9/15    I need to get myself health insurance, but I don't know anything
        about health insurance.  What are the advantages/disadvantages/
        differences of an HMO or a PPO?  Also, what is an advisable
        deductable to choose?  What is important to watch out for in choosing
        a policy?  Also, are insurance policies typically like month-to-month
        where you can cancel any time, or are they like apartment leases with
        contacts that last, say 1 year, that you cannot cancel?  Thanks!
        \_Get yourself an agent. An agent is in a much better position
        to discuss this with you than anyone on Soda. Look in phone book
        or email me if you want info for one. Keep in mind that individual
        health insurace is very expensive as compared to group. I'd
        recommend that you get insurance through group if you can,
        but it doesn't sound like you can. -williamc
        \_ HMO's are really great until you get sick and need a PPO.
        \_ If you're young and healthy, pick the CHEAPEST coverage you can get.
           Your company (if you're going through your employer) should have
           given you a comparison chart of what each programs would cover.
           Rule of thumb: try not to pay over $10-15 for doctors visit (the
           so-called 'copayment'); find the cheapest program that allows a
           physical exam every other year, allows good drug prescription
           coverage and if it comes with dental, something that would get
           that teeth cleaned twice a year for free too. If you've always gone
           to a specific HMO such as Kaiser, Humana, Alta Bates etc and com-
           fortable with them, get HMO. (although they may not be the best).
           If you don't have a specific physician (or don't care for one), pick
           a PPO, then get a directory from the insurance company and pick a
           a doctor in the network. When I was with Mutual of Omaha they let
           met pay month-to-month but the coverage is for the whole year.
           You may find something better. *shrug* - jthoms

MARK VI will be forthcoming sometime in january.  if you don't like the
crashes volunteer to HELP THE PEOPLE SET IT UP.   Other than that,
deal with your uptimes of less than a week.
\_ Any chance of leaving MK V up as a playing-around machine?  -John
        \_ hahahahahaha hhahahahahahah.