I am a big experimenter. I first had my compost pile uncovered. The internal temps were about 150 degrees. The outer foot was much cooler. I then covered the pile with clear plastic, 8 mil., in direct contact to about a foot from the bottom. Thus far, for about 3 weeks, the pile has maintained temps. from 150 to 160 degrees all the way out to the surface , with the exception of the outermost layer at the bottom. I have another pile which I have a low volume fan forced air tube in the bottom and covered the same way. The results are about the same. I think this is mainly due to the wind blowing rather constantly and forcing air into the bottom of the pile without the forced air. The air blowing over the covered piles will also lift it periodically which I also assume adds air to the pile.

There is a much easier, safer way. Use a Load Handler. I used one for years on our 1987 Ford truck. We traded it in this summer during the clunker program, but kept the Load Handler. I used it for soil and mulch. Worked great, and one person can use it. I had Bushel Stop load the truck with a backhoe, and could empty the truck myself. Where are you located? Since I don't have the truck anymore, I have no use for this neat contraption. Lisa Jupiter Here is a link that might be useful: Load Handler info

Haven't really studied much, just brief skimming over a few places, but I believe the TARP-Muni would cover/pay 35% and the issuing entity the remaining 65%. I couldn't find if the government guarantees the whole bond or just its 35%. I am not certain the concept has been activated yet - has it? How bond savvy are you? Are these General Obligation or Revenue bonds? In other words what is the source of that 65%? How much more future government intervention will come along (and it surely will) to retroactively affect this proposed investment? Can you determine independently from your financial advisor if or not it might be wise to let the dust settle on this idea for a couple years? Last but way from least - What's in this for your advisor? This is a new concept and many advisors will climb on the band wagon......Commissions don'tchaknow.

Did ya give him the $700 before you knew he didn't cover or after? No one in their right mind works like that. Painters cover just about everything including furniture and espeically TVs, exercise equipment, etc. Wonder if he's an older painter. I worked with one older gentleman who didn't see the need to use drop cloths because he really thought there were no splatters -- just because his old eyeballs couldn't see the splatter doesn't mean it wasn't there, kwim? That was challenging -- pointing out something to someone who literally couldn't see it. The finite statement of he catches the splatters and drips as they happen is a bit of a reach. It's the splatters and drips that they don't see or catch when they happen that's the problem -- obviously not the ones they see happen. Ergo the reason for covering people's stuff. Tell him you want your stuff competently protected or no deal with money back.