Does anyone have any info/details about a supposed new shopping
channel  called ISS--International Shopping Source? Where it is or
will be located? Any place it can be researched? No speculation,
please--only fact.

The new network is ISS - International Shopping Source and will be
based in the city limits of Minneapolis.  A friend of mine just
accepted a job there and will be starting in the next few weeks behind
the scenes.  This is a total start up so actual on-air dates are still
sketchy and based on when the new studios are complete, equipment and
computers are programmed, and distribution deals are finalized.  They
have a target of January/February of 2005.  Given that this is
privately owned, and starting in the same hometown as ShopNBC -
everyone is bound by confidentiality agreements.  Details are
difficult to come by.

Man, this finally sounds like legit info; we can take it to the bank,
maybe?  that it's going to be in Minneapolis blows my mind.  Going
right up against SNBC in their own backyard! Seems unbelievable.  Now,
the only question remaining is whether or not the hosts who left
VV/SNBC are actually going to be at ISS.
Thank you so much for this. Shouldn't you have posted it as an Answer?
Whatever, it sounds concrete, reliable, etc.  Again, many thanks.

There will be many, many familiar faces on the ISS screen - not just
the four that recently left VV/SNBC.  It's amazing how many host bios
on all of the networks list Minnesota or the upper Midwest as their
hometown........

You noticed that MN bit, too.  Was wondering if they'd all have to
pack up and go to Wisc. if the new station were to be located there. 
Know I said it before, but I can't get over the fact they'll be in
each other's faces; Eden Prairie isn't exactly far from
Minneapolis--though I assume the new place will be in a suburb of it.
Do you know?
Your clever "many, many faces" remark, of course, has me intrigued.
Does your friend, if there really is one and it's not you :), know the
names of who are coming to ISS?

Hey there stranger.      I can tell you Mary Beth Roe, formerly of CVN
& currently with QVC is a former Mrs. Minnesota!  Also, while not a
host, Linda Oehm, the sales rep. from Imperial Gold, which airs on QVC
is also from that neck of the woods.
I would love Imperial Gold to shop up on ISS!  Of course, Karen could
not do the shows, as she was the original host for the first Imperial
Gold show, and it was a disaster.  Linda and Karen are like oil and
water!  Linda likes to talk, and not be overshadowed.  Wonder why
Karen did not click with her?!~!!!

welcome lemedecin--these names you're throwing around:  Linda, Mary
Beth, are you saying they are going to be at ISS?  You know a h--- of
a lot more than i about these shopping channels; i.e. Imperial Gold,
CVN.  Oh, do you have a smart mouth :)   that Karen/Linda remark was a
real puzzler--- NOT! got a kick out of it.

Here's some info and comments for what their worth:
1. I wrote to Time Warner Cable, my cable company, and they do not
know of any new channels coming onto their network.
2. Bezahd has an office in the US called SNB at 221 S. Voss, Suite
101, Houston, TX  77057.  His phone there is 800-478-5710.  This
office handles customer service for his jewelry.  Maybe someone else
would like to call.
3.  When Karen was on air at Shop NBC, she always talking about
building a new house.  That was still in progress , at least, when she
left.  Laura Duffek said on the air she was building (or built) a
house in the same development.
4.  Kendy has a family and it's not so easy to pick up and just leave.
 I'm sure her husband works in the MN area and cannot just move.  So
she's a good candidate for a new channel.
5.  These comments lead me to believe if there is a new shopping
channel, it would be in the MN area.
6.  No new business enterprise that deals in retail sales would miss
out on the Christmas selling season.  It makes no sense to start a new
channel in January after everyone has spent their money on Christmas. 
A shopping channel gears up for Christmas now, as is QVC, to make its
largest percentage of yearly sales in this season.
7.  The Bezhad merchandise is all clearance stuff.  Shop NBC has to
clear out and get back its huge investment in merchandise bought from
Bezhad.  They are losing money with it sitting in their vaults.  The
same with SYK.  That jewelry was well-made but way over priced.  And
although I like Karen, some of her designs were not that mainstream. 
there's a lot left in the clearance section;check it out.  Shop NBC
has so much money tied up in old merchandise, it HAS to clear out the
old to get in the new in time for Christmas. Watch for a big clearance
sale any day now.  Vendors sell their stuff to Shop NBC; it's not a
consignment arrangement.

