So sang Therapy? in the rather excellent track Stop it your killing me. And that's a pretty fair statement about things - in the first part we are living in a world of fear, and for those old enough to remember it is almost like the living in fear of the bomb back in the early 80's, except this time instead of an all out attack that will send us all into oblivion, it's minimalist radical groups hell bent on terror. The economy has gone into freefall with house repossessions on the rise, banks failing, job losses and raising inflation. Every day the news websites carry more horror stories of once skilled people living in their cars as their houses were repossessed, or property values in Detroit so low you can buy a place for less than a thousand dollars. Frankly it ain't looking too peachy at the moment.
It has hit me personally - as you are well aware the bank where I have worked just the last 4 months has just gone into liquidation with the possibility of bankruptcy, and it's all thanks to bad loans to Lehman Brothers who when they crashed, took us with them. Fortunately I am waiting on a written offer following a verbal one, but I am one of the lucky ones - there are millions of people heading for unemployment, destitution and a very unsure future, and sadly it looks like it will get worse before it gets better.
But tomorrow is the chance for the whole world to change, and it's all dependant on one nation going to the polls to choose one man to be the leader of the most powerful and influential country on the planet. It is very scary that one country should be so dominant, especially one which is so young, but that is the way the world is. The frightening fact of the matter is that this country is also one of the most terrifying places to be, if you are not an American - somewhat hypocritical as the country prides itself on being made up from immigrants of all walks of life, yet it is famous for being fairly intrinsic, and since 9/11 this has for many been an opportunity to breed a new form of nationalism, and as I try and think of a perfect example, the best I can come up with is the lampooning in Team America World Police with the song "America - Fuck yeah!". I am of course not saying this of all US Citizens, but there is a large element of the population whose brand of banner waving is almost unnerving to behold.
I've been to the states a few times since 1997 and have noticed increasingly the change in the country. On my first visit I was treated as a novelty being a foreigner. On my last visit I felt threatened and was treated with distinct suspicion - its natural a nation should become more alert after such an awful attack, yet I never hear of such stories in London. Perhaps this is of course because London has been attacked many times before, but still from a land that is a supposed number 1 ally to be looked upon with complete distrust was alarming at least.
But back to my point – tomorrow a nation decides between two men to lead this nation for the next 4 years, and the choice is between a member of the old regime – basically a carbon copy of the guy who just spent the last 8 years making a complete mess of the country (only apparently an even bigger screw up – take the time to read this very interesting article) or for a mixed-race ex-civil rights lawyer with what appears to be a genuine compassion for welfare, veterans rights and politics beyond the US borders. McCain on the other hand – a third generation Naval commander who it appears breezed through various Naval attachments screwing up left right and centre, whilst all the time getting away with murder because Daddy and Grandpappy were US admirals. This is the man who crashed no less than three aircraft whilst in service and behaved like the proverbial spoilt brat to get his way through life. Having just watched W. this past weekend, it seems like him and Dubya are peas in a pod.
Obama of course is no angel – he’s owned up to doing Columbian marching powder and weed at Uni, but he does seem on paper to be a little more “wholesome” for want of a better word. In an attempt to try and gain an unbalanced insight into both parties, a read of the wikipedia entries for both men shows them to be of very different stock – Barack someone who has persevered through his life to get to where he is, whilst McCain someone who just did enough to scrape by, and I just get the feeling that’s how he will treat the presidency if elected. The world needs change and I think if Barack will be voted in he will genuinely push for that – try and build some bridges with nations who have become detached (or worse) from the US, work on policies to solve things like the healthcare and welfare issues within the states. McCain – sure he will try and deal with some of these policies, but will he be just another puppet like the last guy - Anyone remember Bush's 3 month vacation after being elected? I think McCain will be pretty much the same. Obama however you can see in his campaigning has worked relentlessly, McCain given slightly less effort - if you look at the history as well - Barack a magna cum laude from Harvard, McCain 894/899 in his Naval academy class - bit of a difference eh? And I can see this same application and effort being continued by either candidate if they are succesful.
I’m not one for sitting up all night watching UK elections – come to think of it I only ever voted once, but tomorrow night I’ll be up all the way through this election as I truly think that this outcome will affect just about everyone on the planet in one way or another. The last 8 years have been depressing for a lot of people, and 4 more years of the same, or possibly worse, is the last thing we all need.
Sorry for the length, but it’s the 4000th. Yes I could of tried to write some prose, but as I have confessed many times, I am not the greatest writer – hence being on here so long and still only reaching this level. But if a peak like this is to be made, better to speak of something worth writing about eh?
Posted by ralph (Member # 773) on :
quote:Originally posted by Waynster: tomorrow a nation decides between two men to lead this nation for the next 4 years
Lovely post and all that...but we have more than two options.
Here's a list of persons running for POTUS on the Massachusetts ballot:
Chuck Baldwin Bob Barr John McCain Cynthia McKinney Ralph Nader Barack Obama
Granted only two of them have a legitimate chance to win thanks to the Commission on Presidential Debates -- an organization that decided that only candidates polling at 15% or higher can take part in the debate.
I'll not be voting for Mr. McCain or Mr. Obama -- when you look very closely at the two parties platforms you'll see that there really isn't all that much of a difference...no *real* change is going to take plae no matter which one of these RepubliCrats wins...
Posted by herbs (Member # 101) on :
Hey ralph
I was in Massachusets last weekend. Quite scenic, though a bit OTT on the whole halloween thing.
Posted by Cherry In Hove (Member # 49) on :
quote:Originally posted by ralph: I'll not be voting for Mr. McCain or Mr. Obama -- when you look very closely at the two parties platforms you'll see that there really isn't all that much of a difference...no *real* change is going to take plae no matter which one of these RepubliCrats wins...
I think the fact that if McCain wins then Palin is likely to be President in the neat future is a good enough reason to vote for Obama.
