NationStates Jolt Archive

... reads fantasy books, but is indifferent to Tolkien?

...loved the 'old' Star Wars, but hates the new ones?

...hates it when people think they can speak for a group because they have *insert group* friends?

...thinks RRSPs and Mutual Funds are a load of crap, and prefers to invest in land and other 'tangibles'?

...doesn't think that alternative energy is an 'in the future' possibility, because I'm already using it? (geothermal, solar)

...doesn't think you have to drop $200,000 on a house, when cheap building materials are available, and have a higher insulation rating that conventional materials? (straw bales coated in cement)

...thinks it's ridiculous that kids, even country kids, don't learn IN SCHOOL about growing food? Aside from that one bean project, that is...

...thinks that politics is NOT shooting your mouth off constantly, but rather shutting the hell up and DOING something? (which pretty much strikes regular politicians off my list...)

...doesn't think that my country's wealth is my god-given right, that I DIDN'T earn it, and that it was only by chance I was born into it, and that perhaps we should share...?

*(rant of the day)*

huh-huh....you're wierd

huh-huh....you're wierd
I love you too. :p

...Likes Cactus Mustard!

http://img234.echo.cx/img234/8109/1102727oi.jpg

... reads fantasy books, but is indifferent to Tolkien?

...loved the 'old' Star Wars, but hates the new ones?

...hates it when people think they can speak for a group because they have *insert group* friends?

...thinks RRSPs and Mutual Funds are a load of crap, and prefers to invest in land and other 'tangibles'?

...doesn't think that alternative energy is an 'in the future' possibility, because I'm already using it? (geothermal, solar)

...doesn't think you have to drop $200,000 on a house, when cheap building materials are available, and have a higher insulation rating that conventional materials? (straw bales coated in cement)

...thinks it's ridiculous that kids, even country kids, don't learn IN SCHOOL about growing food? Aside from that one bean project, that is...

...thinks that politics is NOT shooting your mouth off constantly, but rather shutting the hell up and DOING something? (which pretty much strikes regular politicians off my list...)

...doesn't think that my country's wealth is my god-given right, that I DIDN'T earn it, and that it was only by chance I was born into it, and that perhaps we should share...?

*(rant of the day)*

I do read fantasy sometimes- Anne Rice, Stephen King, Dean Koontz. I'm not much interested in Tolkien.

I liked the older Star Wars, but the new ones are alright. My kids were interested, so we saw them. If I didnt have kids, I wouldnt have seen the last three made.

I only speak for myself, and usually clarify that. I dont know what other people think or feel, so I dont usually represent them. I usually dont know how I think or feel.

Land is one of the best places, generally, to put money.

I am currently looking into alternative energy. I already supplement the heat in my home with a fireplace. I am trying to design a safe wood stove/hot water system in my basement.
I dont have any mechanical or engineering skills, but I'm talking to a friend about solar panels- both hot water and photoelectric. They are a little over my head, but I do want to have an alternative. I live neear the shore and wind power is also an interest. I also want a cistern/water storage from rainwater/sump pump for toilet flushing and topping off the pool.

I learned about growing food when I was a kid and I am now showing my kids vegetable gardening as well as composting.

... reads fantasy books, but is indifferent to Tolkien?

...loved the 'old' Star Wars, but hates the new ones?

...hates it when people think they can speak for a group because they have *insert group* friends?

...thinks RRSPs and Mutual Funds are a load of crap, and prefers to invest in land and other 'tangibles'?

...doesn't think that alternative energy is an 'in the future' possibility, because I'm already using it? (geothermal, solar)

...doesn't think you have to drop $200,000 on a house, when cheap building materials are available, and have a higher insulation rating that conventional materials? (straw bales coated in cement)

...thinks it's ridiculous that kids, even country kids, don't learn IN SCHOOL about growing food? Aside from that one bean project, that is...

...thinks that politics is NOT shooting your mouth off constantly, but rather shutting the hell up and DOING something? (which pretty much strikes regular politicians off my list...)

...doesn't think that my country's wealth is my god-given right, that I DIDN'T earn it, and that it was only by chance I was born into it, and that perhaps we should share...?

*(rant of the day)*

You only think that way cause the Pod people haven't got you yet.
Watch MTV, Fox, CNN, 'Simple Life' and 'Big Brother' for a few days. Then all those alternative thoughts will just vanish.
Along with most of your higher reasoning capacity.

You are unique, and that's special.

You are the only one whose posts I consistently open, even if the topic doesn't interest me.

