Rachmaninoff

[quote name='Allamorph'][FONT=Arial]What I was attempting to tell you was that deep, devout convictions [I]do not[/I] guarantee that a switch will never occur. Study some human behavior, and you'll find instances of such switches all over the place . . . and not just in the religious sector. Unfortunately, all the examples that I might have pulled for you have just fled my mind. You want me to give you some, I'll do some looking around for them on Tuesday when I get back to campus. Gonna be busy these next few days.[/FONT][/QUOTE]This I already know. You can hunt up examples if you wish, but I don't think it's necessary. That's a point you don't need to prove. [quote name='Retribution'][font=Arial]In any event, I think we should also bring a distinction between the truth of the religion (i.e. the actual teachings and honest interpretations) and what the religion is purported to be by its mouthpieces. For instance, Christianity has been used to justify war by politicians, but an examination of Jesus' teachings would leave anyone understanding that he was a pacifist. Likewise, we should study Islam as it is, and not assume it is a violent religion because of its followers actions.[/font][/QUOTE]As much as I disagree (in principle) with what Allamorph was saying, what we think what their religion is[I] supposed [/I]to mean, is irrelevant. As it says in this article here: [URL="http://www.amightywind.com/islam/muslimconverts.htm"][U]Daring Leaps of Faith[/U][/URL] even if we might think the interpretation of never leaving the religion is wrong, it doesn't change the fact that many of them see it that way. It's all fine and dandy to study it as we might think it's meant to be, but that ignores how it's actually being carried out right here and now. I think people (myself included) are completely misunderstanding what he's trying to say. In a sense, we should be familiar with this kind of pig headed stubbornness when it comes to religious tolerance or lack of. It is one of the reasons this country was formed in the first place. We've had a state of separation between church and government for quite some time so it's only natural that we'd have a hard time seeing things that way. Or that we'd get offended or point out that others are being overly harsh when they outright say it.

This is semi related since this paticular bill helped contribute to this problem in the first place. I'm sure I'm not the only one to see this article and just shake their head and sigh. [URL="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27150961/"][U]National Debt Clock runs out of numbers[/U][/URL] Seriously, that's just sad.

Right now I'm listening to [URL="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaDmTBsrMCI"][U]Schumann's Piano concerto op.54 A minor[/U][/URL] The video I linked to is part three, but the rest of it is there if you want to hear it. I just linked to that one since I like that part the best.

[quote name='Allamorph;823410][FONT=Arial]Seems like the key words in mine were "no matter the station" and "the Middle East and throughout Europe". I know all too well the dangers of overgeneralising and profiling people, and I assure you that I am very careful when I do. (Also remember there is a difference in [I]what[/I] you believe and how you display it. If our previous discussions have not been enough to prove that point to you....)[/FONT][/QUOTE]You're still attempting to profile every single one of the members of that religion (even if you're only referring to certain countries). Careful or not, that's a lot of people to label in that fashion. The Middle East and throughout Europe is pretty damn broad for applying such a harsh judgment.[QUOTE=Allamorph'][FONT=Arial]You seem to be under the impression, then, that a Muslim who converts to Christianity (or Buddhism, for that matter) must not have been a very good Muslim to begin with, in the sense that their beliefs must not have been as strong as others of their faith. That is a false impression; consider the testimony of Paul (formerly Saul) who was originally a devout Christian-hunter (in effect) and one of the best, who hated Christians and sought to kill them wherever he encountered them?and changed his life in the span of less than one minute, contributing to a large portion of the New Testament with his letters to fledgling churches. Saul was an extremist. He 'converted' to Christianity. Thus, the phrase "no one" is defunct. (Unless you want to toss the "it would help if I believed..." card again. :animesmil ) Incidentally, Islamic law forbids renouncing the Muslim faith. Wait, no, that's not true; Islamic law says that renouncing is not possible. It also says that any who [I]do[/I] recant are to be killed.[/FONT][/QUOTE]I said no such thing or assumed they weren't a 'good Muslim' to begin with. The point I was making is that [I]if[/I] such extreme thinking or belief in killing others existed on the level you are saying it does... that right there implies that someone who actually thinks that way would [I]never switch to begin with[/I]. You are skirting what I said to back up your erroneous belief that all of them are like that. And joking about the 'I believe' card which was a misunderstood joke doesn't change what you're doing here, implying (profiling incorrectly) that every single one of them would kill. That's utter BS and you know it. [SIZE="1"][B]Note:[/B] By all of them I'm referring to the areas you referred to which in this case is [I]only[/I] the [B]ENTIRE[/B] [I] Middle East and European countries[/I]. [/sarcasm][/SIZE]

Not much to say, other than obviously both of these made me laugh. [CENTER][IMG]http://punditkitchen.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/political-pictures-aig-con-billions-jail-paid.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://images.icanhascheezburger.com/completestore/2008/10/9/128680309590140784.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER]

I forget who, but someone recommended I check out the band Apocalyptica. So I'm checking out this song by them: [URL="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIit6bzB80g"][U]Apocalyptica-Stroke[/U][/URL] To be honest, I'm not really caring for it, however, it's the only song I've listened to so far. So we'll see.

