Fun Stuff...Off Topic(O/T)

[peanuts]

I was afraid the answer was negative. But in my more positive (orange?) moods I could allow that it has more or less worked until now. From a too large distance, the problem seems to be that the majority vote currently is in favor of eating, regarding every tax cut as sacrosanct, if not a promise of more to come. But if someone finds a balanced budget on the current levels of taxation without killing the economy or creating havoc elsewhere, more power to him/her.

Regards,

Karel

Hi Karel,

Yes, on a positive note, the foundation of the country has carried it to this point. But that is only because the foundation was strong enough to handle the wear and tear of the latest season of change. The distance from which you look is long, and your vision is good, but could be focused on some other areas. Namely, the system basics which are being corrupted. This is not supposed to be majority rule. Our political voting structure is to be for a representative republic.

As I stated earlier, it is those which we have voted into office who are eating the pumpkin. As an insider, at least in my region of the country, there are far more people against the actions of the majority in government. Many people that I know feel that the actions are NOT a representation of there own ideals and interests. The representatives are taking advantage of a system to their own benefit, or to the benefit of a party for which they will expect retribution in the future for today's support. It's rotten, the whole thing. It's something which the people will need to fix. Americans are great people, being pushed down the global ladder by the very people they entrusted with their world-wide status.

Our only hope is to only vote against all incumbents for DECADES. Never let any politician sit in office for more than 1 term.

A cleansing must occur.

/rant

[Peter Hansen]

Peanuts I AGREE!

Hi Karel,

Yes, on a positive note, the foundation of the country has carried it to this point. But that is only because the foundation was strong enough to handle the wear and tear of the latest season of change. The distance from which you look is long, and your vision is good, but could be focused on some other areas. Namely, the system basics which are being corrupted. This is not supposed to be majority rule. Our political voting structure is to be for a representative republic.

As I stated earlier, it is those which we have voted into office who are eating the pumpkin. As an insider, at least in my region of the country, there are far more people against the actions of the majority in government. Many people that I know feel that the actions are NOT a representation of there own ideals and interests. The representatives are taking advantage of a system to their own benefit, or to the benefit of a party for which they will expect retribution in the future for today's support. It's rotten, the whole thing. It's something which the people will need to fix. Americans are great people, being pushed down the global ladder by the very people they entrusted with their world-wide status.

Our only hope is to only vote against all incumbents for DECADES. Never let any politician sit in office for more than 1 term.

A cleansing must occur.

/rant

Peanuts I agree for "REAL" change , we must throw all the bums out in the next election and vote in new blood.
I guess Karel is really walking a tight rope here because the readers of Mr Market are from all sides of the political spectrum , and if we don't have a balance , some readers will quit viewing the site and go else where.
The bottom line here is to get as many people viewing the site as possible , so that more ad revenue is brought in , that they view the stocks listed in the various columns and most important that ........Mr Market survives !

[Peter Hansen]

A Historical Fact!

In the heyday of sailing ships, all war ships and many
freighters carried iron cannons. Those cannons fired round
iron cannon balls. It was necessary to keep a good supply
near the cannon. However, how to prevent them from rolling
about the deck? The best storage method devised was a
square-based pyramid with one ball on top, resting on four
resting on nine, which rested on sixteen. Thus, a supply
of 30 cannon balls could be stacked in a small area right
next to the cannon. There was only one problem...how to
prevent the bottom layer from sliding or rolling from under
the others. The solution was a metal plate called a
'Monkey' with 16 round indentations. However, if this
plate were made of iron, the iron balls would quickly rust
to it. The solution to the rusting problem was to make
'Brass Monkeys.' Few landlubbers realize that brass
contracts much more and much faster than iron when
chilled. Consequently, when the temperature dropped too far,
the brass
indentations would shrink so much that the iron cannonballs
would come right off the monkey; Thus, it was quite
literally, 'Cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass
monkey.' (All this time, you thought that was an improper
expression, didn't you.)

[Karel]

Hi Karel,

Yes, on a positive note, the foundation of the country has carried it to this point. But that is only because the foundation was strong enough to handle the wear and tear of the latest season of change. The distance from which you look is long, and your vision is good, but could be focused on some other areas. Namely, the system basics which are being corrupted. This is not supposed to be majority rule. Our political voting structure is to be for a representative republic.

