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Without a father
FATHERS ARE an important part of everyone's life, and every child should have that luxury. I do not have one. I am 32 years old and have never met my father. I know who he is, and he is aware that I exist, but he has never taken the time to call me, talk to me or acknowledge me. That's sad. If you do not plan to care for the children you create, why take chances in the first place?
Mortgage reality
BOB BRINKER, host of radio's "Money Talk," said, in reference to the government takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, that the federal government should never have gotten into the business of promoting homeownership in the first place. Which of the two major party candidates for the presidency would agree and say so? Neither one. That would cost them the election in a heartbeat.
Parade schedule
WOULD THE SEMO District Fair board please consider moving the annual parade to next year's opening weekend of the fair? Several important benefits would be realized with the parade taking place on a Saturday afternoon or evening: More young and adult parade participants might be available on a Saturday opposed to a weekday with work and school schedules. And more free time would result to prepare and organize on the weekend. Larger crowds along the parade route might also be a benefit to a weekend schedule. Another major benefit would be the elimination of the weekday rush-hour traffic snarls. Many local businesses along the parade route might also be in favor of a Saturday afternoon parade.
Parade trash
I DROVE down Broadway and noticed all the trash left behind by the parade watchers. The fair committee should be forced next year to distribute trash cans at many locations for the parade.
Smitten by Palin
POOR PAUL Greenberg. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry reading his piece, "Sarah's night." The first of two thoughts that occurred to me was that for someone labeling others as the angry left, Mr. Greenberg seemed a bit irate himself. Does he feel the need to play strong knight to his damsel? Secondly, the piece was insipid. The poor man is smitten. Anyone who would call Sarah Palin's acceptance speech "ladylike" followed by the premise that it must be in character for her stands removed from those who know the woman and say that her snideness and insulting ways of addressing the actions and opinions of others are more representative of her character. Mr. Greenberg should stop embarrassing himself while America waits to determine if substance can replace style when Palin finally feels ready to take questions.
Fiscal socialism
I'LL LEAVE it to David Limbaugh and other anti-liberals to assess and answer the question as to how the Bush administration's nationalization of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and the inevitable taxpayer bailout of these enormous entities mesh with the conservatism they've claimed is identified with the Bush administration specifically and the Republican Party in general. My guess is that they can't because they know as well as I do that this is out-and-out fiscal socialism.
Not family values
DAVID LIMBAUGH keeps harping on family values, thinking he and his party have a monopoly on them. Here's a family value question for you, Mr. Limbaugh. If a 13-year-old girl was impregnated as a result of rape or incest, why do you want the government, instead of the family, deciding what should or should not be done? That doesn't sound like family values to me. In fact, the Republican Party's absolutist platform on this matter seems the opposite.
Comments
Without a father,
I have my father, and I am so fortunate he is a loving and caring man; but I know of fathers that have walked away from there child before and after their birth. I feel for you it does hurt the child, at the same time some of those children are alot better off never having known their bio-father. I do think though that if they don't want the responsibilities of being a father then they should do something to prevent becoming a father.
Twiggy
Oh, and hello all to you all hope everyone has a wonderful day.
Twiggy
Without a Father,
It was very difficult, but this is one of the reasons I gave my child up for adoption. I knew her bio-father would not be there for her, but in relinquishing her for adoption, she has a wonderful adoptive "dad" who she wouldn't otherwise have had. I used to think her bio=father was just turning his back on her because of the illegitimate issues, but come to find out, he hasn't stepped up to the plate for any of his kids. So don't feel alone in your situation; some men and/or women just don't have what it takes to be a parent!
good morning everyone
Without a father : my bio father died when i was 3 months
old . anyone who has a living father should do their
best to spend time with him no matter how big a jerk
he might be...
MeLange,
Thank you for sharing, I know how I felt when I wanted more children and couldn't. It took a while to get over that, but I am most grateful for the children and grandchildren that I have.
Twiggy
Melange
Your friends, no doubt, were so gratefull for your help and I'm sure their load was lifted because of your help and friendship. Many do not realize how much those kids have to deal with and how hard the struggle is for them (and their parents too). I'm sorry for your loss, but am impressed with how you chose to deal with it.
Melange,
I see nothing wrong with what you said or how you said it, after having met you of course I would not think or take what you said the wrong way. I think that makes sense. LOL
Twiggy
Good Morning Everybody
I sure hope is this a Democrat friendly forum, I've heard otherwise. ;o)
I sure hope is this a Democrat friendly forum, I've heard otherwise. ;o)
I sure hope is this a Democrat friendly forum, I've heard otherwise. ;o)
TJ
Everyone is welcome here, however some people do get rather rude at times. LOL
Twiggy
Here's a question for everyone. How come gas is now down to 102 per barrel, (lower than last week) Yet..the prices at our local pumps have jumped up a dime this week?
