It's an extremely volatile stock so when day trading it's been a real blessing. So doing quite well thanks. Secondly the original post was in the form of a question and this is a place for open debate.

I bet that post took you like 5hrs to type with being so crippled from flying the erj. haha. Why so cranky? Can't get any from your other hand? And weren't you just all mad and shaking your fist asking why I post if not to be constructive?

And before you say something else stupid let it be noted that EVERYTHING is an investment. Also I can't seem to figure out why you keep asking about my XJT stock. I know you're rubbing those two IQ points up there together to try and take a jab at me but you do realize that's your company you're making fun of for the stock tumbling right? ANYTHING that draws funds from your account limits the earning potential that money could have. Like I said there's a reason why I have money and so many here seem to complain how they don't. I'm not saying I have a lot, but I am financially responsible and carry no balances on anything.

As far as spending $1k on Bose. Try earplugs they're free. As far as a bag goes just go to Marshalls and look at them with your own two eyes. Look for quality build. Sometimes items are simply overstocked and they have a whole pile for cheap. My quality Samsonite has held up like a champ and if I break it I get it replaced.

I haven't said spending money on a quality item is fiscally irresponsible. I'm saying an FO making 18-22k a year base who can barely pay rent, dues, uniform expenses, or buy food needs to get something that will get them by till they can afford more. Why not take that money and invest it? There's no reason for anyone to go into debt. Once in it's very hard to get out as most people don't change their spending habits. If you can control yourself on something like this, which qualifies as a major purchase, then you'd be amazed how much money you'll have in only a years time. I've almost managed to get enough together to buy a house in the area I want. I guess I just don't see why others wouldn't strive for the same. Regardless there's never a reason to carry money on a credit card. Don't care where you go you'll see it's the second worst thing to do financially. The first being making payments on a new car.

Good for you. I prefer investing to trading but thats me. I prefer to enjoy a life away from the markets and the computer and the newspaper and CNBC where I can make smart investments which grow on their own (38% last year BTW) with very little input from me and without having my mind on it 24 hours a day. But thats me.

Maybe if you'd go ahead and read the entire post (and quote it if you're going to use that to accuse me of not being constructive) past the part where XJT stock was mentioned you would have found the constructive part. But you're right, the first sentence was a jab at you and not constructive to anyone else. But the other 15 or so sentences were of a constructive nature. I some people just see what we want to see.

Gonna disagree with ya chief. Everything is NOT an investment. An investment is something I expect a return on. When I buy food I'm not buying it for some return down the road (except the dump I might take later). In fact, most consumables are NOT investments. They are the stuff you buy because you need it to live, do your job or be happy. If it makes you feel good to think of everything as an investment, then go nuts. Let me know how that due diligence goes on that bag of Doritos or the new pair of socks:rolleyes:

As far as the stock price goes, I don't own any SO I DON'T GIVE A RIP! I was just getting a jab in at your poor investment decision. Nothing more. Listen, I don't really care what the price does, I'm not leaving here unless I get a better oppurtunity elsewhere or they shut the doors. As far as I am concerned any other regional would be a step down at this point and I don't have the PIC time or brown-nosing skills to go to a major yet. So the stock goes up, the stock goes down...whatever. I still get paid the same, enjoy the people I work with, have fun at work and get treated with some respect from one of the best managements in the business. What more can a guy ask for? I guess it wouldn't be terrible if people above me on the seniority list with a "chicken little" mentality started bailing but I don't see that happening. Most people here believe in the company so we'll either share in the success or ride this sucker in.

Or you could just buy something thats not gonna break on you unless you use it to suppress a bomb blast. Different ways to crack the same nut. I'm an ease of ownership guy. The less aggravation something causes me, be it a car, a piece of luggage or a woman, the better and the lack of aggravation is my dividend.

Hey Professor, how bout worry about yours and quit lecturing every one else. And just FYI, if I ever consider $300 a "major purchase" then I'm in need of more financial help than the illustrious Toilet Duck can offer. OUT!

for my bag I bought http://www.crewgear.com/default.asp?...%20%20%20BLACK

It was $120 and has a 4 year warranty

For my flight case I bought (ok I didnt buy it, it was a gift from my wife last year, i probably would have gone with the standard leather one but so far I enjoy this one.)
http://www.crewgear.com/default.asp?...t&WCE=CGFC18WH

It was $199 and has a 3 year warranty

I can vouch for what everyone else says on the hearing. I use a Bose which I bought when I started my commercial and I just bought a lightspeed mach 1 which I have yet to try but have heard good things. One of the reasons for switching to the mach 1 is saving space in my flight bag as well as something a little less obtrusive on my head for the 16 hour days.

I went with the cheap luggage because I have read and heard good things about it and with a 4 year warranty I really do not have that much to lose. If it kicks the bucket then I will weigh my options.

I got one of the $40 Office Depot flight cases and after 7 months its doing fine. Even if I have to buy a new one every year to make sure it doesn't come apart on me during a trip I'm still ahead of the game compared to a "quality" bag.

I picked up a buddy's skid plate reinforced bag and couldn't believe the weight. To me the weight difference is enough alone to pick the cheap bag.

And the Costco rollers are excellent for others like me on a budget.

No, used to be a Firefighter.... Fly Hercs w/ 156AS

Luggage and flight cases are a compromise. My current flight case is a Jeppesen made out of vinyl. It is much lighter than the leather case I had before. Plus, the leather case soaked up water and de-ice fluid when sitting on the ramp. I think that is what rotted the threads holding the bottom piece in place. The one bad thing about the Jeppesen is the combination lock. The numbers are hard to read.

I have been flying at an airline for over 25 years..... The difference between a cheap bag and an expensive bag (purdy, luggae works) is howlong it will last. Before this type of bag was available I was purchasing a new bag annually. Since I have purchased one of these I have used the same bag for over 12 years. I did have it rebuilt once (around $100) but it came back pretty much like new. So in the long run the expensive bag was cheaper. Same can be said for a good leather flight bag..... I have seen bags that have been used over 30 years!

I agree I have used my bag as a chair, and also as a foot rest when I have a seat in the boarding area!