The Bug House

Interesting, all the literature I've read concerning Antartica has concluded that it's losing large amounts of ice annually. http://www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/features/20100108_Is_Antarctica_Melting.html So true- All to aften the terms 'climate' and 'weather' are used interchangeably. "Global Warming" is slang for the appropriate term..."Climate Change". Currently all evidence points towards a warming trend, many believe this warming trend would be occuring even without a human presence on earth. It seems human activity is influencing this warming trend, perhaps even hastening it. Two important questions should be; 1) Is our activity (primarily the burning of fossil fuels and habitat degradation) influencing this climate change and..... 2) If so, to what degree. (Pun intended!) Just about the same here....

See my comments regarding the renaming of the Christmas tree......I would tend to agree with you on this. I don't see a double standard, have there been lawsuits by Christians for public observance as well? I suppose there probably should be. Everyone should have that right, by not having any federal stance on the subject at all, IMO, would at least set up a more tolerant stance. I don't know that I have an answer, but it seems that forbidding anyone from public religious observation has become the de facto result. FTR - I don't think thats the answer either. I've always considered Communism to be the "sharpened blade" of Socialism. Fascism was born from an ultra right wing viewpoint, but since has been redefined a bit to dissociate from conservatism. Advocation for a single - party state, a collective Federal identity, (which seems like Totalitarianism) readily willing to commit war and violence in order to protect said collective identity (even against fellow countrymen), rejection of individualism, or independent thought, creation of an Empire....these are all hallmarks of a Fascist state. Ironically, it does share some definition with Socialism as far as ecomomic control and some social outlooks. My use of the term was in response to The Kat's post which indicated that any thought or beliefs, unlike his own are bringing down this country and should be destroyed. The dastardly disadvantage of a 2 party state. "The lesser of 2 evils" is a term I hear frequently when addressing this problem. I have my opinion on the last Presidential campaign, and I would probably be lambasted here if I made it clear. Lets just say Obama was never the lesser evil, and his primary opposition had my vote until his campaign became the greater of the remaining evils. Ultimately I felt I needed to vote for the candidate that represented the closest to my views. I hoped you're not surprised that I agree with bolded. What I meant by that statement was, the use of the Flag (perceived Patriotism) and the Bible (perceived morality) will be to rabble-rouse and sway opinions in order to achieve a political victory.

I already admitted to a silly citation..... I'm willing to agree to disagree, but I'm unsure how my "bs beliefs" are destroying this country.

I bought a pair of "new never issued" U.S. military surplus magnesium snowshoes, with new nylon bindings, from a catalogue a few years ago. (you've probably seen them) Including shipping they ran me under $40 with a coupon I found on the internet. I've found them to be fairly lightweight, indestructable and very effective in deep snow, powder or otherwise. I'm about 200+lbs with some gear, so as you can imagine these are not small. But the interlaced design, as opposed to webbing, lets the snow fall right through when I step up. This staves off fatigue a little longer lol! Another drawback was the lack of crampons, since then I've found a set that clip/strap to the toes of my boots and work well. The whole shebango cost me under $60.

I suppose the season itself has been wonderful, had a great stretch of clear weather...finally turned a bit colder only recently however. I've been able to spend a fair amount of time outside in the woods, (including all day yesterday) with some great friends learning much about hunting, even got out with my daughter once during the fall turkey season that was extended this year. As far as pictures of any kills go........I guess thats why its called 'hunting' not 'shooting'. LOL! But I'm determined to get that Grouse before New Years Eve. Agreed, I apologize for the total derailment of this thread and if I pl$$ed anyone off. I'll refrain from posting my thoughts on the subject unless specifically asked. Again, I apologize. Is that what makes it a good debate? j/k! If anything, the internet is living, breathing proof......well not breathing, but living proof........OK, OK...... just proof that communication without the ability to see ones face and hear a tone of voice is hampered.

I always say that the only thing predictable about the ice is its unpredictability! I usually haunt the same 2 or 3 bodies of water every year for that reason. Don't you love how the ice sings to you when the temps change?! I wonder how many different words for lake ice the Inuit have?

