The News Thread

[Zachalmighty]

.........

[Manly Biceps]

^exactly.

[Zachalmighty]

I'm still waiting for an answer to my previous question, Why oh why, are you discussing the health care issue when it is clear cut socialism? Our country is already in the red, owing countries like China Billions of dollars, and you want our tax dollars to be funding a national health care system?

Number one, national health care never works. You are going to have to wait months to actually be able to go to a doctor's office.

Number two, Why not instead regulate the health care industry? And yes it is an industry because it produces goods and services in the form of vaccinations, checkups, and the like.

Number three, Why do people think it is a good idea to let the government regulate any program? They've obviously proven themselves incapable as exemplified by the Social Security deficit and other programs like Welfare. They spend our tax dollars in areas that they shouldn't be spent when the tax increases were meant for new programs only.

To me its just an excuse for the government to play a greater presence in our lives which it shouldn't because we don't need them in the majority of things. At the moment they are just acting like a large Union, taking dues and not giving us advantages worth those dues. (And don't sight security as an advantage in your rebuttal because politics cause more wars than they stop. The army is just there to protect their ass.)

[Kakizaki]

^Here is a question for you. Why do people get worked up over socialism or try and shoehorn everything into a very poor definition of socialism? What do you think welfare, unemployment benefits, or social security are? People like to make socialism a dirty word or can't differentiate between communism and socialism or socialist influenced practices.

As far as government sponsored health care never working, what are you basing your opinion on? Canada? There are other examples, and while none are perfect, there are somewhat functional models that exist.

I'm not stating that I necessarily support what has been proposed so far, but something needs to be done. What we have right now is not working too well cost wise.

I recently did a little reading regarding bankruptcy. It is pretty interesting to see what drives the majority of people to consider or act on filing for it in the U.S. - outstanding medical debt. From what I have read, not even copious amounts of medical debt - usually $5000 or less.

As for the statement regarding taking 'dues'...I am not sure I even want to touch this, but what we pay for taxes in the U.S. is pretty decent compared to many other modern nations (especially European). There are a ton a federally funded programs, institutions, and projects that benefit your everyday life.

I am also confused about your statements regarding government intervention. First the government is too involved (according to you) in our daily lives and shouldn't intervene and then you propose they should regulate health care.

[Zachalmighty]

Edited

[Zachalmighty]

I proposed first that they regulate health care rather than create a tax payer funded one, then I said they were already too involved in our everyday lives.

And I never said that Social security or welfare was a good idea. I merely used them as an example as to how the government doesn't do a great job.

As for government sponsored health care Sweden, Canada, England come to mind.

You don't have to strike me down though, I am merely stating my opinion in the matter.

[Manly Biceps]

I'm still waiting for an answer to my previous question

Maybe, try and ask in a less hostile way? I'm up for a debate, but I'm not up for a shouting match.

Number one, national health care never works. You are going to have to wait months to actually be able to go to a doctor's office.

Of course. It never works, ever. Every country in the world that does it is stupid. Have you ever visited a country with socialized medicine and needed to use the medical facilities there? It's nothing like what you describe.

Number two, Why not instead regulate the health care industry? And yes it is an industry because it produces goods and services in the form of vaccinations, checkups, and the like.

How about because it alone isn't sufficient, but yet is still important enough to be a massive part of the bill? Have you even looked into the thing past being against it due to your incredibly loose definition of socialism?

Number three, Why do people think it is a good idea to let the government regulate any program? They've obviously proven themselves incapable as exemplified by the Social Security deficit and other programs like Welfare. They spend our tax dollars in areas that they shouldn't be spent when the tax increases were meant for new programs only.

Because, as we've JUST seen, going laissez-faire on the market and just letting it do its own thing has resulted in a cascade of failure, the biggest series of financial catastrophes we've EVER SEEN and the corporations needs to get smacked upside the head as punishment. They've been getting away with too much crap, and it's been happening since the Reagan years. It's time for the government to crack back.

As I've already stated, the public option in its current is not the best idea. What I imagine will be the best idea is something in the middle. Which is where we'll get after going with the public option to a little while. All the health care industry is going to do, if left to their own devices is start toeing the line to get away with more and more and more... At some point down the road, in 10-15 years, we'll end up with a nice balance, with the government slowly relinquishing some things we feel we can trust the health care corporations with and we'll be at the optimal balance between government intervention and capitalism.

While it's probably not the most financially responsible thing to do now, I support it because:

1) A healthy workforce trying to work off a debt is better than a workforce that's not healthy and trying to work off a little bit less debt.

2) The corporations are going to end up on top again after this whole recession blows over. They're going to be sitting pretty for at least 3-5 years before any of the upturn makes it back around to us, the little people. I'd much rather have America actually kick the little people back something a little earlier.

Also, take Kakizaki's words to heart if you want to engage in real debate. I hate people just slapping whatever categorization on people can find onto things in order to demonize them. Are federally-funded roads socialism? If so, I think we'd all agree that they work, and so maybe you should stop using "socialism" as a substitute for "wasteful" or "gratuitous". A lot of the core principles of capitalism, communism, socialism, and monarchy are the same. On top of that, all of them have their positive and negative points. Trying to ask, "Why aren't you afraid of socialism" is a woefully shallow argument, because socialism is such a broad thing. Are we talking about the parts of socialism where a meritocracy occurs? Because, if so, HELL YEAH! SOCIALISM FO' LIFE! Is it the part of socialism where the government assumes control of all land? Because I don't want any of that.

All socialism is not bad, all socialism is not good. It's perfectly logical for governments to evolve and adapt, taking good points from one scheme and rolling them into theirs. This is what is known as a "good thing". Rigid adherence to principles that don't apply to the current situation is what leads to extinction and collapse.

[Kakizaki]

And I never said that Social security or welfare was a good idea. I merely used them as an example as to how the government doesn't do a great job.I never claimed that you did say that they were good ideas. My point in listing them is that socialist ideas have permeated through our politics and political institutions for a very long time. Decrying this latest round of proposed health care as 'socialist' is silly.

