Cerberus

Thanks for the reply. Would you have a better approach to suggest? There will be a divorce following an almost 2 year abandonment by soon to be ex-wife. (One of the personal issues I previously spoke of). I want to show officials that I was very serious and committed! Been such a long time since I dealt with this issue. I had forgotten that K3s were an old dinosaur!

Greetings all, I have been noticeably absent, and for several very personal reasons. My reasons are no reflection on this forum. Perhaps, I can do a later posting in regards to my not posting, and a bit of history. I'm returning to this forum for a request for information. The question revolves around the final "drop dead" age of a possible step daughtter and her immigration to the US. I performed a search and located this link for finale age of 21. Here is the link: http://candleforlove.com/forums/topic/46846-k2-age-out-and-aos/?hl=%2BAge+%2BLimits+%2BChildren&do=findComment&comment=626835. It gave information of 21 (22 prior to adjustment, etc.), and this was for a K1 & K2. If all works well I will be pursuing a K3 & 4 visa. Questions: 1. What is the official "drop dead" date of a Chinese step child from China for a K3 visa? 2. If it is 18, is this age open to waivers? My thanks to all in advance. Dave

Robert, Boy can I ever relate to several statements you made: REAL Chinese women never accept clues when someone Western attempts to help them with “clues” to pass any type of tests. I don’t know why that some Chinese women don’t understand this. YEP! This includes my own wife Yin! The she comes home and complains that they were against her because she is Chinese. I have learned to pick my battles now, and simply agree. God! I’m such a pussy! Why do our wives decide the best way to remedy a situation: is to return to China for a real doctor, hair-dresser for styling or hair color, etc., etc.? Like there aren’t competent and more qualified people in the US, and Chinese to boot if you select as such. E.G.; Yin wanted her hair colored. She rejected several good hair dressers that are very reputable and take as long as three months just for an appointment, which I was able to bypass. She rejected all of them, and I was relegated as the competent person. I became the competent person, and I panicked and did a hasty research on the Internet of how to color hair. I did well; but the wife still thought Chinese hairdressers would be better! LOL! Enjoy being the taxi driver Robert! You ain’t the first; or the last either! After 9 years of marriage; I’m still dealing with this particular issue, and nor for just driving either! Dave

Peterh, " DNoblett is absolutely correct. As long as you don't exit the immigration "secure" zone; you will have no problems. I can't remember, but you better-half might check with information. I believe that there are short-term layover hotels wirhin this zone . Depending on layover time;she/you can get a place to shower, sleep a few hours, etc. I apologize that it is a while since I flew through Narita. The last time I went through they are very similar to Bangkok. These hotel are very inconspicious, so please ask. They are not the Hilton. However! A great place to hang your for a couple of hours and "recoop." Frequent Flier mileage does drop the cost a bit. Not bragging, but I hit Platium Execuetive status. I am consistently reminded of these perks by the Club. If a lower class the price goes up. The food in Narita is a killer; and she will need extra cash. I mean even for noodle soup. Since she is in the zone; I suggest she pack some pastries/quick food from China. No fresh fruit, since Japanese are really leery of fresh goods from China. My wife has flown this route and gotten away with some quick microwave noodles. Getting lost in Narita is almost an impossibility. The Japanese have a system to guide every traveler, no matter what language they speak. If you wife gets lost, have her ask one of these escort ladies, or merely show them the tickets. Sadly; the Japanese make this system foolproof,while in LAX/La Guardia we are left to our own devices. Your wife's problems will be in the US. Basically, at the very first point of Customs/Immigations entry point. Now! Problems begin!I would suggest concentrating very hard in this area. That is when it gets really daunting. I have the same problems with a 7-year married Chinese wife, with all the proper approved paperwork, passports, visa, etc. I would suggest to have a nearly complete Visa paket in her hands, which is very similar to the enclosed brown envelope. I'm just thinking pro-active. My own wife, which arrived in 2004; will have bank and savings account statements, a copy of the appeoved Extended Stay document, 991 and Passport. Such is the cross we bear as American husbands, for our Chinese wives. Dave

