America, 5 things.

[PaulK]

So, no. Double weighted trucks are not allowed on the open roads and highways. Either in Michigan or elsewhere unless they're a) Off-road or b) Rare, heavily-regulated, usually escorted by official entities, specially permitted instances, eg. transport of the space shutte. They can only do this in very slow speed and at nights. They are not openly allowed. This is why we have the railways.

You might want to read this http://justfixtheroads.com/michigans-unique-truck-weight-law/

[jone]

Like CVC, most states, including Michigan have a maximum gross weight of 80,000 lbs. Even the trucks used to deliver automobiles. If they can put 10 cars/trucks with an average weight of 4,000 lbs, that only equates to 40,000 lbs, then add the weight of the semi itself, which generally weight anywhere from 25,000 - 35,000 lbs depending on its features.

In most highways, especially through interstate commerce, there are weigh stations where trucks are diverted to check inventory and weight classification. Any over-weighted trucks, or illegal loading, are stopped and dispatched is made for specific companies to either send another trucks to share and lessen the load, or they'll issue a penalty for illegal loading.

So, no. Double weighted trucks are not allowed on the open roads and highways. Either in Michigan or elsewhere unless they're a) Off-road or b) Rare, heavily-regulated, usually escorted by official entities, specially permitted instances, eg. transport of the space shutte. They can only do this in very slow speed and at nights. They are not openly allowed. This is why we have the railways.

You have a point about seasonal weathering. Ice/water and even salt have a very high erosive effect to the roads - just like they do in Russia.

In California, Cal-Trans had recently mandated a new 'AC Mix specifications' (Asphalt Concrete) with their oil mix ratio and are also utilitizing 'Rubberized AC' more so in the latest projects than ever before (less prone to cracking).

Concrete paneling is also slowly replacing CIP or poured-in-place concrete in new construction and/or maintenance/repair (less prone to fracture and breakage).

Holy Tow Trucks, Batman!!!

Where did you get such a wealth of information?

[GQBlues]

You might want to read this http://justfixtheroads.com/michigans-unique-truck-weight-law/

Paul-

The caveat to your posted Michigan's by-law is shown below. It isn't the gross maximum weight, which is the same as elsewhere,  but the load/axle rating that is different in Michigan.

"...The calculated maximum allowable gross vehicle weight on the heaviest “Michigan-weight-law truck” is 164,000 pounds, which can only be achieved by use of eleven properly-spaced axles.  Most of these axles carry only 13,000 pounds each. The alternative to a single Michigan combination carrying 160,000 lbs. on 11 axles is two standard trucks carrying 160,000 lbs. on 10 axles. -..."


Despite this, I very much doubt Michigan's road engineers are stupid enough to construct their road and highway sections the same way every other states do and not make the proper calculated load-bearing section to accommodate an otherwise abnormal road load bearing capacities. Dunno. Maybe they are.

[PaulK]

Despite this, I very much doubt Michigan's road engineers are stupid enough to construct their road and highway sections the same way every other states do and not make the proper calculated load-bearing section to accommodate an otherwise abnormal road load bearing capacities. Dunno. Maybe they are.

LOL, I wont say anything bad about government employees 

[GQBlues]

 I'm not the shy type. I rail about them all the time!

 

[Voyager36]

At least here in Texas when you see a very large woman 99% of the time Mexican or Black.  I have lived in the North before and you do see a lot more large white women up there.

There are (wide) loads of really obese women in the south, yes, even white women.
 

Having lived in Michigan the roads are horrible because they allow roughly 2 times the weight of trucks on the roads as compared to most states (to help the auto industry and transport business into Canada).  They also have hot and cold weather with mositure which tears up the road.  More South you go you generally see better roads as they don't have weather issues and thus last longer.
In Houston we have a lot of pay roads and there in great shape generally.

Like CVC, most states, including Michigan have a maximum gross weight of 80,000 lbs. Even the trucks used to deliver automobiles.
So, no. Double weighted trucks are not allowed on the open roads and highways. Either in Michigan or elsewhere unless they're a) Off-road or b) Rare, heavily-regulated, usually escorted by official entities, specially permitted instances, eg. transport of the space shutte. They can only do this in very slow speed and at nights. They are not openly allowed. This is why we have the railways.

You have a point about seasonal weathering. Ice/water and even salt have a very high erosive effect to the roads - just like they do in Russia.

GQ is correct, there are no overweight trucks allowed in Michigan, without special permit. Only 3 states allow trucks heavier than 80,000 lb, WA, NM & WY. Even Wyoming which allows up to 117,000 pales in comparison to Canada where 137,000 lb are allowed in all the Western provinces. Freezing & thawing damage occurs everywhere except the Southern states & Pacific coast, so it isn't a Michigan problem.
 
