HAPe4me

early and absentee voting are handled similiar here to Raf's expressions. I turned my absenteee ballot in at an early voting place, no lines, no postal delays.

NOTE: Bear in mind folks, absentee ballots in my state, (and I expect in others) MUST BE DELIVERED TO THE COUNTY CLERK BY THE CLOSE OF THE POLLS. IF YOU HAVE NOT MAILED IT ALREADY, I RECOMMEND YOU DELIVER IT YOURSELF. POSTMARKS DO NOT COUNT!

I think there may be some exceptions to that rule, like for military personelle, but in general, if you want it to count, you better get it there on time.

Because of the checks to be sure people do not vote twice, the vote counts are not certified by the clerk until some weeks after the election. They will have a count, but it is not oofficial until certified.

Also, here (CO), a list is given to the polling places of those in the precinct who have REQUESTED absentee ballots. If a voter claims to have lost or decided not to vote absentee, they will be allowed to cast a PROVISIONAL ballot. These are set aside, and only counted after the names are compared with the final list of those who did send absentee ballots. This allows people to vote even if they requested but did not complete an absentee ballot.

Unless it, by some unexpected quirk, is a runaway election, I suspect the winner will be in doubt for several days, and maybe alot longer as the checks and balances that have been put in place to ensure accuracy have run their course.

~HAP

looking for bumper stickers! THAT was fun I had forgotten about. thanks for the memory.

I liked Sydney the best, especially 72, but that was my first rock, so likely that has bearing on being my favorite.

Oops, guess I better correct that, 74 was when I met my wife of all these years. I spose I better make that Rock my favorite. was that Lima or HQ?

~HAP

I want Bill Cosby for prez

Excat- I will be happy to settle your confusion. Just vote for my guy and I will bequeath peace and joy on you for all the rest of your days. :D-->

~HAP

drat, they left the tieing run on base

quote:

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Originally posted by Eagle:

Concerning George Bush, charges of "treason" against him are ludicrous. Just another charge from those who grew up in the 60's who apparently can't leave the 60's or those raised by those who still can't get off the anti-war trip. To them, every war America fights is evil, even after 9/11. .

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those charges of Bush's treason, are just as valid as the ones you pose at John Kerry- that is neither is valid.

CAN"T GET OUT OF THE 60s???? You are the one who is basing his vote, and admits that you will not serve or honor a duly elected president, based on your perception of 32 years ago. IMO it is sad that anyone would so dishonor the uniform we formerly wore based on false analysis of the effect of one person's actions so long ago.

I proudly served, I proudly organized protests, and I did it all BECAUSE of the love for my country. It was not a game for us here anymore than for you who were over there. Some of us were even shot at on our own campuses. To allude it is un-American to vote for John Kerry is baffling to me, and casts aspersions even more on the motives of those who would further sell out our future by giving Bush 4 more years.

This discussion should be on another thread and in another forum, so I will not reply again to this derail, on this thread. If'n you want, start another thread. I apologize to the OPEN forum for allowing myself to get drawn in to this side-bar. It raised my hackles. Frankly I was content to leave VietNam out of the quagmire of this election, but it raised its ugly head once again. Kinda like TWI huh?

~HAPe4me

oh for pistol pete's sake!

Eagle, I thank John Kerry for his testimony to congress. He spoke for me then on VietNam and he speaks for me now on Iraq. I will sort out the other issues after we are rid of the greatest divider of all, George W. Bush.

oh hell, never mind. I am too ....ed off right now. I am American, I am patriotic, I have served my country,

I AM VOTING FOR KERRY, so get over it.

I don't think any TRUE American should vote for Bush, but I will fight to the death for your right to do it. I think that better honors the uniform I grew up with.

~HAPe4me

I no more believe the propoganda about treason than I believe Bush's reasons (how many has he flip-flopped with now?) for the action in Iraq. The action in Vietnam was based on antiquated scenarios based in post World War II philosophy concerning Europe. I believe it was wrong. At the time, we were told it was because of the dominoe theory. If one country fell to communism, pretty soon it would be at our shores.

I thank you for your service, I am sure you did so honorably. It was no game to you and i know that. What I think you do not know is that it was no game for us either. I am ....ed off that we lost over 45000 of our finest men in that war, and we had no business being there. We have no business being in Iraq either, but now that we are there......

~HAPe4me

I thought I had heard the same thing DM, (its not on snopes by the way, as of yet- but worth a try always- teehee you CAN learn!) I suspect the evil right wing media cooked that rumor up too. I doubt that Lehrer would "RATHER" it in the opening debate.

