Hurlshort

While I think it is extremely important to understand the corruption and damage that the Catholic Church caused in the Middle Ages, I think it is also important to remember the Church was tied to nearly everything that was happening in Europe at the time. Copernicus was put through school by his Uncle, who was a bishop, and spent time as a Church canon. Theology was the bread and butter of most Universities at the time. It is really impossible to separate the Church from the Renaissance and the Scientific Revolution, it played a key role, for better or worse. edit: On topic, I do appreciate the Catholic Church's work in the last few decades. They have been somewhat progressive, although I still think they are way too slow to make changes in areas like woman's rights and science. What has really impressed me has been the interfaith dialogue that they have established.

But yet things go over their heads. Huh?

I used to have a friend who sent out Happy Capitalism Day card during Christmas, it always made me smile. I also don't know any Christians that aren't aware of the roots of Christmas in pagan traditional holidays. It's not like Christmas trees and Santa Clause pop up in the bible very often. It is simply a symbolic celebration, as Tigranes already stated, and that has clearly worked out pretty well for the Church, given how steep attendance numbers climb this time of year.

I'd rather have no VO for minor NPC's. But I enjoy reading, so that puts me in the minority.

If onli I could get the government to pay me to not plant crops and milk cows!

Well, my property tax bill has plummeted since I bought my property in 2005. It started at $4400 a year and it is down to $1350 this year. But my property value has also plummeted, so it isn't exactly a hurrah moment.

I was watching my local news this morning, and apparently there are a few school districts in California that are unable to balance their budget. The State is saying that they will be taking over those districts. I suppose that would make sense if it weren't for the fact that: A. California was unable to balance the state budget B. The government has cut education funding in the billions, resulting in the budget problems that these districts face. I really feel like I live in a bizarro world when I hear stuff like this.

Isn't the article saying that the government and community support Christmas celebrations? edit: Just saw the not not. Tricky Krezack

Um, I follow the law because of my morals, not to fit in with society. I'm not sure how that is strange. My argument was meant to be moralistic, that is kind of the point. I've already apologized if it sounded condescending. But you are supporting one of the basic arguments against piracy that many of us have gone on about. If you can afford a PC, you can probably swing some money for a game.

I got deep into a game of King's Bounty and I'm really digging it. I had tried it a couple times before and never really dug it, but my most recent attempt got me addicted.

Thanks for sharing that GD, I'm sorry it turned out so badly for you. What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger, eh? I do see it as a problem that the only people that are really successful either come from a ton of money or are willing to compromise their morals to receive backing. Actually, the ton of money isn't even much of a help either, as Ross Perot and Meg Whitman have shown us.

One of the few benefits of growing old is being able to matter-of-factly tell young people about their follies. I've got bad knees, a bad back, a bald head, high blood pressure, and I have to pop tums like candy when I eat most foods I like, so leave me with something!

Krezack, I'm not sure if you read the entire thread, but there was a chain of events that lead to that particular exchange. Here was my original statement that Malcador took issue with: Now I don't mean that to sound condescending. It is just me talking about my life experience, and I know there are a few people on this forum that have shared a similar experience as they've gotten older. It's kind of insulting how quickly you and Malcador are to dismiss it, but such is the way of youth, I suppose.

Exactly. However they are punished way more than shoplifter, which they are. Which is partly why piracy has grown from something that poor students do into a subculture of its own. I guess because it is a more complicated situation than shoplifting. There is also a bit of a throw the book at them mentality because so few are getting caught. I suppose the idea is to make an example out of them in the hopes that others will stop. It seems to be fairly ineffective at this point. But I don't buy the whole subculture idea. People like free stuff, that is why they pirate. Acting like it is some sort of noble fight against the man is ridiculous. These are video games, pretending that EA or Ubisoft is some sort of evil tyrant is humorous. They are just doing business. Sorry to burst your bubble, but there are a lot of guys who are downloading pirating EA games, only because they destroyed Origin, Bullfrog and Westwood... It's their way how to show their dislike of their business practices... And most of them feel like Robin Hood... We all know that it will most likely not hurt EA's bottomline, but in their view, it's a just cause... Pu-leeeze. That is called delusional. "I'm pirating these games because it is the right thing to do! I'm playing video games for hours every day for justice!"

Never happen.... please say it will never happen... Actually we are very good at putting fools in the WH. Juat look at that jackass we have now. I'd call him more ineffective than foolish. Whereas Sarah Palin is a coat of orange tanner away from being on the Jersey Shore. I was hoping for an LBJ and I got a Jimmy Carter. Ah well, term limits for teh win.

Actually I don't remember you going into much detail about your political campaign, GD. I guess we can wait for the book I'd never run for office myself. It's really not a job I envy.

Exactly. However they are punished way more than shoplifter, which they are. Which is partly why piracy has grown from something that poor students do into a subculture of its own. I guess because it is a more complicated situation than shoplifting. There is also a bit of a throw the book at them mentality because so few are getting caught. I suppose the idea is to make an example out of them in the hopes that others will stop. It seems to be fairly ineffective at this point. But I don't buy the whole subculture idea. People like free stuff, that is why they pirate. Acting like it is some sort of noble fight against the man is ridiculous. These are video games, pretending that EA or Ubisoft is some sort of evil tyrant is humorous. They are just doing business.

I'm not sure how Avatar can be made into a sequel. A sequel should go like this - Orbital bombardment clears the way for mining operations of Unobtainium.

He said purchase a pirated copy. He is referring to the black market.

What's wrong with nuclear? I'm no nuclear scientist, but isn't there quite a bit of risk involved with nuclear plants? http://science.howstuffworks.com/nuclear-power5.htm Here's a link about pros and cons.

It's not really a desire, it is simply odd that you wouldn't state your age, and the only obvious explanation is that it would ruin your argument.

Given your youth, it's pretty hard for you to be certain about that, isn't it. But don't let things like actual experience get in the way of your certainty.

I already explained why age is important earlier. I'm going to assume by your reluctance to share your age that I hit the nail on the head, although I'm now thinking you are closer to 23.

Is there a reason you don't want to share your age?

Poor Calax, that's why they call it the Freshman 15.