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General Category => Off the Record => Topic started by: mongers on May 02, 2013, 08:17:19 PM

Title: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: mongers on May 02, 2013, 08:17:19 PM
Describe what you think is the social utility or otherwise of your work ?


And what non-work activities might you think have some utility ?
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: katmai on May 02, 2013, 08:19:01 PM
The dumbing down of America. ^_^
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Ed Anger on May 02, 2013, 08:22:52 PM
Keeping the plebs in line
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: CountDeMoney on May 02, 2013, 08:24:41 PM
Sponge.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: MadImmortalMan on May 02, 2013, 08:27:15 PM
Quote from: katmai on May 02, 2013, 08:19:01 PM
The dumbing down of America. ^_^

Me too!  :P
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Admiral Yi on May 02, 2013, 08:27:57 PM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on May 02, 2013, 08:24:41 PM
Sponge.

Is this an answer to the first part or the second part?  :hmm:
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: HVC on May 02, 2013, 08:29:03 PM
Keeping me off unemployment.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: MadImmortalMan on May 02, 2013, 08:33:28 PM
Quote from: mongers on May 02, 2013, 08:17:19 PM
And what non-work activities might you think have some utility ?

I make the craft beer economy a little bit better every day,
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: CountDeMoney on May 02, 2013, 08:34:35 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on May 02, 2013, 08:27:57 PM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on May 02, 2013, 08:24:41 PM
Sponge.

Is this an answer to the first part or the second part?  :hmm:

Don't worry about it, Tagg.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Phillip V on May 02, 2013, 08:36:04 PM
I keep America safe and further democracy in the world. (https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/51524/flag%20smilie.gif)
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: HVC on May 02, 2013, 08:38:13 PM
Quote from: Phillip V on May 02, 2013, 08:36:04 PM
I keep America safe and further democracy in the world. (https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/51524/flag%20smilie.gif)
aka getting paid to sit at your desk and play solitaire :D
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: MadImmortalMan on May 02, 2013, 08:39:51 PM
Quote from: HVC on May 02, 2013, 08:38:13 PM
Quote from: Phillip V on May 02, 2013, 08:36:04 PM
I keep America safe and further democracy in the world. (https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/51524/flag%20smilie.gif)
aka getting paid to sit at your desk and play solitaire :D

It takes work to maintain our imperial colonial empire of evil.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Phillip V on May 02, 2013, 08:53:54 PM
Quote from: HVC on May 02, 2013, 08:38:13 PM
Quote from: Phillip V on May 02, 2013, 08:36:04 PM
I keep America safe and further democracy in the world. (https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/51524/flag%20smilie.gif)
aka getting paid to sit at your desk and play solitaire :D
Please do not trivialize what I do.

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frednova8.com%2Fwordpress%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2011%2F09%2F9-11-NEVER-FORGET.jpg&hash=56c126361d725ef32eca3dedb96bb1eccae25712)
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: HVC on May 02, 2013, 08:54:55 PM
Aren't you a desk guy? Alci and siege are out there protecting the world and what not, you're pushing buttons :P
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: HVC on May 02, 2013, 08:55:29 PM
Also, that bald eagle is probably Canadian, FYI :D
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: fhdz on May 02, 2013, 08:55:32 PM
Job?
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Phillip V on May 02, 2013, 08:55:43 PM
I AM A PATRIOT.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Ed Anger on May 02, 2013, 08:56:50 PM
Quote from: fahdiz on May 02, 2013, 08:55:32 PM
Job?

Bad Heinlein novel.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: fhdz on May 02, 2013, 08:56:54 PM
Quote from: Phillip V on May 02, 2013, 08:55:43 PM
I AM A PATRIOT.

Good for you, Buck Turgidson. So am I.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Ed Anger on May 02, 2013, 08:58:39 PM
Quote from: fahdiz on May 02, 2013, 08:56:54 PM
Quote from: Phillip V on May 02, 2013, 08:55:43 PM
I AM A PATRIOT.

Good for you, Buck Turgidson. So am I.

