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ronholm
Joined: 26 Jan 2007
Posts: 12111
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| Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 5:00 pm Post subject: |
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| garyfritz wrote: |
Cliff, FWIW: I haven't had a full-time job since 1991. I've been contracting, without "benefits," for 16 years. We pay our own health insurance &etc. Being a gun-for-hire has a lot of advantages if you can swing it. I have a LOT more time flexibility, take a lot more time off, and make more money than I would as an employee. And I almost never have to go to meetings.  |
AMEN to that...
| Mark_A_W wrote: |
I'll never understand how/why your health insurance is tied to your job.
The only thing dumber than that would be having your pension fund invest back into the company. |
.
Shoot I knew we agreed more than we disagreed.. LOL...
My wife is a gummit employee so she takes full advantage of that ripp off to citizens of my county
I have a PPO that covers the big stuff (should I ever need it) and I pick up the tab(in cash) when I catch a cold or scrape my knee...
Dirt cheap... Still running at less than your cost per month including the numerous visits I have had to the doctor this year...
I too would be interested to see how much of your health care costs are subsidized by your tax dollars...
Because the In actual practice the Austrialian Health care system isn't anymore socialized than the U.S. system ... Is it? 
_________________
Play stupid games, win stupid prizes
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Phil Smith
Joined: 08 Mar 2006
Posts: 7717
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| Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 5:33 pm Post subject: |
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| Z-Photo wrote: | cliffy has been taking lessons from chris. now he wants us to feel sorry for his 4 G90 having ass.  |
That's mean but funny! I didn't want to mention it, but leave it to Pete!
Cliffy you're a nice guy, so I really don't like criticizing you, but you sure have an odd way of "battening down the hatches" for hard times. You say you have your family's best interest at heart. It doesn't really appear that way.
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Z-Photo
Joined: 07 Mar 2006
Posts: 2749
Location: Huntsville - Alabama
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| Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 5:56 pm Post subject: |
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I had a smiley attached....
_________________
Engineer by Day
Photographer by Night
My Portfolio
The Only GOOD AMPRO - is a Dead AMPRO.
wait - are they not all DEAD already?
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overclkr
Joined: 08 Mar 2006
Posts: 4227
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| Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 6:08 pm Post subject: |
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| Phil Smith wrote: | | Z-Photo wrote: | | cliffy has been taking lessons from chris. now he wants us to feel sorry for his 4 G90 having ass. |
That's mean but funny! I didn't want to mention it, but leave it to Pete!
Cliffy you're a nice guy, so I really don't like criticizing you, but you sure have an odd way of "battening down the hatches" for hard times. You say you have your family's best interest at heart. It doesn't really appear that way. |
Phil,
How things "appear" to you is not important to me. You really have no idea at all what so ever when it comes to me and my family and regardless, please dont take this personally, but how things appear to you mean absolutely nothing to me when it comes to my personal life.
I shouldn't even have to come in here and explain a damn thing and at this point I'm starting to get pissed. I offered the information as the truth, it is the truth, and it should be just left at that.
I'm sure you all can find much better things to talk about than my financial and family situation.
Cliff
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drice1234
Joined: 07 Oct 2006
Posts: 1309
Location: Allen, Texas
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| Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 6:30 pm Post subject: |
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Gotta go with Phil on this. If someone wants to brag about their setup they need to be prepared for the responses. Maybe seeing your own words will let you take a look at this from the people who are reading your posts perspective.
I need an insurance policy so that my investment is protected and so that I don't end up with a boat anchor on the ceiling in my theater.
| Quote: |
I wish I could afford health insurance |
It does seem from these statements that your priority's are skewed. A G90 would buy alot of health insurance. I understand the new one is on "loan" and no cash has been transferred but personally if I was worried about health insurance and I had (2) premium projectors, one would be gone. That's just me, everyone is different.
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Z-Photo
Joined: 07 Mar 2006
Posts: 2749
Location: Huntsville - Alabama
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| Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 6:40 pm Post subject: |
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Well,
everyone has a different method of handling stress. Cliff and his G90/theater may just be his method.
It sure is better than Michael Vick's and less destructive that others.
(Cliff - i was just poking fun - no harm intended)
_________________
Engineer by Day
Photographer by Night
My Portfolio
The Only GOOD AMPRO - is a Dead AMPRO.
wait - are they not all DEAD already?
