rdsmith3

CFLs contain mercury, don't they? So 20 years from now, when we have land fills full of disposed CFL bulbs leaking mercury, we'll be switching back to incandescent bulbs. I hate that the gov't is requiring this. There are some applications for which CFL bulbs are just not a good choice. I just installed two garage door openers, each of which uses two 100 watt bulbs. Incandescent bulbs are the right choice because they come on right away, and they work in cold temperatures. CFL bulbs take a while to come on, and they do not work well at all in cold temperatures. I also hate the color temperature of CFL bulbs. There is a strange tint that looks even worse than florescent bulbs.

Which PD ?

I just bought a Remington 870 Express Synthetic 7 round http://www.remington...ic-7-round.aspx I wanted the tactical model, but 1) this model is about $100 cheaper, 2) I had trouble finding the tactical model in stock at a local store, and 3) I had some budget issues at this time of the year and I had to leave room for ammo, carrying case, cleaning kit, and gun cabinet. I will have to add the tactical features down the road. The longer magazine was really important to me, which this has.

The airport searches bother me more than the DUI checkpoints, but maybe that's because I do not drink. I do understand about the erosion of rights, and it is a concern. The DUI checkpoint is borderline, IMO, but the airport searches seem to be beyond "reasonable." Also, DUI arrests are about to become more controversial. In some states, they are now drawing blood from people who refuse to do a breathalyzer. They cannot force you to breathe heavily enough to register on the machine, but they can hold you down and take some of your blood. All that said, DUI is a very serious crime, and I do not think the checkpoints are merely for revenue generation.

I had full coverage with Progressive.

+1 Their premiums are high and their service is not the best if you ever actually need to use your insurance. I paid slightly less than $200 for an R1150R BMW with Progressive. I think Rider was charging me $350.

Congratulations! Corzine could have used you.

I had to provide a birth certificate when I applied in Roxbury Twp. They did communicate this requirement up front (along with a few others). They also completed the FID and two PP's in five to six weeks, so I don't think they were looking for ways to prolong the process.

I'm the chief of all sinners, so I did not mean to come across as holier-than-thou. Yes, I did a lot of things wrong, but now I am a 51 year old parent/step-parent of five kids, so I have a different perspective on things. I was agreeing with the person who said this 14 year old has some serious issues. It is to be expected that a 14 year old does not have good judgment. That is why parents and other people of good character need to be involved in a teen's life to help them make good choices. Instead, it would appear (just based on a brief newspaper article) that parents are not involved, and that a 19 year old who gives him hard liquor and the keys to a large SUV is involved. That is not a good foundation for this 14 year old. He is lucky to be alive.

Among other warning signs, the 14 year old was stopped at 12:47 AM according to the Daily Record story. I don't know about other parents, but I would not let a 14 year old out that late. To me, it seems that there was no parental supervision of this kid. He was with a 19 year old who was irresponsible and dangerous. The 19 year old allowed and encouraged a 14 year old to get drunk, drive while drunk, and be in possession of a firearm while drunk. He is the bigger culprit here. A 14 year old is probably in 8th grade, or possibly a freshman in high school. Whether or not getting drunk is the norm for a 14 year old, it is not a good idea, and not good preparation for a fulfilling and productive life.

Tragic story because it sounds like there are some serious issues with both kids. As an aside, I did not understand this: The 14-year-old is charged with ... possession of a shotgun without a firearms ID card. Does that mean I must have my FID card with me every time I have a long gun with me? What about pistols?

the code for free shipping is in the OP. It works. I just ordered. Thanks.

Andy, I said something to that effect to my son -- I was proud of him for doing this, as opposed to those who are sitting around complaining about what they don't have. By the way, if you have any questions about Air Force BMT at Lackland, from a parent's perspective, feel free to PM me.

He had just turned 18 in September, and he went to BMT at the beginning of October. Two months later, he seemed older, but he still looks so young to me. I am proud of him, and I think this will be a great experience.

Captains of Crush are for those who are really serious http://ironmind.com/ironmind/opencms/Main/captainsofcrush.html

Very nice!

Best wishes to him! My son just finished USAF Basic Military Training at Lackland AFB in San Antonio. We were at his graduation last week. Now he is off to Sheppard AFB in Middle-of-nowhere, TX.

Welcome. Maybe I'll see you at RTSP

When I got mine, I could not believe how archaic the system is. They use a 4 part NCR paper form, and it is done with a typewriter. It also looks like it is not a standard size (e.g., not 8.5 x 11).

When does the clock actually start -- when you submit the application, or when the last piece of required information is provided? I assumed that it takes 30 days (max) to allow for the time required to get all the various pieces of information. If they start the clock when they get the last form they need, then police departments can drag this out forever

The class is free. I recently took it at Cherry Ridge. You have to read the manual and watch some videos and bring a completed workbook to the class. If you want an archery license, there is a proficiency test. For shotgun, they take you to the range and you have to shoot at some targets, but they really want to see if you're safe. Your ability to hit the targets is not the main concern. When I went in November, they said that some guy that day had fired the shot gun from the hip, so I assume he didn't pass.

This is exactly what I have been doing, too. And ... today ... I finally got the FID and two PP's! woo hoo

Coincidentally, I just got a call from Roxbury PD -- my FID and 2 PP's are ready. It was six weeks from when I submitted.

My township required a copy of a utility bill, or a similar document, to prove residency. I think this was an added requirement, however, not part of the code.

Why do they do stuff like that -- sending a letter instead of calling? It adds a day or two (or more) to an already tedious process.