THEY'LL SEE THE BIG BOARD
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: katmai on May 02, 2013, 08:59:06 PM
Quote from: HVC on May 02, 2013, 08:55:29 PM
Also, that bald eagle is probably Canadian, FYI :D

:huh:
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: HVC on May 02, 2013, 09:02:39 PM
Quote from: katmai on May 02, 2013, 08:59:06 PM
Quote from: HVC on May 02, 2013, 08:55:29 PM
Also, that bald eagle is probably Canadian, FYI :D

:huh:
aren't the bald eagle numbers in America plummeting? Or am I misremembering?
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: katmai on May 02, 2013, 09:05:33 PM
They aren't plummeting, and here in Alaska the damn overgrown scavengers are all over the place.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: HVC on May 02, 2013, 09:06:53 PM
Quote from: katmai on May 02, 2013, 09:05:33 PM
They aren't plummeting, and here in Alaska the damn overgrown scavengers are all over the place.
ive said it before, Alaska is Canada light :D
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Ed Anger on May 02, 2013, 09:07:01 PM
Quote from: katmai on May 02, 2013, 09:05:33 PM
They aren't plummeting, and here in Alaska the damn overgrown scavengers are all over the place.

Show some respect Paco.

I'm calling ICE.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: katmai on May 02, 2013, 09:09:47 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on May 02, 2013, 09:07:01 PM
Quote from: katmai on May 02, 2013, 09:05:33 PM
They aren't plummeting, and here in Alaska the damn overgrown scavengers are all over the place.

Show some respect Paco.

I'm calling ICE.

Considering my family goes back three generations on my Mexican side and to my Great, Great, Great, Great, Great Grandfather on my Mother's side, bring it Kentucky poor.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Eddie Teach on May 02, 2013, 09:13:08 PM
Quote from: HVC on May 02, 2013, 09:06:53 PM
Quote from: katmai on May 02, 2013, 09:05:33 PM
They aren't plummeting, and here in Alaska the damn overgrown scavengers are all over the place.
ive said it before, Alaska is Canada light :D

As Canada is America light, how the heck is Alaska managing to stay rooted to the ground?  :hmm:
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: katmai on May 02, 2013, 09:13:35 PM
Quote from: HVC on May 02, 2013, 09:06:53 PM
Quote from: katmai on May 02, 2013, 09:05:33 PM
They aren't plummeting, and here in Alaska the damn overgrown scavengers are all over the place.
ive said it before, Alaska is Canada light :D

That makes no sense at all.

You damn dirty southerner.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Ed Anger on May 02, 2013, 09:15:43 PM
Quote from: katmai on May 02, 2013, 09:09:47 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on May 02, 2013, 09:07:01 PM
Quote from: katmai on May 02, 2013, 09:05:33 PM
They aren't plummeting, and here in Alaska the damn overgrown scavengers are all over the place.

Show some respect Paco.

I'm calling ICE.

Considering my family goes back three generations on my Mexican side and to my Great, Great, Great, Great, Great Grandfather on my Mother's side, bring it Kentucky poor.

MEW. WE BE GOIN MEXICAN HUNTIN'.

Cal can hold my horse.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: katmai on May 02, 2013, 09:17:24 PM
Pffft you can't even afford a horse you inbred yokel.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Ed Anger on May 02, 2013, 09:21:22 PM
Quote from: katmai on May 02, 2013, 09:17:24 PM
Pffft you can't even afford a horse you inbred yokel.

I can't stand the animals personally. Always judging, forming secret plots with other horses.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: PDH on May 02, 2013, 09:23:04 PM
I think that this is the proper thread to say that I am not fond of kale.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: crazy canuck on May 02, 2013, 09:48:04 PM
Quote from: PDH on May 02, 2013, 09:23:04 PM
I think that this is the proper thread to say that I am not fond of kale.

You just havent had it prepared properly.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: CountDeMoney on May 02, 2013, 09:51:16 PM
I had pancakes for dinner.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: mongers on May 02, 2013, 09:51:25 PM
To answer my own question, very,very little trending to none.

In the past I've worked for a few charities, but I think objectively it hasn't been a great deal.   

In addition to medical workers clearly being rather social useful, though I do know some who just seem to turn up to do the job/take the money, I'm slowing coming around to the idea that lawyers, if they put their minds to it, can have the potential to be quite socially helpful, especially as so many modern battles for the poor, sick or disadvantaged can be most effectively be fought in the courts ! 

edit:
I would say my ex-neighbour is a top bloke, a now retired fire-fighter and funeral director; there were times when he rescued people or saw their life ebb away and the next day he had to deal with their cadaver.
He officiated at my old man's funeral, the guy's a pillar of the community, not so many of those around nowadays.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: garbon on May 02, 2013, 10:08:34 PM
Because of me, pharma companies know how to better to "speak" to you, raising your overall awareness of treatments for your ailments. You're welcome. :)
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: CountDeMoney on May 02, 2013, 10:10:10 PM
Quote from: garbon on May 02, 2013, 10:08:34 PM
Because of me, pharma companies know how to better to "speak" to you, raising your overall awareness of treatments for your ailments. You're welcome. :)

