Dale

Hi Paul, I think i get what you mean, but it seems to miss my point..I didn't mean to imply that I thought all people WERE good..just that the natural tendency of people is to choose to do whats right over whats wrong. I'm sure that in the course of a week we unknowingly bump into pathologically bad people, but the vast majority of the people aren't. I don't think being bad is a habit, and if it were ANY habit can be broken..if a person can't control behavior the need help. The analogy of the hit-man sort of touches on why I think living from the basis of faith in a belief instead of from direct experience is faulty...the hit man intrepreted the laws of his faith to fit his needs without question from the "common-sense" part of his brain...(in alot of religions just accessing that part of your brain that questions your judgements is seen as an attempt to be decieved by satan.)...If he would have exercised reason in decision making and not just fit things to preconcieved notions he probably wouldn't have been a hit man in the first place..lol. The problem with being forced to believe and live by something literally chisled in stone is that NOTHING is chisled in stone.... the commandments are relative..... thou shall not kill ? how about someone who is about to kill your child? honor thy father and mother ? what if your father is the wife beater or molester? thou shall not steal ? what if stealing was the only way to obtain medicine for a dying child? thou shall not bear false witness ? what if telling the truth was reason enough for a madman to kill your neighbor?? I hope no one is offended by this perspective, but I think its more fact than it is perspective. None of the commandments say thou shall not.....except when.... How many commandment would you have to break and still be considered a good person ?...it depends on the circumstances. Which one would you have to break to be considered bad ?...it depends on the circumstances. What would you have to do to be considered generally bad or evil?....consistantly make self-serving decisions regardless of being conscious of the serious harm it does to others might be one guidline. I think alot of issues are not actually complex, but simply made so to support a way of thinking....when you do something or see something being done that is wrong...you generally and immediately KNOW its wrong unless you choose to not recognize it. The immediate knowing that its wrong is your true nature.

Hi Paul, About people being good or bad...I agree that at the "blank" stage of life, when we're infants we don't know right from wrong or hot from cold until its extreme...but thats a given...and the example of the kid who takes a bicyle, thats already grey area..by the time he/she could walk over and take someones bicycle I'm bettin' they would know the difference between right and wrong..they're just testing the system..lol. But after that phase of life my direct experience has been that people are fundamently good..not all good..nothing is completely either this or that but the natural human tendency is to be good....this is to me a more accurate evaluation of reality..not meaning I find people all good or all bad, but if one is to conclude that peoples hearts and minds are generally evil you would have to have at least half the entire human population on the evil side of the room and that just seems like it must be false...there are just no examples of this being an accurate evaluation of people in general...don't believe me..check it for yourself..keep a score card for a week of all the people you contact in a week.. people you work for, family,friends, ( are family members"different" people somehow exempt from the evil) ..store clerks, etc..just people you meet..and at the end of the week would you feel confident in your heart to judge an least half of them as bad people??..I would bet not..because your human heart/spirit/intent is toward good...and this is not a unique trait.

Robert, Thanks for not being offended..no offence was intended to anyone. I very much respect your views and strength of your spirit..don't let anyone weaken it and it will serve you well through life. Dale

Hi Robert, What I write is meant with no disrespect. A non-believers answer to some of the questions might include. Why have our bobies not evolved to protect us from colds,flu,etc. Because the process of evolution happens faster in organisms that have a short life cycle..actually this helps prove that evolution happens..one of the problems with antibiotics and vaccines is the organisims evolve to get around the effectiveness of the treatment. Why haven't we "grown" shoes?..no one is saying evolution is perfect..everything is in constant change, but we have changed considerably and noticeably in the last 100 yrs. I think a persons personal experiences, no matter how profound and life changing for the person involved...doesn't make it factually accurate ..a seemingly important criteria in a "Hard Facts" post. Please don't be offended but when you say ..this is what God means....basically, accept it or go to hell..... You don't KNOW its true..You BELIEVE its true...thats a big difference