Can everyone say...price gouging??
TJ_442
Gotta be careful sometimes. There are extremists for both sides and both sides tend to get a little nasty but if you go back over the past couple days you will see who the usual suspects are. I know I get jumped on A LOT in here because I am young and a free thinker and thereby some people think I know nothing about anything
TJ_442
i believe they've shut down the gas refineries
do to hurricane Ike . There's plenty of oil but
it's not getting refined ....
TJ
I would like to know the REAL reason for the gas prices going up also, except they can do it and get by with it. If you ever find the answer to that then please share it.
Twiggy
....er , due to hurricane Ike..
put the dunce hat on me today..
Rick,
I think you are probably right, but I think it's wrong.
Twiggy
Melange,
Yes indeed you are blessed.I have read your
comments and your willingness to share is
well taken.If only I had known you would have
possibly enjoyed having children I would have
happily borrowed you both of mine!Lol..just a bit
of humor to keep thing light this morning.
Good Morning Folks:
WoW
Reflection of ones self sure takes its toll!
Melange
Have you ever adopted?
TJ
All Democrats are welcome here! Its the ignorant and radical types that we all have to put up with that will soon be attacking you because your a Democrat!
We conservative types get lambasted too!
Goodmorning Who Me and SilentBob and anyone else I may have missed.
Twiggy
Good Morning!! Any morning that you wake up is a good start and better then the alternative. ;)
Yesterday was a very pleasant day in SO. Mostly all respectful of the day and each other. We will see how long both sides can keep it up. lol
Silent,
Adoption in the US is not an easy task. Just an example. A fellow poster and her husband can freely have as many children as they wish, but if wanting to adopt don't meet the financial requirements to do so. (hopefully I stated that clearly). And the restrictions on a single parent adoption I believe (and could be wrong) is even stricter.
Who Me?,
As far as I know it has not rained yet, and according to the weather channel most of the rain is staying up near St Louis. So you should be good for the Styx concert. And who would have thought an evil republican such as yourself and a freak of a liberal like me would enjoy the same music??? (just a slight attempt at humor btw)
Re: Without a Father
I never ever knew my bio-dad and never will be able to luckily though I had someone step up to the plate and take care of me until a certain point and now once again I have someone else that has done that for me. I have been one of the lucky few to have someone that is willing to call himself my dad only difference is that the one that is doing so now actually means it and doesn't see me as a tax break.
Ooops let me change that phrasing not bio-dad make that sperm donor
Melange,
I have two teenage daughters that I would gladly loan to you for a while. =)
Actually, there are days that I would pay someone, anyone to take them for a while. LOL
Gas is now 4.50 in Marble Hill due to the media "The sky is falling" blizz. I know they are just report the news(BS) but when they hyper the people into thinking that all is doom and gloom it is wrong. We get storms each year and many bigger then Ike. Those refiners and pumping stations are well equipt to handle a catagory 3.
TJ:
You have at least one enemy here.
If you don't like the price of gas, use less of it or don't buy it at all.
Suply and demand might as well be neurosurgery for a democrat to understand.
TJ_442
Ah there ya go just what I was talking about. One person who just because you say you are a Democrat hates you already. Gotta love good ole SEMO! Rest assured apparently the concept of a free country with the freedom of choice is obviously lost on THAT particular extremist Rebuplican Conservative.
AH HA!!!
Here ya go
Price gouging
This refers to artificially inflated prices on necessities after a disaster, natural or otherwise. Missouri has seen price gouging after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and other severe storms in the state.
It's against Missouri law to take advantage of a desperate situation by drastically increasing prices on merchandise, whether it's gasoline, kerosene after winter storm, hotel rooms, ice, gas-powered generators and other necessities.
oh and the link for that information
http://ago.mo.gov/ConsumerCorner/encyclo...
Uberfan20 don't bother looking there because it from our Democratic Attorney General for the State of Missouri Jay Nixon. Wouldn't want you to get offended and think that he has no idea what SUPPLY and demand means
three stations in fruitland went up 20 cents on their gas prices yesterday afternoon. casey's remained the same at $3.49. JBT in Jackson was up to $4.09 this morning. Ridiculous.
Last time I checked there were a lot of different gas stations owned by a lot of different people.
Imagining there's some Wizard of Oz mandating gas prices is aburd.
