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Ask a Vet
Author: TriSec
Date: 10/25/2011 10:30:02
Good Morning.
Today is our 3,142nd day in Iraq, and our 3,670th day in Afghanistan.
We'll start this morning as we always do; with the latest casualty figures from our ongoing wars, courtesy of Antiwar.com:
American Deaths
Since war began (3/19/03): 4478
Since "Mission Accomplished" (5/1/03) 4338
Since Handover (6/29/04): 3619
Since Obama Inauguration (1/20/09): 250
Since Operation New Dawn: 49
Other Coalition Troops - Iraq: 318
US Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 1,811
Other Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 956
Contractor Employee Deaths - Iraq: 1,487
Journalists - Iraq : 348
Academics Killed - Iraq: 448
We find this morning's cost of war passing through:
$ 1, 268, 352, 350, 000 .00
We'll only touch briefly upon the final withdrawal date from Iraq. You read it here first last week; it's very gratifying indeed to have the President confirm what were only rumours when we posted the initial story.
We'll focus on the home front today. Troops coming back from Iraq are still going to face the same problems that remain unresolved from last month, last year, and even 5 years ago. First and foremost is the transition back into society.
Many efforts have been made over the years to improve the condition of returning vets. But...it wasn't a priority under the Republican administration, and while it may be more urgent under the current President...the obstructionists in Congress aren't helping matters any with their roadblocks.
But dealing with coming home isn't the only problem...veterans will need places to live, too. There is a facility in Los Angeles that was donated to the United States as a 'national home for veterans' that can accomodate up to 8,000 servicemembers. Incredibly...it's vacant and mostly abandoned.
Of course, all those returning veterans are going to need jobs, too. Instead of just throwing money at it to fix it, why doesn't Washington think about something obvious...hire those returning vets to fix up the place, and pay them to do so while they transition back to civilian life? Ah, but what do I know?
Finally this morning...even though the active-duty personnel are coming home, you didn't think we were really *leaving* Iraq, did you?
It may not be a uniformed soldier, but it does seem likely that an American will be the 'last man to die for a mistake'.
Today is our 3,142nd day in Iraq, and our 3,670th day in Afghanistan.
We'll start this morning as we always do; with the latest casualty figures from our ongoing wars, courtesy of Antiwar.com:
American Deaths
Since war began (3/19/03): 4478
Since "Mission Accomplished" (5/1/03) 4338
Since Handover (6/29/04): 3619
Since Obama Inauguration (1/20/09): 250
Since Operation New Dawn: 49
Other Coalition Troops - Iraq: 318
US Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 1,811
Other Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 956
Contractor Employee Deaths - Iraq: 1,487
Journalists - Iraq : 348
Academics Killed - Iraq: 448
We find this morning's cost of war passing through:
We'll only touch briefly upon the final withdrawal date from Iraq. You read it here first last week; it's very gratifying indeed to have the President confirm what were only rumours when we posted the initial story.
We'll focus on the home front today. Troops coming back from Iraq are still going to face the same problems that remain unresolved from last month, last year, and even 5 years ago. First and foremost is the transition back into society.
...There are now more than 1.7 million veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Of those, one in five is expected to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder or depression. Some of those veterans turn to alcohol or drugs; more and more wind up on the streets.
Even as the Army, VA and the community have stepped up efforts to help Soldiers and veterans who are struggling, the evidence is mounting that many are falling through the cracks:
At a VA summit in August, officials announced that shelters in Fayetteville would get 23 more beds for homeless veterans. According to numbers released at the summit, 350 veterans were awaiting shelter beds here and in Wilmington. The Fayetteville VA estimates that there are more than 500 homeless veterans in the Fayetteville area.
Fayetteville Area Operation Inasmuch counted 96 veterans among the 560 homeless people it fed breakfast in August, the first month it began tracking veterans. Nineteen of those veterans were 45 or younger. This month, the organization has counted 108 veterans, 22 of them 45 or younger.
A report dated Sept. 9 by the Greater Fayetteville Futures 2 Behavioral Health Task Force listed achievements in the past year that included grants to provide mental health training for nurses, physician assistants and primary-care doctors who sometimes treat patients with mental health problems. But it concluded that the main issue in behavioral health care in Fayetteville is a "huge unmet need for providers," one that has the potential "to reach a critical level as more Soldiers return home and attempt to integrate back into the community."
Last year, Womack Army Medical Center referred between 100 and 200 Soldiers a month to private counselors because it was slammed with people seeking help. Lt. Col. Jay Earles, Womack's behavioral health chief, said the number of people referred off-post has not declined this year despite a 30 percent increase in its behavioral health staff.
The numbers, advocates for the homeless say, show that Fayetteville is seeing only the beginning of a problem that will persist and grow.
"We're already seeing the tropical storm is here, and the tsunami is coming because of the 10 years of war and the impact that it's had on military members and their families," said Eva Hansen, president of the Partnership for Children of Cumberland County. Forty percent of the families Hansen works with are military families.
