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 Author Thread: Take back control of our taxes
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 23 (view)
 
Take back control of our taxes
Posted: 11/22/2009 7:37:15 AM

some people like to keep what they earn with the understanding that it takes a certain amount to fund the legitimate functions of government,


And that is what this debate really boils down to. It's a debate that has been debated for millenniums. Exactly what are the "legitimate functions of government."

Once everyone can agree on what the "legitimate functions of government" are, then we can decide on how they can be funded.

However, I have to admit, that as a political scientist, I have more hope in seeing a treaty between the United Federation of Planets and the Romulans than I do of having everyone agreeing on what the "legitimate functions of government" are.
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 6 (view)
 
Onsides kick
Posted: 11/22/2009 7:29:48 AM

On a kick-off, as long as the ball travels 10 yards, it's anyone's ball.


It should also be noted that it must touch the ground and travel and additional 10 yards before the kicking team can recover. That's why when you see an onside kick, it is usually popped up by the kicker having the ball basically touch right in front of the tee and popped up for the additional 10 yards.
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 13 (view)
 
Take back control of our taxes
Posted: 11/21/2009 2:15:02 PM
I don't agree with every way my tax dollar is spent, but I am willing to accept the bad spending with the good and work to change the way the bad tax dollars are spent.

When it comes down to it, there are two thoughts in regards to this entire issue.

My first thought is that those people who complain about taxes being too high or about being taxed at all are the same people who complain about potholes in the streets, the educational shortcomings are country is currently seeing, and that "important" services such as police and fire services may be cut because there isn't enough money, especially in the current economic environment.

My second thought is one of my favorite quotations by Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. "Taxes are the price we pay for a civilized society."
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 10 (view)
 
UFC HW Champion Brock Lesnar Seriously ill and In Hospital
Posted: 11/18/2009 7:33:32 PM
I'm not going to say that Brock ever did Steroids or not, but one has to admit that the training regimen between something like the WWE and the UFC is completely different.

For example, your training in the WWE is to make your body look good. Stamina isn't necessarily something you train for because you can put rests into your match. So the majority of the training is weight training, defining muscles, making your body look good.

When you are in the UFC, the majority of your training is going to be geared towards conditioning. When you are in the octogan, you can't exactly put a "rest hold" on your opponent. If you do, then in all likelihood, you are going to get tapped or knocked out.

So one does have to consider the two different sports require completely different training regiments.
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 9 (view)
 
Terrorism by stealth
Posted: 11/18/2009 7:34:29 AM
Terrorism and bad guys and the threat of being hurt, be it physically, emotionally, or financially has been around since the beginning of time. The question is how much are you going to let it affect your life?

You could just live your life like normal, take the precautions you need to, as one has always been advised to do, and just go on with life.

Or one could take their money, put earplugs in the ears, and sit in a bathtub full of water encased in bubblewrap with an air tube and a food tube in the dark further encased in cement in the lowest level of your living dwellings in the center room and encase that in lead.

The choice is yours, but I'm going to keep living my life like normal with all the precautions I have always taken as far as my life goes.
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 42 (view)
 
Bad Calls, Decisions, and Quotes 2009/10 NFL Football Season
Posted: 11/16/2009 7:55:46 PM
I loved the call that Bill Bellichek made. Your up by 6 points against the undefeated Colts who have arguably the best Quarterback, Peyton Manning, playing in the game today. How do you keep Peyton Manning from beating you? You keep Peyton Manning off the field.

If the Patriots had made the 4th and 2, Belichek would've been looked upon as a genius. The only reason that people are questioning the call is because they didn't make it.

In know way is this the worst decision ever made.

Worst decision ever made, 1997 NFC Championship Game, Vikings vs. Falcons, Vikings with the ball, game tied, 30 seconds to go in the game, two time outs, need about 20-30 yards to get into field go range, the most prolific passing offense (Randy Moss on one side and Cris Carter on the other side) and Denny Green, in all his wisdom, kneels and lets the clock run out.

I'm sorry, but Belichek's decision makes sense exponentially more than Green's.
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 58 (view)
 
Favorite MMA fighter?
Posted: 11/8/2009 7:29:51 AM
I was seriously unimpressed with Fedor last night.

After watching the fight, I saw two things happen.

First, Rogers put himself in trouble because he had no cardio and blew his wad so to speak in the first round.

The other thing was I saw Fedor throw a completely wild punch that luckily landed on the button.

From last nights fight, the only thing that can be said about Fedor is that he proves the concept of "a punchers chance" right.

