1472 lines
70 KiB
Plaintext
1472 lines
70 KiB
Plaintext
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BTN: Birmingham Telecommunications News
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||
|
||
COPYRIGHT 1993 ISSN 1055-4548
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||
|
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April 1993 Volume 6, Issue 4
|
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Edition 1
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||
|
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Table Of Contents
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||
-----------------
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Article Title Author
|
||
Policy Statement and Disclaimer................Staff
|
||
From The Editor................................Scott Hollifield
|
||
Letters to the Editor..........................BTN Readers
|
||
Plagiarism 101.................................Mark Maisel
|
||
The Matrix Comes To The Rescue!................Rocky Rawlins
|
||
Our Wonderful State, Part II...................Lurch Henson
|
||
Ashes To Ashes.................................Gwendolyn Norton
|
||
InfoMarket Express.............................Edward Brzezowski
|
||
RoboBBS: An Introduction.......................Jeff Vaughn
|
||
American Tyranny...............................Damion Furi
|
||
The CCITT 28.8 KBPS Standard: Some Background..U.S. Robotics
|
||
Local Music In April...........................Judy Ranelli
|
||
Macintosh BBSs in Birmingham...................Gregory Jackson
|
||
Review: Colorado Jumbo 250mb Trakker...........David Moss
|
||
Known BBS Numbers..............................Staff
|
||
|
||
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
|
||
Disclaimer and Statement of Policy for BTN
|
||
|
||
We at BTN try our best to assure the accuracy of articles and
|
||
information in our publication. We assume no responsibility for damage
|
||
due to errors, omissions, etc. The liability, if any for BTN, its
|
||
editors and writers, for damages relating to any errors or omissions,
|
||
etc., shall be limited to the cost of a one year subscription to BTN,
|
||
even if BTN, its editors or writers have been advised of the likelihood
|
||
of such damages occurring.
|
||
|
||
With the conclusion of that nasty business, we can get on with our
|
||
policy for publication and reproduction of BTN articles. We publish
|
||
monthly with a deadline of the fifteenth of the month prior to
|
||
publication. If you wish to submit an article, you may do so at any
|
||
time but bear in mind the deadline if you wish for your work to appear
|
||
in a particular issue. It is not our purpose to slander or otherwise
|
||
harm a person or reputation and we accept no responsibility for the
|
||
content of the articles prepared by our writers. Our writers own their
|
||
work and it is protected by copyright. We allow reprinting of articles
|
||
from BTN with only a few restrictions. The author may object to a
|
||
reprint, in which case he will specify in the content of his article.
|
||
Otherwise, please feel free to reproduce any article from BTN as long as
|
||
the source, BTN, is specified, and as long as the author's name and the
|
||
article's original title are retained. If you use one of our articles,
|
||
please forward a copy of your publication to:
|
||
|
||
Mark Maisel
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||
Publisher, BTN
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||
606 Twin Branch Terrace
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BHAM, AL 35216
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||
(205) 823-3956
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||
|
||
We thank you for taking the time to read our offering and we hope that
|
||
you like it. We also reserve the right to have a good time while doing
|
||
all of this and not get too serious about it.
|
||
|
||
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
|
||
F R E E B I E : G E T I T W H I L E I T S H O T !
|
||
|
||
|
||
The following boards allow BTN to be downloaded freely, that is with no
|
||
charge to any existing upload/download ratios.
|
||
|
||
ADAnet One Alter-Ego Bone Yard
|
||
Bus System The Castle Channel 8250
|
||
C.A.B. Crunchy Frog DC Info Exchange
|
||
Final Frontier Gateway BBS Hardware Hotline
|
||
Homewood's Hell Hole Joker's Castle Lemon Grove
|
||
Martyrdom Again?! The MATRIX Milliways BBS
|
||
Night Watch The Outer Limits Owlabama BBS
|
||
Owl's Nest Playground Safe Harbor
|
||
Southern Stallion Starbase 12 Teasers BBS
|
||
T.G.U.E. BBS Thy Master's Dungeon Weekends BBS
|
||
|
||
|
||
(Please note that this list includes some systems which are not local to
|
||
Birmingham and therefore not included on our BBS Numbers list.)
|
||
|
||
If you are a sysop and you allow BTN to be downloaded freely, please let
|
||
me know via The Matrix or Crunchy Frog so that I can post your board as
|
||
a free BTN distributor. Thanks. SH
|
||
|
||
|
||
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
|
||
N E W S F L A S H
|
||
|
||
|
||
ANNOUNCING BY POPULAR DEMAND!!
|
||
|
||
THE ***RETURN***
|
||
OF THE
|
||
---===***>>> BTN PARTY <<<***===---
|
||
!!!!!!!
|
||
|
||
Date: 5/1/93
|
||
|
||
Time: 6:00 p.m.
|
||
|
||
Place: Home of Mark and Kathy Maisel
|
||
606 Twin Branch Terrace, Vestavia
|
||
|
||
What: BTN Party
|
||
|
||
If you need further directions, please call (205)-823-3956. If you
|
||
reach the answering service, do leave a message. Your call will be
|
||
returned, provided you leave a valid phone number in the message.
|
||
|
||
We will probably have some snack foods on hand and soft drinks. If you
|
||
have a preference as to food, then be sure to bring it. If you are of
|
||
legal age, you will be expected to bring your own alcoholic beverage.
|
||
If you are not, then don't bring any as you will be asked to leave. Do
|
||
not bring any illegal substances or items or you will also be asked to
|
||
leave. The Vestavia Police are not known to be as forgiving as have
|
||
been the Birmingham Police.
|
||
|
||
A primitive map follows.
|
||
|
||
MM, Pub
|
||
|
||
The easiest route is to get on Columbiana Road via either US HWY 31 or I-65N
|
||
exit to Vestavia/Hoover. Proceed up Columbiana to Tyler Road. Take Tyler
|
||
Road to Twin Branch Drive. Take the left fork to Twin Branch Terrace. Our
|
||
House is the next to last on the right side of the street. The "X"'s mark
|
||
the location. The asterisks refer to traffic lights. The first is at the
|
||
I-65N exit and goes directly onto Columbiana. The second is Columbiana<6E> <20>
|
||
and Tyler. The third is Hackberry/Southland and Tyler. <20> US <20>
|
||
<20> HWY<57>
|
||
This map is not drawn to scale! <20> 31 <20>
|
||
<20> <20>Columbiana <20> <20>
|
||
Hackberry<72><79> \ \ <20><>Road <20> <20>
|
||
Lane <20><> \ I-65 \ <20><> <20> <20>
|
||
<20><> \ \ <20><> <20> <20>
|
||
__________Tyler Road____________________*3_______\_________\*2 <20> <20>
|
||
<20> <20> <20> <20> \ <20>\ <20> <20>
|
||
<20>Twin Branch <20>Donna <20>Paden <20><> \ <20><> \ <20> <20>
|
||
<20>Drive <20>Drive <20>Drive <20><>Southland \ <20><> \ <20> <20>
|
||
<20> <20> <20> <20><>Drive \ <20><><EFBFBD><EFBFBD><EFBFBD><EFBFBD><EFBFBD><EFBFBD>\ *1 <20>
|
||
<20> <20><><EFBFBD><EFBFBD><EFBFBD>Ŀ \ \ <20>
|
||
<20> <20><><EFBFBD><EFBFBD><EFBFBD><EFBFBD><EFBFBD><EFBFBD><EFBFBD><EFBFBD><EFBFBD><EFBFBD><EFBFBD><EFBFBD>\<5C><><EFBFBD><EFBFBD><EFBFBD>Ŀ \
|
||
<20><><EFBFBD><EFBFBD><EFBFBD> \ <20> <20> \
|
||
<20><> <20>Twin Branch \<5C>\ <20>
|
||
<EFBFBD><EFBFBD>XXX <20>Terrace <20> \<5C>
|
||
<EFBFBD> XXX <20> <20> <20>
|
||
<EFBFBD>_____<EFBFBD>__________________Swiss Lane_____ <20> <20>
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
BTN NEEDS SIG ED! COULD BE BOFFO HUZZAHS FOR WHIZ PEN!
|
||
In other words, we need someone to write
|
||
our monthly Computer Related Special Interest Groups column.
|
||
This is the same feature which Barry Bowden has been
|
||
contributing, or, as it turns out, not been
|
||
contributing, for quite a while now.
|
||
Seriously, Barry is no longer able to keep the SIG schedule
|
||
up-to-date, and if anyone wants to step in his shoes,
|
||
please leave me mail on the Matrix or Crunchy Frog.
