Originally Posted By MPierce >> We may be facing an ecological disaster the likes of which we never have. Something that could easily dwarf the Exxon Valdez. << We shall certainly see how it turns out over time. I would say British Petroleum will be tied up in court for a very long time. >> It is sickening. And we need to get off the oil addiction. Whether it's evil Arab nations selling it to us or just us pumping it out of our own ground in sensitive areas. << Much easier said then done. We've been failing to do that for a long time now. In the mean time, we can not compromise our National security by going into panic mode. >> Amazing how backward we are in the USA compared to Europe when it comes to mass transit ... like trains ... you know like the ones Walt loved, only way kewler. << I'm hoping we will develope our rail system here in the US to accomodate human freight at a reasonable rate. And I certainly hope it's without all the Government subsudies that are linked to travel by rail world wide.. Now can you name another way Europe beats us out in mass transportation >> Of course, Europe also has us beat in many other areas ... like quality of healthcare for the masses, Magic Kingdoms, McDonald's and variety of potato chips/crisps! << We can debate health care, and quality of health care all day, and all night. I have to admit I like the looks of the Castle, and Park, in general, at DLP. I saw a program on the McDonalds from around the world, and I was least impressed with ours compared to others. I still love Big Macs, and Quarter Pounders with Cheese no matter where they are made. By far the best potatoe chip in the world is made by Planters. That is if you can find them or if they are even still making them.
Originally Posted By MPierce >> BTW - all that banging that night it was the three of us was not in vain, they finally opened the part we were not allowed to explore. It has something new that is big, old and sexy. << I have to hear the rest of the story on this one.
Originally Posted By MPierce >> Most unlikely. almost everything Bush invested in was abstanence programmes. Talk about a waste of funds and time. << I seem to recall you praising Bush's work on aids research, and aids prevention in Africa. The only kind thing you ever said about him. That's why I remember it. By the way Dave, abstanence is the only sure way to prevent the spread of aids as long as you don't need a blood transfusion. I do agree with you. His time, and effort, and my money were all wasted.
Originally Posted By MPierce >>>My mother is a saint. <<< >> Well she is certainly lovely. << But she lacks cooking skills.
Originally Posted By MPierce >>>Why is Europe so much greener than Florida? TREES!<<< >> Maybe because there are more libs than conservatives (thank goodness) that believe in taking care of our planet (but still not enough). Whereas Florida is full of crackers. << That is just so much bias crap in so many ways Dave. To even insinuate that conservatives do not care about the enviroment is just unbelievable in so many ways, and really beneath you. I suggest you go back, and start looking at some of the sponsors, and co-sponsors of all those enviromental bills. Guess what Dave? I'm not only a Conservative Redneck, I'm a Cracker also. Though I prefer the more formal term Soda Cracker, when being addressed. And not once have I ever had to resort to name calling or denigration of a group of people by sterotyping them, while I attempted to express my point of view. Can you say the same?
Originally Posted By MPierce >> Why dwell on the past when we can look to the future. Besides, as you know, I wait with baited breathe to watch what happens as the UK elections unfold. I just pray those cons do not win, otherwise I may have to find another left wing refuge to go to. << I love the PM's remark off mike
Originally Posted By MPierce >> Is that sentance? It would feel like punishment to me. The weather, the critters and the right wingers. Sounds like hell on earth to me. << I'm a right winger Dave. Do you despise me also. Are all liberals filled with hatred for those they have moral, and philosophical differences with? Funny, I'm just a good old boy Redneck conservative, and I don't hate or despise anybody on the left. I may disagree with them, but I am not filled with hatred for them, and I would never let political differences with the governing body at the time influence where I lived.
Originally Posted By MPierce >> Well, I would rather let one little spark play it's role for everyone << I need clarafication on that.
Originally Posted By MPierce >> Wasn't that the original place for EuroDisney? It would make sense. << You need to follow the flow of conversation more closely EE!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Hmmmm, maybe sarcastic humour does not come across as well in the written word. Most of my comments on this thread were just that (not necessarily meant in seriousness - just a little hint). There are some things on the right wing that are ok, and indeed even in Fla ;-) I don't hate the US or indeed the right wing (well not all of them anyway), just like Spirit does not fully mean it when he calls me a godless pinko commie (though there are some hints of truth in there too). Yes, Bush did do some excellent work in funding HIV research. But I still stand that teaching abstinence is going to fail.
Originally Posted By MPierce >> Hmmmm, maybe sarcastic humour does not come across as well in the written word. Most of my comments on this thread were just that (not necessarily meant in seriousness - just a little hint). There are some things on the right wing that are ok, and indeed even in Fla ;-) << The smiley face always indicates humor or sarcasim. Since you are a deticated liberal it definetly sometimes comes off as more than sarcasim. >> But I still stand that teaching abstinence is going to fail. << I agree. We as humans are filled with a self indulgent life style, and no restraints when it comes to self gratification. Therefore any practical application of trying to stem the spread of aids or other social diseases is destined to fail in third world countries. Much like trying to stop genocide or solving hunger, and poverty.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Well, I haven't given up on the fight against poverty, hope I never do.
