Things that annoy me (2 Viewers)

[Warrior]

George
You must have a heck of a lot of taxes on your gas. in Maryland, one of the most taxed/fee States in the US, we are paying less for gas. Down to about 260 in some area, but it can range to $3/gallon, depends on our zip codes. I am currently in Texas, Tennessee and Oklahoma, gas has been as low as $215 and no higher than 250. So not sure what you are paying but our gas has come down. Additionally, I can validate the price of eggs is down too. Now, I am not an idiot, once producers can get a higher price, they will, so I may not see the "lows" for a time, but this is certainly better. My stock accounts are much better too.

Also, there is really no question what is going on in LA is there? Its a lawless riot, I don't care where you come from or what side you are on, it is a riot and utterly ridiculous. Like I said, the same outcome occurs when the Lakers win, again, a riot.

Nothing is perfect, but I will take any of the short term pain over the past 4 years of financial pain, any day, any time.

TD

Gas is around 2.80 a gallon here, we don't have a high gas tax, the needle has not moved much in the past 4 or 5 months.

I'm sure a majority of those "protestors" are paid **** stirrers, no doubt about it.

I don't eat eggs, so the price matters not to me.

And yes, once prices go up, they rarely come down, it's to be expected.

Speaking personally, my business did well the past four years, extremely well the past two and I've got the quarterlies where I got hammered to prove it; the past 5 months; not so much.

We'll see how much longer the "short term pain" you speak of lasts; now you sound like my egghead Penn grad finance guy cousin.

 

[tdubel]

The uniform nature of all these "protests" is odd. There does seem to be a level of organization among the protestors. Is there some network of anarchists who interject themselves into every civil disturbance to create chaos? It seems like it. It does not bode well for any real national emergency that there is a network of such people willing to take advantage of it. With all that said, there is long list of politicians who put us in this position by opening the borders to tens of millions of unknown people over the last 50 years. Both Republicans and Dems have blame for that situation. Now the chickens are coming home to roost in places like LA.

Agree. I believe and I truly say this, they are funded by Soros like people, I am not saying that Soros is behind it, I don't have proof, although, they did connect his organization to previous unrest. These people have to have money, there is no way, they all of a sudden uniformly appear in four cities, then 6, then 9, etc. LAPD police chief has called it out numerous times based on arrests.

My problem is there is not universal condemnation of this activity. There is no excuse for this. Think of it this way, would it be acceptable behavior for your neighbor to come into your yard and burn down your swingset because it blocks a view? Heck no, you would call the police, they would be arrested and you would press charges. They would either be convicted or make restitution. None of this is normal behavior. Until we get universal condemnation, this is the division. And I hate to break it to some of the politicos out there, MOST Americans do not agree with any of this activity nor do they condone it in any way. And furthermore, it just feeds the fire of one side and motivates voters, so if some political idiot thinks this is advancing their cause, they are going to be very sorry in 2 and 4 year intervals.

TD

 

[tdubel]

Gas is around 2.80 a gallon here, we don't have a high gas tax, the needle has not moved much in the past 4 or 5 months.

I'm sure a majority of those "protestors" are paid **** stirrers, no doubt about it.

I don't eat eggs, so the price matters not to me.

And yes, once prices go up, they rarely come down, it's to be expected.

Speaking personally, my business did well the past four years, extremely well the past two and I've got the quarterlies where I got hammered to prove it; the past 5 months; not so much.

We'll see how much longer the "short term pain" you speak of lasts; now you sound like my egghead Penn grad finance guy cousin.

George
Historically (last 15 years), $2.80 is not a bad level. If you look at the price of oil/barrel, it is actually within the lower ranges of the past decade. I don't think no matter how much we drill we will ever see $2 anymore. The costs to market (and State/Fed taxes) have increased so much, I think the new cheap level is $2.50 -$3. I just don't want to see $4 and $5 again. Let California charge that!

