What's New This Week? Ken's brother Ron has retired! That's right RoadCow, GeoGeezer and down right good guy will join the ranks of old folks on the lam;-) In an email we got just before his birthday, April 10th, he writes; "E-ha! Tomorrow... Sixty Two and retired! People ask me what's going to change once you turn sixty two. I don't think anything is going to change except the knowledge that "I Don't Have To Work" anymore. I will start doing stuff because I Want To instead of because I Have To. A subtle change but I think that will be the biggest change. Not that I ain't already doing what I want to do anyway!! BUT... the pressure will be off. Not that there is any pressure but... well, we'll see. I'll figure out something!"

Lucky guy! Now we're jealous and wish we could do the same but WAY too many years to go.

     We've found a cool little piece fo software that is for your Palm OS or Windows CE device. It turns your PDA (personal digital assistant) into a universal remote control for your television. I've been trying it out on my Samsung cell phone/PDA and it doesn't work all that great. The major problem I'm having is the range. I'm only able to get about 4 feet away from the selected device. I have it programmed for TV, CD/DVD player, VCR and satellite receiver. It works good for all of them it's just that I can't get that far away. I called tech support at Samsung and they said that the phone/PDA was only designed for about 9" of IR communications. I guess I shouldn't be disappointed with four feet.
According to the folks at Novii it has a much further range on a regular PDA like a Palm Pilot. You can download the program for free and if you like it they ask $24.95. They have some other options with different pricing but in all not a bad deal. I'm really disappointed that it doesn't work at a greater range on mine because the interface is much nicer than all the controllers we have laying around. You can check out the Novii Remote at www.novii.tv/products/noviir/index.html.

Easter Egg Tree

     Easter will soon be upon us and this adornment will add to that festivity. It's a fun easy project that you'll be proud to show off.

Here is a list of the things you will need.

• 12 Eggs
• Easter Egg Coloring.
• Colored Ribbon 1/8" or 1/4" wide.
• Tree Branch
• White or other pastel paint.
• Large flower pot.
• Colored paper grass.

Remember we have all of our past projects archived on our web site at www.runnerduck.com. Just click on the Projects or Kids Only Eggs.

      We thought that these were such great deals on these Schwinn bicycles that we wanted to give you another week to check them out. If you are in the market for a new bike or wanting to get your child their very first bike, this is the place for you. Just click on the picture below to enter a world of great bikes.

Click Here

OK you're not getting off that easy. We've got a million of them folks!

Q: How does a violist's brain cell die?
A: Alone.

Q: How do you stop the spread of AIDS?
A: Let BMG distribute it.

Q: What do you call a guitar player that only knows two chords?
A: A music critic.

Q: How do you keep your violin from being stolen?
A: Put it in a viola case.

Q: What's the difference between a saxophone and a chainsaw?
A: You can tune a chainsaw.

Q: What do a guitar solo and premature ejaculation have in common?
A: You know it's coming and there's nothing you can do about it.

Q: What will you never say about a banjo player?
A: "That's the banjo player's Porsche."

Q: What do a viola and a lawsuit have in common?
A: Everyone is relieved when the case is closed.

Q: Why are harps like elderly parents?
A: Both are unforgiving and hard to get into and out of cars.

Q: How many trumpet players does it take to pave a driveway?
A: Seven- if you lay them out correctly.

You can check out our summer schedule at the Tempos web site www.thetempos.com/jobs.htm. If you are making plans to visit Seattle this summer try to fit in one of our fun concerts.

     Don't forget that The Tempos big swing band is available for hire. If you have a special event that could use the wonderful music of a classic big band be sure to contact thetempos@runnerduck.com.

      Are you a jazz fan? I mean are you REALLY a JAZZ FAN?? If you answer a big YES then we have the link for you. Fantasy Records has what's probably the largest and best selection of jazz records on the Internet. Not only is their selection great but they have some pretty darn good prices also. Just click on the link below the check out all that they have to offer.

(Click)

Remember, we have a link on our web site, www.runnerduck.com, to our ever popular Grammy® Shopper site. If you haven't been there yet just click HERE to see all the 2003 Grammy® winners complete with links to purchase any one of them.

Questions and Answers

Welcome to our Q&A center.
Got questions? We've got answers.
Got answers? We've got questions.

While we find it hard to believe we did not receive any questions this week, at least none that we can share with you.
If you have a question about projects, woodworking, gardening, computers or just about anything else drop us a line at questions@runnerduck.com. Either we'll get the answer for you or post your question here for others to chime in on.

JOKE OF THE WEEK

This one is for all of you who either:
a) have kids,
b) had kids who are now grown,
c) was a kid
d) know a kid!

Daddy's Gonna Eat Your Fingers

As I was trying to pack for vacation, my 3-year-old daughter was having a wonderful time playing on the bed. At one point, she said, "Dad, look at this," and stuck out two of her fingers. Trying to keep her entertained, I reached out and stuck her fingers in my mouth and said, "Daddy's gonna eat your fingers!" pretending to eat them before I rushed out of the room again.

When I returned, my daughter was standing on the bed staring at her fingers with a devastated look on her face. I said, "What's wrong honey?"

She replied, "What happened to my booger?"

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The RunnerDuck Goodies Store
Check out all the great products in the RunnerDuck Goodies Store. Show the world that you love RunnerDuck!

 
 
There is lots of other cool stuff at the RunnerDuck Goodies Store.