I was/am in the jewelry business for over 20 years.  I watch Shop NBC
to see what people are buying.  It's unbelievable the prices people
pay for commercial quality goods.  And when there are diamonds
involved, they are small, pave and low quality like I1,I2,I3 and H-I
color.  Jewelers always considered that to be commercial goods that
would sell in a Walmart, Service Merchandise and other low-end
discount merchandisers.   Have any of you been to any of the gem shows
the Shop NBC hosts have been to?  I have.  What I see there is not
what they are selling you.

Hi, neeen-thanks for your comments.  Very interesting, indeed.  For
those of us who are a bit naive about jewelry, which of the vendors on
ShopNBC carry the best quality and which are ones to avoid?  I hope
you don't mind the question but it would really be worthwhile info. 
Many thanks.

neeen--you've made some interesting and plausible comments; hadn't
considered the Christmas angle which HSN's been doing for a month now.
 am going to call the 800 number--to what end am not sure.   my
primary interest, however, is timepieces, aka watches.  must consult
my personal guru, lemedecin

byebyett:  HEE! HEE! HEE!  <Sorry everyone, but this is a private joke!>

neeen:  They cannot start up prior to 22 Jnuary, 2005 (+ or -) due to
the non-competition clauses intheir contracts, and Laura would have to
start later.

        Nobody on ShopNBC is selling top grade Wesseltion diamonds! 
Well, no! A couple of the very high-end watches have them!  When Jeff
Hess was around and they sold VanCleef watches, they had as close as
possible.

        As to CC&C:  I is nearly white, H is white, F&G are rare
white.  IMNSHO, I3 is commercial grade and should be used for cutting
glass or other stones ONLY!
        Remember when they started bringing in these crappy lots of
clearance S**T, uh, crap!?!  Everything ring a size 7.  I have to
agree that Sonia Bitton seems to have become the annointed one.  I am
wearing one of her diamond Sta Of David charms attached to my plain
hoop earring.  Yes, men!  You, too can wear it.It is small and in good
taste.
        Ido from EFFY has brought some nice looking things, like the
12ct. invisibly set, princess 2 row bracelet, BUT the clarity and
color are not up to my requirements.  Samuel Benham, who seems to have
become the men's jewelry person, made Tim's personal diamonds with 2
screws ring - replca due to audience request!  I wanted it, but Tim
and I had discussed having it remade in a DECENT or NICE clarity and
color, in either two-tone 18kt or platinum, but that never came to
fruition since they said NO! and he left.  <If you did not watch the
watch shows, then you won't really know the ring, but go to the
website and click on jewelry, then mens, then rings.  There are 2
sizes - one .90cts and the other much smaller.  They are both on sale
for $5500. & 1100. approx., respectively.

Back to byebyett:  Remember, I was warching CVN almost from its
inception.  As we have discussed, the other problem currently with
SNBC is that they are so overpriced on gold, especially Michael
Sheinman & what's his name from Canada... Michael Valitutti!  I found
similar items on QVC & HSN for substantially less $ per gram!  I can
go to 47th Street, but I find I can still get super bargains on the
auction!  If you luck out you can go well.  My theory is that unless
it is something I MUST HAVE, I go by melt value.  If I cannot sell it
for melt value, I am paying too much for it.  I lucked out and got a
44.8 gram, 14kt W/Y 22" necklace, sort of a curb/nird's eye design for
$185.00 about 12 months ago.  I got the ring from Bezhad's collection
with 1.25cts. of white baguette & chocolate princess cut diamonds -
albeit in SI1-2, H-I (white) & Z (GIA letter assigned to fancy
diamonds) for a fraction of the normal selling price!)  A 24 gram
'toilet pull chain', as I call it...  the tiny balls on a chain is the
only way I can describe it at under $10/gram.)  See what I am getting
at?  Oh!  Kendy's ring..... c-band from the Ramseys 'Crystal & Frost'
(?) which was valued around $4000. with VS/G-H diamonds for $1000.,

A tip for anyone with patience.....  Check the auction site on SNBC. 
Usually the first time an item goes up, you get it for a low price. 
The more times they sell additional copies of the same, the higher the
price goes.  Also, if the closing time is early morning, you do
better, as well as when they are short auctions.  This new auction
group, the 3rd running the auction board, is hporrible.  They have
caused vendors problems with errors in posting and NOT POSTING items!

caught me! so, what else is new?   Ich liebe dich, mein Herr    now,
you've probably scared everyone off    I hope the others on this page
take the time to absorb all the info you've given.  and people--his
word you can take to the bank    should anyone care to dispute his
statements, what a jolly page this shall become
Sir, we await further info when available, especially pour
moi--anything Temple/watches at ISS.   jewelery, but for 24K, is of
little interest anymore

Byebyett.......... Sorry, but I am human!  (I am?)

