the paper box contains 1 pc of hard rock bun, butter & EXPIRED DATE MILK PACKED DRINKS. Accommodation – Hotel in Beijing with 5 Star rating (Hai Ge International Hotel) •Very dirty (carpet & towel) and uncomfortable – first time we stayed in such “5 star” hotel. What kind of rating is that? •Door cannot be locked. •Toilet unclean, floor got curly hair (from human bottom part.) •Chengde Hotel shower and water tap were very very brownish rusty and not safe to drink. •Toilet door got very big hole and cannot locked. •One of our group visitor said the toilet wall almost collapse. •Hotel carpet with smoking ashes and cigarette’s filter never sweep off. •Room contain of heavy smoked-cigarette smell. Happy Valley Theme Park - 12 Feb 2008 •Morning call (6.30am) everybody woke up so early – after breakfast, reached Theme Park at 8.30am, waited until 9.30am (business hour opens during holidays) The winter was below ( - 8 Degree C) we were all standing for 1 hour suffering cold wind outside the gate for nothing. After we went in - all the amusement games or show actually started from 10am, 10.30am, 11am, 12pm, etc…. the best show is at evening & night time. Tour guide only given us time frame till 12pm noon only. We missed all the carnival shows & other games as time given is so limited! Shopping in China •After lunch, we were asked to go their special arrangement for tourists’ price Slaughter Shopping Complex. Price ranging from RMB 5,000.00 down to RMB 200.00. Feel pity for the new customers who don’t know how to ask for the big discount. •Fake Rolex watch after discount is RMB 10.00 + only. •Mostly electronic items are very cheap but cannot last a week. •8 GB Kingston Pan Drive and 32 & 400 GB Sony Pan Drive at RM100.00 each when turn on it cannot be use. Cheater China man. •Never ever buy the ready packed Beijing Duck, it taste like newspaper. Do you want to eat newspaper? •Beijing have 1,600 million population and Kuching have ½ million population. We have pay extra of RMB 60 each person the tour guide brought us the same Slaughter Tourist Shopping Complex. Ask why we came to the same Shopping Complex and she replied there are no more other shopping Complex in Beijing. Do you believe? Hot Spring 九华山庄温泉度假村 •In Kuching Ming Ming Travel never advice us to bring along swimming suit for hot spring. •Actually Hot Spring resorts have lot things to discover but we reached the resort at 8.30pm, at this time not much thing we can do since all of them are closing. •Should given us 1 full day instead of bring us to Slaughter Tourist Shopping Complex. Ski - 11 Feb 2008 •Ski Rate – Max rate (in CNY) is RMB160 for 2 hours / pax, but tour guide collects RMB200 for 2 hours / pax from us. (As shown in their booklet at the end of tour) Some of the games are free of charged but the tour guide never wants to tell us. •Ski resort not only just for skiing, we discovered from the booklet there is still lots of activities that is suitable for everyone free of charged. But tour guide just replied “ I dun even know about that” •By right should give us 6 hours enjoying skiing instead of 2 hours. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Money Minded $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ •Upon arriving in China just entering the bus about 10 minutes, the first itineraries haven’t started yet. We were all shocked. She asked us to pay extra RMP250.00 / pax x 20 pax = RMP 5,000.00 for the kung fu show. There were only 4 persons agreed to go and her face turned angry and compliant to our Kuching guide that she never bring this type of lousy group before. •On 10 Feb 2008 we went to Cheng De from Beijing, distance about 180km one way, and Driver fuels the gas tank at RMB600 only. I THINK YOU know how to CACULATE the fuel usage right!!! •Tour guide told us earlier that we will reach at Beijing after 3pm on 11 Feb 2008, but on that day we reached Beijing only about 1.30 pm, telling us no place to visit anymore since we have visited all the location as per itinerary!! She requested us to pay additional RMB60/pax so total RMB1260 for Transport & Parking fee(Tour Bus) to go 3 Tourist Shopping Center (i.e Yue Shui, Xiu Shui, Ya Xiu) [we had no choice but to pay, if not we will only be staying at hotel. •The China Tour guide make money on both sides. After received RMB1,260 from us in her pocket then she went to Slaughter Tourist Shopping Complex counter to claim that she brings in 21 visitors believed RMB 20.00 = extra income of RMB 420.00 + RM 1260 Total RMB 1680.00 •The take over job at Chengde lady tour guide was worse still. She brought us in a Temple and told us to put our hand together and follow their Chinese speaking prayer in-front of their TA LA MA LA (A kind of Buddhist God) then donate RHB 300.00 to the Temple. At that moment, a few of us were Christian. So we walked out the Temple, then tour guide looked at us very fierce and treated us as her enemy. •The next visit is The Imperial Mountain Resort Chengde she introduced the Anti-ants product at RMB 50 / packet, all of us bought it, some even bought more packets and came