Domain: tiger-web1.srvr.media3.us User Profile: Nole Man | TigerDroppings.com
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Registered on:5/15/2011
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Draft Kings Playoffs - Week 20!

Posted by Nole Man on 1/17/26 at 6:56 am
On to the Divisionals and makin' that money. Big Ballers only.



Your chance to grab that bag like mgarde did last week.


Big Baller Invitational!!
Guess that' rule out recommending going to Hedonism II.

So, my thoughts would be for November/early December...

One of our favorite locations was going to Monterey CA. It'd be an ideal anniversary destination, offering dramatic California coastlines and a relaxed atmosphere, especially in November or December. With fewer crowds and stunning sunsets, you can enjoy cozy B&Bs, waterfront walks, Carmel’s village, and scenic drives down Big Sur—all conveniently close for a romantic, stress-free getaway.

Old Monterey Inn

Green Gables Inn

Or stay near Big Sur and Carmel. We did day trips here FYI. It'd give you dramatic coastal scenery, cooler weather perfect for hiking, quieter roads and trails, and a mix of luxury hotels and cozy coastal towns. It’s one of the best shoulder-season destinations in the U.S. for couples who want a blend of nature, great food, and a relaxed pace.

Ventana Big Sur Inn

We liked Sedona AZ. Offers a convenient anniversary escape with stunning red-rock views, excellent food, and relaxing resorts. November and early December provide cool, sunny weather without crowds. For luxury, try L’Auberge de Sedona or Enchantment Resort; for affordable style near shops and restaurants, Amara Resort and El Portal are good options.

re: Trump outlines healthcare plan

Posted by Nole Man on 1/16/26 at 7:32 am to
Well played. Guess you just paid in for nuthin' when it gets abolished. Thanks for playin'.

:lol:



Medicare taxes from your paycheck fund the program, not a personal account. After working at least 40 quarters (around ten years), you qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A at age 65. If you've worked longer, you're fully entitled to Part A hospital coverage without monthly premiums. In essence, these taxes aren't savings but guarantee your Medicare benefits after years of contributions.


Going to be a lot of people out there when it gets abolished.

:cheers:
quote:

I'm sure Lucy isn't going to pull away the football this time


:lol:

I was in "the biz" for over 43 years. Color me skeptical for any meaningful reforms.
Polls like Quinnipiac's aren't necessarily biased; instead, they underscore the difficulties of gauging public opinion—factors such as how questions are worded, the available answers, and current events all shape responses. Americans typically resist new military interventions unless they see an immediate threat, which helps explain why high numbers often oppose intervention. This poll mirrors standard public sentiment, especially in light of years spent in costly foreign ventures.

Given recent U.S. actions in Venezuela and ongoing operations in Gaza, it's not surprising that most Americans are reluctant to support involvement in another conflict. This widespread feeling of wariness is why promises from politicians about "no new wars" draw close attention—even with such assurances, people see that the country has already engaged in two major interventions. So, when 70% say they oppose action in Iran, it's understandable—the public feels the nation is already heavily involved abroad and is wary of further commitments.

There's also a gap between the administration’s official goals in Venezuela and Gaza and how the public perceives these missions. While the White House describes them as targeted, strategic efforts to stabilize regions or defend American interests, most people don't follow these policy details—they simply view the U.S. as entangled in two foreign conflicts at once. Therefore, when polls show 70% against intervention in Iran, it points to growing exhaustion and skepticism among the public, who believe the nation is overextended internationally, regardless of the government’s justifications.







Medicare and Medicaid aren’t going anywhere — that’s just the reality. They’re too deeply embedded in the healthcare system, too essential for seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income families, and too central to hospital financing for either party to realistically eliminate them. The real debate isn’t about whether these programs should exist, but about how to manage their rising costs, strengthen their long-term sustainability, and modernize the way care is delivered.

Prescription drug costs are a major factor behind rising expenses, and federal proposals like most-favored-nation pricing and expanded rebate programs are designed to make Medicare and Medicaid pay less for expensive medications. States are also implementing effective Medicaid measures such as value-based payments, stricter care coordination, and targeted waivers to cut down on unnecessary hospital stays and improve patient outcomes, which helps lower long-term costs. By enhancing oversight of payment models tested by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation, it’s possible to further reduce waste and encourage efficiency. Importantly, these strategies do not require cutting benefits—they target inflated prices, reduce inefficiencies, and improve care delivery, which helps save money for taxpayers while protecting program beneficiaries.s.

re: Trump outlines healthcare plan

Posted by Nole Man on 1/15/26 at 4:56 pm to
Affordable healthcare and access are among the most important considerations facing Americans. I'm glad the topic is back on the table, but color me skeptical.

