BruceVC

Dude are you being serious about that Finnish dislike of small talk...that doesn't sound very nice. South Africans are very comfortable and enjoy making small talk....I would also battle to live in Finland. I make small talk all the time....but I dont see it as irrelevant as it helps to build a rapport with someone..normally a stranger. And that can be useful Here example how people in my home city will react when you try to small talk with us. Although you can get much more out if you offer couple rounds in bar. That video was really really funny And it explains what you mean perfectly reasonably when you say " Finns aren't really into small talk "

Its for a good cause....its not so bad and its only 1 or 2 days right. I am agnostic but I can see these types of events bring joy and happiness to many people. Plus this Pope seems like the real deal....he rejects wealth and opulence and washes the feet of inmates in South American jails. I do respect the man because he seems to be a really nice guy...except for his unfair criticisms of Capitalism Anyway I think its exciting for you, I hope you find someway to enjoy it

Dude are you being serious about that Finnish dislike of small talk...that doesn't sound very nice. South Africans are very comfortable and enjoy making small talk....I would also battle to live in Finland. I make small talk all the time....but I dont see it as irrelevant as it helps to build a rapport with someone..normally a stranger. And that can be useful

Doesn't sound like them being much of refugees if an incoming cold winter and an economic downturn would make them think twice. //edit: They were Iraqis, lol I'm fine if less refugees come to Europe because they think life is hard in the EU...life is harder in the EU than people assume So Elerond and Meshugger if you guys are feeling guilty about Finland creating such a bad impression of the EU....don't feel guilty. People also need to see the negative of the EU that isn't even that severe Finland will create much worse impression in time period from December to February when temperature here is averagely between -10 - -30 degree of Celsius and you see sun only couple hours in day. Culture shock that it causes for people from ME is enormous even when one is prepared to it not to mention people that aren't. Do people have to work if its -30 ?And what public transport, is it operational in this cold ? -30 don't usually cause any big problems, schools and such start to close when it goes below -40. Public transport will operate if there aren't technical problems like Italian made trains that have problems to work in such temperatures. That sounds hectic to me....you must realize I dont think I have ever experienced anything lower than -10. And this is only from Skiing in Austria...so how cold is your average ski resort? Anyway the thought of -30 terrifies me a little. I am just imagining having to go to work in that cold...going to gym...meeting people at bars, it must be tough at times to motivate yourself

Doesn't sound like them being much of refugees if an incoming cold winter and an economic downturn would make them think twice. //edit: They were Iraqis, lol I'm fine if less refugees come to Europe because they think life is hard in the EU...life is harder in the EU than people assume So Elerond and Meshugger if you guys are feeling guilty about Finland creating such a bad impression of the EU....don't feel guilty. People also need to see the negative of the EU that isn't even that severe Finland will create much worse impression in time period from December to February when temperature here is averagely between -10 - -30 degree of Celsius and you see sun only couple hours in day. Culture shock that it causes for people from ME is enormous even when one is prepared to it not to mention people that aren't. Do people have to work if its -30 ?And what public transport, is it operational in this cold ?

Doesn't sound like them being much of refugees if an incoming cold winter and an economic downturn would make them think twice. //edit: They were Iraqis, lol I'm fine if less refugees come to Europe because they think life is hard in the EU...life is harder in the EU than people assume So Elerond and Meshugger if you guys are feeling guilty about Finland creating such a bad impression of the EU....don't feel guilty. People also need to see the negative of the EU that isn't even that severe

Obama can be pretty funny. Bad president, but decent comedian. Isn't this old....like 2011 old ? It seems to be that old, it has just resurfaced in social media, probably because it fits so well in current debates. Yeah it is relevant but it just goes to show how Obama has received the same unfounded and untrue criticisms for years Here is a newer one that is quite funny

Well, he's right in that way. Should push for Germany to foot the bill to move these people. Is he right? Its only really a " German " problem because they are prepared to absorb more Syrians but wouldn't it become a "European " problem if all countries agreed to take in more Syrians But I'm not justifying the fact Europe should take in any refugees. I'm just saying it doesn't seem reasonable to say " this is a German problem" This is an EU problem and needs consensus and a unified response

Obama can be pretty funny. Bad president, but decent comedian. Isn't this old....like 2011 old ?

