Frugal Living: Aug 16, 2010

Monday, August 16, 2010

misc.consumers.frugal-living - 25 new messages in 6 topics - digest

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misc.consumers.frugal-living - 25 new messages in 6 topics - digest

misc.consumers.frugal-living
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living?hl=en

misc.consumers.frugal-living@googlegroups.com

Today's topics:

* Best solder free electrical connection - 16 messages, 15 authors
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/t/11e5e6461418f740?hl=en
* Is it worth it? - 1 messages, 1 author
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/t/9a6902a43392b7ce?hl=en
* replacement car tires - 5 messages, 3 authors
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/t/f3c01c800d47b4a2?hl=en
* ★Cheap genuine Nike/adidas/converse shoes and A++ quality CK underwear,ray-
ban rb sunglasse wholesale/Retail/Droshipper Freeshipping - 1 messages, 1
author
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/t/1f5851921f7286f4?hl=en
* Substitute for cinder blocks in making temporary bookshelves? - 1 messages,
1 author
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/t/92981ff9ab48c4ff?hl=en
* Straight Talk Prepaid: Unsolicited texts from TWC - 1 messages, 1 author
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/t/24e5e022bbb4e742?hl=en

==============================================================================
TOPIC: Best solder free electrical connection
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/t/11e5e6461418f740?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 16 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 11:17 am
From: Rich Webb

On Mon, 16 Aug 2010 18:43:08 +0100, "john hamilton"
<bluestar95@mail.invalid> wrote:

>I have to connect this AAA battery holder to a toy. Although I have a small
>soldering iron, my soldering skills are poor. I can see myself easily
>melting all the plastic around the contacts before I can get anything to
>stick to the tabs. (The part of the tabs with the small hole will bend
>upwards giving some clearence).
>
>http://tinypic.com/r/iqx3pf/4
>
>My immediate plan is to poke a few strands of wire through the holes in the
>connection tabs twist and then apply some nail varnish to stop it unwinding.
>Since its a toy it does not need to be totally foolproof.
>
>If anyone had any ideas that were a bit more sophisticated I would be
>gratefull. Thanks.

What Ralph said. Also, if you can get some, apply a dab of rosin flux
paste to the joint before you heat it. That helps the solder to "wet"
the surfaces and flow into the joint better.

And ensure that you have something keeping the battery holder and the
wire in place. I'd go so far as to put batteries in the thing so that it
could be clamped into a soft-jawed vice and use one of those "third
hand" thingies to hold the wire securely. Trying to keep the battery
holder in place with your palm, the wire under your elbow, with the
soldering iron in one hand and the solder in the other isn't likely to
result in a satisfactory soldering job. Not that *I've* ever done that,
of course <cough cough>

--
Rich Webb Norfolk, VA

== 2 of 16 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 11:31 am
From: Owain

On Aug 16, 7:17 pm, Rich Webb wrote:
> And ensure that you have something keeping the battery holder and the
> wire in place. I'd go so far as to put batteries in the thing so that it
> could be clamped into a soft-jawed vice and use one of those "third
> hand" thingies to hold the wire securely. Trying to keep the battery
> holder in place with your palm, the wire under your elbow, with the
> soldering iron in one hand and the solder in the other isn't likely to
> result in a satisfactory soldering job. Not that *I've* ever done that,
> of course <cough cough>

I've used one hand for the Thing, one hand for the iron, and held the
solder in my mouth before now ...

Fumes can get a bit eye-stingy though.

Big wodges of blu-tack can also be handy.

Owain

== 3 of 16 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 11:35 am
From: andrew@cucumber.demon.co.uk (Andrew Gabriel)

In article <i4btbg$m7c$1@news.eternal-september.org>,
"john hamilton" <bluestar95@mail.invalid> writes:
> I have to connect this AAA battery holder to a toy. Although I have a small
> soldering iron, my soldering skills are poor. I can see myself easily
> melting all the plastic around the contacts before I can get anything to
> stick to the tabs. (The part of the tabs with the small hole will bend
> upwards giving some clearence).
>
> http://tinypic.com/r/iqx3pf/4
>
> My immediate plan is to poke a few strands of wire through the holes in the
> connection tabs twist and then apply some nail varnish to stop it unwinding.
> Since its a toy it does not need to be totally foolproof.
>
> If anyone had any ideas that were a bit more sophisticated I would be
> gratefull. Thanks.

If you say which town/country you live in, someone here might
volunteer to solder it for you. If you have an electronics repair
shop near which does the work on the premises, they would probably
do it.

--
Andrew Gabriel
[email address is not usable -- followup in the newsgroup]

== 4 of 16 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 11:37 am
From: jeff_wisnia

john hamilton wrote:
> I have to connect this AAA battery holder to a toy. Although I have a small
> soldering iron, my soldering skills are poor. I can see myself easily
> melting all the plastic around the contacts before I can get anything to
> stick to the tabs. (The part of the tabs with the small hole will bend
> upwards giving some clearence).
>
> http://tinypic.com/r/iqx3pf/4
>
> My immediate plan is to poke a few strands of wire through the holes in the
> connection tabs twist and then apply some nail varnish to stop it unwinding.
> Since its a toy it does not need to be totally foolproof.
>
> If anyone had any ideas that were a bit more sophisticated I would be
> gratefull. Thanks.
>
>

While I agree with previous posters that soldering shouldn't be a big
problem, if you really don't want to try it yourself you should be able
to find someone else who will.

Or, go for your "twist through the holes" approach and use a drop of
electrically conductive epoxy on the joint:

http://www.pemro.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=LOC-1119

Jeff

--
Jeffry Wisnia
(W1BSV + Brass Rat '57 EE)
The speed of light is 1.8*10e12 furlongs per fortnight.

== 5 of 16 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 11:45 am
From: The Natural Philosopher

jeff_wisnia wrote:
> john hamilton wrote:
>> I have to connect this AAA battery holder to a toy. Although I have a
>> small soldering iron, my soldering skills are poor. I can see myself
>> easily melting all the plastic around the contacts before I can get
>> anything to stick to the tabs. (The part of the tabs with the small
>> hole will bend upwards giving some clearence).
>>
>> http://tinypic.com/r/iqx3pf/4
>>
>> My immediate plan is to poke a few strands of wire through the holes
>> in the connection tabs twist and then apply some nail varnish to stop
>> it unwinding. Since its a toy it does not need to be totally foolproof.
>>
>> If anyone had any ideas that were a bit more sophisticated I would be
>> gratefull. Thanks.
>>
>
>
> While I agree with previous posters that soldering shouldn't be a big
> problem, if you really don't want to try it yourself you should be able
> to find someone else who will.
>
> Or, go for your "twist through the holes" approach and use a drop of
> electrically conductive epoxy on the joint:
>
> http://www.pemro.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=LOC-1119
>

..which will at best approximate to a 1k ohm resistor.:-)

> Jeff
>

== 6 of 16 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 11:56 am
From: "hr(bob) hofmann@att.net"

On Aug 16, 12:43 pm, "john hamilton" <bluesta...@mail.invalid> wrote:
> I have to connect this AAA battery holder to a toy. Although I have a small
> soldering iron, my soldering skills are poor. I can see myself easily
> melting all the plastic around the contacts before I can get anything to
> stick to the tabs. (The part of the tabs with the small hole will bend
> upwards giving some clearence).
>
> http://tinypic.com/r/iqx3pf/4
>
> My immediate plan is to poke a few strands of wire through the holes in the
> connection tabs twist and then apply some nail varnish to stop it unwinding.
> Since its a toy it does not need to be totally foolproof.
>
> If anyone had any ideas that were a bit more sophisticated I would be
> gratefull. Thanks.

Surely you know someone who knows how to solder. You need clean bare
metal, some solder and some flux, and a hot iron. Practice a little
bit on a strip of metal the same size as the tab, that you cut from a
tin can.

== 7 of 16 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 12:05 pm
From: Djornsk

On 16/08/2010 18:43, john hamilton wrote:
> I have to connect this AAA battery holder to a toy. Although I have a small
> soldering iron, my soldering skills are poor. I can see myself easily
> melting all the plastic around the contacts before I can get anything to
> stick to the tabs. (The part of the tabs with the small hole will bend
> upwards giving some clearence).
>
> http://tinypic.com/r/iqx3pf/4
>
> My immediate plan is to poke a few strands of wire through the holes in the
> connection tabs twist and then apply some nail varnish to stop it unwinding.
> Since its a toy it does not need to be totally foolproof.
>
> If anyone had any ideas that were a bit more sophisticated I would be
> gratefull. Thanks.
>
>

Depending on the dimensions of the tab it may be possible to bend it
around the wire and carefully crimp it with sidecutters. Next try to
anchor the wire to the battery holder a short distance along the wire
from the tab to prevent it fracturing due to movement or vibration.
You could then use your varnish (or a glue gun) to coat the connection
to offer some protection from oxidation.
This is not as good as a soldered joint done properly, but would
probably be better than a soldered joint done badly.

== 8 of 16 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 12:25 pm
From: "tm"

"john hamilton" <bluestar95@mail.invalid> wrote in message
news:i4btbg$m7c$1@news.eternal-september.org...
>I have to connect this AAA battery holder to a toy. Although I have a small
>soldering iron, my soldering skills are poor. I can see myself easily
>melting all the plastic around the contacts before I can get anything to
>stick to the tabs. (The part of the tabs with the small hole will bend
>upwards giving some clearence).
>
> http://tinypic.com/r/iqx3pf/4
>
> My immediate plan is to poke a few strands of wire through the holes in
> the connection tabs twist and then apply some nail varnish to stop it
> unwinding. Since its a toy it does not need to be totally foolproof.
>
> If anyone had any ideas that were a bit more sophisticated I would be
> gratefull. Thanks.
>

Why don't you try to learn to solder? Get some copper wire and practice
making connections. Ten or so should get you going. Not only will you
achieve
your task but you will have picked up a new skill as a plus. The trick is to
place the hot iron against the joint and heat it until it will melt the
solder. Just
hold the solder on the joint until that point. To see if the iron is hot
enough, just
melt some solder on the tip. This is known as tinning the tip. Clean the tip
by
wiping it on a damp sponge.

