I find it interesting that the two (at this time) replies to my (parent) post do nothing to answer my question, completely missing the point of the parenthetical comment at the end.
Also interesting is the fact that both replies were written as if my (parent) had claimed that there is proof of the existence of God, which it didn't.
Even more interestingly, they each choose a counterexample that specifically contradicts what they are asserting.
Perhaps it would be appropriate, after all, to point out that I do know that God lives.
"Children learn to differentiate between fantasy and reality. You learned to right?"
Being able to differentiate between fantasy and reality don't come automatically with age. Most adults constantly fool themselves into believing an attractive fantasy, rather than accepting reality.
I'm sure that any slashdotter can think of several examples. Ironically, it is inevitable that some people would give as an example something that they've convinced themselves is fantasy, but is actually reality.
From my point of view, the problem is denial of responsibility.
People think that whether you stay married or get divorced is something that just happens, rather than something that two people do to themselves.
Similarly, people like to think that whether a relationship is good or bad is random, instead of a result of decisions made by two people.
We like to think that our lives are governed by large decisions/events that come every once-in-a-while, but in reality our lives are mostly governed by our small, everyday choices. (Curiously, our happiness is entirely determined by our small, everyday choices.)
Note: I do understand that there are times that the divorce/bad marriage is practically entirely the fault of only one of the parties, but even then it is due to decisions, not chance.
I can't see how I could get VOIP for less than I pay for phone+DSL now.
My total telecommunications costs (local, long-distance, cell, internet) are less than $50/month now. If you can show me how to get it cheaper, I'd appreciate it.
I feel sorry for you. I (and my siblings) grew up mostly in the US (we were overseas for a while because of my dad's military service). Our parents didn't ignore us. We had rules to help us learn what is right and what is harmful (yes, they are opposites). My parents (and thus their children) were not blind to the fact that some people drink. We also weren't ever fooled into thinking that it was inevitable that we drink, smoke, have sex outside of marriage, use drugs, gamble, use bad language, drop out of college, shoplift, etc. We also weren't ever fooled into thinking that it was inevitable that we become kind, selfless, honest, hard-working or happy. Our parents were careful to help us understood that all those things are possible choices. They were also wise enough to make sure that we knew that our choices have consequences now and later, to ourselves and others. They were also loved us enough to show us by their example, just how happy we could be. Our parents always knew, and let us know, that everyone makes their own choices.
"... the more capable people are most often the least likely to breed..."
You qualify that phrase with the word "often," but your post still implies that you know what makes one person better (more worthy to reproduce/pass on values) than another.
It is at least as possible that adults that choose not to get married and raise children are some of the LEAST capable to be good parents, because they're selfish.
Before the flames come, it should be noted that:
1. I presented the alternative to the assumptions implied in the parent as a different possibility, not as a fact.
2. There are many reasons why people don't have children, and not all of them are character flaws.
3. There are some people that are unfit to be parents that have lots of children.
4. There are some people that have lots of children and are wonderful parents.
I don't think that IE7 would be free for me. I suspect that it would cost at least a couple hundred dollars. As far as I can tell, I would have to upgrade the OS, then upgrade the hardware to support the new OS.
I apologize for the misunderstanding. I didn't mean to imply that you can't concentrate, just that your examples didn't show it.
The way you described it the second time, driving does require concentration. I also think that your example of writing for hours at at time is a good example.
Um, being able to immerse yourself in a computer game for hours has nothing to do with powers of concentration.
Now, being able to think about one chess move for hours - without your mind wandering, of course - would indicate concentration.
Some parents will sit their child in front of the television and remark at how their child has such an amazing attention span, since he/she can sit and watch the television for hours. What they don't understand is that engaging in an activity that constantly re-engages your attention (such as television, computer games, driving when it's difficult, etc.) doesn't require a long attention span or powers of concentration.
Perhaps you didn't really mean that long hours of DOOM and driving the motorhome implied good ability to concentrate, but it sounded like it.
"The big problem most people have is that squinting doesn't help. And yet, everybody with glasses will mention this."
Maybe you didn't mean what it sounds like, but squinting does help. That's why people squint. It may only help temporarily. It may not help enough. It may not help in all situations. Squinting too much may actually damage eyesight.
I sit here looking at a paper on the wall that I can't read, unless I squint. Squinting DOES help me see some things better. (It also blocks light when it's too bright.)
So, squinting does help some. That's why people do it without even thinking about it.
"For example, in the nearby park here, the kids play in a walled off pen. Where is freedom? They play with their parents 50% of the time and hardly socialize with other kids."
I've seen some kids like that, but if that's all you see, you live in a WIERD place. (Like New York City)
Disclaimer: I live near NYC, and like it alright, but anyone who thinks that it is a normal place to live hasn't been very many places.
If someone has better information I would be glad to be corrected.
