You know the ACLU is actually defending people from the police searching their homes for guns so it's not just Heston that *fingers in ears* MLAH MLAH MLAH CAN'T HEAR YOU MLAH MLAH MLAH*he's got a whole life's work in film and he marched with MLK and lobbied for Kennedy back when *fingers in ears* MLAH MLAH MLAH HE HELD A POLITICAL BELIEF I DISAGREE WITH HE'S EVIL MLAH MLAH MLAH*

.

"But WHY? Why shouldn't we "speak ill of the dead"... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 11:19 AM on April 6, 2008

“I *am* arguing that the US citizenry is powerless to defend itself using currently LEGAL weaponry... Can the US populace effectively resist the modern govt.'s armed forces using currently legal weaponry? I say no way in hell...”

*sigh* Battle of Athens
Why does everyone assume in any conflict all the military is going to be on one side using the full might of the war making machine against the civilian population? Seriously, does anyone think they’re going... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 2:46 PM on April 4, 2008

“it's also some pretty intense handwaving to argue that the framers intended for Joe Wingnut to be heavily armed.”

Other than, y’know, directly quoting them you mean?

“The second amendment puts weapon ownership in the context of a state militia, in a time when the federal government was intended to be a loose wrapper for states which were effectively small countries”

(speaking of guncite)
So it doesn’t matter... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 4:47 PM on April 4, 2008

"No, they aren't. There were plans in place for this to happen but it appears to have been both delayed and modified from the original plans."

Ah, right. "Police now say the program will be entirely volunteer -- officers will only search homes by appointment at the request of the resident."
Wonder why they delayed it. Oh, right, intense opposition from residents in D.C and other places like Boston where it's introduced.... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 8:39 PM on April 4, 2008

"Small arms will get you nowhere against a modern military"

Not to harm, this just stuns me. Seriously. Vast examples. Hell - the IRA.
Y'know, the Brits have a pretty good war machine, probably #2 in military spending in the world. So their troops have body armor, they've got Harriers, why didn't they just carpet Bandit Country with paveways until they nailed the 'South Armagh Sniper'? (Actually, their body armor pretty much immobilized them and... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 9:39 PM on April 4, 2008

(er, harp...supposed to be a witty play on words...y'know what with the irish thing and...ok, I'll go sit in the corner now)
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 9:41 PM on April 4, 2008

"There all sorts of aggressive laws to deal with this issue; kids are kept close to home, taught to be paranoid.... yet there about 50 kidnappings of children by strangers every year in America."

That's a perfect analogy. There is an argument to be had over whether deaths from guns is worth having the right. Obviously I stand on the other side.

But I consider it exactly equal philosophicaly to the very low incidence of the... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 10:30 AM on April 6, 2008

$49,000 for the humidor to keep quiet about it.
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 9:58 PM on April 4, 2008

"oh, no, i got her song right here"

Really?

Burhanistan - I'm hearing George Takei there. (?)
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 11:40 PM on April 4, 2008

He still got that million dollar bounty on his head?




....I'm just askin'
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 10:05 PM on April 4, 2008

I remember watching a copy of the Rivera interviews with Manson. I was half out of it at the time but I remember Rivera saying "You're crazy Charlie" and I'm thinking - well f'ing duh there 'Ed Bradley', nice interview skills. Manson is crazy, what a revelation.
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 10:51 PM on April 4, 2008

Huh. I heard earwax.
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 10:45 PM on April 4, 2008

Do not underestimate the *power* of the bacon and eggs. If you will not break fast, you will be destroyed. Young fool. Only now, during brunch, do you understand. Your feeble fruit and croissants are no match for the power of bacon, eggs, hash browns, biscuits, gravy, toast, coffee and orange juice. You have paid the price for your lack of pancakes.

“The fact that Hillary is a member is no more interesting the the fact that both Bush and Kerry belonged to the Skull and... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 12:53 PM on April 4, 2008

"There is a huge difference between seeking to put into power leaders who have faith in Jesus and creating a theocracy."

