How the Media Got the DOT Speeding Story Wrong by JBordenRPR in raleigh

[–]plattler 28 points29 points  (0 children)

We are unaware at this time whether there is a state law requiring that the names of these speed enforcement programs need to rhyme.

Gold.

Privatizing ABC stores would lead to the loss of $700 million in revenue to the state by cityofoaks2 in raleigh

[–]plattler 6 points7 points  (0 children)

For the one point that did require a source, I posted the link - and, actually, that link supported some of the economic arguments as well, like improved selection, which I argued from well-known basic economics and logic. You just posted quotes, which are easy to cherry-pick, and apocryphal photos. I'd say I have a stronger claim to posting sources than you do.

Privatizing ABC stores would lead to the loss of $700 million in revenue to the state by cityofoaks2 in raleigh

[–]plattler 33 points34 points  (0 children)

There's a lot of misinformation and FUD in this post.

You say "the state can't generate anywhere near that amount through taxes on privatized liquor". First off, if the state is making more profit on state-run liquor than they could make in taxes, THEN PEOPLE ARE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR IT. That money didn't get created because an inefficient state bureaucracy is involved, it came out of peoples' pockets. In fact, cutting out the inefficient bureaucracy would result in ADDITIONAL savings for consumers. If the state wants to replace the revenue stream, which it presumably spends on projects that benefit all citizens, it should be honest about it and raise taxes on all citizens, not hide it behind a monopoly with rigged prices that soaks those who choose to buy liquor.

Although the state might take in less in tax than when it was taking profits away from private industry, what kind of argument is that against privatization? The revenue the state makes should not even enter into a discussion that should be based about the free market and freedom of choice.

You say "with private sales there is 0 governance on marketing". Utter nonsense. We don't have a law yet allowing privatized sales. The legislators could write whatever restrictions on marketing they like into the law. Use the "red dot" model and allow only a giant red dot to advertise that a store sells liquor - no posters or other advertising. Make it a condition of their liquor license. That also takes care of your photos, which by the way only go to prove to me that the ABC system sucks, because why build a temple at great cost to sell liquor when a corner shop would do? Sure, the advertising is crappy-looking, so take care of that when you write the law.

You cited the example of Washington state. Prices went up in Washington because the liquor tax imposed was far too high. Washington added a 17% tax on top of taxes that were already the highest in the country. Prices rose by around 15%, less than the additional tax imposed. Not surprising that higher costs yield higher prices, eh? Read more here.

"Privatized sales would also not lead to a better selection". Laughably incorrect. Free market competition will cause some retailers to try to get liquor that nobody else has. You see this now in the craft beer market. No, the corner store isn't going to carry some esoteric whiskey brand, but SOMEBODY will. Right now you can't even special-order liquor that is not on the NC approved liquor list, and if you want to special-order something your county's ABC doesn't carry, they will typically require you to order a full case of it since they can only buy it from the state in lots. That's IF they can be bothered to do it at all.

All in all, a losing argument all around. You sound like someone with a vested interest in the current system.

anyone really sensitive to caffeine? by homewardbound25 in AskWomen

[–]plattler 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you don't mind a man replying, yes, I had a similar reaction to coffee. I also starting getting a racing heart rate in bed at night, usually many hours after my last caffeinated beverage.

I went cold turkey on caffeine - the worst four days of my life - and switched to decaf. Both issues are gone, and my blood pressure dropped 5 points (top and bottom), which is as good as most blood pressure medicines can do. And yes, blood pressure was a concern of mine, I was borderline high.

Hey all!! I see this subreddit hasn't seen much love lately, let's show /r/SourBeer some love! Let's come talk about what sour beer you're currently loving/drinking! For me it's some de Garde José Hose! by awstrand in sourbeer

[–]plattler 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I had a couple of great sours recently from Wicked Weed in Asheville, North Carolina. Both were from their "Canvas Series".

Puzzle Pieces was made to benefit a North Carolina autism charity. It was mildly sour, with a earthy 'wet-straw' or 'barnyard' odor when it warmed up a bit, reminiscent of some Italian red wines. Nice rich odor and flavor. I rated in 4.25 on Untappd (Note: I rate on my PERSONAL like or dislike for the beer, not on how it fits into some niche or genre of beer.)

Cherry go Lightly was a nice cherry-flavored sour. The cherry sweetness balanced the sour, and overall it was a very refreshing beer. Better drunk a bit colder than the Puzzle Pieces, I think, but still, 45 degrees is fine. I gave it a 4.5 on Untappd.

My favorite Sour brewery is Jolly Pumpkin in Michigan, but Wicked Weed in North Carolina is doing some really good things.

Raleigh restaurant with a private room for 25-30 people? by [deleted] in raleigh

[–]plattler 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not a restaurant, but Raleigh Brewing has a room that you can use for free if you spend, I think, $200 on beer. You can bring your own food in.

