SV - the answer to why a TO would lurk is 'research'. I am sure some like to keep in touch with what's happening - could be for the sake of knowing what's out there for competition, could be to see what people are saying about their company, or themselves if they are a driver, could be for the same reason we read it (knowledge), or could be just plain curiosity. And, having actually read and understood the rules, maybe they don't post because they don't want to break any rules by mistake, or they take them very literally, or they just plain like to read, and not post.

Researching is a good thing and I'm still willing to bet that there are plenty of TO's who lurk. And that includes big companies that can afford to hire staff to 'research' for them.

As the owner of a very small bookkeping/consulting business I have never researched my company name (as it is just me & my husband & too small for that) - but I do indeed do a google search on my name every so often just to see what's out there on the internet about me. TO's could do the same.

FP-maybe you already HAVE submitted it to 'JW' or 'LOL', maybe he/she is 'xyz' operator

Lynda,
Well, JW better hurry up and get back to me with that pencil sharpened

FP

Sorry
You guys are too late
JW

Dear Spassvogel
My apologies for not responding to your supporting post.
Thank you very much for your support.

Happy Safaris

LOL - LOL

SV

Fodors as usual. What a shame!!

Since this thread has deteriorated from its original topic..

As soon as I read “talk amongst themselves” I immediately thought of <b>Coffee Talk with Linda Richman</b>. I bet I'm not the only one. That SNL skit was hilarious. Here is an excerpt.

<b>Linda Richman:</b> So, Stephanie and I are getting ready for Monday night, because she's throwing an Oscar party.

<b>Stephanie:</b> It's not a party. I'm just gonna get a platter of franks in a blanket from Zabar's and some butter rolls.

<b>Linda Richman:</b> Ach, I love butter rolls. They're like, well, they're like butter.

Anyway, we have lots of predictions to make and many disappointments to share. To begin with, three of the top most talented women in show business were not nominated: Debbie Reynolds and yes, Barbara Streisand. It makes me very emotional. I'm getting a little verklempt. <red>Talk amongst yourselves.</red> I'll give you a topic: Rhode Island is neither a rhode nor an island.

There, I feel better. I feel better.

<b>Stephanie:</b> Wait; I almost forgot the other one that wasn't nominated, that Courtney Love. She's a singer too.

<b>Linda Richman:,</b> Ach. Hey, she looks like my pupik. Also, may I just say something, what was with that movie "The English Patient"?

<b>Stephanie:</b> I liked it.

<b>Linda Richman</b>: What's to like? That movie made me feel like The Mental Patient. And don't get me started with the actor's name. Ray-ph Fiennes? I don't think so. It's Ralph, honey. What, do you think I buy my Polo by Ray-ph Lauren? And what was with her name - Kristen Scott Thomas? Girl, boy, boy. Who are you? Pick a gender!

<b>Stephanie:</b> I'll tell you what I didn't get - that "Secrets and Lies" movie. That movie was so long, my bangs grew in before it was over.

<b>Linda Richman:</b> You want to hear a secret and a lie? The movie's great. Anyway, the good news is that Billy Crystal is hosting this year, who I love!

<b>Stephanie:</b> Oh, me too! He was on my airplane once. He had a vegetarian meal and a Diet Pepsi.

<i>(and so on)</i>

Now where were we? Oh yeah, laughing out loud!

How this went from tour operators to the mysterious and weird LOL to Linda Richman I'll never know. But funny Lynn, I'd forgotten her. I can't stay up to watch SNL anymore (and don't like taping it). Now I'M getting verklempt.

I'm just happy I was able to offer up a few laughs with all the chaos in this world .. I had no idea this posting would make everyone L-O-L.

Oh yeah, where were we? Billy was also wearing a mask.

FP

#
LaughOutLowd on Nov 7, 09 at 8:51pm

Fodors as usual. What a shame!!

******************

sorry, I don't understand a word now.............not to mention that reaction.

Sad.

SV

lynn - Oh too funny... Linda Richman is and always will be good for a laugh! Talk amongst yourselves!!! How though, could you recall all that? Thanks!

I'd like to say I have a photographic memory. But I found this exchange on the net.

... nothing wrong with that.

Me, I have a memory like an ink blotter.
I pick everything up - but - I get it all backwards!!!

regards - tom

When that happens, all you can say is:


Dammit I'm mad!

!dammIt im maD

yeah, that's what I am!!

regards - tom

I am so glad to see that this thread has not gotten nasty..thats great, even some lovely humour thrown in by atravelyn. That is so great, lets LaughOutLowd and enjoy Africa. For a moment I did think it would turn sour but it did not and thats great for you guys.

flowerpower, Africa is a great place to visit and it does not matter whom you use as a TO just go and experience something on this earth that will change your life. When you come back I and of course all the others would love to hear your views.

Folks, lets LOL and enjoy this post.

Happy Safaris

Hey thanks LOL, I am looking so forward to a trip of a lifetime and what I have learned here - whether from fodorites obsessed with Africa and sharing that obsession, or To's who contribute with useful, helpful, sometimes funny observations & experiences, etc. has really assured me that I will be falling in love, not only with the animals, but the guides, the staff and the entire ecosystem of a safari!

Appreciate your coming back really laughing with everyone.

FP

LOL - yeah sometimes it's really amazing how civilized we are

Happy landings! And I don't mean a hippo pool

SV

FP - Its only my pleasure. BTW, I am not one of the TO's you dealt with just another TO who is in love with Africa and my identity will remain unknown according to the rules here. I cannot wait to see your report when you come back. You will be a changed person and I must warn you that Africa is addictive. I have seen it so many times on my guests faces when they return and it is to put it bluntly "Out of Africa"
When are you going and which camps are you going to.
I am not going to say "Have a great time" because that would be putting it extremely mild. Your outlook on life as you know it is about to change.
Look forward to it as there will be no turning around.


SV - You're so right. Its just a matter of flipping the coin and looking at the otherside. BTW why the red devil?