April 30, 2025

Why Don’t People Become Preppers & Store Food, Water, Batteries, etc.

Most people don’t become preppers or store food, water, and batteries for a few key reasons:

Normalcy Bias
      • They assume life will continue as usual and that disasters or disruptions are unlikely to affect them personally.
      • This bias makes it hard to imagine a future where basic services are unavailable.
Trust in Systems
      • Many people trust that the government, utility companies, and grocery stores will always provide what’s needed.
      • They expect that if something goes wrong, help will arrive quickly.
Limited Space or Budget
      • Some don’t have room to store large quantities of supplies or feel they can’t afford to stock up.
      • Prepping is often viewed as a luxury or only for those with extra resources.
Procrastination or Discomfort
      • Preparing for disaster forces people to confront uncomfortable “what if” scenarios.
      • It’s easy to put off prepping in favor of more immediate concerns.

Social Stigma

      • “Preppers” are sometimes portrayed as paranoid or fringe.
      • People may avoid prepping to not seem overly cautious or alarmist.
Lack of Awareness or Knowledge
      • Many simply don’t know how fragile supply chains are or how quickly emergencies can escalate.
      • They may not realize how little it takes to be better prepared.

If this does NOT sound like you, please give us a call to help you hide all of the provisions from all of those people who do not.

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William Thomas0 commentEconomics, Uncategorized
April 29, 2025

The True Annual Cost of Maintaining a Home in Mckinney, Tx

​The annual cost of maintaining a single-family home in McKinney, TX, can vary based on the home’s size, age, and specific needs. Here’s a breakdown of typical expenses to help you estimate your yearly budget:​

🛠️ General Maintenance & Repairs

        • Routine Maintenance & Repairs: It’s advisable to budget 1% to 2% of your home’s value annually for maintenance and repairs. For a $400,000 home, this equates to $4,000 to $8,000 per year. ​Mattwatson.com

        • Handyman Services: Hourly rates range from $40 to $70, with a 4-hour job typically costing $150 to $280, excluding materials. ​HomeBlue+1HomeBlue+1

        • HVAC Maintenance: Annual servicing costs average $353, with a range between $96 and $823, depending on the system’s complexity. ​Manta

        • Home Inspections: Periodic inspections can help identify potential issues early. Costs range from $250 to $570, based on the home’s size. ​HomeBlue

🧹 Housekeeping & Cleaning

        • Professional Cleaning Services: Rates average $20.43 per hour, with monthly costs around $2,656 for 130 hours of service. ​City-Data+3Care.com+3McKinney, TX+3

        • Per-Cleaning Session: Depending on your home’s size, a single cleaning session can cost between $115 and $325. ​Janitorial Service Bids

💡 Utilities & City Services

        • Water, Sewer, Trash, and Drainage: Monthly charges include:

            • Water: Base rate of $19.05, plus consumption charges.

            • Sewer: Base rate of $26.75, plus usage fees.

            • Trash & Recycling: Flat fee of $19.75.

            • Drainage: Monthly fee of $4.50. ​Care.com+2McKinney, TX+2Mattwatson.com+2

        • Electricity: Costs vary based on usage and home size. For larger homes (e.g., 4,700 sq ft), summer electric bills can reach $600 or more. ​City-Data

🏡 Homeowners Insurance & HOA Fees

        • Homeowners Insurance: Annual premiums average $1,443, varying with home value and coverage levels. ​Plan for Freedom

        • HOA Fees: If applicable, fees can range from $50 to $500 per month, depending on community amenities and services. ​Mattwatson.com

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William Thomas0 commentEconomics, Uncategorized
April 20, 2025

Classicism vs Post-Modern Panel Molding Styles

Below are lists of attributes between the Classicism and Post-Modern Panel Molding Styles.  Neither style is better than the other, they are just different.