Hi Mike, Thanks for the clarification an Adam & Eve. I don't think I'm unique or blind to the part of myself that could and sometimes does make selfserving choices, but the choices are made with good intent and I honestly don't think this is a unique trait. It seems when people get distracted by the point-counterpoint minutia of "this" idea versus "that" idea that the real "refusal to recognize" the potential of a possibly evil path goes unnoticed and its wouldn't be suprising to have a brawl or lynching.What I've learned to be true based from direct experience and observation is that when something happens that causes all beliefs to fall away..whats left is the true nature of people, and that core nature is good..when there's a disaster a flood, a fire, a earthquake, a tornado, whatever..people risk and often lose their own lives in saving others..I would bet that religious choice plays no part in the decision..the impulse is simply to help......Seriously..how many evil people do you know?? when you go about your life..working with people... walking in shopping centers..losing your car in acres of parking lot..looking at people on the sidwalk as you drive through town...how many are evil??....not how many could be evil..how many are? shouldn't we be judged by the positives of what we are and not the negitives of what we could be???...I want to mention again that I am by no means anti religion...I have on myself.....I honestly think that not only would any religion not be harmed or its precepts violated by a more accurate interpretation of the teachings...the teachings would be helped and adapted and be a vehicle to help mankind.

Hi Mike, I just used the story of Adam & Eve and the reference to virgin as general points to show how we as humans create the "truth" even if its inaccurate. I'm suprised that Adam & Eve isn't in the Bible...always thought it was...goes to show how much I know lol...where does the story come from?? Not being a believer in creation stories, I'm usually puzzled when people say things like ...without God's laws anything goes and people will rob,steal, kill, and partake of all forms of debauchery....why? I don't rob, steal, kill or partake of too many forms of debauchery because...its just common sense wrong. If one doesn't do something only out of fear of punishment then it would seem that the person MAY do those things if there wasn't something to fear or tremble about. If thats the motivation then possibily the person doesn't think those things are wrong in the first place. So what sort of person is that??....the person who follows the "laws" based in a clear and sincere understanding of how ones actions can harm others..uhh..goes to hell on a technicality? and the one who would harm others but doesn't because of fear goes to heaven??...it would seem the misinterpretation of that is way more significant than the Adam & Eve story. Although in a way fear..for lack of a better word..can be the greatest teacher...the "fear" that comes from the realization that life isn't a dress rehearsal...there is no second chance..and you can only forgive yourself... so make sure you say those things you should say...don't say the things that hurt..help when you can..live life like death IS the end... if it isn't and you open your eyes to all the people you've missed since they've died...GREAT!!! I WAS WRONG!!!....but if it is the end..you did what you could to avoid hurting some of those same people while they were here.

Hi Paul, Excellent comments.....The human mind is amazing and we tend to "fit" information into it to support our way of thinking. Thats why its so important to start out right in teaching values to children at a young age..what they learn when they are very young determine how they will "fit" future information in, for the most part either good, positive and humanly moral or negitive and self-serving. The same information can give support to seemingly different beliefs,attitudes, or scientific theories for that matter. I think we subconsiously interpret things to prove ourselves right. You mentioned a point I brought up before about things not necessarily being true just because they're repeated and studied by "experts", my reference was more along the lines of quoted scriptures of whatever religion not necessarily being true just because they're strongly believed and because of that the studied information is made to "fit". Your reference was more in pointing out how science is often wrong when more information is allowed to be seen as valid even if it disproves the former theory. I agree science isn't exempt from the tendency to "fit" information in. But if its wise to doubt one..its wise to doubt the other. Thats how we learn, but we only learn when the possibility of accepting that former beliefs or thoughts need to be occasionally reviewed...not that they were "wrong" just maybe not fully accurate..exists . I have to agree the science doesn't have all the answers, try as they will they throw up their hands when trying to explain what consciousness actually is...they can explain the process of nerve pathways, stimulation, electro chemicals etc. but cannot say what consciousness is or why it exists.

