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Ben Stein is right!

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by maxwell edison

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He always has, and he always will, at least as long as he's president. I'm amazed at how much hay you guys are trying to make of it, since he never even came close to suggesting the federal government's response was first and foremost "to blame" for whatever slow response may or may not have occurred.

"Katrina exposed serious problems in our response capability at all levels of government and to the extent the federal government didn't fully do its job right, I take responsibility," Bush said.

You are such a ditz, that you haven't even learned one thing by now. President Bush does not point fingers of "blame" at anybody. He never has, and he never will. He rises above playing the blame-game. He rises above even criticizing his political opponents. Consider this. How many times have his political opponents literally blasted the guy? You can't possibly count them all. How many times has he "blasted back" in return? I can't even think of one.

And in the case of this natural disaster, he looks forward towards solutions, not backwards dwelling on "blame". He could have blasted the governor of Louisiana, just like she's blasted him, and you know it. But he didn't, even though she deserves it; and you know that too. And by the way, where's the statement from the inept governor of Louisiana stating that SHE will accept the responsibility for the failings of STATE efforts? Huh? Where is it? President Bush takes the high-road, while losers like the governor of Louisiana take to the gutter. (And if she did say it, for some "strange reason" we aren't hearing about it, are we?)

Even when the WMD intelligence claims didn't turn-up what was thought, you didn't see President Bush "blame" the intelligence agencies, past administrations, or anyone else. Instead, he said, "I take personal responsibility for everything I say, absolutely."

Of course he accepts responsibility for the federal government and the actions thereof. And I challenge you to find one instance (with anything) where he said he does not. I challenge you to find one instance (with anything) where he "blamed" someone else for any problem that arose.

And in the case of Hurricane Katrina, I could almost guarantee you that Bush was beginning to get absolutely disgusted at the focus of "blame" being perpetrated by the media as well as state and local officials, so he decided to take it on himself so things could get focused back to where they should. And they have, haven't they?

Okay, he "took the blame". Gee, it gives pathological Bush-Haters like you something to feast on. Great, enjoy your meal. But guess what? Bush is still president, and you are still a pathological Bush-Hater. So what?

Man, I thought the whacko right-wing extremist "Clinton-Haters" were bad. But you guys make them look like Mother Theresa.

by av .

He has to accept responsibility for the federal response - he is the President. I think it remains to be seen if his level of government was "first and foremost" on the blame list. All levels of government failed. He shares in the blame and I think all levels of government are responsible.

Bush only accepted responsibility because he had no other way out. I respect the fact that he finally admitted there was a problem instead of painting rosy pictures. He couldn't say everything was nifty because of the extensive media coverage to the contrary.

I have a problem with "you are such a ditz." I don't know whether you are talking to Aldanatech or myself, but I look at it as a lame attempt to trivialize whatever anyone else has to say if they have a different opinion than you. Its ok, Maxwell. At least I have an open mind.

You said "And in the case of this natural disaster, he looks forward towards solutions, not backwards dwelling on "blame". I say, of course he wants to look ahead. If he looks backwards, he has to deal with the responsibility of what happened. Hmm.

I think I just heard the Louisiana Governor take responsibility for the state problems. Theres hope.

Heres the real problem, Maxwell. Lots of people have died and had their whole lives ripped away from them. Many of the million or so people are poor and now have nothing except for what is given (most of them had nothing before). Its beyond blame and partisan politics. We have got to learn from this disaster now. There is no time for government red-tape during a disaster. Its clear that all levels of our government don't have the coordination to respond to a major disaster.

We have to fix it.

by maxwell edison

Typical lose-lose scenario

For the pathological Bush-Haters, and perhaps you are among them, regardless of what he does, what he did, or what he will do, they (or you) will find fault. That's just the way it is. In the eyes of those people, he will lose, he will do the wrong thing, and he will be criticized regardless.

You said, "I think I just heard the Louisiana Governor take responsibility for the state problems." Are you going to say the same thing about her that you said about Bush? If not, why not? And why did she wait until AFTER President Bush did the same thing?

And as far as the "ditz" title, it was for Aldanatech. He and I have a history that goes back a fair amount of time, and he's always been the consummate and pathological Bush-Hater, always finding fault, regardless of the circumstances. The exact opposite of an "open mind".

I agree, it is beyond blame and partisan politics. And if you can't see that all of the "blame and partisan politics" is ALL coming from the Bush opponents. then you, too, earn the title ditz.

by maxwell edison

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You said, "Lots of people have died and had their whole lives ripped away from them. Many of the million or so people are poor and now have nothing except for what is given (most of them had nothing before)."

