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Search: Posts Made By: Tactitus
Forum: General Discussions 7 Aug 2009, 09:44
Replies: 51
Views: 17,624
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Is Bigger Government Better

Yes, I made it very clear that the letter was in reference to the plan then under consideration. As I said initially, some economists were opposed to specific details of the bailout and some were...
Forum: General Discussions 6 Aug 2009, 08:27
Replies: 51
Views: 17,624
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Is Bigger Government Better

I didn't say they always worked well, I just said they always worked (in the sense that, sooner or later, they always sorted themselves out). There have been recessions for as long as there have...
Forum: General Discussions 3 Aug 2009, 08:45
Replies: 51
Views: 17,624
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Is Bigger Government Better

Much damage happened anyway, or happened even before the bail out; but nobody really knows what would have happened (or for that matter, what may yet happen).

The first question to ask is: how...
Forum: General Discussions 29 Jul 2009, 19:38
Replies: 51
Views: 17,624
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Is Bigger Government Better

The difference though is that stockholders are such mainly by choice (with some possibility of a profit to offset the risk they're taking) whereas taxpayers are not. As a stockholder, if I think GM...
Forum: General Discussions 30 Jun 2009, 18:51
Replies: 33
Views: 6,435
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: MP's Expenses (UK politics)

I doubt it.

Pay toilets are an anathema to Americans. Thanks to a successful grass roots campaign, most pay toilets in the US were removed years ago. :)
Forum: General Discussions 3 Jun 2009, 18:20
Replies: 22
Views: 4,718
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: My Dilema

But did the jury actually hear the dead victim's accusation or just someone else's account of it (i.e., hearsay)? :/
Forum: Planetarion Suggestions 19 May 2009, 17:05
Replies: 128
Views: 18,588
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Why changing salvage sucked ass and please change it back next round

I wonder if part of the problem is that any salvage formula has to serve more than one master? You want high(er) salvage to reward defenders and you want low(er) salvage to reduce/eliminate...
Forum: Planetarion Discussions 7 May 2009, 03:05
Replies: 52
Views: 11,497
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Some further observations

PA originally had up to 3-tick attack and up to 6-tick defend (you could always set less and/or recall early). The extra defend ticks didn't help with single attacks (unless you wanted to launch def....
Forum: General Discussions 1 May 2009, 18:25
Replies: 6
Views: 2,779
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Space, Ink

Not long. I knew we'd covered this several times in the past, and it was one of the threads that the search found. I just thought that it was amusing that you (assuming you're the same Kenny as in...
Forum: General Discussions 1 May 2009, 07:35
Replies: 6
Views: 2,779
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Space, Ink

Out of curiosity, was it this thread (http://pirate.planetarion.com/showthread.php?p=3084262) that burst that bubble?
Forum: Planetarion Suggestions 24 Mar 2009, 07:59
Replies: 22
Views: 4,489
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: One Roid To Rule Them All *split*

Light pretty well said most of what I was going to say. There are a lot of features (or remnants of features) that don't make sense anymore because other features have been ripped out. Removing the...
Forum: Planetarion Suggestions 22 Mar 2009, 05:21
Replies: 9
Views: 3,565
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Capping, based on value

I said 'friends' rather than 'alliance' for a reason. The round 5 tactic worked just as well with non-alliance friends--members of NAPed alliances, friends, even idlers in public channels. :) It was...
Forum: Planetarion Suggestions 21 Mar 2009, 23:36
Replies: 9
Views: 3,565
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Capping, based on value

I'd be very careful about using a round 5-based capping formula. Round 5 was (in)famous for piggybacking (or reverse piggybacking since it involved 'friendly attackers'). Whenever you couldn't...
Forum: Planetarion Suggestions 21 Mar 2009, 23:18
Replies: 14
Views: 3,421
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Finance center diminishing returns

It is a cap, your formula just approaches it asymptotically. The incremental bonus will eventually go to zero (how quickly depends on the precision of your arithmetic).

I don't want to belabor the...
Forum: Planetarion Suggestions 18 Mar 2009, 20:07
Replies: 14
Views: 3,421
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Finance center diminishing returns

Your new formula still has an artificial cap (called 'Cap' interestingly enough). What's the difference between an artificial cap of, say, 50% bonus and an artificial cap of, say, 60 FC? Why does...
Forum: General Discussions 27 Feb 2009, 22:56
Replies: 18
Views: 4,370
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Obama Budget $3.55 Trillion

No, he's just setting himself up to take credit for something that was going to happen anyway. It's no big deal, he's a politician. If you could put down the dreamy kool-aid for a minute, I'm sure...
Forum: General Discussions 27 Feb 2009, 20:44
Replies: 18
Views: 4,370
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Obama Budget $3.55 Trillion

I think you're a bit confused about the US budget process. The Iraq and Afghanistan wars were funded off-budget, but the amounts weren't secret. All of our wars start off being funded off-budget (I...
Forum: General Discussions 19 Feb 2009, 07:05
Replies: 12
Views: 3,424
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Amazing Stimulus

If you don't believe that governments can end recessions then perhaps you agree that calling this a 'stimulus' bill was, at best, misleading and thus there was no need to rush this bill through...
Forum: General Discussions 18 Feb 2009, 21:10
Replies: 12
Views: 3,424
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Amazing Stimulus

Even if you believe any and all government spending stimulates the economy (and I could have sworn that even Keynesians were a bit particular in that regard), the stimulus bill has a long ramp-up...
Forum: General Discussions 11 Feb 2009, 08:41
Replies: 30
Views: 8,042
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: A Working Class Hero Once Again

I don't know. I think Mexicans can and should make that determination for themselves.
I don't know what 'quality of life' means, or if it means the same thing to different people. No one is forcing...
Forum: General Discussions 10 Feb 2009, 07:50
Replies: 30
Views: 8,042
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: A Working Class Hero Once Again

What about it?

I don't know how much Mexicans spend to live in the US and I don't know how much they earn; but I do know that in 2007 they sent 24 billion dollars to Mexico in the form of...
Forum: General Discussions 4 Nov 2008, 18:24
Replies: 120
Views: 54,580
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Sarah Palin

He's an Obama/Axelrod drone. In the US, you see them on a lot of forums and commenting on blogs. They're always newly-registered users who only post on political topics. They always claim to be...
Forum: General Discussions 4 Nov 2008, 03:22
Replies: 41
Views: 10,167
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Mathematical Problems

Surely V would be for Vermouth. ;)
Forum: General Discussions 4 Nov 2008, 03:16
Replies: 14
Views: 5,113
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Election Prediction Thread

I'm not really seeing your point here as most polls are conducted over the telephone and are semi-anonymous* and confidential. They're not much more public than a polling booth from my perspective....
Forum: General Discussions 24 Oct 2008, 07:57
Replies: 40
Views: 8,042
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Philosexology

This is really orthogonal to the question of abortion, as there is already the technology to select a child's sex without recourse to abortion (in vitro fertilization, for example). In the future...
Forum: General Discussions 12 Sep 2008, 03:52
Replies: 8
Views: 2,910
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: WW1 and fire

The use of chemical agents had been technically outlawed by the 1925 Geneva convention, although not all the belligerents had ratified the treaty and some nations ratified the treaty with...
Forum: General Discussions 3 Sep 2008, 07:48
Replies: 17
Views: 5,238
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Piyush Jindal

It was unnecessary only in hindsight. Hurricanes, especially in the Gulf, are just too unpredictable. If you hold off on the evacuation until you're certain it's necessary then you've almost...
Forum: General Discussions 3 Sep 2008, 04:45
Replies: 120
Views: 54,580
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Sarah Palin

She's a new face, which the Republicans need. Beyond that, there's an only moderate resume and her gender. I hope she wasn't picked to try to woo the disaffected Hillary voters; Republicans should...
Forum: General Discussions 3 Sep 2008, 02:45
Replies: 7
Views: 2,586
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Back to Work

Aren't you due to retire in a few months? Why are you even back at all (except to clean out desk, tell replacement where bodies are buried, etc)?
Forum: General Discussions 27 Jun 2008, 09:15
Replies: 34
Views: 6,273
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Latest Kyoto Report for EU

When costs and uncertainties are high, yes. But feel free to gamble with your own money. :)
I don't buy into the global warming alarmism (having lived through the global cooling alarmism), but...
Forum: General Discussions 25 Jun 2008, 10:48
Replies: 3
Views: 2,686
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: [linkdump] Now don't tell me I've nothing to do

I found http://graphjam.com/ to be mildly amusing.
Forum: General Discussions 25 Jun 2008, 10:41
Replies: 34
Views: 6,273
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Latest Kyoto Report for EU

Um, I was being facetious. Apparently my meager attempt at humor sailed clean over your head. I'll try to aim lower. :)
I have no idea what you're talking about but if this thread is causing you...
Forum: General Discussions 24 Jun 2008, 20:09
Replies: 34
Views: 6,273
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Latest Kyoto Report for EU

That's as may be, but Kyoto doesn't require full participation. First, only Annex I (developed) countries have to reduce emissions--meaning that high-CO2-producing industries like steel production by...
Forum: General Discussions 23 Jun 2008, 22:42
Replies: 34
Views: 6,273
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Latest Kyoto Report for EU

Um, sure. But cut by how much and at what cost? The devil is always in those pesky details. :)
I think there are a number of flaws with the Stern Review but the proof here is really in the pudding....
Forum: General Discussions 30 May 2008, 04:14
Replies: 9
Views: 3,473
Posted By Tactitus
Cool Re: There's Way Too Many People With My Name Out There

Perhaps you created an account with that name some time ago and just forgot?

Then again it's a straightforward permutation of a not uncommon name.
Forum: General Discussions 21 May 2008, 22:08
Replies: 59
Views: 7,660
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: The Spectator

These schools sound a lot like what we call charter schools (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charter_schools) here in the US. They're a variation on the idea of school vouchers...
Forum: General Discussions 9 Apr 2008, 23:37
Replies: 17
Views: 3,344
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Tibet and the Olympics

Well it's a symbolic gesture against a symbolic event. This ensures that virtually no one will actually be inconvenienced. ;)
I believe she has only called for a boycott of the opening ceremonies...
Forum: General Discussions 10 Jan 2008, 18:28
Replies: 89
Views: 10,604
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Annoying election process begins.

But as FDR himself so aptly demonstrated, the Vice-President is only a cerebral hemorrhage away from the Presidency. Vice-Presidents have become far more important and far more engaged than they...
Forum: General Discussions 10 Jan 2008, 05:39
Replies: 89
Views: 10,604
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Annoying election process begins.

Well, that and history. In the past 100 years, only one President has been elected to office with only Legislative experience (JFK, 1960).

It's been very rare for candidates to win the Presidency...
Forum: General Discussions 5 Jan 2008, 00:38
Replies: 29
Views: 4,818
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Who is the sympathetic one here?

This seems to be the sort of case that cries out for one of the Judge Judy-type shows. Don't you have some sort of mechanism to alert the media when you have one of these...
Forum: General Discussions 4 Jan 2008, 03:09
Replies: 89
Views: 10,604
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Annoying election process begins.

I'd say the death march started a year ago, but whatever. The corollary is that the nominations should be wrapped up even longer before the actual conventions, leaving us a pleasant if awkward lull...
Forum: Strategic Discussions 2 Dec 2007, 23:09
Replies: 21
Views: 4,200
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Salvage

Yes it does; but if stealing were to yield a significant net gain then it might not be such a small group.

It's axiomatic that players will seek out advantages and unfortunately in my experience...
Forum: Strategic Discussions 2 Dec 2007, 21:04
Replies: 21
Views: 4,200
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Salvage

The difference, however, is that the ships have not been lost from the game. If the game gives salvage for ships that simply trade hands then it's essentially creating something out of nothing and...
Forum: General Discussions 24 Oct 2007, 01:23
Replies: 178
Views: 22,919
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: OiNK closed down...

They've dropped significantly in the US. Newspaper circulation (daily) peaked in 1984 and has been declining ever since (down nearly 20%). I don't know if that's all due to the internet, but it's...
Forum: General Discussions 27 Aug 2007, 16:00
Replies: 30
Views: 8,822
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: The BBC strikes out against stupid conceptions of property

Why the hell am I paying for it then? :confused:
Forum: General Discussions 22 Aug 2007, 06:33
Replies: 6
Views: 2,791
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Those crazy Americans

Heh (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orange/orl-launcher2107aug21,0,3474791.story), it turns out it wasn't a missile or even a missile launcher; just a carrying case for an anti-tank...
Forum: General Discussions 19 Aug 2007, 09:49
Replies: 97
Views: 13,005
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Stupid police officers and the nonsensical comments they make

The Minimum Legal Drinking Age (MLDA) is one of the most well-studied behavior-control policies in the US. Prior to the 1970s, states set their own MLDA and while most states set it at 21, several...
Forum: General Discussions 25 Jul 2007, 16:45
Replies: 12
Views: 2,712
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Public opinion pages

You mean like forcing them to use typewriters and carbon paper? ;)

But I'm heartily amused by the idea of someone using the internet to spam the dead tree media. :D
Forum: General Discussions 8 Jul 2007, 02:41
Replies: 20
Views: 2,989
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: iphone

Apparently not; although someone may come out with iPhone compatible gloves. ;)

I've never been able to use any mobile phone while wearing my winter gloves, so I have no expectations in that...
Forum: General Discussions 6 Jul 2007, 04:23
Replies: 20
Views: 2,989
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: iphone

I'd guess because a stylus wouldn't be able to take advantage of the multitouch screen. Also, the iPhone requires input from something that approximates the electrical characteristics of human skin....
Forum: General Discussions 27 Jun 2007, 07:38
Replies: 11
Views: 2,743
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Oh, Britain, Bastion of anti-corruption.

