Things I find amazing.....please add to the list

firefuzz · Post by **firefuzz** » Sun Jan 04, 2015 6:53 am

I find it amazing....

that cheap hamburger is priced the same or higher than roast.

that my state government, Oklahoma, is gripping about the lower gas prices at the pump. Now we can afford the hamburger.

gamekeeper · Post by **gamekeeper** » Sun Jan 04, 2015 9:43 am

I find it amazing that the more TV channels I get, the less programs there are that I want to watch...

Lassiter · Post by **Lassiter** » Sun Jan 04, 2015 9:50 am

I find it amazing that gas prices are dropping in light of current problems and conflicts around the world.............the very same problems and conflicts that were the excuse for raising gas prices in the past. jes sayin'

bdhold · Post by **bdhold** » Sun Jan 04, 2015 9:55 am

(fracking in North American shale oil - you can't drive south on I-37 and I-35 in Texas anymore for all the industry traffic, and the pipeline from Canada)

crs · Post by **crs** » Sun Jan 04, 2015 10:00 am

That in Australia, cheap wine costs less than bottled water. Howzat?

Pete44ru · Post by **Pete44ru** » Sun Jan 04, 2015 10:31 am

.

The local, National chain (Hess), gas stations in my town (3 different locations here) have different gasoline per gallon prices.

I can understand price differences between different locations placed far apart, or in another state, due to delivery costs - but between gas stations a mile or two apart ?

.

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Sun Jan 04, 2015 10:35 am

I'm amazed that diesel costs more than gasoline... yet is a by-product of producing gasoline.

arjunky · Post by **arjunky** » Sun Jan 04, 2015 10:59 am

That Obama actually got elected for a second term, let alone the first.

Byron

wecsoger · Post by **wecsoger** » Sun Jan 04, 2015 11:02 am

Word of warning on cheap gas prices. Less at the pump, less $$ coming in for the tax collector(s). They /will/ be looking for other avenues to make up the difference.

Old No7 · Post by **Old No7** » Sun Jan 04, 2015 1:13 pm

It's amazing...

That I am better stocked in Jack Daniel's than in 22s!

Truth be told, I've never (knock on wood) run out of either...

But at least I can easily replace the Jack!

Old No7

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Sun Jan 04, 2015 1:35 pm

wecsoger wrote:Word of warning on cheap gas prices. Less at the pump, less $$ coming in for the tax collector(s). They /will/ be looking for other avenues to make up the difference.

I thought the tax was per gallon....If so, and people can afford to drive more, they would be getting more money....

firefuzz · Post by **firefuzz** » Sun Jan 04, 2015 1:36 pm

wecsoger wrote:Word of warning on cheap gas prices. Less at the pump, less $$ coming in for the tax collector(s). They /will/ be looking for other avenues to make up the difference.

That's why Oklahoma's government is upset.

Tristan · Post by **Tristan** » Sun Jan 04, 2015 1:52 pm

BlaineG wrote:
wecsoger wrote:Word of warning on cheap gas prices. Less at the pump, less $$ coming in for the tax collector(s). They /will/ be looking for other avenues to make up the difference.
I thought the tax was per gallon....If so, and people can afford to drive more, they would be getting more money....

That's my understanding as well.

Streetstar · Post by **Streetstar** » Sun Jan 04, 2015 2:55 pm

firefuzz wrote:I find it amazing....

that cheap hamburger is priced the same or higher than roast.

that my state government, Oklahoma, is gripping about the lower gas prices at the pump. Now we can afford the hamburger.

I try to use the leaner strands of burger when i can -- the "93% lean" costs as much as some cuts of sirloin

I have been subbing in ground bison more lately for things like chili recipes to emphasize quality over quantity though --- since i am personally trying to cut down on red meat in general, its not a big deal cost wise in the grand scheme of things , but the stuff is priced at what i used to consider strip steak prices, -- and strip steak is now priced at tenderloin prices -- so a good time to cut back anyway

jeepnik · Post by **jeepnik** » Sun Jan 04, 2015 3:05 pm

Griff wrote:I'm amazed that diesel costs more than gasoline... yet is a by-product of producing gasoline.

At one time there were fewer process' needed to produce diesel. Today it needs to be desulfurized. It is also refined so that it has fewer particulates when burned. And lastly, it has higher taxes imposed

harry · Post by **harry** » Sun Jan 04, 2015 3:41 pm

wecsoger wrote:Word of warning on cheap gas prices. Less at the pump, less $$ coming in for the tax collector(s). They /will/ be looking for other avenues to make up the difference.