"There's a good-faith effort going on, but with very limited resources and diminishing resources," Hansen said...
Many efforts have been made over the years to improve the condition of returning vets. But...it wasn't a priority under the Republican administration, and while it may be more urgent under the current President...the obstructionists in Congress aren't helping matters any with their roadblocks.
But dealing with coming home isn't the only problem...veterans will need places to live, too. There is a facility in Los Angeles that was donated to the United States as a 'national home for veterans' that can accomodate up to 8,000 servicemembers. Incredibly...it's vacant and mostly abandoned.
Los Angeles (CNN) -- The connection seems obvious: nearly 400 acres of land set aside to house veterans and thousands of veterans who need a place to call home.
But Los Angeles' estimated 8,000 homeless vets have been barred from living at the sprawling campus for decades. The West Los Angeles property -- some of the most valuable in the nation -- was donated in 1888 to "establish, construct and permanently maintain" a branch of a national home for veterans, according to the original deed.
And for nearly a century, that's what happened: permanent veterans facilities sprang up, including a post office, a trolley system and housing for as many as 4,000 vets, said American Civil Liberties Union lawyer Mark Rosenbaum.
But "beginning with the Vietnam War era, vets were kicked out," said Rosenbaum, who's leading a class-action suit over the property against the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Now, a generation after Vietnam, the facility's abandoned buildings are off limits to the veterans they were intended to serve.
"It's a shame," said Carolina Barrie, a descendant of the heiress who donated the land. Veterans should be "given every single opportunity to rehab their lives -- and if they have no place to live, a place to live."
The VA saw fit to lease parts of the property to several businesses. In September, the VA canceled three leases after rising criticism. But other entities remain on the property including a public golf course, a college baseball stadium, a theater and practice fields for the exclusive private Brentwood School.
CNN's initial requests to the VA for its side of the lawsuit were referred to the Justice Department, which said it wouldn't comment while the case is still pending.
*snip*
Accurate figures are hard to come by, but the VA in its most recent report estimates about 107,000 veterans find themselves homeless on any given night. Mental illness plagues 45% of homeless vets and 70% suffer from some kind of substance abuse, according to the VA.
Washington has OK'd $35.5 million to renovate various buildings on the campus including "Building 209 for housing facilities for homeless veterans," according to a bill signed by President Obama this month.
The facility would provide vets with 70 permanent housing units, far short of the living space needed to house LA's homeless vets.
The VA has launched an aggressive national plan with an ambitious goal: eliminating homelessness among veterans by 2015.
Of course, all those returning veterans are going to need jobs, too. Instead of just throwing money at it to fix it, why doesn't Washington think about something obvious...hire those returning vets to fix up the place, and pay them to do so while they transition back to civilian life? Ah, but what do I know?
Finally this morning...even though the active-duty personnel are coming home, you didn't think we were really *leaving* Iraq, did you?
American troops may be leaving Iraq before the end of the year, but U.S. contractors aren’t going anywhere soon.
ABC News reports that the State Department “is expected to have about 5,000 security contractors in Iraq as of January 2012 (they already have about 3,000 in country).” There will also be 4,500 “general life support” contractors to provide food and medical services.
Still, there’ll be a pretty big reduction in the contracting fleet. The Defense Department currently has 9,500 security contractors in Iraq in addition to several thousand general life contractors, said ABC News. At one point, in June 2009, the DOD had 15,200 security contractors in the country.
The State Department’s track record on controlling its contractors isn’t so great, as Spencer Ackerman reports:
The State Department’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security does not have a promising record when it comes to managing its mercenaries. The 2007 Nisour Square shootings by State’s security contractors, in which 17 Iraqi civilians were killed, marked one of the low points of the war. Now, State will be commanding a much larger security presence, the equivalent of a heavy combat brigade. In July, Danger Room exclusively reported that the Department blocked the Congressionally-appointed watchdog for Iraq from acquiring basic information about contractor security operations, such as the contractors’ rules of engagement.
This all comes on the heels of a report by the Commission on Wartime Contracting in Iraq and Afghanistan which found that federal contractors working in the two countries lost $60 billion.
Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO) is planning to develop “comprehensive legislation”, alongside Sen. Jim Webb (D-VA), to improve oversight of wartime contracting.
It may not be a uniformed soldier, but it does seem likely that an American will be the 'last man to die for a mistake'.
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 10/25/2011 13:06:09
Mondobubba on 10/25/2011 13:06:09
Excellent blog, Mr. Sec. Good morning all.
Comment by 
wickedpam on 10/25/2011 13:13:37
wickedpam on 10/25/2011 13:13:37
Morning 
Comment by 
Raine on 10/25/2011 13:31:22
good morning!
Raine on 10/25/2011 13:31:22
good morning!
Comment by Raine on 10/25/2011 13:46:12
Raine on 10/25/2011 13:46:12
BIG news!
