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Posted November 21, 2018

Byron King

By Byron King

Rosie the Riveter

More opinions on a career in the trades:

I'd like to add to the comment the gentlemen who offered to teach CAD/CAM and was turned down because the Baby Boomers thought getting your hands dirty was a sin.

It goes way beyond that.

Think about this: the Baby Boomers are now going to doctors who earned participation trophies. I don't know about you, but I'd prefer a doctor who knows the difference between winning and losing, not one who thinks participating is as good as winning.

Fair point.

I am a member of the Boomers. Born in 1949. I was raised in my fathers service station and worked on cars until I went into the Air Force. Continued working with my hands all my working life.

I recently retired from owning my own computer business doing repairs and maintenance. There are lots of us out there.

I agree that the current education system is royally screwed up. They are not really preparing kids for real life. All they are concerned with is state and local test results, their salaries and their early-retirement packages.

By the way, we took the readers feedback yesterday to mean that Boomers didnt eschew working with their hands but they steered their children away from it. We might have misunderstood.

As for the education system, heres a reader whos watching a different generation take another path:

I have 4 granddaughters and their parents are going to steer them away from college and into the trades. Rosie the Riveter and Josephine the Plumber are making a comeback in my family.

We love it. Wish more parents had the courage to do the same.

In line with the holiday tomorrow, were thankful for your participation, reader. We value your feedback.

Your Rundown for Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Scandal-Free Lyft

Were taking things in a different direction today -- shaking things up with reader feedback below the fold.

We received an impressive man on the street account from a Lyft driver. We appreciate his email.

Lyft doesn't have any scandals so you have to prefer it on a personal level. That being said, investing is about making money so scandals can be ignored if they are no longer creating issues.

As a part time Lyft driver, I can say that some still hold those scandals against Uber. I'm frequently asked why I don't drive for both or get comments saying they are glad I don't drive for Uber.

Most, however, go with what is cheaper or more convenient. Many say they prefer using Lyft but use Uber in certain areas because there are more drivers nearby. If those attitudes hold, Lyft will keep gaining market share and will be the superior investment.

Drivers also say they prefer Lyft and feel they are compensated better or tipped more regularly but some say they are busier driving Uber which makes sense given the market share.

If Uber loses enough market share they will be forced to increase driver compensation to keep drivers make sure driver attitudes and consumer behaviors dont change.

Lyft seems to be the better investment assuming growth isn't priced in.

Market Rundown for Wed. November 21, 2018

S&P 500 futures are up 20 points to 2,663.42.

Oil is up $1.28 to $54.71 per barrel.

Gold is up $6.10 to $1,227.30.

Bitcoin is up $70.29 to $4,512.10.

Have a good Thanksgiving weekend. Were off tomorrow and Friday; well talk Monday.

For the Rundown,

Aaron Gentzler

Aaron Gentzler

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