back the product not working. CHEATED •At 4 pm, she planned late time to send us to Mountain Resort and pointed out at least 30 interested areas to visit. She told if we walk on foot it might took whole day and time was short, coming dark evening and very cold (-18). She forced us to use a mini truck costs us RMB 50 x 21 pax = RMB1,050. The distance took less than 15 minutes to complete 2 interesting areas only and forget the 28 interested areas. China Public toilets •Most of the out door tourist public toilets were very very damn dirty. Some lady toilets don’t even have a door. It only covers by 2 feet height cloth. Your friends, relatives and others pass-by can see you pissing, so embarrass. The pissing area was only 6” height small long joint drain like our outdoor house drain. It contains many days shit & urine without water flushing away. Heavy smelly pissing & shit can make you vomit immediately. For sure I cannot finish eating KFC when I think about it. China our Guide – •Should intro the special dish arranged to us as stated in the itinerary list. •Is not professional enough to intro other activities when we arrived destination – Nan Shan Ski Mountain and etc. •Sounds impatient • We did complaint to both party but no use, turn back scolded by group leader. •More than 10 of us in our group have been to Beijing experience, some even went 4 times. To be frank, we have joined so many tours but never experienced such a lousy trip by Ming Ming Travel. •We don’t mind to pay additional fares but we should be treated with good services. It seems like not worth to pay for what we entitled. group leader •China tour guide seldom hold tour flat and lead in front walking very fast and seldom look back. One of our groups disappears for almost 2 hours missing without hand phone contact. Al last, she was frighten found. •When in China, our Kuching group leader turned to mute. Never lead and asking for our interest. This was our worse trip we ever have. We have made the compliant to Ming Ming Travel at the end, they just ignore it. We are making the details of this case know to Travel watchdog who have expressed a willingness publish the details in the hope that it will warn other travelers of your absolute lack of respect for your customers. Plan for China vacation? No way, My strong command is, try to travel other country but definitely not China, or else, you will get cheated by the China tourist guide to send you to buy expensive items like Chinese Medicines, Silk, Pearls, Jewelleries, Gold, Jade, expensive Tea and other hidden etc………Tours fare is cheap RM 2 to 3 thousand depend on the peak time. Hidden buying expensive items can be end up from RM 2 to 10 thousand and above. If you have the light ears and soft heart please, don’t get cheated by Money minded China – man by forced. They are very well trained, already prepared the dirty hole for you to step in. This message is send to world-wide web-site. You might be one of the victims, please tell your friends and relatives to help us to send as many internet mails & faxes as you can. Thanks. An angry traveler.

What are your favourite Rap/Hip Hop Albums for the year 2007? Ok only three more seasons to go or 12 technically... well 3 years Here is a list of Rap/Hip Hop Albums from 07 ... (If I've missed any and you can be sure I have then feel free to nominate them and anyone else can vote for them as well) Please star this so others who aren't online can find it.THANKS! The list I found is as follows vote for as many as you like from it... 11:11-Mac Lethal 5 * Stunna-Birdman 51/50 Ratchet-Hurricane Chris 8 Diagrams-Wu Tang Clan A Souls Journey-Beyond Reality Abandoned Language-Dalek ABC-Jin Adrenaline Rush 2007-Twista Afro Samurai-The RZA Alive 9/14/73-Mic Geronimo Alive at the Assembly Line-Othello American Gangster-Jay-Z Animated Stagnation-Amsuno Atlantis Hymns for Disco-K-Os B.A.R.S. The Barry Adrian Reese Story-Cassidy Back to the Trap House-Gucci Mane Back up n da Chevy-Boyz n the Hood Baptized by Fire-Apathy Batterie-Omni Bayani-Blue Scholars Beatz Vol.2-Large Professor Below the Heavens-Blu n Exile Black Hollywood-Camp Lo Blue Cheese and Coney Island-Bizarre Blue Collar Music-Andromeda Boombox-Raheem Jamal Break Glass-Polyrhythmaddicts Buck the World-Young Buck Caltroit-Bishop Lamont and Black Milk Candy Medicine-Scholar Man Carnival Vol.II Memoirs of an Immigrant-Wyclef Jean Carte Blanche-Phat Kat Casualties of War-Boot Camp Clik Chorus Rhyme-C-Rayz Walz Chrome Children 2-Stones Throw Clean Windows Dirty Floors-Sirah Conversations with a Chameleon-Pugz Atomz Cost of Living-Big Quarters Craft of the Lost Art-The Shape of Broad Minds Curb Side Service-Prince Ali Curtis-50 Cent Da Drought 3-Lil Wayne Danny is Dead-Danny! Deep Hearted-Strong Arm Steady Dem Damb Jacksons-The Are Desire-Pharoahe Monch Dirty Acres-Cunninlynguists Dogg Chit-Tha Dogg Pound Don't Give Up-Serengeti and Polyphonic Don't Quit Your Day Job-Consequence Dr. No's Experiment-Oh-No Dusty Pickup-Symmetry Eardrum-Talib Kweli Ego Clapper-7L & Esoteric Emergency Powers : The World Tour-Super Chron Flight