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overclkr
Joined: 08 Mar 2006
Posts: 4227
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| Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 6:58 pm Post subject: |
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| Z-Photo wrote: | Well,
everyone has a different method of handling stress. Cliff and his G90/theater may just be his method.
It sure is better than Michael Vick's and less destructive that others.
(Cliff - i was just poking fun - no harm intended) |
No harm taken Pete.
Cliff
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emdawgz1
Joined: 14 Mar 2006
Posts: 7949
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| Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 7:25 pm Post subject: |
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| drice1234 wrote: | Gotta go with Phil on this. If someone wants to brag about their setup they need to be prepared for the responses. Maybe seeing your own words will let you take a look at this from the people who are reading your posts perspective.
I need an insurance policy so that my investment is protected and so that I don't end up with a boat anchor on the ceiling in my theater.
| Quote: |
I wish I could afford health insurance |
It does seem from these statements that your priority's are skewed. A G90 would buy alot of health insurance. I understand the new one is on "loan" and no cash has been transferred but personally if I was worried about health insurance and I had (2) premium projectors, one would be gone. That's just me, everyone is different. |
The way i figure is, Cliff is a big boy. If he's ok, if the wife is ok, must be ok.
You can question anyones priorities in life. If it makes them happy, whythehellareyou so sad?????
_________________
Follow my blog
www.thesinglebrother.com
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rabies_70
Joined: 15 Feb 2007
Posts: 1189
Location: Carlsbad, CA
TV/Projector: Sony G70Q
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| Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 8:45 pm Post subject: |
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Hey Cliff we've never even chatted but I have tons of empathy for your job situation.
And tons of good natured jealousy for your G90 situation  you lucky bastard! My little theater is definitely a sanctuary for my family and my self from the illegitimi and if people don't get that, well then they just don't get it.
I've been "unemployed" for the last few years and I hope I never have to be "employed" again. It has been totally stressful at times and money can get tight, but one of the nice things about this country is when you find the motivation to see it there is unlimited opportunity around every single corner and over every single obstacle. I've got a feeling ones coming into view for you right now.
Best of luck
_________________
Ray
I am an iconoclast
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overclkr
Joined: 08 Mar 2006
Posts: 4227
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| Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 10:13 pm Post subject: |
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| rabies_70 wrote: | Hey Cliff we've never even chatted but I have tons of empathy for your job situation.
And tons of good natured jealousy for your G90 situation you lucky bastard! My little theater is definitely a sanctuary for my family and my self from the illegitimi and if people don't get that, well then they just don't get it.
I've been "unemployed" for the last few years and I hope I never have to be "employed" again. It has been totally stressful at times and money can get tight, but one of the nice things about this country is when you find the motivation to see it there is unlimited opportunity around every single corner and over every single obstacle. I've got a feeling ones coming into view for you right now.
Best of luck |
Thanks Ray. Could you do me a favor and PM me your secret? 
I can understand in a way becuase I do tend to brag so with that being said, well, I cant help it. I've reached the point in my hobby that I set a goal for years ago now. It's time to enjoy it.
If times go further south for me in the next year, well, time to sell it. For now though, I'm going to enjoy it.
Sorry if I offended anyone.
Cliff
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overclkr
Joined: 08 Mar 2006
Posts: 4227
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| Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 10:14 pm Post subject: |
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| emdawgz1 wrote: | | drice1234 wrote: | Gotta go with Phil on this. If someone wants to brag about their setup they need to be prepared for the responses. Maybe seeing your own words will let you take a look at this from the people who are reading your posts perspective.
I need an insurance policy so that my investment is protected and so that I don't end up with a boat anchor on the ceiling in my theater.
| Quote: |
I wish I could afford health insurance |
It does seem from these statements that your priority's are skewed. A G90 would buy alot of health insurance. I understand the new one is on "loan" and no cash has been transferred but personally if I was worried about health insurance and I had (2) premium projectors, one would be gone. That's just me, everyone is different. |
The way i figure is, Cliff is a big boy. If he's ok, if the wife is ok, must be ok.
You can question anyones priorities in life. If it makes them happy, whythehellareyou so sad????? |
She is fine with it because she know's how happy it makes me. She however is jealous of your Avatars.
