1 When it comes to Obama making a speech, the past cannot be predicted.

2

From Curious yesterday

Jim Rodgers on Silver and the University of Texas buying physical gold

 

also monty, how does one short gold, i assume you're doing that if you think its a bubble.

3

DOOM!-shackalacka.

Why is it that those of us who want things like balanced budgets and realistic revenue / interest projections are seen as "extreme?"

I mean, I understand why the left paints us that way.  I don't understand how even the mostly-comatose middle can actually buy that particular bill of goods.

4 Posting from my new Android-rooted Nook Color. Needs a stylus, though.

5 also monty, how does one short gold, i assume you're doing that if you think its a bubble. You short it by not buying it. Or actually selling it to chumps who are willing to overpay. That's how I paid for some construction work on my house late last year.

6 So I've got these here several ounces of gold (old US Dollars) that I'm into for less than $500/oz. I'm thinking it's finally time to unload them.

7 We must spend our way to Winning The Future. Almost as insane as achieving equality through set asides and a graduated income tax. Up is down and the sun rises in the west. I guess they can't handle the truth.

8

You short it by not buying it. Or actually selling it to chumps who are willing to overpay. That's how I paid for some construction work on my house late last year.

So it can't be shorted like a stock?

9 >>“We hope the U.S. government earnestly adopts responsible policies and measures to protect the interests of investors,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said Tuesday, according to a Wall Street Journal report. http://tinyurl.com/3hsts63 By which they mean get your shit together pronto or no more debt purchases. Time is short.

10 oops - make that $20 pieces

11 Cheating the government is not a sin, it's an obligation.

12 So it can't be shorted like a stock? Well, I guess you could get into some complicated ETF or derivatives-based thing...but why? What's the point? And before you even get into farting around with derivatives and shorting, remember -- the market can stay crazy for longer than you can stay solvent. If you get caught on the short end of a long trade, you are going to lose your shirt. And house, and car, and maybe your left kidney too. The worst that can happen when you're long is that your investment goes to zero; when you're short, you can actually rack up terrifying losses in a very short amount of time. Don't do it unless you really know what you're doing.

13 I don't see gold making a big retreat any time soon. In fact, if things stay as they are I see it continuing on it's current trajectory for quite some time.

14

Posted this in the Headlines thread, but I'm sharing it here, too, because I'm in a lousy mood over unions.  NH's Right to Work legislation goes up for a Senate vote today and the unions have been wailing and gnashing their teeth like it's the end of the world.  So this little tidbit from Pennsylvania hit me when I was already in a bad mood.

----

Oh good grief.  That's it, I give up on the police.  Seriously.  To any Moron/ette LEOs out there, I pity you for having to work with schlubs like this.

Scranton Police Union Objects To Non-Union Police Chief Making Arrests
(link to Legal Insurrection)

Professor Jacobson quotes the Scranton Times Tribune's story on the incident.  This is just so... UNION.

The complaint states that "the work of apprehending and arresting individuals has been the sole and exclusive province of members of the bargaining unit," and that the city did not inform or negotiate with the union that the chief would be "performing bargaining unit work."

The chief was on his day off, saw a crime happening (some guy with marijuana), and made the arrest.  Apparently this is unacceptable to Scranton's unionized LEOS. 

God save us all from union idiots.

15 Cheating the government is not a sin, it's an obligation.

In Russia the Government cheat you.

Shit I guess that sentence works everywhere and is squared under Obama.

16 Hip Hop anyone?

17

Don't do it unless you really know what you're doing.

oh I'm not.  I was just curious if commodities could be shorted like stocks, which i'm assuming they can be as you can pretty much short anything.

18

"14 So it can't be shorted like a stock?"

 

Open a Futures Account and sell gold. Yes it can be shorted. There are probably ETFs with (2x leverage) available on the short side if you can't qualify for a futures account. Do a google search. I would advise reading a chart and looking for some indication that the market will break. Better advice is go with the trend until it actually breaks the trend line, then short. Just saying. Remember one thing, investing these days is all about what crazy shit JEF says on a given day. He is like a mothra to a light bulb. Any pocket of success will be destroyed if he perceives a Mau Mau opportunity. So if you know what that crazy teleprompter will be saying tomorrow make your bet. Somehow I see him Mau-Mauing gold soon. He may have told TIMMAY to have his PPT sell into the rally.

19

I think $5 gallon gasoline is good and here is why:

1. Less cars on the freeway and more pleasent commute to the office

2. Less pollotion so a win for the environment

3. Plane tickets are cheaper because less people flying

4. Spend more time at home rather then traveling by auto around the country this summer

5. Spend more time at home with the family and children !!

This may be a good thing for America !!!

 

20 I know this is getting old, Monty, but Governor Moonbeam contributes to California's self-bonage.

21

"3. Plane tickets are cheaper because less people flying"

 

Huh? Airlines don't buy fuel? New one on me. Try fewer flights packed to the gills at rediculous fares. Can I rent you a pillow? Thanks for flying United.

22 9 Ben, you can short gold by opening a commodities account and selling a gold contract (on the Comex, that is 100 oz. of gold).
 
However, I would NOT recommend this particular course of action. Saying it is in a bubble is one thing; picking a top is quite another. In general, remember that 'the trend is your friend' when it comes to commodity speculation.

23 Is it true that JPM had a trillion dollar short on silver?

24 I was just curious if commodities could be shorted like stocks, which i'm assuming they can be as you can pretty much short anything. You short a commodity by not buying it. If you want to profit on the trade, you watch the market for the top, then make lowball offers to chumps desperate to sell their suddenly overvalued commodities. This is what's happening in the housing market right now.

25

Ben, you can short gold by opening a commodities account and selling a gold contract (on the Comex, that is 100 oz. of gold).
 
However, I would NOT recommend this particular course of action. Saying it is in a bubble is one thing; picking a top is quite another. In general, remember that 'the trend is your friend' when it comes to commodity speculation

oh i know. I don't F around with shorting. I was just wondering the process by which people actually shorted commodities, but apparently there are several ways to do so.

26 19 24 Crap, I see Mr. Braggart (Ginormous Weiner) has already covered my points. Ah well, they bear repeating.

27 Catching the Sun News Network daytime stuff.  They like the hawt babes too, but more brunettes than Fox News.

28 Boys, break out the mercury and the AstroTurf, it's time to fire up the sluice box!

The spring runoff is a-comin'!

29

With all of the left's obsession with "fairness", as they would define it, I just have one dammed question:

Where's my fucking superhero cape?

30 @9 - I have to ask, though, why would you want to short it instead of just selling it outright?  I mean, if it's already at $1500/oz, what do you lose?  Presuming Monty is right (face it: prognosticating is iffy, at best, for just about anyone), then it seems like the smart thing would be to sell the gold and get into Silver, or some other asset that isn't currently on (as big) a bubble.  Then you can sell out of that and buy back into gold after the bubble bursts.

Or am I missing something?

31 "Oklahoma set to repeal collective bargaining law"

32 Open a Futures Account and sell gold. Yeah-huh. You will starve, and you will be cold while you starve. My advice stands: unless you have a lot of wealth to throw around on speculation (and can afford to lose a lot of it), and you are fairly expert in the more arcane corners of finance, my advice is: stay out of it. Whole countries have gone bust trying to speculate on currencies and gold. (England got pantsed by George Soros doing this very thing.) When you start dicking around speculating on currencies or precious metals, you are swimming in very deep water with very hungry sharks cruising around.

33

Or am I missing something?

That presupposes that one owns gold right now.

34

So I'm wondering about something...not quite sure how to put it. Let's just say I can't get too worked up about food inflation--so far--if for most people it means steaks only once a week and cutting down on their daily Starbucks run.

IOW, seems like for many, it will only mean a slight, or maybe more, decrease in decadence, not being forced to eat beans and rice every day. Which, according to some, might not be a bad thing.

Kinda like not worrying if people can't afford 4000 sq feet homes left and right. And a new iPhone every year.

Only sucks if you're in the business of providing such things.

35

"oh i know. I don't F around with shorting. I was just wondering the process by which people actually shorted commodities, but apparently there are several ways to do so."

 

Don't discount shorting. You can short all the companies that are affected by rising commodity prices. Very simple to do. Further, if inflation is set in stone, you really should acquire as much debt today at a fixed rate as you can. Buy houses, buy real estate, short equities. This is the old 1970s way of investing. Borrow someone else's money at a fixed rate and buy real property. Inflation will make you a millionaire. BTW, short currencies as well. The other idea is to look overseas at emerging economies and invest there. We're fucked.

36 Okay morons- off topic.  We just sectioned off our back yard (it's not very big) so the dog will have a place to crap and the kids will still have a place to play.  In that play area, we want to put a small-ish planter (say, 2 - 3 feet x 4 feet or so) to home grow some veggies/herbs.  I live in Texas, and (since we don't have it yet) the planter can either be placed for Full or Partial Sun.  Do any of the home-growing morons have suggestions for what I should grow?

37 34 AllenG, short speculating is selling something you don't own. That's the point, so to speak. Incidentally, Dear Reader is blaming evil speculators for the oil price rise right now; I posted a link in Headlines:
 
111 Dear Reader is blaming those evil speculators

38 Gold only looks like it's in a bubble because we price it in USD. Call me after it rockets past $2400/oz and we'll talk about bubbles.

39

"(England got pantsed by George Soros doing this very thing.) "

 

Monty, what is "pantsed?" Did you mean "pasted" or some english expression equivalent to a good American "wedgie"? Inquiring minds and all.

40

Do any of the home-growing morons have suggestions for what I should grow?

I'm not familiar with Texas weather, but Tomatoes seems to grow well everywhere.

I suggest Early Girl if you want to be eating tomatoes by july. Also Grape and Cherry tomato plants produce like crazy for long periods of time. Just be sure to keep them well watered as Tomato plants need lots of water. 

 

41

Monty, what is "pantsed?" Did you mean "pasted" or some english expression equivalent to a good American "wedgie"? Inquiring minds and all.

 

to have someones pants pulled down.

42

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) at April 20, 2011 09:46 AM (KxyHe)

Might I suggest hemp.  Makes good rope and sturdy fabrics...

other stuff too.

43 Frankly, I'm not sure if this is good news or bad news. Boomers apparently aren't leaving much to their kids when they shuffle off this mortal coil. It's good news. Any jackhole offspring of said Boomers who think they are righteous in voting for Preznint Splutnik and his economic disasters while expecting Mumsie and Popsie to make up the diffference between their coffee barista job and what position they should have "earned" by sinking tens of thousands of dollars into their Ethnic and Womyns Studies degrees will get their just desserts: lifetime poverty without recompense. Yeah, I'm a caring guy ...

44 Monty, FYI: People typically don't go deeply in debt for an astrophysics degree, unless you go to a very expensive undergraduate school.  Graduate work in the physical sciences is generally "free", meaning that it's paid for via research grants or TA duties for undergraduate labs.

45

So I'm wondering about something...not quite sure how to put it. Let's just say I can't get too worked up about food inflation--so far--if for most people it means steaks only once a week and cutting down on their daily Starbucks run.

IOW, seems like for many, it will only mean a slight, or maybe more, decrease in decadence, not being forced to eat beans and rice every day. Which, according to some, might not be a bad thing.

Kinda like not worrying if people can't afford 4000 sq feet homes left and right. And a new iPhone every year.

Only sucks if you're in the business of providing such things.

Posted by: Mama AJ

 

The creul irony of this is, this is one of those phenomena where the poor WILL suffer the most. This is not merely another fiction designed to bully and coerce. There is also reason to believe that at least some of the instability in Mexico and the Middle East is caused by this spike in prices. Soaring fuel prices also contributes to higher food prices, duwe to its impacts that affect the entirety of the food production and distribution chain.

 

Threats to the world food supply are quite serious, and is already causing a drag effect on economies. It will hit those with fixed incomes first, causing pressure to INCREASE government spending, at a time when we need it decreased.

46 Holy fuck!

I was eying a Milwaukee cordless drill for my tool allowance (for work) this year. Last year it was just under 300 bucks (thats my tool allowance). This year, $370.....Inflation is going into things that you can make money with and disposable commodities.

I usually end up spending double my tool allowance anyway, but that gives me pause for including that in my purchase list.

47 Late to the thread, had to haul off trash.

A point I want to stress is that paying taxes is a utilitarian issue, not necessarily a moral one.

It may not be a "moral" issue but it sure as hell is a voting issue. Alexis de Tocqueville said it best way back before we went socialist. When the "people" realize they can vote themselves bread from the public coffers a Democracy is doomed. Over the years we have reached that point.

We need to revise amendments to require paying taxes as a qualification for voting. If we did that the nature of congress would change almost overnight.

It would spell the end of the Democrat Party so it will never happen though.

48 Do any of the home-growing morons have suggestions for what I should grow?

Tomatoes and basil.  The basil grows quickly, and when run through the food processor with olive oil, garlic, nuts and parmesan, makes a quick and healthful pesto.

Go pasta for the summer.

49 Posted by: Mama AJ at April 20, 2011 09:45 AM (XdlcF)

That's true(ish) at the middle to upper end of the scale.  The concern, IMO, is for those at the low end of the scale.  Those who were only able to have steak (to use your example) once a month or so (or never), and never went to Starbucks.  They were able to (comfortably) put food on the table, but not much more.  When food prices go up, they're the ones who will feel it the most- those below them were already getting assistance (food stamps, charity, whatever).  They, however, will find themselves eating beans and rice (actually, beans and cornbread is supposed to be better for you, as I understand it) and doing so frequently.  Even with that, if food inflation gets bad enough, they'll be added to the rolls of those needing assistance.

Also, since food inflation is usually due to inflation at the source (the raw corn, or wheat, or whatever), other things will necessarily inflate as well.  For instance, part of the price of corn AND gas, now, is that a large part of corn we would otherwise be eating is, instead, being used to make ethanol for gasoline.  This also affects meat prices (most farm animals eat a lot of corn), clothing prices (corn fibers are used to make certain kinds of threads), and a variety of other things.

50 Let's just say I can't get too worked up about food inflation--so far--if for most people it means steaks only once a week and cutting down on their daily Starbucks run. It's a difference in perspective. Inflation is a highly regressive tax on the poor, actually. $4 gas is an inconvenience for me, but it can be a catastrophe to someone who only pulls down $15K per year. It means that they can't afford to ever fill the tank. It means they can only afford to drive to and from work -- no weekend trips to the country, no driving down to see grandma at the home a couple of towns away, scrimping on groceries to afford gas, etc. Even for a middle-class family, commodity inflation takes a bigger bite than most think it does. And because Americans are culturally disposed to consumption rather than savings, the "bite" usually comes out of savings (in the sense that less money is saved and more money is spent because commodity prices are higher). We spend more for the same stuff rather than cutting back and banking the difference.

51 >>Gold only looks like it's in a bubble because we price it in USD. Call me after it rockets past $2400/oz and we'll talk about bubbles. Yep.

