Ace of Spades HQ

January 10, 2014

Megan McArdle: How Marriage Makes You Rich and Stupid
— Ace

The headline is hers, which is a deceptive-headline joke. She doesn't mean it. Read on.

She's responding to Matthew Yglesias (why bother?!) who claims it's no shocking thing that married people are richer than single people; after all, they can share housing expenses, like unmarried roommates can.

McArdle points out various ways in which marriage results in resource-sharing. One amusing one is in the area of cognitive resources sharing, which is where her idea of "marriage making you blissfully stupid" comes in.

Marriage also enables specialization. Which can be illustrated by a piece of wisdom I have developed in my brief three and a half years of marital bliss and now pass onto my friends who are getting married: Â“Marriage makes you stupid.Â”
I mean, I used to know where I kept my batteries and old documents. But when we got married, my husband, who is much tidier than I am, took over organizing the house. Now, unless itÂ’s a piece of my clothing or kitchen equipment, I have no idea where we keep anything. And while IÂ’m pretty sure I used to be able to put up shelves, now all I know how to do is ask my husband to do it.
On the other hand, he has no idea how much money we have, or in what accounts. And he canÂ’t do the grocery shopping, because he doesnÂ’t know what we consume. Individually, we are less competent to survive on our own. But collectively, we eat better, and we have a tidier house and better-managed finances. And our shelves donÂ’t fall down so often.
Obviously, child-rearing is a major area of specialization.

There's not much of a political point to the column, if that's your main interest. In fact, by explaining away the benefits of marriage as being basically on the practical plane, it may subtly undermine arguments about marriage being a powerful force for improving life outcomes. I actually don't know if it does that or not.

But in the whole it's an interesting but light slightly-economic think piece about marriage. I liked it, anyway.

Posted by: Ace at 12:24 PM | Comments (217)
Post contains 366 words, total size 2 kb.

1 Barack Obama is a stuttering clusterf*ck of a malignant traitor.

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) Ah, F It. at January 10, 2014 12:25 PM (PYAXX)

2 I specialize in making money. My wife specializes in blowing it on a bunch of shit we don't need.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at January 10, 2014 12:26 PM (8ZskC)

3 It's true ZI am dumber today for having been ~~married~~ read this column

Posted by: Sven 10077 at January 10, 2014 12:27 PM (TE35l)

4 Counterpoint: Marriage tax.

Posted by: t-bird at January 10, 2014 12:27 PM (FcR7P)

5 "by explaining away the benefits of marriage as being basically on the practical plane, it may subtly undermine arguments about marriage being a powerful force for improving life outcomes." Except the main difference is the supposed permanence of marriage. With a roommate, you know you can't rely on them forever, so you have to remember where the batteries go. Me, I (hopefully) will never have to remember the best way to fold a t-shirt.

Posted by: AMDG at January 10, 2014 12:28 PM (t7OO0)

6 Marriage may make you rich but divorce will take care of that.

Posted by: JackStraw at January 10, 2014 12:28 PM (g1DWB)

7 Marriage also enables specialization. This is true. I know nothing about ironing.

Posted by: garrett at January 10, 2014 12:28 PM (pltB/)

8 A bit of Ewok-chub for McArdle? Naughty.

Posted by: irright at January 10, 2014 12:29 PM (8GKDa)

9 Since getting married, the amount of money I spend on prostitutes has been cut by almost 50%.

Posted by: Gristle Encased Head at January 10, 2014 12:29 PM (+lsX1)

10 Ace? You have some news for us?

Posted by: HR at January 10, 2014 12:29 PM (ZKzrr)

11 I got married because= Sammmach's

Posted by: Heywood Jablowme at January 10, 2014 12:29 PM (jsWA8)

They can save money on that expensive birth control!

After all, marriage is itself a form of BC

Posted by: Bigby's Squeegee Hands at January 10, 2014 12:29 PM (3ZtZW)

13 My last wife specialized in giving me shit. She became an expert.

Posted by: Dr Spank at January 10, 2014 12:29 PM (P1WNR)

14 I don't like even seeing her face naked ..

'Girls' Star Lena Dunham: People Who Don't Like Seeing Me Naked Need Psych Help

http://tinyurl.com/mh9u29r

Posted by: kbdabear at January 10, 2014 12:29 PM (aTXUx)

15 >>>A bit of Ewok-chub for McArdle? Naughty. yeah I like her as a writer. I check her every week.

Posted by: ace at January 10, 2014 12:29 PM (/FnUH)

16 7 garrett at January 10, 2014 04:28 PM (pltB/)

I gave up ability to speak.

Posted by: Sven 10077 at January 10, 2014 12:29 PM (TE35l)

17 A division of labor wherein each partner optimizes his/her skillset to the benefit of the team?

Sounds like a great corporate synergy plan. That actually works.

Posted by: AnonymousDrivel at January 10, 2014 12:30 PM (eHIJJ)

18 It cracks me up all the "smart" people who don't get marriage. Married people on average have a higher level of happiness, feel more "fulfilled", are richer, more stable, have more successful kids, BETTER SEX LIFE, and live longer. But yah, totally, marriage is a defunct social custom, all teh smart kidz are in open relationships.

Posted by: bonhomme[/i][/b][/i][/b][/s][/s] at January 10, 2014 12:30 PM (A0glY)

19 I love being married.

Posted by: artisanal 'ette: chili con carne at January 10, 2014 12:30 PM (IXrOn)

20 I specialize in making money. My wife specializes in blowing - Go on - it on a bunch of shit we don't need - Aww.

Posted by: Xander Crews at January 10, 2014 12:31 PM (z2IAW)

21 It's just nice to see something that is pro-marriage in that is states the unique benefits of marriage (instead of all that PC hogwash about every family/relationship configuration is valid, hater!).

What is they say that decreases the likelihood of poverty? Graduate high school, get married, and then have kids. Seems so simple, and yet our government encourages the opposite.

Posted by: Lizzy at January 10, 2014 12:31 PM (POpqt)

22 Marriage also tends to make women happier and more Republican.
Ban marriage by breeders.
Just fill the Deep Blue cities with illegitimate children (who do not know who their fathers are).

Posted by: Procrustes Autocratus Rex at January 10, 2014 12:31 PM (1/4XQ)

23 And fat.

Posted by: Beagle at January 10, 2014 12:31 PM (sOtz/)

24 I love being married. Posted by: artisanal 'ette: chili con carne at January 10, 2014 04:30 PM (IXrOn) Ditto.

Posted by: AMDG at January 10, 2014 12:31 PM (t7OO0)

25 Matthew Yglesias argues that this finding is less exciting than it sounds; itÂ’s basically a combination of arithmetic and the way that the federal poverty line is calculated: Err... just because you can explain it doesn't mean it's not a good thing. Conservatives have actually been saying this for quite a while. People who wait to have children until after they are married are less likely to live in poverty than those who have children outside of marriage. People who complete a college degree are less likely to live in poverty than those who do not. When you put those together, they have a multiplicative effect. Duh. What that actually says is that the socially conservative idea that people should marry before having kids *is also* a fiscally conservative idea, since people who don't live in poverty are less likely to need assistance (especially prolonged assistance) from the State.

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) Ah, F It. at January 10, 2014 12:33 PM (PYAXX)

26 What is they say that decreases the likelihood of poverty? Graduate high school, get married, and then have kids. Seems so simple, and yet our government encourages the opposite. Add stay in the same job for a couple of years.

Posted by: bonhomme[/i][/b][/i][/b][/s][/s] at January 10, 2014 12:33 PM (A0glY)

27 A division of labor wherein each partner optimizes his/her skillset to the benefit of the team? - Sounds like a great corporate synergy plan. That actually works. Until the balls get dry. Then it all falls to pieces.

Posted by: garrett at January 10, 2014 12:33 PM (pltB/)

28 "Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up."

--- King David's kid

Posted by: grammie winger at January 10, 2014 12:34 PM (P6QsQ)

29 Guns like that TrackingPoint gun really are gonna change things. Still super-expensive. Tech will get cheaper. But the world will change when anybody can shoot like a trained sniper. I won't be surprised if, once awareness of this tech grows, attempts are made to ban it and keep the tech in the military.

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at January 10, 2014 12:34 PM (ZPrif)

30 >>I love being married.

