BS: The Mother of all BS threads

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: MMario
Date: 17 Nov 06 - 10:13 AM

no punchline - Rueter's news service article

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: Acme
Date: 17 Nov 06 - 10:12 AM

I don't see a blank white space in your post, with the punchline hidden in html.

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: MMario
Date: 17 Nov 06 - 10:00 AM

Did you hear about the people who claim their cat gave birth to a reult of a mating with the neighbors dog?

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: Acme
Date: 17 Nov 06 - 09:55 AM

I heard that on NPR yesterday and had a little bet with myself that Amos would post it here for Mom to enjoy. He must be busy, it took him 24 hours to mention it.

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: MMario
Date: 17 Nov 06 - 09:54 AM

Gravity doesn't work - Gravity is independently wealthy and just lays around doing nothing.

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: Amos
Date: 17 Nov 06 - 09:47 AM

The LA Times reports:

Dark energy, the enigmatic force that is causing the universe to expand, has been present and constant for at least 9 billion years, a finding that eliminates many of the theories developed to explain its mysterious role in the cosmos, astronomers said Thursday.

The finding provides further support for, but does not prove, Albert Einstein's idea that a repulsive form of gravity exists in space.

That theory, called the cosmological constant, was developed by Einstein to explain the balance between the expansion of the universe and the powerful gravitational pull of stars and other matter.

He eventually abandoned it, calling it the "biggest blunder" of his career, and the theory lay dormant until the discovery of dark energy in the late 1990s.

The finding that dark energy was present in the early stages of the universe "is a significant clue in the quest to understand what is probably one of the most, if not the most, pressing problems in physics," said astrophysicist Adam Riess of Johns Hopkins University, who led the team making the announcement.

The research, which will be published in the February issue of Astrophysical Journal, is the latest in a series of discoveries that have "opened up a completely new realm of understanding about how gravity works," said theoretical astronomer Sean Carroll of Caltech, who was not involved in the research.

Dark energy is analogous to dark matter; scientists have extreme difficulty seeing and measuring them directly, inferring their presence primarily by their effects on visible matter. Dark energy accounts for about 70% of the energy in the universe, scientists believe.

In the interests of Better BS, I offer the thought that "as above, so below" -- the possibility that it is also true that 70% of the thought in the universe is "dark thought", whose characteristics include a tendency to repel prepared minds, and a sort of non-analytical, automatic stimulus response character which places it in opposition to the effort of "clear" thought to disentangle, differentiate and understand. "Dark thought" tends to compress, and be inappropriate to the moment, and collapse thigns together that are in fact different.

Some threads are rich in dark thought -- for example where anonymous posters voice antagonistic or harmful sentiments.


A

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: Amos
Date: 17 Nov 06 - 09:27 AM

Rapaire:

This recidivism on your part is sorry news indeed.

I had hoped you had succeeded at dealing with this problem.

The first part of a solution is recognizing there is a problem. Won't you come to a P.A. meeting? There will be folks just like you there, getting it said. Acknowledging issues and surrendering to a Higher Author. You never know, it might work. C'mooon.


A

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: Rapparee
Date: 17 Nov 06 - 09:01 AM

I stole it from a Great And Respected Poet.

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: frogprince
Date: 16 Nov 06 - 10:40 PM

"Flo was fond of Ebenezeer,
"Eb" for short she called her beau.
Talk of the Tides of Love, Great Caesar!
You should have seen them, Eb and Flo."

Is there any way you wrote that without thinking of the melody of "Come thou Fount of Every Blessing"?

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: Amos
Date: 16 Nov 06 - 09:57 PM

That's always a problem when they reach an age where they fade in and out like that. Don't take it personally.

A

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: Rapparee
Date: 16 Nov 06 - 09:27 PM

I've been doing my best to keep her company whenever I can get to her.

