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Like a bat out of hell
Old 07-27-2004, 09:13 PM   #1
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Like a bat out of hell

(Borrowed from Reuters)

Economists searching for reasons why some nations are richer than others have found that those with a wide belief in hell are less corrupt and more prosperous, according to a report by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.


Researchers at the regional Federal Reserve bank acknowledged the importance of productivity and investment in the economic process but looked at some recent unconventional efforts to explain differences in national prosperity.


The St Louis Fed drew on work by outside economists who studied 35 countries, including the United States, European nations, Japan, India and Turkey and found that religion shed some useful light.


"In countries where large percentages of the population believe in hell, there seems to be less corruption and a higher standard of living," the St. Louis Fed said in its July quarterly review.


For instance, 71 percent of the U.S. population believe in hell and the country boasts the world's highest per capita income, according to the 2003 United Nations Human Development Report and 1990-1993 World Values Survey.

Ireland, not far behind the United States in terms of income, likewise has a healthy fear of a nether world with 53 percent of the population acknowledging hell's existence.


FIRE AND BRIMSTONE


"I'm not surprised," said the Rev. Eileen Lindner, deputy general secretary of the U.S. National Council of Churches, when told of the results.


"The expectation that there is a cultural belief in hell or perpetual and eternal punishment for wrongdoing will act as a disincentive to wrongdoing," she said.


The St Louis Fed's researchers took a two-step approach to linking religion and the economy.


"A belief in hell tends to mean less corruption and less corruption tends to mean a higher per capita income," they wrote. It correlated the belief in hell findings of the World Value Series with a measure of corruption produced by Transparency International.


It then looked at the relationship between corruption and per capita gross domestic product and found "a strong tendency for countries with relatively low levels of corruption to have relatively high levels of per capita GDP.

"Combining these two stories ... suggests that, all else being equal, the more religious a country, the less corruption it will have and the higher its per capita income will be."


The researchers also noted the long tradition among classical economists to equate a society's honesty, and the strength of the rule of law, with economic vitality.


"Adam Smith wrote that one of religion's most important contributions to the economic development process is its value as a moral enforcement mechanism," they said.


Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan offered a contemporary echo of this view, arguing in a speech earlier this year that modern business still relies on the word of those with whom it deals as he slammed the recent run of corporate governance scandals in the United States for eroding that trust.


None of which cut any ice with nonbelievers.





Ellen Johnson, president of American Atheists Inc., called the study the latest gimmick from the religious establishment to drum up government support.

"Religious people cannot rely on their theology to promote what they do so they turn to other things," she said.

"I cannot imagine what the belief in mythological beings or things that don't exist can do for business. What about the pornographic industry? That is probably very good for growth."

The St Louis Fed's essay "Fear of Hell Might Fire Up The Economy" can be found at:
http://www.stlouisfed.org/publicatio...c/default.html




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Re: Like a bat out of hell
Old 07-27-2004, 10:06 PM   #2
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Re: Like a bat out of hell

I believe in hell. I worked in it for several years before ER.
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Re: Like a bat out of hell
Old 07-28-2004, 04:15 AM   #3
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Re: Like a bat out of hell

I believe in bull when I see it and that's it. Bogle did point out the role of Quakers in early England - they could be trusted - trust/honesty being the cornerstone of good business. The rest is more complicated - I enjoyed Bernstein's shot at it in 'Birth of Plenty'.
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Re: Like a bat out of hell
Old 07-28-2004, 05:18 AM   #4
 
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Re: Like a bat out of hell

'Bat out of Hell' by Meatloaf, great stuff! But, I digress.

I have been paving my own personal road to hell
for years, mostly with good intentions. Otherwise,
it didn't impact me much in day to day business dealings.
The Golden Rule is a better guide than the fear of hell IMHO.

John Galt
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Re: Like a bat out of hell
Old 07-28-2004, 09:43 AM   #5
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Re: Like a bat out of hell

Guy gets sent to hell.

Satan greets him and tells him he gets to choose from three rooms to spend the rest of eternity in.

First room, everyone is standing on their head on a wood floor. Nobody looks comfortable. If anyone tips over, demons swarm him/her and lash them until they get back on their head.

No thanks, he says.

Second room is the same as the first, except the floor is made of uneven bricks. Its harder than the wood and tougher to stay on your head.

No thanks, he says.

The third room is different. Everyone is naked, drinking, smoking, partying, loud music is playing and everyones dancing and fooling around. Only problem is they're up to their knees in crap.

Aside from that, looks like the people are at least having a good time.

Ok he says, this one is better than the other two.

He goes in, grabs a drink, starts dancing...a few minutes later theres a "gong".

A voice comes over a loudspeaker and says "Ok everyone, lunch break is over. Back on your heads!".
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Re: Like a bat out of hell
Old 07-28-2004, 01:16 PM   #6
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Re: Like a bat out of hell

If there is a correlation between morality and business success, it's not linear.
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Re: Like a bat out of hell
Old 07-28-2004, 01:17 PM   #7
 
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Re: Like a bat out of hell

Sorry TH. That just might be the worst story/joke I
ever heard.