Brothers Extra Credit-Theory Hazit Finding Forever-Common For whom the Beat Tolls-Canibus Free at Last-Freeway From Nothin' to Somethin'-Fabolous Gangsta Grillz : The Album-Drama German Lugers-Snowgoons Get Money, Stay True-Paul Wall Getback-Little Brother Ghettoblaster-SoCalled Graduation-Kanye West Gran'dad's Nerve Tonic-Junk Science Guilty by Affiliation-W.C. Hands Down : Art of Life-Charon Don and DJ Huggy Hate it or Love it-Chingy Hip Hop in the Flesh-Cymarshall Law Hip Hop Lives-KRS ONE & Marley Marl Hood Treason-NYOIL Hope and Sorrow-Wax Tailor Human the Death Dance-Sage Francis Hunt for the Gingerbread Man-MF Grimm Hustle to be Free-Creature I-Cilvaringz I Need Mine-Lil Flip I Predict a Riot-Hezekiah I'll sleep when you're Dead-El-P In the Moment-C.O.N.C.E.P.T. Inner City Soul-Ohene Intromission-Bukue One It's Whatever-The Federation Jesus Price Superstar-Sean Price Kala-M.I.A. Leave of Absence-Supastition Lionheart:Tussle with the Beast-Klashnekoff Love, Sex and Situation-Deviants of Reality Made-Scarface Make It Better-BrokeMC Manhood-Stic.Man Maths + English-Dizzee Rascall Median's Relief-Median Mega Ran-Random Mission IsPossible-True Bless Mood Muzik III-Joe Budden Most Underrated-Domingo Music is my Saviour-MIMS My Last Good Deed-A-Plus Nat Turner Reloaded-Core Rhythm Never Forget-Cornel West & BMWMB None Shall Pass-Aesop Rock One Man Band-Swizz Beats Perseverance-Percee P Popular Demand-Black Milk Port Authority-Marco Polo Powders & Oils-Johnson & Jonson Psycho Therapy (The Soundtrack)-Psycho Les Pure-Buff 1 Rap Music -Brother Reade Rap-Murr-Phobia-Keith Murray Red gone Wild : Thee Album-Redman Remindstate-Pete Philly & Perquisite Renaissance Child-Hell Razah Return from Mecca-X-Clan Return of the Mac-Prodigy Rich Boy-Rich Boy Ridin High-8 Ball & Mjg Rise Up-Zeph and Azeem Rituals of Battle-Army of the Pharoahs Roadkill Overcoat-Bus Driver Serve and Collect-Boss Hogg Outlaws Shock Value-Timbaland Sole and the Skyrider Band-Sole and the Skyrider Band souljaboytellem.com-Soulja Boy Spell My Name Right-Statik Selektah Stereotypez-Special Teamz Still Rising-Jeru tha Damaja Stray Bullets-Guilty Simpson Street Champ-Big Shug Street Fame-Twisted Black Street Legends-Zion I Strength and Loyalty-BTNH Super Gangster(Extraordinary Gentleman)-Styles P Supply & Demand-Playaz Circle T.I. vs T.I.P.-T.I. Teknology 3-Hi-Tek The Bar Exam-Royce da 5'9" The Best Kept Secret-Ultramagnetic Mc's The Big Doe Rehab-Ghostface Killa The Brick (Bodega Chronicles)-Joell Ortiz The Cool-Lupe Fiasco The Dream Merchant Vol.2-9th Wonder The Horror Flick LP-Bekay The Inevitable Rise & Damn and the P.E. joint my computer froze and I thought I'd recovered the one's I lost but apparently not all. Sorry B Rabbit I swear I thought I had that on there! I know there are a few Cham fans about!

elvis alive? The only time I feel alive... is when I'm in front of my audience, my people. That's the only time I really feel like I'm human." "Long after I'm gone, what I did today will be heard by someone. I just want them to get the best of what I had." (Elvis Presley) Is Elvis Alive ? There are many reasons to believe that Elvis Presley is dead. When the only arguments to believe otherwise come from crazed fans and supermarket tabloids, it is easy to dismiss the possibility that Elvis is still among us. However, the circumstances surrounding Elvis' alleged death are quite mysterious and beg closer attention. As it turns out, there are many concrete reasons to believe that Elvis is still alive. The Gravesite. Elvis' name is misspelled on his headstone. Elvis' full name is Elvis Aron Presley, but on his grave his middle name is spelled incorrectly with two a's. His father would not have let this happen. When Elvis was born, his name was misspelled on his birth certificate, and his father went to great lengths to get it put right. The unique spelling of Elvis' name was important to his family. Elvis' current "resting place" is in between his father and his grandmother and not next to his mother where he had adamantly requested. It is doubtful that the people close to him would allow these things to happen. Elvis is a superstitious man, enough so that he wouldn't tempt fate by putting his real name on a tombstone, or violate the ground next to his mother until he was ready to be placed there for good. Death Certificate. Elvis was very vain, and he was embarrassed about his recent weight gain, an astonishing 50 pounds in the month before his so-called death. Even though he weighed about 250 pounds at the time of his "death," his death certificate lists him at a spry 170 pounds. The original death certificate disappeared, and the current death certificate is dated two months after his alleged death. The Wax Body Theory. This argument is very convincing when the facts are considered. Elvis' coffin required several pall bearers because it weighed 900 pounds. Attendants of the funeral reported that the air around the coffin was rather cool. It is suspected that the coffin contained an air conditioning unit to keep a wax body cool, a wax body that was a replica