Now the middleweight fight I thought was really impressive last night. Miller vs Shields was a classic ground chess match in my opinion and a great bout, as was the opening bout between Werdum and Silva.
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 30 (view)
 
Students Rights.... advice or opinions needed
Posted: 10/27/2009 8:12:46 PM

i was the first to bring an attorney to my kid's school and file a legal complaint. they hopped pretty quickly in her interest. if you want a good one, check out ones who represent iep's and also check out "parents helping parents", a national organization. there are rights on both ends. don't let civil service allow abusive role models. go straight to the top, including the school board or the head of the board of education in your state. don't waste your time with bureacrats. try your local state representative to find out about your rights as a parent. often phys ed requirements can be fulfilled elsewhere, such as a local community college.


And this response pretty much sums up not only what is wrong with our public school system but our country as a whole.

Don't like the way something goes? Well, hire a lawyer and sue. It's the American Way.

It's sad to say this, but one of the most socially relevant songs in America today is "I'll Sue Ya" by "Weird Al" Yankovich.
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 3 (view)
 
NFL team for the LA area............ on again.
Posted: 10/24/2009 1:16:49 PM
Maybe you can get the Vikings to move there. Their fans are fair weather and they want a new stadium anyway. Besides, California, and more specifically LA, should be use to stealing teams from Minnesota.
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 8 (view)
 
Students Rights.... advice or opinions needed
Posted: 10/24/2009 10:55:32 AM
You tell him the same thing my adviser in college would tell his class on the first day when he explained all of the rules and all of the things that would make you fail. It's real simple.

Life's not fair, deal with it.
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 256 (view)
 
My body,My choice!
Posted: 10/22/2009 8:27:09 AM

My daughter went into a 3 month coma and died from the FLU Shot that she was mandated to get for WORK! She has now been brought back to life and is in a WHEELCHAIR since she cannot walk.


I just have one question. How long after she died was it until she was brought back to life? Was it three days? I mean if it was, you may very well have the second coming of Jesus on your hands. Not trying to be mean, but something in this statement just doesn't add up.

As far as other things to build the immune system, your right, there are things one can do to build their immune system.

Your employer has a duty to follow all state regulations, and the state has a duty to protect the public from itself, because lets face it, it's not to difficult to see sometimes that we are too stupid to protect ourselves. If you can't follow the policies of your employer and thusly follow state regulations, then its time to find a new line of work.

The rest of us have to live within rules and regulations to keep our jobs, why should health care professionals be any different.
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 1 (view)
 
Girl denied health care for being too skinny
Posted: 10/22/2009 8:21:45 AM
OK, so the story is that this 2 year old girl was originally denied health care for being too skinny. Recently the ruling was reversed, here is the story on the decision being reversed.




MINNETONKA, Minn. - The nation's largest health insurer has reversed a decision which denied health insurance for a healthy 2-year-old Colorado girl after her family talked about the case on national TV.

The family of Aislin Bates says she was denied coverage by UnitedHealth Group's Golden Rule subsidiary because at 22 pounds, she doesn't meet height and weight standards and could be at higher risk for becoming ill.

The Bates family appeared on NBC's ``Today'' show Wednesday to talk about UnitedHealth's decision. By Wednesday evening, the Minnetonka-based UnitedHealth reversed its decision, saying that after an ``additional review'' of the girl's medical records, it would provide coverage for the girl.


So here is the thing, we live in a society that value anorexic images. The skinnier you are, the better off you are in society. It's just the socially accepted idea. But now, apparently while society value the skin and bones image, health insurance has decided it isn't acceptable.

I guess when it comes down to it, your choice is fairly simple.

A.) Be thin thus being socially accepted and be denied health insurance.
or
B.)Don't be thin thus not being socially accepted and get health insurance.

Something just seems wrong with that.
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 2 (view)
 
Question for all of my fellow comic book superhero fans: would a mask really hide your identity?
Posted: 10/20/2009 9:31:41 PM
The one that always got me is Superman.

Apparently, wearing glasses when you are in your "secret identity" completely throws people off the trail.

Look, I have my glasses on, I'm Clark Kent. Now I have the glasses off. I bet you can't guess who I am anymore, can you?

As far as like Batman's mask, I can see his working. It's a fairly covering mask, really all it reveals is his mouth and chin. The Green Lantern or Robin, yeah, that one does seem to not really hide the identity as really your only kind of covering the eyes, you still see the hair, mouth, nose, and most of the face.

It's a good question, but apparently, when it comes down to it, the people who live in Metropolis are just stupid.
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 78 (view)
 
Eagle Scout/Soldier Suspended from High School
Posted: 10/20/2009 1:20:27 PM

Have parents and citizens dropped out of participating in school policy making?