Posted by ralph (Member # 773) on :
quote:Originally posted by herbs: Hey ralph
I was in Massachusets last weekend. Quite scenic, though a bit OTT on the whole halloween thing.
Where were you herbs? Boston area?
Posted by ralph (Member # 773) on :
quote:Originally posted by Cherry In Hove: I think the fact that if McCain wins then Palin is likely to be President in the neat future is a good enough reason to vote for Obama.
My state currently favors Obama by over 15 percentage points. Me not voting for him makes no difference -- we don't elect our leader based on the popular vote.
Posted by herbs (Member # 101) on :
I was staying in Albany, but we nipped over the border to wander around Mass MoCA, and then get lost in the driving rain. Stockbridge is very pretty - we drove through it three times...
Posted by MiscellaneousFiles (Member # 60) on :
Did you hear the *Canadian DJ who phoned Palin and apparently convinced her that he was Nicolas Sarkozy?
quote: At one point during the phone call, aired three days before the US election, Mr Audette told Mrs Palin he could see her as president one day.
Laughingly, the Republican candidate replied: "Maybe in eight years."
Mr Audette said he would be keen to join her on a helicopter hunting trip.
"I just love killing those animals. Mmm, mmm, take away life, that is so fun," he said in an exaggerated French accent.
In other Palin news, I'm informed that a pornographic film has recently been released, with the title: Nailin' Palin Episode I starring Joe the Plumber. One can only assume that Barrack O'Bummer, Joe Wide-on and John McPain will follow...
Happy 4,000th Wn*
[ 03.11.2008, 07:03: Message edited by: MiscellaneousFiles ]
Posted by ralph (Member # 773) on :
quote:Originally posted by herbs: I was staying in Albany, but we nipped over the border to wander around Mass MoCA, and then get lost in the driving rain. Stockbridge is very pretty - we drove through it three times...
Ah...you were much closer to me than you could imagine. Western Mass is very pretty...pity you got there after the peak leap-peeping season.
Posted by dang65 (Member # 102) on :
quote:Originally posted by herbs: Quite scenic, though a bit OTT on the whole halloween thing.
I'm intrigued to know in which ways Massachusetts warrants a special OTT Halloween mention. From what I see, absolutely everywhere is completely OTT at Halloween. Do they actually summon demons and sacrifice babies there or something?
One of my children's friends actually had an "anti-Halloween" party. It involved various 'interesting-to-children' scientific experiments and traditional games. I wasn't clear if they were Dawkinsists, trying to distract children from superstition by making everything scientific, or if they were God-botherers trying to distract children from worshipping satan and getting bad teeth.
They seem to have enjoyed themselves anyway, which suggests to me that children couldn't really give a toss either way.
Posted by herbs (Member # 101) on :
Only because it was the only countryfied bit of the USofA we saw, and each porch had an effigy hanging from it, loads of pumpkins, and some cobwebs draped all over it.
In NYC where we spent the rest of the time, things were marginally more restrained. Though there was a shop near our 'apartment' that was a block deep, two storeys high, selling nothing but halloween costumes, brains in bags, etc. One man, with armfuls of stuff, barked at an assistant 'Double-zip nurse costume in extra large. Must be the double-zip. Extra large'. The mind boggles...
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
quote:Originally posted by Waynster: I truly think that this outcome will affect just about everyone on the planet in one way or another.
Possibly, though from what I gather (and as Ralph says), any actual change will probably be far less than we are all imagining it to be.
quote:A governing system with separation of powers, significant checks and balances, and the majority of legislative election outcomes determined by incumbent strength, not national trends, fosters slow change in national policy. That is what the authors of the Constitution intended. Critical issues will dominate the 2008 election. While on some issues the new president will be able to act without congressional concurrence, on many more, the policies of the U.S. government, if not the rhetoric, will change only slightly.
Having said that, it's probably true that it's the rhetoric coming from the White House that most affects what everyone thinks about US politics, rather than what actually happens.
Or not. I don't bloody know.
Posted by Kanye West (Member # 837) on :
quote:Originally posted by herbs: brains in bags, etc.
you can buy sheeps heads in cling film for £2.60 in a shop round the corner from me. I've been tempted. I'm sure there are some artistic possibilities with a bunch of skinned, google eyed sheeps heads.
[ 03.11.2008, 08:42: Message edited by: Kanye West ]
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
Right, I'm trying to work out all the ins and outs of this US election.
Tomorrow voters choose the President, the House of Representatives and two thirds of the Senate. All okay there.
Once elected, the President chooses the Cabinet -- but who from? Can they be anyone? Do they have to be from the House/Senate, or can anyone get the job? Does the Prez just appoint his/her favourite senior advisers?
In which case, these are politicans not elected by the people, right? (though approved by Congress) Or am I all wrong?
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
Is Peaches in with a chance, basically.
Posted by ralph (Member # 773) on :
quote:Originally posted by mart: In which case, these are politicans not elected by the people, right? (though approved by Congress) Or am I all wrong?
Yes. They are "politicians" not elected by the people but approved by Congress. *I* could be a member of the cabinet. Although getting me past Congress would be a bit tricky.
Posted by Cherry In Hove (Member # 49) on :
Ha. I was completely wrong.
[ 03.11.2008, 11:24: Message edited by: Cherry In Hove ]
Posted by ralph (Member # 773) on :
Not completely. You like Dennis Kucinich. So you can't be all bad.
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
You know what would be funny? If McCain won and then dropped dead on the spot, that would be funny. America's already treated like a smelly, demented paedo by the rest of the world, imagine its popularity if that conniving fundamentalist ditz was at the helm.
Posted by froopyscot (Member # 178) on :
quote:Originally posted by herbs: I was staying in Albany, but we nipped over the border to wander around Mass MoCA, and then get lost in the driving rain. Stockbridge is very pretty - we drove through it three times...
Wish you'd have let us know, we could have done a Massmeat or something. Still, nice time of year to visit New England.
