"I thought that was more to do with noticing that, amongst other things, despite how bad the NHS is at times over here (and three are parts of it that really need attention) we spend far less per capita on health care yet manage to have a better average lifespan. Or are you one of those people who thinks that all is OK as long as it is only poor people who can't afford exorbitant medical insurance that have problems? Caveat: I know almost nothing about the American health care system (though that is a little more than those using ours as a counter example know about it)."
Well, there was nothing really wrong with the US health SYSTEM itself...the Dr.'s the tech, drugs and facilites, etc.....but, the problem IMHO is largely with the middlemen...the bean counters with HMO's...and the insurance industry, and big pharma.
Unfortunately, the laws being passed are less about addressing these quick fix issues...and more of making it a huge federal govt. power grab.
They could have simply made it lawful for medical insurance companies to sell policies across state lines, much like the car and motorcycle insurance industry can now do. That would have opened up competition for insurance..and dropped the prices pretty radically. They could have made it to where Medicare could have bargained for drug prices with big pharma, they way the VA system does..that would save a fuck-ton of money for that system (which is about $30B in the hole I think too at this time)...that right there could have made some major fixes to the system, and would have been easy for everyone to read, and less than 10 pages long. But, that's not what they're after.
"...general public seem somewhat immune to the effects of such education probably because critical thinking doesn't appear to be fashionable."
Hence the rush to support Obama-care....even though we in the US are so far down the debt hole, that we cannot possibly afford such measures at this time....
"As for solutions - I find Bitorrent to be MOST handy when it comes to getting my favorite TV shows. "
I guess I'm a little confused on how I could find your suggestion something I could use in my every day life (work, gym, living...etc).
While you can get shows off BT or even USENET...I just don't have the time to search for stuff to watch every day and start it downloading, go to work, and hope it is there (and then have to unrar/par2 it, etc). I prefer to set my Myth box to search for subjects I like , or set it to record shows I want to see...and let IT do the footwork of recording my content.
That and are you a little concerned these days about the *IAA coming to get you for getting TV shows off BT?
"I don't know how it works in the US, but here in France my home ADSL box, which I sue for internet acces + phone + TV, supports SIPS over ethernet or wifi: I can automatically redirect all my phone calls to a PC of my choice (including, firewall permitting, my work PC when I'm at work), or to a SIPS wifi mobile phone."
You have either headsets, or speakers/mikes at every computer in your house? Even laptops?
I love music, but, alas...I'm getting older, and am stuck in classic rock. Funny...they weren't classic when I started listening to them..haha.
But seriously, even I'm getting a little weary of listening only to the Stones, Zeppelin, etc over and over and over again...
I really love any kind of good guitar driven, bluesy, riff-laden rock. Guitar blues...etc.
I have to guess even in this modern, splintered genre world, there is still some of this type of music being put out by new kids. I've found Wolfmother, and really like that...but, that was a recommendation I got from a friend, but, I don't have the time to find music out there.
When I grew up...it came through the radio. Music wasn't nearly as splintered and specialized as it is today. On my 'rock' stations, I heard Stones, Zeppelin, AC/DC, Steely Dan, Fleetwood Mac, Kansas, Beatles...hell even older than that you'd even hear an occasional John Denver or Olivia Newton John song....quite a mix without turning the dial.
Today on the radio, you have to tune stations all over to get each type of music it seems...and I just can't seem to find something with enough mix to keep my interest. And hit radio...same shit all the time, no variation.
People suggest the internet...well, most of my time is at work, and most places i work..won't allow you to stream music from the web, it is blocked. So, that's not my option.
I've recently discovered Pandora on the iPhone...I have started finding things like that I like from that.
I guess, more things like this and the tech mentioned in the article would really be a blessing for me if I could throw that one while at work, but, would have to be through the phone I guess since no streaming on work computer.
"Have you ever looked at the fat content of a Apple? or and Olive?"
Well as another person on this thread mentioned...fat in an apple??
But sure, olives have fat...they also have olive OIL in them..which is good for you.
Not all fats are bad, you actually NEED them in your diet...and more and more studies are showing that increased fat consumption (to a certain level) can actually help your metabolism and help you burn off body fat.
Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. After Katrina, I was living 'on the run' so to speak..and just had my cell phone.
