Hi Xuan, You are not alone with the incredible shrinking bulb syndrome. I hate to admit that I have more than several that have done the same for me. In particular, a Pasadena that is now as you say, the size of a golf ball. There are several others too. I will say that my original Dancing Queen bloomed two or three years for me shrinking a little each year. So, last season I planted her directly in the soil in one of my whiskey barrels and I will say she did bulk up somewhat and she is sending up a scape this year too. No where as large as when I bought her though. I may try planting directly in the soil (barrels) my other shrinking bulbs this season to see what happens. And of course, perhaps these particular bulbs need an additional boost of a better fertilizer than I have been using. You are not alone. I have bought a second bulb of most of my shrinking bulbs but I know for you this may not be an option since it is so difficult for you to acquire these special bulbs...Donna Oh, and my Evergreen is on it way to joining the "shrinking bulb club" too. Last year (first year) it put out 3 stalks for me each laden with flowers. Maybe it was just too much stress and it needs a year off. I don't mind one year off but when you can never bring a bulb to bloom again, that's disappointing... This post was edited by dondeldux on Thu, Jan 10, 13 at 8:28

I realize that I'm now posting more than three years after the original posting, but I've found recent success combating tennis elbow just by icing my elbow right after I play. Some of the pain, I think, can be caused by bad technique and my lack of strength in my arm, but immediately after every time I play (at least a few times a week), I ice my elbow now. It's really helped. For those that want to try it, you can try bringing an ice pack and a towel in a cooler every time you play. Then wrap the ice pack around your elbow with the towel. There's also a product now on the market called SootheMate which makes this whole thing easier. You can Google it and check out their website to find out more. Just remember, ice helps reduce inflammation and really only works when you apply it right after you play. It's certainly easier and IMO, more effective, than other treatments.

I have major joint and muscle pain all the time. If I may offer a suggestion - ask your doctor about Voltaren Gel- a sample to try would be nice - it is a topical gel that is non greasy, no stinky smelly odor, and no heat. You only use a teeny amt for each sore area. It is a wonder drug for me, and harmless (as harmless as any thing you put on your skin can be anyway). The relief is immediate. It is specifically for tendinitis, I believe. I am not in the medical profession ~ so speak to your Doctor. Pain is not something most ordinary Docs are good at dealing with - so you may need to see one who specializes in Pain.

Can you fit a muffler (sound suppressor) such as Fantech sells? That is the best approach trade in minimizing pressure loss while maximizing sound reduction. Otherwise, we need to consider that the factors that cause pressure loss (and hence reduced cfm for a given fan design are: Lack of adequate MUA Baffles Abrupt transitions in the hood Duct length (actual or effective) where the last two may swap places depending on the duct length one has and the hood design. I think that there are calculators on the www that will provide a pressure loss with duct length for a given diameter and cfm or air velocity. Bottom line, longer may have a slight or significant effect in reducing achieved cfm depending on a bunch of things. Sorry for no exact answer, but the problem is not fully defined. kas P.S. The shorter straight up path will reduce potential grease deposition, although, again, the devil is in the details as to whether the difference is significant.