Y2HH

QUOTE (farmteam @ Mar 1, 2012 -> 03:34 PM) If I understand Y2HH and SS2K5's posts correctly, they would say that verbalizing "fair and valid" criticism is inherently mean spirited if the person just died (and feel free to correct me if I misinterpreted ya'll). I'm just saying that, while I agree with that staying silent out of respect for the loved ones is appropriate, I can certainly understand if some people choose to answer the question of, "How do I properly show respect for the death of a person who, in life, I thought was a terrible individual?" with "Well, he relinquished that right to respect when he denied another that same right." Then you obviously don't understand. Or, the more likely scenario, you don't really want too.

QUOTE (StrangeSox @ Mar 1, 2012 -> 04:14 PM) Good point, I forgot about Medicare Part D. And a couple of wars, too, in addition to huge tax cuts that were supposed to usher in a wave of prosperity. One of these days dynamic scoring just has to work! That's right, it's all the republicans fault! You guys make it hard to *not* be condescending or mean, you honestly do. Until you wake up and start realizing it's your own f***ing retarded party just as much as it's the republicans, we can keep rehashing the same arguments they've been having since before we were all born. Honestly, the sad fact is you are all part of the problem. Wake up already.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Mar 1, 2012 -> 12:35 PM) Actually, it did from 1997-2000. The deficit went down, but they didn't actually pay down any of the debt...so...it didn't accomplish much. When I say they're supposed to do the opposite in good times, that means they should not only go into a surplus, but they should pay off the debts they collected during the bad times. They don't.

QUOTE (Rex Kicka** @ Mar 1, 2012 -> 12:17 PM) Frankly, I think gloating over death is never appropriate. Exactly. Edit: Welllll, with a select few exceptions.

QUOTE (StrangeSox @ Mar 1, 2012 -> 12:09 PM) Well it's still pretty basic and apolitical why the deficit keeps growing. The deficit should expand during a recession. Right, and it should collapse during the good times...only it doesn't.

It's still idiots being idiots regardless of the color of brush you all choose to paint it with. The more you defend this type of behavior, the less I'm inclined to believe that you aren't exactly like them, DESPITE you claiming the contrary.

QUOTE (StrangeSox @ Mar 1, 2012 -> 12:03 PM) Tax receipts fell dramatically thanks to a gigantic recession while at the same time numerous automatic stabilizers/safety nets kicked in to catch millions of people. Actual government employment is down across all levels: federal, state and local. I know, I know...and they'll fix those tax receipts by having the SAME arguments about closing loopholes and whatnot that we've already heard a billion times over . And depending on the side telling the story, the followers of that 'side' will eat it up and believe it...all the while blaming the other side for 'road blocking' it from happening. ...and regardless of who/what, nothing will actually get done. It's the same song and dance. I'm just done listening to the song and dancing for either side.

QUOTE (farmteam @ Mar 1, 2012 -> 11:36 AM) No, I was making the distinction between "this is something Conservatives said about a Liberal's death, Andrew Breitbart was a Conservative, therefore it's more fair for Liberals to say this about Breitbart's death" and "this is something Andrew Breitbart said about Liberal's death, therefore it's more fair for Liberals to say this about Breitbart's death." Y2HH, I agree with you, to a certain extent -- it's still not right, and I wouldn't do it; as I said, I would treat his death as I treat others' -- with dignity. Obviously for any celebrity it's different that I'm not personally sad about it, but I still respect it in the sense of, "Even if I detested him, I'm sure he still had people who loved him that are greatly impacted by this and I'll treat his death with dignity in deference to their sorrows." The "certain extent" I go to is that I'm a firm believer in the "Golden Rule;" following that, Breitbart did not treat Kennedy's death with dignity, and therefore he has given permission to be treated like that himself. I, like you, choose not to act on said permission; but some people do, and I understand where they're coming from even if I don't agree with them doing so. Even if he did treat Kennedy's death with dignity, this still would have happened. Idiots don't need permission to be idiots. They are anyway.

