TWIIIIIIRRRRLLLLLLLLL.

Nothing worth having is ever free.

PJ is a light unto darkness.

An incredibly snarky light, but a light nonetheless.

Hooray for PJ O'Rourke!

We should clone him and Mark Steyn and stick them in a bunker for after the end of the world.

Oh, it'll be free. And non-existent.
(Disclaimer: FB is a doctor)

re: #2 CapeCoddah

Nothing worth having is ever free.

Is that why linux is sooooooo much worse than Windows?

/so, so much sarcasm

re: #6 FightingBack

Oh, it'll be free. And non-existent.
(Disclaimer: FB is a doctor)

Doctor, doctor! My arm hurts when I do *this*.

Even before taking office, Obama has already increased the cost of healthcare by causing for those on the

Right:
Anxiety
Depression
Angina
High blood-pressure

Left:
Mania
Psychosis
Palpitations
Fainting

It will all be free! And rationed. You will expire in line waiting for a hip replacement. Oh wait, you are too old for that particular procedure, since you are 36. Our cut-off is 35.

In that case, just put on this breathing mask. Breathe deeply.
There, there. It will all be over soon...
Off to the pet food factory for you.

NEXT!

re: #8 MandyManners

Then don't knit.

Great job on Pajamas TV Charles.

Will the government bury me for free too just like they do in all of the other Socialist (deleted)hole countries that worship the Nanny State?

But what if we get nice uniforms like they had on Logans Run, the dignity of it all, don't ya know.
//Carnival baby!

First, I fire the staff that makes appointments.
That's not really medical care, right?
Appointments are a frill.

re: #9 AdamWebber

Even before taking office, Obama has already increased the cost of healthcare by causing for those on the

Right:
Anxiety
Depression
Angina
High blood-pressure

Left:
Mania
Psychosis
Palpitations
Fainting

Left:
Delusions of Grandeur

re: #11 FightingBack

Then don't knit.

Oh, you're a purl.

re: #17 MandyManners

Two.

re: #12 MrPaulRevere

Great job on Pajamas TV Charles.

Major thumbs up to you Charles. Great job.

re: #18 FightingBack

Two.

Oh, you're baaaaaaaaaaaaad.

Then, I'll fire the cleaning staff. I mean, it's clean enough for free care, right?

re: #15 FightingBack

No need for appointments. It'll be just like the Long Island Wally World.

There will be a little problem with my answering service, too, I think. Especially after 5:00 4:00 PM

Here it is.

re: #21 FightingBack

No need for a cleaning staff. We will all be taken to the cleaners by the government. Isn't free everything wonderful?

GF had to pay $170 for a MRI yesterday.
But it was scheduled a week ago, only had to wait 1/2 hour.
So, socialized medicine?
Uhm, NO!

re: #24 MandyManners

Here it is.

Oh. My. Freakin'. God.

That is disgusting. Control your kilts, people please!

Gun show report. The show today was pretty big, and it was very crowded, but it didn't look like a lot of people were buying much. There was nothing really exotic for sale. There was one Yugoslav RPK, and one of the new Microtech AUGs, both priced reasonably. There was one Norinco uzi clone that was way overpriced (If you gave me a Norinco uzi, I'd sell it; I am not impressed with their quality whatsoever), one L1A1, no real H&K rifles whatsoever. And of course ARs, but even there there was nothing really eyecatching.

Ammo was through the roof. We're talking $0.45 cents a round in quantities of 1000 for .223s. And there wasn't that much ammo of any caliber for sale.

re: #24 MandyManners

Here it is.

mmmm..thanks for that..I think

Here's information on leaks to Somali pirates and possible confluence of interests between pirates and jihadists in Somalia. Are there jihad sympathizers among shipping personnel: no direct information found yet. However, this is what I found, so far:

article, seems to come from a genuine expert in the subject
[Link: www.analyst-network.com...]

Good overview analyst blog on British security leaks
[Link: www.analyst-network.com...]

Good overview report of Somali piracy
[Link: www.theage.com.au...]

re: #24 MandyManners

Here it is.

One must keep a stiff .. upper lip when dealing with the Crown Jewels.

re: #29 HoosierHoops

mmmm..thanks for that..I think

Gave him a little grin.

No need for medical help at all, as we will all be healed by The Great One!

