[adrotate group=”1″] If I see a tool I don’t have, I have to get it !! Don’t forget you have to have more than one wrench of a size. A minimum of two. One to turn with and one to hold with. (Plus a couple of extra ones, Just in case you are in the middle of something and drop a wrench and can’t find it. I suppose growing up on a farm has something to do with my addiction to tools. It could happen to you. Maybe your father worked as a mechanic, carpenter, truck driver, any thing relating to the use of tools. At the time we had an average size farm of 80 acres. I know. When my boys came home from detasseling corn, and told me they worked in an 80 acre field. I couldn’t believe there were fields as large as our whole farm. But even as a tyke I had chores. Like cleaning the two bottom plow shears with water and bricks. My brother was 10 years older, so by the time I was 6 he had me helping him keep his early 40s Ford Convertible running. There were places he couldn’t get to with his bigger body and hands. When I was 15 I had a 1953 ford given to me. It didn’t run. SO; my dad and brother watched over and guided me as I rebuilt the motor. I worked mowing yards, so I had to have a few tools to keep the mower going, (an average size yard I made $2, for a half acre I got $2.25, and anything over up to an acre I got $2.50. But that has nothing to do with this story except to let you know I had my own tool box, so I could keep working. (NO no riding mowers I started with an old reel type mower (no motor, just my two legs and arms. When I made enough money I bought a push mower with a motor on it). BOY, did that make it easier. Back to the car I had to buy my own tools. (NO borrowing Dads or my brother. (My brother did take my socket wrench away for a while because I over tightend a pan bolt and broke it off. He taught me how to take it out but I had to buy a drill and easy out. My first job out of high school was in a factory. The factory had a new machine they had spent 6 months trying to get to do a specific job. I got it working in a little over a month. Then to keep me busy I was taught how to set up presses. Then I moved to the tool room, making tools for some of the various machines. Then to Research and Development. (More Tools). I had to maintain my own car and motorcycle. Some special tools here. I found there were SPECIAL TOOLS that made the jobs easier. YEP! I had to have them. Also special tools were needed when I worked for a new car dealership. (We had to buy our own tools, that is when I learned about car “AUTOMATIC” CLIMATE CONTROL. New specialty tools! When I began learning to do auto body work, YOU guessed it more new specialty tool. The other day I was looking for something in my tool box, and found a tool I couldn’t remember what it was used for, It was a SPECIAL ORDER tool, I took it to a friend who is in his 90’s (and still in the car business, Selling and repairing). He remembered having the same tool, but could not recall what it was supposed to do. That is the background to my addiction. Origins of the Obsession From the moment you laid eyes on that shiny wrench or that sleek power drill, something stirred within you. The hardware store became your sanctuary, and the smell of freshly cut wood felt like home. You’d wander the aisles, fingers grazing the handles of hammers, tape measures, and socket sets. Now you have to have a 1/4 ,” 3/8′, 1/2″, 3/4″, and now 1″ socket sets. Don’t forget every hand tool you not only need SAE, but also, Metric. Each tool whispered promises of potential projects, repairs, and feats of DIY wizardry. The Thrill of Acquisition The thrill of acquiring a new tool is intoxicating. It’s not just about functionality; it’s about possibility. That cordless drill? It could build a treehouse, fix that wobbly chair, or assemble IKEA furniture with ease. The multimeter? Who knows when you’ll need to troubleshoot electrical gremlins? And that obscure specialty tool? Well, it’s rare, and rarity equates to value, right? The Rationalization Dance You’ve mastered the art of rationalization. When faced with a tool you don’t have, your mind performs a nimble pirouette: “Sure, I don’t need this right now, but what if I do in the future?” “It’s on sale! A bargain! A steal!” “Look at the craftsmanship—the ergonomic grip, the precision engineering. How can I resist?” How can I resist Your garage or workshop houses a treasure trove of tools—some pristine, others gathering dust. The circular saw you used once for that ambitious shelving project? The pipe wrench you bought during a plumbing emergency (which turned out to be a loose faucet)? They’re all there, waiting for their moment in the spotlight. The Emotional Tug-of-War But here’s the twist: Your compulsion isn’t purely practical. It’s emotional. Tools evoke memories—the time you fixed the leaky roof, the pride of assembling your kid’s bike, the frustration when that stubborn bolt refused to budge. Each tool carries a story, a connection to your past and your aspirations. The Intervention Now, let’s address the elephant in the workshop: Is there help for you? Absolutely! Here are some steps to consider: Self-Awareness: Acknowledge your compulsion. Understand that it’s not just about tools;… Continue reading THE ALLURE of TOOLS: A LIFELONG OBSESSION