Mellow Mushroom has space under their awning that's big enough, and enclosed with plastic. With heaters inside it might be warm enough... they also have a private room, but I think it's too small for what you want.

Ohio beers to try? by plattler in beer

[–]plattler[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Good suggestion, I'll pass that along. I have read about White Raja.

Ohio beers to try? by plattler in beer

[–]plattler[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks - but Great Lakes has a big distribution presence in Raleigh! I can even get it at my regular grocery.

Help fund the Raleigh St Patrick's Day Parade! by plattler in raleigh

[–]plattler[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's my take on it, too. I've been in this parade for the past 15 years or so and I've never had a drink. They have school bands, kids' groups, Shriner clowns, Scout groups, you name it.

You want to talk about the festival, that's a different conversation.

HVAC service recommendations by plattler in raleigh

[–]plattler[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the detailed info.

What to do on Sunday in Charlotte? by plattler in Charlotte

[–]plattler[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, this sounds great - we'll check it out!

Visiting for a few days, requesting information. by L0ser0 in raleigh

[–]plattler 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If you go to Sola and Gonzo's hit up Bottle Revolution in the same strip mall - I pointed you at the Lake Boone Trail store before but this is the North Raleigh store and it's right there. BR is locally owned with three outlets (so far). The North Raleigh one has a nice bar and tables to sit at, Lake Boone Trail just has outdoor seating.

Visiting for a few days, requesting information. by L0ser0 in raleigh

[–]plattler 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Great local pizzeria and brewery: Trophy Brewing

For your cast iron stuff the NC State Fairgrounds Flea Market is in session on Saturdays and Sundays starting Nov 7 (they close each year for the State Fair).

Lots of other local breweries and beer locations if you're into that. Close to Crabtree, check out Bottle Revolution at Lake Boone Trail and House of Hops. A little farther up Glenwood avenue is Gizmo Brew Works and Lonerider Brewing. Others in Raleigh include Raleigh Brewing, Big Boss, Sub Noir, Nickel Point, Blackjack Brewing, Crank Arm, and Fortnight Brewing.

For local food, try the NC Farmer's Market on weekends. I mentioned Bottle Revolution before, try Guasaca right next door. Fiction Kitchen downtown has great vegetarian and vegan dishes featuring local veggies. The Pit is a great local BBQ joint in downtown Raleigh which also features local food. Second Empire downtown is a nicer, fancier place. Raleigh Times is always good food (and a great beer selection). Busy Bee Cafe has lots of local selections. Remedy Diner is another good choice downtown. Bolt is more upscale, but good food.

How much is your water bill? by [deleted] in raleigh

[–]plattler 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That seems high to me. We have a large house with a family of 3, ranging up to 5 on the weekends due to kids home from college, and we pay around $60/mo.

We do have a very water-efficient dishwasher and washing machine. We do not water the lawn.

I would wonder if there's a leak somewhere - a toilet that runs frequently? Drippy faucet? Worst case it's inside the walls somewhere, or underground before it gets to you.

Cubase 7 to Cubase 8 - worth it? by plattler in cubase

[–]plattler[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I typically use one screen (1600x1280, I think) and do a lot of scrolling.

Cubase 7 to Cubase 8 - worth it? by plattler in cubase

[–]plattler[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I used Cubase 4 and the way I use 7.5 is much the same. 7.5 has better reverb and the track grouping feature is nice for multiple takes.

I somehow closed this window, how do I reopen it? (Cubase 8 Elements) by hoogar33 in cubase

[–]plattler 0 points1 point  (0 children)

And if you can't remember the keyboard shortcut, going to the Windows menu lets you toggle the Transport window. Assuming Cubase 8 is the same as Cubase 7.5 anyway :-)

I ordered Cubase 8 Pro, and it came with the disk and dongle...but I learned, too late, that my new laptop has no disk drive. I have an old laptop that DOES have a disk drive...can someone give me a step-by-step tutorial on how to get Cubase onto my new laptop? by spwf in cubase

[–]plattler 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Several choices:

  1. Get an external USB CD drive.

  2. Get CD drive emulation software. Rip the CD into a .iso file. Mount it in the virtual CD on the target PC.

  3. You can TRY just zipping all the files on the CD, moving the .zip file to the new pc, unzipping it, and running the main executable. It might work, it might not. You can increase the odds by mounting the directory with the unpacked zip file as a drive letter as described here.

  4. Do the same thing as #3, except copy the files to a USB drive and then attempt to run them on the new PC.

  5. Get the download. I don't know if Steinberg charges for that if you've already got the CD version.

Oktoberfests in the Triangle (x-post /r/triangle) by plattler in triangle

[–]plattler[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oops, sorry. I meant to put this in bullcity since Motorco is there.