Ace of Spades HQ

May 06, 2013

DOOM: Who run Bartertown?
— Monty

UPDATE: Why Friday's job report was ominous. All those fabulous new jobs His Majesty the King was bragging about are mostly low-end part-time jobs.

UPDATE 2: Don Boudreaux lays the lumber to a fat pitch and mashes it over the centerfield fence: "I Do Not Care About Income or Wealth Inequality".

Worrying about income (or wealth) differences as such has always for me smacked of childishness. ItÂ’s envy elevated into public policy. IÂ’m sure that it has something to do with how I was raised, but the very thought of fretting about how much money other people make relative to what I make has always seemed to me to be grossly impolite, anti-social, pointless, corrosive of oneÂ’s character, and in horribly bad taste. This was so for me for as long as I can remember, even when my income was very low by American standards.

I posted a rather gloomy prediction about the 21st century labor market on Saturday. Kevin Williamson (of National Review's Exchequer blog) has a different take on the situation -- not so much a rebuttal as a more optimistic take on what the long-term prospects are. Williamson's idea, boiled down, is that market capitalism will survive our era of lousy governance and thrive in the post financial-crash world that will follow. But it is important to note that both he and I agree on one thing: we're facing a hell of a lot of pain in the short to medium term.

Democracy's death by welfare. The whole idea of the tax-funded sovereign-controlled welfare state was flawed, but it took a century or so for the really intractable problems to emerge. Democracy may have had its day in the sun (a point Donald Kagan advances) as people find the twin burdens of responsibility and fiscal continence too much to bear, and when the obituary for the democratic form of governance is written, it will be noted that it was the welfare state and not a conquering enemy that did it in.

A case in point: New York City now spends more money paying retired cops than they do paying active-duty cops.

Europe bleeds out. I confess that I am shocked at how long Europe has been able to avoid the wages of their Euro folly. The fiasco has dragged on for far longer than I had thought possible. It just goes to prove Adam Smith's legendary observation that there is a lot of ruin in a nation. Though I suppose that is cold comfort to the Greeks, Irish, Spanish, Cypriots, and Portuguese.

CNBC dares to speak the terrible truth: America's spending habits may be to blame for their lack of savings. Next month, CNBC plans to do a shocking expose on how borrowing money leads to debt.

That look on Harry Reid's face isn't the result of a bad taco off the lunch-truck; it's the realization that he's not going to be able to get out of the hot zone before ObamaCare goes critical.

Argentina has to re-learn this lesson every two decades, it seems like: socialism is a one-way ticket to the poorhouse. Someone ought to remind them of Einstein's aphorism that insanity can be defined as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

New rule signals the kiss of death for pensions. Private-sector pensions have been dying for decades now. Public sector pensions are where the most grievous danger lies, but regulators and lawmakers are terrified to look into that abyss.

How boned is California? Boned to the tune of approximately $1.1 trillion dollars, my groovy babies. And that's not even a worst-case scenario.

The recent jobs numbers had some people positively giddy, but don't be fooled: the real unemployment rate is still 10% or better. And it's substantially higher for teens and other demographics. The labor market isn't "improving"; it's a dead whale bumping along the ocean floor, shedding bits of itself as it rots away.

Generally speaking, it's a really bad idea to borrow against your retirement assets, and that bad idea gets worse the closer you get to retirement. Borrowing to finance a college education for yourself or your kid probably made sense years ago when the return on a college education was much higher than it is now, but now it falls into the realm of financial malpractice.

Posted by: Monty at 04:27 AM | Comments (187)
Post contains 730 words, total size 6 kb.

1 I guess I fall into the same thoughts as Kevin Williamson. Yeah it's All Going To Burn, but barring the collapse of America into anarchy, something freer will take its place.

Posted by: HoboJerky, now with 74% more DOOM! at May 06, 2013 04:33 AM (52n2x)

2 What. I had time to read the entire post... write up a non-first comment, and I'm still first!?!?

Posted by: HoboJerky, now with 74% more DOOM! at May 06, 2013 04:33 AM (52n2x)

3 oh btw, the first plastic gun has been posted online. Whatever you feel about the plastic nature of the gun, you should take heart in that liberals everywhere are having conniption fits.

Posted by: HoboJerky, now with 74% more DOOM! at May 06, 2013 04:34 AM (52n2x)

4 Thanks Monty. That there is some DOOM.

Posted by: Tobacco Road at May 06, 2013 04:35 AM (4Mv1T)

5 RE: labor market, and markets in general

Ideologues have tried to outlaw the laws of economics and they have always failed. Outlaw the marketplace, and it goes underground. USSR, Zimbabwe are the soft examples. Europe and the Pacific circa 1939(ish) the more kinetic kind.

Posted by: Skandia Recluse at May 06, 2013 04:36 AM (RuT9G)

6 In my next life I want to come back as NYC Cop who is also in the Military.

Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 06, 2013 04:37 AM (9Bj8R)

7 I RUN BARTER TOWN!

Posted by: Ben Bernanke sitting on Michelle Obama's shoulders at May 06, 2013 04:37 AM (2dvix)

8 I can't hate TFG anymore than I already do. T.F.G.

Posted by: HoboJerky, now with 74% more DOOM! at May 06, 2013 04:39 AM (52n2x)

9 I love these posts....it`s like Zerohedge condensed.....

Posted by: Lt. York at May 06, 2013 04:40 AM (C4tio)

10 Morning y'all! Had to take an early evening last night, but I saw I made #2 again! w00t! I have no life!!! hehe...

Posted by: EC at May 06, 2013 04:41 AM (GQ8sn)

11 Glad to see Monty is back with moar DOOM. I've been taking my daily dose over at ZeroHedge for the past few months.

Posted by: JimK at May 06, 2013 04:41 AM (mIVgn)

12 I can't hate TFG anymore than I already do. T.F.G. Posted by: HoboJerky, now with 74% more DOOM! at May 06, 2013 08:39 AM (52n2x) I say that every night and every morning I wake up knowing I already hate him more. Sigh

Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 06, 2013 04:41 AM (9Bj8R)

13 Obamacare
Benghazi
Nakoula

I really believe the general public is too stupid to notice, and incapable of making the connection between circumstances and those who brought those circumstances into existence.

'Way too much knowledge has been lost, in too many areas. Too many scammers, schemers, fraudsters and too few willing to do the hard thing of maintaining. The house is falling down around us, and (just like Obama) when things go bad, we ignore the evidence, and then blame someone else for our difficulties.

Posted by: Skandia Recluse at May 06, 2013 04:42 AM (RuT9G)

14 New rule signals the kiss of death for pensions. Private-sector pensions have been dying for decades now. Public sector pensions are where the most grievous danger lies, but regulators and lawmakers are terrified to look into that abyss. My wife has a pension through a private company she was vested in. Worked there 10 years. They sent her a check for 17K just to get out from underneath it.

Posted by: Oldsailors Poet Palin/Bolton 2016 at May 06, 2013 04:43 AM (XIxXP)

15 Lt York, what can I say but great minds and all that?

Posted by: JimK at May 06, 2013 04:44 AM (mIVgn)

16 Ah, some real Doom to go along with the dread and ennui I normally have on Mondays. That's the ticket.

Posted by: dfbaskwill at May 06, 2013 04:45 AM (71LDo)

Rest in Peace, Doc.

BREMEN Â— Longtime Bremen resident and former Indiana Gov. Otis 'Doc' Bowen has died.
Bowen was pronounced dead at about 6:15 p.m. Saturday at Catherine Kasper Life Center in Donaldson. He was 95.
Funeral arrangements are pending through Mishler Funeral Home in Bremen.
"Governor Otis R. Bowen's contributions to the life of this state and nation are incalculable," Gov. Mike Pence said in a statement issued earlier today, "and I mark his passing with a sense of personal loss. His story is as inspiring as it is uniquely Hoosier."
Pence has ordered flags at all state facilities be flown at half-staff through Saturday, May 11

Posted by: Cicero Kid at May 06, 2013 04:48 AM (jz0+s)

Most of these bankrupt blue states will save themselves one way...

WEED!

The broke blue states - Cali, Oregon, and Washington will follow Colorado in becoming heavy marijuana producing/exporting states. They will be the new "Tobacco Road". Sure, these same blue hipsters have been attempting to destroy tobacco growers for decades. But they are so convinced of the utter harmlessness of weed that these states and their governments will happily go full weed. It really is the only way to save themselves. It's their oil boom. The populace will gleefully jump on board.

Posted by: JDW at May 06, 2013 04:48 AM (y2RCW)

19 I posted a rather gloomy prediction about the 21st century labor market on Saturday. Kevin Williamson (of National Review's Exchequer blog) has a different take on the situation -- not so much a rebuttal as a more optimistic take on what the long-term prospects are. There are many good job prospects if you are willing to retrain. I've been working part time while making full time money doing Untrasonic testing of Piping systems in power plants. I have a good education and a good job history, something most of the 20 somethings don't have. Oh yeah, no Felonies and I can pass a urinalisys. My point is there are jobs but our piss poor education system and inept parenting skills have not prepared an entire generation.

