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The Shoutbox

Jamal October 22, 2015 at 16:27 126825 views 61561 comments
This could function as a shoutbox I reckon.

Comments (61561)

Jamal December 13, 2017 at 16:36 #133344
Quoting Sapientia
I am always deadly serious. All owls are


The allotment of death.
For the one path of my flight is direct
Through the bones of the living.
No arguments assert my right
S December 13, 2017 at 16:39 #133345
Quoting jamalrob
The allotment of death.
For the one path of my flight is direct
Through the bones of the living.
No arguments assert my right


There was a young lady from Kew
Who said, as the bishop withdrew
Oh, the Vicar is quicker
And thicker and slicker
And four inches longer than you
Deleted User December 13, 2017 at 19:55 #133391
Reply to Hanover Yep. :( No fun.
Hanover December 13, 2017 at 20:25 #133408
Reply to ArguingWAristotleTiff My tree fell down, and I suspect the cat, although it could have been the dog as well. If the cat, she was climbing it. If the dog, he was eating it. My failure to keep it properly watered paid off so that I didn't have a puddle on the floor. I did have a bunch of pine needles go everywhere. So that it wouldn't fall again, I tied some yellow wire I found in the garage around the middle of the trunk, led the wire out the window next to it, shut the window, and tied the wire to the table outside. I think the tree is secure, although it leans precariously due to the tight wire. Half the lights broke from the fall. The tree is 12 feet tall. I could have gotten the 14 foot tree and the sales pitch was enticing ("Dude, go big or go home!"), but $350 for a massive tree that would have required me to rearrange my house wasn't worth it. I mean it might have been worth it, but I didn't feel like doing it. Actually I regret not having bought it.

Thanks for the Hanukah wishes by the way. I guess being Jewish is not a big deal. It's all about Christmas anyway. I'll just water the tree with tears. That should keep it alive.
Hanover December 13, 2017 at 21:23 #133428
Quoting Sapientia
There was a young lady from Kew
Who said, as the bishop withdrew
Oh, the Vicar is quicker
And thicker and slicker
And four inches longer than you


My favorite game:

There once was a young lady from Shmangina
Whose mother just came from Carolina
Her father barged in
stinking of gin
While his dog ate off her fine china.
Hanover December 13, 2017 at 22:06 #133456
Quoting ?????????????
?? ??????, ?? ????? ?????????
?? ?????? ????? ??' ??????
?? ???????? ?? ???
??? ?? ????? ??? ????
???????, ?????? ?????????!


I Google translated it:

What a beautiful one, they called Mezalina
everyone learned of it
the precious good
they did not know it before
after all, there was a ballerina

Yes, your limericks are beautiful in any language!
BC December 13, 2017 at 23:57 #133493
Today is Saint Lucy's feast day -- she also goes by Santa Lucia. She's a really weird saint for very contemporary times. She was very touchy about unwanted, unconsented attention from men. Some guy admired her eyes. He thought they were beautiful. In order to discourage future assaults of that kind, she gouged her eyes out. She is sometimes depicted as a blind woman holding a tray with her eyeballs. Somebody else admired her hair, so she set that on fire -- hence the candles in the crown business that Swedish girls are subjected to, against their will, of course. and so on.

Gustavus Adolphus College in MN, a Swedish Lutheran college, does the whole Santa Lucia business--burning hair, gouged out eyeballs, lopped off breasts, etc.

By the time she was martyred in the 3rd century, there wasn't much left for the lions to eat.
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 13, 2017 at 23:58 #133494
@Hanover
Happy Hanukah! I hope the celebration of lights goes better than the Christmas tree did. Is your homeowners insurance policy up to date? Those candles are way more dangerous for your pet to eat but if they do consume them AND they are glow in the dark candles, you are in luck! Pets that eat glow in the dark wax make their potty piles easier to find in the Atlanta snow! I have decided this year, although a day late as I was up to my elbows in cookie dough, to celebrate the Jewish tradition of lighting candles, one for each night. Tonight I have chosen a Capri Blue that has a Wisp of Mediterranean air at night. It is a beautiful tradition. Now, what does it mean? Other than you are really prepared for the power to go out on that exact week of each year?

As far as the gifts, if you get one gift for seven nights, do they all have to be WOW presents?
Does a pack of Crayons count?
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 13, 2017 at 23:59 #133495
Reply to Bitter Crank A Tale of Two Evenings eh?
S December 14, 2017 at 07:45 #133581
The Three Topics With The Biggest Bias Against Them On The Philosophy Forum


  • Trump.
  • Ayn Rand.
  • New Atheism.


Am I right or am I right?
Hanover December 14, 2017 at 11:45 #133609
Reply to Sapientia Don't forget the right to bear arms.
Michael December 14, 2017 at 11:52 #133611
Reply to Sapientia

Trump, guns, and whether or not the moderators are doing a good job.
Baden December 14, 2017 at 15:01 #133673
TimeLine.

Hanover December 14, 2017 at 16:43 #133681
Quoting Bitter Crank
Today is Saint Lucy's feast day


What is the traditional fare at the feast? Turkey and stuffing, matzo ball soup, hot dogs and beer?
Hanover December 14, 2017 at 16:44 #133682
Reply to Baden Well, if you're including people, then Hitler maybe. So yeah, Hitler and Timeline, not necessarily in that order.
S December 14, 2017 at 19:58 #133701
GARLIC BREAD.
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 15, 2017 at 01:34 #133746
Two bowls of butter on the table. One is Roasted Garlic infused and the other is plain butter. Based upon which butter your guests use will indicate who is a married couple and who is just dating.
I LOVE GARLIC!!! (L)
Wosret December 15, 2017 at 01:56 #133752
Reply to ArguingWAristotleTiff

I also love the garlic butter, and was about to say that I didn't understand why this would be. It's because of the breath right? Lol.
Thorongil December 15, 2017 at 04:46 #133768
Reply to Bitter Crank It seems she really took Matthew 18:9 to heart....
BC December 15, 2017 at 05:27 #133773
Reply to Thorongil "Unfortunately, most fundamentalists don't take that particular verse literally", he said unlovingly.
Noble Dust December 15, 2017 at 09:36 #133850
Reply to Sapientia

I'm honored.
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 15, 2017 at 12:18 #133871
Reply to Wosret You got it! (Y)
Wosret December 15, 2017 at 14:12 #133888
Reply to ArguingWAristotleTiff

Yay! Why is everyone becoming birds? It's freaking me out...

Jamal December 15, 2017 at 14:13 #133889
Reply to Wosret Yeah I jumped on the bandwagon. It's a starling, which is my current favourite bird.
Baden December 15, 2017 at 14:19 #133891
Quoting Wosret
Why is everyone becoming birds? It's freaking me out...


They're not. It's just your imagination.
Wosret December 15, 2017 at 14:20 #133892
Reply to jamalrob

Chickadees are pretty sweet. They're one of the first birds to arrive for spring, so when they show up you know that spring is just around the corner. Plus they say "chika-dee-dee-dee-dee". So they're pretty much parrots too.
Wosret December 15, 2017 at 14:21 #133893
Reply to Baden

Hmmm, what is a bird's natural predator? Damn it! they rule the skies!
Jamal December 15, 2017 at 14:25 #133894
Reply to Wosret I am unfamiliar with chickadees, but they look like tits to me. A nice bird, I'm sure.

Starlings are great because of their iridescent plumage, their remarkable mimicry ability, and last but not least their flocking behaviour:

Baden December 15, 2017 at 14:29 #133895
Birds are also great for teaching kids the alphabet as well as the basic interpersonal skills necessary to navigate our modern multicultural environments.
Jamal December 15, 2017 at 14:30 #133896
Reply to Baden The big ones are, at least.
Baden December 15, 2017 at 14:32 #133897
Reply to jamalrob
I've actually lost my old profile pic now so I may be stuck teaching the alphabet and basic interpersonal skills forever. Hope those skills will be appreciated here.
Wosret December 15, 2017 at 14:33 #133898
Reply to jamalrob Yeah, those swarms are fairly mesmerizing. Ever see those birds that look like they have a broken wing and you could catch them? Don't fall for it, they're faking!
Wosret December 15, 2017 at 14:34 #133899
Reply to Baden

As long as I still get to say elameno-p.
Jamal December 15, 2017 at 14:36 #133900
Quoting Wosret
Don't fall for it, they're faking!


I urge you to stop trying to steal their eggs.
Wosret December 15, 2017 at 14:37 #133901
Reply to jamalrob

That's their insecurity. I don't even want their delicious eggs.
Jamal December 15, 2017 at 14:38 #133902
Reply to Wosret Okay, well, I'm not taking sides here.
Wosret December 15, 2017 at 14:40 #133903
Reply to jamalrob

Fence sitting is a favourite of birds...
Jamal December 15, 2017 at 14:41 #133904
Reply to Wosret Well played sir.
Baden December 15, 2017 at 14:41 #133905
Reply to Wosret

Zing. Just for that I'm gonna let you say elameno-p.
Wosret December 15, 2017 at 14:45 #133908
Reply to Baden

The bigger the better when it comes to birds.
Jamal December 15, 2017 at 14:49 #133910
Quoting Wosret
The bigger the better when it comes to birds.


The flocking behaviour of the ostrich pales in comparison to the starling's.
Baden December 15, 2017 at 14:50 #133911
Reply to jamalrob
Nothing beats my flocking behaviour. Then again there being only one of me does help.
Wosret December 15, 2017 at 14:52 #133912
Reply to jamalrob

Ever see Emus? I've never seen an ostrich in RL but people had Emus back home. They're similar.

Though, that was a dick joke.
Jamal December 15, 2017 at 14:55 #133913
Emus and ostriches are too big, and I don't like Big Bird, and I didn't get the dick joke, but I don't care.
Wosret December 15, 2017 at 14:59 #133915
I'm a flower, because I'm blooming.
Jamal December 15, 2017 at 15:13 #133919
Reply to Wosret I assumed you chose a lotus flower because you are enlightened and pure of spirit.
Benkei December 15, 2017 at 15:24 #133920
@BadenNothing beats my flogging behaviour.

Wosret December 15, 2017 at 15:25 #133921
Reply to jamalrob

Oh, well, I'm working on it. Think of me like Thanos, everyone else are like in possession of individual infinity stones, but I gotta catch 'em all. Working on the fourth. Still gots three to go after that.
Jamal December 15, 2017 at 15:27 #133922
Reply to Wosret Good luck.
Wosret December 15, 2017 at 15:34 #133926
Jamal December 15, 2017 at 15:45 #133927
Reply to ????????????? I listened to the whole bloody thing and didn't hear him say anything about starlings. Very disappointed.
Jamal December 15, 2017 at 15:58 #133929
Quoting ?????????????
????????????? rule the world!


Nice thrush.
Noble Dust December 15, 2017 at 17:52 #133944
Reply to Wosret

Mine's some sort of stork. He's kind of a bro.
Wosret December 15, 2017 at 17:54 #133946
Reply to Noble Dust

Damn good photo. So good, that I called it a photo, rather than a picture, that's just how classy. I'm even more impressed if you really know the stork of sorts.
Noble Dust December 15, 2017 at 17:56 #133947
Reply to Wosret

There's many sorts of storks, but i sorta just sorts em all out, ya know?
Jamal December 15, 2017 at 17:56 #133948
Reply to Noble Dust Looks more like a crane.
Noble Dust December 15, 2017 at 18:00 #133952
Reply to jamalrob

Ah, I Believe you're right, broh.
Wosret December 15, 2017 at 18:01 #133953
Damn, and I had a bunch of stork rhymes prepared.
Noble Dust December 15, 2017 at 18:03 #133955
Reply to Wosret

All the same, no need to refrain from crane rhymes, mang.
Jamal December 15, 2017 at 18:04 #133956
Reply to Noble Dust I got my birds down
Wosret December 15, 2017 at 18:05 #133957
Reply to jamalrob

We should just call you "bird expert" forever now, until everyone forgets why.
Noble Dust December 15, 2017 at 18:05 #133958
Reply to jamalrob

I used to be; I'm rusty. I was a birder back in the day.
Wosret December 15, 2017 at 18:05 #133959
Reply to Noble Dust

I'm going to be honest, I had no additional rhymes prepared.
Jamal December 15, 2017 at 18:07 #133960
Reply to Noble Dust Sorry but I somehow doubt that. One never forgets the difference between a stork and a crane. That's, like, basic shit man.
Jamal December 15, 2017 at 18:08 #133961
Quoting Wosret
We should just call you "bird expert" forever now, until everyone forgets why.


Not expert. Enthusiast.
Noble Dust December 15, 2017 at 18:10 #133962
Reply to jamalrob

True, but I stopped the hobby when i was about 13, I was a weird kid.
Noble Dust December 15, 2017 at 18:10 #133963
Reply to Wosret

Thanks for your honesty.
Wosret December 15, 2017 at 18:12 #133964
Reply to Noble Dust
;)

Reply to jamalrob

I like bird expert better. I don't know the difference between those birds. Only obvious to an expert, me thinks.
Jamal December 15, 2017 at 18:13 #133965
Reply to Noble Dust Ah, that explains it. True birding skills don't flower until one's mid-thirties. Although I was precocious: my glory years were in my late twenties.
Baden December 15, 2017 at 18:13 #133966
My degree thesis was on herons. So, expert but not enthusiast(ic).
Noble Dust December 15, 2017 at 18:14 #133968
Reply to Baden

Herons will do that to you.
Baden December 15, 2017 at 18:15 #133969
Reply to Noble Dust

They are rather unforgiving.
Baden December 15, 2017 at 18:15 #133970
Big birds though. I like that about them.
Jamal December 15, 2017 at 18:16 #133971
I saw a purple heron eating a snake last week.
Wosret December 15, 2017 at 18:17 #133973
I wouldn't have even known it was a bird if I didn't look it up though. Should have known, the goats have gone ninja, the cats are passe, now the bird is the word.
Noble Dust December 15, 2017 at 18:18 #133974
Reply to jamalrob

I saw a diseased pigeon eating a rat in the subway last Tuesday eve.
Jamal December 15, 2017 at 18:19 #133975
Noble Dust December 15, 2017 at 18:21 #133976
Reply to Baden

Easy to spot; the less work in the field, the quicker one reaches expert status.
Noble Dust December 15, 2017 at 18:22 #133977
"Yup, looks like another heron."
Baden December 15, 2017 at 18:23 #133979
Reply to Noble Dust

You got me down. (Y)

Wosret December 15, 2017 at 18:29 #133981
Reply to Noble Dust

You aren't allowed to be like that after having told me that a crane is a stork. What if I'd have repeated it, and then looked silly? Did you think of that when you were unintentionally mistaken?
Jamal December 15, 2017 at 18:32 #133983
Reply to Wosret More fake news
Noble Dust December 15, 2017 at 18:34 #133985
Reply to Wosret

Yes, mis-identifying bird species is a pretty egregious social fopaw regardless of race or creed. I never told you to follow my lead; the best you can do is learn from my mistakes, buy a field guide, and shadow Reply to Baden in the field sometime soon. Don't worry, there aren't that many different herons.
Wosret December 15, 2017 at 18:34 #133986
Reply to jamalrob

That's why I stick to face book, and the daily mail. Trusted.
Wosret December 15, 2017 at 18:36 #133987
Quoting Noble Dust
fopaw


I wanna say something about this, but then again, it has "paw" in it, so I think it's better now.
Akanthinos December 15, 2017 at 18:37 #133988
Quoting Baden
My degree thesis was on herons. So, expert but not enthusiast(ic).


I grrew up in front of a lake. My bedroom would be like, 5 feet away from the beach. During the summer, late at night, there was a an enormous heron who would come and fish right in front of our place, in about 2 feet of water or less. With us being something like 20-30 feet away from it.

I don't know much about herons, like life expectancy, but I saw one coming from the age of what, 6-7 to until I was 15-16. I assumed it was the same. Always walking around slowly without making a sound, giving perfect sword strikes with it's beak. It didn't move like anything else living, but like what back then I taught dinosaurs who move like back then. It was one of the most surreal moment of my childhood.
Noble Dust December 15, 2017 at 18:37 #133989
Reply to Wosret

Language changes, and I'm an instrumental part of that process.
Akanthinos December 15, 2017 at 18:39 #133990
Quoting Noble Dust
Language changes, and I'm an instrumental part of that process.


Yeah, but if I don't get to change yours, you don't get to change mine. :P
Noble Dust December 15, 2017 at 18:40 #133991
Reply to Akanthinos

Nah, change away, we're about ready for another Tower of Babel anyways.
Wosret December 15, 2017 at 18:44 #133992
Reply to Noble Dust

True dat. No one knows what to believe... oh I'm salivating. Never let it be a "who'. Dirty fucking whos.
Akanthinos December 15, 2017 at 18:46 #133993
Ok, then you really need to do something about your first names.

"Steves"? "Josh"? "Kyle"? "Erin"???

When your name is one letter away from being a venerial disease or a cheap fish... :-}

There is one thing I will always be a chauvinistic pig about, but French traditionnal names sounds a billion times better than just about anything else. :P
Noble Dust December 15, 2017 at 18:50 #133994
Reply to Wosret

Who? Like the guys from The Grinch?
Wosret December 15, 2017 at 18:50 #133995
Sean Paul, Jacques... and...
Wosret December 15, 2017 at 18:50 #133996
Reply to Noble Dust

Lol, yeah.
Noble Dust December 15, 2017 at 18:52 #133997
Reply to Wosret

How could anyone have anything against the little whos? And Whoville?
Akanthinos December 15, 2017 at 18:53 #133998
Quoting Wosret
Sean Paul, Jacques... and...


Lol, "Sean Paul".
Wosret December 15, 2017 at 18:55 #134000
Reply to Akanthinos

I know a guy that calls every French person "Sean Paul" before their actual name, which he includes. He's a Christian.
Noble Dust December 15, 2017 at 18:56 #134001
Reply to Akanthinos

Yan, Tierry, Guy, Marcel...
Noble Dust December 15, 2017 at 18:56 #134002
Reply to Wosret

Those dirty Christians
Wosret December 15, 2017 at 19:07 #134003
Reply to Noble Dust

I've got nothing bad to say about him.
Akanthinos December 15, 2017 at 19:10 #134004
Reply to Noble Dust

Yan is the Jewish form of Jean.
Tierry is properly spelled Thierry. Not the greatest, but still miles ahead of 'Steves'.
Guy is german.
Marcel means 'Dedicated to the god of War'. That's fucking badass.
Noble Dust December 15, 2017 at 19:21 #134006
Reply to Akanthinos

I'll go for Marcel. I was just basing my list off of the first names of some of the French wine makers we work with at my shop. >:O
T Clark December 15, 2017 at 22:44 #134052
Quoting Noble Dust
I saw a diseased pigeon eating a rat in the subway last Tuesday eve.


It's been so cold here in Boston, I saw a chicken with a capon.
T Clark December 15, 2017 at 22:47 #134053
Quoting Akanthinos
There is one thing I will always be a chauvinistic pig about, but French traditionnal names sounds a billion times better than just about anything else.


I met a Seamus the other day. There's a great name.
Noble Dust December 15, 2017 at 22:49 #134054
jorndoe December 16, 2017 at 01:44 #134073
BC December 16, 2017 at 04:02 #134083
Go placidly amid the noise and waste,
And remember what comfort there may be in owning a piece thereof.
Avoid quiet and passive persons, unless you are in need of sleep.
Rotate your tires.
Speak glowingly of those greater than yourself,
And heed well their advice, even though they be turkeys.
Know what to kiss, and when.
Consider that two wrongs never make a right, but that three do.
Wherever possible, put people on hold.
Be comforted that in the face of all aridity and disillusionment,
and despite the changing fortunes of time,
There is always a big future in computer maintenance.

Remember The Pueblo.
Strive at all times to bend, fold, spindle, and mutilate.
Know yourself. If you need help, call the FBI.
Exercise caution in your daily affairs,
Especially with those persons closest to you -
That lemon on your left, for instance.
Be assured that a walk through the ocean of most souls
Would scarcely get your feet wet.
Fall not in love therefore. It will stick to your face.
Gracefully surrender the things of youth: birds, clean air, tuna, Taiwan.
And let not the sands of time get in your lunch.
Hire people with hooks.
For a good time, call 606-4311. Ask for Ken.
Take heart in the deepening gloom
That your dog is finally getting enough cheese.
And reflect that whatever fortune may be your lot,
It could only be worse in Milwaukee.

You are a fluke of the universe.
You have no right to be here.
And whether you can hear it or not,
The universe is laughing behind your back.

Therefore, make peace with your god,
Whatever you perceive him to be - hairy thunderer, or cosmic muffin.
With all its hopes, dreams, promises, and urban renewal,
The world continues to deteriorate.
Give up!
Noble Dust December 16, 2017 at 08:26 #134120
Reply to Bitter Crank

Sounds like kind of a let down.
BC December 16, 2017 at 13:10 #134176
Reply to Noble Dust It's from the National Lampoon magazine of many years ago. Not funny? I thought it was.
S December 16, 2017 at 15:42 #134197
Quoting Wosret
Damn, and I had a bunch of stork rhymes prepared.


Storkward.
Wosret December 16, 2017 at 15:43 #134198
Quoting Sapientia
Storkward.


Into the night?
javra December 16, 2017 at 22:30 #134275
Quoting Bitter Crank
You are a fluke of the universe.
You have no right to be here.
And whether you can hear it or not,
The universe is laughing behind your back.

Therefore, make peace with your god,
Whatever you perceive him to be - hairy thunderer, or cosmic muffin.
With all its hopes, dreams, promises, and urban renewal,
The world continues to deteriorate.
Give up!


I like this, especially the last sentence. Reminds me of a Veronica Wants to Die reasoning. Better yet, a Mash episode where the now paraplegic patient is crying his wears about wanting to die till one of the surgeons—I forget who—starts strangling the guy on his patient’s cot … When the guy violently fight’s back as best he can against being killed, the surgeon than states the obvious: “looks like you don’t want to die after all”.

So, with the holiday season in mind, a merry “Give up!” on my part to one and all—however it may apply in the particular.
BC December 16, 2017 at 22:34 #134279
Quoting javra
I like this, especially the last sentence. Reminds me of a Veronica Wants to Die reasoning. Better yet, a Mash episode where the now paraplegic patient is crying his wears about wanting to die till one of the surgeons—I forget who—starts strangling the guy on his patient’s cot … When the guy violently fight’s back as best he can against being killed, the surgeon than states the obvious: “looks like you don’t want to die after all”.


I like that. Thanks.
javra December 17, 2017 at 02:07 #134325
Quoting Bitter Crank
I like that. Thanks.


Well, to be crystal clear, a very happy Give-up! season to you as well!

Merde, as the French might say.



TimeLine December 17, 2017 at 02:07 #134326
That feeling you get when people tell you that they think you are awesome enough to trust you with their deepest secrets... and then they tell you.

[hide="Reveal"]User image[/hide]

Akanthinos December 17, 2017 at 06:59 #134378
Quoting TimeLine
and then they tell you.


As long as it wasn't a crime, it doesn't make you accessory after the fact. >:)
Noble Dust December 17, 2017 at 08:05 #134386
Reply to Bitter Crank

To each their own. The attitude, or personality of that sort of thing to me feels...like a resignation. It feels like an attempt to cover up frustration and failure in life with something that's clever, which assuages the wound. Not quite cynical, which is actually worse than full-on cynical. But I'm a young whipper-snapper, so I could be wrong.
TimeLine December 17, 2017 at 10:24 #134407
Quoting Akanthinos
As long as it wasn't a crime, it doesn't make you accessory after the fact. >:)


There should never be a conversation that involves a wet marsupial. Never.
S December 17, 2017 at 14:47 #134476
Given the chance to go back and do something differently, I would change nothing. Firstly, because I am arrogant. But secondly, and more importantly, because I am always right.
Baden December 17, 2017 at 14:55 #134479
Reply to Sapientia

Well, you're definitely consistent. (Y) :)
S December 17, 2017 at 15:36 #134485
Reply to Baden That too.
BC December 17, 2017 at 16:22 #134501
Quoting Noble Dust
The attitude, or personality of that sort of thing to me feels...like a resignation. It feels like an attempt to cover up frustration and failure in life with something that's clever, which assuages the wound.


A backgrounder...

The National Lampoon grew out of the Harvard Lampoon, which was put out by Harvard students being irreverent. The spin off into the National Lampoon didn't last very long, and better production values didn't really help it. Deteriorata is a satire of Desiderata, a 1952 poem by Max Ehrmann with stanzas like

Max Ehrmann:You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.


It became very popular, and was the sort of thing that was put on plaques and given to youth for their edification. It has a lot of these positive sounding non-inferential statements that influenced sappy hippy philosophy a few years later.

Sometimes the satire ruins the original:

Joyce Kilmer's several stanza poem

I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree


Was satirized by Ogden Nash as

Ogden Nash:I think that I shall never see
a billboard lovely as a tree.

Indeed, unless these billboards fall,
I shall never see a tree at all.


Some of us are perversely driven to twist a nice sentimental poem about trees into something sarcastic. Nice sentimental people often find this practice unpleasant.
Cavacava December 17, 2017 at 18:53 #134515
Akanthinos December 17, 2017 at 19:19 #134522
Quoting TimeLine
There should never be a conversation that involves a wet marsupial. Never.


:-O
Janus December 18, 2017 at 02:36 #134622
Reply to Wosret

Tree, L ittle Flower!
Noble Dust December 18, 2017 at 02:48 #134624
Reply to Janus

Did you just use "tree" as a verb?
Noble Dust December 18, 2017 at 05:19 #134636
Ah, 1,601 posts. I'm on my way to overcoming Reply to Agustino in no time.
BC December 18, 2017 at 05:25 #134640
Reply to Noble Dust Tree is a verb. To tree, when hounds chase a raccoon up a tree to meet its doom; as in "The dog treed the coon."
Noble Dust December 18, 2017 at 05:26 #134641
Reply to Bitter Crank

I know. :P I liked that Reply to Janus seemed to be using it rather creatively; "to tree: to grow".
BC December 18, 2017 at 05:27 #134642
Reply to Noble Dust Nah, that's not even wrong. Rap his knuckles with a ruler.
Noble Dust December 18, 2017 at 05:29 #134643
Reply to Bitter Crank

I'm too much of a treeing little flower myself to rap anyone's knuckles; I thrill to see language changing before my very budding little flowers.
BC December 18, 2017 at 05:34 #134645
Reply to Noble Dust Language is treeing all right.
Noble Dust December 18, 2017 at 05:35 #134646
Janus December 18, 2017 at 07:16 #134658

Reply to Noble Dust Quoting Wosret
Yay! Why is everyone mbecoming birds? It's freaking me out...


Actually, no, but I like your interpretation.Wos
Quoting Wosret
Yay! Why is everyone becoming birds? It's freaking me out...

was remarking that "everyone" is suddenly adopting bird avatars; and I was pointing out that mine is a tree and his is a flower.

Noble Dust December 18, 2017 at 07:23 #134659
Reply to Janus

:P Regardless, "Tree, little flower!" is a phrase that won't be leaving my lexicon any time soon.
Janus December 18, 2017 at 07:27 #134661
Reply to Noble Dust

Cool; it's a creative misreading. And that seems to be pretty much what it's all about. I was being purposely somewhat obscure or allusive there, but your interpretation came as a fresh surprise. 8-)
Noble Dust December 18, 2017 at 07:32 #134662
Quoting Janus
Cool; it's a creative misreading.


My speciality. >:O

Quoting Janus
And that seems to be pretty much what it's all about. I was being purposely somewhat obscure or allusive there, but your interpretation came as a fresh surprise.


The beauty of language. 8-)
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 18, 2017 at 12:47 #134701
If anything stood still long enough on the ranch this weekend, it got decorated!
User image User image
Deleted User December 18, 2017 at 14:03 #134719
No one has picked an eagle for avatar picture yet. Wonder why...

I am so ready for Christmas to just get over with.
Wosret December 18, 2017 at 14:36 #134723
Reply to Janus

I'm treeing, I'm treeing.
Wosret December 18, 2017 at 14:40 #134725
Obviously I tree the best, so I'm Yggdrasil.
Janus December 18, 2017 at 20:42 #134811
Reply to Wosret

You could still tree harder Yggy!
Wosret December 18, 2017 at 21:53 #134832
Reply to Janus

Show me how.
Noble Dust December 18, 2017 at 21:55 #134833
Reply to Wosret

Just push upwards!
Wosret December 18, 2017 at 21:56 #134835
Reply to Noble Dust

I'm the world tree, I push ninewards.
Noble Dust December 18, 2017 at 21:57 #134836
Reply to Wosret

Oh shit, you're probably doing the best you can, then.
Wosret December 18, 2017 at 21:58 #134837
Reply to Noble Dust

Just saying, that if anyone knows better, I ain't leaving. :D
Noble Dust December 18, 2017 at 21:59 #134838
Reply to Wosret

Don't leaf; tree!
S December 18, 2017 at 22:50 #134857
Reply to Noble Dust

I see what yew did there.
Noble Dust December 18, 2017 at 22:51 #134860
Reply to Sapientia

I can't stop.
Noble Dust December 18, 2017 at 22:52 #134863
Reply to Sapientia

Or I should say, I can't stump.
S December 18, 2017 at 22:53 #134865
Reply to Noble Dust

Oakay, but wood yew at least concedar it?
Noble Dust December 18, 2017 at 22:57 #134868
Reply to Sapientia

*applause*

Maple I'd concedar it if my jokes were less poplar around here; life can be a beech, so it's always possible.
Noble Dust December 18, 2017 at 22:58 #134870
Reply to Sapientia

Olive for this sort of thing, yew know?
S December 18, 2017 at 23:02 #134872
Noble Dust December 18, 2017 at 23:03 #134873
Reply to Sapientia

I like to spruce up the place now and then.
Noble Dust December 18, 2017 at 23:04 #134875
In other news, does a tree know it's beautiful?

User image
S December 18, 2017 at 23:05 #134877
Reply to Noble Dust

I'm rooting fir yew, but maple yew should concedar branching out into other fields.
Noble Dust December 18, 2017 at 23:06 #134880
Reply to Sapientia

*bows down*
S December 18, 2017 at 23:09 #134881
Reply to Noble Dust Yew mean, does it twig on to the fact? Moss likely.
Noble Dust December 18, 2017 at 23:12 #134884
Reply to Sapientia

Or does it pine for a beauyewtiful peach to grow next to?
S December 18, 2017 at 23:17 #134885
Reply to Noble Dust

May be. Aspen on my mind lately. Not aldernarily. Ash should think not, but willow ways wonder about that one.
Noble Dust December 18, 2017 at 23:19 #134887
Reply to Sapientia

Indeed, a tree never grows sycamore questions.
Noble Dust December 18, 2017 at 23:23 #134889
Reply to Sapientia

Nice edits I cedar, I'd say you're at the 'elm of tree puns, but if'ins cypress you further, will you branch out, or turn into a weeping willow?
Wosret December 18, 2017 at 23:28 #134894
S December 18, 2017 at 23:32 #134895
Reply to Noble Dust I'll teak my chances.
Noble Dust December 19, 2017 at 00:03 #134904
Reply to Sapientia

Ohhh, the deep cuts, num num.
Hanover December 19, 2017 at 01:06 #134932
Reply to Bitter Crank I determined once that the word with the most consecutive "e"s is treeeeest (tree-ee-est) (meaning to have the most trees), which would be used, for example, in the following sentence: This is treeeeest forest I've ever solicited sex in.
BC December 19, 2017 at 01:29 #134939
Reply to Hanover I'd lichen to solicit sex in a forest; it would be a larch. As it is, I am pining away for a particular son of a beech.
Shawn December 19, 2017 at 01:40 #134940
Be vehwre vehwre quiet. It's duckwrabbit season.
S December 19, 2017 at 01:45 #134942
This is the treeeeest duckrabbit I've ever slept with furiously.
Noble Dust December 19, 2017 at 03:39 #134978
Reply to Bitter Crank

Those are some hoary roots!
BC December 19, 2017 at 07:24 #135043
Was the Pied Piper of Hamelin pedophile propaganda? Shouldn't that tale be banned? Rattenfängers luring children to unknown fates is surely subversive at best. Stop the Abuse!!!) Apparently he is a bisexual pedophile.

User image
Jamal December 19, 2017 at 07:58 #135047
Quoting Bitter Crank
Apparently he is a bisexual pedophile


The worst kind!
TimeLine December 19, 2017 at 08:55 #135055
Quoting Hanover
I determined once that the word with the most consecutive "e"s is treeeeest (tree-ee-est) (meaning to have the most trees), which would be used, for example, in the following sentence: This is treeeeest forest I've ever solicited sex in.


I pondered this fateful, stormy afternoon in the dusty humidity as the impending rain not yet ready to burst out of the dark clouds that pirouetted above me whether there was a word, indeed just one, that you could not turn into something venereal.

Yam?
Michael December 19, 2017 at 11:19 #135079
Reply to jamalrob What's the best kind?
Hanover December 19, 2017 at 13:29 #135126
Quoting TimeLine
Yam?


We call our yams sweet potatoes where I'm from. That is also what we call our women, at least I do. Well, I've now done it once, and I think the term ought to stick.

So, I'm eating this sweet potato, covered from top to bottom in butter. It's squirming all over the place. I can't keep it steady, so I jam a fork straight through the center of it to hold it down. It opens up, its insides gushing all about. It's too much for me, with all its bouncing about, and so I put my bare hands on it, coating them with butter and the insides of the sweet potato, and hold my hands forcefully on it, finally being able to consume it until I'm sure its done.

The beauty of art is that you don't know if you're experiencing a sex scene, a horrendous murder, the consumption of a yam, or a combination of all three.

Ever had sweet potato pie?


Benkei December 19, 2017 at 13:42 #135139
Quoting Hanover
Ever had sweet potato pie?


No, but I make a sweet potato mash with all-spice once in a while. Lovely combination with lamb stew.
Hanover December 19, 2017 at 13:51 #135144
Reply to Benkei When I was in Iceland, the food was really expensive, but they had this place where they served an all you can eat traditional Icelandic lamb stew. I had like 6 bowls, which I'm sure pissed someone off (but all you can eat is all you can eat I say), and I was sick as a dog from eating so much.

Anyway, the stew had rutabagas, cabbage, carrots and some other things. It was really good. I've made it a few times. It is lovely. The only thing that would make it more lovely would be to eat it with a sweet potato mash and share it with you. Yes, just you and me. Lovely.
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 19, 2017 at 20:27 #135239
There is this Bohemian restaurant in Riverside, Chicago that is mind blowing. It is a trip back in time to the days of Pork Tenderlon with dumplings and gravy, served after a cup of Liver Dumpling soup or salad which is lettuce in a bowl. Served with bread butter, Sauer kraut, sliced beets and pickles. Dessert is Apricot or Raspberry Kolackey pastry or Poppy seed bread. Omggggggg one serving of the tenderloin and dumpings keep you full for days and the leftovers are amazing.
Going to have to go home soon (L)
Hanover December 19, 2017 at 20:50 #135249
Reply to ArguingWAristotleTiffSounds Polish to me. Sometimes I use Kielbasa instead of Andouille in jambalaya because it's not as spicy, so that's sort of a Polish Cajun, kind of a Polish/French/Southern fusion.

Michael December 19, 2017 at 21:35 #135257
Hanover December 19, 2017 at 22:13 #135263
Reply to MichaelI wonder what happens if a tie. Maybe nobody would win and they'd just go with one less seat, either that or maybe they'd share a seat and have to sit on each other's lap. If I were in charge, I'd make them go 2 full years or however long their terms are sitting on each other's laps. I mean it's not like the Virginia legislature does anything so important that they can't share seats.

I have lots of good ideas. Lots.
Hanover December 19, 2017 at 22:14 #135265
Hey Baden, speaking about Kielbasas, I was wondering if you could swallow one whole.
T Clark December 19, 2017 at 22:19 #135266
How do I link to an old post of my own in a different thread than I am currently in?
Jamal December 19, 2017 at 22:32 #135272
Reply to T Clark Go to the old post, click "Share" to get the link, and copy and paste it into the new post.

Or you could quote the old post and copy and paste the text that appears in the text box into the new post. These quotes automatically have links back to the posts they're from.

By the way, the draft of your new post will have been saved so it'll still be there when you return.
TimeLine December 20, 2017 at 00:17 #135292
Quoting Hanover
Ever had sweet potato pie?


No, not yet and indeed not for a while as the summer fruits of Australia' loins are bursting at the moment and together with the impending Christmas festivities, many have requested a desire to taste my cherry pie recipe. The idea of popping open the glorious pie lid and savouring the delicious wonders within is something that leaves me both terrified and excited at the same time, perhaps because I am critical of my cooking, perhaps a lack of self-esteem and the fear of rejection, who knows. All I know is that right now, sweet potato is not on the menu.

