Search found 455 matches

by Lathander
Thu Jun 04, 2009 1:22 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Soda tax
Replies: 43
Views: 3271

Re: Soda tax

Kiryan, You do bring up an interesting point with taxes. One thing that is not taxed is unrealized capital gains on stocks or most forms of ownership. This is different than how real estate is treated although it is also subject to capital gains taxes although their is an exemption. One could argue ...
by Lathander
Fri May 29, 2009 1:16 am
Forum: T2 Gameplay Discussion Archive
Topic: Homeland update?
Replies: 14
Views: 11062

Re: Homeland update?

Keep in mind that the power of a toril character compared to a homeland character is a lot higher. This means that fights have to be modified for difficulty and zones have to be lengthened. In terms of making them harder for example Earth, you'll see more mob groups, more multiclassed casters, and t...
by Lathander
Thu May 28, 2009 2:02 am
Forum: T2 Gameplay Discussion Archive
Topic: Homeland update?
Replies: 14
Views: 11062

Re: Homeland update?

Hi folks, For the last eight months or so (mid September), real life has had my full attention for my career and family. That said, I'll give you a review on where things are right now. 1. Delimbiyr Valley - runs from the coast back along the River Delimbiyr into the Dawn Pass and through the Lonely...
by Lathander
Fri May 15, 2009 11:46 pm
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Swine Flu
Replies: 9
Views: 1293

Re: Swine Flu

A new phase...
by Lathander
Fri May 15, 2009 11:42 pm
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Interesting email...
Replies: 15
Views: 1472

Interesting email...

Professor Joseph Olson of Hemline University School of Law, St. Paul , Minnesota , points out some interesting facts concerning the 2008 Presidential election: Number of States won by: Democrats: 19 Republicans: 29 Square miles of land won by: Democrats: 580,000 Republicans: 2,427,000 Population of ...
by Lathander
Fri May 15, 2009 11:40 pm
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Where's Shevarash been lately
Replies: 12
Views: 1852

Re: Where's Shevarash been lately

My, what big eyes you have...
by Lathander
Fri Apr 17, 2009 12:09 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Smoking
Replies: 64
Views: 9092

Re: Smoking

Wait a minute, this ban would probably include cigars and I love having a cigar once in a while.
by Lathander
Thu Apr 16, 2009 3:36 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Argument for everyone paying taxes.
Replies: 10
Views: 1311

Re: Argument for everyone paying taxes.

Right Corth. The Social Security fund has been used to mask the true governement deficit which soon will turn the other way as SS takes in less than it pays out. The idea of Social Security is that it is roughly tied to how many quarters you work and how much you earned. The reason for the FICA cap ...
by Lathander
Wed Apr 15, 2009 1:56 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Argument for everyone paying taxes.
Replies: 10
Views: 1311

Re: Argument for everyone paying taxes.

Those numbers are actually correct. The reason is because you lower the cost to move capital, more folks with capital will move it (take capital gains) to other investments. While the individual % per dollar goes down, you get alot more dollars moving. That help it make more sense?
by Lathander
Thu Mar 26, 2009 3:41 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: AIG bonuses and a CNN poll
Replies: 47
Views: 5658

Re: AIG bonuses and a CNN poll

Comedy is good late at night.

If Al Gore had created the Internet earlier, you probably would have posted the same post when Jimmy Carter won in '76. That didn't turn out so well.
by Lathander
Thu Mar 26, 2009 3:14 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: AIG bonuses and a CNN poll
Replies: 47
Views: 5658

Re: AIG bonuses and a CNN poll

Things usually become common because they are true.
by Lathander
Thu Mar 26, 2009 2:43 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: AIG bonuses and a CNN poll
Replies: 47
Views: 5658

Re: AIG bonuses and a CNN poll

There's not much to be bipartisan about when Obama and his cronies in Congress are taking us down the road to socialism. Every citizen needs to stand up and let the Democrats know they weren't elected to turn us into Russia. The sad fact is they got elected because Bush really screwed it pretty good...
by Lathander
Thu Mar 26, 2009 2:43 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: AIG bonuses and a CNN poll
Replies: 47
Views: 5658

