Comments by Laurie Fraser

751. Bush set to relax endangered species rules

Comment #288083 by Laurie Fraser on November 21, 2008 at 6:23 am

The "spin" thing is a rather pathetic and futile attempt to win points. It has no relevance or connection with the argument at hand. JanChan has been comprehensively taken down, and has nothing to offer but a stupidly feeble excuse that arguments in opposition to his own are "political." What bullshit, especially considering the fact that he has offered not one argument in support of his idiotic "thesis".

752. Bush set to relax endangered species rules

Comment #288076 by Laurie Fraser on November 21, 2008 at 6:11 am

Ozone is the single thing that is keeping every single land organism alive.

Now that comment, really, is the mark of an ignoramus.

753. Bush set to relax endangered species rules

Comment #288073 by Laurie Fraser on November 21, 2008 at 6:09 am

We wouldn't be so smug when China builds up its research complexes from all the dough we give them.

Why not? Is there some God-given law that states that the U.S. has to be pre-eminent in everything? That's just the kind of thinking that has got us into this mess. Why shouldn't countries around the world develop excellence in research and technology? Why should the United States have any claim to superiority in anything? Is that a recipe for a reasonable world? Fuck off.

754. Bush set to relax endangered species rules

Comment #288064 by Laurie Fraser on November 21, 2008 at 6:02 am

Comment #288057 by Bird of Pray

Interesting, thanks for that, BOP.

755. Bush set to relax endangered species rules

Comment #288048 by Laurie Fraser on November 21, 2008 at 5:51 am

Comment #288037 by JanChan

That's just dopey. "Not act to protect the environment at the expense of ourselves"? You dumb, perverse fuckwit. The environment IS ourselves. The environment needs to be protected (and that means protecting the diversity of species within it) PRECISELY because the environment is all we have. Even if we are completely selfish, it stands to reason that the natural environment is the source of all "goods" which we humans enjoy. And besides, if you care about future human life, you will see that our protection of species is of utmost importance. Fuck your stupid, narrow-minded, short term economic jingoism.

...Oh, why am I bothering?

756. Bush set to relax endangered species rules

Comment #288038 by Laurie Fraser on November 21, 2008 at 5:43 am

ev-love: stop being so goddamned reasonable, will you?

757. Bush set to relax endangered species rules

Comment #288033 by Laurie Fraser on November 21, 2008 at 5:40 am

Sorry, JanChan, I defer to your obvious superiority in expertise over Dr Titania, Dr Decius, Dr Hellene, Dr Quetz, Dr Zara, Dr AForce1 and myself. Please continue.

Dr Fraser.

758. Bush set to relax endangered species rules

Comment #288021 by Laurie Fraser on November 21, 2008 at 5:30 am

JanChan - are you seriously suggesting that the escalating impoverishment of species numbers is of no concern? Please answer this question with a brief "yes" or "no".

759. Bush set to relax endangered species rules

Comment #288015 by Laurie Fraser on November 21, 2008 at 5:22 am

Titania - please! I've been trying to rid my mind of the egregious Ayn Rand all week, after Bookclub decided to review some of her turgid, horrible work. Anyway - back to the problem at hand: the somewhat mystifying confusion of one JanChan.

I'm asking you to take a class on the consequences of the ozone layer you FUCKTARD.
Which you probably know a shitload about since you think that greenhouse gas is more important than ozone.

Is it impertinent of me to ask where I have ever said that ozone is unimportant, or not as important as "greenhouse gas"?

JanChan - is it beyond your little brain to consider that global warming is a phenomenon with a host of contributing factors? Why on earth wouldn't one be worried by the depletion of the ozone layer, when we know so much about its protective qualities? But what has that got to do with our concerns about the emission of CO2 and other greenhouse gases? The answer, of course, is that both these phenomena are cause for grave concern. I am at a loss to discern the intent of your debate - probably because you don't understand what you're talking about. But go ahead; as I said, this could be fun.