Neither is cherry pie, actually. I don't celebrate Christmas. There needs to be someone you love for it to really be a celebration. Did you see how I went full circle there?
S December 20, 2017 at 11:07 #135454
I prefer to get together a number of sweet potatos, grab ahold of them one-by-one, peel their skin off with a sharp knife, boil them all until tender but firm, reduce them to a pulpy mass by crushing them with a suitable instrument, mix in some milk and butter at some point along the way, then eat them.

Sometimes I let my little nephew help me.
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 20, 2017 at 13:04 #135466
Quoting Hanover
Sounds Polish to me. Sometimes I use Kielbasa instead of Andouille in jambalaya because it's not as spicy, so that's sort of a Polish Cajun, kind of a Polish/French/Southern fusion.


No offence because I love Polish food and Polish people but Riverside is a Czech/Bohemian Restaurant. When I was young, my Grand Parents would "Sponsor" ladies from Poland to come over to the USA and help out with the in home care of my Great Grandparents. They were some of the strongest women I have ever encountered that still wore a dress. They would lean down and pick me up like I was a doll and I remember the speed in which they spoke and looking down to this worn, round face with teeth gilded in Silver and wondering if I was safe. At the same time, these same women would sit around the kitchen table and crochet the most delicate of doilies for my Granny. I still have two of those doilies and I treasure them, in a plastic bag to keep them safe, in the drawer. ;) I guess I am just not a 'doilies' kind of person. They were the most amazing cooks! I learned a lot of my cooking skills from my Granny who I know learned from the Polish ladies.

Streetlight December 20, 2017 at 13:15 #135469
User image

Christmas begins.
Hanover December 20, 2017 at 13:32 #135474
Quoting TimeLine
No, not yet and indeed not for a while as the summer fruits of Australia' loins are bursting at the moment and together with the impending Christmas festivities, many have requested a desire to taste my cherry pie recipe. The idea of popping open the glorious pie lid and savouring the delicious wonders within is something that leaves me both terrified and excited at the same time, perhaps because I am critical of my cooking, perhaps a lack of self-esteem and the fear of rejection, who knows. All I know is that right now, sweet potato is not on the menu.

Neither is cherry pie, actually. I don't celebrate Christmas. There needs to be someone you love for it to really be a celebration. Did you see how I went full circle there?


Reply to TimeLine I assure you that regardless of how adept or a not a cook you are, your cherry pie recipe will be very much appreciated and enjoyed. It's not that some don't make a better cherry pie, but that sticky sweet goodness is nearly impossible to ruin, and even when the effort is uninspired it's most typically still delicious. Because of that, your fears of rejection and lack of self-esteem shouldn't limit you, but what should be your concern is that your celebrants are attending not for the spirit of the season or for joining together in sincere communion, but are instead only attending so that they can enjoy the cherry pie for dessert.

As to your final comment that you don't celebrate Christmas, I recognize that it's difficult to join in celebration with those who don't share your deepest beliefs, as there's something admittedly debasing in engaging in a sacred act with a non-believer. That is, if you consider the manger to house the son of God but your visitor considers it a simple barnyard display, perhaps you've invited the wrong guest.

And to bring this full circle, I do wonder whether all this analysis of cherry pie is worth it because, after all, it's just cherry pie. I just wonder if any cherry pie, even the finest ever considered, can live up to the expectation. I mean, Jesus fucking Christ, we are just talking about cherry pie.
Hanover December 20, 2017 at 13:43 #135476
Quoting ArguingWAristotleTiff
No offence because I love Polish food and Polish people but Riverside is a Czech/Bohemian Restaurant. When I was young, my Grand Parents would "Sponsor" ladies from Poland to come over to the USA and help out with the in home care of my Great Grandparents.


So you're telling me that you really love Polish sausage? That's what I took from this story, despite the distracting details you provided about your childhood.
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 20, 2017 at 13:59 #135482
Reply to Hanover I LOVE a good Polish Sausage! Who doesn't? Just no Sauer Kraut please.
Hanover December 20, 2017 at 14:12 #135488
Reply to ArguingWAristotleTiff

When I was in Bavaria, I enjoyed me many a sausage, less so while in Prague, and I never made it over to Poland, where I'm sure the sausage culture was thriving. As you venture north, particularly Scandinavia, there are many unusual fish dishes, with much less emphasis on sausage, likely because they just have less meat, although I cannot vouch for that because I didn't specifically take a look see.

It being 2017, I would suspect you'd even find a fish sausage somewhere, although it is hard to understand how something might be born a fish and end up a sausage.
S December 20, 2017 at 14:18 #135491
Sausage goes quite well with sweet potato, or so some would say. Others might prefer sausage with sausage.
Hanover December 20, 2017 at 14:21 #135492
Quoting Sapientia
Sausage goes quite well with sweet potato, or so some would say. Others might prefer sausage with sausage


And by "sausage" do you mean penis and by "sweet potato" do you mean hole bored into the back of someone's skull? You're sick. Really fucking sick. Where do people like you come from?
S December 20, 2017 at 14:22 #135493
Reply to Hanover The state of Georgia.
S December 20, 2017 at 18:14 #135541
So much talk on physical vs. non-physical. Two ongoing discussions, plus that really long one on whether information is physical.
Noble Dust December 20, 2017 at 18:19 #135542
Reply to Sapientia

Yeah, but who do you still admire? Your life may have no purpose, but that's not a bad thing. By the way, should I give up philosophy?
TimeLine December 20, 2017 at 18:43 #135548
Quoting Hanover
sweet potato" do you mean hole bored into the back of someone's skull?


Wait, what?
Hanover December 20, 2017 at 20:11 #135571
Reply to TimeLine I know it was rather shocking that Sapientia would imply such a thing. I would have shielded your ears from it, but it was written and you'd have read it anyway.
Hanover December 20, 2017 at 20:15 #135573
Reply to TimeLine https://youtu.be/OjyZKfdwlng

Michael December 20, 2017 at 20:23 #135576
Quoting Hanover
I wonder what happens if a tie.


Virginia election now tied after GOP challenge

A court has now declared a tie in a Virginia House election that one day earlier appeared to have gone to a Democrat by a single vote.

A three-judge panel certified the 94th District in Newport News as tied at 11,608 to 11,608 on Wednesday, a day after a dramatic recount appeared to give Democrat Shelly Simonds the victory over Republican Delegate David Yancey.

Yancey successfully challenged an uncounted ballot he said should have been included in his total.

By state law, the winner of the tie will be determined "by lot." It was not immediately clear how or when that would take place.
Hanover December 20, 2017 at 20:54 #135587
Reply to Michael This is why democracy doesn't work. When we had a monarchy, shit like this didn't happen.
S December 20, 2017 at 21:13 #135593
Michael December 20, 2017 at 21:26 #135595
Reply to Hanover We do have a monarchy.
Hanover December 20, 2017 at 22:08 #135602
Reply to Michael I know, but you stripped the good Queen of all her power, so that now she's just a face for the tabloids like Paris Hilton, just not quite as interesting.

And whatever happened to Paris Hilton. I do miss her. Can't she at least go make out with Lindsey Lohan and Miley Cyrus at a nightclub just before getting arrested for drunk driving with cocaine in her purse that she insists isn't hers?
Wosret December 20, 2017 at 22:39 #135610


Oh, pretty good.
TimeLine December 20, 2017 at 23:00 #135613
Reply to Hanover It took you long enough to figure out.
T Clark December 20, 2017 at 23:11 #135615
Reply to jamalrob

Thank you
TimeLine December 20, 2017 at 23:11 #135616
Reply to Michael So do we, apparently.

User image
T Clark December 20, 2017 at 23:47 #135621
Quoting Hanover
And whatever happened to Paris Hilton. I do miss her. Can't she at least go make out with Lindsey Lohan and Miley Cyrus at a nightclub just before getting arrested for drunk driving with cocaine in her purse that she insists isn't hers?


Geez... TimeLine is always hating on the Kardashians and now you're picking on Paris. You people.
Michael December 21, 2017 at 00:03 #135623
Quoting Hanover
And whatever happened to Paris Hilton. I do miss her. Can't she at least go make out with Lindsey Lohan and Miley Cyrus at a nightclub just before getting arrested for drunk driving with cocaine in her purse that she insists isn't hers?


The Queen can't be arrested.
Hanover December 21, 2017 at 00:17 #135624
Reply to Michael So she's like a 007?
Shawn December 21, 2017 at 00:21 #135626
I lost my cat. If you see her message me... :-(

Someone stole her, I'm sure of it. We found her collar on the porch.

Michael December 21, 2017 at 00:28 #135628
Noble Dust December 21, 2017 at 00:42 #135637
TimeLine December 21, 2017 at 00:44 #135639
Reply to Michael That was the lamest moment ever. I remember my neck went all red.
TimeLine December 21, 2017 at 00:46 #135640
Quoting T Clark
Geez... TimeLine is always hating on the Kardashians and now you're picking on Paris. You people.


Let haters be haters.
Hanover December 21, 2017 at 02:51 #135673
Reply to Posty McPostface That actually made me sad.
Thorongil December 21, 2017 at 02:54 #135674
What's with all the bird avatars?
Streetlight December 21, 2017 at 03:00 #135677
Reply to Posty McPostface Yeah that sucks dude :( Hopefully she turns up.
Noble Dust December 21, 2017 at 03:27 #135681
Reply to Thorongil

It's all the rage; get in on it while you can. Maybe a red-tailed hawk for you? I could see you as a hawk. A natural predator to the dove, like our friend Reply to Agustino
Thorongil December 21, 2017 at 03:37 #135684
Reply to Noble Dust I've had my little lute playing cherub since 2011, and I cannot bear to part with it.
Noble Dust December 21, 2017 at 03:47 #135686
Reply to Thorongil

No change in avatar suggests self-confidence. Either that or a fear of self-expression...
Thorongil December 21, 2017 at 03:49 #135687
Akanthinos December 21, 2017 at 03:49 #135688
Quoting Posty McPostface
I lost my cat. If you see her message me... :-(

Someone stole her, I'm sure of it. We found her collar on the porch.


Lordohlord, all those wires resting directly on your mattress and sheets.

I'm triggered. Triggered I say.

Also, best of all hopes finding your cat.
People fucking sucks. One of my friend got their dog poisoned and killed by some random dude giving treats around the dog playground.
TimeLine December 21, 2017 at 04:18 #135694
Reply to Thorongil Isn't a lute-playing cherub a kind-of bird?
Thorongil December 21, 2017 at 04:21 #135695
Reply to TimeLine Hmm, yeah, could be. That must mean I'm the originator of this trend. I now expect royalty checks.
TimeLine December 21, 2017 at 04:29 #135697
Reply to Thorongil I will probably stay out of that argument.

I have apparently been 'working' all day. I love that no one can see my computer screen. "TL, you are so focused, you work so hard."

Yeah, no.
Wosret December 21, 2017 at 08:07 #135736
Reply to Posty McPostface

Gave my cat her Christmas presents yesterday, that's a terrible thing to do, particularly this close to Christmas, if she was stolen. Hopefully not, and she turns up.
Agustino December 21, 2017 at 09:13 #135744
Quoting Thorongil
What's with all the bird avatars?

Bitter Crankus told me it's something to do with winter apparently >:O
S December 21, 2017 at 09:14 #135746
Reply to Thorongil Nope, I've had a bird avatar since 2010. I always knew that it was only matter of time before the rest of the flock followed suit.
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 21, 2017 at 11:33 #135786
@Posty McPostface
May your Cat be returned in good health~ (L)
Hanover December 21, 2017 at 13:53 #135836
Reply to Michael That video isn't available in my country. Could you talk to someone in your country and see why that is?
Hanover December 21, 2017 at 13:58 #135839
Quoting TimeLine
It took you long enough to figure out.


I had it figured out before you even posted your post about it. In fact, I know what you're going to say in response to this post.
Hanover December 21, 2017 at 14:01 #135842
Quoting Sapientia
Nope, I've had a bird avatar since 2010. I always knew that it was only matter of time before the rest of the flock followed suit.


A group of owls is called a parliament.
A group of lizards is called a lounge.
A group of sweet potatoes is called a brothel.
A group of Badens is called the sexiest sassiest party ever!
Hanover December 21, 2017 at 14:17 #135846
In case I forget, I wanted to go ahead and wish everyone a bad Christmas. I hope it's filled with anxiety and awkward interactions, perhaps a significant conflict with a family member, remorse, regret, self-medicated drunkenness, early morning nausea, pervasive, vague and unidentifiable melancholy, impenetrable sadness, an artificial joy represented by a superficial and unconvincing smile, an awkward and painful gait, general hopelessness motivated by overwhelming past failures, a despair that makes swallowing difficult and causes periodic gasping, a loss of libido, appetite, and a fatigue unrelieved by sleep.
Hanover December 21, 2017 at 14:25 #135849
Reply to Posty McPostface How do you sleep with a desktop computer on your bed?
Baden December 21, 2017 at 14:25 #135850
Quoting Hanover
...a despair that makes swallowing difficult...


Hm, I only hope you can manage to swallow when Santa comes.
Hanover December 21, 2017 at 14:26 #135851
Reply to Baden I can't wait for Santa to come down my chimney.
Baden December 21, 2017 at 14:27 #135853
Keepin' the magic of Christmas alive, kids!
Shawn December 21, 2017 at 14:28 #135854
Reply to Hanover That would be my mom's bed and she seems to like the arrangement. I guess who needs a man nowadays?
Hanover December 21, 2017 at 14:51 #135864
Other than obvious answers like a massive chin implant or an air gun that shoots marshmallows, what one thing does everyone here want for Christmas?
Streetlight December 21, 2017 at 15:47 #135885
Books. Or, failing that, a gift card for books.
S December 21, 2017 at 17:43 #135927
Reply to Hanover An air gun made of marshmallows that shoots massive chin implants. Or books.
Buxtebuddha December 21, 2017 at 17:52 #135930
A subscription to The Philosophy Forum, (L)
Noble Dust December 21, 2017 at 17:55 #135931
Reply to Hanover

A year's supply of bird seed and a strong migratory wind.
S December 21, 2017 at 18:09 #135932
Reply to Buxtebuddha Waste of money. How about a book? Why I'm So Great by Sapientia.
Shawn December 21, 2017 at 18:19 #135934
Cat...
Wosret December 21, 2017 at 18:48 #135936
World Peace of course.
TimeLine December 21, 2017 at 20:38 #135959
Reply to Hanover Yeah, merry chissmyass to you too.
Michael December 21, 2017 at 22:44 #136007
Reply to Posty McPostface My cat's just come in and his eye is all fucked up. :s
Shawn December 21, 2017 at 22:46 #136008
Reply to Michael

That sucks. Sorry to hear.
Michael December 21, 2017 at 22:49 #136010
Reply to Posty McPostface Looks like it's Horner's Syndrome, based on the expert that is Google. Aside from the eye, he seems fine. Unfortunately it's 11:00pm and I don't drive, so getting him to the vet is going to be difficult (and expensive).
Hanover December 21, 2017 at 23:38 #136020
Michael December 22, 2017 at 00:05 #136034
Reply to Hanover What's that?
Cavacava December 22, 2017 at 00:19 #136041
Merry Winter!
TimeLine December 22, 2017 at 00:24 #136043
Reply to Cavacava Merry Summer!
Cavacava December 22, 2017 at 00:25 #136044
Wosret December 22, 2017 at 00:31 #136045
Happy solstice!
T Clark December 22, 2017 at 00:35 #136046
Quoting TimeLine
Let haters be haters.


I just figured it out - hey TimeLine, it's Kardashians not Cardassians. No wonder you're so confused.
Wosret December 22, 2017 at 00:38 #136047
Reply to Michael

Sucks about your cat. Hopefully things work out. There might be local aid if you can't afford it.
Shawn December 22, 2017 at 00:41 #136048
I hate a sleepless night, the rest of the day I just feel like shit.
TimeLine December 22, 2017 at 00:57 #136051
Quoting T Clark
I just figured it out - hey TimeLine, it's Kardashians not Cardassians. No wonder you're so confused.


The Cardassians are a reptilian, purpley/bluish in hue, selfish and evil species that joined forces with the Dominion (the creepy, gooey non-people, people looking things that live in a lake and got sick towards the end of DS9 and started peeling) and did some pretty atrocious things to the Bajorans. Yes, I watched DS9 and it was hard, but not as hard as Discovery with that Michael Burnham and her damned annoying quizzical facial expression and the stupid Klingons that don't actually look like Klingons but look like Orcs. It's fucking Star Trek. Vulcans are not Elfs. The Ferengi are not Hobbits. What the fuck?

I am not sure what species the Kardashians are though.

Picard for life!
Hanover December 22, 2017 at 01:23 #136059
Reply to Michael Über is the greatest thing ever. You get the app and find a ride. I guess it's too capitalistic for you guys.
Sir2u December 22, 2017 at 02:19 #136076
Quoting Michael
My cat's just come in and his eye is all fucked up. :s


Someone has got himself a girlfriend. And competition for her wares.

My cat started disappearing any time a female with five blocks was in heat, nearly always came back worse for ware. Nowadays he does not even want to come into the house, he just sits out by the gate and waits for someone to take him some food.
Noble Dust December 22, 2017 at 06:55 #136114
Let yourself be lonely.
T Clark December 22, 2017 at 07:58 #136125
Quoting TimeLine
I am not sure what species the Kardashians are though.


Alas, they are human.

Quoting TimeLine
Picard for life!


I was a fan of the original Star Trek and New Generation. I watched all the others a bit, but never was pulled in. At work, when people would ask me what I wanted them to do next, I sometimes made them rephrase the question so I could answer "Make it so."

Looking back, the original was pretty craptacular, although I still have fond memories of watching it on Saturday nights. One weekend when I was 16, I was alone in my house and I decided to get drunk for the first time. I went to my father's liquor cabinet and poured myself three shots of three different liquors and drank them all down at once. Then I went down to the basement and watched Star Trek. After about 10 minutes, I got impatient that nothing seemed to be happening, so I drank three more, then went back to watching. I don't remember how the episode ended, but I do remember waking up the next morning in bed with puke all over the bed and walls and a very upset stomach.

Michael December 22, 2017 at 10:00 #136157
Reply to Wosret Google was right. Was Horner's syndrome. Vet doesn't know what caused it but says it might get better on its own. Just gotta keep an eye on him.

Pun intended.
Michael December 22, 2017 at 10:03 #136159
Reply to Sir2u My cat was the same. I refused to feed him outside so now he's forced to come in for food. He sleeps inside during the winter, but come summer he'll disappear for days on end again.
Michael December 22, 2017 at 10:03 #136160
Reply to Hanover So a taxi.
TimeLine December 22, 2017 at 10:59 #136173
Quoting T Clark
Alas, they are human.


The Kardashians may be humanoid but they are not human, surely.

Quoting T Clark
Looking back, the original was pretty craptacular, although I still have fond memories of watching it on Saturday nights.


How dare you.

TOS and TNG are both awesome and they differ entirely from the others precisely because of the relationships. Roddenberry understood people and he had that vision of a utopia where solidarity transcended race and gender. The universe was there as an aide for this bigger picture. TOS had Kirk, Ahura, Bones, Spock and their differences worked perfectly, the relationships were strong and believable that when you watch them, you are a part of that relationship. Same with TNG with Picard, Worf, Data, Deanna etc. You probably did not take the time to get to know them. You were too busy being weird.
Agustino December 22, 2017 at 11:01 #136174
Quoting Sapientia
The Three Topics With The Biggest Bias Against Them On The Philosophy Forum

Quoting Sapientia
Trump.

Not really - Trump does have some support on TPF, he's a real gangsta like that.

Quoting Sapientia
Ayn Rand.

Definitely - literarily zero support.

Quoting Sapientia
New Atheism.

LOL! Are you kidding me? Then what are you, charleton, VagabondSpectre, jorndoe, Harry Hindu etc. doing around here? :P
TimeLine December 22, 2017 at 11:04 #136175
Reply to Michael I hate cat owners like you. Keep your cat domesticated rather than roaming into my garden and crapping some straight-up poisonous poop all over my veggie patch.
Agustino December 22, 2017 at 11:04 #136176
Reply to TimeLine Poop is good for veggie. Makes it grow faster.
TimeLine December 22, 2017 at 11:05 #136177
Reply to Agustino Chicken poop. Cow poop. Hell, even horse poop. But not cat poop.
Agustino December 22, 2017 at 11:06 #136179
All poop is the same - poop. What difference does it make if it's whale, human, cat, horse, cow, buffalo, etc. poop?
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 22, 2017 at 11:13 #136181
Quoting Michael
So a taxi.


Classier and on demand. If you have ever ridden in a "taxi" in a large USA city like Chicago or New York, you would be Ubering in a heart beat. The standards for an Uber car are much higher than those "Taxi's" that pay for a placard to operate.
Michael December 22, 2017 at 11:16 #136182
Reply to TimeLine Like I have a choice in the matter. The cat ain't staying in.
Michael December 22, 2017 at 11:17 #136183
Reply to ArguingWAristotleTiff Or I can just avoid the USA.
TimeLine December 22, 2017 at 11:17 #136184
Reply to Agustino I use vegetable compost anyway, but there is a higher risk of contamination due to parasites like toxoplasmosis and it also contains much higher amounts of nitrogen and other elements that destroy the Ph balance. It is a risk to me and my plants. When it is non-vegetable plants like flowers or whatever, it probably doesn't really matter.
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 22, 2017 at 11:22 #136186
Quoting Michael
Or I can just avoid the USA.


Well yeah but sometimes you just have to take a risk in life, you know?
You are awesome and frankly we could use a little of that right now.
TimeLine December 22, 2017 at 11:22 #136187
Reply to Michael Then get a dog.
Hanover December 22, 2017 at 11:28 #136188
Reply to Michael Different in that it's quicker and cheaper because anyone with a car can sign up. You type in the app where you want to go, it gives you the price, how long it will take for the car to get there, and it charges your card. It then teleports you. I forgot to mention that. Also, while being teleported, an Avatar looking creature plays with your junk. You can impregnate it if you'd like for an upcharge.

Basically a taxi.
Hanover December 22, 2017 at 11:31 #136189
Quoting Michael
Or I can just avoid the USA.


Don't be pissy cuz we whipped your ass up and down the field in the Revolutionary War.
Michael December 22, 2017 at 11:37 #136190
Reply to TimeLine I have a dog.
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 22, 2017 at 11:39 #136191
I have been fascinated with 3D printing since the old place and my youngest Indian got one for Christmas. Woo Hoo! Umm but then I realized that this new "printer" is like one long math problem, solved. :-O Now Incision knew I wanted one soooo bad and he also knows my repulsion of Math and never once mentioned the correlation between the two. >>Time to hunt down Incision....

On the fun side, watching this thing is pretty amazing. He printed a Pyramid of that looks like it is made up of an infinite number of Triangles, flippin amazing.

User image
User image
TimeLine December 22, 2017 at 11:44 #136193
Reply to Michael Fair deuce. You're a slashie, like me. You're a dog slash cat owner. I don't own a cat, but housemate does and he stays inside, because we know how to take care of cats.
TimeLine December 22, 2017 at 11:48 #136194
Reply to Hanover And you guys haven't stopped whipping people ever since.
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 22, 2017 at 11:50 #136195
Quoting TimeLine
And you guys haven't stopped whipping people ever since.


I think he prefers the term "flogging" but in reality it is a mini flogger for your key chain. I adoringly call it a Kitten Flogger. 8-)
TimeLine December 22, 2017 at 11:53 #136197
Reply to ArguingWAristotleTiff Yes, he uses it on the Avatar looking creature to get her in the mood.
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 22, 2017 at 11:54 #136198
UberX Car Requirements :
•4-door sedan, must seat 4 or more passengers excluding the driver.
•Year 2001 or newer*
•* Uber car year requirements vary by city. ...
•In-state car insurance.
•In-state plates.
•Current car registration.
•No marked, taxi, or salvaged vehicles.
•Pass the Uber vehicle inspection.
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 22, 2017 at 11:56 #136199
Quoting TimeLine
Yes, he uses it on the Avatar looking creature to get her in the mood.


When @Baden isn't using it (Y)
TimeLine December 22, 2017 at 12:02 #136201
Reply to ArguingWAristotleTiff Why do you people insist on tormenting poor Baden. Can you not see that he is sensitive, delicate, like the petals of a begonia? Let him blossom. Let him bloom.
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 22, 2017 at 12:11 #136204
Quoting TimeLine
Why do you people insist on tormenting poor Baden. Can you not see that he is sensitive, delicate, like the petals of a begonia? Let him blossom. Let him bloom


I am very Impatient and adore his Irises but I don't Bogenvia in treeing. Oh Holly Hocks, I know how much he likes to Tuliping in public, so expect him here wearing Night blooming Jasmine flowers to cover his manly Rosebuds and maybe a Carnation covering his manhood, to keep onlookers from Crocusing.
Agustino December 22, 2017 at 12:37 #136208
Quoting TimeLine
higher risk of contamination due to parasites like toxoplasmosis

Hmm, I think toxoplasmosis is the disease not the agent. And anyway, from my knowledge, a very large share of people, even in developed countries, have toxoplasmosis. If your immune system isn't compromised, it's not really an issue though, just goes into a latent phase. I'm quite sure I have it - I also had h. pylori before - and still may have it. Living in a developing country almost guarantees you have these things.

This seems to confirm my haunch. The symptoms seem interesting:

  • Decreased novelty seeking behavior
  • Slower reactions
  • Lower rule-consciousness and greater jealousy (in men)
  • Greater warmth, conscientiousness and moralistic behavior (in women)


So it seems that it may be a positive thing in women in some regards (last point) :-O
Agustino December 22, 2017 at 12:50 #136215
Baden December 22, 2017 at 13:49 #136225
T Clark December 22, 2017 at 14:35 #136233
Quoting TimeLine
You were too busy being weird.


Don't forget being drunk.
S December 22, 2017 at 14:45 #136236
Quoting Agustino
Not really - Trump does have some support on TPF, he's a real gangsta like that.


Yeah, from you and some occasional lukewarm support from Hanover. Whoopedy-doo.

Quoting Agustino
LOL! Are you kidding me? Then what are you, charleton, VagabondSpectre, jorndoe, Harry Hindu etc. doing around here? :P


No, I’m definitely not kidding you. You yourself are one of those biased against it.
Michael December 22, 2017 at 14:49 #136237
Quoting Agustino
Trump does have some support on TPF, he's a real gangsta like that.


You're right. He is a gangster. He's buddy-buddy with the mafia.

He's also a liar, a hypocrite, a moron, a narcissist, a child, ...
Agustino December 22, 2017 at 14:50 #136238
Quoting Sapientia
No, I’m definitely not kidding you. You yourself are one of those biased against it.

Even if that is so (though I disagree) it wouldn't follow that the forum as a whole is biased. There are a LOT of New Atheists around here.
Agustino December 22, 2017 at 14:52 #136240
Reply to Michael I need to reply to you like some of those rappers reply... "Haterz gonna hate man!" >:O
Michael December 22, 2017 at 14:53 #136241
Reply to Agustino And there are good reasons for that hate.

Whereas your support of him is just unfathomable.
S December 22, 2017 at 15:06 #136243
Reply to Agustino Yes, I know it doesn’t follow. That wasn’t my intention. And there are a LOT MORE who are biased against it, I reckon.
Agustino December 22, 2017 at 19:03 #136277
Quoting Sapientia
Yes, I know it doesn’t follow. That wasn’t my intention. And there are a LOT MORE who are biased against it, I reckon.

Like who? I named to you 5 who are actually New Atheists. Add people like Michael, Arkady, and the like and you have even more. So there's at least around 10 New Atheists. This forum probably has around ~50 active & important members. So that means around at least 20% are New Atheists. I don't see how a forum with a 20% population of New Atheists can be biased against new atheists. That seems absurd.
Shawn December 22, 2017 at 20:05 #136283
Reply to Baden

Expressing masculinity and manhood on TPF should be banworthy. :D
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 22, 2017 at 21:12 #136293
@Baden
Woo Hoo!!! Let's play "he loves me, he loves me not" with the petals of your flowers~
Then you could become a Sushi service platter 8-)
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 22, 2017 at 21:14 #136294
Quoting Michael
He's also a liar, a hypocrite, a moron, a narcissist, a child, ...


He has a child, actually children but he is definitely not a child. Now he may have some childish habits but no, he is not a child. (Y)
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 22, 2017 at 21:15 #136295
Shawn December 22, 2017 at 21:39 #136311
Reply to ArguingWAristotleTiff
He's actually a good politician. I don't think there have been people who have followed through with all their promises in office for a while.
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 22, 2017 at 21:43 #136314
Quoting Posty McPostface
He's actually a good politician. I don't think there have been people who have followed through with all their promises in office for a while.
(Y)

I think he would be insulted to be called a politician. I do hope he gets a true and fair investigation on Hillary, her server, the deleted emails and the truth about Benghazi.

Shawn December 22, 2017 at 21:45 #136317
Reply to ArguingWAristotleTiff

I just think his base is somewhat batshit.
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 22, 2017 at 21:47 #136318
Quoting Posty McPostface
I just think his base is somewhat batshit.


"Batshit crazy" is the phrase that @Benkei uses. Appropriate?
Shawn December 22, 2017 at 22:03 #136334
Reply to ArguingWAristotleTiff

I don't think Benkei is wrong in using that term. I mean all the more so when SS, VA, and Medicare get cut in 2018.
Benkei December 22, 2017 at 22:06 #136335
Quoting Posty McPostface
He's actually a good politician. I don't think there have been people who have followed through with all their promises in office for a while.


Really? Did you just try to paint trump as an honest person? And even if he were honest (and I do like honest people), that's still not the right measure for a good politician. Hitler, Mao and Pol Pot were brilliant politicians too, who managed to solidify power and "follow through on their promises". It really shouldn't be a factor.
Shawn December 22, 2017 at 22:08 #136337
Reply to Benkei

Point taken.
Michael December 22, 2017 at 22:09 #136338
Quoting Posty McPostface
I don't think there have been people who have followed through with all their promises in office for a while.


Trump isn't one of them.

Quoting Posty McPostface
He's actually a good politician.


You actually believe this?

Quoting ArguingWAristotleTiff
ArguingWAristotleTiff<<

Why?
Shawn December 22, 2017 at 22:23 #136346
Quoting Michael
Trump isn't one of them.


What makes you say that?

Quoting Michael
You actually believe this?


Yes.
Michael December 22, 2017 at 22:25 #136348
Quoting Posty McPostface
What makes you say that?


http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/trumpometer/
TimeLine December 23, 2017 at 01:42 #136405
Reply to Baden

Baden, just a head's up. Antoinette called and said you left your bottle of Evian Spring Water in the aromatherapy room as you were detoxifying your skin with the natural mineral salts hand picked from an isolated Peruvian estuary by an Asháninka, who then blends it with the essential oils from the rare Amazonian Lily that Cecil the masseuse gently rubs all over your body as part of your fortnightly cleansing ritual.
S December 23, 2017 at 02:13 #136426
Reply to Agustino Frances, Margaret, Thomas, Julian, Cleft Palate, Small Pox, and Jabberwocky.
Sir2u December 23, 2017 at 02:14 #136427
Quoting TimeLine
But not cat poop.


Yeah, you are right about that. I had a couple of pine trees in a tub, they don't grow naturally where I live so I was really happy that they were even growing. And then the neighbors cat decided that the tub made a nice place to crap. Killed them in a week. But my cat got revenge and screwed the damn thing. Black street cats and expensive Siamese make really lovely kittens.
Sir2u December 23, 2017 at 02:23 #136432
Quoting Michael
My cat was the same. I refused to feed him outside so now he's forced to come in for food. He sleeps inside during the winter, but come summer he'll disappear for days on end again.


I refused to feed him outside once. He walked past the house for the next three days and did not even bother to look at me when I called him. After I put his food out again he went back to normal.
Banno December 23, 2017 at 02:34 #136438
S December 23, 2017 at 02:39 #136442
Transubflatulation.
TimeLine December 23, 2017 at 03:42 #136465
Quoting Sir2u
Yeah, you are right about that. I had a couple of pine trees in a tub, they don't grow naturally where I live so I was really happy that they were even growing. And then the neighbors cat decided that the tub made a nice place to crap. Killed them in a week. But my cat got revenge and screwed the damn thing. Black street cats and expensive Siamese make really lovely kittens.


I bet the eerie, crying sounds of the ritual feline orgy was music to your ears.
Streetlight December 23, 2017 at 06:17 #136503
I'm going to make a thread about exploding elephants. It's going to be great.
Jamal December 23, 2017 at 11:45 #136550
For Christmas this year I would like a unicorn onesie and a teen pregnancy Barbie.
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 23, 2017 at 13:35 #136558
Quoting Michael
Why?


Because Trump believes in American exceptionalism which I believe is a necessity to be successful in Capitalism. Trump respects and is willing to do what it takes to uphold the United States Constitution, a just constitution as Kant would suggest. ‘[A just constitution is] a constitution that achieves the greatest possible freedom of human individuals by framing the laws in such a way that the freedom of each can co-exist with that of all others’ – Kant Critique of Pure Reason

Trump doesn't believe in doing something one way simply because that is the way it has always been do. Trump believes in embracing change and the necessity of it to remain relevant on the world stage. Trump has been both a Democrat and a Republican which I have always felt would be the strongest leaders of the Executive branch of our government but has never been encouraged which would be to have a (D) President and a (R) Vice President or the reverse. That way there would be a chance of getting work done with bilateral support in the Congress.

Trump is a HUGE supporter of our military both active and Veterans and the care they receive when they come home. Trump is trying to undo some of the unnecessary red tape that has bound the hands of soo many small business owners. Trump is a builder by nature and is used to the pressure of having things done right, ahead of schedule and for less money than expected. Trump believes in removing the death tax or the inheritance tax which is the most logical move that any President could have made but he is making.

Do you see anything wrong with those beliefs?
If you were an American, would you see anything wrong with the pursuit of these beliefs?
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 23, 2017 at 13:38 #136559
Reply to Banno My dear Banno, please do not cry for as despicable as Trump might appear to be to you, he seems to have an evil twin in Tony Abbott. :-O Maybe Turnball will turn things around and not look to the USA and NZ to take Australia's political refugees.
Michael December 23, 2017 at 13:41 #136560
Quoting ArguingWAristotleTiff
Trump respects and is willing to do what it takes to uphold the United States Constitution


You must be joking.
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 23, 2017 at 13:42 #136563
Quoting Michael
You must be joking.


What makes you think I am joking. Has he done something to threaten the Constitution?
Michael December 23, 2017 at 13:44 #136564
Reply to ArguingWAristotleTiff For starters, there's this:

In an interview with Fox News to mark the 100-day mark, he declared himself “disappointed” with congressional Republicans, despite his many “great relationships” with them.

He blamed the constitutional checks and balances built in to US governance. “It’s a very rough system,” he said. “It’s an archaic system … It’s really a bad thing for the country.”
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 23, 2017 at 13:49 #136566
Quoting Michael
In an interview with Fox News to mark the 100-day mark, he declared himself “disappointed” with congressional Republicans, despite his many “great relationships” with them.

He blamed the constitutional checks and balances built in to US governance. “It’s a very rough system,” he said. “It’s an archaic system … It’s really a bad thing for the country.”


After reading the article I notice right beneath the headline a one line statement that explains his feelings which is: "The president is learning the limits of power."
Cavacava December 23, 2017 at 13:49 #136567
“At the Festivus dinner you gather your family around and tell them all the ways they have disappointed you over the past year.”

Happy Festivus!
Michael December 23, 2017 at 13:49 #136568
Also an article here about Trump's anti-Constitution talk. And there's the stuff that potentially violates the Emoluments clause.
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 23, 2017 at 13:50 #136569
Merry Christmas to you Cavacava~ I feel blessed to have the opportunity to celebrate another holiday season with you and my fellow 'thinkers' here at the forum. (L)
Michael December 23, 2017 at 13:51 #136570
Quoting ArguingWAristotleTiff
After reading the article I notice right beneath the headline a one line statement that explains his feelings which is: "The president is learning the limits of power."


So first you say that Trump respects and is willing to uphold the Constitution and when I show you examples of where he doesn't, you try to defend him by suggesting that he doesn't understand the Constitution? That makes no sense.

