Batons Nightsticks and Billy Clubs... =)

[@Drew_86]

Am I the only one that got a chuckle out of the usual, "Remember what this project looked like before we started..." and there is a picture of a turning square?

[@markrandall1456]

A beatnik ringing a bell. Now I’ve seen everything. Truckers make those items to check their tires. They keep them “handy” in case a situation arises that they need to jump out and check the tires real quick. Lol From the quarantined banks of the Underwood Branch, thanks for the fun. 🤠

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hi Mark! They call them Thumpers! =D

[@Resto-Rob]

Beatings will continue, until Morale improves! Great show! That billy club is beautiful! Love that wood. The baseball bat reminds me of that movie "Warriors".👍

[@ScoutCrafter]

Robert Foust Resto-Rob Remember watching that movie as a kid... We would chant “Warriors come out and play-eaee”. 😂😂😂

[@357magdad]

That's a nice piece of wood! Looks like you might have enough left over for a little awl or something similar.

[@zackmerritt2408]

i’d love to see what you could do with such a nice lil scrap as well! @357magdad

[@davidharris6581]

Or a set of pistol or knife blanks.

[@seanshields86]

That's so awesome, my grandfather was also a police officer for a number of years, he had a couple of these as well, unfortunately my aunt cleaned his house out before o could get there.. tossed his bully clubs, his badge, all his tools, everything in the trash..I would love to make one of these too, but as of yet I don't have a lathe! Love this!

[@richardross7219]

"If it's for free, it's for me" has always been my motto. Very nice job. Good Luck to Us All, Rick

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Nice story of the night sticks. Very nice Billy , I like the wood choice, beautiful.

[@jasonm8522]

Scout, as an LEO this has been my favorite video thus far. I’ve always loved your videos but even more so now as to keep the mind off current events. Thank you for your service and the service of your grandfather. Please take care and be safe. Regards, J

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hey Jason thanks so much! I'll be so glad when this crap is over! =D

[@chrisseats]

Nice turning. Love the creative idea for the lanyard too!

[@rawbacon]

That's really interesting that they had serial numbers on those sticks. The lanyard plug was a neat idea. We used to get our steel shipments in from all over the world, sometimes i would bring some of that dunnage wood home, you could find some neat stuff in there. One time I got a rash all over my arms and really irritated my lungs and sinuses though, gotta be careful with those woods for sure.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Me too! I was turning something exotic and was sneezing for an hour! LOL

[@62forged]

You're a man of many talents. Usual, I watch you working with metal.

[@kenny8351]

Growing up in the 70's, the police were respected. Just seeing the nightstick made you want to steer clear.

[@Generic_Username_0331]

You made a great billy club. My grandfather was in the LAPD and when he passed I got 2 of his night sticks. Unfortunately my German Shepard teethed on the handles when he was a pup. They have some extra character to them now.

[@krtgiroto]

Nice one John, I've worked a little today in my birdhouse, never made one before and it's really calming to use a chisel in a piece of wood! I'm looking forward to the date well show them off. Take care and stay indoors as much as possible my friend. I'm a lorry driver here in the UK so I'm still working.

[@ScoutCrafter]

I'm so glad you got time to work on it... There is nothing better to get your mind off the craziness then some good old shop time!!!! Thanks!!

[@tfknauss]

Well done, you sure have great talent and knowledge. Thanks for sharing the history too John.

[@tommiller5014]

Speaking of baseball bats, we lost a great one today. Al Kaline the great Tigers hitter passed away. Bobby Mitchell yesterday and Tom Dempsey the day before. It's been a tough year. Enjoyed the club you made. Reminds me of my father-in-law who was a cop in our town for many years. He had some great stories unfit to print and you were correct that they commanded respect. I could see Charlie using a club like that with impunity!!

[@InformationIsTheEdge]

That billy club you made is SWEET! Perfect for crowds and close-quarter work. Oh, and keeping you busy during quarantine. Of course.

[@stevewalker7822]

Really enjoyed this build. Very unique wood and beautiful.

[@ronsbeerreviewstools4361]

A very informative and entertaining video. Good job on the billy club. I was a Special Police Officer for a short whilewhen I first got out of the Army, and I carried a short black billy club. Stay safe in these Corona Virus times.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hi Ron- The MP nightsticks were nicely shaped.... Thanks!

