STLBILL

Hi guys: Hopefully someone is as bored as me and will help me answer this. Modern Marvels, a television show on the History Channel, claims there are 5,000,000 semi-trucks licensed in the United States. If all these trucks were operated in convoy fashion they would be about 95,000 miles long. That is enough to go around the Earth 5 times at average United States latitudes. Doesn't this seem impossible? I'm basing this on 100 feet per truck including a safe following distance. In my opinion that is a severe underestimation. That's a lot of trucks. Factor in all the other vehicles and it's a wonder we can get anywhere at all (safely). Better yet: The total United States land area is estimated at 3,537,441 square miles. That's 1.4 trucks per square mile across the entire country. If you subtract the 256,000 miles of inland water the number increases to 1.52 Keep in mind this includes every inch including mountains of sparsely populated areas in Alaska and Wyoming. I am scared to think of the number if we plot this on the much smaller national highway system. Therefore, in conclusion I profess that if it truely "...takes me 40 acres to turn this rig around" these drivers must be really good! Because statisticly speaking every 40 acres in this country has 3.5 trucks (3.8 if you include inland water area). -Bill

Man did you ever get screwed... Seriously, I second Otto's motion. I would expect the mechanic or engine (re)builder to acuse you of wrong doing that caused the engine to detonate. It's the American way. What does a Raptor engine or the necessary repairs cost these days? -Bill

It doesn't like they determined anything. Just offered opinions. -Bill

I'm just thinking how much money was saved during the rebuilds because it is a two-stroke. -Bill

This just in: The First National Bank of Buffalo was robbed today. Police reported their, "bullets bounced right off him." The robber was last scene screaming away on an Yamaha Banshee. The news media has dubbed the robber "The Bulletproof Banshee Bandit".

The brake is on the right. So is the kicker. Will that tendon injury strand her if she stalls or stops and has to kick it? Most 'Shees and Blasters start easy when warm but it still takes at least one kick. If you go to public riding areas just keep her close by. The power of one cute woman among two-hundred already macho and competitive guys is always funny to watch. Come to think of it... she won't have any trouble getting someone to actuate that kicker for her... -Bill

So where's the video? -Bill

Hi guys: What are you playing this game on? Computer or one of those "X-Box" systems? -Bill

Whatever photos present themselves I guess. I just figured if people on here didn't have cameras or something I'd kill two birds with one stone. Problem is - like you said - it's a big country. I might get out West next summer, but this summer I'm draggin the waverunner East to chase hurricanes for a few days... Thanks! -Bill

Hi guys: Why don't people post more photos and videos? I just got some equipment including a waterproof digital camera and established a web site to post it, but I need stuff to shoot. The web site is wasted money right now so if people need a place to post their own photos let me know. The waterproof camera is for my waverunner once it warms up. I've never done (under)water photography before. Should make for some neat photos and movies. If anyone has any suggestions for weekend photo shoots in the Midwest let me know. I'm hoping to go to some of the Hare Scrambles in the next couple months. -Bill

Oh, c'mon you didn't really ask ME that did you? Why is the difference between odd and even a philosophical illusion? It's been bugging me because they submit, but never answer, it on that commercial about women in math and science. If you can get this one we can work on the rest of my list... -Bill

Hi guys: Dandy domicile! Although, I too was thinking that doesn't look much like the Chicago area. In the midwest we have remote control mountains. We just choose to keep them in the fully retracted position to save on gas mileage... -Bill

The money is going into social security.

The BBB concurs... http://www.kansascity.bbb.org/commonreport.html?bid=97090408 http://www.kansascity.bbb.org/commonreport.html?bid=90100018 -Bill

Hi Pimpeinkc: I believe you are referring to: Reno's Yamaha Aprilia, KC 13611 Holmes Rd. Kansas City, MO 64145 Their Better Business Bureau (BBB) reliability report is available by clicking here . In the future I suggest you take a minute and review the company's BBB reliability report before even talking to them. Everyone should. Right now, one possible recourse is to file an official BBB complaint. It looks like the last guy who did this got his problem resolved. Whether they give you satisfaction or not it will be on their record for two years. Since they have been a member for less than three years and already have one complaint yours will carry a lot of weight. Good luck! -Bill

What state? They've been doing it in Missouri for a while. Look at the bright side at least they can pretend to put the money into the trails. For boats they sometimes charge ramp fees... and all that money doesn't make the water any smoother. I'm not convinced it does much for the ramp either. -Bill