Category: Shopping
Do Our Legislators THINK
It has recently come to my attention, the evils lurking in the banning of incandescent light bulbs. It seems the new CFL bulbs, or whatever you call the CFLs. According to an elderly friend of mine , he and his cronies, while sitting at the local diner for morning coffee; (he calls it his coffee break. He had one at work, and now he needs one to get away from his wi…er, house for a while. Yeah! That’s the ticket. Away from the house). The topic of the proposed LIGHT BAN, came up. It was at this meeting of the minds, he learned many other people have claimed the new CFLs, have caused just about everything from regular headaches, stomachaces, tired eyes,(can’t read as long as they “ustacould”), migraines, a feeling of tiredness, (causing them to have to take an extra nap), angst, and an increased inability to cope with their wife. And it must be the reason they seem to be getting sick more often. Now taking in all of these “facts”. Because I know this to be a very stubb….studious group. How could our legislators possibly disregard their research. and ban incandescent bulbs. After checking these complaints, I have found various articles that support this groups thinking. So maybe there is something to their statements. HEY ! Legislators, LOOK into this. Please. That Is How I See It. Post Views: 164
Colts 1st Round Draft Pick Is…..
With the professional football season over, for the INDIANAPOLIS COLTS. We have seen the end of the POLIAN ERA. The man who guided the COLTS, to the selection of PEYTON MANNING. The man who the past decade the COLTS have built their machine. But this year with the injured MANNING sitting OUT the season we saw the total collapse of the Indianapolis FRANCHISE and it was thunderous. I still think the nucleus of the team is intact; however some of that nucleus is beginning to become long in the tooth. (OLD). So there has to be some changes made throughout the team. The big mistake Polian made during those earlier years, to my way of thinking, was the signing of EDGERIN JAMES. Not that he was a terrible choice, BUT the BEST running back for the colts would have been Wisconsin’s RON DAYNE. It was too bad for all of professional football, when Dayne went to a team which did not like to run the ball. And the Great Dayne, was left rusting on the shelf. But why did the Colts falter so badly. Bill Polian and Jim Irsay, (yes he has to take some of the blame too. After all he is “THE BOSS”), failed to recognize the fact Manning, as he ages, and continues to play every snap, hurt or otherwise; could possibly miss some games. Therefore there was no backup plan. And who would want to be Manning’s backup? You never get to play. Maybe if you are lucky you might get to take 5-10 snaps a year. Now the COLTS have a new leader. Will he be able to right the ship? Will Mr. Irsay give him the power to do his job? Time will tell. Now to the matter of the FIRST ROUND PICK. With so many holes to be plugged, one must first determine, WHICH HOLE, is most needed to plug. At first glance it would appear the QB spot is of prime importance. Next we need to know, are we going with MANNING, or are we going to be seeking someone to take over the reins. Then what is our time line for the switch. I believe MANNING is a great leader, a masterful student of the game and of imparting his knowledge to his fellow teammates. I would not want him to leave the team. NOR, do I think he wants to leave the COLTS. But he knows what he can and can not do. Who would you draft if you decide to go for a QB? First you must look for the best fit for the team you have. (You can’t replace a whole team in one year. Oh I suppose you could if you can buy out everyone’s contract. But that is a bit unrealistic. I feel we have three quality candidates. STANFORD’S ANDREW LUCK. BAYLOR’S ROBERT GRIFFIN III. And WISCONSIN’S RUSSELL WILSON. Luck, of course is the nations choice. But is he the right man for the team. It all depends. What is the NEW GUARD of the COLTS looking for. Luck has the pedigree, but can he fit in and lead the team next year if necessary. Will he be satisfied to sit behind Manning. I personally don’t think so. I don’t know the boy, all I know about him is what the press says. (and we all know how the press can hype a player). Stanford is no pro team. (maybe). But when you move to the pro ranks it is a new game. CAN HE HANDLE THE CHANGE. Griffin III, winner