I would much rather hear the 'whoosh' of a windmill all day, than feel that skin crawling, bone tingling, feeling when I cross under the high tension power lines.
Nothing but your own illogical nervous reaction. If you disagree, I'd love to see any peer reviewed scientific evidence to the contrary.
I just want to add that that tax maximum leaves out all the other taxes that we pay. State, local, Social Security, Medicare, property (varies by location), and a uncountable other taxes and "fees". So, the comparisons are often not apples to apples, not to mention uneven due to cost of living differences.
There is devaluation of our money in real terms as well. My college costs were $1500/year 30 years ago versus about $20K per year for CA schools. It's called inflation!
Only if you're buying your steaks at someplace like Ruby Tuesdays. Way back around 1971, when I was in 8th grade, I took a class called "Boy's Home Economics". We learned to cook, wash clothes, and even sewed. Having remained single until age 30, it turned out to be one of the most useful classes I had taken in grade school. A little planning can go a long way, and you don't need to cook everything on the same evening.. I just a 6-pack of filets at Costco isn't that expensive...I just BBQed a bunch last weekend, but could have easily done them one at a time as needed. Though, admittedly, I ate day old (yes, gasp, leftovers) filet and shrimp...and it tasted just as good as when it came off the BBQ.
I'll add my $.02, and say that since battle.net was incorporated, my acct. has been hacked three separate times. Nobody else has physical access to my machines, except my spouse, and even she doesn't have a password.
I've been a computing professional (hardware, software, management) for over thirty years (yes, I'm in my 50s, and play), and never caught so much as a virus on any machine that I manage. No, I'm not perfect, I'm just saying that I'm not some youngster who shares his accts. I'll bet anyone dollars to doughnuts that Blizzard has an internal security problem, and that some accts. information gets out to gold sellers that way.
Sure, plenty of people F-up and get crap on their machines, but you can't deny the probability that Blizz has internal issues as well.
Anyone at the level of a multinational VP could easily make more money than this in the time that he spent obtaining the merchandise, and reselling it. If my math isn't off, this guy had to purchase 130+ units to make $30k. I guarantee you that had he spent that time (and the time reselling them) at his job, he would have increased his bonus/incentive pay by more than that.
Oh yeah. They just shake in their boots when they get a letter. Have you ever actually done this and gotten anything more than a form letter that says "your concerns are irrelevant, I will vote the way my masters dictate"?
Actually, I have...more than once, but mostly with state reps and senators. Certainly, it's their staff who are doing the replies, but I'd bet that those politicians do get statistics from the staff on what they're hearing. Since so few people bother to write, I'm happy to be one of those that do, and get a disproportionate amount of attention. So, thanks, and don't write!
So... we lock up -all- witless patsies? If you count typical Republicans - a bunch of hostile, witless patsies if ever I saw any - that's gonna be a lot of people in jail.
Ah yes, nothing like witless stereotyping. Grow up son.
I've traveled to Canada several hundred times over the years, and never once experienced anything like what you did. I have had my vehicle searched a couple times, but that was done in a matter of a couple minutes. Probably the worst case was actually returning to the U.S. when I was only a teenager (1960s), and my mother forgot to declare my.22 long rifle that was in the trunk, which was properly documented. They U.S. customs actually removed the door covers, searching for other things that we forgot to mention...think it was mostly punishment, or an exercise for them because we were obviously not a threat to anyone.
Serious question...I know next to nothing on the topic.
Since below the crust of the planet is molten, doesn't that have an affect on the overall temp as well? Is that taken into account in these calculations?
So, by virtue of the genetic lottery, I was born and live in the U.S., and this makes me more responsible? I beg to differ. And don't even try to say that I'm more responsible because of the government...which I have virtually zero control over.
You want something done about the problem? Then contribute or STFU. I do as well, and am willing to contribute, but not to an extent more than anyone else.
Assuming you're talking about the U.S. defense budget, it's never been 2.5%. From wikipedia, where they were talking about the 4.0% in 2005: This is historically low for the United States since it peaked in 1944 at 37.8% of GDP (it reached the lowest point of 3.0% in 1999–2001).
Very very few people realize that the President and the Government have virtually no power at all, and of these very few people only six know whence ultimate political power is wielded. Most of the others secretly believe that the ultimate decision-making process is handled by a computer. They couldn't be more wrong.
