RyanH

Come down to Newnan and hit up the country club, Redwine area and a huge neighborhood off hwy. 29. All are about 20 mins from Fayetteville and are in dire need of some maintenance. I can't stay in town enough to do more than a few referral jobs here and there. I know a few folks in these areas and may can find out about mass advertising (newsletters, etc.) if you'd like.

When you buy a machine from a "big box" dealer, they usually come with useless crap. 15 different ISP companies with their proprietary software (AOL, MSN, Netscape, etc.). Then you have various "limited use" programs like Quicken or Money or similar programs. usually not full blown but just enough to entice you. The the comp manf. themsevles usually have installed help files, programs, and utilities. The trouble is that all of these programs get embedded in your registry and will usually load portions of the program at startup. I don't buy that you get a 20% boost in performance, but you will definitely have less crap on the machine. That's why I stopped buying pre-built and made my own. I start with a blank hard drive and put only the stuff I want on it.

Don't buy used PC games if you intend to play them online. Most (and that means all) games today require a key to access the networks, and once the key has been registered you usually will not be able to use it for another user. People will buy games when they are new (remember the hype over Doom 3 awhile back??), copy the CD and continue to run on the original key and sell the game back to a shop (like EB Games). I've had PS2 for awhile now and really like it. It's best on a screen that is 32" or smaller, though. Once you get larger than that unless you sit farther away the graphics get a little fuzzy (I've tried on my 46" HD projection and 32" HD LCD with same effects). Supposedely XBox 360 will support component video (instead of composite) and will give fantastic graphics. I'm a hardcore PS supporter but I've got to hand it to microsoft on some of the features in the Xbox...I get jealous of some of the features on my brothers Xbox (like copying CDs to the hard drive to play music during games). You should get a Silent Hill game for whatever system you get and play it in the dark with your surround sound system...you'll crap a brick with some of the creepy noises in the game. And to think they are breathing down your neck....ooooohhhh....great adrenaline rush. Metal Gear series is good. Both of these are single player though and not much fun for two.

I use soft scrub on a wash cloth to remove scuff marks from shoes on interior door, walls, and trim. Did this in one of my jani accounts....cleaned half a mile of baseboards every month.

Well, that's the kicker, isn't it? Usually there is no documentation on them and you find them by accident. You can do a google search for "easter egg" and the product of choice. Like "Easter Egg" AND "Microsoft" to find ones others have written about. Others you find by chance. I was playing around with my Duke Nukem game (pre-Quake first person shooter) and had it in hatch mode (you can move freely in X,Y and Z directions, through walls, etc.). I found a cavern on top of a cliff (couldn't reach it by other means) and a designer had written "You Shouldn't Be Here" on the wall. They will also put them in some DVDs (hit Enter during various scenes and alternate scenes become available).

Jon, The phrase you're searching for is "easter egg." Mike, Whatever man :lgkeyboar

What do you guys use all that power for? I have a 3.2 GHz with 3GB DDR (useless until I upgrade to 64bit) and 256 MB vid card, but I use it for some pretty beefy applications....3D CAD programs for complex design work and also for fluid dynamics analysis....what the hell are you running on these monsters???? I gotta know.....

Those guys who come up with new trojans and cracks to bypass Windows "security" every week. I've used ZoneLab's ZoneAlarms for several years now in combination with Symantec's Norton AntiVirus and have had good results. I also use Mozilla's FireFox and related program suite for web browsing.

You wouldn't by chance be working in or as part of a co-op in OR would you? I ran into some guys in Klammath Falls, OR who were collecting used oil from restaurants around the area to conver to bio diesel. That'd be a small world if so.

Usually when you visit a site it will do a few things. It will place a cookie on your machine and track your history on a site. Places like Amazon will keep track of what type of purchases you make and searches you initiate so they can provide specialized ads that will appeal to you specifically. For example, if you do lots of searches on "Mozart" you will see ads pertaining to classical music with an emphasis on Mozart....you won't see many more related to Black Eyed Peas or 50 Cent. Sites will also track how long you spent on certain pages, which progression of pages you followed to get to a certain site, and what type of content you view. They do this for reasons similar to the one above but they can also use it to streamline information to ensure that you find what you look for quickly....Google may alter their results to show those that more closely match things you've searched for in the past (usually they will base it "per session"). They will also show advertising relevant to YOU, like is done here now on TGS. I wouldn't worry about these sites trying to use the information to steal your money or read your medical records.

My first job was for a friend who lived in a subdivision. Her 'hood had a quarterly newsletter that went out and I put a half page ad in it (cost about $80). I got about a dozen jobs from that. The next quarter I did the same thing and continued to get work. Then additional calls came in from referrals from these people. Contact other contractors in your phone book but not necessarily in your ZIP code...I've had a few referrals from other contractors who either couldn't do the work (no time) or lived too far away. Of course you reciprocate this approach. I did all of this while in school. I don't do much washing anymore. Which makes me ask myself......why do I still hang around here now? Old habits are hard to break, I guess.