I love you too. :p


right back at you... I had a fairly long post and didnt want you to sit there thinking no one cared whilst I was typing it up.

... reads fantasy books, but is indifferent to Tolkien?

Tolkein is the master. Sorry.

...loved the 'old' Star Wars, but hates the new ones?

Agreed. But I didn't like the Return of the Jedi, either.

...hates it when people think they can speak for a group because they have *insert group* friends?

no, I hate it when someone who isn't in a group says that they ARE in that group (Ward Churchill, for example).

...thinks RRSPs and Mutual Funds are a load of crap, and prefers to invest in land and other 'tangibles'?

Everything related to money is imaginary.

...doesn't think that alternative energy is an 'in the future' possibility, because I'm already using it? (geothermal, solar)

It's not possible for industrial purposes yet, which is the vast majority of power requirements.

...doesn't think you have to drop $200,000 on a house, when cheap building materials are available, and have a higher insulation rating that conventional materials? (straw bales coated in cement)

You pay for the land, mostly (location) - the house itself isn't the major cost (they really gouge you for the niceties, though - the custom windows, carpets, exotic wood floors, ceiling fans, skylights, etc).

I have a better option. Using the sulfur that is waste from oil refining, along with a minor percentage of cyclopentadiene, you can melt the sulfur and cast it into oiled molds and make cinderblocks cheaper than concrete that will last longer, are lighter, and are stronger. They cool in a matter of minutes - and are ready to use.

...thinks it's ridiculous that kids, even country kids, don't learn IN SCHOOL about growing food? Aside from that one bean project, that is...

Making everyone a farmer isn't necessary. I didn't grow up with farming or a home food garden, but I've had one every year since 1993. My kids know how to grow a wide variety of crops (and know about crop rotation, etc).

...thinks that politics is NOT shooting your mouth off constantly, but rather shutting the hell up and DOING something? (which pretty much strikes regular politicians off my list...)

Most of politics is bullshit.

...doesn't think that my country's wealth is my god-given right, that I DIDN'T earn it, and that it was only by chance I was born into it, and that perhaps we should share...?

Sharing only works if everyone in the system is sharing. If there are cheaters, or most people aren't sharing, you're going to be screwed royally.

You are unique, and that's special.

You are the only one whose posts I consistently open, even if the topic doesn't interest me.
Awwwwww....that's actually quite sweet!

I was also checking out a system for "Bio diesel", but its a couple thousand. It is supposed to render used cooking oil suitable for an oil burner. It supposedly burns cleaner.

I dont have the backround to live independant of the system, but would like to have heat/energy alternatives that wouldnt make me completely reliant on the power company and oil deliveries. I would also like to reduce my bills over the long run and leave less impact on the world. I'd also like my kids to go off into the world with that goal-to be more self sufficient and reduce, re-use and recycle.

... reads fantasy books, but is indifferent to Tolkien?

...loved the 'old' Star Wars, but hates the new ones?

...hates it when people think they can speak for a group because they have *insert group* friends?

...thinks RRSPs and Mutual Funds are a load of crap, and prefers to invest in land and other 'tangibles'?

...doesn't think that alternative energy is an 'in the future' possibility, because I'm already using it? (geothermal, solar)

...doesn't think you have to drop $200,000 on a house, when cheap building materials are available, and have a higher insulation rating that conventional materials? (straw bales coated in cement)

...thinks it's ridiculous that kids, even country kids, don't learn IN SCHOOL about growing food? Aside from that one bean project, that is...

...thinks that politics is NOT shooting your mouth off constantly, but rather shutting the hell up and DOING something? (which pretty much strikes regular politicians off my list...)

...doesn't think that my country's wealth is my god-given right, that I DIDN'T earn it, and that it was only by chance I was born into it, and that perhaps we should share...?

*(rant of the day)*

Same. But yeah that's how it all is. Mhm. Ooh National Geographic SHARK ORGY!

You are unique, and that's special.

You are the only one whose posts I consistently open, even if the topic doesn't interest me.Me too.

And in the 'What NSers do you like/admire/tend to agree with?' I put you first on the list of posters I tend to agree with.

Now on to your original topic...

... reads fantasy books, but is indifferent to Tolkien?I like Tolkien, but it's not my favorite, so yes.