I've since settled, and I've never really seen the need to get a landline again. I just keep my cell as my main phone. I have considered though...since I live in a multi-story house, to getting one of those phone systems that will connect via bluetooth to your cell phone, and all the other handsets throughout the house, will go through your cell phone. That would make it more convenient so that I don't either have to carry my phone up/down stairs with me....or just leave it on the other floor and miss calls.
The ones I hate are the lights that for some reason, you cannot see what light is on at ALL till you are right up on them.
Those seem the most dangerous to me, I know they're trying to do that to get you to slow till you can see what color light is lit, but, really....I'd much rather see them from a distance.
Well, at least I'm not seeing these types of signals as often anymore...mostly going to the led ones down here in NOLA.
"Sure, but what's the cost of dealing with a major head trauma, vs. the cost of "I got up and walked away"? I would be surprised to hear that the former was less than US$5000, just for the emergency room, not counting long term cost."
Probably about the same if you have a perfectly preserved skull, but have broken your neck, and are a quadriplegic, or whatever. Look the only way you'd save $$ is to ban motorcycles completly.
Frankly, if I get hit that badly..I think I'd rather be dead than survive a motionless piece of meat that can think, but not do much else.
And one little aside. You know where most head trauma happens on the roads? In cars.
Why not require helmets in cars too? It sure would save money and lives....I mean, where do you draw the line? Life requires a bit of risk of life and limb if you want to live it at all. Why not let and adult make his own choices...?
Well, what you theorize would be nice in a theoretical USA.
But considering the cities aren't gonna get any more close together....all the stores and homes will not be consolidated, etc...what you say just aint' gonna happen.
Not to mention many of us have to look somewhat professional at work. I live in New Orleans, where my AC is on at home (and most any public place) 24/7 from about March through first of Nov. If it isn't on, you are sweating bucketc. I can't look like I'm sweating buckets at work in dress clothes. It also rains a lot here. I hear some people in other parts of the country deal with long winters and snow. Not really good for riding a bike to work either, unless you work from home...it isn't a reality.
Couple that with the fact that we have states larger than whole countries in EU...well, you need to drive. I'm not able even if I wanted to...to go grocery shopping like I do on Sundays, buying food to fix for a week (I don't eat out fast food)...on a bus even in nice weather. I can't carry home $100 of food....or large 20lb things of pork roast (I buy in bulk when it is on sale to put in the smoker or sausage grinder) on a fucking bus, that doesn't have a stop withing a half mile of my home.
Even blowing all that off...what incentive do I have to make my life LESS convenient and comfortable than it is now? I can drive anywhere I want in minutes, to transport myself and others when I want to, where I want to.
No I'm not fat either...I exercise for fun outdoors on nice days and gym most other times. I don't need to do that when I'm making a living..that is for recreations.
Nice theory you have...but, not even slightly realistic of life in the US at this time.
"Regardless of insurance premiums, there is the cost of basic emergency services: police, ambulance, emergency room. These costs will be incurred regardless of the insurance status of the injured party (and I hope we keep it that way)."
And I'd put it to you that wearing a helmet or not isn't going to affect these either...police and ambulance will still come either way.
"Are you kidding? About the only people I've found who LIKE to drive are teenagers for 3 weeks after they get their license and motorheads who make up 0.5% of the population. Everyone else likes to go places, but not to DRIVE."
I guess that is because most people drive boring cars...
Not me, I've never owned anything but 2 seat sports cars (ok, technically the old 911 Turbo was a 4-seater, but, no human could actually sit in those rear seats). Every day of driving for me is an adventure. I crank up the radar detector and the stereo, and hit the road with a smile on my face.
"I think everyone feels like that (except the people doing it). But once they have the kids, what are we supposed to do? Punish the kids for their parents' irresponsibility?"
"Do you like living in an educated society or would you prefer that children whose parents can't afford school work in factories?"
I don't have quite as much of a problem with my local/state taxes going for schools. I kind of consider them to be part of 'infrastructure', much like a police stations and a firehouse.
I do, however, have a huge problem with people getting state and federal tax breaks because they have kids!!! I get no such deduction, therefore if you think about it...I am subsidizing someone having kids!!! I chose not to have any, so, why should I pay for someone elses?