There is. But isn't reiteration of the same set of values going to lead to disenfranchisement of people who believe otherwise?
Doesn't even have to be Muslims or Buddhists or Sikhs and such. Maybe some folks have a different take on Jesus.
Seems to me the greater diversity of perspective the stronger any given policy... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 9:52 PM on April 4, 2008

Essentially government people form a private corporation they give contracts to (which gives them kickbacks or hires them outright) or hire corporate contractors - not just to spy domestically.
Here’s the
IG’s statement on services and intra-agency contracting.

Pretty much fascism 101.... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 2:20 PM on April 3, 2008

“Is this a distinction without a difference?”

Well I think your perspective on this particular gang of four (to borrow) is valid (particularly given the FPP focus on just this agency).

But given the tacit approval of the senate, the ongoing privatization of the defense industry, I think there is a very real difference. There are, for example, as many mercs as U.S. troops in Iraq. That is unprecedented and not, strictly speaking, corruption.... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 4:34 PM on April 3, 2008

“Never attribute to malice what can be explained by incompetence, and all that.”

Most certainly. But the apparatus is such that it can turn at the hand of a smaller interest outside of public (or public rep) oversight. Doesn’t much matter if everyone in the equation is completely above board and in earnest, it still shakes out as circumventing the safeguards which is a danger. I’d argue that it’s not necessarily by design (and hell - go prove motive anyway, nightmare)... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 8:04 AM on April 4, 2008

“other than jews and their fellow travellers who read electronic pamphlets of marginal importance like this one, I think there are just some things that the burghers and frauleins don't want to hear, so I think it's sort of a tactical dead end to even talk about it.”

Indeed, I don’t think the folks running should be able to get away with dodging this issue.
That is, perhaps, the most important question in the coming elections (for president, et.al.) - what... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 12:13 PM on April 3, 2008

Yeah, Senor Cardgage, that and “gang member” and “terrorist” buzzwords.
Oh, he’s a gang member, well then you can electrocute his genitals. (Says Tad)
What’s weird - Yoo is one of the guys who probably would have been rounded up in California in ‘42. ( “But I’m Korean” “Yeah, whatever you say slanty, get on the bus”)
Like a guy named Damontae arguing against standards for informed consent so we can infect people with syphilis and study them.... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 5:07 PM on April 3, 2008

Well, psmealey, folks could work to make things worse (yes, worse) sort of a tai chi or yes, anding and hyperaugmentation of where the government appears to want to go. (Oh, you wanted wiretaps for everyone? Ok. Here’s Gov. Schwartzenegger’s phone records...what? Why’s everyone so pissed off?)
I mean, look at the passport thing. And voila’ less than a month later people are talking too many damned intelligence contractors. Almost makes one think it was by design.... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 7:48 AM on April 4, 2008

I am the clue-finder, the web-cutter, the stinging fly. I was chosen for the lucky number. I am he that buries his friends alive and drowns them and draws them alive again from the water. I came from the end of a bag, but no bag went over me. I am the friend of bears and the guest of eagles. I am Ringwinner and Luckwearer and I am Barrel-rider.
...at least that’s what the little guy said before he whupped my ass.
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 2:39 PM on April 3, 2008

Frick - yeah, I forgot - thanks, Bookhouse
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 4:40 PM on April 3, 2008

13 minutes.
Yeah, good luck getting that idea past my wife.

13 minutes - 20 times each, right?
I’ve done double iron triathlons less exhausting than our anniversary.
And we’ve had two minute quickies outside. So - any sort of daily time frame here?