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Re: Like a bat out of hell
Old 07-28-2004, 01:51 PM   #8
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Re: Like a bat out of hell

Quote:
If there is a correlation between morality and business success, it's not linear. *
Not linear? Yeah that's for sure. It might be an inverse function from some of the things I've seen.
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Re: Like a bat out of hell
Old 07-28-2004, 02:05 PM   #9
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Re: Like a bat out of hell

I was thinking more periodic than inverse. An interaction of the "right" morality at the "right" time.

But I'm sure you can find ample evidence for the inverse hypothesis.


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Re: Like a bat out of hell
Old 07-28-2004, 03:39 PM   #10
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Re: Like a bat out of hell

Quote:
Sorry TH. That just might be the worst story/joke I
ever heard.

John Galt

Is that a challenge?


A guy went to a psychiatrist. "Doc," he said, "I keep having these alternating recurring dreams. First I'm a teepee, then I'm a wigwam, then I'm a teepee, and then I'm a wigwam. It's driving me crazy. What's wrong with me?"

The doctor replied, "It's very simple. You're two tents."
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Be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful. Just another form of "buy low, sell high" for those who have trouble with things. This rule is not universal. Do not buy a 1973 Pinto because everyone else is afraid of it.
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Re: Like a bat out of hell
Old 07-28-2004, 04:52 PM   #11
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Re: Like a bat out of hell

Did you hear about the dyslexic blues guitarist?

He went down to the crossroads and sold his soul to Santa.
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Re: Like a bat out of hell
Old 07-28-2004, 05:25 PM   #12
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Re: Like a bat out of hell

Damn TH, I loved the Hell story. Sent it to all my friends. Let's have some more.

Mikey
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Re: Like a bat out of hell
Old 07-28-2004, 06:24 PM   #13
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Re: Like a bat out of hell

A building and construction Engineer died after a long life of charity and good deeds. Unfortunately, due to a paper work mix up in the ''Afterlife Data Processing Department'' he was sent to Hell instead of Heaven. Being a practical guy he shrugged, decided to make the best of it and got down to work.

After a few weeks, Satan came around to check on his new guest.

''What the Hell is going on here?'' Satan cried when he saw the Engineer's work.

''Well,'' said the Engineer, ''It was mighty hot, so I installed some Air Conditioning in our quarters. Then I noticed that with all the chains and manacles and things, we were struggling to walk around, so I installed some escalators and moving walkways.

''WOW!!!'', replied Satan, ''that's great.''

''But wait, I haven't finished yet.'' said the Engineer, '' There is just NOTHING good on Hell TV, so I wired us up to cable. Now we have HBO, Discovery and all that.''

''This is brilliant'', Sata said,''It sure was lucky that you came down to me. Keep up the good work.'' And off he went.

The next week, Satan and God get together for the Monthly Meeting and God enquires how things are going down in Hell.

''Terrific!!!'', cries Satan and proceeds to tell God all about the Engineer and the wonderfull improvements he has made around the place.

''Wait a minute,'' interjects God, ''That Engineer guy is one of MINE. He should never have been sent down to you.''

''Tough Luck.'' replied Satan, ''I got him, he's great and I am keeping him.''

''No way,'' screamed God, ''You send him back to me in Heaven.''

''No, no and NO. I am not sending him back.'' said Satan.

''Look , if you don't send him back this minute, I'll SUE!!!!!.'' God threatened.

''Oh sure,'' replied Satan casually, ''And where in Heaven do you think YOU are going to find a lawyer??''
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Re: Like a bat out of hell
Old 07-28-2004, 07:28 PM   #14
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Re: Like a bat out of hell

More?

Well I think I have to dedicate this one to John G's ex...

One Sunday morning, everyone in one bright, beautiful, tiny town got up early and went to the local church.

Before the services started, the townspeople were sitting in their pews and talking about their lives, their families, etc.

Suddenly, Satan appeared at the front of the church. Everyone started screaming and running for the front entrance, trampling each other in a frantic effort to get away from evil incarnate.

Soon everyone was evacuated from the church, except for one elderly gentleman who sat calmly in his pew, not moving... seemingly oblivious to the fact that God's ultimate enemy was in his presence.

Now this confused Satan a bit, so he walked up to the man and said, "Don't you know who I am?"

The man replied, "Yep, sure do."

Satan asked, "Aren't you afraid of me?"

"Nope, sure ain't," said the man.

Satan was a little perturbed at this and queried, "Why aren't you afraid of me?"

The man calmly replied, "Been married to your sister for over 48 years."
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Be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful. Just another form of "buy low, sell high" for those who have trouble with things. This rule is not universal. Do not buy a 1973 Pinto because everyone else is afraid of it.
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Re: Like a bat out of hell
Old 08-01-2004, 08:27 PM   #15
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Re: Like a bat out of hell

TH, that one was MUCH better!

