RA1

At least 5 of those cities NEVER had very much water except other people's water. Now that is running out or being "kept" by those who had it first. Just another example of too many people, not enough resources, not enough planning and little to no concern for "tomorrow". Of course, there is plenty of water on this planet BUT it will get more and more expensive to have access to it. Years ago oil was regarded by some as a too cheap commodity and at various times food, money and now, perhaps last but certainly now least, water. Best regards, KMEM

Actually I am comparing apples to oranges. I buy VO whiskey for about $27 USD for 1.75 liters or litres. So, 2 ounces of whiskey + 2-3 ounces of Diet Coke would be slightly more than 2 USD. But, that is as priced and mixed in my home, not at a bar. Here in Memphis,TN there are bars that sell 12 ounce bottles of beer for $2 or even $1 during happy hour. That would be domestic beer such as Budweiser or the like. More for any "real" beer. Some of my Swiss friends have often called US beer such as Coors, Colorado Kool Aid and ditto for other US beers. I have to agree. Not only is the alcohol content much less in US beers but there is little to no "character" to most of them. So, I have made "fun" of your beer and stated situation but only as a side issue. I am sure your bar has many friendly folks who are regulars and the beer is outstanding and the prices reasonable (by comparison) and especially so if you get the staff discount. Best regards, RA1

Thanks for the clarification. In the US, 33+ liquid ounces is a liter which we all know is just slightly more than a US quart. Therefore I like your price of about $6 USD for a quart a lot better than $8 for a pint (before the staff discount). I also realize that in many places a pint is a generic term for a glass of beer. My $2 glass of Canadian whiskey + Diet Coke may be cheaper but the company at the bar may be better. Best regards, RA1

I am a little surprised that PIT is #1 on this list. It is very much a union town with heavy industry, hence the name of the NFL team, Steelers. Glad it apparently has not joined the "rust belt" as so many towns in this latitude have. Many of these cities are pretty far north in the US and currently have cold winters. That may change with global warming but I will not live long enough for that to matter. Therefore, nice places to visit, but I don't wish to live there. The other couple of places are further south and have reasonable weather. Some do not like the "hot" summers but that is a matter of getting used to it and availing oneself of air-conditioning. How many of you are going to "dig ditches" where you live? I thought not many. So, just adjust to the ambient weather, stay indoors during the "hot" days and enjoy the rest. Best regards, RA1

BBB- I like your thinking but not necessarily your math. I am hoping that you are not paying $8.37 USD for a pint of beer. $837 for your rent would depend upon many things. Having a $2 drink right now in your honor. Best regards, RA1

I don't think I understand this post. It costs no money to become a member. However, everything has a price and that includes viewing on this site. Best regards, RA1

Or, apprently Rowling. Best regards, RA1

lookin'- I think you need to lay in a large supply. Apparently there is a large demand for this product and the price can only go up. Best regards, RA1

Wow. One apparently totally undisciplined person who is intent upon rearing two more. I am sure they need to be "reared" in more ways than one. All of them. Best regards, RA1

SFO has not won the WS since moving from the NY area and TX has never been in one. TV moguls and certain fans may not like this but there is only one WS and I will be watching. How do teams build a legacy? One WS at a time. Best regards, RA1

Politics are tough. It is very easy to offend some of your very best friends over politics. However, I have to say that I am very disappointed in both parties and am now very much a proponent of a third party. During all of my formative and growing up years I never thought I would think this. I have always assumed that the US had resolved the issues involving more than 2 parties and it would evermore be thus. Now, I don't think so. Both parties have abandoned us, the "little" voters. I hope for, and will in the future, expect more. We need less government, less interference in our daily lives and fewer restriction upon our personal freedoms. We are under attack folks and it is up to us to react. Best regards, RA1

Every employer has the right to fire anyone for any reason, so long as that reason in NOT PI (politically incorrect); therefore I am not blaming NPR for exercising their perogatives, just their publically announced reasons for doing so. The Congress seems upset about this also, or, at least some members thereof, who have stated, why are we funding NPR when they act this way? I have not seen this, but I have heard that there was more to the "report" than the sound bites so far reported. Later, he seemingly made it clear that he was not in favor of a "knee-jerk" reaction to Muslims and was only stating what many in the public seemed to think. Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? Only the Shadow and I am not personally acquainted with this gentleman (although I would like to be). There may be more to come. Best regards, RA1

I don't understand your comment about representing NPR or not. You seem to agree that he has the right to his opinion even though it might get him fired. Best regards, RA1

Just to make sure you know what BBJ in this case means, it stands for Boeing Business Jet. Boeing has "converted" the 737, mainly, but also the 757 into jets that have very luxious interiors and extra fuel tanks to accommodate business customers. We should be so lucky. Best regards, RA1