Posted by froopyscot (Member # 178) on :
quote:Originally posted by mart: Having said that, it's probably true that it's the rhetoric coming from the White House that most affects what everyone thinks about US politics, rather than what actually happens.
True, the president has the power of the bully pulpit - but there's also been a movement toward unchecked executive power that's behind much of the most troubling changes of the W presidency. Signing statements that approve legislation but stipulate at the same time it will not be enacted or followed. Executive orders approving interrogation techniques amounting to torture. And the list goes on.
Then again there is the strong likelihood that tomorrow will end with a strong majority of Democrats in both houses of Congress, so there's an actual chance policy changes could be made and implemented. The cautionary note of course that, if given the keys, will they go too far too fast and give the Republicans a chance to regain power in Congress in 2010 (repeating the 'mistakes' of Clinton's first term, which paved the way for Newt Gengrich and company)?
Posted by ralph (Member # 773) on :
quote:Originally posted by Black Mask: You know what would be funny? If McCain won and then dropped dead on the spot, that would be funny. America's already treated like a smelly, demented paedo by the rest of the world, imagine its popularity if that conniving fundamentalist ditz was at the helm.
That wouldn't be funny. And you wouldn't be laughing when we decided to try to take over the world (moreso) because God told her to.
Posted by vikram (Member # 98) on :
Posted by froopyscot (Member # 178) on :
Two ways to look at that image:
1. Sunlight, dawning of a new day, hope 2. Train rapidly approaching from behind
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
3. A load of ice-cream cones being thrown at him.
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
lol
Posted by herbs (Member # 101) on :
quote:Originally posted by froopyscot:
quote:Originally posted by herbs: I was staying in Albany, but we nipped over the border to wander around Mass MoCA, and then get lost in the driving rain. Stockbridge is very pretty - we drove through it three times...
Wish you'd have let us know, we could have done a Massmeat or something. Still, nice time of year to visit New England.
I did think of it... but we were staying with friends, who were driving us around, and had a strict schedule of sightseeing, and it would have been one of those 'dont cross the streams' kind of moments, with only me knowing these yanks from the internet, and stuff. You know.
[ 03.11.2008, 12:08: Message edited by: herbs ]
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
Well, Ryanair will soon be offering flights across the Atlantic for 8 pounds, apparently, so we can all just jump on a plane and turn up at the Frooster house unexpected one day, for a big party. Cheerleaders giving up their virginity on the parents' double bed, football players banging chests and drinking beer by the pool. All that.
[ 03.11.2008, 12:21: Message edited by: mart ]
Posted by Darryn.R (Member # 1) on :
Imagine the horror of a 11 hour Ryanair flight to the USA... It'll be hell.
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
Yeah, but we'd all be so anxious to get off the plane and let off steam it'd be one hell of a party.
Posted by MiscellaneousFiles (Member # 60) on :
Does anyone know a person called Ryan who isn't a terrible waste of humanflesh? I've never flown with Ryanair but the image it conjures in my mind is one of complete bratty idiocy.
Posted by MiscellaneousFiles (Member # 60) on :
Does the Frooster house have a hot tub?
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
I knew a Ryan. He was alright.
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
I'm sure they'll have one installed in time for the party.
Posted by New Way Of Decay (Member # 106) on :
Over there is our installed Ryan Posted by dang65 (Member # 102) on :
quote:Originally posted by MiscellaneousFiles: I've never flown with Ryanair but the image it conjures in my mind is one of complete bratty idiocy.
I went on EasyJet once and it was like getting on a bus in the rush hour, including the scramble for a decent seat not next to the loony, the walkman headphones going tss-tss-tss, people shouting at each other, the old lady with things falling out of her shopping bag and fat people that hadn't washed for 10 days before getting on.
Only difference really was that you couldn't get off after a hundred yards and walk. Everything else was identical to a bus. Oh, and it was cheaper than a bus.
I imagine Ryan Air would be worse than that.
Posted by froopyscot (Member # 178) on :
I used to have a room-mate named Ryan.
We shared a place that happened to have an outdoor hottub.
So it sounds like the ideal trappings of this meat may have already happened, circa 1998.
Posted by Darryn.R (Member # 1) on :
Transatlantic flights from 8 quid, rent an in flight movie 10 quid a pop, beer 6 quid, coffee 3 quid, hot towel 2 quid, meal one 10 quid, snack 5 quid, meal two 8 quid...
Airport taxes - 350 quid.
Total cost of flight: 500 quid.
Bargain.
Posted by New Way Of Decay (Member # 106) on :
Doing a poo into ralph's outdoor pool: priceless
Posted by froopyscot (Member # 178) on :
quote:Originally posted by New Way Of Decay: Doing a poo into ralph's outdoor pool: priceless
I could do that for you at bargain prices, you know. Would cost me about $5 in gas round-trip.
Posted by MiscellaneousFiles (Member # 60) on :
quote:Originally posted by froopyscot:
quote:Originally posted by New Way Of Decay: Doing a poo into ralph's outdoor pool: priceless
I could do that for you at bargain prices, you know. Would cost me about $5 in gas round-trip.
Would love to see your face when you realise the 'pool' is in fact a trampoline...
Posted by ralph (Member # 773) on :
quote:Originally posted by froopyscot:
quote:Originally posted by New Way Of Decay: Doing a poo into ralph's outdoor pool: priceless
I could do that for you at bargain prices, you know. Would cost me about $5 in gas round-trip.
Would love to see your face when a size 14 boot gets stuck up your ass. Posted by MiscellaneousFiles (Member # 60) on :
Will you at least let him wipe first?
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
oh man there's a tiny tiny chance i might score an invite to tonight's party at the american embassy! this would be incredible. a politically-connected friend is trying to sort it right now. oh man oh man awesome. very little chance it'll happen though.,..
predictions for tonight:
54% popular vote Obama, 45% McCain 338-200 electoral votes Obama keeps all the Kerry states and gains 12 of the 15 or so that are up for grabs today, including Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania (this one will be closer than expected), Florida, Virginia and possibly North Carolina. North Dakota and Missouri will stay Republican but it'll be surprisingly tight. The Democrats will control 57 seats in the Senate, with two held by Independents and 40 by the Republicans.
