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RE: Warren Buffett says
I agree with "Old School" - Warren is smart and wise - but he does not care either way - because he will make his money whether the economy is up or down. In fact the more it is down, the more deals he can pick up cheaply. In part, that is how he has amassed such a fortune for himself and the many others who own the Berkshire Hathaway shares.
Warren has been known to say "Be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful." Glad I bought into BRK!
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rshidler
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06/26/08 06:34pm |
Around the Campfire
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RE: Grey water disposal revisited
I tried sifting through the EPA websites and gave up. It wasn't written for users. I challenge someone here who has the patience to visit the website and find the info on the grey water issue. Good luck.
Take a look at the preceeding post.
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rshidler
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06/18/08 07:34pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Grey water disposal revisited
However, if I do have to keep it in the tank all day due to nosy neighbors who are ignorant of EPA recommendations for recycling and can't mind their own business,
I'd like to read the EPA document recommending gray water be dumped on the ground. Source please.
Or is that a Mexican EPA recommendation?? Or another 3rd world country recommendation??
-Tom
Tom,
This is from a post I made 1/26/2008 in a thread titled "Gray Water Phobia" here in General RV Issues:
Found some interesting info from the EPA:
"To further reduce your water consumption, consider using alternative sources of irrigation water, such as gray water, reclaimed water, and collected rainwater."
Upon reading a little further, I found:
"Graywater is untreated household waste water from bathroom sinks, showers, bathtubs, and clothes washing machines."
(See http://www.epa.gov/WaterSense/docs/water-efficient_landscaping_508.pdf)
I looked deeper into the subject and found:
"Gray Water Use. Domestic wastewater composed of wash water from kitchen sinks and tubs, clothes washers, and laundry tubs is called gray water (USEPA, 1989). Gray water can be used by homeowners for home gardening, lawn maintenance, landscaping, and other innovative uses. The City of St. Petersburg, Florida, has implemented an urban dual distribution system for reclaimed water for nonpotable uses. This system provides reclaimed water for more than 7,000 residential homes and businesses (USEPA, 1992)."
Way to go St. Petersburg!
(See http://www.epa.gov/owow/NPS/chap3.html)
So it would seem that the EPA (that's Environmental Protection Agency folks) promotes the use of this resource. Isn't it about time to we drop all the negativity surrounding gray water?
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rshidler
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06/18/08 07:33pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Your Fuel/Oil comments - please post here
If this continues to escalate, then there is a point at which the average person will not afford to fill up.
If the use credit cards they will max out.
If they pay cash, the cash will run out.
Crime is soon to explode in this country as the "average person" becomes pushed past desperation to provide essentials for the family. Talk to any LEO right now and ask what they are seeing today as opposed to last year or 5 years ago. It's coming .....I'm glad I retired 5 years ago, because the ones I talk to say it is turning very violent, very fast. The worst is yet to come for todays LEO.
I hate to contradict some of the hand-wringing conventional wisdom around here, but this sounds like more overwrought mass media class-warfare hysteria to me. I retired just two years ago, and I regularly keep in touch with several of my former peers who are still on the job, and neither they nor the numbers I've seen bear out this supposed trend.
Where are all of these desperate people supposedly trying to provide "essentials" for their families? Are there really more of those now than at any other time in the past few decades? Where are the figures to back up these quasi-apocalyptic scenarios? Personal observations are anecdotal, I know, but I'm just not seeing it.
What I AM seeing are people in the stores, buying flat screen TVs, computer systems, Wii systems, and all manner of non-essential toys. The shopping center and mall parking lots seem as full as always. Despite what the media and other drama queens would have you think, the economy is still expanding, albeit at a slower rate than the 2002-2007 period, buoyed in part by discretionary consumer spending.
I can remember much tougher periods just in my lifetime, most particularly the double-digit inflation and interest rate "stagflation" days of the '70s, and a few pretty deep recessions since the late '50s (the real variety, not the media-spin kind). In addition, there were the energy crisis events of '73 and '79, with odd-even rationing, ten gallon purchase limits, and NO available gasoline in some areas at any price. My school district closed for a month in 1977 because of a natural gas shortage so severe they couldn't keep the schools open. Anyone else remember the S&L crisis of the late '80s, when many people lost their money and seemingly healthy businesses folded up almost overnight? How about Black Monday ('87), when the stock market lost 22% of its value in just one day? How about the post-9/11 tumble the Dow took, from a high of 11,700 (01/00) to a low of just 7,286 (10/02), a 37% decline? My pension fund portfolio lost almost half its value in that period, but I "let it ride" and gained almost all of it back.
