"Fuck em all, I dont want them drilling. Period. Fuck shallow water drilling, fuck dry land drilling. Take every single tax break and subsidy from the oil companies, and use it to build wind farms and solar panels. You know stuff that doesnt spill and cause billions of dollars worth of damage. Stuff that doesnt run out, and stuff that doesnt pollute."
Hmm, well, you might then need to start looking for replacements for other things that oil brings us.
No more plastics, fertilizers, just to name a couple.
Oil consumption for energy (gas, etc) is actually a pretty small fraction of what products come from oil. Solar and wind aren't gonna help you with all the important chemicals we derive from oil production.
"Do you think that six months of wait on 1/100th of the Gulf wells will destroy the economy?"
Yes, it is already having a HUGE impact on the economy of the gulf coast...
Not to mention, that the oil companies are already moving these rigs (which have already been built and ready to go) to waters off of other countries. They aren't going to just move them back either, so, these are permanent losses.
Also, why penalize ALL oil companies, that have better safety records?
I don't think this is a moratorium by the current administration...it is a step to a death sentence to the oil industry in the US at least.
Not making light of your situation at all, BUT just wondering, are you willing to move to where the jobs ARE?
I find there's plenty of work to be done out there in IT...ESPECIALLY if you have experience, trouble is, it ain't gonna happen if you insist on staying in same city/state.
Just suggestion looking into incorporating yourself, and contracting....especially if you can get into Govt/DoD contracting, with having to be a US citizen and be able to get a clearance, well, that weeds out a lot of competition there.
""You can work 40 hrs and retire well--if you're single". FTFY"
I dunno...you gotta make sure she WORKS!!
:)
With dual income you can have a nice home and squirrel away a lot of money towards retirement. Besides, it is nice to have someone do the laundry, that saves on the cleaners bill.
:)
But seriously, just make sure and choose well, so you don't get the stereotypical spendthrift type chick.
"Anyway, I think it is a combination of dwelling design and the fact that people in the US are so used to conditioned indoor air. Even at 90F there is little real physical risk to anyone other than the elderly, but I have met plenty of people who simply can't tolerate it mentally."
Let's put it this way, at least to sleep...I have to have it about 72F-73F.
I can stand it higher during the day, but why if you don't have to? I prefer about 77F or so during the daytime hours. I can deal with 80F, but I'll start to perspire and be uncomfortable.
A little difficult to do in the areas I like to live in (New Orleans for example)...you really don't want to go cutting into and removing the charm a 100+ year old house has.
There are things that can be done, but not nearly so much as what you describe. Not everyone wants a 'new' house....
:)
I like my hard wood floors, 15ft ceilings....I like my home to have character, rather that a cookie cutter house where all on the street look just the same.
As long as it pumps out cold air, and lowers the cost a bit. I live in New Orleans, and my AC pretty much runs on full from end of March through about the first of November. You have to....
I've already resigned myself to sign over half my paycheck this time of year to Entergy. Any help on that greatly appreciated.
Man, I look at those old pictures of people in the days before AC living in NOLA and wonder how the hell they did anything down here? I mean, first, they are all dressed from head to toe on hot summer days, most work was still outdoors...how did they do it without dying of heatstroke and smelling horrible all the time?
"I would say that without good insurance it is near impossible for someone with this condition to live a normal life without making at least 40k a year."
Err...if you're a grown person and not making > $40K a year, you have made some serious vocational errors along the way. Get to school and do something that does not involve wearing a name tag.
I had a high deductible insurance policy of about $1200 I think. I never had to use it...and I socked away about $3K annually pre-tax. I used these funds for routine medical visits and monthly meds that I needed. I also used it for contacts and glasses, etc...
"If it can be rescued from the companies, it would be great. It should be something that I can go and open at any bank, transfer money into whenever I want, and have no "use it or lose it" rush to waste money in December (or if I get laid off). "
Err, that is exactly what a HSA is that you described.
