AngusThermopyle

Well...not to sound petty or mean Topaz but quite a few of us say that about quite a few of your posts.

And I'll add that you should learn the facts before making such outragious and inflamatory remarks. At the end of the day one must note that Canada is the "greenest" of all countries when it comes to oil production. Further to that is the fact that the water used is reclaimed and with developing technologies this reclamation is becoming dramatically more efficient with time. Now, on to energy requirements. Yes, it does take a lot of energy to extract the oil currently but its not energy taken from the "grid" the energy is produced by using the by products of the extraction process, products that would otherwise be disposed of or used in other endevours. Now lets talk about environmental concerns, specifically the one so many people tout as a crime. Gisturbance of the land. All energy companies in the tar sands operations are required to implement a reclamation plan or they just are not licensed for operations. Once the Bitumen is extracted the base materials (mostly sand) are replaced in the areas they were mined from and the Arboreal forest is allowed to reclaim the area undisturbed. Given that operations are large scale and long term this is not a fast process, but it is in place and it is happening. An interesting fact is that between them Canada and Venezuela hold 2/3 of the worlds oil reserves. The true crime against humanity would be to shut these areas down. Remove 2/3 of the worlds reserves and watch what would happen. Our world would see massive increases in everything from poverty to war. Sure you can say "we'll find an alternative to fossil fuels" thats very easy to say, a lot harder to do. Given that no viable alternative exists what would you propose the solution be? Should we regress the advance of humanity several hundred years? Currently technologies are both under development and being implemented that will elinimate the use of water in production. One such method is Toe To Heel Air Injection THAI. In this method water is not used, previously it was not used because of difficulty in controlling the "burn" however it has become more viable now with the influence of emerging technology and is being adopted more widely. Given these factors it becomes obvious that there are people out there who see the patch as an easy target to further their own agenda. Of course you'll never hear any of this from such luminaries as Elizabeth May, it just wouldn't procuce the outrage and fear they need to further their agenda if they actually told the truth and used facts. You also won't hear these folks mentioning the fact that the land after reclamation is actually in better shape than before extraction due to the fact that the toxic Bitumen has been removed from the base material. So lets just ignore these uncomfortable facts and continue with the "crime against humanity" and the sky is falling garbage. People should look into the facts for themselves rather than just parroting half truths and lies spouted by those with a vested interest in demonizing one of the countries major economic contributors. I sincerely hope this small parcel of information will encourage you to delve a little more deeply into the subject so that you'll be aware when others attempt to hijack your sensibilities in order to advance their cause.

I have a question. Where in this thread has DoP whined or even posted about anything? In fact where has he whined at all in any thread? None that I can recall. Or are you just trying to hijack a thread in order to further your own agenda?

I guess a lot of people have forgotten a very basic concept. If you threaten a police officer in any way do not be surprised if you get your ass kicked and kicked hard. If you disturb the peace then dont be surprised when you get your ass kicked and kicked hard. If you riot and loot then dont be surprised when you get your ass kicked and kicked hard. So, I have no sympathy or empathy for those types of individuals. Dont give me any crap about oppressed and down trodden. How about instead of running around and burning and looting, commiting acts of violence these worthless sods get off their ass and do what countless others have done, work hard and sincerely to improve their lot in life. Or is that asking too much of these poor worthless muffins?

Hey now! Those are real, my ex mother in law was one.

I love this kind of statement. Based solely upon speculation with absolutely no hard facts to support it, the big give away is of course the word probably. How can you possibly make such an all encompassing statement in good faith? The simple fact is that people are very good at figuring out ways to circumvent systems. Your statement implies that those who would wish to do us harm would be too dammned stupid to figure out a way to do it. The simple fact is that the system in place is widely known to be in place and as such is vulnerable to circumvention. Far better to be alert and looking for ways to improve the system than just say "oh well, it worked before it'll work again. Isn't it uncomfortable sticking your head in the sand? Doesn't it get in your eyes and mouth and nose?

Okay Oleg, lets see if you can grasp this concept. Work is work. It is not a place to show everyone what an amature Lothario you are or how Rico Suave you can be. If you are a profesional then you will treat your co workers, both female and male with respect and courtesy. Not as one divided by their sex or appearence, but as fellow profesionals engaged in a common task. So, no, you do not approach your co workers in the spirit of love, or lust, or any such kind of thing, just respect. Can you comprehend this rather simple and basic concept?

