I agree with Eric_OH that junk and other 'props' do not define a cutting edge design. I wonder how much of this drive to "think outside the box" (the phrase itself now cliched) stems from people's urge to shock the neighbors? As cady stated: "I don't seem to have exceeded the tolerance range so far. Maybe it's time to try a big, rusted scrap metal sculpture in the front bed." As a fan of native plants, I sense that many native plant enthuseists are spoiling for a fight: "I know the Latin name of this plant, therefore it's not a weed, na, na!" If you really want to shock the neighbors, try this: a swept dirt yard. Old-fashioned and full of history, this type of landscape would nevertheless stick out in modern landscape. But would it be innovative? Or even good design? Are we trying to being individual for the sake of individualism? Is this necessarily a good thing? Traditional designs have stood the test of time because they are good...this era's really good innovations will become the next generations' traditionals. But are we all geniuses that need to attempt this level of innovation, or will we ultimately be disappointed??

Gosh Lilo, I can't imagine the underlying stress of living in 'quake country. I've watched lots of those science shows on earthquakes and I guess there are distinctions between quakes - like Linda denotes - rollers and shakers. We had a quake here in Illinois back in the '70's. I was living out in a cabin in the woods, far from any major roads. The stovepipe rattled as if there was a big truck traveling nearby. It was so unusual I thought immediately, "Earthquake", but then dismissed it because how silly would that be - an earthquake in Illinois? It was in fact a quake, and then I learned that one of the most powerful quakes ever in history occurred not far from here in New Madrid, Missouri. It changed the course of the Mississippi River and rang church bells in Boston!! But quakes around here, although possibly extremely deadly are also extremely rare. I'll take my chances with tornados here in the midwest. Not quite sure if I could sleep at night in quake country. Do those who live there always have that little nagging fear in the back of your mind? I do know that someone I work with was raised in California, and after the Katrina disaster she did state that growing up in Calif. you were instilled with the idea that in case of a disaster you were responsible for your own survival for at least three days. That was her reality. Also can't imagine having to constantly get out of town when a hurricane approaches. My dad grew up in the Florida, and in those days and his area getting out was not an option. They sat out many 'canes in a home that was what could be described as a shack. Perhaps it weathered the winds because the boards were loosely spaced and the wind partially went through the building instead of mowing it down as wind pressure hits a solid structure. Lots of stuff to think about Lilo. What Mt. St. Helens doing lately, does anyone know? I know the new dome is growing at a rate of 6 ft per day.

As long as this is on the ear & problems, may I ask this seemingly crazy question?: I can make my ears "click'! At first I would just notice it when I swallowed but then realized I can do it at will .... the 'clicking' but doctors just looked at me like I was kidding! My sister has it also & says her son can actually hear it when she does it! Now is this crazy or what or can others do it.. & is is heriditary? I was told people are told to try & do this in airplanes to eqalize the pressure but a lot of persons find it difficult to do ... surely not ME!! Sorta like 'cracking one's knuckles' out of boredom?! Sorry for this distraction! My sister-in-law has the ear problem of this type of vertigo for years & also was shown how to lay down in the proper position & do the things mentioned by others. It helped for a while but soon the vertigo took over her life & she was an invalid from it! Had a surgery to severe a nerve in that ear but was warned she might lose her hearing in that ear permanently ... and she did! She says losing the hearing was less worse than the awful vertigo/vomiting/falling she experienced before!

Just installed a LG FL washer and it wasn't the smoothest at first. Some thoughts. 1. Is the machine attached to the base with brackets? If so, did you tighten the feet on the machine 1/2 turn or so after the brackets were installed and tightened? This puts some load on the feet and pretty much eliminates any movement between the machine and the pedestal. 2. The LG manual and others here have recommended a "tuning" of the feet. You need to loosen the locking nut on one foot, and have a wrench that you can use to tighten/loosen that foot while the machine is acting up in the spin cycle. I found it helped to first loosen it to make the shake worse, and then slowly tighten until it stops or greatly reduces. Tighten too much at it should start to get worse again. Takes some time and patience sitting on the floor waiting for it act up, but can help. I "tuned" ours with about a 11 lb load.