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How did the show make those cool smoke effects? Based on of the "extra" tracks from the "Thunderbirds" DVD set, the smoke was some kind of oil that, when heated with an electical heating element, made smoke. This heating element was just a nicrome wire, so you could hide these things in machinery, cook ware, even cigarettes!

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Ok be honest, who will own up to watching the Thunderbirds when they were a kid? Any takers? I unapologetically admit to not only watching the show, but getting up extra early on Saturday mornings so I wouldn't miss it! For its day, it had radical special effects, but the script writing really sucked!

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What is your honest opinion of the bible? A collection of real experiences of people who encountered God in a way far more real than the rest of us have, and, as a result, explain in plain lanaguage that God likes me.

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Why did the United States lose the Viet Nam war? Several reasons: The NVA did not have to define victory as defeating the United States. They merely had to outlast us and wear us down. (By the way, that was also General Washington's strategy against the British) The U.S. did not have a clear definition of victory. Simply containing communism implies never ending military operations. Further, like in the previous Korean war, the...

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I have 2 trains. Each has a transformer. I want to buy a 3rd. train. Can I run all 3 on the same track, and use the transformers that come with the train, or do I use just one powerful one? This is an involved question, and here's why: If all you wish to do is lash up three locomotives to pull one long train, then all you need is one powerful transformer. When multiple locomotives are on the same track, they all respond equally to the powerpack, but they also equally divide the wattage. You need one amp per engine. Most packs rate between two and three amps, so you should...

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WHEN AND WHY WOULD YOU USE A DCC CONTROL AND ENGINE? When you're ready to operate multiple trains on your layout. The big deal about DCC is independent locomotive control. With conventional control, if you place two locomotives on the same track, both locomotives operate exactly the same in response to the throttle. With DCC, each locomotive is operated by independent channels very much like R/C cars. The difference is that the...

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The Amtrak HHP-8 locomotive's back pantagraph is always up when the train is going forward, right? So if an Amtrak Acela train is permanently connected to their cars then which pantagraphs are up? Because of the permanent connection, the Acela is considered a "unit train", which means it is not meant to be broken up. The Acela is also "double ended", meaning it has an operator's cab at both ends of the train. It also has two pantographs, one at each end. When the Acela arrives at the end of its run, the train need not be turned to face the opposite direction...

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What was the highest speed ever attained by the USS Enterprise, and which episode did this occur? There was this one episode, I can't remember the title, but an alien woman came on board the Enterprise undetected, and fused something or other in the warp drive. The ship accelerated past Warp factor 14.1. Scotty had to crawl through a Jeffries Tube with a magnetic probe to "unfuse" whatever it was before the hull came apart from the stress. As far as I know, that was the...

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Are all brands of DCC equipment (controllers, locomotive circuits, track connections, etc.) interchangeable or must one pick a brand and ues it for all parts? The National Model Railroaders Association has standardized DCC just enough so that decoders are interchaneable. This is why locomotive manufacturers have been able to develop "plug and play" capabilities into more of their products. As for other equipment: not generally interchangeable, mainly because the hardware doesn't fit other brands.

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What is good CAD software that I can use to draw model train layouts that show trerrain and objects? "Cad Rail" is very popular and regularly being upgraded. Visit their site at www.cadrail.com

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I live in a city with very lax leash laws. Dog owners enjoy 100% impunity (from my observations) from the most basic enforcement. How can I prompt my local government to enforce the existing leash laws? Find out where your city government representatives live. Walk your dog past one of their homes. If you see the politician in the yard (or better yet, one of his children), let go of the leash and let the dog attack. THAT should make the uncaring jerk aware of the lack of enforcement!

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I changed my mind about a car purchase and never took delivery from the dealership. When is a new car sale final? In California, the sale is not final until you drive off the lot with the car. So if you change your mind AND didn't take delivery, you aren't bound to pay for the vehicle.

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How does the NASCAR points system work? Effective 2004, first place finisher now receives 180 points.

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What is the difference between the "silver star" medal and the "bronze star" medal in the military? After the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, and the Distinguished Service Medal, you arrive at the Silver Star. It is awarded solely for heroism in combat against an opposing armed force. The Bronze Star is a lower decoration than the Silver Star, and may be awarded for heroism, or it may be awarded for achievement of service in operations against an opposing armed force. An...

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Some people insist that American cars are mechanically inferior to Japanese cars. Others have told me that this used to be the case, but is no longer so. Who's right? The word "inferior" is probably a little too strong, but there is no denying that Japanese vehicles are of higher quality than American cars. Japanese cars last longer and retain higher resale value than American cars. After the first 100,000 miles, Japanese engines show very little wear and have lost less compression than American engines. A key element is attitude toward...

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What year was "Thunderbirds" to take place? Officially, according to Gerry Anderson, 2065. Viewers are confused because, on the show, you see newspapers dated 2010 and other gaffes of that type. Anderson, however, insists his show's setting was to be one hundred years from the writing of the show, which was 1965.

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How were the cars and vehicles powered? Several ways. Most common was gravity...the set was built on a slant and the car simply rolled down the "hill". The camera was set on a similar slant so on screen everything looks level. Another common way was a slit in the road. The vehicles were pulled along by a rail coming up from under the floor and connecting between the front wheels. The low camera angle hid these...

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What was "Brains" real name? THe show never revealed his real name. He is said to be adopted by Jeff Tracy, and was always called by his nickname: Brains. Some fans have claimed his real name was Hiram Hackenmacker, but this is misleading. In the episode "Alias Mr. Hackenmacker", he is named Hiram Hackenmacker, but that was merely a "cover". He could not reveal his true identity to the outside...

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Considering the alignment of the engines, wouldn't a spaceship tumble end-over-end if it were constructed like the Enterprise? It is easy to think so when you look at it! However, these were not "propulsion" engines. Roddenberry did not want to have to mess with too many special effects, so he proposed engines that didn't give off any smoke or exhaust or anything like that. Warp Engines, as envisioned by Roddenberry, move a ship along by "warping" the fabric of space. As the space is...

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Have any of the scientific gadgets in Star Trek actually become reality? The hypo spray. Censors prevented Dr. McCoy from sticking folks with needles on TV, so the hypo spray was created to get around it. Real hypo injection devices are not quite that small but still do the same job in the same way.

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What was Rolls-Royce reaction to the model of the futuristic limo? Gerry Andersen actually approached Rolls-Royce in person before beginning construction. Rolls Royce approved of the design before plans were sent to model makers. Since the show is dated in the year 2065, Rolls-Royce agreed that it was not out of the question that their product ought to have six wheels! Sylvia Andersen recounts that Rolls-Royce extended Thunderbirds every courtesy and even...

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Why were the heads of the marionettes so disproportionately large? The heads had to be large to accomodate the servos for the eyes and the solednoid to operate the mouth. The obvious thing to do would have been to make the bodies larger to match the head, but the bodies were "stock" marionettes so that was out of the question. Curiously, ITC Films did find a way to manufacture an operational head in proportion, and it was used in the following...

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What did "NCC-1701" stand for? Naval Construction Contract

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Many of the puppets look very familiar. Were they patterned after real life actors? Yes, and ITC Films was never nebulous about it. Lady Penelope, for example, was sculpted to look exactly like Sylvia Anderson, Gerry Anderson's wife, as she would also be the voice of Penelope. Scott Tracy was patterned after Sean Connery. Jeff Tracy was Lorne Greene. Alan was a blonde version of Frankie Avalon. The Hood was patterned after Eule Brinner. Various other...

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Why is John rarely seen in the show? After the puppet makers completed the five brothers, Producer Gerry Anderson somehow was very displeased with the looks of John. Then and there he decided John would be banished to a life of solitude on Thunderbird 5. Out of 33 episodes, John appeared in only one rescue, Danger at Ocean Deep. At the end of the episode, John is harshly reprimanded by father Jeff Tracy for daring to...

