RA1

No, no, eeyore, you keep your cash in the refrigerator and your car keys under the sofa cushions which is where they will end up anyway. Best regards, RA1

Sorry that you got that impression. I have a lot of friends who live and are "from" up east. Gore was born in Washington, DC partly because his father, Al Gore, Sr. was a US senator from TN. However, he always claimed to be a native Tennesseean and he and his family own property in TN. So, my comment is partly based upon what I consider "false advertising" by him. I better stop now. I have a lot of negative things to say about Gore and this thread is probably not the time or place. Best regards, RA1

After refusing to use a debit card for years, I finally started using one last year. Now, it is almost all that I use. During that interval, the banks ponied up with better "protection", as you suggest, and will eventually make things right. However, look at your situation. You keep your card in your shirt pocket (so do I), so most likely you will notice it gone in a matter of a few hours at most. The latest being when you empty your pockets to go to bed or should I say sleep. That gives you time to notify the bank and cancel the card, which is what happened to you and you did. My debit card is attached to a web bank account so I can check what is going on every day or every hour if I should want to do so. I notice that most transactions do not necessarily clear even the same day so you can observe the charge for the fill-up you made that afternoon in a "suspense" category. That suggests to me that you could cancel that transaction with good reason. I have never had to do that but that is what I suppose. I used to carry a lot of cash because earlier in my career I bought fuel at places that would not take US credit cards. Then I switched to mostly credit cards and now debit cards. Yes, you can have more than one debit card and multiple accounts, if you wish and at my bank, no cost. Best regards, RA1

Just wait until Obamacare kicks fully in if you think docs are hard to find now. Of course, it isn't that simple, medical schools have limited enrollment for years, but the new law will have the biggest impact of anything I think ever, but certainly in decades. My family doc died about a year and a half ago. He was also my FAA medical examiner so I actually had to find two docs unless I had been lucky enough to find another who could and would be both. The "conventional" advice is to not have one doc wear both hats but I had a lot of confidence in the one I had. If I could contact him, I would fuss at him for up and dying on me. As mentioned by Expat there are a plethora of reasons why the doc won't take you or you might not be satisfied with him or her. However and regardless, I think it is critical that one be highly involved with one's medical care. One cannot know too much and you are the #1 beneficiary and recipient of whatever happens. Best regards, RA1

MS Guy- Perhaps I should have said all pols that I have personally observed being other than their public personna which includes Gore. I suspect all of them but especially those I have seen disregarding their stated principles. Charlie- i am not willing to defend Bush, Jr. either but I have not personally observed his dissembling. I do have some respect for Bush, Sr. and especially before he was prez. Best regards, RA1

As you say, a non-existent network. I am sorry, but, who cares what Al Gore does or says? I, for one, do not. He has always been a fraud, first by claiming to be from TN when he actually is from DC, at least in his formative years and by political temperment. Again, sorry if I am sort of hijacking the thread and disregarding Olbermann, someone I do not follow. It is difficult for me to disregard Gore. I am a native Tennessean and think he is part of the "Eastern" establishment, which includes DC, and not someone I care to have in my "group" of associates. I have seen him personally and he is NOT the public personna that many think he is but, then, who is? All pols are suspect. Best regards, RA1

This involved 2 and maybe 3 "fools", April or otherwise. A contractor I knew was fooling around on his wife and the GF apparently convinced him that she was about to "spill the beans" so, on that day, he called his wife and said, we are going to HI and before 6 hours had passed on that same day, they were enroute to Hawaii. I am sure anyone can list the several "fools" in this story. Best regards, RA1

If only attorneys would pay attention to this maxim. Best regards, RA1

There is a "factoid" floating around that states that after the JP goes beyond about 400 million there is the likelihood of diminishing returns from the fact that so many folks are entering the pool that the chance of mulitiple winners emerges. In other words if one person wins 400 million, good for him or her, but if 25 people win the 640 million or whatever it ultimately is, they will be "shortchanged". Personally, I would be pleased to take the 25+ million before taxes and "run". Best regards, RA1

Yes, similarly, when I "slip the surly bonds of earth..." I seem to leave my cares behind. I know they might be still there when I return but a brief but real respite can be most welcome. It is always a pretty day if one can go high enough and get above the clouds. Some days this is not possible but the challenge of flying correctly is always there. Best regards, RA1

I would be willing to wager a good deal more than I have so far on the lottery that your "admission" will NOT change anyone's prayer schedule. Best regards, RA1

I have an old friend who says, the odds are the same on winning the lottery whether you buy a ticket or not. However, I just bought 2 tickets for the Mega Millions drawing this Friday. Best regards, RA1

Wow. Talk about political opposites. I can't imagine Hanoi Jane playing Mrs. Reagan. Best regards, RA1

That is an interesting question. I have "always" assumed that marriage was a religious ceremony and a civil union was just that. Therefore I have had no problem with civil unions between any two consenting adults. I have had "thoughts" about marriages, however. I am certainly willing to learn. Best regards, RA1

Personalities are always interesting and BS's is certainly so. I do not claim to be a R but a Libertarian. Your personality is interesting and so is hers but, sorry, I do not necessarily agree with your or her politics. We can still share "stuff". Best regards, RA1

I saw Funny Girl, the movie, with my older sister when it was first run and enjoyed it immensely. While I do not always agree with MS. Streisand's politics, I always enjoy her voice, her performances and her "moxie". Best regards, RA1

He might go to JAX. They "can't" get worse. Seriously, playing in FL will be good for him and his fans. That is where he made his "name" and most likely will do the best PR. Regardless of his personal feelings or "appeal", I only wish him the best. He tries hard and, as far as I can tell, does not disrespect anyone. That includes you and me or so I hope. Best regards, RA1

Turbo Tax's fees seem quite reasonable. I, too, shall further investigate their products. Thanks. Best regards, RA1

I thought the ROD remarks were classy. Best regards, RA1

I would be more than pleased to cruise WEHO with AS looking for some twinks. I am hoping either the twinks or AS and I would be more physically appealing than those depicted but who knows? lookin', you are welcome to come along and cruise also. Best regards, RA1

Fixing the driver is beyond a reasonable expectation. Technology will never be perfect because, after all, it is invented and contrived by man who, by definition, is not perfect. However, the "best" technology will almost certainly be superior to the "average" man. Also, "amazing". Best regards, RA1

"Our standards are a joke." No kidding. Entirely too many folks engage the transmission before they engage the brain and that is folks who are not chemically impaired. Most folks regard a DL as a right rather than a privilege. We would save a lot of gas as well as road repair costs if we kept inept drivers off the road. Just think of how serene driving would be with only 1/2 the current drivers OR if they all obeyed traffic rules and drove competently. Best regards, RA1

Apparently this T shirt and bumper sticker have been out for more than 10 months and it is just now coming to "our" attention. I guess we aren't as "cutting edge" as some seem to think. Best regards, RA1

The "list" is interesting and I notice it did NOT include some other "friends" of mine but such is life. Best regards, RA1

Doesn't it "hurt" to be "born again"? Best regards, RA1