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answer to todays question on the Leonard Lopate show is INERTIA BLOCK (OR PAD) :)

Is the answer : friction pedulum base isolator? SFO airport and several other buildings have been built using this concept to protect from earthquakes
Learnt it while helping my sixth grader!

We are thinking about changing to a tankless water heater. Any opinions about which is the best?

re: ants

i heard that instead of using boric acid, that you can use peppermint oil around the boundries of your living space [doorways, other entrances for ants]. Supposedly, it's too strong for their antlers/sensors, repelling them.

Isaac- Woopsie-daisy! A real wing-ding.

Hi guys! - I have a 6 month old baby and live in a loft building - a former factory that we have converted ourselves. There is still some very old paint that remains in some parts of our home. I am concerned about lead - is there a way that I can test for it?

Thanks,
Jennifer

WD in "WD-40"
does mean 'water displacement'.

In fact the whole thing means:
water displacement on the 40th try.

see link.
http://www.wd40.com/about-us/history/

Al and Larry, what do you think of gutter guards? I've had the slotted type for a couple of years, and they seem to work well.

we are trying to buy an apt in a 1929 building in manhattan and have heard conflicting reports about the code vis-a-vis the electric circuit box. it is currently located above the sink in the kitchen and we have been told that it may or may not be a code violation.
also they said the apt has 60 amps - is this enough to run through wall a/c heat combo in one room and a/c in three other rooms? we also want to get a washer / dryer (gas dryer) and have heard conflicting reports on whether 60 amps is enough.
thank you

Is it possible to vent out a NYC Apt from a Vent hood? and if not does the air circulating in these hood really work?
thanks,
dave

You are all wrong!!

WD-40 was invented by a Turk in 1940 and stands for Whirling Dervish as a tribute to his ancestors...

Wikipedia says WD does stand for Water Displacement. Here's the link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WD-40

Awhile ago you gave a tip for repairing door hinges using woodglue and toothpicks. It worked great on my drop front desk.

Any tips for keeping the neighbors' pitbull from pooping in my flowers?

Hi the WD does stand for water displacer. It was developed to be used by NASA to displace water in certain early solid rocket fuel rockets, and it was the 40th attempt to get the correct formula.

According to Wekipedia: WD-40 stands for Water Displacement.

Youor crack staff is right. WD-40 stands for Water zdisplacement - the 40 derives from the fact that the successful formula was the 40th one tested.

I have to agree with Greg. The WD does stand for Water displacement. The product was desinged to protect metallic parts from moisture. They went through 39 formulations before they were successful with the 40th.

WD-40. Confirmation: WD-40 was the 40th version of (whichever manufacturer's) formulation for a _W_ater _D_isplacing product.

“WD-40” literally stands for Water Displacement, 40th attempt. That’s the
name straight out of the lab book used by the chemist Norm Larsen when
he developed WD-40 back in 1953. Norm was attempting to concoct a
formula to prevent corrosion, a task which is done by displacing water.
Norm’s persistence paid off when he perfected the formula on his 40th try."

WD stands for "Water Displacement", 40th formula in the series.

WD stands for "water displacement"

If you want a simple and cheap way to vibration isolate a clothes dryer, try http://www.genuineideas.com/HallofInventions/freeinventions.html

What is the best way to take care of my cedar deck? Should I powerwash and put sealer on it or just let it age? What about areas where the wood is getting green--algae?

Thanks

We have developed some cracks in our granite countertop in our kitchen. Is there anything we can do to repair or seal them? Replacement is very expensive and I'd like to avoid it if possible.

In a newly remodeled studio apt, I ended up with a 110v A/C instead of a 220v. The building is wired for 220v. Would it be hassle to change the A/C outlet to 220v. What might an electrician have to do to change the voltage?
Thanks!

Somehow my backyard garden has become "infested" with a bamboo type grass. If allowed it will grow to six feet in height. I has even tried to come up through the concrete. I have cut it down and dug up a many roots and runners as I could. How do I get rid of it once and for all?

Is there a good way to prevent deer from eating flowers. Is there a flower that deer won't eat?