I caught an error I made on comment #10.

The Tim Temple (replica) diamond screw ring was made by Beverly Hills
Gold (For Men), as are the other men's diamond items.  It was not
Samuel Benham.

Je vous ex pris......

Byebyett.......... Sorry, but I am human!  (I am?)

I caught an error I made on comment #10.

The Tim Temple (replica) diamond screw ring was made by Beverly Hills
Gold (For Men), as are the other men's diamond items.  It was not
Samuel Benham.

Je vous en pris......

Naturellement, mon maitre, vous 'e'tes pardonez    thanks for clearing it up
Tim's original (18K?), tho, was made in the V.I.?  no, he bought it
there   your idea of doing an 18K two-tone or plat. was terrific; but,
as with all things SNBC, it's a moot point now.

anymore on ISS?

Not one bloody word has come my way that I would post.  If I don't
have factual verification, then I do not post it (anymore)!

Tim's original ring was NOT purchased on SHBC.  I believe it came from
the Islands, which, as a watch person, you know is where Tim spent a
number of years.

ShopNBC has hiurd a new watch host.  From the 'people in the know',
the report is too good to be true.  Super, super up on watches, and a
nice person, as well.
I am sure you will see the announcements within a week or 2.

In response to a question on what jewelry brands to buy on Shop NBC:  
My first criteria would be to buy from a vendor who gives you at least
a one year waranty.  I was seduced into buying (at a very low price
with a discount besides) a pair of pave diamond earrings from Elian ,
the Von Belinger collection.  I put the earrings into my ultrasound to
clean and found 10 to 12 diamonds on the bottom.  I called Shop NBC
and they allowed me to return them for a full refund, but they took
the hit,not Belinger.  I posed to Shop NBC that if they are marketing
their jewelry to last for a lifetime and that it is heirloom quality,
the product has to last more than 8 months!  So buy from vendors who
give a waranty, who tell you their address, phone number and e-mail
address.  Some vendors will not let that info be given out.

Second, buying diamonds of an SI1 to SI2 was the old commercial
quality standard, about 5-10 years ago.  Now it's the "quality"
standard.  It's ok to buy that clarity because you really aren't going
to go up to someone's ring or earrings with a loupe and take a close
look.  What realy counts is what you can see and that is cut and then
color.  Since they don't have many larger stores, cut may not matter
unless you are buying a ring or earring with one major stone stone of
15 pts and above.  The cut is very important.  There is no grade per
say for cut, you have to see the store, examine the facets, etc.  But
for your purposes look for the flash,sparkle and brilliance to know
it's a good cut.  I don't like buying diamonds that are less than G
color, unless someone has to make a price point.  Even at H you can
see yellow.  But if they are for pave and set in white, you'll be ok
and make your price point.  If set in yellow, the piece takes on a
faint yellow tint.  These are just basic diamond buying guidelines
that I have for myself.  I go with what my customer wants.  If they
want my opinion, this is what I say.  They definitely will have to
compromise on something: the color, cut, clarity, the size of the
stone or the amount they are willing to spend.  In most cases the
grading Shop NBC gives it's diamonds is accurate however stay away
from stones that are described as H_I_J color and SI-I1-I2 clarity. 
The vendor can narrow it down better than that but they don't want to.

Don't put a lot of money into studs from Shop NBC. Studs you buy, keep
and wear all the time.  Be sure you have exactly what you want.  Those
you hand down to children.  Shop NBC is good for fashion jewelry that
you may not wear again in 2 years.  How else will they sell you more
jewelry?  From what I see on the station the best vendors are Sonia
Bittion, Ido Levonson (Beverly Hills Elegance (but check some of his
less expensive peices for how they are made, Samual Benham, Michael
Valitutti.  The pieces are well-made, use good stones, good color and
the diamonds are what they say they are.  They offer some value for
your money.  To get a true value, wait for a clearance sale, get a
promo code from somewhere and buy then.  Someone else recommened
auction pieces but I don't know about that.  I think there are
restrictions on returns and some pieces may be slightly damaged from
using them as display pieces.

If you are serious about buying good diamond, then go to a reliable
jeweler you family has used for years.  He should educate you and
guide you without pressuring you to buy.  Or, I am available if you
want to find a way to get in touch.  I didn't come on this web site
looking for business and don't need it.  But if I can help you out
with better goods at a better price, I'll try.  I don't have a store
and don't hold inventory so my overhead is low.  I order in what you
want for inspection and no obligation.  If you don't like it and don't
wish to buy, we shake hands and part friends.