But these are great! I like them all, even the stupid psychiatrist one!

More smiles, jokes, and meandering conversations!

Anne
Who thinks that Reuters study was pretty funny, too, including the paranoid comment by the atheist.
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Re: Like a bat out of hell
Old 08-02-2004, 11:46 AM   #16
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Re: Like a bat out of hell

I think thats a request for another stupid psych joke?

Welcome to the Psychiatric Hotline!

If you are obsessive-compulsive, please press 1 repeatedly.
If you are co-dependent, please ask someone to press 2.
If you have multiple personalities, please press 3, 4, 5, and 6.
If you are paranoid-delusional, we know who you are and what you want. Just stay on the line so we can trace the call.
If you are schizophrenic, listen carefully and a little voice will tell you which number to press.
If you are depressed, it doesn't matter which number you press. No one will answer.
If you are delusional and occasionally hallucinate, please be aware that the thing you are holding on the side of your head is alive and about to bite off your ear.
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Be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful. Just another form of "buy low, sell high" for those who have trouble with things. This rule is not universal. Do not buy a 1973 Pinto because everyone else is afraid of it.
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Re: Like a bat out of hell
Old 08-02-2004, 08:15 PM   #17
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Re: Like a bat out of hell


Here's one for all of us capitalists on the ER boards:

Capitalism for Dummies

Traditional Capitalism: You have two cows. You sell one and buy a bull. Your herd multiplies, and the economy grows. You sell them and retire on the income.
American Capitalism: You have two cows. You sell one, and force the other to produce the milk of four cows. You are surprised when the cow drops dead.

French Capitalism: You have two cows. You go on strike because you want three cows.

Japanese Capitalism: You have two cows. You redesign them so they are one-tenth the size of an ordinary cow and produce twenty times the milk. You then create cow cartoon images called Cowkimon and market them World-Wide.

Italian Capitalism: You have two cows, but you don't know where they are. You break for lunch.

British Capitalism: You have two cows. Both are mad.

Arkansas Capitalism: You have two cows. That one on the left is kinda cute...

Hindu Capitalism: You have two cows. You worship them.

Swiss Capitalism: You have 5000 cows, none of which belong to you. You charge others for storing them.

Canadian Capitalism: You have two cows. Let’s make a hockey team, eh?

Chinese Capitalism: You have two cows. You have 300 people milking them. You claim full employment, high bovine productivity, and arrest the newsman who reported the numbers.

Irish Capitalism: You have two cows. You feed them potatoes and wonder why they emigrate.

Enron Capitalism: You have two cows. You sell three of them to your publicly listed company, using letters of credit opened by your brother-in-law at the bank, then execute a debt/equity swap with an associated general offer so that you get all four cows back, with a tax exemption for five cows. The milk rights of the six cows are transferred via an intermediary to a Cayman Island company secretly owned by the majority shareholder who sells the rights to all seven cows back to your listed company. The annual report says the company owns eight cows, with an option on one more. Sell one cow to buy a new president of the United States, leaving you with nine cows. No balance sheet provided with the release. The public buys your bull.

Cuban Capitalism: You have two cows. They try to swim to Florida.

Disney Capitalism: You have two cows. They dance & sing.

Microsoft Capitalism: You have two cows. You patent them and sue anyone else who has them.

Hollywood Capitalism: You have two cows. You give them utter implants and also teach them to bullet-dodge, wall climb and shoot milk out of their utters on command.

Clinton Capitalism: You have two cows. You deny any knowledge of them.

Texan Capitalism: You have two cows. You teach them to fire guns.

Totalitarian Capitalism: You have two cows. The government takes them and denies they ever existed. Milk is banned.

Real Capitalism: You don't have any cows.
The bank will not lend you money to buy cows, because you don't have any cows to put up as collateral.

Environmental Capitalism: You have two cows. The government bans you from milking them.

Bush Capitalism: You have two cows. You think that cows and humans can coexist peacefully. You give all of the milk to the upper class when they have cows of their own, and the lower class needs milk.

Martha Stewart Capitalism: You have two cows. After decorating them, you sell them because a farmer told you the price of milk might go down.

BTW, I can't remember jokes at all. These were swiped from the internet. <*just a little copyright issue*>

Cheers,
Anne
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Re: Like a bat out of hell
Old 08-02-2004, 10:50 PM   #18
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Re: Like a bat out of hell

Quote:
Arkansas Capitalism: You have two cows. That one on the left is kinda cute...
NastyGirl!!!
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Re: Like a bat out of hell
Old 08-03-2004, 08:45 AM   #19
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Re: Like a bat out of hell

Is that like this?

http://early-retirement.org/cgi-bin/...num=1079742228
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Re: Like a bat out of hell
Old 08-13-2004, 07:05 AM   #20
 
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Re: Like a bat out of hell

I'm sorry wabmaster, but this is pure bunk. By this measure, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Morocco, and Egypt should be world economic powerhouses.

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