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Seems that ISA is always scheduling during Spring Break ------- even now there are issues trying to get planes into and out of Orlando when we want to get to the show ------- trying last minute??? You might have to hump the wing, or ride someones else's lap. gn

Well, just send Kgirl then - I'll take good care of her for you. But, seriously, I was hoping to meet you guys. I could have sworn that you said you was going ------------ gn

Okay, never too early to plan. So, now that I had to clear my calendar to go to the big event-----------who's all going. And as a side note ----- if you attend seminars, there is going to be one on recycling of merc tubes. Hopefully, with enough cages rattled ----- the seminar will be more than just a "fluff" piece. I see Ventex going, no YYZ, no Mark Snyder in the exhibit hall, Axion???, EGL, of course, of course Marcus Thielen is going if anyone gets to meet him, and who else???? gn

Absolutely correct, and that's why CSA did battle with the Calif people and got the T-8 in commercial sign applications shot down - it was those very concerns and issues that made the point. That's also why -------- major lamp producers are considering phasing out T-12's, but yet Voltarc and EGL are NOT going to quit the mfg of our lamps. BUT ----- they are switching over to the rare earth phosphors, thus allowing better light output, and a nicer color, and combined with electronic ballasts ------ capable of achieving the energy savings that Calif was concerned about. For those that deal with T-8's and T-12's ------- start becoming familiar with the CCT and CRI terms, and definitions. More so with T-8's and smaller, its not just a WW, CW, DL color designations anymore. More like a 741, 851, 841, 837, etc, etc. And you won't like the look if you mix a 841 and a 741, etc. For more information on these issues ---------- again, Eric, a member here, from E-Tech is the same doing the one seminar I mentioned. Yo, Eric ------------ your turn to jump in ------------ gn

Brainwash???? never. I'd be interested in what the one seminar says about T8 usage in signs??? Also, the energy issues in signs --------IF they say anything constructive ---------- Too bac that Eric, doing the other seminar, isn't involved in the discussion about T8 and T12 issues. If you get a chance to rattle at him ----- try and meet him during the show -------- lots of good information. He's been around for ever ------ and quite knowledgeable. gn

I know that you wouldn't take offense at my blip about led's not being the "only" answer, but-------- I also know that the fed's pass crap ------- and then let the logistics of that crap fall by the wayside. I also know that mercury IS an issue, regardless of where it comes from - and if "us" in the sign business can do a small part in preserving what we do have, then we should obviously take SOME responsibility for it. gn

Interesting article---------I've posted on this board about recycling issues--------and zip response. But, its coming, and rightfully so. Yes, I've been around long enough to remember fl tubes being destroyed on rooftops, and neon units going in the trash, but-----------. Fact of the matter is - mercury is a blessing and a curse. It allows for extremely efficient light sources, and is extremely hazardous. If we took a poll of members as to "spent" lamps/merc tubes ------------- by far they go into the trash, into the landfill, into the waterways, into our kids and our lives. If ANY of you have, or know, of someone with a neurological issue, regardless of MS, ALS, CIDP, myalgia, etc, etc, etc --------------one of the causes could be mercury. If any of you know of a kid with autism, retardation, etc, etc, --------- it might be merc issues. Course, for old farts, taht same neurological issue MIGHT be caused by the zocor, lipitor, cholesterol meds that you're on ----- but, maybe not. So, who gives a shit. The neon industry is recognized as being a "cottage" industry because of the extreme lack of compliance regarding merc issues. And, are they right??? We take down signs, repair signs, and trash the neon ----knowing full well that NO ONE could find the remnants in the garbage ---- because we're good at destroying the evidence. Sure, there are penalties involved if you're caught. And sure, you probably might not get caught. But, there is a price to pay. Mercury from ONE tube can ruin the drinking water in a good size lake of water. Ruin it !! And then, for a weekend hobby, you go fish in that very lake, catch a beautiful fish and take it home for your kids to eat, or your prgnant wife to eat. Over 500 million fluorescent tubes are landfilled every year!!!!!!!!! And that's not including neon/merc tubes. Over 20,000 pounds of merc are used every year ---- and people wonder why we should recycyle it. IF we were to recycle, merc can be recycled back into use, into the very tubes that you make next year ------- with LITTLE of it going into the environment. Haphazardly breaking tubes --- no biggie?? I mean, its outside, right? Think again ------ we all know it vaporizes. I've posted a video of that vaporization process. It vaporizes, floats away on the breeze, eventually coming back down in the rain, or snow, or dirt --------- back to the ground, back to the water supply and back into your babies. So far, we can't live without it ---------- but, we could, if we wanted, make better choices on how we use it, and trash it. For those going to ISA in March. The head of ALMR is doing a seminar on recycling of merc tubes. His name is Paul Abernathy. Do a google on ALMR ---get his number and call him. I've called him --------- his focus was GOING to be on recycling fluoriescent tubes, ONLY. After speaking with him, I've encouraged him to speak OPENLY about recycling of merc tubes. He has been advised of TOTALLY incorrect info from his members of the ALMR into what constitues a "lamp", what is legally universal waste vs hazardous waste, and the bogusly incorrect differentiation between "flourescent", "merc/neon", "CFL's", and CCFL's. I'm hoping, and if every interested party, contacts him ---------------that he'll correctly decide to open his seminar to more obvious recycling of neon/merc tubes and get his ALMR members on the same page. Contacting ISA, who obviously puts on the show, and since they are "trying" to lead the charge into the merc debate with IMERC/NEWMOA, they MUST put together a recycling means and plan. IF it were to cost the customer an extra $2 to recycle a neon/merc tube ----------- that's life in the big city. Point out to the customer that the SAME warning is on the fluorescents that he puts into his building, its the same merc that gets around when he breaks a bulb, and the same consequences if he places the tube in the garbage !!!!!!!! Its the price one must pay to be in business ---------end of story again. Again, back off the pulpit !! And seriously, don't bring up the crap about going LED -----that's not the point, and its NOT the solution. gn