Taxes at the pump are per gallon, if your state plus fed tax = 45 cents a gallon, then if gas is 1.50 there is still 45 cents a gallon tax same 45 cents as if it were 3.90 a gallon.

7.62 Precision · Post by **7.62 Precision** » Sun Jan 04, 2015 3:42 pm

jeepnik wrote:
Griff wrote:I'm amazed that diesel costs more than gasoline... yet is a by-product of producing gasoline.
At one time there were fewer process' needed to produce diesel. Today it needs to be desulfurized. It is also refined so that it has fewer particulates when burned. And lastly, it has higher taxes imposed

Gasoline used to be a byproduct - that's why gas engines were invented to use gasoline - it was a cheap, available fuel that they were trying to get rid of. Now it is the main focus.

The price of diesel is largely political - everyone sees black smoke belching out of a truck and they think it is a bad pollutant. No one realizes that it is much cleaner than the exhaust from their little gas cars.

The US car manufacturers don't want people buying diesel-burning imports, and they don't like to make diesel vehicles. The US government now has a vested interest in making sure people buy US cars.

Diesel cars are not subject to the same emissions restrictions at federal, state, and local levels as gas cars. This leaves politicians and environmentalists feeling that people with diesel engines are somehow getting over on the system. It also costs revenue. Some places that require inspections (and get revenue from the inspections) deal with this by exempting diesel engines from the full emissions inspections, but still require the vehicle to be inspected every year or so to ensure it is still a diesel.

Most diesel vehicles in the US are owned by businesses. The governments feel that they have more freedom to tax businesses than individuals. They see businesses as a better revenue source.

rjohns94 · Post by **rjohns94** » Sun Jan 04, 2015 5:15 pm

BlaineG wrote:
wecsoger wrote:Word of warning on cheap gas prices. Less at the pump, less $$ coming in for the tax collector(s). They /will/ be looking for other avenues to make up the difference.
I thought the tax was per gallon....If so, and people can afford to drive more, they would be getting more money....

Yep

rjohns94 · Post by **rjohns94** » Sun Jan 04, 2015 5:17 pm

7.62 Precision wrote:
jeepnik wrote:
Griff wrote:I'm amazed that diesel costs more than gasoline... yet is a by-product of producing gasoline.
At one time there were fewer process' needed to produce diesel. Today it needs to be desulfurized. It is also refined so that it has fewer particulates when burned. And lastly, it has higher taxes imposed
Gasoline used to be a byproduct - that's why gas engines were invented to use gasoline - it was a cheap, available fuel that they were trying to get rid of. Now it is the main focus.

The price of diesel is largely political - everyone sees black smoke belching out of a truck and they think it is a bad pollutant. No one realizes that it is much cleaner than the exhaust from their little gas cars.

The US car manufacturers don't want people buying diesel-burning imports, and they don't like to make diesel vehicles. The US government now has a vested interest in making sure people buy US cars.

Diesel cars are not subject to the same emissions restrictions at federal, state, and local levels as gas cars. This leaves politicians and environmentalists feeling that people with diesel engines are somehow getting over on the system. It also costs revenue. Some places that require inspections (and get revenue from the inspections) deal with this by exempting diesel engines from the full emissions inspections, but still require the vehicle to be inspected every year or so to ensure it is still a diesel.

Most diesel vehicles in the US are owned by businesses. The governments feel that they have more freedom to tax businesses than individuals. They see businesses as a better revenue source.

Also, the world market, like south america and China, have a high demand for diesel so prices can remain high.

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Sun Jan 04, 2015 5:19 pm

rjohns94 wrote:
BlaineG wrote:
wecsoger wrote:Word of warning on cheap gas prices. Less at the pump, less $$ coming in for the tax collector(s). They /will/ be looking for other avenues to make up the difference.
I thought the tax was per gallon....If so, and people can afford to drive more, they would be getting more money....

Yep

I dug around a bit......In Washington State, anyway, the little cars, and Hybrids have become so popular that the reduced fuel usage HAS created a tax shortfall.....Ironic: The Gubment encouraged the use of little bugs, and now are going to reward their usage with more tax.....

vancelw · Post by **vancelw** » Sun Jan 04, 2015 5:24 pm

I find it amazing ....that people are trying to sell ARs for 1200 when I can get a brand new one for 549 right now
.....that people are still paying gougers on FB 50 or more for a box of .22 LR
.....That I can buy an elk from a local rancher, have it processed, and it's half the price of beef
.....that gas prices are down and people in Texas are ecstatic, not realizing the Texas job market is about to crash.
....that the Dallas Cowgirls still have a fan base after all these years of Jerry Jones

KiwiKev · Post by **KiwiKev** » Sun Jan 04, 2015 5:44 pm

Brits will recognize this:

That Tesco value Lager(21p) and Volka(£6.25) exists. And the lager is cheaper than bottled water.

