I recently cancelled DirecTV. Not only do you have to call to cancel, you have to call to just decrease your services. And there is a big disincentive to not reduce services insofar as if you eliminate HD or DVR, you have to return the HD/DVR box at your own expense and pay a fee to get them to send another set top unit. So they hook you with the free HD and DVR for several months and then you have to keep it and pay for it or pay to not have it.
After I cancelled, which was surprisingly easy once I made it clear to the person that it didn't matter what they offered me or said, that I was going to cancel regardless and they might as well save our time. But then they called me every day for several days. I figured that's who it was and ignored the calls, as I typically do with numbers I don't recognize. Finally, after several days, I answered it and after the guy said who he was, I told him I assume he's a retention specialist, and reiterated that it didn't matter what they offer. He let me go and they haven't called since.
I use an Otter cover - the Commuter, which is slimmer than the typical huge ones. I do not use the screen protector. Too much trouble to put on right. Not needed. I've had my iphone 5 for 14-15 mos. maybe, and no scratches at all yet.
I am a pretty right-leaning libertarian-ish guy on most economic issues, but I am increasingly of the opinion that wireless providers and ISP's should be regulated and handled like other utilities deemed a ubiquitous and necessary part of life in this country. I really think they are more and more every day becoming part of the roads and power lines category of services that it is necessary for government to step in and, if not outright manage, then at least heavily regulate. I do not know enough about the business facts to work out the implications that would have or any details. I'm basically just acknowledging that these services are so ubiquitous and necessary to life and work for most that we can't allow abuse of the type that is so obviously occurring. We are doing something wrong when we Americans pay more for less bandwidth than most European nations.
Chili - It is definitely soup. As are stews. And chili is the king of soups and stews. Anyone who doesn't like it is touched in the head. I'm not a purist. Beans are fine with me. White chili is also fine. Green chili is even better. I'm including all the taco/tortilla/quesadilla soup recipes as subsets of chili.
Italian Wedding - Meatballs. Meatballs. Meatballs. Escarole.
Chowders - I'm just going to throw the clam chowder, corn chowder, creamy potato soup, all in one big category because they all derive most of their goodness from cream and potatoes. Yes, adding the clams or corn or whatever you'd like adds a distinct flavor, but I think the base (cream and potatoes) is how you define the soup.
French Onion - Yeah, I'll go for that.
Note on Chicken Noodle: How often do you eat any chicken broth based soup and go, "Wow that was amazing!" Never. No one says that about chicken soup. Thus, its disqualification from the MR. I'm eschewing ubiquity as a qualification.
Basically a salad/spread/dip (depending on the consistency) made of grated very sharp cheddar cheese, mayo, cracked black pepper, a dash or three of hot sauce to your liking, pimientos (canned smoked red peppers).
Pretty easy to answer: it's irrelevant to the charges. Legality under state law has nothing to do with whether she broke federal law. Two sovereigns, two sets of law, two court systems. Introducing evidence that it's legal under state law is essentially a jury nullification tactic.
1. The Reuben - corned beef, rye, sauerkraut, russian dressing; a god among mere mortals
2. The Muffaletta - all the perks of your italian hero plus olive salad
3. The Cheeseburger - ditto all you said
4. Stepping outside the box here, just to give a little variety: a Fried Chicken Biscuit with honey. I knew that I wanted to do some form of biscuit sandwich, and I think a very well done buttery flaky biscuit with some fried chicken breast, well-seasoned with a touch of cayenne, topped off with honey is the apex of breakfast sandwiches.
I could talk for days about sandwiches. Really, I could. I understand your inclusion of PB&J and a grilled cheese, but I wouldn't take them before any of the above. And while a grilled cheese is great, it's not even the best form of a cheese-based sandwich. That accolade has to go to the pimiento cheese sandwich.
The only reason I didn't include pimiento cheese is that I typically prefer my pimiento cheese with crackers, rather than in a sandwich form. That being said, those of you not from the South should try it if you haven't: grated very sharp cheddar cheese, mayo, cracked black pepper, a dash or three of hot sauce to your liking, pimientos. Do not, under any circumstances, use pre-shredded cheese. That stuff is never high quality and it screws up the texture. Add just enough mayo to give the pimiento cheese a pasty consistency. Too much liquid and it throws off the flavor and texture. I like to drain off much of the juice from the jar of pimientoes, and then squeeze them out in my hand before I toss them into the cheese. That prevents the pimiento cheese from getting too liquidy, and prevents the pimiento juice from overpowering the cheese. Some add more than these basic ingredients. They get fancy with minced onion, or different cheeses. That's all fine, but you can't go wrong with this basic recipe. I can't give amounts. I just eyeball it. Again, your goal is a pasty consistency, firm enough to break a saltine if you try to dip it in there, but with enough give to spread with a knife. Enjoy.