New Orleans is the classic example of the failed welfare system. These people have been sold a bill-of-goods for forty years by the Democrats who have been running their state and representing them in Congress. They are poor and unable to take care of themselves and don't have the wherewithal to get out of the way of a storm because the people they voted into power (over them) have failed them -- and they are the ones who have "promised them" that the government would take care of all their needs. When you "promise" that the government will take care of everything that one might face, it's doomed to fail. Bush didn't fail those people, the Democrat Party did, and they have been for forty years. The Democrat Party failed them because they created the dependent class of people who, when it was really important, didn't know how to take self-responsibility, and they didn't even think they should.

Politician Number One: Vote for me and I will take care of every difficulty you have to face in your life by assuming responsibility for your life

Politician Number Two: Vote for me and I will get government out of the way so you can care for yourself, and so you can be responsible for yourself.

You obviously prefer politician number one -- the one that failed those people.

I prefer number two.

Government CANNOT be all things to all people at all times. And anyone who presumes as much is most foolish, and is doomed to either fail or perish.

by jdclyde

Look at what is being said about the body recovery. Blame this on FEMA? It isn't and has never been the job of FEMA to clean up the bodies, but to save the people that they can. This is a STATE responsibility that this pathetic person is trying to turn into a race issue.

So much for hope.

by oz_media

Otherwise they'd have to wrangle all 10 fingers into a pair of gloves, they'd be late for work all the time on cold days. (Couldn't resist that one)

by oz_media

what you said.

And Slag is a British term, the same slang as use din the US is 'dissed'.

Slag - To slag someone off, is to bad mouth them in a nasty way. Usually to their face.

Actually found a decent site for translating British slang.

The American's Guide to Speaking British
http://www.effingpot.com/slang.shtml

by oz_media

I picture Max looking like Ben Stein in drag too! LOL

Sorry, Max, that was a third party pot-shot and you know how I feel about third party bashing, but it was all in fun.

by oz_media

Geddy Lee of Rush.

(I actually have a friend that looks like him, Dean Hagland's body double)

by oz_media

Took you 5 days, dawg, and YOU are saying GWB's slow off the mark?!?

I think he's just slow....you know, "SPECIAL" in an olympics kinda way?
:D

by oz_media

Seems a lot of that has been going on since GWB took office. No it's not GWB's fault, I actually do agree in THIS case, but then again he's hardly blameless for all the dropped balls over the last half decade.

Someone drops the ball and he seems to kick it, instead of picking it up.

by puppybreath

since I reached max posts, but you have the wrong girl. Jennifer Grey is the daughter of Joel Grey (Caberet) and was in Ferris Bueler and Red Dawn. Jennifer Aniston was in the TV version of Ferris Bueler but wasn't in the movie. Her only movie worth mentioning was Office Space. Two different people altogether.

by jck

Grey (correct...daughter of Joel Grey) was in Ferris Bueller's Day Off as Francis Bueller (Shannah(sp?)), and Dirty Dancing (Baby)...and later had a nose reduction and was on a network sitcom on ABC or something.

Aniston is the daughter of a soap opera actor on Days of Our Lives, and I think one of her first television appearances was on Howard Stern's E! Show as a spokesgirl for some product. One of her first film appearances was in the horror movie "Leprechaun".

by itgirli

I like old men who are witty and intelligent and conservative.

I mean, gee whiz, girls my age like Sean Connery, so what's wrong with Ben Stein?

by m_a_r_k

How about Pat Robertson? I can't wait until I'm 80 years old. Chicks will dig me then. I sometimes have a witty moment. I'm borderline intelligent. And I'm as conservative as Strom Thurmond. Speaking of Strom, I suppose you had the hots for him before he kicked the bucket? haha :D

by itgirli

Pat Robertson? no way, man. I hate him with a passion. I'm not into overly religious people.
Strom? nope. too old and too ignorant.
I find neither of those witty or intelligent, just old. too old.
Ben Stein just has that certain something.

by m_a_r_k

OK (rolls eyes). I'm sorry for giving you a hard time (but you know I'm only having fun at your expense) cuz it is rather refreshing to hear a chick say she's more interested in wit, intelligence and personality than looks. Hell, I'm a guy and even I can tell if there's one thing that Ben Stein definitely ain't, it's handsome.

by itgirli

Only swill would think like that. Did you ever think that maybe the reason I like older men is because I'm sick of little punks like you? :)

by maxwell edison

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....success!

