Maurader .... in the other thread someone suggested giving a worm 'farm' to a school classroom. I did a google search on 'lesson plans for worm farms' and got a lot of hits. Here are just two of many: http://www.windsweptwormfarm.com/htdocs/Kids%20Projects.htm // http://www.worm-farming.com/worm-lesson-plans.html //

I am beyond thrilled that Friday Night Lights returns this week. Every actor on that show is absolutely perfect for the character they portray. Word to the wise when setting Friday Night Lights to be recorded -- the shows will appear in the listings as repeats -- because they've already aired on a premium chanel (can't recall the name of it offhand). So don't set your DVR or Tivo to record only new shows, because these, technically, aren't. And Medium doesn't return until the first week of February!

dees, that was very interesting info. The best part of your advice to me is to make sure the shipper puts instructions on it. This is great advice when I am the shipper. My company did tell them to call up at the front door when they sent said package. They didn't call as usual. I believe FedEx employees get paid much better to go the extra mile and the company makes more money as they are diversified in several areas I am told. They sure are the happiest young men and when I have told them how greatful I am, one of the two said to not worry we make very good money.They are well trained to speak with customers in a professional manner. My troubles are about to be over since my ex-husband made a good phone call today using his contacts to them and my company told UPS what they have witnessed through me and leveraged a deal for me when I receive any UPS packages or else they threatened to change contracts. It was eye opening to the president I work directly for because his company is known for customer service. There are books written on how they do it. They give UPS a lot of money nationwide. So, I will not be a priviledged customer I will just get what you all get for service. However, when I travel my company sends my luggage ahead to my hotel via USPS. dedtired, did you name this the FedEx Toss? Oh great now the carriers can have bragging rights for who tossed the most expensive piece. What a nut job this jerk is. I love it.You can post that every month and I will look at it. If you find out what happened to the guy (I want the smallest details like when FedEx was told what he did, what did they do - then let me know.) Kathi,I think there will be a lot of hustling in the next days. The weather is good around me anyway and this is their season to shine or lose a lot of future business. Why can't temp employees try to get noticed for doing a great job and perhaps get hired that way. I guess they are not trained well for the short time they work and get put in difficult positions. Blah, blah, blah. Thanks folks. Hope all your packages make you smile and are sealed with a kiss. The end,

I am so glad that you piped up about your Frigidaire issue, Practigal. Thank you. I don't think it was a coincidence that you were participating in this thread. So..is it crumbs of rust dropping down from the burner...or, is it rust coming up through the paint...or is it oxidation of the gas itself, that maybe it is burning "dirty"? Good ideas, Mrsnyefnyef. I have an update, but I'll share it at the end of my post. ; ) I agree, Eurekachef. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the BS rangetop after test driving it (unless you don't like standing over a high heat cooker.) "my regrets comments was that I just didn't want you to finish your project and then turn back and say, well I should have..." Ah, I understood what you were getting at much better that time, Gooster. That makes a lot of sense. Here is the update: I found 2 incredibly good deals at Goedekers website this weekend for scratch and dent Miele's. The cooktop (yes, a cooktop, not a rangetop) is 42" wide and has 6 burners. They looked like they are configured *perfectly* for the way we cook. Originally I was looking for all the same BtU's on the burners, but these should work fine because of the configuration. Originally I was looking for sealed burners, which this has. The knobs are off to the side rather than on the front. I find this to be a nice feature since I tend to lean into whatever I'm cooking. This way I won't be lighting the stove with my belly! Also, little ones will have a harder time reaching the knobs. Finally, at about $1200 less than full price, it was too good a deal to pass up. They also had a set of 30" Miele Master Chef double ovens for almost half price (open box). I hemmed and hawed for a while on this one. It's definitely more high-tech than what I was originally looking for. In order to do the cooktop, we'd have to head into wall oven land. Wall oven land was full of techy gizmos. Given that, I might as well try one that is highly regarded by bakers and has the lowest repair rate in the industry (according to Yale Appliance's website, anyway.) Thank you all for helping me process this big decision! I really appreciate the input each of you gave me.