Cliffy
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Mark_A_W
Joined: 15 Mar 2006
Posts: 3068
Location: Sunny Melbourne Australia
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| Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 10:24 pm Post subject: |
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| ecrabb wrote: | | Mark_A_W wrote: | | Oh, about $140 or so for a family of 4 here. |
Wow, that's super cheap. Just curious how it compares, though... As a percentage, how much of your income goes to income taxes?
SC |
I pay about 26%. But if you think of your income in after tax dollars, it's kinda irrelevant.
It depends how much you earn of course. My wife pays barely any tax as she only works 8hrs a week, and we get lotsa kid related benefits from the government for her.
The private health insurance payment is partially subsidised by the government, + there are penalties if you don't have it and you earn more than $50k, and penalties starting at age 30 to encourage early takeup.
Then there's the public health system as well, available to all, fully subsided by the government.
You can choose cheap (public) or fast (private).
It works pretty well. You don't have to get "pre-approval" or use the right hospitals or any of that crap. Not perfect, but no "Sicko" docos about it (which I understand is not exactly balanced).
Health is the biggest part of our national budget, followed by education. We, of course, don't have a military to speak of.
I'm happy to pay my income taxes. It's part of being a responsible citizen. When a tradesman offers a better price for cash, I tend to tell him to stick it.
What I don't like is tax-on-a-tax, like GST on top of fuel excise. And friggin stamp duty on houses - a concept that may be foreign to many of you, luck you if it is.
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overclkr
Joined: 08 Mar 2006
Posts: 4227
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| Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 10:30 pm Post subject: |
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| Mark_A_W wrote: | | ecrabb wrote: | | Mark_A_W wrote: | | Oh, about $140 or so for a family of 4 here. |
Wow, that's super cheap. Just curious how it compares, though... As a percentage, how much of your income goes to income taxes?
SC |
I pay about 26%. But if you think of your income in after tax dollars, it's kinda irrelevant.
It depends how much you earn of course. My wife pays barely any tax as she only works 8hrs a week, and we get lotsa kid related benefits from the government for her.
The private health insurance payment is partially subsidised by the government, + there are penalties if you don't have it and you earn more than $50k, and penalties starting at age 30 to encourage early takeup.
Then there's the public health system as well, available to all, fully subsided by the government.
You can choose cheap (public) or fast (private).
It works pretty well. You don't have to get "pre-approval" or use the right hospitals or any of that crap. Not perfect, but no "Sicko" docos about it (which I understand is not exactly balanced).
Health is the biggest part of our national budget, followed by education. We, of course, don't have a military to speak of.
I'm happy to pay my income taxes. It's part of being a responsible citizen. When a tradesman offers a better price for cash, I tend to tell him to stick it.
What I don't like is tax-on-a-tax, like GST on top of fuel excise. And friggin stamp duty on houses - a concept that may be foreign to many of you, luck you if it is. |
You guys have probably the best health care on the planet. There is a lot to be said for that as well. I put Canada second to you.
Here in the US, health care is OUT OF CONTROL and as well, the people that run health care and are in charge of the $$$ are out of control as well.
The outlook is not good.
To give you an example:
A hospital charges you 30 bucks for a box of tissue in the US. THIRTY DOLLARS FOR A BOX OF TISSUE. 
Cliff
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wallace123456
Joined: 14 Aug 2006
Posts: 2236
Location: Northwest VA area
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| Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 10:39 pm Post subject: |
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| overclkr wrote: | | Sorry if I offended anyone. Cliff |
Hey,
I for one ain't offended. I honestly don't see how I could. Your business is your business.
I am the LAST person that has a right to judge anyone, especially a friend.
But, your pic of the g90s is still almost as sexxxy as emdawgz1 avatar.  ; just the g90s part of it!!!!
BTW,
Phil would you hang up from the 1-900-G90-ORGY? I can't get thru!!! 
wallace
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garyfritz
Joined: 08 Apr 2006
Posts: 12088
Location: Fort Collins, CO
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| Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 10:43 pm Post subject: |
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The US could easily afford health care for all, if we didn't spend so much of our money on the military. The military gets around 20-25% of the US budget every year -- imagine how many hospitals that would pay for, how many bridges and dams and roads could be repaired! But the CURRENT year's budget is only part of the story. See e.g. http://www.warresisters.org/piechart.htm. This is HARDLY an unbiased source, but it looks at the data a little differently than the "% of current budget" approach. That piechart counts all the military pensions, PLUS 80% of the interest on the national debt -- which we wouldn't have if we hadn't been spending money we didn't have on the military. They say that if you count ALL the true costs of the military, the US spends over HALF its budget on past & present military expenditures.