Seems like the key word here Allamorph, from Aaryanna's post is "all". Considering the admission of one converting to Christianity, in your own post no less, if that were true,[I] no one[/I] would convert to Christianity in the first place. You might be able to convince me that perhaps most of them think like that, but it's clear that, obviously, all of them[I] do not[/I] think like that. Doesn't change the fact that there are some pretty extreme reactions in the community though. But still, to imply that all of them are willing to kill is profiling.

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It isn't recent, but one of the games that probably freaked me out the most was Doom. Not that the game is horribly scary mind you. It was probably the fact that I was only fourteen when my older brother decided I needed to give it a try. Up until that point, I had never played anything like that before. The second time I encountered it, I was older and it had lost it's ability to startle me.

[quote name='Korey][FONT="Franklin Gothic Medium"']I say let him in. It will amuse me to no end. *is shot repeatedly*[/FONT][/quote]Sure why not? Then we can be amused by kicking him out every time he returns. However, joke or not. I say we stick to AIM and not amuse ourselves by poking fun at an eleven year old.

That last one is great Gavin. Heh. [CENTER][IMG]http://punditkitchen.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/political-pictures-us-senate-emptying-treasury-complete.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://punditkitchen.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/political-pictures-washington-for-sale-trade-pork.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://punditkitchen.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/political-pictures-sarah-palin-helping-choose-obama-wink.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER]

I'm finally getting around to watching this. So far I've seen the first 14 episodes and there's only one thing I don't really care for: [quote name='Fasteriskhead]And it almost (but not quite) manages to treat classical music right - the old anime curse being to deal with it as if it were on a pedestal.[/QUOTE]And this is it. Good grief if they don't about beat you to death with all of the musical symbolism and constant fanfare. There have been a few moments were I just cringed. However like you said here Fasteriskhead:[QUOTE=Fasteriskhead]None of the above would work if it weren't for the characters. Nodame and Chiaki are an absolutely wonderful match, the undisciplined bubbly prodigy and the perfectionistic introverted grouch. Both are immediately likeable, Nodame perhaps moreso (it takes a bit more time to gain respect for Chiaki's dedication). The supporting cast, though risking wacky for wackiness' sake, is also pretty wonderful.[/QUOTE]The show would fall apart without those two. Their utter wackiness literally holds the show together. My first instinct was to dislike Chiaki but it didn't take long to get over that. Overall, their antics makes the glaring overkill on the music less noticeable and instead, downright amusing at times. [quote=Fasteriskhead']The height of the series so far has indeed been the Rachmaninoff concerto (although they didn't give Chiaki his cadenza!! boo!!!)[/quote]Agreed, on both counts. It was nicely done. I was a bit disappointed that they faded out instead of including that in there though so definitely boo on that. Oh and interesting side notes. [U]One[/U]: using Tchaikovsky's Sugar Plum Fairy music for interesting moments, including stalking, is totally hilarious. [U]Two[/U]: (this is one, I'm thinking Allamorph would enjoy) the performance of Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin (pianica version), was very entertaining. Anyway, hopefully the rest of the show continues to be just as good as what I've seen so far.

If you guys want to get further into the stuff Anime_girl5 brought up, take it to pm's please. That's starting to derail the thread a bit. Anyway...[quote]Back to the topic and away from the dungeon - I just watched a documentary on evolution. What does everyone think to apes showing some form of morals (I can pull up the evidence if you like)? That kind of links them to mankind, somewhat.[/quote]I'd be interested in seeing what you're talking about Vicky. I can't remember if I've seen or read anything on that or not.

[quote name='Anime_girl5;823209]I'm not stupid![/QUOTE]Reread what I said, the word stupid was not in there.[quote name='Anime_girl5;823209]and u dont listen then.[/QUOTE]If you want me to listen, you will have to extend the same courtesy to me. A one sided debate is pretty boring after all. [QUOTE=Anime_girl5;823209']I believe obama is wrong. and if he wins, america is doomed.[/quote]Why. You again fail to give any reasons or facts to back this statement. Tell us why you think Obama is wrong and America is doomed. [QUOTE=Anime_girl5']but ik for a fact that I am right about obama. get over it please.[/QUOTE]No you don't. You're coming across as someone who is ignorant of the political situation our country is in. You'll have to do better than that. There's no need to get frustrated over people not believing what you do. That's the beauty of America in the first place, the freedom to have different political views. So again, tell us more than blanket statements that don't prove a thing.