52

"to have someones pants pulled down."

 

Never heard that one. Did you attend an all boy's prep school?

53 38 Mama AJ, you are right in that for most US families food costs are a relatively small part of their budget. For 3rd world countries, this is not at all the case.
 
Besides, consider inflation through currency depreciation as a stealth tax. You can hate a tax, right?
 
Just trying to be helpful.

54

Holy fuck!

I was eying a Milwaukee cordless drill for my tool allowance (for work) this year. Last year it was just under 300 bucks (thats my tool allowance). This year, $370.....Inflation is going into things that you can make money with and disposable commodities.

I usually end up spending double my tool allowance anyway, but that gives me pause for including that in my purchase list.

As i said a few days ago, for whatever reason the food products i buy haven't been affected by inflation, until I went to walmart to stock up on 5 dollar frozen pizzas. They were 5.75.  Personally I think it's time to storm the Bastille. 75 freaking cents? What do I look like, the Sultan of Brunei???

55 The dollar looks like its sinking this morning.
Good times are here again weeeeeeeeeeeeee

56 Tombstone 4-meat pizza is 2 for $7.00 at Winn-Dixie.

57 Since most members of Congress are doing town halls over the recess, I've been reading some of the reactions by citizens to R House members and they collectively need to work harder at selling their ideas. The plan to reform Medicare and lower the top tax rate are the two issues being met with the most skepticism. I tried to put myself in the place of someone who's paid into those programs all their life only to discover the government can't keep its promise, and it makes it easier to understand why they are leery of trusting another system. Despite that, though, it seems that people have been more open to listening than not; it's just that they don't quite know what to make of all this.

58

Never heard that one. Did you attend an all boy's prep school?

In middle school yes.

59

Never heard that one. Did you attend an all boy's prep school?

Posted by: Ginormous Weiner at April 20, 2011 09:54 AM (Q5+Og)

Really?  I've always considered "pantsing" a fairly common turn of phrase (and a less common but very embarrassing bully tactic).  But then, I preface most statements of awe with "wicked" thanks to being from New England, which always earns me weird looks when I travel elsewhere.  Maybe I'm just odd.

60 In related news the S&P just got around to downgrading Pets.com, Bethlehem Steel, and Pogs.

61  This year, $370.....Inflation is going into things that you can make money with and disposable commodities.

Oh, that reminds me of another question: has anyone else been noticing big variations in prices depending on the store? I got a rug cleaner at Amazon for $70 less than Target had it. I got a B&D trimmer/edger at Lowe's for $15 less than Amazon had it, etc. etc. Noticed it shopping for toys in March with $10 differences btn Amazon and ToysRUs toys that were only in the $10-25 range. I've never seen such large differences before. (And no, I don't mean Amazon marketplace sellers who jack prices all over the place.)

62 Stocks, Flows, and Pimco (Wonkish). Paul Krugman says Bill Gross is wrong to dump US Treasuries

 

Now we all know its time to buy commodities. Krugman is pushing US Treasuries. This is a fail safe signal. Sell equities, debt, currency and load up on gold, guns and canned goods.

63 ben, butterflies work.

64 Death From Above kitteh is awesome.

65

At least there is one thing on which we can all agree - left, right and independent -

The world is a much, much safer place now that Barry is president.

66 The Food inflation isn't affecting prepared foods yet. It's in Dairy, Meat, and Grains right now.

Another month or so, Pizza will start reflecting it.

67 Ben, you should watch all of them.  LINK

68

Now we all know its time to buy commodities. Krugman is pushing US Treasuries. This is a fail safe signal. Sell equities, debt, currency and load up on gold, guns and canned goods.

Posted by: Ginormous Weiner

Paul Krugman. Nobel laureate, columnist, advisor to Enron, and bearded, retarded canary in the economic coal mine.

69 most US families food costs are a relatively small part of their budget.

Food is the second biggest line item in our budget, after our rent. What would come in higher?

70 Do any of the home-growing morons have suggestions for what I should grow?

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) at April 20, 2011 09:46 AM (KxyHe)

First, place the bed for full sunlight. You can always provide shade with some 1 x 2s and cheesecloth or an old bed sheet, but you can't do much about a shady spot, unless you're willing to cut down a tree.

Second, grow what you'll eat that is expensive. If you have kids and want to encourage them to garden, grow some carrots and radishes; otherwise grow tomatoes.

71 Another month or so, Pizza will start reflecting it.

Posted by: Zakn at April 20, 2011 10:00 AM (zyaZ1)

OK, that does it.

72

Oh.  Almost forgot.

Now that it's open season on old people and the young,

what's the bag limit?

 

73 That article on the evil boomers not leaving money to their children didn't make a lot of sense. First they say 88% had a plan but then tried to "qualify it". I always distrust this kind of article anyway, especially when they do not publish any of the data or the questionnaire. To me it is just another BS "study".

On the power drill/tools question above, back when my brothers from GA came up to visit a few months back we hit all the pawn shops in the area. There was a host of power tools for sale cheap. Name brand good stuff too.

The collapse of the housing market caused a lot of carpenters to become unemployed. All those tools were one of the first things to go as money got tight.

74 Former Enron Financial Advisor Paul Krugman.

75 I linked to this yesterday on the side bar. Pimco talking about our shady book keeping

76 The Food inflation isn't affecting prepared foods yet. It's in Dairy, Meat, and Grains right now.

Another month or so, Pizza will start reflecting it.

Posted by: Zakn

 

Actually, there have already been reports of packeged portions becoming smaller. Prepared foods are starting to propagate the costs downward. Again, it's a stealth move.

77

"Really?  I've always considered "pantsing" a fairly common turn of phrase (and a less common but very embarrassing bully tactic).  But then, I preface most statements of awe with "wicked" thanks to being from New England, which always earns me weird looks when I travel elsewhere.  Maybe I'm just odd."

 

Not really odd, probably regional (see: cola, pop, soda and coke expressions). It may also be generational. Just never heard it. In my cohort the preferred embarrassment was wedgie. Caused pain and embarrassment. Also led to some reall good fights.  

78

On the power drill/tools question above, back when my brothers from GA came up to visit a few months back we hit all the pawn shops in the area. There was a host of power tools for sale cheap. Name brand good stuff too.

We have no pawnshops here.  My sisters went to school in the south, near ATL, and it seems like they have a ton of them there. Is it mainly a southern thing?

We just have flea markets here.

79 I agree Blue. I walked down the Cereal isle last week

80 On the power drill/tools question above, back when my brothers from GA came up to visit a few months back we hit all the pawn shops in the area. There was a host of power tools for sale cheap. Name brand good stuff too.

Posted by: Vic at April 20, 2011 10:02 AM (M9Ie6)

Only way to fly if you find a shop that will sell for a reasonable price and warranty the goods.

81 Just like Coffee back in the day. 1lb boxes became 12 oz boxes. Awaiting 8 oz. Then 6 oz.

82

It means that they can't afford to ever fill the tank. It means they can only afford to drive to and from work -- no weekend trips to the country, no driving down to see grandma at the home a couple of towns away, scrimping on groceries to afford gas, etc.

Okay, for some, yeh.

I just can't shake the feeling, though, for people who have managed to stay employed, at least, that it will be more like having to skip going to the movies weekly at that theater 30 miles away that is really nice and charges $10 a ticket and $5 for a small soda. Like somehow it's differenct this recession because of the lifestyle to which people have become accustomed.

Don't know. Maybe I should cut spending and stop subscribing to Kratos' newsletter. I see decedent people!

 

83 thanks curious, i've been reading rumors about it.

84 Posted by: Mama AJ at April 20, 2011 09:58 AM (XdlcF)

Yep, recently bought something online.  It was half price at target, however, the shipping was $50 I kid you not.  So I went to Amazon and bought the exact same item, not on sale, for $10 more with free super saver shipping and probably got it faster from Amazon than I would have gotten it from Target.  At Christmas had to run out to Best Buy and get something at the last minute since Target chose to tell me three days before Christmas that something I ordered at the end of October, on a great sale, wasn't coming on time, if ever.  Now I don't trust them, even though they have been good in the past.

But yes, lowe's and home depot are playing hard ball.  Sears, not so much.

85 I will start looking at used I suppose. Not big on that for stuff I make my living from, but we all have choices to make.

86 most US families food costs are a relatively small part of their budget.

Food is the second biggest line item in our budget, after our rent. What would come in higher?

Posted by: Barb the Evil Genius at April 20, 2011 10:01 AM (MyByM)

My biggest budget items are 1) taxes 2) healthcare 3) utilities 4) food; in that order.

87

"Paul Krugman. Nobel laureate, columnist, advisor to Enron, and bearded, retarded canary in the economic coal mine."

 

Yep, you know your man. Scary question, what do you get when two Nobel Prize winner's direct your economy?

88 88 thanks curious, i've been reading rumors about it.

Posted by: Ben at April 20, 2011 10:05 AM (wuv1c)

Yep, we all have.  Makes you wonder doesn't it?

89

If this were a more moral age, we'd be ashamed of ourselves.

We lost our sense of collective shame a long time ago and it isn't coming back anytime soon.

Watch out for the boning, for as Mark Twain once said quipped (paraphrasing)  Nobody's liberty or property is safe while Congress is in session. 

'Gang of Six' Senators Under Pressure to Strike Budget Deal After Credit Rating Warning

90

Oh.  Almost forgot.

Now that it's open season on old people and the young,

what's the bag limit?

 Posted by: Hussein the Plumber at April 20, 2011 10:02 AM (jx2j9)

And what will this do to the hobo population?  It could become untenable if allowed to grow unchecked because everyone's too busy aiming their sights at the elderly and the young.

91 Is it mainly a southern thing?

I don't think so. They had them in Saratoga Springs when I lived there, also in CA. Hell, they are even doing those pawn shop shows on History channel now so I wouldn't think it was a "Southern thing".

92

"Paul Krugman. Nobel laureate, columnist, advisor to Enron, and bearded, retarded canary in the economic coal mine."

 

Yep, you know your man. Scary question, what do you get when two Nobel Prize winner's direct your economy?

Posted by: Ginormous Weiner

 

Answer: You get the fuck out or get to the barricades.

93 Much of the increase in food prices is more energy-based than commodity-based. Anything that has to be transported via truck, rail, or air is going up because fuel costs have skyrocketed. But cereal grains have experienced a significant spike as well.

94

As i said a few days ago, for whatever reason the food products i buy haven't been affected by inflation, until I went to walmart to stock up on 5 dollar frozen pizzas. They were 5.75.  Personally I think it's time to storm the Bastille. 75 freaking cents?

Was it Walmart brand or another? If other, they may have raised the price and yet mysteriously kept their brand the same price. That was a policy they tried out last year. Got me right out the door.

95

Just like Coffee back in the day. 1lb boxes became 12 oz boxes. Awaiting 8 oz. Then 6 oz.

now hot dog packages will be 3 hotdogs per package and hotdog buns will be only 400 per package.

96 I posted in another thread - the only way out of this debt bomb is massive inflation. No way are the politicians going to exhibit the courage necessary. Inflation fixes it all by magic. Lop off 4 or 6 zeros from the debt, it isn't quite so scary. Taxes automagically get raised as the rates get non-indexed. Benefits stay high as they are indexed. But all the folks that have assets that are massively devalued - well, it wasn't your President or Congressman that did it to you, it just happened! George Bush's fault, most likely.

97 81 The Food inflation isn't affecting prepared foods yet. It's in Dairy, Meat, and Grains right now.

Another month or so, Pizza will start reflecting it.

Posted by: Zakn

 

Actually, there have already been reports of packeged portions becoming smaller. Prepared foods are starting to propagate the costs downward. Again, it's a stealth move.

Posted by: Blue Hen at April 20, 2011 10:03 AM (6rX0K)

--I've seen it in subtle ways.

For example (speaking of pizza), some of the Delissio pizzas I've bought no longer have the little cardboard plate included with the pizza in the shrink wrap.

98

Was it Walmart brand or another? If other, they may have raised the price and yet mysteriously kept their brand the same price. That was a policy they tried out last year. Got me right out the door.

no it is a good brand. Digiorno maybe? not a walmart brand

99

"to have someones pants pulled down."

 

Never heard that one. Did you attend an all boy's prep school?

Posted by: Ginormous Weiner at April 20, 2011 09:54 AM (Q5+Og)

I'm a guuurl and I've heard it used a lot. 

100 Maybe it's because we are a family of four, with one teen and one tween, but we pay far less in utilities than for food. And we run the AC during the summer.

101

Is it mainly a southern thing?

I don't think so. They had them in Saratoga Springs when I lived there, also in CA. Hell, they are even doing those pawn shop shows on History channel now so I wouldn't think it was a "Southern thing".

yeah, but that tv show is in nevada. I consider anything south of the mason dixon line (essentially where i live) to be  "the south"

102

Really?  I've always considered "pantsing" a fairly common turn of phrase

I think it's a phrase I've always read, not heard in conversation. Probably would be considered sexual harassment to say it out loud these days.

I'm considering a lawsuit right now.

103 Posted by: Barb the Evil Genius at April 20, 2011 10:09 AM (MyByM)

I'm an old retired fart.

104

"We have no pawnshops here.  My sisters went to school in the south, near ATL, and it seems like they have a ton of them there. Is it mainly a southern thing?"

 

Good news for you. Pawn shops are a real good business model. Every trade (buy or sell) has 100% to 200% profit to you. Also, you can hide a whole lotta income from the FEDERALES and STATE. Nice business, you give people funny paper for real items. Not a bad business to be in for the next 10 years. Think you would do very well. Remember to keep the real collectables for your retirement. NO WAY FEDS KNOW HOW TO VALUE THESE THINGS. They pay no dividends so have no financial trail for the taxman to inquire about.

105 RE: "Pantsing" I grew up with "drooped", as in "I was wearing my new Skidz when Sully drooped me; everyone saw my Ninja Turtle underoos and it was wicked embarrassing". "Pantsed" was less common but was also acceptable for a depantsing. "Depantsing" is inarguably the best term. Heh. "Depantsing". On topic: goooooooooo UDN

106 The best investments are a winning smile, a healthy attitude, and a whole bunch of 218gr. .303.

107

Maybe it's because we are a family of four, with one teen and one tween, but we pay far less in utilities than for food. And we run the AC during the summer.

I guess it all depends on where you live.

If you live in the north, you're looking at some gas bills in the winter nearing 300-400 dollars a month, maybe more.

108 You may not have to worry about the feds when running a pawn shop, but the State regulates the hell out of them here, as a friend of mine found out the hard way.

109 Rising food prices disproportionally impact parents of male teenagers. Like locusts...denuding the cabinets of anything edible and leaving a wasteland of mini-pizza wrappers, cheese macaroni boxes, powdered drink-mix residue and apple cores. The preznit needs to get us some community chow-halls up in here.

