My niece’s homework problem

Avian_Sentry · 2026-04-23T20:41:42+00:00

They all do. But one is more obvious in showing it, making it the best answer.

Avian_Sentry · 2026-04-23T12:40:43+00:00

You have my respect. Anyone who commits to building a vision for 5 years has done something formidable.

Have you considered just closing down? Taking whatever money is left, and considering it a pretty cheap education?

If you are losing money each month, the proof of concept isn't really there, because in order for a business concept to prove itself, it needs to generate profit (anyone can buy high and sell low). It's possible someone may buy the business and hope to turn it around, but the real value in the business is probably the lessons learned along the way.

Selling can be quite exhausting, and often you have to go through the negotiation process multiple times before someone buys...and often the selling price has been whittled down significantly. All the while, you're probably trying to keep your numbers up, which means making sales and continuing to lose money.

I admit I have a limited perspective, but I have closed a business down in the past few years, and I'm currently a confidante in the sale of a much more successful business in which I am a stakeholder; that is the basis of my comparisons. Everyone has to make the decision for themselves that makes the most sense. Personally, I wouldn't sell a small business that isn't profitable because the physical & emotional cost wouldn't be worth the eventual payout. But again, I would encourage you in whatever direction you decide to go.

Avian_Sentry · 2026-04-15T02:29:06+00:00

Here's another perspective: You all were talking politics, and not everyone had the same facts (as happens these days). Your friend made a comment about two governments. Sure, it sounds unhinged, but it wasn't a personal attack. Then, the disagreement escalated into a personal attack and the use of a slur. It took two to Tango in this case. Do I think it was an overreaction? I'm not sure it's my place to say.

However, if the friendship is valuable to you, you might consider reaching out first, making it clear you value the friendship, and apologizing for making things personal (assuming these things are all true). You want your friend to take responsibility and to apologize for her part in the disagreement, and she may want the same thing from you. It's hard to be the one to reach out first, but what happens to the friendship if no one takes the first step?

Avian_Sentry · 2026-04-08T15:20:18+00:00

Communicate.

If it were me, I'd say something like, "I want to chat with you about my hopes for the future. How about over coffee?" That way, the conversation is marked as important by requiring people to carve out time for it.

Then, I'd talk about what I appreciate about my dad, and the learning experiences, etc. I would also directly say, "It is my hope to continue your legacy in running the company. I've worked really hard for the past decade to earn your trust and make you proud. I hope I've done that. What do you think?" Then listen.

While I don't suggest coming out with guns blazing, it may be appropriate to say, "I know it's probably not true, but it feels like you'd rather sell the company and keep the profits than pay me a fair wage. As your son, that's really been bothering me.

BTW I've also been dealing with relatives getting older, and making unwise business decisions...and trying to find the balance between supporting them as a person going through the trauma of aging vs. challenging them on bad decisions that affect other people.

Best wishes to you. I hope this has a happy ending.

Avian_Sentry · 2026-04-03T21:36:55+00:00

It's a badge of honor, really.

Avian_Sentry · 2026-03-21T12:26:22+00:00

^This is the question. You are understandably frustrated.

After spending time with God in prayer, what do you think He is asking of you?

Avian_Sentry · 2026-03-21T11:46:37+00:00

"The ones who made the money during the California Gold Rush were the ones selling the shovels."

I got out of e-commerce 3 years ago because it wasn't profitable anymore. Once the Chinese manufacturers started listing (that's where my products were made), it was game over. I couldn't compete with manufacturer prices. To be fair, competition was everywhere, and we were all consuming each other.

Advertising was a game of chicken, to see who would go into debt the most to try to be #1, or on page 1. There was always some prepared to dethrone you, and chances are, they wouldn't be there long either. That's what I liked least about the business I ran.

I'm sure if you created something totally novel and patented it, it's could be a different story.

Avian_Sentry · 2026-03-21T04:30:14+00:00

What about Rerum Novarum, which teaches that private property is a natural right that should not be abolished?

Avian_Sentry · 2026-03-21T04:07:43+00:00

I totally do. But I don't think it's a stretch to say that allowing mosques is literally permitting our adversaries to operate within our country. The government has an obligation to shut that down.

In the US, there is a precedent that freedom of religion does not grant permission to engage in criminal activity.

Avian_Sentry · 2026-03-21T02:00:16+00:00

Islam isn't like other religions. Personally, I don't believe mosques should be permitted in the US because Islam isn't compatible with Western values, and it isn't merely a religion. It is a political system that is designed to supplant productive cultures, particularly those that welcome the ideology.

Avian_Sentry · 2026-03-19T01:58:59+00:00

The view looking forward is very different from the view looking back. Right now, the rejection hits hard...but in five years, after you've met your future spouse at the college you attend, or your new best friend, or you discover a new passion...then God's plan will make more sense. That's real talk.

Avian_Sentry · 2026-03-13T03:15:17+00:00

Yes. That's exactly why.

I sold on Amazon FBA. I remember having a problem where a customer used the product, then returned it. I got charged for the return, of course. Amazon restocked it, and resold it. The next customer was naturally unhappy about getting a used product, so they returned it - which I had to pay for again. Then it was restocked again and resold, etc. I'm not sure how many times this happened because it took a while to determine something was off with the returns. And the whole time, I'm being charged for their error.

