Countdown to the New Year

Happy New Year's Eve!



As we count down the minutes to the new year, I found this time widget from the Time and Frequency Divsion of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST):



The original HTML did not work. I had to make a few small changes to get it to work in this blog.

Gmail Team :: New Account...

I received an interesting email to my Gmail account earlier today. I would have thought that Gmail's spam filters would have caught it because it is clearly a phishing attempt...

---

From: Gmail Team infodata.customerservices@gmail.com
To: accounts@google.com
BCC: {my email address}

Subject: New Account...

Due to the congestion of all users of Google Mail, the server encountered some errors.
In an effort to protect your privacy and keep your information secure.
Kindly complete the fields below to avoid Denial of service.

Name* :
Date of Birth* :
Google e-mail Address*:
Current Passw* :

Your's

©2011 Google Mail ® for information.

---

I have reported the email as a phishing attack.

Flex Seal

The Problem

I have a joint where my concrete pool deck meets a concrete slab that is over part of my cellar. This joint is at the low point for both the pool deck and the slab. The deck and slab are basically level along the 24-foot length of this joint and it holds some water that does not flow easily to one end or the other. Water will leak through this joint and a couple of perpendicular cracks in the slab and slowly flood my cellar.

Another aspect of the joint is the vertical movement in the winter. As the slab is above the cellar, it does not move. But the concrete pool deck is on the ground and will move up and down with the winter freeze-thaw cycles.

Failed Attempts

About once a year I would clean the joint and the cracks. Then I would rub a water-proof caulk into the joint and cracks. That would work for about a year and then I would have to do it again.

I most recently tried a thick concrete epoxy-based paint along the joint and cracks. Apparently there is too much movement and I had new leaks in fairly short order.

Flex Seal

While watching TV the other day, I saw a commercial for Flex Seal. The product looked like just what I was looking for. I went to the website that was advertised: GetFlexSeal.com

The information on the website basically matched what I saw on the TV. Again, Flex Seal looked like what I needed.

But then I did a few Google searches and found some surprizes.

I found many bad reviews about the total cost and the checkout system. The bottom line is that you pay shipping and handling on the first can and the free can. The buy-one-get-one-free offer will cost you $19.95 + $9.95 + $9.95 for a total of $39.85. But that assumes you do not get confused during the ordering process and order more cans than you want or order other products along the way.

Then there were the reviews on the product itself. Most were not good. As of this posting date, the Better Business Bureau of the Southland (i.e., Southern California) has given this company an F rating.

The following video is from WGHP-TV (MyFox 8)...



A good place for seeing many comments is the Flex Seal product review on Amazon.com. I have found some possible alternatives for stopping my leak after going through those comments. Once the weather warms up and I give them a try, I will add a new post with the results. But for now, I will not be ordering Flex Seal...

Merry Christmas!

Traditions...

• Opening presents with the family


• Eating lots of good food


• Playing games on the Wii


• Watching "A Christmas Story"
  ... "You'll shoot your eye out, kid"

Our tree before and after decorating...

Christmas Eve

It is Christmas Eve and time to light the Yule Log...



Need some snow to help get in the Christmas mood? Using Firefox or Chrome, go to Google, and search for "let it snow".

Merry Christmas!

See you later, Alligator

How many ways can you think of to say goodbye...

See you later, Alligator
Not too soon, Big Baboon
Can't stay, Blue Jay
Chow chow, Brown Cow
Not now, Brown Cow
Take a bow, Brown Cow
Gotta go, Buffalo
Time to go, Buffalo
Bye bye, Butterfly
Adieu, Cockatoo
After a while, Crocodile
In a while, Crocodile
Out the door, Dinosaur
Give me a hug, Doodle Bug
In a shake, Garter Snake
Stay well, Gazelle
Blow a kiss, Goldfish
Adios, Hippos
Hit the road, Hoppy Toad
Manana, Iguana
Better swish, Jellyfish
Give a kiss, Jellyfish
Maybe two, Kangaroo
Toodle-loo, Kangaroo
So long, King Kong
Give a hug, Ladybug
In a blizzard, Little Lizard
To your house, Little Mouse
Chop chop, Lollipop
Just a word, Mocking Bird
To the bus, Octopus
Be sweet, Parakeet
'Till then, Penguin
Take care, Polar Bear
In a line, Porcupine
See you soon, Raccoon
Don't meander, Salamander
Gotta run, Skeleton
In an hour, Sunflower
Time to scoot, Warty Newt
Good luck, Yellow Duck

