The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Nov 5, 2015 13:34:55 GMT -5
Made a relatively healthy cream of cauliflower soup last night. OMG!!! www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/cauliflower-soup. Pretty much followed it to the letter but added some leftover mashed potatoes to thicken along with a splash of crème sherry and some nutmeg. 13yo DD nommed on it like no ones business. DD and I finished our bowls. It's even better the next day!!!
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Nov 5, 2015 12:31:21 GMT -5
Let's remember I think CA required the disclosure of the existence of this when listing a house for sale.
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Nov 5, 2015 12:07:04 GMT -5
You 'all know I love you, but for all those who can eat a whole pizza or half a bag of cheezy poofs without blimping up can I just say I hate you.
I have 5 squares of pizza then I'm on yogurt for a 3-4 days for breakfast or I gain weight.
minnesotapaintlady - I'm sorry your boy is going through this. BTDT and it sucks.
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Nov 5, 2015 11:10:16 GMT -5
Did I do good? Thinking about getting this to run some serious art rendering software. My current hardware keeps seizing up and I'm pretty sure this has more than enough juice to do what I want. m.tigerdirect.com/products/9896448?SRCCODE=WEM4698WB&utm_source=EML&utm_medium=main&utm_campaign=WEM4698&cm_lm=5576fb4409I think it's got everything I need except for a Blueray writer/reader and cable for such. The graphics card built into the motherboard may need upgrading but there's slots for that. I'm a bit miffed I can't easily find out what graphics are built in. Any comments, suggestions? My current CPU clocks at 1.33Ghz and this one clocks at 3.3Ghz. This should fit the bill. Please don't get techie on me, I'm way out of date.
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Nov 5, 2015 10:43:25 GMT -5
Ok pEEps, so do I need to put in a requisition for pine caskEEts or frEEzers?
Just want to stay on top of things...
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Nov 5, 2015 10:41:47 GMT -5
DH's open enrollment is during the summer. We've been told by his HR that a change in my coverage due to different decisions during my open enrollment does not count as a life event. Sucks. Because I REALLY want to do a HSA but I can't go the HDHP because of my prescription costs. We could sign DH up for his bare bones plan and do a HSA at his office but the premiums don't really make sense. Ugg. I would push back on that. DH and I have different open enrollments by a month, and we got a different answer. If you lose coverage period it's a life event, whether it was voluntary or involuntary. Good to know. Wondering if it's really worth it though. His HR department is lacking in several knowledge areas (OSHA, EEOC, ADA, FLSA to name a few) and it's not worth my time to educate them on this. Hell, after 2+ years I still can't get them to provide a summary plan description, or an detailed or summary annual report for their benefit plans (and some of this is supposed to be provided annually by law).
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Nov 5, 2015 9:44:05 GMT -5
Woof = nope Meow = yes Litter = done!
Yea us!
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Nov 4, 2015 14:16:15 GMT -5
Cradle catholic here. Catholic school as well including HS. The nuns (Sisters of Charity) were very progressive and encouraged us to learn about other religions and challenge dogma (with proper research). I've attended lectures and discussions held by Father Andrew Greeley and have read various theological writings spanning centuries. IMHO the Catholic church backslid once Pope John Paul II was elected and things got much worse under Pope Benedict. I have hopes for Pope Francis, but am still concerned about an institution (note - not the religion) that is more concerned with protecting itself, than the most vulnerable of it's flock. So I guess I'm not a very good catholic because I use my brain and don't blindly follow what the church leadership tells me I should think. DD is being raised Catholic - to be honest I was a bit concerned she was drinking too much of the koolaid at her old school so that's another benefit to moving. Problems were starting to crop up between what dogma was taught in school, as opposed to what her parents discussed with her at home. We go to church now maybe once every 3-4 weeks. Need to get better about that because like Green Eyed Lady - the community is important to me.
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Nov 4, 2015 13:49:18 GMT -5
The problem is that - most people I can believe in, don't have party affiliations (independent). Thus, like Zib said - I'm throwing my vote away. Because unless you're loaded, or have party backing, you don't have a chance. Especially in my state . you are only throwing your vote away if you vote for someone you don't believe in. if voters vote for who they believe in, rather than for parties that don't represent us, who we believe in might actually..... WINDJ - I really respect you and admire your...faith in the American voter, I guess? I just can't get on the same page. Problem is, how many do you think actually take the time to research the candidates, see where they stand on issues that are important to the voters, or even, god forbid - think about what issues are important to them as voters? I guarantee you that in a lot of areas around me people will vote the way they have always voted, or for the candidate their pastor tells them to. Every major election we have a man on the street segment (or several) by the local TV stations asking the random passers by what are the major issues in this election and where do the candidates stand on them? I just want to curl up in a ball and weep for the future of our country when I hear the answers. Hell, the Republican party can't even agree on it's priorities or agenda.
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Nov 4, 2015 13:36:06 GMT -5
The problem is that - most people I can believe in, don't have party affiliations (independent). Thus, like Zib said - I'm throwing my vote away. Because unless you're loaded, or have party backing, you don't have a chance. Especially in my state .
