LOL, Shaolin Soccer is so rad. Man, I had the VCD wayyyy back, then saw the trailer on Apple and thought it was coming out wide-release. Then it didnt...lame. But, I still have the import DVD, and man its awesome. If you havent seen this, but you are even remotely intrigued, you should see it. You wont be disappointed.
Yeah, they will most definitely, barring some catastrophic twist, make the playoffs. I think the Seahawks, Jets, and Steelers are the only teams you listed in their schedule who have a chance at beating them. Man, now that you look at their schedule this year is a cake walk. But honestly, the number of really solid teams in the NFL this year is pitiful. Its funny, I really thought the Falcons were going to manage, but they lost to the Lions. Not that the Lions arent better this year than they have been in a long time, but sheesh...come on.
I agree that there are a whole new mess of problems that can come with electronic voting. But I think that when you compare things across the board they balance out, if not lean slightly in the favor of electronic. I mean, Starkiller quoted the percentages on votes completely thrown out in 2000. They were discussing that the other day on NPR and I was totally shocked. Its just understood I guess, that about 3 percent of votes nationally are just not counted, for a number of reasons. So any major loss, or problems with Electronic voting would be eventually reduced to the margin of error present now. The benifit still exists that the system is nationalized. It seems more efficient. As others noted, it provides ease and confidentiality of voting for the disabled. I just think that the way things are now, there is just way too much room for error. Regardless of how inept a person has to be to "mis-punch", etc. a ballot now - the problem still exists. I think that if its reduced to a simple touch screen, or something similar, (I saw some for the primaries that were touch screens, but I dont know if this is exactly what would be implemented) the room for error is decreased. Ill go ahead now and say that you could decrease the room for error RIGHT NOW, by simply educating people on how to properly cast their ballots. I know it seems like holding people's hands through the process, but come on, if the problem is present than it needs to be addressed.
Jimbo, are you applying you beleifs in this galaxy to the Star Wars galaxy?
P.S. I have yet to see this change, ive only seen the '04 ANH. But I dont like it on principle. If for no other reason, because it defames Sebastian Shaw.
The metric system!!! Useless, I think it makes sense for a world economic power to use a different system of weight and measure than just about everyone else. Sorry, thats really sarcastic. But I think this is just silliness. Not that I think it should be changed, like, IT NEEDS to be changed...thats silly too. Yeah, I think we are gradually moving over to electronic voting in most states. The problem IS cost, like Chaltab said. Im sure that after everyone is on electronic ballot casting, a national system isnt far off.
Darth Justin, im not sure how strict the new rules are for this thread, so ill just say to PM people. Notably Rikter, TR47, or anyone else who seems to have a clue. Uh, thats not supposed to be mean at all.
I can say that im very impressed with the TR47 dvd+r(s) They play on all my DVD players so far (PS2, computer, and a Phillips DVD/receiver). I was really taken by suprise with the visuals. I didnt expect it to be as bright or detailed. I dont know why, too much '95 Faces version I guess. I dont think that the difference in the '04 versions is SIGNIFICANT on the visual basis alone. I mean, it looks clean and clear, but the TR47 looks great IMO. The sound is great, as expected. The lack of menus is so minor, that I dont think I even thought twice - haha, after I asked Rikter cause I wanted to make sure it wasnt my PS2 (I hadnt tried it on the other players yet). Printing your choice of covers, and(if you choose) disc covers, really makes the whole thing feel like an accomplishment. They look great on my shelf, and better on my tv
Human nature keeps us from a number of great things. Most significant, it seperates us from all other life. A fatal mistake in the grand scheme I think.
Maybe its early to say, but I dont get much out of that. But it could also just be the description. I really want to love the PT, I mean it...but I dont...right now. Maybe RotS will be realllllllly good and my faith will be restored. I guess we'll see.
