May 26, 2025

The Best Businesses That Provide Essential Goods & Services

During a nation’s currency collapse, the best businesses are typically those that provide essential goods and services, offer protection against inflation or barter, or benefit from instability. Here are some of the top business categories during such a crisis:

1. Essential Goods and Services

These meet basic needs and are always in demand:

        • Food production and distribution (farmers, local markets, preservation equipment)
        • Water purification and distribution
        • Fuel and firewood
        • Medical services and supplies
        • Sanitation and hygiene products
2. Repair and Maintenance

With imports collapsing and new goods becoming scarce, repair becomes valuable:

        • Appliance and machinery repair
        • Vehicle maintenance
        • Shoe and clothing repair
        • Construction and home repair
3. Security and Protection

In unstable times, personal and asset security is critical:

        • Private security services
        • Safe storage (vaults, lockers)
        • Guns and ammunition (where legal)
4. Barter and Trade Facilitation

When currency fails, barter often resurfaces:

        • General stores accepting barter
        • Barter exchanges or local trading networks
        • Portable value items (cigarettes, alcohol, batteries, lighters, etc.)
5. Alternative Currency or Hard Assets

Businesses dealing in:

        • Precious metals (gold, silver coins)
        • Cryptocurrency (if internet remains accessible)
        • Foreign currency exchange (hard cash from stable nations)
6. Agriculture and Self-Sufficiency

Long-term value in food and renewable resources:

        • Seed sales and heirloom gardening
        • Livestock breeding
        • Permaculture design and training
7. Skills-Based Services

When money has no value, skills do:

        • Medical professionals
        • Electricians, plumbers, mechanics
        • Carpenters and masons
        • Teachers and tutors (especially in survival or practical trades)
8. Information and Communications
        • Radio communication equipment and repair
        • Newsletters, reports, or analysis on economic survival
        • Satellite phones or mesh networking
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William Thomas0 commentUncategorized
May 11, 2025

Why Smart People Prepare—Even When Life Feels Normal

Most of us trust that the lights will turn on, the faucet will run, and the grocery store shelves will stay stocked. And most days, that’s true. But anyone who’s lived through a winter storm, power outage, or sudden shortage knows how fast things can change.

Being prepared isn’t about fear—it’s about peace of mind.

You don’t need a bunker or a year’s worth of freeze-dried food to be smart. Start simple:

      • A few days of food and water.
      • Flashlights and batteries.
      • Extra meds and hygiene items.
      • A way to charge your phone when the power’s out.

It’s not about if something will go wrong—it’s about when. Weather, accidents, even supply chain hiccups… they don’t give warnings. Prepping is just a quiet way of saying, “I’ve got this,” when life throws a curveball.

Preparedness isn’t crazy. It’s common sense.

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William Thomas0 commentEconomics, Secret Doors, Security, Uncategorized
May 11, 2025

Why Do Preppers Store Food, Toilet Paper, Water, Batteries, etc

why do preppers store food toilet paper, water, batteries, etc

Preppers store food, toilet paper, water, batteries, and similar essentials to prepare for emergencies or disruptions where access to basic goods and services may be limited or unavailable. Here are the main reasons:

  1. Self-Sufficiency in Crisis
  • In the event of natural disasters (hurricanes, earthquakes, blizzards), civil unrest, or economic collapse, supply chains can break down.
  • Preppers want to avoid dependency on others or the government during such times.
  1. Protection Against Shortages
  • Panic buying (like during COVID-19) can empty store shelves quickly.
  • Having a personal stockpile ensures they’re not caught without necessities.
  1. Cost Savings and Inflation Buffer
  • Buying in bulk or during sales helps avoid price spikes.
  • Stored goods act as a hedge against inflation or sudden price increases.
  1. Continuity of Comfort and Hygiene
  • Items like toilet paper and hygiene products ensure that quality of life is maintained even in tough times.
  1. Limited Infrastructure Reliance
  • Batteries, flashlights, and generators allow for function without electricity.
  • Stored water is crucial if municipal supply becomes contaminated or fails.
  1. Peace of Mind
  • Preparedness reduces anxiety by offering a sense of control over uncertain situations.
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William Thomas0 commentCarpentry, Economics, Secret Doors, Security, Uncategorized
May 9, 2025

Historical House Style Windows

Historical house styles are often distinguished by their window designs. Below is a breakdown of historical house styles and their signature window types, which often reflect the architectural character and period details of the home:

Georgian (1700–1780)

        • Windows: Double-hung sash windows with 6-over-6 or 9-over-9 panes.

        • Details: Symmetrical arrangement, flat arches or simple lintels, often with shutters.

        • Materials: Wood frames, usually painted white.

Federal (1780–1830)

        • Windows: Double-hung sash windows, typically 6-over-6.

        • Details: Frequently include fanlights over doors and elliptical or Palladian windows.

        • Shape: Taller and more slender than Georgian.

Greek Revival (1825–1860)

        • Windows: 6-over-6 or 9-over-9 double-hung.