And before you go into that "it is a good thing to give incentive to people to raise new tax payers"....that is a crock. People will fuck. People will fuck and have kids. I'm sure there has NEVER been a conversation of "Oh honey, I don't want any more kids...what? You mean I can get a tax deduction for that? Shit, pull off the rubbher honey, were going bareback tonight@!!!".
Sorry...I don't buy that.
Having kids is a choice, so if you want to do that, plan to sacrifice time AND money and personal growth. But, please, don't ask me to do the same for you choices you make.
"The auto lobby (carmakers, insurance companies, aaa etc) do their best to ensure that there's insufficient public transit/public transit of insufficient quality, forcing people to buy cars to get around..."
Care to give specifics on how these industries you just named actively ensure there isn't sufficient public transportation?
I think it is more like that they way the US evolved and most cities are set up, it isn't really practical to take pub. transport to manage daily life. Most people don't want to have a bus schedule dictate their schedule, etc. They don't want to have to brave the elements walking to a 'stop' to wait for a bus or whatever...and then once off the transport, have to walk through the elements to get to their job. That doesn't even take into account people with families that have to transport their kids to schools and activities before and after school in addition to going to work.
That's not even getting into the kinds of people you generally have to sit with on a bus...have you smelled a bus in recent years...whew! Soap seems to be an option with many of the passengers on public transport out there.
"I ride a bicycle to work. That's way more dangerous than a car with a bayonet. According to some stats I found, bikes make up 1% of all traffic but 2% of traffic fatalities. This makes sense; in the ongoing battle between 2-ton steel objects travelling 50 km/h vs. 200-pound meaty objects travelling 25 km/h, the cars don't lose very often."
Sounds like an amazingly good argument to ban bicycles from public roads for cars....if there isn't a bicycle lane.
I mean, it is scary enough with a motorcycle out there...but at least with that, you have the speed/acceleration and nimbleness to get yourself outta harms way many times, and it is a bit bulkier. But a little slow, human powered bicycle just doesn't stand a chance. We don't let bicycles on the highways, why do we let them on city streets where there is still such a large speed difference?
The motorcycle helmet law does protect me from someone else's medical costs coming out of my taxes."
Not sure how a motorcycle wreck (with or without a helmet) is going to affect your taxes any more than any other type of vehicle.
But, the argument is often put forth that it will cost you more in insurance premiums if there is no helmet law..and that is BUNK.
I live in LA, and two gov.'s ago, we had the choice to wear a helmet or not. Well, Gov. Blanco came in, and they made helmet mandatory again.
Guess What? You think our insurance premiums went down since we were all so much safer??
Not a chance...no, it makes no difference in what other people have to pay. I ride a bike....I pay insurance. I'm an adult and I know the risks...hell, a couple of months ago I was in a wreck, a SUV ran a stop sign and hit me on my bike, I went over the hood by about 5 ft and landed about 20 ft away. I only had one of the 'beanie' helmets on. I didn't hit my head and walked away amazingly unhurt for the accident. On that accident, I wouldn't have gotten any more hurt if I'd not had a helmet on.
Am I more likely now to ride with a helmet even if they do repeal the law...most likely. However, I'm sure as an adult I will at times make the choice not to wear one.
Either way it is my risk...either way it will not cost or save you any money on your insurance premiums.
Well at least your suggesting old 'tech' that would motivate rather than monitor you.
From the article:
"For example, an onboard computer system to monitor driving characteristics such as unsafe driving behavior. According to a DOT report, feedback from such a system can be supplied to drivers in real-time..."
Yeah, just what I want...a computer that records and reports my driving. Automated speeding tickets anyone?
And even if it isn't what is being thought of for this purpose...it will be used for that. I'm sure there will be an anti-tampering rider to go with the bill that authorizes this. Not to mention the insurance companies drooling to get this mandated info.
"It's a good thing the Senate needs to vote on these things, too, because when the Senate does ratify a treaty, its legal weight is second only to the Constitution itself. "
Another reason it is very sad that the states no longer appoint senators, but, instead allow them to be voted into office. In the past when appointed by the states' legislatures, they were answerable more to the state...now that they are elected they are 'purchased' by big special interests with campaign contributions.