[@805ROADKING]

Great stuff Bud!! That club came out beautiful, Grandpa would be proud of ya!! I use to collect "Game Used Bats", still have about 100 of them!! I even toured the L. Slugger factory and had one made with my name on it!!☺

[@ScoutCrafter]

Wow!!!!!! King I sure hope this crap is over by Jacktown time.... Looking forward to seeing you there!!!!

[@billlink7116]

It's interesting how a subject so simple brings back memories - like the mini bats you'd get at the baseball stadium or Cooperstown. How about the old stickball bats? Memories - thanks as always.

[@misc771]

I always wanted a nightstick. I never bothered finding one. I got my hands on a 6 D-cell Maglite instead. In my younger days I used to carry a baseball bat in the trunk of my car. ....just in case I happened to pass by game and wanted to join in. ....Well that's my story at least, and I'm sticking to it!

[@ScoutCrafter]

Those big mag lights were CLUBS!! =D

[@johnmclaurin]

Boy, Scout, if my Father had that club handy when I was a kid, I would have had recurring brain damage! Beautiful job!

[@AaronBelknap]

That turned out beautiful! We use Nunchakus where I worked. Very effective tool. What a great tribute to your grandpa. Thank you and stay healthy!

[@ScoutCrafter]

Aaron Years back I made a bunch out of PVC and covered them with foam pipe insulation and let the scouts have fun- I remember a couple parents were like 😳

[@AaronBelknap]

@@ScoutCrafter Good clean fun! We were one of a couple of agencies in CA to use them. A lot of lawsuits from those things. We never abused them, they are a great control tool. An extension of ones hands really. You won't believe a big tough guy crying like a baby when we wrapped them around they're ankles with a little pressure. Great CQB tool.

[@bj383ss]

"Young Scoutcrafter" We need more. :D

[@uktony1525]

As I am sure you know, most UK police are unarmed. Before police got issued with extending batons in the early 1990s then they carried wooden truncheons. If you were a plain clothes officer or an inspector then you would be issued with a shorter version around 13 & 1/2 inches long similar to yours. Women Police Constables (WPCs) got a very short wooden truncheon to carry in their handbags. It is true about the respect we had as youngsters to the police (and teachers, fire fighters, ambulance men etc), now sadly gone. Great video as always.

[@garageshopminnesota]

You're a true craftsman and thank you for this video as it took my worries away for a few minutes. Great work!

[@ScoutCrafter]

Thanks so much!!!!!!

[@stevef8993]

Beautiful piece of wood and great turning project!! Now you need someone to test it on.😉

[@johnkelley9877]

What a great project! It looks fantastic. Thanks for sharing this and the history behind making it.

[@TomGunnTools]

Really nice work! Came out great. God bless the NYPD

[@ScoutCrafter]

That is a super hard and thankless job!

[@Marcel_Germann]

That was the nice type of baton. In Germany, for a long period of time, they used batons completely made of hard rubber. But now they're put out of service. The reason for that was that the impact was increased by the rubber, so much that if you do the reflex of protecting yourself with your arm, it could break your arm. Sometimes even causing splintered fractures. Now they use rubber coated wood instead or these modern telescope ones, some units here use also Tonfas.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Wow- Who would have thought the rubber ones were worse!!! Very interesting!

[@Marcel_Germann]

@@ScoutCrafter My great grandfather is my personal hero. He fought in WW1 as a soldier, was also decorated with the "Verwundetenabzeichen" (german counterpart of the purple heart), and they drafted him again in 1944 when he was already over 50 years old. But the butchers guild (he was a master butcher and had his own store) demanded to the military that his presence was important, so he was sent back and had to do an alternative service as a police officer in the city of the county seat. There he was a regular police officer walking the streets. And now for the reason he became my hero: One time the police had caught an allied bomber crew which aircraft was shot down by anti-aircraft guns and they were able to get out of the plane with their parachutes. The people of the town were so upset about this, they wanted to lynch them. In some places arround the people there already did this, they hanged them on the street lights. But not in this case, my great grandfather was on duty. He pulled his P08 (Luger) from his holster, shot into the air, and asked the crowd: Do you want the enemy do this to our boys too if they got shot down?? After this short speech the crowd dissolved. He was a man who had seen the evil face of war twice! And he stood up against the crowd.