Erm, that was like 35 years ago; and before the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act was passed in 1977 (prior to which, it wasn't a violation of US law to pay bribes to foreign officials). In any case, no...
Forum: General Discussions 13 Jun 2007, 03:11
Replies: 56
Views: 8,131
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: HIV-man shags underaged girls shocker

The Moors took Spain from the Goths, who took it from the Vandals, who took it from the Romans. Roman rule in Spain essentially ended in the fifth century (Justinian re-established a toehold in...
Forum: General Discussions 7 Jun 2007, 03:58
Replies: 53
Views: 7,209
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Working/moving abroad

The key to working in the US is not to start with a work permit or a green card--start with getting a job. If you can get a company to hire you then the paperwork essentially becomes their problem....
Forum: General Discussions 26 May 2007, 14:05
Replies: 19
Views: 2,903
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Dealing with Young People

They're attorneys. I think we can assume that's a given*. ;)






*Assuming you meant revolves.
Forum: General Discussions 12 May 2007, 01:36
Replies: 44
Views: 13,934
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Touch-typing

I learned touch-typing in high school but that was back in the pre-PC days when typewriters roamed the earth. ;)

Given my eventual profession as a computer programmer it turned out to be far more...
Forum: General Discussions 17 Apr 2007, 08:04
Replies: 86
Views: 10,484
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: GD Axis of Evil

I don't care about an immigrant's culture or beliefs (although if one of their beliefs is that the world owes them a living then I'd suggest they try another world--or at least a different part of...
Forum: General Discussions 16 Apr 2007, 23:14
Replies: 23
Views: 3,739
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Identity Confusion

So when is he eligible for parole? And does that include the four years already served (assuming he wasn't granted bail)?
Forum: General Discussions 10 Apr 2007, 05:28
Replies: 131
Views: 17,307
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Best Sci-Fi Movie

That's pretty much the antithesis of the book. :/
Forum: General Discussions 9 Apr 2007, 21:49
Replies: 131
Views: 17,307
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Best Sci-Fi Movie

It got several nominations actually, and not just for 'best special effects' which used to be the token Sci Fi category. It also got nominated for Best Director and Best Screenplay, which are...
Forum: General Discussions 9 Apr 2007, 00:34
Replies: 131
Views: 17,307
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Best Sci-Fi Movie

I mostly agree, but when I first saw it in 1968 it was quite stunning--not especially technically but emotionally. However, that aspect has not stood up.

The biggest thing about 2001 was that it...
Forum: General Discussions 30 Mar 2007, 19:17
Replies: 23
Views: 3,739
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Identity Confusion

I believe dda is the prosecution. :)
Forum: General Discussions 19 Mar 2007, 05:51
Replies: 8
Views: 2,439
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Winter heating costs

My utility (gas + electric) bill was $300 last month. :/

I console myself with the fact that it's quite a bit less than Al Gore's monthly utility bill for his pool house...
Forum: General Discussions 14 Mar 2007, 23:31
Replies: 34
Views: 5,268
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: what would happen if your mortgage lender went under?

In the US, buyers of mortgages are required to honor the terms of the original contract (they are only permitted to adjust certain fees associated with servicing the loan). That said, some mortgages...
Forum: General Discussions 14 Mar 2007, 05:16
Replies: 26
Views: 4,957
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Tuition Fees

It's not just the average earnings that are so much higher but also the median earnings. For example, in the US the median salaries for college graduates are 62% higher than for high school...
Forum: General Discussions 13 Mar 2007, 19:35
Replies: 26
Views: 4,957
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Tuition Fees

I believe we've covered this before but I don't think higher education needs to be free or even subsidized. In the US, each year of post-secondary education adds, on average, about $225K to your...
Forum: General Discussions 6 Mar 2007, 20:57
Replies: 22
Views: 2,830
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: You think it's worth the cost?

A billion dollars is petty cash in the context of the US federal budget (it would amount to about 0.04% of the total budget). If we can afford to waste, er spend, $6.5B (in FY2007 alone) on studying...
Forum: General Discussions 6 Mar 2007, 04:49
Replies: 15
Views: 2,393
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Ahm Hillary Clinton y'all.

I think that just proves that Bush's speechwriters are articulate. When he speaks extemporaneously he often lapses into yokum.

With respect to Hillary, she spent nearly 20 years living in...
Forum: General Discussions 5 Mar 2007, 22:36
Replies: 26
Views: 3,947
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: The limpwristed excuse for a currency that is the US dollar, and you!

According to Bankrate.com, the average money market/savings account yield is 3.6%. If you're only getting 0.7% on a "high-yield" savings account you might want to shop for a new bank. My savings...
Forum: General Discussions 11 Feb 2007, 01:02
Replies: 52
Views: 6,198
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Cannabis Cameron

But did he inhale? ;)
Forum: General Discussions 9 Feb 2007, 20:26
Replies: 13
Views: 3,198
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Bad news for the Yanks. I feel sorry for you.

Greyhound's pretty hosed to begin with, which is probably why they've been in and out of bankrupcy court the past few years. If the new owners can turn the company around then great; although I...
Forum: General Discussions 3 Feb 2007, 08:10
Replies: 52
Views: 4,933
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Hey DDA where do you get your "gas" from?

Here in Minnesota most of our oil comes from Canada. Other than the fact that our local tv stations are apparently required to air episodes of The Red Green Show in exchange, it's been otherwise...
Forum: General Discussions 3 Feb 2007, 07:37
Replies: 86
Views: 7,121
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: The Environment

I don't think the actual problems caused by automobile emissions are that well understood. For example, it's generally accepted that higher concentrations of automobile emissions can aggrevate asthma...
Forum: General Discussions 1 Feb 2007, 05:45
Replies: 86
Views: 7,121
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: The Environment

Externalities can be represented only to the extent that they're known. What's the 'cost' of the pollution generated by my car? How much additional taxes should I pay to represent that? I'm sure I...
Forum: General Discussions 31 Jan 2007, 19:01
Replies: 86
Views: 7,121
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: The Environment

Presumably recycling policies could be amended when that happens though (and in a free market that happens automatically ;)). Most metals are worth recycling today because it's currently cheaper to...
Forum: General Discussions 13 Jan 2007, 21:24
Replies: 5
Views: 1,654
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: It's Canadian and 22 minutes long

That sounds about right (http://www.rbcinvest.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/PEstory/LAC/20070109/COWENT09/Columnists/columnists/columnistsNational/2/2/6/).
Forum: General Discussions 12 Jan 2007, 22:25
Replies: 44
Views: 4,181
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Book Survey

I had no idea how many books I've read, but then I remembered that Amazon keeps receipts online forever and I get at least 80% of my books from them. According to their records I've purchased 152...
Forum: General Discussions 11 Jan 2007, 02:31
Replies: 42
Views: 4,103
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Stupid Bastard American Networks!

With many television seasons down to 22 new episodes or even less, that leaves 8+ weeks that have to be filled with either a second rerun or something else.
Yet obviously you are getting them. :)
Forum: General Discussions 6 Jan 2007, 16:50
Replies: 161
Views: 21,424
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: OK GD people, which book are you reading now?

Imperium: A Novel of Ancient Rome by Robert Harris and War Made New by Max Boot.
Forum: General Discussions 3 Jan 2007, 03:55
Replies: 12
Views: 2,379
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Whatever you do, don't open your Dell PC

Whenever I work on a Dell I always start at the Dell website. Their cases are not intuitive, but they usually have decent instructions on how to open the case and replace parts.

On the Dell...
Forum: General Discussions 30 Dec 2006, 17:55
Replies: 53
Views: 9,301
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Saddams death, tragedy or great victory?

Apparently, Iraqi law prohibits the execution of anyone over the age of 70 (Saddam would have turned 70 in April of 2007), so additional trials would have made it impossible to execute him (absent a...
Forum: General Discussions 30 Dec 2006, 08:37
Replies: 30
Views: 2,295
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Fate?

I don't believe in fate, at least not on an individual level. Perhaps mankind as a species is fated to greatness, at least in the long term. Although in the long long term entropy wins and all that's...
Forum: General Discussions 22 Dec 2006, 02:41
Replies: 13
Views: 2,709
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Winter Solstice

Yes, I live in Minnesota but we rarely get snow before October. :p

Even then we tend to ignore the stuff that melts right away. We've had a few flakes a couple of times this year but nothing...
Forum: General Discussions 21 Dec 2006, 22:58
Replies: 13
Views: 2,709
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Winter Solstice

My hope died today.
(http://flickr.com/photos/71069686@N00/329419764/)
Forum: General Discussions 20 Dec 2006, 23:11
Replies: 442
Views: 57,608
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: A Plane Problem

I don't see how that's possible.

A large jetliner generates several hundred thousand of pounds of thrust. The drag due to the tires is a few tens of thousands of pounds. If I'm recalling my...
Forum: General Discussions 18 Dec 2006, 22:29
Replies: 8
Views: 2,154
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Yo S|K Ax Murder Case

Unless your name is Mike Nifong and you're running for re-election. :(


I love the 'framed by a biker gang' defense though.
Forum: General Discussions 18 Dec 2006, 05:07
Replies: 14
Bsg
Views: 2,627
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Bsg

I thought the season opener and Exodus Pt. 2 were excellent but everything else (up to The Passage) was mediocre to boring with Hero and Unfinished Business being just plain awful. However, the last...
Forum: General Discussions 18 Dec 2006, 01:14
Replies: 14
Bsg
Views: 2,627
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Bsg

I was worried Moore and Eick were just going to phone in the third season (six of the first eight episodes just weren't very good imho and some were awful), but it's picking up again. :up:
Forum: General Discussions 15 Dec 2006, 22:49
Replies: 96
Views: 8,627
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Yo americans

Yeah, that's pretty obvious. Cui bono and all that. Lenders love it too because student loan guarantees eliminate all that nasty paperwork involving evaluation of loan applicants and going after...
Forum: General Discussions 15 Dec 2006, 07:13
Replies: 39
Views: 3,125
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Iran: Beacon Of Liberty!

I doubt they could do it in any case. Their planes don't have the range to get to Iran and back without refueling and they don't have all that much in the way of air-to-air refueling capability....
Forum: General Discussions 15 Dec 2006, 06:18
Replies: 96
Views: 8,627
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Yo americans

Sure you can. They're called interest-free loans. :)

You can reduce or eliminate the interest on pretty much any loan by paying additional money up front. Technically, this is still interest but...
Forum: General Discussions 14 Dec 2006, 01:14
Replies: 96
Views: 8,627
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Yo americans

And it wasn't particularly Vast either, but maybe 2 out of 4 is good enough for a passing grade. :up:
Heh. Conspiracy theories: there's no problem they can't solve! ;)
Forum: General Discussions 14 Dec 2006, 00:07
Replies: 96
Views: 8,627
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Yo americans

My favorite Hillary Moment was her coining the phrase 'Vast Right Wing Conspiracy' to explain why the various Clinton scandals were all just fabrications by a cabal of her husband's enemies. Even...
Forum: General Discussions 11 Dec 2006, 22:06
Replies: 40
Views: 6,879
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: [Jesus]Movie review- The Nativity Story

It was released on December 1st.
Forum: General Discussions 9 Dec 2006, 19:51
Replies: 21
Views: 3,955
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Going to the USA next year

How much time do you want to spend on this trip? The amount of time you have will allow or limit your choices and routes. Also, what time of the year?
It's pretty hard to cross the US (east<->west)...
Forum: General Discussions 7 Dec 2006, 16:28
Replies: 34
Views: 3,174
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: We already knew it

They're only incompatible if you don't understand them. To wit, your treatment becomes worthless when one of your competitors releases a cure (or even a better/cheaper treatment).
Forum: General Discussions 4 Dec 2006, 20:40
Replies: 4
Views: 2,041
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Straw Goat

I should think some homemade napalm would take care of that goat--flame-resistant chemicals and all! I'd even be tempted to throw in some liquid oxygen to see if the frame could be melted.
:devil:
Forum: General Discussions 4 Dec 2006, 17:36
Replies: 21
Views: 3,620
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: gadgets for me for xmas

Nice; but I've already promised her she's not getting any more plushies until she culls her (trust me, extensive) collection.
Forum: General Discussions 4 Dec 2006, 17:16
Replies: 21
Views: 3,620
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: gadgets for me for xmas

I'm not sure if it qualifies as a gadget but my daughter would love to have one of these (http://www.allerca.com/). She will probably have to settle for one of these...
Forum: General Discussions 1 Dec 2006, 23:48
Replies: 72
Views: 7,529
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: I've never been a tryer

Voting to give Dante SQL access so he can graph GD's inexorable decline. :up:
Forum: General Discussions 1 Dec 2006, 20:46
Replies: 72
Views: 7,529
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: I've never been a tryer

Is that because your predictions about how rep would improve the forums have all come true or is it because it's still too early to tell?

