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                               HOSTAGE.PPE
                         by Mark "Gatorbait" Lange
                   Gatorbait's Swamp BBS (NO-)BBS-#YET
                     "Where the Conservatives RALLY!"
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HOSTAGE.PPS and HOSTAGE.PPE are Copyright (c) 1993,1994 Gatorbait Software
CLINTON.PPS and CLINTON.PPE are Copyright (c) 1993 SANDD Software

Why did I write HOSTAGE.PPE?

There were many programs distributed that were takeoffs on Rush Limbaugh's Radio
and TV show intros, America Held Hostage. Many were nice, but didn't do exactly
what I wanted, so I decided to write my own. After struggling with the PCBoard
Programming Language Compiler, I had almost given up, when Scott Robison wrote
CLINTON.PPE. It still didn't do exactly what I wanted, so I borrowed Scott's
code and trudged on to what you have right now.

SETUP

HOSTAGE.PPE is simple to setup. I have set it up to execute in my login script,
by creating a simple text file and then write !D:\PCB\PPE\HOSTAGE.PPS.

Here's an example:

!D:\PCB\PPE\HOSTAGE.PPS

Of course you would substitute D:\PCB\PPE\ with the path to your .PPE programs.

Or you could setup HOSTAGE.PPE as a keyboard defined command, by including it
in PCBoard's CMD.LST.

EXAMPLE:

Enter PCBSETUP
Enter File Locations
Enter Configuration Files
Scroll to where the CMD.LST is located and press F2
Now if you do not have any empty spaces press ALT-I
Name the command HOSTAGE, enter the security level to access
and then the path and filename where HOSTAGE.PPE is located.

EXIT out and your done.

Like I said it's simple to setup.

I have included the PPS source code with HOSTAGE.PPE for those of you that have
the PCBoard Programming Language Compiler, so that you may modify the code to
suit your needs. HOSTAGE.PPE is FREEWARE, but I would appreciate a postcard or
some feedback from people that use it. If anyone has problems feel free to call
my BBS.

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HOSTAGE.CFG
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It is essential to put the correct information on each line for this feature
to work correctly. Here's a sample of my configuration file I use on my
system.

Gatorbait's Swamp   <---- Your BBS name goes here
Mark Lange          <---- Sysop's name goes here
@X1F                <---- Color of your choice
@X17                <---- Color of your choice
@X10                <---- Color of your choice

That's it! I would like to explain that the colors I have used, create a 3D
shadow effect. I wanted to add this feature to make it a bit more personal
and mesh with your existing menus, rather than force you to use mine. However
the text colors are still the same. If a need arises in the future to make
these configurable than I will try my best to accomodate.

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History
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July 14,1993 -- Released HOSTAGE.PPE v1.0 --

September 19, 1993 -- Released HOSTAGE.PPE v1.10 -- Improved the graphics
display and added tax retroactivity.

September 21, 1993 -- Released HOSTAGE.PPE v1.20 -- Fixed graphics display
problem (hopefully?!?) and fixed the retroactive and days left data.

October 2, 1993 -- Released HOSTAGE.PPE v1.30 -- Fixed graphics display
problem (yes, hopefully, this time!?!) and added HOSTAGE.CFG, a configuration
file for the sysop to choose his/her own colors.

May 7, 1994 -- Released HOSTAGE.PPE v1.40 -- Adjusted the number parameters
and centered the display boxes.

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Disclaimer
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Gatorbait Software, nor the author takes any responsibilty for any damage
caused by the use of this program. You may use this program at your own risk.

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Thanks
------

First I would like to thank Clark Development Co. and PCBoard, without them I
couldn't have done what I did.

Scott Robison, for the code to CLINTON.PPE, so that I could learn from it.

Gary Meeker for shedding some light on how to use data files in PCBoard
Programming Language. Thanks Gary!

My wife, Francisca, who patiently puts up with my BBS and programming until
the wee hours of the night.

Rush Limbaugh, my inspiration for this program and for providing me with hours
of entertainment, despite that the Politically Correct seige is underway!
DITTOS! Rush, keep up the good work.

All the millions of DittoHeads in PCland and around the country. WE ARE
WINNING!

Clinton administration, for showing America how good the Reagan and Bush years
really were. The return of tax and spending and blaming the RICH!

                       You can reach me at:

        Gatorbait's Swamp BBS - (NO-)BBS-#YET USR 16.8 Dual Standard
                          or write to

                          Mark Lange
                          PSC #80 Box 11453
                          APO AP 96367-1453

Have Fun!