110

dear god, maybe we deserve to go under.

Florida paying for superhero capes for the unemployed

111

For example (speaking of pizza), some of the Delissio pizzas I've bought no longer have the little cardboard plate included with the pizza in the shrink wrap.

I think that confirms my hypothosis about many people being able to weather this storm okay. Consider lack of cardboard and not paying for unlimited texting for the whole family to be character building.

 

Okay, I'll stop now. Just something that's been bugging me.

112 We live near Cleveland, so fairly far north, and our gas bill never got above $200 this winter. Of course, we are in a relatively small condo, but still. $400 for a gas bill???

113

Posted by: 3.14159 at April 20, 2011 10:12 AM (tTlIu)

For some subliminal reason, I'm feeling the urge for a piece of pie... 

(Unfortunately it's too damn expensive thanks to inflation, so I must settle for a three month old Poptart I've had stashed in my desk drawer since February.)

114

"And what will this do to the hobo population?  It could become untenable if allowed to grow unchecked because everyone's too busy aiming their sights at the elderly and the young."

 

Easy answer. Blame Reagan.

115 Well, if the price of gas is rising because of speculators, I guess the price of food is rising because of speculators as well.

I have six cows in my back yard, and planning to get more.Plus 6,000 cases of picante sauce and 12,000 cases of Kraft Mac & Cheese. 

"Are you thinking what I'm thinking Pinky?"

"That this time we'll take over the world?"

"Right, Pinky."

116 117 We live near Cleveland, so fairly far north, and our gas bill never got above $200 this winter. Of course, we are in a relatively small condo, but still. $400 for a gas bill???

Posted by: Barb the Evil Genius at April 20, 2011 10:16 AM (MyByM)

Oh heck yes. It depends on your method of heating - oil, natural gas, electric, what have you - but the cost of heating a home in winter (at least up here in NH) can be damn expensive.  Especially if it's a long, cold, snowy winter like the one we just had. 

117

We live near Cleveland, so fairly far north, and our gas bill never got above $200 this winter. Of course, we are in a relatively small condo, but still. $400 for a gas bill???

Do you do the payment plan where you pay a fixed price over the entire year?

Maybe heating a condo is different.

Large gas bills in the winter are common here.

Normally, I will have 4 months of high gas bills and then 8 months of essentially 20-40 dollar gas bills.

118 If you live in the north, you're looking at some gas bills in the winter nearing 300-400 dollars a month, maybe more. Yep. People who live in more temperate climates forget how high the gas bill gets in the winter up here in the Frozen North. We had a three-week stretch here in Minnesota where the temps rarely got above zero (and dropped to twenty below at night). My furnace ran so much that the blower motor wore out and had to be replaced. I think my highest gas bill was in January, at $350 -- and I'm a single guy, and tend to keep my thermostat at 65F all the time. I've got a friend who is not well-off financially, and I can tell you that the cost of gas is a huge burden to many folks. She has an older pickup truck as her main mode of transportation (you need a 4x4 in this climate), but it costs nearly a hundred bucks to fill it up at the current prices. Even for me that's not cheap, but to her it's a huge chunk of her paycheck.

119 most US families food costs are a relatively small part of their budget.

Food is the second biggest line item in our budget, after our rent. What would come in higher?

Posted by: Barb the Evil Genius at April 20, 2011 10:01 AM (MyByM)

Medical insurance, RE taxes, quarterly taxes, transportation costs particularly if you have a car note -- note that I said relatively; if you are lowish income with 5 kids then food costs may be your main budget item but if you are a DINK (double income no kids) then it's a minor cost.

Just because your medical is pre-deducted from your pay doesn't exclude it from your budget; same with RE taxes which are rolled into your mortgage note.

120

"113 You may not have to worry about the feds when running a pawn shop, but the State regulates the hell out of them here, as a friend of mine found out the hard way."

Does the State send in spotters? The funny thing about state flunkies is everything must have a paper trail for them to follow. No paper, no trail, no trouble. Its similar to running a bar. How many drinks is your bartender comping for higher tips? The only way to know is to do constant spotting.

121 >>I posted in another thread - the only way out of this debt bomb is massive inflation. Won't work. Has never worked. Short term obligations prevent it from really working. Approximately half our debt gets rolled every two years. If you allow massive inflation you get higher interest costs and higher borrowing costs. Nope. We are gonna have to take our boning.

122 Posted by: Miss'80sBaby at April 20, 2011 09:56 AM (uVLrI)

Often they are talking to the private sector folks.  These folks don't have the kind of pensions that the union folks have.  Of course they are leery.  They see the pensions and benefits of the union folks being vociferously protected and then they see their assets ups for grabs at the vagaries of the market.  Whereas the perception is that the state guarantee the union pensions and therefore, even if the market did a number on them, they are still guaranteed and the private sector people don't have any guarantees.  So now, you come along, the republican and want to take from them their medicare and social security benefits, the one thing they thought they could count on.  Their house is under water, their retirement funds took a hit in the market (no government protection or corporate protection) so they thought "well at least we still have social security and medicare, thank God" and then along comes Ryan and the republicans and they want to take their last vestige of security away from them.  For being the smart ones, for working in the private sector, for doing everything right (don't forget when they came out of school the losers went to work for the government and now these folks realize the losers are the winners in every way) they are getting shafted all around.  And the president is right there to say "hey, you don't want a voucher so that the amount of money is fixed and the company can raise the premium and then it comes out of your pocket, that is, if you meet the income eligibility requirement, if your rich, you are screwed.

I had this explained to me yesterday by two mature people and they do have a point.  they said "we don't want to have to vote for BO but if he is the only one offering us protection then we have to think about ourselves, we may have no choice".  This prompted the discussion which led to the explanation above.  And both were so sweet they said they don't mind sacrificing if everyone is sacrificing and "with all the bailouts and state guaranteed million dollar pensions, some aren't sacrificing a cent."  they both told me they have retired school teacher friends who, because of the union, have had their pension funds managed by the most brilliant minds on the planet and now are truly millionaires and traveling and having two houses and having a good time, while these two are trying to keep their houses and wondering how this happened to them as they eat home cooked modest meals".    I felt very bad for them yesterday.

123 You folks in the far North have the $300/$400 gas-fuel bills in the Winter. We have the $300/$400 electric bills in the Summer. Although since I got rid of the pool I haven't had a $400 electric bill. Also, our summer for the last 3 years have been pretty mild due to globull cooling so mostly the peaks have been about $200-$250.

Actually now our bills in the Winter are becoming higher now that cooling is in effect. It is the exact opposite of what it used to be 20 years ago.

124

"Won't work. Has never worked. Short term obligations prevent it from really working. Approximately half our debt gets rolled every two years. If you allow massive inflation you get higher interest costs and higher borrowing costs."

 

Another gift from Clinton. Remember his plan to finance the government on the short end of maturities because he saved so much? Imagine if he did the exact opposite?

125 Look on the bright side, we are all going to lose a lot of weight. That should make Michelle very happy.

126 Don't waste your money on gold.  Invest in canned food.

127 OT:

This is all over twitter.  From Drudge...although it sounds like it's from The Enquirer.....

COMING LATER THIS AM ON DRUDGE: Missing records in Hawaii. Missing records in Kenya, Indonesia... BOOK TO REVEAL OBAMA'S 'TRUE' IDENTITY?

128

You folks in the far North have the $300/$400 gas-fuel bills in the Winter. We have the $300/$400 electric bills in the Summer. Although since I got rid of the pool I haven't had a $400 electric bill. Also, our summer for the last 3 years have been pretty mild due to globull cooling so mostly the peaks have been about $200-$250.

Actually now our bills in the Winter are becoming higher now that cooling is in effect. It is the exact opposite of what it used to be 20 years ago.

yeah, but there is a major difference. You can always not have air conditioning, or simply have a window unit for your bedroom for when you sleep. Whereas in the north, we have to heat our homes otherwise pipes, and people, freeze. 

The excessive heat isn't going to cause major damage to your home, so air conditioning is more of a creature comfort rather than necessity as heating is in the north. Obviously with exceptions if you live in extremely hot areas like Arizona or other desert climates.

129 Statistically,Wall Street hobos have a significantly higher precious metals content in their molars.  And their pelts are silkier.

130 Posted by: Ginormous Weiner at April 20, 2011 10:20 AM (Q5+Og)

I don't know how they do it. I have a friend who is with SLED, I'll have to ask him.

As for bar tenders having known people in that buisness for almost my entire adult life there are a number of ways. In CA they used to break the necks on the liquor bottles and you had to save them for auditors. The number of drinks rang up had to balance against the number of bottles less a small amount for "spillage".

Here they used to use the min-bottles but now that those have gone the way of the dodo they depend on "honesty" as far as I can tell for tax purposes.

But the large bars where the owner is concerned about skimming by the bartenders they actually weigh the bottles before and after.

131 JackStraw you seem to think that they are thinking beyond 2 years from now. So maybe a hit of 1500% inflation for a year. Just one hit, man. And, then there is the question of what you mean by "worked." There are plenty of places that have had massive inflation/devaluation and they still exist. I am not saying we aren't going to take a boning. I am saying that the inflation is part of the boning. It is only "cost-free" for the politicians. For the rest of us, not so much. This will not be over quickly. You will not enjoy it.

132

"I had this explained to me yesterday by two mature people and they do have a point.  they said "we don't want to have to vote for BO but if he is the only one offering us protection then we have to think about ourselves, we may have no choice". "

 

The brillance of JEF. Make everyone a pauper and then count the votes. Like I said, America is a dead string of dependent ghettos. Start looking for a revolution or another country. This one cannot sustain itself. My question is do I want my son to be a tax slave for all the needy ghettos?

133 Technically, it would be "Eine kleine Untergangmusik". /grammar nazi

134 Whereas in the north, we have to heat our homes otherwise pipes, and people, freeze.

You forget that we use heat pumps for both heating and cooling so yes, we have the same problem in the Winter.

135

Whereas in the north, we have to heat our homes otherwise pipes, and people, freeze.

You forget that we use heat pumps for both heating and cooling so yes, we have the same problem in the Winter.

it gets cold enough in the south for pipes to freeze?

136 Monty, I truly believe that the boomers will eventually reap what they have sown. A huge chunk of them lived for nothing but themselves their entire lives, and a disproportionate number of their Echo Boomer children internalized this lifestyle. If the situation becomes selfish Boomers get to retire comfortably at the expense of selfish Echo Boomers' comfort and standard of living, we are going to see euthanasia and Soylent Green-style schemes become a lot more popular.

137 I felt very bad for them yesterday. Three stars out of five for concern-trolling. I docked you a star for not having a situation where Granny had to eat Friskies while bundling up in three sweaters because her evil GOP landlord shut off her heat. We are broke. We're out of money. Stony. Busted. Down-at-heels. Skint. It might be nice to shovel money at Grandma and Grandpa so they can live their sunset years in the comfort and convenience they have become accustomed to, but we can't do it because we don't have the money. You're going to have to explain why stealing money from kids (and their future kids) to pay off Granny and Grampy is a moral solution to the problem.

138

"it gets cold enough in the south for pipes to freeze?"

 

When it gets real cold in the south we just burn black churches to keep warm.

139

it gets cold enough in the south for pipes to freeze?

Posted by: Ben at April 20, 2011 10:31 AM (wuv1c)

Oh yes.

140 >>And, then there is the question of what you mean by "worked." There are plenty of places that have had massive inflation/devaluation and they still exist. And none of those places was the USA. I posted up thread a warning shot across the bow that was issued by China, aka our bank, warning us about handling our financial issues responsibly. Massive inflation is the exact opposite of what they mean by responsible. If we massively devalue their current investment do you think they are going to be more or less likely to purchase new debt? Massive inflation works as an exercise, in the real world, not so much.

141 Dude we are so Barter Town now. Assless chaps for everyone.

142 Generation X, Y and whatnot calling the boomers greedy is a sure fire pot/kettle color issue.

143 it gets cold enough in the south for pipes to freeze? Oh hells yeah. One of the coldest nights I ever lived through was an overnight Army bivouac near Columbus, GA at the Fort Benning School for Boys. Froze my balls off -- it got down into the high teens that night. And Challenger exploded back in 1986 because the O-rings on the SRBs were brittle from the cold -- there had been a hard freeze on the Florida cape the night before.

144 Relax, everyone.  All is well!  The DOW is up 185 points.

*sarc*

145 Technically, it would be "Eine kleine Untergangmusik".
/grammar nazi

ISWYDT

146

"it gets cold enough in the south for pipes to freeze?"

 

Yep. Sub-freezing temps for several days straight last winter here in West Texas. 100 degrees yesterday with shit on fire everywhere. Crazy.

147 Massive inflation works as an exercise, in the real world, not so much.

Posted by: JackStraw at April 20, 2011 10:34 AM (TMB3S)

Massive inflation works in socialist countries with a logarithmic income tax scale. That is why Dems love both.

148 Food is the second biggest line item in our budget, after our rent. What would come in higher?

My highest bill is my taxes.  The government takes more money out of my check than I spend on my house payment, car payments (actually don't have any right now), food, electric, gasoline.

What exactly do I get in return?  I put my kids in private school because the public schools waste too much time on kids that don't speak English.  Our roads are completely riddled with potholes.  Trash lines the freeways everywhere you go.  Oregon spends most of its budget on health-care that I'm not even eligible for because I make too much money.

149 huh, you learn something new everyday

150 Pipes freeze?

The average low here for last Dec was 26.9, Jan was 28.9.  That was the average for the entire month.

151 JackStraw, not saying it is a good thing, saying it is the only option - because our political class does not have the guts to do what needs to be done. Which is a reflection of the electorate. Think about it, the Ryan plan is considered either brave or EXTREME depending on your political bent, and it doesn't even come close to what needs to be done. Yes, we are well and truly boned.

152 Check out my UPDATE 6 note above. DOOM! Though I did like the "pension plan with an Army" bit. That pretty much sums it up.

153

"What exactly do I get in return?  I put my kids in private school because the public schools waste too much time on kids that don't speak English.  Our roads are completely riddled with potholes.  Trash lines the freeways everywhere you go.  Oregon spends most of its budget on health-care that I'm not even eligible for because I make too much money."

 

OR sucks. And then it rains.

154
well, Newt is definitely running in 2012

I'll say this about Newt: He doesn't come to the table empty handed.

The man does have bold ideas and he can articulate a plan. Yeah, he has a few negatives, too. But Newt provides something vital we need to defeat Obama: stark differences to the failed Obama policies.

Is he full of shit? Yeah, no, maybe, I dunno.

155 Monty, that is a Washington Post/ABC news poll. 99% probability of extreme BS.

156 Hey Monty!

J.E. Dyer says you are full of shit:

But this factor isnÂ’t my main reason for disagreement.  It does, however, highlight the basis for my rejection of the widespread, pessimistic conclusion that, basically, weÂ’re doomed.