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
|
||
From the Editor
|
||
by Scott Hollifield
|
||
|
||
|
||
Well, to hell with this business of coming up with something new to
|
||
write about every month. There's plenty of other stuff in this month's
|
||
BTN to occupy your attention, so I'm taking a holiday from the column
|
||
this month, sort of, except to say that next month is BTN'S FIFTH
|
||
ANNIVERSARY and we'd really appreciate any kind of special input or
|
||
contribution anyone has to offer.
|
||
|
||
I suppose I will make mention of the unusually copious heap of
|
||
articles we have -- this is more like it! (Although *more* wouldn't be
|
||
bad.) Lurch continues his tribute to the state of his birth (I assume)
|
||
from where he left off two months ago. Gregory Jackson, a first-time
|
||
BTNer, turns in an interesting introduction to Birmingham's three new
|
||
Macintosh boards (even if two of them don't answer). We'd like to give
|
||
a special welcome to Gwendolyn Norton, whose messages on the Crunchy
|
||
Frog generally have the effect of making people stop, blink and wonder
|
||
if they've walked into the wrong room -- our ultimate goal here at BTN
|
||
is to eventually make the whole city feel that way; hence, Gwendolyn's
|
||
debut as a BTN contributor. We've got a grand total of three technical
|
||
pieces this time around, including Jeff Vaughn's long-awaited answer to
|
||
the question, "What's so great about Robo BBS anyway?" Local muse Judy
|
||
Ranelli is back to tell you which local bands you're going to see this
|
||
month, without ever wondering why. And last but never least, Damion
|
||
Furi is pleased to present, for our listening pleasure, a little
|
||
something we like to call... "American Tyranny". (Oh... sorry, thought
|
||
I was introducing a Sinatra tune for a second there.)
|
||
|
||
Something I should also say is, contrary to what I said last month,
|
||
James Minton's takeover of our monthly BBS List will have to be put on
|
||
hold for another month it seems. James has been really busy this month
|
||
so I graciously compiled the List myself this month.
|
||
|
||
I suppose that's all there is to say. Remember, submitting an
|
||
article to BTN is about the easiest thing in the world - and, we're
|
||
proud to announce, is covered under the new Clinton health-care package,
|
||
so it's free as well - just upload your private submission to either The
|
||
Matrix or Crunchy Frog, and let me and/or the sysop know about it in a
|
||
private message. That's all there is to it!
|
||
|
||
Next month, I hope to have BTN on the shelves a little early so that
|
||
my staff and I can unwind at the Maisels' party (take a peek at this
|
||
month's Newsflash for details). See you on May 1st!
|
||
|
||
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
|
||
Letters to the Editor
|
||
|
||
|
||
No letters this time around, people. Get those meaningful missives in!
|
||
Leave 'em to me on The Matrix or Crunchy Frog, or through Internet at
|
||
scott.hollifield@the-matrix.com.
|
||
|
||
|
||
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
|
||
Plagarism 101
|
||
by Mark Maisel
|
||
|
||
This piece doesn't have much to do with plagarism but I figure it
|
||
will catch your attention and I do intend to indulge in a bit before I'm
|
||
through. Scott has done an excellent job with BTN despite all manner of
|
||
typical problems including Scott's notorious habits. I like it and hope
|
||
he is inclined to continue for the foreseeable future.
|
||
|
||
This issue is filled with all kinds of good stuff as is regular for
|
||
BTN. In order for it to stay that way, YOU need to make sure to enlist
|
||
today and make your contributions on a regular basis. If you are
|
||
already among the elite BTN troop, then hop to it and make sure your
|
||
editor can count on you.
|
||
|
||
Ultimately, it is you that make BTN what it is. I like it and I
|
||
hear from most of you that you do too. Lets do what we can to make sure
|
||
it remains that way. Ask not what your BTN can do for you, but you can
|
||
do for your BTN!
|
||
|
||
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
|
||
THE MATRIX COMES TO THE RESCUE!
|
||
|
||
A Special Announcement by Rocky Rawlins and the Matrix
|
||
|
||
The MATRIX has just arranged to acquire F/X BBS. We intend to
|
||
honor all F/X BBS Subscriptions and will be contacting all F/X
|
||
Subscribers as soon as we have the information available. If you were
|
||
an F/X Subscriber and are currently a MATRIX Subscriber we will credit
|
||
your account with the difference once we figure out the appriate way to
|
||
convert them.
|
||
|
||
We will also be adding the File Libraries from F/X that don't
|
||
duplicate our existing libraries.
|
||
|
||
We know there are some bad feelings about the unexpected demise of
|
||
F/X which was due to factors beyond the Sysop's control and we hope that
|
||
this will at least partially compensate all F/X Subscribers for their
|
||
loss. We know that there is no way that we can replace F/X and the
|
||
unique personality which Ken gave it but we will do the best we can.
|
||
|
||
We will post further news of our progress in the NEWS screen as we
|
||
make more headway.
|
||
|
||
If anyone has a Colorado 250 or QWK-80 compatible tape drive we
|
||
could borrow for a few days to read the tapes, we would be very
|
||
grateful.
|
||
|
||
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
|
||
Our Wonderful State Pt. ][
|
||
|
||
or
|
||
|
||
MORE Stupidity
|
||
|
||
by
|
||
|
||
Lurch Henson
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
I hate it when this happens... Yeah, I'm still pissed, but this
|
||
time it's not "from on high", this time it's the little officials that
|
||
love to stick thier administrative noses into everyone else's pies...
|
||
I've been living by myself for a month or so, kinda nice, and not
|
||
bothering to wear all that much while doing it... Not much point, in
|
||
my opinion... Well, I'm not the only one that thinks that way. I know
|
||
quite a few people that strip down when they come in from work, just
|
||
feel better in skin. No one really cares all that much, either, MOST of
|
||
the time.
|
||
|
||
It's that MOST that kills you.... I know a woman that has a three
|
||
year old girl. Some changes HAVE to happen when you have children,
|
||
sure, but that DOESN'T mean that you have to let piddly little
|
||
government officials mess with your life. You see, she just happens to
|
||
live in government subsidized housing. She's going to have to move
|
||
soon, because the combined salaries of her and her husband makes their
|
||
rent higher than if they lived elsewhere, but until they do that, they
|
||
have to put up with idiots that think their positions make them God.
|
||
She's always living in fear of "Child Services". She enjoys "going
|
||
natural", but of course can't anymore. Doesn't matter that I know a few
|
||
nudist families, and that the children aren't harmed in the slightest by
|
||
being raised that way. Doesn't matter that the children in such
|
||
families usually have FEWER, not more, hangups about all sorts of
|
||
things, the least of which is a healthy attitude towards their, and
|
||
other's, bodies. None of that matters in the least, because if CS
|
||
dropped in on them JUST ONCE, and found them wearing less than they
|
||
though was appropriate, bye-bye baby....
|
||
|
||
Problem is, it's not just things like that that alot of people would
|
||
say "Well, SURE, if they're being INDECENT!" (don't get me started on
|
||
that one.....), it's also stupid little things like the normal
|
||
activities of 3 year olds. She recently heard from the police, because
|
||
a neighbor called them about her kid shouting. Now she's just waiting to
|
||
hear from CS, so she can explain that ALL 3 year olds love to talk and
|
||
shout all the time. The ones I've known have. They've learned how to
|
||
talk, and take great pleasure in showing you they can do it at great
|
||
volume. Silly little things like that. Things that no one who's ever
|
||
been around children would think twice about, but that these petty
|
||
officials that think they are the guardians of society, and have
|
||
ultimate power over the lives of all the people in their districts, take
|
||
as reason enough to shuffle children around to people often much worse
|
||
than their parents could be. I know of quite a few parents, single and
|
||
families, that have either lost, or been threatened with the loss, of
|
||
their children, simply because some "official" thought they knew better
|
||
than the parents what was good for their children.
|
||
|
||
Don't get me entirely wrong, some people should NOT have children,
|
||
and I am WELL aware that sometimes it can be a hard call as to whether
|
||
or not a situation deserves relocating them, but that just means you
|
||
study the situation more, NOT that you jerk the kids out of their home
|
||
until you find out you've made a mistake, then NOT give them back
|
||
because you have to find a way to cover it up! I think a goodly number
|
||
of these idiots need to be transfered to sanitation, and some people
|
||
with children of their own, and a conscience, put in their places.
|
||
Think about the power they have, and think about what could happen if
|
||
someone decided to make a crank call to them, complaining about YOU and
|
||
YOUR mistreatment of your children. All such complaints MUST be checked
|
||
out, you know.... How would you like the police coming to see if YOU
|
||
are a good parent or not?
|
||
|
||
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
|
||
Ashes To Ashes
|
||
|
||
by
|
||
Gwendolyn Norton
|
||
|
||
|
||
As I sat in the relatively uncleansed hallway, my attention was
|
||
completely captured as one of the world's most persecuted heroes drifted
|
||
past. The most underrated and abused do<64>gooder to human societies
|
||
paused as my gaze rested heavily upon it. It paused, beckoning me
|
||
closer, asking me to speak in its name, to show others of its sufferings
|
||
and its achievements, and I, dumbfounded, agreed. It was a tall task I
|
||
had agreed to, indeed, for few people have the patience or the wits to
|
||
listen to an explanation of the merits of the dustball.
|
||
|
||
Although its first merit is a bit superficial, it does deserve
|
||
recognition. Dustballs are truly universal things. No matter what
|
||
country you are in, you can always find a dustball. It is this
|
||
universiality that has allowed it to become essential to the pride of
|
||
the housekeepers of the "civilized" societies. While not every
|
||
household can afford fancy furniture or carpets, anyone can shoo away
|
||
dustballs. Sans dustball, there would hardly be a standard of household
|
||
cleanliness.