Chiller replacement - 7

The 60-ton temporary chiller arrived today. It was quite an ordeal to get it unloaded from the delivery truck and placed on the back of the crane truck.



The crane truck was then turned around so that the temporary chiller could be placed near where it will be hooked up next week. By early afternoon the temporary chiller was at its final resting spot for today.



The six 5-ton portable coolers also arrived today but at the same time the temporary chiller was being unloaded. As a result, the portable coolers had to be unloaded on a nearby side street.

300,000 miles - 1996 Subaru Impreza

We have a 1996 Subaru Impreza that we bought used several years ago.



Today we passed the 300,000 mile mark!



We make sure to keep up with the regular maintenance such as changing the oil. Many thanks to The Subtle Bug in The Plains, Ohio, for their excellent service.

Chiller replacement - 6

The testing of the new pipes has revealed leaks in several of the joints. Several of the 90-degree elbows had to be cut out due to pin-hole leaks.




There were failures in joints both inside and outside as can be seen by the extra unions in the lines after sections were cut out and replaced.




The conduit has been extended up the outside of the wall, into the stair well, and up into the penthouse.





Finally, the ends of the new pipes are seen close to where the tie-ins will be with the existing lines.

$15 Christmas trees

In today's newspaper, The Messenger, Athens, Ohio, I found the following ad:

TOM AND AMY'S
TREES
$5 per foot
SPECIAL
Any tree - 7 ft or over
$15. Take 50W, right on
Radford Rd, left on
Baker Rd., aproximately
3 miles.
740-698-5333

So if I wanted a 6-foot tree, it would cost $30. Or I could get it half-price by buying a 7-foot tree for $15 and cutting off the bottom!

The misspelling of "approximately" is in the original ad.

Chiller replacement - 5

This past Thursday, the main part of the permanent pipes for the temporary chiller were completed. Work on the conduit for the electrical connection was still to be completed...



Testing of the new pipes began as can be seen in the following picture which shows the end caps and pressure gauges:

Top Five Ways to Customize Your Car for Less

Want to customize your car without breaking the bank? Of course, everyone would love to buy new wheels, drop in a bumping stereo and customize from top to bottom, but not everyone is able to put thousands of dollars into their car.

Whether you want to stylize your car with top-notch customizations or money-saving add-ons, JC Whitney has the parts you need. Below are the top 5 ways to add a little of your own flare for less.

1. Wheel Covers or Simulators

Sure, a pair of sweet alloy wheels makes every car look good. But if you can't afford them or you’re saving up for those slick rims, look into wheel covers or simulators. JC Whitney has a huge selection to choose from, at a fraction of the cost of new wheels.

2. Graphics & Decals

Can't afford a new custom paint job? You're not alone, and there's a lower cost solution out there for those who would like to add a little personality to their vehicle. At JC Whitney, you'll find a great selection of graphics and decals, from window art to racing stripes.

3. Hood Ornaments & Emblems

Replace your hood ornament or add emblems for a low-cost customization option. From fish to elephants, flying eagles to goddesses, find a hood ornament that suits your own unique style.

4. Seat Covers

Do your old seats look battered or stained? Make them look new with seat covers from JC Whitney. Even if you have a new car, you can protect your seats and add some custom flavor to the interior of your vehicle.

5. Custom Floor Mats

Need an interior enhancement? New floor mats can make old cars look like new on the inside, and you can protect the carpeting of new cars while adding great style at a fraction of the cost of dealer-bought floor mats.

Find customization options and everything else automotive at JC Whitney - Click Here!