And that expensive milk and cheap milk in New Zealand comes from the same cows.

Contrary to what some people believe cheap milk does not come from sick cows.

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Sun Jan 04, 2015 8:01 pm

One of the taxes on gas & diesel is based on price... that's the sales tax portion... but, State & Federal excise taxes on both are based on the gallon... both of which are higher than the sales tax portion. And the extra refining and desulphurization of diesel is harmful to engines. It removes the lubricity and decreases fuel economy.

jeepnik · Post by **jeepnik** » Sun Jan 04, 2015 10:22 pm

Griff wrote:One of the taxes on gas & diesel is based on price... that's the sales tax portion... but, State & Federal excise taxes on both are based on the gallon... both of which are higher than the sales tax portion. And the extra refining and desulphurization of diesel is harmful to engines. It removes the lubricity and decreases fuel economy.

Then there are the taxes paid as the oil makes its way along the supply chain. It's pretty much taxed at every change of custody. And guess who ultimately pays those taxes.

I love the democraps

"We won't tax the consumer, were your friend. We'll tax those evil business' that are ripping you off"
And some idiots believe that bull stuff.

Ray Newman · Post by **Ray Newman** » Sun Jan 04, 2015 10:50 pm

"That Obama actually got elected for a second term, let alone the first."
--arjunky

BINGO! And you get the best and freshest 5 cent c-gar in the humidor!....

arjunky · Post by **arjunky** » Sun Jan 04, 2015 11:10 pm

Ray Newman wrote:"That Obama actually got elected for a second term, let alone the first."
--arjunky

BINGO! And you get the best and freshest 5 cent c-gar in the humidor!....

Thanks Ray.

Byron

6pt-sika · Post by **6pt-sika** » Mon Jan 05, 2015 12:04 am

arjunky wrote:That Obama actually got elected for a second term, let alone the first.

Byron

That doesn't amaze me half as much as the fact that the guys in the hoods and capes have never gone after him

mark · Post by **mark** » Mon Jan 05, 2015 1:54 am

game keeper wrote:I find it amazing that the more TV channels I get, the less programs there are that I want to watch...

I have noticed the same thing re TV.

Perhaps its another example of the "inverse square law"?.

Cheers from "Bedrock". At least Fred and Barney were funny.

Sixgun · Post by **Sixgun** » Mon Jan 05, 2015 8:55 am

I find it amazing that Im still alive....after wrecking cars, snowmobiles, blowing up guns, drinking until I did not know my name, and doing all sorts of reckless stuff. But.....I sure had a good time.

------------6

92&94 · Post by **92&94** » Mon Jan 05, 2015 9:21 am

KiwiKev wrote: And that expensive milk and cheap milk in New Zealand comes from the same cows.

Contrary to what some people believe cheap milk does not come from sick cows.

I'm curious why you have both cheap milk and expensive milk in NZ.

Here it varies mostly due to variation in state to state regulation of how grocery stores are allowed to price their items. Some states do not allow loss leader sales, I'm told. Other states you can buy a gallon of milk under $2 because there is no state interference and the store manager knows that if he sells milk, cola, and bread cheaper than anyone else in town, his store will be the one where people come for those items and consequently buy their pot roast and breakfast cereal too.

Of course, we do also see variation due to the type of store here - $2 a gallon or less at the big grocery chain, $5 a gallon at the convenience store that is open all night. Same milk. Perhaps that is what you are referring to in NZ also.

KiwiKev · Post by **KiwiKev** » Mon Jan 05, 2015 3:13 pm

There is a monopoly called Fonterra which started as a farmers co-op which uses non free market practices. They allow quite a range of price. In the same supermarket can range from $1.78 to $2.60 per litre. As a very large milk producer we pay the highest prices. It would be like Saudi Arabia charging its citizens the highest world price it can for gas- because they can- and people need it.

Actually the dairies, or service stations sometimes have cheaper milk. Eg a service station down the road has buy 2x 2l for$7.00.

Here is a local supermarket.

http://shop.countdown.co.nz/Shop/Browse ... k-standard

An independent distributor getting milk form local farmers was shut down using the usual back door practices. Free market my @rse!

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Mon Jan 05, 2015 3:31 pm

Every store usually has "loss leaders". A wise shopper will take advantage of them. (Although, it's sort of hard to stock up on milk

....... I'm broke enough that I factor in fuel cost for the drive)

KiwiKev · Post by **KiwiKev** » Mon Jan 05, 2015 3:48 pm

Nothing like radiation to keep the milk fresh.

