1251. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #272368 by Wosret on October 27, 2008 at 9:58 am

9225. Comment #272320 by Titania

Doesn't count if they're trained.

Some animals do use, and manufacture their own tools though.

During a discussion with my younger brother (who is an artist) he argued that tools are art in a sense. So, maybe in that sense other animals create art.

1252. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #272231 by Wosret on October 27, 2008 at 6:28 am

The invention of fire seems to have coincided pretty closely with clothing. With Homo Erectus. Genetic testing of body lice places the invention of clothing between 100 and 500 thousand years ago. In the earliest estimate, it was be after Homo Erectus, but in the later date, during their time.

Was it "nasty, brutish and short", or was there play, art, love, and happiness?

1253. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #272051 by Wosret on October 26, 2008 at 11:40 pm

9188. Comment #272046 by righton

"Pfft! You're the lonely person!"

1254. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #272049 by Wosret on October 26, 2008 at 11:38 pm

9187. Comment #272045 by DarwinsPitbull

Seriously. Is there a single negative thing that has been said about you, or someone/thing that you support that you have no merely returned to someone else without even attempting to address it?

I seriously feel like it is a grade-school argument by the swing set.

1255. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #272038 by Wosret on October 26, 2008 at 11:18 pm

You realize, DP, that almost -- if not, every -- criticism you have received you have returned with "I know you are but what am I"?

1256. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #272034 by Wosret on October 26, 2008 at 11:09 pm

9177. Comment #272031 by DarwinsPitbull

Well, I do consider myself somewhat of a socialist. I think that both privatization and socialization are important. Each serve different purposes. I think that things should be privatized to the extent that they allow for individuals to be able to pursue their own personal good, and not be interfered with.

I think that things should be socialized when they have repercussions and reverberations throughout society, and thus do not just effect people on a private level, but effect society at large.

Is the government my friend? When a political party that shares my goals and aims is in power, but not so much when they aren't. In order to keep them in power I need to convince a sufficient amount of people to support me, and to support the party that holds my goals and aims.

For when it isn't, we need checks and balances within the government to prevent partisan monopolization, and easy amendment of current statutes. This is of course still not entirely impossible to circumvent, and it is always possible that they may fail. No system is perfect.

I, however, do not consider refraining from establishing social programs, and endorsing government intervention and regulation in various private endeavors that hold implications over all of society, on account of a paranoid fear that Lex Luther may become president viable.

It appears to be the same fear that keeps every libertarian armed to the teeth just in case the government comes to get them in their sleep.

1257. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #272017 by Wosret on October 26, 2008 at 9:54 pm

He considers "the government" some entity, that exists for itself, and we fight it or surrender to it. We are the surrenderers, and he, the brave and valiant fighter!

When we decide to pay more taxes, that are used to fund social programs to elevate the average quality of life for the citizenry, we are giving up rights and freedoms to this entity, that will consume us all if we are not careful.

We should just buy homeless people Mc Donalds once in awhile. That is if our personal evaluation of their person, and situation deems them worthy.

1258. 'Probably' the best atheist bus campaign ever

Comment #272013 by Wosret on October 26, 2008 at 9:44 pm

348. Comment #271991 by LeeC

Have you'

How'

1259. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #272002 by Wosret on October 26, 2008 at 9:17 pm

9158. Comment #271990 by Titania

No, I wouldn't.

I'm incredibly arrogant, but I don't think that I'm attention seeking. Attention just finds me because I'm awesome.

1260. 'Probably' the best atheist bus campaign ever

Comment #271985 by Wosret on October 26, 2008 at 8:54 pm

343. Comment #271983 by Steve Zara

I fixed it.

1261. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #271980 by Wosret on October 26, 2008 at 8:47 pm

9153. Comment #271972 by Titania

Why should you defend your character? Isn't it demonstrated on the same basis as mine? You've got nothing to prove to anyone about your character. Supposing the smears were true, this isn't an argument against any position you may forward, unless the position explicitly, or implicitly involves statements of character.

Though I don't think that they ought to. If a right-wing conservative judges my character anything but positively, then I take this as a compliment. The last thing I'm interested in is convincing someone I disagree with so fundamentally on so many moral issues -- that I am a decent person. This -- in all likeliness -- would cost far more than it's worth. I'm happier with their disapproval.

I know I'm a weirdo, and strange in this regard, but I stopped trying to fit into other people's evaluations quite some time ago. I think that it is vain and costly.

