RE: Are you ready to pay $7-$8 for a gallon of gas real soon?

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Vendaval -> RE: Are you ready to pay $7-$8 for a gallon of gas real soon? (6/30/2008 7:54:23 PM)
Hi Mz Mia, The whole structure of American society is going to be changing because of the increasing cost of gasoline and the consequences of price increases for basic goods and services. The practice of living an hour and a half away from work out in the suburbs is now being called into question. How and where we live, work, attend school and travel is going to change. I expect more people to opt for bicycles, motorcycles, mopeds, car pools, public transport and walking. The theft of gasoline from private vehicles is already occuring. What worries me more is the potential for strikes, blockades and eventually riots. We will likely see increased piracy of oil tankers and trucks. What if the US Navy and Coast Guard have to provide additional armed escort to incoming tankers? http://www.iags.org/oiltransport.html (format edit)

cuddlemesoft -> RE: Are you ready to pay $7-$8 for a gallon of gas real soon? (6/30/2008 8:07:05 PM)
The flip side to this is that we will be forced to use less fossil fuels and therefore that will have a positive effect on the air quality and greenhouse emissions. It makes you wonder of the Earth has a built in way of protecting itself :) I have a book called The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It by John Seymour. It has all kinds of ideas on how to live basically..even kind of primitively.

MzMia -> RE: Are you ready to pay $7-$8 for a gallon of gas real soon? (6/30/2008 8:13:00 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Vendaval Hi Mz Mia, The whole structure of American society is going to be changing because of the increasing cost of gasoline and the consequences of price increases for basic goods and services. The practice of living an hour and a half away from work out in the suburbs is now being called into question. How and where we live, work, attend school and travel is going to change. I expect more people to opt for bicycles, motorcycles, mopeds, car pools, public transport and walking. The theft of gasoline from private vehicles is already occuring. What worries me more is the potential for strikes, blockades and eventually riots. We will likely see increased piracy of oil tankers and trucks. What if the US Navy and Coast Guard have to provide additional armed escort to incoming tankers? http://www.iags.org/oiltransport.html Wonderful post Vendaval. I sit back and wonder sometimes, if I sound a tad gloomy. I have always been fascinated by the Great Depression, and I just never thought I would be alive to see another one. At least, we can SEE and we KNOW what is coming, and we can try to prepare. I am a Capricorn, and I have always had the squirrel mentality. The "perfect storm" is approaching, and the wise will start saving their nuts. Things will get better in the long run, I am sure we will pull out of this. The challenge is going to be, making it through the short run. Things will eventually get better, throughout history people have endured much more and much harder times. THIS is the time, that we will start seeing what people are REALLY made of. I come from a long line of strong people on both sides. My mother was born in the middle of the depression, and it effected her all her life, and so it also effected ME, because I am my mother's daughter.[;)] I will start another thread on growing up with a mother that was born in the depression. {Thank goodness, I learned from my mother!} My great-grandmother was born during slavery, and sold vegetables on a produce stand after slavery, and lived to be 77 {which was old for someone born into slavery}. My great, great grandparents were surely slaves, and they survived slavery and produced the generation of children, that eventually produced ME. I am smart and resourceful, and I will make it through this. When the going gets tough, the tough will get going. When times get tough, again THAT is when you see what people are really made of. The question many will be asking soon is "What am I made of?"

farglebargle -> RE: Are you ready to pay $7-$8 for a gallon of gas real soon? (6/30/2008 8:14:30 PM)
I hear at 9$ they're going to shut down Disneyworld... In part b/c they can't afford the fuel... Don't worry though, they'll license out the name and shit... But they don't want to operate it!

Lockit -> RE: Are you ready to pay $7-$8 for a gallon of gas real soon? (6/30/2008 8:16:02 PM)
There is a part of me that dreads what could come about, but the other part looks at it as a challenge and can actually be relieved in some ways. Basic living can be humbling and difficult, but it can also bring out the best in a person. It is like with my adult son who is brain damaged. When he does something as simple as fill a glass without spilling something, he is starting to realize what he did. He will smile and smack the back of his head and laugh or try to hide his laugh. He is able to see his accomplishment and success. He is proud of himself. I think we can also be proud of ourselves in the things we learn and come to see and overcome. So I look forward to the challenge too. I am not going to get stressed out more. I worried about paying the rent, which is sure to go up, but I will be more determined than ever to get through simply because some ass holes did this and "I will survive!"