        • Details: Trim is heavier, with bold lintels or cornices, and sometimes triple windows.

        • Symmetry: Very formal and aligned.

Gothic Revival (1840–1880)

        • Windows: Pointed arched or lancet windows.

        • Details: Often include tracery or leaded glass.

        • Unique Feature: Steep gables often include small attic windows with Gothic arch tops.

Italianate (1840–1885)

        • Windows: Tall and narrow, typically 2-over-2 double-hung.

        • Details: Frequently arched or curved at the top with elaborate hood molds or brackets.

Queen Anne / Victorian (1880–1910)

        • Windows: Mix of 1-over-1 sash, bay windows, and stained or leaded glass.

        • Details: Asymmetrical placement, curved or multi-faceted bays.

        • Ornamentation: Highly decorative, often with colored panes or etched glass.

Colonial Revival (1880–1955)

        • Windows: Double-hung sash with 6-over-6 or 8-over-8 panes.

        • Details: Return to Georgian symmetry and formality, often with shutters.

        • Palladian window usage is revived.

Tudor Revival (1890–1940)

        • Windows: Casement windows with diamond-pane leaded glass.

        • Details: Grouped in twos or threes, framed in dark wood or stone.

        • Bay or oriel windows common.

Craftsman / Bungalow (1905–1930)

        • Windows: Double-hung with 3-over-1 or 6-over-1 panes.

        • Details: Grouped in bands, simple wood trim.

        • Materials: Often wood, sometimes stained.

Prairie (1900–1920)

        • Windows: Horizontal bands of casement windows.

        • Details: Art glass or geometric patterns.

        • Style: Integrated with horizontal emphasis of the home.

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William Thomas0 commentCarpentry, Design, Remodeling, Uncategorized
May 9, 2025

Historical Dormer Styles

Dormers have evolved over centuries to suit different architectural styles, climates, and functions. Sometimes Dormers are called, “Roofs with dog houses on them.” Here’s a breakdown of historical dormer styles categorized by era and design influence:

🏰 Medieval & Gothic Dormers (12th–15th centuries)

        • Style: Steeply pitched gables with pointed arches.

        • Materials: Stone or timber with heavy lead or slate roofs.

        • Use: Primarily to ventilate and light attics in castles or manor houses.

🏛️ Renaissance Dormers (15th–17th centuries)

        • Style: Classical detailing—columns, pediments, and entablatures.

        • French Influence: The “lucarne” (ornate dormer with decorative scrollwork and pediments) is common in châteaux.

        • Features: Symmetrical placement and integration into formal facades.

🇫🇷 Baroque & Rococo Dormers (17th–18th centuries)

  • Style: Highly ornate with flowing curves, sculpted reliefs, and decorative finials.

  • Roof Shapes: Often incorporated into mansard roofs.

  • Famous Use: Parisian buildings with curved dormers in mansard roofs—still iconic today.

🇬🇧 Georgian Dormers (18th century)

  • Style: Clean lines, symmetry, and minimal ornamentation.

  • Type: Gabled or shed dormers often with sash windows.

  • Placement: Aligned neatly with windows and doors below.

🇺🇸 Colonial & Federal Dormers (18th–early 19th centuries)

  • Style: Modest, functional, and proportional.

  • Type: Gabled or segmental (arched) dormers.

  • Use: Prominent in Colonial Williamsburg and early American homes.

🏡 Victorian Dormers (mid-to-late 19th century)

  • Style: Ornate and varied—includes Gothic Revival, Queen Anne, and Second Empire.

  • Features: Decorative bargeboards, finials, and shingles.

  • Roof Integration: Sometimes compound forms with turrets or towers.

🧱 Craftsman & Arts and Crafts Dormers (early 20th century)

  • Style: Low-pitched shed or gabled dormers with exposed rafters.

  • Materials: Natural wood, stone, and shingled cladding.

  • Philosophy: Emphasized handcrafted, honest materials.

🌆 Tudor Revival Dormers (1920s–1930s)

  • Style: Steep gabled dormers, often with timbering and masonry.

  • Inspiration: English medieval and Elizabethan styles.

  • Roof Details: Asymmetrical, picturesque rooflines.

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William Thomas0 commentDesign, Uncategorized
May 9, 2025

Historical Exterior Cornice Drip Edges

A historical exterior cornice drip refers to a key architectural detail found on classical cornices that helps manage water runoff while adding decorative emphasis. Let’s break it down:
🔍 Definition

        • A cornice is the uppermost section of moldings along the top of a wall or building, often part of the entablature in classical architecture.

A drip (or drip edge, drip molding) is a projecting feature designed to throw water away from the face of the wall to prevent staining, erosion, or water infiltration.

🏛️ Historical Styles with Cornice Drips
1. Greek & Roman Classical Cornices

Feature: Drip groove (cyma recta or cyma reversa moldings), mutules or modillions with overhanging soffits.

Drip Function: The projection itself and carved gutter lines helped divert rain away.