You will only need a 15 to 25 watt iron to do this and some rosin core
tin/lead
solder. Radio shack comes to mind for both.

Have fun.

--- news://freenews.netfront.net/ - complaints: news@netfront.net ---

== 9 of 16 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 12:39 pm
From: Bob Eager

On Mon, 16 Aug 2010 18:43:08 +0100, john hamilton wrote:

> I have to connect this AAA battery holder to a toy. Although I have a
> small soldering iron, my soldering skills are poor. I can see myself
> easily melting all the plastic around the contacts before I can get
> anything to stick to the tabs.

To add to the other suggestions about soldering: if you can get/borrow a
temperature controlled iron, run it at a lower temperature and use 63/37
solder.

--
Use the BIG mirror service in the UK:
http://www.mirrorservice.org

*lightning protection* - a w_tom conductor

== 10 of 16 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 12:45 pm
From: Fred McKenzie

In article <i4btbg$m7c$1@news.eternal-september.org>,
"john hamilton" <bluestar95@mail.invalid> wrote:

> Although I have a small
> soldering iron, my soldering skills are poor.

John-

Soldering appears to me to be the best solution. Invite a friend to do
the soldering. Bend the tab up first, and solder quickly to minimize
melting the plastic underneath. The plastic should become firm again
after it cools.

What about threading tiny self-tapping screws into the holes in the
rivets that connect the lugs to the contacts?

Fred

== 11 of 16 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 1:15 pm
From: tony sayer

In article <i4c0iu$8he$1@news.eternal-september.org>, jeff_wisnia
<jwisniaDumpThisPart@conversent.net> scribeth thus
>john hamilton wrote:
>> I have to connect this AAA battery holder to a toy. Although I have a small
>> soldering iron, my soldering skills are poor. I can see myself easily
>> melting all the plastic around the contacts before I can get anything to
>> stick to the tabs. (The part of the tabs with the small hole will bend
>> upwards giving some clearence).
>>
>> http://tinypic.com/r/iqx3pf/4
>>
>> My immediate plan is to poke a few strands of wire through the holes in the
>> connection tabs twist and then apply some nail varnish to stop it unwinding.
>> Since its a toy it does not need to be totally foolproof.
>>
>> If anyone had any ideas that were a bit more sophisticated I would be
>> gratefull. Thanks.
>>
>>
>
>
>While I agree with previous posters that soldering shouldn't be a big
>problem, if you really don't want to try it yourself you should be able
>to find someone else who will.
>

Better still have a practice on some bits of wire etc before you do this
joint and than you've learnt a new skill:))..

Do get the joint hot, and keep it hot just long enough to make it all
flow properly it seems to me that under powered irons are the biggest
cause of poor soldering...

--
Tony Sayer

== 12 of 16 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 1:27 pm
From: robgraham

On 16 Aug, 20:39, Bob Eager <rd...@spamcop.net> wrote:
> On Mon, 16 Aug 2010 18:43:08 +0100, john hamilton wrote:
> > I have to connect this AAA battery holder to a toy. Although I have a
> > small soldering iron, my soldering skills are poor. I can see myself
> > easily melting all the plastic around the contacts before I can get
> > anything to stick to the tabs.
>
> To add to the other suggestions about soldering: if you can get/borrow a
> temperature controlled iron, run it at a lower temperature and use 63/37
> solder.
>
> --
> Use the BIG mirror service in the UK:
> http://www.mirrorservice.org
>
> *lightning protection* - a w_tom conductor

I notice that nobody has raised the point for the OP that his problem
of previous soldering is that he is possibly using too powerful a
soldering iron - one with too big a bit. This is the most likely
cause of his problem with melting the support for the tag he is
soldering to. Haven't we all done it - and even with a temperature
controlled one and 50 years of experience I softened the mount for the
centre pin of a connector yesterday, and had to go back and apply heat
to straighten it.

John - I've had a quick scan through Ebay and suggest that
#370414838261 is a good buy (ie I've got one!) for a controlled iron
if you feel that the advise to try,try,try again is worth following.

Rob

== 13 of 16 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 1:48 pm
From: "steve robinson"

robgraham wrote:

> On 16 Aug, 20:39, Bob Eager <rd...@spamcop.net> wrote:
> > On Mon, 16 Aug 2010 18:43:08 +0100, john hamilton wrote:
> > > I have to connect this AAA battery holder to a toy. Although I
> > > have a small soldering iron, my soldering skills are poor. I
> > > can see myself easily melting all the plastic around the
> > > contacts before I can get anything to stick to the tabs.
> >
> > To add to the other suggestions about soldering: if you can
> > get/borrow a temperature controlled iron, run it at a lower
> > temperature and use 63/37 solder.
> >
> > --
> > Use the BIG mirror service in the UK:
> > http://www.mirrorservice.org
> >
> > *lightning protection* - a w_tom conductor
>
> I notice that nobody has raised the point for the OP that his
> problem of previous soldering is that he is possibly using too
> powerful a soldering iron - one with too big a bit. This is the
> most likely cause of his problem with melting the support for the
> tag he is soldering to. Haven't we all done it - and even with a
> temperature controlled one and 50 years of experience I softened
> the mount for the centre pin of a connector yesterday, and had to
> go back and apply heat to straighten it.
>
> John - I've had a quick scan through Ebay and suggest that
> #370414838261 is a good buy (ie I've got one!) for a controlled iron
> if you feel that the advise to try,try,try again is worth following.
>
> Rob

Try lead based solder 60/40 has a lower melting point

== 14 of 16 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 2:20 pm
From: "hr(bob) hofmann@att.net"

Is the OP in the USA or the UK or where?????

== 15 of 16 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 2:32 pm
From: rangerssuck

On Aug 16, 1:43 pm, "john hamilton" <bluesta...@mail.invalid> wrote:
> I have to connect this AAA battery holder to a toy. Although I have a small
> soldering iron, my soldering skills are poor. I can see myself easily
> melting all the plastic around the contacts before I can get anything to
> stick to the tabs. (The part of the tabs with the small hole will bend
> upwards giving some clearence).
>
> http://tinypic.com/r/iqx3pf/4
>
> My immediate plan is to poke a few strands of wire through the holes in the
> connection tabs twist and then apply some nail varnish to stop it unwinding.
> Since its a toy it does not need to be totally foolproof.
>
> If anyone had any ideas that were a bit more sophisticated I would be
> gratefull. Thanks.

Take it to the local TV repair guy, and ask him to teach you how to do
it, so you'll be prepared for next time.
Alternatively, Assuming you're in the US, go towww.arrl.org (American
Radio Relay League) and find an amateur radio guy in your area (just
search by state, and with a little poking around, you'll find someone
nearby). Virtually ALL of these people know how to solder, and will
likely be extremely willing to help you learn how.

== 16 of 16 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 2:34 pm
From: "Ralph Mowery"

"Bob Eager" <rde42@spamcop.net> wrote in message
news:8ctifbFl54U2@mid.individual.net...
> On Mon, 16 Aug 2010 18:43:08 +0100, john hamilton wrote:
>
>> I have to connect this AAA battery holder to a toy. Although I have a
>> small soldering iron, my soldering skills are poor. I can see myself
>> easily melting all the plastic around the contacts before I can get
>> anything to stick to the tabs.
>
> To add to the other suggestions about soldering: if you can get/borrow a
> temperature controlled iron, run it at a lower temperature and use 63/37
> solder.
>

That is usually the wrong way to do the job he wants to do. Use a very hot
iron, hit the joint fast with a lot of heat and then get out quick. The
tabs will get hot very quick and melt the solder. If he applies a low heat,
the plastic will get a lot of heat on it before the tab gets hot enough to
melt the solder.
The 63/73 is the way to go, but 60/40 is just fine. Also do not move the
wires while the solder is cooling. This is one big way to mess up the
joint.

==============================================================================
TOPIC: Is it worth it?
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/t/9a6902a43392b7ce?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 11:40 am
From: "Bob F"

Michael Black wrote:

>> I went through a simular thing to get a free
>> iPod. I thought it was worth it.
>>
> I found a 60gig iPod in a box of junk waiting for the garbage truck
> towards the end of June. I've yet to deal with it, but I'm hoping
> it's just the battery that needs replacing, I plug it into a usb
> outlet and the LCD tells me the battery voltage is very low, and it
> never gets better.
>
> If I can get it going with a new battery, that's right up there with
> the 17" LCD monitor I found on the sidewalk at the end of April when
> the students were all leaving town, and right up there with the DVD
> recorder I found last July in a recycling bin.
>

Try a real iPod charger on it. USB connection may not do it. Cheap ones are
available at dealextreme.com and other places. They also have batteries.

A very common problem on iPods is that connector to the hard drive comes loose
from being dropped. Open the case and unplug/replug the drive to fix it.

==============================================================================
TOPIC: replacement car tires
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/t/f3c01c800d47b4a2?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 5 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 11:44 am
From: "Bob F"

Al wrote:
> My view is not standard on this, but I don't buy products based on
> warranty whatsoever. I'd buy a new car with no warranty if they would
> reduce the cost in line with the baked in warranty charge.

If a manufacturer doesn't offer a warrantee, they won't have proper motivation
to maintain the quality of their product.

