2008 [PART 2] and the Coffee Pot is still on and now 4 years old. Here we gather as friends with trains. Sweet ice tea too.

[Brutus]

I dunno, Chief -- a friend is putting her kid through a tech school, does that replace High School or College?  It is costing her a lot of money, too.

On the way over, Sir James.  I keep losing wireless connection.  I have a little of this Mile High Apple Pie left for you, wouldn't let Chewy have any! 

[CSXect]

I dunno, Chief -- a friend is putting her kid through a tech school, does that replace High School or College?  It is costing her a lot of money, too.

I went to a vocational school in junior and senoir year for digital/industrial electronics most of the class went on to college 2 of us went to DeVry one went to Bowling Green and some went to Columbus State but we were a pretty diverse bunch of kids from the Columbus area it was like a country club compared to the #&!! holes most of us had for a home school we spent half a day at our normal schools and the other half at the career center(and if you were lucky you got some on the job training).

[Anonymous]

Brutus,

           When I was in line waiting for GTA IV at GameStop Monday night, an employee announced that they had six Wiis to sell, and people reached for their wallets real quick.  GTA IV is the best game I've ever played.

[dougdagrump]

I have to agree with Chief on that, when I started my freshman year, no we didnt carry stone tablets, you started designing your course of study based on post grad plans. Either a college prep course or gen ed and if wanted an emphasis on industrial arts.

Oops, back to the BBQ, gotta finish getting tomorrow's lunch together.  

[Brutus]

CSX - I think their son is going to Ranken Tech?  He's 18 and has already been in the school for a while, so I guessed it replaced part of High School at least?  He wants to be a mechanic and does pretty well.  His car won an award at a local car show here in my town near St. Louis, although they live on the other side of the river in Illinois.  I think he's on his 3rd set of tires, hmmm.... Wonder what causes that?    I know, he doesn't buy his own tires

James T - They were talking about that one on the news last night.  The graphics looked great.  I'm into Rune Factory right now, LOL!

[CSXect]

Tech schools are a good choice for those who are educational challenged as they focus on the nuts and bolts of the subject and very little fluff cources(english, psyhcology ect) My very bad spelling is proof of that

I my self did not know how to properly study untill I enrolled at DeVry, if schools would teach students how to study there would be fewer problems with test scores and kids would not dislike school as much. Just my

 

[ChiefEagles]

I am a strong supporter of NC's Community College system.  Kids can now get a 4 year degree, associate degree, trades certification and RN degree.  Most of our RN's, radiologist and etc for the medical community graduate from our Community College system.  Sounds too heavy.  They also teach mechanics, brick laying, carpentery and other skills.  Now they are talking about free Community College in NC.  Hats off ot LAZ.  He teaches wood working shop.  Kids leave him, they have a skill [college or no college].  Remember, not everyone can drive the train.  It takes brakemen and etc to make the RR run.

[RockIsland52]

.......

I my self did not know how to properly study untill I enrolled at DeVry, if schools would teach students how to study there would be fewer problems with test scores and kids would not dislike school as much. Just my

 

In my opinion, you have gotten to the core of the problem.  Learning like everything else in life is easier if one, an adult or a child, is taught the techniques. 

Take correct punctuation, for example.  If I told you grammar books  contain nearly everything you need to know about proper punctuation of the English language on a single page, you wouldn't believe me.  But it's true.

My Freshman HS English teacher would teach a portion of the page on punctuation: what the symbol is and when it is used. The homework assignment was to memorize that section.

At the beginning of each subsequent class we had to regurgitate word for word on paper the memorized section.  Off to the next section.  Same homework assignment.  Another regurgitation quiz on the first two sections, and so forth until we were regurgitating the entire page after 3 classes week one.

Our grammar instruction moved on, but the same punctuation regurgitation quiz on the same page continued at the start of every class until every student was able to spit back the page perfectly.  It took us a while to figure out that the teacher was not going to budge and we were pretty sick of the exercise.  The students caved in.  Punctuation was mastered for the rest of my life while it baffled others not as fortunate as I.

If I was isuued a field sobriety test, I might forget my name.  But not the punctuation rules.

Jack     

 

 

[mitchelr]

Here's the solution to high gas prices, win/win. CHEERS!

JON FOR PRESIDENT IN 08

Jack

 

He'd get my vote.

Mitch 

[mitchelr]

Morning Folks,

Another late day yesterday.  Did not get in last night until 8:00.  Hopefully reading specialist will be hired today.  More meetings today. Spent part of yesterday checking video projection systems for classrooms, lots to think about before I order.  The days of VHS tapes and filmstrip projectors are over. Everything is digital.  Unfortunately I am expected to purchase all high tech digital with laptops for every teacher on a filmstrip budget.  Transportation costs for shipping and handling have almost doubled and prices are jumping too.

