Search found 242 matches

by Vaprak
Sun Apr 17, 2011 2:36 pm
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: Making MJ illegal again
Replies: 13
Views: 3811

Re: Making MJ illegal again

I think one major road block to legalizing it is there really isn't a test that can be done to tell if your under the immediate influence of it. This causes a Problem with policing driving under the influence. I know that pee tests can detect it from az far back as 28 days. This really is my only o...
by Vaprak
Sun Dec 12, 2010 2:59 am
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: The Political Compass
Replies: 9
Views: 1365

Re: The Political Compass

I'm a social libertarian and economic right.

Your political compass
Economic Left/Right: 3.00
Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: -3.69


There aren't many well known people like me apparently :)
by Vaprak
Thu Nov 11, 2010 1:12 pm
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: TSA groping
Replies: 92
Views: 10220

Re: TSA groping

Some of it is security theater, for sure, but generally, people don't get guns on board and explosives detection is pretty good. how many bad things have they stopped from getting on board? i haven't seen a single news article ever saying that TSA stopped anyone who was actually a threat latest: ba...
by Vaprak
Thu Nov 11, 2010 12:52 am
Forum: Current Events & Politics
Topic: TSA groping
Replies: 92
Views: 10220

Re: TSA groping

The TSA is nothing more than security theater that makes people feel safe to fly, even though it doesn't actually make anything safer. It is an enormous waste of taxpayer money. You could make it such that everyone had to take off all their clothes and put on hospital gowns before boarding a plane, ...
by Vaprak
Fri Oct 29, 2010 12:37 am
Forum: T2 Gameplay Discussion Archive
Topic: we do not need a cop
Replies: 29
Views: 18445

Re: we do not need a cop

OK, so who hacked Dalar's BBS account?
by Vaprak
Sun Jun 13, 2010 3:14 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: wow, tenure changed in a blue state?
Replies: 5
Views: 1045

Re: wow, tenure changed in a blue state?

We already spend too much money on public education. The system doesn't work. Teacher's unions have consistently been given a priority status at the expense of the children time and again. Teacher's unions have money to lobby their politicians, students do not. The US Departement of Education needs ...
by Vaprak
Wed Jan 27, 2010 11:02 pm
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Most Americans support the healthcare bill
Replies: 6
Views: 865

Re: Most Americans support the healthcare bill

I actually read about 75% of the house bill, the entire CBO study on the house bill, the supplements and letters from the CBO on the house bill, about 50% of the senate bill, the entire CBO study on the senate bill, the supplements and letters from the CBO on the senate bill, and as much of the mana...
by Vaprak
Mon Jan 12, 2009 1:44 pm
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: isn't feeding them the problem?
Replies: 89
Views: 10092

Re: isn't feeding them the problem?

While I more or less agree logically that it's insane for one country to try to feed everyone all the time, I do think that if the US were to stop 90% of the funding to "defense" and foreign intelligence gathering and covert operations there would be enough money to feed the entire world. ...
by Vaprak
Fri Jan 09, 2009 2:47 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: 401k vs pension
Replies: 11
Views: 1526

Re: 401k vs pension

Conventional wisdom says that the closer you get to retirement the more conservative your investment portfolio should be weighted such that when you hit retirement age you have less than 10% in stocks and 90% in fixed income and/or "safe" vehicles like bonds and CDs. If you do it as a grad...
by Vaprak
Tue Jan 06, 2009 6:07 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Rate Cuts and existing loans
Replies: 17
Views: 3233

Re: Rate Cuts and existing loans

Interesting that you mention a poorly run big bank in light of the recent Jamie Dimon, CEO of JP Morgan, interview where he says it is tough just to get your hands around everything going on at a big bank. If a star like him has trouble, those regulators making 50K a year don't have a hope in hell....
by Vaprak
Tue Jan 06, 2009 4:10 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Rate Cuts and existing loans
Replies: 17
Views: 3233

Re: Rate Cuts and existing loans

Vaprak, Thats the kind of thing I wish I heard more of. If government would just get out of the way and let the market do its job, there are plenty of competently managed financial institutions that are just waiting for the opportunity to steal some market share from the large poorly run ones. Does...
by Vaprak
Tue Jan 06, 2009 12:02 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Rate Cuts and existing loans
Replies: 17
Views: 3233

Re: Rate Cuts and existing loans

The student loan lending industry is highly regulated. I don't follow it anymore. Back when I did a few years ago, technically you could only consolidate one time.. though there was a loophole which I believe has been closed. Right. The student loan program we were going through to provide the mini...
by Vaprak
Sun Dec 07, 2008 3:08 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Why Rich People Are Rich
Replies: 9
Views: 1369

