bkroz Posted April 16, 2011 Share Posted April 16, 2011 Yes I just actually was at a science exhibit this evening done by college students. One group did a study on hybrid cars, and of the four models they researched (using simple gas mileage, current gas prices, and the cost of the hybrid version vs. the gasoline version of each make) and the number of miles one would have to drive to actually make the higher fuel economy pay for itself was 240,000 miles for the most economic model, and 360,000 at the most... Obviously that's a very grounding thought... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KIfan1980 Posted April 16, 2011 Share Posted April 16, 2011 And yet there's nothing that our leaders and elected officials can do to Trying to respond without violating the TOS. There are plenty of things that our leaders could do, whether they will work together and do something is one question. Another question is whether "we, the people" are willing to accept what they propose. Unfortunately in this country, many of us want it all - the nice house in the suburbs, big SUV, no drilling in our backyard, cheap fuel, high environmental standards, flexibility of driving ourselves to work, our kids in every activity possible, low taxes, free markets, etc... This, along with other factors involving public transportation has made us very dependent upon oil. The solutions aren't easy, economically viable alternatives don't exist today, and the political climate makes getting things done tough. The pain will likely need to be severe and prolonged before things change, unfortunately. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon Bombay Posted April 16, 2011 Share Posted April 16, 2011 There was a massive movement to switch to more efficient vehicles, and research to develop better methods of transportation and power were all the rage. But then what? Best sentence in this thread (favorite part bolded for emphasis). And yet, in the state of Ohio - the majority of funding for transportation alternatives was cut and highway funding increased. Perhaps a cup of tea will come the nation down? Ha. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
windshawne Posted April 16, 2011 Share Posted April 16, 2011 People are angry. It's going to get really bad if gas hits $5. I am currently looking for a job closer to home, because even though my job is not that far away, its taking a bite out of my wallet. I already have times where its food or gas-guess what? My waistline will tell you what that decision is. I presently work to pay bills with nothing left over and for the past year or so I have questioned why I bother. From a business standpoint, you work to make a profit right? When there's no profit, you fold. There it is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted April 16, 2011 Author Share Posted April 16, 2011 The CEO of Cedar Fair's heartless comment, admittedly taken out of context, that "people gotta eat" may be relevant in ways far different than he thought. Then again, it's hard to relate to real people when you make $20,000,000+ a year and live in the parking lot of your own (or viewed as your own) private amusement park. More than once, he has observed that high gasoline prices benefit Cedar Fair. I think the time may come, and may be near, when that is not true. When gas money competes with food money, FUN money is last in line for most. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
windshawne Posted April 16, 2011 Share Posted April 16, 2011 The CEO of Cedar Fair's heartless comment, admittedly taken out of context, that "people gotta eat" may be relevant in ways far different than he thought. Then again, it's hard to relate to real people when you make $20,000,000+ a year and live in the parking lot of your own (or viewed as your own) private amusement park. More than once, he has observed that high gasoline prices benefit Cedar Fair. I think the time may come, and may be near, when that is not true. When gas money competes with food money, FUN money is last in line for most. It is for me. This summer is not looking too good for me, recreation wise. I am currently deciding whether to stay in the area or not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flightoffear1996 Posted April 16, 2011 Share Posted April 16, 2011 I heard one reason why gas keeps going is up is people keep investing in oil companies thus driving the price of gas up. Take a look this article. http://money.msn.com/saving-money/gas-prices-around-the-world-kiplinger.aspx?cp-documentid=6806294 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoastersRZ Posted April 16, 2011 Share Posted April 16, 2011 The CEO of Cedar Fair's heartless comment, admittedly taken out of context, that "people gotta eat" may be relevant in ways far different than he thought. Then again, it's hard to relate to real people when you make $20,000,000+ a year and live in the parking lot of your own (or viewed as your own) private amusement park. More than once, he has observed that high gasoline prices benefit Cedar Fair. I think the time may come, and may be near, when that is not true. When gas money competes with food money, FUN money is last in line for most. Or, they will be able to afford entry into one of Cedar Fair`s parks, but will not be able to afford the outrageous food prices, and thus will not spend any nickles once inside the park. The result of that would be per capita spending would continue to decline for Cedar Fair. Which again is not a favorable situation for Cedar Fair. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted April 22, 2011 Author Share Posted April 22, 2011 $6 gasoline this summer? A dollar plumbing three-year lows is hitting Americans squarely in the gas tank, and one economist thinks it could drive prices as high as $6 a gallon or more by summertime under the right conditions....Hastings sees gasoline having "no problem" getting to $6.50 a gallon over the summer after increased demand and storm disruptions come into play.... Should events follow their current course, sharply higher gas prices will burden consumers further as they also cope with the rise in food costs this year.... http://www.cnbc.com/id/42683030 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pillsberry123 Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 This is a pretty interesting read: The Bakken is the largest domestic oil discovery since Alaska 's Prudhoe Bay , and has the potential to eliminate all American dependence on foreign oil. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates it at 503 billion barrels. Even if just 10% of the oil is recoverable... at $107 a barrel, we're looking at a resource base worth more than $5...3 trillion. http://glenwoodfincafe.blogspot.com/2011/03/how-much-oil-does-united-states-have-in.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted May 1, 2011 Author Share Posted May 1, 2011 ...The thought of gasoline prices reaching $5 per gallon [before summer ends], and $5.50 or more in marinas, has many boat dealers, marina operators and boat owners nervous about the future.... http://www.thetimesh...dyssey=nav|head (very interesting article about the effect of gasoline prices on boating... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Creed Bratton Posted May 1, 2011 Share Posted May 1, 2011 I don't think gas at $4.15 in the surrounding areas of the park really hurt attendance yesterday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted May 1, 2011 Author Share Posted May 1, 2011 Given the wonderful weather yesterday after weeks of monsoonery, it's really hard to tell! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoastersRZ Posted May 1, 2011 Share Posted May 1, 2011 And how much of yesterday`s attendance was a direct result of the park opening two weeks later than they typically do? I still maintain that it would be wise to reinstate the dry run days in the form of pass preview days. That way some of the bugs that the rides had can be worked out with pass holders who should be a little more forgiving since they can come back another day. I heard more than a few guests complaining about the rides being closed, and having paid to get in yesterday... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted May 1, 2011 Author Share Posted May 1, 2011 I am quite certain it was not a pleasant day to work in Guest Relations. Those people had very difficult jobs yesterday...even more so than usual. More than a few guests even came from afar to ride WindSeeker, and had no idea it was closed until they got there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoastersRZ Posted May 1, 2011 Share Posted May 1, 2011 Yep. I know I saw several school groups wearing shirts. Some of the shirts were from as far away as Chicago and Marion, Ohio! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thunderbeast1968 Posted May 1, 2011 Share Posted May 1, 2011 It's no secret in the auto industry that gas prices are headed skyward once the economy finally limps into a recovery. Gas may be sitting at a reasonable $2.72 a gallon now, but analysts at the Automotive Lease Guide predict it will be over $4 by 2013.... http://www.bankrate....-ford-explorer/ So, before Mr. Kinzel claimed high gasoline prices would boost attendance at Cedar Fair parks (and attendance fell). What will happen if the economy improves but gas goes to $4+ a gallon? What say ye? $4/gallon gas seems like a downright bargain compared to the mere 32oz of soda you get for the same amount of money at your neighborhood Cedar Fair park . I agree, very funny. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted May 1, 2011 Author Share Posted May 1, 2011 ...except now a 20 oz. BOTTLE of soda from a Kings Island machine is that same $4. 12 ounces of soda less than before... $4 won't buy you 32 oz. of soda in the park ($3.99 from fountains, PLUS TAX). And, as previously mentioned, ice will take up some of that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erosarrow05 Posted May 1, 2011 Share Posted May 1, 2011 As someone who has a summer home at Lake Cumberland and has been going there since he was born... I can tell you gas on the water is one of those things you just assume is going to be inflated a bit. In truth, the percentage of increase used to be significantly higher than it is now on most marinas at Lake Cumberland. We have a 2005 26 foot bowrider that gets much better mileage than the old boat did, but still, a sixty gallon tank at 4.75 - 5.00 a gallon really does start to add up. (Keep in mind too, most boats dont just take 'regular unleaded') I think it goes without saying though, that those with boats are more than likely able to afford the gas that it takes to fuel them. Go ahead and boo me all you want, but I'd much rather spend the money filling up my tank on the boat and spend the weekend at Lake Cumberland than going to Kings Island and get nickel and dimed every five seconds. It is no secret that marinas, unlike you typical roadside gas station, are facilities that are difficult to get the product to. The infrastructure to hold the gasoline and deliver it to the pumps from the holding tanks is also costly to maintain - as such, the cost is passed off to the boaters. The Lake Cumberland marinas value each customer and try their absolute hardest to keep the prices as low as they can, its not a secret - most of the marinas are family run and you can find a dock owner strolling his or her marina any given day. The mentality that is taken at the dock closest to our place (where we happen to moor our boat) is "how can we help the boaters"... In fairness, as I