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Who is the eldest of the Tracy Brothers, and who is the youngest? From eldest to youngest, the Tracy brothers order is: Scott (TB-1) John (TB-5) Virgil (TB-2) Gordon (TB-4) Alan (TB-3) When you watch the opening of any television episode, this is the order that the boys are introduced. In the movie "Thunderbirds Are Go", they are introduced in numerical order to their machines.

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What does "F. A. B." stand for? "F.A.B." was what each character said at the end of any radio transmission, to acknowledge the instructions were received. Of course, this caused viewers to speculate what the letters stood for, since they never revealed it on the show. In fact, F.A.B. didn't stand for anything. In 1965, the hot "buzzword" in Britian was "Fabulous", or "Fab"...

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How many Postmaster Generals does it take to change a light bulb? None. The average light bulb lasts longer than the average Postmaster General.

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Where is the Simpsons' "Springfield" supposed to be? Marge Simpson was interviewed by Rolling Stone Magazine, and this very question came up. And her answer: "I'm saving that one for my 60 minutes interview." That's the best we're gonna' get to a true answer.

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What was the biggest Star Trek "goof"? When it comes to Star Trek, you can often find holes big enough to fly a starship through. But by far, the most glaring of all gaffes happened in the movie "The Wrath of Kahn." Chekov and the Captain of the USS Reliant beam down to planet Ceti Alpha 5, and to their shock find cargo bins. They go inside them to investigate, only to be ambushed by Kahn and his clan. Kahn removes...

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Why is Vulcan blood green? According to Dr. McCoy, Vulcan blood is based on copper (as opposed to iron in human blood), and that is why it is green, This also accounts for Vulcan skin being yellow.

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What is "The Warp Factor?" Basically, it is the Speed of Light multiplied to the factor stated. For example, Warp Factor One is the speed of light. Warp Factor Two is the speed of light times the speed of light. Warp Factor Three is the speed of light X the speed of light X the speed of light. And so on... The original USS Enterprise was stated to reach a top speed of Warp Factor Eight. This was the fastest of...

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What's the difference between a "trekkie" and a "trekker"? "Trekkers" are fans of Star Trek because of what the show represents. They are facincated by the ideas Roddenberry postulated. "Trekkies" are no different than fans of any other television show. They want autographs, trivia, memorabilia, and so on. They care more about what an original tribble is worth than holes in the plot. To the Trekkie, "FIAWOL"....

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On Ebay, why do some sellers price items for one cent? A lot of these auctions end without the price going up, so what's the point? It is a clever sales tactic. Ebay will, with the click of a mouse, sort auctions from Lowest price to Highest price. If you start at one cent, voila! Your auctions shows up first, which gives it more exposure to shoppers.

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I have a PayPal and Ebay account. How do I receive money from a buyer on Ebay using PayPal? First, make sure you state in your auction that you accept PayPal. Since you mentioned you already have a PayPal account, you will discover that PayPal will automatically add a link to your auctions that the winning bidder can click to go directly to PayPal. PayPal is very good at saving you a lot of work in this regard. When the winning bidder pays through PayPal, PayPal holds that money...

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Do modern locomotives have air conditioning and/or lavatory facilities for the driver? The answer to both is "sometimes" and "yes". As for air conditioning, generally only roads that cross desert climates will add airconditioning. It is not standard equipment. As for lavatories, there is a toilet in the nose of the locomotive. I am taking the term "modern" in your question quite literally, because only the most modern units come with...

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What did SPECTER stand for? SPecial Executive for Control, Terrorism, Extortion, and Revenge.

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Why was Japan bombed with two atom bombs? Wasn't one enough? Worthy of note is the U.S. had only two atomic bombs with which to bomb Japan. Truman really was gambling that Japan would surrender after the second bomb. Part of his haste in bombing Nagasaki was to insure Japan really would give up. Bombing both cities so close together in time gave the illusion that the U.S. had "plenty more where those came from", and force the enemy's...

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What is a shoo-fly? A temporary track laid around an obstruction.

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What is a saw-by? A maneuver by which two trains can meet at a siding which is too short to hold either.

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What is a rip track? A track in a yard where minor car repairs are done.

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What is an extra? A train not authorized by a timetable schedule

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What is an on the advertised? On time

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What is a gandy dancer? A track worker.

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What is a deadhead? 1. A passenger train moving without passengers aboard. 2. A passenger or railroad employee traveling on a free pass.

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What is a cornfield meet? Head-on collision. Term is derived from the fact that such collisions happen "out in the cornfields" away from stations or sidings.

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What is a hostler? A workman who services locomotives between runs. Though trained in the craft of operating a locomotive, a hostler is not permitted to operate the locomotive out of a yard or pull a train with it.

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What is a hogger? An engineer

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What is a high iron? The main line

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What is a pantograph? A current pickup device resemblin a folding clotheshorse for electric locomotives and cars.

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What is a catenary? Overhead trolley wire system for locomotives and cars that use pantographs for current collection

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What is a bad order? Defective, out of order

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What is a reefer? A refrigerator car

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What are points? The moveable rails of a turnout.

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Will installing a larger motor in a locomotive allow it to pull more cars? No, but a larger motor (assuming there is room for one within the shell) is much less likely to burn out because it can withstand more heat. Larger motors are also smoother running. A locomotive's weight is the key factor in pulling power. If your engine isn't pulling very much, and there is vacant space inside the shell, you could try filling it with lead. The most effective...

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Where is the largest model railroad I can visit? If, in your opinion, a train is a train is a train, then the largest model train exhibit in the world is "Northlanz", with its 8 actual miles of HO track and 100+ trains running at one time. It is located in Flemington, NJ. Visit www.northlandz.com. If realistic scenery and operation of trains is a requirement to you, then the largest HO railroad is the Pasadena Sierra Pacific...

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What is the smallest model railroad I can build? The best way to answer the question would be to have you visit this web site; it deals with the hobby of "micro layouts": www.carendt.us

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Can I build an HO scale model railroad in my backyard? What should I know beforehand? Yes, but keep a few things in mind: 1. HO trains are too light to stay on floating roadbed (the way LGB trains do), so you must use some type of solid roadbed, like concrete, that the track can be rigidly fastened to. 2. The track is not protected from damage from the weather, so you have to paint it before you can use it. 3. HO track oxidizes quicker than LGB track, so make plans to...

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When selling on eBay, what should I know in order to get the highest price possible? You do whatever you can think of to get as many people to click on your auction as possible. Generaly, shoppers are looking for a specific thing, but if they "just happen" upon another great item (yours), they'll stop, look, and even bid. The more bidders you get, the higher the auction price will go. Here's a few tricks to make it happen: 1. First do your homework....

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Do networks collect money from NASCAR car sponsors for the amount of time their logo is televised during a race? No. The contract is just between the race team and the sponsor. If the sponsor wants to advertise on TV as well, he has to buy air time. As a rule, television pretty much keeps to covering the 5 leading cars. That means a lousy race team who is always near the back of the pack won't get their sponsor much air time. That's one reason really good drivers command higher sponsor...

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My pit bull just killed my neighbor's two-year-old! What do I do now? Kaliganges information can only help, not hurt, the pit bull owner in his legal defense. Be sure to use the statements in his answer in court: Pit Bulls are ONLY aggressive against other dogs. The stereotype that they are dangerous is a myth. Remember, you can beat jail time ONLY if you can PROVE that you did NOT know your dog was dangerous. For help in this area, log on to: ...

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What is a frog? name given to the part of the turnout that comes to a point where the tracks diverge.