Posted by: Oldsailors Poet Palin/Bolton 2016 at May 06, 2013 04:49 AM (XIxXP)

20 A case in point: New York City now spends more money paying retired cops than they do paying active-duty cops. /there's a ton of office clerical work the retired cops could volunteer doing, putting the younger officers out on the streets.

Posted by: keep it simple, stupid at May 06, 2013 04:49 AM (MhA4j)

21 Dude we can solve the upside-dwon retiree problem easy-peasy. Reduce ciggie prices to 50 cents.

Posted by: Bigby's Happy-Clappy Hands at May 06, 2013 04:50 AM (3ZtZW)

22 Some idiot informed me that California is not broke because there are still people with money. I guess once everyone in Cali is bled dry, then they will be broke.

Posted by: Barb the Evil Genius at May 06, 2013 04:50 AM (WD0KF)

23 /there's a ton of office clerical work the retired cops could volunteer doing, putting the younger officers out on the streets. Posted by: keep it simple, stupid at May 06, 2013 08:49 AM (MhA4j) That would mean the retired cops would have to move back from Florida and Arizona.

Posted by: Oldsailors Poet Palin/Bolton 2016 at May 06, 2013 04:50 AM (XIxXP)

24 Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Gods of the copy book headings. Yay DOOM!

Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at May 06, 2013 04:51 AM (bb5+k)

25 Posted by: Oldsailors Poet Palin/Bolton Cruz/[Palin?]

Posted by: keep it simple, stupid at May 06, 2013 04:51 AM (MhA4j)

26 Cruz/[Palin?] Posted by: keep it simple, stupid at May 06, 2013 08:51 AM (MhA4j) I like cruz but I thought he was born in Canada.

Posted by: Oldsailors Poet Palin/Bolton 2016 at May 06, 2013 04:52 AM (XIxXP)

27 Whatever you feel about the plastic nature of the gun, you should take heart in that liberals everywhere are having conniption fits. Posted by: HoboJerky, now with 74% more DOOM! at May 06, 2013 08:34 AM (52n2x) I saw it on the news. It sucks. It's only redeeming feature is the possibility that liberals will get a fucking clue. It's appears to be just a modern day version of "the liberator."

Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at May 06, 2013 04:52 AM (bb5+k)

Every thing is gonna burn

We'll all take turns

I'll get mine too

This monkey's gone to Heaven

Posted by: Guy what relates everything to bad lyrics at May 06, 2013 04:52 AM (3ZtZW)

29 I can't even read the Daily News online anymore- they have gone full lib and NYTs wise and are putting their editorial opinions in the regular news. Fuck them and the hell with their sports section also. I've had it

Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 06, 2013 04:53 AM (9Bj8R)

30 I've had it Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 06, 2013 08:53 AM (9Bj8R) But, but the crossword puzzle.

Posted by: Oldsailors Poet Palin/Bolton 2016 at May 06, 2013 04:53 AM (XIxXP)

31 No one covers the DOOM like Monty. I am still studying up on my confidence intervals from the last post. We have a 99.5% certainty that we are DOOMED.

Posted by: sTevo at May 06, 2013 04:54 AM (2F32t)

32 That would mean the retired cops would have to move back from Florida and Arizona. Posted by: Oldsailors Poet Volunteer where you live. Cops have their national union. The only way a change would occur is via union. But the younger police wouldn't stand for the help, wanna bet?

Posted by: keep it simple, stupid at May 06, 2013 04:54 AM (MhA4j)

33 Volunteer where you live. Cops have their national union. The only way a change would occur is via union. But the younger police wouldn't stand for the help, wanna bet? Posted by: keep it simple, stupid at May 06, 2013 08:54 AM (MhA4j) Volunteer? Retired cops? I don't think so.

Posted by: Oldsailors Poet Palin/Bolton 2016 at May 06, 2013 04:55 AM (XIxXP)

34 My point is there are jobs but our piss poor education system and inept parenting skills have not prepared an entire generation. Posted by: Oldsailors Poet Palin/Bolton 2016 at May 06, 2013 08:49 AM (XIxXP) Still tons of jobs in computer science. Got an offer on my 2nd job interview. There's even more if you aren't being as picky as I am about the type of work.

Posted by: HoboJerky, now with 74% more DOOM! at May 06, 2013 04:56 AM (52n2x)

35 I like cruz but I thought he was born in Canada. Posted by: Oldsailors Poet Palin/Bolton 2016 at May 06, 2013 08:52 AM (XIxXP) Sheesh. Like being a "natural born citizen" is a requirement anymore. Seriously, it's a dead article.

Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at May 06, 2013 04:56 AM (bb5+k)

36 Must take oldest to the docs. Tonsils. It seems they don't remove them anymore they just dose them up with antibiotics.

Posted by: Oldsailors Poet Palin/Bolton 2016 at May 06, 2013 04:57 AM (XIxXP)

37 It's appears to be just a modern day version of "the liberator." Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at May 06, 2013 08:52 AM (bb5+k) Uhhhh, yeah. That's why it's called that. Shoots about 10 shots before breaking. The whole point is to show that gun control laws are impossible to enforce.

Posted by: HoboJerky, now with 74% more DOOM! at May 06, 2013 04:57 AM (52n2x)

Holy Crap! I didn't realize that Doc Bowen was still alive.....well.... y'know, alive last week. Whatever. RIP, sir.

Monty, once again, you are chock full of doominess. Delicious and nutritious. Suits my mood. The weather here sucks, my allergies are trying to murder me and I have that dumbass Starship song "We Built this City" stuck in my head. Instead of crying out "Oh, what new hell is this?" I read Monty and his doom and I feel better somehow. I may be defective.

Posted by: madamemayhem at May 06, 2013 04:57 AM (S2RnE)

39 awesome doom Monty democracy may well be dead you can make hard decisions for someone to make hard decisions for you there's no escaping the doom! Math is math, 1+1 is seldom 3, 1+1 why don't you see? It's killing you, it's killing me. Set me free!

Posted by: sven10077@sven10077 at May 06, 2013 04:59 AM (aiy24)

40 Posted by: Oldsailors Poet So, what's good for the Democrat goose, allow the Republican gander? I saw that here last week. But also read of his backing last week (at NRO? can't remember at the moment, maybe at PJMedia). Lol @ Jennibean Rubin, "Cruz is a Jerk" whine fest badgering Ted to take his lessons in "good" mannerisms from McCain, Graham, etc. Republican Leadership. Also saw the jubilant thread here, Cruz advising Republican Leadership to quit being squishes.

Posted by: keep it simple, stupid at May 06, 2013 04:59 AM (MhA4j)

41 I wanna see a video with the Liberator blowing up after the 10 shots. Curious to see how the structure collapses in normal tests. Is it crumple zone style or dramatic Ka-Pow O shit pick up mah fingerz style?

Posted by: Bigby's Gunpowder Burnt Hands at May 06, 2013 05:00 AM (3ZtZW)

42 Still tons of jobs in computer science. Got an offer on my 2nd job interview. There's even more if you aren't being as picky as I am about the type of work. Posted by: HoboJerky, now with 74% more DOOM! at May 06, 2013 08:56 AM (52n2x) Most of these kids have some variation of a Liberal arts degree and 5000 hours of Video games does not prepare one to work in the computer science field. Hell if they learned to write code it's six figures but that shit is hard and boring, thats why the code writers generally come from India.

Posted by: Oldsailors Poet Palin/Bolton 2016 at May 06, 2013 05:00 AM (XIxXP)

43 "Einstein's aphorism that insanity can be defined as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."

This is not something Einstein ever said, or would say, and it isn't a reasonable statement. Anyone checking their mailbox more than once (or any polling process) is doing this, and not insane. It is a quote from Rita Mae Brown.

Posted by: Cutty Tout at May 06, 2013 05:00 AM (fDHVc)

44 - "That look on Harry Reid's face isn't the result of a bad taco off the lunch-truck; it's the realization that he's not going to be able to get out of the hot zone before ObamaCare goes critical." Actually, unfortunately, Harry Reid doesn't have to worry. He's not up for reelection until 2016 and if the brain dead "base" in NV keeps nominating in primaries the likes of Sharron Angle then Reid never will be voted out of office. Plus even relatively-smart people on the right keep missing the elephant in the room regarding Obamacare. The Dems are not "worried" about that law being the train wreck that it is. They're counting on it. It's a train wreck by design. The Dems knew they didn't have the juice for single payer back in '09-'10. But they also knew they had enough votes for a big tax and spend healthcare scheme that would implode upon itself. So they went for it. Obamacare is a means to an end. The failure of the system will be the platform from which the Dems will make their final push for single payer. And if non-voting conservatives manage to elect Hillary in '16 and then to reelect her in '20 they'll have a real chance of getting that done.

Posted by: Tsar Nicholas II at May 06, 2013 05:00 AM (r2PLg)

>>>Must take oldest to the docs. Tonsils. It seems they don't remove them anymore they just dose them up with antibiotics.

TFG said the docs were predating on the wallets of parents like you, after all.