Please reply to me at the Google question I started becaue i don't
really check this or the Yahoo site out but once a week or so.  My
question at Google was "Why did the 3 best Shop NBC hosts Leave....".

Good luck to you and enjoy shopping.  I'm going to wait and see what
pops up on my cable channel.  If I get news, of course, I'll put it
online as soon as I get it.  I am planning to go to the October JA
show in NYC in 10 days.  I'll ask around there and see who's talking.

Neeen--when you became upset with those who were writing of other
things, I began looking for another site and found this one.  Except
for the mistake on today's (I believe) comment at your site, nothing
new has been added; you do have 98 comments--a record?  However, this
topic isn't exactly yours; it's not about the hosts so much as the
channel to which they may go.  Why not go to this and yours?  You
never know where anything will pop up these days, and lemedecin is
always very interesting reading--have my suspicions ab. her/him.

Neeen.........  I am getting sea-sick!  You are swaying both ways!

First, you don't want crappy fiamonds, and boy do I agree!  Now you
say you bought the lowest of the low...... VanBellinger!  As we say,
UCH IN VEY!  (Stronger than OY, VEY!)  They are the only ones, besides
the CLEARANCE LOTS IN SIZE 7 ONLY, that use I3 as a grade.  To me
I-anything is pathetic.  I will accept SI1, but only if not a large
stone.

If you buy anything from Sincerely Yours, formerely SY, Karen), you
will find a great amount of quality, but unfortunately I bought her 2
ct. diamopnd buckle ring, and the first had poor setting, and was
returned.  You cannot have poor setting on invisibly set stones, and
the 1nd one was gorgeous, but 2 stones were missing within 45
minutes!!!!!  I cannot find them on carpet.  BUT Ltd. Eds. is a great
company for customer relations.  They IMMEDIATELY took it back and
recit hit my AMEX within days of UPS picking it up.  Bravo to Limited
Editions.  They were extremely upset and concerned, as they should
have been.

For anyone interested in Watches, the new SNBC host is JIM SKELTON who
has already been writing REVIEWS of the new Invicta watches.  Check
.com.

Oh, my gawd!   Watched the new host do his first "solo" Time Zone show
early this morning. Pitiful! Awful! Dreadful!
Oh, do we ever need Tim Temple back!  We need the new channel asap so
we can see Tim and, once again, learn, and get non-Croton,
non-Invicta, non-Via Spiga brands.
The new guy had the audacity to call himself "the watch guy"--that belongs to Tim.
Can't anyone somehow get info on ISS? Why isn't it on the Internet?
Do something, somebody!

Adessociao, I totally agree with your comments. I've been watching
Yahoo! Groups: beyond_shopNBC very closely but there is hardly
anything that I care about. I really don't give a damn about other
people on ShopNBC! My interest lies ONLY in watches. I quit the
ShopNBC TimeZone Newsletter and am thinking about stopping my
subscription to IW Watch Magazine. Tim Temple leaving just seemed to
break the camels back, so to speak. I have been checking in on this
site ocasionally but was glad to see your comments. There has been a
dry spell here. Again, I echo your feeling about new host. I just hope
that Tim Temple returns somewhere!

Ra1941 and adessociao--this makes 3 of us; over at the Group site,
it's pretty much degenerated into jewelery and kvetching about present
new hosts. I, too, only care about watches; the new guy's the
pits--have you seen remarks about him and other stuff at
www.where-to-surf? The bar has been lowered on all merchandise in all
depts., including watches.  They're clearing out what used to be top
of the line, quality, class timepieces it seems to me. Invicta and
Croton rule, apparently.
Tim is supposed to have bought his way in to ISS which is supposed to
start in Jan. IF ALL THIS IS TRUE, Tim can't begin until the 6 month
noncompete clause ends. Problem is--and that's what this site's
about--absolutely no one can find, online or any place, DEFINITIVE
info on this most secretive company I've ever heard of. You're right,
Tim's leaving was the last straw; this newbie and the chick next to
him su--!
The schedule says Shawn will be back for Sunday's lineup, but that
can't be true; we now have a "real" watch host--why would Shawn do
them? He had said he'd be gone on the 30th to Fla., i think; really
doubt he'll be back the next day.
SNBC lies through their teeth in re just about everything. My
newsletter never showed up and, frankly, just going thru the watches
online, I was depressed.
I hope the rumors about Tim--lord, I miss him and his wonderful on-air
style!--are true.
But, this damnable ISS may be a station your cable or satellite co.
will NOT carry! Ever think of that?  Then what?  Any suggestions on
how to find out more about ISS? They're so secretive, maybe they don't
even exist.

