Before we start throwing stones at rich people you better see where you fit in on this chart and be prepared for incoming projectiles.
I know two billionaires, not good friends but if I ran into them in Tims we would likely sit and have coffee together. I just looked to see how much they are worth. The guy I met through working with disabled athletes and wounded warriors in sledge hockey is worth 7.4 billion and the other I met through work is worth 5.6 billion according to the internet and compares to other sources I have read. Both these guys have given 100s of millions to society over the years and the guy worth 5.6 billion is leaving everything to the betterment of society when he dies. They both live in very modest middle-class homes and drive Chevys.
I would have them in my home anytime and must admit I am somewhat offended by what you say about them. If you take their wealth away from them, you take their ability to help others in the way that they do. I know some pretty scummy poor people but would never call all poor people scummy.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
York1 I've never met any of you, that I could probably meet you and talk like old friends over a beer or two
That's how it was whenTrack Fiddler visited me last summer. It was fun!
Terry
Terry in NW Wisconsin
Queenbogey715 is my Youtube channel
BATMANIf you take their wealth away from them, you take their ability to help others in the way that they do.
Gee, all I said was I don't like to send stuff to people who already have enough. I have no problem with those who have a large share and have several friends myself who are "Well Blessed". I did not say I think they should lose their wealth, just that they already have enough.... I was refering more to the greed of some who never think they have enough and don't help others (there are many of those as well). At least that is what I intended.
I still don't like to give my $$$ to those who abuse their position and think they can treat others poorly. That does not include all people who are wealthy! I am very glad for a multimillionair heiress who sends me a check for the MLK Scholarship fund for $10,000 each year. She likes to go by the name of Anonymous.... Good people come in all sizes, shapes, colors, and sizes of bank accounts. Just like bad people.
I certainly did not intend to create a problem here at the site. I suggest we end the subject so that Mr Otte won't have to do a lot of cleanup here on Monday!
73
Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO
We'll get there sooner or later!
saronaterry York1 I've never met any of you, that I could probably meet you and talk like old friends over a beer or two That's how it was whenTrack Fiddler visited me last summer. It was fun! Terry
And I will visit you again my friend.
Good Times last Summer running your beautiful layout built by you.
I have to say it was impressive. I had a great time.
I found the round house with perfect directions.
We are going to pick a bright sunny day weekend in the summertime after this spring.
I'm going to bring up the mach 1.
You will drive it and show me your beautiful Lake surroundings.
We will have some more running time on your beautiful layout too.
TF
saronaterry That's how it was whenTrack Fiddler visited me last summer. It was fun! Terry
Highly recommended. I have met a couple of forum members, one at a train show and another at a self-guided layout tour in New England.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Ray, no worries on this end, I know you and I see eye to eye on most social issues and keeping fit.
I am overjoyed having both kids home for Christmas, they were like a magnet for their friends and the house was full of kids today and the wife had to make a whole lot of dinner. I didn't realize how much I miss the madness of a house full of kids even though they are young adults now. A couple of carloads have gone to the curling rink for the evening's entertainment. I curled in high school a lot and that is what they/we do/did instead of bowling.
I feel sorry for the kid as the only sleep he had was on the red-eye last night and it was so rough he kept getting woke up. He was really happy as he had two first-year fellow Carlton University students as seatmates instead of the battling Bickersons he had the last trip home. I was never allowed to book his seat again after that one. He said it was so rough a couple of people got slightly injured. Something about they were too stupid to keep their seatbelts done up. He made a beeline to the washroom when he got in as he didn't want to risk the journey to the head on the plane.
I mentioned before that I am the executor for an American lady that is fairly well off, well I now have POA as well, she is 98 and now in full time care up here in the Great White North. I have been sorting out her financial mess that is just unbelievable. She deals with seven financial institutions in the U.S. and two in Canada, all have been a breeze to deal with in both countries with my POA except Bank Of America. They are so stupid I am wondering if I am on candid camera and they are pulling my leg.
She has 14 credit cards with various institutions and is paying an average of 26.9% interest on over a $100,000.00 in credit card debt. Needless to say, I am dealing with that as fast as I can. I have had little contact with her in the sixteen years since my Mom died as they were good friends and thus the connection.