This really scared me when I read this. No Federal law should ever overrule state law. Fortunately, when I read down to Sec 3, part B subsections 1 and 2, it looks like they do state that federal law will not supersede state law. Once our federal system can nullify state rules, our system will be in complete devastation. It already is in some regards.

This would be so much simpler if the Fair Tax were in effect.

No, using violence is an absolute resort. Given the options of stepping on the gas, hitting him back, or shooting him, I'd step on the gas. I value human life and would feel pretty about shooting someone. Everyone has a story, and you never know everyone's story. Their actions could be that of desperation for their starving children. Would I want to kill someone and live with know ing that someone is going to grow up without a parent because of my split-second decision? Not really. However, given the choice between my family and someone else, I am always going to choose my family. So if I truly believe that harm will come to myself or my family, I will act in the interest of self-preservation. And there are always means to disarm or "neutralize" someone without killing them. If anyone has seen the movie "Crash" then you probably got a better appreciation for gun safety and responsible use. If you haven't seen it, consider renting it and watching it one night. It's an emotional roller coaster for sure and will make you think twice about the responsibility that is inherent with gun-ownership. Oh, and I have had a gun stolen from my car before. It was a .22 taurus snub nose. Now perhaps the person who stole it just wanted to pawn it off for some quick cash. I like to think that was the case. Also....Charles Daly makes a decent pistol. Their 1911 model is pretty sweet and shoots very well, but I don't have much experience with it beyond a few hours of range time.

The premise there being that "professionals" are around to do it. I maintain that they are not. As for my reasons on carrying one... I went to school at GA Tech. For those that don't know, it is in downtown Atlanta and is an open campus. To get to the campus, you have to go through some pretty rough areas. I didn't live on campus so I had to go through this area. Because I went to school during the day and worked evenings, I often had reason to be on campus at 3 AM to study. I can tell you that the only "law enforcement" I ever saw in my five years there during these hours was the one guy who rode around putting parking tickets on cars illegally parked. Well, there was that one lady who caught us while up to some "no good" in the backseat, but that's another funny story). I'll come right out and say it: I carried my gun into the school building when I went in to study and while walking across campus it was in my pocket. Once inside the building I removed the magazine and broke down the gun (very very fast and easy to do with a glock) and kept it in a case in my bag. I passed a few students and others here and there but none ever presented any type of threat to me. While driving to school one night I crossed the bridge where many homeless people hang out (beside The Varsity for those who are familiar with the area) and a guy walks up to my window and puts his hand on the glass. I could see as he approached that he didn't have a weapon, and as threatening as his approach may have seemed to others I didn't think he was a real danger. I had my gun in my lap but never even showed it to the guy....he said something that truly didn't make any sense (dementia, perhaps?), I said "No thanks," he stepped away and I drove off (through the red light). Again, you have to be sensible when carrying a weapon. On to why I carried it into the theater.... Because I had my gun during the day and didn't make it home often (slept in my car and showered at school often), I woudl usually have it at night also. If I took my wife (then-girlfriend) out it was still with me. The theater we went to often was getting worse in the types of people hanging around in the parking lot. We saw groups of people kicking cars and smashing windshields of someone who apparently pissed them off one night, Amanda's cousin had been robbed by a teenager, and an armed guard was shot one night while unloading his truck (we never went back after hearing about that). I didn't have my gun hoping to be the vigilante and I'm smart enough to realize that if someone starts shooting the last thing I want to be is someone whom nobody recognizes as a cop while holding a gun. I had it for those moments when we would walk to my car at night after the film and no "professionals" were there to escort us out. I had it when thieves returned to my grandparents house the night after they robbed it the first time to get what they didn't get the first time around (the came down the long driveway and saw the lights on and turned around and burned rubber out of there...but imagine if they had the idea that it was just some old people in there and had come in anyway....the phone lines had been cut the night before). As for Karma and all that....I'm not saying that I agree nor disagree with it, but I have some ideas and opinions on how it influences events in our lives, and I believe that it is based on perception of events, not likelihood. Oh, and as for those homeless folks around the school...I stopped one night and put down my window beside the guy who cuddled up in the doorway of a shop at night and handed him a coat and $20 when the weather started getting cold. I always carried a $5 bill in my left pocket for some of the people who walked around up there (gun in my right just in case they wanted to take more). And I paid for a cab for a lady to get from Atlanta to her young daughter somewhere on the other side of town when her car was broken down. I'm not above helping others, but I'm also not about to let someone else cause harm to me. Again, I've never had to use my gun defensively and pray I never have to, but it's there if I need it. It was a tool of defense before law was law. Before guns the predators had knives. Before knives they had swords, sticks, and stones. Never in the history of conflict of interests have the predators not sought the upperhand to acheive objects of their desires by dishonorable intentions. Take away all guns, and all we do is revert to the day when the criminals will use baseball bats, crowbars, and knives to perpetrate their crimes on the unarmed. If we are to preach anything, it should be responsibility and accountability.

