Quote from Dyson INVENTS BIG on 06/21/07 at 4:56pm:

 
 
There is a logical explanation for this with an illogical twist: The insulin and syringes used to treat pets with diabetes is exactly the same as humans with one significant difference.  For humans, the expense is a medical deduction.  For pets, its not.  Same same but different.   ;)
 
Carmine D.

Thanks D I B,
 
When I think of all the poppy seed rolls I've eaten and never felt a thing . . .
 
This is has got to be the most fantastic story I've ever read BUT it goes to show that, yes, where there's a will there's a way.  This reminds of way back in the early '60s when they snatched airplaine glue.  I thought it was the greatest stuff for putting model cars together but apparently somebody's kid made other discoveries to its powers and it was history. I can only wonder if some genius found a way to zonked off Elmer's Glue too.
 
People who are really bent on getting "looped" will manage to do it one way or another. It is of course most unfortunate that eBay, an online venue that has not only afforded me good buys but a lot of fun too, is abused in this fashion but assume there will always be someone looking to dodge and weave his or her way to some actually profitless goal AND nitwits like me will remain none the wiser.  I'm sure more stories like this will be told.  (Hopefully, none like the awful story of the fertilizer used ion the Oklahoma bombing.) I am also sure that not much can be done.  To outlaw every little thing that has a potential to be abused or to be potentially dangerous would bring about a great deal of squacking.  It's too much to stay on top of.  
 
Wish the President was more involved in making the downhill slide with poppy seed tea than with his politics.  I'd probably like him better half-lit.
 
Venson

Dyson I N V E N T S BIG
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Broke the fair trade laws in consumer electronics that banned retailers from selling products below suggested retail.  
 
Carmine D.
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Hi Carmine,
 
Thanks for the info.  There really was such a law?  Ugh!
 
It seems to contradict the line of thinking that "de-monopolized" big company's like Ma Bell by hindering  competition.  Not that that legal gesture really helped by the look of things as they stand in present time.  Anyway . . .
 
A manufacturer has to get paid what it requires no matter what or there is nothing to put on store shelves.  In turn, vendors are obviously not going to sell something without making a profit for themselves too.  The unhindered process might well lead to what we could call reasonable pricing, a win for everyone.  The fact that business is allowed to ultimately put a ring in the nose of the buying public is not good news.  
 
Consumer protection laws are good to have in place regarding the allowance of "think time" after a purchase and a window of opportunity to return goods but we have a right to opt and choose pricing individually satisfactory to ourselves and our government should whole-heartedly support us in that as well.
 
Regards,
 
Venson

Well gang,
 
Just when I was about to forget the whole thing . . .
 
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/washingtondc/la-ex-prices28jun29,1,7706061.story
 
The link leads to an article regarding the Supreme Court's decision to allow price fixing by manufacturers.
 
Another day, another dollar
 
Venson

Hi Carmine,
 
Per the NY Times Online, dissenting Justice Stephen Breyer put forth an estimate that retail price fixing agreements translated to a higher annual average bill for a family of four of about $750 to $1,000.
 
Quoting Justice Breyer -- “The upshot is, as many economists suggest, sometimes resale price maintenance can prove harmful, sometimes it can bring benefits.  But before concluding that courts should consequently apply a rule of reason, I would ask such questions as, how often are harms or benefits likely to occur? How easy is it to separate the beneficial sheep from the antitrust goats?”
 
“My own answer,” he concluded, “is not very easily.”
 
I'm all for purveyors of goods prospering but would like to feel more assured that the people who buy what they sell get more out of the deal than just higher prices.
 
Regards,
 
Venson