Griz, Long time not being around. Very informed view of final arrangements. I know that my own wife would become lost in the process. You and many others are keenly aware of the sensitivity of Chinese, death issues of spouse, life insurance, etc., etc. After 5 years of marriage, my better-half finally acknowledged eventual consquences, for the both of us, and began to openly talk about it, and take steps into the future. Now two wills, w/life insurance, to include final arrangements for both are in place. It only took 5 years. You're advice is dead on target. Other members should discuss this before-hand, and be prepared. Chinese superstitions or not. Beware new and other older members; this is a very serious matter, and they (Chinese) will recoil from the idea as being totally repugnant. There is one thing that you didn't put in your post; D.E.R. (Do Not Resitate). Each state has specific laws in regard to hesitation of a patient, which may have a cardiac rest, resulting from prior hospitilzation. Some states require a caregiver to do everything possible to save a patient. Other states have different laws, and YMMV. My new job requires me to travel to extremely hazardous areas (e.g. Nigeria, Pakistan, Ivory Coast, etc.). Yin and I have discussed it, and I have a built-in DNR order. Yin understands this and knows that I'm unafraid of death. Well! Maybe a little bit! However! I digress from the issue. Yin and I have discussed this issue ahead of time, and after that Griz's information is dead on target. The only issue, which I have NOT discussed with Yin; is kidnap insurance! Yes! VERY real!. The last job I was on in Nigeria (45 days or so), required a 25 million, kidnap surety bond to be emplaced for each individual team member. The nicest part is that no oil corporation wants to pay. Ergo; each team member generally had one or two "machine-gunned equipped" guards in the immediate area. It was very safe. These guards are nuts. The Nigerian guards we had, need little or no excuse to fire. I have seen death before, but not so balant. These men make the Mexican Zeta cartel look like Girl Scouts. Yes! I carry the necessary paperwork wirh me always. Such are the nessesities of life and death. Dave

Saga 1: After her recent arrival to the US (2005), my wife prepared grilled fish for the both of us, in the married couple’s dorm of the university I was attending, as I was still finishing the final requirements of my degree. My wife did this cooking as a surprise for me, to show her adaptability to the US; in cooking, care of her new husband, and as a surprise for me. I did get the surprise part. I arrived home, and saw the smoke in our home from recent cooking by my wife, but nothing was on fire. I assumed that everything was okay, and the smoke was left-over from some secret Chinese cooking method, of one sort or another! I'm a wise Westerner, and I know when to keep my mouth shut, and when not to ask questions in a home, which is ruled Chinese mistress! Wrong! I inquired what the dinner was, and she proudly announced to me that she had prepared Chinese grilled fish with a Sichuan recipe, which also contained with a mixture of special Chinese herbs, and a spectacular " secret" Chinese sauce, which she had marinated the fish in, and then used the marinade juices after thickening, to glaze the fish while grilling it! BTW, the fish was about 14” long striped-bass, we had purchased maybe three days previously. Then an errant thought hit me! “Wait a minute we don’t have a grill! How in the name of Hell did she pull this off?” I got my answer soon enough! I sat the table, overlooked the table's fare, and my eyes alighted on the fish in a separate plate all by itself. Then I saw the grill marks on the fish. The grill marks were in a consistent and had evenly spaced arc patterns on the sides of the fish. While my wife was not looking; I slightly tilted the fish up a bit, and peeked underneath. Yep! The same patterns were on the opposite side of the fish, too! Circular and concentric grill marks on the grilled fish! WTF? YEP! Here it comes! With the Chinese people; necessity is the Mother of invention. My wife had lovingly grilled the fish on the stove top with the large burner! I do have to give my wife credit, when credit is due! Due to the length of the fish; she had to take 4 whacks at it (two per side) to get the entire length, of both sides of the fish. I will also admit that the fish was delicious and was entirely consumed. The next day; the cleaning of the large stove element was an absolute bitch. Yep! I’m lazy. I went to Lincoln, NE to a local hardware store and purchased a new burner pan and element! Shortly thereafter; I went another store to purchase a small portable Japanese-style hibachi grill, too! Saga 2: I was still in school, had the same circumstances as Saga 1. My wife was cooking for a college friend and I, of which had I invited to lunch at my apartment with my new Chinese wife, and had duly discussed with her two days in advance, to avoid any surprises. My wife had previously stated that she she wanted to impress my friends of what good of a Chinese wife she was, and wanted to meet them. Damn my eyes! Gentlemen and Ladies; when you hear your fiancee/fiance say words like these.... WATCH OUT! There is a disaster heading in your direction! If something; and mean anything goes wrong or is missing! Watch your 6 o'clock! Yin had been preparing the lunch for all of us. Since he was an American man, she had decided to make stir fired potato slivers , with fresh Chinese chili peppers as a side dish. Twice cooked Pork was the main entree. Unfortunately, she had run out of red peppers for the potatoes. Remember what I said previously stated about Chinese? “…necessity is the Mother of invention.” She looked around and saw my Thai Pepper plant (used for ornamental purposes only), and she tried one. Anyone that is nuts enough to eat one on these thermonuclear devices in their mouths; has my utmost respect to them. For those that don’t understand what I’m talking about; here is what they look like: http://www.thefloweringgarden.com/pics/thai-chili-pepper1.jpg She got about thirteen of them, sliced them into slivers, and awaited our arrival home. My friend and I arrived at our home. Yin began cooking to insure that we had hot and fresh food which she had prepared. Into the wok went the oil and properly heated, to a small smoking point. In went the garlic and salt. Then the potatoes were added and which was immediately followed by the 13 sliced previously mentioned sliced Thai peppers. What happened when those peppers hit the hot oil? Immediately, there was a fog which overtook the kitchen and then went to the rest of the apartment. It resembled a chemical attack of the Iraqi’s and Chemical Ali on the Kurd's! We immediately abandoned the apartment, with eyes stinging/watering, lungs gasping for air, and choking sensations which caused extended coughing. I got the worst of it, since I had sense enough to turn off the burners before I abandoned ship. It took us about half of the day to get the apartment aired out. Yep! I had had to call the Chairman of the NDT Department, and explain why I took a half-day off from school. His wife and himself had met Yin, and knew that she was a recent arrival to the US. His wife had taken my wife under her wing to assist, and loved her to death. Of course there were the usual questions from him to me, as to the nature of my emergency. I tried to explain succinctly and logically. My explanations had a reverse effect! All I heard was laughter on the other end of the line, and his final words: “Bill come here! You gotta’ hear this one!” Bill Wiley was another NDT instructor of mine. Guess whom was waiting for me the next day, when I arrived for my classes? Both of them, and another two instructors they had told about the incident, and they wanted to meet the husband of this woman! I did notice that they still had residual tears, and I suspect from laughter! After 6 years of marriage she hasn’t done this once! Knock on wood! However! I still keep a wary eye out! I will point out that sometimes, stupidity does cause ourselves to love someone even more! JUST be proactive! Keep a fire extinguisher, well-supplied first aid kit, and a fan nearby. Then have the ability to laugh about it later. BTW! That is why I have the avatar I do. SHIT HAPPENS. But just to me!

