March 17, 2009

War Between the Fetus

Let's say half of the states in America want abortion to remain legal. And half of the states in America think it's literally a crime against humanity and try to pass federal laws to make it illegal. So, the half that want abortion to remain legal decide to secede from the Union, rather than remain under a statist regime that ignores the rights of the states. The other states, determined to preserve the Union at all costs decide that engaging in battle against these states is the only remaining option. Is this war justified? If not, then are you prepared to defend the Confederacy as well?
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March 16, 2009

$20s Go on the Outside

Why do cashiers give me back my money like I'm blind? Shouldn't bigger bills go on the outside, so that when folded over, the largest tender bill is seen? Why would the 1 go on the outside? To fool potential burglars? And why is it upside down? I just don't understand the best practices that went into this determination of cashier etiquette. I want a vote.
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March 13, 2009

All the Clothes That’s Built to Fit

If you're a man my age, you grew up wearing clothes far too big for you. And while most of the truly ridiculousless effects of that stage ended post-junior high, there are lingering effects that I have just begun to realize. Last Christmas, my wife bought me a medium-sized dress shirt. I was dissapointed she had guessed wrong, because I always buy large. I tried it on, and was amazed. This shirt actually looked like it fit correctly. I couldn't understand it. I had been buying the wrong size of clothes my entire life. And I thought I had came across the answer to buying clothes that look good on me...Medium...But, there was so much more to learn. I have since discovered "fitted dress shirts." If you do not have a giant pot belly, you should not be buying unfitted dress shirts. All you get is 4 extra inches to tuck into your pants. I have since learned that jeans come in different styles. I have since discovered that I didn't know what clothes that fit were supposed to feel like. The secret? BUY CLOTHES THAT FIT YOUR BODY. Not muscle shirt tight. Not 3-inch shirt tuck down the pants loose. Simply clothes that fit the shape of your body. I am grateful for these continued discoveries and resentful for the teenage aingst music that kept me chained loose for so long.
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March 12, 2009

Sweat Shop or No Shop?

So, we all hate the idea of sweat shops, right? The poor conditions. Horrible pay, etc. So, we all decide to buy solely American-made products. What happens to those workers?
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March 10, 2009

You Gotta Keep ’em Regulated

If I handcuff a child, they will no longer be able to burn their hand on the stove. But, neither will they be able to paint or play a musical instrument. The benefits of regulation are to prevent risk. The downside of regulation is preventing growth. While some types of regulation may have prevented the ridiculously bad investments that have led to this recession, enstating new regulations now should be treated with great reservation. The current goal of the stimulus package is to open up the credit markets again. Making it even harder for people to obtain loans would do just the opposite.
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March 9, 2009

Choosing Where Your Taxes Go

You've probably heard about the latest controversy behind Obama's call to cap the charitable deduction rate at 28% even if you earn money in the 35% bracket (simultaneously proposed by Obama to be raised to 40%.) Here's what I like about the tax deductability of charitable donations. It's, in essence, letting me choose where my tax dollars go. Because for every $100 I give away to charities, I get to pay $28 dollars less in taxes (if I'm in the 28% bracket.) And technically, I wouldn't have to pay any taxes at all (if I give away a little more than I earn in a year.) The closer we get to a 100% charitable deduction rate, the closer we are to choosing what non-for-profits succeed. I think I'm more likely to trust an organization that is succeeding based on the populist belief that they are doing good things, rather than the ones who rely on lobbyist contracts.
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March 6, 2009

Who’s Buying Medium Gas?

If you're like most people, you're buying the cheapest stuff they sell. If you can afford a REALLY nice car, you're probably not going to want to take any chances, and since you can afford it, you'll go with the premium gas. Who does that leave using the middle pump? I wonder if it evens work, or if it's just an aesthetic thing - the power of 3's.
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March 5, 2009

Well, Don’t Legislate Immorality

I have recently become aware that people who hate the idea of "legislating morality" often have no problem with the current progressive tax system in our country... Please explain how our progressive tax system is not a conflict of this belief. Show your work.
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March 4, 2009

Donut Track Logic

So, I'm on my way to an interview today to develop a new freelancing relationship with a marketing firm. I took a route I was unfamiliar with. Making good time. Then, a white van pulls in front of me, slows me down to 25 mph. I get frustrated. Seconds later, we pass by a hiding cop car that immediately pulls over the man driving a ways behind me. We were in a school zone, unbeknownst to me. Without the white van, I would have surely been pulled over. Possibly late. Certainly frustrated for an interview that went quite well. Divine interaction or sleigh track logic? Certainly the car behind me couldn't give God credit, could they? It makes me wonder if I've ever gotten a ticket so that someone else could make it somewhere on time.
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March 4, 2009

wake [weyk]

1. the day before a funeral. this of course, where the attendees all stand around the deceased for one last chance to wake them up before throwing their body underground.
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