byebyett...Thanks for your informative comments. I have surfed other
sites but as you indicated, they have become so DILUTED with other
material. I have collected just over 30 watches in my collection. I
really like Invicta real well but had become so disallusioned with
Croton. Not so much the watch but with David Mertelstein. He just
seemed to be overbearing and hawking his wares and never gave Tim a
chance to speak. It was "buy, buy, buy". "If you don't get them
now..." "The lines are going crazy". I don't remember him being like
this when I bought my first Belagio I. Speaking of contracts, I really
know nothing. Is there really a 6 mo. nocompete clause? Of course, if
he's coming back to another network, I'm sure he might appreciate some
time off but then I'm not Tim and it does no good to speculate. I sure
would like to know where Tim is now. To bad we can't have them issue
an AMBER ALERT! Hmmm...

Ra1941--all "stars" of radio and tv have those noncompete and
nondisclosure clauses to sign; it's to keep them from talking and also
hopefully being forgotten by not being seen/heard on another station. 
If they break these, they have HUGE legal problems.  This is why none
of us viewers have heard a word from any of those who left; a couple
of them tried answering, or sending, emails to followers of theirs and
were hit with dire warnings to cease and desist, or else.
David M. has always driven me to drink; Eyal has just about killed off
Invicta for me following this past week's shows--he's become another
David. Poor Lior, trying to listen to him get out the words is awful,
so I tried to take in all Tim said during previews.  Judah I liked and
the items he brought, too; thought he and Tim were a riot.
The new watch host I can't bear. I want Tim and, hopefully, Tim at
ISS--if it's true he bought in so as to have a much more powerful say
in how and what takes place in watches. Most of all, being a
pessimist, I'm afraid I won't be able to get Tim at ISS via Dish or
cable!  Think he left in June, so maybe, Jan./Feb. he'll be back IF WE
CAN GET HIM!
See if you can dig up anything about ISS.

byebyett...I've dug about as much as I can dig and that doesn't even
come close to what was said by FUNSTUFF at top of this page.  Speaking
of personalties, I liked Judah. You know their stories about the
possee. Little things, but.... I think it was another site that I
mentioned this "Hugh Hefner party" with models on Invicta Watch
Marathon was a bit overpowering. Anyway, just my own feelings. Maybe
we will be able to pick up this new network easier than we think. I
know if it comes to the DISH, they will probably have me onboard.
Well, if I hear of anything, will let you know. The problem out here
in Oregon, we may be the last to hear updates. Sometimes it seems that
information is sent over the Oregon Trail by covered wagon.

Hi ra1941--you and i should start our own private group. by the way,
anything LeMedecin writes can be taken to the bank; how he knows what
he does is beyond me, but it all proves true at the end.
Thanks for giving it a try in re ISS. Why absolutely nothing exists
anywhere about it baffles me. Some Federal agency would know? I'm not
knowledgeable about companies and their "starting-up's"; are they all
like ISS?
Anyhow, consider this:  Tim can't be having too much relaxing time. At
SNBC he had the posse, Judah, Lior, Eyal. He must have lost them now
(doubt they're going to jump ship and join him at ISS). So, he must be
having to find replacement vendors and the work involved must be huge!
I know he has a lot of contacts and is "known" amongst watch people,
but to convince them to come to a new station . . . it's got to be
tough.  He's probably pacing around and traveling a fair amount (can't
ALL be done via phone and computer, can it?
He could keep himself somewhat occupied with his music and
photography--ever been to his site in re photos?
I feel for him, but it was his choice--thought it seems to have been
forced upon him--a choice i can go with; must have cost plenty to buy
into ISS (as, apparently, Karen has also done). "You can't go home
again" is true for him.
Too, he wouldn't want to and that horrible Jim/Lurch is safely
entrenched now anyhow.
Please post a comment here if you EVER hear the least little thing ab.
ISS--i don't care if you're in Oregon--it'll reach you eventually. If
you know any computer or business geniuses, maybe they can tell us how
to research the outfit.
Please don't cancel IW--SNBC won't know or care, any more than they
did about the newsletter (i did the same); instead, add InSync and
hrWatches to it--these 3, in my humble opinion, are terrific.

