BruceVC

Democratic vs Totalitarian? I suppose its more of the West vs East Russian retarded rhetoric. Anyway, I already commented on this issue before. Although, while it is not surprising that Russian bullying --in attempt to subdue a country into becoming a submissive satellite state that should care more about Russian interest that its own-- give rise to nationalism. It is amusing how uhm "Totalitarian Russia enthusiasts"(?) try to portray the situation in Ukraine as fascist and what not, considering Russia track record with xenophobia and racism. Btw how goes your attitudes toward various minorities and "dark asses" in particular, and how goes your new patriotic laws, which include the adaption of educational history texbooks to paint a more patriotic picture? It would be interesting to see what would happen if your nationalized tv would give tenth of the time they spend on Ukraine to this issue in russia. What? What "your laws"? Do you really think that anyone who do not support ukrainian revolution is a russian? I don't really care what Russia want to do, for me most interesting and entertaining part is how hard people try to ignore ugly and inconvenient parts of new administration. Plus, how Russia uses the very same arguments that were used for interventions during Kosovo, Libya and Iraq campaigns. And how everyone changes their opinion because "That were democratic and righteous revolutions against all that is Evil and this is a totalitarian undemocratic unfree Satanic invasion to opress all that is Good!". Surely I don't blame west for supporting ultraright nutjobs in some country, because, once again - "Might makes right" but it's one of the greatest source of lulz for the time being that makes righteous internet democracy activists extremely uncomfortable. Yes Culitist sometimes regime change and intervention is about democracy and righteousness. And sometimes its about the humanitarian principle. And sometimes its not and we get misinformation. You need to look at each example on a per case basis. You can't generalize about the reasons for legitimate or illegitimate reasons around Western or NATO intervention Cultist I am generally interested, where do you live if you don't mind me asking?

You body is clearly rejecting the unhealthy food, Donut's are bad for you Hurlshot....very bad While your lack of doughnuts has made you all preachy. ;P You might want to get that checked. I'm happy for someone to dispute what I'm saying about Doughnuts without me researching the issue. Are Doughnuts good for you?

What the hell does the Bosnian war have to do with Kosovo? Also what do you know about the Bosnian war? Do you know how may Serbs were ethnically cleansed from Croatia and west Bosnia? Or do you want me to start with WW2 where the national tension culminated? Save me from your western media information, because they lied their ass off during the Bosnian war. If you are interested in the Bosnian war watch this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waEYQ46gH08 What has the Bosnian War and Kosovo got to do with each other? You really don't know? Well lets see.... Serbia was directly iinvolved in both conflicts and Serbian nationalism played a part in both wars Serbia took there military strategy too far, in other words what they were prepared to do to "win" In both cases NATO intervened to end the military aspirations of the Serbs I assume you are Serbian? Do you think that NATO treated the Serbs unfairly? The question is more about the Bosnian War Whatever you think about the wars in Yugoslavia in the last ~25 years, I highly recommend you watch the documentary that Sarex linked. While it glosses over a few things (especially the 19th/earth 20th century history), and is told from a somewhat Serbia perspective, there is indisputable first source information in it that flies in the face of what was told in the news to most of the world. What happened in Yugoslavia and Albania, and how those wars came to be, is not what most people outside of those nations think. I'm happy to watch that video but I still need an answer. Do you guys think that Serbia was treated unfairly by NATO in respects to the Bosnian War?

