Overnight Open Thread (16 Jan 2015)

President Obama just urged Congress to cut workers' wages. That's what the headlines should've read when Obama announced his mandatory paid sick leave plan.

Economists have repeatedly found that when the government requires businesses to offer a benefit, they do so - and take the cost out of workers' pay.

Overall, federal government employees took 17.9 days of sick leave, according to the most recent Treasury Board survey. In comparison, the most recent report from Statistics Canada shows employees working outside of government took only 6.7 sick days in 2012.

"We have more federal government employees booking off sick on any given day than actually show up for work at General Motors and Chrysler combined," said CTF Federal Director Gregory Thomas.

21st Century Professions

Cuddling is a profession now. Owning a dog would be better for ya.

It's a cottage industry that's now moving out of the cottage and into storefronts and online to offer platonic (read: non-sexual) snuggling for "therapeutic" purposes: The Journal cites "academic research" that explains the "physical and emotional perks to touch," including increased levels of the bonding hormone oxytocin, decreased heart rate, and stress reduction.

Commando Quiz

Find out which commando from Tropic Thunder you are.

Tablets & Smartphones

This is why I'm starting to hate tablets and smartphones. After a year and half or so you pretty much don't get software updates pushed to you. You either root your device and manually update your OS or replace your device (which they want you to do anyway). Google won't fix bug hitting 60% of Android phones.

Free Isn't Really Free

Politicians should never, ever be allowed to say the word free. It never is. Free Army helicopter ends up costing Newark's police department $2 million dollars.

Orgasmic Tights?

Oh c'mon now. Meng Wang sues tights company over lack of orgasms. Perhaps she should've just looked for a some wang instead of thinking tights would suffice.

Back In Black

Conspiracy Theory Susceptibility

I'm not surprised to find out that those on the political extremes are more susceptible to conspiracy theories. Helps explain the MSM today.

Social Security

So when is the CBO going to release a new estimate of when Social Security will go Tango Uniform (already estimated to be insolvent in 2024)? Obama amnesty to qualify 2 million illegals for tax breaks, benefits. I'm thinking the 2 million is just the tip. It'll get bigger.

In light of throwing benefits and tax breaks to illegals, offering free community college, blowing billions on green energy boondongles, etc., forgive me if I don't believe Hagel and McCain in regard to military pay and benefits.

Hagel said any changes would apply to future troops, not those currently serving.

Dog Video

Tonight's ONT brought to you by corgi butts:

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posted by CDR M at 10:15 PM

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