ArguingWAristotleTiff December 23, 2017 at 13:53 #136571
Reply to Michael We are still reading about his learning curve, which we all have. The ideal is to be able to separate the feelings out of the facts and to be willing to learn what we might have misunderstood to be truth before. Trump is willing to flip a bitch on an issue if necessary and that is not a fault in a leader.
Michael December 23, 2017 at 13:55 #136572
Reply to ArguingWAristotleTiff I have no idea what you're trying to say here. The facts are that Trump has said things and is trying to do things that are very much against the Constitution, so it is wrong to say that he respects and is willing to uphold it.
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 23, 2017 at 13:55 #136573
Quoting Michael
So first you say that Trump respects and is willing to uphold the Constitution and when I show you examples of where he doesn't, you try to defend him by suggesting that he doesn't understand the Constitution? That makes no sense.


You are under the impression that Trump is a politician or was groomed for this position. He wasn't. He Stepped Up because those who held the title of politician were fucking things up not just at home but on the world stage. We needed a correction and Trump was chosen.
Michael December 23, 2017 at 13:56 #136575
Quoting ArguingWAristotleTiff
You are under the impression that Trump is a politician or was groomed for this position. He wasn't. He Stepped Up because those who held the title of politician were fucking things up not just at home but on the world stage. We needed a correction and Trump was chosen.


Again, I have no idea how this is supposed to show that Trump respects and is willing to uphold the Constitution.
Michael December 23, 2017 at 13:58 #136577
Quoting ArguingWAristotleTiff
You are under the impression that Trump is a politician or was groomed for this position


No I'm not. That's why I questioned Posty McPostface's claim that Trump is a good politician. I don't understand how he can actually believe that. He's terrible at being a politician.
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 23, 2017 at 14:00 #136578
Quoting Michael
Again, I have no idea how this is supposed to show that Trump respects and is willing to uphold the Constitution.


What I am trying to explain is that the restraints of the power of the Executive branch are much tighter than any civilian could ever imagine from the outside looking in. I am not talking about life long politicians, knowing how fucked up things are but a civilian that only sees the effects of choices made by a Congress that lives in a bubble called Washington D.C.
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 23, 2017 at 14:03 #136579
Quoting Michael
No I'm not. That's why I questioned Posty McPostface's claim that Trump is a good politician.

Yet all your citations are about how Trump is performing as a President, which in recent history has always been a life long politician.
Michael December 23, 2017 at 14:48 #136585
Reply to ArguingWAristotleTiff My citations were about how Trump is opposing the Constitution, contradicting your claim that Trump respects and is willing to uphold it.
Michael December 23, 2017 at 15:26 #136588
Quoting ArguingWAristotleTiff
Because Trump believes in American exceptionalism which I believe is a necessity to be successful in Capitalism.


I'm sure most U.S. Presidents believe in American exceptionalism. Obama did. Putin criticized him for that, with Trump actually coming to Putin's support:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_exceptionalism#Current_official_stance_and_its_detractors

'In a speech on the Syria crisis on September 10, 2013, Obama said: "however, when, with modest effort and risk, we can stop children from being gassed to death, and thereby make our kids safer over the long run, I believe we should act... That is what makes America different. That is what makes us exceptional." In a direct response the next day, Russian President Vladimir Putin published an op-ed in The New York Times, articulating that "It is extremely dangerous to encourage people to see themselves as exceptional, whatever the motivation... We are all different, but when we ask for the Lord's blessings, we must not forget that God created us equal." Putin's views were soon endorsed by future president Donald Trump who declared the op-ed "a masterpiece" to British television personality Piers Morgan: "You think of the term as being beautiful, but all of sudden you say, what if you're in Germany or Japan or any one of 100 different countries? You are not going to like that term," Trump said. "It is very insulting, and Putin put it to him about that."'

Trump has been both a Democrat and a Republican which I have always felt would be the strongest leaders of the Executive branch of our government but has never been encouraged which would be to have a (D) President and a (R) Vice President or the reverse. That way there would be a chance of getting work done with bilateral support in the Congress.


Things haven't worked out that way though. Trump has repeatedly attacked the filibuster rule as it often stops Republicans from being able to pass legislation without Democratic support. The two biggest pieces of legislation (healthcare and taxes) were worked on without even allowing Democratic input (the reason McCain gave for voting against the healthcare bill).

Trump is a HUGE supporter of our military both active and Veterans and the care they receive when they come home.


This suggests otherwise.
Benkei December 23, 2017 at 19:21 #136609
Reply to Michael Those are compelling arguments to me but I wonder what a typical republican thinks of them.
Shawn December 23, 2017 at 20:42 #136622
Musk plans to send a rocket with a payload of a Tesla Roadster to the orbit of the red planet, Mars.

F*cking hilarious.
TimeLine December 23, 2017 at 21:46 #136632
Reply to Posty McPostface As the dipshit would.
Hanover December 23, 2017 at 22:02 #136640
Quoting Michael
No I'm not. That's why I questioned Posty McPostface's claim that Trump is a good politician. I don't understand how he can actually believe that. He's terrible at being a politician.


He won the most powerful, coveted, and competitive political position in the world. If your criteria for determining a good politician doesn't heavily weigh success, then your evaluation seems academic and judgmental as opposed to real world and practical.

History is replete with terrible people who were good politicians. Insult Trump for all sorts of things, but not having an intinctive understanding of a large segment of the American populace and knowing how to tap into that was not his failing. I'd even say that many (probably you included) have know idea why he won to this day.
TimeLine December 23, 2017 at 22:31 #136653
Reply to Hanover It has very little to do with Trump as much as it has the political party that he represents and given the history, they are very selective when nominating leadership candidates and these tickets are often more likely to stir popular controversy then have any political substance. The agents - the people behind the scenes - of Miley Cyrus made more money when she represented herself as a slutty girl in all her controversy then the good, Southern sweetheart. You are right when you say that the Republicans are well aware of how to tap into the American populace, but it does not change that the reasoning behind it is problematic. The only time Republican leadership was pretty respectable was during the Roosevelt era.

It is also problematic of you to generalise the entirety of the American populace when such a poor voting turnout occurred with an estimated 55% and it perhaps exemplifies the idea of how language of political solidarity is really just an effort to mobilise a continuity of support. I recall many people protesting in shock of his triumph, but at the same time I understand why this subnationalism is necessary; he is president right now, accept it. Together with the poor competition of Hilary - not sure why she is still bloody hanging around - I would say that the republican party won and not Trump.
Michael December 23, 2017 at 23:10 #136663
Quoting Hanover
He won the most powerful, coveted, and competitive political position in the world. If your criteria for determining a good politician doesn't heavily weigh success, then your evaluation seems academic and judgmental as opposed to real world and practical.

History is replete with terrible people who were good politicians. Insult Trump for all sorts of things, but not having an intinctive understanding of a large segment of the American populace and knowing how to tap into that was not his failing.


I don't see the connection between being a good politician and convincing enough of the right people to vote for you. Propaganda and a cult of personality can get a monkey elected.

I'd even say that many (probably you included) have know idea why he won to this day.


I'm sure people voting for him just because he's a Republican or not a Democrat or not Hilary was a big part of that. And I'm sure a lot of people hating immigrants and wanting his ridiculous wall was a big part, too.
Hanover December 23, 2017 at 23:26 #136664
Quoting Michael
I'm sure people voting for him just because he's a Republican or not a Democrat or not Hilary was a big part of that. And I'm sure a lot of people hating immigrants and wanting his ridiculous wall was a big part, too.


Hate the game not the player.
Michael December 23, 2017 at 23:26 #136665
Reply to Hanover Nah, think I'll hate the player and the team.
Hanover December 23, 2017 at 23:39 #136672
Reply to TimeLine The Republican party didn't select Trump. The leadership hated and continues to hate him. This election was unusual in that the Republican nominee was vetted not in a back room, but democratically. That was in stark contrast to Hillary's annointment. Had the Democrats tried to be democratic maybe they'd have selected someone they cared about.

The election was 100% valid and attempts to delegitimize it aren't legitimate objections but are all part of the political process. The winner declares he's been given a mandate and the loser says she was cheated. It's all spin control. That's what politicians do.

Whether you love or hate him, he brilliantly won an election through tactics that every analyst and expert thought absurd, laughable, and suicidal. And he did it all on instinct, doubtfully once actually strategizing a move. He's not a evil genius. He's a natural.

Like I said though, none of this makes him any more or less a piece of shit. History is replete with political masterminds who were pieces of shit.
Banno December 23, 2017 at 23:44 #136674
Reply to ArguingWAristotleTiff I'm sad for those who vote for Abbot, as well.
Shawn December 23, 2017 at 23:45 #136675
Reply to Hanover Had democracy been unimpeded by special interest and the swamp, then Sanders would have been President and everyone would be happy.
Buxtebuddha December 23, 2017 at 23:49 #136677
Quoting Posty McPostface
Had democracy been unimpeded by special interest and the swamp, then Sanders would have been President and everyone would be happy.


Not I!
Shawn December 24, 2017 at 00:05 #136681
Reply to Buxtebuddha

Oh, the anti-socialist has arrived.
TimeLine December 24, 2017 at 00:20 #136686
Quoting Hanover
The Republican party didn't select Trump. The leadership hated and continues to hate him. This election was unusual in that the Republican nominee was vetted not in a back room, but democratically. That was in stark contrast to Hillary's annointment. Had the Democrats tried to be democratic maybe they'd have selected someone they cared about.


I agree with that and perhaps you are right about the Republican leadership loathing Trump as he polarises an archetype favourable to the voters, but it goes without saying that such leaders are advantageous to the real powers that actually effect national and foreign policy. I think this statement you make actually epitomises the reasons for the disillusionment of voters in your country and democracy cannot be ascertained adequately when voter turnouts are so low. The differences between us in Australia and the States is that we vote for political parties and not leaders that draws better attention to election promises and we also have compulsory voting that - while Arrows theorem proves still to be inadequate together with other failures of two-party system that makes democracy rather questionable - nevertheless strengthens demographic determinants.


Quoting Hanover
The election was 100% valid and attempts to delegitimize it aren't legitimate objections but are all part of the political process. The winner declares he's been given a mandate and the loser says she was cheated. It's all spin control. That's what politicians do.

Whether you love or hate him, he brilliantly won an election through tactics that every analyst and expert thought absurd, laughable, and suicidal. And he did it all on instinct, doubtfully once actually strategizing a move. He's not a evil genius. He's a natural.

Like I said though, none of this makes him any more or less a piece of shit. History is replete with political masterminds who were pieces of shit.


Again, I agree save for the whole apologist "brilliantly won" which returns back to my subnationalism political language and while it was legitimate, overall the United States has a lot of questionable methods that are disconcerting to have, especially for a superpower that I would prefer over China or Russia. The western world has a right to be concerned as your politics is beyond this national game you play.
TimeLine December 24, 2017 at 00:34 #136692
To those who are experiencing depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns, maybe even just generally feeling shit about life, who don't have family or who have family but they are away, who may be experiencing something like a death or illness of a loved one, to those who have chronic pain that takes away the joy in life, to the isolated elderly or those who may be in hospital right now, to children with terminal illness and parents of those children who are suffering just the same, to those living at a refuge, in their car or in other temporary accommodation because of domestic violence, those people who are feeling heartbroken or who deeply regret doing things that they have not rectified, those who cannot afford food or those who are just lonely despite all the cheer.

I'm really sorry for how fucked up we are as a society and I refuse to get caught up by the bullshit driven by economics and only justified because it is nice. It is hard to wish you a merry christmas, but I wish it all the same.
Shawn December 24, 2017 at 01:07 #136697
I have nothing philosophical to say today. That is all.
Hanover December 24, 2017 at 01:46 #136704
Quoting TimeLine
I think this statement you make actually epitomises the reasons for the disillusionment of voters in your country and democracy cannot be ascertained adequately when voter turnouts are so low.


Voter turnout was about 5% lower this election cycle than last. http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/11/politics/popular-vote-turnout-2016/index.html The numbers are interesting in that it appears the drop off was the result of Democrats not voting, likely because they didn't have a candidate that they chose. Quoting TimeLine
Again, I agree save for the whole apologist "brilliantly won" which returns back to my subnationalism political language and while it was legitimate, overall the United States has a lot of questionable methods that are disconcerting to have, especially for a superpower that I would prefer over China or Russia. The western world has a right to be concerned as your politics is beyond this national game you play.


The word "brilliant" has no apologist or positive connotations in the way I use it in American English. It just references an impressive showing.

The typical objection to the American presidential system is that it is not directly democratic, but we use the electoral college system. Obviously it is more directly democratic than parliamentary systems. I do think, though, that the real objection to American politics is not procedural, but it's substantive. We can talk about all sorts of ways we could rearrange the furniture, but the message is fairly clear: If only it weren't Americans doing the voting. If these religious, patriotic, anti-intellectual, gun toting, John Waynes would just stay home on election day, there'd be a more reasonable President, right? That is, if Australia, the UK, the Netherlands, Germany (pick your Western country) were burdened with the American political process in its exact form, there's the thought all those folks would get it right anyway. I really don't believe that the left or the rest of the Western world really understands the Republican vote. It is so very confusing why otherwise intelligent people would vote in such a stupid or brainwashed or callous way seems to be the thought.

I see Trump as the pendulum to the right responding the Obama pendulum to the left responding to the GW pendulum to the right. I also think the left has no idea how despised Hillary is by the right. The left debates the issue, as if it matters at all whether Hillary truly is as bad as the right says she is, when what they really needed to pay attention to was just the simple fact, right or wrong, that the right sees Hillary as the anti-Christ. By running her, they assured themselves they wouldn't get a single Republican vote, that they'd get low turnout for their party, and they'd feed Trump a victory.

Akanthinos December 24, 2017 at 01:50 #136706
Reply to Posty McPostface

But did you find back your purrty kitty?
Wosret December 24, 2017 at 01:53 #136707
Reply to Michael

And, is your cat's eye getting better?
Shawn December 24, 2017 at 02:03 #136711
Reply to Akanthinos

No, I think she's gone for good. Sad stuff.
Akanthinos December 24, 2017 at 02:06 #136712
I'm really sorry. I can't even. The day I lose my calico is the day my life loses almost all its meaning.

Stay strong. There's always hope, even when there is none. O:)
Shawn December 24, 2017 at 02:16 #136715
Reply to Akanthinos

What would Wittgenstein say?
Akanthinos December 24, 2017 at 02:19 #136717
No clue. Witty doesn't strike me as a cat lover. One more reason why I can't relate.
Shawn December 24, 2017 at 02:20 #136718
Quoting Akanthinos
No clue. Witty doesn't strike me as a cat lover. One more reason why I can't relate.


Yeah, the zoo must have been sufficient.
Akanthinos December 24, 2017 at 02:24 #136719
Plus, he probably raised his dogs by beating them up.
Shawn December 24, 2017 at 02:30 #136720
Reply to Akanthinos

A Wittgenstein hater. Why?
Akanthinos December 24, 2017 at 02:46 #136721
Reply to Posty McPostface

I don't *hate* Witty. I just don't relate at all to him as he is described in the litterature. He seems like the kind of person I would have been unable to stand being close to for any amount of time. People who'se anxiety and victimisation complex ooze out like plasma out of a 500-pound morbidly obese man who'se skin is broken all over.

Plus I don't much care for child beater or people who have abused their position and influence for sexual gain in relations to their students.

TimeLine December 24, 2017 at 06:00 #136746
Reply to Akanthinos That's just awkward.
Akanthinos December 24, 2017 at 06:29 #136752
Reply to TimeLine

Sorry, in what sense?
TimeLine December 24, 2017 at 06:42 #136756
Quoting Hanover
Voter turnout was about 5% lower this election cycle than last. http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/11/politics/popular-vote-turnout-2016/index.html The numbers are interesting in that it appears the drop off was the result of Democrats not voting, likely because they didn't have a candidate that they chose.


That is certainly one such possibility, hence why Clinton should crawl back into her hole now and stay there. In addition, I think that Democrat voters assumed that Trump did not really stand a chance. It reminds me of the very first episode of the House of Cards when Spacey said: "President Elect. Do I like him? No. Do I believe in him? That's beside the point. Any politician that gets 70 million votes has tapped into something larger than himself, larger than even me... after 22 years in Congress, I can smell which way the wind is blowing." It is exactly what the Republicans needed the American public to think after such a successful Obama administration; they played their cards well.

Quoting Hanover

The typical objection to the American presidential system is that it is not directly democratic, but we use the electoral college system. Obviously it is more directly democratic than parliamentary systems. I do think, though, that the real objection to American politics is not procedural, but it's substantive. We can talk about all sorts of ways we could rearrange the furniture, but the message is fairly clear: If only it weren't Americans doing the voting. If these religious, patriotic, anti-intellectual, gun toting, John Waynes would just stay home on election day, there'd be a more reasonable President, right?

That is, if Australia, the UK, the Netherlands, Germany (pick your Western country) were burdened with the American political process in its exact form, there's the thought all those folks would get it right anyway. I really don't believe that the left or the rest of the Western world really understands the Republican vote. It is so very confusing why otherwise intelligent people would vote in such a stupid or brainwashed or callous way seems to be the thought.


The electoral college swings to popular vote and so really it is just a formality, so I am unsure how that is obviously more directly democratic than parliamentary systems; if anything the EC almost undermines democracy. Being conscious of the fact that citizens vote a party in a parliamentary democracy rather than a leader does not make it any less democratic.On the contrary, I think the primary problem is the fact that more Americans are not voting so I am unsure of what you are talking about regarding this 'burden' of the US political process and the gun-toting patriots. We have those everywhere, even in Australia, but the disillusionment or lacklustre response to voting is concerning given the power of your government to influence international affairs. I find that astonishing, like Americans just don't give a shit.

Quoting Hanover
I see Trump as the pendulum to the right responding the Obama pendulum to the left responding to the GW pendulum to the right. I also think the left has no idea how despised Hillary is by the right. The left debates the issue, as if it matters at all whether Hillary truly is as bad as the right says she is, when what they really needed to pay attention to was just the simple fact, right or wrong, that the right sees Hillary as the anti-Christ. By running her, they assured themselves they wouldn't get a single Republican vote, that they'd get low turnout for their party, and they'd feed Trump a victory.


I completely agree (not that I think she is anti-Christ) but that it was a direct result of her leadership campaign that enabled Trump to win. I personally do not like Hilary and I swing to left, but I do think she is the lesser of two evils because I think the democrats are the lesser of two evils when I draw focus on foreign policies of either party as it directly relates to me and my concerns internationally. That is why I find discussions on Trump here disturbing when it is the policies that we should be focusing on.
TimeLine December 24, 2017 at 06:48 #136757
Reply to Akanthinos Really? People who'se anxiety and victimisation complex ooze out like plasma out of a 500-pound morbidly obese man who'se skin is broken all over. That's just... :-O
Akanthinos December 24, 2017 at 06:54 #136758
Quoting TimeLine
That's just... :-O


I had a friend who was a nurse. She had stories. One was about "Slugman", who would litteraly leave a trail of ooze behind him wherever he went.

One night :
Me : Hey, how was your day?
Her : *crying* I SLIPPED AND FELL IN A TRAIL OF MAN-JUICE.

Hilarity ensued.
Benkei December 24, 2017 at 07:20 #136763
Reply to Hanover I agree with all this and I had an intuitive understanding as for the first time since I follow the US elections I didn't try to predict it despite the 90% chance hillary would win according to various newspapers. On the other hand, they're all arguments against trump "brilliantly winning".
Noble Dust December 24, 2017 at 08:55 #136772
Thought I'd just leave this here

Wheatley December 24, 2017 at 09:12 #136776
That's from The Room lol. Great movie!
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 24, 2017 at 12:47 #136813
Quoting Michael
I'm sure most U.S. Presidents believe in American exceptionalism. Obama did. Putin criticized him for that, with Trump actually coming to Putin's support:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_exceptionalism#Current_official_stance_and_its_detractors

'In a speech on the Syria crisis on September 10, 2013, Obama said: "however, when, with modest effort and risk, we can stop children from being gassed to death, and thereby make our kids safer over the long run, I believe we should act... That is what makes America different. That is what makes us exceptional." In a direct response the next day, Russian President Vladimir Putin published an op-ed in The New York Times, articulating that "It is extremely dangerous to encourage people to see themselves as exceptional, whatever the motivation... We are all different, but when we ask for the Lord's blessings, we must not forget that God created us equal." Putin's views were soon endorsed by future president Donald Trump who declared the op-ed "a masterpiece" to British television personality Piers Morgan: "You think of the term as being beautiful, but all of sudden you say, what if you're in Germany or Japan or any one of 100 different countries? You are not going to like that term," Trump said. "It is very insulting, and Putin put it to him about that."


>>looking totally confuzzled at you Michael
Do you really believe that Obama believed in American exceptionalism? :s May I suggest his world wide apology tour as a funny way of showing it? But to bring up God and Obama is just too rich. Please. Do you remember that the community organizer that became President Obama, attended church Sunday after Sunday, worshiping the God he claims created us equal, as his Pastor counsels his congregation that blacks should not sing "God Bless America" but "God Damn America." Is that the American exceptionalism you are speaking of?

If you really want to run with Obama SAYING in a speech "however, when, with modest effort and risk, we can stop children from being gassed to death, and thereby make our kids safer over the long run, I believe we should act... That is what makes America different. That is what makes us exceptional." With Trump ACTING on the gassing of Syrian children by using a bomb that has never been used before to let Assad know that this was not going to happen again and if it did there would be a price to pay, not words to ignore? I will leave that for you to rationalize.

Quoting Michael
Things haven't worked out that way though. Trump has repeatedly attacked the filibuster rule as it often stops Republicans from being able to pass legislation without Democratic support. The two biggest pieces of legislation (healthcare and taxes) were worked on without even allowing Democratic input (the reason McCain gave for voting against the healthcare bill).


A combination ticket is not an ideal I am going to give up on easily.

Quoting Michael
This suggests otherwise.


And this counters your suggestion.

S December 24, 2017 at 12:48 #136814
Meanwhile, closer to home...

[quote=Mirror Politics, Morning Newsletter, 12th December]Stagecoach’s contract to run the East Coast Mainline has been terminated just before it was due to pay the government more than £2billion for the right to hold the franchise.
Instead of insisting the company, a joint venture with Virgin, fulfilled its obligations, the Transport Secretary has agreed for a public-private consortium to run the line until the franchise expires in 2023.

Last year the taxpayer subsidised the supposedly private rail industry to the tune of £4.8billion.

The system of privatisation created by the Tories is so dysfunctional it allows taxpayers’ money to be filtered through private firms directly into the hands of a few rich shareholders.

For example, Go-Ahead, which runs Southern, Southeastern, London Midland and GTR, received £132million in subsidies last year for its rail operations and paid its shareholders dividends of £48million.

As a reward for overseeing this arrangement the chief executive earned more than £800,000.

The mystery is why people are not more angry about public money being used to enrich private individuals.

The amount taxpayers pay in rail subsidies is just over half the amount we are paying to the EU this year.

Though you will not see that on the side of a Stagecoach train or bus.
[/quote]

[I]*shakes head*[/I]
Streetlight December 24, 2017 at 13:36 #136828
Merry Christmas, bitches.
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 24, 2017 at 13:39 #136830
Merry Christmas StreetlightX! Thank you for all you do for us through out the year!
Cheers!
Streetlight December 24, 2017 at 13:49 #136832
Reply to ArguingWAristotleTiff :D Thanks for your continued positivity, at all times.
S December 24, 2017 at 13:53 #136833
Thanks to no one, and thanks to nothing. Nothingness, emptiness, despair, desperation, destruction and a happy new year.
Hanover December 24, 2017 at 14:12 #136839
Quoting TimeLine
It is exactly what the Republicans needed the American public to think after such a successful Obama administration


How was it successful? Other than barely passing a watered down healthcare bill while he had a majority in both houses, he was entirely unable to swing a single Republican vote on any of his initiatives, resulting in him abusing the power of executive order. Leading the choir isn't leadership, and forcing your position on others has no lasting effect in a democracy as everything just as quickly gets disassembled when a new sheriff steps in. His legacy is being erased daily. That's not evidence of a great leader. We need a unifier, not an ideologue. I'm not suggesting Trump's the answer.
Quoting TimeLine
but the disillusionment or lacklustre response to voting is concerning given the power of your government to influence international affairs. I find that astonishing, like Americans just don't give a shit.


I don't think anyone votes from such an empathetic perspective. People vote because of their personal situation, and I think it's a bit much to expect their motivation to arise from a feeling of needing responsible leadership for the rest of the world. That is, since I know US policy will affect the French, I have an added responsibilty to carefully vote to assure the French a safe and prosperous four years? Even if that ought be in part my motivation, I don't think it'd be astonishing if it weren't. That's just not what motivates people generally.
Michael December 24, 2017 at 14:34 #136841
Quoting Hanover
How was it successful?


Obama’s Top 50 Accomplishments

Edit: Just noticed that this was in March/April 2012, so this isn't even all of his first term.
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 24, 2017 at 14:35 #136842
Enough debate and merry wishing it is time to get to work. We need 10lbs of Potatoes, peeled, hand grated and folded into a sour cream, egg and seasonings before the potatoes turn brown. We need to peel, slice and dice 2 lbs of Onions, sauté and mix in with potato mix. Dice 5 lbs of frozen Bacon, fry or bake until crisp, mix into massive potato combination and place in oven for an hour until brown and set.
Any volunteers?
Bueller?
Michael December 24, 2017 at 14:40 #136843
Quoting Hanover
Other than barely passing a watered down healthcare bill while he had a majority in both houses, he was entirely unable to swing a single Republican vote on any of his initiatives, resulting in him abusing the power of executive order. Leading the choir isn't leadership, and forcing your position on others has no lasting effect in a democracy as everything just as quickly gets disassembled when a new sheriff steps in. His legacy is being erased daily. That's not evidence of a great leader. We need a unifier, not an ideologue. I'm not suggesting Trump's the answer.


I think for the most part the ideological differences between Democrats and Republicans are too extreme for bipartisanship to happen on a lot of issues.

Edit: although saying that, according to this, "Yes, Obamacare passed without any Republican support, but that’s the single example of purely partisan legislation in the Obama Era. Every other bill signed by Obama came with at least one Republican vote. Granted, some came with more than others. But getting just one vote from the other side always involved determined negotiation and substantive compromise."
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 24, 2017 at 14:43 #136845
I am so blessed for soo many reasons, too many to list but one is my Mother in law is buying a home in Oregon! I am so glad she has found a state she wants to call home. O:) Sorry @jamalrob so close, yet so far....this one might have gotten away! Another reason is that both my Dads are still with us and I get to spend tomorrow with my Mom and Step Dad here and in February I am heading home to Chicago for a week to see my Dad who is in a nursing home! I am so excited about so many things that money just cannot buy that I must say I am grateful for being blessed with such joys~
Merry Christmas and hey, I am feeling so blessed already that I might just share any physical presents I might get with you!!! (Y)
Michael December 24, 2017 at 15:16 #136846
Quoting Hanover
resulting in him abusing the power of executive order


How many is abuse? In terms of executive orders by year, he's 23rd. In terms of total, only 6 8-year Presidents had fewer (with 11 having more).

Seems like his use of executive orders was pretty average.
Hanover December 24, 2017 at 16:10 #136849
Reply to Michael There are executive orders and executive memoranda, both which can have significant or minimal impact, neither of which are worthy of quantifying. It's not how many. It's what they do, and it's why they're issued. If it's to do unilaterally what you can't accomplish through Congress regarding hot-button issues, it points to being an ineffective leader subject to being unraveled when your opponent takes over, which is exactly what is happenening. Holding onto a presidency by the slimmest margain and pushing through your agenda without consideration for your opposition is right out of the GW playbook, and it leads to the same result: the devestation of the party through the loss of seats everywhere and an extreme opposite being your replacement.

Obama got me to vote for Trump. That's an accomplishment.
Agustino December 24, 2017 at 21:24 #136915
Merry Christmas to everyone! :)
Akanthinos December 24, 2017 at 21:28 #136916
Happy 2x pay to all the corporate drones out there!
Shawn December 24, 2017 at 22:33 #136930
Yawn, living in a dependency trap ain't all that bad. Just boring.
Buxtebuddha December 24, 2017 at 22:58 #136937
Merry Christmas to all ye sinful fucks!
Shawn December 24, 2017 at 23:09 #136940
Quoting Buxtebuddha
Merry Christmas to all ye sinful fucks!


Sup.
Buxtebuddha December 25, 2017 at 01:41 #136960
Reply to Posty McPostface Handsome posted note face, Q. Make it your avatar! You can be my brother.
BC December 25, 2017 at 02:04 #136965
Reply to ArguingWAristotleTiff Don't potatoes lose the brownish color as soon as they go into the hot water?
Shawn December 25, 2017 at 02:08 #136966
Reply to Buxtebuddha
Merry Christmas broseph.

Hope yall like the new avatar.
BC December 25, 2017 at 02:23 #136968
Merry frigid Christmas. Below zero F tonight, stays below zero tomorrow.

I heard on the BBC early this morning that only castrated reindeer have antlers in late December. On Dasher. on Dancer, on Comet, on Catsup. One wonders about the elves who are enslaved in Santa's Sweatshop.
TimeLine December 25, 2017 at 03:59 #136979
Reply to Bitter Crank Didn't you know that elves are eunuchs?
Shawn December 25, 2017 at 04:07 #136981
Does my avatar look like a ballsack?

BC December 25, 2017 at 04:35 #136990
Quoting TimeLine
Didn't you know that elves are eunuchs?


No. News to me.

Quoting Posty McPostface
Does my avatar look like a ballsack?


There's only 1 ball.
Shawn December 25, 2017 at 04:37 #136992
Reply to Bitter Crank

One ball is one too many. Lemme redo the avatar then.
BC December 25, 2017 at 04:47 #136995
Reply to Posty McPostface here's a picture of Balzak. User image
Shawn December 25, 2017 at 04:50 #136997
Noble Dust December 25, 2017 at 05:17 #136999
So now it's hand drawn faces for avatars? Damn
TimeLine December 25, 2017 at 05:42 #137000
We should all do someone else's avatar. I want @Thorongil - imagine him talking theology and mysticism with this as his avatar.

[hide="Reveal"]User image[/hide]
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 25, 2017 at 13:23 #137040
Quoting Bitter Crank
Don't potatoes lose the brownish color as soon as they go into the hot water?


Ooo a volunteer? (Y) The potatoes are grated raw and plunged into the sour cream to keep them from going brown because they are cooked in the sour cream egg mix, they never see the clarity of a pot of hot boiling water. Ohh if only it were so easy!
Got a peeler? We did the Onions and Bacon yesterday so today it is the manual work and then over the river (bed) and through the 72* hills, to Granny and Gramps house we go~ (L)
Wosret December 25, 2017 at 15:11 #137067
Everyone is all sick, but still managing to be merry!

Peace on earf and good will towards everyone!
Sir2u December 25, 2017 at 16:26 #137078
Quoting Wosret
Peace on earf


Err, where did you say you come from?
Wosret December 25, 2017 at 16:28 #137079
Reply to Sir2u

I am sent from dream.
Sir2u December 25, 2017 at 16:29 #137082
Quoting Wosret
I am sent from dream.


I might believe nightmare. >:)
Wosret December 25, 2017 at 16:31 #137083
Reply to Sir2u

Perspective.
Akanthinos December 25, 2017 at 23:10 #137176
Stuck at work.
Everyone is angry because ... holidays, I guess?
I have nothing to do but get annoyed at how generally annoyed everyone else is.
Shawn December 25, 2017 at 23:24 #137179
Akanthinos December 25, 2017 at 23:27 #137181
Yeah, I won't spit on $35/hour for no effort whatsoever. :-$

Just wish everyone else had brought a book or something to keep them shut up, and would stop bitching about how terrible the Holiday season is. :-}
Shawn December 25, 2017 at 23:32 #137184
Reply to Akanthinos
Good money!
Akanthinos December 25, 2017 at 23:37 #137187
Reply to Posty McPostface

Thanks, it is.
Pretty much first time in my life money isn't terrible, so yeah, feels great.
TimeLine December 26, 2017 at 00:53 #137207
Reply to Akanthinos After pulling an all-nighter on Christmas Eve volunteering with the disadvantaged and pretty much spending most of Christmas day sleeping, I spent this beautiful morning first going for a swim and now at the park reading. I'll call this Still Can't Believe I Fit Into These Jeans since I've had this pair for about 5 years. Way better than 35 bucks an hour :P

User image


Akanthinos December 26, 2017 at 01:29 #137220
Quoting TimeLine
After pulling an all-nighter on Christmas Eve volunteering with the disadvantaged and pretty much spending most of Christmas day sleeping, I spent this beautiful morning first going for a swim and now at the park reading. I'll call this Still Can't Believe I Fit Into These Jeans since I've had this pair for about 5 years. Way better than 35 bucks an hour


I envy your green grass and summer light. We have 3 feet of snow everywhere here.

TimeLine December 26, 2017 at 02:29 #137235
Reply to Akanthinos Yeah, the weather is awesome right now and in a couple of days I will be remote glamping near the beach with friends. I'll be taking my telescope (Y)

On a side note:

Has anyone here been to Morocco? I am - like right now - purchasing tickets because I am hiking the Atlas Mountains later this year and want to know whether Fes is worth going to? I am going to Marrakesh.
Akanthinos December 26, 2017 at 02:40 #137240
Quoting TimeLine
I will be remote glamping near the beach with friends


Timeline confirmed for petite-bourgeoise. :P
TimeLine December 26, 2017 at 02:52 #137243
Wosret December 26, 2017 at 03:46 #137249


It just wouldn't be Christmas otherwise.
Janus December 26, 2017 at 04:01 #137253
Reply to Bitter Crank

Note the testicular chin.
Janus December 26, 2017 at 04:03 #137254
Reply to TimeLine

Damn, that looks like Hyde Park!
BC December 26, 2017 at 04:49 #137263
Quoting TimeLine
I am hiking the Atlas Mountains later this year


Are you taking the disadvantaged with you?
TimeLine December 26, 2017 at 05:26 #137266
Reply to Bitter Crank Women from the refuge? No. They need to sort things out for themselves first. As for me, I work hard for my money and after a hard enough life, am I not allowed to enjoy myself?
TimeLine December 26, 2017 at 05:29 #137269
Quoting Janus
Damn, that looks like Hyde Park!


Eww. Only weird people are from Sydney.
Hanover December 26, 2017 at 05:36 #137271
Quoting TimeLine
I'll call this Still Can't Believe I Fit Into These Jeans since I've had this pair for about 5 years.


I have clothes older than you.
TimeLine December 26, 2017 at 05:42 #137273
Reply to Hanover You have a thing for older women clothes?
Hanover December 26, 2017 at 05:44 #137274
Quoting TimeLine
Has anyone here been to Morocco? I am - like right now - purchasing tickets because I am hiking the Atlas Mountains later this year and want to know whether Fes is worth going to? I am going to Marrakesh.


I haven't only hiked the atlas mountains, but I've conqured them, reduced them to lower case, chopped them down with the edge of my hand. Voodoo childed that bitch. https://youtu.be/n07TSnndg8I
Hanover December 26, 2017 at 06:02 #137285
Reply to TimeLineIt is not the clothes of elderly women I adore per se, but it is the scent of their day, the foods spilled upon them, and the various emitted fluids that insult the fabric I find most arousing.

A more serious observation:

At some point in everyone's life they begin to wear the clothes of resignation, clearly signaling they have given up being a sexual being, but instead believe themselves better suited for large cat sweaters and jeans that belt just below the breasts. I, on the other hand, continue to buy form fitting skinny jeans, all bedazzled and hip, with strategic tears showing off my testicular cleavage to my demanding public.
TimeLine December 26, 2017 at 06:26 #137290
Quoting Hanover
At some point in everyone's life they begin to wear the clothes of resignation, clearly signaling they have given up being a sexual being, but instead believe themselves better suited for large cat sweaters and jeans that belt just below the breasts. I, on the other hand, continue to buy form fitting skinny jeans, all bedazzled and hip, with strategic tears showing off my testicular cleavage to my demanding public.


I just realised that I am not attracted to anyone. I was initially rather scared. I mean, there I was at home in track pants and a singlet, my hair tied up with a pen all messy and careless, book in one hand, hot chocolate in another. What has become of me?

I now realise that I need you, Hanover. I need you. Your helmet hair glued back by uppercut monster hold wax. Your tanned skin peeking out of the tears on your superskinny jeans that you wear with your flippy floppies. Your tight fitting t-shirt with a little humorous quote to make you seem so down to earth as you swing your hips while taking your chihuahua for a walk.