of Elvis designed to fool funeral-goers. And how did the Presley family get a 900 pound, custom made coffin ready for a funeral that was held on the day after his death? It takes a lot of time to build such an elaborate coffin. And why was the funeral so quickly? Some say that the immediacy was intended to make it as difficult as possible for the people who were Elvis' biggest fans to attend the proceedings. It could be a concern that they might recognize the flaws in the wax replica. Elvis was an 8th degree black belt whose hands were rough with calluses, yet the body in the coffin had hands that were soft and pudgy. The body in the coffin had a pug nose and arched eyebrows {unlike Elvis} and most importantly, one of the sideburns on the "corpse" was loose and falling off. A hairdresser later reported gluing the sideburn back on the body. Unusual Behavior. Two hours after Elvis' death was announced publicly, a man who reportedly looked remarkably like Elvis purchased a ticket for Buenos Aeries, paid in cash, and used the name John Burrows: the same name Elvis had used as an alias several times before. Elvis had a few books that were considered to be his most prized possessions. He had a bible, several pharmaceutical books, books on death, and most importantly Chiro's Book of Numbers and The Autobiography of Yogi which I will explain more about later. After Elvis's death was announced, these books disappeared and were never recovered. In the weeks preceding his alleged death, Elvis' actions were not those of a man who was about to embark on an extensive US tour. He ordered no new suits despite having gained 50 pounds since his last tour, and he bid "adios" at his last show in Hawaii. He had never done this before. Adios, like the French adieu, has the significance of being a final good-bye as opposed to an "I'll be seeing you on my next tour" kind of good-bye. Others were intrigued by Elvis' decision to sign a lucrative TV deal with NBC that would cover the tour. It was unprecedented for a network to pay such a large amount up front, in cash, for such a deal. Many wonder why Elvis even agreed to the deal since his vanity discouraged him from making public appearances due to his weight gain. RCA showed uncanny and unbelievable foresight by mass producing millions of Elvis' current and previous recordings and merchandise. This is standard practice for an act that is about to go on tour, but the numbers in this case were beyond reasonable expectations. The announcement of Elvis' death caused record sales to skyrocket. Elvis did other unusual things that created suspicion. First, he fired several employees that he had relied upon for a long time. Also, two days before his alleged death, Elvis telephoned a friend of his named Miss Foster. He told her that he wasn't planning on going on the upcoming tour. She asked him if he had canceled it, and he said that he had not. When she asked if he was ill, he said that he was fine, and that she should not ask any more questions or tell anyone anything, and that she should not believe anything she read. He told her that his troubles would all soon be over, and that he would call her in a few weeks. The author of Elvis Where Are You? writes that Miss Foster took a polygraph test regarding this story, and that she was not lying. The day after Elvis' alleged death, a woman named Lucy De Barbon, a former lover of Elvis, received a single rose in the mail. The card indicated that the flower was from "El Lancelot." This had been her pet name for Elvis, and it was a name that no one else knew. Flowers can't be sent from beyond the grave. This was Elvis' way of letting her know that he was not dead, even though he didn't want to be found. Chiro's Book of Numbers. Elvis had a fascination with numerology, an interest he fed by reading Chiro's Book of Numbers. The theory that Elvis orchestrated his death is further supported when considering the significance of the date of his alleged death. The date in question is August 16, 1977. By adding the numbers in the date, 8, 16, and 1977, you get 2001. This is the title of Elvis' favorite movie in which the hero plans his immortality in the bathroom. Elvis spent a considerable amount of time doing the same: planning his afterlife on the toilet.. Elvis spent so much time in the bathroom that he had his toilet converted into a reclining comfy chair. Coincidentally, the bathroom is also where Elvis' body was reportedly found. Given Elvis' religious beliefs, he had a fascination with things that come in threes, for example, father, son, and holy ghost. The sum of the digits from his favorite film (2+0+0+1) is three. Let's consider the triad of the repetition of the number 24. 