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: Acme
Date: 16 Nov 06 - 07:26 PM

The cat's moving in slow motion today. I tried to offer you a greeting earlier this afternoon, MOM, but I couldn't wait for the browser to load and had to turn it off, hoping it had launched itself. I sea(!) it hadn't. I hope you don't get sea sick with all of the pitching and tipping going on in the server!

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: Rapparee
Date: 16 Nov 06 - 03:15 PM

I'll betcha you didn't know that the number 65 in base 10 is in

Base-28       29
Base-29        27
Base-30        25
Base-31        23
Base-32        21

Ain't math fascinating? (In base 27 it's 2B.)

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: Rapparee
Date: 16 Nov 06 - 02:59 PM

By the way, Ebenezeer Scrooge went to Carnal University, high above Cayuga's Waters, with their waves of sludge.

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: Rapparee
Date: 16 Nov 06 - 02:55 PM

Ebenezeer Scrooge, when he was at University, met the true love of his life at the Mermaid and Squid Public House. Her name was Florence Trueheart, and they were seem everywhere together. A poem was written about them....

Flo was fond of Ebenezeer,
"Eb" for short she called her beau.
Talk of the Tides of Love, Great Caesar!
You should have seen them, Eb and Flo.

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: MMario
Date: 16 Nov 06 - 02:44 PM

Why is there no record of Boz and the Queen et al in NY 1842? I blame it on Gluon!

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: Amos
Date: 16 Nov 06 - 02:39 PM

Hmmmmmm....okay, then you won't be cured by arriving.


A

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: MMario
Date: 16 Nov 06 - 01:53 PM

8338

Amos,Amos,Amos!

it is a little known fact (though we are doing our best to promote it) that the *Entire* idea for Dicken's 'A Christmas Carol' was derived from events occuring during Charles dicken's visit to Upstate NY during 1842. Specifically when he visited Skaneateles. And the idea of the Christmas Spirits? They were originally named "Christmas Gin", "Christmas Grog" and "Smoking Bishop".

I am looking forward to the party at the Hollywell house, Clara can certainly throw a party. and she always invites everyone - even the Cratchits!

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: Amos
Date: 16 Nov 06 - 12:41 PM

Well, neither the Marleys nor Scroogitis had been identified (or invented) until 1843.

So once you get there, you will recover. Either that or no-one will understand what's bugging you! !:D


A

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: Rapparee
Date: 16 Nov 06 - 12:38 PM

I get the Marleys, myself.

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: MMario
Date: 16 Nov 06 - 10:24 AM

The trip to 1842 isan't bad - only takes about an hour each way. The problem is I keep hitting Christmas....and that gets a little wearing after a while - too much Christmas leads to grinchitis or in severe cases Scroogeosis

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: Amos
Date: 16 Nov 06 - 10:21 AM

Going to 1842 sounds like quite a trip, MM. I am very glad to see Mom back after the recent hiatus of technological fribbery.

A

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: MMario
Date: 16 Nov 06 - 10:11 AM

MOrning MOM there's gonna be a full house this weekend - the Kida are home from their European honeymoon and the nephew is bringing his girlfriend home for the week - though they are staying at the lake cottae there's no hot water - so we suspect they will be there only to sleep.

I'm gonna go to 1842.

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: Rapparee
Date: 16 Nov 06 - 08:41 AM

Good Morning, Mom. Did you have a nice rest? Can I get you a nice cup of tea and, perhaps, some of those raspberry scones you like? The ones with white chocolate?

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: Rapparee
Date: 15 Nov 06 - 04:02 PM

I have that, and it's quite large. Most people call it "The Highland Golf Course."

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: Acme
Date: 15 Nov 06 - 09:44 AM

If you buy a good set, you may discover that those sheets cost almost as much as the beds themselves.

I vote that you set up a third guest room. Outside. And decorate it your way. Those who want to rough it can camp in your guest room.

