Offseason game thread

Salem's Lot

Andy Moog! Andy God Damn Moog!
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Jul 15, 2005
14,464
Gallows Hill
The Jacobs' sure are asking a lot of $ for nosebleed tickets for next year.
I’d recommend looking to purchase from STH’s directly. There are several Facebook groups where you can find tickets to many games for less than the individual game box office price.
 

Jed Zeppelin

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Aug 23, 2008
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Seeing some home prices drop. One potential advantage is that we don't have kids that need to be in place somewhere new in time for the school year, and no hard out obligations for our current apartment beyond notifying them a month in advance. Could be go time?

 

McDrew

Set Adrift on Memory Bliss
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Apr 11, 2006
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My wife and I got extremely lucky that we we were in a financial position to buy a house at the absolute bottom of the market. We actually closed 8 years ago yesterday in 2011. The issue at the time was, the market was so down that who would sell their house unless they absolutely had too. Well we found those people. Short sale with the previous owners trying to get divorced. We had to wait 5 months for the bank to accept our offer. We were only planning on staying in it for a few years and upgrading but the real estate is so insane now we’re looking at renovating. I would definitely advise getting into the market if it’s at all feasible for you because rent is only going to go up around NYC or Boston or any of the other 4-5 places in this country that actually have a good amount of employment opportunities. Yes you lose flexibility and you have to pay for maintenance but at least they can’t kick you out for reasons out of your control without compensation, you don’t have to share walls with people, and you can always sell and get your money back in a good market if you say screw it i want to just rent again.
I did the same thing and my house made minimum wage 24/7 for me from June 2011 until I sold last May. I'm gonna wait for the next boomer dip (its going to happen when they all start running out of retirement funds) and buy in again.
 

Haunted

The Man in the Box
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Aug 23, 2006
6,196
This year really really sucks. Beyond the family situation (which would normally be an awful year all on its own), my work group has lost two of our strongest employees. There should be 7 of us. The team leader left about 5 weeks ago, another employee left not long after (honestly, addition by subtraction there), and another strong worker texted me tonight to tell me she got an offer she couldn’t turn down.

So we’re down from 7 to 4, including two super strong workers. And we have a system upgrade in a couple of months. Great.
 

Salem's Lot

Andy Moog! Andy God Damn Moog!
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
14,464
Gallows Hill
I did the same thing and my house made minimum wage 24/7 for me from June 2011 until I sold last May. I'm gonna wait for the next boomer dip (its going to happen when they all start running out of retirement funds) and buy in again.
You didn’t make any money on selling it in May? Where was it?
 

McDrew

Set Adrift on Memory Bliss
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Apr 11, 2006
4,060
Portland, OR
You didn’t make any money on selling it in May? Where was it?
I phrased that poorly, and also messed up my back-of-napkin math. I'm going to try again. Between the purchase of my house in 2011 and the sale in 2018, it increased in value the equivalent to having a minimum wage, 40-hour a week job. I moved to Oregon and back in with my parents over a year ago cause they were having some solvable health issues and just needed a caregiver for a bit. The increased value from the house (and not paying a lot of regular expenses by living in my parents guest room) made being unemployed for over a year while I helped them out very bearable.
 

Salem's Lot

Andy Moog! Andy God Damn Moog!
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
14,464
Gallows Hill
Saw McAvoy, Kuraly, Grz and McQuaid at Encore last night. McQuaid must live here still.
I know he rented then bought Shawn Thornton’s place in Charlestown. Probably still owns it. A lot of the younger guys on the team usually room together so it wouldn’t shock me if McAvoy and Kuraly were living there. McAvoy actually still lived in the BU dorm during the 2017 playoffs believe it or not.
 

McDrew

Set Adrift on Memory Bliss
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Apr 11, 2006
4,060
Portland, OR
I know he rented then bought Shawn Thornton’s place in Charlestown. Probably still owns it. A lot of the younger guys on the team usually room together so it wouldn’t shock me if McAvoy and Kuraly were living there. McAvoy actually still lived in the BU dorm during the 2017 playoffs believe it or not.
He was still technically a student at that point.
 

PedroSpecialK

Comes at you like a tornado of hair and the NHL sa
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Dec 12, 2004
27,164
Cambridge, MA
The Lower Depths is closing. I hadn't been in a couple years but it was a great spot pre-Sox games. The slide downhill started when a certain chef decided to replace tots and hot dogs with tacos... https://boston.eater.com/2019/7/1/20676923/lower-depths-kenmore-square-closed

And of course, it's the same guy who turned the Inman Sq Bukowski's into some glitzy-looking gastropub, and charges $25 for three minuscule steak tips at the Tip Tap Room.

