Pssst! Alfred...

[MarkInTx]

... in response to Mark, the other day you suggested I lie ..., posted by Oscar on Oct 21, 2002

I was merely reporting what someone else said...

He said that when his fiance found out she had a round trip ticket home, she thought he was leaving an out, and was very upset.

I thought that was interesting insight, because I wouldn't have thought of it that way, so I passed it on. Take it for what it's worth.

BTW, I don't think that not telling her you have a round trip ticket is quite the same thing as lying. But, if you are trying to pick a fight, then I can see why you would spin it that way...

And, I think your situation is somewhat different. I didn't know that you weren't going over to be with her. Clearly, she will know exactly what kind of a ticket she has, since you will be buying it and sending it to her, so for you it's a moot point.

In my situation, I'm going to be there with her. I see no reason why I should go through the dissertation of why I have a round trip ticket. But, in my case, I am using FF miles, so it's the same for me either way. I probably won't have a RT ticket, just because it saves me the hassle of making return reservations.

If I were buying a ticket, I'd definitely get a RT, since it is (usually) cheaper. And I wouldn't meet her in Warsaw and say:

"Hi Honey! Here's your round trip ticket!"

If you think that's lying and dishonest... so be it.

I really couldn't care less.

(How this has anything to do with BarryM calling me a dickhead, whether I think Jack and BarryM are the same person, or anything else mentioned in my post is beyond me... Gee, you're not just trying to pick a fight, are you Oscar?)

[Pordzhik]

... in response to Re: Mark, the other day you suggested I ..., posted by MarkInTx on Oct 21, 2002

here's my story with the tickets.....

Firstly my girls marriage visa was endorsed multi-entry and valid for six months and we knew that she would have to return to Kiev during the time before our marriage.

We searched and searched but could only find silly priced tickets £400.00-£800.00 return from agents in Kiev, with little difference (pennies) between one way and return prices, added to that we were both given the (maybe mis-) information that it may cause problems if a Ukrainian national tries to leave with a one-way ticket, so we opted for the expensive (compared to English prices) return.

We bought the expensive (from Ukraine) again for her 2nd trip to England, and just didn't use the return half.

After she had her Further Leave to Remain stamp, we bought her tickets in England (usually £180.00-£200.00 return).

Why don't you let your girls research ticket prices now while they are still in Ukraine? See what they can come up with and what THEY suggest.

[Oscar]

... in response to Singles and returns, posted by Pordzhik on Oct 21, 2002

You know, it never even occurred to me to think of having HER check it out on her end! LOL!  Who knows, she might be able to get it cheaper somehow..  I can use FF miles if I wish, but I hate using them if the prices are cheap at the time..  Would rather use them for trips to Hawaii etc! ;-)

[Pordzhik]

... in response to Re: Singles and returns, posted by Oscar on Oct 21, 2002

Ukrainian International Airlines (I'm sure some guesswork will find the web address as I've forgotton) Advertise promotional Prices, something like 3 days in London at 3star hotel for £250.00 (but not when we wanted it!). The prices to cities in North America wasn't too much more if I remember correctly and if it compares well and coincides with her travel....why not?

[LP]

... in response to Always pleased to see the devout Russian..., posted by MarkInTx on Oct 21, 2002

[This message has been edited by LP]

....Time to put the last nail in this coffin! Sorry Dan, I tried. You simply ask too much of me. I'm gonna burn him.

[Dan]

... in response to Always happy to help, posted by MarkInTx on Oct 21, 2002

Here ya go newbie:

Mark: "2: Can I list services I have not used? Hmmm... well, following that logic, if Lufthansa offers a cheap fare, and I see it, I shouldn't tell anyone about it... since I've never flown them... right? I think that listing a place where you can place a $65 ad isn't risking too much. "

Would you also 'tout' Lufthansa's service (that you had NOT used) as a response to someone else's comment that they enjoyed using Autrian Airlines because of superior first-hand treatment??? THAT is a comparable hypothetical Mark - not the one you chose.