Volo I have mentioned this before, you Canadians need to join the USA. Trust me it will only benefit your economy and political structures. You won't have Majors of towns, Rob Ford, smoking crack cocaine and keeping there jobs ...the USA will get the political discipline lacking in Canada working properly No thanks, Bruce. We don't want them. Shame ....poor Volo

Volo I have mentioned this before, you Canadians need to join the USA. Trust me it will only benefit your economy and political structures. You won't have Majors of towns, Rob Ford, smoking crack cocaine and keeping there jobs ...the USA will get the political discipline lacking in Canada working properly

There are plenty of people in certain states that want to leave and some are willing to sacrifice a few things to do it. The simple truth though is that it will never be allowed; ever. It's a moot point, "why" they want to leave. They don't get to leave. That's basically the truth. I should note that this isn't the way I want it to be. It's just the reality of the situation. Actually no, there are plenty of people who think they understand what an economic and social sacrifice leaving the Union would entail. But how could they possibly know considering the last time states left the Union was 150 years ago during the Civil War ....and the world has dramatically changed since then and we live in global world where countries are really interconnected on numerous levels I don't mean to attack your post but I always find it amazing that some people will argue for a particular state to secede and yet have no real or practical understanding of what the consequences would mean

It's a popular theory, but I'm not so sure anymore. What if the Taliban and Muslim Brotherhood and Islamic State are the Islamic equivalent to the Christian reformation? Remember, the Christian reformation didn't happen because they said "Hey, let's erase some of our religion's beloved commandments as a compromise to make the world a better place for nonbelievers!" It happened because they said "Why did we allow political leaders to invent so many rules and stuff for their own political gain in the name of our religion? That **** wasn't part of the teachings of the founder of our religion! Let's go back to what it was supposed to be originally!" And that sounds very very similar to the explanations that ISIL & co give to defend what they're doing. That may sound strange at first, but here's the thing: The founder of the Christian religion was* a hippie who walked around barefeet and encouraged/hugged/healed people, and steered clear of wordly geopolitics. The founder of the Muslim religion was* a warlord who conquered nations with military might, and engaged in murder, genocide, slavery, torture, rape. That's a really tough pill to swallow for many on the left, who prefer the a-priori answers that postmodernist relativism gives, to those yielded by the evidence. But if we are to understand & deal with ISIL and the like, I don't think we can afford to not explore that context, no matter how politically incorrect. And to preempt the obvious rebuttal: I know, I know, Christians throughout history found all kinds of rationalizations for murder, genocide, slavery, torture and rape, as well. But a call for "Let's go back to the origins, to the example of our religion's founder!" tends to push Christianity into a more benign direction - whereas it shouldn't be assumed to have the same effect on Islam. ---- *)According to the respective religion's own 'authoritative' sources. Only partially (at best) confirmed by actual historians. The likes of the Taliban, ISIS and Al-Qaeda can never be considered similar to the Christian revolution because these movements don't believe in the transformation or progression of the Islamic world. They want to take the Islamic world backwards to a medieval and benighted state For example they don't believe in equality, they don't believe in human rights, they don't believe in the advancements of science and they don't believe in education for all and more importantly they believe in the indivisible right of state and religious doctrine as means of reasonable government Why do we keep having to highlight that if you look at the ascendancy of the West over the last 500 years it should be quite clear that the West has been able to prudently separate the Church from the State around how its countries are managed . The Church is still relevant but its doesn't generally define government policy All these Islamic extremist groups want more religious control of how governments are run. This has been proven to lead to a lack of advancement and economic transformation

I'd love that, we'd finally stop being a flock of sheep and secede. Edit: Btw, style point, "Sharia law" is redundant. You do realize that seceding would mean facing the full power of the US military which in the case of preserving the Union would not hesitate to resort to total war if it needed to. The Texans would be forced to stay, or if that became impossible they'd all be killed, by nuclear strikes if needed. No state leaves the union; much less with it's people alive. This post made me laugh " No state leaves the union; much less with it's people alive " You see for me I would ask a more important questions " why would you really want to leave the Union and do people realize the negative economic impact that would follow any state that legally was able to leave " ?

I'm not with you? These refugees will eventually end up somewhere in EU....so why go to all the effort of stopping them on the Hungarian border when there are countries like Austria and Germany that seem better equipped and more prepared to deal with them? So in other why would the Hungarians make this a problem they have to deal with by restricting border access, this would only make logistical sense if the Syrians wanted to settle in Hungary?

