Comments by Gregg Townsend

Comment #245640 by Gregg Townsend on September 11, 2008 at 8:28 am

Hmmmm. Fantasy, yes.

I would like to see all weapons thrown into the Pacific and invite the whole world to Burning Man where we will all dance naked around a 200 foot pile of transistor radios all tuned to a different station until the Hadron Super Collider opens a gateway to Narnia.

http://www.cyriak.co.uk/lhc/lhc-webcams.html

252. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #245633 by Gregg Townsend on September 11, 2008 at 8:15 am

Al,

We are not accepting possible solutions to problems this week. We are only complaining about problems (American problems specifically) and talking about how grateful we are not to live in the U.S.

/sarcasm

253. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #245387 by Gregg Townsend on September 10, 2008 at 3:17 pm

Steve,

Funny imagery but I feel for you. I've lost two wedding rings before...

Of course, that was due to divorce.

254. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #245385 by Gregg Townsend on September 10, 2008 at 3:16 pm

1786. Comment #245368 by al-rawandi

You can drop the sanctimonious intellectual drivel,

*taps al's shoulder*

Uh, that ball was picked up by Bonzai.

He went that way.

255. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #245362 by Gregg Townsend on September 10, 2008 at 2:48 pm

1779. Comment #245356 by decius

And a cannon turret on top of their SUVs, of course.

Bicycles! We've all switched to bicycles now.

256. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #245352 by Gregg Townsend on September 10, 2008 at 2:37 pm

1770. Comment #245336 by Mitchell Gilks

I'm not sure why you directed that comment at me. Didn't I say that I would support more controls (specifically the ones you mentioned)? Didn't I say that I don't own firearms and encourage my family not to as well? Since I don't hunt, I'm personally not concerned with hunting weapons so it wouldn't effect my life in the slightest if guns were outlawed completely.

All that being said, if guns magically disappeared tomorrow, do you really think inner city violence in the poorest and most drug infected areas of the U.S. cities would go with it?

I don't know! But I suspect we would still need to talk about solving poverty and drug legalization.

Just a guess.

257. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #245327 by Gregg Townsend on September 10, 2008 at 2:04 pm

1746. Comment #245302 by Mitchell Gilks

Mitchell,

You are arguing for more and specific gun controls. I could support that but I'm dubious about how much it would help reduce gun violence. Citizens who would honor and follow the rules aren't the ones "packing heat" into the cities now.

258. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #245294 by Gregg Townsend on September 10, 2008 at 1:37 pm

1737. Comment #245286 by Bonzai

I don't know where the illegal guns come from. I can only repeat what I've heard, that most are smuggled across our various borders.

Your portrayal of the U.S. is quite frightening. I'm glad it's not the reality I have to face every day.

By the way, I could make a gun in my buddies machine shop. He even has an Vietnamese immigrant employee who has experience in assembling and welding AK47's. My partner has blue prints in his office filing cabinet for muzzle loader rifles. It's not as far fetched as you think.

259. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #245279 by Gregg Townsend on September 10, 2008 at 1:20 pm

1716. Comment #245260 by Bonzai

One thing to remember about the US, it's difficult to buy a firearm from a store (background checks, etc.) but easy to buy one from a trench coat in some alley. So, the patrons of the gun store next to my work have a different outlook on gun ownership than patrons of Mr. Trench coat, i.e. the gun store does a brisk business in selling gun-safes too.

You know, I can honestly say I've not been around a weapon discharge while someone is drinking during my adult life. I do remember my uncle drinking a few beers at camp after a day of duck hunting when I was a kid. Of course, by then he had emptied his weapon and put it away.

I'm sure there are some neighborhoods where you could find drinking and shooting excitement (if that's your thing) but I believe you would find poverty and illegal drug addiction the norm there as well.

I'll stand by my earlier opinion of treating the cause as being the best solution.

edit-

So does drinking and shooting happen often? How about drinking, drive by shooting? :)

I said the liquor store was in walking distance. :-)-~

260. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #245249 by Gregg Townsend on September 10, 2008 at 12:48 pm

1691. Comment #245232 by CocoCantare

Coco,

Sure. Makes sense to me. Education and access to birth control could potentially have a bigger impact on abortion than laws.

261. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #245243 by Gregg Townsend on September 10, 2008 at 12:42 pm

Bonzai,

Moreover, you can probably get a gun easier than you get booze in some states (Utah?)