Example: Doric cornices often had a flat corona with a carved drip groove underneath.

2. Renaissance Cornices

Feature: Deep overhangs with egg-and-dart moldings and dentils.

Drip: Often integrated as a sharp edge or cavetto at the bottom of the projecting member.

3. Baroque & Rococo Cornices

Feature: Bold, curved cornices with scrollwork and brackets.

Drip: Water-shedding grooves were hidden in ornamental flourishes or scrolled modillions.

4. Georgian & Federal Cornices

Feature: Straight, symmetrical moldings with dentils or crown profiles.

Drip: A distinct, linear drip edge often built into the fascia or lower molding.

5. Victorian Cornices

Feature: Highly decorative with brackets and multiple layers of moldings.

Drip: Sometimes incorporated metal flashing or pronounced wood projections to manage water.

6. Craftsman Bungalow Eaves

Feature: Wide eaves with exposed rafters.

Drip: Extended rafter tails or small crown moldings beneath the eave carried the drip function.

🧱 Materials Historically Used

Stone: Carefully carved drip lines and projections in classical architecture.

Wood: Layered moldings with crown or ogee profiles in early American homes.

Terra cotta or plaster: Used in Beaux-Arts or Italianate buildings with ornate cornices.

Lead or copper flashing: Sometimes added for durability on top of projecting moldings.

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William Thomas0 commentCarpentry, Design, Remodeling, Uncategorized
May 6, 2025

What are The Purposes of Pilasters in Classical Interior Designs

A pilaster is a shallow, rectangular column that projects slightly from a wall and typically has a base and capital, like a full column. It is primarily decorative, giving the illusion of a supporting column and adding classical architectural detail without bearing any structural load.

Aesthetic Enhancement

      • Mimic columns: Pilasters imitate the appearance of classical columns but are flat and project only slightly from the wall.

      • Add rhythm and proportion: They divide wall space visually and add a sense of classical order and balance.

      • Frame elements: Often used to frame doors, windows, fireplaces, or wainscoting panels for a more formal or traditional look.

Architectural Styling

        • Used in Classical, Neoclassical, Renaissance, Georgian, and Colonial Revival architecture to evoke grandeur and timelessness.

        • They may include bases, shafts, and capitals that reflect the classical orders (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, etc.).

Visual Support

        • Though mostly ornamental, pilasters give the illusion of structural support, especially beneath entablatures, arches, or pediments.

Space Definition

        • Help define transitions between wall surfaces or architectural zones within a room.

Here are examples of how pilasters are used in modern interior design, blending classical elements with contemporary aesthetics:

Framing Doorways

        • Use: Pilasters on either side of a doorway create a grand entrance, especially when topped with a pediment or entablature.

        • Modern Twist: Simplified profiles with clean lines, often painted the same color as the wall for a minimalist look.

Built-In Bookcases or Cabinets

        • Use: Flanking cabinetry or shelving units to make them appear custom-built and architecturally integrated.

        • Modern Twist: Flat or square pilasters in natural wood or matte black finishes for a sleek contrast.

Accent Walls

        • Use: Create a sense of formality by dividing a large wall into “bays” using pilasters and panel moulding.

        • Modern Twist: Combine with LED lighting or geometric paneling for a transitional or modern-classic fusion.

Fireplace Surrounds

        • Use: Pilasters on each side of a fireplace to frame the mantel and elevate the focal point.

        • Modern Twist: Use stone, metal, or textured finishes for a contemporary feel while preserving the classical form.

Hallways and Entryways

        • Use: Spaced along corridor walls to simulate depth and rhythm in otherwise flat or narrow spaces.

        • Modern Twist: Integrated with uplighting or indirect lighting coves to create shadows and dimension.

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William Thomas0 commentCarpentry, Design, Remodeling, Uncategorized
May 2, 2025

Why Do Houses Have Ceiling Domes at the Top of Circular Staircases?

Ceiling domes are often placed above circular staircases for a blend of aesthetic, architectural, and functional reasons:

Aesthetic Emphasis
        • Visual Drama: Domes provide a grand, elegant focal point, enhancing the sense of vertical space and movement.
        • Architectural Harmony: The circular shape of the dome complements the spiral or curved geometry of the staircase below, creating a sense of symmetry and intentional design.
Natural Light
        • Many dome ceilings incorporate skylights or oculi (central openings) to bring daylight into the staircase, which is often an interior zone without windows.
Spatial Expansion
        • Domes give the illusion of a taller, airier space by drawing the eye upward. This is especially effective in vertical circulation areas like staircases that already emphasize height.
Acoustics
        • In larger homes, domes can improve or modulate sound projection—either for echoing grandeur or soft diffusion of ambient sound.
Historic and Classical Influence
        • The tradition comes from classical and renaissance architecture, where domes symbolized wealth, intellect, or religious ideals. High-end residential architecture often borrows these cues to signal status and taste.
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William Thomas0 commentCarpentry, Design, Uncategorized
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
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