If you want lower gas prices, do something to increase supply or decrease demand.
Blaming people that own gasoline for the prices you have to pay is akin to drowning a weird looking loud woman for the crops not growing well this season.
I think people who want to take and redistribute $ from oil owners would get along very well in 17th century Carolina.
Well I am off for a bit gotta go and take care of somethings. Hope everyone has a good time today!
Basic Fuel's Lemmon was betting on the "come." The "come" didn't happen. Bunch of idiots lining up on top of each other at the stations yesterday because of stupid rumors. Geez.
I has been pretty amazing what we as a county have been able to do the last couple of months to decrease demand levels . . .
They wouldn't sell it at those prices if they didn't think they'd have buyers.
uberfan, lucky you don't need to purchase fuel apparently, but i do, so yes they know they have buyers. I drive to work and home with very very few side trips but gas is a necessity for most of us.
>>They wouldn't sell it at those prices if they didn't think they'd have buyers.<<
True. When Lemmon saw that the other stations weren't posting prices at $1.00 per gallon higher this morning, he suddenly "found a supplier in Springfield."
Right.
Uberfan,
spin things anyway you desire but the bottom line is
these stations are guilty of taking advantage of all of us!If I were to do that in my buisness I wouldn't have any!Ofcourse we are a captive audience when it comes to the price of gasoline and diesel fuel.Yes,
conservation is part of the answer yet ripping people
off for their own personal gain is wrong.
Just a question to those that are older and wiser then myself.
Back 40 years ago, did we have increases in gas prices because of the weather? Or is it a more recent effect on the prices. Granted supply was greater then demand back then. Not saying it isn't warrented or just business to do so. Just curious on the history of weather vs prices. Oh and as stated before, I was not in the US for the gas rationing of the late 70's so I don't have that as a reference in my experience with gas prices. I was in an Arab country and we were paying way less for gas then here in the US. Probably supply vs demand again and the fact that weather is usually not a factor in Saudi Arabia as it is pretty constant. No hurricanes, tornados, or ice storms.
Ok, out for awhile. Everyone have a great and safe day.
Pups and MeLange,
Wish I was there to go to the Fair with you all.
Greywolf,
I agree with you, we have to have gas and I think they take advantage of the fact in many ways.
Twiggy
TJ_442...We're Equal Opportunity Offenders here in this forum
I'm here to educate and obviously have an interested albeit dense audience.
Price gouging can only occur in a monopoly state. No competition means I don't have to worry about my customers running off to other sources to buy what I sell.
Oil is sold on the open market. If you have the resources, you can go bid on it with everyone else. But you don't necessarily have to buy it. You can find it and then do with it what you wish - sell it or use it. Either way, many different people end up with product.
When they turn around and sell it to you, they have to worry about everyone that stood next to them on the bidding floor plus everyone that got it out of the ground selling it to you for less. So, unless they ALL get together and arbitrarily decide on a price that gains them a much higher margin (that's called price fixing or equal share monopolies) then they will have to price the oil back to you in order to keep you as a customer AND sustain their ability to deliver it to you.
Again, price gouging cannot occur on the open market.
What's hilarious is that govenment officials will actually try and convince you it's the market (oil companies) that is "stealing" your hard earned dollar while they are the ones price gouging because of their monopoly on law enforcement.
Don't believe or understand me?
Ask anyone that lives in East Cape Girardeau where they buy their gas. I can guarantee you it's not Illinois. Why is that students?
Oooh, oooh, pick me, pick me :-)
Two reasons offered for East Cape residents not buying their gas in Illinois.
1) Closest gas stations are in MO
2) Illinois state fuel tax is significantly higher than Missouri.
uberfan20 -- so the moral to ur story is ??
Parade schedule
I agree. Also, I don't think the fair shouldn't charge admission until all the agriculture exhibits and livestock are in place. I remember a couple of years ago the board made a ruling that exibitors could not take their livestock immediately after the judging.
Uber,
Not sure if I believe you yet, but I am sure I don't completely understand you. When you said:
"When they turn around and sell it to you, they have to worry about everyone that stood next to them on the bidding floor plus everyone that got it out of the ground selling it to you for less."
I know the gas retailers here in SE Missouri didn't worry about who stood on the floor next to them and bid because they have a supplier, they don't do the bidding 'on the floor' as you say.
Explain to me yesterday's prices, locally. What happened? It's not what happened on the bid floor because the gas was in the ground at the station and was already bought. What did happen locally, in your view, yesterday?