And who let you in on this little conspiracy....we'll be sending out the black helicopters shortly.
The problem is that modern communication has made geography irrelevant. Political/religious beliefs are not nearly as geographically homogeneous as they used to be.
You've got to be kidding. I live in northern Virginia, a literal melting pot of the human race. I can drive about 20 miles, and be in rural areas where the term "red-neck" doesn't mean you've got a sunburn.
Do you really believe there aren't cultural differences between the mid-west farming regions, and say California, or New England, or even the deep south?
"Modern communication" frequently fails at one important task, and that's understanding. We read Facebook, Slashdot, e-mails, text, etc., and often misunderstand (as maybe I'm doing right now) the originators intentions, because we can't hear their voice, or see their facial expressions.
As an European, I like to hear the opinion of Americans on the the difference between the 'Washington'-government and the 'state'-governments... so... what's the difference ?
We have 50 experiments running, and the option to choose which one we like. When I retire in a couple of years, I won't need to change my citizenship in order to move to the location of the one I like the most. Some are clearly better managed than others financially. Some have more stringent firearm laws (New York for example.). Massachusetts has "Romney-care". Income and property taxes vary from state to state, and some don't tax pensions.
I see this as a good thing for individuals, allowing us relatively more local control. Certainly, some things should be nationwide...having all the states have the same traffic laws is a clear example....and yes, I'm aware that there are differences even in that.
Slashdot Mirror
$2500 for a 12kW Honeywell natural gas generator at Costco (not including installation).
I would much rather hear the 'whoosh' of a windmill all day, than feel that skin crawling, bone tingling, feeling when I cross under the high tension power lines.
Nothing but your own illogical nervous reaction. If you disagree, I'd love to see any peer reviewed scientific evidence to the contrary.
I just want to add that that tax maximum leaves out all the other taxes that we pay. State, local, Social Security, Medicare, property (varies by location), and a uncountable other taxes and "fees". So, the comparisons are often not apples to apples, not to mention uneven due to cost of living differences.
Washington sucks badly enough that nobody needs to worry around here.
One billion dollars is the kind of money that a whole city or nation-state could be founded on
There are plenty of buildings that cost more than that. You're not going to start a city, much less "nation-state" on a billion.
There is devaluation of our money in real terms as well. My college costs were $1500/year 30 years ago versus about $20K per year for CA schools. It's called inflation!
Well, one naive comment deserves another I guess. Tuition costs have risen more than four times faster than the rate of inflation since 1985:
http://inflationdata.com/inflation/inflation_articles/Education_Inflation.asp
Only if you're buying your steaks at someplace like Ruby Tuesdays. Way back around 1971, when I was in 8th grade, I took a class called "Boy's Home Economics". We learned to cook, wash clothes, and even sewed. Having remained single until age 30, it turned out to be one of the most useful classes I had taken in grade school. A little planning can go a long way, and you don't need to cook everything on the same evening.. I just a 6-pack of filets at Costco isn't that expensive...I just BBQed a bunch last weekend, but could have easily done them one at a time as needed. Though, admittedly, I ate day old (yes, gasp, leftovers) filet and shrimp...and it tasted just as good as when it came off the BBQ.
I'll add my $.02, and say that since battle.net was incorporated, my acct. has been hacked three separate times. Nobody else has physical access to my machines, except my spouse, and even she doesn't have a password.
I've been a computing professional (hardware, software, management) for over thirty years (yes, I'm in my 50s, and play), and never caught so much as a virus on any machine that I manage. No, I'm not perfect, I'm just saying that I'm not some youngster who shares his accts. I'll bet anyone dollars to doughnuts that Blizzard has an internal security problem, and that some accts. information gets out to gold sellers that way.
Sure, plenty of people F-up and get crap on their machines, but you can't deny the probability that Blizz has internal issues as well.
Seriously? How do you kiss your momma with the same lips from which you spew such vomit?
Kids these days.
Why not? It worked for me with The Fortran Coloring Book http://www.amazon.com/FORTRAN-Coloring-Book-Roger-Kaufman/dp/0262610264
Anyone at the level of a multinational VP could easily make more money than this in the time that he spent obtaining the merchandise, and reselling it. If my math isn't off, this guy had to purchase 130+ units to make $30k. I guarantee you that had he spent that time (and the time reselling them) at his job, he would have increased his bonus/incentive pay by more than that.