NPR seems to be very left leaning and liberal and has the rep of not firing anyone unless they actually are convicted of murder. Therefore, someone making a "conservative" remark is going to come under increased scrutiny and, in this case, be fired. Was he representing NPR and his "job" there when he made these remarks? Is he not entitled to his personal opinion? The answer to those questions is not so easy, but he seems to be on firm consitutional grounds with his remarks. That does not mean he cannot be fired for same. Many US citizens are nervous about riding on the airlines with Muslims, rightly or wrongly. It also seems correct without a doubt that the terrorists who perpetrated the 911 murders were Muslims. However, that does not make all Muslims "guilty" but, apparently, it does make them suspect. This will be a continuing question that the citizens and leadership of the US will have to deal with for some time to come. Best regards, RA1

If what Google did is/was legal, I believe it is called tax avoidance. Tax evasion is illegal. That does not mean I either condone or agree with these kinds of activities by any company to include Google. The US needs the money but that also does not mean I am for higher taxes. Restraint by all should be the watchword. Best regards, RA1

The strategy seems to be: because the administration has 60 days to appeal the lower court ruling they can not only wait for the elections to be over but also wait upon the military report due in early December supposedly stating how the military feels about the impact of repealing DADT. If the military has no "problem", then presumably the Congress can act, thus taking the administration "off the hook". The hook being two fold. One, the administration has stated they are against DADT but would prefer the Congress to repeal it, not the courts and two, ordinarily, the government should and would appeal a ruling such as this one by the lower court because the court has counter manded one of the government's rules (whether the present adminstration enacted it or wanted it or not). The government did get the appeals court to stay the lower court temporarily. Nice to have your cake and eat it too. Best regards, RA1

I wish to amend my previous remark. My prediction at that time was NYY vs. PHL but that was not necessarily my fondest desire. It won't make me unhappy to see SFO vs TX. TX has never been in a WS and how often have the Giants since moving to SFO? New blood is always fun and exciting, no? However, I still "prefer" the NL team to win. Just my thoughts. Best regards RA1 PS--PHL vs. TX will only be half as exciting, according to the theory delineated above.

Oz- I think you will have to go on the airlines if you want to go non-stop first class. The Gulfstream 650 which is due out in about 1.5-2 years is the only bizjet that will go that far. Maybe some of the BBJ's will but those are just airliners with fewer seats and more fuel. First class on the airlines has certainly been a many storied thing over the years. Before deregulation is when most people think real first class existed. However, there were no lay flat seats then, nevermind an "enclosed" space all your own ala A380's thus configured. Bottom line: First class was first class treatment (then) not amenities and that is what is so often lacking these days. Best regards, RA1

What do you get after two years of "progressive" rule? A lifetime of debt? Vastly increased taxes? I have no time for any politicians, as I am sure anyone who reads my posts will attest. As George Carlin said, are most of the people you know average and stupid? Just think, there are 50% more stupid than that. Otherwise, no one is safe around a New Yorker, but I love them anyway. Let's start a campaign to bring back DDT. It worked wonders and the bad effects for some uses can be controlled. I love eagles also. Best regards, RA1

You are watching too many cop shows on TV. Best regards, RA1

I was hoping he was talking about a cute black male, but, apparently, no such luck. Back to the original topic. I use a different name on this site from the one I use on the "other" site but it isn't to hide any thing. I just thought it appropriate to register using a different name at the time, sort of like using a different password for different accounts. However, I sign with the same close as the other site, therefore, anyone who knows me from the other site will also know me on this one. At one time I thought about changing the name here to match the other but that also seemed a bit of a bother. Best regards, RA1

Sorry, but the WS is most likely to be PHL vs NYY. And, I am hoping the Phillies win it again, even though they are among the arch enemies of ATL. NL is "real" baseball. Best regards, RA1

There is no end to the possible answers to your request. It depends upon any number of things. Do you want to eat "light", as healthful as possible, Italian, Greek, Asian, etc.? When I am in town, I cook 90+% of the meals that I eat. I have gotten so tired of restaurant food. I never eat "fast food". In the summer time I luxuriate by eating local veggies. Tomatoes, beans, peas, corn, cucumbers, etc. However, all that is likely not what you are asking. There are many good cooks on these roles and they shall, no doubt, offer plenty of suggestions. Nonetheless, for my own personal preferences: I cannot do without garlic powder (not garlic salt, I do not use salt at all), black pepper, rosemary, thyme, Italian seasoning, paprika, olive oil, canola oil, wheat flour of whatever description you like, powdered milk, lite butter, lite mayo, cheddar cheese, blue cheese, various forms of pasta, canned tomatoes in various forms, frijoles, several hot sauces, Kraft BBQ sauce, beef and chicken cubes and, no doubt, much more than I am not thinking of at this moment. Get some "stuff", try a few recipes either from a cook book or the internet and ask some more "pointed" questions. There are a lot of answers; most folks just need to know the questions. Best regards, RA1

I realize you are just stating "what is" but don't you think it is "wrong" for this to be so? My point is that "ordinary" offenses should be handled ordinarily and only if there are extreme miscarriages of justice that are not or cannot be remedied by the courts that the "political" process should or might be involved. We seem to have the political process involved all too often and, very often, for the wrong reasons, or so I think. Best regards, RA1