Me, too.

You also tend make decisions based on what is best for the family instead of always what is best for just you. These generally are better decisions (and less risky) - you don't quit your job to become an artist (thanks to Obamacare, right Nancy?) if you have a spouse and kid(s) depending on you.

Posted by: Lizzy at January 10, 2014 12:34 PM (POpqt)

31 osted by: AMDG at January 10, 2014 04:31 PM (t7OO0) Make it 3.

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) Ah, F It. at January 10, 2014 12:34 PM (PYAXX)

32 Damn SoCons again.

Posted by: noone, really [/i] [/b] at January 10, 2014 12:34 PM (5ikDv)

33 Now, unless itÃ¯Â¿Â½s a piece of my clothing or kitchen equipment, I have no idea where we keep anything. And while IÃ¯Â¿Â½m pretty sure I used to be able to put up shelves, now all I know how to do is ask my husband to do it. --- I only wish things worked like this at my house. My wife has her own way of doing things, bitches incessantly when someone doesn't do it her way, then wonders why she is the only person to do that particular chore. "Just put things where it seems logical!"

Posted by: Brandon In Baton Rouge at January 10, 2014 12:34 PM (/Crba)

34 ...undermine arguments about marriage being a powerful force for improving life outcomes...

It certainly improves life outcomes for divorce lawyers.

Posted by: Purp[/i][/b][/s] at January 10, 2014 12:35 PM (guzmA)

35 I, obviously, do the kids' hair. Our oldest daughter has curly hair that requires a lot of upkeep to keep from descending into a tangled mess. I was explaining to my husband everything I do so he could take over should something ever happen to me. His response? *makes scissor motion with fingers* snip snip snip snip.

Posted by: Lauren at January 10, 2014 12:35 PM (hFL/3)

36 My last wife specialized in giving me shit. She became an expert. Posted by: Dr. Spank ---- I dunno, a Shit-Giving Specialist would seem like a good match for a doctor of Spankology.

Posted by: Jenny Hates Her Phone at January 10, 2014 12:35 PM (Kksa8)

37
in b4 Heather Radish takes offense!

Posted by: soothsayer at January 10, 2014 12:35 PM (gYIst)

The recipe for getting rich is pretty easy:

1) Get married and stay married.

2) Both work.

3) Save 10-12% of your paycheck each and every year in a 401K.

4) Buy a modest house and live there till it is paid off.

5) No kids.

6) Drive your cars into the ground.

7) Only buy valu-rite liquer.

Retire at 63 with a $3-5 million in the bank.

Posted by: Kirk's Gorn at January 10, 2014 12:35 PM (/EkKm)

39 The Catholic Church tells me marriage is good, so it is good.

Posted by: Dr Spank at January 10, 2014 12:36 PM (P1WNR)

40 14 I don't like even seeing her face naked .. 'Girls' Star Lena Dunham: People Who Don't Like Seeing Me Naked Need Psych Help http://tinyurl.com/mh9u29r --- People who aren't hugely attractive and insist on constantly being naked need psych help.

Posted by: Brandon In Baton Rouge at January 10, 2014 12:36 PM (/Crba)

41 "Just put things where it seems logical!" I heard a similar saying a lot when I was around military guys. "It's common sense (to do it my way)." No rational argument, no considering other ways, my way makes the most sense (to me), therefore it's common sense.

Posted by: bonhomme[/i][/b][/i][/b][/s][/s] at January 10, 2014 12:36 PM (A0glY)

42 People who wait to have children until after they are married are less likely to live in poverty than those who have children outside of marriage.

Also less likely to have them, at least if you're ugly. :\

Posted by: HR at January 10, 2014 12:36 PM (ZKzrr)

43 I wish I were married. Life is tough, and it just seems like it would be easier to bear if there were someone to share it with.

Posted by: Kensington at January 10, 2014 12:36 PM (H84UO)

44 Weird. So many marriage-like posts today. One from the Blaze FIVE SECRETS ABOUT WHAT MAKES A HAPPY MARRIAGE http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2014/01/10/five-secrets-about-what-makes-a-happy-marriage/ and this one saying men are forgoing marriage because... Men Are 'On Strike' Throughout The U.S.: What Are The Causes? http://tinyurl.com/kggqbo3 (forbes) and, a bit older piece, but, thought I would toss it in: Amy Adams likes her men "manly:" http://acculturated.com/daily-scene/amy-adams-likes-her-men-manly/ Who doesn't?

Posted by: artisanal 'ette: chili con carne at January 10, 2014 12:37 PM (IXrOn)

45 'Girls' Star Lena Dunham: People Who Don't Like Seeing Me Naked Need Psych Help

http://tinyurl.com/mh9u29r

Posted by: kbdabear at January 10, 2014 04:29 PM

Same goes for those who don't like my boobs

Posted by: Meggie McBoobs at January 10, 2014 12:37 PM (aTXUx)

46 Yeah I love being married, and specialization allows more efficient us of couple's human resources capital within the partnership. Perhaps the flaw is not within the institution(that has been around awhile) but the practitioner?

Posted by: sven10077 at January 10, 2014 12:37 PM (TE35l)

47 Posted by: HR at January 10, 2014 04:36 PM (ZKzrr) True. But we don't want people passing on those ugly genes anyway.

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) Ah, F It. at January 10, 2014 12:37 PM (PYAXX)

48 Having been single for far too long after my divorce, my considered opinion is that the best women are married. I'd tap an angry, black-garbed, VW driving babe, though, but it would just be a fling (unless she were a triathlete who loved red wine).

Posted by: Procrustes Autocratus Rex at January 10, 2014 12:37 PM (1/4XQ)

49 The recipe for getting rich is pretty easy:
1) Get married and stay married.
2) Both work.
3) Save 10-12% of your paycheckeach and every year in a 401K.
4) Buy a modest house and live there till it is paid off.
5) No kids.

---------------

No kids? Maybe..... But there's a difference between accumulating money and being rich.

Posted by: grammie winger at January 10, 2014 12:38 PM (P6QsQ)

50 I heard a similar saying a lot when I was around military guys. "It's common sense (to do it my way)."

No rational argument, no considering other ways, my way makes the most sense (to me), therefore it's common sense.

Stolen from somewhere else long ago: "Common Sense isn't."

Posted by: Blanco Basura at January 10, 2014 12:38 PM (YEelc)

51 But we don't want people passing on those ugly genes anyway.

Thanks, Allen.

Posted by: HR at January 10, 2014 12:38 PM (ZKzrr)

52 Yup, marriage is great. Good thing the destruction of the labor market doesn't severely hurt marriage and family formation. What's the marriage and divorce rate for those Obama-minted long-term unemployed? Every girl dreams of marrying a dude who hasn't worked in 18 months. This is what happens in European. The women don't want to marry or procreate with dudes with no jobs. And the dudes don't want to either. Cause they are ashamed. So they postpone. Of course, the low-class, low-IQ crowd keep popping out babies case they don't give a fuck or have a sense of shame, but the middle class family formation system breaks down.

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at January 10, 2014 12:38 PM (ZPrif)

53 Weird. So many marriage-like posts today. ---- Engagement season. People like to propose at Christmas, New Years and Valentine's Day.

Posted by: Jenny Hates Her Phone at January 10, 2014 12:39 PM (Kksa8)

54 Perhaps the flaw is not within the institution(that has been around awhile) but the practitioner? --- Good call. One of the biggest problems seems to be that people go into marriage thinking that it is a fix-all for their personal problems. If you're not secure in yourself, how do you expect someone else to be able to deal with you?

Posted by: Brandon In Baton Rouge at January 10, 2014 12:39 PM (/Crba)

55 If I got gay married I'd be afraid that we'd both specialize in the same things so there wouldn't really be any economies of scale. Guess I'll just stay regular married for now.

Posted by: Gristle Encased Head at January 10, 2014 12:39 PM (+lsX1)

56 I mean, I used to know where I kept my batteries Heh. Of course you did, honey!

Posted by: Cicero Kid at January 10, 2014 12:39 PM (tcK++)

I wish I were married. Life is tough, and it just seems like it would be easier to bear if there were someone to share it with.

But they can make it worse too. Trust me.