MzMia -> RE: Are you ready to pay $7-$8 for a gallon of gas real soon? (6/30/2008 8:35:52 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Lockit There is a part of me that dreads what could come about, but the other part looks at it as a challenge and can actually be relieved in some ways. Basic living can be humbling and difficult, but it can also bring out the best in a person. It is like with my adult son who is brain damaged. When he does something as simple as fill a glass without spilling something, he is starting to realize what he did. He will smile and smack the back of his head and laugh or try to hide his laugh. He is able to see his accomplishment and success. He is proud of himself. I think we can also be proud of ourselves in the things we learn and come to see and overcome. So I look forward to the challenge too. I am not going to get stressed out more. I worried about paying the rent, which is sure to go up, but I will be more determined than ever to get through simply because some ass holes did this and "I will survive!" Lockit, I have to say that I admire what you are doing for your son. You are certainly a caring and devoted mother, he is blessed to have you. I hope that he continues to make progress. The fact that he is showing progress after his TBI, is a testiment to how strong he is! I can only imagine what your life must be like. You will survive! You are a strong woman and you and your son will survive! It has already been written.

Maya2001 -> RE: Are you ready to pay $7-$8 for a gallon of gas real soon? (6/30/2008 8:46:59 PM)
We should actually see oil prices come down as Saudi Arabia is planning to boost oil production in July , their currency is tied to the US dollar so they need to help bolster the US dollar as it is causing inflation in Saudi Arabia also they fear severe drops in demand if the prices continue to get higher ,,, so it is necessary for them as well for their economy http://money.cnn.com/2008/06/19/news/international/saudi_oil/index.htm?postversion=2008062208

Lockit -> RE: Are you ready to pay $7-$8 for a gallon of gas real soon? (6/30/2008 8:53:38 PM)
Wow! Thank you Mz Mia! I'm just a mom and I guess I get to do it all over again! lol Thank god it wasn't diapers! When I am weak, I just look at him and know I don't have the time! Thank you for sharing a part of your life story and family! I really enjoyed reading it and hearing the messages you impart in the telling of it and in many of your other post! Thought provoking for sure and truely encouraging!

MzMia -> RE: Are you ready to pay $7-$8 for a gallon of gas real soon? (6/30/2008 8:55:48 PM)
Oh, thank you so much Lockit. Many of us come from ancestors, who have had it SO much harder. You are really awesome. {{{{Group hug}}}}

MzMia -> RE: Are you ready to pay $7-$8 for a gallon of gas real soon? (6/30/2008 9:07:09 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Maya2001 We should actually see oil prices come down as Saudi Arabia is planning to boost oil production in July , their currency is tied to the US dollar so they need to help bolster the US dollar as it is causing inflation in Saudi Arabia also they fear severe drops in demand if the prices continue to get higher ,,, so it is necessary for them as well for their economy http://money.cnn.com/2008/06/19/news/international/saudi_oil/index.htm?postversion=2008062208 I am sitting here chuckling, as I think how dependent we are on the "Saudi's" and foreign oil. Don't get me started on Saudi Arabia.[;)] I don't see oil coming down any time soon, Maya. It is great to keep hope alive. Most of the economic indicators point to gas going to $7- $8 in the near future. Until we start producing oil OR find another form/source of energy, the price will go up. I need to stop watching Glenn Beck, but he did call "This Perfect Storm" last year. Wait until it gets cold Maya, then report back on the prices. Public Service Announcement--the future of oil prices is not pretty right now. The Perfect Storm Personally, I think things are going to get much worse before they become much better. We should be out of this "Depression" in about 2-3 years hopefully. The Great Depression lasted about 10 years, 3-5 years won't be that bad, in comparison.

Owner59 -> RE: Are you ready to pay $7-$8 for a gallon of gas real soon? (6/30/2008 9:21:14 PM)
The rising price of energy will spur the growth of alternatives like never before. The oil companies surely didn`t plan that, but are partly responsible for it. Who`d a thunk it?