I wouldn't say that parents and citizens have dropped out of participating in school policy making. I would argue just the opposite. Parents and citizens have force schools and school boards to enact these type of policies because of the helicopter style of parenting.

In this day and age, it isn't too uncommon for a parent or guardian to come to the defense of a student who doesn't earn an A in a class even though that student failed to turn in any homework in which they threaten upto and including a lawsuit. And it isn't because of the fact that they are trying to be abusive, but it is because of the fact that they are overly concerned with their child's well being and their child's mental health. But it isn't just situations like this. As mungojoe stated previously, these are the same type of parents who would come into a school and force the administrator to reverse punishment decisions based on the threat of lawsuit for situations as he described.

The schools and the school boards had their hand forced, and continue to have their hands forced because of this type of parenting. It's sad that schools have had to take such reactions, but parents haven't lost dropped out of the school making process, they have forced the hands of school districts to a point that this is how they must respond.
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 38 (view)
 
Eagle Scout/Soldier Suspended from High School
Posted: 10/17/2009 11:34:23 AM
It's fairly simple, at least from my opinion.

The kid knew the rules. He chose to break them. You do the time, you do the crime. Deal with it.

For all of you who are saying this isn't fair and all of that, I'm reminded of something that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, and I'm paraphrasing here, while you may feel that an unjust law is no law at all, you must be prepared to face the consequences of not following that unjust laws if you choose to break it.
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 184 (view)
 
My body,My choice!
Posted: 10/14/2009 8:54:19 PM
So for the first time in my life, 31+ years, I'm getting the flu vaccine this year, as well as H1N1 vaccine when it is available. The only reason I am doing so is because my wife's doctor recommended I do so being that she is pregnant. If it weren't for that reason I would in all likelihood not get it because for the most part I get one good cold/flu per year that lasts a few days and that's it.

I'm a little worried because from those I've talked to, they have suffered worse in years they received the shot as compared to those years they didn't. I'm concerned as to whether or not I am going to have a similar experience or exactly what to expect. But hey, I believe I do have to have some faith in my wife's doctor's opinion. After all, he did go to school for all those years for the training and he did come highly recommended to us. I mean, my training is in political science and Communication Studies, not medicine, so while I do educate myself, at some point one has to yield to those who have specialized training/licensee.

So yeah, sorry for my random rant, I just needed to type this out and say something. Have a good night.
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 6 (view)
 
WWE needs a legends title
Posted: 10/13/2009 1:20:42 PM
The Legends Title is the equivalent of what the IC Title was for many years in the WWF, just with a stupid name.

It's a title that is use to really test the waters for up and coming superstars to test their marketability for holding the world title. Many of the biggest legends in the sport have held the title, and while some did go on to win World Titles, I always thought some got screwed out of the World Title. But really, it is a testing ground for up and coming stars.

Now why they never gave a title run to Mr. Perfect or "Ravishing" Rick Rude is beyond me, but those are two legend upon which the testing ground of the IC title failed in my opinion.
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 30 (view)
 
Favorite MMA fighter?
Posted: 10/10/2009 10:48:50 PM

I'd have to say Tank Abbott guy is a straight up brawler...


Yeah, I was just thinking, wouldn't that have been a match if they were both in their prime.

Tank Abbott vs. Kimbo Slice. Neither one of them is very technically sound, but they are both just straight up brawlers. That would've been a helluva slugfest.
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 130 (view)
 
My body,My choice!
Posted: 10/10/2009 2:23:29 PM

Nowhere near you in Wisconsin. That's where they send the worst
of the Medical classes. The worst Medical Residents of all, end up in Alaska or Wisconsin! Now please go get your flu shot, and avoid the Moose on those
snowy highways!


No need to considering that I'm blind and I can live at home off of SSI.
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 126 (view)
 
My body,My choice!
Posted: 10/10/2009 12:22:53 PM
Two thoughts here, one of which no one has yet to answer, and another one which is an age old political question.

The main argument of the OP poster is that the government should not be allowed to control what a person puts into their body, especially in regards to their status of employment. Now, not to carry this out to a slippery slope, but the government does this all the time in regards to employment and doing a job. For example, the government dictates that anyone flying a plane, especially a commercial flight, can not have a drop of alcohol, if I remember right, within 48 hours prior to their flight. This goes for several other professions as well, at least the alcohol part. Bus Drivers, Truckers, pretty much anyone who operates a motor vehicle during their employment is not allowed to have alcohol while they are duty are have a certain BAL. So according to the argument of the original poster, the government has violated their single individual rights as well by saying they can not drink before or during the time they are on duty. I'm sure the OP will stand up for these people as well since he is making said argument.

