Is It Fraud? Jerusalem "Compass" Back In News

A fraud by any other name is a? "Compass." A Jerusalem "Compass," to be exact. Remember the so-called Jerusalem "compass" sold by ArtScroll? It's back in the news, so to speak, on VosIzNeias (and taken without attribution from the Christian Broadcasting Network):

Moshe Ashin is an Orthodox Jew who said that he got inspiration to develop what he calls the Jerusalem Compass.

"I started thinking to myself, wouldn't it be wonderful if the compass could point in a direction that had more meaning to all of us? A direction that was more important. So here we are, the holiest city in the world, the center of the universe and all roads lead to Jerusalem, let the compass point here," Ashin said.

The Jerusalem Compass, unlike a typical compass that points north, is designed to point to Jerusalem.

"I developed a patented recalibration system and this keeps the needle of the compass constantly pointing in the direction of Jerusalem from anywhere in the world. Just open the cover and it's pointing there," Ashin said.

There was a lot of Jblog traffic when this "compass" debuted, most of it critical  of the claim that the "compass" always points to Jerusalem. The contention of many bloggers was that the "compass" merely was modified so that the needle pointed north (as with any compass) but displayed east, meaning that people to the east of the Temple Mount, or due north or south of it, would have a "compass" pointing in the wrong direction. Backers of the "compass" disputed this

But here is Ashin making this claim again, yesterday, to the CBN:

As a way of reminding believers about the significance of Jerusalem, Moshe, an Orthodox Jew has come up with a unique reminder of the eternal significance of the city the Bible calls "the city of the Great King." As we explained on last Thursday's 700 Club, he believes he received divine inspiration to develop what he calls the Jerusalem compass.

Overlooking the city of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, he told us, "I started thinking to myself, wouldn't it be wonderful if the compass could point in a direction that had more meaning to all of us? A direction that was more important. Where would that be? So here we are in the holiest city in the world, the center of the universe, and all roads lead to Jerusalem. Let the compass point here."

Moshe said he developed a patented recalibration system that keeps the needle of the compass constantly pointing toward Jerusalem from anywhere in the world.

The problem? The Mount of Olives is to the east of the Temple Mount, and the "compass" will not point to the Temple. Why? The patent claim for the "compass" as filed by Moshe Ashin, which clearly states it is a novelty item:

Claims:

What is claimed is:

1. A novelty item comprising a compass-like device having a housing and a magnetized compass needle suspended therein, said device further comprising a compass face positioned above said needle and hiding same from view, wherein said magnetized needle is rigidly attached, via a linking means, to a non-magnetized pointer positioned in a plane parallel to the plane of said magnetized compass needle above said compass face and angularly displaced from said magnetized compass needle, whereby said non-magnetized pointer always points to a direction other than North.

2. A novelty item according to claim 1, wherein said non-magnetized pointer is angularly displaced from said magnetized compass needle at an angle of about 90.degree. and positioned to always point to the East.

3. A novelty item according to claim 1, wherein said housing is non-transparent except for a transparent top face.

4. A novelty item according to claim 1, wherein the distance between said compass face and the housing top cover is at least twice the distance between said compass face and the housing base.

5. A novelty item according to claim 2, wherein said compass face carries a message of religious significance relating to the direction indicated by said non-magnetized pointer.

6. A novelty item according to claim 1, wherein said non-magnetized pointer is shaped and colored to provide an appearance similar to that of a magnetized compass needle used in a normal compass.…

[0014] It will thus be realized that the novel device of the present invention can be marketed in different countries with a pointer oriented to match the direction towards which prayers should be recited. For example, a compass indicating South can be marketed in Finland and Russia, a compass directed towards East can be marketed in the USA and Mexico and a compass indicating West can be sold in India, Pakistan, Burma and Japan. Intermediate directions, for example South-West, would be suitable for Mid-Europe and the UK.

In other words, the "compass" always points east, which for many people means they will be praying not toward the Temple, but north or south of it. In the worst case, Jews will be praying with their backs to the Temple.

