Is it my imagination, but does it seem that the during 2020 and 2020+1, the supply disruptions seem to be more pronounced than usual? Yes, Covid has been one of the main factors, but other factors are coming into play now. Consider:
- Semiconductor shortage (http://'https://markholtz.info/2cn') - This is affecting gaming video cards (http://'https://markholtz.info/2co'), car production (http://'https://markholtz.info/2cp'), and new PS5s gaming consoles (http://'https://markholtz.info/2cq'). Broadband routers which usually have a 30 week lead time now have a 60 week lead time for orders (http://'https://markholtz.info/2cm').
- Ketchup shortage (http://'https://markholtz.info/2cr') - Not the big bottles, but the small packs. Also, there is a mid-west pickle shortage (http://'https://markholtz.info/2cs').
- The price of lumber is up 188% (http://'https://markholtz.info/2ct') thanks to shortages. Good luck trying to get a new home constructed.
- No story link here, but I heard from my new pool guy. Because of the mid-February Texas freeze and the associated long-term power outages, many swimming pools are out of service because of cracked equipment. Replacement pumps are practically impossible to find at the moment. A related story shows at least a one year lead time if you want to construct a pool (http://'https://markholtz.info/2cu').
At least we're not talking about toilet paper, paper towels, headsets, and webcams at the moment. Maybe this will lead to a boom in fixing stuff up when it's broken rather than tossing it away and replacing it.
I was under the impression the toilet paper issue wasn't a capacity production issue but rather the demand dramatically increasing over a short time span?
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 13, 2021, 07:44:33 AM
I was under the impression the toilet paper issue wasn't a capacity production issue but rather the demand dramatically increasing over a short time span?
You are correct. Before COVID, the primary demand for toilet paper was industrial-sized commercial rolls used in hospitals, office buildings, factories, etc. Over time, the value of that product grew such so as to add smaller shoppes and restaurants. After COVID, the primary demand shifted to traditional household size rolls. Which are not only made in other factories, but so is the packaging (including the paper core). I believe there was also a transportation issue here, but I hesitate to discuss without the detail.
Bicycle parts. Been like this since last Spring.
Apparently extra demand is the bigger issue than crimped supply.
It confounds me still that there are some temporary but wide-spread shortages as you walk the grocery store aisles.
OK, I understand why TP and sanitizer and other products were in short supply when demand surged. (Ironically, we now often see BOGO on hand sanitizer and wipes - the supply chain overreacted and now people are buying less, as they use up their hoarded supplies.)
But why some weeks is nearly the entire spice section is empty? A shortage of a few things I can understand - shipment of cinnamon or pepper or something got delayed and the supply ran out. But suddenly 80-90% of all spices are sold out?
Other commodities follow this pattern from time to time.
Yes, supply chain disruptions are popping up seemingly in every industry.
I'm surprised we made it this far without mentioning the elephant in the room, er.. ship in the canal (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_Suez_Canal_obstruction), rather.
Quote from: GaryV on April 13, 2021, 08:40:30 AM
...But why some weeks is nearly the entire spice section is empty? A shortage of a few things I can understand - shipment of cinnamon or pepper or something got delayed and the supply ran out. But suddenly 80-90% of all spices are sold out?
Other commodities follow this pattern from time to time.
My wife has noticed this, especially with McCormick spices. It's a seemingly odd issue. Sure, people are cooking more at home, but the supply for other things has mostly been OK. Maybe a few hiccups on occasion. Or a run on Mac & Cheese...which isn't exactly something associated with spices.
Quote from: ZLoth on April 13, 2021, 03:31:44 AM
...A related story shows at least a one year lead time if you want to construct a pool.
Yep - there was quite a run last year on pools. Up my way, one person I know is finally getting a pool installed now...after putting down the deposit on it last April or May. I've had a pool, and at first with no one allowed in the pool store for water testing and such, you had to have them come out. They got to some people, but not everyone, and when the stores opened back up for water testing and purchasing it was a fairly big cluster for a while. I stopped in my local pool store the other day for something unrelated to the pool but I knew they had the product, and talking with them they said there appears to be a lot of people opening their pools early this year.
Quote
Maybe this will lead to a boom in fixing stuff up when it's broken rather than tossing it away and replacing it.
With replacement being so easy via the internet, and repair places few and far in between, we'll continue to be a throwaway society.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on April 13, 2021, 08:59:05 AM
... I stopped in my local pool store the other day for something unrelated to the pool but I knew they had the product, and talking with them they said there appears to be a lot of people opening their pools early this year.
If anything that has to do with the weather, not the pandemic. Spring appears to be arriving a full month earlier than normal here.
Weight sets and exercise equipment mostly disappeared during COVID. It is becoming common again to see parts in stores but they still move relatively fast.
Quote from: webny99 on April 13, 2021, 09:08:13 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on April 13, 2021, 08:59:05 AM
... I stopped in my local pool store the other day for something unrelated to the pool but I knew they had the product, and talking with them they said there appears to be a lot of people opening their pools early this year.
If anything that has to do with the weather, not the pandemic. Spring appears to be arriving a full month earlier than normal here.
The timing of spring seems normal for down here, and no one is swimming in 60 degree weather. Since people are continuing to work from home, they'll rather look out at a nice swimming pool rather than a tarpped piece of plastic, which is accounting for the earlier openings.
Quote from: GaryV on April 13, 2021, 08:40:30 AM
It confounds me still that there are some temporary but wide-spread shortages as you walk the grocery store aisles.
OK, I understand why TP and sanitizer and other products were in short supply when demand surged. (Ironically, we now often see BOGO on hand sanitizer and wipes - the supply chain overreacted and now people are buying less, as they use up their hoarded supplies.)
But why some weeks is nearly the entire spice section is empty? A shortage of a few things I can understand - shipment of cinnamon or pepper or something got delayed and the supply ran out. But suddenly 80-90% of all spices are sold out?
Other commodities follow this pattern from time to time.
There hasn't been a single weekly trip to our grocery store since last April where we haven't come up empty on at least one item on our list. That's not to say we've been seriously inconvenienced since we can usually find a different brand/type/quantity or whatever, but it is frustrating at times.
Quote from: webny99 on April 13, 2021, 08:45:31 AM
I'm surprised we made it this far without mentioning the elephant in the room, er.. ship in the canal (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_Suez_Canal_obstruction), rather.
It was the funniest thing I've ever heard. After a radio news update in Raleigh about pulp supply delays for Kimberly-Clark due to the ship lodged in the Suez Canal, the announcer commented that "everything was getting blamed on the Suez Canal". His producer came on and blurted over top of him "Yeah, the Suez Canal is why Roy Williams retired from UNC".
I think it's safe to say that the pandemic thoroughly discredited the idea of "just in time" shipping, which basically relied on the concept of nothing ever happening to change demand or disrupt the ability of a product to get somewhere on time. While it led to greater corporate profits, it basically hollowed out our capacity for dealing with any kind of disruption to anything, and IMO it should be illegal.
Quote from: catch22 on April 13, 2021, 10:38:36 AM
Quote from: GaryV on April 13, 2021, 08:40:30 AM
It confounds me still that there are some temporary but wide-spread shortages as you walk the grocery store aisles.
OK, I understand why TP and sanitizer and other products were in short supply when demand surged. (Ironically, we now often see BOGO on hand sanitizer and wipes - the supply chain overreacted and now people are buying less, as they use up their hoarded supplies.)
But why some weeks is nearly the entire spice section is empty? A shortage of a few things I can understand - shipment of cinnamon or pepper or something got delayed and the supply ran out. But suddenly 80-90% of all spices are sold out?
Other commodities follow this pattern from time to time.
There hasn't been a single weekly trip to our grocery store since last April where we haven't come up empty on at least one item on our list. That's not to say we've been seriously inconvenienced since we can usually find a different brand/type/quantity or whatever, but it is frustrating at times.
Unfortunately it seems grocery stores never recovered fully from March 2020. Even when items are their, there's usually a lot less available, meaning that any shipping disruption or demand increase results in bare shelves. Take the bread I buy - the store I go to has capacity for 12 loaves on the shelf of the brand/variety I get, and pre-pandemic, usually had around 9 at any given time. This past year, they almost never have more than 3-5, which they disguise by pushing everything to the front. It's a similar story for eggs - what used to be a shelf 5 rows deep is now only 2, with everything pushed to the front.
It's been more and more difficult getting cheap tires in stock at my shop.
The weirdest one I had was Worcestershire Sauce. We normally order our groceries online and then the app lets us know what isn't coming and/or needs substitutions, but I wasn't offered any subs for the Worcestershire. Thinking clearly that had to be some kind of mistake, I went into the store, but sure enough, no Heinz, no Lea & Perrins, etc. Another grocery store nearby had some, but I thought that was one particularly odd one to be out of.
Chris
Lumber prices are incredibly high right now because of high demand. Lots of people being forced to stay at home gets people thinking "Hey, I'd like to add a wing onto the house".
Quote from: vdeane on April 13, 2021, 12:59:42 PM
Unfortunately it seems grocery stores never recovered fully from March 2020. Even when items are their, there's usually a lot less available, meaning that any shipping disruption or demand increase results in bare shelves. Take the bread I buy - the store I go to has capacity for 12 loaves on the shelf of the brand/variety I get, and pre-pandemic, usually had around 9 at any given time. This past year, they almost never have more than 3-5, which they disguise by pushing everything to the front. It's a similar story for eggs - what used to be a shelf 5 rows deep is now only 2, with everything pushed to the front.
That's not stores disguising, at least not directly. That's called facing the shelves so the product is at the front, easier for people to see and pick up.
I worked grocery last year up 'til I left for college and over last winter. It was chaos during mid-March and into April, but most products at the store I was at we had no trouble with, unless the producer or distribution center outright discontinued it.
There's even a shortage of guitars! I went to buy a guitar with my youth pastor a couple of months ago and the first place we looked had no acoustics in my price range; they were only selling higher-end guitars because that's all the factories were making because they are more profitable. The owner of the shop said he's put out orders but they keep getting delayed or left unfilled. Eventually I went to a Guitar Center which had what I was looking for, but even there the shelves looked empty.
Quote from: Dirt Roads on April 13, 2021, 08:32:41 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 13, 2021, 07:44:33 AM
I was under the impression the toilet paper issue wasn't a capacity production issue but rather the demand dramatically increasing over a short time span?
You are correct. Before COVID, the primary demand for toilet paper was industrial-sized commercial rolls used in hospitals, office buildings, factories, etc. Over time, the value of that product grew such so as to add smaller shoppes and restaurants. After COVID, the primary demand shifted to traditional household size rolls. Which are not only made in other factories, but so is the packaging (including the paper core). I believe there was also a transportation issue here, but I hesitate to discuss without the detail.
And there's definitely a quality difference between bathroom stationery meant for commercial use and what's meant for home use
At the grocery store last week, I saw a huge display of Heinz ketchup on sale. Later that day, I read about a supposed ketchup shortage.
One thing I noticed after the first stimulus checks went out last year; the Jackson Walmart was completely out of television sets. It was pretty easy to see what people spend their free money on.
Quote from: hbelkins on April 13, 2021, 03:18:37 PM
At the grocery store last week, I saw a huge display of Heinz ketchup on sale. Later that day, I read about a supposed ketchup shortage.
It's not actually a ketchup shortage. It's a shortage of ketchup packets with all the takeout that's happened over the past year. Bulk ketchup is not a problem.
Chris
Quote from: jayhawkco on April 13, 2021, 03:29:44 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on April 13, 2021, 03:18:37 PM
At the grocery store last week, I saw a huge display of Heinz ketchup on sale. Later that day, I read about a supposed ketchup shortage.
It's not actually a ketchup shortage. It's a shortage of ketchup packets with all the takeout that's happened over the past year. Bulk ketchup is not a problem.
Chris
Is there a corresponding shortage of mustard/mayo/horseradish/BBQ/etc. packets as well? All media accounts I've seen refer to a "ketchup shortage," not a "condiment packaging shortage."
A/V equipment. Not only was factory production in China disrupted for months, but there has been a concurrent demand spike since so many things are going online. Just when churches are needing to upgrade their sound board and camera due to shifting online, for example, they're unable to do so because everything's out of stock.
Quote from: hbelkins on April 13, 2021, 05:03:35 PM
Quote from: jayhawkco on April 13, 2021, 03:29:44 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on April 13, 2021, 03:18:37 PM
At the grocery store last week, I saw a huge display of Heinz ketchup on sale. Later that day, I read about a supposed ketchup shortage.
It's not actually a ketchup shortage. It's a shortage of ketchup packets with all the takeout that's happened over the past year. Bulk ketchup is not a problem.
Chris
Is there a corresponding shortage of mustard/mayo/horseradish/BBQ/etc. packets as well? All media accounts I've seen refer to a "ketchup shortage," not a "condiment packaging shortage."
Not that I'm aware of. I've ordered them for my restaurant and not had a problem.
Chris
It makes sense that ketchup packets would be short, because people dip things like fries in ketchup, which requires sending packets along with the order. Mustard/mayo/horseradish et al are more likely to be applied at the restaurant before delivery, and of course are bought in bulk containers by the restaurant.
Rubber shortage could be next headwind for U.S. auto industry (https://www.abc12.com/2021/04/14/rubber-shortage-could-be-next-headwind-for-us-auto-industry/)
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 13, 2021, 07:44:33 AM
I was under the impression the toilet paper issue wasn't a capacity production issue but rather the demand dramatically increasing over a short time span?
Quote from: Dirt Roads on April 13, 2021, 08:32:41 AM
You are correct. Before COVID, the primary demand for toilet paper was industrial-sized commercial rolls used in hospitals, office buildings, factories, etc. Over time, the value of that product grew such so as to add smaller shoppes and restaurants. After COVID, the primary demand shifted to traditional household size rolls. Which are not only made in other factories, but so is the packaging (including the paper core). I believe there was also a transportation issue here, but I hesitate to discuss without the detail.
Quote from: hbelkins on April 13, 2021, 03:18:37 PM
And there's definitely a quality difference between bathroom stationery meant for commercial use and what's meant for home use
But during the worst of the toilet paper shortage, we would have been happy with access to the poor quality commercial stuff. I didn't get out much around this time last year, but I do all of the shopping (for my aunt also) and went over 10 weeks without seeing a single roll of toilet paper on the shelves in both Orange and Alamance counties. We were stocked up before it hit, and somehow able to ride it out without having to make it myself (which I was close to doing).
But the entire supply chain was based on the existing commercial/residential needs. Yes, we would have been happy with anything, but the system wasn't set up to get the commercial stuff into our hands.
There was also the problem of commercial stuff just not being packaged in such a way that made sense to sell in a grocery store. Like if a dozen of those giant-ass sandpaper rolls was packed in a plain cardboard box with no UPC (since businesses tend to order online). You could add the consumer information to the box with a sticker, but that takes time (both to print up the stickers, and to get the UPC codes–businesses that sell only to other businesses may not even own the rights to a block of UPCs they could use).
For some people I know, it's really going to hit home: https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/restaurants/article/Boba-shortage-Bay-Area-and-the-rest-of-the-U-S-16097585.php
Quote from: Dirt Roads on April 15, 2021, 12:43:06 PM
But during the worst of the toilet paper shortage, we would have been happy with access to the poor quality commercial stuff.
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 15, 2021, 05:46:06 PM
There was also the problem of commercial stuff just not being packaged in such a way that made sense to sell in a grocery store. Like if a dozen of those giant-ass sandpaper rolls was packed in a plain cardboard box with no UPC (since businesses tend to order online). You could add the consumer information to the box with a sticker, but that takes time (both to print up the stickers, and to get the UPC codes–businesses that sell only to other businesses may not even own the rights to a block of UPCs they could use).
I think some folks might not realize how commercial toilet paper is packaged. I used to deliver the stuff every day for a living, and it's one of the bulkiest sanitation items out there. And I'm not even talking about the huge rolls you see in airport bathrooms either. Just regular old toilet paper rolls come in HUGE case-quantities. Like, 48 rolls per case. I imagine plenty of shoppers wouldn't even be able to carry one. Yeah, a case only weighs about 30 pounds, but it's bulky enough to fill a whole shopping cart.
(https://www.zoro.com/static/cms/product/large/Z-LGGzff.JPG)
Quote from: kphoger on April 16, 2021, 10:34:23 AM
I think some folks might not realize how commercial toilet paper is packaged. I used to deliver the stuff every day for a living, and it's one of the bulkiest sanitation items out there. And I'm not even talking about the huge rolls you see in airport bathrooms either. Just regular old toilet paper rolls come in HUGE case-quantities. Like, 48 rolls per case. I imagine plenty of shoppers wouldn't even be able to carry one. Yeah, a case only weighs about 30 pounds, but it's bulky enough to fill a whole shopping cart.
[img snipped]
That's exactly what I was thinking - the stuff we use where I work comes in cases of
96 rolls!
Quote from: GaryV on April 13, 2021, 08:40:30 AM
It confounds me still that there are some temporary but wide-spread shortages as you walk the grocery store aisles.
OK, I understand why TP and sanitizer and other products were in short supply when demand surged. (Ironically, we now often see BOGO on hand sanitizer and wipes - the supply chain overreacted and now people are buying less, as they use up their hoarded supplies.)
But why some weeks is nearly the entire spice section is empty? A shortage of a few things I can understand - shipment of cinnamon or pepper or something got delayed and the supply ran out. But suddenly 80-90% of all spices are sold out?
Other commodities follow this pattern from time to time.
When there is a genuine or perceived shortage of something (or a disruption of its supply), people often assume that things perceived as similar will be in short supply as well. The fact that, for instance, tea and sugar come from different parts of the world may not enter the minds of people who wish to purchase them.
A perceived shortage when there actually is none often leads to hoarding. The overall demand for the thing doesn't change, so the shortage will be temporary. However, the manufactures or suppliers may react to the hoarding by ramping up production or shipments. This may lead to an oversupply. When there is a real shortage or supply disruption, the price will go up until it discourages people from buying it right now. In an ordinary market, the quantity produced will stabilize at the amount which maximizes the greatest total cost (not necessarily the greatest total profit).
There was a place in Cheboygan, MI, that supplied TP to motels and such Up North. When everything shut down, their sales shut down. So they made 96-roll cartons available to the public.
And some hoarded: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2020/03/19/cheboygan-toilet-paper-great-lakes-tissue-sale-coronavirus/2876199001/
Quote from: kphoger on April 16, 2021, 10:34:23 AM
(https://www.zoro.com/static/cms/product/large/Z-LGGzff.JPG)
"Envision"? That's the stupidest brand name for toilet paper I've ever seen. What exactly are we supposed to be envisioning when we're on the can with a roll of 1-ply toilet paper?
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 16, 2021, 04:17:09 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 16, 2021, 10:34:23 AM
(https://www.zoro.com/static/cms/product/large/Z-LGGzff.JPG)
"Envision"? That's the stupidest brand name for toilet paper I've ever seen. What exactly are we supposed to be envisioning when we're on the can with a roll of 1-ply toilet paper?
Road rash.
Chris
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 16, 2021, 04:17:09 PM
"Envision"? That's the stupidest brand name for toilet paper I've ever seen. What exactly are we supposed to be envisioning when we're on the can with a roll of 1-ply toilet paper?
TP isn't the only thing they sell, you know...
They also, for example, make sensor-triggered paper towel dispensers. Does that make more sense?
Oh, wait, shoot, those are called enMotion instead. Hmph.
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 16, 2021, 04:17:09 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 16, 2021, 10:34:23 AM
(https://www.zoro.com/static/cms/product/large/Z-LGGzff.JPG)
"Envision"? That's the stupidest brand name for toilet paper I've ever seen. What exactly are we supposed to be envisioning when we're on the can with a roll of 1-ply toilet paper?
I don't know, but I have to admit that I like the font. Does anyone know what it is?
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on April 16, 2021, 06:00:23 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 16, 2021, 04:17:09 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 16, 2021, 10:34:23 AM
(https://www.zoro.com/static/cms/product/large/Z-LGGzff.JPG)
"Envision"? That's the stupidest brand name for toilet paper I've ever seen. What exactly are we supposed to be envisioning when we're on the can with a roll of 1-ply toilet paper?
I don't know, but I have to admit that I like the font. Does anyone know what it is?
Rotis Semi Serif.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2d/Exemple-rotis_semi_serif.svg/700px-Exemple-rotis_semi_serif.svg.png)
I was hoping it was called 'Envision'. :-P
Thanks.
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 16, 2021, 04:17:09 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 16, 2021, 10:34:23 AM
(https://www.zoro.com/static/cms/product/large/Z-LGGzff.JPG)
"Envision"? That's the stupidest brand name for toilet paper I've ever seen. What exactly are we supposed to be envisioning when we're on the can with a roll of 1-ply toilet paper?
Cleaning out from under your fingernails when your fingers invariably poke through the paper while you're wiping.
I bite my fingernails so that never happens.
(Make what you will of the absence of a comma in that sentence.)
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 16, 2021, 04:17:09 PM
"Envision"? That's the stupidest brand name for toilet paper I've ever seen. What exactly are we supposed to be envisioning when we're on the can with a roll of 1-ply toilet paper?
Quote from: hbelkins on April 16, 2021, 07:22:57 PMCleaning out from under your fingernails when your fingers invariably poke through the paper while you're wiping.
My dad would joke that they taught him this in the Army. Recently, I found out that the Army still teaches such. I honesty thought he was joking. If you are that desperate, who needs toilet paper anyway?
Oops. Fixed the quotes. Not sure how that happened.
How on earth did you manage to get those two quotes switched? :P
Quote from: hbelkins on April 13, 2021, 05:03:35 PM
Is there a corresponding shortage of mustard/mayo/horseradish/BBQ/etc. packets as well? All media accounts I've seen refer to a "ketchup shortage," not a "condiment packaging shortage."
As I understand it, the issue arose because so many restaurants were long in the habit of automatically throwing packets of ketchup in the bag whenever someone had an order to go or for delivery involving french fries. With a dramatic increase in the number of take-out/delivery orders... eventually they started running out of ketchup packets. Since there was not a widespread habit of throwing packets of mayo or whatever in the bag without being specifically asked for them, a similar phenomenon did not occur with other condiments.
Myself, I certainly threw plenty of unused ketchup packets in the garbage in 2020 (since I don't use it). Then at some point in the last few months the flow of wasted ketchup packets shut off, as places started asking if I wanted it rather than just providing it unrequested.
I tend to save leftover ketchup packets and leave them in a drawer in my kitchen for later use whenever I forget to ask for them, or when the drive-thru cashier is in such a hurry they close the window before I have the chance to ask. For a while there, during the lockdown, we were ordering through Doordash/Grubhub enough that my ketchup packet tray was overflowing, because we were bringing in more ketchup than we were using.
Swimming pool chlorine tablets may become scarce, costly (https://www.fox10tv.com/news/swimming-pool-chlorine-tablets-may-become-scarce-costly/article_b854966a-9c77-11eb-8ddf-c3ce06af1e3e.html)
Quote from: ZLoth on April 18, 2021, 12:14:46 PM
Swimming pool chlorine tablets may become scarce, costly (https://www.fox10tv.com/news/swimming-pool-chlorine-tablets-may-become-scarce-costly/article_b854966a-9c77-11eb-8ddf-c3ce06af1e3e.html)
Good thing my pool's saltwater. Of course, watch salt become expensive next.
Quote from: ZLoth on April 18, 2021, 12:14:46 PM
Swimming pool chlorine tablets may become scarce, costly (https://www.fox10tv.com/news/swimming-pool-chlorine-tablets-may-become-scarce-costly/article_b854966a-9c77-11eb-8ddf-c3ce06af1e3e.html)
This one appears to not have much of anything to do with covid.
Though, it does still expose the hazards of overcentralization. When 80% of the country's anything is manufactured at one facility, supply will be extremely vulnerable to disruption since if anything happens at that one facility forcing it offline more than briefly (such as, in this case, a fire), there will be severe shortages.
Quote from: Duke87 on April 16, 2021, 11:12:59 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on April 13, 2021, 05:03:35 PM
Is there a corresponding shortage of mustard/mayo/horseradish/BBQ/etc. packets as well? All media accounts I've seen refer to a "ketchup shortage," not a "condiment packaging shortage."
As I understand it, the issue arose because so many restaurants were long in the habit of automatically throwing packets of ketchup in the bag whenever someone had an order to go or for delivery involving french fries. With a dramatic increase in the number of take-out/delivery orders... eventually they started running out of ketchup packets. Since there was not a widespread habit of throwing packets of mayo or whatever in the bag without being specifically asked for them, a similar phenomenon did not occur with other condiments.
Myself, I certainly threw plenty of unused ketchup packets in the garbage in 2020 (since I don't use it). Then at some point in the last few months the flow of wasted ketchup packets shut off, as places started asking if I wanted it rather than just providing it unrequested.
My local Five Guys always throws about a dozen ketchup packets in my bag every time, without asking. And I don't use ketchup on
anything, so it's pointless to save them. And I doubt they would take them back due to health regulations, especially in the COVID era.
For all the bubble tea lovers here like me: recent shortage on tapioca, a primary ingredient in bubble tea. (https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/16/business/boba-shortage.html)
Quote from: SkyPesos on April 19, 2021, 01:09:38 AM
For all the bubble tea lovers here like me: recent shortage on tapioca, a primary ingredient in bubble tea. (https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/16/business/boba-shortage.html)
Yep. It is very strange whatever is going on with tapioca -- especially Kraft Minute Tapioca. Can't find it in stores. Wegman's has some weird brand of "organic" tapioca, though.
But here's the thing: You can find it online. So, that seems to indicate it isn't a simple shortage, but one of distribution.
Quote from: kphoger on April 16, 2021, 10:34:23 AM
Like, 48 rolls per case. I imagine plenty of shoppers wouldn't even be able to carry one. Yeah, a case only weighs about 30 pounds, but it's bulky enough to fill a whole shopping cart.
(https://www.zoro.com/static/cms/product/large/Z-LGGzff.JPG)
This is precisely how I buy toilet paper. A friend of mine has a Sam's Club membership, so he just buys the 96 count case (yes, its 2-ply) and we split it. Quite a bit cheaper to buy in bulk, and I never came close to running out last year. I do the same thing with paper towels. They'll get used eventually and they don't expire.
If anything, this whole thing exposed the truth..... that people were just taking rolls of TP home from the restrooms at work instead of buying it. :-D
Quote from: NJRoadfan on April 19, 2021, 10:30:56 AM
If anything, this whole thing exposed the truth..... that people were just taking rolls of TP home from the restrooms at work instead of buying it. :-D
I once had a co-worker that did that. I found it a little disturbing! It was well before the pandemic, though.
Who the hell uses the toilet paper at work and is like "Man, I wish I had some of this at home?"
Maybe if you're into woodworking you want to avoid trips to the hardware store for 120 grit sandpaper.
Quote from: NJRoadfan on April 19, 2021, 10:30:56 AM
he just buys the 96 count case (yes, its 2-ply) and we split it.
Why not just buy two cases of 1-ply? Then you each get one case, and you don't have to do any splitting.
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 19, 2021, 02:55:24 PM
Who the hell uses the toilet paper at work and is like "Man, I wish I had some of this at home?"
Maybe if you're into woodworking you want to avoid trips to the hardware store for 120 grit sandpaper.
People who are broke and would rather have stuff for free.
Quote from: kphoger on April 19, 2021, 04:10:53 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 19, 2021, 02:55:24 PM
Who the hell uses the toilet paper at work and is like "Man, I wish I had some of this at home?"
Maybe if you're into woodworking you want to avoid trips to the hardware store for 120 grit sandpaper.
People who are broke and would rather have stuff for free.
Yes, I can confirm this, at least in the case of the guy I referred to. He was gone as soon as the company figured out what was happening.
Quote from: kphoger on April 19, 2021, 04:10:53 PM
Quote from: NJRoadfan on April 19, 2021, 10:30:56 AM
he just buys the 96 count case (yes, its 2-ply) and we split it.
Why not just buy two cases of 1-ply? Then you each get one case, and you don't have to do any splitting.
LOL, I'm not sure if this is how you meant this or not, but now I'm imagining unraveling and separating the layers of all 96 rolls. :-D
Quote from: webny99 on April 19, 2021, 04:21:21 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 19, 2021, 04:10:53 PM
Quote from: NJRoadfan on April 19, 2021, 10:30:56 AM
he just buys the 96 count case (yes, its 2-ply) and we split it.
Why not just buy two cases of 1-ply? Then you each get one case, and you don't have to do any splitting.
LOL, I'm not sure if this is how you meant this or not, but now I'm imagining unraveling and separating the layers of all 96 rolls. :-D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLq6whfg2pA
Quote from: Dirt Roads on April 16, 2021, 10:24:52 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 16, 2021, 04:17:09 PM
"Envision"? That's the stupidest brand name for toilet paper I've ever seen. What exactly are we supposed to be envisioning when we're on the can with a roll of 1-ply toilet paper?
Quote from: hbelkins on April 16, 2021, 07:22:57 PMCleaning out from under your fingernails when your fingers invariably poke through the paper while you're wiping.
My dad would joke that they taught him this in the Army. Recently, I found out that the Army still teaches such. I honesty thought he was joking. If you are that desperate, who needs toilet paper anyway?
Wait, what exactly is taught in the Army? Cleaning under your fingernails after your fingers poke through the toilet paper?
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 16, 2021, 11:34:03 PM
I tend to save leftover ketchup packets and leave them in a drawer in my kitchen for later use whenever I forget to ask for them, or when the drive-thru cashier is in such a hurry they close the window before I have the chance to ask. For a while there, during the lockdown, we were ordering through Doordash/Grubhub enough that my ketchup packet tray was overflowing, because we were bringing in more ketchup than we were using.
I tend to save ketchup packets, put them in a bag or small dish, pretend we'll eventually use them, and then throw them out a few months later.
Quote from: webny99 on April 19, 2021, 04:21:21 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 19, 2021, 04:10:53 PM
Quote from: NJRoadfan on April 19, 2021, 10:30:56 AM
he just buys the 96 count case (yes, its 2-ply) and we split it.
Why not just buy two cases of 1-ply? Then you each get one case, and you don't have to do any splitting.
LOL, I'm not sure if this is how you meant this or not, but now I'm imagining unraveling and separating the layers of all 96 rolls. :-D
I'm getting better and better at this humor stuff.
Quote from: kphoger on April 19, 2021, 05:26:01 PM
Quote from: webny99 on April 19, 2021, 04:21:21 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 19, 2021, 04:10:53 PM
Quote from: NJRoadfan on April 19, 2021, 10:30:56 AM
he just buys the 96 count case (yes, its 2-ply) and we split it.
Why not just buy two cases of 1-ply? Then you each get one case, and you don't have to do any splitting.
LOL, I'm not sure if this is how you meant this or not, but now I'm imagining unraveling and separating the layers of all 96 rolls. :-D
I'm getting better and better at this humor stuff.
Humor disguised as math is the best humor.
I reckon a lot of people probably skimmed over your post and totally missed the joke. I did myself until I re-read it.
I read it as "1-ply is cheaper, so you should just get that because then you can buy twice as much", so I missed the joke too. That's the problem with subtle jokes...I've had people miss a few of mine that way too.
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 19, 2021, 08:18:51 PM
I read it as "1-ply is cheaper, so you should just get that because then you can buy twice as much", so I missed the joke too. That's the problem with subtle jokes...I've had people miss a few of mine that way too.
Oh, same here. More than I can count, probably. I think it's somewhat specific to the internet, or maybe just writing in general. It can be really hard to convey your tone - like in this case, it reads like a fairly sensible and legitimate question.
I'll often use one of the emojis so people know I'm joking, but sometimes I'll decide a joke is
too dry to wreck with an emoji. And of course, those are usually exactly the kind of joke that's easy to miss, so it becomes self-reinforcing.
Usually if I am not sure whether people will get that it's a joke, I'll eschew capitalization and punctuation, though I think that comes across clearer in a chat room environment where you're used to people's "normal" writing style. It may not stand out as much on a forum, where there's more posters, so someone may not see my post and realize there's anything unusual about the way I wrote it.
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 19, 2021, 09:31:19 PM
Usually if I am not sure whether people will get that it's a joke, I'll eschew capitalization and punctuation ...
Same here, and I also try to make it as short as possible. So, like three or four words with no capitalization or punctuation. I usually reserve that for the driest of sarcasm.
Quote from: Scott5114 on April 19, 2021, 02:55:24 PM
Who the hell uses the toilet paper at work and is like "Man, I wish I had some of this at home?"
Same for most hotel toilet paper. I don't even think about taking the spare roll with me when I check out.
See, I only ever buy single-ply TP because I actively dislike the thicker fluffier stuff. So public restroom TP feels exactly the same as what I'm used to at home. That said, I've never swiped a roll of it from anywhere.
Quote from: Duke87 on April 20, 2021, 08:21:03 PM
See, I only ever buy single-ply TP because I actively dislike the thicker fluffier stuff.
I like neither one. What my wife and I prefer is two-ply TP that isn't very fluffy.
Big-booty bears be damned, I don't want to wipe my butt with a quilted pillowcase, nor do I want there to be little bits of fluffy paper chaff left behind on my left behind when I'm done. However, neither do I want to wipe my butt with 30 grit sandpaper, no matter how effective that might be at cleaning said butt of defecatory detritus.
The
cheerful clairvoyant happy medium for our pooper-polishing product purchase is purple-packaged Cottonelle.
I've found Angel Soft (or its Dollar General or Family Dollar store-brand equivalent) to be ideal for my uses. Two-ply, not overly fluffy, not sandpaper-rough, and not prone to leaving little flaky white remnants on your anal crevice.
Rental Cars (https://www.autoweek.com/news/industry-news/a36164014/rental-car-shortage-continues/) in case you are planning on vacationing.
In case anyone's wondering where their stuff is, I saw all of it while crossing the SF Bay Bridge yesterday. https://sfist.com/2021/04/21/a-record-number-of-container-ships-are-anchored-in-sf-bay-as-u-s-imports-boom/
Quote from: ZLoth on April 22, 2021, 11:04:57 AM
Rental Cars (https://www.autoweek.com/news/industry-news/a36164014/rental-car-shortage-continues/) in case you are planning on vacationing.
I have a trip to Alaska coming up in late June and I booked a car right when we got the tickets sorted. I checked the price for the same car if I were to have reserved it now and it's 2x the cost.
Chris
Quote from: ZLoth on April 22, 2021, 11:04:57 AM
Rental Cars (https://www.autoweek.com/news/industry-news/a36164014/rental-car-shortage-continues/) in case you are planning on vacationing.
What makes rental cars interesting is that the price of them has already been abnormally high for the entire past year. Now the prices are climbing higher still. They seem to have gotten caught in a rent-seeking market condition.
It's also been generally speculated that while rental car prices will come down to earth a bit as agencies are gradually able to regrow their inventory and the glut of backlogged vacation demand passes, they will always remain higher than they were in 2019 because there will not be as many business travelers renting cars for a week and putting 50 miles on them to help subsidize vacationers racking up hundreds or even thousands of miles taking them on road trips.
Quote from: Duke87 on April 24, 2021, 02:38:14 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on April 22, 2021, 11:04:57 AM
Rental Cars (https://www.autoweek.com/news/industry-news/a36164014/rental-car-shortage-continues/) in case you are planning on vacationing.
What makes rental cars interesting is that the price of them has already been abnormally high for the entire past year. Now the prices are climbing higher still. They seem to have gotten caught in a rent-seeking market condition.
