Yardbird. And I love brussel sprouts, especially roasted but I get the hate 😉1) brussle sprouts.....yech! I can't do them.
2) where dd you go? always interesting to see your choices and DC is always wicked expensive.
Yeah, you gotta have them at a good restaurant who roasts them and adds tasty things like oil, bacon, garlic…otherwise yeah, kinda blech. 😬
Speaking of expensive drinks, anyone who has purchased an adult beverage at Mariucci should feel taken advantage of. Two drinks for two people with a little tip is $70. That’s as much as the pair of tickets. 😳
Double-u tee eff...
unfortunately the cost of Hawaii doesn’t end with the flight. It’s pretty unbelievable. Breakfast for 4 people (no cocktails) will run $130. All drinks are in the $14-15 and up range.I keep seeing things about inflation is under control and right where we want it to be... The fed is going to cut rates because everything has stabilized... What world are these people living in? Because I'd like to go there for a little while.
This week we got a notice that daycare for our son, starting in September, will be going from $318 a week to $397 per week. Our center has had several increases over the last few years, going from about $250 a week prior to COVID when our daughter was this age, to now $318 a week for our son. The center was purchased by a much larger chain, this increase is too much to stomach. A 24.8% increase in one year?!? That's $20,644 annually for daycare for a 3 year old.
Our Car insurance in April 2022 was $149.15 per month for 2 vehicles. We have made no vehicle changes, and have no tickets or accidents since then, and our Car insurance is now $191.66 per month. We just asked our insurance agent to shop it, and he said that is the best he could do for the coverage we have. That is a 28.5% increase in 2 years. I am leaning towards just going to liability as both of our vehicles (paid-for) are over 8 years old, well over 100,000 miles and worth less than $6,000... But I asked and there isn't as much savings as I thought there would be.
Just tonight I went to my local liquor store, and my favorite 'cheaper' beer - Local 755, has gone from $12.99 a 4-pack last year to $15.99 a 4-pack this week. A month ago, for sure, it was $14.99. That is a 23% increase in 2 years, and still going up. Not only is the base price more, there are now additional taxes AND the store added a new 3.5% 'Service" fee. I was 'that guy' and complained - no service was provided, I grabbed my item and checked out. The only service was scanning my items and swiping my card to make sure I didn't steal them. I was previously always willing to pay an extra $1.00 or so more to support local business. If this is the crap you are going to do, I will just go down the street to Total Wine.
We haven't gone out to dinner in over a year because it is way too expensive.
My work (architecture) is slow, and we've been slow since summer of last year, as many of our customers are "waiting for better lending conditions". So I only got a 1.5% raise in my most recent annual review. We had some layoffs and work is somewhat steady, but not picking up.
I just shake my head every month... it seems like something new is rapidly climbing in price every time I turn around. I was trying to plan a special trip for my wife's 40th next year, but looking at flights... its $1,600 EACH to fly to Europe... over $1,000 EACH to fly to Hawaii... Happy 40th, I'll grill some steak kabobs in the backyard. I guess I chose the wrong career, because everyone around us has bought new toys recently; boats, RVs, new vehicles, etc. and not only can I not afford the item itself, I could never afford the upkeep or insurance on it as well.
I am pretty sure I made a similar post on this a few months back, but these last couple of increases in daycare and car insurance within the last week have really, REALLY stung.
Everything is more expensive and it seems no sign of slowing down. One suggestion that may help if you’re serious about Hawaii (depending on what you are able to use a credit card to pay for) - we got an Alaska airlines credit card that is providing a companion fare which we are using on a trip to Kauai. It’s basically saving the cost of one flight. I don’t know all the details but something to check out.
I don’t have kids, and hearing things like that is one (of many) reasons I’m glad I don’t. 😬
DC has just always been expensive. I’ve been there 3-4 times and thankfully always on the company’s dime.
Some things have gotten cheaper. One year ago we were selling corn for $6.50 per bushel. Today we are selling for $4.00.
As for "everyone getting new toys" part of that long post...don't be surprised if they went into major debt, but you know, just HAD to have those things. 😉
A lot of those folks are fake-rich.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Some things have gotten cheaper. One year ago we were selling corn for $6.50 per bushel. Today we are selling for $4.00.
