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Friends,
I apologize for being away so long, I've been extremely busy with the Logon Florida business. My performance has been such that I am now developing the ISP service for the entire Eastern Seaboard. What I am hoping that that I can get you folks to help me out a little bit. I have 9 openings for State Level Sales Managers, If you know of someone living on the Eastern Seaboard that is interested in a real job (not MLM, no cost to the applicant), send me a PM and I'll forward you an email for them to contact me.
The people I need must have a solid background in working with computers and office software and a very strong sales management background. The pay is commission based. I expect these folks to perform at a level that will provide them with a six figure annual income.
Oh and they will have to be able to work with me! <g>
I appreciate your help.
The Bird of Prey
#board-381
Logon Florida!
Http://logonfl.com
What is globalization?
Below is probably the best
example on the definition of globalization.
Question : What is the height of globalization?
Answer : Princess Diana's death
Question : How come?
Answer :
An English princess with an
Egyptian boyfriend crashes in a
French tunnel, driving a
German car with a
Dutch engine, driven by a
Belgian who was high on
Scottish whiskey, followed closely by
Italian Paparazzi, on
Japanese motorcycles, treated by an
American doctor, using
Brazilian medicines!
And this is sent to you by a
Filipino, using Bill Gates' technology which he got from the
Japanese. And you are probably reading this on
one of the IBM clones that use
Philippine-made chips, and
Korean made monitors,assembled by
Bangladeshi workers in a
Singapore plant, transported by lorries driven by
Indians, hijacked by
Indonesians and finally sold to you by a Chinese!
That's Globalization!!!
The Bird of Prey
#board-381
Logon Florida!
Http://logonfl.com
Excel,
Thanks for trotting out the "rebuttal" to this "story".
From where I sit...
Both missives are so full of holes that they don't hold water. Read the "rebuttal" with a skeptical bend and you'll see what I mean.
As always, the truth lies somewhere in between. Most likely, BLL and HRC ran errands or did some "research" for one or more of the attorneys involved. As for "why" they got involved... only they really know, don't they.
The Bird of Prey
#board-381
Logon Florida!
Http://logonfl.com
Now that the elections are over it's time for Florida to regain a bit of respect...
Once upon a time in the Kingdom of Heaven, God was missing for six days. Eventually, Michael, the archangel, found him resting on the seventh day. He inquires of God, "Where have you been?"
God sighed a deep sigh of satisfaction and proudly pointed downward through the clouds. "Look, Michael, look what I've made."
Archangel Michael looked puzzled and said, "What is it?"
"It's a planet," replied God, "and I've put life on it. I'm going to call it Earth and it's going to be a great place of balance.
"Balance?", inquired Michael, still confused.
God explained, pointing to different parts of the earth, "For example, northern Europe will be a place of great opportunity and wealth, while southern Europe is going to be poor. The Middle East over there will be a hot spot," God continued, pointing to different countries. "This one will be extremely hot and while this one will be very cold and covered in ice."
The Archangel, impressed by God's work, then pointed to a large land mass with oceans as its borders and said, "What's that one?"
"Ah," said God, "that's Florida, the most glorious place on earth. There are beautiful beaches, rivers, lakes, and climate. The people from Florida are going to be modest, intelligent, and humorous, and they are going to be found traveling the world. They will be extremely sociable, hardworking, and high achieving people, and they will be known throughout the world as diplomats and carriers of peace."
Michael gasped in wonder and admiration, but then exclaimed, "What about balance, God? You said there would be balance! Everyone and everything seems so totally perfect in this place you call Florida!"
God replied wisely, "Wait until you see the idiots I'm sending down from the North every winter!"
The Bird of Prey
#board-381
Logon Florida!
Http://logonfl.com
PS THEY'RE HERE!
Since we're on the topic on crooked attorneys...
THIS WILL OPEN YOUR EYES.
By Paul Harvey -
Conveniently Forgotten Facts
Back in 1969 a group of Black Panthers decided that a fellow black
panther named...Alex Rackley needed to die. Rackley was suspected of
disloyalty.
Rackley was first tied to a chair. Once safely immobilized, his
friends tortured him for hours by, among other things, pouring boiling water
on him.