From what I've seen, the worst roads are in large urban areas, Chicago, Detroit etc, where the road maintenance is the responsibility of local governments, who may be suffering from reduced tax revenues and poor economic conditions. Obviously if you have a lager proportion of your tax base getting state benefits, they are not contributing taxes to pay for services. Detroit is already bankrupt, how are they expected to pay for roads?

[BC]

Considering the target age of FSUW being chased around here, in the same age range I would say I did see some, but not that much of a difference between the US and FSU.

I'll take a look again this year when I return to the US and visit CAN and pass local high schools.

[Muzh]

From what I've seen, the worst roads are in large urban areas, Chicago, Detroit etc, where the road maintenance is the responsibility of local governments, who may be suffering from reduced tax revenues and poor economic conditions. Obviously if you have a lager proportion of your tax base getting state benefits, they are not contributing taxes to pay for services. Detroit is already bankrupt, how are they expected to pay for roads?

Times like these are when these cities should eliminate every possible government service. Road maintenance, EMTs, Police, Firemen and definitely all social services. This will force a massive exodus of undesirable people out of the city and those who will stay will do so because they can afford to buy their own personal services.
 
Pluses for this are dirt cheap real estate where land barons will be crated. Eyesores will be eliminated. Personalized services where money can buy the best of the best and no waiting. Probably eliminate the need for roads and just travel by helicopter or small planes, thus eliminating a lot of environmental contamination and reducing green house gases.
 
Best, no more crooked politicians. There may be just a handful to deal with those pesky Washingtonians, but you know you have them in your pocket corner. Imagine all this federal aid going directly to your bank account. No more middle man.
 
And the best part of all is that all those undesirables are not your problem any more. No more money to local government and best, you don't have to lie on your 1040 form claiming 'charities' for tax deductions and appearances. Gone and forgoten.
 
What more can you ask?

[Gator]

This will force a massive exodus of undesirable people out of the city and those who will stay will do so because they can afford to buy their own personal services.

Innovative thinking.   What are you smoking today?!  Did you get some of Water White's blue crystal meth?  Before your plan is implemented I suggest every one load up on stock in ticker symbol RGR.
 

        What more can you ask?           

Just one question.  Where do the "undesirables" go?  Please don't say Florida.  Based on what I have seen in the third world, most will stay in the cities and live like rats. 
 
 

[Misha]

Having spent time in Germany, I would say there is little in Canada that would compare to the quality of the German autobahn. However, you have 80 million people living in a very dense zone and the autobahn only has 12 thousand or so kilometers. The non-autobahn roads are comparable to those in Canada, potholes and all

[TS]

The auto industry and steel industry all has these special permits and they carry the heavy weight.  Plus Toronto area is heavy in the auto industry and Michigan wants to make sure trucks go over their border and not somewhere else in USA. By allowing more weight you win the business for the transportation companies. Only real money Detroit gets is the bridge and tunnel to Windsor.
Auto industry is kind of big and do you know how many trucks go through Michigan a day? 
They actually build roads in Michigan in many areas to be repaired every 5 years.  The Detroit area for decades could not afford to build high quality roads and used cheaper methods then the South.  Having grown up in Michigan and going to University in state I do have a lot of knowledge here. 
What happens with the roads in Michigan the weight of the trucks around the temperature change periods from hot to cold break the road up and once you get one crack the rest comes quickly.  That being said roads right on the other side of Detroit in Canada are made with a lot more quality and last longer.
I have yet to see a road in Detroit area in good condition to last longer then 10 years without major repair. 696 took 20 years to build and was repaired 4 times before it was finished.  In past 10 years has been repaired 2 times. 
For the people talking about Michigan roads when is the last time you spent 30 days in a row in Detroit area?
 

[Muzh]

Innovative thinking.   What are you smoking today?!  Did you get some of Water White's blue crystal meth?  Before your plan is implemented I suggest every one load up on stock in ticker symbol RGR.
 
Just one question.  Where do the "undesirables" go?  Please don't say Florida.  Based on what I have seen in the third world, most will stay in the cities and live like rats.

Let's discuss.
 
As long as the undesirables are not in my back yard, I don't care. Not my problem.

[Gator]

Now I am beginning to think you are serious.  Even a conservative such as me knows this is not humane given where we are today.    The undesirables are our fellow Americans.  We created them.   However, I have no answers other than decades of social programs seem not to be working.