I kept hearing people at her church had everything under control and were looking after her. It has been years since she made any credit card payment and WOW is all I can say. She is also $69000.00 in property tax arrears which you can do in Canada if you choose to defer until you sell your house, however the money to pay the property tax was spare change to her and I am not sure how the deferment started. I have her house up for sale and am making plans to distribute the funds from that to various institutions. I have to make a trip down to Seattle to clear out her safety deposit box but she has told me over the years that it is very important I do that, who knows what I'll find and I hope it is not something that will be a problem bringing back over the border.
I found a stock account in New York with a value of about $600,000.00 US put aside for a charity that hasn't existed for decades, that will go to the beneficiary(s) when the time comes. It is just one surprise discovery after another. Excuse my going on and on but it is jaw-dropping the things I am finding. Also, she hasn't done an income tax return for years. There are tax treaties in place between Canada and the U.S. and it depends on where you are living and your income as to what country you pay income tax to, so I will have to sort that out. She has also been taken by some unscrupulous companies over the years and the authorities have been brought in.
My head is starting to hurt again thinking about it.
Where's my Rum?
Gotta like a RR that has its own airforce.
and Navy
Worldwide hotels
and more.
All the best to all.
mbinsewiI'm making a vanity, for our place up north, using reclaimed (barn) wood,
Hi Mike,
I love barn board but it doesn't always work out as planned! When our son Glenn was in high school one of the local farmers donated a bunch of barn board to the wood shop. It was beautiful stuff to look at. My son chose a piece to make us a butterfly house, and he did a great job of it. Unfortunately, wherever the board came from in the barn, it had obviously been exposed to a lot of animal urine for many years. When Glenn was making it the wood was still dry so the odour was very faint. However, when it got wet in the garden, the stench permeated the whole yard!!! I suppose we could have covered it with a few coats of varathane, but Glenn didn't want anything to do with it. Even if we had coated the outside, it would still have been pretty ripe inside. I doubt that the butterflies would have taken to that. We put it out at the curb and somebody picked it up. I wonder how long it took them to realize how nasty it was?
I sincerely hope that your vanity doesn't demonstrate the same charactaristics!!
Show us some pictures!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
MisterBeasleyI remember a flight into Orlando, Florida, one that encountered a lot of turbulence. People were upset, but I remarked that the next day they would be waiting on line for an hour at Disney to take another ride just like it.
Brent,
I love the picture of the CP Heritage unit. That is my favourite paint scheme!
Glad that your kids are home for the Holidays. Our son Cole and his wife Kaitlin are coming here for two days over Christmas. That should be fun! Cole is always trying new games so we will see what he comes up with this year to keep us entertained.
I don't think that there is any relation between money and morality. Many people with money are incredibly generous. Others are incredibly greedy. Same with the middle class, and the same with people of lower means.
Evening all I have been in the back booth for quite some time watching and listening and would like to wish everyone an early MERRY CHRISTMAS.
Best to all on sick call and those recovering
Duke
"Don't take a wooden nickel,because it isn't worth a dime" by my Dad
"There are only 3 things you need out of life:A gentle grade,the wind in your face,and cinders in your hair.....But keep an eye on the water glass!" Jack Evans
bjdukert Evening all I have been in the back booth for quite some time watching and listening and would like to wish everyone an early MERRY CHRISTMAS. Best to all on sick call and those recovering Duke
Hello Duke !!!!! Merry Christmas to you.
Lion You said: "Without the rich we would all be poor, and that helps nobody." ..... A lot of wisdom in that statement. .... We are not supposed to covet other people's money.
Brent ..... You posted nice CP photos and images.
..
Sunday, we begin our trip to OH and MI. I will not post much if any for a week or so.
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
Good morning, everyone. Just coffee this morning.
We are still cleaning the house for next week. I'm in charge of cleaning the bathrooms, bedrooms, and kitchen, while my wife is in charge of thinking and fretting if we've forgotten anything.
I've got a lot of firewood ready to go -- the kids and grandkids love having the fireplace blazing when they get up in the morning. It burns all day and into the evening as they settle in to watch a movie or play a game. I have to convince the grandkids that Santa can make it down the chimney even with a fire -- it's magic.