And individualism. And self-confidence. And self-responsibility. And genuine compassion. And sense of principle. And.......

by m_a_r_k

Isn't Grey about 20 yrs older than Aniston? Aniston is the chick who was married to Brad Pitt before Bradley unceremoniously and mercilessly kicked her out in favor of some gal named Angelina Jolie. And Aniston is also one of the Friend chicks.

by jck

Jennifer Grey was born in 1960

Jennifer Aniston was born in 1969

I wonder if Jennifer Aniston likes swill...I need a friend ]:)

by itgirli

I am way more interested in those things than in money or looks. But I still end up with all the wrong guys. Maybe I should be superficial. I usually turn down the hot ones because they are dumb.

by m_a_r_k

...because I have half as much money now as when I was married and I'm not as good-looking as when I was younger (though I'm still one handsome devil! haha). Maybe my love life has more potential than I realize. :-/

by jdclyde

Most of the "Bush supporters" never claimed he was not without blame, just to be accurate on how much of the blame was his.

Why would Bush not run out right away and take the blame for this? The same reason ANY Democrat wouldn't have either. Have to get an idea what went wrong and why before taking the blame, first of all. Secondly, is because for the rabid left only want this acceptance of blame so they can stand up and say "AH HA! Told you he was to blame!" (notice I didn't say Democrats as I realize there is a difference between Democrats and the "progresive liberal movement")

These people aren't looking for him to take responsibility, they are ONLY looking to hurt him politically.

Would it have been any different had this been reversed and that was a Democrat in office? No, it would have taken a while for them to step up for the exact same reasons.

"Gotcha politics".

by jck

Your Q: "Would it have been any different had this been reversed and that was a Democrat in office?"

My Answer: No...it would be no different for me. I'd think anyone was an idiot for not making sure his own citizens were secure before securing Iraq. Doesn't matter if it was Bush, Clinton, Perot, Browne, Nader, blah blah blah. When you put the well being and the insurance of the safety of the people of your own country behind those of the people of another nation, IHMO you suck.

I haven't been talking about Bush like he's stupid because he's Republican...I do it because he does stupid stuff that makes little, if any, sense.

And as for responsibility, see my post back in the other subthread. Bush admitted he is ultimately responsible for when the federal government misperforms in its duty to its citizens. The speech text is available at the White House website where he says it.

Now it's not just political hypothesis. The president admits it is his place to take the blame for not providing a "more effective response".

So if I'm such the liberal, then I'm one of your "these people" who "are ONLY looking to hurt him politically" on the "rabid left". And, that's not the case, as you've suggested.

As for the progressive liberal movement: Am I a part of this too? I need to know these things, in case I have to pay dues.

As for not taking blame: It was pretty easy to see what went wrong...everything. Is it all Bush's fault? No. Nagin could have used thousands of buses (city and school) to evacuate people but didn't. Blanco could have mobilized the national guard first but didn't.

But while Katrina was hitting New Orleans, what was Bush doing?

------
Monday, August 29
President Bush attends events in Arizona and California to talk about Medicare and the upcoming prescription drug benefit. He stays in San Diego overnight.
-----

http://www.cnn.com/interactive/us/0509/timeline.katrina.bush/content.1.3.html

After the storm hit, does Bush go to Crawford, D.C. or somewhere to keep up to date? To centralize efforts to mobilize a disaster recovery plan?

-----
Tuesday, August 30
President Bush speaks at a San Diego naval station to mark the 60th anniversary of the Allied victory over Japan that ended World War II.

-----
http://www.cnn.com/interactive/us/0509/timeline.katrina.bush/content.1.4.html

It took some 24 hours to *mobilize* military into the area...and only after FEMA had requested it.

Essentially what I have to ask of his, or any, administration is this:

If you were aware that this hurricane was major, why weren't land-based military mobilized before it made landfall in preparation for what you knew was going to involve catastrophic damage to structures all along the coast?

The Bush Administration was just totally lacking in prompt and preventative action in this matter.