~HAP

the others have given good information on replacing the cord, assuming it is that type of weight balance and sash cord, and I assume it is.

As for screening, I would use aluminum screens rather than fibreglass as protection for cats, and against cats destroying them. If additional guards are needed, perhaps some 1/2 inch wire mesh at your hardware store, secured with screws/washers to the window frame. Or new windows.

Geesh, you are thinking of pricey tvs, but balk at new windows? Depending on what part of the country you are in, new windows may well be a money making opportunity for you. If you are in a cold region, or in a hot region, the new technology vinyl replacement windows can save energy (and therefore money) enough to pay for themselves in a few years. They are an improvement in both heat loss (winter) and heat gain (summer), saving energy year round. Coupled with the resale value when you go to sell, they are a wise choice.

Around here, homebuyers are definetly factoriing in the window quality when they make an offer. Replaced windows are found in so many houses that if yours does not have them, you are at a disadvantage when they compare apples.

Finally, the ease with which new windows operate is such a relief if you have been having to fight to open your old drafty, need to be painted windows. Cleaning new windows is also easier (sorry John and Hope), as the new windows generally can be cleaned from the inside by tilting them inward, or spinning them inward in the case of sliders.

Street and other outside noise is also better blocked by the new windows, especially if properly installed with expanding foam around the edges. I have many contracts under an airport noise mitigation program, where the airport operator is giving homeowners money for windows or new airconditioning due to past decibel level violations. (I am not sure about how well they block the sound of falling cats- I will have to test that sometime teehee- bad joke)

New windows efficiently save energy, money, block noise, operate more freely, require no additional storm windows (less glass to clean), fit most architectural integrity issues on older or historic homes, and give a good return on resale in most areas of the country.

new vinyl replacement windows should be available for around $200 avg per window, double that if you need someone to install them. Don't buy the box store crap versions (Home Depot/Lowes etc.) Find a contractor to get you custom sized quality windows. (PT to me if you want more info) Do not be flamboozled by the guy who quotes you $700 for his window. He has the same window I sell for $400, he just has to pay his phone room and for his hawaii vacation. shop around till you are comfortable with your purchase.

Now I return you to your scheduled Hi-definition TV program. heehee.

~HAP the window/kitchen/bathroom/basement guy

Kit-

There is absolutely no reason you should have to reformat your hardrive to install AOL upgrades. I do recommend closing every running task except explorer and systray before doing the upgrade, but I have never had a problem with the upgrades. (even when many had problems going to version 5 or 6 a few years ago)

I also recommend installing it from a CD rather than a download version. The only time I have heard of people losing IE was when they used a download upgrade and chose to do a minimal download, bypassing the newer IE download. (IE is a LLOOONNNGGGG download time) I always tell it to transfer my existing settings, and to copy (not move) my old downloads and filing cabinet.

After installing, and checking that everything is working and all my favorites and filing cabinet have been put into the new version, I usually remove (from within the Windows Control Panel) one earlier version, and keep the last version I was using. That way I always have two copies (the latest, and the last previous version) of AOL available, in case there is a problem with the latest version you can always go back to the last one you used. I have never needed to use this ability however.

If you have questions about installing the new version, you should call, or contact online, their helpdesk folks. Upgrades should go easy if you take the time to read the prompts and understand them.

~HAP

You pay extra for the extra screenames? Not on my bill. I am running 8.), haven't gotten around to switching to 9, but I have never heard of extra charges for the 7 screenames.

By the way, if you belong to AARP there is a discount for AOL dial up access. I think it is 10%. keyword AARP should have the info.

~I am still looking for a reason to leave AOL, but haven't found it yet. It may come when I switch to highspeed instead of dial-up, but I haven't a clue yet what that reason would be.

~HAP

to the silly farm

quote:

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Originally posted by Galen:

HAPe4me:

"I personally do not wish to be a landlord, so I do not intend to keep these properties"

Galen said: It worked out for us, but it is not for everone.

Yes Galen, I know it works for some, I only said for me it was not my desire (nor my stomach)

HAPe4me: ". . . Is this a recent formula or one from your past training?"

Galen: "It shows things differently according to your level of income and cost of living. It is a bit of a 'sliding scale'. It should still be good.

I got it from the Navy in 2001, at the time one of my 'hats' was 'Command Financial Specialist' and 'IRS-VITA Tax planning Specialist'.

---

Ok, then it is not that old. Thank you again. However, I think my first goal will be to have that amount in liquitable assets (i.e funds/stocks/ cds/ IRAs etc) at my retirement, as well as having some additional amount in other less liquid assets.