Opportunity cost. Broadway tickets are, at a minimum, $100 a pop. A Netflix subscription, with unlimited access to television and movies ranging from awful to great, costs $8 a month. And you don't have to pay for a babysitter, parking, or the requisite dinner out beforehand. Theater is a special occasion thing because of how much it costs. Even if we're talking about a student production at your local state university, tickets will still cost the same as a movie ticket, plus all the other expenses of a night out. Date nights are rare in our household. That's why we don't use them to try out new restaurants. We stick to old faithful, places we know we like and will have a good time at. So, when it comes time to pick entertainment, going to the movies and watching the big movie that's getting lots of buzz is usually the safer bet. I mean, even if it's mediocre or bad, we'll at least know what everyone is talking about. Most times, it's at least serviceable.
Yeah, my wife says the only reason for scheduling sections, which is a common practice where we live, is 1) there's less liability potential for the hospital (which I don't understand or necessarily believe), and 2) it's easier on the doctor's schedule. She also says that the use of pitocin to induce labor increases the likelihood that an epidural will be administered because the drug intensifies the contractions. Then, she says that the epidural dulls things to a degree that it makes a section more likely. She argues that medical care providers create the need for sections by not using natural childbirth methods, and she cites statistics for births in Europe with midwives. There's a documentary series on the topic - The Business of Being Born - that discusses all of this. I'm all in favor of natural childbirth and avoiding cutting on my wife if possible. I'm also all in favor of her being as comfortable as possible and getting to do her delivery as she wishes. Thankfully, she has no interest in a home birth, and our doctor is very attentive to her wishes re: inducing labor, epidural, etc. I would have to draw the line at home birth. I'm too risk-averse.
I'm certainly not going to make apologies for the anti-vaxers and folks like the ones described above.
But, I will say this: I understand the lack of trust. Medical malpractice happens. And when people are having to make medical decisions, they are frequently doing so under two big stressors: 1) the fear of losing their or a loved one's health, potentially life; and 2) wondering how they're going to pay for it.
My wife and I went through fertility treatments this year. We spent over a quarter of our yearly income on it. Last year, we spent probably about fifteen percent of our yearly income. At every point when we were faced with a decision, we had to think about the cost (because none of it was covered by insurance) and the potential benefit. Now, this was somewhat refreshing. Because fertility issues are not covered by insurance in most states, specialists have to be up-front and clear with their prices. At every step, we had a range of possible costs, and our doctor explained potential variances. It was far, far different than any other medical care situation I've been in, because we made every decision on a cost/benefit basis, playing percentages as much in our favor as we could within our means. When my dad had heart surgery a couple of years ago, I don't recall him telling me about any discussion with his cardiologist about treatment options. The doctor just said, "We're going to do a stint, etc. etc. Here's the consent form." Then my dad got the bill, paid his share, and that was it.
So, I know we're comparing apples and oranges in different specialties. Fertility clinics have a lot of competition. Dermatologists don't. Fertility treatment is elective treatment. When you've got heart problems, it's not something you can just live with in most cases. But when I know that a clinic is a business, and that doctors are trying to make a buck just like everyone else, and read about malpractice cases, and I know how that plumber gigged me on his labor charges last week even though the same problem resurfaced this week, and I know how my last mechanic told me I needed a new Johnson Rod and charged me $500 for it even though there's no such thing.... Of course, I'm going to distrust my doctor. Why should he/she be any different than every other person out to sell me something? And how do I know that what I'm being told is true, and that it will actually save my kid's life, or prevent this disease?
Again, I'm not defending anti-vaxers. They're reckless fools. But, I understand it, on a certain level. Life is chaotic, and people are generally cruel, selfish, vicious creatures. And when a doctor is explaining this tumor and its growth, it's like a mechanic explaining why the emissions system in your car is doing this thing that needs fixing. You don't understand what he's talking about, but you'd like to look into it to confirm before you sign on the dotted line, mortgage your house, and gamble with your child's life.
*Comment archive for non-registered commenters assembled by email address as provided.
On “The Second Most Immoral Job I Ever Had”
I recently cancelled DirecTV. Not only do you have to call to cancel, you have to call to just decrease your services. And there is a big disincentive to not reduce services insofar as if you eliminate HD or DVR, you have to return the HD/DVR box at your own expense and pay a fee to get them to send another set top unit. So they hook you with the free HD and DVR for several months and then you have to keep it and pay for it or pay to not have it.