The final components of the B53 bomb will be broken down Tuesday at the Pantex Plant near Amarillo, the nation's only nuclear weapons assembly and disassembly facility. The completion of the dismantling program is a year ahead of schedule, according to the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration, and aligns with President Barack Obama's goal of reducing the number of nuclear weapons.
Comment by 
BobR on 10/25/2011 13:50:51
BobR on 10/25/2011 13:50:51
The jobs plan the President wanted (and still wants) would seem to dovetail nicely with the troops returning from Iraq. It's a shame the Republicans are more interested in harming the President's aura than they are in supporting the troops.
Comment by Mondobubba on 10/25/2011 14:01:03
Interesting. I would have thought 49-year old nuclear weapons would have been long retiered.
Mondobubba on 10/25/2011 14:01:03
Quote by Raine:
BIG news!The final components of the B53 bomb will be broken down Tuesday at the Pantex Plant near Amarillo, the nation's only nuclear weapons assembly and disassembly facility. The completion of the dismantling program is a year ahead of schedule, according to the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration, and aligns with President Barack Obama's goal of reducing the number of nuclear weapons.
Interesting. I would have thought 49-year old nuclear weapons would have been long retiered.
Comment by 
TriSec on 10/25/2011 14:06:00
Now, now....the 56-year-old aircraft that carry them are still on the front lines...
TriSec on 10/25/2011 14:06:00
Quote by Mondobubba:
Interesting. I would have thought 49-year old nuclear weapons would have been long retiered.
Now, now....the 56-year-old aircraft that carry them are still on the front lines...
Comment by 
Scoopster on 10/25/2011 14:08:33
Scoopster on 10/25/2011 14:08:33
Mornin' all.. 
Comment by Scoopster on 10/25/2011 14:24:59
Scoopster on 10/25/2011 14:24:59
Tri here's one that may greatly interest you, and your neighbors.
Photos: Route 128 bridge in Gloucester is in horrid state of repair
Photos: Route 128 bridge in Gloucester is in horrid state of repair
Comment by Raine on 10/25/2011 14:34:48
WoW O_o (video at link
Raine on 10/25/2011 14:34:48
WoW O_o (video at linkA new YouTube ad put together by the Herman Cain campaign has quite a few people scratching their heads. Mostly because it appears to have been filmed on campaign manager Mark Block's smoke break. Literally.
The video is simply a brief rant from Block, Cain's chief of staff, professing his confidence in his boss' ability to "put United back in United States of America." When it's over, a American anthem worthy of Hulk Hogan plays over a extreme close up of Block taking a drag on a cigarette and another uncomfortably long close up of Cain himself. Uh ... okay.
Comment by Raine on 10/25/2011 14:36:59
Here's Mother Jones' take
Raine on 10/25/2011 14:36:59
Quote by Raine:
A new YouTube ad put together by the Herman Cain campaign has quite a few people scratching their heads. Mostly because it appears to have been filmed on campaign manager Mark Block's smoke break. Literally.
The video is simply a brief rant from Block, Cain's chief of staff, professing his confidence in his boss' ability to "put United back in United States of America." When it's over, a American anthem worthy of Hulk Hogan plays over a extreme close up of Block taking a drag on a cigarette and another uncomfortably long close up of Cain himself. Uh ... okay.
Comment by TriSec on 10/25/2011 14:46:13
Only one of many, Scoop. The Totten Pond overpass (route 128, Waltham) was hit by a truck long ago and they welded an I-beam across it so it wouldn't fold up. It's taken 5 years to fix it.
I'm familiar with the Gloucester bridge, but I rarely travel that far up. A high-visibility bridge downtown is in a similar state; heavy trucking across it was banned last year, and the sidewalks are so dangerous that pedestrian traffic has been banned for quite some time.
TriSec on 10/25/2011 14:46:13
Quote by Scoopster:
Tri here's one that may greatly interest you, and your neighbors.
Photos: Route 128 bridge in Gloucester is in horrid state of repair
Only one of many, Scoop. The Totten Pond overpass (route 128, Waltham) was hit by a truck long ago and they welded an I-beam across it so it wouldn't fold up. It's taken 5 years to fix it.
I'm familiar with the Gloucester bridge, but I rarely travel that far up. A high-visibility bridge downtown is in a similar state; heavy trucking across it was banned last year, and the sidewalks are so dangerous that pedestrian traffic has been banned for quite some time.
Comment by Mondobubba on 10/25/2011 14:52:20
Airframes last longer than bomb componants.
Mondobubba on 10/25/2011 14:52:20
Quote by TriSec:Quote by Mondobubba:
Interesting. I would have thought 49-year old nuclear weapons would have been long retiered.
Now, now....the 56-year-old aircraft that carry them are still on the front lines...
Airframes last longer than bomb componants.
Comment by Mondobubba on 10/25/2011 14:53:08
Further proof that Cain is on the grift. He's not a real presidential candidate.
