6pak

20 cents a gallon cheaper here in Hinesville.

I got this is an email today and had to share it. They told me the big black Lab's name was Reggie, as I looked at him lying in his pen.. The shelter was clean, no-kill, and the people really friendly. I'd only been in the area for six months, but everywhere I went in the small college town, people were welcoming and open. Everyone waves when you pass them on the street. But something was still missing as I attempted to settle in to my new life here, and I thought a dog couldn't hurt. Give me someone to talk to. And I had just seen Reggie's advertisement on the local news. The shelter said they had received numerous calls right after, but they said the people who had come down to see him just didn't look like "Lab people," whatever that meant. They must've thought I did. But at first, I thought the shelter had misjudged me in giving me Reggie and his things, which consisted of a dog pad, bag of toys almost all of which were brand new tennis balls, his dishes, and a sealed letter from his previous owner. See, Reggie and I didn't really hit it off when we got home. We struggled for two weeks (which is how long the shelter told me to give him to adjust to his new home). Maybe it was the fact that I was trying to adjust, too. Maybe we were too much alike. For some reason, his stuff (except for the tennis balls --- he wouldn't go anywhere without two stuffed in his mouth) got tossed in with all of my other unpacked boxes. I guess I didn't really think he'd need all his old stuff, that I'd get him new things once he settled in. But it became pretty clear pretty soon that he wasn't going to. I tried the normal commands the shelter told me he knew, ones like "sit" and "stay" and "come" and "heel," and he'd follow them - when he felt like it. He never really seemed to listen when I called his name --- sure, he'd look in my direction after the fourth or fifth time I said it, but then he'd just go back to doing whatever. When I'd ask again, you could almost see him sigh and then grudgingly obey. This just wasn't going to work. He chewed a couple shoes and some unpacked boxes. I was a little too stern with him and he resented it, I could tell. The friction got so bad that I couldn't wait for the two weeks to be up, and when it was, I was in full-on search mode for my cell phone amid all of my unpacked stuff. I remembered leaving it on the stack of boxes for the guest room, but I also mumbled, rather cynically, that the "damn dog probably hid it on me." Finally I found it, but before I could punch up the shelter's number, I also found his pad and other toys from the shelter...I tossed the pad in Reggie's direction and he snuffed it and wagged, some of the most enthusiasm I'd seen since bringing him home. But then I called, "Hey, Reggie, you like that? Come here and I'll give you a treat." Instead, he sort of glanced in my direction --- maybe "glared" is more accurate --- and then gave a discontented sigh and flopped down .... with his back to me. Well, that's not going to do it either, I thought. And I punched the shelter phone number. But I hung up when I saw the sealed envelope. I had completely forgotten about that, too. "Okay, Reggie," I said out loud, "let's see if your previous owner has any advice." ____________ _________ _________ _________ To Whoever Gets My Dog: Well, I can't say that I'm happy you're reading this, a letter I told the shelter could only be opened by Reggie's new owner. I'm not even happy writing it. If you're reading this, it means I just got back from my last car ride with my Lab after dropping him off at the shelter. He knew something was different. I have packed up his pad and toys before and set them by the back door before a trip, but this time... it's like he knew something was wrong. And something is wrong...which is why I have to go to try to make it right. So let me tell you about my Lab in the hopes that it will help you bond with him and he with you. First, he loves tennis balls. The more the merrier. Sometimes I think he's part squirrel, the way he hordes them. He usually always has two in his mouth, and he tries to get a third in there. Hasn't done it yet. Doesn't matter where you throw them, he'll bound after it, so be careful - really don't do it by any roads. I made that mistake once, and it almost cost him dearly. Next, commands. Maybe the shelter staff already told you, but I'll go over them again: Reggie knows the obvious ones --- "sit," "stay," "come," "heel." He knows hand signals: "back" to turn around and go back when you put your hand straight up; and "over" if you put your hand out right or left. "Shake" for shaking water off, and "paw" for a high-five. He does "down" when he feels like lying down --- I bet you could work on that with him some more. He knows "ball" and "food" and "bone" and "treat" like nobody's business. I trained Reggie with small food treats. Nothing opens his ears like little pieces of hot dog. Feeding schedule: twice a day, once