|
||
|
||
Their second merit, is by far their worthiest. This is the
|
||
invaluable role that they play in our economy. The dustball has created
|
||
an entire market to meet the standards of household cleanliness that it
|
||
has already taken measures to set. There are countless sprays and
|
||
cleaners dedicated to destroying our dusty friends. These countless
|
||
sprays and cleaners are made in countless factories which employ an even
|
||
more countless number of workers. Then there are the maids who are
|
||
employed by high society to use these products for them. And then, as
|
||
the final link in the chain, these maids eventually die and become
|
||
dustballs themselves.
|
||
|
||
Based upon these two merits alone (although there are many many
|
||
others, such as the roles that they play in crime labs) how can anyone
|
||
fail to see the significance that they play in our lives? How can we
|
||
continue to treat such heros as second class citizens? I, for one, will
|
||
be harboring as many of the dusty darlings as possible and shall l grant
|
||
them asylum from the rest of the cruel disinfectant crazed world.
|
||
|
||
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
|
||
This service was brought to my attention by its provider, Edward
|
||
Brzezowski. I thought it was interesting and would seem so to you. I'd
|
||
like to see your opinions in letters to either Scott or myself. I'd
|
||
like to apologize for being a month late in presenting this but events
|
||
conspired against me. MM, Pub.
|
||
|
||
******************* ATTENTION COMPUTER USERS ***********************
|
||
|
||
InfoMarket Express: Where information is bought and sold online.
|
||
--------------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
"Making virtual publishing a reality"
|
||
|
||
Anyone can call InfoMarket Express (no subscription or registration
|
||
fees or hourly connect charges) and upload a file for sale. There is no
|
||
upload or storage charge for people wishing to sell files on the system.
|
||
Sellers (providers) make money every time their file is sold -- 50% of
|
||
the price they place on the item. Buyers can select files on InfoMarket
|
||
Express, purchase them via credit card, and receive their purchases
|
||
immediately upon credit card authorization (approx. 1 min.). Files for
|
||
sale can be virtually anything that can be sold in an electronic format,
|
||
including original articles, reports, newsletters, books, software, etc.
|
||
|
||
Our system is available to all users without a startup fee, doesn't
|
||
require special access software, provides 14.4k v.32bis modem
|
||
connections and can be accessed by IBM PCs and MACs. Set your
|
||
telecommunications software for VT-100, ANSI emulation for best results.
|
||
|
||
InfoMarket Express is in its final beta testing stage. You may
|
||
wish to give it a try and consider using this type of system to
|
||
distribute any material you feel may be of value to others. The
|
||
InfoMarket data line is (908) 879-7209, 14.4k v.32bis. We need your
|
||
help to "stock the shelves" and look forward to your call!
|
||
|
||
Important note: 908 is not a 900#, but a new area code in New
|
||
Jersey.
|
||
|
||
InfoMarket, Inc.
|
||
P.O. Box 815
|
||
Chester, NJ 07930
|
||
01/16/93 ehb
|
||
|
||
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
|
||
RoBo BBS Introduction
|
||
Written By : Jeff Vaughn
|
||
|
||
|
||
RoBoBBS is a new BBS out on the market. It was designed by Seth
|
||
Hamilton and released Jan. 20, 1993. RoBo BBS is essentially a EGA/VGA
|
||
only, full-time graphics package with animation capability.
|
||
|
||
First thing i know most people would say, "Graphics with modeming
|
||
don't mix. Too Slow". That's what i thought at first. I originally
|
||
heard about RoBo BBS from a friend. He had no idea where to find the
|
||
BBS, but knew it was something unusual. I was calling long-distance one
|
||
night, looking for some new doors for TGUE and just happened to come up
|
||
on the description i heard. I had told my Remote Sysop about it earlier
|
||
that night. He noticed it first, then I picked up on it.
|
||
|
||
So we downloaded RoBoTerm. The BBS gives you the option when you
|
||
log in. It was a 'free' download, something we just couldn't turn down.
|
||
After downloading it, we called back and got the BBS package, roughly
|
||
650k.
|
||
|
||
The BBS took maybe 5 minutes to set up. Well, this was because we'd
|
||
put together at least a dozen other BBS in the past and it kinda runs
|
||
along the same lines after you've done it that many times. After
|
||
setting up the BNU fossil driver, the BBS worked like a charm.
|
||
|
||
RoBo uses the old-style files format. A "FILES.BBS" will be located
|
||
in every directory. I believe Remote Access does the same, but don't
|
||
quote me on that. RoBo also uses a "Hudson" style message base for it's
|
||
messaging. A file called ROBOCFG.EXE handles all the configuration.
|
||
It's all set up in one big bundle, no loose files to fool with.
|
||
|
||
I mentioned before about some people's problem with the BBS' speed.
|
||
Seth Hamilton took care of that problem. Upon your first time you call
|
||
the BBS, yes, it will be a little slow. You will notice the terminal
|
||
program displaying the words "DOWNLOADING" & "DECOMPRESSING". This is
|
||
the good part. The terminal program downloads all the BBS' icons on the
|
||
first run (that is, if you go through the BBS entirely and see all it's
|
||
functions). The rest of your calls, the terminal recieves the signals
|
||
and displays the appropriate icons for each area. A simple, unique, and
|
||
fast way of doing things. Don't worry, the icons are decently small and
|
||
RoBoTerm can cross-reference one BBS' icons with another's.
|
||
|
||
For you who consider yourself "creative", this is the BBS for you.
|
||
RoBo BBS comes with RoBoDraw, the BBS' graphic screen creation package.
|
||
RoBoDraw has a built-in animation feature, so you can do your worst and
|
||
look your best at it. No more ANSI limitations, grab a mouse and go.
|
||
RoBoDraw has 16 colors and 6 fonts to choose from. There are
|
||
practically no limits to what you can do with the package. Pictures can
|
||
even be limited to security levels. The selection is right on the
|
||
drawing screen. There are 2 modes to work with, edit and draw. You can
|
||
tell RoBoDraw to clear the screen before it displays the picture also.
|
||
A Sysop can design menus like MAIN, BULLETIN, DOORS, or anything he/she
|
||
can dream up.
|
||
|
||
One of the nicest things about RoBo BBS is the fact that you can
|
||
'import' icons from Windows (ah yes!). There is a small software
|
||
package that will allow you to 'pluck' icons off Windows and use the for
|
||
RoBo BBS. There is also a package called RIM300.ZIP that allows you to
|
||
put scattered icons all together in you own personal package.
|
||
RoBoConfig also comes with an icon editor feature. If you don't like
|
||
Windows' icons, design your own. RoBo is very versitile.
|
||
|
||
When you get to talking about on-line doors, RoBo BBS has it
|
||
convered. RoBo BBS uses Remote Access' DORINFO#.DEF style for doors.
|
||
Of course, anyone with access to DoorFix (a package that can be found on
|
||
The Matrix) can remedy ANY interface problems with doors made to fit
|
||
other BBS packages. RoBo BBS drops out of it's EGA/VGA mode to run
|
||
doors. It has to, most doors are ASCII/ANSI right now. The author is
|
||
talking about writing an interface in a future version to convert ANSI
|
||
to EGA/VGA mode. This i hope to see soon.
|
||
|
||
For nighlty events, RoBo BBS has 4 built-it, which are in the
|
||
RoBoConfig program, of course. Each have a time (24 hour mode) and can
|
||
be set to "-1" to disable them. EVENT1-4.BAT are the batch files used
|
||
for nightly events.
|
||
|
||
I know a Sysop's main concern is security of his/her system and
|
||
its files. RoBo BBS has that covered. Since everything is graphic,
|
||
only a Sysop can do "Sysop" functions. As Seth puts it, "it's
|
||
bullet-proof security". I am a little skeptical about that phrase, but
|
||
i'll take his word on it.
|
||
|
||
As for virus problems, RoBo BBS comes with a batch file called
|
||
SCANFILE.BAT which un-archives a file, scans it, and re-archives it.
|
||
The nice thing is, ScanFile will convert ANY archive type file into the
|
||
set type you have specified into RoBo BBS. Say you want all your files
|
||
to be ".ARJ", just modify the SCANFILE.BAT to do so. It will, with ease.
|
||
There is also an independant ScanFile called RoBoScan. RoBoScan will do
|
||
really joe cool things like inset your BBS ad, remove someone else' BBS
|
||
ad, and removes all the worry of working a batch every time you want to
|
||
change something. RoBoScan replaces the old SCANFILE.BAT with it's own.
|
||
|
||
In my own opion, some of RoBo BBS' way of doing things are a little
|
||
old, but then again, so are most BBS packages on their first version. I
|
||
am currently speaking to Seth Hamilton about some of the ways he could
|
||
'upgrade' the package. But have no delusions, the software is VERY
|
||
functional for today's Syops needs.
|
||
|
||
As a last note, any Sysop needing help or support with RoBo BBS may
|
||
contact me. Before it went down, TGUE, my own Robo BBS, was the Alabama
|
||
hub of RoBoLink, a echo specifically for RoBo boards. It originates in
|
||
Ontario. Anyone interested in joining up, feel free to contact me. I
|
||
can be reached on most PCBoard BBSs in town. I'm a regular on the
|
||
Matrix, so you may even catch me there, online. Oh yeah, i almost
|
||
forgot, I am the moderator of conference #94 on The Matrix, the "RoBo"
|
||
conference. You can direct all your questions there if you like. I
|
||
also moderate confernce #104, the BBS ads conference on The Matrix.