Posted by: Bigby's Gunpowder Burnt Hands at May 06, 2013 05:01 AM (3ZtZW)

46 I wanna see a video with the Liberator blowing up after the 10 shots. Curious to see how the structure collapses in normal tests. Is it crumple zone style or dramatic Ka-Pow O shit pick up mah fingerz style? Posted by: Bigby's Gunpowder Burnt Hands at May 06, 2013 09:00 AM (3ZtZW) Apparently the other parts break. Still, I'd let them work on another dozen iterations first before thinking of trying it myself.

Posted by: HoboJerky, now with 74% more DOOM! at May 06, 2013 05:01 AM (52n2x)

47 Thanks monty. The morons will be prepared for the abyss of doom and chaos thanks in large part to you. Please keep up the good work.

Posted by: slackmac at May 06, 2013 05:02 AM (JXTsy)

48 TFG said the docs were predating on the wallets of parents like you, after all. Posted by: Bigby's Gunpowder Burnt Hands at May 06, 2013 09:01 AM (3ZtZW) FK him, I still have top shelf insurance, for now.

Posted by: Oldsailors Poet Palin/Bolton 2016 at May 06, 2013 05:02 AM (XIxXP)

49 Ronald E. Govan, a Marine Corps veteran in Snellville, Ga., paid an interest rate of more than 36 percent on a pension-based loan. He said he was enraged that veterans were being targeted by the firm, Pensions, Annuities & Settlements, which did not return calls for comment.

Did someone hold a gun to his head and make him borrow that money?

Posted by: Vic at May 06, 2013 05:02 AM (53z96)

50 Posted by: Cutty Tout at May 06, 2013 09:00 AM (fDHVc) Doing something over and over, with the same conditions, and expecting a different result. It's not a stupid statement.

Posted by: HoboJerky, now with 74% more DOOM! at May 06, 2013 05:02 AM (52n2x)

51 When Harry Reid runs out of bad tacos, who will fuel Bartertown?

Posted by: Fritz at May 06, 2013 05:03 AM (G9Mmf)

52 I like cruz but I thought he was born in Canada. Birther! Seriously, I think our only chance of turning this country around is going to require someone from Texas. As I did last election, then... *sigh* As for Cruz, his dad escaped communism under Castro to come to the US? That's a helluva talking point. I have a slight fear he could get a little squishy on illegal immigration, though. Time will tell.

Posted by: Regular Moron [/i] at May 06, 2013 05:04 AM (U2UQk)

>>>Did someone hold a gun to his head and make him borrow that money?

It was a gun-shaped pop tart, you fiend!

Posted by: Bigby's Gunpowder Burnt Hands at May 06, 2013 05:04 AM (3ZtZW)

54 37 ounce of prevention, pound of cure... and the point of traditionally removing the tonsils was to avoid the "need" for repetitive occurrence of antibiotic dosing -- leading to the drug's ineffective results as well as the bugs' DNA revisionism into worse and worst. Boomer generation medical studies ever trace the long term (lifetime) benefit of the former general practice performing tonsillectomy? Or the opposite?

Posted by: keep it simple, stupid at May 06, 2013 05:04 AM (MhA4j)

55 The comments to the California public sector pension are full of hysterical denial. "It's those right-wing teabaggers making stuff up again!11!!11!" Pathetic.

Posted by: Insomniac at May 06, 2013 05:05 AM (DrWcr)

56 Ronald E. Govan, a Marine Corps veteran in Snellville, Ga., paid an interest rate of more than 36 percent on a pension-based loan. He said he was enraged that veterans were being targeted by the firm, Pensions, Annuities Settlements, which did not return calls for comment. Did someone hold a gun to his head and make him borrow that money? Posted by: Vic at May 06, 2013 09:02 AM (53z96) Go to any base and outside the gate you will find payday lenders, pawn shops and every other crooked ass deal you can think of preying on ignorant young servicemen. They got me on an insurance scam when I was 19. It was only about a grand but still, when you make 9K a year it's a lot.

Posted by: Oldsailors Poet Palin/Bolton 2016 at May 06, 2013 05:05 AM (XIxXP)

57 When speaking of doom coming to this great land built by others who are no longer with us, and of whom we are clearly the poor stewards of the inheritance given (and the liberty they bequeathed that enabled that prosperity), we should all remember that just as the sun rises, it also sets. Nothing lasts forever. But we should also remember that just as it sets, the sun then hurries around to rise again. Nothing lasts forever. Barack Obama has three years left, then may shout his vanities as he will--but will do so with much less power. He is not a god, or even a demi-god, to be with us always. He is just a man, and men die. Whereas the spirit of the American Experiment abideth forever, if we just will that it will be so.

Posted by: T. at May 06, 2013 05:05 AM (kadHz)

58 Seriously, I think our only chance of turning this country around is going to require someone from Texas. Not the brainfart Perry. And worse yet, not the G. Prescott Bush to come, god spare us.

Posted by: keep it simple, stupid at May 06, 2013 05:06 AM (MhA4j)

59 Still tons of jobs in computer science. Got an offer on my 2nd job interview. There's even more if you aren't being as picky as I am about the type of work. Posted by: HoboJerky,

That's the problem as Monty stated in his previous article, those jobs require people on the right sight of the smarts bell curve.

Posted by: JimK at May 06, 2013 05:06 AM (mIVgn)

60 "Just another Doom Monday, wish it was a Sunday.
Because that's my pun day, just another Doom Monday."

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at May 06, 2013 05:07 AM (GvZxI)

61 Uhhhh, yeah. That's why it's called that. Shoots about 10 shots before breaking. The whole point is to show that gun control laws are impossible to enforce. Posted by: HoboJerky, now with 74% more DOOM! at May 06, 2013 08:57 AM (52n2x) And that is it's redeeming feature. We NEED to make liberals understand that they will never be able to stop human access to killing weapons. It won't teach them anything, but it will hopefully fill them with rage and emotional despair, which is the condition in which they need to be maintained.

Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at May 06, 2013 05:07 AM (bb5+k)

62 - "The recent jobs numbers had some people positively giddy, but don't be fooled: the real unemployment rate is still 10% or better. And it's substantially higher for teens and other demographics." The U-6 rate is 13.9%. That's a lot closer to the "real" unemployment rate. But even that's an understatement. Ever since the Clinton admin. back in the 1990's changed that metric it doesn't count those who haven't bothered searching in a full year. Regarding demographics: 27.3% - unemployment rate, ages 16-17 22.6% - unemployment rate, ages 18-19 13.1% - unemployment rate, ages 20-24 7.4% - unemployment rate, ages 25-34 5.5% - unemployment rate, ages 55-plus Regressive dystopia.

Posted by: Tsar Nicholas II at May 06, 2013 05:07 AM (r2PLg)

63 57. And the loan sharks are mass mailing college graduates with prequalified loan offers, interest rate "only" 500-600%, lower than their competitors!

Posted by: keep it simple, stupid at May 06, 2013 05:08 AM (MhA4j)

64 Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at May 06, 2013 09:07 AM (bb5+k) The only thing they could do to stop it is to crush the internet. Can't stop the signal, fascists.

Posted by: HoboJerky, now with 74% more DOOM! at May 06, 2013 05:08 AM (52n2x)

65 *Monty* DOOM. It's what's for dinner.

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at May 06, 2013 05:09 AM (MBqvE)

66 "I believe the middle class and people below the middle class deserve to go to the hospital when theyÂ’re sick.Â” So does this mean the end of the armed skirmish line outside of hospitals that keep the middle class and under out by fear of death?

Posted by: RWC at May 06, 2013 05:09 AM (Wl/Ht)

67
Meanwhile, on the Coast:

Former California Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher, who was considered one of the Republican Party's likeliest future contenders for statewide office before abandoning the party to become an independent while running for San Diego mayor last year, announced today that he has become a Democrat.

Fletcher said in his Facebook post that the Democratic Party "reflects my values and beliefs." He said he watched President Bill Clinton's speech at the Democratic National Convention last year three times "trying to find something I disagreed with."

"I couldn't," Fletcher wrote. "It was clear - at least to me - that I was a Democrat."

Sacbee

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at May 06, 2013 05:10 AM (kdS6q)

68 Einstein's aphorism that insanity can be defined as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

I guess I should stop practicing that solo from La Villa Strangiato.

I hate this saying, and find it hard to believe it's an Einstein quote.

Posted by: Waterhouse at May 06, 2013 05:10 AM (nbX4o)

69 So does this mean the end of the armed skirmish line outside of hospitals that keep the middle class and under out by fear of death?

Posted by: RWC at May 06, 2013 09:09 AM (Wl/Ht)-----

I was hoping it meant the price of gas would drop enough so we can actually afford to drive to the doctor or hospital.

Posted by: madamemayhem at May 06, 2013 05:11 AM (S2RnE)

70 All those fabulous new jobs His Majesty the King was bragging about are mostly low-end part-time jobs.

MFM: No no no comrade. Everything is great. The economy has never been better as long as you don't look at any details.

Posted by: TheQuietMan at May 06, 2013 05:12 AM (1Jaio)

71 "Doing something over and over, with the same conditions, and expecting a different result."

Modifying the original incorrect statement to a different statement which you then argue for is not a valid argument for the correctness of the original statement. "with the same conditions" is not part of the original quote.

