Schwarzeneggar v. EMA - Nov. 2nd Supreme Court Transcript

[Malacite]

Re: Schwarzeneggar v. EMA - Nov. 2nd Supreme Court Transcript

SOMETIMES frozen fruit/veges can be just as nutritious as fresh.

True, you have to make sure they are of quality. But even if they aren't the reality is that they start losing their nutrients the moment they are picked. Your average strawberry for example has lost half of it's nutritional value by the time it gets put out on display.

[Murphie]

Re: Schwarzeneggar v. EMA - Nov. 2nd Supreme Court Transcript

I don't even know why I'm bothering to respond (ok, I do, it's because work is fairly tedious today, and the rest of the internet doesn't have much going on for whatever reason), but I'll do what I can to respond to that book BBQ wrote.

To start, I have no idea what you're talking about re: RDM Melee. I don't think I've ever had a strong opinion on it one way or the other. I'm not an advocate of it, but I'm not against it either. I do feel that it has a time and a place, but that's about as far as that goes. Maybe you're thinking of someone else. Then again, it's been so damn long since I had any sort of discussion about FFXI, that I can't honestly say that I have strong feelings about any particular game-related issue.

As for why I usually don't write a book in response to various posts, but often will pipe in to agree with others who share my view? Well, that's because 1.) I don't feel like writing a book. 2.) When an issue is complex, I am admittedly not always the most eloquent in expressing how I feel about it. I know how I feel, but getting it into words can be tough. 3.) Often others say what I wanted to say, or at least something approximating it before I get the chance to. Just because I'm not the first person to bring up something doesn't mean that I'm just going "me too!"

Having a debate or discussion with you, BBQ, can be incredibly frustrating. I often feel that you are on the offensive, and that anything I say can and will be misquoted or misinterpreted. So I don't put as much effort forth. I have also noticed that you often bring up completely unrelated issues or at least only tangentially related issues to discussions that can often obfuscate your actual meaning, and confuse or frustrate the person who is trying to discuss the issue with you. Also, there seems to be an awful lot of goalpost changing. It makes having any sort of discussion, especially if it's over a tricky issue, frustrating, and to be quite frank, I don't come to DiV to get all riled up.

The political system in this country is incredibly complex, and frustrating, and often disheartening. And people seem to have very emotional ties to their political beliefs (I guess they wouldn't be beliefs if there wasn't some personal connection there). But people on all sides of various issues seem to get a kick out of oversimplifying things, and pointing fingers, casting aspersions, and generally going out of their way (intentionally or not) to alienate the person they are having the conversation with. This is not particularly helpful, and is one of the many reasons that I try and avoid political and/or religious discussions unless the issue is particularly important to me. People seem to enjoy talking about politics not to reach common ground, but to "win," whatever that means. And nothing ever seems to be gained by such discussion.

Heck, my initial foray into this topic was simply to point out that having a different opinion about different issues is not unreasonable or unheard of. We were talking about the ESRB. Then somehow, the conversation switched to food, and taxes or limitations on certain kinds of food. I'm not honestly sure even now how that happened. It muddles the issue, and makes it very difficult to even know what to respond to first, or whether the topic has changed altogether, etc.

For the past two years, things have been a lot more complicated than Democrats simply sitting on their hands and breaking promises. That's not to say that I haven't been disappointed. I have. But I fear that things are going to be far worse for the next two, because voters are disheartened, and various political movements have been obfuscating issues, and many people, especially in my age range and younger, don't often even bother to vote. So when people say "You get what you deserve/what you wanted." it's not entirely true. It's more complex than that. But saying "Well, because of a lack of understanding of the political process, misleading campaign commercials, uneven reporting by various media outlets, and disillusioned voters, this is the situation we now find ourselves in" isn't nearly as likely to get a reaction. And for whatever reason, that seems to be the reason most people like pithy slogans and sound bites over reasoned discourse. For the reaction.

Anyway, I don't actually know you. Like at all. I've never had a chance to get to know you, because no matter the conversation, you seemed to dislike me from the word go. And I long ago came to terms with the fact that you and I aren't going to see eye to eye, or agree on even the most basic things. And I'm ok with that.

[Omgwtfbbqkitten]

Re: Schwarzeneggar v. EMA - Nov. 2nd Supreme Court Transcript

Now, see, that wasn't so hard, now was it? Not that it really addressed anything you rather snidely attacked me on, but its a start. I'm seldom ever actually on the offensive here, I'm just outspoken and backing down is not something that comes easy.

Outspoken and "on the offensive" can seem like the same thing, but they're essentially different. I'm outspoken often to the point of overstated. That can scare and suffocate others, but that's why I try to push my wordiness over to blogging these days. Last month was a bit of a wash, as my blog site was mostly down.