Mondobubba on 10/25/2011 14:53:08
Quote by Raine:
A new YouTube ad put together by the Herman Cain campaign has quite a few people scratching their heads. Mostly because it appears to have been filmed on campaign manager Mark Block's smoke break. Literally.
The video is simply a brief rant from Block, Cain's chief of staff, professing his confidence in his boss' ability to "put United back in United States of America." When it's over, a American anthem worthy of Hulk Hogan plays over a extreme close up of Block taking a drag on a cigarette and another uncomfortably long close up of Cain himself. Uh ... okay.
Further proof that Cain is on the grift. He's not a real presidential candidate.
Comment by Mondobubba on 10/25/2011 15:03:41
Speaking of infrastructure, I am very suprised that most of ours in these parts is very well taken care of. Currently one of the bridges over the St. Johns river is being redecked, the Bridge of Lions in St Augustine just finished a complete overhaul. There is a major hiway construction project underway here as well.
Mondobubba on 10/25/2011 15:03:41
Quote by TriSec:Quote by Scoopster:
Tri here's one that may greatly interest you, and your neighbors.
Photos: Route 128 bridge in Gloucester is in horrid state of repair
Only one of many, Scoop. The Totten Pond overpass (route 128, Waltham) was hit by a truck long ago and they welded an I-beam across it so it wouldn't fold up. It's taken 5 years to fix it.
I'm familiar with the Gloucester bridge, but I rarely travel that far up. A high-visibility bridge downtown is in a similar state; heavy trucking across it was banned last year, and the sidewalks are so dangerous that pedestrian traffic has been banned for quite some time.
Speaking of infrastructure, I am very suprised that most of ours in these parts is very well taken care of. Currently one of the bridges over the St. Johns river is being redecked, the Bridge of Lions in St Augustine just finished a complete overhaul. There is a major hiway construction project underway here as well.
Comment by TriSec on 10/25/2011 15:19:10
I would think they're the same..."with careful maintenence". I wouldn't worry too much about the USAF....but say, if the Russkies have a couple of stray Tsar Bombas lying around, we might want to be concerned.
TriSec on 10/25/2011 15:19:10
Quote by Mondobubba:
Airframes last longer than bomb componants.
I would think they're the same..."with careful maintenence". I wouldn't worry too much about the USAF....but say, if the Russkies have a couple of stray Tsar Bombas lying around, we might want to be concerned.
Comment by wickedpam on 10/25/2011 15:21:38
wickedpam on 10/25/2011 15:21:38
Have a smartphone and streaming queston for anyone who can answer it - Downloaded the whole I 
Radio app so I can stream Green 960 instead of listening to local radio crap, does anyone know if they can max out a data plan(ie will it run up my bill)?
Radio app so I can stream Green 960 instead of listening to local radio crap, does anyone know if they can max out a data plan(ie will it run up my bill)?
Comment by Raine on 10/25/2011 15:30:26
I have no idea.
this is the part where I get very confused.
Raine on 10/25/2011 15:30:26
Quote by wickedpam:
Have a smartphone and streaming queston for anyone who can answer it - Downloaded the whole I
this is the part where I get very confused.
Comment by Scoopster on 10/25/2011 15:32:24
In a word, Absolutely. You can get around that by streaming to the phone via wi-fi rather than your 3G/4G data service, but don't tell them you're doing it or they'll whack you with a tethering fee.
Scoopster on 10/25/2011 15:32:24
Quote by wickedpam:
Have a smartphone and streaming question for anyone who can answer it - Downloaded the whole I
In a word, Absolutely. You can get around that by streaming to the phone via wi-fi rather than your 3G/4G data service, but don't tell them you're doing it or they'll whack you with a tethering fee.
Comment by 
livingonli on 10/25/2011 15:33:55
Good question. I have that app plus the SiriusXM app on my Droid. It's only when I open the SiriusXM app that I get a warning message about data usage which is not on the I Radio app. My guess is normal radio streaming definitely eats up some data (Good thing I have a wi-fi hotspot at home), but not as much as other activities.
I have the NFL Mobile App as well but I haven't used it at work because I can't connect to Wi-Fi there even though I have no TV access to NFL games at work. At least NBC streams the Sunday Night games from their website.
livingonli on 10/25/2011 15:33:55
Quote by wickedpam:
Have a smartphone and streaming queston for anyone who can answer it - Downloaded the whole I
Good question. I have that app plus the SiriusXM app on my Droid. It's only when I open the SiriusXM app that I get a warning message about data usage which is not on the I
Radio app. My guess is normal radio streaming definitely eats up some data (Good thing I have a wi-fi hotspot at home), but not as much as other activities.I have the NFL Mobile App as well but I haven't used it at work because I can't connect to Wi-Fi there even though I have no TV access to NFL games at work. At least NBC streams the Sunday Night games from their website.