It's also been generally speculated that while rental car prices will come down to earth a bit as agencies are gradually able to regrow their inventory and the glut of backlogged vacation demand passes, they will always remain higher than they were in 2019 because there will not be as many business travelers renting cars for a week and putting 50 miles on them to help subsidize vacationers racking up hundreds or even thousands of miles taking them on road trips.
The problem is that they sold half of their fleets when no one was traveling, and now they don't have the capital yet to reup.
Chris
Quote from: jayhawkco on April 24, 2021, 10:42:45 AM
Quote from: Duke87 on April 24, 2021, 02:38:14 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on April 22, 2021, 11:04:57 AM
Rental Cars (https://www.autoweek.com/news/industry-news/a36164014/rental-car-shortage-continues/) in case you are planning on vacationing.
What makes rental cars interesting is that the price of them has already been abnormally high for the entire past year. Now the prices are climbing higher still. They seem to have gotten caught in a rent-seeking market condition.
It's also been generally speculated that while rental car prices will come down to earth a bit as agencies are gradually able to regrow their inventory and the glut of backlogged vacation demand passes, they will always remain higher than they were in 2019 because there will not be as many business travelers renting cars for a week and putting 50 miles on them to help subsidize vacationers racking up hundreds or even thousands of miles taking them on road trips.
The problem is that they sold half of their fleets when no one was traveling, and now they don't have the capital yet to reup.
Chris
Sounds to me like they made a bad business decision and shot themselves in the foot.
Quote from: vdeane on April 24, 2021, 10:49:24 PM
Quote from: jayhawkco on April 24, 2021, 10:42:45 AM
The problem is that they sold half of their fleets when no one was traveling, and now they don't have the capital yet to reup.
Sounds to me like they made a bad business decision and shot themselves in the foot.
Not really. They did what they had to to remain solvent. Holding onto larger fleets wasn't really a viable option.
That said, I don't think anyone anticipated last summer when they were selling a lot of their fleets off that demand would come roaring back as fast as it is. A much longer, slower recovery of demand for travel was anticipated. Of course, the vaccination process was also anticipated to be much longer and slower than it has actually been.
Meanwhile as I understand it the inability of rental agencies to build back their fleets super quickly is not limited by how much cash they have on hand (they can borrow against future revenue if they have to after all), but rather by how quickly new cars can be manufactured. Automakers don't really have the ability to surge their manufacturing capacity on a dime to meet a sudden demand spike, the assembly lines move at fixed speed. And aforementioned shortages of computer chips and rubber are in some cases forcing them to slow their assembly lines down.
Used cars too. This is NOT the time to be shopping for a used car. Stock is limited, prices are high, and there's no wiggle room on the price.
The other problem rental companies are having in getting new cars is the computer chip shortage that is shutting down production. Rental companies are the "outlet mall" for vehicle makers. They dump cars at at low price when they have too much supply. Now, with the diminished supply, the automakers would rather sell to retail and get the higher revenue.
Quote from: kphoger on April 26, 2021, 01:13:54 PM
Used cars too. This is NOT the time to be shopping for a used car. Stock is limited, prices are high, and there's no wiggle room on the price.
I had to. I did find inventories poor overall, but did end up with a good enough deal for me on a 2020 model with 5,000 miles.
So, if you have to buy a used car right now, you have to have a broader search than usual.
Drivers could see gas shortages this summer with tanker truck drivers in short supply (https://fox8.com/news/drivers-could-see-gas-shortages-this-summer-with-tanker-truck-drivers-in-short-supply/)
Quote from: ZLoth on April 28, 2021, 09:22:19 AM
Drivers could see gas shortages this summer with tanker truck drivers in short supply (https://fox8.com/news/drivers-could-see-gas-shortages-this-summer-with-tanker-truck-drivers-in-short-supply/)
Not good for us who are planning to travel. Add this to the current rental car problem and you have a cluster****.
Glass Shortage Has Distillers, Hardware Stores Rationing Their Bottles (https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2021/05/05/glass-shortage-has-distillers-hardware-stores-rationing-their-bottles/)
Quote from: ZLoth on May 06, 2021, 01:52:23 PM
Glass Shortage Has Distillers, Hardware Stores Rationing Their Bottles (https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2021/05/05/glass-shortage-has-distillers-hardware-stores-rationing-their-bottles/)
I wonder how much of this is because of changes in recycling policy. It used to be that you could include glass with in your single-stream recycle bin and leave it out curbside. Recyclers didn't like that because glass would break and get mixed in with other materials. So many places with single-stream recycling no longer accept glass and direct you to drop it off at a recycling station. I have to wonder if some people decided this was too much of a pain in the ass and just started throwing it away.
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 06, 2021, 03:49:02 PM
I wonder how much of this is because of changes in recycling policy.
Doubt much if any. Per what I'm reading it's a global problem. And it ultimately has the same basic cause as shortages of all sorts of things: lockdowns in various countries at various times forced glass manufacturing facilities to temporarily shut down. And then when they try to start back up again they have trouble getting back to full operating capacity - because some of the employees they sent home found other jobs, or are unwilling to come back to working in a factory where they may be putting their health at risk by doing so. After all, most of the world's manufacturing capacity is in countries where there is not yet widespread availability of vaccines.
If nothing else, this is a good reminder that we're not an island and what happens outside our borders still affects us. It's all well and good that we're transitioning to a stage where covid is no longer a major threat to our own public health domestically, but as long as it's still ravaging countries we import things from, the availability of said imports will be negatively impacted and we'll be contending with shortages.
Why Are Thieves Stealing Steering Wheels in My Neighborhood? (https://markholtz.info/2d3)
I've run into an odd price difference lately at Walmart. I like my soft drinks in the 500 ml (16.9 oz) bottles. A six-pack of Coke products (Coke, Sprite, Coke Zero, etc.) costs $2.75. But Diet Coke costs $3.48. I don't understand why one product in the family costs more -- which stinks because while I can tolerate Coke Zero, I prefer Diet Coke.
Quote from: ZLoth on May 07, 2021, 01:32:42 PM
Why Are Thieves Stealing Steering Wheels in My Neighborhood? (https://markholtz.info/2d3)
Not new. I had someone smash my window and steal my airbag back in 2014. They didn't take the whole wheel though, the car was still driveable!
It was weird too because the smashed window was the first thing I noticed, but then when I went looking through the center console and around the car in general nothing seemed to be missing so I was like "what the hell did they not steal anything?". Then I saw the steering wheel...
(https://i.ibb.co/4Ygfzjk/2021-05-23-07-17-03.png)
(https://i.ibb.co/vQfNQ9K/2021-05-23-07-06-02.png)
(https://i.ibb.co/nrLzC0Z/2021-05-23-07-41-27.png)
Quote from: ZLoth on May 23, 2021, 08:26:45 AM
(https://i.ibb.co/nrLzC0Z/2021-05-23-07-41-27.png)
This one, to me, seems to be a bit of an exaggeration. I mean, I'm no Rockefeller, but this 15% increase in the price of gas would not be enough to change my travel plans.
In March 2020, I picked up a pair of on-sale WD Easystores to shuck out the hard drives. Great timing on my part...
...except that my next PC upgrade was to be my GPU. That will take years to return to normal prices.
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on May 23, 2021, 02:36:45 PM
This one, to me, seems to be a bit of an exaggeration. I mean, I'm no Rockefeller, but this 15% increase in the price of gas would not be enough to change my travel plans.
It's an exaggeration because it commits the deadly sin of not starting the vertical axis at zero.
The three graphs shown have start to finish price increases of, respectively, 133%, 46%, and 15%. All are made to look equally severe by this graphical malfeasance when they are not.
Quote from: Duke87 on May 23, 2021, 09:07:00 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on May 23, 2021, 02:36:45 PM
This one, to me, seems to be a bit of an exaggeration. I mean, I'm no Rockefeller, but this 15% increase in the price of gas would not be enough to change my travel plans.
It's an exaggeration because it commits the deadly sin of not starting the vertical axis at zero.
The three graphs shown have start to finish price increases of, respectively, 133%, 46%, and 15%. All are made to look equally severe by this graphical malfeasance when they are not.
Oh good. I like confirmation that I'm not crazy.
Quote from: Duke87 on May 23, 2021, 09:07:00 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on May 23, 2021, 02:36:45 PM
This one, to me, seems to be a bit of an exaggeration. I mean, I'm no Rockefeller, but this 15% increase in the price of gas would not be enough to change my travel plans.
It's an exaggeration because it commits the deadly sin of not starting the vertical axis at zero.
The three graphs shown have start to finish price increases of, respectively, 133%, 46%, and 15%. All are made to look equally severe by this graphical malfeasance when they are not.
Yes, it's a very common way to "Lie With Statistics" - starting the veritical axis at non-zero. See it very often.
As for toilet paper, ever since the pandemic started, we found Angel Soft Mega Rolls to be the best bang for the buck, providing a balance between price and quality (being priced above the store private labels, but below the premium brands such as Quilted Northern, Charmin, and Cottonelle). Angel Soft Mega Rolls gives you more sheets per roll than the premium brands, while still being decent enough quality. Angel Soft also seems easier to get, since price-conscious customers will go for the store private labels, while brand loyalists will go for the premium brands.
Will this clarify things for gas?
(https://i.ibb.co/6y1GVXk/2021-05-24-05-01-45.png)
I'm not going to argue about the statistics starting at a non-zero point, thus exaggerating the percentage difference. But consider:
- One of the major suppliers of chlorine, BioLab near Lake Charles, Louisiana, had it's factory destroyed last August due to Hurricane Laura. That factory, responsible for 40% of the chlorine tablets manufactured, won't resume operations until spring, 2020.
- There is a shortage of HazMat-qualified truckers who can deliver fuel at the moment, prompting fuel delivery challenges. Some elected to leave the field during the early part of the pandemic, vowing not to return.
- And, those hard drives? I was planning on expanding the capacity of my personal TrueNAS server this year from eight 5 TB drives in a RAIDZ2 configuration. That means that $140 increase is actually $1120 (before tax), and I won't actually see a space increase until I replace and resilver the eighth drive.
As for GPU prices.... yeah.... I'm still rocking my 1080 that I got in 2018. My almost-seven year old desktop (assembled in September, 2014) has to last at least another year as I'm holding off until DDR5 memory and compatible CPUs/motherboards become available.
Quote from: ZLoth on May 24, 2021, 06:27:11 AM
Will this clarify things for gas?
(https://i.ibb.co/6y1GVXk/2021-05-24-05-01-45.png)
Not to my mind, no. It seems clear to me that, with increasing demand, prices are returning to more or less what they were before the pandemic, maybe a bit higher, but not by much. Here's the chart for the previous ten years:
(https://i.imgur.com/9ptLVIt.png)
Will they get higher? Perhaps, perhaps not. It does seem to be the trend. Nonetheless, as things now stand, I don't think there's anything especially problematic going on here.
Yeah everyone kind of forgot that gas was pushing $3 pre-pandemic. Prices are starting to come back down after the hack but we're pretty much back to where we were
Need a backup generator? You are looking at February of next year (https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/as-temperatures-soar-so-does-demand-for-home-generators/2657113/) now.
My friend took down the fence between his yard and the neighbors–and then checked the current price of lumber...
As COVID restrictions ease and more individuals and families go for summer vacations, could we possibly see a spring/summer clothing shortage in July or August? Usually July/August is when the fashion companies start putting out fall/winter items, with some having put out a few items already. The staffing at the clothing factories were reduced, and since more people are now buying spring/summer clothes as things get better, we could potentially see items go out of stock before summer is over.
Quote from: Pink Jazz on June 15, 2021, 02:26:05 PM
As COVID restrictions ease and more individuals and families go for summer vacations, could we possibly see a spring/summer clothing shortage in July or August? Usually July/August is when the fashion companies start putting out fall/winter items, with some having put out a few items already. The staffing at the clothing factories were reduced, and since more people are now buying spring/summer clothes as things get better, we could potentially see items go out of stock before summer is over.
I think clothing is essential enough that there's probably not a backlog large enough to cause major shortages... similar to many grocery items. People never fully stopped buying them, so companies never fully stopped producing them.
Well, you usually don't actually need clothing. Most people's clothing holds up well enough that, if there's a price spike or shortage, they can muddle through without buying anything (I usually buy new articles of clothing only once or twice a year, and there are some articles of clothing I've worn since high school).
Really, the only times that clothing is a non-negotiable expense is if 1) a critical wardrobe component fails (like, you only have one bra of the appropriate style and the underwire goes out on it, or you spill something on your best dress shirt and can't get the stain out, or your shoes fall apart) 2) your size changes drastically (I went up a T-shirt size during the pandemic for obvious reasons) 3) you are suddenly thrust into a position that you have no appropriate clothing for (e.g., accepting a job with a stricter dress code than your old one, or agreeing to attend an event like a wedding) 4) you're traveling and unexpectedly need a particular type of garment you didn't bring with you.
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 15, 2021, 03:38:55 PM
Well, you usually don't actually need clothing. Most people's clothing holds up well enough that, if there's a price spike or shortage, they can muddle through without buying anything (I usually buy new articles of clothing only once or twice a year, and there are some articles of clothing I've worn since high school).
Right, but precisely
because of that, the pandemic probably didn't cause much change in demand, especially with the shift towards buying things online.
Quote from: webny99 on June 15, 2021, 05:33:59 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 15, 2021, 03:38:55 PM
Well, you usually don't actually need clothing. Most people's clothing holds up well enough that, if there's a price spike or shortage, they can muddle through without buying anything (I usually buy new articles of clothing only once or twice a year, and there are some articles of clothing I've worn since high school).
Right, but precisely because of that, the pandemic probably didn't cause much change in demand, especially with the shift towards buying things online.
True, but clothing is one of the things that a lot of people understandably refuse to buy online, even if they're comfortable doing everything else that way.
If anything, I'd imagine the pandemic caused a trough in clothing sales, because everyone was just wearing what was comfy while stuck at home.
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 15, 2021, 05:48:24 PM
Quote from: webny99 on June 15, 2021, 05:33:59 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 15, 2021, 03:38:55 PM
Well, you usually don't actually need clothing. Most people's clothing holds up well enough that, if there's a price spike or shortage, they can muddle through without buying anything (I usually buy new articles of clothing only once or twice a year, and there are some articles of clothing I've worn since high school).
Right, but precisely because of that, the pandemic probably didn't cause much change in demand, especially with the shift towards buying things online.
True, but clothing is one of the things that a lot of people understandably refuse to buy online, even if they're comfortable doing everything else that way.
If anything, I'd imagine the pandemic caused a trough in clothing sales, because everyone was just wearing what was comfy while stuck at home.
One thing though is that at the factories there was probably less staffing, so that probably means less of the Spring/Summer 2021 product was produced in the factories. As things start to improve, that will likely increase demand for clothes this summer, and since there was less spring/summer clothing produced than a typical fashion season, I just wonder if there will be shortages of the Spring/Summer 2021 product before summer is over.
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 15, 2021, 05:48:24 PMIf anything, I'd imagine the pandemic caused a trough in clothing sales, because everyone was just wearing what was comfy while stuck at home.
There's been at least one media report on how sales of pants nose-dived during the pandemic.
Quote from: MikeTheActuary on June 15, 2021, 07:20:47 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 15, 2021, 05:48:24 PM
If anything, I'd imagine the pandemic caused a trough in clothing sales, because everyone was just wearing what was comfy while stuck at home.
There's been at least one media report on how sales of pants nose-dived during the pandemic.
I mean, why buy new pants, if you're working from home in your boxer shorts?
Quote from: kphoger on June 15, 2021, 08:22:31 PM
Quote from: MikeTheActuary on June 15, 2021, 07:20:47 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 15, 2021, 05:48:24 PM
If anything, I'd imagine the pandemic caused a trough in clothing sales, because everyone was just wearing what was comfy while stuck at home.
There's been at least one media report on how sales of pants nose-dived during the pandemic.
I mean, why buy new pants, if you're working from home in your boxer shorts?
yeah just ask Stephen Colbert. He had to put his pants back on yesterday.
Quote from: MikeTheActuary on June 15, 2021, 07:20:47 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 15, 2021, 05:48:24 PMIf anything, I'd imagine the pandemic caused a trough in clothing sales, because everyone was just wearing what was comfy while stuck at home.
There's been at least one media report on how sales of pants nose-dived during the pandemic.
But that was last year. As things improve, sales are rebounding this year, and since factories were short-staffed, there may be less of the Spring/Summer 2021 product to go around before summer is over.
Now, what will likely change is what type of clothing customers will buy. Formal and tailored clothing took the hardest hit, with customers now buying more casual clothing. That maybe means less Van Heusen (a more formal, professional brand) and more IZOD (a more casual, preppier brand).
Who needs the Spring/Summer 2021 product line when the Summer 2007 line hasn't worn out yet?
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 16, 2021, 12:10:11 AM
Who needs the Spring/Summer 2021 product line when the Summer 2007 line hasn't worn out yet?
Is 2022 clothing out yet?
Quote from: 1 on June 16, 2021, 07:44:02 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 16, 2021, 12:10:11 AM
Who needs the Spring/Summer 2021 product line when the Summer 2007 line hasn't worn out yet?
Is 2022 clothing out yet?
Some brands have put out have either put out their first product batches of Fall/Winter 2021, or put out a separate standalone collection known as Pre-Fall 2021 (the latter more common with higher-end brands)
Quote from: webny99 on June 15, 2021, 05:33:59 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 15, 2021, 03:38:55 PM
Well, you usually don't actually need clothing. Most people's clothing holds up well enough that, if there's a price spike or shortage, they can muddle through without buying anything (I usually buy new articles of clothing only once or twice a year, and there are some articles of clothing I've worn since high school).
Right, but precisely because of that, the pandemic probably didn't cause much change in demand, especially with the shift towards buying things online.
I lost 60 pounds in 2019. Got down to within 20 pounds of what I weighed when I graduated from high school in 1979. All of my work pants were way to big and were being held up by a cinched-up belt into which I'd found it necessary to punch new holes.
I had every intention of going out and buying several new pairs of pants to wear to the office, when our governor forced a shutdown of just about every business other than department stores that sell groceries (Walmart, Meijer, Target, Dollar General, Family Dollar, etc.).
During the 2020 shutdowns and work-from-home period, my thyroid decided to go wonky, resulting in gaining all that weight back plus a little extra. Suddenly, what new pants I had gotten were too small and my old pants fit again.
My thyroid issues have been resolved, and my dose of Ozempic has been increased, so I'm hopefully on the road back to losing the weight again and will at some point need to plan that pants-shopping trip again.
I'm not a fashionable person by any means, nor am I rich, so I don't run out and buy what's hot every season of every year.
Well, add another to the list.
Listening to OPB this morning, and hear there's a chlorine shortage due to a plant issue in Longview, WA that supplies a lot of chlorine to the state.
Certain cities in Oregon are urging people to conserve water as a preventative measure.
Quote from: OCGuy81 on June 18, 2021, 11:36:38 AM
Well, add another to the list.
Listening to OPB this morning, and hear there's a chlorine shortage due to a plant issue in Longview, WA that supplies a lot of chlorine to the state.
Certain cities in Oregon are urging people to conserve water as a preventative measure.
I've seen several stores limiting purchase quantities of pool chemicals because of this.
Quote from: OCGuy81 on June 18, 2021, 11:36:38 AM
Well, add another to the list.
Listening to OPB this morning, and hear there's a chlorine shortage due to a plant issue in Longview, WA that supplies a lot of chlorine to the state.
Certain cities in Oregon are urging people to conserve water as a preventative measure.
It's a little crazy to have one point of failure like this.
Anacortes is starting to conserve water, while other utilities have a 2-week supply on hand.
Another unusual shortage (in Washington): license plates (https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/washington-state-grappling-with-license-plate-shortage-as-pandemic-slows-production/).
Production at the Walla Walla State Penitentiary slowed during the pandemic to comply with social distancing. Only two counties are reporting low inventories, and everything should be back to normal by September.
Quote from: Bruce on August 05, 2021, 09:05:39 PM
Another unusual shortage (in Washington): license plates (https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/washington-state-grappling-with-license-plate-shortage-as-pandemic-slows-production/).
Production at the Walla Walla State Penitentiary slowed during the pandemic to comply with social distancing. Only two counties are reporting low inventories, and everything should be back to normal by September.
Should be easy to come by one, after dark, if you own a good socket set or screwdriver.
Quote from: kphoger on August 05, 2021, 09:09:15 PM
Quote from: Bruce on August 05, 2021, 09:05:39 PM
Another unusual shortage (in Washington): license plates (https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/washington-state-grappling-with-license-plate-shortage-as-pandemic-slows-production/).
Production at the Walla Walla State Penitentiary slowed during the pandemic to comply with social distancing. Only two counties are reporting low inventories, and everything should be back to normal by September.
Should be easy to come by one, after dark, if you own a good socket set or screwdriver.
And a side effect would be an increase in the number of inmates available to craft the license plates, ramping up production. Everybody wins!
Looks like supply chains aren't going to resolve themselves as quickly as people hoped:
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-08-25/the-world-economy-s-supply-chain-problem-keeps-getting-worse
Quote from: vdeane on September 01, 2021, 09:10:53 PM
Looks like supply chains aren't going to resolve themselves as quickly as people hoped:
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-08-25/the-world-economy-s-supply-chain-problem-keeps-getting-worse
I believe it. A cashier at Food Lion in my area said that there was a shortage of plastic grocery bags and that they were having to reuse the bags that people bring back when they return items.
Quote from: LM117 on September 02, 2021, 06:47:33 AM
Quote from: vdeane on September 01, 2021, 09:10:53 PM
Looks like supply chains aren't going to resolve themselves as quickly as people hoped:
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-08-25/the-world-economy-s-supply-chain-problem-keeps-getting-worse
I believe it. A cashier at Food Lion in my area said that there was a shortage of plastic grocery bags and that they were having to reuse the bags that people bring back when they return items.
I wonder how much of an issue this has been in NY due to the ban on the grocery plastic bags.
Doesn't seem particularly sanitary, either.
Reuse my own bag? Sure. Reuse someone else's bag? No, thanks.
Because of Covid, may comvenience stores are refusing refillable cups, which means more disposable cups which are in short supply. My local Casey's General Store has "substitute" drink cups from Sam's Club, but only in the medium size.
Quote from: US71 on September 02, 2021, 10:25:25 AM
Because of Covid, may comvenience stores are refusing refillable cups, which means more disposable cups which are in short supply. My local Casey's General Store has "substitute" drink cups from Sam's Club, but only in the medium size.
So, does that mean no discount at the stores that offer such?
Quote from: kphoger on September 02, 2021, 10:31:16 AM
Quote from: US71 on September 02, 2021, 10:25:25 AM
Because of Covid, may comvenience stores are refusing refillable cups, which means more disposable cups which are in short supply. My local Casey's General Store has "substitute" drink cups from Sam's Club, but only in the medium size.
So, does that mean no discount at the stores that offer such?
That's right.
Quote from: snowc on September 02, 2021, 11:39:46 AM
Quote from: dlsterner on April 19, 2021, 12:58:18 AM
Quote from: Duke87 on April 16, 2021, 11:12:59 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on April 13, 2021, 05:03:35 PM
Is there a corresponding shortage of mustard/mayo/horseradish/BBQ/etc. packets as well? All media accounts I've seen refer to a "ketchup shortage," not a "condiment packaging shortage."
As I understand it, the issue arose because so many restaurants were long in the habit of automatically throwing packets of ketchup in the bag whenever someone had an order to go or for delivery involving french fries. With a dramatic increase in the number of take-out/delivery orders... eventually they started running out of ketchup packets. Since there was not a widespread habit of throwing packets of mayo or whatever in the bag without being specifically asked for them, a similar phenomenon did not occur with other condiments.
Myself, I certainly threw plenty of unused ketchup packets in the garbage in 2020 (since I don't use it). Then at some point in the last few months the flow of wasted ketchup packets shut off, as places started asking if I wanted it rather than just providing it unrequested.
My local Five Guys always throws about a dozen ketchup packets in my bag every time, without asking. And I don't use ketchup on anything, so it's pointless to save them. And I doubt they would take them back due to health regulations, especially in the COVID era.
they provide enough fries for a large quantity. they gave me a bunch of fries in a small container! :wow:
It was an ingenius strategy: Make people think they're getting extra fries when they really aren't (i.e., we really think a business would not track fry servings?).
Quote from: snowc on September 02, 2021, 11:43:27 AM
so we had to use our 8 year old SUV to haul our stuff to NY! :banghead: :banghead:
In what world is an 8-year-old car considered old?
Heck, we just bought a new car a couple of weeks ago, and it's 12 years old.
Generally it seems like five years is about when stuff on your car starts to go and you start having more frequent car issues. For that reason, I would consider anything more than five years old "not new".
Sure, I'd maybe give a car 10 or 15 years before I'd consider it truly old. I'd definitely consider anything from before the turn of the century to be truly old at this point.
Wow, five years is only 75k miles (assuming 15k per year). Five digits on the odometer certainly doesn't seem "old" to me. I haven't even owned a vehicle with only five digits on the odometer in probably twelve years.
At any rate, I can't imagine feeling put out to have to use an eight-year-old vehicle to move stuff.
Back to topic, I was going to rent a car during our hunt for a new one a few weeks ago. We went on a Saturday morning, and they didn't have any available till Monday, which worked out OK for us. By Monday, though, a friend from church offered to let us borrow his pickup (twenty years old, by the way, but with less than 100k miles on the odometer and in great condition) instead. There was a guy in front of us in line at the rental agency who was cussing up a storm because he couldn't rent a car that day. Fortunately, because of this thread, I knew ahead of time they might be out of stock.
An interesting supply disruption to add to this thread: board games. A lot of suppliers are having an almost impossible time getting cardboard in from China with all of the backups. Similarly, plastic components. Prices of new games have gone up fairly dramatically, with a lot of the newer "heavy" games coming in at $80-$100 to counteract the additional logistics costs.
Chris
Quote from: snowc on September 02, 2021, 01:04:49 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 02, 2021, 12:21:32 PM
Wow, five years is only 75k miles (assuming 15k per year). Five digits on the odometer certainly doesn't seem "old" to me. I haven't even owned a vehicle with only five digits on the odometer in probably twelve years.
At any rate, I can't imagine feeling put out to have to use an eight-year-old vehicle to move stuff.
Back to topic, I was going to rent a car during our hunt for a new one a few weeks ago. We went on a Saturday morning, and they didn't have any available till Monday, which worked out OK for us. By Monday, though, a friend from church offered to let us borrow his pickup (twenty years old, by the way, but with less than 100k miles on the odometer and in great condition) instead. There was a guy in front of us in line at the rental agency who was cussing up a storm because he couldn't rent a car that day. Fortunately, because of this thread, I knew ahead of time they might be out of stock.
our ravvy (thats what the mechanic names her) is 150k miles! :wow:
150k miles doesn't really deserve a :
1wow: emoji, does it?
My previous car (2006 Pathfinder) just went kaput at 228,766 miles on the odometer a few weeks ago. The one before that–well, I wrecked it, so that doesn't count. The one before
that (2004 Grand Caravan) had upwards of 205,000 miles on it before we drove it from Wichita to Tennessee to buy the one I ended up wrecking, and I think it could have gone quite a bit longer if I'd wanted to foot the bill for a couple of repairs.
Our best friends, who will soon be returning to Mexico as missionaries, have a 2005 Pathfinder with almost 250,000 miles–although, to be fair, it had a 2012 Xterra engine put in a couple of years ago after an overheating incident cracked the block.
For what it's worth, in the car we have now, I expect to hit 150,000 miles within a year.
Quote from: US71 on September 02, 2021, 10:25:25 AM
Because of Covid, may comvenience stores are refusing refillable cups, which means more disposable cups which are in short supply.
Which makes no damn sense since covid doesn't really spread by surface-to-surface contact anyway. You're more likely to catch it from breathing in the air from the guy filling up his disposable cup in front of you than you are someone filling up a reusable cup.
Quote from: kphoger on September 02, 2021, 01:15:12 PM
150k miles doesn't really deserve a :1wow: emoji, does it?
My Pontiac G6 is currently at 116,465 miles and I haven't had any major mechanical problems with it. other than the consumables (battery, tires) the only thing I've had to replace is the headlight sockets. Now, granted, it's up there enough in miles that I don't necessarily want to take it on a multi-day trip if I can avoid it, but if a rental car were unavailable, I wouldn't feel
too nervous about it.
I don't think that getting a rental would necessarily be that hard for me personally because there is a car dealership here that does a side business renting out cars. Often the cars they rent are new ones from their lot with cosmetic problems that make them unsaleable. The last time we rented from them, in June, they gave us a car that had been absolutely pummeled by a recent hailstorm. Which was perfectly fine with us, of course–we still got to Kansas City no problem.
I've noticed bare shelves in the pet food and treats sections of many stores.
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 02, 2021, 01:28:06 PM
Quote from: US71 on September 02, 2021, 10:25:25 AM
Because of Covid, may comvenience stores are refusing refillable cups, which means more disposable cups which are in short supply.
Which makes no damn sense since covid doesn't really spread by surface-to-surface contact anyway. You're more likely to catch it from breathing in the air from the guy filling up his disposable cup in front of you than you are someone filling up a reusable cup.
In beginning, I'm sure it was in the same of health and sanitation. But which costs the station more money: a new cup each time, or discounted refills? If it's the latter, then they have little financial incentive to revert to the way things were.
(It's probably still not a good idea to pick your nose and then rub the snot on the dispenser nozzle...)
Quote from: kphoger on September 02, 2021, 02:04:42 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 02, 2021, 01:28:06 PM
Quote from: US71 on September 02, 2021, 10:25:25 AM
Because of Covid, may comvenience stores are refusing refillable cups, which means more disposable cups which are in short supply.
Which makes no damn sense since covid doesn't really spread by surface-to-surface contact anyway. You're more likely to catch it from breathing in the air from the guy filling up his disposable cup in front of you than you are someone filling up a reusable cup.
In beginning, I'm sure it was in the same of health and sanitation. But which costs the station more money: a new cup each time, or discounted refills? If it's the latter, then they have little financial incentive to revert to the way things were.
(It's probably still not a good idea to pick your nose and then rub the snot on the dispenser nozzle...)
The cost of even a gigantic cup of soda is only a few cents, only slightly more than the cost of pulling water from the tap (since that's what a fountain does, mix concentrated soda with tap water).* The rest of the price is paying for the cup and the markup (and possibly the labor of an employee filling the cup for you). So I would expect that the margin would be better on a refillable cup since the price you pay is almost all markup. I don't have hard numbers from a convenience store to back this up, but that was the impression that I got from seeing the numbers at Burger King.
So my guess is that it's just well-meaning but ineffective sanitation theater.
*When I worked at Burger King, employees were allowed to have all the free soda they wanted, so long as it was in the cheaper, non-branded cups that we handed out for free water. Then, at the casino, soda was cheap enough that the facility just handed it out for free, cup and all.
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 02, 2021, 02:27:27 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 02, 2021, 02:04:42 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 02, 2021, 01:28:06 PM
Quote from: US71 on September 02, 2021, 10:25:25 AM
Because of Covid, may comvenience stores are refusing refillable cups, which means more disposable cups which are in short supply.
Which makes no damn sense since covid doesn't really spread by surface-to-surface contact anyway. You're more likely to catch it from breathing in the air from the guy filling up his disposable cup in front of you than you are someone filling up a reusable cup.
In beginning, I'm sure it was in the same of health and sanitation. But which costs the station more money: a new cup each time, or discounted refills? If it's the latter, then they have little financial incentive to revert to the way things were.
(It's probably still not a good idea to pick your nose and then rub the snot on the dispenser nozzle...)
The cost of even a gigantic cup of soda is only a few cents, only slightly more than the cost of pulling water from the tap (since that's what a fountain does, mix concentrated soda with tap water).* The rest of the price is paying for the cup and the markup (and possibly the labor of an employee filling the cup for you). So I would expect that the margin would be better on a refillable cup since the price you pay is almost all markup. I don't have hard numbers from a convenience store to back this up, but that was the impression that I got from seeing the numbers at Burger King.
So my guess is that it's just well-meaning but ineffective sanitation theater.
*When I worked at Burger King, employees were allowed to have all the free soda they wanted, so long as it was in the cheaper, non-branded cups that we handed out for free water. Then, at the casino, soda was cheap enough that the facility just handed it out for free, cup and all.
Working at a restaurant in the mid-90's, I know the cost per 16 oz. of soda from the fountain worked out to just about three cents of syrup. This chain restaurant had no care in the world about employees drinking it for free.
I know of more than a few corporate offices that even had fountain soda where it was a freebie for employees (one of which is a large gas station chain in New England).
Quote from: SectorZ on September 02, 2021, 03:01:11 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 02, 2021, 02:27:27 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 02, 2021, 02:04:42 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 02, 2021, 01:28:06 PM
Quote from: US71 on September 02, 2021, 10:25:25 AM
Because of Covid, may comvenience stores are refusing refillable cups, which means more disposable cups which are in short supply.
Which makes no damn sense since covid doesn't really spread by surface-to-surface contact anyway. You're more likely to catch it from breathing in the air from the guy filling up his disposable cup in front of you than you are someone filling up a reusable cup.
In beginning, I'm sure it was in the same of health and sanitation. But which costs the station more money: a new cup each time, or discounted refills? If it's the latter, then they have little financial incentive to revert to the way things were.
(It's probably still not a good idea to pick your nose and then rub the snot on the dispenser nozzle...)
The cost of even a gigantic cup of soda is only a few cents, only slightly more than the cost of pulling water from the tap (since that's what a fountain does, mix concentrated soda with tap water).* The rest of the price is paying for the cup and the markup (and possibly the labor of an employee filling the cup for you). So I would expect that the margin would be better on a refillable cup since the price you pay is almost all markup. I don't have hard numbers from a convenience store to back this up, but that was the impression that I got from seeing the numbers at Burger King.
So my guess is that it's just well-meaning but ineffective sanitation theater.
*When I worked at Burger King, employees were allowed to have all the free soda they wanted, so long as it was in the cheaper, non-branded cups that we handed out for free water. Then, at the casino, soda was cheap enough that the facility just handed it out for free, cup and all.
Working at a restaurant in the mid-90's, I know the cost per 16 oz. of soda from the fountain worked out to just about three cents of syrup. This chain restaurant had no care in the world about employees drinking it for free.
I know of more than a few corporate offices that even had fountain soda where it was a freebie for employees (one of which is a large gas station chain in New England).
When I worked at Casey's, they gave employees what I call "sippy cups": basically travel coffee mugs. This was to conserve fountain cups, though most employees didn't use the mugs.
Quote from: kphoger on September 02, 2021, 10:01:03 AM
Doesn't seem particularly sanitary, either.
Reuse my own bag? Sure. Reuse someone else's bag? No, thanks.
Agreed. Not the smartest thing to do.
Several auto plants are tapping the brakes due to chip shortages.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/general-motors-pausing-production-chip-shortage (https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/general-motors-pausing-production-chip-shortage)
Quote from: kphoger on September 02, 2021, 01:15:12 PM
Quote from: snowc on September 02, 2021, 01:04:49 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 02, 2021, 12:21:32 PM
Wow, five years is only 75k miles (assuming 15k per year). Five digits on the odometer certainly doesn't seem "old" to me. I haven't even owned a vehicle with only five digits on the odometer in probably twelve years.
At any rate, I can't imagine feeling put out to have to use an eight-year-old vehicle to move stuff.
Back to topic, I was going to rent a car during our hunt for a new one a few weeks ago. We went on a Saturday morning, and they didn't have any available till Monday, which worked out OK for us. By Monday, though, a friend from church offered to let us borrow his pickup (twenty years old, by the way, but with less than 100k miles on the odometer and in great condition) instead. There was a guy in front of us in line at the rental agency who was cussing up a storm because he couldn't rent a car that day. Fortunately, because of this thread, I knew ahead of time they might be out of stock.
our ravvy (thats what the mechanic names her) is 150k miles! :wow:
150k miles doesn't really deserve a :1wow: emoji, does it?