They don't need to "speak" to me as much as they need to stop fucking shafting me on cost, mmmkaythxfernuffinbuhbye
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: garbon on May 02, 2013, 10:11:11 PM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on May 02, 2013, 10:10:10 PM
Quote from: garbon on May 02, 2013, 10:08:34 PM
Because of me, pharma companies know how to better to "speak" to you, raising your overall awareness of treatments for your ailments. You're welcome. :)

They don't need to "speak" to me as much as they need to stop fucking shafting me on cost, mmmkaythxfernuffinbuhbye

Can't you apply for the free co=pay cards now?
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: CountDeMoney on May 02, 2013, 10:12:48 PM
Meh, I'll be enrolling in Obamacare in time for my COBRA to end in December.  :smarty:  Thanks, Mr. Prez! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: katmai on May 02, 2013, 10:12:55 PM
Quote from: garbon on May 02, 2013, 10:08:34 PM
Because of me, pharma companies know how to better to "speak" to you, raising your overall awareness of treatments for your ailments. You're welcome. :)

Can yo do something about the "helping" drugs not having like 15 side effects that make life worse?
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Barrister on May 02, 2013, 10:24:12 PM
I lock up bad people so they can't hurt anyone else. :)
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: garbon on May 02, 2013, 10:31:18 PM
Quote from: katmai on May 02, 2013, 10:12:55 PM
Quote from: garbon on May 02, 2013, 10:08:34 PM
Because of me, pharma companies know how to better to "speak" to you, raising your overall awareness of treatments for your ailments. You're welcome. :)

Can yo do something about the "helping" drugs not having like 15 side effects that make life worse?

Can you do something about your bad genetics making yourself susceptible to the rarely occurring side effects?
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: crazy canuck on May 02, 2013, 10:32:31 PM
Quote from: garbon on May 02, 2013, 10:31:18 PM
Quote from: katmai on May 02, 2013, 10:12:55 PM
Quote from: garbon on May 02, 2013, 10:08:34 PM
Because of me, pharma companies know how to better to "speak" to you, raising your overall awareness of treatments for your ailments. You're welcome. :)

Can yo do something about the "helping" drugs not having like 15 side effects that make life worse?

Can you do something about your bad genetics making yourself susceptible to the rarely occurring side effects?

can you do something about drug companies advertising that side effects are rare when in fact they are common?
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: garbon on May 02, 2013, 10:35:19 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on May 02, 2013, 10:32:31 PM
Quote from: garbon on May 02, 2013, 10:31:18 PM
Quote from: katmai on May 02, 2013, 10:12:55 PM
Quote from: garbon on May 02, 2013, 10:08:34 PM
Because of me, pharma companies know how to better to "speak" to you, raising your overall awareness of treatments for your ailments. You're welcome. :)

Can yo do something about the "helping" drugs not having like 15 side effects that make life worse?

Can you do something about your bad genetics making yourself susceptible to the rarely occurring side effects?

can you do something about drug companies advertising that side effects are rare when in fact they are common?

Except they aren't. When severe side effects become common, isn't so long till FDA withdraws approval. Meanwhile, just needs a couple occurrences (which I have to report) until FDA requires side effect to be listed even if casuality has not been established.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: MadImmortalMan on May 02, 2013, 10:36:43 PM
Is it a contest? What do we get for having the most bestest social value job?
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: katmai on May 02, 2013, 10:41:02 PM
Quote from: garbon on May 02, 2013, 10:31:18 PM
Quote from: katmai on May 02, 2013, 10:12:55 PM
Quote from: garbon on May 02, 2013, 10:08:34 PM
Because of me, pharma companies know how to better to "speak" to you, raising your overall awareness of treatments for your ailments. You're welcome. :)

Can yo do something about the "helping" drugs not having like 15 side effects that make life worse?

Can you do something about your bad genetics making yourself susceptible to the rarely occurring side effects?