|
||
|
||
So, have fun folks. I hope you enjoy it.
|
||
|
||
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
|
||
American Tyranny
|
||
by Damion Furi
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
NOTE: Before I go any further, please pay close attention to this
|
||
article. It isn't my usual off-the-wall article. I have researched
|
||
this subject in some depth and have come to the conclusions you're
|
||
about to read only after reading about some of the most cold-blooded
|
||
behind-the-scenes shenanigans that it has ever been my displeasure to
|
||
endure.
|
||
|
||
|
||
----------------
|
||
NOITUTITSNOC
|
||
----------------
|
||
|
||
|
||
You're probably curious as to why I've spelled "CONSTITUTION"
|
||
backwards. I did it to get your attention, and to make a point; the
|
||
point being that backwards is how our precious Constitution is being
|
||
"enforced." And I use the term "enforced" very loosely, indeed.
|
||
|
||
First, let's set the stage. The United States of America has been
|
||
officially operating under a declared national emergency since 1933.
|
||
This emergency has never been cancelled, retracted or denied, and in
|
||
fact has been declared twice again since then, once in 1950 and again in
|
||
1971. Roosevelt, Truman, and Nixon, respectively, are responsible for
|
||
these declarations.
|
||
|
||
More then 200 statutes are currently in effect because of this
|
||
"emergency." However, since we've been living with these statutes for 60
|
||
years, few people regard them as "emergency measures" anymore.
|
||
|
||
On October 28, 1969 (two days before my 2nd birthday, in fact),
|
||
President Nixon signed Executive Order 11490, titled "Assigning
|
||
Emergency Preparedness Functions to Federal Departments and Agencies."
|
||
|
||
Briefly, Executive Order 11490 authorizes plans and assigns
|
||
responsibilities for complete takeover by the U.S. Federal Government of
|
||
every facet of life in the United States. In short, it is American
|
||
dictatorship staring at us straight down the so-called "judgement" of
|
||
our highest political leader, the President.
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
You don't believe me? You had better, if you value what freedoms
|
||
you have remaining to you in this country. But don't take my word it.
|
||
Go to the library's government documents branch, across the street from
|
||
the main branch. Ask for the Federal Register, Executive Order 11490.
|
||
I would give it all here, but I don't care to type that much and Scott
|
||
probably wouldn't publish it anyway (it would make a sizeable text file
|
||
all by itself). [Ed.: Maybe in a slow month.]
|
||
|
||
How could an Executive Order be so all-encompassing, you ask? A
|
||
reasonable question. This was my first thought, also. Technically, the
|
||
Executive Branch is not Constitutionally authorized to exercise
|
||
legislative powers.
|
||
|
||
But I found out that not only can the President issue whatever
|
||
executive order he chooses, but neither Congress nor the Supreme Court
|
||
has ever defined the parameters of an executive order. Further, the
|
||
only Executive Order that has ever been successfully challenged, as near
|
||
as I could tell, was in 1952. President Truman attempted to nationalize
|
||
the steel industry with an executive order, which was struck down by the
|
||
Supreme Court.
|
||
|
||
But in 1959, Chief Justice Warren declared that the Court did not
|
||
"...decide whether the President has inherent authority to create such a
|
||
program, whether congressional action is necessary, or what limits on
|
||
executive or legislative authority may be..." This decision is in
|
||
reference to Greene v. McElroy 360 U.S. 474, 508; the question dealt
|
||
with action taken under Executive Orders about the safeguarding of
|
||
official information.
|
||
|
||
Please keep in mind that Executive Orders have the force of law.
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
Those of you that are aware of my prediction of a full-scale
|
||
revolution to happen within 50 years have been aware that I haven't
|
||
been happy with the direction the U.S. has been taking within the last
|
||
50+ years. Those of you that are aware of my strenuous objections to
|
||
President Clinton's election are aware that I amended my prediction to
|
||
30 years within days of his inauguration.
|
||
|
||
In light of this new (to me) information, I am amending my
|
||
prediction yet again. This time, I say that all bets are off. That our
|
||
society is diseased is self-evident. That our strength is largely
|
||
illusory somewhat less so, but still evident. That public confidence in
|
||
our officials, police, judiciary, and military are at an all-time low is
|
||
also self-evident. I don't feel any need to make my case; none of us
|
||
are feeling very secure right now, and damned few of us have ever felt
|
||
secure in the "good intentions" and motives of organizations larger and
|
||
more powerful than the individual.
|
||
|
||
A revolution could begin any minute. For what I know to the
|
||
contrary, one or more revolutionary organizations may already have been
|
||
launched. Executive Order 11490 could be invoked at any minute. After
|
||
all, 11490 provides no definition of "national emergency" (NONE!), nor
|
||
is one necessary; we have been living under a declared and uncontested
|
||
state of emergency for the last 60 years.
|
||
|
||
We have unknowingly been living under the threat of totalitarion
|
||
rule for the past 23 years. I find this threat to be unconscionable,
|
||
unconstitutional, and absolutely unforgiveable.
|
||
|
||
Do what you will, but I don't intend to be within 100 miles of U.S
|
||
borders when the hammer comes down.
|
||
|
||
|
||
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
|
||
|
||
THE CCITT 28.8 KBPS STANDARD: SOME BACKGROUND
|
||
---------------------------------------------
|
||
|
||
The standard for 28.8 Kbps dial-up communications being developed
|
||
by the CCITT will stretch the limits of dial-up telephone lines. But
|
||
don't expect to be sending files at top speeds immediately.
|
||
|
||
Dale Walsh, vice president for advanced development at U.S.
|
||
Robotics, Inc., cautions that most users won't be able to achieve the
|
||
maximum speeds permitted under the standard right away. When the
|
||
standard is adopted, modems that conform should be able to transmit at
|
||
19.2 Kbps on lines where a modem conforming to V.32bis (the current
|
||
high-speed standard) can now transmit at 14.4 Kbs. But Walsh, a member
|
||
of the CCITT committee developing the standard, says it is being
|
||
formulated with the increasing digitization of dial-up phone networks in
|
||
mind.
|
||
|
||
The improved quality of phone lines, as much as any modem technology
|
||
improvements, has made high speed dial-up communications possible" says
|
||
Walsh. "We are designing the standard keeping in mind that phone
|
||
networks will use more and more digital circuits and digital central
|
||
office switches."
|
||
|
||
Consequently, speeds in the neighborhood of 28.8 Kbps will be the
|
||
exception, rather than the rule--at least until the public switched
|
||
telephone network becomes completely digital.
|
||
|
||
"I'd say when it's finished in a year or so, the standard will allow
|
||
19.2 Kbps transmissions on 80 percent of all lines, 24 Kbps on 50
|
||
percent of all lines, and 28.8 Kbps communications on 20 percent of all
|
||
lines," says Walsh, who also helped develop the CCITT V.32bis standard
|
||
for 14.4 Kbps dial-up communications. "As the phone networks improve,
|
||
top speeds will be more easily achieved, so I think it's more realistic
|
||
to think of it as a 19.2 Kbps standard that is sometimes capable of
|
||
higher speeds.
|
||
|
||
A common misconception is that the coming 28.8 Kbps standard will
|
||
allow speeds of 115.2 Kbps, when combined with V.42bis data compression.
|
||
Walsh noted that such calculations are based on an assumption that
|
||
V.42bis allows 4 to 1 data compression. Outside the lab, V.42bis allows
|
||
compression ratios between 2 to 1 and 3 to 1, meaning that under REAL
|
||
LIFE conditions, the forthcoming standard will allow maximum throughput
|
||
of about 86.4 Kbps.
|
||
|
||
"It's a mistake to use the 28.8 number and max everything out from
|
||
that," said Walsh.
|
||
|
||
Not that the 28.8 Kbps standard doesn't have its advantages. After
|
||
all, 19.2 Kbps is an improvement over 14.4 Kbps. And the forthcoming
|
||
standard will adjust for line conditions, a critical factor in
|
||
high-speed data communications--like no previous standard. The standard
|
||
under development will include a "probing" function that the modem can
|
||
use to "sound out" the quality of the phone line. That will allow the
|
||
modem to optimize transmissions to take advantage of available
|
||
bandwidth.
|
||
|
||
"We are still working on the training sequences," says Walsh. "But
|
||
before transmission starts, the standard will enable the modem to
|
||
determine what band- width is available and how to best position the
|
||
signal to match available band- width."
|
||
|
||
The standard achieves higher speeds through its ability to use more
|
||
of a line's bandwidth, not just the center portion of the channel used
|
||
under current standards.
|
||
|
||
"It will more closely match the modulation scheme to what's
|
||
available," says Walsh. "That way, the modem can shape the
|
||
transmissions to adapt precisely to the channel, which is very important
|
||
if you want to transmit at high speeds.
|
||
|
||
The most recent committee meeting was held last month. Still to be
|
||
agreed upon are such critical issues as training sequences, coding
|
||
schemes, and signaling rates. Walsh said he expects the committee to
|
||
reach final agreement in 1993, with official CCITT adoption likely in
|
||
1994.