You are the one.
Benkei December 26, 2017 at 07:07 #137306
Reply to TimeLine from what I've heard Fes is one of the more interesting cities but I haven't been there.
Janus December 26, 2017 at 07:16 #137310
Reply to TimeLine

Yeah, right...I never claimed to be not weird. Is it Hyde Park or not? I have this not not weird feeling you are not going to tell me...
Hanover December 26, 2017 at 07:56 #137319
Quoting TimeLine
I now realise that I need you, Hanover. I need you. Your helmet hair glued back by uppercut monster hold wax. Your tanned skin peeking out of the tears on your superskinny jeans that you wear with your flippy floppies. Your tight fitting t-shirt with a little humorous quote to make you seem so down to earth as you swing your hips while taking your chihuahua for a walk.


All so accurate, except I swish, not swing. Ambiguity is so perfectly 2018 and I rock it submissively hard.

But you need me? Hah! Just another come on from someone out for a good time, to trample my heart, to have her way and to say "I'll call you," but to never think twice as I stare at my phone waiting, my heart racing when a text comes through, but deflated to see it's just a notice my T-Mobile bill is due. Go play with someone else's heart. Tell me you meant it. Tell me.
TimeLine December 26, 2017 at 10:27 #137343
Quoting Hanover
But you need me? Hah! Just another come on from someone out for a good time, to trample my heart, to have her way and to say "I'll call you," but to never think twice as I stare at my phone waiting, my heart racing when a text comes through, but deflated to see it's just a notice my T-Mobile bill is due. Go play with someone else's heart. Tell me you meant it. Tell me.


We keep doing this. I did text you, remember, and you quickly returned the favour by sending me that picture with a message that wrote, "This is Legion Commander Maximus." I was traumatised and after I threatened legal action, you apologised and accepted that there will never be messages between us again. So I forgave. I forgave despite the hurt and the horror. But, what did you do next? You call me, 3am, weeping heavily and telling me you are afraid, asking me to come over and hold you tight as it is cold, the storms and rain outside frighten you, for me to softly sing you a lullaby with your head gently betwixt my bosoms.

You haven't changed. You are an emotional mess. It's over.
TimeLine December 26, 2017 at 10:37 #137345
Quoting Benkei
from what I've heard Fes is one of the more interesting cities but I haven't been there.


How does that help me? This response is just as annoying as when someone points out the obvious. "Hey, you have a pimple." No shit.

TimeLine December 26, 2017 at 10:42 #137346
Quoting Janus
Yeah, right...I never claimed to be not weird. Is it Hyde Park or not? I have this not not weird feeling you are not going to tell me...


Just to prove the sophistication of not being a weird person from Sydney, I will answer your question and confirm that it is not Hyde Park. Because Hyde Park is in Sydney. And Sydney is weird.
S December 26, 2017 at 11:32 #137353
Quoting TimeLine
Has anyone here been to Morocco? I am - like right now - purchasing tickets because I am hiking the Atlas Mountains later this year and want to know whether Fes is worth going to? I am going to Marrakesh.


Yes. I went to Marrakesh and Essaouira. Was pretty good.
TheWillowOfDarkness December 26, 2017 at 11:59 #137357
Reply to TimeLine

I was hoping to recognise a landmark. The trees look familiar to me, but they could be in a garden or park in at least half Australia-- the mystery remains.
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 26, 2017 at 13:14 #137368
I got a flippin CAR for my Christmas present from NicK! The first second car we have owned in 20 years and it's PAID for! I opened up a small box that I thought was jewelry and it was a KEY FOB!!! I will have to take pictures of it! It's an Infiniti and was owned by a guy who is getting into racing and this was his Dad's car so it has 160k miles on it but the research says that it will make to 200k plus but it's paid for! I am over the moon with it and the freedom that NicK recognizes that I need in my life. I am so blessed~ For 20 years we have shared one truck or Jeep so this is HUGE! Make America Great Again is working!
NicK was able to give me this gift because of the blessing of two new clients, both small businesses and are expanding to medium size small businesses, as a result of the tax breaks for employers.
A flippin car! Snow ready as we prepare to move our ranch up North and we will take all of you with us! Yaaaaaaaaaaay!!!
Agustino December 26, 2017 at 13:46 #137377
Quoting TimeLine
Because Hyde Park is in Sydney.

:-O Really? And I always thought Hyde Park was here...

User image
Agustino December 26, 2017 at 13:47 #137378
And why does everyone want to know what park you are located in? >:O
Wosret December 26, 2017 at 15:02 #137386
Reply to ArguingWAristotleTiff

That's awesome. Damn good Christmas then! Congratulations!
Hanover December 26, 2017 at 16:18 #137390
Quoting TimeLine
You call me, 3am, weeping heavily and telling me you are afraid, asking me to come over and hold you tight as it is cold, the storms and rain outside frighten you, for me to softly sing you a lullaby with your head gently betwixt my bosoms.


But when you hold me and sing to me in your thick Eastern European tongue and feed me the fermented beets and candied cabbage your village is known for, I feel so loved.

If you give me another chance, I will caress your thighs calloused from your nightly affections and whisper the patriotic songs of bloody violence from your youth into your cauliflower ears. Don't leave! Not on Christmas!
Hanover December 26, 2017 at 16:24 #137391
A question for Benkei. What is it with the Dutch obsession with raw herring?
Benkei December 26, 2017 at 20:47 #137447
Quoting TimeLine
How does that help me? This response is just as annoying as when someone points out the obvious. "Hey, you have a pimple." No shit.


It's been recommended to me by friends whose judgment I trust and who have been there. So I'd go.
Benkei December 26, 2017 at 21:01 #137450
Quoting Hanover
A question for Benkei. What is it with the Dutch obsession with raw herring?


We don't eat raw herring in the Netherlands. We do celebrate the new fatty herring each spring. Its intestins are removed but its pancreas remains, which has a ripening effect and they're salted (and frozen for 24 hours to kill parasites). It's served with raw onions which have an acid that denatures proteins much like ceviche. That's as close to raw as it gets but it isn't sushi.
Hanover December 26, 2017 at 21:13 #137460
Reply to Benkei https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soused_herring

The pickled shit is raw.
Akanthinos December 26, 2017 at 23:25 #137495
This is dumb. I'm stuck here at work for no reason.

Just realized : a corporate office would make an awesome paintball venue.
Shawn December 26, 2017 at 23:26 #137496
Reply to Akanthinos

But that money...
Akanthinos December 26, 2017 at 23:29 #137498
Reply to Posty McPostface

Yeah, but think about it this way. What's the point of making 2x the cash when you miss the one day of the year where everything is 50%-80% off?
Akanthinos December 26, 2017 at 23:32 #137501
(Hint : Akanthinos is not so good with money)
Shawn December 26, 2017 at 23:33 #137502
Reply to Akanthinos

But wait until the after holiday deals.
Akanthinos December 26, 2017 at 23:48 #137505
Will have to. I have to get a new PC.
Shawn December 26, 2017 at 23:49 #137506
Reply to Akanthinos

Build your own. AMD's CPUs are pretty economical.
Janus December 27, 2017 at 00:05 #137511
Quoting TimeLine
Just to prove the sophistication of not being a weird person from Sydney, I will answer your question and confirm that it is not Hyde Park. Because Hyde Park is in Sydney. And Sydney is weird.


You may not be a weird person from Sydney, but if you think not being a weird person from Sydney constitutes sophistication then you are weird.

"People are strange when you're a stranger
Faces look ugly when you're alone" The Doors

Same might go for cities for some folk.

Akanthinos December 27, 2017 at 00:05 #137512
We'll see. Purism's Librem lineup is so sexy...
TimeLine December 27, 2017 at 01:07 #137523
Quoting Hanover
But when you hold me and sing to me in your thick Eastern European tongue and feed me the fermented beets and candied cabbage your village is known for, I feel so loved.

If you give me another chance, I will caress your thighs calloused from your nightly affections and whisper the patriotic songs of bloody violence from your youth into your cauliflower ears. Don't leave! Not on Christmas!


Do you have any idea just how uncomfortable it made me when I got home to find a package waiting for me, so excited about the contents of this surprise only to feel distressed when I found that it contained a Bohemian Kroj and a Slavic wimple with a message that wrote My dear Anastasia, how I yearn to kiss those sharp cheekbones as I once did before the war.

I'm not Anastasia.
TimeLine December 27, 2017 at 01:14 #137524
Quoting Benkei
It's been recommended to me by friends whose judgment I trust and who have been there. So I'd go.


It will be a tight squeeze because I only have five weeks off work and I will be spending almost four weeks in Israel doing a doco. I guess I could try and do a return flight from Fes after flying into Marrakech to do the trek, but I like spending more than a few days in one place to really absorb myself in the culture. I hate being touristy.

Shawn December 27, 2017 at 01:21 #137525
How does everyone like Wilson my new avatar? He's a very likeable fellow. Keeps to himself and only answers when questioned.
Akanthinos December 27, 2017 at 01:29 #137526
Quoting TimeLine
I'm not Anastasia.


At this point we can safely say no one is. Poor girl.
TimeLine December 27, 2017 at 01:30 #137527
Reply to Agustino Quoting TheWillowOfDarkness
I was hoping to recognise a landmark. The trees look familiar to me, but they could be in a garden or park in at least half Australia-- the mystery remains.


Why were you hoping? My concerns against your name are slowly manifesting.
TimeLine December 27, 2017 at 01:44 #137528
Reply to ArguingWAristotleTiff Lucky you. I wish I had someone who would buy me a car. He must really love you though to surprise you like that. Nice. (Y) Enjoy.
TheWillowOfDarkness December 27, 2017 at 01:45 #137529
Reply to TimeLine

Only the narcissism of recognising a localish place I knew about or had visited. Alas, I am a disappointing villain.

Still, I'm sure some true crime show would be able to make something out of just wanting to recognise places you knew in media. I'll make a list of my preferred ominous music.
TimeLine December 27, 2017 at 01:48 #137530
Reply to TheWillowOfDarkness Great, now every time you post I am going to hear this in the background.

TheWillowOfDarkness December 27, 2017 at 01:51 #137531
Reply to TimeLine

I'll probably be hunted down by some gang of funk clowns for stealing their theme song.

Let that be a lesson to you kids: don't be curious about seeing places you know on the internet. The clowns will get you.
TimeLine December 27, 2017 at 01:54 #137532
Reply to TheWillowOfDarkness You'll be fine, as long as you have your MC Hammer pants and Reebok Pump sneakers. I am sure they will give up eventually once they meet you.
Akanthinos December 27, 2017 at 02:01 #137533
Quoting TimeLine
My concerns against your name are slowly manifesting.


Huh. Had always assumed it was a Buffy the Vampire Slayer reference.
TimeLine December 27, 2017 at 02:01 #137534
Reply to Akanthinos That's even more disconcerting.
Hanover December 27, 2017 at 02:02 #137535
Reply to TimeLine It was not from me. It was for me. I have always enjoyed the feel of ethnic female ceremonial garb against my freshly shaven loins, and how I love to be called Anastasia!

I have no idea of who my secret admirer might be, but they so better understand me than you, whoever you've become - traveling to remote north Africa in search of a floozy lesbian belly dancer who will no doubt impregnate you and leave you. Don't come running to me to raise your single sex conceived bastard. I'm not doing that again. Consequences. Learn the word Miss Free Spirit.

Reminds me of Hendrix. Couldn't find original version, but the Clapton version's cool. https://youtu.be/XdIHxpx9VUc
TimeLine December 27, 2017 at 02:12 #137536
Reply to Hanover
Jealous that Farhad Al-Maghrebi The Magnificent swishes her hips better than you?
TimeLine December 27, 2017 at 02:22 #137537
Quoting Janus
You may not be a weird person from Sydney, but if you think not being a weird person from Sydney constitutes sophistication then you are weird.


I don't know. This goes to a level of serious I have trouble understanding.
TheWillowOfDarkness December 27, 2017 at 02:29 #137538
Reply to Akanthinos

Correct. This puts you in illustrious company of yourself: in almost ten years using the name on the internet, I don't think I've had a single person make that connection.
Akanthinos December 27, 2017 at 03:01 #137544
Reply to TheWillowOfDarkness

Ah! I knew all these years of unreasonable media consumption would eventually pay off.
Still, Dark Willow was the hottest Alyson Hannigan ever got on screen. Dark hair & dark eyes.
Janus December 27, 2017 at 05:25 #137558
Reply to TimeLine

Surely it's not serious for you? Is it, really?
TimeLine December 27, 2017 at 05:41 #137559
Reply to Janus What just happened? I'll tell you what just happened. You are too cute is what just happened.
Agustino December 27, 2017 at 09:32 #137613
Quoting TheWillowOfDarkness
I don't think I've had a single person make that connection.

Well, I would be surprised about that. For example, I did make that connection but never mentioned it since I don't know much about popular culture, TV shows, etc. . It's not particularly hard, all that someone has to do is google your name.
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 27, 2017 at 12:00 #137621
@Wosret @TimeLine Yayyyyyyyyyyyy Thank you!!!!
Today begins the BIG push to get the ranch ready for sale! Well it starts with a perimeter walk and then move in from there.

In other news....the house my Mother in law was WAS looking to buy in Oregon is no Bueno. Which might be why there are 15 house listings in Prescott on NicK's computer as we look for our new NEXT place to land our family in life~

And this time, there will be no 'livin in a van down by the river'
Wosret December 27, 2017 at 12:39 #137630
Just did me about six seven hours of driving, picking someone up at the airport. I liked it better when I lived in Leduc, and was only fifteen min away, lol. Damn it's so cold too, like -30.
Noble Dust December 27, 2017 at 12:47 #137632
Reply to Posty McPostface

I like Wilson.
Shawn December 27, 2017 at 20:01 #137698
Reply to Noble Dust

Wilson is so happy.
TimeLine December 27, 2017 at 21:19 #137706
Reply to ArguingWAristotleTiff

What's your new years resolutions, Tiff, aside from the fact that since your man brought you a car, you're going to give him some backseat, hardcore lovin' for the next twelve months until he regrets ever buying you the damn thing?
Janus December 27, 2017 at 21:56 #137716
Quoting TimeLine
You are too cute is what just happened.


Why thank you!? For you or for my own good?
TimeLine December 27, 2017 at 23:53 #137739
Reply to Janus I'm not too sure if it is for your own good. We are all nice and sweet, but us girls can get a little crazy.

Shawn December 28, 2017 at 00:25 #137741
Wilson is always there. Just ask him how he is doing.
Sir2u December 28, 2017 at 01:40 #137748
Quoting Posty McPostface
Wilson is always there. Just ask him how he is doing.


He looks like a devil. I don't believe he can talk though so I will skip asking him how he is doing.
Shawn December 28, 2017 at 01:51 #137751
Quoting Sir2u
He looks like a devil.


Wilson is a pure being. He only desires the good.

Quoting Sir2u
I don't believe he can talk though so I will skip asking him how he is doing.


He only speaks when asked. He's very polite that way, not intrusive or overbearing.
Sir2u December 28, 2017 at 01:59 #137753
Reply to Posty McPostface

So where did you buy your smokes today?
Shawn December 28, 2017 at 02:03 #137755
Quoting Sir2u
So where did you buy your smokes today?


No smokes today. Just spent a little time at the library thinking about Wilson and how a great companion he is.

I just vape. Supposedly much safer. Whats new with you?
Sir2u December 28, 2017 at 02:13 #137758
Quoting Posty McPostface
No smokes today. Just spent a little time at the library thinking about Wilson and how a great companion he is.

I just vape. Supposedly much safer.


Maybe it is time to find someone to talk to then. I have noticed that you spend to much time fussing about you avatar.

Quoting Posty McPostface
Whats new with you?


There is not much new with me, I have just been trying to finish some work I started a couple of months ago. Been working on the new bathroom and laundry room. I got pissed of because I put a pipe in the wrong place and had to spend 2 hours correcting the mistake. I was hoping to get the tiles done this weekend.

Hey, maybe that is what you need. Some sort of a project to get your mind of your avatar.
Noble Dust December 28, 2017 at 02:37 #137760
Quoting Posty McPostface
No smokes today.


Day 4 of no cigarettes for me.


Shawn December 28, 2017 at 03:01 #137762
Quoting Sir2u
Maybe it is time to find someone to talk to then. I have noticed that you spend to much time fussing about you avatar.


Oh, a harmless obsession. If it bothers I won't ask anymore.

Quoting Sir2u
There is not much new with me, I have just been trying to finish some work I started a couple of months ago. Been working on the new bathroom and laundry room. I got pissed of because I put a pipe in the wrong place and had to spend 2 hours correcting the mistake. I was hoping to get the tiles done this weekend.


Sounds like a lot already done. Good job!

Quoting Sir2u
Hey, maybe that is what you need. Some sort of a project to get your mind of your avatar.


Wilson is just an interesting character. Never spoke on camera; but, moving to many who have seen Castaway, that they cried when he was lost by Tom Hanks on his raft. I find it both interesting, satisfying, and edifying to know that for, some reason.
Janus December 28, 2017 at 09:12 #137808
Reply to TimeLine

I wouldn't have it any other way.8-)
TimeLine December 28, 2017 at 11:00 #137820
Reply to Janus You're my hero.

User image
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 28, 2017 at 14:07 #137845
Quoting TimeLine
What's your new years resolutions, Tiff, aside from the fact that since your man brought you a car, you're going to give him some backseat, hardcore lovin' for the next twelve months until he regrets ever buying you the damn thing?


Lololol oh my....no, no backseat hardcore lovin as a resolution! And let's be honest here, most resolutions make it to the middle of February and then are left by the wayside. My Chiropractor would laugh WAY too hard at me when I would have to go in for treatments and would ask me just how young I thought I was... O:)

Some sage advice: Never do anything in your sexual life that you would be embarrassed to tell an emergency room Doctor. Not that I ever have had the experience but advice I have followed all the same.

Oh yeah the resolution... my resolution is to begin to downsize my life to a more manageable circle now that the Indians are growing up and finding life exists outside our tribe.

ArguingWAristotleTiff December 28, 2017 at 14:08 #137846
@TimeLine
What are your New Year's resolutions?
Benkei December 28, 2017 at 15:48 #137878
Reply to Hanover Hollandse nieuwe is not prepared with brine. Don't know what that page is going on about. Also, brine denatures protein as well so it's less raw than sushi again.
Hanover December 28, 2017 at 16:59 #137912
Reply to Benkei Stop fighting it and just fucking admit that Dutch people slurp down pickled herring from street vendors. Everyone knows it already, you can't hide it, and it will be continue to be a stain on your nation until you deal with it and stop denying it.
Hanover December 28, 2017 at 18:00 #137925
Reply to ArguingWAristotleTiffMy New Year's Resolution will not be pleasant for anyone, especially not for TimeLine, Baden, or that fucker at the grocery store who still actually writes checks.
Benkei December 28, 2017 at 18:14 #137927
Reply to Hanover dude, there is a disgusting herring fetish in the Netherlands but they're not pickled... See my first post on the subject.
Janus December 28, 2017 at 18:29 #137932
Reply to TimeLine

Damn that looks like Hyde Park! (L)
Hanover December 28, 2017 at 18:49 #137936
Reply to Benkei If you don't eat pickled herring, it's doubtful you're even Dutch. User image
Jamal December 28, 2017 at 18:59 #137939
I associate pickled herring with the UK (rollmops), Russia, the Baltic, Scandinavia, and European Jewish food. I've never seen a Dutchman eating it.
T Clark December 28, 2017 at 19:25 #137943
My New Years resolutions:
  • Get along better with my boss
  • Get along better with my wife
  • Get along better with my children
  • Get along better with my brothers
  • Get along better with strangers on the street
  • Get along better with @TimeLine
  • Get along better with people who cut me off in traffic


I'm beginning to sense a theme here.
T Clark December 28, 2017 at 19:26 #137944
Oh, yeah, and get my blood sugar below 100 mg/dl and my weight below Homer Simpson's.
Buxtebuddha December 28, 2017 at 20:00 #137949
Reply to T Clark So you need more patience? Count me in, too, Clarky.
T Clark December 28, 2017 at 20:03 #137950
Quoting Buxtebuddha
So you need more patience? Count me in, too, Clarky.


In my case, rather than "be more patient" it might be "stop being such an asshole."
Buxtebuddha December 28, 2017 at 20:38 #137956
Reply to T Clark Maybe if you'd treat your belly with such fire you'd be better off, ;)
Janus December 28, 2017 at 23:21 #137986
Quoting Hanover
If you don't eat pickled herring, it's doubtful you're even Dutch. tem9tn2r4rl1s1vz.png
Attachment
Herring Slurpers (144K)


They're not actually going to eat those; they're just pretending.
Benkei December 29, 2017 at 07:14 #138059
Reply to jamalrob we have rolmops too but it isn't so popular. The picture Hanover showed is Hollandse Nieuwe and that's just different.
Noble Dust December 29, 2017 at 07:44 #138066
I can't stand this crane avatar anymore. He's not me. I jumped the bandwagon, joined the trend. But I can't keep hiding behind this bro-ish shell any longer. I need to be free. Help
Shawn December 29, 2017 at 07:51 #138068
Reply to Noble Dust

Join me and Friday on our island.
Noble Dust December 29, 2017 at 07:52 #138069
Reply to Posty McPostface

So far, I've become Kramer. I'm exploring
Noble Dust December 29, 2017 at 08:01 #138070
Reply to Posty McPostface

I think the visage of Kramer telling you about your mistaken aesthetic assumptions, your failure to see the essence of the "me-centric" ontology of essential existentialism, and your confused assumptions about the nature of religious belief and religious epistemology is something much-needed here on the cold tundra of the TPF. Just sayin
Noble Dust December 29, 2017 at 08:18 #138071
god, I need to release some new music. I'm constipated right now. So much shit that hasn't come out yet.
Jamal December 29, 2017 at 10:36 #138090
Reply to Benkei Well, surely not that different. According to my research that's soused herring, which is a kind of pickled. The internet says you also have herring sandwiches.

User image
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 29, 2017 at 11:01 #138091
Pickled Herring, Apricot Brandy at the stroke of Midnight on New Year's Eve has been a tradition in my family since before I was born. The pickled Herring was for a prosperous new year and the Brandy was for a healthy and vibrant new year.
I have vivid memories of my older brother chasing me around my Granny's house (that was NEVER to be RUN in) in our good clothes, my hair in ribbons and braids and he close behind with a floppy piece of Pickled Herring making it say "Eat me! EAT ME"!! Which sent me screaming "MOMMMMMMMMM"!!!!!!!!!! All being followed by my Granny's prize Pekinese puppy who never got to have such fun! Oh you can just imagine the pitch of my scream!
Oooo and the look on my Granny's face.....it still makes me shudder!
Buxtebuddha December 29, 2017 at 17:27 #138154
Reply to Wosret What'd'ya mean, wos? You don't enjoy reading through threads such as, "I AM A GEOLOGY" or "PARAKEETS AND SEMICOLONS"? Bro...
Shawn December 29, 2017 at 20:15 #138175
Y'all can still join me, Wilson, with Friday over at our island. We just request that you bring snacks as it's a hard to come by commodity over at the island.
Hanover December 29, 2017 at 20:19 #138177
I moved Wosret's discussion about being censored to Feedback.
TimeLine December 29, 2017 at 22:39 #138208
Quoting T Clark
My New Years resolutions:..Get along better with TimeLine


I am actually on someone' resolution list! I have never received any sort of anything from anyone, this feeling is making me just so... wait, what?

Quoting T Clark
Get along better with strangers on the street


I thought I was special... oh the pain! :’(
Sam26 December 30, 2017 at 00:43 #138251
Reply to TimeLine Timeline, you still exist, amazing.
TimeLine December 30, 2017 at 00:59 #138254
Quoting Sam26
Timeline, you still exist, amazing.


Is that a metaphysical statement or an existential one?
Sam26 December 30, 2017 at 01:00 #138255
Reply to TimeLine Both, of course!
TimeLine December 30, 2017 at 01:06 #138256
Reply to Sam26 Satre just rolled in his grave.
TimeLine December 30, 2017 at 01:56 #138272
Quoting ArguingWAristotleTiff
Lololol oh my....no, no backseat hardcore lovin as a resolution!
Some sage advice: Never do anything in your sexual life that you would be embarrassed to tell an emergency room Doctor. Not that I ever have had the experience but advice I have followed all the same.


Notwithstanding the fact that I don't actually have a sexual life (let's be honest, farkin), I see absolutely no qualms in telling your doctor that you copulated 365 times in the back of a vehicle as a form of gratification for both you for receiving this gift and, well, hopefully you for the copulation. It is a total win-win situation. As Hanover would say, I'm jelly.

Quoting ArguingWAristotleTiff
Oh yeah the resolution... my resolution is to begin to downsize my life to a more manageable circle now that the Indians are growing up and finding life exists outside our tribe.


Hopefully, spending time on your own. It is actually really healing and empowering, you recognise what you want and not what you do because it is necessary. I am sure you will reach that resolution. (Y)
Shawn December 30, 2017 at 02:08 #138275
Wilson and Friday send our warmest regards.
Baden December 30, 2017 at 02:22 #138278
User image

Good news: Puppies.
Bad news: One died.

R.I.P. Lil' fella.
Streetlight December 30, 2017 at 02:23 #138279
: (

But also yay!
Shawn December 30, 2017 at 02:31 #138282
Reply to Baden

Dog be like, *gtfo*.
Benkei December 30, 2017 at 07:38 #138334
Quoting jamalrob
Well, surely not that different. According to my research that's soused herring, which is a kind of pickled. The internet says you also have herring sandwiches.


Yeah, I've seen several English sites refer to this but it's incorrect. There's no preserving liquid involved where it concerns Hollandse Nieuwe. Intestines are removed except for the pancreas which causes a continued ripening process. It's salted and usually served with onions. Only the onions have an effect similar to pickling but they're optional.
TimeLine December 30, 2017 at 09:09 #138339
Reply to Baden

To cute! (L) I would kick any other dog in the face for her.

Quoting ArguingWAristotleTiff
What are your New Year's resolutions?


I have made plans and I know I will follow them through in the practical sense. But two things: to no longer desire an apology from others who have done wrong to me to face things as it is and not what I hope it would be.I think that is the only way you can find forgiveness. And to say yes to the next guy who blatantly asks me out (it is always out of the blue and so random that I tend to freak out) but only to give them a chance to redeem themselves.
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 30, 2017 at 11:45 #138357
Quoting TimeLine
Notwithstanding the fact that I don't actually have a sexual life (let's be honest, farkin), I see absolutely no qualms in telling your doctor that you copulated 365 times in the back of a vehicle as a form of gratification for both you for receiving this gift and, well, hopefully you for the copulation. It is a total win-win situation. As Hanover would say, I'm jelly.


So let's just flesh this out right now with a single question and a single numerical answer:

How often do you think a couple married for 23 years, together for 27 years, have intercourse in a year?
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 30, 2017 at 11:46 #138358
@Baden
Awww how adorable! Did you know she was pregnant?
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 30, 2017 at 11:49 #138359
@Benkei
From one friend to another? Just give into the Herring thing unless you were traumatized as a child over the icky fish :-O
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 30, 2017 at 11:52 #138360
Quoting TimeLine
I have made plans and I know I will follow them through in the practical sense. But two things: to no longer desire an apology from others who have done wrong to me to face things as it is and not what I hope it would be.I think that is the only way you can find forgiveness.


Yes, yes, YES!! Drop all expectations (implied or applied) of anyone other than yourself and life becomes a lot less disappointing. ;)

Quoting TimeLine
And to say yes to the next guy who blatantly asks me out (it is always out of the blue and so random that I tend to freak out) but only to give them a chance to redeem themselves.


Yo Hanover!!! Get your Lizard tail over here!


Baden December 30, 2017 at 11:53 #138361
Reply to ArguingWAristotleTiff

Oh yeah, been waddling around for weeks. :)
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 30, 2017 at 12:04 #138364
Reply to Baden lolol I have another year before I can breed Princess Kahlua Von Reisig.
What is the breed of the Dad of your puppies?
Agustino December 30, 2017 at 12:07 #138366
Quoting ArguingWAristotleTiff
How often do you think a couple married for 23 years, together for 27 years, have intercourse in a year?

1095 times.

>:O Just joking. Assuming you got married at 23, you're both old people now (relatively :P ). Even if you wanted to do it 3 times a day, you would not be able to.

So more accurate guess is less than 52 times a year.
Baden December 30, 2017 at 12:15 #138371
Reply to ArguingWAristotleTiff

Nice name (Y). I should let you dub my pups. Parents both Poms.

ArguingWAristotleTiff December 30, 2017 at 12:18 #138372
Quoting Agustino

So more accurate guess is less than 52 times a year.


Yes, less than 52 times a year. lolololololololol
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 30, 2017 at 12:28 #138373
Quoting Baden
Nice name (Y) . I should let you dub my pups. Parents both Poms.


Both of my Rottweiler's carry the breeders last name until we breed and then the pups will be our own name if we change them and I am not sure that I will since their blood line is pure and papered. Princess Kahlua will breed to Prince Bailey Von Reisig and then we will have PUPPIES!! My Mom was a breeder of Champion Lhasa Apso dogs for 20yrs and has whelped 18 litters, biggest litter was her first of 10 pups and her smallest litter was 5 pups. In the 20 yrs she lost two pups, one was stillborn and the other passed soon after birth despite all efforts to save the pup. So when Princess Kahlua has her pups, Mom is going to be right here, I mean RIGHT here.
How exciting!!! What a way to begin the new year!!!
How many are you going to keep? O:)
Baden December 30, 2017 at 12:34 #138374
Reply to ArguingWAristotleTiff

Going to keep the two lads and ship out the little bitches. ;) Kind of had enough reproductive issues over the past couple of years.

ArguingWAristotleTiff December 30, 2017 at 12:57 #138376
Quoting Baden
Going to keep the two lads and ship out the little bitches. ;) Kind of had enough reproductive issues over the past couple of years.


My concern regarding reproduction is that the male dogs will get to her on her first heat. What on Earth am I going to do?
Hanover December 30, 2017 at 13:52 #138384
Quoting TimeLine
Notwithstanding the fact that I don't actually have a sexual life (let's be honest, farkin), I see absolutely no qualms in telling your doctor that you copulated 365 times in the back of a vehicle as a form of gratification for both you for receiving this gift and, well, hopefully you for the copulation. It is a total win-win situation. As Hanover would say, I'm jelly.


Amateurs. Sex is to be had on the hood of the car.

Sex shouldn't be had in the trunk (or as the Brits say, "boot") because most trunks are filled with junk and it can also be quite uncomfortable.

Hanover December 30, 2017 at 13:53 #138385
Reply to Baden Pomeranian stew is delicious this time of year.
Hanover December 30, 2017 at 13:59 #138386
Reply to Baden Are they pure breeds?
Hanover December 30, 2017 at 14:04 #138387
Reply to Benkei All of this begs the real question of why.
Hanover December 30, 2017 at 14:12 #138388
Quoting ArguingWAristotleTiff
Pickled Herring, Apricot Brandy at the stroke of Midnight on New Year's Eve has been a tradition in my family since before I was born. The pickled Herring was for a prosperous new year and the Brandy was for a healthy and vibrant new year.


Every New Year's my fam eats plum pudding, sexes it up on the car hood until the ball drops, and drinks Zima, the non-beer, until the mourners throw us out of the cemetary.

Every family's different I guess.
Baden December 30, 2017 at 14:21 #138389
Reply to ArguingWAristotleTiff

User image

Quoting Hanover
Are they pure breeds?


There was nothing pure about the way they were breeding and I've got the vids to prove it. But, yes, far as I know.
Hanover December 30, 2017 at 14:21 #138390
I thought of a new word that decribes just what I'm feeling: Inarticustupilackafecacleansia. It's that feeling you have when you've run out of stupid shit to say and you need to take a shower. I'm surprised there's not already a word for it.
Hanover December 30, 2017 at 14:23 #138391
Quoting Baden
There was nothing pure about the way they were breeding and I've got the vids to prove it. But, yes, far as I know.


Did they do it missionary?
Baden December 30, 2017 at 14:24 #138392
Reply to Hanover

Video will be ready for you when you get back. (Still articustupilackafecacleansia here. )
Baden December 30, 2017 at 14:24 #138393
Reply to Hanover

Shower first.
T Clark December 30, 2017 at 15:12 #138397
Quoting TimeLine
And to say yes to the next guy who blatantly asks me out (it is always out of the blue and so random that I tend to freak out) but only to give them a chance to redeem themselves.


What if he says "I fink yore hot" when he asks you out? Will you still go out with him?
T Clark December 30, 2017 at 15:16 #138398
Quoting Benkei
Yeah, I've seen several English sites refer to this but it's incorrect. There's no preserving liquid involved where it concerns Hollandse Nieuwe. Intestines are removed except for the pancreas which causes a continued ripening process. It's salted and usually served with onions. Only the onions have an effect similar to pickling but they're optional.


I've been trying to follow this conversation, but I keep getting lost. Explain again please, when does the herring become the body of Christ?
Hanover December 30, 2017 at 15:28 #138400
Reply to T Clark Give it a try and see.
T Clark December 30, 2017 at 15:32 #138401
Quoting Benkei
Yeah, I've seen several English sites refer to this but it's incorrect. There's no preserving liquid involved where it concerns Hollandse Nieuwe. Intestines are removed except for the pancreas which causes a continued ripening process. It's salted and usually served with onions. Only the onions have an effect similar to pickling but they're optional.


Speaking of Dutch seafood, my brother and I visited Europe together in 2014. We stayed in Amsterdam for two days and then went off to the Alsace and Black Forest areas ending up our last day in Noordwijk aan Zee on the North Sea. It was cool and very blustery, but pleasant for walking on the beach.

We had oysters there that were the strongest tasting I've ever had, although they were completely fresh. I love raw oysters, but they were a little too much for me. Those Dutch are a tough bunch.


I really love the Netherlands. Makes an engineer feel right at home.
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 30, 2017 at 21:56 #138486
Quoting Hanover
Every New Year's my fam eats plum pudding, sexes it up on the car hood until the ball drops, and drinks Zima, the non-beer, until the mourners throw us out of the cemetary.

Every family's different I guess.

It wasn't non-beer in those Zima bottles it was pure Moonshine and you know it. How are you going to eat your Herring when the clock strikes midnight?
Deleted User December 31, 2017 at 01:11 #138571
Pickled fish may help some people to lose weight without any fancy diet.
TimeLine December 31, 2017 at 04:59 #138626
Quoting ArguingWAristotleTiff
So let's just flesh this out right now with a single question and a single numerical answer:

How often do you think a couple married for 23 years, together for 27 years, have intercourse in a year?


Ok, so if we calculate 23 years of at least twice a week - bare minimum in a marriage, surely - we would have (156 x 23), plus the first three years of at least twice a day all over the house, potentially in the garage, rolling around in the backyard, on the roof (3 x 730), and for arguments sake your new years resolution of everyday in the backseat of the car so (365), which will mean: (3588 + 2190 + 365) = 6143 over the span of 28 years.

I gather you never had the need to pay for a gym membership.


Quoting Hanover
Amateurs. Sex is to be had on the hood of the car.

Sex shouldn't be had in the trunk (or as the Brits say, "boot") because most trunks are filled with junk and it can also be quite uncomfortable


Uncomfortable? Who is the amateur now.
TimeLine December 31, 2017 at 05:22 #138629
Quoting T Clark
What if he says "I fink yore hot" when he asks you out? Will you still go out with him?


... before pretending to drop something on the floor and doing an awkward bent-over row movement as he gently collects it and accidentally notices how wonderfully his biceps just flexed?

Sorry, but I don't want to be with a guy who looks like a designer, leather purse full of walnuts.

Ok, wait, a promise is a promise, a resolution is a resolution, but surely we are intelligent enough to forecast?
Agustino December 31, 2017 at 08:58 #138650
Quoting TimeLine
at least twice a week - bare minimum in a marriage, surely

That may be quite a lot for some people since sex is tiring. Men often want to be lazy and sit with a beer watching a football match with their friends - not have sex >:O
Hanover December 31, 2017 at 14:16 #138664
Quoting TimeLine
Uncomfortable? Who is the amateur now.


Fine, you've convinced me my concerns were unfounded.
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 31, 2017 at 14:25 #138665
Quoting TimeLine
I gather you never had the need to pay for a gym membership


Nope, never. Lololololololol

Quoting Agustino
That may be quite a lot for some people since sex is tiring


And for Heavens sake: after two decades what haven't you tried to spice things up?
Roleplay, BDSM, 9.5 Weeks reenactment, hood of the Trans Am on the top level of the Airport parking garage at night, phone sex, dirty talk, hammock breaks, elevator sex, threesomes, sexting, pool frolicking, naked snow angels, on the edge of the world on the Mogollon Rim certain death if pushed too far, on the roof of City Hall....

I am game for ideas.....
Hanover December 31, 2017 at 14:29 #138666
Quoting ArguingWAristotleTiff
How are you going to eat your Herring when the clock strikes midnight?