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Nov 4, 2015 13:21:35 GMT -5
While I feel for the family, have to admit I'm majorly pissed about this.
We're in this area. Schools were on lockdown. I have train friends who knew people whose houses were searched. People in the area were terrified there were cop killers on the loose. I was sick about sending my daughter to school for the next few days.
This Dude knew what the reaction would be and didn't give a damn. What his family will go through now will be far worse than if he'd been found and convicted of relatively minor offenses.
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Nov 4, 2015 9:49:34 GMT -5
Woof = yep Meow = yep Litter = done!
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Nov 4, 2015 9:48:14 GMT -5
Thanksgiving has to have homemade stuffing. I don't care about the meat really, and I do mashed potatoes often enough that I'd be ok with prime rib and baked potatoes, but I want stuffing no matter what. I also kind of mix my leftovers. I make patties out of stuffing and mashed potatoes and fry them up in the skillet like hashbrowns. When was the last time you burned something you were cooking? (I just got distracted and made my stir fry vegetables charcoal :/ ) (Hangs head in absolute shame and horror) It was about a month ago. I got up early (as usual) on Sunday and started cooking some bacon for a dish I was making for dinner. Went outside to watch the sun rise with my mug of coffee and lost track of time. I came back to a smoky kitchen and a ruined half pound of bacon (pork gods - please forgive me!!!). Fortunately we always have more bacon in the house. What is the last instance of "crazy" that you had the pleasure of witnessing firsthand? You pick, family, friends, or the random stranger in public.
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Nov 4, 2015 9:41:13 GMT -5
Well, the next time I'm at a sporting event, concert, etc. I'm going to the men's room. I'll just claim I'm transgender. Sure will beat standing in line with legs crossed about to pee in my pants waiting for a stall to open in the ladies room. Wonder how many tansgender will decide to use the men's room when they see the ungodly long lines in ladies restroom. There's a downside to some things!!! But if someone wants to be a woman they should have all parts removed. I mean, why shouldn't they have to sit on toilet to take a whiz and then realize there is no friggin toilet paper there. I don't think it's fair they can be a woman and just whip it out and shake it off when finished. ETA: I'll let ya'll get back to the serious crap now..... OMFG that brilliant!!! Why the hell didn't I think of it sooner. What would have made it even more perfect is if I thought of this when I was preggers with DD and running to pee every 30 minutes.
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Nov 4, 2015 9:30:16 GMT -5
DH's open enrollment is during the summer. We've been told by his HR that a change in my coverage due to different decisions during my open enrollment does not count as a life event.
Sucks. Because I REALLY want to do a HSA but I can't go the HDHP because of my prescription costs. We could sign DH up for his bare bones plan and do a HSA at his office but the premiums don't really make sense.
Ugg.
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Nov 3, 2015 17:29:18 GMT -5
Pffth. Piece of cake. I currently have a Federal Income tax audit, a Federal Excise tax audit, four state income tax audits, and two state sales and use tax audits ongoing. Which state? Some don't take certs that are gotten retroactively... Maine. They were tickled that I take title here to collect sales tax for OoS jobs here.
Looking at what you have going on Captain, this almost feels like a day in the park. That is rough.
I work for a large, publically traded, multi-national company (and have most of my career). Our current audit load is pretty "normal" for a company our size - I'd even go so far as to say we're light. When I worked for a large, very well known retailer, it was common to have over 20+ state income and S&U audits running concurrently. I am sooo glad I didn't manage state audits there! States are desperate for revenue. After the financial crisis of 2008-2009 many state agencies froze hiring. They are just now ramping up again (in the past year or two) which is why you see a lot of greenies getting trained in the field. Why is why ArchietheDragon's point about negotiating is spot on. Just because the auditor says something is taxable, doesn't mean they're right. You know your business, and if there are areas where big dollars are involved you should look up the law to make sure the auditors are, in fact, correct. I mentioned in a prior post one of our S&U audits is stalled because I've taken a position that I think is supportable on something the state doesn't necessarily agree with. My company is willing to litigate it because the dollars are huge. The state does not want to litigate because if they loose the issue, it will be retroactive for 5 years for us, and three years for the rest of the industry. Industry wide the dollars are enormous. So instead the state is going to issue an administrative bulletin to "clarify" the issue on a prospective basis. Other companies in our industry will have to file retroactive claims to get their money back, but it won't get as much press as case law. Kind of sneaky but it saves us the cost of litigation. That, and the fact that there is always a chance we could lose in litigation.
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Nov 3, 2015 13:48:37 GMT -5
Meh. Pretty easy since it's a fairly frequent occurrence. Unless it's to DH, then hell will freeze over first. What is the longest you've ever held a grudge?
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Nov 3, 2015 13:45:05 GMT -5
Dear IRS (and remember peeps, I do taxes for a living),
Normally I'm on your side. I've worked with your personnel for over two decades and have generally found them to be well trained, professional, courteous people who just want to do their jobs; like me.
HOWEVER, I have spent over three months off and on again trying to get an issue resolved that my lead audit agent couldn't make headway on. The taxpayer's advocate office claims they can't help, and two other departments state it's not their area.