...loved the 'old' Star Wars, but hates the new ones?Haven't watched the new ones, so don't know, but no-one recommended them.
...hates it when people think they can speak for a group because they have *insert group* friends?Yes, that is annoying. I do it all the time, which proves that it's annoying. :D

...thinks RRSPs and Mutual Funds are a load of crap, and prefers to invest in land and other 'tangibles'?I don't think RRSPs and mutual funds are a load of crap, I know they are a load of crap. ;)

...doesn't think that alternative energy is an 'in the future' possibility, because I'm already using it? (geothermal, solar)Me too. But we can agree that it will become better and more efficient in the future?

...doesn't think you have to drop $200,000 on a house, when cheap building materials are available, and have a higher insulation rating that conventional materials? (straw bales coated in cement)I always wanted to live in a house I built myself, but it was too difficult to build. Sorry 'bout that.

...thinks it's ridiculous that kids, even country kids, don't learn IN SCHOOL about growing food? Aside from that one bean project, that is... I think it's ridiculous that they don't learn a lot of things. I mean, since when are you going to need to know the plot of Hamlet for your future job? What does it do for you?

...thinks that politics is NOT shooting your mouth off constantly, but rather shutting the hell up and DOING something? (which pretty much strikes regular politicians off my list...)I completely agree with you.

...doesn't think that my country's wealth is my god-given right, that I DIDN'T earn it, and that it was only by chance I was born into it, and that perhaps we should share...?More than that. Your country's wealth should be spent in the hope of helping poorer countries, not just 'shared'. Libertarian expansionism, my friend. It's a great thing.

~Czardas, Supreme Ruler of the Universe

No, you are not alone Sinuhue ;)
and i prefere Michael Moorcock(Elric(stormbringer),corum,etc...) over Tolkien

Awwwwww....that's actually quite sweet!
If there's one thing astrology teaches us, it's that we are all unique.

I abandoned RRSP's a couple of years ago (to my mother's dismay).

... reads fantasy books, but is indifferent to Tolkien?

...loved the 'old' Star Wars, but hates the new ones?

...hates it when people think they can speak for a group because they have *insert group* friends?

...thinks RRSPs and Mutual Funds are a load of crap, and prefers to invest in land and other 'tangibles'?

...doesn't think that alternative energy is an 'in the future' possibility, because I'm already using it? (geothermal, solar)

...doesn't think you have to drop $200,000 on a house, when cheap building materials are available, and have a higher insulation rating that conventional materials? (straw bales coated in cement)

...thinks it's ridiculous that kids, even country kids, don't learn IN SCHOOL about growing food? Aside from that one bean project, that is...

...thinks that politics is NOT shooting your mouth off constantly, but rather shutting the hell up and DOING something? (which pretty much strikes regular politicians off my list...)

...doesn't think that my country's wealth is my god-given right, that I DIDN'T earn it, and that it was only by chance I was born into it, and that perhaps we should share...?

*(rant of the day)*

yup, nothing in common with me....
cept for the last one, it was only by chance, and sharing would be a nice thing to do.

I was also checking out a system for "Bio diesel", but its a couple thousand. It is supposed to render used cooking oil suitable for an oil burner. It supposedly burns cleaner.

I dont have the backround to live independant of the system, but would like to have heat/energy alternatives that wouldnt make me completely reliant on the power company and oil deliveries. I would also like to reduce my bills over the long run and leave less impact on the world. I'd also like my kids to go off into the world with that goal-to be more self sufficient and reduce, re-use and recycle.
All are good, obtainable goals.

We installed a geothermal system for minimal cost, because my father and my husband were able to dig the trenches for the pipes (cutting down on major labour expenses) and do the wiring. The expense was mostly the heath exchangers and pump systems. You can usually expect to pay about $10,000 for all parts and labour to get your house running on geothermal heat (and water heating). It also works as a cooling system in the summer (and it doesn't give you that weird feeling that air conditioning does...). Our is a 30 year old house, so we had to use a forced air/baseboard system for the basement, and we ran the coils under the main floor. We don't pay for gas at all now, unless we are really using a lot of hot water all at once...and even then, the cost is minimal. Big savings.

The solar panels mostly run the lights and the low-draw appliances. The high-draw (anything that heats or cools) are run on the regular electric system. Still, we've noticed some savings here too, and we're getting better at conserving the energy that we do use.

The whole, 'kids should learn how to grow food' thing is not an attempt to make everyone a farmer...just to educate people as to where there food comes from (hint, it's NOT the supermarket), and to learn basic things like, oranges don't grow underground, and there is no such thing as a carrot tree:). A little school plot does not a farmer make...but it sure makes for some good educational opportunities (composting, nitrogen fixing, ecosystems, roots systems etc...) It blows my mind that kids (like my nieces who I had out weeding the garden this weekend) can be so ignorant about where their food comes from. They LOVED learning what the plants looked like, and learning how long it takes for these things to grow. There should not be a degree of separation between us and our food.

