ScubaCinci

Where did I say it would increase commensurately? Minimum wage jobs (i.e. fast food workers) aren't meant for careers and supporting families. These are jobs that should be occupied by students and people entering the workforce unskilled. The problem is, there aren't enough career type jobs to meet demand. So, the issue is not the wage, it's the lack of good jobs. Raising the min dramatically is not the solution, only a substandard band-aid that doesn't let the wound breathe and causes infection. I have more metaphors on demand if you'd like

It just raises the cost of goods and services (you don't think the companies will absorb the cost do you?) so the people who are now making more will now be paying more along with everyone else.

Neat! Wait a second for all of the animations to load...enjoy. http://animagraffs.com/how-a-handgun-works-1911-45/

I was thinking of that but couldn't remember the movie. They were very motivational!

Good luck, I know it's tough. Stuff like that only works if you are truly ready to quit deep down. Don't be a slave to the cancer stick!

Through much digging I determined that the crystallization effect from the salt free conditioner breaks down after 36-72 hours and more or less becomes the same water that came into the house. So, for a house like mine with 2x's more bathrooms than people living there, it's would be a total waste. For a smaller house with more people, I still think it may make sense.

Option 4 - find another investor to pony up the $ to pay off the mortgage and partner in the "business"...at least keep the property until it's profitable to sell. Step brother would make payments to the partner rather than the bank to even the ownership.

I'm really leaning towards the salt-free conditioning system (like from Pelican) with a carbon filtration system. What surprises me is the lack of real-world and/or research information on their effectiveness. There was one study by ASU (previously linked) that showed very good results but not much else. I was thinking by now, someone would have had one of these systems for 5-10 years and reported back on how it has performed over the years.Supposedly these are used pretty widely in Europe due to restrictions on the salt water waste but I can't find much else on it. Most information is presented by companies selling the systems which I'm taking with a grain of salt (no pun intended).

I was reading quite a bit about RO systems. There are some drawbacks to those as well. Since they rid the water of minerals, like distilled water, they can have a leeching effect in the body if consumed over a long period of time. They also make the water acidic which can be problematic as well. I'm ok with a carbon filtration system alongside whatever I go with.

Yeah, 2 hours in an I haven't done a damn thing

The mayo clinic doesn't see a big issue with the amount of salt the softened water contains... http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sodium/AN00317

I'm also considering a salt-free water conditioning system as offered by Pelican and US Water Systems. Doesn't soften the water per se but prevents scale build up and there's less maintenance/ongoing cost. ASU did an interesting study on them. My brother-in-law is pretty happy with his Pelican system. EDIT As I see it, the downsides to salt systems are: >not good for the environment >wastes water >cost/labor with salt replenishment >salt in water (minor) >personally, I'm not a fan of the slick feeling in the shower. I still feel dirty or un-rinsed. Good points are: >zero scale buildup in pipes/appliances >saves on soap/detergent which is better for the environment >spot free dishes, cleaner laundry

Believe it or not, the wife brings home the bacon...I just fry it up Y'all can come visit soon! Yeah, I've been reading a bit about that...also seems it's 3-5 times more expensive? Any other pros/cons with KCl?

Nope, just a party house Should be ready in about a month!

Thanks for the input guys. My goal for the water softener is more for mitigating buildup in pipes, hot water heaters, etc and the benefits for the washer, shower, etc. My house is gonna be huge, like 6000 sq ft and have 2 water heaters even though there'll only be 2 of us living there full time (for now, long story) so I'mnot sure what size I would need or if I need 2 of them.

Ha, thanks. There's a lot of information and misinformation out there. FWIW, the drinkability concern from people is more around the amount of sodium in the water after treatment but there's more sodium in a slice of bread than in 1qt of treated water.

I've been trying to look at water softeners for our new house. We had the water tested and the hardness = 10 the TDS = 276 and no iron or copper detected. Looking around the interwebs, there's a dizzying array of choices, many with conflicting information. Some say you can't drink the water, some say you can (I'm siding with the 'can' camp). Some swear salt-free softeners are crap and others say it's the best thing since sliced bread. My brother-in-law has one and he likes it but he's not hard to please. Honestly, I haven't been able to make a good determination what is what. This site seems to have pretty good information and relatively unbiased but who can tell these days. Kinetico is supposed to be good but I heard they are a little overpriced. Anyone have any expertise in this area?

It all depends on what types of pictures she takes, how flexible she wants the camera to be (i.e. , aperture, focal length, etc), how picky about the quality she is and how much you have to spend. Go.

That looks awesome...I wish I had more vacation time and a more tour oriented bike.

I find this to be prophetic...

...one of the funniest things I have read in a long time. I damn near shat myself (I had to go). Read the first few customer reviews... http://www.amazon.com/Veet-Hair-Removal-Creme-200ml/dp/B000KKNQBK/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

I want back rental fees and hazard pay dammit

I've seen motorcycles from the 1800's that were in better original shape...yikes. Offer the $1 in the ad title

What was the woman talking in the background all about?

It's a term a local radio personality uses...yes, it is a euphemism for pussy.