joemomma

Must be a blue moon. That's about as often as City Councils use common sense.

I'd still like to know if a permit was pulled for this project. If so, then an electrical inspection will follow installation to satisfy permit requirements. If inspected, it must comply with the National Electric Code, which mandates that electric signs be listed (such as UL). There will be a label on the outside of the sign to that effect. I doubt seriously that your HD guy is a UL shop, so in order to be legal, the sign must be manufactured and delivered to him by a UL shop, and the sign must be complete; that is, ready to connect to the house electric. My suspicion is that this sign is not listed. I also suspect that where there is no neon, there are no neon transformers in the raceway. But I'm a suspicious guy when it comes to Fly by Nighters. Worst case scenario if a permit was pulled - the sign will be cited for many code violations and you should find a UL shop in your area that will fix it. They may have to remove the sign and take it back to the shop to fix it (maybe not). You may wish that you had taken that second bid in the first place.

Though I don't know the specifics of your contract with this "man who works for a local building supply mega chain", and we all know that hind-sight is 20/20, it sounds to me like you bought a pig in a poke, probably at a low price. Do you know for sure that he did the couple signs in the same shopping area, or did you take his word for it? Did you get references? Did you call the BBB? Is he in the Yellow Pages? Did you get competitive bids? In other words, as should be done always when buying something "not off the shelf" from somebody you don't know whose main business apparently is in another line of work, did you do your homework? It doesn't sound to me like you did, and I can garner up little sympathy for someone in your circumstance. However, like Sign Guy said, there are remedies. In a court of law you may be able to get your money back, but will it be worth the expense? In the meantime, you need an illuminated sign. My suggestion is that you contact bona fide sign companies and see if one of them can fix your sign for you so it will comply with codes and light up. It will more than likely cost quite a bit more than your original quote.

That's what I was talking about. By stucco I imagine you mean EIFS. It usually has styrofoam behind it and either plywood or some kind of drywall. The EIFS will eat up even a carbide bit or hole saw. We use paddle bits (speed-bore bits) for that for a couple reasons. They're cheaper. And, before you start your drill, you can push the bit past the EIFS so the cutting edge of the bit is not contacting the EIFS. It's a little messier than a hole saw, but much quicker.

Carbide hole saws are generally used in Stainless Steel or Ceramic tile, so I would think that they'd be available at Home Depot or Lowes, but if not, a plumbing supply house should have what you're looking for. I have no on-line references for you, though. Sorry. If you're just looking for a good, general purpose, deep hole saw, I used to use Milwaukee, but have switched to Rigid. They seem to last longer, and when cutting through thick iron, including I-beams, the job isn't as difficult as with other brands. They clean out a lot easier also.

My first thought also, Travis. But reading some of the things greenies have been coming up with about population control, they'd probably welcome more violent crime. I mean, after all, of all the creatures on this earth humans are the real demons. Let's get rid of the lot of them, except, of course, for you and me, Travis.

horseradish on it

of the Californicators

Wish I could tell you. As with so much on the internet, the author has become anonymous. I received it from a sister.

"We the sensible people of the United States, in an attempt to help everyone get along, restore some semblance of justice, avoid more riots, keep our nation safe, promote positive behavior, and secure the blessings of debt-free liberty to ourselves and our great-great-great-grandchildren, hereby try one more time to ordain and establish some common sense guidelines for the terminally whiny, guilt ridden, delusional, and other liberal bed-wetters. We hold these truths to be self evident: that a whole lot of people are confused by the Bill of Rights and are so dim they require a Bill of NON-Rights." ARTICLE I: You do not have the right to a new car, big screen TV, or any other form of wealth. More power to you if you can legally acquire them, but no one is guaranteeing anything. ARTICLE II: You do not have the right to never be offended. This country is based on freedom, and that means freedom for everyone -- not just you! You may leave the room, turn the channel, express a different opinion, etc.; but the world is full of idiots, and probably always will be. ARTICLE III: You do not have the right to be free from harm. If you stick a screwdriver in your eye, learn to be more careful; do not expect the tool manufacturer to make you and all your relatives independently wealthy. ARTICLE IV: You do not have the right to free food and housing. Americans are the most charitable people to be found, and will gladly help anyone in need, but we are quickly growing weary of subsidizing generation after generation of professional couch potatoes who achieve nothing more than the creation of another generation of professional couch potatoes. ARTICLE V: You do not have the right to free health care. That would be nice, but from the looks of public housing, we're just not interested in public health care. ARTICLE VI: You do not have the right to physically harm other people. If you kidnap, rape, intentionally maim, or kill someone, don't be surprised if the rest of us want to see you fry in the electric chair. ARTICLE VII: You do not have the right to the possessions of others. If you rob, cheat, or coerce away the goods or services of other citizens, don't be surprised if the rest of us get together and lock you away in a place where you still won't have the right to a big screen color TV or a life of leisure. ARTICLE VIII: You do not have the right to a job. All of us sure want you to have a job, and will gladly help you along in hard times, but we expect you to take advantage of the opportunities of education and vocational training laid before you to make yourself useful. ARTICLE IX: You do not have the right to happiness. Being an American means that you have the right to PURSUE happiness, which by the way, is a lot easier if you are unencumbered by an over abundance of idiotic laws created by those of you who were confused by the Bill of Rights. ARTICLE X: This is an English speaking country. We don't care where you are from, English is our language. Learn it or go back to wherever you came from! (Lastly....) ARTICLE XI: You do not have the right to change our country's history or heritage. This country was founded on the belief in one true God. And yet, you are given the freedom to believe in any religion, any faith, or no faith at all; with no fear of persecution. The phrase IN GOD WE TRUST is part of our heritage and history, and if you are uncomfortable with it, TOUGH! .