I had understood that MS called for people to contract to design a disk compression program that MS would include in MSDOS6. Stacker sent in their program. MS changed their minds and said, "Never mind, we'll make one ourselves." MS then released MSDOS6 with Stacker included as Doublespace (perhaps with some minor modifications). Stacker sued, and amazingly won. MS found it cheaper/easier to buy Stacker instead of pay the damages. MS included more/better Stacker in the later versions of MSDOS with a new name.
AS I said, I'm not sure exactly how close this is to reality, and would appreciate references to more correct versions.
One VERY IMPORTANT difference (which you may not be aware of, since you don't sound like a US citizen) is that the current US military is all volunteer. There is no draft, conscription or cumpulsory military service.
There are other essential differences between Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq (etc.), but this one seemes to directly apply to your stated concern.
All of the "kids" (your word) being send to Iraq (and other places) are adults that voluntarily put themselves under the orders of other people. These adults knew when they signed up that they can be sent to die anywhere, even without knowing why.
You may think that these adults made poor decisions when they joined the US military, but it was THEIR decision.
I'm sure that many of these people didn't actually believe that they would get shot at, but if so, it's becuase they fooled themselves.
"I think that the baby boomers have a better quality of living than any generation since."
I STRONGLY disagree. From what I know about anyone that has been around for more than 50 years, I have it much better. (Society-wise, not personal finance-wise, but that's because I'm just starting out.) That's not to say that there aren't problems now.
I would agree that GOVERNMENT censorship is nearly always bad. But, I would argue that PERSONAL censorship is wise, good and necessary.
Example: While I would never advocate, nor agree with, government censorship of theories that the Earth is flat, I have already resolved that issue for myself and don't waste time on it anymore.
If you find someone that is sure enough that their power supply won't break down that they're willing to pay the postage if it does, then maybe it's a better part?
Slashdot Mirror
I find it interesting that the two (at this time) replies to my (parent) post do nothing to answer my question, completely missing the point of the parenthetical comment at the end.
Also interesting is the fact that both replies were written as if my (parent) had claimed that there is proof of the existence of God, which it didn't.
Even more interestingly, they each choose a counterexample that specifically contradicts what they are asserting.
Perhaps it would be appropriate, after all, to point out that I do know that God lives.
Look, I know you're just a troll, but I have to ask anyway:
You say: "It was disproven long ago. There is NO CREATOR, and there never was."
I'm very curious about the when, where, who and how of that proof.
Do you have links or references? Can you explain the proof to me?
I ask because I have never before heard anyone claim that there is PROOF of the nonexistence of a Creator before.
(I have heard many people say that there is no proof of the existence of a Creator, but I hope you see the difference.)
"Children learn to differentiate between fantasy and reality. You learned to right?"
Being able to differentiate between fantasy and reality don't come automatically with age. Most adults constantly fool themselves into believing an attractive fantasy, rather than accepting reality.
I'm sure that any slashdotter can think of several examples.
Ironically, it is inevitable that some people would give as an example something that they've convinced themselves is fantasy, but is actually reality.
"Link the population centers, and you've effectively wired up the entire region."
Only if you consider leaving out a percent or few of the people "effective."
From my point of view, the problem is denial of responsibility.
People think that whether you stay married or get divorced is something that just happens, rather than something that two people do to themselves.
Similarly, people like to think that whether a relationship is good or bad is random, instead of a result of decisions made by two people.
We like to think that our lives are governed by large decisions/events that come every once-in-a-while, but in reality our lives are mostly governed by our small, everyday choices.
(Curiously, our happiness is entirely determined by our small, everyday choices.)
Note: I do understand that there are times that the divorce/bad marriage is practically entirely the fault of only one of the parties, but even then it is due to decisions, not chance.
"Phone calls are a great deal cheaper on VOIP"
I can't see how I could get VOIP for less than I pay for phone+DSL now.
My total telecommunications costs (local, long-distance, cell, internet) are less than $50/month now.
If you can show me how to get it cheaper, I'd appreciate it.
Me too.
Naked people in public is NOT free speech.
VOICING OPINIONS on whether people should be naked in public IS.
I feel sorry for you.
I (and my siblings) grew up mostly in the US (we were overseas for a while because of my dad's military service).
Our parents didn't ignore us.
We had rules to help us learn what is right and what is harmful (yes, they are opposites).
My parents (and thus their children) were not blind to the fact that some people drink.
We also weren't ever fooled into thinking that it was inevitable that we drink, smoke, have sex outside of marriage, use drugs, gamble, use bad language, drop out of college, shoplift, etc.
We also weren't ever fooled into thinking that it was inevitable that we become kind, selfless, honest, hard-working or happy.
Our parents were careful to help us understood that all those things are possible choices.
They were also wise enough to make sure that we knew that our choices have consequences now and later, to ourselves and others.
They were also loved us enough to show us by their example, just how happy we could be.
Our parents always knew, and let us know, that everyone makes their own choices.
I chose to never taste alcohol.