2001 (favorite film) less 1977 (year of death) is 24. The two numbers from the day of death (8/16) when added up equal 24. The sum of the digits in the year of death (1+9+7+7) also equals 24. That is 3 occurrences of the number 24 which is divisible by 3, and when divided by three the result, 8 has a perfect cubed root (2x2x2=8). Elvis loved numerology, and when you consider the numeric significance of the date of his alleged death, it is clear that if indeed he did plan to fake his death, he could not have chosen a better date. Reason Elvis had many reasons to fake his death.It has been said that Elvis' life was in danger. He had recently lost $10,000,000 in an airplane/real estate deal with a California based organization called the "Fraternity" that had links to the Mafia. It is speculated that he corroborated with the government to expose the organized crime ring in exchange for protection, perhaps in the form of a new life and identity compliments of the Witness Protection Program. Elvis was a prisoner of his own fame. He had many other reasons to leave his life behind. Because of his incredible popularity he recieved several death threats, and he was concerned about the safety of his ex-wife and daughter. Sometimes when he wanted to leave Graceland he would send look-alikes out to distract would be followers. Elvis was also known to ride in the trunk of someone else's car to avoid being seen. Once, when he fell ill in Las Vegas, he couldn't get proper medical attention because the hospital was overwhelmed by fans. At the time of his alleged death, Elvis thought he was nearing the end of his career. He saw his self as 42 with greying hair, overweight, and he thought his voice was starting to weaken,. He was going down hill, and he was too proud to go out with a whimper. He would never want his fans to see him in such an unhealthy condition. Elvis had shown a fascination with death on several occasions. In the days leading up to his alleged death he was reported to have visited funeral homes at odd hours of the night with close friends. Was he doing research? Elvis once faked his death by setting up an elaborate shooting in which a would be killer fired blanks at Elvis who had a blood pack which he discharged. It was Elvis' intention to see how the people closest to him would react to his death. Perhaps what he learned convinced him to do it for real. Finally, one of Elvis' favorite books is the spiritual Autobiography of Yogi. One of the central themes of this book is the relinquishing of one's wealth and earthly possessions to achieve spiritual oneness. Elvis could do this, as well as address his other concerns of sanity and safety by faking his death and living in exile. Means. Elvis had the means to fake his own death. He is accused of destroying himself with drugs. In reality, Elvis was a pharmaceutical expert. He took a lot of drugs, but he knew what he was doing and was extremely careful. He knew what drugs he could self-administer to create a deathlike state. Also Elvis' experience with the martial arts was such that he could slow his heart rate and breathing in order to feign death. Elvis' manager, Colonel Tom Parker, had once created a new identity for himself. He came to America as an illegal immigrant from Holland, but through various connections managed to create a new identity complete with a passport, birth certificate, drivers license, and social security number. He would have known how to give Elvis a second life. Aswell as Elvis' ties to the government through his testimony against the "Fraternity", Elvis was known to interact with the President of the United States. He was reported in government documents to use the name John Burrows as an alias when he wanted to travel. Some people believe that Elvis worked for the government as a drug agent. He did, after all have extensive contact with many people in the music business who, as we know, tend to dabble in illegal substances. And, of course, we must allow that Elvis' connections to the government gave him access to the Witness Protection Program. If they can turn the Simpsons into the Thompsons, they can relocate anybody. Orion? Many believe that Elvis couldn't have given up performing completely. Just imagine, after a while the desire to perform would grow once he started his life in exile. The story of Orion supports the theory that Elvis attempted a secret comeback. Shortly after Elvis' alleged death, a masked singer by the name of Orion emerged on the scene. He was big like Elvis, and he sang just like Elvis. Because of the mask no one could tell his true identity. One fan described seeing Orion from near the stage. She claims that Orion left the stage between songs, and when he appeared moments later the sweat was gone from his armpits and back and she thought that his costume looked slightly different. After the song he left the stage, and the original Orion returned. Another fan described how she rushed into a tour bus at an Orion show only to see two Orions in the back of the bus. She claimed that one ducked into the bathroom before she could get a good look at him, but he appeared to look like Elvis Presley. What's even more remarkable is the fictional story called Orion that was written by Gail Brewer-Georgio about a legendary performer who had several identities and wanted to fake his death. The story was written and submitted to the William Morris Agency for publication consideration after Elvis' alleged