At least he's taken responsibility now.

by oz_media

I always thought Jenifer Anistons actual name was 'Jennifer Aniston Grey'. I thought that she had actually changed her name at one point?

on second looks, Grey is a sea hag, definitely not Aniston, as for SWILL boy, no way dude, she's coming to my place for Kraft Dinner and Cool Aid on Saturday night.

by montgomery gator

So, if you say "I got a biggie in me pants", does that mean you crapped yourself, or you're randy? :-)

(Now I will have trouble getting Biggie Fries from Wendy's with a straight face after reading that web site!!)

by jck

man...long time since I heard that term...since that girl from Ontario and I were hanging at my place and she saw mine on the fridge.

Oh well...do they label the box different for Canadians? Or can you just not read? hahahaha :D

by oz_media

It is the same for guys. The hottest girs, well the most superfically and materially hot, are usually the biggest waste of skin around.

I am more into the girl next door,nowdays. A girl that can be can be poised and confident, have a career of her own, but not afraid to throw on a pair of jeans and hang out camping for a few days without worrying about hair and makeup.

I can't stand overly introverted women, but don't go for overly extroverted (usually due to a lack of self confidence) and loud women. I like confidence but not over confidence, pretty but not vain.

Just a GIRL! Why must it always be FLASH or HUMDRUM with no middle ground?

by jck

a) FEMA does come in and help organize pre- and post-disaster efforts ...that's why they're are the Federal EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT Agency.

b) Have you seen the ethnicity of the Governor of Louisiana? She's got about as much chance of turning this into a race issue among blacks as Louis Farrakhan has of selling stock to the KKK.

And actually, body removal is technically the responsibility of the managing government in that jurisdiction, i.e. city coroner in New Orleans. The city coroner is required to file papers with the state for purposes of documentation and forwarding to federal authorities, such as the SSA.

and jdclyde...I thought you were "moderate"?

Jeez man...next thing you'll tell me is your related to Hugh Hefner.

by jck

I'm inviting Cleese to come sing "The Penis Song" at my inaugural ball.

That'd make Pat Robertson soil his undies right good!

by itgirli

I like him as well. I've had a thing for John Cleese probably as long as I have had a thing for Stein. I don't care if he's anti-American.

by jamesrl

Yes Oz, I think Ms Aniston anglicised her name - it was more obviously greek before IIRC. But it wasn't grey - again if I recall correctly.

And I loved "Dirty Dancing" (the movie) and for B Film fan, even loved "Wind" even more(the best sailing movie....with Jennifer Grey).

I do remember Grey's short lived sitcom - done after the nose job. It convinced me that the old nose gave her face charecter and she was just bland after cosmetic surgery.

James

by maxwell edison

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Ever since the 2000 election that (sarcasm alert) "BUSH STOLE" (sarcasm alert over), he has been criticized by his political opponents at every turn. They even sabotaged the feelings of unity following 9-11 that actually transcended politics for a short while. They misrepresented his words and even told blatant lies about what he did and said. And aided by their partners in the media, lies soon became the presumed truth. And they accuse HIM of dividing the nation! And they accuse HIM of being a liar! The hypocrisy is amazing!

I lost all respect for most Democrats when they sided with France and Russia on the Iraq thing. That was drawn-out and went on-and-on for so long, that the primary focus was lost. And now that the IMPARTIAL INVESTIGATION of the United Nations concluded that France and Russia were complicit in aiding Saddam in the oil for food scandal, their actions, in my opinion, border on treasonous.

For the past 5 years, EVERYTHING that President Bush has done, did not do, planned to do, or whatever, was being lambasted. He's been called every name in the book (so much for their disdain for "name-calling"), and has been accused of the most heinous things. To even suggest that he intentionally let people die because of their race is preposterous. It's beyond preposterous. He's been characterized as evil. He's been characterized as a dunce. He's been characterized as just about any negative image you can imagine.

The Democrat Party is literally imploding. Leftist ideology is beginning to shine as the failure it's always been. If leftist ideology has been "so successful" in helping the "little guy", then why is the "little guy" WORSE off, and why are there MORE of them -- evidence seen in New Orleans. And they absolutely idolize their LOSERS. They consider Jimmy Carter the best thing ever, even though he was the worst president in US history, and the first president to run and hide from terrorists. And he was a LOSER in every sense of the word. He lost control of his presidency. He lost control of the economy. He lost control of the Iran hostage situation. He lost control of the military. And he lost his reelection bid by a huge margin. He's a LOSER, but they put him on a pedestal. And Howard Dean, another LOSER, is now running their party.

