Okay. Here's my thesis from my first post: "Keep your eye on the Japanese yen and their bond yields. The higher the yen (against the dollar) the more likely they'll first get the inflation they crave -then possible a little hyperinflation and increasing bond yields - that would be a cataclysmic disaster." Here are my supporting sources: https://www.youtube....h?v=JUc8-GUC1hY http://www.project-s...artin-feldstein http://www.telegraph...ld-affairs.html So, there's my argument. Now you're turn to make an argument. Go.

And I'll continue the argument gladly...when you make one. Just pointing out you're a bit prone to sophistry.

Oh, so you've resurfaced! But not willing to actually engage with the argument you began, you redirect by trying to play "gotcha". Classy.

I don't know how you feel about blueberries, but Costco sells a 4lb bag of Wyman's wild blueberries for about $10. Mix with full fat yogurt for a wonderful dessert. High in both antioxidants and fat. Yummy.

Fantastic!!! Best news ever.

Right, because a hugely successful hedge fund manager, a professor emeritus from Harvard, and a highly respected economist and journalist for a major British paper are suspect sources. Riiight. And goodnight. You might like to reflect on your own level of maturity. Those who live in glass-houses and all that.

They'd jump for joy if their rate of inflation was 1%. They've been in or near deflation for nearly 20 years. Not necessarily imminent, but a distinct possibility. https://www.youtube....h?v=JUc8-GUC1hY http://www.project-s...artin-feldstein http://www.telegraph...ld-affairs.html

Don't be so hard on yourself. You seem wonderful at the double negative.

You've provided quite the persuasive counter argument. What a relief!

No, not a zombie apocalypse prepper (or any other type of apocalypse for that matter). But because dh works at a large investment banking firm and is close to the intel, we're pretty sure we're (the general "we") are in for another large financial crisis within 18-24 months. Not anarchy type crisis - just poorer yet crisis. Keep your eye on the Japanese yen and their bond yields. The higher the yen (against the dollar) the more likely they'll first get the inflation they crave -then possible a little hyperinflation and increasing bond yields - that would be a cataclysmic disaster.

Other than in instances of rape, child abuse, and incest, women have almost total control in whether or not they get pregnant. They can choose to abstain or use birth control which is very effective if used properly and consistently. It's also readily obtainable and cheap. You can purchase condoms in every drug store in American for about the same amount of money as a McDonald's super value meal. I think men who abandon their children are pretty awful. Having said that, feminism is about having agency in one's own life. Women who have sex with unreliable partners and then rely on social welfare programs to support themselves and their children aren't taking responsibility for their own lives. I don't consider the sex lives of other people any of my business, but I draw the line when others expect me to subsidize their poor, selfish choices. I have sympathy for teens who aren't mature enough to fully grasp the consequences of their actions. But, if they were aware that if they do engage in unprotected sex there will be only a very limited safety net available many (not all) would probably make different choices.

I second the Charles Murray book. If we truly want to reduce the number of children born to single women then we need to stop subsidizing their behavior. It's an economic truism that you get more of what you subsidize. Want more single women having children? Subsidize it. I'm in favor of restricting social welfare programs to limited amounts of time and restricting what can be purchased with food stamps, but then I'm a meanie Libertarian.

I have a step-sister who's 3 months younger then me. Our parents married when we were 7 and divorceed when we were 15. My dad (and the only dad step-sister ever knew) died when we were 17. We remain very close and are bfs. I'm much closer to her than I am to my bio sisters. This relationship has caused quite a bit of confusion over the years.

NJ is homeschool easy. A couple of points that may be relevant eventually: 1. High school homeschoolers can dual enroll at community colleges if they place above the remedial level on the placement exam. It's called the Challenger Program and college credits are earned toward a degree. So, while duel enrolling as a homeschooler/high schooler isn't possible, duel enrolling as a homeschooler/community college student is. My understanding is that Rutgers will also allow duel enrollment as long as a certain score is obtained on the SAT (something like 520/520). 2. High school homeschoolers can also enroll at the vocational/technical high schools as duel enrolled. They can pursue their core classes (math, English, etc.) at home but then take vocational or technical course loads at the county tech high school. A kid interested in becoming a plumber, electrician, welder can receive training then possibly an apprenticeship in this way. 3. While most high schools in Jersey don't allow homeschoolers to participate in extra-curriculars, there are tons of community or YMCA based sports, activities and orchestras. NJ is very community culturally "rich". 4. My experience enrolling my oldest in a public high school after homeschooling for 9 years was super easy. I created a transcript and portfolio (we didn't do standardized testing of any type), submitted it to the guidance counselor and met with her. She allowed us to basically choose the courses we felt were appropriate without any placement testing. We opted for several honors level courses and she concurred.