Sheesh.....just read through a few threads on the Glock forum. Okay, so there DO appear to many folks out there who are just waiting for the day when society crumbles and we are in all-out anarchy. Sounds to me like many of those guys (and gals) are just looking for an excuse to test out their firepower on another human. For the record, I AINT IN THAT CROWD. Another thing....when I used to carry my gun into theaters (we went regularly), I spoke with all the cops who worked in there and let them know that I had one and showed them my permit. Three of them told me that I was actually not supposed to have it in there and that it should remain in my car. I asked two questions in this order: 1. When was the last time someone who went through the "trouble" to acquire a carrying permit and legally bought a firearm opened fire in a theater? Two answered along the lines of "can't remember" and kind of chuckled. The other got really stern and said that's irrelevant. My second question: 2. How many car break-ins were reported last month where stuff was stolen from the cars when you guys were inside keeping order? The smiles went away with this question. There was a mutual understanding that guns are safer in the possession of a responsible person than in a car where someone who is already prone to criminal action can steal it. They all said that they had no problem with me carrying it so long as I kept it concealed. See, WE (citizens) hire law enforcement officers to protect us from those who don't follow all laws. But they can't protect us at all times and even they realize it. Politicians don't realize it, and nobody in support of full government control acknowledges it, but it is true.

Rod, You make some valid points, but I would like to point out a few flaws in people's thinking when it comes to guns: 1. Many people get guns for when they are in a "dangerous area." When I was doing taekwondo, the best defense we learned was to not put yourself in a situation that has an elevated chance of putting yourself at unecessary risk. I have a permit to carry a concealed weapon and carry mine often. I have one for one of those "just in case" scenarios. But i DON'T intentionally go into areas where I know there is an elevated risk. I'm not looking to use it and I pray I never have the need to. 2. Many people are weak in their control over themselves. Some people show this weakness by their addictions (ever seen anyone stand out in the cold or rain and suck on a cigarette because they can't smoke inside), some show it by immaturity (how many people do you know that won't confess to a mistake and will continue to make excuses), and some show it by allowing anger to dictate their actions. Having a weapon at hand will not increase a person's disposition to use it at a whim; rather, it will give another avenue for retribution to those who already are prone to lose control of their rational thought when invoked. I'm able to make the distinction between "What's that *******'* problem" and waving my pistol at him. I believe that everyone has to right to enjoy their freedom and not have someone else's actions act to diminish their freedom. Everyone has the right....the GOD GIVEN RIGHT....to their own lives. When someone's elses actions work to reduce my freedom, threaten my life, or take away my property solely on the virtue that they want it, then I will do whatever I have the capacity to do to protect those things. Owning a firearm will not invite a greater chance of danger. The act of it being present does not increase your odds that danger will come to your door. The *irresponsibility*, hosever, of some WILL increase those odds. Owning a gun is not like owning a lottery ticket. The chance that you may need to use it is a constant risk indifferent to your ability to defend yourself, but being able to protect yourself greatly increases the chance that your rights/freedoms/life/family's life will not be taken away by someone else's desire to take them from you. Now, consider this: you and I are standing in front of a crowd. You claim that you don't own weapons and that the only means you have to defend yourself in your home is a telephone and a stick of some sort. I claim that I have a gun, I am trained on how to use it and no other person in my home is at risk by it being there (including visitors with children because it is secured). Which of us has a greater chance of being victimized? The only thing I will grant in your favor is that should someone still try to take my property, they will feel a greater pressure to prepare themselves in a more forceful manner than they would if they were going to try to take yours. But people being as they are, a predator will take the easy road and go after those who will offer the least resistance. Your decision to not own a weapon is perfecty fine and I will not condemn anyone for that decision. I just don't accept that people are safer from violence from others...through Karma or whatever else...because they choose to be pacifist in defense.