Originally Posted By MPierce >> Well, I haven't given up on the fight against poverty, hope I never do. << I don't think anybody has. It's just especially hopeless in third world countries because of the rampant corruption in governments. People often critsize the US. Sometimes justly, and sometimes unjustly. But people flock here because they know if they try hard enough they can make it.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<lol, steady on Spirit, otherwise you might end up in exile like me. >> It doesn't seem such a bad way to live at all ... I was working tonight and mentioned that to a friend (who is well-traveled too) and we both agree that Europeans know how to enjoy life (maybe they have the freedom more) to stop and smell the roses and enjoy life. When I was in Cadiz some of my shipmates called the Spanish 'lazy' because they dared close up for 2-4 hours in the afternoon for 'siesta' before re-opening and all I could think was 'you folks are way off' ... Too bad in the USA we need to be a 24/7 society (including holidays) because Wall Street demands it and our kitty (that's supposed to be a similar word) politicians allow it. <<But yes, there are many wonderful things all over the globe. I was thinking of you yesterday as I passed through the station, especially when one of my direct reports insisted on buying me some champagne and melted brie at the train station. You know, how nerdy it is to go to the library and then hang out at a station!>> Nerdy? Perhaps. But it was one the best days of 2010 for me. Too bad we didn't add the champagne bar to our day ... next time! <<BTW - all that banging that night it was the three of us was not in vain, they finally opened the part we were not allowed to explore. It has something new that is big, old and sexy.>> Intriguing ...
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 >>>My mother is a saint. <<< <<Well she is certainly lovely.>> Knowing me, would you have expected any less? ;-) BTW ... conversation between Spirited Mom and Spirit today: Spirited Mom: I just love Dave. He is such a wonderful guy. Me: If you love him so much, why don't you adopt him THEN?!?!? Spirited Mom: Maybe I WILL!!! Me: THEN GO RIGHT AHEAD ... YOU KNOW HE IS ON THE LAM FROM US OFFICIALS SO YOU CAN SHARE A CELL!??!? BWAHHA HAHHAHAHA And it went on from there ...
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 >>>Do you know how many people PAY to dine with the Spirit???!!??!???!<<< <<Aha, so Carluccios was in your plan all along. And here I thought the 12th century Oxford Church, Krispy Kremes and Nando's were all an opportunity to bask in my glow ;-p>> Glow? That's what that 'aura' was? Hmm ... I just thought you hadn't showered in a few weeks.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<I often depress people, just ask the ladies who sent some goodies to newly weds and called themselve "The Rubes" in honour of something I called them over a year ago. It is interesting to see the effect I have on people. >> Oh, I can easily see how you could depress people ... <<But yep, I look forward to our next visit, whether that be in the US, Europe or Asia.>> I was hoping to somehow get back to Europe this summmer. It's possible, but very unlikely. But Asia, as you know, is a go. Shanghai Expo, a Spirit shall be descending on you later this year!
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Why dwell on the past when we can look to the future. Besides, as you know, I wait with baited breathe to watch what happens as the UK elections unfold. I just pray those cons do not win, otherwise I may have to find another left wing refuge to go to.>> After speaking with you, reading the daily papers and watching both the BBC and Sky (FOX in the UK), I am convinced that the conservatives in the UK would be simply called Democrats here.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 >>>Florida for life...!<<< <<Is that sentance? It would feel like punishment to me. The weather, the critters and the right wingers. Sounds like hell on earth to me.>> Now, now, Dave ... dude, you're dissing my home state. It wasn't always THIS bad. And it still has a lot to offer, even if I love to bash it. The weather right now is glorious. May is what I call the perfect month for theme parks and beaches. Warm generally rain-free days with cooler nights. Critters are overstated. And everywhere has its share of different types anyway. And unless you go to some of the truly redneck counties in north and central FLA, we are a mix. Remember, Orange County actually voted for Obama last election (even if throngs waited for my beloved Sarah to sign her book in said county too). Florida has changed. Some for worse, some for better. I do wish we had less people and more open space (we have plenty in the hicks) in metro areas, though. Oh, and I wish our Disney parks were better. \
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 >>>>> And it was kind of you to say I was good in bed with potential of greatness. Not that I'd ever want to work that much to attain greatness. (and just think what people are gonna read into the above statement since they weren't there!) ;-) << <<Does this have something to do with Imagineering?>> I'll let the big bear field this one! <<< <<Well, I would rather let one little spark play it's role for everyone>> Well, I do agree that using one's IMAGINATION is always a good thing ... (damn that song is playing in my head now).