What are we going to do about Malpractice Insurance? Those lawyers aren't essential medical personnel, are they? Another cost saver right there.
This is beginning to sound good to me...

re: #23 FightingBack

No need for an answering service. You don't need a phone after the government puts you out of business.

re: #31 taejohndo

One must keep a stiff .. upper lip when dealing with the Crown Jewels.

Oh, no you didn't!

Hey Mandy,
you gonna be watching UT vs KY and Fulmers last game?
it's on in about 40 minutes

open thread...

"come get some"...

Duke Nukem

I bought a (used) jumping saddle for a thousand bucks. Free stuff is boring.

re: #37 rain of lead

Hey Mandy,
you gonna be watching UT vs KY and Fulmers last game?
it's on in about 40 minutes

No. I love my television too much--I fear I'd put the remote through it.

re: #31 taejohndo

One must keep a stiff .. upper lip when dealing with the Crown Jewels.

ROFLMAO!
If I wake the kids up from their naps.... you are so dead!
/ ;-P

re: #39 imploder

I bought a (used) jumping saddle for a thousand bucks. Free stuff is boring.

Cost less than an MRI, too.

re: #36 MandyManners

Oh, no you didn't!

Well, The Queen does not appear to be gobsmacked, so there was no real harm done.

re: #40 MandyManners

No. I love my television too much--I fear I'd put the remote through it.

Know what you mean.
sad...end of an era
thanks Phil, classy guy even if your coaching style is years out of date
go vols wildcat for supper (I hope)

When The One is president, nobody will get sick.

re: #39 imploder

Free stuff is boring.

I have discovered that some things should never be purchased, because someone somewhere is giving them away. And if they price is built in anyway...

Balloons are free
Pens are free.
Hats are free.
Umbrellas are free (but you have to watch for opportunities)

re: #27 gclaghorn

Hope it wasn't cold out that day. For those that saw Joe Dirt,think of the dog on the porch scene,for those that haven't,think of the tongue on the flagpole.

re: #42 FightingBack

Cost less than an MRI, too.

Yes, but using the saddle incorrectly can necessitate the MRI!

re: #34 FightingBack

No need for Malpractice Insurance. No practice,no "Mal"! Can't you see the genius in all of this? Just look how much money you can save by being out of a job!

re: #45 cicero05

When The One is president, nobody will get sick.

He isn't the president yet and I'm already sick..........

re: #41 JCM

ROFLMAO!
If I wake the kids up from their naps.... you are so dead!
/ ;-P

Sorry, some puns just roll off the tongue.

I already thought of a side business. I assume that this won't be illegal. After all, we are not Communists.
I could do House Calls for $1000 per. You won't have to go to the clinic. That'll be worth the $1000. And I promise to bring a clean tongue depressor, too.

re: #46 Silhouette

I have discovered that some things should never be purchased, because someone somewhere is giving them away. And if they price is built in anyway...

Balloons are free
Pens are free.
Hats are free.
Umbrellas are free (but you have to watch for opportunities)

Yes, but only on free balloon day. Spongebob fans will know the episode.

re: #52 FightingBack

After all, we are not Communists.

Leave the tongue depressor. Take the cannolis.

re: #43 taejohndo

Well, The Queen does not appear to be gobsmacked, so there was no real harm done.

Good job of editing for the paper.

re: #10 rawmuse

It will all be free! And rationed. You will expire in line waiting for a hip replacement. Oh wait, you are too old for that particular procedure, since you are 36. Our cut-off is 35.

In that case, just put on this breathing mask. Breathe deeply.
There, there. It will all be over soon...
Off to the pet food factory for you.

NEXT!

Soylent Green!

"Animals are people and people are animals and meat is meat and ... why are you looking at me like that?"

re: #52 FightingBack

Shouldn't the patient have their own medical supplies ready and waiting for you? Then all you'd have to do is bill them an hourly rate plus travel time!

re: #52 FightingBack

I already thought of a side business. I assume that this won't be illegal. After all, we are not Communists.
I could do House Calls for $1000 per. You won't have to go to the clinic. That'll be worth the $1000. And I promise to bring a clean tongue depressor, too.

And how many of these do I have to do, really?

What sucks about purchasing a saddle is that they never come with stirrup leathers (40 euro), stirrups (35 euro) or a girth (55 euro). Of course you have to supply any saddle pads, the bit and bridle, reins, tendon boots and of course the horse if you intend to actually jump something. Add the instruction and its easily more expensive than golf.=(

re: #44 rain of lead

Know what you mean.
sad...end of an era
thanks Phil, classy guy even if your coaching style is years out of date
go vols wildcat for supper (I hope)

I don't know if it's even on in this area.

re: #57 96RoadKing

Shouldn't the patient have their own medical supplies ready and waiting for you? Then all you'd have to do is bill them an hourly rate plus travel time!