If you get an automatic handgun, go with a Glock. I carry a model 21C (.45 ACP, 13 rounds) or a model 26 (9mm "baby glock"). Glock also has very good .40 and .357 and .380 calibers. Most officers I know carry a .40 because of it's capacity and stopping power. All are very reliable (never had a jam) and simple to operate. No safety switch, but there are safety mechanisms built in so the gun won't discharge if you drop it (used to be common with hammered automatics). My wife has a Beretta but it has jammed once in the past. I have a few others (Taurus, Beretta, Star, Colt, Ruger) but the Glocks are my favs. If you want a revolver (your best bet for a never-jam scenario), I really like Smith & Wesson and Taurus. If you really want to scare the **** out of someone, you can go with a Desert Eagle 50 caliber. You should see that thing chamber a round....it looks like a heavy artillery mechanism. Of course, if you are wanting something to defend your home in the event that our government cannot provide adequate protection in events like Hurricanes (as they have proven recently), I like my AK-47 with 30-round mags to sweep my property. The shotguns are pretty cool too. And whatever one you choose, get VERY familiar with it. If your gun ever jams you want to be able to clear the chamber and have it ready to fire in seconds without having to think about it.

On walking surfaces I would definitely agree that removal of algae/etc. improves safety conditions. The house I used to live in had a very slippery driveway when the algae or whatever it was got wet in the rain. I would pitch it that way. Because mold is most often associated with respiratory problems, someone may think that's the angle you are pitching, and they won't buy it. They will never consider that you are meaning physical dangers such as falling. As for adding value, of course that's a fair claim.

Not me. Couldn't be me, no not me.

1. Proper cleaner (each to his own on this one....I like butyl-based degreasers, others use Gutter Zap) 2. A method to apply said cleaner. For 1 and 2 story houses, I like a pump-up backpack sprayer. Others use ShurFlo. Some use concentrated cleaner and an Xjet or downstreamed solution for faster application. 3. A ladder to reach gutters higher than 2 story. 4. An extension high pressure pole and perhaps an extension brush as well for rinsing. 5. A face mask to protect your face and eyes from caustic that falls back down. It will happen. And a floppy hat to protect your head and neck. And gloves. Make sure your hose connections are tight so cleaner doesn't leak out of your applicator and run back down your arms and soak your armpits. I hate it when that happens. 6. If you are going to clean out the gutters, it helps to have a rake and a few trash bags so you can clean up your mess. Nothing like cleaning one thing and messing up another to look unprofessional. 7. Glass cleaner and extension squeegee...if you spray the gutters you can bet that you are going to get the windows wet too. If you aren't quick enough to rinse the windows (as in the situation where you downstream) you will leave streaks. And check to make sure that your gutter cleaner won't etch glass. 8. Get in a rhythm of applying cleaner and rinsing. Gutters *should* go very quickly if you have your equipment set up in an efficient manner. 9. Don't allow the cleaner to sit for too long....even a mild degreaser will dissolve the paint on gutters and give a little too much shine if allowed to dwell for too long. 10. Charge enough money so that you don't curse yourself for undertaking the job while halfway up the ladder on a windy day with burning eyes and wet armpits.

So the wife and I are constantly coming up with new things to add to our deck idea. I decided months ago (after some comments from wood pro's here) that the visible portion of the deck will definitely be Ipe and possibly have iron ballusters (budget permitting). I understand that Ipe is pretty much indestructible as far as things you can possibly do to it on a deck, but what are you guys seeing for the structure? Are pressure treated pine boards sufficient and will it hold up to moisture and weather over the years (again, structurally only....it will not be visible)? I'd hate to use ipe and have the support begin to fail underneath it in 10 years. There aren't too many guys in my area that do more than nail some contractor-grade pine together and call it a deck. I want to take my time building it and really do some quality craftsmanship which is why I'm putting all the details together myself. RH

Change won't come from the authority of "scholars" or celebrities. It will come from the silently growing majority of individuals who realize that in order to have something you must earn it. Forget books about heritage and where any particular race has come from....if someone wants to learn what it means to be an acheiver, read Atlas Shrugged. It has its flaky moments, but overall it is truly an eye opener to the underachiever. My tagline comes from this book and I live by it everyday. Everyone is born into adversity and welcomed into a world that is intent on destroying them by the virtue of its existance; the great ones will overcome the adversity while the weak will ask "why me?"

Awesome pics, Rod. I really like the look of the metal rods. I will be incorporating a two-tone look to this as well. Ken, thanks for the heads up on the hidden fasteners. That sucks (for me) that they aren't very reliable....I was looking forward to the clean look. I'll check into doing the plugs, though. I do intend to get a little fancy with this. I've started laying out the design in 3D CAD so I can make sure all of my angles and lengths are correct (it is a raised deck on a second floor and will span a pretty good distance). I'll be printing this thread for the file I'm making on this project. Thanks again for the invaluable input.

I will be going with the hidden fasteners (they sell the ipe pre-grooved for it in a place in Atlanta). I will also be designing it so that there are no end to end butts along the deck....boards will be perp to the house and run out about 16 feet. If I'm going to spend that much on decking material I want the thing to look suh-weet. Thanks for the tip on the anchorseal. James, thanks for the tip on sealing the PT. I plan on doing an underdecking system on it also....I don't know if this will help or hurt the frame (trapped moisture?).