I used the term "adaption" within the constraints if The Theory of Evolution. Adaptation:the evolutionary process whereby an organism becomes better able to live in its habitat. The Galapagos are a shining example of the evolutionary process that is "adaption" as well as natural selection. For example - Lets say any random insect is suddenly transported to a new habitat. Not the entire population of course, but figure a storm has blown down a tree that provides habitat for these insects. And that tree drifts to a new location where these insects never previously existed. Like any natural population of creatures, these insects on occasion hatch with ever so slightly altered DNA. Variation (random mutation) is the root cause here. So even though the overwhelming majority of these insects hatch with black wings (species A), every now and again a few come along with orange wings. The orange winged guys usually succumb to predation quickly...ending the possibilty of passing on the orange trait. So back to the new location were our tree has ended up...this place is covered in orange flowers giving any insects with orange wings far more suitable habitat for procreation. This orange trait is now passes along for generations (species B), while the majority of black wings are predated upon in this location. Obviously this is a simple example, and bear in mind that this process takes thousands / millions of years. I suppose I could have used the term "not disproved" as apposed to "proven". I get your black and white analogy, and you're correct. However, the lack of a better theory (or even a decent hypothesis in this case) lends validity to said theory. A scientific theory cannot really be proven I guess, only disproven. Do you agree that evolution has not been disproven? Absolutely. I remember as well, this occurs quite often with drug companies. 'True scientific method is pure' was my standpoint in that discussion I believe. Many times while it's not faulty science to blame, but the manipulation involved in disseminating the outcome. But what would anyone have to gain by falsifying the Theory of Evolution? Thats puts our age difference at five years give or take, we're looking at roughly the same time frame as far as schooling goes. I learned that a Scientific Theory (capitals as to reference a proper name) was a hypothesis which experimentation could not disprove. Scientific Theory is regarded as Scientific Law, usually a set of laws interacting with one another in a complex manner, until disproven. I did mention that my definition I listed was the first definition. I also learned in school that the first definition in the most widley regarded and accepted. But you have a point, those are all valid definitions.

Ok, no sweat......I never for a moment thought I was going (or wanted) to change your mind about your own beliefs. Not twisting words...just revealing a different perspective. The world is a complicated place.

I'm glad we see this in the same light! Again...we seem to agree on this also!!! Like I said, some of my friends think otherwise (they like to poke fun at me!) Apparently I am a genuine Redneck by your definition.......I've even got mud on my 4wheeler to prove it! Isn't it incredible how that word was originated as a derogatory term...and is now a label worn with pride? You got me again! Should I re-enable the auto correct? This keyboard is so tiny....but I'll except full responsibility and try harder. Something tells me your attention to detail will benefit you someday! I don't have the time at the moment to read your links, but I certainly will after my hockey game. I need absolute proof. This is an amazing place indeed....not by accident, but quite possibly by an amazing set of coincidences. OK....so by having a different set of beliefs I insult yours? I bet many Islamists feel the same. I don't think either of you would actually take such a horrific action, I do feel the The Kats previous posts suggest a sense of thought that did exist in someone who did indeed take such actions. While I do feel that the current administration is trying to instate some sort of "new brand" of Socialism, (Maybe we can call it Socialism Lite...LOL!) and it needs to be curtailed to say the least, it is a far cry from historic Socialistic visions. Do you know the difference between Socialism and Fascism? Do you think they both are just as destructive and dangerous as each other? One more thing.....Why no response to mine regarding your 3 questions?

LOL!! As much as I dislike his TV persona, and hate to admit it, that very well may be somewhat of an appropriate analogy. I'm American born however!

OK, good question. Lets say you do indeed get toned out for an MVC with a pinned occupant. You gun it, switch on the strobes an head to your destination ASAP. (HQ or the scene, depending on the District SOP) just as you really get going, a family in their minivan pulls out and you crash into them at full speed. The likely concequences are catastrophic, for you and the family. Now, your fellow FF's have 2 crashes to respond to, and less members to do so with. This obviously represents a worst case scenario. But increasing the likelihood is never a good thing. Several of the members of the dept. I was in years ago were Police officers and wouldn't hesitate to ticket a speeding volley in a heartbeat! Back to the victim for a moment, one of the hardest things is realizing that not everyone can be rescued despite the most valiant effort.

You're welcome. Never once do I even think for a moment that I have all the answers. However, intolerance leads to "the dark side"...and a many of my countrymen are dripping with it. You may have inspired me to run for public office! Ahh...missed that one, don't left out! I'll get to it.