Before my time was the so-called "Long Depression" of the late 19th century, which lasted 23 years, the stock market crash of 1929, and the Great Depression, when around 25% of the workforce was unemployed (in some regions, as unemployment was as high as 50%). Then, just as the western economies were beginning to recover, came a severe recession in 1937. We made it through war rationing, production limits on automobiles in the '50s due to material shortages, another severe recession in 1958 (the "Eisenhower Recession"), and anti-war and race riots in our cities in the '60s.
Some of you really need to get a grip. Things have been much, much worse and we've somehow managed to not only pull through, but to come back stronger than ever. Yes, some people will have to adapt and adjust their budgets and spending habits, or, better yet, find ways to use less fuel. In reality, without decreasing discretionary driving, the difference in $2 and $4 gasoline for the average consumer is less than $100 a month, which is less than many people pay for their monthly cell phone or cable TV service.
Very well said Grant ... This should chase all the "doom-and-gloom" folks away. But, alas, it won't!
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rshidler
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06/14/08 07:21am |
Around the Campfire
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RE: Fuel Issues & Prices - Post 'Em Here!
Sure it does - just a tongue and cheek comment among guys who are the world's biggest fuel guzzlers - us! I am not an environmentalist - I'm a Texas Baptist who believes everything on the planet is for our use, as the Book says - and it's finite; we're expected to use it up.
Your assumption is that RVers are the biggest fuel guzzlers is not necessarily true. What you are believing about yourself is part of the lie of the envoronmentalist wackos. A family of four driving their RV is using about same amount of fuel as their airtrip on a 400 mile trip flown in a 737. How much energy does it takes to build the airplane or the RV or the hotels needed to stay in for that family that flew? Start thinking logically about this.
Conservation with good energy policy.
One thing we can do,,,But the other thing congress must do. Don't hold out any hope with Maxine Waters as part of the leadership. She is an idiot along with the others that yell when it cost them $70 to fill their tank (and then blame the oil execs).
Why do people compare RV's to Jumbo Jets?
The original poster in this quote stated RV'ers were the "world's biggest fuel guzzlers." I tend to agree. But then the next poster stated an RV carrying a family of 4 uses about the same amount of fuel as that same family of 4 riding in a 737. I've seen this same type of comparison many times. What is the deal? Apparently people only know how to drive an RV. If no RV available, then hop a 737.
Any possibility that this same family of 4 parks their fuel guzzeling RV and jumps in their sedan and drives the same distance at a more econimical mpg?
Maybe, just maybe, people can drive a sedan in a similar manner to driving an RV. Let's not assume they automatically jump into a jumbo jet.
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rshidler
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05/26/08 08:51pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Fuel/oil price discussions in this forum
Whats the big deal with diesel prices? I just buy a half of a tank and save 50%. Saved $60 today and will probably save another $60 tomorrow.
Hey jerryspoolman,
I've cut back in other ways ... think I'll try your method too! It sounds like it will work! :)
Thanks for the smile on this rainy, dreary morning.
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rshidler
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05/23/08 03:47am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Fuel Issues & Prices - Post 'Em Here!
I have to agree with eltejano1 ... I've said it many times that as long as people continue to use gas for things other than work, getting food and seeking medical care then gas prices are not yet too high.
I have reduced my consumption but can certainly do more. I have acquired a seasonal site so I'm not pulling the 5er down the road ... But I'm still driving the car to the seasonal site 23 miles from home. This is not work, food or medical care and therefore not essential.
My 16 year old daughter drives her car (Chevy Metro at 30+ mpg) to work at McDonalds. This is work but not essential work. She's working only so she can have some money to go shopping! More non-essential driving.
If you drive to the movies, bar, restaurant, dance hall, amusement park, little league ballgame, hunting spot, fishing hole, poker game at a buddy's house, bowling alley, concert, etc. (I think you get my drift) then gas is not too high.