I think the old way led to it being harder to pass a treaty....which is a good thing if it doesn't represent the best interests of each state.
"Your driving licences are free then? What about property taxes... any part of those go towards transportation?"
Well...it varies from state to state.
In LA, I'm not sure actually...getting a drivers license is about $30 I think, and plates for my car are like $60 or so? I honestly don't remember what it was last time.
I think I only had to pay property tax while living in New Orleans proper, but, since Katrina, I've been living all around the area, just now back here again, so it may be a year or so before they actually catch up with me again and I have to register my car in NOLA. I've got like 3 more years before my plates expires, so, not worried about changing that any time soon.
"but it would seem to fall along the lines of the bartender getting charged (or at least sued) in relation to a drunk driving death for not cutting the driver off or calling a cab for him."
This varies from state to state.
I don't think I've lived in any state where the bartender/bar can be held liable for a drunk leaving there and doing damage. I know I was a bartender in TN years back...and while I'd heard of such things in other states, it did not affect us.
In fact, an underage kid somehow got drunk in our bar, not sure who served him, but, even after he left and had a wreck (only property damage, no death/personal injury) the parents tried suing our place, but, there was no grounds for it.
I think the laws you are talking about may be more in the NE or the west of the US, but, I don't know of states in the south where bartenders must cut you off.
Slashdot Mirror
Well, there was nothing really wrong with the US health SYSTEM itself...the Dr.'s the tech, drugs and facilites, etc.....but, the problem IMHO is largely with the middlemen...the bean counters with HMO's...and the insurance industry, and big pharma.
Unfortunately, the laws being passed are less about addressing these quick fix issues...and more of making it a huge federal govt. power grab.
They could have simply made it lawful for medical insurance companies to sell policies across state lines, much like the car and motorcycle insurance industry can now do. That would have opened up competition for insurance..and dropped the prices pretty radically. They could have made it to where Medicare could have bargained for drug prices with big pharma, they way the VA system does..that would save a fuck-ton of money for that system (which is about $30B in the hole I think too at this time)...that right there could have made some major fixes to the system, and would have been easy for everyone to read, and less than 10 pages long. But, that's not what they're after.
Hence the rush to support Obama-care....even though we in the US are so far down the debt hole, that we cannot possibly afford such measures at this time....
Why is my first thought of someone playing 'crack the whip' on one of these long trains??
I guess I'm a little confused on how I could find your suggestion something I could use in my every day life (work, gym, living...etc).
While you can get shows off BT or even USENET...I just don't have the time to search for stuff to watch every day and start it downloading, go to work, and hope it is there (and then have to unrar/par2 it, etc). I prefer to set my Myth box to search for subjects I like , or set it to record shows I want to see...and let IT do the footwork of recording my content.
That and are you a little concerned these days about the *IAA coming to get you for getting TV shows off BT?
You have either headsets, or speakers/mikes at every computer in your house? Even laptops?
I love music, but, alas...I'm getting older, and am stuck in classic rock. Funny...they weren't classic when I started listening to them..haha.
But seriously, even I'm getting a little weary of listening only to the Stones, Zeppelin, etc over and over and over again...
I really love any kind of good guitar driven, bluesy, riff-laden rock. Guitar blues...etc.
I have to guess even in this modern, splintered genre world, there is still some of this type of music being put out by new kids. I've found Wolfmother, and really like that...but, that was a recommendation I got from a friend, but, I don't have the time to find music out there.
When I grew up...it came through the radio. Music wasn't nearly as splintered and specialized as it is today. On my 'rock' stations, I heard Stones, Zeppelin, AC/DC, Steely Dan, Fleetwood Mac, Kansas, Beatles...hell even older than that you'd even hear an occasional John Denver or Olivia Newton John song....quite a mix without turning the dial.
Today on the radio, you have to tune stations all over to get each type of music it seems...and I just can't seem to find something with enough mix to keep my interest. And hit radio...same shit all the time, no variation.
People suggest the internet...well, most of my time is at work, and most places i work..won't allow you to stream music from the web, it is blocked. So, that's not my option.
I've recently discovered Pandora on the iPhone...I have started finding things like that I like from that.
I guess, more things like this and the tech mentioned in the article would really be a blessing for me if I could throw that one while at work, but, would have to be through the phone I guess since no streaming on work computer.
