Driving — this frightened me witless!!!
Question:
Bob Gootee <goo…@comcast.net> wrote: > They have over at TechTV a guy that did build a coffee maker in a > computer. They have some wild stuff over there from time to time.
I have seen a number of coffee makers buit into cases over the years. They did one at SGI with an Indigo case a number of years ago, in fact I believe it was an expresso maker! I might give some thought to a hot chocolate maker if I can lose a lot of weight first. A modified expersso maker might do the job. I will need to figure out an air tight container to hold the marshmallows so they don’t get stale too soon or pick up excess moisture on humid days. Or I could get a few of those solid state cooler chips and some insulation and turn it into a mini-fridge for sodas and other drinks. Too many choices. :-)> Ross
Response:
On Wed, 10 Sep 2003 18:58:27 +0100, "Martin Basil" <martin.ba…@ifb.co.uk> wrote: >Ian, >Thanks for the warning as I have not yet notified the DVLA of my condition >which is controlled however now it has been diagnosed. >Odd really, until I was diagnosed and the condition treated I was at liberty >to drive and was a danger to other road users. Now I (and you) have been >diagnosed and treated I am no longer a dnager to others but my insurance >will probably increase and the DVLA need to know about my condition. >Regards >Martin
This is one of the oddities of the system. I didn’t experience sleepiness when driving so informed the DVLA when the consultant officially diagnosed OSA. His advice was to tell them of the condition and that it was being treated and controlled. He had never run into any issues from the DVLA if notification is handled in this way, even in the case of commercial drivers, with whom they tend to be more picky. However, he also offered to either write to them or confirm treatment if necessary. In the event, I simply downloaded the form from the DVLA web site, filled it in and faxed it to them. They responded a couple of days later in writing confirming that all was fine and there would be no restrictions. This was without contacting the consultant. As far as insurance is concerned, I have policies with Zurich and with Norwich Union at present. I contacted my broker and explained the situation, and asked them to notify each insurance company, confirming the DVLA’s OK and to ask each insurer to confirm in writing that they had been notified. Basically I don’t trust insurance companies one millimetre to not try and renege in the event of a claim. Both initially just re-issued the certificate with a remark that insurance was dependent on having a licence from the DVLA, but I thought that that was standard anyway. There was no change of premium. I asked the broker to push them on giving me a specific letter, mentioning the condition, and that there were no premium changes, plus any specific terms and conditions. This was done, and they simply stated that cover was valid as long as the DVLA did not impose any restrictions. Had one suggested a premium increase, I would have gone elsewhere. There is really no justification for an increased premium for somebody who is being successfully treated for OSA, so if they were to try that one on, they should lose the business. In any case, if you think about it, as you are now being treated, their risk has effectively been reduced. If you consider the large number of people with OSA who either don’t realise it or are not aware of the issues, or who the NHS continues to fail (largely through waste and because OSA is not sexy medicine), the insurance companies risks are far higher there. However you *must* tell the DVLA immediately. It is a criminal offence not to do so and can result in an invitation from Her Majesty to visit one of her country residences. .andy To email, substitute .nospam with .gl
Response:
Thanks to all for your responses so far, and I shall respond in turn at greater length later — What the DVLA (and you, my esteemed friends!) don’t know is that I was in the Police (Edinburgh) for 15 years and have therefore been trained at a higher level of driving (equivalent to the Advanced Driving Test) than your average "Joe Public". This whole episode has spooked me SO much! I have twice in my life "fallen asleep at the wheel"; fortunately, on both occasions I managed to become fully awake before I did any damage to other road users, property, or myself. I’d also like to add that both these incidents happened when I was 19 or 20 and considered myself invincible and that "sleep is for cissies". This was also before my sleep apnoea became as pronounced as in adulthood. (By "adulthood", I mean when one starts to sprout ear-hairs, etc…!). To quote Billy Connolly: "God is SO clever! HOW did He know I’d need all this extra hair in my ears and nostrils when I hit 40???" }:->
HOW we learn in later life!
Response:
Charles Perrin <c.l.perrin…@att.net> wrote: > At least it’s not a problem with the cupholder not working. > "Cupholder?" > "Yes, the one that says CD-ROM on it."
