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What to do with Subways in the future?

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Posted by tree68 on Sunday, May 3, 2020 7:28 AM

Miningman
Drugs and booze are likely by far the biggest cohort.

Indeed.  I've noticed, anecdotally, that one group of drinkers is those who have some underlying "pain" in their life - some bad experience that a little alcohol seems to isolate them from.  This will be a challenge, as one has to confront such pain in order to relieve it, and not everyone wants to go there.

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Posted by Miningman on Sunday, May 3, 2020 6:40 PM

I see that Warren Buffett has dumped ALL his airline stock. 

Makes good sense to me. Saudis have picked up cruise lines ( ships) for pennies on the dollar.  Massive layoffs announced by Boeing. 

At my age I would not ever go on a cruise line again, I would not fly commercial airline ever again and I would not get on a subway when in Toronto . VIA out of Saskatoon maybe, but accomadations are very expensive and require far in advance booking. Not sure about that either though. Leaning to no way. 

Have a daughter in Toronto, 2 more in Southern Ontario . They can load up the SUV and come to me, or we Zoom it or Skype it. 

 

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Posted by Gramp on Sunday, May 3, 2020 7:30 PM

I think there'll be significant changes out of this experience. One thing my wife and I have independently realized is with learning to do all of the zoom meetings of one sort or another with people and organizations, doing that instead of driving to meetings, we really don't need a second car. We'd been starting to plan to replace our 2011 auto. Not now. Only needing one car would save a hefty amount. 

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Posted by MidlandMike on Sunday, May 3, 2020 10:46 PM

After pointing out that milenials were not buying cars, a recent survey (during pandemic) now shows that many who don't own cars are now considering buying one.  They are not only less enthusiastic about transit, but also want to avoid ride sharing, like Uber, or I would suppose automated bubble cars.

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Posted by Miningman on Sunday, May 3, 2020 11:21 PM

Makes sense. In that case they will abandon cities.

That makes sense too. 

I'm thinking it's not 'our' world anymore ... the things we did and where we did them also where we lived will be changed dramatically .

Mass transit will not be acceptable in the Western World , or at least in North America. This dooms cities. 

Even if they come up with an All Clear , no one will care, all trust is lost. 

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Posted by Erik_Mag on Monday, May 4, 2020 12:19 AM

Keep in mind that "mass transit" includes airlines as well, though there aren't as many people packed in an airliner as is on a subway train during rush hour.

One thing that can help promote social distancing would be staggered work hours for employers, so rush hour is spread out allowing for fewer people per car. This was apparently done back the 1918 flu epidemic. A safe and effective vaccine will help as well. I also wonder if changing the HVAC "plumbing" on the cars to provide a strong downdraft would help.

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Posted by MidlandMike on Monday, May 4, 2020 6:35 PM

Miningman

Makes sense. In that case they will abandon cities.

That makes sense too. 

I'm thinking it's not 'our' world anymore ... the things we did and where we did them also where we lived will be changed dramatically .

Mass transit will not be acceptable in the Western World , or at least in North America. This dooms cities. 

Even if they come up with an All Clear , no one will care, all trust is lost. 

 

That's what they said after 9/11.  Also that no one would fly again.  Didn't come to pass.

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Posted by GERALD L MCFARLANE JR on Monday, May 4, 2020 7:13 PM

Miningman

I see that Warren Buffett has dumped ALL his airline stock. 

Makes good sense to me. Saudis have picked up cruise lines ( ships) for pennies on the dollar.  Massive layoffs announced by Boeing. 

At my age I would not ever go on a cruise line again, I would not fly commercial airline ever again and I would not get on a subway when in Toronto . VIA out of Saskatoon maybe, but accomadations are very expensive and require far in advance booking. Not sure about that either though. Leaning to no way. 

Have a daughter in Toronto, 2 more in Southern Ontario . They can load up the SUV and come to me, or we Zoom it or Skype it.  

Join the rest of the paranoid masses or at least the ones that fall into the trap of believing the worst. 80% of the general population will have forgotten all about this 6 - 9 months after the mainstream media stops reporting on it. Viruses exist and have existed since the beginning of time, people think this is bad...just wait until more permafrost melts and ancient viruses and bacteria are released into the world, ones in which we have zero knowledge of their origins or capabilities.

I wouldn't use Zoom if it was the only video meeting platform on Earth, zero security what so ever, I don't need to use a service that exposes my PC to easy hacking(per computer security experts).

As for flying, transit and cruises...I have no problem using any of them again even if I am approaching that age of significant risk.

Buffett dumped his airline stocks because airlines don't fit his investment criteria, the only reason B H had any was because of some portfolio managers buying some in 2016 and Buffett thinking that airlines weren't a poor choice anymore.  I read the reasoning on the purchasing and sell off on Fool.com(aka the Motley Fool, a good Wall Street analysis site).