Again, why are socialist ideas bad?

As for government sponsored health care Sweden, Canada, England come to mind. And there are others beyond that. I am curious on to what you are basing your wait time theory on. Canada I understand, but I have heard pretty positive things regarding wait times in France, Japan, Germany, Sweden, etc...

If I had more time to expand on my ideas I would, but I have to get back to studying Chemistry and its relationship to physical structure.Why even bother to throw this in? Studying doesn't suffice? Sorry, I am not trying to be a jerk, but I get the distinct feeling this was meant to impress.

[Zachalmighty]

Socialist ideas are bad because they create a lazy citizenry of maybe 70% non-workers and 30% workers. People who don't work are still provided for while people who work live in just like those who don't while their wages are taken to pay for the non-workers. So why work if you can't get ahead?

My father used to live in Cuba, right after Castro had taken over and was there quite a few years following that. His entire family worked for their money and in a year lost it all to socialism.

And yeah Kakizaki, I shouldn't have mentioned that but I'm pretty ####ed if I mess up in Chem II.

@Manly Biceps, Why are you yelling at me like I'm trying to take you down? I merely asked a question and waited for an answer that was never given to me. Rather than trying to educate me in a proper manner you instead started a yelling match rife with sarcasm. Not cool at all, if my manner was hostile why not have told me two posts ago when I asked it in a joking manner?

[Kakizaki]

^Like I said previously, you are confusing socialism and socialist ideas with communism.

Neither one of us have been citing anything in this recent exchange and I am fine with that, but I have also been hazy in using any real percentages or numbers. If you are going to start throwing up numbers, please cite sources or at least comment on how you have come to these conclusions.

[Zachalmighty]

^Like I said previously, you are confusing socialism and socialist ideas with communism.

Neither one of us have been citing anything in this recent exchange and I am fine with that, but I have also been hazy in using any real percentages or numbers. If you are going to start throwing up numbers, please cite sources or at least how you have come to these conclusions.

Aren't communism and socialism quite similar? The only differencing lying in the execution of laws and who controls the country?

Like I said, if I had more time I would take the time to cite more examples and actual research. That way we wouldn't have to throw around speculation.

[Olethros]

Oh my, this thread has gone full circle again, eh?

Socialism is not the same as Communism. As MB stated earlier, there are also a myriad of versions and slight variations of each and every system man uses to govern. These blanket terms do no justice to the complexity of the issue.

Kaki and MB have extremely well thought out and informed ideas here. They're also very much right in the notion that what we have now does not work for everybody.

[Manly Biceps]

@Manly Biceps, Why are you yelling at me like I'm trying to take you down? I merely asked a question and waited for an answer that was never given to me. Rather than trying to educate me in a proper manner you instead started a yelling match rife with sarcasm. Not cool at all, if my manner was hostile why not have told me two posts ago when I asked it in a joking manner?

I'm not yelling at you, I'm demanding that you bring some educated opinions to the debate. Just yelling "Socialism" doesn't help anyone actually get what they want out of this discussion.

Socialism and Communism are not actually "quite similar". Socialism isn't ever technically a form of government. The term only refers to economic theory and principles. Moreover, as I've stated, just because something may share some commonalities with Socialism doesn't make it Socialism, and it also doesn't inherently make it bad. There is no way in hell the entire US government is going to switch completely over to Socialist principles.

Look at what the plan's offering, and then jump into the debate. That's all I'm asking you to do. Adding volume to the discourse doesn't help.

I think everyone here agrees that:

1) The current system needs to be fixed.
2) The current proposal to fix the system isn't the best idea.

Where we disagree on point 1 is the extent that the current system needs to be fixed, and where we disagree on point 2 is whether the current proposal is good enough at fixing the system to go ahead and give it a shot.

[Zachalmighty]

I agree to both point 1 and 2, I'm just going to now have to do some research about the problem.

[Manly Biceps]

I agree to both point 1 and 2, I'm just going to now have to do some research about the problem.

Great. It makes it much easier to have real debate when both sides can agree that they actually agree on things. For whatever reason, that doesn't get ratings anymore, so TV debate's been reduced to seeing whoever yells the loudest.

Seeing as how none of us is going to get a TV show, we may as well actually have the debate that they refuse to.

[Soushi_Grapple]

I think this is the right thread... it is a general news thread, right?

The Shin-Chan creator went missing about a week ago and he may have been found:
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-09-19/male-remains-found-in-gunma-prefecture-mountains/

[DamageCity]

I think this is the right thread... it is a general news thread, right?

The Shin-Chan creator went missing about a week ago and he may have been found:
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-09-19/male-remains-found-in-gunma-prefecture-mountains/


They identified him by dental records

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20090921p2a00m0na008000c.html

http://www.asahi.com/english/Herald-asahi/TKY200909210051.html

[RayFoxSith]

Damn, that sucks.

[Steel Greyfalke]

man that does ,& explains a lot,Darnit How many famous deaths have we had this year?

[SickleCellAnemia]

Wii System Menu 4.2 AKA The Doom Bringer:
http://kotaku.com/5372065/wii-update-42-is-killing-wiis-dead

[hickwarrior]

Huh... Guess nintendo is going the microsoft route with their console...

Anyway, couldn't they just check that update of their system?

[DamageCity]

Big news today.

http://www.asahi.com/english/Herald-asahi/TKY200911110101.html

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20091110p2a00m0na027000c.html

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20091111a1.html

[Crow T. Robot]

Boy forced to take flu shot (http://www.news-register.net/page/content.detail/id/530805.html?nav=515)

[syl]

Damn invertabrates and global warming...
http://www.japanator.com/jellyfish-siege-of-japan-continues-12484.phtml

[DamageCity]

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20091211p2a00m0na019000c.html

[Yazarc]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/6785997/Thirty-stone-man-dies-after-falling-from-ambulance-stretcher.html

[Kakizaki]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1281538/Smoking-year-old-Ardi-Rizal-40-cigarettes-day.html

[Olethros]

^ Gotta start 'em young! :surprise:

Also, I'll add this:

http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/gaming.gadgets/05/31/nintendo.greenpeace/index.html

[DamnedToBeFree]

Feds ask James Cameron for help on oil spill. (http://www.politico.com/click/stories/1006/cameron_consults_on_oil_spill.html)

Really!?

