Deck Guy

I can't vote for her simply because that would make Rush Limbaugh's job too easy. He's already had 12 years to hate on her. If anybody feels inclined to vote for a commie pinko liberal, at least put some other idealistic schmuck on his altar!

Not in a time of war! When we can effectively clone, my vote goes for FDR!

Though some Arab countries have reservations in giving their women certain rights, they haven't had difficulty dealing with other country's female representatives. Ever hear of Golda Meir?? She was an absolute hardass! Peoples perceptions about Hillary are interesting, given that I have never really seen many candid moments. If I recall, Senator McCain said several years ago that he was surprised, after having spent some time with her alone on an airplane, that he found her...charming and engaging. Not at all what he had expected. Again, I really don't know anything about her, so maybe you guys are just more perceptive than I, or people who know her personally. Interestingly, the traits which you attribute to her sound like many male politicians (**** Cheney isn't exactly a charmer, is he?). Yet we somehoe expect a female to smile and act pretty. Maybe there's a bit of unintended sexism under all the hatred thrown her way. Frankly, I really believe we could change the constitution (who really cares about that old thing anyway) and get George W back in for another 4-20 years. We could just make the presidency a lifetime post! After all, we are in a time of war which (I believe) justifies anything he cares to do. He already has established his superior statesmanship (or globally diplomatic, to paraphrase Ryan), exemplary communication skills, and ability to mobilize our allies in our cause! Who could want anything more in a president!

Is that really news? I think we all saw this coming. I'm with Jeff. All Hail, King George!

I made a sample board of it a couple years ago when it first came out. It looks okay, but it was pricey then (and I'm certain even more so now), and I smartened up about using acryllics before I ever got around to using it. I feel like I dodged a bullet there! Stay away from them if you hope to have repeat business.

"Payment due upon completion of services." This way they understand that even if they are not home at the time, I expect to be paid quickly. After booking the job, i usually call to schedule on late Sunday or early Monday for the upcoming week. At that time I ask if they will be home. If not, we arrange payment at that time. And since I do decks... "Homeowner is responsible for removal of furniture and other items from the work area or an additional $50.00 charge will apply. " I waive this with some elderly folks or if there isn't too much stuff. That way it seem like a freebie. With some folks that have planters, benches, chairs, tables and knickknacks all over though, I insist on it.

That's the one. Practically glows in the dark! Ryan, your SW store isn't too much on the ball there!

I used a white from them that was so white it made my eyes water when working in direct sun. I'll try to find the name. I'm certain it was a SW Deckscapes waterborne finish.

I put a used length of garden hose on the end of the chemical line. Just cut about a 16" length, remove the strainer from the chem line, insert the chem line through the garden hose, replace the strainer, and off you go.

Beth, I downloaded some selections, and they now show up on my ITunes program in the shared folder, but I can't get them to transfer into my Ipod, or even play (in iTunes). They will play in Limewire. How do you transfer them into your Ipod?

Do all of these sites work with the Ipod? I know some file types don't work on mine.

Kinda silly anyway. Anything is only worth what you can get for it. I'd like to see if any domains have ever sold for thier estimated value.

It really doesn't bother me, although I do believe all immigrants should be teaching their children our language and assimilating them into our culture. I do think it is possible to learn our culture while still respecting their own. Their children will have better opportunities if they understand how to communicate in our language. As far as packaging goes, it also allows them to sell the product in Spanish speaking areas of the world without having to change the manufacturing process. Alot of electronics have Spanish, English, and French on the packaging and instructions for that reason. I lived in Germany as a kid (my mom is from Essen), so I speak English, some German, and of course...the language of love, baby!!:lgbounces

Forgot about that little thing called "The Patriot Act," Jon?? "The Constitution is a shield, not a sword."

Well, we finally finished decorating the house for the holidays. I couldn't resist this final touch. What do you think? It's my yellow lab, Lucy.

"Read my lips...no new taxes!!" George H. W. Bush Watch out Georgie Boy!!!!

I'm crazy about her. We adopted her from the Humane Society almost 7 years ago. I think she knows we did something special for her, so she rewards me every day for it.