As to where I'll enjoy my herring, I''m not sure whose car it will be in yet, but definately it'll be enjoyed in the front seat. I don't care how tidy one keeps their trunk, I must refuse.
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 31, 2017 at 14:33 #138667
Quoting Hanover
As to where I'll enjoy my herring, I''m not sure whose car it will be in yet, but definately it'll be enjoyed in the front seat.


Enjoyed and herring in one sentence -----ughhhh
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 31, 2017 at 14:52 #138668
Happy New Year to my fellow 'thinkers'!
Not everyone who started the year with us, are here with us now and to those we raise our glass in good memory~ We wish the new folks who have found us, a warm welcome with open arms, open minds and we raise our glass in thanks for you being here. To those fortunate enough to have gained a wealth of wisdom in staying here, together through another year, we wish you good health, a hungry mind and a peace within yourself that if you lose track of, we will help you find again.
In good health and good times, I wish all of us a Happy New Year and an awesome embrace of 2018.
Deleted User December 31, 2017 at 15:10 #138672
Happy End of 2017! It isn't quite 2018 yet. :P
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 31, 2017 at 15:11 #138673
Warm {{{Huggs}}} to those who are open to them~ 8-)
ArguingWAristotleTiff December 31, 2017 at 15:12 #138675
Quoting Lone Wolf
Happy End of 2017


So true! 2017 can kiss my ass! Go on...get goin... O:)
schopenhauer1 December 31, 2017 at 17:56 #138709
I'm liking the bird trend. Keep it up. We have a good mix of birds here, but we can add a few more. Cardinals are clearly the best though being as I am one. Chirp chirp.
Noble Dust December 31, 2017 at 18:54 #138720
Reply to schopenhauer1

Dude, birds were last week.
schopenhauer1 December 31, 2017 at 19:14 #138723
Quoting Noble Dust
Dude, birds were last week.


Birds never go out of style 8-)
TimeLine December 31, 2017 at 21:07 #138739
Quoting Agustino
That may be quite a lot for some people since sex is tiring. Men often want to be lazy and sit with a beer watching a football match with their friends - not have sex >:O


What would I know, I am a Vestal Child (Hendrix Paradox... with Peer Gynt music instead)... the unmarried, unadultered and undefiled who talks naughty. Tiff is a bad influence, so bad that she has now officially put me off marriage.

Nevertheless! I know you want a designer marriage that paints a portrait of nuclear perfection, but what on earth makes you think your wifey would not want to be there watching the football too and then if your team wins, to have a bit of a celebratory rumpy-pumpy in the closet?
Shawn December 31, 2017 at 21:40 #138741
Perhaps my solipsistic thread is too solipsistic. No replies. *Despairs*
Streetlight December 31, 2017 at 23:21 #138746
User image

This morning's view :D

Happy New Year all!
Agustino December 31, 2017 at 23:35 #138751
Happy New Year! (Y)
Agustino December 31, 2017 at 23:44 #138754
Quoting TimeLine
what on earth makes you think your wifey would not want to be there watching the football too and then if your team wins, to have a bit of a celebratory rumpy-pumpy in the closet?

>:O - that is a possibility, but then most women around here don't like watching football too much - so I wouldn't bet on it. When they do, it's typically just to please the guy. Though obviously there are some exceptions.

Why would the celebration occur in the closet? That's a weird place for celebrations... do you often celebrate stuff there? :P
Shawn December 31, 2017 at 23:50 #138755
Wilson and Friday wish a Happy New year to you all. Everyone is welcome to stay on the island for a day, then Robinson comes back and doesn't want to be disturbed.
Agustino December 31, 2017 at 23:52 #138756
Who's Wilson?
Deleted User December 31, 2017 at 23:52 #138757
Reply to Agustino
Your neighbor...
Shawn December 31, 2017 at 23:54 #138758
Reply to Agustino

Have you seen Castaway? You'll find Wilson there. He's a fictional character from that movie.
Agustino December 31, 2017 at 23:56 #138759
Shawn December 31, 2017 at 23:56 #138760
Reply to Agustino

It's a great film. Give it a shot. It's also religious in a Daniel Defoe way.
Agustino December 31, 2017 at 23:58 #138761
Quoting Posty McPostface
It's a great film. Give it a shot. It's also religious in a Daniel Defoe way.

Is it better than... Borat? >:O
Shawn December 31, 2017 at 23:59 #138762
Reply to Agustino

Totally different genres.
TimeLine January 01, 2018 at 00:42 #138776
Reply to StreetlightX Nice. We played rude-word scrabble and cracked jokes, had popcorn with Ben Harper in the background, watched the fire works on TV, said happy new year and went to sleep. BUT, I woke up to this:

User image

I can't stand crowds.
jorndoe January 01, 2018 at 00:52 #138785
Get well into 2018 everyone.

(Had a bit of bourbon left for toasting new years with some folks overseas. Skype - it's cool like that.)

User image
Shawn January 01, 2018 at 01:39 #138798
And Buxtebuddha joins the discussion on solipsism!
TimeLine January 01, 2018 at 01:39 #138799
Quoting Agustino
When they do, it's typically just to please the guy. Though obviously there are some exceptions


I resent this.

I used to play forward when I was young and the youngest girl in the senior state team, but I had to leave when I turned 17 for personal reasons. Soccer was my escapism during tough times when I was young and sure, maybe it was just my way to get close to and impress my older brother, but I still love it nonetheless. You formulate ideal generalisations that fabricate false categories as an image to articulate a faux 'reality' - an image that you follow to make you appear to be someone that can largely be understood.

Are you not suggesting that this whole "guy thing with beer and friends" is not an image of masculinity and that it is you who is trying to please the men you have with you? Is the woman supposed to be in the kitchen making lemonade that she will serve to you all? Does it mean that because - as a woman - I like soccer that somehow I am forfeiting my femininity?

No. I can watch a football match, cry out when Ronaldinho does something right, and I can do so while knitting and drinking a fucking cup of green tea with a slice of lemon if I want to.

I don't know, maybe it is because of this long drive back home right now and the nausea of sitting in the back seat that is making me all inarticustupilackafecacleansia, but if we remove this image people formulate to make sense of others, we would attain the freedom and autonomy to enjoy the world as it is.

All you need is someone who shares the same virtues - who is loyal, intelligent, good-natured - but what makes a relationship interesting is the differences, the individuality. I would hate to be with a mindless person who copies me or follows this social image. Imagine trying to have a conversation with such a person? It would be painful.

If you formulate an ideal, if your parents approve, your friends approve, and it looks right, you will be miserable.
Noble Dust January 01, 2018 at 02:37 #138812
Reply to Posty McPostface

Mr. Rogers lookin good. Glad to see you're on the celeb avatar train.
Shawn January 01, 2018 at 02:42 #138814
Reply to Noble Dust

Keeping it rolling.
Cavacava January 01, 2018 at 02:53 #138815
Supermoons rise on the first and last days in January 2018, the last one featuring a total lunar eclipse and blue moon, visible in some parts of the U.S...portentous or what?

Happy New Year!
Sir2u January 01, 2018 at 03:08 #138817
Quoting Cavacava
portentous or what?


That we are screwed probably.
Akanthinos January 01, 2018 at 03:28 #138823
I currently hate my existence. (yes, hyperbole and all.)
BC January 01, 2018 at 03:48 #138824
Quoting Posty McPostface
Perhaps my solipsistic thread is too solipsistic. No replies. *Despairs*


I would hop on you solo solipsistic soul train but I am just too busy being me to boss all the nonentities I once spawned and who now linger on. I have spawned throngs. I comprise worlds.
BC January 01, 2018 at 03:53 #138825
Quoting TimeLine
I would hate to be with a mindless person who copies me


We can see how that would be the case. Now, don't get all paranoid. Remember, you are not going to be paranoid in 2018?
BC January 01, 2018 at 03:54 #138827
Quoting Sir2u
That we are screwed probably.


We are totally screwed. Definitely.
TimeLine January 01, 2018 at 06:28 #138845
Quoting Bitter Crank
We can see how that would be the case. Now, don't get all paranoid. Remember, you are not going to be paranoid in 2018?


But then, if I listen to you, wouldn't that be listening to not-so-real voices? I mean, how do I know you exist?
BC January 01, 2018 at 07:02 #138850
Quoting TimeLine
But then, if I listen to you, wouldn't that be listening to not-so-real voices? I mean, how do I know you exist?


I gather that this would not be the first time that not-so-real voices has been a problem for you. As for whether I am, or anybody here including you is real is a long-standing problem. It is possible that we are all merely sub-routines in an Amazon server farm somewhere near a large hydroelectric facility. When the rivers run dry, we will cease to exist.
BC January 01, 2018 at 07:06 #138851
Oh, the magic moment just came and went for the Mountain Time Zone.

TimeLine January 01, 2018 at 09:31 #138860
Quoting Bitter Crank
I gather that this would not be the first time that not-so-real voices has been a problem for you. As for whether I am, or anybody here including you is real is a long-standing problem. It is possible that we are all merely sub-routines in an Amazon server farm somewhere near a large hydroelectric facility. When the rivers run dry, we will cease to exist.


So, then, are you saying I am right?
Agustino January 01, 2018 at 10:15 #138862
Quoting TimeLine
You formulate ideal generalisations that fabricate false categories as an image to articulate a faux 'reality' - an image that you follow to make you appear to be someone that can largely be understood.

Not really, I just tell you what I've noticed. Many of the guys I know complain that their gfs don't want to watch football with them very much.

Quoting TimeLine
Are you not suggesting that this whole "guy thing with beer and friends" is not an image of masculinity and that it is you who is trying to please the men you have with you? Is the woman supposed to be in the kitchen making lemonade that she will serve to you all? Does it mean that because - as a woman - I like soccer that somehow I am forfeiting my femininity?

I didn't say any of these, I just made a general observation. It doesn't follow from a general observation that women are supposed to be like this or otherwise, since watching football isn't a moral issue, so there are no oughts involved. There are some women who like it, most that I know don't like it very much. It depends on the person.
TimeLine January 01, 2018 at 10:39 #138864
Quoting Agustino
I just made a general observation. It doesn't follow from a general observation that women are supposed to be like this or otherwise, since watching football isn't a moral issue, so there are no oughts involved.


Your general observation was that some women only watch soccer to please guys. It is that suggestion that irked me; are you saying that you - by drinking beer and watching football - are not also trying to please guys?

Agustino January 01, 2018 at 10:43 #138865
Quoting TimeLine
Your general observation was that some women only watch soccer to please guys.

Sure, just like I only went shopping with my girlfriend because she enjoyed it (I personally hate shopping).

We do lots of things we don't like because others like them, we're social creatures like that, can't always do just what you like.
TimeLine January 01, 2018 at 10:46 #138866
Quoting Agustino
Sure, just like I only went shopping with my girlfriend because she enjoyed it (I personally hate shopping).


Do you have a girlfriend or is this another attempt at trying to legitimise your hasty generalisations again?
Agustino January 01, 2018 at 10:46 #138867
Quoting TimeLine
Do you have a girlfriend or is this another attempt at trying to legitimise your hasty generalisations again?

I was referring to my high school girlfriend. I don't have a girlfriend right now if that's what you're curious about.
TimeLine January 01, 2018 at 10:47 #138869
Quoting Agustino
I was referring to my high school girlfriend. I don't have a girlfriend right now if that's what you're curious about.


Nah, you have just done it before when you pretended to have a wife.
Agustino January 01, 2018 at 10:49 #138870
Quoting TimeLine
Nah, you have just done it before when you pretended to have a wife.

I never pretended to have a wife :s
TimeLine January 01, 2018 at 10:50 #138871
Quoting Agustino
I never pretended to have a wife :s


Agu: "Say my wife asks me to shave my beard, and stop looking like a hobo, despite me liking to look like one. I'll probably shave it because it ain't such a big deal and it makes her happy - why not? Am I suddenly not rational, autonomous, bla bla bla if I don't? There's compromises that have to be made, and it's rational to make them. I like having a beard and looking like a hobo, but my wife doesn't and I also want to make my wife happy - so that's why I choose to shave it off."
Agustino January 01, 2018 at 10:52 #138873
Quoting TimeLine
Say my wife asks me to shave my beard, and stop looking like a hobo, despite me liking to look like one.

What does the word "say" mean there?

Also, do you keep a list of Agustino quotes? :D
TimeLine January 01, 2018 at 10:53 #138874
Reply to Agustino Memories. So many. So damn many. :’(
Agustino January 01, 2018 at 10:54 #138875
Reply to TimeLine So... back to the issue. What does the word "say" mean in that sentence? What role does it play?
TimeLine January 01, 2018 at 10:55 #138876
Reply to Agustino No, the issue was you hasty generalising.
Agustino January 01, 2018 at 10:55 #138877
Quoting TimeLine
No, the issue was you hasty generalising.

Okay, but will you answer my question then?
TimeLine January 01, 2018 at 10:59 #138878
Reply to Agustino It is ambiguous, but I gather you meant it as a shortened version of "what would you say if" - but in light of this ambiguity, I interpreted that your wife was real and the hypothetical was the beard in that sentence.
Agustino January 01, 2018 at 11:01 #138881
If I say: "Say I go to the moon and look for gold" does that mean I'm an astronaut? Or if I say: "Say I sell $1000 worth of gold, and reinvest the money in something very profitable" does it mean I have $1000 worth of gold?

Quoting TimeLine
It is ambiguous, but I gather you meant it as a shortened version of "what would you say if" - but in light of this ambiguity, I interpreted that your wife was real and the hypothetical was the beard.

Okay, well, I meant it as a hypothetical example. Like we sometimes say "if you ride a bike too much, your chances of getting testicular cancer will increase" - of course, we don't really mean "you" specifically. The "you" there is just the placeholder for the hypothetical person. So in my sentence, "I" is the placeholder for that hypothetical person.
Agustino January 01, 2018 at 11:05 #138884
In fact, I often write the sentences with "I" as the hypothetical, and usually later change them to "you" nowadays to prevent this misunderstanding.
TimeLine January 01, 2018 at 11:11 #138890
Quoting Agustino
If I say: "Say I go to the moon and look for gold" does that mean I'm an astronaut?


You are committing some serious ignoratio elench here. This example bears no relevance to how one can misconstrue you having a wife by saying:

"Say my wife asks me to shave my beard, and stop looking like a hobo, despite me liking to look like one."

Quoting Agustino
Or if I say: "Say I sell $1000 worth of gold, and reinvest the money in something very profitable" does it mean I have $1000 worth of gold?


You can possibly. If you said $1 million, I would have my doubts. Anyhoot, all this appears to be a deliberate attempt to divert the attention away by changing the subject. Fun though.
Agustino January 01, 2018 at 11:11 #138892
Reply to TimeLine
Quoting TimeLine
Anyhoot, all this appears to be a deliberate attempt to divert the attention away by changing the subject. Fun though.

What's the subject?
TimeLine January 01, 2018 at 11:12 #138893
Quoting Agustino
What's the subject?


Smart ass.
Agustino January 01, 2018 at 11:13 #138894
Quoting TimeLine
Smart ass.

Oh wow, that's the subject? I honestly had no clue we were talking about that...
TimeLine January 01, 2018 at 11:13 #138895
Reply to Agustino Did you make yourself giggle?
Agustino January 01, 2018 at 11:14 #138896
Quoting TimeLine
Did you make yourself giggle?

Like... with a feather?
Agustino January 01, 2018 at 11:15 #138898
Also, how can the bottom part be smart?
TimeLine January 01, 2018 at 11:24 #138906
Quoting Agustino
Also, how can the bottom part be smart?


User image
Agustino January 01, 2018 at 11:25 #138907
Reply to TimeLine Oh wow, what a sexy ass! Looks like Burdian's!
jorndoe January 01, 2018 at 11:27 #138908
Quoting Agustino
When they do, it's typically just to please the guy. Though obviously there are some exceptions


Quoting TimeLine
I resent this.


Sure is resentable. @Agustino seems to have an odd outlook on things.
ArguingWAristotleTiff January 01, 2018 at 12:19 #138916
Quoting Akanthinos
I currently hate my existence. (yes, hyperbole and all.)


Why? How has life been treating you?
Akanthinos January 01, 2018 at 21:40 #139082
Work is insane lately. Its hard to explain what I do, but we deal a lot with emergency and mandatory services, where the client has to offer 24/7 service. One group of such clients are propane and oil delivery services. And we are having an insane cold snap here in Canada in the last 2 weeks. We are also on seriously reduced staff because of holidays which should never have been granted and 2 workers getting fired a week before the holidays (although for good reasons).

But still. When I get screamed at by a little old lady on the 31st of December at 9h00pm because her 600L tank is at 1/3 and she wont get a delivery for 2 days... >:)
TimeLine January 02, 2018 at 02:10 #139143
Quoting Akanthinos
We are also on seriously reduced staff because of holidays which should never have been granted and 2 workers getting fired a week before the holidays (although for good reasons).


Just focus on the more joyful or interesting things, like this. I wonder what happened!
TimeLine January 02, 2018 at 02:33 #139147
Moral question just going on the above, @T Clark you may be able to help.

There was this guy that once was not so nice to me and though I have forgiven and moved on, I found out recently from someone who knows his girlfriend that she has cheated on him and he doesn't know about it. I am deeply troubled by this and I actually feel very sorry for him because I think he sacrificed a number of his best years for her and she is just manipulating him. He has a very powerful disposition too, the only man who has ever made me feel like he could control me (probably why I hated him so much) and no doubt she is lying because it would be very dangerous if he found out.

I thought about why I am troubled; why should I care? I am angry that I was given this information when I really do not care and I am so damn happy that I am moving away from the suburb I currently live in, but getting to the morality here at atomic level, is the concern, this deep trouble, actually a facade for what is essentially pleasurable? I want to ensure the authenticity of this motive of mine and I just cannot help but shake off this possibility.
Hanover January 02, 2018 at 03:05 #139151
Reply to TimeLine

Here's what I think, and I'm never wrong. It annoys, troubles, and confuses you how other people can casually fuck around, jump from person to person, and have a thriving romantic life while taking nothing terribly seriously, while you are limited to watching it from the sidelines when it is you who are doing everything right.

I mean, why does she get this pretty decent guy, and you don't, while you tolerated and dealt with his bullshit, and she's screwing around on him yet has him?

That's what's bothering you. It's not fair

If you want a bf, be overt. Get online and post that you're looking for a bf. Either that or go out with the next random guy who asks you out and try to make it work. I'd choose A.
TimeLine January 02, 2018 at 03:09 #139152
Reply to Hanover No, it is not that. I asked to be a moderator, I am not averse to getting what I want and what I am right now is what I want. What bothers me is the potential that I find the fact that a guy who has done wrong to me has now been wronged and whether this concern I am feeling is actually pleasurable hiding behind a moral facade.

Geez, that was a really bad assessment that I almost oscillated to a level of disdain for you. Temporary. I returned back to my loving affection quickly, but there nevertheless.
Akanthinos January 02, 2018 at 03:16 #139153
Quoting TimeLine
I thought about why I am troubled; why should I care? I am angry that I was given this information when I really do not care and I am so damn happy that I am moving away from the suburb I currently live in, but getting to the morality here at atomic level, is the concern, this deep trouble, actually a facade for what is essentially pleasurable? I want to ensure the authenticity of this motive of mine and I just cannot help but shake off this possibility.


Emotional reactions to display of infidelity are some of the most vivid and most incomprehensible emotions I have ever felt. Hatred, contempt, disregard, lewdness... How the hell do one goes from knowing at the tender age of 10 that they would never cheat on anyone, to fantasizing about hotwives?

I know it doesn't help, but if anything, you aren't the only one who gets these weird feelings.
Hanover January 02, 2018 at 03:19 #139154
Reply to TimeLine You're wrong.
Akanthinos January 02, 2018 at 03:32 #139155
Quoting TimeLine
What bothers me is the potential that I find the fact that a guy who has done wrong to me is now wronged and whether this concern is actually pleasure.


Well, there's worse things than taking pleasure in karmic retribution.
TimeLine January 02, 2018 at 03:40 #139156
Reply to Hanover As an authority of myself, I know that I am not. I thrive in the brutality of honesty and have no patience for someone who is projecting his own disappointed desires by attempting to make me feel uncomfortable for my choices by telling me to be "overt and get online" what, with you?

Careful now, I do bite.
TimeLine January 02, 2018 at 03:54 #139157
Quoting Akanthinos
Well, there's worse things than taking pleasure in karmic retribution.


I recently gave money to a man who was standing barefoot and completely filthy talking on a public telephone, likely to no one, and I was motivated to give him money because there were two young men sitting close-by and were looking at him in a way that I knew they were finding him funny and that disturbed me. I wanted them to see that - being their age and dressed pretty cool - it was wrong to be so judgemental, that they should have empathy. I was compelled more by that 'lesson' then the actual man. I have given money to this man many times before but the motivation there made me question myself for a moment. While the intention may be honourable, if my focal was on the boys and not the man, then what exactly happens to empathy? It was more rational, like publicity, rather than empathetic. It is enough to make me believe that the morality behind that decision was moot; it was just ethical.

You have no idea how atomic my assessment of motive goes and whether there are worse things out there is irrelevant if my subjective moral qualities are in question.
TimeLine January 02, 2018 at 04:14 #139159
Quoting Akanthinos
Emotional reactions to display of infidelity are some of the most vivid and most incomprehensible emotions I have ever felt. Hatred, contempt, disregard, lewdness... How the hell do one goes from knowing at the tender age of 10 that they would never cheat on anyone, to fantasizing about hotwives?


I think the reason why this guy is aggressive and frustrated as a person is because he is making a considerable effort and sacrifice for his girlfriend and the people around him, so I do feel sorry for him since his best years were given to someone that has convinced him she has eyes only for him.

I think that is why I am feeling anxious, the vanity or the idea of giving so much to someone who is capable of pretending for her own selfish reasons - likely because she is afraid - by manipulation. It is not the cheating, really, but rather the manipulation, the capacity to look at someone and tell them something that isn't true. It is seriously fucked up.
Akanthinos January 02, 2018 at 04:16 #139160
Quoting TimeLine
While the intention may be honourable, if my focal was on the boys and not the man, then what exactly happens to empathy?


You still ended up acting per the need of the person, and not per your need to teach those kids a lesson (or if you did, you took a terrible way of acheiving that goal).

How can you distinguish between showing off as a reason to act and showing off as an incentive to the action? I don't think I would trust my own ratiocinations. That's the origins of the dumb "people are only ever altruist for selfish reasons".
Noble Dust January 02, 2018 at 04:25 #139162
Reply to TimeLine

Who can say other than you? Via your description, it sounds like you're pure of heart (self-doubt/reservations and all). But, given the fact that you wanted to post about it here, that could mean 1) you are indeed pure of heart, and so disturbed that you felt the need to seek a second opinion anywhere you could; the TPF in this case, or 2) you subconsciously know that you do indeed derive pleasure from seeing someone who hurt you go through pain, and, in order to legitimize this subconscious knowledge, you posted the dilemma here with the caveat of you being seemingly pure of heart in order to (subconsciously) legitimize the pleasure you derive from seeing that person in anguish. This would be a way of rationalizing the pleasure.
TimeLine January 02, 2018 at 05:08 #139165
Quoting Noble Dust
2) you subconsciously know that you do indeed derive pleasure from seeing someone who hurt you go through pain, and, in order to legitimize this subconscious knowledge, you posted the dilemma here with the caveat of you being seemingly pure of heart in order to (subconsciously) legitimize the pleasure you derive from seeing that person in anguish. This would be a way of rationalizing the pleasure.


Think about how you may feel if you were told that a person you know has been cheated on; that information instantly places you into an uncomfortable situation.

I do make it my prerogative to interrogate all possible or likely Epicurean scenarios and I have noticed in others a superficiality behind their reactions to moral situations, a very conformed publicity of behaviour that I believe Camus was attempting to clarify in The Outsider. Being conscious of that, however, does not suddenly make me immune to it.

When we experience something pleasurable, our mind instantly desires a continuity of this feeling because of the sensation inasmuch as it avoids feelings of angst, and I know that when I see something bad I both avoid or ignore it and desire humour or comedy more than usual. The fact that I found out and it has constantly been on my mind makes me concerned, but I believe that the primary reason it is on my mind is the anticipation. It is a negative anticipation, though, because I feel anxiety when I think about it and the anticipation itself is the probable scenarios of what will happen when he finds out, which I am sure will not be good (I am thinking whore of Babylon, apocalyptic scenarios here). I am wishing I was never told because I don't like the feeling.

As for my reasoning behind posting it here, there have been times that I am shocked when unconscious truths suddenly float to the surface and so I am well aware that I am capable of deceiving myself. I speak openly of personal concerns here because of the anonymity is allows, to hear the wisdom others can offer, and the brutality or opposing suggestions it can offer until I can flesh out the unlikely.

I also do not believe in this "pure of heart" but rather a rational attempt to dissect my own moral worthiness.
Noble Dust January 02, 2018 at 05:20 #139167
Quoting TimeLine
Think about how you may feel if you were told that a person you know has been cheated on; that information instantly places you into an uncomfortable situation.


It does; I've been there. He knew, too, and he was one of my closest friends. I've also been on the other end of the spectrum, where one of my closest friends side-swiped me and took the girl I was interested in. Not to mention a few other scenarios that I'd rather not bring up on the interwebs. So? The personal emotions do tend to cloud our view of the reality; that's what I was trying to suggest as a possibility in the scenario you presented with my 2). I could be wrong. When this soap opera stuff happens, we tend to find the most pleasure in the enumeration of what happens, and in clearing ourselves of all wrong.

Quoting TimeLine
I am wishing I was never told because I don't like the feeling.


Right, that I can identify with.

Quoting TimeLine
I also do not believe in this "pure of heart" but rather a rational attempt to dissect my own moral worthiness.


Worthy of what?


Noble Dust January 02, 2018 at 05:27 #139168
Reply to TimeLine

Also, the main thrust of my point 2) there was that this was someone who hurt you. You asking me to put myself in your shoes and consider "how you may feel if you were told that a person you know has been cheated on" doesn't take into account the issue of this person being someone who hurt you. The issue of whether you derive any pleasure from the situation appears to be on this exact basis; it was someone who hurt you (or at least was "once not so nice" to you).
TimeLine January 02, 2018 at 05:40 #139170
Quoting Noble Dust
Worthy of what?


The grounds for my belief in my own virtue. It is easy to follow a system or image and show the world that we are good people because we are obedient, but what relevance is that if our subjective intent or will is merely to be congratulated by others? Other people do not define me and whilst epistemically I am mostly through this social determinism, I work hard to take advantage of the cognitive tools that enable conscious autonomy from society.

Quoting Noble Dust
The personal emotions do tend to cloud our view of the reality; that's what I was trying to suggest as a possibility in the scenario you presented with my 2).


It can be even deeper than that, where you can actually make yourself believe in a lie that you tell yourself because the angst is unbearable. That is an extreme, I know, but sometimes we do work in the shadows of this extreme.

Quoting Noble Dust
The issue of whether you derive any pleasure from the situation appears to be on this exact basis; it was someone who hurt you (or at least was "once not so nice" to you).


I initially wrote that but I decided to delete it because as I was writing you, I actually said I instantly forgave his wrongdoing when I found out that his girlfriend cheated on him to justify my sympathy for him. That is a pretty disturbing thing to say, as though satisfied that he is now punished for his former behaviour. I don't think he deserves it, to be honest, and upon reflection he never really did anything bad to me either, it was just behavioural.
Noble Dust January 02, 2018 at 05:47 #139171
Quoting TimeLine
The grounds for my belief in my own virtue. It is easy to follow a system or image and show the world that we are good people because we are obedient, but what relevance is that if our subjective intent or will is merely to be congratulated by others? Other people do not define me and whilst epistemically I am mostly through this social determinism, I work hard to take advantage of the cognitive tools that enable conscious autonomy from society.


How is this different from nihilism?

Quoting TimeLine
I initially wrote that but I decided to delete it because as I was writing you, I actually said I instantly forgave his wrongdoing when I found out that his girlfriend cheated on him to justify my sympathy for him. That is a pretty disturbing thing to say, as though satisfied that he is now punished for his former behaviour. I don't think he deserves it, to be honest, and upon reflection he never really did anything bad to me either, it was just behavioural.


Again, only you know the answer there, but that sounds like what I was describing with 2).
TimeLine January 02, 2018 at 05:48 #139172
Quoting Noble Dust
How is this different from nihilism?


How is it nihilistic?
Noble Dust January 02, 2018 at 05:53 #139173
Reply to TimeLine

If "The grounds for [your] belief in [your] own virtue" are what constitute your moral worthiness (but not mine? Does my moral worthiness come into play there, or no?), then what's stopping me from having different moral grounds which conflict with yours? What if cheating is ok, based on the grounds of my belief in my own virtue? And if these grounds conflict, and the conflict is ok, then what predicates the value of your moral grounds vs. mine?
Noble Dust January 02, 2018 at 05:55 #139174
Reply to TimeLine

And, if the conflict is ok, what predicates your personal moral worthiness within the actual world?
Noble Dust January 02, 2018 at 06:02 #139175
Reply to TimeLine

Also, '"The grounds for [your] belief in [your] own virtue" are what constitute your moral worthiness' is circulatory, which is actually the main issue with your argument, I think.

TimeLine January 02, 2018 at 06:21 #139176
Quoting Noble Dust
If "The grounds for [your] belief in [your] own virtue" are what constitute your moral worthiness (but not mine? Does my moral worthiness come into play there, or no?), then what's stopping me from having different moral grounds which conflict with yours? What if cheating is ok, based on the grounds of my belief in my own virtue? And if these grounds conflict, and the conflict is ok, then what predicates the value of your moral grounds vs. mine?


Your moral worthiness is yours. By transcending society or through transcendental freedom, you enable the primacy of autonomy and free-will where you develop a personal system of self-regulation (your own moral laws) that motivate you to act. Knowledge is merely a negotiation or interaction with the external world that develops the language that will articulate and ground your values. Without the freedom of the will, though, you are trapped in an impression of consciousness where you identify with and are influenced by others vis-a-vis moral conduct. Aside from the categorical imperative, given that more than one person agrees that such conduct is morally true does not authenticate the substance, the will, the motivation and only this intrinsic quality enables any genuine worth to virtue.

It is not nihilism, but a transcendence from nihilism to rationalism.
Noble Dust January 02, 2018 at 06:28 #139177
Quoting TimeLine
Your moral worthiness is yours.


No it's not; if it is, I can do whatever I like, no matter how morally heinous.

Quoting TimeLine
By transcending society or transcendental freedom,


Are you equating the two?

Quoting TimeLine
Knowledge is merely a negotiation or interaction with the external world that develops the language that will articulate and ground your values. Without the freedom of the will, though, you are trapped in an impression of consciousness where you identify with and are influenced by others vis-a-vis moral conduct. Aside from the categorical imperative, given that more than one person agrees that such conduct is morally true does not authenticate the substance, the will, the motivation and only this intrinsic quality enables any genuine worth to virtue.


I have no idea what this means.

Akanthinos January 02, 2018 at 06:29 #139178
Quoting TimeLine
I wonder what happened!


Serious behavioural problems.

Worker A was the most unpleasant lady I have ever met in my life. Just absolutely bitter in every worst ways possible. In almost 3 years of service with our corporation, I have never heard say anything not mean or cruel or sarcastic, and I'm not going into hyperbole. While everyone had problems with her, and she had problems with everybody, she was especially cruel to the cleaning staff. At first I thought she was racist but she singled out one of the nicest lady that clean in our office and started calling her trash and spilling stuff on the ground when she would see her. About 2 months ago that lady stopped coming in to work, and we just learned a while ago that it was because worker A had assaulted her when they met on the bus by (bad) luck. Apparently it took that long for HR to realise worker A was just a terrible person and a liability.

Worker B was somewhat my fault. I mean, I don't feel any guilt whatsoever, but I still feel shitty he got canned 2 weeks before Christmas. Very long story short, I caught worker B in a flagrant lie a little less than a year ago. On a non work-related, but in a work context, and in public. I should've let go, but since it wasn't the first time and I was just really aggravated, I called him out on it. Ever since, he's been making bogus complaints to HR about me harrassing him. At first HR was forced to investigate every reports, assume they were true, and then act on them. That really wasn't fun for me. So I did absolutely everything I could to remove myself from any situation where I had to have contact with Worker B, haven't actually spoken to him in about 6-7 months. Since the complaints kept coming, one of the directors flew in and spoke to me about it. I think he realized pretty well that there was no grounds to any of the stuff in the complaints (or whatever was real had been so heavily deformed that it didn't constitute anything that could be reprimanded) because I came back from a long vacation to learn that my boss had decided to fire Worker B.

Well, that felt oddly therapeutic.
Hanover January 02, 2018 at 06:32 #139179
Quoting TimeLine
As an authority of myself, I know that I am not. I thrive in the brutality of honesty and have no patience for someone who is projecting his own disappointed desires by attempting to make me feel uncomfortable for my choices by telling me to be "overt and get online" what, with you?

Careful now, I do bite.


Not real sure where all that comes from, even should I have misread your initial question and read in some degree of hostile attraction to the antagonist (which makes a far better story btw), but I do agree with the basic proposition that a universal cure all of all ills is abandoning one's self to me. I didn't suggest that here though, not at least this time.

I do like me some salt.


TimeLine January 02, 2018 at 06:33 #139180
Quoting Noble Dust
No it's not; if it is, I can do whatever I like, no matter how morally heinous.


That is why we have the categorical imperative, universal moral laws that are supreme to our autonomy, pretty much a beefed up version of the Golden Rule. As for the rest, here, read, I am on the tram and I really cannot be bothered writing on this phone anymore. Ill get to the rest when I get home in a couple of hours.
Noble Dust January 02, 2018 at 06:36 #139181
Quoting TimeLine
That is why we have the categorical imperative


Who says we do? Kant?
Akanthinos January 02, 2018 at 06:48 #139185
Quoting Noble Dust
No it's not; if it is, I can do whatever I like, no matter how morally heinous.


Yes, but can you do something you recognize as morally heinous and not recognize yourself as someone who is capable of morally heinous act?

And if you can't while we can, can that not be the ground for our disgust toward your morality?

All hypothetically speaking, I'm (more or less) sure you are a morally upstanding fellow.
Noble Dust January 02, 2018 at 06:56 #139187
Quoting Akanthinos
Yes, but can you do something you recognize as morally heinous and not recognize yourself as someone who is capable of morally heinous act?


Not within Reply to TimeLine's concept of my moral worthiness being only my own, no. If I dictate my own moral worthiness, then nothing I do could be too morally unworthy or too morally worthy.

TimeLine January 02, 2018 at 06:59 #139189
Quoting Hanover
I do like me some salt.


I was merely being reciprocal, though I will ensure that I avoid this should the rage of 500,000 scoville heat units be ignited. While abandoning my will to the whims of a man is almost next to impossible, the idea has - just now - kindled a rather primitive and instinctual desire in me and I am officially disturbed. You do have a way.

Quoting Noble Dust
Who says we do? Kant?


Reason.

Quoting Noble Dust
If I dictate my own moral worthiness, then nothing I could be too morally unworthy or too morally worthy.


You clearly are having trouble understanding Kant's moral system.
Noble Dust January 02, 2018 at 07:00 #139190
Quoting TimeLine
You clearly are having trouble understanding Kant's moral system.


No; I'm using my own moral system to interface with yours; do you have one, or just Kant's?
TimeLine January 02, 2018 at 07:01 #139191
Quoting Noble Dust
No; I'm using my own moral system to interface with yours; do you have one, or just Kant's?


Yeah, our conversation is coming to an end, methinks. I did try.
Noble Dust January 02, 2018 at 07:02 #139192
Akanthinos January 02, 2018 at 07:07 #139194
Quoting Noble Dust
If I dictate my own moral worthiness, then nothing I do could be too morally unworthy or too morally worthy.


Perhaps you are assuming too much freedom in the possibility to direct morality? Perhaps, once you start dictating terms of moral worthiness, you necessarily end up (perhaps after quite a bit of work) at the same result?
TimeLine January 02, 2018 at 07:19 #139195
Quoting Akanthinos
While everyone had problems with her, and she had problems with everybody, she was especially cruel to the cleaning staff.


People are assholes but that lady sounds psychotic. It was clear that she desired power and she selectively chose a kind and vulnerable person that she was capable of antagonising. It is the violence of a bully - whether physical or psychological - that can have a profound affect on a person and I really hope that lady is not severely injured. While you may have not had the best experience with B, I am still of the opinion that whenever you see such bad behaviour - even if not directed to you - report it to HR so they have it on file. They don't need to act, but the more reports that flow through about a given person, the more likely they can manage and/or root out such behaviour long before injuries.