Hi Ryan, Boy are you right, translations can be the source of confusion that then become accepted fact and it seems odd when the translations are interpreted more accurately....the story of Eve and the apple...there were no apples there, the fruit was most likely a quince...animals were not kept in stables but kept in caves, so Jesus was most likely born in a cave....The Aramaic (sp.)? word for virgin simply meant a young woman and not a virgin in the sense we think....and there are numerous examples of these that end up painting a picture that is idealized more than it is accurate, and these become comforting to us and we resist accepting any other story...I think not only all religions are like this ( and Buddhism is certainly no exception)..but history too, it all depends on your perspective..the story of settling this country is completely different from the Indians perspective that it is from the history books etc. It seems like it may be a better idea to work through this life not believing stories but only believing those things that you've learned to be true thru direct experience. (not talking about complicated issues of science or physics but just every day human life)....when you learn thru direct experience those things that are positive and help people and yourself..adopt those things into your life..and when you learn thru direct experience those thing that are harmful to others and yourself..give those up. A very simple path.

this is a interesting thread... the thought that goes into the replies show how important and necessary spirituality is to our human lives. Its seems that no matter what belief one has its always directed at be a better more hopeful and helpful person. I have friends who are Christians, Jews, a Muslim, a Sikh, a Pagan, a couple of Witches and an assortment of "never thought about it muches" and I'm a Buddhist and if we all dressed the same and couldn't talk, you couldn't tell the difference by the interactions in a group and I think this is the most important part. We ARE all basically the same as human beings..we respond to the same things...kindness, respect, encouragement, joy, sadness, loss,etc. ,we all honestly feel good when we can help someone...even at the end of a hard day if you see someone on the side of the road that needs help with a flat tire or something, after we've helped the get back on the road we feel good...energized even though it was more work. Contrary to the basis of some religious premises that people are fundamentaly bad and need saving..I think that people are fundamentaly good. The necessity to believe things have to be either "this" or "that"...if you're not "for" me you must be "against" me is where the problems start. Beliefs systems all have their books and scriptures and quotes..but I think that its important to remember that just because things are written somewhere and and a believer of whatever system quotes something to support the belief......that doesn't make the whole belief system true or accurate....and it doesn't have to..if following the belief creates a better person..THATS whats important

I think alot of unresolvable issues arise because of the natural tendency of people to want everthing in a box..once and for all settled...its has to be "this" or "that" when in reality nothing is ever that fixed..life is in constant change..who can deny this?? Like Paul said."some can not see the water even when they're in it." Maybe the answer to where all this came from is neither evolution or creation..there's holes in both. It could be the origins of all this is based in the machanics of some process we won't even discover for another 1000 yrs....and if and when we do discover it...so what?..life is what life is and hopefully we've spent it learning to be good people and respect and help each other... Can millions of people be wrong about something??.I hope so..millions of people swear that rap music is REALLY GOOD music. and I swear it sucks. lol.

I think all religions start out with the same purpose ...to help create good people..from there it usually goes off into space after a hundred years or so and that seems to be the problem with faith.To support your own interpretion of your religion..it becomes easy to believe your own bias..and the convoluted reasonings soon reach the level of absurd stories..at that point it could be argued that religion is the acceptable face of mental illness...in what other venue could you talk about magical beings , talking bushes, bringing dead people back to life, etc.. without people backing away from you?...but I still think that its better to have a "spiritual" element to life...hopefully one based in fact.

Some of this stuff still confuses me..can you damage your pump if you use a tip that puts out more pressure than your pump is rated for?....

