Here's a statement of the obvious: The opinions expressed here are those of the participants, not those of the Mutual Fund Observer. We cannot vouch for the accuracy or appropriateness of any of it, though we do encourage civility and good humor.
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/31/china-silver-export-controls-2026-us-economy-prices-rare-earths-critical-minerals-xag-metals.html
•New Chinese policies restricting silver exports are set to kick in Thursday as Beijing tightens its grip on the metal…
@Derf
You noted: Currently living in older home & ducts have no insulation. Is it worth the cost to cover them?
Are you asking about ducts in the basement? Uninsulated ducts in the basement may have a benefit in our climate, IF the basement is n…
Yep, that video is likely to be the winner. Same as the diagram and instructions in the second link that I posted, but much better at getting the point across. Looks like a 1-minute fix.
For lube, I would consider white lithium, as it stays in pla…
@Hank
A good forum BTW, for asking questions on all matters of repairs.
https://www.doityourself.com/forum/outdoor-gasoline-electric-powered-equipment-small-engines-70/
More specifically :
https://www.snowblowerforum.com/threads/manual-chute-on…
Check for any excess play that could be bearing related or due to excess wear. If the gears are not obviously worn, but still not engaging properly that could be due to bearing or housing wear. Washers or shims might help. Or adjustment.
This is a…
UMich Consumer Confidence is Low, Which is Bullish
Part of the reason why low consumer sentiment are bullish is that such readings usually arise from a condition of seeing a bad economy, which the Federal Reserve then steps in to do something about.…
@JD_co Interesting? Or entirely predictable? I don't actually read anything that he posts. He takes "mansplaining" and repetition to an entirely new stratospheric level.
Such "education" would be far more relevant on an Investing 101 forum. Some…
Howdy folks,
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/silver-rises-biggest-one-day-094028348.html
Not sure how much profit taking was taking place vs. people buying the dip. Weak hands gone is OK.
A couple of interesting facts. A 1964 silver quarter is wo…
Shouldn't trump insult her entire family, and all cancer victims, by making some horrific political comment?
RFK jr won't mind, he is busy playing with his "brain worm".
It's interesting that @FD1000 says above that "OJ appears hostile toward legal, highly skilled immigrants" and "OJ supports lenient policies toward illegal immigration... [allowing] thousands of individuals to enter the country with insufficient vet…
Ahahahaha! A self-annointed "highly skilled" individual, who honors "democracy" by voting for fascism. And king of the straw men.
The final break from reality has now occurred. And don't we all know that suppressing freedom of the press, via gove…
My thought here? With the easy availability to deposit checks online via bank app. An actual check is a better route. Unless the recipient has no checking account. Plus, there are no restrictions on where it might be used. Maybe, I am missing somet…
"In Minnesota, loosely regulated systems allowed the creation of thousands of fraudulent businesses by the Somalis, resulting in the loss of billions in taxpayer dollars."
WRONG! That enterprise was founded and directed by an American, Aimee Bock.
…
@FD1000 doesn't give a damn about "law and order". As long as he's making his money he's just fine with the outrageous attack on our Capitol, and the pardoning of the attackers.
I'd say more like, "as long as he perceives that he is winning, he is h…
Very good summation and history lesson. Thanks @rono
A few thoughts, wrong or right: Now that many here do not need basic background or education, they just seek to hear potential trends, the rare new thought, and seek affirmation/refutation of ide…
@yogibearbull @Old_Joe @Observant1
Great points! The newer smart thermostats offer a "hybrid option" so to speak. I have mine set to run for 15 minutes an hour, whether heat or A/C is called for by the thermostat. I feel it is particularly useful f…
LOL - no, you made a good point. Many people still operate that system, no doubt.
I am sure you just need a thorough cleaning and seasonal tune up @Old_Joe lol
@Observant1
The fact that the ignitor never glowed was an indication of an open safety circuit. That would be the failure to detect the inducer fan running. Hence, the faulty diaphragm switch. It never acknowledged the pressure from the inducer fan…
Between us, I believe that we have just created a concise, thorough HVAC primer! I may copy/paste it to a note on my computer. @Old_Joe
I totally agree that a 30-year old furnace should probably be retired (with honors).
Thank you @Old_joe You clearly know your stuff!
A bit more for anyone interested:
An ignitor can either be a spark, or more commonly, simply a glowing rod. A working ignitor rod would measure between 5-15 ohms (out of circuit), usually. If yo…
18" since midnight. Constant 40-45 mph winds off the lake with gusts to 55. Lost power several hours but on now. Playing with the blower will have to wait until tomorrow.
Wow, that IS quite a storm. Glad power was restored rapidly
...
Measurement data from lake sensors is expected to show the largest ever recorded wave heights on Lake Superior.
...
I am sure that you meant to say "the Lake that they call Gitche Gumme".
My gas furnace stopped working Friday.
Although there were no prior issues, the furnace is over 30 years old — it's on borrowed time!
An HVAC tech came out on Saturday and fixed it (several issues) but it may fail again at any moment.
I need to buy …
@hank- Nothing close to your snow storm, but last week we had a pretty decent "atmospheric river" (we used to call those a "pineapple express"). Took out the power up over a very wide area up at the Russian River from late Tuesday through early Frid…
There were storms in the Chicago area, back in the 1960s and 1970s, which were epic.
Driving with orange foam balls on antennas, because you couldn't see around corners, or to exit a driveway. So much snow that cars were buried completely and the p…
"The beer went flat in minutes from the cold."
I'm tempted to say "wrong beverage". Friend and I would take a pint of brandy along. Have a few drinks, cut a few holes in the ice, catch a couple fish and after an hour head to the local tavern where …