Meaningful healthcare reform is still urgently needed because the core problems Americans face haven’t changed, even though politicians have been floating “frameworks” and vague outlines since 2017. Premiums continue to rise faster than wages, prescription drug prices remain among the highest in the world, and millions of families depend on temporary ACA subsidies that Congress must repeatedly rescue to prevent major cost spikes. Rural hospitals are closing, long-term-care costs are exploding, and Medicare and Medicaid face real structural pressures that no slogan or outline has addressed.

Seems like the latest health-care announcement largely restates earlier proposals under the new name “The Great Healthcare Plan.” Reports indicate it is a general outline without legislative details, cost analysis, or clear implementation plans. While repeating goals like lower drug prices and protection for pre-existing conditions, it lacks specific execution strategies. Officials describe it as an early-stage framework, suggesting little substantive difference from past concepts.

I'll believe they're serious when it actually happens.
quote:

Anything less than the complete abolishment of Medicare/Medicaid/etc is unacceptable.


LOL! Yeah right. :rolleyes:

An absolutist position, such as “anything less than completely abolishing Medicare and Medicaid is unacceptable,” fails to acknowledge the integral role these programs play in the nation’s healthcare and economic frameworks. Medicare and Medicaid provide essential medical access for millions of older adults, individuals with disabilities, and low-income families. Eliminating these programs would result in immediate and severe repercussions for hospitals, long-term care facilities, and state budgets. Even advocates of substantial reform generally recognize that dismantling such extensive systems would create significant disruption.

A substantive discussion on healthcare reform must consider the scale, complexity, and human implications associated with these programs. Abolition cannot be treated as a simple policy change; rather, it would have profound consequences, particularly for society’s most vulnerable populations, and could reverberate throughout the broader economy. Constructive dialogue regarding healthcare costs should focus on pragmatic solutions instead of extreme measures like repealing Medicare or Medicaid. Given the size, integration, and importance of these programs, addressing cost concerns necessitates targeted strategies such as reducing administrative inefficiencies, promoting equitable prescription drug pricing, incentivizing value-based outcomes, strengthening preventive care, and enhancing oversight of rapidly expanding sectors like Medicare Advantage. These initiatives aim to improve system performance and sustainability without dismantling existing structures—offering the most viable path toward meaningful cost reduction while maintaining stability.
lity.

re: Build my European trip

Posted by Nole Man on 1/14/26 at 11:45 am to
quote:

I’ve done Europe a few times now. My favorite 10 day trip to Europe was Prague, Vienna and Budapest. Transit by train between each city is a breeze. Air is an option too. Breathtaking architecture and culture.

Quick day trips to Halstatt, Cesky Krumlov and Salzburg will keep it interesting.


I'd agree with this itinerary as well.

I've been to Budapest 3 times and love it.

Been to Prague 4 times and it's my favorite city in the world that I've done.

In fact, a GREAT trip would be just focus on Czechia. Fly to Prague. Tour the city for 3-4 days, then hire a car (we did going and coming back for $400 Euros total, or rent one) and spend a couple of days in
Ceský Krumlov. Literally among the prettiest, most quaint small town you'll ever find in Europe along with cities such as Colmar France or - Hallstatt, Austria.

But whatever you do, don't try to overdo it. "If it's Tuesday it must be..." Pick one or two at most locations and immerse.



Selected Photos - Czechia

Selected Photos - Budapests - Budapest

re: Kid-centric Nashville recs

Posted by Nole Man on 1/14/26 at 7:31 am to
:cheers:

For a late-February trip with young children (ages two and five), spending one night at Opryland is typically sufficient unless you wish to add nearby attractions like the Nashville Zoo or Adventure Science Center. You can adjust how long you stay based on your own budget and interests.