about seven in the morning, and again at six in the evening. Regular store-bought stuff; the shelter has the brand. He's up on his shots. Call the clinic on 9th Street and update his info with yours; they'll make sure to send you reminders for when he's due. Be forewarned: Reggie hates the vet. Good luck getting him in the car. I don't know how he knows when it's time to go to the vet, but he knows. Finally, give him some time. I've never been married, so it's only been Reggie and me for his whole life He's gone everywhere with me, so please include him on your daily car rides if you can. He sits well in the backseat, and he doesn't bark or complain. He just loves to be around people, and me most especially. Which means that this transition is going to be hard, with him going to live with someone new. And that's why I need to share one more bit of info with you.... His name's not Reggie. I don't know what made me do it, but when I dropped him off at the shelter, I told them his name was Reggie. He's a smart dog, he'll get used to it and will respond to it, of that I have no doubt. But I just couldn't bear to give them his real name. For me to do that, it seemed so final, that handing him over to the shelter was as good as me admitting that I'd never see him again. And if I end up coming back, getting him, and tearing up this letter, it me and everything's fine. But if someone else is reading it, well ... well it means that his new owner should know his real name. It'll help you bond with him. Who knows, maybe you'll even notice a change in his demeanor if he's been giving you problems. His real name is "Tank". Because that is what I drive. Again, if you're reading this and you're from the area, maybe my name has been on the news. I told the shelter that they couldn't make "Reggie" available for adoption until they received word from my company commander. See, my parents are gone, I have no siblings, no one I could've left Tank with ... and it was my only real request of the Army upon my deployment to Iraq , that they make one phone call.. the shelter ... in the "event" ... to tell them that Tank could be put up for adoption. Luckily, my colonel is a dog guy, too, and he knew where my platoon was headed. He said he'd do it personally. And if you're reading this, then he made good on his word. Well, this letter is getting downright depressing, even though, frankly, I'm just writing it for my dog. I couldn't imagine if I was writing it for a wife and kids and family ... but still, Tank has been my family for the last six years, almost as long as the Army has been my family. And now I hope and pray that you make him part of your family and that he will adjust and come to love you the same way he loved me. That unconditional love from a dog is what I take with me to Iraq as an inspiration to do something selfless, to protect innocent people from those who would do terrible things ... and to keep those terrible people from coming over here. If I have to give up Tank in order to do it, I am glad to have done so. He is my example of service and of love. I hope I honored him by my service to my country and comrades. All right, that's enough. I deploy this evening and have to drop this letter off at the shelter. I don't think I'll say another good-bye to Tank, though. I cried too much the first time. Maybe I'll peek in on him and see if he finally got that third tennis ball in his mouth. Good luck with Tank. Give him a good home, and give him an extra kiss goodnight - every night - from me. Thank you, Paul Mallory ____________ _________ _________ _______ I folded the letter and slipped it back in the envelope. Sure I had heard of Paul Mallory, everyone in town knew him, even new people like me. Local kid, killed in Iraq a few months ago and posthumously earning the Silver Star when he gave his life to save three buddies. Flags had been at half-mast all summer. I leaned forward in my chair and rested my elbows on my knees, staring at the dog. "Hey, Tank," I said quietly. The dog's head whipped up, his ears cocked and his eyes bright. "C'mere boy." He was instantly on his feet, his nails clicking on the hardwood floor. He sat in front of me, his head tilted, searching for the name he hadn't heard in months. "Tank," I whispered. His tail swished. I kept whispering his name, over and over, and each time, his ears lowered, his eyes softened, and his posture relaxed as a wave of contentment just seemed to flood him. I stroked his ears, rubbed his shoulders, buried my face into his scruff and hugged him. "It's me now, Tank, just you and me. Your old pal gave you to me." Tank reached up and licked my cheek. "So whatdaya say we play some ball?" His ears perked again.. "Yeah? Ball? You like that? Ball?" Tank tore from my hands and disappeared in the next room. And when he came back, he had three tennis balls in his mouth. If you can read this without getting a lump in your throat or a tear in your eye, don't send me anymore emails, you just ain't right.

