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The Morning Rant: Minimalist Edition
And those are just the trades! How about bank tellers and supermarket stockers and go-fers at car repair joints? All of those can lead to careers that might not be hip and cool, but certainly pay the bills. It is blindingly obvious that education in America is broken, but there are solid pathways around the dysfunction. But our culture has to return to valuing labor and actual skills, rather than placing on pedestals the sorts of pseudo-skills that indicate success in the never-never-land of academia. Those fake skills are also conspicuously light in real effort, which is a skill all its own! Coming to work ready to...WORK! is a skill that is simply not taught in our schools. It is taught by parents, and often the school of hard knocks. J.J. Sefton and I chatted on the current CutJibNewsletter podcast about a young woman in South Carolina who decided that hard work was right up her alley. Her name is Nykia Hamilton, and she is a testament to the glories of American Exceptionalism. I hope she never goes to college. She is far too valuable to America!Mike Rowe: “We’ve been telling kids for 15 years to learn to code.”
— JOSH DUNLAP (@JDunlap1974) July 17, 2025
“Well, AI is coming for the coders.”
“It’s not coming for the welders, the plumbers, the steamfitters, the pipefitters, the HVAC, or the electricians.”
“In Aspen, I sat and listened to Larry Fink say we need… pic.twitter.com/7C3WpkKgMd
[Crossposted at CutJibNewsletter and X/Twitter] And the Apple and Spotify feeds for CJN's podcast should be working!
Comments
(Jump to bottom of comments)1
Sponge!
Posted by: rickb223 at July 17, 2025 11:00 AM (k3Vs9)
2
Is it safe to come in ?
Posted by: It's me donna at July 17, 2025 11:01 AM (VE6XX)
3
Mike Rowe interview was interesting.
Posted by: WisRich at July 17, 2025 11:02 AM (G0vdT)
4
AI is coming for the shitty coders. Which to be fair, is a lot of the kids that Rowe is talking about here - told to 'learn to code' and skating by to get a degree / cert and write login pages.
Posted by: Ryan Frank at July 17, 2025 11:02 AM (fgmuN)
5
Willowed: Apropos of nothing, my last dream of the night involved me being in some tunic time, like ancient Egypt or Greece and hanging out with a group of travelers/merchants. One of the guys owned twin slaves, young men, scruffy beards, sort of dreds hanging out of their turbans, couldn't speak but, if I spoke to them they would give me the nastiest stinkeye. If they were facing away, they would whip their heads around, dreds flying to give me the look.
My question is, who is writing this stuff in my head?
Posted by: toby928 at July 17, 2025
***
Melatonin?
My question is, who is writing this stuff in my head?
Posted by: toby928 at July 17, 2025
***
Melatonin?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 17, 2025 11:03 AM (omVj0)
6
And all the while they are being convinced that they are morally and intellectually superior to those grunting Yahoos who cook their meals
It's confusing. People who cook their own meals are low rent, and declasse, unless they cook overpriced boutique food kids won't eat using absurdly complicated recipes and over-the-top kitchen utensils, in which case they're really sophisticated and cool.
It's confusing. People who cook their own meals are low rent, and declasse, unless they cook overpriced boutique food kids won't eat using absurdly complicated recipes and over-the-top kitchen utensils, in which case they're really sophisticated and cool.
Posted by: Archimedes at July 17, 2025 11:04 AM (Riz8t)
7
Is it safe to come in?
Posted by: It's me donna
Sure, come on in!
Just watch where you step. Ace hasn't updated the site's poop map yet.
Posted by: It's me donna
Sure, come on in!
Just watch where you step. Ace hasn't updated the site's poop map yet.
Posted by: Bulg at July 17, 2025 11:05 AM (77rzZ)
8
I would add that college campuses are hotbeds of anti-male smegma and explosive bile. Straight guys -- especially white straight guys -- are the lowest of the low on campus. The knives are out for you.
Posted by: Elric The (One and Only) Blade at July 17, 2025 11:05 AM (iFTx/)
9
5 Willowed: Apropos of nothing, my last dream of the night involved me being in some tunic time, like ancient Egypt or Greece and hanging out with a group of travelers/merchants. One of the guys owned twin slaves, young men, scruffy beards, sort of dreds hanging out of their turbans, couldn't speak but, if I spoke to them they would give me the nastiest stinkeye. If they were facing away, they would whip their heads around, dreds flying to give me the look.
My question is, who is writing this stuff in my head?
Posted by: toby928 at July 17, 2025
Dunno, but he sure sounds gay.
My question is, who is writing this stuff in my head?
Posted by: toby928 at July 17, 2025
Dunno, but he sure sounds gay.
Posted by: Archimedes at July 17, 2025 11:05 AM (Riz8t)
10
Connie Francis just died.
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at July 17, 2025 11:05 AM (g8Ew8)
11
My dreams have some amazing cinematography as well as characterization.
The plots can be a little thin.
The plots can be a little thin.
Posted by: toby928 at July 17, 2025 11:06 AM (jc0TO)
12
Society is doomed if we don't have the technologically educated trades people to maintain the very technology that keeps society afloat.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at July 17, 2025 11:07 AM (Q4IgG)
13
I would add that college campuses are hotbeds of anti-male smegma and explosive bile. Straight guys -- especially white straight guys -- are the lowest of the low on campus. The knives are out for you.
Posted by: Elric The (One and Only) Blade
Not everywhere. My white, straight son did just fine at Virginia Tech. So did his white, straight male friends.
Posted by: Elric The (One and Only) Blade
Not everywhere. My white, straight son did just fine at Virginia Tech. So did his white, straight male friends.
Posted by: Bulg at July 17, 2025 11:07 AM (77rzZ)
14
The AI thing is both real and overhyped.
I’m in tech and yes I do use AI for things. It can definitely save time doing mundane things like write tests and documentation as well as debugging.
But the idea that some rando off the street can start “vibe coding” (and I fucking loathe that term) and develop an end to end product is absurd. People have tried and hilariously failed.
A few studies have come out recently saying productivity gains are nowhere near what the AI hype machine claims it is.
I’m in tech and yes I do use AI for things. It can definitely save time doing mundane things like write tests and documentation as well as debugging.
But the idea that some rando off the street can start “vibe coding” (and I fucking loathe that term) and develop an end to end product is absurd. People have tried and hilariously failed.
A few studies have come out recently saying productivity gains are nowhere near what the AI hype machine claims it is.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at July 17, 2025 11:08 AM (ImXfC)
15
A few studies have come out recently saying productivity gains are nowhere near what the AI hype machine claims it is.
I shan't believe it. I shannot.
I shan't believe it. I shannot.
Posted by: Archimedes at July 17, 2025 11:09 AM (Riz8t)
16
he will agitate for Universal Basic Income, paid for by you!
I watched a man on the street interview where a guy in OR was trying to get signatures for a ballot measure supporting UBI. The conversation was civil and the man got him to talk about his past.
Education: Bachelor's in Environmental Science.
Career Path: Making pizzas for ten years.
He was arguing that as long as he'd been doing that job he should be making more money. The response was if you have a skill someone wants, you can earn more money.
I watched a man on the street interview where a guy in OR was trying to get signatures for a ballot measure supporting UBI. The conversation was civil and the man got him to talk about his past.
Education: Bachelor's in Environmental Science.
Career Path: Making pizzas for ten years.
He was arguing that as long as he'd been doing that job he should be making more money. The response was if you have a skill someone wants, you can earn more money.
Posted by: NR Pax at July 17, 2025 11:09 AM (BpO1e)
17
Thankfully, Wal-Mart will always need greeters.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at July 17, 2025 11:10 AM (vYDwg)
18
He was arguing that as long as he'd been doing that job he should be making more money. The response was if you have a skill someone wants, you can earn more money.
It is truly remarkable how many people seem to be unable to grasp this rather simple concept.
It is truly remarkable how many people seem to be unable to grasp this rather simple concept.
Posted by: Archimedes at July 17, 2025 11:11 AM (Riz8t)
19
Society is doomed if we don't have the technologically educated trades people to maintain the very technology that keeps society afloat.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at July 17, 2025 11:07 AM (Q4IgG)
And these idiots have no idea how much planning and technology and sheer hard work goes into that maintenance.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at July 17, 2025 11:07 AM (Q4IgG)
And these idiots have no idea how much planning and technology and sheer hard work goes into that maintenance.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo (with a beret and a Gauloises) at July 17, 2025 11:11 AM (cohUm)
20
Another great article out of PA. Kids in a Catholic High School learned to weld and they had jobs waiting for them. One at a nuke plant, another helping to build submarines. The pay scale was as high as 70K.
Naturally in the comments: "But that's not a living wage!"
Naturally in the comments: "But that's not a living wage!"
Posted by: NR Pax at July 17, 2025 11:11 AM (BpO1e)
21
Environmental Science seems like it could be a useful field, if applied properly.
Posted by: Bulg at July 17, 2025 11:11 AM (77rzZ)
22
I don't see why AI couldn't replace welders, at least where the positions can be fixed.
Posted by: Biff Pocoroba at July 17, 2025 11:11 AM (XvL8K)
Posted by: Bilwis Devourer of Innocent Souls, I'm starvin' over here at July 17, 2025 11:12 AM (pIfcn)
Posted by: Archimedes at July 17, 2025 11:12 AM (Riz8t)
25
I was thinking this morning about whether or not AI might replace my job someday (instructional design).
Probably not. Even IF (and that's a big IF) faculty try to use AI for building courses, someone still needs to fix the problems that inevitably crop up.
A lot of questions in instructional design are decidedly non-trivial from a mathematical perspective and require human judgment to solve.
Probably not. Even IF (and that's a big IF) faculty try to use AI for building courses, someone still needs to fix the problems that inevitably crop up.
A lot of questions in instructional design are decidedly non-trivial from a mathematical perspective and require human judgment to solve.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at July 17, 2025 11:12 AM (7fElN)
26
Society is doomed if we don't have the technologically educated trades people to maintain the very technology that keeps society afloat.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at July 17, 2025 11:07 AM
Robots will maintain the robots using modules built in robotic factories.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at July 17, 2025 11:07 AM
Robots will maintain the robots using modules built in robotic factories.
Posted by: toby928 at July 17, 2025 11:12 AM (jc0TO)
27
I’ve seen people compare AI to tractors and jobs to horses. 99% of horses went away and were replaced by tractors on farms. And that’s what AI will do to jobs.
I’d make the analogy more to AI being a nail gun and employees being a hammer. Yeah a nail gun will be used to vastly speed up construction. But every construction worker still has a hammer in his toolbelt.
I’d make the analogy more to AI being a nail gun and employees being a hammer. Yeah a nail gun will be used to vastly speed up construction. But every construction worker still has a hammer in his toolbelt.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at July 17, 2025 11:12 AM (ImXfC)
28
Environmental Science seems like it could be a useful field, if applied properly.
Posted by: Bulg at July 17, 2025 11:11 AM (77rzZ)
That's what I was thinking. Does Luigi the Pizza Guy pick his nose at job interviews?
Posted by: Bulg at July 17, 2025 11:11 AM (77rzZ)
That's what I was thinking. Does Luigi the Pizza Guy pick his nose at job interviews?
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at July 17, 2025 11:12 AM (vYDwg)
29
AI is incredibly over-hyped because there is so much money in it, for now.
Probably $2 trillion -- yes, with a "t" -- of nVidia's stock price is based on the promises of future AI tech. Tesla's market value is probably 35% AI now. There are many other companies in the same boat.
When literally trillions of dollars is riding on a new tech, you can expect that tech to be hyped to the moon. I expect there will be a reckoning when people finally realize that AI is just another tool. Maybe a powerful on in certain applications, but a tool nonetheless.
Probably $2 trillion -- yes, with a "t" -- of nVidia's stock price is based on the promises of future AI tech. Tesla's market value is probably 35% AI now. There are many other companies in the same boat.
When literally trillions of dollars is riding on a new tech, you can expect that tech to be hyped to the moon. I expect there will be a reckoning when people finally realize that AI is just another tool. Maybe a powerful on in certain applications, but a tool nonetheless.
Posted by: Elric The (One and Only) Blade at July 17, 2025 11:13 AM (iFTx/)
30
It is truly remarkable how many people seem to be unable to grasp this rather simple concept.
Posted by: Archimedes
If I were a high school guidance counselor, I would be sitting these kids down and asking them three questions:
1. What do you want to Major in?
2. How do you plan to pay for it?
3. How do you plan to make money at it?
Wrong answers will earn them a beating with a stick.
Posted by: Archimedes
If I were a high school guidance counselor, I would be sitting these kids down and asking them three questions:
1. What do you want to Major in?
2. How do you plan to pay for it?
3. How do you plan to make money at it?
Wrong answers will earn them a beating with a stick.
Posted by: NR Pax at July 17, 2025 11:13 AM (BpO1e)
31
Will colleges ever live down their reputation of producing maleducated malcontents?
Posted by: Dr. Claw at July 17, 2025 11:13 AM (jbnUc)
32
14 - Agreed, my experience with LLM "AI" as a code assistant is that it can write starter code if you thoroughly test it, and it can help with "what the heck does this obscure compiler error mean when I try to compile this code segment?". But it really sucks at writing bug-free code, or even consistent code, even in the same 'session'. It also has a really bad tendency to hallucinate libraries, code capabilities, etc that don't exist, and never did.
If you're really, really good at coding or at writing prompts, you might think it's more useful than it is. If you're bad enough that you don't know any better, same.
But anything that's not trained on 100% perfect code, limited to a single language, is probably going to waste more time than it saves, overall.
If you're really, really good at coding or at writing prompts, you might think it's more useful than it is. If you're bad enough that you don't know any better, same.
But anything that's not trained on 100% perfect code, limited to a single language, is probably going to waste more time than it saves, overall.
Posted by: RandomDave at July 17, 2025 11:14 AM (aJQbY)
33
Environmental Science seems like it could be a useful field, if applied properly.
I am guessing that the problem some people have is that they have the degree but they don't want to move to where the jobs are.
I am guessing that the problem some people have is that they have the degree but they don't want to move to where the jobs are.
Posted by: NR Pax at July 17, 2025 11:14 AM (BpO1e)
34
17 Thankfully, Wal-Mart will always need greeters.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at July 17, 2025 11:10 AM (vYDwg)
I’m sure Boston Dynamics is working on the Walmart Greeter X-228. 😄
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at July 17, 2025 11:10 AM (vYDwg)
I’m sure Boston Dynamics is working on the Walmart Greeter X-228. 😄
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at July 17, 2025 11:14 AM (ImXfC)
35
My smattering of British literature had that theme. A clerk doing the most basic ledger entries for a pittance was socially above the skilled blacksmith making good money.
America was supposed to be the land where we didn't let idiotic old world notions like that hold us back but valued people who knew how to get things done.
Sad that we've fallen so far into stultifying Victorian thinking.
America was supposed to be the land where we didn't let idiotic old world notions like that hold us back but valued people who knew how to get things done.
Sad that we've fallen so far into stultifying Victorian thinking.
Posted by: PaleRider at July 17, 2025 11:14 AM (83y/e)
36
Society is doomed if we don't have the technologically educated trades people to maintain the very technology that keeps society afloat"
Recall the line about plumbers and philosophers...
Recall the line about plumbers and philosophers...
Posted by: man at July 17, 2025 11:15 AM (tubbA)
37
5 My question is, who is writing this stuff in my head?
Posted by: toby928 at July 17, 2025
***
Melatonin?
mel brooks > melatonin
Posted by: toby928 at July 17, 2025
***
Melatonin?
mel brooks > melatonin
Posted by: anachronda at July 17, 2025 11:15 AM (v3pYe)
38
Agreed, my experience with LLM "AI" as a code assistant is that it can write starter code if you thoroughly test it
Back when I programmed, I had a large portfolio of code that I had already written to clone from. Isn't that the same thing?
Back when I programmed, I had a large portfolio of code that I had already written to clone from. Isn't that the same thing?
Posted by: toby928 at July 17, 2025 11:16 AM (jc0TO)
39
I’m sure Boston Dynamics is working on the Walmart Greeter X-228. 😄
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at July 17, 2025 11:14 AM (ImXfC)
Present your receipt. YOU HAVE TEN SECONDS TO COMPLY.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at July 17, 2025 11:14 AM (ImXfC)
Present your receipt. YOU HAVE TEN SECONDS TO COMPLY.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at July 17, 2025 11:16 AM (vYDwg)
40
really sucks at writing bug-free code, or even consistent code, even in the same 'session'. It also has a really bad tendency to hallucinate libraries, code capabilities, etc that don't exist, and never did.