Which actually leads into the age old political question based off of this quotation from the OP:

As long as our Government continues acting like children in an irresponsible/negligent
manner, someone has to tell them what to do to protect the rights of EACH SINGLE
INDIVIDUAL.


At what point does each single individual's rights stop and the rights of society as a collective, or even the rights of another single individual's begin?

Just to illustrate this point, the constitution says I have the right to Free Speech, however, it is part of rulings by the Judicial Branch that states that my right of free speech can not encroach upon the rights of other. In other words, they have to be appropriate to the time, place, and manner, which is why I can't walk into a crowded theater and yell "FIIIIIIRRRRRRREEEEE!!!!!"

I do believe there are some valid points, but the main argument is really being missed by many people, and that is, as I stated previously, at what point does each single individual's rights stop and the rights of society as a collective, or even the rights of another single individual begin?

I do just have one additional question, OP. Which facility do you work at? I'm just asking so I can avoid ever using that medical facility.
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 57 (view)
 
My body,My choice!
Posted: 10/8/2009 8:27:04 AM

It it my sincere hope that the Government will reverse this law as "Unconstitutional"
after they have scared as many people as possible into taking this poison.


OK, so, the state of New York has decided that in order to work in the health care field, you have to have a flu shot vaccine.

Your argument is that they are forcing you to take a vaccine you don't agree with.

Here is the problem. THEY ARE NOT FORCING YOU TO TAKE A VACCINE!!!!!!!!

You still have a choice in the matter. The question is are you willing to accept those consequences?

Dr. Martin Luther King had this concept of an unjust law is no law, and you are free to break an unjust law, as long as you accept the consequences for not following it.

You feel that requiring the flu vaccine for health care workers is not just? Fine, don't get the vaccine. But then accept the consequences of not getting the vaccine, which means you can't practice medicine.

You know, the government also has regulations against me putting cyanide or weapons grade uranium in my body as well. Does that mean that is unconstitutional as well?
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 89 (view)
 
How does one define what is a recent photo?
Posted: 10/7/2009 8:30:10 PM
As long as they aren't still wearing a diaper, I suppose you could consider it recent.

Then again, some people find wearing a diaper to be a turn on.
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 21 (view)
 
My body,My choice!
Posted: 10/7/2009 8:24:07 PM

My point is I HAVE THE RIGHT TO DECIDE
WHAT GOES IN MY BODY! NOT THE GOVERNMENT!


Rhetorical question here, but how far does this right of being able to decide what goes in your body extend until the government should intervene?
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 18 (view)
 
My body,My choice!
Posted: 10/7/2009 8:10:55 PM
I agree with previous posters.

You aren't being forced to take a flu shot.

You are, by condition of employment, being required to haveone.

You know, for years, I wanted to be an OTR driver. I thought it would be awesome to drive a semi long distances. There was only one problem. As a condition of employment, you are required to obtain an OTR license, which is something I can not do because I am blind.

I suppose, according to your rationale, I could sue every semi industry, bus industry, and any other industry that requires me to have a drivers license as a violation of my rights.

Let the money start rolling in.
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 2 (view)
 
Why do big cities have the best looking girls?
Posted: 10/6/2009 10:48:55 PM
Well, I would give you two arguments to consider.

A.) Eye of the beholder. (What one considers pretty is not necessarily what someone else considers pretty.)

B.) The law of Ratios (If you have say 1 pretty woman in a sampling of say 100 women, you have a ration of 1:100. So the small town has 100 women, law of ration says that town has 1 pretty woman. If a town has 100,000 women, then the law of averages says that town has 1,000 pretty women. If you got to a place like China, where you have like 1 billion women, law of ratios says that there are 10 million pretty women living there. )
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 123 (view)
 
No abortion! No Adoption!
Posted: 10/3/2009 2:14:02 PM


In the future, when babies are developed in synthetic womb in a laboratory, I will be happy for you to have an equal right. Until then, you can not force another person to have an abortion or carry a baby for nine month.


And when women become asexual and no longer need a male to reproduce, then they can completely cut a man out in a decision such as abortion or raising a child.
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 1 (view)
 
US relinquishes control of the internet
Posted: 10/1/2009 8:14:25 PM
After complaints about American dominance of the internet and growing disquiet in some parts of the world, Washington has said it will relinquish some control over the way the network is run and allow foreign governments more of a say in the future of the system.

