One of the most surreal experiences in my life was riding in an ambulance in Norway and having the EMT sheepishly explain that while the ambulance ride was free, the ER visit was going to come with a bill. He was equal parts embarrassed and indignant about it. The bill was the equivalent of $25.

Glasses usually have obscene markups. Imo, the most cost effective way is often lasik (or similar), but it's an up front cost.

I think I paid 4k usd for both eyes, but that was something like 10 years ago and with no assistance from insurance.

I still get an eye exam every few years just to make sure everything is okay, but I am expecting another 10 years before I need too start thinking about vision correction again. Also, I'm fairly certain the provider that performed my lasik offered a warranty and would perform additional corrections as I age, but I don't live anywhere near the location anymore.

When I compare that to the combined cost of insurance, exams, glasses, contacts, and prescription sunglasses that my wife pays... lasik was a significant cost savings for me (and that's not counting any quality of life benefits).

Others have pointed out siblings, but it's also worth noting that, in the context of your comment, sisters and brothers is more correct. Sibling is more clinical and might be used in a description like "I have 3 siblings, 2 brothers and 1 sister". When you are addressing a group, the more familiar brothers and sisters is appropriate. "May the force be with you, siblings" would be very weird.

10 years... how refreshingly optimistic...

In 2007, Congress passed the increase to 7.25 to take effect in 2009. The minimum wage change 15 years ago was passed 17 years ago.

Not an expert here, but given the differences in measurement scales, I suspect there is a difference in intensity.

If my reading of this Hong Kong Observatory reference is correct, a no 8 is classified as wind speeds between 63-117 km/h.

When we talk about hurricane strength, we're using this scale. Unless they are measuring different metrics, a no 8 is the equivalent of a tropical storm. Which is to say, we don't even rate that as hurricane strength.

Helene hit land at around 220 km/h (Cat 4). Milton reached speeds of 260km/h (Cat 5), but might weaken to 190-200km/h (Cat 3) by the time it reaches land.