~HAP

Through our our younger years we could not find the expendable income to put money away, other than payments on our mortgage. In fact several times I found it necessary to refi the house in order to catch up on taxes. My wife did not work at a paying job- (tip of the hat to stay-at-home mom's) while the kids were in school. It was a decision we made, which we would gladly repeat.- even though it meant few vacations and older cars. Once the kids got to college, we at long last were able to focus more on our own long term needs.

I immediately refied the house again, but this time without taking cash out, and turned the mortgage back to a 15 year loan, but at a lower interest rate. The payments are actually far less than they were under the previous 30 year higher interest mortgage. This freed up cash to lower credit card debt, and also set a target for the mortgage being paid at the same time I am of retirement age.

The biggest factor in my improved financial state is taking hold of bill paying, on time and online. Online billpay has improved my credit scores dramatically. My bank guarantees that my creditor will receive my payment on the day I schedule it. They have not failed to do that in two years. On the first of the month I schedule the entire month's bills, to be paid throughout the month. There is no depending on having a stamp, or remembering to mail the check, or sometimes delayed mail.

A higher credit score means lower insurance rates, lower interest rates, greater flexibility in many of your bills, and a higher level of self esteem. i.e. you have more expendable money to invest.

Having taken care of my immediate needs, I was able to use a modest inheritance to purchase an investment property which my son will live in for the next two years. I will build an addition to augment the modern needs of a single family home and resell it. I am a contractor, so this method of gaining equity falls well within the oft recommended guideline of "invest in what you know" I do not share the view of a coming realestate crash, but watch where you buy and what you buy. I personally do not wish to be a landlord, so I do not intend to keep these properties

These steps have helped me more than meet Galens formula, but I wonder if your formula is adequate in today's economics Galen. Is this a recent formula or one from your past training?

quote:

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posted by Krysilis:

The biggest single function of this Cafe is the healing it promotes among those who were broken by the organization and others who need to heal from other organizations.

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Agreed, especially the first part, but I would add it may have a bigger impact on those who might have BECOME entrapped by TWI if not for the info provided on GS's main page.

All that aside, if chat is not fun, and the forums are not fun, those of us who are long past being hurt or helped by TWI will have little to afford us at GS. But as I was writing while you posted this, GS's ability to keep my interest has little to do with its goals nor its success, uphill or downhill.

~HAP

Krys- you can think anything you wish, but please don't vote for me. (its illegal in most states except chicago I guess, and maybe Florida.)

I admit to being tired of Zixars methods and manipulating attempts, but as to my not reading his poll, you are wrong. I cannot vote the last option, because if I do not agree with everything Paw does, I will not submit to being spanked or called names by him. (not that I think Paw has ANY desire to spank me) --> None of these vote options fit my views. Kinda like the current (and also the previous) presidential race. At least here, there is no consequence for not voting.

It IS Paws board, and he can do what he wants. This is MY computer, and I can punch any URL I want. If Paw's or Zixar's actions are disagreeable enough to me I can stop coming to GS, or I can ignore Zix (which I mostly do now until this thread).

The issues Zix raised in his first poll were not issues of concern to me. When I voted on it, my vote was negative, but was based on an entirely different issues than what he later said were his issues. The way the poll results were read by the originator, my vote was counted as agreeing with his issues. In fact, I was angry at losing several fun folks over another issue in the chat area. I was not even aware of the JW controversy, and was unaware of Chuck's supposed post, as I do not read doctrinal nor many About the Way threads.

I have tired of Zix in the politics threads, and rarely post there anymore. That leaves chat as one of the rare places he doesn't impart his most holy wisdoms.

It is possible that GS is falling away from my interest, but that does not mean it is not a viable site or that it is going downhill, only that it ceases to hold much interest for ME. Inspite of these or other poll results, this has nothing to do with GS's success or failure. I am not part of its target audience , goals or aims. Oh well, should I go, few would notice. Few have noticed Suz's absence either.

Hurt? nah, I won't even go there. Geesh, I am not hurt, how am I hurt by an website which I am not forced to come to, and whose stated goals have nothing to do with why I have been here? silly. GS had other ancillary areas which kept my interest, those areas have been impacted by a few incidents which therefore make it less interesting to me.

I appreciate different thoughts, The Strange guy is pointed but entertaining, P-Mosh provides interesting views also. Excat is a fun read. Raf keeps you thinking. Radar has much to add to any thread. Rocky was fun too, but Zix got under his skin too far and Rocky crossed the line. I feel Zix crossed the line, but apparently Paw did not. that is allright. I do however miss reading Rocky's posts, and chatting with Ala and with Suz and some other late nighters who have left GS in full or in part. C'est la vie.