They are hero's Oleg, far far more so than the majority of people in this country. Its one thing to say "well this person volunteers their time for the needy so they are a hero" and entirely another to volunteer their life for the cause of others. Please do not attempt to denigrate or belittle their sacrifice, it merely shows insensitivity and lack of empathy at best, at worst it indicates a bitter petty mindset. As for the cause they died for. Well, as was mentioned, what should we do? Just twiddle our thumbs and loudly and proudly shout out "I'm turning the other cheek". All that turning the other cheek ever got anyone is two black eyes. Although I suppose one could be proud on the basis of doing nothing while being kicked silly. Thats what you like then go for it, the concept doesn't suit me though.

Argh! The sheer horror! What could be scarier than an aroused giant? Sorry Rue, I just couldn't resist.

Now now Guyser, there are some around here who have the character to admit to an error. I actually saw it once. As for Justin personally I see him as a non issue, but that might be because I look for substance over fluff. Justin is most assuredly nothing more than fluff, targeted as a possible champion based purely upon the fluff factor. This alone could be a powerfull aspect, never underestimate the herd mentality. Or the power of fluff.

Mot intending any insult I feel I must point out that this is one of the more ridiculous things I've heard. You always seem to fall back on the "we're all Earthlings" thing never realizing just how invalid a premise this is in the given context. I know from your previous posts on various subjects that you are what I think of as a science fiction fan "light", however even though many of the ideas that are postulated in science fiction have some validity they are still the result of fiction and not a tangible reality. It's my belief that they should reside in Canada for a minimum of three years before being given the privilege of voting. Any lesser period of time and one could not be assured of their ability to make an informed vote. It takes time to learn about a new society and come to understand the underlying intricacies that are a part of its functioning. The alternative would imply uninformed votes that are used purely for partisan reasons or to further a specific agenda not shared by all, or even very many for that matter. If you want a science fiction slant on the question then personally I take my cue from a science fiction writer who had a firm grasp of society and reality, Robert A Heinlein. His idea was that one should have to pass a test demonstrating knowledge of the issues at hand in order to vote. Not as warm and fuzzy as the slop Star Treck dishes out but far more grounded in reality.

I've heard abput Eve, quite a bit actually. Unfortunately I've gone and gotten myself hooked on that one I was talking about, Combat Arms. Nothing fancy, just good old run and gun gameplay. Now I've been playing more I find it reminds me a lot of the old TF style of play. Some of the maps like Sand Hog and Junk Flea have a very TF feel to them as well.

It was entertaining. The sequel sucked, without Kiefer it just wasn't the same and the story was just vapour, much as I imagine it is for this movie Twilight.

Such a very very very good song. Genesis at their finest before Disney Phil took over and turned them into super bubble gum music. Oh well, Peter did better on his own than he would have hanging around Phil anyway.

Me too. I especially enjoy these obscure sort of historical stories. They flesh out the recitation of dates and events that a lot of history is composed of. Next up, Babbage and his amazing machine.

Whats wrong with potatoe farmers? I like potatoes and appreciate people growing them for me to eat.

Seriously man have you seen Sweeney Todd with Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter? He can't sing ( although he does a pretty good job in the context of his role) but the cast that supports him can, for the most part. The aspect that I enjoyed the most was the atmosphere that Tim Burton created and the way that Depp and Helena Bonham Carter (Is there a shorter way to say her name?) Interacted within that atmosphere and made it more involving. The story Itself is a timeless one of loss and revenge, and the eventual futility and finality of both. This story is delivered eloquently by both the lead actors and supporting cast, even if they do sing 3/4 of the story. However in the end its the work of Tim Burton that makes this movie. He created a dark visual spectacle of London complete with the violence and brutality that was common at that time. The music only serves to accentuate this aspect being both hopefull and full of despair at the same time. So give it a chance Guyser, with an open mind and actually listen to the story, its a good one. Sorry if I sound like a syndicated movie review in this last post but I really enjoyed this movie.

Why is it stupid?