Unlike a FSA (Flexible Spending Account), a HSA is yours to keep, you put money into it pre tax (as long as you pay for a qualifying high deductible medical insurance policy)...and can use it as needed. At the end of the year, you do not lose it, it rolls over. Often HSA providers (I got mine at the bank) will allow you to even invest these funds to grow even more if you wish.
On my last gig when I was doing 1099 through my own corporation...I did the high deductible ($1200) and the HSA combination and I loved it.
I found that when I told the Dr. or the testing center I was paying for things, I generally got an immediate 15% or more discount on the work I had done. They charged me less when it was on my own dime. I agree, insurance should be for catastrophic needs...I can save for routine health care just like I save for any other routine expense, and with a HSA, if I stay healthy, in the long run with those pre-tax dollars, rolling over and making money, I come out FAR ahead of those with usual insurance by employer.
Unfortunately, I'm currently in a W2 situation...and have to put the HSA on hold, since they dont' offer a company plan with high deductibles...and with the lower bill rate to offset they benefits they give, I can't really refuse and go on my own dollar...doesnt' make sense...
"I'm not a soccer fan but appreciate the World Cup. I'm sure the US would celebrate if it won the World Cup - it's quite an achievement.
Perhaps the US could ingratiate itself with other countries by becoming more involved in such events?
As has been posted already - the rest of the world is more than mildly interested in soccer (or 'football' as we call it in the UK - not to be confused with 'American football') - hence is it the most popular sport in the world. Worth a look-in maybe?"
LOL...just kidding.
Actually, sadly...if the US did somehow manage to win it....I doubt most of the US would even notice, soccer just isn't that popular here, although it has gained popularity in grade school and high schools.
I tried to watch it...and just got a bit bored. The low scoring, and letting people tie just doesn't seem right to me for a competitive game.
I was interested today to find out that the world cup isn't played every year?? Only every 4 years or something.
I don't understand that....I mean, I thought the world cup was analogous to to the Super Bowl in the US, something played every year to determine the champion.
"Perhaps Schoeffler should ask Louisiana now if it's alright for them to compete with offshore oil?"
I dunno if that is even possible.
I mean, we know that the oil rigs can survive a hurricane (which as you know, in LA we are prone to get on occasion). I kinda doubt a windfarm could stand up to that kind of force...we really don't need huge propellers flying at us here in NOLA, storm surge is quite enough thank you.
"Do you need your AC on when you're not at home? (Genuine question, since in Southern England it's never necessary to have heating or cooling running while you're not in. And in any case the only cooling 99% of people have is their open windows.)"
Short answer, YES.
If you live in New Orleans...you have to. Especially if you have pets, a long hair dog can't be left in a house with no AC. Most of the houses are old, and insulation isn' that great. If you don't leave it on somewhat all day...well, it takes HOURS to cool it enough to be able to sleep at night.
And it isn't just the heat, but the high humidity down here, the AC helps dry things out a bit. Our average temperatures right now are in the mid 90's...often with that same percentage of humidity, heat index often well over 100F.
Yes, certain sections of the US really do need AC on. I pretty much turn my AC on down here in mid to late March...and it really doesn't click off again till about the first part of November.
I dated a girl from NH...and when I first went up there, I was shocked to see that many people up there didn't even HAVE an air conditioner in the house. I'd never seen that before...coming from the south.
Then again...I'd never seen oil burning heaters either...when we need heat here (1-2 weeks a year?)...it is good old gas.
"There's no reason every fucking device on the planet has to have a goddamn clock, and much less that it needs to eat more than 2 watts 24/7 just to wait for a power-on signal from some lazy fatass who can't stand up and walk 8 feet from the couch to turn it on."
I don't want ANY of this stuff near my electronics.
Sure, it sounds good to be able to monitor...however, I'm afraid that it might become mandated that everyone would have to have a monitoring device, and the govt gets to tell you when you can do what, and what temp your house can be, etc.
With the feds (and some states) poking their noses into private citizens' lives more and more...I see this as one more thing coming. Hell, sounds like one hell of a rider to attach to the cap and trade bills going through right now.
