Jim

Another Bush legacy. 8D Equating money to free speech is one of the reasons we have shitty government. Asked how regular citizens can compete with corporate money flowing to their congressman, Trent Lott said "....they will just need to gain access in other ways."

Always making lemonade from lemons you are.

Scene of my first leader fall as well. Actually first 3 on the same nut Got up the Gendarme before it went wayward. Way to get at it on the road trip

I looked at the links and I'm not sure what your point is. The system is working as planned - which was never to have portable MRI data. That is easily transfered via something new, called secure FTP sites. Yes, they are struggling with some cost issues, but compared to the US it's much more reasonable. And they spend the least on overhead. How anyone can argue our current system is fine is beyond me. I've always said the best way to reform our system is to look at what other contries are doing and then select the best from the lessons they have learned. We have smart people here; we can do it. That is, if the pols weren't awash in big pharm and medical bribes.

Even I admit that they look a bit better with recent acquisitions.

Speaking of which. I saw this PBS show recently of comparisions of health care in 6 different countries. In Tawian each person has a small card they carry. A physician just has to plug it into a reader to see his patient's history and it's also used for a single billing system. What a concept.

Thanks. I'm more familar with it than I want to be - believe me, there are many more "online resources" available.

The dreaded 3, which does not even allow you to max out contributions to the IRS limits (?); you have to join a seperate state system for supplemental contributions to do that. Go figure. Maybe they assume teachers can't afford to do that.

I don't know about the Diversity Coordinator, but my understanding of the current state retirement system is that it is funded through employee contributions with a modest match from the state. If you are an long-time employee 20 yrs+, you may be on a different system. Just like private business there has been a shift of responsibility to the employee. Trying to wade through the options of my wife's TRS provided a new definition of Byzantine.

Looks like he is using the Alberto Toma training diet.

Been posted already but a worthy read.

Nebraska is the yardstick they're using?

Karl Rove, George W. Bush's spin doctor, once defined a great principle of political communication, one of its key tenets - even its very basis - as storytelling, which he himself called Scheherazade's strategy: "When policy dooms you, start telling stories - stories so fabulous, so gripping, so spellbinding that the king (or, in this case, the American citizen who theoretically rules our country) forgets all about a lethal policy."

An opinion column by the consumate supply-sider David Brooks.

While for other reasons I went with another pack, the Cilo was a very comfortable carrying pack. You might ask at Feathered Friends if they have a demo in the back you could rent to try one out.

The Jews may think otherwise.

Formerly dominated by Boeing retirees and home of the Wedgwood Broiler and Wedgwood Alehouse.

Sheesh! I'm struggling with barre chords and you guys sound like you're outfitting the space shuttle.

Have to second on the Beyond jacket. Had one for four years - needless to say it fits better than an off-the-rack. Looks like they have updated their line significantly since I purchased.

That's what Christians say anyway. Too bad most of them don't act accordingly. Beat me to it. What is a hoot. Unconditional in all those oh so conditional ways. The Inquisition and the Crusades were just blips.

Interestingly, two house went up for sale in my neighborhood the same time. One - a 2BR, decent small house sold for $440k in a week (sold for $310k 2yrs earlier). The three bedroom going for $550k is still sitting there for three months. The latter folks are stubborn and don't seem to be aware of the market or are in no rush, or both.

YOU hired a fucked up inspector, or ignored what the inspection report had to say, or chose shitty materials when you had your house built. Actually neither - knew what I was getting into and could handle it thanks. It's 1947 house that wasn't updated dude. Though the minor oil tank leak was a surprise. There's no way the owner would have updated prior to sale with the price I got. A little sweat equity goes a long way.

This is how: Kelly stands to be paid about $2.8 million in severance, according to a source familiar with the matter.

One thing to note - take a digital hanging scale with you regarding pack weight. I found both the manufacturers stats to be off (a little) and some stores (a lot) - Marmot's listed weight for the pack I purchased was actually 1.5 lbs heavier than what it actually weighed, by both my scale and their own(?)