Or is it that your reasons were independent of any actual...
Forum: General Discussions 1 Dec 2006, 20:13
Replies: 25
Views: 4,785
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Alexander Litvinenko

A rogue agent with some hellacious contacts (it's not like you can get Polonium 210 at Tesco (http://direct.tesco.com/search/default.aspx?search=Polonium+210&confirm.x=0&confirm.y=0)'s).
Forum: General Discussions 30 Nov 2006, 07:50
Replies: 21
Views: 3,016
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Why can't I own a Canadian?

I think you might be misremembering because no state disallows second (or more distant) cousin marriages (source (http://ask.yahoo.com/20060223.html)).

Lev. 18 lists all the forbidden...
Forum: General Discussions 30 Nov 2006, 06:45
Replies: 25
Views: 4,785
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Alexander Litvinenko

Pretty sloppy handling, imho. If you're going to use an exotic radioactive poison you don't want to leave a bread-crumb-like trail of the stuff the authorities can use to retrace your steps. :/

It...
Forum: General Discussions 29 Nov 2006, 18:24
Replies: 74
Views: 6,538
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: TV Licenses

Yes, just as they're free to sell at a loss.

Cost-plus pricing and even selling at a loss can offer some benefits in certain situations; but generally and in the longer-term these are sub-optimal...
Forum: General Discussions 27 Nov 2006, 19:26
Replies: 74
Views: 6,538
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: TV Licenses

What constitutes "in use" wrt to TVs liable for the license? Does it mean the TV's actually on when the inspectors arrive? Off, but plugged in and ready to go? Unplugged? Boxed up? In the attic? In...
Forum: General Discussions 25 Nov 2006, 04:03
Replies: 14
Views: 2,311
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: A Golf Story I'm Actually Interested In

So if your ball burns up in the Earth's atmosphere would you treat that as a lost ball? Or could you consider the entire planet a water hazard?
Forum: General Discussions 21 Nov 2006, 19:44
Replies: 18
Views: 2,901
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Money money money

Governments already have their own get-rich-quick scams: state-run lotteries. ;)

I don't think they've led to any lowering of taxes though. :/
Forum: General Discussions 15 Nov 2006, 19:14
Replies: 69
Views: 7,206
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Hi..!! I've registered because of problem..

You'll forgive us then if we take your criticism of our electoral choices in the spirit in which it is given. ;)
Forum: General Discussions 15 Nov 2006, 16:50
Replies: 69
Views: 7,206
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Hi..!! I've registered because of problem..

John Howard has been mentioned a fair bit in the US press. He's been a fairly vocal supporter of President Bush and the GWOT.
I thought you wanted Bush to win...
Forum: General Discussions 15 Nov 2006, 16:25
Replies: 89
Views: 7,964
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Jesus rejected for Christmas

That doesn't sound like a very successful product/business plan to me.
Not being able to give their product away doesn't seem like especially good publicity, but maybe they're from the 'any...
Forum: General Discussions 14 Nov 2006, 23:01
Replies: 89
Views: 7,964
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Jesus rejected for Christmas

I'm guessing the marketplace has rejected Jesus as well; otherwise the company probably wouldn't be trying to donate 4000 of them to Toys for Tots (can you say tax write-off?). ;)
That would add...
Forum: General Discussions 10 Nov 2006, 16:36
Replies: 9
Views: 2,225
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: It's official: Democrats win the senate too

The big thing that control of the Senate adds is the ability to block judicial appointments, although the Democrats were able to do a fairly good job on that front even as a minority (at least for...
Forum: General Discussions 9 Nov 2006, 17:40
Replies: 26
Views: 2,999
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Nancy Pelosi

You haven't presented one.
The Democrats won, especially the Senate, because they ran a lot of conservative candidates. Bob Casey, Jim Webb (former Navy Secretary under Reagan), etc. Their big...
Forum: General Discussions 8 Nov 2006, 21:35
Replies: 26
Views: 2,999
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Nancy Pelosi

Well, in the event of the deaths of the President and Vice President, the Speaker of the House gets the job. :/


I, for one, welcome our new Democratic overlords....
Forum: General Discussions 7 Nov 2006, 21:03
Replies: 18
Views: 2,661
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Simple Fun about world k

I don't think the bot's intent is to outwit you or forum admins per se; I think the intent is to outwit the automatic defenses that forum admins have put in place on most forums (for example, the...
Forum: General Discussions 7 Nov 2006, 17:21
Replies: 78
Views: 8,260
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Secret Santa!

Yes. (http://www.cdli.ca/CITE/tornadoes_alley.htm)

I've only seen (in person) one tornado (http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/06/14/tornado/) in my life. It was scary, but I was...
Forum: General Discussions 6 Nov 2006, 17:11
Replies: 11
Views: 2,529
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Saddam`s burial plot.

I presume he'll be buried in his family cemetery located just outside Tikrit (where his two sons are also buried).
Forum: General Discussions 4 Nov 2006, 20:07
Replies: 68
Views: 9,025
Posted By Tactitus
Forum: General Discussions 2 Nov 2006, 16:08
Replies: 20
Views: 5,598
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: World Financial Group

Unless you're old or disabled, you're almost certainly worth more alive than dead (think of all your future earnings). On the other hand, your beneficiaries might not want to wait. ;)
Forum: General Discussions 31 Oct 2006, 23:40
Replies: 17
Views: 3,079
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: How much do you know about Halloween?

5/10 :/




And on a Halloween-related note: The top ten best ghost photographs ever taken
(http://theknightshift.blogspot.com/2005/10/top-ten-best-ghost-photographs-ever.html)
Forum: General Discussions 29 Oct 2006, 06:36
Replies: 10
Views: 1,842
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: [spoilers] Who's been watching BSG S3?

Season 3 is pretty good so far (I'm through Collaborators).

I'm glad they killed off Tigh's wife. I never liked her much anyway, but more importantly a series with armed conflict needs casualties...
Forum: General Discussions 26 Oct 2006, 18:32
Replies: 108
Views: 9,253
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: 654,965 Dead Iraqis Later

It wasn't just the right who criticized this study. Iraq Body Count (http://www.iraqbodycount.org/press/pr14.php) had some serious questions about it as well (I think IBCs numbers are a bit suspect...
Forum: General Discussions 24 Oct 2006, 08:02
Replies: 13
Views: 2,961
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: I personally think we should send them into space

The prisons on land during that era weren't very nice places either. Conditions on prison hulks were often better.

The first English prison hulks were temporary holding prisons for convicts...
Forum: Hardware and Tech Support 20 Oct 2006, 18:22
Replies: 9
Views: 11,476
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Wireless Networking

An ordinary (wood and plaster) ceiling shouldn't be a problem. My wireless router, located on the ground floor, works throughout my 3-story house and out into the (detached) garage.
Forum: General Discussions 18 Oct 2006, 20:37
Replies: 14
Views: 2,923
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Last time it was bouncing balls...

The clown ruined it for me.

The previous 'bouncing balls' advert radiated a jaunty optimism, with the balls (seemingly representing technological innovation in general and Sony's new product in...
Forum: General Discussions 12 Oct 2006, 02:28
Replies: 63
Views: 7,806
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: NK performs successful nuclear weapon test; World: "uh oh"

I don't see how reaching out to the North Korean people is possible. They're living under the boot of a brutal dictatorship that controls all the media. Even if you could reach the people, what would...
Forum: General Discussions 9 Oct 2006, 15:20
Replies: 63
Views: 7,806
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: NK performs successful nuclear weapon test; World: "uh oh"

And the most likely to sell them, given that weapons are pretty much their only cash crop.
That's true in the short term, but as NK perfects their long range missile technology that equation will...
Forum: General Discussions 7 Oct 2006, 18:43
Replies: 55
Views: 7,621
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: World of Warcraft Southpark episode

I've never played WoW and I liked it (I rarely watch South Park either). I'm sure you could do the more-or-less same story about a lot of online games (like PA for example).
Forum: General Discussions 4 Oct 2006, 19:05
Replies: 88
Views: 7,062
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Another School Shooting

Most school shooters don't run out of ammo, targets or hatred. They are killed by the police or kill themselves when the police are coming into the room (they're often absurdly overarmed--the...
Forum: General Discussions 3 Oct 2006, 07:18
Replies: 22
Views: 5,184
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Revocation of Independence

Mistwraith and hyfe seemed to like it.
Forum: General Discussions 3 Oct 2006, 00:53
Replies: 22
Views: 5,184
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Revocation of Independence

I don't mind a good joke but how about some new material? This joke was moderately funny when it was topical, but that was what--six years ago? :(
Forum: General Discussions 2 Oct 2006, 20:53
Replies: 24
Views: 4,637
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: The Alpha Male Confrontation

Indeed. In that context, TK's buffoonery was an act of kindness! ;)
Forum: General Discussions 27 Sep 2006, 23:00
Replies: 8
5us
Views: 2,540
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: 5us

Obviously some people* think so. The whole paradigm of television is evolving to more and more channels with smaller and smaller audiences. How many channels is too many? How small an audience is too...
Forum: General Discussions 26 Sep 2006, 02:53
Replies: 8
Views: 2,810
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: I can't believe you guys still post here

Fixed it I have! </yoda-pedantry>
Forum: General Discussions 22 Sep 2006, 21:36
Replies: 23
Views: 4,905
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: 60 Circuits

Happy Birthday! (http://www.faqs.org/faqs/music/birthday-dirge-faq/)
Forum: General Discussions 21 Sep 2006, 17:48
Replies: 14
Views: 2,699
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: The pro-Israeli lobby strikes again.

I think that virtually all of the 'pro-Israel lobby' meme is so far over the top that it is anti-semetic. The idea that jews control various political parties and even entire western countries, far...
Forum: General Discussions 21 Sep 2006, 14:18
Replies: 18
Views: 2,473
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: 7/7 Bombings

And the counter book (http://www.amazon.com/Debunking-11-Myths-Conspiracy-Theories/dp/158816635X).
Forum: General Discussions 19 Sep 2006, 19:57
Replies: 65
Views: 10,010
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Odd moms

As decided by whom?

Um, the example of not being a mindless drone who believes in following all the rules because the State knows best? ;)

The most interesting line in the article was:

So...
Forum: General Discussions 15 Sep 2006, 18:34
Replies: 45
Views: 4,889
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Oh that wacky Pope!

I see religion more as an incidental than a cause. I'd divide the world along pro-reason and anti-reason lines with religion being just one of the many anti-reason variants. Many non-religious...
Forum: General Discussions 14 Sep 2006, 18:42
Replies: 19
Views: 2,932
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: A sense of purpuose

Hm... sense of purpose lacking... contemplating a government career...

Oh yeah, this should be good. :)
Please don't ever get a pet!
Forum: General Discussions 7 Sep 2006, 21:20
Replies: 30
Views: 3,004
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Someone explain to me UK politics

Depends who's actually running the show I guess; but yeah. In general, though, I think term limits are the win. Left to their own devices, politicians will almost always want to hang on too long. :/...
Forum: General Discussions 5 Sep 2006, 21:58
Replies: 31
Views: 6,245
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: What do you like to eat when on barbeque?

I think just about everything tastes better grilled but especially fresh fish: Walleye or Salmon. When we were vacationing in Hawaii I grilled some Mahimahi and Ono... very tasty. :)
Forum: General Discussions 4 Sep 2006, 18:28
Replies: 54
Views: 6,334
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: omg NOOOOOOOOO

Crikey!

:(
Forum: General Discussions 31 Aug 2006, 02:02
Replies: 27
Views: 3,581
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Violent porn banned :(((

In the kingdom of the blind there is no crime?