Posted by: Cutty Tout at May 06, 2013 05:12 AM (fDHVc)

72 Birther! As for Cruz, his dad escaped communism under Castro to come to the US? That's a helluva talking point. I have a slight fear he could get a little squishy on illegal immigration, though. Time will tell. Posted by: Regular Moron at May 06, 2013 09:04 AM (U2UQk) Yup. Anyone questioning Ted Cruz's citizenship is a "CONSPIRACY NUT!" Just another "birther" LOON. The Party does not need to be associated with people who can't seem to understand that anyone who has had the shadow of an American fall across them is a "natural born citizen."

Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at May 06, 2013 05:12 AM (bb5+k)

73 >>> ... when the obituary for the democratic form of governance is written, it will be noted that it was the welfare state and not a conquering enemy that did it in.

I recommend the Cato Institute's article -- How Excessive Government Killed Ancient Rome, by Bruce Bartlett.

Posted by: Phinn at May 06, 2013 05:12 AM (oFH2D)

>:>>we should all remember that just as the sun rises, it also sets. Nothing lasts forever.

>>>>But we should also remember that just as it sets, the sun then hurries around to rise again

I was watching the 2010? remake of 13 Assassins [great kick ass movie] which takes place in 1844ish Japan. Late Edo period I think.

Anyway, the story is that a Samurai gets selected by the Shogun to eliminate this tyrant, see? And a pvotal scene is where he's telling the guy to do it. He has this girl what got her arms and legs and tongue chopped off by the tyrant and he's splaining all the trouble the tyrant is causing, how he's abusing the people.

And then a great, great moment. The Samurai smiles broadly and says how thankful he is that Fate has brought him here, how he thought because it was an era of peace he'd never get the chance to be great. He said his hands were shaking in anticipation.

There's a parallel to reach for, if you care to.

Posted by: Bigby's Gunpowder Burnt Hands at May 06, 2013 05:13 AM (3ZtZW)

75 I hate this saying, and find it hard to believe it's an Einstein quote.

Take heart, it isn't. It is a Rita Mae Brown quote, which is a paraphrase of an earlier similar quote. Sometimes the internet is a wonderful thing. Sometimes it isn't.

Posted by: Cutty Tout at May 06, 2013 05:14 AM (fDHVc)

76 But then the sun heats up, expands, engulfs the earth, and dies. Bits will form new stars.

Posted by: Beagle at May 06, 2013 05:15 AM (sOtz/)

77 so i go on facebook yesterday....and my mom, 84, posts on her page.......a meme she stole from someone else...... the difference between St. Patrick's Day & cinco de mayo? no one pretends to be mexican....

Posted by: phoenixgirl at May 06, 2013 05:16 AM (GVxQo)

78 Not the brainfart Perry. And worse yet, not the G. Prescott Bush to come, god spare us. Posted by: keep it simple, stupid at May 06, 2013 09:06 AM (MhA4j) I supported Perry. I have no issues with the way he conducted his campaign. I think Virginia screwed him with their cheating ballot access rules, and I think a combination of media hostility and the consequences of his medication hurt him. He might not be the sharpest knife in the drawer, but I have had my fill of "genius" presidents who's attempts at being "clever" seriously fucked over the nation. Wilson, JFK, Carter, Clinton and Obama come to mind. They were all identified as "Genius" presidents. Fuck the geniuses, I want someone who isn't in love with their own ability at sophistry.

Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at May 06, 2013 05:17 AM (bb5+k)

79 "I couldn't," Fletcher wrote. "It was clear - at least to me - that I was a Democrat." Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at May 06, 2013 09:10 AM (kdS6q) Oooh, he sounds perfect!

Posted by: MA GOP at May 06, 2013 05:17 AM (X0j4A)

80 Yup. Anyone questioning Ted Cruz's citizenship is a "CONSPIRACY NUT!" Just another "birther" LOON. I was being sarcastic, and thought it evident. Maybe I needed a couple more asterisks. But if he continues to make the right kind of noise I'm gonna spend a serious hour or so investigating the details of his birth, because I know the left is gonna and I want to be prepared.

Posted by: Regular Moron [/i] at May 06, 2013 05:20 AM (U2UQk)

81 Yeah it's All Going To Burn, but barring the collapse of America into anarchy, something freer will take its place. And what makes you think it won't fall into anarchy? It will burn. It will fall into anarchy. It will suck for a while. It may be possible that something freer will take it is place. It is also quite possible that something less free will take its place. I have 100 quatloos on the latter. There are too many people who will cheerfully sell their freedom for moldy rations, as long as the moldy rations show up on a regular interval.

Posted by: I R A Darth Aggie ® at May 06, 2013 05:20 AM (1hM1d)

82 The recent jobs numbers had some people positively giddy, but don't be fooled: the real unemployment rate is 10% or better.

Comrades, who cares about unemployment? The important issues like Barry's vacations and gay basketball players must be addressed first

Posted by: TheQuietMan at May 06, 2013 05:20 AM (1Jaio)

83 The only thing they could do to stop it is to crush the internet. Can't stop the signal, fascists. Posted by: HoboJerky, now with 74% more DOOM! at May 06, 2013 09:08 AM (52n2x) I have suggested many times in the past that Conservatives ought to build out the infrastructure for an independent Internet. I've even suggested it as a project at the "Pioneer Project" website. I have a lot going on currently, but I am contemplating in the future the possibility of building a network of wireless relay sites for an independent Internet like system. Building Radio Towers and installing communications equipment is one of my sidelines. We need to work towards "Can't Stop the signal."

Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at May 06, 2013 05:21 AM (bb5+k)

84 Still tons of jobs in computer science. Got an offer on my 2nd job interview. There's even more if you aren't being as picky as I am about the type of work. Posted by: HoboJerky, now with 74% more DOOM! at May 06, 2013 08:56 AM (52n2x) But that's actually part of the point of the Dooooom, there are many people who are not capable of learning to code. Or weld. Or perform ultrasonic testing. Or many other things that require a certain level of cognitive ability and skill. Those are on the lower end of the IQ distribution are facing a world in which their job prospects are ever more limited. I know that I have no answer as to what to do about that. I also know that history was lessons to teach us about what Hell, my backup job skills (typing, answering the phone professionally, filing, general clerical stuff) are becoming obsolete. It's morbidly fascinating to watch professional women about 10 years or so older than me who were told do not ever learn to type because then you'll be stuck being a secretary now having that advice come back to bite them in the ass. Now they're in a world where you have to type because everything's moving to email and text message and having an actual assistant who does your dictation is rapidly becoming a thing of the past. If you can't prep your own documents, and quickly, you are at a disadvantage. Personally, I plan on getting hit by SMOD so I've got my career path all mapped out.

Posted by: alexthechick - Bring the SMOD at May 06, 2013 05:21 AM (VtjlW)

85 Any future lone wolf attack on the US consulate in Mumbai will be investigated thoroughly and the perpetrator brought to justice.

Posted by: White House and DHS at May 06, 2013 05:22 AM (sOtz/)

86 God does not play dice with internet bores.

Posted by: zombie albert einstein at May 06, 2013 05:22 AM (mGBy8)

87 I recommend the Cato Institute's article -- How Excessive Government Killed Ancient Rome, by Bruce Bartlett. Posted by: Phinn at May 06, 2013 09:12 AM (oFH2D) At the end of the Roman empire, Governmental policy was "Bread and Circuses." For the last several decades, our governmental policy has been "Welfare and Television", which is just a modern version of it.

Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at May 06, 2013 05:23 AM (bb5+k)

88 "when the obituary for the democratic form of governance is written, it will be noted that it was the welfare state and not a conquering enemy that did it in." You might say Democracy lasts until the people realize they can vote themselves money. Novel thought.

Posted by: mindful webworker channeling that guy at May 06, 2013 05:24 AM (cK3Ih)

89 The only thing they could do to stop it is to crush the internet.

Can't stop the signal, fascists.

Posted by: HoboJerky, now with 74% more DOOM! at May 06, 2013 09:08 AM (52n2x)

Joey Biden: That's what you think. Just wait till I get the number to that website then you'll be stopped

Posted by: TheQuietMan at May 06, 2013 05:25 AM (1Jaio)

90 This week Marco Rubio will show us how much he wants to play Tattoo to Chuck Schumer's Mr. Rourke... oh, goody!

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars at May 06, 2013 05:26 AM (NokrH)

91 the difference between St. Patrick's Day & cinco de mayo? no one pretends to be mexican.... Posted by: phoenixgirl at May 06, 2013 09:16 AM (GVxQo) Are you sre that wasn't Choo Choo Joe's opener at a Univision event over the weekend?

Posted by: RWC at May 06, 2013 05:27 AM (Wl/Ht)

92 Posted by: alexthechick - Bring the SMOD at May 06, 2013 09:21 AM (VtjlW)
------------------------------

I don't think even doctors, programmers, or engineers should get too comfy or smug: their jobs are prone to automation as well. Most of us will live to see the era of fully-automated basic healthcare, and we're *already* in an age where computers and software do most of the low-level engineering work. CAD/CAM eliminated the rooms full of draftsmen and apprentice designers; 3D printing is eliminating the model-builders and prototypers; at some point, even the senior designers and engineers are going to get squeezed.

