whether the color blue for me, is the same as the color blue for you.............. did you ever wonder whether ghosts are like, really real too....... or if like dogs can talk, they just don't want to..............?
... the first series, and very well acted, by a very capable cast. The writing was of a quality (for the most part) not seen these days outside of a West Wing, or an ER. Most of all it was bright, mentioning then-cutting-edge science as causually as could be. Think of how revolutionary it must have been, to hear talk of warp drives, anti-matter reactors, and plausible beam weapons. Universal Translators. Racial equality. Gender equality. Tribbles.
It was a show that dared you to think, that made you look at things a different way. What exists today, that watered-down product churned out like so many slasher-film franchises... sigh.
Best episode ever? Harlan Ellison...
If we let this news ruin the next 17 years...
on
A Rock Moves In Space
·
· Score: 2, Funny
It can be done. It would be the greatest undertaking in the history of mankind, but it is possible. The first thing I'd do? Set a date. Pretty far out, say, 10 years or more. If you think there aren't millions of people around the world who would promote this and make it happen, you're mistaken. Just a million people on the internet, united towards one purpose, could easily change the world.
Tyranny of the majority? You got me there. I'm fairly misanthropic at the best of times, and I would fear said tyranny much. Things would get biblical, and I can't see that being a good thing for anybody.
However, find me a way to trim (peacefully) the human herd back to 500 million or so, the way it should be in utopian fantasies, and I could get things done.
...want to help me harness that teeming throng of disenfranchised net users, and install a worldwide direct democracy that completely circumvents all governments and institutions?
... ever get really messed up and wonder if maybe the Matrix might be real, and this is all just an illusion perpetuated by our cruel electro-mechanized overlords?
Even the cure for 1/3 of cancers in mice is old news, as anybody that knows anything is aware that Canadian reasearchers discovered the definitive cause for cancer almost a decade ago... that being, Bruce McCulloch.
... he read David Brin's novel Earth at some point, and an idea from that book has stuck in his head. He just wants to be the first, that's all.
AND fusion power is soooo close...
on
Lunar Power
·
· Score: 1
International politics aside (never an easy thing), I long to wake up one morning and find that some politician somewhere has risen to the occasion and challenged the world... I've heard so much talk lately, online and in the press, about the need for a "Kennendy-Man-on-the-Moon-in-this-Decade.." speech from the powers that be... this is such a great time for an endeavour of such magnitude... so many unemployed and disillusioned people out there... if I knew there was a project underway to build a solar power station on the moon, I'd volunteer... and I'm sure you would too. peace
Just a quick rant. Please indulge me... thank you
on
A New Kind of War
·
· Score: 1
Hi there. A few of you out there know me, or at least this pseudonym you now see. I post here from time to time, other places too. I try to contribute a reasoned, most intelligent voice to the conversation, occasionally interspersing it with some silly humor if the need presents itself. I'm a Canadian, for what that's worth, and as for any other details of my race, color, or creed well, I think that information is unimportant right now. I hope for those of you who have enjoyed, or at least read my posts when you come across one, have found my words to convey what it is I believe I am; an intelligent, mature and somewhat wise, but whimsical human being. I am a good person, I know that.
I've always considered myself a pacifist, one detail is that I'm a pretty big guy, but I've always found the need for violence intolerable. The fights that I have walked away from, for the sake of keeping the peace with those who wished to infringe on my behavior... if you only knew. Drunken fools, racist ignorance, mean kids on a playground... it's a part of life and a part of a free society. I have always tried to find a peaceful way.
Now, I live in a wonderfully multi-cultural society. As most people know, Canada is about as peaceful a place as you can find. We really do all get along for the most part here. Sure, we're all a little different in some ways. We argue, we bicker, we tolerate peacefully and willingly those little things about ourselves that are a little different. We know we're only stronger in the long run for being a little diverse. That's what makes life here so grand. I have many friends of all shapes and sizes, coloration's, faiths and persuasions. Never even notice it really. Why? Because we are free here.
