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Will's new Fall Out shelter is cool, but why stay in Vegas?

Building codes… I have a house in the jungle of south India and another in a jungle in Centtal America. No worries about what happens in the world as in either place I could live as locals have done for thousands of years.

I’m not interested in surviving though. Should the mushroom clouds make their way here I’m gone.

I did want to buy a few acres in Joshua Tree Ca for a place to go occasionally. Until I found out the only houses allowed are architect designed and built by a local contractor. $15000 water hookup etc. So, no.
 
We built a great house in Costa Rica with an ocean view. I still have a condo in Vegas but it's silly since I am here 9 months a year and I am a resident. All construction here is DIY. I have helped some neighbors with solar and am always surprised how unsafe electrical systems are...
 
So I ask you - do we need building codes to "make buidings safe" - or do they get used for revenue generation, and control of the public?
There are plenty of examples where builders have cut corners with lethal consequences, just like there are plenty of examples where builders did an amazing job before there were regulations. However it should be trivial to check the balance sheets of your building department (or any other departments for that matter), as most western nations implement accurate accounting for governments. If you find issues, you even could, in addition to writing letters to the editors, run for local office and do something about it.
 
Example:
I have two houses on my property - the modern home built in 1981 and updated in 2000's following modern codes, insulation etc.
and the original farm house from the 1940s' built with no codes.
The farm house was built by two brothers who cut wood for the railway (yes in the 40's they burned wood to run steam engines around here)
They didn't own a level or a square - I can tell, but they built with rough cut 2"x lumber and solid 1" planks (no plywood or OSB) and the house is still here 80 years later. I use it for my office space.

If we get a late winter heavy wet snow, followed with rain - I don't worry about the 1940's house roof system, I clear wet snow off the 'modern' roof.

So I ask you - do we need building codes to "make buidings safe" - or do they get used for revenue generation, and control of the public?
The part that really pisses me off - we see building codes HOA and regulations make construction more difficult, slow, and expensive and then "Wonder why" young people don't own their own homes... :unsure:
There are consequences to rules...sometimes the result is opposite of the stated intention.
In 2007 i got busted by a crappy customer that refused to pay for the completion of a job, then had morons complete the install, and they got turned in for not pulling permits, i got called in to verify my license etc, and during the manditory class to confirm i knew my license bounds, the then building standards division was changing to the now code enforcement company...

They bragged about how they were able to purchase a massive lot near the football stadium, build a massive modern skyscraper with zero loans, or debt...

In charlotte, NC...

look up the location for code enforcement.

Just IMAGINE what that property value would be...

All paid for with permitting funds...

Nahh, they are all about safety of the buinding project.

Nothing to see here, move along... move along.
 
Exactly, some bad ass air powered rifles out there. Not considered firearms. Delivered to your door. My buddy in Georgia brags about his air rifle 240 yard shots shooting through kitchen pans.
Depending on the state, muzzleloaders are not firearms, and not subject to restrictions, or ammo either. I've got a 12g SxS black powder gun that shoots just about anything you can stuff down the barrel. I've taken bobcat, coyote, ducks, and turkey with it, and because I can load however much powder I want, it usually outperforms my hunting buddy's cartridge fed shotguns.

I'd like to reiterate my first sentence, DEPENDING ON THE STATE, I'm not trying to start an argument about the legalities. In my state, anyone over 18 can walk into Walmart and purchase a black powder gun, and ammunition / powder for it. I know that's not the case everywhere. Black powder guns also have a tendency not to be used in violent crimes, they have, but it's even more uncommon to see a black powder gun than it is something like a knife or baseball bat. They definitely can't be used for mass shootings, unless you're John Wayne with a literal bucket of old navy revolvers.

Even making black powder with stuff from the hardware store isn't a super difficult or expensive process.

Black powder guns and air rifles are definitely the way to go in a real "end of the world" type situation. I think within a few years, most common caliber ammo would dry up, and you'd be stuck either using odd cartridges, or disassembling them and using the components individually in a muzzleloader, reloading ammo, or melting down the lead and using it in an air rifle. There's an entire population of squirrels around my house that will attest to the effectiveness of an air rifle, and a relatively cheap one at that.
 