When they got tired of torturing Rackley, Black Panther member, Kimbo
took Rackley outside and put a bullet in his head. Rackley's body was
later found floating in a river about 25 miles north of New Haven, Conn.
Perhaps at this point you're curious as to what happened to these
Black Panthers. In 1977, that's only eight years later, only one of the
killers was still in jail. The shooter, Warren Kimbro, managed to get
a scholarship to Harvard, and became good friends with none
other than Al Gore. He later became an assistant dean at an Eastern
Connecticut State College. Isn't that something?
As a '60s radical you can pump a bullet into someone's head, and a
few years later, in the same state, you can become an assistant college dean!
Only in America!
Erica Huggins was the lady who served the Panthers by boiling the
water for Mr. Rackley's torture. Some years later Ms. Huggins was elected to a
California School Board.
How in the world do you think these killers got off so easy?
Maybe it was in some part due to the efforts of two people who came
to the defense of the Panthers.
These two people actually went so far as to shut down Yale University
with demonstrations in defense of the accused Black Panthers during their trial.
One of these people was none other than Bill Lan Lee. Mr. Lee, or Mr.
Lan Lee, as the case may be, isn't a college dean. He isn't a member of a
California School Board. He is now head of the US Justice
Department's Civil Rights Division, appointed by none other than Bill Clinton.
O.K., so who was the other Panther defender?
Is this other notable Panther defender now a school board member?
Is this other Panther apologist now an assistant college dean?
No, neither!
The other Panther defender was, like Lee, a radical law student at
Yale University at the time. She is now known as The "smartest woman in
the world."
She is none other than the Democratic senator from the State of New
York----our former First Lady, the incredible Hillary Rodham Clinton.
And now, as Paul Harvey said;
You know "the rest of the story".
The Bird of Prey
#board-381
Logon Florida!
Http://logonfl.com
No doubt there are some good attorneys out there. It reminds though of an old joke...
what do you call 30,000 lawyers at the bottom of the ocean?
A Good Start!
The Bird of Prey
#board-381
Logon Florida!
Http://logonfl.com
Troy,
This presents an excellent opportunity...
to set down some facts.
I think we would all find the answer to the following questions very interesting.
1. What is the total number of lawsuits in the US for 2001?
2. What percentage were tossed out as "frivolous"?
3. How many of the "frivolous" resulted in "reverse damages" being awarded?
4. How many appeals were filed in 2001?
5. What percentage of decisions were appealed in 2001? 2000? from 1999 or before?
I'm not picking on you. I would think that somewhere there would be actual documentation to support your point the frivolous lawsuits make up a small portion of the legal actions taking place. Personally I think a bigger, more insidious problem is that those with "deep Pockets" use the appeal process to bankrupt their opponents before justice can be served.
The Bird of Prey
#board-381
Logon Florida!
Http://logonfl.com
th,
ahem...
#msg-557978
But you and K² have been holding forth for the true conservative quite well lately, It is much appreciated.
The Bird of Prey
#board-381
Logon Florida!
Http://logonfl.com
Hey!
Just having a little fun here!
The image of Bob wading about in one of his ponds with t-shirts in one hand and flinging fowl with the other did bring a smile to my face.
Just be thankful you didn't request he throw in a dwarf with each T-Shirt!
The Bird of Prey
#board-381
Logon Florida!
Http://logonfl.com
Aren't there laws against Duck tossing?
Someone should call the ASPCA!
The Bird of Prey
#board-381
Logon Florida!
Http://logonfl.com
In light of our recent topic...
I thought a picture might be appropriate.
WARNING!!! The picture below contains several TOPLESS DANCERS! DO NOT SCROLL DOWN if you do not wish to see a picture of topless dancers!
The Bird of Prey
#board-381
Logon Florida!
Http://logonfl.com
The Difference Between The Liberal and Conservative "Debate" Over The War On Terrorism:
Question: You're walking down a deserted street with your wife and two small children. Suddenly, a dangerous looking man with a huge knife comes around the corner and is running at you while screaming obscenities. In your hand is a .357 Magnum and you are an expert shot. You have mere seconds before he reaches you and your family. What do you do?