My inlaws had a Honda Odyssey with 387K miles before they sold it to get a new car in 2019.
Quote from: vdeane on September 01, 2021, 09:10:53 PM
Looks like supply chains aren't going to resolve themselves as quickly as people hoped:
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-08-25/the-world-economy-s-supply-chain-problem-keeps-getting-worse
Yes, well, this is the way in which Americans get reminded globalism is a thing. It's all well and good if we've decided for our sake "hey, economy's open, everyone go back to work and spend money", but when countries we import goods and raw materials from are still doing lockdowns and not considering the production or movement of the stuff we're buying sufficiently "essential" to be allowed to continue, then we deal with the resulting disruptions all the same.
Quote from: snowc on September 04, 2021, 09:00:41 AM
Up next, Lunchables!
Blown out at Food Lion over by my area.
My shopper sent me this image
(https://d2syimmrmqkckt.cloudfront.net/chatmessage/image/f21feb14-c240-4fac-9eb2-3f9446061a62.jpg)
You order through a shopper and your diet contains Lunchables?
Quote from: snowc on September 04, 2021, 11:47:27 AM
I love lunchables as it's a easy option.
As do countless thousands of moms who are probably buying them for back to school lunches.
They still have the pepperoni pizza ones, so you're good.
I used to bring Lunchables to work, so unfortunately I associate them with casinos and sadness now. I don't think I've eaten one since I quit. My current job has no guarantee of any at-work storage space at all other than my car (I travel between job sites), so Lunchables haven't been a viable option for me (though they will be once it cools off).
I'm guessing this shortage is only because of the 2/$4 sale going on (probably to clear out inventory and take advantage of the time of the year).
A new type of shortage I've seen recently: any COVID self-test kit that is compatible with the Canadian requirements. Lots of people are heading over the border now.
Quote from: Bruce on September 04, 2021, 04:05:18 PM
I'm guessing this shortage is only because of the 2/$4 sale going on (probably to clear out inventory and take advantage of the time of the year).
That's what I thought too, but zooming in shows the text "PRICED LOW EVERY DAY", meaning it's one of those annoying things grocery stores do (mine is guilty of it too) where they just show the regular price on a larger tag to make it look like a sale. It also looks like a loyalty card is required to get that price.
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 04, 2021, 04:21:28 PM
Quote from: Bruce on September 04, 2021, 04:05:18 PM
I'm guessing this shortage is only because of the 2/$4 sale going on (probably to clear out inventory and take advantage of the time of the year).
That's what I thought too, but zooming in shows the text "PRICED LOW EVERY DAY", meaning it's one of those annoying things grocery stores do (mine is guilty of it too) where they just show the regular price on a larger tag to make it look like a sale. It also looks like a loyalty card is required to get that price.
At Stop & Shop where I worked, both types existed. The fake sales had the same "sale" price and regular price, which this one doesn't.
Food Lion and Stop & Shop are owned by the same parent company.
Quote from: Bruce on September 04, 2021, 04:05:18 PM
I'm guessing this shortage is only because of the 2/$4 sale going on (probably to clear out inventory and take advantage of the time of the year).
The sale patterns have been so strange during COVID. This time last year, we couldn't find any white cream pasta sauces for about 3 months. The week they finally showed up on the shelves at Food Lion (early October, if I recall correctly) all of those white sauce products were on an incredible sale. We still had a few jars left on the shelf (so we weren't desparate), but I still would have paid double the normal price for a few jars. Instead, I was able to stock up at way less than half price. The shelves got wiped out quickly, but there hasn't been any problem since (nor have we needed any).
I'm starting to notice the beginnings of shortages of paper towels and toilet paper at our local dollar stores (a Family Dollar and two Dollar Generals) again. However, the local IGA seems to have plenty of the brands of paper products they carry.
I'm having trouble finding pink glow necklaces. Luckily I bought some ahead of time for Halloween, but I wanted to order some on Amazon Prime to ship some to Puerto Rico for New Year's. It seems like only pink is affected and all the other popular colors seem to be readily available. I wonder if the compound for pink is more expensive. I almost never see it at Dollar Tree either except occasionally in the form of glow wands. In terms of brightness and glow duration, pink is the third dimmest and shortest-lasting color, behind white and purple.
Quote from: kphoger on September 02, 2021, 11:56:29 AM
Quote from: snowc on September 02, 2021, 11:43:27 AM
so we had to use our 8 year old SUV to haul our stuff to NY! :banghead: :banghead:
In what world is an 8-year-old car considered old?
Heck, we just bought a new car a couple of weeks ago, and it's 12 years old.
It's not the age, it's the mileage. My eight year car has only 90,290 miles on it, so it has plenty of life left provided I take good care of it. Since I'm working from home, I'm only filling up once a month nowadays.
From CBS News:
Chip shortage likely to keep car prices sky-high through 2023QuoteBack in the spring, a shortage of computer chips that had sent auto prices soaring appeared to be finally easing. Some relief for consumers seemed to be in sight. But that hope is now fading, as a surge in COVID-19 cases from the Delta variant in several Asian countries is worsening the supply shortage, further delaying a return to normal auto production and keeping the supply of vehicles artificially low.
That means record-high consumer prices for vehicles – new and used, as well as rental cars – will likely extend into next year and might not return to earth until 2023, according to analysts.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://markholtz.info/2fh)
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 04, 2021, 04:21:28 PM
Quote from: Bruce on September 04, 2021, 04:05:18 PM
I'm guessing this shortage is only because of the 2/$4 sale going on (probably to clear out inventory and take advantage of the time of the year).
That's what I thought too, but zooming in shows the text "PRICED LOW EVERY DAY", meaning it's one of those annoying things grocery stores do (mine is guilty of it too) where they just show the regular price on a larger tag to make it look like a sale. It also looks like a loyalty card is required to get that price.
Yeah, Food Lion uses MVP cards. Anyone can get them for free.
Quote from: snowc on September 04, 2021, 11:47:27 AM
Quote from: Rothman on September 04, 2021, 10:03:16 AM
Quote from: snowc on September 04, 2021, 09:00:41 AM
Up next, Lunchables!
Blown out at Food Lion over by my area.
My shopper sent me this image
(https://d2syimmrmqkckt.cloudfront.net/chatmessage/image/f21feb14-c240-4fac-9eb2-3f9446061a62.jpg)
You order through a shopper and your diet contains Lunchables?
We use a service called Food Lion to go.
They started doing that after Walmart started their service. I've hardly ever seen anyone use Food Lion's pick-up service here. One of their stores here even took down their banners advertising it, even though it's still listed as a "To-Go" store on their website.
King Soopers out here (Kroger Brand) does the pickup shopping and we use it every week for our staple stuff. I still go in if I'm trying to get something specific for dinner. Way more convenient to just click what I want and then show up at a pre-determined time and have someone bring it out to my car. Especially since it's free for purchases > $50. The only issue I've ever had is sometimes I feel like they pick the worst/oldest produce they can find (apples going brown and mushy after a day or two).
Chris
Quote from: jayhawkco on September 07, 2021, 12:22:17 PM
King Soopers out here (Kroger Brand) does the pickup shopping and we use it every week for our staple stuff. I still go in if I'm trying to get something specific for dinner. Way more convenient to just click what I want and then show up at a pre-determined time and have someone bring it out to my car. Especially since it's free for purchases > $50. The only issue I've ever had is sometimes I feel like they pick the worst/oldest produce they can find (apples going brown and mushy after a day or two).
Chris
I actually saw a King Soopers on my trip, but cannot remember where. They had a gas station, and for some reason I thought they were a convenience store chain, not a full-service grocery store.
Quote from: hbelkins on September 08, 2021, 01:07:26 PM
Quote from: jayhawkco on September 07, 2021, 12:22:17 PM
King Soopers out here (Kroger Brand) does the pickup shopping and we use it every week for our staple stuff. I still go in if I'm trying to get something specific for dinner. Way more convenient to just click what I want and then show up at a pre-determined time and have someone bring it out to my car. Especially since it's free for purchases > $50. The only issue I've ever had is sometimes I feel like they pick the worst/oldest produce they can find (apples going brown and mushy after a day or two).
Chris
I actually saw a King Soopers on my trip, but cannot remember where. They had a gas station, and for some reason I thought they were a convenience store chain, not a full-service grocery store.
Almost all of them have gas stations too where you can use your points you rack up for their loyalty program. I normally get $0.30/gallon off once or twice a month. Not a small amount with a 21 gallon tank. They're pretty much the biggest grocery store around here with Safeway coming in second.
Chris
I feel like the grocery store shortages are returning. When Mom and I were at Wegmans Monday, it looked like the stores did in March 2020. And now paper products are once again having issues, after just finally getting back to normal. I had to bounce between four different stores to find decent toilet paper in a usable size/quantity. What's strange is that this time it's the smaller quantities that are gone; if you need a 9+ pack, stock is plentiful, but if you only have room to store a 6 pack or smaller, finding stuff is problematic.
Rumors of a number of logistics companies (shippers) walking out if Biden's 100-plus-employee shot mandate is put into effect.
If the transporters quit working, we're all in trouble.
Quote from: hbelkins on September 12, 2021, 03:48:29 PM
Rumors of a number of logistics companies (shippers) walking out if Biden's 100-plus-employee shot mandate is put into effect.
If the transporters quit working, we're all in trouble.
Quitting? Pfft. Demand is too high. Those who are willing to be vaccinated will take their place.
Quote from: Rothman on September 12, 2021, 04:06:23 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on September 12, 2021, 03:48:29 PM
Rumors of a number of logistics companies (shippers) walking out if Biden's 100-plus-employee shot mandate is put into effect.
If the transporters quit working, we're all in trouble.
Quitting? Pfft. Demand is too high. Those who are willing to be vaccinated will take their place.
Those with CDLs and those willing to cross a picket line in defiance of a union work stoppage.
What I heard came from the UPS hub in Louisville. We'll see if it comes to pass. It'll take awhile for OSHA to write the regulation, for it to go through the proper approvals, and that's assuming enforcement isn't stayed by a judge once one of the promised lawsuits is filed.
The following shortages cropped up here in NJ:
-Snapple products.
-Pepsi products.
There are notes on the shelf now informing customers of supply shortages, yet these items are still going on sale regardless.
In other news, I finally secured a video card on the Newegg Shuffle. Its pretty sad that one has to enter a lottery to get a chance to buy computer hardware. Last time I was at MicroCenter and had to buy a cheapo video card. The store landed up carding me to enforce their 30 day purchase limit, even though I was buying a low end card that dates to 2017! (for way too much money)
I ordered a laptop for school from HP recently. I definitely won't be surprised if my custom order (that is already not supposed to arrive until late October) gets delayed as a result of part shortages.
Quote from: Rothman on September 12, 2021, 04:06:23 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on September 12, 2021, 03:48:29 PM
Rumors of a number of logistics companies (shippers) walking out if Biden's 100-plus-employee shot mandate is put into effect.
If the transporters quit working, we're all in trouble.
Quitting? Pfft. Demand is too high. Those who are willing to be vaccinated will take their place.
There was already a shortage of truck drivers before this.
Quote from: hbelkins on September 12, 2021, 03:48:29 PM
If the transporters quit working, we're all in trouble.
Send a shuttlecraft.
Quote from: NJRoadfan on September 12, 2021, 06:01:35 PMIn other news, I finally secured a video card on the Newegg Shuffle. Its pretty sad that one has to enter a lottery to get a chance to buy computer hardware.
Those danged BitCoin farmers. I'm still utilizing the desktop (with DDR3 memory) that I built in September, 2014, although the video card was upgraded from a nVidia 980 to a 1080 three years ago, plus upgraded the main drive from a 256MB SSD to a 1TB SSD drive. I had planned on replacing it two years ago, but that got superseded when I relocated to DFW and I had to get some home repairs. I'm now holding off until maybe next year when DDR5 memory goes on sale, and even then, I'm not confident on component availability.
As for hard drives... ay yi yi! Thanks to the Chia cybercurrency farmers, the price of storage shot up this past summer, and is only starting to go down. I was hoping to upgrade the drives in my TrueNAS server to some larger sizes, but ouch. Per Amazon:
- Seagate 8TB NAS Hard Drive (https://amzn.to/3llGz4k) - Currently $216 ($27 per TB), but was on sale last week for $200 ($25 per TB). Went as high as $242 ($30.25 per TB) over the summer.
- Western Digital 8TB NAS Hard Drive (https://amzn.to/3tAnzms) - Currently $229 ($28.63 per TB). Went as high as $255 ($31.88 per TB) over the summer.
- Seagate 10TB NAS Hard Drive (https://amzn.to/3tCp3wz) - Currently $330 ($33 per TB) which is the current high point for the Amazon price. Went as high as $395 ($39.50 per TB) for third party.
- Western Digital 10TB NAS Hard Drive (https://amzn.to/3E7ufxr) - Currently $280 ($28 per TB). Went as high as $391 ($39.10 per TB) for third party.
- Seagate 12TV NAS Hard Drive (https://amzn.to/3959yUt) - Currently $485 ($40.42 per TB). Went as high as $515 ($42.92 per TB) third party.
- Western Digital 12TB NAS Hard Drive (https://amzn.to/2YRlGXl) - Currently $494 ($41.17 per TB). Went as high as $529 ($44.08 per TB) for third party.
And these were drives that were as low (when on sale) as $185 ($23.13 per TB) for 8 TB, $250 ($25 per TB) for 10 TB, and $308 ($25.67 per TB) for 12TB back in February and when I started saving when I started to run out of room. I was hoping to pick them up as a Black Friday special, but I had a hard drive failure last week, and needed to begin the replacement process.
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on May 23, 2021, 02:36:45 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on May 23, 2021, 08:26:45 AM
(https://i.ibb.co/nrLzC0Z/2021-05-23-07-41-27.png)
This one, to me, seems to be a bit of an exaggeration. I mean, I'm no Rockefeller, but this 15% increase in the price of gas would not be enough to change my travel plans.
Same. I couldn't wait to travel this year, and did. Yeah, gas was a bit more expensive, but it was worth it because I did a week's worth of traveling. Much better than sitting around at home.
One of the (arguably non-essential) supply disruptions I've experienced is Dr Pepper. I absolutely love me some Dr Pepper, but I sometimes have to go up to a few months without it.
The coin shortage I've heard about finally reached some of the rural towns of NW Illinois a couple weeks ago and here last week.
Quote from: LilianaUwU on September 13, 2021, 05:22:10 AM
One of the (arguably non-essential) supply disruptions I've experienced is Dr Pepper. I absolutely love me some Dr Pepper, but I sometimes have to go up to a few months without it.
No trouble finding it here in Arizona.
Is Dr. Pepper in your area distributed by Coke, Pepsi, or some other bottler? Here in Arizona the canned/bottled version is distributed by Coke, while both Coke and Pepsi distribute the fountain syrup.
Tony Chachere's creole seasoning is one I've looked for but haven't seen in months. Ida won't help that happen now.
Quote from: snowc on September 14, 2021, 10:03:49 AM
What the heck is going on with Delta?! They said everything is expected to be back to normal after next month
Things should be back to normal by 2025 or so
Anyone else noticed a lot of bare shelves in the candy departments at various stores?
Quote from: hbelkins on September 14, 2021, 11:11:22 AM
Anyone else noticed a lot of bare shelves in the candy departments at various stores?
Not sure if this is related, by chocolate shortages started before covid pandemic - because of cocoa tree pandemic. Actually there are several different ones, I believe.
https://time.com/5671166/ghana-cocoa-trees-swollen-shoot-disease/
And while we're at this - enjoy a banana while you can, those are at a very high disease risk as well
Quote from: snowc on September 14, 2021, 10:03:49 AM
What the heck is going on with Delta?! They said everything is expected to be back to normal after next month
The willingly unvaccinated are screwing it up for the rest of us.
Delta is more contagious than previous COVID variants and will still send the unvaccinated to hospitals, where they clog up ICU capacity and cause massive strain on all systems. Thus, events have to go back to last year's limits and restrictions.
We were so damn close. We weren't aggressive enough, didn't dole out actual vaccine mandates until too late, and didn't contain the spread when we could.
If you're looking at today's numbers on the New York Times website and wondering what's going on, they're inaccurate. It's a seven-day moving average, nothing was reported on Labor Day in many states. and there's a one-day delay. This means that for those that also don't report on weekends there are 11 days (Saturday before Labor Day to yesterday) in today's 7-day average totals.
Quote from: Bruce on September 14, 2021, 01:10:43 PM
Quote from: snowc on September 14, 2021, 10:03:49 AM
What the heck is going on with Delta?! They said everything is expected to be back to normal after next month
The willingly unvaccinated are screwing it up for the rest of us.
Delta is more contagious than previous COVID variants and will still send the unvaccinated to hospitals, where they clog up ICU capacity and cause massive strain on all systems. Thus, events have to go back to last year's limits and restrictions.
We were so damn close. We weren't aggressive enough, didn't dole out actual vaccine mandates until too late, and didn't contain the spread when we could.
We were nowhere near any success. This virus will not be contained within foreseeable future, mandates or not. Most realistic - and actually best case - scenario is virus downgrading to a common cold level in a few years.
Quote from: kalvado on September 14, 2021, 01:43:55 PM
Quote from: Bruce on September 14, 2021, 01:10:43 PM
Quote from: snowc on September 14, 2021, 10:03:49 AM
What the heck is going on with Delta?! They said everything is expected to be back to normal after next month
The willingly unvaccinated are screwing it up for the rest of us.
Delta is more contagious than previous COVID variants and will still send the unvaccinated to hospitals, where they clog up ICU capacity and cause massive strain on all systems. Thus, events have to go back to last year's limits and restrictions.
We were so damn close. We weren't aggressive enough, didn't dole out actual vaccine mandates until too late, and didn't contain the spread when we could.
We were nowhere near any success. This virus will not be contained within foreseeable future, mandates or not. Most realistic - and actually best case - scenario is virus downgrading to a common cold level in a few years.
Also, I don't want to turn this into the Covid thread, but Delta was first discovered in India, not the US. Mu was found in Colombia. Alpha was in the UK. Beta was in South Africa. Vaccinating every American would help in the short-term against these variants, but as long as other countries don't have many vaccinated, new variants are going to spread into the US. My point is maybe we should be trying to give the rest of the world vaccines in order to benefit everyone.
Well I managed to catch the Snapple guy restocking the shelves at the local Shop-Rite, so I have my Snapple fix for awhile. As for Dr Pepper it was on sale this week (bottled by Coke here) and there was plenty in stock.
Quote from: Pink Jazz on September 13, 2021, 02:50:07 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on September 13, 2021, 05:22:10 AM
One of the (arguably non-essential) supply disruptions I've experienced is Dr Pepper. I absolutely love me some Dr Pepper, but I sometimes have to go up to a few months without it.
No trouble finding it here in Arizona.
Is Dr. Pepper in your area distributed by Coke, Pepsi, or some other bottler? Here in Arizona the canned/bottled version is distributed by Coke, while both Coke and Pepsi distribute the fountain syrup.
In Canada, I believe it's distributed exclusively by Pepsi. It's not horribly hard to find if you dig deep enough, but supply is lower than demand (and to be fair, I drink a lot of it).
Looks like the grocery shortages are getting worse. No applesauce cups or Devour Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese when I was there. I also got the last thing of store brand extra large eggs (thankfully, no cracked eggs) and my disposable razors; those were out after I left, obviously. I wish we could have normalcy in grocery shopping again.
Quote from: LilianaUwU on September 16, 2021, 02:39:18 AM
Quote from: Pink Jazz on September 13, 2021, 02:50:07 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on September 13, 2021, 05:22:10 AM
One of the (arguably non-essential) supply disruptions I've experienced is Dr Pepper. I absolutely love me some Dr Pepper, but I sometimes have to go up to a few months without it.
No trouble finding it here in Arizona.
Is Dr. Pepper in your area distributed by Coke, Pepsi, or some other bottler? Here in Arizona the canned/bottled version is distributed by Coke, while both Coke and Pepsi distribute the fountain syrup.
In Canada, I believe it's distributed exclusively by Pepsi. It's not horribly hard to find if you dig deep enough, but supply is lower than demand (and to be fair, I drink a lot of it).
They mentioned the aluminium shortage again on the news today. That might play a part of it.
Quote from: vdeane on September 16, 2021, 09:21:31 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on September 16, 2021, 02:39:18 AM
Quote from: Pink Jazz on September 13, 2021, 02:50:07 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on September 13, 2021, 05:22:10 AM
One of the (arguably non-essential) supply disruptions I've experienced is Dr Pepper. I absolutely love me some Dr Pepper, but I sometimes have to go up to a few months without it.
No trouble finding it here in Arizona.
Is Dr. Pepper in your area distributed by Coke, Pepsi, or some other bottler? Here in Arizona the canned/bottled version is distributed by Coke, while both Coke and Pepsi distribute the fountain syrup.
In Canada, I believe it's distributed exclusively by Pepsi. It's not horribly hard to find if you dig deep enough, but supply is lower than demand (and to be fair, I drink a lot of it).
They mentioned the aluminium shortage again on the news today. That might play a part of it.
Huh, I guess that might be why. Speaking of aluminium shortage, I'm assuming it might affect road signs too?
Quote from: vdeane on September 16, 2021, 09:21:31 PM
Looks like the grocery shortages are getting worse. No applesauce cups or Devour Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese when I was there. I also got the last thing of store brand extra large eggs (thankfully, no cracked eggs) and my disposable razors; those were out after I left, obviously. I wish we could have normalcy in grocery shopping again.
Quote from: LilianaUwU on September 16, 2021, 02:39:18 AM
Quote from: Pink Jazz on September 13, 2021, 02:50:07 PM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on September 13, 2021, 05:22:10 AM
One of the (arguably non-essential) supply disruptions I've experienced is Dr Pepper. I absolutely love me some Dr Pepper, but I sometimes have to go up to a few months without it.
No trouble finding it here in Arizona.
Is Dr. Pepper in your area distributed by Coke, Pepsi, or some other bottler? Here in Arizona the canned/bottled version is distributed by Coke, while both Coke and Pepsi distribute the fountain syrup.
In Canada, I believe it's distributed exclusively by Pepsi. It's not horribly hard to find if you dig deep enough, but supply is lower than demand (and to be fair, I drink a lot of it).
They mentioned the aluminium shortage again on the news today. That might play a part of it.
I wonder if that's why all the stores I checked today were out of Liquid Death [drinking water that comes in tallboys].
Quote from: LilianaUwU on September 17, 2021, 11:12:36 AM
Huh, I guess that might be why. Speaking of aluminium shortage, I'm assuming it might affect road signs too?
For a few years in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Kentucky experimented with fiberglass or plastic signs. They were identifiable by having black backgrounds instead of metallic ones. There are a few of them still in use today, but their numbers are dwindling.
It's a bit surprising that alternate sign materials haven't come into wide use. Wood is rarely used these days, as best as I can tell.
Are there materials to be used for road signs that are as durable as aluminum and are cheaper in the long run?
Quote from: vdeane on September 16, 2021, 09:21:31 PM
Looks like the grocery shortages are getting worse.
What they aren't is consistent, with varying items suffering availability lapses in varying places. I have not, for example, noticed bare shelves in the candy aisle or of paper products around here.
I have noticed Eggo mini-pancakes have been rarely available since early this year though. And currently, the particular variety of wet cat food we usually have delivered from Amazon every month is "temporarily unavailable". This prompted me to walk to CVS to pick something up to cover the delay. Once there, I noted that CVS' shelf of cat food was also rather on the sparse side.
The lack of consistency in what and where is lacking is, as far as I can figure, because for the most part there isn't really a physical shortage of the products in question. What there is is a shortage of truck drivers causing shipments of everything to get sporadically delayed, and it's somewhat luck of the draw what is delayed locally where you live.
Quote from: hbelkins on September 12, 2021, 05:38:05 PM
Quote from: Rothman on September 12, 2021, 04:06:23 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on September 12, 2021, 03:48:29 PM
Rumors of a number of logistics companies (shippers) walking out if Biden's 100-plus-employee shot mandate is put into effect.
If the transporters quit working, we're all in trouble.
Quitting? Pfft. Demand is too high. Those who are willing to be vaccinated will take their place.
Those with CDLs and those willing to cross a picket line in defiance of a union work stoppage.
More the issue may be if every company with 100 or more employees has a mandate, finding a different job may be challenging, and people do still have families to feed.
But yes, one way that pushing a mandate through employment could certainly backfire is by exacerbating an already tough labor shortage.
Quote from: Duke87 on September 17, 2021, 08:37:41 PM
Quote from: vdeane on September 16, 2021, 09:21:31 PM
Looks like the grocery shortages are getting worse.
...
The lack of consistency in what and where is lacking is, as far as I can figure, because for the most part there isn't really a physical shortage of the products in question. What there is is a shortage of truck drivers causing shipments of everything to get sporadically delayed, and it's somewhat luck of the draw what is delayed locally where you live.
International freight costs have gotten bizarre since mid-late last year and have only been getting worse. There's a massive container shortage because of the China shutdowns, with bidding wars for available containers. I'd imagine this could be affecting the food processing industry just as it affects almost every other industry, as all it takes is one thing sourced internationally to inevitably hold things up.
Quote from: webny99 on September 17, 2021, 09:08:39 PM
Quote from: Duke87 on September 17, 2021, 08:37:41 PM
Quote from: vdeane on September 16, 2021, 09:21:31 PM
Looks like the grocery shortages are getting worse.
...
The lack of consistency in what and where is lacking is, as far as I can figure, because for the most part there isn't really a physical shortage of the products in question. What there is is a shortage of truck drivers causing shipments of everything to get sporadically delayed, and it's somewhat luck of the draw what is delayed locally where you live.
International freight costs have gotten bizarre since mid-late last year and have only been getting worse. There's a massive container shortage because of the China shutdowns, with bidding wars for available containers. I'd imagine this could be affecting the food processing industry just as it affects almost every other industry, as all it takes is one thing sourced internationally to inevitably hold things up.
Only a few years ago, there was a massive surplus stock of containers leftover from the Hanjin bankruptcy. Saw quite a few of them pop up in random backwoods for use as land storage.
Too bad they can't be reactivated for cargo service.
Noted from my visit to both Dollar General stores in my community today: A distinct presence of bare shelves in the laundry section. Detergent, fabric softener, scent crystals, and dryer sheets were all in short supply.
Quote from: Bruce on September 18, 2021, 12:35:49 AM
Only a few years ago, there was a massive surplus stock of containers leftover from the Hanjin bankruptcy. Saw quite a few of them pop up in random backwoods for use as land storage.
Too bad they can't be reactivated for cargo service.
There are piles of empty shipping containers sitting at ports all across the country (it generally isn't cost effective to ship empty ones back to China). Pretty sure the shortage is physical room on the ships and not the actual containers.
The UK has yet another crisis: lack of CO2 for food industries.
https://www.bbc.com/news/explainers-58626935
Quote from: Bruce on September 21, 2021, 09:06:49 PM
The UK has yet another crisis: lack of CO2 for food industries.
https://www.bbc.com/news/explainers-58626935
Surprised this isn't one of the answered questions in the article:
"If there's extra CO2 in the atmosphere, why is there a shortage? Can't we just use that?"
Quote from: 1 on September 21, 2021, 09:56:43 PM
Quote from: Bruce on September 21, 2021, 09:06:49 PM
The UK has yet another crisis: lack of CO2 for food industries.
https://www.bbc.com/news/explainers-58626935
Surprised this isn't one of the answered questions in the article:
"If there's extra CO2 in the atmosphere, why is there a shortage? Can't we just use that?"
They actually recently opened an atmospheric CO
2 capture facility in Iceland, but it is designed to sequester the carbon underground rather than package it for consumption.
https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/worlds-largest-plant-capturing-carbon-air-starts-iceland-2021-09-08/
Competing with the food industry for CO
2 is the cannabis industry–some growers pump CO
2 into their grow rooms since they believe it will make the plants healthier (since plants breathe in CO
2 instead of O
2 like animals). In my experience, the effect is negligible at best.
Thank fuck there haven't been any shortages in the cannabis industry.
Quote from: abefroman329 on September 22, 2021, 04:02:41 PM
Thank fuck there haven't been any shortages in the cannabis industry.
We're actually rapidly approaching market saturation in Oklahoma, thought that might be slowed when and if Metrc is ever actually implemented (prevailing theory is that will force out a lot of the small-time growers who are just doing it on the side and don't have the patience to deal with the regulatory overhead). Also, during the pandemic, the whole industry was declared essential (since we have medical here) by the Oklahoma government, so there weren't any sorts of shutdowns here.
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 22, 2021, 03:52:26 PM
Quote from: 1 on September 21, 2021, 09:56:43 PM
Quote from: Bruce on September 21, 2021, 09:06:49 PM
The UK has yet another crisis: lack of CO2 for food industries.
https://www.bbc.com/news/explainers-58626935
Surprised this isn't one of the answered questions in the article:
"If there's extra CO2 in the atmosphere, why is there a shortage? Can't we just use that?"
They actually recently opened an atmospheric CO2 capture facility in Iceland, but it is designed to sequester the carbon underground rather than package it for consumption.
https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/worlds-largest-plant-capturing-carbon-air-starts-iceland-2021-09-08/
Competing with the food industry for CO2 is the cannabis industry–some growers pump CO2 into their grow rooms since they believe it will make the plants healthier (since plants breathe in CO2 instead of O2 like animals). In my experience, the effect is negligible at best.
It is also about "food grade" designation. Atmospheric captured gas would have uncontrollable contamination, I would be concerned about H2S and N2O
FOod grade comes, for example, from fermenting stuff for ethanol production - where original plants are food-grade by default.
As for adding CO2... Depends on ventilation system a lot. And is cannabis C3 or C4?
Quote from: kalvado on September 22, 2021, 04:28:34 PM
As for adding CO2... Depends on ventilation system a lot. And is cannabis C3 or C4?
It's C3. While I'm sure that the increased CO
2 levels do
help, of course, the question in commercial farming is whether the income from the increased yield is greater than the spend. That's what I'm skeptical about, especially since there are so many other factors that affect yield that are cheaper to control.
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 22, 2021, 04:26:46 PMWe're actually rapidly approaching market saturation in Oklahoma, thought that might be slowed when and if Metrc is ever actually implemented (prevailing theory is that will force out a lot of the small-time growers who are just doing it on the side and don't have the patience to deal with the regulatory overhead).
Interesting - Illinois has permitted recreational cannabis since 1/1/2020, and we seem to be in a phase now where the smaller dispensaries are being swallowed up by larger chains. Which will probably get worse as more states legalize it, and the large chains gain more buying power.
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 22, 2021, 04:26:46 PMAlso, during the pandemic, the whole industry was declared essential (since we have medical here) by the Oklahoma government, so there weren't any sorts of shutdowns here.
Same here - if anything, the pandemic made things easier. For the first few months of 2020, dispensaries were first-come-first-served, and lines were long. Then they started requiring everyone to pre-order online, which meant you didn't have to get to the front of the line, only to hear they were sold out of whatever it was you came for.
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 22, 2021, 04:36:32 PM
Quote from: kalvado on September 22, 2021, 04:28:34 PM
As for adding CO2... Depends on ventilation system a lot. And is cannabis C3 or C4?
It's C3. While I'm sure that the increased CO2 levels do help, of course, the question in commercial farming is whether the income from the increased yield is greater than the spend. That's what I'm skeptical about, especially since there are so many other factors that affect yield that are cheaper to control.
My impression was that in a closed greenhouse CO2 can get fully depleted, though, becoming the limiting factor. 400ppm from the outside may be cheaper option compared to supplied gas, though, especially if outside temperature is not way off...
Quote from: abefroman329 on September 22, 2021, 04:37:36 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 22, 2021, 04:26:46 PMWe're actually rapidly approaching market saturation in Oklahoma, thought that might be slowed when and if Metrc is ever actually implemented (prevailing theory is that will force out a lot of the small-time growers who are just doing it on the side and don't have the patience to deal with the regulatory overhead).
Interesting - Illinois has permitted recreational cannabis since 1/1/2020, and we seem to be in a phase now where the smaller dispensaries are being swallowed up by larger chains. Which will probably get worse as more states legalize it, and the large chains gain more buying power.
Oklahoma has some pretty protectionist regulations, so it's kept the smaller dispensaries in business. I think you have to have several years of OK residency to get a license. Still, though, the market has been lucrative enough that we've seen a few chains based in other states move their HQ here and sell off or close their out-of-state stores.
Quote from: kalvado on September 22, 2021, 04:43:51 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 22, 2021, 04:36:32 PM
Quote from: kalvado on September 22, 2021, 04:28:34 PM
As for adding CO2... Depends on ventilation system a lot. And is cannabis C3 or C4?
It's C3. While I'm sure that the increased CO2 levels do help, of course, the question in commercial farming is whether the income from the increased yield is greater than the spend. That's what I'm skeptical about, especially since there are so many other factors that affect yield that are cheaper to control.
My impression was that in a closed greenhouse CO2 can get fully depleted, though, becoming the limiting factor. 400ppm from the outside may be cheaper option compared to supplied gas, though, especially if outside temperature is not way off...
I've seen some grows that pump in 1200ppm or even more, though (there was one I was working on where the CO
2 got so high we had to go get a supervisor to shut it off because everyone on the crew was getting noticeably out of breath). That's the sort of insanity I'm talking about.
With a suitable HVAC system doing adequate air turnover, maintaining 400 ppm should be no problem.
There's a company that advertises a portable unit that can purify and concentrate atmospheric oxygen for those who are otherwise dependent on portable tanks when they're out and about. Wonder why the same couldn't be done for atmospheric CO2?
Regarding weed being categorized as essential during government-ordered shutdowns: Kentucky doesn't have medicinal so obviously that wasn't an issue here. But liquor stores were declared essential when the closures were ordered last year, and that angered a whole lot of people. They were not very happy that selling booze was considered essential, but selling clothing or shoes or other items wasn't. And I can't say that I disagree.
For states that have recreational use but not specified medicinal, how were the weed stores handled?
Quote from: hbelkins on September 22, 2021, 11:38:52 PM
There's a company that advertises a portable unit that can purify and concentrate atmospheric oxygen for those who are otherwise dependent on portable tanks when they're out and about. Wonder why the same couldn't be done for atmospheric CO2?
Maybe because of the difference of 21% vs 0.04%?
Quote from: GaryV on September 23, 2021, 07:15:19 AM
Quote from: hbelkins on September 22, 2021, 11:38:52 PM
There's a company that advertises a portable unit that can purify and concentrate atmospheric oxygen for those who are otherwise dependent on portable tanks when they're out and about. Wonder why the same couldn't be done for atmospheric CO2?
Maybe because of the difference of 21% vs 0.04%?
And difference in size of the molecule. Things would be easier if a smaller molecule would have to be concerned. It could be made to pass through membrane leaving n2-o2 behind with some efficiency.
CO2 would be difficult.
On a similar topic, there is a long term shortage of neon, which is separated from air. Initial concentration is 20 ppm or so. Process is damn expensive, a cylinder of neon costs about $1000. Nobody would pay that for CO2j
Quote from: hbelkins on September 22, 2021, 11:38:52 PMRegarding weed being categorized as essential during government-ordered shutdowns: Kentucky doesn't have medicinal so obviously that wasn't an issue here. But liquor stores were declared essential when the closures were ordered last year, and that angered a whole lot of people. They were not very happy that selling booze was considered essential, but selling clothing or shoes or other items wasn't. And I can't say that I disagree.
