Covid19 Spare time

Donstar · March 24, 2021

15 minutes ago, OnTheReel said:

When everyone and everything is racist, then nothing is. Throwing the term around willy nilly diminishes the meaning of it down to nothing. And frankly it’s insulting for the victims of true discrimination throughout history. We cannot put someone pretending to be offended by a Dr. Seuss book on the same plane as someone who had to drink from a separate water fountain, or much worse.

Also, you do no minority any favors by going along with the “everything is racist nonsense”. How exactly does making every black person feel like a permanent victim help them in the long run? If someone is raised to feel like they have no chance in society, they will never aspire to do anything with their lives. And you’re giving them a baked-in excuse to do just that.

You say you research the topic when someone challenges you. Please do.

You share interesting points and perspective. The conversation is important even if it is uncomfortable. "Racism" is a broadly used term and no harm is done or intended when discussed in a civil and respectful manner.

KARNUT · March 25, 2021

Blended families are the normal now. My family is well represented. Reunions are a hoot. My number 1 concern is the race towards socialism. Examples are all over how that works. I see complete blending of race and ethnicity in the near future. Wondering what the rally cry will be for the left next. They seem to need devision to survive. Their contradictions are numerous. I’m reading covid infections crossing the southern border are at least 50 percent. Meanwhile the blue states are still pushing lockdowns. Contradictions. George Carlin would be having a field day. Of course he’d be censored today. During the (wall) construction gaps were left so contractors could work on both sides. With the new administration stopping construction those gaps are now toll roads for entry. Guess who gets that money? How about those gas prices? We’re barely at 3 months. Oh boy.

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Bash74 · March 25, 2021

I appreciate my example wasn't clear. I was describing the situation and the ethnicity of the individuals had no relevance to the story. Besides, for all I know, they both could be third generation Canadian born just like my kids! I'm pretty certain that if the employees were caucasian my story would not have included such a detail.

If they were Caucasian why wouldn't you include it. The problem I see is exclusion. I see that alot these days. Exclude this, exclude that. Exclusion takes more away and does more harm.

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Bash74 · March 25, 2021

Blended families are the normal now. My family is well represented. Reunions are a hoot. My number 1 concern is the race towards socialism. Examples are all over how that works. I see complete blending of race and ethnicity in the near future. Wondering what the rally cry will be for the left next. They seem to need devision to survive. Their contradictions are numerous. I’m reading covid infections crossing the southern border are at least 50 percent. Meanwhile the blue states are still pushing lockdowns. Contradictions. George Carlin would be having a field day. Of course he’d be censored today. During the (wall) construction gaps were left so contractors could work on both sides. With the new administration stopping construction those gaps are now toll roads for entry. Guess who gets that money? How about those gas prices? We’re barely at 3 months. Oh boy.

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Gas prices are going to get even more insane. The economy is going to get hit real hard soon. The stimulus checks might have been good in the eyes of many but its going to cause more problems then m checks helped.
Spend about half my day dealing with the stock market and I see the signs and so do other investors.
It's funny you bring up socialism. I talk about this a lot with other financial individuals and investors. We see the direction it is going and its not looking good.

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Donstar · March 25, 2021

There are definitely some complex issues and challenges impacting everyone. Sometimes the ones that appear simple to explain or solve will create other, larger problems if the simple solution is chosen. However, it is important that we all put on our own oxygen masks first and enjoy what we can do with the time and resources we have at hand. I am not to be doing any strenuous physical activities for awhile so today is a day to thin the herd of hand tools found in my tool boxes. In the past, an over crowded tool chest could be fixed by buying a bigger or another tool chest. The problem with the simple solution was now my floorspace is over crowded. A few months ago we were actually making plans to expand our garage to accommodate my "stuff". The money saved by not doing this project would bring me much more joy than more tools! My goal is to free up wall space to clear floor/work space. Please share how your projects over the past year have progressed.

Grumpy Bear · March 25, 2021

1 minute ago, Donstar said:

There are definitely some complex issues and challenges impacting everyone. Sometimes the ones that appear simple to explain or solve will create other, larger problems if the simple solution is chosen. However, it is important that we all put on our own oxygen masks first and enjoy what we can do with the time and resources we have at hand. I am not to be doing any strenuous physical activities for awhile so today is a day to thin the herd of hand tools found in my tool boxes. In the past, an over crowded tool chest could be fixed by buying a bigger or another tool chest. The problem with the simple solution was now my floorspace is over crowded. A few months ago we were actually making plans to expand our garage to accommodate my "stuff". The money saved by not doing this project would bring me much more joy than more tools! My goal is to free up wall space to clear floor/work space. Please share how your projects over the past year have progressed.