Yes. They'll have to have their own syringes, as in Cameroon. (I just read that for travelers to Cameroon. Carry your own syringes. Big Time.)

re: #61 FightingBack

Yes. They'll have to have their own syringes, as in Cameroon. (I just read that for travelers to Cameroon. Carry your own syringes. Big Time.)

Nice! That's true tourism there. I also like going to places where they recommend you pack a mosquito net.

re: #52 FightingBack

I already thought of a side business. I assume that this won't be illegal. After all, we are not Communists.
I could do House Calls for $1000 per. You won't have to go to the clinic. That'll be worth the $1000. And I promise to bring a clean tongue depressor, too.

And my husband could become a REAL doctor. He could figure out what was wrong with them just from signs, symptoms, and tests, and a whole lot of time would be saved because the patients wouldn't be allowed to talk to him and take up all the appointment time with needless chatter.
/Sarc

re: #59 imploder

What sucks about purchasing a saddle is that they never come with stirrup leathers (40 euro), stirrups (35 euro) or a girth (55 euro). Of course you have to supply any saddle pads, the bit and bridle, reins, tendon boots and of course the horse if you intend to actually jump something. Add the instruction and its easily more expensive than golf.=(

There are many parallels with the purchase of medical care, actually.

Okay, now I am going to walk away very slowly, and not do anymore research tonight. This is too scary and depressing, as our peril grows and our defenses evaporate:

[Link: www.cqpolitics.com...]

re: #50 Griffon

Yeah, I'm definately over the "President-elect" bullshit. What part of n0ot until 20 January is the motherfucker having trouble with? And his cabinet, well, I'll be polite and say that is well and truly fucked. It's going to be a long damn four years. Can't we, like, take him back for a refund?

re: #61 FightingBack

Yes. They'll have to have their own syringes, as in Cameroon. (I just read that for travelers to Cameroon. Carry your own syringes. Big Time.)

Hey doc, I've got the x-ray machine out back in the shed. Give me a minute to move the lawn mower...

re: #34 FightingBack

What are we going to do about Malpractice Insurance? Those lawyers aren't essential medical personnel, are they? Another cost saver right there.
This is beginning to sound good to me...

The Trial Lawyers are too big of a Democrat constituency for malpractice litigation to even be limited, let alone eliminated - it's cash cow that can never be sacrificed.

re: #56 The Other Les

Soylent Green!

"Animals are people and people are animals and meat is meat and ... why are you looking at me like that?"

Soylent Green is People!

re: #60 MandyManners

do you get espn2 it's on at 5:30 central

re: #28 Iron Fist

We buy our .223 ammo for the AR's from Georgia Arms, and yup...45 cents.

/Good news, it forces me to make sure each shot is a really good shot!

My favorite PJ O'Rourke quote. You listening uber-libs? I doubt it.

re: #68 Spiny Norman

The Trial Lawyers are too big of a Democrat constituency for malpractice litigation to even be limited, let alone eliminated - it's cash cow that can never be sacrificed.

They'll get a Bail Out?

re: #68 Spiny Norman

The Trial Lawyers are too big of a Democrat constituency for malpractice litigation to even be limited, let alone eliminated - it's cash cow that can never be sacrificed.

This conjures images in my mind of John Edwards in a courtroom divining the feelings of a pre-partum baby in front of a malpractice jury.

re: #71 gettinby

Yeah, it certainly does put a crimp in the spray and pray school of gunfighting. It wasn't that long ago that you could get 7.62 NATO for around nine cents a round.

Of course, once the Obamessiah gets through with us we may be fondly remembering a time when there wasn't a $1 a round excise tax on ammo.

re: #74 imploder

This conjures images in my mind of John Edwards in a courtroom divining the feelings of a pre-partum baby in front of a malpractice jury.

Intro to Fetus-Feeling is a required law school course. But Ambulance-Chasing 101 is a prerequisite.

re: #67 96RoadKing

Hey doc, I've got the x-ray machine out back in the shed. Give me a minute to move the lawn mower...

Dang, we just use the microwave with the door open and some old Kodak film rolls.

re: #74 imploder

Hey, at least he didn't do something really weird like pray in church or something.

