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

And, the internet. Best regards, RA1

This isn't called the Communist News Network for nothing. They do their own thing, don't they? Best regards, RA1

When will we learn, pols are often criminal or moral misfits or worse? Where do I sign up to be a pol? Best regards, RA1

Charlie- You are my favorite "tactile forever" poster. That is my favorite modus operandi with attractive young guys. Internet gas stations are here. All you have to do is buy an electric car. Consumers who do not (by choice) or cannot shop online often have other ways of saving money shopping. This includes barter and other trade-offs for goods and services. No sales tax collected with these. Records of sales, required or otherwise from states, are no different from the headache of collecting sales taxes and paying them. The paperwork is the issue, at least the main issue. The "real" way to cure this would be a national sales tax (ridding us of income taxes) but there are problems with this to include the political climate and states rights vs. national interests. Best regards, RA1

Pervs forever! Best regards, RA1

Well they do have a l-o-n-g extension cord that reaches to Tennessee where we still use semaphore, smoke signals and drums but often get the message delivered. Best regards, RA1

Competition is almost always beneficial to the consumer, but there is a limit to everything, isn't there? Best regards, RA1

Jack Benny? Best regards, RA1

I'm not famous and I don't want to see them either. Best regards, RA1

What is a "real" brick and mortar company anymore? Haven't they succumbed to the same allure of foreign workers and the internet as internet "only" companies? How often do you go into a bank anymore? I do 90% of my banking on the internet and write maybe 5 checks a year (from the paper stock I have). As you know, there are internet only banks. I would prefer to do more business locally but they have to increase their efficiency and offer the products and services I want. Obviously their prices need to be competitive also. A counterpoint to my previous lament about the cost of shipping is the cost of driving around. Basically if the business is not located very near to my route from the airport to my house, I don't do business there. People who drive even a short distance out of their way to save 5 cents on a gallon of gas are kidding themselves. If you buy 15 gallons and save 75 cents but drove even one mile out of the way (at $1 a mile) you lost money. Anyone who thinks it does not cost between 50 cents and $1 a mile to drive their cars either drives a whole lot with a "cheap" car or hasn't done the "real" math. I have spent a good amount of time over the years doing these kinds of calculations to save money on Jet A fuel. Even with a $2 per gallon savings and buying 300 gallons, one cannot fly somewhere specifically to buy fuel. Best regards, RA1

Or, maybe worse, stroking out and not the good kind. Welcome back. Best regards, RA1

It is an old story but likely applicable to many. Best regards, RA1

This reminds me of the story about the 95 year old guy who was being interviewed by the local paper and asked about his longevity. He was barely able to move or get around and did not get up until about noon but he was glad to be alive. The paper specifically asked him about his opinion as to what allowed him to live so long. He replied, clean living, no alcohol, no tobacco, no fast women, etc. Then, suddenly, there was a huge noise with much banging and clamoring from the room next door. The reporter asked our older gentleman what that noise was. He replied, that is paw, his drunk again and entertaining some whores. Don't mind the smoke coming under the doorway, he has to have his cigar every afternoon. Best regards, RA1

wayout- I understand your post completely. However, you raise an interesting point. What is the difference between being picked on verbally or physically? Answer: it depends. Both can be harmful. One might show rather rapid results and the other may have long term effects. They also seem to somewhat change as one gets older. Bar fights are generally physical (at some point) and a form of bullying for slightly older folks. Picking verbally on your children, relatives, friends or co-workers may or may not be bullying depending upon your social attitude and whether you are instilling discipline or just being mean. In one sense of the words, I pick on people all the time but my intention is for them to either learn or laugh with me. When I have a starting out pilot flying with me, I have very high expectations and they soon know it but, without exception, I think they have enjoyed flying with me as much as I enjoyed flying with them. I think they know I am just trying to help them with their careers. Self esteem and confidence in what you are doing (especially with flying) is very important for a successful career. Just my thoughts. Best regards, RA1

My ideal boycation would involve flying. It almost doesn't matter where because the trip is what does it for me, not the destination. Having a young man who also enjoys flying or, be still my heart, actually had an interest in aviation + a nice airplane + the money to do it all would be completely sufficient. I almost had one of these a few years back. I was on a business trip to CYVR (Vancouver) and was to bring the airplane back empty. So, I arranged for a meeting of a "friendly" guy to meet me there. We flew back to Seattle and did the Boeing factory, the air museums, Friday Harbor and then flew to Kalispell and did the Road to the Sun in Glacier National Park. From there we flew to COS (Colorado Springs) and then MEM, after which he flew home. It was only 4 days but I enjoyed it a lot. Best regards, RA1

Thanks for the reply and clarification. I realized what you are saying must be the case after I had already posted. I find it pretty interesting that any product can be cheaper after paying sales tax and shipping. Shipping one item or even several is far more expensive that a whole truck load or train car load or ship load. Therefore convenience (or possibly availability) have to be the prime reason(s) to use what used to be called mail order buying. Still, I think that the price of convenience is going to go up in most folks minds with sales tax + shipping. I understand convenience and appreciate it as much as most but it has to have a reasonable price for me to be completely happy. My life experience suggests that folks with much more money (than me) are more willing to pay for convenience than I am. Here I am mainly thinking of people who own shares in aircraft. They pay a huge price for convenience and to avoid what I consider the minor irritations of owning the whole thing. Not only dollars but also having a different pilot on every flight as well as a different aircraft each time. Generally my folks and passengers recognize me as being the pilot. I wish and hope the state of California is as happy to receive your contributions as you are to make them and that they will do something useful with the money. I know you would if you still had it. Best regards, RA1

Sounds like a reasonable exchange to me. Best regards, RA1

So you deduct the tax paid to Amazon on your CA tax return? Just curious? Best regards, RA1

BBB- Of course you suck, after all, you are gay. I was never bullied but then I played all the "macho" sports and as an attendant at a good HS almost everyone made good grades and went to a good college or university. NOW, I am ready to bully everyone. Best regards, RA1

TN requires each individual who buys something on the internet and has it delivered to TN to pay sales tax BUT there is no enforcement or really any way to enforce it. The proposed law is attempting to make it somewhat fair but it creates a paperwork nightmare as 4A has suggested. I see one of two things happening. Either large internet sales organizations will have to continue to absorb the shipping costs ( which rise all the time) or lose a lot of business IF the sales tax law is passed. Ask yourself: How often is the lack of sales tax or absorbed shipping the biggest difference between where you buy a product? Convenience at major holidays will allow many to continue then but in the long run what is that worth? Best regards, RA1

All you need is a rubber ball, a horn to blow and maybe a couple of minnows. Best regards, RA1

At a first causal glance this pic looks like it could be Gort who you will remember had the authority to do whatever necessary to preserve peace. Best regards, RA1

I didn't realize that "work" was a "sensitive" environment. What do I know? Best regards, RA1