Anway...my ranting might almost be done :eek:

You are unique, and that's special.

You are the only one whose posts I consistently open, even if the topic doesn't interest me.

Ditto! :)

I didn't know we had any geothermal heating in Alberta. :eek:

EDIT: How far down did you have to dig?

I didn't know we had any geothermal heating in Alberta.
You didn't look. :)


I don't live in Alberta, so I'm just making it up...


~Czardas, Supreme Ruler of the Universe

... reads fantasy books, but is indifferent to Tolkien? No one can compare to Tolkien. His mind was his playground.

...loved the 'old' Star Wars, but hates the new ones? They were decent at best, except for Ep. III, which was stellar.

...hates it when people think they can speak for a group because they have *insert group* friends? Yep. Just because you have friends that are in that certain group, doesn't mean YOU are in that group.

...thinks RRSPs and Mutual Funds are a load of crap, and prefers to invest in land and other 'tangibles'? I feel that mutual funds would help a little in the long run, but that's just me.

...doesn't think that alternative energy is an 'in the future' possibility, because I'm already using it? (geothermal, solar) Meh. I'll continue to use gasoline. Our country is so dependant on not only oil and gasoline, but the automotive industry in general.

...doesn't think you have to drop $200,000 on a house, when cheap building materials are available, and have a higher insulation rating that conventional materials? (straw bales coated in cement) I live in a nice house. I think it's worth it. I've lived on both sides of the economic spectrum, and believe me, I know which one I'd prefer.

...thinks it's ridiculous that kids, even country kids, don't learn IN SCHOOL about growing food? Aside from that one bean project, that is...Not really. If they so choose farming as their profession, then so be it.

...thinks that politics is NOT shooting your mouth off constantly, but rather shutting the hell up and DOING something? (which pretty much strikes regular politicians off my list...) *Points to Howard Dean* You are entirely correct. This may be the only thing, politically that I agree with you on. THe seven democrats and republicans that signed the agreement to let the 3 nominations to ove forward were getting things done, in a bi-partisand way, which is what I like to see.

...doesn't think that my country's wealth is my god-given right, that I DIDN'T earn it, and that it was only by chance I was born into it, and that perhaps we should share...?I work hard to earn every penny that I make, and I'm only making minimum wage. I earned it, I should get to keep it. I may, however, when I earn enough, donate quite a bit of it to charity.

*(rant of the day)*

Bold added by me.

I didn't know we had any geothermal heating in Alberta. :eek:

EDIT: How far down did you have to dig?
http://www.canren.gc.ca/tech_appl/index.asp?CaId=3&PgId=8

Alberta, BC and Ontario are the provinces with the most geothermal usage...though not necessarily the most geothermal activity. You run a search on geothermal contractors in Canada, and these are the provinces that will return the most hits for you.

You don't actually have to dig all that far. There are basically three ways to 'harvest' geothermal energy:

1) Fan shape pipes: if you have a big yard, you can dig down about 4 or 5 feet, and spread your pipes (which are carrying out in a fan shape, to cover the most area).

2) Wells: if your space is limited, you can dig deep 'wells' and run your pipe straight down. How many of these wells you need depend on your needs. We have two, and it is more than enough. (we went down 9 metres)

3) Lake bottom: if you have lakefront property, you can lay your pipe down on the lake bottom, deep enough to be under the ice during the winter.

It all depends on how much geothermal activity is in your area...the less there is, the deeper you have to dig. It's even allowed in many cities and towns now (our town zoned for it three years ago, and there are two households that have it).

It's one of those things people just don't know enough about...or realise it is actually quite easy. Most people pay off their system in about 4 years with what they save in heating bills. And the system is usually good for 25 years without major upkeep...and for 50 with minor maintenance. That's a long time to be heating-cost free. Plus, you can build a new house, with the geothermal system, and actually factor in your heating cost into your mortgage!

Not really. If they so choose farming as their profession, then so be it.

Again...having a garden, or knowing how food (or plants in general) are grown, does not in any way, shape or form make someone a farmer. If it were that easy...well...it isn't. And why should kids, especially in Biology be looking only at PICTURES of plants...when they could see the process themselves, and attach some real meaning to it?