Posted by: Monty at May 06, 2013 05:27 AM (G8OwX)

93 Alexis knew about the FSA because he was de Tokerville.

Posted by: mindful webworker w/ apologies to the hardworking potheads at May 06, 2013 05:27 AM (cK3Ih)

94 I was being sarcastic, and thought it evident. Maybe I needed a couple more asterisks. But if he continues to make the right kind of noise I'm gonna spend a serious hour or so investigating the details of his birth, because I know the left is gonna and I want to be prepared. Posted by: Regular Moron at May 06, 2013 09:20 AM (U2UQk) I understand, but it is one of my Shtick's to seize on every opportunity to bitch about Conservatives who supported the JEF's contention that he was a "natural born citizen", and who refused to look at or even consider the possibility that they might be wrong. I have been researching the "birther" issue for the last four years, and the reality is just not what people think it is. The Entire legal system is stuck on the 14th amendment and "Wong Kim Ark", but nobody seems to realize that a "natural citizen" doesn't require the operation of the 14th amendment. Just a pet issue for me.

Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at May 06, 2013 05:28 AM (bb5+k)

95 I thought we settled the Cruz citizenship issue when I posted the actual US Code that defines natural born citizen.

His mother is a citizen, therefore he is a natural born citizen.

Posted by: Vic at May 06, 2013 05:32 AM (53z96)

96 "TheyÂ’ll warn that tyranny is always lurking just around the corner." Or standing at the podium spewing irony.

Posted by: mindful webworker doesn't find TFG funny anymore at May 06, 2013 05:32 AM (cK3Ih)

97
The only thing about update #2 I would disagree with is the overall income inequality of the govt workers to the less paid taxpayers who pay those higher income govt workers salary and benefits.

Something has got to give. And it will.

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at May 06, 2013 05:33 AM (jKWYf)

98 A case in point: New York City now spends more money paying retired cops than they do paying active-duty cops.

This is definitely a problem, but I think it is wrong to blame pensions, per se, for the collapse of state economies. It is perfectly legitimate to provide pensions for public employees.

The problem is in the states' failure to fund the programs. Some state programs ARE funded, and there are no real complaints about how those retirees are plaguing the economy.

Another problem, as with cops in particular, is that the systems are set up to allow retirement way too early - like when people are in their mid-fifties or even younger (like after 20 years). That's unrealistic, but the blame is not on the retirees - it is on the idiots that created (or failed to fund) the plan.

In the end, of course, it is the democratic system, and I agree with Monty's basic thesis. It is, after all, the bozos, who elected the idiots, that bear ultimate responsibility. But too often these pension problems are blamed on the retirees; that's too easy, and not really correct.

Posted by: Handcuffed to the Bumper of a State Trooper's Ford at May 06, 2013 05:33 AM (eMtQ2)

99 Hell, my backup job skills (typing, answering the phone professionally, filing, general clerical stuff) are becoming obsolete. Now they're in a world where you have to type because everything's moving to email and text message and having an actual assistant who does your dictation is rapidly becoming a thing of the past. Posted by: alexthechick - Bring the SMOD at May 06, 2013 09:21 AM (VtjlW) I have been contemplating this labor problem for a very long time. Someone I know worked on an Engineering project in China, and he told me how they would use 40 Chinese laborers to install Poles for lighting. They would dig the holes by hand, lift the poles by hand, and put them in the ground by hand. He noticed the plant had machinery which could do the job far easier and with a lot fewer people, so he asked one of the Chinese liaisons why they didn't use it. The man replied, "Then what would we do with all these people?" The Future is evolving into a serious problem for the unskilled worker. I think more thought should be given to addressing this problem.

Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at May 06, 2013 05:34 AM (bb5+k)

100 Sorry to bust up all th DOOM, but you all should be aware that today kicks off "Clitoris Awareness Week". Let the fun begin...get involved...tell your friends!!

Posted by: 'Ette in training, a striving wannabe at May 06, 2013 05:35 AM (zvxqj)

101

I thought we settled the Cruz citizenship issue when I posted the actual US Code that defines natural born citizen.
Posted by: Vic at May 06, 2013 09:32 AM (53z96)------

Is there anything really that the Horde cannot find a moment to rehash and rip on for the 37th time?

Posted by: madamemayhem at May 06, 2013 05:35 AM (S2RnE)

102 Alexander Graham Bellinski?

Posted by: andycanuck at May 06, 2013 05:36 AM (mGBy8)

103

At the end of the Roman empire, Governmental policy was "Bread and Circuses." For the last several decades, our governmental policy has been "Welfare and Television", which is just a modern version of it.

We aren't getting the Roman Republic mixed up with the Roman Empire, are we?

Posted by: Grey Fox at May 06, 2013 05:36 AM (3/yI6)

104 I don't think even doctors, programmers, or engineers should get too comfy or smug: their jobs are prone to automation as well. Most of us will live to see the era of fully-automated basic healthcare, and we're *already* in an age where computers and software do most of the low-level engineering work. CAD/CAM eliminated the rooms full of draftsmen and apprentice designers; 3D printing is eliminating the model-builders and prototypers; at some point, even the senior designers and engineers are going to get squeezed. Posted by: Monty at May 06, 2013 09:27 AM (G8OwX) I have been contemplating the possibility that Medical care might be automated, at least for the minor routine stuff. I perceive the pressures put on the medical system may eventually lead to shortcuts, among them being machine diagnosis with a nurse/operator and Doctor final approval. Eventually the process will be streamlined. "Rise of the Machines" people!

Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at May 06, 2013 05:37 AM (bb5+k)

105 "Fuck the geniuses, I want someone who isn't in love with their own ability at sophistry.

Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at May 06, 2013 09:17 AM"

THIS, a thousand times this!

Posted by: Yip at May 06, 2013 05:37 AM (/jHWN)

106 Get your giant vajayjay costumes out and proclaim International Clitoris Awareness Week to the world!

Posted by: Freak Out! at May 06, 2013 05:39 AM (jmVS/)

107 I don't think even doctors, programmers, or engineers should get too comfy or smug: their jobs are prone to automation as well. Most of us will live to see the era of fully-automated basic healthcare, and we're *already* in an age where computers and software do most of the low-level engineering work. CAD/CAM eliminated the rooms full of draftsmen and apprentice designers; 3D printing is eliminating the model-builders and prototypers; at some point, even the senior designers and engineers are going to get squeezed. Posted by: Monty at May 06, 2013 09:27 AM (G8OwX) Automated Dentists? I don't think so--at least not until you get automated patients who don't move

Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 06, 2013 05:39 AM (9Bj8R)

108 Is there anything really that the Horde cannot find a moment to rehash and rip on for the 37th time?
Have we met?

Posted by: christine o'donnell at May 06, 2013 05:39 AM (mGBy8)

109 "But they are so convinced of the utter harmlessness of weed that these states and their governments will happily go full weed..." Just like the lottery & casinos! As long as we keep it illegal to plant a seed, it will certainly work!

Posted by: mindful webworker doesn't find TFG funny anymore at May 06, 2013 05:40 AM (Ynbgq)

110 Who runs Bartertown? The NRA, bitches

Diogenes, I found some contemporary stuff on my last trip - not exactly what your looking for, but at least the same decade and right continent.

Posted by: Jean at May 06, 2013 05:40 AM (or6HP)

111

To commemorate ICAW I'd like to use a 10 foot power dildo to shove a Lemur so far up the JEF's pooty that it would take Marlin Perkins to find it.

Posted by: Jim Fowler at May 06, 2013 05:40 AM (jmVS/)

112 Regardless of Cruz' status, President Palin can always appoint him to the SCOTUS.

Posted by: Jean at May 06, 2013 05:41 AM (or6HP)

113 I thought we settled the Cruz citizenship issue when I posted the actual US Code that defines natural born citizen. His mother is a citizen, therefore he is a natural born citizen. Posted by: Vic at May 06, 2013 09:32 AM (53z96) "Natural born citizen" is not defined by an act of congress or regulations written by bureaucrats. It is a characteristic of being a citizen through no man made act. Citizenship through being born to a single American Parent is the consequence of the Citizenship act of 1934, without which, Ted Cruz wouldn't be a citizen at all. Ted Cruz shares the circumstances of his birth with Aldo Mario Bellei, a man born in Italy of an American Mother. Bellei lost his citizenship because he failed to comply with the requirements of the Congressional law which granted his citizenship. A "natural" citizen does not have to comply with any man made law, and cannot lose his citizenship by inaction.

Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at May 06, 2013 05:42 AM (bb5+k)

114 "That would mean the retired cops would have to move back from Florida and Arizona." Telecommute! Something is making the page DL really slowly. Is that a big pic up top? Not getting it.

Posted by: mindful webworker needs a fat rural net connection! at May 06, 2013 05:43 AM (Ynbgq)

115 Private-sector pensions have been dying for decades now. Public sector pensions are where the most grievous danger lies, but regulators and lawmakers are terrified to look into that abyss.