[@paulsworkshop4179]

That is very cool. Turning looks like a lot of fun. I remember those night sticks from when I was a kid. I think the cops in my town carried the style with a side handle. I know those were sometimes referred to as "attention getters" and "hearing aids" as well. I always thought cops had the coolest stuff on their belts when I was a kid. A revolver, radio, handcuffs, flashlight, knife, nightstick, pepper spray, etc. Keep up the good work.

[@ItsAlwaysRusty]

Your Grandfather would be proud.. Great job. Cocobolo was the wood I remember the sticks being made of.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Yes! Cocobolo is such a nice wood! Turns beautifully... I want to make one from Ebony! =D

[@stephenbridges2791]

Good save. Damn shame about that knot being in there. I'm glad you mentioned about certain woods being toxic. One of the gunstock woods, can't remember which one; either Goncalo Alves or Cocobolo, is highly toxic when worked. Maybe Cocobolo. Wished I could remember, but; I can't. Used to, when something like that knot happened; it would just get all over me. Hopefully, I've outgrown that; most likely not though. ;-)

[@davidcoats1037]

I really like how you did the lanyard on your billy club. I have a collection of those too. I can’t believe someone threw that bat away! They go for top dollar around here. Take care. 👍🏼

[@zackmerritt2408]

what a great video. one of my favorites yet. I enjoyed the stories about your grandfather. I’m enjoying these lathe projects you’ve been doing lately. Young Scout Crafter with the Goatee was interesting as well😂 Great Video!

[@ScoutCrafter]

Thanks Zack!!!!!

[@tonyholt90]

That was excellent 👍 We even got to see a before and after of you LOL

[@lotsatrains]

Really nice project, I never get tired of seeing wood turning like that it’s a great skill you have there, I would like to try that myself one of these days and get a wood lathe. Keep safe, Ken

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hi Ken! So much easier then it looks! You will love it!

[@scotthaddad563]

Nice project! It would be recognized by a boat fisherman as a “fish or shark Billy” I had a similar one when I had my little offshore boat.

[@aroundthehousewithpat31]

That was a time when Police Officers were respected. Such a shame how times have changed. Here in Philly when I was a kid if you were told to move and you didn’t they would load us in a wagon and drive us miles away from home and we would have to walk back. Could you imagine if they did that today.

[@esmpo1]

I still have my day billy that I was issued in the academy back in 95. The department phased them out on 97 or 98. They were short but effective and made of a durable rubber.

[@ScoutCrafter]

There is something alluring about a baton... They go all the way back to Egyptian times! Thanks!

[@billlink7116]

I remember how the neighborhood policeman in Brooklyn would walk down the block spinning his nightstick around and around. He made it look so easy. The good old days.

[@joeheilm]

Very cool! That delrin lanyard holder looks great. Cheers

[@grilnam9945]

Started my police career with wooden truncheon, thankfully moved onto the ASP very soon after that, and rigid handcuffs too.

[@ScoutCrafter]

I have a bunch of handcuffs but never the rigid type! Very cool!!!!!!

[@Eggplant_Aubergine]

There's something extremely satisfying about using up a piece of wood or other materials that have been hanging around for years.

[@ScoutCrafter]

You are so right about that!

[@surfstrat59]

My Uncle Clyde worked for the Trenton P.D., fixing their radios. The cops gave him a nightstick...it was long, thick, solid maple and had a leather wrist-thong. It was an impressive piece of wood and he was an impressive guy...True Tales! 🇺🇸🧰🧯🧼👍🏻

[@ScoutCrafter]

Mike- I think they called them "Blond" sticks.... Officer John Baker (Larry Wilcox) from CHIPS carried one I believe! =D

[@JamesManCave]

Great job on this one, I really enjoyed this video. Nice to see your grandfather's old collection. 👍

[@saigaking]

Wow a younger scout with the goatie beard 🧔 great piece of history there with the billy clubs It was a pain about the knot but man that club came up great I bet it feels great in the hand I could imagine a nice piece of ebony would look great made up like that great video scout Thanks so much for sharing god bless take care 😷🇺🇸🇳🇿🙏👏👍

