It’s becoming more and more likely that the monolith of human civilization shall finally, mercifully collapse in upon its self. Whether it be nuclear war, economic catastrophe or bloodthirsty zombie hoards, the result will be the same. Then, as chaos spreads throughout the streets and all of Man’s technological marvels unravel, who will survive, nay, thrive? The Preppers will. Continue reading “When the Sky Really Falls”
Author: chrismtwo
Every day I try to learn and experience new things. The infinite wonder of the universe provides endless opportunity for adventures. My favorite thing is to enjoy these adventures with friends, and to share my stories with others.
At the very core, all people are storytellers. Whether it is a full length motion picture or a chat over a cup of coffee, most of what makes up the human experience is the communication of ideas. For this reason, I am always looking for opportunities to write. I would like to share what I've seen with as many people as possible.
10 Probable Ways Society Will Collapse
- Solar Flare: A large solar event has the potential to knock out electrical systems across the world. This threat is so serious that the United Kingdom’s Cabinet Office has added it to the list of National Civil Emergencies, alongside terrorism and pandemics. Imagine for a second that all or most civilian electrical systems world-wide turn off at the same time. You are sitting in your office or home, waiting for it to come back on. Your phone doesn’t work, so you don’t know what’s going on. Your car won’t start, unless it’s pretty old. How long before people realize they can start looting? How long will it take to get power back up? The entire grid has just gone down, and you don’t even know it.
What Will I Have For Lunch Tomorrow?
Do you ever get the feeling that something isn’t right? Have you had a strong feeling that you need to leave a place, not get on an airplane or not get in the car? Has your gut ever been right? Premonitions occur continually in everyday life, but it isn’t clear if they reflect a psychic ability or a subliminal perception of events. Continue reading “What Will I Have For Lunch Tomorrow?”
What Does the PPACA Ask of Employers?
Pay or Play
Pay or play is another name for the Employer “Shared Responsibility” Mandate of the PPACA. This will require employers to offer “affordable” health insurance to full-time (30 or more hours per week) employees or risk penalties. Businesses that employ less than 50 full-time employees are exempt. “Affordable” health insurance has been broadly defined as not to exceed 9.5% of an employee’s W-2 wages. Continue reading “What Does the PPACA Ask of Employers?”
Regulating Insurance: Pre-Existing Conditions, 25-Year-Old Dependents and More
Pre-Existing Conditions
Starting in 2014, the PPACA will no longer allow insurance plans to deny coverage based on the existence of pre-existing conditions. Additionally, charging higher rates to any individual on the basis of preexisting conditions will be prohibited. Plans must offer comprehensive coverage with an actuarial value of 65 percent of total allowed cost and with out-of-pocket limits no higher than those permitted for high-deductible health plans accompanying health savings accounts. Continue reading “Regulating Insurance: Pre-Existing Conditions, 25-Year-Old Dependents and More”
Paying for the PPACA: Some Aspects of the Law Designed to Increase Government Revenue
Excise Tax on Medical Equipment
A 2.3% excise tax on medical devices will be implemented to help pay for the PPACA. This tax is applied on total revenue and not to profits. The tax is projected to generate $29 billion in revenue over the next decade. This tax applies to a variety of items, from replacement joints to imaging equipment. A bill to repeal this tax is being discussed in the House of Representatives. Continue reading “Paying for the PPACA: Some Aspects of the Law Designed to Increase Government Revenue”
More Medicaid and the PPACA
The PPACA will extend Medicaid benefits to anyone earning 133% of the federal poverty level (FPL). The majority of this increase in coverage will be paid for by the Federal Government, with States contributing a smaller share. Continue reading “More Medicaid and the PPACA”
Cost Sharing and PPACA Subsidies
Insurance Exchanges
The PPACA sets up “American Health Benefit Exchanges” where various health insurance plans can be purchased. The plans will fall into one of five categories: Continue reading “Cost Sharing and PPACA Subsidies”
Paying for the Postal Service
Last Wednesday, August 1, the U.S. Postal Service defaulted on a $5.5 billion dollar payment for future retiree health benefits. They predict in their Quarter II Financial Report that they will also not be able to pay the required $5.6 billion in prefunding payment for retiree health benefits due by September 30, 2012. The Postal Service is also required to pay approximately $1.3 billion to the Department of Labor for workers’ compensation, in addition to normal operating expenses. Continue reading “Paying for the Postal Service”
Should I Adopt or Buy?
When looking for a pet, you have two main options. You can adopt a rescue pet from a shelter, or you can buy a pet from a store or breeder. But which option is better? Some people have the misconception that rescue pets carry baggage. Pet store pets often come from inhumane puppy mills, and unless you find a reputable breeder, can have a longer history of abuse than their shelter pet counterparts. Continue reading “Should I Adopt or Buy?”
Ronin Pen 