There are about 12,000 nuclear weapons in the world, Vegas, with a population of 700,000) is the 24th Largest city in the US. if there is any adversary mad enough to wage a nuclear war with the US it is not inconceivable that the top 50 cities in the US will be hit. In the case of Russia, that would only amount to 1% of their nuclear arsenal. If they wanted to hit all cities with a population of 100,000 or more, that would still be less than 10% of their nuclear arsenal. (Even China has about 400 nukes)

If you are worried about nuclear war, it would be better to move far away from any military bases and cities, with or without a nuclear fallout shelter. And that goes for any nation, even those who don't have nukes themselves.

As for building codes, developers are constantly try to cut corners and building codes will reduce the worst of the worst. But if you were building a home for yourself, why would I have to force you to make sure you build your house in a way where the roof doesn't collapse on you, or that you install sufficient insulation? Just don't create problems for other people, for example dispose of waste products responsibly and not in the gutter or river. Most people who build their own do so because they are capable of doing that, so let them.
Just a heads up. Las Vegas is not the only city in the Vegas Valley .

"The Valley is home to the three largest incorporated cities in Nevada: Las Vegas, Henderson and North Las Vegas.+ Eleven unincorporated towns governed by the Clark County government are part of the Las Vegas Township and constitute the largest community in the state of Nevada."

About 2.33 million people live in the valley .

And don't forget Nellis Air Force Base where it has been rumored they store nukes right behind the base in sunrise mountain.

So the Las Vegas valley is a prime nuke target.
And don't forget about hoover dam and lake Mead being prime targets.

I have been in this area since the 1960s and now live approx 60 miles as the crow flies from the valley, when I see the glow from Vegas get brighter I will be heading into the mine I have reinforced with rebar and concrete just out my back door.
 
meaning the inspection process didn't catch the corner-cutting.
Very true, sadly they can't prevent corner cutting, just like the police can't prevent crime, or firefighters can't prevent fires, etc... They can (or should be able to) prosecute if and when people are caught.

In rural area's this wouldn't be so much of a problem, people tend to know who the good trades people are and who to avoid.
 
As for building codes, developers are constantly try to cut corners and building codes will reduce the worst of the worst. But if you were building a home for yourself, why would I have to force you to make sure you build your house in a way where the roof doesn't collapse on you, or that you install sufficient insulation? Just don't create problems for other people, for example dispose of waste products responsibly and not in the gutter or river. Most people who build their own do so because they are capable of doing that, so let them.
Because one day for one reason or another, that house is going to likely be sold to someone else.
 
Because one day for one reason or another, that house is going to likely be sold to someone else.
So for one day in 5/10 or even 100 years I might sell my home, this is the reason they need to have their nose up in my business every time I plug something in. I get it, I just think there is more scope creep with these “safety” inspection the there is real safety matters..
 
First off I don't actually live in Vegas. Next, I live in the mountains outside the valley. Everyone on my block has horses, goats and chickens.

Main reason for the structure was to make a gun range like I said in the video. After reading about the health effects of the lead vapor even if you have some of the best filter cartridges out there, and legality of it, I realized it wasn't worth it.

Yes I have other plans. This is not the real bunker. Would work in a pinch for social uprising though.

You'd have to be crazy to try to take over our neighborhood. Everyone here has similar political beliefs and combat experience. If I don't shoot a robber, my neighbors will. We ensure peace on our blocks. Lots of law enforcement and city employees live here. We have communication systems, water, food growing and more.

Next, being in the middle of nowhere makes things difficult. I live alone, so I need strength in numbers if something were to happen. You are easier to hunt in isolated places. Also easier to track you with the satellites.

Mainly I just saw a massive opportunity in mounting stuff on this concrete wall. It makes my battery review process much more easier. No need to worry about anything catching on fire.

