Gordon

Does the gas code mention any type of partition that is at least 18" tall, to be installed in front of any existing or new water tank, or older boiler systems? Gordon

Can we say, "Steve Bartman"? To be fair, as long as the ball has broken the plane, it's fair game for fans and players. If you look at the replay from the Cubs, the ball had broken the plane...and Bartman, along with all the other fans in the area were all trying to catch that...and Alou isn't that great of an outfielder to begin with, so his chances of catching that weren't good anyway! But alot needs to be said for the Houston fans-you're right Kurt. The series ended on Wednesday, this is Monday...I'm still riding the wave!!!

It wasn't pretty...sometimes. It wasn't the pitching that most of the baseball minds thought it would be...sometimes. What it was? Great drama...by both teams-all the time. This series could have gone either way. The combined loss margin was only 6 runs!!! But in the end, it was the team that made the least amount of mental errors that won...and that's all that needs to be said!!! I don't know about the rest of the country, but this was must see T.V.!!! And the White Sox proved why they were the best road team in all of baseball this season, by winning every clinching game in the opposing teams house!! That's a first for MLB. I predicted this series would go at least 6 games, with the Sox taking it. But I had no idea they would sweep! The Astros have great heart. As a lifelong White Sox fan, this is sooooo satisfying-and yet, I can't help feel sorry for Biggio, Bagwell, Phil Garner...they just ran into a team that has been battle tested, with a chip on their shoulders, and with something to prove to their detractors. What a great season!!!

For those Nay-Sayers out there, who think the Sox won on a controverserial call-They Did!! However, after tonights game, it's safe to say they showed up and played a game that lets everyone know they're for real! I have no doubt this series will be close the whole way through, but I do believe the Sox are headed to the World Series. And the bullpen? When they ever get in a game, they'll be well rested!!!! On to game # 4!!!

Hey Brian...I agree with you, Bobby should get the NL manager of the year nod. It seems in the last few years, the prognisticators (not "The Great Prognisticator", mind you) have all claimed to have this team in a rebuilding stage, and all Bobby does is motivate them to win!!! And since the basis of Manager of the Year is the regular season, I have a hard time looking elsewhere. I'm sure there are those out there that would root for Phil Garner, and an argument could be made for him. But with his pitching staff, he was also picked as the wild card by many. The slow start was an anomally for that team, and it's only because age is catching up to those hitters. Otherwise, Roger Clemens would be heavily favored for the Cy Young. I don't believe Larussa should even be honorarily mentioned, as his team was picked this year by many to win the championship, and he has them right on track to make it back there. And speaking of awards...as much as I love Frank Thomas, he became much more of a DH. And DH's in my humble opinion, shouldn't receive the MVP. It should go to the best "player", not just "hitter". A.Rod...take a bow!!! And last but not least...it's good history to be able to say your team won that many championships. Hell...here in Chicago-land, we have bragging rights for the best basketball team ever ('96 Bulls, 72-10). But sports is more defined by this statement..."What have you done for me lately?". The Yankees should have won their division without having wait until the end of the season for any dramatics. They were built precisely for that. But the bottom line is, you still have to play that game...and money doesn't mean you have a big heart-just a big bankroll!!! Say all you want about the 26 World Series championships...I'm looking forward to this one!!!

As a life long White Sox fan, this has been very fun to watch!! I'm also a realist...they have a hard time playing the West coast teams. When the Angels were in town last, they swept the Sox in 3. When the Sox played them earlier on the West coast, the Angels were missing key players. They have to have that in the back of their minds, as I do believe the Yankees aren't going to make the ALCS. With that said... The rainout this weekend in NY is going to make setting a starting pitching rotation for the next team difficult...plus any other position players with nagging injuries, or just plain old fatigue will take a toll. The Sox on the other hand have time to figure out who will start the next series (and drop Damaso Marte and/or Jose Vizcaino & let Brandon McCarthy pitch)...it's John Garland's turn to pitch in the rotation, but the way Contreras is pitching, I'd have a difficult time deciding...do I give Garland the ball, and keep the rust off, or go with Contreras and ride the hot hand? If Contreras pitches, there's an opportunity to pitch him 3x, if needed. HHHmmm...no matter who pitches though, I have the Sox in 6. One of the other teams is going to be coming up against a well rested buzz saw!! Can we say Manager of the Year for Ozzie?