Finance goes in cycles, we were so used to no interest/no inflation that was artificially propped up by the Fed that it was bound to have some blow ups, I don't like them, but it fits with historical ebbs/flows.

The tariff is a different issue and I don't blame you for your angst. In theory, something had to be done, probably would/could/should have been done differently, but here we are. The hope is a normalcy is established and don't worry, the next crisis will appear and it will move on.

TD

 

[Combat]

Agree. I believe and I truly say this, they are funded by Soros like people, I am not saying that Soros is behind it, I don't have proof, although, they did connect his organization to previous unrest. These people have to have money, there is no way, they all of a sudden uniformly appear in four cities, then 6, then 9, etc. LAPD police chief has called it out numerous times based on arrests.

My problem is there is not universal condemnation of this activity. There is no excuse for this. Think of it this way, would it be acceptable behavior for your neighbor to come into your yard and burn down your swingset because it blocks a view? Heck no, you would call the police, they would be arrested and you would press charges. They would either be convicted or make restitution. None of this is normal behavior. Until we get universal condemnation, this is the division. And I hate to break it to some of the politicos out there, MOST Americans do not agree with any of this activity nor do they condone it in any way. And furthermore, it just feeds the fire of one side and motivates voters, so if some political idiot thinks this is advancing their cause, they are going to be very sorry in 2 and 4 year intervals.

TD

I can't understand the politics of those that want to try to parcel the violent conduct out of these situations as though those burning cars, looting, and vandalizing property are not a part of what is going on. Nothing to see there. They may certainly be anarchists or types that just enjoy participating in chaos but it's part of the situation. The take that this situation is somehow the fault of ICE or law enforcement is a political loser but certain types seem willing to go down with the ship on this issue. With that said, I do think there is an element of randomness and stupidity on the side of those enforcing the immigration laws. These raids often appear to be completely random. How about rounding up all the criminals first and trying to work out some long term solution for law abiding folks? It doesn't seem that hard. Like DOGE, though, it has been a blown opportunity that has largely backfired through stupidity and incompetence.

 

[tdubel]

I can't understand the politics of those that want to try to parcel the violent conduct out of these situations as though those burning cars, looting, and vandalizing property are not a part of what is going on. Nothing to see there. They may certainly be anarchists or types that just enjoy participating in chaos but it's part of the situation. The take that this situation is somehow the fault of ICE or law enforcement is a political loser but certain types seem willing to go down with the ship on this issue. With that said, I do think there is an element of randomness and stupidity on the side of those enforcing the immigration laws. These raids often appear to be completely random. How about rounding up all the criminals first and trying to work out some long term solution for law abiding folks? It doesn't seem that hard. Like DOGE, though, it has been a blown opportunity that has largely backfired through stupidity and incompetence.

Doug
I am not sure they are random raids. I just read about the Marthas Vineyard raid and of course the enclave was protesting to high heck until ICE released the rap sheet on the detainee..................wait for it.........................conviction for rape of a five year old. WOW. That of course created the proverbial mic drop.

I think what is happening is that ICE is targeting legitimate convicts who are hiding/living/walking among other immigrants (illegal and legal) and when they raid, they check everyone and unfortunately for those illegal, they are picked up too. That said and I don't mean to sound harsh, but notice the word "illegal". People need to understand that word. I don't care how we got to this point, it is not ok, I truly believe in enforcing the law to its fullest extent. I may be a jerk to some, but that is my belief. If there is a mistake or extenuating circumstance, the Court/Justice system will figure it out. That said, you would not be in this position in the first place if you were not doing something ILLEGAL. Too much shade and angst is thrown at law enforcement who are simply doing their job - enforcing the laws.

My two cents of course, but I truly believe it.
TD

 

[Combat]

Doug
I am not sure they are random raids. I just read about the Marthas Vineyard raid and of course the enclave was protesting to high heck until ICE released the rap sheet on the detainee..................wait for it.........................conviction for rape of a five year old. WOW. That of course created the proverbial mic drop.