Id really like to see the upstart Seahawks hand the Patriots their first loss in over a year. I have a lot of respect for the Pats as a team, but I dont like when there is a powerhouse like that present in pro sports. (Id consider the Yankees as of late to be one of these types of teams, though I wouldnt be suprised if the Sox actually win, that would be awesome). Anyhow, back to the topic. I think the Seahawks could win, especially if they are pumped, and even more so if the Pats think it will be a breeze. The only thing working against the Seahawks, IMO, is their receivers. They are pretty fast and strong, but they dont have the best hands.
I agree with you Warbler. Reform is necessary to keep value in individual votes. I like the fact that in Colorado they will be voting on a new system for Colorado's electorial votes. The system they would like is one where the votes are given on the basis of the majority vote. That is, if you get half the majority vote in Colorado, you get half the electorial votes. I think this is a much more logical way to do things. It would balance out the democracy vs. republic problems, and also be a more accurate representation of the majority vote.
Ive heard that there is a large movement against this being on the ballot for Colorado. Its a bipartisan plan, or its touted as such. Mostly Republicans are nay-saying its effectiveness at this point. Im not making an evaluation of either party. However, I cant understand being opposed to better representation of the people's desires. The only fault I see is, if every state doesnt do this. Some states that do will be considered negligible. Politicians will still go after the big pulls on electorial votes. But if every state were to do this, I dont see where any problem would arise.
I just watched the '95 Faces VHSs the other day, and Im pretty sure there is some sound before the "away put your weapon" line starts. I dont know if they turned it up, or tweaked it, but he does make a sort of startled noise. Ive only seen the ANH '04 Version, and since I refuse to buy the set, it may stay that way for a while. The little sound changes are a major quibble I have, I mean, can anyone say "pointless." But honestly, one of the most glaring flubs is Luke's lightsaber on the Falcon (when he is training). That seriously is one of the biggest oversights ever. Please spare me the justifications from SW.com - "its a reaction to the disturbance in the force, Alderaan being destroyed" Uh....wtf?!
I dont care how much of a GL lackey you are, how can you justify the myriad of minute changes to sound and color. Not to mention, the completely ass-backwards rear channels durring ANH.
This concept of "creative decisions" is being exploited well beyond its maximum (logical) extent.
I think its a pretty insignificant line on the surface. But it really maintains the playfulness of the characters at different times. I think its important to the overall feel. Why this needed to be changed, or why it was...who knows.
Honestly, the one I agree with the most is about the Force, and Anakin's origin. It is just lame. I cant even expand on my thoughts for it. *Dry Heaves*
If giving people around the world freedom means helping them set up democratic government, can one conclude that we in America are not free? At least, not in the sense that, say, the people in Afghanistan are now? If the ideal situation in one of a pure democracy, why do we not maintain the ideals we wish to deliver to the world?
P.S. Rhetorical Questions
" Nothing brings more pain than to much pleasure, Nothing more bondage than too much liberty." B. Franklin
Right on man, Ive definitely appreciated your thoughts over on the "its official" thread. Im glad a few others have heard of/read Kierkegaard, its a bit tough I think, but its great stuff.
Jimbo, I fail to understand how you could seriously say that you would accept Nader as your President, even if it was just for dramatic effect (about how much you hate Kerry), but Nader is further left than Kerry, and that has been one of your principle quibbles. Kerry's flopping aside, you really havent attacked anything other than his quasi-liberal stances on things.
I cant argue that we are a Republic, but I think its necessary to acknowledge that we still run about calling ourselves a Democracy. Deliver the Freedom of Democracy, etc., etc. Its a moot point. Like I said in my post, im not calling anyone a theif. I just think its sketch. One of the most heated results in our history. Its interesting that the rift hasnt been closed, not even a little. The nation is still solidly divided, damn near 50/50. I think this is problematic. No matter who wins there will be a myriad of "I told you so's" along with even more backlash in 2008.