The udder fact is that there's only one thing better than a glass of cold, cold milk. And that's a glass of warm milk straight from Moolie's tit. When I lived on the farm, that's what I did on occasion. You bet your bottom dollar I don't like being forced to drink pasteurized milk. I thought you knew me by now, Marko. I don't like being forced to do anything. It has nothing to do with the milk, only the "being forced". That's the main difference between us Libertarians and most of the rest of society. We don't like being forced and we don't like forcing. Another way of putting it is, "Live and let live." And I believe it to be amazing that some people think that government is the only resource we have to create a level playing field. I really don't understand what you mean by that, but if you mean what I think you mean, again, the consumer does a much better job of leveling the playing field, by insisting that companies produce a good and safe product or service at a reasonable price, or go out of business. "The government's main roles should be providing the basic services that the population requires (roads, schools) and to protect it's citizens." There are a couple things in this sentence I disagree with. 1. Your list of basic services was pretty exclusionary. Distribution of food is a pretty basic service. Health care is a pretty basic service (not much freedom left in that service). Why hasn't the government taken over the grocery stores in our countries? There is only one service that the government provides that private industry can't do better and cheaper. It has to do with a thing called force, such as an Army and a Police Force. And it is the only business the government should be in - protecting its individual citizens from the initiation of force or fraud.

You really are missing my point, Marko. It doesn't matter whether it's plasma TV's or snake oil or clothes hampers or widgets. My point is that government has no business regulating business. Good Housekeeping, Consumer Reports, and, in the absence of the iron fist of government, a whole slew of profit making consumer oriented businesses would do a much better job of informing consumers about the products they buy. Wouldn't you, as a well educated and discriminating consumer, rather decide what products you buy, than have those decisions made for you by a whimsical nanny government in Washington or Ottawa? I know I would. BTW, maybe you could explain to me why you wrote law as 'law'. Is it because the government calls it a regulation, and not a law? And if so, could you explain the difference?

I must've missed that news item. When exactly did California secede from the US and join the EU? Did Schwarzenegger annex CA to Austria? As usual with stupid laws, there will be unintended consequences. The top 2 that come to mind are: small businesses that can't afford to hire lawyers that can do a good job of pretending to understand this bureaucratic gobbledygook will fast go out of business. And since the law states that these products can't be sold in CA (doesn't say you can't own one), consumers who wish to own a plasma TV will be forced to buy in another state or on the black market. Of course, that will lead to another law and the CA gestapo will be checking your baggage at all the state lines. As I've said before, Land of the theoretically free.

My sentiments exactly! I'd also say that any government forms, signs (that includes all signs), in fact, any government communication, should be in English only. The taxpayer should not have to foot the bill because some don't know the language. The immigrants of yesteryear did it. Why can't today's? If businesses want to use different languages, like Mark said, they do it at their own peril.

Sorry it took me so long to reply. I've actually been down in Louisville for the last 3 days on another job. The day Mr. Ruby decided that OJ was guilty, he took his pics down off the walls of his restaurants and vowed never to serve OJ again. He has hundreds of pictures of celebrities and sports figures that have eaten at his restaurants, including many blacks. Just minutes after he gave OJ the boot, Michael Jordan and a group of 30 were seated. (Boy, I'd like to see that tab.) I'm sure Jordan's pic now graces the wall of the Louisville restaurant. I've known Jeff for 20 years now, and can testify that he doesn't have a racist bone in his body. OJ's lawyer said Ruby doesn't know who he's messing with. If that lawyer goes forward with a complaint, he'll be not so pleasantly surprised when he finds out who he's messing with.

I usually check out these sorts of things with Urban Legends, but didn't have time yesterday, and it was sent to me via a reputable site. I apologize.

I've written quite a few times about one of my better customers who owns several high end steak houses in the area, the latest one being in Louisville, home of the Kentucky Derby, which always brings the celebs to what used to be Hogtown, USA. Today I have the highest respect for this man. Friday night, Jeff Ruby had an unwanted guest show up at his restaurant. OJ Simpson and his girlfriend were told by Mr. Ruby that they would not be served in any of his restaurants, and escorted them to the door. If you want to see a news clip of the story, go to wlwt.com. I'm having trouble with my computer and can't seem to upload right now. Mr. Ruby also gave OJ's girlfriend some sound advice.