|
||
|
||
While some have taken to calling the standard under development
|
||
V.Last, Walsh isn't convinced this will be the final modem standard.
|
||
After all, he notes, no one thought dial-up phone lines would ever be
|
||
this noise-free, and further advances in that area could make even
|
||
higher speed dial-up communication possible.
|
||
|
||
"I'm certain we'll have at least a fax version of this standard as
|
||
the quality of phone lines keep improving," he said. "We're trying to
|
||
be sure that this standard will serve users into the year 2000. But
|
||
modem standards are like wars: you always think it's going to be the
|
||
last one."
|
||
|
||
U. S. ROBOTICS, INC, (NASDAQ:USRX) (800)DIAL-USR voice for more
|
||
information.
|
||
|
||
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
|
||
Local Music In April
|
||
by Judy Ranelli
|
||
|
||
Sun. 4
|
||
LIFE, SEX AND DEATH at The Nick
|
||
Henry Rollins never scared me. G.G. Allen is too comical and
|
||
melodramatic. Both of them wish they had the effect of Stanley, singer
|
||
for LSD. HE stinks like a well-ripened bum. He consistently fouls the
|
||
women's room of the Nick with different body excretions (yes, that too).
|
||
He is backed by a girlish metal act replete with pointy guitars and long
|
||
blond hair. Yet he manages to drag all viewers into his own sewer. I
|
||
recommend this show unhesitatingly for the open-minded and
|
||
self-confident.
|
||
|
||
Wed. 7
|
||
PINKY THE STABBER at Louie Louie
|
||
Chris Hendrix, bassist for PtS, is wearing a knee brace at press
|
||
time from dancing at the Alice Donut show three weeks ago. Attend and
|
||
earn your own.
|
||
|
||
Fri. 9
|
||
SUGAR LA LA'S at the Rock'n Horse
|
||
Either Rock'n Horse or Rockingham Palace has closed. I think it's
|
||
the latter... so here's the Sugar La Las to make you question your
|
||
sexuality and giggle nervously.
|
||
|
||
Sat. 10
|
||
"Six Pack" (A MET Z, GRISTLE TWINS, four other bands) at The Nick
|
||
Yes, I like the Gristle Twins after having finally seen them. A
|
||
Met Z is of course always entertaining. Last month's six-band
|
||
extravaganza had an audience comprised of the memebers of each band
|
||
waiting their turn to play. Oh well.
|
||
|
||
Mon. 12 SPACE CAMP at The Oasis
|
||
I KEEP TELLING YOU! But you just won't listen, will you? Bad dog.
|
||
|
||
Tues. 13
|
||
SWEET BAMBOO at The Nick
|
||
They may be great or awful, but you win points if you can tell me
|
||
what "sweet bamboo" means in Southern parlance. I know, of course.
|
||
|
||
Wed. 14
|
||
FIVE-EIGHT at The Chukker (Tuscaloosa)
|
||
Well, they're damned good, so I had to put them in again.
|
||
|
||
Sat. 17
|
||
BARKING TRIBE/SPRAYTRUCK
|
||
The Tribe are putting out another recording, grinds the rumor mill.
|
||
Spraytruck constitute unknown waters.
|
||
|
||
Mon. 19
|
||
SPUNKADILLY -- CD release party at The Chukker (Tuscaloosa)
|
||
They sure are weird, folks. They sure are. I am pleased that they
|
||
are eating the grapes of success, strange appearances and all. Have you
|
||
done anything weird today?
|
||
|
||
Wed. 21
|
||
BAD LIVERS at The Nick
|
||
Gawd, they are punk rock bluegrass and well worth our money. I
|
||
approve.
|
||
|
||
Fri. 23
|
||
THE BISQUITS at Zydeco
|
||
Will (Bushmen) Kimbrough struggles to get that middle name outta
|
||
there for good.
|
||
|
||
Fri. 30
|
||
SUGAR LA LA'S/GRISTLE TWINS
|
||
Goo-goo bars float in the miasma that is my mind.
|
||
|
||
|
||
ALL DATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE SANS NOTICE
|
||
|
||
|
||
One Sunday this month, can't remember when, is "Punk Off Night" at the
|
||
Nick with music from Tim Vice's recording collection and no cover.
|
||
|
||
Some little guy at Southplace was under the impression that I own the
|
||
Nick. I state for the record now that It Is Not My Fault and I have No
|
||
Responsibilty or Ownership in That Club Whatsoever.
|
||
|
||
The Ticks are all pleased that our own Ed Reynolds was on the list in
|
||
the Black and White reader's choices for Local Hero of B'ham.
|
||
|
||
Where are the other female guitarists in this town? Come, I challenge
|
||
you.
|
||
|
||
And finally, Carol Griffin informs me that she's NOT a sex symbol and
|
||
those playtex nipples are NOT meant to be attractive.
|
||
|
||
Until Next Time....
|
||
|
||
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
|
||
Macintosh BBSs In Birmingham
|
||
|
||
Written by Gregory Jackson and Guido Jones
|
||
Compiled by Gregory Jackson
|
||
|
||
Today, there is a growing movement in the BBS community of
|
||
Birmingham. The Mac users of Birmingham are becoming involved in the
|
||
telecommunications culture. We all know that there are a few Macintosh
|
||
users floating around out there trying to find the niche on a Big Blue
|
||
Board. Fortunately, accommodating sysops would allow for separate
|
||
conferences and file transfer sections to accommodate their minority
|
||
brethren. As a Macintosh user, I was heartened by this support. Again
|
||
this characterizes the spirit of Birmingham's BBS community. There has
|
||
been a few Macintosh-based boards in the past that have faded from the
|
||
memory of all but the most staunch Macintosh telecommunications diehard.
|
||
In fact when I came to Birmingham, I spent a whole weekend calling every
|
||
BBS listed in BTN, registering and leaving messages just to find one of
|
||
my own. The nice thing was along the way I got to experience the
|
||
diversity of the telecommunications community, some of the nicest people
|
||
you would want to meet. Then it happened -- I found the granddaddy of
|
||
them all: the Metro Mac.
|
||
|
||
MetroMac BBS went online three years ago as a customer support
|
||
bulletin board for Communication Arts, Inc., a local service bureau. In
|
||
the spirit of community service, Communication Arts opened the BBS to
|
||
the public after hours, and, on weekends, provided access to the message
|
||
bases and shareware libraries. As more and more Mac users have come
|
||
online, MetroMac has upgraded from a Plus to an SE/30 and added faster
|
||
modems, a CD-ROM, and additional hard drives. In the past few years,
|
||
MetroMac's libraries have grown to include over 10,000 Macintosh
|
||
shareware and public domain applications, utilities, sounds, games, clip
|
||
art, etc. Weekly online editions of MetroMac News gives reviews of
|
||
select shareware programs and keeps you up to date on the latest
|
||
Macintosh news.
|
||
|
||
MetroMac features an extremely intuitive graphical user interface
|
||
for Macs called TeleFinder that lets you access messages, Email, and
|
||
software in the familiar point-and-click Macintosh way. TeleFinder
|
||
features an autodialer, built-in mail editor, address book, Find File
|
||
function, and the ability to view text, pict, and MacPaint files while
|
||
online. Full-color BBS icons, online sounds, and balloon help under
|
||
System 7 enhance the experience of a MetroMac connection. An offline
|
||
mailer even lets you send and receive electronic mail at a predetermined
|
||
time.
|
||
|
||
In the near future, MetroMac plans to add support for 24-hour public
|
||
access, a FidoNet gateway, and a Windows version of TeleFinder.
|
||
MetroMac can be accessed at 205-323-6306, and supports TeleFinder,
|
||
ASCII and ANSI terminal interfaces. The free TeleFinder software is
|
||
available from Communication Arts, the Birmingham Apple Core, and The
|
||
Matrix.
|
||
|
||
The Cow's Head is also a Mac board, although some of its users think
|
||
that it's a PC board. Close your eyes and dream a while... You slip
|
||
your bare feet from between the sheets, reaching for the warm, carpeted
|
||
floor. As your toes flex in an agony of expectation, they are met
|
||
instead by cool blades of wild, uncut grass. Startled, you yank your
|
||
foot back, only to find your bed has cut out on you, and flown back to
|
||
Earth on autopilot. You open your eyes. Taking a slow gaze about the
|
||
surrounding countryside, you see cows by the thousand, grazing quietly,
|
||
minding their business... but wait! Over there, are those two bovines
|
||
slinging CowPudding at each other? And, could they be yelling to each
|
||
other in MooTalk? Yes, Holy Cow they are! Not far from their slick
|
||
hides of smooth, stylish MooSkin, a rather conspicuous sign declares,
|
||
"The Yelling Match, Judge Guido Presiding..." Your mind begins to
|
||
wonder. Who is this Guido character? And, why does he pass time in a
|
||
Cow pasture, listening to personalities clash? MOOOO!!! The very man
|
||
you are wondering about has just appeared. He's riding one of the cows.
|
||
It would seem an ordinary cow, yet, there is something quite queer about
|
||
his steed's physique. Holy Cow, a second time! The Cow is missing a
|
||
head, and above its neck, where doe eyes and smooth muzzle would
|
||
traditionally reside, you bear witness to a Macintosh Classic! But the
|
||
Cow's Head wears a Cow's face, and even chews electronic grass.