This is why we can't have nice things
 

kenneycb

Hates Goose Island Beer; Loves Backdoor Play
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Dec 2, 2006
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Tuukka's refugee camp
Ha, I got kicked out of there once while fairly sober. Went there after a dinner in the area, ordered a beer, put it on the rail without looking and hit the slanted part and had it tip over. I got another and was talking with my hands and accidentally knocked that one over, spilling a little bit but saving most. Tried to order another beer after that and the guy said he wouldn't serve me. Couldn't be angry about it as it's more of me being a dumbass. But always left a bad taste in my mouth.
 

Dummy Hoy

Angry Pissbum
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Jul 22, 2006
8,232
Falmouth
The Lower Depths is closing. I hadn't been in a couple years but it was a great spot pre-Sox games. The slide downhill started when a certain chef decided to replace tots and hot dogs with tacos... https://boston.eater.com/2019/7/1/20676923/lower-depths-kenmore-square-closed

And of course, it's the same guy who turned the Inman Sq Bukowski's into some glitzy-looking gastropub, and charges $25 for three minuscule steak tips at the Tip Tap Room.

This is why we can't have nice things
The Inman Sq spot was always a prep school kid pretending to slum for real.
 

The Napkin

wise ass al kaprielian
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Jul 13, 2002
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Looking like I'm going to be doing the Phoenix/Vegas trip this year. Fly into Phoenix Fri, hit the game Sat, drive to Vegas Sun, hang out, hit the game Tues, fly home from Vegas Wed.
Some of you all have done similar, right? Any suggestions? Assuming tickets will be easier/cheaper in Phenix so probably going to splurge for good seats there then just get in the building in Vegas.
 

PedroSpecialK

Comes at you like a tornado of hair and the NHL sa
SoSH Member
Dec 12, 2004
27,164
Cambridge, MA
Prob doing that trip and tacking on Denver as well :fonz:

Never done Phoenix, but did Vegas both years so far. Vegas tickets have been tough in terms of cost... gonna get on the VGK single game email list and give it a shot, secondhand they have been $125-175 apiece to get in the past couple of years.

Also gonna be doing the drive in all likelihood. Trying to get some Saturday / Sunday golf in in the area, torn between old town Scottsdale and downtown Phoenix for lodging given each are ~20 minutes driving from Glendale for the game. @LogansDad used to live in that area if I'm not mistaken?
 

The Napkin

wise ass al kaprielian
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We're staying at the Renaissance Phoenix next door to Gila arena. Have some friends that live out there so we won't be renting a car and will hitch a ride with them to Vegas. They're big Vegas people and are working on some hookups for rooms and stuff there, I should have them ask about tickets too. Wonder what a suite would go for and how many people it'd hold. That could possibly wind up being a Clutterbuck of epic proportions.
 

Jed Zeppelin

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Aug 23, 2008
51,291
Would I be nuts to go for a house within walking distance to my in-laws? Great town, good-sized house, and for once the price might be in range. But how many times a week will it be possible to make an excuse for not going over for dinner?
 

PedroSpecialK

Comes at you like a tornado of hair and the NHL sa
SoSH Member
Dec 12, 2004
27,164
Cambridge, MA
How often does your wife go see them as is? If she'd be driven nuts seeing them > once per week, it may be feasible... but yeah, what these guys said
 

Salem's Lot

Andy Moog! Andy God Damn Moog!
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
14,464
Gallows Hill
Would I be nuts to go for a house within walking distance to my in-laws? Great town, good-sized house, and for once the price might be in range. But how many times a week will it be possible to make an excuse for not going over for dinner?
The only ways that would be a situation for you and your wife would be if A) you have young children and having her parents in the neighborhood would make child care less expensive or easier without a commute, or B) her parents are getting on in years and starting to slip mentally or physically and she needs to check on them constantly. My wife and I are in situation B, live exactly 14 minutes away, and it’s perfect. Just far enough away where they’re not annoying her constantly, close enough that we can beat the ambulance there if we’re hauling ass and blow a couple red lights.
 

Jed Zeppelin

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How often does your wife go see them as is? If she'd be driven nuts seeing them > once per week, it may be feasible... but yeah, what these guys said
As it is now, we live about 40ish minutes away, but wife works at the hospital where they volunteer so she already sees them 1-2 times per week and we're at their house maybe a couple times per month besides that. More lately as her mom is in the midst of a health issue. Speaking of which, her dad had a major heart attack 3 years ago so while they are only approaching 70, neither is the picture of good health. So we aren't quite in "need-to-be-close" territory but it's conceivable it could happen in a reasonable timeframe.

Maybe someone will jump in with a barrel of cash and save us from the decision. The thing is, it wouldn't matter if we were 5 minutes away or 20 minutes away (which a lot of the towns in the area are)—I think the effect would basically be the same.