How is this "compass" marketed? First, more from Ashin's patent filing:

[0007] There is no doubt that a more direct and easier to use method [i.e., the new Jerusalem "compass"] would be useful, particularly for less-educated worshippers. However, a search of prior art for such device produced only improvements to North-pointing compasses but nothing relevant to the present disclosure.

"Less-educated worshippers," precisely the people who would use the "compass" while traveling in Eastern Europe or Israel and pray in the wrong direction.

Who is the primary marketer of this "compass"? ArtScroll, the main haredi publisher of books geared for – ba'alei teshuva, Jewishly uneducated so-called returnees to Orthodoxy:

You may be wondering why the compass is called "the Jerusalem of Gold Compass". Well that's because it points only in the direction of Jerusalem from any point on the Globe. Now that is unique - think about it... all other compasses point North and this one points to Jerusalem...

How's that done you ask? That's Israeli Technology for you... No batteries, No outside energy source, Nothing at all... and it appears to defy nature.

Instead of pointing North it will always point to Jerusalem. This compass was developed in Jerusalem over many years, and is patented in the United States.

This compass is beautifully crafted from solid brass, and is finished in rich genuine gold, buffed to a mirror finish. It is also includes a matching gold finished chain attached to the compass.

Have you ever found yourself away from home, and suddenly you realized that it is quickly approaching the final time for Mincha? You may be in a car, your office or a friends home. If you are like most people, at best, you will approximate the direction for East, and start davening. But…East is not the direction for Jerusalem. However, it is the direction for China, and Syria!

Ashin's patent does not support these claims. I believe that makes ArtScroll (and Ashin) in violation of Federal law.

UPDATE – A commenter writes:

On the Jerusalem Compass website there's a prominently featured database of calibration settings for cities around the world.

There is. But nowhere in the text of the front page of the website is it made clear calibration is necessary. I tried this calibration tool. It does not work in the Mac browsers Safari or Firefox. I accessed it using IE. But the results I got were the same for Los Angeles, Saint Louis, Minneapolis, Chicago, Moscow, Tel Aviv, and other cities. All were shown, with their correct name, as being 5124 kilometers from Jerusalem. Each city has the same calibration setting, 046.

In other words, for many users the calibration database is useless. Further, the ad copy for the "compass" makes false claims. Without manual calibration for each location, the "compass" will be wrong. No real surprise there.

Also no surprise is the endorsement of this piece of junk by some of the haredi world's leading gedolim, including Rabbi Moshe Shternbuch of Edah Charedis and The Novominsker Rebbe, head of Agudath Israel of America's rabbinic arm. Also not too surprising is the complete lack of endorsements from NRP/MO rabbis of note, most of whom, presumably, would have noticed the problems with the 'compass.'

You can click on the images above to enlarge them.

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/20020162234.html

                       