Made a fresh pot and grabbed a whole wheat bagel as I passed through the dining car.

Heading to Richmond for the NASCAR race on Saturday night with my college buddy.  Hope the weather cooperates.  We've been going to the races for about  15 years and whenever he and I go together, you better dang well bring your umbrella.  Go Gordon!!! #24

Have a great day. 

Mitch 

[kpolak]

Morning!

Prayers for all of you with children in school.  Wow.  I can't wait to see what lies ahead for our girls.

Does anyone have any suggestions on books that teach how to study?

Finally get to install switches/lights in control panel....seems like this thing has been taking forever.

MMmmm Apple pie...  Brutus, hope I didn't wake you guys running the microwave to warm the pie.  Leftover banilla in the fridge...wasn't sure how much I needed being a mile high pie. 

Kurt

[Blueberryhill RR]

Good Morning from Blueberryhill....

It is a nice 60 degrees. Cloudy. Going up to 78 today, with a chance of some afternoon showers. Hope not.

Today is a busy day. I have to run some errands this morning and then take care of a few things around the house, this afternoon. I may run trains after that. Need to do some dusting in the train room again.

Mitch....Have a good time at the Nascar race. No rain.

Dining car has arrived and is serving breakfast. Later.

Y'all have a great Friday.

Chuck

[Anonymous]

Mornin' Fellas.

Took Susie-Q to a local eatery last night to celebrate her department passing 3 audits in two days. Her company has been submitted for ISO, Canadian Cert, and EU Cert. Once those come in they will be able to market in Canada, EU, Mexico, Pacific Rim, and a couple other countries. Next on the mark is OTC accrediation from the FDA. Hoping she gets raise out of this! She's been working incredibly hard to get over 100 policies written in less than 3 months. Dennis you may have heard about their product recently... WoundStat... it is a hemostatic (?) agent that clots blood.

Been working on some minor adjustments to the layout. Nothing major, but it gives me an excuse to get into the trainroom and run trains. The 'test' train is now up to 20 cars and 2 GP-30 engines... stretches from one side of the layout to the other, about 20 feet long in total length. After running trains the other night I have decided to make the upper level two complete lines instead of having the short section of 1 track. I think it will make for easier operation and reduce the risk of collisions.

[Roger Bielen]

I wonder.  Would the wife buy my not mowing the lawn through the summer as a means of saving gas?  Or even better that I'm letting the lawn go feral to help the ecosystem by increasing available vegitation to use up more carbon dioxide.

Hmmmmm

[anjdevil2]

'Morning!

Brutus, I went to Ranken a couple of years ago for "company training" (our HQ is in St. Louis).  Met a few of the instructors there.  Really great place and the instructors are top notch.  After High School I went to college for a year and a half.  For me, a waste (Community College).  After I got the bug again (15 years later), I got my Associates in AUtomotive Technology with a Computer Minor.  So, I have an AAS, provided by Chrysler Corp., with the computer background I can repair & diagnose most vehicles on the road.  My son the GENIUS, graduated Rutgers Engineering school (a 5 year deal) in 4 years and runs a computer store.  So, it was said before, the world needs ditch diggers, too.  Not ALL of us sit in offices (well, I do NOW...)and stay clean.  Someone need to do the grunt work. 

Kids, try as they might, make us crazy.  My 2 (29 & almost 16), have been a joy.  But sometimes you'd just like to.......!

40ish again up to 83 today.  Have to go out tonight to some "night club" my daughter's freind's father is in a band, so wifey want's to go see them and party....Sat work at LHS hten IRON MAN that night!!! WOO HOO!!!

Later

Rich

[ChiefEagles]

Morning.  Slept real good last night.  Now to get shaved and showered.  I see a big breakfast in the hotel restaurant in the future.  Lots of GRITS.  Hope all have a great day.  Later

BTW:  Read the many engines and layout thread.  Confess.