Actually they're doing a hell of a lot more now than previous governments have done. they're actually increasing the budget, buying new equipment and trying to raise recruitment levels as opposed to cutting them. Of course this is accompanied by the usual strident cries of the government is wasting or blowing money on the Forces. Sometimes I wonder what it is. Are they sqandering money on the Forces or are they not doing anything for the Forces?

Well since I made that statement I've watched a musical that I really enjoyed, would watch again in fact. It was Sweeney Todd with Jonmmy Depp, the music was good and the whole atmosphere was excellent and entirely suitable to the story. So, as you can see I can no longer claim to despise musicals. Still don't enjoy musical theater though.

Well said Rue.

You are so full of shit your eyes are brown buddy. Yeah yeah, I know I'll probably get in trouble for saying that but it needed to be said. Lets look at this a little closer. Wrong, oh so very very wrong. You have constantly referred to the bible, you have constantly referred to the "will of God" or should we say "Gods Will". You constantly use the bible as a reference, you constantly assert that the difference between right and wrong is a measure determined by a power above us. And you constantly state that because of this divine guidance you are the only one who is right or pure. In fact, you constantly condemn people you don't even know as being evil, a word you use frequently. So go ahead. Lie your ass off, we're all used to it by now anyway. So, would you now like to do a fancy dance and show us all in an empty way how your opinions are not tainted by primitive beliefs? Gonna take the time to slink around the points you don't like? Go ahead, after all battling a minion of evil such as myself should be easy for a soul as pure as yours. Nutbar.

I wonder where he found all those extra states to visit. From what he said, even after not going to Alaska and Hawaii he still managed to visit eight or nine that nobody even knew existed. Bet that caused a fuss at the White House when they found out about all those extra states.

I'm pretty much 100% sure he wouldn't be, he's a better man than that. It is good that he's making Williams look like the fool he is though. As for the article stating he keeps his word but is untrustworthy, well, lets look at that shall we. He can be trusted to keep his word yet is untrustworthy, that makes a lot of sense, not! All I can say is that the writer of the article should give their head a shake and realize what an incredibly stupid thing they said.

Since this is the science and technology section I though I'd mention this device. Have any of you seen or heard of this before? The story behind its development is fascinating and would almost read like fiction except ot isn't. The way the story goes is that Curt Herzstark was a POW in a German camp during WWII, as such he wasn't supposed to live out the war but instead suffer the same fate as so many others. However, apparently the German camp commander became aware of his rare combination of Mathematical skills and exceptional abilities in the field of Mechanical Engineering and decided he had a use for him. The commander and several of his peers decided they would like to give Hitler a unique gift at wars end, you know, when they'd won. What could make a better gift than a one of a kind calculator that you could put in your pocket? So Curt was allowed to live and continue work on his device. The speculation being that had he completed it before the wars end he would have become worthless to the Germans and would have suffered the same fate as so many others in the camps. Fortunately the war ended before it was complete and the Allies won, The reason it wasn't finished on time is because he dragged his heels and delayed its completion, I guess anyone would if the completion of the device was also the measure of the life remaining to them. Most likely its very fortunate for the rest of us that he did drag his heels on this. German Engineers had a reputation (rightly earned) for being the finest engineers on the planet, at wars end it was discovered that they were far advanced over the Allies in many areas of technology. If they had obtained this device for their use there is no telling how swiftly their development would have advanced and what new areas of development it would have spawned, though it is speculated that this small insignificant little machine could have had a major influence on the course of the war. That actually makes a great deal of sense, they were already advanced over the allies and had quite a few advanced experimental systems on the drawing board. If they had had the means to complete all their calculations five to ten times faster than normal with great accuracy then most likely it would have become a major factor in the war, another goal like the Enigma machine, something that must be captured at all costs. Anyway, I find the whole subject fascinating. From the way he used the device to help insure his survival to its huge potential to influence world affairs at that time. Here's a link to a page with lots of good pictures of the device. The Curta Calculator Here's another link to a video showing just how the Curta was operated. Next we should start a thread about the Babbage Analytical Engine. Charles Babbage is credited with designing the first computer back in 1847. It would make calculations, create a hard copy for long term storage and also print out a hard copy of results for compilation into tables. A truly amazing device for the time it was designed. It just goes to show that brilliance remains brilliance no matter what period of time it exists in.