Seeing the house tonight, so if I get a chill walking through the door, I'll know.
 

TheRealness

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Feb 8, 2006
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The Dirty Shire
Yeah, if you're having kids, it can be a real blessing. I wish my parents or my wife's parents took my kids more (especially overnight).

Otherwise, you couldn't pay me to live with my parents again (or be that close), and I love them dearly.
 

Salem's Lot

Andy Moog! Andy God Damn Moog!
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
14,464
Gallows Hill
As it is now, we live about 40ish minutes away, but wife works at the hospital where they volunteer so she already sees them 1-2 times per week and we're at their house maybe a couple times per month besides that. More lately as her mom is in the midst of a health issue. Speaking of which, her dad had a major heart attack 3 years ago so while they are only approaching 70, neither is the picture of good health. So we aren't quite in "need-to-be-close" territory but it's conceivable it could happen in a reasonable timeframe.
That health train can leave the station and go downhill quickly though trust me. Three years ago I would’ve said my father in law would be alive at 90. Now I’m wondering if he’ll make 75. He’s 71 now.
 

Haunted

The Man in the Box
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Aug 23, 2006
6,196
That's absolutely correct. At Christmas I'd have said you would be nuts to suggest that my mother wouldn't make it to Mother's Day. Hell. In February or March I'd have said the same.
 

Jed Zeppelin

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Aug 23, 2008
51,291
So we are in the attorney review period on a house. Last week was wild. House on market Monday, wife sees it after work that night, I see it with her Tuesday, offer in on Thursday, contract signed as of Saturday. Still have to sweat out a few showings that they weren't going to shut down in case of a higher offer, but we'll have an opportunity to match—which, we are calm enough in general that we are prepared to walk away (one benefit of us not getting that "OMG HAVE TO HAVE IT" feeling). But I'm glad last week is over. I was more or less a useless puddle of goo for a couple days.

The financial commitment is daunting of course, but it's a big house on a decent property in a beautiful town. It's just so hard to shift into long-term thinking mode when this thing is staring you in the face right now. Like, I'm in a steady job with annual raises, bonus, great retirement benefits, and advancement opportunities. My wife already out-earns me by a bit, is on the verge of a promotion and, in general, is on a trajectory that can be pretty lucrative at higher levels. Meanwhile the mortgage won't change. It's just easy to forget all that when you think about the hefty financial stuff that's happening in real time.
 

Dummy Hoy

Angry Pissbum
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Jul 22, 2006
8,232
Falmouth
You can’t worry about that...the first time I saw the total number I was signing on a mortgage I almost cried. Sounds like you’re in a good spot to pay your bills, so enjoy your home.
 

allstonite

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Oct 27, 2010
2,472
Speaking of golf, anybody been to a Top Golf Swing Suite? Me and a buddy are taking “personal days” tomorrow to try it out at Foxwoods. I only play a few times a year now but was surprised at how much I enjoyed the outdoor Top Golf when I went last month. We were trying to decide between 1 hour and then the go karts and gambling or 2 hours there. I have no idea what to expect
 

Over Guapo Grande

panty merchant
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Nov 29, 2005
4,461
Worcester
I made it through 4 innings at the Sox game, the whole golf thing takes a lot out of you


So how are the rings at the John Henry
Still quite tasty. Not sure what they put in them, but I managed to put up a 40 on the front without hitting any fairways and having 2 doubles. I probably should have called in for an order to have at the turn, as things got a bit more wobbly on the back.
 

The Napkin

wise ass al kaprielian
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Jul 13, 2002
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I still can't believe you tried to go to the game last night. No way I would have tried it. I have no idea how some of you play 36 on a day/weekend. I'm an old man.
 

Jed Zeppelin

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Aug 23, 2008
51,291
Now within the 10 day inspection window on a house. And I'm reminded why I fuckin' hate roller coasters.
 

LogansDad

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Nov 15, 2006
29,058
Alamogordo
Finally scored my first Adult League goal tonight, so that was pretty cool.

Also, finally decided where we are planning on moving in a couple months when I retire from the Air Force.... now just waiting for approval from the ex-wife.
 

Jed Zeppelin

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Aug 23, 2008
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Is this the one near the in laws or a different one?
That is the one. I went with my gut which, frankly, told me that I don't care.

I'm also feeling particularly familial in general today. Had asked my dad if he could come down for the inspection but it wasn't enough notice as he's wrapping up a bunch of work before going on vacation the week after next. Until last night when he texted that he's working long hours Sunday and the rest of next week so he can get down for Monday morning to help us out. He's a tile guy so beyond just the comfort of having someone in our corner who is not financially tied to this whole thing, he also knows everything about this stuff that did not get passed down to me and my soft hands. I feel miserable that he's going to the trouble but it's a massive relief.
 

