Ambrose2007 Forum Posts (8,881)

RE: THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE FOR 2007

To Rover:

In an a very abbreviated "nut shell," this strikes me as the correct order of analysis on this issue.

1) Compare all major scientific opinions, and make an evaluation as to their relative merits; 2) if one or some of these opinions appear evidentially/logically unjustified, **then** proceed to evaluating what the motivations ( that is, prejudices/biases) of these parties are.

I see way too much discussion in your two posts of motivation and philosophical premises, which, though interesting, is putting the cart before the horse, imo. In other words, Gore et al would be wrong because of bad science, not bad political motivations. Ultimately, whatever their or anyone's motivations -- whether they be political, economic, or religious -- the truth about global warming will be a scientific one.

I'm going to look into some of the claims you've made above. I appreciate your taking the time to make them.

RE: THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE FOR 2007

As opposed to the motivations of those working for oil companies?

It all comes down to a point by point analysis of the pro and con arguments. Hand-waving arguments about "natural cycles" won't settle anything, absent that kind of analysis. Their existence doesn't counter the possibility of "unnatural" influences.

The suggestion that human beings can't influence or even significantly alter the climate seems absurd on its face. What -- we couldn't cause a "nuclear winter"? All life on this or any planet must have an effect on its ecosystem, to one degree or another. Enough cows farting/belching or plankton-growth/ plant life or virtually any organism's behavior could, in sufficient quantity, change Earth's climate.

I'm mostly an agnostic on the question of global warming, since I haven't devoted sufficient time to the respective evidence/arguments, but if the above is typical of anti-global warming arguments, that would push me strongly in the direction of the global warming camp (and I'm certainly no fan of Al Gore's!).

The electrician I had over earlier this summer went off on a tirade about how "Earth-firsters" and "tree-huggers" and "animal rightists" were trying to ruin our society with their "nonsense about global warming." He told me he believed that human beings had the right to subjugate anything in order to make their lives better, and anyone who would tell him otherwise was full of crap.

I asked him why he thought any of his philosophical beliefs had anything to do with global warming. "It's purely a scientific question, not a philosophical question, right?" I asked him. "Once we establish the scientific truth, then we can philosophize about what to do, isn't that true?"

He just stared at me and shook his head as though I were nuts.

RE: Ok, do guys like their lady to have long or short hair?

All lengths of hair can look great, imo. A change of hair once in awhile in a woman can provide an appealing variety; it doesn't have to be one length forever.

A

RE: What is the worst excuse you've used to get out of a date?

I'm sorry, but you kiss like my mother.

RE: EIGHT SIGNS YOU ARE TOO OLD TO BE TRICK OR TREATING!!

Ah, a fellow South Dakotan with a ghoulish sense of humor. Priceless!

But, ah...you won't be showing up at my doorstep this Halloween, will you? I want to keep it cleared for any cute 40 - 50 year olds who show up.

RE: Does size matter?

I take your point, but I don't think it's appropriate to discuss such a sensitive issue here.

Many people are extremely sensitive about their brain size, and don't appreciate their possible deficiencies in that area being brought up. I hope we can all practice a bit of discretion on this controversial subject.

Ambrose

RE: Question for the Men

First I've heard of this practice. Though I must confess that I've never made a habit of watching what men do afterward. I also will admit I've never even heard the expression "bits" until I came here. Not sure I like it. Makes things sound kind of small and insignificant somehow.

RE: Sparta and the 300

Right. And I'm sure many of the women here appreciated their heroism in wearing so little clothing in that coolish environment.

RE: Is it just me??

You remind me of that Gwen Stefani song, "Simple Kind of Life," where she sings about becoming more selfish as she ages.

Lately, I've been thinking much along the lines that you are above (though I'm a lot older than you, which I think gives me a better excuse ). Having control over things in your life really can become pretty addictive, I'm starting to realize. Just simple things like when you go to bed or the television shows you watch. When I was married, we never could agree on when to sleep, and for my wife it was lengthy, almost theatrical production -- a half-hour removing make-up, half-hour shower, thirty or forty minutes of post-shower clean-up and cream application, lights flashing on and off during it all -- while for me going to bed consists of removing my clothes, turning off the light, and closing my eyes (perhaps five minutes, all told). Or going somewhere -- another huge production from my wife to get ready (after which we were almost invariably late to wherever we were going) -- whereas I change clothes, maybe trim my beard or brush my teeth, and am out the door in ten or fifteen minutes.