30 grand tax free, for a side job, is no small haul.
Maybe for you, but it's peanuts for any VP of a large multinational. There has to be more to this than him wanting $30k.
Thanks for the laugh. I believe you meant colostomy bag
Oh yeah. They just shake in their boots when they get a letter. Have you ever actually done this and gotten anything more than a form letter that says "your concerns are irrelevant, I will vote the way my masters dictate"?
Actually, I have...more than once, but mostly with state reps and senators. Certainly, it's their staff who are doing the replies, but I'd bet that those politicians do get statistics from the staff on what they're hearing. Since so few people bother to write, I'm happy to be one of those that do, and get a disproportionate amount of attention. So, thanks, and don't write!
So where's your peer-reviewed research that backs up your claim?
Right wing shouty heads on Fox News don't count, I'm afraid.
As a counter to NYT and MSM? Sure they do. Not that any of the three accurately report any real news.
So... we lock up -all- witless patsies? If you count typical Republicans - a bunch of hostile, witless patsies if ever I saw any - that's gonna be a lot of people in jail.
Ah yes, nothing like witless stereotyping. Grow up son.
I've traveled to Canada several hundred times over the years, and never once experienced anything like what you did. I have had my vehicle searched a couple times, but that was done in a matter of a couple minutes. Probably the worst case was actually returning to the U.S. when I was only a teenager (1960s), and my mother forgot to declare my .22 long rifle that was in the trunk, which was properly documented. They U.S. customs actually removed the door covers, searching for other things that we forgot to mention...think it was mostly punishment, or an exercise for them because we were obviously not a threat to anyone.
Serious question...I know next to nothing on the topic.
Since below the crust of the planet is molten, doesn't that have an affect on the overall temp as well? Is that taken into account in these calculations?
So, by virtue of the genetic lottery, I was born and live in the U.S., and this makes me more responsible? I beg to differ. And don't even try to say that I'm more responsible because of the government...which I have virtually zero control over.
You want something done about the problem? Then contribute or STFU. I do as well, and am willing to contribute, but not to an extent more than anyone else.
Assuming you're talking about the U.S. defense budget, it's never been 2.5%. From wikipedia, where they were talking about the 4.0% in 2005:
This is historically low for the United States since it peaked in 1944 at 37.8% of GDP (it reached the lowest point of 3.0% in 1999–2001).
Oh sorry I had no idea
FTFY
Very very few people realize that the President and the Government have virtually no power at all, and of these very few people only six know whence ultimate political power is wielded. Most of the others secretly believe that the ultimate decision-making process is handled by a computer. They couldn't be more wrong.
And who let you in on this little conspiracy....we'll be sending out the black helicopters shortly.
The problem is that modern communication has made geography irrelevant. Political/religious beliefs are not nearly as geographically homogeneous as they used to be.
You've got to be kidding. I live in northern Virginia, a literal melting pot of the human race. I can drive about 20 miles, and be in rural areas where the term "red-neck" doesn't mean you've got a sunburn.
Do you really believe there aren't cultural differences between the mid-west farming regions, and say California, or New England, or even the deep south?
"Modern communication" frequently fails at one important task, and that's understanding. We read Facebook, Slashdot, e-mails, text, etc., and often misunderstand (as maybe I'm doing right now) the originators intentions, because we can't hear their voice, or see their facial expressions.
As an European, I like to hear the opinion of Americans on the the difference between the 'Washington'-government and the 'state'-governments ... so ... what's the difference ?
We have 50 experiments running, and the option to choose which one we like. When I retire in a couple of years, I won't need to change my citizenship in order to move to the location of the one I like the most. Some are clearly better managed than others financially. Some have more stringent firearm laws (New York for example.). Massachusetts has "Romney-care". Income and property taxes vary from state to state, and some don't tax pensions.
I see this as a good thing for individuals, allowing us relatively more local control. Certainly, some things should be nationwide...having all the states have the same traffic laws is a clear example....and yes, I'm aware that there are differences even in that.
While I "feel" the same way, I doubt that holds water in any court of law. Are you aware of any case law that would have set that precedent?