Patent Number: Advanced Search
Site Contents                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Search Patents                                                                              Use our search engine to find what you need                                                                                                               Data and Analytical Services                                                                              Complete custom solutions                                                                                                               Syntax Reference                                                                              Learn our powerful search syntax                                                                                                               F.A.Q.                                                                              About this site and our patent search engine	Bookmark This Site Login or Create Account (Free!)                                       Title: Novelty item Document Type and Number: United States Application 20020162234 Link to this Page: http://www.freepatentsonline.com/20020162234.html Abstract: The invention provides a novelty item comprising a compass-like device having a housing and a magnetized compass needle suspended therein, the device further comprising a compass face positioned above the needle and hiding same from view, wherein the magnetized needle is rigidly attached, via a linking means, to a non-magnetized pointer positioned in a plane parallel to the plane of the magnetized compass needle above the compass face and angularly displaced from the magnetized compass needle, whereby the non-magnetized pointer always points to a direction other than North. Inventors: Ashin, Moshe; Application Number: 845834 Filing Date: 2001-05-01 Publication Date: 2002-11-07 View Patent Images:      Login or Create Account (Free!)     Related Patents: View patents that cite this patent Export Citation: Click for automatic bibliography generation     Assignee: Primary Class: 33/349         Other Classes: International Classes: G01C 017/10 Attorney, Agent or Firm: LARSON & TAYLOR, PLC 1199 NORTH FAIRFAX STREET SUITE 900 ALEXANDRIA VA 22314 US          Claims: What is claimed is: 1. A novelty item comprising a compass-like device having a housing and a magnetized compass needle suspended therein, said device further comprising a compass face positioned above said needle and hiding same from view, wherein said magnetized needle is rigidly attached, via a linking means, to a non-magnetized pointer positioned in a plane parallel to the plane of said magnetized compass needle above said compass face and angularly displaced from said magnetized compass needle, whereby said non-magnetized pointer always points to a direction other than North. 2. A novelty item according to claim 1, wherein said non-magnetized pointer is angularly displaced from said magnetized compass needle at an angle of about 90.degree. and positioned to always point to the East. 3. A novelty item according to claim 1, wherein said housing is non-transparent except for a transparent top face. 4. A novelty item according to claim 1, wherein the distance between said compass face and the housing top cover is at least twice the distance between said compass face and the housing base. 5. A novelty item according to claim 2, wherein said compass face carries a message of religious significance relating to the direction indicated by said non-magnetized pointer. 6. A novelty item according to claim 1, wherein said non-magnetized pointer is shaped and colored to provide an appearance similar to that of a magnetized compass needle used in a normal compass. Description: [0001] The present invention relates to a novelty item which can be used as a prayer aid. More particularly, the invention provides a compass which can be manufactured to point in any desired direction. [0002] There is always a demand for novelty items. Items valued at a few dollars or more will generally be purchased by individuals for personal use or for use as a gift, while low-cost items ate often purchased in bulk by organizations for distribution as gifts for advertising purposes of by charitable organizations in appreciation of those giving support thereto. The item disclosed in the present specification is well suited to such purpose. [0003] The use of magnets as aids to navigation can be traced back at least to the eleventh century. The North-pointing compass basically comprises a ferrous magnetized needle pivoted on a low friction bearing or supported in a suitable liquid. Due to the earth's magnetic field reacting with the poles of the magnetized needle, and said needle being freely suspended in a non-ferrous housing which is transparent to a magnetic field, said needle self-aligns in a direction corresponding to the North-South direction of the earth's magnetic field so that one arm of said needle, suitably marked or colored, always points North, hence the navigational use of the device. [0004] Various improvements on the basic compass have been proposed, examples being disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,055,902 to Jolley et al., 4,175,333 top Kramer, 4,700,490 to Kramer et al., 4,930,224 to LeBlanc and 5,146,687 to Kjellstrom. All prior-art compasses relate to finding global North or Magnetic North. [0005] As is known, certain religions require that those engaged in prayer face in a specified direction. For example, Jews are required to face Jerusalem while reciting the "Amidah" (standing) prayer, while Muslims are required to pray while facing Mecca. People who are outside their own homes or away from their normal house of worship are often in doubt as to the correct direction to face while praying. [0006] A solution used at present is to view a standard compass. Having ascertained thereby which direction is North, and considering the person's position relative to the city which is to be faced, the correct deduction can be made. For example, a person in India wishing to pray while facing West may use a standard compass to ascertain North. Thereafter he/she turns 90.degree. anti-clockwise to face in the correct direction. [0007] There is no doubt that a more direct and easier to use method would be useful, particularly for less-educated worshippers. However, a search of prior art for such device produced only improvements to North-pointing compasses but nothing relevant to the present disclosure. [0008] It is therefore one of the objects of the present invention to provide a novelty item comprising an unusual compass. [0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an indicator for the direction which should be faced while praying. [0010] Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a compass which closely resembles the appearance of a standard North-pointing compass yet which points in another direction. [0011] The present invention achieves the above objects by providing a novelty item comprising a compass-like device having a housing and a magnetized compass needle suspended therein, said device further comprising a compass face positioned above said needle and hiding same from view, wherein said magnetized needle is rigidly attached, via a linking means, to a non-magnetized pointer positioned in a plane parallel