Of course, different ideas about time was part of our incompatibility. I'm just saying that though I was completely devastated during and after our separation, I have begun to enjoy having control over my life in many little ways. When I want to go somewhere, I arrive on time (I'm the punctual type), with minimal hassle; I watch the movies or TV programs I like; I go to bed when I'm tired, and without lights flashing in my eyes; I spend money on the things I want, but have a budget, as opposed to constantly running up credit card debt. Etc.

I know that being with someone inevitably involves some compromise, but like you, that's becoming less and less appealing with the passage of time. Perhaps if you find someone who naturally enjoys the same kind of "life-flow" (for lack of a better word) as you, these kinds of problems wouldn't occur, and mostly only the good things about being with somebody -- and there can be countless good things! -- come through? One can always dream...

A

RE: Sparta and the 300

Huh? What did you see in it that you liked that much??!

RE: about toy boys!

Damn it, this is disillusioning! I misread the thread title as "boy toys," and thought everyone would be talking about car engines, socket wrenches, pin-up mechanics' calendars, and things of that nature.

RE: HOW Important is teeth to you?

Seriously, I have a chip in one my tooths that I'm rather self-conscious about.

RE: which one comes first when dating? physical appeal or personality?

I remember going almost entirely by looks when I was young, and the results were invariably disasters. I asked people out that I had absolutely nothing in common with. Looking back, that seems completely insane to me.

At this point, if a woman meets a certain minimal standard of looks (at least somewhat attractive or decent-looking by my standards) and is in reasonably decent shape body-wise, then the rest is all personality. I don't think being beautiful adds that much to my attraction after that. I would choose, say, a 10 personality with 6 or 7 looks over a 7 personality with 10 looks any day (acknowledging those numbers are, of course, all in the eyes of the beholder; some women here have rated me a "3" and others a "10," for example; I guess it all comes down to whom you're with).

RE: which one comes first when dating? physical appeal or personality?

For me, neither really comes first. They both happen more or less simultaneously. However, an attractive person will more likely get my (or probably any man's) notice first, but that doesn't seem exactly what you're asking.

RE: Met someone on CS yesterday and...

Congrats!

I hope you have a good phone plan....

RE: It Hurts So Bad

That's my story, too, Scott -- from the parents' side. I sucked at parenting -- started too young (for me, at least) -- but just kept hanging in there, always letting me know that I loved them and was interested in their lives, and helping them when needed. And the result...we get along better now than we ever did then.

A

RE: It Hurts So Bad

Just be patient, D. Don't show any anger toward your daughter. The tide will change -- loving her as much as you appear to will guarantee that.

A

The Worst and Best Things You Can Write In Your Profile

Now that really hurt my feelings!

I've been wondering about profiles that contain a collage of photos dating from the present far back into the past. What's the point of that? Is it possible to time-travel back to date your younger selves? I'm game, if it is. You're welcome to date my twenty-something self, too, if you can manage that.

The Worst and Best Things You Can Write In Your Profile

No, but they're the closest thing we have to that here :). What's the point of a profile if it's not to solicit a response? And how can it solicit a response unless it contains some (hopefully substantive) information?

The Worst and Best Things You Can Write In Your Profile

I agree. There's no way around "the truth," ultimately, so why postpone it? I'm sure there's no way of avoiding offending some people with whatever you write. For example, I wouldn't be attracted physically to an overweight woman, which I assume would annoy many women here. But I don't think it's being shallow to be attracted to certain physical types.

I'm pretty dubious about "micro-managing" a profile -- that is, listing large numbers of personal characteristics, even down to what kinds of board games you like to play. There has to be more essential things you can say about yourself than that...isn't there? Also, I'd like to see the emphasis on things that distinguish you from other people. Loving sunsets or romantic walks on the beach, for example, wouldn't be among those things.

RE: Expectations

I wouldn't have any expectation of that at all (I don't even think I'd want that...hope that doesn't make me a "girlie man" or something). My biggest hope would be that we really hit it off. The rest would follow naturally, I think.