I know that fireplaces are not real good sources of heat for a house since they draw warm air from inside the house and send it up the chimney. But the atmosphere of a fire is worth it.
Hope everyone has a good Saturday.
York1 John
I asked my doctor if I gave up delicious food and all alcohol, would I live longer? He said, "No, but it will seem longer."
BATMANShe deals with seven financial institutions in the U.S. and two in Canada, all have been a breeze to deal with in both countries with my POA except Bank Of America. They are so stupid I am wondering if I am on candid camera and they are pulling my leg.
Your story has a resonance that we should all heed to, Brent.
We were fortunate that when my mother, who passed away in 2014, had all her "Is dotted and Ts crossed" when it came to her estate planning, right down to having her automobile POD-titled to one of the grand kids. No troubles at all.
When my sister recently died we were back in the fray once again. Fortunately, she had everything well documented, beneficiaries up-to-date and no outstanding debt.
One of the banks we had to deal with, Key Bank, here in Cleveland, is similar to the one you are dealing with. Total incompetency. All three surviving siblings had to appear together at their main office to close one account. This was very difficult to pull off with scheduling, etc.
When we finally appeared before the manager I asked "what would happen if one of us lived thousands of miles away?" Oh, you would fill out this form and have it notarized, then send it to us. Why didn't they tell us this before?
A week or so later I got a call from their "account security department" saying that MY account had been compromised (I never had any accounts with Key Bank) and I have to contact them immediately. The ensuing phone conversation was like "Who's on first" with Abbott & Costello!
Fortunately, my sister left no doubt as to the disposition of her estate, including funeral arrangements. This should serve as a reminder to everyone to make sure your will is up to date and get your beneficiaries and finances in order.
Also make sure your will is accessible. If it is in a safe deposit box your heirs will need POA in order to get to it.
Enjoy the weekend, folks!
NYC_Century_xmas_lo by Edmund, on Flickr
Cheers, Ed
My mother left her affairs in good order and well documented, which made life easy for me as the executor.
While doing this stuff yourself, think about a "living will" that specifies how you want to be cared for at the end. My Mom left a short note to say that when there was no chance of recovery, she did not want to be kept alive by artificial means. As the one who had to tell the doctor to pull the plug, it was very comforting to me to know I was doing the right thing.
BATMANI have been sorting out her financial mess that is just unbelievable.
I've had to deal with both extremes. One extreme is everything taken care of before death. The other is like the one you describe.
In the case of my father, I relied on my father's lawyer. My father had entrusted pretty much everything to him during his life, so the lawyer was able to handle nearly everything for me. It was quite a few thousand dollars in lawyer's fees, but it was well worth it to me and my siblings.
How about this strange station in Greenville Junction, Maine?
It is another perfect day in paradise. This is the best time of the year to live in South Florida. I can even toloerate all the displaced Canadians we are getting this time of year. A couple from Canada was in the gas station by my house last light and they could not figure out the soft serve ice cream dispenser or the coffee machine.
.
The local news showed the road to the beach is packed and it might be the busiest beach day of the year. I will not be going today.
All I intend to do today is sit on my back porch and listen to the fountain while I read.
My youngest daughter is flying into Orlando from Los Angeles. We are going to see her on Christmas day. The other two daughters will be with their in-laws in Chicago and San Francisco.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
York1How about this strange station in Greenville Junction, Maine?
I just to look this up.
https://www.greenvilledepot.org/
They are making progress.
I wonder if the CP still uses the line. Google Earth shows the tracks aren't shinny, but they aren't rusty either. Something still must roam the area.
I'll answer my own question! after further searching on their web site.
The Central Maine and Quebec RR. CMQR.
https://www.cmqrailway.com/
Nice.
Nice catch John.
Mike.
My You Tube
I don't know about any of this stuff but it seems to me CP Rail really has their act together in all that they do. From everything I've gathered is quite a smooth operation.
I've been sitting over here at my daughter's house looking off the balcony waiting for Union Pacific to come by all day....... no trains on a Saturday. They seem to be more prevalent on a Sunday the other times I was here. Go figure.