I'm 50% factual and 50% sarcastic. When you get to know me, you will know which is which.
Iowa related Twitter has gone full off the rails since this past weekend. Anti-Caitlin Clark people are just trolling the hell out of pro-Caitlin Clark Iowa fans and they falling for it left and right. Normally the Iowa fans I follow are pretty level headed but man, they have went off the rails and just can't not have the last word. LSU fans, WVU fans, and of course ISU fans are reeling them in.
I have my own thoughts on Caitlin Clark and I believe she is the best women's college basketball player currently. I will leave it at that and enjoy watching the highlights of the Iowa Women's BB team while they are still in the tourney.
I am the official Iowa Hawkeye football fan of GPL!
Iowa fans still can't get over the "fair catch." LOL. It's easy to troll them. This obsession with Caitlin Clark is funny on it's own, but the trolling makes is all the better. Of course she gives the trolls plenty of ammo.Iowa related Twitter has gone full off the rails since this past weekend. Anti-Caitlin Clark people are just trolling the hell out of pro-Caitlin Clark Iowa fans and they falling for it left and right. Normally the Iowa fans I follow are pretty level headed but man, they have went off the rails and just can't not have the last word. LSU fans, WVU fans, and of course ISU fans are reeling them in.
I have my own thoughts on Caitlin Clark and I believe she is the best women's college basketball player currently. I will leave it at that and enjoy watching the highlights of the Iowa Women's BB team while they are still in the tourney.
Happy fishing!
Iowa fans still can't get over the "fair catch.
Good lord...that effing debacle! The right call was made but how it was made was laughable. Time to move on. Yes, the Iowa fanbase has been extra trollable over this entire college sport year...football, both MBB and WBB, and wrestling. I just roll my eyes and let it roll off my back.
Maybe it's because I've been around Minnesota sports fans for the last 18 years and I've just become numb to some things. I just don't care enough to get into a Twitter feud with someone I don't personally know. Over the years I throw just as many darts at the Iowa teams I care about as the trolls do. Am I happy when those Iowa teams do well? Yup. Just like Minnesota losing to Q last year I get over it and cheer for them the next game or season...moving on.
I am the official Iowa Hawkeye football fan of GPL!
Am I happy when those Iowa teams do well? Yup. Just like Minnesota losing to Q last year I get over it and cheer for them the next game or season...moving on.
Truly the key to happiness as a sports fan. You cannot control anything but how you enjoy the ride.
“When your best friend is the son of God, you get tired of losing every argument.”
― Christopher Moore, Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal
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After last night the Iowa fanbase and pro-Caitlin Clark people just won't stop. People will NOT get off the "Caitlin Clark is the best women's basketball player of all time" schtick. This is just like the Manning/Brady or Lebron/Michael argument in women's basketball form. I have my opinion on this but it really doesn't matter because I have about ten minutes of history of watching Caitlin play in her entire Iowa career.
I am the official Iowa Hawkeye football fan of GPL!
There are about 5 players on UCONN alone (not to mention dozens of others) who would laugh at that idea. Not a knock on Caitlyn but she is just benefitting from a time when her accomplishments are being pimped more and she can cash in on them. If Rebecca Lobo or Diana Taurasi (the real GOAT) had the same exposure and State Farm commercials it wouldn't even be a discussion.
She is a great player...but to be the best you need to do more than just score a lot. DT went to 4 Final Fours, won 3 straight national titles and basically owned the WNBA. That would be like Minnesota fans saying Whalen is the GOAT...just not the true if you get outside your own bubble.
I can not disagree with any of that.
I am the official Iowa Hawkeye football fan of GPL!
So by your own admission after watching her play 10 minutes you’ve decided she’s really not that great?
Is she? Isn’t she? An argument can be made either way I’m sure, but other players have the exact same opportunity as she does for promotion and cashing in, and they’re not. Why is that? She’s exciting to watch and an overall decent person. So what if she’s a prolific scoring machine, if it was a guy would people be doing the “yah but…” or would they be cheering wildly for those 3 pointers? I’ll cheer for her over smug taunting Angel Reese any day. Reese putting a crown on her chair before last nights game was tacky and childish.