[Olethros]

http://www.physorg.com/news193943814.html

I always KNEW it! ;)

[Camanche]

So did... anyone else feel this? (http://sports.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978322966)

I somehow actually MISSED it happening because I was either out or doing something loud like having a shower. I've noticed our brand new tile has a few cracks but otherwise it didn't do anything. I wasn't extremely close to the epicentre, but not extremely far away either. O_O

I wonder if my landlord and lady will replace 3 month old tiles. I should check the bathroom too.

[EvilHero]

^ Hey Cammy, are you missing something in your post? Because i'm not sure what you're talking about.

[Camanche]

Yeah, messed up the link. Try clicking now.

[EvilHero]

Apparently it also hit throughout Michigan, I didn't feel anything though.

[Camanche]

Ottawa was the epicentre but I know people there who felt nothing. Yet at work customers were talking about things shaking for at least ten seconds when it happened. Like a plane was taking off beside the building.

[Hamel]

It went through Ohio too and I felt it and seen my TV moving for awhile

[Olethros]

^ Hey Cammy, are you missing something in your post? Because i'm not sure what you're talking about.

Since when is this unusual? :p

[Evilkinggumby]

we felt the quake up here in saratoga springs NY pretty solid. Least, the aftershocks.. shook the office quite a bit, but no damage or real issues. I bet it freaked the horses at the track out tho...

[Olethros]

This is just plain awesome in the grossest way possible:

http://www.physorg.com/news199523361.html

[Vyse of Arcadia]

This is just plain awesome in the grossest way possible:

http://www.physorg.com/news199523361.html

Hang on a moment, I need to go vomit.

[Tivor]

North Korea opens artillery fire on South Korean island near the western border (http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/11/23/nkorea.skorea.military.fire/index.html?hpt=T1).

Being Korean myself, I'm rather concerned.

North Korea has a well-known history of huffing and puffing with a show of military force, and I think this is just one of those incidents, but the difference this time is that they intentionally fired upon a civilian-inhabited island.

I hope this doesn't escalate into something really ugly.

[DamageCity]

I hope this doesn't escalate into something really ugly.

You and me both.

[DarkRPGMaster]

I'm right there with you two. I'd rather not see a war...again.

[Tivor]

This may not make much sense to you guys because it's in Korean, but here's a newspaper graphic of what happened.

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/6297/htm20101124011001200020.th.jpg (http://img13.imageshack.us/i/htm20101124011001200020.jpg/)\

Click for bigger picture. It at least ought to give you better geographical idea of what happened.

[Kakizaki]

I'm fairly certain that this unfortunate situation won't escalate to anything more serious. As Tivor pointed out, under the Kim Jong-il regime, North Korea has consistent history of acting out via bluffs and small deliberate actions.

[Olethros]

http://www.physorg.com/news/2010-11-cautionary-future-stem-cell-applications.html

Discouraging but not entirely unexpected.

[Tivor]

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/11/tension_in_the_koreas.html

Boston Globe's photo journal titled "Tension in the Koreas," including some pics from Yeonpyeong Island that was on the receiving end of the North Korean artillery fire.

[Tivor]

http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2010/11/28/actor-leslie-nielsen-dies-of-complications-from-pneumonia/

Deeply saddened by the news of Leslie Nielsen's passing. :(

Rest in peace, my good sir.

[DarkRPGMaster]

*world shatters into pieces and lies in fetal position in corner*

WHY!?

[Olethros]

http://karleywhatever.squarespace.com/imported-20101006052005/2011/2/20/virtual-pop-star-inspires-terrorism.html


OK, not really news but pertinent all the same.

So, this is the kind of crap that turns me off from Japanese culture. I mean, c'mon guys, this is the highly advanced and intricate culture that many of you hold up as an example of being better than that of America? Granted, American culture (if there even is one) is nothing great but is this REALLY any better? :question:


EDIT: OK, while I'm at it this is absolutely fascinating and validates a lot of things I had already assumed: http://scienceblogs.com/developingintelligence/2008/02/optimally_wired_a_caffeine_use.php

[Vyse of Arcadia]

http://karleywhatever.squarespace.com/imported-20101006052005/2011/2/20/virtual-pop-star-inspires-terrorism.html


OK, not really news but pertinent all the same.

So, this is the kind of crap that turns me off from Japanese culture. I mean, c'mon guys, this is the highly advanced and intricate culture that many of you hold up as an example of being better than that of America? Granted, American culture (if there even is one) is nothing great but is this REALLY any better? :question:

More than anything, it reminds me of all the death threats leveled at that Dutch cartoonist for his depiction of Mohammed in a comic strip. Lends credibility to my theory that rabid fandom and rabid religion (and rabid politics) use the same neural machinery.

I try not to let the fringe elements of any group of people reflect the entire people.

[Hamel]

I try not to let the fringe elements of any group of people reflect the entire people.

^This

I respect you Olethros, but what you said is kind of like saying "All Arabs are terrorists" (which they are not)

[DamageCity]

I try not to let the fringe elements of any group of people reflect the entire people.

^This

I respect you Olethros, but what you said is kind of like saying "All Arabs are terrorists" (which they are not)


I'll even go one step farther.

Olethros... you just let the terrorists win.

[DarkRPGMaster]

I try not to let the fringe elements of any group of people reflect the entire people.

^This

I respect you Olethros, but what you said is kind of like saying "All Arabs are terrorists" (which they are not)


I'll even go one step farther.

Olethros... you just let the terrorists win.

My response to that statement is "Mein Führer genehmigt."

Please forgive me if I got that wrong since I used babylon to translate. It's supposed to say My leader approves in German. Also, please forgive me if you find that to be a bad thing.

[four_black_hearts]

Wow guys, maybe this should be called The FOX News Thread.

[Olethros]

1) I got people to actually post in the news thread. Win.

