BruceVC

We could start by abolishing it. Really Monte? Maybe you could give some more details around why you feel like that . That statement is a serious one. Would you prefer Europe went back to days where all countries were independent?

Seeing that you're supporting India (a country with one of the greatest gaps between rich and poor) shifting even further to the right-wing, I find that hard to believe. Oh no believe it, trust me. I do take issues of social justice very seriously. But just explain to me why if I think that India is a relevant global economy that means I don't care about social justice issues or the inequality gap that is prevalent in most countries? I'm missing the connection

I love tea, I was raised on tea and only drink coffee if I want a break. I need a cup of tea everyday to get me up in the morning I generally drink local brands and Rooibos

I don't think there is such a thing as an inexpensive lobster bisque but that meal does sound delicious

Meh, not playing white saviour to all those poor oppressed women in third world countries while the first world is also far from being problem-free is pretty much the best thing one can do in his situation, methinks. we think white savior is kinda amusing, but bruce has championed as white knight for women on message boards and seems very concerned with race issues in parts of world other than south africa. bjp taking over in india is gonna affect far more lives than possible eu changes. given bruce's other posts he obviously can't deride the white savior with any genuine vigor. so, as bruce aint eu himself, why the concern for eu when india changes is potential more significant? am also gonna suggest that the first/second/third world distinctions is inherent flawed. is a cold war holdover that has increasingly suspect value, particular as we move towards increasing globalization. heck, utilizing some o' the bizarre new methodologies for dividing nations into 1st, second and third world, we has seen south africa gets 3rd world label more than once. HA! Good Fun! Gromnir whatever you have been smoking I want some Your assessment of me and the why I support issues of social justice seems so horribly flawed I would normally assume that this can't be you posting, you are normally so astute I care about all social justice issues throughout the world but I can't discuss everything all the time, sorry about that Gromnir. Also since when did I say I don't care about racism in South Africa? When did I even suggest anything remotely like that? Also from an economic global perspective the EU is more important than India, a collapse of the EU would have much greater ramifications for the world than a collapse of India, sorry I keep suggesting that Gromnir but this is just the reality of the global economy.

The economy and most likely not (at least in regards to the continuation of the union). I do worry a little about the rise of nationalistic socialistic and Lib/Soc parties (not to be confused with 1930 style nationalsozialismus .. just yet) - Extremism is almost always a direct consequences of a perceived lack of resources... but this political movement under way, is so populist that it's not entirely healthy. These parties try to compass extreme conservative notions like nationalism, immigrations issues. Liberal notions like tax cuts for the rich and "transperancy" while being unequivocally Top-Down in their own management.. and left wing politics in the style of elder care, welfare issues and healthcare. The problem is their policies become completely polluted with "here and now" issues - meaning a lot of the actual needed political management, that needs to be a lot more farsighted, is completely overlooked - which is basically paving the way for the next huge crisis down the road. This mirrors the political development of Europe in the 1930s, except the union and the peaceful atmosphere towards fellow member states fuels the anger outwards. Europe won't go to war again, but it might shut itself in and look inwards. Which is also bad for the development of Europe. Wow another interesting perspective, nice one But tell me something. Denmark, if I'm not mistaken, was one of the current EU countries where a far right party gained major support. So I have to ask why, why in such a prosperous and socially stable country could far right ideals be so popular? For example are Danish people really that worried about immigration?

So Nonek would you advocate a complete breakup of the EU, with a view it was always doomed to fail, or rather structural changes and if you believe the latter what changes would you suggest in the EU? The economic and political structures in the EU is not my strong point so I am interested in what people think would improve the EU as a whole

I'm not sure I follow, are you saying the far right in Finland gained support because the current Finnish government bailed out foreign banks ?

That is a very good post and insightful. IMO it accurately raises how in the UK the UKIP has gained such support. I wonder if stories are the same in other European countries, like France and Denmark, where similar far right parties have gained in popularity?

No Gromnir, there is nothing odd or inconsistent in my comments. Of course the treatment of women and minority groups throughout the globe is very relevant. But this thread is about the rise of anti-European parliamentary representation in the EU parliament. What does this mean for the future of the EU and what does this tell us about the current structures and success of the EU I'll happily participate in a thread that you may want to start about the treatment of minority groups in India. But lets try to stay on topic around the European parliamentary elections

The Indian election is relevant but I am not that concerned about the future of India as Modi is pro business and wants to fix the systemic problems that have been slowing down the growth of the Indian economy. He wants to encourage foreign investment, improve infrastructure and innovate Indian businesses. These are all good things for the future of India I am much more worried about a growing number of anti-EU parliamentarians who will now sit and make decisions in the EU parliament. A failure of the EU I think will be very detrimental to the global economy.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/25/european-parliament-election-euroskeptics_n_5390012.html So there have been some concerning results, IMO, with the rise of euroskeptics and far right political parties in various countries in the EU. Overall we should still see 2/3 majority for support of the EU and the future of the EU but the fact that political parties that are basically opposed to the EU are doing so well in the local vote in the various EU countries worries me. Especially for the longevity of the EU. You can see how well the UKIP did in the UK, Nigel Farage is ecstatic So what do think is the cause of all this anti-EU sentiment and should we be worried. The worst end result would be an eventual dissolution of the EU and the various European countries return to independent rule which I think would be an egregious mistake?