I agree that the optics weren't great, but they were essential because alcoholism is real and an untold number of people going through forced detox would have been a huge public health crisis.
I didn't particularly care for the fact that big-box stores could stay open because they sold food, but their competitors that sold clothing, shoes, and the like had to remain closed.
Quote from: hbelkins on September 22, 2021, 11:38:52 PMFor states that have recreational use but not specified medicinal, how were the weed stores handled?
I don't think there's any such thing as a state that permits recreational use and not medicinal use.
Quote from: abefroman329 on September 23, 2021, 10:26:38 AM
Quote from: hbelkins on September 22, 2021, 11:38:52 PMRegarding weed being categorized as essential during government-ordered shutdowns: Kentucky doesn't have medicinal so obviously that wasn't an issue here. But liquor stores were declared essential when the closures were ordered last year, and that angered a whole lot of people. They were not very happy that selling booze was considered essential, but selling clothing or shoes or other items wasn't. And I can't say that I disagree.
I agree that the optics weren't great, but they were essential because alcoholism is real and an untold number of people going through forced detox would have been a huge public health crisis.
I didn't particularly care for the fact that big-box stores could stay open because they sold food, but their competitors that sold clothing, shoes, and the like had to remain closed.
Quote from: hbelkins on September 22, 2021, 11:38:52 PMFor states that have recreational use but not specified medicinal, how were the weed stores handled?
I don't think there's any such thing as a state that permits recreational use and not medicinal use.
With lots of people staying at home, demand for shoes and clothing likely plummeted anyway.
With lots of stress, though, demand of relaxants - such as alcohol or weed - likely increased big time.
So it makes
some sense.
Quote from: hbelkins on September 22, 2021, 11:38:52 PM
There's a company that advertises a portable unit that can purify and concentrate atmospheric oxygen for those who are otherwise dependent on portable tanks when they're out and about. Wonder why the same couldn't be done for atmospheric CO2?
They do make CO
2 scrubbers, and there is one version that compresses all of the carbon into a hardened graphite. I believe that they tried to sell this to politicians as "making diamonds from air", which is technically possible but not practicable. Anyhow, these machines are very large and still require a lot of electricity. By the way, CO
2 scrubbers are an essential part of space flight and exploration.
Quote from: abefroman329 on September 23, 2021, 10:26:38 AM
Quote from: hbelkins on September 22, 2021, 11:38:52 PMRegarding weed being categorized as essential during government-ordered shutdowns: Kentucky doesn't have medicinal so obviously that wasn't an issue here. But liquor stores were declared essential when the closures were ordered last year, and that angered a whole lot of people. They were not very happy that selling booze was considered essential, but selling clothing or shoes or other items wasn't. And I can't say that I disagree.
I agree that the optics weren't great, but they were essential because alcoholism is real and an untold number of people going through forced detox would have been a huge public health crisis.
I didn't particularly care for the fact that big-box stores could stay open because they sold food, but their competitors that sold clothing, shoes, and the like had to remain closed.
The "forced detox" argument was made, but you pointed out the solution to that inadvertently in your comment about big-box stores being able to stay open precisely because they sold food, hardware items, health and beauty aids, and other essential items. Many (most) of them sell alcoholic beverages as well, as do convenience stores.
There were controversies in a couple of states where general merchandise stores were required to rope off certain departments and not sell items contained therein. Vermont and Michigan may have been two of them. Seems like I remember a brouhaha in Michigan because stores weren't allowed to sell garden seeds. That got a lot of people upset because they wanted to grow produce to have food in case of supply chain shortages.
Someone upthread mentioned Lunchables. Gray Television actually moved a story this morning on its social media networks about the shortage.
Quote from: hbelkins on September 23, 2021, 01:37:31 PMThe "forced detox" argument was made, but you pointed out the solution to that inadvertently in your comment about big-box stores being able to stay open precisely because they sold food, hardware items, health and beauty aids, and other essential items. Many (most) of them sell alcoholic beverages as well, as do convenience stores.
This is far from universal; in fact, I doubt there are two states that have the same standards on where beer, wine, and liquor can be sold.
There are also a number of liquor stores, all over the country, in urban and suburban areas, where the liquor store doubles as the convenience store, at least in terms of selling snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.
Quote from: kalvado on September 23, 2021, 10:47:57 AMWith lots of people staying at home, demand for shoes and clothing likely plummeted anyway.
For work apparel, maybe - but I've bought a number of clothing items and shoes because there was no need to wear my office-appropriate clothing, but I needed more work-from-home-appropriate clothing.
Quote from: abefroman329 on September 23, 2021, 01:59:06 PM
Quote from: kalvado on September 23, 2021, 10:47:57 AMWith lots of people staying at home, demand for shoes and clothing likely plummeted anyway.
For work apparel, maybe - but I've bought a number of clothing items and shoes because there was no need to wear my office-appropriate clothing, but I needed more work-from-home-appropriate clothing.
I guess idea was that you already have something to wear at home, and washing it a bit more often would be an acceptable solution.
Remember - everyone was scared to death last fall, with NYC pining bodies in refrigeration trailers and dumping into mass graves.
It wasn't about "nice to have", it was about "must have". US didn't go to the extent other places did, with assigned grocery shopping dates and massive curfews - but that was probably planned for at that time.
Quote from: kalvado on September 23, 2021, 02:04:31 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on September 23, 2021, 01:59:06 PM
Quote from: kalvado on September 23, 2021, 10:47:57 AMWith lots of people staying at home, demand for shoes and clothing likely plummeted anyway.
For work apparel, maybe - but I've bought a number of clothing items and shoes because there was no need to wear my office-appropriate clothing, but I needed more work-from-home-appropriate clothing.
I guess idea was that you already have something to wear at home, and washing it a bit more often would be an acceptable solution.
Remember - everyone was scared to death last fall, with NYC pining bodies in refrigeration trailers and dumping into mass graves.
It wasn't about "nice to have", it was about "must have". US didn't go to the extent other places did, with assigned grocery shopping dates and massive curfews - but that was probably planned for at that time.
People got dressed to work from home? :-D
If I had a videoconference or had to do a Zoom or FaceTime television interview, I wore a work-appropriate shirt (usually a polo, sometimes one with the agency logo) but my lower half was clothed in either gym shorts or sweats. My wife used to take a picture of me at my setup with a work shirt on and extremely work-inappropriate causal pants/shorts to send to her sister and mother.
As for shopping limitations, the US federal government is not set up to have the ability to impose many of the restrictions that other nations did. The federal government could not order closures, universal masking, or stay-home edicts -- and that, to me, is one of the pluses of our system of government. It was up to the individual states to order business closures according to their own determinations. I was opposed to all mandated closures and masking, and remain so, but at least it wasn't an overarching federal decision.
Some localities in Kentucky took it farther in their executive orders and mandated that only one person per household could enter a store to shop unless the person had a verifiable need for assistance.
Quote from: hbelkins on September 23, 2021, 03:27:39 PMAs for shopping limitations, the US federal government is not set up to have the ability to impose many of the restrictions that other nations did.
Perhaps in the case of a disease with a much higher fatality rate.
Quote from: hbelkins on September 23, 2021, 03:27:39 PMThe federal government could not order closures, universal masking, or stay-home edicts
They can at federal facilities such as courthouses. They also have the power, through the DOT, to require masks on modes of transportation that cross state lines.
Quote from: hbelkins on September 23, 2021, 03:27:39 PMIt was up to the individual states to order business closures according to their own determinations.
.
Right, and businesses were free to implement policies that went beyond state and local requirements. Here in Illinois, decisions on closures, mask requirements, capacity restrictions, etc. were to be made at the statewide level, but rural areas pitched a fit, thinking it was a disease that only affected "those people" in cities, so the governor agreed to split the state into regions and make decisions at that level.
Guess which regions had the highest positivity rates for COVID - and which ones are dealing with ICUs at capacity.
Quote from: hbelkins on September 23, 2021, 03:27:39 PMI was opposed to all mandated closures and masking, and remain so, but at least it wasn't an overarching federal decision.
I wasn't - and I was (and am) disgusted by so many of my fellow countrymen who acted like petulant children when asked to wear a mask or get vaccinated. Particularly the ones who have the audacity to call themselves Christians.
Quote from: hbelkins on September 23, 2021, 03:27:39 PM
Some localities in Kentucky took it farther in their executive orders and mandated that only one person per household could enter a store to shop unless the person had a verifiable need for assistance.
That sounds nice. Nothing more annoying than when you're trying to buy groceries and encounter a gaggle consisting of one person actually putting things in the cart and their entourage of five hangers-on not actually contributing anything to the transaction, at least one of which is above the age of 400 and is thus outpaced by a glacier, and at least two kids which aren't looking anywhere they're going and herky-jerk their way down the aisle and dive in front of your cart for no reason because they're chasing an imaginary bug or something.
Quote from: hbelkins on September 23, 2021, 03:27:39 PM
People got dressed to work from home? :-D
If I had a videoconference or had to do a Zoom or FaceTime television interview, I wore a work-appropriate shirt (usually a polo, sometimes one with the agency logo) but my lower half was clothed in either gym shorts or sweats. My wife used to take a picture of me at my setup with a work shirt on and extremely work-inappropriate causal pants/shorts to send to her sister and mother.
At least you're wearing those pants. There were couple of videos showing people inadvertently demonstrating on camera that they didn't bother to put any bottoms...
My personal best was zoom'ing in this t-shirt:
https://shirt.woot.com/offers/i-need-a-vacation?ref=cnt_ctlg_dgn_0
I was lucky enough to buy new clothing just pre-pandemic, but lost enough weight over the next few months, just in time when you could buy clothes again (though without trying things on). I'd worn the same size for years, so it was a little easier just getting the same brands, but down a size.
My company also created a work-shirt policy (with their logo) because a lot of folks couldn't get new shirts so easily; so a supplier helped by mailing them out to our homes. That also eased the situation.
Unlike some folks, I still like to wear pants (or shorts in the summer months), when I work from home. The dog still needs to be let outside, I might take a quick stroll, and I might have to run an errand. I'm not as used to staying in an office for 8-10 hours, without the ability to get some fresh air several times a day. I'm not going to be That Guy on the Zoom call.
I think the headcount limits for retail lasted just a few weeks around here; though I ran into a few places outside Huntsville which still had capacity limits, usually shopping after 6-7pm made it of no consequence. We took a vacation in June and there were ridiculous lines for a mall outside Seattle; but I'd promised my daughter some clothing and they only allowed 5-6 patrons per store (some were less, based on square footage).
Quote from: kalvado on September 23, 2021, 04:20:54 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on September 23, 2021, 03:27:39 PM
People got dressed to work from home? :-D
If I had a videoconference or had to do a Zoom or FaceTime television interview, I wore a work-appropriate shirt (usually a polo, sometimes one with the agency logo) but my lower half was clothed in either gym shorts or sweats. My wife used to take a picture of me at my setup with a work shirt on and extremely work-inappropriate causal pants/shorts to send to her sister and mother.
At least you're wearing those pants. There were couple of videos showing people inadvertently demonstrating on camera that they didn't bother to put any bottoms...
My personal best was zoom'ing in this t-shirt:
https://shirt.woot.com/offers/i-need-a-vacation?ref=cnt_ctlg_dgn_0
And then there was Toobin... :bigass:
Quote from: formulanone on September 23, 2021, 05:34:58 PM
I was lucky enough to buy new clothing just pre-pandemic, but lost enough weight over the next few months, just in time when you could buy clothes again (though without trying things on). I'd worn the same size for years, so it was a little easier just getting the same brands, but down a size.
I lost 60 pounds in 2019. My work pants were falling off of me, even cinched up with a belt. I was planning to go on a search for new slacks last spring just as the closures came down. It probably ended up saving me some money, as I had a thyroid go wonky last year and I put that weight back on. Now my old clothes fit again.
Is this why the Berkshire Commons never has chocolate milk? Or why the Worcester grab and go never has any bags?
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on September 23, 2021, 09:15:24 PM
Is this why the Berkshire Commons never has chocolate milk? Or why the Worcester grab and go never has any bags?
A popular area restaurant recently stated they are expecting supply problems of their food boxes (they are a dairy bar-type eatery with walk-up windows, and a small outdoor picnic area, but most everyone eats in the car or takes their food home). They said they expected to have trouble getting boxes for their sandwiches until next spring.
They also mentioned a shortage of onion rings.
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 23, 2021, 04:06:02 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on September 23, 2021, 03:27:39 PM
Some localities in Kentucky took it farther in their executive orders and mandated that only one person per household could enter a store to shop unless the person had a verifiable need for assistance.
That sounds nice. Nothing more annoying than when you're trying to buy groceries and encounter a gaggle consisting of one person actually putting things in the cart and their entourage of five hangers-on not actually contributing anything to the transaction, at least one of which is above the age of 400 and is thus outpaced by a glacier, and at least two kids which aren't looking anywhere they're going and herky-jerk their way down the aisle and dive in front of your cart for no reason because they're chasing an imaginary bug or something.
https://www.reddit.com/r/oddlyspecific/ (https://www.reddit.com/r/oddlyspecific/)
And now, a "major" toy shortage will affect holiday shopping (https://bestlifeonline.com/toy-shortage-news/).
Quote from: ZLoth on September 24, 2021, 11:23:05 PM
And now, a "major" toy shortage will affect holiday shopping (https://bestlifeonline.com/toy-shortage-news/).
This is probably a good thing given how many toys end up in landfills. Save that plastic for essential uses.
Quote from: Bruce on September 25, 2021, 01:59:01 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on September 24, 2021, 11:23:05 PM
And now, a "major" toy shortage will affect holiday shopping (https://bestlifeonline.com/toy-shortage-news/).
This is probably a good thing given how many toys end up in landfills. Save that plastic for essential uses.
Tell that to the kids who will think that the Grinch stole Christmas.
Noticed at Walmart yesterday and Dollar General today; bare shelves in paper plates/disposable cutlery, candy, pet food, laundry items, bottled water.
Quote from: vdeane on September 25, 2021, 05:01:24 PM
Quote from: Bruce on September 25, 2021, 01:59:01 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on September 24, 2021, 11:23:05 PM
And now, a "major" toy shortage will affect holiday shopping (https://bestlifeonline.com/toy-shortage-news/).
This is probably a good thing given how many toys end up in landfills. Save that plastic for essential uses.
Tell that to the kids who will think that the Grinch stole Christmas.
"Hey Darling Son and Darling Daughter, why you crying? Santa made a donation in your names to the Human Fund. Merry Christmas!"
On the other hand, the big box stores that sell toys are among the most powerful companies in the world in terms of buying power, and they'll be doing whatever they can to keep their shelves stocked. That's likely to end up making shortages in other industries even worse, as the available container space will go to them first, then everyone else.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on September 25, 2021, 05:30:38 PM
Quote from: vdeane on September 25, 2021, 05:01:24 PM
Quote from: Bruce on September 25, 2021, 01:59:01 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on September 24, 2021, 11:23:05 PM
And now, a "major" toy shortage will affect holiday shopping (https://bestlifeonline.com/toy-shortage-news/).
This is probably a good thing given how many toys end up in landfills. Save that plastic for essential uses.
Tell that to the kids who will think that the Grinch stole Christmas.
"Hey Darling Son and Darling Daughter, why you crying? Santa made a donation in your names to the Human Fund. Merry Christmas!"
Obviously, this isn't going to work. But a parent of a similar mindset to Bruce is kind of stuck in a no-win scenario if their kid isn't old enough to grasp concepts like ethical consumption and environmentalism. When a kid is somewhere around seven or eight you can teach them values like that, but younger than that the kid is going to think Mom & Dad are the bad guys for not getting the kid what they want. There's moral panic all the time about not exposing kids to sex and violence, but you can't shelter a kid from marketing no matter how hard you try.
Quote from: webny99 on September 25, 2021, 07:32:44 PM
On the other hand, the big box stores that sell toys are among the most powerful companies in the world in terms of buying power, and they'll be doing whatever they can to keep their shelves stocked. That's likely to end up making shortages in other industries even worse, as the available container space will go to them first, then everyone else.
Now I'm wondering how many small business toy companies will go bankrupt over this. Christmas is when retail stores tend to make their profit (hence the origin of the name "Black Friday").
Quote from: vdeane on September 25, 2021, 08:10:58 PM
Quote from: webny99 on September 25, 2021, 07:32:44 PM
On the other hand, the big box stores that sell toys are among the most powerful companies in the world in terms of buying power, and they'll be doing whatever they can to keep their shelves stocked. That's likely to end up making shortages in other industries even worse, as the available container space will go to them first, then everyone else.
Now I'm wondering how many small business toy companies will go bankrupt over this. Christmas is when retail stores tend to make their profit (hence the origin of the name "Black Friday").
It may depend whether they buy direct from overseas or through an importer. Prices are likely going to go up regardless, but I would think the latter would be a bit more favorable in this situation as you'd have a bigger player in the market doing the negotiating for you.
Quote from: hbelkins on September 25, 2021, 05:12:45 PM
Noticed at Walmart yesterday and Dollar General today; bare shelves in paper plates/disposable cutlery, candy, pet food, laundry items, bottled water.
Casey's General Store has been out of fountain cups, substituting unprinted cups. I noticed a couple days ago, their normal cups are making a return.
I've noticed some empty/depleted shelves at my local grocery stores. Especially for some of my favorite frozen entrees, for which I've had to shop multiple stores to stock my refrigerator's small freezer compartment.
Quote from: US71 on September 25, 2021, 09:39:32 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on September 25, 2021, 05:12:45 PM
Noticed at Walmart yesterday and Dollar General today; bare shelves in paper plates/disposable cutlery, candy, pet food, laundry items, bottled water.
Casey's General Store has been out of fountain cups, substituting unprinted cups. I noticed a couple days ago, their normal cups are making a return.
Reminds me of how a couple weeks ago I got a Coke in a Pepsi cup from Arby's, because I'm assuming that's what they could get their hands on.
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on September 26, 2021, 12:58:09 AM
Quote from: US71 on September 25, 2021, 09:39:32 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on September 25, 2021, 05:12:45 PM
Noticed at Walmart yesterday and Dollar General today; bare shelves in paper plates/disposable cutlery, candy, pet food, laundry items, bottled water.
Casey's General Store has been out of fountain cups, substituting unprinted cups. I noticed a couple days ago, their normal cups are making a return.
Reminds me of how a couple weeks ago I got a Coke in a Pepsi cup from Arby's, because I'm assuming that's what they could get their hands on.
I think Arby's used to sell Pepsi. Those may just be leftover complimentary cups from the local Pepsi distributor that were sitting back in the stock room or warehouse for who knows how many years.
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 26, 2021, 02:47:32 AM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on September 26, 2021, 12:58:09 AM
Quote from: US71 on September 25, 2021, 09:39:32 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on September 25, 2021, 05:12:45 PM
Noticed at Walmart yesterday and Dollar General today; bare shelves in paper plates/disposable cutlery, candy, pet food, laundry items, bottled water.
Casey's General Store has been out of fountain cups, substituting unprinted cups. I noticed a couple days ago, their normal cups are making a return.
Reminds me of how a couple weeks ago I got a Coke in a Pepsi cup from Arby's, because I'm assuming that's what they could get their hands on.
I think Arby's used to sell Pepsi. Those may just be leftover complimentary cups from the local Pepsi distributor that were sitting back in the stock room or warehouse for who knows how many years.
As far as I remember, Arby's sold Pepsi products, although it has been a while since I've been there, so I am unaware of whether or not they've switched to Coke from Pepsi. Normally don't go to Arby's since IMHO Roy Roger's has a superior roast beef sandwich (and Coke products which I prefer).
Quote from: dlsterner on September 26, 2021, 12:33:36 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 26, 2021, 02:47:32 AM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on September 26, 2021, 12:58:09 AM
Quote from: US71 on September 25, 2021, 09:39:32 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on September 25, 2021, 05:12:45 PM
Noticed at Walmart yesterday and Dollar General today; bare shelves in paper plates/disposable cutlery, candy, pet food, laundry items, bottled water.
Casey's General Store has been out of fountain cups, substituting unprinted cups. I noticed a couple days ago, their normal cups are making a return.
Reminds me of how a couple weeks ago I got a Coke in a Pepsi cup from Arby's, because I'm assuming that's what they could get their hands on.
I think Arby's used to sell Pepsi. Those may just be leftover complimentary cups from the local Pepsi distributor that were sitting back in the stock room or warehouse for who knows how many years.
As far as I remember, Arby's sold Pepsi products, although it has been a while since I've been there, so I am unaware of whether or not they've switched to Coke from Pepsi. Normally don't go to Arby's since IMHO Roy Roger's has a superior roast beef sandwich (and Coke products which I prefer).
Arby's switched to Coke in 2018.
Whataburger has been serving drinks in plain white cups rather than the branded cups recently too.
Quote from: ZLoth on September 26, 2021, 08:20:48 PM
Whataburger has been serving drinks in plain white cups rather than the branded cups recently too.
I've also noticed Buc-ee's has been occasionally doing the same as of late.
Quote from: Pink Jazz on September 26, 2021, 01:51:07 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on September 26, 2021, 12:33:36 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 26, 2021, 02:47:32 AM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on September 26, 2021, 12:58:09 AM
Quote from: US71 on September 25, 2021, 09:39:32 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on September 25, 2021, 05:12:45 PM
Noticed at Walmart yesterday and Dollar General today; bare shelves in paper plates/disposable cutlery, candy, pet food, laundry items, bottled water.
Casey's General Store has been out of fountain cups, substituting unprinted cups. I noticed a couple days ago, their normal cups are making a return.
Reminds me of how a couple weeks ago I got a Coke in a Pepsi cup from Arby's, because I'm assuming that's what they could get their hands on.
I think Arby's used to sell Pepsi. Those may just be leftover complimentary cups from the local Pepsi distributor that were sitting back in the stock room or warehouse for who knows how many years.
As far as I remember, Arby's sold Pepsi products, although it has been a while since I've been there, so I am unaware of whether or not they've switched to Coke from Pepsi. Normally don't go to Arby's since IMHO Roy Roger's has a superior roast beef sandwich (and Coke products which I prefer).
Arby's switched to Coke in 2018.
I was pleased with this decision - I hate Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, and most other Pepsi products so much, I won't even go to a restaurant that has these.
Quote from: CoreySamson on September 27, 2021, 10:59:02 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on September 26, 2021, 08:20:48 PM
Whataburger has been serving drinks in plain white cups rather than the branded cups recently too.
I've also noticed Buc-ee's has been occasionally doing the same as of late.
Circle K as well.
Quote from: abefroman329 on September 27, 2021, 11:00:39 AM
I was pleased with this decision - I hate Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, and most other Pepsi products so much, I won't even go to a restaurant that has these.
I can't say that I've ever made a decision of a restaurant I'd go to based on their soda selection. Beer selection? Sure...
Chris
Quote from: jayhawkco on September 27, 2021, 12:56:37 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on September 27, 2021, 11:00:39 AM
I was pleased with this decision - I hate Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, and most other Pepsi products so much, I won't even go to a restaurant that has these.
I can't say that I've ever made a decision of a restaurant I'd go to based on their soda selection. Beer selection? Sure...
Chris
I've never made any kind of decision based on beer selection. Soft drinks do play a part; if a place that carries Pepsi products doesn't have Diet Mountain Dew (or Diet Dr Pepper in places where Pepsi distributes Dr Pepper) then I will probably drink iced tea.
I was glad that Arby's switched to Coke. But wasn't Arby's the chain that served RC Cola products a few years ago?
Quote from: hbelkins on September 27, 2021, 03:51:24 PMBut wasn't Arby's the chain that served RC Cola products a few years ago?
RC Cola owned Arby's from 1976 to 1993ish, but I don't have any memory of them serving anything besides Coke products or Pepsi products.
And, despite the fact that a Moon Pie and an RC Cola are a traditional Southern delicacy, I've never seen RC Cola for sale outside Northern Illinois.
Quote from: abefroman329 on September 27, 2021, 11:00:39 AMI hate Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, and most other Pepsi products so much, I won't even go to a restaurant that has these.
You're the second person on this board to make a comment like that. I never knew pop selection was that big a deal for people that the pop choice matters more than the food.
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on September 27, 2021, 04:08:39 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on September 27, 2021, 11:00:39 AMI hate Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, and most other Pepsi products so much, I won't even go to a restaurant that has these.
You're the second person on this board to make a comment like that. I never knew pop selection was that big a deal for people that the pop choice matters more than the food.
It's really more of an "all other things being equal" thing for me.
RC Cola is owned by Keurig Dr. Pepper. However, bottling contracts for RC are typically separate from Dr. Pepper itself. In most areas, Dr. Pepper itself is bottled by Coke or Pepsi, while RC is usually bottled by 7UP bottlers.
If you've been drinking the supply chain woes away, there's bad news...
https://www.npr.org/2021/09/22/1039600464/liquor-shortages-covid-19-pennsylvania-virginia-ration-alcohol
Culver's here in town has been using both their signature boxes and various patterned wrappers on burgers lately.
Quote from: abefroman329 on September 27, 2021, 04:00:07 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on September 27, 2021, 03:51:24 PMBut wasn't Arby's the chain that served RC Cola products a few years ago?
And, despite the fact that a Moon Pie and an RC Cola are a traditional Southern delicacy, I've never seen RC Cola for sale outside Northern Illinois.
Wut.
Quote from: abefroman329 on September 27, 2021, 04:00:07 PM
And, despite the fact that a Moon Pie and an RC Cola are a traditional Southern delicacy, I've never seen RC Cola for sale outside Northern Illinois.
Quote from: Rothman on September 27, 2021, 07:18:55 PM
Wut.
Doesn't surprise me. Even here in the center of Moon Pie territory, I haven't seen an RC Cola for a number of years. Coke and Pepsi have cornered all of the grocery shelves, even in the lower end stores like Food Lion. Lowe's Food here will have two-liter versions of Diet Rite cola and a few flavors of Diet Rite sodas. We don't have any Piggly Wiggly's, Red-and-White's, or IGA's around here anymore, but I suspect that those might still have the full complement of RC products.
RC's still quite popular in these parts. I don't think there are bottlers in Jackson and Whitesburg anymore, but in years past RC was immensely popular in southeastern Kentucky.
Quote from: hbelkins on September 27, 2021, 09:20:25 PM
RC's still quite popular in these parts. I don't think there are bottlers in Jackson and Whitesburg anymore, but in years past RC was immensely popular in southeastern Kentucky.
^This.
I still see RC on my travels here and there and get nostalgic about the ubiquitous RC signage in eastern KY.
My grocery store carries RC, though I've never seen anyone actually buying it. I haven't actually drank it since I was a kid.
The most notable time I recall encountering RC Cola being served in lieu of Coke or Pepsi was at the Oakland Coliseum.
Frankly, it's fitting for that place. :-D
Quote from: Duke87 on September 27, 2021, 10:14:12 PM
The most notable time I recall encountering RC Cola being served in lieu of Coke or Pepsi was at the Oakland Coliseum.
Frankly, it's fitting for that place. :-D
Haha. I just remembered that they had it on tap at Santa's Village in Dundee, Now THAT was fitting!
RC Cola is like Tab.
Every store carries/d it because apparently there were some very nostalgic folks who wanted to buy it, but never did.
Chris
From autoevolution:
Chipmakers Scold Automakers on Chip Shortage, Tell Them to Get With the TimesQuoteThe first warning signs of a chip supply shortage came at the end of 2020, but the supply chain glitch was only supposed to interrupt car production for a minute as chipmakers focused production on automakers. While the lead time for chips was generally around six months - such circuitry on standard silicon substrates involves long production steps that require a series of weeks - that was the industry standard.
But as the health crisis slammed world markets hard, production of big-ticket consumer items took a back seat and new car production was shoved onto the back burner as home-focused devices like phones and televisions took precedence, with people searching for ways to weather lockdown conditions.
As car markets suddenly found a foothold months later and consumers began to regain their confidence, chipmakers who had already shifted their capacity to other locations were found wanting when automakers came to call once again.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://markholtz.info/2fz)
Hmmmm.... on one hard, I can see the philosophy of "if it ain't broke", as the environment in a car can be brutal from cold Minnesota winters to the cars baking under the summer southwest sun. On the other hand, technological advances means that the newer chip designs are more functional in performing more functions and/or better efficiency.
Quote from: ZLoth on September 28, 2021, 11:54:25 AM
From autoevolution:
Chipmakers Scold Automakers on Chip Shortage, Tell Them to Get With the TimesQuoteThe first warning signs of a chip supply shortage came at the end of 2020, but the supply chain glitch was only supposed to interrupt car production for a minute as chipmakers focused production on automakers. While the lead time for chips was generally around six months - such circuitry on standard silicon substrates involves long production steps that require a series of weeks - that was the industry standard.
But as the health crisis slammed world markets hard, production of big-ticket consumer items took a back seat and new car production was shoved onto the back burner as home-focused devices like phones and televisions took precedence, with people searching for ways to weather lockdown conditions.
As car markets suddenly found a foothold months later and consumers began to regain their confidence, chipmakers who had already shifted their capacity to other locations were found wanting when automakers came to call once again.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://markholtz.info/2fz)
Hmmmm.... on one hard, I can see the philosophy of "if it ain't broke", as the environment in a car can be brutal from cold Minnesota winters to the cars baking under the summer southwest sun. On the other hand, technological advances means that the newer chip designs are more functional in performing more functions and/or better efficiency.
While this is somewhat true, it is only a small part of the story.
First, car chips require long production certification. Few years from the line running consumer chips to line running car chips. So if someone decides to qualify a new process, as Intel recently suggested, they may actually ship something in 2024.
Second, there was a fire which affected car-specific capacity: https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/renesas-semiconductor-fab-catches-fire-impacting-chip-production/
Cars were much better when they didn't have computer chips. Prove me wrong.
Quote from: hbelkins on September 28, 2021, 03:07:35 PM
Cars were much better when they didn't have computer chips. Prove me wrong.
Fuel injector.
Case closed.
Quote from: kalvado on September 28, 2021, 03:08:15 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on September 28, 2021, 03:07:35 PM
Cars were much better when they didn't have computer chips. Prove me wrong.
Fuel injector.
Case closed.
Ha! Well-played.
Still, I had a chip related to my car's AWD blow out at about 15,000 miles (Nissan Rogue -- what a lemon. Repair covered by warranty).
Quote from: hbelkins on September 28, 2021, 03:07:35 PM
Cars were much better when they didn't have computer chips. Prove me wrong.
Better fuel efficiency?
In terms of car radios, having the Bluetooth integration is better mechanically than five pounds of delicate mechanics to pull in the cassette tape or CD.
Quote from: Rothman on September 28, 2021, 03:19:11 PM
Quote from: kalvado on September 28, 2021, 03:08:15 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on September 28, 2021, 03:07:35 PM
Cars were much better when they didn't have computer chips. Prove me wrong.
Fuel injector.
Case closed.
Ha! Well-played.
Still, I had a chip related to my car's AWD blow out at about 15,000 miles (Nissan Rogue -- what a lemon. Repair covered by warranty).
I cannot wrap my head around diagrams of modern car databuses, though. I understand that those replaced even more messy wire bundles, but yet...
Last night, we ordered in from Red Lobster, and my wife's meal was packaged as follows:
A large aluminum foil catering tray containing the following:
(1) A steak wrapped in aluminum foil
(2) A scoop of mashed potatoes, wrapped in aluminum foil
(3) A portion of green beans, wrapped in aluminum foil
(4) A portion of grilled shrimp, in a paper to-go soup cup
My meal was packaged as normal - I wonder if they just happened to use the last of the normal packaging for my meal.
I wonder why they didn't put the potatoes and green beans in soup cups–seems like that would be tidier than the aluminum foil.
Quote from: Scott5114 on October 01, 2021, 05:02:38 PM
I wonder why they didn't put the potatoes and green beans in soup cups–seems like that would be tidier than the aluminum foil.
Maybe they used the last of the soup cups for the shrimp.
The mashed potatoes in particular were much, much tidier than you might think. I wish I'd taken a photo or something.
I'm still trying to process the fact that Red Lobster (a place I admittedly have not patronized for 25 years) has steak.
Quote from: hbelkins on October 01, 2021, 07:48:57 PM
I'm still trying to process the fact that Red Lobster (a place I admittedly have not patronized for 25 years) has steak.
They have chicken too. I used to go there with a girl who would go just for the chicken.
Lots of places have one or two items that are out of their usual category to make them more acceptable to groups that have one member that doesn't like whatever it is they serve. That's how McDonald's ended up with salads. I also imagine that's why Del Taco sells cheeseburgers.
Quote from: hbelkins on October 01, 2021, 07:48:57 PM
I'm still trying to process the fact that Red Lobster (a place I admittedly have not patronized for 25 years) has steak.
*shrug* The surf-and-turf has been a common menu item for decades.
Oh, I also noticed that they offered fried whitefish, but not fried cod unless you were ordering fish and chips or a cod sandwich - I don't know if there's a shortage of cod right now.
I feel like people are starting to stock up on groceries. It feels like the shelves are thinner and there are more products unavailable, and there were definitely a fair number more people than normal.
From CBS Los Angeles:
Backlog of Ships at Port of LA Reaches Boiling PointQuoteAs an estimated 500,000 containers are sitting on cargo ships off the Southern California coast, many are wondering how to handle the backlog.
Few are more frustrated about the backlog at the Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach, than truck drivers in the chaos. They say that a trucker shortage is not the problem, instead, the port needs to speed up wait times and have more dock help ready to offload.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (autoplaying video) (https://markholtz.info/2g2)
From Bloomberg:
Christmas at Risk as Supply Chain "˜Disaster' Only Gets Worse
Stock prices of retailers are near all-time highs. Global trade is a mess, and peak shipping has just begun.QuoteIt's the beginning of October, just the start of what the retail world simply calls "peak." But the industry is already in various forms of panic that usually don't take hold until the weeks before Christmas.
Early in the year, the hope was that the bottlenecks that gummed up the global supply chain in 2020 would be mostly cleared by now. They've actually only gotten worse – much worse – and evidence is mounting that the holiday season is at risk.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (Autoplaying Video) (https://markholtz.info/2g3)
From Jalopnok:
I Asked Experts Why Carmakers Can't Just Transition To Newer Chips In Stock. Here's What They Told Me
It's a classic case of two industries that have conflicting needs but still have to work together.QuoteToday, it's not that difficult to secure one of those new iPhones that came out last week. Car buying, comparatively speaking, is still a chore, especially given how supply chain constraints have thrusted prices upwards considerably for new and used vehicles alike.
But if you ask an executive at a chip manufacturer who's to blame for what automakers are going through – like, say, Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger – the answer might not be an especially sympathetic one.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://markholtz.info/2g4)
Quote from: ZLoth on October 05, 2021, 07:03:51 AM
From Bloomberg:
Christmas at Risk as Supply Chain "˜Disaster' Only Gets Worse
Stock prices of retailers are near all-time highs. Global trade is a mess, and peak shipping has just begun.QuoteIt's the beginning of October, just the start of what the retail world simply calls "peak." But the industry is already in various forms of panic that usually don't take hold until the weeks before Christmas.
Early in the year, the hope was that the bottlenecks that gummed up the global supply chain in 2020 would be mostly cleared by now. They've actually only gotten worse – much worse – and evidence is mounting that the holiday season is at risk.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (Autoplaying Video) (https://markholtz.info/2g3)
Here we go again, Christmas is not only getting too commercial, its also getting TOO dangerous! :pan:
I noticed a couple days ago local car dealerships' lots have started to look super bare; so much so that I thought they were going out of business. But they weren't; a bare Nissan dealership had the brand-new 2022 Frontiers for sale.