2) I was intentionally making broad generalizations to make a point, which it seems many of you got. I heard similar nonsensical BS, but in the opposite direction, in the Japanese languages threads (yes, there have been many of them and they all devolve into the same crap).

3) Unfortunately the only people that did seem to get it were the ones who I knew already got it. I'll admit I was hoping to draw in some of the more rabid animals around here and instead I lured in the thinking people. I'll assume that this is an effect of where I laid my bait and not what I used for it.

4) It makes me sad that many of you, especially DC, automatically assumed I was an idiot. :very_sad:

[DamageCity]

1) I got people to actually post in the news thread. Win.

2) I was intentionally making broad generalizations to make a point, which it seems many of you got. I heard similar nonsensical BS, but in the opposite direction, in the Japanese languages threads (yes, there have been many of them and they all devolve into the same crap).

3) Unfortunately the only people that did seem to get it were the ones who I knew already got it. I'll admit I was hoping to draw in some of the more rabid animals around here and instead I lured in the thinking people. I'll assume that this is an effect of where I laid my bait and not what I used for it.

4) It makes me sad that many of you, especially DC, automatically assumed I was an idiot. :very_sad:

It seems the humor in my post was lost.

[Vyse of Arcadia]

1) I got people to actually post in the news thread. Win.

2) I was intentionally making broad generalizations to make a point, which it seems many of you got. I heard similar nonsensical BS, but in the opposite direction, in the Japanese languages threads (yes, there have been many of them and they all devolve into the same crap).

3) Unfortunately the only people that did seem to get it were the ones who I knew already got it. I'll admit I was hoping to draw in some of the more rabid animals around here and instead I lured in the thinking people. I'll assume that this is an effect of where I laid my bait and not what I used for it.

4) It makes me sad that many of you, especially DC, automatically assumed I was an idiot. :very_sad:

It seems the humor in my post was lost.

These sorts of posts, I think, make a good case for the use of special punctuation for sarcasm. Or, do as I do and assume everything on the internet is written sarcastically. Including this.

I was hoping to draw some discussion to rabidity and its relationship to fandom and religion. I guess we're all a little bit disappointed.

[Olethros]

Well, now I really am an idiot instead of just feeling like one. D'oh.

[Iris]

These sorts of posts, I think, make a good case for the use of special punctuation for sarcasm.

Perhaps we need a sarcasm font.

(Preferably the Mr. Saturn font.)

[Vyse of Arcadia]

These sorts of posts, I think, make a good case for the use of special punctuation for sarcasm.

Perhaps we need a sarcasm font.

(Preferably the Mr. Saturn font.)

Zoom, boing ding!

[DarkRPGMaster]

These sorts of posts, I think, make a good case for the use of special punctuation for sarcasm.

Perhaps we need a sarcasm font.

(Preferably the Mr. Saturn font.)

If we had that I would die happy.

[Saburo Hikari]

These sorts of posts, I think, make a good case for the use of special punctuation for sarcasm.

Perhaps we need a sarcasm font.

(Preferably the Mr. Saturn font.)I usually indicate sarcasm by putting smilies like ;) or :P

[Fuyukaze]

http://www.wivb.com/dpp/news/politics/Anger-over-proposed-bike-license-plates#viewSingle112289409

New York is sounding kinda crazy to me.

[DarkRPGMaster]

My god they're crazy. If I had that stuff down here in South Carolina, you would never see somebody riding a bike!

[Olethros]

http://www.wivb.com/dpp/news/politics/Anger-over-proposed-bike-license-plates#viewSingle112289409

New York is sounding kinda crazy to me.

Ha! I'm glad I don't live in that insane state any longer. Between the asinine taxes and the over kill nanny-state idealism it was getting more and more maddening by the day.

[Evilkinggumby]

Ha! I'm glad I don't live in that insane state any longer. Between the asinine taxes and the over kill nanny-state idealism it was getting more and more maddening by the day.

Hey.. lived here almost my whole life.. never killed a single nanny...

though yes the taxes do stink..

[DamageCity]

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110305a1.html

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20110305p2a00m0na023000c.html

My girlfriend says he was likely a shut-in with a loli obsession.

In other news:

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2011/03/04/20110304p2a00m0na018000c.html

[DarkRPGMaster]

I would make a comment about something dealing with that, but I would probably come off as insensitive so I'll hold that comment back.

[Vyse of Arcadia]

My comment is that 15 years seems a little low for someone capable of murdering a little girl. It should be more like forever.

[Fuyukaze]

Huge earthquake hit Japan today.
http://www.3aw.com.au/blogs/3aw-generic-blog/massive-earthquake-hits-tokyo/20110311-1br0j.html

So many news links I'm sure there's no need for me to pull them all.

A bit worried about some of the people over there from the forums.

Kaki, please check on DC for us will you? I'm guessing you have his number.

[Olethros]

Huge earthquake hit Japan today.
http://www.3aw.com.au/blogs/3aw-generic-blog/massive-earthquake-hits-tokyo/20110311-1br0j.html

So many news links I'm sure there's no need for me to pull them all.

A bit worried about some of the people over there from the forums.

Kaki, please check on DC for us will you? I'm guessing you have his number.

:agree: I have no doubts that someone of DC's unique talents couldn't defeat a mere earthquake/tsunami combo but it couldn't hurt to check.

[DarkRPGMaster]

Yes, check on him. We don't want him to go down without having at least insulted everybody here (it's what I expect of him, due to his avatar).

[four_black_hearts]

Let's just hope he's not Dunn for! :wink:

EDIT: Oh my god. I just saw some footage, and that is f***ing horrific!

[Crow T. Robot]

I'm surprised we haven't gotten any serious earthquakes here in southernish california, considering we're either on or very near the San Andreas fault.
*knock on wood*
But I also hope mister DC is safe.

[Kakizaki]

DC is fine. I do know some crazy stuff has happened near him - like a gas station blowing up near his school. I'm sure when things calm down he will stop by here and let us know about it.

[Olethros]

That's good to hear man. Thanks for letting us know.