lovepuppy -> RE: Are you ready to pay $7-$8 for a gallon of gas real soon? (6/30/2008 9:22:15 PM)
we will be out of the crisis when we change adminstrations, I'm not hijacking this into a politcal debate so you can keep your hand off the remote...but when the crooks who'se major income is oil are no longer being protected by an exective branch (the one's who enforce the laws) and as people panic and give the oil concerns what they want (drilling rights everywhere they have been barred from over the last 20 years) the prices will magically stablize. This whole bloody thing is a ploy, like WMD's to lie big enough so they can get what they want. when they get it and when they realize they can be prosocuted for trying to take more it will stop. Wanna fix gas prices short term in the US, build 20 new refineries in the middle of every luxery suburb in this country...since these are the folks benefiting from the direct trickle down let them give up their backyards for the dreams of avarice they are seeing today. kids we've played this game before... anybody remember 1978 and the panic of omigod gas is a dollar? almost to the letter the same speeches & fears were being said then, including the guy with the horse (I wonder if it's the same guy and he's just been waiting :) and things improved, they will again. The netherlands pays 12 bucks a gallon for gas and they are sitll functioing as a society, you don't see middle class people starving there..so we can do the same thing and we will, unless we want to panic and freakout to the point where we are incapacited by mental disease we can no longer work. --an opinion.

Owner59 -> RE: Are you ready to pay $7-$8 for a gallon of gas real soon? (6/30/2008 9:30:27 PM)
I agree...

Lockit -> RE: Are you ready to pay $7-$8 for a gallon of gas real soon? (6/30/2008 9:31:56 PM)
I have friends in other countries paying more for gas and therefore most things. They do everything they can to save money. They buy less, live with less, conserve to the point of reusing water and funneling it to gardens where they grow food after working long hours as professionals. They all seem to think more of purchasing things we in America take for granted and buy on whim. Handling things differently is the only way to get through it and that isn't panic, but smart, the way I think. Some won't have a big a struggle as others, so a bit more added to the monthly expenses can mean the difference between decent food and going without or eating things most would turn their noses at right now. It is time to learn from those that came before us and those in other countries already dealing with it. Downsize. It doesn't matter what might happen... who is in office... politics or big business... this is a time when people need to evaluate a few things and show them their agenda's might affect us to some degree, but we are determined to make it though the best we can. So up their's. I have to think like this... lol... I am one on the lower end of things and it ain't gunna be prutty!

MzMia -> RE: Are you ready to pay $7-$8 for a gallon of gas real soon? (6/30/2008 9:44:05 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Lockit I have friends in other countries paying more for gas and therefore most things. They do everything they can to save money. They buy less, live with less, conserve to the point of reusing water and funneling it to gardens where they grow food after working long hours as professionals. They all seem to think more of purchasing things we in America take for granted and buy on whim. Handling things differently is the only way to get through it and that isn't panic, but smart, the way I think. Some won't have a big a struggle as others, so a bit more added to the monthly expenses can mean the difference between decent food and going without or eating things most would turn their noses at right now. It is time to learn from those that came before us and those in other countries already dealing with it. Downsize. It doesn't matter what might happen... who is in office... politics or big business... this is a time when people need to evaluate a few things and show them their agenda's might affect us to some degree, but we are determined to make it though the best we can. So up their's. I have to think like this... lol... I am one on the lower end of things and it ain't gunna be prutty! I agree with you Lockit, Owner, lovepuppy and just about everyone that has posted. One of the problems IS, we were used to inexpensive oil! I realize oil IS more expensive in "other countries", BUT are these counties as BIG and as vast and spread out as the U.S.A? And don't most of these "other countries" have very well developed train systems and other forms of transportation? Many Americans live out in bumfuck and have to drive! I live outside of D.C., the average commuter in my area commutes around 45 minutes to work. It is very common for people to communte 1-2 hours daily, one way! Many people live way out in the suburbs or rural area's and it is not convienent to carpool or catch public transportation to get to work, school, and other activities. Let's face it, most Americans are very, very, dependent on cars and oil. I am lucky I am able to catch the Metro on the weekend. I am visiting my Uncle in San Francisco and he just told me he rides Bart, and takes public transportation almost everywhere he goes. He just told me to bring change for the Bart. I said "No problem, I don't blame you, I am wearing my walking shoes!" Many of us will soon be changing the way we live.