Liberal Answer:
Well that's not enough information to answer the question! Does the man look poor or oppressed? Have I ever done anything to him that is inspiring him to attack? Could we run away? What does my wife think? What about the kids? Could I possibly swing the gun like a club and knock the knife out of his hand? What does the law say about this situation? Is it possible he'd be happy with just killing me? Does he definitely want to kill me or would he just be content to wound me? If I were to grab his knees and hold on, could my family get away while he was stabbing me? This is all so confusing! I need to debate this with some friends for a few days to try to come to a conclusion.
Conservative Answer:
BANG!
The Bird of Prey
#board-381
Logon Florida!
Http://logonfl.com
Troy,
Actually I was referring to the highly "cash based" nature of the transactions occurring in these adult entertainment establishments. Which presents ample opportunity for the management to "skim" a little off the top.
You are correct, though in your estimation of just who does make the most money in that "industry". When the markups on booze ar 6-7 times the RETAIL price and with a cover charge for everything...$20 at the door, $50 to get in room X, etc. plus the club's take of the "ladies" earnings. There is an awful lot of cash flowing about.
I hear some clubs have a $20 charge to use the ATM machine!
Later,
The Bird of Prey
#board-381
Logon Florida!
Http://logonfl.com
I suspect that this is one of those businesses that looks great on paper but the only folks who make money are those drawing a salary.
You mean the one's that drink "skim" milk?
The Bird of Prey
#board-381
Logon Florida!
Http://logonfl.com
Thanks AF,
That may be one of the best definitions of what WAR is about I've seen in a long time. Substitute German for Arab and it still fits.
The world will be a better place when no one wants to be the master race.
The Bird of Prey
#board-381
Logon Florida!
Http://logonfl.com
Thanks!
Have you considered keeping an archive section of the previous winning Rant & Chat posts in the Ibox?
The Bird of Prey
#board-381
Logon Florida!
Http://logonfl.com
With the general elections coming up in a next week, The following would be good review material prior to voting -- it may clear up some problems a voter may have. Hope you enjoy the data.
A liberal is someone who feels a great debt to his fellow man, which debt he proposes to pay off with your money. -- G. Gordon Liddy
A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul. -- George Bernard Shaw
Foreign aid might be defined as a transfer from poor people in rich countries to rich people in poor countries. -- Douglas Casey (1992)
Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys. -- P.J. O'Rourke
Government is the great fiction, through which everybody endeavors to live at the expense of everybody else. -- Frederic Bastiat
Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases:
If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it. -- Ronald Reagan (1986)
I don't make jokes. I just watch the government and report the acts. -- Will Rogers
If you think health care is expensive now, wait until you see what it costs when it's free. -- P.J. O'Rourke
Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean
politics won't take an interest in you. -- Pericles (430 B.C.)
No man's life, liberty, or property is safe while the legislature is in session. -- Mark Twain (1866)
Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself. -- Mark Twain
Talk is cheap - except when Congress does it. The government is like a baby's alimentary canal, with a happy appetite at one end and no responsibility at the other. -- Ronald Reagan
The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of the blessings. The inherent blessing of socialism is the equal sharing of misery. -- Winston Churchill
The only difference between a tax man and a taxidermist is that the taxidermist leaves the skin. -- Mark Twain
We contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle. -- Winston Churchill
What this country needs are more unemployed politicians. -- Edward Langley
The Bird of Prey
#board-381
Logon Florida!
Http://logonfl.com
The legal "pretext" of the war was States Rights, but the war itself was fought over slavery. Take the issue of slavery out of this argument and there never would have been a war. The State of Gerogia tries to make this Constitutional argument (see below) but even they can't make it with out asserting that problem is slavery. Ah, this is the history that I read. What is the history that you read?
my oh my oh my.
We have bought the whole story haven't we?
"legal pretext"?
Meaning we have to have a legal reason to fight?
I'll not deny that slavery was an important issue. But clearly not "THE MOST IMPORTANT ONE". One of Lincoln's platform pieces was asserting the power of the federal government over that of the states. That, coupled with his anti-slavery stance, led to South Carolina's Secession upon his election. In Lincoln's inaugural address he declared he had no intention of ending slavery in those states where it already existed. The debate over slavery had been raging for more than 20 years leading up to the start of the civil war. Blood had been shed several times already over the issue, But until the Federal government began considering using it's powers to dictate/mandate/supersede states rights in ALL MATTERS, not just slavery...no state, North or South was considering secession. One of the reasons for Lincoln's delay in issuing the Emancipation Proclamation was his and the cabinet's concern that several states "on the fences" (Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, and Missouri for example) might side with the Confederates (especially considering that they were all "slaveholding" states). Only once it became clear that the war would conclude with the Confederate defeat (see below) did he go ahead with "freeing the slaves".