Dan, You the MAN! My most sincere thanks to you. I haven't see you screw up once regards to immigration advice. Regard to Question 1; I suspected, but couldn't say for sure myself. I have never heard of it before, but regard to myself; this a frog's view from the bottom of a well. I'm NOT all-knowing. That is why I wanted to ask others. Regards to Question 2 and 3: I suspect that he will have to front load the crap out of it. From a personal perspective when we talked today: I was absolutely shocked that he hasn't even started gathering/archiving any information, which all of us in CFL routinely are knowledgeable about. It seems like he simply thought that the immigration process would be so easy (after all he is in the US! Right? ) , he didn't have to do a damned thing except, put an application in the mail! Dumbass! From a country (Philippines) absolutely rife with sham marriages, going to the US, and slipping by USCIS, in these economic times? Is he kidding me? That is why I stated; the most positive thing that I can see with their immigration application; is that he is Filipino (male term) , and she is a Filipina (female term), and not an intercultural marriage. Otherwise, they would really be screwed! To add to your thoughts/advice; I was shocked to see that the man hadn't even started to document his relationship, and then was going to drop on USCIS an application, and the application would just sail through! I mean NO telephone logs (uses a prepaid telephone card), photo's of them both with something to show dates, commonly presented cards between a couple (e.g birthday, Xmas, miss-you cards, etc, etc. I mean nothing has been retained and/or archived for future interviews, which all of CFL members know will be coming! Crap! Any member of CFL failed to do this; a Chinese woman/man fiancee would jack their future better-half's ass up into unbelievable heights! Chinese women/men whom have never been to the US, know these facts and what they need. I'm putting together hyper-links for him, and I will include your links from VisaJourney. I also will encourage him to join this forum. At very least; he can get some insight of the future/ interviews/processes. Obviously, he doesn't have a clue yet! BTW the name is Louie Felipe. He is is really a nice guy, but a bit naive. My thanks again for the quick response. Louie is coming by this Sunday, and we are going to have a damned long conversation. And people wonder why USCIS is so cold-heart, and the get blue/white slips! Myself, I believe in the 6 P's: Prior Planning Prevents, Piss Poor Performance. Well! Into the barrel again! Why do I get the dolts at my doorstep? Dave