[BC]

Having spent time in Germany, I would say there is little in Canada that would compare to the quality of the German autobahn. However, you have 80 million people living in a very dense zone and the autobahn only has 12 thousand or so kilometers. The non-autobahn roads are comparable to those in Canada, potholes and all

I spent 17 years in Germany.. don't know what part you were in, but potholes?  in comparison to Italy they were fixed in a flash.  Yes, maybe 80 million... but they are pretty much spread out in small villages..  yes villages....

I'll soon be able to judge road conditions in Canada

[BC]

... and Canadian women

[Misha]

I spent 17 years in Germany.. don't know what part you were in, but potholes?  in comparison to Italy they were fixed in a flash.  Yes, maybe 80 million... but they are pretty much spread out in small villages..  yes villages....

I'll soon be able to judge road conditions in Canada

I was in a small village. Again, similar asphalt, similar potholes filled in the same way, same share of bumps in the road. The main difference is that we have more potholes in the spring, but the village roads in Germany were far from autobahn quality.

[GQBlues]

Times like these are when these cities should eliminate every possible government service. Road maintenance, EMTs, Police, Firemen and definitely all social services. This will force a massive exodus of undesirable people out of the city and those who will stay will do so because they can afford to buy their own personal services.
 
Pluses for this are dirt cheap real estate where land barons will be crated. Eyesores will be eliminated. Personalized services where money can buy the best of the best and no waiting. Probably eliminate the need for roads and just travel by helicopter or small planes, thus eliminating a lot of environmental contamination and reducing green house gases.
 
Best, no more crooked politicians. There may be just a handful to deal with those pesky Washingtonians, but you know you have them in your pocket corner. Imagine all this federal aid going directly to your bank account. No more middle man.
 
And the best part of all is that all those undesirables are not your problem any more. No more money to local government and best, you don't have to lie on your 1040 form claiming 'charities' for tax deductions and appearances. Gone and forgoten.
 
What more can you ask?

I don't believe it's the undesirables, Muzh. I would more readily blame this on the career politicians who termed many of them as 'helpless' to ensure their collective electability.

The 'mind' is a terrible thing to waste. Unfortunately, lately in America, wasted minds result in DC power hold. The more they waste, the more power they wield. It doesn't matter whether it's a Republican or Democrat holding office either.

[Chicagoguy]

My G-d Aloe,
You saw more of America than many Americans. Good Work !

[jone]

Now I am beginning to think you are serious.  Even a conservative such as me knows this is not humane given where we are today.    The undesirables are our fellow Americans.  We created them.   However, I have no answers other than decades of social programs seem not to be working.

Actually, the social programs are working much better than they did 20 years ago.  The idea that you have to work to get social support was innovative ten years ago and is now standard throughout the country.  If only we could hit those receiving Section 8 and permanent disability. 

I particularly appreciate the use of 1099 receipts to document all of the income received by the 'off-the-books' and cash workers.  They are finally responsible for paying some taxes.  My companies all are meticulous in creating the 1099s because it allows us to have a set of clean books come tax season.

Funniest damn thing.  Had a guy who was railing at a guy who he did work for because he received a 1099.  Apparently he had never told the IRS the type of work he did and he knew, by receiving a 1099 that he was going to have to disclose that he was receiving some income.  Oh, the webs we weave.

[GQBlues]

...Actually, the social programs are working much better than they did 20 years ago.

You can say that again...


"...The number of eligible people who have actually applied for benefits has grown steadily in the past decade after declining throughout the 1990s.

Opposition to the House bill was led by the Congressional Black Caucus; 22 percent of food stamp recipients are African American, although African Americans make up 13 percent of the general population. Thirty-six percent of food stamp users are white, 10 percent are Hispanic, 4 percent are Native American, 2 percent are Asian.

[dot]Democrats are twice as likely as Republicans to report ever using food stamps[/dot], according to a Pew Research Center survey last December...."


http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2013/07/11/the-fight-over-food-stamps-explained/

Did you know department:

1. Any state that strictly enforces and monitors food stamps issuance is slated to lose billions of dollars per year due to 'lost' in-state revenues? The Feds technically 'pays' for the food tab courtesy of taxes.

2. Did you know many SNAP recipients package the food bought from the food stamp system and actually ship those to their relatives abroad? Folks qualify for food stamps but are actually sending them out to relatives...you have to ask a simple question then, how and what the heck local authorities used to approve qualifying applicants to receive food stamps?

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/isle_take_that_welfare_scam_VBsTspIxia2GA9o2oS505L

Don't even let me start how section 8 is fast becoming the new entreprenuerial way for folks to make money for subletting the units you and I are paying for so the 'less than fortunate' folks can have something they can call 'home'. 

