December 26, 2013

Carlos Santana reunites with and helps Marcos Malone (x-post from Good News)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/12671823


Old friends reunite

Stanley Roberts, a news reporter, was researching a piece on illegal dumping in Oakland when he encountered an elderly, homeless gentleman picking through some trash. Roberts was asking the man some questions and at one point he said his name was Marcus Malone and that he used to be a drummer for the band Santana, back before they became famous. Roberts then went and did some research and found an old picture of the band and sure enough, there was Marcus.

So, Roberts arranged for a heart-warming reunion between Carlos Santana and his old band mate which you can see in the video below. Carlos has now set Marcus up with an apartment, new clothes and a new set of conga drums and plans to include him on a new album to be recorded early next year. True friends are friends forever, no matter what.



“His spirit is indomitable.”

December 26, 2013

need advice on engine: used or rebuilt

Here's the situation: I gave my son my 2000 Honda Civic to use until it completely falls apart or he gets another used vehicle. Instructed him on taking care of it, oil changes, etc.

A week ago, a bolt snapped on the engine and all the oil drained out while driving. The engine froze up. The car had to be towed home. I'm getting all this info from him, so I have no idea which bolt, etc. He swears it was NOT the oil drain plug. I can easily believe that, since it is an old vehicle with 150K miles.

His older brother is good with Hondas, and is going to search the local junkyards for a used engine for the vehicle. Is this a good option versus the cost of rebuilding the engine ? Any information appreciated, thanks.

December 21, 2013

Water drops on porcelain tile and grout next to shower, reason for any concern ?

Yes, I can imagine that a few gallons of water on my porcelain tile (and its grout) would not be good for its long-term longevity. That's not my issue.

I step out of my shower and a few drops of water routinely fall on the porcelain tile. I do my best to quickly mop up the water. Do I need to be concerned at all ? Again, it's only a few drops of water. The shower is not overflowing or flooding the tile. Right now I don't have a rug/carpet there because I'm concerned about slipping and falling.

Thanks for any help and information.

Steve

eta: Edited to reflect porcelain tile and not ceramic, my bad.

December 19, 2013

Florida man caught on video trying to pay for beer with a live alligator

http://www.salon.com/2013/12/17/florida_man_caught_on_video_trying_to_pay_for_beer_with_a_live_alligator/

A man looking to trade a live, four-foot long alligator for a 12-pack of beer at a Miami convenience store was cited for the illegal possession and attempted sale of the creature, NBC News reports.

Fernando Caignet Aguilera came across the gator at a nearby park, where he trapped it, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) spokesman Jorge Pino. Although there are no specific laws that apply to Aguilera’s case, it’s illegal to harass, touch or feed alligators in the state.

FWC officials say the animal was “pretty much in good shape” after its ordeal, and they released it back into the wild.

Pino was unable to comment on why Aguilera thought the convenience store would accept payment in the form of an alligator. ”I have never experienced anything like this in 25 years in law enforcement,” he said.

*video at link*

Shakes my head.