Quote from: CoreySamson on October 05, 2021, 11:01:57 AM
I noticed a couple days ago local car dealerships' lots have started to look super bare; so much so that I thought they were going out of business. But they weren't; a bare Nissan dealership had the brand-new 2022 Frontiers for sale.
Yeah, I'm torn between being happy that we bought our new car when we did and kicking myself in the butt for not waiting to trade in our old car, when we presumably would've gotten more money for it.
I just wonder if we may be approaching a "skip" in car model years? Once the computer chip shortage is resolved and all the new vehicles awaiting chips are equipped and those vehicles get to the dealer, there's going to be a glut of product. Will automakers come out with a 2023 model if they have a bunch of 2022 and 2021 vehicles in their unsold inventories?
My local Hyundai dealership doesn't have any 2021 models of any car left, and if there's a glut of 2022 models in a year, then they'll probably just do fire sales to clear out their inventory.
Kellogg's workers have gone on strike.
https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/575426-workers-at-kelloggs-cereal-plants-go-on-strike (https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/575426-workers-at-kelloggs-cereal-plants-go-on-strike)
Quote from: vdeane on October 01, 2021, 08:54:25 PM
I feel like people are starting to stock up on groceries. It feels like the shelves are thinner and there are more products unavailable, and there were definitely a fair number more people than normal.
Same here. A manager at a Food Lion here said that they couldn't order anything anymore, and that they had to just take whatever the trucks bring them.
I'm starting to notice more out-of-stock grocery items, and the price of meat has gone up again.
Steel shortages mean that Spokane's first bus rapid transit line will launch in 2023 instead of 2022:
https://twitter.com/spokanetransit/status/1445878811980034049
Meanwhile, there's a shortage in trolleybus wire that is preventing Seattle from revising some routes to serve our new light rail stations at the front door, forcing a two-block walk for transfers.
Quote from: hbelkins on October 06, 2021, 02:07:01 PM
I'm starting to notice more out-of-stock grocery items, and the price of meat has gone up again.
We've been out of town for the last couple of weeks, so it had been a while since we'd been in our neighborhood Kroger (western Detroit suburbs) until Tuesday.
The difference in shelf stock was striking. Low or minimal flour, sugar, rice, bread, ramen, pasta, juice, bottled water, or cereals. Oddly enough, the paper products aisle was fully stocked.
Casey's General Store has run out of Medium & Large fountain cups (again), so they are pushing x-Large cups. Anyone opting for the smaller "slushee" cups is still charged for a slushee., no exceptions for normal fountain use.
Quote from: US71 on October 07, 2021, 10:26:37 AM
Casey's General Store has run out of Medium & Large fountain cups (again), so they are pushing x-Large cups. Anyone opting for the smaller "slushee" cups is still charged for a slushee., no exceptions for normal fountain use.
Seriously? That's Casey's problem, not the customer's.
Braum's is also out of branded cups, but they've just been using generic Coca-Cola-branded ones that they probably got from the local Coke bottler.
My weekly trip to the Dollar General to use the $5 off $25 coupon and a trip to the grocery store yielded these observations:
1.) Paper product shortages are becoming a thing again, mostly for paper towels.
2.) Laundry detergent and associated items (fabric softener sheets, liquid fabric softener, etc.) are also in short supply. Lots of empty shelves.
3.) The price of meat is through the roof. $4.19 a pound for 73/27 ground beef; $6-something for ground chuck. Prices on just about every grocery item have gone up noticeably. I feel like we're reliving my high school years economically.
Quote from: hbelkins on October 10, 2021, 07:59:36 PM
My weekly trip to the Dollar General to use the $5 off $25 coupon and a trip to the grocery store yielded these observations:
1.) Paper product shortages are becoming a thing again, mostly for paper towels.
2.) Laundry detergent and associated items (fabric softener sheets, liquid fabric softener, etc.) are also in short supply. Lots of empty shelves.
3.) The price of meat is through the roof. $4.19 a pound for 73/27 ground beef; $6-something for ground chuck. Prices on just about every grocery item have gone up noticeably. I feel like we're reliving my high school years economically.
wait a minute... dolgen has ground chuck? :wow:
Quote from: snowc on October 11, 2021, 09:15:01 AM
Quote from: hbelkins on October 10, 2021, 07:59:36 PM
My weekly trip to the Dollar General to use the $5 off $25 coupon and a trip to the grocery store yielded these observations:
1.) Paper product shortages are becoming a thing again, mostly for paper towels.
2.) Laundry detergent and associated items (fabric softener sheets, liquid fabric softener, etc.) are also in short supply. Lots of empty shelves.
3.) The price of meat is through the roof. $4.19 a pound for 73/27 ground beef; $6-something for ground chuck. Prices on just about every grocery item have gone up noticeably. I feel like we're reliving my high school years economically.
wait a minute... dolgen has ground chuck? :wow:
Two stores. One was Dollar General; the other was an actual grocery store.
Quote from: 1 on October 11, 2021, 09:17:01 AM
Quote from: snowc on October 11, 2021, 09:15:01 AM
Quote from: hbelkins on October 10, 2021, 07:59:36 PM
My weekly trip to the Dollar General to use the $5 off $25 coupon and a trip to the grocery store yielded these observations:
1.) Paper product shortages are becoming a thing again, mostly for paper towels.
2.) Laundry detergent and associated items (fabric softener sheets, liquid fabric softener, etc.) are also in short supply. Lots of empty shelves.
3.) The price of meat is through the roof. $4.19 a pound for 73/27 ground beef; $6-something for ground chuck. Prices on just about every grocery item have gone up noticeably. I feel like we're reliving my high school years economically.
wait a minute... dolgen has ground chuck? :wow:
Two stores. One was Dollar General; the other was an actual grocery store.
True, but I have actually seen tubes of "hamburger meat" in the cooler section of Dollar General. They carry a lot of staples like bread, milk and cold cuts these days.
Seems like for TP and PT, the brands that sell out are the private label store brands and the premium brands (Charmin, Quilted Northern, and Cottonelle for TP, and Bounty, Brawny, and Viva for PT), leaving behind mostly the mid-tier brands (Charmin Essentials, Angel Soft, and Scott for TP, and Bounty Essentials, Sparkle, and Scott for PT).
Port of LA will go to 24/7 to try to work through some of the disruptions.
https://www.npr.org/2021/10/13/1045501424/the-white-house-announces-steps-to-try-to-ease-backlogs-at-u-s-ports?utm_campaign=npr&utm_term=nprnews&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwAR1CgjDtNvsZgtKO8gb473DQDYoln8_ISekjMssr06xu6sClRbnmCU6-Uro
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on October 13, 2021, 12:31:44 PM
Port of LA will go to 24/7 to try to work through some of the disruptions.
https://www.npr.org/2021/10/13/1045501424/the-white-house-announces-steps-to-try-to-ease-backlogs-at-u-s-ports?utm_campaign=npr&utm_term=nprnews&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwAR1CgjDtNvsZgtKO8gb473DQDYoln8_ISekjMssr06xu6sClRbnmCU6-Uro
Wow. I would have thought the port was already 24/7.
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on October 13, 2021, 12:31:44 PM
Port of LA will go to 24/7 to try to work through some of the disruptions.
https://www.npr.org/2021/10/13/1045501424/the-white-house-announces-steps-to-try-to-ease-backlogs-at-u-s-ports?utm_campaign=npr&utm_term=nprnews&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwAR1CgjDtNvsZgtKO8gb473DQDYoln8_ISekjMssr06xu6sClRbnmCU6-Uro
Wow! Never thought I would ever see them do that.
When I worked at the adjacent Port of Long Beach, there was a lot of pressure on both POLA and POLB (nifty abbreviations) to switch to 24/7 to relieve the railroad congestion (during rush hour, particularly in the morning). The stevedores get paid significantly more for night/weekend/holiday work. The unwillingness of either port to adjust their schedules ended up requiring that most of the railroad crossings be grade separated, hence the Alameda Corridor.
Oh Deere...
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/more-10-000-deere-co-workers-strike-after-failed-uaw-n1281486 (https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/more-10-000-deere-co-workers-strike-after-failed-uaw-n1281486)
Quote from: LM117 on October 14, 2021, 08:49:45 AM
Oh Deere...
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/more-10-000-deere-co-workers-strike-after-failed-uaw-n1281486 (https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/more-10-000-deere-co-workers-strike-after-failed-uaw-n1281486)
I can't blame them for wanting some more...John Deere green.
:cool:
It may have been in a story about or related to the Kellogg's strike, but I recently read a list of items that were going to experience production cuts so manufacturers could supply more of their most popular items. One of the food items for which shortages were anticipated was Sour Patch Kids. I think I also read that Swedish Fish might come into short supply.
I'm not one of those who will boycott an item because a company is on strike, so I guess it helps that I'm not a cereal snob. Corn flakes are corn flakes, and crisped rice is crisped rice. Store brands are just as good as the name brands. The only major exception is Cheerios. The Kroger store brand is comparable to the name brand, but the Walmart brand isn't.
Quote from: hbelkins on October 14, 2021, 11:45:34 AMCorn flakes are corn flakes, and crisped rice is crisped rice. Store brands are just as good as the name brands. The only major exception is Cheerios. The Kroger store brand is comparable to the name brand, but the Walmart brand isn't.
Agreed re cornflakes/Rice Krispies, although Rice Krispies in England are weird and don't taste as good. I just tried what was marketed as knockoff Crispix (Essential Everyday Corn and Rice Hexagons, no joke), but really isn't at all. Still good, just not even close to Crispix.
I don't think I've ever tried the Malt-O-Meal line of cereals. Definitely not as an adult.
The past two weeks I've been able to get Froot Loops at Stop & Shop, so they keep giving me the store brand. Must have something to do with the Kellog Company strike.
Trophy components have been hard to get. Wood plaque boards, acrylic awards also. Sadly all that stuff is made overseas for the most part now.
I own an engraving shop and make trophies engrave plaques etc...
As you should know, Post owns Malt-O-Meal, and Post just bought TreeHouse Foods' cereal division, so they now make a lot of the private labels as well as the Ralston brand.
Quote from: hbelkins on October 10, 2021, 07:59:36 PM
Prices on just about every grocery item have gone up noticeably. I feel like we're reliving my high school years economically.
That comparison may be apt.
Everyone, of course, is going to continue blaming covid for any ongoing disruptions, but I suspect that ultimately this is disguising a bigger problem that the economy is redlining.
Consider a few key points here:
- while labor shortages and logistics bottlenecks aren't helping with their backlog, the port of Los Angeles nonetheless processed a record number of incoming containers in September 2021. Americans are importing more stuff from overseas than ever before.
- while everyone was initially concerned about shutdowns killing the economy, generous unemployment benefits and stimulus checks left Americans awash with cash and caused the average household debt last year to go
down.
- People who are able to work from home are still reaping ongoing cost savings from not needing to commute. Some, depending on their specific circumstances, may be paying less in taxes too.
- even before covid arrived, the stock market was booming, and official fed policy involved keeping interests rates low in an effort to continue driving it higher and higher
All this adds up to an overheating economy, which drives increasing inflation rates and causes constant shortages of this and that as supply is unable to keep up with sky-high demand. Now yes, given time some of the supply issues may sort themselves out as the rest of the world works to get itself vaccinated and get to a point where they're comfortable operating as normal - but that alone may not be enough. The economy may need some cold water poured on it.
Noted yesterday from a trip to the two local Dollar General stores and the grocery store:
*Shortages of laundry detergent and supplies, pet food, garbage bags, disposable cutlery and plates/bowls, Pringles, paper towels, and toilet paper.
*Increased prices on grocery and non-grocery items from the previous week.
That might just be the one chain.
From what I've seen over the past week at a few Safeways, Fred Meyers (aka Krogers), and Grocery Outlets in the Seattle area, the only consistent shortages are in energy drinks and cheese for some reason.
I haven't noted a cheese shortage around here, but I have noted a price increase. The same pack of sliced mild cheddar I bought for $2 on Oct. 9 cost $2.19 one week later. I didn't major in math, but that adds up to a price increase of nearly 10 percent.
I was grocery shopping last night and the frozen foods section was completely decimated. My usual brand was completely unavailable and the other brands were sparse, with many products being out and the remainder being low. If this keeps up, I'm not sure how I'm going to get dinner... while I do have a couple things I'll cook occasionally, it's hard living on your own as you have to use up family-sized products (like sour cream, shredded cheese, etc.) before they go bad, which means you need to make a bunch of meals using them all at once... and with the current product shortages combined with the looming Thanksgiving/Christmas travel season, I'm not confident on that front. Plus I'm not that good with cooking to begin with. It's far, far more complicated, both from a food preparation perspective and from the perspective of getting the grocery shopping done in the first place. So much to keep track of. At least with my current system, I can say "I'll buy X, Y, and Z", and barring travel disruptions (and the odd week where I have to go grocery shopping twice, because I'm synced up with cartons of eggs rather than week days), it never varies.
I have noticed absolutely no disruptions at all the last few months.
Quote from: vdeane on October 21, 2021, 12:59:22 PM
I was grocery shopping last night and the frozen foods section was completely decimated. My usual brand was completely unavailable and the other brands were sparse, with many products being out and the remainder being low. If this keeps up, I'm not sure how I'm going to get dinner... while I do have a couple things I'll cook occasionally, it's hard living on your own as you have to use up family-sized products (like sour cream, shredded cheese, etc.) before they go bad, which means you need to make a bunch of meals using them all at once... and with the current product shortages combined with the looming Thanksgiving/Christmas travel season, I'm not confident on that front. Plus I'm not that good with cooking to begin with. It's far, far more complicated, both from a food preparation perspective and from the perspective of getting the grocery shopping done in the first place. So much to keep track of. At least with my current system, I can say "I'll buy X, Y, and Z", and barring travel disruptions (and the odd week where I have to go grocery shopping twice, because I'm synced up with cartons of eggs rather than week days), it never varies.
Hm. Frozen food section at Wegman's was packed full on Tuesday night.
Quote from: ozarkman417 on September 12, 2021, 06:06:18 PM
I ordered a laptop for school from HP recently. I definitely won't be surprised if my custom order (that is already not supposed to arrive until late October) gets delayed as a result of part shortages.
Quote from: E-Mail regarding my laptop's order statusAs a direct result of unexpected supply constraints, we now expect your order to ship on a revised date of [One month after the original shipping date]
Thanks HP for literally lying to me multiple times. The support person I dealt with claimed it was currently in production (being built) earlier this month. :banghead:
I know that the Port of LA is backed up, but is it at all possible to rework the supply chain temporarily to send more ships to Miami, Baltimore, Philly, New York and Boston?
Quote from: RobbieL2415 on October 25, 2021, 09:15:29 AM
I know that the Port of LA is backed up, but is it at all possible to rework the supply chain temporarily to send more ships to Miami, Baltimore, Philly, New York and Boston?
That only moves the worsening bottlenecks to the Panama Canal, as most freight is coming from Asia across the Pacific. And the ports have to be built to handle specific types of vessels, which isn't an overnight change. Many of the ports would have to be dredged to handle the deeper drafts, even if they circumnavigated the globe (which would worsen Suez Canal bottlenecks), or went around the tip of South America, which gets treacherous this time of year, much like the Gulf of Alaska/Bering Sea does, limiting Alaskan cruise seasons. Flying freight in is really the only realistic alternative right now, and that is an order of magnitude more expensive than shipping by sea. It's workable for smaller, higher value shipments, but doesn't make financial sense with most low-margin products. Patience or a willingness to pay more are the only solutions for pretty much the next year. Who knows? Maybe we'll start to make things in this country again in completely robotic factories as we don't like to pay American level labor costs.
Quote from: MikieTimT on October 25, 2021, 10:10:50 AM
Quote from: RobbieL2415 on October 25, 2021, 09:15:29 AM
I know that the Port of LA is backed up, but is it at all possible to rework the supply chain temporarily to send more ships to Miami, Baltimore, Philly, New York and Boston?
That only moves the worsening bottlenecks to the Panama Canal, as most freight is coming from Asia across the Pacific. And the ports have to be built to handle specific types of vessels, which isn't an overnight change. Many of the ports would have to be dredged to handle the deeper drafts, even if they circumnavigated the globe (which would worsen Suez Canal bottlenecks), or went around the tip of South America, which gets treacherous this time of year, much like the Gulf of Alaska/Bering Sea does, limiting Alaskan cruise seasons. Flying freight in is really the only realistic alternative right now, and that is an order of magnitude more expensive than shipping by sea. It's workable for smaller, higher value shipments, but doesn't make financial sense with most low-margin products. Patience or a willingness to pay more are the only solutions for pretty much the next year. Who knows? Maybe we'll start to make things in this country again in completely robotic factories as we don't like to pay American level labor costs.
How is the rail network leading from East Asia into Europe? Could intermodal freight be shipped via rail to, say, Gibralter, and then floated to the East Coast?
Could the Navy activate its reserve fleets to help out?
Quote from: RobbieL2415 on October 25, 2021, 09:15:29 AM
I know that the Port of LA is backed up, but is it at all possible to rework the supply chain temporarily to send more ships to Miami, Baltimore, Philly, New York and Boston?
As of last week, there were ships lined up in the Atlantic waiting to get into Miami, Savannah and New York/New Jersey (and perhaps others). Part of the issue is that many of the railroads have embargoed inbound container traffic (intermodal) from the ports because of difficulties within the trucking industry in the Midwest. The embargoes started in late July and may have subsided by now.
From Ars Technica:
No end in sight for chip shortage as supply chain problems pile up
"We're not talking about quarters. We're talking about years." QuoteEarlier this year, the chip shortage seemed like it might ease sometime in 2022. Now, that forecast appears to have been optimistic.
"The shortages are going to continue indefinitely," Brandon Kulik, head of Deloitte's semiconductor industry practice, told Ars. "Maybe that doesn't mean 10 years, but certainly we're not talking about quarters. We're talking about years."
It is becoming clear that snarls in the semiconductor supply chain are weighing on economic growth. Yesterday, both GM and Ford said that missing chips led to slashed profits for the third quarter, and Apple is rumored to be cutting this year's production targets for its iPhone lineup, the company's cash cow. Chip woes have become so widespread that a division of Wells Fargo thinks the pressures will curtail US GDP growth by 0.7 percent.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://markholtz.info/2gi)
From FreightWaves:
Ocean carriers will pass on fines for lingering containers to importers
LA, Long Beach ports pressure liner companies to clear cargo faster, while California Gov. Newsom tries to alleviate shipping backlogQuoteLogistics industry professionals say retailers and other cargo owners will ultimately bear the cost of drastic new fees announced Monday by the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach in response to mounting congestion disrupting the entire U.S. economy.
The fees ostensibly penalize ocean carriers for not quickly clearing out imported containers piling up in their terminals, but a lack of details in the press release left freight industry stakeholders confused about how the rules will be applied.
The two Southern California ports said they will begin charging ocean carriers $100 per container, compounding in $100 increments each day, for containers scheduled to move by truck that sit for nine days or more, beginning next Monday. For containers moving by rail, shipping lines will be charged if the container has dwelled for six days or more.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://markholtz.info/2gj)
There were empty shelves on the candy aisle in Walmart.
Quote from: tolbs17 on October 28, 2021, 06:36:38 PM
There were empty shelves on the candy aisle in Walmart.
It's very close to Halloween, so that's normal.
In other news, no shortage of "Ask Me Anything..." threads.
Today, I received an RTX 3060 Ti after waiting ten months in EVGA's queue. Said queue currently not accepting any new entries.
Quote from: LM117 on October 14, 2021, 08:49:45 AM
Oh Deere...
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/more-10-000-deere-co-workers-strike-after-failed-uaw-n1281486 (https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/more-10-000-deere-co-workers-strike-after-failed-uaw-n1281486)
Looks like they're on the verge of a deal.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/deere-uaw-agree-new-6-year-contract-subject-union-vote-n1282786 (https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/deere-uaw-agree-new-6-year-contract-subject-union-vote-n1282786)
Quote from: ozarkman417 on October 28, 2021, 07:48:08 PMToday, I received an RTX 3060 Ti after waiting ten months in EVGA's queue. Said queue currently not accepting any new entries.
This is so frustrating. Thank you Cyberminers.
Quote from: formulanone on October 28, 2021, 07:03:09 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on October 28, 2021, 06:36:38 PM
There were empty shelves on the candy aisle in Walmart.
It's very close to Halloween, so that's normal.
Most of the shelves formerly occupied by Halloween candy at the Jackson, Ky. Walmart are now occupied by Christmas candy. So last-minute shoppers for trick-or-treaters who had to buy Christmas candy may be falsely accused of handing out leftover Christmas candy from last year.
Quote from: hbelkins on October 30, 2021, 09:57:52 PM
Quote from: formulanone on October 28, 2021, 07:03:09 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on October 28, 2021, 06:36:38 PM
There were empty shelves on the candy aisle in Walmart.
It's very close to Halloween, so that's normal.
Most of the shelves formerly occupied by Halloween candy at the Jackson, Ky. Walmart are now occupied by Christmas candy. So last-minute shoppers for trick-or-treaters who had to buy Christmas candy may be falsely accused of handing out leftover Christmas candy from last year.
There were no post-Halloween candy sales at Fred Meyer today, except for candy corn because nobody likes candy corn.
Quote from: ErmineNotyours on November 01, 2021, 10:36:51 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on October 30, 2021, 09:57:52 PM
Quote from: formulanone on October 28, 2021, 07:03:09 PM
Quote from: tolbs17 on October 28, 2021, 06:36:38 PM
There were empty shelves on the candy aisle in Walmart.
It's very close to Halloween, so that's normal.
Most of the shelves formerly occupied by Halloween candy at the Jackson, Ky. Walmart are now occupied by Christmas candy. So last-minute shoppers for trick-or-treaters who had to buy Christmas candy may be falsely accused of handing out leftover Christmas candy from last year.
There were no post-Halloween candy sales at Fred Meyer today, except for candy corn because nobody likes candy corn.
That and, as we all know, all the candy corn that was ever made, was made in 1914. (NSFW)
https://youtu.be/jklghkb8XNA
From Eat This, Not That! - 8 New Grocery Shortages Shoppers Have Reported This Week (October 31st) (https://www.eatthis.com/news-new-grocery-shortages-shoppers-have-reported-this-week/). On the list:
- Sandwich Fixings
- Pasta Sauce
- Candy Corn
- Eggs
- Canned Pumpkin
- Turkey
- Cream Cheese
- Alcohol
Also, Shoppers Are Seeing These 15 Shortages at Their Local ALDI and Trader Joe's (https://www.eatthis.com/news-trader-joes-and-aldi-shortages/).
Quote from: ZLoth on November 02, 2021, 09:44:53 AM
From Eat This, Not That! - 8 New Grocery Shortages Shoppers Have Reported This Week (October 31st) (https://www.eatthis.com/news-new-grocery-shortages-shoppers-have-reported-this-week/). On the list:
There is no way this can be true. There aren't enough people lacking taste buds in the world to buy all of those.
Chris
Candy corns are the one candy that consistently gets to 90% off.
I actually like candy corn. I don't eat it often, or any of the other varieties ("autumn mix") but I don't dislike it.
One thing I haven't seen much of this year is peanut butter kisses. The only place I've seen them this year was at Dollar General, where they had the Melster brand in $1 bags. Usually Mary Jane is the popular brand, but I didn't see any of them this year.
I must be weird. I actually like candy corn, and look forward to buying it for pennies on the dollar post Halloween.
Except for the time when it was sticky enough that it pulled a crown off of a dental implant. A bit embarrassing to explain to the dentist exactly how it happened.
Quote from: dlsterner on November 02, 2021, 02:43:30 PM
I must be weird. I actually like candy corn, and look forward to buying it for pennies on the dollar post Halloween.
Except for the time when it was sticky enough that it pulled a crown off of a dental implant. A bit embarrassing to explain to the dentist exactly how it happened.
You think that's embarrassing, try explaining to your dentist that your temporary crown fell off and into the food you were chewing, and you swallowed it without knowing it was in your food.
Candy corn is my fave. Not like where Walmart here in Erwin takes all the candy corn and puts it into CVP mode. :banghead:
Quote from: abefroman329 on November 02, 2021, 02:59:54 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on November 02, 2021, 02:43:30 PM
I must be weird. I actually like candy corn, and look forward to buying it for pennies on the dollar post Halloween.
Except for the time when it was sticky enough that it pulled a crown off of a dental implant. A bit embarrassing to explain to the dentist exactly how it happened.
You think that's embarrassing, try explaining to your dentist that your temporary crown fell off and into the food you were chewing, and you swallowed it without knowing it was in your food.
I lost a temporary crown from eating a stalk of celery.
There's one of my exciting salad stories...
Quote from: hbelkins on November 02, 2021, 12:33:27 PM
I actually like candy corn. I don't eat it often, or any of the other varieties ("autumn mix") but I don't dislike it.
One thing I haven't seen much of this year is peanut butter kisses. The only place I've seen them this year was at Dollar General, where they had the Melster brand in $1 bags. Usually Mary Jane is the popular brand, but I didn't see any of them this year.
I like candy corn and I bought two bags of the black and orange wrapped peanut butter kisses this year.
Seems like this Halloween many chemiluminescent glow products were hard to find, especially more obscure colors such as pink or white. Almost all glow sticks are made in China, and probably the factories were priortizing production of the more popular colors and the assorted color packs that include these colors.
Meanwhile at Hannaford, frozen foods are better (but still rather low), but now soup is hard to come by. I've had to bounce over to Market Bisto (Price Chopper/Market32) two weeks in a row now.
Another one.... I'm currently getting quotes for the replacement of a set of French patio doors and the associated framing. Not only are the current doors in my home in bad condition, but for some reason, one of them stopped locking. Both the doors and the frame has to be replaced, and while I anticipated the repair, I was holding off until the money was saved up. It has turned into a priority situation now. I'm currently getting quotes, but the lead time is now 12-16 weeks out.... and the doors are manufactured in Clovis, CA and shipped to Texas. :banghead: At least I'm getting white. Some of the other colors have a 22 week lead time.
Quote from: ZLoth on November 03, 2021, 09:18:48 AM
Another one.... I'm currently getting quotes for the replacement of a set of French patio doors and the associated framing. Not only are the current doors in my home in bad condition, but for some reason, one of them stopped locking. Both the doors and the frame has to be replaced, and while I anticipated the repair, I was holding off until the money was saved up. It has turned into a priority situation now. I'm currently getting quotes, but the lead time is now 12-16 weeks out.... and the doors are manufactured in Clovis, CA and shipped to Texas. :banghead: At least I'm getting white. Some of the other colors have a 22 week lead time.
Trying to buy a monitor for school (DME 215 needs it) and it costs $200+ for a new monitor. :eyebrow: :banghead: :hmmm:
Quote from: snowc on November 03, 2021, 11:43:30 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on November 03, 2021, 09:18:48 AM
Another one.... I'm currently getting quotes for the replacement of a set of French patio doors and the associated framing. Not only are the current doors in my home in bad condition, but for some reason, one of them stopped locking. Both the doors and the frame has to be replaced, and while I anticipated the repair, I was holding off until the money was saved up. It has turned into a priority situation now. I'm currently getting quotes, but the lead time is now 12-16 weeks out.... and the doors are manufactured in Clovis, CA and shipped to Texas. :banghead: At least I'm getting white. Some of the other colors have a 22 week lead time.
Trying to buy a monitor for school (DME 215 needs it) and it costs $200+ for a new monitor. :eyebrow: :banghead: :hmmm:
Not sure what kind of monitor you need, but Staples has a basic one for $160: https://www.staples.com/Dell-SE2222H-21-5--LCD-Monitor--Black/product_24509186
if you need something more loaded, then it is another story
Quote from: kalvado on November 03, 2021, 11:53:38 AM
Quote from: snowc on November 03, 2021, 11:43:30 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on November 03, 2021, 09:18:48 AM
Another one.... I'm currently getting quotes for the replacement of a set of French patio doors and the associated framing. Not only are the current doors in my home in bad condition, but for some reason, one of them stopped locking. Both the doors and the frame has to be replaced, and while I anticipated the repair, I was holding off until the money was saved up. It has turned into a priority situation now. I'm currently getting quotes, but the lead time is now 12-16 weeks out.... and the doors are manufactured in Clovis, CA and shipped to Texas. :banghead: At least I'm getting white. Some of the other colors have a 22 week lead time.
Trying to buy a monitor for school (DME 215 needs it) and it costs $200+ for a new monitor. :eyebrow: :banghead: :hmmm:
Not sure what kind of monitor you need, but Staples has a basic one for $160: https://www.staples.com/Dell-SE2222H-21-5--LCD-Monitor--Black/product_24509186
if you need something more loaded, then it is another story
Need a smart monitor for my artwork.
(https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/1e1bb9a2-7d05-4147-ae01-3af09b537123.7f32d129a83e88477f2e5e7475f261a5.jpeg?odnHeight=612&odnWidth=612&odnBg=FFFFFF)
Quote from: snowc on November 03, 2021, 11:56:21 AM
Need a smart monitor for my artwork.
As someone who does art on a basic (if large) monitor, I ask...why?
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 03, 2021, 01:59:56 PM
Quote from: snowc on November 03, 2021, 11:56:21 AM
Need a smart monitor for my artwork.
As someone who does art on a basic (if large) monitor, I ask...why?
We at Wake Tech needs a smart monitor to be able to communicate with instructors.
Quote from: snowc on November 03, 2021, 02:27:40 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 03, 2021, 01:59:56 PM
Quote from: snowc on November 03, 2021, 11:56:21 AM
Need a smart monitor for my artwork.
As someone who does art on a basic (if large) monitor, I ask...why?
We at Wake Tech needs a smart monitor to be able to communicate with instructors.
At Missouri State, we used email for that...
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 03, 2021, 02:59:17 PM
Quote from: snowc on November 03, 2021, 02:27:40 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 03, 2021, 01:59:56 PM
Quote from: snowc on November 03, 2021, 11:56:21 AM
Need a smart monitor for my artwork.
As someone who does art on a basic (if large) monitor, I ask...why?
We at Wake Tech needs a smart monitor to be able to communicate with instructors.
At Missouri State, we used email for that...
For sharing work, we need to communicate with Office Teams and Word, which comes with this desktop. I can also play my movies on it with no set top box! Even my ISP! No desktop needed! Also, why does Walmart's Private label art desk cost $200! :banghead: :hmmm:
(https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/20dd410e-d97a-47f6-a5bc-6a9bd5d73774.6b4ad116fe1963e4753282d045be0910.jpeg?odnHeight=612&odnWidth=612&odnBg=FFFFFF)
At Missouri State, we shared work with email too. Which is free and works on any computer. I think some professors had some sort of Web application (Blackboard, maybe?) that you could upload work to as well. In any event, we weren't required to spend our own money on anything; the dorms had a few computers you could use, or you could head over to the computer science building and use the lab there.
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 03, 2021, 03:44:49 PM
At Missouri State, we shared work with email too. Which is free and works on any computer. I think some professors had some sort of Web application (Blackboard, maybe?) that you could upload work to as well. In any event, we weren't required to spend our own money on anything; the dorms had a few computers you could use, or you could head over to the computer science building and use the lab there.
Wake Tech uses Blackboard but it's WAY too slow to upload large files like PhotoShop and Illustrator. I use OneDrive to upload stuff (We get Onedrive free forever. 1tb!)
Quote from: snowc on November 03, 2021, 03:46:30 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 03, 2021, 03:44:49 PM
At Missouri State, we shared work with email too. Which is free and works on any computer. I think some professors had some sort of Web application (Blackboard, maybe?) that you could upload work to as well. In any event, we weren't required to spend our own money on anything; the dorms had a few computers you could use, or you could head over to the computer science building and use the lab there.
Wake Tech uses Blackboard but it's WAY too slow to upload large files like PhotoShop and Illustrator. I use OneDrive to upload stuff (We get Onedrive free forever. 1tb!)
Point is, smart monitor may be a cool thing ( :skeptical: ) , but I find it hard to justify one as a formal requirement for the course, even in all-remote setting.
Quote from: kalvado on November 03, 2021, 04:53:57 PM
Quote from: snowc on November 03, 2021, 03:46:30 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 03, 2021, 03:44:49 PM
At Missouri State, we shared work with email too. Which is free and works on any computer. I think some professors had some sort of Web application (Blackboard, maybe?) that you could upload work to as well. In any event, we weren't required to spend our own money on anything; the dorms had a few computers you could use, or you could head over to the computer science building and use the lab there.
Wake Tech uses Blackboard but it's WAY too slow to upload large files like PhotoShop and Illustrator. I use OneDrive to upload stuff (We get Onedrive free forever. 1tb!)
Point is, smart monitor may be a cool thing ( :skeptical: ) , but I find it hard to justify one as a formal requirement for the course, even in all-remote setting.
I learned my first semester in college that formal requirements for courses were bunk after one of my professors assigned some expensive-ass book and then we weren't assigned anything to do with it. Of course, these days you can pirate PDFs of textbooks pretty easily, so that's what I would do if I were in school now.
Meijer didn't have noodles this week. Normal everyday noodles.
Quote from: abefroman329 on October 14, 2021, 09:34:54 AM
Quote from: LM117 on October 14, 2021, 08:49:45 AM
Oh Deere...
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/more-10-000-deere-co-workers-strike-after-failed-uaw-n1281486 (https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/more-10-000-deere-co-workers-strike-after-failed-uaw-n1281486)
I can't blame them for wanting some more...John Deere green.
:cool:
They were. Rejected the agreement - again
Quote from: snowc on November 03, 2021, 03:46:30 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 03, 2021, 03:44:49 PM
At Missouri State, we shared work with email too. Which is free and works on any computer. I think some professors had some sort of Web application (Blackboard, maybe?) that you could upload work to as well. In any event, we weren't required to spend our own money on anything; the dorms had a few computers you could use, or you could head over to the computer science building and use the lab there.
Wake Tech uses Blackboard but it's WAY too slow to upload large files like PhotoShop and Illustrator. I use OneDrive to upload stuff (We get Onedrive free forever. 1tb!)
Why would you need a smart monitor to upload something to OneDrive?
So we have a shortage of vinyl records now. Did you have that one on your bingo card?
https://variety.com/2021/music/news/adele-vinyl-record-pressing-plant-lp-shortages-1235103951/
Quote from: Duke87 on November 05, 2021, 06:10:37 PM
So we have a shortage of vinyl records now. Did you have that one on your bingo card?
https://variety.com/2021/music/news/adele-vinyl-record-pressing-plant-lp-shortages-1235103951/
The vinyl selection at the nearest Walmart is bigger than the CD section now.
I would never have guessed that vinyl would make a comeback. Funny thing is, those vinyl pressings are being marketed not to owners of high-end stereo systems such as you'd see in the 70s and 80s, but cheap Bluetooth-enabled Crosley turntables that more closely resemble the portable record players they used to bring into school classrooms to play records to accompany instructional filmstrips or slideshows.
I've noticed a shortage of wet pet food across multiple stores in my county over the past few days.
Quote from: Bruce on November 06, 2021, 01:52:47 AM
I've noticed a shortage of wet pet food across multiple stores in my county over the past few days.
Same here.
https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/09/politics/supply-chain-biden-administration/index.html (https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/09/politics/supply-chain-biden-administration/index.html)
Quote from: hbelkins on November 06, 2021, 09:13:32 PM
Quote from: Bruce on November 06, 2021, 01:52:47 AM
I've noticed a shortage of wet pet food across multiple stores in my county over the past few days.
Same here.