to the plane of said magnetized compass needle above said compass face and angularly displaced from said magnetized compass needle, whereby said non-magnetized pointer always points to a direction other than North. [0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a novelty item wherein said non-magnetized pointer is angularly displaced from said magnetized compass needle at an angle of about 90.degree. and positioned to always point to the East. [0013] In a most preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a novelty item wherein the non-magnetized pointer is shaped and colored to provide an appearance similar to that of a magnetized compass needle used in a normal compass. [0014] It will thus be realized that the novel device of the present invention can be marketed in different countries with a pointer oriented to match the direction towards which prayers should be recited. For example, a compass indicating South can be marketed in Finland and Russia, a compass directed towards East can be marketed in the USA and Mexico and a compass indicating West can be sold in India, Pakistan, Burma and Japan. Intermediate directions, for example South-West, would be suitable for Mid-Europe and the UK. [0015] The compass face can be used to carry an advertising message or an appropriate message of religious significance. For those familiar with the Bible, a suitable verse relating to prayer direction can be selected therefrom. [0016] In preferred embodiments of the invention an element of mystery is added by the pointer appearing to defy the laws of physics by pointing in a direction other than North, By allocating only the minimum space needed to the chamber containing the magnetized compass needle, while allowing a more generous allocation of space for the non-magnetized dummy pointer, the existence of the magnetized needle can be most difficult to discover and thus increase the mystery of the pointer indicating a direction other than North. Furthermore, as the non-magnetized pointer can easily be made to appear as if it were a standard compass magnetized needle, a viewer is most unlikely to understand why the device acts in an apparently inexplicable manner. [0017] The invention will now be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments with reference to the following illustrative figures so that it may be more fully understood. [0018] With specific reference now to the figures in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. IN THE DRAWINGS [0019] FIG. 1a is a fragmented perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the compass according to the invention; [0020] FIG. 1b is a sectioned detail of the central support shaft; [0021] FIG. 2 is a plan view of an East-pointing embodiment; [0022] FIG. 3 is a fragmented perspective view of an embodiment provided with a narrow lower chamber; [0023] FIG. 4 is a plan view of an embodiment wherein the non-magnetized pointer is arranged to appear as if it were a standard magnetized compass needle. [0024] There is seen in FIG. 1a novelty item comprising a compass-like device 10 having a non-transparent housing 12. Suitably the housing 12 can be made of a non-ferrous metal or a non-transparent plastic such as a phenolic. [0025] A transparent top face 14, which can suitably be made of a clear acrylic thermoplastic, seals an open upper face of the housing 12. [0026] A magnetized compass needle 16 is pivotally suspended in the lower section 18 of the housing 12. An opaque compass face 20 positioned above the magnetized needle 16, in combination with the housing 12, hides the needle 16 from view. [0027] The magnetized needle 16 is rigidly attached, via a linking means seen in FIG. 1b, to a non-magnetized pointer 22. The pointer 22 is clearly visible through the transparent top face 14 of the housing 12, and is positioned in a plane parallel to the plane of the magnetized compass needle 16 and above the compass face 20, The pointer 22 is angularly displaced from the magnetized compass needle 16, whereby the non-magnetized pointer 22 always indicates a direction other than North. [0028] FIG. 1b shows a suitable linking means and suspension arrangement for the magnetized needle 16 and the non-magnetized pointer 22. Whether a simple pointed lower bearing 24, as shown, is used, or a jewel bearing (not shown) is to support the central shaft 26 is merely a question of whether to market a low-cost or high quality device. [0029] Both the non-magnetized pointer 22 and the magnetized compass needle 16 are rigidly attached to the shaft 26, the compass face 20 therebetween providing the upper bearing 28. The angle between the non-magnetized pointer 22 and the magnetized compass needle 16 is factory set in accordance with the geographical location in which the device is to be marketed. [0030] It will be realized that many alternative configurations of the pivotal support are possible. For example, the compass disk and magnetic needle could be an integral unit suspended to be revolvable, while the non-magnetized pointer is fixed, and could appear as a printed or painted arrow on or under the transparent top cover. [0031] With regard to the rest of the figures, similar reference numerals have been used to identify similar parts. [0032] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is seen a novelty item 30 wherein the non-magnetized pointer 32 is angularly displaced from the magnetized compass needle 34 at an angle of about 90.degree. and positioned to always point to the East. The item of the present embodiment is suitable for sale to users in the USA and Mexico. The eastern direction is marked, suitably by a large E 36, while other directions are unmarked. [0033] In the present embodiment, the compass face 38 carries a message 40 of religious significance relating to the direction indicated by said non-magnetized pointer 22. The verse quoted from Kings 1, 8, 30 forms the basis for the regulation in Jewish law requiring worshippers to face the site of the Temple in Jerusalem. [0034] The present embodiment is provided with an attachment ring 42 for convenience in retaining the item on a key chain or ring. [0035] FIG. 3 illustrates a novelty item 44 wherein the distance between the compass face 46 and the housing top cover 48 is at least twice the distance between the compass face 46 and the housing base 50. For example, the distance between the compass face 46 and the housing top cover 48 is 10 mm and the distance between the compass face 46 and the housing base 50 is 3 mm. By allocating only minimum space to the magnetized compass needle 52, detection thereof is unlikely and the user is intrigued by the action of the visible but non-magnetized pointer 54 which indicates a direction other than North. [0036] Seen in FIG. 4 is a further embodiment 56 of the novelty item. The visible non-magnetized pointer 58 is shaped and colored to provide an appearance similar to that of a magnetized compass needle used in a normal compass. As the magnetized needle 60 is not visible, a viewer has no means of knowing that the visible pointer 58 is a non-magnetic dummy, and will be much perplexed at the direction indicated by pointer 58. [0037] It will be evident to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the details of the foregoing illustrative embodiments and that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