Fair enough I don't know anyone who is in the exact situation as you mentioned and truly doesn't have time to exercise. All I would argue is that a cardio workout is going to relax you more than alcohol or drugs. But the alcohol and drugs is a perceived method to relax a person, I don't think its a long term solution.

Okay, I think I misunderstood you. The thing is we have had this debate before and the point I am objecting to is where people say " I don't have time to exercise., I am older now and have other responsibilities" All I'm saying is exercise should become a lifestyle choice and then you will always find time for it

LOL during my entire time in the Marine Corps and long after I got out I ran and lifted with about the same intensity that Woldan does now... and I wake up stiff & sore every day! Those chickens do come to roost one day! As he (Woldan) and I have already debated, weightlifting and other static anaerobic workouts are not the end-all of exercise regimens. I lead an active life with a good deal of outdoor physical activity and that alone keeps me in shape as well as disciplined & concentrated exercise. And it comes with the added bonus of actually getting work done while doing it. So for me when I talk about doing regular exercise I am talking about cardio, not weight training. And my objective is fitness and not to see how much weights a person can lift.

I agree about other responsibilities when you get older but lets take you as an example. You are married with 2 kids and have a full time job. But you also manage to still do some jogging and exercise, and you have time to do some gaming. How do you manage?

Sorry Gromnir but I am Woldans side on this debate where people say they can't exercise because " they don't have time or have other responsibilities" The reality is in almost cases they choose to do other things instead of exercising. This could be watching TV, gaming or partaking in Internet debates. And that's fine, no one is judging you. But don't say you don't " have time to do 1 hour of exercise 4\week" The only acceptation I can think of is there are people who live in poverty who due to there financial situation don't have time because of long trips to work( 2 hours + one way to get to work) on public transport. I see this in South Africa. But exercise just needs to become a part of your lifestyle and then you will always find time for it.

Well it wouldn't be for every battle/AI. It would be limited to the intelligent antagonists and organizations that it would make sense for. Take the original campaign in NWN2, after you've gained the attention of Black Garius he starts scrying you as you battle the githyanki. A character with a high spot could possibly notice the scrying was occurring. Regardless of that, Garius watches your fights and determines you do lots of fire damage, so when he sets up a fight for you makes sure to give his minions fire resistance. If you noticed the scurrying though, you could decided to use only cold damage instead. See no hive mind needed, just a reasonably smart opponent willing to acquire information about the party and then use it. This is a completely reasonable and feasible way of implementing this type of AI. I agree with you. This would only apply to certain examples of course. All I'm saying is lets not sacrifice realism for a perceived challenge around AI

Season 2 isn't nearly as good, and ends on a cliffhanger. The infuriating thing was itwas cancelled before a single episode of s2 was aired, and the reason given was that the producers felt it had reached a good spot to end it on. Interesting input. I'll keep that in mind

I just started watching a series call Copper, only 2 seasons were made but I am thoroughly enjoying it. Its set at the end of American Civil War in New York and in the very turbulent and violent five points area. Its about an Irish detective who has to solve various crimes, very entertaining

Yeah! Tell me about it! My AV had all its bells and whistles go off as soon as I touched the play-button. I will try the game again later today, I reckon. It's been a few hotfixes now, it seems. I will not import my old save from TIAOVH1. This looks to be best treated as a new game altogether. And Katarina is adorable! I always admire people like you guys, you'll play a game as soon as its been released but accept the fact you may not be able to play it. I would be too annoyed by a game that you can basically purchase but keeps crashing. I would question the Q&A testing of the developers. That's why I always follow the 1 month rule before purchasing any game

See post #85. I agree that the concept of enemies basing there initial combat strategy on what you did in the past could be explained through some sort of hive mind but that's one of the only times it would be realistic. How many examples of this type of enemy hierarchy would you expect to see in the game? Don't get me wrong it does sound fun but for me its unrealistic and if Obsidian just enforced this type of AI across the board it would also lead to people being able to abuse a system that is suppose to add a level of challenge

Tomorrow I'm going to a very famous yearly German Beerfest at a prominent German school , so I predict much drinking and eating of good grub. Eisbein awaits me

Which would be a way cool strategy. Also something entirely believable -- keeping your best stuff in reserve and not letting the enemy find out about it makes total sense. Don't mean to nitpick but how would that be realistic? Every enemy you meet is its own sentient being, they have there own though processes and goals. So if you are making a point this would be realistic I am confused how the giant troll you meet in one place knows that you used magic missile against a Ogre in the forest?

Well the good news is Ravens Cry is set to be released in October, hopefully that should deliver on the whole Pirate RPG experience http://www.ravenscry-game.com/en/game-info/