So your answer is no :ultra:
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Razgovory on May 02, 2013, 10:50:17 PM
Quote from: garbon on May 02, 2013, 10:08:34 PM
Because of me, pharma companies know how to better to "speak" to you, raising your overall awareness of treatments for your ailments. You're welcome. :)

No wonder they fired you.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: garbon on May 02, 2013, 10:57:02 PM
:huh:
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: PRC on May 03, 2013, 12:19:18 AM
Ultimately I facilitate people's recreation in particular regions of the Canadian Rockies.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Syt on May 03, 2013, 12:31:07 AM
I help ensure that Europe gets the network of real estate offices that it deserves.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Barrister on May 03, 2013, 12:33:18 AM
Quote from: Syt on May 03, 2013, 12:31:07 AM
I help ensure that Europe gets the network of real estate offices that it deserves.

:unsure:
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Syt on May 03, 2013, 12:39:21 AM
All right, Israel and Turkey, too.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: fhdz on May 03, 2013, 01:01:36 AM
Quote from: PRC on May 03, 2013, 12:19:18 AM
Ultimately I facilitate people's recreation in particular regions of the Canadian Rockies.

Pimp?
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: 11B4V on May 03, 2013, 01:07:49 AM
To give hippies the wood shampoo.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Martinus on May 03, 2013, 01:12:43 AM
Making sure the rich get richer while the plebes are kept down.  :showoff:
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Martinus on May 03, 2013, 01:14:44 AM
Quote from: HVC on May 02, 2013, 09:02:39 PM
Quote from: katmai on May 02, 2013, 08:59:06 PM
Quote from: HVC on May 02, 2013, 08:55:29 PM
Also, that bald eagle is probably Canadian, FYI :D

:huh:
aren't the bald eagle numbers in America plummeting? Or am I misremembering?

If they were plummeting, wouldn't there be a lot of them lying around?  :hmm:
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: fhdz on May 03, 2013, 01:22:56 AM
Oh good, it's coffee break time in Poland.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Tamas on May 03, 2013, 01:53:19 AM
I earn about twice the Hungarian average, which means that my monthly tax payments roughly equal the net average monthly income.
That's some respectable social utility right there.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Martinus on May 03, 2013, 02:34:07 AM
Quote from: fahdiz on May 03, 2013, 01:22:56 AM
Oh good, it's coffee break time in Poland.

It's Constitution Day so I'm off work, bitch.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Martinus on May 03, 2013, 02:35:13 AM
Quote from: Tamas on May 03, 2013, 01:53:19 AM
I earn about twice the Hungarian average, which means that my monthly tax payments roughly equal the net average monthly income.
That's some respectable social utility right there.

Is this a math test question to figure out what's your tax rate is?
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Octavian on May 03, 2013, 03:45:30 AM
I help make sure bureaucracy remains strong in government so politicians won't fuck things up to much.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Zanza on May 03, 2013, 03:49:01 AM
My job doesn't have social utility besides the fact that it allows me to pay tax and social security.
I don't think any of my leisure time activities has any social value either.

:Embarrass:
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Brazen on May 03, 2013, 04:24:57 AM
Disseminating new and exciting ways to kill people.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Eddie Teach on May 03, 2013, 04:55:33 AM
Quote from: garbon on May 02, 2013, 10:57:02 PM
:huh:

He's been talking to Fireblade.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Tamas on May 03, 2013, 05:30:49 AM
Quote from: Martinus on May 03, 2013, 02:35:13 AM
Quote from: Tamas on May 03, 2013, 01:53:19 AM
I earn about twice the Hungarian average, which means that my monthly tax payments roughly equal the net average monthly income.
That's some respectable social utility right there.

Is this a math test question to figure out what's your tax rate is?

I get 16% income tax, 10% pension fund, around 8% of healthcare IIRC, and my employer pays 24% worth of my pre-tax salary to the pension fund.  Opps sorry, there is no more pension fund, everything goes straight to the general budget.
So more than 50% of what I cost my employer goes to the budget.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Grey Fox on May 03, 2013, 06:04:25 AM
Making sure your brand new 60 inches TV actually has a flat panel, amongst other things.

Also weapons.

Also pictures from Mars.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: merithyn on May 03, 2013, 06:47:27 AM
I help sick people get medical insurance. :)

In my non-employment life, I help facilitate the learning of history through doing.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Ed Anger on May 03, 2013, 07:38:27 AM
Quote from: Brazen on May 03, 2013, 04:24:57 AM
Disseminating new and exciting ways to kill people.

:perv:

Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: KRonn on May 03, 2013, 08:57:21 AM
I work for a Medical Health Care corp in the IT dept which supports a lot medical systems large and small, most importantly the patient care systems used by the medical staff in the hospitals, doctor's offices and clinics. My part is mostly for the financial staff.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: sbr on May 03, 2013, 09:37:45 AM
My job keeps me and my kids out from under a bridge and off welfare.