There is absolutely zero grey area here as to whether something must be done about what happened. This incident is sourced from the very heart of darkness, know that. For beside all the religion, beside all the politics, beside all the different points of view, at the very base of things, this is all about living in freedom. The democratic way is the right way; it is the fair way. Anyone who experiences it knows that fact with every fiber of his or her being. To be able to pursue your beliefs, your desires in life, your faith, without reprisal from others, is simply the most important thing worth fighting for. I wish for all peoples everywhere to live in peace, I really do. Every last one of my Canadian friends does too. The brown ones, the white ones, the black ones, the native ones, the tall ones and the short ones, the funny and the humorless, the old and the young, the neighbor and the family. The one thing that we all have in common is that we all want to be free to live our lives as we see fit. We wish to hug our kids, shake your hand, be young, feel love, grow old with dignity and comfort, and pass from this earth at peace with the world. We have it good here. We know it. But so do people all over the globe. You know the nations, they are many, even former antagonists are with us this time, so I will refrain from listing them here. But be aware, democratically, the most overwhelming international majority in the history of the world has aligned itself against a very few madmen. Nothing more, nothing less than that.
I contacted my government to lend my services the other day. I don't know in what capacity as of yet, most of you know I'm a pretty bright guy, so I'm hoping I can help in some way. I never, ever, imagined a day when I would do such a thing. Peace to each and every one of you... except to those very few among us who would wish to make me live a different life from that which I would normally choose. You are the tiniest of minorities, and simply must be stopped now. I also simply couldn't live with myself if I didn't assist in some way.
Reason or Chaos, that is the divide. To think otherwise is folly.
"Row, row, row your boat; Gently down the stream. Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, Life is but a dream..." "Row, row, row your boat; Gently down the stream. Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, Life is but a dream..." Repeat as needed. Also nice when sung as a round. Try it. Peace to you.
Please excuse the consistent use of male nouns and pronouns in the following. It made this easier to write and to understand, so is it that bad this once? Also, please ignore any Owellian reference you think you may see. That's the farthest thing from my intent. Hope this helps a little.
I'm going to write something now that is so thoroughly and utterly Canadian in sentiment, although I'm sure it's a view shared by many other countries and individuals the world over. The United States is like our big brother. That is meant in the most fraternal of ways. It is a role Canada, and many other countries, willingly accept. The analogy is accurate in a number of ways. As the economically and culturally larger, more physically powerful sibling, you sometimes flaunt your power and tease your smaller brethren. But when one of us falls and skins our proverbial knee, you are always first to arrive on the scene, to make sure that everyone is ok, and safe. In return for the safety and protection you provide, we make you laugh, we sing and dance, and make arts and crafts of every kind for your amusement. We do some extra chores for you when the need arises, and we even put up with your teasing. We do this gladly, usually, for the benefit of letting you have your way most of the time, is the ability to fall asleep every night knowing that things aren't going to be so bad tomorrow, because somewhere out there our big brother is looking out for us.
And the best thing is you really seem to relish the situation. America and it's citizens, although as equally capable of being evil and misguided as any population on the planet, inarguably live in the freest and most progressive society in the world. Although other countries all over the earth have certain benefits and advantages over the U.S, when taken as a whole, America is without peer in so many more ways. Have no doubt, you can be cruel sometimes, but you always seem to make up for it in the long run, and certainly you've contributed the most to our home, this beautiful and singular planet we share, and that definitely entitles you to some concessions.
We hate to admit it, and will only do so under a firm twisting of our arm, to make us say uncle as it were, but we do look up to you and we think you're pretty great. Our big brother has done great things; you're the strongest, fastest, smartest, kindest, most noble and good big brother... a little brother or sister could ever ask for. And now you're hurt, someone sucker-punched you when you weren't looking, in your own backyard no less. We are all in shock; we are all hurt, by seeing our protective and kind sibling get rocked back a little bit. Someone snuck up on you from behind and gave you a black eye, and I know I speak for a lot of people around the world, all your loyal brother and sisters, when I say we can't wait to see you get back up again. We can't wait to see you rise to your feet, shake the dust off, and accept our hugs and affection as we try to reassure you that we're right here to offer any help you need. We can't wait to see you gather yourself, re-affirm your bearing, and then go get the guys that did this too you. We can't wait to see you catch up with the bad guys, and wipe them off the face of the earth, once and for all.