[@ScoutCrafter]

Matt- I was thinking the same thing! Ebony or Cocobolo... =D

[@davidchristensen6908]

In Oregon we are on week 3 of the lockdown with at least 3 more weeks to go. I have to say it really looks like our curve has been flattened to the point our hospital system will be. Able to manage with little outside help. That was the goal I do believe. By the end of this month it seems we need to let some places restart back up. It will take time for the economy to move and we have to start. Thank your your video I wish everyone well that subscribed to this channel. This channel has become an important part of life these days.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hi David- I hope this thing fades away and gives us time to find a vaccine that won't kill us! =) Thanks!

[@lotsabirds]

I remember the nightsticks. Cop on the corner had one. South 3rd and Berry St. In Williamsburg, brooklyn ! I dont know if it was before your time but "Officer" Joe Bolton had one on TV on the Three Stooges Show. Police were really good at swinging those sticks around. I've seen them in use too. Great video....great memories ! Billy Club and Billy Junior !!

[@ScoutCrafter]

Bill- Years ago being a police officer was no joke! =D

[@ChuckInOregon]

In Alaska we called them “fish bonkers” and every fisherman had his favorite.

[@MadStiles]

Super cool stuff buddy!! My stepfather had a leather one with lead in it. I can only speculate why lol Thanks for the video!!

[@ScoutCrafter]

Jim- I think that's called a BlackJack! =D Deadly! Thanks!!!!!!!

[@MadStiles]

@@ScoutCrafter oh yeah!!

[@alexstools]

Great project. I'm working on my second birdhouse now, I had two ideas for a while so this is time to do it I guess. To be really honest I like all the being home, you can guess my diagnose.. But however it would be much better for me and the world to be able to pick back up. Let's hope soon!

[@TheSuperwrenchGarage]

Man that is a great little club....it turned out great 👍

[@davidgibson9866]

Too scary outside to go anywhere except the the scout crafters cellar 👍🏻

[@jmquez]

Super awesome!! Love the smaller size, might try it with some hickory I have

[@reynaldovalle1773]

WOW great job GODBLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND EVERYONE. 👍👍👍👍

[@Edinboron]

That's nice piece of work! My understanding was that would have poured molten lead into that hole give it some extra weight. Also, the purpose of twirling the night stick was to prevent someone from trying to come up behind you.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Steve! I think you are right! That's why the plug!

[@budddyrda]

That came out great John! Thanks for continuing to put out content well we are all stuck inside. We all appreciate it!

[@ScoutCrafter]

Buddy- "Captive audience" LOL Thanks!

[@joeframer9642]

I Like the awl idea...cool video as always 👍🇺🇸

[@alobaidibaghdad]

Great wood turning, may be we should have more frequent videos

[@joenadeau4419]

Thanks for doing this, nicely done.

[@stevesteves8915]

So, you didn't consider filling that knot with epoxy and then carrying on? That looks really nice wood!

[@ScoutCrafter]

Steve The funny thing is that if I was in a proper state of mind I would have used the section of wood with no knot! I goofed when cutting!

[@toolrestoration]

@@ScoutCrafter stir crazy thats what it is !!

[@wyattoneable]

I liked hearing the history of the batons.

[@leebrewer1190]

Definitely a unique before and after. Typically a restored tool will go back to looking like the "before" state if used or set aside in bad storage conditions. So does this mean I better go find my stored clubs and see if they are back to being 4X4s yet? Beautiful wood - thanks for a great 12+ minutes again John!👍🏻

[@Russ0107]

Bro I could watch your videos forever!

[@rossandersen942]

Some guys would melt lead and pour into the tip for some extra mass. Cool build.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Ross I think that's the way they used to do it...

[@texasj49]

Billy would be proud! :-) Nice work. ~Jeff

[@Mcphilsmith]

Always a good day when you can fire up the lathe and get something finished the same day.

[@ScoutCrafter]

I love one day projects, my attention span is shrinking! LOL Thanks!

[@johnpossum556]

Nice club. You can burn in those black marks like the original with a piece of picture hanging cable. Just carefully pull it taut in the groove bottoms until you see it start to smoke. Very old school technique but very instantly rewarding.