[jonadel]

My fellow countrymen,

If elected I promise:

1.  A case of Old Milwaukee or Sam Adams for every home

2.  A moped, full of gas for every driver over 16

3.  A box of Iowa Chops for every home, also known as America's Cut

4.  A box of Amana Filet's for every home

5.  A rebate check of $2000 to be only used at your local hobby shop

6.  A lifelong subscription to CTT

7.  Two all expense paid trips to York, every year

8.  Al Gore will be the new smow removal and overdue utility bill collector/Czar 

9.  A case of Grits for everyone below the Mason Dixon line

10.  You will not have to push 1 when connecting to a business to speak English

11.  NO ONE WILL BE ALLOWED TO OWN A CELL PHONE, get over it 

 

My short list of potential Cabinet members:

1.  Chief Eagles --  director of effective communications 

2.  Buckeye --  chief engineer of road building, all new roads in my first term, in his spare time he will co ordinate the building of a national passenger train system that works

3.  Blueberry --  will provide a new GM product to every home

4.  Laz --  DNR director and CEO of Old Milwaukee

5.  Mitch -- Dept. of Ed, and you thought this year was tough

6.  Doug -- will be in charge of the new L system in Chicago, every Trolley will look like Thomas

7.  Roy --  will design and install a custom made train display for every town for Christmas

8.  Jenifer Aniston will be my Vice President

9.  Norman Schwarzkopf will be in charge of the military 

10.  I know I have more openings --  send me your resume for consideration

 

In the historical words of our friends in Chicago --  vote early and vote often.

 

I remain your humble servant

[cheapclassics]

Good morning all,

It is cloudy and rainy and warm in SE Indiana with temps in the 70s.  Raked up sticks in the yard and did some track work at the YMCA.  Drove around the Honda plant to see how the raod construction is doing.  No TV.  Taped "Lost".  Received an eBay item (MTH standard gauge flat car) in the mail.  It was really quick delivery.  Will try to run it on the layout tonight.  There have been some interesting discussions here lately on the 'pot.  Glad to see nothing has boiled over, so to speak.  I was glad to see the Lionel announcement about leaving bankruptcy (sp?), but sad to see of the original people involved lose their investment. 

Lucas turns 18 today.  There were times (as some of the longer residents here recall) when that event could have been doubtful, but he is still here and we are grateful for that and the support you have given.  There will be events of some description thru out the weekend.

The "World's Greatest Motor Speedway" opens for rookie orientation this Sunday.  My favorite time of the year is here.  It will be really interesting just to see who makes the show.

Had the regualr fare for breakfast this morning.  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana 

 

[Wes Whitmore]

MTH released their CSX double stacks this week.  I also just heard that CSX is actually implementing the double stacks on the 1:1 trains, and will be adjusting under-passes and tunnels to accept their height requirements.  I don't know much more about it than that, but at least I will get so see real double stacks drive past my building now.  Their sales pitch was the abilty to carry even more product with minimal fuel cost increases.  I have heard a lot of advertisement lately from CSX.  Go rail, go!

Wes

[Blueberryhill RR]

JON...........You got my vote. Maybe twice.

Chuck

[anjdevil2]

10.  I know I have more openings --  send me your resume for consideration

 

In the historical words of our friends in Chicago --  vote early and vote often.

 

I remain your humble servant

I'll be applying for Secretary of Transportation & Homeland Security(Hey, impedending disaster?  Let's get the heck outta here, QUICK!!)

[ChiefEagles]

Vote and vote often.  Midwest, duck!!!!!!!  Big storms.  Good luck all.

[dwiemer]

Don, you said that folks like to voice their opinion and then want to close the subject... and have the last word:  Well, In my humble opinion, which I highly regard, it is a beautiful day here.  Case Closed!

God Bless,

dennis

Dennis,

I actually respect your opinon, and definetly will defend your right to express it.  However, unfortunately I don't think it is truly representative.  You are taking a sample size of 1, and establishing not only a premise, but a theory, and unfortunately even a conclusion.  Now, I too have an opinion, and maybe it may not be as humble as yours, but it certainly is as valid.  And I must admit that I actually hold it in higher regard than your opinion.  (Sorry, (not really)).  But I have convinced my family that mine is more valid than yours, at least realatively speaking.  And It is a beautiful day HERE !

Enough Said !!

Don, you have perhaps the quickest wit on this forum.  Always a pleasure to read your input and, I agree with you.   I have opinions, but know they are subjective and I have lived long enough to respect others opinions as well.  I have more fun being critical of myself than others.  Have a great day and God Bless.

Dennis

[cnw1995]

Morning all. Miss a day and miss a lot!  Beat the rain into work. Hope it clears as the daughter's prom is tonight. Can't wait for prom to be over so she can concentrate a little on her remaining schoolwork.  That Halloween trolley sure looks great, Brutus! What is Rune Factory like?

I've heard there's a rally today at noon at the Federal Plaza in downtown Chicago for Jon for President in '08. I've got signs, cookies, chips and beer. See you there.