—
I’ve run into this so much. I’ll say, do this thing for me. And it spits out some code. I try to compile it and get all sorts of errors.
I give ai the error and it says “oh oops my bad yeah you can’t really do what I just said you should do”. And I’m like then why the fuck did you tell me to do it in the first place????
—
I’ve run into this so much. I’ll say, do this thing for me. And it spits out some code. I try to compile it and get all sorts of errors.
I give ai the error and it says “oh oops my bad yeah you can’t really do what I just said you should do”. And I’m like then why the fuck did you tell me to do it in the first place????
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at July 17, 2025 11:16 AM (ImXfC)
41
I’d make the analogy more to AI being a nail gun and employees being a hammer.
Yeah a nail gun will be used to vastly speed up construction. But every construction worker still has a hammer in his toolbelt.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald
And it still takes a construction worker to pull the nail gun's trigger.
Yeah a nail gun will be used to vastly speed up construction. But every construction worker still has a hammer in his toolbelt.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald
And it still takes a construction worker to pull the nail gun's trigger.
Posted by: rickb223 at July 17, 2025 11:16 AM (k3Vs9)
42
me calling to make a dental appointment, AI answering machine picks up.
AI: Are you a new patient?
me: no
* a few seconds delay
AI: I don't understand, could you repeat your answer?
me: no
* a few seconds delay
AI: ~hangs up~
AI: Are you a new patient?
me: no
* a few seconds delay
AI: I don't understand, could you repeat your answer?
me: no
* a few seconds delay
AI: ~hangs up~
Posted by: Swamp Rabbit at July 17, 2025 11:17 AM (5hfjS)
43
18 He was arguing that as long as he'd been doing that job he should be making more money. The response was if you have a skill someone wants, you can earn more money.
It is truly remarkable how many people seem to be unable to grasp this rather simple concept.
Posted by: Archimedes at July 17, 2025 11:11 AM (Riz8t)
Was watching a college football game once with a GF and her friends. They were bitching about how the coach made more than any teacher.
I explained that we're one of millions watching a game, attended by some 80,000 people. This single instance likely paid for every teacher salary and then some.
They did not like that answer as it was "unfair".
It is truly remarkable how many people seem to be unable to grasp this rather simple concept.
Posted by: Archimedes at July 17, 2025 11:11 AM (Riz8t)
Was watching a college football game once with a GF and her friends. They were bitching about how the coach made more than any teacher.
I explained that we're one of millions watching a game, attended by some 80,000 people. This single instance likely paid for every teacher salary and then some.
They did not like that answer as it was "unfair".
Posted by: The Central Scrutinizer at July 17, 2025 11:18 AM (KbCG3)
44
Someone I saw pointed out that the communists and socialists who decry capitalism never, ever discuss the fact that those alive in America today:
- work less hours than any other time in history
- have more leisure time than any other time in history
- make more money than any other time in history
- have cheaper food, housing, fuel and transportation than any other time in history
- and, on top of all that, expect annual vacations, a luxury only afforded to the very wealthy at any other time in history
So, the horrors and evils of capitalism are not compared to the historical norm of mankind, but to the mirage "perfect future state" of mankind.
Nor is capitalism credited with all these massive advancements in the conditions of mankind.
It wasn't socialism or communism that did that because, as they insist, they have never been tried.
- work less hours than any other time in history
- have more leisure time than any other time in history
- make more money than any other time in history
- have cheaper food, housing, fuel and transportation than any other time in history
- and, on top of all that, expect annual vacations, a luxury only afforded to the very wealthy at any other time in history
So, the horrors and evils of capitalism are not compared to the historical norm of mankind, but to the mirage "perfect future state" of mankind.
Nor is capitalism credited with all these massive advancements in the conditions of mankind.
It wasn't socialism or communism that did that because, as they insist, they have never been tried.
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at July 17, 2025 11:18 AM (nD6G9)
45
Robots will maintain the robots using modules built in robotic factories.
Remind me why we need you.
Remind me why we need you.
Posted by: Robots with attitudes at July 17, 2025 11:18 AM (Riz8t)
46
Robots will maintain the robots using modules built in robotic factories."
*Von Neumann has entered the chat*
*Von Neumann has entered the chat*
Posted by: man at July 17, 2025 11:19 AM (tubbA)
47
32 14 - Agreed, my experience with LLM "AI" as a code assistant is that it can write starter code if you thoroughly test it, and it can help with "what the heck does this obscure compiler error mean when I try to compile this code segment?". But it really sucks at writing bug-free code, or even consistent code, even in the same 'session'. It also has a really bad tendency to hallucinate libraries, code capabilities, etc that don't exist, and never did.
ever read something in a dream? sentences aren't consistent and if you go back and re-read something, the words are different than they were the first time you read it.
ever read something in a dream? sentences aren't consistent and if you go back and re-read something, the words are different than they were the first time you read it.
Posted by: anachronda, tying threads together at July 17, 2025 11:19 AM (v3pYe)
48
If I were a high school guidance counselor, I would be sitting these kids down and asking them three questions:
1. What do you want to Major in?
2. How do you plan to pay for it?
3. How do you plan to make money at it?
Wrong answers will earn them a beating with a stick.
Posted by: NR Pax
The beatings are for the students or for the administrators who should be including life skills in basic finance? One of my pet peeves is that ROI isn't a highschool freshman math requirement.
1. What do you want to Major in?
2. How do you plan to pay for it?
3. How do you plan to make money at it?
Wrong answers will earn them a beating with a stick.
Posted by: NR Pax
The beatings are for the students or for the administrators who should be including life skills in basic finance? One of my pet peeves is that ROI isn't a highschool freshman math requirement.
Posted by: Chuck Martel at July 17, 2025 11:19 AM (Dv3i1)
49
AAA's phone-answering robot couldn't understand the plain address I gave as my location last Saturday when my battery went out at the gas station. I had to ask for a human . . . which I would have done much sooner if I'd known how.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 17, 2025 11:20 AM (omVj0)
50
So, the horrors and evils of capitalism are not compared to the historical norm of mankind, but to the mirage "perfect future state" of mankind.
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at July 17, 2025 11:18 AM
Marvelous observation.
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at July 17, 2025 11:18 AM
Marvelous observation.
Posted by: toby928 at July 17, 2025 11:20 AM (jc0TO)
51
One of my pet peeves is that ROI isn't a highschool freshman math requirement.
Posted by: Chuck Martel at July 17, 2025 11:19 AM (Dv3i1)
Let's start with: How To Make Change!
Posted by: Chuck Martel at July 17, 2025 11:19 AM (Dv3i1)
Let's start with: How To Make Change!
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo (with a beret and a Gauloises) at July 17, 2025 11:21 AM (cohUm)
52
If I were a high school guidance counselor, I would be sitting these kids down and asking them three questions:
1. What do you want to Major in?
2. How do you plan to pay for it?
3. How do you plan to make money at it?
Wrong answers will earn them a beating with a stick.
Posted by: NR Pax
The beatings are for the students or for the administrators who should be including life skills in basic finance? One of my pet peeves is that ROI isn't a highschool freshman math requirement.
I'd take it a bit further. Ask the kid what their parents make, and how much the house he currently occupied costs, and then tell him to see what he will qualify for given his desired career choice. They will be shocked.
1. What do you want to Major in?
2. How do you plan to pay for it?
3. How do you plan to make money at it?
Wrong answers will earn them a beating with a stick.
Posted by: NR Pax
The beatings are for the students or for the administrators who should be including life skills in basic finance? One of my pet peeves is that ROI isn't a highschool freshman math requirement.
I'd take it a bit further. Ask the kid what their parents make, and how much the house he currently occupied costs, and then tell him to see what he will qualify for given his desired career choice. They will be shocked.
Posted by: Archimedes at July 17, 2025 11:21 AM (Riz8t)
53
Environmental Science seems like it could be a useful field, if applied properly.
Posted by: Bulg at July 17, 2025 11:11 AM (77rzZ)
Not much science in it. It's a breeding plan for activists, mostly.
Posted by: Bulg at July 17, 2025 11:11 AM (77rzZ)
Not much science in it. It's a breeding plan for activists, mostly.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at July 17, 2025 11:21 AM (LJIE1)
54
51
Let's start with: How To Make Change!
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo (with a beret and a Gauloises) at July 17, 2025 11:21 AM (cohUm)
======
Be the change you want to see in the world 101
Let's start with: How To Make Change!
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo (with a beret and a Gauloises) at July 17, 2025 11:21 AM (cohUm)
======
Be the change you want to see in the world 101
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, searching for thrills with John Frankenheimer at July 17, 2025 11:21 AM (eDVuN)
55
Let's start with: How To Make Change!
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo (with a beret and a Gauloises) at July 17, 2025 11:21 AM
So few even "Count Change" anymore.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo (with a beret and a Gauloises) at July 17, 2025 11:21 AM
So few even "Count Change" anymore.
Posted by: toby928 at July 17, 2025 11:22 AM (jc0TO)
56
42 me calling to make a dental appointment, AI answering machine picks up.
AI: Are you a new patient?
a couple of the local greasy spoons have installed ai order-takers in their drive-thrus. it's interesting how different they are. i always wind up yelling at the one at carls jr, while i usually get along with the one at der wienerschnitzel (although i must admit that i have not tried asking it for wienerschnitzel).
AI: Are you a new patient?
a couple of the local greasy spoons have installed ai order-takers in their drive-thrus. it's interesting how different they are. i always wind up yelling at the one at carls jr, while i usually get along with the one at der wienerschnitzel (although i must admit that i have not tried asking it for wienerschnitzel).
Posted by: anachronda at July 17, 2025 11:22 AM (v3pYe)
57
AI will definitely cause some shocks and disruption to the system. Like all great technological advances do. The Industrial Revolution fucked up a lot of shit for a lot of people. But is there anyone who would suggest long term society didn’t benefit? Or computers in the 50s and 60s. A lot of jobs were wiped out by the computer. But long term it made everyone much better off.
AI is the same thing.
AI is the same thing.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at July 17, 2025 11:22 AM (ImXfC)
58
*Von Neumann has entered the chat*
Posted by: man at July 17, 2025 11:19 AM (tubbA)
__________
It's always ticked me off that Oppenheimer is deified for being a leftist martyr and gets movies made about him while von Neumann is largely ignored.
*Von Neumann has entered the chat*
Posted by: man at July 17, 2025 11:19 AM (tubbA)
__________
It's always ticked me off that Oppenheimer is deified for being a leftist martyr and gets movies made about him while von Neumann is largely ignored.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at July 17, 2025 11:23 AM (HZi96)
59
Be the change you want to see in the world 101
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, searching for thrills with John Frankenheimer at July 17, 2025 11:21 AM (eDVuN)
Which is exactly what it would inevitably morph into, and a fine argument for the total destruction and rebuild of our education system.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, searching for thrills with John Frankenheimer at July 17, 2025 11:21 AM (eDVuN)
Which is exactly what it would inevitably morph into, and a fine argument for the total destruction and rebuild of our education system.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo (with a beret and a Gauloises) at July 17, 2025 11:23 AM (cohUm)
60
My local Giant no longer bugs me at checkout to give my change to some charity, they outright ask for a dollar. Get f***ed. If I want to be panhandled, I'll go downtown.
Posted by: Archimedes at July 17, 2025 11:23 AM (Riz8t)
61
Let's start with: How To Make Change!
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo (with a beret and a Gauloises)
That should be 2nd grade math.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo (with a beret and a Gauloises)
That should be 2nd grade math.
Posted by: Chuck Martel at July 17, 2025 11:23 AM (Dv3i1)
62
Nor is capitalism credited with all these massive advancements in the conditions of mankind.
It wasn't socialism or communism that did that because, as they insist, they have never been tried.
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at July 17, 2025
***
The BernieBro member of my former writing critique group -- who was a Vietnam vet, old enough to know better -- was a socialism-pusher. He liked to say, "No country that's gone socialist has ever gone back."
Me: "That's because they couldn't. You can vote socialism in . . . but you have to shoot your way out."
It wasn't socialism or communism that did that because, as they insist, they have never been tried.
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at July 17, 2025
***
The BernieBro member of my former writing critique group -- who was a Vietnam vet, old enough to know better -- was a socialism-pusher. He liked to say, "No country that's gone socialist has ever gone back."
Me: "That's because they couldn't. You can vote socialism in . . . but you have to shoot your way out."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 17, 2025 11:23 AM (omVj0)
63
I've told this tale before: One of my boys learned a skilled trade while serving in the Navy. He takes college level classes, paid for by Uncle Sam, and is now lead testing and instrumentation dude for a hypersonic test lab.
Not a $ of student loans outstanding and can get a excellent job almost anywhere.
Not a $ of student loans outstanding and can get a excellent job almost anywhere.
Posted by: Tonypete at July 17, 2025 11:23 AM (cYBz/)
64
When I have someone count change now and not just shove a fistful of money at me, it is like a refreshing vision of the Before Times.
Posted by: toby928 at July 17, 2025 11:23 AM (jc0TO)
65
Environmental Science seems like it could be a useful field, if applied properly.
Posted by: Bulg at July 17, 2025 11:11 AM (77rzZ)
Not much science in it. It's a breeding plan for activists, mostly.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at July 17, 2025 11:21 AM (LJIE1)
The dirt-burning "soil remediation" field seems to be booming, and you can't build an outhouse anymore without getting an Environmental Impact Report.
Posted by: Bulg at July 17, 2025 11:11 AM (77rzZ)
Not much science in it. It's a breeding plan for activists, mostly.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at July 17, 2025 11:21 AM (LJIE1)
The dirt-burning "soil remediation" field seems to be booming, and you can't build an outhouse anymore without getting an Environmental Impact Report.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at July 17, 2025 11:23 AM (vYDwg)
66
59 Be the change you want to see in the world 101
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, searching for thrills with John Frankenheimer at July 17, 2025 11:21 AM (eDVuN)
Which is exactly what it would inevitably morph into, and a fine argument for the total destruction and rebuild of our education system.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo (with a beret and a Gauloises) at July 17, 2025 11:23 AM (cohUm)
======
But then people will believe silly, unscientific things!
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, searching for thrills with John Frankenheimer at July 17, 2025 11:21 AM (eDVuN)
Which is exactly what it would inevitably morph into, and a fine argument for the total destruction and rebuild of our education system.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo (with a beret and a Gauloises) at July 17, 2025 11:23 AM (cohUm)
======
But then people will believe silly, unscientific things!
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, searching for thrills with John Frankenheimer at July 17, 2025 11:24 AM (eDVuN)
67
Thankfully, Wal-Mart will always need greeters.
Posted by: Cicero
They don't have greeters here any more.
Thankfully, Wal-Mart will always need greeters.
Posted by: Cicero
They don't have greeters here any more.
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at July 17, 2025 11:24 AM (63Dwl)
68
The robots don't think. They have fixed positions to go to. The parts are very fixtured - held in one place on the line. The robots have limited parameters where they can "self-adjust" based upon temp and current.
But they don't think. They're not "Intelligent". By the current definition, I wrote "AI" two decades ago. And I did not. I simply wrote self-adjusting parameters.
AI is a scam.
Posted by: Johnny
_________
I think I agree with you in the sense that AI remains, and will always remain, garbage in garbage out. But the parameters on temp and current are objective. Why can't they be adjusted to make a computer, with proper sensors, effective?
If it's because the human eye and brain is needed to spot some anomaly that a computer cannot comprehend, and will never have the capacity to comprehend, then I'm with you. Otherwise, it seems to me that it's just a matter of time until computers can do just as well.
But they don't think. They're not "Intelligent". By the current definition, I wrote "AI" two decades ago. And I did not. I simply wrote self-adjusting parameters.
AI is a scam.
Posted by: Johnny
_________
I think I agree with you in the sense that AI remains, and will always remain, garbage in garbage out. But the parameters on temp and current are objective. Why can't they be adjusted to make a computer, with proper sensors, effective?
If it's because the human eye and brain is needed to spot some anomaly that a computer cannot comprehend, and will never have the capacity to comprehend, then I'm with you. Otherwise, it seems to me that it's just a matter of time until computers can do just as well.