As I stated earlier, it is those which we have voted into office who are eating the pumpkin. As an insider, at least in my region of the country, there are far more people against the actions of the majority in government. Many people that I know feel that the actions are NOT a representation of there own ideals and interests. The representatives are taking advantage of a system to their own benefit, or to the benefit of a party for which they will expect retribution in the future for today's support. It's rotten, the whole thing. It's something which the people will need to fix. Americans are great people, being pushed down the global ladder by the very people they entrusted with their world-wide status.

Our only hope is to only vote against all incumbents for DECADES. Never let any politician sit in office for more than 1 term.

A cleansing must occur.

/rant

Hi Peanuts,

OK, that was a rant. I realize you and quite a few other people are dissatisfied with the current state of affairs. I can't quite see how "voting against all incumbents" is going to work, if only because you will be voting against something, not for something better. If people could get out of rant mode, perhaps someone could start a new thread with a discussion about what they and others think necessary to balance the budget (and better), the required level of taxation for that balance, and without generating adverse consequences (what is to be considered adverse would be open to discussion too). But that is a tall order. Perhaps other people/parties have made sensible suggestions?

Regards,

Karel

[peanuts]

Hi Peanuts,

OK, that was a rant. I realize you and quite a few other people are dissatisfied with the current state of affairs. I can't quite see how "voting against all incumbents" is going to work, if only because you will be voting against something, not for something better. If people could get out of rant mode, perhaps someone could start a new thread with a discussion about what they and others think necessary to balance the budget (and better), the required level of taxation for that balance, and without generating adverse consequences (what is to be considered adverse would be open to discussion too). But that is a tall order. Perhaps other people/parties have made sensible suggestions?

Regards,

Karel

I can go on, Karel, but you must chew on what I suggested as a solution... decade upon decade of voting out any and all incumbents. If the problem is corruption, then you must squash the corruption's roots. Those roots are the career politicians. Career politicians have more of a personal-political agenda than a freshly inaugurated politician who is there to accomplish the goals of their constituents. Career politicians care about keeping their job. It is supposed to be a duty that you really do not want. It was never intended to be a career for someone.

[jiesen]

Hi Peanuts,

OK, that was a rant. I realize you and quite a few other people are dissatisfied with the current state of affairs. I can't quite see how "voting against all incumbents" is going to work, if only because you will be voting against something, not for something better. If people could get out of rant mode, perhaps someone could start a new thread with a discussion about what they and others think necessary to balance the budget (and better), the required level of taxation for that balance, and without generating adverse consequences (what is to be considered adverse would be open to discussion too). But that is a tall order. Perhaps other people/parties have made sensible suggestions?

Regards,

Karel

Stop Social Security, Medicare, Welfare. Close down some/most post offices. Double the military budget, and take over some oil fields- Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Libya's for starters. That ought to do it.

just my 2 cents...

[Karel]

I can go on, Karel, but you must chew on what I suggested as a solution... decade upon decade of voting out any and all incumbents. If the problem is corruption, then you must squash the corruption's roots. Those roots are the career politicians. Career politicians have more of a personal-political agenda than a freshly inaugurated politician who is there to accomplish the goals of their constituents. Career politicians care about keeping their job. It is supposed to be a duty that you really do not want. It was never intended to be a career for someone.

Well, peanuts, to me it seems too simple a solution to be a real solution. I'll chew on that.

Regards,

Karel

[Karel]

Stop Social Security, Medicare, Welfare. Close down some/most post offices. Double the military budget, and take over some oil fields- Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Libya's for starters. That ought to do it.

just my 2 cents...

I can't say I like it, but it is the most detailed solution to date in this discussion. We could hold off discussing the drawbacks until some alternatives are given

Regards,

Karel

[Peter Hansen]

Classified ads?

These are classified ads which were actually placed in a U.K. Newspaper


FREE YORKSHIRE TERRIER
8 years old.
Hateful little bastard.
Bites!


FREE PUPPIES
1/2 Cocker Spaniel, 1/2 sneaky neighbour's dog.