Posted by Cherry In Hove (Member # 49) on :
quote:Originally posted by Black Mask: OBAMA WINS!
Ron Paul came a close third! As a write in! I really hope that a lot of republicans write in Ron Paul as he really was their best choice.
Posted by vikram (Member # 98) on :
His ideas are libertarian nonsense.
Posted by ralph (Member # 773) on :
quote:Originally posted by Cherry In Hove: Ron Paul came a close third! As a write in! I really hope that a lot of republicans write in Ron Paul as he really was their best choice.
I'm not a registered Republican, but I'll be writing in Mr. Pauls name when I cast my vote.
Posted by Cherry In Hove (Member # 49) on :
quote:Originally posted by ralph: I'm not a registered Republican, but I'll be writing in Mr. Pauls name when I cast my vote.
Dr. Paul
[ 04.11.2008, 07:27: Message edited by: Cherry In Hove ]
Posted by H1ppychick (Member # 529) on :
I misread that as Ru Paul. Wouldn't that be just aces.
Posted by vikram (Member # 98) on :
it'd be fabulous
Posted by New Way Of Decay (Member # 106) on :
Someone's put Obama stickers on my desk.
Posted by froopyscot (Member # 178) on :
quote:Originally posted by ralph:
quote:Originally posted by froopyscot:
quote:Originally posted by New Way Of Decay: Doing a poo into ralph's outdoor pool: priceless
I could do that for you at bargain prices, you know. Would cost me about $5 in gas round-trip.
Would love to see your face when a size 14 boot gets stuck up your ass.
You libertarian wackjobs really can't take a joke can you.
Posted by froopyscot (Member # 178) on :
quote:Originally posted by H1ppychick: I misread that as Ru Paul. Wouldn't that be just aces.
Missed running-mate opportunity for Dr Paul, no doubt.
Posted by ralph (Member # 773) on :
quote:Originally posted by froopyscot: You libertarian wackjobs really can't take a joke can you.
No. It would seem that you can't. Posted by ralph (Member # 773) on :
So froop...where do you stand on the abolition of the state income tax?
Posted by McDirts (Member # 6680) on :
I thought for a second you were referring to Ron Jeremy then. What a wonderful country America is, I thought, when even an over weight, hairy, out of work Porn Star can still run for President.
Posted by froopyscot (Member # 178) on :
quote:Originally posted by Waynster: it's all dependant on one nation going to the polls to choose one man to be the leader of the most powerful and influential country on the planet
And remember, it's all up to this guy:
Less than six hours until the first results are in.
Posted by froopyscot (Member # 178) on :
quote:Originally posted by McDirts: I thought for a second you were referring to Ron Jeremy then. What a wonderful country America is, I thought, when even an over weight, hairy, out of work Porn Star can still run for President.
That point is only secondary to the fact that an overweight, ugly, hairy guy can be a porn star in the first place.
Posted by ralph (Member # 773) on :
quote:Originally posted by froopyscot: That point is only secondary to the fact that an overweight, ugly, hairy guy can be a porn star in the first place.
So hang in there, McDirts! The porn gig may open up for you yet!
Posted by froopyscot (Member # 178) on :
quote:Originally posted by ralph: So froop...where do you stand on the abolition of the state income tax?
It's a nice idea but the way the ballot question was posed (and the arguments made in favor) made me vote against. I don't like paying taxes, but the reality is that without first weeding out the "waste in government" the proponents kept citing, there is no way to know what the savings would amount to. I don't think the state would implode without the income tax, but I do think it would drive up other taxes, notably local property taxes due to the likely reduction in state educational aid to municipalities, which would place a disproportionate burden on small towns and cause a spike in local property taxes as they try to redistribute the burden. Which by the way is exactly what we don't need, as it would further depress the housing sector.
So... no on question 1. I did however vote in favor of decriminalization of marijuana, because I'm apparently a no-good hippy.
Posted by ralph (Member # 773) on :
And what about question 3? Are you helping to ban dog racing in MA?
Posted by froopyscot (Member # 178) on :
I should also note that the income tax repeal crowd clings to a statistic that 41% of state government dollars are wasted. This figure comes from, get this, an opinion poll of voters. So that's not how much waste actually exists, it's what voters (who I'm sure have done a detailed analysis of state spending, programs and obligations) think exists. So it's complete BS in other words. Hardly a figure I would want to base a major decision on.
(The income tax, coincidentally, is the source of about 40% of state government revenues.)
Posted by froopyscot (Member # 178) on :
I voted against dog racing, too. I'd rather see the state allow other forms of gaming at those facilities, one that doesn't create a stream of animals needing to be adopted or destroyed. They already allow machine gaming (slot machines) - why not just expand that to allow other casino games? The track owners argue the loss of dog racing would cost jobs - but I'd wager (ha ha) that they'd love to see the sort of money coming in that casino gaming would bring.
You? Other than your vote for Ron Paul you haven't said. How did you come out on the ballot questions?
Posted by froopyscot (Member # 178) on :
Nice to see that we've hijacked an already America-centric thread and made it specific to ballot questions in Massachusetts. I hope everyone else is enjoying this. Normal service will resume shortly. We apologise for the inconvenience.
Posted by ralph (Member # 773) on :
I haven't actually voted yet. I think we see eye to eye on the ballot questions though. And I'm still not even sure I'm going to vote for Paul. If I'm going to waste my vote, I might as well cast if for someone who actually went to all the effort to get on the ballot. Maybe Nader...
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
I'm enjoying it.
Well, I'm reading it.