A great Idea, I have forwarded this to everyone on my email list!

89 here today, 70 the predicted low tonight. cold front coming thru tomorrow night. Weekend forcast: sunny and mild. highs mid to upper 70s, lows around 50. Gotta love the south.

When southern Florida resident Nathan Radlich's house was burgled recently, thieves ignored his wide screen plasma TV, his VCR, and even left his Rolex watch. What they did take, however, was a generic white cardboard box filled with a grayish-white powder. (That's the way the police report described it.) A spokesman for the Fort Lauderdale police said that it looked similar to high grade cocaine and they'd probably thought they'd hit the big time. Later, Nathan stood in front of numerous TV cameras and pleaded with the burglars: Please return the cremated remains of my sister, Gertrude. She died three years ago. The next morning, the bullet-riddled corpse of a local drug dealer known as Hoochie Pevens was found on Nathan's doorstep. The cardboard box was there too; about half of Gertrude's ashes remained. Scotch taped to the box was this note which said: Hoochie sold us the bogus blow, so we wasted Hoochie. Sorry we snorted your sister, no hard feelings, have a nice day.

Got this in an email and had to share... http://www.ktuu.com/news/ktuu-radio-flyer-car-092910,0,1784245.story

It has a lot of good features, But I don't like the fairing at all. And I thought the Vision fairing was ugly!

Las Vegas Churches accept gambling chips? THIS MAY COME AS A SURPRISE TO THOSE OF YOU NOT LIVING IN LAS VEGAS , BUT THERE ARE MORE CATHOLIC CHURCHES THAN CASINOS. NOT SURPRISINGLY, SOME WORSHIPERS AT SUNDAY SERVICES WILL GIVE CASINO CHIPS RATHER THAN CASH WHEN THE BASKET IS PASSED. SINCE THEY GET CHIPS FROM MANY DIFFERENT CASINOS, THE CHURCHES HAVE DEVISED A METHOD TO COLLECT THE OFFERINGS.. THE CHURCHES SEND ALL THEIR COLLECTED CHIPS TO A NEARBY FRANCISCAN MONASTERY FOR SORTING AND THEN THE CHIPS ARE TAKEN TO THE CASINOS OF ORIGIN AND CASHED IN. THIS IS DONE BY THE CHIP MONKS. Never saw that coming did ya?

Ok, it's been 4 hours. No news is good news?

Check the first thread in videos.

Well I don't know about the rest of y'all, but I'm impressed. Hope his dumba$$ stays in europe.

A judge was interviewing a woman regarding her pending divorce, and asked, "What are the grounds for your divorce?" She replied, "About four acres and a nice little home in the middle of the property with a stream running by." "No," he said, "I mean what is the foundation of this case?" "It is made of concrete, brick and mortar," she responded. "I mean," he continued, "What are your relations like?" "I have an aunt and uncle living here in town, and so do my husband's parents." He said, "Do you have a real grudge?" "No," she replied, "We have a two-car carport and have never really needed one." "Please," he tried again, "is there any infidelity in your marriage?" "Yes, both my son and daughter have stereo sets. We don't necessarily like the music, but the answer to your questions is yes." "Ma'am, does your husband ever beat you up?" "Yes," she responded, "about twice a week he gets up earlier than I do." Finally, in frustration, the judge asked, "Lady, why do you want a divorce?" "Oh, I don't want a divorce," she replied. "I've never wanted a divorce. My husband does. He said he can't communicate with me!"

Training first! I don't know about North Carolina, but here in Ga, the state will pick up the majority of the cost (grant). And most run Night courses that allow you to continue to work while training.

I drove for 15 years until the Dr pulled my DOT physical. I haven't been in a truck in 4 years, but I still miss it every day. I also worked as an instructor for a commercial truck driving course for Altamaha Technical College here in Ga. I made plenty of money on the road. Loved every minute of it. I still follow what's going on out there since my brother drives also. If you're single or wife can handle you being gone for a week at a time, go for it. And yes, there are plenty of companies that you can be home every weekend. The only problem is most of those will not hire you as a rookie. Get about 6 months over the road (gone 2 to 3 weeks at a time) experience prior to trying this. Last but not least, Stay away from lease purchase companies, and companies that "pay" for your schooling. These will lock you into a contract you can't legally get out of without fulfilling your 2 or 3 year obligation, then they can starve you and make you pull bs freight with low miles. Pay for your own schooling or go thru a state accredited college. Stay away from companies that will team you up after training with a driver you don't know. You may get along well with him or her, but the truck is now trying to support 2 families. You split all miles. So if the truck runs 4500 miles you get paid for 2250. You can easily run 3000 by yourself. The only teams that make money are husband and wife. They keep all the money in one house. If you like to drive, Go for it. You won't be dissapointed. After you get 6 months or so, there are plenty of companies that will hire you, give you 2500-3500 miles a week, and have you home every weekend here in the southeast.

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=KTb6qdPu8JE

Yeah, Randy, The Army sent him to school in Arkansas for his GED. He passed it on the first time around. From what he told me if you don't pass they keep you there til you do. It is now required before you begin basic training. He also told me that they did more PT at the school than in Basic.

