practical mechanical engineering

that's comparable to asking for web resources on "practical home physician"... it might be reasonable to treat your own sprained ankle, but surgery is not advisable.

Similarly, you might be able to design a 4-bar mechanism based on web references, but you might want to avoid high speed machinery....

there are many, many references available, but you're going to need to get much more specific...

F=M*A that covers it. Unless you need the details...

You forgot the all important:

Energy In = Energy Out

Ah-but now we're into Rocket Science...

what about s..t flows downhill?

you can't push on a rope (at least not for long)

E=IR

Hey! knock of the dirty language. This is sci.engr.MECH. Them 'lectric guys got their own group! 8-D

I also heard that you cant polish a turd. is that true?

Well, I'm reading the label on a can of ShinesGood 1200-grit metal polish and it says,

"Suitable for use on metals such as copper, brass, aluminum and mild steel. Not recommended for polishing potatoes, soft clay or turds."

... and here's a bottle of Old Rugby furniture polish:

"May be used for polishing unpainted wood surfaces in and around the home. Avoid using this product to polish turds."

So I dunno. Maybe there's some other type of polish out there that can be used to shine those bad boys...

Scotty