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CONSERVATION TIP

      This suggestion is pretty wimpy but hey, every little bit helps. If you pay your bills by computer then you don't need the return envelopes that come with each bill. Don't just throw them away, save them and use them. One thing you need to look for though is if there is a barcode at the bottom of the envelope. If there is cover it up with some opaque tape so that the post office scanning machine can't see it. They use this for routing and will slow down your mailing.

If you have a conservation tip please send it to conservation@runnerduck.com and we'll post it in our newsletter.

The RunnerDuck web site is hosted by

   THIS WEEK'S FREE RECIPE

• 1 Pound of Dates
• 1 Pound of Graham Crackers
• 1/2 Pound of Marshmallows
• Top Milk or Cream
• Whipped Cream
• Nuts if desired

Remember, if you have a recipe you'd like to share please send it to marilyn@runnerduck.com.

     Every month we post a new recipe on our web page. Be sure and check out the April recipe at the RunnerDuck Kitchen Store.
We'd be happy to post your favorite recipe there or in our newsletter and give you credit. Just drop a line to marilyn@runnerduck.com.

Cooking.com is having their Easter sale. For your Easter Roasting, we feature 4 of our bestselling Roasters, as varied as the traditions we celebrate this Easter. Traditions that include something for every member of the family - from the Easter egg hunt for the kids to the big Sunday meal with a baked, glazed ham or an herb-crusted lamb as the centerpiece. To go with it, an array of vegetables, fresh from the spring garden.

Click Here for more information.

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"Dinner Dates: A Cookbook for Couples Cooking Together" by Martha Cotton

Be sure and visit the RunnerDuck Cookbook Store for other great savings on cookbooks and cooking supplies.

Spring Tool Tune Up

     One of the things that often get overlooked is the condition of your power tools. We get to working on projects and after a while start to wonder why those miters just don't quite come together. Pieces that use to fit seem to be off a little bit. Well it could quite possibly be that your power tools are starting to drift a little bit.
This week we'll do a quick run through of the major tools to make sure everything is true and square.

Click HERE for larger pictures.

Here's a list of what you'll need;

• A Dial Indicator with an adjustable magnetic stand.
• A 90 degree triangle.
• Johnson's Paste Wax.
• Tools as required to loosen and tighten things.

We'll start with the table saw. It's really important that the saw blade aligns both perpendicular and parallel with the table, grooves in the table and the fence. Using a clamp mount the magnetic base and dial indicator (DI) to the miter.
Set the DI so that it just touches inside of a tooth near the front of the saw.

Slide the miter in the slot and watch the DI for variation. Most blades will have a dip in the middle, hollow ground, so ignore that. Check just inside a tooth at the other side of the blade. Make sure that they are neutral teeth that don't go in or out.
Adjust the saw blade mounting assembly as required until it is perfect. I had to loosen four very large bolts under the table to make the alignment. Don't loosen them all the way and adjust it by tapping with a rubber mallet.

Next align the fence to the grove. Set the DI up to just touch the fence. As you move from front to back watch the DI for any drift. If required adjust the fence. You may have to follow the manufacturers directions to do this.

Now check the miter for square. Most miters have a positive stop for 90 degrees. Set the miter to 90 degrees and place a 90 degree triangle on the front of it. I taped mine to a small block of wood so the triangle would be up off the table. I placed another piece of wood to hold it up.
Engage the magnetic base to the table and set the DI so that it just touches the edge of the triangle.
Move the miter forward and back. If the DI changes then adjust the miter.

Now that we are square to the world we need to make sure the blade is perpendicular to the table. I like to use a ply tooth saw blade for this adjustment. You can also use a flat piece of metal with a hole for the arbor.
Crank the blade all the way up. Place a 90 degree triangle on the table and align it to the blade.
Your table saw should have a 90 degree stop that you can adjust so that this setting is repeatable.

While you are at it you can set the 45 degree stop using a 45 degree triangle.

I like to lay down a light layer of paste wax. Different people have different feelings about wax. They are afraid that it will get into the wood grain and mess up the finish. I feel that if you use a light coat and rub it out really good you should not have a problem.
That should pretty much take care of the table saw. You may want to make a few cuts and check them with a square just to double check.

Now we'll move on to the drill press.
Mount the arm from the magnetic base into the chuck and snug it up.
Set the DI so it just touches the table.
Slowly rotate the DI to check the flatness of the table. If it's off make adjustments until it's flat and perpendicular.

Next we'll check the table of the band saw.
Using a square line it up with the blade and adjust the table as required.
If you have a miter slot in the band saw table you can check it the same way we did the table saw.

Lastly we'll check the miter saw.
Using a good 2" X 4" with clean edges, make a cut.
Check the cut with a square and adjust the perpendicularity until it is perfectly square. I try to make it so I can not see light between the square and the wood when held up to a light.
Next adjust the fence for 90 degrees.
Make a cut and use a square to check it. Use the same method of holding it up to the light and adjusting until you don't see light.

That should pretty much have things tuned up for our next project. Sea Ya next week with another great project.

If you have a project that you would like to share please drop us a line and we'll help get it published in the RunnerDuck review. We are looking for woodworking, gardening, crafts and kids projects so send us your thoughts at projects@runnerduck.com .

     If you forward these newsletters to your friends just drop us a line and we'll do it for you. Just send us their email address and we'll do the rest. Remember, we never share our email list with anyone, period! Just drop me a line or go to our registration page and sign up your friend.

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