FREE PUPPIES
Mother is a Kennel Club registered German Shepherd.
Father is a Super Dog, able to leap tall fences in a single bound.


COWS, CALVES: NEVER BRED
Also 1 gay bull for sale.


JOINING NUDIST COLONY!
Must sell washer and dryer £100.


WEDDING DRESS FOR SALE
Worn once by mistake.
Call Stephanie.


**** And the WINNER is... ****

FOR SALE BY OWNER.
Complete set of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 45 volumes.
Excellent condition, £200 or best offer.
No longer needed, got married, wife knows everything.


And Last But Not Least The Statement of the Century
A Thought from the Greatest Living Scottish Thinker Billy Connolly -
"If women are so bloody perfect at multitasking, how come they can't have a
headache and sex at the same time"?

[Karel]

Another fact that isn't, this fancyful etymology of the
expression "cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass
monkey". Pete has amassed quite an astounding
collection of them. (unfactual facts, not brass monkeys.)

In the heyday of sailing ships, all war ships and many
freighters carried iron cannons. [etc. etc.]
(All this time, you thought that was an improper
expression, didn't you.)

Google balls brass monkey

Apparently, an earlier form was "cold enough to freeze
the tail off a brass monkey". The "balls" came later as
an amplification, so yes, it is an improper expression.

Regards,

Karel

[IIC]

The economy is so bad right now I got a pre-declined credit card in the mail. CEO's are now playing miniature golf. Exxon-Mobil laid off 25 Congressmen. Angelina Jolie adopted a child from America. Motel Six won't leave the light on anymore. A picture is only worth 200 words. They renamed Wall Street " Wal-Mart Street". Finally, I called the Suicide Hotline and I got a call center in Pakistan, when I told them I was suicidal, they got all excited, and asked if I could drive a truck.

[Peter Hansen]

A marine answers reporters questions!

While attending Naval Reserve meetings back in the day , the Chief in charge of our meeting would frequently resort to "salty" language . Gezzzz I almost resorted to wearing ear muffs to protect my virgin ears.
When I asked the chief why he did no use more of the King's English , he snapped back that I should get used to it because I would hear more of it on the ship. That brought to mind an old quote which said "Never try to teach a pig to sing , because it wastes your time and annoys the pig. "
Apparently salty talk is used in the Marine Corps also as this gentleman answers a reporter's questions.

DOES HE HAVE A VOCABULARY OR WHAT....?