One lady in the computer user group that I belong to bought one of the Macintosh models assembled and sold by SuperMac that was built in a medium tower case. She went to the local computer ’surplus’ store and bought the least expensive CD ROM drive and mounted under the CD ROM drive in the case already. Hooked up only the power. She then had her own fully functional cup holder. Brought it to one of the meetings to show it off. It was a big hit. Apple solved the problem by going to the slot loading drives, no try to slide out and use as a cupholder. I just got a couple of SGI Indigo’s and one is a 3k that I am thinking of re-purposing and the possibility of a coffee maker comes to mind except that I don’t drink the stuff. Have to find something else to do with it. Ross Bernheim
Response:
On Wed, 10 Sep 2003 13:44:02 GMT, eric wrote: >Charles, >What is an ADR and where can I buy one?
ADR – American Depositary Receipt. It’s a fancy name for a foreign stock that trades on a US stock exchange. One that comes to mind is TEVA – Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (Israeli). Most of their business is in the US and Europe, and most of it is generic drugs. They’ve gone up 72% over the past 13 months! — Offshore a CEO: buy an ADR!
Response:
Ian Pettigrew <ian-pettig…@ukonline.co.uk> wrote: > To quote Billy Connolly
Quite a funny fellow. I quite like some of his songs, he does particularly funny country and western songs. Ross
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Ross Bernheim wrote: > Charles Perrin <c.l.perrin…@att.net> wrote: >>At least it’s not a problem with the cupholder not working. >>"Cupholder?" >>"Yes, the one that says CD-ROM on it." > One lady in the computer user group that I belong to bought > one of the Macintosh models assembled and sold by SuperMac > that was built in a medium tower case. She went to the local > computer ’surplus’ store and bought the least expensive CD > ROM drive and mounted under the CD ROM drive in the case > already. Hooked up only the power. She then had her own > fully functional cup holder. Brought it to one of the meetings to > show it off. It was a big hit. > Apple solved the problem by going to the slot loading drives, no > try to slide out and use as a cupholder. I just got a couple of SGI > Indigo’s and one is a 3k that I am thinking of re-purposing and the > possibility of a coffee maker comes to mind except that I don’t drink > the stuff. Have to find something else to do with it. > Ross Bernheim
Ross, Check this – <http://www.xoxide.com/cili12vb1.html> It’s for real. They have over at TechTV a guy that did build a coffee maker in a computer. They have some wild stuff over there from time to time. Bob
Response:
On Wed, 10 Sep 2003 03:55:31 GMT, Gary Rimar wrote: >I have a better way. You can be persistent without resorting to rage. >I had a client that could never get through to Dell technical support (for a >warranty issue), and I was the one she would call when her computer broke. >I had the box with me one day when I had a bunch of computer work to do (on >my own computer), so I decided to "camp."
At least it’s not a problem with the cupholder not working. "Cupholder?" "Yes, the one that says CD-ROM on it." <wink> — Offshore a CEO: buy an ADR!
Response:
On Wed, 10 Sep 2003 03:55:31 GMT, Gary Rimar wrote: >I have a better way.
So does our computer support group. One of our conference rooms had a Post-It Note on the door this morning. It had written on it: "Weekly IT meeting cancelled." I kid you not. — Offshore a CEO: buy an ADR!
Response:
"Ian Pettigrew" <ian-pettig…@ukonline.co.uk> wrote in message
news:3f5e3735$0$12654$afc38c87@news.ukonline.co.uk… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Scary times indeed! — Many weeks ago I wrote to DVLA (Swansea, Wales, UK), > informing them that I was undergoing treatment for sleep apnoea; there is > another reason for this frank admission, which I won’t go into right now — > if you’re really curious AND you’re an expert on Pensions law, then mail me > privately… > Today I got a letter from DVLA informing me that my driving licence is to be > revoked and must be returned on 12th September. > First of all, a mere three days’ notice to return my licence does not offer > me much opportunity to make alternative arrangements. As you guys are > probably not aware, I am self-employed and my vehicle is necessary for my > work.
Ian, from what I have heard and read on the DVLA web site this is par for the course. In fact they may have been generous with 3 days notice. I believe you would be classed as a ‘commercial driver’. > You’ll also probably be unaware that I reside in a rural area (SE Scotland) > that is several miles away from any local or major bus routes. > Also, without consulting my General Practitioner DVLA appears to have > assumed that my condition is so serious as to prevent me from driving > safely. This is not the case; my sleep apnoea is not too severe… just 45 > apnoeas per hour.