The company I used to work for eliminated the defined pension benefit years ago and went to a cash balance system for the then existing employees. New employees get nothing at all outside of the 401K program.

Posted by: Vic at May 06, 2013 05:44 AM (53z96)

116 97 I thought we settled the Cruz citizenship issue when I posted the actual US Code that defines natural born citizen.

His mother is a citizen, therefore he is a natural born citizen.

Posted by: Vic at May 06, 2013 09:32 AM (53z96)

So no one can discuss anything if you've posted about it at any point in time?

Posted by: Tami[/i][/b][/u][/s] at May 06, 2013 05:44 AM (X6akg)

117 Oh dear. Round 38 of the NBCitizen battle may have begun. Or is it round 53? I've lost track.

Posted by: madamemayhem at May 06, 2013 05:45 AM (S2RnE)

118
I thought we settled the Cruz citizenship issue when I posted the actual US Code that defines natural born citizen.
Posted by: Vic

Cruz wins the election. Democrats sue saying he's not natural born. Supreme Court finds penumbra or two and overturns in a majority decision by new Chief Justice Wise Latina.

Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at May 06, 2013 05:45 AM (kdS6q)

119 Stupid question - Is Gowdy going to be there Wednesday?

Posted by: RWC at May 06, 2013 05:45 AM (Wl/Ht)

120 Turns out Don Boudreaux isn't so much a moron as a cretin. Who knew?

Posted by: Rex the Wonder God at May 06, 2013 05:45 AM (21TJo)

121 Is there anything really that the Horde cannot find a moment to rehash and rip on for the 37th time? Posted by: madamemayhem at May 06, 2013 09:35 AM (S2RnE) It's not the horde, it's just me, being my usual asshole self. I make a point to bring this up at every opportunity because it is the only way to correct wrong information. Steady pressure over a long period of time can eventually steer the largest ship.

Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at May 06, 2013 05:46 AM (bb5+k)

122 "Worrying about income (or wealth) differences " is such BS. our gobment, defines poverty in a relative sense- i/e/ your poor if you have less than a percent of the fictitious family of four. if my millionaire next door can buy me out x-times over that does not make me poor. poor is an absolute term - just visit Bangladesh. what we have here is lazy, entitled parasites that dont want to work , never have and never will who have a higher standard of living than 95% of the world. give a man a fish feed him for a day. teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime. give a man a daily fish, get a democrat voter for life.

Posted by: Avi at May 06, 2013 05:46 AM (z9OI2)

123 I really like the idea of Cruz being on the Supreme Court. He's very smart and articulate and KNOWS his shit. Don't know how he'd do as an executive as in POTUS because I don't think he has had that kind of office in the past..... but he is definitely qualified for the court. The libtards would have to find another Anti Hill...

Posted by: Yip at May 06, 2013 05:46 AM (/jHWN)

124 Allen West has a great video over at Weasel Zippers if you're a fan of his.

Posted by: ExSnipe at May 06, 2013 05:47 AM (PBm/l)

125 We aren't getting the Roman Republic mixed up with the Roman Empire, are we? Posted by: Grey Fox at May 06, 2013 09:36 AM (3/yI6) Sorry, most people don't bother to contemplate the difference. Yeah, the Republic was much more stable.

Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at May 06, 2013 05:47 AM (bb5+k)

126 Nevergiveup, don't be surprised. I've seen some work from some serious people in that direction. It was actually listed as one of the lowest risk (program risk) medical automation effort. They didnt say "easy", but they didnt say they needed any more time or money.

Posted by: Jean at May 06, 2013 05:47 AM (or6HP)

127

"Is there anything really that the Horde cannot find a moment to rehash and rip on for the 37th time? "

Did I mention that I'm not gay?

Posted by: NotGayGuy at May 06, 2013 05:47 AM (jmVS/)

128 Is there anything really that the Horde cannot find a moment to rehash and rip on for the 37th time? Posted by: madamemayhem at May 06, 2013 09:35 AM (S2RnE) Crossbows at dawn.

Posted by: HoboJerky, now with 74% more DOOM! at May 06, 2013 05:48 AM (52n2x)

129 "Did I mention that I'm not gay?"

RACIST!! DOG WHISTLE!!

Posted by: Yip at May 06, 2013 05:49 AM (/jHWN)

130 Did I mention that I'm not gay? Did I mention that I am?

Posted by: Jason Collins at May 06, 2013 05:49 AM (MMC8r)

131 The weather underground bombings were not like the Boston bombing because...umm...competence.

Posted by: Bill Ayers at May 06, 2013 05:50 AM (SzAZ7)

132 I don't think even doctors, programmers, or engineers should get too comfy or smug: their jobs are prone to automation as well.

I'm pretty sure I can be replaced by a very small shell script, if the script was a US citizen.

Certainly a script would look less awkward in women's business clothing/makeup. I would say I look like a clown, but I don't want to insult practitioners of the circus-amusement arts.

Posted by: HeatherRadish™ needs to skip the beer and go straight to tequila at May 06, 2013 05:50 AM (ZKzrr)

133 "Hell if they learned to write code it's six figures but that shit is hard and boring, thats why the code writers generally come from India.

Posted by: Oldsailors Poet Palin/Bolton 2016 at May 06, 2013 09:00 AM (XIxXP)"

If only that were true. I can read "C" like a newspaper. I know C, C++, Java and a bunch of languages nobody uses any more. I like writing code. I've written drivers, some in C some in assembler. I have configured networks and installed Unix and Linux systems. I have set up SQL databases and built automated systems to populate them and query them. I've got a cybersecurity certification. I have a clearance.

Last week I worked two days as day labor changing out PCs in an office and glad to have the work.

Posted by: Obnoxious A-hole at May 06, 2013 05:50 AM (31Nrp)

134 Posted by: alexthechick - Bring the SMOD at May 06, 2013 09:21 AM (VtjlW) Basic coding is *not* hard. Heck I'm not even a good coder and my IQ is fairly high. It's all about practice. Just like a mechanic doesn't have to be a genius. Practice and honing your craft.

Posted by: HoboJerky, now with 74% more DOOM! at May 06, 2013 05:50 AM (52n2x)

135 Diogenes, I found some contemporary stuff on my last trip - not exactly what your looking for, but at least the same decade and right continent. Posted by: Jean at May 06, 2013 09:40 AM (or6HP) I would very much appreciate any additional information. I am eager to get my hands on anything you may have discovered. I recently discovered a treasure trove of information regarding this bit of history. I have learned that "Captain McClure" is "Alexander McClure". He and his brother "James" Co-Owned "the Horizon" as well as a "brig" called "the Simon." Email me.

Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at May 06, 2013 05:51 AM (bb5+k)

136 give a man a daily fish, get a democrat voter for life.

...and he'll be on TV bitching because the Republicans are keeping SCOAMF from giving him steak.

Posted by: HeatherRadish™ needs to skip the beer and go straight to tequila at May 06, 2013 05:52 AM (ZKzrr)

137 So that soccer ref died. Charge the hell out of the little shit.

Posted by: RWC at May 06, 2013 05:52 AM (Wl/Ht)

138 The Future is evolving into a serious problem for the unskilled worker. I think more thought should be given to addressing this problem.

You should see the way they mine coal

Posted by: Velvet Ambition at May 06, 2013 05:52 AM (R8hU8)

139 Regardless of Cruz' status, President Palin can always appoint him to the SCOTUS. Posted by: Jean at May 06, 2013 09:41 AM (or6HP) I would love for such a thing to occur, but I think the Media has hurt Palin badly. I am not certain she could overcome what they have done to her reputation. As for Cruz, from what i've seen of him, I think he'd make a better President than any of the other potential candidates, and at this point I don't think the "natural" citizen issue means diddly squat. That ship as sailed.

Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at May 06, 2013 05:53 AM (bb5+k)

140 Obnoxious A-hole, where are you? How are you with RTOS/embedded stuff? Assuming your a US citizen without a felony conviction, I can work with some felonies.

Posted by: Jean at May 06, 2013 05:53 AM (or6HP)

141 You should see the way they mine coal Posted by: Velvet Ambition at May 06, 2013 09:52 AM (R8hU

Agreed. The issue is the govt is in the way of a peaceful solution. The only solutions left are obstructing scientific progress, and outright theft from the productive.

Posted by: HoboJerky, now with 74% more DOOM! at May 06, 2013 05:53 AM (52n2x)

142 On the income inequality topic, I agree with Boudreaux, I don't care. Some people are richer than me. Some are poorer. And? No, really, and? This has all happened before. It will all happen again. Unless someone else is actually stealing my money, I don't give a crap.

Posted by: alexthechick - Bring the SMOD at May 06, 2013 05:53 AM (VtjlW)

143 Nevergiveup, don't be surprised. I've seen some work from some serious people in that direction. It was actually listed as one of the lowest risk (program risk) medical automation effort. They didnt say "easy", but they didnt say they needed any more time or money. Posted by: Jean at May 06, 2013 09:47 AM (or6HP) I'm old enough so I don't have to worry. But the devil is always in the details anyway

Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 06, 2013 05:53 AM (9Bj8R)

144 "So no one can discuss anything if you've posted about it at any point in time?