== 2 of 5 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 11:54 am
From: "Bob F"

Ohioguy wrote:
>> Either you are driving a lot, your car has poor suspension or you
>> must be buying really poor grade tires. At 120k miles, I've only
>> replaced two of the original tires on my Pilot (at 95k).
>
> It's mostly that I visually inspect the tires, which sit out in the
> sun all the time. Once I start to see even a tiny bit of cracking in
> the rubber sidewalls, I'll replace them. The used tire places
> probably love getting my tires, because they still have a lot of
> tread on them.
> In other words, we probably only put half of the wear on them that
> we could get. However, I don't think that $250 every 2 or 2.5 years
> is too much to spend in order to make sure the tires have good
> traction, and that a blowout our something is less likely when we
> take a long trip. Of course, now that the cost is getting up closer
> to $400, I'm less likely to replace them this often.

I have never felt the need to replace tires for that reason. Tiny cracks on the
outside rubber have no effect on the strength of the tire. The outside rubber
just protects the inside belts which provide the strength and inside rubber,
which seals the air in, from the sun. In my opinion, you are just throwing away
money by replacing them so often. The only tire failure from other than physical
damage or wear I've ever had was the Firestone tread separation problem that
resulted in recalls years ago.

== 3 of 5 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 11:59 am
From: SMS

On 15/08/10 1:12 PM, Ohioguy wrote:
> Are the manufacturer warranties on tires worth anything?
>
> Typically, we replace our tires with new ones after about 2 or 2.5
> years, just so we don't risk being on vacation or something and having
> problems.
>
> In the past, I've always gone to the same place and had them install
> Dayton brand tires. I liked the fact that they were made in the USA, in
> a factory that employed about 1,800.
>
> We have a different car than we had last year, but my records show that
> the last time we got new tires was 2007. At that time, we paid $60 per
> tire. When I called yesterday, they said each would be about $88 -
> almost a 50% increase.

I was astounded by the price increases in tires in the past couple of years.

Costco is usually the cheapest place for tires, by far, and the savings
exceed the cost of the membership (if you're not already a member). It's
not the base price of the tires that's so different but the fact that
they don't gouge for mounting/balancing, they don't charge for
replacement valves, they don't charge for road hazard warranty, and they
will rotate and balance the tires at no charge.

Costco also uses nitrogen rather than plain air which isn't a huge deal,
but it does help the tires last a bit longer if you're not good about
checking tire pressure. Most tire places charge at least $5 per tire to
inflate with nitrogen, which isn't worth the extra cost.

One other thing good about Costco is that unlike most tire stores, they
actually honor, without a hassle, mileage warranties for tires (provided
you rotate the tires regularly). So they'll credit you, pro-rated, if
you don't get the rated mileage out of the tires.

Pro-actively replacing tires that aren't worn out is of little benefit.
If they're not really old tires that are deteriorating because of aging
of the rubber, the types of things that can happen on vacation would
affect new tires just as much as 2 year old tires. Just be sure that you
get tires at a place where when you're on vacation you can take
advantage of any road hazard warranty if needed.

== 4 of 5 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 12:00 pm
From: SMS

On 15/08/10 1:12 PM, Ohioguy wrote:
> Are the manufacturer warranties on tires worth anything?

It depends on the tire dealer. Costco is very good about honoring
mileage warranties, while regular tire dealers often are not.

== 5 of 5 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 1:49 pm
From: Clams <"Clams"@drunkenclam.com>

Bob F wrote: The only tire failure from other than physical
> damage or wear I've ever had was the Firestone tread separation problem that
> resulted in recalls years ago.
>
>

Got stuck there, in spades. My '74 Torino had them as original
equipment. I was a relatively high mileage driver at the time and they
wore through in less than 1.5 years (22k miles). By the time the recall
was made, they were long gone. I applied, but was told I must have the
damaged tires for compensation.

Never knowingly bought a Firestone item again, but got some joy when
they went bankrupt. Won't buy any Bridgestone product either since
they took over the firestone brand.

==============================================================================
TOPIC: ★Cheap genuine Nike/adidas/converse shoes and A++ quality CK underwear,
ray-ban rb sunglasse wholesale/Retail/Droshipper Freeshipping
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/t/1f5851921f7286f4?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 1 ==
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==============================================================================
TOPIC: Substitute for cinder blocks in making temporary bookshelves?
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/t/92981ff9ab48c4ff?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 12:41 pm
From: The Real Bev

On 08/16/10 09:14, mike wrote:

> On Aug 16, 1:44 am, The Real Bev<bashley...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> Fasten a stack of paperbacks together with twine. I'd suggest duct tape
>> for strength, but it tends to be permanent when you want it to be
>> temporary and temporary when you want it to be permanent.
>
> Interesting technique and beats mine on price. But I'd prefer to have
> wooden shelves. Saw someone build an entire temporary desk out of
> liquor store boxes--impressive looking, but not for me.

The tied-together books are the supports, not the shelves. A space- and
money-saving alternative to cinder blocks of any size.

Google for lego constructions -- I'm sure somebody has made a desk out
of them.

> At Home Depot, 1" x 6" x 12 ft "premium pine" (I'd settle for mediocre
> pine...) planks cost ~$10 each. Purchasing 2 of these, I could cut
> each in half and have 4 six-foot planks for $20. Six of the $1.27 each
> 8 X 8 X 8 half cinder blocks is $7.62. The back wall of the closet is
> longer than 6 ft, so they'll fit fine. So for $27.62 + tax, I'd have
> just under three rows of 5 ft. each (I lose space on each side due to
> the 8" blocks). Will Home Depot cut the planks for free?

'Knotty pine" (generally warped, and you had to pick each plank to avoid
the more difficult holes) 1/12 used to cost 3 cents a foot in the 60s,
when we put up a lot of shelves. Hard to believe, hun?

Some stores give you one free cut. You'll have to ask.

--
Cheers, Bev
-----------------------------------------
"Not everyone can be above average so why
shouldn't we be the ones to suck?"
--Anonymous School Board Member

==============================================================================
TOPIC: Straight Talk Prepaid: Unsolicited texts from TWC
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/t/24e5e022bbb4e742?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 12:44 pm
From: The Real Bev

On 08/16/10 10:46, Derald wrote:

> me@privacy.net wrote:
>
>>Anyone else using Straight Talk as a cell service?
> I'm not. Why?
>>
>>Are you getting daily UNSOLICITED texts for the weather
>>from TWC?
> Nope; I have text messaging disabled. Only disadvantage I've found
> is that DW no longer is able to email honey-do and shopping list
> modifications! LOL She's far less likely to place a voice call for
> trivial stuff.
> Why are you asking?

I got a couple of spam text messages on my T-Mobile prepaid phone. I
called T-Mobile customer service, who promised to disable 'commercial
text messages' on my number. Did they actually think that prepaid
customers would be willing to pay for this shit?

When I first opened a hotmail account I never used it for anything.
Nonetheless, it started accumulating spam from day one. I can only
conclude that the hotmail shitheads sell the addresses to spammers.

--
Cheers, Bev
-----------------------------------------
"Not everyone can be above average so why
shouldn't we be the ones to suck?"
--Anonymous School Board Member

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Google Groups: http://groups.google.com/?hl=en

misc.consumers.frugal-living - 25 new messages in 12 topics - digest

misc.consumers.frugal-living
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living?hl=en

misc.consumers.frugal-living@googlegroups.com

Today's topics:

== 1 of 2 ==
Date: Sun, Aug 15 2010 11:11 pm
From: Forrest Hodge

On 8/15/2010 4:12 PM, Ohioguy wrote:
> Are the manufacturer warranties on tires worth anything?
>
> Typically, we replace our tires with new ones after about 2 or 2.5
> years, just so we don't risk being on vacation or something and having
> problems.
>
> In the past, I've always gone to the same place and had them install
> Dayton brand tires. I liked the fact that they were made in the USA, in
> a factory that employed about 1,800.
>
> We have a different car than we had last year, but my records show that
> the last time we got new tires was 2007. At that time, we paid $60 per
> tire. When I called yesterday, they said each would be about $88 -
> almost a 50% increase.
>
> That's huge for such a short period. Is there a rubber shortage or
> something?
>
> Anyway, I find myself re-evaluating my habits here. I'm wondering if it
> might be worth it to shop around online or something, and find a place
> that offers a lower price, or higher tire wear warranty.
>
> I'm just not sure it would be worth it. In my experience, the tires last
> longest if they are regularly balanced & such. I think most places
> charge for this, don't they? One thing I liked about the place we've
> used is that you can come back every 10k and have rotation & balance
> done free.
>
> Even Wal-Mart has higher prices now that I've checked - $75 for a decent
> tire there, and that doesn't even include installation, balancing,
> rotation, etc. (it's $90 per tire with those included)
>
> Are there any places online that offer good prices and low shipping on a
> 60k or 80k mile warranted tire? Would I be better off sticking with the
> local place because of the service that they offer?

You must be buying some cheap-ass tires. Mine cost about $180 a piece
and last about 25k-30k miles. I however favor excellent grip over
longevity any day. Anyway tires and brakes are two areas where it's
foolish to pinch pennies IMHO, they are two most important safety
features of any car.

== 2 of 2 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 4:16 am
From: Ohioguy

> Either you are driving a lot, your car has poor suspension or you must
> be buying really poor grade tires. At 120k miles, I've only replaced
> two of the original tires on my Pilot (at 95k).

It's mostly that I visually inspect the tires, which sit out in the
sun all the time. Once I start to see even a tiny bit of cracking in
the rubber sidewalls, I'll replace them. The used tire places probably
love getting my tires, because they still have a lot of tread on them.

In other words, we probably only put half of the wear on them that we
could get. However, I don't think that $250 every 2 or 2.5 years is too
much to spend in order to make sure the tires have good traction, and
that a blowout our something is less likely when we take a long trip.
Of course, now that the cost is getting up closer to $400, I'm less
likely to replace them this often.

