kevinw

Dohhhh....sorry. Here it is. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=un_PjRXV5l8

Sorry, I mis-stated information. For the sake of accuracy regarding the Iran-Iraq war: "Casualty figures are highly uncertain, though estimates suggest more than one and a half million war and war-related casualties -- perhaps as many as a million people died, many more were wounded, and millions were made refugees. Iran acknowledged that nearly 300,000 people died in the war; estimates of the Iraqi dead range from 160,000 to 240,000. Iraq suffered an estimated 375,000 casualties, the equivalent of 5.6 million for a population the size of the United States. Another 60,000 were taken prisoner by the Iranians. Iran's losses may have included more than 1 million people killed or maimed." Just as long as there weren't any "death squads and such".

I guess it comes down to the statistics you choose to accept. There are over 269,000 documented cases of individuals that disappeared without an explanation during Saddam's reign. The estimated number of bodies exhumed from mass graves is over 400,000. Those numbers do not include the Iraq-Iran war, but reliable Iraqi casualty estimates for that conflict are around 100,000. However, I'm sure you can find a source that provides a number you like better. How many is enough? CNN published a report that over 100,000 Iraqi civilians have been killed since the war started, but they don't substantiate the number with specific identities. U.S. estimates, based on specific identities, is significantly less. There's no argument that too many people are dying...and too many of them have been our troops or citizens. So, while people are dying there, we can quibble about how many died here. Just as long as it didn't involve "death squads and such." kevinw

Your facts are incorrect...over 500,000 Iraqis were murdered under Saddam. Remember the rape/torture rooms in the prisons? Remember the mass graves? In Iraq, you were killed if you disagreed or weren't affiliated with the right party or sect. Hospitals and schools were taken out by the invasion...by Allied attacks and by Iraqi loyalists. As of today many, if not most, of those hospitals have been re-opened and the same is true for electricity, running water, and schools. That is part of the U.S. mission there. I agree that too many Iraqis are dying, but the overwhelming majority of them are being killed by insurgents. Would there still be deaths by insurgents if we weren't there? Maybe, maybe not. There's no way to tell. History has shown that if we pull out, there will be a cleansing in which many more will be killed. I'm not happy with the situation in Iraq, and I have a significant investment (my son) in what happens there. I don't think disagreeing is being disloyal or unpatriotic. It's easy to throw stones, but before you do it make sure your statements are based on accurate information. Kevin

Graingers has a great selection. We've found that it works best to buy a lined, gauntlet neoprene gloves and use the liners that were suggested earlier. They last several months.

If you have a contract, find out your local statutes regarding a mechanic's lien. Most states require that you give written notice of intent to file a lien before you can file one. Proceed with the lien while trying to move up the chain to see who's in charge. They don't want you to file a lien, that gets them in hot water with the condo owners...makes it hard for them to sell/buy units. Without a contract, you may have a problem filing the lien. Keep in mind that the lien only lasts for a period of time...typically only 6 - 12 months. Small claims court is another option. You'll have to pay court costs, but if you win the judgement you will get that money back in the judgement. Most important...make sure you have a written contract.

We use 26' little giants. If you're thinking of getting one, I suggest going to the home show at closing time of the last day...they will make you a bargain to avoid having to ship it back.

We do a lot of log homes, and have used water and media. This was way beyond intrusion! We had prepp'd the homeowner for some intrusion...I was just glad we hadn't used water! It would have been a disaster.

How 'bout "All of the above!" Just put it on the table, I can take it from there! Happy Thanksgiving to all! Kevin

Just going through a similar situation, only much, much bigger dollars involved. Blasted a log home that was not properly sealed between the logs...media went into the home, covered everything with media and dust. Whole house and contents need to be cleaned...and the client is an attorney, chief counsel for a very large corporation. When I showed up to inspect it with the customer, ServPro was there making an estimate that is over $10K! I promptly called my GL insurance carrier! I have a little experience in this area...here's what a court of law will say, "What would a reasonably prudent contractor have done to insure the house was safe for pressure washing?" In my case, I had asked the homeowner if the logs were sealed, he said yes. An inspection would not have determined that they weren't sealed, and that improper construction techniques were used in building the home...the problem was not visibly apparent and the homeowner assured me it was built correctly...I just happened to be the guy that showed up to do the work...I got the short stick! A disclaimer that states that contributing factors that are not visible from the exterior of the home, or not apparent in a visual inspection, are not the responsibility of the contractor would have taken care of the problem. In this case, I'd meet with the husband, face to face, and negotiate a middle ground. If you say no, you could find yourself in small claims court and they customer will go for the full montey. Better to negotiate something both of you can live with...assuming you're dealing with a reasonable customer. Good luck! Kevin