Big Oil is a for-profit organization. They are not a charitable organization. Making 8%-10% profit is not unrealistic.
Bottom line: Get over yourself, get off your high horse and deal with reality. If you want to play, you gotta pay! Can't pay? Don't play.
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rshidler
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05/22/08 04:17pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Flojet Macerator Pump
the BEST thing is going to be to wire it straight to the battery. I wired it to my existing pump wires and blow a fuse inside whenever someone is inside using the water pump when im using the macerator pump.
So to do this, I would need some extra wire to reach the battery, but what is the best/easiest way to connect to the battery?
I was thinking of getting a clamp, similar to jumper cables but smaller, and using that but was wanting to know what other members have done. Thanks.
That's what I use (they look like aligator clips) on mine. The battery compartment is within reach so I didn't have to add any extra wire. When I'm ready to use, I just attach the pump to the sewer pipe, attach the wires to the battery and let 'er flow! When done, just unhook and put away.
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rshidler
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05/21/08 09:12am |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Gray water on campfire
To all those that treat gray water as hazmat, how in the world do you take a bath? Imagine, sitting in all that toxic waste!
C'mon folks, let's add a little reason here. It's just dirty water.
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rshidler
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05/20/08 07:28pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Gray water on campfire
LMAO! :B How'd ya'll like that "secondhand steam, airborne disease deal?! :)
Whew! Skid Row, you had me worried for a little bit. I've always thought of you as one of the (few) level-headed individuals on here. Thought you might have moved over to the dark side!
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rshidler
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05/20/08 02:34pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: You know a RVer didn't design it when......
Would these be the same designers that put the TV antenna crank over the middle of the bed ?!
Yep, the same ones who put it on the ceiling above the slideout so you can't reach it without a stool if you forget to drop the antenna before you pull the slide in... :h
You mean I'm not the only one that forgets to drop the antenna and has to open the slide again?!? :)
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rshidler
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05/19/08 08:09pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: Dmax/Allison Tow/Haul mode experiment
Try the experiment again but in 2 phases: First trip use tow/haul for the whole trip; Second trip don't use tow/haul for the whole trip. That way, you at least eliminate some of the variables as both phases would be duplicates of each other.
You will still have to deal with differences in temperature, wind, humidity, weight (maybe you pack lighter on the second trip), etc. but I would think that these factors wouldn't be enough to throw off the restults too much.
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rshidler
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05/19/08 12:37pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Water Question
We don't drink out of the tank or from CG wells. We drink/cook with bottled water and use the tank/CG well water to shower and wash dishes. I sanitize at least 2 times a season.
This is my approach. The "bottled" water we consume though is actually water from my tap at home.
I don't worry about the local water system as I generally camp in well-populated areas (somebody else said if the locals can drink it, so can I). However, I am a little paranoid about the pranksters that abound. I always wonder what goes on back at the campground while we're out enjoying whatever there is to enjoy. I don't necessarily think anybody is out to cause harm, but can imagine all sorts of nasty tricks that youngsters can pull out of boredom (I was young once and used to cause mischief just to have something to do). I realize this is a peculiar position to take, but I feel more comfortable taking it.
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rshidler
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05/15/08 10:32am |
Beginning RVing
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RE: Record Profits
I also find it humorous that the most complaints I hear about gas prices come from people who have gas guzzling vehicles/boats.
Oil companies are making fuel and we are buying it. As long as we buy it at the current price the price will rise. The price will rise until the sales change. If you are still using gas for recreational purposes, then it is not too high for your situation. If the oil companies can sell their product overseas for more than we are willing to pay for it, then good for them.
When gas was 'cheap' did you make decisions thinking that gas would stay at that level? Did you move further away from work, friends, family, etc because it was inexpensive to drive the further distance? Did you buy a bigger house/RV cause you didn't have to pay as much for gas? Did you get into a business that depended on cheap gas, like airlines or other tourist industry? Probably bad decisions. Now you need to adapt to the higher price of fuel. Sell the boat/RV/truck/house. Change careers or streamline to accommodate the increase in the cost of doing business. Don't look to the government to bail you out.
