Intellectual Discussion Thread

hahaha...WTF has happened to this thread?

 

I have happened to this thread. You're all welcome.

 

Alex is an asshole is what happened

 

Hey now, don't be so hard on yourself, Alex!

 

http://www.popularmechanics.com/_mobile/outdoors/survival/tips/5-myths-about-tornado-safety-16793545 that's pretty interesting. More so the myths than their debunking (as some seem like common sense NOT to do).

 

Interesting myths and good logic behind their explanation. Luckily, I've never dealt with a tornado, nor do I intend to, but those things are horrifying!

 

I've dealt with them in my area, but not to the extent that some people have. However, there was a very close call when I was 1 or 2 years old, with a 'nado about 1 mile away. I'm just glad I haven't had to have the shit scared out of me by a wind howling louder than my damn wheel bearing.

 

The whole tornado safety issue is kind of like hurricame safety. It exists and works till youre in a cat 5 storm. Then you might as well go dance in your front lawn. I have been around some big tornados and they are impressive from a distance....and mind numbingly terrifying up close. We had a 3 pass about half a mile from my house and it covered it in mud...like paint. Amazingly powerful. Its hard to imagine the sheer amount of power. Glass that goes through a tree trunk, cars tossed like in a game of cornhole, houses and buildings leveled faster than a bulldozer. I think the basement thing is kind of crap. Theres a lot of house above you and if that collapses you're not going to be happy in a basement. I would say a closet or bathroom near the center of the house with a support wall or two close-by.

 

Luckily I've never had to experience a hurricane or a tornado, nor do I ever plan on it. I wouldn't want to live in a region where that is common

 

I would rather live in tornado country than hurricane country. Tornados are quick, hurricanes not so much. I have lived through just about every weather phenomenon except a tidal wave. All of them are awe inspiring events but they are dangerous as hell if you are not prepared for it.

Connected to extreme weather what do you guys think about this climate change business?

 

It happens and has always happened. Climate change is just a word to replace "global warming" and "global cooling" when the idiots were like "oh shit this happens regularly!!!"

 

Wow, I beg to differ. I'd rather live in Hurricane zone. At least with a 'cane, you know the fucker is coming and you can get out of the way. In a tornado, yes the storm aspect of it is quicker, but the "get outta the way" time is DRAMATICALLY reduced. In a 'cane, you have maybe several days of knowing it's coming, in a 'nado, you have minutes............ Screw that.

Lived in earthquake region for about 8 years and it's downright scary. I lived in a modern "earthquake-ready" high rise, but nothing prepares you for the side to side motion inside a 20 story building during a 5.0 tremor. Scared the shit out of me.

I've lived in the Northeast basically all of my life and basically hate it, but as I get older, I realize we don't have it so bad. Cold winter is bearable. I would hate to deal with tornados/hurricanes/earthquakes.

 

Back to the top. It seems that displays and computers are ever improving but there is talk about quantum computing coming to reality rather than in asmov's books. What effects will this bring to the real world and where might it be applied first?

 

I cant say on its effects, but i can easily see its first application being military, like GPS and what not.

 

Not trying to go all 'conspiracy' or sound paranoid, but anyone's local LEO's get a surplus MRAP? Local Sheriff got one. Not sure they really need one in a county with a population less than 125k....



while it is cool, I'm just not sure the Sheriff's office needs a vehicle that costs $55k to maintain/operate and is built to withstand IED's. I'm pretty torn on my opinion on these. There is a town of 500 or so in Iowa that got one as well. WTF.

 

that's how i feel for real. And i'm usually not all crazy about that shit but seriously why do they need these damn things

 

To quell citizen rebellions that will be happening soon

 

cover of the Genesis song, but an extremely powerful and symbolic video. Had a great discussion in my Comp I class about it. Would love to hear more thoughts.

 

There is a lot of discontent currently between 2 or 3 parties of individuals currently. The bad part is that the voting population is no longer educated and becoming elected is more like running for president of the senior class than a service to the community. If this continues untreated then there will be war and it will be bloody. Nothing is more bloody than civil war. The only war where there is no enemies killed but only casualties.

As to the video it is very powerful however I personally think it is missing the point as money being the issue (it's not far off though, I believe it is power without ethics). The warning is accurate though.