Gas prices

[Jeff 232]

Hear we go again gas prices are going up & up. What a PITA, call or email your elected officials and tell them youu want lower prices, if enough people complain to our elected officials, the prices usually come down. Tell them you'll vote this upcoming election.

Its all a game.

I just saw that the head of Exxon is retiring this month or year and his retirment package is $ 450,000,000 Thats right 450 Million and he made $52 million last year.

Tell me they arent taking advantage of us. capitalism is fine but this is ridiculous. Call your congressman & reps and tell them their jobs are on the line

www.senate.gov or www.house.gov you can find your reps & congressmen and email or call them

JL

[Mountain View 14]

The makers certainly had an agenda they wanted to get across.

[Beth n Rod 1,279]

.....home made popcorn with real extra butter...and popcorn salt.....yum!!!!

Beth

[Mountain View 14]

Watched "Airplane" for the umpteenth time the other day. Classic!!

[Jeff 232]

.........

Airplane was a good old funny flick, remember Blazing Saddles, watch it now and its stupid back then funny as heck

No whats funny to me is how years ago primetime TV viewing was Beverly Hillbillies, I dream of Jeannie, Flipper etc. Wow how things have changed

I think I liked it better when there was only 3-5 channels, cartoons were on every Saturday morning and you would watch Walt Disney every Sunday night at 7 with your family. Oh the good old days for those of you old enough to remember

JL

[Beth n Rod 1,279]

Airplane is a riot! We have that one also.

Beth

[newlook 265]

Watched Ladder 49 last night on DVD...fell asleep half way through it....

[Mike Williamson 198]

Do you really truely believe that to be for everyone thats poor or less fortunate?

Mike I dont want to offend you and Im REALLY REALLY REALLY not trying to upset you, but just think what if something happened to you, your wife and a lot of your family and Your new beautiful baby had no one to take care of him and he ended up in foster care and lived there all his childhood and got no real good education and possibly he then became one of those that couldnt pull himself up

Or what Ive seen in this state and others. Generations of people, mostly black were kept down were given no or little education, they really except for a small amount of them had any real chance of making it.

I know a few that have 2-3 jobs but they are very low paying and they have 3-6 kids because they dont believe in birth control because of their religous beliefs, they struggle everyday. I can tell you its not the way they wish to live it was the hand they were dealt

I know we cant take care of every poor person , because yes it breeds a welfare state.

Mike have more compassion. believe it or not someday you to could be poor looking out at all that is good and you may not be able to reach it ever again. Never say never just something to think about or NOT

God Bless our children and our society.

JL

Of course not, that's the reason for the term "for the most part" in my comment. Of course there are those for whom circumstances are truly beyond their control. For most, however, they are in the situation their actions dictate. They don't do the things that would improve their situation. There are so many opportunities out there if someone wants to succeed. Can't afford to get a better education? There are grants and financial aid. Don't have the time because you have to work to make ends meet? So go to night school. The point is, if you WANT to succeed, you WILL. If you don't, if you want to continue working at your low wage job and blowing your money on beer and smokes and just sitting back and griping about how everyone else has more than you do and how you just can't pull yourself up, then I suppose that's right where you'll stay.

Does that mean that success is equally as easy for everyone? Of course not. Does that mean that everyone is going to be able to attain the same levels of success? Of course not. It simply means that at least a moderate level of success is available for just about anyone who desires it enough to work to attain it.

I'm not going to give in to the emotionalism of a personal example "what if my son....". What if ANYONE's son? The opportunity is there. Some have it harder than others growing up, but that doesn't mean they have to stay in their circumstances their whole life! Maybe they have to work harder to get that education, or get it after they've grown up a bit...maybe they don't want that education and decide the heck with it, I'm going to start a pressure washing company or a lawn care biz or become a carpenter or an electrician or whatever it is....The opportunity is there.

Education has been there for whites and blacks for many years. So maybe grandpa had to work for pennies because of outright racial bigotry. Does that mean his grandson should sit on his ass in government housing whining about how he has nothing? The opportunities are there for black folks too, and have been for years.

