What other hobbies or interests do you have?

[audio amateur]

The Soviet Union , Sweden , France , Italy , and even Great Britain and Germany. All put together has a GNP one third of America.

I believe the soviet union ceased to exist about 20 years ago.. wake up buddy. It's now called Russia.
As for the GNP story, that's quite frankly stupid. GNP's of those countries add up to much more than a third of the US'. Please share your sources. I'm very curious

[GMichael]

Can we list poking fun at each other and starting trouble as a hobby?

[Groundbeef]

Can we list poking fun at each other and starting trouble as a hobby?

Sure. Just keep what ever you're using to do your "poking" away from me.

BTW did you like my pond?

[Rich-n-Texas]

I don't seem to have too much trouble driving my Acura. Alone is a thing I have to work at finding.
As far as other hobbies? I still play billiards even though it's no longer in competition. I've been there and done that for many years and have done about all I could do. Now my eyes are not what they once were, so I only play for fun, or to instruct younger upstarts. For years I was into motorcycles of all kinds. Settled down to just Harley's the last 20 years or so. Now I have none. Girls were a big hobby for me until I got married in 2001. Keeping the wife happy has become a fun hobby. She's the best!
HT is still rather new to me (only in it for about 5 years) so it takes most of my time. With the addition of the PS3 (which I bought for BR movies) I have found that gaming is much more fun than I would have every thought. I've been having more fun than ever. Spent almost 5 hours yesterday playing a demo.

Oh, and there's nothing wrong with a little sports either. Today's women are into sports more than ever. My wife goes crazy watching a game.

GO GIANTS!

I can't believe the Giants made it to the superbowl.

[GMichael]

Sure. Just keep what ever you're using to do your "poking" away from me.

BTW did you like my pond?

Very nice. Is that a solar light? How does it work? We bought some a month ago. Ours don't give off much light.

[GMichael]

I can't believe the Giants made it to the superbowl.

Me either. But now the pres that's been beating them up all season is picking them to win. That's like the kiss of death, since they're NEVER right.

[Rich-n-Texas]

I like your pond beefy. I'd attempt something like that in my backyard but I'd need a jackhammer and a lot of spades (for cutting that is) to get through the black clay we have down here. I even tried to dig out a 4' x 4' patch in the grass for a compost pile, but gave up after my arms fell off.

[Groundbeef]

Very nice. Is that a solar light? How does it work? We bought some a month ago. Ours don't give off much light.

Neither do mine. Actually my wife and I were more than a little disapointed with them. However, the garden shop we got them from has pretty draconian return policy.

However, they do at least look nice during the day.

Do you have a pond as well? Or just use the light for a garden?

[GMichael]

Neither do mine. Actually my wife and I were more than a little disapointed with them. However, the garden shop we got them from has pretty draconian return policy.

However, they do at least look nice during the day.

Do you have a pond as well? Or just use the light for a garden?

Sometimes.

Sometimes water builds up on the road in front of my mailbox. It's dark when I get home each night. The light was to help keep my feet dry.

[Groundbeef]

I like your pond beefy. I'd attempt something like that in my backyard but I'd need a jackhammer and a lot of spades (for cutting that is) to get through the black clay we have down here. I even tried to dig out a 4' x 4' patch in the grass for a compost pile, but gave up after my arms fell off.

Yeah, we have a TON of clay up here in IL, as well. I found that digging is easier after some rain. Perhaps if you water the area you want to dig out it may make it somewhat easier. In TX, you shouldn't have to go too deep.

About 24" would be ideal. Keep the critters (cats/racoons/cranes) from getting your fishes.

In IL, I had to go 32" for freezing issues. I leave the fish in all year, and it just wouldn't do to have them get frozen solid!

Its almost like AV. No matter what you do, you always feel the urge to go bigger, and better. More fish, features, etc. But I must say, it is very relaxing in the summer to sit out with the wife, have a drink, and watch the fish.

[melvin walker]

I believe the soviet union ceased to exist about 20 years ago.. wake up buddy. It's now called Russia.
As for the GNP story, that's quite frankly stupid. GNP's of those countries add up to much more than a third of the US'. Please share your sources. I'm very curious

We all know the Soviet Union does not exist . The point was that their socialist system did not work. Totalitarianism has proved to be a failure. Democratic socialism at this point in Western Europe is also having a hard time paying the bills.
The United States has a GNP of 14 trillion dollars. Japan and the European union combined is less that that.
If you disagree with my data where is yours.

[Groundbeef]

Sometimes.

Sometimes water builds up on the road in front of my mailbox. It's dark when I get home each night. The light was to help keep my feet dry.

I see. Perhaps better drainage would be your solution.

[Groundbeef]

We all know the Soviet Union does not exist . The point was that their socialist system did not work. Totalitarianism has proved to be a failure. Democratic socialism at this point in Western Europe is also having a hard time paying the bills.
The United States has a GNP of 14 trillion dollars. Japan and the European union combined is less that that.
If you disagree with my data where is yours.