To CFL Members at large, I know that this is a board designed for Chinese/American Immigration issues. However, it is absolutely stuffed with USCIS processes, application tips,interview advice, and generally very good advice for any immigrant. This being said, I have a particular problem, and it is in regard to a co-worker. I believe the processes will be approximately the same, with one or two variations thrown in. I will try to be brief: 1) He is from the Philippines and is a former US Navy sailor, honorably discharged, and is currently employed in San Diego. He makes approximately 42K a year, so when we talked; poverty guidelines immediately kicked in, and who else has he sponsored. He has co-sponsored via I-864 a bother and two sons. Therefore, he is on the proverbial " " hook", and when he sponsors his wife, the determining family size will be four people, using 2009 Federal poverty guidelines. He should be alright according to my calculations. 2) He be will be marrying a Filipina fiancee. He assumed that the K3 guidelines were still in place, which all of us know this was the age of dinosaurs, and is now K1 or IR1/CR1. Therefore, he will be using this process for the CR1 visa. I did advise him that it takes longer, but will save them money in the long run (AOS and all that crap). QUESTIONS: 1. Even though he co-sponsored his brother/2 sons, and the brother is now working (not a great job, but working); is he able to transfer co-sponsorship back to the birth father? I personally suspect not, until the father is a naturalized US citizen, done the required years of work for Social Security, etc, etc. If my thinking is wrong, please say so. I know that he will have to list on his application that he co-sponsored and is now adding one more person to this total. I did advise him of this fact. Therefore, USCIS will be going over his applications for his wife with a fine-toothed comb, and his/their finances better be air-damned-tight! 2. Due to the amount of fraudulent marriages originating from the Philippines; I suspect his evolution of relationship better be documented damned well, and again better be air-damned-tight! Does anyone have advice in this area? Horror stories will also be accepted willingly. 3) Personally, and IMHO, the two of them regards to the immigration issues(s), are going to have a damned long hard time getting this accomplished, unless it is front-loaded to the maximum degree. The last thing they need is a proverbial "Black Pearl" thrown into the mix. I have advised him that he needs to begin showing the evolution of their love/relationship/marriage, and I mean right now and not at the last minute. Yep! He is sing a telephone card, not one scrap of information/photo saved yet! I can imagine USCIS VO at their interview.... " April Fool! Dumbass!" The only positive thing I have seen is that it is a Philippine couple/marriage, and not an intercultural marriage. I also suspect, that he will have to "front-load" the crap out of his application for their USCIS interview. Again; I know that this is the Philippines immigration issue, and not a Chinese Immigration issue. Therefore, I do apologize to board members. Hopefully someone might be able to give some particular insight. I have knowledge of the PI from way back when. USCIS has evolved far beyond what I personally know and/or advise intelligently on. BTW, he tried Visa Journey, and didn't really feel comfortable. I might advise him to become a CFL member, and BTW he is more sane than I. My thanks to all in advance. Dave