I occasionally do some pro bono work for the hospital, but its not intentional, my boss just doesn't know how to bid jobs.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: derspiess on May 03, 2013, 09:40:07 AM
I help people access and use their money.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Malthus on May 03, 2013, 10:11:09 AM
The social utility of my job is almost infinite, as is that of most lawyers.  ;)
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Maximus on May 03, 2013, 10:39:52 AM
Quote from: Malthus on May 03, 2013, 10:11:09 AM
The social utility of my job is almost infinite, as is that of most lawyers.  ;)
You misspelled infinitesimal.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Malthus on May 03, 2013, 10:41:19 AM
Quote from: Maximus on May 03, 2013, 10:39:52 AM
Quote from: Malthus on May 03, 2013, 10:11:09 AM
The social utility of my job is almost infinite, as is that of most lawyers.  ;)
You misspelled infinitesimal.

Could you imagine a world without lawyers?!? [/Simpsons]  ;)
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Maximus on May 03, 2013, 10:47:48 AM
Quote from: Malthus on May 03, 2013, 10:41:19 AM
Could you imagine a world without lawyers?!? [/Simpsons]  ;)
If the number of lawyers was reduced to a reasonable level (say, 5) then presumably the social utility of the individual lawyer would increase.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Malthus on May 03, 2013, 11:00:43 AM
Quote from: Maximus on May 03, 2013, 10:47:48 AM
Quote from: Malthus on May 03, 2013, 10:41:19 AM
Could you imagine a world without lawyers?!? [/Simpsons]  ;)
If the number of lawyers was reduced to a reasonable level (say, 5) then presumably the social utility of the individual lawyer would increase.

:D

Seriously, though, most stuff dealing with how things are made and distributed would not work very well in our society without lawyers - I know you guys won't believe that, but it is true.  ;)

Moreover, other methods have been tried to make and distribute stuff without the necessity of lawyers - notably, various flavours of communism and other top-down systems - and they sucked.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: fhdz on May 03, 2013, 11:08:18 AM
Yep. Unfortunately, the rule of law + democracy kinda necessitates lawyers.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Zanza on May 03, 2013, 11:14:57 AM
Quote from: Malthus on May 03, 2013, 11:00:43 AM
Quote from: Maximus on May 03, 2013, 10:47:48 AM
Quote from: Malthus on May 03, 2013, 10:41:19 AM
Could you imagine a world without lawyers?!? [/Simpsons]  ;)
If the number of lawyers was reduced to a reasonable level (say, 5) then presumably the social utility of the individual lawyer would increase.

:D

Seriously, though, most stuff dealing with how things are made and distributed would not work very well in our society without lawyers - I know you guys won't believe that, but it is true.  ;)

Moreover, other methods have been tried to make and distribute stuff without the necessity of lawyers - notably, various flavours of communism and other top-down systems - and they sucked.
Now that should be a motivation for scientists to solve material scarcity.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: crazy canuck on May 03, 2013, 11:23:30 AM
Everything I do has social utility.  With the exception of posting here.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: MadImmortalMan on May 03, 2013, 11:45:30 AM
My company operates shelters for abused and disadvantaged children. Do I win?
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Phillip V on May 03, 2013, 11:46:37 AM
Quote from: MadImmortalMan on May 03, 2013, 11:45:30 AM
My company operates shelters for abused and disadvantaged children. Do I win?
What are the long-term future outcomes of these children?
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: fhdz on May 03, 2013, 11:51:45 AM
Quote from: Phillip V on May 03, 2013, 11:46:37 AM
Quote from: MadImmortalMan on May 03, 2013, 11:45:30 AM
My company operates shelters for abused and disadvantaged children. Do I win?
What are the long-term future outcomes of these children?

Better than they would have been, I'll wager.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: MadImmortalMan on May 03, 2013, 11:57:36 AM
Quote from: Phillip V on May 03, 2013, 11:46:37 AM
Quote from: MadImmortalMan on May 03, 2013, 11:45:30 AM
My company operates shelters for abused and disadvantaged children. Do I win?
What are the long-term future outcomes of these children?

Foster care mostly.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Barrister on May 03, 2013, 12:03:35 PM
Quote from: MadImmortalMan on May 03, 2013, 11:45:30 AM
My company operates shelters for abused and disadvantaged children. Do I win?