If someone has 6 kids because they don't believe in birth control and have to work 3 jobs to support them, again, that's their CHOICE. They CHOSE not to use birth control and to have more kids than they could afford. They weren't "unfortunate" to have so many kids, or to have to work 3 jobs. They CHOSE that. It wasn't the hand they were dealt! Gimme a break. Sure they struggle, but they put themselves in that situation, day by day.

You say I need to have more compassion. Please don't make any assumptions about my compassion simply because I refuse to accept the mindset that people are "fortunate" to be well off or rich or "unfortunate" to be poor and struggle. You've no idea the money I've given away to people who have found themselves in hard times and who need help. You say I may one day be poor. All I can say is that if I ever find myself there, I certainly won't cry about how unfortunate I am and how I'm being held down and how it just isn't fair. If I remain there, it will be because I am not willing to do what it takes to get out. It's no one's fault by my own.

[Larry B 55]

Has anyone checked into small bio-diesel units? I saw one that looked like it could fit into the corner of your garage.

I

built my own homeade " appleseed" processor made out of a water heater. I have got less than $300 in the whole thing. I can give you more info if you want.

[Jeff 232]

Of course not, that's the reason for the term "for the most part" in my comment. Of course there are those for whom circumstances are truly beyond their control. For most, however, they are in the situation their actions dictate. They don't do the things that would improve their situation. There are so many opportunities out there if someone wants to succeed. Can't afford to get a better education? There are grants and financial aid. Don't have the time because you have to work to make ends meet? So go to night school. The point is, if you WANT to succeed, you WILL. If you don't, if you want to continue working at your low wage job and blowing your money on beer and smokes and just sitting back and griping about how everyone else has more than you do and how you just can't pull yourself up, then I suppose that's right where you'll stay.

Does that mean that success is equally as easy for everyone? Of course not. Does that mean that everyone is going to be able to attain the same levels of success? Of course not. It simply means that at least a moderate level of success is available for just about anyone who desires it enough to work to attain it.

I'm not going to give in to the emotionalism of a personal example "what if my son....". What if ANYONE's son? The opportunity is there. Some have it harder than others growing up, but that doesn't mean they have to stay in their circumstances their whole life! Maybe they have to work harder to get that education, or get it after they've grown up a bit...maybe they don't want that education and decide the heck with it, I'm going to start a pressure washing company or a lawn care biz or become a carpenter or an electrician or whatever it is....The opportunity is there.

Education has been there for whites and blacks for many years. So maybe grandpa had to work for pennies because of outright racial bigotry. Does that mean his grandson should sit on his ass in government housing whining about how he has nothing? The opportunities are there for black folks too, and have been for years.

If someone has 6 kids because they don't believe in birth control and have to work 3 jobs to support them, again, that's their CHOICE. They CHOSE not to use birth control and to have more kids than they could afford. They weren't "unfortunate" to have so many kids, or to have to work 3 jobs. They CHOSE that. It wasn't the hand they were dealt! Gimme a break. Sure they struggle, but they put themselves in that situation, day by day.

You say I need to have more compassion. Please don't make any assumptions about my compassion simply because I refuse to accept the mindset that people are "fortunate" to be well off or rich or "unfortunate" to be poor and struggle. You've no idea the money I've given away to people who have found themselves in hard times and who need help. You say I may one day be poor. All I can say is that if I ever find myself there, I certainly won't cry about how unfortunate I am and how I'm being held down and how it just isn't fair. If I remain there, it will be because I am not willing to do what it takes to get out. It's no one's fault by my own.

Damn Mike your fast I thought I delete that post within a minute. I didnt like the analogy I used about your family so I deleted it. I guess you saw it before I deleted it.

To me your comment and comments about many of the poor or less fortunate sound not very compassionate. Just my opinion

Hey Mike hows the little one doing. We find out in about a week the *** of our baby. I'll tell you I'll do everything in my power to make sure they have everything they need and some of the extras. My son has really changed me. Now my wife thats losing her mind during this pregnancy, thats something else, she turns into the Exorcist wife about 2-3 times a week, I'm glad I'm a man and dont have to go through what women do

Hope all is well and I know your will do great, Im just the kind of guy who wishes it for everyone.

