@Cynthia Cunningham We have two LVPs in our house that we are trying to replace due to unfortunate reasons (defect in the first LVP and then misleading sales in the second, both companies ended up refunding us but it was a huge pain on both counts.) The finish matters. The one we have with a matte finish (Coretec Berlin PIne) tears up our socks and pants at a ridiculous rate (we are on the floors a lot with our toddler). We also have experienced the haze/footprint issue with that one that people complain about. The other LVP (Cali Bamboo North Shore Oak) does not have a matte finish, you can see and feel the difference comparatively, and it cleans great and has not torn apart our clothes. We hate going upstairs because that is where the clothes-shredding Coretec floor is and we have to try not to touch it with our clothes. Just by getting down on our knees and getting back up once ruins our pants because it leaves whitish patches (that turn to holes quickly with repeated exposure to the floor). I've had to apologize to friends whose kids ruined their pants in one afternoon of playing on our floors. Both companies say they use the same top coat (UV acrylic) and the one that has the most embossed texture (Cali) is the one that isn't shredding our clothes, so it is not a difference in wear layer composition or in embossing/not embossing. it really does seem to be a difference between matte and non-matte finishes. Unfortunately, we haven't been able to find any new LVP samples so far that don't have the matte finish that seems to have overtaken the industry in the last year. If it weren't for the fact that we were promised 10 patterns from Cali Bamboo and there were only 4 when we installed (and the repeats look glaringly, stupidly obvious) then we would go with Cali Bamboo just because it isn't shredding our clothes. Now, I could see how it wouldn't matter if you don't wear socks and don't get on the floors much. Even the clothes shredding floor is comfortable to walk on barefoot. It took us several months to figure out that was what was tearing up our clothes (but once we did figure it out, it was super obvious it was happening just on the Coretec matte floor). My point really is to say, yes, there is definitely some (if not most) LVP that certainly shreds clothes but there apparently is at least one out there that doesn't (Cali Bamboo). Still searching for another non-matte finish LVP and will let you know if we find one!

A standing ovation for sjerin and several others have great points too. Few are nostalgic enough to crave going back to the days of the Donner-Reed party. These days aren't we all pretty spoiled? We complain that it rained on a day we wanted a picnic and think nothing of those who had to find a plot of land, clear it, till something to grow crops and raise livestock to eat, and build a shelter rather than think "I want a bigger house". We complain about mosquitoes but we go into our air conditioned/screened houses. What did they do 150 years ago? They were happy to live to be 60, now we grumble that we hurt and someone was late delivering our pizza. However one thing about 150 years ago... there was next to nothing in divorce! Our children/grandchildren fearing someone is out to kill them and how "safe" we were before? That's pretty paranoid. And pretty blinded. Does nobody remember the cold war, the Nazis, the fighting for homesteading? Although information is good, the problem is misinformation. Just as the internet can educate, the internet can also dumb people down. How many people have shipped their cars overseas waiting for a check, sent their life savings and even given up their passports to gain the gifts from the Nigerian General who'll make them rich? But things really haven't truly "changed" that much. People were stupid and gullible before and are now. They were greedy before and are now. And there's always people ready to take advantage of them. It's just a little easier to find your targets today I think. Especially the last couple years things have certainly improved from the 8 years of devastation prior but we have a long way to go and a lot from which to recover. But our selfish side wants immediate gratification. That's sad. Yes, kids generally know more about certain technologies but I'm pleased about that aspect but concerned when I see them lose basic and IMO necessary skills and common sense in the process. I'm saddened by that aspect. I recently had the chance to communicate with a fellow from Russia. It was a real education. We tend to think that all corners of the globe are connected 24/7 these days. Hardly. Russia has not progressed like we have over the years. Telephones? Not commonplace in Russian homes. Computers in homes? Not common there. Internet cafes are the way to get on the internet, and for a short period of time. They don't all have 2 cars and an RV in the driveway. We forget about the lineups to get toilet paper but a similar situation exists for technology. We cry that our 5 year olds don't have an iPhone! There's time we have to say shame on us, isn't there? We ship seemingly endless money and goods to "3rd world" nations yet ignore others that aren't anywhere near what we have. And the biggest crime IMO is ignoring those in our own countries who need help. The elderly, injured and those who are working to earn a living without looking for handouts. For all those with blinders on, there was crime in past generations. My sister's friend was abducted as a teen and she's never been found. This was in a "safe" neighborhood too. Jacob Wetterling has never been found. Kids have disappeared over the years and all through history. People have been murdered all through history. There's the fear du-jour that impacts so many. Whether the fear was ending slavery or a rebellion to the Union; a drought or depression; rock & roll music being the end of mankind, guns, abortion, political parties or whatever, there's the fearmongering that is the biggest thing to fear IMHO. We all have our pet peeves. Whether it's a disease, social issue or whatever, they'll continue. I just hope that some semblance of reason and rational thinking can be held by at least enough to keep things together. And I guess I believe that life will go on. It won't be the same and that can be good and bad in certain ways, but it doesn't really matter, the reality is that it will go on one way or another.

Our son lives 30 minutes away, but comes by once or twice a week. When I go to his city, I usually call him and we go out to dinner. He usually calls me or his father or sends a text regularly too. Sometimes when we need to help him with something we wish he was closer, but DH is retiring soon which will make it easier. Our daughter lives one block over and is expecting her first baby. Her husband asked about the house next door to us, as he would be interested in moving there. That would work out very well, as we are good at giving space, but we all, son included, help each other out with various things. Actually, a couple of times our SIL's parents have pitched in with us with projects, and I have done things for them too. It's a very, very nice situation. Can't see a con as none of us cramp anyone's space. Oh, and in the day time, the kids are in various cities for work, and on break they often initiate three way texts with me and them to discuss issues, chit chat about a podcast we all listen to, or something like that. They both have busy lives, so it's a nice way to stay connected.

I STRONGLY agree with this and I'm glad that you brought this subject on. I still can't see the logic of this happening in the USA! I'm not saying this because I'm a foreigner but I'm saying this as an outsider. Of all the countries in the world, USA has a very unique history. So to speak: Although, the Native Americans lived here in this land, there was not a united leadership or government throughout. This country was established by immigrants from Great Britain and soon after immigrants from other countries. It is the most diverse country there is. Foremost, the Declaration of Independence which stated that "All men are created equal" was the theme of the birth of this country. If any country would have the least racism, I would think this is the one! After all, isn't United States means that we're in union? I'm proud to become a US Citizen but I am ashamed from all the racism that is carried on in this country. We should stop attacking one another regardless of how and where we came from. Think about it, if not for political reason of our original countries, or slavery, or poor conditions, etc., we wouldn't be having the lives, the opportunity, the benefits that we all have today here, in the United States. So, let's all stop bickering about the past and about our skins and enjoy what we have. For this country has no "true" Americans, (except maybe for the Native Americans =o). All of us together make America the Beautiful.