🏛️ Classicism Panels Moldings

Element Description
Design Logic Symmetry, proportion, hierarchy based on Classical Orders (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian)
Panel Shapes Rectangles, squares; aligned in grids or wainscoting layouts
Trim Profile Ornate and detailed: ogee, cavetto, egg-and-dart, fluting
Scale & Proportion Follows Golden Ratio; often tall and vertically oriented
Color Palette White, cream, soft pastels, or historical hues (olive, ochre, Pompeii red)
Vibe Formal, timeless, structured elegance
Ideal Room Types Dining rooms, libraries, formal sitting rooms, grand foyers
Client Appeal Traditionalists, luxury buyers, history lovers, high-end renovations

🟦 Post Modern Panel Moldings

Element Description
Design Logic Asymmetry, minimalism, visual rhythm or abstraction
Panel Shapes Triangles, trapezoids, sharp diagonals, intersecting lines
Trim Profile Flat or subtly beveled; clean edges with sharp corners
Scale & Proportion Bold contrasts and modular layouts, not bound to historic ratios
Color Palette Deep tones (navy, charcoal, black), or monochrome feature walls
Vibe Edgy, architectural, expressive, avant-garde
Ideal Room Types Living rooms, offices, staircases, bedrooms with statement walls
Client Appeal Design-forward homeowners, creatives, young professionals, modern remodels

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William Thomas0 commentCarpentry, Design, Remodeling, Uncategorized
April 7, 2025

Theoretical Origins of The Classical Orders

The classical orders of architecture—Doric, Ionic, Corinthian (and later Tuscan and Composite)—have both practical and theoretical origins that trace back to ancient Greece and Rome. These orders aren’t just styles; they’re systems based on proportion, function, and cultural meaning. Here’s a breakdown of their theoretical origins:
Mythological and Symbolic Origins

Classical authors, especially Vitruvius, associated each order with symbolic human characteristics:

          • Doric: Masculine, strong, and simple. Vitruvius believed it was inspired by the proportions of a man—solid and muscular.

          • Ionic: Feminine and graceful. Modeled after the form of a woman, with volutes (scrolls) representing curls of hair.

          • Corinthian: Virgin maiden. The most ornate, said to be inspired by a basket left on a young girl’s grave, around which acanthus leaves grew.

These symbolic interpretations provided narrative justification for their form and use.

Functional and Structural Origins

 

The orders evolved from wooden post-and-lintel construction:

          • Early temples were built in timber. Over time, the structural elements (columns, capitals, entablatures) were translated into stone while preserving their original purpose and visual form.

          • For example, triglyphs in the Doric frieze may represent wooden beam ends, and mutules mimic projecting rafters.

Mathematical and Proportional Systems

 

Greek architects developed codified systems of proportion based on the human body (an idea later echoed by Renaissance architects like Alberti and Palladio). These proportions governed:

          • Column height to diameter ratios

          • Spacing between columns

          • Proportions between base, shaft, capital, entablature, and so on

Each order had its own ruleset, reflecting both aesthetic ideals and functional logic.

Philosophical and Aesthetic Foundations

 

In Greek philosophy, especially Platonism and Pythagoreanism, beauty was seen as emerging from harmony, order, and proportion—concepts which heavily influenced classical architecture.

          • Architecture wasn’t just about building; it was a reflection of cosmic order.

          • The classical orders were tools to express that harmony in built form.

Cultural and Political Expression

 

Each order also carried associative meaning:

          • Doric was used in temples to male gods (like Zeus) and conveyed strength.

          • Ionic was more elegant, used in temples to goddesses (like Artemis).

          • Corinthian, being lavish, became popular in Roman civic buildings, symbolizing wealth and power.

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William Thomas0 commentCarpentry, Design, Remodeling, Uncategorized
April 7, 2025

Origins of Classical Interior and Exterior Trim Moldings

The roots of interior trim come from Classical Architecture, particularly from Ancient Greece and Rome. The systems and proportions they used—called the Classical Orders—laid the groundwork for much of Western architecture, including how we detail and finish interiors today.

1. Classical Orders → Interior Trim

          • The Classical Orders (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, Tuscan, Composite) were originally systems for designing columns, entablatures, and temple facades.