"You don't have to but the onerous regulations basically force people to form a corporation in order to survive."
I dunno about having to do it to survive, but it IS about the only way you can work to keep as much of your hard earned dollars from the tax man...legally.
With a proper corporation (I prefer the "S" corp), you can save yourself an incredible amount of taxation...that you cannot do as an individual or even sole proprietorship.
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Hmm, well, you might then need to start looking for replacements for other things that oil brings us.
No more plastics, fertilizers, just to name a couple.
Oil consumption for energy (gas, etc) is actually a pretty small fraction of what products come from oil. Solar and wind aren't gonna help you with all the important chemicals we derive from oil production.
Yes, it is already having a HUGE impact on the economy of the gulf coast...
Not to mention, that the oil companies are already moving these rigs (which have already been built and ready to go) to waters off of other countries. They aren't going to just move them back either, so, these are permanent losses.
Also, why penalize ALL oil companies, that have better safety records?
I don't think this is a moratorium by the current administration...it is a step to a death sentence to the oil industry in the US at least.
I find there's plenty of work to be done out there in IT...ESPECIALLY if you have experience, trouble is, it ain't gonna happen if you insist on staying in same city/state.
Just suggestion looking into incorporating yourself, and contracting....especially if you can get into Govt/DoD contracting, with having to be a US citizen and be able to get a clearance, well, that weeds out a lot of competition there.
I dunno...you gotta make sure she WORKS!!
With dual income you can have a nice home and squirrel away a lot of money towards retirement. Besides, it is nice to have someone do the laundry, that saves on the cleaners bill.
But seriously, just make sure and choose well, so you don't get the stereotypical spendthrift type chick.
Except, you only got to live till age 21...then, you turn yourself in for Sleep.
At least in the book..which, IMHO...was FAR superior to the movie.
Let's put it this way, at least to sleep...I have to have it about 72F-73F.
I can stand it higher during the day, but why if you don't have to? I prefer about 77F or so during the daytime hours. I can deal with 80F, but I'll start to perspire and be uncomfortable.
There are things that can be done, but not nearly so much as what you describe. Not everyone wants a 'new' house....
I like my hard wood floors, 15ft ceilings....I like my home to have character, rather that a cookie cutter house where all on the street look just the same.
As long as it pumps out cold air, and lowers the cost a bit. I live in New Orleans, and my AC pretty much runs on full from end of March through about the first of November. You have to....
I've already resigned myself to sign over half my paycheck this time of year to Entergy. Any help on that greatly appreciated.
Man, I look at those old pictures of people in the days before AC living in NOLA and wonder how the hell they did anything down here? I mean, first, they are all dressed from head to toe on hot summer days, most work was still outdoors...how did they do it without dying of heatstroke and smelling horrible all the time?
Err...if you're a grown person and not making > $40K a year, you have made some serious vocational errors along the way. Get to school and do something that does not involve wearing a name tag.
I had a high deductible insurance policy of about $1200 I think. I never had to use it...and I socked away about $3K annually pre-tax. I used these funds for routine medical visits and monthly meds that I needed. I also used it for contacts and glasses, etc...
Err, that is exactly what a HSA is that you described.
Unlike a FSA (Flexible Spending Account), a HSA is yours to keep, you put money into it pre tax (as long as you pay for a qualifying high deductible medical insurance policy)...and can use it as needed. At the end of the year, you do not lose it, it rolls over. Often HSA providers (I got mine at the bank) will allow you to even invest these funds to grow even more if you wish.
I found that when I told the Dr. or the testing center I was paying for things, I generally got an immediate 15% or more discount on the work I had done. They charged me less when it was on my own dime. I agree, insurance should be for catastrophic needs...I can save for routine health care just like I save for any other routine expense, and with a HSA, if I stay healthy, in the long run with those pre-tax dollars, rolling over and making money, I come out FAR ahead of those with usual insurance by employer.
Unfortunately, I'm currently in a W2 situation...and have to put the HSA on hold, since they dont' offer a company plan with high deductibles...and with the lower bill rate to offset they benefits they give, I can't really refuse and go on my own dollar...doesnt' make sense...
