Profile for Drew

Error message

  • Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type int in element_children() (line 6595 of /var/www/pied-piper.ermarian.net/includes/common.inc).
  • Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type int in element_children() (line 6595 of /var/www/pied-piper.ermarian.net/includes/common.inc).
  • Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type int in element_children() (line 6595 of /var/www/pied-piper.ermarian.net/includes/common.inc).
  • Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type int in element_children() (line 6595 of /var/www/pied-piper.ermarian.net/includes/common.inc).
  • Deprecated function: implode(): Passing glue string after array is deprecated. Swap the parameters in drupal_get_feeds() (line 394 of /var/www/pied-piper.ermarian.net/includes/common.inc).

Recent posts

Pages

AuthorRecent posts
How about a different kind of game... in General
Drew
By Committee
Member # 4233
 written Monday, May 2 2005 07:38 Profile #18
Wait, wait... I know! Why doesn't Jeff do a version of Avernum ON LINE?!!?!??!?!!!!!111/?!??! That would teh awesomest!!!!!11!!!!111!1

Welcome to Spiderweb, leave your sanity at the door.
Posts: 2242 | Registered: Saturday, April 10 2004 07:00
Affirmative Action in General
Drew
By Committee
Member # 4233
 written Monday, May 2 2005 04:31 Profile #16
Law takes time and capital. They certainly aren't handing anything out for free where I'll be going! :(

I like though how practicing law is compared with hawking arms and drugs pretty much in the same breath. :) Law's not just about ambulance chasing and class action suits, you know.

Real estate can be fast money, but it's entirely dependent upon interest rates - once Alan Greenspan starts raising the rates, the U.S. market will cool off big time.

I am for affirmative action. If our society were a pure meritocracy, then maybe AA wouldn't be necessary, but we're fooling ourselves if we believe it is.

[ Monday, May 02, 2005 04:32: Message edited by: andrew miller ]
Posts: 2242 | Registered: Saturday, April 10 2004 07:00
picking a job in General
Drew
By Committee
Member # 4233
 written Monday, May 2 2005 04:17 Profile #14
A pure mathematics degree is also a good thing, and can branch into all kinds of areas. A more immediately employable version of a math degree is an econ degree, with emphasis in statistics.

Do what you will enjoy most. I got a liberal arts degree in Classics. Though the skillset I acquired from this degree is, in theory, about the least useful for "real life" applications (maybe Medieval Lit. is worse...), it definitely encouraged the analytical development of my mind and was a blast at the time. I'm fairly certain it's also helped to get me into a decent law school.
Posts: 2242 | Registered: Saturday, April 10 2004 07:00
Trouble Of Times. in General
Drew
By Committee
Member # 4233
 written Monday, May 2 2005 04:09 Profile #9
The turn-of-the-19th-century British naval day started at noon.
Posts: 2242 | Registered: Saturday, April 10 2004 07:00
Biomass Future-- Will It Replace Oil in General
Drew
By Committee
Member # 4233
 written Friday, April 29 2005 12:34 Profile #45
Fresh water supplies aren't an issue now so much in the US, especially in places like Wisconsin, but the price of water is subsidized by the government in many places, especially in California (or is it Oregon? It's been a while since I heard the story), where they pipe water in from other states, and water rights have already been at issue in Klamath Falls, California, where a heavily relied-upon but shrunken (due to drought) river has created conflict between farmers and environmentalists/indians (on the side of the salmon).

I don't usually buy into Malthusian arguments, but the water issue actually presents one. While there are fresh water supplies, they eventually won't necessarily be sufficient in places like California to meet demand. Desalination of ocean water is a possibility, but it is very expensive.

I think the answer to this one is for the government to stop subsidizing the price of water out west. I don't think we need the agricultural products from that region, and the population would eventually migrate accordingly to more lush areas of the country.

(A poor, rushed post on my part, but hey - it's quitin' time! :) )

[ Friday, April 29, 2005 12:35: Message edited by: andrew miller ]
Posts: 2242 | Registered: Saturday, April 10 2004 07:00
Ouch in General
Drew
By Committee
Member # 4233
 written Friday, April 29 2005 04:09 Profile #10
Yes - if you were to break a toe, all a doctor would say is: "Looks like you've broken your toe. Take it easy on it. That'll be $95."

