I think I didn't state my dilemma accurately in my previous post. I am going to buy a X500 with a 48" deck, but have been confused by the JD web site on what is available in California and what is not. I know it is all centered around emission regulations, but I can't get anyone at a dealer or at JD to give me a straight answer. I called JD twice, and they had no idea on what tractor could be sold in CA. I asked to speak with a supervisor and then things went downhill. I told them their web site states that certain models are not available in CA, but they still had no idea what models could be sold in CA, and told me to contact a dealer. Told them I donÂt trust salesmen, and wanted to talk with the manufacturer. No good. Waited a few days and made another call to JD, and finally this person confirmed that being in California I could order a X500 garden tractor, but couldn't get it with the deck. He couldn't say why. He said a dealer in CA would have to order the tractor and deck separately and assemble them for sale. Thus my question: Is a CA X500 an emission choked-out model and is it better to drive 200 miles to Nevada get a non-emission controlled model that has been assembled in total by the factory?? A few weeks ago I went to a JD dealer in Stockton and after a little "back slapping" the salesman said "I sent 4 people to Sparks(Nevada) last week." Obviously he wouldn't expound on his statement, and probably wished he didn't make it. But, bottom line, and sorry I'm taking up so much space with talk; is that I want to get the best tractor, and don't know if that can happen in California. Nevada and CA both have around the same price, just a tad under $6,000 including tax. Thanks for any help you can give!

Hi, Bob. IF I had to pick just one image editing software program to use, I would choose Paint Shop Pro. I have older versions going back to when it was owned by JASC and later by Corel. The biggest problem with the newer versions is that they DO have more features, but they are also larger programs that use more memory and hard disk storage. This is especially true for the latest version of Adobe Photoshop Elements version 5 .. which is why I purchased version 4.0 .. I wouldn't even be able to use Elements version 5 on my Dell laptop, it is such a memory hog. I also got Elements version 4.0 because it is compatible with my Logitech NuLOOQ Navigator (a hardware device to use in place of a mouse and in conjunction with a graphics tablet). I already had Elements version 2.0 on my computer. Adobe Photoshop 7.0 came bundled with some hardware I bought, possibly my WACOM Intuos graphics tablet. BTW that is a good way to end up with free copies of editing software.. watch the ads for which software programs companies are tossing in if you purchase their hardware.. graphics tablets, laser mice, scanners, photo printers, etc. Elements 4.0 is very good for making quick edits, Auto Enhance, etc. And a nice feature of this is you can also get a more detailed editing window if you choose to, where you have emore control over the editing. I think the big difference between Adobe Elements and Corel PSP is that there are more online places to go get free downloads and tutorials and Plug-Ins for Adobe Elements. Also, many of the Adobe Photoshp Plug-Ins will work in Elements. And some of the Plug-Ins from Adobe WILL also work in Corel PSP. There are more books written for the Adobe products, too. An excellent manual for Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0 is "Photoshop Elements 4: the Missing Manual", by Barbara Brundage. This weekend, when I have more free time, I will go thru both my Corel PSP and Adobe Elements programs and give you a better comparison. I learned to Image Edit on JASC Paint Shop Pro so have the most familiarity with it. If you stay behind the latest upgrade by a version, you can get it cheaper once a newer version comes out. And you can buy used software at Amazon.com and eBay. It is almost annoying how fast the companies keep coming up with upgrades for their image editing software. Makes it harder to learn the programs and get a feel for what is where in the layout. Gail R (WNY)

Reads to me that it's mandatory for all new builds.

Las Vegas NV and Roseville CA are two cities offering $50 pool cover gov't rebates. We are happy to be part of the water conservation efforts. Only 200 pools using covers can save up to 3.5 million gallons of water every year (a city tank). The 1/2 pool covers and integrated rolling system is the only thing that works with the freeform odd-shape pools, and smoothly rolls and covers up in just seconds. It pays for itself in extending the life of the cover and saving water. Sun Rings is another product like lilly pads that float on the water, but takes over 10 mins to fish them out of the pool while the rollers work in under 30 seconds, and you can leave the rolls in the pool to stay cool, whereas the Sun Rings stack on your deck like hotcakes (and cook in the sun), plus take up deck space, blow around, etc. But you make up your own mind after seeing the video, and to the contrary you won't see a video long enough to watch someone fish all the Sun Rings out of the pool. Here is a link that might be useful: Watch the video ...