My boy is getting so tall and independent its wild.

JL

[Mike Williamson 198]

Damn Mike your fast I thought I delete that post within a minute. I didnt like the analogy I used about your family so I deleted it. I guess you saw it before I deleted it.

Heh, I was able to save it, which made my comments make more sense to other readers! The analogy was fine, I know you were just trying to tap into my emotional side.

To me your comment and comments about many of the poor or less fortunate sound not very compassionate. Just my opinion

I'm willing to help anyone who is willing to help themselves. Just don't sit there and whine to me about how hard it is to get by when you aren't doing anything to change it. Don't act as if making $40k/year is your right. Do what it takes to make yourself WORTH $40k (or whatever the amount is) and then go find someone willing to pay you for it! If you don't have the job skills, education, appearance (and no, I don't mean ugly), hygeine, etc to get a comfortable job making good money, then don't come crying to me. Change what needs to be changed. Need a better education? Go take some night classes. Can't afford it? Stop buying beer and smokes and lottery tickets! Go find some financial aid. In short, do what it takes to improve yourself if that's what needs to be done to get what it is you want!

Hey Mike hows the little one doing. We find out in about a week the *** of our baby. I'll tell you I'll do everything in my power to make sure they have everything they need and some of the extras. My son has really changed me. Now my wife thats losing her mind during this pregnancy, thats something else, she turns into the Exorcist wife about 2-3 times a week, I'm glad I'm a man and dont have to go through what women do

That was one of the very nice things with Michael being an adoption. The call came that she was in labor, we went and waited on the paperwork, and took him home! And you know what, I very rarely ever even think about his being adopted, and it is NEVER in the context of anything like "he's not really my child". He's as much my child, my son, as anyone's child is. And I agree with you, I'll do whatever it takes to make sure he has what he needs and then some. As far as changing us, wow that's an understatement. He's the best thing to ever happen to us! He's just amazing!!!

[Mike Williamson 198]

I

built my own homeade " appleseed" processor made out of a water heater. I have got less than $300 in the whole thing. I can give you more info if you want.

Yeah, give us more details!! How exactly does it work, and where do you get the raw product to convert?

[Jeff 232]

Has anybody noticed how many views this thread has gotten, either people like to see a good fight or just watch some people babble a lot of crap.

It must be some pretty funny stuff

[PLD 14]

See Philip, you post responding to Rods is offensive, you do put people down whether you know it or not. I just thought it was me because of my views

I know your a smart man, but just to let you know you can be very rude, offensive and just a know it all and Ive found in my life that smart people are like that and they dont even know it. You may know it already I dont know?

Could very well be. I'll certainly take it into consideration.

Obviously, I don't want to that to be true. So, I'll start by saying that I doubt it because my personality type is much more of a people pleaser (classic Virgo). I think I come across that way online because I am very to the point. The reader gets the response without any visual/verbal cues, and then frames the response in their reaction to it. Actually it would be very cool if Cujo or ACNewGuy could jump in here as they have both spoke with me extensively in person.

Do you use alternitive sources of energy in everything in your life and what are they or are you just telling us who complain about gas prices our options?

Presently, I use almost no alternative energy. But, it's because the rising energy costs haven't outweighed the burden/cost of a switchover for me. When they do, I will make the cut promptly. I have researched the various methods extensively to the point of selecting the roof locations for solar, where in the basement the batter stacks go, and local ordinances for a backup generator. And if you will check awhile back, I was looking into small diesel engines to replace my pump engine (in preparation for biodiesel).

That said, I never took umbrage to your complaints about gas prices. I think they suck also. My problem was with your line of thinking. That being that it is ok to ask your govenment to suspend private property rights for your personal benefit. I find it that type of Robin Hood behavior distasteful and offensive.

[PLD 14]

This is why I feel for less fortunate in this country, because I very well could be one of them

Just for the record, that was NOT my post.

[PLD 14]

Nazi's were a fascist party if my memory serves me correctly.