== 1 of 2 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 1:01 am
From: Gordon

MAS <mas@bbbb.net> wrote in news:i49r8h$gj5$1@news.datemas.de:

> A local bank has offered to give me $100.00, if I open a checking
> account with at least $25.00 and either make 5 debit card transactions
> or 1 automatic deposit within 60 days. The $100.00 will be reported
> as interest income. Each debit card transaction is charged $0.25.
> You must keep the account open for at least 6 months. I didn't see
> anything about a minimum balance required. All of my financial stuff
> is set up through a credit union. If I go through with this, I would
> do an automatic deposit, maybe $10.00 of each paycheck. Is it worth
> the hassle?
>
> Marsha

I went through a simular thing to get a free
iPod. I thought it was worth it.

== 2 of 2 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 8:18 am
From: Michael Black

On Mon, 16 Aug 2010, Gordon wrote:

> MAS <mas@bbbb.net> wrote in news:i49r8h$gj5$1@news.datemas.de:
>
>> A local bank has offered to give me $100.00, if I open a checking
>> account with at least $25.00 and either make 5 debit card transactions
>> or 1 automatic deposit within 60 days. The $100.00 will be reported
>> as interest income. Each debit card transaction is charged $0.25.
>> You must keep the account open for at least 6 months. I didn't see
>> anything about a minimum balance required. All of my financial stuff
>> is set up through a credit union. If I go through with this, I would
>> do an automatic deposit, maybe $10.00 of each paycheck. Is it worth
>> the hassle?
>>
>> Marsha
>
> I went through a simular thing to get a free
> iPod. I thought it was worth it.
>
I found a 60gig iPod in a box of junk waiting for the garbage truck
towards the end of June. I've yet to deal with it, but I'm hoping it's
just the battery that needs replacing, I plug it into a usb outlet and
the LCD tells me the battery voltage is very low, and it never gets
better.

If I can get it going with a new battery, that's right up there with
the 17" LCD monitor I found on the sidewalk at the end of April when the
students were all leaving town, and right up there with the DVD recorder I
found last July in a recycling bin.

Michael

==============================================================================
TOPIC: Cycling Copenhagen through American eyes
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/t/85edac9c2ebe5d06?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 4 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 1:04 am
From: Dieter Britz

Frank Studt wrote:
[...]

> They are promoting cycling big time. Just read this idiots blog:
>
> http://www.copenhagenize.com/
>
> and you will find some stuff about promotion of cycling in Copenhagen.

Idiot's? Do you read Danish, Frank? This is a suggestion to use your bike
after the recent heavy rains in Copenhagen, where the bike is a better way
to get around, not a "campaign". But I agree, there are occasional campaigns
to get more people on their bikes, and a good thing too, even in DK. I don't
find that idiotic.
--
Dieter Britz (dieterhansbritz<at>gmail.com)

== 2 of 4 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 1:13 am
From: Dieter Britz

Frank Studt wrote:
[...]
> Second, car drivers don't really like it if you dont use the nice cycle
> path they paid for with hard earned tax money. They are honking,
> yelling, overtaking very close and so on. So Im very much effected by

I assume this is Copenhagen you are referring to. You are distorting the
issues. For one thing, if there be cycleways, why use the road (except
just after a heavy snow fall, when roads tend to get cleared first, the
snow often even often being heaped on the cycleways). What happens is
that cyclists, in order to cut short a right-hand turn at traffic lights,
go over the pedestrian crossing on the left side and continue on from there.
You are supposed to walk your bike over the crossing, but many just ride
over it, which is illegal. If you walk, car drivers are polite etc, but if
you ride, they get stroppy, because you are breaking the law, which annoys
them. I see cyclists using their bikes like scooters, assuming that the
occasional foot on the ground means they are walking; or even coasting on
their bike and dropping one foot to the ground now and then. Funny. I walk
until I'm nearly on the other side, then get on the bike, which means I get
out of the way of cars faster.

> those facilities. Its gone that far that many people (even cyclists)
> think cyclist dont belong on the road they are better of on the footpath.
> And last they are not only worsening the safety of cyclists they are
> slowing them down aka make cycling unattractive.

That's bullshit, everyone agrees that cycling is good, and cycleways are
a Good Thing. Cycling on foot paths is illegal. It is done, but frowned
upon.
--
Dieter Britz (dieterhansbritz<at>gmail.com)

== 3 of 4 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 6:05 am
From: "His Highness the TibetanMonkey, Creator of the Movement of Tantra-
Hammock & the Stationary Bicycle to burn the calories"

On Aug 16, 1:13 am, Dieter Britz <br...@chem.au.dk> wrote:
> Frank Studt wrote:
>
> [...]
>
> > Second, car drivers don't really like it if you dont use the nice cycle
> > path they paid for with hard earned tax money. They are honking,
> > yelling, overtaking very close and so on. So Im very much effected by
>
> I assume this is Copenhagen you are referring to. You are distorting the
> issues. For one thing, if there be cycleways, why use the road (except
> just after a heavy snow fall, when roads tend to get cleared first, the
> snow often even often being heaped on the cycleways). What happens is
> that cyclists, in order to cut short a right-hand turn at traffic lights,
> go over the pedestrian crossing on the left side and continue on from there.
> You are supposed to walk your bike over the crossing, but many just ride
> over it, which is illegal. If you walk, car drivers are polite etc, but if
> you ride, they get stroppy, because you are breaking the law, which annoys
> them. I see cyclists using their bikes like scooters, assuming that the
> occasional foot on the ground means they are walking; or even coasting on
> their bike and dropping one foot to the ground now and then. Funny. I walk
> until I'm nearly on the other side, then get on the bike, which means I get
> out of the way of cars faster.
>
> > those facilities. Its gone that far that many people (even cyclists)
> > think cyclist dont belong on the road they are better of on the footpath.
> > And last they are not only worsening the safety of cyclists they are
> > slowing them down aka make cycling unattractive.
>
> That's bullshit, everyone agrees that cycling is good, and cycleways are
> a Good Thing. Cycling on foot paths is illegal. It is done, but frowned
> upon.
> --
> Dieter Britz (dieterhansbritz<at>gmail.com)

Do you have any video to illustrate the situation?

I saw scooters among bicycles in Holland. They still can kill a
cyclist, and a cyclist can still kill a pedestrian.

I don't promote those facilities for America for very practical
reasons: THEY WON'T HAPPEN.

== 4 of 4 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 7:36 am
From: Peter Cole

Frank Studt wrote:
> Am 15.08.2010 15:11, schrieb Peter Cole:
>> Frank Studt wrote:
>>> Am 13.08.2010 22:32, schrieb Peter Cole:
>>
>>>> It doesn't see to be a great leap of faith to suspect that the same
>>>> facilities preferred by cyclists would also attract non-cyclists.
>>>>
>>> There isnt much place for "leap of faith" in science. Travel mode
>>> choice is a complex field with non trivial models. Nobody who has
>>> dealt with travel mode choice and evaluation studies would make a
>>> claim like that without testing for confounding factors...
>>
>> You're over-complicating things.
>>
>
>
> Nope, the reality of travel mode choice is complicated.

Perhaps for you, not for me. If I'm in a hurry, I take the street, if
not I take a track (if there's one). I like having choices.

>
>>>> OK, but a much more direct approach is just to ask the cyclists what
>>>> they like.
>>
>>> Im sorry but your statements lag scientific background. Its well known
>>> since decades in the field of social psychology that you cant directly
>>> predict behaviour from attitude. Especially if you just use one
>>> variable.
>>> I think the interesting thing about the surveys showing most people
>>> think segregated facilities are safe and mixed traffic is dangerous is
>>> that people just dont know where they are safe as cyclists.
>>
>> Again, you focus exclusively on safety. People are not statisticians.
>> "Sharing the road" is by and large unpleasant. It might be less so if
>> drivers were better behaved and the driving was better moderated, but it
>> still wouldn't be pleasant.

> Nope again. People might be confusing "pleasant" or the perceived safety
> with real safety but I dont think they tell you they want their kids (or
> them self) rather ride on pleasant routes then on safe routes. To
> clarify we are talking primary about utility cycling here. And the order
> of preferences here is pretty clear:
> 1. safety
> 2. velocity
> 3. pleasantness

I think those are your preferences.

> Most of the cycle facilities built in Germany dont meet one of the above
> criteria. I dont even understand why people think that a marking on the
> road (cycle lanes) in the door opening zone could be more pleasant than
> riding without marking. Knowing the risks of facilities makes it far
> more unpleasant to use them.

Bad lanes are dangerous. They're not necessary. I won't ride in a door
zone, lane or not. I've instructed my kids explicitly to stay out of bad
lanes. The worst lanes around here (Boston) were installed by cycling
"advocates" who knew better. There has been at least one dooring
fatality. I'm not naive.

>
>>> The only consequence can be to enlighten people about their wrong
>>> perception. Educate them how to ride properly in mixed traffic.
>>> Educate car drivers to respect cyclists right to the road.
>>
>> You can't "educate" around the reality of mixing 2 ton vehicles with
>> vulnerable pedestrians and cyclists.
>>
>
> Why not? I think a neglected factor is the enforcement of traffic laws
> especially on motorized traffic.

Of course it is, and there are social reasons for that. Believing that
motorists can be calmed through education or enforcement is unrealistic.
It's not like it hasn't been tried.

>
>>> And if you asked the question what kind of infrastructure cyclists
>>> like on an abstract level they will tell you they prefer
>>> infrastructure that is safe first and fast second. Both criteria speek
>>> for mixed traffic and not segregation.
>>
>> People want "pleasant". That's a subjective mix of convenience,
>> perceived safety, aesthetics and social interaction.
>
>
> I really think you are making that up or you are confused, not many
> people want their own or the health of their kids be at risk for more
> pleasantness. The order of preferences is pretty clear (see above).

