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mike robertson
7 years ago

Jack I’ve heard you tell me how to do this but… https://youtu.be/8ABa4RdNPxU
This is my you tube contribution. He sums up modern thought and why. I think he could be an Aly in helping with bringing modern survivalism to those that need it most. You have been a greet friend that has helped with my sanity and so has Jordan. I understand your need to be apolitical. I thought I’d make this intro between my great friends that don’t know I exist.thank you dèeply for what you do and why I imagine you do it.

Jason Silberschneider
Jason Silberschneider
7 years ago

Anytime I hear 2 people debating politics, my standard response is, “So you two seemingly intelligent people are arguing whether a circus monkey in a red vest or a circus monkey in a blue vest is better than you at running your life?”

And I leave it at that. There is normally a long pause before they tentatively try to defend their circus monkey, leaving me to say “Ok, so you believe the circus monkey in the red vest is the best one to run your life for you. That’s fine, that’s your choice.” And I walk away.

Every now and then, very rarely, I’ve been asked that magical question, “So, is there a Better Way?”

Well, now that you mention it…

GreyTK
7 years ago

Well said, Jason. I might steal that one if I find the opportunity presents itself to me.

Pearl
Pearl
7 years ago

Jack: Thank you for this one!
This had in it exactly what I needed to hear right now. I’m building a house, having problems with codes in town, the codes guy is VERY black and white thinker, I’m all shades of grey, look at all these other options. He will be hearing a lot of “Can you think of any other way we can accomplish this other than what you just suggested?” Maybe it will make it so I quit throwing logic and data at a wall of “I don’t think outside the box” and making us both crazy.

I’m a walking case of “outside the box” I don’t even usually know where the lines of the box are, and am always stunned when I hit them. And I’m hitting them hard on this, and it just baffles me to no end. What part of “building ABOVE code” is so difficult to grasp? AAUGH!! Best quote I have seen about building codes is “You built it to code? Great! You got a D- on the test, so you passed. I think you can do better than that.” I KNOW I can do better than that, it’s not difficult if you actually look at the options. It’s actually looking that seems to be problem.

Sad part is if I wanted to build a POS tract house, I could have done it without anyone blinking. But because I want a well built house, I’m hitting all of this.

Thanks Jack, lots to consider 🙂

Dave
Dave
7 years ago
Reply to  Pearl

One thing I have found that almost all code inspectors have in common is that they have to find something wrong, so give it to them. While I was a framer, I would leave a conspicuous strap un-nailed. As an electrician I would “forget” to remove the green screw on a sub panel. Something quick and easy to fix while they are there. Second thing is, when they show up, grab a pad and pencil and walk through with them and write down anything they find. Once I started doing these two things, I almost always got signed off.

Pearl
Pearl
7 years ago
Reply to  Dave

Reading some stuff on selling products today, and hit an interesting concept about this, that may be similar to what you were saying.

If choices are black and white, frame the black and white how YOU want. So I won’t say “are earth tubes legal?” I’ll say “Do you want the tubes to connect like this or that? Is this kind of flashing adequate?” What you said sounds to me like not “Do I pass inspection?” but “what small things are left so I pass?” which changes things interestingly. Makes the main assumption “I passed, but what details are left?” You gave him details to choose, and reframed the question he was answering.
Interesting….

wess daniels
wess daniels
7 years ago

Taxes are not theft. We give “implied consent” by merely having a social security card and working.

Also, I’ve discussed the binary decision making process.
It doesn’t matter how many choices there are, every decision is an A/B, T/F situation based on your personal experience. It doesn’t matter how many colors are in the box, your choice is , To color or not color. Then use this color or not. It really NEVER is this color or that color.

Jason Silberschneider
Jason Silberschneider
7 years ago
Reply to  wess daniels

I find it extremely useful to acknowledge that you are 100% correct in what you’ve said.

When I buy a load of compost from the soil yard, I make it very obvious to the owner that I will be paying in cash and will not require a receipt. This usually results in a substantial discount for me, with the owner pocketing the notes without opening the till.

If I was to be lazy and pay by card then yes, I have chosen to participate in the white market, and therefore have given my implied consent for the government to steal some of this money.

Perhaps a better phrase than “taxes are theft” would be “taxes are laziness”. We were lazy to let it get to this, and we are lazy and medicated enough to allow it to keep going this way.

Douglas Calvin
7 years ago

Jack you jerk, now I am realizing there is no spoon.