The Worst and Best Things You Can Write In Your Profile

What are the least informative and most off-putting things you can include in your profile? What are the most informative and best things you can write about yourself?

RE: Question for the guys

I thought that was really good. I've been wanting to write something like that for a long time. It's amazing to me what some people believe makes for an informative or intriguing profile.

One of my favorites on this site is a lady who lists sharing an interest in playing a game as one of the important attributes she's looking forward in a man. And she's sixty years old -- not some eighteen year old kid-nerd.

I've often wondered about the profiles that mention how incredibly close the individual is to her children or to a particular child. I'm not sure why someone would think that's a distinguishing characteristic or even appealing. Another is the standard announcement, which strikes me as defensive in nature, where the person declares that she has vast numbers of friends and loving family but still is looking to fill a tiny niche of emotional need in her life with a man. Also: "I'm down to earth." You and one hundred million other people. And a profile that features a pet rather than the person. Isn't this the wrong list for that kind of thing? (I saw one profile that only showed the horse!)

I could go on and on (this would make a good thread, wouldn't it), but I'll stop here. For now.

I must admit, however, kind of having a thing for unicorns named "Precious."

RE: Question for the guys

Strange -- I've had the same question about people who have responded to me in the past. They either didn't read my profile, or simply chose to ignore (often important) aspects of it.

But yes, I not only read the entire profile, but also attempt to read carefully beween its lines :).

RE: Freedom

Hey, I'm a libertarian, so I think I won't have any problems with your freedom-test questions. Fire away :)!

RE: Trust

It seems more a matter of trusting my own judgment when it comes to people -- which I do.

RE: When a Man says he wants to take it slow...

Exactly! It's the "telling" that has ominous implications.

I wonder how a girl (or guy) would respond to: "Hey, let's take this fast!" Would that be better, worse, or equal?

Ambrose2007

Greetings!

I recently migrated here from California, and now reside in the busy metropolis of Badger, SD. Though it's probably too soon to tell, I'm beginning to suspect, contrary to Cure, that *I'm* the only decent single man left. At least I'm fairly sure I'm one of the vanishingly few atheist-South Dakotans.

Looking for a fit lady who is very bright and in possession of a twisted/sardonic sense of humor. I am very physically and mentally "active" (as the cliche goes): enjoy hiking, bicycling, swimming, weight-lifting, philosophy, writing, reading, and good conversation (especially with some intellectual substance). I'm semi-retired -- at least from my former life as a businessman -- but am working on the next great American novel and other business ideas as we speak. Own some property and have some savings, so you won't have to pay for the lavish expenses involved in our hypothetical get-togethers.

Now if you're one of the one in a million ladies who like how that sounds, please write (one problem: I don't believe there's even a million people in this state :-( )

Best,

"Ambrose"

RE: Hello South Dakota!!

Greetings!

I recently migrated here from California, and now reside in the busy metropolis of Badger, SD. Though it's probably too soon to tell, I'm beginning to suspect, contrary to Cure, that *I'm* the only decent single man left. At least I'm fairly sure I'm one of the vanishingly few atheist-South Dakotans.

Looking for a fit lady who is very bright and in possession of a twisted/sardonic sense of humor. I am very physically and mentally "active" (as the cliche goes): enjoy hiking, bicycling, swimming, weight-lifting, philosophy, writing, reading, and good conversation (especially with some intellectual substance). I'm semi-retired -- at least from my former life as a businessman -- but am working on the next great American novel and other business ideas as we speak. Own some property and have some savings, so you won't have to pay for the lavish expenses involved in our hypothetical get-togethers.

Now if you're one of the one in a million ladies who like how that sounds, please write (one problem: I don't believe there's even a million people in this state :-( )

Best,

"Ambrose"

RE: When a Man says he wants to take it slow...

I'm completely in favor of "taking it slow," but I'm not sure I'd want to state that so baldly -- it sounds implicitly insulting, as though the woman isn't attractive or appealing enough to inspire speedier action.

But "slow" doesn't mean in my lexicon blundering along lethargically. It just means taking the time to get to know the person. That can proceed at a relatively brisk rate; the romantic/physical aspect just shouldn't be rushed, imo.

I personally enjoy the build-up of desire that comes with getting to know someone. It reminds me of getting to know a new song. It usually takes me a few times listening to really get into it.

A