Mark: "3: I have more "evidence" about Jack's new identity than BarryM and Jack had before they called Pordzhik "Poser Dick" ... but, correct me if I'm wrong Dan, you said NOTHING about their insults...? As it turned out, they were wrong. IF it turns out that I am wrong, then I will apologize, as well."

Yes, it is true that I did NOT jump into that fray. I pick and choose the threads I wish to participate in these days - and I typically respond only to those which inspire me in some way.

Now - having said that - how about being forthcoming with this "evidence." Do you have the courage of your convictions - or are you content to leave it an innuendo?!?

Mark: "4: You tell me Patrick called me a newbie? Hmmm... I missed that. If he did it sure doesn't bother me. Just because I have been writing here for over two years, and have made trips to two different continents and three countries... why shouldn't I be classified a newbie?"

Patrick's response to you -- "I think you're [MarkInTx] still fairly new to this, not yet married and still trying (like most guys) to draw some conclusions based on what you see some other guys going through."

Patrick is correct.

Mark: "And just what is coming my way, Dan? Oh... right. My woman is coming my way."

Yes, I *know* full-well Victoria is (probably) arriving soon. *YOU* choose to interpret my comments as directed at her. They are not.

Specifically, I see you enduring (and contributing to) loads of emotional pain. Your ignorance, in combination with your arrogance and piety - and topped off by the latest round od combative tendencies - does NOT bode well for a new relationship.

I pity both you and the new family that will suffer from your characteristics.

Too bad - for all concerned.

- Dan

[MarkInTx]

... in response to ANSWERS Mark . . ., posted by Dan on Oct 21, 2002

You ask: "Would you also 'tout' Lufthansa's service (that you had NOT used) as a response to someone else's comment that they enjoyed using Autrian Airlines because of superior first-hand treatment???"

Yes. I would. If "Autrian" airlines was four times the price of Lufthansa... I would be remiss if I didn't point out that they didn't have to pay that price if they didn't want to, don't you think?

You know... speaking NON hypothetically for a moment, I have seen A LOT of times on this board when someone will post a rate fare they saw, or a phone card that they saw advertised... and NEVER did anyone ever attack them for suggesting a service that they did had not previously used.

The first time I went to Russia, it was because Mark H posted that LOT airlines had a $400 fare to St. Pb. He had never used them, he just pointed it out. It was a good tip.

Anyone who didn't have "Jack Blinders" on would see that posting five alternatives is a good thing. Not an attack.

Having said that... I'm done with you and your petty attacks. So, feel free to post all you want... I'm not going to bother responding.

This did crack me up, though:

"I pick and choose the threads I wish to participate in these days - and I typically respond only to those which inspire me in some way."

Well, Dan... considering that the threads you wish to participate in lately seems to be primarily the ones in which you can bash me...

I'm glad to know that I inspire you...

[Dan]

... in response to Final, posted by MarkInTx on Oct 21, 2002

I love puppies. They are so cuddly and funny. They run around and stick their noses in places they don't belong. They jump up and down and frolick. They have this boundless energy that results in them getting into all sorts of mischief - most of it harmless. This boundless energy and never-ending enthusiasm is endearing. It is a great deal of what makes me enjoy being around puppy dogs.

Most puppy dogs are pretty smart. When they misbehave, the mama dog comes along and snaps at them or she grabs them by the nape of the neck and sets them straight. Most puppy dogs learn pretty quickly what is, and is not, proper behavior.

Some puppy dogs are not so smart. Some puppy dogs pizz on the carpet, sh!t on the floor - and they slobber all over everyone. Those puppy dogs - the ones that don't learn from their mamas - and fail to learn from life's constant corrections - these puppy dogs have a tough life. Some even cannot catch a frisbee and it keeps hitting them in the head when they grow up.

I feel sad for dumb puppy dogs.

The only thing worse than a dumb puppy dog - is one that is even dumber due to priapism. The lack of blood flow to the brain is cause for even more pity.

I *do* feel sorry for Mark. It must be true that people and their pets share common characteristics.