We know you'll take your time. We know you're going to make sure you have the right people before you act. We know you'll do your best to protect the innocent as you exact your completely justified revenge. We know you're going to get them this time, no matter what it takes. And we are so happy to know that soon our home, our global neighborhood, will be a whole lot safer for all of us. We are so proud to be your siblings, America. We may argue sometimes, but it's nothing serious... not like this. You really are the best, and we are so grateful for all you've ever done. We couldn't ask for a better friend and brother. Go get them. We've got your back. Peace to each and every one of you.
that, to be offensive in any way is the last thing I intend.
But... they just showed some up close footage of what's left of the WTC on NBC. Some of the superstructure is still standing upright, in a beautiful fan-like pattern. They should preserve it, as sculpture, as a monument to this day. If you see the footage on TV, you might see what I mean.
I don't believe in God, but I said a little prayer today.
Arise,
and cast away the weary weight of the world.
Arise,
you who are hurt,
who are tread upon,
by the sadness that you see.
To lift things,
to make a better way.
To be the most of that specific potential,
which constitutes a man.
This is where we go,
together.
Reject the falsehoods of division.
We are the same.
Follow not those who would tell you otherwise.
Follow only that tender voice,
that song within,
that sings from the best of nature.
The fear of your brother is unfounded,
your sister shares your song.
The prophet who speaks with different voice than this,
is deceiving.
Tomorrow marks the new time.
Not yet unresolved from the path of possibility,
it can begin today.
The line must be drawn,
firmly and with full effort and attention.
The course of things will change.
It is our choice.
To be caretakers of this world.
To start with your own circle,
to sweep the majestic force of compassion around you,
to encompass what you see.
Act with the totality of your urgings,
that hidden longing to love that lives within us all.
To see a time when the first of us,
has no more than the last of us.
The possibility for a new way is here, now.
Begin with the ending of the old ways.
We must each be that ideal,
that lesson never learned.
Today, begin a new way of things.
Reach out to your enemy,
with caution,
but with intent of inclusion.
We are the same.
Only the path has been different,
only the taint of prejudice and presumption,
stains slightly different hues.
We must be that brilliant tapestry.
Cast away the religions,
the corrupt institutions,
that poison the waters of our lives.
The teachings are divisive,
and therefore thoroughly flawed.
The miracle is in you,
not in the lies of the demagogue.
Learn from the rich texture of your neighbour,
breath in the different colours of their lives.
Let each of us express ourselves,
with beauty,
with the fullest aspect of our souls.
Without fear,
without the urge to take,
to hurt,
the other among us.
It can be no other way.
It begins here. Right now. With us. Both you and I. This is a time of sadness, of tragedy. Mark it not as an end to things, but as a beginning. Arise! Cast aside your prejudice; cast aside what keeps you from loving your fellow man. To not feel helpless. That is what must be done. We must come together. Now. What you believe in, if it keeps you from understanding and loving your fellow man, must be discarded. The black man and the white man, your differences are small now. Unimportant. They must be let go. To galvanize our better nature, to stand side by side, that is what must be done. Tell your brother, your sister, of your love for them. We are one now. It can be no other way. To think that your time, your moment on this earth, is not important, is no longer true. This is the time we were born for, to come together, to close the divisions between us. We must be strong, and always reasoning, in the months to come. This was meant to divide us, to shake our faith within ourselves. Make this a beginning. Make this the moment where we strive for the world of which we all dream. Each of us, can have no more than the last of us. Never think that you were not born into a great moment. We, together, never divided. The time is now. Peace to all my brothers and sisters, to all of you.