157

Yep. Sub-freezing temps for several days straight last winter here in West Texas. 100 degrees yesterday with shit on fire everywhere. Crazy.

Where are you? My mom is outside of Fort Davis and hasn't seen the sun lately due to all the smoke.

158

"it gets cold enough in the south for pipes to freeze?"

Yes, and the pipes are usually buried shallower than up north which means it doesn't have to get as cold before they freeze.

159 Just give the unemployed a SUPERHERO CAPE!  That will make everything better.

See silly story over at HA or AP.

160 Pie: got one in the oven.

Pawn shops: hubby found a Washington quarter @ a pawn shop in Iowa. Paid 9$ for it. Sold it for 1000$. GREAT places to buy coins, if you're numismatically-knowledgeable.

Heat: Yeah, almost May and still burning wood to stay warm. Soon it will be winter again. Doomed.

161 The man does have bold ideas and he can articulate a plan.

He also has some time on the (casting) couch with Pelosi. Next.

162

Tom lives in a huge leftwing mansion. Tom pays to eat ass, and he likes it.

 

163 Is he full of shit? Yeah, no, maybe, I dunno.

Posted by: Soothsayer 6 of 8 at April 20, 2011 10:43 AM (uFokq)

Newt is for Newt. He has no morals, he has no ideology. He is dead politically. All his opponent has do do is show that picture of him on the couch with Pelosi supporting the AGW scam.

I would support Romney or Huck before I supported him. Which basically means NEVER.

164

I am praying that Corsi's new book finishes I WON. (see: Drudge)


I would be the most happy Moron.

If it comes out with something legitimate and ground breaking great, if not then we need to get over the BC thing.

If we go into 2012 and Obama's Birth Certificate is our number one issue, we're toast.

165 Newt had to bow down to the corn-kings re: ethanol. That plus his couch-sitting w/Nanny took him off my list.

I really didn't give a rip about his divorces. We're waaay past worrying about folks' marital woes.

166 All you idiots complaining about high heating bills...Live with it or go to green power to save money. Also you could move south. Why do I have to solve all these problems people...Are all of you that stupid...I have more important things to do !@!!!!!!!!!!

167 >>Think about it, the Ryan plan is considered either brave or EXTREME depending on your political bent, and it doesn't even come close to what needs to be done. Most people don't even have a grasp of how bad the problem really is. We don't have a 14 trillion dollar debt, we have a debt many times that size. If everyone really understood this there would already be panic in the streets. As I've been saying for a while, this is going to be a very interesting summer. We are meekly going where no man has gone before.

168 The new tone continues: Obama’s Secretary of Agriculture, former governor of Iowa Tom Vilsack, tells Democrats that if his wife runs for office, it will be “holy war.”

I knew about this story because Mrs. Jihad's race was presaged by them buying a house in my town.

Not that ol' Tom hasn't been a royal ass by himself...no, he has to bring in Mrs. Royal Ass because nobody will vote for him.

Actually, I don't know why she'd even try.  Peter King is pretty entrenched and the only hope she has of winning the seat is winning Ames which is not liberal enough to overcome the rest of the district.  At least, from what I could tell from the map of the new districts.  Maybe political insiders have more insight.

169 Check out my UPDATE 6 note above. DOOM!

Though I did like the "pension plan with an Army" bit. That pretty much sums it up.

Posted by: Monty at April 20, 2011 10:41 AM (4Pleu)

I dunno....a WP/ABC poll of:

This Washington Post-ABC News poll was conducted by telephone April 14-17, 2011, among a random national sample of 1,001 adults, including users of both conventional and cellular phones. 

I can't find an R/D breakdown.

170

It's OK for leftwingers to be rich. Anyone on the "right, or middle" is not allowed.

 

171 Don't buy into the cape hoax.  It's the mark of the hobo. 

You've been forewarned. 

172
well, you'll have your chance to choose between Romney, Newt, and Pawlenty, because by this time next year, those three will be all that's left in race.

173 San Angelo. Yeah, Ft. Davis is rough. I believe nearly a quarter million acres have burned around there. One of our firefighters drove down to evacuate his parents the other day.

174 Obama administration officials (privately) tried to keep S&P rating at ‘stable’

 

God what a bunch of loosers. If your gonna go all soviet on a country, you really need to bone up on the intimidation thingy. Another reason to hate Ivy Leaguers. They really believe their beliefs but are total fairies when its time to implement them. Its all sweetness, skittles and unicorns in Harvard. No one asked who you have to kill for those things.

175 Posted by: curious at April 20, 2011 10:21 AM (k1rwm) You have a very long road ahead of you.

176 139 Technically, it would be "Eine kleine Untergangmusik".

What does this mean???!!111!???

177

With the rise in food prices and uncertainty about inflation, I am in the process of turning my suburban backyard over to all raised bed gardens. It's been a steep learning curve, even with all the help available from the internet, but it's getting there. I've learned the value of bird nets and shade cloth, and keeping pests at bay.

I purchased a food dehydrator that will see some heavy use as the growing season goes on. Seemed easier than canning, at least for this novice.

Funny how much work it is for even a modest enterprise. When I get unsettled by any news about food shortages, I turn that into another hour of work on my new "hobby".

 

178 I really didn't give a rip about his divorces.

I don't care about the divorces so much as the lying and cheating. I have said it many time for my criteria on supporting a candidate.

1) How much does his political philosophy match mine? and 2) How trustworthy is he to actually maintain that philosophy?

All the "mouth support" in the world is worthless if you can't trust him to actually govern in that style. If he lies and cheats on his wife when she is in the hospital with cancer he will lie and cheat on you in office.

179 We will go under for sure. Totally inevitable. The stupid and clueless have the majority of votes, and will vote out any pols that reduce or take away their bennies. When it comes to free meds, free healthcare, and a monthly check for the rest of your life, fifty- one percent will act just like the selfish morons they are, and vote it their way. Democracy is our doom.

180 What does this mean???!!111!???

A little doom-music.

181 128 Often they are talking to the private sector folks.  These folks don't have the kind of pensions that the union folks have.  Of course they are leery.  They see the pensions and benefits of the union folks being vociferously protected and then they see their assets ups for grabs at the vagaries of the market...

People are acting like that money is still there despite being told that these programs are going bankrupt. It seems there is a feeling that bankruptcy can be prevented if only the rich pay more in taxes, which I understand they'd like to believe it but the amount simply cannot be covered. Unsurprisingly, then, the government failed to keep the promise that the money would be there for them, so any security they feel is false. When the automatic cuts to Social Security kick-in and IPAB becomes stricter in rationing Medicare, it's going to hurt.

A premium support system is also not a voucher, regardless of the claims. For example, premium support means that Medicare would offer a number of plans and you get to choose one, whereas a voucher would allow you to shop for whichever plan you wish. So I could understand some leeriness about the potential for a poorly-designed voucher system but they're not receiving vouchers.

182 Oh, and PAWLENTY!!

183 Do any of the seniors or near seniors even understand Ryan's plan preservers their benefits as is and only puts in changes for folks coming into the system 5 or 10 years down the road? Thats why its so slow in bringing down the deficit. tellwitthem --let the marxists crash things and then they can try begging to their broke unemployed offspring when they are 75.

184

We've had snow both winters we've been in Louisiana (NW LA, so don't know how it is further south).

Sort of south-ish Texas only had snow once in four years. We'd finally lose all the leaves off the trees by New Year's and then everything would start blooming again in mid-February.

Our electric bill went way down when we moved, due to better rates, but the water bill went way up, even though we almost never have to water the lawn here vs. having a sprinkler system we used daily much of the year. We had a secondary water line for that. Very cheap, not so clean water. But hey, no damage to appliances here from excess calcuim and other crap, so there's that.

185 J.E. Dyer says you are full of shit We shall see, won't we?

186 well, you'll have your chance to choose between Romney, Newt, and Pawlenty, because by this time next year, those three will be all that's left in race

I stood in line in the rain to vote for asshole McCain last time. If that is all that is left I'll sit it out this time. McCain was my last time voting for the lesser of the evils.

If the Republican Party can't fix its primary rules to give conservatives a chance I will abandon them forever.

187 Okay morons- off topic.  We just sectioned off our back yard (it's not very big) so the dog will have a place to crap and the kids will still have a place to play.  In that play area, we want to put a small-ish planter (say, 2 - 3 feet x 4 feet or so) to home grow some veggies/herbs.  I live in Texas, and (since we don't have it yet) the planter can either be placed for Full or Partial Sun.  Do any of the home-growing morons have suggestions for what I should grow?

Arugula

188
You guys hear Obama's remark about the bridge collapse in MN?

Outrageous. It follows the same template as 'the Republicans are gonna kill grandma.'

189 Amerikadämmerung.

190 Q:  Why did the senators go to China?

A:  Good question.

191

Barry has counted on this from the very beginning of his campaigning for president.  He has benefitted from it and the left has benefitted from it.  He is counting on it now, he is benefitting from it now and it comes to the detriment of this country.

192

Okay, seriously folks.  You've got to read this piece over at Big Hollywood.   It's by Frank DeMartini, one of the producers for The Expendables, and it describes the ridiculous fight he's had ongoing for over a year with the Screen Actors Guild in regards to regaining his production company's SAG bond from the film.  The bond is a lot like a security deposit on an apartment, only it tends to number in the thousands and millions and is even harder to get back than a refund check from a slumlord.  SAG might not be the AFL-CIO or the SEIU, but they're just as corrupt.

Oh, and while you're at it, read the story at the link that's embedded in the article.  It's entitled "The Strange Tale of Peter Borg," and it details an even MORE insane SAG story.  It boggles the mind.  In fact, "boggle" is not even strong enough.  It's more like a bad acid trip.

193 You know you're boned when these guys get around to mocking you .

194 I can't find an R/D breakdown. Oh, I'm sure that poll isn't all that far off. Any attempts to touch SS/Medicare/Medicaid will send about 80% of their beneficiaries screaming into the streets, regardless of party affiliation. I'm entirely confident that between 65-75% of the population will never accept entitlement cuts unless forced to by circumstances. This is why I keep saying that relying on the political process to solve this problem is a fool's dream. The political process is, to a large degree, what caused this mess. This disaster won't be real to us until the national cedit-card is revoked -- i.e., the bond-vigilantes tell us to either pay up or 'fess up to our brokeness and default.

195 It follows the same template as 'the Republicans are gonna kill grandma.'

I've been golfing and partying for two years. Time to get back on the campaign trail!

_{(exercising duties and responsibilities of the executive? WTF is that?)}

196

#163

By his own terms Dyer is wrong.  He assumes entitlement reform is "indispensable."  But nothing suggests people are smart enough to get that.  The MBM is not going to do anything to educate them, if that is even possible.  So we'll run off the truly wealthy, stick it to the middle class, and go the route of Greece sooner than later.  But there is no EU to bail us out.   

 

197

So that Corsi Birther book is all about what documents are "missing"? Why do I think that it will consist of 20 pages worth of facts and 200 pages of scandalous speculation?

Of course he could be building to a legitimately huge expose, but how often does that happen?

198

"I'm certainly not going to trash two entire generations, but the majority of voting X and Y are Dems and swept Toonces into office. I have to assume that many of them are quite sympathetic to his predilection for blaming anything and everything on someone else. Just sayin'... "

 

It worked that way in the late 70s with Carter and then they had a learning opportunity. It is just a matter of their hubris battling reality. Sooner or later reality wins. Seeing a whole lot less OBAMA 08 bumper stickers these days. Also seeing a whole lot less certainty from the true believers. Outside of the union thugs and racists of Demoland not so much vocal support. All it will take now is one moment of non-deniable stupidity on JEFs part to close this book. Could be a statement or an omission of basic presendentin to do it. It will come. Hubris always takes it in the ass. Kind of a Greek tragedy thingy going here. Is Moochelle JEF's mother? That might explain the BC thing.

199
"According to the Republican budget that was passed, for example, we would have to eliminate transportation funding by a third, [...] you remember when that bridge in Minnesota collapsed with all those people on it"
--President Barack Hussein David Dinkins

200 J.E. Dyer says you are full of shit

We shall see, won't we?

Posted by: Monty at April 20, 2011 10:55 AM (4Pleu)

That's it? Awww....Conservatives are too nice.

201

San Angelo. Yeah, Ft. Davis is rough.

Oh, I've heard nice things about San Angelo. I lived in Del Rio and knew people who went there for medical stuff on occasion.

Good luck with that whole "breathing" stuff...

202
It gets worse...

"We donÂ’t even have a serious high-speed rail infrastructure in this country," Obama continued.

He really said that.


"Our broadband lines are slower than places like South Korea. Well, so what, we cut transportation by another third, and whatÂ’s going to happen to America? WeÂ’re just going to have potholes everywhere? WeÂ’re just going to have bridges collapsing everywhere?"

See? Republicans want to KILL YOU.

203 If he lies and cheats on his wife when she is in the hospital with cancer he will lie and cheat on you in office.""

Eh, and this is new, how?

I actually liked Newt before the Nancy-on-the-couch thing and the Ethanol-suck-up was the last straw for Newt and moi.

204 Did you guys know that Barron's calls Monty's work a dire prophecy?

I've been waiting for someone to mock that ad.  Did anyone *not* predict the collapses of GM, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac?

205 I was just thinking about the gold bubble when it hit $1500. When that bubble  bursts, a lot of bodies will be leaping out of tall buildings without benefit of tights or cape.

About the AP pushing the stat about how 40% of folks don't pay taxes;
1) they're ginning folks up for the class warfare propaganda coming about how people aren't paying 'they're fair share'. (a fair share of getting screwed)
2) this has all been an exercise in seizing more and more money from taxpayers. Create problems by spending too much and then claim the only way to fix it is more taxes. (i've seen this movie a lot in 50 years.)
3) they neglect to mention that when PEOPLE DON'T MAKE ENOUGH MONEY, THEY DON'T PAY TAXES EITHER.
Side note, just as a reminder for all those who favor increased corporate taxes? Unless some really draconian rules are enacted, you can NEVER get a corporation to pay taxes. Why you ask?
BECAUSE THEY PASS ALONG THE TAX AMOUNT TO THEIR CUSTOMERS --- THAT MEANS YOU! So anyone who promotes corporations paying more taxes is just voting for more taxes on themselves.

Snork, snork you said anals. Oh, wait, ANNALS. It's all the same to me.

When you're circling the bowl waiting for the final plunge, it all looks like (and feels like) anal.

Bend over,
grab your ankles
spread your cheeks
and smile!

206

At least Dyer suggests selling off federal land.  Which should be happening now.  Instead the feds are trying to take over the rest of the West. 

There is an obvious path to recovery and every plank of it is opposed by the Left.  You'd almost think it was really a philosophy of destroying the US cloaked as something else.  As if a bunch of Communists became environmentalists and progressives after 1989. 