Anyway, I don't actually know you. Like at all. I've never had a chance to get to know you, because no matter the conversation, you seemed to dislike me from the word go. And I long ago came to terms with the fact that you and I aren't going to see eye to eye, or agree on even the most basic things. And I'm ok with that.

Its just the way you express yourself. I often find it to be anemic. There's always some kind of retreat, some dismissive comment or sarcasm that often leads to nowhere. Its like you're where an opinion goes to die, sometimes in spite, but often just to wither and fade.

Anyway. We've had our little moment.

We should just let this get back on topic. I need to see if there's some more court notes.

[Murphie]

Re: Schwarzeneggar v. EMA - Nov. 2nd Supreme Court Transcript

"Backing down" shouldn't even enter into the equation. Unless, as I said, the goal is to "win" the conversation. And at least from my perspective, "winning" a conversation isn't a very useful goal.

I express myself via humor, often sarcastically. The vast majority of the people I encounter on the internet seem to find it entertaining. You don't. And that's ok. I'm serious when the situation calls for it, but honestly, how often on a game related forum does the situation call for it? I'm not sure at all what you mean by my being where an opinion goes to die. I don't even understand that sentence. My opinions are my own. But my interest in pressing said opinions, or pounding them into someone else's brain is fairly low. So yeah, I don't push the issue. Because I quite frankly rarely care enough to do so.

And yes, I'm often dismissive. I'm hardly alone in that on this site. Sometimes a conversation isn't worth replying to, and sometimes a person's opinion isn't worth debating.

[Ufgt]

Re: Schwarzeneggar v. EMA - Nov. 2nd Supreme Court Transcript

mew mew mew! let's all be fwends! FWENDS! =^^=

Just sayin'.

[Murphie]

Re: Schwarzeneggar v. EMA - Nov. 2nd Supreme Court Transcript

J9 needs to put down the catnip.

[ItazuraNhomango]

Re: Schwarzeneggar v. EMA - Nov. 2nd Supreme Court Transcript

On the flip side, would it really hurt the kids to play fewer video games with questionable degree of violence or nudity or whatnot? Overall, it just looks like a waste of energy on both sides; there must be more worthy issues out there for them to spend time and money on.

Not all censorship are the same, IMO. I roll my eyes at people getting all huffy over language, violence, and nudity rules for kids.

Imagine a society where history--actual facts about the past--are censored whenever they are inconvenient for the people in power. And, the censorship is enforced with arrests, jail time, or just 'accidents' which kill off people trying to spread the truth.

That, I'd worry about.

Fewer video games for kids? Well, tough. Wait a few years, and they can go watch/play whatever they want.

* * *

I live in California. I'm glad Prop. 19 failed--marijuana stinks. Literally.

And, had it became law, our elected officials would've been forced to defend it in courts should lawsuits come up--and there certainly would have been lawsuits. Not to mention it'd be more headbutting with the Federal Controlled Substance Act--wasting time, energy, and MONEY on yet more lawsuits. I do not want my tax dollar go to arguing yet another federalism issue that we didn't need to create, thank you very much.

As for Brown, he seems more pragmatic and less control freak than Whitman. It is good that he's elected, since those are the qualities useful for getting things done in Sacramento (that's our state's capital, FYI).

Plus, Whitman's economy plan were trashed by economists as wishful thinking based on faulty assumptions--to which which her campaign's only reply was "They're wrong!" One of the economist who signed the letter is a Nobel Laureate, too. Way to ignore reality and "focus on the message".

By the way, the most important issue was actually Prop. 25, which changed the percentage of votes needed to pass the state budge to a simple majority.

I am really, Really, REALLY tired of idiocy like the 100-day-late state budget and the IOUs issued by California because it can't cut a check without a budge in place legally. Did I mention those IOUs ("registered warrants") were interest bearing? As in, more of our tax dollar go to waste every time we're forced to issue them?!

Now, neither Democrats nor the Republicans can hold the budget hostage to "make points" as easily. Look forward to merely month late budgets in our future. /sigh

* * *

I'd totally vote for this proposition: LOCK UP THE CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE when the budget is late. No Assemblyman or state Senator will be permitted to go home until the budge is done. Toss the Governor in, too, so s/he can sign the bill as soon as it's done.

Any lawmaker who managed to escape before the doors are locked? Issue warrant to capture and return him/her to the lockup.

Oh, and:
* Lobbyists who infiltrate the building will be shot on sight. (Head shot, preferably).
* No shower, bathing, or change of cloth allowed.
* Cell phones and all personal communication devices will be confiscated.
* Food services will be contracted with local hospitals--healthy, bland, and jello with every meal.

