Posts Made By: Barry Clarke

Towards the end of last year I posted a message regarding UPS shipping. I shipped a TAK-102 in its original packaging from Chicago to Florida via UPS. When it arrived, there was no apparent damage to the outside of the box. When opened, the ocular looked like a compressed accordion. Upon further inspection, the fluorite lens had several small fractures in it. It appeared that the box was dropped from a considerable hieght and landed on end destroying the scope. After submitting an insurance claim to UPS, it was denial after denial, and more denial. Luckly, I took several pictures as I packed the scope and it showed no damage. The buyer sent me pictures of what it looked like upon delevery. I felt the obligation to refund his money because the scope did not arrive as described which was flawless. Between the two of us, it took three months before UPS settled the claim. Persistance and more persistance is needed when dealing with this company.

I would hope you read the many responses to UPS insurance claimes that was posted to this forum a few weeks ago. Ater what I have gone through along with many others, you should be VERY careful using UPS. If damaged, your claim will be dennied no matter how well packed it was.

I have no problem with my full name being posted. Not only will cut down on some of your very appreciated hours that you put into this project, but it just may stop some to think before they post a questionable comment.

Michael,
I too have not had a problem buying or selling on Astromart. I prefer to sell to regestered Astromart users. This way I can check the feedback from others regarding previous transactions. I always assume that there is a jerk in any group and he/she will be identified sooner or later for what they are.
Best of luck,
Barry

Larry,
About 35 years ago as a young air traffic controller, late one night, I observed a brightly lite object in the western sky the size of a very bright star. As I watched, it had rapid movements and abrupt changes in its direction of flight over a large area of about 10 to 15 degrees as it dropped towards the horizon. I called the FAA communication center with the information. About 30 minutes later, I got a call from SAC telling me that it was a high altitude weather ballon reflecting sunlight back to earth. I forgot about this until recently. Then I realized that the amount of distance this object was covering, its changes in direction of flight, its speed as it quickly dropped towards the western horizon could not have been a weather ballon reflecting sun light. The next question that occures to me is why did SAC called me? They had no reason and if it were really a weather balloon, the proper agency would of been the NWS. Good try for the cover up, but sooner or later the truth will always be revealed.
Barry Clarke, retired FAA

It is somewhat general and I hope this might help.

www.chron.com/content/chronicle/special/03/columbia/crew.html

When page opens, look over at the lower right side, click on "The last minutes" then "Animation"

Barry

I do not use paypal. If someone does not want to accept a Postal Money Order from me, that is to bad. It is their loss and not mine. I know sooner or later the item I am looking for will appear for sale by someone else and chances are that it will be at or less than the price of the paypal seller. Another thing that I suspect is that many of the so called "resellers" on Astromart use paypal. This is another sorce that I tend not buy from or sell to. I feel like it is buying a used car. What are you really getting? I have been burnt twice in the last two years by resellers. I am sure that I am going to get some flak over this, but it still is my opinion and I doubt it will change.
Barry

Pat,
On the lighter side, why did you not name some of the participants of the cartoon? I could give it a shot, but then I would have the fallout instead of you......
Barry

I buy from MEI, Mark Rich, 800-772-1630 or check out their website at www.meireseach.com. Marks e-mail address is [email protected]
Best regards,
Barry Clarke

John,
I could not have said it better and thanks for putting it into words that I was searching for.
Barry