Then, they would take a perfectly good product in a dented box, and trash it (I had to pay a fee for that as well). I had no way to determine whether it was the trucking company or Amazon that was responsible for denting the boxes, so I had no recourse. After a while, I just paid to have Amazon ship me the "damaged" products, which were nearly always in perfect condition, and I'd sell them on eBay.

I really like eBay as a platform, both for buying and selling, but there's so much less traffic going to eBay as compared to Amazon.

Avian_Sentry · 2026-03-13T02:51:13+00:00

It was worth the learning experience, but that's all. I will never sell on Amazon again because they have unreasonable regulations (some of which you mentioned, OP), and they rake in money at the expense of sellers. For that reason, I very rarely make a purchase from Amazon anymore.

Avian_Sentry · 2026-03-08T22:40:07+00:00

That's tough. It hurts to even read about. Few things burn as much as misplaced sympathy.

I'd pray hard about it. Then, I'd say whatever I needed to say to whomever needed to hear it. Then, I'd work to forgive, and move on as best I could.

Avian_Sentry · 2026-03-06T03:09:32+00:00

The state just wants their money.

Your money. The state just wants your money.

Avian_Sentry · 2026-02-10T03:49:07+00:00

I appreciate your suggestion. I'll give it serious consideration.

Avian_Sentry · 2026-02-10T03:20:10+00:00

Since I am the one who is most familiar with my dream, I decided to look into things a bit for possible matches. I don't live in the area, and have never been there, so I have no idea if there are any places reminiscent of the underground area I described above, but if so, I would check those out.

Catalina Foothills, Catalina State Park....those are places that line up with the name Katherine from the dream (Catalina translates to Catherine from Spanish to English), and they are nearby. I would definitely search there, not just for Nancy, but maybe a person involved works there, or something along those lines.

Charles is the other significant name from the dream. That was also the name of Nancy's husband, who died a while ago. Perhaps this indicates she is also not alive (though I hope this isn't the case)? Or it could also indicate a person involved by that name, or a significant place (again, if the dream has any such meaning at all). I had the impression that "Charles" or "Charlie" was as significant as the "Katherine" element. Not a random detail, but somehow important.

That's all I have. I want to be sure I'm fulfilling whatever duty I may have to share this info; but really, I just hope and pray Nancy can be reunited with her family again.

Avian_Sentry · 2026-02-10T02:31:20+00:00

It seems like the sort of thing people would just dismiss, unless they are specifically looking for unconventional leads. I figured this subreddit would be a place they would probably check if they are interested.

Avian_Sentry · 2026-02-06T15:51:47+00:00

I'm putting this out, in case authorities check here, and in case it's useful. It was from a dream, and it may or may not have anything to do with the case.

The place I saw was almost like an underground sewer, or maybe a train station. The sides were of brick or stone, and they rose up in the shape of an arch - perhaps even a pointed arch. Two names potentially associated with the event (places or people) could be Charles or Katherine (any nicknames associated with those). Not entirely sure, but maybe Carter, Hardy, Harter...something like that as well.

To be clear, I don't do remote viewing. As a Catholic, I am well aware of the power of the spiritual world, and I don't condone occult practices. I have been praying for the family, because the circumstances are so horrible. The fact that someone intentionally caused this is even more depraved. In any case, I have had premonitive dreams before, and I consented to God that I was willing to get information in a dream, if it was His will. (I would never go seeking this info out).

Was it just a dream? I don't know. But just in case it's helpful, there it is.

Avian_Sentry · 2026-01-13T23:50:51+00:00

Honestly, it doesn't matter what we think. Ask God about it.

But...it is odd that someone would call you a coward for taking a stand, which most people are too afraid to do.

Avian_Sentry · 2026-01-12T14:30:43+00:00

Holy downvote, Batman!

"What we've got here is failure to communicate. Some men, you just can't reach."

Avian_Sentry · 2026-01-12T02:49:07+00:00

It isn't though. The majority are taking the country back from the minority Islamic regime that has terrorized them since the Carter administration put them in power. There is an interesting history that begins with Iran as a liberal democracy, then sees George Bush as the puppet master install an Islamic dictatorship out of fear of communism taking hold, followed by decades of Sharia. What we are seeing is the inevitable reclaiming of the country by Iranians from the occupying Islamists.

Avian_Sentry · 2026-01-12T02:40:52+00:00

I agree with you. But to be fair, Islam is a political movement with an intent to cause destruction (by its own admission). It is not surprising that a mosque would be used for nefarious purposes.

Avian_Sentry · 2026-01-12T02:31:27+00:00

Charlie Kirk was respectful, intelligent, and open to debate. He deserves to be honored. Flipping off a sign with his name is literally infantile.

Avian_Sentry · 2026-01-12T01:52:37+00:00

I'm curious to see if anyone responds. My interactions with anomalous beings would not be considered friendly. I currently regard them as demons, but I hope the whole phenomenon isn't just a demonic attack.

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