Walsingham

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/family/8559534/...omplaining.html Thought LoF might enjoy this, given his recent thread about too much sex in video games. Basically, complaints about overtly sexual images being used all over the place. I suppose it also ties into the other thread about child development and identity. Sexuality is obviously fundamental to an adult's identity, but prematurely inserting that metric into a young child's view of themselves? Ick.

What annoys me is that on the one hand you have flying World Wrestling Federation, which manages to get good films (or at least passable films), and Judge Dredd, the finest and most adaptable comic book universe I've read left with one utterly crap film.

To be judicious, I have to say that as much as I disliked Honest Hearts, I can appreciate that some people would like it. Plenty to biff, new area, new kit. Surely a checklist for some goons? I'm going to leave it another month then roll me up a new character and go from scratch, low charisma, high self-sustained constructy.

Played through Op Flashpoint, Dragon Rising. I know it's less than full price, but it's absolutely tiny. Love the gameplay, mostly. Should I buy the other one, anyone?

Al Kaida was made by the US+UK+Saudis to combat Soviets in Afghanistan and has since been used as a vanguard/support in the destabilization of countries opposed to US, even post 9/11. cites many major news publications and even a video of a major Al Kaida commander present at dinner in Pentagon with top US brass several months after 9-11 accuses US of sliding into totalitarism If you really are a student of politics then I suggest you switch on and try harder. Or I guarantee you will waste your entire academic career believing in a fantasy. And that would be a damn waste.

I'm not watching the damn video! Summarise.

I don't what it is, but crack me up.

I deserve to be punched for even asking this, but isn't a machine defined by having moving parts? Otherwise it's just an object?

I should have thought my opinion of Al Kaida <sic?> was more than abundantly expressed all over this forum. Since I haven't watched the video I can only assume that being a NWO nut the chap in question belives that AlQ don't exist and it's all a massive lie. Which is a view so contemptible that I would urinate on it, were the technology available.

Because of course they couldn't possibly do that for themselves. It makes me sad people like you exist. I'm confused. You're sad that it would be easier and better for the local people to use the same money to do the work they need? Why? Surely that's noble AND efficient.

So what you're saying is that my opinion isn't worth any effort from you? Cheers. I'm bound to pay attention now...

I mean the opposite of offence when I say that I am certain you can come up with a better way of making the same point than having some hand waving nutter do it for you.

But your rage is making you powerful... Seriously, mate. Stick to your guns.

If you want me to take the point seriously, find me someone making the point seriously. Before I make you watch a show about Clauswitz done with muppets.

Interesting point, Nep. And I think there's a lot of frustration with that on the street. People feel that government isn't acting for them. And it's coming from all sides. However, in fairness to the powers that be, I do wonder if it's precisely because our environment is so complex. We've had some interesting discussions about criminal justice here recently, and while we disagree we recognise that the impact of say, a sentencing tariff, is not obvious. Harsher sentence may sound like tough on crime, but it might not actually reduce crime. And if so, is that really protecting anyone? (I deliberately choose this example because I happen to think that it ought to work, and I'm trying to make a wider point about complexity). To underscore the significance of this to this topic, again I'm thinking in terms of complexity. Should Germany want to switch off its nuke power, can it do so, and would the same effort be better used in other areas?

"...New World Order" *click*

No. That was't what I was saying, although I don't really disagree with you about rigidity. That ties into what I'm saying. What I'm saying is that this is about the predictability of outcomes, and the sense in pursuing a given course in light of the eventual outcome. I'm saying that right wingers and left wingers both underestimate the complexity of our environment. But that right wingers underestimate it in a way which almost anyone can see. Whereas left wingers underestimate it just as catastrophically, but less obviously. I actually should say that talking through these areas in with you chaps in recent months has shifted my views a little towards lighter government. I just don't see that a democratic decision making body can possibly appreciate and deliver coherent policy on complex topics. If intervention is going to be misguided or weak, then don't intervene. With various exceptions etc etc.

Actually I can totally believe the peer relationship figure. Even if only because they are more self-fulfilling. If you are an arsehat then eventually you will fidn yourself with only arsehat friends. Whereas I've known tonnes of people with perfectly nice parents who are themselves completely awful. Blank, it'd be great if you could find time to post some of your sources, and maybe dwell a little further on the exceptions. It is, after all, what my friend needs to know - how to leverage the exception factors, if there are any. EDIT: And I meant romantic love.

I've always been fond of the term 'graunch'. This means a kind of grinding and wrenching. I've only heard two people use it other than me. One I invented the other day was 'malfoon'. It means someone who is essentially a buffoon, but in addition positively dangerous to others.

Actually I'd say that they are. But the way that they are doesn't sit well with anyone who isn't a filthy public school educated egomaniac like myself. Quite simply, turning up as a foreigner adds a litle glamour and excitement. It makes people feel that the outside world is really interested. A bit like Prince Harry coming round and shaking your hand. It's just some bloke, really. But it straightens the sinews. (I'm in so much trouble now. Bracing for impact)

The problem with left and right wing is that the latter are first order stupid, while the former are third order stupid. They are both stupid. But people who are a little bit clever and have no system-specific expertise can only reason out the stupidity of the right. To reason out the stupidity of the left requires a big bit of paper and some pencils. I get more annoyed by the left wing stupidity because it is committed by people who should know better, but can't be arsed.

Well, Monte. For the simple reason that I made a promise that I would and I always keep my promises. Even when I'm drunk. Am now at p179-180. the man sounds like the nuttier characters on this board. Notably Onur. he repeatedly slanders US/UK forces without one shred of evidence offerred, while at the same time offerring evidence on other topics. Nearly a thousand pages yet to go, but I want to use it as loo roll immediately.

Gotta love it.

Quiet you. It's a serious question. If my review suggests (and it did) that we derive much of our identity from those who are near us, and whom we rely on and trust... then presumably it's not a great stretch to suggest that those we love shape us.