I think what is happening is that ICE is targeting legitimate convicts who are hiding/living/walking among other immigrants (illegal and legal) and when they raid, they check everyone and unfortunately for those illegal, they are picked up too. That said and I don't mean to sound harsh, but notice the word "illegal". People need to understand that word. I don't care how we got to this point, it is not ok, I truly believe in enforcing the law to its fullest extent. I may be a jerk to some, but that is my belief. If there is a mistake or extenuating circumstance, the Court/Justice system will figure it out. That said, you would not be in this position in the first place if you were not doing something ILLEGAL. Too much shade and angst is thrown at law enforcement who are simply doing their job - enforcing the laws.

My two cents of course, but I truly believe it.
TD

I agree with you in principle but having let 20 or more million people into the country in just the last four years or so, the concept of deporting them all is unrealistic. Heavy handed tactics are just going to backfire.

 

[Warrior]

Didn't really know where else to put this;

“ Home is people not a place. If you go back there after the people are gone, all you see is what’s not there anymore”- Robin Hobb

As I pulled out of the driveway yesterday of my childhood home for the last time I was overcome with emotions, every square inch of that house holds precious memories that will last a lifetime. My final death to grieve; my childhood home.

We moved from West Roxbury to Westwood when I was 12, it was a great little house, I had the entire finished attic all to myself, an awesome neighborhood too where there were 5 kids the same age as me, summers were a blast, we had many great celebrations there and wonderful holiday gatherings with friends and family. Sadly, all of my aunts and uncles are now gone, as are both of my parents, it's just my cousins and my siblings left to carry on traditions.

Taking one final look around, a lot of memories came back; looking in the yard, the above ground pool we put in and the deck my Dad and I built around it, the corner of the yard where we put an outdoor hockey rink, the pool and rink made us the house to be at in the Summer and the Winter. Went upstairs into my old room; what a great room, the whole attic was all mine, I saw in my mind many of the massive ho/oo carpet battles I staged as a kid. Went into the finished basement with a bar in the corner; we had some screamers down there in high school, a fun family room now empty except for the memories...........as I walked out of the house, one last look; I can still see my Mom sitting in her favorite chair watching TV, my Dad at the kitchen table reading one of his Custer/Little Big Horn books, the Christmas tree and all the decorations in the living room, my Dad LOVED Christmas, our house looked like Santas Village, used to drive my Mom nuts............

I couldn't have done this without my siblings, specifically my youngest sister, her and I were the executor of the will and trust respectively, my other sister and my one brother were a big help as well, my other brother no longer speaks to any of us over 5,000.00 (a long story that is not worth going into; what money does to some people sickens and disgusts me).

We did the final clean out on Saturday, it was just about done and the skies opened up, a monsoon; ie, tears from heaven, I saw it as a sign for sure. We closed yesterday.

It really hit me that I will never step foot in that house again; life goes on, but it's never really the same, the only thing constant in life is change. I never thought of the sale of the house/how it would impact me, but it did, a part of me died with the passing of each parent; yesterday, another part of me died too that I did not expect.

Not sure if this feeling is normal or what, but it really did impact me on a level I did not see coming.

Not really a thing that annoys me, but rather, a thing that makes me sad.

Last but not least thanks to my parents; they gave me and my siblings the best life anyone could’ve asked for, filled with laughter and love.

 

[gk5717]

Didn't really know where else to put this;

“ Home is people not a place. If you go back there after the people are gone, all you see is what’s not there anymore”- Robin Hobb

As I pulled out of the driveway yesterday of my childhood home for the last time I was overcome with emotions, every square inch of that house holds precious memories that will last a lifetime. My final death to grieve; my childhood home.