death and before the real Orion ever performed. As it turns out, there are many ways in which the real Orion mimicked the events as described in the book. For example, the performers' managers had the same name. Also, without knowing it, Brewer-Georgio wrote of events in Orion that had actually taken place in Elvis' life. It was a case of life imitating art. Picking up the Pieces. In 1981, 20/20 did an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged death of Elvis Presley. The investigative report was very convincing. Oddly enough, within two weeks of the report, the singer, Orion, disappeared and was never heard from again. The book, Orion disappeared from shelves across the country. It had been recalled by the publisher which was associated with the William Morris Agency. Incidentally, the William Morris Agency is the same agency that represented Elvis. It seems that Elvis Presley is worth more dead than alive. By faking his death and relocating with a new identity he is safe from his fans and the "Fraternity", the government can make a solid case against the organized crime ring, and RCA, Elvis' family, and Elvis' management can all reap immense financial benefits from the attention. That is... except for one benefit....after nearly 25 years no one has collected on his life insurance policy. Why ????? During his last concert tour in 1977, Elvis spoke of "not looking good tonight", but, he would look good in his coffin. He made comments of being tired of living as he was and how it was going to change. He told of how he would like to be just himself instead of an "image". On August 16th 1977, at 8:00 A.M., Elvis told Ginger Alden that he was going into the bathroom to read. (This bathroom/lounge had it's own back entrance.) For the next six hours no one saw him. Elvis signed for a special delivery letter at 9:30 A.M. At 2:00 P.M. Ginger Alden found the apparent body of Elvis lying on the floor in front of his chair, where he had been reading. She called Al Strada who in turn called Joe Esposito. George Nichopoulous (aka Dr. Nick) was then telephoned. Joe called the fire department, unit 6. The ambulance arrived at Graceland at 2:33 P.M. Paramedics administered CPR, despite rigor mortis. The body was taken to Baptist Memorial Hospital at 2:48 P.M. By 3:00 P.M. Elvis' family members and friends were informed of his "death". Public announcement was given at 3:30 P.M. August 17th, the body was brought back to Graceland for family viewing. The public viewing was from 3:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. On August 18th,1977. Tennesse Governor Ray Blanton ordered flags to be flown at half-mast for the duration of the funeral procession. At midday the Graceland gates swung open, a white Cadillac hurse rolled through them, followed by sixteen white Cadillac limousines. QUESTIONS BEGIN How could it take twenty minutes for paramedics to drive sixteen blocks to Graceland if the call came in at 2:33 P.M.? The Medical Examiner's Report states that the body was found with rigor mortis, while the police report states "unconcious". Why would anyone try to give CPR to a rigor mortised body ? The ME report listed the body as weighing 80 pounds lighter then Elvis' actual weight. How could Elvis have passed a physical exam just prior to August 16th if his heart was so enlarged ? How could he have played raquetball for several hours on August 16th, just before his "death" ? ABC's 1979 program on the cover up of Elvis' death stated that all the stomach contents were destroyed. Bill Burkin in his book Elvis World states that officials at Babtist Memorial Hospital had assured him that the stomach contents had been shipped to a California lab to be examined and then on to a lab in Utah, and then ? There are rumors of Elvis' "death" being caused by a heart attack, drug overdose, suffocation in carpeting, suicide and even cancer ! Persons in attendance at Graceland at the time of "death" don't agree on the color of pajamas Elvis was wearing or the posistion of the body. Why did Vernon ask many people NOT to attend the funeral but to come a week later ? Why did Vernon refuse to accept the flag which is usually given to dead war veterans ? Why didn't Elvis have any new jumpsuits made during 1977 ? The handwriting on the death certificate matched Elvis' own writing ! Elvis was very aware of which presribed drugs did not mix well with others. Elvis had glaucoma, and Dexedrine, a drug not to be taken with that condition, was listed as being in his system. Who would prescribe it and why would he take it ? Whose body was autopsied ? Funeral homes don't usually keep solid copper coffins in stock. These coffins weigh in the area of 300 pounds and usually take two months to receive once ordered. This coffin seemed to have been ready. Monte Nicholson, a nineteen year veteran of the Los Angeles Sheriffs Department, wrote a novel called The Presley Arrangement. This novel tells the story of a body that is autopsied, a man resembling Elvis. The man had died of cancer. The body is later returned for private burial, to the man's