I help to lock up and punish those who abused them.  Do I win?
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Malthus on May 03, 2013, 12:23:42 PM
Quote from: fahdiz on May 03, 2013, 11:08:18 AM
Yep. Unfortunately, the rule of law + democracy kinda necessitates lawyers.

We have the worst possible system - with the exception of all the others that have been tried.  ;)
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Malthus on May 03, 2013, 12:24:49 PM
Quote from: Barrister on May 03, 2013, 12:03:35 PM
Quote from: MadImmortalMan on May 03, 2013, 11:45:30 AM
My company operates shelters for abused and disadvantaged children. Do I win?

I help to lock up and punish those who abused them.  Do I win?

... and the abused and disadvantaged children - when they grow up.  ;)
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: The Brain on May 03, 2013, 12:38:06 PM
Thanks to me something nukular gets done.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: CountDeMoney on May 03, 2013, 12:40:46 PM
Quote from: fahdiz on May 03, 2013, 11:08:18 AM
Yep. Unfortunately, the rule of law + democracy kinda necessitates lawyers.

Pfft. I say go back to Mosaic Law, and stone 'em.  With big rocks.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: The Brain on May 03, 2013, 12:42:06 PM
Who uses Mosaic these days?
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Archy on May 03, 2013, 01:01:10 PM
I keep stuff moving. Goods need to moved from point A to point B anyhow.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: garbon on May 03, 2013, 01:25:28 PM
Quote from: The Brain on May 03, 2013, 12:42:06 PM
Who uses Mosaic these days?

Someone stuck in the 90s.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: DGuller on May 03, 2013, 01:42:37 PM
Quote from: Tamas on May 03, 2013, 01:53:19 AM
I earn about twice the Hungarian average, which means that my monthly tax payments roughly equal the net average monthly income.
That's some respectable social utility right there.
Actually, paying taxes doesn't bring about any social utility, they're just transfer payments, until you consider second-order effects.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: katmai on May 03, 2013, 05:25:37 PM
Quote from: fahdiz on May 03, 2013, 11:08:18 AM
Yep. Unfortunately, the rule of law + democracy kinda necessitates lawyers.

Don't be an enabler Fhdz!
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: crazy canuck on May 03, 2013, 05:26:17 PM
Quote from: DGuller on May 03, 2013, 01:42:37 PM
Quote from: Tamas on May 03, 2013, 01:53:19 AM
I earn about twice the Hungarian average, which means that my monthly tax payments roughly equal the net average monthly income.
That's some respectable social utility right there.
Actually, paying taxes doesn't bring about any social utility, they're just transfer payments, until you consider second-order effects.

Why wouldnt you consider such efffects?
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: DGuller on May 03, 2013, 06:36:49 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on May 03, 2013, 05:26:17 PM
Quote from: DGuller on May 03, 2013, 01:42:37 PM
Quote from: Tamas on May 03, 2013, 01:53:19 AM
I earn about twice the Hungarian average, which means that my monthly tax payments roughly equal the net average monthly income.
That's some respectable social utility right there.
Actually, paying taxes doesn't bring about any social utility, they're just transfer payments, until you consider second-order effects.

Why wouldnt you consider such efffects?
Because they're complicated, and arguably zero-sum in any case.  Someone was going to pay those taxes anyway, and if the government is remotely functioning, it would make sure that the sum total of those taxes would be the same regardless of how the load is distributed.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Neil on May 03, 2013, 07:04:25 PM
Quote from: fahdiz on May 03, 2013, 11:08:18 AM
Yep. Unfortunately, the rule of law + democracy kinda necessitates lawyers.
Which is why the rule of law must be eliminated.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: jimmy olsen on May 03, 2013, 07:20:05 PM
Quote from: HVC on May 02, 2013, 09:02:39 PM
Quote from: katmai on May 02, 2013, 08:59:06 PM
Quote from: HVC on May 02, 2013, 08:55:29 PM
Also, that bald eagle is probably Canadian, FYI :D

:huh:
aren't the bald eagle numbers in America plummeting? Or am I misremembering?
The population has exploded in the last 20 years.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bald_Eagle#Population_decline_and_recovery
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Iormlund on May 06, 2013, 08:06:48 AM
I make people redundant.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: HVC on May 06, 2013, 08:12:38 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on May 03, 2013, 07:20:05 PM
Quote from: HVC on May 02, 2013, 09:02:39 PM
Quote from: katmai on May 02, 2013, 08:59:06 PM
Quote from: HVC on May 02, 2013, 08:55:29 PM
Also, that bald eagle is probably Canadian, FYI :D