On the first point there's very little doubt it was illegal- the vote was made under duress, it was made using an older constitution without the repeal of the newer being made lawfully, and even then they did not have the required super majority as there were insufficient members present to get 75% even with a unanimous vote- they only achieved a super majority of those present. Russia's position is certainly correct in a legal sense there. On the second, it is clear that the Ukrainian constitution was written specifically to stop secession as it requires both central government approval and a referendum across the whole country. To use an example from the last thread that would be like Great Britain refusing Ireland's independence based upon referendum votes from Scotland, Wales and England. Indeed, the current Scottish referendum is Scotland only. Having said that the referendum is clearly illegal under the Ukrainian constitution. The difference in practical terms is that the impeachment/ removal process is designed to be difficult, as you'd expect, but could legitimately have been done- if they hadn't driven off so many Party of Regions and Communist members. The secession process is practically impossible though, as Mr Yatsenyuk etc have made it clear it will not be considered under any circumstances, and the maximum allowed might be more autonomy and reversion to the old Crimean Constitution that Kiev abrogated in 1995. Interesting perspective, so what would you feel about a referrendum only in Crimea where results would obviously show autonomy or actually joining Russia. Russia then says " the Crimea has spoken" and because Russia has the military advantage and presence in the area they now annex Crimea like they did with regions in Georgia ?

You body is clearly rejecting the unhealthy food, Donut's are bad for you Hurlshot....very bad

My concern around this Sarkeesian development is I don't want it to undermine all the other important work she is doing in raising awareness around the objectification of women in games. I am worried that people won't take her as seriously as they should because of how her image may get tarnished ?

So what? Facts on the ground. Argentina may not accept that the UK rules the Falklands, but they may as well be blowing bubbles in a gale for all the difference it makes. The west has no balls- if it's easy they'll do it, if it's hard then they'll look for something easy instead. This is hard, so they'll yell and wave their hands, then only bring it up when convenient and they need to remind people how horrible Russians are. Sure is, which is why if it's such a problem pouring a big barrel of oil down the Kosovan hill was pretty moronic of the west. Of course, it only becomes a slippery slope when it's someone other than the west doing it, when the west does it it is Principled. There's a quote from Victoria Nuland that very accurately describes my feelings towards the EU. Sorry Brucey, you ain't going to catch me with that one. I've said repeatedly that the main problem with the west's actions is that they will be used by others to justify their actions and that they undermine 'international law' for whatever that concept is worth- not much, when you're willing to flagrantly ignore it when convenient. It is the slippery slope argument, it's just that people stick their heads in the sand about who exactly started down the slippery slope. You cannot expect only one side to abide by a set of rules, if they do they're morans because the other side has already shown they won't. So far the Russians have been far better than the west has anyway, nobody has died and they've gone for a region which has a long and provable history with Russia, and of opposition to being part of Ukraine. Indeed, it's a region that is only part of Ukraine due to Krushchev and the USSR breaking up inconveniently (Crimea voted to be an autonomous SSR- 95% voter approval- in 1991, but it was only a couple of months before the USSR broke up so it was never implemented). So yeah, I broadly support the Russians here for those reasons, and because the concept of international law is bunkum if only one side adheres to it. If you'd paid attention in the previous thread you'd even have noticed I wasn't implacably opposed to Kosovo either, just its extremely one sided implementation. Okay you make some good points. But I want to ask you a question. Russia is claiming that the way Yanukovych was removed was illegal. But a referrendum to determine if Crimea should join Russia would also be "illegal" according to the Ukrainian constitution. Whats your view on the referrendum?

What the hell does the Bosnian war have to do with Kosovo? Also what do you know about the Bosnian war? Do you know how may Serbs were ethnically cleansed from Croatia and west Bosnia? Or do you want me to start with WW2 where the national tension culminated? Save me from your western media information, because they lied their ass off during the Bosnian war. If you are interested in the Bosnian war watch this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waEYQ46gH08 What has the Bosnian War and Kosovo got to do with each other? You really don't know? Well lets see.... Serbia was directly iinvolved in both conflicts and Serbian nationalism played a part in both wars Serbia took there military strategy too far, in other words what they were prepared to do to "win" In both cases NATO intervened to end the military aspirations of the Serbs I assume you are Serbian? Do you think that NATO treated the Serbs unfairly? The question is more about the Bosnian War

I'm decidedly under the impression that not saying bad stuff to your face speaks more of wisdom than cowardice I wish I could double "like" your comment, funniest line of the day

What makes this even worse is that the Serbs were ethnically cleansed from most parts of Kosovo and when we tried to defend our people we got bombed. The whole west supported what happened. The even sadder thing is that what little Serbs remain in Kosovo are still being oppressed and prosecuted, not to mention the yearly defiling of Serbian grave sites and destruction of our churches and monasteries. And unlike in Crimea, the Albanians have no claim on any part of Kosovo, historically or otherwise. You don't actually believe the Serbs were the victims in the Bosnian War?