Perhaps Melvin, if you would stick to the topic "What are your hobbies?" people wouldn't come out against you as much.

Unless of course one of your hobbies is being a clueless ass. In that case, carry on.

[melvin walker]

I'm 63 ("old") and drive a Mercedes E-420, and often do so alone. Good Lord, whatever is going to become of me?

Trade it in and buy a Mercedes S420. You might even try a S500 are S600 !
The E is not really top of the line Mercedes. Image is everything.

[melvin walker]

Perhaps Melvin, if you would stick to the topic "What are your hobbies?" people wouldn't come out against you as much.

Unless of course one of your hobbies is being a clueless ass. In that case, carry on.

I have already posted my hobbies !

[GMichael]

I see. Perhaps better drainage would be your solution.

I don't think the town would be happy about me digging up the road.

But our complaint has been noted. They have plans to "do something about it."

[audio amateur]

I have already posted my hobbies !

I hate sounding like a jerk to you, but then maybe you shouldn't go around commenting on others' posts so much, especially when you come out with things like Soviet Union & GNP (and all the other comments members here have tagged as crap). I don't see where the flaw is in 'Western European' democratic systems, anymore than the US'. We are not the only ones to have big debts. The US does to. And not just a bit

PS: I don't need to back my point on GNP, what you said is ludacrous. The countries you mentionned are far from having a low GNP

[Rich-n-Texas]

What happens when you wet the dirt (I tried that) is that it turns into paste that cakes all over your shovel. That's why my arms got so tired. A 5 lb shovel ends up weighing 10 pounds after the first couple of shots. Anymore I'm just happy that I've actually got a decent lawn. Thanks TrueGreen!

Dammit it happened to me too GM.

Yeah, we have a TON of clay up here in IL, as well. I found that digging is easier after some rain. Perhaps if you water the area you want to dig out it may make it somewhat easier. In TX, you shouldn't have to go too deep

[topspeed]

Meanwhile, back on ranch On Topic...

Quell riots
Overthrow dictatorships
Apply justice where there is none
Comfort the huddled masses
Verify virgins

When I have time away from all that, I try to squeeze in time playing with my kids and working on whatever sport they are participating in at that point in the year.

I'd say I enjoy flyfishing, but that's like saying you enjoy an enema. It's very relaxing and once you've reached the goal it's incredibly rewarding, but that in-between part is a lot harder than it looks!

My trainer has a hobby of trying to make me puke at the gym, something he gleefully takes delight in...the bastard. Whoever created plyometrics really needs to die.

I was much better at tennis, volleyball, and skiing, if memory serves...which it usually doesn't.

The wife and I are both wine aficionados and relish in finding great bottles of 2 buck chuck. It's just too bad you have to go throw 10 bottles of malt vinegar to find that one that sets your hair on fire. Thank God for friends!

I'm a tremendous USC supporter, as are my kids...whether they want to be or not Go to the games, donate to the school, wear the colors, blahblahblah. I had the boys singing "Fight On!" before the age of 2. 'Nuff said...

Last, but certainly not least, I'm a gearhead of the first order. If audio is a hobby, cars are a passion. Contrary to popular belief, it's not about absolute speed. It's about snapping off that perfect double heel/toe downshift to set the car up to threshold brake. It's about the feel of the car as it rotates perfectly while you finish trail braking and slowly feed in throttle and the track unwinds before you. It's also about the curve of the front fender under your palm while you apply that third coat of gloss, all the while admiring the art and genius in a design that must balance beauty with engineering realities. Hand washing/waxing a car is like opening a dialogue with the designer and discovering the hopes and dreams behind it. Imagine discussing the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo as each brush stroke created new depths of beauty.

Oh, yeah. I listen to my stereo every once in awhile too.

[johnny p]

It's amazing how many Anti-Bush, Republican bashers I see when I visit other countries. You might want to analyze the U.S. news sources you follow. The Communist News Network (CNN) and MSNBC are utter garbage. The mass media is anti-American, thus this is the reputation we get from people from other countries.

I forgot my other love.... someone mentioned billiards, but Foosball is the competition of kings!

[audio amateur]

Last, but certainly not least, I'm a gearhead of the first order. If audio is a hobby, cars are a passion. Contrary to popular belief, it's not about absolute speed. It's about snapping off that perfect double heel/toe downshift to set the car up to threshold brake. It's about the feel of the car as it rotates perfectly while you finish trail braking and slowly feed in throttle and the track unwinds before you. It's also about the curve of the front fender under your palm while you apply that third coat of gloss, all the while admiring the art and genius in a design that must balance beauty with engineering realities. Hand washing/waxing a car is like opening a dialogue with the designer and discovering the hopes and dreams behind it. Imagine discussing the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo as each brush stroke created new realities.

Topspeed... I hate you.