Slashdot Mirror
"Do I get a prize for that much dedication for a TRUE vaporware product?"
And thus, I bequeath unto you, a shiny new kitty.
What's it like to be cool??
whether the color blue for me, is the same as the color blue for you.............. did you ever wonder whether ghosts are like, really real too....... or if like dogs can talk, they just don't want to..............?
... the first series, and very well acted, by a very capable cast. The writing was of a quality (for the most part) not seen these days outside of a West Wing, or an ER. Most of all it was bright, mentioning then-cutting-edge science as causually as could be. Think of how revolutionary it must have been, to hear talk of warp drives, anti-matter reactors, and plausible beam weapons. Universal Translators. Racial equality. Gender equality. Tribbles.
It was a show that dared you to think, that made you look at things a different way. What exists today, that watered-down product churned out like so many slasher-film franchises... sigh.
Best episode ever? Harlan Ellison...
... then the asteroids will have won.
It can be done. It would be the greatest undertaking in the history of mankind, but it is possible. The first thing I'd do? Set a date. Pretty far out, say, 10 years or more. If you think there aren't millions of people around the world who would promote this and make it happen, you're mistaken. Just a million people on the internet, united towards one purpose, could easily change the world.
Tyranny of the majority? You got me there. I'm fairly misanthropic at the best of times, and I would fear said tyranny much. Things would get biblical, and I can't see that being a good thing for anybody.
However, find me a way to trim (peacefully) the human herd back to 500 million or so, the way it should be in utopian fantasies, and I could get things done.
...want to help me harness that teeming throng of disenfranchised net users, and install a worldwide direct democracy that completely circumvents all governments and institutions?
Even the cure for 1/3 of cancers in mice is old news, as anybody that knows anything is aware that Canadian reasearchers discovered the definitive cause for cancer almost a decade ago... that being, Bruce McCulloch.
... he read David Brin's novel Earth at some point, and an idea from that book has stuck in his head. He just wants to be the first, that's all.
International politics aside (never an easy thing), I long to wake up one morning and find that some politician somewhere has risen to the occasion and challenged the world... I've heard so much talk lately, online and in the press, about the need for a "Kennendy-Man-on-the-Moon-in-this-Decade.." speech from the powers that be... this is such a great time for an endeavour of such magnitude... so many unemployed and disillusioned people out there... if I knew there was a project underway to build a solar power station on the moon, I'd volunteer... and I'm sure you would too. peace
Hi there. A few of you out there know me, or at least this pseudonym you now see. I post here from time to time, other places too. I try to contribute a reasoned, most intelligent voice to the conversation, occasionally interspersing it with some silly humor if the need presents itself. I'm a Canadian, for what that's worth, and as for any other details of my race, color, or creed well, I think that information is unimportant right now. I hope for those of you who have enjoyed, or at least read my posts when you come across one, have found my words to convey what it is I believe I am; an intelligent, mature and somewhat wise, but whimsical human being. I am a good person, I know that.
I've always considered myself a pacifist, one detail is that I'm a pretty big guy, but I've always found the need for violence intolerable. The fights that I have walked away from, for the sake of keeping the peace with those who wished to infringe on my behavior... if you only knew. Drunken fools, racist ignorance, mean kids on a playground... it's a part of life and a part of a free society. I have always tried to find a peaceful way.
Now, I live in a wonderfully multi-cultural society. As most people know, Canada is about as peaceful a place as you can find. We really do all get along for the most part here. Sure, we're all a little different in some ways. We argue, we bicker, we tolerate peacefully and willingly those little things about ourselves that are a little different. We know we're only stronger in the long run for being a little diverse. That's what makes life here so grand. I have many friends of all shapes and sizes, coloration's, faiths and persuasions. Never even notice it really. Why? Because we are free here.