Posted by ralph (Member # 773) on :
So mart...if you were an American living in Massachusetts...who would you vote for for President? Would you be for or against eliminating the state income tax? Are you for or against easing back on our hard marijuana laws and making posession of an ounce or less merely a citation and a fine instead of possible jail time? And what about greyhound racing? Are you for it or against it?
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
I'd probably spoil my vote somehow. No politican has ever won my trust. edit Actually I might vote Obama, because Biden seems like a top bloke. Obama seems too slimy to me -- I don't quite get what everyone sees in him.
I'm amazed anybody that isn't an economics expert can have any kind of opinion on stuff like taxation. Surely such issues are so mentally complex that retards like myself can't be expected to decide. Is there a "don't know" option?
Yay to the marijuana.
And I have no clue about the greyhound issue. Again, surely only experts can decide on that kind of thing.
[ 04.11.2008, 12:56: Message edited by: mart ]
Posted by McDirts (Member # 6680) on :
I'm pro-choice when it comes to Dog R
Posted by McDirts (Member # 6680) on :
acing
Posted by ralph (Member # 773) on :
I understand what you mean about Obama, mart. He *is* slimey to me too. And nobody calls him on anything. I think it's because he's blackish. Anyway...he's not getting my vote. I may just write-in froopyscot and let the cards fall where they may...
Posted by McDirts (Member # 6680) on :
Where do you stand on Greyhounds?
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
Outisde in his yard, probably, because of the mess.
Posted by McDirts (Member # 6680) on :
I've had it with Ralph's racist dogma.
Posted by ralph (Member # 773) on :
oh mart
I'll be voting in favor of banning greyhound racing. I don't see the point of it to be honest. But if they ever let us decide whether or not to bring cock fighting back...
Posted by ralph (Member # 773) on :
quote:Originally posted by McDirts: I've had it with Ralph's racist dogma.
Posted by McDirts (Member # 6680) on :
tHOSE DOGS ARE NEVER HAPPIER THAN WHEN THEY'RE CHASING A RABBIT AROUND A TRACK. yOU white collar liberals want to take the last bit of enjoyment out of my life as a jobbing Plumber looking to protect my wage from indiscriminate taxes to pay for a free healthcare system.
Posted by ralph (Member # 773) on :
when they're not racing those dogs are kept in cages so smallit would sicken you to see them. poor greyhounds. and I'm not liberal...I'm a moderate for christs sake...
[ 04.11.2008, 13:14: Message edited by: ralph ]
Posted by McDirts (Member # 6680) on :
They get let out to stretch their legs three times a week.
For fucks sake Ralph, you pussy, these are dogs we're talking about. They're only animals. If they didn't want to be inhumanely treated they shouldn't have been good runners.
Posted by ralph (Member # 773) on :
lol. poor McDirts. You should be in a cage.
Posted by McDirts (Member # 6680) on :
Well, "ooohhh, what about the dogs, will no one think of the dogs...?" you fag. When our boys are dying out there so you can have the freedom to ban Greyhound racing? You moran.
Posted by McDirts (Member # 6680) on :
What's Duxbury like?
Posted by froopyscot (Member # 178) on :
quote:Originally posted by McDirts: What's Duxbury like?
Posted by froopyscot (Member # 178) on :
There really is nothing that Google Image Search can't find, is there.
Posted by Waynster (Member # 56) on :
Right I am staying up all night to see how this all pans out - does anyone have a linky to a good streaming source for what is going on as it happens?
Posted by New Way Of Decay (Member # 106) on :
I'm not convinced to be honest Mikee...
Posted by Waynster (Member # 56) on :
It's 8-3 in the favour of McCain so far - not what is wanted
Posted by Physic (Member # 195) on :
quote:Originally posted by Waynster: It's 8-3 in the favour of McCain so far - not what is wanted
Only because of the lame-ass college vote system, it was actually McCain - Kentucky, Obama - Vermont, what do you expect from the Kentucky rednecks after all? 103-34 in favour of Obama currently anyway so I can go to bed an optimistic boy Posted by missgolightly (Member # 34) on :
It's 103-49 to Obama at the moment.
ETA yeah, I'm going to bed too.
[ 04.11.2008, 20:33: Message edited by: missgolightly ]
Posted by froopyscot (Member # 178) on :
quote:Originally posted by Waynster: Right I am staying up all night to see how this all pans out - does anyone have a linky to a good streaming source for what is going on as it happens?
The msnbc widget is decent.
Posted by missgolightly (Member # 34) on :
BBC website gets my vote.
Posted by froopyscot (Member # 178) on :
Not out of the woods yet. I'll feel better when I see either Ohio or Virginia come in for Obama - or both. That would give me some margin of comfort. But as of now, it's still a waiting game.
Posted by froopyscot (Member # 178) on :
Interesting that the BBC is calling states earlier than the US domestic news outlets. It's like you know before we do. Are you guys still in charge? Can you just tell me who will win? Or do I need to ask Gordon Brown?
Posted by Waynster (Member # 56) on :
I've got the msnbc thing on now as well as the bbc update going - so far so good but its gonna be a long night - i'm dog tired yet I think that i can't sleep until its all ggonna be alright
Posted by froopyscot (Member # 178) on :
I've got about 6 browsers running, plus cable news on TV. And am on Barack Obama campaign twitter feed, for what it's worth.
Posted by Waynster (Member # 56) on :
linky for the rss feed scott?
Man I have never been this interested in politics, even in my home country, yet I find myself sitting here transfixed and almost religious in what I want to happen
Posted by froopyscot (Member # 178) on :
It's doing wonders for my unbelievably bad grasp of american geography. It's not doing so much for my planned early night though.
Posted by froopyscot (Member # 178) on :
On a lesser note: the Massachusetts ballot questions Ralph and I were going on about earlier:
Q1 (eliminate income tax): No (69%)
Q2 (decriminalize marijuana): Yes (65%)
Q3 (ban dog racing): Yes (56%)
So that's coming along well. All votes not yet in but trending in the right direction.