We're fighting a global war against terrorism, perhaps the biggest threat to America's freedom in our history, and people like Nancy Pelosi are saying things like, "...incompetent in terms of knowledge, judgment and experience in making the decisions." And when asked if her comments would undermine Bush's abilities as commander in chief, she replies that her, "statements are just a statement of fact." That is amazing! First they redefine the word "lie", and now they redefine the word "fact". And she even mischaracterizes her very own conversations with the president in her attempt to dig her knife a little deeper into his back.

http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=52957

And Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid called President Bush "a loser" during a civics discussion with a group of teenagers at a high school. He had to later apologize.

No, I don't think these people are honorable Americans. And I think they are HURTING our global cause, not helping it. They are more partisan and less patriot in my eyes, and I'll come right out and say it. And after they behave like that, lie like that, misrepresent like that, back-stab like that, are mean-spirited like that, and their supporters get onto their flawed and disingenuous band-wagon, these people expect to be taken seriously? Sorry, I don't think so. I'll engage them in the arena of ideas, because their ideas are flawed and have proven to be failures. But I will not indulge them in their lost sense of reality.

But they will suffer the last-laugh, however, because most Americans have been able to see through it. Only the most extreme partisan lefties believe the crap they spew. And the majority of Americans are seeing these people as the "pathological Bush-Haters" that they have proven themselves to be. Pathological - just like a pathological liar, they keep digging their own graves. And they keep exposing their own flaws, their own dishonesty, disingenuousness, and mean-spiritedness -- and in my opinion, their treasonous behavior.

These people are the most dishonest and mean-spirited bunch I've ever seen in my politically-aware life. And they've been crying wolf for so long that they've lost all credibility, they've lost all perspective, and, in some cases, they've lost all sense of reality. I'd be embarrassed to call myself a Democrat today. In fact, I'd be embarrassed to do anything but disassociate myself from them -- get as far away from them as I possibly can.

by m_a_r_k

Now ITgirli has all the old guys here trying to be witty and intelligent and conservative. Be careful girli...there's wolves prowling! haha

by itgirli

I prefer between 40 and 55. And I'm not saying that people in that range are old, but they are older than me by quite a bit since I'm only 24. Sometimes I'll go younger than 40. I really look for a guy who is confident and doesn't want to play mind games and sleep around and stuff like that. I look for guys that I can have an intelligent conversation with. The problem with the older ones is that some of them look down on me and try to talk down to me. Some have a problem with the age thing, but I really don't see why.

by maxwell edison

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I actually had a TR discussion once about one's "mental age", an age that people pretty much settle into their whole life, at least as far as how they see themselves. My mother, for example, although she's still going at 87, has always been just like a lively teenager -- and she still is. But she has the added benefit of being smarter and wiser. (My dad's always been an old fart -- but not like me at all.)

My "mental age" is __________ . (Maybe I'll tell you, or maybe someone will want to find that old discussion.)

My "real age" is within the range you mentioned.

Therefore what, one might ask? Who knows?

by jdclyde

I never claimed to be "moderate". I have said I am more "independant". There is a difference.

[i]b) Have you seen the ethnicity of the Governor of Louisiana? She's got about as much chance of turning this into a race issue among blacks as Louis Farrakhan has of selling stock to the KKK.[/i]

Have you HEARD her on TV? Read any of the reports?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/krwashbureau/20050914/ts_krwashbureau/_wea_katrina_corpses
http://www.realcities.com/mld/krwashington/12636567.htm
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/nation/3352812

I am deeply disapointed that they only partially quoted her. When she got in front of the cameras, she intentionally represented this as the efforts being slow because of who was the victoms.

I am confused, you posted this
[i]a) FEMA does come in and help organize pre- and post-disaster efforts ...that's why they're are the Federal EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT Agency.
[/i]
then you posted this
[i]And actually, body removal is technically the responsibility of the managing government in that jurisdiction, i.e. city coroner in New Orleans.[/i]

Which side of the fence are you going to land with this one?

Oh, speaking of Louis Farrakhan, I guess he is trying to say that the leavy was BLOWN to keep the white sections of town dry. What a freaken nutbag.

by jck

Bush is no better, e.g.- blowing out of proportion Saddam Hussein's "weapons of mass destruction".

That was crying wolf...or, are you going to validate that simply because he's Republican?

To you, it's just a mistake if it's a Republican...and, a contemptful act of over-exaggeration if it's a Democrat.

You views continue to carry little merit due to their obvious bias.

by tony hopkinson

Did you have to wear the ones your mom knitted. With the loop that goes through the sleeves of your duffle coat so you can't lose them. Not to mention the balaclava made from the scratchiest wool she could find.

by jck

listen...missy...