1262. 'Probably' the best atheist bus campaign ever

Comment #271975 by Wosret on October 26, 2008 at 8:36 pm

333. Comment #271963 by Shrommer

This reminds me. You ever notice that god seems incapable of "forgiving" debts? Also, he can't seem to "forgive" crimes that result in secular punishment either. His "forgiveness" doesn't seem worth much. What is he forgiving exactly? Say if I punch Frank in the face, can I ask god for forgiveness? Why is god in a position to forgive me for this? I punched Frank in the face, not god. Shouldn't I be seeking Frank's forgiveness?

Isn't gods "forgiveness" useless at best, and meaningless at worst?

1263. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #271967 by Wosret on October 26, 2008 at 8:21 pm

Now to be a total prick...

Isn't being able to say "looky looky at the charity I did" getting something out of it? (Though I honestly don't care about the motivations for helping people. I only care that people are helped).

I am personally not interested in defending my character, or listing my "good deeds" for everyone's evaluation. Who the fuck do they think they are?

My all around excellence -- or "omni-greatness" if you will -- should be evident by the things I do and say in any and all situations. I'm the same person whether I'm telling a person off, or lending them a hand. I will not attempt to balance the scales with stories of my past deeds, and prove myself a decent person in someone else's eyes. The only person I'm interested in proving I'm a decent person to is myself. Everyone else can get stuffed.

...Unless they're cute.

1264. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #271925 by Wosret on October 26, 2008 at 6:51 pm

9135. Comment #271923 by Bonzai

Definitely not my thing, but have you seen the song he is talking about?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxp3zqIqO68

1265. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #271917 by Wosret on October 26, 2008 at 6:35 pm

9124. Comment #271906 by Frankus1122

No!! No "two girls one cup"... I can imagine the stares you must get.

1266. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #271916 by Wosret on October 26, 2008 at 6:34 pm

9126. Comment #271908 by Bonzai

My Spaghetti has zucchini, also lots of garlic (a whole thing. So about 10-12 cloves), lots of spinach, mushrooms, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, baby carrots, and herb tofu.

I don't have spaghetti all that often. Pastas tend to give me heartburn. I eat ramen several times a week though. What I put in it varies, but I like ramen a lot. I'd say every one of my meals involves some kind of mixture of stir-fried vegetables.

"Ghetto-spaghetti" is what I call it when I am almost out of a bunch of stuff, so I mix it all together into a spaghetti.

1267. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #271903 by Wosret on October 26, 2008 at 6:00 pm

9121. Comment #271902 by Frankus1122

No. I buy bottles. I've never made my own spaghetti sauce. It is easier to buy. I do make my own ramen sauce though. This is entirely because you can't buy it at the grocery store though.

(I do get the reference).

1268. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #271897 by Wosret on October 26, 2008 at 5:48 pm

I made so much spaghetti. I'll be eating it for at last a couple days. Wish I had more stuff to put it in it though.

Nothing beats ghetto-spaghetti when you are running out of stuff to make.

1269. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #271876 by Wosret on October 26, 2008 at 5:03 pm

9097. Comment #271865 by Frankus1122

That is why I sort of have a man-crush on Cartomancer.

1270. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #271845 by Wosret on October 26, 2008 at 4:16 pm

9076. Comment #271840 by Laurie Fraser

You must all think that I'm fucking gorgeous then.

1271. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #271824 by Wosret on October 26, 2008 at 3:53 pm

9060. Comment #271819 by Hellene

I take that as a compliment. I love girls.

1272. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #271791 by Wosret on October 26, 2008 at 3:12 pm

9044. Comment #271789 by Bonzai

Some have said that about her. She quoted someone saying that no one would pay attention to her if she were ugly.

1273. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #271783 by Wosret on October 26, 2008 at 3:04 pm

9032. Comment #271774 by Bonzai

I think that this is somewhat correct. Though I do feel offended when something like that is said about Ayanna Hirsi Ali. I think that she is a brilliant person, and that is why I like her, and agree with her.

I find that no matter what, as long as the woman isn't hideous, this assertion will be made. I never feel comfortable saying it no matter the situation. I guess I'm perhaps too PC sometimes, because I think that it is sometimes actually the case, but since it is always said, I think that it leaves a bad taste in your mouth, even when it is true.

1274. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #271775 by Wosret on October 26, 2008 at 2:57 pm

9023. Comment #271765 by Bonzai

I'm pretty well in love with myself too. I guess that makes me bi-sexual. I'd do me in a second. In fact I often do.

Hey, I say it about other guys sometimes too. Although usually that just involves me telling them that I don't think they're cute, so I see no reason to care what they have to say.

That totally counts though.

1275. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #271763 by Wosret on October 26, 2008 at 2:44 pm

9007. Comment #271747 by Titania

I actually do make comments about guys looks all the time. I didn't make any of the innuendos though.