Even if you only accept half of their addition (which is pretty much a no-brainer, considering the current expenditures in Iraq &etc), that's still an ENORMOUS piece of the US budget that is not being applied to productive, peaceful, life-enhancing ends.
I'm not saying having a military is bad. Obviously it came in handy in WWII &etc. But we also have a huge organization, and a huge industry around it, that survives and thrives on war, and effectively creates wars for its own self-perpetuation. Eisenhower warned about the military-industrial complex, saying it could take control of national policy for its own self-interest. I'd say that day arrived quite a while ago. We go looking for wars in far too many places, and it costs us dearly at home.
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stefuel
Joined: 07 Mar 2006
Posts: 3353
Location: Green Harbor MA USA
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| Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 10:47 pm Post subject: |
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Holy $hit. I had no intension of starting a Cliffy roast. I was just poking fun. Now I feel like a smuck 
I'm sorry. Now please excuse me while I jump out the window. Damn, that won't work. I live in a ranch
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Chip
A Barco is only a AmPro with training wheels
Card carrying member of the AVS chain gang.
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Ridebreck
Joined: 08 Mar 2006
Posts: 943
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
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| Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 10:52 pm Post subject: |
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My current livelihood is heavily dependent on the military, but that probably wouldn't change much regardless of whether we're at war. The government is always building new facilities somewhere, and we try our best to get our share. I've been lucky in that my industry (construction) has remained strong over the years. I can only hope that remains the case.
Good luck to you, Cliff (even if you are a G-90 hoarding so and so ).
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ronholm
Joined: 26 Jan 2007
Posts: 12111
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| Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 11:02 pm Post subject: |
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| garyfritz wrote: | | The US could easily afford health care for all, if we didn't spend so much of our money on the military. |
Oh for goodness sake.. Even with the war, military spending as a percentage of the U.S. Budget is way down compared to the last 200 yrs.. Ever read the tenth amendment?
| Quote: | | -- imagine how many hospitals that would pay for, how many bridges and dams and roads could be repaired! |
Talk to your Governor please.. not the President.. And ya want to see the real math.. Because you are correct your source is not "unbiased" None really are.. But I think I can get you closer to the actual numbers...
Start here
http://www.loc.gov/index.html
| Quote: | | effectively creates wars for its own self-perpetuation |
OMG... The "Red" hippie message is still bouncing around
See this site for what your military is promoting today
http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1
www.usmc.mil
http://www.army.mil/
yada yada yada...
_________________
Play stupid games, win stupid prizes
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Phil Smith
Joined: 08 Mar 2006
Posts: 7717
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| Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2007 1:36 am Post subject: |
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| drice1234 wrote: | Gotta go with Phil on this. If someone wants to brag about their setup they need to be prepared for the responses. Maybe seeing your own words will let you take a look at this from the people who are reading your posts perspective.
I need an insurance policy so that my investment is protected and so that I don't end up with a boat anchor on the ceiling in my theater.
| Quote: |
I wish I could afford health insurance |
It does seem from these statements that your priority's are skewed. A G90 would buy alot of health insurance. I understand the new one is on "loan" and no cash has been transferred but personally if I was worried about health insurance and I had (2) premium projectors, one would be gone. That's just me, everyone is different. |
Cliffy,
I worded my post too strong. My apologies!
You were bragging (not in a bad way, you were just happy) about adding 2 more G90s to your herd, when you've been talking about job problems for over 6 months. What would YOU think if you read such a thing? You'd probably think what drice1234 and I did, and what a lot of other members that chose not to say anything were thinking.
Btu you're right. You're a big boy. You know what's best for you and your family.
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jask
Joined: 17 Mar 2006
Posts: 10187
Location: kamloops BC
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| Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2007 1:45 am Post subject: |
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Cliff
You are the MAN!!!
live how you want- it's your life,money,and theater. If we all did "the right thing" we would all have a lot more savings,less debt and no cavities because we brushed and flossed 5 times a day. And keep posting pics of all that Sony goodness, cause I need a dream too!
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