My local Casey's only has XL fountain cups...and not offering refills yet on other sizes.
Having trouble finding potato chips, especially Doritos, in Walmart.
Cameron, however, has chips, whereas Dunn does NOT. :no: :ded:
Quote from: snowc on November 10, 2021, 09:48:05 AM
Having trouble finding potato chips, especially Doritos, in Walmart.
Cameron, however, has chips, whereas Dunn does NOT. :no: :ded:
Well of course you're having trouble finding potato Doritos. They're corn chips! :pan:
Quote from: Brandon on November 10, 2021, 02:24:18 PM
Quote from: snowc on November 10, 2021, 09:48:05 AM
Having trouble finding potato chips, especially Doritos, in Walmart.
Cameron, however, has chips, whereas Dunn does NOT. :no: :ded:
Well of course you're having trouble finding potato Doritos. They're corn chips! :pan:
In a pre-COVID world, you'd be right. (https://www.google.com/search?qq=doritos+flavored+lays&rlz=1CDGOYI_enUS675US675&oq=doritos+flavor&aqs=chrome.2.0i131i433i512j69i57j0i512l4.6287j0j7&hl=en-US&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8)
Single-store outages does not a supply chain failure make.
From Ars Technica:
Why the chip shortage drags on and on... and on
Building factories takes time–and a history of highs and lows may deter some investors.QuoteThe semiconductor industry lives at the cutting edge of technological progress. So why can't it churn out enough chips to keep the world moving?
Nearly two years into pandemic-caused disruptions, a severe shortage of computer chips–the components at the heart of smartphones, laptops, and innumerable other products–continues to affect manufacturers across the global economy.
Automakers have been forced to halt production in recent months as sales decline because they can't make enough cars. The shortage has affected industries from game consoles and networking gear to medical devices. In October, Apple blamed chip scarcity for crimping its financial results, and Intel warned that the drought will likely stretch to 2023.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://markholtz.info/2gr)
Quote from: ZLoth on November 14, 2021, 12:15:25 PM
From Ars Technica:
Why the chip shortage drags on and on... and on
Building factories takes time–and a history of highs and lows may deter some investors.QuoteThe semiconductor industry lives at the cutting edge of technological progress. So why can't it churn out enough chips to keep the world moving?
Nearly two years into pandemic-caused disruptions, a severe shortage of computer chips–the components at the heart of smartphones, laptops, and innumerable other products–continues to affect manufacturers across the global economy.
Automakers have been forced to halt production in recent months as sales decline because they can't make enough cars. The shortage has affected industries from game consoles and networking gear to medical devices. In October, Apple blamed chip scarcity for crimping its financial results, and Intel warned that the drought will likely stretch to 2023.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://markholtz.info/2gr)
..and on and on and on... :pan:
Add on passive electronic parts to the list of stuff "out of stock". I went to order some capacitors for board repairs and..... yeah you guessed it..... many were out of stock with lead times ranging from July to November 2022! :eyebrow: For electrolytic capacitors!
Canada is about to get hit with some major disruptions. With the floods in BC taking out two major highways and a major railway, the Port of Vancouver is effectively cut off from the rest of the country.
Quote from: NJRoadfan on November 16, 2021, 09:24:20 PM
Add on passive electronic parts to the list of stuff "out of stock". I went to order some capacitors for board repairs and..... yeah you guessed it..... many were out of stock with lead times ranging from July to November 2022!
And of course, that happens to be the one old-fashioned electronic component that has a shelf life and needs to be restocked when they don't sell.
Quote from: SSOWorld on November 03, 2021, 08:05:28 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on October 14, 2021, 09:34:54 AM
Quote from: LM117 on October 14, 2021, 08:49:45 AM
Oh Deere...
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/more-10-000-deere-co-workers-strike-after-failed-uaw-n1281486 (https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/more-10-000-deere-co-workers-strike-after-failed-uaw-n1281486)
I can't blame them for wanting some more...John Deere green.
:cool:
They were. Rejected the agreement - again
The UAW just ratified a new deal.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/john-deere-union-workers-ratify-new-deal-end-strike-rcna5967 (https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/john-deere-union-workers-ratify-new-deal-end-strike-rcna5967)
From Sports Illustrated:
Bowl Season Is Coming. And There Are Only 36 Pylons Left.QuoteThe supply-chain crisis has reached the end zone–Gilman Gear usually stocks about 1,000 of those orange markers. As of last week, they had three dozen left. Everything you could ever want to know about the pylon.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://markholtz.info/2gw)
I saw on the news a story about how groceries have gone up (I think it was ABC's This Week). They were featuring a woman who used to be able to spend $100 on eight meals but it now covers only three. It seems like most of the increases are in meat and produce. I haven't noticed my groceries go up by nearly that much (though it has gone up some), so maybe that's why my frozen foods are so scarce right now. They might be the one thing that hasn't gone up dramatically.
Opinion piece by Rick Newman from Yahoo Finance:
Maybe Christmas shortages are a giftQuoteSanta faces catastrophic disruption this year. Many of the elfin workshops have strict Covid protocols that are slashing capacity. Santa's sleigh will spend weeks trying to offload gifts at clogged ports such as Long Beach and Savannah, and many of those gifts simply won't make it in time. The presents that get through the ports still might not make it to the chimney by Christmas, given a vast shortage of last-mile transporters. Millions of kids face the risk of savage disappointment the morning on December 25.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://markholtz.info/2h3)
There was a headline in the newspaper recently along the lines of, "Will the Grinch Steal Christmas Shopping?"
Wait, wasn't the whole point of the Grinch story that the shopping and gifts weren't what Christmas was supposed to be about?
From NBC-DFW:
Supply Chain Crisis Now Threatening Chicken Tenders
This dinnertime staple for many families may be a little more expensive due to ongoing supply chain issuesQuoteChicken tenders are the latest item affected by supply chain issues during the pandemic, which experts say may mean higher prices for them at the grocery store and restaurants.
The tasty kids' staple joins items like maple syrup, wine and spirits, takeout containers and coffee cups among the many products that have been made more scarce or more expensive by pandemic-related supply chain issues.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://www.nbcdfw.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/supply-chain-crisis-now-threatening-chicken-tenders/2829778/)
I've noticed at Harvey's (burger chain) for the past few months, they've been using plain white plastic bags for takeout orders instead of their usual brown paper bags with the company logo. And yesterday, they put the onion rings in a plain white cardboard container instead of the branded one.
Quote from: GaryV on December 02, 2021, 12:55:43 PM
There was a headline in the newspaper recently along the lines of, "Will the Grinch Steal Christmas Shopping?"
Wait, wasn't the whole point of the Grinch story that the shopping and gifts weren't what Christmas was supposed to be about?
That's pretty funny. It seems like they didn't think that one through. :colorful:
Quote from: ZLoth on December 03, 2021, 07:02:15 AM
Supply Chain Crisis Now Threatening Chicken Tenders
4chan users in shambles! :-D
Quote from: ZLoth on December 03, 2021, 07:02:15 AM
From NBC-DFW:
Supply Chain Crisis Now Threatening Chicken Tenders
This dinnertime staple for many families may be a little more expensive due to ongoing supply chain issuesQuoteChicken tenders are the latest item affected by supply chain issues during the pandemic, which experts say may mean higher prices for them at the grocery store and restaurants.
The tasty kids' staple joins items like maple syrup, wine and spirits, takeout containers and coffee cups among the many products that have been made more scarce or more expensive by pandemic-related supply chain issues.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://www.nbcdfw.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/supply-chain-crisis-now-threatening-chicken-tenders/2829778/)
Kids will have to actually eat the food on the menu?
(Though it's gotta stink for those where tenders are the primary item....Cane's, PDQ, Foosackly's, Guthrie's...)
Quote from: ZLoth on December 03, 2021, 07:02:15 AM
From NBC-DFW:
Supply Chain Crisis Now Threatening Chicken Tenders
This dinnertime staple for many families may be a little more expensive due to ongoing supply chain issuesQuoteChicken tenders are the latest item affected by supply chain issues during the pandemic, which experts say may mean higher prices for them at the grocery store and restaurants.
The tasty kids' staple joins items like maple syrup, wine and spirits, takeout containers and coffee cups among the many products that have been made more scarce or more expensive by pandemic-related supply chain issues.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://www.nbcdfw.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/supply-chain-crisis-now-threatening-chicken-tenders/2829778/)
That must be why I haven't been able to get my usual Devour Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese frozen food items in two months. Even after the other Devour brand items reappeared, those haven't. The Stouffer's Chicken Parmesan has been unavailable too, probably for the same reason.
These supply chain issues are a huge problem for aspies who live on their own and never stopped being picky eaters (or never learned how to be flexible with meal planning). I haven't been able to do a substitution-free grocery trip in weeks (in fact, a few times I had to bounce to another store because both my usual item and any potential alternates were all gone), even when not counting the probable discontinuation of my preferred bread (which I haven't managed to find since April).
From NBC-DFW:
NBC 5 Responds: Auto Parts Shortage Leads to Delayed RepairsQuoteA North Texas family said when their car broke down, they learned it take as long as a year to make the repair — thanks to a shortage of automotive parts.
Read on to learn what's behind the problem and what consumers need to know before a breakdown.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (Autoplaying video) (https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/nbc-5-responds/nbc-5-responds-auto-parts-shortage-leads-to-delayed-repairs/2829541/)
Quote from: vdeane on December 03, 2021, 12:51:32 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on December 03, 2021, 07:02:15 AM
From NBC-DFW:
Supply Chain Crisis Now Threatening Chicken Tenders
This dinnertime staple for many families may be a little more expensive due to ongoing supply chain issuesQuoteChicken tenders are the latest item affected by supply chain issues during the pandemic, which experts say may mean higher prices for them at the grocery store and restaurants.
The tasty kids' staple joins items like maple syrup, wine and spirits, takeout containers and coffee cups among the many products that have been made more scarce or more expensive by pandemic-related supply chain issues.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://www.nbcdfw.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/supply-chain-crisis-now-threatening-chicken-tenders/2829778/)
That must be why I haven't been able to get my usual Devour Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese frozen food items in two months.
There have been plenty of those to be found around here recently. I look at them when I'm at the store but then I see "buffalo" and go "blech, no thanks."
Quote from: ozarkman417 on October 21, 2021, 10:18:54 PM
Quote from: ozarkman417 on September 12, 2021, 06:06:18 PM
I ordered a laptop for school from HP recently. I definitely won't be surprised if my custom order (that is already not supposed to arrive until late October) gets delayed as a result of part shortages.
Quote from: E-Mail regarding my laptop's order statusAs a direct result of unexpected supply constraints, we now expect your order to ship on a revised date of [One month after the original shipping date]
Thanks HP for literally lying to me multiple times. The support person I dealt with claimed it was currently in production (being built) earlier this month. :banghead:
A couple of days ago, FedEx delivered my computer to me, on time, by some miracle given it was shipped around Black Friday and from Eastern China. The total time between submitting the order and the package arriving at my doorstep was 85 days.
Quote from: ozarkman417 on December 03, 2021, 04:28:52 PMA couple of days ago, FedEx delivered my computer to me, on time, by some miracle given it was shipped around Black Friday and from Eastern China. The total time between submitting the order and the package arriving at my doorstep was 85 days.
Ouch! I'm looking to assemble a new desktop computer next summer, and even then, I'm expecting to recycle my 1080 video card because I refuse to pay a multiplier of the MSRP for a new graphics card, and hopefully, DDR5 memory will actually be available. At least I can still utilize my current computer for quite a while and even play some of the older, unplayed games in my collection, thus a new desktop is still under the category of "want" with a side of "nice-to-have" rather than "need".
Having said that, I believe your laptop is more under "need" category rather than "want" because of the shorter lifetime and the general non-upgradability of the components. :banghead:
From Reuters:
Where's the paper, ink, lightbulbs? U.S. offices struggle with supply shortagesQuoteWhile news of the Omicron coronavirus variant threatens to derail U.S. companies' return-to-office-plans, employers trying to get workers back into offices said they are encountering a different, unforeseen challenge: keeping the lights on.
The disruptions to the global supply chain caused by factory shutdowns in Asia, congestion at U.S. ports and a nationwide labor shortage have led to widely publicized microchip and building materials shortages. Now these issues are causing shortages in everyday office supplies, everything from printer ink and toner to paper to lightbulbs.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://www.reuters.com/world/the-great-reboot/wheres-paper-ink-lightbulbs-us-offices-struggle-with-supply-shortages-2021-12-03/)
I have barely printed anything since I have had to return to the office part-time anyway.
I've been noticing consistently low stocks of ranch dressing.
We've been struggling to get receipt paper from our warehouse. Haven't gotten any in over a month now, close to two. We've just had to get it from other stores that were more fortunate.
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on December 05, 2021, 01:33:07 PM
I've been noticing consistently low stocks of ranch dressing.
If there's any shortage that would spark a new civil war, it would be that.
"Give me ranch or give me death" –my wife, probably
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on December 05, 2021, 01:33:07 PM
I've been noticing consistently low stocks of ranch dressing.
Huh. I was at a function just a couple of days ago that had copious amounts of ranch dressing available.
There was no brown sugar in the store when my wife went shopping this morning. Which could lead to a shortage of Christmas Cookies. :angry:
Quote from: GaryV on December 06, 2021, 09:14:36 AM
There was no brown sugar in the store when my wife went shopping this morning. Which could lead to a shortage of Christmas Cookies. :angry:
Use white sugar and molasses. Same thing.
She found brown sugar later this morning at another store that she stopped at on the way home from her chorus rehearsal. Probably just a temporary interruption at the store where she usually shops.
From CNBC:
"˜Even Santa himself won't be able to deliver': How the global chip shortage could dampen ChristmasQuoteThe global chip shortage has been rumbling on all year and still hasn't gone away.
But what does that mean for Christmas? Will some presents be harder to get hold of or more expensive?
That depends on what you're after and how late you leave your Christmas shopping.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://www.cnbc.com/2021/12/13/the-global-chip-shortage-could-dampen-christmas-.html)
I'm in process of replacing my Pixel 3 phone and my mothers Samsung S8 phone with Pixel 6 Pros. The order was placed on November 10th, but the expected ship date, because my mother wanted a white phone and I went with the 256GB models, isn't under December 31st. As it is already, I'm having to carry around a battery pack to keep my phone charged when I'm either not at home or in my car. The Pixel 3 battery replacement is.... challenging.
I also wanted to build a new system around the latest Intel CPUs to replace my seven year old system. Slight problem: DDR5 memory modules are "unobtainable" at the moment. This is already pushed back to next summer.
From CNBC:
Ford stops reservations for F-150 Lightning electric pickup due to strong demand, CEO tells CramerQuoteFord CEO Jim Farley said Thursday that interest in the automaker's soon-to-launch F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck is so great that it had to stop taking reservations.
"We are completely oversubscribed with our battery electric vehicles, Lightning especially," Farley said in an interview during a special live online event, "CNBC Investing Club: Jim Cramer's Game Plan for 2022."
"We had to stop reservations we got so many," Farley added. "We stopped at 200,000, and those are orders. Hard orders."
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://www.cnbc.com/2021/12/09/ford-stops-reservations-for-f-150-lightning-electric-pickup-because-of-demand-ceo-tells-cramer.html)
Quote from: ZLoth on December 13, 2021, 12:07:56 PM
From CNBC:
Ford stops reservations for F-150 Lightning electric pickup due to strong demand, CEO tells CramerQuoteFord CEO Jim Farley said Thursday that interest in the automaker's soon-to-launch F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck is so great that it had to stop taking reservations.
"We are completely oversubscribed with our battery electric vehicles, Lightning especially," Farley said in an interview during a special live online event, "CNBC Investing Club: Jim Cramer's Game Plan for 2022."
"We had to stop reservations we got so many," Farley added. "We stopped at 200,000, and those are orders. Hard orders."
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://www.cnbc.com/2021/12/09/ford-stops-reservations-for-f-150-lightning-electric-pickup-because-of-demand-ceo-tells-cramer.html)
I had a 2021 Ford Bronco reserved. There kept being enough delays that I wasn't going to get it maybe mid 2022 at best, but my previous car was on its last electrical legs, so I had to change plans and get a different ride instead.
Quote from: jayhawkco on December 13, 2021, 12:14:47 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on December 13, 2021, 12:07:56 PM
From CNBC:
Ford stops reservations for F-150 Lightning electric pickup due to strong demand, CEO tells CramerQuoteFord CEO Jim Farley said Thursday that interest in the automaker's soon-to-launch F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck is so great that it had to stop taking reservations.
"We are completely oversubscribed with our battery electric vehicles, Lightning especially," Farley said in an interview during a special live online event, "CNBC Investing Club: Jim Cramer's Game Plan for 2022."
"We had to stop reservations we got so many," Farley added. "We stopped at 200,000, and those are orders. Hard orders."
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://www.cnbc.com/2021/12/09/ford-stops-reservations-for-f-150-lightning-electric-pickup-because-of-demand-ceo-tells-cramer.html)
I had a 2021 Ford Bronco reserved. There kept being enough delays that I wasn't going to get it maybe mid 2022 at best, but my previous car was on its last electrical legs, so I had to change plans and get a different ride instead.
I noticed on the Bronco6g forum that there's a lot of pissed off people for similar reasons. Ford dealers have also been jacking up the prices on Broncos way beyond the MSRP.
I've been considering the Ranger myself.
Quote from: LM117 on December 13, 2021, 12:31:02 PM
Quote from: jayhawkco on December 13, 2021, 12:14:47 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on December 13, 2021, 12:07:56 PM
From CNBC:
Ford stops reservations for F-150 Lightning electric pickup due to strong demand, CEO tells CramerQuoteFord CEO Jim Farley said Thursday that interest in the automaker's soon-to-launch F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck is so great that it had to stop taking reservations.
"We are completely oversubscribed with our battery electric vehicles, Lightning especially," Farley said in an interview during a special live online event, "CNBC Investing Club: Jim Cramer's Game Plan for 2022."
"We had to stop reservations we got so many," Farley added. "We stopped at 200,000, and those are orders. Hard orders."
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://www.cnbc.com/2021/12/09/ford-stops-reservations-for-f-150-lightning-electric-pickup-because-of-demand-ceo-tells-cramer.html)
I had a 2021 Ford Bronco reserved. There kept being enough delays that I wasn't going to get it maybe mid 2022 at best, but my previous car was on its last electrical legs, so I had to change plans and get a different ride instead.
I noticed on the Bronco6g forum that there's a lot of pissed off people for similar reasons. Ford dealers have also been jacking up the prices on Broncos way beyond the MSRP.
I've been considering the Ranger myself.
Yep. I used to be an active member on that forum. I haven't gone back to check in on everyone in our Colorado Buyers' Group. I'm really happy I got my 2019 Rubicon before used car prices started going through the roof.
Quote from: ZLoth on December 13, 2021, 12:07:56 PM
From CNBC:
Ford stops reservations for F-150 Lightning electric pickup due to strong demand, CEO tells CramerQuoteFord CEO Jim Farley said Thursday that interest in the automaker's soon-to-launch F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck is so great that it had to stop taking reservations.
"We are completely oversubscribed with our battery electric vehicles, Lightning especially," Farley said in an interview during a special live online event, "CNBC Investing Club: Jim Cramer's Game Plan for 2022."
"We had to stop reservations we got so many," Farley added. "We stopped at 200,000, and those are orders. Hard orders."
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://www.cnbc.com/2021/12/09/ford-stops-reservations-for-f-150-lightning-electric-pickup-because-of-demand-ceo-tells-cramer.html)
The lease on my wife's Ford Escape is up in mid-February. Normally, we just browse the dealer's inventory for a replacement a couple of weeks prior to the end date (we've been dealing with the same guy for over 20 years), send him the VIN in an email, he sends me back a copy of the invoice and we agree on a price and we go in a couple of days later for the test drive and paper-signing.
This time, he called us in early November saying we needed to factory order our replacement like RIGHT NOW. I considered going with the hybrid, but he said it would take 6 to 9 months. The plug-in hybrid would take 9 to 12 months. The EFI models take about 2 months so we went with that. He said if the new car doesn't come fast enough we can extend the lease month-by-month.
On the way home, we drove by their storage lot that normally has well over 500 cars, and it was empty.
Anybody wanna skip Philadelphia cream cheese and get reimbursed $20 for doing so? Kraft has you covered!
https://thehill.com/changing-america/resilience/smart-cities/585979-kraft-to-pay-20-to-18000-shoppers-for-not-making (https://thehill.com/changing-america/resilience/smart-cities/585979-kraft-to-pay-20-to-18000-shoppers-for-not-making)
Quote from: LM117 on December 15, 2021, 03:52:36 PM
Anybody wanna skip Philadelphia cream cheese and get reimbursed $20 for doing so? Kraft has you covered!
https://thehill.com/changing-america/resilience/smart-cities/585979-kraft-to-pay-20-to-18000-shoppers-for-not-making (https://thehill.com/changing-america/resilience/smart-cities/585979-kraft-to-pay-20-to-18000-shoppers-for-not-making)
It must be the Philly ;)
Quote from: catch22 on December 13, 2021, 04:59:44 PM
On the way home, we drove by their storage lot that normally has well over 500 cars, and it was empty.
I'm guessing supply shortages put this small used car dealer out of business:
https://goo.gl/maps/uZ2wqbRXk6yB9jaWA
In Japan, McDonald's is only selling their smallest size of french fries, blaming the floods in British Columbia and the general supply crunch.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/22/mcdonalds-rations-fries-in-japan-due-to-potato-shortage
Quote from: Bruce on December 22, 2021, 12:28:37 AM
In Japan, McDonald's is only selling their smallest size of french fries, blaming the floods in British Columbia and the general supply crunch.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/22/mcdonalds-rations-fries-in-japan-due-to-potato-shortage
Huh. I thought McDonald's liked to set up local production of their supplies. I guess in Japan that just wasn't possible (the old story of Japan continues).
They could always buy American. Wonder why they weren't importing from Simplot, unless those potatoes were needed for American stores.
Quote from: Rothman on December 22, 2021, 06:54:58 AM
Quote from: Bruce on December 22, 2021, 12:28:37 AM
In Japan, McDonald's is only selling their smallest size of french fries, blaming the floods in British Columbia and the general supply crunch.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/22/mcdonalds-rations-fries-in-japan-due-to-potato-shortage
Huh. I thought McDonald's liked to set up local production of their supplies. I guess in Japan that just wasn't possible (the old story of Japan continues).
They could always buy American. Wonder why they weren't importing from Simplot, unless those potatoes were needed for American stores.
As far as I remember, they use potatoes which doesn't grow in Asian climate, so they ship from US/canada. During some previous disruption, they even airlifted it from US.
Quote from: kalvado on December 22, 2021, 08:31:21 AM
Quote from: Rothman on December 22, 2021, 06:54:58 AM
Quote from: Bruce on December 22, 2021, 12:28:37 AM
In Japan, McDonald's is only selling their smallest size of french fries, blaming the floods in British Columbia and the general supply crunch.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/22/mcdonalds-rations-fries-in-japan-due-to-potato-shortage
Huh. I thought McDonald's liked to set up local production of their supplies. I guess in Japan that just wasn't possible (the old story of Japan continues).
They could always buy American. Wonder why they weren't importing from Simplot, unless those potatoes were needed for American stores.
As far as I remember, they use potatoes which doesn't grow in Asian climate, so they ship from US/canada. During some previous disruption, they even airlifted it from US.
If potatoes will grow on Mars, they'll grow in Japan or China.
Quote from: Rothman on December 22, 2021, 11:24:42 PM
Quote from: kalvado on December 22, 2021, 08:31:21 AM
Quote from: Rothman on December 22, 2021, 06:54:58 AM
Quote from: Bruce on December 22, 2021, 12:28:37 AM
In Japan, McDonald's is only selling their smallest size of french fries, blaming the floods in British Columbia and the general supply crunch.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/22/mcdonalds-rations-fries-in-japan-due-to-potato-shortage
Huh. I thought McDonald's liked to set up local production of their supplies. I guess in Japan that just wasn't possible (the old story of Japan continues).
They could always buy American. Wonder why they weren't importing from Simplot, unless those potatoes were needed for American stores.
As far as I remember, they use potatoes which doesn't grow in Asian climate, so they ship from US/canada. During some previous disruption, they even airlifted it from US.
If potatoes will grow on Mars, they'll grow in Japan or China.
But would the taste and texture conform to McDonald's specs?
Quote from: kalvado on December 23, 2021, 04:43:06 AM
Quote from: Rothman on December 22, 2021, 11:24:42 PM
Quote from: kalvado on December 22, 2021, 08:31:21 AM
Quote from: Rothman on December 22, 2021, 06:54:58 AM
Quote from: Bruce on December 22, 2021, 12:28:37 AM
In Japan, McDonald's is only selling their smallest size of french fries, blaming the floods in British Columbia and the general supply crunch.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/22/mcdonalds-rations-fries-in-japan-due-to-potato-shortage
Huh. I thought McDonald's liked to set up local production of their supplies. I guess in Japan that just wasn't possible (the old story of Japan continues).
They could always buy American. Wonder why they weren't importing from Simplot, unless those potatoes were needed for American stores.
As far as I remember, they use potatoes which doesn't grow in Asian climate, so they ship from US/canada. During some previous disruption, they even airlifted it from US.
If potatoes will grow on Mars, they'll grow in Japan or China.
But would the taste and texture conform to McDonald's specs?
Heh. Do potatoes need DOP, IGP, IGT, DOC and DOCG certifications? :D
Quote from: Rothman on December 23, 2021, 11:22:11 AM
Quote from: kalvado on December 23, 2021, 04:43:06 AM
Quote from: Rothman on December 22, 2021, 11:24:42 PM
Quote from: kalvado on December 22, 2021, 08:31:21 AM
Quote from: Rothman on December 22, 2021, 06:54:58 AM
Quote from: Bruce on December 22, 2021, 12:28:37 AM
In Japan, McDonald's is only selling their smallest size of french fries, blaming the floods in British Columbia and the general supply crunch.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/22/mcdonalds-rations-fries-in-japan-due-to-potato-shortage
Huh. I thought McDonald's liked to set up local production of their supplies. I guess in Japan that just wasn't possible (the old story of Japan continues).
They could always buy American. Wonder why they weren't importing from Simplot, unless those potatoes were needed for American stores.
As far as I remember, they use potatoes which doesn't grow in Asian climate, so they ship from US/canada. During some previous disruption, they even airlifted it from US.
If potatoes will grow on Mars, they'll grow in Japan or China.
But would the taste and texture conform to McDonald's specs?
Heh. Do potatoes need DOP, IGP, IGT, DOC and DOCG certifications? :D
You think you are being funny, right?
Quote from: kalvado on December 23, 2021, 11:33:49 AM
Quote from: Rothman on December 23, 2021, 11:22:11 AM
Quote from: kalvado on December 23, 2021, 04:43:06 AM
Quote from: Rothman on December 22, 2021, 11:24:42 PM
Quote from: kalvado on December 22, 2021, 08:31:21 AM
Quote from: Rothman on December 22, 2021, 06:54:58 AM
Quote from: Bruce on December 22, 2021, 12:28:37 AM
In Japan, McDonald's is only selling their smallest size of french fries, blaming the floods in British Columbia and the general supply crunch.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/22/mcdonalds-rations-fries-in-japan-due-to-potato-shortage
Huh. I thought McDonald's liked to set up local production of their supplies. I guess in Japan that just wasn't possible (the old story of Japan continues).
They could always buy American. Wonder why they weren't importing from Simplot, unless those potatoes were needed for American stores.
As far as I remember, they use potatoes which doesn't grow in Asian climate, so they ship from US/canada. During some previous disruption, they even airlifted it from US.
If potatoes will grow on Mars, they'll grow in Japan or China.
But would the taste and texture conform to McDonald's specs?
Heh. Do potatoes need DOP, IGP, IGT, DOC and DOCG certifications? :D
You think you are being funny, right?
Well, the idea that potatoes have the same culinary distinctions as wine is funny.
Quote from: Rothman on December 23, 2021, 11:36:45 AM
Quote from: kalvado on December 23, 2021, 11:33:49 AM
Quote from: Rothman on December 23, 2021, 11:22:11 AM
Quote from: kalvado on December 23, 2021, 04:43:06 AM
Quote from: Rothman on December 22, 2021, 11:24:42 PM
Quote from: kalvado on December 22, 2021, 08:31:21 AM
Quote from: Rothman on December 22, 2021, 06:54:58 AM
Quote from: Bruce on December 22, 2021, 12:28:37 AM
In Japan, McDonald's is only selling their smallest size of french fries, blaming the floods in British Columbia and the general supply crunch.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/22/mcdonalds-rations-fries-in-japan-due-to-potato-shortage
Huh. I thought McDonald's liked to set up local production of their supplies. I guess in Japan that just wasn't possible (the old story of Japan continues).
They could always buy American. Wonder why they weren't importing from Simplot, unless those potatoes were needed for American stores.
As far as I remember, they use potatoes which doesn't grow in Asian climate, so they ship from US/canada. During some previous disruption, they even airlifted it from US.
If potatoes will grow on Mars, they'll grow in Japan or China.
But would the taste and texture conform to McDonald's specs?
Heh. Do potatoes need DOP, IGP, IGT, DOC and DOCG certifications? :D
You think you are being funny, right?
Well, the idea that potatoes have the same culinary distinctions as wine is funny.
Even our local Hannaford can easily have 4-5 types. Yellow aka Yukon Gold, white, russet, red, purple. Difference in starch conformation (branching factor) and content are pretty obvious.
And different cultivars do require different growth conditions..
Quote from: kalvado on December 23, 2021, 12:24:30 PM
Quote from: Rothman on December 23, 2021, 11:36:45 AM
Quote from: kalvado on December 23, 2021, 11:33:49 AM
Quote from: Rothman on December 23, 2021, 11:22:11 AM
Quote from: kalvado on December 23, 2021, 04:43:06 AM
Quote from: Rothman on December 22, 2021, 11:24:42 PM
Quote from: kalvado on December 22, 2021, 08:31:21 AM
Quote from: Rothman on December 22, 2021, 06:54:58 AM
Quote from: Bruce on December 22, 2021, 12:28:37 AM
In Japan, McDonald's is only selling their smallest size of french fries, blaming the floods in British Columbia and the general supply crunch.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/22/mcdonalds-rations-fries-in-japan-due-to-potato-shortage
Huh. I thought McDonald's liked to set up local production of their supplies. I guess in Japan that just wasn't possible (the old story of Japan continues).
They could always buy American. Wonder why they weren't importing from Simplot, unless those potatoes were needed for American stores.
As far as I remember, they use potatoes which doesn't grow in Asian climate, so they ship from US/canada. During some previous disruption, they even airlifted it from US.
If potatoes will grow on Mars, they'll grow in Japan or China.
But would the taste and texture conform to McDonald's specs?
Heh. Do potatoes need DOP, IGP, IGT, DOC and DOCG certifications? :D
You think you are being funny, right?
Well, the idea that potatoes have the same culinary distinctions as wine is funny.
Even our local Hannaford can easily have 4-5 types. Yellow aka Yukon Gold, white, russet, red, purple. Difference in starch conformation (branching factor) and content are pretty obvious.
And different cultivars do require different growth conditions..
Yes, different potatoes are...different. We're not talking cultivars here, though (like broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts...all brassica oleracea -- the same species), but different species altogether.
Potato growing states are as varied as Idaho and Maine, so can't be that picky. Russets in particular are grown in all sorts of places.
I'd place my bet on lack of decent land in Japan, more than difference of climate and the like.
Quote from: Rothman on December 23, 2021, 03:31:02 PM
Quote from: kalvado on December 23, 2021, 12:24:30 PM
Quote from: Rothman on December 23, 2021, 11:36:45 AM
Quote from: kalvado on December 23, 2021, 11:33:49 AM
Quote from: Rothman on December 23, 2021, 11:22:11 AM
Quote from: kalvado on December 23, 2021, 04:43:06 AM
Quote from: Rothman on December 22, 2021, 11:24:42 PM
Quote from: kalvado on December 22, 2021, 08:31:21 AM
Quote from: Rothman on December 22, 2021, 06:54:58 AM
Quote from: Bruce on December 22, 2021, 12:28:37 AM
In Japan, McDonald's is only selling their smallest size of french fries, blaming the floods in British Columbia and the general supply crunch.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/22/mcdonalds-rations-fries-in-japan-due-to-potato-shortage
Huh. I thought McDonald's liked to set up local production of their supplies. I guess in Japan that just wasn't possible (the old story of Japan continues).
They could always buy American. Wonder why they weren't importing from Simplot, unless those potatoes were needed for American stores.
As far as I remember, they use potatoes which doesn't grow in Asian climate, so they ship from US/canada. During some previous disruption, they even airlifted it from US.
If potatoes will grow on Mars, they'll grow in Japan or China.
But would the taste and texture conform to McDonald's specs?
Heh. Do potatoes need DOP, IGP, IGT, DOC and DOCG certifications? :D
You think you are being funny, right?
Well, the idea that potatoes have the same culinary distinctions as wine is funny.
Even our local Hannaford can easily have 4-5 types. Yellow aka Yukon Gold, white, russet, red, purple. Difference in starch conformation (branching factor) and content are pretty obvious.
And different cultivars do require different growth conditions..
Yes, different potatoes are...different. We're not talking cultivars here, though (like broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts...all brassica oleracea -- the same species), but different species altogether.
Potato growing states are as varied as Idaho and Maine, so can't be that picky. Russets in particular are grown in all sorts of places.
I'd place my bet on lack of decent land in Japan, more than difference of climate and the like.
Land scarcity in Japan is a sure thing. However total Japanese potato harvest is half of that of Canada or 10% of US (and 3x more than Maine - 10th state in the list). They could easily go with China - largest world producer; or some other countries in the region. But for some reason, they choose to bring potatoes across the ocean.
Quote from: kalvado on December 23, 2021, 05:36:35 PM
Quote from: Rothman on December 23, 2021, 03:31:02 PM
Quote from: kalvado on December 23, 2021, 12:24:30 PM
Quote from: Rothman on December 23, 2021, 11:36:45 AM
Quote from: kalvado on December 23, 2021, 11:33:49 AM
Quote from: Rothman on December 23, 2021, 11:22:11 AM
Quote from: kalvado on December 23, 2021, 04:43:06 AM
Quote from: Rothman on December 22, 2021, 11:24:42 PM
Quote from: kalvado on December 22, 2021, 08:31:21 AM
Quote from: Rothman on December 22, 2021, 06:54:58 AM
Quote from: Bruce on December 22, 2021, 12:28:37 AM
In Japan, McDonald's is only selling their smallest size of french fries, blaming the floods in British Columbia and the general supply crunch.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/22/mcdonalds-rations-fries-in-japan-due-to-potato-shortage
Huh. I thought McDonald's liked to set up local production of their supplies. I guess in Japan that just wasn't possible (the old story of Japan continues).
They could always buy American. Wonder why they weren't importing from Simplot, unless those potatoes were needed for American stores.
As far as I remember, they use potatoes which doesn't grow in Asian climate, so they ship from US/canada. During some previous disruption, they even airlifted it from US.
If potatoes will grow on Mars, they'll grow in Japan or China.
But would the taste and texture conform to McDonald's specs?
Heh. Do potatoes need DOP, IGP, IGT, DOC and DOCG certifications? :D
You think you are being funny, right?
Well, the idea that potatoes have the same culinary distinctions as wine is funny.
Even our local Hannaford can easily have 4-5 types. Yellow aka Yukon Gold, white, russet, red, purple. Difference in starch conformation (branching factor) and content are pretty obvious.