1) Aren't you sort of dodging a long-coming issue with your family over religion, that has been coming for long time already? You would have the same problem with your family over religion whether your fiancee/wife was Chinese, Korean, Japanese, or San Fernando "valley" girl. There is no insult intended by what I'm stating. 2) Other members have chimed in, and basically their thoughts were: 1) How do you feel regard to your own religious beliefs? 3) What does your fiancee/wife feel about this issue? Most esp, since she is an intricate part of the equation. 3) What will the both of accept as a common-held belief system for the both of you, and what compromises are the both of you willing to accept? Very hard questions, since she is also a part of the equation. Obviously, the both of you have some serious-ass heart searching to do. After all; you didn't marry your father, mother, family or their belief systems. You married her, and are a new family, with your own belief system. What your family believes into a higher deity and/or value system; I will never interfere in, and neither should any other person. What does this have to do with your situation? Simple! My own family (western father) became a reborn Pentecostal Christian, with all the rebound effects of the book of Revelations, Chinese hordes taking over the world at Armageddon, etc, etc. You might imagine the reception my own wife received. This stated; my father passed. My wife wrote a speech at his passing from China, and later read at his eulogy, regard to God and gathering in the toys, and time to sleep. It brouhght the house down, and endeared my wife forever into my Western families heart's. Personally, for my family; Yin is a curious mix of Buddhism beliefs, coupled with Roman Catholic traditions (but hates the controlling nature of the Catholic Church; Yes! We do attend Mass), but also enjoys being a "luke-warm" Lutheran with the communion, dinners, etc, etc. Yin and I both enjoy the beliefs of the right of communion (Catholic and Lutheran), and oftentimes Yin will cry during this particular time. Myself, I'm a mix of Buddhist, Lutheran, and Native-American (Cherokee), with a bit of hardnosed-ass soldier (5 conflicts) thrown into the mix, but firmly believe in the Triune God. Obviously, this belief system takes time, a lot of heart-to-heart and mind-to-mind conversations to develop between a married couple. LOL! You gotta say one thing; Your new conversations over this particular issue won't be boring! :rotfl:Might I suggest to not to blindside your wife. and have her prepared for your family. I did it, both on the Western-side and the Chinese-side. It takes time, a lot of bravery on both your parts, and a lot of nicely (well-thought out) conversations. They key idea is to pre-plan for the worse scenario. Have you read my Significant Differences thread in the Culture sub-forum? No insult intended. However, you and/or your fiancee have formed your own "new" family unit (religious or otherwise). Your fiancee/wife looks to you for guidance and leadership for the family; and yes, this does include religious values/beliefs of the family. I suspect that your wife wants to have her "new" family (you), to have their own home, without parental and/or religious influence besides giving advice. If you moved to China, wouldn't you expect the same considerations in regard to yourself? Just remember a southern expression that is used.... "A square peg won't fit in a round hole, lessen you gotta a big hammer to pound it in. But, the pounded peg ain't gonna look to good!" Same saying, applies to your new family in regards to customs, language, choice of food, cleaning/cleanliness of the home, family matters (West & East) and even down to religion. You/her dictate where the family will go on any and/or all issues. In short; talk between yourselves, set up a good game plan, anticipate the future in a worst-case scenario, both of you be flexible, and be prepared for hard-nosed decisions. I lost four of my own immediate family due to my wife's Cinema culture. My wife lost her own mother, and 2 others due specifically to me being Western, to both of our religious beliefs. Neither of us have any regrets, since we are our own family. Now it the time to adapt, and overcome. Just do it wisely. Best of luck

BK, I looked at a map of the common fossil sites located in the Gobi Desert and this is a long darnED way from 4-hours of Wuhan. I enjoy science subjects, and I know that a lot of fossilized eggs, and nesting sites of dinosaurs were located in the Gobi. However, this comes back to the question of exporting antiquities from China, penalties, or still a scam, etc, etc. And you are correct, I believe the penalties to black-market dealers and to the buyers are both very severe. This being said, It sounds like they may have found/purchased some geodes. I don't Know enough about China's geology, to even hazard a S.W.A.G. (Scientific Wild-Assed Guess) Perhaps, they ought to just clean them up, and as an experiment, take one or all of them to a local Chinese rock shop and have it evaluated? For God's sake; don't even ask me what the name of one is. Have you wife answer this question. However, I know that I have been in several of these stores in Chengdu, China. Many people bring stones back from Jiuzhagou National Park (九寨沟), to be polished, and/or placed on board which resemble miniaturized mountain scenes. The Japnese have a name for suzuzuki or some thing like that. You might take one as a sample, have a band saw cut it in half, and to determine if it is a geode. Here is a site, and geodes can be found in China. http://www.twoguysfo....com/oddity.htm , and they do sell them. Ergo, there are geodes in "them thar Chinese hills!" Please refrain from the Walter Houston dance regard to gold, and such! After that; they can enjoy their new conversation piece in their home and not get in trouble. However there is one drawback. It it is a fossilized egg, and any good rock hound will see it immediately, be prepared to surrender the piece immediately, and sell the dealer down the river. Hopefully this is where it ends. Good luck, no matter whatever turns out. I do hope that it is a geode, which they can enjoy for years to come. And BTW....Don;t feel lonely. I have never heard the line from my own wife, of Chinese get-rich quick schemes, which was heard from a friend, to a friend, to another friend, and they cared about us, and we were coming in on the basement floor! Thank God, that after six years of marriage and living in the US, my wife is starting to "smell the coffee," and has a very "jaded" eye now! Life is already complicated enough already! Yep! I still get the same pitches from Chinese men and women on the West Coast, even today! Dave