I only come here to play, to track old friends, and to discuss politics. Some posters make this fun, some do not. It has nothing to do with their views, but everything to do with the way they interact with others. Some have those skills, some do not. Oh well, such is true on any board.

Hope you understand now why I refuse to vote on this poll.

~HAP

hmm, I can't pick any of those answers, a typical Zix poll again. wonder what he will claim this one proves. I didn't see zixar's issues as having any bearing on the state of GS, but if it shuts him up then it is an improvement I would say.

~HAP

oh Psalmie, get out of this forum!

come to chat LOL

quote:

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Originally posted by George Aar:

.

Add a Toto "Washlet" toilet seat bidet (about $450. - $600.) and your wife will love you even more.

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But Geo, the rumor is that a wife will love you EVEN more if you actually install it instead of storing it in a closet. LOL

yeah, what George said. I didn't see his post while I wrote mine. Good explanation Geo

~HAP

Galen-

I can't say I have ever heard of anyone with your dangle problem. geesh, maybe your only answer is to use the john only when you have an erection.

Have you tried a "comfort height" toilet? They are 16, 16 1/2 or 17" from the floor to the top of the rim, as opposed to the 14 1/2" standard. They are also sold as ADA compatible. (to accomodate those with need to move from wheelchair to stool., or with difficulty getting up from that awkward squat poistion) Many of my older clients are requesting them when I remodel their bathrooms. You could try them at virtually any public privy which is equipped with wheelchair accessible toilets. They are all over the place.

I believe the extra height should also increase the distance to the water from the seat, but I admit I never checked that. You might also consider an elongated rather than a round one (bowl). The water reservoir is often further back in the bowl, where it is needed.

As far as brands, I feel you were misled by that website. There is difference in the flush action, as well as the bowl reservoir design, especially now with the 1.6 gal max usage requirements. Manufacturers are trying hard to counter the concern some folks have about the early versions not cleaning themselves well. They are improving the action with each new model.

My experience has been American Standard and Kohler do much better than Eljer, and that Kohler seems to install easier. (although there is no rocket science to putting any of them together.) Cheaper brands have a tendency to not be as well cast, and often have an uneven bottom, which makes installation harder when you try to prevent a rocky base.

American Standard makes a "power flush" model which uses some sort of a forced pressure to flush the system. They work incredibly well, but are rather loud. My clients have been very happy with them in spite of the loudness.

I dunno if any of this will help you with your dangling participle, except the ADA seats. Do you live near Ms. Bobbitt? (ouch)

Poor cleaning of the bowl can have many causes, from a clogged wax ring, corroded/crusty inlet holes in the bowl, improper water level, or bad/weak flapper valve (where the water leaves the tank to go to the bowl) My first guess is the flapper valve, second the wax ring. You should never set the float valve to fill the tank above the water elevation mark which is cast into the back of the tank. It's a waste of water and does little to increase flushing capability.

Out here in the arid west, we can't waste any water more than necessary.

Oh, regarding installing used 3.5 or 5.0 gallon toilets. Its a bad idea unless the area has soft water. You are buying someone else's problems most likely, but most contractors would give them to you so they don't have to haul them to the dump. Licensed plumbers cannot install them for you (at least in my area).

I guess plumbers need to know more than that water flows downhill and payday is on Friday.

Good luck-

HAP

ahh, Gunnison- now a wienie roast there I might actually go to attend. (it is close enough to me to be worth the trip), and certainly a more pleasant place to stage an ex-TWI reunion than in that flatlander place in Ohio.

My wife was born and grew up in Gunnison and we could probably look up some of her highschool friends for places to stay. (The Cattlemen's Inn burned down not too long ago)

We could float right by the camp and moon them! and throw our Camp G belt buckles on the shore in a symbolic gesture of our rejection of their spiritless desecration of a beautiful area.

~HAP

Not the Mag, Hope, but I was in ROA72 movie also. They cut us from the video tape, but in the original movie I was there , near the beginning. It was Becky B, (later F.) and me and a WOW named Beth H.

It looked like we were doing a kind of ring-around-the-rosie hug, but really we were just hugging and the camera kept going around us.

~HAP

Why is this thread killed? do I have to read the whole thing to learn its fate?

HAP

Fantasia can't dance, Diane is great on stage, but needs another year of maturity. She WILL be a star, no question, and is extremely talented.

However, LaToya should have been there at the end, or perhaps some of the folks dumped in the auditions, who were better than some of the top 12.

Oh well, I liked the purple haired girl that left several weeks ago. What was her name? Geesh the American people vote weird!

~HAP (who makes AI the one mindless endeavor he succombs to each week- oops, then there is GS, LOL)