Look at it this way, the Worlds population is almost 8 BILLION people and not even .1% of the population has caught this virus yet.  The standards for calling a pandemic need to be updated to include real numbers, not just how easily something spreads and how many countries have it.  Even in the U.S. we haven't reached .1% of the population confirmed having it yet.

I'm tired of doom and gloomers.

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Posted by Miningman on Monday, May 4, 2020 9:25 PM

We use Teams at work.  Haven't used Zoom yet, but thanks for the warning. Read plenty about it.  Skype works ok, also just a video call but all that's one on one, or whoever happens to be there. 

I'm content at this stage on this rock to stay at home, go to work, enjoy the seasons. The bratskis can come to me for a change. The score is like 8-0. Time for them to score some goals. 

Driving distance is 3,227 km or 2,005 miles. 

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Posted by JPS1 on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 3:54 AM

GERALD L MCFARLANE JR
  I'm tired of doom and gloomers. 

I am with you.  I will be 81 in August.  My next cruise is scheduled for December 2020.  If it goes I will be on it.

I have run calculated risks all my life.  I am not going to hide out now.  

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Posted by rrnut282 on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 1:31 PM

JPS1

 

 
GERALD L MCFARLANE JR
  I'm tired of doom and gloomers. 

 

I am with you.  I will be 81 in August.  My next cruise is scheduled for December 2020.  If it goes I will be on it.

I have run calculated risks all my life.  I am not going to hide out now.  

 

Somewhat younger than you, and know it is impossible to live risk-free.  The only time I have changed my habits is when the fears of others removed my choices. 

Mike (2-8-2)
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Posted by daveklepper on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 1:56 PM

 

at 88

i agree

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Posted by Electroliner 1935 on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 11:16 PM
At age 84, I know my days on this rock are probably numbered at something less than 6000. However, my wife and daughter are nurses and while they are no longer working, too many other nurses and medical professionals are dying trying to care for those who have the virus. I believe that it is very selfish to not consider those who you may need someday to treat you or your loved ones by indulging in your desires to do as you please. Do you think your Doctors are worth killing just so you can spend a day partying? Then pay attention to what the CDC and the medical experts are recommending. Please.
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Posted by daveklepper on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 10:08 AM

I throughly agree with that also, but the two posts are not incompatible.

During the period of the virus infection, I live as normal a life as possible, but also are careful to oberrve all the rules that the Government places in response to the recmmendations of the overall medical profession.

During the severest lockdown period, I did not leave the Yeshiva, and prepared by having emergency supplies at the Yeshiva, where the small office became my Kosher-for-Passover bedroom and dining room.  The Seder was with a couple who said I was the third member of their family, at their apartment on the Yeshiva campus, for the entire duration of the threat.

Some of the young single people have returned to the campus.  But they are the ones who are delivering food to aged quarentened.  So now the office as well my main studying location is unavailable to me and the on-campus rabbi, because we are elderly and thus more prone to pick-something the youngsters got from their clients.  And the couple who are my adopted family also exclude themselves from that area.

As soon as the strictest lockdown was ended, I returned to spending weekday nights at my apartment, but as an elderly person, commute with the same taxi driver every day..

What I really meant was that once we have a real all-clear, and I am confident we will, I'll live a normal life again, not a life of fear.  Including use of Jerusalem Light Rail, which on occasion is just as crowded as the Lexington Avenue 4 and 5 Exoresses during rush hour.

 

o

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Posted by Miningman on Friday, May 8, 2020 12:07 AM

After this experience with social distancing people will want more space. Also more safety and security.

From the Financial Post Jack Mintz 

Many businesses will have to rethink operations that until this March crowded people into airplanes, restaurants and bars, and offices. Trying to boost density has been the goal of much recent urban policy. Not any more! Rather than take public transit, many people will prefer driving alone to work. Living in an unattached single home will trump a densely crowded condo development. Travel for domestic vacations may feel safer than travel to a far away destination. People likely will be willing to pay a premium for space if it means more health protection at gyms, grocery stores and entertainment facilities.

 

Nothing 'doom and gloom' about any of that. My kids can come visit me for a change, be good for them to see the country instead of their usual Caribbean and Mexican holidays.  I'm not flying commercial any more, period. Not interested in a cruise either. Northern Saskatchewan is one mighty big piece of pristine real estate "Big Lan, Few Pipple" . Lots of Exploration to do. Rocks to hammer, boating, fishing... enough! 

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Posted by MidlandMike on Friday, May 8, 2020 8:10 PM

The world is very urbanized, and getting more so.  Most people don't have a choice to spread out.

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Posted by tree68 on Friday, May 8, 2020 11:38 PM

MidlandMike
The world is very urbanized, and getting more so. 

It's been said that that is some people's goal...

