metadigital

What, no bonfire?

I can't follow this, but it certainly isn't on-topic. ⇒AotS ../

Ah, a traditionalist, then.

Just to be clear, I think the Australian (Federal) bicameral system is a pretty good model (no surprises as the later democracies tend to implement innovations earlier than the older ones, like secret ballot a century ago); they have a preferential vote for the lower House (Representatives) and a proportional vote for the upper House (Sentate) where the states (from the populous NSW, to the less so Tasmania) each have the same quantity of Senators. The House of Representatives crafts legislation (Legislature) and the Senate (the Executive) signs it into law (or votes it down). Thus the Tyranny of the Majority can be managed (and minimized) by the Senate, but the will of the people (Rousseau's "sovereign") writes the Bills.

Science.

Convenient to fireball, at least.

It's everywhere! Quick, lock yourself in your house because there's terrorism! On topic, ABOUT TIME! These buggers are late and I felt lied to that my flying automotocar is taking so long. I am locked in my house. And the world emits a collective sigh ...

Just imagine how hot your lap is going to be ...

Pulp Fiction Soundtrack (Various)

I thought you were referring to the Jeff Bridges film. Just about to start The Godfather.

Interesting that people who would otherwise eschew a random killing of millions of people think that fatalism in this case is an ethical option. " BTW, it's okay, I checked: April 13 2036 is not a Friday, so we're all safe.

Well, you could put a solar sail in orbit, and beam the energy back to Earth. (Just hope something doesn't accidentally divert the beam ... fried underclass-living-next-to-the-station).

Bill Hicks LoveLaughterandTruth

How would you propose to create legislation, if you don't allow for people to take an extreme interpretation of it?

Isn't that answering your own question? The point is why is the Electoral College necessary, anymore.

Yes, there are mechanisms that have been put in place since Rousseau wrote in 1762. That's the main defence of a bicameral parliament. That's why the smallest states (population-wise) get equal say in the Upper House, as it is a place of validation, rather than creation of legislation. Calax, what you are basically complaining about is a disconnect with society ("I don't even want to be American"). As I said, there are (at least) two ways you can approach this: re-engage with society, or run away. Have you tried getting together with some of your neighbours? There's no need to be so distressed; look at Kurt Cobain, he wasn't born of privilege, yet he was able to influence a significant percentage of the population. The "Moral Majority" was nowhere near a majority; it was just a motivated group of people. Y'know, "the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step", so just try to find some friends together. Creating a little community, even if it's "guys who wear black make-up", it's a start. Soon you'll be able to find other people who think that the government needs some assistance in policy ...

We need a new contest!

What movies DO you like? I like lots of movies, Alan. I'm just tired of seeing this mobster/hitman fetish going on in Hollywood. It's like there are three kinds of movies out right now : comic book adaptations, gangster/hitman movies, and chick flicks. What we need is a comic book adaptation of chick flick gangsters!

clickie

Pity it, its a person who typed that rubbish.

Try adding a ReadyBoost™ certified USB 2.0 Memory drive (>256MB; 2GB is optimal); it's not a super enhancement (yet) but it is going to start being a good accelerator for Memory caching (instead of using the harddrive).

Me too. :confused:

I'm struggling to think of anyone on the list who has contributed ANYTHING to society. The greatest contribution: Reagan PROVED that small government was not only possible but was preferable. He also WON the Cold War. Without firing a shot. He broke the Soviet Union and forced them to the bargaining table, thus bringing the Doomsday Clock back from midnight (started at 7 minutes to midnight in 1980, was 10 minutes in 1990, when the Berlin Wall fell).

No more spamming.

Anti-charisma?