So you say, but calling me a liar and stupid isn't very persuasive, but
it's typical with ideologues.

>
>> They demand
>> facilities,
>
>
> its more of an excuse, "if there were more facilities I would ride far
> more often, but cycling on the road is much to dangerous"
>
>> they use them when they get them. What could be more obvious?
>>
>
>
> Its not obvious at all. The impact on modal split by the building of
> facilities have at best been small. Some studies even showed a decline.
> We are talking about spending billions (for the whole US) for an
> increase in the one digit percent range.

> A 2004 study for NL shows that cycling is decreasing\stagnating, despite
> the efforts an money put in cycling infrastructure.
> http://www.ecf.com/misc/filePush.php?mimeType=application/pdf&fullPath=http://www.ecf.com/files/2/12/23/BRR_158_english.pdf
>
> Another study shows that infrastructure is of no relevance for choice of
> Transport.
> http://www.ecf.com/misc/filePush.php?mimeType=application/pdf&fullPath=http://www.ecf.com/files/2/12/23/BRR_159_English.pdf
>
>
> There is a big misunderstanding of the effect of infrastructure on
> cycling in NL, DK. Bicycle use didnt rise after the building of
> facilities. It never had been as low as it is in North-America. The
> reason for the high figures of cyclists in this countries lie in there
> town structure, relatively short ways between housing, work, shopping
> etc. and a very late occurrence of mass motorization.

The results of studies are mixed. There is debate over
correlation/causality, but my overall impression is that facilities,
particularly well designed ones, get used and are frequently preferred
by cyclists,

http://www.palgrave-journals.com/jphp/journal/v30/nS1/full/jphp200856a.html

"Findings from revealed preference studies are mixed. At a city level,
two studies have found that bike lanes are associated with higher rates
of bicycle commuting (21, 25). However, at an individual level, other
studies have not found such a link (14, 16). Several studies have found
that bicyclists will take a longer route to use bicycle facilities, such
as lanes or paths (15, 26, 27). Preference for lanes or paths may depend
upon the type of bicyclist. One study found that bicycle commuters
diverted very little from the shortest path and preferred not to ride on
paths or trails (28). A national survey found that frequent bicyclists
preferred bike lanes rather than paths. Infrequent bicyclists were more
likely to want more bike paths rather than lanes (29)."

>>>>>>> - Copenhagen had a big image campaign for cyclist.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> What's a "big image campaign"?
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> They are promoting cycling big time. Just read this idiots blog:
>>>>>
>>>>> http://www.copenhagenize.com/
>>>>>
>>>>> and you will find some stuff about promotion of cycling in Copenhagen.
>>>>
>>>> I subscribe to it. I find it inspiring.
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Very much liked the essay of Dave Horton (Fear of Cycling), especially
>>> the part about the building of segregated facilities an there role in
>>> making cycling dangerous in the public opinion.
>>>
>>> http://www.copenhagenize.com/2009/10/fear-of-cycling-04-new-cycling-spaces.html
>>>
>>>
>>
>> So I guess he's (the blogger) an "idiot" until he posts something you
>> agree with...
>>
>
>
> He didnt write the article above and in his comments he showed that he
> did not understand it. So he is an idiot all the time.

The article author did say:

"3. I agree, many people (understandably, given a fear of cycling)
prefer to cycle away from motorized traffic. I agree, we should provide
these kinds of facilities, as seen in Dk and the NLs. Such facilities
promote cycling."

I think "fear of cycling" should be replaced by "fear of cycling around
motor vehicles", but even then it would be a distortion. Some may fear
traffic, other may just find it unpleasant.

>
>> The article is old news (as are so many of the quotes and cites --
>> literally). People have been fretting over cyclists being banned from
>> the roads for almost 100 years. It's a Forrester bogey-man. It's fear
>> mongering, nothing more.
>>
>
>
> BS its not my fault people ignore facts since decades sadly there are no
> new news on the topic.
>
>
>> Besides, what the argument boils down to is that you feel people should
>> do something they don't want to do (ride in the street) to protect your
>> right to ride in the street. That's like telling people who don't like
>> broccoli that they should eat it anyway because you (who like it) don't
>> want the broccoli farmers to go out of business. When they complain they
>> don't like it, you tell them that's immaterial, it's good for them.
>>
>
>
> Nope Im advocating for the right of cyclists to ride safe and to know
> the truth (I know you cant handle the truth) about safer cycling. Its
> more like people want bananas and are given cucumbers. I just point out
> that a banana is not a cucumber.

Again, insults aside, I think you are exaggerating the safety issues.
There is a divergence of "truth" about the relative safety of various
facilities, but in absolute terms, cycling is safe enough that the net
public health benefit will be positive. You can claim (luridly) that
"facilities kill", but then the counter-claim (equally lurid) can be
made that sedentary life "kills" just as surely. I think it's far from
certain that facilities must carry a higher risk.

>
>
>>>> I think you're reaching. Again, the simple approach is just to ask
>>>> people what they like. Personally, I don't think you have to do even
>>>> that, just watch what they use.
>>
>>> Again you lag scientific background. The problems your "methods"
>>> implicate have been discussed for decades in social sciences,
>>> economics, psychology etc.. I already named you a few and could go on
>>> and on....
>>
>> You want to predict people's preferences, I just want to accommodate
>> them. I don't need to have predictive models to do that. You presume to
>> know better, I don't.
>
>
> If you want to proof your hypothesis or measure effects of
> infrastructure on cycle use you need explanatory models the rest is just
> speculating around.

No, you just have to observe the popularity of facilities.

>>>>> Why dont the people busy commenting about polemic articles come up
>>>>> with a study which proofs positive safety effects of cycling
>>>>> facilities. Maybe you can name a few.
>>>>
>>>> http://www.ehjournal.net/content/8/1/47#B20
>>>>
>>
>>> Good one. The part about intersections almost exclusively deals with
>>> roundabouts. There selection of studies is highly biased. I dont want
>>> to get in to detail with the roundabout-studies but only so much: Most
>>> accidents between cars and cyclists occur on town street intersections
>>> and roundabouts are the most uncommon kind of intersection in towns.
>>> Why the fuck would they concentrate on roundabout-studies. Funny thing
>>> they came up with Jensens study "Safety effects of blue cycle
>>> crossings: a before-after study" but missed the Copenhagen study we
>>> have been discussing. Smells fishy.
>>
>> You asked for an example.
>
>
> And you came up with a pretty crappy one.
>
>> I really don't have the time to critique all
>> the studies. I merely point out that there is a divergence of opinion.
>
>
> The tendency of the studies regarding safety effects of cycling
> infrastructure is pretty clear.

No, they're all over the map.

Again, people choose additional risk all the time. It's not the
overriding concern. You are attempting to portray in black and white an
issue with many shades of gray.

>>>>> BTW I did not tell you to read the article, I said you can find tons
>>>>> of primary research about the topic.
>>>>> Im from Germany, even the Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt),
>>>>> came to the conclusion that segregation worsens the safety of
>>>>> cyclists.
>>
>> Yes, I've had no luck finding these in English, so I can't comment other
>> than to repeat the above.

> Dont play dumb. There is enough English material on the issue. In the
> above German studies the researchers where pretty astonished that year
> long federal and local policies had high negative safety implications
> for cyclists.

Again, you're insults aren't helpful. The specific studies you cited
have been cited before. I had attempted to find them in English at one
time, I'm not going to spend more time again.

>>>>> What issue, that cycling improves health, I dont argue that. But his
>>>>> data is more then unsuited to make a serious cost-benefit analysis
>>>>
>>>> I'm not so sure. If multiple studies show an overwhelming benefit to
>>>> cycling from a health POV, including injury & fatalities, then a 10%
>>>> increase in injuries and fatalities for a 20% increase in cycling would
>>>> be an ethical trade-off.
>>>
>>>
>>> How exactly do you measure an ethical trade-off.
>>
>> Probably in years of life.
>>
>>>> Your insistence on keeping cycling unpopular
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Me insisting on keeping cycling unpopular? Quite the opposite. I named
>>> a lot of measures to raise the attraction of cycling and reduce car
>>> traffic.
>>
>> Simply stated, vehicular cycling has not been popular. Car traffic
>> reduction has not been politically feasible. This is in the US, I can't
>> speak of elsewhere.
>>

> I think its just a question of how many cars are on the road how fast
> they are going and with how they are treating other road users. All of
> this factors can be influenced and you dont have to spend billions on
> facilities.

Traffic calming is a complicated (politically and technically) subject.
I'm all in favor of it, but it's not politically feasible (US) or cheap.

> I think the problem for many towns (people) in the US with making
> cycling attractive is that average length of ways between home, work,
> shopping etc. are to long. Sadly there isnt much to be done to change
> that, land use in the US has been much to car oriented and it will take
> decades in most areas to reverse that. Off course there are exceptions.

Perhaps more exceptions than you think. Many US cities emptied out,
residentially, in the 60's & 70's, many have since been "recolonized"
with a demographically diverse population, a trend which has been
gathering momentum for a couple of decades now. The "exceptions", like
Portland, OR, may prove to be not all that exceptional.

>>>> And facilities can be improved. The point becomes completely academic
>>>> when nobody except a hard core participates.
>>>>
>>>
>>> As told already there are a lot of other measures to built incentives
>>> to cycle then worsen road safety by building segregated facilities.
>>
>> But people want facilities and you offer broccoli, then don't understand
>> when they won't eat it.
>
>
> No, I just tell them a cucumber is not a banana. If they want to believe
> cucumbers are bananas I cant change it but I refuse to join them.

Your metaphor is based on the claim that people are being misled on the
relative safety of facilities. I don't see the evidence for that. Nor,
as I keep repeating, do I see safety as the defining issue.