Not commenting on my other properties or plans 🤣
 
First off I don't actually live in Vegas. Next, I live in the mountains outside the valley. Everyone on my block has horses, goats and chickens.

Main reason for the structure was to make a gun range like I said in the video. After reading about the health effects of the lead vapor even if you have some of the best filter cartridges out there, and legality of it, I realized it wasn't worth it.

Yes I have other plans. This is not the real bunker. Would work in a pinch for social uprising though.

You'd have to be crazy to try to take over our neighborhood. Everyone here has similar political beliefs and combat experience. If I don't shoot a robber, my neighbors will. We ensure peace on our blocks. Lots of law enforcement and city employees live here. We have communication systems, water, food growing and more.

Next, being in the middle of nowhere makes things difficult. I live alone, so I need strength in numbers if something were to happen. You are easier to hunt in isolated places. Also easier to track you with the satellites.

Mainly I just saw a massive opportunity in mounting stuff on this concrete wall. It makes my battery review process much more easier. No need to worry about anything catching on fire.

Not commenting on my other properties or plans 🤣


Time to have a girlfriend or boyfriend (or what people prefer today )

A dog can help.
My self on my own with a dog .
Walking on the beach.
 
Time to have a girlfriend or boyfriend (or what people prefer today )

A dog can help.
My self on my own with a dog .
Walking on the beach.
No, I don't feel lonely. I have plenty of girls I hang out with. No benefit in officially dating or marrying one here. Especially given the financial liabilities.

I have two cats but id never own a dog. Too much work and responsibilities. May need to get rid of the cats soon too. I love animals but I don't like pets really. I think it's pretty possessive. Animals should be free to do whatever they want.

I like to spend my days building things, working out and shooting. Don't want to change that anytime soon. Woman are not worth the commitment or time. They are fun to hang out with though. My plans may change if I want kids.
 
Depending on the state, muzzleloaders are not firearms, and not subject to restrictions, or ammo either. I've got a 12g SxS black powder gun that shoots just about anything you can stuff down the barrel. I've taken bobcat, coyote, ducks, and turkey with it, and because I can load however much powder I want, it usually outperforms my hunting buddy's cartridge fed shotguns.

I'd like to reiterate my first sentence, DEPENDING ON THE STATE, I'm not trying to start an argument about the legalities. In my state, anyone over 18 can walk into Walmart and purchase a black powder gun, and ammunition / powder for it. I know that's not the case everywhere. Black powder guns also have a tendency not to be used in violent crimes, they have, but it's even more uncommon to see a black powder gun than it is something like a knife or baseball bat. They definitely can't be used for mass shootings, unless you're John Wayne with a literal bucket of old navy revolvers.

Even making black powder with stuff from the hardware store isn't a super difficult or expensive process.

Black powder guns and air rifles are definitely the way to go in a real "end of the world" type situation. I think within a few years, most common caliber ammo would dry up, and you'd be stuck either using odd cartridges, or disassembling them and using the components individually in a muzzleloader, reloading ammo, or melting down the lead and using it in an air rifle. There's an entire population of squirrels around my house that will attest to the effectiveness of an air rifle, and a relatively cheap one at that.
Interesting point about air guns and black powder guns. Did not think about that. If you have it in those thick plastic bags that some of them come in for storage, would that ammo still dry up?

Oh I see what you mean. Run out of stock. Not actually dry out. I was thinking there was some kind of chemical reaction that I wasn't aware of.
 
No, I don't feel lonely. I have plenty of girls I hang out with. No benefit in officially dating or marrying one here. Especially given the financial liabilities.

I have two cats but id never own a dog. Too much work and responsibilities. May need to get rid of the cats soon too. I love animals but I don't like pets really. I think it's pretty possessive. Animals should be free to do whatever they want.