Posted by rooster (Member # 738) on :
glad you are staying up with us Waynster. I am a total wreck...practically teary with anticipation and fear.
Posted by froopyscot (Member # 178) on :
NBC has called Ohio for Obama.
!!!
Posted by Darryn.R (Member # 1) on :
How many Barack Obama's does it take to change a light bulb ?
Just one, and it's a change we can believe in.
Posted by froopyscot (Member # 178) on :
This is good.
News analyst: "No Republican has ever won the Presidency without winning Ohio."
Posted by froopyscot (Member # 178) on :
Thanks for that Darryn Posted by froopyscot (Member # 178) on :
Also: Obama leads in Florida and North Carolina.
North Carolina blows my mind. This is the state that til very recently was the stomping ground of arch conservative Jesse Helms.
Comeoncomeoncomeon.
Posted by Waynster (Member # 56) on :
He is 75 points short ohe presidency with about 20 states or more to call
Nearly there I hope.....
Posted by froopyscot (Member # 178) on :
Not new but hopefully prescient:
Posted by H1ppychick (Member # 529) on :
I've been sat up watching David Dimbleby's coverage on BBC1, landslide ahoy!
Posted by H1ppychick (Member # 529) on :
god I'm knackered but they keep hooking me in with imminent poll closures. Damn your time zones.
Posted by froopyscot (Member # 178) on :
Landslide.
That's what I've been waiting to hear, but have been a bit superstitious about suggesting it.
As of right now, Obama can reliably count on picking up California, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii - all have voted reliably Democrat since 1992 - and with those he would break the 270 electoral vote ceiling.
So now, fingers crossed, it's all about getting a mandate. A landslide.
...!!
Posted by H1ppychick (Member # 529) on :
You should use your 3k post for a victory dance, froopy. I suggest a samba.
Posted by froopyscot (Member # 178) on :
Sad that it's taken me 6 years to nearly reach 3k posts, isn't it?
Posted by Waynster (Member # 56) on :
nearly there!
Posted by missgolightly (Member # 34) on :
quote:Originally posted by H1ppychick: god I'm knackered but they keep hooking me in with imminent poll closures. Damn your time zones.
Ditto, may as well stay up til 3am now, grr.
Am watching David Dimbleby online from bed though, so at least I'm cosy.
Posted by H1ppychick (Member # 529) on :
I'm watching the tv in the bedroom too with a hot water bottle on my feet.
Virginia is 50/50 with 77% of precincts in.
Posted by missgolightly (Member # 34) on :
Oooh Eddie Izzard on tv!
Posted by H1ppychick (Member # 529) on :
he was excitingly ginger. I think I'm done now.
Posted by H1ppychick (Member # 529) on :
loving the aggressive local republican chair getting flatly contradicted by the BBC reporter
Posted by froopyscot (Member # 178) on :
It has actually happened.
quote: OBAMA WINS
This. is. big.
A lot has been said about Obama's campaign messaging. That "hope" was too naive a slogan; too simplistic. That it didn't speak to specific policy positions.
Putting the policy questions aside - after all, this is a man who worked with a policy team of more than 200 experts to develop volumnous policy proposals, even to the point the Economist called them into focus in the course of their endorsement - there is substance to the message of hope.
For so many years, dissent has been called treason; anyone who questioned the actions of Bush and Cheney in the "war on terrorism" was painted as evil. The mentality of "if you're not with us, you're against us" was pervasive. It left Americans afraid. Beaten down. Afraid to raise their voices or their heads.
And those of us who dared to not be Republicans were similarly villified. Mocked. Excluded. And, as in my personal experience, even denied employment solely on the basis of political affiliation. (And it wasn't because I was a member of the Communist Party. It was because I had worked for a Democratic campaign. And for this I was accused of "working for Al Qaeda [sic]".)
So it is with caution that those of us started to think that things might actually change. That we could see our country act in a way that we could be proud of. That didn't start arbitrary wars in the self-interest of those in power. That didn't trample the rights of its citizens in the interest of "preserving freedom."
It's hard to believe that for the first time in so many years, I might not feel like an alien in my own country.
Without understatement, this is the best thing I've seen in a very, very long time. I can only hope that the ensuing weeks and months can live up to the promise - and yes, the hope - that the campaign has built.
Posted by Amy (Member # 11) on :
Froopy, your post made me go all teary-eyed.
This is such an historical event and I'm so pleased that 1) I voted for Obama and 2) that he won. Although, to be honest, I knew he would win. We want real change, something McCain wouldn't have given us. I truly hope that Obama is as good as we hope.
Ps: darryn, I finally figured out my password. Posted by Darryn.R (Member # 1) on :
Woo !
(Hi Amy. I was just about to mail your passowrd out, glad you worked it out)
Posted by Waynster (Member # 56) on :
Oh happy day! Thank you america!
Posted by sabian (Member # 6) on :
He's more center than Clinton though so unless he takes advantage of the Congress vote I wouldn't look for too much in terms of reform.
However, if he takes advantage of the Congress majority, has the balls to do it, and doesn't get shot... This could be the next New Deal.
I still would have voted for Hillary
Posted by Abby (Member # 582) on :
Morning! Hoorays!!
Im a bit sleepy this morning and could be found being given a backie home on my somewhat weaving chums bike at 3am.
Does 349:162 count as a landslide?
Posted by Thorn Davis (Member # 65) on :
I very much enjoyed reading Froopy's emotional reaction to Obama's victory, there.
Posted by MiscellaneousFiles (Member # 60) on :
Personally, I've always believed in CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN. Sadly I fell asleep on the sofa last night and missed the victory, but Kellifer stayed up and watched it all unfold.
Congratulations America - you have gone up in my estimation! Now how long do we have to wait before the CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN can begin?