byebyett....Thanks for your informative reply. It's early this A.M.
and have yet to make my daily morning commute for some coffee at
McDonald's so still a bit "foggy" at this time. Have you checked out
YaHoo! Beyond ShopNBC. Very interesting. It's message #340
(Trudimoon). It tells about ShopNBC's financial woes. I believe this
was taken from the Star Tribune newspaper. Anyway, don't worry about
me dropping any subscription to IW magazine. I think that ShopNBC has
been getting a lot of flak regarding the changes. Well, since I have
only one eye open, it's best that I close and will followup with you
later.

byebyett....I went to (beyond shopNBC@yahoogroups.com) again just to
learn more about the situation at ShopNBC. Maybe Tim leaving network
will be a blessing in disguise for him down the road. I wouldn't care
to stay on if things were looking bleak financially for ShopNBC. I do
wish I knew something about the vendors as to if they are actually
locked into a contract which says they can't use other media outlets.
Maybe some will jump ship, i.e. Nicolet, Stuhrling, etc. Sounds silly
to me if let's say they could only sell on ShopNBC.  I sure as heck
don't know anything on business law. This threatening to stop my IW
magazine is somewhat out of desperation. I know there not in the
equation but I've stopped purchasing watches altogether for the time
being. About the Newsletter, it just seems to me that if they had 1000
subscribers and it dropped below 500 count, it would surely come to
their attention. Statistics never seem to go away. If I were running
the office and saw a dramatic drop in, say the Newsletter, it would
send up a red flag. Disgruntled viewers? Would it change things? Maybe
not but....

The vendors may have contracts for X amt. of time; however, I just
recalled that SWI is also on HSN, Lior's brother does it. Business is
business and money's the bottom line; ergo, maybe the others can do it
too. Only thing is ISS itself; do they want to become a part of an
unknown quantity? Sure, they like and know Tim, but can they make the
same kind of money going there. Someone told me that Croton's also at
QVC or HSN--again, not David. Don't know who.
Your remark about the newsletter hit home. Don't think I can drop it
before whenever the next one's out, but drop it, I will.
As to Nicolet, Stuhrling, et al--don't they come via the posse? It's
maddening not to get answers.
Haven't bought a watch since Tim's departure; went to the online
site--it's horrible.  Am a member of the beyond SNBC group, but it's
hideously boring for me--only 3 other watch people that I know of.
Tissaval, Isomers, 18K wt./price per gram--'fraid I'm only interested
in anything watch-related and there "ain't
nuthin'" much there.
The only wonderful "comment" was the fabulous Lansing/VV/SNBC news
that you mentioned--first time I've been happy since Tim left. Was it
you who posted it?

byebyett....If your referring to the info concerning ShopNBC's
problems, I only mentioned that I caught it on Yahoo Group beyond
shopNBC. Message #353 from trudimoon. I think it was taken from Star
Tribune. I haven't posted anything new that I, myself,have found.

ra1941   Yes, that's the one I meant; just thought perhaps it was you
with a different username.
Did you note that it simply says: Star Tribune but no city?  Why
deliberately omit the city's name?  More intrigue?
Random thought(s):  if ISS is going to be in Minneapolis (or
neighboring suburb perhaps?), wouldn't they, by now, have to either be
building or moving into someplace?
Would a Minneapolis newspaper know anything?
What dept. of a newspaper could one email to learn something?
If ISS is the big deal everyone's saying, surely someone in the city
would know something.
Any ideas/suggestion?

byebyett....Typed in Minneapolis Star Tribune on computer. It brought
me up to startribune.com. I selected StarTribune Official Site and it
brought me right to their homepage. I typed in ShopNBC in their search
engine and presto. Same article that you read on this site. Only one
catch. You have to register but it's FREE. One plus is that you have
different options available. I selected daily/weekly P.M. news
updates. The first time I came upon site and article, I didn't even
register. Security breach? LOL. It seems to me that this would be an
excellent site to put under your "Favorites" or bookmark it. I wonder
if Superman (alias Clark Kent) worked there. He was in the newspaper
business as a reporter. Hmmm...we could use him now! Chuckle,chuckle.