“tiring, annoying and chafey.”
So... they’re not aware of the tongue’s recurring (non-cameo) role?
Pedialite and Gatorade. Got a fridge at... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 3:48 PM on April 3, 2008

What the hell was this guy thinking? Just basic protocol you have to have a female at the very least present if not performing the actual search.
I’m sure the taxpayers will love shelling out millions of dollars for the lawsuit this is certain to incur.
And aren’t young kids taught that only they have a right to their bodies?
Bit at odds innit?
There’s always some nutball thinks a policy means he’s got authority to do all kinds of stupid things... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 3:09 PM on April 3, 2008

Nice to see they’re finally paying attention.
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 2:48 PM on April 3, 2008

Nifty.
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 2:45 PM on April 3, 2008

Funny, a long time ago someone was describing to me the Pentex corporation from the White Wolf game (werewolf). Monsanto was the first thing I thought of.
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 1:45 PM on April 3, 2008

“when the subject of pederasty or sexual child abuse comes up, people (usually male people) often seem to get way more bent out of shape about homosexual adult-child sex rather than heterosexual adult-child sex, something that suggests to me a particularly modern anxiety about masculinity and sexual identity” - papakwanz

And

“instead of middle-aged male warlords, the exploiters were buxom Amazon warrior-queens, then the general reaction in the... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 1:56 PM on April 2, 2008

“It suggests to me that people (usually male people) take the sexual exploitation of women/girls for granted,”

True, many people do. And that’s all the worse.

There’s always that kind of (and often that specifically male/female) dichotomy that is utilized by exploiters. It often doesn’t occur to people (males) that - f’rinstnace - paying women less for the same job as a man hurts men as well.

It’s a basic... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 3:52 PM on April 2, 2008

That “are you ready for sex ” questionaire, pretty handy as well WalterMitty.

11) Will having sex get me a sandwich?

It’s natural to feel a little embarrassed and awkward the first time you have sex with someone for a sandwich because it’s not something you’ve ever eaten before. Your 44 year old warlord boyfriend will probably feel the same. About the sandwich.
But if you don’t trust your partner enough not to give you the sandwich... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 1:33 PM on April 3, 2008

“I recently read The Count of Monte Cristo on my handheld and enjoyed it immensely.”

Well there you go. Dumas hasn’t written anything for well over 100 years.
(Unless you count “Vicomte de Chimps du Crack”)
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 4:31 PM on April 2, 2008

Sending the message without, y’know, sending the actual message or acknowledging there’s a message.

“If people had known how close we came to World War Three that day there’d have been mass panic”
If people had known how often that was true there’d be mass panic.


Olmert: You know that nuke site in Syria?
Fukuda: Yeah?
Olmert: Nailed it.
Fukuda: Whoa, really?
Olmert: Oh yeah.... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 4:14 PM on April 1, 2008

Y’know, I don’t want to oversimplify the problems in the middle east, foreign policy and economic and military affairs, but...Israel strikes me as the “Moe” of the stooges out there.
I mean *slap*
“What was that for?”
“That was for thinkin about it, see?”
“Say, why don’t you leave him alone?”
*Whack!*
“Shaddap knucklehead.”
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 2:12 PM on April 2, 2008

I’m not a “radical womyn” but I do think it’s pretty misogynistic and twisted. Never been a fan of prostitution and I’m not so sure in this particular instance it isn’t exploitive (nice cup of tea and/or wine and laughing aside). And I can’t say I’d approve of beating on anyone even if they are “consenting” (since it’s for money).
So, socially - no, I wouldn’t want anything to do with this guy.

By the same token I don’t know of any evidence the guy actual... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 3:38 PM on April 1, 2008

"But, when you have a hand in public policy, your predilections and perversions enjoy a wider scope."

True. But I don’t think this guy was making any public policy (if he was - different story).
Unless I’m misunderstanding something, it’s a private - or rather non-government - organization. Hell, it’s just sports.
Unfortunately there’s a lot of people who pay far more attention to that then what their government’s doing.
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 2:05 PM on April 2, 2008

.
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 12:39 PM on April 2, 2008

“If all were ending in catastrophe I suppose I'd want to make some monument to, some repository of, that knowledge -- either for any survivors, or if there are to be none, to commerate six million or 200,000 years of human evolution and 10,000 of human civilization.”

As of now just about the only thing will be the plaque on the moon with Richard Nixon’s name on it.
Reason enough not to go gently into the night.

