Gary Stapp Weblog

*** LET'S TALK TOILETS ***12-27-09

Now that you've all learned who invented the first flushable toilet, "Thomas Crapper" let's talk about them, and some things you might not know. You probably know they come in a lot of different colors and shapes, but did you know they come in different heights? Now you might not think that makes any difference .... especially if you are younger and healthier or shorter than the average person .... but if you are taller, heavier, have a knee, leg, back or arthritis problem ..... or are a senior with other problems .... you won't believe the difference a couple of inches in height can make. Get something that is a couple inches thick and put it on top of the toilet (with the lid down of course) and then sit down. You'll find it a whole lot easier than having to bend down two more inches. The average "john" (and no, I don't know where that term came from) is about 15" high and tall ones are about 17.5" high .... Not much, but enough to make a world of difference to some folks. The cost ..... ? Like anything, you can get as fancy and expensive as you like, but on the average they cost about $150 for a nice one and about the same $150 to have it delivered and set up ..... Well worth the price. I guarantee you, life will get a little easier

*** WARNING - DO NOT FLUSH ***

Never flush a toilet when the water level is higher than it usually is. If a toilet is plugged, it's human nature to try and flush it again to see if it'll UNCLOG. You grab the handle and NO - WAIT . Don't do that. Let the water level in the bowl recede to normal first or you'll be sorrryyy.

*** WASHINGTON'S "LEMON LAW" ***

We've all heard about a LEMON LAW, but I'll bet no one actually knows what or when a car is considered a "lemon" and can actually force the dealer to take it back and give you a refund. Well, I'm going to educate you right now. The Washington State Legislature has recognized that a defectivenew motor vehicle is likely to create hardship or even cause injury to the consumer. Some motor vehicles covered under Washington's lemon law are cars, trucks, suv's and motorcyles. Some not covered are buses, trucks with a GVW of 19,000 lbs or more, living portions of motor homes and vehicles in fleets of 10 or more. To be eligible you must have bought/leased and registered your vehicle in Washington State and within the first two years or 24,000 miles of purchase (whichever occurs first) your vehicle has (1) had at least two attempts to repair a serious safety defect and the defect still exists, or (2) had at least four attempts to repair a defect and the defect still exists, or (3) been out of service for at least 30 days. If you win your Washington State lemon law case, the manufacturer must, at your option: (1) replace your vehicle with an identical or reasonably comparable model, or (2) accept the return of your vehicle and refund full purchase price (Plus all collateral charges and incidental costs) less a reasonable allowance for your use. Lemon laws are very complicated and each state is different. If you are having problems, you may want to consult an attorney. Buying a NEW or used car under 24 month's old may also qualify. Returning to the dealer without results 3 times may also qualify instead of 4. You work hard all your life and you are probably not going to buy more than 2 or 3 new cars in your lifetime so just remember, you don't have to buy someone else's mistake.

***LES SCHWAB FIXES SEARS' TIRES ***

I've personally purchased tires from Les Schwab (across the street from Sears Tire Center on 148th Ave) and always got great deals, great tires and great service so why did the wife and I purchase our last set for our SUV from Sears? Who knows. Maybe the wife stopped by for a battery check, or saw an ad she thought was too good to be true. Whatever the reason, we purchased the tires at Sears (even though I probably could have gotten a better deal at Les Schwab across the street). A few months later, on our way back from Snoqualarnie Pass, we picked up a piece of broken snow chain link in one of our new tires, but didn't notice it until the next morning when it was almost flat. I called Sears and told them my dilema. I was then told that it was A ROAD HAZZARD and I had not purchased any "roadhazzard insurance" from Sears when I purchased the new tires. I was then told "they would charge me $22.00 for fixing the flat on their new tire" soooo I took the SUV across the street where Les Schwab (knowing I had just purchased the tires from Sears) fixed my tire for me for FREE. Now I like Sears and shop Sears a lot, but I learned a good lesson from this experience. From now on we'll buy ..... shirts and socks from Sears ..... and tires from Les Schwab.