>>>> Not in the wildest dreams of cycling advocates would all streets be
>>>> marked with lanes or divided with tracks. There is absolutely no need
>>>> for that expense or bother. Simply providing those facilities on routes
>>>> is all that's desired. If you don't like the "facilitated" route,
>>>> choose
>>>> another. Why inflict your choice on the rest of the world?
>>>>
>>>
>>> Im from Germany and I can tell you in most towns many good routes are
>>> facilitated with crappy bicycle infrastructure.
>>
>> I'm sure many are, but doesn't that mean that many aren't?
>>
> No, there are only a few I use and this are the ones that are totally
> separated from motorized traffic. But they often have a bad surface and
> aren't well maintained, are to small, are use by pedestrians etc.

If there are no alternate routes (to facilities), I could see your
point, but speaking to urban riding in the US, it's hard to visualize
such a situation. There are simply so many routes in the urban grid that
the choices are plenty. I can't speak about Germany, and I don't
particularly care about rural and suburban cycling (in this context).

>>> It can be very stressful if car drivers try to insist to use them.
>>> Often there is no alternative route and Im definitely not going to
>>> shitty side streets full of potholes. I dont think I have to just
>>> accept the fact that motor traffic oriented Transportation planners
>>> and politicians think cyclist should ride in the gutter or on the curb
>>> of the road and people think this is safe because they have been told
>>> for decades. Im speaking out the interest of all cyclists if I insist
>>> of there right to ride safe. If most cyclists and motorist dont know
>>> how safe riding work it is another problem.

It seems you have safety on the brain. I don't think about it
particularly. Even in the US, with it's relatively lousy bike safety
record, I've never worried about it. I don't think it's as dangerous as
driving.

>> Again, where facilities exist, cyclists almost universally choose them.
>> You are in a minority and shouldn't expect the world to conform to your
>> ideals.
>>
> Again, where no facilities exist, cyclists almost universally dont
> choose them.

I think you could drop "almost" from that tautology.

>>>>> Second, car drivers don't really like it if you dont use the nice
>>>>> cycle path they paid for with hard earned tax money.
>>>>
>>>> Most cyclists are also drivers. Most roads in the US are paid for
>>>> out of
>>>> general revenue, not auto-specific taxes and fees. Even the gas tax and
>>>> usage fees only pay about 50% of the highway system.
>>
>>> You dont recognize sarcasm when it bites you in the face?
>>
>> Maybe it's a language thing.
>>
>
>
> Thought it was obvious, but I hope my English is better than your German.

I'm sure it is since I only studied for three years and never had an
occasion to use it since. Though I don't know what my fluency (or lack
of) has to do with anything.

>>>>> They are honking, yelling, overtaking very close and so on.
>>>>
>>>> They do that here, where we have no facilities to speak of.
>>>
>>> It will get worse after the building of more facilities, you will
>>> loose every right to use the road.
>>
>> Now you're being hysterical.
>>
>
>
> Not really. Drivers have been yelling at me I should ride on a cycle
> path when there wasn't any in a one mile radius. The building of
> facilities have the effect that most road users start to (or even more)
> think, cyclists dont belong to the road. Many cyclist dont learn how to
> ride properly in mixed traffic and it isnt uncommon that they use
> pedestrian paths...

This is a case where education is really necessary, for both drivers and
cyclists (and cops). Rational cycling plans assume a mix of conditions,
not door-to-door facilities. Street riding is a necessary skill and a
right, not privilege (unlike driving).

>>>>> So Im very much effected by those facilities. Its gone that far that
>>>>> many people (even cyclists) think cyclist dont belong on the road they
>>>>> are better of on the footpath.
>>>>> And last they are not only worsening the safety of cyclists they are
>>>>> slowing them down aka make cycling unattractive.
>>>>
>>>> Call me naive but I'm in favor of giving cyclists what they want, and
>>>> most want facilities.
>>>
>>> Most want to ride safe, facilities dont do that, so most cyclists just
>>> dont know what they want.
>>
>> That's a pretty arrogant attitude and it explains a lot.
>>

> What exactly does this explain? I think its cynical to make people
> believe they are safe on segregated facilities and spend billions on
> that crap. As an side effect you freeze the status quo of car dominated
> cities for decades by not taking real measures to reduce car use.

You are claiming that people are being misled, I see no evidence for
that. If people find "road sharing" unpleasant, then I think their
preferences should be accommodated with a budget that reflects (perhaps
with some growth factored in) modal share and overall social benefit.
There is nothing exclusive about traffic reduction/calming and cycling
facilities -- they are quite compatible, some say necessarily
complimentary, a sentiment I'd agree with.

>
>
>
>>>> I'm also against mandating the use of those
>>>> facilities so that cyclists who don't like them need not use them. I
>>>> don't see what's so complicated.
>>>>
>>>
>>> You should make a little effort and read what is complicated. I
>>> explained it.
>>
>> I have followed your "explanations". They're really just your personal
>> preferences. Calling them universal doesn't make them so.
>>
>>
> Right to life and physical integrity are pretty universal to me as is my
> right to use the road with the vehicle I choose without being
> discriminated.

I don't find the "discrimination" argument compelling, except in the
"mandatory use" statutes. Where ample alternate routes exist, I just
don't see the case at all. That describes my reality (US urban). If
there's any discrimination, it's denying facilities to those who prefer
them and contribute to infrastructure costs via taxes.

>
>
>
>>>> Since cycling is such a relatively safe activity,
>>>
>>>
>>> Right
>>>
>>>> I don't understand the
>>>> fuss over a possible slight decline in safety
>>>
>>>
>>> We are not speaking about slight decline. The Federal Highway Research
>>> Institute in Germany came to the conclusion that in Germany cycling
>>> facilities worsened the safety at intersections for 200-300% (and they
>>> only looked at "well" built facilities. The Lund study came to the
>>> conclusion that some facilities worsen safety 1200%. Or do you think
>>> this a slight declines in safety?
>>
>> I'm unfamiliar with those specific studies. The study you originally
>> cited (Copenhagen) was 110%, not 300% or 1200%.
>
>
> In Countries like DK and NL there is a pretty large safety in numbers
> effect working in favor of cyclists. So the negative safety effects of
> segregation tend to be smaller cause everybody is allways expecting
> cyclists. In Germany we dont have that and in the US it is far worse.

That's not what I've seen in places like Portland, OR.

> Negative safety effects of facilitation have been much bigger in Germany
> and other countries and the same will happen in the US. The smallest
> worsening of safety will happen by the building of cycle lanes but I
> dont really understand why people claim its more pleasant than riding in
> mixed traffic. For me cycle lanes are more unpleasant cause you are
> often expected to ride in the door opening zone and motorized traffic is
> overtaking in closer proximity.

Ideally, a bike lane is only a space prohibited for use by motor
vehicles. A good lane doesn't put cyclists in the door zone, a bad lane
does. You can't judge all lanes by bad ones.

The idea of segregation of traffic by speed via lanes is well understood
and accepted by motorists. Complications arise at intersections where
the rules are unclear/unfamiliar. Cycle lanes have many drawbacks, but
at the same time often represent a "take back" of road space, which in
itself may have a traffic calming effect. Bad lanes are generally
created when there simply isn't enough room for them, either because the
road is too narrow to share or the "take back" wasn't aggressive enough.
Reducing lane count, or even lane width, is very difficult politically
here in the US.

>> Still, the argument is
>> specious because it is possible to design safe segregated facilities,
>> and making cycling 100% safe does nothing if the modal share is 0.
>>
> I dont think this scenario is of any interest at all.

No, of course not, but it's an extrapolation.

>
>
>> In this country, with modal share at 0.5%, very little can be justified,
>> either in facilities or reduction of motor vehicle speeds or densities.
>> The fate of cycling rests on the possibility of drastically increasing
>> modal share. Vehicular cycling has been the dominant paradigm for
>> decades, with little to show for it.
>
>
> They came up with pretty good advice how to ride safe in mixed traffic
> that's not bad.

Sure, if they stopped there and didn't tack on the ideology.

>
>> Finally, vehicular cycling
>> ideologues are being pushed out
>
>
> Pushed out where?

Boston, Dallas, etc.

> I dont think there have been many in administrations
> regarding transportation planning, land use planning and transport
> policies in general.

They had been dominant in US cycling advocacy (LAB, etc.) for decades.

> This are the key fields that determine modal split.
> Have they even been relevant regarding road safety education? In other
> words they developed methods how to ride safe and not how to increase
> the number of cyclists, you are confused.

No, ad hominem aside, I'm aware of "Effective Cycling" curricula and
courses. It is useful stuff, orthogonal to the facilities debate (or
should be). It hasn't trained a whole lot of cyclists in the US, however.

>> and cycling modal share is increasing.
>
>
> Nice scapegoat you are constructing.

??? Modal share is growing in several US cities. It was originally
attributed to the spike in gas prices, but didn't revert when prices
fell. All the talk (and implementation) in cities like New York &
Boston, for examples, has been on facilities. This is a huge change.
Boston had 0 miles of bike lane until very recently. This was the direct
result of opposition by vehicular cyclists who dominated the dialog.

>> It's about time. You can't talk people into liking broccoli.
>>
>>

> But you think you can tell them a cucumber is a banana, good lucky with
> that one.

I think the burden of proof is on you that facilities are being
misrepresented.

>>>> to make a large
>>>> improvement in the cycling experience. I don't like riding in close
>>>> proximity to cars and trucks. It doesn't scare me, it's just
>>>> unpleasant.
>>>
>>>
>>> There are measures to reduce motorized traffic.
>>
>> Yes, of course there are, but in the US at least, politically impossible
>> for the most part.
>>

> Bad for you. Most towns in the US are not fit for utility cycling
> (distances to large for the majority of the typical fast food nourished
> suburban SUV-driver). There have and will be exceptions of course.