LarryWhistling
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Posted by Miningman on Saturday, May 9, 2020 12:00 AM

The ideal place to live is a population 15,000-30,000. 

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Posted by zugmann on Saturday, May 9, 2020 1:04 PM

tree68
It's been said that that is some people's goal...

A lot of people love the idea of being isolated, but the rallies with people complaining that they can't go get their nails done, go to starbucks every day, or wonder target for no reason on a Friday night lead me to belive that it is just the idea they love.  Not the reality. Most people are lost if they aren't constantly entertained or able to get their instant gratifications. 

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

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Posted by tree68 on Saturday, May 9, 2020 2:41 PM

zugmann
A lot of people love the idea of being isolated,...

I'm about a quarter mile from a small convenience store, but 7 miles from the nearest grocery store of any size, and 15 miles from the nearest small city.  

While I was sitting in my back yard at oh-dark-thirty watching for meteors last week, all I could hear was the falls on the nearby creek and the occasional (very occasional) car on the state highway.  Light pollution was near zero - the moon being the biggest problem.

And that's how it is with this entire area - small hamlets and villages of 500-700 people, spread out.  If I need something, I can get it.

The point of my comment was not the people who want to live in relative isolation - it was the "planners" who would prefer we all live in cities.  

 

LarryWhistling
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Posted by zugmann on Saturday, May 9, 2020 2:53 PM

tree68
The point of my comment was not the people who want to live in relative isolation - it was the "planners" who would prefer we all live in cities.  

Some urban planners do - hence their name.  But regional planning is a thing, too. Just doesn't get much attention as its sibling. 

 I just don't like when people demean "planners".  I live in an area that would have benefitted from much more planning that it received.  Unfortunately, planning is often ignored, and it's why I have to drive through 45 useless traffic lights that shouldn't be there. 

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

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Posted by Euclid on Saturday, May 9, 2020 3:05 PM

I do think there will be a rebound from this disaster that will find people thinking about doing with less, saving their money, and living out in the country.  Vacations and travel will decline.  Home based businesses will surge.  There will be unbelievable fallout from this miserable episode.  What we have been hit with is much larger than many people can grasp. 

I heard a statistic today that we have increased the U.S. money supply in circulation by a factor of three times.  The source said that this will cause bigtime inflation, but it will be a couple years out.  In the meantime, the value of real estate will plunge, leading to massive defaults and repossession of property.  So now is the time to plan your future.  As Tom Petty once sang:  "The future is wide open."  

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Posted by Euclid on Saturday, May 9, 2020 3:08 PM

zugmann
I just don't like when people demean "planners".  I live in an area that would have benefitted from much more planning that it received.  Unfortunately, planning is often ignored, and it's why I have to drive through 45 useless traffic lights that shouldn't be there. 
 

But too much planning will give you traffic circles. 

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Posted by tree68 on Saturday, May 9, 2020 3:15 PM

zugmann
Some urban planners do - hence their name.

Further clarification:  Social planners.  Future tyrants.  Much easier to control people if they're all in one place...

If I go any further into it, this will become a political discussion.

LarryWhistling
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Posted by zugmann on Saturday, May 9, 2020 3:19 PM

Euclid
But too much planning will give you traffic circles. 

We have a couple.  They actually work good if morons would stop stopping in them when not needed. 

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

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Posted by zugmann on Saturday, May 9, 2020 3:22 PM

tree68
Further clarification:  Social planners.  Future tyrants.  Much easier to control people if they're all in one place...

But you have to be careful with the other side of the coin. People move out to the country, next thing you know you have housing developments, traffic circles, and strip malls with cell phone stores and gym franchises. 

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

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Posted by charlie hebdo on Saturday, May 9, 2020 3:23 PM

tree68

 

 
zugmann
Some urban planners do - hence their name.

 

Further clarification:  Social planners.  Future tyrants.  Much easier to control people if they're all in one place...

If I go any further into it, this will become a political discussion.

 

Your paranoia already nailed you!

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Posted by Euclid on Saturday, May 9, 2020 3:30 PM

I have a book called Cities Without Suburbs by David Rusk.  It makes clear the war between being allowed to live in suburbs versus living in a modern city of New Urbanism where eveything has to be just so.  That is where you go to find planning. 

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Posted by tree68 on Saturday, May 9, 2020 3:35 PM

charlie hebdo
Your paranoia already nailed you!

Just repeating what I've read in the past.  And if the current batch of petit tyrants doesn't scare you, it should.

LarryWhistling
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Posted by zugmann on Saturday, May 9, 2020 3:54 PM

Euclid
I have a book called Cities Without Suburbs by David Rusk.  It makes clear the war between being allowed to live in suburbs versus living in a modern city of New Urbanism where eveything has to be just so.  That is where you go to find planning. 

Hey, if it's in a book.  

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.t fun any

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