of the Heisman Trophy, has shown his leadership skills, by leading a NON-POWER team to new heights. Again you have the same questions as with Luck. Wilson. We know he already has a professional contract to play baseball. He came to a new team and did an outstanding job of leading them in his first and only year with the BADGERS. For what it is worth this is my pick. Want someone who can come in and take over immediately? You must opt for Russell Wilson. If he can/or wants to opt out of his baseball contract. For Wilson, he can play baseball for 4-5 years for little pay. OR become an instant millionaire thru his quarterbacking skills. Want someone who is willing to follow MANNING, and learn from the master, with gradually increasing playing time. Then Robert Griffin III is your man. I think the COLTS need someone who can come in and take immediate charge. So there you have it. My number one pick would be Russell Wilson (if available) because I think the Colts need someone who is ready to take charge first game of the season. Given the same conditions, as above, if Wilson is not available then I would take Andrew Luck. Wanting some one to backup Manning and learn, and get gradual increasing snap, then Robert Griffin III is your man. That Is The Way I See It. UPDATE !!!!! January 13, About 6 hours ago from the time I am writing this; RUSSELL WILSON of the WISCONSIN BADGERS has announced he will forgo his baseball career with the COLORADO ROCKIES, in favor of a career in the NFL. Post Views: 231
Ebay and Feedback
If you have ever bought or sold anything on ebay you know how important your feedback score can be. I always leave feedback. I buy more than I sell. But by leaving feedback I am letting other buyers know if I had a good experience with the seller. I have had some items take a little longer to receive than I thought necessary, but I can not think of more than just a couple of times in the years I have been dealing on ebay that I have left negative feedback. So what is my point? I may be the only person to have this happen but I think not. It seems to me that the bigger dealers, are taking over ebay. It is more of a E-store, for many of the sellers. (Not All). It makes no difference to me as long as I get what I pay for. But it appears the BIG dealers, don’t care about feedback. I figure I have left about 30 positive feedbacks for these people in the last 6 months. I only get feedback from the small guy like me who may sell something on a rare occasion. The BIG dealers, I suppose just don’t have time to leave feedback for everyone. I suppose I can play that game too. The BIG guy doesn’t need my feedback anyway. What should I do? Maybe take the advice of a friend and not leave feedback unless I receive feedback first. After all I sent them the money (Paypal). Shouldn’t they give me feedback when they receive the money? I leave feedback when I receive the item. I think I would feel a little guilty about not leaving feedback. So I will most likely continue to leave it. After all two wrongs don’t make a right That Is How I See It. more than Post Views: 145
How Expensive Can OTC Medicine Be?
While recently killing time in a local Wal*Mart store. I happened by a middle of the aisle display for abreva. (A cold sore medicine). I remember we once used a product called campo-pehnique, (sorry if I misspelled that), which cam in a small bottle and worked just fine. As I remember it cost just a little more than a stick of chap stick. I was really shocked to see a “discounted on sale” price of $15.12 for a little tube containing .07 oz. I ‘m sure it is a very good product, but come on….$15.12 for 7 hundredths of an ounce. Talk about the price of bottle water being high at about 89 cents (in our area) for a 20 oz bottle. Think gas is high at $3.79 9/10 a gallon. Let’s look at this abreva cost. As you know I am not very good at math so this is just as an example. I think it takes 700 of these tubes to make a full ounce, If I am wrong you can do the following computation with the correct number. Take the sale price, $15.12 per .07 oz X 700 =$10,584.00 an ounce. Note abreva is sold I believe by net wt. So comparing to water or gas we would have to figure the net weight for an ounce of either. For example we know FLUID oz is a measure of volume, and net wt oz is a measure a measure of WEIGHT. The ounce is still an ounce, it takes 16 oz to make a pound. A gallon of water weighs approximately 8.34 pounds. So we are now comparing weight to weight. This means 133.44 oz to a gallon. Now take the $10,584.oo an ounce for abreva, times th3 133.44 oz in a gallon of water. Guess what that would bring the cost of of a gallon of water to $141,232,8.96.oo. A 20 oz bottle of water would cost $11,769.41. So who can complain about 89 cents for a 20 oz bottle of water? It is but a drop in the bucket. If you want to figure this for gasoline. Gasoline varies from about 5-6 pounds, so for our sake here we will use the more prominent estimate of 6 pounds per gallon. means about 96 ounces. 96 ounces times $10,584.oo = (appx) $1,016,064.oo So I ask you is abreva really worth the price you pay? I suppose the answer is yes, if it does what you want of it. But comparatively It appears to me to be WAAAY overpriced. That Is How I See It. more than Post Views: 169
