DYoung

Good points from a lot of troopers here. What kills me is that we have our own oil here in the States. 300 years worth on the last estimate. Yet, we import oil from countries, that if we decided to stop, would charge us a lot less than 102.00 per barrel! We need to focus on energy that is not derived from fossil fuels. We have the means, but as long as big oil, OPEC and the other oil producing companies keep paying politicians and those that CAN control as to what is currently going into a tailspin, we will be at the losing end of the battle. I have a feeling that we will see something whether it be horrific or liberating, within this next decade. It concerns me that my children will be alive when the world suddenly wakes up to the realization that there are those that are continually making a profit at our expense and demise.....

Pain in the pocketbook The price of gas keeps rising. Food costs are through the roof. Consumers are getting squeezed.By Tami Luhby, CNNMoney.com senior writer February 28 2008: 7:29 AM EST NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- As anyone who's been to the gas station or supermarket lately knows, the prices of fuel and food are on the rise. And you haven't seen anything yet, some experts say. Gasoline now costs an average of $3.15 a gallon, seven cents shy of the record set last May, according to AAA. But with crude oil prices setting a new trading high of $102.08 a barrel on Wednesday, it's only a matter of time before drivers see it hit another record at the pump. Within a few weeks, gas could cost $3.50 a gallon and, by spring, the price could hit $4 in some locations, said Peter Beutel, an oil analyst at the consultancy Cameron Hanover. The high cost of gas is helping fuel a surge in food prices. Higher transportation expenses, along with growing demand for agricultural exports from the United States and increasing need for corn-based ethanol for gas supplies, has sent commodity costs soaring. Last week, the federal government reported that the Consumer Price Index rose a greater-than-expected 0.4% in January and 4.3% over the past 12 months, mainly because of higher food and energy costs. Food and beverages jumped 4.8% for the year and transportation soared 9.4%. A bushel of yellow corn, for instance, cost an average of $5.12 in January, up 41% from a year earlier, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics. Not only does this contribute to the higher prices of food made from corn, but it increases farmers' cost of feeding cattle and pigs. Though prices have been climbing for the last few years, consumers didn't feel it as much in the past because their home values were soaring. "But now, with housing prices having gone down, credit becoming tighter and prices of necessities like food and energy going up sharply, it's created quite a squeeze on consumers' disposable income," said Maria Fiorini Ramirez, head of economic consulting firm MFR Inc. The surge in gas prices has forced Kenny Khan to cut back his weekly 100-mile visits to his sister in Cherry Hill, N.J., to once a month. "It costs me $50 in gas to visit her, said Khan, 52, who lives in Teaneck, N.J., and manages a gas station in midtown Manhattan. "As a salaried consumer, I can't afford that much for recreation." Economists fear a continued slowdown in consumer spending will further weaken the economy. The Federal Reserve's rate cuts won't lessen this inflation, said food price expert John Norris, managing director at Oakworth Capital Bank. As long as the dollar remains weak, the global demand for American exports will remain high. "Consumers should build into their budgets continued increases," Norris said. Later in the year, however, oil prices could ease since supplies from both OPEC and non-OPEC sources are expected to increase, said Sara Banaszak, senior economist at the American Petroleum Institute. ** We, as a country, need to find a cheaper fuel alternative! Everything is going to continue to rise if we as consumers, turn a blind eye to what's going on. I mean a possible 4.00 per gallon for 87 octane this summer?! Are you ******* serious?!?! 10 years ago it was .99 a gallon! So in the next 4 to 5 years, gas could hit the 6.00 per gallon mark!! I find it inexcusable/unforgivable that U.S. automakers still haven't found a cheaper alternative. You mean, to tell me, that we can put people in space, create 3,000 songs on a disc that's 2" wide, able to cook food in 30 seconds, but still can't figure out a cheaper alternative to move our transportaion needs?! Someone's getting paid under the table to keep quiet, and we're the ones getting screwed.....

I'm planning on being there!

Me next!! Me next!!!!! PAHLEEEEEEEEEESE?

SWEET! Thanks for the direction!!!

Party pooper..........

Troops, I want to upgrade my current lens, and I've seen some REALLY nice reflective green lenses on here from time to time. What's the secret?

That's a tough one sir.......

Now he tells us........

Oh yeah! It's naughty time...

Sooooooooooooo you're saying that the drapes don't match the carpet?

Mold isn't done yet we did a couple test pulls to see how the new mold worked that's what was up for sale Nate, can you please tell Bill and John that I have people wanting to buy, but cannot get a hold of them!!! Tell them to call me on the cell. I'm also waiting on some personal E11's. Figured you'd have better luck! Thanks!

Consider one of mine, one of yours! 2 words- SAH - WEET!

I'll still buy one of those bad boys if you're selling.......

Willa Wonka will never get old.... Great quote! I like this one- "We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams...." Sorry. Back on topic.... Can't wait to see these new pauldrons!

Maybe, when i have them done. I will show pics. Then you can decide. Sweet! Thanks!

Add some yellow eyes, and my friend you'll have one **** of an image! Thanks Seth for the update!!

Lol, yeah, that's snow. I go to school in New York and up until about 3 days ago, we've had about a foot of snow sitting on the ground. I was about to say. Snow in Texas in late March? Yikes.

I'd be in for a black one.

Nice armor! BTW- Is that snow on your car?

Are you selling any of those?

Thank you sir!

Nope just paint. Used the Mohawk brand. Easier to wipe on the boot. If I put to much on, I used the "oops" brand found in Home Depot. Stuff is fantastic for overspray or too much paint....

No doubt! Now it's time for my new pack from you. Money will be sent next week! Oh yeah!

Do a Google search. Type in Sandtrooper Pauldrons. There are a few that sell them. I just got in 2 new colors. Red and blue.... Nice little twist to the others....