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: Rapparee
Date: 15 Nov 06 - 09:15 AM

Today...ah, today! Twin beds for the guest room are being delivered. "California" length beds, since everyone we know seems to be what Frank Lloyd Wright called "a weed." Shoved together they become a king-sized bed, but we would keep them apart because we don't want to encourage any sort of hanky-panky, do we?

This will create the second guest room (after we get sheets, of course). Pat has (again) vetoed my suggestion that we "westernize" the room with a moose or elk head and cowhides instead of blankets, with a floor lamp made from an old rifle between the beds. She just goes on and on about "good taste" and "over my dead body!".

Since the room's in the basement I thought a dungeon look -- shackles, an iron maiden, that sort of thing -- might be appropriate, but she said something about our friends "not being into that sort of thing." She also vetoed my idea about storing black powder and ammunition in the new guest room.

Now, all we have to do is get a new outside door and get the bathroom renovated a bit. Contributions (in US dollars) are welcome.

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: Amos
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 11:45 PM

He went fencing in his mind,
Leaving all his trials behind
Drawing lines of Great Duration
Guaranteeing separation
From the boojums and the bogies
Dragons with their breath like hoagies
Wicked sprites like Farah Fawcett
And other dark shapes from the closet.
All of these his deep fears sensing
Stand in need of decent fencing.
Keep the dark side, foul and naughty
Safely back in the South Forty
Build your posts and string 'em clean
Keeping back the spirits mean.
And around your self-hearth's wicket
Build a row of darling picket
To defend from acid blogs,
Colleague's snips, and passing dogs.
Thus your garden will keep neat,
And your temperament sweet,
Social joys full recompensing
Arduous dreams dispensed in fencing.

Gladys Rhumbleseat-Walkabout
Ditties of the Inner Being Out
Toronto, Hardly, Sootible and Ferrous
1969

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: Acme
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 11:32 PM

First you were going to go, then you weren't going to go.

Just no way to get off that fence, eh?

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: Rapparee
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 11:20 PM

Speaking of fencing, things came up and I didn't get away in time to go.

I gaily doff my beaver low,
And, freeing hand and heel,
My heavy mantle off I throw,
And I draw my polished steel;

Graceful as Phoebus, round I wheel,
Alert as Scaramouch,
A word in your ear, Sir Spark, I steal,-
At the envoi's end, I touch! -

Better for you had you lain low;
Where skewer my cock? In the heel?-
In the heart, your ribbon blue below?-
In the hip, and make you kneel?

Ho for the music of clashing steel!
-What now?- A hit? Not much!
'Twill be in the paunch the stroke I steal,
When, at the envoi, I touch. -

Oh, for a rhyme, a rhyme in o?-
You wriggle, starch-white, my eel?
A rhyme! a rhyme! the white-feather you show!
Tac! I parry the point of your steel;

-The point you hoped to make me feel;
I open the line, now clutch
Your spit, Sir Scullion,- show your zeal!
At the envoi's end, I touch! -

L'Envoie. -

Prince, pray Heaven, for your soul's weal!
I move a pace- lo, such! and such!
Cut over,- feint!
What ho! You reel?
At the envoi's end, I touch!

Merci, Monsieur Cyrano!!! Et bravo!!

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: Rapparee
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 06:38 PM

Speaking of time, I go to fencing tonight.

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: Amos
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 06:23 PM

I was answering your question about time. You responded with parsings of duration. I suppose you may use those definitions reversed from the way I have just used them.

Tant pis. 'Twas ever thus. Whadjagwando.


A

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: Rapparee
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 06:13 PM

Are you speaking of time or duration??

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: Amos
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 05:52 PM

You are tap dancing again, Rapaire; you post your question in the context of Essence of Time, and then rebut my answer on entirely specious grounds, making distinctions between the measures of the thing, instead of the dinglicheit, time qua time.

(See, I can still speak Sophomore, too!):>)


A

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: MMario
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 04:28 PM

What is, is not, is not.
What is not, is not is
What not is, is not is
What is not is not is.