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Why are some locomotives noisier than others? "Noise" is the result of improperly meshing gears. Typical model geartrains involve a worm mounted to the motor shaft. As the worm spins, it rotates the worm gear. There is supposed to be a small amount of space between the teeth of the worm and the worm gear; a space called "backlash". Too much backlash is what causes the drive train to be noisy. An all metal...

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What causes motors to burn out? How can I prevent this? A Direct Current electric motor heats up when it is drawing more current than it can dissipate. If a model locomotive is pulling too many cars, or is climbing a grade, the motor has to draw extra current to do the work. If the motor gets too hot from this excessive load, either the motor brushes or the windings melt. You can monitor what current your locomotive is drawing by installing an...

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My cat always throws up hairballs. Is there anything I can give her to help her stop? A natural and effective way to stop hairballs is to administer malt to the cat. Malt makes the hair digestible and harmlessly moves it throught the cat's digestive system. Typically, a cat will not eat malt, but you can usually find gels at your pet supply store that contain malt and flavoring. The gel comes in what looks a lot like a tube of toothpaste- you squeeze a little on your...

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Which wetting agent works best for N scale ballast? For N scale, you should use alcohol and water. Water and detergent won't penetrate the finer sand used in N scale.

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What is a bonding agent? Mixture of glue and water used to cement down powders, foams,and gravel. Popular mixes are a 4 parts water to one part acrylic matte medium; 1 part white glue to 1 part water; 1 part carpenter's wood glue to 2 parts water.

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What is a wetting agent? Solution used to prepare powders and gravels for bonding on a model railroad. Without it, glue will not penetrate the material. Wetting agent is usually a quart of water with a few drops of liquid detergent added, or a 50/50 mix of alcohol and water.

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What is a ballast? A term that refers to a layer of crushed rock spread over the track and roadbed. This rock can be stone, coke, or cinder, depending on the stresses the track is expected to withstand and which material is most easily obtainable. In modeling, ballast is simulated with very fine gravel.

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What is a roadbed? In the prototype, it is the substrate of gravel that raises the track above grouond level to permit both drainage and supports the track when at peak stress point. In modeling, this is usually a thin layer of wood or cork upon which the track is attached. The roadbed is then covered with ballast.

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Why is a pit stop called a pit stop? When racing was in its infancy, drivers and mechanics discovered that it was quicker and easier to just dig out a narrow pit for working on the underside of the race car rather that raising the car on jacks. Practically every car had a pit at its disposal, so the repair area naturally became known as "the pits". When tracks became paved with asphalt, these "pits"...

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What do drivers mean when they say a car is "loose"? They are referring to the car's ability to take corners at speed. If the driver turns the wheel and the car still wants to go in a straight line, he says the car is "tight", also called "pushing" or "understeer". If the driver turns the wheel and car tends to want to spin, then he says the car is "loose", also called "oversteer".

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Does Dodge run their HEMI engine in NASCAR? Why or why not? No. NASCAR mandates that all cars be built exactly the same, or to "a single spec." That includes the cylinder heads, and because only Dodge has the HEMI, it can't be used. But another reason the HEMI is not used is because Dodge does not make the HEMI in the correct engine displacement for NASCAR.

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How do I get the smell of cigarette smoke out of my vehicle? I get good results using "Febreeze" for automobiles. You spray it on the fabric upholstery, carpet and headliner, and as it dries it removes the odor.

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How many books are in the Bible? If you are Jewish, then there are 39 books in the Old Testament. If you are a Protestant Christian, then you accept all the books of the Old Testament, plus the 27 books of the New Testament, for a total of 66 books. If you are Catholic, then you accept all 66 books mentioned above, plus the books of the Apocrypha. The number of accepted Apocryphal books differs from parish to parish,...

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What does "Pole" mean in NASCAR racing? Strictly speaking, "Pole Position" (or "Pole" for short) is the most favorable starting point in a race. In NASCAR, that means starting at the front row, left side. That is because all turns are left turns, and thus the left side starting position would be the fastest. The term is derived from horse racing which orginally used the term to denote the inside starting...

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If a NASCAR driver finished last in every race of the season, how much money would he make? $2,266,374. That may seem like a lot of money for losing every race, but don't forget that the team probably spent a lot more than that just to participate in every race. In other words, they lost more money than they earned.

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How much money do sponsors pay to get their logo on a NASCAR race car? As of 2004, a race team is generally charging $10 million to put an ad on the car's hood for an entire season. $10 million is also the price for putting an ad on the rear fenders. Too rich for your blood? You can put your corporate logo on the trunk lid for a mere $3.5 million.

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How much money does a NASCAR driver get if he wins a race? Prize money for taking first place varies with each event. I can tell you this much, though: If a driver took first place in every race in a given season, who would have earned a total of $9,059,505. Of course, said driver would undoubtedly also be the leader in season points standing, thus earning the Nextel Cup. For this achievement, he would also be awarded another $7 million.

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What is the most effective method of track cleaning? There are only two ways to clean the rails and thus insure reliable electrical contact: chemically and rubbing it off. Both work, but the chemical methods do not scratch up the rails the way abrasive cleaning blocks do. Goo-Gone, available in grocery stores, has received widespread praise from model railroaders because of its effectiveness is removing dirt and oxidation from rails. It...

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How much horsepower is produced by a NASCAR racing engine? Based on various web sites by the race teams themselves, the engines put out between 750 and 775 hp.

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Who decides which race team gets which pit area? The pit sequence never seems to be in the same order as the quailifying order. After qualifying is completed, the driver who earned "pole position" gets first choice at which pit area he wants. Each driver in turn, based on starting position, then selects their pit area from what is left. The very last driver, obviously, doesn't have a choice. Typically, pit crew chiefs view the very first pit area in pit row as the best one, so you usually find the...

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How can I estimate what a dealer will offer me for my trade-in? It's too difficult to "estimate" because what he offers for your trade is negotiable. At the start of the negotiating, the dealer will quote one offer for your trade. As the "dealing" moves along, the offer may go up, but so will the price of the car your buying.

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Is it possible (and legal) to make beer at home without heavy equipment? Yes. You can purchase kits that permit you to brew about four gallons of beer at a time. The equipment takes no more space than a five gallon drum. It is legal to brew your own beer as long as it is for your own personal consumption and not sold. There is also a limit to how many gallons per year you are allowed to brew.

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What are the symptoms of a dirty PCV? Excessive black smoke is the most obvious symptom, followed by loss of power. It can also cause oil to blow back into the PCV filter or through the head covers, but then again, so could bad rings. "Dirty" Positive Crankcase Ventilation is not as likely as just plain failure of the the PCV. Pull the PCV valve from the head cover and shake it. If it rattles, it's usually...

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What are school vouchers, and why are they controversial? A third reason they are controversial is because they directly address the fact that public schools are funded by tax payer money, and yet the tax payer has little to no "say so" in what is taught in a public school. Vouchers permit parents to change schools if they disagree with the subjects taught or style of education coming from a public school. Those who oppose "big...

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How did Matt Kenseth become Winston Cup Champion when he won only one race all season? NASCAR points system is designed to reward consistency, not the most victories. Kenseth had only one first place finish in 2003, but almost always finished in the top ten, and in half the races he was in the top five. He also never suffered from car failure. This consistent effort not only placed him first in Championship points, but he clinced the title two races before the season...

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Which driver in NASCAR has won the most prize money in his career? Jeff Gordon has the highest career winnings: $54,833,889. Second after Gordon is the late Dale Earnhardt, who won $41,742,384. Third is Dale Jarrett: $40,111,037. Note that these figures represent prize money only, which is a matter of public record. NASCAR drivers, like other sports celebrities, also have other sources of income (autographs, merchandising, endorsements) but those...

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Where did Howard Stern go to college, and what did he get his degree in? His degree was in Communication.