Comment by wickedpam on 10/25/2011 15:37:52
how do you not tell them?
wickedpam on 10/25/2011 15:37:52
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by wickedpam:
Have a smartphone and streaming question for anyone who can answer it - Downloaded the whole I
In a word, Absolutely. You can get around that by streaming to the phone via wi-fi rather than your 3G/4G data service, but don't tell them you're doing it or they'll whack you with a tethering fee.
how do you not tell them?
Comment by livingonli on 10/25/2011 15:37:53
livingonli on 10/25/2011 15:37:53
Comment by wickedpam on 10/25/2011 15:40:15
wickedpam on 10/25/2011 15:40:15
I would really love if that cell phone bill they just passed went into effect now instead of 2012/13 - it sounds like its going to be helpful to consumers, I'm surprised it got out of congress
Comment by Scoopster on 10/25/2011 15:42:04
If by chance you ever call customer service..
They're unable to find out remotely if you're streaming over wi-fi unless you SAY it.
Scoopster on 10/25/2011 15:42:04
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Scoopster:Quote by wickedpam:
Have a smartphone and streaming question for anyone who can answer it - Downloaded the whole I
In a word, Absolutely. You can get around that by streaming to the phone via wi-fi rather than your 3G/4G data service, but don't tell them you're doing it or they'll whack you with a tethering fee.
how do you not tell them?
If by chance you ever call customer service..
They're unable to find out remotely if you're streaming over wi-fi unless you SAY it.
Comment by wickedpam on 10/25/2011 15:49:55
ok - so I have this thing on my phone (Droid) that says 3G Mobile HOtspot - is that my wifi?
Oh and sorry for driving the bus into a phone ditch
wickedpam on 10/25/2011 15:49:55
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Scoopster:Quote by wickedpam:
Have a smartphone and streaming question for anyone who can answer it - Downloaded the whole I
In a word, Absolutely. You can get around that by streaming to the phone via wi-fi rather than your 3G/4G data service, but don't tell them you're doing it or they'll whack you with a tethering fee.
how do you not tell them?
If by chance you ever call customer service..
They're unable to find out remotely if you're streaming over wi-fi unless you SAY it.
ok - so I have this thing on my phone (Droid) that says 3G Mobile HOtspot - is that my wifi?
Oh and sorry for driving the bus into a phone ditch
Comment by Mondobubba on 10/25/2011 16:00:04
Two word: Radioactive decay. Tritium and the element in the triggers decay rather quickly. Aircraft not so much.
Mondobubba on 10/25/2011 16:00:04
Quote by TriSec:Quote by Mondobubba:
Airframes last longer than bomb componants.
I would think they're the same..."with careful maintenence". I wouldn't worry too much about the USAF....but say, if the Russkies have a couple of stray Tsar Bombas lying around, we might want to be concerned.
Two word: Radioactive decay. Tritium and the element in the triggers decay rather quickly. Aircraft not so much.
Comment by Scoopster on 10/25/2011 16:05:50
3G is your cellular data service. The mobile hotspot thing is a little complex - it allows the phone to function as a modem over 3G AND as a wi-fi router for a laptop.
Scoopster on 10/25/2011 16:05:50
Quote by wickedpam:
ok - so I have this thing on my phone (Droid) that says 3G Mobile HOtspot - is that my wifi?
Oh and sorry for driving the bus into a phone ditch
3G is your cellular data service. The mobile hotspot thing is a little complex - it allows the phone to function as a modem over 3G AND as a wi-fi router for a laptop.
Comment by wickedpam on 10/25/2011 16:24:44
Lets not get into complex just yet - I"m still learning wifi and other stuff
Found my WiFi stuff undersettings - I apparently turned it off. Should i leave it on so it can scan for open networks?
wickedpam on 10/25/2011 16:24:44
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by wickedpam:
ok - so I have this thing on my phone (Droid) that says 3G Mobile HOtspot - is that my wifi?
Oh and sorry for driving the bus into a phone ditch
3G is your cellular data service. The mobile hotspot thing is a little complex - it allows the phone to function as a modem over 3G AND as a wi-fi router for a laptop.
Lets not get into complex just yet - I"m still learning wifi and other stuff
Found my WiFi stuff undersettings - I apparently turned it off. Should i leave it on so it can scan for open networks?
Comment by Scoopster on 10/25/2011 16:35:50
Yes! Dooo eeet!
Scoopster on 10/25/2011 16:35:50
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Scoopster:Quote by wickedpam:
ok - so I have this thing on my phone (Droid) that says 3G Mobile HOtspot - is that my wifi?
Oh and sorry for driving the bus into a phone ditch
3G is your cellular data service. The mobile hotspot thing is a little complex - it allows the phone to function as a modem over 3G AND as a wi-fi router for a laptop.
Lets not get into complex just yet - I"m still learning wifi and other stuff
Found my WiFi stuff undersettings - I apparently turned it off. Should i leave it on so it can scan for open networks?
Yes! Dooo eeet!