And different cultivars do require different growth conditions..
Yes, different potatoes are...different. We're not talking cultivars here, though (like broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts...all brassica oleracea -- the same species), but different species altogether.
Potato growing states are as varied as Idaho and Maine, so can't be that picky. Russets in particular are grown in all sorts of places.
I'd place my bet on lack of decent land in Japan, more than difference of climate and the like.
Land scarcity in Japan is a sure thing. However total Japanese potato harvest is half of that of Canada or 10% of US (and 3x more than Maine - 10th state in the list). They could easily go with China - largest world producer; or some other countries in the region. But for some reason, they choose to bring potatoes across the ocean.
I thought they purchased farms in Russia to ensure supplies there after the Curtain fell.
Quote from: Rothman on December 23, 2021, 06:33:39 PM
Quote from: kalvado on December 23, 2021, 05:36:35 PM
Quote from: Rothman on December 23, 2021, 03:31:02 PM
Quote from: kalvado on December 23, 2021, 12:24:30 PM
Quote from: Rothman on December 23, 2021, 11:36:45 AM
Quote from: kalvado on December 23, 2021, 11:33:49 AM
Quote from: Rothman on December 23, 2021, 11:22:11 AM
Quote from: kalvado on December 23, 2021, 04:43:06 AM
Quote from: Rothman on December 22, 2021, 11:24:42 PM
Quote from: kalvado on December 22, 2021, 08:31:21 AM
Quote from: Rothman on December 22, 2021, 06:54:58 AM
Quote from: Bruce on December 22, 2021, 12:28:37 AM
In Japan, McDonald's is only selling their smallest size of french fries, blaming the floods in British Columbia and the general supply crunch.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/22/mcdonalds-rations-fries-in-japan-due-to-potato-shortage
Huh. I thought McDonald's liked to set up local production of their supplies. I guess in Japan that just wasn't possible (the old story of Japan continues).
They could always buy American. Wonder why they weren't importing from Simplot, unless those potatoes were needed for American stores.
As far as I remember, they use potatoes which doesn't grow in Asian climate, so they ship from US/canada. During some previous disruption, they even airlifted it from US.
If potatoes will grow on Mars, they'll grow in Japan or China.
But would the taste and texture conform to McDonald's specs?
Heh. Do potatoes need DOP, IGP, IGT, DOC and DOCG certifications? :D
You think you are being funny, right?
Well, the idea that potatoes have the same culinary distinctions as wine is funny.
Even our local Hannaford can easily have 4-5 types. Yellow aka Yukon Gold, white, russet, red, purple. Difference in starch conformation (branching factor) and content are pretty obvious.
And different cultivars do require different growth conditions..
Yes, different potatoes are...different. We're not talking cultivars here, though (like broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts...all brassica oleracea -- the same species), but different species altogether.
Potato growing states are as varied as Idaho and Maine, so can't be that picky. Russets in particular are grown in all sorts of places.
I'd place my bet on lack of decent land in Japan, more than difference of climate and the like.
Land scarcity in Japan is a sure thing. However total Japanese potato harvest is half of that of Canada or 10% of US (and 3x more than Maine - 10th state in the list). They could easily go with China - largest world producer; or some other countries in the region. But for some reason, they choose to bring potatoes across the ocean.
I thought they purchased farms in Russia to ensure supplies there after the Curtain fell.
If it is in the European part of Russia, Canada may actually be a closer location to Japan to ship from. If not geographically (which it still may be), but logistically for sure.
Quote from: kalvado on December 23, 2021, 05:36:35 PM
Land scarcity in Japan is a sure thing. However total Japanese potato harvest is half of that of Canada or 10% of US (and 3x more than Maine - 10th state in the list). They could easily go with China - largest world producer; or some other countries in the region. But for some reason, they choose to bring potatoes across the ocean.
China cannot produce, strange as it may seem, enough food for themselves and must import from other countries, including the US. For example, a large percentage of the soybeans China uses actually come from Illinois.
Today's trip to the grocery store suggests cat food is the next toilet paper.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211224/933456abad75d9431b52a9171d2a2611.jpg)
Quote from: 1995hoo on December 24, 2021, 04:27:46 PM
Today's trip to the grocery store suggests cat food is the next toilet paper.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211224/933456abad75d9431b52a9171d2a2611.jpg)
Seen the same thing for past few weeks. Chewy still seems to be doing OK, though
Quote from: 1995hoo on December 24, 2021, 04:27:46 PM
Today's trip to the grocery store suggests cat food is the next toilet paper.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211224/933456abad75d9431b52a9171d2a2611.jpg)
Has been for months now. One of the big problems here is a lack of aluminum for the cans.
Pet food (cat and dog, canned and dry) has been an item in short supply locally in our three dollar stores (two Dollar Generals and one Family Dollar) for months, and there have been some shortages at the nearest Walmart as well.
Laundry supplies (detergent, fabric softener, dryer sheets, fragrance crystals, etc.) have also been a scarce item around here for a few months.
Apparently, some pharmacies are having trouble getting prescriptions in stock. I tried to get a refill of Losartan the other day at the Walmart pharmacy, and I got told that it was backordered and wouldn't be available for 2 weeks. They told me I could wait 2 weeks, or they could transfer my prescription to Walgreens or CVS. I couldn't wait 2 weeks since I was almost out, so I told them to send it to Walgreens since I wanted to avoid using CVS if at all possible since I've had nothing but trouble with them in the past. Walmart later calls me back and said that Walgreens' computer system was down, so they had to send it to CVS.
Of course, it didn't take long for CVS to fuck up. They filled my prescription, but they told me I don't have any more refills left after this, which is bullshit, so I gotta try to straighten that out tomorrow. If Walmart ever gets their stock issues fixed, I'm switching back to them, pronto.
Quote from: Rothman on December 22, 2021, 11:24:42 PM
Quote from: kalvado on December 22, 2021, 08:31:21 AM
Quote from: Rothman on December 22, 2021, 06:54:58 AM
Quote from: Bruce on December 22, 2021, 12:28:37 AM
In Japan, McDonald's is only selling their smallest size of french fries, blaming the floods in British Columbia and the general supply crunch.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/22/mcdonalds-rations-fries-in-japan-due-to-potato-shortage
Huh. I thought McDonald's liked to set up local production of their supplies. I guess in Japan that just wasn't possible (the old story of Japan continues).
They could always buy American. Wonder why they weren't importing from Simplot, unless those potatoes were needed for American stores.
As far as I remember, they use potatoes which doesn't grow in Asian climate, so they ship from US/canada. During some previous disruption, they even airlifted it from US.
If potatoes will grow on Mars, they'll grow in Japan or China.
I once had a teacher say, somewhat facetiously, that if you stopped vacuuming a carpet, you could grow potatoes there.
Today when I pulled up to a McDonald's drive-thru speaker, they had temporary signs taped to the ordering area saying "Cash only." I had almost tried curbside ordering because of the line, but I have the cash. Once I got up to the first window, they now weren't even accepting cash from anyone and was giving away food for free. I'll have to donate $10 to Ronald McDonald house next time I'm inside or see a slot outside.
Whatever that was, it wasn't a supply disruption. I'm guessing their credit card system was down. Then, by the time you got to the window, either the district manager had given the order to go ahead and close the store until it came back up, or everyone had gotten so much abuse for not accepting credit cards that the whole crew said fuck it and decided to quit en masse and handed out the remaining orders for free to go out in a blaze of glory.
An interesting comment:
https://www.axios.com/cars-shortage-made-to-order-35d24a0f-690b-43f4-aa3a-3f65aef2969c.html
Basically message is pre-ordering cars to exact customer configuration is a better option for manufacturer. And a change in strategy can be made in near future due to supply shortage and lack of inventory.
But quite a few people want to drive exact same car before paying for it. Would it boil down to couple of representative configurations still available for test drive, or how would they deal with test driving?
Quote from: LM117 on December 31, 2021, 05:42:22 PM
Apparently, some pharmacies are having trouble getting prescriptions in stock. I tried to get a refill of Losartan the other day at the Walmart pharmacy, and I got told that it was backordered and wouldn't be available for 2 weeks. They told me I could wait 2 weeks, or they could transfer my prescription to Walgreens or CVS. I couldn't wait 2 weeks since I was almost out, so I told them to send it to Walgreens since I wanted to avoid using CVS if at all possible since I've had nothing but trouble with them in the past. Walmart later calls me back and said that Walgreens' computer system was down, so they had to send it to CVS.
Of course, it didn't take long for CVS to fuck up. They filled my prescription, but they told me I don't have any more refills left after this, which is bullshit, so I gotta try to straighten that out tomorrow. If Walmart ever gets their stock issues fixed, I'm switching back to them, pronto.
If you have one of those online pharmacies in your neck of the woods such as Capsule, I highly recommend it. Better (and cheaper) than CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, or any brick-and-mortar-pharmacy.
Quote from: kalvado on January 04, 2022, 09:10:44 AM
An interesting comment:
https://www.axios.com/cars-shortage-made-to-order-35d24a0f-690b-43f4-aa3a-3f65aef2969c.html
Basically message is pre-ordering cars to exact customer configuration is a better option for manufacturer. And a change in strategy can be made in near future due to supply shortage and lack of inventory.
But quite a few people want to drive exact same car before paying for it. Would it boil down to couple of representative configurations still available for test drive, or how would they deal with test driving?
Yeah, I can't say I'm on board with the "custom order, wait a month, hope there aren't issues" model. While Tesla's QA/QC issues are legendary, other automakers have them too, and as such you don't get to know what you're buying. And it eliminates the "buy at the tail end of the model year to get a great deal as the dealer is frantically trying to get cars off the lot" tactic. From what I've heard, people trying to buy EVs from traditional automakers who are pushing this model are paying through the nose as the dealer has every incentive to raise the price and no incentives to lower it.
I wonder if this would have the silver lining of prolonging the ability to buy a manual, as manufacturers could only make them as needed rather than have a whole production run.
In my lifetime, my dad bought four new vehicles (1967, 1979, 1990, and 1998). Each time, he ordered the vehicle. By the time he bought the last one, individual options had been discontinued in favor of packages. In order to get something that he really wanted on the 1998 Chevy truck, he had to get a bunch of stuff he didn't want (power windows, power locks, etc.)
I test-drove every vehicle I ever bought except my 1994 Saturn. I drove one like it, but to get what I wanted, the dealer had to do a swap. They drove a car from Lexington to St. Louis that someone there wanted, and drove mine back to Lexington for me.
Quote from: ErmineNotyours on January 03, 2022, 10:23:08 PM
Today when I pulled up to a McDonald's drive-thru speaker, they had temporary signs taped to the ordering area saying "Cash only." I had almost tried curbside ordering because of the line, but I have the cash. Once I got up to the first window, they now weren't even accepting cash from anyone and was giving away food for free. I'll have to donate $10 to Ronald McDonald house next time I'm inside or see a slot outside.
At my closest McDonald's, they've had been out of pop, ice cream, and smoothies for several weeks! They have a sign saying so, but if you're doing drive-thru, the sign isn't until the order window (so it's too late the back out then). It doesn't leave much choices for drinks lol. I can imagine the abuse the employees are getting. :-(
The universe is giving us a sign to consume less McDonalds. ;)
Quote from: triplemultiplex on January 05, 2022, 03:55:09 PM
The universe is giving us a sign to consume less McDonalds. ;)
And more Culver's ;)
Just saw a Culver's commercial tonight.
From KDFW:
Cold medicine shortage: COVID surge, flu season leading to empty shelvesQuoteNew COVID infections continue to shoot up at a rapid pace, and the spread is running right into cold and flu season.
It's all leading to another shortage on store shelves: cold medicine.
Shoppers across DFW are encountering shelves that are empty or close to it.
One employee at an East Dallas pharmacy called it "the new toilet paper shortage."
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://www.fox4news.com/news/cold-medicine-shortage-covid-surge-flu-season-leading-to-empty-shelves)
From NBC DFW:
US Shoppers Find Some Groceries Scarce Due to Virus, Weather
Shortages at grocery stores have grown more acute in recent weeks, though some in the industry feel the supply chain will soon settle back to more normal patternsQuoteShortages at U.S. grocery stores have grown more acute in recent weeks as new problems – like the rise in COVID-19 cases and severe weather – have piled on to the supply chain struggles and labor shortages that have plagued retailers since the coronavirus pandemic began.
The shortages are widespread, impacting produce and meat as well as packaged goods such as cereal. And they're being reported nationwide. U.S. groceries typically have 5% to 10% of their items out of stock at any given time; right now, that unavailability rate is hovering around 15%, according to Consumer Brands Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/coronavirus/us-shoppers-find-some-groceries-scarce-due-virus-weather/2856881/)
My mom's comment on the grocery store yesterday:
QuoteI had to make adjustments...no fresh milk, so I bought Fairlife milk that has an expiration date in mid-March. No orange juice , so I bought two containers of frozen concentrated orange juice. No lettuce, no fresh vegetables, so I got frozen string beans and carrots. There was almost no meat, but I didn't need any. Surprisingly there was plenty of bread. I got some things I don't yet need, but supplies on the shelves were getting low...noodles, pasta, coffee, tea, cereal.
Get ready for more runs on food and supplies in the southeast and east coast, with the threat of a significant winter storm this weekend...
Our local Wegmans was more picked over this past weekend than anything we'd ever seen back in Spring 2020...a specific contributing factor I've heard tossed around (for the DC/B'more area at least) is the I-95 VA fiasco from last week.
Dog Food to Walmart and Dollar General is a big product out of thanks to this supply crisis. I have to buy other expensive brands to keep my Buddy fed well.
Quote from: jmacswimmer on January 13, 2022, 11:34:35 AM
Our local Wegmans was more picked over this past weekend than anything we'd ever seen back in Spring 2020...a specific contributing factor I've heard tossed around (for the DC/B'more area at least) is the I-95 VA fiasco from last week.
That was true for us too. Back then what was missing was mainly paper products–TP, tissues, paper towels–and related stuff like moist wipes and the like, along with cleaning products like Clorox spray and Lysol. Last weekend, the meat was very picked over. No pork at all, other than just a few packages, when I was there. Don't know what to expect this weekend, nor have I figured out when the best time to attempt the store is. May wind up heading to a butcher for meat instead of the grocery store.
Quote from: roadman65 on January 13, 2022, 11:40:50 AM
Dog Food to Walmart and Dollar General is a big product out of thanks to this supply crisis. I have to buy other expensive brands to keep my Buddy fed well.
A few weeks ago the cat food was very much picked-over at Wegmans. I ordered two 24-packs from Chewy.com and may do the same soon to restock.
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 13, 2022, 11:41:50 AM
Quote from: jmacswimmer on January 13, 2022, 11:34:35 AM
Our local Wegmans was more picked over this past weekend than anything we'd ever seen back in Spring 2020...a specific contributing factor I've heard tossed around (for the DC/B'more area at least) is the I-95 VA fiasco from last week.
That was true for us too. Back then what was missing was mainly paper products–TP, tissues, paper towels–and related stuff like moist wipes and the like, along with cleaning products like Clorox spray and Lysol. Last weekend, the meat was very picked over. No pork at all, other than just a few packages, when I was there. Don't know what to expect this weekend, nor have I figured out when the best time to attempt the store is. May wind up heading to a butcher for meat instead of the grocery store.
Quote from: roadman65 on January 13, 2022, 11:40:50 AM
Dog Food to Walmart and Dollar General is a big product out of thanks to this supply crisis. I have to buy other expensive brands to keep my Buddy fed well.
A few weeks ago the cat food was very much picked-over at Wegmans. I ordered two 24-packs from Chewy.com and may do the same soon to restock.
Chewy is running low as well.
Quote from: kalvado on January 13, 2022, 12:33:26 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 13, 2022, 11:41:50 AM
Quote from: jmacswimmer on January 13, 2022, 11:34:35 AM
Our local Wegmans was more picked over this past weekend than anything we'd ever seen back in Spring 2020...a specific contributing factor I've heard tossed around (for the DC/B'more area at least) is the I-95 VA fiasco from last week.
That was true for us too. Back then what was missing was mainly paper products–TP, tissues, paper towels–and related stuff like moist wipes and the like, along with cleaning products like Clorox spray and Lysol. Last weekend, the meat was very picked over. No pork at all, other than just a few packages, when I was there. Don't know what to expect this weekend, nor have I figured out when the best time to attempt the store is. May wind up heading to a butcher for meat instead of the grocery store.
Quote from: roadman65 on January 13, 2022, 11:40:50 AM
Dog Food to Walmart and Dollar General is a big product out of thanks to this supply crisis. I have to buy other expensive brands to keep my Buddy fed well.
A few weeks ago the cat food was very much picked-over at Wegmans. I ordered two 24-packs from Chewy.com and may do the same soon to restock.
Chewy is running low as well.
Thanks for the warning. I was going to have to order next week, so I went ahead and did it now while eating lunch. They had everything I wanted, so if they run low, we're at least ahead of the demand.
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 13, 2022, 11:41:50 AM
Quote from: jmacswimmer on January 13, 2022, 11:34:35 AM
Our local Wegmans was more picked over this past weekend than anything we'd ever seen back in Spring 2020...a specific contributing factor I've heard tossed around (for the DC/B'more area at least) is the I-95 VA fiasco from last week.
That was true for us too. Back then what was missing was mainly paper products–TP, tissues, paper towels–and related stuff like moist wipes and the like, along with cleaning products like Clorox spray and Lysol. Last weekend, the meat was very picked over. No pork at all, other than just a few packages, when I was there. Don't know what to expect this weekend, nor have I figured out when the best time to attempt the store is. May wind up heading to a butcher for meat instead of the grocery store.
Similarly the missing items we observed was most meat products, bread (we got lucky and found a loaf on a wrong shelf, or we would have been SOL), but the most striking of them all was how empty the entire produce section was. Zero bananas or berries of any kind, and very little lettuce & green beans.
As far as paper products go...didn't go in that aisle at Wegmans, but I was at a Walmart the following day and noticed that paper towels & TP, while available, seemed to be running low. Adding on to the pet supply discussion, that Walmart was also low on cat litter.
From Business Insider via Yahoo News, posted November 3, 2021:
Furniture shipping rates now equal the cost of the furniture itself as lead times continue to stretch on for monthsQuoteEarlier this year, the estimated delivery time for a new couch could easily be three months or more.
Shoppers who decided to hold off on their purchase until that number improved are still waiting, as the Long Beach logjam has nearly crippled the US supply chain.
But now furniture buyers face another obstacle in addition to seemingly endless lead times: the cost of shipping the goods has skyrocketed.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://markholtz.info/2hz)
I saw an interesting situation. I was in a store with some empty shelves and a lot of half-empty shelves, and at the end of each aisle there was a big stack of boxes wrapped in plastic. They had new inventory, but it was packed up. My guess is that so many people are out sick that they don't have the staffing to run the store stock and the shelves during business hours. I went back today. The shelves are less empty, and the big piles are gone, but they have stuff stacked up, in an orderly way, so you can grab what you want, at the ends of the aisles at the back of the store. Most aisles have no end caps and there's usually nothing at those ends. I don't know if they have too much of some stuff or if they just decided to stack it at the end because it's quicker than putting it on the shelves.
Quote from: wxfree on January 13, 2022, 10:12:58 PM
I saw an interesting situation. I was in a store with some empty shelves and a lot of half-empty shelves, and at the end of each aisle there was a big stack of boxes wrapped in plastic. They had new inventory, but it was packed up. My guess is that so many people are out sick that they don't have the staffing to run the store stock and the shelves during business hours. I went back today. The shelves are less empty, and the big piles are gone, but they have stuff stacked up, in an orderly way, so you can grab what you want, at the ends of the aisles at the back of the store. Most aisles have no end caps and there's usually nothing at those ends. I don't know if they have too much of some stuff or if they just decided to stack it at the end because it's quicker than putting it on the shelves.
Kinda sounds like the way stores are set up at the end of the last business day before Black Friday.
Bread and milk is always in short supply before a snowstorm. That's a phenomenon that existed even before 2020.
Which is funny because every time I go to Braum's, I buy just bread and milk, because theirs is better than anything they have at the grocery store. I sometimes wonder if I've ever made the cashier check the weather just to see if snow is in the forecast.
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 20, 2022, 02:20:36 AM
Bread and milk is always in short supply before a snowstorm. That's a phenomenon that existed even before 2020.
Been that way for decades, if not longer! We've always referred to those shoppers as making "B.M.T. Runs" at the grocery.
Of course, B.M.T. = "bread, milk, and toilet paper"
Quote from: dlsterner on January 20, 2022, 03:00:41 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 20, 2022, 02:20:36 AM
Bread and milk is always in short supply before a snowstorm. That's a phenomenon that existed even before 2020.
Been that way for decades, if not longer! We've always referred to those shoppers as making "B.M.T. Runs" at the grocery.
Of course, B.M.T. = "bread, milk, and toilet paper"
For the record, that's a Southern thing and really doesn't occur in real snow country.
Quote from: Brandon on January 20, 2022, 03:41:25 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on January 20, 2022, 03:00:41 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 20, 2022, 02:20:36 AM
Bread and milk is always in short supply before a snowstorm. That's a phenomenon that existed even before 2020.
Been that way for decades, if not longer! We've always referred to those shoppers as making "B.M.T. Runs" at the grocery.
Of course, B.M.T. = "bread, milk, and toilet paper"
For the record, that's a Southern thing and really doesn't occur in real snow country.
I don't know why the DMV is "Southern" in this regard - they would get 3-6 inches of accumulated snow at any given time during the winter and a couple feet of snow every 5-10 years.
Quote from: Brandon on January 20, 2022, 03:41:25 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on January 20, 2022, 03:00:41 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 20, 2022, 02:20:36 AM
Bread and milk is always in short supply before a snowstorm. That's a phenomenon that existed even before 2020.
Been that way for decades, if not longer! We've always referred to those shoppers as making "B.M.T. Runs" at the grocery.
Of course, B.M.T. = "bread, milk, and toilet paper"
For the record, that's a Southern thing and really doesn't occur in real snow country.
Well, yes, because in the north there's an expectation that business as usual will be possible in all but the largest snowstorms. Around here, smart money is to just buy your bread and milk and hunker down until it starts to melt, because even if
you know how to get around in a snowstorm, chances are nobody
else on the road does.
Quote from: Brandon on January 20, 2022, 03:41:25 PM
Quote from: dlsterner on January 20, 2022, 03:00:41 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 20, 2022, 02:20:36 AM
Bread and milk is always in short supply before a snowstorm. That's a phenomenon that existed even before 2020.
Been that way for decades, if not longer! We've always referred to those shoppers as making "B.M.T. Runs" at the grocery.
Of course, B.M.T. = "bread, milk, and toilet paper"
For the record, that's a Southern thing and really doesn't occur in real snow country.
Also happens on the West Coast, even in areas that can expect regular snowstorms. Seattle usually runs out of bananas before snow hits.
In my area, a forecast for non-accumulating snow flurries causes people to hoard bread and milk, resulting in empty shelves (the only times I saw empty shelves before 2020). I once saw people rush to the store on a day with a light dusting of snow and buy all the bread, even though the forecast for the next day, which turned out to be accurate, was for sunny skies and warmer temperatures.
In fairness, if you live in a mountainous area that doesn't frequently see snow and/or ice, and there is snow and/or ice, you are pretty much homebound until it melts.
Things are significantly better here (DFW area, at least my part of it). The amount of product on the shelves is still light, but there's at least some of of nearly everything available. And this is Saturday night, following a normal busy day. A store I went to also has the walkways crowded with big stacks of boxes full of inventory waiting to be put on the shelves, presumably overflow with more in the back. Hopefully this is a leading indicator. Another store I went to is better stocked than before, but not as well as the first one.
Toddler formula (pediasure grow n gain, along with the Walmart store brand) has been hard to come by locally for almost two months now.
I'm still noticing ongoing shortages of pet food. We no longer have a dog, but we still have cats, and the selection of both dry and canned food has been very sparse the last couple of weeks.
Also, and this seems a bit odd, saltine crackers are in short supply in these parts.
I have been advised by my pool maintenance guy to have a backup supply of chlorine tablets, shock, and muriatic acid, as he may have issues getting supplies at a reasonable price beyond March. Part of this is related to the destruction of the chlorine plant in Louisiana thanks to Hurricane Laura, part of this is the high cost of shipping containers to import the chemicals from overseas suppliers. When I ordered a 10 pound bucket last week of 3" chlorine tablets, it was $74. Same supplier, one week later.... $116. No jump yet on the 25 or 40 pound variants. The Louisiana plant probably won't be back online until later on this year.
Quote from: hbelkins on February 02, 2022, 10:33:36 AM
I'm still noticing ongoing shortages of pet food. We no longer have a dog, but we still have cats, and the selection of both dry and canned food has been very sparse the last couple of weeks.
....
I noticed the same on Saturday–the cat food was very much picked over. I had ordered a bunch of it from Chewy a week or two ago, so we're well-stocked.
Our regular brand of cat litter seems to be in short supply. Both Chewy and Petsmart are out of stock.
This is probably the only good thing about the fact that we have to feed our dog this special, prescription-only dog food that's 3x the cost of regular dog food: There haven't been any runs on it.
Quote from: hbelkins on February 02, 2022, 10:33:36 AM
I'm still noticing ongoing shortages of pet food. We no longer have a dog, but we still have cats, and the selection of both dry and canned food has been very sparse the last couple of weeks.
Also, and this seems a bit odd, saltine crackers are in short supply in these parts.
Definitely seeing this as well in Arizona. It's hard to keep our cats on a consistent diet because we have to choose from whatever happens to be available. They live primarily on dry food and share one can of wet food (pate) at bedtime.
I'm have to order a new over-the-range microwave. Thanks to a mis-entry of the cooking time by a member of my home (40 minutes instead of 4 minutes), a frozen meal was completely carbonized and stank up the house. While the microwave still works, and despite the best effort at cleaning, I can't get rid of the burnt smell. The microwave is around 20 years old, and I've been wanting a new microwave. Off to Costco online I go, partially because I had some gift cards that I kept on standby for exactly this type of situation.
The earliest possible delivery date? April 14th for the order placed last Saturday.
Quote from: ZLoth on February 22, 2022, 06:11:44 AM
I'm have to order a new over-the-range microwave. Thanks to a mis-entry of the cooking time by a member of my home (40 minutes instead of 4 minutes), a frozen meal was completely carbonized and stank up the house. While the microwave still works, and despite the best effort at cleaning, I can't get rid of the burnt smell. The microwave is around 20 years old, and I've been wanting a new microwave. Off to Costco online I go
I did almost the same thing last year. Hit the wrong button on some popcorn (something I've never done despite making popcorn a million times!) and circumstances caused me to miss the error until that shit was "well done".
Except in my, case, I didn't even try to clean that sucker. I immediately took it outside and threw it in the lawn. I knew it was a lost cause.
(Then later I properly disposed of it, but I was really mad in the moment and it felt really good to shot-put that sumbitch onto the grass. :sombrero: )
Fortunately, there were microwaves in stock when I went to the store later that week.
Quote from: triplemultiplex on February 22, 2022, 03:17:06 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on February 22, 2022, 06:11:44 AM
I'm have to order a new over-the-range microwave. Thanks to a mis-entry of the cooking time by a member of my home (40 minutes instead of 4 minutes), a frozen meal was completely carbonized and stank up the house. While the microwave still works, and despite the best effort at cleaning, I can't get rid of the burnt smell. The microwave is around 20 years old, and I've been wanting a new microwave. Off to Costco online I go
I did almost the same thing last year. Hit the wrong button on some popcorn (something I've never done despite making popcorn a million times!) and circumstances caused me to miss the error until that shit was "well done".
Except in my, case, I didn't even try to clean that sucker. I immediately took it outside and threw it in the lawn. I knew it was a lost cause.
(Then later I properly disposed of it, but I was really mad in the moment and it felt really good to shot-put that sumbitch onto the grass. :sombrero: )
Fortunately, there were microwaves in stock when I went to the store later that week.
A better one. Same issue, pizza heated for 30 min instead of 30 seconds in a microwave. In the lab building. Date: 12/23 or so.
How do I learn about it: a fire alarm sounds, everyone evacuates, I am a poor freezing guy in a shaking crowd on a parking lot. Fire trucks roll in (we have enough stuff in the building not to joke about a fire alarm), and ladies from EHS department are running to assess the situation and to meet those truck - running dressed up and on high heels since they were having a local holiday party...
Santa was laughing at us from his sled.
There's been a shortage of canned biscuits in my area and in some other grocery stores across Kentucky.
Quote from: hbelkins on February 22, 2022, 05:22:17 PM
There's been a shortage of canned biscuits in my area and in some other grocery stores across Kentucky.
That's why I buy Powdered Milk Biscuits in the Big Blue Box.
Quote from: Rothman on February 22, 2022, 05:45:59 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on February 22, 2022, 05:22:17 PM
There's been a shortage of canned biscuits in my area and in some other grocery stores across Kentucky.
That's why I buy Powdered Milk Biscuits in the Big Blue Box.
Heavens, they're tasty!
I can't count how many spotty, war-torn, hide-and-seek (, etcetc) product shelf displays I saw at the Walmart up the street over the weekend. I couldn't tell how much was supply chain issues, or customers making messes, or store employees not keeping up. And supposedly this store had recently been remodeled and rearranged. One of the more disappointing grocery trips of the pandemic era.
Is a trip to Walmart ever not disappointing?
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 23, 2022, 04:10:08 PM
Is a trip to Walmart ever not disappointing?
:-D
I'm genuinely struggling to recall one that wasn't in some way.
I've never left a Walmart feeling "Wow, that was great. I'm really glad I came here today."
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 23, 2022, 04:10:08 PMIs a trip to Walmart ever not disappointing?
Only when I score an amazing Black Friday deal.
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 23, 2022, 04:10:08 PM
Is a trip to Walmart ever not disappointing?
I have to admit, it's not so bad at 8-9am when they're almost empty. You can hear yourself think, and other shoppers haven't worked up the energy to be rude or thoughtless by that point. There's no whining kids, most shoppers are alone, and there's a much lower chance of something shady happening in the parking lot.
It might only happen once or twice a year, but there you go.
Quote from: formulanone on February 23, 2022, 06:18:57 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 23, 2022, 04:10:08 PM
Is a trip to Walmart ever not disappointing?
I have to admit, it's not so bad at 8-9am when they're almost empty. You can hear yourself think, and other shoppers haven't worked up the energy to be rude or thoughtless by that point.
I mean, you still have to deal with the bashed-up merchandise, the aisles being so narrow that passing anyone in them qualifies as going on a first date with them, the camera system chinging at you obnoxiously, nothing being in the same place as it was the last time you went there, and the cashiers putting each item in its own flimsy plastic bag (would it kill Walmart to have paper bags?)...
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 23, 2022, 06:22:25 PM
Quote from: formulanone on February 23, 2022, 06:18:57 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 23, 2022, 04:10:08 PM
Is a trip to Walmart ever not disappointing?
I have to admit, it's not so bad at 8-9am when they're almost empty. You can hear yourself think, and other shoppers haven't worked up the energy to be rude or thoughtless by that point.
I mean, you still have to deal with the bashed-up merchandise, the aisles being so narrow that passing anyone in them qualifies as going on a first date with them, the camera system chinging at you obnoxiously, nothing being in the same place as it was the last time you went there, and the cashiers putting each item in its own flimsy plastic bag (would it kill Walmart to have paper bags?)...
Or in states where Walmart doesn't want to pay cashiers, long lines at the self checkout because shoppers can't scan their own items efficiently and bag them at a decent pace.
Quote from: Bruce on February 24, 2022, 12:12:22 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 23, 2022, 06:22:25 PM
Quote from: formulanone on February 23, 2022, 06:18:57 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 23, 2022, 04:10:08 PM
Is a trip to Walmart ever not disappointing?
I have to admit, it's not so bad at 8-9am when they're almost empty. You can hear yourself think, and other shoppers haven't worked up the energy to be rude or thoughtless by that point.
I mean, you still have to deal with the bashed-up merchandise, the aisles being so narrow that passing anyone in them qualifies as going on a first date with them, the camera system chinging at you obnoxiously, nothing being in the same place as it was the last time you went there, and the cashiers putting each item in its own flimsy plastic bag (would it kill Walmart to have paper bags?)...
Or in states where Walmart doesn't want to pay cashiers, long lines at the self checkout because shoppers can't scan their own items efficiently and bag them at a decent pace.
Before the pandemic, there were times of the day when they didn't even have any cashier lines open and all transactions had to go through self-checkout. Since the pandemic, they close overnight, so you have another potential source of disappointment–arriving at a closed Walmart.
Quote from: snowc on March 03, 2022, 10:32:32 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on February 22, 2022, 06:11:44 AM
I'm have to order a new over-the-range microwave. Thanks to a mis-entry of the cooking time by a member of my home (40 minutes instead of 4 minutes), a frozen meal was completely carbonized and stank up the house. While the microwave still works, and despite the best effort at cleaning, I can't get rid of the burnt smell. The microwave is around 20 years old, and I've been wanting a new microwave. Off to Costco online I go, partially because I had some gift cards that I kept on standby for exactly this type of situation.
The earliest possible delivery date? April 14th for the order placed last Saturday.
Lucky me had warranty on our 3 year old microwave. We were cooking something and a burnt plastic smell kept reeking the house! And the solution was to get rid of it? I don't think so! We went online and filed a warranty claim, and the service guy was VERY nice! He couldn't find the problem, but after digging and digging, it was the power supply! It wouldn't even come off! So they had to order the part and came back 24 hours later and had it all done within a hour! :wow: Also we had couches delivered while this was going on! Here's the funny thing too, THIS WAS PERFORMED DURING CORONAVIRUS! :colorful:
The manufacturing date code on the current microwave is April, 2005, which makes my old microwave almost 17 years old. At what point do you put consider repairing verses replacing?
Also, the delivery date is now March 11th in the afternoon. Too bad I haven't even found someone to put in a roof or side vent per my mother's request. :(
Quote from: ZLoth on March 04, 2022, 01:03:44 AM
Quote from: snowc on March 03, 2022, 10:32:32 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on February 22, 2022, 06:11:44 AM
I'm have to order a new over-the-range microwave. Thanks to a mis-entry of the cooking time by a member of my home (40 minutes instead of 4 minutes), a frozen meal was completely carbonized and stank up the house. While the microwave still works, and despite the best effort at cleaning, I can't get rid of the burnt smell. The microwave is around 20 years old, and I've been wanting a new microwave. Off to Costco online I go, partially because I had some gift cards that I kept on standby for exactly this type of situation.
The earliest possible delivery date? April 14th for the order placed last Saturday.
Lucky me had warranty on our 3 year old microwave. We were cooking something and a burnt plastic smell kept reeking the house! And the solution was to get rid of it? I don't think so! We went online and filed a warranty claim, and the service guy was VERY nice! He couldn't find the problem, but after digging and digging, it was the power supply! It wouldn't even come off! So they had to order the part and came back 24 hours later and had it all done within a hour! :wow: Also we had couches delivered while this was going on! Here's the funny thing too, THIS WAS PERFORMED DURING CORONAVIRUS! :colorful:
The manufacturing date code on the current microwave is April, 2005, which makes my old microwave almost 17 years old. At what point do you put consider repairing verses replacing?
Also, the delivery date is now March 11th in the afternoon. Too bad I haven't even found someone to put in a roof or side vent per my mother's request. :(
The replacement is worthless, as this microwave was under warranty.