Also, understand that this was an Economic issue as well. Having built it's economy based on Slave labor, the South would have taken decades to recover from the economic effects of the end of slavery with or with out a war. If you want to really get down to the nitty gritty of what the war was about...it was about one group of people wanting to dictate to another group of people HOW they should go about living.
Throughout history, this attitude as typically been a precursor to war. When one group tells another that "you are doing it WRONG, You must change!" a fight is bound to break out.
Next time you go reviewing historical works I suggest you read ALL OF THE INFORMATION. Not just that which supports your view.
It's kind of like reading the bible and just following the parts you "like".
BTW, I just love revisionists!
Oh, I am aware that some folks (southerners especially) felt that the South wasn't doomed until after Gettysburg (November 1863). But the real turning point came at Antietam (September 17 1862), when Lee failed to defeat the Army of the Potomac there, the French and British governments backed down from officially recognizing the Confederacy. as a result Lincoln felt confident enough in eventual victory to issue his preliminary E.P. 5 days after the battle (9/22/1862) and followed with the official E.P. on (1/1/1863).
It should be noted that the Confederate war plan consisted of inflicting heavy casualties upon the union troops in the hopes of forcing the Union to "sue for peace" as opposed to capturing territory. Although they were successful with the first part of the plan, Lincoln and his government's stubborn refusal to quit forced the Confederacy into a protracted conflict that they had no hope of winning.
A visit to your local library should provide a wealth of written material for you to peruse on this subject. Written from many different perspectives. I also highly recommend the Ken Burns documentary.
If you prefer a "quick read"
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/cwphtml/tl1861.html
The Bird of Prey
#board-381
Logon Florida!
Http://logonfl.com
I find advertising in theaters especially tacky.
Here! Here!
What amazes me is that the same people who scream the loudest about "SPAM" say nary a word about the ads in the theatre.
and by all means feel free to rant to your hearts content, and join us for while.
The Bird of Prey
#board-381
Logon Florida!
Http://logonfl.com
How do you know when you've had too much to drink?
When you walk into the wall...
and are amazed to discover people are walking on it!
The Bird of Prey
#board-381
Logon Florida!
Http://logonfl.com
Our prayers will go out for you and your family.
The Bird of Prey
#board-381
Logon Florida!
Http://logonfl.com
Have a few friends in Orlando, some that hang out in our trading room...does that count?
Well! that practically makes you a native! <g>
I don't short pennies, but I sure flip the heck out of MYNG for the last 4+ years.
Good for you!
Looks like my intended victim has been incarcerated. Oh well, I don't much care for the flavor of grease paint anyway.
Good luck!
The Bird of Prey
#board-381
Logon Florida!
Http://logonfl.com
Actually, they were pretty hard to miss.
The existence of CD's in and of itself is reason enough to send me into Monty Python retreat mode (RUN AWAY! RUN AWAY!). After confirming the OS and the pitiful yield from the dig. I won't be wasting my time or money here. Might make a good short though.
On a lighter note...
You wouldn't by chance be the "Officer" Jim Bishop that used to be on the Radio (after his stint with the county) here in Orlando, would you?
The Bird of Prey
#board-381
Logon Florida!
Http://logonfl.com
Then perhaps you've been reading the wrong history books, or reading the history books wrong.
And no one has given me on iota of proof that raising the minimum wage is anything more than a ploy to buy votes.
The Bird of Prey
#board-381
Logon Florida!
Http://logonfl.com
So, of all the people that are employed at a job that pays an hourly wage a mere 3.1% make the minimum wage (or less).
Of these, according to the data you cited, 1,378 of the 2,238 are employed on a PART-TIME basis, meaning that barely 1% of the total population employed at an hourly wage are working FULL TIME at a job that pays the minimum wage (or less).