Considering that he has, without any doubt, acted and acted decisively that analysis doesn't stand up to even the most cursory examination. He's bitten, he's won, and there's essentially nothing practical anyone can do now except shout and wave their arms in the air while spouting the usual do-as-I-say-not-as-I-do blather about sovereign integrity and the like- ignoring that Crimea has actually voted to separate from Ukraine multiple times previously (1991, 1992, 1995). What has Putin "won". Even if the referendum votes overwhelmingly to join Russia there is no evidence that supports a view that Ukraine or the West will accept this. And this has very little to do with the fact that the West is militant or hypercritical in there dealings with these types of political situations. Its about the principle of "do we allow groups of people who populate a part of a country to claim they want autonomy or to just join another country" This is a very slippery slope If the Basque separatists could just vote on independence and the vote was all that mattered both France and Spain would loose territory. Would this be acceptable to the EU? Also I find it ironic that you feel Western countries constantly meddle in other countries affairs and there independence but the moment Russia does it you are fine. Where do you actually stand on when it is acceptable for a country to invade another country. Does your condemnation only apply to the West in places like Libya or Syria?

Thats a classic and funny story

I assume real ? Surly you don't expect some kind of subterfuge Bruce, don't you know there is only like 10 people who post here. We're all just one of their alts! GD please don't tell me you are actually Hurlshot and Alan !!!

I know racist people. I've seen racism firsthand directed at others in a real way (not just calling someone a name, but in a manner that actually hurts the individual in some way), and have experienced it directed at myself in a real way. It exists. It however does not exist as a common thing to a level that it affects more than a smidgeon of the U.S. population's opinion of Obama. Those that defend Obama on grounds of racism really just show how little there is to defend, and/or show how per-occupied with race they are themselves. Racism isn't even remotely as prevalent in the U.S. as it is in South Africa (where it is still probably worse than it ever was in the U.S. as a whole, even in the darkest of times in that regard) or as some in the U.S. media would have you believe, and not even remotely might be an understatement. Also, It is probably safe to say Obama has gotten more votes due to his skin color than those he's lost because of it. I've heard far far far far more people say they were voting for Obama because he's black (in 2008) because they thought it was time for a black president than say they wouldn't vote for him because he was black. That Obama was black was overall an asset in 2008 USA, not a liability. Valsuelm can I ask you a favor, I have noticed a slightly annoying trend lately from some people where I make a point around a particular issue of social justice and part of the response is "but in South Africa you xx " or in South Africa there is xxx". I'm not talking about South Africa and the obvious social ills that our society grapples with. We can start a separate discussion around the social problems that South Africa faces and I'll gladly partake in it. Saying all that you make some good points. You feel race has very little to do with the condemnation Obama faces, I can't dispute your opinion so we will have to agree to disagree. Finally I find myself disagreeing with most of what you say on topics. But I want to recognize the fact that you take the time and effort to make your point, the foundation of a debate is the principle of constructive views. You don't ever say things like " well you are wrong because I'm right". You articulate your point and I appreciate that. So keep up the good debate etiquette

Wait a minute here. I've read this three times and I want to make sure I am getting your meaning. Are you actually suggesting that distrust (hatred in your words) of government is the same as racism? Or is somehow rooted in racism? If so that is the most appallingly stupid thing I've ever seen posted here. And considering the folks who post here, that is saying a lot. Please tell me I'm misunderstanding what you are driving at. If so, my apologies. Personally I think that some of the dislike of Obama is not really based on his policies but on the fact he is black and how some people resent the fact they see there interpretation of what defines the USA as changing. I'm not saying this is why you dislike Obama as you have given your reasons in the past and they are not based on his race. But surly you can't deny that some of the criticism of Obama are really about racial perspective?

