@jon-nyc said in The AP Changes Guidance:

Totally appropriate to focus more on hospitalizations rather than case count given how much less lethal this variant is. Huge difference between 200k cases of Omicron and 200k cases of Delta.

Agreed.

Although I have no insight into the AP or how standards are set. Seems weird for guidance to be sent out at all. But then again... the modern day "press" is really just Corporate Media with the occasional authentic journalist or unbiased reporter here and there.

@89th Well - get used to that. You're officially "old" in the lexicon of America's youth. I remember being 13 when 70 year old relative made a joke to show how "with it" he was. I didn't laugh. He wasn't "with it" in my eyes. He had no chance whatsoever.

The unifying power of the nation state seems to be eroding.

@jolly said in Biden blames everyone else for inflation:

@xenon said in Biden blames everyone else for inflation:

@lufins-dad said in Biden blames everyone else for inflation:

@xenon said in Biden blames everyone else for inflation:

@lufins-dad said in Biden blames everyone else for inflation:

@jolly said in Biden blames everyone else for inflation:

@lufins-dad said in Biden blames everyone else for inflation:

You guys are acting like the inflation isn’t a goal of this administration, it absolutely is. Increasing gas prices helps promote the renewable energy plans they have. High inflation makes both the elderly and the poor more dependent on government largesse. Massively increasing wages allows the administration to point towards an accomplishment. And devaluing the dollar devalues the debt. The inflation isn’t just an accidental consequence of the pandemic, it’s an opportunity that they are fully embracing.

Don't forget...Inflation means the debt is technically less.

That’s what I meant by devaluing the dollar devalues the debt.

I've said it before. I'm completely ok so far with inflation. I'm just throwing savings into assets that will hopefully keep appreciating. My income will hopefully keep up with inflation

And given where I am in life (big debt with low fixed rates - my mortgage)... inflation reduces my debt.

That’s great…I’m probably 10-15 years closer to retirement than you, but I’ve got time to make some adjustments, too. Now, what about those guys 10 years closer to retirement than me? And more, what about those that are already retired? That’s not a small number of people.. And the benefits of inflation will not lead to any meaningful quality of life improvements for those that are in a position to shift their investment plans.

No, you're right - many will be hit hard. Rising costs without a rise in income is tough.

But I do think there has been a huge uptick in household debt (as % of income or GDP) since the last time there was a lot of inflation. (e.g., rising mortgage costs, student debt, credit card debt, etc.)

I'm curious how that will change the picture this time if inflation persists.

If I had any debt, I'd let you know. I'm more worried about a fixed income vs. inflation.

It tempts one to borrow against real estate if I wasn't so damn dead set against debt.

@89th said in Smooth Driving:

Haha awesome, I have a 5 year old nephew who lives in the country... he can drive a skid steer and other vehicles pretty easily. It's funny to see.

Oh yeah? My son can play super mario brothers... so he's got that going for him, which is nice...

He's a good back, It's one of the positions that most easily translates to the pro game, and sadly, one with the shortest career.

@larry said in Trump interview with NPR host Steve Inskeep:

@doctor-phibes said in Trump interview with NPR host Steve Inskeep:

I'm a renowned leader, and I thought Steve Inskeep took him to the cleaners.

BAAAAAAHAHAHAHAAAAA

Well, I sure led you up the garden path 😆

Great. Now that needs to cross checked against their committee assignments and legislative activity.

Never say never.

People say all kinds of stuff, but this is still an evolving situation. If (God forbid) it comes back with a 2% lethality rate, you'll see a lot of people getting boosted.

No surprise there. Democrats are finally starting to wise up and tire of being kept in the dark and fed bullshit.

Cool move with the car.

@mik said in Get Back:

I finally decided to watch the second episode. Better than the first but still pretty snoozy.

Next from Peter Jackson, we get to watch exclusive footage of the Sistine Chapel drying.

The economy in Afghanistan was already weak and flimsy before the war, and was mainly propped up by US operations there for the last 20 years. Tangible cash in the country was basically controlled by the US and international financial institutions (literally being flown in on crates) and with the US' recent pull out that happened over a matter of weeks, that basically cut off the cash supply (banks are closed, citizens can't get their money) and jobs throughout the country evaporated overnight.

I recently listened to an on-the-ground podcast (link here) there about the conditions in cities (and rural areas) and it is nearly impossible to describe the heart wrenching pain as parents described watching their children starve to death, and the looming disaster of millions and millions likely to starve to death.

One argument is the disaster in the country highlights why the Taliban cannot govern. Another argument is the US has a moral responsibility to provide aid. With all things, I'm sure the correct argument is a combination of all the others...but as a parent of a 1 and 3 year old, stories hit me differently now about kids starving to death.

Good.

@jolly We need more Asian trade ex-China.

Our trade with China is about 2.5x our trade of all SE Asian countries combined. The TPP would have helped to work on this imbalance.