[Kakizaki]

You bet. ;)

I should have had Maddy stop by and update you guys. She texted me about DC while I was at work several hours ago.

Just saw some freaky footage inside of Narita airport filmed during the quake. Pretty weird since that is probably a familiar area for those of us that have flown in and out of Japan. :/

[Camanche]

I watched some footage on my phone at lunch today and had to stop. I think this is the worst quake to effect a human population in recorded history aside from the 2004 (or was it 2005) one that hit the Indian Ocean.

[Crow T. Robot]

I watched some footage on my phone at lunch today and had to stop. I think this is the worst quake to effect a human population in recorded history aside from the 2004 (or was it 2005) one that hit the Indian Ocean.

Seems like it was just yesterday when that happened.

[DarkRPGMaster]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokai_earthquakes

Apparently one hasn't happened in about 157 years. Japan also apparently gets a bad one every 100-150 years, so this one was overdue, sadly enough.

[DamageCity]

Let's just hope he's not Dunn for! :wink:

Best thing I've read all day.

[DarkRPGMaster]

Welcome back DC. How much 'fun' did you have during all of that?

[Kakizaki]

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/12/us-japan-quake-idUSTRE72A0SS20110312

Yuck.

[Dead to Rights]

I'll raise your yuck with disgustingly pathetic (http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/5889/1299928687001.jpg). Truthfully though there really are no words to describe such ####ing assholes.

[Hamel]

What the hell
It's like if I would start being happy if something bad happend in Germeny because my Grandfather was in the holocust
that's just stupid and I hope those people are a tiny % of the people here

[DarkRPGMaster]

I'll raise your yuck with disgustingly pathetic (http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/5889/1299928687001.jpg). Truthfully though there really are no words to describe such ####ing assholes.

...they're lucky I don't know how to hack. If I could, then I would rain A THOUSAND VIRUSES OF DEATH UPON THEIR INTERNET READY DEVICES! Seriously, they make me want global warming to happen to get rid of most of humanity.

[Fuyukaze]

I'll raise your yuck with disgustingly pathetic (http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/5889/1299928687001.jpg). Truthfully though there really are no words to describe such ####ing assholes.
I'll just make this simple. These people disgust me on a whole level I'd once thought imposible. The level of ignorance, apathy, and stupidity shouldn't amaze me but it does. Some people talk on and on about government using methods to control the population with food and drinking water, I wish they would do a better job with some people now.

[Terash Cas]

I tend not to let crap on Facebook affect me at all.

[DarkRPGMaster]

I tend not to let crap on Facebook affect me at all.

Ohh, it was on FACEBOOK...just strengthens my thought that Facebook and MySpace are evil. Sorta like Yahoo. Have you guys ever seen the comments on stuff in Yahoo on news? It makes me want to destroy the site.

[Sanctine]

I'll raise your yuck with disgustingly pathetic (http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/5889/1299928687001.jpg). Truthfully though there really are no words to describe such ####ing assholes.

I wouldn't call them assholes as much as I'd call them idiots. I only skimmed through the comments, but one of them that stuck out said Japan started WWII.

It's best just to ignore these fools.

[Raiho]

I'll raise your yuck with disgustingly pathetic (http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/5889/1299928687001.jpg). Truthfully though there really are no words to describe such ####ing assholes.
It is a bit amusing how they seem to forget the about those atomic bombs and that the US was firebombing Japanese cities like there was no tomorrow.

Honestly, Pearl Harbor doesn't come close to what the US did. And yet, I didn't see them talking like that after 9/11....

Things like this really do bring out the worse in people among the good.

[Kakizaki]

There is currently a second tsunami warning in effect for the Fukushima coast. Waves around 10 ft.

edit - Jesus, there is so much conflicting info right now. Several places are now reporting this was a false alarm.

Also still a ton of conflicting reports regarding several reactors at two different nuclear power plants.

[DarkRPGMaster]

There is currently a second tsunami warning in effect for the Fukushima coast. Waves around 10 ft.

edit - Jesus, there is so much conflicting info right now. Several places are now reporting this was a false alarm.

Also still a ton of conflicting reports regarding several reactors at two different nuclear power plants.

Conspiracy to cover something up? Or just the usual media trolls trying to instill panic?

Personally I think it's the media trolls.

[Kakizaki]

^Mmm, not sure about that.

I'm on a feed getting news from a lot of sites. Even the Japanese stuff is all over the place - I kind of doubt that they would want to instill panic right now.

[Steel Greyfalke]

The power plants are what i'm worried about ........ (Just Saying)

[DamageCity]

Well just about 2 hours ago they had a controlled explosion(or at least that's what they are saying) at the no.3 reactor in Fukushima to releave pressure.

I was suppose to start training for my new job today but it's been postponed for two weeks as the expect another major earthquake by Wednesday. There was a big one off the cost of Ibaraki the was pretty far away so I hope that's the last of it.

My girlfriend just went to work, or to see if she still has work today, so now I have nothing to do but sit and wait.

I just want the death toll to stop rising.

[DarkRPGMaster]

Hopefully the death toll shall stop rising. I'd rather not hear of more deaths.

[Steel Greyfalke]

Hopefully the death toll shall stop rising. I'd rather not hear of more deaths.

same here , plus im sick of people arguing over this turmoil & making Godzilla jokes (its been annoying since day one of this ) , its gonna affect all of us in many ways one way or another, i am confident in their abilities to recover they've seen more earthquakes and wars than we have

[DarkRPGMaster]

Hopefully the death toll shall stop rising. I'd rather not hear of more deaths.

same here , plus im sick of people arguing over this turmoil & making Godzilla jokes (its been annoying since day one of this ) , its gonna affect all of us in many ways one way or another, i am confident in their abilities to recover they've seen more earthquakes and wars than we have

And everytime the nation comes back stronger than ever. It's the Phoenix of the world's countries.

[ViolenceJack]

I dont recall Japan cracking jokes when we had Katrina hit us.
Just shows the lack of maturity from a fraction of ppl in the US.

I hope they can recover, I really like Japan.