After I cancelled, which was surprisingly easy once I made it clear to the person that it didn't matter what they offered me or said, that I was going to cancel regardless and they might as well save our time. But then they called me every day for several days. I figured that's who it was and ignored the calls, as I typically do with numbers I don't recognize. Finally, after several days, I answered it and after the guy said who he was, I told him I assume he's a retention specialist, and reiterated that it didn't matter what they offer. He let me go and they haven't called since.
On “Smartphones!”
I use an Otter cover - the Commuter, which is slimmer than the typical huge ones. I do not use the screen protector. Too much trouble to put on right. Not needed. I've had my iphone 5 for 14-15 mos. maybe, and no scratches at all yet.
On “The Reason Why AT&T Sucks is Important”
I am a pretty right-leaning libertarian-ish guy on most economic issues, but I am increasingly of the opinion that wireless providers and ISP's should be regulated and handled like other utilities deemed a ubiquitous and necessary part of life in this country. I really think they are more and more every day becoming part of the roads and power lines category of services that it is necessary for government to step in and, if not outright manage, then at least heavily regulate. I do not know enough about the business facts to work out the implications that would have or any details. I'm basically just acknowledging that these services are so ubiquitous and necessary to life and work for most that we can't allow abuse of the type that is so obviously occurring. We are doing something wrong when we Americans pay more for less bandwidth than most European nations.
On “Mount Rushmore – Soup Edition”
That's a Manhattan clam chowder.
"
Chili - It is definitely soup. As are stews. And chili is the king of soups and stews. Anyone who doesn't like it is touched in the head. I'm not a purist. Beans are fine with me. White chili is also fine. Green chili is even better. I'm including all the taco/tortilla/quesadilla soup recipes as subsets of chili.
Italian Wedding - Meatballs. Meatballs. Meatballs. Escarole.
Chowders - I'm just going to throw the clam chowder, corn chowder, creamy potato soup, all in one big category because they all derive most of their goodness from cream and potatoes. Yes, adding the clams or corn or whatever you'd like adds a distinct flavor, but I think the base (cream and potatoes) is how you define the soup.
French Onion - Yeah, I'll go for that.
Note on Chicken Noodle: How often do you eat any chicken broth based soup and go, "Wow that was amazing!" Never. No one says that about chicken soup. Thus, its disqualification from the MR. I'm eschewing ubiquity as a qualification.
On “Mount Rushmore – Sandwich Edition”
Basically a salad/spread/dip (depending on the consistency) made of grated very sharp cheddar cheese, mayo, cracked black pepper, a dash or three of hot sauce to your liking, pimientos (canned smoked red peppers).
See: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6877304
On “Jaybird Is Unclear On The Concept”
Pretty easy to answer: it's irrelevant to the charges. Legality under state law has nothing to do with whether she broke federal law. Two sovereigns, two sets of law, two court systems. Introducing evidence that it's legal under state law is essentially a jury nullification tactic.
On “Mount Rushmore – Sandwich Edition”
1. The Reuben - corned beef, rye, sauerkraut, russian dressing; a god among mere mortals
2. The Muffaletta - all the perks of your italian hero plus olive salad
3. The Cheeseburger - ditto all you said
4. Stepping outside the box here, just to give a little variety: a Fried Chicken Biscuit with honey. I knew that I wanted to do some form of biscuit sandwich, and I think a very well done buttery flaky biscuit with some fried chicken breast, well-seasoned with a touch of cayenne, topped off with honey is the apex of breakfast sandwiches.
I could talk for days about sandwiches. Really, I could. I understand your inclusion of PB&J and a grilled cheese, but I wouldn't take them before any of the above. And while a grilled cheese is great, it's not even the best form of a cheese-based sandwich. That accolade has to go to the pimiento cheese sandwich.
The only reason I didn't include pimiento cheese is that I typically prefer my pimiento cheese with crackers, rather than in a sandwich form. That being said, those of you not from the South should try it if you haven't: grated very sharp cheddar cheese, mayo, cracked black pepper, a dash or three of hot sauce to your liking, pimientos. Do not, under any circumstances, use pre-shredded cheese. That stuff is never high quality and it screws up the texture. Add just enough mayo to give the pimiento cheese a pasty consistency. Too much liquid and it throws off the flavor and texture. I like to drain off much of the juice from the jar of pimientoes, and then squeeze them out in my hand before I toss them into the cheese. That prevents the pimiento cheese from getting too liquidy, and prevents the pimiento juice from overpowering the cheese. Some add more than these basic ingredients. They get fancy with minced onion, or different cheeses. That's all fine, but you can't go wrong with this basic recipe. I can't give amounts. I just eyeball it. Again, your goal is a pasty consistency, firm enough to break a saltine if you try to dip it in there, but with enough give to spread with a knife. Enjoy.