   

207

 In that play area, we want to put a small-ish planter

Soccer balls and other flying toys and kids are really bad for plants. Trust me on this one...

 

208
1. We already have potholes everywhere.
2. Who gives a shit about broadband and South Korea? I don't.

209 >>This disaster won't be real to us until the national cedit-card is revoked -- i.e., the bond-vigilantes tell us to either pay up or 'fess up to our brokeness and default. A preview of our fate is currently playing out in Greece. They refused to reign in their welfare state and are now reaping the whirlwind. Barry is playing a very dangerous game by indicating that all this can be fixed if the rich will just cough up their fair share. I think he knows exactly what he's doing. Cloward Piven coming soon to a country near you.

210 New DCCC ad: Grandpa will have to strip to pay for his Medicare

They are running this ad in currently R-held swing districts with elderly populations.

211 S&P just downgraded Hobo Kitteh's credit rating

212 I don't care, I want my benefits even if it screws my children. Too bad little kiddies you lose. But don't worry you must pray for Hope and Change. Welcome to my America you little pricks, now get back to work so I can have SS and Medicare !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

213

 FAG might not be the AFL-CIO or the SEIU, but they're just as corrupt.

 

_fixed.

214 "We donÂ’t even have a serious high-speed rail infrastructure in this country," Obama continued.

So move to somewhere that does, if it's so important to you. I'll pay for your air fare, Barky, you fucking cocksucker. Economy. One way. May the door hit your skinny worthless ass like Mjolnir as you leave.

215

I'm not familiar with Texas weather, but Tomatoes seems to grow well everywhere.

I suggest Early Girl if you want to be eating tomatoes by july. Also Grape and Cherry tomato plants produce like crazy for long periods of time. Just be sure to keep them well watered as Tomato plants need lots of water. 

 

Posted by: Ben at April 20, 2011 09:48 AM (wuv1c)

Yep tomatoes are the way to go .  Or you could plant a strawberry patch.  They are super easy to maintain, but they usually don't produce many strawberries the first year.

Added bonus @ strawberries: there was just a huge scientific breakthrough in the cancer arena.  They found strawberry powder (homegrown strawberries dehydrated) fought cancer of the throat, etc!

216

. We already have potholes everywhere.
2. Who gives a shit about broadband and South Korea? I don't.

also, unless i am mistaken, the federal government only fixes interstate highways. So if you have potholes in your state, it's your states problems(or city, county, etc)

217

"Our broadband lines are slower than places like South Korea."

<faints in horror>

 

218

You can bet this was a Tea Party idea.   

219 Okay morons- off topic. We just sectioned off our back yard (it's not very big) so the dog will have a place to crap and the kids will still have a place to play. In that play area, we want to put a small-ish planter (say, 2 - 3 feet x 4 feet or so) to home grow some veggies/herbs. I live in Texas, and (since we don't have it yet) the planter can either be placed for Full or Partial Sun. Do any of the home-growing morons have suggestions for what I should grow? Potatoes. Heap the dirt up high. Taters give a lot of food per square foot and kids have fun digging them out of the dirt. Go light on water or they will rot. Make the soil slightly sandy.

220 224 "We donÂ’t even have a serious high-speed rail infrastructure in this country," Obama continued.

Sparky the railroad man. Funny. What a toon.

221

Yep tomatoes are the way to go .  Or you could plant a strawberry patch.  They are super easy to maintain, but they usually don't produce many strawberries the first year.

yeah but you have to be careful, they are invasive. If you don't trim them back they'll spread everywhere. Same with mint and spearmint.

222 I come for the DOOM, but I stay for the kitteh pics.

223 Should I unload it now or let it ride? I wouldn't presume to advise you on that score; you have to look at your own situation. I unloaded some gold at $1400/oz last fall when I needed some work done on the house and haven't regretted it. I got into gold cheap, so it's all free money to me at this point. I keep enough on hand to provide for a SHTF situation, but I'm not into keeping a huge dragon-hoard of gold. Frankly, I prefer a nice balanced portfolio of moderate to high-growth mutual funds for my retirement. That's my long-term savings plan. My gold and silver are hedges against the Apocalypse, not a savings strategy.

224 Rumor: China To Revalue Yuan 10% This Weekend?

This is from the Market-Ticker . org website.

225 Taters give a lot of food per square foot and kids have fun digging them out of the dirt.

if i remember correctly, in terms of calories per space needed to plant, Rice is the best, but I don't think you can grow rice in texas

226
"We don't even have decent gulags like the Soviets did in the '70's"
--Barack Hussein Oshithead

227 Our broadband is slower than South Korea's? By what measure? My Time Warner Digital works at about the speed of light. How much faster is it in Seoul?

228

80% of the people in this country have come to believe that free shit is free.

Amazingly, that sentence translated into Chinese and then translated back reads:

80% of the people in this country are idiots.

229 191 Do any of the seniors or near seniors even understand Ryan's plan preservers their benefits as is and only puts in changes for folks coming into the system 5 or 10 years down the road? Thats why its so slow in bringing down the deficit.

I don't think so. In fact, a citizen was asking what to do because he's taking-care of his 95yo mother and he's worried the money won't be there for he. She'd be 106yo by the time the changes are 100% phased-in, but the difficulty is that some are having emotional responses instead of listening to how the plan actually works. That's one of the many reasons why touching the 3rd rail is so incredibly dangerous. 

230
"You can't even find a decent dog-food restaurant in the United States like you'd find all over North Korea."

231 Since I live in Ohio we get the cold winters (not as much snow) and the hot summers. 

We go from $300 gas bills to $300 electric bills yee-haw.

Plus, how are you guys not noticing food inflation?  Unless it started in Ohio

I buy the same stuff every time.  We usually don't variate much.  Two months ago our bill went from $200/every 2 weeks to $275.  Plus the packages were all smaller (pasta, cereal, etc)

We stopped going to Wal Mart because the non-food items we usually bought once a month went up $58!

Nope, we are an Aldi and Only $1.00 Store shoppers now.

@ pawn shops:  We have them everywhere in Ohio.

232

My strawberries are almost ripe already. Got blackberries that will be ripe soon. Assuming they aren't eaten by critters first. Last year my husband planted a bunch of stuff and it either got eaten by birds and rabbits or died off with some crap that caused white spots on all the leaves.

 

233

The Left will be the first ones out front attacking high-speed rail when the environmental impact becomes clear.  Like windmills, they will be their own worst enemy. 

234 I used to love the Untergang comedies when I was a kid especially the dog with the one black eye and the one white eye. What was the black kid's name again? I think he was Bavarian.

235 Taters give a lot of food per square foot and kids have fun digging them out of the dirt.




The grow awesomely in hay bails.

236

Via Zerohedge a Martenson post from yesterday details woe:

IMF notes sovereign rollovers required next 12 months exceed 1/4 of combined GDP.

Bank re-capitalization due in coming 24 months is $3.6 Trillion.

Volume of long-term bond purchases worldwide is shrinking while short-term ballooning, indicating increased rollover volume to come.

Greece is paying >19% on 2-year notes, >4% on 13 week notes and should default by May Day, perhaps this weekend.  Queued are Ireland and Portugal.

Spain is pinning its hopes on Chinese altruism for direct help.

China's homeprices fell 21% last month, transactions nearly 50%.  Look for near-term bank failures, then a 'correction' to global commodity prices.

Their official inflation index is 5.5%(having recently incorporated a housing component less than half our enlightened 40%).

Meanwhile margin on NYSE is now second only to all-time high in 2007, before the 'trouble'.

237 They are running this ad in currently R-held swing districts with elderly populations. And I predict that the ads will prove very effective. Pop-pop and Grammy will ruthlessly punish any pol who dares to lay a finger on the Holy Trinity of Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security -- mark my words. I don't care how they vote on other topics; on the big welfare-state programs, they are very nearly unanimous. It may bankrupt us, but they're hoping that they will have gone on to their rewards by then, so who cares? Look, it doesn't make me happy to say this, but when even a minimal, tentative, barely-there plan like Congressman Ryan's plan scares the shit out of the rocker-jockies, nothing substantial is ever going to get passed. Count on it. It will just have to collapse of its own accord -- which leaves us holding the bag for the aftermath, I guess, but such is life. At least Grandma and Grandpa won't have to pay full price for their blood-pressure medication.

238 216 At least Dyer suggests selling off federal land.  Which should be happening now.  Instead the feds are trying to take over the rest of the West.

The Republican plan actually calls for selling 10% of federal land, though I'm not sure why they can't sell more.

239

if i remember correctly, in terms of calories per space needed to plant, Rice is the best, but I don't think you can grow rice in texas

Not in a planter, you can't.

240

Our broadband is slower than South Korea's? By what measure?

The US is much, much bigger, so OF COURSE it takes longer for bits to make it through the tubes.

Duh.

241 My strawberries are almost ripe already. Got blackberries that will be ripe soon. Assuming they aren't eaten by critters first. Last year my husband planted a bunch of stuff and it either got eaten by birds and rabbits or died off with some crap that caused white spots on all the leaves.



Sprinkle pepper and garlic around your garden, tie disks or pie pans to sticks and place on in every corner and then in the middle.

242

"We go from $300 gas bills to $300 electric bills yee-haw."

Wait till you go green. Yee Haw!

243 so the dog will have a place to crap and the kids will still have a place to play.

It's also good that they kids can use the dried crap to play catch with.

244

The Republican plan actually calls for selling 10% of federal land, though I'm not sure why they can't sell more.

Mostly because the land is not deeded to them.

245 At least Dyer suggests selling off federal land.  Which should be happening now.  Instead the feds are trying to take over the rest of the West.
The Republican plan actually calls for selling 10% of federal land, though I'm not sure why they can't sell more.


Nope.  I posted something last week where Obama wants to buy MORE land.

246 BTW, shouldn't the tag by4wu be assigned to a Chinese spammer?

247 256 Nope.  I posted something last week where Obama wants to buy MORE land.

Great, another issue over which they can haggle without result.

248 Feax Behar just said that in her act, she never makes fun of Blacks, just Italians and Catholics because that's what she is.
I've never heard her joke on liberals, she just rags on conservatives --

I guess that means she are one?

249
speaking of buying land...remember this?

January, 2010, the Democrats approve the purchase of a $50M plantation on the island of St Croix.

250 Any attempts to touch SS/Medicare/Medicaid will send about 80% of their beneficiaries screaming into the streets, regardless of party affiliation.

I would join that group for the simple reason that you allude to in the next paragraphs. There have been two "fixes" previously to get money into the system to get past the babyboomer hump. Guess who paid those increased withholding taxes to and had increased age to retirement? Yes the babyboomers did.

But with both fixes the mostly Dem poll simply spent the extra money. Based on what we have seen even wih the Republicans in the House NOTHING has changed. They are still not going to agree to cut any of the socialist programs.

Any "fixes" they put in place now will be simply spent again so Peggy Joseph can have gas in her tank and money in her rent.

Piss on them it is going to collapse anyway.

251 249 216 At least Dyer suggests selling off federal land.  Which should be happening now.  Instead the feds are trying to take over the rest of the West.

The Republican plan actually calls for selling 10% of federal land, though I'm not sure why they can't sell more.

 

I'm pretty sure the Dems will let you sell the land if the money goes to high speed rail and windmills and solar panels. They will also prohibit any positive use of the land sold through their environmental assessments. Big payday for unions and lawyers.

252 There's no comparison between other countries' rail systems and the U.S., and that's a good thing. I'd love to see the Libs propose putting high-speed rail where it might actually be comparable and practical, like straight shots at 300 mph from LA to Dallas to Chicago to Miami to NYC. How many treasured "wetlands" and precious ecosystems would that disrupt? Not to mention the fact that flying would still be faster and cheaper.

253

For example (speaking of pizza), some of the Delissio pizzas I've bought no longer have the little cardboard plate included with the pizza in the shrink wrap.

Freegans, Ace and Hobos hardest hit.

254 taters, tomatoes, squash.  we have found those to give massive yeilds, generally more than we can eat and the neighbors get some.  except now we have a dehydrator and vacuum sealer, so this year the neighbors are boned.

255

yeah but you have to be careful, they are invasive. If you don't trim them back they'll spread everywhere. Same with mint and spearmint.

Posted by: Ben at April 20, 2011 11:10 AM (wuv1c)

I know.  They took over my vine patch this winter.  Now I'm trying to talk hubby into being willing to let me plant them around (vines) trees and he'll just have to mow around them.

256
the bill never went to the Senate, btw

which is nice, but if it did, we probably would've won the Senate in 2010

257 The grow awesomely in hay bails. Posted by: momma at April 20, 2011 11:15 AM (penCf) Cool. Thanks for the tip.

258

Hey, Monty, here's something that might be fun for you to write about: highlighting the regional differences in economies.

For instance, curious mentioned knowing someone who lost a job in a small bank and doesn't know if he'll ever find a similar bank job.

In just half of the small city I live in, I've seen 3 new banks being built in the last six months.

And you don't want to know how rosy the housing market is here.

259 Someone needs to buy the USDX a clapper .

260

54 It's a difference in perspective. Inflation is a highly regressive tax on the poor, actually. $4 gas is an inconvenience for me, but it can be a catastrophe to someone who only pulls down $15K per year. It means that they can't afford to ever fill the tank. It means they can only afford to drive to and from work -- no weekend trips to the country, no driving down to see grandma at the home a couple of towns away, scrimping on groceries to afford gas, etc.

This is all part of Obamunism, remember during the campaign in 2008 when he said gas prices would necessarily skyrocket?  It FORCES the little people out of their cars and back onto their feet or their bicycles.  Here in the midwest I saw people riding their bikes all winter long, even through snow.  (I'm not talking about bicycle messengers either, just people trying to get around).

All the things I remember hearing about the Soviet Union back in the 1960's, I'm starting to see here.  Right now, the big difference in the USA is that about 35% of personal incomes in this country are transfer payments from the govt to individuals, and individuals can then go into any store and "buy" the same stuff as anybody else.

Just wait till our "betters" get their own stores, where the good stuff is sold.  Good times....

261 270

Hey, Monty, here's something that might be fun for you to write about: highlighting the regional differences in economies.

I heard a blurb on the radio a few days ago stating that half of all the private sector jobs generated last year were generated from Texas. 

262

"264 For example (speaking of pizza), some of the Delissio pizzas I've bought no longer have the little cardboard plate included with the pizza in the shrink wrap."

 

I just noticed that Payday candy bars no longer come packaged with the cardboard sleeve to prevent caramel sticking to the plastic. Just plastic now. Still a good eat, you just have to peal it like a banana.  

263 Obama push to double conservation spending draws criticsPresident Obama says heÂ’s constantly telling his two daughters to turn off the television, stop using Skype and go outside. He wants to get more American kids off the couch and out the door, reconnecting with the world and its natural beauty.

And he wants to make it easier for Americans to use parks and public lands, saying that too many “can go days without stepping on a single blade of grass.”