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With PriorityMail, where do I drop it off? Do I deposit it in the blue mail drop off boxes along the road or do I have to go to my post office? Any package, regardless of "priority", dropped in a drop off box is returned to the sender. This is the new policy of the Postal Service regarding parcels. We have 911 and the unabomber to thank for that. To answer your question, you must either go to a post office or, if from your place of business, you may give it to your Postman. You will be asked if there is anything...

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Which make of car has the most first place finishes in Grand National Racing? As of the end of the 2002 NASCAR season, the answer is Ford (sorry, Chevy fans. You came close!) Listed below are the "lifetime" achievement awards in order of most first place finishes, and how many, from NASCAR's creation in 1947 until 2002: FORD: 536 CHEVROLET: 505 PLYMOUTH: 192 DODGE: 171 PONTIAC: 153 OLDMOBILE: 116 MERCURY: 95 HUDSON: 79 BUICK: 66 ...

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Has an imported automobile ever raced in NASCAR? Remember that NASCAR envelops many types of stock car racing. One type is the "Goody Dash Series", where Toyotas and Datsuns race against Vegas and Monzas. This series will be discontinued in 2003. However, if you're asking about Winston Cup Grand National racing, then the answer is: "Yes, in only ONE race." On June 13, 1954, Al Keller took first place at...

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I want to change my battery. Is there any special way I have to do it, or do I just take the bolts off the negative and positive posts and replace the battery? Sigma6 is correct, but just to be on the SAFE side, you should remove the negative cable FIRST, THEN positive cable. When you install the new battery, attach the POSITIVE cable first, then attach the NEGATIVE cable. As an added note, avoid the temptation to overtighten lead connections. They will stretch until they can no longer tighten around the leads and thus fail completely.

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How big are the engines in a racing Stock Car? 358 cubic inches.

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How fast can a NASCAR car really go? Bill Elliot, in 1987, set the all time speed record in qualifying at Daytona: 210.364 mph. He later set the all time speed record at Talladega that same year: 212.809 mph. "Awesome Bill from Dawsonville" set these speed records in a Ford Thunderbird.

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If I mail a package Priority Mail, and it doesn't get to its destination in two days, do I get my money back? No. Sorry, folks, but Priority Mail does not come with a money back guarantee like Overnight Express Mail does. Am I saying that Two Day Priority Mail is just a sales gimmick? You bet I am. (Because I work for the Post Office, I realize I'm biting the hand that feeds me. Yet, the truth is the truth.)

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How do I determine how much car insurance coverage I should get? Minimum you should carry is "Basic Coverage". This covers damage you cause to the other party, and medical costs you cause to the other party. This much is required by law in California. There is a minimum amount you must have, and this varies from state to state. This minimum may be enough if you total some teenager's 1981 Ford, but not enough if you plow into a brand new...

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What is the procedure for properly disposing of a worn American flag? Update on this answer: NYLON flags may NOT be burned. Burning nylon is illegal because it produces toxic fumes that pollute the atmosphere. Three out of four American flags sold in the U.S. are nylon, so check yours before you submit it to the American Legion. If you do indeed have a nylon flag, rather than contact your local Legion Post, contact the Girl Scouts. Yes, the Girl...

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Does eating turkey really make you sleepy? Roast turkey will. Turkey has some sort of sedative chemical in it, called "triptovan". High heat removes the chemical, but roasting is not effective enough to remove the triptovan.

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Is there any validity to the accusation that today's baseballs are "livelier" than they used to be? Today's baseballs are definitely not like the ones manufactured ten and twenty years ago. Sports Illustrated did some research on this and reported their findings in a 2001 issue. They wanted to see if the "livelier" ball was the result of the sudden surge in home runs. A baseball is a small rubber core, named "the pill". The pill is wrapped with several yards...

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What is the fastest pitch measured, and who threw it? Nolan Ryan. His fastest pitch ever thrown was clocked at 101.4 miles per hour.

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How far away are the bases from each other? 90 feet.

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In general, what are the fluids/filters/belts/other items that I should change on my car on a regular basis? Most often you will be changing the engine oil and filter, every 3,000 miles. Change your transmission fluid and filter every 20,000 miles. Change your coolant every 30 months, regardless of mileage, and change hoses if they're going soft. Change your air filter and PCV filter every 12,000 miles. Change your fuel filter every 12,000 miles. Replace your timing belt every 60,000 miles....

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What is foo, and how do you fight it? Actually, Don Dotter is not far wrong, and whoever gave him that "not useful" rating could have at least had the courtesy to set the record straight. Just after World War II, military pilots referred to UFO's as "Foos". Probably their way of trying to make a word out of the acronym. If the Air Force spotted a UFO on a radar screen, naturally they dispatched...

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Is that story about the size of the space shuttle's boosters being dictated by the axle length of transportation mechanisms dating back to Roman chariots true? Well, perhaps. Here's the story... First, this whole thing begins with the fact that the Space Shuttle boosters were manufactured in Utah, and had to be transported, by rail, to Florida. That meant that such factors as tunnel bores and bridge width determined the size of those boosters. (One of the first rules of railroading is to never try to increase the size of a tunnel bore by...

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What are the most inexpensive ways to get into auto racing? Discovered another way...the newest way. If you happen to live in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, or Tennesee, you may want to look into Chevette Oval track racing. Yes...the Chevette. That little econo-box Chevrolet discontinued back in the '80s. Using the stock engine, suspension, and body, this new class of racing is attracting new drivers because of its very low cost: total out of...

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How exactly do they put the bubbles in beer? It's a result of fermentation. The yeast reacts with the grain mash to produce alcohol and carbon dioxide.

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Why are car salesmen so pushy? Not all of them are, but some seem that way because they all have the same goal: To get you to buy a car TODAY. If you buy a car TODAY, then you're a lot less likely to take your business somewhere else. Salesmen don't buy the line "I'm just looking, but I'll be back." They figure you're as good as gone. So, they push for the sale...TODAY. That's...

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Is dealer financing more reasonable than outside financing? Sometimes. It really depends on how good your credit is. Alas...sometimes your good credit may make no difference to the dealer. When the salesman comes back from the F&I office, he may be a little "untruthful" and tell you your credit rating doesn't qualify for that special financing offer. He may try this just to see if he can get you to pay more for the car. ...

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How do I arrange the down payment on an auto loan? Your down payment is essentially the difference between the agreed price of the car and the amount of money you qualified for a loan. The down payment can come from three sources: 1) Cash on hand 2) Dealer incentives, such as rebates. 3) Trade in value on your old car. For more on this, visit www.beat-the.com/school/step4-7.html

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What things do I need to consider when trying to determine which car is right for me? The perfect car does not exist. At least, not anymore it doesn't...not since Chevrolet discontinued the Camaro... All kidding aside, it is really a simple matter to decide which car is best suited to what you want and/or need. There are so many manufacturers and models to choose from, that if you don't find what you like, it's your own fault. Below is a list of factors...

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What are the advantages and disadvantages of leasing as opposed to buying a car? Advantages: 1) You know you will be keeping your new vehicle for only two or three years. 2) The car manufacturer is offering a "lease special", featuring low down payment and low monthly payments. 3) Your accountant advises you to lease. Disadvantages: 1) Salesmen love leases because it's a good deal for them, which means it's probably not a good deal for you. 2)...

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Is there a "catch" when a dealer offers 0% financing? No, but it's not easy to get. It's designed to get potential customers on the lot, which it does. Then the finance department goes to work disqualifying as many people as it can. Rougly 20% of buyers actually qualify with these types of loans. For more details, log onto: www.beat-the.com/mailbag01.html.

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Why should I never negotiate a car's price according to the monthly payment? Because that is exactly how the sales representative likes to play his game! You know, based on your budget, that you can only afford $150 a month. Like a sheep, you tell the sales rep this fact. He goes back to the "office" or wherever, and comes back and says, "If I can get you this car at $175 a month, will you buy it today?" You think, why not? It's only an...