To me, it goes farther than this. Food and water are absolutely essential for life. These things should not be in the realm of the arcane for us. It promotes indifference and lack of respect when people learn nothing of where their food or water comes from. If we really want our kids to be healthy, we need to teach them more about WHY eating at McDonalds is not a healthy choice to make, day after day. We need them to understand the effort that goes into growing food, and providing clean water so that they respect these two vital resources, and don't waste them. And I have met few children who are not fascinated by the process...it wouldn't entail a need for more teaching hours, it could be fit into the existing curriculum.

And I have met few children who are not fascinated by the process

Just because you have friends in that group, doesn't mean you can speak for that group. ;)

I do, however, see your point.

Just because you have friends in that group, doesn't mean you can speak for that group. ;) Hahahaha...but you notice, I did say, "FEW"...meaning, I HAVE met children that were bored by it, and showed no interest, and no doubt there are many more out there like that...

I do, however, see your point.Is it on the top of my head? I can't quite see it... :D

Jeez Girl, why for do you keep making me agree with you, huh?

... reads fantasy books, but is indifferent to Tolkien?
...loved the 'old' Star Wars, but hates the new ones?
...hates it when people think they can speak for a group because they have *insert group* friends?
...thinks RRSPs and Mutual Funds are a load of crap, and prefers to invest in land and other 'tangibles'?Land is Dirt Cheap...
...doesn't think that alternative energy is an 'in the future' possibility, because I'm already using it? (geothermal, solar)
...doesn't think you have to drop $200,000 on a house, when cheap building materials are available, and have a higher insulation rating that conventional materials? (straw bales coated in cement)I currently work for an Architectural firm that has been doing passive-solar designs for 27 years...
...thinks it's ridiculous that kids, even country kids, don't learn IN SCHOOL about growing food? Aside from that one bean project, that is...Or subsistence Hunting/Fishing, or simple enviornmental exposure survival skills, or small-animal husbandry...
...thinks that politics is NOT shooting your mouth off constantly, but rather shutting the hell up and DOING something? (which pretty much strikes regular politicians off my list...)Amen.
...doesn't think that my country's wealth is my god-given right, that I DIDN'T earn it, and that it was only by chance I was born into it, and that perhaps we should share...?*(rant of the day)*
Whew. I thought I'd have to totally agree with everything you wrote. :p The last one is a bit ambiguous to me as it smacks of redistrubiting MY wealth (what I have earned) and forcing me to "share" it with people who haven't earned it...

I haven't seen too many classes in school on animal husbandry, or butchering, either.

Then again, you can join the 4-H club in most places in the US, and get exposure to this.

Hahahaha...but you notice, I did say, "FEW"...meaning, I HAVE met children that were bored by it, and showed no interest, and no doubt there are many more out there like that...

Is it on the top of my head? I can't quite see it... :DYou're as much of a literalist as I am.

Mom: "Please go in there and pick up your shoes."

Me: *lifts my shoes in the air and puts them down again on the floor*

~Czardas, Supreme Ruler of the Universe

http://www.canren.gc.ca/tech_appl/index.asp?CaId=3&PgId=8<snip>It all depends on how much geothermal activity is in your area...the less there is, the deeper you have to dig. It's even allowed in many cities and towns now (our town zoned for it three years ago, and there are two households that have it).
Another thing people don't realize is that you really don't need "geothermal activity" per-se.

Ambient ground temperature (below the frost line) is aprox. 59degF year round. By running "coolant" through underground piping you can temper the coolant to that 59deg threshold. What that means is that you only have to "add" 20degF heat to get it to 79deg. In the Summer, the Earth acts as a heat sink, pulling out the heat and lowering your coolant down to 59deg again, meaning you may only have to chill it 20deg to get an air-conditioning effect.

Geothermal tempering is a beautiful thing....

Again...having a garden, or knowing how food (or plants in general) are grown, does not in any way, shape or form make someone a farmer. If it were that easy...well...it isn't. And why should kids, especially in Biology be looking only at PICTURES of plants...when they could see the process themselves, and attach some real meaning to it?


My family owns a lot of property in NY State. A a kid, we used to plant a very large garden- hundreds of corn stalks, hundred of tomato plants of all varieties, cucumbers, beans, many varieties of beans, broccoli, eggplant several kinds of squash, etc... We used to irrigate it from a pond on the property. Many herbs too. We had fresh,organically grown vegetables with no pesticides and no human excrement in the field. We
We had a field nearby with blueberry bushes and blackberry brambles as well.
My mother made tomatoe sauce, pickles and all sorts of other things and jarred it all in qt jars.