Hi guys: I found this photo of one: http://www.off-road.com/dirtbike/tech/tope...mattachment.jpg -Bill

Hi guys: Did anyone read the terms of service before signing up? Let's go through a couple of the better points. Those of you who signed up might not want to read this: 1. "Surf Junky may, at any time, choose to edit, add and/or delete portions of this agreement and impose changes without prior notification of its members. " Translation: We can insert a clause into the agreement you are signing without your approval that legally requires you to stand on your head while patting your tummy and rubbing your belly at the same time. 2. "You must be 13 years of age or older to participate in this program." yet "Payments will only be sent to members who are at least eighteen years of age." Translation: Since most states set the age of contractual obligation at 18 years of age we can't hold you to the agreement so we won't pay you, but do our bidding anyway. 3. The best one is about half way down the page and it's too large to quote herein. If you say anything bad about us anywhere we will terminate your account. So much for the first ammendment, eh? 4. "You and Surf Junky are independent contractors, and nothing in this Agreement creates any partnership, joint venture, agency, franchise, sales representative or employment relationship between you and Surf Junky." Translation: We aren't really making 13 year olds work for free. 5. Under the heading "Privacy Policy": "Surf Junky may disclose any personally identifiable registration information or other collected information to third parties as covered in our privacy policy." Translation: Even though it provides absolutely none, I thought this is the privacy policy? 6. "Surf Junky will pay members when their balance reaches the minimum payout rate set by Surf Junky, currently $25.00." Translation: Keep in mind we can change the terms of service at any time, but it's currently $25. If they decide to raise it to say $250,000 you could surf around the clock for 60 years before you see a payment! Even if you are thirteen you better put that payment in your will. 7. "Payments may be withheld by Surf Junky for any given reason for any period of time." Translation: We may decide to eventually pay your great grandson. 8. "You may not promote your referral links through unsolicited emailing (i.e. SPAMMING), newsgroup postings, or any other method of mass communication." Translation: At least one of the people writing about this on here just got zip. 9. "Surf Junky may charge up to $5 per spam email sent." Translation: Do the math here and subtract it from what they might pay your great grandson if they feel like it. -Bill

Hi all: Check this web site out. There are numerous video clips, but I cannot link to them directly. The early show video clip is probably the best example. If these people are preparing our children for the future I suggest our future is sure going to be interesting. It'd be handy to have one of these guys around the shop to help reassemble your 'Shee after a rebuild. On-the-other-hand just think how fast the little rascals could steal it and part it out! I just hope they stick to cups. -Bill

Hi all: I have a Honda Aquatrax F-12X. It goes 58 MPH which is fast enough for me in the shallow mirky virtually-uncharted water around here. I more enjoy exploring shallow slackwater and coves then going fast. I had a Banshee and traded it for this. I only regret it in the winter. -Bill

Hi guys: I think this is the web site for the local Sheriff at Sandreel. There seems to be a link for latest news but it isn't updated. Anyone with information for putting these guys away (or exhonorating them <GULP>!) should be able to initiate communication with the arresting authority here: http://www.cooscountysheriff.com/ Maybe check back soon and the latest news will have something about it? -Bill

Hi guys: Indeed. A good repository for information like this is: The Straight Dope They take requests but have yet to answer the one I want to know: Where does the term cockpit come from and does it have anything to do with the fact that for many decades airplane pilots were predominately male. -Bill

Just call the local police in advance and tell them what you are doing. -Bill

Hi B and B: Maybe this will get you started: http://www.projectsandhobbies.com/1stboatpage.htm Otherwise try these resources: 1. Wooden Boat Publications 2. Family Boat Building 3. Everything Cosine Wherry 4. The Wooden Boat Foundation 5. Devlin's Stitch-and-Glue Method 6. Plans for a 16 foot San Juan Dory Let me know if that doesn't get you on your way and I'll see if I can help some more. -Bill

Hello: I locked myself out at a boat launch in September. In my case the back window was open so I snagged a little kid from the boat/family waiting to launch behind me. The little guy fit right through the back window and grabbed the driver's door handle to unlock the door. All you need to do is get a coat hanger inside and grapple the door release handle. Look at the bright side. At least your truck isn't sitting on a busy boat launch, boat in the water and engine running. -Bill