The Fuhrer on TCAP in the bunker

Here is funny video from SchoolTube.com titled "The Fuhrer on TCAP in the bunker." Teachers, principals, and administrators will more than likely see some similarities with their own school. A great spoof on what happens when the test results arrive...



...so much for Jeans Day - no jeans for you!

Can Bad Credit be Deleted?

Yes, it can. Despite the fervent proclamations of bureaucrats and credit bureaus everywhere, a simple fact remains: negative credit listings are deleted from peoples' credit reports by the thousands each and every day.

A few years ago, an attorney from Lexington Law. visited with a regulatory agency for a casual conversation with two agents. The Agency's office, as a matter of course, believed the credit bureaus' claim that bad credit couldn't be deleted. The visiting Lexington attorney asked, "How many negative listings would you have to see deleted from consumer credit reports before you would believe that bad credit can be deleted: ten? fifty? a hundred? one thousand?" The agents responded with only blank stares.

"How about 50,000 deleted listings, would that convince you?" continued the Lexington attorney. From his briefcase he pulled a stack of papers six inches high.

"In these pages, we have listed the permanent deletion of over 50,000. listings from our clients' files in the last two years alone," he explained. The agents pulled the stack across the conference table and began to pick through the pages, taking in the massive list.

"But have you deleted any bankruptcies?" shot back one of the agents, "we know that bankruptcies can't be deleted." The Lexington attorney leaned across the table and ran his finger down the first page.

"There's one deleted bankruptcy... and, there's another,... and another,... and another. Should I go on?" asked the Lexington attorney.

The agents sat back in their chairs. "You know," began the junior agent, "I have this one listing on my credit report that simply must belong to somebody else..."

How is credit repair possible?

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) allows a consumer to challenge the information on his credit report on the basis of "completeness and accuracy." When a consumer files a dispute, the credit bureaus must contact the source of the credit information (the creditor) and confirm that the information is accurate, verifiable, and not obsolete. In some circumstances, the credit bureau is required to go beyond a simple verification of the creditor's own computer record. If, within 30 days, the credit bureau has not received verification from the creditor, then the credit bureau must promptly delete the credit listing. Learn More.

Access Your PC from Anywhere

Access Your PC from Anywhere - Free 30-day Trial

GoToMyPC allows you to securely access and use your office computer from any Web browser anytime, anywhere. Free Trial.

Click here.

* TELEWORKERS: Work on your office computer from home, easily and securely, with just an Internet connection.

* TRAVELERS: Access and use your computer and files from hotels, airports, Internet cafes - anywhere with Web access.

* AFTER-HOURS ACCESS: Access and use your office desktop, email and other corporate resources after hours from any location connected to the Internet.

Never be without a forgotten file again and see why GoToMyPC is changing the way people work remotely. Try it Free!

PC Users: Download the Free Trial Now - Click the following link and
setup in only 2 minutes.

Chiller replacement - 4

The permanent pipes for the temporary chiller have been put through the outside wall, ...



...through the ceiling of a third floor office, ...



...up into the penthouse, ...



...and close to the existing pipes where they will tie in...

Incident Response

Part of the team has gathered around a small screen and the conference phone while working with a vendor...



After working nearly all day, most of the laptops required additional power...

Flights, Hotels, Cars, and Vacation Packages

How to Start a Freelance Career

How to Start a Freelance Career

Work at Home and Earn an Excellent Income

Imagine being able to work from your own home, doing a job you love, and getting paid handsomely for doing it. Wouldn't that be great?

Well, the good news is that this is not just a fantasy. It is a prospect that is well within your reach. Today, millions of people worldwide have established highly-successful careers as freelance professionals. Writers, designers, programmers and many other home-based consultants have discovered that freelancing offers the perfect combination of freedom, creativity, flexibility and profitability.

So do you need years of experience and fantastic qualifications to join these lucky people? Not at all. You just need a skill that you can offer to potential clients, and the willingness to learn how to run a home-based business.

Of course, the biggest challenge for new freelancers is finding enough work to justify giving up a day job. How can you be sure that you will keep yourself busy with lucrative work? This used to be a concern, but thanks to the advent of the Internet, things are now much easier.