I'm pretty sure there's a lot more to it than that. And if a mere human-shaped target is enough to break down mental barriers than what about FPS...
Forum: General Discussions 30 Aug 2006, 19:37
Replies: 27
Views: 3,581
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Violent porn banned :(((

Should misogynistic books and song lyrics also be banned?
Forum: General Discussions 26 Aug 2006, 07:12
Replies: 39
Views: 3,972
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: crazed christians

The Temple Tax was a long-standing institution, probably dating from the exodus out of Egypt:
Jesus himself pays the Temple Tax (actually, he instructs Peter to pay for both of them):
I guess...
Forum: General Discussions 25 Aug 2006, 00:35
Replies: 20
Views: 3,207
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Pluto :(

Too late; the probe (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Horizons) is already on the way. :)
Forum: General Discussions 24 Aug 2006, 20:38
Replies: 39
Views: 3,972
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: crazed christians

The money changers were in the temple primarily to facilitate payment of the temple tax, which was mandatory for all--rich or poor. The tax was 1/2 shekel per year for each male at or over the age of...
Forum: General Discussions 11 Aug 2006, 22:15
Replies: 45
Views: 5,284
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: So what do we do?

There are some technological solutions (http://www.lbl.gov/Science-Articles/Archive/MSD-NMR-sensor.html) to the problem of identifying liquids or any suspect substances (even non-invasive searches of...
Forum: General Discussions 9 Aug 2006, 23:55
Replies: 9
Views: 2,278
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Politics American Style

It was a primary election (for the Democratic Party nomination), not an actual election. Lieberman will run as an independent in November and most of the polls show him well ahead in a three-way race...
Forum: General Discussions 28 Jul 2006, 22:43
Replies: 35
Views: 4,702
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: [Tour de France] Floyd Landis in 'super stage' drug shocker

The odd thing is that testosterone takes time (several weeks) to build up muscle tissue. It would have had little effect in the short term. Given that Landis passed six previous drug tests during the...
Forum: General Discussions 27 Jul 2006, 15:35
Replies: 194
Views: 14,307
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: The Big Ol' War Thread

Thanks, I love you too. :)

Um, no. Observation of conflict is not their mandate. They're there to prevent conflict, to act as peacekeepers, to "restore international peace and security" (a job at...
Forum: General Discussions 27 Jul 2006, 06:43
Replies: 194
Views: 14,307
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: The Big Ol' War Thread

Well, if you're in a fight, and I step between you and your opponent (not to try to stop you, mind you, just to 'observe') and I get punched in the nose--then yeah, I'd blame myself.

None of...
Forum: General Discussions 26 Jul 2006, 04:36
Replies: 194
Views: 14,307
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: The Big Ol' War Thread

I blame the UN.

Predictably, UN forces have come under fire from both Hezbollah and the IDF. The "peacekeepers" shouldn't still be in southern Lebanon anyway as they have been unable or unwilling...
Forum: General Discussions 22 Jul 2006, 02:22
Replies: 92
Views: 7,767
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: I need a hobby

Start a twine ball (http://www.thom.org/gallery/set/twine.html).
Forum: General Discussions 22 Jul 2006, 00:12
Replies: 23
Views: 3,693
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Is the Cold War Over?

He was a bit of a nutjob though. ;)

Also, it's a lot easier to turn your nose up at internal combustion when you don't have much access to oil. If Germany had won the war, that would almost...
Forum: General Discussions 20 Jul 2006, 20:06
Replies: 17
Views: 3,357
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: [politics]Stupid president makes moronic decision

The FDA adds about $800M to the cost of every new drug developed and several years delay before they reach market. This means drugs are more expensive and thousands of people die every year waiting...
Forum: General Discussions 20 Jul 2006, 15:35
Replies: 14
Views: 2,420
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Indonesian tsunami

There have been dozens of aftershocks though. Perhaps one was large enough to trigger a panic but not a tsunami?
Forum: General Discussions 20 Jul 2006, 14:59
Replies: 17
Views: 3,357
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: [politics]Stupid president makes moronic decision

This is George Bush's first veto.

Obviously, it's more common when the President and the Congress are of different political parties.

A veto is overridden only by a two-thirds majority in...
Forum: General Discussions 20 Jul 2006, 13:09
Replies: 14
Views: 2,420
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Indonesian tsunami

Tsunamis are caused by earthquakes, so perhaps they felt the earthquake.
Forum: General Discussions 18 Jul 2006, 22:31
Replies: 62
Views: 6,473
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Heating Up

Sunday here in Minnesota was pretty bad with temps near 100°F/38°C and 90% relative humidity. :(

Today it's a balmy 87°F/30°C with the humidity only in the low 80s. After Sunday it feels brisk,...
Forum: General Discussions 18 Jul 2006, 17:21
Replies: 194
Views: 14,307
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: The Big Ol' War Thread

On April 17, 2006 nine people were killed and at least 40 wounded in a suicide bombing near the old central bus station in Tel Aviv. The blast ripped through Falafel Rosh Ha'ir (the same restaurant...
Forum: General Discussions 16 Jul 2006, 05:02
Replies: 194
Views: 14,307
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: The Big Ol' War Thread

Yes, well, some of these states have signed peace treaties with Israel presumably because they're tired of fighting (or possibly tired of losing). The previous strategy of declaring war on Israel en...
Forum: General Discussions 14 Jul 2006, 08:33
Replies: 194
Views: 14,307
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: The Big Ol' War Thread

Hezbollah gets much of their money from Iran and much of their weapons from Syria. Hezbollah essentially rules southern Lebanon as a state within a state (it's a no-go zone for the Lebanese army)....
Forum: General Discussions 13 Jul 2006, 16:50
Replies: 253
Views: 31,272
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: 40 Days of Infallible Proofs

You always want to play the gimmick card. :(
Forum: General Discussions 13 Jul 2006, 16:43
Replies: 94
Views: 13,928
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Favourite Quote from a movie

A few of my favorites.

From Species:

Xavier: We decided to make it female so it would be more docile and controllable.
Preston: More docile and controllable, eh? You guys don't get out much....
Forum: General Discussions 13 Jul 2006, 02:25
Replies: 253
Views: 31,272
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: 40 Days of Infallible Proofs

"To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God" -Acts 1:3
Forum: General Discussions 12 Jul 2006, 23:52
Replies: 112
Views: 8,756
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Working with a sex offender, could you do it?

What if there were such a high demand for robbery videos that people start robbing banks just to make the videos?

A camera can be a passive recorder of something that was going to happen anyway...
Forum: General Discussions 12 Jul 2006, 22:30
Replies: 72
Views: 6,545
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Labour, Tony Blair, Authoritarianism and erosion of civil liberties

It's probably just a camera... connected to a computer with some sophisticated facial recognition software.
Forum: General Discussions 12 Jul 2006, 17:07
Replies: 112
Views: 8,756
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Working with a sex offender, could you do it?

Are there any sure ways (outside of the bullet through the head)? All we have are a range of options, none of which appears to be 100% effective.

As an aside, voluntary castration has been...
Forum: General Discussions 12 Jul 2006, 16:07
Replies: 8
Views: 2,012
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Probationary Employment Periods

Would workers have to give 90 days' notice before leaving?


I've almost always been employed 'at will', meaning that I work without a specific contract and can be fired pretty much for any...
Forum: General Discussions 11 Jul 2006, 20:05
Replies: 22
Views: 2,984
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: What a horrible job

Maybe working in retail isn't the place for you.
Forum: General Discussions 11 Jul 2006, 01:55
Replies: 6
Views: 2,121
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Tory Immigration Policy

Indeed. Our one-time amnesty in 1986 was so popular that we're now debating our sixth (or is it the seventh?) amnesty program. :(

<yoda>If once you start down the amnesty path, forever will it...
Forum: General Discussions 10 Jul 2006, 19:26
Replies: 179
Views: 14,817
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Overkill with Negative Rep

Er, so rep can prevent bad posters from becoming bad posters in the first place?! :confused: I don't see how this sort of unverifiable claim is helpful.

Your original supposition (that rep can...
Forum: General Discussions 10 Jul 2006, 15:14
Replies: 179
Views: 14,817
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Overkill with Negative Rep

Are there any posters who've actually turned their rep around (large negative -> large positive)?

I think the null hypothesis has to be that rep has no effect on post/poster quality and the burden...
Forum: General Discussions 7 Jul 2006, 07:38
Replies: 26
Views: 2,960
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Leaving Stuff to the last minute

Well, survival.

There's certainly a call for long slow processes lasting months or even years (think farming or raising children). They might be more physical than mental, but do procrastinators...
Forum: General Discussions 7 Jul 2006, 07:22
Replies: 17
Views: 2,635
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: This is a great sight.

I've camped there! :up:
Forum: General Discussions 7 Jul 2006, 07:15
Replies: 56
Views: 6,324
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: 'Bunks for Drunks'

Their illness is not being treated though. :(

I guess what bothers me about this particular program is that there's no requirement to undergo any sort of treatment. Usually shelter is offered as...
Forum: General Discussions 6 Jul 2006, 03:04
Replies: 43
Views: 6,050
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Wanker of the Month - July Nominations

Or stealing Chinese trains (http://www.strategypage.com/qnd/korea/articles/20060705.aspx)! :)
Forum: General Discussions 6 Jul 2006, 01:14
Replies: 43
Views: 6,050
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Wanker of the Month - July Nominations

Alaska Senator Ted Stevens (sponsor of the Bridge to Nowhere (http://pirate.planetarion.com/showthread.php?p=2948831&)) for his acute understanding of how the internet works...
Forum: General Discussions 30 Jun 2006, 18:08
Replies: 159
Views: 10,488
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Israel

When I say useless I mean useless, both defensively and offensively. Their nuclear weapons, their antiaircraft missiles, their long-range cruise missiles, their submarines, etc. All useless for...
Forum: General Discussions 30 Jun 2006, 16:40
Replies: 159
Views: 10,488
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Israel

I think it's a perfectly good term that not only addresses the nature of the conflict but also helps explain why advanced military hardware isn't decisive.

But nitpicking aside my point remains:...
Forum: General Discussions 30 Jun 2006, 16:06
Replies: 159
Views: 10,488
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Israel

Israel has the seventh largest standing army in the region (as of 1999), behind Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Syria and Saudi Arabia). Worldwide, Israel ranks 32nd. (Source...
Forum: General Discussions 28 Jun 2006, 22:47
Replies: 159
Views: 10,488
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Israel

I don't think Europe has much tough talk or implied military threats left in them (see Iran). All they have left are a few carrots but frankly those are a dime a dozen.

Well turn that question...
Forum: General Discussions 27 Jun 2006, 22:27
Replies: 59
Views: 3,898
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Because Theology is important

Well there are not a lot of alternative currencies available; although I should mention that I can go 2-3 weeks purely on credit cards alone. \o/

I guess the fact that I can only go a few hours...
Forum: General Discussions 27 Jun 2006, 20:08
Replies: 59
Views: 3,898
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Because Theology is important

Isn't that usually the person (typically in upper management) who insists on having a meeting? :(
Forum: General Discussions 26 Jun 2006, 20:35
Replies: 9
Views: 1,586
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: US caught with hands in cookie jar and now angry at media

Counterterrorism operations are necessarily going to involve spying on people (unless you think we can persuade these terrorist groups to mail us their plans ahead of time) and spying necessarily...
Forum: General Discussions 25 Jun 2006, 18:36
Replies: 9
Views: 1,586
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: US caught with hands in cookie jar and now angry at media

The NYT didn't find out about this program by diligently digging through publicly available documents available to everyone; they found out about it because government employees within the program...
Forum: General Discussions 25 Jun 2006, 05:20
Replies: 9
Views: 1,586
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: US caught with hands in cookie jar and now angry at media

In it's expose, the New York Times conceded that the program was both legal and effective at capturing terrorists and shutting down their money transfers. In a subsequent editorial, the NYT justified...
Forum: General Discussions 24 Jun 2006, 06:44
Replies: 25
Views: 2,280
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Yahwe Explains ... What a crime is.

49 states allow a Victim Impact Statement. I believe only a handful of states still have jury sentencing in non-capital cases. Due to a Supreme Court decision, capital punishment can only be imposed...
Forum: Planetarion Discussions 23 Jun 2006, 17:21
Replies: 49
Views: 4,578
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Historical Round Data

IIRC, the base cost for R5 was $10 for two accounts (I think there were also larger packages (5, 10, or 20) available for up to a full galaxy worth of accounts). I think the idea was to force...
Forum: General Discussions 23 Jun 2006, 00:28
Replies: 76
Views: 5,123
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Paedophile policy 'not media-led'

Force in those cases where it would be a violation of the terms of their parole for them to be living in certain areas so they'd be sent back to jail (and if there aren't such restrictions then there...
Forum: General Discussions 22 Jun 2006, 16:29
Replies: 76
Views: 5,123
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Paedophile policy 'not media-led'

In my community, the information in the database seems to be mostly used to force child predators to relocate after they're discovered living next to a daycare center or some such. Some of it might...
Forum: General Discussions 18 Jun 2006, 04:13
Replies: 152
Views: 8,065
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: The world in 50 years; Predictions?