This is my nephew, Robert. He's had a tough go at life early on. Homelife wasn't always the best, but I have always tried to be there for him. He left Knoxville for Basic training in early April. His first stop was in Arkansas for his GED, then on to Ft Benning, Ga for Basic and Infantry school. There was no way that I was gonna miss this. I am so proud of him. He's the 3rd generation in our family to go Army. Now he waits to be deployed with the Tennessee National Guard. HOOAH!

I've had 2. Both '89's. Painted one then donated it to be raffled of by the east tennessee DAV. The second one is red or maroon? Anyways, am building the bank acct to upgrade in the spring. Think I want a vtwin. Whatever it is will be paying cash. By the way, the red 89 will be for sale around christmas.

It Is!

Basem's Motorcycles Blog By Basem Wasef, About.com Guide to Motorcycles My Bio My Blog My Forum Add to: iGoogle My Yahoo! RSS U.S. Government to Limit Motorcycle Engine Output to 75 Horsepower Thursday April 1, 2010 http://z.about.com/d/motorcycles/1/0/H/2/0/-/big_engine_310.jpg Acting preemptively in light of the European Union's recent push towards limiting motorcycle horsepower to 100, Congress has quietly passed a transportation bill that will cap motorcycle engine output at 75 hp. At a press conference today, DOT spokesman Melvin P. Meyers announced that "We can't lag behind Europe's progressive stance towards two-wheeled moderation." The bill not only limits the horsepower of current and future motorcycle models, it retroactively applies to any registered bike on the road, and will take effect as early as January, 2011. "In the interest of public safety," Meyers explains, "law enforcement officials will clamp down on any and all motorcyclists who violate the law." The bill outlines numerous electronic and mechanical implements that reduce engine output. For instance, fuel-injected powerplants will be fitted with revised engine management chips and/or throttle bodies, while older carbureted bikes will have a reduction gear attached to the throttle assembly. At the discretion of state police, mobile dynamometers may be utilized for field tests. Both the Motorcycle Industry Council and the American Motorcyclist Association have lobbied against the bill, in addition to most manufacturers including Aprilia, BMW, Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Suzuki, Triumph, and Yamaha. There has been no comment from Harley-Davidson, though Forbes reports that Harley stock has jumped 12 percent on the announcement.*

I have an older hp that was upgraded to windows xp 3 years ago. about a month ago the antivir virus tried to get in. Norton 360 version 4 supposedly stopped it. But I had to call microsoft virus support to get it to go away. It couldnt get into the puter because norton was holding it but I kept getting popups. So after I called microsoft, the puter was running slow. I mean real slow. I called microsoft again thursday am, and was on the phone for 3 hours while the tech worked on the thing. What he found out was that while the computer itself didnt have a virus, The Norton 360 had one imbedded in it. I uninstalled Norton, installed avg and now it works great. I had never had a problem with norton before, but for the last 6 months it has been a pita. Good riddance.

86er, I would love to make it, but start a part time job this week to put some beer money in my pocket. They have me scheduled for saturday, so maybe next month.

I went for a couple hundred mile ride on saturday, pretty day, temps in the low 60s. Traffic was pretty light, but I do have a couple comments about people I saw while I was out wandering around. First to the gentleman I saw running on the beach up at Tybee Island. You sure looked purdy in your gym shorts and leg warmers. While I may go walking in a pair of shorts and a hoodie, my outfit would never be completed by a pair of stilletos. Second to the gentleman in the black Nissan behind me at the light in Savannah, There is not a gold mine in your nose. There is no buried treasure, and no matter how hard you try, you'll never feel your brain. When you spread your findings across your palm, I guarantee that you won't even find the hubcap that I saw missing from your car. Other than that, I had a pretty good ride and a good day. I think that spring has arrived in south Georgia, 60s and 70s all week with lows in the upper 40s and low 50s. As for today, I hear a golf cart calling my name!

Well, I'm waiting on another valve cover gasket for the '89, so it won't be here til later in the week. Yesterday was such a pretty day, 70s and sunny. Didn't want to waste it sitting inside, so...

I pulled the valve cover off, and found that the gasket was cut right behind where thr coolant hose is. ( No wonder I didn't see it) So I ordered another gasket from bike bandit. As far as using the 2nd gen gaskets, thats what I just put on there. I didn't see any difference as far as being easy to install, and didn't like the fit as well as the original 1st gen gasket fits. Maybe they are supposed to be the same but you will never convince me.