own family. The man's family are paid to remain silent about the incident. Nicholson explains a government connection. In a 1989 radio interview Nicholson said that even if he knew there was an FBI connection and was told not to say anything, he COULD NOT say. Nicholson also claimed that if he knew the answer to the question, and says he does, he will not disclose his knowledge. He said that if Elvis is alive that his book is pretty close to the truth of what REALLY happened. Was Elvis a DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) agent ? Elvis can be seen wearing a DEA Staff jacket in several photographs, including one taken in June of 1977, approximately six weeks before his "death". Also Elvis was wearing a jogging suit with the DEA logo on it during the early morning hours of August 16th 1977. When Elvis met with President Richard Nixon he said he had been "studying" the drug culture for over 10 years, he could get into any culture group and be accepted. Elvis said he had gotten alot from the country and he wanted to repay in some way. It would have been a dangerous job and one that an entertainer such as Elvis would not have HAD to do unless he chose to. Many DEA agents pose as "drug users" and "pushers" in their undercover work. Elvis could get to anyone if he appeared to be a "user". In the book Elvis: What Happened? one of the guys wondered if Elvis was ever as whacked out as he seemed to be. Maybe he is a "great" actor after all. Perhaps he deserves an "Oscar". Death threats were issued against Elvis and his family. Those who had leveled those threats had actually broken into Graceland. At times, the FBI were called. Deputy Narcotics Director John Finlator arranged for Elvis to come to his office under the name of John Burrows. Finlator didn't want to give Elvis a badge but the President reversed the decision. On December 21st of 1970, Elvis met with President Richard Nixon in the oval office, Washington, D.C. Elvis had written a letter requesting a meeting and expressed his concerns about the drug culture, hippie elements, the SDS and other groups who were against the establishment. When Finlator finally gave Elvis the badge and promised to issue him consultant credentials, Elvis was overcome with emotion and his eyes became misty. Ten days later he met with the FBI. On the same day, President Nixon wrote Elvis a thank you. Elvis wrote to the President and said, "I can and will do more good, if I were made a Federal Agent at large, and I will help out by doing it my way." Elvis was known to be in his bedroom for weeks, seeing no one. (There was a back staircase at Graceland.) Elvis could sneak out whenever he needed to. Department of the Treasury-Bob Pritchett says that during the years of '74, '75, and '76 "Mr. Presley provided one of our undercover agents, who was a musician, a job cover. Undercover agents appear to have other occupations. None of Elvis' group of friends knew of this agent and the role he played in setting up his cover. Since he had an undercover agent in his group from '74-'76, when did he find time to use drugs himself? Elvis was very good at keeping secrets and living a "double life". Elvis spoke with President Carter two weeks before his death. It involved aid to a friend. On August 16, 1977, President Carter issued this tribute: "Elvis Presley's death deprives our country of a part of itself. He was unique and irreplaceable. More than twenty years ago he burst upon the scene with an impact that was unprecedented and will probably never be equaled. His music and his personality, fusing the styles of white country and black rhythm and blues, permanently changed the face of American popular culture. His following was immense and he was a symbol of good humor of his country." This was a formal statement, when a celebrity's death is usually only commented on. He had spoken to Nixon and Carter both shortly before the day he died. In the September 1988 issue of American Karate magazine, Ed Parker tells of a time when a terrorist group threatened Elvis' life to make him an example of how they could get to famous people. They threatened to plant a bomb in one of the gifts offered to Elvis at a concert. This was a threat as long as he was "alive", and his family were targets also. Elvis always had law enforcement officials around him. John O'Grady, who was earlier in charge of NARC Divisions of the LAPD, was one of them. He also hired Dick Grob, a former sargeant with the Palm Springs Police. He was surrounded by at least two lawmen in top security positions. Elvis was in danger. The "hoax" may have been the only way out! History will prove Elvis to be an American hero beyond being an American entertainer. SIGHTINGS With all the Elvis lookalikes, he could actually walk around using disguises and get away with it. Who would be looking for him anyway, when he is supposedly dead? Before 1977, there was an "Elvis lookalike, sound alike" at a Memphis theatre. Elvis put on his best "Elvis outfit", strolled in and mingled with the clones, doing his best "Hey, baby". Afterwards, he came