|
||
|
||
"Glad to meet you," says the man. "Welcome to the Cow's Head.
|
||
Name's Guido. Guido Jones. And you are...?" You answer his questions,
|
||
and he answers yours. A small chat becomes a discussion on
|
||
Clintonomics, abortion, or the differences between Holstein and Jersey
|
||
cow milk. The chat ends, and you watch Guido disappear into the
|
||
horizon. He gave you something before he left, something valuable: free
|
||
run of the pasture. So you run, barefoot and half-bucknaked. You run
|
||
to the next section of field, SportsTalk, and see Merlin and others root
|
||
for their HomeyCows. Trotting further still, you encounter the
|
||
Musicians, Slick and Co. You find more to do than you thought you
|
||
could, because Macintosh computers aren't supposed to be so great for
|
||
anything like a BBS, right? But what - the Cow is a Macintosh? Oh! One
|
||
of those little computers with the Apple on the front, like the, well,
|
||
like what the Cow had for a Head! Well, it must be good for something
|
||
then.
|
||
|
||
You think for half a second, and before you know it, you're happy
|
||
you woke up in a strange Cow Pasture, stranded in the middle of a
|
||
sensational nowhere. You decide to put the Cow's Head number in your
|
||
computer directory, and make plans to call every day for as long as
|
||
your body can take the ensuing lack of sleep. You're hooked, Macintosh
|
||
BBS or not, because you love it. Because you want it. Because it's
|
||
good. <SysOp Guido Jones, The Cow's Head, 856-2465>
|
||
|
||
The newest Macintosh in town is the Frat House BBS run by yours
|
||
truly. I run the FirstClass 2.0 software that also allows a GUI
|
||
interface for the Mac. Also, the Frat House BBS is a member of the
|
||
OneNet network of Macintoshes. OneNet is global in nature with over 200
|
||
conferences to echo. It allows a pipeline of fresh Macintosh software
|
||
into Birmingham, and allows businesses to advertise for free all over
|
||
the world on the network. OneNet has links to Japan and Europe, with
|
||
links coming to Africa, Russia and other former communist states.
|
||
|
||
Together, the MetroMac, Cow's Head, and Frat House BBS offer a
|
||
variety of features and personalities to keep Macintosh users satisfied.
|
||
We also realize that we must give something back to the IBM community
|
||
that help sustain us trough the lean times. Cow's Head is an easy to
|
||
use system that supports IBM files and conferences. The MetroMac and
|
||
Frat House while a little more difficult at the present should in the
|
||
summer have a windows graphical interface that will make calling these
|
||
boards a joy for IBMers as well as for the Macintoshes that call it
|
||
home.
|
||
|
||
[Editor's Note: The numbers for all three of the boards mentioned in
|
||
this article are listed in our Known BBS Numbers List, but we should
|
||
also mention that calling the given number for the Frat House gives a
|
||
recording saying that the number has been disconnected, and also that no
|
||
one answers at the Cow's Head. BTN accepts no liability for any
|
||
potential trauma incurred in failing to reach these boards.]
|
||
|
||
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
|
||
*** Product Review ***
|
||
|
||
|
||
Product: Colorado Jumbo 250mb Trakker. External Tape Drive Backup
|
||
System.
|
||
|
||
Manufacturer: Colorado Memory Systems Inc.
|
||
|
||
MSRP: $548.00 ( This is the retail price, although I have shopped
|
||
around and found the price to be as low as $429.00.
|
||
|
||
Compatibility: IBM PC, PC Compatible, XT, AT, PS/1, PS/2, Laptops,
|
||
Notebooks, Novell Netware 2.2 / 3.11, Novell Netware
|
||
Lite & Lantastic, Yes, Even Mac's.
|
||
|
||
System Requirements: DOS 2.1 or higher, 1 Parallel Port, 450 kb of
|
||
conventional memory free. ( although 550 kb will
|
||
produce better results).
|
||
|
||
Trakker accessories: The Trakker comes with it's own power cord, a
|
||
software back up program ( 3.5" 720kb diskette ),
|
||
an installation guide, users manual, and a compat-
|
||
ibility guide with a list of optional accessories
|
||
that are available from Colorado Memory Systems.
|
||
( Tape sold separately for $31.95 or 3 for $76.00 )
|
||
( My tapes are QIC-80 250mb )
|
||
|
||
Now for the test. The front of the box advertises "Plug And Play In-
|
||
stallation". So, that's the first test I wanted to conduct. When a
|
||
manufacturer advertises this sort of thing, I am always leary. So,
|
||
after installing the software, ( which went without difficulty )
|
||
configuring it, ( also without difficulty ) I stuck a tape in and
|
||
started the software.
|
||
|
||
Test number 1. Backup
|
||
|
||
Machine: 486/25 - 627,727kb free conventional memory. ( Which matters
|
||
since the software runs in conventional. Also, I have 1 meg devoted
|
||
to Smartdrv, which may or may not help on speed, since the weakest
|
||
link is the parallel port itself.)
|
||
|
||
Files selected: 842
|
||
|
||
Total Megabytes: 40,761,770
|
||
|
||
Compression Standard: "Save Space" Which equals 50% compression.
|
||
|
||
Time: A whopping 34 mins 16 sec.
|
||
|
||
Test number 2. Backup
|
||
|
||
Same Machine.
|
||
|
||
Files Selected: 554
|
||
|
||
Total Megabytes: 30,723,168
|
||
|
||
Compression Standard: "Save Time" Which equals 40% compression.
|
||
|
||
Time: 31 mins. 46 sec.
|
||
|
||
You're right. I've got a problem. Ok, so now it's time to open the
|
||
manual. The manual reveals some sample backup times. Which are as
|
||
follows;
|
||
Sample Times to Backup 10mb file-by-file in minutes.
|
||
|
||
Computer type Data Compression
|
||
Off Save Space Save Time
|
||
80386/33 5:29 3:09 2:58
|
||
80386/25 5:29 5:48 3:10
|
||
80386/16 5:29 8:03 4:32
|
||
80286/8 5:29 14:58 9:07
|
||
|
||
None of this added up. Or at least, not according to my tests.
|
||
|
||
A quick call to tech support at Colorado Memory Systems revealed my
|
||
problem. I had selected Zip files for backup. Since these files are
|
||
already compressed all I was really doing was making them larger by
|
||
adding a header to each file. Secondly, I was swapping out to a new
|
||
tape for each test. This takes time for the tape to position itself
|
||
in the cartridge. Tech support suggested I insert a new tape, allow
|
||
it to position itself, select No Compression, and then do the backup.
|
||
I found tech support quite helpful and courteous, also it's a
|
||
toll free number.
|
||
I reconfigured the software, this time selecting No Compression, and
|
||
set out for test number three.
|
||
|
||
Test number 3. Backup
|
||
|
||
Same Machine
|
||
|
||
Files selected: 556
|
||
|
||
Total Megabytes: 31,357,394
|
||
|
||
Time: 8 min. 16 sec.
|
||
|
||
Now that's more like it!
|
||
|
||
The restore times are a little slower, but still in this ball park.
|
||
|
||
Evaluation:
|
||
|
||
Thumbs Up! For having a toll free support number.
|
||
Thumbs Up! For operating a BBS ( 303-635-0650 ) where tech suport
|
||
informed me that I can call and download the latest
|
||
release of their software.
|
||
Thumbs Up! For having the forethought to add a Parallel out-put
|
||
on the back of the system so I can still use my printer.
|
||
Thumbs Up! On size. 4.6" wide, 2.65" high, 9.5" deep. For the user
|
||
that has a desk with no room left, this will fit!
|
||
Also, weighing in at a mere 5 lbs. will insure that you
|
||
will be able to easily move this product from machine to
|
||
machine.
|
||
Thumbs Up! For ease of installation. Just plug it into your parallel
|
||
port, install the software, and you are ready to go.
|
||
|
||
Thumbs Down! For the size of the receptacle at the end of the power
|
||
cord. It is so large that you will have to unplug the
|
||
neighboring plug(s). This makes it inconvenient for
|
||
those of us who rely on every plug in the power strip.
|
||
Thumbs Down! For noise. Although the software has a feature that
|
||
will allow you to do scheduled backups while you sleep,
|
||
the system will wake you if it is in the same room or
|
||
even near the same room. I can hear the system running
|
||
20 feet away. But, in an office environment, this would
|
||
pose no problem.
|
||
Thumbs Down! For warranty. ( 1 Year ) At this kind of price I would
|
||
expect longer coverage. Although this warranty is in
|
||
comparison with other manufacturers.
|
||
|
||
Comments:
|
||
|
||
This product is not for the individual who only has one machine.
|
||
For this type user, the internal version connected to the floppy
|
||
controller would be the ideal way to go, being much faster as well.
|
||
This product IS for the individual who has more than one machine.
|
||
I can make a backup from one machine, simply disconnect the parallel
|
||
cable, connect to machine number two, and I'm on my way to a second
|
||
backup.
|
||
The times I recorded were with a unidirectional parallel port.
|
||
Significant improvement in time will be achieved by swapping to the new
|
||
enhanced port.