Re: Why Rich People Are Rich

Daz, My first advice would be to get to the point where you always have at least $1,000 in your checking account. Do not carry any debt on any credit cards. If you absolutely must use a credit card pay it off every month. Next save up an emergency expense cushion in some sort of high yield savings a...
by Vaprak
Wed Dec 03, 2008 2:46 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Jim Rogers Interview
Replies: 13
Views: 1626

Re: Jim Rogers Interview

Shrug, there is no credit crisis where I'm at. I work at a community bank (I am not a banker). We're still lending out the same huge sums of money to the same farmers who we've always worked with and several more. We have never relied on massive amounts of leverage or trading paper. We take in depos...
by Vaprak
Tue Dec 02, 2008 6:15 pm
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Jim Rogers Interview
Replies: 13
Views: 1626

Re: Jim Rogers Interview

I don't really have much of a position on land. If I had to buy RE I'd probably buy farm land. Houses in areas that didn't see a boom won't see much of a bust either. Generally history shows that agriculture goes bust about 2-3 years after the start of an overal economic recession. Commidity prices...
by Vaprak
Wed Nov 12, 2008 1:55 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Oregon law requiring SSN for driver license
Replies: 16
Views: 1559

Re: Oregon law requiring SSN for driver license

Sarvis, Giving an illegal alien a driver's license facilitates their illegal activities within the country. Without a driver's license, if they get pulled over driving to work, for instance, they are getting arrested.. and deported. Or in the case of where i live, be an illegal immigrant, have no d...
by Vaprak
Mon Nov 10, 2008 7:54 pm
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Book Review: a good bathroom reader
Replies: 16
Views: 1822

Re: Book Review: a good bathroom reader

The best part about the book Adriorn linked to is that it qualifies for Free SuperSaver shipping. This is especially great if you're looking for one of these to add to your order: http://www.amazon.com/Giant-Microbes-GM0400-GIANT-MICROBE/dp/B000JZ08ZS/ref=pd_sim_dbs_b_26 If you're looking for some l...
by Vaprak
Fri Nov 07, 2008 7:07 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Computer Time! Well, almost!
Replies: 12
Views: 2357

Re: Computer Time! Well, almost!

In backwards order - 16gb of ram .... well first, who wouldnt? but second, i'd like to see what that kind of memory can do. last time i got 8gb of ram and it was amazing how much better of an experience i had with the memory whore we call vista (<3 vista!) Unless you are running the 64bit version o...
by Vaprak
Sun Oct 12, 2008 4:50 pm
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Undecided Voters
Replies: 37
Views: 7879

Re: Undecided Voters

I poked around a bit, but anyone got some historical references to what standard congressional approval ratings are? Or a nice chart/graph? Ooh Pictures!
by Vaprak
Sun Oct 12, 2008 4:46 pm
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: And now for something completely different...
Replies: 4
Views: 900

And now for something completely different...

Thought this high-speed photography was just plain too cool to not share: http://weburbanist.com/2008/10/09/high-speed-photographers-and-photos/
by Vaprak
Sun Oct 12, 2008 4:24 pm
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Undecided Voters
Replies: 37
Views: 7879

Re: Undecided Voters

One thing that I continue to find interesting, and a little shocking personally, is that everyone keeps beating up Bush's approval rating (with good reason, I can't argue here), but nobody seems to bring up anything about the Democratic Congress approval rating which is half of Bush's. I just think ...
by Vaprak
Sun Oct 12, 2008 1:39 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Undecided Voters
Replies: 37
Views: 7879

Re: Undecided Voters

Wasn't really sure which of the 30 policital/economical threads, so here goes:

A blog article tying McCain's polling figures to the S&P 500: http://stateoftheunion.wordpress.com/2008/10/09/behind-mccains-fall/
by Vaprak
Sun Oct 12, 2008 12:55 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Oil and what really scares me
Replies: 214
Views: 24891

Re: Oil and what really scares me

Some states (Maryland for example) have laws barring gas stations for selling fuel for less than cost. However, as evidenced by this article, Iowa does not have any such laws: http://www.ketv.com/news/17622431/detail.html Quote from the article: "Sinnott said he doesn't make money from gas sale...
by Vaprak
Sat Oct 11, 2008 3:36 pm
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Because you can't keep beating a dead pitbull
Replies: 102
Views: 8454