Posted by: PizzaCatAbides at January 10, 2014 12:39 PM (fsLdt)

58 Having been single for far too long after my divorce, my considered opinion is that the best women are mute.

Posted by: garrett at January 10, 2014 12:39 PM (pltB/)

59 A married guy walks into a bar. By accident.

Posted by: appalachia dude at January 10, 2014 12:40 PM (m2CN7)

60 "Same goes for those who don't like my boobs"
===============

I've gotta say, few people have more disdain for Meghan McBoobs than I do, but she was looking pretty terrific on the Tonight Show recently.

In particular, her breasts were spectacular. Shame about her personality, intellect and the way she positions herself as someone conservatives should listen to.

Posted by: Kensington at January 10, 2014 12:40 PM (H84UO)

61 56 I mean, I used to know where I kept my batteries Heh. Of course you did, honey! --- Were they out in the garage with the jumper cables, like the one for ATC's toys?

Posted by: Brandon In Baton Rouge at January 10, 2014 12:40 PM (/Crba)

62 If married partners actually engage in dialog they will find wisdom. I guess Megan isn't planning on that.

Posted by: Socrates at January 10, 2014 12:40 PM (UhXzR)

63 Any woman who tells you she doesn't know where the batteries are located is lying.

Posted by: Dr Spank at January 10, 2014 12:40 PM (P1WNR)

64 FWIW, and not discounting the math, the specialization aspect is what I am most grateful for. My job requires a lot of balls in the air and can get mentally exhausting. I have certain jobs and responsibilities at home, as does my wife (who works, does the church's books, and tutors a kid). Each of us is thrilled that we only have to worry about the household stuff that we are best suited for.

Posted by: Radar at January 10, 2014 12:40 PM (KzmOC)

65 >>I mean, I used to know where I kept my batteries >>Heh. Of course you did, honey! Bedside table.

Posted by: JackStraw at January 10, 2014 12:40 PM (g1DWB)

66 . In fact, by explaining away the benefits of marriage as being basically on the practical plane, it may subtly undermine arguments about marriage being a powerful force for improving life outcomes. I actually don't know if it does that or not. ***** There's a conflict in my human language translator.

Posted by: Alien #603 at January 10, 2014 12:41 PM (RJMhd)

67 Engagement season. People like to propose at Christmas, New Years and Valentine's Day.

Also popular times of the year to dump someone on their ass.

Posted by: HR at January 10, 2014 12:41 PM (ZKzrr)

68 Weird. So many marriage-like posts today. --- Engagement season. People like to propose at Christmas, New Years and Valentine's Day. Posted by: Jenny Hates Her Phone at January 10, 2014 04:39 PM (Kksa hehe, yea it's also mating season *brrrr, under the covers we go!

Posted by: artisanal 'ette: chili con carne at January 10, 2014 12:41 PM (IXrOn)

69 39 The Catholic Church tells me marriage is good, so it is good. Have you read Humane Vitae? It wasn't until I read Paul V1 letter and spent more time in thoughtful prayer that I finally understood how God intended marriage and family to be. In fact, it's a blue print for happy family life and missing the terrible mistakes and pitfalls of the modern culture.

Posted by: Havildar -- Major at January 10, 2014 12:42 PM (kduZC)

70 Do I need to set my translator to Yglesias?

Posted by: Alien #603 at January 10, 2014 12:42 PM (RJMhd)

71 I specialize in making money. My wife specializes in blowing it on a bunch of shit we don't need.
***
Kind of like Obama's relationship with the taxpayers.

Posted by: 18-1 at January 10, 2014 12:42 PM (P3U0f)

72 Of course, Obamacare punishes marriage, harshly. If my husband and I got divorced but continued to live together the kids and I could get on medicaid and he could buy an individual plan for $200/month. Old and busted: Obamacare shot gun weddings. New Hotness: Obamacare divorces. It's almost like it was designed to undermine families and create government dependence...

Posted by: Lauren at January 10, 2014 12:42 PM (hFL/3)

73 Specialization doesn't really.aply for a lot of couples, like military spouses.

Posted by: Jenny Hates Her Phone at January 10, 2014 12:42 PM (Kksa8)

74 @61 et passim [brain bleach warning]

*image of a Sawzall, but with a doll's foot attached instead*

Posted by: Procrustes Autocratus Rex at January 10, 2014 12:42 PM (1/4XQ)

75 67 Engagement season. People like to propose at Christmas, New Years and Valentine's Day. Also popular times of the year to dump someone on their ass. --- I think a lot of relationships run between February 15 and December 24 so that someone doesn't have to buy Valentine's Day or Christmas gifts.

Posted by: Brandon In Baton Rouge at January 10, 2014 12:42 PM (/Crba)

76 After listening to Boy BFF drone on and on and on and on about stupid shit, I finally got him to comprehend that a marriage is a company. Once he started viewing it as Us, Inc. then he could get his head around how the person who is better at finance should be CFO and the person who is better at decision making should be CEO and the person who is better at organizing the household should be operations manager and that he and the wife are co-owners and board members with equal stakes in that company. Now, obviously, that analogy won't work for everyone but it's something he could get. I asked him hey, don't you want to be the Amazon of married couples? Yes, yes, he does. Of course, repeatedly pointing out that he married waaaaaay better than he deserved doesn't go amiss.

Posted by: alexthechick - Come to us, oh mighty SMOD at January 10, 2014 12:42 PM (VtjlW)

77 Marriage may make you stupid but you still get to bang the help. Stuff Jefferson Said. Volume 3, Page 65.

Posted by: mpfs, San Diego Charger Fishstick at January 10, 2014 12:43 PM (agBXF)

78 Any woman who tells you she doesn't know where the batteries are located is lying. Posted by: Dr Spank at January 10, 2014 04:40 PM (P1WNR) Or, she's totally missing out. So many women still are...

Posted by: artisanal 'ette: chili con carne at January 10, 2014 12:43 PM (IXrOn)

79 Married guys have it all, another person who has income, or raises the children. You can just sit around and get fat. Plus if you want sex you don't have to throw down 50 bucks on dinner and listen to her rant on about her cats or her desire to move to Paris.

Posted by: Adam Smith's Invisible Pimp Hand at January 10, 2014 12:43 PM (WdbF7)

80 14 I don't like even seeing her face naked .. 'Girls' Star Lena Dunham: People Who Don't Like Seeing Me Naked Need Psych Help http://tinyurl.com/mh9u29r Posted by: kbdabear at January 10, 2014 04:29 PM (aTXUx) It's obvious Lena has some deep seated psychological problems. Why I need to see them exposed to the world is a mystery.

Posted by: Dack Thrombosis at January 10, 2014 12:43 PM (oFCZn)

81 I've gotta say, few people have more disdain for Meghan McBoobs than I do, but she was looking pretty terrific on the Tonight Show recently.

Posted by: Kensington at January 10, 2014 04:40 PM

She'll restore that blubber in no time flat. As Carney Wilson and Oprah displayed, the hardest part of dieting isn't taking the fat off, it's keeping the fat off

Posted by: kbdabear at January 10, 2014 12:43 PM (aTXUx)

82 Just fill the Deep Blue cities with illegitimate children (who do not know who their fathers are).
-
Rollo Tomassi

Posted by: WalrusRex at January 10, 2014 12:43 PM (XUKZU)

83 Or, she's totally missing out. So many women still are... Posted by: artisanal 'ette: chili con carne at January 10, 2014 04:43 PM (IXrOn) Go on...

Posted by: Dack Thrombosis at January 10, 2014 12:44 PM (oFCZn)

84 75 67 Engagement season. People like to propose at Christmas, New Years and Valentine's Day. You forgot Steak and Blowjob Day.

Posted by: Cicero Kid at January 10, 2014 12:44 PM (tcK++)

I always liked this 'take you in one direction joke and turn it in another direction'

Q: Why can't Stevie Wonder go out at night with his friends anymore?

A: Because he's married.

Posted by: polynikes at January 10, 2014 12:44 PM (m2CN7)

86 Put me in the 'I love marriage' camp, too.

My often-cited marriage philosophy: marry the trophy wife first. Saves a lot of grief in the long run, as opposed to 'marry the first woman that'll have me'.

