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The new budget agreement includes a 1% decrease in annual cost of living adjustments for military retirees. Considering that the proposed COLA for federal employees in 2014 is 1.5% that is a pretty big reduction if I interpret this correctly. These politicians sat on their backsides while the troops did their dirty work so they too should suffer a decrease in benefits.

I played Sid Meiers Civilization back in the 90's but lost interest in gaming as my kids got older and took over the computer. Recently I saw Civ4 in the store and decided to give it a shot. I failed to account for the fact that the game was written in 2005 and does not recognize 2012 technology. My knowledge is also outdated. I'm getting messages from the game and the computer about compatibility issues. Any suggestion?

I knew when he was elected the first time that we who actually pay for s**t were in for a hard time. I never believed that he could get away with what he has done in plain sight and lied knowing that we know he is a liar. How did we arrive to this place where political agenda can override national security. the will of Americans, and just plain common sense?

Frank Herbert wrote a book that is every bit as fantastical as anything written by Tolkien. There were a couple of lame attempts to make "Dune" into a movie, but I think it could be done much better. Any opinions?

It's almost common these days for the media to report that a disgruntled student has gone on a rampage and killed as many people as possible at their school. Then there are boys who get together rape girls who are either too drunk or too drugged to resist. The crime is recorded by several different cameras and nobody tries to stop it, not even the girls supposed friends!

I have three teenage sons and a twelve yr old daughter so I know that kids are exposed to way more information now than I was at their age. That may be part of the problem but that would be over-simplefying the issue. Does anyone agree?

I, like millions of others, have been watching "The Bible" on the history channel. That and the election of a new pope seems to have awakened an interest in religion. I base this opinion solely on media coverage since I have not attended church in several years. No matter how I approach this subject it is going to offend somebody which is not my intent. Why are there so many religions based on the same book? Why are chapters left out and who decided to leave them out? Who translated it from the original language and and how educated were they? It seems that the most important book ever written has been touched by so many minds and motives that I have to ask myself these questions. Where can I find a church that is not governed by politics, money, social status, or dress code. I already know that 100% answer wont be found on any website. Just thought I would ask.

It seems as if every commercial break contains at least one advertisement for a medicine that will help you improve or cope with whatever condition you have. The first half of the commercial describes the benefits of the medicine while the second half warns you about possible side effects. By the time all the warnings and cautions of a particular medicine are described, I am left to wonder why anyone would want to take the medicine to begin with. I just don't remember seeing so many medicine commercials a few years ago.