[Saburo Hikari]

And everytime the nation comes back stronger than ever. It's the Phoenix of the world's countries.Well said, good sir. :)

[Kakizaki]

http://images.scribblelive.com/2011/3/14/b0de330e-0c42-4f59-8077-5eb6db5dea68_500.jpg

Japanese home adrift in the ocean. :/

[Sanctine]

I dont recall Japan cracking jokes when we had Katrina hit us.
Just shows the lack of maturity from a fraction of ppl in the US.

I hope they can recover, I really like Japan.

Honestly, there probably were some jokes cracked in Japan.

You'll have people like this anywhere in the world, not just the US.

[DarkRPGMaster]

@Kaki: At least it will still be a home when it eventually sinks...to the marine life, anyway.

EDIT: Curse you for ninja'ing me! D:<

[ViolenceJack]

Red Cross Donation Page for Japan:
https://american.redcross.org/site/Donation2?idb=0&5052.donation=form1&df_id=5052

[Kakizaki]

NHK Live stream:

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/nhk-world-tv

Power may be restored, at least to a limited degree, to the Fukushima Daiichi plant. May be able to begin powering some of the cooling systems. Also attempting to cool a couple of the reactors by dumping water aerially via helicopters.

[ViolenceJack]

CafePress has started a donation pool, if you buy one of the shirts (which are a nice $15) $10 will go to the Red Cross Japan Refief fund:
http://shop.cafepress.com/japan-relief

[Crow T. Robot]

NHK Live stream:

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/nhk-world-tv

Power may be restored, at least to a limited degree, to the Fukushima Daiichi plant. May be able to begin powering some of the cooling systems. Also attempting to cool a couple of the reactors by dumping water aerially via helicopters.

I just saw that in the paper this morning, though from what I read elsewhere the chemicals will most likely be blown over here to the U.S which really sucks, but this is why I'm studying for environmental engineering.

[Olethros]

Where did you read that it'll reach the US? I find this amazingly unlikely and would like to see for myself, if you would. Thanks.

[Phoenix_Apollo]

NHK Live stream:

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/nhk-world-tv

Power may be restored, at least to a limited degree, to the Fukushima Daiichi plant. May be able to begin powering some of the cooling systems. Also attempting to cool a couple of the reactors by dumping water aerially via helicopters.

I just saw that in the paper this morning, though from what I read elsewhere the chemicals will most likely be blown over here to the U.S which really sucks, but this is why I'm studying for environmental engineering.

Everywhere I've read said that it's pretty much impossible for the radiation to make it over to the US. Interesting that your paper would say different.

[Crow T. Robot]

Where did you read that it'll reach the US? I find this amazingly unlikely and would like to see for myself, if you would. Thanks.

Here it is (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/17/science/17plume.html?hpw)

@Apollo: When I was mentioning my paper I meant what Kaki said about cooling down the reactors via aerial water downpoor.

[Kakizaki]

^Heard more than a few analysts today state, that at this point, the likelihood of anything reaching the U.S. that could pose a potential threat is fairly low.

[Crow T. Robot]

Yeah but even still the way I see it is it's still radiation. I'm not going on a panic until I start growing a third arm out of my neck.

[Kakizaki]

^We are subjected to small doses of radiation everyday. Pretty much every electrical device you are around puts off a little. Certainly not comparing that to low level fallout, but still, people need to chill out a little.

[Olethros]

As always, the wisdom of Kaki is dead on.

Thanks for the link Crow.

Sometimes I wonder how much of the media is just oblivious to the additional damage they do and how much of it is perfectly aware of what they are doing and do it anyway? :confused:

[Kain Mare]

^ News media is full aware of the damage they do. I would not be surprised if they played it to their advantage to get more people to read the paper/watch their news channel/internet page visits.

While I enjoy reading the news, sometimes I wonder...

[DarkRPGMaster]

No, they're aware. It's why they do it...to move the people to their whims...except for BBC, which may be the most unbiased news station in the world when compared to all the major news organizations in the US.

[four_black_hearts]

While the BBC news is great, it is far from unbiased.

[DarkRPGMaster]

Sorry, forgot to add to that last sentence: "when compared to all the major news organizations in the US."

Fix'd it now.

[Crow T. Robot]

^We are subjected to small doses of radiation everyday. Pretty much every electrical device you are around puts off a little. Certainly not comparing that to low level fallout, but still, people need to chill out a little.

Oh yes I agree just thought it was something to ponder, it still sucks it kinda adds insult to injury but I'm not freakin out. Like I said untill that third arm comes out.

Oh and you're welcome Olethros :>

[Saburo Hikari]

NHK Live stream:

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/nhk-world-tv

Power may be restored, at least to a limited degree, to the Fukushima Daiichi plant. May be able to begin powering some of the cooling systems. Also attempting to cool a couple of the reactors by dumping water aerially via helicopters.

I just saw that in the paper this morning, though from what I read elsewhere the chemicals will most likely be blown over here to the U.S which really sucks, but this is why I'm studying for environmental engineering.

Everywhere I've read said that it's pretty much impossible for the radiation to make it over to the US. Interesting that your paper would say different.That is unless you guys only mean the mainland US. Some people forget that Hawai'i is also an American state.

Anyway, I'll let you guys know if I start mutating.

[Kakizaki]

^Personally, I also meant Hawaii - I don't think any of us forgot Hawaii was a state...

Hawaii may stand a greater chance of receiving more radiation from the ailing plant than the mainland does, but from everything I have read and heard, it is still nothing to be worried about.

[Saburo Hikari]

No Looting in Japan (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/amy-chavez/japan-no-looting_b_841240.html?ref=fb&src=sp)

This is part of the reason why no matter how weird Japan is, I'll still love them.

[Kakizaki]

No Looting in Japan (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/amy-chavez/japan-no-looting_b_841240.html?ref=fb&src=sp)

This is part of the reason why no matter how weird Japan is, I'll still love them.

I hate to say this, but I'm not sure this is entirely true.