Posted by: Biff Pocoroba at July 17, 2025 11:24 AM (XvL8K)
69
toby928, yeah, probably. Basically "off-shoring" the "semi-coded" phase between initial pseudocode and real code, theoretically skipping the initial effort of "Let me build these fragments or functions in a dozen different languages".
When prompted with things like, "I've got this code, and that code. I want to take them, do this thing to process them that is barely beyond my knowledge of the language, I keep getting error ABC. I'm sure can be done, but google doesn't return anyone else explaining it properly", my experience is that it's very prone to returning things that are prima facie NOT POSSIBLE. Like in Ansible YAML, a nested loop in the same task. This is like, 101-level "this can't be done", stuff.
When prompted with things like, "I've got this code, and that code. I want to take them, do this thing to process them that is barely beyond my knowledge of the language, I keep getting error ABC. I'm sure can be done, but google doesn't return anyone else explaining it properly", my experience is that it's very prone to returning things that are prima facie NOT POSSIBLE. Like in Ansible YAML, a nested loop in the same task. This is like, 101-level "this can't be done", stuff.
Posted by: RandomDave at July 17, 2025 11:25 AM (aJQbY)
70
The pay scale was as high as 70K.
Naturally in the comments: "But that's not a living wage!"
I worked 20 years in my industry to make $70K. Then the dot-com but hit and it took me another 10 years to get back to $70K.
Naturally in the comments: "But that's not a living wage!"
I worked 20 years in my industry to make $70K. Then the dot-com but hit and it took me another 10 years to get back to $70K.
Posted by: Oddbob at July 17, 2025 11:25 AM (/y8xj)
71
It's always ticked me off that Oppenheimer is deified for being a leftist martyr and gets movies made about him while von Neumann is largely ignored.
Well, Von Neumann was an alien, so...
Well, Von Neumann was an alien, so...
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at July 17, 2025 11:25 AM (vYDwg)
72
Righteous rant, CBD.
I can't add anything.
As a youth I was blessed with
1. a two-parent family,
2. assigned household chores with consequences for non-performance,
3. parental involvement in school progress,
4. pride in a job well-done,
5. expectation of being self-reliance,
6. religious education,
7. Boy Scout training/ skillset.
8. a grandmother who told me "I don't care if you grow up to be a garbageman, be the best garbageman that you can be."
9. ...and a host of other traditional American values.
For all this I am grateful. It served me well.
P.S. Now I make fart jokes on a niche political blog.
I can't add anything.
As a youth I was blessed with
1. a two-parent family,
2. assigned household chores with consequences for non-performance,
3. parental involvement in school progress,
4. pride in a job well-done,
5. expectation of being self-reliance,
6. religious education,
7. Boy Scout training/ skillset.
8. a grandmother who told me "I don't care if you grow up to be a garbageman, be the best garbageman that you can be."
9. ...and a host of other traditional American values.
For all this I am grateful. It served me well.
P.S. Now I make fart jokes on a niche political blog.
Posted by: muldoon at July 17, 2025 11:25 AM (poXs5)
73
The beatings are for the students or for the administrators who should be including life skills in basic finance?
The students. I want them to learn that stupidity should hurt. But I'm open to the idea of the teachers getting a few applications.
The students. I want them to learn that stupidity should hurt. But I'm open to the idea of the teachers getting a few applications.
Posted by: NR Pax at July 17, 2025 11:25 AM (BpO1e)
74
He liked to say, "No country that's gone socialist has ever gone back."
Me: "That's because they couldn't. You can vote socialism in . . . but you have to shoot your way out."
He's just plain wrong, too.
All of Eastern Europe
East Germany
Nicaragua
Sweden
Angola
Ethiopia
That's just a start.
Me: "That's because they couldn't. You can vote socialism in . . . but you have to shoot your way out."
He's just plain wrong, too.
All of Eastern Europe
East Germany
Nicaragua
Sweden
Angola
Ethiopia
That's just a start.
Posted by: Archimedes at July 17, 2025 11:25 AM (Riz8t)
75
I've seen posts suggesting that Catholic priests learn a useful profession before going to the seminary because they never know when some nutzo bishop is going to cancel them.
I've seen posts suggesting that Catholic priests learn a useful profession before going to the seminary because they never know when some nutzo bishop is going to cancel them.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at July 17, 2025 11:25 AM (HZi96)
76
22 I don't see why AI couldn't replace welders, at least where the positions can be fixed.
IT'S FUNNY BECAUSE IF THE POSITIONS WERE FIXED THEY WOULDN'T NEED TO BE WELDED IN THE FIRST PLACE
IT'S FUNNY BECAUSE IF THE POSITIONS WERE FIXED THEY WOULDN'T NEED TO BE WELDED IN THE FIRST PLACE
Posted by: ben at July 17, 2025 11:26 AM (v3pYe)
77
Err, ok.
@LeadingReport 49s
BREAKING: GOP pundit and CNN contributor Scott Jennings reaffirms he may run for Mitch McConnell’s seat if President Trump asks him to.
@LeadingReport 49s
BREAKING: GOP pundit and CNN contributor Scott Jennings reaffirms he may run for Mitch McConnell’s seat if President Trump asks him to.
Posted by: weft cut-loop at July 17, 2025 11:27 AM (mlg/3)
78
The local K - 12 public school that I attended and both of my kids attended has a program called Building Trades. The kids that are in this go to actual job sites to learn the trades. Whether it's plumbing, electric, construction, whatever part they're interested in is what they work on. They get high school credit for it plus credits that go toward learning that trade at a "trade school".
Similarly, they have the dual credit system for college classes. My daughter earned an associates degree from Ivy Tech by taking dual credit classes in high school. She got that degree two weeks before she graduated high school.
When I was in school there, we had wood shop, automotive shop, home ec. with cooking and sewing instruction, typing and shorthand, accounting, and Latin classes. None of those are offered in schools anymore. Most high schools are just training kids to go to college.
Similarly, they have the dual credit system for college classes. My daughter earned an associates degree from Ivy Tech by taking dual credit classes in high school. She got that degree two weeks before she graduated high school.
When I was in school there, we had wood shop, automotive shop, home ec. with cooking and sewing instruction, typing and shorthand, accounting, and Latin classes. None of those are offered in schools anymore. Most high schools are just training kids to go to college.
Posted by: Madamemayhem (uppity wench) at July 17, 2025 11:27 AM (2J/Lj)
79
P.S. Now I make fart jokes on a niche political blog.
Posted by: muldoon
Well, capitalism does create an atmosphere in which fart jokes can thrive.
Posted by: muldoon
Well, capitalism does create an atmosphere in which fart jokes can thrive.
Posted by: Bulg at July 17, 2025 11:27 AM (77rzZ)
80
“There is a clear and present freakout going on right now. I’ve heard from six governors in the last six months. I’ve heard from the heads of major companies.”
So when's the last time DJT invited electricians, welders, HVAC techs, and pipefitters into the Oval Office?
I'm serious.
So when's the last time DJT invited electricians, welders, HVAC techs, and pipefitters into the Oval Office?
I'm serious.
Posted by: mrp at July 17, 2025 11:28 AM (rj6Yv)
81
I've seen posts suggesting that Catholic priests learn a useful profession before going to the seminary because they never know when some nutzo bishop is going to cancel them.
I say this to my wife all the time. I have no interest in getting life instruction from some callow yoot with no life experience. Give me someone with gray hair and a track record of achievement.
I say this to my wife all the time. I have no interest in getting life instruction from some callow yoot with no life experience. Give me someone with gray hair and a track record of achievement.
Posted by: Archimedes at July 17, 2025 11:28 AM (Riz8t)
82
while i usually get along with the one at der wienerschnitzel (although i must admit that i have not tried asking it for wienerschnitzel).
Posted by: anachronda
Order in German or heavily German accented English.
Zwei veienerschnitzel please.
Posted by: anachronda
Order in German or heavily German accented English.
Zwei veienerschnitzel please.
Posted by: rickb223 at July 17, 2025 11:28 AM (k3Vs9)
Posted by: Archimedes at July 17, 2025 11:29 AM (Riz8t)
84
Personal financial management should be taught, starting in middle school, at least.
Posted by: Bulg at July 17, 2025 11:29 AM (77rzZ)
85
P.S. Now I make fart jokes on a niche political blog.
Posted by: muldoon
Well, capitalism does create an atmosphere in which fart jokes can thrive.
Posted by: Bulg at July 17, 2025 11:27 AM
Except that we are just unpaid day labor in Ace's humor fields, with nowhere else to go. Serfs, really.
Posted by: muldoon
Well, capitalism does create an atmosphere in which fart jokes can thrive.
Posted by: Bulg at July 17, 2025 11:27 AM
Except that we are just unpaid day labor in Ace's humor fields, with nowhere else to go. Serfs, really.
Posted by: toby928 at July 17, 2025 11:29 AM (jc0TO)
86
Except that we are just unpaid day labor in Ace's humor fields, with nowhere else to go. Serfs, really.
You don't get paid? Really? Ace is buying me a Mercedes.
You don't get paid? Really? Ace is buying me a Mercedes.
Posted by: Archimedes at July 17, 2025 11:30 AM (Riz8t)
87
Recently saw a socialist claim Mamdani's idea of a government-run grocery store would be profitable citing part of its audit that reports a "surplus" and by visiting a DC area commissary, showing how the prices there are cheaper than at the Imaginary Store.
A guy went online at the nearest Walmart, added up the prices b/w all the items shown in his video.
And Walmart was cheaper in total.
Commentators also pointed out the commissary has a 5% surcharge added at checkout.
The socialist also failed to point out that, later in that same audit, the commissary is subsidized b/w $1.2 to $1.8 billion annually, a loss covered by the taxpayer.
But, facts don't matter.
The leftist are going all-out to install Mamdani.
A guy went online at the nearest Walmart, added up the prices b/w all the items shown in his video.
And Walmart was cheaper in total.
Commentators also pointed out the commissary has a 5% surcharge added at checkout.
The socialist also failed to point out that, later in that same audit, the commissary is subsidized b/w $1.2 to $1.8 billion annually, a loss covered by the taxpayer.
But, facts don't matter.
The leftist are going all-out to install Mamdani.
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at July 17, 2025 11:30 AM (nD6G9)
88
The dirt-burning "soil remediation" field seems to be booming, and you can't build an outhouse anymore without getting an Environmental Impact Report.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at July 17, 2025 11:23 AM (vYDwg)
And 90% of that is grift. A lowball estimate. Did the Pharaohs seek an environmental impact statement before building the Pyramids?
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at July 17, 2025 11:23 AM (vYDwg)
And 90% of that is grift. A lowball estimate. Did the Pharaohs seek an environmental impact statement before building the Pyramids?
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at July 17, 2025 11:30 AM (LJIE1)
89
So when's the last time DJT invited electricians, welders, HVAC techs, and pipefitters into the Oval Office?
Posted by: mrp at July 17, 2025 11:28 AM (rj6Yv)
That's a valid point. And I am not suggesting that the issue is confined to the left...
Posted by: mrp at July 17, 2025 11:28 AM (rj6Yv)
That's a valid point. And I am not suggesting that the issue is confined to the left...
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo (with a beret and a Gauloises) at July 17, 2025 11:30 AM (cohUm)
90
Here what I used ai for yesterday. I had two sets of data and needed to find both duplicates in them and match by a key.
Not hard to do, write a script.
Instead I uploaded the data to AIAI both sets and told it what I needed. Took a couple of additional prompts for it to fully get what I needed. But within 5ish minutes I had what I needed.
Would have taken me a couple of hours to do it the old fashioned way.
Stuff like this is amazing.
Not hard to do, write a script.
Instead I uploaded the data to AIAI both sets and told it what I needed. Took a couple of additional prompts for it to fully get what I needed. But within 5ish minutes I had what I needed.
Would have taken me a couple of hours to do it the old fashioned way.
Stuff like this is amazing.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at July 17, 2025 11:30 AM (ImXfC)
91
I worked 20 years in my industry to make $70K. Then the dot-com but hit and it took me another 10 years to get back to $70K.
An 18 year old making 70K is doing well for themselves. What the left hears is "He makes 70K and will never make more than that in this world or the next, amen." They are too blind to understand raises or that they may strike out on their own.
An 18 year old making 70K is doing well for themselves. What the left hears is "He makes 70K and will never make more than that in this world or the next, amen." They are too blind to understand raises or that they may strike out on their own.
Posted by: NR Pax at July 17, 2025 11:30 AM (BpO1e)
92
P.S. Now I make fart jokes on a niche political blog.
Muldoon
===
And yet the quite dignity with which you make said fart jokes is inspiring, and an example to us all.
Muldoon
===
And yet the quite dignity with which you make said fart jokes is inspiring, and an example to us all.
Posted by: The Moron Horde at July 17, 2025 11:30 AM (Pu5mb)
93
You don't get paid? Really? Ace is buying me a Mercedes.
Posted by: Archimedes at July 17, 2025 11:30 AM
That motherfucker!
Posted by: Archimedes at July 17, 2025 11:30 AM
That motherfucker!
Posted by: toby928 at July 17, 2025 11:30 AM (jc0TO)
94
The pay scale was as high as 70K.
Naturally in the comments: "But that's not a living wage!"
***
Maybe not in NYC or LA or Chicago. In a smaller midwestern city it would be just fine.
Naturally in the comments: "But that's not a living wage!"
***
Maybe not in NYC or LA or Chicago. In a smaller midwestern city it would be just fine.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 17, 2025 11:31 AM (omVj0)
95
None of those are offered in schools anymore. Most high schools are just training kids to go to college.
____
College prep schools expect that for all the day to day meals, maintenance, repairs, finances and tax services, you'll make enough money to pay someone else to do these things for you.
____
College prep schools expect that for all the day to day meals, maintenance, repairs, finances and tax services, you'll make enough money to pay someone else to do these things for you.
Posted by: Chuck Martel at July 17, 2025 11:31 AM (Dv3i1)
96
Order in German or heavily German accented English.
Zwei veienerschnitzel please.
Posted by: rickb223
Some of my Pennsylvania German kin would talk about paying their 'Weesa' card.
Zwei veienerschnitzel please.
Posted by: rickb223
Some of my Pennsylvania German kin would talk about paying their 'Weesa' card.
Posted by: Tonypete at July 17, 2025 11:31 AM (cYBz/)
97
Helps to beat the students preemptively.
Posted by: Dreamingrobot at July 17, 2025 11:31 AM (LSwd7)
98
Give me someone with gray hair and a track record of achievement.
Posted by: Archimedes at July 17, 2025 11:28 AM (Riz8t)
__________
Our pastor was a helicopter mechanic. One of our curates had an aeronautical engineering degree from VPI and served five years in the Air Force.
Give me someone with gray hair and a track record of achievement.
Posted by: Archimedes at July 17, 2025 11:28 AM (Riz8t)
__________
Our pastor was a helicopter mechanic. One of our curates had an aeronautical engineering degree from VPI and served five years in the Air Force.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at July 17, 2025 11:31 AM (HZi96)
99
25 I was thinking this morning about whether or not AI might replace my job someday (instructional design).
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel
=======
I hate to tell you Squirrel but my read on higher education will be massive cuts in ancillary and administrative staff but the effects will vary by institution. The reason is a) grad programs that do not produce jobs will not get student loans for their attendees which will cause a lot of those grad programs to shut down, b) changing NSF grant and NIH grant overhead to a much lower percentage requires cuts in academic funny money used to pay for a lot of ancillary staff and admin. C) In the next ten years, I can actually see a path for job certifications that do not require academic degrees as such. D) Higher ed has been massively oversold.
Universities have taken on too much debt, too much admin and ancillary staff, and rely on fedgov funding (and foreign student revenue) which is going to decline in real terms going forward. Universities have to have the teaching and research plus some modicum of basic classes as k12 are doing a lousy job. Funding the rest is discretionary. Saying this as a recently retired tenured prof.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel
=======
I hate to tell you Squirrel but my read on higher education will be massive cuts in ancillary and administrative staff but the effects will vary by institution. The reason is a) grad programs that do not produce jobs will not get student loans for their attendees which will cause a lot of those grad programs to shut down, b) changing NSF grant and NIH grant overhead to a much lower percentage requires cuts in academic funny money used to pay for a lot of ancillary staff and admin. C) In the next ten years, I can actually see a path for job certifications that do not require academic degrees as such. D) Higher ed has been massively oversold.