Here is to hoping that you have the best 2018 without such people.
Noble Dust January 02, 2018 at 07:21 #139196
Reply to Akanthinos

I don't know; are you responding to the scenario I wrote there, or to what you think my moral position actually is? I can't really respond properly until I know.
Akanthinos January 02, 2018 at 07:22 #139197
Quoting Noble Dust
I don't know; are you responding to the scenario I wrote there, or to what you think I moral position actually is? I can't really respond properly until I know.


To the scenario, of course!
Noble Dust January 02, 2018 at 07:23 #139198
Reply to Akanthinos

The scenario was within Timeline's concept; not mine; so you appear to be arguing against her, not me.
Benkei January 02, 2018 at 09:51 #139216
Reply to TimeLine Reply to Akanthinos

I've always thought a person's true moral worth is how they treat animals when nobody's looking.

Since working I've added how they treat people of lower status than themselves. I've lost jobs twice for standing up against bosses who mistreated their employees. Unfortunately, it never changed a thing for the better (I do get to look myself in the mirror each day without shame, so that's a win). Now I'm keen on becoming a "boss" myself and getting it right as I think high morals inspire people and are an important aspect of motivation and pride in the work place and company culture. 2018 is hopefully the year I can get it done and I hope the realities of your own company doesn't mean I have to compromise and that I can live up to that ideal.

So, that said, do any of you have any ideas on developing a hiring process to get people who will speak up in the face of inequality and unfairness and will speak truth to power?
Agustino January 02, 2018 at 10:06 #139220
Quoting TimeLine
There was this guy that once was not so nice to me and though I have forgiven and moved on, I found out recently from someone who knows his girlfriend that she has cheated on him and he doesn't know about it. I am deeply troubled by this and I actually feel very sorry for him because I think he sacrificed a number of his best years for her and she is just manipulating him. He has a very powerful disposition too, the only man who has ever made me feel like he could control me (probably why I hated him so much) and no doubt she is lying because it would be very dangerous if he found out.

How do you know this is the truth though? Maybe she didn't cheat. I mean unless you saw it yourself, then it will always remain somewhat doubtful in my mind. People usually spread lots of lies.
Erik January 02, 2018 at 10:38 #139227
Quoting Benkei
So, that said, do any of you have any ideas on developing a hiring process to get people who will speak up in the face of inequality and unfairness and will speak truth to power?


I liked your post, Benkei, and think you're right to associate ethical leadership with long-term business success. Contrary to what many people assume, the two are entirely compatible.

In general I think people want to be a part of something special, something in which their own interests are aligned with the interests of others, and they want to work collectively on providing something that benefits the larger community, even if only in mundane ways. The profits will come IMO if the other things are in place, assuming of course that you have a product or service that people want. I run a restaurant, for example, and if the food wasn't good then even the most progressive, employee-friendly culture, combined with the best service imaginable, wouldn't matter and we'd be out of business.

I've worked for complete assholes quite a few times in my life, unfortunately, who treat their employees, vendors, and, on occasion, even their customers like crap, yet some are very successful because of their knowledge of quality food and their ability to execute every essential aspect of the business consistently. So being a good person isn't enough, you also have to be skilled at what you do.

Anyhow, I think one very important thing to do would be to lay out the company culture you're trying to implement to prospective employees during the (thorough) hiring process. Tell them up front what type of person you're looking for, what the goals of the company are, what you expect from them, what they should expect from you, etc. Make it as transparent as possible so they can be held accountable if you decide to give them a shot. This will likely weed out those who may not share your values or your overall outlook.

In addition to those generalities I guess I'd have to get more info on the specific type of business you're planning on operating before offering more pedestrian advice. I assumed you were an attorney.

Benkei January 02, 2018 at 11:03 #139231
Reply to Erik Thanks for your ideas on this. I'm planning on getting a good HR manager in the board. Although I have a bit of a grasp on motivation psychology as a personal interest, organizational psychology is different. And with a startup you're hoping for rapid growth so you need an HR strategy to support that if it happens.

The type of company would be a financial services company involved in the clearing of transactions. I'm still in the process of defining the functional requirements for an IT system to do a particular thing no other company can (and probably won't think off). Should be done before February and then I'm (and my 2 partners) going to need an investor to take it forward.

Nothing legal just a creative idea that needs brilliant execution to work and therefore we will need brilliant programmers and connectivity specialists. If it works we'll be saving billions and the benefits will flow down to ordinary citizens. It's socially relevant too, which basically makes it a dream for me... I'm totally hyped about it! :D
TimeLine January 02, 2018 at 11:06 #139234
Quoting Benkei
So, that said, do any of you have any ideas on developing a hiring process to get people who will speak up in the face of inequality and unfairness and will speak truth to power?


This is fantastic and you are already setting the cultural foundation by being conscious of this, hopefully not merely for your own protection but for the health and well being of your employees. I have always believed in equality and while there is a hierarchical structure in business (for which each person is adequately compensated), equality of respect is so important, like recognising your cleaners by asking them to come along to the christmas party. Those little things matter because workplace culture is the most important aspect to prevention of such health and safety concerns.

I did quite a bit while I completed my masters in human rights law on liability and workplace rights and in particular bullying legislation and policy changes in my state and from experience I would recommend, that you ensure all induction or on-boarding includes signed completion of training modules relating to sexual harassment and bullying. I have found that many people are not even aware of what bullying actually is, that it can be direct or indirect, deliberately excluding, giving too much work or too little, belittling or humiliating etc, but the most important is that sometimes it is not obvious. This should be renewed every twelve months (the training). You should also set standards through a code of conduct and workplace policies as well as regularly provide or give access to resources, which should include response procedures and reporting mechanisms. This should also include effective management practices. I also think having representatives who work for you as "culture people" that should form relationships with HR so that they can work on the ground to promote a positive culture, but also be there as a potential person for staff to voice their concerns. This is usually more for medium-sized business, but it can be scaled down as I take it you are not starting a large company. And, employing good staff. That is the hardest bit but write particular questions in your interviews that addresses how they view things like equality. Finally, a system of openness where people should feel comfortable addressing issues without being ostracised; an effective reporting system of any issues, for instance, and being proactive in your duty of care. Good culture is a trickle down process, which means leadership team need to be responsible and effective.

As for leadership, I am learning that all new myself and it can be tough. I have found, though, that being down to earth and warm, and just being relaxed is enough to make people feel comfortable to be open with me. I talk about personal things and am open to emails (I work nationally so people I work with are across the country) or 'Friday Feels' where we share funny stories and good news stories about family and achievements etc. A lot of people worry that you need to act as a leader, to be a certain way in order to be effective, but I found that I can use my qualities of introversion and kindness to my own advantage rather than try to fabricate an assertive or distant leader, which will cause me stress and then I would start doing the wrong things. I have been told that when people come to my place, they really feel at "home" or comfortable and I bring the same comfort to people at work, a type of effortless and relaxed manner. That is because I am being myself. You should too.
TimeLine January 02, 2018 at 11:14 #139237
Quoting Benkei
It's socially relevant too, which basically makes it a dream for me... I'm totally hyped about it


Good luck man!
Erik January 02, 2018 at 11:19 #139239
Reply to Benkei Ooh that sounds like a great plan! Best of luck to you and your partners. And yes, definitely create the type of exceptional company culture right from the start that draws in talented people, preferably the type who aren't completely obsessed over money at the expense of those 'higher' values that the team you're endeavoring to create will be inspired by. They're out there, I think, just waiting for an opportunity to work for a company whose values and ideals are congenial to their own. But, to re-emphasize, the money will likely come in abundance if those other non-quantifiable aspects are in place. That's the paradox of running a successful business which "number crunchers" are often oblivious to, at least in my experience.
ArguingWAristotleTiff January 02, 2018 at 11:48 #139244
Quoting Benkei
Nothing legal just a creative idea that needs brilliant execution to work and therefore we will need brilliant programmers and connectivity specialists.


Benkei, it goes without saying that if you have a need for connectivity specialist here in the states, NicK is available. (Y)
Erik January 02, 2018 at 12:05 #139246
TimeLine offered a lot of solid advice above. There are some interesting and extremely complex issues when it comes to authority and hierarchy in the workplace. The authority can be benevolent in striving to create a positive, inclusive, more democratically-inclined culture, but ultimately, in my experience, there has to be some authority, and a certain level of respect for the company leadership from lower level employees. It may be different in other occupations, where you have different types or a different quality of worker, but I'd be pretty surprised if that were so.

So there's a fine line between, on the one hand, valuing your employees on a personal level, along with the important contributions they'll make to your company beyond just following orders and going through the motions, and on the other hand, maybe allowing them a bit too much freedom to say or do what they feel like, which can quickly descend to a lack of respect for the leadership for being spineless. It's tough to articulate the golden mean there, but I think it's essential to get the right type of employees at the start through that exhaustive background check, the interview process, laying out the company's goals and values, and the like. That way you'll prevent major headaches before they have a chance to arise, because if they do they'll occupy a lot of your time and energy.

In all honesty, even here at TPF there are some really smart people who IMO would likely make lousy employees if their position involved working within a team. I say this not only for the likes of Agustino >:O but also (especially?!) for some who adhere--at least in the abstract--to extremely progressive political and social positions. It's a rare human being, even among the best, who can embody a sense of justice and fairness without these being at least slightly affected by their own biases and interests--in other words their ego--and an employee who feels aggrieved in some way (through comparative pay, through what they feel is unfair scheduling, through a lack of what they perceive to be due recognition, or whatever else) can, no, WILL, become a toxic influence on the overall work environment.

Agustino January 02, 2018 at 13:09 #139267
Quoting Erik
In all honesty even here at TPF there are some really smart people who IMO would make lousy employees if their position involved working within a team. I say this not only for the likes of Agustino ( >:O) but also (especially?!) for some who adhere--at least in the abstract--to extremely progressive political and social positions.

Yes, actually that is one of the reasons why I found myself gravitating towards self-employment and now entrepreneurship. Working in a team often involves lots of petty politics ('Friday Feels', as TimeLine says) and other nonsense that I have no patience for. Pff - imagine me at a "Friday feel" - give me a break >:O

And this was ever since I was a child, growing up, in school, in University, and in work. I just couldn't work well in groups where things weren't clearly laid out.

I tend to be unable to work in a team when the roles aren't clear. For example, when I was 16-17 and I worked in construction as a laborer, I could work there because I knew that I don't take any decisions, I just execute them. And I was quite good at it, because unlike other employees I never complained about working conditions, I wasn't lazy, etc.

But I cannot bear being given some authority in decision-making, and hence bearing some responsibility for the outcome, and then have some twat ruin it because he wants to do it his way. If I'm given some authority, then I should have all of it. The body cannot have two heads.
ArguingWAristotleTiff January 02, 2018 at 13:16 #139269
Quoting Agustino
The body cannot have two heads.

Really now? There are some males that say quite the opposite! :D

Agustino January 02, 2018 at 13:18 #139271
Quoting ArguingWAristotleTiff
Really now? There are some males that say quite the opposite! :D

>:O LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL... Yes, but those same males will tell you that when one head rules, the other is silent - so effectively, the body still has only one head ;)
ArguingWAristotleTiff January 02, 2018 at 13:22 #139272
Quoting Agustino
Yes, but those same males will tell you that when one head rules, the other is silent - so effectively, the body still has only one head ;)


I am so glad I am a woman. (Y)
Agustino January 02, 2018 at 13:28 #139273
Reply to ArguingWAristotleTiff Which head is nicer to deal with do you think? One head seems to be quite dumb, so I imagine it's easy to trick it, but at the same time it's very energetic. The other head is lazier, and more calculated, so you have to reason with it. Seems like both have advantages and disadvantages - are higher energy and vigour preferable to greater intelligence and laziness?
Benkei January 02, 2018 at 13:30 #139274
Reply to TimeLine Thank you very much for this. It gives me a few handholds to think about solutions for this challenge. Luckily, I already have a headstart because my two partners are women. (Y) 8-)
ArguingWAristotleTiff January 02, 2018 at 13:37 #139275
Quoting Agustino
Which head is nicer to deal with do you think?


MMm the word "nicer" makes your question more complicated. Which head is easier to deal with? Now that I can tell you with absolute certainty, the lower head is MUCH easier to deal with. ;)
Benkei January 02, 2018 at 14:23 #139288
Reply to ArguingWAristotleTiff Get your head out of the gutter.
ArguingWAristotleTiff January 02, 2018 at 15:20 #139309
Quoting Benkei
Get your head out of the gutter


Can I borrow the ladder you used? :P
praxis January 02, 2018 at 16:20 #139318
Quoting TimeLine
I don't think he deserves it, to be honest, and upon reflection he never really did anything bad to me either, it was just behavioural.


A curious thought. By “behavioral” do you mean something like unconsciously reactive? If so, are you suggesting that we’re less responsible for our more conditioned or habitual responses? I strongly disagree if that is the case.
Agustino January 02, 2018 at 18:47 #139333
Reply to ArguingWAristotleTiff This response is rather confusing for me because which head is the lower one is relative... relative to whether the person is lying down, standing, etc. :-O
Hanover January 02, 2018 at 19:43 #139339
Quoting Benkei
The type of company would be a financial services company involved in the clearing of transactions. I'm still in the process of defining the functional requirements for an IT system to do a particular thing no other company can (and probably won't think off). Should be done before February and then I'm (and my 2 partners) going to need an investor to take it forward.


In need of an investor? Welcome to the Shark Tank.
Hanover January 02, 2018 at 19:50 #139342
I have a business idea, but it would require Baden to "work" for me full time. Is there anyone out there who can "help" me along so that he'll be convinced to "do" what he needs to for my "business"?
Benkei January 02, 2018 at 19:52 #139345
Reply to Hanover whatever does that mean?
ArguingWAristotleTiff January 02, 2018 at 19:57 #139347
Quoting Agustino
This response is rather confusing for me because which head is the lower one is relative... relative to whether the person is lying down, standing, etc


Agustino, stand up on your own two feet and the head that is lower than your waist is the easier one to deal with. Do I need to have @Hanover make you a sketch? Maybe a doodle by @praxis or @TimeLine? Let me know what kind of visual aid you need.
Agustino January 02, 2018 at 20:24 #139349
Quoting ArguingWAristotleTiff
doodle


Reply to ArguingWAristotleTiff >:O I need a doodle made by none other than mcdoodle!
Hanover January 02, 2018 at 22:03 #139368
Note to self: leave water dripping when it falls below 15 F. User image
Hanover January 02, 2018 at 22:12 #139370
Some kid ran into my car too. User image
mcdoodle January 02, 2018 at 22:12 #139371
Reply to Agustino I hear the wind call my name...
mcdoodle January 02, 2018 at 22:17 #139374
ArguingWAristotleTiff January 02, 2018 at 22:21 #139376
Quoting Hanover
Note to self: leave water dripping when it falls below 15 F.


Quoting Hanover
Some kid ran into my car too


Dude, bad day! Did the kid have insurance?
TimeLine January 03, 2018 at 06:09 #139478
Quoting Agustino
How do you know this is the truth though? Maybe she didn't cheat. I mean unless you saw it yourself, then it will always remain somewhat doubtful in my mind. People usually spread lots of lies.


If one wants to know whether their girlfriend cheated on them, all they need to do is ask. You can always tell from the response someone gives you, or at least that something is up and eventually the truth comes out. Anyway, I was just interested in the morality of my reaction to the possibility of finding out someone I know has been cheated on.
Agustino January 03, 2018 at 09:33 #139495
Quoting TimeLine
If one wants to know whether their girlfriend cheated on them, all they need to do is ask.

:-O I don't see how that is true. Say I am a woman, and you ask me if your boyfriend cheated on you. I may say "oh, I definitely heard some rumours" and leave it at that because I like your boyfriend, and I want you to break up with him so that I can be with him in your place. So by all means "asking" isn't a good way to approach this problem.
TimeLine January 03, 2018 at 09:49 #139497
Quoting Agustino
Say I am a woman


I had my suspicions.

Quoting Agustino
So by all means "asking" isn't a good way to approach this problem.


That is a totally different arrangement because there is no dependency on trust as one would have in an intimate relationship. You are close enough and share enough to be open about these things and you can always tell when things are not right.

I do see where you are coming from, though. I know this guy who told his partner things about other women - like how they flirt with him and what not - as a so-called way of being open and honest in their relationship, but what he was saying about others was actually slander, they were untruths. Who knows what the motivation was behind that, maybe to try and pretend that he can be trustworthy, or to make her jealous, I don't know. People are complex and disturbing and forever fascinating.
Agustino January 03, 2018 at 09:57 #139498
Quoting TimeLine
That is a totally different arrangement because there is no dependency on trust as one would have in an intimate relationship. You are close enough and share enough to be open about these things and you can always tell when things are not right.

Hmmm, I don't think there is much "trust" in a relationship where cheating occurs. There are ways to catch people - similar tactics as were used by some of the Soviets >:) . If one day, for example, your boyfriend comes to you and says "TimeLine, I am very disappointed in you... Why did you cheat on me?!", then if you did cheat, you will be very tempted to admit to it than risk making your situation even worse by lying again. So even if he doesn't actually know that you cheated, by framing the question that way, he stands a good chance of finding out. However, such tactics do backfire in the case that you didn't cheat on him since your trust in him would be shaken, not to mention that you would be disappointed and upset at him.

Quoting TimeLine
I know this guy who told his partner things about other women - like how they flirt with him and what not - as a so-called way of being open and honest in their relationship, but what he was saying about others was actually slander, they were untruths. Who knows what the motivation was behind that, maybe to try and pretend that he can be trustworthy, or to make her jealous, I don't know.

(1) that helps "open up" his girl to the possibility of him cheating on her, so she gets used to it in advance.
(2) that makes her think he's really valuable and she can't afford to lose him.
(3) that makes her think that he tells her everything, so she will fully trust him.
Shawn January 04, 2018 at 06:07 #139719
It's a wonderful day in this neighborhood... It's a wonderful day in this neighborhood... Will you be mine? Could you be mine?


Oops wrong thread.
Noble Dust January 04, 2018 at 06:12 #139720
Reply to Posty McPostface

Nah, right thread. Giddeup
Shawn January 04, 2018 at 07:12 #139726
Reply to Noble Dust

Mr. Rogers sure was a nice guy, ain't that the truth?
Noble Dust January 04, 2018 at 07:18 #139728
TimeLine January 04, 2018 at 07:38 #139732
Quoting Agustino
There are ways to catch people - similar tactics as were used by some of the Soviets


And @Bitter Crank thinks that I have a problem.

Quoting Agustino
If one day, for example, your boyfriend comes to you and says "TimeLine, I am very disappointed in you... Why did you cheat on me?!", then if you did cheat, you will be very tempted to admit to it than risk making your situation even worse by lying again.


Codswallop. If you asked your girlfriend whether she had cheated on you, the first thing she is going to do is deny it. However, first let there be some legitimacy before asking like you have detected her behaviour as different, that she has distanced herself from habits that you once did together, or where there is less physical contact and changes in how she dresses and does her hair etc, or signals that make you concerned. You should also accept the potential ramifications should your queries turn out false and it should be decided prior to asking whether that is a risk you are willing to take. She will forgive you for it.

We once had a forensic scientist speak to us about criminal behaviour and how to detect liars and it is more about how you ask in order to ascertain any irregularity in both the patterns of behaviour and their actual responses. That is why I said that if you are in an intimate relationship, the ability to detect these irregularities should be easier. You should question in a calm and inquisitive manner and not a vicious one and this will allow her to continue talking but the tone or manner of her voice will change. She may then have an awkward energy, like sitting still or just physically you can tell from her body that she is unusual. She could possibly have funny looks, her eyes in particular would move to the left or stare out.

To plan out her story, how to respond to the allegations, she would probably stop for a moment as she plans. If she blurts out nonsense (the best self-defence mechanism is reverse-psychology so she may start to blame or attack you and draw attention away) but that is obvious. A good liar faced with the immediacy of such anxiety would plan a story and then she would then use hand gestures like finger-pointing Clinton to try and solidify her story as 'truth'.

Quoting Agustino
(1) that helps "open up" his girl to the possibility of him cheating on her, so she gets used to it in advance.
(2) that makes her think he's really valuable and she can't afford to lose him.
(3) that makes her think that he tells her everything, so she will fully trust him.


Shit, that's full on in a disturbing sort of way. :-#
BC January 04, 2018 at 08:08 #139737
Reply to Posty McPostface Dear Mr. Rogers is lucky he died before someone accused him of sexual misconduct 30 years earlier by patting them on the back (between the shoulder blades, with their winter coat on) as he told her to get the hell out of his neighborhood.

Just joking, Fred. RIP
BC January 04, 2018 at 08:20 #139739
Quoting TimeLine
changes in how she dresses and does her hair etc, or signals that make you concerned.


"Like, before she wore her hair in a bun under a quaker bonnet with dark heavy mid-calf length dresses and brown work boots. Then all of a sudden she starts going out in miniskirts, fishnet stocking, spike heels, black leather bustiers, and a shaved head."

"Naturally, I was surprised," he reluctantly admitted.

"Darling" I queried. "What has happened to you? Was it something I said?"
Agustino January 04, 2018 at 11:59 #139778
Quoting TimeLine
Codswallop. If you asked your girlfriend whether she had cheated on you, the first thing she is going to do is deny it.

Of course, but you need to push it a bit more, and show that you are certain about it, then she will admit. Though it is true that it doesn't work on everyone. Some people will deny even if you have a movie of it and play it in front of them >:O

Quoting TimeLine
However, first let there be some legitimacy before asking like you have detected her behaviour as different, that she has distanced herself from habits that you once did together, or where there is less physical contact and changes in how she dresses and does her hair etc, or signals that make you concerned.

Hmm, I'm not sure if those actions are sufficient to grant you legitimacy for doing such a thing. It is true that they could be present if she is cheating, BUT they could also be present for a whole host of many other reasons which are often more probable. It also depends on what you know about their character, what they like, etc.

Quoting TimeLine
You should also accept the potential ramifications should your queries turn out false and it should be decided prior to asking whether that is a risk you are willing to take. She will forgive you for it.

I don't think she will forgive if she didn't do anything, I think she'd be horrified, and, even if she ends up forgiving, she will always remember it and use it against you. Overall, a TERRIBLE outcome if you happen to be wrong.

Quoting TimeLine
We once had a forensic scientist speak to us about criminal behaviour and how to detect liars and it is more about how you ask in order to ascertain any irregularity in both the patterns of behaviour and their actual responses. That is why I said that if you are in an intimate relationship, the ability to detect these irregularities should be easier. You should question in a calm and inquisitive manner and not a vicious one and this will allow her to continue talking but the tone or manner of her voice will change. She may then have an awkward energy, like sitting still or just physically you can tell from her body that she is unusual. She could possibly have funny looks, her eyes in particular would move to the left or stare out.

Forensic scientists usually operate within certain set frameworks, where such responses usually are highly indicative of lying or deception. But in regular interactions, such irregularities may just come from the fact that the person is feeling uncertain about their future, they're not sure about what they ought to do, they are not feeling particularly well at the time, etc. In other words, Bayesian probability ought to convince you that cheating is only one of the tiny possibilities for such behaviour. Now, as I said above, trust is important in a relationship. If you take actions which diminish trust, the relationship will fail. You cannot act on hunches, and suppositions, and possibilities. This is quite the opposite of forensic scientists, because trust is irrelevant there.
Michael January 04, 2018 at 12:13 #139792
Anyone mind if I move the #MeToo stuff out of the Shoutbox?
Jamal January 04, 2018 at 12:15 #139793
Michael January 04, 2018 at 12:20 #139795
Reply to jamalrob Done, in the imaginatively titled #MeToo.
TimeLine January 04, 2018 at 19:58 #139931
Quoting Agustino
I don't think she will forgive if she didn't do anything, I think she'd be horrified, and, even if she ends up forgiving, she will always remember it and use it against you. Overall, a TERRIBLE outcome if you happen to be wrong.


I think that if you are suspicious or concerned that your girlfriend is cheating on you, you are already in a terrible predicament. Imagine living with that? Either she has, or you have a problem. Either way, fleshing this out is necessary and if the result is some issues between you, issues that can be resolved either by resolving them or breaking up, surely an actual outcome is better than holding back that misery you are feeling. This misery can manifest in many different ways too; I once met a man who had shut down and being on auto-pilot was completely controlled by his partner. It is disturbing how people tolerate unhappiness.

As for whether you are concerned about her, you should know whatever it is. However, going back to your three points about how a man manipulates a woman into trusting him, the whole makes her think that he tells her everything, so she will fully trust him, if he thinks he has her controlled, he may not suspect anything.

In that case, such people probably deserve each other.
Agustino January 04, 2018 at 20:01 #139932
Quoting TimeLine
I think that if you are suspicious or concerned that your girlfriend is cheating on you, you are already in a terrible predicament. Imagine living with that?

What's the problem? It's no better and no worse than living with the uncertainty that you may fall terribly ill in the near future, or the uncertainty that your business will not work out, etc. Happens. You fail, you try again. And again. As much as needed.

Quoting TimeLine
surely an actual outcome is better than holding back that misery you are feeling.

Holding back is a mighty useful thing I found. Generally, people act too soon, not too late (though it's also possible to act too late).
Agustino January 04, 2018 at 20:24 #139938
Krishnamurti thinks the secret to life is not to give a #*@%.

From here.
Krishnamurti went on to give countless talks at which he frequently implied that his audience shouldn't be wasting their time listening to spiritual talks. But perhaps the most striking was a 1977 lecture in California. "Part-way through this particular talk," writes Jim Dreaver, who was present, "Krishnamurti suddenly paused, leaned forward and said, almost conspiratorially, 'Do you want to know what my secret is?'" (There are several accounts of this event; details vary.) Krishnamurti rarely spoke in such personal terms, and the audience was electrified, Dreaver recalls. "Almost as though we were one body we sat up… I could see people all around me lean forward, their ears straining and their mouths slowly opening in hushed anticipation." Then Krishnamurti, "in a soft, almost shy voice", said: "You see, I don't mind what happens."

Agree, disagree? >:O
TimeLine January 04, 2018 at 20:34 #139941
Quoting Agustino
What's the problem? It's no better and no worse than living with the uncertainty that you may fall terribly ill in the near future, or the uncertainty that your business will not work out, etc. Happens. You fail, you try again. And again. As much as needed.


You are deceiving yourself by thinking that. Sure, there is an uncertainty in the longevity of any relationship, but that is only if you are idiotic enough to form a long term relationship with someone you are not certain has the qualities worthy for such a venture. To shut-down, become dependent on and tolerate defeats the purpose of being in a relationship in the first place, which is supposed to be about happiness, about love and sharing, about building together.

Being miserable but as long as someone is around is not my idea of a relationship, it is my idea of mindless dronism driven by the fear of being independent. Happiness is not the applaud and congratulations given to you from others while you secretly suffer or potentially do shit behind everyones back, it is just self-deception.
Agustino January 04, 2018 at 20:48 #139944
Quoting TimeLine
You are deceiving yourself by thinking that. Sure, there is an uncertainty in the longevity of any relationship, but that is only if you are idiotic enough to form a long term relationship with someone you are not certain has the qualities worthy for such a venture. To shut-down, become dependent on and tolerate defeats the purpose of being in a relationship in the first place, which is supposed to be about happiness, about love and sharing, about building together.

Not really, for many the purpose is just to share some aspects of your life together.

Quoting TimeLine
Being miserable but as long as someone is around is not my idea of a relationship, it is my idea of mindless dronism driven by the fear of being independent. Happiness is not the applaud and congratulations given to you from others while you secretly suffer or potentially do shit behind everyones back, it is just self-deception.

Who said being miserable? Why would you miserable? When you're uncertain about something, you're miserable? Maybe you will be like this guy:

>:O
TimeLine January 04, 2018 at 21:33 #139957
Reply to Agustino I guess its not your fault you were unfortunately born without a personality.

Anyhoot, off to the gym!
TimeLine January 04, 2018 at 21:34 #139958
On a side note. Two words.

Tasmanian Cherries.

That is all.
Agustino January 04, 2018 at 21:40 #139960
Quoting TimeLine
I guess its not your fault you were unfortunately born without a personality.

I'd rather be formless without a personality than an immovable statue, stuck in a personality :P
TimeLine January 04, 2018 at 23:30 #139987
Quoting Agustino
I'd rather be formless without a personality than an immovable statue, stuck in a personality :P


You silly little sausage you. A personality is fluid, flexible, unique because of its openness, spontaneity and understanding of others. That is why it is a personality. Those without a personality are the immovable ones.
Buxtebuddha January 04, 2018 at 23:46 #139994
Quoting TimeLine
You silly little sausage you. A personality is fluid, flexible, unique because of its openness, spontaneity and understanding of others. That is why it is a personality. Those without a personality are the immovable ones.


If indeed one's personality is fluid and flexible, would you mind telling me why your narcissistic personality doesn't apply to such malleability?
TimeLine January 04, 2018 at 23:47 #139995
Quoting Buxtebuddha
If indeed one's personality is fluid and flexible, would you mind telling me why your narcissistic personality doesn't apply to such malleability?


Come to lick the boots of Agu?
Buxtebuddha January 04, 2018 at 23:51 #139996
Reply to TimeLine No, his sneakers are old and dirty - he's posted a picture of them before. Anyhoo, I didn't expect an answer to my question, so don't feel compelled to deflect any further, (Y)
TimeLine January 04, 2018 at 23:52 #139997
Reply to Buxtebuddha Oh my, was that a question? And here I was thinking it was a moronic projection.
Buxtebuddha January 04, 2018 at 23:53 #139998
Reply to TimeLine Please, miss. I already said you don't have to deflect any further!
Hanover January 04, 2018 at 23:59 #140001
Reply to TimeLine Georgia peaches.
TimeLine January 05, 2018 at 00:02 #140002
Reply to Buxtebuddha Here, this may help you perfect the art of your projection. I bet someone has called you a narcissist and now you are doing that to others.
TimeLine January 05, 2018 at 00:07 #140003
Reply to Hanover That is a close one given my fruit addiction. Clingstone peaches. But, I would do anything for a bowl of these delectable, delightful, deliciously sweet cherries. Figs. Pomegranates. Plums. Oh mannnn, I love summer.
Buxtebuddha January 05, 2018 at 00:18 #140007
Quoting TimeLine
Here, this may help you perfect the art of your projection. I bet someone has called you a narcissist and now you are doing that to others.


Hmm, an expected reply. Although, I was expecting you to tell me about how wonderful you are, helping children, and baking cookies for poor people, and something or other.

Edit: Oh, and you've still ignored my original question. Ah well.
TimeLine January 05, 2018 at 00:23 #140008
Reply to Buxtebuddha Yes, narcissism is about helping kids and baking cookies. *facepalm
Akanthinos January 05, 2018 at 00:29 #140009
Reply to Buxtebuddha

You are kind of a pro at being akward, you know.
Buxtebuddha January 05, 2018 at 00:36 #140011
Quoting TimeLine
Yes, narcissism is about helping kids and baking cookies. *facepalm


Yes, this is precisely what I meant.

Quoting Akanthinos
You are kind of a pro at being akward, you know.


Like a semipro? No, I'm much better than that, son.
Hanover January 05, 2018 at 01:24 #140013
Reply to TimeLine I wasn't talking about fruit.
TimeLine January 05, 2018 at 01:36 #140015
Reply to Hanover Yee haww?
Akanthinos January 05, 2018 at 01:42 #140016
It is a well known Canadian trivia factoid that Prairie girls taste like corn, and not peaches.
Hanover January 05, 2018 at 01:49 #140018
Reply to TimeLine If the insinuation is I'm a redneck because of my affinity for homegrown talent, I remind you that better evidence of my sophistication is the manner in which I sexually pleasure my sister and Uncle Dad.
Hanover January 05, 2018 at 01:50 #140019
Reply to Akanthinos Their corns taste like peaches though.
Akanthinos January 05, 2018 at 01:52 #140020
TimeLine January 05, 2018 at 01:53 #140021
Reply to Hanover Does your uncle also have hair like ribbons of corn, with peachy skin perfumed with the scent of cow?
Akanthinos January 05, 2018 at 02:01 #140023
Quoting TimeLine
Does your uncle also have hair like ribbons of corn, with peachy skin perfumed with the scent of cow?


Perhaps he has cow skin perfumed with the scent of peaches?
Hanover January 05, 2018 at 02:04 #140025
My uncle is right here under my chair and it does smell milky like a cow and I do feel something tickling me like a bow. So, yeah, you might be right, although the milk might have come from Saggy, my neighbor who suffers from perma-lactation caused by an ant infestation.
Hanover January 05, 2018 at 02:06 #140026
Quoting Akanthinos
Perhaps he has cow skin perfumed with the scent of peaches?


My cow's bovagina (technical term for a heffer's hoo-haa) smells of peaches, yes, but that's only because she pleasured herself with a peach tree. Long story.
Hanover January 05, 2018 at 02:08 #140027
Come on TL, keep up! Now's not the time to get all mature on us.
Shawn January 05, 2018 at 02:09 #140028
Is there some ulterior motive to all these sexual jokes, Hanover, or is it just for shit and giggles for you?
Hanover January 05, 2018 at 02:10 #140029
Reply to Posty McPostface Time spent delving into the psyche of Hanover is time well spent. Let us hear your theories.
Shawn January 05, 2018 at 02:12 #140030
Reply to Hanover

It just seems like an endless pissing contest, like the ones I imagine Nero would command.
Akanthinos January 05, 2018 at 02:17 #140031
Quoting Posty McPostface
It just seems like an endless pissing contest, like the ones I imagine Nero would command.


:B

Did Nero really organise actual pissing contest?
Shawn January 05, 2018 at 02:18 #140032
Quoting Akanthinos
:B


Just something that occurred to me that must have been true in those pagan days.
Hanover January 05, 2018 at 02:20 #140033
Reply to Posty McPostface They are Hanoverisms, clever responses with an almost indetectable hint of absurd sexual perversion.

The genre is actually referred to as an "aristocrat" joke. Take a listen: https://youtu.be/aGA0dIz9-Wk
Akanthinos January 05, 2018 at 04:01 #140049
Quoting Hanover
The genre is actually referred to as an "aristocrat" joke.


That somewhat implies that there is something clever in an aristocrat joke. Or speaks badly of what you judge as clever... >:)
TimeLine January 05, 2018 at 04:10 #140051
Quoting Hanover
Come on TL, keep up! Now's not the time to get all mature on us.


There is this guy I used to work with who I see occasionally at the shops or the gym, and he does this thing where he pretends not to see me, but you know he saw me, and he gets all weird, stares out into space, walks to some random corner as he avoids coming face to face with me. I call him Blair, from the Blair Witch Project, you know how they face the wall and all, and while he may not know it, I walk around him to intentionally make him feel uncomfortable. I find him adorable.

Long story short. I am never mature.

I find you adorable too. Dont listen to big ol meanie posty.
Shawn January 05, 2018 at 06:06 #140055
Quoting TimeLine
I find you adorable too. Dont listen to big ol meanie posty.


Whatever. Just keeping it civil.
Akanthinos January 05, 2018 at 06:23 #140056
Quoting Posty McPostface
Whatever. Just keeping it civil.


Civility is relative when speaking to someone who live in a place where "Alright, how do we fuck this pig?" is an acceptable every-day idiom.


TimeLine January 05, 2018 at 06:30 #140057
Quoting Posty McPostface
Whatever. Just keeping it civil.


Like that guy at the gym who I used to work with, I have noticed a similar trend with Hanover and that is that while he acts all macho, talking about sex and chewing tobacco that he spits out like a man, all he really wants from me is a hug. He wants me to hug him, to hold him up close, to gently stroke the back of his ears with my fingers and with his head on my chest, for me to giggle lovingly at his silly little jokes.
Benkei January 05, 2018 at 07:19 #140061
I thought Hanover wanted a navel pic.
Akanthinos January 05, 2018 at 07:36 #140067
Reply to Benkei

Now what I want is for TimeLine to write a softcore novel about this budding romance.
Benkei January 05, 2018 at 07:41 #140068
Reply to Akanthinos God no. Hanover and TimeLine will just gross me out with their ridiculous redneck fantasies of slithering through the blood of chickens that they slaughtered as offering to the manpig-God.
Agustino January 05, 2018 at 07:58 #140069
Quoting TimeLine
You silly little sausage you.

Nope, no sausage for you >:O
Akanthinos January 05, 2018 at 08:00 #140071
Reply to Benkei

As the saying goes; "I can fap to that!" O:)
Akanthinos January 05, 2018 at 08:02 #140073
Quoting Benkei
their ridiculous redneck fantasies of slithering through the blood of chickens that they slaughtered as offering to the manpig-God.