I'm not thinking the major oil companies (Exxon, BP, etc.) were price gouging. I think something happened on a much smaller scale here in SE Missouri. I haven't read anything nationally yet today where the price increased as it did here. Even in the Gulf area nearest to Ike's target, the price increase range was from .4 cents to .9 cents, from $3.671 to $3.675 on average in certain area of Texas.
You seem to be an expert on econ theory, that's why I am asking, I'm not being smart-mouth, so don't take it that way. I have had 3 college level econ courses in my life, and didn't like any, very dry reading. However, because I can follow directions and problem solve, I got my A's and ran!
MeLange
You could have probably had children...just not biological ones.
Babe,
One of my kids has shown market barrows for 6 years at the fair, and we have never been allowed to load them and leave until Friday. They show on Wednesday morning, sell on Thursday evening, and load on Friday.
Just an fyi :)
Happy Nooning All,
Price gouging is price gouging. It had nothing to do with supply and demand, it was all about greed. And I don't understand the question regarding why people in East Cape buy their gas in MO. I mean, are they supposed to drive 15 or 20 miles to get it when they can drive 1/4 of a mile? Last I heard this was the UNITED states of America, not Europe. We don't have to cross border patrol to go into another state. Uber, do you own a gas station perhaps? LOL
I lost my mother at an early age due to breast cancer, and I still miss her every day, 25 years later. I am lucky that I have a mother in law who is a wonderful and caring person. I joke that she raised me because I started dating my husband when I was 18. I don't know what it's like to never have met a parent, but I do know the pain of growing up without one.
gofigure
Yes, if you load on Friday don't the folks attending on the last day get gyped? But I was really talking more of the beginning weekend of the fair. My daughter took my grandkids on Sunday this year and was dismayed to see most of the barns empty. My grandkids must be weird because they enjoy the livestock and small animal exhibits as much as the carnival rides.
our state and federal government is so weak and corrupt, you could raise gas to $10.00 and no one would have the guts to prosecute for price gouging. It's called supply and demand for these ignorant people.
My grandkids like the animal exhibits alot, and they enjoy the science things too, if they still have that? I usually go with them, I enjoy watching them have a good time.
Well, it's starting to get dark outside and a little more wind is moving in down here.
Also for those who talk to Nickey and have asked me about her, she had to take her leave from work starting now.
Twiggy
Twiggy,
Never been in a Hurricane, hope I never am. And I hope you guys are ok. Are you very far from where it is supposed to hit? Sorry, haven't been able to follow the forum a lot lately.
Babe,
I think the reason we take the livestock to the fair on Tuesday evening and leave on Friday is because the livestock loses weight while at the fair due to the 'stressful' environment. I'm not trained in animal science, but my hubby is, and he says they lose weight and dont' eat as much because of the surroundings: loud noise, people, new pen, new watering & feeding mechanisms, etc.
To show swine, test weight is important and has to be within certain ranges. Also, the buyers are paying high premiums and if the swine continued to lose weight by staying longer, they are paying for something they aren't getting.
I really don't know much about this, honest. It sounds to me like the Fair Board should advertise when the animals will/will not be available more clearly.
My kids love the animals, too, but still want to ride, of course, as it costs an arm and a leg!
Pups
I'm just going to guess that forty years ago we had enough refineries to meet demand. We haven't built new ones for decades even though demand has increased. Sigh, I remember the days when stations were full service and they tried to lure in customers with give aways such as green stamps and dishes.
SoILfarmgirl,
We live about 2 1/2 hours from Galveston and they think we are going to get hit pretty good this time. I have never been in a Hurricane either, but have been through the rain and wind from Tropical storms when living down here before. However this time I live alot closer to the coast than last time, so this will be a first for me also.
I am still trying to find my way around down here since this is new to me. LOL I learn my way a little more each week.
Twiggy
Twiggy
I understand from your previous posts that this is your first hurricane so I hope you allow me to give you a tip. Right about now, take a long hot bath or shower. Then scrub the bathtub, extra sinks and buckets. Fill as many vessels as you can as you will need this water for washups and flushing the toilet. Most water pumping stations will go down with the flooding that is expected.
gofigure
That is a reasonable explanation about the livestock. Thanks.
uberfan20 is right, there is no such thing as price gouging in a competitive marketplace. A consumer has the choice when and where to purchase a good. You are welcome to believe as you wish, however.
Twiggy:
I will keep you in my thoughts and wish for the best for you. Sounds like Babe knows what she's talking about and gave you some good advice. Keep us posted!
Hillco:
I've always been stubborn! :) Maybe I'll buy me a mule.