You'd be lucky to have a guy like me, but you don't want someone like me because you can't control or manipulate a guy like me...

And more importantly, I wouldn't have you because of that. I don't like self-important women who think the idea of a relationship is to be in control.

If I want guilt trips, I have a mother who is good at that.

If I want a control freak in my life, I have a boss who tells me what to do.

If I want a lady in my life...I'll find a *lady* to share my life with...not a boss or a mother.

So, take your self-important opinion and stick it up your not-so-humble backside and deal with the fact that you're no better than me.

Have a nice day :)

(God...drama is great)

by jck

that I am none or not even some of those?

Jeez...let's see.

I ran a department and a multi-million dollar budget by age 27.

I owned my own house by 29.

Washed my own clothes since I was 5.

And...I did it all without handouts from my family.

So far, I have half of those met...should I go on, or were you referring to someone else, Max?

by jck

independent? hahaha...that's even more laughable.

You follow a party line. That's not independent.

Think as you will. I'm now going home to get in my beer.

I've lost hope for you....really.

Have a nice day. :)

by maxwell edison

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I simply made a presumption about why she might prefer older men. (And I would have never been so presumptuous to even comment if she hadn't brought it up in such a light-hearted and delightful way in the first place.) But I was making a counter-presumption to your lame attempt at humor.

By the way, I find it interesting at how you defined "success" (and all those other things). I wouldn't have defined it that way at all.

by m_a_r_k

Truly mature, confident, responsible gentlemen wouldn't be arguing over such trivialities. :D

jck, you washed your own clothes at 5? And you ran a multi-billion dollar multinational corporation at 23? That's not so impressive. I overhauled the engine of my dad's car when I was 4. And I was an astronaut on the space shuttle at age 6.

by maxwell edison

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I'm not arguing over anything. In the case of my last post to jck, I simply answered his question.

By the way, your "Truly mature, confident, responsible gentlemen" comment is lame. You have no idea what you're talking about, nor do you know enough to make such presumptions. In short, what a stupid thing to say.

by av .

I can see Sean Connery, but BEN STEIN!?! I like old men too who are witty and intelligent and conservative (alright, strike the conservative), but they have to be somewhat attractive. Sean Connery has always been a handsome, exciting guy at every age. But BEN STEIN? Are you feeling ok? True, he has money, but however much he has, it isn't enough.

by av .

But does that mean that you find him attractive enough to . . . I mean you have to have chemistry if its gonna last.

by jck

Yeah...ya know...my parents taught us responsibility. Mom put a step by the washer to where I could put the clothes in and out.

As for multi-*billion corp*? No...multi-million dollar budgeted computer services department at age 27.

I didn't rebuild a car engine til I was 16 though, so you're obviously much more of a man than I am. :D

by jck

define "success" then? Because he was in a government job? Because he has a law degree? Because he had a TV show with Jimmy Kimmel? Because he has a substantial earning of money? All of these? None of these?

as for your:
"And individualism. And self-confidence. And self-responsibility. And genuine compassion. And sense of principle. And......."

You can neither know or have an idea of whether Ben Stein is individualistic, self-confident, self-responsible, genuinely compassionate, or principled unless you know the man.

Therefore, your assessment of her reasons for liking him are unfounded and untethered to reality.

Hence your statements are no less lame than mine because of your assumptions and judgemental sentiments.

Just remember: humour is neither yours to define, oh venerable one...nor is success.

Now...let's kiss and make up!!! HAHAHAAHA :D

(Drama...it's what's for dinner)

by m_a_r_k

It took me a few minutes to stop laughing at your overreaction to my tongue-in-cheek post about your supposed immaturity and irresponsibility and whatever else I dreamed up to say about you and your new best friend jck. Maxie, my boy, you're WAY too uptight. You take yourself and the silly crap people post here WAY too seriously. Loosen up, pal. haha

by m_a_r_k

I'm glad you didn't overreact like a certain someone did to my lighthearted jab. But you were wrong. You are much more of a he-man than me. I have never headed a multi-trillion dollar anything. Your running that multi-trillion dollar NASA space program at the tender age of 19 is definitely more of an accomplishment than my building a Nextel Cup-winning NASCAR car at the age of 3. I have to bow down to your he-manliness. :D Oh, and I didn't wash my own clothes until I moved out of my parents home at the ripe old age of 18 to go to college. (That last sentence is the first truth I've written in the last few posts here in this discussion!)

by jck

that one time at band camp...

hahahahahaha

Oh man...lemme tell ya...weirdest line a girl ever used on me at a bar:

"Did you know I can fly an airplane?"