You are a rare bird Don. One who learns from experience. Not just your own but others. Tip O' the hat to you. I enjoy your continued thoughtful and thought provoking commentary. Thank You.

txab · March 25, 2021

1 hour ago, Bash74 said:

Gas prices are going to get even more insane. The economy is going to get hit real hard soon. The stimulus checks might have been good in the eyes of many but its going to cause more problems then m checks helped.
Spend about half my day dealing with the stock market and I see the signs and so do other investors.
It's funny you bring up socialism. I talk about this a lot with other financial individuals and investors. We see the direction it is going and its not looking good.

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Not only gas prices but building materials too. Several projects have been cancelled or postponed indefinitely after we had to re-bid using current pricing. Until supply catches up, if it can due to future environmental regulation that may be imposed and of course Covid BS, prices will remain high. I said this in another thread, I've put off building another house this year due to increased costs. If I built it, I doubt if I could sell it at the price it would require when I was done. Everything has doubled, tripled, or quadrupled it seems like.

I'm glad I'm well stocked on copper wiring for a good while..... it's about double what I paid for it

Donstar · March 25, 2021

19 minutes ago, Grumpy Bear said:

You are a rare bird Don. One who learns from experience. Not just your own but others. Tip O' the hat to you. I enjoy your continued thoughtful and thought provoking commentary. Thank You.

may be fighting a losin' battle
But havin' a lotta fun tryin' to win.

Edited March 25, 2021 by Donstar

KARNUT · March 25, 2021

Not only gas prices but building materials too. Several projects have been cancelled or postponed indefinitely after we had to re-bid using current pricing. Until supply catches up, if it can due to future environmental regulation that may be imposed and of course Covid BS, prices will remain high. I said this in another thread, I've put off building another house this year due to increased costs. If I built it, I doubt if I could sell it at the price it would require when I was done. Everything has doubled, tripled, or quadrupled it seems like.

I'm glad I'm well stocked on copper wiring for a good while..... it's about double what I paid for it

Around here people are moving to the country. Real estate is booming. Sellers market. Cities not so much. Reasons are obvious. I raised my rent house 200$ per month. It rented in one day.

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Grumpy Bear · March 25, 2021

2 hours ago, txab said:

Not only gas prices but building materials too. Several projects have been cancelled or postponed indefinitely after we had to re-bid using current pricing. Until supply catches up, if it can due to future environmental regulation that may be imposed and of course Covid BS, prices will remain high. I said this in another thread, I've put off building another house this year due to increased costs. If I built it, I doubt if I could sell it at the price it would require when I was done. Everything has doubled, tripled, or quadrupled it seems like.

I'm glad I'm well stocked on copper wiring for a good while..... it's about double what I paid for it

I heard there is a shortage of widows? Is that true?

txab · March 25, 2021

On some types, from what I've observed. Production is behind. Some material availability is a problem. Local window manufacturer has trouble getting the vinyl and fiberglass material to build frames with. I think they even told me there was an issue with the higher end, insulated glass. Seems like there is plenty of "builders grade" out there still at the box stores. Again price is up.

I was really hoping lumber might start dropping a little after the first of the year, but no. Then when you see a roll of copper wire double in price over a few months. I don't recall it being this high before. It might have been and I've just forgotten. I always remember being able to buy 250' rolls of 12/2 for $15 dollars back in the early to mid 80's

Edited March 26, 2021 by txab

OnTheReel · March 26, 2021

Donstar · March 27, 2021

We recently went through a period of planning for an addition to our attached garage. After receiving quotes, we considered a new house. Our logic was that if you add the value of our home to the cost of a renovation, we're in the price range of a significantly more substantial home! However, all of the houses on the market are enjoying inflated sale prices and our logic is out the window! Then, the reality about being house rich and cash poor takes over the discussion. Basically, we can have the space for toys but we wont be able to afford the toys! We truly appreciate what we have but it's a great pastime to explore options!

Bash74 · March 27, 2021

Luckily there is a mill down the road. Haven't had to pay any inflated prices and no shortage of supplies. Just finished 2 car garage addition I started back in Sep. What cost the most was for the electrical wiring. Definitely a price hike in that. Luckily I already had half of what I needed. I think location is one of the biggest factors when it comes to supplies and the price.

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Donstar · March 28, 2021

23 hours ago, Bash74 said:

I think location is one of the biggest factors when it comes to supplies and the price.

Also, location is a factor when it comes to house buying. The pandemic has seen a substantial increase in property values in rural communities, though there still are some significant locational differences. If I drive about an hour south I will be able to buy an old, small fixer upper shack or one bedroom apartment for $500K. If I drive the same distance north or east, the same money will get me a good sized property and a nice house! I'm currently in the middle for location and price. Moving to another town is not a barrier for us as this past year has proven that adding or subtracting an hour of travel time for visiting family is a minor consideration. I noticed that with respect to supplies, there is a difference in pricing in big box stores in our area. Yesterday I was shopping for a sheet of pressure treated plywood for my trailer re-build. There was a $15 price difference for one sheet between two major stores!