          • These architectural systems were all about proportion, balance, and hierarchy.

          • Over time, these exterior principles were adapted for interior use—particularly during the Renaissance, Georgian, and Neoclassical periods.

2. Trim Becomes Scaled-Down Architecture

          • Crown molding = inspired by the cornice of an entablature.

          • Chair rail / picture rail = mimic architraves or horizontal divisions.

          • Wainscoting = adapted from the lower sections of classical walls.

          • Casing = echoes the pilasters or columns around doorways.

          • Baseboards = represent the plinth or base of a classical column or wall.

3, Why It Mattered

          • These elements weren’t just decorative — they communicated a sense of order, refinement, and structure.

          • Even in modern interiors, classical trim adds depth, rhythm, and proportion to a space.

Today, many trim profiles still follow these classical principles, even if they’re simplified or modernized. So when you’re installing crown or building out a coffered ceiling, you’re actually continuing a tradition that goes back over 4,800 years.

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William Thomas1 CommentCarpentry, Custom Doors, Design, Uncategorized
April 6, 2025

Why Woman Like to Drink Wine

Women enjoy drinking wine for a variety of social, cultural, psychological, and even biological reasons. While preferences vary from person to person, here are some common reasons why many women are drawn to wine:

1. Social & Cultural Appeal 🍷

          • Wine is often a social drink, making it a staple at gatherings, dinners, and celebrations.
          • Many women associate wine with quality time with friends, whether it’s a girls’ night out, brunch, or a quiet evening at home.
          • It’s often portrayed in media as a relaxing, sophisticated, or indulgent choice, reinforcing its appeal.

2. Relaxation & Stress Relief 🧘‍♀️

          • Wine contains compounds like resveratrol that can have calming effects.
          • Many women enjoy a glass after work or before bed to unwind and de-stress.
          • Unlike hard liquor, wine is often consumed slowly, making it feel more like an experience than just a drink.

3. Taste & Variety 🍇

          • Women tend to have more sensitive palates, making them enjoy the rich flavors, aromas, and textures of wine.
          • Wine offers a huge variety (red, white, rosé, sparkling, sweet, dry), making it easy to find something that matches individual preferences.
          • Many women enjoy the pairing experience—finding wines that complement different foods.

4. Perceived Health Benefits ❤️

          • Some believe that moderate wine consumption (especially red wine) can:
              • Support heart health due to antioxidants.
              • Reduce stress and inflammation.
              • Improve digestion when paired with meals.
          • While overconsumption is unhealthy, some women see a glass of wine as a “healthier” alcohol choice compared to beer or hard liquor.

5. Wine Feels More Elegant & Feminine 🍾

          • Compared to beer or whiskey, wine is often marketed as a sophisticated and feminine choice.
          • The ritual of drinking wine—swirling, sniffing, sipping—feels refined and enjoyable.

6. The Emotional & Psychological Connection 💆‍♀️

          • Wine is often tied to self-care and relaxation, whether it’s a bubble bath, a book, or a cozy night in.
          • Many women see wine time as “me-time”, allowing them to disconnect from daily stress.

7. It’s a “Safe” Alcohol Choice 🚫🍻

          • Some women prefer wine because:
              • It’s less intense than liquor.
              • It’s socially acceptable in more settings (dinners, work events, casual hangouts).
              • It’s easier to control intake (sipping vs. taking shots).

8. Wine Is a Shared Experience 🥂

            • Wine brings people together—whether it’s wine-tasting, vineyard visits, or simply sharing a bottle at dinner.
            • Many women enjoy discussing flavors, brands, and new discoveries with friends.

So, Why Do Women Like Wine?

It’s a combination of social, sensory, and psychological factors—from the ritual of drinking to the way it makes them feel. Wine is not just a beverage; for many women, it’s an experience, a lifestyle, and a way to connect with others.

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William Thomas0 commentEconomics, Uncategorized, Wine Cellars
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