:huh:
aren't the bald eagle numbers in America plummeting? Or am I misremembering?
The population has exploded in the last 20 years.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bald_Eagle#Population_decline_and_recovery
terrorist eagles? Al queda has truly won.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Caliga on May 06, 2013, 12:56:06 PM
You know what there's a ridiculous number of around here now?  Canadian geese.  GET THE FUCK OOT OF HERE EH :mad:

Seriously, I hate the damn things.  They're dumb so they constantly walk in front of and get hit by cars, and also extremely aggressive to the point that they will attack people if you get to close to them.  I've never had that happen to be but there are a bunch that live outside my office building and they will spread their wings and hiss if you get within even 10 feet of them.  Also IIRC they caused that one jet to crash into the Hudson River a few years back.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: crazy canuck on May 06, 2013, 12:59:27 PM
Quote from: Caliga on May 06, 2013, 12:56:06 PM
Seriously, I hate the damn things.  They're dumb so they constantly walk in front of and get hit by cars, and also extremely aggressive to the point that they will attack people if you get to close to them.  I've never had that happen to be but there are a bunch that live outside my office building and they will spread their wings and hiss if you get within even 10 feet of them.  Also IIRC they caused that one jet to crash into the Hudson River a few years back.

Like other Canadians they went south believing things would be as good or better than back home. Once they arrived they learned the error of their ways.  One cannot blame them for being a bit upset at having made such a poor decision.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Caliga on May 06, 2013, 01:09:20 PM
Why would a Canadian move to the US?  I thought Canada was a perfect utopia. :hmm:  Maybe the geese wanted to own firearms and pay lower taxes. :)
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: crazy canuck on May 06, 2013, 01:19:01 PM
Quote from: Caliga on May 06, 2013, 01:09:20 PM
Why would a Canadian move to the US?  I thought Canada was a perfect utopia. :hmm:  Maybe the geese wanted to own firearms and pay lower taxes. :)

Everyone makes mistakes.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Iormlund on May 06, 2013, 01:40:38 PM
Quote from: Caliga on May 06, 2013, 12:56:06 PMAlso IIRC they caused that one jet to crash into the Hudson River a few years back.

Yeah but how awesome was that?
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Barrister on May 06, 2013, 02:02:49 PM
Quote from: Iormlund on May 06, 2013, 01:40:38 PM
Quote from: Caliga on May 06, 2013, 12:56:06 PMAlso IIRC they caused that one jet to crash into the Hudson River a few years back.

Yeah but how awesome was that?

But a Canada goose lost it's life that day - it was far from awesome. :(
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Caliga on May 06, 2013, 03:05:57 PM
Quote from: Iormlund on May 06, 2013, 01:40:38 PM
Quote from: Caliga on May 06, 2013, 12:56:06 PMAlso IIRC they caused that one jet to crash into the Hudson River a few years back.

Yeah but how awesome was that?
:hmm: Not very?  I realize nobody died but... a commercial aircraft was still destroyed.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Grey Fox on May 06, 2013, 03:11:33 PM
Canadian Goose, Job creators?
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Caliga on May 06, 2013, 03:12:36 PM
I think what we should do is revive the old tradition of eating goose for holidays. :)
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: mongers on May 06, 2013, 03:15:04 PM
Quote from: Caliga on May 06, 2013, 03:12:36 PM
I think what we should do is revive the old tradition of eating goose for holidays. :)

I don't think they're supposed to taste too good, at least compared to the fat white ones.

I've never had a problem with Canada geese, there are quite a few around here, but damn do they leave a lot of shit around, especially in park lawns where it's a lot more obvious.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: crazy canuck on May 06, 2013, 03:15:55 PM
Quote from: mongers on May 06, 2013, 03:15:04 PM
Quote from: Caliga on May 06, 2013, 03:12:36 PM
I think what we should do is revive the old tradition of eating goose for holidays. :)

I don't think they're supposed to taste too good, at least compared to the fat white ones.

I've never had a problem with Canada geese, there are quite a few around here, but damn do they leave a lot of shit around, especially in park lawns where it's a lot more obvious.