Icann – the official body that ultimately controls the development of the internet thanks to its oversight of web addresses such as .com, .net and .org – said today that it was ending its agreement with the US government.

The deal, part of a contract negotiated with the US department of commerce, effectively pushes California-based Icann towards a new status as an international body with greater representation from companies and governments around the globe.

Icann had previously been operating under the auspices of the American government, which had control of the net thanks to its initial role in developing the underlying technologies used for connecting computers together.

But the fresh focus will give other countries a more prominent role in determining what takes place online, and even the way in which it happens – opening the door for a virtual United Nations, where many officials gather to discuss potential changes to the internet.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2009/sep/30/icann-agreement-us

Just thought this was interesting, so I figured I would share, especially considering that I thought that no one controlled the internet.
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 134 (view)
 
Taxing junk food!!!
Posted: 9/29/2009 12:10:06 PM
OK, Spagett!, if Calories per Dollar is such a huge overwhelming factor in the decision of how people choose food and what food they eat, why is it rarely ever mentioned on the front of any box of food or advertisement?
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 128 (view)
 
Taxing junk food!!!
Posted: 9/29/2009 5:49:29 AM
Actually, when you type in calories per dollar into google, you come up with this.


1 kilocalorie per U.S. dollar = 4184 m(2) kg s(-2) U.S. Dollars(-1)


The parenthesize around the numbers means those are powers.

If you look futher into the information provided, you see that there is a disclaimer attached to the formula that is provided.


Currency Conversion Disclaimer

Google cannot guarantee the accuracy of the exchange rates used by the calculator. You should confirm current rates before making any transactions that could be affected by changes in the exchange rates. Foreign currency rates provided by Citibank N.A. and displayed under license. Rates are for information purposes only and are subject to change without notice. Rates for actual transactions may vary, and Citibank is not offering to enter into any transaction at any rate displayed.


Now, could there be an argument for a calories per dollar? Sure. But is this the first thought of many shoppers? No. If people were so concerned about calories per dollar when they were shopping, then that would be the first thing that any company or advertiser would note in any ad.

From the perspective of someone who has studied both marketing and communications, the reason people choose the items they do have several different faucets. Why do people frequent places like McDonald's and other national restaraunt chains? It's familiarity. You go into a McDonald's and order a Big Mac, you know what you are going to get. You're going to get two all beef patties special sauce lettuce cheese pickles onion on a sesame seed bun. You go into a ma and pa restaraunt that happens to have a Big Mac on their menu, you have no idea what you are really going to get, nor the quality. They don't go there because of the Calories per Dollar.

Now, when you look at the food people consider junk food, why do people buy potato chips or candy bars? Well, again, one could consider the calories per dollar, but again, if that was so important, why isn't it the first thing you see in advertisements or on the packaging? Because in the grand scheme of things in the consumers mind, it isn't the most defining characteristic or most marketable tool. It's familiarity and ease. Granted, it is just as easy to pick up an apple or something like that, and maybe if apple manufacturers did more advertising then people would buy more apples, but they don't. And people who work in marketing and communications have discovered that focusing on ease and things people are familiar with is the primary factors in which why people buy the foods they do. That and a lot of cases steering the focus away from the actual food they are advertising but focusing on the people instead.

Now, I will concede that marketing and communications isn't an exact science, but they have studied these things and have developed a time tested formula on what gets people to buy what they do. If that formula and those studies had determined that the most important thing in people's buying habits were calorie per dollar, don't you think that would be the first thing that they put in every advertisement and on every package?
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 8 (view)
 
Empire State Building Going Yellow and Red For China
Posted: 9/28/2009 9:17:26 PM
Oh come on. Everyone knows that the real reason that the Empire State Building is going Yellow and Red is for the Immortal Hollywood Hulk Hogan. Gotta dawn the Yellow and Red because Hulkamania lives forever.
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 4 (view)
 
Favorite MMA fighter?
Posted: 9/28/2009 7:42:58 PM
When I first was introduced to MMA and the UFC, I was a huge fan of Ken Shamrock and Dan Savern, mostly because of the backgrounds in submission and wrestling respectively.

Out of the current generation, while they aren't "top" guys, I am a big fan of Diego Sanchez, Josh Koscheck, and Chris Leben. I do like GSP, Hughes, and Lesnar as well, but I'd say I'm a bigger fan of the first three.
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 19 (view)
 
Overdraft fees
Posted: 9/26/2009 6:43:42 PM

fabulous. how about then when the bank screws up, I just decide how much I'll charge them for it? try that sometime.

and hell, I back up my primary checking account against a savings account at the same bank. they electronically move my money from savings to checking to cover an overdraft, which costs them a few tenths of a penny. they charge me $15 for it even though its obvious that they have the money to cover the overdraft at their immediate fingertips.