At 83 years old, I don't think I'd call this mental illness. She's 83. She's 83. A deteriorating mental state is common for folks this age.

I just want to encourage you to not give up. Most folks who are late to learn how to read get behind in vocabulary development. Vocabulary development is key to reading comprehension or understanding complex text or lectures. You probably just aren't familiar with all the words in the text or lecture, become bored, and lose interest. That's understandable. Trying to memorize word lists can be particularly difficult for dyslexics. I would suggest using mnemonics to assist with this. Many medical students use special programs to memorize anatomy and physiology terms the use rhyming or word games. Here's a web sight for midwives offering some mnemonic helps: http://www.studentmi...ng-stuff.55986/ Consider drawing a picture or diagram to go along with the mnemonic to jog your memory. google: mnemonics for midwife Hope that helps!

It sounds like you don't have issues with the practical part of being a midwife; it's just the testing aspect that's troubling you. Is that it? Is it possible to find a study partner, coach, or tutor? I'd look for extra support with learning the how to of how to study. Is it possible to take a class instead of doing it online? You might find having a real face to face teacher better suits you. There's a terrific book called Overcoming dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz. At the end of the the book some professionals tell about their own struggles. There's a terrific story written by a famous cardio thoracic surgeon outlining the stuggles he had in passing the NY state exam to become board certified. He's a world famous physican and considered the expert in his field. His name is Graeme Hammond. http://www.amazon.co...coming dyslexia Soo, if this really is your dream, don't give up. Keep working through it. Something will work out. I admire you're persistence. :grouphug: :hurray: ETA: My ds15 is dyslexic. Most dyslexics (and you sound like you probably are) learn best in a hands-on environment. An online class my be the worst type of classroom for you.

My aspie is the same. I little lie: Me: Did you brush your teeth? Him: Yes. Me (seeing the moss growing on the surface): No you didn't. He doesn't have a violent bone in his body. Displays of anger make him significantly uncomfortable. He's never had a tantrum in his life. A sharp or fresh word - yes. My understanding is that Lanza was on the anti-psychotic Fanapt which is typically given to schizophrenics, so, yeah, this wasn't about being ASD.

I didn't read that thread. BTDT - if you know what I mean. :boxing_smiley:

The problem with this position is that it presumes we can't learn from each other and from the discussion even when we strongly - and sometimes emotionally- disagree. Those threads are the very best threads - even those that devolve into screaming matches. Something, possibly something not intended, is revealed and considered either about the poster themselves or their position. But, different people have different tolerance levels for conflict, I guess. That's why letting moderators "discipline" is probably the best alternative.

There's a sorta psychological term for this; it's called mobbing. It’s not mobbing in the traditional sense but relates to group dynamics within a female dominated environment. Wiki it - very interesting. It's a control issue involving group dynamics. It sets up a hierarchal structure and enforces group rules. Kinda like a high school clique.

I alway think of Idiocracy when this topic is addressed. The sad thing is I'm not sure who's dumber in this clip Clevon or Trevor and Carol.

I lived in Forest Hills Gardens, Queens and the Gramercy Park area of Manhattan for 8 years. Probably the single most important thing to keep in mind is space. I tend to think folks underestimate how small apartments are in NYC and also how little you get for your dollar in housing. Everything will be super small even in a 2 or 3 bedroom apartment. Tiny kitchen, bath, bedroom, and closets. You MUST live a minimalist lifestyle. Get rid of extra stuff: clothes, dishes, toys, books. Don't even bring it with you.

Find two alternatives and go visit them yourself. Schedule a visit for both you and your mom with the best facility. Explain to your mom why you're not comfortable with her choice and insist she consider the alternative. That's the very best you can do in the circumstances. People tend to do what is most convenient and easiest particularly when they're stressed out. Show her that she has alternatives. Possibly she won't listen to you and will choose the wrong place, but, at least you will have tried to actively look after your father's interests.

His point about how difficult it is for a government funded entity (public schools) to teach or engage with criticism that targets its funding sources is not particularly new or original, but it does remain incredibly relevant, imo. I would slightly change his comment to include the rapidly expanding school choice movement..... because charter schools and voucher program are citical to reinventing education in America, imo. "Expect the rapidly expanding homeschooling movement to play a significant role in the revolutionary reforms needed to build a free society with Constitutional protections. We cannot expect a Federal government controlled school system to provide the intellectual ammunition to combat the dangerous growth of government that threatens our liberties." Ron Paul Nov. 15, 2012