Thanks for the advice, my in laws have done this several times in there life so they have been filling me in. I'm just killing a little time before I do the last minute stuff, like showering and filling the tub. Still have some time to go before it really hits here, that breeze feels great though compared to how hot it has been here lately.
Twiggy
SoILfarmgirl,
I appreciate the thoughts and well wishes, I'm not really to worried about things at this moment. Who's to say what it will be like later tonight or tomorrow, that might be a totally different story.
Twiggy
I guess we could go back to the early 70's when there were price controls placed of wages, goods, and services, maybe that would make you feel much better about waiting in fuel lines. About the time you get to the pumps, the sign says "We are out of Gas".
A mule might work, upkeep is cheaper than horses.
Hillco:
No thank you! I'm all for less govt. controls, not more. Anyway, that would mean I'd have to re-live the teen years, and once was bad enough!!
BTW, after doing some more research on all of this, I think the real catalyst for all of this was people listening to rumors and running out to fill up, therefore creating a panic. I got gas, but only because I was running on fumes. Maybe this is what you've been saying all along...I'm kind of slow. Oh, and it wasn't just in MO, here is my local town, one station has a sign saying they are OUT of gas.
Okay, Twiggy, but just one last comment. Please don't wait too long. Depending on what grid you're on you may lose power long before you feel the impact. Also, Ike is causing more damage than expected even before landfall. If you have food in your freezer worth saving, then turn your freezer to high now. If I thought you were Catholic I would remind you to light the hurricane holy candles. Hunker down and stay safe, Twiggy.
SoIlfarmgirl: I have no place that I need to go, so I'm staying on the farm. There is no better place to be anyway. I have, in the past, spent 6 months or more without leaving the farm. The wife brought home the groceries and kept fuel for my tractors.
Babe,
Appreciate it, no not Catholic, but do have candles, and lamps, and I didn't think about turning up the freezer; I will do that.
Twiggy
Babe,
Had a few fun comments on your post last night on the cremation proposal in Jackson. Get a chance check them out at http://www.semissourian.com/article/2008... , just having some fun
Enjoy,
GMAN
Hillco,
If I didn't have to work, that's exactly what I'd be doing. Hunkering down on my little spread. I already have a garden, and I'd get me some cows and chickens. Unfortunately, I do like electricity and heat and food and insurance (I'm not very much of a pioneer), so I'll just have to keep leaving and going to work every day, at least for another few years anyway, or probably until I die judging by the way my retirement plan is looking!
Babe,
Thank you for your reply. Kind of what I was thinking in that supply out weighed the demand back then. You would have gotten a kick at all the 'panicing' going on at work yesterday. It was funny in that alot asked to leave early cause they needed to get gas cause it was going up over a dollar a gallon by this morning. I personally know I have no choice but to pay what is asked at the pump if I want to get to work.
btw, want to talk about expensive, went to the fair today. Other then it being extremely hot, 10 dollars for a corn dog and large soda. Have no idea how a family of 4 can do it. Though didn't have to pay admission because we got there before 1pm so there was a plus. And made Melange walk out by the livestock areas. Though I'm a 'city boy', some very beautiful animals at the fair.
Who Me?
We must be about the same age, cause I also enjoy(ed)the groups/music you listed. REO and Styx bring back great memeories of high school and hanging in the parking lot over lunch blaring the car system.
Twiggy,
Please be safe.
Nickey,
If you ever need anything you have my email!!
Semo,
Hope you are ok.
Everyone,
Have a great rest of the day and a super weekend!!!
Hilleco,
back in early 70s I worked for a jerk as a mechanic
at his standard station.He raised his fuel prices as soon as the lines started backing up 1/2 mile.Customers complained and after much litigation he
was forced to lower his prices the same amount that he overcharged per gallon for 2 weeks.He was found guilty of price gouging!.By the way,this occured in Arlington Heights Illinois just after I discharged from the military in 1974.
This was not an isolated incident.Many stations were dealt the same punishment!
MeLange,
Oh you would have to mention the food at the fair, I really wish I was up there for that. Love the food and Salt Water Taffy. Anyway I think we have the food thing under control and cigs too. Alot just depends on how bad it does get as to whether we have enough of everything or not. I know they are thinking it will get pretty bad, just not sure how soon. So far I think it will be later this evening or early morning, from the way they are talking but that can always change. If you go to the fair again eat some things for me. LOL
Twiggy
Pups,
Thanks and I will tell Nickey, she will only have access to a computer if she goes to my folks or the library. She goes to see the doctor again next Friday, so I am going to have my bag ready to go so when the time comes all I will have to do is throw the last minute things in when it is time for me to come up.
