chuck kottke

LBJ & Nixon both extended the mess that was the US war in Vietnam in the 60's/70's, as they couldn't figure out an "exit strategy" - sounds eerily familiar. Presidents save face at the expense of the lives of those dealing with warfare.. However, the modern world was attacked by Al Qaeda, so what to do then? I think we ought to negotiate a peace treaty, respecting the sovereignty of the regions of Afghanistan, but use the international courts to try those suspected of terrorist acts, and to try those plotting future attacks. Given the corruption, the bribes paid to the Taliban for safe passage, and the overly centralized government, it seems like some new form of governance would be more appropriate - one where separate states have more power, and there are more checks and balances to ensure greater equity. Winning the will of the people means giving them the choice to make their own nation what they want of it. Wilson's self-determination of nations was a great concept, as any nation deserves the right to choose their own path.

A mind is a terrible thing to cut and paste.:P We're my beer! I must go searching for the lost beverage!!

The Mayans had predicted that white gods from another world would arrive and lead them - so they thought the Spanish were those gods! And with that level of accuracy, you can well see where things in their list of predictions could be headed..:laugh3:

That's right - A piano can simulate a tambourine, simply by placing castinettes on the pedals. And a harp, if one opens it up and plucks the strings! Plus, adding a gong to the lowest note's corresponding key (it's rarely used anyhow) really offers a unique opportunity to enhance the Piano's instrument range, and "bang a gong" whenever one feels like it.:P

Obviously the solution is to sort people by height and arm length, putting the taller fans in back, and the shorter ones in front. This might require some way of measuring the ticket buyers, and a few fans may try to get taller by putting themselves on the rack, but in general, it would be a good thing!:P Pricing would become uniform, and the answer to not being able to get close to the stage is to have the stage come to you. Yes, put the whole stage on a track, and run it around the stadium, giving everyone a great view!:laugh3: All in favor, say "Aye, Aye"!

Aww Isabella.. yes, taking a walk helps - take the long road home..;) Tomorrow will be better.:sunny::hug:

Beatlemania/Coldplaymania?:laugh3:

In the beginning of Strawberry Swing, Chris says "Hi Chuck", but mistakenly so, as it was Mike he was saying HI to.:P

The border really is wrong - funny as the crossings are! Probably two things need to happen - (1) fair economic deals need to be struck, so multinational corporations behave equitably towards Mexicans, and (2) there has to be a better way to make a burrito. Obviously both present serious challenges, made worse by the shortages of good black bean paste and napkins, but perhaps there is a solution. Water. With water, there's something to wash up with after the burrito, and it helps grow things in the Mexican desert. Water lubricates the wheels of commerce, and makes Mexican margaritas really good - all that slushy ice! So there you have it - just add water.:P

:rolleyes::confused: What's the trubble Isabella?

Beautiful in appearance doesn't necessarily translate to beautiful in character. And what about that guy with the limp eyelid - you know, the famous one??:P Thom somethingorother.. I care not for such exclusionary "clubs" - it's uppity in my book. Coldplaying.com welcomes all (unless they're too naughty!:laugh3:) Keep up the great work, Ian!!

Welcome Maarten! Enjoy all the zaniness this site has to offer, and I'm glad you like Clocks - it's one of my favorites as well. Violet hill shows Coldplay's amazing improvement in refined musical talent - quite a special piece as well!! What's your opinion on Strawberry Swing, Lost, or Yellow?

:hat:Welcome to the diving board Lucas! Jump right it!! What are you studying in cinema? :elvis:

I was just having a creative thought - if you took an aerogel and filled the spaces between the molecules with helium gas & covered it with aluminized mylar, would it float in air?? a true rigid Dirigible might be possible... What for - I have no clue! Just a neat idea - a solid lighter than air just seems so neat!

She's probably busy with the garden, raising kids, and keeping a more peaceful place in the White House for her family - we all need some TLC and real family life, the pressures of the world being what they are. But speculation is just that - who really knows the level to which she is involved! Anyhow, someday with the provincial connection I've got, it might load from the BBC and I'll get a glimpse too! I'm so glad our President and First Lady both support Sesame Street - that shows a lot about their commitment to education, the youth of our country, and basic fun entertainment. :cool:

I thought it would be interesting to discuss eating local foods from local growers, since this is a big deal with Gwen ( as seen on TV! ..on her trip through Spain), I'm guessing with Chris too (most likely), and it's nice to see chickens and squash in cities.:P Please give it a look at - and add some feedback! Do you eat local foods (foods grown from within 100 miles of your place of residence)? Path to Freedom Urban Homestead Local food - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

:rolleyes::laugh3: Nuite Nite Viri of the Albanian Coast!;) I need to do about the same - but dishes first!

Seems strange - then why are their buildings so extravagant? Perhaps other businesses build even more lavish digs.. I still have to wonder if the 6% or 2% is accurate - seems like many businesses find unique ways to hide their true profitability - offshore headquarters, and ways to look unprofitable for tax purposes.. I trust not those who buy our heads of state. Not to say that taking water, sugar, caramel coloring, and some cola nut extract, then selling the mix for many times the cost isn't more profitable! Is either right, when competition is minimized through back-room campaign deals behind the curtains?

True - same here, normally. But I did get one letter back from Barack (maybe from his staff?) which was written with thought, replying to my query. Either artificial intelligence has gotten more sophisticated:laugh3:, or it was an actual reply. Either way, it's a hobby of mine to try and guess at possible solutions to problems, even if it might not get "out there". But on occasion something comes of it. I send copies to my representatives, and often they read the letters and reply on occasion (other then the form mailings) - so perhaps something is resonating somewhere with somebody. Hmm:thinking:.. maybe if I write Michelle Obama instead...:sneaky: But more importantly, the idea is presented to other citizens - and then it has a chance of being considered in the public sphere. Good ideas sometimes resurface, and can impact the future - so it's not always for naught. Maybe in Canada the success rate for communication with the Prime Minister is better??

Yes, the Hamburg sound - I do remember. Volkswagen had a sound coming from there too!:P I will channel the energy towards Paul, and see if I get a message.. Oh yes - quite fascinating, and thank for the link!

:lol:

Freefall.:P (before parachutes opened..)

Yes!! I agree wholeheartedly Briggins - and in super-sunny equatorial Africa, it's the best place for solar.. (well, outside of spacecraft in orbit on the sunny side)..:sunny: I wonder if the mail isn't getting through because I sent it to the White House (and they need to sniff the mail for weeks before anyone opens it..?) It shouldn't take that long to determine the letters are safe, I would think? Maybe the old address still works..

Call me LAST. I be LAST then!:P

So then you're in favor of campaign finance reform Nick? Hard to get real competition when the health care businesses own the Senators, and not just the team. ;) FYI - insurance companies own the Taj Mahal's I see popping up along the highways.. must be pretty damn profitable to be able to create such lavish digs. I'd rather the buildings be good but not extravagant, the profits more reasonable, and then the savings passed on to the consumers. If half the credit-card bankruptcies are due to medical debts so people can stay alive when catastrophic illnesses occur, it seems like the hard hand of the market is smacking down those in need, even if they have insurance (less than complete coverage, or they get dropped)..