Universities have taken on too much debt, too much admin and ancillary staff, and rely on fedgov funding (and foreign student revenue) which is going to decline in real terms going forward. Universities have to have the teaching and research plus some modicum of basic classes as k12 are doing a lousy job. Funding the rest is discretionary. Saying this as a recently retired tenured prof.
Posted by: whig at July 17, 2025 11:32 AM (ctrM5)
100
P.S. Now I make fart jokes on a niche political blog.
Muldoon
And, if you are like me, you waste a lot of your other time.
Muldoon
And, if you are like me, you waste a lot of your other time.
Posted by: Tonypete at July 17, 2025 11:32 AM (cYBz/)
101
Give me someone with gray hair and a track record of achievement.
Posted by: Archimedes at July 17, 2025 11:28 AM (Riz8t)
__________
Our pastor was a helicopter mechanic. One of our curates had an aeronautical engineering degree from VPI and served five years in the Air Force.
That's what I'm talking about.
Posted by: Archimedes at July 17, 2025 11:28 AM (Riz8t)
__________
Our pastor was a helicopter mechanic. One of our curates had an aeronautical engineering degree from VPI and served five years in the Air Force.
That's what I'm talking about.
Posted by: Archimedes at July 17, 2025 11:32 AM (Riz8t)
102
Most High schools don't prepare you for any career.
Colleges do in some cases, but not most.
You'd think this would be the most important focus for education intended for right before you enter the workforce no?
Colleges do in some cases, but not most.
You'd think this would be the most important focus for education intended for right before you enter the workforce no?
Posted by: 18-1 at July 17, 2025 11:32 AM (t0Rmr)
103
They are full of &$it. Always have been. “We need to prepare students to compete in a Global Economy”. That’s one (formerly) message. Today? I think “Math Is White Supremacy”. Meanwhile, 5th graders in India are taking Calculus. They are not burdened with psychotic “education experts”.
Why is importing millions of ignorant (not a criticism per se, an observation) peasants from the 3rd world considered an unalloyed Good Thing, when in the same breath we’re informed automation and AI are going to make unskilled labor obsolete?
What are the real plans then, for millions of illegal unskilled, unassimilated often hostile foreigners with no realistic job prospects? Doesn’t our society already include a non-trivial proportion of ineducable native born citizens? We really need a Manhattan Project style program to clear out all the dead weight in “Education” and get rid of the deconstructionists and saboteurs and sex perverts targeting and ruining the children. It is truly a national security issue.
Why is importing millions of ignorant (not a criticism per se, an observation) peasants from the 3rd world considered an unalloyed Good Thing, when in the same breath we’re informed automation and AI are going to make unskilled labor obsolete?
What are the real plans then, for millions of illegal unskilled, unassimilated often hostile foreigners with no realistic job prospects? Doesn’t our society already include a non-trivial proportion of ineducable native born citizens? We really need a Manhattan Project style program to clear out all the dead weight in “Education” and get rid of the deconstructionists and saboteurs and sex perverts targeting and ruining the children. It is truly a national security issue.
Posted by: Common Tater at July 17, 2025 11:33 AM (gu2bt)
104
They are too blind to understand raises or that they may strike out on their own.
____
In socialist world, raises won't be required and striking out on their own won't be allowed since the perfect delicate balance of wants/needs must not be upset.
____
In socialist world, raises won't be required and striking out on their own won't be allowed since the perfect delicate balance of wants/needs must not be upset.
Posted by: Chuck Martel at July 17, 2025 11:33 AM (Dv3i1)
105
Miss us yet?
Posted by: Fifty year old white guys at July 17, 2025 11:33 AM (BZZp/)
106
Remember that creepy old boomer faggot I mentioned a while back standing on Central Park West at the cross-over with a shitty handwritten poster pimping No Burger King Day?
Well ... he's back. He's there every day with some handwritten poster saying things like "Immigrants Belong Here" and "Due Process." He doesn't even have real posters; he's holding up signs that are the size of regular 8.5x11 paper. He just stands there holding up this crap.
He's not poorly dressed. He looks like an old queen, but he's not homeless or a bum. I would think he would have something better to do. But nah.
Well ... he's back. He's there every day with some handwritten poster saying things like "Immigrants Belong Here" and "Due Process." He doesn't even have real posters; he's holding up signs that are the size of regular 8.5x11 paper. He just stands there holding up this crap.
He's not poorly dressed. He looks like an old queen, but he's not homeless or a bum. I would think he would have something better to do. But nah.
Posted by: Elric The (One and Only) Blade at July 17, 2025 11:33 AM (iFTx/)
107
I say this to my wife all the time. I have no interest in getting life instruction from some callow yoot with no life experience. Give me someone with gray hair and a track record of achievement.
Posted by: Archimedes
Best business teacher I ever had was a guy who would start a business, get bored, sell it, teach, get bored, start a new business.
His last business before teaching, he started a company making NBS suits for the military. Got bored, sold it, and I got his first semester back.
Posted by: Archimedes
Best business teacher I ever had was a guy who would start a business, get bored, sell it, teach, get bored, start a new business.
His last business before teaching, he started a company making NBS suits for the military. Got bored, sold it, and I got his first semester back.
Posted by: rickb223 at July 17, 2025 11:33 AM (k3Vs9)
108
> Let's start with: How To Make Change!
---------
I go to the bank with a check for $24.96. I want to cash it. I give the teller the check and 4 pennies.
Hilarity and confusion ensues.
This. At a bank. Which spends all day counting money.
---------
I go to the bank with a check for $24.96. I want to cash it. I give the teller the check and 4 pennies.
Hilarity and confusion ensues.
This. At a bank. Which spends all day counting money.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at July 17, 2025 11:34 AM (Q4IgG)
109
Trade work has an external cost however that needs to be accounted for. It can take a toll on the body. A 50 year old welder or electrician is a lot more beaten up than a 50 year old who worked in an office.
Plus working in extreme cold or heat outdoors isn’t all that pleasant.
More to it than purely a money calculation.
Plus working in extreme cold or heat outdoors isn’t all that pleasant.
More to it than purely a money calculation.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at July 17, 2025 11:34 AM (ImXfC)
110
An 18 year old making 70K is doing well for themselves. What the left hears is "He makes 70K and will never make more than that in this world or the next, amen." They are too blind to understand raises or that they may strike out on their own.
Posted by: NR Pax
==========
They are grasshoppers that if they had 70k would promptly blow through 70k plus credit cards to the limit and freeze to death when winter comes.
Ants, live within their means and put away for rainy days. Aesop's Fables never get old because they reflect human nature.
Posted by: NR Pax
==========
They are grasshoppers that if they had 70k would promptly blow through 70k plus credit cards to the limit and freeze to death when winter comes.
Ants, live within their means and put away for rainy days. Aesop's Fables never get old because they reflect human nature.
Posted by: whig at July 17, 2025 11:34 AM (ctrM5)
111
106 Well ... he's back. He's there every day with some handwritten poster saying things like "Immigrants Belong Here" and "Due Process." He doesn't even have real posters; he's holding up signs that are the size of regular 8.5x11 paper. He just stands there holding up this crap.
He's not poorly dressed. He looks like an old queen, but he's not homeless or a bum. I would think he would have something better to do. But nah.
Posted by: Elric The (One and Only) Blade at July 17, 2025 11:33 AM (iFTx/)
========
DU kicked him out for saying something anti-tranny, probably.
He's not poorly dressed. He looks like an old queen, but he's not homeless or a bum. I would think he would have something better to do. But nah.
Posted by: Elric The (One and Only) Blade at July 17, 2025 11:33 AM (iFTx/)
========
DU kicked him out for saying something anti-tranny, probably.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, searching for thrills with John Frankenheimer at July 17, 2025 11:34 AM (eDVuN)
112
What are the real plans then, for millions of illegal unskilled, unassimilated often hostile foreigners with no realistic job prospects?
_____
They will be needed to maintain order in the new socialist paradise.
_____
They will be needed to maintain order in the new socialist paradise.
Posted by: Chuck Martel at July 17, 2025 11:34 AM (Dv3i1)
113
Most High schools don't prepare you for any career.
Colleges do in some cases, but not most.
You'd think this would be the most important focus for education intended for right before you enter the workforce no?
Posted by: 18-1
I got more valuable training in the military than I did in either high school or college.
Colleges do in some cases, but not most.
You'd think this would be the most important focus for education intended for right before you enter the workforce no?
Posted by: 18-1
I got more valuable training in the military than I did in either high school or college.
Posted by: Bulg at July 17, 2025 11:34 AM (77rzZ)
114
Learn to coal.
Posted by: The West Virginia Employment Commission at July 17, 2025 11:34 AM (BZZp/)
115
97 Helps to beat the students preemptively.
Posted by: Dreamingrobot
Especially those who are thinking about the military.
Posted by: Dreamingrobot
Especially those who are thinking about the military.
Posted by: NR Pax at July 17, 2025 11:34 AM (BpO1e)
116
Anyway, with regards to the trades... I took shop in junior high, it was great under one teacher and kinda sucked under another one. But I learned lots of little useful things. Between that and being Dad's helper when changing out outlets and installing light fixtures, I know enough to do basic household maintenance, which is a lifesaver. I think everyone should get at least a minimum basic trades exposure in school, a little bit each in elementary, junior/middle school, and high school. Those who want to, can opt for more in-depth/focused electives in the upper years, and even continue on to full-up trade schools (we should convert half the colleges to trade schools). But everyone should know how to test an outlet and change it, how to measure twice cut once, how to change a car battery, etc, even if they never use it due to circumstances or choices.
Posted by: RandomDave at July 17, 2025 11:34 AM (aJQbY)
117
P.S. Now I make fart jokes on a niche political blog.
Posted by: muldoon
--------
Well then,, make the best fart jokes that you can make!
Posted by: muldoon
--------
Well then,, make the best fart jokes that you can make!
Posted by: Swamp Rabbit at July 17, 2025 11:34 AM (5hfjS)
118
The pay scale was as high as 70K.
Naturally in the comments: "But that's not a living wage!"
===
That is without 200k of student loan debt and it does count over time. Last welder I talked to said he doubled his base salary with o.t.
Naturally in the comments: "But that's not a living wage!"
===
That is without 200k of student loan debt and it does count over time. Last welder I talked to said he doubled his base salary with o.t.
Posted by: Don't buy $7 lattes at July 17, 2025 11:35 AM (Pu5mb)
119
The pay scale was as high as 70K.
Naturally in the comments: "But that's not a living wage!"
***
Maybe not in NYC or LA or Chicago. In a smaller midwestern city it would be just fine.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius
$70k in my neck of the woods means you own the company.
Naturally in the comments: "But that's not a living wage!"
***
Maybe not in NYC or LA or Chicago. In a smaller midwestern city it would be just fine.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius
$70k in my neck of the woods means you own the company.
Posted by: rickb223 at July 17, 2025 11:35 AM (k3Vs9)
120
78
‘ BREAKING: GOP pundit and CNN contributor Scott Jennings reaffirms he may run for Mitch McConnell’s seat if President Trump asks him to.’
That’ll give that hog Ana Navarro something else to bitch about.
‘ BREAKING: GOP pundit and CNN contributor Scott Jennings reaffirms he may run for Mitch McConnell’s seat if President Trump asks him to.’
That’ll give that hog Ana Navarro something else to bitch about.
Posted by: Dr. Claw at July 17, 2025 11:35 AM (jbnUc)
121
Man, Baris and Mark Mitchell, good pollsters but they are right on the razors edge of joining the ranks of Current Era X Influencers.
According to Mark, Trump has TURNED on Americans.
Yeesh, give it a rest.
According to Mark, Trump has TURNED on Americans.
Yeesh, give it a rest.
Posted by: GigantorX at July 17, 2025 11:35 AM (x8k2o)
122
I am a counselor for the Personal Management merit badge for scouts. One of its requirements is to discuss a major purchase with members of your family and figure out from whence you would buy it (and at what price), and how your family will pay for it. Most of the time they select major appliances or vehicles as the sought after item.
In my discussions with candidates after they presented what they had put together, I would turn the tables on them and ask why they had not chosen what would be their education plans for after high school. If they were planning on going on to college, I'd challenge them with the cascade (1) to learn to do what, (2) what are employment and earnings prospects for that choice, (3) at which school(s) and at what cost, and (4) how will you pay for that schooling.
I believe that I shall exert executive privilege from this point onward and insist that a candidate's education plans after high school is my required choice for them to discuss with their family for this badge. The full ramifications of their choice deserve more attention than a perfunctory chat with a high school guidance counselor at the start of their senior year.
I am a counselor for the Personal Management merit badge for scouts. One of its requirements is to discuss a major purchase with members of your family and figure out from whence you would buy it (and at what price), and how your family will pay for it. Most of the time they select major appliances or vehicles as the sought after item.
In my discussions with candidates after they presented what they had put together, I would turn the tables on them and ask why they had not chosen what would be their education plans for after high school. If they were planning on going on to college, I'd challenge them with the cascade (1) to learn to do what, (2) what are employment and earnings prospects for that choice, (3) at which school(s) and at what cost, and (4) how will you pay for that schooling.
I believe that I shall exert executive privilege from this point onward and insist that a candidate's education plans after high school is my required choice for them to discuss with their family for this badge. The full ramifications of their choice deserve more attention than a perfunctory chat with a high school guidance counselor at the start of their senior year.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) Point&Laugh! Point&Laugh! Point&Laugh
======
Please don't quote the trolls.
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at July 17, 2025 11:55 AM (g8Ew
======
Please don't quote the trolls.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, searching for thrills with John Frankenheimer at July 17, 2025 11:56 AM (eDVuN)
Posted by: Intercepted DU Transmissions brought by the Intrepid AoS Liaison at July 17, 2025 11:56 AM (JCZqz)
220
The way you write the dollar amounts is indicative of the quality of education you've received.
It's better than his syntax and punctuation.
It's better than his syntax and punctuation.
Posted by: Archimedes at July 17, 2025 11:56 AM (Riz8t)
221
How many times, through the typical day, does anyone stand around and say "If only I had a Yale Man here" ?
Just when that thought begins to form in me, I encounter a robust and stalwart bollard that I can rest against and that thought goes, "poof!"
How many times, through the typical day, does anyone stand around and say "If only I had a Yale Man here" ?
Just when that thought begins to form in me, I encounter a robust and stalwart bollard that I can rest against and that thought goes, "poof!"
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) Point&Laugh! Point&Laugh! Point&Laugh![ at July 17, 2025 11:57 AM (xG4kz)
222
A lot of the real estate buying/selling market is flat right now because of uncertainty over interest rates. Most buyers are sitting on the sidelines, hoping rates go down. In the meantime, the rental market is sky-high. At least in NYC, rental prices are at all-time highs. The average monthly lease on a 1BR in Manhattan is now ... $4600.
Posted by: Elric The (One and Only) Blade at July 17, 2025 11:53 AM (iFTx/)
=======
According to the lowest estimates, I could probably already cut my interest rate on my mortgage by about 1.5%.
I'd love it to be 3-4%, though.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, searching for thrills with John Frankenheimer at July 17, 2025 11:54 AM (eDVuN)
______
I'm waiting. My rate is higher than it should be, but my mortgage is small so it's not that much of a difference. I'll refinance next year and probably take out money to buy the car. That way I can get the mortgage tax deduction. The high rates have cost me a lot of money over the years, though. Fuck Jerome.
Posted by: Elric The (One and Only) Blade at July 17, 2025 11:53 AM (iFTx/)
=======
According to the lowest estimates, I could probably already cut my interest rate on my mortgage by about 1.5%.
I'd love it to be 3-4%, though.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, searching for thrills with John Frankenheimer at July 17, 2025 11:54 AM (eDVuN)
______
I'm waiting. My rate is higher than it should be, but my mortgage is small so it's not that much of a difference. I'll refinance next year and probably take out money to buy the car. That way I can get the mortgage tax deduction. The high rates have cost me a lot of money over the years, though. Fuck Jerome.
Posted by: Elric The (One and Only) Blade at July 17, 2025 11:57 AM (iFTx/)
223
@210
>>I see you've never owned a boat. Or a timeshare.
See that's why you have friends with boats, this way you get to go on a boat and don't have to endure the tribulations of owning a boat.
And timeshares are right out, it's the reverse mortgages of vacationing.
>>I see you've never owned a boat. Or a timeshare.
See that's why you have friends with boats, this way you get to go on a boat and don't have to endure the tribulations of owning a boat.