Comments

[Itzhak Schier]

I agree with you that this thing is a shtick dreck, but why drag Artscroll into the mud? I do not see any connection between Artscroll and this compass at the present time.

[Shmarya]

Follow the link They're still selling it and still misrepresenting it!

[Itzhak Schier]

So is everyone else in the Judaica business I guess. In any case their blurb is not much of an endorsement. It is not as if they then link to the compass site which includes rabbinical haskomos.

[The Monsey Tzadik]

Not to worry, the earth is round (I think most charedim accept it) so in any direction it will point to Jerusalem as well as to Mecca and the Church of Nativity

[Yos]

"...so in any direction it will point to Jerusalem as well as to Mecca and the Church of Nativity."

Heh. Good one.

[Anon]

The patent application also states that it provides "a means for re-positioning said angular displacement of said non-magnetic pointer above said partition, in relation to said magnetized compass needle below said partition." Perhaps the instructions have guidelines stating when in NY set the dial as follows, etc. Even if it does, the webiste disclosure is still I think misleading since it states that it works anywhere without qualification that adjustments are necessary.

[Shmarya]

I haven't seen it but I recall that, when it first was in the news, it was alleged there was nothing noted on the packaging about adjustments.

[ira kaufman]

bullshit or not sounds like a great gift.just mention to the reciever it don't work.

[YoelB]

On the Jerusalem Compass website there's a prominently featured database of calibration settings for cities around the world.
Also on their website is an article by Judy Siegal-Itzkovich which contains the following:

The $39, non-electrical, non-computerized device - registered for an international patent - appears to defy nature, as the magnetic needle does not always point north. It is pre-calibrated for the continental US (excluding Miami, Hawaii and Alaska). But "log book" code numbers on the inside of the brass cover encompass virtually any other location on the globe. The user recalibrates by releasing the MPR bar, rotating the rim of the compass glass until the needle is opposite the relevant code number on the dial and sliding the MPR bar towards him after recalibration. The setting doesn't have to be changed until you travel to another city in a large country or a different small country.

I don't know if the calibration stuff was in the first ones released, but it's there now.
You guys are pretty good at snark, how about trying some research?

Just a thought.

[za]

I might have my own gripe against the device, but this article is unfair. The device comes with instructions on how to set it (calibrate) and most educated people should understand that:
a) one should read and follow the manual as with any other unfamiliar device we use.
b) this device, like any other in the world is limitted by the laws of nature (physics) and cannot perform miracles beyond these laws.

Once we do that, we find that the device is quite accurate. It is novelty, but then, why not? It is a cute novelty.