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What are my financing options when buying a used car? First, determine from your budget how much you can comfortably afford for a car payment each month. This will help determine what your price range is before you shop for a car and financing. Naturally, you should try your bank and credit union. When it comes to used cars, they only finance a portion of what it's Kelley "Low" Blue Book value is. If the price of the car you...

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What are the most important things to look for when purchasing a used car? I agree with model51, but be honest with yourself: If you DO know what you want, then chances are you walked onto a lot because you noticed that what you want is in stock. Therefore, price is anything but a moot point! You want it, he has it, now...how do you get it for the lowest price? If I am looking at a specific car, which is what I want, and a sales rep asks me, "Other than...

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What are the most inexpensive ways to get into auto racing? The term "inexpensive" is relative, but when it comes to auto racing, there is a saying: Speed costs money - how fast do you want to go? But there are "less costly" ways to get started. NASCAR's Legend Class is where most drivers begin. The cars cost no more than what you would pay for a used street vehicle, and are pretty easy to work on. Entry fees and safety...

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What is the procedure for properly disposing of a worn American flag? Since submitting this answer, I have since been given new information. The American Legion has indeed drafted and installed a standard cerimony for the proper and reverent disposal of unserviceable flags. The cerimony is held on Flag Day, but at night, and is done in the presence of a full honor guard and officiated by the Post Commander, Sergeant At Arms, and Chaplain. Civilians are...

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What do all those letters mean when referencing "scale"? The letters once stood for the original name of the scale. This goes back so many years most of it is practically forgotten by modelers. O scale was where most of model railroading started. It refers to Lionel trains and other brands that run on Lionel track. S stands for "scale". In the formative years, O gauge trains were a bit out of proportion. S scale was created for...

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How can I fight a speeding ticket in court? I'm not sure mzkhadir's gives me confidence. My reasons, point by point: 1) Your citation has the date you are to appear in court marked right on it. I wasn't aware it could be rescheduled. Can it? Anybody know for certain? And exactly WHO do I call to learn an officer's schedule? The police station? "Hello, I wanted to find out when officer so-and-so's...

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Which adhesive works best for a plastic model? There is several available, and everybody has their favorite. Yet, it must be said that there is no one type of adhesive that is best for all applications. I keep three types on hand for plastic: 1) Testors styrene liquid cement. It comes in a jar, not a tube. It isn't what you used as a kid. It is a clear liquid, and the cap has a brush in it. I join the parts together, then...

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What works best in getting rid of roaches? Boric acid is the stuff, but the hard part is getting roaches to ingest it. Normally when boric acid is used, the roaches just stay away until the powder is swept up. When the roaches recognize it is "all clear", they come back. Yet, I have just now discovered a bait that gets the dang vermin to eat the boric acid. For the full story, log onto: ...

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When a convict is to executed by lethal injection, why do they bother to sterilize the needles? Hypodermic needles are sterilized during the manufacturing process, and thus shipped in a sterile package. When a physician procures new needles, including the physician who administers the lethal drugs of execution, the only needles he can get are sterile needles.

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Why did kamikaze pilots bother to wear helmets? Simply put, the helmet was necessary to pilot the aircraft. Inside the helmet was the communication gear, and the goggles were attached to helmet as well. This question is usually asked for its "joke" value, since it was a fact that the pilot was on a suicide mission. Rest assured, the helmet did absolutely no good in making the mission "survivable".

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If my mailman sprays my dog with mace, will it damage my dog's eyes? First, let's get one thing straight: Mailmen DO NOT USE MACE. It is diluted pepper spray and it is harmless. It does not cause blindness or any other type of injury. It was developed with the assistance of veteranarians who would never have approved its use if it did cause any kind of damage. There is a possibility of damage with the use of mace, which is why the U.S. Postal Service...

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Why are parakeets sometimes called budgies? Parakeets are a generic term for the species. "Budgie" is a more specific term. Parakeets orginate from Australia. The aboriginal Australian word for parakeet is "betchegara", meaning "good to eat." We get the word budgie from this word.

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How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop? I think this answer will have to be an "average". I keep getting to the center with a different number of "licks".

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If a Postal Truck is broken into, or catches on fire, what happens to the mail? Postal theft is not common, but it happens. Mail is hardly ever lost due to fire, either from vehicle fire or building fire, but it's not improbable. In any case, if the mail is lost, it can't be replaced. It's just gone. Overnight Express Mail, Registered Mail, and Insured packages can't be replaced either, but the senders will be compensated as per the agreement...

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How can I prevent getting "ripped off" on eBay? Fraud on eBay is a reality. Even the people at eBay admit that out of every one million transactions, 1000 of them result in complaints or request for legal action. That's probably not a bad ratio, considering that practically everyone who meets on eBay is a total stranger. Nevertheless, when it happens to you, it's a big pain. Ebay has policies designed to minimize fraud, but...

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I changed the pads on my car, and the rear calipers wouldn't compress, so I opened the bleeder valve, so I could compress the calipers. Do I need to bleed/flush the brake system now? Try this test: Turn on your engine, and depress the brake pedal. It should feel firm, and stay put under pressure. If it feels spongy, or slowly keeps going to the floor, the rear brakes probably do need to be bled. Another test: did you close the bleeder valve before any air could be sucked back into the cylinder? Like, the moment you finished compressing the caliper? If so, you may...

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How can I tell if my vitamin E softgels are natural or synthetic? Any vitamin E that ends with "ate" is synthetic. If the back of the bottle says "alpha-tocopherol", period, then it's natural. If it says something like "alpha-tocopoherol acetate", then it's synthetic. The natural vitamin E lasts longer, and is preferred.

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When grilling a steak, how can you tell when it's rare, medium, or well done? There are several ways. I go by an "old wives tale" that I'm sure is going to get zapped by other "answer baggers". But, if I'm willing to put my "rating" at risk, then you should take it with at least the grain of salt it's worth. Here it is: You poke the steak gently with your prongs, or the handle. If it feels like your chin, then...

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Is there really a shortage of kidney transplant donors? Yes. There is no shortage of volunteers who wish to donate a kidney. Typically, when a kidney patient is in a secure family, as many as five family members volunteer as organ donors. However, many live organ donors are disqualified. Possible donors go through an intense screening process and thorough medical exam. Reasons for disqualification are many, and often beyond the...

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How can I stop receiving so much "junk" mail? Write to: Mail Preference Service Direct Mail Marketing Association P.O. Box 643 Carmel, NY 10512 Your letter should say: "Please register my name with the Mail Preference Service." Include your name, address, and signature. This will get most, but not all, of the advertising mail out of your mailbox. To find out more, log onto: www.opt-out.cdt.org/

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How do I stop the telemarketers from calling me at home? Log onto www.donotcall.gov. Register your phone number to go on the national "do not call" list. Your number will be on the list for five years, after which you will have to reregister. This list goes into effect October 1st, 2003.

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If I should volunteer to donate a kidney to save the life of a loved one, what can I expect? A tremendous experience! Although there is much information about renal transplantation, not very much of it outlines the events prior to surgery. Thus, this question is being answered. It is not a professional medical brief, but rather a brief recap of my own experience as a renal donor, under the care of the medical staff at UC San Francisco. Also be sure to visit www.kidney.org. ...

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My kid left a crayon in the car seat, and it melted into the cloth seat! How can I remove the stain from the upholstery? You need a brown paper bag, and a steam iron...most likely plugged into a loooong extention cord. Tear open the bag so it becomes a single piece of paper. Place it over the stain. With a hot iron, iron over the bag. The heat melts the crayon, and the bag absorbs it away from the cloth. You may need to do this three or four times with more bags. This usually does it, but if it was a...