She was really drunk.

Found out later it wasn't true.

Now you know why I walk with a limp.

by jck

his name is "maxwell"...I just thought we were buddies now...hahaha :D

Wanna help me rebuild my weed eater carbouretor? :D

by jck

===========================================
"Four years after the frightening experience of September the 11th, Americans have every right to expect a more effective response in a time of emergency. When the federal government fails to meet such an obligation, I, as President, am responsible for the problem, and for the solution."

- George Bush, Jackson Square Speech, New Orleans, Louisiana, 15 September 2005

http://www.whitehouse.gov
=========================================

Now if he'd just take that attitude toward the problem of running up the national debt, maybe that'd get solved too.

by m_a_r_k

Sure I'll help rebuild that carburetor. I'll drink your beer while I watch you work.

by hutchtech

...what the heck does this have to do with technology? I may agree personally with the tone of the articles, but this seems WAY out in left field (pardon the unintentional political ramifications of my descriptor).

Can't we all just get back to debating about Windows vs. Unix vs. Mac OS X vs. Linux? I miss the old days. Give me some aged, open-source geek taking on Bill Gates any day.

- Hutch

by jck

but you're gonna draw some fire.

Notice, this is the "Miscellaneous" discussion center. There are various strictly technical sections of the "Discussion Center" which will meet your needs under the "Discussions by topic" area.

Hope you enjoy them.

Hey Jay...do I need to add a disclaimer like "This is my opinion, and not that of TR, CNet, or any of their related entities."? :D

by m_a_r_k

I have made 231 posts to TR discussion boards. None of them have had a damn thing to do with technology.

by itgirli

I've made 901 posts on TR and I'm pretty sure none of those have anything to do with technology either. Wait! This post makes 902. Woo-Hoo!

by jck

you'd get in my house?

Ask Oz...I'm the wacko with all the guns.

I'd share my beer though. I'm not too good to deprive a man of your obvious manliness of a cold brew.

Wanna borrow my porky pig houseslippers and Speed Racer smoking jacket too? :D

by m_a_r_k

Thanks for the advice, my young very mature and very responsible friend. I see you haven't taken MY advice and loosened up yet. Take a cue from jck on how to respond to a little friendly banter. :D

by jmgarvin

I hated the damn things. What is a duffle coat?

I never lived anywhere where I needed anything more than a coat and gloves (perhaps a scarf every now and then)

by montgomery gator

I am witty intelligent and conservative (views very similar to Ben Stein, from what I have read by him and have heard him say on TV), but at 41, am I too young for you? :-)

by montgomery gator

jck typed: "Now if he'd just take that attitude toward the problem of running up the national debt, maybe that'd get solved too."
...
I will concede that one. Bush refused to veto the excessive Pork Barrel spending coming from Congress, in which both GOP and Democrat congressmen are guilty. I am all in favor of Bush's tax cuts, but am greatly disappointed that he did not threaten to veto budgets that increased spending instead of cutting spending to match the tax cuts. I wish Sen. Proxmire (he was one of the last few decent Democrats) was still around to give out his "Golden Fleece" awards. The boondoggles known as "No Child Left Behind" and the Medicare Prescription plan are budget busters and abuse of taxpayers that disappointed me when Bush supported them. The Federal Govt should not be responsible for those things, they are state responsibilities acccording to the US constitution. However, I still stand by my decision to vote for GWB, since Kerry would have been even worse at tax and spend.

The money for Katrina relief and rebuilding should be financed by cutting spending elsewhere (like the Medicare prescription plan and "No Child Left Behind"), and by selling oil and gas leases to increase domestic production.

We need a Balanced Budget amendment that calls for a supermajority (2/3) of both houses and presidential approval to run a deficit, and requires a supermajority for tax increases. Balance the budget by cutting spending, not by tax increases.

by maxwell edison

Thanks for the advice, my young very mature and very responsible friend. I see you haven't taken MY advice and loosened up yet.

by jck

hahahaha...I could swear there was a bit of cut and paste there...

or is someone running 2 accounts?

You decide.