Semoangel has started a different job to my understanding, not sure what her hours are.
Twiggy
Pups,
Thanks and I will tell Nickey, she will only have access to a computer if she goes to my folks or the library. She goes to see the doctor again next Friday, so I am going to have my bag ready to go so when the time comes all I will have to do is throw the last minute things in when it is time for me to come up.
Semoangel has started a different job to my understanding, not sure what her hours are.
Twiggy
OOOPS sorry about that
Hilleco,
I am with you, if it was not for doctor's appointments I wouldn't go anywhere, no place nicer than on the farm. I only need gas in my truck about every two weeks and that is because I never let it get below a half tank to keep the condensation down.
Pups,
The 1970s oil crisis began around Oct.1973 if I recall.
The OAPEC was upset over a war Israel was having with Syria.They decided not to sell oil to any Country that supported Israel.There was a bit more to it then that
but this was the bulk of the problem.I was unfortunate
enough to have worked at a service station during this
oil crisis and believe me it was hell.Customers were hostile after having to wait in line just to find out we would run out of gas a few cars ahead of them.Oh yes,those were some dark days in my working career!
gofigure:
That's semester 2 stuff mixed with a course in finance. The basics of it are this: the gas you're buying today was brought to market 3-4 weeks ago.
It may be easier to think of ground beef you buy. The cow is sold at the beginning of the month, then waits in a stockyard to be processed. The buyer then pays an amount to turn the cow into ground beef. The ground beef is then packaged, frozen (most likely), then sold to your favorite grocers, dethawed (most likely), and then bought by you at the end of the month. The price you pay reflects the original purchase price, plus processing and handling costs, service cost (grocer's cost), and the interest on the money used during the time it takes the cow to get from the field to the express lane.
The interest is the reason that you see prices "spike" but then come down more slowly.
The differences in gas prices you see from state to state and region to region reflect regional supply and demand, but mostly government interference (taxes). Tulsa, Oklahoma usually has the lowest gas prices in the country because #1 they are located very close to a lot of oil refineries (supply) #2 they have a lot less people in the area to the amount of processed oil (demand) compared with say, Chicago and (most influentially) #3 Oklahoma has the lowest state gas tax in the nation - and the world.
It may not seem like it but we're spoiled. Missouri, USA has the 2nd lowest state gas tax in the world and subsequently follows only Oklahoma in lowest gas prices in the world.
I remember back in 1999 when I first saw gas hit $2. I was in Detroit. I drove down to Cape that same day where it was $0.99 at Kidds. That day KIDDS on Kingshighway had the lowest gas price on the globe.
Gas Prices
My family was in the fuel distribution business, not service stations, bulk distribution for many years. While I don't know about the present situation, there was considerable manipulation of prices and supplies during the seventies. There was no shortage if you were willing to pay the price and travel the distances to get fuel. I went with a relative to the fuel terminals in this area where we were told there was no fuel available, but you could see the fuel barges tied up and riding low in the water. On one occasion we were offered a fuel barge full, but the price was just too high. I know of one fuel distributor who got in trouble with the federal government for selling fuel and propane at a loss just so people could heat their homes and run their tractors. Won't go into more detail as it is probably not relevant to the present situation and we are no longer in that business.
My opinion is that a lot of our problems in the stock market and as it pertains to fuels to some extent is that people seem to panic to easily now. I was driving through Cape yesterday when all of this was going on and there was absolutely no reason for it. I was in Cape again today and there was not one station closed due to being out of fuel and the prices though elevated were no where near what the rumor said they would be. Just my opinion and sorry for the long post. Out for a while.
Update on the local gas station. They are not "out of gas", they locked down their pumps until they could get their supplier or whoever to come and increase their prices on their pumps.
think I used the word "their" enough?
The parade - Yeah as a mom who lives in Jackson, I agree with the change. Make it on a weekend day or evening. Getting your kid from school when the bus does not drop off until 4 or later, then rushing to get a spot to see on Broadway is hard. Did not happen at my house this year.
The trash - well even if some one would be cans out that will not help. People around her do not want to take the responsibility for their own actions. So they do not want to clean up after themselves.
Me' Lange
I looked at the first article you provided and it says nearly verbatim what I've stated in my two posts today. Thanks for helping me solidify my argument using our local media, oil investors, and regional political psychos.
Notice it was Rod Blagojevich, socialist governor of the wasteland of Illinois, and our local socialist governor wannabe Jay "taxman" Nixon that were yelling "price gouging!".