[Link: www.globalpolitician.com...]

Oh, why am I always the last to know. Did you all know this already?

re: #79 Joan

[Link: www.globalpolitician.com...]

Oh, why am I always the last to know. Did you all know this already?

Well, I knew he converted to Islam, but I missed the significance of it, sorry.

re: #46 Silhouette

I have discovered that some things should never be purchased, because someone somewhere is giving them away. And if they price is built in anyway...

Balloons are free
Pens are free.
Hats are free.
Umbrellas are free (but you have to watch for opportunities)

You forgot chewing gum. One can almost always find some on the underside of a table.

re: #81 Wm T Sherman

Medical Care will be free. And of the same quality as the balloons.

re: #5 taxfreekiller

On National Security.

[Link: www.numbersusa.com...]

[Link: www.fairus.org...]

[Link: www.cis.org...]

[Link: www.grassfire.org...]

[Link: www.alipac.com...]

I see you're having the same kind of day that I've been having. Did YOU know that Michael Jackson had converted to Islam? I bet it was on Entertainment Tonight. How did I miss it.

Is anyone here? The Tech thread is catching up with us.

Butterflies are free.

re: #85 jemima

Butterflies are free.

HIPPY!

;^)

re: #39 imploder

I bought a (used) jumping saddle for a thousand bucks. Free stuff is boring.

what make?
I been buying tack for endurance lately and have forgotten what prices are to traditional tack. I think My reactor panel ran me 5 grand, lightly used. But its the best saddled i have ever had and wont buy anything else. My Akhal-Tekes are a bitch to fit and pissy when the saddle pinches. My black mare will flat out dump you if every things not right. But she can jump 1.60 meter like nothin. She's a magnificent bitch.

Always enjoy hearing about your horse.... compared to mine she always seems like such a good girl...

re: #87 Karagush

Excellent. You guys talk about horses, Ok? I feel responsible for this thread, and now I have to go see a patient. It isn't socialized, yet.
Later!

re: #42 FightingBack

Cost less than an MRI, too.

hahahahahahahahahhaaha

My good dressage bridle was close to 400$ then the bit...
My beta leather stuff is less but still 200$ for custom work
my good girth close to 400$ too but its a trick deal that helps the horse breathe more naturally and if you are riding 50-100 miles in a day... thats a real consideration. And when you are paying $$$$K for your saddle who cares?

re: #89 FightingBack

Excellent. You guys talk about horses, Ok? I feel responsible for this thread, and now I have to go see a patient. It isn't socialized, yet.
Later!

lol My Black mare keeps people like you in business. So far two broken ankles and rotator cuff injuries in both shoulders. The broken back was not her fault. That was another horse.

I hope you dont get socialized ever. I need good docs!

re: #28 Iron Fist

Update on getting my Glock 19...picked it up on Tuesday. The only unfortunate thing is that I have a badly sprained left thumb, thanks to my 75 lb. dog who decided to do a fast U-turn while I had her on the leash.

So, I can't even go out this weekend and take her for a spin (heck, I can't even load up the clip without help).

Oh well, I also picked up 50 rounds of Hydro-Shok ammo (for home defense).

I am thrilled with my latest addition to my family. I'll let you know how I do with it in target practice, as soon as my left paw heals (I was tempted to go to the clinic to have it checked out, but decided I would just wrap it up in an Ace bandage and let it heal on its own...sort of like a dry run for when we get free health care...snark).

Anyway, thanks for your suggestions for the ammo.

re: #8 MandyManners

Doctor, doctor! My arm hurts when I do *this*.

****whack**** Well don't do that!...:)

Once upon a time in the enchanted forest there lived three gnus. There was a mummy gnu. There was a daddy gnu. And there was a baby gnu. One day there was nothing to eat at dinner time. So the daddy gnu decided to go out into the forest and collect some nuts and berries for dinner. Just then baby gnu piped up and said "Bleah! Nuts and berries again!" So the daddy gnu went out into the forest. Little did he know that it was hunting season for gnus. And as he was walking along...

BLAM! BLAM! ... the hunter killed him dead in his tracks.

After a while, mummy gnu decided that old pops must be lost out in the forest. So she said "Baby, you be a good gnu while I go out to look for your old man." She didn't know it was hunting season for gnus either. And as she was walking along...

BLAM! BLAM! The hunter killed her dead in her tracks.