Great minds, ra--I typed in Star Tribune and saw what you did, but
didn't register.  Couldn't see what I was really looking for, so went
back to Outlook Express and sent an email to the chick who wrote the
article.
Told her why viewers were leaving and asked her a multitude of
questions about ISS, including did she know anything, could she find
out; or, if not, could she steer me in the right direction.
The first one I sent using her full name; it came back from the bloody
"Postmaster" or whatever; shortened it to just first initial--must
have gone through because it hasn't returned and that was hours ago. 
Unless they don't bother returning except once.
Well, we'll see.  Even if it did get to her, will she answer?

byebyett.....Good job on your persistence regarding reporter who did
story. I wasn't to sure when you mentioned it as to if you couldn't
locate article that was posted on Google or you were after something
else. I've found by just keying in ShopNBC in the Star Tribune's
SEARCH BOX on their Homepage, that should do it especially if there is
anything new. It's too bad that they don't have a "gossip columnist"
that reports for the Tribune. Really, we need more of the facts, just
the facts. I hope you get an eMail back from reporter. Oh, if you ever
see me on Yahoo Group, my user name is alm_Richard.

I'll be darned. You and I (Stuhrling) have "spoken" before thru the group.
You as ra1941, for some reason, came across as male, but I seem to
guess more incorrectly than positively.  We've agreed on Tim, the
Invicta marathon, and other things. To my knowledge there are 4 of us
watch guys for sure.  Too bad; the other stuff that goes on is total
boredom.
I'll try what you suggest in re the Home Page. Have a feeling the
chick isn't going to answer me, but sure wish she'd steer me to a
colleague who'd help.
On the other hand, maybe ISS is of little to no importance to anyone
but the few of us who have pretty much departed SNBC.
If there's no scandal, back-stabbing, nastiness of some sort, perhaps
it of no interest to them at the paper.
Can you think of what kind of reporter might give a rodent's rear in
case M.Levy doesn't come through?

byebyett...."A rodents rear". I like that! LOL. I would give this
reporter some time to answer before it's called a failure. If she's
really good looking, give her MORE time. God knows how many eMails she
may have on her computer. I really think having the Minneapolis Star
Tribune at least put in your Favorites box may be a good thing even if
there isn't any breaking news at the present. Too bad Jessee Ventura
isn't governor of Minnesota anymore. We could always go to the top! He
would probably answer anything from peons to CEO complaints or at
least direct us to the best source! LOL.

Really like the Ventura remark and, what's hysterical, is that you're
no doubt right.  Anything bizarre, he'd go for it.
Just asking, but would you consider "talking" more privately--direct
to our own addresses? Don't know if it's wise to keep our conversation
going for all to read.  Let me know.   And, you're right--will add
Star Tribune to Favorites.
Only wish we could know if she's simply deleted my bloody email or it
will take a while.  Why not write one of your own?  The more she gets
. . .   Her address is mlevy@startribune.com  At least, I'm assuming
it is since it didn't come back to me. The first one, using her full
name, wouldn't go thru.

forgot to say you're the first person who got the rodent's rear quip.
from others i get a blank stare--go figure.  was put in a situation
once where i wanted to use the original phrase?, but had to "clean" it
up and that popped into my head.

adessociao....If "private" means leaving comments with this site
versus Yahoo, no problem. Let me know if this is what you intended.
Sometimes it takes ten pages of instructions for me to understand.
About eMailing this reporter's story, I will sit down and send off
some questions.

You gave me your name in one of these comments and I gave mine. You
can write me at that single name where our Group is also located, but
it will come to my private place and NOT to them.
You also have a private address there, too, don't you? I don't want to
share with them OR with anyone who may read this site.
Glad you're going to write that email to her.
If you check out the comments at the Group site, you'll find one from
today about various honchos, I guess, who are "leaving" SNBC.
Too, from a source I cannot mention until given permission, but is at
SNBC, ISS is definitely going to go into business.

byebyett...Huh? Private address? This is all greek to me. I have just
been typing in username along with comments. I'm not familiar with
this other privacy address unless I'm on a completely different
wavelength. You said if comment sent to your single name, (?) it
wouldn't be shared. I'm not really set up for this on my end. That
aside, I wouldn't expect everyone to let out information that they
felt they should hold to themselves at this point. Actually there is
info out there that everyone could absorb without being offended. I
guess it's like having classified information and then declassifying
it before consumption. I can live with that.

stuhrling....Read with interest, your comments on Tim Temple via Yahoo
Group. Very interesting indeed!

For those of you who may not be aware of this:  Tim Temple's "Ultimate
Shopping Network" is now on the Men's Channel in Phoenix.  Also, being
picked up by a channel in L.A.

My questions are:  What's become of ISS?  is it now USN?  how is it
possible for Tim and Karen (who also supposedly bought into ISS with
Tim) to work at all before their supposed 6 mos. non-compete clause is
up--which would be Jan./Feb.?  Was the ISS info a question of
disinformation?