Actually, the Nazi's were the "National socialist" party. The fit the present day websters dictionary def, but at the time the only Fascists were the Mussolini crowd who coined the term.

[PLD 14]

Has anybody noticed how many views this thread has gotten, either people like to see a good fight or just watch some people babble a lot of crap.

It must be some pretty funny stuff

I think a whole lot of people are interested, and a good many have strong opinions on both sides. Some of those people don't want the heat/flames associated with having an opinion, and others are afraid that if they speak their mind, they will incur the ire of the moderators.

That leaves the few of us who are not smart enough to keep out mouthes shut.

[PLD 14]

Yeah, give us more details!! How exactly does it work, and where do you get the raw product to convert?

Waste vegtable oil (yes, the bins we clean around). Generally free.

+

Methyl Alcohol & Sodium Hydroxide

+

Heat (Water heater)

=

Biodiesel ($0.70-$1.00/gallon).

Bio-diesel burns in conventional diesel engines w/o modifications. I am gathering parts for a waterheater reactor to make biodiesel for my burner. I would already be done if I knew we were headed to $3 this fast. That and my storage shed lacks electricity for the water heater. If I can find a reliable 18hp diesel engine, my pump engine will convert as well. At that point, only the truck will be gas.

[JFife 14]

...I am one of the "viewers", I'd say many don't post because their view is being accurately portrayed by either Doolittle of Jeff. I won't go into the labeling/name-calling thing, for I have been found guilty of that as well in the past, though I probably didn't defend myself as articulately as Doolittle:)

The only thing I wanted to chime in and say was that, as an outsider, I certainly have not found Doolittles posts to be rude or offensive, as they have been described. And I am totally unbiased--I've not met or spoke with Jeff of Phil, but think they are both great posters. I think it is more a matter of one person arguing using ideas, and another arguing using facts (spun to be useful, of course). Both ways of arguing a point are fine--but they don't do well AGAINST one another. Typically, a man is logical and a woman emotional. That is a stereotype, but true for many couples. (not calling you a woman, Jeff LOL:))

To ponder: Why are only "certain" labels offensive?? Nobody likes to be called a bleeding-heart-liberal, but most anyone conservative doesn't mind being called that. I too find the hyper-sensitivity of polical correctness disgusting. I had a speech teacher in school say that if you are doing public speaking, the only people it is acceptable to make a joke about or make fun of are lawyers, doctors, and preachers.

[Jeff 232]

I find it that type of Robin Hood behavior distasteful and offensive.

Thats funny you should mention Robin Hood, I read my son books every night with him and I hadnt read anything about Robin Hood in a long time and he picked a book that spoke of Robin hood and the 1st thing I thought of was this thread. Funny

[Jeff 232]

... Typically, a man is logical and a woman emotional. That is a stereotype, but true for many couples. (not calling you a woman, Jeff LOL:))

I'll kick your A-- buddy. Only Kidding LOL. Who me emotional. I know, I even tear up at the movies.

You know I spend about $55-$90 a day for gas & diesel 5-7 days a week, for 2 trucks and running 3-4 machines a day. 1/2 of my work is usually about 30-45 minutes away and the rise in prices is hurting, but Im adjusting my rates somewhat. I can handle the increases pretty well.

But a lot of my anger about gas prices is for the people that it really hurts, the low paid workers, elderly on fixed income etc. I guess I am emotional and thats alright with me

www.senate.gov www.house.gov I keep posting these websites, for everybody, because its good for our elected officials to hear what we think, what ever your point of view is on any issue. Tell them you love them or hate them but get involved a little.

JL

[PressurePros 249]

I saw the amount of views and postings and having not read the thread , wow, everybody is fired up over the gas prices. I was a little off base.

Just as a glimpse back into original topic, I just heard an analyst on CNN say gas prices may reach over $5.00 in the next two months with the assinine, caught-with-your-pants-down manufacturing shortages. Stations all over my area are running out of gas and we all know that lovely rule of supply and demand.

This is where greed annoys me. I am capitalistic by nature and choice. But when you have a banner year for profits, how can you drag your feet implemementing new refinement techniques to the point where you end up not being able to meet demand with adequate supply? I am not one to adopt conspiracy theory lightly but this one reeks.