[quote name='Allamorph']What you believe is irrelevant. Point of fact, the Hebrews' faith descends from Isaac, and the Muslim from Ishmael, and both openly acknowledge that. Furthermore, Muslims believe that Israel is theirs, and that it is commanded that they convert the whole world through any means necessary. That is the basis for the jihad that sparked the Crusades. What you believe is irrelevant. They believe in a history eerily similar to Biblical accounts, with a few names and places switched around. That is what you are dealing with, so that is the ground on which you must fight.[/QUOTE]Hmm, I guess the =P was not enough to indicate I was being silly and far from serious. I was trying to just poke Raiha, but apparently that was not conveyed correctly. Seems it was taking as the "stupid" card on my part instead. Uh, obviously what I believe is irrelevant and I'm not so dumb as to think otherwise. If it were, a lot of the fighting would not occur. If anything it could be taken and an indication that attempts to find peaceful solutions won't work.

Time for a revival of this thread. =P Mainly so I can post this: [CENTER][IMG]http://images.icanhascheezburger.com/completestore/2008/10/7/128679038428309019.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER]

Best way to cure a crazy day is to laugh at this stuff. =P [CENTER][IMG]http://images.icanhascheezburger.com/completestore/2008/10/8/128679566155562100.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://images.icanhascheezburger.com/completestore/2008/10/7/128679073922693458.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER]

[quote name='Raiha'][COLOR="DarkOrchid"][FONT="Times New Roman"] Biblically speaking I believe the same thing as a lot of other people who care to study ancient history. The sons of Isaac will make war with the sons of Ishmael until the end of the world.[/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE]Well it would help if I actually believed in the "Biblically" speaking history in the first place. But since I don't... =P Anyway, putting all the sarcasm aside, I'm for finding a more peaceful solution where possible. However, at the same time, I can't really contribute to the topic very well since I haven't followed it as closely as I should have. So I don't know enough to form a solid opinion either way.

You've missed the point of the thread [B]Anime_girl5[/B]. That point being: for you to tell us what you thought of the debates instead of a pitch to vote for McCain. If you really want people to listen to what you've said, I'd suggest taking the time to learn about the candidates in question, in addition to cleaning up your grammar and spelling. No one is going to take what you've just said seriously. Especially since it made no sense whatsoever. You failed to back up the claim that Obama is going to ruin America just as calling someone a freak doesn't really lend any credibility to your statements. I'm kind of curious to know if you've even watched any of the debates at all.

[quote name='ChibiHorsewoman'][color=#9933ff]So, coffee. Do you like it or dislike it? How do you like it? When did you find out you had an addiction or at least a sudden desire for coffee? [/color][/QUOTE]I grew up with no coffee in the house, I didn't run into the stuff until college. When I was first exposed to it, I was surprised by how good it smells. However... that never did translate into actually tasting good. I've tried different brands, adding stuff that people recommended and I still do not like it at all. So when I really want something to wake me up, I just have some herbal tea that does that. It's not my favorite, but unlike coffee I can add a bit of sweetener and it's fine.

Once again the debates were at a time frame that did not agree with me. Plus, I already know that McCain's stances are something I completely disagree with. So though I could have seen about recording it and watching later, I already know who I'm voting for so it makes little difference at this point. There's another thing I consider as well, debates though interesting to watch, don't speak as loudly as a candidates actions, so I rarely use them as a means to determine how effective they will be.

I imagine the real fuss is that Korey didn't find a lolcat for Stephanie. However since she's been so many names over the years as you can see here: Serendipity, Lapis, Jayden, Caoimhe, Rhian, Mouse, Paertekarka, Skye, WhiteSalem, Delirium, Squiggles, Fiacha, Arispa, Stephie, etc, etc, etc. I'd say the following ones fit since she's constantly changing and that provides new camouflage and thus confusion for the rest of us, since it takes a while to realize they've changed. So I present the continuous cycle of Stephanie! [CENTER][B]Wash[/B] [IMG]http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/funny-pictures-cat-is-doing-camouflage-right.jpg[/IMG] [B]Rinse[/B] [IMG]http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/funny-pictures-cat-camoflauged-fur-blanket.jpg[/IMG] [B]Repeat[/B] [IMG]http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2008/01/funny-pictures-cat-dog-camouflage.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Now I could be wrong, but that scenario does remind me of her. =P

How very fitting... [CENTER] [IMG]http://images.icanhascheezburger.com/completestore/2008/10/4/128676315320019733.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER]

[quote name='James'][font=franklin gothic medium]This also leads me to a question for everyone here: How important are the debates to you? I imagine that by the time they roll around, most people have already chosen their candidate. Do the debates sway anyone? Or do they just confirm your original choice?[/font][/QUOTE]Not very. By this time I've already made up my mind on who I will vote for. Sometimes I'll pay more attention if I'm not clearly decided on one candidate or if I have serious doubts about the vp candidate. That is not the case this time around. To be honest I didn't even bother to watch them. One because time wise they didn't work out, and two, I'm already fine with my decision on who to vote for.

[quote name='Allamorph'][FONT=Arial]Ironing is a pain, though. Takes bloody forever to do anything. And I have to iron today. >_