Well as another person on this thread mentioned...fat in an apple??
But sure, olives have fat...they also have olive OIL in them..which is good for you.
Not all fats are bad, you actually NEED them in your diet...and more and more studies are showing that increased fat consumption (to a certain level) can actually help your metabolism and help you burn off body fat.
I've since settled, and I've never really seen the need to get a landline again. I just keep my cell as my main phone. I have considered though...since I live in a multi-story house, to getting one of those phone systems that will connect via bluetooth to your cell phone, and all the other handsets throughout the house, will go through your cell phone. That would make it more convenient so that I don't either have to carry my phone up/down stairs with me....or just leave it on the other floor and miss calls.
Hmm...around here it means HIT THE GAS, otherwise you're gonna have to stop soon!!
Those seem the most dangerous to me, I know they're trying to do that to get you to slow till you can see what color light is lit, but, really....I'd much rather see them from a distance.
Well, at least I'm not seeing these types of signals as often anymore...mostly going to the led ones down here in NOLA.
Probably about the same if you have a perfectly preserved skull, but have broken your neck, and are a quadriplegic, or whatever. Look the only way you'd save $$ is to ban motorcycles completly.
Frankly, if I get hit that badly..I think I'd rather be dead than survive a motionless piece of meat that can think, but not do much else.
And one little aside. You know where most head trauma happens on the roads? In cars.
Why not require helmets in cars too? It sure would save money and lives....I mean, where do you draw the line? Life requires a bit of risk of life and limb if you want to live it at all. Why not let and adult make his own choices...?
But considering the cities aren't gonna get any more close together....all the stores and homes will not be consolidated, etc...what you say just aint' gonna happen.
Not to mention many of us have to look somewhat professional at work. I live in New Orleans, where my AC is on at home (and most any public place) 24/7 from about March through first of Nov. If it isn't on, you are sweating bucketc. I can't look like I'm sweating buckets at work in dress clothes. It also rains a lot here. I hear some people in other parts of the country deal with long winters and snow. Not really good for riding a bike to work either, unless you work from home...it isn't a reality.
Couple that with the fact that we have states larger than whole countries in EU...well, you need to drive. I'm not able even if I wanted to...to go grocery shopping like I do on Sundays, buying food to fix for a week (I don't eat out fast food)...on a bus even in nice weather. I can't carry home $100 of food....or large 20lb things of pork roast (I buy in bulk when it is on sale to put in the smoker or sausage grinder) on a fucking bus, that doesn't have a stop withing a half mile of my home.
Even blowing all that off...what incentive do I have to make my life LESS convenient and comfortable than it is now? I can drive anywhere I want in minutes, to transport myself and others when I want to, where I want to.
No I'm not fat either...I exercise for fun outdoors on nice days and gym most other times. I don't need to do that when I'm making a living..that is for recreations.
Nice theory you have...but, not even slightly realistic of life in the US at this time.
And I'd put it to you that wearing a helmet or not isn't going to affect these either...police and ambulance will still come either way.
No problem..I pretty much drive double the speed limit as it is, no need for change here.
I guess that is because most people drive boring cars...
Not me, I've never owned anything but 2 seat sports cars (ok, technically the old 911 Turbo was a 4-seater, but, no human could actually sit in those rear seats). Every day of driving for me is an adventure. I crank up the radar detector and the stereo, and hit the road with a smile on my face.
The world needs ditch diggers too you know.
I don't have quite as much of a problem with my local/state taxes going for schools. I kind of consider them to be part of 'infrastructure', much like a police stations and a firehouse.
I do, however, have a huge problem with people getting state and federal tax breaks because they have kids!!! I get no such deduction, therefore if you think about it...I am subsidizing someone having kids!!! I chose not to have any, so, why should I pay for someone elses?
And before you go into that "it is a good thing to give incentive to people to raise new tax payers"....that is a crock. People will fuck. People will fuck and have kids. I'm sure there has NEVER been a conversation of "Oh honey, I don't want any more kids...what? You mean I can get a tax deduction for that? Shit, pull off the rubbher honey, were going bareback tonight@!!!".
Sorry...I don't buy that.