Penny Auctions
Is this worth the price. This will be a very short blog. As I haven’t bid on anything. Nor do I know anyone who has. You see the advertisements. I won such and such for only $5. I may be wrong. So check it out yourself, Let me know if you see this the same way I do. This is how I understand it works. 1) Items you bid on will only go up 1 penny from bid to bid. 2) You have to pay for the right to place a bid. I think it amounts to something like 50 cents a bid 3) If you win an item you remit that amount. You will receive your won item in X days. To put this on a local level we are more familiar with. Say you go to your local auction house. When you sign in and get your bid card, you will be asked how many times do you want to bid tonight? I don’t know. It depends on the item. Then you are told it will cost you 50 cents every time your bid is accepted. And we will proceed in 1 penny increments. So you buy 20 bids for $10. Now let’s say you open the bid for 1 penny. The auction house has just made 50 cents on an item. The item is probably worth, say $30. If it is like most local auction houses there will be at least (for demonstration purposes) 5 bidders. Yippee You Won it for only $20 dollars, but you used all your 20 bids. Guess what you just paid $30 for it. But in penny increments, I think (Mind you I’m no Mathematician, so I could have my figures wrong), about 2000 bids. It appears the to me the auction made about $1000.oo on that $20 dollar item. One Item I looked was a $100.oo gift card. The item was paused. For reasons unknown to me. But $4.66 for $100.oo gift card is a great deal. However the Auction company has made $233.00. So even if the Auction house paid $100.oo for this gift card they have still made $133.oo gross profit. I don’t know how they secure the items, they sell. But I imagine they sell thousands of items a day, and the winner probably does get a good deal, just like the advertisements say. Provided they are wise enough to figure the timers, and when to bid. Oh yes they have timers. Usually set for 3 minutes. (Anyway that is what I gathered from the site I visited to write this. If no one bids during that 3 minute period the high bidder wins I didn’t understand the PAUSE function though. Any how as long as you understand how it works, go for it. You might get a good deal. That Is How I See It. they have Post Views: 100
Musty Tylenol
Today I read Johnson & Johnson announced another Tylenol recall. This recall is due to a “musty odor”. Now the fact that McNeil Consumer Healthcare unit of Johnson & Johnson is making the recall is not too surprising as this is not the first time they have issued a recall on Tylenol. This recall is for Tylenol Extra Strength Caplets. Total recall is 60,912 bottles of 225 caplets. That is 13.705,200 caplets affected by this recall, prompted by “a small number of reports” of a musty smell. The odor (apparently not new to Tylenol) was found in the past to “2,4,6-tribromoanisole. (2,4,6-Tribromoanisole is a chemical brominated derivative of Anisole, used as fungicide). At least that is my understanding of the responsible for the odor. In 2010 J&J recalled over the counter products. involving this same chemical which was used to treat wooden pallets, which were used to transport and store the product. In 2010 and 2011 Pfizer recalled Lipitor after reports of an odor linked to a third party supplier of bottles which had been exposed to this chemical. So this contamination is nothing new drug manufacturers The part I find funny is timeliness of the recall. I can’t say what relationship the manufacture date, and time of resale is. These Tylenol Extra Strength Caplets were apparently made in February of 2009. That is over 2 years ago. Do they make these medicines that far in advance they would just now be hitting the store shelves? I don’t know. It just seems most of the caplets would have already been used or disposed of by now. I just looked at a bottle of Ibuprofen, I purchased about a month ago and it’s expiration date is February of 2012. That Is How I See It. Post Views: 3,073
GM CEO Asks For $1 Gas Tax Hike
