In a message dated 11/13/2003 10:03:21 AM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
Ok, I'll ask before Ruth does. What is rat pumping?  I don't think we do that
down here in the south, maybe we do though under a different name.
Also, what are unions?  I don't think we do that either
Mitch,

Rat pumping refers to the giant (15' high, +/-) inflatable rat the the
construction unions (particularly the laborers) set up on sites where non-union
construction workers are employed, generally at the beginning of a project.  In
addition to the rat, they have a bunch of picketing laborers who march around in
circles (or ovals) chanting about how they're being oppressed.  This usually
goes on for a couple of weeks, until the guys get bored, or somebody gets paid
off, or somebody's balls get broken enough.

As for unions, we understood that plumbing was not as universal Down South as
it is Up Nawth, but one would have thought you guys at least had access to,
or at least technical knowledge of, the various fittings.

Ralph