[@DerekDaly92]

Thanks mishmosh Monday, lost my factory job today, of 4 years at a factory at Champion Moyer diebel in Jordan Ontario, I was shocked, due to covid 19, the economic downturn, I was an electrical engineer at their lab, it was an awesome job, I restored our vice using the bench grinder and the belt sanders in the grind shop, repainted it nice, I left my mark atleast, 4 weeks salary pay to find another job and I’m eligible to the 2000$ a month, which is only a 400$ a month loss

[@ScoutCrafter]

Derek- I have found that often the things that happened to me that I thought was a tragedy turned out to be blessings... Once this is over the job markets are going to boom again and there will be lots of jobs available.. Thank God you have some cash income to hold you over!!!!!!

[@DerekDaly92]

ScoutCrafter honestly scout I’ll be fine, it’s just depressing the factory is nice and I like it, lots of guys got laid off doesn’t look good for our company, I most likely won’t be able to return it’s sad, oh well it’s time to spend with the kids, just bought a house so I’ll be able to work on my new basement shop. Thanks for the blessing. God bless you scout

[@alanr4263]

Mosh it up Mondays.always great videos.Love the crack of a wooden bat.

[@2dividedby3equals666]

Despite not being exactly what you had originally planned, the billy club turned out awesome!! I wonder if you could have filled the part with the knot with epoxy resin and finish it as you planned? Great show John, take care!!

[@bigmikeh5827]

Good ta see ya my friend. Pretty cool about your grandad. History of those “attitude adjusters” would be something to hear. Sent ya an email. If ya get a chance. Stay safe. Looking forward to the next one Btw. The stuff on the wood blank is so it can be imported. Has to be sealed so no invasive species can infiltrate. From moving all over the world Curtesy of our rich uncle I discovered this rule.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Wow! That is amazing! I never knew that Mike! Thanks!!!!!!

[@waynemiracle8928]

I have a home made billy club I made form a banister from a old house that was being demolished. I carried in my car for protection for many years. Thankfully I never had to use it. It was a perfect size. I would send you a picture of it if I could only find it? 😀

[@johnduff6436]

Very nice work indeed. Late to the party today, out mowing until dark. Don't worry, practiced "Social Distancing."

[@ScoutCrafter]

I love mowing as the sun goes down...

[@terryw.milburn8565]

Wow, Scout Crafter, Awesome Job On The " Noggin Whacker " ! Stay Safe & Well, Friend ! ATB T God Bless

[@frankg3072]

I would put that billy club under the seat of your car and use it as an equalizer. That’s what I used to do!

[@ScoutCrafter]

Frank In the 70’s we all had something in the car! 😂😂😂

[@AmericanCoinHunting]

That club is short enough to be called a "Morning stick"

[@ScoutCrafter]

LOL Excellent Dave!

[@mealex303]

"Ooh maaan" 🤔ummm dude,, I feel bats are a real sore subject to be talking about right now don't you LoL

[@MadStiles]

haha

[@MeanJohnDean]

I have my great grandfather's "day" club. It's a beauty.

[@ScoutCrafter]

They are so nice aren't they?! Thanks!

[@lordvengerx]

That Louisville would make a nice Luicelle lol. Glad all went well during the weekend. You stay safe there Scout. Thanks so much :3. You need one of those extending night sticks lol :P

[@jayhiz3514]

Lol, had me going. I was like, Wow! He had a great weekend.. then carpet drom under the feet

[@ScoutCrafter]

LOL- I haven't seen my GF in over 5 weeks!

[@jayhiz3514]

@@ScoutCrafter Im sorry to hear that. Im in the AF and ive been working non stop. Your videos are a welcome break from my day. Keep up the great videos, you have a great since of humor

[@planejet42]

Nice job! That old video of you was funny! I like the goatee!

[@douglasbaker3344]

beautiful tune up stick akela you could have filled knot with epoxy resin and sawdust stay well Godbless

[@gaelyonnet557]

I was about to write exactly that: “sawdust and epoxy” but looked down at the comments before leaving my own, and... BINGO! 😆

[@TJB1510]

THIS IS A WHOLE DIFFERENT VIDEO AT 0.5 PLAY BACK SPEED.......laughing my ass off.