You may recall an article I wrote about how people in our area who drive GM products do not seem to be in touch with rules of the road, WELL how about this. General Motors CEO Dan Akerson said he would favor a $1 dollar hike in gasoline tax, including a 50 cent immediate hike… are you ready for this “To take advantage of the recent DECLINE in gas prices.” Did I miss this DECLINE?? According to Akerson this would put people in the position of buying more fuel efficient cars and lessen the burden on the auto industry to meet future mileage goals. I know I can’t afford a new car period let alone one of those HIGH-Priced hybrids and the like. I’m sure I’m not alone here. Heck it’s getting to the point I could not afford a USED car as those prices have gone up so much. A friend who sells used cars told me used cars are getting harder to buy. New car dealers who once brought the cars to auction are now selling them on their lots. I once had a New car dealer tell me he would not keep a car on the lot if it had 50,00o miles or more on it. Now I see he has cars with 150,000 miles with a price of $5,000,oo (or more). A friend traded off his 2000 Oldsmobile for a new car and was only offered $1000.00 trade in. Later the dealer had it on his lot with a $5,900.oo price tag. There is gold in them thar used cars. Now, I know the CEO of GM can afford the tax increase. Heck, he probably doesn’t even buy gas, as evidenced in his statement about the decline in gas prices. I’m sure he doesn’t buy his cars as they are most likely part of his compensation package. In other words he isn’t among the core people of our country. He hasn’t a clue about what he is saying. He is only looking at saving his company money so he can get a bigger bonus. Before I close this entry. Greg Martin, Gm’s Washington spokesperson confirmed Akerson’s statement reflects Gm’s VIEW. But GM will not actively pursue the passage of such a tax, as it would be very difficult to get enacted. I suppose that is how GM drivers feel too. After all they are supporting the company by buying GM products. That Is How I See It. Post Views: 184
Drivers Beware In Gary Indiana
We all have believed Cops have had quotas for traffic stops. After all they have to bring some money in to help pay their salaries. Finally a City which is not ashamed to admit their police officers, have quotas. they have not stated what the consequence is if you don’t meet the quota. ” What is the quota?” you ask. The quota is at least one “1” traffic arrest an hour. Gary’s Traffic Commander, mothy Tatum said this quota will remain in effect as long as he is “COMMANDER” . His actual edict says 10 traffic arrests per officer assigned to his traffic division per shift per day. Good Luck holding your job Timothy. I understand the prosecutors are already protesting your quota. They can always decide to NOT PROSECUTE. The voters probably will not appreciate your move. I’m not sure one cop can write 1o citations a day. I’m thinking what you are creating is an aura of “I have to meet my quota, so I’ll write up this poor guy driving the old car. He can’t afford to protest the stop, and pursue it in court”. Or “I’ll stop this guy, he’s from out of our area, and will just pay the fine.” Then, of course, there is the wealthy who will pay just because it is such a trifling amount it is not worth the time to go to court. Kind of sounds like everyone could be a victim of this QUOTA. I hope the traffic officers have enough pride in themselves to not make up violations to meet their quota. Or that an unreasonable stop does not end with injury to the cop or citizen. I know I will do my best to avoid Gary Indiana, and there goes my money I may have spent there. After all I’m sure they don’t need my money in this haven of high employment, and economy. It seems to me the “Quota” would be a valid defense, in court. But I’m not a Lawyer, or Judge. Hats off to Gary for admitting they have a traffic citation quota. Most places would not. That Is How I See It. UPDATE: UPDATE: Just in. Gary Mayor Rudy Clay Says Quota’s are over. Police Administration says never existed. Don’t know if Gary’s Traffic Commander, Timothy Tatum, is still Commander they have Post Views: 99
Mac Vs PC
Have you ever noticed in movies, and TV shows you usually see the actors using Apple Computers? I know there are two factions here PC Users, and Mac Users. I have never had a Mac, and never saw a need for one. My PC does everything I need to do, and at a lower cost. So, I have no experience with Macs. What I do have is the fact I don’t even know anyone who owns a Mac. I haven’t even seen any in our area for sale. Not even in the big box stores. Maybe it is just a regional thing. Perhaps there are pockets where this trend is reversed. So, why does it seem in the make believe world of TV and Movies, everyone owns a Mac? Product Placement. Companies pay to have their products displayed in this make believe world. I have no numbers of units sold or used, for either product. (Sold does not always equal Used). Thus X units sold is a moot point. Nothing against you Mac users. Computer choice is a Personal Choice. That Is How I See It, Post Views: 117