And yeah, kids change... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 11:33 AM on April 2, 2008

The only way this could work is with auctioneers....or horse racing announcers.

Aaannn!Shestakingoffherblousetheblouseiscomingoffherecomestheblouseit’soffandshesgot: Greattits
Greattits
aandthey’rebouncingasshejerkshimoffshe’sjerkinghimoffrunningherhandupanddownupanddown - along- his- penizzzzz.
Hiz peenizzz.
...
And *that’s* a handjob...

A hand-job...

Paying... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 11:13 AM on April 2, 2008

Nifty.
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 4:56 PM on April 1, 2008

But do they call me John Burn the bridge builder? No. No.
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 1:08 PM on April 1, 2008

Double
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 1:05 PM on April 1, 2008

“But I don't think they should be lionized for aiding and abetting in what are essentially great crimes against humanity.”

Totally. Still paying taxes are ya?
These men gave their lives for their fellows. They didn’t “choose to commit war crimes” any more than you choose to support the criminal actions of the civilian government. Their actions are constrained by the law just as much as yours are (in fact more) and if they’re complicit - you’re complicit.... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 12:36 PM on April 1, 2008

“Where in recent history are people undertaking collective projects that last even one generation, let alone dozens?”

Agreed. But I think the nature of labor is different given mechanization and social interaction is radically different given scientific advances.
Looking at the cost in terms of expenditure of time one can translate that into a fairly good thumbnail of expenditure of wealth and resources. So, yes, modern cities and infrastructure, very... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 10:53 AM on April 1, 2008

My friend Sweet Jay took me to that video arcade in town, right, and they don't speak English there, so Jay got into a fight and he's all - “Hey quit hasslin me cuz I don't speak French or whatever” And then the guy said something in Paris talk, and I'm like, “Just back off!!!” And they're all, “ Get out!”And we're like, “Make me!!!”

It was cool.

(Long story short - sneaking onto a base and into a high security area in a gorilla suit. Or using... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 3:41 PM on March 31, 2008

Strange how when asked for the “best story” I get muddied when thinking of my own, but others’ come out clear as a bell.
My favorite celeb story is by Don Rickles. As the story goes Don was just starting out in show business but he had worked some of the same clubs as the rat pack. He had a group of friends in town and wanted to impress them.
He knew Frank Sinatra only very casually but asked him to come over to his table. Frank gave a non-committal sort of answer so... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 9:47 AM on April 1, 2008

Video games seem to have taken the place, at least for parents, of letting kids seek personal autonomy. Bit of a double edged sword there.
On the one hand, this is how people interact in the modern age and so pursuing interaction and autonomy along those lines is acceptable. By the same token the environment is - as has been pointed out - safe.
Great for parents, not so great for kids.

In a book, for example, the page is unalterable. A... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 2:28 PM on March 31, 2008

“hackers who've met with some success, who then go on to write elaborately oversimplifying essays on subjects they're only marginally familiar with.”

Yeah, the “ad hominem” doesn’t carry much weight if you’re disputing a fact. I’ll take Joe Structural Engineers’ word on building a bridge over Joe Rhetoric’s, no matter how eloquent or good the latter’s ideas.
That said the aim in discourse should be to understand the other person’s argument. Otherwise,... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 1:10 PM on March 31, 2008

“The root problem, of course, is that are already way too many people on this planet; and the only way we're ever going to make any headway on this issue is stop trying to cram any more of them onto it.”

Yeah, but people keep complaining when you start killing them in big batches.

“It convolutes the problem by giving a gold star to people and corporations who take actions that are marginal at best, instead of educating and pushing for real... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 12:54 PM on March 31, 2008

*slips penis into popcorn box*
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 10:13 PM on March 30, 2008

In related (same site) news today: Machines now capable of attacking/jerking off humans.

("The Expo featured ultrarealistic sex dolls, masturbating machines, a bukkake booth, hardcore Blu-Ray porn and a member of the miniskirt police.")
posted to MetaFilter by Smedleyman at 10:25 PM on March 29, 2008