On the contrary.

And the Verizon support person who got one more pesky customer off of their copper cables received a nice bonus. My experience was a bit different. Their local office got flooded during Sandy and two months later they still weren't able to restore my connection or provide me with a workaround (I suggested using their wireless phone capabilities; yes I know, they are "separate companies" that curiously enough share a single web site address). I moved to RCN and was very happy I did.

"Your call is very important to us. We have been experiencing unusually high call volumes lately. Your estimated wait time is 2 years, 37 minutes. Please stay on the line." music

I check the "missing persons" listings in the local free newspaper for the secret code that I share with those to whom I'll speak. If Eve and Elmer are looking for Chester then I enter the date of the post plus one week into my phone's calendar to remind me that a call will be coming the next day. Otherwise, good luck Charlie. It never ceases to amaze me to see people answering a ringing phone with "Hello". They must be insane.

LMOL because digital signatures are secure *eye roll* - you should be well aware that nothing digital is secure.

That's true. I read recently about a new attack method against ink on paper documents though. It's called "forgery".

You can't cure poverty by throwing money at the problem.

Oh, wait ..

And then there is the USA, that, almost uniquely in the world, taxes citizens after they leave.

I think that's true only if they intend to come back. Otherwise, don't let the screen door hit you on the ass when you go.

Yep. I missed that. Thank you. Her political popularity provides a beacon of hope for every idiot in the country.

I listened to your clip and, much as I cringe at anything Palin, she says "South Korean allies" at 0:45/0:46. Did I miss something there?