Want a steak? Want to see family and the outside world again? Want clean underwear?!? Finish the damn budget.

Yes, I'm willing to sponsor mild torture if that's the price to pay for (nearly) on-time budgets. I'd participate, too, dangling soap, shower cap, and Twinkies in front of them.

[Murphie]

Re: Schwarzeneggar v. EMA - Nov. 2nd Supreme Court Transcript

While your hyperbole is delightful in that last section, it's not particularly realistic.

[Ufgt]

Re: Schwarzeneggar v. EMA - Nov. 2nd Supreme Court Transcript

I fully support Marijuana legalization.

[Murphie]

Re: Schwarzeneggar v. EMA - Nov. 2nd Supreme Court Transcript

Yeah, I'm actually not understanding the issue there. What "lawsuits" will be brought up? Considering the vast amount of money the state would gain via taxes, and save by not having to prosecute growers and users, I'd think that it would be of considerable benefit to the state of California. And I don't live anywhere near there, nor do I smoke pot.

[Ufgt]

Re: Schwarzeneggar v. EMA - Nov. 2nd Supreme Court Transcript

Bsides the smell, Marijuana is no worse than tobacco or alcohol. In fact, I would argue it's less dangerous than both.

[Omgwtfbbqkitten]

Re: Schwarzeneggar v. EMA - Nov. 2nd Supreme Court Transcript

On the flip side, would it really hurt the kids to play fewer video games with questionable degree of violence or nudity or whatnot?

Most little boys want to feel like big boys, no matter how misguided or misinformed that concept is.

In reality, men never really grow up.

You can always tell who the kid is when you bring up something like, say, Pokemon or Kirby. The kid will shit on those games and point to games like Halo or Modern Warfare 2 to try to look more "grown up."

The grown man knows there's jack shit that's "mature" about MW2. Its Wile E Coyote's 1001 Deaths Online. All it ever is. But they're all "its Warrrrrrr" and "This is Sparta" and die the second they turn the corner.

[Ufgt]

Re: Schwarzeneggar v. EMA - Nov. 2nd Supreme Court Transcript

You can always tell who the kid is when you bring up something like, say, Pokemon or Kirby. The kid will shit on those games and point to games like Halo or Modern Warfare 2 to try to look more "grown up."

Uhhh... what? That doesn't even make any sense.

[Grizzlebeard]

Re: Schwarzeneggar v. EMA - Nov. 2nd Supreme Court Transcript

Uhhh... what? That doesn't even make any sense.

Please stop quoting his idiocy. I have him on ignore for a reason.

[Malacite]

Re: Schwarzeneggar v. EMA - Nov. 2nd Supreme Court Transcript

By the way, the most important issue was actually Prop. 25, which changed the percentage of votes needed to pass the state budge to a simple majority.

Oh if only that sort of thing could be done in damned Senate... or does no one realize how asinine it is to require 60+ votes to move on anything?

I still say prop 19 failing is a real blunder, but what can you do about it? The older, more fearful crowd won. There's no denying it reeks like hell (I personally absolutely hate the smell of the smoke) but I mean it's an inhibitor so I imagine it would be treated much like Alcohol - no public consumption/walking around high.

As far as censorship goes, again, wtf ever happened to responsible parenting? Worried about your kids? Don't let them buy that explicit CD, see that R rated movie or play any M rated games if you're that concerned over it. They do it anyway? Discipline 'em. It's like parents are just too lazy to crack down on their own kids these days and society is going to suffer for it when they grow up and enter the work force or even worse, have kids of their own.

I also still firmly believe that campaign finance reform is a huge issue (still disappointed in Obama for going back on that but on the flipside he may not have won otherwise so it's damned if you/don't scenario). The Supreme Court needs it's authority lessened IMO, Senators ought to be put on 2 2~4 year term limits, and ban lobbying again.

As my Dad pointed out to me last night, I was surprised I never really connected the dots. He asked me "Why does the U.S. have the 2nd highest corporate tax rate in the world?" and it donned on me, the bulk (if not entirety) of that money doesn't go towards any budgets - but likely right to the pockets of the politicians. It's an indirect, legal way of soliciting influence. He brought it up as we were watching Parker Spitzer on CNN and they were discussing with a the Gov. of Texas how a lot of tax money doesn't even get allocated to where it's supposed to.


/rant off for now.

---------- Post added at 02:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:11 PM ----------

Bsides the smell, Marijuana is no worse than tobacco or alcohol. In fact, I would argue it's less dangerous than both.

OK as a quick little edit, MJ like any drug, has serious long-term effects. In this case brain/psychological damage, but other than that yeah it's otherwise more benign than alcohol and doesn't contain the thousands of toxins or the highly addictive nicotine that smokes do.