[Seraphya]

The calibration tool worked for me in firefox 2.0.0.2 with some issues and page not founds and other errors, but I tried some of the cities you used and they got results. They are missing some important cities that should be included. Also sometimes I did get the same results for two different cities like you did, but then after trying again it worked.

He calls it magic!
That is forbidden!

[Yehuda]

Haven't you ever heard about Slander, defamation, evil speech-loshon Horah??

You never read the sefer by the Chofetz Chaim about the one who desires life, keeps his mouth from speaking evil.

The Chofetz chaim brings down the Rambam, that there are 3 groups who lose not only their share in this world, but the world to come as well. This is for evil speech,that is "true", i.e. loshon Horah, but for Defamation, i.e motzei shem Rah, you and all who believe the above, all who have read your motzei shem rah have absolutely no tikkun. Your site is really "Failed"!!!

You never even checked out the details to see that the patent you quoted above is NOT the patent for this invention. Didn't you think that when all of the stores, Artscroll etc, advertised details about the product, things that don't make sense with the patent you fraudently quoted above, just maybe you made a mistake? You don't know how careful an "orthodox" Jew must be before he spreads slander, to people, stores, etc, and all of the poor fools who come to this site who believe also without checking it out.They think that you are here to help them and reveal the truth, as if you are their friends.
Did you see the item before you wrote your lies about it? Did you see that it does not fit with the patent application you quoted above?
If a reputable company like Artscroll was selling it, I personally would assume that they checked it out. Why didn't you. Maybe because you are that type of "orthodox" jew who just lovessss slander, and loshon horah like the rest of your smelly site.
I own the compass now for 2 years, and it does what the manufacture said it does, and the patent, (not the one you quote above) states clearly that it does. And, the manufacturer on their web site clearly states, that all who are not satisfied may return the item.
Didn't you think that for someone to make statements about an item, that aren't true, they will suffer losses, etc. No one in their right mind would publically mis-represent their product, and then go and advt. it like that.
If you are East of Jerusalem, it will point to Jerusalem. If you are west of Jerusalem, it will point to Jerusalem. If you are North, or South also, just as the marketers, artscroll, the manufacture claim.
Just like a wrist watch keeps time, (does this mean you don't need to re-set it when you travel to another country, or is this also "FRAUD" in your eyes.
You really should have been much more careful, if you really are "orthodox" Jews.
The patent for this invention, (if you are interested in truth, is u.s. patent
# 7,134,213, issued in 2006, entitled, "Magic Compass".

This is why the Chofetz Chaim went into such depth with his sefer on Loshon Horah.
The thousands of people who believed in your defamation as being "true", will all suffer for being "Mekable" motzei Shem Rah, and you, for all of the thousands that you were Mikshal, (like Itzchak "Shmeer" above, with your defamation, to the manufacturer, all of the stores that carried it, etc, etc, will be judged. I personally read through the Chofetz Chaims sefer every day for about 14 years. the laws of loshon Horah, and not to mention Motzei Shem Rah (slander) which is so severe you can't even begin to fathom it, are very detailed and complex.

Also, about the comment above on Magic being forbidden, look at the inventors Patent, (not the one you "fraudgently quoted above"), that magic in the dictionary, is "slight of hand", i.e. everyone knows that it is not really "magic", but just appears that way.

Maybe what that commentor above meant was "black magic", oy vey.

At least one thing is for sure. All you poor yidden who spread, and believe slander, will make the inventor, the stores, etc all rich people, because, as the chofetz chaim says, your mitzvos go to them, and their aveiros go to you for the damaged you caused.

Tzur M'Rah......

[Yehuda]

UPDATE: You yourself state above in your slander copy:,"

"There is But nowhere in the text of the front page of the website is it made clear calibration is necessary."

What a fool! I just looked on the front page of the website, and there is a huge picture in the margin stating "Access our online worldwide recalibration data base", then when you can't help but click on it, it tells you to enter your location in order to determine the proper setting for your compass"
I would assume from this is requires re-setting since that is what it says, i.e "to determine the "SETTING" for your compass".
I would imagine with this plastered on the front page, that the directions with the item explain the rest. Also, those who wish to have more information probably wrote the manufacturer. And, anyone not satisfied are given a no questions asked money back guarantee.that is what I saw on the front page.
Well Mr. "Failed", I really do not envy your lies, slander, and your world to come.