The overdraft fees are part of the contract you sign when you open an account with them, as well as any other applicable fees. If you can get a bank to agree to what you are asking, then more power to you, but at the end of the day, the contract is what the contract is, and you didn’t have to sign it.


There is at least one major difference between debit cards and checks. Debit cards deduct the amount immediately, checks do not post until AT LEAST the next day and often more than one day later. This means that with debit cards, you have no opportunity to recognize that you made a mistake.


So you are basically saying that you are randomly going around and using your debit card without knowing how much is in your account?

First, there is this great thing called a ledger that you can use to keep track of the monies going in and the monies going out. They are fairly inexpensive. Furthermore, you don’t have to know the exact amount either. When I go out, I know how much is in my account, and I can figure out how much I can spend. I know it’s a lost art, but it isn’t rocket science either.


With a check, should you find that you do not have enough money in your account, you can go to your bank and deposit money to cover the amount of the check BEFORE you are charged a fee. With debit cards, the usurious fee is applied automatically. (whether people deliberately write bad checks is not the issue)


Sure, but with a debit card, again, you don’t know how much is in your account when you are using it? You can easily make your own paper trail as I mentioned using a ledger and receipts, as well as internet banking and several other means of figuring out your account before you swipe your card through some machine.


Also, there is something to be said for competition. Banks do offer different services. However, many banks are not available to those with low-income, and therefore the availability of services is often limited. To mandate that all banks at least allow the option to turn off overdrafts (not the fees, but the actual ability to overdraft your account), is not an unreasonable request in my opinion. Until 10 years ago, the transaction was simply denied.......now many banks don't even offer the that as a choice.


Well, then more people should shop around and find the institute that fits their options. It is another lost art, I know, but sometimes competitive shopping and negotiations. Your right, banks have dropped different options and dropped different services for whatever reason, which is absolutely their prerogative, just as it is people’s prerogative to not keep track of the balance of their accounts. But in the end, who has the ultimate responsibility to keep track of what is in your account? Just like everything else you deal with, it is ultimately your responsibility.


Interesting. I deduce, from this statement, that you assume everyone who is an opponent of unfair charges (evidenced by their contribution to this thread) has, at some point, been charged. I, in fact, have never paid a single bank charge - I do keep a check on all my finances and know exactly what is being paid to whom and when.


No, the only thing that should be deduced from that statement is that I believe people have the means and the accessibility who is posting on these forums can take personal responsibility into their accounts and should know how much is in their accounts. I never said anything about everyone here being charged over draft fees.


But, just because, I am not a victim doesn't mean I can't see how something is unfair. If someone goes into the red then they should be charged the cost the bank incurs for the unauthorised overdraft. That is fair, but that is not what banks do. They levy a hefty penalty. The question here is, does such an action (having an unauthorised overdraft) warrant such a hefty penalty? No, it doesn't. It is a way for banks to make money. If it wasn't there would be absolutely no need for penalty charges as every single bank has it within their power to refuse payment if you do not have sufficient funds - as with a credit card, your debit card would be declined.


And again, if a consumer wanted those terms, then they would’ve needed to negotiate those terms. But if you sign a contract, as in the case of when you sign up for a bank account, then you know what you are signing up for. It isn’t the banks fault that you didn’t read the contract before you signed it, and you have every right to close your accounts, but while you are under the agreement in regards to an account, then you have greed to abide by those terms. Sorry, SOL. Contract wins.


ust because you can feasibly avoid a trap doesn't mean that trap should be allowed to exist. Fortunately, the UK courts have recognised this and a ruling is expected any day now.


So the UK courts are going to just make a lot of contracts null and void because someone forgot how to read? Maybe it’s time for the UK to invest in Hooked on Phonics.
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 9 (view)
 
Overdraft fees
Posted: 9/26/2009 10:50:53 AM
My question to everyone is this:

What is truly the difference between a check and a debit card other than the fact that one is paper the other is electronic?

In reality, there isn't one.

So you don't keep accurate records of what is available in your account? Damn, that sucks for you. It's not hard to do, really it isn't. Considering everyone here who is posting has access to the internet, and almost all banks have some form of online-banking, there is never an excuse for people on here to know exactly what is in their accounts.

Yes yes, I know, it's a "personal responsibility" argument, but god forbid what did people do before all of these electronic means? They figured out how to balance a check book and figured out how to ensure that they didn't overdraft their accounts. And those who did overdraft their accounts paid the price. And those who habitually did it were thrown in jail, basically for writing worthless checks. But somehow computers and electronic devices gives us an excuse to no longer have to accept responsibility for ourselves.

