Ryan R

When I was in junior high school,  our class studied BASIC. Our assignment was to write a program that would make a Christmas tree. One of our more ambitious classmates actually wrote a program, in full color, of a green tree with a brown trunk. It rose up and then sank down again. He had the best one, naturally. I doubt he wrote the program in BASIC. The year was about 1985. 

Anyone seen it? It's an odd moment.

I'm in a bind with nowhere to turn. Last month my truck broke down and I had to tow it home. Consequently, I had no way to get to my job. I worked as a temporary at a construction site. My stepfather said he would not let anyone drive me to work. I had to quit the job. So now I'm stuck at home, unemployed, lonely and depressed. There are few work opportunities around me. What is available is minimum wage and mostly part-time. I don't have a lot of college so many jobs are out of my reach.

What makes it worse is my stepfather. He is great as long as he's working. If he isn't, he can be very moody and difficult. He'll start complaining about everything, especially me. He has no use for people that don't work. He has little use for me, regardless.

I've been kicked out before but I always end up returning home. I really have nowhere to go if I'm kicked out again.

I'm too old for the military. I can't afford college. I don't enjoy mosquitoes so joining the Peace Corps doesn't thrill me.

What am I going to do?

I was on my way home, it was a hot day, and I was stuck in traffic. I heard a rumbling noise. I pulled over and popped the hood. The water in the reservoir was boiling and there was water streaming out near the radiator cap. I let it cool down, opened the cap, and refilled the radiator. I got in and began driving. I was almost home and I heard a knocking. The more I pressed the accelerator, the more knocking that I heard. And I was losing power. I pulled over and my engine died. I popped the hood again, and saw smoke and steam. The pressure had blown off the radiator cap and the cover on my reservoir. The inside of the hood was dripping wet, soaked by a stream of super-heated water. I had to have it towed home.

I had a similar incident a few weeks prior. I made it to my job, but a great deal of water gushed out and it made a grinding sound. I checked it during my lunch hour. That's when I noticed that the line running from the radiator cap back to the reservoir had popped loose and was wrapped around the axle of the fan. It was an easy fix. My coworkers used some wire to secure the line after I reattached it.

My stepfather says the engine is locked up and I might as well sell it for scrap. It's a 2001 model with many miles and I think the price of repair is more than my truck is worth.

I live in Texas. In 2006, I was arrested in Dallas for soliciting an undercover cop dressed as a prostitute. It was my first ever arrest. I appeared before the judge with my court-appointed attorney and pleaded no contest. I was given probation and deferred adjudication. I was also told that my record would be clean after five years. It isn't. I was interested in asking for a pardon, but not enough time has passed. I could get the arrest record expunged, but I'd have to hire an attorney. I don't have money for that nor do I want to spend any more time in Dallas doing something that I ought to be able to do from home via the internet. Anyone have some guidance for me?

I'm trying to understand why I'm so unpopular on internet dating sites. I think my photos are holding me back. I'm a nice guy and I'm not hideous. If my pics are a turnoff, who can help me get better ones? I don't have a camera or even a cell phone.

What, if anything, is found between galaxies? Is it just a massive vacuum, or could there be a stray planetoid or other curious object?

I have a 2001 Ford Ranger ( automatic trans,V6, 3.0 liter). It won't start. My stepdad thinks the fuel pump needs to be replaced. It's the original fuel pump, so he's probably right. How can I be certain? If I buy a pump ($200), what can I expect to pay to have it installed?

I own a 2001 Ford Ranger. It won't stay charged unless the engine is running. The battery is fine; if you disconnect it, it stays charged. So what is it?

I'm looking at being without a place to stay if I don't find a job (and I have tried so hard). My stepdad is a real tyrant. I have no family willing to take me in. I'm too old for the military. I've already spent time in a shelter and don't want to do that again. I don't have a vehicle anymore. I'm not a felon. Anyplace I can go (please don't say join the Peace Corps)?