I don't think Union Pacific would appreciate Track Fiddler calling the customer service line asking why there's no trains going by over here
I restrained myself from doing that and one came by about 15 minutes ago. Now I'm good. Except for the blinking GPS light on the tail end.
Can someone kindly call Union Pacific and tell them TF needs a caboose
Track fiddlerI restrained myself from doing that and one came by about 15 minutes ago. Now I'm good. Except for the blinking GPS light on the tail end. Can someone kindly call Union Pacific and tell them TF needs a caboose
What? You don't like FRED?
Track fiddlerI don't think Union Pacific would appreciate Track Fiddler calling the customer service line asking why there's no trains going by over here
I once called the CSX Rice Yard in Waycross, Georgia and asked them what times they expected railroad activity in the local area on that day.
I did not get an answer.
Good afternoon all.
Zoe - I will take a peppermint mocha in the back corner booth please. Thanks.
Yep, asthma is acting up again. I think it’s both the changing weather (from a high temp of 18 on Wednesday to a almost balmy 42 currently today) and that I believe I am fighting off a cold. (My boss had it on Tuesday and Wednesday...)
Ed - Nice pictures of late.
Ulrich - Some nice home designs there as well. Hoping you can get the approval needed for your, Petra's, and your friend to get into a better living situation soon.
W*^k - Had a little "discussion" with a cow*^ker on expectations. (Hers versus my expecting respect.) Seems she disliked that I took a while on a delivery due to the road conditions. (Wednesday when it was cold and snowy.) My response was that I drove at what I deemed a safe speed based on conditions where I was at the time. I then asked what difference it made if I got there and back in one piece? (All of this was being done in front of customers, a HUGE no-no in the "How to show respect in retail." book.) She stated that I needed to be quicker, as there were other deliveries to be made.
I then stated that I would continue to drive at the speed that I deemed safe based on conditions where I was located, be it the speed limit or under if needed. I also stated that if this was an issue, she could do the deliveries instead, and I would stay in the nice warm store watching the counter. (The customer got a chuckle out of that one.)
While she stared me down, I then stated that I would appreciate the kind respect of not having conversations like this in front of customers, as it was not respectful to them. (Or me, but I left that point unsaid.)
When I was then scolded for taking a bit longer lunch yesterday by the same cow*^ker, again in front of customers, I pointed out a couple things. First, I was having asthma issues, and took the needed time to use a stronger medication so that I could return to w*^k, second, it really wasn’t her concern as she is not in charge, and that third, it is not being very respectful to your cow*^kers calling them out in front of customers like that.
When she stated that a delivery needed to be made 20 minutes ago, I asked why one of the three there did not run it, as we were not that busy, and as I took only an extra 10 minutes on lunch, that I still technically would have been on my normal lunch period at that time anyways. (This delivery is to a garage less than 5 minutes from the store.) I also pointed out that I had stayed late Wednesday when she left early, as there were customers needing stuff then too, so I still was over 40 hours for the week. (Very moot point, as I stayed 28 minutes late because the store was that busy and the other three all left just the owner to deal with a parts customer, 2 propane customers, a uHaul rental, and a fuel customer. All at the same time...)
I then stated, point blank, that I had not been treating any of them with this much disrespect, but had always been respectful. I expect the same respect in return.
(Edit: Further comment removed due to length.)
Winter driving - I have not had too many issues with the delivery car in the snow, but they all questioned why I put a yellow safety vest and a shovel in it. My response is that I like being prepared before the issue hits. (My personal car has a safety vest, snow brush, shovel, and flares. Just in case I need them.) While I have not needed the shovel, I did need a second run at a couple of locations that had not been plowed out yet.
I also have the vest for when someone else has an issue and I stop to check on their welfare, like I did last week, and get caught in a not great situation.
I was also asked by a young driver with no winter driving experience to describe it as best I could. My answer was to think of it like chess.
You have to plan your moves carefully, but you also have to plan them 4-5 moves in advance. You can’t just make this move, as it affects your next move, and your next, etc....
If only everyone would think half that much about their driving, the roads would be much much safer.