Fingers, on the other hand (no pun intended), may be a little different.
Posts: 2242 | Registered: Saturday, April 10 2004 07:00
Windows in General
Drew
By Committee
Member # 4233
 written Thursday, April 28 2005 11:29 Profile #4
IMAGE(http://www.markusgolletz.de/images/JUST-SAY-NO-mi.jpg)
Posts: 2242 | Registered: Saturday, April 10 2004 07:00
THE GREAT DEBATE in General
Drew
By Committee
Member # 4233
 written Thursday, April 28 2005 04:22 Profile #100
Bravo, Thuryl and TM! :D

(I think a eugenics debate could be pretty neat...)
Posts: 2242 | Registered: Saturday, April 10 2004 07:00
THE GREAT DEBATE in General
Drew
By Committee
Member # 4233
 written Wednesday, April 27 2005 12:06 Profile #88
...or standards could be sliding in education, which is independent from maturation. I would posit that (western) society has made it easier to remain sheltered and dependent longer.

I reckon also that there is at least some separation between emotional, physical, and intellectual maturitation. In my case, physical was definitely a bit slow, as was emotional - it took me a long time to become comfortable with the notion of forming regular as well as intimate relationships with women, despite my hormones pushing me with some desparation to do so. Academics came easily, though, which seemed a small consolation. :)

[ Wednesday, April 27, 2005 12:08: Message edited by: andrew miller ]
Posts: 2242 | Registered: Saturday, April 10 2004 07:00
THE GREAT DEBATE in General
Drew
By Committee
Member # 4233
 written Wednesday, April 27 2005 11:04 Profile #82
quote:
Originally written by Dolphin:

Well yeah, it is the indicator of maturity, but certain things cause this to happen before the body would normally be ready to mature. Reproductive development slows (or stops) other aspects of growth.
I apologize for my ignorance, but what other aspects of growth are slowed or stopped?
Posts: 2242 | Registered: Saturday, April 10 2004 07:00
THE GREAT DEBATE in General
Drew
By Committee
Member # 4233
 written Wednesday, April 27 2005 10:51 Profile #79
I thought that the ability to become pregnant was pretty indicative of physical maturity in women. Isn't this so? Out of curiosity, does anyone know what the rate of birth defects is for very young mothers versus those in the 18-22 age range?
Posts: 2242 | Registered: Saturday, April 10 2004 07:00
Departure in General
Drew
By Committee
Member # 4233
 written Wednesday, April 27 2005 10:30 Profile #1
Stop feeling sorry for yourself.
Posts: 2242 | Registered: Saturday, April 10 2004 07:00
THE GREAT DEBATE in General
Drew
By Committee
Member # 4233
 written Wednesday, April 27 2005 10:24 Profile #74
quote:
Originally written by Mind:

quote:
Originally written by andrew miller:

If anything, if cows were aware of their own mortality, I'd bet they'd be far less willing to be domesticated and slaughtered. Heck, if they were that intelligent, they'd probably have won equal protection under the law and a vote by now, though gay cows would likely still be discriminated against, but that's a societal problem for us as well.
Cows aren't that intelligent, so this argument is irrelevant.
Who's the one who started speculating on increased intelligence in cows? Your words:

quote:
If domesticated cows had more intelligence, than they would desire to die.
Your other assertion,

quote:
Besides, the lifespan of domesticated cows is probably much longer by average than the lifespan of undomesticated cows.
...is irrelevant to any point we're arguing here.

[ Wednesday, April 27, 2005 10:28: Message edited by: andrew miller ]
Posts: 2242 | Registered: Saturday, April 10 2004 07:00
THE GREAT DEBATE in General
Drew
By Committee
Member # 4233
 written Wednesday, April 27 2005 09:37 Profile #69
quote:
Originally written by Mind:

quote:
Originally written by andrew miller:

Your words: "If cows had more intelligence, than they would certainly desire to die." There are lots of animals out there more intelligent than cows, and they don't seem to be throwing themselves off cliffs.
I was speaking specifically about cows, not about all animals in general.
You aren't addressing my entire paragraph.

quote:
The main occupation of cows is grazing in meadows, wether they are domesticated or not. Therefor, I would certainly rather die than have my life displaced by the life of a cow.
I think what you opine in this case has more to do with your own struggle to find meaning in life than anything to do with cows - you certainly seem fixated with meaning and especially with death in many of your posts.

Would an intelligent cow necessarily content itself to grazing in a field? Despite all its rage, would it still be just a rat in a cage?