And, geez, Matthew Ynglesia. Total waste of neurons reading anything that goof writes. He personifies the phrase 'often in error, but never in doubt'. His economic insights are usually fastened upon some 'big picture' wonk-speak that he obviously barely understands, and has no utility whatsoever in the real world.

There's the occasional Twitter string out there where some generous soul attempts to explain to him exactly how his latest pronouncement is just completely, empirically wrong, and he's usually too dumb to comprehend it. It's like trying to explaining to Corky (thanks, Empire of Jeff!) that chokit ice cream doesn't come from brown cows. Yet he persists, and flourishes, alas.

Posted by: Sort-of-Mad Max at January 10, 2014 12:44 PM (DLu2s)

87 Calling out Megan McArdle, Mickey Kaus, WR Mead and Elon Musk got me banned from commenting at Instapundit. Bringing that up here will prolly get me banned from commenting here. Just sayin...

Posted by: M. Murcek at January 10, 2014 12:44 PM (GJUgF)

88 78 Any woman who tells you she doesn't know where the batteries are located is lying. Posted by: Dr Spank at January 10, 2014 04:40 PM (P1WNR) Or, she's totally missing out. So many women still are... --- I think it kind of depends on what her little friend is. If it's not a rabbit or a bullet, it doesn't necessarily need batteries.

Posted by: Brandon In Baton Rouge at January 10, 2014 12:44 PM (/Crba)

89 Posted by: alexthechick - Come to us, oh mighty SMOD at January 10, 2014 04:42 PM

I read in the podcast thread of AtC's tale of woe at work with the nonexistent heat

Here's Kate Upton in fur and leather to keep her warm

http://tinyurl.com/qxdze3a

Posted by: kbdabear at January 10, 2014 12:45 PM (aTXUx)

90 Married guys have it all, another person who has income, or raises the children. You can just sit around and get fat. Plus if you want sex you don't have to throw down 50 bucks on dinner and listen to her rant on about her cats or her desire to move to Paris. You've never been married, have you?

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) Ah, F It. at January 10, 2014 12:45 PM (PYAXX)

91 79 I don't have cats or a desire to live in Paris. In and Out Burgers will do.

Posted by: mpfs, San Diego Charger Fishstick at January 10, 2014 12:45 PM (agBXF)

92 "She'll restore that blubber in no time flat. As Carney Wilson and Oprah displayed, the hardest part of dieting isn't taking the fat off, it's keeping the fat off"
==============

I know that from personal experience all too well, but Meghan's not THAT fat. She's just a little chubby, and she still is. I didn't say she looked good because she was thin.

Posted by: Kensington at January 10, 2014 12:45 PM (H84UO)

93 And stay in the same job for a couple of years. And work at your job.

Posted by: t-bird at January 10, 2014 12:46 PM (FcR7P)

Posted by: Kirk's Gorn at January 10, 2014 04:35 PM (/EkKm)

bwahahaha

Posted by: Bigby's Squeegee Hands at January 10, 2014 12:46 PM (3ZtZW)

95 Posted by: Adam Smith's Invisible Pimp Hand at January 10, 2014 04:43 PM (WdbF7) heh.

Posted by: artisanal 'ette: chili con carne at January 10, 2014 12:46 PM (IXrOn)

96 91 79 I don't have cats or a desire to live in Paris. In and Out Burgers will do. --- No time for the old in-and-out, love, I've just come to read the meter!

Posted by: Alexander De Large at January 10, 2014 12:46 PM (/Crba)

97 Plus if you want sex you don't have to throw down 50 bucks on dinner and listen to her rant on about her cats or her desire to move to Paris.

I remember back when it was that simple....

Posted by: noone, really [/i] [/b] at January 10, 2014 12:47 PM (5ikDv)

98 2 I specialize in making money. My wife specializes in blowing it on a bunch of shit we don't need.
==
You must be my brother in law!

Posted by: looking closely at January 10, 2014 12:47 PM (6Q9g2)

99 >>I think it kind of depends on what her little friend is. >>If it's not a rabbit or a bullet, it doesn't necessarily need batteries. Somehow I don't find this nearly as hot as if one of the ladies had said it.

Posted by: JackStraw at January 10, 2014 12:47 PM (g1DWB)

100 No batteries in my house.

Posted by: Hugh G. Penis at January 10, 2014 12:47 PM (P1WNR)

101 99 >>I think it kind of depends on what her little friend is. >>If it's not a rabbit or a bullet, it doesn't necessarily need batteries. Somehow I don't find this nearly as hot as if one of the ladies had said it. --- You're welcome.

Posted by: Brandon In Baton Rouge at January 10, 2014 12:47 PM (/Crba)

102

>>Megan McArdle: How Marriage Makes You Rich and Stupid<<

I guess this means divorce makes you broke and smart.

Posted by: MacGruber at January 10, 2014 12:47 PM (S+el1)

103 For big events like a Tonight Show appearance or big photo shoot, chubby chicks cut weight like a UFC fighter on weigh-in day.

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at January 10, 2014 12:47 PM (ZPrif)

104 I don't get the "why bother" crowd. Symbols have tremendous power. A ring, a certificate, a ceremony. To strip these of meaning and import seems remarkably juvenile and materialistic, but I repeat myself.

Posted by: I can't think of a cool sig! at January 10, 2014 12:48 PM (q177U)

105 63 Any woman who tells you she doesn't know where the batteries are located is lying. Posted by: Dr Spank at January 10, 2014 04:40 PM (P1WNR) ***** Our experiments find this to be mostly true. Also garrett has inadvertently volunteered for our next experiment. No wife--check. If female is near--will be mute--check.

Posted by: Alien #603 at January 10, 2014 12:48 PM (RJMhd)

106
I love being married so I have easy access to my sister in laws cooter!

Posted by: Anthony Weiner at January 10, 2014 12:49 PM (pJF+c)

107 if any chick is feeling their paternal clock ticking down, I am single

Posted by: The Dude at January 10, 2014 12:49 PM (vJdyz)

108 OK, Maybe this is a cool sig. "Eton Cox" was a little creepy.

Posted by: Mr. Dumbsig at January 10, 2014 12:49 PM (q177U)

109 Here's Kate Upton in fur and leather to keep her warm http://tinyurl.com/qxdze3a Posted by: kbdabear at January 10, 2014 04:45 PM (aTXUx) Hey, Duke Energy? You know those cute everyone save energy while it's cold m'kay emails? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHA no. Reason to have a spouse (or SO or whatevs): having someone to blame for the ice cube trays being put back in the freezer empty.

Posted by: alexthechick - Come to us, oh mighty SMOD at January 10, 2014 12:50 PM (VtjlW)

110 My wife has her own way of doing things, bitches incessantly when someone doesn't do it her way, then wonders why she is the only person to do that particular chore. "Just put things where it seems logical!"
-
What I hate is when my wife orders me to go to the store to get a widget, I go to the store and buy a widget, and then she says, "No, not the green widget with pink hearts, the pink widget with green hearts."

Posted by: WalrusRex at January 10, 2014 12:50 PM (XUKZU)

111 Have you read Humane Vitae? It wasn't until I read Paul V1 letter and spent more time in thoughtful prayer that I finally understood how God intended marriage and family to be. In fact, it's a blue print for happy family life and missing the terrible mistakes and pitfalls of the modern culture. This one's good too. http://www.lds.org/topics/family-proclamation#

Posted by: bonhomme[/i][/b][/i][/b][/s][/s] at January 10, 2014 12:50 PM (A0glY)

112 There's not much of a political point to the column, if that's your main interest. In fact, by explaining away the benefits of marriage as being basically on the practical plane, it may subtly undermine arguments about marriage being a powerful force for improving life outcomes. I actually don't know if it does that or not.

So the benefits of marriage is not about LOVE?

Boy, Gabe's gonna be pissed at Megan.

Posted by: John P. Squibob at January 10, 2014 12:50 PM (kqqGm)

113 Commencing target acquisition on garrett's sphincter in 5 4 3 Montana? 2...

Posted by: Alien #603 at January 10, 2014 12:51 PM (RJMhd)

114 Like AllenG, I also don't have a blog, and I just did a short post on an article that DangerGirl linked here. The actual link was a takedown by a writer at patheos, of a vapid piece at HuffPo encouraging young people away from marriage. Instead, they should be doing important stuff like making strangers uncomfortable in public, disappointing their parents, hanging out in windows naked, and watching Girls. Hmmm, those last two seem to have something in common.