This entire thing to me is nothing more than a psychological device of projecting in the form of a self-defense mechanism. Oh, it's not my fault that the card wasn't accepted. it's my banks/employers/crediters/spouses/child/anyone else except for me fault.

As the old saying goes, it's time to cowboy/girl up andtake responsibility for your own actions, and if you do bounce a check/debit card, then accept the consequences for you screwing up.
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 2 (view)
 
Net Neutrality
Posted: 9/22/2009 8:49:50 AM
The biggest thing that scares me about the government placing any sort of restriction on the internet is the fact that it is suppose to be a world wide thing, not suppose to be be owned by anyone including any particular country. This would be like, in my opinion, the United States putting rules and regulations on the air or, for that matter, the sun.

Now, I'm not saying they shouldn't have the ability to keep people from doing unlawful stuff on the internet (ie child porn) but there is no need for them to regulate something thatis a world wide thing.
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 2 (view)
 
Religious discrimination
Posted: 9/22/2009 8:44:16 AM
This is just too much fun. Thanks for sharing. Trying to share it with other friends of mine who will geta kick out of it.
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 16 (view)
 
Capitalism: A Love Story
Posted: 9/22/2009 3:16:25 AM


But the sad truth is that Mr. Heston was at the time already deeply in the grip of Alzheimers... And Moore knew it... And that makes him a chicken-shit...



At the time of the interview, Heston was president of the NRA.


So the president of the NRA had Alzheimers? That explains a lot.
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 11 (view)
 
STD's in America
Posted: 9/19/2009 7:40:28 AM


OH GOD WE'RE ALL GOING TO DIE THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN DO TO SAVE YOURSELF.



Sure there is.....get tested[twice to be sure] and then live a life where masturbation is your only source of sexual release.Might not be as much fun but think of all the toys you'd get to play with after all the others have died off.


I think that's called necrophilia. I don't remember if it is illegal or not, I think it is, but either way, I'll pass. I think my wife might have a problem with that.
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 42 (view)
 
Taxing junk food!!!
Posted: 9/19/2009 7:38:30 AM
Yes, let's place higher taxes on more stuff.

We can even have a panel in regards to it. We'll have the Death Panel and the Junk Food Panel.

My question is how does one determine what is junk food?

Are Caramel Apples a junk food? I mean, they are mostly Apple with a thin layer of Caramel on them, seems like they are for the most part health to me.

What about the ingredients and the add on's for salad? Are we going to need to eat our salad's from this point on without dressing and croutons?

Is salt going to be considered a junk food? Granted, we don't usually just eat plain salt, but it is considered a main seasoning for many foods, yet it has no redeeming qualities, unless you count high cholesteral a redeeming quality.

Think about it. Just walk down the grocery store someday and truly look at all the stuff on the shelves. Having worked as a night stocker in a grocery store for 3 years, I had a lot of time to really look at the products that are sold there. I could argue for almost half of the products that are sold in a grocery store to be considered "junk food."


I'm speaking about the people that abuse their bodies on a regular basis


Abuse is such a subjective term. Personally, I think those who pierce their bodies (including ears) and get tattoos are abusing their bodies, but hey, whatever.
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 9 (view)
 
STD's in America
Posted: 9/19/2009 7:02:23 AM
OH GOD WE'RE ALL GOING TO DIE THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN DO TO SAVE YOURSELF. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 3 (view)
 
Great games great finishes. week 1.
Posted: 9/16/2009 7:02:10 AM
I thought the finish to the Packers Bears game was a thing of beauty, especially that pass to Jennings.
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 3 (view)
 
Ready for the Bears to stomp on Green Bay!
Posted: 9/10/2009 8:13:38 PM

This lifelong Packer fan would like nothing more-while I bleed Green and Gold as much as any other Cheesehead, The Evil One That Never Blinks -a.k.a. GM Ted Thompson- must be purged from Packer Nation; and the only way for that to happen is for the Pack to keep losing, so he finally gets the firing he so richly deserves!

Then -and only then- can I go back to rooting for the Packers to win.


And you, as a fair weather fan, will NOT be welcomed back to the Packer Nation with open arms. All you prove as a fair weather fan is you are no better than a Vikings fan.