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: Rapparee
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 04:26 PM

Sidereal? Daylight Saving? Geologic? Planetary? Double British War? Zulu? Solar? Lunar? Miller?

Specify, man, specify!!!

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: Amos
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 01:18 PM

What time is it?
What is it, Time?
It is Time-what?
Is it What time?

These things are deep and beyond seeing.

Time bundles itself in the human mind like the cars of a slow freight, the instants insistently coupling as though they belonged together. This ridiculous behavior is almost as undignified as copulation. And just as addictive. The pretense of irreversibility is especially galling. Like the cascade of moments, they say the difference between a lightbulb and a pregnant nun is that the lightbulb can be unscrewed -- for Rapaire, unscrod.

A

A

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: Rapparee
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 01:11 PM

It is if you want it to be.

Does ol' Werner's Principle apply to time? I mean, I can understand why you can't know mass and location at the same time, but what about time? Is time another aspect of mass and energy? If so, can we undo mass/energy conversion, or do energy/time conversions?

(I have a little list of people I'd like to convert from mass to energy, but chemically, not on a nuclear level.)

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: Acme
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 11:14 AM

Is it still only Tuesday? I could maybe stand to have this be Thursday already.

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: Amos
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 10:22 AM

You could be right, Rapaire. On the other hand it might depend on where you were at the time, which is hard to determine.


A

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: Rapparee
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 09:29 AM

Maybe, maybe not. But Heisenberg was absolutely certain in his uncertainty, wasn't he? And that's perhaps more or less a lot more than you can say for a lot of people, but not all of them. I dunno, though....

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: Amos
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 09:24 AM

Heisenberg was never quite sure of any of that. He made a maybe of everything.


A

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: Amos
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 01:59 AM

I recommend that all MOABites catch a showing of Borat, the Kazakh in his current hit movie. It is the highest quality bullshit from glorious Eastern European country Kazhakistan. Very inspired by American bullshit. It is great!


A

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: Rapparee
Date: 13 Nov 06 - 10:17 PM

Werner Heisenberg defined MOAB best when he said (in German), "It is not possible to know Mom at the same time you are Mom, because Mom is unknowable, and you can't be knowable and unknowable at the same time, since Des Carts or Sam Plato or somebody backaways said that we should know ourselves and my Dad, God bless his scummy old soul, said to me, "Werner," he said, "Werner, you just be yourself" and so we can't know ourselves and be ourselves at the same time and that's the same thing with Mom. Shakespeare, the Englishman, wrote, "To be...." and that's what we must satisfy ourselves with, saying to ourselves as we wander around the parks and streets, "To be to be to....""

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: Amos
Date: 13 Nov 06 - 08:30 PM

Bet you succumb....



A

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: Bunnahabhain
Date: 13 Nov 06 - 07:39 PM

Is it possibile to have an outside observer on MOAB. I though we were the universe, and everything else is a small, and only occasionally relevant inlier...



I am trying to resist the urge to start a thread along the lines of 'US Goverment owns Hallibut.'

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: Amos
Date: 13 Nov 06 - 07:35 PM

Aw, c'mon. Be nice to Mom, even if just because of Veteran's day!


A

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: Amos
Date: 13 Nov 06 - 02:42 PM

Besides, we are waiting to see whether the triumphant Madame Pelosi will be revealed as a Turquette, or a Princess. Or, even, perhaps a frog.

I am voting for Princess, but then, I have always been an insufferable idealist.


A

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: Amos
Date: 13 Nov 06 - 01:24 PM

It's all relative, Bunn. To an outside observer, it is possible that EVERY MOAB day should be considered a day of the Turkeys. Those of us in the inner circle know better, of course. But the PR situation could be a problem if anyone from the outside ever dared hurdle the barriers at the gate to MOAB...


A

Subject: RE: BS: The Mother of all BS threads
From: Bunnahabhain
Date: 13 Nov 06 - 01:17 PM

Day of the Turkeys? I thought you'd just had an election, and could rest easy awhile before the next one...