|
||
Overall, the Trakker suits my needs to a tee. I have three machines
|
||
that I was constantly backing up (with floppies). The idea of having to
|
||
tear three machines down to install three internal tape backup systems
|
||
was more than I could bear. The only other alternative would have been
|
||
to network the three.
|
||
I have made several incremental backups since I did the timing
|
||
tests, and can now add that The Trakker not only performs the backups
|
||
without a hitch, but fast as well.
|
||
|
||
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
|
||
This service was brought to my attention by its provider, Edward
|
||
Brzezowski. I thought it was interesting and would seem so to you. I'd
|
||
like to see your opinions in letters to either Scott or myself. I'd
|
||
like to apologize for being a month late in presenting this but events
|
||
conspired against me. MM, Pub.
|
||
|
||
******************* ATTENTION COMPUTER USERS ***********************
|
||
|
||
InfoMarket Express: Where information is bought and sold online.
|
||
--------------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
"Making virtual publishing a reality"
|
||
|
||
Anyone can call InfoMarket Express (no subscription or registration
|
||
fees or hourly connect charges) and upload a file for sale. There is no
|
||
upload or storage charge for people wishing to sell files on the system.
|
||
Sellers (providers) make money every time their file is sold -- 50% of
|
||
the price they place on the item. Buyers can select files on InfoMarket
|
||
Express, purchase them via credit card, and receive their purchases
|
||
immediately upon credit card authorization (approx. 1 min.). Files for
|
||
sale can be virtually anything that can be sold in an electronic format,
|
||
including original articles, reports, newsletters, books, software, etc.
|
||
|
||
Our system is available to all users without a startup fee, doesn't
|
||
require special access software, provides 14.4k v.32bis modem
|
||
connections and can be accessed by IBM PCs and MACs. Set your
|
||
telecommunications software for VT-100, ANSI emulation for best results.
|
||
|
||
InfoMarket Express is in its final beta testing stage. You may
|
||
wish to give it a try and consider using this type of system to
|
||
distribute any material you feel may be of value to others. The
|
||
InfoMarket data line is (908) 879-7209, 14.4k v.32bis. We need your
|
||
help to "stock the shelves" and look forward to your call!
|
||
|
||
Important note: 908 is not a 900#, but a new area code in New
|
||
Jersey.
|
||
|
||
InfoMarket, Inc.
|
||
P.O. Box 815
|
||
Chester, NJ 07930
|
||
01/16/93 ehb
|
||
|
||
|
||
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
|
||
|
||
Known BBS Numbers For The Birmingham Area
|
||
|
||
|
||
Special note: Sysops, PLEASE check your listing to make sure everything
|
||
is correct, especially the networks. Corrections should be mailed on
|
||
the Matrix to either me, Scott Hollifield or to James Minton. (James
|
||
can also be more speedily reached on his own board, Outer Limits.)
|
||
|
||
Also, if anyone has any information about networks listed at the bottom
|
||
with "uncertain at press time", let us know.
|
||
|
||
|
||
NAME NUMBER BAUD RATES MODEM BBS SOFTWARE
|
||
SUPPORTED TYPE
|
||
|
||
221-B Baker Street 856-7034 1200-2400 VBBS 5.6
|
||
[vi, al]
|
||
ADAnet One (Nodes 1-3) 854-9074 1200-2400 PCBoard 14.5
|
||
[ez, fi, ad]
|
||
ADAnet One (Node 4) 854-5863 2400-14400 USR DS PCBoard 14.5
|
||
[ez, fi, ad]
|
||
Alcatraz BBS 608-0880 300-9600 VBBS 6.0
|
||
[he, vi]
|
||
Alter-Ego BBS 925-5099 1200-9600 USR HST PCBoard 14.5
|
||
[ez, mn]
|
||
Asgard 663-9171 300-9600 V.32 WWIV 4.21a
|
||
[ez, al, te]
|
||
Baudville (Node 1) 980-1089 300-2400 Major BBS 6.02
|
||
[none]
|
||
Baudville (Node 2) 991-2095 300-14400 Major BBS 6.02
|
||
[none]
|
||
Baudville (Node 3) 991-9144 300-2400 Major BBS 6.02
|
||
[none]
|
||
Baudville (Node 4) 995-0013 300-2400 Major BBS 6.02
|
||
[none]
|
||
Bert's BBS 424-2872 300-2400 WWIV 4.21
|
||
[none]
|
||
Bone Yard, The 631-6023 300-9600 USR HST PCBoard 14.5
|
||
[fi, ez]
|
||
Boy's Room 674-8117 300-2400 Wildcat! 3.55
|
||
[none]
|
||
Bus System 987-5419 300-2400 PCBoard 14.2
|
||
[none]
|
||
Byte Me! 979-BYTE! 2400-14400 USR HST WWIV 4.12
|
||
[ez, th, al]
|
||
Cannibal Cafe 942-9576 300-2400 VBBS 6.0
|
||
[vi, da, he]
|
||
Castle, The 841-7618 300-2400 Image 1.2
|
||
[none]
|
||
Castle Rock 995-9900 1200-19200 VBBS 5.6
|
||
[vi, al, he]
|
||
Channel 8250 (Node 1) 744-8546 300-14400 USR DS PCBoard 14.5
|
||
[ez, un]
|
||
Channel 8250 (Node 2) 744-5166 300-14400 USR DS PCBoard 14.5
|
||
[ez, un]
|
||
Christian Apologetic 808-0763 1200-14400 V.32bis Wildcat! 3.55
|
||
[ez, wi, bc, ru]
|
||
Cow's Head 856-2465 1200-2400 Hermes 1.7
|
||
[none]
|
||
Crunchy Frog (Node 1) 823-3957 300-14400 USR DS PCBoard 14.5
|
||
[ez, mn, lu, ll]
|
||
Crunchy Frog (Node 2) 823-3958 300-14400 USR DS PCBoard 14.5
|
||
[ez, mn, lu, ll]
|
||
DataLynx BBS 328-7688 300-2400 WWIV 4.21
|
||
[ez]
|
||
DataWorks BBS! 664-0406 300-2400 PCBoard 14.5
|
||
[un, sm, dv, rf, rs, in]
|
||
Den, The 933-8744 300-9600 USR HST ProLogon/ProDoor
|
||
[ez, mn, il]
|
||
Digital Publishing 854-1660 300-9600 V.32 Wildcat! 3.01
|
||
[pl]
|
||
EcoBBS 933-2238 300-2400 VBBS 5.6
|
||
[al, vi]
|
||
Faction, The 995-2757 1200-14400 VBBS 6.0
|
||
[none]
|
||
Family Smorgas-Board 744-0943 300-2400 PCBoard 14.5
|
||
[ez, fi, mj, bc, fa, ic, cf, cd, np, ag, ve, ad]
|
||
Final Frontier 838-5634 300-14400 VBBS 6.0
|
||
[none]
|
||
Flip Side 798-3961 300-2400 Renegade 8.27
|
||
[none]
|
||
Frat House 252-1274 300-9600 V.42bis FirstClass 2.09
|
||
[none]
|
||
Gamer's Online 942-4581 1200-14400 VBBS 6.0
|
||
[none]
|
||
Genesis Online (Nodes 1-4) 620-4144 300-14400 V.32bis Major BBS 5.3
|
||
[mr]
|
||
Guardian, The 425-1951 1200-9600 V.32bis VBBS 6.0
|
||
[vi, ga]
|
||
Hacker's Corner 674-5449 1200-2400 MNP4 PCBoard 14.5
|
||
[none]
|
||
Hardeman's BBS 640-6436 1200-14400 Wildcat! 3.51
|
||
[wi, di, bc]
|
||
Hardware Hotline 631-6629 300-14400 V.32/42 VBBS 6.0
|
||
[none]
|
||
Headland, The 991-0947 300-14400 V.32bis VBBS 6.0
|
||
[he, vi]
|
||
Highlander BBS 856-9391 300-2400 VBBS 6.0
|
||
[none]
|
||
Homewood's Hell Hole 870-9067 2400-14440 V.32bis VBBS 5.6
|
||
[he]
|
||
Hoots With Owls 520-9540 1200-14400 V.32bis TriBBS 3.3
|
||
[cc, tr]
|
||
Illuminatus BBS 871-0489 1200-9600 VBBS 6.0
|
||
[vi, al]
|
||
Infinite Probability 791-0421 2400-14400 VBBS 5.6
|
||
[vi, al]
|
||
Intruder Enterprizes 969-0870 300-9600 V.32 VBBS 5.6
|
||
[vi, al]
|
||
Joker's Castle 664-5589 300-14400 USR DS PCBoard 14.5
|
||
[ez, mn, un]
|
||
KickAxis BBS 733-0253 1200-14400 USR DS VBBS 6.0
|
||
[he]
|
||
Last Word 663-4721 300-2400 VBBS 6.0
|
||
[sn]
|
||
Lemon Grove 836-1184 300-12000 V.42bis SLBBS 3.0
|
||
[fi, sl]
|
||
Lion & The Unicorn 424-1599 1200-57600 VBBS 5.6
|
||
[ga, al, vi, lo]
|
||
Lumby's Palace 520-0041 300-14400 VBBS 6.0
|
||
[he]
|
||
Magic City 664-9883 300-14400 V.42bis Wildcat! 3.55
|
||
[cc, dx, tr, wi]
|
||
Magnolia BBS 854-6407 300-14400 USR HST PCBoard 14.5
|
||
[ez, mn]