Sweeping generalizations aside, I can't speak for the entire US, but I
live in a small city (90,000) 6 miles from downtown Boston (600,000). My
family lives perhaps 75% car-free, and does a lot of utility and
recreational cycling (often combining the two). We frequently use a
segregated bike path (despite 2 extra miles) to get to the city. It's a
typical early generation path (constructed in the 60's) with all the
usual drawbacks -- crappy surface, dangerous intersections,
undisciplined users, etc., but we generally prefer it simply because
it's more pleasant than the (abundant) alternatives. Since the path
isn't consistently plowed (and never sanded) we simply use studded tires
in the winter.

Our lifestyle isn't common, but it's not particularly difficult, either.

>>>> I'm extremely happy to have separate facilities. I frequently choose
>>>> slower routes with more dangerous street crossings just to escape the
>>>> din and stench of cars and trucks -- many other cyclists do, too.
>>>
>>>
>>> Many of them dont know that their behaviour is more dangerous. If you
>>> want to have special infrastructure I think the building of bicycle
>>> boulevards can be useful.
>>>
>>> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_boulevard
>>
>> I'm all in favor of them, but with such a small number of cyclists in
>> the US, the political base to support them is just too small.
>>
>>
>>>> You like the idea of "vehicular" cycling.
>>>
>>> Yes.
>>>
>>>> I'm exactly the opposite. When
>>>> I'm riding my bike I'm not a vehicle, I'm a cyclist...
>>>
>>> riding a vehicle.
>>
>> You can call a bike a "vehicle", but that doesn't alter the physics. It
>> doesn't make people enjoy the experience of "sharing the road", either.
>> It's a rhetorical ploy, nothing more. I am personally very much opposed
>> to including bicycles in any kind of universal vehicle code.
>
>
> Car drivers an pedestrians will hate and disrespect you for that (even
> more). And I cant take you serious on that one or explain:
>
>> I am personally very much opposed
>> to including bicycles in any kind of universal vehicle code.

Similar to "jaywalking" (originally a slur, btw) laws, the ordinances on
the books are simply for the convenience of motor vehicles. There is no
reason to insist that cyclists come to a full stop at stop signs or be
constrained on one-way streets (or that pedestrians must cross only at
crosswalks, for that matter). Traffic signals at every corner are there
for the convenience of motorists. I was OK as long as such laws were
never enforced and carried negligible fines, but the "vehicularists"
changed all that here.

>> That's the
>> consequence of "vehicular equivalence". I don't need to speculate about
>> potential negative consequences, they've already occurred. What
>> "vehicularists" have lobbied for (and won, here in Boston), is an
>> increase in bicycle moving violation fines and enforcement ("same rules,
>> same roads"). I'm ecstatic to see them go. Cyclists are not the equals
>> of motorists, we have much greater vulnerabilities and far fewer
>> liabilities. To lump them all together as "vehicles" is just nuts. But
>> it's the predictable kind of nuttiness that "vehicular cycling"
>> advocates create.
>
>
> I dont think you are right and just work on your building of a
> scapegoat. It can be easily argued that the dangers of cyclist for other
> road users is relatively small so should be fines. But I do think
> operating a bicycle should not follow traffic rules. Traffic rules and
> there following are a necessity to raise predictability of behaviour.

"Predictability of behavior" raises motorist speeds. Urban motor
traffic is generally characterized by a high ratio of peak to average
speeds -- bad news for cyclists and pedestrians, and of no real
advantage to motorists. I think "predictability of behavior" should be
deliberately and significantly reduced.

> With your position nobody will ever take cyclists serious as equal road
> users. If cyclists take your viewpoint they always will be weirdos with
> a kid toy.

You may have a point with purely recreational cyclists who flaunt that
status with their flashy clothes and bikes. They are, literally, playing
in the streets after all. Not that I have a problem with that. I don't
much care about being taken "seriously" or as an "equal". Those things
should be self-evident and are historical rights. Insisting on special
behaviors to accommodate motorists erodes our true right of way, which
goes back centuries. Your attitude makes you a motorist apologist.
That's the only logical conclusion. You appear to be so brainwashed by
car culture that you can't think outside the box.

There's a frequent claim that most car-bike crashes are caused by
cyclist "scofflaws", but careful studies don't support that conclusion.
"Vehicular equivalence" is an unfortunate consequence of vehicular
cycling dogma. The ultimate result is that we are forced to comply with
rules and road engineering that were designed with motor vehicle
convenience as the highest priority. Queuing up with idling lines of
cars and trucks on a hot summer rush hour or getting sloshed with gritty
brine in the winter from a semi at my elbow isn't my idea of fun or
progress. Good luck selling that vision.

==============================================================================
TOPIC: BRITNEY DRUGGED
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/t/cb48d22265e9ce5f?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 2:37 am
From: Mercedes JASMIN

Click Here to Enter:

>>> http://better-web-247.com/1/britney-drugged <<<

britney drugged
britney drugged meth overdose
britney was drugged
britney spears drugged by sam lutfi

==============================================================================
TOPIC: WORK FROM HOME $5000 P/M $2000 IN FIRST 30 DAYS
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/t/1bef123cf41feb90?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 3:06 am
From: benadict raj

WORK FROM HOME $5000 P/M $2000 IN FIRST 30 DAYS

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looking to make some extra cash,
this is your ticket to fun,
easy money!

http://timmyurl.com/homejobs

As soon as I joined
I was able to take surveys and get
paid for my opinion.This is for everyone.
Even if you already have a steady job wouldnt it
be nice to generate a few bucks on the side.

http://timmyurl.com/homejobs

It's not surprizing when this exact
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earning up to $1,500 per month
GET PAID TO:
Take online surveys and make from $5 to $75, or more
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Take phone surveys and you can earn as much as $120 an hour
Try new products (and keep the free products too)
Preview new movie trailers for $4 to $25 an hour

http://timmyurl.com/homejobs

==============================================================================
TOPIC: SSN for Job Applications
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/t/20cfbcd56071ad93?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 2 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 5:49 am
From: Napoleon

On Fri, 13 Aug 2010 15:46:44 -0400, George <george@nospam.invalid>
wrote:

>I just don't get the direction we are going in where so many people
>don't seem to have a personal identity and feel the need to tell
>everyone everything they do.

America is gone. Fascist state. But nobody cares. Oh well.

I could tell you about the new drunk driving law they passed in NY
that requires one convicted of a DUI (even a misdeameanor) to install
a breathalizer in the car, which will activate the horn every ten
minutes and require the perp to pull over and breath into the thing
again.

Hahaha. Can you see it? On the highway a horn blows and the driver
next to you immediately swerves into your lane to get to the shoulder
so he can tell big brother he's sober. Does anyone else so how
ridiculous this is and that it will only cause more accidents?

Nope. Just me.

== 2 of 2 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 5:52 am
From: Napoleon

On Fri, 13 Aug 2010 10:12:16 -0700 (PDT), Cindy Hamilton
<angelicapaganelli@yahoo.com> wrote:

>However, in this case it's free enterprise compiling the database, so
>your reference to the USSA (parallel to USSR, I assume) is
>somewhat off the mark.

Somewhat, but not quite. Fascism. The rule by private enterprises with
help by the state. Merger between private industry and the government.
That is what is happening now in America: new health insurance laws,
TARP, outsourcing govt work to private industries, two wars.

But nobody cares.

== 1 of 4 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 5:53 am
From: "h"

"The Real Bev" <bashley101@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:i4aj7d$np7$1@news.eternal-september.org...
>
> Fasten a stack of paperbacks together with twine. I'd suggest duct tape
> for strength, but it tends to be permanent when you want it to be
> temporary and temporary when you want it to be permanent.
>
> --

Ah yes, I remember my book-and-book bookcases fondly. Stacks of paperbacks
for supports and coffee table books for shelves.

== 2 of 4 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 8:16 am
From: Michael Black

On Sun, 15 Aug 2010, The Real Bev wrote:

> On 08/15/10 16:29, mike wrote:
>
>> On Aug 15, 7:16 pm, "Rod Speed"<rod.speed....@gmail.com> wrote:
>>> mike wrote
>>> > Rod Speed<rod.speed....@gmail.com> wrote
>>> >> mike wrote
>>> >>> Wonder if they have "half height" cinder blocks.
>>> >> Yes they do, but that wont work because they are 4" high, too low for
>>> paperbacks.
>>> > I checked my local Home Depot today. They sell 6" x 6" x 6" half
>>> cinder blocks
>>>
>>> Those arent half cinder blocks, the normal height is 8"
>>>
>>> > for $1.27 each. Perfect for paperbacks.
>>
>> My mistake. There were, in fact, 8" x 8" x 8".
>
> Fasten a stack of paperbacks together with twine. I'd suggest duct tape for
> strength, but it tends to be permanent when you want it to be temporary and
> temporary when you want it to be permanent.
>
Not if you buy books for the purpose. Go to a used book sale towards the
end, and there's bound to be books you didn't know existed, didn't want to
know about. The good books have been harvested already, making it easier
to find the junk books. By that late in the sale, they may also be at a
reduced price, some sales even start selling books by the bag towards the
end.

Or pass by used book stores. I often find junk books lying outside,
clearly people brought them to the store to sell and they were rejected,
so they pile them on the sidewalk outside the store rather than drag them
home.