I feel this was a great family effort/hobby. Its healthy. We hadloads to give to family and friends too.

I have a much smaller garden started, but it will give us plenty of fresh vegetables and herbs when mature. And something healthy and constructive for my kids to do with me.

I haven't seen too many classes in school on animal husbandry, or butchering, either.

Then again, you can join the 4-H club in most places in the US, and get exposure to this.


A friend of mine has a small scale farm-he raises many game birds primarily. He keeps several cows and butchers one every few years. Its a two man job-he has a friend that comes- he has all the assorted equipment and really knows what he is doing.

Whew. I thought I'd have to totally agree with everything you wrote. :p The last one is a bit ambiguous to me as it smacks of redistrubiting MY wealth (what I have earned) and forcing me to "share" it with people who haven't earned it...
Well, I had to throw something in there like that, just so people could find something to argue with me about!

Awwwwww....that's actually quite sweet!

I second the motion. (Though I do it, because I think you're eventually going to realize that you should be a bigomist and I want to be on the top of the list.)

I second the motion. (Though I do it, because I think you're eventually going to realize that you should be a bigomist and I want to be on the top of the list.)*tries to laugh silently*

*doesn't succeed*

~Czardas, Supreme Ruler of the Universe

*tries to laugh silently*

*doesn't succeed*

~Czardas, Supreme Ruler of the Universe

Quit following me! On second thought, keep following me. It's makes me look cool. :cool:

I mostly agree with you, though I'm too lazy (and inept) to build my own house. My parents did though.
I like the LOTR movies, but not so much the books. I just don't like Tolkeins writing style, but I thought the story was good. I was glad to have the story without his stilted writing style.
Hated episodes 1 and 2 of Star Wars.
And I'm a socialist, so I'm all for wealth redistrubution.

Quit following me! On second thought, keep following me. It's makes me look cool. :cool:I'm not following you, I'm actually following Sinuhue :p

Sorry to disillusion you... There's a reason why I'm only the 1,142nd most popular NS poster...

~Czardas, Supreme Ruler of the Universe

I second the motion. (Though I do it, because I think you're eventually going to realize that you should be a bigomist and I want to be on the top of the list.)
You're just setting her up for a "she likes to be on top" joke, aren't you? :)

... reads fantasy books, but is indifferent to Tolkien?
Yes.

...loved the 'old' Star Wars, but hates the new ones?
No. Episode 3 was acceptable, however. Still not as good as the originals though.

...hates it when people think they can speak for a group because they have *insert group* friends?
Nope.

...thinks RRSPs and Mutual Funds are a load of crap, and prefers to invest in land and other 'tangibles'?
Probably not.

...doesn't think that alternative energy is an 'in the future' possibility, because I'm already using it? (geothermal, solar)
Nope.

...doesn't think you have to drop $200,000 on a house, when cheap building materials are available, and have a higher insulation rating that conventional materials? (straw bales coated in cement)
What?

...thinks it's ridiculous that kids, even country kids, don't learn IN SCHOOL about growing food? Aside from that one bean project, that is...
I've never heard anyone bring this up, so I'm gonna guess 'yes.'

...thinks that politics is NOT shooting your mouth off constantly, but rather shutting the hell up and DOING something? (which pretty much strikes regular politicians off my list...)
Amen!

...doesn't think that my country's wealth is my god-given right, that I DIDN'T earn it, and that it was only by chance I was born into it, and that perhaps we should share...?
I think you know how I feel about this already.

I love fantasy books. I like Tolkien, but those books aren't my bible or anything; they were kinda hard to read. My favorite authors, as of right now, are Elizabeth Haydon, Terry Goodkind, Kelley Armstrong, Terry Brooks, Charles DeLint, and Deborah Chester...and Maxx of course.

I hate the new Star Wars, never watched the old ones. Sci-fi's not really my kinda thing, except for Stargate SG-1, Stargate Atlantis, Andromeda, and The 4400. I like the Stargate ones because I like mythology, I can't explain Andromeda, and I like The 4400 because it's interesting and they have some cool powers.

That's annoying.

Doesn't have a clue what either of those things are, but can see your point on the "tangibles" thing

I agree here, but my dad doesn't use any alternative sources. It's a "do I pay for these alternative sources now?" or "do my son and daughter ever go to college?" kind of thing...a word of advice, never have more than two kids, unless you have them all like 5 years apart.

don't figure I'll ever have that much money for anything

I know where food comes from. I live in a town that still partially depends on farming and ranching though. We've had several gardens too(wasn't that much fun, my older brother usually wound up chasing me or my sisters the the hoe or rake, threathening to hit us; the food was pretty good though). You mean that bean project where you put dyed water on it and see the plant become that color, that bean project where you cut the seed in half and see how well it grows, or that bean project where you put one plant in the sun and one in the closet and see which one grows faster?

