KaskadskyjKozak

it's getting to be that time of year when those suckers turn mean.

Feck's position (or at least a close variant thereof) has been stated several times in this thread already. Interestingly enough, these postings are ignored by pope/unidawg, who simply proceed with the "sporto" straw-man bashing. It's much more convenient for them to manufacture an opponent and what the opponent believes.

I JUST WANTED TO POST IN THIS VERY IMPORTANT THREAD!

Michael Medved is a very smart and level-headed guy. I don't think he's spewing out BS, toeing some line, or being some kind of corporate tool. He's speaking from his own experience, most likely, which is not necessarily anywhere near the "average" experience (if there is such a thing). In that light, I'll speak my experience, which is different from his. Most (but not all) jobs I have had included some form of health insurance coverage. The quality of the coverage has varied in terms of physician choice, how much I pay out of pocket per paycheck, deductibles and copays. In every case, I had no *choice* as to the provider, but some choice for the plan (historically, either an HMO, POS, or PPO). I have never looked for a job and based the decision on joining the company or not merely on the specific insurer, but have asked about out-of-pocket (per-paycheck) cost to me. No employer I have had has offered to me to forego company-funded coverage in exchange for cash. Some have offered some payment if I decline coverage, but usually not. So really there is no "choice". I take what I get from my employer. If I don't like my coverage, I can "choose" to decline it and pay on my own and lose a few hundred bucks per semi-monthly paycheck. So, no, there is not much "choice" even if you get company-supplied insurance. Unless, of course, you are rich enough to buy whatever the hell you want. When I have bought insurance, because it was not covered by my employer, it was costly, and there was little choice (not many companies in WA state will allow you to purchase health coverage on your own), and you have to jump through hoops to prove you have been insured up to the present, have no preexisting conditions, etc, etc, etc. Cost for a family of 4+? At least $800/month (depends on the copays and deductibles). Over the past years I have noticed the general trend is for higher copays, and deductibles, and employers having trouble keeping up with the increasing costs of insurance they provide to employees due to premium increases each year. It is definitely not sustainable for long.

You too, Master Seagal. This web site is getting weirder and weirder. Hey! Have a great weekend 5K! Stay off the bolted routes! yeah, I'll be on my deck, finishing it. No bolts for me.

pres #2= Adams and #5 too!

Something to do with herbal remedies or some such. His real name is "Weiner" (lol) or some such, and he has a Ph.D. in botany (?)

You too, Master Seagal. This web site is getting weirder and weirder.

I'm working on it.

because he has nothing better to do

what's your poison today?

Huh. I heard that we have by far the best system in the world and that if you get sick in Europe you will definitely die. I hear they even make lampshades out of the elderly. So, if we implement Obamacare as specified in the 1000 page document where will our ranking be. Still 37/37, 30 fucking 7th, right?

LOL. Hey Joseph, do you make your own harness out of webbing too?

How do you do an emergency tie-off with a hip belay? A tandem rappel? oh, yeah, you don't "do" alpine

But it doesn't count unless they used a hip belay. real hardmen rappel using the Dulfersitz

Not all folks climbing at the gym ever leave the gym and head out on real rock. I don't know what the actual percentage is, but I bet it is significant.

ride was not too bad if you waited out the squalls (6:45 pm)

it's gonna be a fun bike ride tonight

Same here. I've heard many horror stories about the blue Asolo plastics from REI. pretty much any day on Rainier is a good day

The fear is that what is being tabled is a "trojan horse"... yeah, we need intellectuals like you to show us the truth. fuck off Prole you POS Huh, so you're defending a group of people selling a line of bullshit based on a non-existing hypothetical scenario which would have the effect of denying people health care, but when the blatant falsehood is revealed by their own language, I'm the POS. Got it. your demagoguery and snake-oil products are no different than those you criticize

It was very (melo)dramatic. Quite the spectacle.

When I don't want to see other climbers, I pick a route that is likely to not have anyone there. Or I go midweek.

Still trying to keep AKA away, eh?

Well, I'd love to climb with Pope and Dwayner some time, and even you Bug. ;-)