As, I said before. Goverment (almost always democrat) officials want you to believe it's the evil people that sell you gas to blame for the high gas prices.
Open your eyes! It is scumbags like Rod and Jay that want to fool you into believing that they are looking out for your best interest and know best what that interest is - not people that actually invest their time, effort, money, and labor to bring you what you desire.
Jay and Rod say: blame Jim Mauer and the employees of Rhodes for bringing gas to Cape from wholesalers at market price! Blame the engineers, pipefitters, laborers, planners, miners, and investors of Shell Oil for having the audacity to get it out of the ground and sell it to you at market price!
I say: blame Jay, Rod, and their socialist/democrat buddies for high gas prices.
If it wasn't for them, we'd have gas at less than $1/gal.
I can feel the global warming loons and electric car idiots waiting to pounce.
If I own a product, it is nobody's business but mine what I willing to sell that product for. If I want to make 300% profit on a good, that is my business not yours. If you are willing to pay the price for that product then we both are satisfied with the results. An honest man can't be cheated, and there is no such thing as gouging in a free/competitive market.
Hilleco,there are VERY FEW freely competitive markets!
I believe you understand that.
GREYWOLF: What I hear you saying is that these gas stations are not operating in a free and competitive market, that they are operating in a government controlled market. That being the case, why are people blaming service stations and not government for the high fuel prices?
Amen Hillco
it appears to me like there are excuses found to
keep gas prices high instead of finding ways ro
reduce them .
...er , ro = to
Hilleco,
Frankly speaking,when service stations are at 3.47$
per gal.on thurs.Morning and then a news brief comes out saying fuel prices COULD rise 1$ per gal.within 24 hours and the stations raise their price 20 cents a gallon by 5pm and the fuel in their tanks has not been replenished,I do indeed have a problem with these stations!Perhaps gouging does not exist Hilleco but
things sure are a bit troubeling are they NOT?By the way,crude is below 100$ a barrel as we speak!Like I said earlier,we are all a captive when it comes to fuel prices!However,I do agree with you as well concerning "free competitive markets" to some degree.
GREYWOLF: The price of oil in this case has almost nothing to do with the price of gas. Hurricane Ike may cause the closure of refineries thereby causing a scarcity in gas and other fuels. If I'm a supplier or station owner, I know that I must have the capital to bid for fuel in the marketplace. I raise the prices beforehand to ensure the needed capital.
Politicians, like Nixon and others must dislike the public and would rather for them to do without fuel to get to their jobs and harvist their crops when they want to prosecute suppliers for something that is not possible in the market, gouging.
You don't have a problem with the gas stations, you have a problem comprehending supply and demand.
GreyWolf
Should KFVS also be charged with complicity in starting a panic run on the gas stations? All oil business is jittery because of Ike as Houston has 25% of refineries in the US. There is also a petroleum fire in Galveston already.
Perhaps some people's interpretation of supply and demand is that the customer should be able to demand that the supply be provided at a cost they like :-)~
I was just informed by some family members that a certain station in Scott City has raised their gas prices again that's twice in one day.
Twiggy
fxwpt
Now that was funny...and true.
fxpwt
You just described every democrat.
Funny stuff.
uberfan,
Sorry, that does not describe this Dem. I am very aware of supply and demand. Am also aware that the market and in this case, fear of what might happen (weather wise) is why the prices were raised. Serves no purpose to bit*h about the price because if I want gas I need to pay for it. Also have the option of checking out other station's prices if I don't like the price at my local one. Though, personally, driving clear across town to save 15 cents (assuming 15 gallon tank because station A is 3.99 and station B is 3.98) makes no sense to me because I haven't really saved.
Pups,
Gotta agree with you. I do not complain about gas prices anymore. I fill it up and pay what it costs. Gas is not the only thing that has gone up higher than I would have liked, but people have to make a profit, if not they go out of business as several stations and stores, dealerships in this area have.
Babe, you need to check your facts, the fire was at a boat storage facility and not a petroleum fire...............and they were letting it burn as no firemen could reach the western part of Galveston Island.
MeLange
Oil is imported but is refined into gasoline here in the US.
Me'Lange,
I was speaking in general terms. If it can be proven that a law has been violated in this instance then prosecute them. I must admit to having mixed feelings about laws on "gouging", but the law is the law.
Just sort of a hypothetical. I own a generator to power my home during interruptions. If we have a power outage and my neighbor offers me twice what I paid for it, am I "gouging" him if I decide I would rather have the money and sit in the dark than keep the generator? I don't know about you, but I have paid above "fair market value" for things in the past if I wanted them badly enough.