1276. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #271738 by Wosret on October 26, 2008 at 2:14 pm

8995. Comment #271733 by DarwinsPitbull

I don't think he's hot. She is about the same age, and looks somewhat like my mom actually.

1277. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #271734 by Wosret on October 26, 2008 at 2:08 pm

8992. Comment #271730 by DarwinsPitbull

OBAMA

Obviously
Blind
About
My
Associations

1278. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #271728 by Wosret on October 26, 2008 at 2:03 pm

8982. Comment #271718 by foolish sea otter

That's foolishness. That's like saying that if you are in favor of saving the ozone layer, then farting would be hypocrisy.

Making a few signs, and out of harvested, and grown trees -- grown for such purposes -- is not what they're talking about...I'm astonished that anyone could think they mean "any and all trees". I suppose that the signs are not all that specific.

What tree huggers like me are talking about is the wanton deforestation of rain-forests, and other ancient forests.

These trees are not used for anything, they are often just burned and destroyed. Most wood that is used for practical purposes come from trees that were grown, and harvested for that purpose. That is replaced by new trees. It is a renewable resource.

The destruction of rain-forests, and ancient forests are what they're talking about. Or at least that's what I'm talking about.

"Save the trees" is perhaps a silly oversimplification of what is actually meant. Just a cute slogan.

1279. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #271712 by Wosret on October 26, 2008 at 1:23 pm

8978. Comment #271711 by foolish sea otter

That describes me pretty accurately. I do love trees. They're so sexy.

1280. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #271709 by Wosret on October 26, 2008 at 1:05 pm

8975. Comment #271707 by Sarmatae1

I've already posted that very video on this very thread. That makes me your better.

1281. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #271667 by Wosret on October 26, 2008 at 10:17 am

I'm thinking of paying to host an avatar.

I'm not sure if it is worth it though. I'm not willing to continue the upkeep of this one the way I'm doing it, and it isn't that great anyway.

If I could make a half decent avatar with few image distortions, and at least a couple minutes long I may opt to do that.

Though with my current software 1200 frames was pushing it, I may be able to get 1500 out of it, but it may result in more distortions.

Damn limitations! If I do make an avatar like that, I likely will pay for my own hosting though. It shouldn't cost very much, and I would definitely have a pretty uniquely awesome avatar. So I think it would be worth it.

If I do pay though, I don't care how many people complain about it. It stays.

1282. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #271666 by Wosret on October 26, 2008 at 10:12 am

8964. Comment #271665 by Titania

Yeah, but that is only a minor setback. They will catch me every so often.

1283. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #271664 by Wosret on October 26, 2008 at 10:05 am

8962. Comment #271662 by Bonzai

Afraid that it is serious. I remember when it was starting up. The conservatives that started it said that Wikipedia has a "liberal bias", so naturally they thought they would counter act that with an encyclopedia that has an astronomically larger conservative bias. Only makes sense, after all. The thing they don't realize, is that reality is what has the "liberal bias".

They also have a conservative version of youtube, because youtube has a "liberal bias". Though, from what I understand, it is just mostly embedded youtube videos that they approve of.

1284. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #271627 by Wosret on October 26, 2008 at 7:25 am

Orielly is a sick, and insane man. Though he did bore Stephen Colbert's character's persona, so it wasn't a complete lose.

The guy is also a cow eye'd dew belly.

1285. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #271497 by Wosret on October 25, 2008 at 6:35 pm

Yeah, I've been following that. It is terrible. I really hope that prop 8 does not pass. Not only would it be a blow for human rights and prevent future same-sex marriages, but it is worded in such away that it will effectively annul all current same-sex marriages in the state.

1286. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #271481 by Wosret on October 25, 2008 at 5:40 pm

Their arguments against atheism are pathetic... they are ancient. Long refuted nonsense. Especially the cosmological argument. Even a tiny degree of understanding of causality, chronology, and quantum mechanics demonstrates that to be completely false. Yet it is presented as an argument for theism...damn do they have to scratch the bottom of the barrel.

It is especially laughable that at the end of the argument it states "atheism denies that the first cause is god"... As if the argument is so good that it is impossible to deny its obvious truth, so we just deny the conclusion. The whole argument is completely false. Everything about it is false.

1287. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #271465 by Wosret on October 25, 2008 at 4:55 pm

8905. Comment #271463 by Titania

It is a misspelling of the word "owned". The "p" is beside the "o" on the keyboard, so it became common spelling mistake, and caught on. People also use "teh" instead of "the" occasionally in the same vein.

1288. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #271461 by Wosret on October 25, 2008 at 4:49 pm

8903. Comment #271456 by Titania

Can't argue with that!