Re: AIG bonuses and a CNN poll

There's not much to be bipartisan about when Obama and his cronies in Congress are taking us down the road to socialism. Every citizen needs to stand up and let the Democrats know they weren't elected to turn us into Russia. The sad fact is they got elected because Bush really screwed it pretty good...
by Lathander
Wed Mar 25, 2009 2:06 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: moral hazzard, bailouts and debtors prison
Replies: 40
Views: 3746

Re: moral hazzard, bailouts and debtors prison

Looks like one of Obama's guys has pulled out of the TARP leader role.

http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/market ... -tarp-wsj/
by Lathander
Wed Mar 25, 2009 1:55 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: AIG bonuses and a CNN poll
Replies: 47
Views: 5658

Re: AIG bonuses and a CNN poll

Newsflash: The left is doing as much if not more attacking on Geithner. The reality is we have a president and administration way over their head. That's what you get when you elect someone with no executive experience.
by Lathander
Wed Mar 25, 2009 12:48 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: moral hazzard, bailouts and debtors prison
Replies: 40
Views: 3746

Re: moral hazzard, bailouts and debtors prison

I can't imagine the private investors that would get talked into taking part in this. Sure, the government says to strings attached right now, but just wait a bit. You'd have to be nuts to put your money up for this.
by Lathander
Wed Mar 18, 2009 8:20 pm
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: AIG bonuses and a CNN poll
Replies: 47
Views: 5658

Re: AIG bonuses and a CNN poll

What you folks fail to understand is most of the folks getting the bonuses are those that created the investment vechicles, ie cds and the like. They know what is actually in those and how they are exactly made up. If you have those kind of folks leave and go to other places, they can use their know...
by Lathander
Sat Mar 07, 2009 2:23 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Wells Fargo
Replies: 89
Views: 6022

Re: Wells Fargo

look up "Golden State", wachovia and "option arm"
by Lathander
Mon Feb 16, 2009 4:51 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: great article on the movement against the FED
Replies: 9
Views: 1009

Re: great article on the movement against the FED

The problem with that Corth is the account would swing in value tied to the commodity. In addition, there would be conversion charges by the financial institution running this that would most likely eat away the benefit. Why not look at an ETF?
by Lathander
Thu Feb 12, 2009 1:11 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: How did you meet?
Replies: 99
Views: 14342

Re: How did you meet?

Ash, you are a genius!
by Lathander
Mon Feb 09, 2009 2:33 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: How did you meet?
Replies: 99
Views: 14342

Re: How did you meet?

Met my wife 19 years ago when one of my friends was dating this girl who was friends with my wife. They played matchmaker to get us together and the rest is history. We dated for 11 years and have been married for 8 years. Getting an introduction from a friend's girl is always a good way to do it. A...
by Lathander
Fri Jan 30, 2009 3:44 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: why do we let our stupid governments borrow money?
Replies: 9
Views: 1238

Re: why do we let our stupid governments borrow money?

Actually, municipal debt is pretty cool. Triple tax free interest!
by Lathander
Sat Jan 10, 2009 12:56 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: 401k vs pension
Replies: 11
Views: 1528

Re: 401k vs pension

Entrepreneurs and business folks make "risky" decisions all the time. Leaving my $10 an hour job to take a more competitive $50 an hour job could be seen as a "risky" move. When we allow the government to determine what choices we have for our investments, we're in the book 1984 ...
by Lathander
Sat Jan 10, 2009 12:46 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Democrats new formula: cut taxes and raise spending.
Replies: 40
Views: 4615

Re: Democrats new formula: cut taxes and raise spending.

Keynesian economics, only problem is the government can't be trusted to turn around and do the full thing. For Keynesian economics, you have to cut spending, not just the rate of spending growth later.
by Lathander
Fri Jan 09, 2009 4:46 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Look who else needs a 'helping hand'
Replies: 4
Views: 1116

Re: Look who else needs a 'helping hand'

Bailout the porn industry??? Now this is something I can firmly stand behind!
by Lathander
Fri Jan 09, 2009 4:44 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Oil and what really scares me
Replies: 214
Views: 36310

Re: Oil and what really scares me

History lesson???