Hmm, for a bit of perspective, guessing that the average tanker truck holds about 8,000 or so gallons. $5 per gallon wholesale would represent $40,000 per truckload. $3 per gallon wholesale would be about $24,000 per truck.
Suggest this $16,000 difference is why prices go up early and often - the store owner wants to be sure to have enough cash on hand to pay for the next load. I guess sometimes Visa isn't everywhere you want to be :-)~ Can't answer why prices don't fall as fast as they rise.
Also suggest this spike in prices is due more to the anticipated shortage of gas due to the refineries shutting down for the storm and the potential long-term damages from the storm, rather than the price of oil. If a buyer is told to go out and buy 'x' thousand gallons for Gus's Gas and Grease Depot, suspect that the buyer will increase the bids for available fuel until either the desired quantity is obtained, or a cost 'stop' limit is reached. With the impending weather, it is anticipated that there will be less available fuel for purchase - bidders bid the price up, competing against each other, in order to meet the present and short-term future quantities ordered.
Red,
Thanks. Don't get me wrong, I hate paying what I pay at the pump. Just can't do anything about it.
Oh and about your hypothetical. True, can't blame you for getting more for the generator if neighbor is willing to pay it. Just remind me not to buy anything from you. lol j/k
Melange: Filled our truck and my co. truck yesterday morning $3.41/gallon. This morning same gas station $3.51/gallon. Yep, I'm a conservative.:) Aggie
Melange,
HEY!!! When I mentioned that same idea at lunch that fx did, you told me I was wrong. LOL
Pups,
I know what you mean, don't like it, but can't change it.
Fear not, I am usually the guy paying more for something than it is worth.
Can't remember the source, but I seem to recall reading somewhere, some time ago, that much of the gasoline for the NorthEast U.S. is refined in Europe???
Can someone please tell me why Chaffee has gas for $4.22 and Scott City has gas for $3.69? They are only about 8 miles apart, isn't that a pretty big difference?
Twiggy
Red,
Oh ok, in that case just let me know what you need to buy next time. I'll sell it to ya. LOL
Gotta get back to work.
One of the results of not constructing new refineries is that the current refineries are forced to operate at high capacity levels - both in terms of gallons per day, and also days per year of operation.
When an event happens that forces the reduction or closure of this capacity - the basic result is that there's not enough to go around (supply) at the current rate of consumption (demand).
By paying a higher price to get the fuel you need, effectively, someone else has bowed out - either unwilling or unable to meet or to beat that price.
Well, friends Ike is knocking on our door. The wind has picked up and the rain is not far off. I just hope we don't loose electric. Having a hurricane party, pina colada's. Aggie
Why does the price of a gallon of milk vary in different groceries?
MeLange
I agree it is crazy, that's almost a $.60 price differance.
Twiggy
Hehehe - for that matter, why does the price of a gallon of milk vary in the same grocery store?
Too many variables - from the costs of raw materials, the costs of value-added production, the costs of any debt service, the costs of inefficiencies in the process, the target profit percentages along the line from producer to warehouser to retailer, transportation costs, and so on and on and on.
One of the simplistic rules-of-thumb learned way back when is that in a perfect world, the lowest cost provider should always be the first to sell all he can provide, and the highest cost provider should always be the last.
fxwpt
Hehehe...I know but some don't. Thanks.
How many stations are leaders - doing the research and charging a price based on expected costs plus necessary profit, and how many stations just follow the leader - changing the signs to match what's down the street?
Reminds me of an economics professor who shared the story about a local grocer wholesaler selling a product at a loss, but the manager said that was OK, they'd make it back up on volume. :-)~
MeLange
Maybe gas stations buy from different wholesale suppliers?
errr, I give up. How many?
Suggest that for the honest stations, when the hassle of dealing with all the paperwork surrounding a gouging investigation exceeds the estimated profit during those unstable, volatile, uncertain times - may end up with stations just shutting down until prices stabilize.
Well goodnight all, I am done for the night.
Twiggy
Done for the night? I thought your party was just starting.
All seriousness aside - hoping for the best for ya.
MeLange
If were in business and anticipated much higher wholesaler prices, I would up the price on my existing inventory (such as fuel already in the tanks) while still trying to attract customers. Business is not a charitable organization and differing gas prices is not price gouging.
For days and tonight the governors of the southern coast (Republican) are making life saving executive decisions concerning hurricane Ike while Obama is demeaning Gov Palin's executive office.
He would probably fall apart at the seams if he had their responsibity.