Back in the day I had a pretty well unstoppable dueling barbarian on Diablo, and his name was "The Fairy Prince". I just liked telling people "You done got pwned by The Fairy Prince, son".

I had all the best items in the game on him, and I was untouchable by any melee classes. Plus, I was still playing the game when everyone with money or brains had moved on to better games, so I almost never came across anyone that could even touch me.

1289. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #271438 by Wosret on October 25, 2008 at 3:52 pm

8896. Comment #271431 by Titania

I'm not going to point fingers, but it was Root2Squared!

1290. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #271435 by Wosret on October 25, 2008 at 3:50 pm

8892. Comment #271427 by Titania

I agree strongly.

The ultra-Christian dreams of the golden age of the fifties, when everyone seemed perfect, but all that was happening is no one was shinning any light on what was happening under the surface.

The crimes were merely going unprosecuted, and overlooked.

1291. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #271429 by Wosret on October 25, 2008 at 3:43 pm

And I could never hate a person as sweet as you. :)

1292. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #271424 by Wosret on October 25, 2008 at 3:37 pm

8888. Comment #271421 by Titania

Yes, I know. Mens Rea means "Guilty Mind" (I defined them in a previous post), and basically means that you meant to do the act. You intended to do it. It was no accident.

I am saying that motive works towards establishing this. By establishing that you had reason to do the crime, provides evidence that you in fact meant to do it, and it was no accident. It is a lot harder to claim that a crime was an accident when a powerful motive to commit the crime is established.

That is why I say that establishing motive is still important for evidence of Mens Rea. As I said, forensic evidence would be evidence that you actually did the crime, or evidence of Actus Reus, but I don't see how it could serve as evidence of Mens Rea -- that you meant to do it, and that it was no accident.

I guess in many cases the circumstances established by forensic evidence would make claiming that it was an accident difficult, but in a more ambiguous situation, I think that establishing motive is most important towards proving Mens Rea.

If I'm being at all clear.

1293. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #271415 by Wosret on October 25, 2008 at 3:19 pm

8881. Comment #271408 by DarwinsPitbull

I don't think that hate speech should be a crime. Though I think that if someone's hate speech results in a crime, by someone else, then they should be somewhat culpable.

In Canada, when it comes to threats, it is only a crime if the means to carry out the threat a present. As in, if I say "I'm going to bash your head in with my hammer" it is only a crime if the hammer is present.

1294. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #271413 by Wosret on October 25, 2008 at 3:14 pm

8880. Comment #271406 by Titania

You're going to hate me, but I feel another nit to pick. I do not think that forensic evidence is very effective in establishing Mens Rea. I watch them on CSI talking about "hesitation blows" and such, but I do think that establishing motive is still very important towards establishing Mens Rea.

I don't think that motive can be used in any sense for establishing Actus Reus.

1295. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #271409 by Wosret on October 25, 2008 at 3:09 pm

8879. Comment #271405 by Bonzai

I know. We started off in only a moral context, and then I bought up the law only to attempt to support my argument that motives being relevant to the ethicality of an action has issues.

I think that pointing to the law points to a well established and precedence based system for uploading and institutionalizing ethical and moral prescriptions.

It is not the end all, and be all, but I do think that it is relevant to the discussion, and works to help me elucidate why I hold my views on this matter.

1296. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #271402 by Wosret on October 25, 2008 at 3:01 pm

8874. Comment #271396 by Titania

I'm a lay person, though I took a law class while getting my adult high school diploma, so I know a little bit about the law.

I only meant to clarify because it was relevant to the argument I had previously been forwarding.

1297. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #271400 by Wosret on October 25, 2008 at 2:59 pm

8873. Comment #271395 by Titania

I agree with you here. I think that motivations should only be relevant in sentencing, not within the context of the laws themselves.

1298. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #271394 by Wosret on October 25, 2008 at 2:53 pm

8870. Comment #271390 by MaxD

Establishing motive is a device only in the case of attempting to prove Mens Rea (edit, had actus reus down by mistake), and is relevant, and used only to that extent, and for that purpose.

The sanity of the individual is only relevant in the sentencing, not the judgment.

1299. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #271392 by Wosret on October 25, 2008 at 2:49 pm

8869. Comment #271388 by Titania

I don't think that "self-defense" is a motive, it is a post-event justification. It is what we call the circumstances involving a killing of a person by another person in protection of themselves.

The motivation would be fear, anger, self-preservation, or other emotional and feelings.

"Self-defense" is a description of the incident, I would argue. Just as "murder" is not a motivation, but a description.

1300. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #271385 by Wosret on October 25, 2008 at 2:43 pm

8864. Comment #271378 by root2squared

Sentencing, not judgment.