They have this knee jerk reaction to sleep disorders. Revoke first, enquire later. > When I informed them of my condition (via the Web) they sent me a form to > complete. I endorsed the form to the effect that my sleep apnoea was > "uncontrolled" at that time although I was undergoing treatment, tests, and > sleep observation in a laboratory environment.
I think that the ‘uncontrolled’ statement brought about the reaction of revoking your licence. The DVLA have stated in brochures and their web site that you must return your licence as soon as you are diagnosed with Sleep Apnoea. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> In a panic I called them as soon as I read the letter today — I had thought > it was just a reminder about my Tax Disc. The lady was not for turning — > despite my pleas that I was now undergoing C-PAP treatment she still > insisted that I would have to return my licence. > I then did something I have not done for a very long time — I totally lost > the plot and relinquished control of my reason altogether — I shouted, > threatened, and swore like a trooper, screamed the place down and demanded > to be put through to her supervisor… I really cannot stand the "I demand > to speak with your superior" types, but now I had joined their ranks. > I basically said, "Look — You are not GETTING my f#cking licence! What > about all the people out there who have neglected to fulfil their civic > duties, or whatever? Those who, despite having worse conditions than mine, > continue to drive? How can you judge me to be "causing a liability" when > your Senior Medical Advisor has not examined me in person, or sought the > opinion of my GP? Three days’ notice to return my licence? Go f#ck > yourselves!" (Please excuse the references to actual language used).
Some 2 years ago I heard a Dr. Helen Majors speak at a conference. She heads up the medical panel in the DVLA who deal with sleep disorders. Tough talker. The stats at the time were something like 96% of licences are reinstated for sleep apnoea sufferers after investigation. She also mentioned that things were tougher for ‘commercial drivers’ who would have to have annual medical clearance from their sleep clinic that they were compliant with treatment and did not pose a risk on the road. > Well, she said she would go and "consult the team"… Several minutes later > she returned and informed me that they would suspend the Order of Revocation > and send me another form to complete in the meantime. All I have to do is > re-complete it, but to the effect that I now have the C-PAP machine in > operation (that is, my condition is "controlled").
They may have relaxed the rule a little, however double check that you don’t need certification from your sleep clinic. They may have to confirm that you are compliant…………..and might not be quick to do so. > I tell you — I have never been so frightened in many a year. > The moral of this is: I’ve always dealt with people along the lines of, > "Shouting, swearing, threatening, and losing the plot will get you nowhere." > Well it seemed to work for me, on this occasion; so perhaps I should review > my tried and tested methods on dealing with apparatchiks?
Great to hear of someone who ‘beat the system’. Be careful of terms like ‘uncontrolled’ etc. With the large number of high profile road accidents which are being attributed to sleep drivers and untreated disorders Big Brother has gone into overdrive. A friend of mine in the UK (sleep apnoea suuferer), who is involved with a support group told me that the UK Traffic Police can ‘force/order’ a driver to undergo a sleep test if they believe he is a danger on the road through excessive daytime sleepiness. Dan.
Response:
Charles, What is an ADR and where can I buy one? I would love to be rid of my CEO, but the only solution I have found is an UZI. regards, eric pearson db2e…@nospammindspring.com On Wed, 10 Sep 2003 04:23:07 GMT, Charles Perrin – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -<c.l.perrin…@att.net> wrote: >On Wed, 10 Sep 2003 03:55:31 GMT, Gary Rimar wrote: >>I have a better way. >So does our computer support group. >One of our conference rooms had a Post-It Note on the door this >morning. It had written on it: "Weekly IT meeting cancelled." >I kid you not.