Myth. The gun store next to my business is within walking distance of the liquor store.

edit- I live in Mormon Zion (Salt Lake City)

262. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #245219 by Gregg Townsend on September 10, 2008 at 12:27 pm

Coco,

I can't seem to find it right now, but the gist is;

1) In America the vast majority of gun owners are never involved in gun related crime.
2) Per capita America has a very high rate of gun related crime.

This leads us to the conclusion that there is a minority of people committing a shit-load of the gun crimes (primarily with one class of weapon, i.e. hand-guns)

Some argue that getting rid of the guns will take care of the problem...others, that getting rid of the criminals will do the trick. Even fewer take the stance that addressing the reasons why people get into a life of crime in the first place would be the cure (poverty and drug dependency being the two biggest I can think of off the top of my head).

I find the arguments for legalizing drugs to be the most logical. Legal drugs provide a tax revenue for treating drug addiction and removes one black market.

Ultimately, addressing poverty would create more responsible gun owners :)

Just to be clear; I don't own firearms and have discouraged my children from owning them while at the same time insisting they take "hunter's safety" to get certified in handling firearms. I'm neither pro-gun or anti-gun.

263. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #245141 by Gregg Townsend on September 10, 2008 at 9:08 am

1620. Comment #245136 by Frankus1122

There is a real estate agent in Southern Utah named Dick Teasdale.

264. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #245135 by Gregg Townsend on September 10, 2008 at 9:02 am

1617. Comment #245133 by Frankus1122

Wasn't that Phil McCracken?

265. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #245129 by Gregg Townsend on September 10, 2008 at 8:55 am

1610. Comment #245125 by al-rawandi

What, was Richard Smoker already taken?

266. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #245122 by Gregg Townsend on September 10, 2008 at 8:34 am

Found this in the activities page.

Crucifixion Nail:
Make a nail just like the ones used by the Romans to crucify Our Lord. A thought-provoking project that will impress upon your children the suffering that Jesus went through on their behalf. Makes a great Christmas ornament!

Caution: Pointy edges. Not for children under 5.

Requires: 1 sheet of paper or card stock, scissors, scoring tool, glue or tape.

Holy shit! This is wrong. Funny, but wrong.

267. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #245106 by Gregg Townsend on September 10, 2008 at 8:15 am

Quetz,

Service Temporarily Unavailable
The server is temporarily unable to service your request due to maintenance downtime or capacity problems. Please try again later.

I'm beginning to think you aren't a real god and are just pretending for comic effect!!!

268. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #245096 by Gregg Townsend on September 10, 2008 at 8:07 am

1578. Comment #245086 by Quetzalcoatl

Oh, well I don't have much to say 'bout that.

I do miss Anna's keen intellect and uber-clear way of expressing herself though. Dr. Benway as well.

-edit- Damnit, Al's link doesn't work *grumble* Quetz, please snap your fingers or something.

269. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #245085 by Gregg Townsend on September 10, 2008 at 7:51 am

Who is this lurking "she" everyone seems so concerned with? Am I missing something or someone? Annabanana perhaps?

270. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #245078 by Gregg Townsend on September 10, 2008 at 7:45 am

Al,

Inherited wealth also tends to sit still. Hoarded and not invested it does the ecomony little good. Earned wealth tends to be used on start-ups and enterprises which increase employment and contribute to tax revenues.

I agree on your stance with inheritance tax and would also like to see it earmarked for SBA loans to lower-income applicants.

My older brother is a forensic accountant and his nightmare stories of inheritance will turn your blood cold. His opinion is the only legitimate use of inheritance is educational and business start-up trust funds. I tend to agree.

271. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #244926 by Gregg Townsend on September 9, 2008 at 8:08 pm

1535. Comment #244909 by GoatBoy36

GoatBoy36,

All well said and thoughtful, but Fanusi's problem seems obvious to me...

I could be wrong but I think he just needs to get laid. I find people who get some regularly aren't nearly as concerned with other folks sexual activities. Don't you?

272. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #244923 by Gregg Townsend on September 9, 2008 at 7:59 pm

1532. Comment #244876 by Frankus1122

When dealing with my 'she-who-must-be-obeyed' I've found it best to keep my head held high and state in a clear firm voice, "Yes, dear, but remember I'm under no obligation to obey, I choose to out of admiration and love." All the while, I'm careful not to make eye contact or any sudden movements.

There are two solutions to your dilemma about reading the book I linked to:
1) Buy the Missus her own computer
2) Print the PDF's for you to read while she e-bays (yes that is now a verb).

273. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #244843 by Gregg Townsend on September 9, 2008 at 2:47 pm

Frankus1122,

Based on the articles you've linked to today, I thought you might enjoy this website.

It's been a while since I read it but I remember it as being relevant.

274. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #244808 by Gregg Townsend on September 9, 2008 at 1:19 pm

Mitchell,

I instead want to be happy, and not spend half of my day for the rest of my life doing something I hate. We only get one life, so society ought to be set up to maximize happiness, and limit suffering. Not maximize profits, at the cost of all else.

I would modify this statement with; Society ought to be set up to provide the opportunity to maximize happiness, and limit suffering. What people do with the opportunity is up to them, don't you think?

275. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #244796 by Gregg Townsend on September 9, 2008 at 1:07 pm

Scot,

In most cases, pursuing an advanced degree is not a wise financial decision.

This is a testable assertion. Poll UPS drivers and dock workers and see how many have advanced degrees.

276. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #244776 by Gregg Townsend on September 9, 2008 at 12:40 pm

Scot,

To make that (300k) you have to own a plumbing company. Just remember, don't bite your fingernails!!!

277. 'Climate crisis' needs brain gain

Comment #244768 by Gregg Townsend on September 9, 2008 at 12:35 pm

Scot,

I love to hike in the deserts of the American southwest (Capital Reef National Park is my favorite as seen in my avatar). I wonder, at a rise of 3C, what will remain of the already sparse flora and fauna there. I would hope that future generations could enjoy the geology of this region but maybe they'll just need specialized equipment to do so.

Hmmmmm?

278. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #244758 by Gregg Townsend on September 9, 2008 at 12:26 pm

1482. Comment #244757 by al-rawandi

Al,

He's not a very good plumber then. My buddy makes $120,000 per year and isn't the owner or a partner in his company.

-edit- and he can shovel shit with the best!

279. 'Climate crisis' needs brain gain

Comment #244714 by Gregg Townsend on September 9, 2008 at 10:52 am

Scot, Decius

Excellent posts.

Just so I'm clear on my comments about being skeptical of motives. I'm talking about media, politicians, actors, ballet dancers, magicians, church leaders, etc. who support one side or the other. Like Scot, I see no reason to question the underlying research and the conclusions so far.

280. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #244476 by Gregg Townsend on September 8, 2008 at 8:41 pm

1385. Comment #244472 by admin

No sweat.

*lifts arm*

See?

281. Michael Palin for President

Comment #244474 by Gregg Townsend on September 8, 2008 at 8:36 pm

Vote early. Vote often!

282. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #244467 by Gregg Townsend on September 8, 2008 at 7:58 pm

Josh,

I found the link almost immediately, so good job on putting it in a logical and accessable spot.

Any word on the busted avatar links yet?

283. 'Climate crisis' needs brain gain

Comment #244461 by Gregg Townsend on September 8, 2008 at 7:42 pm

71. Comment #244430 by decius

We endure enough anti-science crankiness from the creationists, already.

True.

It was the label "ignoramus" that surprised me. I'm accustomed to you attacking bad ideas not people, I guess.

Nevermind. Carry on.

284. 'Climate crisis' needs brain gain

Comment #244427 by Gregg Townsend on September 8, 2008 at 5:30 pm

69. Comment #244425 by kkelly

Reminds you of the so-called conspiracy to bring down religion by promoting the lie of evolution...

*gag*

:-)

285. 'Climate crisis' needs brain gain

Comment #244424 by Gregg Townsend on September 8, 2008 at 5:23 pm

64. Comment #244393 by Francis Clarke

Even if you are right (which I doubt in the extreme), how does society loose from advancing technology away from burning fossil fuels? Even if global warming is a huge lie *cough* not polluting the atmosphere for purposes of our own breath would be a good thing, yes?

What is your motivation for resisting and obviously good move? Or am I missing something...

edit-

Decius,

Why all the derision? You seem to be emotionally invested in this issue.

286. 'Climate crisis' needs brain gain

Comment #244377 by Gregg Townsend on September 8, 2008 at 3:34 pm

Kaiserkriss,

Despite Decius comments above indicating the debate is over, in my opinion, the debate is just getting started.

It seems likely that human consumption of fossil fuels is having an effect on the environment (based on all that I have read) even if the effect is just aggravating a naturally occurring change. It also seems likely (according to what I've read) that given enough of the current trend of change that the earth could be uninhabitable for humans and possibly many other species. In my mind, that is what is worth changing our consumption and energy sources for.

All that being said, I do appreciate those who question the motives of the people who promote or deny climate change. I think a dose of skepticism is healthy until the issue is settled once and for all.

287. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #244354 by Gregg Townsend on September 8, 2008 at 3:12 pm

1324. Comment #244352 by al-rawandi

Al,

What I lack in professionalism I make up for in enthusiasm...just ask Mrs. T

[edit]Thanks Francis...right back at ya[/edit]
[edit-edit]When are they going to fix the blanked out avatar problem on this site. It's been a month now[edit-edit]

288. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #244351 by Gregg Townsend on September 8, 2008 at 3:10 pm

Except for you Tea, of course.

289. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #244346 by Gregg Townsend on September 8, 2008 at 3:07 pm

I think I could easily be a paid "escort"...but the customers for bald middle-aged amatuer golfers are too creepy for my taste.

*duck and run*

290. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #242007 by Gregg Townsend on September 3, 2008 at 9:54 am

230. Comment #241996 by Robert Maynard

Robert,

I think Al was pointing out that most Obama supporters haven't paid attention to what "change" means to the Obama campaign and seem to be wrapped up in a cult of personality.

To a large extent, I think he is right.

[edit]I see Al spoke to the issue himself. Please disregard the above[edit]

291. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #241990 by Gregg Townsend on September 3, 2008 at 9:30 am

Al,

I'm trying to read through it all while working but apperantly this is what he thinks change means.

http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/ObamaBlueprintForChange.pdf

I'll have to finish reading it to see if it means anything to me.

292. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #241952 by Gregg Townsend on September 3, 2008 at 8:50 am

191. Comment #241947 by Fanusi Khiyal

And the weather to day is a sunny 80 degrees F.
I've got a tee time this afternoon on the best kept and cheepest public golf courses in the U.S.
The UofU beat Michigan last weekend.

Utah has it's bonuses.

293. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #241946 by Gregg Townsend on September 3, 2008 at 8:47 am

189. Comment #241945 by chewedbarber

Oh.

Well, that's different. Ron Paul 2008!

294. Palin: average isn't good enough

Comment #241936 by Gregg Townsend on September 3, 2008 at 8:32 am

Al,

Please stop it, you're frightening me. It's not funny anymore.

Creationism
Right to life/anti-abortion
Oppose stem cell research
Ron Paul

Why are so many young Americans taken in with this nutjob? I suggest supporting a viable candidate and writing to them to express your views on where they are wrong. It has more chance of being noticed than a protest vote.

295. Palin's Church May Have Shaped Controversial Worldview

Comment #241896 by Gregg Townsend on September 3, 2008 at 7:31 am

I'm more amazed by the stage they are standing on! Churches have really changed in the 30 plus years since I was a regular.

I really dig the sick double-kick drum kit surrounded with a trash screen! Does the congregation get wasted and chuck bottles at the drummer?!

I couldn't listen to her for more that a minute.

296. Gaming Evolves

Comment #241493 by Gregg Townsend on September 2, 2008 at 11:48 am

My thought is the game would be a good way to spend some time having fun with my granddaughters and it may open an opportunity to discuss how the game differs from reality (evolution by natural selection).

This just may turn into the opportunity I've been looking for to counter superstition in my granddaughter's upbringing without 'proselytizing'.

297. Channel 4 announces return of Undercover Mosque

Comment #238782 by Gregg Townsend on August 28, 2008 at 3:11 pm

804. Comment #238780 by thewhitepearl

Dazed and Confused

298. Channel 4 announces return of Undercover Mosque

Comment #238777 by Gregg Townsend on August 28, 2008 at 3:05 pm

799. Comment #238775 by Goldy

Mornin' Goldy,

Naggin is also not so bad

The Mrs. and I have an understanding that I will do anything she asks of me as long as we both understand that I don't have to.

:)

299. Channel 4 announces return of Undercover Mosque

Comment #238774 by Gregg Townsend on August 28, 2008 at 3:02 pm

781. Comment #238736 by thewhitepearl

Number one is something that fanusi and I both talked about and we got battered for it. Well more Fanusi did more then me.

I think where Fanusi gets battered is when he supports deportation of any Sharia supporter regardless of their country of origin. Al's list makes a clear demarcation.

I would have no problem supporting a list like Al's as a starting point to the problem.

300. Atheists: The Last Political Outcasts

Comment #238748 by Gregg Townsend on August 28, 2008 at 2:32 pm

17. Comment #238739 by dochmbi

I think you misunderstand the issue. No one (that I know of) is asking the government to force a church to take members they don't want. The issue is about equal recognition under the law.