Posted by: Tami at May 06, 2013 09:44 AM (X6akg)"

You are free to discuss anything you like but if you disagree with me, you will be wrong.

Posted by: Obnoxious A-hole at May 06, 2013 05:55 AM (31Nrp)

145

President Palin? She's about as Presidential as a high school English teacher.

Still I like her. Just not for Pres.

Posted by: NotGayGuy at May 06, 2013 05:55 AM (jmVS/)

146 Last week I worked two days as day labor changing out PCs in an office and glad to have the work. Posted by: Obnoxious A-hole at May 06, 2013 09:50 AM (31Nrp) Sorry to hear that. May be time to move or re-tool your skillset to something more data-oriented. I'm taking the online Data Analysis course on Coursera to round out my skillset since I'm from machine learning land, where we assume data comes from heaven pre-annotated and cleaned.

Posted by: HoboJerky, now with 74% more DOOM! at May 06, 2013 05:55 AM (52n2x)

147 Off filthy hetero sock!

Posted by: Freak Sock! at May 06, 2013 05:56 AM (jmVS/)

148 Cruz wins the election. Democrats sue saying he's not natural born. Supreme Court finds penumbra or two and overturns in a majority decision by new Chief Justice Wise Latina. Posted by: Laurie David's Cervix at May 06, 2013 09:45 AM (kdS6q) The issue is academic at this point. Even if someone could overcome the Legal system's inertia regarding "Wong Kim Ark" the Legal system has a built in "fuck you anyway" clause. It's called the Doctrine of the "De Facto Officer." It is the legal principle which upholds the acts of an illegal officer because at the time the acts were committed, no one knew he was illegal. For all intents and purposes, the point is moot. (except for discussion, that is.)

Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at May 06, 2013 05:56 AM (bb5+k)

149 "But we should also remember that just as it sets, the sun then hurries around to rise again." Some years.

Posted by: Nuclear or Volcanic Winters at May 06, 2013 05:56 AM (5SlKF)

150 Wow. That was freaky.

Posted by: Freak Out! at May 06, 2013 05:57 AM (jmVS/)

151 Hey... don't count me out in '16.. I'm putting a team together and doing some polling..

Posted by: SMOD at May 06, 2013 05:57 AM (/jHWN)

152 You know what I find strange? How few people reveal the details of their sexuality. I mean its a topic the public must love to hear about. Nobody ever complains when some guy 'comes out' -- in fact the Precedent calls him up on the phone. That's it for me. I'm going to call my secretary into my office and tell her I've decided to let her know that I prefer women, really shapely women, and tell her how many times I can do it per night, and even pull a ruler from my desk and show her where nine inches is on it. This is America, right? Let's all 'out' ourselves!!!

Posted by: Guy About To Get Fired For Sexual Harrassment[/i] at May 06, 2013 05:57 AM (U2UQk)

153
noodle above.

Posted by: noodle noter at May 06, 2013 05:58 AM (jKWYf)

154

Dont do it Guy about to get fired! Tell her you are not gay and she will think you are a freak!

Posted by: Freak Out! at May 06, 2013 05:58 AM (jmVS/)

155 >>>I don't think even doctors, programmers, or engineers should get too comfy or smug: their jobs are prone to automation as well.<<<

I'll not worry about this until the highest paid assclowns on the planet, Hollywood thespians, are all replaced by digital personalities.

Posted by: Fritz at May 06, 2013 05:59 AM (G9Mmf)

156 Nevergiveup, don't be surprised. I've seen some work from some serious people in that direction. It was actually listed as one of the lowest risk (program risk) medical automation effort. They didnt say "easy", but they didnt say they needed any more time or money. Posted by: Jean at May 06, 2013 09:47 AM (or6HP) From my experience, and from having a couple of Doctors as friends, I can honestly say that most doctors operate quite a bit like a machine already. You come in, describe your problem, they pigeonhole it into a category and proscribe treatment, usually an anti-biotic. I once had a doctor diagnose me as having the flu, and proscribed me an anti-biotic. I asked him why he was proscribing me an anti-biotic against a viral infection. He looked at me funny, stumbled a bit and then said "It's to suppress any secondary infection so as to utilize your own body's immune system against the virus. It was bullshit, and he and I both knew it. The anti-biotic is the medical hammer, and they attempt to turn every illness into a nail.

Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at May 06, 2013 06:01 AM (bb5+k)

157 President Palin? She's about as Presidential as a high school English teacher.

Still I like her. Just not for Pres.

Posted by: NotGayGuy at May 06, 2013 09:55 AM (jmVS/)

Which would be more presidential than the immature, self absorbed, narcissistic prick currently in the White House

Posted by: TheQuietMan at May 06, 2013 06:01 AM (1Jaio)

158 Yeah, I agree with you guys... as soon as those Japanese get those sex-bots operational, I'm totally out of a fucking job... heh heh... get it?

Posted by: Workin' it on the shady side of town at May 06, 2013 06:01 AM (/jHWN)

159 "142 Obnoxious A-hole, where are you? How are you with RTOS/embedded stuff? Assuming your a US citizen without a felony conviction, I can work with some felonies.

Posted by: Jean at May 06, 2013 09:53 AM (or6HP)"

I live in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area near the airport. US citizen. Still current Secret clearance. No felony convictions. I suppose I may be guilty of the three felonies a day that Instapundit talks about but I do make a serious effort to comply with the laws.

Posted by: Obnoxious A-hole at May 06, 2013 06:01 AM (31Nrp)

160 Certainly a script would look less awkward in women's business clothing/makeup. I would say I look like a clown, but I don't want to insult practitioners of the circus-amusement arts.

----------------------------
Beat hell out of it Beautiful Thing spotless cap and crossed white straps over the dark rippled clothÂ—Â— Lift the stick above that easy head where you sit by the ivied church, one arm buttressing you long fingers spread out among the clear grass prongsÂ—Â— and drive it down Beautiful Thing that you caressing body kiss and kiss again that holy lawnÂ—Â— And again: obliquelyÂ—Â— legs curled under you as a deer's leapingÂ—Â— pose of supreme indifference sacrament to a summer's day Beautiful Thing in the unearned suburbs then pause the arm fallenÂ—Â— what memories of what forgotten face brooding upon that lily stem?

--William Carlos Williams, "Paterson"

Posted by: Monty at May 06, 2013 06:02 AM (G8OwX)

161 157 >>>I don't think even doctors, programmers, or engineers should get too comfy or smug: their jobs are prone to automation as well.<<< I'll not worry about this until the highest paid assclowns on the planet, Hollywood thespians, are all replaced by digital personalities. Posted by: Fritz Max Headroom....

Posted by: I'm lighting my torch now... at May 06, 2013 06:04 AM (ULH4o)

162 "...doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.... i hate this saying...." There's quite a few folks, I imagine, who wish it weren't true so they could do the same d@mn thing the s@me d@mn way yet magically get the desired result on the nth try. Drifters, dreamers, and democrabs.

Posted by: mindful webworker knows insanity, first hand at May 06, 2013 06:05 AM (8KGvR)

163 If only that were true. I can read "C" like a newspaper. I know C, C++, Java and a bunch of languages nobody uses any more. I like writing code. I've written drivers, some in C some in assembler. I have configured networks and installed Unix and Linux systems. I have set up SQL databases and built automated systems to populate them and query them. I've got a cybersecurity certification. I have a clearance. Posted by: Obnoxious A-hole at May 06, 2013 09:50 AM (31Nrp) I built my own computer at 14, (With a soldering iron and wire-wrap.) and programmed in machine code for years. I learned the op code for about 5 different processors, and produced various devices with them. I eventually switched to assembly, then C++, not to mention some other arcane stuff. Been meaning to learn Linux, but generally have too much other stuff to deal with. My forte is the hardware. I design and build a bunch of stuff. Programing is usually an afterthought.

Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at May 06, 2013 06:08 AM (bb5+k)

164 Jean

I have about 8 years with VxWorks and more years experience with some other RTOS's. I've also done some simple things without any OS, just a control loop. I spent most of my career doing real time and embedded stuff. Lots of SCADA and industrial controls.

Posted by: Obnoxious A-hole at May 06, 2013 06:09 AM (31Nrp)

165 I'll not worry about this until the highest paid assclowns on the planet, Hollywood thespians, are all replaced by digital personalities. Posted by: Fritz at May 06, 2013 09:59 AM (G9Mmf) This is not all that far away. Given that the best expertise in the industry happens to work with actors, there is probably some resistance to the idea. Still, I think it will happen eventually, whether the actors like it or not. *I*, for one, look forward to technological advances which makes these liberal assclown activists unnecessary. Depriving them of money and influence can only be a plus in my mind.

Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at May 06, 2013 06:15 AM (bb5+k)

166 So no one can discuss anything if you've posted about it at any point in time?

Posted by: Tami at May 06, 2013 09:44 AM (X6akg)

Discuss away

http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/8/1401

Posted by: Vic at May 06, 2013 06:16 AM (53z96)

167
"Uhhhh, yeah. That's why it's called that. Shoots about 10 shots before breaking. The whole point is to show that gun control laws are impossible to enforce."

