RA1

Historically there are many reasons to get married from economic "safety" to actual physical safety to societal and family pressure to the desire to have "legal" children, etc. Recently there are a few more reasons with gay legal unions. However, it seems once the foremost personal reason for being hitched is satisfied, there are ample opportunities to look around for other choices. Hence the divorce rate being so high. Staying hitched is almost as odds against as winning a lottery. As a friend of mine says, "You chances of winning the big lottery are the same whether you buy a ticket or not". Of course, there are many smaller lotteries and some folks do actually stay hitched. Being "permanent" roomies is another whole story. Everyone has the right to have their own personal reasons for being in a relationship. It helps if both (or all) parties are knowledgeable and in agreement about what those reasons happen to be. Best regards, RA1

I view this as folks cum late trying to patent the wheelbarrow or the shovel or the pitchfork, etc. All those "patents" ran out during the Iron Age or before. Best regards, RA1

I definitely stand in awe of "magicians". Thanks. Best regards, RA1

Actually I believe in the survival of the fittest + kindness. Mankind can over come all creatures except mankind. Mother Nature is still in charge. Mankind is coming closer and closer to being able to destroy the Earth but Mother Nature at this point can still destroy mankind or so I believe. I believe that mankind could co-exist with all those other creatures except for one thing---too many people. That simple fact is causing all the over fishing, the loss of species, starvation and many other ills that are not quick or easy to solve. I plan on doing my part by not having any offspring and dying one day. Best regards, RA1

This I am willing to believe is caused by human pollution and human overpopulation. I am not sure how we "protect" the open oceans considering the history of our international maritime laws. As a side issue, we in aviation are not too fond of close encounters with birds. I live near a major flyway and have dodged birds more than once. I once had a duck hit and become lodged in the "V" of a V-tail Bonanza. Naturally the local wags accused me of hunting out of season. It is a more serious and pervasive issue near any coast. Sea gulls are fairly large birds and seem to ignore any airport efforts to scare them away with noise or other non-harmful means. They only seem to move on when the airport property runs out of French fries. The "miracle on the Hudson" is only one in a long line of large and small aircraft either downed or damaged by birds. I prefer to co-exist with all of our fellow creatures but they have to do their part. Best regards, RA1

Yes, I am expecting transported tomatoes to be square any day now so they can pack more into a box. Those are already tasteless and then they will be ugly also. Best regards, RA1

Fascinating. I like Campbell's tomato soup. However, for "real" tomatoes, give me Ripley tomatoes any and every time. Best regards, RA1 PS- Those are the locally grown, eagerly anticipated every year MEM area tomatoes.

In a dumb race between the moderators and the candidates, it is difficult to know who won or lost. The thrust of most questions seemed to be, "When did you quit beating your wife?" Best regards, RA1

I have neither papyrus nor Moses. Best regards, RA1

Certainly scrolling to the bottom is a mystery to some. Best regards, RA1

Thanks for the interesting post. My theory about complaining is that the first time I need to do it, the management should and would like to be advised. If the discrepancy is corrected or ameliorated, I come back or use the service, etc. again. If the discrepancy is not corrected or it happens a second time, I never visit the facility or use the service again. Unfortunately, in some cases there are monopolies and they cannot be entirely avoided. In those cases I still complain and try to avoid them as much as possible. Best regards, RA1

I think a corollary to your comment about people hating to fly is similar to those who find little to no satisfaction in their jobs or careers. I feel sorry for those who think that way. However, there is no perfect job (mine certainly is not) but one's attitude makes a tremendous difference. Every time I think today is a bad day, I try to stop and think there is nothing I would rather be doing. Thanks for your reply. I hope whatever you do to need to fly 100M miles a year is something you also enjoy. Best regards, RA1

Thanks for the update and information. Were there millions in those camps? Just curious. Best regards, RA1

How many more should we take? We already have taken millions of south of the border economic refugees. Why have not our "allies" such as Saudia Arabia and many other middle east countries taken them in? Or, why have they not sought refuge in any of those countries? Could some part of it be because the European countries offer many "welfare" benefits? Without a doubt I would choose such a country if I were fleeing from Muslim tyranny. Best regards, RA1

I certainly agree that attitude is critical and you have a good one. Going to BKK is and should be fun. However, I am curious about your $750 fare and your "free" 3- 75 pound checked bags. Could anyone just access this flight on the internet and as a first time flyer get It at the price you suggest? Surely access to lounges is not included in a one time ticket? I am not picking on you. Whatever you did and do to get the price and concessions you get is apparently worth it to you. I, too, enjoy air travel. It has been my whole career. I have thousands of hours riding in the back of airliners but I have not done so since 2001. I also have thousands of hours in the left front seat which is now and always was my preference. There is no free lunch. Please enjoy your choices and I will continue to enjoy mine. Best regards, RA1

Ryan Air, where are you? Best regards, RA1

Actually, anyone who has a good to better experience on any airline should be pleased and count himself lucky for that trip. F has been gone for 20 or more years, replaced by "add-ons" such as small motel rooms, unprounceable food, etc. Business is almost what passes for what now is called cattle class. You pay how many hundred dollars or give up how many miles for 1.5 inch more seat? We won't even go into cattle class, named not only for how the airlines treat you there but also how many act there. The airlines are not the only but they are the leading exponent of businesses that treat their customers like dirt. Are all airline pax into S&M? Why does anyone pay to be treated like this? Why does arriving at the terminal 1-2 hours before the flight, actually leaving on time and arriving an hour later, on time, seem like a wonderful flight? Answer: Because it almost never happens, when this should be quite ordinary and expected. Best regards, RA1

By now you shouldn't have to practice all that much. Best regards, RA1

That famous river in Egypt. Best regards, RA1

Thanks! Best regards, RA1

No, just calories. Best regards, RA1

I was wondering if this was an S&M question or just what. Best regards, RA1

Even though I do not cook with salt and, in fact, do not keep it in my kitchen or home, I do like anchovies. Therefore I will have to give this a try. Thanks. Best regards, RA1

Apparently we will never agree about Jimmy so let us agree to disagree and go on. He is neither the best saint nor worst sinner to appear on this Earth. Best regards, RA1

Even if true, what does it prove? Good guys finish last? The US voters cannot recognize a good thing if it bit them on the toes? I am sorry that he is sick. I hope he does not suffer much in his final days. However, his feet are just as much clay as any others. Best regards, RA1