I just got my first blasting system...soda, cob, all medias. We just finished blasting a log cabin, it came out awesome. Now I'm out hustling to see how busy I can keep this thing. Georgia folks...if you need some blasting, please keep me in mind. Kevin

There's been a really interesting war diary posted on foxnews.com by an Army Captain over the past year...gives a really interesting perspective on what's going on over there. Everybody ought to read it! He tells about the war at 6 inches...basically that everybody there has their own perspective on the war...guys at the front vs. back, guys in the North vs. South. The perspective from the guys there vs. the perspective we get from the media here. I don't think anybody can read it through without making some adjustment to their thinking on why we're there and what's really going on there. One day's entry talked about training Iraqi police officers and taking them in for their entry examination. After training, they took about 90 trained Iraqis in for the test...about 20 passed. His comment was really interesting...only 20 out of 90 passed, but that means 20 more trained Iraqi police on the street than before. About 40 took the test and failed because they couldn't read or write. Then he goes on to describe that being illiterate is unusual here...but there, it's the majority that can't read or write...because Saddam spent the money on his palaces and left his people in uneducated poverty. I know that my numbers aren't right...but they're in the ballpark. Regardless, I'd encourage everybody to take some time to check it out...very enlightening.

Okay...what kind of bike is that?

I didn't take offense...and didn't interpret your comments as critical. I was expanding a little on your statement about men/women who work and pastor. The rest was just expanding...probably too much. Didn't mean to offend, is so please accept my apology. Kevin

I'm afraid you're right! I don't think we're going to see any significant change at all. I'm not a Dem, but I kinda wish they could have offered some substantive plan. The bottom line is that we're embroiled in a lot of big problems with no easy way out...whether Iraq, social security reform, tax reform...you name it. Unfortunately, big biz and lobbyists drive too much of what happens out of D.C. At least they have to shift their plans over to the new bodies in Congress. Bottom line, it's the same play with different actors.

My father served with the last division of mounted cavalry, disbanded at the end of WWII. One of my heroes...my son (as mentioned earlier) is in the Army, going to Iraq in June...another of my heroes. Celeste, it's interesting to see your description of your daughter. My oldest son, in the Army now, was a hard headed kid...too much like me. He walked into our bedroom one night during the first semester of his Jr. year in college and announced he joining the military. When I picked my jaw up off of the floor, I asked why. He said, "I don't care what the kids at college say, I think we live in the best country in the world...and I think it's worth fighting for." I hugged him. Like you said, it makes an amazing change. It's been going around a lot lately, but I agree with the measure of a country statement...you can measure a country by looking at how many are trying to get in...and how many are trying to get out. We live in the greatest country in the world!

My grandfather was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and my father was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Neither of them had annual check ups, so it was pretty well along when it was discovered. When it's that far along, the surgery and radiation therapy is not pretty. Most doctors will tell you that most men will have it, especially as they get older. I've been getting annual checkups since I turned 40...and when I hit 50, I met Mr. Colonoscopy! Woo Hoo! Get an annual physical or pay the price!

Exactly! Saddam Hussein didn't sell any weapons to the terrorists. He didn't give them safe haven in Iraq. He didn't support them financially. No wait...he did. Never mind.

As long as you don't feel strongly about it Ryan. :-)