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What is the difference between "wax" and "polish"? Polish restores the shine to paint. Paint loses some of its lustre due to UV rays and pollution. Some polishes also feature UV protection. New cars really don't need to be polished. Wax is a protective clearcoat. It acts as a physical barrier against water, soot, smoke and dust. It does nothing to make paint shinier. Polish is not needed more often than once a year, if that,...

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I have heard the phrase "Temple Mormon". What does that mean? Kudos to ARENA-thumP! Today, 7-26-03, my local newpaper reports that a new Mormon Temple will open in Redlans, CA. An interview was granted by Clark Hirschi, public affairs manager for the church from Salt Lake City. Mr. Hirschi agrees with ARENA (or vice-versa). As reported on page B4 of the Riverside Press-Enterprise: "Mormons attend regular Sunday services and other weekday...

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I want to ask my fiancee to sign a prenuptial agreement. How can I bring it up without offending her? I only know this about premuptual agreements: When you bring it up, you must suggest she retain her own, seperate, legal representation. If the same attorney represents you both, it makes the agreement easier to contest in the event of divorce. Further, it's better if you both sign it six months before the wedding. That way neither of you can argue that you signed it "under...

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What is the procedure for properly disposing of a worn American flag? It is to be burned in a reverent manner, and privately. The reasoning behind this is so that the flag does not carelessly fall into enemy hands or is disgraced by accident. Exactly how the burning is accomplished is not in any "official" book of rules. If you have a worn flag, and think it a good idea to start flying a fresh new one, good for you! Contact your local American...

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How can I remove mold from bathroom tile and grout? I mix a 50/50 solution of bleach and water in a spray bottle. (Be sure to wear gloves protect your eyes.) I just spray the mix right on the mold, wait a little while, then wipe clean with a sponge. Sometimes grout needs added scrubbing, so I use a grout brush. You can find them at supermarkets.

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Are there natural ways to help me sleep? Several, but here's what works for me: 1. A warm bath. It's relaxing, plus I'm told it affects the circulatory system and promtes drowsiness. 2. Warm milk. It contains amino acids that promote drowsiness. 3. Camamille Tea, no sugar. Learned this from my wife. Makes her fall asleep, too.

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How often should I wax my car, and when? Well, how much do you love your car? I wax my 1993 family sedan twice a year: just before winter and just after spring. My friend who really loves his 2000 Dodge truck, waxes it four or five times a year. He feels it is a move in recapturing maximum resale value. ...and my other friend, who owns a 1965 Corvette and only drives it in good weather, waxes it once a month. Of course, a car...

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What nutrient is most important for a healthy heart? Potassium. This nutrient regulates water, but also is needed for the brain to send signals to the heart under changing conditions and demands. When the body's potassium levels get too low, the heart may not be able to keep up the needs of the circulatory system or it may shift into an irregular rythmn.

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Why does soda pop cause weight gain? Largely because of the high sugar content. Soda pop is usually served at fast food restaurants that serve high fat foods. When you drink your soda, the sugar activates the pancreas. The pancreas produces insulin, an enzyme needed for digestion, but insulin also makes the body store fat. So, as your pancreas is going overboard from your soda, here comes the fatty fries and hamburger....

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Should you buy the extended warranty when you purchase a car? A better way to define "extended warranty" is "prepayment of future repairs." A salesman will tell you that if you have to bring your car in once for major repair, the warranty will have paid for itself. So suppose you pay $800 for a warranty. Two years later, you have an $800 repair, covered by warranty. Did it "pay for itself"? Of course not; you prepaid...

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Does my cat need milk to be healthy? Milk is more of a treat for a cat than a necessary food. In fact, cats are lactose intolerant! A little milk in a saucer on occasion is fine, but don't feed it to them all the time, or you'll have a cat with gas and other messy trouble.

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The Postal Service will mail one ounce for 37 cents. How much can I mail without exceeding one ounce? Six sheets of paper, and the legal size envelope. Add a seventh sheet, and you have to buy additional postage. You also have to use additional postage if you mail the document in a manilla envelope, or similar.

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Which works better: liquid fabric softener, or dryer sheets? Dryer sheets smell nice, and prevent static cling. But only liquid fabric softener can also make clothes and towels sooooft. It's worth running down stairs to catch the rinse cycle.

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Is the "Golden Spike", used to complete the transcontinental railroad, still there? No. In fact, neither is the track. When the Union Pacific and Central Pacific Railroads met on May 10, 1869, at Promontory, Utah, the ceremony included the dropping of four specially forged spikes into the final rails. Yes, four: Two gold, one silver, and one a composite of iron, silver and gold. They were not driven, but merely dropped into four specially augered holes in the crosstie....

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What is a decoder? Used in DCC, this device is placed inside a locomotive. It receives the signal being sent through the rails from throttle, and then translates the signal to the motor. It looks like a tiny PC board, and works much like the receiver in a R/C car. The difference is that instead of radio waves, the locomotive receives commands through the rails. However, there may be many locomotives on the...

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What is a code? The height of model rail in thousandths of an inch. Thus, "code 100" rail is .100 inches tall; "code 83" rail is .083 inches tall, and "code 55" rail is .055 inches tall. Modelers use different codes on their layouts to represent different types of track. Code 100 is often used on main lines, code 83 on side tracks, and code 55 for yards and spurs.

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How deep is a "fathom"? Six feet.

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What is a natural way to stop bad breath? Fresh parsley. Eat one sprig after every meal.

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Is a 60 month battery better than a 24 month battery? In my lifetime, I have bought three 60 month batteries and none of them lasted the entire 60 months. You should know that no battery really lasts 60 months; only the warranty does. Further, should your battery fail before the warranty period, it won't be replaced for free. The Sears Die Hard will only be replaced at no charge if it fails in the first year. After that, you are...

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What home remedies are there for toenail fungus? For generations, people have treated toe nail fungus by applying Vicks Vap-O-Rub on them. I have done this myself. I put the rub on my toenails every morning and evening and got satisfactory results within seven days.

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Is it true that this is the last season for the Winston Cup (2003)? Alas, it is. Next season it will be called the "Nextel Nascar Challenge Cup".

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What is the difference between a Winston/Nextel Cup stock car and a Busch Series stock car? Several little things, but the one difference that counts is the carburetor in a Busch Series car is smaller. Everything else about the engines in the two series are the same. NASCAR wants technicians in Busch Series to be familiar with those engines before they move up to Winston Cup.

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How much money can a person earn as a member of a NASCAR pit crew? Depends on which member of the pit crew you mean. Mechanics, technicians, and engineering specialists make as high as $80,000 per year, plus bonuses (such as "If we win, you'll get a bonus!"). Then there are what is called "day of race only" pit crew. They earn between $30,000 and $40,000. The name is a bit misleading, because they are required to report for...

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Wasn't the golden spike driven at Promontory Point, Utah? No. It was driven at Promontory, Utah. Promontory Point is some number of miles south of Promontory, right on the edge of the great salt lake. It's okay. Everybody gets the two confused.

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What's the real story about Casey Jones? "Casey" Jones (his real name was William) is one of those American folk heroes who is famous but not all the facts are well known. He was an engineer for the Illinois Central Railroad. On April 29, 1900, his engine, number 382, departed Memphis with four cars one and one half hours late. Yet, according to the official record, he arrived at Goodman on time. If that's true, he...

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That "train leaving on track nine"; did it really go to "Anaheim, Azuza, and Cucamonga?" No. The Santa Fe railroad did make all three of these stops east of Los Angeles, but Anaheim was on the south sub-division past Fullerton, while Azuza and Cucamonga were on the east sub-division. Jack Benny was a self-professed lover of trains. Perhaps he was making a joke only his fellow railfans would understand.