Toward that end, the president wants Congress to double spending — to $900 million next year — on a conservation fund that’s used to buy more property for the federal government. Currently, the government owns 635 million acres, or roughly three out of every 10 acres, with the largest chunk in Alaska.

264 Don't worry momma . There will be plenty of grass at the camps .

265 248 And I predict that the ads will prove very effective. Pop-pop and Grammy will ruthlessly punish any pol who dares to lay a finger on the Holy Trinity of Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security -- mark my words....

One would hope that, at some point, they would care more about the future of their kids and grand-kids. But it's hard to say that some of them actually do. A number of people in my generation are already disgusted with the Boomers and this only serves to promote inter-generational warfare. It's a shameful reality.

266 The grow awesomely in hay bails.
Posted by: momma at April 20, 2011 11:15 AM (penCf)

Cool. Thanks for the tip.

Posted by: eman: Japanese Babe Rescue Team at April 20, 2011 11:21 AM (4MkV+)

Around here they grow strawberries, tomatoes, vines, potatoes in bales

267

Update #6 says it all. Ryan, Paul, Palin and Bachmann can talk until they are blue in the face. The peeps, like the elites, are resisting the message. Absent a dramatic shock to the system that scares but does not finally destroy, its over... its all over.

Every DOOM thread should be followed by a "How I am protecting my assets and my family from the coming CATACLYSM" thread. And a "Suggestions on Where to Move" thread.

268 Maybe a dumb question, but do you add soil/fertilizer to the bales? We had a moderately successful vegetable garden last year, but digging in the red Carolina clay is back-breaking work for a handful of tomatoes.  

269

I heard a blurb on the radio a few days ago stating that half of all the private sector jobs generated last year were generated from Texas. 

Almost makes you think there is something they do differently there...

Nah.

Not sure if there are policies that are helping my area. Lots of people moved here after Katrina and the Air Force base has had a big expansion.

270

#274

Another one of those economy-killing deficit-growing moves which slips by most people in part due to the sheer volume coming out of the administration.  I heard it and just gave it my usual "Of course, but not again..." 

 

271 We had a moderately successful vegetable garden last year, but digging in the red Carolina clay is back-breaking work for a handful of tomatoes.

Grow tomatoes in planters. That helps with keeping the weeds down, but not the birds.

272 Our broadband lines are slower than places like South Korea.   Most places have broadband lines that are slower than South Korea.  I would argue that's because South Korea only recently started to come into its own industrially, so it hit modernity at the same time as the internet took off.  It also has a population of around 50 million packed into a country about the size of Portugal, making it the 23rd most densely populated country in the world (the United States is #179).  So that's a lot of people packed into a small area in a country that came of technological age at the same time as the internet.    We have areas here in NH -- generally up north and in very rural sections -- where folks are still hampered by dial-up.  But it's not up to the government to tell companies they have to install broadband access; that should be up to the individual businesses.  But I preach to the choir.

273 Could it be that Glencore's IPO coming up has anything to do with the gold price being so high? They are a (perhaps the) major trader and miner of gold.

They have a huge IPO coming out in early May. The higher the gold price, the higher the IPO price will be. The higher the IPO price, the more money felon Marc Rich, his pardoner Bill Clinton and others will make.

Best of all it is being done in Switzerland where disclosure laws are relatively slack.

Might they be manipulating gold prices? And oil prices as well.

John Henry

274 CONFIRMED: CBS Editors Refuse To Release Full Audio Of Obama Hot Mic Recording !

 

Kind of reminds me of the tape of MOOCHELLE that the LA TIMES deep sixed during the election. Evidently Moochelle does not have a lot of love for white people. Who knew?

275 Obama's push for more rail infrastructure has nothing to do with transportation. It has to do with control. I was at a European railways conference last month in Belgium. This one had to do with safety but there are many, many agencies that control various aspects of the European rail infrastructure and rolling stock. It is becoming more and more controlled by a the EU bureaucracy in Brussels just like everything else in EU land. Individuals and individual states are losing the ability to control any decision, everything is being delegated to the central government. Here's a prime example. >>FRANCE has been backed by the European Commission in its row with Italy over Sunday’s shutdown of the rail link between the two countries to halt a train loaded with Tunisian immigrants. France said it feared the arrival of the train would lead to “public disorder”. http://tinyurl.com/3dz9rgs With leftists, no matter what topic and no matter what they say. it's always about control.

276 The entitlement polling is also interesting because even some Dems have realized it needs to be fixed, though they're using IPAB. But the Republicans are obviously in more trouble and I'm wondering how long until the leadership demands that the issue be dropped entirely.

277 Zero's union payoff to cost the taxpayer (yeah, us slugs) 11 billion.

278

President Obama says heÂ’s constantly telling his two daughters to turn off the television, stop using Skype and go outside.

Oh, the hypocrisy! He turned up the heat for himself! And flies the family to Hawaii and Brazil instead of Camp David.

And he wants to make it easier for Americans to use parks and public lands

Oh, the stupidity! Go drive to the park more to conserve!

279 Maybe I'll try the planters. Our biggest success story last year was growing a half dozen really nice cantaloupes from seeds. Total fail on the lettuces (rabbits, birds, whatever) and the carrots (wrong soil for them), mixed results with tomatoes and peppers. The cukes and zucchini were reliable, but not particularly good-tasting varieties. We're gonna mix it up a little this year.

280 Profiles in DOOM. Boehner's timeline of abject stupidity.

Please save us for The Walking Boned, the sequel.

281

"Oh, the hypocrisy! He turned up the heat for himself! And flies the family to Hawaii and Brazil instead of Camp David.

And he wants to make it easier for Americans to use parks and public lands

Oh, the stupidity! Go drive to the park more to conserve!"

 

He is a river to his people.

282 I did a quick calc yesterday and found that new US debt is rising at $110/per person/per day.  How can that every be paid?  Only by inflation as near as I can tell.

This is why I am on Team Doom.  The math does not lie.  Its either inflate which debases the currency or default which debases the currency.  I don't know when, maybe 2 years or 15 years, but IT will happen.

283

That sidebar article yesterday on why we should just looove $5 gas is a hoot and a holler. I took it apart this morning on my site.

Not a fucking scintilla of sense in the whole damn thing. Obviously written by an intern who's still on their parents teat.

284 I have a couple of acres I could use for a garden. But that sounds like a lot more work than gathering protein sequestration units.

So I think I'll stick with the deer, birds and fish.

285

Lincolntf, it is a lot of work and can be heartbreaking to put all that time in, only to see it pilfered or fail to thrive.

Companion plantings to keep insects away, barrier devices and nets and all that great stuff are my obsession these days.

I'm sure as hell not working this hard to feed bugs, birds or rabbits. This is my food.

286 Here's straw bale gardening news piece.  It is really quit easy.


Here's another link


Good video

hardware cloth and dirt = The Spud-O-Matic Part 1
How To Grow Vegetables in Hay Bales

287

We grow blueberries in Florida.  So we have the fattest and most loyal mockingbirds who nest near here.  We've had six off four bushes this Spring.        

288 Guys, the WON don't want to deal, so we will have a debt and/or a currency debasement. He is all campaign mode now. Which means Republicans want to starve the elderly and put children out on the street. Isn't it great that we are lead by such an enlightened Harvard educated intellect? Wow. You know Huey Long was able to master this technique and I don't think he even went to college. I wonder if Sparky will go all Lestor Maddox on us? Can you imagine Sparky wielding an axe handle?

289 Earth Day Notes
by Steven F. Hayward

290 So we have the fattest and most loyal mockingbirds who nest near here.

They are hell on tomatoes and apples as well.

291 But it is "bad luck" to kill them.

292

For all the green thumbed morons, Composted Chicken Manure (Tea) makes for the best (vegetative stage) fertilizer out there.

Couple scoops in a 5 Gal bucket left to steep for 12 - 16 hours.  Good Stuff. 

293 With leftists, no matter what topic and no matter what they say. it's always about control.

Yep. And the green movement is an effort to convince free people that control is necessary for the good of the Earth. Free people make bad decisions, consume too much, and pollute. Control by beneficent Socialist overlords is necessary! It will make everything just and right!

294 selling GM at a loss? good or bad? I'm inclined to say, sell now, preferably to china who will not waffle about breaking the union pension 'obligations' (MWAHAHA). No sense sinking more taxpayer money into them I expect the loss will only get bigger if the government held onto those stocks.

295

We need a Sunday Garden Thread.

Maybe a Hunter / Gatherer Thread as well.   Lots of good stuff out there to eat, you just need to know where to find it and how to preserve it.

296

Well, I'm off to the Commissary to save a couple bucks on groceries.

Anybody have a rain barrel for the garden? Considering how much the water bill went up when I started watering plants, i think it would be a good idea.

297 An awesome way to keep birds out of your plants is fishing line.  Go around perimeter of garden with it 3 times, space it 1/2 inch a part.  Not sure why it works, but it does

Grow your lettuce in containers.  It tastes better (not like a tom. or a pepper).

Grow beans in containers or garden (very easy as long as you keep the green caterpillars off).

If weeds are an issue put thick black plastic down first and then just make a hole where you want your plants to be.

tomatoes and peppers also do really well in containers.

I even planted a cucumber in container last year (just kept tying it up on a stick until it started to produce cucumbers, then I untied it and let it hang on the ground.

298 300 Earth Day Notes
by Steven F. Hayward

I like this part:

Or course regulation has played a role, but the problem is that our style of environmental regulation relates to the improvements in real conditions in much the same way that police brutality pushes down the crime rate (in other words, the EPA is the environmental equivalent of rogue cops).

And visit www.environmentaltrends.org..

299

Thought this well written - from Washington Examiner

"At the end of last week, the Gallup poll had Obama's approve-disapprove ratings at a 41-50 deficit, while his approval among independents (who elected him in the first place) stood at a staunch 35 percent.

FDR inherited a government that was puny and weak and enhanced it; Obama took one that was already obese and tried to expand it, and these two are not the same thing. FDR planned Social Security to kick in at age 65 (the average age of death, and the age he would die at); he never foresaw a world in which people lived into their 80s and 90s with knee replacements and open-heart surgery.

In 2008-2009, magazines showed Obama with FDR's hat and cigarette holder; in 2011, the National Review gave them to Ryan, as the New Deal's reviser. History gave Obama his chance to make history by creating a sustainable safety net for the 21st century, and he is blowing it. If he doesn't do it, someone else will."

300 Posted by: Marcus at April 20, 2011 11:35 AM (CHrmZ)

Boehner sucks.  It needs to be shouted from the rooftops as often as possible.  We are beyond screwed as long as that spineless liar is speaker.

301

Anybody have a rain barrel for the garden?

Yep...if you can elevate it a few feet, Gravity fed drip lines will do most of the work for you re: watering. 

  

302 Despite the JEF's abysmal performance and the economic woes they have either caused or aggravated I think the best we can hope for is a very narrow win in 2012.  The worst?  Best not to consider that.

The reason for this assessment is not simply "Eeyoreism", or because the MBM will launch into full cheerleader mode or the Stupid Party will nominate a lukewarm candidate with all the charisma of a doorknob and a media management strategy that makes a deer caught in the headlights look like Eisenhower planning D-Day (they will, don't worry).  Rather it's because it has become obvious that Americans (or at least 52% of them) no longer think.  Instead of "thinking" and basing their decisions on what they "know" to be true they "emote"- basing their decisions on doing what "feels good" to them.  Such a process is immune to reason.

And reason is all we have on our side.

303 That sidebar article yesterday on why we should just looove $5 gas is a hoot and a holler. I took it apart this morning on my site.

I read the comments on the MSN article...nobody was buyin' what that fool was sellin'.  Most amusing.

304 Thanks for the extra hints, moron gardeners. Rain barrel is what I set up next. I overlooked that one and it should have gone in with everything else.

305 The republicans need to call Obama and the media's bluff and say ok fine, let's raise the tax on the rich to 39.5%. That will reduce our deficit to $1.6 Trillion. Now that you're happy let's cut the $1.6 Trillion.

306

"311 Posted by: Marcus at April 20, 2011 11:35 AM (CHrmZ)

Boehner sucks.  It needs to be shouted from the rooftops as often as possible.  We are beyond screwed as long as that spineless liar is speaker."

 

Bevel, have you considered that Boehner and staff see no reason to become the Newt Gringrich to the JEFs Clinton triangulation? Pubbies remember the 90s. Don't give the dems (or the media party) anything to distract the public from the self immolation that is now occurring with JEF. Let him stand center stage with all eyes on him while the Republic burns.

See below:

"At the end of last week, the Gallup poll had Obama's approve-disapprove ratings at a 41-50 deficit, while his approval among independents (who elected him in the first place) stood at a staunch 35 percent."

I have been wondering how the JEF can win VA, NC and OH this time around. Without those states he is toast. Don't confuse the message - its the JEF that needs replacing.

307 FDR planned Social Security to kick in at age 65 (the average age of death, and the age he would die at); he never foresaw a world in which people lived into their 80s and 90s with knee replacements and open-heart surgery.

Actually retirement age for most people now is 66 slowly rising to 67. That was one of the "fixes".

Also, all this "increase in life expectancy" on SS is a myth promulgated by the MFM. The life expectancy tables you see are total life expectancy factoring in early youth deaths which have no impact on SS. The actual number of years someone lives after reaching 65 hasn't increased that much since the 1930s.

I have posted links to these charts over and over on here.

308

Posted by: Who Knows at April 20, 2011 11:58 AM (1cx/R)

 

Local Ordinance may require it to be covered to keep down the mosquito population. 

309 I am preparing for Earth Day by farting in a bottle every day and capping it. On Earth Day, I will use this gas for all my cooking needs.

Screw the gas companies!

310 Anybody have a rain barrel for the garden?

You folks out West be careful on the rain barrel thingy. They are illegal in some States because the State "owns" the rain water.

311 Boehner sucks.  It needs to be shouted from the rooftops as often as possible.

People keep throwing up West for President in 2012. I say lets keep in in the House and let him replace Boner NOW.

312

321 Anybody have a rain barrel for the garden?

"You folks out West be careful on the rain barrel thingy. They are illegal in some States because the State "owns" the rain water."

 

All your rainwater now belongs to us.

313 And I predict that the ads will prove very effective. Pop-pop and Grammy will ruthlessly punish any pol who dares to lay a finger on the Holy Trinity of Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security -- mark my words. I don't care how they vote on other topics; on the big welfare-state programs, they are very nearly unanimous. It may bankrupt us, but they're hoping that they will have gone on to their rewards by then, so who cares?

Look, it doesn't make me happy to say this, but when even a minimal, tentative, barely-there plan like Congressman Ryan's plan scares the shit out of the rocker-jockies, nothing substantial is ever going to get passed. Count on it. It will just have to collapse of its own accord -- which leaves us holding the bag for the aftermath, I guess, but such is life. At least Grandma and Grandpa won't have to pay full price for their blood-pressure medication.