My son is going to Iraq for the first time next Summer. He will be on convoys. I'm already praying for his safety, and I ask that you pray for him, and all of the other men and women in the Armed Forces. They are a volunteer Army, yet they serve. It's interesting to note what isn't being said on this thread. If we hadn't eliminated Hussein, and you had posted critical comments as a citizen of Iraq...you would be hunted down, then imprisoned or killed. There are several hundred thousand corpses to testify to this fact. It's great that we have the freedom to speak our minds, but we are negligent to forget the price of that freedom. During the fight for our freedom, thousands of men and women died fighting the British while waiting for help from other nations. Sound familiar? Where would we be today if they had pulled out early...or set deadlines for pulling out? Wouldn't the British have just waited until they pulled out, then rolled over us? When we pushed Iraq out of Kuwait, we promised the Iraqis we would take Hussein out...and we didn't. Those Iraqis began preparations for our arrival. When we left without putting Hussein down, we left those men, women, and families to face Hussein. They died. I've never visited the Mid-East. However, I have traveled internationally. I never expected this to be a "quick in and out". We're dealing with cultures, radicals religions, and extremists. The problems we face in Iraq are insidious. Our "instant gratification" culture doesn't have the stomach for protracted engagement. If you thought we were going to pop into Iraq, fix everything up, then pop out...you didn't understand the scope of the engagement. So here's my question to those who oppose the war...whether Democrat or Republican. What is your better plan? This election has sickened me...the Democrats that supported the war, now criticize. The mudslinging is disgusting. I'm very aware of what the current situation is...what is your better idea? Pull out? Abandon the Iraqis to Muslim extremists and watch the butchery. Send in the UN? Set a deadline? Let the extremists wait for us to pull out, then watch them destroy the country? I don't need to hear how terrible things are...tell me the "get well" plan. If the current plan is wrong, what do you propose? That is what I would love to hear. The Dems are bashing the Reps, but they haven't offered a plan, they haven't explained how much they will increase taxes...they just throw stones. What's the plan? kevinw

That's why you need to find a good accountant. kevinw

You're at a great place, you can make sure your ducks are in a row before you dive in full time. First suggestion is find yourself a good CPA. A good accountant will be a big help in determining how you want to organize your business. As an example, my accountant handles payroll (including writing paychecks for me to sign and direct deposits) and monthly/quarterly taxes...for $65.00/month. I wouldn't even mess with it for that. If he screws up and there's a penalty, he pays it. Ken's statement is very true...think about where you can spend your time most effectively. Sales? Maybe...but if you're making sales calls, who is running the business? Making decisions about marketing? Handling customer issues? Answering the phone? Insuring quality control on jobs? I have a recommendation regarding compensating employees. Everything that is done in my company is based on "pay for performance". Hourly employees tend to milk the job out as long as possible to get a bigger paycheck. I've set my crews up as being paid a percentage of the job. Each crew has a lead, who is responsible for completion and customer sign off, and a helper, who is...a helper...handles lines, lifting and toting. They're both paid a percentage of the job. If they get the job done quickly, they make more per hour. If they take longer, they make less. Their incentive is to get out early, get the job done, and get back to the shop. The lead man is responsible, period. If there's a call back, they handle it at no compensation...I pay them to do the job right one time, if they have to go back it's at their own expense. If damage occurs due to negligence, they have to take care of it. The lead man is responsible for checking the equipment at the beginning of each day, and making sure inventory on the rig is kept up. If something is left behind at the job or lost, he has to replace it. When it's time to turn in payroll for the accountant, I calculate the total of jobs done in the last pay period, multiply it by the percentage they're paid, and turn the gross amount in to the accountant and he calculates taxes, etc. The big question...does it work? In 4 years I've had 1 lead quit and never had to terminate any of them. I terminated 1 helper for cause. Not bad turnover. Leads make between $60K - &70K/year, helpers make $25K-$35K/year. They work their butts off...but they make good money and put in less hours than their friends for the same money. It may not work for everyone, but it's worked well for me. The key is hiring the right guy...once the word gets out, you'll be surprised how many guys and girls approach you for a job. kevin

Scott, My 2 cents worth...I'd change it. Postcards are low return marketing, typically less than 0.5%. Your card design is really good, but the message may be too subtle. Since postcards are destined for the trash bin, you've got to have a message that grabs immediate attention. I'd make the message more direct, and the graphics more eye catching. My 2 cents worth. Kevinw

IMHO...never, ever, ever take any computer equipment to BestBuy. I'm computer literate (not a tech) and, after one discussion with their techs, realized they don't know what they're talking about. Even worse, I've had other home electronics screwed up by their service dept. and they don't take resonsibility for their mistakes. Talking to mgr. might get your money back (or some of it) but that's the best you can hope for. Check out local technical schools. My wife teaches at a high school with a technical program and they've recovered my PC for free. Did a great job and were very careful. We have a local tech school that has a great IT program, they're always looking for "projects". Make sure the teachers are competent and understand the importance of saving the data before you let them dive in. Last suggestion. BAckup data. Backup data. Backup data. Backup data. Burn backups of all files to CD or storage systems like zip drives. If your system crashes, you can always restore it from the backup. kevinw