Perhaps the US could ingratiate itself with other countries by becoming more involved in such events?
As has been posted already - the rest of the world is more than mildly interested in soccer (or 'football' as we call it in the UK - not to be confused with 'American football') - hence is it the most popular sport in the world. Worth a look-in maybe?"
LOL...just kidding.
Actually, sadly...if the US did somehow manage to win it....I doubt most of the US would even notice, soccer just isn't that popular here, although it has gained popularity in grade school and high schools.
I tried to watch it...and just got a bit bored. The low scoring, and letting people tie just doesn't seem right to me for a competitive game.
I was interested today to find out that the world cup isn't played every year?? Only every 4 years or something.
I don't understand that....I mean, I thought the world cup was analogous to to the Super Bowl in the US, something played every year to determine the champion.
Is there not a soccer champion every year?
Who gives a fuck? It is only soccer.....
After, this IS a US centric site...
Well, so far....oil rigs have a great record when it comes to surviving hurricanes.
I dunno if that is even possible.
I mean, we know that the oil rigs can survive a hurricane (which as you know, in LA we are prone to get on occasion). I kinda doubt a windfarm could stand up to that kind of force...we really don't need huge propellers flying at us here in NOLA, storm surge is quite enough thank you.
I believe it do...I was using it as commonly used as meaning "in large numbers", "seeing many examples of like behaviors".
From the Free Dictionary I found online:
drove 2 (drv)
n.
1. A flock or herd being driven in a body.
2.
a. A large mass of people moving or acting as a body.
b. A large body of like things. See Synonyms at flock1.
3.
a. A stonemason's broad-edged chisel used for rough hewing.
b. A stone surface dressed with such a chisel.
I guess according to this definition, I was going more for 2b.
Yep, and this behavior is being displayed in droves once again by current US President Barrack H Obama.
American Idol
Dancing with the Stars
[name your reality show here]
Looks like we're all monkeys here....but sadly, it appears the 'furrier' of the tv watching monkeys at least watch something entertaining.
Short answer, YES.
If you live in New Orleans...you have to. Especially if you have pets, a long hair dog can't be left in a house with no AC. Most of the houses are old, and insulation isn' that great. If you don't leave it on somewhat all day...well, it takes HOURS to cool it enough to be able to sleep at night.
And it isn't just the heat, but the high humidity down here, the AC helps dry things out a bit. Our average temperatures right now are in the mid 90's...often with that same percentage of humidity, heat index often well over 100F.
Yes, certain sections of the US really do need AC on. I pretty much turn my AC on down here in mid to late March...and it really doesn't click off again till about the first part of November.
I dated a girl from NH...and when I first went up there, I was shocked to see that many people up there didn't even HAVE an air conditioner in the house. I'd never seen that before...coming from the south.
Then again...I'd never seen oil burning heaters either...when we need heat here (1-2 weeks a year?)...it is good old gas.
Pretty easy here in New Orleans. From about the end of April through first of November...FULL POWER.
Gotta have the AC on to survive down here....
My powerbill is around $300+/mo during the hot months...but only about $60 during 'winter'. Thank God for level-ized billing.
I'm not worried about it. I can afford it.
Sure, it sounds good to be able to monitor...however, I'm afraid that it might become mandated that everyone would have to have a monitoring device, and the govt gets to tell you when you can do what, and what temp your house can be, etc.
With the feds (and some states) poking their noses into private citizens' lives more and more...I see this as one more thing coming. Hell, sounds like one hell of a rider to attach to the cap and trade bills going through right now.
As someone said before, no one has has the heart to tell the poor boy!!
(What can a poor boy do...'cept play for a rock and roll band...)
I dunno about having to do it to survive, but it IS about the only way you can work to keep as much of your hard earned dollars from the tax man...legally.
With a proper corporation (I prefer the "S" corp), you can save yourself an incredible amount of taxation...that you cannot do as an individual or even sole proprietorship.