I recommend watching the movie "Babe" for some perspective. :)

[ Wednesday, April 27, 2005 09:40: Message edited by: andrew miller ]
Posts: 2242 | Registered: Saturday, April 10 2004 07:00
THE GREAT DEBATE in General
Drew
By Committee
Member # 4233
 written Wednesday, April 27 2005 08:39 Profile #67
quote:
Originally written by Mind:

quote:
Originally written by andrew miller:

That's a non sequitor if ever there were. Assuming you're more intelligent than a cow, do you desire to die?
How subtile. In a disguised, euphemistic way, you're comparing my intelligence with the intelligence of a cow.
My intent wasn't to be subtle, and the question was largely rhetorical. You seemed to be associating increased intelligence/awareness of mortality with a desire for death. I was merely pointing out, in my back-handed way, how silly that is.

Your words: "If cows had more intelligence, than they would certainly desire to die." There are lots of animals out there more intelligent than cows, and they don't seem to be throwing themselves off cliffs. If anything, if cows were aware of their own mortality, I'd bet they'd be far less willing to be domesticated and slaughtered. Heck, if they were that intelligent, they'd probably have won equal protection under the law and a vote by now, though gay cows would likely still be discriminated against, but that's a societal problem for us as well.

quote:
How can you compare the life of a human with the life of a cow?
How can you presume to know the mind of a cow? You're the one positing a deathwish amongst a theoretical bovine intelligentsia.

[ Wednesday, April 27, 2005 08:44: Message edited by: andrew miller ]
Posts: 2242 | Registered: Saturday, April 10 2004 07:00
THE GREAT DEBATE in General
Drew
By Committee
Member # 4233
 written Wednesday, April 27 2005 07:01 Profile #64
quote:
Originally written by Mind:

[QUOTE]I'm certain animals which don't require to utilize their brains frequently such as cows are even conscious of the fact that their lifespan is limited.

If cows had more intelligence, than they would certainly desire to die.
That's a non sequitor if ever there were. Assuming you're more intelligent than a cow, do you desire to die?
Posts: 2242 | Registered: Saturday, April 10 2004 07:00
RWG in Richard White Games
Drew
By Committee
Member # 4233
 written Wednesday, April 27 2005 04:12 Profile #47
Well, that would depend on whether the eggs are technically considered "alive," and I don't think they are until they hatch, or at least the third ovomester. ;)

[ Wednesday, April 27, 2005 04:13: Message edited by: andrew miller ]
Posts: 2242 | Registered: Saturday, April 10 2004 07:00
Biomass Future-- Will It Replace Oil in General
Drew
By Committee
Member # 4233
 written Tuesday, April 26 2005 11:02 Profile #32
I think the answer is nuclear. Although the waste is vile, it is produced in (relatively) smaller quatities than all carbon fuel emissions - 900 tons each second, according to a fellow in an op-ed in today's Washington Post - which we know is causing major problems in the environment. Frankly, I'll chance the minute risk of a nuclear incident over the strong likelihood that I'll develop asthma within my lifetime due to a string of "code red" summer days.

I think that the automotive problem will be solved by hydrogen, not biomass. Biomass, from what I understand, is as bad as, if not worse than petroleum for the ammount of environmental toxins it creates, pound for pound. Given that global warming is a hot button issue currently (ha ha ha) and that interest in hydrogen is strong, I wouldn't be surprised to see the energy and automotive industries move strongly in that direction within the next twenty years. The infrastructure for this won't be a problem - subsidize anything enough, and it will become economical.

The main barriers to further progress for fission and hydrogen in the U.S., of course, are the coal and oil interests. Between the two, I think oil is starting to be a bit more forward-looking, while coal has the most to lose.

EDIT: Another problem with biomass is that it's subceptible to weather and other factors - consider what a series of droughts or some sort of plague could do to the fuel supply, given the quantity of land needed for fuel, as previously discussed in this forum.

[ Tuesday, April 26, 2005 11:05: Message edited by: andrew miller ]
Posts: 2242 | Registered: Saturday, April 10 2004 07:00
RWG in Richard White Games
Drew
By Committee
Member # 4233
 written Tuesday, April 26 2005 06:06 Profile #45
As an update on the pigeons on my balcony, we discovered that the two adults actually decided to start a whole other nest on our balcony while simultaneously raising the chick in their original nest. My fiancee, Di, and I decided we would suffer this no longer - one miracle of life is enough, and the weather is nice enough now that we want our balcony back - so Di, in an admirably cold-blooded fashion, went out to the balcony, scared the mother bird away from her nest (pigeons are definitely flighty - ha ha ha), snatched up the two new eggs (they were warm to the touch through the plastic bag she used), and we threw them away. The mother bird all the while was flying back and forth by the balcony while she was doing this. We then destroyed the nest, and made other likely nesting spots uninhabitable.