Posted by: Barb the Evil Genius at January 10, 2014 12:51 PM (yE8uc)

115 only thing I say is

FATTIES NEED NOT APPLY

Posted by: The Dude at January 10, 2014 12:52 PM (vJdyz)

116 My wife has a battery closet.

Posted by: Ti Nee Wang at January 10, 2014 12:52 PM (P1WNR)

117 Marriage is an improvement for those who find it to be.

Any others may not.

And by improvement, that also means financially, mentally and emotionally.

Those looking on a particular marriage may be unable to see what the participants see or feel. (even the participants of a marriage they feel is an improvement may/always see it differently from each other.

When I was younger and more susceptible, circumstances prevented the most likely matches from culminating a marriage, once I got older, I began to evaluate the chances of improvement more, I think, rationally and the value of marriage declined in my opinion.

This happens frequently as the optimum, read vulnerable, time for a first marriage is 16-25. Once you pass that time frame, you're odds of becoming married decrease rapidly.

There's a reason for that.

Posted by: Bitter Clinger and All That (Unexpurgated Edition) at January 10, 2014 12:52 PM (LSDdO)

118 You've never been married, have you?

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) Ah, F It. at January 10, 2014 04:45 PM (PYAXX)\

Are you telling me that all BIL's cries for help and freedom are serious!?!? I thought all those cuts on their arms were just props......huh, I'll have to reevaluate my strategy here.

Posted by: Adam Smith's Invisible Pimp Hand at January 10, 2014 12:52 PM (WdbF7)

119 Posted by: Ti Nee Wang at January 10, 2014 04:52 PM (P1WNR)

Nice hash.

Posted by: HR at January 10, 2014 12:52 PM (ZKzrr)

120 What I hate is when my wife orders me to go to the store to get a widget, I go to the store and buy a widget, and then she says, "No, not the green widget with pink hearts, the pink widget with green hearts." Yep, that one's frustrating. That and "can you get my iPad from the living room". *gets iPad* "No, I meant my phone." Oooooh, the PHONE! *slaps forehead* How'd I get that one wrong?

Posted by: bonhomme[/i][/b][/i][/b][/s][/s] at January 10, 2014 12:53 PM (A0glY)

121
I'm a real classy lady with a great body and good mind, but have never been asked, so the problem rests with men.

Posted by: Contessa Brewer at January 10, 2014 12:53 PM (pJF+c)

122 Control of the remote would be in the wedding vows.

Posted by: polynikes at January 10, 2014 12:53 PM (m2CN7)

123

The recipe for getting rich is pretty easy:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5) No kids.

Then rich ain't worth it. I was married, had kids. Stopped being married because I really like sex.

But the kids are what is best in life. The ex and I have continued to make raising them our top priority, even if under two roofs. The payback from kids is greater than the riches of Croesus.

Posted by: Frumious Bandersnatch at January 10, 2014 12:53 PM (A0sHn)

124 McArdle's article is extremely political -- she's proselytizing for men marrying men and women marrying women.

Posted by: edj[/i] at January 10, 2014 12:54 PM (klzyR)

125 I know that from personal experience all too well, but Meghan's not THAT fat. She's just a little chubby, and she still is. I didn't say she looked good because she was thin.
Posted by: Kensington at January 10, 2014 04:45 PM

Are you a chubby chaser or do you have an irrational fear of sharp elbows?

Posted by: kbdabear at January 10, 2014 12:54 PM (aTXUx)

126 In my house it's not called a remote, it's called life support.

Posted by: Heywood Jablowme at January 10, 2014 12:54 PM (jsWA8)

127 I finally got him to comprehend that a marriage is a company. Also a team. In football you don't hand the ball off to the same person, play after play. Or pass the ball to the same person to get slammed to the tarmac, down after down. One person may be in career ascension while the other is in career descent mode. You just keep working through the ups and downs, tossing the money in the common pot, and keep working. I was heavily involved in team sports in my youth, while my wife was not. It took a while for her to understand the concept of... let me call it 'ego nullification' -- the concept that one person does not stand up and beat his/her chest in triumph while the other has to act subservient. Do that in team sports and you get labelled a 'prima donna' and everyone hates you. We work together for common long term goals.

Posted by: Regular Moron [/i] at January 10, 2014 12:54 PM (3B0GZ)

128 Sammich specialization skills. Come on! We're all thinking it.

Posted by: EC at January 10, 2014 12:54 PM (doBIb)

129 Twice for confession (from two different priests) I've been given the penance to meditate on this phrase. Thought I'd share. "The best gift a father can give his children is to love their mother."

Posted by: AMDG at January 10, 2014 12:55 PM (t7OO0)

130 110 My wife has her own way of doing things, bitches incessantly when someone doesn't do it her way, then wonders why she is the only person to do that particular chore. "Just put things where it seems logical!" - What I hate is when my wife orders me to go to the store to get a widget, I go to the store and buy a widget, and then she says, "No, not the green widget with pink hearts, the pink widget with green hearts." --- There is a reason why I tell my wife "Text me a list". Even then, there are failures because she doesn't make things perfectly clear. Example 1 - "Wendy's grilled chicken sandwich" apparently means "a combo with sweet tea", not just the sandwich. Example 2 - A list with no commas reading "2 white cake mix 2 icing cream cheese eggs milk" means to get "cream cheese icing" and NOT "cream cheese".

Posted by: Brandon In Baton Rouge at January 10, 2014 12:55 PM (/Crba)

131 If all you can think of are the economic arguments for why you should or shouldn't get married, you shouldn't. And you damn sure are too stupid and selfish to be any good to a child.

Posted by: Empire of Jeff at January 10, 2014 12:55 PM (cWgbC)

132 Any woman who tells you she doesn't know where the batteries are located is lying. Posted by: Dr Spank at January 10, 2014 04:40 PM (P1WNR) Or...they have a set of batteries for that but still don't know where the normal batteries are

Posted by: tsrblke, PhD(c) No Really! at January 10, 2014 12:56 PM (GaqMa)

133 122 Control of the remote would be in the wedding vows. I have to agree. Control / custody of the remote is THE number one issue for married couples behind money and sex.

Posted by: Havildar -- Major at January 10, 2014 12:56 PM (kduZC)

134 Math economics and accounting...how the fuck does that work?

Of course Matt *derp* Yglesias takes as an article of faith that there is still a good Rate of Return on college(not for most fields)

Liberals finally figure out what get right(though they would never change their suicide caucuses preferences of say it at the macro level) right as we are on the event horizon of what we saw coming in healthcare and college.

They use their collectivist pap to keep power and shit keeps degrading relative to mean.

Whatever MattY you keep pretending we have a robust economy for your higher ed ponzi scheme to start working in.

Posted by: Sven 10077 at January 10, 2014 12:56 PM (TE35l)

135 Breeder ideology!

Posted by: Whitney's interchangeable parts at January 10, 2014 12:56 PM (R6JT1)

136 I've been married for almost four months, and I love it. We're still adjusting to the division of labor (like, we'll both do the dishes and no one remembers to vacuum), but it's great. And I say this as someone who loved being single. Best part is having my husband hold my hand. Always when we're driving or walking out, almost always when we're sitting on the couch watching TV. I love that contact, that support.

Posted by: sunny-dee at January 10, 2014 12:56 PM (EBoCD)

137

Marriage is kind of a two person version of capitalism. I will do the yard work, which I am much better at than you, if you will do my laundry, which I suck at.

Bill Whittle did a video a while back that explains capitalism and how both sides of the transaction win. Those that make quality baskets but cant make a spear with crap, trade the baskets to the spear making tribe. Now both sides have good baskets and good spears. Win, win.

I think its one of Whittles Afterburner videos.

Thats the arguement we need to be making over the new socialist loving liberals.

Posted by: AndrewsDad at January 10, 2014 12:56 PM (C2//T)

138 "The best gift a father can give his children is to love their mother." Too true. I wish more people understood that.