[johnny p]

Last, but certainly not least, I'm a gearhead of the first order. If audio is a hobby, cars are a passion. Contrary to popular belief, it's not about absolute speed. It's about snapping off that perfect double heel/toe downshift to set the car up to threshold brake. It's about the feel of the car as it rotates perfectly while you finish trail braking and slowly feed in throttle and the track unwinds before you. It's also about the curve of the front fender under your palm while you apply that third coat of gloss, all the while admiring the art and genius in a design that must balance beauty with engineering realities. Hand washing/waxing a car is like opening a dialogue with the designer and discovering the hopes and dreams behind it. Imagine discussing the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo as each brush stroke created new realities.

Oh, yeah. I listen to my stereo every once in awhile too.

My brother waited diligently on the "list" and got his 2005 Lotus Elise (awhile ago) and it's FUN FUN FUN to drive.... obviously not a Straight-Line, High-End car, but when asked to turn/corner, not much in its price range can touch it.

[blackraven]

Hey Groundbeef. I really like your pond. Being a saltwater fish hobbiest I would love to have an outdoor pond but unfortunatley I live in Minnesota and the winter cold kills everything here except the evergreen tree's. I think ponds are really cool. I have a friend here who keeps a pond about 5 times ths size of yours. He moves all his fish into the basement for the winter. Thats too much work for me. Do you keep any Japenese Koi?

Oh and one comment about the american health care system. There is free care to every one in the US. I'm an Emergency Medicine physician and any one can come into any emergency department and get free health care. We collect about 30% of what we bill. No one can be turned away for not being able to pay. Most ER's are flooded by people without insurance. And those people get excellent care for the most part. Also, there are plenty of free clinics. Here in the Twin cities we have a list of at least Ten free clinics. Also many clinics are willing to see no pay patients but may reqiure a good faith payment of $10. Most indigent people dont want to pay for this. They would rather pay $25 per week for cigarettes or alcohol. I could go on and on. Also, now Target and Walmart pharmacy's have a list of the about 100 medicines that cost $4 a prescription.

The emergency dept. is the Governments fall back. Thats one of the reasons that there has been no change in the present day healthcare system. The government knows that people can go to the ER for healthcare. They don't care that hospitals have to keep raising prices for paying customers to cover the costs of no pay patients!

And don't get me started about the Canadian Health care system. Its good if your really sick but if you need anything elective plan to wait weeks to months and if your geriatric and need open heart sugery,for get about it. We have some Canadian Dr's in our group, so I'm very familiar with the Canadian system. One of our canadian Dr's Father died from the treatment of a heart attack because they used a clot busting drug which caaused a massive cerebral hemorrhage instead of taking him to a cardiac catheterization lab and ballooning and stenting his artery. His was too old to get the clot busting drug but they gave it to him anyway to save costs and because he was too old and didn't have many more years to live. The risk of intracerebral hemmorhage goes up when you get into your late 70's and above.
One of the problems with giving universal health care in the US, is that we will all be paying at minimum, 50% income tax to pay for it. This is a multi TRILLION dollar problem that the government has no answer for. Also, under this system, health care will be rationed and people in this country will not go for that.

[Groundbeef]

What happens when you wet the dirt (I tried that) is that it turns into paste that cakes all over your shovel. That's why my arms got so tired. A 5 lb shovel ends up weighing 10 pounds after the first couple of shots. Anymore I'm just happy that I've actually got a decent lawn. Thanks TrueGreen!

Dammit it happened to me too GM.

Well, you can't really wet it while your working. Do it a day ahead. Really let it "trickle" into the soil. Its ok if you soak it, but then a lot runs off. The goal is to moisten the dirt.

And small shovel fulls are better than trying to do it all at once. It took me about 7 hours of digging to get what I needed.

I tried TrueGreen, but got better results with Scotts (DIY). Then I let the lawn go to hell this year. We got zero rain, and it was hotter than hell. I didn't want to pay the water bill for watering. So I didn't. At least the fish lived.

[Groundbeef]

Hey Groundbeef. I really like your pond. Being a saltwater fish hobbiest I would love to have an outdoor pond but unfortunatley I live in Minnesota and the winter cold kills everything here except the evergreen tree's. I think ponds are really cool. I have a friend here who keeps a pond about 5 times ths size of yours. He moves all his fish into the basement for the winter. Thats too much work for me. Do you keep any Japenese Koi?

Well, it really depends upon how much work you want to put into it. As you own saltwater fish, I can see you are a glutton for work! In MN you would need a pond about 40" deep. If you make it about 12' by 8', that would be a great size.

Koi, and common goldfish do quite well in the winter, and at that depth there is no concern of the water freezing solid. You may get 1-1.5' of ice, but not solid. Fish will be fine till spring.

I have wintered some fish (in fact I have 1 alge eater in the basement now), but I think it's too much work. I'd rather they all stay outside.