Having kids is a choice, so if you want to do that, plan to sacrifice time AND money and personal growth. But, please, don't ask me to do the same for you choices you make.
Care to give specifics on how these industries you just named actively ensure there isn't sufficient public transportation?
I think it is more like that they way the US evolved and most cities are set up, it isn't really practical to take pub. transport to manage daily life. Most people don't want to have a bus schedule dictate their schedule, etc. They don't want to have to brave the elements walking to a 'stop' to wait for a bus or whatever...and then once off the transport, have to walk through the elements to get to their job. That doesn't even take into account people with families that have to transport their kids to schools and activities before and after school in addition to going to work.
That's not even getting into the kinds of people you generally have to sit with on a bus...have you smelled a bus in recent years...whew! Soap seems to be an option with many of the passengers on public transport out there.
Sounds like an amazingly good argument to ban bicycles from public roads for cars....if there isn't a bicycle lane.
I mean, it is scary enough with a motorcycle out there...but at least with that, you have the speed/acceleration and nimbleness to get yourself outta harms way many times, and it is a bit bulkier. But a little slow, human powered bicycle just doesn't stand a chance. We don't let bicycles on the highways, why do we let them on city streets where there is still such a large speed difference?
The motorcycle helmet law does protect me from someone else's medical costs coming out of my taxes."
Not sure how a motorcycle wreck (with or without a helmet) is going to affect your taxes any more than any other type of vehicle.
But, the argument is often put forth that it will cost you more in insurance premiums if there is no helmet law..and that is BUNK.
I live in LA, and two gov.'s ago, we had the choice to wear a helmet or not. Well, Gov. Blanco came in, and they made helmet mandatory again.
Guess What? You think our insurance premiums went down since we were all so much safer??
Not a chance...no, it makes no difference in what other people have to pay. I ride a bike....I pay insurance. I'm an adult and I know the risks...hell, a couple of months ago I was in a wreck, a SUV ran a stop sign and hit me on my bike, I went over the hood by about 5 ft and landed about 20 ft away. I only had one of the 'beanie' helmets on. I didn't hit my head and walked away amazingly unhurt for the accident. On that accident, I wouldn't have gotten any more hurt if I'd not had a helmet on.
Am I more likely now to ride with a helmet even if they do repeal the law...most likely. However, I'm sure as an adult I will at times make the choice not to wear one.
Either way it is my risk...either way it will not cost or save you any money on your insurance premiums.
Many if not most states require you to carry at least a minimum level of insurance too if you wish to drive a car/motorcycle.
From the article :
"For example, an onboard computer system to monitor driving characteristics such as unsafe driving behavior. According to a DOT report, feedback from such a system can be supplied to drivers in real-time..."
Yeah, just what I want...a computer that records and reports my driving. Automated speeding tickets anyone?
And even if it isn't what is being thought of for this purpose...it will be used for that. I'm sure there will be an anti-tampering rider to go with the bill that authorizes this. Not to mention the insurance companies drooling to get this mandated info.
Another reason it is very sad that the states no longer appoint senators, but, instead allow them to be voted into office. In the past when appointed by the states' legislatures, they were answerable more to the state...now that they are elected they are 'purchased' by big special interests with campaign contributions.
I think the old way led to it being harder to pass a treaty....which is a good thing if it doesn't represent the best interests of each state.
Well...it varies from state to state.
In LA, I'm not sure actually...getting a drivers license is about $30 I think, and plates for my car are like $60 or so? I honestly don't remember what it was last time.
I think I only had to pay property tax while living in New Orleans proper, but, since Katrina, I've been living all around the area, just now back here again, so it may be a year or so before they actually catch up with me again and I have to register my car in NOLA. I've got like 3 more years before my plates expires, so, not worried about changing that any time soon.
This varies from state to state.
I don't think I've lived in any state where the bartender/bar can be held liable for a drunk leaving there and doing damage. I know I was a bartender in TN years back...and while I'd heard of such things in other states, it did not affect us.
In fact, an underage kid somehow got drunk in our bar, not sure who served him, but, even after he left and had a wreck (only property damage, no death/personal injury) the parents tried suing our place, but, there was no grounds for it.
I think the laws you are talking about may be more in the NE or the west of the US, but, I don't know of states in the south where bartenders must cut you off.