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If I fire a rifle straight up into the air, what happens to the bullet? What goes up, must come down. In the case of a rifle bullet, it will go so far up, that upon re-entry it will continue to accelerate until the rate of accereration is matched by wind resistance. Rifle slugs are pretty wind resistant, which means it will be descending pretty close to the same speed as its muzzle velocity. If it hits a person on impact, it's a sure thing it will kill, or...

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What do I do if I am attacked by killer bees? Run, dude, RUN! According to Dept. of Agriculture studies, Africanized Honey Bees like to outnumber their prey in numbers like 1000 to 1. So don't waste time trying to swat them or anything. Get out of there! The bees fly at a top speed of 20 miles per hour, and will not venture past one quarter of a mile beyond their hive. So here's the game plan: Make like Roger Bannister in a...

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What does a NASCAR driver do if, in the middle of a race, he has to go the bathroom? He just wets his pants. That's the truth. If he wins the race, and has to have his photo taken with a big wet spot, it can be a little embarrasing...

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What is a Digital Command Control? Or "DCC" for short, is the latest technology in model trains whereby independent control of each locomotive is accomplished through separate control frequencies through the rails. Each locomotive must be equipped with what is called a "decoder", and preprogrammed to receive its assigned frequency. This way, each engineer operates his own train through his own throttle...

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What are some of your favorite science fiction books and why are they your favorites? Everything by Michael Crichton. He deals with real life, "what if" scenarios about the impact science has on our lives. Maybe "Jurassic Park" was too far fetched, but I especially liked "The Andromeda Strain", where a space satellite returns to earth, and brings with it a bacteria for which mankind has no antidote...

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Why is the distance between the rails of real train track 4 feet, 8 1/2 inches? That's a strange number! It is the classic example of "We've always done it this way!" American railroads were built by British expatriates, so they laid the rails the same gauge as those of British railroads. The British decided that gauge because the wheels on the coaches were built on the same jigs as the wheels on horse drawn carriages. That gauge was decided so that carriage wheels would fit in...

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What is a scale? The relationship between the model and the item being modeled. For example, when we say "HO scale", we mean 1/87 of the prototype. To put it another way, if you coupled 87 HO scale boxcars together, they would equal the length of one real boxcar.

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What is a gauge? The distance between the rails. In the prototype, that would be 4 feet, 8 and 1/2 inches, inside to inside.

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Which aircraft offers the smoother ride: the 737 or the MD-80? Based on my experience, the McDonnell Douglas MD-80 gives the better ride. I have learned that seats behind the wings are "bumpier" than those in front, which must be why first class is in front. But with the MD-80, the wings are located way back, so practically all the seats are ahead of the wings. Further, the MD-80 has its engines mounted in the tail, instead of midship, like...

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What is the difference between a long "whiskered" catfish and a short whiskered catfish? Catfish with short whiskers, called "barbels", are scavengers. Their downturned mouths can only eat what they find on the bottom of the tank. They are great for cleaning up the leftover food that the fish topside didn't eat, thus reducing water pollution. They also prefer to be groups of two or more. They are very peaceful and are perfect for community tanks. Catfish with...

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Why does algae grow in my fish tank? Because you removed the chlorine from the water. (Why do you put chlorine INTO a swimming pool? So algae WON'T grow in your pool, right?) Algae isn't harmful. In fact, when the tank light is on, algae puts oxygen into the water. It just looks ugly, plus, when the light is off, it drains oxygen from the water. Leave the light off too long, and algae turns brown and makes the tank...

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How many fish can my tank hold? To answer this question, we will accept as a given that you have adequate filtration and aeration taking place. The number of fish a tank can hold is based on the filter's ability to maintain a clean environment faster than the fish can pollute it. You can have one inch of fish for every two square inches of tank area. For example, say you measure the top of your tank and find the...

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Which is the best type of filter for an aquarium? The biological filter, also called the "undergravel filter." The undergravel filter uses bacteria in the gravel to purify the water. Two types of bacteria exist in the gravel layer. The first feed on ammonia, which is what fish "waste" mostly is. The bacteria "convert" ammonia into nitrite. The second type of bacteria feed on these nitrites and convert them...

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What are the most effective ways to deal with jock itch? Always dry thoroughly after you shower. If you live in a real humid climate, apply talcum or baby powder to the area to absorb the sweat. Always put on your socks before you put on your shorts. Usually, jock itch is just athlete's foot fungus that has migrated "upward". Change your routine when you get dressed and you will notice results.

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When buying a new car, is it better to sell your car to the dealer or to sell it to a private party? Sell to the dealer only if you need his trade-in offer as part of the down payment on your new car. Remember, though, that he's going to offer you less than the wholesale value, so you're not getting much. Of course, if your car is ready for the junk yard anyway, you'll probably be glad to get whatever you can. If you sell to a private party, you'll have a bit of work...

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I would like my boyfriend to call me on a nightly basis, but he feels that this type of request is controlling. Do you agree/disagree? No, but his answer is a "cop out". He just doesn't want to tell you that he doesn't enjoy talking to you. I never called any lady every night, until I met the lady who I ultimately asked to marry me. I did phone her on nights we were not together, if only to talk for five minutes. However, she did not need to "ask" me...I did it and didn't know why I...

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My cat is 6 years old. How old is that in "people" years? The formula goes like this: A cat's first year equals the first 21 years of a human's life, because the feline anatomy is as fully developed as a 21 person. Then it's 3 people-years for every one cat-year after that. Thus, a six year year old cat would be 36 people-years old: 21 for the first year, and 15 years for the next five.

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In which scene of "The Wizard of Oz" will I find the rumored stage hand who hung himself on the set? The scene where Dorothy and the Scarecrow discover the Tin Man. At the end, they join arms, sing their song, then turn their backs to the camera and start up the yellow brick road. Quick! Look to the top of the road, and there you will see... a large, dark, slender figure swaying a little. It sort of looks like a person for a second, but it's actually a large bird: a crane. It even...

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The side of my tires say to inflate to 35 psi. The placard in my car door says to inflate tires to 32 psi. Who's right? The auto manufacturer, but not without the tire manufacturer's blessing. The number on your tire represents "maximum" pressure that it can withstand for safety. But you have to keep in mind that a certain tire can be mounted on several different vehicles, and the tire company has no way of knowing which one you're putting their product on. The automotive designers work...

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What radius is the curve of prototype trackage, and what would it be in HO scale? The prototype doesn't actually measure their curved trackage in terms of radius. They do in terms of "degrees", meaning how far the track has to bend off the tangent. Nonetheless, prototype curves generally end up being about a radius of 575 feet. That would be 75 inches in HO scale.

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Is there a god, and either way, how do we know? If you are predisposed to refusing to believe any kind of God exists, then no amount of evidence will make any difference to you. However, logic suggests that you cannot prove a negative. While one may not be able to "prove" God exists, it would be impossible to "prove" that God does not exist.

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For a G scale garden layout, which type of roadbed is best? Cement roadbed seems to be the wave of the future. It is permanent and weatherproof. It is also labor intensive, but once it's done, it's DONE. You don't have to keep maintaining it like you do gravel roadbed, and no washouts after a rainstorm. Of course, if you know nothing about pouring concrete, you may be more inclined to use gravel. Find a friend, teacher or contractor...

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Do these new pills that promise weight loss overnight really work? Are they safe? I can only respond that I know of three people who have tried them. One person lost a little weight, and the other two said they didn't. I guess it depends on the person.

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What is the problem with cooling systems on some General Motors vehicles? The problem is that the radiator sits lower than the rest of the engine. This is most common with Pontiacs and Buicks. When you flush and refill your radiator, the coolant doesn't fill up the water jackets in the engine. You are left with this big "air bubble" , if you will, in the cooling system. So...you drive away with too little coolant, the "check coolant"...