As a result you have concluded that an increase in the minimum wage is necessary. Again I ask why? To raise the percentage of persons employed at (or below) the minimum wage?
I propose the following, commission one of those liberal think tanks to investigate this 1% of the working a full time job for the minimum wage (or less) and determine *WHY* they are working there for so low a pay.
Is it because they cannot get a better job? Lack the education? Lack the motivation?
Is it because no higher paying jobs are available? Is the area economically challenged? Are these people spread out all over the place? or are they grouped in certain areas?
Have we determined the legal status if these individuals? Are they illegal immigrants? Convicted felons? Misguided social workers?
As an example, what is the going rate for working in a soup kitchen? Surely on their limited budgets they aren't paying above the minimum wage! and I'm certain the local authorities will insist that SOMEONE on staff HAS to be a paid worker RESPONSIBLE for all of those persons performing community service!
I realize that we are discussing 853,000 (according to the data you provide) real people here (at least I hope they are real!). that they have lives and challenges all their own. I honestly believe that there is help for those of them that truly want it. As for the rest...the help is there.
Funny how you present numbers that prove an old marketing axiom. "No matter what you do, 3% of the people won't buy it...ever."
I am more than happy to help someone that wants to make something more of their life, and have little or no time for those simply looking for a handout.
As it stands now the minimum wage is a government handout at the expense of the business community. It serves no purpose beyond it's intended one. Gaining votes for politicians in an election year.
BTW, the civil war was fought over the issue of Individual States rights vs the rights of the Federal Government. The States lost. Pray that we never have a civil war over the rights of the Individual vs the Federal Government, or that if we do...the Feds don't win.
I've found this discussion to be most invigorating, if not enlightening. It is most noteworthy that your are a rarity among so called "liberals". Most tuck tail and run when faced with a well armed conservative (pun intended). I wish you well.
The Bird of Prey
#board-381
Logon Florida!
Http://logonfl.com
Hi Jim,
How refreshing, sometimes my reputation doesn't precede me!
Short course, I rarely ask a question for which I don't already know the answer. I rarely post about a stock before I've read the filings.
This case is not a rare example.
I will only disagree with you on a single point. The filings are not the only links needed. Sometimes they are the only link available, but the smart investor will find every scrap of information available...especially when "investing" in pennies.
Have a good day!
The Bird of Prey
#board-381
Logon Florida!
Http://logonfl.com
Excuse please,
Do you have any DD links that are not merely posts on the RB system? Preferably something from a reputable source. I would like to research this company myself. Your help would be appreciated.
The Bird of Prey
#board-381
Logon Florida!
Http://logonfl.com
A little food for thought for the liberally minded...
Subject: LARK
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC
Dear Concerned Citizen
Thank you for your recent letter roundly criticizing our treatment of the Taliban and Al Qaeda detainees currently being held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. My administration takes these matters seriously, and your opinion was heard and heeded here in Washington.
You will be please to learn that, thanks to the concerns of citizens like you, I will be announcing today the creation of a new division of the Terrorist Retraining Program, to be called “Liberals Accept Responsibility for Killers,” or LARK.
In accordance with the guidelines of this new program, we have decided to place one Al Qaeda terrorist under your personal care. Your very own personal terrorist detainee has already been selected and will be arriving at your home under heavy armed guard next Monday. His name is Ali Mohammed Ahmed bin Mahmud, but you can just call him Ahmed. He is to be cared for pursuant to the standards you personally demanded in your letter of admonishment to my office.
It will likely be necessary for you to hire some assistant caretakers. We will conduct weekly inspections to ensure that your standards of care for Ahmed are commensurate with those standards you so strongly recommended in your letter.
Ahmed’s meal requirements are simple, but we strongly suggest serving meals that do not require utensils, particularly knives and forks. Also, these should be “one-handed” foods; Ahmed will not eat with his left hand since he uses that hand to wipe himself after purging his bowels (which he will do in your yard). But look on the bright side .. no increased toilet paper expenses.
Ahmed generally bathes quarterly with the change of seasons, assuming that it rains, and he washes his clothes simultaneously. This should help with your water bill. Also, your own personal detainee has a terribly bad case of body lice that we have been unable to completely remedy.
