Tuesday, February 04, 2014

NateMail

JT asks:  Loved the blues discussion on the show last week. What do you think of the Rolling Stones?


My opinion on the Rolling Stones?





22 comments:

Anonymous said...

This.

toothy

Susan said...

Ok, now that is just rude. Funny, but rude. {{smile}}

Susan said...

Have you seen that Bieber court video going around the internet? I looked at three different version, including the actual court video, and it was just creepy to watch his eyes change like that.

Stilicho said...

I need to start a business. Suggestions?

Susan said...

Stilicho,

I heard Michael Berry(Houston talk show) say once that starting your own business can be as easy as observing your local community and seeing what is needed, and then fill that need. Sometimes to great success, money-wise.

Nate said...

start a business? in this economy?

Go buy a liquor store.

Nate said...

the other option would be to find some business that used to make a lot of money... but is now owned by a disinterested second generation.

buy it on the cheap... replace the bad management with good... and reap the benefits.

WaterBoy said...

Stilicho: "I need to start a business. Suggestions?"

1. How much startup capital do you have available?
2. How much time do you have available (meaning, is this in addition to a day-job)?
3. What kind of skills do you have?
4. Where do you live, in relation to your potential customers?

#1 will determine the type of business you can start. If you have enough money, you can look at purchasing a franchise of an existing business, flipping or buying and renting out houses or commercial property, starting a new business with high initial capital requirements like a tow truck company or a car wash, stuff like that. Lower capital obviously limits these options, unless you can qualify for a SBA-type loan.

#2 will also limit the type of business you can start to the kind you can run in your spare time if you have to commit time to another job. This would eliminate almost all brick-and-mortar-store type businesses and franchises, since you probably wouldn't be there to run it (and paying somebody else to do so defeats the purpose of having your own business). Landlording and home-based or consulting-type businesses are more conducive to moonlighting.

#3 will allow you to consider putting your existing skills to work for you, rather than trying to learn a new business. Automotive, handyman, and computer skills can all be put to use in a home-based side business you can run in your spare time (within zoning and/or HOA limits, where applicable). For example, if you are adept at solving computer problems, doing in-home consulting in the evenings for less than the Geek Squad charges is a good way to make some spare change, and can eventually be expanded into a full-time business if you're so inclined.

#4 can either limit or enhance your opportunities. For example, a long-term dog kenneling business would be easier to run if you're on a good chunk of land just outside the city than if you're way out in the sticks or in the city proper, while a doggy day care (short term) business would do well in the suburbs.

These are just some thoughts for your consideration, many of them from my own personal experiences. Other factors may also apply based on your unique situation.

WaterBoy said...

In line with what Nate said, there are several websites out there like this one which list businesses for sale. Filter them by your own state, and get some ideas of what's available and for what price.

Stilicho said...

Yeah, Nate, I know. I'm keeping a weather eye out for good deals, but given the impending crash, I'm most likely to keep my powder dry until asset values are cut by at least 50%. Other than that, it may be a good time to set up a consumer bankruptcy firm ahead of the wave that will accompany the crash. Indeed, there is something almost...noble... and certainly satisfying about depriving banksters of their ill-gotten gains. Lots to think about. Thanks, everyone.

Outlaw X said...

start a business? in this economy?

Go buy a liquor store.


If memory serves me right during the great depression people still spent their money on liquor.

Outlaw X said...

Oh forgot, they repealed prohibition in 1933, now the states are passing laws legalizing pot. Sound familiar?

Nate said...

Depressions are easier to take when your attitude has been chemically altered.

WaterBoy said...

States are so desperate for revenue, they're willing to allow anything reasonable that they can slap a tax on.

In Denver, the combination of state and local sales and excise taxes on recreational pot adds up to about a 29% rate. When this thing really gets rolling, it's possible that pot revenue could exceed that from alcohol.

I don't expect too many more states to allow it yet, though. It's getting close to the next Presidential election cycle, and they want to wait until it's perfectly clear whether a D or R is likely to be in office to enforce the existing Federal ban. If either a D or a liberal R gets in, then I expect a whole lot more states to follow suit. If a moderate R or an actual conservative gets in, expect the states to wait until the enforcement issue is cleared up.

mmaier2112 said...

Own a liquor store... sounds like a dream come true.

I'd run drills on shooting robbers... just for fun, of course.

And I'd practice saying "Our videocameras are malfunctioning at this time, officer."

Outlaw X said...

I don't expect too many more states to allow it yet, though. It's getting close to the next Presidential election cycle, and they want to wait until it's perfectly clear whether a D or R is likely to be in office to enforce the existing Federal ban. If either a D or a liberal R gets in, then I expect a whole lot more states to follow suit. If a moderate R or an actual conservative gets in, expect the states to wait until the enforcement issue is cleared up.

I call bullshit, Texas may be the last State to legalize pot because they are in the black, but when they see the wildfire of revenues almost all under water States will come to Jesus (Metephorically of course).

Outlaw X said...

Pot smokers could care less about a 20% tax if they don't get arrested. Think about it.

Nate said...

Yeah I'm going with Outlaw on this. States are revenue starved and there is a windfall staring them in the face.

They WILL jump on it.

WaterBoy said...

Key word, gentlemen: yet.

As I said, I expect a few more to join Colorado and Washington during the next two years, but not a mad rush of them. The majority will hold off until they see how the wind blows, and THEN jump in whole hog if it's a favorable one.

We shall see -- so far, there are ten states plus D.C. considering full legalization in the coming year (as opposed to decriminalization that other states are considering). I expect less than half of them to succeed (five at most).

cheddarman said...

Watching the olympics and trying to figure if putin is more alpha than nate..

Susan said...

Nobody is more alpha than Nate. Now sneaky is another issue. Seeing that Putin is KGB.

Do you think that KGB is like the Mafia, a lifetime membership with no retirement?

Kermit's Jagger said...

There's a connection between "buy a liquor store" and the current legalizing of mary jane, surely.
(No, I'm not calling you Shirley)