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How much money does a NASCAR driver earn? That's a very carefully guarded secret. However, we do know as a matter of public record that when Jeff Gordon got divorced, he reported a net worth of 22 million dollars. We assume he is worth only about half that right now.

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Which of these fighter jets has the highest top speed: F14 Tomcat, F15 Eagle, F16 Falcon, or F18 Hornet? According to the Encyclopedia of World Air Power, here are the "published" top speeds of each fighter: F18: Mach 1.80 F16: Mach 1.95 F14: Mach 2.34 And the fastest jet is... F15: Mach 2.5, approximately 1,400 mph.

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How can I tell if the odometer on a used car has been turned back? Since submitting the answer above, my fellow "gear heads" have brought to my attention the fact that several new models come equipped with a digital odometer that cannot be tampered with. Well, there you go. Buy only used cars with digital odometers, I guess.

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How often should I change my transmission fluid? Every 30 months, or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first. Be sure the filter is also replaced.

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My pit bull just killed my neighbor's two-year-old! What do I do now? Don't panic! Of all the dog mauling deaths in the state of California, no dog owner has been convicted for murder and barely one percent have done time for manslaughter. Thus, the odds are in your favor, but just to play it safe, follow these steps: 1) Send flowers to the grieving family and have your dog euthanised immediately. This creates good will, and prevents the District...

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How many "megapixels" should I look for in a camera for casual use (vacation shots, parties, etc.)? 2.1 is very good; almost as good as 35 mm film when you enlarge to 8 x 10. 3 megapixels and up is for professionals and portrait photographers.

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When a manufacturer says a screen is 19", for example, what are they measuring? No, the manufacturer means "diagonal". It's a slick trick they pull because traditional television screens have curved corners and a convex surface. That way, you can't really get an accurate measurement with a ruler. Only the designer with his training in calculus knows for sure.

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What resolution should I take pictures in if I want to print them at 8" x 10"? Minimum 1600 dots per inch.

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Should I take a used car to a mechanic for inspection before buying it? As a car buyer, you owe it to yourself to know exactly what you are buying. A previously owned vehicle is a vehicle someone else didn't want anymore, and you deserve to know why. However, gone are the days when you would find an oil leak under a car and get the salesman to drop the price 500 bucks so you can fix it. Used car dealers only perform "cosmetic" upgrades nowadays,...

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Which web sites give unbiased information on used car buying? For wholesale (what the dealer paid) and retail (what he hopes you will pay) prices, visit the Kelley Blue Book site: www.kbb.com. For negotiating tactics and tips from a retired car salesman, visit www.beat-the.com. To know the history of a specific vehicle, jot down the vehicle identificatioin number (VIN) and get a report from www.carfax.com. Want to compare makes and models?...

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What are the most important things to look for when purchasing a used car? The wholesale price. This is what the dealer paid, or very nearly paid, for the car you have your eye on. Whatever he can get you to pay over and above that price is his profit. If you already have a specific model of truck or car in mind, and want to know what those wholesale prices are, log on to www.kbb.com. That is the Kelley Blue Book web site and will answer your inquiries free of...

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How do I flush the cookies? Here's what I do (I use Widows 98 SE): Double click "my computer" Double click "windows" Click on "show files" Double click "Temporary Internet Files" Click "Edit" on the tool bar, and click "select all" Click "file", and choose "delete" A window will pop up: "Do you want to delete selected...

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What is a good way to potty-train my kitten? When kitty goes "number two" somewhere, pick it up and place it in the litter box. Cats possess two things in their nature which a cat owner should use to advantage: They blindly trust their sense of smell, and they are creatures of habit. When a cat smells his "download" in the box, he readily knows that's the bathroom, and will go there "habitually" every...

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Which is better, an IRA or a Roth IRA? ROTH. There are no penalties for early withdrawals. You only have to leave in whatever interest you have accrued up to that point.

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How can I tell if the odometer on a used car has been turned back? Short of hiring a private investigator, you really can't. Your first line of defense may be www.carfax.com. This site can give you a history on the car detailing what state it was originally sold in, if it has been in any accidents, and if it was returned on the "lemon law". This report included odometer readings, so if the car's odometer is less that shown on the...

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I do my own brake service; how do I "seat" the new pads? We'll accept as a given that you have replaced the pads, AND had the rotors and/or drums turned at your local machine shop. You have replaced the tires, and your car is back on the ground. You also know that, after you start the engine, you slowly depress the brake pedal a few times so the automatic adjustments press the pads snug against the rotors and drums. Believe it or not, the...

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Why are my brakes squealing? It could be an alert that your brake pads are worn out and need to be relined. On some models, disc brakes are designed with a "noisemaker" that squeals when you depress to brake pedal to alert you to that condition. Just had your brakes serviced recently, and they're squealing? Then you need your rotors resurfaced. If the mechanic who serviced your brakes (you included, Mr....

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How can I remove decals without removing the paint underneath? First, try Formula 409. Put a drop on the decal you want removed, and wait several minutes. You will see the decal wrinkle and eventually come off. If that doesn't work, try Walther's decal remover, available from their web site. This stuff is strong...and sometimes will remove the paint as well, so be prepared to work fast and wipe off the decal before it attacks the paint.

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The "check engine" light on my dash just came on. Now what? You're fine...for now. "Check Engine" means "Check Engine Sensor." Modern engines use over 12 sensors that continually send data to the microprocessor. This keeps your engine running at peak efficiency at all speeds with as little smog emissions as possible. When a sensor fails, the Check Engine light comes on. You're engine should still run alright, but...

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Is there an easy way to tell when my tires are worn? The most common way of knowing when it's time to replace the tires is when the warning marks show on the treads. They are raised rubber sections in the treads...you'll know them when you see them, should you actually wear your tires down that far. To be safe, 30,000 miles after purchase, place a penny in each tread, with Abe Lincoln's head pointing into the tread. If the tread...

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What does a supercharger do? Yes, plus a supercharger is powered by an extra belt turning off the crankshaft. This robs some of the power gained from the extra boost. Turbochargers are turned by escaping exhaust...essentially waste energy, so they are more efficient than superchargers.

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What is the best way to remove paint from a plastic model? Pine Sol. Put the model into a container that will allow you to pour enough Pine Sol to cover the entire model. Let sit for two hours. The paint should start to peel off; if not, wait an additional two hours. Scrub remaining with an old toothbrush, but do not add water, or you will get scrub marks on the plastic. Never use acetone or brake fluid. These solvents are great at removing...

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How often should I change my oil? Correct...3,000 miles especially if you do a lot of stop and go driving, and by this I include bumper to bumper commuter traffic on freeways. The problem with using mileage as a unit of measurement is your car's odometer isn't adding up miles while it just sits there idling. If your car ran nonstop at freeway speeds at all times, your oil could last a lot longer, but if your car...

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How fast can a NASCAR car really go? Before NASCAR mandated the restrictor plate on superspeedways, the fastest lap ever was clocked at 220 mph. The highest speed ever attained in a straight line, back stretch run was 238 mph. With today's restrictor plate carbuerators, cars rarely exceed 190 mph.

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Do I need to add "Slick 50" to my oil to prevent "start up" wear? Depends. If your oil has the gear shaped logo with the words "for gasoline engines", then your oil already has the same chemical as Slick 50, along with a dozen other additives. Thus, Slick 50 will do what it claims to do, but it may already be in the oil you use. If you use a cheaper grade, then your oil has no additives in it. Adding Slick 50 won't hurt, may even help...but...

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Which is better, synthetic or natural oil? Synthetic oil also moves faster in the oil lines when you start your engine. Upon starting, all your oil is in the pan, and needs to be pumped into the cylinders. During the first few cranks when you turn your key, the moving parts grind until the oil is "moving". Synthetic oil gets to the cylinders faster than natural, thus preventing wear.

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