Well here's one reference ( http://english.people.com.cn/200512/07/eng20051207_226299.html) from the beloved severely incompetent Chinese media. :)


Other than voting in shari’a law I don't think...
Forum: General Discussions 17 Jun 2006, 23:22
Replies: 152
Views: 8,065
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: The world in 50 years; Predictions?

Disagree. There's no shortage of energy, particularily coal and nuclear. Solar, wind, etc. are becoming more competitive, although they're not yet. Energy might become more expensive, but growing...
Forum: General Discussions 14 Jun 2006, 22:06
Replies: 8
Views: 1,480
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Some wonderful health news

If you have any doubts about your mental well-being you can always seek professional help.

Better living through chemistry etc.
Forum: General Discussions 13 Jun 2006, 17:32
Replies: 282
Views: 24,064
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Account on Planetarion Forums locked out

He's banned for life but will be eligible for parole in eighteen months.
Forum: General Discussions 13 Jun 2006, 15:52
Replies: 282
Views: 24,064
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Account on Planetarion Forums locked out

And an explanation on how it happened! ;)

Thanks JBG!
Forum: General Discussions 13 Jun 2006, 15:27
Replies: 282
Views: 24,064
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Account on Planetarion Forums locked out

I wouldn't assume that. I got the email but my account had also pos repped idi. :/

On a related note, we now have three stickied announcements on passwords: how it was done, apology, and change...
Forum: General Discussions 12 Jun 2006, 18:21
Replies: 67
Views: 8,185
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: B&Q and the AC Unit that never was (a story!) - a milf features \o/

Getting a too-large A/C is a classic mistake. And if it hadn't been your mother, then something else would have been your undoing; e.g.:

You'd have gotten the unit up to your room and discovered...
Forum: General Discussions 11 Jun 2006, 19:14
Replies: 282
Views: 24,064
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Account on Planetarion Forums locked out

The problem with pos repping yourself is that it looks a lot like you do care.
Forum: General Discussions 9 Jun 2006, 18:33
Replies: 282
Views: 24,064
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Account on Planetarion Forums locked out

Ha! I have one of those too.

All this for some rep points? How pathetic.
Forum: General Discussions 9 Jun 2006, 18:06
Replies: 282
Views: 24,064
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Account on Planetarion Forums locked out

Depends what they did with it I guess. Deleting all my posts or posting lots of stupid comments* would be mildly annoying.



*More stupid than usual, obviously.
Forum: General Discussions 9 Jun 2006, 17:20
Replies: 282
Views: 24,064
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Account on Planetarion Forums locked out

Buy him Pepsi and KFC until he turns himself in.
Forum: General Discussions 9 Jun 2006, 16:46
Replies: 282
Views: 24,064
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Account on Planetarion Forums locked out

Hm, I got one of those too.

Received: from stats.jolt.co.uk (...); Thu, 8 Jun 2006 12:36:18 -0700

The person trying to log into your account had the following IP address:
212.112.242.89
...
Forum: General Discussions 9 Jun 2006, 01:14
Replies: 28
Views: 1,855
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: 'Gotcha'?

The CENTCOM press release credits tips from senior leaders inside Zarqawi's organization.* I'd say his successor's job just got a whole lot more interesting. ;)



*Of course that could be...
Forum: General Discussions 8 Jun 2006, 02:09
Replies: 53
Views: 4,303
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Couldnt make this up

Why didn't they arrest him immediately? Or would that have been too confrontational?
Forum: General Discussions 6 Jun 2006, 16:26
Replies: 16
Views: 1,781
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Music industry gets on high horse...

Sorry, it's just such a blindingly obvious point that I assumed you wouldn't have bothered to mention it unless you were being ironic. My apologies.
Forum: General Discussions 6 Jun 2006, 15:30
Replies: 16
Views: 1,781
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Music industry gets on high horse...

I think we can assume that most people enter into contracts because they believe it's in their best interests. Who are you to say otherwise? That's not to say artists wouldn't like a better deal (who...
Forum: General Discussions 6 Jun 2006, 02:03
Replies: 36
Views: 2,329
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: The End is Nigh

It's a bit like 1999 all over again. :/
Forum: General Discussions 5 Jun 2006, 18:55
Replies: 32
Views: 2,749
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Equality

No Child Left Behind has been mostly rhetoric until this year, which is the first year that the results start to count (in terms of holding schools accountable).

Well we're all waiting for that...
Forum: General Discussions 5 Jun 2006, 07:13
Replies: 32
Views: 2,749
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Equality

I think you are confusing wealth with resources. Resources, by themselves, aren't worth much. A barrel of oil or a ton of iron ore is worth about $70, but only to someone who owns an oil refinery or...
Forum: General Discussions 31 May 2006, 23:19
Replies: 26
Views: 2,389
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Hitler, That's Who!

I like acro's threads; although I don't understand what's he's on about in half of them (which sounds bad I suppose but actually puts him ahead of many others).


Re: Gore. He is/was considered...
Forum: General Discussions 31 May 2006, 15:18
Replies: 18
Views: 2,964
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Very interesting site; I assure you.

Interesting. Only one view (West) available for my house though. My car's parked out front so I could have been at home. :)
Forum: General Discussions 30 May 2006, 00:34
Replies: 8
Views: 2,158
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: [Debreu] Vidi

I think (hope!) you want the RP forum. End of the hall on the left.

N.B. Links to search results don't work after a short time.
Forum: General Discussions 28 May 2006, 05:29
Replies: 31
Views: 2,762
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: the BBC

Well they make some of their own (http://pbskids.org/rogers/) too.
Forum: General Discussions 27 May 2006, 23:53
Replies: 31
Views: 2,762
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: the BBC

We have BBC America in the US as a subscription channel on most cable systems (I don't have cable so I don't get it) so people basically have to pay for it.

The PBS network (our BBC Lite)...
Forum: General Discussions 27 May 2006, 17:35
Replies: 3
Views: 1,582
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Last day at the office

I think those curtains would have been punishment enough.
Forum: General Discussions 25 May 2006, 21:05
Replies: 170
Views: 10,323
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Plastic Brilliance

Pictures would be nice. Those avatar thingys seem to have worked out OK. ;)
Forum: General Discussions 24 May 2006, 16:09
Replies: 35
Views: 2,608
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Big Oil Profits

If oil companies were simply middlemen, then yeah, one wouldn't expect their profits to go up or down much based on the price of oil (demand being fairly inelastic, at least in the short term)....
Forum: General Discussions 22 May 2006, 05:28
Replies: 51
Views: 6,230
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: We haven't had a book thread in a while

That series is OK, although it doesn't add much to the classic send-a-modern-aircraft-carrier-back-to-Pearl-Harbor-in-1941 (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080736/) story. The contrast between the...
Forum: General Discussions 17 May 2006, 14:51
Replies: 32
Views: 4,320
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Sooo, I am 40 today

40 seems a lot younger now then it did when I started posting here.
Forum: General Discussions 16 May 2006, 17:55
Replies: 16
Views: 2,197
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: We often think...

I suspect the US wanted to reward Gaddafi for giving up his WMD programs and for acknowledging (some) Libyan involvement in a number of bombings during the 1980s (including the Berlin nightclub...
Forum: General Discussions 13 May 2006, 23:19
Replies: 52
Views: 3,896
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Those hijackers granted temporary asylum

Hijackers put innocent people at risk. The implicit message is: it's OK to risk the lives of other random innocent people in order to save your own. While I can sympathize with those trapped in...
Forum: General Discussions 12 May 2006, 03:20
Replies: 3
Views: 1,953
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: NSA - phone calls list

[/quote]
Gah, it's annoying that Franklin is so frequently misquoted. The correct quote is:

The misquote equates any liberty with any safety, which is silly. The correct quote is not so foolish...
Forum: General Discussions 8 May 2006, 21:35
Replies: 23
Views: 2,237
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: I'm Off The UN Bandwagon

Taiwan was a (founding) member of the UN but was kicked out (in violation of the UNs own charter). The Vatican is also not a member, but that is apparently by their own choice. Palestine is a not a...
Forum: General Discussions 8 May 2006, 17:44
Replies: 23
Views: 2,237
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: I'm Off The UN Bandwagon

Works for me! :)

If by "good work" you mean that some of the money actually gets to where it's intended, then sure. But compared to most private agencies the UN is shockingly inefficient. An...
Forum: General Discussions 5 May 2006, 19:32
Replies: 36
Views: 2,857
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Hell is..

Hell is a teenaged son and a menopausal wife with a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. :/
Forum: General Discussions 5 May 2006, 15:24
Replies: 61
Views: 4,744
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Wanker of the Month - April Nominations

Patrick Kennedy (http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/politics/14506626.htm)
Forum: General Discussions 2 May 2006, 15:58
Replies: 51
Views: 3,413
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: [very long]Peak Oil

The article may be new but the 'peak oil' idea (hysteria) has been around for a while. We even had a thread (http://pirate.planetarion.com/showthread.php?t=189738&) about it a couple of months ago.
...
Forum: Planetarion Suggestions 26 Apr 2006, 23:35
Replies: 3
Views: 1,917
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Time Zones

Anything related to clock time is subject to error due to the occasional stopped ticker (hopefully rare, but it can happen). If you add in time zones then you can get additional errors due to...
Forum: General Discussions 22 Apr 2006, 01:14
Replies: 32
Views: 3,410
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: [rant]Idiots Stockton Style

The shitness of the festival is the entire point! Some examples from my state:

The Eelpout Festival (http://www.eelpoutfestival.com/)
The Spam Jam (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SPAM_Jam)
The...
Forum: General Discussions 20 Apr 2006, 01:12
Replies: 57
Views: 5,135
Posted By Tactitus
Forum: General Discussions 18 Apr 2006, 18:06
Replies: 32
Views: 3,225
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: If you ever wanted to Find out more about Qdeathstar

Still stuck at $2.04 though. Maybe if you threw in the rest of your life?
Forum: General Discussions 11 Apr 2006, 16:20
Replies: 23
Views: 2,630
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Disney

I'm not sure why that's such a bad thing, at least as long as we have broadcasting. I suspect many people aren't all that keen on being offended. I should confess, however, that I watch very little...
Forum: General Discussions 5 Apr 2006, 22:35
Replies: 6
Views: 2,025
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: motivation

I like their podcasts (http://www.despair.com/demotivators/spin.html) too. :)
Forum: General Discussions 27 Mar 2006, 17:48
Replies: 66
Views: 6,515
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Battlestar Galactica

There's virtually nothing in the finale that can't be undone (even without resorting to a "dream" plot device). I expect our plucky band of survivors will be back in space fleeing the cylons before...
Forum: General Discussions 27 Mar 2006, 06:41
Replies: 18
Views: 2,482
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Punk ass cops

The license plate and/or the tabs that are affixed to the corners of the plates to indicate that the annual registration fee on the vehicle has been paid.
Forum: General Discussions 26 Mar 2006, 02:11
Replies: 15
Views: 2,562
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: The best Beatles album is Rubber Soul

I'd have to go with Revolver.
Forum: General Discussions 24 Mar 2006, 23:26
Replies: 13
Views: 1,976
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation St. Paul evicts Easter Bunny

A bit of political correctness from my city hall, as reported in the local paper (http://www.twincities.com/mld/pioneerpress/14163580.htm):




No word yet on when the name of our city will...
Forum: General Discussions 24 Mar 2006, 21:36
Replies: 14
Views: 2,279
Posted By Tactitus
Question Re: Kember Freed

The Scotsman (http://news.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=458062006) had some of the details of the rescue:

I wonder if they got warrants first? ;)

Hm, so extreme interrogation techniques may have...
Forum: General Discussions 24 Mar 2006, 21:11
Replies: 22
Views: 2,548
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: [uk] in the interestings of avoiding maternal wrath

And if you have younger children, you have to shepherd them through the gift purchase/creation process. :(

My mother's 86 and still hanging in there. :)

She's on her second pacemaker though. :/
Forum: General Discussions 22 Mar 2006, 15:59
Replies: 30
Views: 2,586
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: looking for a word

spurious, specious, fallacious (thesaurus.com (http://www.thesaurus.com) is your friend :))
Forum: General Discussions 20 Mar 2006, 22:22
Replies: 45
Views: 4,181
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Go Bush Go!

My share of the national debt is about $30,000.00--about the average price of a new car.
Forum: General Discussions 16 Mar 2006, 21:01
Replies: 79
Views: 4,067
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Do not Panic. Do not Run. Step calmly into your pre-prepared coffin.

People used to say shit like that all the time during the cold war. I sometimes wonder if any of them later remembered to be embarrassed at having been wrong?
Forum: General Discussions 16 Mar 2006, 17:23
Replies: 82
Views: 4,931
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Israel prison break

Of course, but the point is that having nuclear weapons wasn't sufficient to deter attacks.