Brent - I think it was you who mentioned a bad accident at an intersection cutting a car in half. We just had one of those in NW PA this week, where a young idiot was driving at a majorly excessive speed, and went right through a Chevy Equinox, slicing it in half. The mother and two children in the Equinox all somehow survived the crash, but were injured. The young man then flipped the SUV he was in, multiple times. Somehow, he was uninjured, and, like the jerk he was being behind the wheel, fled the scene. He was captured by police the next day.
As I said, if people would only think about their driving half as much most will in a chess game, it would be much safer out there on the roads.
Trains - A couple of small projects still going, but until the remodel is done, nothing big.
Again got caught by a local shortlines freight move, but was not in position to get any shots this time.
I am waiting for a big snowstorm, as they just recently acquired a plow for use on their line. I am eagerly anticipating its operation.....
Hope all are well, and all enjoy the day!
Ricky W.
HO scale Proto-freelancer.
My Railroad rules:
1: It's my railroad, my rules.
2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.
3: Any objections, consult above rules.
SeeYou190 Track fiddler I don't think Union Pacific would appreciate Track Fiddler calling the customer service line asking why there's no trains going by over here . I once called the CSX Rice Yard in Waycross, Georgia and asked them what times they expected railroad activity in the local area on that day. . I did not get an answer. . -Kevin .
Track fiddler I don't think Union Pacific would appreciate Track Fiddler calling the customer service line asking why there's no trains going by over here
I bet you didn't
SeeYou190 I once called the CSX Rice Yard in Waycross, Georgia and asked them what times they expected railroad activity in the local area on that day. . I did not get an answer. -Kevin
Back in the early 1980s, I lived across the street from a B&M commuter line. One day, I heard a whistle, and recognized it immediately as a steam engine. After running outside to watch it go by, I went back inside and called the railroad and asked to speak to the dispatcher.
I spoke with a nice gentleman who explained that it was an engine and a few coaches that were chartered for a wedding. He also told me when it was scheduled to return, so I took that day off and was ready with my camera as it came through the depot.
Brent I suggest you search "unclaimed property" in the states in which that woman lived. In fact everyone should check their own states. I found money for my wife, cousin, uncle, former employer and several friends and neighbors.
None for me though
Rick sounds like you need to have a sit down with the boss, before he hears her version first.
Sunny but cold in former B&O country.
Beem puzzling with a Roundhouse Boxcab and convert it to DCC. There are a number of threads on it and I was going to put the shell on a Bachmann 44 tonner. The shell is longer and I'm not sure how I could attach a coupler and none of the threads described how.
I put the boxcab on a DC track and it is as noisey as advertised. It hardly moved. There was a a piece, the plastic bit that attaches to the motor and plugs into the drive line with a 4 bladed propeller. I tried epoxy, let it dry overnight and it moves now, but not very fast.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
BigDaddyRick sounds like you need to have a sit down with the boss, before he hears her version first.
I agree. This is going to escalate, you might as be the one to do it and get your version on the record as the cause of concern rather than a defensive response.
Be clear and factual.
I can't get over my daughter's View overlooking the river and the Bluffs with Union Pacific front and center.
The cheese cave factory is what's really impressive. They age cheese in the cave in the bluff. If you ever get to Faribault Minnesota, I suggest you stop by and get a taste
On the top of the bluff of this little cheese factory is a prep school.
I cannot capture a picture of the way it looks at night. You would have to be here and see it for yourself. It looks like a storybook fairytale at night.
I'll try to sneak a good night picture to you. I don't think I'll be successful.
It's a Winter scene to enjoy. When the trees bloom in the spring you can barely see any of it.
I did not take this picture, my daughter sent it to me. It''s what the Irish prep school looks like on the top of the hill.
SeeYou190I once called the CSX Rice Yard in Waycross, Georgia and asked them what times they expected railroad activity in the local area on that day. I did not get an answer.
And I'll bet you're the type of guy who would visit the local (non-modular) model railroad club that's been around 30 years and ask "do you put this up only for Christmas?".
No he wouldn't
[quote user="maxman"]And I'll bet you're the type of guy[/quote]
I am not any "type of guy", I am completely unique.
Track fiddlerI did not take this picture, my daughter sent it to me. It''s what the Irish prep school looks like on the top of the hill.
That is a beautiful structure.