Being a good speaker may not qualify him, but it would be a refreshing change. I love to hear great oration. Watching the tapes of JFK, MLK, and a handfull of others have moved me to tears at times. Those types of powerful words can inspire people to act, and change can occur as a result. We all have heard of motivational speakers. When we have a leader unable to move people due to his lack of communication skills, it's a loss to our country. I wish I was wrong, but there are still too many bigots, even in the Democratic party, to elect a black man. I hear racist BS all the time around here, and I'm certain many of you do as well. I'm not trying to start anything, but having travelled the south extensively, I have been shocked by it at times. Bottom line, I just don't see it as a possibility.

Most people must have slept through this part of chemistry class. Higher octane fuels are actually less explosive, which is why they don't pre-ignite in your cylinders under higher compression. They allow higher compression without pre-ignition or spark-knock. They are not more pure or cleaner. If you do not have issues with pre-ignition using 87 octane, it's like burning dollar bills if you're feeding your engine premium. Wouldn't you think the engineers who designed the engines would make their recommendations for the fuel that ran most efficiently? Airplane gas or Avgas, (not jet fuel) is 100 octane, but Low Lead. You can buy it at any airport for around $3.00 a gallon, but don't call me when you burn your pistons up! Jet fuel is basically kerosene. BTW, I burn 87 in my equipment ant 93 in my truck (Supercharged=high compression). I do get spark knock with any lower octane.

It will make for some interesting debate on the floor of the senate. They would need some republican support there for it to pass. That can put a conservative senator between a rock and a hard place, since most individuals would love it, but business owners would suffer the cost. If republican senators fight it, it will be used against them as not being "family friendly," and if they support it, they'd be looking out for the interests of "big business." If it goes through, it would amount to about a 2.6% increase in labor costs, based on a 2080 hour year for full-time employees.

Well, we might not all agree, but we'd all be willing to do more research!

I just want my son to grow up to be an honorable, decent, self-sufficient man. Many people on this board are totally happy and financially secure in this biz, but most have backgrounds elsewhere. I'd definitely like to see him go out into the world on his own, at least initially. That's not to say that there is anything wrong with family businesses though. I have friends who have done very well for themselves following in their father's footsteps. I tried to get my son interested in being an Air Traffic Controller (my day job), but he has never really had an interest. I started taking him flying with me when he was still in a child-seat, and he's been in my control tower many times. He just has no interest in it. Too bad, since I could grease the wheels for him a bit. I guess familiarity breeds contempt. He graduates HS in a couple weeks, and is still deciding where to go afterward (next fall). He's angling for a career in the music business, but like most kids, I don't think he realizes that he will have to start at the bottom. We'll just have to see how things pan out for him.

Kevin, Why is that you and I seem to get into it on certain subjects. We are two very different people. I don't give a darn about CNN polls. I watch very little TV news of any kind. I'm more of a reader. Don't over analize this. You should understand clearly what a majority is. I'm not suggesting that we should simply poll them, or guess at anything. I'm asking...If the majority (over 50 %) of Iraqi's feel we should leave, should we then begin our draw-down of troops there? It's a hypothetical question, so lets assume that somehow you could be satisfied that this was the case. Isn't that the essence of democracy...allowing them to make this decision? After all, doesn't it seem a bit disingenuous to bring them democracy, then deny it to them when we feel that they don't understand what's in their best interests? Now...off for a few beers, some Golden Tee Golf, and waitresses in Orange spandex shorts! I bet we could all agree on that! And I'm with Jeff on one other thing too! How the heck do you guys do the multi-quote thing???

Here is one thing we haven't discussed. Should we allow the wishes of the Iraqi people to determine our actions so far as staying or pulling out? Do they have a say in their own destiny?

Kevin, When speaking of the Iran/Iraq war, I was addressing civilian casualties, not casualties in general as you quote in portions of your posts. I agree that all stats in regards to either are speculative at best, since each side claims great victory and minimal casualties. Civilians under Saddam may have been vulnerable to attack during the conflict, but that is very different than him killing them. Both countries attacked civilian targets in that conflict as the war progressed. I'm just saying that civilians are dying now too, and possibly at a higher rate than when Saddam was in power, given that he ruled for 24 years. Dead is dead, whether at the hands of Saddam, insurgents, or the U.S. I know that war is hell, but if we are there to save these people from this despicable ruler, but they are still dying, what have we accomplished?