760. Bush set to relax endangered species rules

Comment #288002 by Laurie Fraser on November 21, 2008 at 5:05 am

Comment #287995 by JanChan

A religion of what, JanChan? Spell it out. This should be fun. If you're asking me to take a class that will educate me about the ozone layer, then I think atmospheric chemistry might be the one you'd reasonably suggest. Oh, dear - it just so happens that I have extensive education in that very subject. I don't think biology or geology will fit the bill, except to affirm that you have rocks in your head.

761. I'm Not One Of Those 'Love Thy Neighbor' Christians

Comment #287994 by Laurie Fraser on November 21, 2008 at 4:56 am

Steve, I agree that the possibility of intelligent life in our neighbourhood (let's call that somewhere in the tens of millions of light-years) is small, approaching zero. This does not mean that intelligent life is not common in the universe, though.

762. Bush set to relax endangered species rules

Comment #287992 by Laurie Fraser on November 21, 2008 at 4:52 am

JanChan, you really are a twit.

Steady on, Steve - that's a bit strong, from you. Allow me - JanChan is a fuckwit.

763. Bush set to relax endangered species rules

Comment #287990 by Laurie Fraser on November 21, 2008 at 4:49 am

No, I am asking if your faith in the environmentalists' program to cure the environment so strong that nothing will shake it. Because if you hadn't noticed already, they have twisted tons of facts for their own advantage. Ozone depletion is a greater threat than Global Warming and do anyone give a shit about it nowadays?

Do you have any reliable evidence for these assertions?

P.S. I am definitely not a Liberal.

764. I'm Not One Of Those 'Love Thy Neighbor' Christians

Comment #287985 by Laurie Fraser on November 21, 2008 at 4:42 am

Decius - "You know I'm mad, I'm mad, I'm really really mad..."

765. I'm Not One Of Those 'Love Thy Neighbor' Christians

Comment #287984 by Laurie Fraser on November 21, 2008 at 4:37 am

Comment #287974 by bendigeidfran

Ouch - that really hurts, bendigeidfran. Do you know how long it's taken me to cultivate the air of the wise patrician?

766. Bush set to relax endangered species rules

Comment #287982 by Laurie Fraser on November 21, 2008 at 4:34 am

One more thing, the stupid EPA laws are a big cause of our trade deficit.

Big deal. If you've run your economy for fifty years with scant regard to the environment (as you have), then you don't deserve an economy. Do you seriously believe that the U.S. economy should be immune from its obligations to the environment? Or should it just continue to pump out greenhouse gases on a scale massively exceeding every other nation on the planet? What gives the U.S. the right to fuck up the rest of the world for its own greedy interests?

As regards your silly question "Is your faith in endangered species so strong that absolutely nothing will shake it?" - does this actually need an answer? How can one have "faith" in endangered species? Are you actually asking "do you believe that some species are endangered?" If so, then you need help.

767. Bush set to relax endangered species rules

Comment #287973 by Laurie Fraser on November 21, 2008 at 4:14 am

Comment #287954 by JanChan

Congratulations. You win the medal for "Fuckwit of the Week". Happy?

768. Bush set to relax endangered species rules

Comment #287971 by Laurie Fraser on November 21, 2008 at 4:11 am

Comment #287945 by Ian (South Africa)

Perfectly said, my man!

769. I'm Not One Of Those 'Love Thy Neighbor' Christians

Comment #287967 by Laurie Fraser on November 21, 2008 at 4:01 am

Good on you, Anvil - give 'em a hug for me.

770. I'm Not One Of Those 'Love Thy Neighbor' Christians

Comment #287963 by Laurie Fraser on November 21, 2008 at 3:50 am

My sentiments exactly, Titania. I am certainly a better grand-parent than I was a parent, because, for some reason, I find that I have unlimited time for Tia. I see that every day, for her, is a new day of discovery, and I am drawn, resolutely, to helping her understand the world (as much as I am able). Somehow, my relationship with her fills me with a sense and intensity of love which surpasses anything I've known before. Is this evolutionary psychology at work? Probably. Whatever the reason, she is the most important thing my life has ever had. She is the best thing that ever happened to me. Go figure. This is why I advised ty90 to have grand-children; it's some kind of biological miracle, and, at least for me, has made me the happiest I've ever been.