[Jeff 232]

I saw the amount of views and postings and having not read the thread , wow, everybody is fired up over the gas prices. I was a little off base.

Just as a glimpse back into original topic, I just heard an analyst on CNN say gas prices may reach over $5.00 in the next two months with the assinine, caught-with-your-pants-down manufacturing shortages. Stations all over my area are running out of gas and we all know that lovely rule of supply and demand.

This is where greed annoys me. I am capitalistic by nature and choice. But when you have a banner year for profits, how can you drag your feet implemementing new refinement techniques to the point where you end up not being able to meet demand with adequate supply? I am not one to adopt conspiracy theory lightly but this one reeks.

This is why I say that politics & cooperations is quite often a big game and they make the rules of the game. I'm really not as extreme as some have said or as I may appear to some. Hell I'm actually far from extreme except to those who I would say is in the opposite extreme, but I know and most should know there are always being games played. Thats life & I understand it

I also understand that that the east coast will be having shortages, due to the new requirements. They have to empty the storage tanks & clean them prior to adding the new additive ( I used to clean, sandblast & paint the inside oof some of these tanks in NY it can be done fairly quickly a 4-6 man crew we would do 10 huge tanks in about 30-35 days, plenty of companies to do the work too) and this is why they say the shortages will occur. But there is thousands of these tanks, what did all these smart people not think this out ahead of time, they could of been emptying these tanks for some time now and phasing the new additives in. What they wait to the last minute to do this work. Now with all the other problems with the oil countries we are going to have to deal with this problem too! Just to bad I hope prices dont go as high as you say, that will hurt the economy

[Adrian 155]

My intellect or verbal prouse is no where near a comparison to most on this board. 1+1 = 2. That's my simple understanding of most topics in life. Seeing is believing. I am somewhat of a follower than a leader. It's very hard sometimes to express the way we truely feel on a keyboard and computer, without it being misunderstood, shot down or stepped on, when we are simply trying to make a point. I consider myself to be at the very least, sophmore, which is better than when I started this biz. Without the help of many on this board I would still be at entry level doing things the hard way.

Without the tactile involvement we have in a face to face scenario with each other, it is easy to be misunderstood on the pc because we can't physically see the people we are having conversations with. That's why I think things get twisted like a pretzel on forum topics, IMO.

I am not writing in defense of anyone. This is the first time I have actually been requested to chime in. I am glad to as well. I have met and worked with a lot of people on this forum in my area and with my own reluctance, found that most are not in person anything like they come off as on the forum.

That's not a negative statement either. Just my own misunderstandings. I have only met one person ( i won't say who) that I prefer not to work with, and it's not Philip. He is one of the greatest people I have met since I moved to Hellanta. Always helpful and willing to give until it draws blood.

I think the fact that I have trouble expressing on the pc and keyboard, proves the point I am trying to make. So I hope I have not confused the issue with my inability to emotionify ( is that even a word) the topic.

Personally, I would not be where I am without the help of all on this forum.

Not that I am a big firm, but, that I am still afloat without going to the "Man" for a job. I have done it on my own with the help of the likes of Philip, Jeff, Steve R., Jim Crossley, Beth& Rod, Mike W, Mr. Williamson, Mr. Muskgraves, Mr. Littlefield and too many more to mention.

I think you are all good people with many different approaches to get to the same goal. Plus many different opinions. To me, no one has spoiled the soup,

only made it better tasting. I try never to read anything into what is said, except what is said!!! When I read all these post' I try my best to eliminate the emotional factors, because I am usually wrong about the feeling behind the post. Unless of course someone post' says something like, Hey AC your an idiot. That's pretty clearly understood. Nothing else could be read into that, except what it actually means.

For what it is worth, I heard on the news this morning, that GW Bush is being petitioned to cap the fuel prices where they are. To me, that is good news.

Isn't that what this thread is about.... Gas prices, not emotional indifferences.