Comment by wickedpam on 10/25/2011 16:47:37
that sounded a little Golem-like
wickedpam on 10/25/2011 16:47:37
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Scoopster:Quote by wickedpam:
ok - so I have this thing on my phone (Droid) that says 3G Mobile HOtspot - is that my wifi?
Oh and sorry for driving the bus into a phone ditch
3G is your cellular data service. The mobile hotspot thing is a little complex - it allows the phone to function as a modem over 3G AND as a wi-fi router for a laptop.
Lets not get into complex just yet - I"m still learning wifi and other stuff
Found my WiFi stuff undersettings - I apparently turned it off. Should i leave it on so it can scan for open networks?
Yes! Dooo eeet!
that sounded a little Golem-like
Comment by Raine on 10/25/2011 17:08:41
That is the one thing I learned -- keep the WiFi on.
Scoop -- doesn't that mean I would automatically use the wifi spots instead of the data for things like iHeart etc.?
Raine on 10/25/2011 17:08:41
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Scoopster:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Scoopster:Quote by wickedpam:
ok - so I have this thing on my phone (Droid) that says 3G Mobile HOtspot - is that my wifi?
Oh and sorry for driving the bus into a phone ditch
3G is your cellular data service. The mobile hotspot thing is a little complex - it allows the phone to function as a modem over 3G AND as a wi-fi router for a laptop.
Lets not get into complex just yet - I"m still learning wifi and other stuff
Found my WiFi stuff undersettings - I apparently turned it off. Should i leave it on so it can scan for open networks?
Yes! Dooo eeet!
that sounded a little Golem-like
That is the one thing I learned -- keep the WiFi on.
Scoop -- doesn't that mean I would automatically use the wifi spots instead of the data for things like iHeart etc.?
Comment by Raine on 10/25/2011 17:13:47
...and this is different than other times, how, exactly?
Raine on 10/25/2011 17:13:47
Quote by TriSec:
Never Forget.
Sorry.
Ben also has 30 million fans who are mad as hell, dispirited, disgusted and despondent all at the same time.
Comment by Scoopster on 10/25/2011 17:17:09
I'm not sure without seeing how the phone's settings work.. but I'm sure if you're not in range of a familiar wifi network tho it will always default to 3G/4G.
(i.e. on my iTouch it'll automatically try to connect to any wifi network that it's used before, and I assume it'd be the same on an iPhone.)
Scoopster on 10/25/2011 17:17:09
Quote by Raine:
That is the one thing I learned -- keep the WiFi on.
Scoop -- doesn't that mean I would automatically use the wifi spots instead of the data for things like iHeart etc.?
I'm not sure without seeing how the phone's settings work.. but I'm sure if you're not in range of a familiar wifi network tho it will always default to 3G/4G.
(i.e. on my iTouch it'll automatically try to connect to any wifi network that it's used before, and I assume it'd be the same on an iPhone.)
Comment by TriSec on 10/25/2011 17:18:10
TriSec on 10/25/2011 17:18:10
grumble, grunt, rant, rave.
< throws nerf baseball towards NoVa, it goes 4 feet, rolls between legs >
You made me do that!
< throws nerf baseball towards NoVa, it goes 4 feet, rolls between legs >
You made me do that!
Comment by Raine on 10/25/2011 17:22:09
Raine on 10/25/2011 17:22:09
Ok, Anyone have some background on the Schumer-Lee law that has been introduced? Robert Reich has a damning piece about it, and it pisses me off it this is indeed the case.
If this is true, let me get this right:
POTUS had to go around congress to give what little help he could to people in underwater homes, and they are ready to just let foreigners come in and buy property?
NOT COOL. I'm especially ashamed of Schumer right now.
If this is true, let me get this right:
POTUS had to go around congress to give what little help he could to people in underwater homes, and they are ready to just let foreigners come in and buy property?
NOT COOL. I'm especially ashamed of Schumer right now.
Comment by Raine on 10/25/2011 17:28:55
Raine on 10/25/2011 17:28:55
OK, here is what the Albany Times Union has to say: There is a lot more there.
Think Progress' Matt Yglesias has this to say: I think I disagree with Yglesias.
Something just doesn't sit right here for me.
The Democratic New York senator describes his bill, which is co-sponsored by Sen. Mike Lee, a Republican from Utah, as a way to help the sluggish housing market by boosting demand. Foreign nationals would have to spend at least $500,000 on residential real estate, including at least $250,000 for a primary residence.
"Our housing market will never begin a true recovery as long as our housing stock so greatly exceeds demand," Schumer said, adding that the effort "won't cost the government a nickel."
But critics say the plan would have negative consequences for some U.S. families, particularly first-time home buyers. After all, the housing downturn has been a blessing for many Americans who had been priced out of home ownership.