Hippiekinkster -> RE: Are you ready to pay $7-$8 for a gallon of gas real soon? (6/30/2008 10:08:11 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Lockit I am thinking about ways to really get through hard times. Harder than they have already been and still function, stay healthy and have some sort of life. If I have to, I will heat one room, use an electric heater for when we need that extra bit of heat because we are too cold and somehow time cooking with a colder time of day so that that heat can be used. I will conserve on lighting with thrift store candles and save that electric for the extra from the heater. Less tv time, less computer time, unplugging things not in use, etc. Beans are a good food and should remain within reason price wise considering the cost of meats or other proteins but they take longer to cook. So a crock pot might be best for that, rather than on the stove. I used to double pan things. Like if I can cook beans and put a screen on top and cook veggies or something and then cover both... that saves a little. We are going to have to learn to save even just a little bit here and there and hope it adds up to savings. I am already working on a tight budget and in our household, this situation could mean some very serious things, so I am getting very serious on how to camp out in a sense. Rough it and keep on smiling. I think this may be a time when many have to double up, live together, share, team up and survive. It sure is easier sharing the burdens, saving on um care and such to afford a better life somewhere in life. Get back to some basics and learn to be less independent so that more make it through with less hardship. You're doing some good thinking there. I buy beans and rice in bulk. Beans, I bring to a boil and then let sit overnight. I soak the rice and then cook it; cooking time is shorter. I buy large cans of tomatoes and tomato paste at costco, among other staples. I also eat quite a bit of fresh fruit because, after considering the nutritional density, it's really cost-effective. I eat very little meat; meat is expensive protein. I have a couple pots with herbs. Just south of Atlanta there's a state farmer's market. Lots of retail vendors, as well as huge wholesalers. Right now, tomatoes are around 8 bucks for 25 pounds. I make sauces, salsas, homemade V8, and just freeze peeled and seeded tomatoes. (the peels and seeds I use in the V8)(after straining, of course). Right now Home Depot has 12 months no interest on purchases over $299. Buy your trash bags, fluorescent bulbs, batteries, and whatever else. I put clear plastic over the windows to give a 3rd layer of "insulation". With that, sealing off my fireplace, putting plastic on the screens on my screen porch, and a couple minor things, I can get by in the winter with a space heater, my oven (baking bread, casserols, etc. - pack the oven full), and only occasionally the furnace. I turn my PC monitor off when not in use. I keep all lights except the one I'm using at the time off. Of course, I live in a house, but many of the ideas on this thread are applicable to other residences. I was thinking about starting a thread about money-saving ideas, and the "Compact" thread fits right in. I guess I'm a Compacter myself. Peace, Lockit, and all.

Vendaval -> RE: Are you ready to pay $7-$8 for a gallon of gas real soon? (6/30/2008 11:33:31 PM)
Mz Mia and everyone, I really appreciate those who are sharing about their families and how they face the challenges of daily life. My maternal grandparents had a farm during the Great Depression and fared much better than many other folks. And that was with a whole bunch of kids, not like the 1 or 2 you usually see today. I keep thinking about something my mother mentioned, how men would ride the rails or walk the countryside looking for work. And if they seemed respectable and responsible my grandfather would find work for them (always something to do on a farm) and let them bunk in the barn. If he was away my grandmother would serve their food out on the porch rather than have them sit inside at the dinner table with the family. I look around American society today and it does not have the same type of social structure. In so many places in so many ways people are spoiled, self-centered and materialistic. And that is what concerns me the most, not the changes that will happen, but how our society will respond to those changes. Maybe it is the moon cycle effecting my mood, or just reading too many news reports on the Net. Plan for the worst and hope for the best. Blessed Be, Vendaval

DomAviator -> RE: Are you ready to pay $7-$8 for a gallon of gas real soon? (7/1/2008 1:29:03 AM)
i could care less what oil prices go up to.,,, If gas hits $8 a gallon, it wont cut back my driving one bit. I will just have less traffic to contend with, Ill be able to go to the beach and face less of a crowd and less competition for the choice spots, there will be fewer boaters out in my favorite fishing holes etc... The businesses that it puts a squeeze on will cut prices / run sales to remain in business.... Or they will go tits up, creating a terrific opportunity for "everything must go 80% off liquidation sales! My business wont be affected one bit, but I will cut pay and raise prices "because of the rising costs of fuel" (In reality on fuel I charge on a "cost + " basis so the higher the prices go, the more money Ill make! Id rather collect 2% of $8 a gallon than 2% of 5 a gallon.) My clients either a) dont care because they already piss away $7500 to send somebody someplace on a $10,000,000 Lear that they use maybe 300 - 500 hours a year, when they could have bought them a $180 ticket on ExpressJet or AirTran or b) dont have a choice - if they want to keep working, they have to remain current and qualified. If worst comes to worst, Ill find a way to capitalize on it! Thats the solution to a budget crunch, increase your revenues... When life hands ya lemons, make lemonade and sell it to others so you can buy champagne.[:D] Running around screaming that the sky is falling and forecasting doom, gloom, hypothermia, and pneumonia doesnt solve anything. Me, I say fortune favors the prepared so now that its July and the Northern heating season is months away the smart squirell starts gathering his nuts for the long hard winter... Whining and worrying about it wont help, the key is to be proactive and to take positive steps to increase your cash flows so as to weather the upcoming storm. When one door closes, another opens...

