I bought a ceramic drill bit from lowes that was maybe, $13. Kinda pricey, but it's done the job pretty well and held up through maybe 20 pots so far. I purposely went for a cheaper one as I had never used one before. Hated to spend more cash than necessary without knowing if the diamond crusting would actually make a significant difference. Now I know that it most certainly does! Posted by ggarner (My Page) on Mon, Jan 9, 12 at 17:47 I have drilled a lot of pots, cups, bowls etc that were bone china, ceramic, stoneware etc etc etc. The diamond crusted bits are the way to go. I put the bit in my drill press and turn the speed down to about 100 rpm Ah you lucky son of a gun! As I was drilling with my lil ol' cordless Black & Decker, I continually thought about how much easier a drill press would make things. Unfortunately, kinda hard to keep one of those in an apt. LOL. I think this particular bowl, based on its weight and thickness, would likely count as "stoneware" (oven and microwave safe). Still kind of amazes me how long it took to drill through 5-6mm of the material. Do you drill ceramic pots wet or dry? I believe terra cotta needs to be wet while drilling. I have some bowls/pots I want to try. Beverly I do it wet, Beverly. Not only does it keep you from inhaling the dust, but it also keep the bit and pot material cool. Paul, you can reinstall your operating system without losing your programs, I've done it several times. Christopher Unfortunately, Christopher, I am a complete computer idiot when it comes to such things.

OldTimeCarpenter, we all choose different things to spend our money on and what we choose doesn't give you enough information for you to assume we are rich, average or poor. Do you drink and/or smoke? I do neither of those which leaves me with plenty to spend on drains!!

I think you will see a big difference anytime you can do away with part of a wall that makes the room seemed closed up or blocks a nice view. I was always against an open floor plan, but I'm at that time of my life now where I want to do an about-face on so many things. We've removed part of a wall and a cabinet that blocked not only a lot of natural light but a beautiful view. The change is wonderful! Color changes the personality of a room. As much as I love my pinks and roses, I'm searching for a new paint color that still makes me feel good, but reflects my changing tastes. I'm thinking terracotta or something close to Fiesta's persimmon. It seems that I can't totally abandon the lighter shades of red.

They had a webcast with our local TV station and it aired at 10....I had to grab a kleenex!!! They don't have the video cast up on their website yet...but here is the written report: MEMPHIS, TN - Chris and Angie Allen of Ankeny believe in miracles. We first introduced you to their son, Bradley in January when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Today, that tumor was removed at Le Bonheur Childrens Hospital in Memphis. "As hard as it is, I mean it's more tears of happiness and joy than anything," Chris Allen says as his wife adds, "Because this is huge. I know that he has the best chance of recovery after this" This was a very dangerous operation, especially for a child. The Allen's braced for the worst--everything from their son losing his hearing to becoming paralized--even dying. But the surgery exceeded their highest hopes. we spoke with Bradley's mom after she touched her son for the first time---minutes after the surgery. "I was trying to hold his hand and I was giving him a little foot massage," Angie says smiling, "At first I was told he would stay asleep. Don't expect him to do anything. Then he started opening his eyes and started to sit up." That means--no paralysis. "I was excited to see him going. See him moving his hands. A little bit of his legs," Angie says, "So that's awsome news for us. There was a chance he could be quadriplegic or paraplegic after this and I'm thinking he just proved he wasn't gonna be." The allens say they have their friends, family and thousands of complete strangers who offered support and prayers to thank. "Hopefully their lives have been touched and changed in a positive way like ours have with all this good news," Chris says. Angie adds, "There's been so many helpful people at home. We have three other kids at home and I know our neighbors have stepped up and...are with them when we can't be. And that means a lot." You can follow Bradley's progress and help his parents with expenses by logging on to: http://www.bradleys-story.com/