This is exactly why we shouldn't fix the problem quietly.  The entire system needs to crash and burn or nobody will ever understand why there was a debate in the first place.

We are buying grandpa's Viagra with little Johnny's milk money.

314 We are buying grandpa's Viagra with little Johnny's milk money.

Actually you are buying Peggy Joseph's gas with Johnny's milk money.

315

One more thing to become educated about....we have no mosquitos where I live but I guess I have to worry about state regulations on catching rain water now? For personal use?

It figures.

316

"You folks out West be careful on the rain barrel thingy. They are illegal in some States because the State "owns" the rain water."

 

That's a Commerce Clausin'.

317

"We are buying grandpa's Viagra with little Johnny's milk money."

 

Well, little Johnny gets wood without the milk. This is about values.

318 We are buying grandpa's Viagra with little Johnny's milk money.

Posted by: Lemmiwinks at April 20, 2011 12:06 PM (pdRb1)

And just what the heck is wrong with that? you whippersnapper!

Get off my Lawn!

319 The State rainwater thing is something I saw in a news report last year from Colorado I think.

320 Anybody have a rain barrel for the garden?

"You folks out West be careful on the rain barrel thingy. They are illegal in some States because the State "owns" the rain water."


Be me to it.  Yep, they are illegal in a couple of states.  Crazy, huh?  Then again, they want all gardens to be inspected annually (at the very least) and the crops restricted only to your family (which would crush me because I feed several families on my street, the local food pantry, and my mom's Church )

I plant tomatoes, cucum., peppers, etc and the only thing I eat out of my garden are the zuchinni (which is VERY EASY to GROW), potatoes, and mellons and strawberries.

321 Anybody have a rain barrel for the garden? Considering how much the water bill went up when I started watering plants, i think it would be a good idea.

In principle they're great, but, for example, a store-bought setup that'll stand up to sudden temperature swings when it's full will cost you more than ten years of watering would. You might not need that, though.

"Do the math," as they say. If you get a lot of rain, but not exactly where you want it, and your summer air is moist enough that your captured water doesn't evaporate before you can use it, and the climate is stable enough that a sudden freeze or heatwave won't break anything in your system, etc., try it.

I did, until eventually I realized I can't get any value out of rain capture without taking roof drainage and putting it on my food, which is a really bad idea, so I gave up.

322 taters, tomatoes, squash.

Here in upstate SC, we had a great squash crop going last year...until the squash bugs hit.  Couldn't figure out a way to get rid of the bastards.  My son was devastated.  He could eat his body weight in squash.

323

This article says Utah, Co, and Washington

324

OT, but M&M's, I am so excited for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.  Not because I give a shit about soccer (because, no), but because of the hilarity that will ensue as hordes of decadent Westerners and members of the worldwide media pour into a shariah-compliant nation for a few weeks of drunken (yeah, not so much), debauched (good luck with that) revelry (in prison).

The latest development: Qatar police arrest Swiss reporter & cameraman for filming footage for piece on Qatar's World Cup preparations, proceeds to hold them for two weeks until intervention by Swiss ambassador.

They had been "assured" by "Qatari diplomats in Geneva" that they'd be able to film freely, but apparently they were filming in a filmable area that just happens to be 2km from a non-filmable area, and the cops found that suspicious.  I find it frigging hilarious, in a darkly comic kind of way.

325 Every day is Earth Day in the Empire. Last week my wife caught me putting plastic in the mandatory compost "Green Bin" and asked me why I would do that. "Because I already composted all our dead batteries and we're out of styrofoam."

326 330 The State rainwater thing is something I saw in a news report last year from Colorado I think.

Posted by: Vic at April 20, 2011 12:08 PM (M9Ie6)

Dang... I soooo missed that one then when I lived in Colorado...

If Precipitation belonged to the State, then I should have SUED them for all the time I spent shoveling SNOW!  Not to mention anyone sueing for slipping on Ice...

Wow.... Lawsuit city! 

327

the zuchinni (which is VERY EASY to GROW),

 

The blossoms fetch a pretty penny...they produce prolific ammounts of easily stored growth.  I put about 15-20 lbs of Zucchinni Fries and an equal ammount of shredded Zuch. away each year...and my Zuch patch is relatively small.  (yeah, I said it.)

328 Oh, yeah, if you love jalapenos or cayanne peppers, they are both awesome to grow in containers.

Allen G.  have you thought about growing stringless Bush Lake Beans?  They grow 1 - 2 feet tall and bush out.  They will produce beans all summer long (I was still picking in Oct. last year).

329 Speaking of rainwater, the drought here in Texas just keeps getting worse. Storm systems keep moving through North Central and East Texas but it isn't raining much anywhere else. Even here in Houston, we're suffering severe drought conditions. It has only rained 4-5 times here in 2mos.

330

The blossoms fetch a pretty penny...they produce prolific ammounts of easily stored growth.  I put about 15-20 lbs of Zucchinni Fries and an equal ammount of shredded Zuch. away each year...and my Zuch patch is relatively small.  (yeah, I said it.)

Posted by: garrett at April 20, 2011 12:13 PM (0oUd+)

Do you can or freeze?  I really should can but it is so damn expensive to start.   Have any tips?  My garden produces a boat load of veggies, but I  don't save (can, freeze) any of it.

331

Somebody explain to me the downside of the federal government repudiating the national debt. If they repudiate the debt, then no one will buy debt any longer, which ends the deficit problem. Yet, every action the government takes convinces me that it's pushing us toward bankruptcy, and that makes me extremely suspicious.

The only thing I can think is that repudiating the debt without making balancing the budget would kill the dollar, because every government check/payment would be worthless.

What am I missing?

332 Even here in Houston, we're suffering severe drought conditions. It has only rained 4-5 times here in 2mos.

Posted by: Miss'80sBaby at April 20, 2011 12:15 PM (uVLrI)

Saw the news story about the kindergarten kid that brought a gun to school and accidentally shot himself and a few classmates when it dropped out of his pocket.

333 UAW VP: Expects Ford to share the wealth, wonÂ’t target Japanese automakers

334 Is Ace working on his review of Atlas Shrugged?

335

I'm leery of canning because I have never done it or seen it done, and have a big fear of the botulism risk. So, I bought an American made, heavy duty dehydrator which cost about $200 and will dry as I go, and storage will be much easier than rows of jars taking up pantry space.

I have heard that dehydrated food retains more nutrients than canned, as well.

336 O/T - Since it's Holy Week, I guess the left is going for another crucifixion -- a disabled toddler and the mom who dated give birth to him.  I'm not linking to the original site, but this is from WZ.  If you do go to the original site, be sure to read the comments.  We're gonna need a bigger asylum.

337

the zuchinni (which is VERY EASY to GROW),

 

The blossoms fetch a pretty penny...they produce prolific ammounts of easily stored growth.  I put about 15-20 lbs of Zucchinni Fries and an equal ammount of shredded Zuch. away each year...and my Zuch patch is relatively small.  (yeah, I said it.)

Altoughth, like Strawberries and mint, you have to be careful with Zuchinni and Cukes.

The plants need a lot of space as they spread out. I had a cuke plant last year that had tenticles that spread out about 30 feet.

Also, size is very important. The Cuke or Zuchinni will continue growing if you leave it on the vine. It can get to be HUGE, that is bad. It get's watery and tastes bad.

You want to pick them off when they are relatively small. The next time you're in the produce section, or my changing room,  take a mental note of the size, as that is the size you want to pick them at.

 

338

Is Ace working on his review of Atlas Shrugged?

I'm still stunned at the mixed reviews, even on the conservative side of the aisle. A large group are with me and think it stank on ice, and then people like Ed Morrisey at hotair thought it was good.

I will be interested to see ace's review.

I am guessing he saw it last night as he didn't post anything after 5 pm

339 Saw the news story about the kindergarten kid that brought a gun to school and accidentally shot himself and a few classmates when it dropped out of his pocket.

Good parenting right there.

Of course not as good as the parents in Australia that thought it would be proper to allow their 10 year old son to undergo drug therapy to stop puberty so HE can one day become a SHE.

340

Monty,

You want to read something really disgusting?  How about the prison guard union contract Jerry Brown "negotiated" *choke*.

This is beyond the pale.

http://tinyurl.com/4xoq2j7

Read it and weep.

341 236 Taters give a lot of food per square foot and kids have fun digging them out of the dirt.

if i remember correctly, in terms of calories per space needed to plant, Rice is the best, but I don't think you can grow rice in texas<<<Ben

Actually...Texas Rice Festival

342

Kerry,

interesting. I know that before cotton, rice king in the south. specifically louisiana

343 I'll be interested to see ace struggle to say nice things about Atlas Shrugged, especially after the tongue-bath he gave that dipshit stoner movie. And that's what every review I've read seems to be doing - struggling to find nice things to say. Because they like the IDEA of an Atlas Shrugged movie and want it to succeed because, hey who doesn't want to help out a fellow traveler. Hell, I liked the IDEA of fighting dragons with attack helicopters, too. And then Reign of Fire came along and fucked up a perfectly awesome concept. The movie was either good, or it wasn't. Just like the book. I liked the IDEA behind Atlas Shrugged, but it was the second-most painful reading experience of my life.

344 @ squash bug:

Plants that repel squash bugs to some degree are catnip, tansy, radishes, nasturtiums, marigolds, bee balm and mint.

Plant any of these (I've only tried marigolds) around your garden or vine patch.

345 Election news from pwire: "Christie Vilsack is running for Congress against Steve King, her husband says it will be a 'holy war'''

346

Monty,

You want to read something really disgusting?  How about the prison guard union contract Jerry Brown "negotiated" *choke*.

This is beyond the pale.

http://tinyurl.com/4xoq2j7

Read it and weep.

Posted by: mpfs at April 20, 2011 12:28 PM (iYbLN)

From your link (Holy Crap!):

Here's just a sample of the potential damage in the proposed contract:

• Back are provisions that have the effect of discouraging reporting of incidents and encouraging retaliation against whistle-blowers.

• The Davis provision allowing the union to fill 70 percent of all prison posts by seniority would return in full force. Management should be in charge of assigning all posts, not 30 percent.

• Gone would be some reforms allowing management to investigate and take "corrective or disciplinary action" for sick leave abuses.

• Because of new "days off" provisions, starting employees would have eight weeks of paid time off each year (more for senior employees). Most would not be able to use it all, but the contract would allow them to cash it out at retirement. Gone is the vacation cap – allowing no more than 80 days each year to carry over. No "use it or lose it" policy here.

• Each officer would be required to contribute one hour of vacation time each July 1 to a "time release bank" for union representatives to do union business on state time. Before 2001, the CCPOA could not "accumulate or use" more than 10,000 hours over five years. That cap would be gone, providing unlimited time – including new release time for 10 guards at each prison to attend the CCPOA annual convention.

• Any guard who gets an annual medical exam would be paid $130 every pay period. The contract is not clear whether that pay comes every 11 days or every 28 days. Either is outrageous. Before the Davis contract, officers had to pass fitness tests.

• Back in full force is the "entire agreement" clause allowing the union to challenge and interfere in virtually any change by prison management. That means Schwarzenegger-era changes go back to the table at CCPOA request.

In 2001, legislators were told that the estimated cost of the 2001-06 contract signed by Davis would be $567 million. It was $2.3 billion.

347

Also, size is very important.

No duh.

348 >>What am I missing? There are many problems but the biggest issue would be the lose of the US dollar as the world's reserve currency. This often overlooked status, which is already being challenged because of our reckless borrowing and spending, would fundamentally change the way of life of every American.

349 The balance of seasonings in a jerked hobo marinade is critical to the tenderness of the back straps and its subsequent shelf life. 

It really is a black art.

350 What am I missing? Why default when you can print and buy the debt .

351 Also, size is very important. No duh. Posted by: Moronettes at Large at April 20, 2011 12:34 PM (Ew27I) It's like a baguette, ladies.

352 Uh #329 ... you're a little late to the party

353 346

I'm leery of canning because I have never done it or seen it done, and have a big fear of the botulism risk. So, I bought an American made, heavy duty dehydrator which cost about $200 and will dry as I go, and storage will be much easier than rows of jars taking up pantry space.

I have heard that dehydrated food retains more nutrients than canned, as well.<<

Home-canned tomatoes and tomato juice are easy and nearly fool proof, and make incredible soup and chili.  You can high-acid foods in a water bath canner, and the key to preventing spoilage is a good seal, so as long as you make sure you wipe the jar mouth before you put the canning lid on and follow the instructions, there's nothing to be afraid of.  And honestly, while a water bath canner is relatively cheap (enamelware is what my family have used for generations), you don't even need that.  You can use any large pot with a lid that will allow you to cover the jars with about an inch of water, as long as you have a means to raise the jars up off the bottom (in the canner you have a lifting/lowering rack.)  Buy a copy of the Ball Blue Book and go for it.

Now, pressure canning, which you'd do for non-acidic foods like beans or meat...that can be dangerous.  Things have been known to explode, and you have to watch the pressure gauge.  I'm in my mid-forties and I still have my mother supervise.

354 meant #359 in #365 - go that?

355 What am I missing?

The other part is that many different people own treasuries, not just the Fed or China.  For instance, mutual funds of old ladies.  IF they could actually know which were which and repudiate those, then fine, but then the Fed and China would dump theirs.  So its tough, so what they will do is make them all worthless eventually and pay them off with highly inflated dollars.  This is why PIMCO got out. 

Doom, boned, etc.

356 Posted by: Monty at April 20, 2011 10:32 AM (4Pleu)

Ok, I am tired of being called a "concern troll" when I bring up an inconvenient point on this board, one you don't want to think about,.

I guess Monty you are pro union and in fact i'm guessing you are government employee.  I said nothing about the republicans.  Re read the post.  It said that the union pensions were protected and the private ones weren't.  What about that is anti republican.  What about that isn't fact.

Keep fomenting hate for old people, baby boomers, people you have deemed as selfish and self absorbed.  I don't know, maybe I'm fortunate the boomers I've met don't fit your metric at all.  But you are worse than the left then if you are buying into the bama meme of "hating on the old folks".

I don't know what you do for a living.  but you know maybe you ought to take a trip down to wall street, take a look around.  do a little research.  Cause propaganda coming from the right is just as bad as propaganda coming from the left and if you don't want to see my point but only want to accuse me of being a "concern troll" cause I'm not getting in line to spout your rhetoric by challenging you to see something, then you must be a big union guy, fully in support of the unions who also have benefited from raping the tax payer.  so in your small mind, monty, it's fair for the union idiots, the dolts as my parents call them, to have all their pensions covered by our hard earned money.  And for the people who worked in the private sector to have their pensions decimated by the market and have no one to back stop them, no government to come along and guarantee them,  that's ok in your book right Monty.

I'm a follower of Friedman and Hayek.  Not Kaynes like you Monty.