I mean, like I said earlier, I am not a big firm with 20 trucks and crews like alot on this site. I am just me, doing everything that needs to be done to keep my little firm afloat. If gas gets any higher, then I will have to pull my trailer like a rikshaw (sp) to get to my jobsites. I do wish fuel prices would come down or stay put. This rise has caused me to restructure my S.O.P. to adjust to the rates of fuel.

[Jeff 232]

My intellect or verbal prouse is no where near a comparison to most on this board. 1+1 = 2. That's my simple understanding of most topics in life. Seeing is believing. I am somewhat of a follower than a leader. It's very hard sometimes to express the way we truely feel on a keyboard and computer, without it being misunderstood, shot down or stepped on, when we are simply trying to make a point. I consider myself to be at the very least, sophmore, which is better than when I started this biz. Without the help of many on this board I would still be at entry level doing things the hard way.

Without the tactile involvement we have in a face to face scenario with each other, it is easy to be misunderstood on the pc because we can't physically see the people we are having conversations with. That's why I think things get twisted like a pretzel on forum topics, IMO.

I am not writing in defense of anyone. This is the first time I have actually been requested to chime in. I am glad to as well. I have met and worked with a lot of people on this forum in my area and with my own reluctance, found that most are not in person anything like they come off as on the forum.

That's not a negative statement either. Just my own misunderstandings. I have only met one person ( i won't say who) that I prefer not to work with, and it's not Philip. He is one of the greatest people I have met since I moved to Hellanta. Always helpful and willing to give until it draws blood.

I think the fact that I have trouble expressing on the pc and keyboard, proves the point I am trying to make. So I hope I have not confused the issue with my inability to emotionify ( is that even a word) the topic.

Personally, I would not be where I am without the help of all on this forum.

Not that I am a big firm, but, that I am still afloat without going to the "Man" for a job. I have done it on my own with the help of the likes of Philip, Jeff, Steve R., Jim Crossley, Beth& Rod, Mike W, Mr. Williamson, Mr. Muskgraves, Mr. Littlefield and too many more to mention.

I think you are all good people with many different approaches to get to the same goal. Plus many different opinions. To me, no one has spoiled the soup,

only made it better tasting. I try never to read anything into what is said, except what is said!!! When I read all these post' I try my best to eliminate the emotional factors, because I am usually wrong about the feeling behind the post. Unless of course someone post' says something like, Hey AC your an idiot. That's pretty clearly understood. Nothing else could be read into that, except what it actually means.

For what it is worth, I heard on the news this morning, that GW Bush is being petitioned to cap the fuel prices where they are. To me, that is good news.

Isn't that what this thread is about.... Gas prices, not emotional indifferences.

I mean, like I said earlier, I am not a big firm with 20 trucks and crews like alot on this site. I am just me, doing everything that needs to be done to keep my little firm afloat. If gas gets any higher, then I will have to pull my trailer like a rikshaw (sp) to get to my jobsites. I do wish fuel prices would come down or stay put. This rise has caused me to restructure my S.O.P. to adjust to the rates of fuel.

Sounds to me that you can say things on the PC pretty well !!!

I regret calling Phil an AH, I should of said Doo Doo Head like my son says, or maybe nothing at all

Note to self - tell son to stop saying doo doo head

This is a great board I rarely get the chance to have a good conversation like these anywhere else but here.

JL

[Mike Williamson 198]

For what it is worth, I heard on the news this morning, that GW Bush is being petitioned to cap the fuel prices where they are. To me, that is good news.

Isn't that what this thread is about.... Gas prices, not emotional indifferences.

Excellent comments, AC! However, this one I don't like! Why is it good news to cap fuel prices? Capping prices at the pump isn't going to stop the price of production from rising. If crude keeps going up, but we cap gas prices where they're at, then I'll tell you exactly what will happen...Prices will stay where tehy're at, and you won't be able to find gasoline...Where's the incentive for gas companies to produce gas if they're not making any, or even losing, money?

One thing I have noticed, however. Last year when prices hit $3.00+/gallon, EVERYONE was griping and complaining and upset. This year, despite a pretty fast rise here from $2.35 to $2.99 in the past three weeks, I haven't heard nearly the level of complaining and griping. People are getting used to it.