It's still not 'proven' or even publicly acknowledged by Israel today, but it was well understood long...
Forum: General Discussions 16 Mar 2006, 06:00
Replies: 82
Views: 4,931
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Israel prison break

And yet Egypt and Syria did just that--they attacked Israel in 1973 (Israel had the bomb by the late '60s, possibly even at the time of the Six-Day war but certainly by the time of the Yom Kippur...
Forum: General Discussions 15 Mar 2006, 20:38
Replies: 26
Views: 1,756
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: dda Goes Down in Flames

Too bad. I thought he should have gotten a manslaughter conviction. :/

Ah well, on to the wrongful death suit.
Forum: General Discussions 15 Mar 2006, 16:09
Replies: 50
Views: 3,668
Posted By Tactitus
Forum: General Discussions 15 Mar 2006, 02:45
Replies: 82
Views: 4,931
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Israel prison break

Just another day in Hamastan.
Forum: General Discussions 13 Mar 2006, 23:21
Replies: 41
Views: 5,014
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: [BBC]JJ's Idea of a good weekend?

I've found a couple of kids in the back seat arguing/fighting to be rather distracting.

"Daaad, Tony poked me."
"Did not."
"Did to."
"Did not!"
"Did to!"
...

After a while, you start...
Forum: General Discussions 8 Mar 2006, 17:17
Replies: 91
Views: 15,642
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: So, whose lectures are cancelled tomorrow then?

Who doesn't have a job like that? :confused:
Forum: General Discussions 4 Mar 2006, 23:38
Replies: 20
Views: 1,479
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: dda's trial continues

You can post a property bond, at least in some cases/jurisdictions. I imagine it's a more complicated procedure though. Banks are in the business of loaning money, so it's probably faster/easier to...
Forum: General Discussions 3 Mar 2006, 20:56
Replies: 69
Views: 3,833
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Glitter

Should the length of prison terms reflect the accused's age? Obviously younger people can 'afford' to spend more time in prison. ;)

And I thought you were in favor of rehabilitation, not...
Forum: General Discussions 3 Mar 2006, 19:19
Replies: 20
Views: 1,479
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: dda's trial continues

I'm pretty sure bail amounts are not completely random. :p

And already asked and answered (http://pirate.planetarion.com/showthread.php?p=2980549&#post2980549). :)
Forum: General Discussions 3 Mar 2006, 15:45
Replies: 11
Views: 1,407
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Guantanamo Again

I think the deal is that if the Taliban and al Qaeda surrender then their captured solders go free (that's the usual arrangement in warfare), but I can't see why bin Laden and Mullah Omar would do...
Forum: General Discussions 3 Mar 2006, 05:46
Replies: 6
Views: 1,730
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: watching snooker on eurosport

I'd have to go with Bob Ross (http://www.bobross.com/). He actually makes Mister Rogers seem hyperactive! I'd recommend Bob Ross for any insomnia. :)
Forum: General Discussions 1 Mar 2006, 22:33
Replies: 34
Views: 2,485
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: "Sheila's Wheels"

Um, no. The page you linked to [page 4] only talks about annuities, but on previous pages it says women will pay "more than men for some health insurance" [page 1], they will pay "substantially more"...
Forum: General Discussions 1 Mar 2006, 03:39
Replies: 34
Views: 2,485
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: "Sheila's Wheels"

Health insurance.

Women also pay more for retirement annuities, although that's because they tend to live longer. :/
Forum: General Discussions 25 Feb 2006, 05:55
Replies: 34
Views: 2,967
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: American Taliban

I believe it was promised* to them by God (as relayed by Moses) right before Moses dies and Israel enters the "Promised Land." See Deuteronomy.

*Well technically a covenant.
Forum: General Discussions 23 Feb 2006, 19:14
Replies: 54
Views: 3,782
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Selfishness v Society

On the general question, I think people have the right to disobey unjust laws. Of course, they must also accept the consequences. Rosa Parks' refusal to obey the law and sit in the back of the bus...
Forum: General Discussions 22 Feb 2006, 21:00
Replies: 10
Views: 1,546
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Bush doesn't get it.

Actually it's in my signature, not my post, so quoting my post was kind of pointless. :)

It's a hotmail account with so much über spam filtering enabled that I'm not sure anything even can get...
Forum: General Discussions 22 Feb 2006, 19:58
Replies: 10
Views: 1,546
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Bush doesn't get it.

I don't understand this controversy, tbh.

UAE-owned planes fly into our country every day. Cargo that has been shipped through UAE-owned ports enters our harbors every day. UAE visitors arrive...
Forum: General Discussions 21 Feb 2006, 23:02
Replies: 15
Views: 2,489
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: I am a prayer warrior!

Another reason not to watch reality tv shows (if one needed any more). :/
Forum: General Discussions 20 Feb 2006, 22:31
Replies: 23
Views: 2,483
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Freedom of speech?

I'm sure that Jews and Muslims would agree that one is worse than the other. ;)
Forum: General Discussions 20 Feb 2006, 22:20
Replies: 106
Views: 8,027
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: to increase activity 2 (political compass again)

Economic Left/Right: 8.75
Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: -4.21


As in the past I couldn't really answer a lot of the questions, so some of my responses were essentially random. :/
Forum: General Discussions 20 Feb 2006, 22:00
Replies: 6
Views: 1,569
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: The Night Sky

I grew up outside a small town with a breathtaking view of the night sky. Unfortunately it was in Minnesota so much of the time it was either too cold to loiter outside or else warm enough such that...
Forum: General Discussions 20 Feb 2006, 21:32
Replies: 15
Views: 2,362
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Left at school.

Are you sure school wasn't closed due to President's Day? That's why my children didn't have school today.
Forum: General Discussions 17 Feb 2006, 16:44
Replies: 58
Views: 6,086
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: [Rant] Ex-Girlfriend

When love's first bloom
Withers to manic disorder
It's time to consider
A restraining order
Forum: General Discussions 15 Feb 2006, 23:57
Replies: 6
Views: 2,032
Posted By Tactitus
Forum: General Discussions 15 Feb 2006, 08:09
Replies: 282
Views: 15,941
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Total smoking ban passed (previously "Get in my son")

Sadly, my city is considering a similar ban. :(

Beyond the tyranny of the majority argument, it is curious that while so many nonsmokers say how much they hate smoke it doesn't seem to effect...
Forum: General Discussions 13 Feb 2006, 02:46
Replies: 19
Views: 3,137
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Deadly Dick Strikes Again!

Hunting with Dick Cheney or a car ride with Ted Kennedy? :/
Forum: General Discussions 13 Feb 2006, 02:38
Replies: 18
Views: 2,055
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Peak Oil

One artifact of higher oil prices* is that unconventional oil sources such as tar sands, oil shale, coal gassification, etc become economically viable. Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on...
Forum: General Discussions 9 Feb 2006, 18:23
Replies: 157
Views: 11,089
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Who broke the forums?

It's fixed in Opera and IE; it's still broken in Firefox and Safari.
Forum: General Discussions 9 Feb 2006, 18:10
Replies: 157
Views: 11,089
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Who broke the forums?

The page header is messed up on Dreammaker. It's been messed up for a couple of years on non-IE browsers but now it's messed up on IE too. :)
Forum: General Discussions 7 Feb 2006, 17:53
Replies: 24
Views: 2,379
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: bushis officially, a complete and total muppet

Tax revenues grew by 14% last year (due to economic growth). In spite of tax cuts, tax revenues are still growing faster than the economy. Unfortunately, federal spending is growing even faster. We...
Forum: General Discussions 7 Feb 2006, 07:30
Replies: 24
Views: 2,379
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: bushis officially, a complete and total muppet

Why is that mad, particularily during wartime?

And social spending isn't really decreasing. The "big cuts" in healthcare are primarily a slight reduction in the rate of growth in Medicare from an...
Forum: General Discussions 4 Feb 2006, 22:44
Replies: 23
Views: 3,510
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Place Your Bets

There will be no invasion. Not anytime soon. Probably not ever.

First, we will do down the sanctions road, although it's not at all clear that the UN Security Council will even approve sanctions....
Forum: General Discussions 2 Feb 2006, 08:25
Replies: 61
Views: 5,184
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: [BBC news]were they right?

I don't think they did anything wrong by publishing them. This entire controversy* started when a Danish author complained that he couldn't find an artist brave enough to illustrate his upcoming book...
Forum: General Discussions 31 Jan 2006, 21:27
Replies: 87
Views: 5,842
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Supreme Court Justice confirmed.

No, it used to be only the party holding the Presidency. The Senate, even if controlled by the other party, used to confirm any reasonably qualified candidate. That's started to change in the past 20...
Forum: General Discussions 29 Jan 2006, 21:16
Replies: 13
Views: 2,073
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Fascism Alive and Well in America

According to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swastika#Swastika_usage_and_controversies) the building itself predates WWII.
Forum: General Discussions 27 Jan 2006, 21:08
Replies: 41
Views: 3,161
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Sattelite images of your home?

My house (neighborhood) (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=l&hl=en&q=&near=Saint+Paul,+MN&btnG=Search&t=k&ll=44.944484,-93.141291&spn=0.001944,0.005381&t=k)

My daughter's elementary school...
Forum: General Discussions 27 Jan 2006, 20:35
Replies: 39
Views: 3,108
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Terrorist Regime appears to be going into Power

Hamas is still rated as a terrorist organization (by the EU and the US, amongst others).

Virtually no one would deal with the PLO until they recognized Israel's right to exist and renounced...
Forum: General Discussions 25 Jan 2006, 15:50
Replies: 70
Views: 7,785
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Even the Vatican say Intelligent Design is a load of crap!

Perhaps, but it's still a gross mischaracterization to equate those who aren't strongly against something as being favorable towards it.

Quoted for irony.
Forum: General Discussions 25 Jan 2006, 00:24
Replies: 70
Views: 7,785
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Even the Vatican say Intelligent Design is a load of crap!

I don't know what "favorable" means here, but I can guess. Many of the US polls* I've seen ask--for example--if creationism and ID should be taught in schools alongside evolution. The positive...
Forum: General Discussions 24 Jan 2006, 20:12
Replies: 39
Views: 3,092
Posted By Tactitus
Forum: General Discussions 24 Jan 2006, 20:04
Replies: 39
Views: 3,092
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Have you ever seen your mothers dildo?

I think my mere existence is sufficient incriminating evidence that my parents had sex. There're also my brothers and sister so clearly they were repeat offenders. :)
Forum: General Discussions 24 Jan 2006, 19:43
Replies: 5
Views: 1,950
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: [BBC news] place your bets now...

Everyone knows he did something stupid. Firing him would just be political correctness.

Of course, he did send it to journalists... :p
Forum: General Discussions 23 Jan 2006, 07:45
Replies: 66
Views: 6,515
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Battlestar Galactica

She dissed him, but she didn't betray him. Not in the way he's betrayed everyone else time and time again. :/ At most he thinks she doesn't trust him, but then it's not like he's ever her (or anyone...
Forum: General Discussions 20 Jan 2006, 16:26
Replies: 71
Views: 6,854
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Euromillions

All your long-lost relatives. :)
Forum: General Discussions 19 Jan 2006, 18:32
Replies: 25
Views: 2,768
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Bin Laden offers truce.

Frankly it wouldn't make any difference to me.
Forum: General Discussions 17 Jan 2006, 20:55
Replies: 9
Views: 1,605
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: [BBC News Link] Hahahahahahahaha

Russia wants Iran to stop enriching uranium. They'd prefer the Iranians accept their proposal to sell them enriched uranium ($$$), but if the Iranians continue to refuse then I think they will...
Forum: General Discussions 17 Jan 2006, 15:43
Replies: 27
Views: 1,896
Posted By Tactitus
Forum: General Discussions 15 Jan 2006, 15:40
Replies: 8
Views: 2,177
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Take the Global Warming Test

I'm not sure what level of rigor is appropriate for an 'internet test,' but I thought it was at least light years ahead of most of tripe that's written about global warming (admittedly a low bar).
Forum: General Discussions 12 Jan 2006, 18:57
Replies: 17
Views: 2,524
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: [BBC Link] Stampede Again

According to Islam, anyone who dies on the way to, or during, the Hajj is a martyr and goes to heaven; so no worries. :/
Forum: General Discussions 11 Jan 2006, 06:57
Replies: 46
Views: 3,151
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: I was wondering what you pro-abortionists thought of this

Yes. A society with such a strong preference for one sex over the other is arguably already unbalanced. Without the abortion option it just manifests itself in other ways (children of the unwanted...
Forum: General Discussions 10 Jan 2006, 19:00
Replies: 45
Views: 4,019
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: This Bird Flu Paranoidemic

Intelligent design? :D :p
Forum: General Discussions 9 Jan 2006, 08:44
Replies: 4
Views: 1,718
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Burning down the mouse...

I wonder if there really was a mouse or if the fool just burned down his house all by himself? :)
Forum: General Discussions 6 Jan 2006, 04:10
Replies: 66
Views: 7,972
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: National Stereotypes

Kim Il Sung invented the Zerg rush in 1950! :D
Forum: General Discussions 5 Jan 2006, 17:42
Replies: 29
Views: 3,057
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: I'm not sure why no thread was made about this....

