I tellya what Pat, this tread is proof positive how, even arguably intelligent folks, are easily distracted.

Reminds me of a short discussion with my mechanic this morning. Been asking him to get us winter(& next years summer) tires for months so I ask if he's bothered to make the call, which he hasn't. Rather he asks if I'm going to use last winters, the suggestion being I don't know my own mind. To which I reply, of course I'm going to use last winters tires, they're still 80% or better to the good. To which he and his girlfriend just look at me like I'm crazy. Now me, I say, "look, if you don't want to get them, I'll get them somewhere else", which he shrugs off.

This is pertinent to your tread insofar that I mentioned the economy is going to hell and I want the tires for competitive advantage(& hard assets). I have it on good authority that heating oil prices will double this winter I tell him. His welfare Maude chimes in oh no they won't the guvment will put a stop to the speculation(which should be some comfort because it shows she is paying attention to the sort of news outlet). I try to explain about my 5th Ave investment banking source knowing a tad bit more than all of us in the garage and how speculators are not the primary problem but rather that the price of oil is going up because of the devaluation of dollar.

Whereupon, I experience what I've found to be a peculiarly Vermont response: people quick talking simultaneously -like they're having a group mushroom moment making the decision to avert their collective eyes- then begin speaking again as if you've left the room(never so much as peeking to see if you've left, LMAO, it's just too funny).

Just a question to the group: Am I Alone In This? Seriously, if I wasn't so use to the phenomenon, it'd be spooky.

Suffice it, we'll be buying four sets of tires elsewhere. He forgets I've asked for prices for winters and next summers, and truth be told, we'll buy more than that before winter arrives.

And Pat, the US economy is being intentionally imploded. The Land of the Free must die so that our Bill of Rights can be stopped once and for all. Prepare for a third world existence Brother. Even better, prepare to go home!

peaceably