back to Graceland laughing. He tried out and lost! Elvis and his mother's bodies were moved to the Meditation Gardens for burial, after three men tried to break into the crypt. Graceland was rezoned to permit burials at the estate. In the 1989 Orion's "Farewell to the King", the King says "I died once. I had to be willing to give up everything, even the will to live." The last recording session at Graceland was The Last Farewell. There have been many sightings at various places including Graceland. There are some escape routes at Graceland that people don't know about. In a syndicated newspaper across the nation on June 5, 1990, an article headlined "Elvis Lives, At Least On Census Form." The Census Bureau reported in 1990 that Elvis returned a questionaire to the bureau office in Huntsville, Alabama. It was noticed by census workers who were screening forms for completednesss. Late Night with Ross Shafer (August 1988) had a survey that showed that out of 30,000 people polled, approximately 84% believe Elvis is alive. On Monday, August 22, 1988, Harold Schuitmaker, in an item of the Detroit News, said "Elvis is Alive and Living in Kalamazoo." Schuitmaker was a well known Michigan politician and resident of Paw Paw (15 miles from Kalamazoo). The masked singer Orion was at the McMinnville Civic Center and a fan said that she felt that the man onstage and the one who signed autographs were different people. People have reported that someone sounding like Elvis called them on the phone and some hung up because they couldn't believe it. A book titled Elvis: Where Are You? came out of Wilton Manors, Florida around August, 1982 under the name of Al Jefferies. The premise of the book was that Elvis hoaxed his death. Kelly Burgess, a former assistant editor and feature writer with the Detroit News, claimed to have seen Elvis in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She is not living now. In 1988, Heartbreak Hotel starred David Keith as Elvis. (The film had the support of EP Enterprises.) A soundtrack album thanked Jerry Schilling and a special thanks to J.B. In 1987's Robo Cop, a cop is killed, but didn't die. He returns as Robo Cop-a superman hero. It was filmed in Michigan. During that time radio stations got calls from a man sounding like Elvis Presley. There have been lots of sightings there and it was also on his final concert tour. Is this possibly a "message" film? March 18, 1990, an article on Robo Cop, in the Detroit News told of Robo Cop speaking to a Boys and Girls club against drugs. It was a three month long anti-drug campaign organized by the FBI, Orion Home Video of New York, and the Boys Club of America. This Robo Cop was not the same actor as in the movie-his true identity was not revealed. he was a special agent helping the FBI fight the war on drugs. His suit was bullet-proof. During filming, some people saw a man looking like an older Elvis. In Mac and Me, a film from 1988, a young alien is lost and at the end the family drives away in an old pink Cadillac convertible. A balloon caption says "We'll be back". The sound track is on Curb Records, which is the same label as "Spelling on the Stone". There were some song lyrics which were: "Tired of being myself, being different from everyone else, somehow you knew I needed your help, be my friend forever. I never found my star in the night; living my dream was far from sight." There was a scene in the movie where Eric asks Debbie "Why didn't you tell him that you saw him (the alien)?" She says, "Because no one would believe me." Elvis has become a mythic figure, and there have been frequent rumors that he is still alive. Elvis remains the single most influential and respected figure in the history of Rock music. Elvis was the first Rock/Pop singer to have a single record sell a million copies, the first to go platinum with an album in less than two weeks, the first singer to pre-sell a million records before it's release, the first entertainer to earn a million dollars for one concert performance, and the first young, white, southern male to bring international attention to the importance of black rhythm and blues. He was the first singer to get a million dollar screen contract. He was the first music personality to have a TV performance broadcast worldwide via satellite. In 1993, he became the first rock'n'roll star whose picture appeared on a commemorative U.S. Postal stamp (the largest stamp printing in history). Elvis is a landmark in almost everyone's life, going back to distant memories of watching him above the waist on Ed Sullivan or hearing "Hound Dog" for the first time. His image continues to mesmerize: witness the appearance of 200 Elvis impersonators at Liberty Weekend in 1986. There was a time when he was merely the most popular entertainer in history. He is more than that now. He is a symbol of America as recognizable as the flag. Elvis opened the 'window of his soul' to his fans all over the world. Thank you, Elvis! Remember you are always on our minds. "TCB FOREVER! Any Comments on this ? E-mail Me i found this on the internet weird