"For the few of you who have missed him, R. Lee Ermey is the host of The History Channel's " Mail Call " and played the Drill Instructor in the movie, " Full Metal Jacket. " He recently played the totally unsympathetic psychiatrist in a GIECO commercial. Heis a retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant and a very plain speaker, as you will soon read. So, for your entertainment, here is Retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant R. Lee Ermey at his first press conference. The main topic of discussion is the Marine in Iraq who shot an Iraqi insurgent to death.
ANYWAY, THE STORY GOES:
We pick up as a reporter asks about " how this potential war crime will affect our image in the world ":
Ermey: "WHAT KIND OF A PANSY-ASSED QUESTION IS THAT?"
Reporter 1: "Well, sir I think...."
Ermey: "THINK, FANCY BOY ??! GET THIS THROUGH THAT SEPTIC TANK ON TOP OF YOUR SHOULDERS, MORON : I DON'T GIVE A DAMN WHAT YOU THINK, DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME?? THAT MARINE SHOT AN ENEMY COMBATANT, SH**HEAD. SO GET YOUR HEAD OUT OF YOUR ASS AND DEAL WITH IT BEFORE I MAKE YOU MY OWN PERSONAL PIN CUSHION!!!
NEXT QUESTION: YOU IN THE BLUE SUIT."
Reporter 2: Don't you think that the world's opinion of our operations is important ?
Ermey: "OH SURE! YOU DON'T KNOW THE TIMES I HAVE CRIED MYSELF TO SLEEP WORRYING ABOUT WHAT SOME GODDAMNED FRENCH PANSY THINKS! OH THE DAYS I HAVE HAD TO WEEP, BECAUSE SOME SH** EATING TERRORIST SCUMBAG MIGHT BE MAD AT US, BECAUSE WE WENT INTO WHATEVER GOD FORSAKEN HOLE IN THE SH** THAT HE LIVES IN AND KILLED HIM. WHAT THE HELL KIND OF DUMBASS QUESTION IS THAT YOU PETER-PUFFING JACKASS? WE ARE THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA , AND WHEN YOU ATTACK US, WE ARE GOING TO COME TO YOUR HOUSE AND BLOW YOUR STINKING CAMEL-LICKING CARCASS INTO PIECES SO SMALL WE WILL BE ABL E TO BURY YOUR SORRY ASS IN A THIMBLE! YEAH, I KNOW WHAT YOU ARE THINKING. YOU ARE PROBABLY AFRAID, THINK ING THAT I HAVE SUCH AN "EXTREME" ATTITUDE AND THAT I NEED TO BE MORE "SENSITIVE" TO OTHER PEOPLE'S FEELINGS. WELL LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING YOU POLE-SMOKING PANSY! I DON'T GIVE A DAMN WHAT YOU OR ANYBODY ELSE THINKS! THIS IS A DAMN WAR, AND IF YOU CAN'T HANDLE THAT, THEN YOU SHOULD GO HOME AND SUCK ON MAMMA'S TIT! DO YOU HEAR ME YOU RUNT? NOW GET THE HELL OUT OF MY PRESS ROOM BEFORE I GO CRAZY AND KICK THE LIVING SH** OUT OF YOU!!
NEXT QUESTION: YOU WITH THE UGLY-ASSED TIE, LOOK AT THAT THING! IT IS HIDEOUS!"
Reporter 3: "Aren't you going against the freedom of the press by.."
Ermey: "FREEDOM? WHAT IN BLUE HELL DO YOU KNOW ABOUT FREEDOM? I HAVE SWEATED MY ASS OFF IN JUNGLES, WHILE BEING SHOT AT FOR THIS NATION! WHAT IN THE HELL HAVE YOU DONE YOU LITTLE SH**-SUCKING WEASEL? WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU PUT YOUR ASS ON THE LINE FOR ANYTHING? AND YET YOU HAVE THE UNMITIGATED TEMERITY TO SHOW UP HERE AND MONDAY-MORNING QUARTERBACK THE ACTIONS OF A BRAVE MARINE, WHO WAS DEFENDING HIMSELF AND HIS UNIT FROM AN ATTACK BY SOME MURDEROUS AL-QUEDA SYMPATHIZER!! YOU WANNA KNOW WHAT I AM CONCERNED ABOUT, NUMB-NUTS? I AM CONCERNED ABOUT A BUNCH OF GRABASSTIC, ORGANIZED MORONS WITH CAMERAS AND MICROPHONES DOING THEIR BEST TO PORTRAY OUR BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN AS WAR CRIMINALS! I AM CONCERNED ABOUT CHICKEN-SH** PANSIES THAT WANT US TO NEGOTIATE WITH TERRORISTS AND WHINE ABOUT THEIR PISS-ANT "FREEDOMS"!!
NEXT QUESTION.
Reporter 3: "I...I.."
Ermey: "DID YOU HAVE A BIG BOWL OF STUPID FOR BREAKFAST THIS MORNING, NUMB NUTS? I DON'T WANT TO HEAR ANOTHER WORD OUT OF THAT COMMIE CRY HOLE IN THAT SH**-PILE YOU CALL A HEAD! AND THAT GOES TRIPLE FOR THE REST OF YOU PANSY-ASSED MORONS! NOW GET THE HELL OUT OF MY PRESS ROOM BEFORE I SHOVE MY BOOT SO FAR UP YOUR ASS THAT YOU CHOKE TO DEATH ON MY SHOELACES!!!!"
Marine DI's have a language all their own.
God bless them all.

[Karel]

And again Pete has it wrong.

Regards,

Karel

[Peter Hansen]

And again Pete has it wrong.

Regards,

Karel

Oh Oh better stick to simple stories LOL

[billyjoe]

Pete,
Keep finding those entertaining stories . Especially on bad market days they are often the only bright spot.

-----------billy