Think Progress' Matt Yglesias has this to say:
Under the circumstances, the Chuck Schumer/Mike Lee bill to offer a visa to any immigrant willing to buy an American house worth at least $500,000 makes a lot of sense. One problem with it is simply that the number is extremely high. The idea, I think, is to make it a high number to reassure people that the country won’t be somehow swamped with low-income welfare cases. This is a misguided way of thinking about things, but even holding that constraint constant, there are a variety of other ways you could assure that while still setting a much lower threshold that many more people could take advantage of. The Census Bureau says the median value of owner occupied housing in the United States is around $185,000, so setting a price floor of $200,000 should be adequate assurance that we’re looking at a pool of skilled foreigners.
Something just doesn't sit right here for me.
Comment by BobR on 10/25/2011 17:31:34
BobR on 10/25/2011 17:31:34
It stinks of oligarchy.
Comment by Raine on 10/25/2011 17:32:40
I saw a cute puppy. I looked at the puppy, maybe Buckner did too.
Raine on 10/25/2011 17:32:40
Quote by TriSec:
grumble, grunt, rant, rave.
< throws nerf baseball towards NoVa, it goes 4 feet, rolls between legs >
You made me do that!
I saw a cute puppy. I looked at the puppy, maybe Buckner did too.
Comment by Raine on 10/25/2011 17:34:27
What I find really disturbing is that at a time when the dollar has so many issues they are doing this.
I see a lot of issues, to be honest. I don;t like it -- I could be convinced otherwise, but Yglesias' explanation is NOT doing it for me.
Raine on 10/25/2011 17:34:27
Quote by BobR:
It stinks of oligarchy.
What I find really disturbing is that at a time when the dollar has so many issues they are doing this.
I see a lot of issues, to be honest. I don;t like it -- I could be convinced otherwise, but Yglesias' explanation is NOT doing it for me.
Comment by TriSec on 10/25/2011 17:45:38
TriSec on 10/25/2011 17:45:38
Mrs. TriSec and I never even considered buying, not even in flush times.
The way the housing market was around here, you could have put any price you wanted on it, and somebody would have bought it.
At the peak of the market, we would have needed an income of around 150,000 annual in order to afford in the same neighborhood where we are. (under the old assumption of 3x your annual salary.) Of course, now that the market is depressed....who's making enough money to even *think* about buying?
The way the housing market was around here, you could have put any price you wanted on it, and somebody would have bought it.
At the peak of the market, we would have needed an income of around 150,000 annual in order to afford in the same neighborhood where we are. (under the old assumption of 3x your annual salary.) Of course, now that the market is depressed....who's making enough money to even *think* about buying?
Comment by Raine on 10/25/2011 17:50:07
IF they are trying to undepress the market by conflating it with bringing in skilled workers -- that is the WRONG way to go about it.
America HAS enough skilled workers -- we should be offering people HERE the ability to own a home -- and I am not talking about the same damn sketchy way the previous administration went about do it.
Raine on 10/25/2011 17:50:07
Quote by TriSec:
Mrs. TriSec and I never even considered buying, not even in flush times.
The way the housing market was around here, you could have put any price you wanted on it, and somebody would have bought it.
At the peak of the market, we would have needed an income of around 150,000 annual in order to afford in the same neighborhood where we are. (under the old assumption of 3x your annual salary.) Of course, now that the market is depressed....who's making enough money to even *think* about buying?
America HAS enough skilled workers -- we should be offering people HERE the ability to own a home -- and I am not talking about the same damn sketchy way the previous administration went about do it.
Comment by Raine on 10/25/2011 18:07:32
Raine on 10/25/2011 18:07:32
BTW, The ThinkProgress link I posted has some very thought provoking replies to the story.
Comment by TriSec on 10/25/2011 18:18:47
TriSec on 10/25/2011 18:18:47
How about this:
Federal rule, if you buy a house for the purpose of living in it, you must file a declaration that it is your "primary residence" which will remain in effect for the term of the loan. If the "primary residence" is sold, it can't be sold for more than 3x the median income for the neighborhood. Any new construction must be initially sold as a "primary residence", then it can go to the free market after that.
If you can afford multiple houses, you can buy and sell a second home at whatever price you want. Once the "primary residence" loan is paid off, you can also buy and sell at whatever price you want. But as long as the house is listed as a 'primary residence', it must be tied to the median income rate.
There.
Federal rule, if you buy a house for the purpose of living in it, you must file a declaration that it is your "primary residence" which will remain in effect for the term of the loan. If the "primary residence" is sold, it can't be sold for more than 3x the median income for the neighborhood. Any new construction must be initially sold as a "primary residence", then it can go to the free market after that.
If you can afford multiple houses, you can buy and sell a second home at whatever price you want. Once the "primary residence" loan is paid off, you can also buy and sell at whatever price you want. But as long as the house is listed as a 'primary residence', it must be tied to the median income rate.
There.
Comment by Raine on 10/25/2011 18:29:41
Raine on 10/25/2011 18:29:41
Looking into it a little more: From Rep Lee's website:
We don't have excess homes in this Nation. We have a lack of access to them.
That is the fault of our banking industry. That is the fault of Congress refusing to take action about this. Frank Dodd was a damn good start-- but it did not go far enough.