We moved from West Roxbury to Westwood when I was 12, it was a great little house, I had the entire finished attic all to myself, an awesome neighborhood too where there were 5 kids the same age as me, summers were a blast, we had many great celebrations there and wonderful holiday gatherings with friends and family. Sadly, all of my aunts and uncles are now gone, as are both of my parents, it's just my cousins and my siblings left to carry on traditions.

Taking one final look around, a lot of memories came back; looking in the yard, the above ground pool we put in and the deck my Dad and I built around it, the corner of the yard where we put an outdoor hockey rink, the pool and rink made us the house to be at in the Summer and the Winter. Went upstairs into my old room; what a great room, the whole attic was all mine, I saw in my mind many of the massive ho/oo carpet battles I staged as a kid. Went into the finished basement with a bar in the corner; we had some screamers down there in high school, a fun family room now empty except for the memories...........as I walked out of the house, one last look; I can still see my Mom sitting in her favorite chair watching TV, my Dad at the kitchen table reading one of his Custer/Little Big Horn books, the Christmas tree and all the decorations in the living room, my Dad LOVED Christmas, our house looked like Santas Village, used to drive my Mom nuts............

I couldn't have done this without my siblings, specifically my youngest sister, her and I were the executor of the will and trust respectively, my other sister and my one brother were a big help as well, my other brother no longer speaks to any of us over 5,000.00 (a long story that is not worth going into; what money does to some people sickens and disgusts me).

We did the final clean out on Saturday, it was just about done and the skies opened up, a monsoon; ie, tears from heaven, I saw it as a sign for sure. We closed yesterday.

It really hit me that I will never step foot in that house again; life goes on, but it's never really the same, the only thing constant in life is change. I never thought of the sale of the house/how it would impact me, but it did, a part of me died with the passing of each parent; yesterday, another part of me died too that I did not expect.

Not sure if this feeling is normal or what, but it really did impact me on a level I did not see coming.

Not really a thing that annoys me, but rather, a thing that makes me sad.

Last but not least thanks to my parents; they gave me and my siblings the best life anyone could’ve asked for, filled with laughter and love.

I have lived in my house now 35 years. We had it built so we have been the only occupants. What makes me sad is one day I'll be gone, as in deceased. I don't want anyone else to live in MY HOUSE. We had lived in our previous house, which we also had built for 18 years and this is where my 2 boys grew up in. When we moved I thought I would feel as you described. But it did not bother me at all. I will admit if we are in that area we will drive by but other than that really no nostalgia.

 

[OzDigger]

Gas is around 2.80 a gallon here, we don't have a high gas tax, the needle has not moved much in the past 4 or 5 months.

I'm sure a majority of those "protestors" are paid **** stirrers, no doubt about it.

I don't eat eggs, so the price matters not to me.

And yes, once prices go up, they rarely come down, it's to be expected.

Speaking personally, my business did well the past four years, extremely well the past two and I've got the quarterlies where I got hammered to prove it; the past 5 months; not so much.

We'll see how much longer the "short term pain" you speak of lasts; now you sound like my egghead Penn grad finance guy cousin.

That is cheap Gas George, Petrol here is about AUD $1.75 per liter ATM which is cheaper than it has been, that converts to about USD $4.32 per gallon, I would guess it would be even more expensive in the UK.

 

[OzDigger]

Didn't really know where else to put this;

“ Home is people not a place. If you go back there after the people are gone, all you see is what’s not there anymore”- Robin Hobb

As I pulled out of the driveway yesterday of my childhood home for the last time I was overcome with emotions, every square inch of that house holds precious memories that will last a lifetime. My final death to grieve; my childhood home.

We moved from West Roxbury to Westwood when I was 12, it was a great little house, I had the entire finished attic all to myself, an awesome neighborhood too where there were 5 kids the same age as me, summers were a blast, we had many great celebrations there and wonderful holiday gatherings with friends and family. Sadly, all of my aunts and uncles are now gone, as are both of my parents, it's just my cousins and my siblings left to carry on traditions.