[@TJB1510]

GREAT TIRE THUMPER

[@2012Guardian]

Reminds me of the days as a Pacific Fleet Sailor doing Shore Patrol with the Billy Club, white w/Black Handle. Still have it and thinking now it should be renewed and paint removed.

[@nickh2519]

Definitely the look of a Scoutcrafter antecedent in that traffic policeman photo

[@artsietopology]

The NYPD beat officer had a reputation of keeping everyone out of trouble in a friendly manner. Now down In Los Angeles in the old days they had a different reputation. That billy club would have had a hole twice the diameter that you put in yours and forget the steel. They'd have lead in there. LOL. - Kathie

[@reggiefaggart196]

Do you ever run across any metal paint stir sticks? I found two that belonged to my father a long time painter, one is from Montgomery Ward.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Not many here, I might have one but mostly wood and a few plastic... I bet the metal one is cool!!!!

[@mikehendrix6558]

Why didn't you fill the knot with epoxy?

[@cjc1216]

Hey wait a minute i saw a little bit of red near the Louisville slugger stamp, maybe thats why it was in the garbage, dont go and get yourself implicated by trash picking a murder weapon scout 😂 just kiddin around, great bat scout thanks for the help passing the time.

[@peebee143]

Great little club, would make an excellent angler's 'priest'.

[@lotsatrains]

peebee143 exactly what I was thinking, I guess great minds think alike.

[@1978garfield]

Never understood that name. Are you beating a confession out of the fish? administering last rites?

[@Traderjoe]

I am a huge fan of blunt force implements!

[@tombob671]

Very nice baton. It's ready for deployment to adjust attitudes😜

[@bobjoncas2814]

..the night stick was used for tuning up the bad guys...lol..great vid...keep safe..

[@ScoutCrafter]

LOL Tuning up and wood shampoo... Love those expressions!

[@bobjoncas2814]

@@ScoutCrafter ...heh,heh,heh...

[@johnpatrickcryan9444]

My older brother used to drill a 1/2 inch hole in the barrel of a 36" bat and pour lead in it about, about 6 to 8 Oz's and he plugged it perfect (matched the grain and all) he used it because we never had a dounut, I used to bring it to school when we played softball, I tore covers off balls, egg shaped balls, just destroyed em, the couch too a look at the bat he couldn't tell it was loaded, my Da couldn't understand where all the lead was going,( we used to make lead soldgers in the winter) hahahaha. The mounted cops in the park had nite sticks that we're 42" long, we called them the Cosacks....

[@ScoutCrafter]

Wow! The Pro's filled bats with Calk for a faster swing, the lead bats must have been awesome!

[@highdownmartin]

Lovely job. Shame that knot spoiled mk1 version. Turning wood is a lovely thing.

[@lewiemcneely9143]

Wonder how many 'Johnny Clubs' there were or were you a good kid. No Lew clubs. NIONE! Glad Smiley is geared up. Toots went on a grub run and says things are insane in town. I'll stay holed up here. Thanks, John CS! Remain calm! I'm about half a step from a coma!

[@ScoutCrafter]

Lewie McNeely 😂😂😂. Hang in there Lewie!

[@lewiemcneely9143]

@@ScoutCrafter Hanging, Buddy!

[@robinhoff4598]

There some potential legal issues with a civilian having a billy club, but I make fish knockers and also tire whackers for checking the inflation on the inside duals on my RV. You can even wood burn fish knocker on it so there is no question. I have a couple in my RV and in my shop near the fishing gear. I have used the exotic woods but mostly I use hard maple. Speaking of craziness now would be good time to start seriously packing up for the move up state. You have a large following of tool junkies and I bet a reservoir of former scouts that could assist with the actual move. If I wasn’t on the wrong coast I’d head the list of volunteers. So, put on your First Sergeant’s head gear, form them up and move em out . What a great video that would be...A long line of pick up trucks headed North. What time is first formation;? LOL. /s/. SFC Hoff. US Army (ret.)

[@ScoutCrafter]

Here in NYC everything is illegal! LOL I will be so glad when this crap blows over so things can get back to normal... I really miss my steam engine and tractor shows! LOL As for the move, I am going to get a big company to come over here and just do it all... I'll pay but I am not making a hundred trips, those days are over. =) Thanks!!!!!!!