# Putting The Powers Of The SDMB To The Test **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [May 7, 2006, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/putting-the-powers-of-the-sdmb-to-the-test/355715 "2006-05-07T01:10:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2006, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/putting-the-powers-of-the-sdmb-to-the-test/355715/21 "2006-05-07T23:16:40Z")
> [@Hal Briston](#): > > Thanks much for the well wishes, all. Hopefully we’ll hear something today/tomorrow. > Moving on, but staying in Jersey. [The house](http://newjersey.foxtons.com/search?md5=fec94655482d24e1a28e8c444e124e02&search_form=map&search_type=SS&inst_ref=107135&submit_type=search) is in Mount Holly, a town I’ve loved since my days delivering auto parts throughout Central Jersey back in the late 80’s. That town was one of my favorite parts of my route. > > We can safely add my name to the collective. Cool, good luck, I didn’t think any house in NJ had taxes that low anymore. 🙂 What kind of Electrical Panel did it have? Hopefully at least 100 amp with Circuit Breakers. If it is 40 amp or 60 amp with Screw in fuses you could be in for a nightmare. Plumbing I can’t help with, but at least with a full basement it is a lot easier to run new Electric and Plumbing. If I remember, Mount Holly’s is a nice little town, it sounds like you’ll be close enough to take Strolls to the little shops and restaurants. I loved that when I lived in Matawan. Jim {I’ll sacrific a power cord to Big Sparky, patron of Electricians and Electrical work} ---
**Author:** ![ShibbOleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/848f3c/32.png) [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2006, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/putting-the-powers-of-the-sdmb-to-the-test/355715/22 "2006-05-08T00:54:36Z")
While you’re all at it can any of you swing me a flight to Vegas this weekend for less than $300? Thanks in advance! Shibb ---
**Author:** ![Zachlee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Zachlee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zachlee)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2006, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/putting-the-powers-of-the-sdmb-to-the-test/355715/23 "2006-05-08T01:01:19Z")
All the best wishes, Hal, pasture or no. But as an architect who owns a house built in 1904, you should be aware that if it doesn’t happen, it’s the Power of the Dope protecting you from the proverbial ‘Money Pit’. As you noted, if the house lacks proper wiring, has substandard plumbing, or is built over an ancient Druid holy site, the Straight Dope will protect you. ---
**Author:** ![Hal\_Briston](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a9a28c/32.png) [@Hal\_Briston](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hal_Briston)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2006, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/putting-the-powers-of-the-sdmb-to-the-test/355715/24 "2006-05-08T01:05:08Z")
You “convince” the other bidders that it would be in their best interest to withdraw their offers, and we’ll pay for your airfare, **Shibb**. Note: This is a joke. Not serious. To be taken in jest. A completely farcical statement. Ha Ha Ha. Don’t actually break any kneecaps, please. ---
**Author:** ![Hal\_Briston](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a9a28c/32.png) [@Hal\_Briston](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hal_Briston)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2006, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/putting-the-powers-of-the-sdmb-to-the-test/355715/25 "2006-05-08T01:09:49Z")
> [@Zachlee](#): > > But as an architect who owns a house built in 1904, you should be aware that if it doesn’t happen, it’s the Power of the Dope protecting you from the proverbial ‘Money Pit’. Heh…that was our attitude going in to this. “Boy, I hope we get this house. And if we don’t, then boy, it’ll be a good thing we didn’t get that house”. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2006, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/putting-the-powers-of-the-sdmb-to-the-test/355715/26 "2006-05-08T01:24:54Z")
> [@ShibbOleth](#): > > While you’re all at it can any of you swing me a flight to Vegas this weekend for less than $300? > > Thanks in advance! > > Shibb $2.00 gas in Central Arkansas? Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e480ec/32.png) [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Least_Original_User_Name_Ever)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2006, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/putting-the-powers-of-the-sdmb-to-the-test/355715/27 "2006-05-08T01:25:19Z")
Now **Hal** , you realize that you’re asking for a lot with all this. Don’t abuse the Powers. You have been warned. ---
**Author:** ![ShibbOleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/848f3c/32.png) [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2006, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/putting-the-powers-of-the-sdmb-to-the-test/355715/28 "2006-05-08T01:26:33Z")
> [@Hal Briston](#): > > You “convince” the other bidders that it would be in their best interest to withdraw their offers, and we’ll pay for your airfare, **Shibb**. > > Note: This is a joke. Not serious. To be taken in jest. A completely farcical statement. Ha Ha Ha. Don’t actually break any kneecaps, please. You want I should talk to them, Boss? ---
**Author:** ![Smeghead](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f1d935/32.png) [@Smeghead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smeghead)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2006, 6:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/putting-the-powers-of-the-sdmb-to-the-test/355715/29 "2006-05-08T06:49:09Z")
> [@ShibbOleth](#): > > You want I should talk to them, Boss? Now, I ain’t sayin’ I know a guy, but I just might know a guy who knows a guy who knows a guy, you know? ---