Definately.

I don't think that, I don't even earn money now at age seventeen, how would I be able to claim all that (I'd sure like to though). *drools at the thought of how many books he could buy with that much money*

What?

Yeah, straw bales...the square ones, coated in cement. They have a higher insulation (R) factor than other conventional building materials, are inflammable, and non-porous. You can even get the bales for FREE a lot of the time. The wiring, and plumbing needs to be done inside, and you drop the drywall a bit further in that you normally would, but you save big bucks, and have a more efficient home. A lot of Reservations in Saskatchewan are doing this. It's working quite well.

Yeah, straw bales...the square ones, coated in cement. They have a higher insulation (R) factor than other conventional building materials, are inflammable, and non-porous. You can even get the bales for FREE a lot of the time. The wiring, and plumbing needs to be done inside, and you drop the drywall a bit further in that you normally would, but you save big bucks, and have a more efficient home. A lot of Reservations in Saskatchewan are doing this. It's working quite well.
IMO the jury's still out on the long term value of Straw Bale construction. I'd worry about long term organic decomposition within the cement shell. Any cracks in the shell at all and you can get oxidation - leving you with a hollow block.

I like Autoclaved Areated Concrete (http://www.aerconfl.com/). It's been used for years in Europe, is totally natural (can be ground into kitty-litter) is load bearing and self-supporting up to 4 stories, totally fire/mold/decomposition resistant, breathes, has a natural R of 1.25/in, can be cut with hand tools before, during and after installation, and is generally a neat product... (I want to market this product professionally if you can't tell...) :D

See also SafeCrete (http://www.safecrete.com/aac/aac.cfm)

...loved the 'old' Star Wars, but hates the new ones?
<SNIP>
*(rant of the day)*
Nope, I'm on the same page.

The new SW movies are...crap! How can people who saw the original trilogy possibly think the new ones are any good??

Nope, I'm on the same page.

The new SW movies are...crap! How can people who saw the original trilogy possibly think the new ones are any good??

Would brain damage be a good excuse?

IMO the jury's still out on the long term value of Straw Bale construction. I'd worry about long term organic decomposition within the cement shell. Any cracks in the shell at all and you can get oxidation - leving you with a hollow block.
Yup...but wood is also at risk for decomposition. And a good scan of the home every couple of years or so should help you maintain it.

I hate Tolkien.

I'm sorry, but I will never lay eyes on any of his books ever. Why, you ask?

It turned my friends into zombies. We never talked about regular stuff, no, we talked about how EVERYONE DIED BECAUSE OF THE MAGOOLIBLAG AND ONLY THE MAGICAL SWORD OF GANDALF COULD EAT THE PIES, A-

*Gun shot*

*conceals Derringer*

*shifts eyes*

*runs*

reads fantasy books, but is indifferent to Tolkien?
could be

...loved the 'old' Star Wars, but hates the new ones?
the first two (new ones) were garbage, so I didnt see the third one


...thinks RRSPs and Mutual Funds are a load of crap, and prefers to invest in land and other 'tangibles'?
Indefensible, just means you dont quite get how the markets work.

...doesn't think that alternative energy is an 'in the future' possibility, because I'm already using it? (geothermal, solar)
probably

...doesn't think you have to drop $200,000 on a house, when cheap building materials are available, and have a higher insulation rating that conventional materials? (straw bales coated in cement)
generally you pay for the location of your house.

...thinks it's ridiculous that kids, even country kids, don't learn IN SCHOOL about growing food? Aside from that one bean project, that is...
why would anyone need to learn how to grow food? loony...

...thinks that politics is NOT shooting your mouth off constantly, but rather shutting the hell up and DOING something? (which pretty much strikes regular politicians off my list...)
You deny the truth that politics, at least in america, is indecent and on the whole an excercize in moral wrongdoing.

...doesn't think that my country's wealth is my god-given right, that I DIDN'T earn it, and that it was only by chance I was born into it, and that perhaps we should share...?
... "and I do not dissociate myself from them"

... reads fantasy books, but is indifferent to Tolkien?

I dunno about that... I'm sure that there's people who either love tolkien, or hate him, but his writing tends to provoke some kind of opinion. (I am a big Tolkien fan, myself.)