After a while, baby gnu was getting a little lonely and decided to go out and look for his parents. He didn't know it was hunting season either. And as he was walking along...

BLAM! BLAM! The hunter got him too. Shot him on the trail. Killed him dead in his tracks.

Well....That's the gnus. The weather in a moment.

re: #65 Joan

Okay, now I am going to walk away very slowly, and not do anymore research tonight. This is too scary and depressing, as our peril grows and our defenses evaporate:

[Link: www.cqpolitics.com...]

The commenters on there are priceless! The article mentions how the last Den president gutted the Agency, but they blame the half-decade past Plame bullshit as the reason top operatives are now bailing for good-paying jobs, before Zero takes over.

What a bunch of BDS-blinded tools

re: #93 AceR

Congrats on your latest addition, AceR.
Practice makes perfect, and safety is the safest thing.
Also check out this link for some good comparisons of defensive rounds and consider alternatives...

When word of the death and injuries in the Nassau county Wal-Mart came in, I asked my daughter if she needed to go in to the office. She didn't, because as she explained a. She isn't senior enough to have to wear the beeper. and b. Workman's comp in NY state is outsourced to someone local.

But she predicts a sizable lawsuit, and that Wal-Mart will pay big bucks before it is over.

Not sure what to do about a crowd that breaks down the doors and tramples people to death, though.

Not run sales in NY would be one way.

Having put a knife into the heart of this thread, I may as well return to my other knifework.

See y'all later.

re: #99 razorbacker

Having put a knife into the heart of this thread, I may as well return to my other knifework.

See y'all later.

Killer!

re: #84 FightingBack

Is anyone here? The Tech thread is catching up with us.

Haha, we passed you. ;)

re: #88 ploome hineni

what is this?

"My reactor panel "

thats a brand of saddle. Very exspensive but fully adjustable to the shape of the horse's back.
Whats great is that it doesnt have to be re-stuffed to be fitted to a custom fit for your horse's individual shape. Very convenient if you use multiple animals or if you have an animal that putting on muscle through intense training... especially if you have 8 different horses like i do. (soon to be 4)

re: #97 AdamWebber

Thanks for the link. I will check it out in more detail when I have some time to read through it all.

Another night of Duty...ugh

Gentlemen, Beware the Motorboat.

I recently went for four years without health insurance. Now retired, it was too expensive on my own, and I took the chance and decided to eat and pay the mortgage/bills instead. I had several problems over that time; there was one hospital visit three years ago for a reoccurrence of bladder cancer, a fall that broke my glasses and buggered up my shoulder. Then some root canals, dental implants, dermatologist therapy, and that’s just for me. Then I manage my elderly father’s healthcare in a nursing home. So I know a little about how we are personally responsible for our own healthcare and can make our own informed decisions and also negotiate the costs when we are cash paying customers.

Every time I needed healthcare during that time, I spoke with all the professionals involved. I saved throughout my whole career and put money aside just for days like that when I’d need it. Every single healthcare professional was willing to negotiate at least a 20% discount, some even more. They knew my finances and knew I was good for the payment. They didn’t have to wait for an insurance company for their fee and tie up their staff with insurance claims for me. I’m sure it was worth it to them, thus the discount. And I kept my side of the bargain, too.

I’ve heard it so many times, that I’m dizzy, “Don’t worry, the insurance will pay for it”. Well, when you don’t have the insurance, you manage it yourself. I’ve declined some expensive tests, dubious procedures for both me and my “Pop”, and will continue to do the same, because I am in charge of my own healthcare. I’m still pretty healthy and hanging in.

Now that I’m over 65, Medicare kicked in, and the supplemental is now affordable for me. But it is not free for nuttin’. Somebody gets to pay. I put in a little, pay for some more, but the rest of the taxpayers have to pony up the rest. I will not abuse that entitlement any more than if I still had to pay the entire amount out of my own pocket, for as long as I’m able to. I should live so long.

But when the afflicted are convinced by some healthcare professional that they may need an MRI for a bruised shoulder, or a CT-Scan for a sinus infection, or even maybe a plethora of drugs to fix their other ailments that their own correction of bad habits and behavior could do, better buckle your seatbelts taxpayers, because this universal, affordable healthcare will be anything but. Look how well our gubmint did with affordable housing.

So thanks for listening to Grandma on this raw, chilly, rainy Carolina evening, sorry I rambled on so long, and have a good day.