The Visa Improvements to Stimulate International Tourism to the United States of America Act (VISIT-USA Act) would remove bureaucratic red tape that stifles travel and investment in the U.S. For instance, the bill would reduce barriers for Canadian and Chinese visitors whose consumer spending provides a lift to the U.S. economy. The bill would also expedite priority visa applicants, introduce videoconferencing as a means to screening foreign nationals, and make major changes to visa procedures for U.S. allies in the fight against al Qaeda.
To confront the housing crisis, the legislation would provide, for the first time, a three-year residential visa for foreign nationals who invest at least $500,000 in residential real estate in the United States. At least $250,000 must be spent on a primary residence where the visa holder will reside for at least 180 days out of the year while paying taxes to the U.S. Applicants would still be subject to standard criminal and national security background checks and, once approved, would not be able to receive government benefits such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. The program would not serve as a path to citizenship for foreign nationals. Real estate analysts have said this proposal could lift demand for U.S. homes and help ease the housing crisis. Famed investor Warren Buffett has also supported the concept of enticing foreign homebuyers previously.
Schumer said: “This concept has the potential to lift demand for the nation’s excess homes. Our housing market will never begin a true recovery as long as our housing stock so greatly exceeds demand. This is not a cure-all, but it could be part of the solution to the housing crisis and won’t cost the government a nickel."
We don't have excess homes in this Nation. We have a lack of access to them.
That is the fault of our banking industry. That is the fault of Congress refusing to take action about this. Frank Dodd was a damn good start-- but it did not go far enough.
Comment by livingonli on 10/25/2011 18:33:43
livingonli on 10/25/2011 18:33:43
Bringing back Glass-Stegal would be even better.
Comment by BobR on 10/25/2011 18:37:45
Any one coming to the US and buying a $500K house is not coming over as a "skilled worker". These will be the creme de la Riche, buying vacation homes.
BobR on 10/25/2011 18:37:45
Quote by Raine:IF they are trying to undepress the market by conflating it with bringing in skilled workers -- that is the WRONG way to go about it.Quote by TriSec:
Mrs. TriSec and I never even considered buying, not even in flush times.
The way the housing market was around here, you could have put any price you wanted on it, and somebody would have bought it.
At the peak of the market, we would have needed an income of around 150,000 annual in order to afford in the same neighborhood where we are. (under the old assumption of 3x your annual salary.) Of course, now that the market is depressed....who's making enough money to even *think* about buying?
America HAS enough skilled workers -- we should be offering people HERE the ability to own a home -- and I am not talking about the same damn sketchy way the previous administration went about do it.
Any one coming to the US and buying a $500K house is not coming over as a "skilled worker". These will be the creme de la Riche, buying vacation homes.
Comment by Raine on 10/25/2011 19:08:36
That is a good point. Where can one get a Vacation home for less than 500K?
Granted -- I am thinking waterfront property.
Raine on 10/25/2011 19:08:36
Quote by BobR:
Any one coming to the US and buying a $500K house is not coming over as a "skilled worker". These will be the creme de la Riche, buying vacation homes.
That is a good point. Where can one get a Vacation home for less than 500K?
Granted -- I am thinking waterfront property.
Comment by wickedpam on 10/25/2011 19:08:54
exactly.
Although it depends on the area's cost of living. Thing is though - when I think of "skilled labor" I think something far more blue collar
wickedpam on 10/25/2011 19:08:54
Quote by BobR:Quote by Raine:IF they are trying to undepress the market by conflating it with bringing in skilled workers -- that is the WRONG way to go about it.Quote by TriSec:
Mrs. TriSec and I never even considered buying, not even in flush times.
The way the housing market was around here, you could have put any price you wanted on it, and somebody would have bought it.
At the peak of the market, we would have needed an income of around 150,000 annual in order to afford in the same neighborhood where we are. (under the old assumption of 3x your annual salary.) Of course, now that the market is depressed....who's making enough money to even *think* about buying?
America HAS enough skilled workers -- we should be offering people HERE the ability to own a home -- and I am not talking about the same damn sketchy way the previous administration went about do it.
Any one coming to the US and buying a $500K house is not coming over as a "skilled worker". These will be the creme de la Riche, buying vacation homes.
exactly.
Although it depends on the area's cost of living. Thing is though - when I think of "skilled labor" I think something far more blue collar
Comment by Scoopster on 10/25/2011 19:13:14
Arizona. If you're a Canadian it makes for a fantastic seasonal retreat.
Scoopster on 10/25/2011 19:13:14
Quote by Raine:Quote by BobR:
Any one coming to the US and buying a $500K house is not coming over as a "skilled worker". These will be the creme de la Riche, buying vacation homes.
That is a good point. Where can one get a Vacation home for less than 500K?
Granted -- I am thinking waterfront property.
Arizona. If you're a Canadian it makes for a fantastic seasonal retreat.