Looking for a second job so I can keep up with bills, etc...

Best of luck!  Hope you find one that works with your schedule.

Let's see, work is in the quiet period (hence why I've been able to get on here), so we're just pitching old files and getting ready for the next wave to hit.  On the side, I'm bidding on 5 display cases that I can use in the new house and looking forward to this weekends' Warrior Dash.  Need to prep the vehicle for the journey.

About time. I was surprised though to read that some locomotives are from the 1940s and '50s.

Not much worse than our airlines that are using planes built in the 1980s.

^^^

Plus, like with ships, most of the parts on locomotives are easily replaced and/or updated without impacting the engine as a whole. 

I've been to half of those countries already, but definitely Singapore and the Philippines.  Spent a week in Singapore back in the early 1990s, and as I've said on here numerous times, if I were to ever have to leave the US, Singapore would be my first choice as a second home. 

The Philippines are next because a) I speak Tagalog (though I'm getting rusty), b) the Northern-half (especially Luzon) is very "Americanized", c) all the lovely lovely ladies, and d) my retirment money will allow me to live like a king out there. 

Yes, all the time.  You will be surprised by the increase in quality service you receive by being polite and expressing to the person serving you how much you appreciate their work and effort.  (I usually end up not having to pay for my drinks and/or get free substitutions on my orders as a result.)

I address anybody I don't know except small children as sir and/or ma'am, so yes.

This.

^^^^

I think you've missed the point.  Here, calling someone sir or ma'am might be seen as patronizing.

There are better ways to show you appreciate someone's hard work and effort.  You could say something like "thanks a bunch, I really appreciate it.  Have a good day" accompanied by a warm smile.

Your initial statement might be correct, but the question didn't express that it was meant as patronizing.  So my comment remains valid.  Additionally, my comment reflects your seccond point.

Yes, all the time.  You will be surprised by the increase in quality service you receive by being polite and expressing to the person serving you how much you appreciate their work and effort.  (I usually end up not having to pay for my drinks and/or get free substitutions on my orders as a result.)

I address anybody I don't know except small children as sir and/or ma'am, so yes.

This.

^^^^

*dies laughin*  Wrong "SS". 

In my absense from the Atlas, I've been spending some of my time exploring/bidding on items from Rasmus Auctions.  A lot of it is in the greater DC Metro area, but they have auctions from PA and CA as well.  Most of the auctions are for businesses going out of business or liquidating excess merchandise, but every now-and-then you see individuals offloading collections.  I missed out on some French Panama Canal and Confederate States of America bonds, but I did score some artifacts from the SS United States the other day. 

Anyone have any other good auction sites (not Ebay, etc)?

National Taiwan University Chorus singing "Money, Money, Money"

Click here to see the video/hear the song

This is from 2011 during the Tough Mudder.  I'm doing the Warrior Dash this weekend.  Maybe there will be another "Bruce Willis being awesome" sighting.  hahaha . . . I'm down 10 pounds and an inch around the middle, so I hope I don't look like a blue whale again.

Damn, MODU, lunch hasn't settled and you it us up with Inks?  Ugh.

*dies laughin*  Sorry bud.  Just trying to get caught up on all that I've missed.  hahaha

Miles, you look much better now

Anyway, me yesterday:

I see Pi.

Have you ever wondered what Bob Ross would look like without his mustache?

HAHAHA

Benghazi (Other):  Not to minimize the seriousness of the other two (partisan "enemy lists" and all), and not to take away from the fact that four people died unnecessarily in Libya, but the gymnastics going on to cover-up the failure of action - across so many levels - in regards to Benghazi pushes this to the top of the list.  The fact that no one was willing to act but quickly to point the figure shows there is a severe breakdown in leadership across multiple levels within the Administration and the military.  Without out that being fixed, illegal wiretaps and harassment by the IRS will seem small against additional attacks on our sovereignty overseas.

Oh wow, that sucks.  You never know when your time is up, no matter how young you are.  At least he was doing something he loved at the time.

I'm so glad to see you posting, Clarence.  So that I've been away so much that I haven't had a chance to know you better before now, but I'm glad that I still have the opportunity.  Be sure to follow the doctors instructions so you can continue to recover and grow strongers.  Do as my friends do (who have also had heart attacks) and look at that day as your second birthday.  It serves as a great reminder of all the positive changes you've made while also as a reminder to appreciate every moment you have with those you love.

TRAINS!!!

Yes, having a "uniformed" fleet will go a long way to improving the overhead costs associated with maintenance because it reduces the need (and expenses) for the engineers to be cross-trained on multiple platforms.  The only downside is that it exposes you to operation interruptions if the suppliers are unable to provide the needed parts in a timely fashion, especially if a major flaw is discovered in the engines.  *fingers crossed*

That's a tough one to answer.  I "love" Five Guys, but I go to Chic-fil-A and Subway more often simply so I don't kill myself eating all that yummy Five Guys fries.  Mmmmm . . . great, now I'm hungry.  *sigh*

I hate fried food....ugh.  For this survey, Subway.

Subway is pretty much what I have for lunch while at work these days.  Other than the McDonalds next door, there's nothing near by within walking distance.  Subway at least is in the middle of the shopping center parking lot down the way, so it's easier to get to (without having to pay for street parking).

I like the interior and what they are trying to achieve, but from the outside, it looks horrible ... like a glass version of a Jawa transport or something.

Normal.

Yes. But I end up being called 'Will Riker' and that put's an end to it.

HAHAHAHA

I can, but mine comes in looking like I have a calico cat sitting on my face.  And when you marry that with my bald head, I look like the child of a bearded Kelsey Grammer and Bruce Willis.  *shivers at the thought*

"Did you prefer Django Unchained or Inglourious Basterds?"

That is a "yes or no" question by the way it is phrased.

Since you meant to ask which one I prefered more, it was "Inglorious...".  "Django..." was funny, but it wasn't as interesting as a whole as "Inglorious...".

That's a really cool idea.  Maybe you guys could include a list of roll call votes on important legislation?  I often find it difficult to see how each congressperson voted on certain bills.

To tangent off of this, it will be a lot of work, but you don't have to duplicate the work if you team up with sites such as the Library of Congress website (where they list the voting records) to pull your data from.  That way, you can focus solely on the "portal" between the user and the source data.

Will do.

You are comparing apples to Advil while discussing themodynamics with a dash of cacti on the side.  There is no right way to address the question, let alone give you a right answer.

Lief is a good debater.  He and I have squared off on multiple topics over the years, and even at it's most contentious, I've never had any person ill-feelings towards him.  Good guy.