And timeshares are right out, it's the reverse mortgages of vacationing.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at July 17, 2025 11:57 AM (XV/Pl)
224
There was a big hipped, big chested girl in high school that sat by me all the time and wanted to talk. I screwed that up by not taking the bait.
If the afterlife was simply a do-over ? I'd investigate that.
Posted by: One Thing Is For Sure at July 17, 2025 11:46 AM (dPC2V)
————
Why do most regrets revolve around women?
If the afterlife was simply a do-over ? I'd investigate that.
Posted by: One Thing Is For Sure at July 17, 2025 11:46 AM (dPC2V)
————
Why do most regrets revolve around women?
Posted by: MAGA_Ken at July 17, 2025 11:58 AM (Vh9CX)
225
222 I'm waiting. My rate is higher than it should be, but my mortgage is small so it's not that much of a difference. I'll refinance next year and probably take out money to buy the car. That way I can get the mortgage tax deduction. The high rates have cost me a lot of money over the years, though. Fuck Jerome.
Posted by: Elric The (One and Only) Blade at July 17, 2025 11:57 AM (iFTx/)
=======
If Dolley had been offered her job a year prior, we probably would have an interest rate no more than 5%.
Oh well.
Posted by: Elric The (One and Only) Blade at July 17, 2025 11:57 AM (iFTx/)
=======
If Dolley had been offered her job a year prior, we probably would have an interest rate no more than 5%.
Oh well.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, searching for thrills with John Frankenheimer at July 17, 2025 11:58 AM (eDVuN)
226
I'm waiting. My rate is higher than it should be, but my mortgage is small so it's not that much of a difference. I'll refinance next year and probably take out money to buy the car. That way I can get the mortgage tax deduction. The high rates have cost me a lot of money over the years, though.
My mortgage is paid off, and yes, I do fart through silk.
My mortgage is paid off, and yes, I do fart through silk.
Posted by: Archimedes at July 17, 2025 11:58 AM (Riz8t)
227
One of the happiest days of my life was buying my boat.
Also one of the happiest days of my life was selling it.
Also one of the happiest days of my life was selling it.
Posted by: WitchDoktor at July 17, 2025 11:58 AM (13bqY)
228
A lot of the real estate buying/selling market is flat right now because of uncertainty over interest rates. Most buyers are sitting on the sidelines, hoping rates go down
-
That has started to change. Rates have been “high” for 3,4 years now. It’s become the new normal. Buyers are accepting that now.
I put high in scare quotes because 7% historically speaking is average. The 2-3% mortgages we have in the early 2020s was an aberration.
A lot of the real estate buying/selling market is flat right now because of uncertainty over interest rates. Most buyers are sitting on the sidelines, hoping rates go down
-
That has started to change. Rates have been “high” for 3,4 years now. It’s become the new normal. Buyers are accepting that now.
I put high in scare quotes because 7% historically speaking is average. The 2-3% mortgages we have in the early 2020s was an aberration.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at July 17, 2025 11:58 AM (ImXfC)
229
I stumbled into the IT world. A buddy of mine was working as an accountant at a budding beltway bandit proffering computers to FedGov in D.C. He told me they were short staffed, so I applied, got on and in a year was salaried. Mostly OTJ stuff. Building PC's from components, prepping them to be loaded with software and setting them up for the customers.
After a while I had certifications in Novell, Microsoft, Apple and Cisco.
And I spent the remainder of my IT career building networks for people, managing them and upon retirement, running a development shop for the US Army's recruitment efforts.
People today lack motivation. Having a government debit card good for a months worth of DoorDash and mom's basement is heaven for these people.
After a while I had certifications in Novell, Microsoft, Apple and Cisco.
And I spent the remainder of my IT career building networks for people, managing them and upon retirement, running a development shop for the US Army's recruitment efforts.
People today lack motivation. Having a government debit card good for a months worth of DoorDash and mom's basement is heaven for these people.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at July 17, 2025 11:59 AM (Q4IgG)
230
224 There was a big hipped, big chested girl in high school that sat by me all the time and wanted to talk. I screwed that up by not taking the bait.
If the afterlife was simply a do-over ? I'd investigate that.
Posted by: One Thing Is For Sure at July 17, 2025 11:46 AM (dPC2V)
————
Why do most regrets revolve around women?
There were girls/women who I thought I'd die without. As it turned out, their unwillingness to engage with me (go figure) was a blessing, as I was available when I met Miss Right.
If the afterlife was simply a do-over ? I'd investigate that.
Posted by: One Thing Is For Sure at July 17, 2025 11:46 AM (dPC2V)
————
Why do most regrets revolve around women?
There were girls/women who I thought I'd die without. As it turned out, their unwillingness to engage with me (go figure) was a blessing, as I was available when I met Miss Right.
Posted by: Archimedes at July 17, 2025 11:59 AM (Riz8t)
231
I have frequently said that I'd trade all my education for a trade skill. Now that we are grandparents, we've committed to encouraging that the grandkids learn a trade. Their grandparents (all four of us) are all college grads, their parents and all aunts and uncles are college grads. That's so 20th century, though, and hands-on skills are a must.
Posted by: windbag at July 17, 2025 12:00 PM (vx37+)
232
She's ambitious and raising her children. She's the type of person who could be rewarded through community college connections - including daycare for younger children - and mentoring to help her keep up in all areas of her life.
I've seen a lot of friends and acquaintances do well years ago through such programs, whether they earned business certifications or degrees and operated barber, cosmetology, photography shops, etc.; became certified plumbers, electricians, etc., or continued through degreed college/university programs and into non-profits, government, banking...
It's often a matter of finding real investments, keeping out the grifters and PR seekers, and not judging a book by its cover.
I've seen a lot of friends and acquaintances do well years ago through such programs, whether they earned business certifications or degrees and operated barber, cosmetology, photography shops, etc.; became certified plumbers, electricians, etc., or continued through degreed college/university programs and into non-profits, government, banking...
It's often a matter of finding real investments, keeping out the grifters and PR seekers, and not judging a book by its cover.
Posted by: L - No nic, another fine day at July 17, 2025 12:00 PM (NFX2v)
233
I'm waiting. My rate is higher than it should be, but my mortgage is small so it's not that much of a difference. I'll refinance next year and probably take out money to buy the car. That way I can get the mortgage tax deduction. The high rates have cost me a lot of money over the years, though. Fuck Jerome.
Posted by: Elric The (One and Only) Blade at July 17, 2025 11:57 AM (iFTx/)
=======
If Dolley had been offered her job a year prior, we probably would have an interest rate no more than 5%.
Oh well.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, searching for thrills with John Frankenheimer at July 17, 2025 11:58 AM (eDVuN)
_____
During covid, when rates were at their absolutely lowest, I tried to refinance and lock in what would have been like 3%. But no banks were interested because the mortgage was small, the interest was low, and it wasn't a new purchase. So I tried for a few months then gave up. I now wish I tried harder.
Posted by: Elric The (One and Only) Blade at July 17, 2025 11:57 AM (iFTx/)
=======
If Dolley had been offered her job a year prior, we probably would have an interest rate no more than 5%.
Oh well.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, searching for thrills with John Frankenheimer at July 17, 2025 11:58 AM (eDVuN)
_____
During covid, when rates were at their absolutely lowest, I tried to refinance and lock in what would have been like 3%. But no banks were interested because the mortgage was small, the interest was low, and it wasn't a new purchase. So I tried for a few months then gave up. I now wish I tried harder.
Posted by: Elric The (One and Only) Blade at July 17, 2025 12:01 PM (iFTx/)
234
Heh. Yeah if I think of my “coulda shoulda woulda” events in my past, a good number of them involve not making moves on women. And also selling my Amazon shares in 2002.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at July 17, 2025 12:01 PM (ImXfC)
235
Why do most regrets revolve around women?
Mine are generally ass backward. All the chances I had that I didn't take. I wanted to get out of the trailer park and projects. I didn't live long enough along the way.
I had a lot of chances.
Mine are generally ass backward. All the chances I had that I didn't take. I wanted to get out of the trailer park and projects. I didn't live long enough along the way.
I had a lot of chances.
Posted by: One Thing Is For Sure at July 17, 2025 12:01 PM (dPC2V)
236
Their terms of service outline bannable offences up to and including not pushing the Democrat party line.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, searching for thrills with John Frankenheimer at July 17, 2025 11:55 AM (eDVuN)
---------------
Questioning the party line is right out. I got banned in about 5 minutes for making a rather tepid observation about DU. It was amusing.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, searching for thrills with John Frankenheimer at July 17, 2025 11:55 AM (eDVuN)
---------------
Questioning the party line is right out. I got banned in about 5 minutes for making a rather tepid observation about DU. It was amusing.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at July 17, 2025 12:01 PM (tT6L1)
237
I didn't become one of the active people who make the scene until I started using Groom 'n' Clean Hair Dressing.
Posted by: Mane Man at July 17, 2025 12:01 PM (G5+As)
Posted by: Mr. Penis & Mr. Ego at July 17, 2025 12:02 PM (rfMRc)
239
Lifeguards in California are earning $500,000. When that job gets tough, it is very difficult. And that number includes overtime - straight time is more like $200,000. Good for them. But a portion of that is a new lack of respect for the dollar. When they are being tossed around like worthless scraps of paper, they are.
Posted by: Oglebay at July 17, 2025 12:02 PM (2ap+5)
240
I went to college AND worked/apprenticed at m career. Out of high school got a job drafting went to UC in mechanical engineering. Also humped furniture for a moving company. Graduated with no debt but then I never took a vacation and worked all the time.
Posted by: Jukin the Deplorable a Clear and Present Danger at July 17, 2025 12:02 PM (17s+e)
241
236 Questioning the party line is right out. I got banned in about 5 minutes for making a rather tepid observation about DU. It was amusing.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at July 17, 2025 12:01 PM (tT6L1)
=====
Do you remember what the observation was?
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at July 17, 2025 12:01 PM (tT6L1)
=====
Do you remember what the observation was?
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, searching for thrills with John Frankenheimer at July 17, 2025 12:02 PM (eDVuN)
242
Ok but that’s what 2 months a year? And even so people still get out in shitty weather. I’d bet golf courses are pretty full at 7pm in your example. I know they’re full here regardless of temperature. Hell when it’s 45 and rain there are people playing.
Active people manage to stay active.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at July 17, 2025
***
Two months a year of hot and humid? Try eight to ten in the Deep South.
But yes, active people will be active. You got to keep it up by keeping it up.
Active people manage to stay active.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at July 17, 2025
***
Two months a year of hot and humid? Try eight to ten in the Deep South.
But yes, active people will be active. You got to keep it up by keeping it up.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 17, 2025 12:02 PM (omVj0)
243
Yeah, I know. It's going to suck in the long run.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel
=========
Consider emergency exit plans to either corporate training world or K12 education. I think being able to manage and develop course management software packages will still be in demand.
I think fallout will start hitting higher ed in the next budget year---lots of faculty goodies will disappear first as low hanging fruit--travel, etc. Academic Conferences will start going virtual instead of expensive trips, journals will start going defunct, etc.
Then the cuts will probably come from things like student life, etc. and an accelerated move to poorly paid adjunct faculty as tenure is either circumscribed or abolished. A lot of workload on professors that remain will have to be redone aka research, service, and teaching loads.
Last will be the plethora of assistant, associate, etc. deans with their support staffs. Private schools will be cutting a lot of these first because many are against the wall already and staff is expensive if not directly performing teaching functions. If DEI is banned, admissions will get trimmed (AI may make inroads here).
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel
=========
Consider emergency exit plans to either corporate training world or K12 education. I think being able to manage and develop course management software packages will still be in demand.
I think fallout will start hitting higher ed in the next budget year---lots of faculty goodies will disappear first as low hanging fruit--travel, etc. Academic Conferences will start going virtual instead of expensive trips, journals will start going defunct, etc.
Then the cuts will probably come from things like student life, etc. and an accelerated move to poorly paid adjunct faculty as tenure is either circumscribed or abolished. A lot of workload on professors that remain will have to be redone aka research, service, and teaching loads.
Last will be the plethora of assistant, associate, etc. deans with their support staffs. Private schools will be cutting a lot of these first because many are against the wall already and staff is expensive if not directly performing teaching functions. If DEI is banned, admissions will get trimmed (AI may make inroads here).
Posted by: whig at July 17, 2025 12:02 PM (ctrM5)
244
You know the biggest failure of the "degree plan" career path?
It excludes "skill stacking."
Like, you just need to get this degree in this and you're set for life.
Real world?
Value comes from scarcity.
The more skills you have, the more scarce you are.
It excludes "skill stacking."
Like, you just need to get this degree in this and you're set for life.
Real world?
Value comes from scarcity.
The more skills you have, the more scarce you are.
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at July 17, 2025 12:02 PM (nD6G9)
245
Do you remember what the observation was?
Posted by: TheJamesMadison
=======
"Gee, are you guys playing cards?"
Posted by: TheJamesMadison
=======
"Gee, are you guys playing cards?"
Posted by: whig at July 17, 2025 12:03 PM (ctrM5)
246
During covid, when rates were at their absolutely lowest, I tried to refinance and lock in what would have been like 3%. But no banks were interested because the mortgage was small, the interest was low, and it wasn't a new purchase. So I tried for a few months then gave up. I now wish I tried harder.
Posted by: Elric The (One and Only) Blade at July 17, 2025 12:01 PM (iFTx/)
You should have done a cash out refi. Then pay it back immediately after closing.
Posted by: Elric The (One and Only) Blade at July 17, 2025 12:01 PM (iFTx/)
You should have done a cash out refi. Then pay it back immediately after closing.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at July 17, 2025 12:03 PM (ImXfC)
247
244 Value comes from scarcity.
The more skills you have, the more scarce you are.
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at July 17, 2025 12:02 PM (nD6G9)
======
*burps alphabet*
That's nothing.
*burps pi to a thousand places*
The more skills you have, the more scarce you are.
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at July 17, 2025 12:02 PM (nD6G9)
======
*burps alphabet*
That's nothing.
*burps pi to a thousand places*
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, searching for thrills with John Frankenheimer at July 17, 2025 12:03 PM (eDVuN)
248
Forget the economic considerations, how do people who choose not to work keep from dying of boredom?
I mean, I've been unemployed for over two years now, but at least looking for work does give my mind something to do. But I still have to fight off boredom many days.
Work is a psychological and mental necessity, not just a financial one.
I mean, I've been unemployed for over two years now, but at least looking for work does give my mind something to do. But I still have to fight off boredom many days.
Work is a psychological and mental necessity, not just a financial one.
Posted by: Bulg at July 17, 2025 12:03 PM (77rzZ)
249
My wife and I refinanced after the crash. We took advantage of the banks trying to clean up their books to get rid of their NINJA loans.
A few years later, we paid off the house then used the proceeds from the sale to flee CA.
A few years later, we paid off the house then used the proceeds from the sale to flee CA.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at July 17, 2025 12:03 PM (tT6L1)
250
245 Do you remember what the observation was?
Posted by: TheJamesMadison
=======
"Gee, are you guys playing cards?"
Posted by: whig at July 17, 2025 12:03 PM (ctrM5)
=======
Why don't you pass the time with a little solitaire?
Posted by: TheJamesMadison
=======
"Gee, are you guys playing cards?"
Posted by: whig at July 17, 2025 12:03 PM (ctrM5)
=======
Why don't you pass the time with a little solitaire?
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, searching for thrills with John Frankenheimer at July 17, 2025 12:03 PM (eDVuN)
251
@241
>>Do you remember what the observation was?
Probably along the lines of, you guys are f***ing lunatics.
>>Do you remember what the observation was?
Probably along the lines of, you guys are f***ing lunatics.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at July 17, 2025 12:03 PM (XV/Pl)
252
235 Why do most regrets revolve around women?
Mine are generally ass backward. All the chances I had that I didn't take. I wanted to get out of the trailer park and projects. I didn't live long enough along the way.
I had a lot of chances.
Posted by: One Thing Is For Sure at July 17, 2025 12:01 PM (dPC2V)
It's been observed that there's a difference between men and women in regrets; most men will regret the things they didn't do, wheras most women tend to regret the things they DID do.
Mine are generally ass backward. All the chances I had that I didn't take. I wanted to get out of the trailer park and projects. I didn't live long enough along the way.
I had a lot of chances.