The trick to gun control isn't stooping people from getting guns, it's shutting down the ammunition supply.
Look at what is happening now: the government isn't even trying and the ammunition manufacturers are working around the clock to keep up with demand.

Don't get complacent.
If the people allow the government to shut the Second Amendment, they can.

Posted by: RayJ at May 06, 2013 06:18 AM (pI/IV)

168 http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/8/1401 Posted by: Vic at May 06, 2013 10:16 AM (53z96) Vic, how can Article II be based on Federal code?

Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at May 06, 2013 06:19 AM (bb5+k)

169 Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at May 06, 2013 10:08 AM (bb5+k)

I'm more comfortable with a screwdriver than a soldering iron, although I've done some of that too. Mostly, though, I've set the jumpers if necessary and installed cards. I've pulled some wire and done continuity checks in places that were not union shops in order to get stuff done so that I could get out of there. I used to burn PROMs pretty often to update firmware on industrial controllers my company made.

Posted by: Obnoxious A-hole at May 06, 2013 06:20 AM (31Nrp)

170 "I have suggested many times in the past that Conservatives ought to build out the infrastructure for an independent Internet. I've even suggested it as a project at the 'Pioneer Project' website." The threat is not clear enough yet to effectively motivate this digital revolution. Alas. Relatedly, consider cell-to-cell communications. If I call the Mrs's cell, mere feet away, the call is routed through a tower and Lord AT&T knows what else. There is a potential web of direct communication among cells that could serve to bypass the towers. The future's digital Free Press, no printed pistol patterns without it. By cell mesh, short wave, hand-passed flashdrives, or whatever it takes, communication cannot be allowed to be in the hands of the few. During Tiananmen, before the tanks, there were speakers in the square, surrounded by a sea of cassette recorders. That was thrilling; every tape was a bow against tyranny. ~~When~~ If they bring down ace.mu.nu on American Internet, the workaround must already be in place. /rant du jour. Noo 1 up yet?

Posted by: mindful webworker sees the future and claims helplessly at May 06, 2013 06:27 AM (Bfbpz)

171 I'm more comfortable with a screwdriver than a soldering iron, although I've done some of that too. Mostly, though, I've set the jumpers if necessary and installed cards. I've pulled some wire and done continuity checks in places that were not union shops in order to get stuff done so that I could get out of there. I used to burn PROMs pretty often to update firmware on industrial controllers my company made. Posted by: Obnoxious A-hole at May 06, 2013 10:20 AM (31Nrp) I've done a bunch of Scada work myself. Did all of the above, to include repairs down to the component level. Currently have an application with an Alan Bradly controller, but am loath to get the software package to program it. I'm thinking of building a micro-controller work around. Do you have any resources in regard to Alan Bradly programing software?

Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at May 06, 2013 06:28 AM (bb5+k)

172 Posted by: mindful webworker sees the future and claims helplessly at May 06, 2013 10:27 AM (Bfbpz) You appear to see the need to the same degree as I. Yup. It is something that needs attention.

Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at May 06, 2013 06:31 AM (bb5+k)

173 http://i44.tinypic.com/rlf1ig.jpg No!!Q Those green eyes mean death!!

Posted by: Pan Lo at May 06, 2013 06:40 AM (SSWdi)

174 From my experience, and from having a couple of Doctors as friends, I can honestly say that most doctors operate quite a bit like a machine already.

You come in, describe your problem, they pigeonhole it into a category and proscribe treatment, usually an anti-biotic.

I once had a doctor diagnose me as having the flu, and proscribed me an anti-biotic. I asked him why he was proscribing me an anti-biotic against a viral infection. He looked at me funny, stumbled a bit and then said "It's to suppress any secondary infection so as to utilize your own body's immune system against the virus.

It was bullshit, and he and I both knew it. The anti-biotic is the medical hammer, and they attempt to turn every illness into a nail.

Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at May 06, 2013 10:01 AM (bb5+k)

----------

That and the fact that if you tell the patient "Eh, go home, stay well hydrated and take some tylenol or ibuprofen for aches and pains or fever and your immune system should take care of it" isn't exactly a winner. When they walk into the Emergency Room complaining of the flu, they want to get the taxpayer's worth out of their medicaid and you better presrcibe them something or they will call their lawyer.

Posted by: Darth Randall at May 06, 2013 06:46 AM (mV8sg)

175 Amazing bits of theatre of silence on Morning Joe this morning. Both courtesy Rich Lowry. First was on Monty's first point, clarifying that this is but the tip of the iceberg, and that as we get closer to the Full Obamacare implementation point, we'll see more people suddenly working a 29 hour week. No refutation from the rest of the panel, justhead nodding and declaration that we don't want to go down Europe's failed economic road (as if this doesn't by nature). Second was on the NRA convention. Mika was vaporous over kids day, and over LaPierre's comments. Lowry encouraged Mika to stop thinking of an NRA Convention as some anthropological experiment

Posted by: Kevin in ABQ at May 06, 2013 06:47 AM (C3KwS)

176 Posted by: Darth Randall at May 06, 2013 10:46 AM (mV8sg) Yes, they would rather be lied to then be told that nothing can be done. It's the equivalent of a placebo.

Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at May 06, 2013 06:47 AM (bb5+k)

177 Oh, and for whoever is keeping track, that's my 20 minutes of msnbc programming for the year.

Posted by: Kevin in ABQ at May 06, 2013 07:09 AM (7TwHV)

178 "Currently have an application with an Alan Bradly controller, but am loath to get the software package to program it. I'm thinking of building a micro-controller work around.

Do you have any resources in regard to Alan Bradly programing software?

Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at May 06, 2013 10:28 AM (bb5+k)"

I might have an old laptop with the ladder logic package loaded on it. Certainly it is not current. What model of AB PLC are you talking about?

Posted by: Obnoxious A-hole at May 06, 2013 07:18 AM (31Nrp)

179 I might have an old laptop with the ladder logic package loaded on it. Certainly it is not current. What model of AB PLC are you talking about? Posted by: Obnoxious A-hole at May 06, 2013 11:18 AM (31Nrp) It's an old one. (from the 1990s.) I'll have to look it up. At this point I had resolved myself to simply building a microcontroller to force it to do what I wanted by manipulating it's inputs and outputs. Is there a way I can contact you? Are you a member of AOS user group on Yahoo?

Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at May 06, 2013 07:25 AM (bb5+k)

180 Pull my finger.

Posted by: the invisible hand at May 06, 2013 07:35 AM (evdj2)

181 "Is there a way I can contact you? Are you a member of AOS user group on Yahoo?

Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at May 06, 2013 11:25 AM (bb5+k)"

I've got a burn email account at DarrylHarb@hotmail.com

Email me there and I'll get back to you with a real email.

Posted by: Obnoxious A-hole at May 06, 2013 07:54 AM (31Nrp)

182 Email me there and I'll get back to you with a real email. Posted by: Obnoxious A-hole at May 06, 2013 11:54 AM (31Nrp) Will do.

Posted by: Diogenes' Lamp at May 06, 2013 08:00 AM (bb5+k)

183 "it will hopefully fill them with rage and emotional despair, which is the condition in which they need to be maintained. " NO. Not until their hands are off the levers of power. It's when they're like this that they're most dangerous.

Posted by: perturbed at May 06, 2013 08:50 AM (u6Ueb)

184 37 Must take oldest to the docs. Tonsils. It seems they don't remove them anymore they just dose them up with antibiotics.

When my Dad was a boy, (early '30's), they painted 'em with Iodine. Didn't have antibiotics then, Iodine worked.

Posted by: jbarntt at May 06, 2013 05:30 PM (UNFot)

185 If only that were true. I can read "C" like a newspaper. I know C, C++, Java and a bunch of languages nobody uses any more. I like writing code. I've written drivers, some in C some in assembler. I have configured networks and installed Unix and Linux systems. I have set up SQL databases and built automated systems to populate them and query them. I've got a cybersecurity certification. I have a clearance.

Last week I worked two days as day labor changing out PCs in an office and glad to have the work.

Posted by: Obnoxious A-hole at May 06, 2013 09:50 AM (31Nrp)

Wow, I work in IT, and know that as you get older, you become less employable. What are little used languages you know? There are niche markets for some of them. Maintenance work mostly, I believe.

Posted by: jbarntt at May 06, 2013 05:58 PM (UNFot)

186 Wow, I work in IT, and know that as you get older, you become less employable. What are little used languages you know? There are niche markets for some of them. Maintenance work mostly, I believe.

Posted by: jbarntt at May 06, 2013 09:58 PM (UNFot)

FORTRAN, Ada mostly. A bunch of scripting languages. I did a little bit of Forth when that was all the rage. Assembler on a lot of different processors and machine code on some special purpose machines. Then there is Ladder Logic on several flavors of PLCs and that sort of Visual Basic like thing that National Instrument uses with LabView.

Posted by: Obnoxious A-hole at May 07, 2013 12:17 AM (31Nrp)

187 As long as I am cataloging ancient programing languages that I know, there are also Pascal, Algol and PL1.

Posted by: Obnoxious A-hole at May 07, 2013 05:46 AM (31Nrp)

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