Around here, they're still in use too. I've seen them in older parts of Elgin, Evanston...ancient pieces of machinery that some people still swear by!

Update...after several comparisons, taking time to listen to friends online or in real life, and a great deal of patience (something I'm not known for when it comes to buying something I really want!!), I ended up getting a great deal on a DeWalt sliding compound mitre saw! With the new product lines coming into the market, it occurred to me to ask about floor models that have never been used. After checking around (other stores, ebay, talking to a couple DeWalt reps.), I found this to be a very valuable buy!!! Jim...I should let you know, I found it very intriguing to take up your advice! I may still do so, just for a project (you know-when you need to get some time away for yourself). Thanks everyone!!!

Thanks everyone!!! For the record...it won't just be for my bathroom, but several projects I still have in mind. I do want something durable, and that will last me a long time-I hate having to pay for something else, when I might be able to purchase the right product now (if I go that route, i.e, Mr. Katen). I'm taking all advice under consideration, and I appreciate everyone's input!!!

Hi All...it's been a while since I've checked in, but I had a question about Mitre Saws. Some of you know I gutted my bathroom & have been working on it for a while. I've been searching for a good compound mitre saw. I don't want to pay alot for it, but some of my buddies around here have said to buy a sliding compound. I'm probably going to buy a sliding, but I've been checking out different brands. My feelings on this, are most of them are very close to the others (though I've been told Hitachi's and Makita's are probably the best-of course, that was a salesman, who I believe worked on commission). Does anyone have any brands they prefer? Why? I've completed all the major work in my bathroom, now it's just a matter of all the details-i.e., the cabinet, toilet bowl, casing around the window/door, wallboard. I have several other projects in mind for the saw, as well...wanting to put crown molding in the den, remove other wall board and reinstall new after carpeting/hardwood in other parts of the house. So it'll be a good investment for me to have a tool I'll be able to have, but I would like it to be versatile. I can handle a tool that is $650.00-$700.00, if I felt it was worth it. Any thoughts???

I can certainly understand that, Mike. I would only say it needs to be out of harms way. We have them back here too. In fact, they need to be on Lennox Pulse furnaces...otherwise, the entire house will shake. Just installed where they won't be damaged. But I can see your point. Different areas, have different issues. Not having that much seismic activity in the Chicago area (but having a great deal of political wind in the heart of the city), it wouldn't have occurred to me. Good point of view! Thanks!

When you say no bathroom or roof above...could you clarify that for me, please? Was there a ceiling directly above this? Did the flu look like it had rust forming on it? I have a couple things running through my head, but can't get a complete picture just yet. Was rust forming at the top of the tank, including at the hot/cold pipes at the top of the tank? I'll keep hold of my opinion on this, until all the facts are in. Also...around here, the flex connector (some areas call it an appliance connector) should be called out. It should be changed to hard pipe. Connectors are great pieces of equipment, but they should be in an area where they won't get accidentally bumped into or have anything dropped onto them. And the valve for this connector is not a universal valve-it is specifically designed to be used with the connector it came with, and I can't tell from this picture if that was the case here. After 20+ years at the gas company, I can tell you contractors will tell call it out for replacement. Around here, they call it a Chicago valve (don't ask me...I have no idea why!).

Jim, I would agree if I had the time. I only recently found out about it, and the only reason I'm considering it is because it's 10 miles away. I'm planning on the ASHI conference next Jan., though.

Hey Everyone! I just got my brochure for the NAHI seminars on June 24-26. Now don't get started on associations, or who's better. I'm just curious if anyone's going to attend? I might take in a few classes here and there, since paying the entire fee & attending all the classes wouldn't be beneficial for me...also, I have to work Friday, and it would be a waste of my time. But they have a few other classes I'm thinking of taking up, if for nothing else, to bone up on a few things. Anyone? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?

Hey All...thanks for the info & the laughs! I never beat myself up about things other people have better ideas of, or more info about-I just LEARN! Much appreciated!