Posted by MiscellaneousFiles (Member # 60) on :
Oh, Thorn - I had some spam in my inbox which originated from your yahoo address. And judging by the CC field of the emails, I'm not alone.
quote:friend,how are you these days?i would like to introduce a good company who trades mainly in electornic products.Now the company is under sales promotion,all the products are sold nearly at its cost.They provide the best service to customers,they provide you with original products of good quality,and what is more,the price is a surprising happiness to you! It is realy a good chance for shopping.just grasp the opportunity,Now or never! The web address: www.------.com you can have a look ,it's very nice!
[ 05.11.2008, 05:12: Message edited by: MiscellaneousFiles ]
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
John McCain gave a very dignified speech, didn't he.
Posted by Thorn Davis (Member # 65) on :
Yeah, I think it's the same problem Mart had earlier this year. I think I've sorted it, but if anyone gets another one, let me know.
Posted by McDirts (Member # 6680) on :
Will no one think of the Greyhounds? What kind of backwood state is MA? If I were Obama the first thing I would do would be to invade that troublesome State and put the Greyhounds back where they belong, on the track.
Posted by MiscellaneousFiles (Member # 60) on :
*Good times ahead!
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
quote:Originally posted by Thorn Davis: Yeah, I think it's the same problem Mart had earlier this year. I think I've sorted it, but if anyone gets another one, let me know.
My advice is to back up your address book and any important emails in case your account gets blocked and closed down and you can't access them. And keep changing your password. Like, every day, or something.
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
Everybody alright?
Posted by Abby (Member # 582) on :
I’m kind of hungry, and I just realised that I threw my headphones away accidentally, but other than that yeah. You?
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
HA! In your weirdly mono-jowelled face McCain!
Isn't Dimbleby an irritating bumbling cuntzilla? They should've had Hitchens hosting the whole show.
Still the main thing is that the White House has got the boy in off the porch and America can finally grow up a bit. Hopefully.
Share tip - Invest in bullet-proof glass and armoured hybrid cars.
Posted by MiscellaneousFiles (Member # 60) on :
Despite the fact that Biden seems like a genereally decent chap, America will go back down in my estimation if it assassinates Obama.
Got that, America? Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
Yeah, I'm alright Abby, thanks. I've got a really boring piece of work to do, though, and I keep making little stabs at it, and then drifting off and reading the BBC, or making cups of coffee, and so on.
So no different to any other day, really.
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
Shame about your headphones.
Posted by New Way Of Decay (Member # 106) on :
Were they ipod headphones?
Posted by Abby (Member # 582) on :
Yeah, it is pretty annoying. The zip on my bag broke and I thought I was being pretty A-type and proactive by throwing it away rather than putting it in the cupboard with all the other partially broken tat. Not so clever after all.
Today I am trying to cut 400 works from a paper which I have already re-written about 5 times, which is a highly boring task. I think I might just auto-delete every occurrence of the word ‘and’.
Actually while I am here, do any of you use any special 3D mice like these?
Any good? Really I want cybergloves from the future…
[ 05.11.2008, 08:13: Message edited by: Abby ]
Posted by Abby (Member # 582) on :
No, they were Sony i think.
Posted by Thorn Davis (Member # 65) on :
Ridiculous as it sounds, one of the proudest moments of my career came when I took 750 words out of a 1500 word article without losing any information at all. It was one of the few moments I had where I sat back afterwards and thought "A lot of people couldn't have done that".
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
I understand that, Thorn, I've done it myself many times, subbing stuff down to almost nothing, but will all the info still there.
I do it in translations now as well, though I didn't in the past, as previously I was paid per target word. Thankfully I'm now paid per source word (which is also good as Spanish uses more words).
So, yeah, less is more. Unless you're talking about headphones.
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
I remember an interpreting gig I did once where someone English-speaking in the audience asked the Spanish speaker a question, which I translated, and the speaker answered in about four or five sentences that were pure filler, a typically baroque Spanish round-about way of saying "no", so when I had to translate it into English I did indeed just say "no", which got a laugh from everyone, except the speaker, who glared at me so menacingly I had to backpedal and translate his rambling guff, which of course is what I should have done in the first place, but, hey, at least I got a laugh.
I'm glad I don't do interpreting any more, it can be absolutely terrifying.
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
The other mistake I used to make was starting off by getting the language wrong, and reading off my notes of what had just been said, but in the same language as the person who had said it. Always got a laugh and broke the ice, but made me look like a twat.
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
Anyway I'll stop talking now.
Posted by Jimmy Big Nuts (Member # 895) on :
you don't half go on, Martin.
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
And it's all guff, as well.
Posted by MiscellaneousFiles (Member # 60) on :
No, no, I love reading about language. In fact I'm working my way through Stephen Fry's latest *blog post on the subject.
I'm also having another bash at Will Self's The Book of Dave, half of which is written in a phonetic future dialect based around the teachings of a London cabbie. Instead of hello, they say ware2guv. It was pretty tough reading last time I attempted it, but much easier this time, now I know there's a dictionary at the back of the book...
Posted by Thorn Davis (Member # 65) on :
quote:Originally posted by MiscellaneousFiles: there's a dictionary at the back of the book...
bah. What a cop out - Clockwork Orange didn't need a dictionary.
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
quote:Originally posted by MiscellaneousFiles: Stephen Fry's latest *blog post
Blimey. You don't half go on, Stephen.
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
quote:Originally posted by Thorn Davis:
quote:Originally posted by MiscellaneousFiles: there's a dictionary at the back of the book...
bah. What a cop out - Clockwork Orange didn't need a dictionary.
I've got an American copy that has one.
Posted by New Way Of Decay (Member # 106) on :
quote:Originally posted by Black Mask: I've got an American copy that has one.
Viddy this, me droogs : checka dis
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
I wonder if Nick Cave and his wife are expecting another baby.
Posted by MiscellaneousFiles (Member # 60) on :
Can someone link me to a dangerously right wing American message board? I'd like to read their thoughts on recent events.
Posted by Jimmy Big Nuts (Member # 895) on :
Did you see that he was at the International Beard Olympics?