I tell you what I am finding strange is why Hungary is being so resistant to the Syrians passing through? Its clear the Hungarians don't want them and the Syrians don't want to stay in Hungary ...so why not just let them pass through as quickly as possible I feel sympathy for Hungary because it must be very daunting having to manage thousands of people ...Croatia only lasted one day before they quickly closed there borders http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/18/croatia-closes-border-crossings-with-serbia-refugees-stranded But rather then add more bardwire just let them go to countries in the EU that will accept them ?

Comparable how? Or are you counting your native population birth rate as a collective or your genuine native population. Because last time I looked, the only reason most European countries have a positive birth:death ratio, is because the immigrants have several children and make the overall stats look better. And where did you get 850 million, EU has about 500. I get my numbers from the World Bank and UN websites, as opposed to the time honored tradition of pulling the numbers out of your ass. The UN sets a cautious estimate of the population of EU at 738 million. Source. While other projections are almost a billion when Russia, Turkey and other countries some times affiliated with Europe are counted in, so I went with a nice middle ground. Do you also need help with finding sources on population growth? You need to realize Ros that people like Drowsy don't really need verifiable sources of information when they make comments.... RT is normally good enough to spread misinformation and perpetuate conspiracy theories Ask 2133.....according to him every news source is about propaganda

http://edition.cnn.com/2015/09/19/politics/donald-trump-muslims-controversy/ Guys as you can see this incident about that guy saying Obama was a Muslim is now on CNN International....its not just me that is concerned. The Democrats have highlighted this is a display of bigotry All the issues I had with it have been echoed by others. I heard Trumps response and he did make two points I have to say were valid to me Would Obama defend him at a rally if someone criticized him or used hyperbole If he had stopped the guy he would be accused of " interfering in free speech "

I'm nursing a really bad hangover and I'm flying back to JHB....its 7:10 am and I'm at the airport I'm looking at this loss and trying to see the positive. This was undoubtedly the finest moment for Japanese rugby and I'm not going to undermine there achievement Yes countries like NZ and Australia must be laughing now and we deserve it... but as I said earlier I'm still very confident we will get through the Pool. We just mustn't get consumed with negativity...and yes the newspapers are going to be brutal...as we have come to expect

Oh yeah.,....do I know it.... " a huge upset " is an understatement What a TERRIBLE game for us but well done to Japan, they played really well. Less technical mistakes and a really good coach Some of my brothers are saying " how can we come back from this...losing to Japan in the first game " But we still get 2 points for scoring 4 tries and for being within 7 points of the winning team So I have to believe we can come back from this, its not like we can get any worse at the moment

Guys keep the feedback going, I am interested in overall views of this game

"Obama is going to laugh maniacally and roll out Shariah law across the land " Can you imagine Obama going to congress and saying " in the interests of unity and a progressive future for the USA Sharia law will now be rolled out ...starting in Texas " I wonder what WOD would say about this ...mmmmm

I remember you had interest in Rugby seven, didn't you go support them in Vegas? And yes you will find the full Rugby games much more entertaining and intense. I'm glad you are going to watch them, you won't be disappointed And yes you right NZ, like South Africa, has a very good pool draw and will definitely get through. Also remember two teams from each pool get through Pool A is the hardest by far. Australia, England and Wales...I predict Wales and Australia Yeah I went to the Rugby Sevens WC tournament there a few years ago, South Africa and New Zealand played for the championship (what a surprise). I actually was hanging out with one of the players from Team Canada at the Stratosphere, the guy I was there with knew him. Those Rugby players are "babe magnets " hey GD...somehow I doubt they battle to find dates

McCain lost, remember? I thought you may say that.... And do you think that pandering to people who think that Obama is a " Muslim non-citizen of the USA " will help Trump win?

That guy was a complete moron. He was impressively stupid. I'm sorry but how can Trump allow someone to say " Obama is a Muslim " and not correct them? Apart from the factual inaccuracy the insinuation is that somehow its bad to be a Muslim...or that all Muslims want to kill Americans? Come on guys....do we really need to have that type ignorance in the USA during what is suppose to be reasonable political debate ? If Trump had corrected him: A) It could become a nasty exchange. This is not a reasonable person; he won't change his mind, but rather throw a fit. Not good. B) It could turn off some of his nutty supporters. Mccain was able to do it? For me this is about integrity and the fact that Trump seems fine with people believing Obama is a Muslim who wants to destroy the USA