The whole 2000 election was sketch. Nobody can just come out now and say it black and white. There were more problems than recounts. There was a large issue with absentee ballots from military personnel overseas. There IS the fact that a large number of votes were completely thrown out. Im not saying he stole it, not here anyways. All im saying is, its not black and white. And the number of people who feel that we have a President that the majority didnt elect is hard to ignore. Not to mention that the Supreme Cournt essentially made the decision on who would be Commander in Chief. That doesnt sit well with me. But in my opinion the electoral college is flawed as a concept, and deviates from the true democracy that our nation was founded on. Give me one reason why we need anything other than the majority vote. Count them up, write them down, its black and white. Why create these arbitrary values and have middlemen. In the purest sense, its not democratic.
Soren Kierkegaard at one point or another made a case for the point of existence. He said that to be considered truly alive, truly existing, we must have passion. Im sure that you can argue the line between passion and obsession. But the point is still relevant. Accepting the mundane, not exercising our amazing imaginations, not having passions, things we love, etc. thats just a silly way to live life. IMO.
I felt that this was relevant, sorry if its really not. *Crawls back to the shadows*
Both of these candidates throw around figures and dates without much discretion Jimbo. I stayed tuned after the debates and there was a section, something to the effect of "truth squad" or somesuch. At any rate, the simple fact is that they are politicians. And as such it seems they are incapable of a statement without some manipulation to serve their interest. You really cant take the opinions given by partisan persons for anything other than party support. Ill admit that Bush made some blows, so did Kerry...but to hear it from a partisan observer, ie Hillary Clinton, or the woman who is the head of Bush's campaign (sorry, forget her name) they would have you believe that this was a one sided debate. A landslide in favor of the candidate flying their colors. Which is all well and good...thats the climate. But seriously, the only way to have an informed opinion is watch for yourself, or read a transcript. Let any biases in your understanding be your own. I just really urge people to find in themselves what they want for our country. Dont vote down party lines, dont vote on one single matter, as important as it may be, we are talking about the future of our country as a whole. While I think its important for people to have strong convictions on specific issues (abortion, taxes, war, same sex marriages, social security) I think that basing your vote entirely on the stance of a candidate on only one of these issues is shortsighted. Im not directing this at anyone in particular on the thread, or board, or in general. The only thing Im urging people to do directly is to think for yourself and decide based on that. And truthfully, it seems that most of the people on this thread/forum are doing that. So, im not really lecturing, just ranting. Sorry.
I know some people on this board are making it awfully tempting to level personal attacks on them...im not naming names or pointing fingers. Because Im included in that, some of my arguments have been more ad hominem than needed. I think we are having a great discussion, with some inbetween times where we just bash eachother for our positions on things. Its all well and good, because I dont think anyone is taking things too seriously. But I hope that after tonights debate we can get some more debate on this thread. You know, the legitimate kind. I just wonder if people had to have their questions approved before this thing. By the way, Im almost positive they would, but I havent heard for sure.
We had ham last year at Thanksgiving, and for some reason it didnt seem the same. All these people on my street had fried turkeys. It was interesting the morning of, to see all the deep-fryers out on the driveways. Haha, fried turkey, I hate the south!
I think the real problem with this election is that neither candidate seems overwhelmingly great. Unfortunately, I know a large number of people who wont be voting on the principle that they dont like either candidate - AND - feel that voting for a 3rd party candidate is a waste. (Thats a whole different debate). The thing is, there are people who dont like the candidate, and dont like the two-party system. And there are people who are not US citizens who are glad they dont have to make this choice. Some people seem really comfortable with the "lesser of two evils" thing. I personally, am not. It makes me miserable that this is the first National Election I get to participate in. I love America, and I love the concepts of Democracy and equality it was established on - but man, im telling you that its going down the shitter politically. If you are pro-Bush, thats splendid. Im not. I dont think war, for any reason, is ever right. And yes, that does make me a pacifist. AND NO, it does not make me ok with things like Sep 11. (Once again, I digress into another debate). I really think its unfortunate that it boils down to a two-party election. Where I wager that a high percentage of people feel like we, as Americans, lose no matter who wins.