Re: Because you can't keep beating a dead pitbull

I for one welcome our new financial overloards!
by Vaprak
Sat Oct 11, 2008 5:18 am
Forum: T2 Areas Discussion Archive
Topic: Spirit Plane of Bhaal
Replies: 23
Views: 5074

Re: Spirit Plane of Bhaal

My main issue with the zone is that even though you only end up with possibly 1 top tier item, and several good-ok items, there are a grand total of 5*4*3=60 total items in the zone approximately. I say the pool of 60 is too high. Not sure this is relevant anymore though since most of the gear with ...
by Vaprak
Fri Oct 10, 2008 11:54 pm
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Oil and what really scares me
Replies: 214
Views: 24891

Re: Oil and what really scares me

teflor the ranger wrote:But to be honest, I wouldn't expect gas to fall far below 3/gal. In fact, I think the oil companies are going to try to stick us to 3/gal for the next year or so.


I just filled up for $2.94 yesterday.
by Vaprak
Thu Oct 09, 2008 4:38 pm
Forum: T2 Ideas Archive
Topic: auction
Replies: 2
Views: 1327

Re: auction

"auction list o" does this already I believe.
by Vaprak
Wed Oct 08, 2008 11:57 am
Forum: T2 Gameplay Discussion Archive
Topic: Toril editor and the area docs -yes this belongs in gameplay
Replies: 17
Views: 5510

Re: Toril editor and the area docs -yes this belongs in gameplay

Need the ability to "dig" zones out similar to homeland OLC and I think the toril editor. A simple map would be cool, especially if you could click on a room and pull up that specific room. Lists are good. You'd need a pane where you could see the entire room list, object list, mob list, q...
by Vaprak
Tue Oct 07, 2008 10:32 pm
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Because you can't keep beating a dead pitbull
Replies: 102
Views: 8454

Re: Because you can't keep beating a dead pitbull

I'm waiting for Dow 72,000 to come out before I buy.
by Vaprak
Tue Oct 07, 2008 2:06 pm
Forum: T2 Gameplay Discussion Archive
Topic: Can we restat our old characters?
Replies: 37
Views: 8727

Re: Can we restat our old characters?

Your efhr is inadequate! Reroll! How do you expect to wear two noxious fumes bracelets with con like that :(
by Vaprak
Tue Oct 07, 2008 12:16 am
Forum: T2 Gameplay Discussion Archive
Topic: Toril editor and the area docs -yes this belongs in gameplay
Replies: 17
Views: 5510

Re: Toril editor and the area docs -yes this belongs in gameplay

You don't really need any MUD code to build an area editor. The area docs are freely available.
by Vaprak
Mon Oct 06, 2008 10:04 pm
Forum: T2 Gameplay Discussion Archive
Topic: Toril editor and the area docs -yes this belongs in gameplay
Replies: 17
Views: 5510

Re: Toril editor and the area docs -yes this belongs in gameplay

I think it'd be cool if the MUD could read area files that were formatted in XML. Personally, I'd write it in VB.
by Vaprak
Mon Oct 06, 2008 7:25 pm
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Firefox vs. Chrome
Replies: 18
Views: 3523

Re: Firefox vs. Chrome

Why is Lynx not an option in this poll? Booo!
by Vaprak
Mon Oct 06, 2008 2:55 pm
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Because you can't keep beating a dead pitbull
Replies: 102
Views: 8454

Re: Because you can't keep beating a dead pitbull

Comment on Ragorn's comments: Scenario A is pretty accurate and is the reason why the FDIC and other regulatory bodies attempt to make sure that credit quality is good-excellent at banks, credit unions, and savings institutions. If the loans are all good quality then theoretically the FDIC will not ...
by Vaprak
Fri Oct 03, 2008 11:55 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: VP Debate
Replies: 18
Views: 2013

Re: VP Debate

well from what ive pieced together, and i dont know how much is true, basically during the bush administration certain banking laws were changed that allowed banks to trade mortgages as investments for tax purposes, so they put their cash resources into an inflated housing market. now that the mark...
by Vaprak
Thu Oct 02, 2008 12:03 pm
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Because you can't keep beating a dead pitbull
Replies: 102
Views: 8454

Re: Because you can't keep beating a dead pitbull

I agree with almost everything Corth said above except, Because of the leverage, a small decline in the value of these securities can wipe out all shareholder equity and cause the bank to become insolvent. Broke. Thats where pretty much the entire banking system is at now. A loan might put off the i...
by Vaprak
Tue Sep 30, 2008 7:40 pm
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: VP picks
Replies: 244
Views: 28224