771. I'm Not One Of Those 'Love Thy Neighbor' Christians

Comment #287952 by Laurie Fraser on November 21, 2008 at 3:20 am

Titania - as ever, the great Frank had something to say about cheese:

http://www.bobwyman.com/zappa.html

decius - it's a good one, yes?

772. I'm Not One Of Those 'Love Thy Neighbor' Christians

Comment #287947 by Laurie Fraser on November 21, 2008 at 3:11 am

Hi Titania - well, I WAS three sheets to the wind when I wrote that post. Thanks re the avatar - she jumped up on me, gave me a hug, and said "I love you, Granddad." Chris was there to record the moment, which is why I have that drippy smile on my face.

773. I'm Not One Of Those 'Love Thy Neighbor' Christians

Comment #287943 by Laurie Fraser on November 21, 2008 at 3:03 am

Decius - nice!

bendigeidfran - very good!

Oh, we're full of wit tonight, aren't we, comrades?

774. I'm Not One Of Those 'Love Thy Neighbor' Christians

Comment #287938 by Laurie Fraser on November 21, 2008 at 2:42 am

Advice to ty90:

Be a helper, not a harmer.
Remain passionate.
Be good to your parents.
Don't pursue a career for the money.
Be eternally inquisitive.
Have grandchildren - they're fantastic.

775. Bush set to relax endangered species rules

Comment #287908 by Laurie Fraser on November 21, 2008 at 12:29 am

I am revolted by what will become the legacy of Bush/Cheney. Not only has this administration exacerbated poverty, disease and hunger around the world, but it has abrogated, completely, its responsibility to the natural world as well. Bush, Cheney, and the entire band of thugs have committed crimes against the planet, and should be tried for such. Pathetic, indeed, Mord.

776. I'm Not One Of Those 'Love Thy Neighbor' Christians

Comment #287884 by Laurie Fraser on November 20, 2008 at 9:14 pm

Carto - post of the year!

777. I'm Not One Of Those 'Love Thy Neighbor' Christians

Comment #287776 by Laurie Fraser on November 20, 2008 at 4:06 pm

Comment #287775 by j.mills

Nice!

778. I'm Not One Of Those 'Love Thy Neighbor' Christians

Comment #287771 by Laurie Fraser on November 20, 2008 at 4:04 pm

Decius: Speaking of old fogies, I thought you said "I'm as impotent as they come.

779. I'm Not One Of Those 'Love Thy Neighbor' Christians

Comment #287767 by Laurie Fraser on November 20, 2008 at 4:01 pm

Me too, Steve - I still want to be around when we make first contact!

780. I'm Not One Of Those 'Love Thy Neighbor' Christians

Comment #287764 by Laurie Fraser on November 20, 2008 at 3:57 pm

I've just coined a new collective noun after reading this page:

A maudlin of old fogies.

781. God enough

Comment #287266 by Laurie Fraser on November 19, 2008 at 10:30 pm

One of the best lyrics of all time:

"And Rene Descartes was a drunken fart
I drink therefore I am."

Edit: For my very last seminar in Philosophy I sang the Bruces' Philosophers' drinking song. The Prof gave me 100%.

782. God enough

Comment #287261 by Laurie Fraser on November 19, 2008 at 10:23 pm

Well, at the very least, Titania, you'll learn enough so that you and I will be able to have an intelligent conversation in Dublin! Hahahahaha!

783. God enough

Comment #287258 by Laurie Fraser on November 19, 2008 at 10:19 pm

Comment #287256 by DarwinsPitbull DP - is "faggot" considered an offensive word in your neck of the woods? In Australia, up until reasonably recently, to be called a poofter was a serious insult, and worthy of physical response.

784. God enough

Comment #287257 by Laurie Fraser on November 19, 2008 at 10:16 pm

Titania - frabjous joy! I just found the book. Will send it off to you on Monday. (It was sitting quietly behind another on my bookshelf.) You will then have no excuse for misunderstanding the Australian idiom.

I think the Pythons did much to unharness "poofter" from its position as a profanity on the level of "cunt" (funny how the most derogatory Australian profanities represent the things Aussie macho guys are most afraid of, nyet?)