Posted by: One Thing Is For Sure at July 17, 2025 12:01 PM (dPC2V)
It's been observed that there's a difference between men and women in regrets; most men will regret the things they didn't do, wheras most women tend to regret the things they DID do.
Posted by: Tom Servo at July 17, 2025 12:04 PM (uWKK8)
253
During covid, when rates were at their absolutely lowest, I tried to refinance and lock in what would have been like 3%. But no banks were interested because the mortgage was small, the interest was low, and it wasn't a new purchase. So I tried for a few months then gave up. I now wish I tried harder.
Posted by: Elric The (One and Only) Blade at July 17, 2025 12:01 PM (iFTx/)
You should have done a cash out refi. Then pay it back immediately after closing.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at July 17, 2025 12:03 PM (ImXfC)
_____
You don't think I looked into that?
Posted by: Elric The (One and Only) Blade at July 17, 2025 12:01 PM (iFTx/)
You should have done a cash out refi. Then pay it back immediately after closing.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at July 17, 2025 12:03 PM (ImXfC)
_____
You don't think I looked into that?
Posted by: Elric The (One and Only) Blade at July 17, 2025 12:04 PM (iFTx/)
254
You can get kicked out of DU?
Posted by: Elric The (One and Only) Blade at July 17, 2025 11:54 AM (iFTx/)
They are very strict. Commenters must rigidly conform to the current official opinions.
Posted by: Elric The (One and Only) Blade at July 17, 2025 11:54 AM (iFTx/)
They are very strict. Commenters must rigidly conform to the current official opinions.
Posted by: Emmie celebrates the Audacity of Trump! at July 17, 2025 12:04 PM (rF2iL)
Posted by: Bulg at July 17, 2025 12:04 PM (77rzZ)
256
255 Also humped furniture
This is about me, isn't it?
-- J. D. Vance
Posted by: Bulg at July 17, 2025 12:04 PM (77rzZ)
=======
I remember that narrative. Destroyed Vance's political future it did.
This is about me, isn't it?
-- J. D. Vance
Posted by: Bulg at July 17, 2025 12:04 PM (77rzZ)
=======
I remember that narrative. Destroyed Vance's political future it did.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, searching for thrills with John Frankenheimer at July 17, 2025 12:05 PM (eDVuN)
257
Dude bro!! It’s not 93, 8-10 months of the year in the south. Come on. Ive been in the south in winter and it ain’t no 93. Maybe 53? 63 on a good day?
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at July 17, 2025 12:05 PM (ImXfC)
258
I asked my father once if he had any regrets.
He said "having you."
Never ask a CPO to get sentimental.
He said "having you."
Never ask a CPO to get sentimental.
Posted by: WitchDoktor at July 17, 2025 12:06 PM (13bqY)
259
Posted by: Aliassmithsmith at July 17, 2025 11:36 AM (SsCQT)
The way you write the dollar amounts is indicative of the quality of education you've received.
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at July 17, 2025 11:55 AM
I think that Assman is an LLM bot trained on Vox and DU.
The way you write the dollar amounts is indicative of the quality of education you've received.
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at July 17, 2025 11:55 AM
I think that Assman is an LLM bot trained on Vox and DU.
Posted by: toby928 at July 17, 2025 12:06 PM (jc0TO)
260
Life in the livestock business. 24 hours a day, no weekends or holidays, learn to work in the blistering heat and freezing cold. Wouldn't trade it for the world.
Posted by: Ben Had at July 17, 2025 12:06 PM (HFcKg)
261
You don't think I looked into that?
—
Those must have been some wack banks. What was your mortgage balance and home value?
—
Those must have been some wack banks. What was your mortgage balance and home value?
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at July 17, 2025 12:06 PM (ImXfC)
Posted by: whig at July 17, 2025 12:07 PM (ctrM5)
263
I shaved this morning for the first time in 3.5 days. It felt odd to run my face over the stubble; it was not stiff and sharp, but more like fine short kitten fur. Shaved without a bit of trouble, though. Amazing how the being clean feeling charges you up.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 17, 2025 12:07 PM (omVj0)
264
Do you remember what the observation was?
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, searching for thrills with John Frankenheimer at July 17, 2025 12:02 PM (eDVuN)
--------------
Not allowing anything which resembled apposing points of view, I believe. (I don't remember the exact wording. I know I wasn't quite that blunt.) I ended with, "interesting site you've got here."
I was unceremoniously tossed off the board. I do know I didn't have to work to get banned.
Do you remember what the observation was?
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, searching for thrills with John Frankenheimer at July 17, 2025 12:02 PM (eDVuN)
--------------
Not allowing anything which resembled apposing points of view, I believe. (I don't remember the exact wording. I know I wasn't quite that blunt.) I ended with, "interesting site you've got here."
I was unceremoniously tossed off the board. I do know I didn't have to work to get banned.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at July 17, 2025 12:07 PM (tT6L1)
265
I asked my father once if he had any regrets.
He said "having you."
Never ask a CPO to get sentimental.
Posted by: WitchDoktor
Well, if you hadn't tried to wash his coffee mug that one time...
He said "having you."
Never ask a CPO to get sentimental.
Posted by: WitchDoktor
Well, if you hadn't tried to wash his coffee mug that one time...
Posted by: Bulg at July 17, 2025 12:07 PM (77rzZ)
266
Forget the economic considerations, how do people who choose not to work keep from dying of boredom?
A fine question. Why do I have time to switch nics and constantly haunt here ?
Because I'm a free-lancer. When I work ... its 60 hours a week. When I don't ? It's like today.
I'll never "retire", as you say. Because I can't. I'll either die on a job, or in a hotel, or hopefully at the camp-ground on an off weak. But I'll do something until the end.
Dead at the whore-house would be cool. Not the Epstein version. I like the big girls. Just like Ric Flair.
A fine question. Why do I have time to switch nics and constantly haunt here ?
Because I'm a free-lancer. When I work ... its 60 hours a week. When I don't ? It's like today.
I'll never "retire", as you say. Because I can't. I'll either die on a job, or in a hotel, or hopefully at the camp-ground on an off weak. But I'll do something until the end.
Dead at the whore-house would be cool. Not the Epstein version. I like the big girls. Just like Ric Flair.
Posted by: One Thing Is For Sure at July 17, 2025 12:07 PM (dPC2V)
267
264 Not allowing anything which resembled apposing points of view, I believe. (I don't remember the exact wording. I know I wasn't quite that blunt.) I ended with, "interesting site you've got here."
I was unceremoniously tossed off the board. I do know I didn't have to work to get banned.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at July 17, 2025 12:07 PM (tT6L1)
=======
"Just like here!"
-Stormfront
I was unceremoniously tossed off the board. I do know I didn't have to work to get banned.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at July 17, 2025 12:07 PM (tT6L1)
=======
"Just like here!"
-Stormfront
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, searching for thrills with John Frankenheimer at July 17, 2025 12:08 PM (eDVuN)
268
CNC Machine Operation requires staying updated on software and tools.
Some of the very smartest people I ever met were tug captains. The licenses, training requirements, special skills, operating a wide variety of technology. Amazing folks..
Some of the very smartest people I ever met were tug captains. The licenses, training requirements, special skills, operating a wide variety of technology. Amazing folks..
Posted by: L - No nic, another fine day at July 17, 2025 12:08 PM (NFX2v)
269
255 Also humped furniture
This is about me, isn't it?
-- J. D. Vance
Posted by: Bulg
======
All of Vance's couch molestation was done with Gilbert O' Sullivan's "All By Myself" as background music on a loop.
This is about me, isn't it?
-- J. D. Vance
Posted by: Bulg
======
All of Vance's couch molestation was done with Gilbert O' Sullivan's "All By Myself" as background music on a loop.
Posted by: whig at July 17, 2025 12:08 PM (ctrM5)
270
One of the kids I worked with took the tech route in high school. By the time he was done, he had his A+, Net+, Security+ and CCNA as well as a clearance. Boy was doing good for himself.
Posted by: NR Pax at July 17, 2025 12:08 PM (BpO1e)
271
Every high school should mandate a course in fashioning a rudimentary lathe, with graduation contingent on passing same.
Posted by: Girls, Too!
There's an old Church in KC, was called the Westport Baptist Church, (something else now), that has 3 turned spindles going across the top of the nave. Each greater than 2', and a good 40' long. Church was built in the 1880's.
Steam lathe?
Posted by: Girls, Too!
There's an old Church in KC, was called the Westport Baptist Church, (something else now), that has 3 turned spindles going across the top of the nave. Each greater than 2', and a good 40' long. Church was built in the 1880's.
Steam lathe?
Posted by: MkY at July 17, 2025 12:08 PM (cPGH3)
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at July 17, 2025 12:08 PM (ImXfC)
273
People who say, "I've lived a good life. I have no regrets" are usually lying. I have a bunch.
===
Me too but the regrets like yours is of things I did not do and not so many as things I did.
===
Me too but the regrets like yours is of things I did not do and not so many as things I did.
Posted by: Jukin the Deplorable a Clear and Present Danger at July 17, 2025 12:09 PM (17s+e)
274
Dude bro!! It’s not 93, 8-10 months of the year in the south. Come on. Ive been in the south in winter and it ain’t no 93. Maybe 53? 63 on a good day?
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at July 17, 2025
***
In the Far Swamp, where I am, temps hit 80 or above every day from the beginning of March to sometimes the end of December. At least 80, with 90-95 popping up in June through September . . . and vicious humidity as well.
Jan. and Feb. are the only good months here. And then it probably rains.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at July 17, 2025
***
In the Far Swamp, where I am, temps hit 80 or above every day from the beginning of March to sometimes the end of December. At least 80, with 90-95 popping up in June through September . . . and vicious humidity as well.
Jan. and Feb. are the only good months here. And then it probably rains.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at July 17, 2025 12:09 PM (omVj0)
275
The foundational profession of modern civilization isn't in IT, English Lit, Art History, Sociology, Semiotics etc. It's being a plumber.
The foundational profession of modern civilization isn't in IT, English Lit, Art History, Sociology, Semiotics etc. It's being a plumber.
Posted by: IllTemperedCur at July 17, 2025 12:10 PM (y9nCu)
276
Trump Deports “Barbaric” Illegal Aliens to an Obscure African Hellhole
-
I must admit, the tiny African country of Eswatini is a new one on me.
-
I must admit, the tiny African country of Eswatini is a new one on me.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks at July 17, 2025 12:10 PM (GgdB9)
277
268 CNC Machine Operation requires staying updated on software and tools.
Some of the very smartest people I ever met were tug captains. The licenses, training requirements, special skills, operating a wide variety of technology. Amazing folks..
Posted by: L
=======
Mark Twain's Life on the Mississippi corroborates that. Basically learning every oddity of a particular body of water plus that of the boat takes experience, intelligence, and a damn good memory. Tugs also have to deal with the vagaries of other ships when towing them as well.
Some of the very smartest people I ever met were tug captains. The licenses, training requirements, special skills, operating a wide variety of technology. Amazing folks..
Posted by: L
=======
Mark Twain's Life on the Mississippi corroborates that. Basically learning every oddity of a particular body of water plus that of the boat takes experience, intelligence, and a damn good memory. Tugs also have to deal with the vagaries of other ships when towing them as well.
Posted by: whig at July 17, 2025 12:10 PM (ctrM5)
278
35 Why do most regrets revolve around women?
Mine are generally ass backward. All the chances I had that I didn't take. I wanted to get out of the trailer park and projects. I didn't live long enough along the way.
I had a lot of chances.
Posted by: One Thing Is For Sure at July 17, 2025 12:01 PM (dPC2V)
———-
That’s me too. Though I didn’t have a lot of chances, being far too shy.
Mine are generally ass backward. All the chances I had that I didn't take. I wanted to get out of the trailer park and projects. I didn't live long enough along the way.
I had a lot of chances.
Posted by: One Thing Is For Sure at July 17, 2025 12:01 PM (dPC2V)
———-
That’s me too. Though I didn’t have a lot of chances, being far too shy.
Posted by: MAGA_Ken at July 17, 2025 12:11 PM (Vh9CX)
279
A guy I shoot with runs an IT company. Desperately wants to retire. However, his clients basically keep backing up dump truck loads of cash to his door. Plus, his clients are of long standing and he hates to just leave them in the lurch by dropping them.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at July 17, 2025 12:11 PM (tT6L1)
280
It's not the things I've done that I regret, it's the things I didn't do.
Posted by: toby928 at July 17, 2025 12:11 PM (jc0TO)
281
If the afterlife was simply a do-over ? I'd investigate that.
---
What Dreams May Come is one of my favorite movies.
And hard to watch.
But the ending?
"When I was young, I met a girl ..."
---
What Dreams May Come is one of my favorite movies.
And hard to watch.
But the ending?
"When I was young, I met a girl ..."
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at July 17, 2025 12:11 PM (nD6G9)
282
AI is the same thing.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at July 17, 2025 11:22 AM (ImXfC)
A lot of the jobs in the 50's and 60's went away because of the inflation in the 70's making them too expensive when the margins got too thin for the employer to afford.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at July 17, 2025 11:22 AM (ImXfC)
A lot of the jobs in the 50's and 60's went away because of the inflation in the 70's making them too expensive when the margins got too thin for the employer to afford.
Posted by: Kindltot at July 17, 2025 12:11 PM (D7oie)
283
276 Trump Deports “Barbaric” Illegal Aliens to an Obscure African Hellhole
-
I must admit, the tiny African country of Eswatini is a new one on me.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks at July 17, 2025 12:10 PM (GgdB9)
========
"Here's two million dollars to deal with 1,000 criminals who don't belong in the US."
"Thank you, USA. Want to know what's going to happen to them?"
"As much as their native countries do."
-
I must admit, the tiny African country of Eswatini is a new one on me.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks at July 17, 2025 12:10 PM (GgdB9)
========
"Here's two million dollars to deal with 1,000 criminals who don't belong in the US."
"Thank you, USA. Want to know what's going to happen to them?"
"As much as their native countries do."
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, searching for thrills with John Frankenheimer at July 17, 2025 12:11 PM (eDVuN)
284
Well, if you hadn't tried to wash his coffee mug that one time...
Posted by: Bulg at July 17, 2025 12:07 PM (77rzZ)
He told me a story once about some new Academy grad who decided he was going to make a good first impression and straighten up CPO Country.
Went over about as well as you'd expect.
Posted by: Bulg at July 17, 2025 12:07 PM (77rzZ)
He told me a story once about some new Academy grad who decided he was going to make a good first impression and straighten up CPO Country.
Went over about as well as you'd expect.
Posted by: WitchDoktor at July 17, 2025 12:11 PM (1L5V5)
285
I'll never "retire", as you say. Because I can't. I'll either die on a job, or in a hotel, or hopefully at the camp-ground on an off weak. But I'll do something until the end.
Dead at the whore-house would be cool. Not the Epstein version. I like the big girls. Just like Ric Flair.
Posted by: One Thing Is For Sure
Being shot in the back at 84 climbing out a 20 yr old's window.
Dead at the whore-house would be cool. Not the Epstein version. I like the big girls. Just like Ric Flair.
Posted by: One Thing Is For Sure
Being shot in the back at 84 climbing out a 20 yr old's window.
Posted by: rickb223 at July 17, 2025 12:11 PM (k3Vs9)
286
I must admit, the tiny African country of Eswatini is a new one on me.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks at July 17, 2025 12:10 PM (GgdB9)
====
nee Swaziland
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks at July 17, 2025 12:10 PM (GgdB9)
====
nee Swaziland
Posted by: San Franpsycho at July 17, 2025 12:12 PM (JvZF+)
287
281 What Dreams May Come is one of my favorite movies.
And hard to watch.
But the ending?
"When I was young, I met a girl ..."
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at July 17, 2025 12:11 PM (nD6G9)
=======
Bro almost made Alien 3, Vincent Ward. Still want to see that.
Ripley crashes on a wooden sphere of a spaceship populated by monks and fights the xenomorph.
And hard to watch.
But the ending?
"When I was young, I met a girl ..."
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at July 17, 2025 12:11 PM (nD6G9)
=======
Bro almost made Alien 3, Vincent Ward. Still want to see that.
Ripley crashes on a wooden sphere of a spaceship populated by monks and fights the xenomorph.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, searching for thrills with John Frankenheimer at July 17, 2025 12:13 PM (eDVuN)
288
Why do most regrets revolve around women?