It is amazes me that the owner of a corner dairy, open from 7.00 am to 11pm makes any money at all.

Unless it's:

Sweets,lollies, candy for the kids,
Porn for the males
Liquor for the ladies.

KiwiKev · Post by **KiwiKev** » Mon Jan 05, 2015 5:19 pm

So from $110 a barrel in July to $50 a barrel now why am I not seeing a 50% drop at the pump?

They always give lots of reasons for putting pump prices up but are always reluctant to drop prices.

A free market????

Ray Newman · Post by **Ray Newman** » Mon Jan 05, 2015 5:45 pm

"I'm broke enough that I factor in fuel cost for the drive."
--Blaine G

You are just being sensible and judicious with your finances. Too many people do not think like that and will drive out of their way just to save a few pennies.

Ray Newman · Post by **Ray Newman** » Mon Jan 05, 2015 5:50 pm

"That doesn't amaze me half as much as the fact that the guys in the hoods and capes have never gone after him."
--6pt sika

Some opine that is why the prez selected the grossly incompetent and embarrassingly gaff prone Biden as his VP. Best life instance policy he could buy.

firefuzz · Post by **firefuzz** » Tue Jan 06, 2015 10:51 am

Ray Newman wrote:"That doesn't amaze me half as much as the fact that the guys in the hoods and capes have never gone after him."
--6pt sika

Some opine that is why the prez selected the grossly incompetent and embarrassingly gaff prone Biden as his VP. Best life instance policy he could buy.

The fact that Joe would be prez if something happened to him might also be his biggest worry.

Rob

mikld · Post by **mikld** » Tue Jan 06, 2015 11:40 am

I dug around a bit......In Washington State, anyway, the little cars, and Hybrids have become so popular that the reduced fuel usage HAS created a tax shortfall.....Ironic: The Gubment encouraged the use of little bugs, and now are going to reward their usage with more tax.....

In Oregon there's talk of taxing vehicles by the mile traveled, on top of the gas tax. Seems folks listened to the "buy better MPG cars" and the "conserve gasoline" BS and now they're getting punished for it...

SteveR · Post by **SteveR** » Tue Jan 06, 2015 11:59 am

KiwiKev wrote:So from $110 a barrel in July to $50 a barrel now why am I not seeing a 50% drop at the pump?

They always give lots of reasons for putting pump prices up but are always reluctant to drop prices.

A free market????

Because the US Federal Reserve (Loser commie Obama's economic policy) policy of printing tons of money, which have weakened all of the countries that use the Dollar as currency.

It really is sad how weakened our buying power of our money is right now. All the more reason to go with the gold standard again.

If taken into account, loaded ammo is cheaper now, than in the panic buying of 2009-2014.

Steve

92&94 · Post by **92&94** » Tue Jan 06, 2015 12:23 pm

BlaineG wrote:Every store usually has "loss leaders". A wise shopper will take advantage of them. (Although, it's sort of hard to stock up on milk ....... I'm broke enough that I factor in fuel cost for the drive)

Last I heard, loss leaders are illegal or restricted in something like 22 states. I don't agree with states doing that, but then I don't live in one that does, so it's not really my business.

My neighbor is a retired store manager from Texas, he was the one who told me that cola and bread belong on that list too

The smart shopper takes advantage of deals, the manager knows it too - that's why he puts them there

He understands volume is important when margins are low, he just needs to make sure that his bump in volume offsets the loss from the deals, not really that hard to do.

92&94 · Post by **92&94** » Tue Jan 06, 2015 12:27 pm

KiwiKev wrote:Nothing like radiation to keep the milk fresh.

It is amazes me that the owner of a corner dairy, open from 7.00 am to 11pm makes any money at all.

Unless it's:

Sweets,lollies, candy for the kids,
Porn for the males
Liquor for the ladies.

Ironically, those stores are where milk costs most around here, though they're not called dairies here of course. The convenience store where I live used to buy 5-6 gallons of milk from the local grocer and then mark it up from there. Now the grocer has closed, don't know what the convenience store is doing for milk supplies now. We're too far out from the cities to have a regular delivery wholesaler for most of this stuff.

Grizz · Post by **Grizz** » Tue Jan 06, 2015 1:04 pm

I am amazed that

John 3:16 God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

I am amazed that

Acts 10:41-43 paraphrased... God commanded us (who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead) to preach to the people and to testify that Christ is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets bear witness to Christ that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.

I am amazed that

Ephesians 2:8-9 ...by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast.