Please heed the large orange notice attached to your detainee’s portable cage: “Does not play well with others.” Although Ahmed is a sociopath and extremely violent, we hope that your liberal sensitivity to what you described as his “attitudinal problem” will help him overcome these antisocial character flaws. Perhaps you are correct in describing these problems as mere cultural differences.
Ahmed will, given a chance, bite you. We have included a copy of his latest rabies test, which showed negative results.
We understand that you plan to offer counseling and home schooling. Your adopted terrorist is extremely proficient in hand-to-hand combat and can extinguish a human life with simple household items such as a pencil or nail clippers. We suggest that you refrain from asking him to demonstrate these skills for your morning coffee klatch.
Ahmed is also expert at making a wide variety of explosive devices from common household products, so you may wish to keep those items locked up, unless (in your opinion) this might offend him.
Ahmed will not wish to interact with your wife or daughters (except sexually) since he views females as a subhuman form of property. However, he will be eager to assist with the education of your sons. To facilitate this education you may wish to have several copies of the Q’uran available for his use.
Oh – and rest assured that Ahmed absolutely loves animals, especially cats and dogs. Roasted will be fine, but dog-kabob works perfectly well.
Thanks again for your letter. We truly appreciate it when folks like you, who know so much, keep us informed of the proper way to do our job. We think that watching over each other’s shoulder is such a good way for people to interact. So, we will be sending a team of federal officials with expertise in your line of work to your place of business in the next few days, just to help you do your job better.
Please, don’t be concerned that our federal observation team has the power to close your business, seize your property and arrest you for any violation of 4,850,750 laws, codes, regulations and rules that apply to your profession. They are really there to help and to make sure you do everything in the proper way.
Thanks again for this opportunity to interact with such a valued and compassionate member of the American family. You take good hear of Ahmed, you hear? And let us know when you think he is ready to be released into American society.
Very truly yours,
George W. Bush.
The Bird of Prey
#board-381
Logon Florida!
Http://logonfl.com
McNeil claims that he...."had more impact on the atmosphere than any other single organism in earth history." (p111)
Methinks that whomever it was that came up with the idea for organizing cattle (pigs, chickens, etc.) into domesticated farms and encouraged them to multiply might give Mr. Midgly a run for his money...unless of course you'd prefer to lay blame at the feet of whomever decided to mass market meat products.
Or maybe you want to single out the guy that had the bright idea for handling sewage in a fashion that allowed humans to propagate more freely without risking the diseases associated from inefficient handling of our waste products.
Next thing you'll be telling us is that despite less than 150 years of research into a 6 billion year old system, you can reliably predict weather trends for the next twenty years and beyond. I'll be impressed when it can be reliably predicted where it is going to rain this afternoon!
The Bird of Prey
#board-381
Logon Florida!
Http://logonfl.com
My Stepson is an Auto mechanic.
I chose my example carefully. I refer to the "rate" at which the mechanic is actually paid, not the rate charged to the customer.
Additionally, while it seems like a good deal for the mechanic when he can get paid a flat rate for a particular job if he can perform the job is less time than the rate actually pays for. The mechanic still has to be in the shop for the entire shift, and if that is the only job he has to work on, that will be the only money he earns that day. Unless the job order is for 8 hours no matter how long he takes he is losing.
Sometimes, it does work in the mechanics favor. but far less often than you might think.
and the 3 or 4 times still applies!
The Bird of Prey
#board-381
Logon Florida!
Http://logonfl.com
You're asking me about insurance?
Excuse me, car insurance?
Ok, kidding aside, let's see what do we *know* about insurance.
You are correct, in Florida you must have car insurance or they will revoke/suspend your Drivers License.
The insurance company takes your payment and puts it with everyone else's payment into a pool of money that they then "invest". In return for this they agree to "cover" any "events" as outlined in the policy you purchased. If you have the unfortunate circumstance to actually suffer an "event" you will be required to submit a "claim" to your insurance company for said "event". Your Insurance Company will then decide if your "claim" is "valid" and if so for how much of the "event" they will pay. In some circumstances they will even dictate "where" or "who" must perform the service of restoring the objects damaged by the "event".