Well, at least strong enough to swallow a bitter pill. I don't think a weak government is ever going to be able to negotiate--and get their people to accept--a real settlement in the middle east*....
Forum: General Discussions 5 Jan 2006, 17:11
Replies: 29
Views: 3,057
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: I'm not sure why no thread was made about this....

It's not clear what will happen with his new party (Kadima). It could still survive and be a major player in Israeli politics, although probably not what it could have been.

Israel is the poster...
Forum: General Discussions 4 Jan 2006, 16:41
Replies: 70
Views: 4,793
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Double standards ahoy

People's 'notion' of a free market often amounts to little more than what benefits them directly. Rules against discounting and monopolies aren't there to support the a free market, they're there to...
Forum: General Discussions 4 Jan 2006, 00:36
Replies: 70
Views: 4,793
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Double standards ahoy

They don't have to block it. They can restrict the flow or divert some of it (essentially, tax it). When you ship your products across another country's territory then it's really in your best...
Forum: General Discussions 3 Jan 2006, 21:39
Replies: 70
Views: 4,793
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Double standards ahoy

All Gazprom customers are equal, but some Gazprom customers are more equal than others. ;) The message here is clear: former soviet republics that defer to Moscow get cheap gas, former soviet...
Forum: General Discussions 2 Jan 2006, 20:31
Replies: 55
Views: 4,731
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: so what are you doing tonight?

In the US, television stations have shown It's A Wonderful Life (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0038650/) over and over and over during the holidays for years and years. Any and all appreciation for...
Forum: General Discussions 31 Dec 2005, 16:54
Replies: 55
Views: 4,731
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: so what are you doing tonight?

We usually stay up until midnight watching videos with the kids. I think tonight's double-header will feature The Great Escape (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0057115/) and Chicken Run...
Forum: General Discussions 31 Dec 2005, 16:38
Replies: 9
Views: 2,750
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: stella bock

Hmmm (http://www.npr.org/ramfiles/me/20020923.me.streetcar.vid1.ram)
Forum: General Discussions 29 Dec 2005, 00:34
Replies: 38
Views: 3,454
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Kyoto

I don't see the point of converting from coal to oil (actually gas, I think) first then; but yeah, nuclear would be the best option (assuming he can actually pull it off). George Bush wants the US to...
Forum: General Discussions 28 Dec 2005, 23:48
Replies: 38
Views: 3,454
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Kyoto

That doesn't seem like much of a long term (http://www.statistics.gov.uk/cci/nugget.asp?id=129) solution. :)
Forum: General Discussions 24 Dec 2005, 19:23
Replies: 50
Views: 5,345
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Merry Christmas everyone

Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year to all! :)
Forum: General Discussions 24 Dec 2005, 19:20
Replies: 41
Views: 3,341
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Multicultural societies

Canada (5.9 migrants per 1000 population) and Australia (3.9) both have higher legal* immigration rates than the US (3.3), but we're all immigrant countries. I don't think it's too surprising that...
Forum: General Discussions 24 Dec 2005, 09:07
Replies: 41
Views: 3,341
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Multicultural societies

Say what? If you're referring to the Minuteman Project (the largest and best organized group, by far), they've got maybe 500 volunteers.

If we don't have many immigrants here in the north then why...
Forum: General Discussions 22 Dec 2005, 22:46
Replies: 66
Views: 6,515
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Battlestar Galactica

They probably make more selling them on iTunes than on DVD, but it's all good. :)
Forum: General Discussions 22 Dec 2005, 19:34
Replies: 66
Views: 6,515
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Battlestar Galactica

Yeah, you can pre-order it now on Amazon (avail. in January IIRC). They make so much more money on DVD sales that broadcasting is becoming a loss-leader. :)
Forum: General Discussions 22 Dec 2005, 00:31
Replies: 66
Views: 6,515
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Battlestar Galactica

I often feel that way about GD. :/

With respect to BG, I assume the series is entering a period of moral ambiguity--when the badduns start acting a little bit good and the gooduns start acting a...
Forum: General Discussions 21 Dec 2005, 18:16
Replies: 25
Views: 3,181
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Hes at it again

Hehe, it's one of those words that has a different meaning (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Table_%28verb%29) depending on which side of the Atlantic you're on.
Forum: General Discussions 21 Dec 2005, 18:05
Replies: 25
Views: 3,181
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Hes at it again

The latter. Without cloture, debate cannot be ended. The bill can be filibustered until either the proponents agree to table it or the opponents collapse from exhaustion...
Forum: General Discussions 21 Dec 2005, 17:50
Replies: 25
Views: 3,181
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Hes at it again

Actually, it's a vote on a motion to limit or end debate (cloture (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloture)). Most legislative bodies have them (or else a fixed time limit for debate). The Senate's...
Forum: General Discussions 21 Dec 2005, 07:23
Replies: 25
Views: 3,181
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Hes at it again

Whatever. :) It doesn't seem like much of an improvement though.

I have no problem with people changing their minds, although I think politicians owe the public an explanation as to why they...
Forum: General Discussions 20 Dec 2005, 03:21
Replies: 25
Views: 3,181
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Hes at it again

Ah... the temporary insanity plea.
Forum: General Discussions 19 Dec 2005, 20:53
Replies: 25
Views: 3,181
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Hes at it again

If that's true, then why did these politicians vote for it the first time? :confused:

Are they going to invoke the popular 'Bush tricked us' defense (an oldie but a goodie) or perhaps the 'we...
Forum: General Discussions 19 Dec 2005, 18:19
Replies: 22
Views: 3,207
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Is this theft?

These might make sense (energy wise) if you put them in front of stop signs or other areas where cars need to slow down/stop. It could capture some of the energy that would otherwise go towards...
Forum: General Discussions 16 Dec 2005, 06:24
Replies: 15
Views: 2,874
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Terror Laws

Or the job will be subcontracted out to other countries...
Forum: General Discussions 14 Dec 2005, 18:04
Replies: 18
Views: 2,478
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Polar Bear Cubs Are Objectively Cute

Don't predators generally go for the old, sick and young though? Lions kill young zebras (because the adults are faster/smarter), hyenas kill lion cubs (mostly because the adults are too hard to...
Forum: General Discussions 14 Dec 2005, 15:37
Replies: 50
Views: 3,503
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Holocaust? What Holocaust?

There's no way a country of 5 million jews is going to invade a country of 65 million muslims, even if they had a shared border. A surgical strike or two, maybe, but Israel is not a threat to invade...
Forum: General Discussions 14 Dec 2005, 05:13
Replies: 1
Views: 1,657
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: A nice theory I found

I don't think the ancients were nearly as agreed on this 'one thing' as you suggest. The dual kings of Sparta and the dual consuls of the Roman Republic are but two examples of states opting not to...
Forum: General Discussions 13 Dec 2005, 21:04
Replies: 67
Views: 6,379
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Stanley "Tookie" Williams (hey dda!)

More useful to whom? Who gets to decide which inmates on death row are useful and which are not? And by what standard?

And what does it mean to say that someone is more useful alive than dead? At...
Forum: General Discussions 13 Dec 2005, 16:24
Replies: 67
Views: 6,379
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Stanley "Tookie" Williams (hey dda!)

I can't really see how people can say he was rehabilitated.

He never apologized for the crimes he was sentenced for. He always maintained his innocence, so fair enough, but then it's a question...
Forum: General Discussions 12 Dec 2005, 15:13
Replies: 66
Views: 6,515
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Battlestar Galactica

SciFi channel has recently announced (http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire2005/index.php?category=0&id=33290) that season 3 of Battlestar Galactica is a go. \o/

After my son and I finished Babylon 5, I...
Forum: General Discussions 11 Dec 2005, 01:13
Replies: 63
Views: 4,667
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: What are you currently reading?

A Peace to End All Peace by David Fromkin (good intro on the origins of the modern middle east)
The March of Folly by Barbara Tuchman
A War Like No Other by Victor Davis Hanson
Forum: General Discussions 8 Dec 2005, 18:41
Replies: 39
Views: 3,257
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: There is a special hell waiting for cops who shoot innocents dead

Yes.

Some of the more common homemade explosives are isomers of acetone peroxide* which aren't very stable but have the advantage of being easily synthesized from readily-available chemicals (if...
Forum: General Discussions 4 Dec 2005, 22:54
Replies: 5
Views: 3,048
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Imdb

Well they say (http://www.imdb.com/help/show_leaf?cost) they're supported by revenue from advertisers (they don't mention if they're breaking even or making a profit). They also have their premium...
Forum: General Discussions 4 Dec 2005, 03:50
Replies: 17
Views: 2,758
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: the french

Somewhat pyrrhic victories, though. Boney lost over two thirds of his army before he ever reached Moscow. He was winning and advancing, but he was losing men he couldn't replace. The Russian army, on...
Forum: General Discussions 4 Dec 2005, 00:57
Replies: 17
Views: 2,758
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: the french

Good point (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=French+military+victories&btnI=I%27m+Feeling+Lucky)!

(an oldie, I know, but a goodie)
Forum: General Discussions 2 Dec 2005, 22:29
Replies: 44
Views: 4,228
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Sony are bastards

Yes, that's how I read it too; but I assumed that included their charge for looking at it.

Of course, if they weren't up front about such a charge then their bad.
Forum: General Discussions 2 Dec 2005, 15:59
Replies: 44
Views: 4,228
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Sony are bastards

Could the broken power port have caused a surge...?

I suspect the £12 just covers shipping and insurance.

I've never used Sony, but most computer repair places I'm familiar with will charge a...
Forum: General Discussions 2 Dec 2005, 06:58
Replies: 4
Views: 1,984
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Can someone do me a favour.

Heh, I just gave my copy of that book to my son to read. It's pretty good. :)


Baen makes several of their books available as free downloads, as well as sample chapters plus some of their...
Forum: General Discussions 16 Nov 2005, 22:23
Replies: 37
Cnn
Views: 6,026
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Cnn

Sounds like they were 'locked and loaded'. :eek:
Forum: General Discussions 12 Nov 2005, 00:06
Replies: 90
Views: 5,494
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Royalty

Or how about watery tarts distributing swords? I've always liked that one. :)
Forum: General Discussions 11 Nov 2005, 07:11
Replies: 40
Views: 3,569
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Slowly but surly children are sinking deeper into the mire...

But who decides what is deserving to be taught? And as soon as you conclude there's only one right curriculum then how can you enforce that without some sort of state sanction? Whatever authority the...
Forum: General Discussions 10 Nov 2005, 20:51
Replies: 40
Views: 3,569
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Slowly but surly children are sinking deeper into the mire...

I'm not sure there's any meaningful curriculum that everyone would agree is true. Someone would find fault with some aspect of every one, because of intelligent design or political correctness or...
Forum: General Discussions 7 Nov 2005, 18:21
Replies: 14
Views: 2,121
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Apparently Americans Are Fat And Lazy

Is it a duplex? Multiple family dwellings are generally poor pickings for trick-or-treaters, especially when they have a shared entrance. You have to go through an outer door, which sometimes is...
Forum: General Discussions 3 Nov 2005, 08:02
Replies: 9
Views: 2,160
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Uninteresting newslinked drivel

And here I thought 'manage to mangle' was such a lovely alliteration. :(

Too late, the beeb has changed the caption. Somebody must have woken up the night editor.
Forum: General Discussions 3 Nov 2005, 04:26
Replies: 9
Views: 2,160
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Uninteresting newslinked drivel

How did they manage to mangle Dorothy Koch into Doro Cock?
Forum: General Discussions 2 Nov 2005, 02:22
Replies: 27
Views: 2,761
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Porn in your library

Late fees!

We get a fair number of DVDs from the library (free :)) and usually end up returning about a quarter of them late (not free :().

The library loves us. :/
Forum: General Discussions 29 Oct 2005, 18:14
Replies: 37
Views: 3,589
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Killing palestinian terrorists

Rockets can be guided to the target; cannon shells can't.

These attacks are probably conducted from a mile or more away (otherwise the terrorists would see the helicopter and disperse/flee/etc)....
Forum: General Discussions 29 Oct 2005, 05:29
Replies: 52
Views: 4,290
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: How to Discuss American Politics without bashing America

The conventional wisdom used to be that high voter turnout favored the Democrats, but the last Presidental election kind of blew that out of the water (voter turnout was the highest in 36 years).
Forum: General Discussions 28 Oct 2005, 21:06
Replies: 52
Views: 4,290
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: How to Discuss American Politics without bashing America

Didn't they get Martha Stewart for that? ;)

I find the whole thing baffling. The entire Washington establishment couldn't function without leaked information (they were even leaking the status of...
Forum: General Discussions 28 Oct 2005, 16:19
Replies: 53
Views: 6,570
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Quick and Nasty - A GD Challenge

referrer
redressed/redresses
Forum: General Discussions 24 Oct 2005, 17:44
Replies: 48
Views: 3,814
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Soldiers spreading democracy

[/i]
I don't think we've seen that in quite some time. Iraqi soldiers were in the front lines in Tal-Afar and reportedly (http://www.dod.mil/transcripts/2005/tr20050913-3901.html) did quite well....
Forum: General Discussions 22 Oct 2005, 18:59
Replies: 3
Views: 2,226
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: A Bridge to Nowhere

Actually, it will be the federal government spending the $220 million. :/

It would have been cheaper to buy each of the island's residents his or her own airplane. :(
Forum: General Discussions 20 Oct 2005, 15:43
Replies: 31
Views: 3,694
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: The Beginning......