785. God enough

Comment #287252 by Laurie Fraser on November 19, 2008 at 10:08 pm

"Poofter" is a, traditionally, extremely derogatory and offensive Australianism which has been appropriated by the gay community much as "nigger" has been by African-Americans. Not appropriate, of course, to call someone gay "poofter" if you're straight, unless you're good mates. Mind you, it is perfectly appropriate for two straight male friends to call each other "Ya stupid poofter" as a term of endearment. Go figure.

786. God enough

Comment #287246 by Laurie Fraser on November 19, 2008 at 10:02 pm

Well thanks, Titania - my self-esteem, already at a low ebb, has now been permanently flat-lined simply because I am not up on the lingo associated with being gay and trendy. Sorry, I'll just slump off and have a game of darts at the pub with other old men who don't recognise their inner metrosexuality either. ;)

DP - I believe you just said something funny. Perhaps we're starting to turn him, Titania. You know how it is - they start laughing, and before you know it, they're card-carrying members of Young Labor.

787. God enough

Comment #287237 by Laurie Fraser on November 19, 2008 at 9:52 pm

Comment #287235 by Brian English

Damn! Busted!

788. God enough

Comment #287234 by Laurie Fraser on November 19, 2008 at 9:49 pm

It's OK, Titania - apparently, according to a christian website I was on recently, homosexuality is a disease that can be cured, so I'm sure Brian will be healthy by then.

789. God enough

Comment #287227 by Laurie Fraser on November 19, 2008 at 9:39 pm

Goldy - ah, Brummies. I'd almost forgotten. Titania - if you'd like another guest speaker, I can always ask my mate Professor Bruce Dingo from the Philosophy department at the University of Wooloomooloo.

790. God enough

Comment #287207 by Laurie Fraser on November 19, 2008 at 8:54 pm

He is cute and he speaks with a British accent.

Reason enough just to BELT him, Titania!

Sheesh... cute and English accent - they said that about Boy George.

791. God enough

Comment #287202 by Laurie Fraser on November 19, 2008 at 8:49 pm

Brian - not telling; just going to lob with a couple of mates. Tell Mrs Brian to get out some buckets and towels.

792. God enough

Comment #287196 by Laurie Fraser on November 19, 2008 at 8:46 pm

But does it come in schooners? I had a schooner of creme de menthe, once - it was OK except for the horrible noise it makes on the way back up.

OK - I'll stop now.

793. God enough

Comment #287186 by Laurie Fraser on November 19, 2008 at 8:42 pm

In Australia absinthe was banned, so we substituted by mixing equal parts of methylated spirits and tincture of L.S.D. Did roughly the same job.

794. God enough

Comment #287180 by Laurie Fraser on November 19, 2008 at 8:38 pm

Decius - good man. Double absinthes? Phew! That's serious, mate - most people here see a doctor for that condition.

795. God enough

Comment #287168 by Laurie Fraser on November 19, 2008 at 8:25 pm

Not Hitchens, Titania - he certainly couldn't keep up with the Aussies!

796. God enough

Comment #287162 by Laurie Fraser on November 19, 2008 at 8:21 pm

Aha! This is the woman who thinks there is nothing vaguely Freudian about the "tan" in the middle of her name. (I'll leave others to work out this cryptic reference, Titania ;) )

Mmmmm.... Midleton

797. God enough

Comment #287156 by Laurie Fraser on November 19, 2008 at 8:17 pm

Brian - at the moment, it appears Australia will be under-represented at the Dublin bash. although I have no problems with going, single-handedly, up against a rag-tag bunch of Yanks, Scandinavians, Sassenachs and Irish, I do need someone who can, at the very least, keep up with the drinking.

798. Puncturing the Acupuncture Myth

Comment #286392 by Laurie Fraser on November 18, 2008 at 2:16 pm

Work for me. Bye, folks.

799. Puncturing the Acupuncture Myth

Comment #286387 by Laurie Fraser on November 18, 2008 at 2:13 pm

Sorry, Titania, but I did use the verboten word before I was made aware of something else.

800. Puncturing the Acupuncture Myth

Comment #286377 by Laurie Fraser on November 18, 2008 at 2:07 pm

??????????????????????????????????????????????????

No, Titania