RA1

I would probably move to such as Palmer or some "suburb" of ANC (Anchorage) partly because of its' proximity to " civilization". After all, reaching most of Alaska requires the use of an aircraft so where ever you might be, you are only as far away as the nearest airport + a little flying time. Juneau is interesting as the capital and being totally land locked. The only way in or out is a ship or aircraft. I have flown into there a few times and found the approaches "interesting" from an aeronautical point of view. In other words, sometimes challenging. Lots of fun available, depending upon one's view of fun. Best regards, RA1

Those Southern states probably scored but not necessarily favorably. Best regards, RA1

There is a previous thread about remembering mom from a couple of days ago. BUT, more of this kind of love can never be too much, can it? Best regards, RA1

That may be true but they are monitoring our right to privacy, not the words or message contained within same. Best regards, RA1

I suppose it might depend upon one's definition of "public place". Is it simply outdoors or the balcony of an apartment or hotel room or cabin on a cruise ship? Is it that casual passersby could suddenly appear and observe whatever is going on? Is it in front of an audience or potential audience as AS suggests? I suppose we all individually have a definition that applies to us but not necessarily universally. The "common" thread may be the "thrill". Best regards, RA1

Who was having sex? You or him or both? Best regards, RA1

Oregon is a beautiful place with nice folks but, as you suggest, not having a sales tax means that revenue must be generated from other sources. TN has no income tax except a limited amount on dividends earned outside of TN but it has a pretty high sales tax and a very regressive property tax (not necessarily an extremely high one, just regressive). If I had to choose a "cold" place to live or retire, likely it would be Alaska. Suits my spirit of adventure. Best regards, RA1

You have provided a technical answer to a philosophical question. To my way of thinking, "monitor" and "privacy" are mutually exclusive words. Best regards, RA1

Eventually "someone" has to pay for socialistic leanings. Best regards, RA1

BBB- IF only it were so. Best regards, RA1

How is it possible to monitor communications without infringing upon privacy? Best regards, RA1

I know that guy. Best regards, RA1

I think I saw Santa going up the chimney just a little while ago. Best regards, RA1

I only speak Southern unless otherwise requested. Best regards, RA1

Ah, the English language. Best regards, RA1

This sounds interesting but it also sounds like a very foreign country with incumbent warnings. I acknowledge that a word to the wise should be sufficient and appreciate that. However, I have done a little business in Turkey and it was among my worst experiences in a foreign land. To offer a somewhat balanced view, the principal did mention that he knew someone that I knew in my own city. That was a good thing. However, I was basically held "economic hostage" for dollars unless and until various "parts" were returned or not to the aircraft in question. They were but not without difficulty. OTOH, the aircraft in question did arrive where it was supposed to after a protracted and expensive sojourn into whatever land. Bottom line: I am not antagonistic about Turkey but wary. I hope that makes sense. Best regards, RA1

I will certainly fight for its' rights but how does one determine if a fetus is gay? Actually I prefer mine over 18. Best regards. RA1

She was or so she said. Best regards, RA1

I wasn't going to read this because my mother passed last August at age 92. The holidays and special days are still tough for me. However, I agree about remembering all the good times as often as possible. We did crossword puzzles every week together until the last couple of weeks so she was mainly still there mentally. I enjoyed her all my life. Thanks, wayout. Best regards, RA1

I am surprised that TN is #1 but not surprised generally about these kinds of lists. Every state probably has something to recommend it and something negative so it all depends upon what you are willing to and can accept. TN is the state in which I have lived all my life although LOTS of travel during. It has tremendous variation from east to west in geography, politics and culture. Mountains in the east, river plateau in the middle and Mississippi River delta (or the beginning thereof) in the west. Perhaps the most common feature to all is that the state capital, Nashville, is in the center. All roads lead to Nashville. I have spent at least some period of time in every US state except HI. I found good things about each an every one of them. I tried to ignore or avoid knowing any negative things unless thrust upon me, partly because I was not going to be there for very long. Why accent the negative? I personally could "survive" any place but would not choose to retire in a place hard on my bank account or extremely cold in winter. After that, most all is relative. Regardless, I have no plans to retire until the FAA or Mama Nature not only suggests it but requires it. Then I will worry about my options (if any). Best regards, RA1

That is fine with me. However, my own dotage has come and gone a couple of times (with short periods of recovery here and there) so you might have to contend with whoever is taking care of me. Best regards, RA1

Cool. But a friend of mine in NZ pointed out that a gun had been printed and fired (with one bullet) from such. I replied that I considered this as similar to the gun carved out of soap by Willie Sutton (bank robber) which allowed him to get out of jail (temporarily) Still, his approach was "safer". Best regards, RA1

Interesting about the general. I have been told more than once that women and children of clergy can be the most war like opponents. I have already said more than I care to about Al Gore. I have virtually no respect for him. Best regards, RA1

No, but I have flown folks who did eat at various. Actually I have eaten at one or two of them. But, I am just as happy with a "local" cheeseburger, not a franchise one. Best regards, RA1

Of course, I agree. A national sales tax will never happen. But, that does not change all the issues otherwise involved. Best regards, RA1