BruceVC

I read this letter and I'm very impressed. I have never known Putin to be so diplomatic, he really is reaching out to explain the Russian position in a way that is not pugnacious. I also respect Obama for taking into account the Russian attempts to broker peace. For me this letter is important as we can finally see what the Russians are thinking and its not unreasonable. The funny thing is they have opinions on Syria that many people on these forums share, like the danger of helping the rebels due to the Islamic fundamentalists. Anyway we need to give this initiative a chance to get the Syrians to disarm there Chemical weapons. It does seem the right thing to do under the circumstances

Those rodents are cute, nice one Keyrock

I still don't get the funny part, what she is saying makes perfect sense to me. She is saying that if you never force yourself on someone for sex then the reward from that will be a gift. She is speaking metaphorically but it is still correct

Just concerned about social justice that's all. "You might not think it now, but making sure the sex you are involved in always involves complete consent will be the best gift you can give your future self" is laughable though, the best gift, heh. Explain why you think that consensual sex is something that we should be laughing at?

Tonight I'm having Steak and Potato wedges with my famous homemade Cheese sauce, I have got the Cheese sauce recipe down to a fine art so it will be delicious

Syria won't fight Israel under pretty much any circumstances. They'd lose, badly, even if they weren't fighting a civil war as well, plus it would guarantee US intervention, even if you had a neo isolationist (Rand Paul? so practically unlikely) as President. You can make a nice parallel between Israel's 'theoretical' nuclear stockpile and Syria's 'theoretical' stockpile though-since they both exist for the same reason (if we look like losing a war we'll nuke Damascus/ if we look like losing a war we'll gas Tel Aviv), are both undeclared, both 'illegal', both never been used (r00fles!) etc. Thought he meant my statement on Israel's nuclear weapons. Guessing that if the US stopped caring about Israel, any future war probably would be with Syria if any state were to. No I meant it was a conspiracy theory that Syria would attempt to seriously attack Israel

After this US government suddenly become peacefull. Funny how Syria is some kind of Bizarro Israel for these countries. Interesting point but I question if Russia and China will go to war over a Western intervention in Syria. I would be very surprised

Mmmm, that is an interesting view but the article for me talks about the word "yes" as being what is important . In other words if a very drunk girl says " yes lets have sex" then the next day says she was raped the guy shouldn't be charged. But we also need to use our common sense. In all my years of partying myself and anyone I know have known has never been accused of rape as it is obvious when it is appropriate to proceed to the next level of the physical relationship. So I don't see the law as unreasonable or someone effecting our ability to have sex whether we are drunk or not?

This is a very well written and relevant article concerning this topic. Nice one

Would be interesting to see, I guess only Syria might try tangling with Israel. Or Israel decides to use those nukes it denies having. Malc I thought we agreed you would stop believing these conspiracy theories

I do believe it, that's not the issue but the perspective it creates for the rebels. It will be seen by most as a representation of the entire rebel movement and enforce GD point about the reasons for not going into Syria. And obviously I disagree with that But look, hold on. You will concede that it is at least possible that the rebels are pretty well all Qaeda fundis. Does that change our response? Unfortunately I won't concede that as then I would be forced to sadly fall into the camp opposed to intervention as helping Al-Qaeda is worse than Assad staying in power. I obviously reject that view as it can't proven and doesn't make sense

Well said young grasshopper, well said

I do believe it, that's not the issue but the perspective it creates for the rebels. It will be seen by most as a representation of the entire rebel movement and enforce GD point about the reasons for not going into Syria. And obviously I disagree with that

This article smacks of bias and of someone who is generalizing about the entire rebel force, this article paints the Syrian rebels in a bad light because of his experience in one division?

People that know me and have observed my behavior usually ask wether I'm really a human or an alien being, but I don't have any problems with winter or darkness and neither have I ever heard my friends complain about it. Then again, they consume lots and lots of alcohol. And sex. Usually those two go hand in hand. Also as Ros says up there; Most people that have grown up here are used to it. When you've known nothing but dark winters it's business as usual. It's makes for a quack mecca though. Or how about light earbuds? XD I also don't mind miserable weather as I think it makes the indoor activities, like PC gaming, more cosy and obvious Of course I do live in a city that has sunshine 95 % of the year so I probably don't know much about bad weather for long periods

Yo welcome Good to have you aboard, Off-Topic is where all the real action happens on these forums and we have several active Finnish member so you shouldn't feel lonely Except of course, you are Finnish, so you should feel as lonely as an icicle. That was quite funny

Yo welcome Good to have you aboard, Off-Topic is where all the real action happens on these forums and we have several active Finnish member so you shouldn't feel lonely

A proper Chef would say "no" but for the average person its more about the taste so it would be a big fat "Yes "

Hard to believe. Last year we had a really dark long winter, endless snow and completely overcast weather for 5 months straight. I think I counted 3 days that had a couple of hours of direct sunlight and temperatures often dripped below minus 20 celsius. Man, that made me feel even more miserable than usual, now in Scandinavian countries such winters are pretty much the norm, I cannot imagine anyone being even remotely happy under such dreary climatic circumstances. You have raised a good point about the weather, I hope our Scandinavian members will comment on the weather effect on there happiness

http://za.news.yahoo.com/happiest-country-world-110907901.html Apparently the happiest country in the world is........Iraq !!!! Just joking its .....Denmark, and you'll notice the other Scandinavian countries are in the top 5 Well done Denmark for being a happy place for people to live

Oh and I'm having Lamb Sausage for dinner with mash potato

That's a cute story Hurlshot and you are right there is an art to making a proper Pizza I am enjoying your posting of the restaurants you visit, I like reading the menu. I am going to start doing the same. I went to Kitchen Bar on Saturday for drinks and dinner. It was very festive http://www.kitchenbar.co.za/Kitchen_Bar/home.html

I agree but only if Syria adheres to the dismantling of all Chemical weapons in an effective and timely manner

Or you can see it as many Americans have grave concerns around intervention in Syria and this has represented itself in the uncertainty on Capitol Hill This should be an example of the strength of the American democracy and Obamas presidency and not seen in any negative light.

Watching John Kerry's original 'proposal' live was unintentionally hilarious, as you could actually see him pause half way through, wince, and think "oh asterisks, I've really screwed the pooch here, haven't I?". Yeah, give the Syrians stall room anyone could take advantage of, give any waverers on your side a bail out option and give everyone else another reason to advocate delay. And all right before you're going to have Obama going on tele to try and rally support. While I'm kind of glad they've been so cack handed as it makes intervention less likely it does rather typify the entire Obama administration that they cannot even get the basics of propaganda/ PR campaigning right. Interesting but if Obama had attacked Syria you would be saying typical "America warmongering" or " American Imperialism" But because Obama is asking for a vote, and adhering as closely as he can to the principles of Democracy, on a difficult and unpopular decision he is considered weak. So its a lose lose situation for him in your eyes hey Zor