Not too much luck viewing the Perseids this year. Full moon and too many clouds make viewing almost non-existent. I keep thinking there might be less overcast outside of town. Has anyone seen anything that looks like a meteor shower?
Google sky map for Android is a big help as is Star Walk for ipad. Does anyone else have any software recommendations?
Thanks for that info, Moe.
How do you feel about the Pentagon proposal to change it all to 401K? I think that any one who would chose 401k over a pension is nuts. Pension is forever. A 401k can run out.
I don’t think new service members will have a choice between the two.
Oh, and too bad about Wisconsin. Both Dems held their seats.
The DOD Pension reform proposal is to have a 401k like system, and the Feds would make a 16.5% contribution into the plan – without a required match. How many soldiers leave the armed forces before the 20 years, and get nothing?
IF it is shown that the Military is not attracting the right persons because of this, well, then they will need to increase the benefit – maybe increase the match. Many in the service currently retire, and then go on to other Federal or Government Contractors jobs, and have very successful second careers.
@Moon-howler
The main argument against the services offering a 401(k) (TSP = Thrift Savings Plan) and sticking with the retired pay model was retention. The hook for retired pay is that you had to stay a minimum of 20 years. The fear was that if service members had the TSP option and the markets had a string of good years many might depart before the 20 year point to pursue a second career if they had the safety of a TSP nest egg. The current 401(k) proposal is generating a lot of buzz in military circles, mostly negative, and the majority view seems to be it won’t go anywhere.
The Congressional pension plan should be converted into a 401k, and the match should be tied to a balanced budget – you have no deficit, you get the match, you have a deficit, you get no match.
And what if there were a year of hurricanes, a few earthquakes, etc? Things happen that are beyond the control of Congress.
Gov. McDonnell on TV now. He says he would have said things different than Perry. He is understanding but…equivocating. Karl Rove said he was unpresidential.
I read that DoD is considering vesting to begin at year 5. What the final product would look like, it is to early to tell.
@Steve Thomas
Hi, Steve! Cindy’s brought up us having another get together at Mama Mia’s again. Of course, we’ll need to pick a date and time. Do you think our friend Eddie would have us back on a Sat or Sun afternoon? 🙂
Beat ya to the punch. Steve and I have already starting zeroing in on dates. We wanted everyone to get back to town after vacation. And, since Sunday was so successful last time, we decided to go for that day. Well, you know that Sunday is high holy day because of the Redskins. The first open day is like October 9.
Steve, what day did you chose and did you get us set up?
President Obama’s bus is made in Canada. Awesome!
I will unpin this thread from the top some time early afternoon. That will allow time for comments to be read before it moves on down the line.