There were girls/women who I thought I'd die without. As it turned out, their unwillingness to engage with me (go figure) was a blessing, as I was available when I met Miss Right.
Posted by: Archimedes
Yes, there are some women I regret not making time with, but in the end it doesn't matter because I did find Miss Right.
But still, there are some boobs I would've liked to have seen...
There were girls/women who I thought I'd die without. As it turned out, their unwillingness to engage with me (go figure) was a blessing, as I was available when I met Miss Right.
Posted by: Archimedes
Yes, there are some women I regret not making time with, but in the end it doesn't matter because I did find Miss Right.
But still, there are some boobs I would've liked to have seen...
Posted by: Bulg at July 17, 2025 12:13 PM (77rzZ)
289
He told me a story once about some new Academy grad who decided he was going to make a good first impression and straighten up CPO Country.
Went over about as well as you'd expect.
Posted by: WitchDoktor at July 17, 2025 12:11 PM (1L5V5)
--------------
Heh, My wife, after she retired, decided to "organize" my tools. This did not go over well. (I was still working at the time.)
Went over about as well as you'd expect.
Posted by: WitchDoktor at July 17, 2025 12:11 PM (1L5V5)
--------------
Heh, My wife, after she retired, decided to "organize" my tools. This did not go over well. (I was still working at the time.)
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at July 17, 2025 12:13 PM (tT6L1)
290
I must admit, the tiny African country of Eswatini is a new one on me.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks at July 17, 2025 12:10 PM (GgdB9)
They've been around for a while but had to change their name after Patrick Swayze sued them over it.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks at July 17, 2025 12:10 PM (GgdB9)
They've been around for a while but had to change their name after Patrick Swayze sued them over it.
Posted by: Warai-otoko at July 17, 2025 12:13 PM (RlmPm)
291
As Trump continues to deport more people there will come an interesting point where the current upper middle class/upper class no longer want to pay people to garden/fix their house/take care of their kids because "Americans want too much money"
I suspect this will END leftist discussions about living wages. It might even end them damning SAHMs.
I suspect this will END leftist discussions about living wages. It might even end them damning SAHMs.
Posted by: 18-1 at July 17, 2025 12:13 PM (t0Rmr)
292
You don't think I looked into that?
—
Those must have been some wack banks. What was your mortgage balance and home value?
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at July 17, 2025 12:06 PM (ImXfC)
____
It was all banks. They didn't want to do cash out unless it was at "jumbo" rates which kinda defeated the purpose of the refi to me. They didn't want to do a refi because it wasn't lucrative. Oh, they never said "no we won't do this." They just were very slow to get back to me -- if they got back to me at all -- were making me jump through hoop after hoop, required insane fees for all kinds of dumb shit, and otherwise made it clear this was a burden to them. So I just gave up.
—
Those must have been some wack banks. What was your mortgage balance and home value?
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at July 17, 2025 12:06 PM (ImXfC)
____
It was all banks. They didn't want to do cash out unless it was at "jumbo" rates which kinda defeated the purpose of the refi to me. They didn't want to do a refi because it wasn't lucrative. Oh, they never said "no we won't do this." They just were very slow to get back to me -- if they got back to me at all -- were making me jump through hoop after hoop, required insane fees for all kinds of dumb shit, and otherwise made it clear this was a burden to them. So I just gave up.
Posted by: Elric The (One and Only) Blade at July 17, 2025 12:13 PM (iFTx/)
293
I thought that Swaziland was more of a semi-autonomous enclave than an actual country. I guess I was wrong.
Posted by: toby928 at July 17, 2025 12:14 PM (jc0TO)
294
Being shot in the back at 84 climbing out a 20 yr old's window.
Posted by: rickb223 at July 17, 2025 12:11 PM (k3Vs9)
I'd settle for climbing out of her mama's window. Around here, she'd be younger than me.
Posted by: rickb223 at July 17, 2025 12:11 PM (k3Vs9)
I'd settle for climbing out of her mama's window. Around here, she'd be younger than me.
Posted by: One Thing Is For Sure at July 17, 2025 12:14 PM (dPC2V)
295
I used to think the idea of individualized afterlives to be egocentric. But if the afterlife is infinite and eternal there is certainly plenty of room for individual experience and maybe part of life is figuring out what experience we most desire.
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at July 17, 2025 12:14 PM (3ku+a)
296
That’s me too. Though I didn’t have a lot of chances, being far too shy.
Posted by: MAGA_Ken
On the bright side, you didn't get social diseases, knock up a floozy, have a strange tattoo that makes future relationships difficult without removal, have to eat your own limbs off to get out of a trap with a crazed femme fatale, get shot by a jealous husband/boyfriend, or wind up on ice and missing a kidney in the bathtub. So you got that going for ya.
Posted by: MAGA_Ken
On the bright side, you didn't get social diseases, knock up a floozy, have a strange tattoo that makes future relationships difficult without removal, have to eat your own limbs off to get out of a trap with a crazed femme fatale, get shot by a jealous husband/boyfriend, or wind up on ice and missing a kidney in the bathtub. So you got that going for ya.
Posted by: whig at July 17, 2025 12:14 PM (ctrM5)
297
Went over about as well as you'd expect.
Posted by: WitchDoktor
I don't care if you're the freakin' Chief of Naval Operations. You don't mess with the Chiefs.
Posted by: WitchDoktor
I don't care if you're the freakin' Chief of Naval Operations. You don't mess with the Chiefs.
Posted by: Bulg at July 17, 2025 12:15 PM (77rzZ)
298
In the Far Swamp, where I am, temps hit 80 or above every day from the beginning of March to sometimes the end of December. At least 80, with 90-95 popping up in June through September . . . and vicious humidity as well.
Jan. and Feb. are the only good months here. And then it probably rains.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius
98 thru 100 for the next week. Been in the upper 80's/low 90's since June. We are at the point where the meteorologists just change the date on the rubber stamp and give it to the newsreaders. Be that way thru August/September. Houston is even worse.
Jan. and Feb. are the only good months here. And then it probably rains.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius
98 thru 100 for the next week. Been in the upper 80's/low 90's since June. We are at the point where the meteorologists just change the date on the rubber stamp and give it to the newsreaders. Be that way thru August/September. Houston is even worse.
Posted by: rickb223 at July 17, 2025 12:16 PM (k3Vs9)
299
I must admit, the tiny African country of Eswatini is a new one on me.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks at July 17, 2025 12:10 PM (GgdB9)
They've been around for a while but had to change their name after Patrick Swayze sued them over it.
Posted by: Warai-otoko at July 17, 2025 12:13 PM (RlmPm)
__________
Swaziland. Knew a girl from there. What she described was almost impossible to believe. So I looked it up. She wasn't exaggerating. If the country isn't one of the most dysfunctional in the world, then I don't know what is.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks at July 17, 2025 12:10 PM (GgdB9)
They've been around for a while but had to change their name after Patrick Swayze sued them over it.
Posted by: Warai-otoko at July 17, 2025 12:13 PM (RlmPm)
__________
Swaziland. Knew a girl from there. What she described was almost impossible to believe. So I looked it up. She wasn't exaggerating. If the country isn't one of the most dysfunctional in the world, then I don't know what is.
Posted by: Elric The (One and Only) Blade at July 17, 2025 12:16 PM (iFTx/)
300
FTSB - Russia: Commercial satellite constellations providing help to the Ukraine are now targets Well, this might get sporty! [CBD]
Well, if we can bomb their gas piplines this seems only fair.
Well, if we can bomb their gas piplines this seems only fair.
Posted by: toby928 at July 17, 2025 12:17 PM (jc0TO)
301
Ugly today -
The Hill, Senate
Democrats walk out of Bove, Pirro meeting as panel advances controversial Trump nominees
by Rebecca Beitsch - 07/17/25
Politico, Maurene Comey warns her former colleagues: ‘Fear is the tool of the tyrant’
UK Guardian,
First Thing: Trump calls Epstein rumors a ‘radical left’ hoax and condemns Maga ‘weaklings’
AP, U.S. News
Nationwide protests planned against Trump’s immigration crackdown and health care cuts
The Hill, Senate
Democrats walk out of Bove, Pirro meeting as panel advances controversial Trump nominees
by Rebecca Beitsch - 07/17/25
Politico, Maurene Comey warns her former colleagues: ‘Fear is the tool of the tyrant’
UK Guardian,
First Thing: Trump calls Epstein rumors a ‘radical left’ hoax and condemns Maga ‘weaklings’
AP, U.S. News
Nationwide protests planned against Trump’s immigration crackdown and health care cuts
Posted by: L - No nic, another fine day at July 17, 2025 12:17 PM (NFX2v)
302
299 Swaziland. Knew a girl from there. What she described was almost impossible to believe. So I looked it up. She wasn't exaggerating. If the country isn't one of the most dysfunctional in the world, then I don't know what is.
Posted by: Elric The (One and Only) Blade at July 17, 2025 12:16 PM (iFTx/)
=======
"I should have stayed in Venezuela and gone to prison there..."
-new arrival
Posted by: Elric The (One and Only) Blade at July 17, 2025 12:16 PM (iFTx/)
=======
"I should have stayed in Venezuela and gone to prison there..."
-new arrival
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, searching for thrills with John Frankenheimer at July 17, 2025 12:17 PM (eDVuN)
303
But still, there are some boobs I would've liked to have seen...
Posted by: Bulg
=========
An ocean of boobs on the web. I think some woman made a coffee table book of simply boobs.
Was it rather that you would have liked to examine such by touch first hand?
Posted by: Bulg
=========
An ocean of boobs on the web. I think some woman made a coffee table book of simply boobs.
Was it rather that you would have liked to examine such by touch first hand?
Posted by: whig at July 17, 2025 12:17 PM (ctrM5)
304
I hate it when countries insist that we call them by a different name from the ones we've used since forever.
Posted by: Bulg at July 17, 2025 12:17 PM (77rzZ)
305
My humble opinion of course, but the comments at ZH seem to be dominated now by "anti-zionist", pro-china, pro-palestinian chuckleheads. Used to be one of my go-to sites, but don't care for company they keep.
Posted by: Chairman LMAO at July 17, 2025 12:17 PM (36PRH)
306
Any do-over of life would have to include finding my mate and my kids. It's a tricky needle to thread since some bad decisions were part of that journey.
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at July 17, 2025 12:17 PM (3ku+a)
307
301 Ugly today -
The Hill, Senate
Democrats walk out of Bove, Pirro meeting as panel advances controversial Trump nominees
by Rebecca Beitsch - 07/17/25
Posted by: L - No nic, another fine day at July 17, 2025 12:17 PM (NFX2v)
=======
Voting along partisan lines wasn't enough. Cory Booker had to be Spartacus.
Because no one cares.
The Hill, Senate
Democrats walk out of Bove, Pirro meeting as panel advances controversial Trump nominees
by Rebecca Beitsch - 07/17/25
Posted by: L - No nic, another fine day at July 17, 2025 12:17 PM (NFX2v)
=======
Voting along partisan lines wasn't enough. Cory Booker had to be Spartacus.
Because no one cares.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, searching for thrills with John Frankenheimer at July 17, 2025 12:18 PM (eDVuN)
308
During covid, when rates were at their absolutely lowest, I tried to refinance and lock in what would have been like 3%. But no banks were interested because the mortgage was small, the interest was low, and it wasn't a new purchase. So I tried for a few months then gave up. I now wish I tried harder.
Posted by: Elric The (One and Only) Blade at July 17, 2025 12:01 PM (iFTx/)
——-
I refinanced with Rocket Mortgage at the 2.75% in 2021 on a $125k mortgage. I checked with 3 lenders and each were willing to lend.
Posted by: Elric The (One and Only) Blade at July 17, 2025 12:01 PM (iFTx/)
——-
I refinanced with Rocket Mortgage at the 2.75% in 2021 on a $125k mortgage. I checked with 3 lenders and each were willing to lend.
Posted by: MAGA_Ken at July 17, 2025 12:18 PM (Vh9CX)
309
Hi, horde
I'll be posting this intermittently throughout the day.
Last night, CBD posted a link to a Jay Guevara memorial page posted by his friends and family. But it needed a password to get in.
I contacted the owner of the page to get the password, and it's not for Jay Guevara! It's for someone else entirely. So don't bother with https://toastourfriend.com/coop
See you in the next thread, with the same friendly PSA!
Hi, horde
I'll be posting this intermittently throughout the day.
Last night, CBD posted a link to a Jay Guevara memorial page posted by his friends and family. But it needed a password to get in.
I contacted the owner of the page to get the password, and it's not for Jay Guevara! It's for someone else entirely. So don't bother with https://toastourfriend.com/coop
See you in the next thread, with the same friendly PSA!
Posted by: Blonde Morticia at July 17, 2025 12:18 PM (HL/Ld)
310
Was it rather that you would have liked to examine such by touch first hand?
Posted by: whig
Yes. I should have written "seen and played with."
Posted by: whig
Yes. I should have written "seen and played with."
Posted by: Bulg at July 17, 2025 12:18 PM (77rzZ)
311
Butler MAGA Crowd (Not Shooting) Gave CBS News Scott MacFarlane PTSD
Posted by: SMOD at July 17, 2025 12:18 PM (RHGPo)
312
Any do-over of life would have to include finding my mate and my kids. It's a tricky needle to thread since some bad decisions were part of that journey.
Modern America and Europe are societies designed to make it harder for young men/women to pair up and have kids.
It is historically extremely unusual to say the least.
Modern America and Europe are societies designed to make it harder for young men/women to pair up and have kids.
It is historically extremely unusual to say the least.
Posted by: 18-1 at July 17, 2025 12:18 PM (t0Rmr)
313
291 As Trump continues to deport more people there will come an interesting point where the current upper middle class/upper class no longer want to pay people to garden/fix their house/take care of their kids because "Americans want too much money"
I suspect this will END leftist discussions about living wages. It might even end them damning SAHMs.
Posted by: 18-1
------
Interesting analysis and likely to be true I think.
I suspect this will END leftist discussions about living wages. It might even end them damning SAHMs.
Posted by: 18-1
------
Interesting analysis and likely to be true I think.
Posted by: whig at July 17, 2025 12:20 PM (ctrM5)
314
My humble opinion of course, but the comments at ZH seem to be dominated now by "anti-zionist", pro-china, pro-palestinian chuckleheads. Used to be one of my go-to sites, but don't care for company they keep.
Posted by: Chairman LMAO at July 17, 2025 12:17 PM (36PRH)
I have a single question. WHAT UNGODLY URGE MAKES YOU READ THE COMMENTS THERE?
You might as well read twitter responses.
Posted by: Chairman LMAO at July 17, 2025 12:17 PM (36PRH)
I have a single question. WHAT UNGODLY URGE MAKES YOU READ THE COMMENTS THERE?
You might as well read twitter responses.
Posted by: Kindltot at July 17, 2025 12:20 PM (D7oie)
315
Nood Ace
Posted by: Comrade Flounder, Disinformation Demon at July 17, 2025 12:20 PM (i24o9)
316
AP, U.S. News
Nationwide protests planned against Trump’s immigration crackdown and health care cuts
Posted by: L - No nic
The only health care cuts were to those who shouldn't have gotten them in the first place.
Nationwide protests planned against Trump’s immigration crackdown and health care cuts
Posted by: L - No nic
The only health care cuts were to those who shouldn't have gotten them in the first place.
Posted by: rickb223 at July 17, 2025 12:20 PM (k3Vs9)
317
Being shot in the back at 84 climbing out a 20 yr old's window.
Posted by: rickb223 at July 17, 2025 12:11 PM (k3Vs9)
=====
Spread your window baby
So I can slip out nice and slow
Cause there's a man down there
Might be your man, I don't know
Single entendre?
Posted by: rickb223 at July 17, 2025 12:11 PM (k3Vs9)
=====
Spread your window baby
So I can slip out nice and slow
Cause there's a man down there
Might be your man, I don't know
Single entendre?
Posted by: Oglebay at July 17, 2025 12:20 PM (2ap+5)
318
I used to think the idea of individualized afterlives to be egocentric. But if the afterlife is infinite and eternal there is certainly plenty of room for individual experience and maybe part of life is figuring out what experience we most desire.
Oh here we go. Of course, its about time for a new thread when we talk about this.
Heaven and Hell. Eternal Damnation. I was slung into Baptist Church until I got old enough to refuse - so this is one topic I know.