What is Mexican coke? A variety of Coca-Cola but made in Mexico..is it sweeter than normal Coca-Cola?

Okay. As a recently converted Buddhist, we Buddhists hold animals as being very important. Animals have always been regarded in Buddhist thought as sentient beings, different in their intellectual ability than humans but no less capable of feeling. It's why I was wondering how you saw the distinction of a humanoid cat with a centaur. So as long as they have seme type of humanoid feature, then you could probably have a romance with this creature. So while the Khajiit could be on all fours, it's because it's mostly in humanoid form that you have no problem with humans romancing them. Also, you said you didn't have a problem with romancing elves. Some people regard elves belonging to the fae which also includes fairies. So I take it you have no problem and quite willing to romance and have sex with a fairy. Not there's anything wrong with that. I have no issue with Romance with a fae, there are numerous examples in fantasy of Dryads or Nymphs seducing men for a variety of reasons. So yes Romance with a fae is 100 % fine

There's still some issues (I don't know about nursing, specifically) in some situations. http://www.pnas.org/content/109/41/16474.full Synopsis. 127 scientists looked at an undergraduate applicant's paperwork. 63 were told the applicant was a man named John. 64 were told the applicant was a woman named Jennifer. Scientists were asked to rate the applicant based on competence, hireability, salary conferral, and mentoring scales (out of 5). The scientists were made up of both men and women, and the results of these evaluations were based on a split based on student gender, and further split on faculty gender. (That is, they look at how male/female students scored split by male/female faculty). In all cases the effect of student gender was significant (significance meaning the difference in values were not due to random chance, as opposed to "large" or "important"), while the effect of faculty gender was NOT significant. In other words, female faculty members were also harder on female applicants than male applicants. The suggesting here being that there may be assumptions that people make about someone's capability based on their sex, and that it affects all people and not just men. Here's a breakdown of the scores Competence: Male Faculty Male applicant (M/M): 4.01 Female applicant (M/F): 3.33 Female Faculty Male (F/M): 4.1 Female (F/M): 3.32 Hireability: M/M: 3.74 M/F: 2.96 F/M: 3.92 F/F: 2.84 Willingness to mentor: M/M: 4.74 M/F: 4.00 F/M: 4.73 F/F: 3.91 Salary offered: M/M: $30,500 M/F: $27,100 (88.9% of Male) F/M: $29,300 F/F: %25,000 (85.3% of Male) The study discusses the following point: I think it's important to point out that stuff like this is possibly (I'd say probably) not intentional. That is, no one is consciously suggesting that the woman is less qualified simply because she's a woman. Thats an interesting study. In my mind there is no doubt that certain women can also be unintentionally biased. But that doesn't mean there isn't a perception problem that needs to be rectified. You raise another good point that I see in South Africa, people have certain prejudices but they aren't founded on true bigotry. Sometimes a person is unaware of it for cultural reasons. For example there was this white model who won a local beauty pageant in a predominantly black town. In the local newspaper there was a photo of her, a black guy phoned in on one of our radio talk shows and basically said " how can you put a white women in a black newspaper highlighting the fact she won this competition. Its wrong" What he didn't realize he was saying is " A Black person somehow can't vote or find a white women attractive in a pageant dominated by black women". It was basically a racist comment but thats not how he saw it because in his culture you don't cross racial lines. We know that beauty is irrelevant to the race and is really about how a person looks and carries themselves when we talk about it in the context of modeling competitions

I had Spare Ribs last night and I made a delicious potato salad. Very easy potatoes (obviously ) raw onion cut finely chives Feta Cheese Mayonnaise and Sour Cream as the liquid base for the salad