The Gaylord Opryland Resort offers a full family experience and pairs well with a visit to the American Girl Store for a stress-free weekend plan. Although the resort is more expensive, it's especially child-friendly—with indoor gardens, boat rides, and the SoundWaves waterpark. There are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained for an entire day without having to leave the resort. If you'd like more variety, both the zoo and science center are excellent choices.

The American Girl Store at Cool Springs makes a convenient stop on your way home, ensuring the weekend stays simple, fun, and age-appropriate for young kids.

Note: Traveling from Gaylord Opryland to Cool Springs Galleria (American Girl Store) covers about:
22–25 miles
25–35 minutes depending on traffic
Taking I-65 South is usually the quickest and most straightforward option.

Might be perfect as a Sunday stop on your way back.

re: Build my European trip

Posted by Nole Man on 1/13/26 at 7:13 am to
Ask ChatGPT?

But my vote is just go to Slovenia and immerse. You'd thank me later.
There’s 24 members, but this contest only attracted six. Hopefully we can get more people to start to play!
Almost time! 6 game slate. Operators standing by!

g]
I'd move to Slovenia for a while in a heartbeat
There are established policies and procedures for the use of force with any law enforcement agency.

I still maintain that when ICE or another armed law enforcement agency issues a directive to halt, compliance is critical for the safety of all involved parties. The incident in question is profoundly regrettable, and the resulting loss of life is significant. It is important to note that adherence to instructions at the scene may have prevented this outcome.

Either way, I listened to this interview. A retired federal agent with 25 years of experience in gun-related cases explains Ross's actions on CBS.


re: ICE shooting

Posted by Nole Man on 1/9/26 at 4:49 pm to
Whether she "turned the wheel" or not. Whether he shouldn't have gotten in front of the vehicle and drawn his weapon or not. Whether she was a "leftist" and FAFO or not really isn't really the crux of this unfortunate incident.

Setting aside political considerations, there's really only one main point here: Compliance with commands from law enforcement officers. It is generally accepted that law enforcement officers—whether police, sheriffs, or federal agents—must have their commands followed promptly when approaching a vehicle. In high-pressure situations involving firearms, decisions are made within moments, and moving a vehicle in any direction toward officers can result in serious and potentially tragic consequences.

When instructed to stop by ICE or any armed law enforcement agency, compliance is critical to ensuring the safety of all parties involved. This remains an unfortunate situation for everyone affected.

Nevertheless, adherence to commands given at the scene may have prevented this outcome.
No way that was "Suicide by Cop". She had kids. A wife (or whatever they're supposed to be called. Doesn't matter if she was a lesbian, she had a relationship with someone you assume she loved).

Witnesses say that Good and her wife were acting as "legal observers" (whatever that is) and filming a protest in Minneapolis when Good was shot three times in the face on Wednesday.

Setting politics aside, there is a basic point most reasonable people can agree on: when law enforcement officers—whether police, sheriff, or federal agents—approach a vehicle and issue commands, those instructions must be followed immediately. In high-stress situations involving firearms, decisions unfold in split seconds, and moving a vehicle forward or backward, especially toward an officer, can lead to tragic outcomes.

When ICE or any armed law enforcement agency instructs someone to stop, compliance is essential for everyone’s safety. What happened is deeply tragic, and the loss of life is heartbreaking. However, had the orders given at the scene been followed, this outcome might have been avoided.

A very sad situation all around.

re: How screwed am I?

Posted by Nole Man on 1/7/26 at 9:44 am to
quote:

Large Cap domestic equity fund?


Such as?

Symbol Fund Name
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
VOO Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
SPLG SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF
SCHG Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF

Or?
We now move on to the NFL Playoffs!



Here's how this works on Draft Kings. The Cornucopia Of Fantasy Goodness League is the weekly league. Recurring contests that were set up continue. Draft Kings doesn't allow you to modify, change or delete a recurring contest. It disappears only if no one plays.

So...

For the playoffs, The Big Baller Playoff Invitational League is back for year 2. A secret select playoff cabal where only big ballers play each week. Only a limited few can set their line ups each week, so you better get 'em soon. If it fills up again, then we'll set another one week contest. Continuing on each week ending with the Super Bowl!



'Git Some!
I mean, if you're going to get in front of that green screen and tell us about the weather in Nueva York..

g]



d]

Berkeley, Peyton, Kylie. Are these stage names? No one name their kids Lisa or Stephanie anymore?