Even more funny : I met my first girlfriend working at a pig-slaughtering plant in Red Deer, Alberta. :-*
TimeLine January 05, 2018 at 08:11 #140075
You people disgust me.
Akanthinos January 05, 2018 at 08:20 #140077
Shawn January 05, 2018 at 09:07 #140086
They say that in heaven Kant gets to judge if you get in. Moral depravity for the law is a mortal sin.
Akanthinos January 05, 2018 at 09:09 #140088
Quoting Posty McPostface
They say that in heaven Kant gets to judge if you get in. Moral depravity for the law is a mortal sin.


Pfft. When I want to die, I want to go where Camus is.
BC January 05, 2018 at 09:36 #140092
Just how dangerous can a potato peeler be?

I spent 90 minutes at a clinic this afternoon getting repaired after an unfortunate encounter with a new potato peeler -- a high end Oxo brand with the big handle to improve grip for old, arthritic people. I was peeling a small potato (held in a tight grip, of course). In the last swipe of this vorpal blade, the peeler sliced through the skin of my thumb (unpleasant) but worse, through 3/4s of the thumb nail as well--tip downward toward the quick.

Sound of furious multiple-object cursing. That was last night.

It was too late by that time and too inconvenient to go to an urgent care clinic, so I went today. The clinic's doctor didn't seem to have a procedure room, so he just did his work on the corner of the desk next to the computer. He injected the thumb with two full syringes of anesthetic -- enough fluid to inflate and harden the last two knuckles of thumb. Fortunately zylocaine works well. He then took a little surgical scissors and cut down to the quick and then just twisted the thumbnail off. Blood? Oh, yes. Lots of blood. The peeler had scooped out some of the flesh under the nail, so without the nail, the blood clot that had formed, precious bodily fluid was free to depart my person.

So now I have this big dressing on my thumb, which is supposed to stay there till Saturday, after which I am to put new dressings on it till it stops bleeding and is stable. I figure the nail may be fully regrown by... May? July? September? That's if all goes well. The nail could start growing and get confused and start growing into the nail bed.

Should you wish to slash your wrists and get it over with but find that you do not happen to have a proper razor blade, consider your potato peeler--preferably a new one. It won't be quite as easy slashing your wrists with the peeler, but it is definitely up to the task -- you'll just have to work your way down to larger arteries one layer at a time--it's a potato peeler, after all. The pain will be quite significant, but what do you care -- you will be all the happier to be dead, as soon as you're done opening your veins (well, arteries) one layer at a time.

Your potato peeler should probably be confiscated if you try to board a plane with one.
BC January 05, 2018 at 09:40 #140093
Reply to Akanthinos To join Camus today, get a new potato peeler. You could be there in no time at all!
Noble Dust January 05, 2018 at 09:42 #140095
Quoting Bitter Crank
vorpal blade


(Y)

Suicide jokes notwithstanding, hope you're alright.
Hanover January 05, 2018 at 11:30 #140105
Quoting TimeLine
He wants me to hug him, to hold him up close, to gently stroke the back of his ears with my fingers and with his head on my chest, for me to giggle lovingly at his silly little jokes.


Stop with your black magic sorcery mind reading shit Miss Blair Witch.
Hanover January 05, 2018 at 11:31 #140106
Reply to Bitter Crank It sounds like unfortunately you'll survive to peel another potato.
Hanover January 05, 2018 at 11:38 #140107
Quoting Akanthinos
That somewhat implies that there is something clever in an aristocrat joke. Or speaks badly of what you judge as clever...


Might you send me some of your flu induced vomit, as I am fresh out of toothpaste and sexual lubricant and I suspect that the mucus infused ravioli you heaved onto your bed would work wonderfully?
Hanover January 05, 2018 at 11:41 #140108
Quoting Benkei
God no. Hanover and TimeLine will just gross me out with their ridiculous redneck fantasies of slithering through the blood of chickens that they slaughtered as offering to the manpig-God.
So jelly. You needn't be. There's plenty of room for you and your pickled fermented herring.
Hanover January 05, 2018 at 11:45 #140109
Quoting TimeLine
You people disgust me.


I know, right? They don't understand us. Phillistines.
Benkei January 05, 2018 at 12:02 #140113
Quoting Hanover
I know, right? They don't understand us. Phillistines.


Pulling a trump by complaining about things you do yourself?
Wheatley January 05, 2018 at 13:42 #140124
I'm tired of all the bird avatars.
ArguingWAristotleTiff January 05, 2018 at 13:53 #140129
@Bitter Crank
Arggggggggggggh I could barely get through your words with such a cringed face, God I KNOW how painful a slice can be. I am sure you guys through your time in shaving can appreciate using a new blade in the shower, maybe not shaving your legs like I but, have you ever taken the swipe and don't know it's bleeding till the water hits it stinging like a son of a bitch? The kind of swipe that leaves a strip of skin in the blade? OMG! This happened to me once when I was 14 and then again last month. I screamed and had to literally tourniquet it in the shower with a towel to get out. Left on my leg was a four inch long, an inch in diameter, wound! I just lost the scab to freshly grown skin and I wish you ugghh a pain free recovery. Maybe next time try the Yukon Gold taters that have a skin so thin and blonde you can use them in most recipes without peeling.
Hanover January 05, 2018 at 15:40 #140138
When I was young, I worked at a saw mill where I would feed the trees through the saw in order to cut the wood into rough planks. I also worked diligently to fight injustice in all its forms. A villain who didn't want to see me thwart injustice anymore grabbed me and tied me to the conveyer belt that led into the saw blade. Although I was a caped crusader (a purple velvet drape with gold tassels), and I'd typically find my way out of such pickles, I could not this time and I was literally cut from head to toe, separating me into two entirely different people for a short time prior to my being mended back together by a kind spinster seamstress with too many cats. She sent me on my way after a hearty bowl of beef and barley soup.

The point is that while I sympathize with the potato peeler story and the leg shaving story, until you have been fed through a saw mill by a villain, you really have nothing to complain about.
T Clark January 05, 2018 at 16:41 #140150
Quoting TimeLine
I thought about why I am troubled; why should I care? I am angry that I was given this information when I really do not care and I am so damn happy that I am moving away from the suburb I currently live in, but getting to the morality here at atomic level, is the concern, this deep trouble, actually a facade for what is essentially pleasurable? I want to ensure the authenticity of this motive of mine and I just cannot help but shake off this possibility.


Sorry for the late response. I was gone for a few days. I haven't looked down to see any other part of this conversation before I'm responding

First thought - You are unable not to do what you think is right. This post is just more evidence of that, as if it were needed. Trust your own judgment, certainly not mine.

Second thought - Ok, well that isn't very responsive, so how about this. I've thought about this situation in a case where I knew and liked one or both of the parties. In that situation, I'm not sure what I'd do. I know from experience that there's a very good chance getting involved will end both relationships. On the other hand, how can I let someone I care about be hurt. I guess at a minimum I would talk to the guilty party and tell them 1) You're an asshole. Tell the other person or I will. or 2) Your an asshole. If I ever hear about this again from anyone, I'll tell.

Now, your situation is very different. You have no obligation to tell someone you no longer have a relationship with, who sounds like he abused you. No personal, moral, ethical, physical, chemical, spiritual obligation. On the other hand, maybe, just maybe, you need to make sure you are not forced to participate. See item 2 in the above paragraph. You can leave out the part about the asshole.

Third thought - Never take advice from me. You are more trustworthy and good-hearted.
T Clark January 05, 2018 at 17:07 #140152
Quoting Posty McPostface
Mr. Rogers sure was a nice guy, ain't that the truth?


If I had to vote for the person I admire most, the list of possibilities would include Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Barak Obama, Lech Walesa, Vlaclav Havel, Corizon Aquino, Jim Henson, Fred Rogers. I could name more.

Competence, courage, honesty, heart. I guess "admire" isn't the right word. I love these people.
T Clark January 05, 2018 at 17:15 #140154
Quoting Agustino
If one day, for example, your boyfriend comes to you and says "TimeLine, I am very disappointed in you... Why did you cheat on me?!", then if you did cheat, you will be very tempted to admit to it than risk making your situation even worse by lying again.


Be fair, even TL will tell her boyfriend what her real name is. Maybe not on the first date. Maybe that would be like getting to second base. [Fe]

That's a baseball-related sexual reference. Do people in other countries get it?
T Clark January 05, 2018 at 17:17 #140155
Quoting Bitter Crank
Dear Mr. Rogers is lucky he died before someone accused him of sexual misconduct 30 years earlier by patting them on the back (between the shoulder blades, with their winter coat on) as he told her to get the hell out of his neighborhood.

Just joking, Fred. RIP


Careful or people will think you're bitt... Oh, wait. I already said that.
T Clark January 05, 2018 at 17:24 #140157
Quoting Agustino
Krishnamurti thinks the secret to life is not to give a #*@%.

From here.
Krishnamurti went on to give countless talks at which he frequently implied that his audience shouldn't be wasting their time listening to spiritual talks. But perhaps the most striking was a 1977 lecture in California. "Part-way through this particular talk," writes Jim Dreaver, who was present, "Krishnamurti suddenly paused, leaned forward and said, almost conspiratorially, 'Do you want to know what my secret is?'" (There are several accounts of this event; details vary.) Krishnamurti rarely spoke in such personal terms, and the audience was electrified, Dreaver recalls. "Almost as though we were one body we sat up… I could see people all around me lean forward, their ears straining and their mouths slowly opening in hushed anticipation." Then Krishnamurti, "in a soft, almost shy voice", said: "You see, I don't mind what happens."

Agree, disagree? >:O




T Clark January 05, 2018 at 17:28 #140159
Quoting TimeLine
Tasmanian Cherries.


So, marsupial cherries?
T Clark January 05, 2018 at 17:35 #140161
Quoting Buxtebuddha
If indeed one's personality is fluid and flexible, would you mind telling me why your narcissistic personality doesn't apply to such malleability?


Now Buxtebuddha, play nice. I thought your New Year's resolution was to be nicer. Oh, wait, that was one of mine.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a very serious mental disorder with a very bad prognosis. People who suffer tend to be very impulsive. Obsessively self-involved. Charming and manipulative. I've always liked Freud's characterization, although I'm not sure how it stands up - narcissistic personalities have never successfully made the transition that most children do when they are toddlers - they never really understand, feel, that the world and their selves are separate. Having a big ego and being self-centered don't mean you have a narcissistic personality.
Buxtebuddha January 05, 2018 at 17:53 #140166
Reply to T Clark Narcissism of the disorderly quality rests along a spectrum. Some narcissists are more narcissistic than others, just as some psychopaths are more psychopathic than others. Where TL is dotted on the line I don't know, but I'm nevertheless amused by her.
T Clark January 05, 2018 at 17:57 #140168
Quoting Bitter Crank
Should you wish to slash your wrists and get it over with but find that you do not happen to have a proper razor blade, consider your potato peeler--preferably a new one. It won't be quite as easy slashing your wrists with the peeler, but it is definitely up to the task -- you'll just have to work your way down to larger arteries one layer at a time--it's a potato peeler, after all. The pain will be quite significant, but what do you care -- you will be all the happier to be dead, as soon as you're done opening your veins (well, arteries) one layer at a time.

Your potato peeler should probably be confiscated if you try to board a plane with one.


It is a testament to my respect for you that I could finish your post. Of all the things that make me cringe and shiver, descriptions or depictions of people being cut with sharp knives are very difficult for me to deal with.
T Clark January 05, 2018 at 18:05 #140171
Quoting Buxtebuddha
Narcissism of the disorderly quality rests along a spectrum. Some narcissists are more narcissistic than others, just as some psychopaths are more psychopathic than others. Where TL is dotted on the line I don't know, but I'm nevertheless amused by her.


I try to be careful in psychologizing people I deal with. I sometimes fail. 83.25% of the people on this forum are excessively self-involved people who think their ideas are worth paying attention to. Look it up in the Oxford Australian Dictionary. It's the third definition. "Philosopher - An excessively self-involved person who thinks their ideas are worth paying attention to." Go ahead. Look it up.
T Clark January 05, 2018 at 18:10 #140172
Quoting Purple Pond
I'm tired of all the bird avatars.


User image

If I were going to change my avatar, which I swear I won't, this is the one I would use.
Buxtebuddha January 05, 2018 at 18:11 #140174
Quoting T Clark
I try to be careful in psychologizing people I deal with. I sometimes fail. 83.25% of the people on this forum are excessively self-involved people who think their ideas are worth paying attention to. Look it up in the Oxford Australian Dictionary. It's the third definition. "Philosopher - An excessively self-involved person who thinks their ideas are worth paying attention to." Go ahead. Look it up.


That's not why I think she's narcissistic.
T Clark January 05, 2018 at 18:21 #140176
Quoting Hanover
The point is that while I sympathize with the potato peeler story and the leg shaving story, until you have been fed through a saw mill by a villain, you really have nothing to complain about.


But that was a saw blade. That doesn't bother me nearly as much. The thought of a razor makes my nose run.
Agustino January 05, 2018 at 18:27 #140178
Quoting T Clark
Be fair, even TL will tell her boyfriend what her real name is.

Real name? Who talked about real names?
T Clark January 05, 2018 at 19:00 #140192
Quoting Agustino
Agree, disagree?


To give you a more serious response, I agree completely. My goal in life is to be fearless. I haven't got that long. I'd better get cracking. Many of the rest of you have more time to get it right.
TimeLine January 06, 2018 at 01:24 #140237
Quoting T Clark
Be fair, even TL will tell her boyfriend what her real name is. Maybe not on the first date. Maybe that would be like getting to second base. [Fe]


Speak for yourself. I tell everyone my name is Bob.
TimeLine January 06, 2018 at 02:19 #140241
Quoting T Clark
So, marsupial cherries?


I have had just about enough. From peaches to pissing contests to pigs and now marsupials? It is too damn hot today and as I am stuck inside with the air conditioning on, here is a lesson for you.

Tasmania

Tasmania, otherwise known as Tassie, is a state of Australia with a population of over 500,000 people. It is home to a number of national parks and wilderness escapes and is the only location where the Aurora Australis can be visible. The climate is usually cool as it is only 240km away from Antarctica.

User image

The map here shows Tasmania is just below the state of Victoria, between them lying big hungry sharks but nevertheless at a fair distance from carnivorous koala bears.Tasmania is the only state in Australia known to have ethnically cleansed the indigenous population during the mid-19th century, which the current population are not very proud of. It is also the place where a shooting occurred at Port Arthur that caused such public outcry that the Howard Government officially banned the use of guns in Australia.

Tasmania's weather being mild and slightly humid make it a perfect place to grow sweet cherries, particularly the fertile soil of the state that differs entirely from the bush-fire prone mainland where it is much warmer and indeed drier. Cherries are packed with cancer-fighting antioxidants and because of the high dose of melatonin, makes one sleep like a baby and a healthy sleep cycle is vital for a happy, healthy day.

User image

The glossy skin of Tasmanian cherries have a bold dark colour and grow much larger due to the soil and temperature of the state. The sweet and juicy taste pops in your mouth with a degree of crunchy perfection and I absolutely love them.

So, again, two words.

Tasmanian Cherries.

THAT IS ALL.
T Clark January 06, 2018 at 02:47 #140244
Quoting TimeLine
THAT IS ALL.


Holey crap! That's Tasmania? I always thought it was New Zealand.
TimeLine January 06, 2018 at 02:53 #140245
Quoting T Clark
Holey crap! That's Tasmania? I always thought that was New Zealand.


User image
T Clark January 06, 2018 at 03:05 #140247
Reply to TimeLine

Did you ever see him in BBC's "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" and "Smiley's People?"

From the 80s. They're the first things I ever saw him in. For me, the best recorded dramas, TV or movies, ever made. Stewart was really good. Alec Guinness was astounding. Watching, I felt I was sinking, drawn in, hypnotized. I'm still shocked by how good his performance was as I remember it now. Time to watch it again.
Hanover January 06, 2018 at 03:23 #140251
Quoting TimeLine
It is too damn hot today and as I am stuck inside with the air conditioning on, here is a lesson for you.


Nope, it's well below freezing and my pipes burst in my basement, giving me an opportunity to drag my junk outside and pay a plumber a fortune for a late night visit. And it wasn't a porn like plumber who says "let me fix your pipes" but a real plumber who just solders pipes.Quoting TimeLine
Tasmania, otherwise known as Tassie, is a state of Australia with a population of over 500,000 people.


Nope, Tasmania is home only to Tasmanian devils, a cartoon character that emerges from a box and swirls around and destroys everything. Everyone knows that. Everyone.Quoting TimeLine
Cherries are packed with cancer-fighting antioxidants and because of the high dose of melatonin, makes one sleep like a baby and a healthy sleep cycle is vital for a happy, healthy day.


Sure, as if there is a controlled study showing that cherry eaters have less cancer than non cherrry eaters. It sounds like you have been brainwashed by the cherry industrial complex.Quoting TimeLine
Tasmania's weather being mild and slightly humid make it a perfect place to grow sweet cherries,


And yet another God damned lie. The best cherries in all of America come from Michigan, a land of harsh winters and not particularly humid. It's a just a big stupid place up north somewhere where it's crazy cold and everyone is fat. And before you say that the average southerner isn't particularly svelte, I remind you of Daisy Duke, the single most beautiful angel ever to grace the backwoods of Georgia.

And there's this girl at my gym who I pretend to ignore and it causes her to follow me around and think I'm bad at ignoring her. She's just adorable.
praxis January 06, 2018 at 05:21 #140268
Reply to TimeLine

I’m sold, but they probably don’t have any even at the local Whole Foods.
Benkei January 06, 2018 at 06:10 #140278
Quoting TimeLine
Cherries are packed with cancer-fighting antioxidants and because of the high dose of melatonin


The onset of cancer is often caused by an imbalance in chemical buffer reactions. Too much anti-oxidants actually increase the likelihood for cancer. I know this because a roommate discovered this while doing her PhD research on the subject. It's documented since 2003.
BC January 06, 2018 at 06:42 #140301
Reply to Hanover Timeline gets her nutrition information from the Readers Digest.

Cherries do have melatonin, but not nearly enough to serve as a therapeutic dose, unless you exclude the placebo effect. There is some evidence to suggest practically anything. I like cherries. From Washington state.

BC January 06, 2018 at 06:44 #140302
Reply to Hanover Too bad about your pipes. Unheated basement/crawl space?
Noble Dust January 06, 2018 at 06:45 #140303
Two days in a row now I've had a two hour commute home from work (vs. the 1 hour norm). The public transit here in NYC totally implodes in inclement weather. It's a shit show. Maybe it's time to move...
BC January 06, 2018 at 06:48 #140304
Quoting TimeLine
Cherries are packed with cancer-fighting antioxidants


1/3 of the population dies of cancer, whether they ate cherries or not. 1/3 of the population dies of heart disease whether they exercised or not. 1/3 of the population dies from stroke, whether they took statins or high blood pressure medication.

100% of everyone dies of something, regardless of how careful they were.

It's just a matter of what, when, where, how.

The kind of weather you describe in Tasmania enhances the growth of brain destroying fungi.
TimeLine January 06, 2018 at 07:46 #140336
Quoting T Clark
From the 80s. They're the first things I ever saw him in. For me, the best recorded dramas, TV or movies, ever made. Stewart was really good. Alec Guinness was astounding. Watching, I felt I was sinking, drawn in, hypnotized. I'm still shocked by how good his performance was as I remember it now. Time to watch it again.


Who is Stewart? That is Captain Picard. He is the captain of the USS Enterprise. What are you on about, man?

Next thing you know the Q continuum doesn't exist. :s
Noble Dust January 06, 2018 at 07:46 #140337
Reply to T Clark

Did you see the recent "Tinker, Taylor, Soldier, Spy" film with Gary Oldman? I'm a sucker for a great spy drama; they're hard to come by, and that one to me is a masterpiece. F'real
TimeLine January 06, 2018 at 07:51 #140344
Quoting Bitter Crank
The kind of weather you describe in Tasmania enhances the growth of brain destroying fungi.


How dare you. Australian mushrooms glow in the dark. Not even Chernobyl can beat that.

Quoting Bitter Crank
I like cherries. From Washington state.


Discriminating Aussie cherries, mate?
T Clark January 06, 2018 at 07:53 #140347
Quoting Noble Dust
Did you see the recent "Tinker, Taylor, Soldier, Spy" film with Gary Oldman? I'm a sucker for a great spy drama; they're hard to come by, and that one to me is a masterpiece. F'real


I heard it was really good and Gary Oldman is a good actor, but I couldn't bring myself to watch it. George Smiley is Alec Guinness. John LeCarre dedicated one of his George Smiley books to Guinness. Do you know what LeCarre thought of the movie?
Noble Dust January 06, 2018 at 07:56 #140348
Reply to T Clark

Fair enough; I'm a youngster, so it's a generational difference I guess. I will say Gary Oldman is not at all what Smiley should look like, physically. He did a great acting job, though. And the rest of the cast was incredible. The pacing and mood in general was awesome. I do know LeCarre was a consultant on the film, or something like that, which I assume means it had his blessing. I'd recommend watching it.
T Clark January 06, 2018 at 08:03 #140357
Quoting TimeLine
Who is Stewart? That is Captain Picard. He is the captain of the USS Enterprise. What are you on about, man?


Captain, we've detected signs of a dangerous female lifeform on the Ortsreliam insane asylum planet. Recommend firing forward phasers and a full pattern of photon torpedoes.

Make it so Number two.
TimeLine January 06, 2018 at 08:04 #140358
Quoting Benkei
The onset of cancer is often caused by an imbalance in chemical buffer reactions. Too much anti-oxidants actually increase the likelihood for cancer. I know this because a roommate discovered this while doing her PhD research on the subject. It's documented since 2003.


I am probably the only person who had a liver inflammation from eating too much fruit. They asked, "do you drink alcohol?" I don't drink alcohol. "Do you smoke?" I don't smoke. "Do you take drugs?" I have never touched any type of drug. "Do you eat excess amounts of apples?" Silence.
TimeLine January 06, 2018 at 08:09 #140364
Quoting TimeLine
Who is Stewart? That is Captain Picard. He is the captain of the USS Enterprise. What are you on about, man?

Captain, we've detected signs of a dangerous female alien on the Ortsreliam insane asylum planet. Recommend firing forward phasers and a full pattern of photon torpedoes.

Make it so Number two.


What? There is no Ortsreliam insane asylum. Only the asylum on the planet of Elba II managed by the federation by holding a handful of criminally insane exists, the most notorious being the former captain Garth of Izar who remains one of Kirk' formidable opponents. There were only ten patients, given that technology is far more advanced, so I suggest you get your "facts" right, thank you very much.
TimeLine January 06, 2018 at 08:12 #140367
Quoting praxis
I’m sold, but they probably don’t have any even at the local Whole Foods.


I'll be sending a letter to the government about this travesty.
T Clark January 06, 2018 at 08:15 #140370
Quoting Noble Dust
Fair enough; I'm a youngster, so it's a generational difference I guess. I will say Gary Oldman is not at all what Smiley should look like, physically. He did a great acting job, though. And the rest of the cast was incredible. The pacing and mood in general was awesome. I do know LeCarre was a consultant on the film, or something like that, which I assume means it had his blessing. I'd recommend watching it.


A good argument. It is or was on Netflix, so I almost watched several times, but I couldn't do it. I've done the same thing with other books/movies. There is a TV show out now based on Lev Grossman's "The Magicians" trilogy. Can't watch it. I have pictures in my mind of all the characters. What if the actress they chose for Alice doesn't look like the Alice in my mind. I couldn't stand it. I'm in love with Alice.

On the other hand, one of my favorite authors is Elmore Leonard and "Justified", based on a couple of his novels, is wonderful. Timothy Olyphant, who played the main character, is great. A real Leonard character. He also played the main character in "Deadwood." Justified is one of the few shows I ever paid for on Amazon.
Noble Dust January 06, 2018 at 08:22 #140372
Reply to T Clark

Yeah, I get it. I had the same experience with Lord Of The Rings, except my parents read the books to me as a kid, so I was only like 11 when the first movie came out. At the time, obviously, my aesthetic sense wasn't as developed, but right off the bat I knew that Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn was a horrible choice. And to this day, it's totally ruined the character for me, whether in the movies, or when I re-read the books. But Ian McKellen as Gandalf, or Sean Austin as Sam are about as close as one could have hoped for, even if not perfect (McKellen totally botched the immortal "Fly, You Fools!" line. That was the most harrowing moment in the books, growing up. Totally ridiculous in the movie).
T Clark January 06, 2018 at 08:25 #140373
Quoting TimeLine
What? There is no Ortsreliam insane asylum. Only the asylum on the planet of Elba II managed by the federation by holding a handful of criminally insane, the most notorious being the former captain Garth of Izar who remains one of Kirk' formidable opponents. There were only ten patients, given that technology is far more advanced, so I suggest you get your "facts" right, thank you very much.


Did you really think that every event and conflict Picard and Enterprise ever had was shown on STTNG or one of the movies? Or maybe it was one of those half-assed "alternative future" things. No, wait, I think it was on the holodeck. No, wait - it was that time he got zapped by an alien probe and had to live the entire life of one of the aliens in a couple of hours. One of the aliens was watching "Flor Blag, the Next Pronkfulic" on TV. Maybe it was on ST the Animated Series (a shiver of dread goes down his spine).
TimeLine January 06, 2018 at 08:29 #140377
Quoting Hanover
Nope, Tasmania is home only to Tasmanian devils, a cartoon character that emerges from a box and swirls around and destroys everything. Everyone knows that. Everyone.


Taz has starred alongside Bugs Bunny, so unless he has fucking wings, you're wrong.


Quoting Hanover
And there's this girl at my gym who I pretend to ignore and it causes her to follow me around and think I'm bad at ignoring her. She's just adorable.


So not true. Ok, maybe a little true. I love routine because I can get so much done, so I initially avoided him by changing my routine until it got to a point where I stopped because it was constantly changing. Fuck it, I said. Then he disappeared and I was like wah? Now I am like where is he? It is so frustrating being ignored.
T Clark January 06, 2018 at 08:32 #140378
Quoting Noble Dust
I had the same experience with Lord Of The Rings, except my parents read the books to me as a kid, so I was only like 11 when the first movie came out.


I read "The Hobbit" and the "Lord of the Rings" books when I was 17 years old with my first love, so it has a special place in my heart. Going back later, it was a bit convoluted for my taste. I could never get into the movies. For what it's worth, Viggo Mortensen is one of my favorite actors. Even that was never enough to get me to watch.

Also, as I was discussing with @TimeLine earlier, the fact they were filmed in Tasmania was a big strike against them.
Noble Dust January 06, 2018 at 08:35 #140379
Quoting T Clark
Going back later, it was a bit convoluted for my taste.


Really? In what way? (I've been reading Philip K. Dick recently, so convoluted might mean something else entirely to me right now).

Quoting T Clark
Also, as I was discussing with TimeLine earlier, the fact they were filmed in Tasmania was a big strike against them.


:P
T Clark January 06, 2018 at 08:46 #140388
Quoting TimeLine
Taz has starred alongside Bugs Bunny, so unless he has fucking wings, you're wrong.


What a maroon. Everyone knows he was shipped in a crate. See attached picture.



T Clark January 06, 2018 at 08:52 #140395
Quoting Noble Dust
Really? In what way? (I've been reading Philip K. Dick recently, so convoluted might mean something else entirely to me right now).


Actually, my criticism isn't right. I just read "Titus Groan" last year. t. It is one of the most difficult, slow, incomprehensible fiction books I've ever read. And wonderful, wonderful.

Hate Philip K. Dick. I guess LOTR didn't work for me this time because I didn't find the characters very interesting or appealing. It's much easier to like a book when you are reading it with your love.
Noble Dust January 06, 2018 at 08:57 #140397
Quoting T Clark
Hate Philip K. Dick. I guess LOTR didn't work for me this time because I didn't find the characters very interesting or appealing. It's much easier to like a book when you are reading it with your love.


Ah, well, I think I disagree because I think there's some great characters in LOTR. But they're archetypes more so; they're not realistic characters; not ones we can identify with, except when we can identify specifically with Sam's courage, or Smeagol's inner existential torture. But they're not well-rounded characters, so I get that.

I'm not familiar with the other stuff you mentioned; what's the genre/vibe?

Haha, what PKD have you read? I'm utterly fascinated, to an unhealthy degree, with his mystical experiences, and the subsequent literature: VALIS, The Exegesis, etc. I can't even explain just how drawn to that stuff I am. I love the blurred line between fiction, reality, and insanity.
TimeLine January 06, 2018 at 09:15 #140408
Quoting T Clark
What a maroon. Everyone knows he was shipped in a crate. See attached picture.


Sorry, not at old as you. O:)

T Clark January 06, 2018 at 09:21 #140409
Quoting Noble Dust
I'm not familiar with the other stuff you mentioned; what's the genre/vibe?


Titus Groan is fantasy but with very little magic. Here's a link to my Amazon review:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/review/R3BR0T0T21TLHP?ref_=glimp_1rv_cl

"The Magicians" is fantasy. When I first started reading it almost seemed like a parody of Harry Potter, but it took me a place HP never did. Older people - college instead of school. More adult themes, and I don't mean sex in particular, but it has a couple of my favorite sex scenes of any I've read. It's definitely not worth reading the books for the sex. What there is is brief and not prurient or gratuitous, or graphic.
Noble Dust January 06, 2018 at 09:25 #140412
Reply to T Clark

Well, I'd love to read a fantasy novel written by you, given your style in that review. And I can see why you prefer what you describe here over LOTR. And, I think I'd probably enjoy it too, but I'm not sure. "full of hundreds or thousands of unused rooms packed with useless and peculiar things" got my fantasy imagination going. But probably only because I'm also a child of Narnia.
T Clark January 06, 2018 at 09:27 #140414
Quoting Noble Dust
Well, I'd love to read a fantasy novel written by you, given your style in that review. And I can see why you prefer what you describe here over LOTR. And, I think I'd probably enjoy it too, but I'm not sure. "full of hundreds or thousands of unused rooms packed with useless and peculiar things" got my fantasy imagination going. But probably only because I'm also a child of Narnia.


If you're not patient, don't start it. On the other hand, if you like LOTR, you must be patient.

And thank you for your comment on my review..
T Clark January 06, 2018 at 09:31 #140416
Quoting TimeLine
Sorry, not at old as you.


Animaniacs started in 1993, when I was 42 years old.

Also, you should be careful about that age discrimination thing. Some of us are pretty sensitive.
Noble Dust January 06, 2018 at 09:31 #140417
Quoting T Clark
And thank you for your comment on my review..


No problem. But I feel like I "know" you in some sense, and I always am biased towards the creative output of people I know; I just listened to my former co-workers new album tonight, and was ecstatic; but then, I had to question whether I was judging the music impartially.

Also, because now I'm getting nerdy, your quote of "unused rooms" didn't only excite my Narnia genes, but also my George McDonald genes. The deep cuts.

Quoting T Clark
If you're not patient, don't start it. On the other hand, if you like LOTR, you must be patient.


I'm actually not very patient.
T Clark January 06, 2018 at 09:34 #140418
Quoting Noble Dust
I'm actually not very patient.


I'm not particularly patient either. I was surprised at how, once I got into it, I couldn't stop reading.

I've given this book to a lot my family members and I've always felt like I had to warn them. I didn't want them to get started and then come back to me and beat me with sticks.
T Clark January 06, 2018 at 09:35 #140419
Quoting Noble Dust
I'm actually not very patient.


Fun conversation. Going to bed.
Noble Dust January 06, 2018 at 09:36 #140420
Benkei January 06, 2018 at 10:20 #140429
Quoting TimeLine
I am probably the only person who had a liver inflammation from eating too much fruit. They asked, "do you drink alcohol?" I don't drink alcohol. "Do you smoke?" I don't smoke. "Do you take drugs?" I have never touched any type of drug. "Do you eat excess amounts of apples?" Silence.


>:O I used to eat fruit all the time when I lived in the Caribbean. Here in the Netherlands it's just not the same so I've mostly moved to vegetables as the healthy part of my diet.
BC January 06, 2018 at 11:14 #140432
Quoting TimeLine
I am probably the only person who had a liver inflammation from eating too much fruit. They asked, "do you drink alcohol?" I don't drink alcohol. "Do you smoke?" I don't smoke. "Do you take drugs?" I have never touched any type of drug. "Do you eat excess amounts of apples?" Silence.


If you chew apple seeds, amygdalin could be released in the body and produce cyanide. Small amounts can be detoxified by enzymes in your body, but large amounts can be dangerous. You probably chewed up too many. I happen to like a touch of toxicity with my apples. I find the seeds have a pleasant taste.
BC January 06, 2018 at 11:17 #140433
Quoting Noble Dust
Tinker, Taylor, Soldier, Spy


It was a pretty good book. Read it last fall during a Carré binge.
Noble Dust January 06, 2018 at 11:19 #140436
Reply to Bitter Crank

Ah, I need another good LeCarre binge. Been too wrapped up in mysticism and other weird ephemera.
BC January 06, 2018 at 11:26 #140438
Reply to Noble Dust If you haven't, you might try Alan Furst. His series of historical spy stories are generally set around the time of WWII, frequently in France, with travels elsewhere. Lots of interesting characters, casual love affairs very nicely depicted, local color... Good plots, of course. His are the first spy novels I've read (starting last summer). I think I've gotten spies out of my system, for now.
Hanover January 06, 2018 at 13:58 #140456
Reply to Bitter Crank I left the door cracked to the unfinished part of the basement so the dogs could come in and out during the day and forgot to close it at night. It dropped to 15 F and $500 later I had basement floor stew. Here's one of the four cracked pipes: User image
The insurance company denied coverage, claiming it was caused by a Tasmanian devil, citing the exotic pets exclusion.
Hanover January 06, 2018 at 14:05 #140457
Quoting TimeLine
Fuck it, I said. Then he disappeared and I was like wah? Now I am like where is he? It is so frustrating being ignored.


https://youtu.be/JzRa5Zd5_F0
Hanover January 06, 2018 at 17:04 #140486
Quoting Noble Dust
Two days in a row now I've had a two hour commute home from work (vs. the 1 hour norm). The public transit here in NYC totally implodes in inclement weather. It's a shit show. Maybe it's time to move...


You should move to a penthouse overlooking Central Park and get one of those black car drivers to take you places. It will be more comfortable and you won't be dependent on public transportation.
Hanover January 06, 2018 at 17:08 #140489
Quoting T Clark
Animaniacs started in 1993, when I was 42 years old.


You're like me in that I view my life as having two distinct phases: Pre-Animaniac and post.
Hanover January 06, 2018 at 17:16 #140490
Quoting Bitter Crank
I find the seeds have a pleasant taste.


That's the subtle taste of death. There's a poem in there somewhere.
T Clark January 06, 2018 at 17:16 #140491
Quoting Hanover
You're like me in that I view my life as having two distinct phases: Pre-Animaniac and post.


You misunderstand. I view my life as having two distinct phases - pre-Mr. Greenjeans and post. @Bitter Crank - Tell Hanover who Mr. Greenjeans was.

I was actually on the Howdy Doody show. @Bitter Crank - tell Hanover who Howdy Doody was.
ArguingWAristotleTiff January 06, 2018 at 17:19 #140493
Quoting T Clark
You misunderstand. I view my life as having two distinct phases - pre-Mr. Greenjeans and post.


Don't let Hanover fool you into thinking he is some Spring Chicken cause he's not! Stepping over Hanovers' walker.
Now, does anyone recognize Bozo the Clown?
T Clark January 06, 2018 at 17:30 #140495
Quoting ArguingWAristotleTiff
Don't let Hanover fool you into thinking he is some Spring Chicken cause he's not! Stepping over Hanovers' walker.
Now, does anyone recognize Bozo the Clown?


Of course, although he was a franchise. Willard Scott, who went on to be the weatherman on the Today Show, was Bozo on Channel 5 in Washington DC in the 60s. I grew up about equidistant from Philadelphia, Washington, and Baltimore before the days of cable or even UHF for God's sake. I remember:
  • Bozo
  • Bernie the Bunyip
  • Andy's Gang
  • Captain Tug
  • Sherri Lewis


And many more.

The second and third bulleted shows were tied as the oddest TV children's shows ever until Xuxa came along. Bernie was a rabbit (I guess) who talked with the voice of Ronald Coleman. Andy was played by Andy Devine, a well-known actor who had a voice that made a belt sander sound like Pavarotti.
BC January 06, 2018 at 19:57 #140532
Reply to T Clark Alas, we didn't have a television till I was in the 8th grade. We only saw TV before then at the neighbors. I have a vague recollection of the Dowdy Hoody show, but it's pretty vague. Never heard of Mr. Greenjeans. I have a clearer memory of "We're all Bozos on the Bus" from the late 60s, but I can't remember what that was either.