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Mar 1, 2012 -> 10:18 AM) The car bailouts I give you, I even said that earlier. Thing is, it actually worked, and better than I honestly thought it would. But still, yes, liberal way of thinking. Stimulus bill was half tax cuts, as I noted earlier, which is pretty much a GOP thing, especially during down times. So at best the stimulus was a compromise. Excess government in everything? Aside from health care - which, again, was based on plans not just from Romney but also Congressional Republicans in the 90's - where is Obama putting excess government into everything? He's cut government in lots of areas, but I am having a hard time finding more than one or two areas he has increased it. Show me. Drilling LEASES were in place, what was't in place was opening NEW areas to BE leased. He's been a moderate. He only looks further left because the Republicans decided to go running as far to the right as possible (which I think they are now regretting). He they cut government in a lot of areas while drastically increasing deficit spending. Not sure how that worked, but he they found a way. Hence why his their deficit is STILL over 1 trillion. And stop the Bush crap before you or anyone else here even starts. Bush they spent like irresponsible jackasses then, too. Blaming just Bush or just Obama for what we're seeing right now is equally dumb. It's bad argument after bad argument from both sides, and I'm sick of it. Obama hasn't been a moderate, as a moderate wouldn't have EVER passed that ACA as it was. Then again, that depends on your definition of moderate. People continue to call the ACA as written/passed Obamacare, and it's not even close to what Obama wanted or requested. It's more like Congress/Senate/Lawyer/Lobbiestcare. Calling it that would be more genuine than continuing to call it what it isn't. A true moderate would have rejected that POS and sent it back to the Senate/Congress from whence it came. In my opinion: Obama isn't a loony leftist, he's merely a democrat. I guess in today's watered down f***ed up terms, you could call that a moderate. But to me, a true moderate governs from the center, on some things he/she will lean right, on others left. You can't be a true moderate, IMO, if everything you do leans one way or the other. We haven't had anything like that since Clinton. My scale of rank: Liberal | Democrat | Moderate/Centrist | Republican | NeoCon. I don't think the government under Obama has been ANY better or ANY worse than the administration he replaced...and that's the problem. The USA has continued to step backwards. That's how I see it, so that's how I'm calling it. So long as the citizens of this country continue to elect connected/rich individuals that owe other connected/rich individuals favors to govern the nation, we will continue to have the exact same problems/arguments over and over and over again. I know this because for the past 30+ years, the arguments haven't changed. I've only been alive that long, so that's the only span of time I'll comment on.

QUOTE (farmteam @ Mar 1, 2012 -> 11:11 AM) My thoughts on Breitbart's passing are more or less what Brian said -- I thought the guy was a verminous douche, which doesn't mean I wanted him to die, and I will treat his death with dignity. However, can you not admit that this is slightly different than "the other side did it too" since it wasn't just "the other side" but Breitbart himself who was engaging in the same behavior that, in your words, is "not right?" ...and to ME, it's STILL not right, regardless of who did it/does it.

QUOTE (Tex @ Feb 29, 2012 -> 02:17 PM) All the Dem are riding in private jets to their "green meetings". Doesn't matter, those green jets actually have a negative carbon footprint, and make the air even cleaner. They also burn puppy and unicorn poo for fuel.

QUOTE (Tex @ Feb 29, 2012 -> 05:40 AM) That's part of the punishment, they have to sit next to Republicans Right, because all Democrats are poor...well, except for all the ones that are elected anyway.

QUOTE (Athomeboy_2000 @ Feb 26, 2012 -> 10:44 AM) Just found out I know someone who is deeply involved with Blackberry software development and the new Tablet and phone OS. Kinda cool. You should tell them to get to the nearest lifeboat...the Titanic is sinking. I know, he will probably tell you, "But this ship can't sink!"...but I assure you, it can. And it will. ;D

QUOTE (BigSqwert @ Feb 25, 2012 -> 02:13 PM) That's a simple way of looking at things but isn't practical for the many artists, musicians, etc. that need that type of flexibility in their schedule. They can't just go find a 9-5 office job instead. It's a simple way of looking at it sure, but it's also reality based on that persons personal decisions/choices. If you want to pursue that sort of life/living, then you have to take the good with the bad, and in the case of an artist/musician/actor, that's the reality they're accepting along with said decision to live that more flexible life. Do I love having to get up at 6am EVERY day, or working nights/weekends if need be? No, but it's something I accept by doing the job I do.

QUOTE (LittleHurt05 @ Feb 25, 2012 -> 12:17 PM) My issue with this is that many servers can be paid under minimum wage. So even if the service is awful, I still feel obligated to give him at least 10-15%, because otherwise they are making under the federal minimum at that point of the day. Give me the option to tip if I am extremely pleased with the service, but don't force me too. Then maybe they should do their job better, or, find a job that isn't incentive based for bad/good/great service.

QUOTE (BigSqwert @ Feb 25, 2012 -> 09:47 AM) I completely agree with you Y2HH. And that's coming from a long time server and bartender. EDIT: Although my tips for poor service are around 15%. Very rarely would I go below that unless the server was being a total jackass. I agree with this. And I have no issue giving nice tips when deserved...as a matter of fact, I'd RATHER give a huge tip, because that means the server made my night better.