**Author:** ![ShibbOleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/848f3c/32.png) [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2006, 12:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/putting-the-powers-of-the-sdmb-to-the-test/355715/30 "2006-05-08T12:26:55Z")
> [@Smeghead](#): > > Now, I ain’t sayin’ I know a guy, but I just might know a guy who knows a guy who knows a guy, you know? Right. I’m on it. ---
**Author:** ![ShibbOleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/848f3c/32.png) [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2006, 12:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/putting-the-powers-of-the-sdmb-to-the-test/355715/31 "2006-05-08T12:39:59Z")
> [@Smeghead](#): > > Now, I ain’t sayin’ I know a guy, but I just might know a guy who knows a guy who knows a guy, you know? Right. I’m on it. ---
**Author:** ![Oy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/bc8723/32.png) [@Oy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oy)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2006, 12:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/putting-the-powers-of-the-sdmb-to-the-test/355715/32 "2006-05-08T12:58:32Z")
> [@What Exit?](#): > > What kind of Electrical Panel did it have? Hopefully at least 100 amp with Circuit Breakers. If it is 40 amp or 60 amp with Screw in fuses you could be in for a nightmare. Plumbing I can’t help with, but at least with a full basement it is a lot easier to run new Electric and Plumbing. > > Jim {I’ll sacrific a power cord to Big Sparky, patron of Electricians and Electrical work} **Hal** , if you get the place and it does need electrical work, I have an electrician up here in Trenton who does good work in a timely and reasonable manner, difficult as it is to believe! Mt. Holly isn’t very far; it wouldn’t surprise me if he’d be willing to take a job there. E-Mail me if you find you want this - I won’t necessarily see it in here. ---
**Author:** ![ShibbOleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/848f3c/32.png) [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2006, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/putting-the-powers-of-the-sdmb-to-the-test/355715/33 "2006-05-08T13:05:02Z")
Ahem, as for my flight prices, they are staying static. I need you people to **focus**! ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2006, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/putting-the-powers-of-the-sdmb-to-the-test/355715/34 "2006-05-08T14:03:21Z")
> [@ShibbOleth](#): > > Ahem, as for my flight prices, they are staying static. I need you people to **focus**! Gas, folks, gas! ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2006, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/putting-the-powers-of-the-sdmb-to-the-test/355715/35 "2006-05-08T14:17:21Z")
> [@ShibbOleth](#): > > Ahem, as for my flight prices, they are staying static. I need you people to **focus**! Hal, Mrs. Hal & I already **Focus**. We all drive Ford Foci. {I just like getting to write Ford Foci} Jim ---
**Author:** ![ShibbOleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/848f3c/32.png) [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2006, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/putting-the-powers-of-the-sdmb-to-the-test/355715/36 "2006-05-08T14:36:30Z")
Ok, we’re getting closer. I can get a flight to LAX for the low 300s but then I need to drive or otherwise hie myself out to Las Vegas. Keep working on this folks, bachelor parties of very close friends only happen once, hopefully. ---
**Author:** ![Oy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/bc8723/32.png) [@Oy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oy)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2006, 12:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/putting-the-powers-of-the-sdmb-to-the-test/355715/37 "2006-05-09T12:52:07Z")
> [@ShibbOleth](#): > > Ok, we’re getting closer. I can get a flight to LAX for the low 300s but then I need to drive or otherwise hie myself out to Las Vegas. Keep working on this folks, bachelor parties of very close friends only happen once, hopefully. That’s strange. I flew to LV in early April and paid about $200 round trip from Philly. Things have gone that high in a month? Where do you live? ---
**Author:** ![ShibbOleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/848f3c/32.png) [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2006, 12:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/putting-the-powers-of-the-sdmb-to-the-test/355715/38 "2006-05-09T12:52:41Z")
I got impatient, and booked for $412 (including taxes). It’s more or less the times I needed, but now I have to drive down to Sarasota to catch my flight. ---
**Author:** ![ShibbOleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/848f3c/32.png) [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2006, 12:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/putting-the-powers-of-the-sdmb-to-the-test/355715/39 "2006-05-09T12:53:48Z")
> [@Oy!](#): > > That’s strange. I flew to LV in early April and paid about $200 round trip from Philly. Things have gone that high in a month? Where do you live? Nice simulpost. You probably booked in advance and not the week of the trip. And you can usually find better deals from big East Coast cities because of the competition. ---
**Author:** ![Oy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/bc8723/32.png) [@Oy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oy)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2006, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/putting-the-powers-of-the-sdmb-to-the-test/355715/40 "2006-05-09T12:55:02Z")
> [@ShibbOleth](#): > > Nice simulpost. > > You probably booked in advance and not the week of the trip. And you can usually find better deals from big East Coast cities because of the competition. Ah. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/putting-the-powers-of-the-sdmb-to-the-test/355715.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/putting-the-powers-of-the-sdmb-to-the-test/355715.md?page=3)