I was culturally depraved, I guess.

Oh yeah, now I remember the Bozos on the bus thing, thanks to Google. Firesign Theater. Absurdist comedy album, probably intended to be heard while high.
T Clark January 06, 2018 at 20:02 #140537
The Finns have finally solved Zeno's paradox. God, I love this video. I've watched it about 9 times.

Hanover January 06, 2018 at 20:07 #140541
I used to go to the moving picture show until the talkies took over and ruined it all.
T Clark January 06, 2018 at 20:39 #140549
Quoting Bitter Crank
Alas, we didn't have a television till I was in the 8th grade. We only saw TV before then at the neighbors. I have a vague recollection of the Dowdy Hoody show, but it's pretty vague. Never heard of Mr. Greenjeans. I have a clearer memory of "We're all Bozos on the Bus" from the late 60s, but I can't remember what that was either.


Mr. Green Jeans and Dancing Bear:
User image

Howdy Doody:
User image

Howdy Doody's Peanut Gallery, of which I was a member in, probably, 1958 or 1959. Fuck. I am so fucking old. I'm not in this picture.
User image
Noble Dust January 06, 2018 at 21:00 #140557
Reply to Hanover

Damn, why didn't I think of that? Luxury and a beautiful view at my fingertips, and I'm over here working by the hour and living in Bay Ridge (basically the part of NJ no one wanted, so they gave it to NY.)
Hanover January 06, 2018 at 21:09 #140560
My earliest TV memories actually are of Romper Room where at the end of the show the lady would hold up her magic mirror and say she could see all the little boys and girls at their houses through their TV sets. She would say, "I see Barbara and Bobbie and Johnny..." and would name everyone off, and if she said my name, I'd tell all the kids in school that she saw me that morning. And if I were getting dressed, I'd always move off to the side so she wouldn't see me undressed because that would be embarrassing.

God, I was so adorable. What the hell happened?
T Clark January 06, 2018 at 21:25 #140565
Quoting Hanover
My earliest TV memories actually are of Romper Room where at the end of the show the lady would hold up her magic mirror and say she could see all the little boys and girls at their houses through their TV sets. She would say, "I see Barbara and Bobbie and Johnny..." and would name everyone off, and if she said my name, I'd tell all the kids in school that she saw me that morning. And if I were getting dressed, I'd always move off to the side so she wouldn't see me undressed because that would be embarrassing.


Yes, I left Romper Room off my list. Also Ding Dong School.
T Clark January 06, 2018 at 21:45 #140570
Quoting Noble Dust
Haha, what PKD have you read? I'm utterly fascinated, to an unhealthy degree, with his mystical experiences, and the subsequent literature: VALIS, The Exegesis, etc. I can't even explain just how drawn to that stuff I am. I love the blurred line between fiction, reality, and insanity.


I meant to respond to this but forgot. I read some short stories when I was a kid. Don't remember names. I read a couple of novels. I went and looked at his bibliography and "The Man Who Japed" rang a bell. Maybe "The Game Players of Titan." Clearly my mind has worked to erase the stories from my memory. I don't do bleak with unlikeable main characters very well. Back then, my mind had enough bleakness. Also, an unlikeable main character. That's kind of dark isn't it? I was being 69.23% ironic.
T Clark January 07, 2018 at 04:35 #140652
Quoting Hanover
I find the seeds have a pleasant taste. — Bitter Crank
That's the subtle taste of death. There's a poem in there somewhere.


Apparently people used to use arsenic as a recreational drug.
Noble Dust January 07, 2018 at 04:46 #140655
Quoting T Clark
Also Ding Dong School.


Noble Dust January 07, 2018 at 04:47 #140656
Quoting T Clark
I don't do bleak with unlikeable main characters very well. Back then, my mind had enough bleakness. Also, an unlikeable main character. That's kind of dark isn't it? I was being 69.23% ironic.


Ha. The bleakness is definitely rough. I love the surreal and mystical elements of his later stuff though; sounds like you read some early ones. VALIS is a literary masterpiece, as far as I'm concerned, and it's sequel, The Divine Invasion actually has a non-bleak ending, surprisingly.
T Clark January 07, 2018 at 04:51 #140658
Quoting Bitter Crank
If you haven't, you might try Alan Furst. His series of historical spy stories are generally set around the time of WWII, frequently in France, with travels elsewhere. Lots of interesting characters, casual love affairs very nicely depicted, local color... Good plots, of course. His are the first spy novels I've read (starting last summer). I think I've gotten spies out of my system, for now.


Love Furst. Definitely read his earlier books first. Polish Officer. Blood of Victory. Dark Star, Night Soldiers. They all take place in Europe just before World War II. The heroes are various nationalities - Hungarian, Soviet, Bulgarian, French, Dutch. Such neat characters. All casually and reluctantly heroic. Honorable and loyal. Incredible atmosphere - like "Casablanca," if you've ever heard of that. I love the way relationships between the main characters and women are portrayed. Each story is like a cross-section through a part of the coming conflict. They almost all end up in Paris, in the same restaurant, although characters and stories don't overlap. Together, you feel as though you get a panoramic view.

To me, some of his later books are weaker. I think the same can be said for LeCarre. The end of the Cold War undermined the foundations of his work. Start with "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy."
T Clark January 07, 2018 at 04:58 #140662
Reply to Noble Dust

And yet - Miss Frances of Ding Dong School:

User image
Noble Dust January 07, 2018 at 05:10 #140664
Reply to T Clark

A jovial lady, I'm sure.
T Clark January 07, 2018 at 05:13 #140666
Quoting Noble Dust
A jovial lady, I'm sure.


Very motherly and comforting for pre-schoolers. No diversity. No gay marriage between snuffleupagi.
BC January 07, 2018 at 06:18 #140698
Quoting T Clark
Apparently people used to use arsenic as a recreational drug.


I don't think so, but arsenic was used in the 19th century to make a very popular green dye that was used in paint and wallpaper. People liked it in bedrooms, especially. The arsenic vaporized and collected in the closed rooms, and it would make people feel sickish. They hadn't put 2 and 2 together, but they had noticed that something in their bedrooms was making them feel ill. Some people took "vacations" from their bedrooms to feel better.

Read that in a book about the 19th century house.

It was also used as an insecticide. There was an insecticide factory a little over a mile from where I live in Minneapolis. Up to the 1950s the long-gone plant (in an industrial zone between two residential areas) piled up materials outside where the wind picked it up and blew it around--contaminating the surrounding neighborhood soils (and people, of course) with arsenic.

The contamination was finally remediated just a few years ago when a law suit forced the city to scrape off the top 6 inches of soil from many yards adjacent to the plant containing more the a certain level of arsenic and replace it with fresh soil (probably contaminated with something else).

Then there were those two sweet old ladies poisoning gentlemen with arsenic in elderberry wine.
Noble Dust January 07, 2018 at 06:19 #140699
Reply to T Clark

Well of course.
BC January 07, 2018 at 06:22 #140703
Quoting T Clark
And yet - Miss Frances of Ding Dong School:


She sort of looks like a character in a Soviet propaganda film. Are you sure Ding Dong School wasn't part of a communist plot?
Noble Dust January 07, 2018 at 06:52 #140736
I can't pull myself away from the Belief thread...someone hold me back...
Wheatley January 07, 2018 at 07:10 #140750
The belief thread got me worried that I might be a crackpot too.
Noble Dust January 07, 2018 at 07:11 #140752
Reply to Purple Pond

Then it hasn't been in vain!
Wheatley January 07, 2018 at 07:15 #140755
Reply to Noble Dust It takes one to know one!
Noble Dust January 07, 2018 at 07:39 #140783
Reply to Purple Pond

You've a bright future of not being a crackpot ahead of you!
Wheatley January 07, 2018 at 07:46 #140787
Reply to Noble Dust Sound good. But no crack and no pot? :(
Noble Dust January 07, 2018 at 07:46 #140788
Reply to Purple Pond

No crack, yes. Pot is up to you.
TimeLine January 07, 2018 at 08:11 #140801
Reply to T Clark Notwithstanding the fact that Howdy Doody is probably the most freakish looking puppet to have ever graced television and explains by way of causing such intense feelings of horror why your generation is a little loony, are you that little boy third from the bottom left who appears distracted by the hot brunette in the corner?

You dirty ol' thang you.
TimeLine January 07, 2018 at 08:21 #140803
Quoting Bitter Crank
If you chew apple seeds, amygdalin could be released in the body and produce cyanide. Small amounts can be detoxified by enzymes in your body, but large amounts can be dangerous. You probably chewed up too many. I happen to like a touch of toxicity with my apples. I find the seeds have a pleasant taste.


Who the hell eats the seeds of an apple? You bite around it and then throw out the core, well, at least that is what normal people do, unless you're a horse.

And anyway, Mister Ed, the point was that excess fructose is not good for the liver.
ArguingWAristotleTiff January 07, 2018 at 12:40 #140828
Quoting Hanover
God, I was so adorable. What the hell happened?


You are still very adorable Hanover~ It's going to be okay because as you age, so does the ladies vision! ;)
unenlightened January 07, 2018 at 15:32 #140857
Them as liked Le Carre might also like Line of Duty. Not quite as claustrophobic as Tinker, Tailor, not quite as well written and acted, but not far short on all counts.
Agustino January 07, 2018 at 15:38 #140859
Quoting Bitter Crank
If you chew apple seeds, amygdalin could be released in the body and produce cyanide. Small amounts can be detoxified by enzymes in your body, but large amounts can be dangerous. You probably chewed up too many. I happen to like a touch of toxicity with my apples. I find the seeds have a pleasant taste.

>:O >:O >:O
Agustino January 07, 2018 at 15:39 #140860
Quoting TimeLine
unless you're a horse.

LOOOOOOL >:O
Hanover January 07, 2018 at 15:41 #140861
There is a seedless apple my son proudly showed me the other day he found at the store. Imagine biting all the way through the apple with no seeds. Yep, the times they are achangin'. Next thing you know they'll come out with men without penises. Imagine, a seedless man without all that junk in the way.

God, I am so adorable.
Hanover January 07, 2018 at 15:43 #140862
Quoting Agustino
LOOOOOOL >:O


What is laugh out out out out out out loud supposed to mean?
BC January 07, 2018 at 15:47 #140864
Quoting TimeLine
unless you're a horse


So, how the hell many apples were you eating per hour to produce liver collapse by fructose, ms. non-horse?
Hanover January 07, 2018 at 16:10 #140882
Going to run in my yellow gloves:User image
T Clark January 07, 2018 at 16:27 #140886
Quoting TimeLine
Notwithstanding the fact that Howdy Doody is probably the most freakish looking puppet to have ever graced television and explains by way of causing such intense feelings of horror why your generation is a little loony, are you that little boy third from the bottom left who appears distracted by the hot brunette in the corner?


People have always said Howdy and I could be twins. You should be more sensitive. Even freakish people have feelings. @Baden - TL is discriminating against those of us who are grotesquely ugly.

I was not in that particular photo. I think that was from the late 40s. I was on in the late 50s. Too bad, you could have seen the resemblance.

T Clark January 07, 2018 at 16:36 #140890
Quoting unenlightened
Them as liked Le Carre might also like Line of Duty. Not quite as claustrophobic as Tinker, Tailor, not quite as well written and acted, but not far short on all counts.


Thanks. I'll go look it up.

Similar subject - I don't care much about TV, but I am looking forward to Amazon's "Jack Ryan." I hope it's good. I like John Krasinski. He seems like he would make a good Ryan.
T Clark January 07, 2018 at 16:38 #140891
Quoting Bitter Crank
So, how the hell many apples were you eating per hour to produce liver collapse by fructose, ms. non-horse?


I went back and checked every @TimeLine post since the forum started. Nowhere, nowhere, does she explicitly say she is not a horse.
T Clark January 07, 2018 at 16:48 #140894
Quoting Hanover
Next thing you know they'll come out with men without penises.


Makes me think of "Ancillary Justice" by Anne Leckie. Maybe my favorite science fiction book in more than 50 years of reading. Wonderfully written. Moving. Great characters beautifully characterized. At the same time, a good old fashioned space opera. People should read it.

In the galactic society described in the book and it's two follow-ups, no linguistic or social distinctions are made between men and women. The author addresses this by using all female designations. Both men and women are women. "She" applies to everyone. It's disorienting and eye-opening. It's also really fun to try to figure out whether the characters, including the protagonist, are female or male.

Anyway - in the book, when it is necessary to refer to men in particular as separate from women, they are called "women with penises."
T Clark January 07, 2018 at 16:55 #140896
Quoting Bitter Crank
Apparently people used to use arsenic as a recreational drug. — T Clark
I don't think so


I first read about arsenic being used as a recreational drug in "Rose" by Martin Cruz Smith. Pretty good book. Smith wrote "Gorky Park" which is wonderful. Movie is wonderful too. William Hurt was wonderful. Wonderful, wonderful.

After your dismissal, I checked. Apparently arsenic was used as an aphrodisiac in the 1800s, along with use in cosmetics and other consumer products.
TimeLine January 07, 2018 at 18:33 #140937
Quoting Hanover
Going to run in my yellow gloves:


Are you a runner? I love running in winter, at night, with normal gloves. Try it while listening to Burn by The Cure. Heck, the entire The Crow soundtrack. Somehow, though, I have this dark and disturbing feeling you are into Billy Ray Cyrus.
BC January 07, 2018 at 18:57 #140951
Reply to T Clark I'll take your word for it and stand corrected. But how on earth did arsenic work as an aphrodisiac, recreational drug?
BC January 07, 2018 at 19:01 #140954
Quoting T Clark
Nowhere, nowhere, does she explicitly say she is not a horse.


No doubt she will be saying, one of these days, that she is a "stable" genius.
Agustino January 07, 2018 at 19:05 #140955
Quoting Bitter Crank
No doubt she will be saying, one of these days, that she is a"stable" genius.

Oy old horse, I have a much bigger & more powerful rocket than you, one which actually works >:)

[hide]>:O >:O >:O[/hide]
T Clark January 07, 2018 at 19:05 #140956
Quoting Bitter Crank
I'll take your word for it and stand corrected. But how on earth did arsenic work as an aphrodisiac, recreational drug?


I don't know. It probably didn't work at all. You know like this:

User image
T Clark January 07, 2018 at 19:09 #140958
Quoting Agustino
No doubt she will be saying, one of these days, that she is a"stable" genius. — Bitter CrankOy old horse, I have a much bigger & more powerful rocket than you, one which actually works


Geez, Louise you guys. I was making a playful, friendly, and, I thought, amusing comment. You're turning it all creepy.
TimeLine January 07, 2018 at 19:14 #140960
Quoting Bitter Crank
No doubt she will be saying, one of these days, that she is a "stable" genius.


I try not to fly in the face of public opinion.
Agustino January 07, 2018 at 19:21 #140966
Reply to TimeLine What do you think of Ivanka?
TimeLine January 07, 2018 at 19:30 #140970
Reply to Agustino Do you mean Ivana Humpalot?


Agustino January 07, 2018 at 19:34 #140971
Reply to TimeLine Why, such a wise, angelic being heaven has rarely seen!
Hanover January 07, 2018 at 19:37 #140973
Reply to TimeLine I don't listen to music when I run. I can't hear myself over the music. I hate the cold. I like the oppressive heat, when the steam rises from the ground, although it's hard to run in, but I really like that completely spent feeling, like you come home and fall on the floor and wonder if you'll ever recover.
T Clark January 07, 2018 at 20:07 #140982
Quoting TimeLine
Do you mean Ivana Humpalot?


No, it's Amanda Hugginkiss.

BC January 07, 2018 at 23:35 #141042
Reply to T Clark Pussy Galore? (character in Goldfinger)

User image
T Clark January 08, 2018 at 01:25 #141063
Quoting Bitter Crank
Pussy Galore? (character in Goldfinger)


I know that you know that I don't need to be told who Pussy Galore is. I know you have to tell some of the youngsters.

My brother and I went to Goldfinger with my father. We sat next to each other and Dad laughed out loud - loud out loud - all through the movie. I think that was the last time we ever went to the movies with him.
TimeLine January 08, 2018 at 09:58 #141206
@Benkei - Dirk Gently? What the fuzzball, man. I would rather watch (and I seriously mean this) the entire series of the Golden Girls.

Never trust Europeans.
Benkei January 08, 2018 at 11:27 #141207
Quoting TimeLine
Dirk Gently? What the fuzzball, man. I would rather watch (and I seriously mean this) the entire series of the Golden Girls.

Never trust Europeans.


Wait. What? Are you telling me you didn't like the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (the books and series, not the movie)? I hate you... >:o
TimeLine January 08, 2018 at 11:41 #141214
Quoting Benkei
Wait. What? Are you telling me you didn't like the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (the books and series, not the movie)? I hate you... >:o


Hang on a min min, you recommended the television adaptation, not the novel.

I am going to purify myself of this filthy conversation by watching the Fifth Element.
Benkei January 08, 2018 at 11:51 #141217
Quoting TimeLine
I am going to purify myself of this filthy conversation by watching the Fifth Element.


Ok, so you're not completely hopeless. :P
TimeLine January 08, 2018 at 12:00 #141219
Reply to Benkei How good is Chris Tucker and Gary Oldman in it.
Benkei January 08, 2018 at 13:51 #141241
Quoting TimeLine
How good is Chris Tucker and Gary Oldman in it.


Too long ago for me to tell I'm afraid. I just remember I enjoyed it a lot. I also enjoyed Dirk Gently. Not sure what's wrong with it according to you. Wildly different tastest obviously!
T Clark January 08, 2018 at 17:05 #141292
[s]Patrick Stewart[/s] Jean Luc Picard

T Clark January 08, 2018 at 17:09 #141293
Quoting TimeLine
How good is Chris Tucker and Gary Oldman in it.


Maybe this belongs on the Beautiful Things thread:

User image
Sam26 January 08, 2018 at 17:33 #141301
Reply to TimeLine Let's go out to dinner, I'll be over tonight.
Agustino January 08, 2018 at 17:35 #141303
Reply to Sam26 Wow Sam has scored! (Y)
T Clark January 08, 2018 at 18:17 #141315
Quoting Sam26
Let's go out to dinner, I'll be over tonight.


Sam26 - You should know that TL does not actually look like Ava Gardner or whoever her avatar is this week. There are even unverified reports she may be of the equine persuasion.

TimeLine - You should know that Sam26 is an old, fat crank. Oh....wait... no, that's me. Sorry.
Hanover January 08, 2018 at 19:48 #141350
Sam26 January 08, 2018 at 20:28 #141358
Reply to T Clark She doesn't look like Ava Gardner, I find that hard to believe.:D
Akanthinos January 09, 2018 at 01:05 #141413
Invasion of the Bots!
Akanthinos January 09, 2018 at 01:06 #141414
Reply to TimeLine

Good news! That nice cleaning lady has just started coming back into work! Everything is alright again!
Baden January 09, 2018 at 04:27 #141494
Reply to Akanthinos

You're welcome. :) (Just happened to be online soon after. Must be bot radar or something...)

Hanover January 09, 2018 at 05:02 #141504
I know all of y'all are watchin them Dawgs in the national championship going into OT.
Hanover January 09, 2018 at 05:12 #141512
Oh well, we came in second.
Noble Dust January 09, 2018 at 05:19 #141517
Finally wrote a new song today. Damn that felt good.
Noble Dust January 09, 2018 at 07:00 #141570
Dear God, can we all just stop posting in the Belief thread?
T Clark January 09, 2018 at 07:15 #141586
Quoting Noble Dust
Dear God, can we all just stop posting in the Belief thread?


I see you're still posting. Are you asking for an intervention? Do you need to be saved from your own pathetic impulses?

I'm in Massachusetts USA. Is that close enough for me to come over and kick you in the butt. For therapeutic purposes only, of course.
Noble Dust January 09, 2018 at 07:21 #141590
Quoting T Clark
Do you need to be saved from your own pathetic impulses?


Yes.

Quoting T Clark
I'm in Massachusetts USA. Is that close enough for me to come over and kick you in the butt. For therapeutic purposes only, of course.


Probably?

TimeLine January 09, 2018 at 09:27 #141685
Reply to Hanover

Sam26 understands me. He knows that I swoon over his manly confidence and though many a night I wept, nay I cried out in prayer, gnashing my teeth with a whimsical desperation that you would grow some balls and come right out and ask me yourself. "Why!" I once wailed in a turbulent fury. But you have left me with nothing but disappointment.

Think.

We could have made hot, pagan love under your Jewish Christmas tree, we could have gone horse-riding down the beach in Malibu with me in my floral dress and you topless in your white linen trousers, your tousled hair glistening from the rays of the burnt orange sunset. But your cowardice has left you with nothing more than the fury of your own sad existence.
Agustino January 09, 2018 at 09:56 #141715
Quoting TimeLine
horse-riding

:-O - who is the horse?
TimeLine January 09, 2018 at 10:04 #141729
Quoting Akanthinos
Good news! That nice cleaning lady has just started coming back into work! Everything is alright again!


Yay! That is fantastic. Man, you made my day (Y)
Shawn January 09, 2018 at 10:16 #141750
Hanover, the only conservative around won't come around to the 'Arguing with economics.' thread I started. Boooo!
praxis January 09, 2018 at 10:34 #141795
If I recall, Agustino is an economic conservative. He’s even a Trump supporter, bless his heart.
Agustino January 09, 2018 at 10:38 #141798
Quoting praxis
bless his heart.

God bless his heart *
Michael January 09, 2018 at 11:41 #141839
Quoting Agustino
God bless his heart *


* Theological construct protect his cardiac muscle.
ArguingWAristotleTiff January 09, 2018 at 12:03 #141852
I wonder if the impending rain is causing all the snakes of the internet to come to the surface.
<<< likes to slay snakes
ArguingWAristotleTiff January 09, 2018 at 12:28 #141863
Quoting Noble Dust
Finally wrote a new song today. Damn that felt good.


When you are ready, I would love to hear it or read the lyrics~ (Y)
ArguingWAristotleTiff January 09, 2018 at 13:55 #141886
@Hanover
Has Atlanta always been a Winter Wonderland in Winter? I was shocked to see how much snow you guys get and how cold. How do you keep your peaches from freezing?
Michael January 09, 2018 at 14:37 #141910
I wonder why people think that the right words in the right order can prove the existence of an all-powerful, transcendent, personal, creator god...
Agustino January 09, 2018 at 14:52 #141917
Quoting praxis
is an economic conservative

Not really... I'm somewhat left-leaning on economics. I'm much more of a conservative on cultural and social issues.
Michael January 09, 2018 at 15:01 #141923
Reply to Agustino When and where in history would you say had the ideal (or best so far) culture/social values?
Agustino January 09, 2018 at 15:13 #141926
Quoting Michael
When and where in history would you say had the ideal (or best so far) culture/social values?

That's a difficult question and it would depend on the place you're talking about. If you're talking about Europe (or the Western world), then I'd say the Renessaince or late Middle Ages probably. Though even in that case, those periods had some defects that we don't have today, while they had other advantages over us that we lack today. So it's difficult to make a very accurate judgement.
Hanover January 09, 2018 at 15:48 #141927
Quoting TimeLine
Sam26 understands me. He knows that I swoon over his manly confidence and though many a night I wept, nay I cried out in prayer, gnashing my teeth with a whimsical desperation that you would grow some balls and come right out and ask me yourself. "Why!" I once wailed in a turbulent fury. But you have left me with nothing but disappointment.


Alas, I was preoccupied with sexing other women in my conveyor belt method as they moved down the line, each more pleasured than the last, and I had forgotten the Post-It note reminder I had written myself and affixed to my teat that I was to call you and request your company, perhaps to a picnic of gouda and herring. And now I fear I might have lost you, not simply for the droves of dainty flowers I have assembly lined banged, but for my failure to text you "wassup" and let you know all you mean to me.Quoting TimeLine
We could have made hot, pagan love under your Jewish Christmas tree, we could have gone horse-riding down the beach in Malibu with me in my floral dress and you topless in your white linen trousers, your tousled hair glistening from the rays of the burnt orange sunset. But your cowardice has left you with nothing more than the fury of your own sad existence.
We still can do the things you mentioned, most conveniently between 2:00 and 3:00 this Sunday because me and the boys plan to go to the paint ball place and then maybe play video games later, and I think I might need to help some guy move because he couldn't pay the rent at his apartment (long story), but then after that we could do the pagan fuck thing.

Hanover January 09, 2018 at 15:53 #141929
Quoting ArguingWAristotleTiff
Has Atlanta always been a Winter Wonderland in Winter? I was shocked to see how much snow you guys get and how cold. How do you keep your peaches from freezing?


We only get a couple inches of snow at most per year. Really? You're throwing me that softball of "How do you keep your Georgia Peaches warm"? At least challenge me.
praxis January 09, 2018 at 16:53 #141933
Quoting Agustino
is an economic conservative
— praxis
Not really... I'm somewhat left-leaning on economics. I'm much more of a conservative on cultural and social issues.


So actually anti-Trump ;)
Michael January 09, 2018 at 17:00 #141935
Quoting praxis
So actually anti-Trump ;)


He's pro-Trump because Trump is openly everything Agustino hates, rather than just secretly everything Agustino hates.

Or something like that?
Agustino January 09, 2018 at 18:06 #141948
Quoting praxis
So actually anti-Trump ;)

That depends. In certain instances, such as environmental protection, I am anti-Trump. Other instances, such as lowering taxes, I'm not anti-Trump.
praxis January 09, 2018 at 18:28 #141959
Reply to Agustino

He’s been a force for deregulation across the board, and favoring the corporate sector and the rich in tax cuts is a conservative ‘trickle down’ [s]excuse[/s] [s]theory[/s] strategy.
Agustino January 09, 2018 at 18:35 #141961
Reply to praxis Yeah, your point is? I don't agree with deregulation across the border, but I am opposed to heavy bureaucracy.
praxis January 09, 2018 at 19:05 #141967
Quoting Agustino
I don't agree with deregulation across the border, but I am opposed to heavy bureaucracy.


Can you have one without the other?

I suppose we know when things are too lean when disaster strikes, like the economic meltdown of 08.


Agustino January 09, 2018 at 19:10 #141969
Reply to praxis
Quoting Agustino
I'm on the left in the sense that I do believe in free healthcare for all, in not being allowed to access better healthcare just cause you have more money, in equal opportunity to access schooling and education for all, in environmental protection, in local market protectionism, in government support for museums, art, and other cultural spheres, in nationalising banking, in outlawing financial speculation especially with regards to derivatives and options trading, in limiting the influence of multinational corporations, in support programs for those in need who cannot care for themselves, higher taxes for gambling, etc.

I am also for low taxes on business & low bureaucracy levels where possible, including reasonable deregulation.
T Clark January 09, 2018 at 20:59 #142011
I've noticed that I am taking more time to write things these days. Not just here on the forum, but at work and in other places where I write. I find myself picking my words more carefully. I go back more often and revise on rereading. I try to look ahead more thoughtfully to how my words will be interpreted and how that will affect people's understanding of what I'm trying to say.

What's my point? I've always taken pride in my writing. I've been doing it professionally for 30 years. My writing is better since I joined the forum.
ArguingWAristotleTiff January 09, 2018 at 21:13 #142023
Quoting Hanover
Really? You're throwing me that softball of "How do you keep your Georgia Peaches warm"? At least challenge me.


Your right, that was definitely a soft ball but you know, at your age....
TimeLine January 09, 2018 at 23:06 #142060
@Sam26 pick me up at 7. I refuse to be with a man who believes that all it takes to woo a sophisticated woman is merely saying 'wassup' via text message; no wonder his own mother calls him an illegitimate bastard. As for Ava Gardner, I am fond of the traditional methods of being courted by a gentleman, but I draw the line at lacking any independence or being covered in a thick layer of makeup. I call this 'Au Naturale' from my Eyes Collection.

User image


Sam26 January 10, 2018 at 01:57 #142092
Reply to TimeLine Damn, and I thought I was sophisticated. Maybe I should throw some epistemology at you. I'm too old for sophistication, and I don't have the time. X-)
T Clark January 10, 2018 at 02:00 #142094
Quoting TimeLine
Eyes Collection


How many eyes do you have?
Shawn January 10, 2018 at 02:02 #142095
Reply to T Clark

That quip... Heh.

What a wonderful day in this neighborhood.
Hanover January 10, 2018 at 03:08 #142104
Akanthinos January 10, 2018 at 03:31 #142111
Reply to Hanover

Do... do you have eyebrows? :-|
Hanover January 10, 2018 at 03:42 #142114
Reply to Akanthinos An excellent question. Yes, I have eyebrows. I pluck meticulously though. My before shot:User image
Akanthinos January 10, 2018 at 03:48 #142116
Reply to Hanover

*Urge to scratch Hanover behind the ears steadily rising.
T Clark January 10, 2018 at 03:57 #142119
Quoting Hanover
An excellent question. Yes, I have eyebrows. I pluck meticulously though. My before


Bullshit. That's Alf:

User image
Akanthinos January 10, 2018 at 04:07 #142120
Reply to T Clark

The only thing I remember from Alf was the big spider Monster that comes to hunt him at some point.
Childhood seriously compromised.
TimeLine January 10, 2018 at 05:56 #142139
Reply to Akanthinos

Quoting Hanover
Wassup.


And Akanthinos thinks I sheepishly follow you. *flicks hair
Shawn January 10, 2018 at 06:28 #142150
If somebody writes a book about the science of irrational thoughts, beliefs, and behavior, I'll buy it.
Akanthinos January 10, 2018 at 06:42 #142155
Reply to Posty McPostface I swear I've seen something like this at my last weekly visit to Paragraph. I'll check it out again on Saturday and come back to you with a title. :-*
Akanthinos January 10, 2018 at 06:44 #142156
Reply to TimeLine

Well, admittedly, there is a sheepish dynamic of some sort at play here, it's just hard to pin down which one is the sheep and which one is the herding dog at any given point in time. O:)
T Clark January 10, 2018 at 06:54 #142158
Quoting Posty McPostface
If somebody writes a book about the science of irrational thoughts, beliefs, and behavior, I'll buy it.


Extraordinary Popular Delusions And The Madness Of Crowds, by Charles MacKay, 1841 - famous book. I found it as a PDF on the web. Sometimes those web PDF versions are pretty low quality. Sometimes old public domain books are available for free on Kindle. Worth a check. I haven't read it.

Science - Good, Bad, and Bogus. Martin Gardner. Former book editor of Scientific American. I liked it. He also has a bunch of other books about this type of thing.

Amazing Randy

Baden January 10, 2018 at 07:09 #142160
Quoting T Clark
Amazing Randy


(Y)
TimeLine January 10, 2018 at 07:09 #142161
Reply to Akanthinos The violence of your thoughts are disturbing.
Streetlight January 10, 2018 at 07:10 #142162
So I did it. I ordered the ridiculously expensive book I've been hunting for for a couple of years now because it was at the bargain basement price of $130, instead of it's usual $250. Except, after my initial burst of excitement at seeing it at such a low price, the US seller said he couldn't ship it to Australia, and I was so sad. Except! Australia post does this thing where they have an address in the US which you can ship to, and from which they'll ship back to here. So I did that. And now I love the postal system.

: D
Baden January 10, 2018 at 07:11 #142163
Reply to StreetlightX

And the book is...
TimeLine January 10, 2018 at 07:13 #142164
Reply to StreetlightX Yay! What was the book again? As for Oz Post, you are probably the only one. I'm still waiting for my Dr. Martens.
Streetlight January 10, 2018 at 07:13 #142165
Reply to Baden Reply to TimeLine Erwin Straus's The Primary World of the Senses. So excited!

Now if I can only find Jan Patocka's Body, Community, Language, World for less than USD$2800, I'll be even happier.

Reply to TimeLine Haha, you're probably right. Are Doc's that much cheaper overseas tho?
Baden January 10, 2018 at 07:19 #142167
Quoting StreetlightX
Now if I can only find Jan Patocka's Body, Community, Language, World for less than USD$2800, I'll be even happier.


Ha, Pomo nonsense! I'm going to buy it just so I can throw it at the wall in disgust! (And then sell it to you at the discounted wall-damaged price of $2799 (Y) ).
Streetlight January 10, 2018 at 07:21 #142169
Reply to Baden You'll be first to the gulag when The Glorious Revolution™ happens. :<
TimeLine January 10, 2018 at 08:00 #142172
Reply to StreetlightX Nah, I got them on sale from Platypus shoes being shipped down from Sydney. Typical. :P
Agustino January 10, 2018 at 09:44 #142197
Quoting StreetlightX
So I did it. I ordered the ridiculously expensive book I've been hunting for for a couple of years now because it was at the bargain basement price of $130, instead of it's usual $250. Except, after my initial burst of excitement at seeing it at such a low price, the US seller said he couldn't ship it to Australia, and I was so sad. Except! Australia post does this thing where they have an address in the US which you can ship to, and from which they'll ship back to here. So I did that. And now I love the postal system.

: D

Mate, I'm telling you, you got screwed... what's worse is that you're actually happy about it >:O >:O >:O

Think about it... $130!! How are you going to make good on that investment? Will this book help you make more dough? Will it give you knowledge that will be so useful to you that it will merit $130? What can you do with that knowledge? What change does that knowledge (help) create in your life?

If you like buying expensive books, you might as well buy this one. At least with this one, you can probably make the money back in about... 1 month? And from there, it's all profit >:O .
Streetlight January 10, 2018 at 09:46 #142198
Reply to Agustino I've changed my mind, Baden will be second to the gulag, you, first.
Agustino January 10, 2018 at 09:47 #142199
Reply to StreetlightX How many years though? I might be first, but do I get more years than Baden? :P
Streetlight January 10, 2018 at 09:49 #142200
Reply to Agustino Until your reeducation is complete, of course!
Agustino January 10, 2018 at 09:51 #142201
New formula to get rich - in 5 easy steps:

1. Write a POMO book (you can use this to get your chapters)
2. Put a very high price on it.
3. PM SLX about how good this new POMO book is (don't mention it's yours).
4. Wait.
5. Look at how easily the dough rolls in your bank account! :-$ :D
Michael January 10, 2018 at 10:03 #142203
Quoting StreetlightX
Now if I can only find Jan Patocka's Body, Community, Language, World for less than USD$2800, I'll be even happier.


I can get it for $131.02.

I expect a finder's fee.
Agustino January 10, 2018 at 10:14 #142209
Reply to Michael You learned :D
Streetlight January 10, 2018 at 10:54 #142211
Reply to Michael *squeals a little* Ahhh. I'm not allow to buy another book for another two weeks (self-limitation, lol), but that's totally next! You're the bestest!!
Baden January 10, 2018 at 11:31 #142218
Hey @Agustino, I did the parody of you for you so you didn't have to... And yet you had to. ;)
ArguingWAristotleTiff January 10, 2018 at 11:43 #142220
My fellow thinkers: can I ask if any of you had been involved with school sports? Any sport qualifies for my question but don't forget the wrestlers and Gymnastics.
Thank you for sharing and if you don't mind letting me know your age range, though most of you I hope I already know. (Y)

Michael January 10, 2018 at 11:44 #142221
Reply to ArguingWAristotleTiff Football, rugby, cricket, and athletics (mainly long distance running).
ArguingWAristotleTiff January 10, 2018 at 11:51 #142222
Quoting Michael
Football, rugby, cricket, and athletics (mainly long distance running).


Did you ever have any concussions during those sports? And my I am guessing your under 32 yrs old.
Michael January 10, 2018 at 11:52 #142223
Hanover January 10, 2018 at 11:52 #142224
Reply to Posty McPostface I wrote a book once called: "The Science of Irrational Behaviors." It sounds close to what you might be looking for. I wrote it in the lost art of cursive on chalkboard, so it's unwieldy, but I can send it to you. It's 264 "pages."
ArguingWAristotleTiff January 10, 2018 at 11:53 #142225
Quoting Michael
Nope, and yes.


Good on the concussions! Yay on my age guess ;)
Michael January 10, 2018 at 11:53 #142226
I wrote a book called The New Testament. I've yet to reveal that it was an April Fools prank.
Hanover January 10, 2018 at 11:55 #142227
Quoting TimeLine
And Akanthinos thinks I sheepishly follow you. *flicks hair


Damn you! You know what that hair flick does to me. *sucks on pinkie.
ArguingWAristotleTiff January 10, 2018 at 11:56 #142229
Quoting Hanover
Damn you! You know what that hair flick does to me. *sucks on pinkie


Good Heavens! You have given her an eye and a tooth, how about an Ear shot?
Hanover January 10, 2018 at 12:01 #142231
Reply to ArguingWAristotleTiff Clever, but no. I see what you're doing. You're trying to construct a jigsaw picture of my likeness to sell to the Russians.