(Drama...excitement...intrigue...)

by m_a_r_k

jck, are you referring to Max copying my words? I think he idolizes me. He wishes he were as mature and responsible as me. haha

by m_a_r_k

girli, now I know why neither of us have been nominated King or Queen Geek. BTW, this is my 235th consecutive non-tech-related post!

by jck

I don't think him capable of rebuilding my weed eater carbouretor. :D

by montgomery gator

Mittens are not very popular attire in Florida, where I grew up, or in Alabama, where I live now. Some people wore them in Syracuse, NY, where I lived for 4 years, but I preferred gloves to keep my hand warm. Mittens seemed like something worn by people about whom it would be said "You're ugly and your mother dresses you funny". :-)

by tony hopkinson

did I mention my mum sort of used all the bits of wool left from other projects. The string between them so you wouldn't lose them. Mittens are much easier to make than gloves.
Duffle coat, now that is hard to explain. This readheaded model (lower right) is wearing one.
http://www.zephyr.dti.ne.jp/~runo/eng/duffle.htm

They're very warm, and sort of waterproof. Once they stop shrugging off the rain they double as a realistic high pressure / heavy gravity environment.

by oz_media

JCK, You'd need to get Eric Idle to do that one thats his song (as are most Pythons tunes)just something he tossed off when on holiday.

ITGirlie, nice to see you have an open mind....when it comes to sex anyway.

by jamesrl

Generally speaking mittens are warmer than gloves (of like material/construction) because having the fingers together is advantage.

My father worked as a lineman (for the township, and he drove the main road, searching in the sun for another overload) and had to work some bitter winter days and nights during the worst conditions. Linemen were issued a hybrid - a mitt with the index finger in a "glove" like format. It was warmer than a glove but at the same time, he could do most manual tasks without taking them off.

I prefer a particular style that is another type of hybrid. Its like a unfinished glove where the finger tips are free, but has a Half mitten on the back of it. When its really cold you pull the half mitt over your fingers and your hands stay warm and toasty. But if you need to do a task that requires manual dexterity you can pull the half mitten off and work in "gloves".

James

by oz_media

For a weedeater, or is it a carb from an old Toyota?

Why would you bother rebuilding a weedeater carb, other than a reason for a few beers?

by av .

Geo-thermal energy, though, to replace oil? I don't know enough about it. How efficient of an energy source is it and what would be its impact to the environment? It can't be worse than oil.

I think we are all in the same boat when it comes to energy. No matter what you choose, there are repercussions to the environment.

by tony hopkinson

exchange system you build to take advantage of it, or the insulation if you use it direct. Drill a hole deep enough, put a pipe in. The earth heats up whatever's in it. There woule be some materials problems to solve, but no way is going to be as messy as oil. No burning.
There's certainly enough power there, it would do some interesting things to the economy though. Oil use would be reduced to transport, enery conservation would not be an add-on but part of the technology itself. It's a loss less obtrusive than the other renewable collection methods.
There again we'd probably go mad on it and cool the earth's core so much, the planet would freeze, we'd lose the magnetic field and all the migratory animals would go slowly insane.

by jaqui

fuel cells.
specifically, hydrogen fuel cells.
waste products:
water ( drinkable )
heat

http://www.ballard.com/

Ballard has a decent supply of data about them.
the cost at this time is a bit prohibitive, but they are working on improving the tech to reduce the amount of platinum needed for functionality at temperatures below -20 centigrade.
the platinum is the one part that is keeping the costs high.

the water can be used as a supply of the oxygen and hydrogen needed to fuel the cells.
the heat can be pumped through a thermal generator, cooling the water off and generating even more electricity.

so the "waste" is actually usefull, not a toxic addition to the environment.

by tony hopkinson

Only joking. This will happen about the time the oil companies buy up all the water utilities and put a meter on all our taps, so they can keep supporting the economy so magnificently.

Hydrogen cell tech is very clean and offers abundant opportunities for 'portable' power sources. It takes energy to electrolyse water into it's constituents though, so even with 100% efficient conversion either way you still need something to 'start' it up. Having said that reducing the burning of fossil fuels would be good for everybody, except possibly the oil companies.
A prospect I could live with to be quite honest.

You could still make a lot of money out of fossil fuels though.
Water powered ships and submarines, sea water wouldn't be as efficient but your engine would end up electro-plated with valuable metals.

by jck

I see your powers of perception are still intact.

Using the weedeater would require either intervenous methods, or a beer hat.

Rebuilding the carb means working at my work bench...which I can set the beer cooler next to. :)

I'm glad you too see the positives of working on the weedeater...even though I've already bought a new one :D