On “Men Don’t Go To Broadway: Should We Care?”
Opportunity cost. Broadway tickets are, at a minimum, $100 a pop. A Netflix subscription, with unlimited access to television and movies ranging from awful to great, costs $8 a month. And you don't have to pay for a babysitter, parking, or the requisite dinner out beforehand. Theater is a special occasion thing because of how much it costs. Even if we're talking about a student production at your local state university, tickets will still cost the same as a movie ticket, plus all the other expenses of a night out. Date nights are rare in our household. That's why we don't use them to try out new restaurants. We stick to old faithful, places we know we like and will have a good time at. So, when it comes time to pick entertainment, going to the movies and watching the big movie that's getting lots of buzz is usually the safer bet. I mean, even if it's mediocre or bad, we'll at least know what everyone is talking about. Most times, it's at least serviceable.
On “In the Utopian Internet Future, Journalists Won’t Have to Worry About Pesky, Outdated Concepts Like Sexual Harassment”
Forget it, Jake. It's Gawker Media.
On “I presume decent sanitation will be the next thing they go after”
Yeah, my wife says the only reason for scheduling sections, which is a common practice where we live, is 1) there's less liability potential for the hospital (which I don't understand or necessarily believe), and 2) it's easier on the doctor's schedule. She also says that the use of pitocin to induce labor increases the likelihood that an epidural will be administered because the drug intensifies the contractions. Then, she says that the epidural dulls things to a degree that it makes a section more likely. She argues that medical care providers create the need for sections by not using natural childbirth methods, and she cites statistics for births in Europe with midwives. There's a documentary series on the topic - The Business of Being Born - that discusses all of this. I'm all in favor of natural childbirth and avoiding cutting on my wife if possible. I'm also all in favor of her being as comfortable as possible and getting to do her delivery as she wishes. Thankfully, she has no interest in a home birth, and our doctor is very attentive to her wishes re: inducing labor, epidural, etc. I would have to draw the line at home birth. I'm too risk-averse.
"
I'm certainly not going to make apologies for the anti-vaxers and folks like the ones described above.
But, I will say this: I understand the lack of trust. Medical malpractice happens. And when people are having to make medical decisions, they are frequently doing so under two big stressors: 1) the fear of losing their or a loved one's health, potentially life; and 2) wondering how they're going to pay for it.
My wife and I went through fertility treatments this year. We spent over a quarter of our yearly income on it. Last year, we spent probably about fifteen percent of our yearly income. At every point when we were faced with a decision, we had to think about the cost (because none of it was covered by insurance) and the potential benefit. Now, this was somewhat refreshing. Because fertility issues are not covered by insurance in most states, specialists have to be up-front and clear with their prices. At every step, we had a range of possible costs, and our doctor explained potential variances. It was far, far different than any other medical care situation I've been in, because we made every decision on a cost/benefit basis, playing percentages as much in our favor as we could within our means. When my dad had heart surgery a couple of years ago, I don't recall him telling me about any discussion with his cardiologist about treatment options. The doctor just said, "We're going to do a stint, etc. etc. Here's the consent form." Then my dad got the bill, paid his share, and that was it.
So, I know we're comparing apples and oranges in different specialties. Fertility clinics have a lot of competition. Dermatologists don't. Fertility treatment is elective treatment. When you've got heart problems, it's not something you can just live with in most cases. But when I know that a clinic is a business, and that doctors are trying to make a buck just like everyone else, and read about malpractice cases, and I know how that plumber gigged me on his labor charges last week even though the same problem resurfaced this week, and I know how my last mechanic told me I needed a new Johnson Rod and charged me $500 for it even though there's no such thing.... Of course, I'm going to distrust my doctor. Why should he/she be any different than every other person out to sell me something? And how do I know that what I'm being told is true, and that it will actually save my kid's life, or prevent this disease?
Again, I'm not defending anti-vaxers. They're reckless fools. But, I understand it, on a certain level. Life is chaotic, and people are generally cruel, selfish, vicious creatures. And when a doctor is explaining this tumor and its growth, it's like a mechanic explaining why the emissions system in your car is doing this thing that needs fixing. You don't understand what he's talking about, but you'd like to look into it to confirm before you sign on the dotted line, mortgage your house, and gamble with your child's life.
*Comment archive for non-registered commenters assembled by email address as provided.