said before - the percentage of increase from purchasing your gas on land vs. a marina has narrowed dramatically in the past 3 - 4 years... Slip fees, dining prices and other chargable items may have seen a slight increase in price to offset the cost of fuel. ... I love summer boating season... you never seem to find anyone bickering when it comes time to relax at the lake... Funnily enough, the lakecumberland.com website has forums which i participate in as well and I must tell you that you'd be hard pressed to find a thread let alone a single post with a negative or snarky tone - let alone the "i know more than you do" attitude... I have hopes that one day the same thing can be said here! :-) Anyway - I really think that if gas gets up around 5.50 a gallon, which at this point, who knows if it will - I think the people at Cedar Fair are going to have to take a hard look at their profit margins per burger... I mean, if the Reds can offer up a $1.00 hot dog / popcorn stand... you'd think Kings Island could do... but there in lies the problem... they choose not to... and as such - i'll continue being a penny pinching, money grubber - who will happily burn the 100 calories it takes me to walk to my car located promptly in handicap row 1, and go grab something out of the park for probably 15% of what it would cost to eat in the park... and then drive back... Loading up the car to go grab a bite to eat really isnt as difficult as some make it sound... Happy Boating Season! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
74Gibson Posted May 4, 2011 Share Posted May 4, 2011 The same can be said for musicianship. I have no problem dropping thousands of dollars on an instrument. I live 20 mins. from Sweetwater, a ridiculously large, international supplier of musical instruments. They have an amazing showroom and knowledgeable staff. Unfortunately, I know many who work there and they get treated like crap. It trickles down to the showroom and, well I get frustrated every time I try to buy something there. I had over $300 in credit sitting for over 2 years... that's not normal for a musician, we're always buying stuff. I was so annoyed every time I tried to shop at Sweetwater that I spent money out of pocket, at another shop, instead. The only food I have ever purchased at KI is 1 ice cream cone. I go to Ruby Tuesdays because I feel valued and, though it's a bit expensive for a salad bar, I get a fair deal. Tailgating is now a standard part of my trip (at CF parks). People stop and hang out with us and, often tells us about their plans to stop eating in the park because it's unfair pricing. . It's to the point that I don;t worry about forgetting stuff because i can find it in some strangers cooler. Everyone's pretty laid back and willing to help. We see many people out there every time. Even if CF had good food options, it would take a couple years to give up my tailgate parties at this point Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
windshawne Posted May 4, 2011 Share Posted May 4, 2011 Last weekend got chicken tenders & fries, 2 slices of pizza and a sprite for 19 and change. That is the last time I will eat in the park, ever. I was 5 cents short and the kid at the register spotted me for it-kudos to that kid!! I heard an ugly rumor today that gas will be 4.50 very soon-it is already approaching 4.25 today in several locations. I have suggested 4 day work weeks at my job, and luckily the boss is receptive to it. Time will tell if corporate will allow it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
standbyme Posted May 4, 2011 Share Posted May 4, 2011 ...it is already approaching 4.25 today in several locations. We are at $4.29 a gallon as of yesterday in my town. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flightoffear1996 Posted May 4, 2011 Share Posted May 4, 2011 $4.19 in our town all but one station for some reason its $4.09 still. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dieseltech20 Posted May 5, 2011 Share Posted May 5, 2011 Still 3.75 down here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoastersRZ Posted May 5, 2011 Share Posted May 5, 2011 How long before some companies start looking at four ten hour work days verses the standard five eight hour days in an attempt to conserve fuel? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted May 5, 2011 Author Share Posted May 5, 2011 My employer, along with many others, encourages those employees who can to telework, along with carpooling and use of public transportation whenever possible... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Picard Posted May 5, 2011 Share Posted May 5, 2011 Oil has been coming down over the last 4 days and should start to show at the pump if it can stay down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flightoffear1996 Posted May 5, 2011 Share Posted May 5, 2011 Its funny how oil goes up and gas goes up overnight but when oil goes down it take two weeks for it to show at the pump. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cody Posted May 5, 2011 Share Posted May 5, 2011 Its 4.30 here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
74Gibson Posted May 5, 2011 Share Posted May 5, 2011 Its funny how oil goes up and gas goes up overnight but when oil goes down it take two weeks for it to show at the pump. I fail to see the humor in that I remember t5he days when people used to rag me for getting a hybrid because it would take so long to pay off the extra cost in gas savings. I laughed and said, "at 4 or 5 dollars a gallon." The typical reply, you're crazy. We've got tons of oil in this country. Our government won't let that happen. What was that song... "the times, they are a changin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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