An interesting tidbit, courtesy of Bill Bluth-- Interesting development: http://www.signs.org/Newsroom/ISABriefingd...ItemNumber=2853 gn

Gotcha, didn't I??? No, nothing sexy---------just looking for information. Is there any ties between Voltarc and Transco in terms of business----------besides just marketing??? As in---financial, hidden merger, etc? For some time I believe in the past, there were tie ins between voltaarc, masonlite, transco---------? Wondering the current state of that. Reason I ask----------see considerable marketing materials showing both companies-----------?? gn

Interesting------following the link to Permlight----------at the bottom, still shows Manuel as the Pres and CEO. gn

Ha---------my wishes were in print before yours!!!!!!!!!! Course, I didn't call her my ol lady either. That's not nice!! gn

hey, K-girl!!!!!!!!!!!! Have a happy, happy birthday!!! Damn good looking for a 23 year old!!!!!!!!! Hope the old man takes you to dinner, and treats you well!!!!!!!!!!! OOps!! Just noticed that you're older than you look-------a young, spry, still sexy 32 !!!! gn

Sounds good. And the gas and tank??? From Germany? gn

It's about time---but I still say the sweetest one was the one I got from Dirk---my Dutch buddy.. It also acted as a pressure valve----and allowed you to see what your original fill level in the canister was, and when you were running out. Otherwise------it's a guess both ways. gn

Well------------at least the guy didn't lose any of the letters. lAs for the truck controls-------------obviously the boss had known the bucket had previously known control problems??? If so----then he should have fixed the damn thing---------------owners aren't always the perfect little angels they pretentd to be. gn

Key word being "properly". Hope you chastised him, or at least gave him a hard time -----------for the incorrect quote !! I noted your use of experts in quotations???----You mean there are some out there---or just wanna-be's?? gn

Hey, that chicks got clothes on???? When did we start to allow that sort of thing ?? gn

Ouch--that is sad. Really makes not difference if its a tow behind or not. My bro was in a similar---except a ladder/crane rig. Cable snapped and the basket came flying back in-----he took a flying leap after it hit bottom and manged to survive. And this was for a company that yearly had their equipment professionally serviced. Scary indeed. gn

Well, the two I used had outriggers just like a truck, made no difference if the lot was flat or not. Getting into postion a problem?? No more difficult------------than a truck. It probably all goes back to the rig, the trailer, and how its set up. gn

So, when a person states that "the coffee tastes like shit"-----------it's really true. gn

Never used one of those-------but have used trailer mounted cranes. Had outriggers, power plant, welder, etc. Just didn't need CDL's for towing a trailer, nor the HUGE insurance for a crane truck, etc, etc. Nice difference from "truck mounted equipment". gn

Welcome Herb-- I read an article in one of the sign rags that was quoting you about trannies, etc. In the one comment section before the article, it appeared that whomever wrote that section---either miscontrued what you said, or I misunderstand what you wrote. You started off talking about voltages on the tranny--------and then referenced placing a meter in line---------(like a ma meter)??? Another boo boo by the writer??? Looking forward to your input on this board---------we could use another tranny expert to answer questions-------- gn

You guys speak of "common sense" like its common !!! Unqualified people doing work---NOT in the sign business !! Yeah, right. Take a guy off the street, and five minutes later he's bombarding tubes. I mean---it realy is an easy job. gn

Not a good pic---but sure doesn't look like the letters are deep enough for neon??? gn