What have I got? I got no snacks and I got no respect.
Travis-age 6
@kelly-red I agree. This whole "GOAT" thing is foolish. Hard to compare different times. Rules change and over all talent levels change. Also, team sports championships should not be a large factor in how good an individual is at their sport.
A lot of things can exist at the same time. Diana Taurasi can be the goat of women's basketball, she has the titles and rings to back that up. Caitlin Clark can be the best college women's basketball player, she has the stats to back that up. The world of sports media is a much different landscape between the times of both of those players and Taurasi no doubt have been lifted up much like Clark if it was back then like it is today with sports and social media.
I guess I should have worded myself better in that I'm not willing to die on some hills in regards to Caitlin Clark since I have only invested watching about 10 minutes of her games. A lot of Iowa fans and pro-Caitlin are willing to die on the hill that she is the GOAT of women's college basketball and elevated the game to new heights.
I am the official Iowa Hawkeye football fan of GPL!
@g-manpuck I’ll totally agree with that assessment. The game has changed so much it’s impossible to compare some players or eras. Hell I played basketball (in Iowa) in the days of true “girls” basketball…6 player/half court. 😳. We were great! Now? We’d barely beat a jr high team lol.
What have I got? I got no snacks and I got no respect.
Travis-age 6
days of true “girls” basketball…6 player/half court
Ahhh...the good old days. It's funny to try to explain to kids today about 6v6 basketball. I got to witness the last great six player team in Hubbard-Radcliffe play several games against my girlfriend at the time's high school. To make people's heads explode the greatest Iowa high school girl player in the history of Iowa was not Caitlin Clark...not even close. Lynn Lorenzen from Ventura ended with scoring 6,250 points in her high school career playing 6v6. Caitlin Clark...not even half of that, 2,547 points.
I am the official Iowa Hawkeye football fan of GPL!
Ahhh...the good old days. It's funny to try to explain to kids today about 6v6 basketball.
Try explaining Ringette! 🤣
“When your best friend is the son of God, you get tired of losing every argument.”
― Christopher Moore, Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal
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Try explaining Ringette!
I'll admit I had to Google it!
I am the official Iowa Hawkeye football fan of GPL!
So by your own admission after watching her play 10 minutes you’ve decided she’s really not that great?
Is she? Isn’t she? An argument can be made either way I’m sure, but other players have the exact same opportunity as she does for promotion and cashing in, and they’re not. Why is that? She’s exciting to watch and an overall decent person. So what if she’s a prolific scoring machine, if it was a guy would people be doing the “yah but…” or would they be cheering wildly for those 3 pointers? I’ll cheer for her over smug taunting Angel Reese any day. Reese putting a crown on her chair before last nights game was tacky and childish.
You know Clark is no (no pun intended) angel on the court right she talks just as much smack? I guarantee you would take Reese on your team any day of the week and twice on Sundays just like Clark. (especially if you want to win) Who cares about their attitude if it doesn't get in the way of the team doing well? Plus that stuff is often just "eye of the beholder" stuff anyways. MJ was a jerk on the court and Magic Johnson was one of the biggest trash talkers there was (as was Dr. J amongst other greats) and we all know how all of them are regarded.
Clark is great and is probably the best in the game right now (I havent watched enough other teams to know) but I bet if you really thought about it you could think of quite a few players in their prime you would want to have on your team before her. There is nothing wrong with that and it isn't a slight against her. Recency bias is definitely a thing.
If you want to understand Caitlin Clark a little more here is an excellent article that covers her from youth to now. Block out about 10 minutes or so to read, it's a long one but you get to know CC much more.
I am the official Iowa Hawkeye football fan of GPL!
Clark is the GOAT, IMO, not just b/c of scoring. I was a fanboy of Lobo, loved Whalen, respected Taurasi, and to be consistent, don't get me started on the "rings" argument in a team sport. It's useless on that point.
I will say, different eras do mean different things. I started paying attention to WBB in the Lobo days, and Clark would blow her away. And that was a golden era for UConn.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.