Taking one final look around, a lot of memories came back; looking in the yard, the above ground pool we put in and the deck my Dad and I built around it, the corner of the yard where we put an outdoor hockey rink, the pool and rink made us the house to be at in the Summer and the Winter. Went upstairs into my old room; what a great room, the whole attic was all mine, I saw in my mind many of the massive ho/oo carpet battles I staged as a kid. Went into the finished basement with a bar in the corner; we had some screamers down there in high school, a fun family room now empty except for the memories...........as I walked out of the house, one last look; I can still see my Mom sitting in her favorite chair watching TV, my Dad at the kitchen table reading one of his Custer/Little Big Horn books, the Christmas tree and all the decorations in the living room, my Dad LOVED Christmas, our house looked like Santas Village, used to drive my Mom nuts............

I couldn't have done this without my siblings, specifically my youngest sister, her and I were the executor of the will and trust respectively, my other sister and my one brother were a big help as well, my other brother no longer speaks to any of us over 5,000.00 (a long story that is not worth going into; what money does to some people sickens and disgusts me).

We did the final clean out on Saturday, it was just about done and the skies opened up, a monsoon; ie, tears from heaven, I saw it as a sign for sure. We closed yesterday.

It really hit me that I will never step foot in that house again; life goes on, but it's never really the same, the only thing constant in life is change. I never thought of the sale of the house/how it would impact me, but it did, a part of me died with the passing of each parent; yesterday, another part of me died too that I did not expect.

Not sure if this feeling is normal or what, but it really did impact me on a level I did not see coming.

Not really a thing that annoys me, but rather, a thing that makes me sad.

Last but not least thanks to my parents; they gave me and my siblings the best life anyone could’ve asked for, filled with laughter and love.

Yeah George, it is sad to move on, but you obviously have some great memories of your childhood home. Your father's passion for westerns reminds me of my father, he loved westerns from more famous authors such as Louis L'Amour to Australian pulp westerns by Marshal Grover etc, I read a few back in the 1970's but preferred my war comics like Battle, Commando etc.

 

[Horus]

That is cheap Gas George, Petrol here is about AUD $1.75 per liter ATM which is cheaper than it has been, that converts to about USD $4.32 per gallon, I would guess it would be even more expensive in the UK.

Around here in my part of England, petrol is around £1.30p per litre and that's the best price in a normal petrol station. Supermarkets a penny cheaper than that.
3.78 litres to US Gallon (4.54 litres to Imperial Gallon)
Exchange rate approximately £1 = US $1.35.
So approximately US $ 5.10 per US Gallon.
This is lowest it's been for many months.
Tax paid in fuel duties to UK government is .52p per litre, in that US Gallon would be equivalent to US $2.70, which is rather a lot ftom that $5.10 total.
I don't know how much tax you pay in US or Oz and if the price quoted includes tax ?

 

[Horus]

One other thing, here it has been the norm to pull up to the pump, the person at the desk to switch the pump on, you to put the petrol in, then go to the till and pay.
But with so many thefts now of people driving off without paying now. It won't be long until we have to pay first before using the pump.
Just another example of the move from a high trust society to a low trust one.

 

[OzDigger]

Around here in my part of England, petrol is around £1.30p per litre and that's the best price in a normal petrol station. Supermarkets a penny cheaper than that.
3.78 litres to US Gallon (4.54 litres to Imperial Gallon)
Exchange rate approximately £1 = US $1.35.
So approximately US $ 5.10 per US Gallon.
This is lowest it's been for many months.
Tax paid in fuel duties to UK government is .52p per litre, in that US Gallon would be equivalent to US $2.70, which is rather a lot ftom that $5.10 total.
I don't know how much tax you pay in US or Oz and if the price quoted includes tax ?

One other thing, here it has been the norm to pull up to the pump, the person at the desk to switch the pump on, you to put the petrol in, then go to the till and pay.
But with so many thefts now of people driving off without paying now. It won't be long until we have to pay first before using the pump.
Just another example of the move from a high trust society to a low trust one.