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panic_of_1907

Nothing is ever truly completely different.
by Lathander
Fri Jan 09, 2009 4:42 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: 401k vs pension
Replies: 11
Views: 1528

Re: 401k vs pension

Laugh, this type of article always makes me chuckle. Argentina recently took over people's 401k's to "protect" them. Just more socialist/communist nonsense. The trouble is not just the cost factor of a 401k but also, as a worker, I feel better having a 401k that I know is mine than a pensi...
by Lathander
Wed Jan 07, 2009 3:46 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Rate Cuts and existing loans
Replies: 17
Views: 3242

Re: Rate Cuts and existing loans

Vaprak, I'll have to disagree with you on the family owned bank stuff. Golden West was family owned until they sold out. I do agree with you totally on the regulators though. The field people are by and large mid 20's to early thirties. Those with ambition move from the regulator to the private comp...
by Lathander
Tue Jan 06, 2009 4:17 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Rate Cuts and existing loans
Replies: 17
Views: 3242

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 Lathander
Tue Jan 06, 2009 3:33 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Pathfinder RPG
Replies: 18
Views: 3936

Re: Pathfinder RPG

You should have seen the 10% coupon for the holiday. By the way, the code is holiday09.
by Lathander
Tue Jan 06, 2009 3:32 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Rate Cuts and existing loans
Replies: 17
Views: 3242

Re: Rate Cuts and existing loans

Refi's on mortgages are really getting attractive. I'm in the process of doing a refi to go from 6.25 to 5%. Sweetness!
by Lathander
Sun Jan 04, 2009 10:20 pm
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: FS: Illinois Senate Seat - The Beginning of Obamagate?
Replies: 37
Views: 5046

Re: FS: Illinois Senate Seat - The Beginning of Obamagate?

Now Richardson has to pull out of the secretary of Commerce position. So much for change you can believe in... 2010 elections could be a great turning point.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28493919/
by Lathander
Sat Jan 03, 2009 6:18 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: moral hazzard, bailouts and debtors prison
Replies: 40
Views: 3746

Re: moral hazzard, bailouts and debtors prison

Rolling debt is just another form of banking using the capital markets with commercial paper being a good example. Had confidence not been beaten down when Lehman went under, most companies could have continued rolling their paper. When people figured out that the government was going to make things...
by Lathander
Sat Jan 03, 2009 5:24 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: moral hazzard, bailouts and debtors prison
Replies: 40
Views: 3746

Re: moral hazzard, bailouts and debtors prison

And don't get me started on the "Mark to Market" nonsense either!
by Lathander
Sat Jan 03, 2009 5:21 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: moral hazzard, bailouts and debtors prison
Replies: 40
Views: 3746

Re: moral hazzard, bailouts and debtors prison

I believe it was September 14 or 21 when the news came about Lehman not getting a bailout, the Fed's forcing Merrill to sell themselves to BoA and that AIG was in deep trouble. Dick at Lehman was not an "inside guy" whereas Goldman had a big risk in AIG. Had AIG been allowed to go under, s...
by Lathander
Sat Jan 03, 2009 3:50 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: moral hazzard, bailouts and debtors prison
Replies: 40
Views: 3746

Re: moral hazzard, bailouts and debtors prison

Lehman was a complete disaster by a government that is run by politicians instead of people that actually work for a living. That failure created the panic which led to runs on banks and the spread of the credit crunch. The current situation is one in which the answer is to continue to throw liquidi...
by Lathander
Thu Jan 01, 2009 8:08 pm
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: 50 billion ponzi scheme
Replies: 13
Views: 1632

Re: 50 billion ponzi scheme

Got your money out before the Madoff news came out... Not so fast...


http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/co ... 606347.htm
by Lathander
Sat Dec 27, 2008 12:35 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: The auto makers
Replies: 108
Views: 12040

Re: The auto makers

So the auto workers union needs a bailout for the industry, but they own a club resort???