I'm definitely not masquerading as anything. LOL! I'm as Red White & Blue as they come. Perhaps I'm a bit of a study of contrasts, as I openly admit to being part flatlander....heh heh. I grew up in Western North Carolina (Icard) near Hickory as well as Northern NY near Minerva. When my womanizing father decided to move on to his 4th marraige I was transplanted yet again to uber suburban Long Island NY. Just like most places in this country things have changed a whole bunch, some for the better some for the worse.

Nope not me. Something tells me that anyone that doesn't fall in line with your very narrow minded and intolerant point of view gets your arrogant stamp of disapproval. Your posts remind me of an arrogant German Chancellor who's penchant for "nationalism" resulted in the murder of millions of people and launched WWII. MARK MY WORDS: When Fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a Bible. Socialism and Fascism are dangerous and insecure.

HA! I did see that bumper sticker, but only rarely. I did hear those commercials on the radio, of course the old clunker I drove at the time only got the local classic rock station that played it 100 times a day! Failed propaganda is funny.

Heck no! What good are you to your brothers if you're wrapped around a telephone pole?

Also spoken like a true Patriot. Agree with everything except: I AM NOT A LIBERAL!!!!!!:bang: And I would never try to stop anyone from practicing whatever belief system they chose to, nor do I understand those who do.

huh?

A vast fossil record and hundreds of years of collected data (and thanks to Radiometric dating, a geological time scale that proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that the earth is over 4 billion years old) suggesting random mutation, other variation, and natural selection leads to adaption (survival of the fittest mutation) and genetic variances (new species). But the proof is really the utter lack of any data that suggests anything but the "Theory of Evolution" as the driving force of life. This is a common misconception. The Theory of General & Special Relativity is accepted as fact, yet still refered to as a theory. It's easier to disprove a theory than it is to prove one, and until it is disproved it is referred to as a theory. A theory is a hypothesis which has been well supported by experimentation. The Merriam Webster dictionary's first definition of Theory: "the analysis of a set of facts in their relation to one another".

+1 That is a grotesque scene.

I'm pretty much with you...but to be clear, I don't equate a "conscience" with a "soul". More along the lines of self awareness and our interactions with others. The ability to to see (and change) how those interactions impact others is what I believe equates to "good and evil". I don't believe in supernatural good and evil. I also believe our natural animalistic survival instict allows emotion to govern our thoughts, so mightily in fact, that some people (many people) cannot let reason override that instinct. In short, I feel we are all "good and evil", some have greater capacity than others to understand how our actions affect other beings. I do feel that a true survival situation would, at least, suspend my own good/evil mantra. For example; If the survival of my family or myself required an act that I wouldn't commit in any other circumstance, I would do it, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't feel bad about it.

Back to your three questions, I itemized and responded. Care to do the same and counter?

I know better than that, a parent of your caliber is all over this from the get-go! I've read many posts from you guys, in 10 years my daughter will be 14 and I hope we'll have the kind of relationship you appear to have with yours. And I hope she'll have the conviction and confidence that lilmisswtnhunt seems to have. Congrats BTW on your soon to be new arrival. My third is due Feb 2nd. Find any luck in the treestand? I'm ready to concede that lilmisswtnhunt is already a better hunter than I am, but perhaps my little girl will be better than me! lol!

Hilarious indeed! I spelt (haha!) something incorrectly! My sausage-like fingers and the "auto correct" feature on my iPOD are often at odds. You'll be comforted to know I've disabled it. However, your (haha!) absolutely write (haha!) I made a mistake and should half (haha!) been more diligent. I sometimes feel like pointing out some of the grammatical atrocities made by some posters, but what does that accomplish? Nope, just clarifying. So you feel that the same word may have different meanings to different people? I am curious about your definition though, some of my friends seem to think that if your wear flannal, boots and jeans and have a long beard you qualify. The words "the United States of America was founded on Christian beliefs" have quite a different meaning that the words "The United States was founded as a Christian Nation". I believe that the U.S. was founded on the principles of reason and common sense, which has some commonalities with some Christian beliefs. The founding fathers were very clear in in thier desire to keep the goverment secular. I appreciate the positive sentiment, it comes from a good place. A good person wishes good unto others. I hope your beliefs bring you happiness and success. I'm going to need some proof (real proof) before I convert however. :shifty:

You made it clear that you were no longer interested in this discussion in the lounge..my response was "Fair enough". I do take issue with being labeled as a braggart. Perhaps it was silly to cite my self-professed accomplishment, but no more silly that many other posts here. I've made my motivation evident in many previous posts. As far as knowing educated people with little common sense, you would cringe at some of the physicians I work with!