I haven't checked the authenticity of this, but it sure sounds like something Andy Rooney would say. Andy Rooney said on "60 Minutes" a few weeks back: I don't think being a minority makes you a victim of anything except numbers. The only things I can think of that are truly discriminatory are things like the United Negro College Fund, Jet Magazine, Black Entertainment Television, and Miss Black America. Try to have things like the United Caucasian College Fund, Cloud Magazine, White Entertainment Television, or Miss White America; and see what happens...Jesse Jackson will be knocking down your door. Guns do not make you a killer. I think killing makes you a killer. You can kill someone with a baseball bat or a car, but no one is trying to ban you from driving to the ball game. I believe they are called the Boy Scouts for a reason, that is why there are no girls allowed. Girls belong in the Girl Scouts! ARE YOU LISTENING MARTHA BURKE? I think that if you feel homosexuality is wrong, it is not a phobia, it is an opinion. I have the right "NOT" to be tolerant of others because they are different, weird, or tick me off. When 70% of the people who get arrested are black, in cities where 70% of the population is black, that is not racial profiling, it is the Law of Probability. I believe that if you are selling me a milkshake, a pack of cigarettes, a newspaper or a hotel room, you must do it in English! As a matter of fact, if you want to be an American citizen, you should have to speak English! My father and grandfather didn't die in vain so you can leave the countries you were born in to come over and disrespect ours. I think the police should have every right to shoot your sorry ass if you threaten them after they tell you to stop. If you can't understand the word "freeze" or "stop" in English, see the above lines. I don't think just because you were not born in this country, you are qualified for any special loan programs, government sponsored bank loans or tax breaks, etc., so you can open a hotel, coffee shop, trinket store, or any other business. We did not go to the aid of certain foreign countries and risk our lives in wars to defend their freedoms, so that decades later they could come over here and tell us our constitution is a living document; and open to their interpretations. I don't hate the rich. I don't pity the poor. I know pro wrestling is fake, but so are movies and television. That doesn't stop you from watching them. I think Bill Gates has every right to keep every penny he made and continue to make more. If it ticks you off, go and invent the next operating system that's better, and put your name on the building It doesn't take a whole village to raise a child right, but it does take a parent to stand up to the kid; and smack their little behinds when necessary, and say "NO!" I think tattoos and piercing are fine if you want them, but please don't pretend they are a political statement. And, please, stay home until that new lip ring heals. I don't want to look at your ugly infected mouth as you serve me French fries! I am sick of Political Correctness. I know a lot of black people, and not a single one of them was born in Africa; so how can they be "African-Americans"? Besides, Africa is a continent. I don't go around saying I am a European-American because my great, great, great, great, great, great grandfather was from Europe. I am proud to be from America and nowhere else. And if you don't like my point of view, Tough! There is one thing in the above that I disagree with, but it's trivial compared to what I think is his most important statement - that our Constitution is NOT a living document. It's the way those who say such a thing operate. It's called double speak. They call it a living document, all the while doing everything in their power to kill it.

for Wooten!

I'm sure you'll get some replies from some who met the cowboy in Vegas, but you might say he's marked for life. He can't hide the fact that he's a tube bender. You might also want to go check out the adult section and look at one of the things you can do with neon, but not led's. I agree, his gallery shows benders that really know what they're doing. But it leaves me with the impression that there are more tattoo and piercing parlors in his town than bars and churches. Not that there's anything wrong with that!

The sun shines bright on My Old Kentucky Home. So we don't worry about the rain. Actually, if it rains, we wear rain gear. If it's a heavy downpour, we find work inside. I've gotten sunburn once in my life and it wasn't the 12 weeks of summer I spent in sunny Southern California in boot camp. The first week In Nam I got burned. Everybody else got blistered, including the black guys. I guess I have a natural sun block. By May 1st, I already have my deep tan for the summer. I remember seeing Lane's umbrella and thinking at the time that nobody in our area has anything like that on their buckets and baskets. Well, except the Telephone wooses.

Thanks for the advice, Chuck.

Ploop, ploop, ploop? I always thought it was more like glub, glub, glub.

Green spectrum, block out the red and blue, filter this color, filter that color. This is all very new to me. I've always used red behind red, blue behind blue, green behind green, etc., for no other reason than I thought it was just the sensical thing to do. I'd like to learn a bit about what you guys are talking about. Can somebody tell me where to go to learn a little bit about the spectrums and filters, etc.? Travis, I already know you're going to tell me to go to hell to learn about red, so save the wear and tear on your pecking finger, or pecker as we call it in Kaintuck.

Speak up, will ya Son?