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,472304,00.html
by Lathander
Thu Dec 25, 2008 5:50 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Worst Case scenario
Replies: 223
Views: 19273

Re: Worst Case scenario

Good customer service, wow, you really don't get it. By going out of bounds, the party that controlled the money ended up stealing some of the client's money. It wasn't discovered until the party that controlled the money died. Doing wrong is not a matter of choicing to do wrong, it can just be not ...
by Lathander
Thu Dec 25, 2008 5:31 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Worst Case scenario
Replies: 223
Views: 19273

Re: Worst Case scenario

Let me try to explain a bit about how it works. First, you rarely will go down for hiring folks that fits the profile. In addition, those folks that continue to fit the profile will not reflect on you poorly if they do something wrong unless it is an extreme situation. Those that fit the “you should...
by Lathander
Wed Dec 24, 2008 4:55 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Worst Case scenario
Replies: 223
Views: 19273

Re: Worst Case scenario

There's an important saying: when you are in the boat, you don't rock it.
by Lathander
Wed Dec 24, 2008 4:51 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: 50 billion ponzi scheme
Replies: 13
Views: 1632

Re: 50 billion ponzi scheme

Well, we have the first suicide from this mess. Really a tragic situation that not enough people are talking about.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28368421/
by Lathander
Wed Dec 24, 2008 4:46 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Worst Case scenario
Replies: 223
Views: 19273

Re: Worst Case scenario

I could make a strong argument that "innovation" in the financial industry actually created the need for bailouts so don't go too far with worshipping out of the box thinking.
by Lathander
Mon Dec 22, 2008 11:16 pm
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: The auto makers
Replies: 108
Views: 12040

Re: The auto makers

You can't strip out the retirement benefits that the big 3 pay, that is part of their costs. The only way to get out of it is to go bankrupt. That gets them out of the contract and then the government gives some maximum benefit from the PBGC that is something like 30K a year or so. Avak, what part o...
by Lathander
Mon Dec 22, 2008 11:10 pm
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Worst Case scenario
Replies: 223
Views: 19273

Re: Worst Case scenario

Look, what someone wears and how they present themselves says something about how they feel about themselves. A slob is likely to be a mess and not very efficient. Someone with lots of piercings is going to be a rebel and not follow rules and/or be a difficult person to manage. Someone with long hai...
by Lathander
Sun Dec 21, 2008 9:32 pm
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: The auto makers
Replies: 108
Views: 12040

Re: The auto makers

The seventy dollar an hour figure comes from incorporating pensions and other benefits to retirees that the unions got from management in the 70's and 80's. This is why the companies need to go through a bankruptcy to get rid of those anchors around their neck.
by Lathander
Sun Dec 21, 2008 9:28 pm
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Worst Case scenario
Replies: 223
Views: 19273

Re: Worst Case scenario

There is a vast difference between what is allowed at work and what you should do at work. That is one important thing to know for your career.
by Lathander
Sun Dec 21, 2008 6:37 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Worst Case scenario
Replies: 223
Views: 19273

Re: Worst Case scenario

I'm confused. What kind of job did you have that allowed facial piercings, long hair and you didn't have to shave?
by Lathander
Sun Dec 21, 2008 4:43 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Worst Case scenario
Replies: 223
Views: 19273

Re: Worst Case scenario

Maybe if we didn't discourage manufacturing with over the top environmental laws and an upcoming administration that wants to give everything to the unions, we'd have more manufacturing jobs? The Japanese transplants are doing just fine here in the States.
by Lathander
Sat Dec 20, 2008 1:02 am
Forum: T2 General Discussion Archive
Topic: Worst Case scenario
Replies: 223
Views: 19273

Re: Worst Case scenario

Maybe no one actually reads earnings reports, but a number of them recently have actually been upbeat. Sorry, the end of the world is going to have to wait.

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