There is absolutely zero grey area here as to whether something must be done about what happened. This incident is sourced from the very heart of darkness, know that. For beside all the religion, beside all the politics, beside all the different points of view, at the very base of things, this is all about living in freedom. The democratic way is the right way; it is the fair way. Anyone who experiences it knows that fact with every fiber of his or her being. To be able to pursue your beliefs, your desires in life, your faith, without reprisal from others, is simply the most important thing worth fighting for. I wish for all peoples everywhere to live in peace, I really do. Every last one of my Canadian friends does too. The brown ones, the white ones, the black ones, the native ones, the tall ones and the short ones, the funny and the humorless, the old and the young, the neighbor and the family. The one thing that we all have in common is that we all want to be free to live our lives as we see fit. We wish to hug our kids, shake your hand, be young, feel love, grow old with dignity and comfort, and pass from this earth at peace with the world. We have it good here. We know it. But so do people all over the globe. You know the nations, they are many, even former antagonists are with us this time, so I will refrain from listing them here. But be aware, democratically, the most overwhelming international majority in the history of the world has aligned itself against a very few madmen. Nothing more, nothing less than that.
I contacted my government to lend my services the other day. I don't know in what capacity as of yet, most of you know I'm a pretty bright guy, so I'm hoping I can help in some way. I never, ever, imagined a day when I would do such a thing. Peace to each and every one of you... except to those very few among us who would wish to make me live a different life from that which I would normally choose. You are the tiniest of minorities, and simply must be stopped now. I also simply couldn't live with myself if I didn't assist in some way.
Reason or Chaos, that is the divide. To think otherwise is folly.
"Row, row, row your boat; Gently down the stream. Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, Life is but a dream..." "Row, row, row your boat; Gently down the stream. Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, Life is but a dream..." Repeat as needed. Also nice when sung as a round. Try it. Peace to you.
Reason or Chaos, that is the divide.
To think otherwise is folly itself.
Please excuse the consistent use of male nouns and pronouns in the following. It made this easier to write and to understand, so is it that bad this once? Also, please ignore any Owellian reference you think you may see. That's the farthest thing from my intent. Hope this helps a little.
I'm going to write something now that is so thoroughly and utterly Canadian in sentiment, although I'm sure it's a view shared by many other countries and individuals the world over. The United States is like our big brother. That is meant in the most fraternal of ways. It is a role Canada, and many other countries, willingly accept. The analogy is accurate in a number of ways. As the economically and culturally larger, more physically powerful sibling, you sometimes flaunt your power and tease your smaller brethren. But when one of us falls and skins our proverbial knee, you are always first to arrive on the scene, to make sure that everyone is ok, and safe. In return for the safety and protection you provide, we make you laugh, we sing and dance, and make arts and crafts of every kind for your amusement. We do some extra chores for you when the need arises, and we even put up with your teasing. We do this gladly, usually, for the benefit of letting you have your way most of the time, is the ability to fall asleep every night knowing that things aren't going to be so bad tomorrow, because somewhere out there our big brother is looking out for us.
And the best thing is you really seem to relish the situation. America and it's citizens, although as equally capable of being evil and misguided as any population on the planet, inarguably live in the freest and most progressive society in the world. Although other countries all over the earth have certain benefits and advantages over the U.S, when taken as a whole, America is without peer in so many more ways. Have no doubt, you can be cruel sometimes, but you always seem to make up for it in the long run, and certainly you've contributed the most to our home, this beautiful and singular planet we share, and that definitely entitles you to some concessions.
We hate to admit it, and will only do so under a firm twisting of our arm, to make us say uncle as it were, but we do look up to you and we think you're pretty great. Our big brother has done great things; you're the strongest, fastest, smartest, kindest, most noble and good big brother... a little brother or sister could ever ask for. And now you're hurt, someone sucker-punched you when you weren't looking, in your own backyard no less. We are all in shock; we are all hurt, by seeing our protective and kind sibling get rocked back a little bit. Someone snuck up on you from behind and gave you a black eye, and I know I speak for a lot of people around the world, all your loyal brother and sisters, when I say we can't wait to see you get back up again. We can't wait to see you rise to your feet, shake the dust off, and accept our hugs and affection as we try to reassure you that we're right here to offer any help you need. We can't wait to see you gather yourself, re-affirm your bearing, and then go get the guys that did this too you. We can't wait to see you catch up with the bad guys, and wipe them off the face of the earth, once and for all.