I don't think there is violence or looting even close to the severity or frequency that has been witnessed following catastrophes in other areas of the world, but I think there may be a little bit here and there. I'm just basing this on a few posts by people living in the effected area that I have read on other forums. Maybe these are just a few isolated instances - so still pretty impressive.

[Olethros]

http://www.comicsbeat.com/2011/04/15/end-of-an-era-tokyopop-shutting-down/

Personally, I couldn't care less. However, I imagine this will deeply wound quite a number of you.

[Vyse of Arcadia]

http://www.comicsbeat.com/2011/04/15/end-of-an-era-tokyopop-shutting-down/

Personally, I couldn't care less. However, I imagine this will deeply wound quite a number of you.

Nooooo!

Actually, I don't care either. Although I've read a good deal of manga, it turns out none of it was published in the US by Tokyopop. I guess whatever it is they published just never caught my eye.

[Kakizaki]

I really didn't care for the vast majority of manga titles that Tokyopop published, but I guess I am sad and a little nervous about a publisher shutting it down in the U.S. Then again, there aren't too many titles making it to the U.S. that interest me anyway these days.

[DarkRPGMaster]

Makes me a sad panda. D:

*looks at the 127 manga in my room published by them and sheds a tear*

[Vyse of Arcadia]

I really didn't care for the vast majority of manga titles that Tokyopop published, but I guess I am sad and a little nervous about a publisher shutting it down in the U.S. Then again, there aren't too many titles making it to the U.S. that interest me anyway these days.

Yeah, ditto. Yotsuba&! is the only one I'm keeping current on.

[RayFoxSith]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110502/ap_on_re_us/us_bin_laden

[SlaughterX]

Gotcha bitch!

http://nickswitzer.net/wp-content/uploads/dave-chappelle-president-black-bush.jpg

[Vyse of Arcadia]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110502/ap_on_re_us/us_bin_laden

Just saw this on Slashdot. I had assumed that he died of natural causes years ago.

Not to get the conspiracy machine going, my first impulse was to wonder, if they were faking the news, what would they gain from it?

[Evilkinggumby]

Just saw this on Slashdot. I had assumed that he died of natural causes years ago.

Not to get the conspiracy machine going, my first impulse was to wonder, if they were faking the news, what would they gain from it?

LOL yeah.. saying "not to get the conspiracy machine going" is like saying " no offense but.." or " I don't mean to be frank but.."

Just own up to it. you want to get everyone questioning and arguing about this historic event rather then just letting it happen and moving on... It's a very sensitive, long standing and heated topic that is not likely to stay civil across the mouth's of babes. Many americans will cheer the day and defend the legitimacy of this til their own bloody death. Still others, and those outside the states, will try to pick holes in it and see what horrors the mission beheld, or find weak spots that "prove" it is all a farce...

Stoking conspiracy theory is understandable. It is way more fun watching the people on here scream and shout and go ballistic while the mods try and stay neutral-but-effective in making sure everyone plays nice. Heck I wish i said this before you so I could get all the credit.

to answer your question, In my opinion, i think it would be : so the government has a solid, positive, nationalistic way to cut down on troops overseas, the "war" against al quaeda, and a firm union of interest between the u.s. and pakistan from here on out. Though that would mean we have vested interests in pakistan .. oil.. resources, etc. Do we? I don't follow news enough to know myself...

And now that I've taken the psychotic jerk role, everyone else can hop to your defense and hopefully my plan will work, where folk will remain civial about this until th enext cataclysmic news hits.

[DamageCity]

Facial recognition?

[Karkarov]

Actually they supposedly have his corpse. If so they had all the time in the world to check it out and be sure. I doubt Obama would go on the air and make a speech if he wasn't 100% sure.

[Evilkinggumby]

Actually they supposedly have his corpse. If so they had all the time in the world to check it out and be sure. I doubt Obama would go on the air and make a speech if he wasn't 100% sure.

Yeah the hour or so we watched cnn last night waiting to hear it from Obama they said many times over that because of what is at stake, because of how important this is to americans and their allies, because it is a historical moment in itself, they would have done multiple tests using known bin laden dna from previous excursions and the body to verify it truly is him.

I did find it amusing to watch as Wolf Blitzer at first was reluctant to state anything substantial about the announcement, but as the hour passed and they had to delay more and more (and try to keep viewers watching) they pretty much were saying (by the last moments as obama walked to the podium) exactly what was going to be announced and a lot of what was going to be said...

just felt a little goofy to be getting second hand info from the president... to me, it all should have been from him, not the guys on the news... Though Obama did give more details about the effort to get bin laden... I dunno, guess I am old school, expecting Commander in CHief to address and inform the nation, as opposed to widespread data seeding. When Obama starts doing this via Tweet or Facebook is when I truly cry twin waterfalls... lol

[moonkist]

Actually they supposedly have his corpse. If so they had all the time in the world to check it out and be sure. I doubt Obama would go on the air and make a speech if he wasn't 100% sure.

This.

This is just one of those things in life you don't question. Osama's dead, and if people celebrate, they celebrate. I have no love for whoever used a woman for a shield though.

[Vyse of Arcadia]

Just saw this on Slashdot. I had assumed that he died of natural causes years ago.

Not to get the conspiracy machine going, my first impulse was to wonder, if they were faking the news, what would they gain from it?

LOL yeah.. saying "not to get the conspiracy machine going" is like saying " no offense but.." or " I don't mean to be frank but.."

Just own up to it. you want to get everyone questioning and arguing about this historic event rather then just letting it happen and moving on... It's a very sensitive, long standing and heated topic that is not likely to stay civil across the mouth's of babes. Many americans will cheer the day and defend the legitimacy of this til their own bloody death. Still others, and those outside the states, will try to pick holes in it and see what horrors the mission beheld, or find weak spots that "prove" it is all a farce...

Stoking conspiracy theory is understandable. It is way more fun watching the people on here scream and shout and go ballistic while the mods try and stay neutral-but-effective in making sure everyone plays nice. Heck I wish i said this before you so I could get all the credit.