Its an interesting concept, a robot capable of true physical and emotional responsiveness. But then I would also want the robot to have its own opinion and to challenge my view if it feels its not appropriate. So now you need to program into a robot not just the concept of emotions but also the fact that it needs to disagree with me but not just for the sake of disagreeing ..there must be a legitimate reason. Very complicated

Yeah sometimes someone makes a point that sounds very informed and is difficult to understand but actually doesn't address the issue at hand

Well if someone is romancing a Khajiit and the romance takes them to the bedroom, and the Khajiit decides to go on all fours while someone want's to have sex, then it basically has the appearance of a cat. The Khajiit may have other characteristics of a cat and not just appearance. It may also mate like a cat with the male behind them. As I said, you don't seem to have a problem with someone romancing and having sex with a cat. If you want to bring up intelligence and emotions, the same can be said for Centaurs with having the intelligence and emotions as a human. I'm trying to understand why you don't have a problem with humans having sex with cats but Centaurs are a no no. In regards to robots, while you're okay with romancing and having sex with robots, what sort of feedback would you expect from the robot. I'm curious what you would expect the robot to say or do during the romance. if it was programmed to have human emotions, what sort of emotions would you expect it to have. Would you like to see a whole range of human emotions (the affection, enthusiasm, cheerfulness, monotony, boredom, arguments, nagging, ... ) or would you be inclined to have only the good emotions from that robot that you're having romancing and having sex with it. You asking some detailed questions, it is like having a debate with a hardcore promancer. But I'm enjoying it In your scenario around the Khajiit it doesn't matter if they prefer sexual positions of a real cat or they look like a cat. Its irrelevant because the Khajiit is capable of the full spectrum of human emotions. Sex is also about the emotional connection and not just how someone looks. So having sex with a Khajiit is not the same as having sex with a cat. A Centaur does have emotions but its not a humanoid and has some completely different physical attributes. So in that case I see a difference. Its like saying "I want to have a physical relationship with a Yuan-Ti". Its going to be difficult...very difficult And yes in a world of sexbots if you want to have a relationship with one they would have to be capable of the full range of human emotions or the relationship would just be about sex and be lacking something

To suggest a man could educate himself on womens' issues (cough cough a.k.a. feminism cough cough) is fundamentally fallacious. Rather than tossing about trite graphs implying female professionals in the western world are paid less than males, an issue like discursive colonialism would be more appropriate. Agx sometimes I find your posts make no sense? In this case you are just being dismissive but you have cloaked your comments in intellectualism Of course a man can educate himself on womens issues, part of the problem around not adequately addressing sexism and misogyny is ignorance. Of course a graph can reveal facts, why is it inappropriate?

Take it up with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Why would you say that? I haven't seen anything that would indicate she's not real. I agree, also this is one of the best days to raise issues around gender inequality. Our Womens Day is in August and its a very significant day due to societal problems like the high levels of violence aagainst women in South Africa I just wonder, what are your thoughts on this thread: http://forums.obsidian.net/topic/64780-kaineparkers-hopefully-attractive-women-thread-episode-iv-a-new-grope/ Is it objectifying? Its an interesting question. Those people that know me on these forums know I'm very vocal in my support (some would say annoying )of various social justice issues, the main ones I tend to raise is sexism ( and the objectification of women is part of that) and homophobia I have learnt through the years that at times you are dealing with ingrained stereotypes that people have around certain topics and you need to choose you battles and also debate in a certain way, you end up achieving more that way. Men will always look at attractive women and be interested in pictures of them, its one of the things that will never change. I don't know if that thread does objectify women? One response could be "yes" but then I have to ask " do we really want to live in a world where men feel guilty about appreciating the aesthetics of a lady" Sorry if my answer is vague

*insert silly pic here* you are saying that if we ain't rendered turgid by bio' viviwahtever or manifested's farm girl, we should seek medical help? ... if that is how you feel, am thinking that the one who needs doctor is not Gromnir. *shudder* is something serious wrong with some o' you folks. HA! Good Fun! Gromnir I'm concerned there may be something wrong with you....what reassurance can you give me that you are fine.....