I thought you were a nice man.  I see your AGENDA loud and clear now.

357

Altoughth, like Strawberries and mint, you have to be careful with Zuchinni and Cukes.

The plants need a lot of space as they spread out. I had a cuke plant last year that had tenticles that spread out about 30 feet.

Wrap them around the plant itself (cukes).  You can also stake them.

Here is a great article on stake gardening.  It has a video that shows this dudes garden (he stakes his cukes, zuccs, etc.)

358 For anyone who wants to know, my mother is going to spend about two weeks in a nursing facility and then enters assisted living.

359

Home-canned tomatoes and tomato juice are easy and nearly fool proof, and make incredible soup and chili. 

For tomatoes, if you are leery of canning, you can make them into sauce and seal them in zip lock bags. Put them in your freezer and they should last for some time. I am still eating sauce from last years harvest

 

some people use those heat sealed bags, but i think that's excessive unless you plan on keeping it in your freezer for several years.

360 I thought you were a nice man. Holy shit! I have no idea where I ever gave you that idea. I am the bitterest, most cynical and hate-filled specimen you will ever see crawling, walking, or flying upon the earth. I'd render the geezers of the earth into a nutritious paste and serve them on Wheat-Thins if I were given the power to do so. (And I'd have the young 'uns enslaved and forced to caper for my amusement. I'm an equal-opportunity hater. Regardless of your color, creed, or sexual orientation: you are all equally worthless in my jaundiced eyes.) I am not now, sir, nor have I ever been nice. "Nice" is actually an insult to me. I aspire to be just, insofar as I can be, and a good Christian man by my own lights. But nice? No way. Losers simper about being "nice" while winners go home and fuck the prom queen.

361 I'm a follower of Selma Hayek, too. In fact, part of me is in "seek mode" right now.

362 Here in upstate SC, we had a great squash crop going last year...until the squash bugs hit.  Couldn't figure out a way to get rid of the bastards.  My son was devastated.  He could eat his body weight in squash.
Posted by: Lady in Black at April 20, 2011 12:10 PM

Spray your squash plant with the hose and a sprayer attachment every couple of days.  As the leaves start to dry, the squash bugs come up on top of the leaves and you can pick them off (ugh) and squash (heh) them.  If your boy likes squash well enough, he could be the bug picker.

363 358 Election news from pwire: "Christie Vilsack is running for Congress against Steve King, her husband says it will be a 'holy war'''

Posted by: Miss'80sBaby at April 20, 2011 12:32 PM (uVLrI)

My thinking: (a) this is Visack getting the hell out of Dodge before the shit hits the fan (b) he is indulging his nagging wife who needs a hobby (c) a way to get huge amounts of campaign contributions (King receives Bachmann-level lefty hate) and live high off that hog for a while.

The only advantage that Vilsack has is that his D successor was much much worse than he was and so he looks good by comparison.

364

Kerry, can your mom come over and help me, too?

The gardening and food preservation are the first things I am concentrating on as I work towards having valuable, real life skill sets that will be needed if things do get worse.

It's too bad that some of us never learned these things growing up, and are now playing catch up. Better late than never.

365

I use a vac sealer for most of my veg and sauces. 

Veg are good for a year or so, sauces a bit longer.  

Makes dinners in Deer Camp a snap and you save money on Ice.  Also, it keeps game meats good for up to 2 years!  I do a lot of my own butchering and processing...the Vac sealer is king around my home. 

366
Holger, you mentioned that taking care of your mom was difficult. I'm sure you have mixed feelings, but it's probably best for both of you.

367 Holy shit! I have no idea where I ever gave you that idea. I am the bitterest, most cynical and hate-filled specimen you will ever see crawling, walking, or flying upon the earth. I'd render the geezers of the earth into a nutritious paste and serve them on Wheat-Thins if I were given the power to do so. (And I'd have the young 'uns enslaved and forced to caper for my amusement. I'm an equal-opportunity hater. Regardless of your color, creed, or sexual orientation: you are all equally worthless in my jaundiced eyes.)

Cut, jib, newsletter!

368

"Kerry, interesting. I know that before cotton, rice king in the south. specifically louisiana"

 

Actually, the low lands of SC were the first commercial planting of rice. Big business. Tobacco was the cash crop before cotton. Rice is still big in SC.

369 Obama Skips Tornado Destruction in Southern States, Heads West to Raise Money

So much for his theme about compassion and caring. Add this to the "What if Bush did it?" pile as well.

370 You should grow oregano, basil and bay leaves in pots.  You should grow Italian plum tomatoes and then dry the ones you have left in the sun and freeze them.  You should grow tomato plants that have those little tomatoes on them, people eat them right off the plant and there are hundreds of them for salads and stuff.

371 Spray your squash plant with the hose and a sprayer attachment every couple of days.  As the leaves start to dry, the squash bugs come up on top of the leaves and you can pick them off (ugh) and squash (heh) them.  If your boy likes squash well enough, he could be the bug picker.

Actually, we did spray them every couple of days with a mixture of water and, I think, cayenne pepper.  But we were really overwhelmed with the buggers.  It was disgusting.  I actually never thought of picking them off & squishing them.  I'll attempt them again this weekend and get my son to go full metal jacket on them.

Momma, will try your suggestions as well, since I haven't planted yet.  I had read last year about the marigolds, but since we already had everything going, I hadn't planned for the extra room for other plants. 

372 I never really thought about it...but I could grow Wild Rice on my place without much of a problem at all.  That might be an interesting little project...

373 Lady Gaga can't handle criticism from...Weird Al Yankovic.

374 Posted by: Soothsayer 6 of 8 at April 20, 2011 12:51 PM (uFokq) It was getting bad to toward the end. Right now she is at Saint Mary's in the psych tower. They keep culturing her for UTIs but haven't had any luck. It may be a delusion of hers. How does one restart their life with zero savings, zero finances?

375 Monty. Remember you told me to tell you when you're acting rudely and insensitively? Remember that? You're doing it right now.

376

"Losers simper about being "nice" while winners go home and fuck the prom queen."

Monty, you have restored my opinion of you after that "pantsed" quote. So you are a fan of the ladies?

377 Lady Gaga can't handle criticism from...Weird Al Yankovic.

Posted by: AmishDude at April 20, 2011 12:55 PM (T0NGe)

Imagine that - a pretentious egomaniac can't take a joke.  Shocker.

It's instructive, though.  This his how all Libtards are.  That's why it's so vital that our side learn to use their tactic of constant mockery against them.  It just kills them.  Whenever leftists are made fun of they fly off the handle and double down on their stupid. 

 

378 Monty, you have restored my opinion of you after that "pantsed" quote. So you are a fan of the ladies? I actually stole that quote from Sean Connery in The Rock. And yes. Yes I am. I just wish my appreciation had a more measurable positive effect.

379 Spray your squash plant with the hose and a sprayer attachment every couple of days.  As the leaves start to dry, the squash bugs come up on top of the leaves and you can pick them off (ugh) and squash (heh) them.  If your boy likes squash well enough, he could be the bug picker.

Posted by: huerfano at April 20, 2011 12:48 PM (6zFxS)

Ohh, that reminds me.  Instead of picking them off, buy yourself a bug vacuum (sold at toys r us for kids, but other planes for spiders, etc are stronger). (video)  They work like a charm.

380 And yes. Yes I am. I just wish my appreciation had a more measurable positive effect.

Posted by: Monty at April 20, 2011 01:02 PM (4Pleu)

So, are you admitting you have a small penis? 

381 Lady Gaga can't handle criticism from...Weird Al Yankovic

Hahaha, "cause every day is Hallowe'en for me".

382 How does one restart their life with zero savings, zero finances?

Posted by: Holger at April 20, 2011 12:56 PM (YxGud)

I'm a good place to start.

383 So, are you admitting you have a small penis? I admit nothing. And anyway, I'm just happy if it's functional. These days, getting wood always seems like a finger in the eye of Fate. "Take that, Death! A man with a boner fears no enemies!"

384 I'm a good place to start. Posted by: GOD at April 20, 2011 01:05 PM (penCf) You'll give me money to get back on feet?

385

"I actually stole that quote from Sean Connery in The Rock."

 

I thought you were speaking "The Hill". Never saw "The Rock." Check out "A Fine Madness", one of my favorite Connery roles.

386 That's sexual harassment.

387 Holger-


You have a lot of morons praying for you and your mom.  Things will get better.  You have to believe that. 

388 Hahaha, "cause every day is Hallowe'en for me".

And that was a mild parody.  If you ever hear his "It's Billy Joel to me," which he performs in concert only, it's really nasty.  Joel didn't give permission (kind of obvious in that case).

I think he held back hoping she'd approve it.

389 402 Holger- "You have a lot of morons praying for you and your mom.  Things will get better.  You have to believe that."
  Dittos to the above. Starting over is scary but liberating. You will never be as free as you are now. Don't let it cinch you up. Focus on one at a time and two years from now you will be a wiser man. You will know what true happiness is and what it isn't. Trust me.

390 yeah, Holger, I am wishing you and your Mom the best that can possibly be.  Our family is also dealing with health problems of my father-in-law, its really tough.


And Curious, whatever you think of Monty, I can pretty much guarantee you he is not a fan of Kanye West (or Keynes for that matter).

391 When making sausages with hobo meat, beef suet is preferable to pork. And certainly when times are hard, bear suet will stretch out over a longer period of time, due to the higher fatty content.

Also saltpetre may be used in a pinch as a tried and true sausage curative, however prudence would suggest rationing saltpetre for more essential doomsday purposes.

392 397 How does one restart their life with zero savings, zero finances?

Posted by: Holger at April 20, 2011 12:56 PM (YxGud)

You get out of bed every day and try to do your best.  It's the only way.  It can be done my moron friend.  Trust me, you can do it. 

Assisted living will be the best thing for your mom.  Someone to make sure she is alright 24/7 while she will still have some independence.  We are trying to convince my FIL  (83 years old) to move into one now but he is stubborn as a mule.  One more fall and he won't have a choice. 

393 Bevel, have you considered that Boehner and staff see no reason to become the Newt Gringrich to the JEFs Clinton triangulation?

That would be great if our end goal was to have John Boehner remain speaker.  It is not a great goal if we want to actually cut the budget.

You may have noticed a lot of people around here have been saying 'boned' and 'doomed' a lot more than before his great budget victory last week.  This is because most people have lost all confidence in him.  He may not be Newt Gingrich, but he's poised to suffer an even worse electoral defeat if this keeps up.

394 382 Holy shit! I have no idea where I ever gave you that idea. I am the bitterest, most cynical and hate-filled specimen you will ever see crawling, walking, or flying upon the earth. I'd render the geezers of the earth into a nutritious paste and serve them on Wheat-Thins if I were given the power to do so. (And I'd have the young 'uns enslaved and forced to caper for my amusement. I'm an equal-opportunity hater. Regardless of your color, creed, or sexual orientation: you are all equally worthless in my jaundiced eyes.)

Cut, jib, newsletter!

Posted by: AmishDude at April 20, 2011 12:51 PM (T0NGe)

The hair on Monty's back is silver, isn't it?  This speech warms the cockles of my shriveled frozen black heart.

395 374

Home-canned tomatoes and tomato juice are easy and nearly fool proof, and make incredible soup and chili. 

For tomatoes, if you are leery of canning, you can make them into sauce and seal them in zip lock bags. Put them in your freezer and they should last for some time. I am still eating sauce from last years harvest<<<Ben

True, but I am limited on freezer space, and when the zombies come and the power goes out, my tomatoes are still good.

Unfortunately, glass jars aren't terribly portable.  But there's a downside to everything.

396 379

Kerry, can your mom come over and help me, too? 

The gardening and food preservation are the first things I am concentrating on as I work towards having valuable, real life skill sets that will be needed if things do get worse.

It's too bad that some of us never learned these things growing up, and are now playing catch up. Better late than never.<<<

I told her years ago she should set up a Canning Hotline.  I was very lucky; my grandfather was a tenant farmer, and Dad (now in his mid-70s) didn't have electricity till he was 12.  I think indoor plumbing took a bit longer.  They slaughtered their own hogs, had a smokehouse, made souse, and canned sausage and rendered lard, in addition to "putting up" large gardens to provide for their large family.  I still remember my grandparents having a stand-up freezer in the basement entirely devoted to bags of frozen strawberries, which would leak out on to the ice in the freezer, which my brother and I chipped out as a treat on occasion, when we weren't taking turns riding in the electric dryer.  Good times.

Anyway.  If you actually need help getting started, email me at Piazzagrrlatyahoodotcom, and I'll pass it on to Mom.  She was a teacher, she loves helping.

397 Do you need to convert your audio files to other audio formats on Mac/Mac os x system? Audio Converter for Mac provides you an ideal solution to solve that problem. Audio Converter for Mac Being a popular Mac Audio Converter, Audio Converter for Mac supports convert files between audio and audio

398 It's right here that yesterday in Bible study we were discussing what evil angels do, and the topic came around to discrimination. I said there are two kinds of research paper discrimination. The first is what we think of usually - when we make judgments based on what doesn't matter, like not voting for somebody because of their race or gender research paper. That's bad discrimination. But there is discrimination that's good and necessary. For instance, "You have no way to pay this loan back; therefore I'm not going to give it to you." When we don't properly discriminate, evil thrives research paper. I explained that the KGB wanted to get rich, powerful people in media, education, and business to believe it would be good to have a society with NO discrimination research paper. That doesn't just mean we don't have the bad discrimination, but also that we don't have the good discrimination. So there's no difference between those who work and those who don't, research paper those who make sound choices and those who don't, etc. Everyone is guaranteed the same outcome regardless of what they do. Nothing we do matters research paper. That's what communism is, and people who live under it often end up alcoholics or an average of 6 abortions in their lifetime. If what we do doesn't matter, we lose the will to live. That's the legacy of communism research paper. I mentioned that Yuri Bezmenov was amazed at how the openly-communist folks from the '60's are in control of media, education, and business. And wherever someone totally controls the flow of ideas research paper, it's ripe for the devil and his surrogates to lie and deceive. As long as the realities of life and the truth are observable to everyone, we're not going to wander too far from reality research paper. But when the truth is hidden, people can't learn from reality. Then I made my fatal error. I mentioned that all of the news companies have the proof that Obama is a member of The New Party - a branch of the Democratic Socialists of America research paper. I was going to say that they won't let anyone know that truth research paper. We can make our choices for whatever reason we think best, but when someone needs to deceive us, evil is at work and we need to watch out. Before I could finish, though, a lady jumped up waving her arms and shouting that we shouldn't talk about this in church. Church is for how we're supposed to become better people research paper. Then she and her husband stormed out. Later, someone commented that the devil can work wherever he wants to, and if we refuse to consider his role in any area of our life, we give him free rein there research paper. Another added, "I think it was clear that the devil was right here in Bible study - and didn't like being recognized." It's right her

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