I have to say that I likely wouldn't have been able to do this myself, on account of the guilt - the mother pigeon was most distressed. Still though, nature is a cruel mistress, right? And they aren't paying rent...

[ Tuesday, April 26, 2005 06:08: Message edited by: andrew miller ]
Posts: 2242 | Registered: Saturday, April 10 2004 07:00
Do you think there is a Hell? in General
Drew
By Committee
Member # 4233
 written Tuesday, April 26 2005 05:40 Profile #346
quote:
Originally written by Gizmo:

All humans have a choice to connect to God. Some just choose not to.
I'm quoting this in a different context, but really, that statement is as offensive as this one:

All humans have a choice to believe in a God that doesn't actually exist. Some just choose not to be deceived.

Or how about this one?

All humans have a choice to try connecting to a God that doesn't care about them anymore than humans care about or are connected with ants. Some just choose not to waste their time.

[ Tuesday, April 26, 2005 05:44: Message edited by: andrew miller ]
Posts: 2242 | Registered: Saturday, April 10 2004 07:00
Avernum Online, or Daimonin? in General
Drew
By Committee
Member # 4233
 written Monday, April 25 2005 12:29 Profile #1
Hmmm... It looks cool, but I wonder about the content? That's the pull of Avernum for me - the oldskool RPG feel that I got from the old gold box Pool of Radiance, Curse of the Azure Bonds, etc. If the content isn't good, what's the point in playing that when I could play Diablo II?
Posts: 2242 | Registered: Saturday, April 10 2004 07:00
Do you think there is a Hell? in General
Drew
By Committee
Member # 4233
 written Monday, April 25 2005 11:54 Profile #332
quote:
Originally written by 1001011001000:

<Insert youthful "insight" on Christianity here>
Ben, I believe there's a fellow that has some Kool-Aid for you somewhere...
Posts: 2242 | Registered: Saturday, April 10 2004 07:00
can't get past the green barriers in Blades of Avernum
Drew
By Committee
Member # 4233
 written Monday, April 25 2005 09:20 Profile #1
I believe you need to get a key/stone from the GIFTS for this...

EDIT: (Also, it should be "past" instead of "passed.")

[ Monday, April 25, 2005 09:21: Message edited by: andrew miller ]
Posts: 2242 | Registered: Saturday, April 10 2004 07:00
99% of all Statistics are made up. in General
Drew
By Committee
Member # 4233
 written Monday, April 25 2005 08:43 Profile #106
quote:
Originally written by This Glass Is Half Stugie:

On the other hand, I'm perfectly willing to get drunk at parties and make out with women I'll likely never see again. It's just a simple matter of keeping my sober and drunk lives separate and distinct.
Quite easily accomplished at a campus the size of Urbana-Champaign, perhaps, but a different story altogether at my 1200-student undergrad, Lawrence University - it was definitely easy to cultivate a reputation. :D

The worst, I think, is when you want to get a good buzz going and can't find enough alcohol to do so. In that situation, I've found myself wishing I hadn't started drinking to begin with.
Posts: 2242 | Registered: Saturday, April 10 2004 07:00
Really, really, really non-good. in General
Drew
By Committee
Member # 4233
 written Monday, April 25 2005 08:31 Profile #19
As a longer-term sort of suggestion: Take up a sport. I started rowing in college because I wanted to get in better shape (not to mention that I was afraid I was too big a gaming dork - I will probably always remain a chronic closet gamer - and so felt I needed to justify this by doing something "normal" and "cool" like something athletic. I know - it's a little pathetic...).

The benefits of this decision, outside of the impact on my gamer guilt, were manifold - I was in the best shape of my life, healthier than I'd ever been (allergies that had been a problem before seemed to disappear), I lost a bunch of weight, and I met all kinds of people. Not to mention the sense of accomplishment.

My only regret? Not looking into doing anything athletic sooner.

EDIT:

quote:
Originally written by Mind:

My humble suggestion would be to commit suicide.
Dude, cool out.

[ Monday, April 25, 2005 08:33: Message edited by: andrew miller ]
Posts: 2242 | Registered: Saturday, April 10 2004 07:00

Pages