QUOTE (Reddy @ Feb 25, 2012 -> 09:49 AM) haha i think it's great that the one area in which the common man feels HE is ENTITLED to something is when he goes out to dinner. It's amazing how pompous you all become. that said, 99% of the time servers give adequate service, and for that they deserve at least 15-20%. Thus, generally speaking, servers are entitled to said tip. And that means that yeah, sometimes you might have a wait a few minutes to get your check, or a refill, or whatever it is you need. Sometimes servers have up to TEN different tables to take care of at the same time. Have you EVER had to do something that requires multitasking of that magnitude? Bet you couldn't handle it unless you'd been working in the industry for at least a year. Maybe longer. It's not an easy job, and some compassion from your side of the table goes a hell of a long way. I agree, they do deserve upwards of 20% for good service, and I don't tip below 15% unless the service is so horrendous it ruined my entire night, which rarely has ever happened. And I don't want excuses as to how busy it is, either...I've been in some of the busiest restaurants in the world (I'm a restaurant lover/foodie), and I've had some of the best service EVER in those places...and yes, I do a job that requires such multitasking now. It's not an excuse to do a bad job. Yes, if the person is new, they deserve some leeway, but those aren't the people I'm talking about. I'm talking about those that know they're delivering bad service but still expect nice tips. Mostly, those that know they can be doing a WAY better job, but just don't care...but then complain to everyone about bad tippers.

QUOTE (Reddy @ Feb 25, 2012 -> 09:30 AM) there is almost nothing that pisses me off more than someone who doesn't tip correctly. as someone who works in the food service industry (because I figured as an actor, why not also be a cliche?) I can tell you that a 20% tip should be g-damned mandatory. Its amazing how few people understand that the ONLY money servers make is what you tip them. That's it. Our hourly wage gets entirely dissolved by taxes so paychecks generally read $0.00 even 15% isn't great. but man, with this guy, I would have ripped him a new one. right then and there. because nothing makes people feel more insecure than other people knowing what a bad tip they left. I also don't have a huge problem getting in trouble. There are always more restaurants. Sorry, but this is mostly bulls***. My detailed reasons as to why will be posted below. And if you don't like it, I don't give a f***. I'm not commenting on this story, I don't know the details, and I really don't care. I'm commenting on all the bulls*** I hear repeated about the food service industry, and how you should tip. First and foremost, I'll tell you how *I* should tip, not you, and not anyone else. That said, I'm one of the more generous tippers you've met, and at times I'll go as high as 40%, HOWEVER, you/they/he/she has to earn it. Just because you're a waiter/waitress doesn't entitle you to 15-20%, I find people repeating that crap and it's just that...it's crap. You have to do your job well, and that consists of a few things. If I ask you a question, answer it, and if you don't know the answer, find one, but don't make me wait 20 minutes because it slipped your mind. Don't mess up my order, but hey, if you do, mistakes happen...correct it fast. Don't make me wait. Don't make me wait. Don't make me wait. I shouldn't have to ask for a fork, etc. I shouldn't have to wait for you to get back to me because my drinks have been empty for 20 minutes. All of the above. Bottom line is this...treat me like s***, you get treated like s*** back. Treat me well, and you'll be rewarded justly...as you should be. But you are NOT entitled to anything. This comes with the territory of taking a job that you know relies on tips, which rely on good service. If you don't want to give good service, don't take the f***ing job. Edit: And to be sure, people that do get good service but tip badly are just assholes. I'm not defending that type of behavior. I am, however, defending the patrons right to give whatever tip they feel the server deserves...and it SHOULD eclipse 20% if they did their job very well. But nothing irks me more than servers in that industry that feel entitled regardless of how s***ty of a job they do. f*** them.

QUOTE (Quinarvy @ Feb 24, 2012 -> 04:42 AM) I sent in a "Report a Problem" but suffice to say this pisses me off. I paused the downloads, but I doubt that does anything. Just have to wait back from Customer Service and if I don't by tomorrow, I'll call in. They'll just remove the charges.

QUOTE (2nd_city_saint787 @ Feb 23, 2012 -> 03:58 PM) its not spam man, its a great opportunity, ive already made 70 bucks and im closin in on signing another coach for another 70 bucks....Even if all I do is get 5 coachs i would have already made my money back plus 150 bucks. Pyramid Scheme.

QUOTE (JPN366 @ Feb 21, 2012 -> 10:47 PM) Don't you wish you'd thought of it? Sounds like the owners of these sites are raking in the cash. Also sounds too good to be true, and a business model that is destined to crash and burn.

I gave up Lent for Lent...so I'm free and clear now.

QUOTE (iamshack @ Feb 15, 2012 -> 08:41 AM) Yeah, that's still pretty awesome...$13k is $13k Don't forget the government gets the piece of that.

QUOTE (iamshack @ Feb 15, 2012 -> 08:15 AM) What did you sell them for? It was like 3 hundred something. In either case, it was a big win. Edit, it was in the 270 range. So if I hadn't sold it, I'd be able to get 2x as much now. But a win is still a win.

QUOTE (iamshack @ Feb 15, 2012 -> 08:00 AM) Wow...how many shares do you still have? None, I sold them when I bought our house. :0 And I didn't have many to begin with, only like 50. I was just out of college in 97' so I didn't have much money at the time, but it still ended up being nice. Apple is one of my greatest selling regrets, but I needed the money so we could get +20% down on the house to start. I should sue Apple for continuing to go up after I sold... frivolous lawsuits ftw.