The fees or "premiums" for this service are allegedly calculated from careful research into so large a database, covering so many parameters that it appears no one actually understands it. But somehow, after factoring in that you are a 21 year old single male with brown hair, living at home, driving a 1998 Chevy pick-up truck in Tallahassee, Florida, going to school and work, driving more than 10 miles a day and have never been ticketed or in an accident before...that you need to give them $200 a month to assume the "risk" that you will be involved in an Accident. Should that unfortunate event occur you agree to pay from your own pocket a "deductible" of $250 and they will "cap" their portion at $25,000.
Now, no one "plans" on getting in an Accident. But they do happen. Florida is a "no-fault" state so allegedly, it doesn't really matter if the accident is your fault or not. However if your accident causes your insurer to pay out too large a sum of money, you will be dropped and forced to seek insurance elsewhere.
Additionally, no one plans on getting ticketed either, but that is an entirely different discussion better suited for the Rant board.
You supposition that insurers "take bets" is an accurate one. But if you think the "house" has an advantage at the roulette wheel, you should see the advantage the insurance companies have.
The largest holder of Real Estate in the World is the Catholic Church, The insurance industry runs a very close second.
Yes, a big hurricane or a terrorist act can cause a big pay out for insurance companies. But they in turn have insurance from companies called re-insurers to help them absorb that risk. Of course they use the large pay out as an excuse for why they have to raise rates...again.
BTW, just how profitable can the insurance business be? let's just say that the heart and soul (and one Mississippi River of a cash flow) of Berkshire Hathaway is a certain talking lizard.
My feeling about insurance companies can be summed up in a simple phrase. IMO their motto...
We are in the business of collecting premiums, not paying claims.
The Bird of Prey
#board-381
Logon Florida!
Http://logonfl.com
BTW, one of the best jobs I ever had was a "Minimum wage" plus commission. Believe me I never went a week without "the commission"
Worst I ever had was a position that paid a flat "salary" When you factored in the 80+ hour weeks it was definitely less than minimum wage, but perfectly legal.
The Bird of Prey
#board-381
Logon Florida!
Http://logonfl.com
Now there's a surprise!
An attorney with a wee bit of avarice.
Nothing personal but, I have a tiny bit of difficulty with people that have an idea of "entry level" pay that is typically three or four times higher than that of a top auto mechanic with twenty years experience. I realize you are not entry level now and of course you should get whatever the market will bear.
The Bird of Prey
#board-381
Logon Florida!
Http://logonfl.com
trkhntr,
Please let me clarify one point. Where the "mentally challenged" are concerned, I do not feel the "minimum wage" discussion is relevant. These people have a disability and fall under an entirely different category.
My reference to those that wouldn't improve themselves through education covered persons that "have" the ability to do so, but refuse to use it.
Additionally, there is no dishonor in working for low wages. Quite the contrary, it shows a strength of character, an understanding of responsibility and one's duty to contribute, no matter how trivial or small that contribution might seem.
Of course there are those folks that would have gladly walked one through the welfare process...if you would give them your vote.
The Bird of Prey
#board-381
Logon Florida!
Http://logonfl.com
I just love a flip response.
If a small increase in the minimum wage is going to cause your business such problems you ought to find a new occupation.
1. 12% is small? and that's just the first proposed increase. But I guess if you operate a business that can absorb a 20+% hit to the bottom line over a twelve month period without affecting anything else, like profitability...you are interested in making a profit right?
2. There you go telling me what I ought to do again.
Do I have to pay people to work for me or not?
I thought this answer would be obvious, especially to someone that claims to have "run small businesses my whole life". but apparently you need to have me spell it out for you.
Of course you have to pay people to work for you, and you have to offer an attractive enough plan to acquire the desired skilled personnel. If your pay package is too low, you will either be understaffed or staffed with people than are not as skilled as you may need/want. You, as the business owner will need to decide where the balance point is, that point where the amount you pay and the workers you attract best meet the needs of your business.
On the other side of this equation, the individual worker needs to evaluate his/her skills and their value and seek employment where he/she feels they receive "fair compensation" for their services.
It's called capitalism. You should learn more about it.
Please note that at no time was it necessary for a government to involve itself in the above equation. By dictating what the "minimum wage" is, the government is restricting both the business and the worker by telling both what they are worth.
Are there people that try to abuse the system? Sure. There are also laws that have nothing to do with the minimum wage that would adequately punish the offenders. Slavery was declared illegal long before the minimum wage was imposed.