...loved the 'old' Star Wars, but hates the new ones?

I was never really offended by the new ones, but I didn't love them either. I thought that they were necessary movies, just not as good as they could have been. Mainly because they seemed to turn from "Star Wars" to "how to implement forced humour, really badly, into a movie, and so begin to ruin it for everyone. epi 3, 4, 5, and 6, didn't have so forced humour, and were better. That and by and large, the scripts were better too.


...hates it when people think they can speak for a group because they have *insert group* friends?

That entirely depends. If they speak as if their experience is the same, then yes. If they speak out of interest to see that said group is not discriminated against/or is trying to help balance things out for them, then no.

...thinks RRSPs and Mutual Funds are a load of crap, and prefers to invest in land and other 'tangibles'?

Completely beyond me.

...doesn't think that alternative energy is an 'in the future' possibility, because I'm already using it? (geothermal, solar)

Well, I'm not using it, but I know that it's not an "in the future things. I definitely think there should be more wind-plants used, especially like in Scotland, where there's a lot of open space and wind for them to be used. I also think they look really cool.

...doesn't think you have to drop $200,000 on a house, when cheap building materials are available, and have a higher insulation rating that conventional materials? (straw bales coated in cement)

oh, I think that house prices, including the cost to renovate it, are stupidly high... completely un-necessary. I fail to see how it could cost that much to renovate a house that never cost that much to even build in the first place, not to mention that the cost of the materials is less, etc. It's just people seeing that they can easily make money off of it, and raising their prices for no reason whatsoever. And everyone follows suit.

...thinks it's ridiculous that kids, even country kids, don't learn IN SCHOOL about growing food? Aside from that one bean project, that is...

yeah, we learn about lots of other stuff, even if we'll never use it, why should that be an exception? Not to mention that physical activities tend to grab a childs interest, and the process of them will actually motivate them to schooling.

...thinks that politics is NOT shooting your mouth off constantly, but rather shutting the hell up and DOING something? (which pretty much strikes regular politicians off my list...)

Oh yeah. That's my plan entirely. I have a lot of plans... though mainly I want to involve people back in politics which does necessitate a lot of talking. Although people can talk and do stuff at the same time, it's not that difficult.


...doesn't think that my country's wealth is my god-given right, that I DIDN'T earn it, and that it was only by chance I was born into it, and that perhaps we should share...?

of course! Everyone should have an equal chance to contribute... otherwise you're just shooting yourself in the foot by removing a LOT of potentially useful people from having a chance.

*(rant of the day)*
Same time tomorrow then? :D

(oh, and the o-so-familiar "ye have a tellygram" message to you. Though it's fairly unimportant.)

Yup...but wood is also at risk for decomposition. And a good scan of the home every couple of years or so should help you maintain it. How would you replace it once it's scanned "bad"? I've had straw bales go bad pretty fast - even in a garage out of the weather. The decay rate of wood is pretty slow, and you can replace individual bad members (even load-bearing ones) if you have to. I think the Straw Bale designs are really cool for short term (sub 30-year) housing, but I'm not at all convinced it will remain safe or efficient beyond that.

I wish I could pay $200,000 for a house around here. Count your blessings. $200,000 pays for a toolshed in these parts.

I wish I could pay $200,000 for a house around here. Count your blessings. $200,000 pays for a toolshed in these parts.


Tell me about it. I'm on the New jersey shore and bought a house three years ago. The nice part is, my neighbor just put his on the market for $400.000.00. I have more property,a huge deck, a pool and a finished basement. I dont plan on selling any time soon though, so I guess it doesnt matter much.

Tell me about it. I'm on the New jersey shore and bought a house three years ago. The nice part is, my neighbor just put his on the market for $400.000.00. I have more property,a huge deck, a pool and a finished basement. I dont plan on selling any time soon though, so I guess it doesnt matter much.

The house down the street from me is on the market for $357,000, a little split-level. My roommate's parents just sold their two story house and four acres for $980,000.

My roommate's parents just sold their two story house and four acres for $980,000.

Holy shit!

Holy shit!

They probably could have held out for more, but they needed the capital to start construction on their new house.

The house down the street from me is on the market for $357,000, a little split-level. My roommate's parents just sold their two story house and four acres for $980,000.


Its unreal.If I didnt have children, I would sell and move where its cheaper and pocket the cash. As it is, this is a great place to raise them and they love it. I dont want to upset the balance.

people can afford to buy houses?

suppose thats my fault for living in the city... I want to be able to afford a house dammit!