Michael

> --
> Cheers, Bev
> ***********************************************************
> "Everyone ought to stop and smell crayons once in a while."
> -- DA
>

== 3 of 4 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 9:04 am
From: mike

On Aug 15, 8:41 pm, "Rod Speed" <rod.speed....@gmail.com> wrote:
> You can get them 6" x 6" x 6" but they are much less common so rather harder to find.
> No use for paperbacks tho, they are bigger than that.
> In fact the bigger modern paperbacks are over 9" high, so too big for shelves done with
> 8" blocks too

By paperbacks I don't mean *all* non-hardcover books. Sorry for not
being clearer. Specifically, I meant to say mass market novel
paperbacks. I measured them to be about 7" high, so 8" blocks would be
fine for the specific size of paperbacks I'm needing to display.

== 4 of 4 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 9:14 am
From: mike

On Aug 16, 1:44 am, The Real Bev <bashley...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Fasten a stack of paperbacks together with twine. I'd suggest duct tape
> for strength, but it tends to be permanent when you want it to be
> temporary and temporary when you want it to be permanent.

Interesting technique and beats mine on price. But I'd prefer to have
wooden shelves. Saw someone build an entire temporary desk out of
liquor store boxes--impressive looking, but not for me.

At Home Depot, 1" x 6" x 12 ft "premium pine" (I'd settle for mediocre
pine...) planks cost ~$10 each. Purchasing 2 of these, I could cut
each in half and have 4 six-foot planks for $20. Six of the $1.27 each
8 X 8 X 8 half cinder blocks is $7.62. The back wall of the closet is
longer than 6 ft, so they'll fit fine. So for $27.62 + tax, I'd have
just under three rows of 5 ft. each (I lose space on each side due to
the 8" blocks). Will Home Depot cut the planks for free?

Mike

==============================================================================
TOPIC: Why I don't post in moderated groups
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/t/ae2629ff8fff7541?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 7:42 am
From: "His Highness the TibetanMonkey, Creator of the Movement of Tantra-
Hammock"

(You know, gone are the days of the hunter-gatherer, when everyday was
an adventure. Now we live in boredom and junk food, but there's still
a realm for real hunting: the Internet. Not everywhere in the
Internet, but in the UNmoderated groups where you can throw your
arrows and spears. The big mammoths are also here: You can read the
official media that tell you the official version of the world, not at
all like the Darwinian Jungle that it is. The "good guys" are not so
good and the "bad guys" are not so bad in the real world. But they all
try to survive in the jungle, and those who ignore those laws end up
like Hussein. He wasn't a good guy for sure, but we was a good friend
of the good guys, if you know what I mean. Anyway, my intention is not
to give a sermon in the introduction)

On Aug 16, 6:27 am, Trance Gemini <trancegemi...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hey Comandante,
>
> You should probably check out this thread on the Mod Board.
>
> http://groups.google.com/group/atheism-vs-christianity-moderator-foru...
>
> Feel free to comment if you wish.

Hey Gemini, once again thank you for your kind remarks.

But I can shed some light into it:

a) The Christians don't like what I say,

b) They have nothing to say and hate satire (let them eat the banana,
huh?),

c) They want to shut up the opposition, Taliban style.

Sometime I debate whether a bicycle topic, for example, should be
included, I post it and I get the most rewarding fruits. One thing
they don't understand --or perhaps because they do they want me out--
I'm proposing a NEW WISDOM --call it common sense if you wish-- but it
helps SURVIVE & LIVE in this jungle. We know this is a jungle not
because of the Devil, but in large part because of the indifferent and
stupid Christians.

I can even voluntarily abandon this group, since I sincerely don't
get along with moderation. I'm a free spirit and will remain so. As
you know there are other groups where I post like "alt.atheism" or
"rec.bicycles.misc." Some like it, some don't. That's freedom!

In my JUNGLE WISDOM --just like in the real jungle-- there's a
connection of everything to everything else. To me, fighting God is a
moot point. I find hunting for the lies (lie-on) and hypocrisy most
interesting. Why the Christians, for example, turn a blind eye to our
War on Drugs. That would also be off topic.

So in other words, my dear Gemini, hasta la vista! See you here... ;)

http://atom.smasher.org/streetparty/?l1=Coming+Soon%3A&l2=the&l3=Banana+Revolution!&l4=

http://webspawner.com/users/BANANAREVOLUTION

== 1 of 2 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 9:29 am
From: me@privacy.net

Anyone else using Straight Talk as a cell service?

Are you getting daily UNSOLICITED texts for the weather
from TWC?

== 2 of 2 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 10:46 am
From: Derald

me@privacy.net wrote:

>Anyone else using Straight Talk as a cell service?
I'm not. Why?
>
>Are you getting daily UNSOLICITED texts for the weather
>from TWC?
Nope; I have text messaging disabled. Only disadvantage I've found
is that DW no longer is able to email honey-do and shopping list
modifications! LOL She's far less likely to place a voice call for
trivial stuff.
Why are you asking?

==============================================================================
TOPIC: monetizing my restaurant review blog
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/t/7710c47314c7c98c?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 9:38 am
From: Ohioguy

For about 9 months now, I've been posting reviews to a regional
restaurant blog that I own. (roughly 1 million population metro area) It
has mostly been a hobby for me, because I like the idea of helping
people find better places to eat. I also realize that if I have a bad
experience, and I post the info where everyone can read it, the issue is
MUCH more likely to fix the problem.

However, it is also nice to get something more out of the writing - like
a few bucks. I've enabled Google adsense on the blog, and actually made
5 bucks in the past month. Yee-haw!

I was wondering, can anyone suggest any ideas for other ways to get
something ($, whatever) out of a blog like this?

Yes, of course I could simply send out business cards to virtually every
local restaurant, ask for gift certificates, free meals, or whatever in
exchange for a review. That would be an easy and straightforward way to
get something out of the time put into it. (my wife pointed this one
out) However, this really wouldn't be much better than people schilling
for paid reviews on their blogs - wouldn't I essentially be on the hook
for a good review if somebody has "sponsored" the meal? So I don't think
that will work out, in order to maintain the integrity of the reviews,
and allow me to write whatever the heck I want about the places I've
tried - at least those are my thoughts on the topic.

Yet I'm having trouble coming up with anything better. Anyone have an
idea or two?

Thanks!

==============================================================================
TOPIC: Best thrift stores in Wake, Durham, and Johnston county North Carolina
area?
http://groups.google.com/group/misc.consumers.frugal-living/t/6b4aefeacd6a439b?hl=en
==============================================================================

== 1 of 1 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 10:00 am
From: mike

What are some of the largest / best thrift stores in the Wake, Durham,
and Johnston county area? Anyone have a list of them? Who has the best
book selection? The few I've been too have a terrible selection. One
suspects Edward McKay's in Raleigh, or other used book dealers, might
get first pick of the books. I've read that thrift stores often have
special deals with other vendors.

== 1 of 4 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 10:43 am
From: "john hamilton"

I have to connect this AAA battery holder to a toy. Although I have a small
soldering iron, my soldering skills are poor. I can see myself easily
melting all the plastic around the contacts before I can get anything to
stick to the tabs. (The part of the tabs with the small hole will bend
upwards giving some clearence).

http://tinypic.com/r/iqx3pf/4

My immediate plan is to poke a few strands of wire through the holes in the
connection tabs twist and then apply some nail varnish to stop it unwinding.
Since its a toy it does not need to be totally foolproof.

If anyone had any ideas that were a bit more sophisticated I would be
gratefull. Thanks.

== 2 of 4 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 10:54 am
From: "Ralph Mowery"

While you don't want to hear it, solder it. Just use some fine 60/40 rosen
core solder. The main thing with soldering is to get the connection clean.
If bare copper wire, scrape or sand it so it shines.

I would not use the nail varnish. Copper wire should hold its shape without
the varnish. Also the varnish could get between the wire and tabs. You
might want to get some electrical tape and wrap it longways around the
battery box to help hold the wire in contact with the tabs.

== 3 of 4 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 11:05 am
From: "Toby"

"john hamilton" <bluestar95@mail.invalid> wrote in message
news:i4btbg$m7c$1@news.eternal-september.org...
> I have to connect this AAA battery holder to a toy. Although I have a
> small soldering iron, my soldering skills are poor. I can see myself
> easily melting all the plastic around the contacts before I can get
> anything to stick to the tabs. (The part of the tabs with the small hole
> will bend upwards giving some clearence).
>
> http://tinypic.com/r/iqx3pf/4
>
> My immediate plan is to poke a few strands of wire through the holes in
> the connection tabs twist and then apply some nail varnish to stop it
> unwinding. Since its a toy it does not need to be totally foolproof.
>
> If anyone had any ideas that were a bit more sophisticated I would be
> gratefull. Thanks.
>

Solder is the only reliable way, IMO

Just bend the tabs out, so they are not touching the plastic, make sure the
iron is nice and hot, dab some solder on the end of the iron, then place
this on one of the tabs and feed in a little more solder to tin the tab,
should take a couple of seconds.
Now strip about 5mm of the wires and tin the end of the wire, if the
insulation shrinks back, then snip the end of the wire off so it is about
5mm.
Place the wire on top of the solder on the tab and heat the wire until the
solder on the tab melts again.

Hold the wire with something other than your hand, as it may get quite hot!

Once it has cooled, marvel at your handywork :-)

Or, buy these two from eBay, or anywhere that sells this sort of stuff...
350373699059 (Twin AA battery holder with a PP£ type connector on the top)
and one of these
350350685890 (PP3 battery connector)

Toby...

== 4 of 4 ==
Date: Mon, Aug 16 2010 11:17 am
From: Rich Webb

On Mon, 16 Aug 2010 18:43:08 +0100, "john hamilton"
<bluestar95@mail.invalid> wrote:

What Ralph said. Also, if you can get some, apply a dab of rosin flux
paste to the joint before you heat it. That helps the solder to "wet"
the surfaces and flow into the joint better.

--
Rich Webb Norfolk, VA

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Monday, August 16, 2010

misc.consumers.frugal-living - 25 new messages in 6 topics - digest

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