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) Ah, F It. at January 10, 2014 12:56 PM (PYAXX)

139 I have a husband and two sons. I haven't gotten anywhere near the remote in 20 years.

Posted by: Liberty Lover at January 10, 2014 12:57 PM (GOK81)

140 Marriage should be like I Dream of Jeannie am i rite guys?

Posted by: eleven at January 10, 2014 12:57 PM (fsLdt)

141 Hint: Did you ever notice we only probe single guys? That's either a plus or a minus for some of you.

Posted by: Alien #603 at January 10, 2014 12:57 PM (RJMhd)

142 Wife keeps me around to trap and kill the mice that get into the house, and shovel the driveway.

Oh, and a date on New Years Eve.

Other then that my time is my own.

Posted by: Bruce at January 10, 2014 12:57 PM (nZ561)

143 I have to agree. Control / custody of the remote is THE number one issue for married couples behind money and sex.

Posted by: Havildar -- Major at January 10, 2014 04:56 PM (kduZC)

give it a few years and remote controls will be a thing of the past

Posted by: The Dude at January 10, 2014 12:57 PM (vJdyz)

144 Remember, this dope voted for Obama.

Posted by: Plaintiff Pug at January 10, 2014 12:57 PM (Qev5V)

145 You lose money chasing women. You never lose women chasing money.

Posted by: Dr. Varno at January 10, 2014 12:58 PM (V4CBV)

146 131 Empire of Jeff at January 10, 2014 04:55 PM (cWgbC)

I got married because together we formed a more complete version of ourselves by filling in gaps in each other.

Couldn't imagine life without her.

Posted by: Sven 10077 at January 10, 2014 12:58 PM (TE35l)

147 I have to agree. Control / custody of the remote is THE number one issue for married couples behind money and sex.

Oh, I have to disagree on this one. It's control of the thermostat.

Posted by: no good deed at January 10, 2014 12:58 PM (HsJeN)

148 140 Marriage should be like I Dream of Jeannie am i rite guys? --- That only works as long as it is Barbara Eden circa 1965, NOT Barbara Eden today.

Posted by: Brandon In Baton Rouge at January 10, 2014 12:58 PM (/Crba)

149 I'm sure her husband also voted for obama. So, she is right that marriage makes you stupid.

Posted by: Plaintiff Pug at January 10, 2014 12:58 PM (Qev5V)

150 Reason to have a spouse (or SO or whatevs): having someone to blame for the ice cube trays being put back in the freezer empty. Posted by: alexthechick - Come to us, oh mighty SMOD at January 10, 2014 04:50 PM

Look at the bright side. The toilet seat is always down. Appreciated when the water in the toilet is barely above 32 degrees too

Posted by: kbdabear at January 10, 2014 12:58 PM (aTXUx)

151 Best part is having my husband hold my hand. Always when we're driving -------------------- Hard to text with one hand, a strike against marriage!

Posted by: Mike Hammer at January 10, 2014 12:58 PM (aDwsi)

152 131 If all you can think of are the economic arguments for why you should or shouldn't get married, you shouldn't. And you damn sure are too stupid and selfish to be any good to a child. Posted by: Empire of Jeff at January 10, 2014 04:55 PM (cWgbC) ******* Plus three years in does not make Megan McArdle an expert--unless you're a Libertarian fan boy.

Posted by: Alien #603 at January 10, 2014 12:59 PM (RJMhd)

153 Oh, I have to disagree on this one. It's control of the thermostat. --- OH DEAR GOD THIS! My wife, when pregnant with our youngest, insisted on keeping the house at arctic temperatures and telling the rest of us to bundle up.

Posted by: Brandon In Baton Rouge at January 10, 2014 12:59 PM (/Crba)

154 Posted by: bonhomme at January 10, 2014 04:30 PM (A0glY)

You do realize you're quoting from surveys done by people you wouldn't trust to tell you the correct time of day if there was any liberal agenda reason for them not to?

Why do you think that just because a poll agrees with what you think or think you've experienced, that it's accurate?

Besides, correlation is not causation. Many of the cited benefits of marriage and assumed negative results of single hood, may be derived from some other factor and not from the individual's marital status.

Posted by: Bitter Clinger and All That (Unexpurgated Edition) at January 10, 2014 12:59 PM (LSDdO)

155 129 Twice for confession (from two different priests) I've been given the penance to meditate on this phrase. Thought I'd share.

"The best gift a father can give his children is to love their mother." Bingo! Frequent prayer to the Holy Family is equally called for, IMHO. Also, as a Father and Husband, rely on St Joseph. I've never been refused a grace when I called for St Joseph's assistance! Marriage and family is hard work. Constant prayer and frequent access to the sacraments --- eucharist and confession has helped me more times that I can count!

Posted by: Havildar -- Major at January 10, 2014 12:59 PM (kduZC)

156 People who aren't hugely attractive and insist on constantly being naked need psych help. +++++ **NOTE TO SELF: Research whether mental health coverage is covered on my plan.

Posted by: Seamus Muldoon at January 10, 2014 01:00 PM (g4TxM)

157

My wife "puts away" my stuff.

Man is it hard to find

Posted by: The Jackhole at January 10, 2014 01:00 PM (nTgAI)

158 Posted by: bonhomme at January 10, 2014 04:53 PM (A0glY)

----

Actually torture story about Mrs Fixer.

"Well... should we go to you your parents or my parents on Thanksgiving."

ME: I doesnt matter to me. At all.

"No .... Im serious..... your folks or mine"

ME: I dont care.... you pick...

"No seriously..... I want your opinion. What do you think??"

ME: Honestly honey.... I am good either way....

"Cmon.... I want hear what what you have to say.

ME: "Okay Okay Okay...... Lets go to your parents. We were at mine last year."

"Well.... I was afraid you'd say that. You know your sister is going to be home and I was thinking it'd be nice to see her again.

ME: o_O ......... **unloads pistol to avoid temptation.

Posted by: Lipps Inc at January 10, 2014 01:00 PM (nELVU)

159 I'm sure her husband also voted for obama. So, she is right that marriage makes you stupid.

Didn't she also vote for Obama? Stupid comes in all demographic categories.

Posted by: HR at January 10, 2014 01:00 PM (ZKzrr)

160 custody of the remote is THE number one issue for married couples behind money and sex. That's really pathetic. Of course, we don't argue over the other two, either... In fact, I'd say in most healthy families there aren't any arguments over anything "important" (and the remote is, but not necessarily in the "who controls it" sense). They're usually stupid arguments predicated more on a sense of, "We never miscommunicate- this miscommunication must be your fault!"

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) Ah, F It. at January 10, 2014 01:00 PM (PYAXX)

161 I will do the laundry if you pay all the bills.

Posted by: Paula Cole at January 10, 2014 01:01 PM (H84UO)

162 I have to agree. Control / custody of the remote is THE number one issue for married couples behind money and sex.

Oh, I have to disagree on this one. It's control of the thermostat.

It's the remote in my house, when Mrs. Squibob discovered my exothermic capabilities in bed.

Posted by: John P. Squibob at January 10, 2014 01:01 PM (kqqGm)

163
Honey, is there any way you can get rid of these batteries and connect my Pink Pocket Rocket up to the outlet for extended use?

Posted by: Horny Housewife at January 10, 2014 01:02 PM (pJF+c)

164 unless you're a Libertarian fan boy.

*cough cough*

I plan to marry my bong.

Posted by: late 20s Libertinarian [/i] [/b] at January 10, 2014 01:02 PM (5ikDv)

165 bad sock bad

Posted by: fixerupper at January 10, 2014 01:02 PM (nELVU)

166 122 Control of the remote would be in the wedding vows. I have to agree. Control / custody of the remote is THE number one issue for married couples behind money and sex. Posted by: Havildar -- Major at January 10, 2014 04:56 PM (kduZC) Good luck when you switch to a voice activated/smart tv.

Posted by: artisanal 'ette: chili con carne at January 10, 2014 01:02 PM (IXrOn)

167 Posted by: Lipps Inc at January 10, 2014 05:00 PM (nELVU) I have had this conversation more times than I care to remember. Seriously, if I had an opinion, I'd have given it the first time you asked...

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) Ah, F It. at January 10, 2014 01:03 PM (PYAXX)

168 Wife:
You used to tell me you love me and buy me flowers!!!

Me:
That was before we got married and we'd have sex 9 times a week.

