techboy

They can't. From what I've read about it, the method they're using allows them to bypass the fillibuster on holding debate, but not on the actual cloture motion that would allow them to put it to a vote. Even if they could get all 50 Democrats to vote yes, Republicans could still fillibuster by refusing to allow it to go to a vote. This is just a stunt to force Republicans to debate it on the Senate floor, and I guess show the base that they're trying every angle possible to get something done.

The article linked says it's a "conditional pardon", which in Virginia is different from a full pardon, and sounds pretty similar to commutation. https://www.commonwealth.virginia.gov/judicial-system/pardons/

It's pretty much what I'd expect when we're running an experiment where we take a genius (which can cause isolation from the rest of humanity in itself), put him on the autism spectrum, make him the world's richest man, and then expose him to constant and highly public social interactions. I think Hughes had the right idea with the recluse thing...

Full video that's from: There were also tennis balls and chocolate chip cookies.

I didn't assign "fault". I simply pointed out why some of the basic Econ 101 theories being tossed around don't actually fully explain or account for current pricing and behavior. As I implied before, I suspect you're a little sensitive to the topic because you yourself have raised prices beyond what was needed because of rising prices of labor and goods, and it's making you defensive.

The other angle here that hasn't been discussed yet is that many of these Econ 101 theories being tossed around willy nilly have as an unspoken assumption that there is perfect information being accessed by rational actors. It's true to an extent... If companies raise prices and people think it's unfair, they can exercise their power not to buy that product and then the companies have to lower prices again to make a profit. Issues arise because people aren't totally rational actors (not much can be done about that), and they're not well informed. If all the news talks about is rampant inflation and supply chain issues, people are going to assume that price increases are solely related to that. It's hard to say the burger restaurant shouldn't raise the price of a cheesburger if buying beef costs more. What's going on, though, is that many companies are raising prices because they can get away with it, since most people are just going to think it's because of inflation and supply chain issues, and it's not, at least not in total.

I hadn't heard that about Wegman's, but it's definitely true about Costco. I've been a regular customer for years, and it's striking how many employees have been there all that time. Almost all of them earn excellent wages and benefits, and Costco took care of their employees during a recession too. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.huffpost.com/entry/reasons-love-costco_n_4275774/amp

The House "Freedom Caucus" is pushing McConnel to shut down the government over mask mandates. It remains to be seen if the GOP as a whole, and in particular the Senate GOP, buy in. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/house-conservatives-press-government-shutdown-threat-over-vaccine-mandates-n1285164 it wouldn't surprise me at all, but you're getting a little carried away here.

I suspect that part of the reason this discussion is going in the way it is, is that before @CousinsCowgirl84edited a post from November 24, the original version said that (s)he raised prices for his/her business over the Summer, beyond the increased costs of labor and materials. i don't remember the exact numbers, but I do remember the general post.

Since I'm not sure if anyone has actually enlightened you, it's an obscure reference to a different discussion about family leave in the new proposed law, and the argument that it would be unfair to people without children. At some point the idea was floated that they could use it for things like elective surgery. I'm sure your day is now much better for this knowledge, so you're welcome. 🙂

I was a weird one... My first shot of Pfizer put we out for a day with chills, body aches, and fever. I was afraid of the second dose because it's usually worse, but both the second and booster had no effect at all, except perhaps a tiny bit of soreness at the site. My wife on the other hand, had nothing for the first shot, and terrible arm soreness and fatigue for the second and booster. The booster was actually the worst for her, and I didn't even notice it.

Your daughter's teacher makes it clear that the Pledge is optional because it is. Teachers aren't allowed to force students to stand or say the pledge even if they wanted to, because it would violate the 1st amendment rights of the students. https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/19/us/pledge-of-allegiance-explainer-trnd/index.html Do most students stay seated because of religious or political objections? No, I suspect most don't bother because they see it as a waste of time and empty theater, like those stupid flag pins all politicians have to wear all the time now, but teachers aren't allowed to poll people to find out if their reason for not participating is "good". That is also very different than telling a kid that he can't wear a flag t-shirt.

Well, now I'm not sure about the vaccine anymore... That tweet is from science expert Emerald Robinson. For example... https://youtu.be/reNz6CIKE00 Just check the description...

https://www.vox.com/2020/5/21/21256324/viktor-orban-hungary-american-conservatives