Why do you think we made them leave?
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Malthus on May 06, 2013, 03:16:26 PM
Quote from: Caliga on May 06, 2013, 03:12:36 PM
I think what we should do is revive the old tradition of eating goose for holidays. :)

Just think of how much worse Thanksgiving could have been if the American founding fathers had made it reflect Jamestown instead of the Pilgrims ...  :hmm:

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/13/130501-jamestown-cannibalism-archeology-science/

QuoteOwsley described multiple chop and cut marks on the girl's skull that were made by one or more assailants after she died. "They were clearly interested in cheek meat, muscles of the face, tongue, and brain," he said. Jane's hair was not removed.

One of the foremost forensic anthropologists in the world, Owsley has analyzed numerous skeletal remains of prehistoric people who were victims of cannibalism. Their bones were similar to Jane's in that they had cut marks and were splintered and fragmented, he said.

Four closely spaced chop marks in her forehead indicated a failed attempt to split her skull open, Owsley said. The close proximity of the unsuccessful blows indicates that she was already dead, or they would have been more haphazard, he explained.

The back of her skull was then cracked open by a series of chops by a light weight axe or cleaver, he said.

Cleaver blades and knives excavated from the Jamestown site were compared to the blows, and Owsley said he thinks a cleaver was used.

There were also numerous cuts, saw marks, and gouges along her lower jaw made by the tip of a knife to get to the meat, and to remove throat tissue and the tongue, he said.

Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: AnchorClanker on May 06, 2013, 04:58:14 PM
I synergistically leverage corporate assets across the extended enterprise to provide tailored information solutions to decision-makers and warfighters.   :P

Corpo-talk gives me hives.   :lol:
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: CountDeMoney on May 06, 2013, 05:00:19 PM
Yeah, that ain't your world.  You need to go back to toppling governments.  Like Coach Parcells said, you do what you do.

Save the presentations for pogues like HansyPoint.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: AnchorClanker on May 06, 2013, 05:08:54 PM
Well, I'll either be moving back up to Maryland in the fall, or I'll be kicking it here waiting for a medboard to go through.  Still don't know which one is more likely to happen, so I can't plan for anything right now.   :wacko:
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Tonitrus on May 06, 2013, 05:17:31 PM
Quote from: AnchorClanker on May 06, 2013, 05:08:54 PM
Well, I'll either be moving back up to Maryland in the fall, or I'll be kicking it here waiting for a medboard to go through.  Still don't know which one is more likely to happen, so I can't plan for anything right now.   :wacko:

You don't want to be the minnow in this cesspool.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: AnchorClanker on May 06, 2013, 05:20:14 PM
Quote from: Tonitrus on May 06, 2013, 05:17:31 PM
Quote from: AnchorClanker on May 06, 2013, 05:08:54 PM
Well, I'll either be moving back up to Maryland in the fall, or I'll be kicking it here waiting for a medboard to go through.  Still don't know which one is more likely to happen, so I can't plan for anything right now.   :wacko:

You don't want to be the minnow in this cesspool.

I won't be a minnow, my friend.  I iz famous.  :bowler:
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Tonitrus on May 06, 2013, 05:22:14 PM
Quote from: AnchorClanker on May 06, 2013, 05:20:14 PM
Quote from: Tonitrus on May 06, 2013, 05:17:31 PM
Quote from: AnchorClanker on May 06, 2013, 05:08:54 PM
Well, I'll either be moving back up to Maryland in the fall, or I'll be kicking it here waiting for a medboard to go through.  Still don't know which one is more likely to happen, so I can't plan for anything right now.   :wacko:

You don't want to be the minnow in this cesspool.

I won't be a minnow, my friend.  I iz famous.  :bowler:

I am 30 years too late to have a shot at being famous.   :(
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Eddie Teach on May 06, 2013, 05:29:12 PM
You never know, maybe somebody can convince Vlad to invade Poland.
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Neil on May 06, 2013, 05:31:07 PM
Quote from: mongers on May 06, 2013, 03:15:04 PM
I don't think they're supposed to taste too good, at least compared to the fat white ones.
Martinus?
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: mongers on May 06, 2013, 05:34:48 PM
Quote from: Neil on May 06, 2013, 05:31:07 PM
Quote from: mongers on May 06, 2013, 03:15:04 PM
I don't think they're supposed to taste too good, at least compared to the fat white ones.
Martinus?

Now that you mention it, the two that were on the river opposite, have now disappeared, I wonder if we had hungry visitors ?  :unsure:
Title: Re: What Is The Social Utility Of Your Job ?
Post by: Josquius on May 07, 2013, 02:09:56 AM
I teach Japanese kids they are better than whitey.