As far as the game goes, I would suggest that the reason that the Packers are favored is because they have a proven commodity in their offense and a defense that last year proved they could stop the past, they just couldn't do anything against the run. As far as the Bears go, the only thing they have on offense as a proven ability is Matt Forte. Sure, they have Jay Cutler, but their receiving core is, at this point, the equivilant of Larry, Moe, and Curly. Their Defense didn't really do much for them last year, and they didn't do a lot to improve it, so I can see why the Packers are favored.
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 362 (view)
 
Brett Favre to Retire
Posted: 9/6/2009 8:36:16 AM
So, the "Prima Donna" Brett Farve basically ends the career of one player and almost ends the career of another with an illegal block, all in the span of three weeks of meaningless games.

And I thought people were suppose to mature with age.
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 3 (view)
 
Predictions for the Heisman Winner this year.
Posted: 9/2/2009 8:03:50 PM
I predict that this years winner of the Heisman Trophy will be some over hyped player who will turn into the one of the biggest duds in NFL history.
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 3 (view)
 
Online university education? What do you think?
Posted: 9/1/2009 6:29:52 PM
I would stay away from places like Pheonix University, if they have them in Canada or other Degree mills like that. While they are technically universities, they are not as well respected as other universities. Honestly, if you insisted on going to that kind of university, just send me $30,000 and I'll give you a degree in whatever field you want.

If your university that you are going to has a physical location but yet still offers online education, then you'll be ok. It is a growing tend to offer both physical on-campus education or distance learning education to reach a broader market. I would suggest as long as they offer both options, you will be ok.
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 7 (view)
 
Fed official says real unemployment rate is 16%, not 9.4.
Posted: 8/28/2009 6:20:53 PM
And for those of us who know a thing or two about these statistics, this comes as no surprise.

When they figure out the unemployment rate, it is almost always based on one thing. The amount of unemployment claims they have on file. That number never included those who had used up there unemployment, never filed for unemployment, or never attempted to work/will attempt to work. So stay at home parents are never figured into unemployment. People who have graduated some institute of learning and are looking for work are not included. The disabled (which is historically one of the highest underemployed groups)who are on SSI or SSDI are not figured into that number.

In fact, I'd argue that the 16.9% number is still probably low. And if you want to compare it to the time of the Great Depression, considering that these same groups were not represented then, or were discriminated against exponentially worse than they are now, your unemployment during that time quite possibly could've topped 50% in my opinion.
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 15 (view)
 
Emergency Control of Internet being sought...
Posted: 8/28/2009 6:12:47 PM
Well, considering that the place I work at relies upon probably some form of the internet to keep the lines of communications open between our several offices and our databases, I guess that means that if the government does ever decide to shut down the internet, then there is only one word that would seem to fit appropriately.

VACATION!!!
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 340 (view)
 
***the official DALLAS COWBOYS thread***
Posted: 8/28/2009 6:04:19 PM

Here ya Go Cowboy Fans....NFL rules clarified and are etched in the Star....

The biggest off-field story of the week came to an end on Friday when the NFL decided the Dallas Cowboys' 90-foot high video board, the largest in the world at a sporting venue, can stay the same height. The league clarified its rules regarding what happens when a ball hits a video board, guide wire, sky cam or any other object.

"The ball will be dead immediately, and the down will be replayed at the previous spot," the league said in a statement. "If there is not an on-field ruling that the ball struck an object, the Replay Assistant is empowered to initiate a booth review, including if the event occurs prior to the two-minute warning."


http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/08/28/nfl-rules-on-cowboys-scoreboard-mess/


Oh, I can just see it now.

The single longest down in NFL History will last 3 hrs and 38 minutes and will finally be completed on punt attempt number 3296
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 58 (view)
 
9-11 National Service day? WTF?
Posted: 8/27/2009 8:58:13 AM

^^^^^^^^^^^

9-11 service day is proof ... the Socialist Plot is very DEEP..........


Not many understand it. Reread the postings.


Yep, definite proof that the Socialist Plot is very deep.

Just like the Salvation Army Bell Ringers is proof that the religious take over of America pot is very deep.
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 22 (view)
 
Coach Rick Pitino's cheating
Posted: 8/27/2009 8:25:52 AM
My favorite part from the Pitino press conference was basically when he said:


Everything is a lie except what I told you.


Who can argue with logic like that.
 ezzee
Joined: 7/26/2004
Msg: 2 (view)
 
12 Outdated computer terms that you should never use anymore.
Posted: 8/27/2009 7:49:30 AM
I really don't think a lot of the terms are out dated. They just aren't terms that are mainstream discussion terms. When I'm with my friends who are IT or something like that, they use a lot of those terms still.

I actually used the term cellular phone the other day in a conversation and got everyone busting a gut on that.
 
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