Yes, I am a bit ruthless when it comes to stuff like this. If you want to change something, then do something. Support a company that invests in alternative energy sources or power production. Get a vehicle that uses less fuel. Don't take that vacation that will use a lot of fuel. Stop blaming others and do something.
Want immediate change? Tax every vehicle on the basis of the size of the engine, heavily, annually, and now (how about $1000 per L of displacement per year). The government will squander the money on useless things, but, it would get something done by forcing down the demand for gas. Why won't they do this? Because of people like you and me who want our trucks, RV's, old cars, and other gas guzzling stuff. All the lobbying in the world cannot change what you choose to drive. The only way things will change is if WE change.
charlie
Charlie,
Very well put. Note the portion I have highlighted in your post ... I have said this many times.
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rshidler
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05/15/08 08:56am |
Around the Campfire
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RE: Record Profits
So many people here blaming the oil companies. So many theories about closing profitable refineries to limit production. I have some simple questions:
1) How many of you have started your own company to explore for new oil?
2) How many of you have started drilling at a location that may or may not produce?
3) How many of you have begun construction on a new refinery?
4) For those that answered "not me" to any of the above questions, why not?
Surely you jest. Three guys did it all by themselves? One to explore, one to drill and one to refine? They must be richer than Bill Gates and the rest of The Boys?
The point of the post is that so many complain about Big Oil and the way they operate. If they're such a scam, why aren't all the oil "experts" found here on good ole RV.NET getting into the game and solving our energy crisis.
Those that feel the 8-10% profit is too high can jump in with their benevolent mindset and put an end to it. All it would take is about "1 gazillion" dollars to get started. Once up and running, they can offer their product to us at a 0% profit.
Another option ... Anybody with any land can offer it up for exploration and drilling. Better still, offer it up as a location for a new refinery.
Traxtermax, you made my point very well. It would take more money than you or I can even imagine to get into the game. That same amount of money, and more, has already been spent by Big Oil. Why do we now begrudge them an 8-10% profit?
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rshidler
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05/15/08 06:17am |
Around the Campfire
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RE: Record Profits
So many people here blaming the oil companies. So many theories about closing profitable refineries to limit production. I have some simple questions:
1) How many of you have started your own company to explore for new oil?
2) How many of you have started drilling at a location that may or may not produce?
3) How many of you have begun construction on a new refinery?
4) For those that answered "not me" to any of the above questions, why not?
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rshidler
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05/14/08 06:22am |
Around the Campfire
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RE: wal mart situation
I've offered this advice before on this very subject and feel it bears repeating: For those of you that wish to stay in a Wal-Mart parking lot please continue to do so. For those that object to staying in a Wal-Mart parking lot, by all means, continue to not stay in them.
Isn't it neat how we can let others do as they see fit and not force our will onto them? I think you'll also find that minding your own business has absolutely no impact on yourself what-so-ever!
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rshidler
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05/13/08 12:03pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: All inclusive resort recommendations?
If not for the passport issue, I would highly recommend a Sandals resort on Jamaica. The wife and I spent a week there in Feb of this year and absolutely loved it. You get hungry you eat, you get thirsty you drink, you get tired you sleep. That's all you have to worry about.
It took us 2 days to figure out that we would return ... again and again and again. Our biggest problem now is do we go back once a year for 2 weeks, or twice a year for 7 days each. Oh the agony of the decision! :)
Regards ... Bob
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rshidler
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05/13/08 10:25am |
Around the Campfire
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RE: Economy,,,,,,,Do you really feel the "sky falling"
Just a quck note ... Lots of folks mentioning "Global Warming". Don't you know that term has fallen out of favor? "Global Warming" didn't really pan out the way they thought/hoped. It's hard to keep screaming "global warming" when the temps are actually cooling. The new term is "Climate Change". Hope this works out better for them although I have my doubts. It seems the climate changes in cycles too ... has been since dirt was invented!
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rshidler
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05/08/08 12:34pm |
Around the Campfire
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RE: Quick help - What would you do
I'd move it without hesitation. Lawsuits are everywhere. You'd have to live in a cave to avoid them. Agree with the person that said "small claims court" too.
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rshidler
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05/06/08 11:38am |
General RVing Issues
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