RA1

TV a fantasy? Surely you jest. Best regards, RA1

So, you are just along for the ride? Best regards, RA1

Another version of "you are over qualified" for this job, an oxymoron if I ever heard one. Best regards, RA1

It is just that I am tired of our own pols lying, never mind those in foreign countries that "everyone" knows are lying. I am not for bombing Iran without further notice. Israel can do that. I am all for trying to negotiate this but I am only hoping there is a very short rope on the particulars. Regardless, I will believe it when it verifiably happens and not before. Best regards, RA1

I agree. You will notice in my original statement I said I do not believe in mistreating animals. However, as you correctly point out we can only go my their mannerisms or reactions to physical stimuli as at least I am not able to verbally communicate with them. Best regards, RA1

MsGuy- What you say is correct. When I was very small, my family had a limited amount of poultry in our backyard to include a turkey for Thanksgiving. My poor mother decided she would kill this turkey. She caught it and I think almost "worried" it to death without actually doing any harm to it. Finally, our next door neighbor, much more experienced in dispatching fowl, came over and provided us with the bird in the condition desired, namely dead. Best regards, RA1

Any thoughts that the so called first steps to "solving" the Iran nuclear threat are fraught with at least as much danger as we had before? Sure, I would like to believe that "something" is better than nothing but there are so many "bad" possibilities that I am not sure in this case that we have indeed achieved "something". Also, I cannot deny the thought that this is one more example of BO trying to deflect the abysmal performance of Obamacare with "another triumph". He seems to have a by now long history of same. However, I fully agree that any pol is likely to do whatever he can to "get the heat off". That does not make it right. Best regards, RA1

Why all the emphasis on the "lifestyle" of a turkey slated for a holiday meal? Certainly I want my food to be as healthful as possible. I prefer the least amount of "doctoring" to the feed and the fewest chemicals used to either raise or process my food. However, whatever lifestyle might be offered, the ultimate point is for it to become food. I do not believe in mistreating animals. But until and unless persuasive proof can be offered that lifestyle makes a turkey taste better, I see little point in allowing them to walk about and "enjoy" life. If they are going to be pets, that is different. Any other opinions? Best regards, RA1

Maybe your pup just has a hangover. How much alcohol does he drink at night? Dogs seem to graze on grass when they have an upset stomach, perhaps the pumpkin is similar? Best regards, RA1

1. That I am still gainfully employed. 2. That I have not succumbed to a fatal disease. 3. That I still have faithful friends and family. Best regards, RA1

Yes, it is amazing how mindless this country can be, inundated with soporific TV ads + the consumer philosophy. I shall not go into pols and their effects. However, some do not wish to be lotus eaters. How do we bring their philosophy to the forefront? Best regards, RA1

Are you sure that is not a Hare Karishna and, if so, why is he not at an airport? Best regards, RA1

The art deco of the Chrysler Building. After all these years, still amazing. Best regards, RA1

Which cost more, the metal at market or the labor at way over the market? Best regards, RA1

Is that an offshoot of the Democratic Party? I knew they ate their young but I did not realize how widespread their influence really is. Best regards, RA1

Hopefully only the last two if each other. Best regards, RA1

Now you know why I don't mind going to West Lafayette twice a year. Best regards, RA1

A similar story is about how Kemmons Wilson took his family in the 1950's on a trip from MEM to DC. 2 or 3 adults + 5 children. There were almost no family friendly motels in those days and those that were had unknown or undependable accommodations. This trip provided the thought process that led to the beginning of Holiday Inns. The interstate highway system was begun in the '50's but by no means had substantial progress until the early '60's. Today, it is really difficult to imagine those times unless you actually lived during them. Very likely, the closest one today could come to experiencing those times would be to travel along old Route 66 which is not a continuous road anymore and although very large portions of it are cut off by interstate highways, it still has small businesses and some of the character of the "old" days. Best regards, RA1

We NEED a few more federal felonies because we have so few now. Let's see, drugs, assaulting a federal officer, lying, cheating (on your tax return) and so many others my head spins . I think it used to be fairly rare and only in unusual circumstances to be accused of a federal felony but it seems they have used the "circumlocution" example to include many, many others. I cite as an example, the murder of an ordinary or other citizen which is not a federal crime but they get you on denying him or her their civil rights. It seems to make sense until you realize it is only the feds extracting their pound of flesh, not justice. Best regards, RA1

It seems I have heard of pennies being refused, although 500 billion pennies might be worth melting down for the copper content, depending upon the current commodity market price. Is it illegal to melt pennies? I have personally had every form of payment legal in the US either be bogus or stopped payment upon. I have had wire transfers already in my account go back to the sender. I have had cashier's checks stopped. Bogus bank checks are a dime a dozen. Naturally there is counterfeit cash as well as "tainted" cash; tainted by being over $9,999.99 or actually having drug residue on it. I once had a guy to offer gold coins for a purchase where upon I pointed him in the direction of the nearest coin dealer. I have said for a very long time that there is a better class of crooks in aviation. So far, no one has pulled a gun on me or mugged me or done anything other than try to get into my pocket. Of course, there are some I don't mind reaching into my (front) pocket. Best regards, RA1

Isn't there a lack of federal statue requiring private businesses to accept any and all forms of US coins and currency? Perhaps there is a state law? In other words, a private business need not accept a $100 bill for a 5 cent item and also not accept 20 billion nickels for a 1 billion dollar debt. There should be come common sense involved here but I certainly understand that sometimes common is very uncommon. Best regards, RA1

Interesting. Many years ago, because our grandmother got up so often to look after Christmas dinner, the family decided we would have Christmas dinner the day before. That started over 30 years ago and we continue it today. On Christmas day we can have nuked plates or sandwiches, whatever anyone wants without spending very much time in preparation. Best regards, RA1

Well, I usually wash any dishes that will not be used during or after the meal + store all the leftovers in various containers ASAP. I have a thing about food being either hot or cold and not in between. So, at the very worst, you and your spouse might be expected to wash a few dishes used to eat the meal. Likely those few can wait while we have another glass of wine and use the dishwasher at a later time. No worries. I am obligated for 2013 so the very first time I might be available would be the holidays of 2014. Best regards, RA1

Thanks for your reply. I shall endeavor to keep in mind both the US and Canadian holidays during my travels henceforth. Best regards, RA1

CharliePS- I think you need to invite me over to cook a decent holiday meal for you and your spouse. I will admit that I will serve some vegetables but otherwise you should be satisfied. My main concern is you guys going out for a holiday meal which I have done before but only under duress aka business. Otherwise, home cooking is the best, whichever definition of same is your preference. Best regards, RA1