Not really. But I want to say it.

Posted by: Bruce at January 10, 2014 01:03 PM (nZ561)

169 We're white because of ONE person...?

REALLY?

She must have got around...I would assume it would be a she because it would make it more dominant...

Can we finally be called a minority now?

I mean how "globally" precisely are we "dominant" we're not the largest population by "race."

Can I get regressive action credits from the IPCC?

Posted by: Sven 10077 at January 10, 2014 01:04 PM (TE35l)

170 I will say this though. Personal space is important too. After a week of being snowed in together my wife and I are a bit sick of seeing each other (or at least seeing each other and the house) We're going out tonight (hopefully with friends).

Posted by: tsrblke, PhD(c) No Really! at January 10, 2014 01:04 PM (GaqMa)

171 Good luck when you switch to a voice activated/smart tv.

You just have to program it to ignore high-pitched screeches.

Posted by: John P. Squibob at January 10, 2014 01:04 PM (kqqGm)

172 Hint: Did you ever notice we only probe single guys?

Posted by: Alien #603

AHEM:

Betty and Barney Hill
The earliest and widely known case of alien abduction.

*Booom!* and the grey noggin' goes squish.

Posted by: weft cut-loop [/i] [/b] at January 10, 2014 01:04 PM (tlwVg)

173 164 unless you're a Libertarian fan boy. *cough cough* I plan to marry my bong. Posted by: late 20s Libertinarian at January 10, 2014 05:02 PM (5ikDv) ****** Looks like that might be in the cards for you sometime after the Biden Presidency.

Posted by: Alien #603 at January 10, 2014 01:04 PM (RJMhd)

174 My wife "puts away" my stuff.

Man is it hard to find

Posted by: The Jackhole at January 10, 2014 05:00 PM (nTgAI)

I really like it when she puts away sothing I have taken apart !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: The Jackhole at January 10, 2014 01:04 PM (nTgAI)

175 Best reasons for having a husband:

Trash day

Changing the oil

That creepy looking bug in the bathroom

Unloading the groceries

Posted by: grammie winger at January 10, 2014 01:05 PM (P6QsQ)

176
Now that we're married baby, I love forward to 30 years of blowjobs.

Times change, and you're restricted to one hump per week preferably on Thursday after my bridge date.

Posted by: Newlywed Liberal Bitch at January 10, 2014 01:05 PM (pJF+c)

177 Speaking of marriage, 11 years next Saturday.

Posted by: Empire of Jeff at January 10, 2014 01:05 PM (cWgbC)

178 >>One amusing one is in the area of cognitive resources sharing Completely true. In our case, we've taken turns being "in charge" (intellectually) about particular things. Money matters have switched back and forth several times over our 3 decades, as has grocery shopping and other domestic chores. Lately I've completely abdicated anything remotely IT. This from the woman who spent much of her life doing technologically intensive stuff. Now I can't be bothered to learn how to use iTunes! Meanwhile, Mr Y-not has become truly ignorant about how our washer/dryer, dishwasher, and oven work. It's not a ruse. He just doesn't know.

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at January 10, 2014 01:06 PM (zDsvJ)

179 Seriously, if I had an opinion, I'd have given it the first time you asked...

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) Ah, F It. at January 10, 2014 05:03 PM (PYAXX)

---

I swear to God she does it so she will do the opposite.

Sometimes I get away with picking the opposite of what I think just to see if I can fanagle something my way.... for a change......

Posted by: fixerupper at January 10, 2014 01:06 PM (nELVU)

180 >>Same goes for those who don't like my boobs Posted by: Meggie McBoobs You misspelled "udders"

Posted by: Aviator at January 10, 2014 01:06 PM (DI+ja)

181

My favorite sitcom marriage is Audrey and Jeff on Rules of Engagement. That's how I imagine a real marriage should be. Conflicts and Compromise mixed in with laughter.

Posted by: polynikes at January 10, 2014 01:06 PM (m2CN7)

182 Thirty years in April.

Posted by: John P. Squibob at January 10, 2014 01:06 PM (kqqGm)

183 >> Q: Why can't Stevie Wonder go out at night with his friends anymore?

Poor night vision?

Posted by: GnuBreed at January 10, 2014 01:07 PM (cHZB7)

184 AHEM: Betty and Barney Hill The earliest and widely known case of alien abduction. *Booom!* and the grey noggin' goes squish. Posted by: weft cut-loop at January 10, 2014 05:04 PM (tlwVg) ****** I think your Mom-- Betty-- is a LIAR!

Posted by: Alien #603 at January 10, 2014 01:07 PM (RJMhd)

185 >>177 Speaking of marriage, 11 years next Saturday. Congrats! Any special plans?

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at January 10, 2014 01:07 PM (zDsvJ)

186 Those that make quality baskets but cant make a spear with crap, trade the baskets to the spear making tribe. Now both sides have good baskets and good spears. Win, win. ***** Given my druthers, I'd rather know how to make a spear, for obvious reasons.

Posted by: Seamus Muldoon at January 10, 2014 01:08 PM (g4TxM)

187 >>182 Thirty years in April. Congrats! Our 30th is in August.

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at January 10, 2014 01:08 PM (zDsvJ)

188 Frankly, Mrs. Hammer and I bicker a lot. Having observed other married couple for a looooong time, I know that is not too unusual. An important part of marriage (in my opinion) is having some time and space away from each other. That may present itself in many forms. In most cases men and women have their own (innocent) interests that are of no interest to their spouse, and so men may go off hunting, golfing, whatever. It is the same with women, though their interests often baffle me. Heard with mixed emotions: "Honey, Amy and I are going to lunch and shopping." But back to the bickering. Bottom line is, when Mrs. Hammer is off visiting her sister, or mother, or even just 'gone shopping', I realize that my life revolves around our marriage, and I feel at a loss just because of her absence.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at January 10, 2014 01:08 PM (aDwsi)

189 Speaking of marriage, 11 years next Saturday.

Posted by: Empire of Jeff at January 10, 2014 05:05 PM (cWgbC)

-----

Congrats!!! 27 for me and Mrs Fixer this month.

Posted by: fixerupper at January 10, 2014 01:08 PM (nELVU)

190 Speaking of marriage, 11 years next Saturday.

Posted by: Empire of Jeff at January 10, 2014 05:05 PM (cWgbC)

Seriously congrats.

Posted by: polynikes at January 10, 2014 01:09 PM (m2CN7)

191 if you put an acorn in a jar everytime you make love in your first year of marriage, and take an acorn out of the jar during the rest of the marriage, you will never empty the jar.

Posted by: redenzo at January 10, 2014 01:10 PM (WCnJW)

192 Given my druthers, I'd rather know how to make a spear, for obvious reasons. Posted by: Seamus ---------------------------------- Scrape point on stick. Gently flame-harden. Pro tip: Not for use on Mastodons. See: Flint

Posted by: Mike Hammer at January 10, 2014 01:11 PM (aDwsi)

193 45 'Girls' Star Lena Dunham: People Who Don't Like Seeing Me Naked Need Psych Help Uhhh.....no. We're fine. Trust me.

Posted by: 98ZJUSMC Rounding Error Extraordinaire at January 10, 2014 01:12 PM (2R/Fl)

194 if you put an acorn in a jar everytime you make love in your first year of marriage, and take an acorn out of the jar during the rest of the marriage, you will never empty the jar.

Posted by: redenzo at January 10, 2014 05:10 PM (WCnJW)

------

Speak for yourself.

Oh..... you mean with your wife.

Posted by: Bill Clinton at January 10, 2014 01:13 PM (nELVU)

195 >>Meanwhile, Mr Y-not has become truly ignorant about how our washer/dryer, dishwasher, and oven work. It's not a ruse. He just doesn't know.

Heh. Last summer my hubby offered to show me how the lawnmower works. Told him no way! I already do most of the shoveling (I'm a morning person and my tolerance for a covered sidewalk is much lower than his).