Now there are a number of job sites dedicated to helping freelancers find work and stay busy. Go Freelance, for example, brings you hundreds of fresh freelance jobs like these:

Write for Discussion Boards: $1200 per week, plus bonus

A writer is needed for an ongoing writing project. You will need to write copy to stimulate others into joining the discussion board. The writer needs to actively encourage regular and meaningful debate on the relevant discussion board, with some moderating of the content. You must have solid writing skills and good ideas.

Administer a Web Business from Home: $4000 per month

A successful e-commerce venture is seeking a part-time virtual assistant to act as a home-based office manager. You will deal with email correspondence, update site content and deal with general admin issues. You should have your own computer and Internet access.

Transcribe Author's Notes: $80 per hour, flexible working

A publishing company is seeking a freelance with an eye for detail to transcribe authors' notes and recordings for a range of ongoing projects. You must have a good grasp of English, be able to edit content into readable form, and be able to submit work from home by email.

You can sign up for a trial subscription for just $7.00, and get instant access to all the projects in the jobs database. So if you would like to get started on the road to freelance success right now, click here to sign up today.

Dog House

Physical Education Lesson Plan

S: PE
T: Dog House
O: K – To learn a new game. To exercise and strengthen heart and lung muscle.
1st – To practice team strategies. To practice dodging skills.
2nd – To practice running and dodging for fun and fitness.
P: Teacher will divide the class, explain, and demonstrate.

Dog House

Students will be divided into four equal teams and given four different colors of scrimmage shirts.

One hula hoop will be put in each of the four corners of the gym. The hula hoop is that team’s dog house.

Teacher will call out one of the colors: Red dogs, Blue dogs, Green dogs, Yellow dogs.

That team is the tagging team. They are to tag and escort the "dog" they caught back to the dog house. The game will go for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. After that time, we count and see how many dogs were caught by that team. All dogs go back to their own dog house and get ready for the next color to be called.

Each team will get equal turns.

When students/dogs are being chased, they cannot go back to their dog house to be safe.

503-457-1274 "HOME SECURITY G"

I continue to get calls from home security telemarketers. The number 503-457-1274 shows up in my caller ID as "HOME SECURITY G".

I have had 5 calls in the last four days...
- 12/6 1:31 PM
- 12/7 11:53 AM
- 12/7 7:19 PM
- 12/8 2:30 PM
- 12/9 11:42 AM

And this is inspite of the fact that my home phone number is registered with the National Do Not Call Registry.

Chiller replacement - 3

The two permanent pipes for the temporary chiller have been started. They are 6-inch, schedule-80 pipes...

Chiller replacement - 2

There are now warning signs on the back door to the building since there is construction along the outside wall of the building:



There are three holes that have been drilled through the outside wall - two for cooling lines (upper left) and one for an electrical conduit (upper right):



This is the hole for the conduit looking from the stairwell to the outside:



Some of the permanent lines for the temporary chiller are now in place in the penthouse:




Welding for some of the other piping in the penthouse has started:

Chiller replacement

The chiller replacement project has begun. Two large holes were core drilled today. Here are two views from a 3rd floor office looking upward:




Here are the same two holes from the 4th floor (penthouse) side:



The next two pictures show the equipment used to drill the holes:




This picture shows the equipment to be replaced:



The last two pictures for today show some of the parts and other equipment in the penthouse:

Accident - Rear-end collision

On driving home this evening, I was rear-ended on Columbus Road between the gas station and US 33. A line of 4 or 5 cars in front of me had slowed down as the lead car was turning to the left. A pickup truck behind me slammed into my van as I was slowing down.

As you can see from the picture, it was after dark and raining.



The pickup truck had very little damage.



The following pictures were taken later in the evening in my garage. One side affect of the accident is that I can not open the back of the van...

Who wore it better?

The sisters at DeepFriedUnicorn have come up with an interesting concept. They start with a funny picture and then attempt to recreate it. They then basically ask which is better - the original or the remake. An example is shown below:



Visit their blog DeepFriedUnicorn to see their latest creations...