Response:
Ian, Thanks for the warning as I have not yet notified the DVLA of my condition which is controlled however now it has been diagnosed. Odd really, until I was diagnosed and the condition treated I was at liberty to drive and was a danger to other road users. Now I (and you) have been diagnosed and treated I am no longer a dnager to others but my insurance will probably increase and the DVLA need to know about my condition. Regards Martin "Ian Pettigrew" <ian-pettig…@ukonline.co.uk> wrote in message
news:3f5e3735$0$12654$afc38c87@news.ukonline.co.uk… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Scary times indeed! — Many weeks ago I wrote to DVLA (Swansea, Wales, UK), > informing them that I was undergoing treatment for sleep apnoea; there is > another reason for this frank admission, which I won’t go into right now — > if you’re really curious AND you’re an expert on Pensions law, then mail me > privately… > Today I got a letter from DVLA informing me that my driving licence is to be > revoked and must be returned on 12th September. > First of all, a mere three days’ notice to return my licence does not offer > me much opportunity to make alternative arrangements. As you guys are > probably not aware, I am self-employed and my vehicle is necessary for my > work. > You’ll also probably be unaware that I reside in a rural area (SE Scotland) > that is several miles away from any local or major bus routes. > Also, without consulting my General Practitioner DVLA appears to have > assumed that my condition is so serious as to prevent me from driving > safely. This is not the case; my sleep apnoea is not too severe… just 45 > apnoeas per hour. > When I informed them of my condition (via the Web) they sent me a form to > complete. I endorsed the form to the effect that my sleep apnoea was > "uncontrolled" at that time although I was undergoing treatment, tests, and > sleep observation in a laboratory environment. > In a panic I called them as soon as I read the letter today — I had thoug ht > it was just a reminder about my Tax Disc. The lady was not for turning — > despite my pleas that I was now undergoing C-PAP treatment she still > insisted that I would have to return my licence. > I then did something I have not done for a very long time — I totally lost > the plot and relinquished control of my reason altogether — I shouted, > threatened, and swore like a trooper, screamed the place down and demanded > to be put through to her supervisor… I really cannot stand the "I demand > to speak with your superior" types, but now I had joined their ranks. > I basically said, "Look — You are not GETTING my f#cking licence! What > about all the people out there who have neglected to fulfil their civic > duties, or whatever? Those who, despite having worse conditions than mine, > continue to drive? How can you judge me to be "causing a liability" when > your Senior Medical Advisor has not examined me in person, or sought the > opinion of my GP? Three days’ notice to return my licence? Go f#ck > yourselves!" (Please excuse the references to actual language used). > Well, she said she would go and "consult the team"… Several minutes later > she returned and informed me that they would suspend the Order of Revocation > and send me another form to complete in the meantime. All I have to do is > re-complete it, but to the effect that I now have the C-PAP machine in > operation (that is, my condition is "controlled"). > I tell you — I have never been so frightened in many a year. > The moral of this is: I’ve always dealt with people along the lines of, > "Shouting, swearing, threatening, and losing the plot will get you nowhere." > Well it seemed to work for me, on this occasion; so perhaps I should review > my tried and tested methods on dealing with apparatchiks? > It is my sincere wish that none of you ever suffer a day like mine… Take > this post as a friendly warning, should you find yourselves in a similar > position. > Regards, > Ian Pettigrew > East Lothian > Help Wanted: Telepathy (You know where to apply.)
Response:
> The moral of this is: I’ve always dealt with people along the lines of, > "Shouting, swearing, threatening, and losing the plot will get you nowhere." > Well it seemed to work for me, on this occasion; so perhaps I should review > my tried and tested methods on dealing with apparatchiks?
Sorry you had to go through that. I find however, that when i can feel myself getting upset while trying to sort out some mess someone’s created, it’s important to tell the poor sod on the other end of the phone (assuming it’s true) that i’m not angry at THEM, i’m angry at the situation, or whoever it was that caused it. — Beth in Australia (I am not a medical professional and anything stated in my posts is my opinion only unless specified otherwise) =================== FAQ for alt.support.sleep-disorder can be found here http://talhost.net/sleep Newsgroup Archives http://talhost.net/sleep/archives.htm this site is a work in progress – feel free to submit info/articles Remove my name to reply
Response:
"Tal" <sleepbethdisord…@softhome.net> wrote in message
news:bjld8s$ka703$1@ID-148111.news.uni-berlin.de… << > Sorry you had to go through that. I find however, that when i can feel > myself getting upset while trying to sort out some mess someone’s created, > it’s important to tell the poor sod on the other end of the phone (assuming > it’s true) that i’m not angry at THEM, i’m angry at the situation, or > whoever it was that caused it.
Funnily enough — I twice assured her that "this is not personal" as the bile started to rise…
Response:
> Well, she said she would go and "consult the team"… Several minutes later > she returned and informed me that they would suspend the Order of Revocation > and send me another form to complete in the meantime. All I have to do is > re-complete it, but to the effect that I now have the C-PAP machine in > operation (that is, my condition is "controlled").
Sad to say I have found that this is the only way to get a proper response 50% of the time whether it is the DVLA, or my most recent case of call centre phone rage, getting an ADSL line where they insisted that my line was more than 5.5km for the exchange when it was 2km. Needless to say I now have ADSL and they said there records couldn’t possibly be wrong. If I had a