Why is there a need to punish for eternity ? And frankly, what was described as the reward sounded like a big ball of suck to me.
What would make sense ? Solitary. Where you are stuck with yourself ... for eternity. A world surrounded by the entire world you think you wanted.
Either that - or we live under a Superior Being that just likes to punish.
Oh here we go. Of course, its about time for a new thread when we talk about this.
Heaven and Hell. Eternal Damnation. I was slung into Baptist Church until I got old enough to refuse - so this is one topic I know.
Why is there a need to punish for eternity ? And frankly, what was described as the reward sounded like a big ball of suck to me.
What would make sense ? Solitary. Where you are stuck with yourself ... for eternity. A world surrounded by the entire world you think you wanted.
Either that - or we live under a Superior Being that just likes to punish.
Posted by: One Thing Is For Sure at July 17, 2025 12:20 PM (dPC2V)
319
313 291 As Trump continues to deport more people there will come an interesting point where the current upper middle class/upper class no longer want to pay people to garden/fix their house/take care of their kids because "Americans want too much money"
I suspect this will END leftist discussions about living wages. It might even end them damning SAHMs.
Posted by: 18-1
------
Interesting analysis and likely to be true I think.
Posted by: whig at July 17, 2025 12:20 PM (ctrM5)
======
I just want to get to a point where Establishment Democrats are calling for the lowering of the minimum wage in places with $15 minimum wage laws.
I suspect this will END leftist discussions about living wages. It might even end them damning SAHMs.
Posted by: 18-1
------
Interesting analysis and likely to be true I think.
Posted by: whig at July 17, 2025 12:20 PM (ctrM5)
======
I just want to get to a point where Establishment Democrats are calling for the lowering of the minimum wage in places with $15 minimum wage laws.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, searching for thrills with John Frankenheimer at July 17, 2025 12:20 PM (eDVuN)
320
Yes. I should have written "seen and played with."
Posted by: Bulg
======
Two hands on a boob is worth more than one hand in the bush sort of thing I guess. Then again, I get aphorism backwards a lot.
Posted by: Bulg
======
Two hands on a boob is worth more than one hand in the bush sort of thing I guess. Then again, I get aphorism backwards a lot.
Posted by: whig at July 17, 2025 12:21 PM (ctrM5)
321
Gavin Newsom Can’t Decide Whether Eight Is Too Young To “Transition” Genders
-
That's a head scratcher alright.
-
That's a head scratcher alright.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks at July 17, 2025 12:21 PM (GgdB9)
322
I just want to get to a point where Establishment Democrats are calling for the lowering of the minimum wage in places with $15 minimum wage laws.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison
======
They'll just pivot back to trying to repeal the 13th Amendment.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison
======
They'll just pivot back to trying to repeal the 13th Amendment.
Posted by: whig at July 17, 2025 12:22 PM (ctrM5)
323
JustTheNews: Dep't of Energy says continuing Biden-era energy policies will increase blackout risk by 100-fold
Posted by: SMOD at July 17, 2025 12:22 PM (RHGPo)
324
What would make sense ? Solitary. Where you are stuck with yourself ... for eternity. A world surrounded by the entire world you think you wanted.
_________________________
I often thought a fair and just afterlife would be to share eternity with others like yourself. Heaven or hell would be defined by ourselves and our company.
_________________________
I often thought a fair and just afterlife would be to share eternity with others like yourself. Heaven or hell would be defined by ourselves and our company.
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at July 17, 2025 12:23 PM (eZNV1)
325
Remember, the Garland DOJ was attempting to sentence Trump to Death. Because of the Death of Ashli Babbitt the 18 USC 241 charge against him brought by the DOJ carried a death penalty. No question that a DC jury would have both found him guilty and imposed the Death penalty on him.
Posted by: An Observation sez Trump is my President at July 17, 2025 12:24 PM (Da7Vv)
326
307. Voting along partisan lines wasn't enough. Cory Booker had to be Spartacus.
Because no one cares.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison,
Roles and Duties of a Member of Congress: Brief Overview
CRS Product Type: Reports
CRS Product Number: RL33686
Publication Date: 02/15/2022
Author: Petersen, R. Eric
There's no job description for the House, the Senate.
It's seems it's basically fly by the seat of one's pants - and have fun & make money!
Because no one cares.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison,
Roles and Duties of a Member of Congress: Brief Overview
CRS Product Type: Reports
CRS Product Number: RL33686
Publication Date: 02/15/2022
Author: Petersen, R. Eric
There's no job description for the House, the Senate.
It's seems it's basically fly by the seat of one's pants - and have fun & make money!
Posted by: L - No nic, another fine day at July 17, 2025 12:25 PM (NFX2v)
327
Russia threatens 'preemptive strikes' on West days after US President Donald Trump demands Ukraine ceasefire
Posted by: SMOD at July 17, 2025 12:25 PM (RHGPo)
Posted by: SMOD at July 17, 2025 12:27 PM (RHGPo)
329
On the bright side, you didn't get social diseases, knock up a floozy, have a strange tattoo that makes future relationships difficult without removal, have to eat your own limbs off to get out of a trap with a crazed femme fatale, get shot by a jealous husband/boyfriend, or wind up on ice and missing a kidney in the bathtub. So you got that going for ya.
Posted by: whig at July 17, 2025 12:14 PM (ctrM5)
———-
I do try to look at the bright side like that.
On the bright side, you didn't get social diseases, knock up a floozy, have a strange tattoo that makes future relationships difficult without removal, have to eat your own limbs off to get out of a trap with a crazed femme fatale, get shot by a jealous husband/boyfriend, or wind up on ice and missing a kidney in the bathtub. So you got that going for ya.
Posted by: whig at July 17, 2025 12:14 PM (ctrM5)
———-
I do try to look at the bright side like that.
Posted by: MAGA_Ken at July 17, 2025 12:28 PM (Vh9CX)
330
On the bright side, you didn't get social diseases, knock up a floozy, have a strange tattoo that makes future relationships difficult without removal, have to eat your own limbs off to get out of a trap with a crazed femme fatale, get shot by a jealous husband/boyfriend, or wind up on ice and missing a kidney in the bathtub. So you got that going for ya.
Posted by: whig at July 17, 2025 12:14 PM (ctrM5)
Other than that, how was your weekend?
On the bright side, you didn't get social diseases, knock up a floozy, have a strange tattoo that makes future relationships difficult without removal, have to eat your own limbs off to get out of a trap with a crazed femme fatale, get shot by a jealous husband/boyfriend, or wind up on ice and missing a kidney in the bathtub. So you got that going for ya.
Posted by: whig at July 17, 2025 12:14 PM (ctrM5)
Other than that, how was your weekend?
Posted by: IllTemperedCur at July 17, 2025 12:29 PM (y9nCu)
331
The problem is the courts declared that any actual TEST of ability and intelligence for a job was RACIST - even if they conceded that the test itself WAS NOT ACTUALLY RACIST.
That meant that the only way companies could screen at all was require a college degree, because that meant that you had at least some level of intelligence and ability.
But after decades of subsidizing Gender Studies and African Studies degrees, a generic college degree is utterly worthless as an indicator of intelligence.
That meant that the only way companies could screen at all was require a college degree, because that meant that you had at least some level of intelligence and ability.
But after decades of subsidizing Gender Studies and African Studies degrees, a generic college degree is utterly worthless as an indicator of intelligence.
Posted by: DudeAbiding at July 17, 2025 12:30 PM (setIA)
332
316. The only health care cuts were to those who shouldn't have gotten them in the first place.
Posted by: rickb223
And most will wiggle out of the cuts as deadlines near, or their idiot states - such as Pennsylvania - will come up with even something more to save them. (We need our non-profits and helpless - but not too helpless, such as the addicted, homeless citizenry.)
Posted by: rickb223
And most will wiggle out of the cuts as deadlines near, or their idiot states - such as Pennsylvania - will come up with even something more to save them. (We need our non-profits and helpless - but not too helpless, such as the addicted, homeless citizenry.)
Posted by: L - No nic, another fine day at July 17, 2025 12:30 PM (NFX2v)
333
The Real Mike Rowe
@mikeroweworks
I’m leaving Pittsburgh, on a flight to Denver, reflecting on the last 36 hours. The Energy and Innovation Summit has just concluded, where I was invited to sit on a panel and address a room full of big shots. When my mother learned I’d be attending an event with dozens of billionaires as well as the President of the United States, she asked me if I’d be wearing something appropriate.
“I’ll be wearing a suit,” I said.
“Good,” she said. “Do you have one that isn’t made of rubber?”
“Yes, mom. I have several suits made from cotton and wool.”
“Oh good,” she said. “I wouldn’t want you to embarrass yourself like that little man from Ukraine. The one who went to the White House dressed like a cat burglar.”
“Zalinski?” I asked.
“Yes. Zalinski. Or that big, bald Senator who always wears short pants and sweatshirts. What’s his name?”
“Fetterman?” I asked.
“Yes. Fetterman. Do you think he’ll be there?”
“Probably,” I said. “The event was organized by David McCormick, the Republican Senator from Pennsylvania. But he told me it’s non-partisan, and that Senator Fetterman was invited, along with lots of other democrats.”
@mikeroweworks
I’m leaving Pittsburgh, on a flight to Denver, reflecting on the last 36 hours. The Energy and Innovation Summit has just concluded, where I was invited to sit on a panel and address a room full of big shots. When my mother learned I’d be attending an event with dozens of billionaires as well as the President of the United States, she asked me if I’d be wearing something appropriate.
“I’ll be wearing a suit,” I said.
“Good,” she said. “Do you have one that isn’t made of rubber?”
“Yes, mom. I have several suits made from cotton and wool.”
“Oh good,” she said. “I wouldn’t want you to embarrass yourself like that little man from Ukraine. The one who went to the White House dressed like a cat burglar.”
“Zalinski?” I asked.
“Yes. Zalinski. Or that big, bald Senator who always wears short pants and sweatshirts. What’s his name?”
“Fetterman?” I asked.
“Yes. Fetterman. Do you think he’ll be there?”
“Probably,” I said. “The event was organized by David McCormick, the Republican Senator from Pennsylvania. But he told me it’s non-partisan, and that Senator Fetterman was invited, along with lots of other democrats.”
Posted by: SMOD at July 17, 2025 12:32 PM (RHGPo)
334
Was watching a college football game once with a GF and her friends. They were bitching about how the coach made more than any teacher.
I explained that we're one of millions watching a game, attended by some 80,000 people. This single instance likely paid for every teacher salary and then some.
They did not like that answer as it was "unfair".
Posted by: The Central Scrutinizer at July 17, 2025 11:18 AM (KbCG3)
Res tantum valet quantum vendi potest.
I explained that we're one of millions watching a game, attended by some 80,000 people. This single instance likely paid for every teacher salary and then some.
They did not like that answer as it was "unfair".
Posted by: The Central Scrutinizer at July 17, 2025 11:18 AM (KbCG3)
Res tantum valet quantum vendi potest.
Posted by: Cow Demon at July 17, 2025 01:07 PM (Pce4l)
335
57 AI will definitely cause some shocks and disruption to the system. Like all great technological advances do. The Industrial Revolution fucked up a lot of shit for a lot of people. But is there anyone who would suggest long term society didn’t benefit? Or computers in the 50s and 60s. A lot of jobs were wiped out by the computer. But long term it made everyone much better off.
AI is the same thing.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at July 17, 2025 11:22 AM (ImXfC)
No!!! The jobs elimited by that evil technology need to come back, even if forced by law!!!
AI is the same thing.
Posted by: Its Go Time Donald at July 17, 2025 11:22 AM (ImXfC)
No!!! The jobs elimited by that evil technology need to come back, even if forced by law!!!
Posted by: AoS Statists and reactionaries at July 17, 2025 01:10 PM (Pce4l)
336
84 Personal financial management should be taught, starting in middle school, at least.
Posted by: Bulg at July 17, 2025 11:29 AM (77rzZ)
That’s the spirit. The schools suck but by all means let’s give them MORE to do, that should be done by parents.
Posted by: Bulg at July 17, 2025 11:29 AM (77rzZ)
That’s the spirit. The schools suck but by all means let’s give them MORE to do, that should be done by parents.
Posted by: Cow Demon at July 17, 2025 01:13 PM (Pce4l)
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Frequently Asked Questions
The (Almost) Complete Paul Anka Integrity Kick
Primary Document: The Audio
Paul Anka Haiku Contest Announcement
Integrity SAT's: Entrance Exam for Paul Anka's Band
AllahPundit's Paul Anka 45's Collection
AnkaPundit: Paul Anka Takes Over the Site for a Weekend (Continues through to Monday's postings)
George Bush Slices Don Rumsfeld Like an F*ckin' Hammer
Paul Anka Haiku Contest Announcement
Integrity SAT's: Entrance Exam for Paul Anka's Band
AllahPundit's Paul Anka 45's Collection
AnkaPundit: Paul Anka Takes Over the Site for a Weekend (Continues through to Monday's postings)
George Bush Slices Don Rumsfeld Like an F*ckin' Hammer
Top Top Tens
Democratic Forays into Erotica
New Shows On Gore's DNC/MTV Network
Nicknames for Potatoes, By People Who Really Hate Potatoes
Star Wars Euphemisms for Self-Abuse
Signs You're at an Iraqi "Wedding Party"
Signs Your Clown Has Gone Bad
Signs That You, Geroge Michael, Should Probably Just Give It Up
Signs of Hip-Hop Influence on John Kerry
NYT Headlines Spinning Bush's Jobs Boom
Things People Are More Likely to Say Than "Did You Hear What Al Franken Said Yesterday?"
Signs that Paul Krugman Has Lost His Frickin' Mind
All-Time Best NBA Players, According to Senator Robert Byrd
Other Bad Things About the Jews, According to the Koran
Signs That David Letterman Just Doesn't Care Anymore
Examples of Bob Kerrey's Insufferable Racial Jackassery
Signs Andy Rooney Is Going Senile
Other Judgments Dick Clarke Made About Condi Rice Based on Her Appearance
Collective Names for Groups of People
John Kerry's Other Vietnam Super-Pets
Cool Things About the XM8 Assault Rifle
Media-Approved Facts About the Democrat Spy
Changes to Make Christianity More "Inclusive"
Secret John Kerry Senatorial Accomplishments
John Edwards Campaign Excuses
John Kerry Pick-Up Lines
Changes Liberal Senator George Michell Will Make at Disney
Torments in Dog-Hell
Greatest Hitjobs
The Ace of Spades HQ Sex-for-Money Skankathon
A D&D Guide to the Democratic Candidates
Margaret Cho: Just Not Funny
More Margaret Cho Abuse
Margaret Cho: Still Not Funny
Iraqi Prisoner Claims He Was Raped... By Woman
Wonkette Announces "Morning Zoo" Format
John Kerry's "Plan" Causes Surrender of Moqtada al-Sadr's Militia
World Muslim Leaders Apologize for Nick Berg's Beheading
Michael Moore Goes on Lunchtime Manhattan Death-Spree
Milestone: Oliver Willis Posts 400th "Fake News Article" Referencing Britney Spears
Liberal Economists Rue a "New Decade of Greed"
Artificial Insouciance: Maureen Dowd's Word Processor Revolts Against Her Numbing Imbecility
Intelligence Officials Eye Blogs for Tips
They Done Found Us Out, Cletus: Intrepid Internet Detective Figures Out Our Master Plan
Shock: Josh Marshall Almost Mentions Sarin Discovery in Iraq
Leather-Clad Biker Freaks Terrorize Australian Town
When Clinton Was President, Torture Was Cool
What Wonkette Means When She Explains What Tina Brown Means
Wonkette's Stand-Up Act
Wankette HQ Gay-Rumors Du Jour
Here's What's Bugging Me: Goose and Slider
My Own Micah Wright Style Confession of Dishonesty
Outraged "Conservatives" React to the FMA
An On-Line Impression of Dennis Miller Having Sex with a Kodiak Bear
The Story the Rightwing Media Refuses to Report!
Our Lunch with David "Glengarry Glen Ross" Mamet
The House of Love: Paul Krugman
A Michael Moore Mystery (TM)
The Dowd-O-Matic!
Liberal Consistency and Other Myths
Kepler's Laws of Liberal Media Bias
John Kerry-- The Splunge! Candidate
"Divisive" Politics & "Attacks on Patriotism" (very long)
The Donkey ("The Raven" parody)
News/Chat