Red Right Ankle

Formerly the Story of Your Red Right Ankle
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Jul 2, 2006
11,937
Multivac
That is the one. I went with my gut which, frankly, told me that I don't care.

I'm also feeling particularly familial in general today. Had asked my dad if he could come down for the inspection but it wasn't enough notice as he's wrapping up a bunch of work before going on vacation the week after next. Until last night when he texted that he's working long hours Sunday and the rest of next week so he can get down for Monday morning to help us out. He's a tile guy so beyond just the comfort of having someone in our corner who is not financially tied to this whole thing, he also knows everything about this stuff that did not get passed down to me and my soft hands. I feel miserable that he's going to the trouble but it's a massive relief.
I hope you like your in-laws! I couldn't live near mine, they are too needy and annoying. My parents, on the other hand, rule, so my wife could live near hers. They understand boundaries.

Glad you have someone unbiased who can take a look. Our home inspector, who we used for our condo in 2009 and then our house in 2013, was awesome, but I'm sure they aren't all that way. Everything he said might be an issue has been true (e.g. the people who remodeled our house painted the rock walls of the basement which he said was bad for moisture and lo and behold! we are having to have a bunch of stuff re-done down there this summer to help with moisture). So, a good inspection can really help you understand what to watch out for, even if it doesn't find anything worth holding up the purchase.

Good luck!
 

cshea

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Nov 15, 2006
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306, row 14
The inspector is not really there to screw you. He/she gets paid either way. They are just there to point out problems, and believe me when I tell you they’ll find a ton of problems. Your dad will help discern the major stuff from the minor. The major stuff is obviously what brings you back to the negotiating table.

Keep note of some of the little things. During mine the inspector told me and wrote on the report that if/when I move in I should change the rubber water hose for the washer machine to a metal one because the rubber one will burst at some point. It’s like a $10, 3 second fix. I obviously blew it off and forgot about it. About 4 months after we moved in I woke up at like 4 in the morning to a blown water hose and a basement full of water. So yeah. Keep a list of the little stuff and use it as a to do list as you settle in.
 

Jed Zeppelin

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Aug 23, 2008
51,291
The inspector is not really there to screw you. He/she gets paid either way. They are just there to point out problems, and believe me when I tell you they’ll find a ton of problems. Your dad will help discern the major stuff from the minor. The major stuff is obviously what brings you back to the negotiating table.

Keep note of some of the little things. During mine the inspector told me and wrote on the report that if/when I move in I should change the rubber water hose for the washer machine to a metal one because the rubber one will burst at some point. It’s like a $10, 3 second fix. I obviously blew it off and forgot about it. About 4 months after we moved in I woke up at like 4 in the morning to a blown water hose and a basement full of water. So yeah. Keep a list of the little stuff and use it as a to do list as you settle in.
Oof, yeah. Definitely planning notes/pictures/whatever, even if it will duplicate the report. We are generally sticklers for detail, as any among our lawyer/realtor/etc can tell you from all the repeat questions.

I'm pretty interested to see what turns up, as long as there are no surprise dealbreakers. It is an older house but at surface level is on the built-to-last side vs. the falling-apart side. A newer house of this size and location would likely be about $100k beyond our limit and as much as $150k beyond the currently-agreed-to price, so once all the red tape is cut I'm excited to see what we can do with it.

My sister and her husband are...not like us, so when they found a home in Ashland they wanted they basically did everything wrong. The seller did a bunch of the work on the house himself—and I mean stuff of electrical-level importance, but because he was a firefighter, my brother in law (a police officer) just trusted him and waived the inspection entirely. They proceeded to have to dump a bunch of money into it before getting lucky with a hot market when they decided to move 10 years later.
 

Jed Zeppelin

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Aug 23, 2008
51,291
This is fun. Wife was hesitant to pay the extra $250 to bring in a guy to sweep for an oil tank. Sellers said there was no tank on the property, to their knowledge it had been coal heating before gas. Sure enough, inspector shows up and within 20 minutes of inspecting the outside of the house spots a pipe that might be related to oil because he doesn't know what it is. Thankfully we had booked the oil guy and as we're upstairs looking around I glance out the window and see 4 little flags planted in the ground in a rectangle. A fuckin' oil tank sitting a few inches under the grass.

So, yeah, that's where we're at. That aside, for an old house there were no massive surprises, but now we have limited time to make sure we'd be protected from any costs relating to A) tank removal and B) potential leaks into the soil which can cost $25k or a whole fuckton more if it's bad enough.
 

MuppetAsteriskTalk

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Feb 19, 2015
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Don't close until it's removed and signed off by the fire dept or whoever has authority in that town. (Was fire dept when my Dad removed the tanks on his property,)