I am amazed that

John 20:31 these (things) are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

I am amazed that

Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

I am amazed that the promises of God are yea and true

I am amazed that He even saved me

Grizz

stew71 · Post by **stew71** » Tue Jan 06, 2015 2:11 pm

wecsoger wrote:Word of warning on cheap gas prices. Less at the pump, less $$ coming in for the tax collector(s). They /will/ be looking for other avenues to make up the difference.

With more people driving more fuel efficient cars, along with fewer miles being driven overall in the state, California is now looking at a way to tax drivers based on miles driven in a given year to boost revenues for road and transportation maintenance. So far, it's gone no further than trial balloon press releases from the state tax board, but.....

This is deep-blue Kali...with a deep-blue legislature and a deep-blue Governor. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if we'll soon be required to report our odometer readings upon registering our vehicles each year. Stay tuned....

Ray Newman · Post by **Ray Newman** » Tue Jan 06, 2015 3:03 pm

"With more people driving more fuel efficient cars, along with fewer miles being driven overall in the state, California is now looking at a way to tax drivers based on miles driven in a given year to boost revenues for road and transportation maintenance. So far, it's gone no further than trial balloon press releases from the state tax board....."
--Stew71

That was talked about up here in WA. But the electric car folks did not like it as they felt it was not fair to them to pay a tax on miles driven when they were not using any fossil fuels and are saving the planet.

Some even balked that landlords were installing electric meters on recharging stations so the electric care owners would have the electric utilize to recharge the batteries added to their rent.....

BrentD · Post by **BrentD** » Tue Jan 06, 2015 3:21 pm

Personally, the fact that the Dallas Cowboys played a playoff game, never mind actually winning it - that is amazing.

Tax the hell out of those electric and hybrid cars. Hell yes.

KiwiKev · Post by **KiwiKev** » Tue Jan 06, 2015 5:42 pm

I think diesel drivers here are taxed per km. Just looked it up Road Users charges- $50 per 1000km or$US45 for 620 miles. That is why a don't drive a diesel. Over 20,000km(a typical year) that is an extra $900 in taxes. Sure diesel is cheaper.

Would probably cost more to administer than collect. But: New cars will have a black box which regularly collects your mileage. You get a monthly charge based of mileage.
Do you get a rebate if you drive around in reverse

Now that gas is cheaper must get one of these for my car.

BrentD · Post by **BrentD** » Tue Jan 06, 2015 6:40 pm

Every once in a while, not very often, my wife says something less than supportive about my gun/shooting/hunting hobbies. When she does, I pull out a picture of a car like that, or maybe a local stock car racer and show her that and suggest I could always switch to tricked out race cars. She definitely likes the guns better, thankfully, and so do I. A gearhead I am not.

plowboy 45 · Post by **plowboy 45** » Tue Jan 06, 2015 7:19 pm

Im amazed that some of you are worried about the price of milk
I weaned 50 years ago, maybe that's a thought for yall, save money to, more cartridges

Just kiddin

Don't fret

BrentD · Post by **BrentD** » Tue Jan 06, 2015 7:38 pm

plowboy 45 wrote:Im amazed that some of you are worried about the price of milk
I weaned 50 years ago, maybe that's a thought for yall, ...t

It does affect the price of ice cream you know, and that IS a necessity of life as I know it.

But milk in a glass is a waste of potential ice cream.

vancelw · Post by **vancelw** » Tue Jan 06, 2015 8:23 pm

BrentD wrote:Personally, the fact that the Dallas Cowboys played a playoff game, never mind actually winning it - that is amazing.

Tax the hell out of those electric and hybrid cars. Hell yes.

The Dallas Cowboys franchise is (historically) quite capable of winning playoff games.....

....it's the fact Romo pulled it off that amazes me. I guess he got past the normal Decemberitis. Only delayed, I am sure.

Gas taxes are a source of revenue for the state government....in Texas 20 cents per gallon, so the cheaper the better. But when oil prices plumme,t the Texas (and other domestic) rigs, pumps, and drills slow down. An immediate effect on the economy. Welders and roughnecks unemployed, gravel pits, truck drivers, haz-mat companies, (no telling how long the list is).
The same people around here who are jumping for joy at what they think is cheap gas will be the same ones crying and blaming the conservatives when unemployment goes even higher and the real estate bubble bursts. Don't get me wrong. I like paying less for gas (I won't call it cheap until it's $0.499 or less) but the payout will come somewhere else for sure.

Yes, Electric cars are so silly, unless you have your own windmill to charge it at night. Even then, I doubt you'd ever see a return on your investment.