I admit it! I thought jump-starting the conspiracy machine would be fun.

to answer your question, In my opinion, i think it would be : so the government has a solid, positive, nationalistic way to cut down on troops overseas, the "war" against al quaeda, and a firm union of interest between the u.s. and pakistan from here on out. Though that would mean we have vested interests in pakistan .. oil.. resources, etc. Do we? I don't follow news enough to know myself...

Huh. That's significantly less sinister than I expected.

And now that I've taken the psychotic jerk role, everyone else can hop to your defense

Muahahaha. All goes as planned.

I have to say, I'm kinda disgusted by all the celebrating that's been going on. Spontaneous high fives, chants of "USA!", people yelling "we got 'im" and "git 'er dunn" (I am in Alabama, after all.)

No one's death should be celebrated so much. Not even his. It's unseemly. The people he killed aren't going to come back to life or anything.

[Olethros]

I have to say, I'm kinda disgusted by all the celebrating that's been going on. Spontaneous high fives, chants of "USA!", people yelling "we got 'im" and "git 'er dunn" (I am in Alabama, after all.)

No one's death should be celebrated so much. Not even his. It's unseemly. The people he killed aren't going to come back to life or anything.

I agree. If you're going to attempt to claim the high road as a nation then the citizens should appear more civilized than their enemies. This is the exact opposite of civilized.

[DarkRPGMaster]

Vyse, I believe the following picture would work better for you. Be sure to save it for future use. ;D

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv175/DarkRPGMaster/129773788833.jpg

[Crow T. Robot]

I was at my grandma's house yesterday and she had the news on. I was in such a bad mood when I left, just all the crap and the celebrating just made my nervs turn to ice.

[Saburo Hikari]

I have to say, I'm kinda disgusted by all the celebrating that's been going on. Spontaneous high fives, chants of "USA!", people yelling "we got 'im" and "git 'er dunn" (I am in Alabama, after all.)

No one's death should be celebrated so much. Not even his. It's unseemly. The people he killed aren't going to come back to life or anything.This.

I heard that al Qaeda or whatever (it's late) celebrated when they bombed the World Trade Center. Americans celebrating Osama's death is practically swooping down to their level.

And I love how those who are celebrating are saying that America can do anything if they put their mind to it or something (in this case, kill someone), yet there's so much problems that haven't yet been addressed yet that are even more important than any of this.

[DamageCity]

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/13_03.html

[DarkRPGMaster]

Ouch, that sucks greatly.

Oh, by the way, Florida might have banned sex. (http://www.newser.com/story/118392/florida-may-have-accidentally-banned-sex.html) Yes, this is fail on a major level.

[Vyse of Arcadia]

Ouch, that sucks greatly.

Oh, by the way, Florida might have banned sex. (http://www.newser.com/story/118392/florida-may-have-accidentally-banned-sex.html) Yes, this is fail on a major level.

Eh. All those old people shouldn't be having sex anyway.

[Saburo Hikari]

Ouch, that sucks greatly.

Oh, by the way, Florida might have banned sex. (http://www.newser.com/story/118392/florida-may-have-accidentally-banned-sex.html) Yes, this is fail on a major level.

Eh. All those old people shouldn't be having sex anyway.I lol'd at both the article, and Vyse's comment. :lol:

[Syra]

Ouch, that sucks greatly.

Oh, by the way, Florida might have banned sex. (http://www.newser.com/story/118392/florida-may-have-accidentally-banned-sex.html) Yes, this is fail on a major level.

Ah, my state is brimming with intellect! My favorite part:

which defines animals as "every living dumb creature"

Oh irony, how I love thee.

[ViolenceJack]

Actually, Humans are Mammals.

[DarkRPGMaster]

Cure for Cancer found, gone unnoticed (http://hubpages.com/hub/Scientists_cure_cancer__but_no_one_takes_notice)

THOSE DAMNED MEDICAL COMPANIES! I think I'll send this piece of information to everybody I know.

[Evilkinggumby]

Cure for Cancer found, gone unnoticed (http://hubpages.com/hub/Scientists_cure_cancer__but_no_one_takes_notice)

THOSE DAMNED MEDICAL COMPANIES! I think I'll send this piece of information to everybody I know.

whereas i am sure there is further need for testing and refinement.. this is both good news.. and..goddamn stupid news to hear.

"Osama dies! people are screaming and cheering in the streets!!!"

"Cancer cure discovered! people... *crickets* ...."

[Kakizaki]

Cure for Cancer found, gone unnoticed (http://hubpages.com/hub/Scientists_cure_cancer__but_no_one_takes_notice)

THOSE DAMNED MEDICAL COMPANIES! I think I'll send this piece of information to everybody I know.

whereas i am sure there is further need for testing and refinement.. this is both good news.. and..goddamn stupid news to hear.

"Osama dies! people are screaming and cheering in the streets!!!"

"Cancer cure discovered! people... *crickets* ...."

Is it just me, or does that website not look too credible?

[Evilkinggumby]

Is it just me, or does that website not look too credible?

true but the linked article for it is at a university site..

http://www.dca.med.ualberta.ca/Home/Updates/2007-03-15_Update.cfm

though this is from quite a while ago... so.. dunno...

[DarkRPGMaster]

Hmm, didn't see the date on that one...could be credible, but at the same time could not be.

[Olethros]

I could see this not making headlines and still be legit but the fact that none of my compatriots have even heard about this strikes me as more than a bit odd. I'm not saying I can disprove the validity of the study, but a single study (out of Canada no less! :p) does not a cure make. It would need to be validated and reproduced many times over by multiple independent researchers before I got my hopes up.

Bottom line: celebration is premature, but if it's valid it's certainly hopeful news.

[Evilkinggumby]

Big news item today.

It's Slaughterx's birthday!!
Happy happy birthday man. Hope it's a good one.

[DamageCity]

I find myself reading more and more about this story daily.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20120107p2a00m0na014000c.html

[DamageCity]

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20120118p2a00m0na012000c.html

[DarkRPGMaster]

Wow, whoever started that blunder better hope the parents don't get ahold of him/her!

[DamageCity]

It really boggles the mind.