Re: VP picks

(SNIP) However, in a strange way, this is like the economic 9/11 and with that comes great opportunity to make change. (SNIP) Awesome! Maybe congress and the new president will see fit to pass some new Patriot Financial Act soon to protect us from financial terrorists. We can start a War on Free Ma...
by Vaprak
Fri Sep 19, 2008 8:40 pm
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: VP picks
Replies: 244
Views: 28224

Re: VP picks

Chuck Norris's stance on the issues: http://townhall.com/columnists/ChuckNorris/2008/09/16/the_coming_revolution I'd say Chuck is a Libertarian. What I don't understand is why Chuck Norris doesn't just roundhouse kick the current Governement out, implementing a chucktatorship, and then restore liber...
by Vaprak
Fri Sep 19, 2008 8:24 pm
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: VP picks
Replies: 244
Views: 28224

Re: VP picks

Should be interesting to see what happens in Texas:
http://www.bobbarr2008.com/press/press- ... om-ballot/
by Vaprak
Wed Sep 10, 2008 8:14 pm
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Undecided Voters
Replies: 37
Views: 7879

Re: Undecided Voters

Dr. Ron Paul came out today endorsing four 3rd party candidates: Cynthia McKinney (Green Party candidate who hit a cop and was very un-appolagetic about it), Ralph Nader(Independent), Bob Barr (Libertarian Party Candidtate, somehow), and Chuck Baldwin (constitutional party candidate). Dr Paul had to...
by Vaprak
Wed Sep 10, 2008 12:24 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Undecided Voters
Replies: 37
Views: 7879

Re: Undecided Voters

I haven't decided whether to vote for Bob Barr or if I should do a write-in vote for Ron Paul. Dr. Paul, no question. Bob Barr is a hack. Yeah, but wouldn't it be un-american of me to not vote party lines? Seriously though yeah I couldn't vote for Barr on good conscience, he's flip-flopped on EVERY...
by Vaprak
Tue Sep 09, 2008 11:54 pm
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Undecided Voters
Replies: 37
Views: 7879

Re: Undecided Voters

I haven't decided whether to vote for Bob Barr or if I should do a write-in vote for Ron Paul.
by Vaprak
Tue Sep 09, 2008 6:50 pm
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: VP picks
Replies: 244
Views: 28224

Re: VP picks

How to win an argument on the internet:

1) Start an argument.
2) Compare the oposing party's argument/ideas to Hitler/Nazis.
3) Win.
by Vaprak
Fri Sep 05, 2008 12:42 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: VP picks
Replies: 244
Views: 28224

Re: VP picks

A joke, MN style: The Presidential election was too close to call. Neither the Republican candidate nor the Democratic candidate had enough votes to win. There was much talk about ballot recounting, court challenges, etc., but a week-long ice fishing competition seemed the sportsmanlike way to settl...
by Vaprak
Thu Sep 04, 2008 5:39 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: VP picks
Replies: 244
Views: 28224

Re: VP picks

I don't think anyone could have said it better:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/02/ ... index.html
by Vaprak
Wed Sep 03, 2008 11:07 pm
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: VP picks
Replies: 244
Views: 28224

Re: VP picks

OK, this is totally politically incorrect, but I find it humerous: Would you rather vote for a lawyer (Barack Obama) who is married to a lawyer (Michelle Obama)? Or would you rather vote for a war hero who is married to a hot wife that owns a beer distributorship and has a hot VP? I'm going with bee...
by Vaprak
Wed Sep 03, 2008 11:03 pm
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Chrome
Replies: 15
Views: 3090

Re: Chrome

At least with the Windows EULA you (used) to be able to extract the CD to an ISO image, modify the EULA.txt to say something like "I agree that Microsoft blows chunks.", save it, inject the file back into the ISO, burn the CD, install Windows, and take a video clicking on the newly reforme...
by Vaprak
Tue Sep 02, 2008 2:26 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: VP picks
Replies: 244
Views: 28224

Re: VP picks

What era do you actually think this is? Teenage pregnancy rates are relatively low these days... I only knew one girl in my high school that got pregnant. Right, I only knew 1 girl in my entire high school that got pregnant before I graduated in the mid 90's. However today in the present I have qui...
by Vaprak
Tue Sep 02, 2008 1:08 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: VP picks
Replies: 244
Views: 28224

Re: VP picks

I'm only fiscally conservative, not a regular conservative. I'm neither republican or democrat. I'm a moderate libratarian actually. I want small government, low taxes, fiscal conservation, more personal freedom, less involvement of the government in our daily lives, more state's rights, drug legali...

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