Posted by vikram (Member # 98) on :
YES WE CAN! i got amazingly drunk at a party at the LSE. the atmosphere was incredible. when cnn declared obama had won nobody would let themselves believe it. i ended up standing on a chair and shouting YES WE CAN! leading like 400 people in the celebrations. i also managed to steal a bottle of champagne, but did not pull a nice liberal american girl which i am little disappointed about. anyway GREAT NIGHT and mccain's concession speech was really admirable. got home at 7am and still feel quite poisoned. but i feel poisoned in our new Obamaworld and i am very very happy about that.
Posted by froopyscot (Member # 178) on :
quote:Originally posted by MiscellaneousFiles: Can someone link me to a dangerously right wing American message board? I'd like to read their thoughts on recent events.
I'm sure there are more 'dangerously right' forums, but this one is usually good for idiot watching.
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
SG5 lives near Brighton, doesn't he, so he should know.
Posted by MiscellaneousFiles (Member # 60) on :
quote:Originally posted by froopyscot: http://www.redstate.com/
I'm sure there are more 'dangerously right' forums, but this one is usually good for idiot watching.
Thanks - should be good for laugh.
LOL, I've just found a thread on AboveTopSecret called Welcome to the USSA...
Posted by Abby (Member # 582) on :
Rumour has it that SG5 knows more about Nick Cave’s wife’s state of impregnation than Nick would like. Uhhh huh...
Posted by Jimmy Big Nuts (Member # 895) on :
are you saying that cherry in hove has had sex with nick cave's wife?
Posted by MiscellaneousFiles (Member # 60) on :
quote: It's a sad sad day for America. I just hope what ever is about to happen is quick so the people of the United States don't suffer too much and we can all find out if there is a heaven / hell or other dimension.
Posted by Cherry In Hove (Member # 49) on :
quote:Originally posted by Jimmy Big Nuts: are you saying that cherry in hove has had sex with nick cave's wife?
I don't believe that is true.
Posted by Jimmy Big Nuts (Member # 895) on :
no, it seemed like an unusual thing to say.
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
It did, didn't it.
Posted by Jimmy Big Nuts (Member # 895) on :
I wonder why Abby decided to lie about your sex life Posted by Cherry In Hove (Member # 49) on :
I'm not sure. Perhaps she hates me and wants Nick Cave to hire people to hammer nails into my kneecaps? I hear that is what he does to any guy who is rumoured to have slept with his wife on the internet.
Posted by H1ppychick (Member # 529) on :
quote:Originally posted by MiscellaneousFiles: I'm also having another bash at Will Self's The Book of Dave
I've taken this on 3 holidays now and never managed to crack it yet. It's a bit of a bulky bugger to shove in a suitcase, as well.
Posted by Jimmy Big Nuts (Member # 895) on :
Abby doesn't normally tell silly tales about people does she. I hope she's alright, and not in some kind of trouble.
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
Mind you, I find it hard to believe that Nick Cave hires people to drive nails into other people's kneecaps. Even if they have slept with his wife on the internet.
Posted by Jimmy Big Nuts (Member # 895) on :
I hope that Cherry in Hove isn't in some kind of trouble.
Posted by H1ppychick (Member # 529) on :
Just how does one sleep with someone on the internet, out of curiosity?
Posted by Jimmy Big Nuts (Member # 895) on :
I'm not in any kind of trouble, btw.
Posted by Ringo (Member # 47) on :
anonymously
Posted by Jimmy Big Nuts (Member # 895) on :
that's how 100% of marriages fail in Britain.
Posted by New Way Of Decay (Member # 106) on :
As long as they end with a nice set of knees with nails in, that's all that matters though isn't it?
Posted by H1ppychick (Member # 529) on :
I just thought it might be a bit uncomfortable, is all.
Posted by Abby (Member # 582) on :
I just got bored of editing my paper and thought I would stir things up. You know, chuck something out there and see what happened. Besides it could be be true.
Posted by McDirts (Member # 6680) on :
I think you people have got your facts mixed up. A mate of my dads slept with Nick Cave once, on top of a computer in an internet cafe in Hove. His wife found out and hired someone to drive kneecaps under his nails.
Posted by sabian (Member # 6) on :
quote:Originally posted by Jimmy Big Nuts: that's how 100% of marriages fail in Britain.
I put it to you mr bignuts... Sleeping with people on the internet is what keeps marriages alive.
Added bonus, you can't catch the hiv online... Avast doesn't let it through the latex of its e-condom
Posted by sabian (Member # 6) on :
Also, I would just like to say that I love how today being, quite possibly, the most historic day in modern time... The majority of the conversation is about who/what shagged Nick Cave's missus.
God bless the internet!
Posted by froopyscot (Member # 178) on :
melanie phillips is batshit Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
I don't know who Melanie Phillips is, but that article didn't have a lot of substance, did it. Or actually make much sense.
Posted by froopyscot (Member # 178) on :
quote:Originally posted by mart: I don't know who Melanie Phillips is, but that article didn't have a lot of substance, did it. Or actually make much sense.
It dropped in through a wormhole from a parallel dimension. The give-away was that Obama and McCain had goatees.
Posted by McDirts (Member # 6680) on :
I hate that haridan whore. Especially when she's on the Moral Maze with her whining, accusatory, self righteous, tone.
Posted by Samuelnorton (Member # 48) on :
If anyone can turn me into a big supporter of Obama, it's Melanoma freaking Phillipovitz.
She's like some automated bullshit machine.
Posted by McDirts (Member # 6680) on :
Is it cos she is a jew?
Posted by Samuelnorton (Member # 48) on :
quote:Originally posted by McDirts: Is it cos she is a jew?
Maybe, maybe not. It could be because she is a Joo. But then it could be because she's a screaming pro-Israel hawk, and you don't have to be Jooish to be that.
Just look at the so-called "Christians" who propped up Dubya.
Posted by MiscellaneousFiles (Member # 60) on :
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