I started playing PA early in R1. I began posting on the forums mostly to ask about some of the many quirks* in the game. Eventually I was asked to help mod some of the forums and hung out a lot on...
Forum: General Discussions 18 Oct 2005, 17:36
Replies: 66
Views: 4,598
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Are we going to war with Iran?

Considering the IAEA's abysmal track record, yes.

Considering the Nobel Peace Prize committee, no.
Forum: General Discussions 17 Oct 2005, 18:35
Replies: 26
Views: 2,490
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: I'm Not Sure That Cursive Handwriting Gets All The Disrespect It Deserves

As a child, I loved learning cursive because it was the form used by adults (back when people actually wrote out letters to each other as their primary means of communication with those they didn't...
Forum: General Discussions 17 Oct 2005, 16:10
Replies: 24
Views: 2,175
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: [Rant] Spitting feathers

Solar power has an enormous advantage over nuclear power in that home solar systems are already relatively affordable (obviously not everyone can afford them, but many people can). So the best way to...
Forum: General Discussions 15 Oct 2005, 01:47
Replies: 28
Views: 2,242
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Saddam Hussein coming to a cinema near you

Ah, but under the previous Iraqi constitution Saddam, as President, had full immunity. He printed his own 'get out of jail free' card and look--it's signed by the President of Iraq!
Forum: General Discussions 14 Oct 2005, 18:31
Replies: 33
Views: 3,631
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Your Next Car Accident

I suspect my next accident will be a lot like the previous four. :(

I'll be sitting at an uncontrolled intersection waiting to turn left*, with my turn signal on thankyouverymuch, and some...
Forum: General Discussions 13 Oct 2005, 00:51
Replies: 134
Views: 8,895
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Scrap Rep

I'm afraid that says more about why you should never be given mod powers than it does about the current mods or the system. :p I've neg-repped mods (well, Kura) and haven't been cast into the outer...
Forum: General Discussions 12 Oct 2005, 19:51
Replies: 50
Views: 7,398
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: GD Awards

It still works for me! :)
Forum: General Discussions 11 Oct 2005, 15:14
Replies: 30
Views: 3,035
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: [Firefly] Serenity Trailer

I'd take that with a very large grain of salt simply because so much of the revenue from movies now comes from sources other than the box office. The original Firefly didn't do that well on TV (for...
Forum: General Discussions 9 Oct 2005, 17:14
Replies: 75
Views: 6,657
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Get paid to improve America

Does this mean they've run out of ideas? :/

Excellent. We'll send them to your country. ;)
Forum: General Discussions 7 Oct 2005, 20:05
Replies: 48
Views: 3,782
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Would be being born blind and deaf be that bad?

You should see/read The Miracle Worker. :)
Forum: General Discussions 7 Oct 2005, 19:50
Replies: 30
Views: 3,035
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: [Firefly] Serenity Trailer

I saw Serenity on Monday night and I thought it was excellent. The movie was pretty faithful to Firefly without (apparently) being confusing for those who missed the TV series. An ongoing TV series,...
Forum: General Discussions 6 Oct 2005, 16:00
Replies: 28
Views: 2,583
Posted By Tactitus
Forum: General Discussions 1 Oct 2005, 06:27
Replies: 30
Views: 3,211
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Katrina, Rita and Racisim

I said inefficient, not incompetent. Big difference.

You mean besides Cromwell?

And tyrany can arise without a dictator. Britain did a pretty good job of oppressing us with just a king and...
Forum: General Discussions 1 Oct 2005, 02:05
Replies: 17
Views: 2,334
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Its My Internet, Dammit

The question is who has ultimate authority over the Internet's master routing directories (IP addresses and domain names). The US turned over most of the authority to a private organization with...
Forum: General Discussions 1 Oct 2005, 01:42
Replies: 30
Views: 3,211
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Katrina, Rita and Racisim

That's rather the point. The idea of federalism is that power is divided amongst multiple levels of government, both to prevent any level of government from getting too much power but also to put...
Forum: General Discussions 30 Sep 2005, 07:05
Replies: 30
Views: 3,211
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Katrina, Rita and Racisim

Heh. That has to be one of the worst examples ever. The PM of the time was Neville Chamberlain who had hit bottom two years earlier--and just kept digging. :/

How many ships did Neville lose?...
Forum: General Discussions 29 Sep 2005, 15:13
Replies: 18
Views: 2,181
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

The medical profession obviously did, except they chose latin. ;)
Forum: General Discussions 28 Sep 2005, 18:41
Replies: 19
Views: 2,244
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: um... can someone help

Well, you can always do a whois (http://www.networksolutions.com/whois/index.jhtml) on the domain name. Parts of email headers can be forged, though, so if they want money for some...
Forum: General Discussions 27 Sep 2005, 15:22
Replies: 8
Views: 1,934
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: look what i found

Because a treasure of this size and value probably can't be excavated and removed without attracting public attention anyway. You can't just stick 600 barrels of treasure in your pocket, hop a boat...
Forum: General Discussions 24 Sep 2005, 01:00
Replies: 65
Views: 4,927
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Proud to be an American

Gallup obviously disagrees with you. From their FAQ (http://media.gallup.com/PDF/FAQ/HowArePolls.pdf):

Beyond that, the ordering and wording of questions probably has more influence than sample...
Forum: General Discussions 21 Sep 2005, 18:46
Replies: 28
Views: 2,851
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Whatever happened to POTW?

Whatever happened to Mr. Garibaldi?
Forum: General Discussions 21 Sep 2005, 03:05
Replies: 81
Views: 8,704
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: CGI Kiddie Porn!!!

Cigarette commercials are banned from television though. The First Amendment doesn't seem to have the reach it used to. :(
Forum: General Discussions 20 Sep 2005, 06:22
Replies: 81
Views: 8,704
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: CGI Kiddie Porn!!!

I'm not sure I'd equate legalizing something with encouraging it; at least, that's one of the arguments that pops up when discussing the legal status of tobacco, alcohol, drugs, gambling,...
Forum: General Discussions 16 Sep 2005, 05:59
Replies: 31
Views: 2,520
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: About Countries Selling Their Natural Resources

If I recall correctly, the US government leases drilling rights on federal land to the highest bidder. Of course, winning bidders have to pay all exploration, drilling, pumping, and transportation...
Forum: General Discussions 14 Sep 2005, 19:29
Replies: 43
Views: 3,439
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Multi-Layered Failures

Alberto Gonzales?
Forum: General Discussions 13 Sep 2005, 22:02
Replies: 38
Views: 3,326
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: New Neg Rep System

Yeah, it's 'math' in the US.

btw, do you folks use 'econs' or 'econ'?

Exponentials go both ways. :/
Forum: General Discussions 13 Sep 2005, 16:22
Replies: 22
Views: 2,783
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: I'd prefer it to be Bush

I think Brown was toast as soon as the revelations came out that he'd padded his resume. Some of his statements didn't help either. I don't expect a political appointee to actually know anything but...
Forum: General Discussions 5 Sep 2005, 09:03
Replies: 32
Views: 3,888
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Americans Cared Deeply for Katrina Victims

Easily done. US armed forces killed in Vietnam consisted of 12.5% blacks (source: http://www.archives.gov/research/vietnam-war/casualty-statistics.html#race). Black soldier fatality percentages were...
Forum: General Discussions 3 Sep 2005, 08:12
Replies: 77
Views: 5,616
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: A matter of contention

I don't know if the President has the authority to issue such an order and I don't think it's his job to be doing so. Local officials (mayors and Governors) are more directly accountable to the...
Forum: General Discussions 2 Sep 2005, 18:05
Replies: 217
Views: 16,960
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: USA can blame themselves for Katrina?

I think it's more than somewhat questionable, but unfortunately there's rarely any sense of urgency for major policy changes. It usually takes a disaster to seize the public and political attention...
Forum: General Discussions 2 Sep 2005, 16:37
Replies: 18
Views: 2,375
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: The shape of things to come

Quoted for truth. :/

P.S. I'd add the Senate too.
Forum: General Discussions 2 Sep 2005, 16:30
Replies: 217
Views: 16,960
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: USA can blame themselves for Katrina?

It doesn't appear that funding would have made any difference (http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-050901corps,1,7189346.story), since the actual levee that gave way had already been...
Forum: General Discussions 2 Sep 2005, 04:02
Replies: 217
Views: 16,960
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: USA can blame themselves for Katrina?

Blame the French! :p

The city was (slightly) above sea level originally when it was built on the natural levees of the Mississippi. The long term effects of the river raising it's bed through silt...
Forum: General Discussions 1 Sep 2005, 15:37
Replies: 217
Views: 16,960
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: USA can blame themselves for Katrina?

I don't believe that the relationship between global warming and hurricanes is that well understood. Furthermore, there's little evidence that either the number or severity of hurricanes is...
Forum: General Discussions 31 Aug 2005, 08:44
Replies: 217
Views: 16,960
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: USA can blame themselves for Katrina?

After you you adjust US gasoline prices for inflation, it's currently only two-thirds of it's all-time high price--still a bargain. Gasoline is cheaper than milk, 'bottled' water, vegetable oil,...
Forum: General Discussions 31 Aug 2005, 07:01
Replies: 77
Views: 5,616
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: A matter of contention

Works for me if that's what the Puerto Ricans want. The last plebiscite (http://electionspuertorico.org/1998/summary.html) was inconclusive.
Forum: General Discussions 29 Aug 2005, 06:53
Replies: 15
Views: 2,422
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Good Bye New Orleans?

That was sorted two centuries ago. We no longer use the original French name: la Nouvelle Orléans*. :)





*Yeah, it should have been Nouveaux Orléans--it was transgendered at birth. :/
Forum: General Discussions 23 Aug 2005, 14:58
Replies: 10
Views: 2,499
Posted By Tactitus
Forum: General Discussions 13 Aug 2005, 19:22
Replies: 46
Views: 2,923
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: American Guilt

Not in historical context (adjusting for inflation and the growth of the US economy), no. The US budget, as a percentage of GDP was much higher during WWII (~40% of GDP). It was also higher in the...
Forum: General Discussions 11 Aug 2005, 16:54
Replies: 21
Views: 2,223
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Must be a slow news day

Some cats have no luck. :(
Forum: General Discussions 10 Aug 2005, 21:09
Replies: 46
Views: 2,716
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: When Your Kid(s) Is (Are) Being Born

I was in the delivery room for both of mine. There really wasn't much for me to do, but it was interesting.

For #1, I mostly stood around and tried to be helpful during the ensuing train wreck....
Forum: General Discussions 10 Aug 2005, 09:42
Replies: 33
Views: 3,256
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: US Army world tour - new dates to be confirmed

Really? This data point would seem to fit right on the curve with their other activities (http://www.globalsecurity.org/intell/world/iran/proxy-groups.htm). :/
Forum: General Discussions 3 Aug 2005, 20:33
Replies: 14
Views: 2,415
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Children playing

I wouldn't call a two pound rock a small stone. And sending someone to the hospital for stitches probably makes it a police matter. Resisting arrest was a nice touch.

In any event, the trial has...
Forum: General Discussions 2 Aug 2005, 00:39
Replies: 48
Views: 3,702
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: What if i dont want any of it?

President of what? Or doesn't it matter?
Forum: General Discussions 29 Jul 2005, 15:42
Replies: 56
Views: 4,625
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: open source

I think the contradiction exists only if you don't believe in intellectual property. If you believe in IP then of course the state should protect your rights to your IP (just as the state should...
Forum: General Discussions 27 Jul 2005, 02:12
Replies: 35
Views: 4,557
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Mecca and Medina

Not at all. Mr. Noorzai said "people in Tancredo's position need to watch their words when it comes to sacred religious sites and texts." I simply pointed out that some prominent muslims have said...
Forum: General Discussions 27 Jul 2005, 01:24
Replies: 35
Views: 4,557
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Mecca and Medina

Where exactly did I condemn every adherent of a religion? :confused:
Forum: General Discussions 26 Jul 2005, 20:57
Replies: 35
Views: 4,557
Posted By Tactitus
Exclamation Re: Mecca and Medina

I don't believe anyone here was suggesting otherwise; at least I certainly wasn't.
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