I like to spend my days building things, working out and shooting. Don't want to change that anytime soon. Woman are not worth the commitment or time. They are fun to hang out with though. My plans may change if I want kids.
A dog is a human dependent social animal.
They can't be free often lacking the physical ability to fend for themselves or the skills be those learned or instinctual.
They are not simply pets ( fish and hamsters are pets. cats are room mates at best ), they are companions ( my opinion ) far more trustworthy and loyal than most humans.
They are good for your physical and mental health
But they poop on your lawn and smell funny when wet, there are down sides

Women are not all bad, a lot depends on how you season and cook them... ( same could be said for dogs ? )
Cant comment on men, but I don't judge...

Kids add a sense of continuity to life.
You are young, you will discover at some point that you are asking yourself this question.
Is this all there is and what beyond self indulgence and materialism really matters.
They are the one true permanent commitment in your life they will never not be your kids...
( also more tender and tasty than woman or dog )

Your personal life or how you spend time is totally cool, what ever you chose to do
 
No, I don't feel lonely. I have plenty of girls I hang out with. No benefit in officially dating or marrying one here. Especially given the financial liabilities.

I have two cats but id never own a dog. Too much work and responsibilities. May need to get rid of the cats soon too. I love animals but I don't like pets really. I think it's pretty possessive. Animals should be free to do whatever they want.

I like to spend my days building things, working out and shooting. Don't want to change that anytime soon. Woman are not worth the commitment or time. They are fun to hang out with though. My plans may change if I want kids.

Agreed on the pets. I just don't like losing them, too emotionally devastating and I don't like supporting an industry that breeds them. Good thing about living way off grid in a forest is I have "neighbors" that come visit and come and go. Our cabin opens up and is like a zoo inside frequently. Right now as I type, downstairs is a crow sleeping on a perch. He was getting absolutely brutalized by a crow five times his size while the entire murder was cheering it on. It was like a Hitchcock scene combined with a high school fight video. I broke it up and he can't fly and was bleeding and I've got him rehabbing until he can fly and then I'll let him out. I think he's going to be alright but we'll see. Witnessing that mob activity really has me questioning how intelligent social animals really are. He spent the day on the deck in an open cage and didn't leave so I take that as a sign he wants the free AirBnB until he mends. The Great Horned owls at night would tear him up so he's inside at night.

I can't imagine dating these days with all the cultural changes. I had a similar philosophy thirty years ago when I was in college. I definitely enjoyed hanging out with the ladies as well, just never thought I'd want to hang out with one for very long (ie longer than about eight hours). But I say that as a guy who has been married for more than twenty years. I still can't believe I found one I respect as much as I do. Nobody should enter a relationship until they've first developed into a person who doesn't need one. Need is the enemy of respect and respect, not romantic love, is the key to a relationship as I see it.

The crow just told me to get off my old man soapbox so...
 
Next, being in the middle of nowhere makes things difficult. I live alone, so I need strength in numbers if something were to happen. You are easier to hunt in isolated places. Also easier to track you with the satellites.

Very true.

Community and strength in numbers is great....on paper. And it can be in reality. But all too frequently the medicine is worse than the disease with that double edged sword. Those people you think you can count on haven't been stress tested. The great ill is society at large, people in groups. Trying to get away with a smaller group of the "right" people sounds great and can be. But most often it turns sideways. From family strife to hippy communes to the Free State Project, you see it time and time again. Not unlike the crow downstairs.

I'm of the view that a place far from people with enough technology to be self sufficient (ie if you have the money) is the way to go. And it can be done. Then you're set unless you're talking about a government actor and if you're talking about a government actor, it doesn't matter how good or how many the people in your community. Not these days. 1776 was only a couple hundred years ago, but it was an eternity ago as far as warfare is concerned.
 
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No, I don't feel lonely. I have plenty of girls I hang out with. No benefit in officially dating or marrying one here. Especially given the financial liabilities.

I have two cats but id never own a dog. Too much work and responsibilities. May need to get rid of the cats soon too. I love animals but I don't like pets really. I think it's pretty possessive. Animals should be free to do whatever they want.

I like to spend my days building things, working out and shooting. Don't want to change that anytime soon. Woman are not worth the commitment or time. They are fun to hang out with though. My plans may change if I want kids.
I can tell you building guns is a fun rabbit trail
 

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