[Shmarya]

You're simply not very bright.

Reread what I wrote. It proves you wrong simply and clearly.

[Yehuda]

Why don't you look at this comment stated above by YoelB,he writes: "On the Jerusalem Compass website there's a prominently featured database of calibration settings for cities around the world.
Also on their website is an article by Judy Siegal-Itzkovich which contains the following:

The $39, non-electrical, non-computerized device - registered for an international patent - appears to defy nature, as the magnetic needle does not always point north. It is pre-calibrated for the continental US (excluding Miami, Hawaii and Alaska). But "log book" code numbers on the inside of the brass cover encompass virtually any other location on the globe. The user recalibrates by releasing the MPR bar, rotating the rim of the compass glass until the needle is opposite the relevant code number on the dial and sliding the MPR bar towards him after recalibration. The setting doesn't have to be changed until you travel to another city in a large country or a different small country.

I don't know if the calibration stuff was in the first ones released, but it's there now.
You guys are pretty good at snark, how about trying some research?

Just a thought.

Posted by: YoelB | March 20, 2007 at 11:45 PM """

Just like you didn't refer to this comment,nor did you obviously ever look at the Sefer of the Chofetz Chaim, (why would you want to, you would have to close down this stinking site).
And you yourself leave a comment above that:
"I haven't seen it but I recall that, when it first was in the news, it was alleged there was nothing noted on the packaging about adjustments.

Posted by: Shmarya | March 20, 2007 at 07:21 PM

What a fool. You never learned that it is forbidin to speak about anything unless you "saw it with your own eyes", and even then, there are hundreds of Halachos in Hilchos Loshon Hora before you can start to make public your thoughts etc as fact.
You still don't seem bothered that you copy above the wrong patent to the item, and then you "fraudently" begin to show via the wrong patent, how the item is a fraud. It is clear that you see yourself to be completely free of any responsibility to Fraudulent statements. But, of course, Chazal state. That what one sees in the other, they in fact have the same attributes in themselves.So, shmarya, thank you for publicly exposing yourself to all of us via your fraudulent statements.
Now, if you really want to talk aliba d' truth. I mean Torah truth, then open your sefer Chofetz Chaim,(if you own one) and please, (after you dust it off) show me the perek and sif, and sif katan that states you are not going to burn eternally.
why did the Ramabam, ( I don't know if you hold of him either), state that there are 3 groups that lose their share in this world and the world to come,...avodah zorah, gilui arios, and retzicha,, and he stated that Loshon Horah, (evil speech) is equated to all of them. And, what you do is Motzei Shem Ran,(slander) which is even more severe. Go save yourself all ready.

[Yehuda]

Update:

You know what Shmarya, I have decided that you would never be able to see things in a different light, so then let's go with your last comment, that, I am "not very bright". With this comment coming from you, I can live with it.

[daniela]

The only one Lashon Hara is being spoken about, is the person whose name i won't repeat, which appears with name and surname to endorse the product. Needless to say, he may even lose a job offer because of his brightness being brought into question; and what is worse, this person may not be an idiot, this person may just be the average religious jew, perhaps not very learned in science, who is simply **trusting a fellow jew**. Someone that may not have science on his fingertips, but who probably, had the seller been some random Gentile business, would have looked up some info on magnetism and the earth magnetic field and would have carefully avoided the scam. Shame on Artscroll - they just sent an ad in my email about this scam, and lost the customer. I told them that if really they must scrap together a living from shady deals, they'd do better by selling "Makkah compasses" to our cousins and enemies. By the way, outside eretz israel we dont daven facing jerusalem but we daven facing israel, last time i ckecked.

[Nick Robinson]

Hi Daniela,

I saw your blog post very interesting.i am Nick Robinson,a community member at Patents DOT Com(a comprehensive free patent search engine).Patents.com provides the most comprehensive worldwide source of searchable indexed patent pages available in 15 native language.Will like to talk(through email) to you,is this the right time to talk about or should we talk during weekends ?

Regards,
Nick Robinson

E-nickrbson@gmail.com