Aaron, Scott and Tony are right..if you write down the cards first and then check them when your card seems missing they're different...the queen of hearts is the queen of diamonds etc...you have to look quick cuz he doesn't keep the screen up very long

The Flood Co. has those in aluminum 2" x 6" .. one side is silk screened with the co. logo and a paint brush pulling a blank blue band 1"x5" giving you a space to add your company info... under that it states "this deck is protected with Flood products Manufacturers of CWF UV....arggg..the other side is blank...brushed aluminum..kinda nice, pre drilled nail holes in the corners..but which ever side you use, you have to come up with a way to add your info. depending on your penmanship you could use a etching pencil or a marker, unfortunately my writing is almost unreadable.lol.

rfitz, I think Rick is responding to a couple of times you stated that a person HAS to make at least $125. an hour just to break even and the mention you pay your guys $8-$10/hr. CASH to to keep from paying the man, and your profit margin is 70%....thats all well and fine, but it kinda of flys in the face of the motion that you HAVE to charge $125./hr to break even.

I've never run one thru the house, but I've run one over a roof to the back of the house.

Rob, Does it work for removing oxidized paint from aluminum gutter/fascia/soffit? I'm looking for something to spray on and hopefully rinse off. Thanks, Dale

Bob, My first thought was "why didn't the painting contractor want to do the prep?".....Older home....many layers of peeling paint... It might be a good idea to do a swab for lead, you can pick up a basic swab stick at a paint supply store for around $6.00. Stay healthy!,life is fleeting enough as it is. Dale

rfitz, Just wondering...how do you walk away or double your price once you have an agreement and have started the job?? If the deck was just done a month ago,why is it being redone so soon? If its failing that bad so soon, it should come off....maybe its not the cuprinol but whats under it? Did you do a test area first?, its ALWAYS a good idea IMHO, if it seems like its not your ordinary run of the mill job, i.e. numerous layers, unknown finishes, is it stain?? is it paint??? then for sure test!! Dale

How3 about a power inverter and run it off your vehicle? then you'd have power for small power tools too.

Beth & Rod, Thanks for the response..My concern with adding the Dawn was the same as yours, lowering the ph. and lessening the effectiveness of the brightening. I know alot of folks buy chems in bulk, and I do for simple cleaners and brighteners...wouldn't think of it for strippers or cleaners for roofs, gutters, etc. I can't recall anyone having the residue problem to the extent that Earl had...maybe you hit on it Rod..when the wood is wet from cleaning or brightening, its not going to absorb too deeply, but if its dry, well that might be another story. I try to mix my brightener in hot water if possible...the night before if I have to, and always brighten right after cleaning/stripping and haven't had a problem....how about some feedback from others who use their own acid mixes, I know you're out there...any problems???..know of a surfacant?? mix ratios..50/50...70/30? etc, do you find that one rinses better than the other?? is there ANY difference? Just trying to learn. Thanks, Dale

Paul, Do you have any suggestions for additives for people who buy bulk acid...trying to save some profit I bought a couple hundred pounds of oxalic and citric for a 50-50 blend, I know a lot of others do this to save $$ and haven't really heard any concerns over rinsing problems,but if one occurs its a time loser. Could a simple surfacant like dish soap or clear rinse Cascade work as a surfacant/ rinsing agent?,or would there be a problem with ph.? I'd like to hear some feedback from people who have been useing home blend neutralizers...any problems?..additives?..squirt of cascade..squirt of dawn?? np9??..I just instinctively wouldn't think dawn and acid would be a good idea..never tried though. Any shared info would be appreciated. Thanks, Dale

Earl, Can you get a pic of what you're talking about?, it would really help everyone see...what could it be??? wood is basically wood, if the finish came off whats left should either rinse off or de-fuzz? Don't want to freak you out, but a wire brush may not be the best idea,sometimes the bristles break off and can rust...if you sweep it off or use a blower before you stain/seal it should be O.K. Dale

Paul I did some with a similar look and was worried about the same thing..the stripper running down the channels of T-111, but if its latex paint on the siding you should be o.k. if you tape and tarp with .3 mil plastic carefully and tight. Dale

Earl, How much pressure did you use?...sometimes if you look at the right angle, fuzzies look kinda silvery-white. Did you get right down there and look at it? Sodium Hypo shouldn't have a residue. I'm just guessing, Dale