Cartman

Oh, so we have a few experts in economics here? Let me see. As you are both so knowledgeable, surely you know the basics of economic modeling. Either one of you want to explain what is hierarchical or linear about hierarchichal linear modeling? This is a basic technique used by econometricians. Would you both agree that it should really be called multilevel modeling? Level 1: Yij=b0j +b1j *Xij + eij Level 2: b0j = g00 + g01*Wj +u0j b1j = g10 + g11*Wj +u1j Using the above equation, can you identify the "fixed" and "random" effects? Do you know what the error term stands for? If you don't know the basics about measurement in economics, you might not want to make claim to the economics hall of fame.

http://money.cnn.com/2005/09/24/news/inter....reut/index.htm I suppose we should not be surprised by this, but it is kind of scary if it is true.

That is a pretty bleak outlook August. Playing devil's advocate, I would argue that as long as the NDP can work with the minority government, we should not have an Italian phase. The problem will be if the Conservatives ever form a minority government and they are unable to work with the NDP. I wonder, could these two parties work together? On the surface, it seems hopeless.

I voted to keep things the same because any change will anger the US and its just not worth it. Besides, apart from raising the price of drugs and creating criminal records for a few, government policy is irrelevant. People will do drugs regardless of what is written on a piece of paper in Ottawa.

I still say the Liberals keep a minority government no matter when the election takes place. I just don't think they can muster a majority. The Conservatives have no chance unless they stumble upon something big. Judging by their strategy thus far, I am not convinced they are up to the task. They do not appear to be a credible government in waiting.

I think Harper is the better leader. MacKay lost most credibility when he lied in the agreement with Orchard and the last of it was gone when he did that sad assed interview with CBC when Belinda dumped him but good. I really want that wimp in power.

Check out this story. Pretty sarcastic. http://tinyurl.com/ad4rx

I disagree, I purport that this is the issue though it should not be.

I should try it out. Burns, really how old are you?

That was not my intention. I suspect that the cumulative negative effects of alcohol on society are worse. I would guess that relatively few people use cocaine and that a lot of people use alcohol. As such, alcohol is probably more harmful to society than is cocaine. You have to worry about drunk drivers more than you do cocaine drivers. In terms of effects upon the user, why should I care what he does to himself?Look, I don't know this guy or his politics. My point is that it is hypocritical to accept addicted drunks presently in office, but frown upon a guy who claims to have used cocaine in the past. Again, we are not talking about two premiers who simply drink here, we are talking about two guys so mentally screwed up and out of control that one gets caught for DD in a foreign country and the other goes out into the streets and starts kicking people. How many times have you done that shoop? I would like you to explain how anyone can justify using alcohol. Why drink? Why use any drugs at all?

Why on earth would you lump together the data derived from the first two response categories and not the last two response categories? You either coalesce similar sentiment or you do not. If you choose not to, then you see the highest category by far is the belief that the US cannot win the war in Iraq.Let us review the results again in an attempt to ascertain whether I and CNN are being honest or not. This time, I strongly suggest that you ask someone to help you follow along using a sock puppet (we will call him "Mr. Wizard") and by stacking Lego blocks (it might give you the much needed visual). % who believe the US will definitely win 21% % who believe the US will probably win 22% Total % of those who think the US will win 43% % who believe the US will probably not win 20% % who believe the US cannot win 34% Total % of those who think the US will not win 54% Now, if you stack 43 blue Lego blocks beside 54 red Lego blocks, you will see that the red Lego blocks are taller! And if you stack 100 yellow Lego blocks beside the 43 blue Legos, you will see the 43 blocks are less than half the way up. "Mr. Wizard" should be nodding at this point. Just make sure your Lego are the same size though you silly Billy. You make it sound as though I am colluding with CNN. If we all agree that a half = 50%, and that 43% is less than a half, then the title "Poll: Fewer than half think the US will win in Iraq" is a very accurate description of the data gathered. Ergo, your attack on my integrity has once again been easily refuted. Here's an idea Burns, if you don't want sarcastic responses, stop questioning my honesty. It is poor manners to do so in case you did not know.

I would like someone to respond to Eureka's argument that once a private system is allowed to operate in full force, the public system will collapse due to pressure from US firms. Thoughts? Is he correct?

Agreed. It's not like us Albertans put the oil there or anything. August brought this up a long time ago and I thought it was an interesting question (I think it was something like "what entitles Albertans to the oil up north"). If memory serves, the responses were not as strong as the original query.

I am with Argus on this one even though it is an unpopular position. I believe that part of the reason why immigration is so popular with the Liberals is that it is a vital area of political support for them. Are there any politicians left who are not falling all over themselves to demand more immigration, 'cuz it seems every party is in favour of current immigration levels? What is China going to do when they must deal with lop-sided demographics (i.e. too few young and too many elderly)? This is a sincere question.

Pretty good advice if you ask me. Quite a few Canadians could probably use the extra exercise anyways.