Posted by: Lizzy at January 10, 2014 01:14 PM (POpqt)

196 My wife NEVER turns off a light and I was brought up with "what, we have shares in the power co.?" (Con Ed actually)

Posted by: Guido - 'now with 75+% more hate' at January 10, 2014 01:16 PM (yICtd)

197 Thanks and yes, special plans. Congrats all!

Posted by: Empire of Jeff at January 10, 2014 01:16 PM (cWgbC)

198 Good news everybody! Kate Upton was photographed in zero g for Sports Illustrated.

Posted by: bonhomme[/i][/b][/i][/b][/s][/s] at January 10, 2014 01:17 PM (A0glY)

199 Heh. Last summer my hubby offered to show me how the lawnmower works. Told him no way! I already do most of the shoveling (I'm a morning person and my tolerance for a covered sidewalk is much lower than his). --- I know how the lawnmower works. Write a check to the lawncare company once a month! I'm the same with the shoveling and I do most of the garbage stuff now, too. Clearly I should be charging more!

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at January 10, 2014 01:17 PM (zDsvJ)

200 Posted by: Guido - 'now with 75+% more hate' at January 10, 2014 05:16 PM (yICtd) My parents tried that once. Didn't know I knew they actually did have shares in the power company. Dad was big on utilities for a while.

Posted by: tsrblke, PhD(c) No Really! at January 10, 2014 01:17 PM (GaqMa)

201 Empire of Jeff: How can making sure one can support a child before having any, selfish?

Posted by: sunny-dee at January 10, 2014 04:56 PM (EBoCD)

Sorry to tell you this but you're still dating.

Posted by: Bitter Clinger and All That (Unexpurgated Edition) at January 10, 2014 01:17 PM (LSDdO)

202 My wife says I never listen to her...or at least that's what think she said. *rimshot*

Posted by: Guido - 'now with 75+% more hate' at January 10, 2014 01:19 PM (yICtd)

203 My wife NEVER turns off a light and I was brought up with "what, we have shares in the power co.?" My wife doesn't close kitchen cabinet doors. She also doesn't lock her car doors. I grew up in part in the Philippines. There's a saying in the Philippines "Everything is stolen, it might be some time before your stuff is picked up."

Posted by: bonhomme[/i][/b][/i][/b][/s][/s] at January 10, 2014 01:19 PM (8ifMA)

204 Nood!

Posted by: rickb223 at January 10, 2014 01:20 PM (lUXJH)

205 Sunny-dee, If you can support the two if yourselves comfortably, you can support a child.

Posted by: Empire of Jeff at January 10, 2014 01:20 PM (cWgbC)

206 My wife NEVER turns off a light and I was brought up with "what, we have shares in the power co.?" My wife doesn't close kitchen cabinet doors. She also doesn't lock her car doors. ----------------- What the hell is it with that? I'm thinking that boys being boys, they get more discipline as kids than girls do.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at January 10, 2014 01:21 PM (aDwsi)

207 My wife doesn't close kitchen cabinet doors. She also doesn't lock her car doors. I grew up in part in the Philippines. There's a saying in the Philippines "Everything is stolen, it might be some time before your stuff is picked up." Posted by: bonhomme at January 10, 2014 05:19 PM (8ifMA) Oh year, she never shuts a drawer either...ugh. But she's a doll, kinda puts up with my shit a little, is really smart, likes to shoot guns, and we laugh a LOT.

Posted by: Guido - 'now with 75+% more hate' at January 10, 2014 01:22 PM (yICtd)

208 Yglesias is a trust fund baby who just bought a $1.3 million condo in DC, but he "speaks for the masses" just like Stalin.

He's a leftist hack. I appreciate McArdle's rebuttal, but the little twerp is best just ignored.

Posted by: Adjoran at January 10, 2014 01:46 PM (473jB)

209 In theory, marriage can improve outcomes. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 offers: Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. In practice, I would say that if you're not working in the same direction, you're not advancing. Which is true of any partnership.

Posted by: I R A Darth Aggie © at January 10, 2014 01:56 PM (1hM1d)

210 >>>yeah I like her as a writer. I check her every week.

She's very pleasant in person as well. Although disturbingly tall. (I'm 6'2", and with heels she was actually a little taller than me.)

I kid, of course. I've met her (and her hubby, the wonderful Peter Suderman of Reason) at a few Reason shebangs. She gives fantastic kitchen appliance recommendations in person, so if you ever run into her, ask her about blenders and/or coffeemakers.

Posted by: Jeff B. 2.0 - newly upgraded with fiancee! at January 10, 2014 02:02 PM (ewYO6)

211 >>>McArdle's article is extremely political -- she's proselytizing for men marrying men and women marrying women.

Hmmmm....no.

Posted by: Jeff B. 2.0 - newly upgraded with fiancee! at January 10, 2014 02:03 PM (ewYO6)

212 158:
I can explain why your wife does that. She's using you the same way I use a coinflip. If, for instance, I can't decide between pizza and tacos for lunch, I flip a coin. When the coin comes up 'pizza', I have an immediate strong urge to eat tacos, and vice versa. My brain is obviously saying "no coin's going to tell me what to do!" but it's perfectly willing to do the opposite of what the coin says.

Of course, if you're wife is treating you the way I treat my coin, that's not entirely a good thing: "no husband's going to tell me what to do!" is not a healthy kneejerk attitude.

Posted by: Dr. Weevil at January 10, 2014 02:10 PM (6g9W/)

213 "In fact, by explaining away the benefits of marriage as being basically on the practical plane, it may subtly undermine arguments about marriage being a powerful force for improving life outcomes. I actually don't know if it does that or not."

I'm stupid and a trial and error kind of guy.

Got remarried at 59, after one 17 year marriage, and a 8 year long term relationship which was a real disaster.

Third time was a charm, and it has a big impact. First time in my life where I know someone has my back. Still have to pinch myself sometimes.

Posted by: Levin at January 11, 2014 05:48 AM (cQ4Va)

214 Marriage survives so far despite at least two generations now with diminishing prospects and finances. For a man who makes decent enough income not to need someone to split housing costs, and if he can cook a handful of foods he likes and can work a dryer knob, it's not so clear what great advantages a wife brings. No offense to nice women, and there are still many, though dwindling. Free sex is everywhere. Some wives are much more expensive to maintain than a series of girlfriends. Women today seem to be losing traditional gender role abilities at a faster pace than men. I would see mostly advantage to a daughter getting married today, not so much for a son. I see a lot of twenty something women yearning loudly to get married today but with very few practical or personal skills to contribute to the merger. They can't understand why they aren't getting picked.

Posted by: Travis McGee's Houseboat Wifi at January 11, 2014 09:28 AM (Qm24A)

215 211 >>>McArdle's article is extremely political -- she's proselytizing for men marrying men and women marrying women.

Hmmmm....no."

What's 'political' about this is that idiot leftist immune to common sense have MADE it political.

McArdle is pointing out that marriage makes for a practical and effective economic unit for many. It does for me. It does for her. It does for enough that statistics bear out the lower poverty, higher standard of living, etc. benefits.

It works.

This is 'political' like saying stuff like "men and women are different" and "high taxes cause tax avoidance" and "if you don't stand up to bullies and rogue regimes, they cause more trouble".

Yep - the New Conservatism is just speaking common sense to liberal elites with their heads up their a**.

Posted by: Zombie Commie Walter Cronkite at January 12, 2014 09:51 AM (oNqbW)

216 193 45 'Girls' Star Lena Dunham: People Who Don't Like Seeing Me Naked Need Psych Help
Uhhh.....no. We're fine. Trust me."

Too. Late. Eyes. Burning, Just. Thinking. About. It. Ouch ....

Posted by: Zombie Commie Walter Cronkite at January 12, 2014 09:57 AM (oNqbW)

217 "After listening to Boy BFF drone on and on and on and on about stupid shit, I finally got him to comprehend that a marriage is a company. Once he started viewing it as Us, Inc. then he could get his head around how the person who is better at finance should be CFO and the person who is better at decision making should be CEO and the person who is better at organizing the household should be operations manager and that he and the wife are co-owners and board members with equal stakes in that company. Now, obviously, that analogy won't work for everyone but it's something he could get. I asked him hey, don't you want to be the Amazon of married couples? Yes, yes, he does.

Of course, repeatedly pointing out that he married waaaaaay better than he deserved doesn't go amiss"

Brilliant points.
I believe he DID marry up.

Posted by: Obama Lied Jobs Died at January 12, 2014 10:00 AM (oNqbW)

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