« Split Between Boehner and Cantor? | Main | Sunday Morning Non-book Open Thread »

Overnight Thread-Just Stuff Edition [CDR M]

Evening Moron Nation! A couple of weeks ago I posted in the sidebar a story about the record retention rates in the military and that it was a sign that the economy is in the tank. Now today I see a CNN story that highlights another aspect of the worsening economy and the military. Unemployed? Don't Count On The Military. Yup, we're downsizing and forcing early retirements and pickin' and choosin' who gets to come in.

"The average junior enlisted member, typically with just a high school degree, earns approximately $43,000 per year," Smith said. And that doesn't include benefits like free medical care and a government-paid retirement package that kicks in with 20 years of active-duty service.

I don't think CNN knows what a real junior enlisted member makes but it sure as hell ain't $43K. Hell an E-5 with 10 years in is only pulling down around $35K in basic pay. Before taxes. Nice touch CNN by noting how military pay has increased beyond what the private sector has in the last 10 years but you forgot to mention how military pay was BEHIND the civilian sector for similar type jobs for a long time prior to the last decade. The military was just coming up on par with the civilian sector when the economy went pffttt.

Warren Buffet Speaks
Speaking of the economy, Warren Buffet actually proposed a great idea.

You just pass a law that says that anytime there is a deficit of more than 3% of GDP all sitting members of congress are ineligible for reelection.

Something tells me no Congresscritter would pass a law that would affect their gravy train. I do like the idea though.

A Congressional WTF Moment
Ladies and morons, I present to you H.R. 2411. HR 2411 is also known as Reduce America's Debt Now Act. The gist of it is covered here but basically it wants you to have the ability to voluntarily pay more than the taxes you owe directly to the treasury. The onus will then become your employers if you so choose. And it's not tax deductible. You'll still owe taxes on ALL of your income, even if you gave it all to Turbo Tax Timmeh for QE3 and beyond. Also, you'd be wrong if you thought this came from Democrats. It's a Republican bill. Go figure.

Gun Pron
Oh man. This guy needs more practice. Warning: One F-Bomb in the video.

War Pron
US Marines take down a Taliban infested 7 story building with harsh language and a JDAM, but mostly with a JDAM.

Another Day In The Liberal Utopia of Michigan
Ah. A Michigan woman was fed up with the high costs of organic vegetables (first problem there) and decided to grow her own garden. Leave it to the local government to nip that in the bud. Julie Bass of Oak Park Faces 93 Days In Jail For Planting Garden.

Caturday War Kitteh Pron
This has to be the most bad ass kitteh evah. I think he used up 8 lives before this engagement though.

Caturday Kitteh Picture
I'm not sure the tiger costumes will fool the tiger. Especially if the tiger likes bacon!

Running of the Bulls In New Orleans
Well the Running of the Bulls was this week in Spain. How many of you knew there was one in NOLA too? New Orleans Running of the Bulls. Looking at pics of the "bulls", I think I'd let the bulls get me. Well, some off them anyway!

Video Gamer O Faces

I'm not sure this is for real but here are some pictures of people while playing their video games. So Kratos, which of these photos looks like you while playing GoW?

I see the Defense Budget was passed in the House yesterday. Hopefully, this isn't one of our future aircraft carriers.

Music Selection
Interesting video of a violin player playin' some hip-hop. Not bad. Not bad at all.

Ok, since the earlier Caturday video ended tragically, here's another one to make up for that.

That's all I got for tonight! Enjoy your evening.

Tonight's ONT brought to you by:

Notice: Posted by permission of AceCorp LLC. Please e-mail overnight open thread tips to maet. Otherwise send tips to Ace.