Quote from: snowc on March 04, 2022, 02:40:54 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on March 04, 2022, 01:03:44 AM
Quote from: snowc on March 03, 2022, 10:32:32 AM
Lucky me had warranty on our 3 year old microwave. We were cooking something and a burnt plastic smell kept reeking the house! And the solution was to get rid of it? I don't think so! We went online and filed a warranty claim, and the service guy was VERY nice!
The manufacturing date code on the current microwave is April, 2005, which makes my old microwave almost 17 years old. At what point do you put consider repairing verses replacing?
The replacement is worthless, as this microwave was under warranty.
If it's under warranty, take advantage of the warranty (sheesh). I'm talking about my 17 year old microwave.
How expensive chlorine has gotten, and how my pool has turned into "the money pit". My pool maintenance person advised me at the end of January to have a backup supply of chlorine tablets, pool shock, and muriatic acid, as his normal avenues may not have a steady supply. So, I went off to Amazon and order a 25 pound tub of chlorine tablets (https://amzn.to/35WVkab). At the time of order (late January), the tub was $180. As of this writing, $289. This was for something that, prior to May, 2021, was just $95 which is just slightly below the price of a 10 pound tub of 3 inch chlorine tablets nowadays ($100). You can blame Hurricane Laura for wiping out a major chlorine manufacturer in Louisiana in 2020, which won't be online until later on this year.
Quote from: ZLoth on March 14, 2022, 06:38:03 AM
How expensive chlorine has gotten, and how my pool has turned into "the money pit". My pool maintenance person advised me at the end of January to have a backup supply of chlorine tablets, pool shock, and muriatic acid, as his normal avenues may not have a steady supply. So, I went off to Amazon and order a 25 pound tub of chlorine tablets. At the time of order (late January), the tub was $180. As of this writing, $289. This was for something that, prior to May, 2021, was just $95 which is just slightly below the price of a 10 pound tub of 3 inch chlorine tablets nowadays ($100). You can blame Hurricane Laura for wiping out a major chlorine manufacturer in Louisiana in 2020, which won't be online until later on this year.
i dont have a pool, so i dont have to worry. :D
Quote from: snowc on March 14, 2022, 09:09:13 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on March 14, 2022, 06:38:03 AM
How expensive chlorine has gotten, and how my pool has turned into "the money pit". My pool maintenance person advised me at the end of January to have a backup supply of chlorine tablets, pool shock, and muriatic acid, as his normal avenues may not have a steady supply. So, I went off to Amazon and order a 25 pound tub of chlorine tablets. At the time of order (late January), the tub was $180. As of this writing, $289. This was for something that, prior to May, 2021, was just $95 which is just slightly below the price of a 10 pound tub of 3 inch chlorine tablets nowadays ($100). You can blame Hurricane Laura for wiping out a major chlorine manufacturer in Louisiana in 2020, which won't be online until later on this year.
i dont have a pool, so i dont have to worry. :D
As far as I understand, same type of stuff goes into public water systems for disinfection. So if you have city water, you may take a notice.
Quote from: snowc on March 14, 2022, 09:09:13 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on March 14, 2022, 06:38:03 AM
How expensive chlorine has gotten, and how my pool has turned into "the money pit". My pool maintenance person advised me at the end of January to have a backup supply of chlorine tablets, pool shock, and muriatic acid, as his normal avenues may not have a steady supply. So, I went off to Amazon and order a 25 pound tub of chlorine tablets. At the time of order (late January), the tub was $180. As of this writing, $289. This was for something that, prior to May, 2021, was just $95 which is just slightly below the price of a 10 pound tub of 3 inch chlorine tablets nowadays ($100). You can blame Hurricane Laura for wiping out a major chlorine manufacturer in Louisiana in 2020, which won't be online until later on this year.
i dont have a pool, so i dont have to worry. :D
My old house had one. Smartest thing I did was having it torn out.
Quote from: skluth on March 14, 2022, 11:40:36 AM
Quote from: snowc on March 14, 2022, 09:09:13 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on March 14, 2022, 06:38:03 AM
How expensive chlorine has gotten, and how my pool has turned into "the money pit". My pool maintenance person advised me at the end of January to have a backup supply of chlorine tablets, pool shock, and muriatic acid, as his normal avenues may not have a steady supply. So, I went off to Amazon and order a 25 pound tub of chlorine tablets. At the time of order (late January), the tub was $180. As of this writing, $289. This was for something that, prior to May, 2021, was just $95 which is just slightly below the price of a 10 pound tub of 3 inch chlorine tablets nowadays ($100). You can blame Hurricane Laura for wiping out a major chlorine manufacturer in Louisiana in 2020, which won't be online until later on this year.
i don't have a pool, so i don't have to worry. :D
My old house had one. Smartest thing I did was having it torn out.
When I moved to Texas and was looking for a home, a pool was on the list of "things that I really didn't want", but wasn't a deal killer. It had everything else that I wanted/needed, including two story, four bedrooms, high-speed internet, and within walking distance to my workplace as I was job relocated. And, Dallas summers can get really hot.
Quote from: ZLoth on March 14, 2022, 06:38:03 AM
How expensive chlorine has gotten, and how my pool has turned into "the money pit". My pool maintenance person advised me at the end of January to have a backup supply of chlorine tablets, pool shock, and muriatic acid, as his normal avenues may not have a steady supply. So, I went off to Amazon and order a 25 pound tub of chlorine tablets (https://amzn.to/35WVkab). At the time of order (late January), the tub was $180. As of this writing, $289. This was for something that, prior to May, 2021, was just $95 which is just slightly below the price of a 10 pound tub of 3 inch chlorine tablets nowadays ($100). You can blame Hurricane Laura for wiping out a major chlorine manufacturer in Louisiana in 2020, which won't be online until later on this year.
My pool owner friends were complaining about maintenance chemical costs last year, and a whole lot of places that sell the chemicals were putting on quantity limits and warning about shortages and skyrocketing prices.
Quote from: hbelkins on March 14, 2022, 01:13:22 PM
Quote from: ZLoth on March 14, 2022, 06:38:03 AM
How expensive chlorine has gotten, and how my pool has turned into "the money pit". My pool maintenance person advised me at the end of January to have a backup supply of chlorine tablets, pool shock, and muriatic acid, as his normal avenues may not have a steady supply. So, I went off to Amazon and order a 25 pound tub of chlorine tablets (https://amzn.to/35WVkab). At the time of order (late January), the tub was $180. As of this writing, $289. This was for something that, prior to May, 2021, was just $95 which is just slightly below the price of a 10 pound tub of 3 inch chlorine tablets nowadays ($100). You can blame Hurricane Laura for wiping out a major chlorine manufacturer in Louisiana in 2020, which won't be online until later on this year.
My pool owner friends were complaining about maintenance chemical costs last year, and a whole lot of places that sell the chemicals were putting on quantity limits and warning about shortages and skyrocketing prices.
As far as I can determine, the price is currently higher than it was last year.
Oh, and it's only MARCH.
Quote from: ZLoth on March 04, 2022, 01:03:44 AM
Quote from: snowc on March 03, 2022, 10:32:32 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on February 22, 2022, 06:11:44 AM
I'm have to order a new over-the-range microwave. Thanks to a mis-entry of the cooking time by a member of my home (40 minutes instead of 4 minutes), a frozen meal was completely carbonized and stank up the house. While the microwave still works, and despite the best effort at cleaning, I can't get rid of the burnt smell. The microwave is around 20 years old, and I've been wanting a new microwave. Off to Costco online I go, partially because I had some gift cards that I kept on standby for exactly this type of situation.
The earliest possible delivery date? April 14th for the order placed last Saturday.
Lucky me had warranty on our 3 year old microwave. We were cooking something and a burnt plastic smell kept reeking the house! And the solution was to get rid of it? I don't think so! We went online and filed a warranty claim, and the service guy was VERY nice! He couldn't find the problem, but after digging and digging, it was the power supply! It wouldn't even come off! So they had to order the part and came back 24 hours later and had it all done within a hour! :wow: Also we had couches delivered while this was going on! Here's the funny thing too, THIS WAS PERFORMED DURING CORONAVIRUS! :colorful:
The manufacturing date code on the current microwave is April, 2005, which makes my old microwave almost 17 years old. At what point do you put consider repairing verses replacing?
Also, the delivery date is now March 11th in the afternoon. Too bad I haven't even found someone to put in a roof or side vent per my mother's request. :(
I think I put microwaves in the replace category most of the time, often the fault is not user serviceable in any reasonable fashion and they are pretty cheap to replace.
Quote from: ZLoth on March 14, 2022, 06:38:03 AM
How expensive chlorine has gotten, and how my pool has turned into "the money pit". My pool maintenance person advised me at the end of January to have a backup supply of chlorine tablets, pool shock, and muriatic acid, as his normal avenues may not have a steady supply. So, I went off to Amazon and order a 25 pound tub of chlorine tablets (https://amzn.to/35WVkab). At the time of order (late January), the tub was $180. As of this writing, $289. This was for something that, prior to May, 2021, was just $95 which is just slightly below the price of a 10 pound tub of 3 inch chlorine tablets nowadays ($100). You can blame Hurricane Laura for wiping out a major chlorine manufacturer in Louisiana in 2020, which won't be online until later on this year.
I don't know how big your pool is, so I don't know the price, but $289 was about how much the saltwater system for my pool was. Salt is way cheaper than pure chlorine. The saltwater system breaks the bonds in the NaCl molecules to produce Na and Cl, and when the chlorine degrades, it just reforms into NaCl and runs back through the system to get broken down again. You basically only have to add more salt when it rains enough to dilute the salt content in the pool.
Quote from: snowc on March 14, 2022, 09:09:13 AM
i dont have a pool, so i dont have to worry. :D
If something doesn't apply to you, then maybe just don't post? What you just did is the equivalent of going into a fast-food restaurant and when they call out "Order for Kent", going up to the counter and loudly announcing "I'm not Kent!" Well, no shit, that order isn't for you!
From NBC-DFW:
2-Story Homes Discontinued in New North Texas Community Over "˜Lumber Issues'FULL ARTICLE HERE (with autoplaying video) (https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/business/2-story-homes-discontinued-in-new-north-texas-community-over-lumber-issues/2927464/)
Just as an update:
- After a spike in mid-March where the price of a 25 pound container of 3" chlorine tablets hit $290, the price has since dropped to $194.
- The microwave that I ordered arrived in mid-March, and was installed at the end of March. There was some additional work done to install a roof vent. Costco now estimates a 1-3 week for delivery, but the price has gone up $40.
Quote from: snowc on March 14, 2022, 09:09:13 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on March 14, 2022, 06:38:03 AM
How expensive chlorine has gotten, and how my pool has turned into "the money pit". My pool maintenance person advised me at the end of January to have a backup supply of chlorine tablets, pool shock, and muriatic acid, as his normal avenues may not have a steady supply. So, I went off to Amazon and order a 25 pound tub of chlorine tablets. At the time of order (late January), the tub was $180. As of this writing, $289. This was for something that, prior to May, 2021, was just $95 which is just slightly below the price of a 10 pound tub of 3 inch chlorine tablets nowadays ($100). You can blame Hurricane Laura for wiping out a major chlorine manufacturer in Louisiana in 2020, which won't be online until later on this year.
i dont have a pool, so i dont have to worry. :D
While I may not have a pool, I do have a hot tub. It still needs chemical treatment such as shock and chlorine, but on a far smaller scale because the tub's volume is only about 8'x8'x3'. I bought a few 5lb containers of chlorine off of Amazon about a year ago (then it was about 40 bucks for 5 lbs, now it's 75). Because hot tubs don't require a ton of chlorine compared to their larger pool counterparts, I still have a bit left over from this past 'hot tub season' (Oct. through April, because who wants to be in a hot tub when its already hot outside). I'll keep an eye on the prices for a chance to restock at a decent rate, as I'm not in a rush to do so.
Quote from: hbelkins on November 06, 2021, 09:13:32 PM
Quote from: Bruce on November 06, 2021, 01:52:47 AM
I've noticed a shortage of wet pet food across multiple stores in my county over the past few days.
Same here.
Still present - fancy feast is hard to come by.
Quote from: SSOWorld on April 16, 2022, 08:15:31 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on November 06, 2021, 09:13:32 PM
Quote from: Bruce on November 06, 2021, 01:52:47 AM
I've noticed a shortage of wet pet food across multiple stores in my county over the past few days.
Same here.
Still present - fancy feast is hard to come by.
I just got a mental image of a seedy looking guy in a trench coat hawking fancy feast on a street corner someplace. :-D
What times we live in.
And I had a mental image of |SSOWorld| being a middle-aged, basement-dwelling bachelor who buys Fancy Feast even though he doesn't actually have a cat.
Quote from: SSOWorld on April 16, 2022, 08:15:31 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on November 06, 2021, 09:13:32 PM
Quote from: Bruce on November 06, 2021, 01:52:47 AM
I've noticed a shortage of wet pet food across multiple stores in my county over the past few days.
Same here.
Still present - fancy feast is hard to come by.
And we have NO fancy feast in Walmart! :no:
From Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART):
DART Bus Service Frequency Changes Begin June 13QuoteBeginning June 13, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) will implement temporary service frequency adjustments on 31 of its 97 bus routes due to the ongoing nationwide shortage of bus operators. For more information about these changes, please visit dart.org/servicechange.
To restore service reliability and dependability for all of our riders, DART is implementing a five-minute temporary reduction in frequency on most routes currently operating every 15 minutes. Some routes with 20-minute midday and early evening service will change to 30-minute service. Light rail service, as well as service on the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) and the Dallas Streetcar, will remain the same.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://dart.org/news/news.asp?ID=1649)
Racetrac has no stuffed pizza in their stores, but they have warehouses full of them.
Quote from: roadman65 on May 25, 2022, 11:00:34 PM
Racetrac has no stuffed pizza in their stores, but they have warehouses full of them.
Says who? :D
Just posting to get the thread name changed to 2022. We're almost halfway to 2023.
Also, formula being out sucks. Good thing I stocked up before the shortage. Kiddo is starting solid foods soon, so hopefully that'll get us through.
Quote from: JayhawkCO on May 26, 2022, 02:23:58 PM
Just posting to get the thread name changed to 2022. We're almost halfway to 2023.
Also, formula being out sucks. Good thing I stocked up before the shortage. Kiddo is starting solid foods soon, so hopefully that'll get us through.
Here's an interesting article discussing issues relating to the formula shortage including WIC contract monopolies and import restrictions. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-05-20/baby-formula-shortage-shows-risk-of-us-industry-concentration (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-05-20/baby-formula-shortage-shows-risk-of-us-industry-concentration)
Quote from: JayhawkCO on May 26, 2022, 02:23:58 PM
Just posting to get the thread name changed to 2022. We're almost halfway to 2023.
Also, formula being out sucks. Good thing I stocked up before the shortage. Kiddo is starting solid foods soon, so hopefully that'll get us through.
Long ago, my daughter needed the Enfamil Alimentum which was tough enough to find (and pay for) 15 years ago. At $28-30 per can, most stores wouldn't keep much in the way of backstock, and some wouldn't carry it due to higher levels of theft, since it cost twice as much. There were no online deals for it, usually it was even more expensive to order it. I can only imagine the hysteria and difficulty now.
Our grocery bill basically cut in half once the doctor said she could be off of it when she turned one, so we celebrated with champagne (well, for two of us).
From NBC DFW:
We Could See Less Mustard on Shelves This Summer Due to Seed Shortage
First, it was Sriracha. Now the climate crisis is coming for your summer condiment go-toQuoteBleak seed harvests from 2021 have sprouted into paltry mustard supplies in France. According to The Guardian, United States grocery shelves might be next.
With Canada being the world's number one producer of mustard seeds, severe hot weather in the country's southern region earlier this year is being cited as a larger part of the problem. According to AG Canada, mustard plants that would typically produce eight to 10 seeds in a pod, eked out a mere four to six seeds this year. Poor harvests brought on by bad climate in France have only compounded the issue of the reserve.
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://www.nbcdfw.com/entertainment/the-scene/we-could-see-less-mustard-on-shelves-this-summer-due-to-seed-shortage/2997641/)
From CNN:
A tampon shortage is the latest nightmare for womenQuoteSupply chain problems and inflation have hit virtually all consumer goods, but women who menstruate are now facing an added strain as a shortage of period products hits the United States.
Top retailers and manufacturers acknowledged the shortages this week, confirming complaints that have been circulating on social media for months. The issue garnered national attention this week after an article in Time called the dearth of tampons and pads the shortage "no one is talking about."
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/10/business/tampon-shortage-amy-schumer-tampax/index.html)
Quote from: ZLoth on June 23, 2022, 08:32:33 AM
From CNN:
A tampon shortage is the latest nightmare for womenQuoteSupply chain problems and inflation have hit virtually all consumer goods, but women who menstruate are now facing an added strain as a shortage of period products hits the United States.
Top retailers and manufacturers acknowledged the shortages this week, confirming complaints that have been circulating on social media for months. The issue garnered national attention this week after an article in Time called the dearth of tampons and pads the shortage "no one is talking about."
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/10/business/tampon-shortage-amy-schumer-tampax/index.html)
Holy cow. I have an acquaintance who, back before she had a hysterectomy in her 20s, had a condition that caused her to bleed so much she went through a package of tampons per day. Can you imagine what it would be like to have that condition and not be able to buy them?
Quote from: ZLoth on June 23, 2022, 08:32:33 AMFrom CNN:
A tampon shortage is the latest nightmare for womenQuoteSupply chain problems and inflation have hit virtually all consumer goods, but women who menstruate are now facing an added strain as a shortage of period products hits the United States.
Top retailers and manufacturers acknowledged the shortages this week, confirming complaints that have been circulating on social media for months. The issue garnered national attention this week after an article in Time called the dearth of tampons and pads the shortage "no one is talking about."
FULL ARTICLE HERE (https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/10/business/tampon-shortage-amy-schumer-tampax/index.html)
Oof. Glad I'm a dude!
Still plenty of pads in stores at least. So the same companies are having no trouble producing those, though this makes sense if it's supply of cotton that's the underlying issue.
Peanut butter, from what I'm hearing, is getting harder to find. Not just Jif, but other brands as well.
Quote from: hbelkins on June 24, 2022, 09:41:16 AM
Peanut butter, from what I'm hearing, is getting harder to find. Not just Jif, but other brands as well.
Wow! Just a few months ago, Harris Teeter was selling their small jars of peanut butter for $1.25 each. Hadn't seen that for 15 years or so.
Quote from: hbelkins on June 24, 2022, 09:41:16 AM
Peanut butter, from what I'm hearing, is getting harder to find. Not just Jif, but other brands as well.
Makes sense. When one brand has a major recall, people compensate by buying other brands.
Quote from: kphoger on April 16, 2022, 10:24:17 PM
And I had a mental image of |SSOWorld| being a middle-aged, basement-dwelling bachelor who buys Fancy Feast even though he doesn't actually have a cat.
no basement dwelling in my house unless watching a movie on the big screen - and a cat is in charge of the house.
Quote from: hbelkins on June 24, 2022, 09:41:16 AM
Peanut butter, from what I'm hearing, is getting harder to find. Not just Jif, but other brands as well.
My grocery store has a self-service machine full of shelled peanuts. When you press the button it grinds them into peanut butter, which you then pay for by weight. It's "not as good" as the kind you get in jars, since the peanut oil tends to separate and you have to stir it back in. But it will at least be available as long as shelled peanuts are.
As it is, the store doesn't have any Jif, but it has filled all that shelf space with Skippy and Peter Pan, so it's really not an issue unless you just have to have Jif.
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 24, 2022, 08:08:32 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on June 24, 2022, 09:41:16 AM
Peanut butter, from what I'm hearing, is getting harder to find. Not just Jif, but other brands as well.
My grocery store has a self-service machine full of shelled peanuts. When you press the button it grinds them into peanut butter, which you then pay for by weight. It's "not as good" as the kind you get in jars, since the peanut oil tends to separate and you have to stir it back in. But it will at least be available as long as shelled peanuts are.
As it is, the store doesn't have any Jif, but it has filled all that shelf space with Skippy and Peter Pan, so it's really not an issue unless you just have to have Jif.
they don't have gif either. ;)
Quote from: SSOWorld on June 24, 2022, 09:56:59 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 24, 2022, 08:08:32 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on June 24, 2022, 09:41:16 AM
Peanut butter, from what I'm hearing, is getting harder to find. Not just Jif, but other brands as well.
My grocery store has a self-service machine full of shelled peanuts. When you press the button it grinds them into peanut butter, which you then pay for by weight. It's "not as good" as the kind you get in jars, since the peanut oil tends to separate and you have to stir it back in. But it will at least be available as long as shelled peanuts are.
As it is, the store doesn't have any Jif, but it has filled all that shelf space with Skippy and Peter Pan, so it's really not an issue unless you just have to have Jif.
they don't have gif either. ;)
BOOOOOO
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/kGQAAOSwq5heZ6Sa/s-l640.png)
Milk Duds.
I have not been able to find any locally for six weeks.
Quote from: hbelkins on August 01, 2022, 01:49:33 PM
Milk Duds.
I have not been able to find any locally for six weeks.
Hershey just announced that current production issues will negatively impact their Halloween sales. On the other hand, I haven't seen Milk Duds around here for more than 10 years, so this could just be a brand shrinkage. Many companies are reducing the number of labels in their portfolio. I'm not sure, but it seems as though the primary issue is the supply of the custom printed foil wrappers.
I enjoy Lindt Dark Chocolate Chili, their dark chocolate bar with bits of red chilis mixed into the chocolate. I'll eat a couple squares a few times per week which sates most of my chocolate addiction. The chilis add a nice bite to the chocolate and it's really difficult to at more than a couple squares at any time so I don't binge. I couldn't find any for months this spring but didn't write until now because I didn't want to make the shortage last any longer. I was down to my last bar before I saw them in stock again just after July 4. I've seen them a few places now so it looks like the supply issue has been fixed.
Unfortunately, mail order chocolate isn't the greatest idea in Palm Springs where it can hit 90°F in any month and 100°F from March to November. Checking the local markets is the only realistic option.
Quote from: hbelkins on August 01, 2022, 01:49:33 PM
Milk Duds.
I have not been able to find any locally for six weeks.
Time to call up the reserves of Sugar Daddies to fill the stick-to-your-teeth candy niche!
Quote from: hbelkins on August 01, 2022, 01:49:33 PM
Milk Duds.
I have not been able to find any locally for six weeks.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52256366122_cace8f54e4_h.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nBHx4G)20220801_165810 (https://flic.kr/p/2nBHx4G)
Storeowner Pete: "Uh! Yes, I was aware we are slap out of Milk Duds! It's...It's the damn covid, it's messing everything up! Yeah, the covid! The inflation! Kids these days don't want to work anymore! Biden! Trump! Putin! Zelensky! Alan Merritt! It wasn't me being too lazy to check the stock and order more, swear to god!"
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 01, 2022, 10:58:21 PM
Storeowner Pete: "Uh! Yes, I was aware we are slap out of Milk Duds! It's...It's the damn covid, it's messing everything up! Yeah, the covid! The inflation! Kids these days don't want to work anymore! Biden! Trump! Putin! Zelensky! Alan Merritt! It wasn't me being too lazy to check the stock and order more, swear to god!"
Might be the case for a mom & pop, but most chain stores have automated ordering systems. At both companies where I've been a manager, manual adjustments are barely allowed if at all, like 10 SKUs a week if even that.
(That said, stock is definitely able to be manually checked and adjusted if need be, so the automated system can do its thing
after the count adjustment. Also we have so many Milk Duds that some probably should go HB's way.)
Quote from: Takumi on August 03, 2022, 01:25:09 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 01, 2022, 10:58:21 PM
Storeowner Pete: "Uh! Yes, I was aware we are slap out of Milk Duds! It's...It's the damn covid, it's messing everything up! Yeah, the covid! The inflation! Kids these days don't want to work anymore! Biden! Trump! Putin! Zelensky! Alan Merritt! It wasn't me being too lazy to check the stock and order more, swear to god!"
Might be the case for a mom & pop, but most chain stores have automated ordering systems. At both companies where I've been a manager, manual adjustments are barely allowed if at all, like 10 SKUs a week if even that.
(That said, stock is definitely able to be manually checked and adjusted if need be, so the automated system can do its thing after the count adjustment. Also we have so many Milk Duds that some probably should go HB's way.)
That's even worse, because most automated systems have no way of knowing things like "it is going to be hot for the next two weeks, so we should probably order a few extra box fans" or "there is a recall of Brand X product, so we should order more Brand Y product for the time being until the recall is resolved". And relying 100% on computer-generated output for anything without allowing manual adjustments is just begging to make yourself look stupid.
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 03, 2022, 02:33:27 PM
Quote from: Takumi on August 03, 2022, 01:25:09 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 01, 2022, 10:58:21 PM
Storeowner Pete: "Uh! Yes, I was aware we are slap out of Milk Duds! It's...It's the damn covid, it's messing everything up! Yeah, the covid! The inflation! Kids these days don't want to work anymore! Biden! Trump! Putin! Zelensky! Alan Merritt! It wasn't me being too lazy to check the stock and order more, swear to god!"
Might be the case for a mom & pop, but most chain stores have automated ordering systems. At both companies where I've been a manager, manual adjustments are barely allowed if at all, like 10 SKUs a week if even that.
(That said, stock is definitely able to be manually checked and adjusted if need be, so the automated system can do its thing after the count adjustment. Also we have so many Milk Duds that some probably should go HB's way.)
That's even worse, because most automated systems have no way of knowing things like "it is going to be hot for the next two weeks, so we should probably order a few extra box fans" or "there is a recall of Brand X product, so we should order more Brand Y product for the time being until the recall is resolved". And relying 100% on computer-generated output for anything without allowing manual adjustments is just begging to make yourself look stupid.
Believe me, I agree with you.
Seems like everything these days.
Of course whenever the supply is short and the demand is high the prices match the degree of demand. These days the shortages are greater on common things that we could used to get at anytime anywhere, so we are paying more for the things we never paid a lot for before.
1 in 3 odds: that a business is hiking prices in 2022 because of legitimate supply chain issues.
1 in 3 odds: that a business is hiking prices in 2022 because of fuel costs.
1 in 3 odds: that a business is hiking prices in 2022 because other industries have supply chain issues causing them to hike their prices, and the CEO has his eye on a sixth yacht.
1 in 99 odds: that a given business that hiked their prices in 2022 for any reason will end up lowering them once the cause of the price hike goes away.
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 15, 2022, 09:41:02 PM
1 in 99 odds: that a given business that hiked their prices in 2022 for any reason will end up lowering them once the cause of the price hike goes away.
Gasoline.
Venmo me my winnings.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on August 15, 2022, 10:18:25 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 15, 2022, 09:41:02 PM
1 in 99 odds: that a given business that hiked their prices in 2022 for any reason will end up lowering them once the cause of the price hike goes away.
Gasoline.
Venmo me my winnings.
That's just the 1. :-D
Quote from: jeffandnicole on August 15, 2022, 10:18:25 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 15, 2022, 09:41:02 PM
1 in 99 odds: that a given business that hiked their prices in 2022 for any reason will end up lowering them once the cause of the price hike goes away.
Gasoline.
Venmo me my winnings.
(https://i.imgur.com/G9h1Ic5.png)
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 16, 2022, 05:08:15 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on August 15, 2022, 10:18:25 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 15, 2022, 09:41:02 PM
1 in 99 odds: that a given business that hiked their prices in 2022 for any reason will end up lowering them once the cause of the price hike goes away.
Gasoline.
Venmo me my winnings.
(https://i.imgur.com/G9h1Ic5.png)
Please Post Responsibly - Know someone with a posting problem? (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?action=reporttm)
From the sounds of it on the news, if we end up having a train labor strike, we'll be dealing with grocery and product shortages that make March 2020 look like nothing. Many shipments have already stopped. I wonder if that explains the scarcity of microwavable corn and bagel bites I've noticed as of the past few days.
Quote from: vdeane on September 14, 2022, 10:52:10 PM
From the sounds of it on the news, if we end up having a train labor strike, we'll be dealing with grocery and product shortages that make March 2020 look like nothing. Many shipments have already stopped. I wonder if that explains the scarcity of microwavable corn and bagel bites I've noticed as of the past few days.
There were no large eggs at the Cicero NY Walmart on Tuesday. None.
2020+2. Just as everyone's driving plans were challenged due to record high gas prices which are finally coming down to somewhat sane levels.
Yet, in a few years, someone will refer to this time period as "the good old days". :banghead:
Quote from: ZLoth on September 15, 2022, 06:26:05 AM
2020+2. Just as everyone's driving plans were challenged due to record high gas prices which are finally coming down to somewhat sane levels.
Yet, in a few years, someone will refer to this time period as "the good old days". :banghead:
In central NY, gas prices are hovering around $4 a gallon and don't appear to be dropping.
Quote from: Rothman on September 15, 2022, 08:35:41 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on September 15, 2022, 06:26:05 AM
2020+2. Just as everyone's driving plans were challenged due to record high gas prices which are finally coming down to somewhat sane levels.
Yet, in a few years, someone will refer to this time period as "the good old days". :banghead:
In central NY, gas prices are hovering around $4 a gallon and don't appear to be dropping.
They're dropping here.
Quote from: 1 on September 15, 2022, 08:36:56 AM
Quote from: Rothman on September 15, 2022, 08:35:41 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on September 15, 2022, 06:26:05 AM
2020+2. Just as everyone's driving plans were challenged due to record high gas prices which are finally coming down to somewhat sane levels.
Yet, in a few years, someone will refer to this time period as "the good old days". :banghead:
In central NY, gas prices are hovering around $4 a gallon and don't appear to be dropping.
They're dropping here.
Where?
Quote from: Rothman on September 15, 2022, 09:28:43 AM
Quote from: 1 on September 15, 2022, 08:36:56 AM
Quote from: Rothman on September 15, 2022, 08:35:41 AM
Quote from: ZLoth on September 15, 2022, 06:26:05 AM
2020+2. Just as everyone's driving plans were challenged due to record high gas prices which are finally coming down to somewhat sane levels.
Yet, in a few years, someone will refer to this time period as "the good old days". :banghead:
In central NY, gas prices are hovering around $4 a gallon and don't appear to be dropping.
They're dropping here.
Where?
Northeastern Massachusetts, where I live.
Same in Oklahoma–I saw a $2.80 yesterday.
It's annoying how there aren't any Reese's pumpkins this year. Who could imagine Halloween without Reese's pumpkins? The worst part of it is, I was in WalMart a week ago, and they had multiple full cartons of Reese's footballs. So clearly it's not a shortage - it's mismanagement. There would be plenty of pumpkins if they weren't busy making footballs that nobody wants to buy.
I've seen lots of Reese's pumpkins. Maybe it's a regional thing.
Also they taste exactly the same.
Quote from: vdeane on October 08, 2022, 09:06:20 PM
It's annoying how there aren't any Reese's pumpkins this year. Who could imagine Halloween without Reese's pumpkins? The worst part of it is, I was in WalMart a week ago, and they had multiple full cartons of Reese's footballs. So clearly it's not a shortage - it's mismanagement. There would be plenty of pumpkins if they weren't busy making footballs that nobody wants to buy.
Just carve a face into the footballs.
Quote from: Takumi on October 08, 2022, 09:44:37 PM
I've seen lots of Reese's pumpkins. Maybe it's a regional thing.
Also they taste exactly the same.
I mean, Target had 6 packs of them (I think WalMart might have as well), but that's a bit much since it's just me and I don't usually keep candy around the apartment, and singles and two packs are nowhere to be seen. Especially since it's a marker of the season and the larger size means a different peanut butter/chocolate ratio, with more peanut butter in each bite.
Lately it has becoming harder to find Welch's Sparkling Rosé Grape Juice in my area. The Welch's website doesn't show it as discontinued and the Welch's Puerto Rico Facebook page continues to advertise it (they made a post about it a few days ago). I did see and pick up a few bottles in Fry's (Kroger) yesterday. Walmart was recently out of stock, and Target I had to do an online pickup order (they didn't have any on the shelf).
Quote from: Pink Jazz on October 10, 2022, 10:12:16 AM
Lately it has becoming harder to find Welch's Sparkling Rosé Grape Juice in my area. The Welch's website doesn't show it as discontinued and the Welch's Puerto Rico Facebook page continues to advertise it (they made a post about it a few days ago). I did see and pick up a few bottles in Fry's (Kroger) yesterday. Walmart was recently out of stock, and Target I had to do an online pickup order (they didn't have any on the shelf).
Isn't this the stuff most stores only stock around New Year's?
Quote from: vdeane on October 09, 2022, 07:56:18 PM
Quote from: Takumi on October 08, 2022, 09:44:37 PM
I've seen lots of Reese's pumpkins. Maybe it's a regional thing.
Also they taste exactly the same.
I mean, Target had 6 packs of them (I think WalMart might have as well), but that's a bit much since it's just me and I don't usually keep candy around the apartment, and singles and two packs are nowhere to be seen. Especially since it's a marker of the season and the larger size means a different peanut butter/chocolate ratio, with more peanut butter in each bite.
I just found a big bag of singles in the Halloween candy aisle of my grocery store. So I'm guessing this is a regional thing.
Shitshow, anyone?
https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/freight-rail-union-vote-strike-rcna57942 (https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/freight-rail-union-vote-strike-rcna57942)
Quote from: LM117 on November 22, 2022, 07:55:23 AM
Shitshow, anyone?
https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/freight-rail-union-vote-strike-rcna57942 (https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/freight-rail-union-vote-strike-rcna57942)
2020 +3. :pan:
At this point, any company still using a just-in-time supply chain is getting what they deserve.
Wait, isn't the free market supposed to provide an alternative? :hmmm:
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on October 11, 2022, 09:54:30 PM
Isn't this the stuff most stores only stock around New Year's?
Around here they stock it year-round (at least Fry's, Walmart, and Target do). It seems to be back in stock in most places. My guess is that stores were running low on the previous production batch and were waiting on shipments on the new batch.
Plus, Rosé is more associated with spring/summer than it is with fall/winter. Welch's introduced the Sparkling Rosé in Spring 2018. This year I remember Target was heavily marketing the Welch's Sparkling Rosé for Easter, even using the specialty holiday bottles normally sold around Christmas.
Cat food is starting to get in short supply around here. Walmart has been out of the 16-lb. bags of their Special Kitty house brand for a couple of weeks, and there are several varieties of canned food that are unavailable. Cats are notoriously finicky but ours are going to have to learn to eat what they're served because it's all we can get for them.
The Milk Dud shortage seems to have resolved itself around here.
Haha. One time I was wanting to finish off a thing of distilled water so I filled the animals' water bowl with it. One of the cats bitched and bitched and bitched.
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 22, 2022, 09:55:49 PM
Haha. One time I was wanting to finish off a thing of distilled water so I filled the animals' water bowl with it. One of the cats bitched and bitched and bitched.
Our cats have never snubbed what's in the water bowl. We've used spring water, drinking water, distilled water, and tap water, and it gets consumed without complaint.
Quote from: JKRhodes on February 03, 2022, 10:16:11 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on February 02, 2022, 10:33:36 AM
I'm still noticing ongoing shortages of pet food. We no longer have a dog, but we still have cats, and the selection of both dry and canned food has been very sparse the last couple of weeks.
Also, and this seems a bit odd, saltine crackers are in short supply in these parts.
Definitely seeing this as well in Arizona. It's hard to keep our cats on a consistent diet because we have to choose from whatever happens to be available. They live primarily on dry food and share one can of wet food (pate) at bedtime.
This finally seemed to get resolved several months back. To the point that we've finally been able to keep our orange tabby on a dry indoor blend consistently, and get his weight under control.
I did notice that it was very hard to get good garbage bags or tuna around 2020-21.