It's freaking working alright!

[BillyB]

You can be deluded all you want, just keep it to yourself. You folks are becoming to sound redundantly stupid.

I must have struck a nerve. You're getting emotional. We are talking about obese Americans yet you want to attribute the fault to the minorities and only make comparisons of the white race. You state you got the facts off Google then offered your opinion of the American Caucasian vs FSU obesity comparison as fact. Your opinion is not fact.


Go to Wikipedia and look at obesity in America and look at the obesity of the Caucasian race within America. Then go to a chart on obesity among countries. Average all the FSU countries and you'll find Caucasian Americans are more overweight than Caucasian FSU people.


Fat people, concrete roads, overweight trucks, food stamps, and politics. You've opened your mouth enough in this thread don't you think? Let's get it back on track.

[GQBlues]

I must have struck a nerve. You're getting emotional. We are talking about obese Americans yet you want to attribute the fault to the minorities and only make comparisons of the white race. You state you got the facts off Google then offered your opinion of the American Caucasian vs FSU obesity comparison as fact. Your opinion is not fact.


Go to Wikipedia and look at obesity in America and look at the obesity of the Caucasian race within America. Then go to a chart on obesity among countries. Average all the FSU countries and you'll find Caucasian Americans are more overweight than Caucasian FSU people.


Fat people, concrete roads, overweight trucks, food stamps, and politics. You've opened your mouth enough in this thread don't you think? Let's get it back on track.

::::sigh:::::

Denser than molasses in January.

Tell me African-American and Hispanic-American DO NOT heavily factor into the obesity rate in the US.
Tell me Mexico is NOT rated to be the country with the highest rate of obesity.
Tell me FSU-bound MOBers like you are searching for black / brown-skinned bride.

313.9+ million US population. 30-33% is classified to be obese. Approximately 210.3 million 'slim' folks. 50% female gives you 105 million 'slim women'.
 
143.4 million Russian population, of which 81.7 million are females. Less the 25% obesity rate gives you a net count of 61.3 million slim women.

You can even add Ukraine's female population to that number (45.5 million), place this at approximately 50% female to be 22.8 million. It should please you to know, at age <15 years of age the ratio is even better  We'll even make the assumption all of them are slim.

So the Ukraine female number to add will be 22.8 million. This gives you a total slim Slavic nubiles to roughly 84.1 million.

Difference of 21 million. Granted, you can deduct those that are less than 18 years in the US because it's illegal here. Otherwise we'd be reading 'Life Changes Pt IV' from somwhere next to Ariel Castro's new crib, no? So either way...WTF are you talking about exactly now?

When all is said and done, you have MORE slim women in close proximity to you, literally and figuratively, than you'd like to delude yourself, Yohan. Just because only fat women would date you in the US, doesn't mean you're realistically surrouned only by fat women, no? Figuratively, there's 20 million slim women in every state. Divide that up to every cities and towns within each state relative to population - you still have far more 'slim' women around you than you'd care to admit.

Am I going too fast for you, or should you lay the sword down for a minute, scratch the butt, so you can think about it some more? 
 

[Konfushus]

For you guys that like to argue about stats like obesity rate and so on, I recommend this interesting site.

http://www.countyhealthrankings.org/

The fact that things like obesity vary from county to county, city to city, neighborhood to neighborhood, and bar to bar account for different experiences.

[Voyager36]

Times like these are when these cities should eliminate every possible government service. ....and definitely all social services. This will force a massive exodus of undesirable people out of the city and those who will stay will do so because they can afford to buy their own personal services.

What more can you ask?

Innovative thinking.   What are you smoking today?!  Did you get some of Water White's blue crystal meth? 

lol that was my thought too.
 

Just one question.  Where do the "undesirables" go?  Please don't say Florida.  Based on what I have seen in the third world, most will stay in the cities and live like rats.

Welcome to the new America. Looks a lot like the old Mexico. 
 

Now I am beginning to think you are serious.  Even a conservative such as me knows this is not humane given where we are today.    The undesirables are our fellow Americans.  We created them.   However, I have no answers other than decades of social programs seem not to be working.

Hmm, give teenaged girls a steady income when they become unwed mothers, and then increase the income when they have more kids.
Seems like a great idea, right?

[Voyager36]

Don't pick up women in Walmart
I went to a bar, didn't see a single fat woman. Why not pick up women at bars?    

I don't try to pick up women at Wal-Mart. (I'd probably slip a disc    )
Nor do I pick them up in bars either, Mrs V would probably have something to say about that.