"... the more capable people are most often the least likely to breed..."
You qualify that phrase with the word "often," but your post still implies that you know what makes one person better (more worthy to reproduce/pass on values) than another.
It is at least as possible that adults that choose not to get married and raise children are some of the LEAST capable to be good parents, because they're selfish.
Before the flames come, it should be noted that:
1. I presented the alternative to the assumptions implied in the parent as a different possibility, not as a fact.
2. There are many reasons why people don't have children, and not all of them are character flaws.
3. There are some people that are unfit to be parents that have lots of children.
4. There are some people that have lots of children and are wonderful parents.
I don't think that IE7 would be free for me.
I suspect that it would cost at least a couple hundred dollars.
As far as I can tell, I would have to upgrade the OS, then upgrade the hardware to support the new OS.
I apologize for the misunderstanding.
I didn't mean to imply that you can't concentrate, just that your examples didn't show it.
The way you described it the second time, driving does require concentration.
I also think that your example of writing for hours at at time is a good example.
Um, being able to immerse yourself in a computer game for hours has nothing to do with powers of concentration.
Now, being able to think about one chess move for hours - without your mind wandering, of course - would indicate concentration.
Some parents will sit their child in front of the television and remark at how their child has such an amazing attention span, since he/she can sit and watch the television for hours. What they don't understand is that engaging in an activity that constantly re-engages your attention (such as television, computer games, driving when it's difficult, etc.) doesn't require a long attention span or powers of concentration.
Perhaps you didn't really mean that long hours of DOOM and driving the motorhome implied good ability to concentrate, but it sounded like it.
"The big problem most people have is that squinting doesn't help. And yet, everybody with glasses will mention this."
Maybe you didn't mean what it sounds like, but squinting does help. That's why people squint.
It may only help temporarily. It may not help enough. It may not help in all situations. Squinting too much may actually damage eyesight.
I sit here looking at a paper on the wall that I can't read, unless I squint. Squinting DOES help me see some things better. (It also blocks light when it's too bright.)
So, squinting does help some. That's why people do it without even thinking about it.
I had thought that lying to the police was against the law. perjury isn't the only way to lie illegally.
At least she'll SAY she agrees.
"A robot could provide personalized attention that a teacher could not, or could not do easily."
I would say that a robot could provide individual attention, but it wtill wouldn't be personalized.
"For example, in the nearby park here, the kids play in a walled off pen. Where is freedom? They play with their parents 50% of the time and hardly socialize with other kids."
I've seen some kids like that, but if that's all you see, you live in a WIERD place. (Like New York City)
Disclaimer: I live near NYC, and like it alright, but anyone who thinks that it is a normal place to live hasn't been very many places.
If someone has better information I would be glad to be corrected.
I had understood that MS called for people to contract to design a disk compression program that MS would include in MSDOS6.
Stacker sent in their program.
MS changed their minds and said, "Never mind, we'll make one ourselves."
MS then released MSDOS6 with Stacker included as Doublespace (perhaps with some minor modifications).
Stacker sued, and amazingly won.
MS found it cheaper/easier to buy Stacker instead of pay the damages.
MS included more/better Stacker in the later versions of MSDOS with a new name.
AS I said, I'm not sure exactly how close this is to reality, and would appreciate references to more correct versions.
One VERY IMPORTANT difference (which you may not be aware of, since you don't sound like a US citizen) is that the current US military is all volunteer. There is no draft, conscription or cumpulsory military service.
There are other essential differences between Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq (etc.), but this one seemes to directly apply to your stated concern.
All of the "kids" (your word) being send to Iraq (and other places) are adults that voluntarily put themselves under the orders of other people. These adults knew when they signed up that they can be sent to die anywhere, even without knowing why.
You may think that these adults made poor decisions when they joined the US military, but it was THEIR decision.
I'm sure that many of these people didn't actually believe that they would get shot at, but if so, it's becuase they fooled themselves.
"I think that the baby boomers have a better quality of living than any generation since."
I STRONGLY disagree.
From what I know about anyone that has been around for more than 50 years, I have it much better. (Society-wise, not personal finance-wise, but that's because I'm just starting out.)
That's not to say that there aren't problems now.
Red Green made a personal rocket-pack once.
It didn't turn out, but it might give you some ideas to start.
(Wish I had a link)
"So yeah, cencorship[sic] is bad."
I would agree that GOVERNMENT censorship is nearly always bad.
But, I would argue that PERSONAL censorship is wise, good and necessary.
Example:
While I would never advocate, nor agree with, government censorship of theories that the Earth is flat, I have already resolved that issue for myself and don't waste time on it anymore.
"Right now, 3Mb/sec is running $40-50/month and is likely to stay there."
Luckily, I don't need 3Mb/sec. 768Kb/sec is more than fine for me and it's only US$15/month.
If you find someone that is sure enough that their power supply won't break down that they're willing to pay the postage if it does, then maybe it's a better part?