This is really BIG news, if true; while suspicious because of the
legalities involved.  It has to be looked into and looked into very
closely.  Neither of those hosts are fools, and we've had plenty of
verifiable info about ISS, the place.

The origin of this USN thing came from the online Invicta Forum--3 or
4 people commenting on it.
If anyone has ANYthing to offer about any of this, sure hope you'll post it here.

Sorry to get back to you so late but have been in & out of hospital
twice.  Am doing better.  I spend time (too much time) reading the
watchuseek Invicta Forum and enjoy that soooo much.  You can find me
there under the name Ken9ahora.  Lemedicin, does that make us
landsmen?

I want to explain why I bought crappy Van Belliger diamond earrings. 
I hadn't been able to get to a JA show in NYC for few years where I
have vendors I buy from.  But to order one pair of earrings is truly
inconvienient for these big companies.  Also, I wanted to test the
SNBC waters of what they were really sending out. Did the stuff meet
the priases that were being sung?  So I purchased a pair of 2.0 carat
huggie hoop 14K earrings for less than $600 after clearance and
coupons and another discount.  It was worth the try to see what I'd
get and how long they'd last and I knew I could always send them back
if they were defective, as they were.

So no more stinking Van Belliger diamonds for me.  As for the better
quality made stuff, it's fine for those who want to buy and can get
what they feel is a good price.

Now I'm waiting for the JIS in Miami Beach in January or will contact
vendors I know to replace those huggie earrings for everyday wear or
just get bigger studs.

TO ALL:
For your information and to enlighten others who read here, let me
tell you what I did buy at the JA show,(a friend picked them up for
me).  I have a pair of 18K white earrings that are pave and total
five(5)carats, really.  The stones are VS and the color is F-G.  SNBC
would have to sell these earrings for $9,999 to $12,999, now.  I'm
asking you what you think I should have paid, what a good, fair price
was.  This was before gold went over $00 gold but was at $350.  You
can guess and then I'll tell you the truth.  When you hear the truth,
you'll never buy from SNBC again, from the good vendors or others,
unless you get a truly great clearance price.  But you'll never find
this quality merchandise at SNBC either.  A good time to buy what you
like and must have is in their January clearance sale - and don't
forget to use those coupons.
Or try to find something on the SNBC auction site.  I just purchase a
diamond pave (1.75 ct) baby Lupah there for $452, to me that's a great
buy.

I've given up on my own Google question as comments are not flowing in
as before. No new information in a long time.  If I get any, I will
post there.  I plan to call a SNBC vendor next week when I feel better
to try to get some infor on one prong of the question: where is TT?

Lemedicin, please stay in touch with me if possible, if you want to
for what ever reason, either on my Google page or on the Invictia
Forum, although they are not interested on the many of the jewelry
issues discussed here.  The Yahoo group os ok for kvetching but I
rather kvetch directly to SBNC who may decide to do something.

TO ALL WHO HAVE ACCOUNTS WITH SHOP NBC _ CHECK THEM NOW!!!
All of you should check your online accounts with SNBC.  You cannot
access a lot of information as you used to.  I've officially
complained to Angela but it's going to take weeks to fix.  This is a
major screw-up and you can't see the breakdown of your total and how
it was arrived at.  You can't see coupons and dicounts that were
applied or where they were applied.  Also if you win an auction, it is
listed on your account but you can't click on any information to see
whats going on.  You can't see the tracking either.  Everybody check
and everybody write because this is unconcionable for a company of
this size to rollout a new system and not have the accounting section
fully functional.

I have a somewhat of an inside track at ISS and, although I am not an
employee, I intend on keeping with any confidentiality agreements that
employees there might have.

I do know where they are headquartered in Minneapolis. And it's a top
notch facility, too. Custom built for a local UPN affiliate that left
that location behind to move with it's FOX sister.

Other than that, I'm not certain of other details. Mainly because my
contact there doesn't have access to all the nitty gritty details on
launch, technology, or other formation. Any hosts that may have come
from SNBC are keeping a low profile to honor non-competes. There are
alot of things not hammered down yet.

OK - here it is - www.wss.tv - the new website is up and running. 
There's not a lot of information available yet and a newsletter mail
list doesn't appear to be turned on at this time.

I'm hoping to find SCoifman, LeMed, Ciao, VanEd, and a few other Where
to Surf.com ShopNBC folks over here.  That link just vanished.  Go
figure - WSS site is up and ShopNBC's Message Board goes down. 
Coincidence?