[jonadel]

anjdevil -- you are in as I remember you wanted a Winnebago RV -- made in Iowa, in my former life I knew the son of the owner -- what a success story built from the ground up in a small IA town.

Dennis -- I knew I'd forget someone important -- you will be the new Surgeon General, complete autonomy to overhaul the medical/insurance industry, have at it with our blessings -- it can only get better.

One more thing -- any military vet will receive immediately a $100,000 thank you check. Double if you were in Viet Nam.

[dbaker48]

Good Morning all -

Dennis - Many may agree with you on your comment, but most would be questioning the illumination factor, something about dim.???

Tried something last night that I had been thinking about.  The Lionel BB came with 3 extra sets of blind wheels for the tender.  With the comment that they may work better on non-Lionel switches.  First I really give them credit for including them with the engine, as they did add a little cost.  Given that, I thought they wouldn't have done it, unless there was sufficient need.  Since I am running Ross switches, planned on giving them a try.  So I switched them out last night with the flanged wheels that came on the tender.  I found that the blind wheels did NOT work very well.  Actually, caused a shorting issue.  The blind wheels had enough lateral drift that when the tender was being backed over a curved section of a switch, they would actually short out.  As soon as I reinstalled the flanged wheels problem went away.  

Glad to see the weekend here, need to do some wiring on the patio to accomodate some accent lights, and also go to RailFest.  Chris is too busy, so he'll miss it, he's going to a taping of American Gladiators on Saturday with some friends, then Sunday to the Renassance Faire.

Also, received the second issue of a new subscription to the Trains magazine.  It is really an enjoyable read!  Some may think that it would be boring since its all about prototypical stuff, and we're mostly into modeling or toy trains.  But, if you are not familiar with it and get a chance to pick up a copy, it would certainly be worth your time and effort.  (Same magazine, that is identified in the herald at the top of this page.)  Thanks DW  also speaking of magazines, I don't have to worry about CT either, thanks to another generous gift from good ol DM.  (Blessed to be among so many great people.)

 Jon - You got my votes !!!!  I will be willing to take that $200k, and use it for a prepaid Coffee Pot convention, travel included.

[Brutus]

Rain delay on the fishing trip, so just time to say hello to all my train buddies.  I need to call the school every hour apparently, that's how they have decided to organize things.  I called my wife and she said the news showed that several houses were just wrecked by the storm in KC and it is coming this way in waves.  Hey, maybe I'll get new siding again this year?  Oh well, prayers for all who are in the path of the storm, things can be replaced/repaired easier than US.

Doug - I'll email you a full review of Rune Factory if you would like, it is a vast improvement on the old Harvest Moon DS game, but they could still tweak it a bit.  Basically, you can choose to be a farmer or fighter, to some extent; however, some farming is always required.  I like these games in that they show kids (I hope) that to succeed in life you must labor and use your money to better your life and improve your ability to earn in the future.  Invest in improved tools/weapons, learn to make better tools and weapons for yourself, it's all cool.  I do think it's a PC cop-out for the game to pretend that the dungeon monsters you defeat are not killed but instead dispatched to another happy dimension??

Just called and school trip is on, so TTFN

[phillyreading]

Good morning,

Sunny and warm here in south Florida. Trying to get ready for hurricane season, it starts June 1st, been cleaning up the yard of fallen tree branches and cutting down dead trees.

On the news yesterday the newsperson was commenting on how peolpe are debating wether to buy gasoline or groceries, sounds awful to me!!  Also used motorcycle sales are up!! Seams like people are finally coming out of their gas guzzling SUV's, but it may be too late unless they just park the gas guzzlers.

I am still looking for work, also trying to sell stuff around here so I have less things to go airborne during a hurricane.

Not doing that much in the way of trains, running my trains aboiut once every three days. Maybe I will do some switch wiring on sunday.

Lee F.

[cheapclassics]

Jonadel,

How about a soccer field in every backyard (next to the garden railroad, of course).  Do you have any openings in your cabinet for sports management?   Doug, I will be joining you at the rally in Chicago for Jon :-)

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[wrmcclellan]

Morning all!

Jon - I'm IN! you've got my vote(s)!

Don and Dennis - you cannot have the last word because it is really really beautiful here! Gonna be 70's today. Got a light rain last night when the cool front blew through.

Wasn't able to post yesterday. The missus had some minor out-patient surgery on her right gum/molar and I spent the day with her as she came out of sleeping off the anesthesia - which took until about 5 pm yesterday.

Mike C - I am so happy about Lucas. It has been a stretch for you and your family these past years. Congrats to Lucas on his signature event!

Hope everyone is having a great day today!