patwi -> RE: Are you ready to pay $7-$8 for a gallon of gas real soon? (7/1/2008 6:36:55 AM)
I'm glad someone mentioned a farmers market. I shop at mine every chance I get, because the fresh food is cheaper, better, and local which I am big on. Here are some websites : http://www.localharvest.org/buylocal.jsp http://www.foodroutes.org/buylocal.jsp http://www.sustainabletable.org/issues/buylocal/

Lockit -> RE: Are you ready to pay $7-$8 for a gallon of gas real soon? (7/1/2008 7:15:13 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: DomAviator i could care less what oil prices go up to.,,, If gas hits $8 a gallon, it wont cut back my driving one bit. I will just have less traffic to contend with, Ill be able to go to the beach and face less of a crowd and less competition for the choice spots, there will be fewer boaters out in my favorite fishing holes etc... The businesses that it puts a squeeze on will cut prices / run sales to remain in business.... Or they will go tits up, creating a terrific opportunity for "everything must go 80% off liquidation sales! My business wont be affected one bit, but I will cut pay and raise prices "because of the rising costs of fuel" (In reality on fuel I charge on a "cost + " basis so the higher the prices go, the more money Ill make! Id rather collect 2% of $8 a gallon than 2% of 5 a gallon.) My clients either a) dont care because they already piss away $7500 to send somebody someplace on a $10,000,000 Lear that they use maybe 300 - 500 hours a year, when they could have bought them a $180 ticket on ExpressJet or AirTran or b) dont have a choice - if they want to keep working, they have to remain current and qualified. If worst comes to worst, Ill find a way to capitalize on it! Thats the solution to a budget crunch, increase your revenues... When life hands ya lemons, make lemonade and sell it to others so you can buy champagne.[:D] Running around screaming that the sky is falling and forecasting doom, gloom, hypothermia, and pneumonia doesnt solve anything. Me, I say fortune favors the prepared so now that its July and the Northern heating season is months away the smart squirell starts gathering his nuts for the long hard winter... Whining and worrying about it wont help, the key is to be proactive and to take positive steps to increase your cash flows so as to weather the upcoming storm. When one door closes, another opens... Ahhh early in my day... a challenge in facing something I must temper myself with! I am sooooooooo not good at that early in my day! You tempt me sir... so temp me! First of all... forecasting doom and gloom? I dare say better than I are doing so and we are not alone in predicting that things COULD get tough out there. Since some in this country are not secure in all ways and since all are not seeing an opportunity to kick a few when they are down, I dare say more than a few will suffer if it only means they don't get to go to Mc Donalds as often. Honestly if you get through a nationally rough time and come out on top... well more power to you... but for those of us not as secure as an all mighty aviator, we are preparing, all while determined to survive. Now, I will make an opportunity and have most my life. Because I landed where I did in life... didn't come by way of poor choices or anything else other than illness. Now buddy if you can top that... and I am sure you will try... no illness or injury or circumstance will get you down... then more power to you, you godlike creature... but for the rest of us humans... sometimes shit happens! Doom and gloom... darling, I don't see gloom and doom... I see human beings being proactive in a situation that could go upside down for a nation full of people or could be a hindrance to many, providing you more space on the open roads and waterways and a bigger bank account off their lacks of creative powers to make lemonade. But as I said... I am happy for you.... but that doesn't mean that I feel sorry for us or am not looking at this as a challenging time that we need to smile through and find wondrous self improvements and human factors in. I saw few on the thread moaning and groaning and many who are proving the will of mankind is strong when it needs to be. And while you are enjoying your rising moment... I will hope that you will see me standing at the side of the road SMILING and LOVING just as I do now... because it isn't doom and gloom I spread... but maybe a warning to make lemon everything, in many ways. You totally missed the point.

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