|
||
MATRIX, The (Nodes 1-14) 323-2016 300-2400 PCBoard 14.5
|
||
[ez, mn, th, il, in, al, sh, sc, gl, ic, ri, fr]
|
||
MATRIX, The (Nodes 20-23) 323-6016 9600-14400 USR DS PCBoard 14.5
|
||
[ez, mn, th, il, in, al, sh, sc, gl, ic, ri, fr]
|
||
MATRIX, The (Node 25-26) 458-3449 9600-14400 V.32bis PCBoard 14.5
|
||
[ez, mn, th, il, in, al, sh, sc, gl, ic, ri, fr]
|
||
MetaBoard 854-4814 300-14400 USR DS Opus CBCS 1.73
|
||
[fi, ad]
|
||
MetroMac BBS 323-6306 300-2400 TeleFinder 3.0
|
||
[none]
|
||
Milliways BBS 956-3177 1200-14440 V.32 VBBS 6.0
|
||
[he, vi, al]
|
||
Missing Link 853-1257 300-16800 USR DS C-Net Amiga 2.31
|
||
[none]
|
||
Neon Moon 477-5894 300-14400 TriBBS 4.0
|
||
[dx]
|
||
Night Watch 841-2790 1200-14400 USR DS TriBBS 4.01
|
||
[cc, tr, di, fi, ez, ab]
|
||
Nirvana 942-6702 300-14400 V.32bis VBBS 6.0
|
||
[al, vi, at, rp]
|
||
Outer Limits (Node 1) 425-5871 1200-14400 USR HST Wildcat! 3.60
|
||
[fi, do, ec]
|
||
Outer Limits (Node 2) 426-2939 1200-14400 V.32bis Wildcat! 3.60
|
||
[fi, do, ec]
|
||
Owlabama BBS 856-2521 1200-14400 GTPower 17.06
|
||
[gt, ez, mn, cc, tr, sc, ab]
|
||
Owl's Nest 680-0851 300-14400 USR DS PCBoard 14.5
|
||
[ez, mn]
|
||
Party Line 856-1336 300-14000 V.32bis TriBBS 4.0
|
||
[cc, tr, di]
|
||
Penny Arcade 699-4625 300-2400 Running Force! 3.75
|
||
[none]
|
||
Playground 681-5070 2400-14000 V.32 TriBBS 4.0
|
||
[tr, di, cc, ez, al, fr]
|
||
Posys BBS 854-5131 300-9600 V.32 PCBoard
|
||
[none]
|
||
Quiet Zone 833-2066 300-2400 ExpressNet
|
||
[none]
|
||
Razor's Edge 995-0412 1200-2400 VBBS 5.6
|
||
[he, al]
|
||
Safe Harbor (Node 1) 665-4332 300-2400 GTPower 17.06
|
||
[gt, ez, mn, il]
|
||
Safe Harbor (Node 2) 665-4355 300-14400 USR DS GTPower 17.06
|
||
[gt, ez, mn, il]
|
||
Sam's Domain 956-2757 1200-14400 VBBS 6.0
|
||
[da, he]
|
||
Safety BBS 581-2866 300-2400 RBBS-PC 17.4
|
||
[none]
|
||
Sleepy Hollow 970-0518 300-2400 VBBS 5.6
|
||
[al]
|
||
Sperry BBS 853-6144 300-2400 V.32/42bis PCBoard 14.5
|
||
[none]
|
||
ST BBS 836-9311 300-2400 PCBoard 14.2
|
||
[ez]
|
||
StarBase 12 647-7184 300-2400 TriBBS 4.0
|
||
[ez, mn]
|
||
Teasers 987-0122 300-2400 WWIV 4.21
|
||
[al]
|
||
Thy Master's Dungeon 940-2116 300-57600 V.32/42bis PCBoard 14.5
|
||
[fr]
|
||
Torch Song 328-1517 300-9600 V.32 Wildcat 3.6
|
||
[pr, se, st, do]
|
||
Weekends BBS 841-8583 2400-16800 USR DS Wildcat! 3.6
|
||
[none]
|
||
Willie's DYM (Node 1) 664-9902 300-2400 Oracomm Plus
|
||
[or]
|
||
Willie's DYM (Node 2) 664-9903 300-2400 Oracomm Plus
|
||
[or]
|
||
Willie's DYM (Node 3) 664-9895 300-2400 Oracomm Plus
|
||
[or]
|
||
Willie's DYM (Node 4) 664-9896 300-2400 Oracomm Plus
|
||
[or]
|
||
Ziggy Unix BBS 991-5696 300-1200 UNaXess
|
||
[none]
|
||
|
||
The two-letter abbreviations you see on the line below the names of
|
||
many of the bbs' in the list signify that they are members of one or
|
||
more networks that exchange or echo mail to each other in some organized
|
||
fashion.
|
||
|
||
ad = ADAnet, an international network dedicated to the handicapped
|
||
ag = AgapeNet, a national Christian network, multi-topic
|
||
al = AlaNet, a local network, multi-topic
|
||
an = Annex Network, uncertain at press time
|
||
at = AdultNet, a national network, adult-oriented
|
||
bc = BCBNet, a local network, religion-oriented
|
||
bh = BhamTalk, a local network, multi-topic
|
||
cc = City2City, a national network, multi-topic
|
||
cd = CDN, a national Christian network for file distribution
|
||
cf = CFN, a national Christian network, multi-topic
|
||
da = DateNet, uncertain at press time
|
||
de = DevNet, an international network for programmers and developers
|
||
di = Dixie Net, a regional network, multi-topic geared toward the south
|
||
eastern United States
|
||
do = DoorNet, a national network for the distribution of BBS doors
|
||
ec = EchoNet, uncertain at press time
|
||
ez = EzNet, a local IBM compatible network
|
||
fa = FamilyNet, an international network, multi-topic
|
||
fi = FidoNet, an international network, multi-topic
|
||
fr = FredNet, a regional network, political discussion
|
||
ga = GameNet, a local network, uncertain at press time
|
||
gl = GlobalLink, an international network, multi-topic
|
||
gt = GTNet, an international network, multi-topic
|
||
he = HellNet, a local network, multi-topic
|
||
ic = ICDM, an international Christian network, multi-topic
|
||
il = ILink, an international network, multi-topic
|
||
ic = Intelec, a national network, multi-topic
|
||
in = InterNet, an international network, linking businesses,
|
||
universities, and bbs', multi-topic
|
||
ll = LlamaNet, a national network, freeform correspondence
|
||
lo = LocalNet, uncertain at press time
|
||
lu = LuciferNet, an international network, adult oriented
|
||
ma = MAXnet, a local network, connecting WWIV and VBBS systems
|
||
mj = MJCN, an international network for Messianic Jews
|
||
mn = Metronet, an international network which echoes RIME, multi-topic
|
||
mr = MajorNet, an international network, multi-topic
|
||
np = NPN, a national network for new parents
|
||
or = OraNet, a national E-mail network
|
||
pl = PlanoNet, a national network, multi-topic
|
||
pr = PrideNet, a local homosexually oriented network
|
||
rf = RF Net, a national network for ham radio users and hobbyists
|
||
ri = RIME, an international network, multi-topic
|
||
rb = RoboLink, a national network, multi-topic
|
||
rp = RPGnet, a local network for role-playing games
|
||
rs = RoseNet, a national network, technically oriented
|
||
ru = RushNet, a national network for Rush Limbaugh fans
|
||
sc = Science Factor Net, a national network, science and technology
|
||
oriented
|
||
se = SEC, a regional network, homosexually oriented geared toward the
|
||
southeastern United States
|
||
sh = Shades N Shadows Net, a national network for role-playing games
|
||
sl = SearchlightNet, a national network, multi-topic
|
||
sm = SmartNet, a national network, multi-topic
|
||
sn = ShadowNet, a national network for role-playing games
|
||
st = StudsNet, a national network, homosexually oriented
|
||
te = TECHnet, a local network, hardware and utility oriented
|
||
th = ThrobNet, an international network, adult oriented
|
||
tr = TriBBS Net, a national network, multi-topic
|
||
un = Uni'Net, an international network, multi-topic
|
||
ve = VETLink, a national network for military veterans
|
||
vi = VirtualNet, an international network, multi-topic
|
||
wi = WildNet, a national network, multi-topic
|
||
ww = WWIV-Net, an international network, multi-topic
|
||
|
||
|
||
If you have any corrections, additions, deletions, etc., please let me
|
||
know via a message on the main board of The Matrix or Crunchy Frog.
|
||
|
||
|
||
The following BBSs appeared to be down or malfunctioning the last time I
|
||
tried to verify their existence. If you have any information on their
|
||
status, please drop me a line.
|
||
|
||
Bert's BBS Castle Rock Cow's Head
|
||
Frat House Hacker's Corner Homewood's Hell Hole
|
||
Hoots With Owls Safe Harbor Sleepy Hollow
|
||
Thy Master's Dungeon
|
||
|
||
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
|
||
|
||
|