- Dan

[LP]

... in response to Mark - Puppy Dog with a Priapism . . ., posted by Dan on Oct 21, 2002

....Ha! stop it, now *your* killin me! ;-)

[LP]

... in response to Always happy to help, posted by MarkInTx on Oct 21, 2002

...lol. Has it ever occured to you some people may know things you don't? Has it ever occured to you that you might (heaven forbid) just *might*, not be in possession of all the facts? That you have alienated the very people in a position to help you see clearly? Talk about denial!

Continue to attack Stan's marriage? Show me where I do that. I "attacked" his method and no one here has ever said it was anything other than a crap shoot. He got lucky so far, good for him. But I still maintain his method was foolhardy, illogical, irrational and applies to children and horses, if I recall the saying correctly. He was very lucky or someone was watching over him.

Entertainment? "Jack has made me persona non grata here"?? Yikes! I'll leave the entertainment up to you because you're so dayum good at it!

I just love how you run away from all that displeases you. But you be right about one thing: You'll have to learn to live with some things, because you've thrown away the cane and kicked your guide dog. I sure don't envy you, livin with yerself must be a full time job.

[Oscar]

... in response to Always happy to help, posted by MarkInTx on Oct 21, 2002

What a load of absolute and utter tripe! LOL!  You say in your once again DISHONEST post-

"My complaint is that if anyone lists alternatives to Firstdream, they are attacked. You and Oscar have shown this to be absolutely true"

What a bunch of bull!  I could care less if another agency owner helps people here.  Now I have only said this about 3 or 4 times in the past 24 hours, but of course that doesn't matter to a person who wants to twist everything they read to their own ends..  How do you do it Mark, and with a straight face??

Then of course there's this little denial AGAIN-

"My major complaint with Oscar's posts below is that he accuses me of taking a shot at Jack merely because I listed five alternatives to Jack's services".

MERELY listing alternatives??  Again, do you think everyone hee is that stupid to believe that?  You list "alternatives" that you have NEVER used and have ZERO experience with AND you do it with utter sarcasm and derision for Jack AND intimate he is ripping people off because you think they can get the service cheaper!  What a liar you are Mark.  For someone who has taken on the role of the moral majority around here, you are one lying piece of work..

Give it up Mark, you are obviously foundering and creating one embarrassing mess for yourself with these pathetic denials.. twisting peoples words and meanings, denying your own BS and hardly subtle attacks which are so ridiculously blatant..

And don't talk to Dan about "integrity"..  Because just as you have never used any of the services you want to list for people here to use for the sole purpose of your ongoing pissing match with Jack, you HAVE no integrity Mark..  I really did think you did when first getting to know AND HELP YOU here Mark, but I was wrong..  That last trip that has you so messed up sucked any remaining integrity out of you..

SO much for DROPPING THE THREAD HUH??  Yeah right...

[KenC]

... in response to Once again, twisting the facts and truth..., posted by Oscar on Oct 21, 2002

Oscar,
Your post is right on the money-
"You list "alternatives" that you have NEVER used and have ZERO experience."  "Because just as you have never used any of the services you want to list for people here to use....you HAVE no integrity Mark."  This is just like the guy who got engaged and has yet to bring his fiancee to America arguing with two guys married to RW about how married life will be with a Russian wife.  LOL (Sorry, couldn't resist) Carry on.
KenC

[Alfred]

... in response to right on, Oscar!, posted by KenC on Oct 21, 2002

And where are the people posting *real, first person* experiences with agencies other than FirstDream.  (I know that First Dream is reputable, but it is not the only reputable agency.)  The silence is deafening.

[Oscar]

... in response to Re:, posted by Alfred on Oct 21, 2002

Maybe the "silence" is because there aren't that many people here right now who have used other services they have been terribly happy with, I don't know.  I know that today, Hockey just talked about LifetimePartners (LTP) in some posts above.  They are an honest agency and I can tell you about it because I have used them.  Did I like what they did for me personally?  Not really.  I feel the girls there are extremely young for the most part and they kept trying to push me towards meeting 21-23 year olds when I really wanted to meet 30 year olds..  Are they bacsically honest? Yes.  Would I recommend them to men in their 40's or 50's? No.  Would I recommend them to guys in their 20's and 30's? Yes.

[squirecam]

... in response to Re:, posted by Alfred on Oct 21, 2002

n/t