1. God's honest truth?

Comment #79757 by cssimeur on October 18, 2007 at 12:57 pm

I hope we will eventually see that policy instituted in the United States. Probably not in my lifetime, but I hope nonetheless.

2. Shalom Auslander, Voicing a Comic 'Lament'

Comment #77205 by cssimeur on October 8, 2007 at 7:06 pm

The interview was fantastic. I thought that the second interview with AJ Jacobs was going to at least be interesting, but I completely misjudged that one. Glad they didn't bother to post such a huge waste of time.

3. Sean Hannity with Christopher Hitchens

Comment #54998 by cssimeur on July 9, 2007 at 4:16 pm

Yankee,
if I misread you're statements regarding politics and religious issues, then I apologize.
I don't understand why you would expect me to know you were merely trying to be a snob to give me (or whoever) a taste of what it feels like to hear those annoying words. I think it's fair enough and safe enough to say that both sides hear plenty of annoying bulls***. You probably could "beat" me in the contests you mentioned. I didn't say you could or couldn't. What I said was that I'm "reasonably convinced there are at least a few leftist Europeans who could kick your ass in those various subjects". This does not imply you are an idiot or below average just not the greatest there is in all of them compared to every single available leftist challenger. Myself, not being European or a pure leftist, have no need to fret your challenge since I wouldn't fall into either category.
And maybe you didn't realize, but generally Hamiltonian's are placed in a more conservative camp. Rather than go into a huge lecture on that though, I trust we may see eye to eye on more things than you may think, though I wouldn't doubt there are a few deep and problematic differences.
Anyway, I hope I addressed all of your points, if not, I'll be following this thread for a few more hours.

4. Sean Hannity with Christopher Hitchens

Comment #54921 by cssimeur on July 9, 2007 at 10:26 am

Yankee,
I have to disagree with you on at least two issues. I think you're wrong to compare political issues with that of 'faith' and 'religion'. There is no evidence of a supernatural entity aware of our every thought and action. Politically, it isn't always a question of absolutely correct vs absolutely wrong. There are matters that it is simply statistically factual that leftist governments have gotten better results: life expectancy, infant mortality, save vs spend society (by that I mean that Americans on a whole tend to spend more than they earn, ie credit card debt). There are matters in which a rightist (?) government have statistically done better in areas than the leftists: American products have spread to every corner of the globe (watch a Middle East protest-as they burn the American flag it is more than a little ironic they often do it in Nike shoes, with a Zippo lighter, wearing an A&C shirt), despite the cultural war going on here with a vast, scientifically ignorant and hostile public, we still have great scientific achievements. You speak as though it's just a matter of 'all those stupid leftists' just taking off the blinders and admitting you're right. You may be in some instances, but as you admit that you haven't been here in some time, the left and the right as far as American politics are concerned, have both completely screwed the pooch and seem to have no intention of stopping in the near future. In case you were wondering, I consider myself more of a Hamiltonian. Small, but energetic government.
As for the "I can kick the ass of ANY" comment. Once again, I think you are vastly overestimating your own talents when you speak in such absolute terms. I'm reasonably convinced there are at least a few leftist Europeans who could kick your ass in those various subjects.
Anyway, also for the record I hate Faux news AND CNN. I think to pretend either one is actually a news channel is a sad statement on what consists of news these days.

5. Richard Dawkins interview about 'Unweaving the Rainbow'

Comment #49785 by cssimeur on June 13, 2007 at 12:35 pm

I have to admit, at least in the States, I'm not sure what shows some of you may be watching where the interviewer is better. I disagree with Rose on issues, but the amount of time and depth that he nearly always gives to his interviewee is not to be found on any network television. He has a wide variety of guests, though admittedly more from the political realm than any other.
Anyway, just my two cents