By my estimates I've logged close to 8 hours trying to get this MINOR item resolved. 8 freaking hours of my life gone because you don't allow one hand to talk to the other.
AND it's impacting business. I'm getting internal calls and e-mails almost every other day asking about the status on this one. simple. item.
So, at my next audit meeting some poor IRS employee is going to get an earful (civilly, of course) because I can't get this item resolved.
Grrrr!
Signed - The Captain
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Nov 3, 2015 13:36:02 GMT -5
Well, kudos to you for working with the hand you were dealt, as opposed to complaining about not getting the hand you want.
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Nov 3, 2015 13:30:33 GMT -5
LMAO, I supposed I could say that if that's really what I learned on YM. Mostly I've learned that: Women on welfare have at least 3 kids by 3 different dads, an Escalade, and at least one Coach bag full of crab legs. Non-STEM degrees are garbage.
You should have at least $100,000 saved before you even consider having a child. Not to be snarky but you do realize the irony here, right?
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Nov 3, 2015 12:27:30 GMT -5
Pffth. Piece of cake. I currently have a Federal Income tax audit, a Federal Excise tax audit, four state income tax audits, and two state sales and use tax audits ongoing. That is terrible. How long do they usually go on for? The excise audit is wrapping up - less than 6 months. The Federal Income Tax audit, we basically rolled from one audit cycle to the next with maybe a two month break in between? Basically constantly under audit for the past 6 years. The current audit cycle should be closed out in 3-4 months. One state income tax audit has been ongoing for over 4 years. We had one auditor go on FMLA and another auditor resign so have had to train/start from the beginning basically twice (we're complex and this state does a lousy job of training their auditors). Another state income tax audit is about 4 months now, with about another 2-3 to finish. The other two audits are plodding over a year now because the state auditors are overbooked. One sales and use audit is stalled on a legal issue that the state does not want to litigate with us so we're waiting on administrative guidance. The final sales and use audit has been going on for about 8 months, should be wrapping up soon.
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The Captain
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Audit!
Nov 3, 2015 12:08:15 GMT -5
Post by The Captain on Nov 3, 2015 12:08:15 GMT -5
Pffth. Piece of cake.
I currently have a Federal Income tax audit, a Federal Excise tax audit, four state income tax audits, and two state sales and use tax audits ongoing.
Which state? Some don't take certs that are gotten retroactively...
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Nov 3, 2015 9:28:05 GMT -5
Woof = nope Meow = yep Litter = done!
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Nov 3, 2015 9:20:42 GMT -5
Geeze, what a disappointment. I was hoping for something on the 10 o'clock news. I know, right? I feel cheated. Does anyone else feel cheated? All that build up and no drama, not one iota, to share?? *snort* now come on...if we delivered every time then things would get predictable. Can't have that, now can we? (Anxiously awaits next bit of drama from Chocolate Lover, steff, or even NancysSummerSip's co-worker)
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Nov 2, 2015 14:44:25 GMT -5
We're self insured and I have some knowledge of what's going on in our plan. We had several catastrophic claims last year that pretty much wiped out all projections and blew the heath insurance budget out of the water.
So this year the company is increasing the employee co-pays by 10%, upping the maximum OOP by $1500 per family, and instituting a step program for prescriptions (which should have been done already IMHO). We skew toward older employees who are not participating in wellness initiatives (why should they? It's work and they will pay the same premium regardless of if they take action to reduce overall costs or not). In many ways I see us as a micro-cosim for the national, supplemented plans.
We need to tie premiums into measurable action. But that would be met with a lot of resistance so for now it's not happening.
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Nov 2, 2015 13:20:36 GMT -5
So I'm going to a conference soon in a major city. Get notification of the hotel rates at the same time as some of my peers. I call them in shock (it's $280 a night) and they go "Yea, that's cheap - when I went with my friends we paid over $500 a night" Umm, ok.
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Nov 2, 2015 13:11:00 GMT -5
Sigh.
Dear people,
You know I'm allergic (as in sets off my asthma) to perfume. You actually behaved yourself for about, oh, 9 months.
Yea - that winning streak came to a screeching halt yesterday when you came to my house wearing- perfume, which I had to endure for 7 hours.
I was almost completely recovered from my attack of bronchitis that took two rounds of antibiotics and a month to get over. So today I'm sitting here wheezing, coughing, and with a fucking river running down the back of my throat - AGAIN.
Signed, I'm getting real fucking close to going all medieval on someone - The Captain.
(PS - who the fuck does that to people, I mean seriously - who the fuck!)
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Nov 2, 2015 12:57:06 GMT -5
Woof = nope Meow = yep Litter = also
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Nov 2, 2015 12:54:18 GMT -5
Depends on the temp. I hate hot weather so if it's above, oh, 78 it's A/C
From 78 all the way down to 50 (F) I usually have the car window down or at least cracked.
Speaking of cars, what is one thing you would change about yours if you could?
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Nov 2, 2015 12:51:19 GMT -5
Sorry, I'm not even in the same county as those zip codes. Got nothing for you.
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