We know you'll take your time. We know you're going to make sure you have the right people before you act. We know you'll do your best to protect the innocent as you exact your completely justified revenge. We know you're going to get them this time, no matter what it takes. And we are so happy to know that soon our home, our global neighborhood, will be a whole lot safer for all of us. We are so proud to be your siblings, America. We may argue sometimes, but it's nothing serious... not like this. You really are the best, and we are so grateful for all you've ever done. We couldn't ask for a better friend and brother. Go get them. We've got your back. Peace to each and every one of you.
that, to be offensive in any way is the last thing I intend.
But... they just showed some up close footage of what's left of the WTC on NBC. Some of the superstructure is still standing upright, in a beautiful fan-like pattern. They should preserve it, as sculpture, as a monument to this day. If you see the footage on TV, you might see what I mean.
I don't believe in God, but I said a little prayer today.
Arise!
Arise,
and cast away the weary weight of the world.
Arise,
you who are hurt,
who are tread upon,
by the sadness that you see.
To lift things,
to make a better way.
To be the most of that specific potential,
which constitutes a man.
This is where we go,
together.
Reject the falsehoods of division.
We are the same.
Follow not those who would tell you otherwise.
Follow only that tender voice,
that song within,
that sings from the best of nature.
The fear of your brother is unfounded,
your sister shares your song.
The prophet who speaks with different voice than this,
is deceiving.
Tomorrow marks the new time.
Not yet unresolved from the path of possibility,
it can begin today.
The line must be drawn,
firmly and with full effort and attention.
The course of things will change.
It is our choice.
To be caretakers of this world.
To start with your own circle,
to sweep the majestic force of compassion around you,
to encompass what you see.
Act with the totality of your urgings,
that hidden longing to love that lives within us all.
To see a time when the first of us,
has no more than the last of us.
The possibility for a new way is here, now.
Begin with the ending of the old ways.
We must each be that ideal,
that lesson never learned.
Today, begin a new way of things.
Reach out to your enemy,
with caution,
but with intent of inclusion.
We are the same.
Only the path has been different,
only the taint of prejudice and presumption,
stains slightly different hues.
We must be that brilliant tapestry.
Cast away the religions,
the corrupt institutions,
that poison the waters of our lives.
The teachings are divisive,
and therefore thoroughly flawed.
The miracle is in you,
not in the lies of the demagogue.
Learn from the rich texture of your neighbour,
breath in the different colours of their lives.
Let each of us express ourselves,
with beauty,
with the fullest aspect of our souls.
Without fear,
without the urge to take,
to hurt,
the other among us.
It can be no other way.
It begins here. Right now. With us. Both you and I. This is a time of sadness, of tragedy. Mark it not as an end to things, but as a beginning. Arise! Cast aside your prejudice; cast aside what keeps you from loving your fellow man. To not feel helpless. That is what must be done. We must come together. Now. What you believe in, if it keeps you from understanding and loving your fellow man, must be discarded. The black man and the white man, your differences are small now. Unimportant. They must be let go. To galvanize our better nature, to stand side by side, that is what must be done. Tell your brother, your sister, of your love for them. We are one now. It can be no other way. To think that your time, your moment on this earth, is not important, is no longer true. This is the time we were born for, to come together, to close the divisions between us. We must be strong, and always reasoning, in the months to come. This was meant to divide us, to shake our faith within ourselves. Make this a beginning. Make this the moment where we strive for the world of which we all dream. Each of us, can have no more than the last of us. Never think that you were not born into a great moment. We, together, never divided. The time is now. Peace to all my brothers and sisters, to all of you.