[modeleng] TES

Most of you might have seen this before...other not...

Tool Envy Syndrome (TES)

Tool Envy Syndrome (TES) is a serious condition that afflicts, in 
varying degrees, nearly all men who are interested in mechanical things. 
It is very important to recognize and deal with this condition before it 
becomes serious; left untreated it can lead to a far more serious 
condition: Inflammation of the Credit Card (ICC). TES is known to strike 
under the following circumstances:

    * Browsing the latest tool catalogs or sale flyers
    * Visiting stores such as Grizzly or Harbor Freight (Warning: while 
much less so than in earlier years, the tool department at Sears can 
still trigger small attacks)
    * Visiting the shop of a friend who has more and/or better tools 
than you have
    * Surfing the web site of  someone with a well-equipped shop
    * Seeing a well-equipped shop in magazines such as Home Shop Machinist

Tool Envy Syndrome tends to strike young men particularly hard, due its 
close relationship to a similar condition: Gear Acquisition Syndrome 
(GAS). Over time, in most men, both of these conditions tend to lessen 
in severity. In fact, it can be shown that gradual accumulation of tools 
and gear over a period of years can control both conditions while 
minimizing the risk of Inflammation of the the Credit Card (this is 
known as the Mature Phase). It has also been widely observed that 
getting married and having children can moderate the risk; primarily, it 
is believed, due to counseling from a loving wife and the sobering 
effect of having lots more bills to pay.

Tool Envy Syndrome cannot be controlled by any known drugs (although its 
effects can be exaggerated by the use of alcohol). Therefore, treatment 
is currently limited primarily to counseling methods. The first step is 
admitting that you have a problem. Here are some additonal pointers:

    * Avoid situations that are likely to cause an attack
    * When visiting tool stores, leave your credit card at home 
(Warning: in severely afflicted individuals this can trigger emotional 
breakdown, fits of crying and other irrational behavior)
    * Meditate on the fine collection of tools that you already have; 
recognize that time will make it better
    * Find a quiet place. Visualize your ideal shop. Repeat to yourself 
"It is coming"

I hope you have found this information to be helpful. As a TES/GAS 
sufferer myself (now in the Mature Phase) I felt compelled to pass it on 
to you.

Patrick
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