I don't know what changed here as prices are pretty stable now but a few months back petrol could be under $1.70 one week then over $2.20 the next, up and down every week or so like a yo yo, it was like that for years. As for paying, still the same here, go into the shop and pay after pumping, but there are some that don't.

 

[Terp152]

One other thing, here it has been the norm to pull up to the pump, the person at the desk to switch the pump on, you to put the petrol in, then go to the till and pay.
But with so many thefts now of people driving off without paying now. It won't be long until we have to pay first before using the pump.
Just another example of the move from a high trust society to a low trust one.

We've had to pre-pay at the pump with a credit card or pay a cashier prior to pumping gas. Been doing that for probably over 30 yrs now. One advantage is not having to wait in line if using the credit card.

 

[Panzer ace]

George
You must have a heck of a lot of taxes on your gas. in Maryland, one of the most taxed/fee States in the US, we are paying less for gas. Down to about 260 in some area, but it can range to $3/gallon, depends on our zip codes. I am currently in Texas, Tennessee and Oklahoma, gas has been as low as $215 and no higher than 250. So not sure what you are paying but our gas has come down. Additionally, I can validate the price of eggs is down too. Now, I am not an idiot, once producers can get a higher price, they will, so I may not see the "lows" for a time, but this is certainly better. My stock accounts are much better too.

Also, there is really no question what is going on in LA is there? Its a lawless riot, I don't care where you come from or what side you are on, it is a riot and utterly ridiculous. Like I said, the same outcome occurs when the Lakers win, again, a riot.

Nothing is perfect, but I will take any of the short term pain over the past 4 years of financial pain, any day, any time.

TD

Tom:

As you know I respect your economic views but I am living in a different daily cost of living world.

In the 15+ years I have lived in Texas gas has never been more expensive and groceries (eggs) are also higher than ever.

I try and discount California but the cost of living is out of control even when you consider the perfect weather. Gas is $6.97 in our neighborhood and eggs are still limited.

With all that being said I am good with the “short term pain long term gain” genre but the old it was the “Baden’s fault” is not going last forever.

-Jason.

 

[Horus]

We've had to pre-pay at the pump with a credit card or pay a cashier prior to pumping gas. Been doing that for probably over 30 yrs now. One advantage is not having to wait in line if using the credit card.

Shape of things to come !

 

[Terp152]

Flying Mexican flags at protests/riots in LA.

 

[Terp152]

Greta Thunberg.

 

[Barkmann]

Shape of things to come !

One other thing, here it has been the norm to pull up to the pump, the person at the desk to switch the pump on, you to put the petrol in, then go to the till and pay.
But with so many thefts now of people driving off without paying now. It won't be long until we have to pay first before using the pump.
Just another example of the move from a high trust society to a low trust one.

I agree with you, it is the scumbags who do the runner who are to blame, not the petrol station, they have just had enough. Has same in a restaurant and they wanted my card to keep and would give it back after i paid, i simply said no, but as a compromise i would pre pay for my meal, which i did on the card machine, but wiped off the tip and the waiter was not happy, but i explained i had not had the meal and you give a tip for a good meal and service, so had the food and went to leave, leaving no tip and the waiter asked if i wanted the card machine for a tip. I said no as the service was poor and the meal was just OK. He said sorry for the card thing but have to assume people are going to a runner and not pay, I said that was OK, but i also did not give a tip as i 'assumed' he was going to spend the money on drugs! And i would not fund drugs. Not been back since.

 

[Barkmann]

Greta Thunberg.

Professional protester, this is her life now, loves the fame and whatever she protests about now is not about the 'thing' it is about her and look at me. Poster child for the me me me generation. When i hear the word 'influencer' or words 'Tik Toc Star' i know it is someone that have never had a real job, a job that adds value to the community and people.