Randy, That is the only connection, and you got it right. When I first saw the thread, and I saw the term, I automatically went back into what I knew as "dinosaur eggs." When I read the post, I realized that Bokwien was talking about a very serious subject, and the conversation morphed from there. However, It still sounds like a scam, and exporting any and all antiquities from China, I would have a very, VERY leery eye at! Most especially at dinosaur remains from the Gobi Desert. I don't believe that China would have any sense of humor at them being exported in the least. Ergo; it is probably a scam anyway. The geodes, and spotted owls was my chance to get at Don, in a good-matured way. After all the Middle Kingdom did have some sense of humor. Sorry, that I detracted from the OP. Dave

RIGHT! BUUUUWWWWWWWAAAAHHHHHHHAAAA! OH GOD! You're killing me! BUUUUWWWWWWWAAAAHHHHHHHAAAA! "for what I'm worth and sell me for what I think I'm worth." Yahhhhh! And I'm quiet, and not opinionated! Buwahhhhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaa! Sniff, sniff...... Bokwien; I'm sorry I took away from you serous question with you OP. My advice advice still remains the same. Unless you talk your wife into selling dinosaur geodes like Don. However! Don is offered at a cheaper price. The very least you have is someone to wax your car on the weekends, take the garbage out! Don! I see that you haven't lost your sense of humor at all have you?

Don, Damned sure if you aren't right! I went on line to research it, and I found this link: http://www.statesymb...Thunderegg.html . However! "Ugly on the outside, beautiful on the inside. Like me." UHHHHH! I don't know about this, Don. My uncle used to cut the found geodes apart with a metal band saw, then he would thoroughly wash the outside and inside of the geode with a toilet brush to bring out the crystal's beauty. You know.......Sort of like cleaning a toilet bowl. Everyone like a clean toilet, after all! Might I suggest going for the new state bird of Oregon, the spotted owl, instead of the Oregon State rock! There are reasons: 1) No one cleans you with a toilet brush, and most especially on the inside, to improve your beauty inside or out! Albeit, as a spotted owl, there is always some "do-goody, tree-hugger," which might give you the stray enema now and again! They are simply worried about you, while you remain peacefully perched on your branch! 2) You are endangered, and watched after. Who cares about a geode anyway!?! All you have to worry about is a chainsaw, and you can always flyaway from this. A band saw is something different. 3) And finally, is this a geode you are sitting on, or you are looking at in your avatar? Perhaps, we could sell you! Bokwein, forget about the ski resort. Let's sell Don! Yep! Back from the ROK, and finally feeling my mettle. Dave

BK, I understand you skepticism as to this being perfectly legitimate operation. Sounds like you have your head on straight. These scams have been going on for year in China, or at least when I first arrived in China. Examples are: 1) Famous antique watercolor paintings in Guilin, and of course a person, which just happens to "meet" you in the marketplace, has knowledge of where these treasures are located at too! And X does mark the spot on their "special map!" 2) There are many antique jade necklaces, incense burners, jade bracelets in for sale in Chengdu markets. BTW, these same people I have met with the same damned map too! Idiot tourists! 3) I haven't traveled extensively in Beijing, Shanghai, etc, etc. However I will wager that the same treasure map is in each one of those respective cities, too! I attempted to find a link I had a long time ago regards to the export of anitiquities from China. I believe that you needed to have a special permit from PRC and governing agencies to pull his trick off. Here is one link that might be helpful: My link (right click and open in a new window). I can't find what the punishments are; but I believe that China takes a really dim view of any and all antiquities leaving its borders. I believe that the penalities were extreme. Even if the punishments were minimal, imagine the crap that PRC can put into anyone's day attempting to exports fossils from China. IMHO, this is about the last thing I would want to raise the ire of the PRC against myself. This being said it still sounds like a scam. Yeah! I know what you say about how easily someone can be suckered in. If the both of you want a substantial return on investment capital; there is is a ski resort in Nebraska, with 7 seven runs on it, which I might be able to get you in on at the basement-level. The required capital is $75K only, and promises a return of 125% on a two year basis. Obviously, marketing & advertisement will cost extra, to get it up and running, and to obtain maximum return on initial investment. Good luck! Fast edit and forgot to add one thing. Down in MO, KY, and several other states, there something also called "dinosaur eggs" and/or "thunder eggs." They are scientifically called geodes. Here is the link for them: http://www.rocksfork...R&M/geodes.html. They are just crystallized minerals. I have seen these crystal geodes sold up and down the West Coast and are very easily found in China and Korea towns. I have seen them in China, (the Chinese geodes) are usually sliced thinly, polished, and then mounted on a stand. I don't know about what the market is like, but I suspect that it is a very slim market niche. I asked my wife once, and she merely scoffed, and considers them as one more thing that gathers dust, and she has to clean. YMMV.