Have a nice day.
The Bird of Prey
#board-381
Logon Florida!
Http://logonfl.com
Change is good.
I like change.
But I like paper money better.
The Bird of Prey
#board-381
Logon Florida!
Http://logonfl.com
RR cut taxes for everyone who made more than about $20,000. (those below that number paid more in Medicare than they saved in tax cuts) The result was not a booming economy. George the First raised taxes as did Billy. The result seemed to be a booming economy. George the Second cut taxes and the results so far are just plain problems. You can blame whomever and whatever you want, but can you honestly tell me any of this works.
Economics 101
The US economy can be likened to a large oil tanker, hard to get moving and difficult to change direction.
In one incredibly ironic twist, many economists agree that the events during a particular presidential term may not "show up" (make their effects felt in the economy) until as many as two 4 year terms after the event. It can be reasonably argued (and has been) that the "boom" during the Clinton years were actually the results of RR's economic strategy. And the problems we are having now are the results of George Sr being forced into a tax hike by a Democratic Congress and the Clinton Tax hikes that followed.
You can test this for yourself. Take any political event and add 8 years to it. Especially tax changes. It makes for an eye opening lesson.
The Bird of Prey
#board-381
Logon Florida!
Http://logonfl.com
Well, without elections we wouldn't have laws.(g)
Huh? There are laws in lots of places that don't hold elections. Actually, the rule of law has existed for longer that the elective process of selecting the government. Oh, and I don't consider recent events in Iraq to qualify as an "election". yet people get executed regularly for violating "the law" there.
As far as the small business man, I don't think these laws are that much of a problem for them.
Spoken like someone that has never been a small businessman. Try adding 12% to your costs when your bottom line only has room for 8%. Something has to go.
When I go to the super market I think it is more a question of the baggers getting a little more money.
Although I am aware of many supermarkets "employ senior citizens" programs the majority of the baggers and clerks are still in high school.
This wasn't exactly a good example of people needing an increase to "stay above the poverty line".
Some people education won't help.
So true, but don't lay a sob story on me telling me I *HAVE* to help those that *WON'T* help themselves.
The Bird of Prey
#board-381
Logon Florida!
Http://logonfl.com
Ergo,
You ask some very good questions.
Part of me wants to ask you if you think we need a minimum wage?
As it stands now, maybe. What strikes me as odd is the fact that there was no hue and cry last year to raise the minimum wage, was it large enough last year? What happened in the last twelve months that caused it to become such an issue...*now*?
If Congress truly wanted to enact a "minimum wage" law with some teeth, they would have set a figure years ago and tied it's increase or decrease to the GDP or other economic indicator. What we have now is "vote candy" that is passed out whenever the Democrats feel they need some extra oomph at the booths.
Should I be allowed to employ people with out paying them?
Shall we answer a rhetorical question with rhetorical question? Is a bear Catholic?
Should I be able to employ children?
See previous.
I see this much more as a human rights issue. I don't see it as some "redistribution of wealth" at all.
Ah! yes! The human rights card!
Quite simply, minimum wage should apply to those who lack education, or motivation to be employed at a better earning position. Despite catcalls claiming otherwise, there is more than adequate opportunity for anyone to improve their lot in life through education. Even if it weren't there are plenty of opportunities for the motivated to improve their personal "bottom line".
You are correct that this is a "rights" issue. Everyone has the right to live to the standard to which they are willing to work for. If they want to make more than "poverty level" there are a plethora of ways to do so.
Taking a few more pennies from small businessmen in exchange for a Vote shouldn't be one of them.
The Bird of Prey
#board-381
Logon Florida!
Http://logonfl.com
My! Such harsh language!
It has come to my attention that a number of persons here at IH are *afraid* to engage in contrary discourse with me. Therefore, I am presenting a "kinder", "gentler" Bird of Prey.
That seems to be what type of user management (among others) would prefer. As always... I aim to please.
Alternatively, consider this...if someone utterly ignores my attempt to "convince" them to behave in a reasonable fashion...that alone should be grounds for an extended stay at Club Matt.
BTW, namecalling doesn't become you.
The Bird of Prey
#board-381
Logon Florida!
Http://logonfl.com