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Forum: The Crucible

The serious stuff. Debates and discussions on politics, religion, etc.

  1. Derailing for Dummies

    Derailing for Dummies is a document written from the perspective of a member of several marginalized groups who's seen the exact same arguments and stances trotted out over and over again to silence minorities. It's satire, written as though it's a...

    Started by Zuul‎, 02 Jan 2010 02:13 PM
    • Replies: 8
    • Views: 1,892
    12 Jan 2010 07:39 PM Go to last post
  2. The Battle Of Wootton Bassett.

    Without wishing to sound alarmist, the little market town of Wootton Bassett in sleepy England, could well be the first battlefield of the coming Apocalypse. Gaining its first historical mention back in ye olde Domesday Book( Not Doom's Day,...

    Started by ivan astikov‎, 04 Jan 2010 08:25 AM
    • Replies: 22
    • Views: 2,137
    11 Jan 2010 09:02 AM Go to last post
  3. Asking a bride's parents for her hand

    There is a huge (HUGE) discussion on another forum I read about the practice of a potential groom discussing his intentions to marry with his bride-to-be's parents. I have to say, I would hope that any man who I would be on the verge of marrying...

    Started by Myrnalene‎, 08 Jan 2010 01:27 PM
    2 Pages
    1 2
    • Replies: 57
    • Views: 10,282
    09 Jan 2010 06:41 PM Go to last post
  4. Scientists unable to find the G-spot

    Yeah, I know. I giggled, too. So does it exist or not? Is taking a mechanistic approach to sex a mistake? My personal experience is that oh fuck yes it exists, but I don't think searching for it (at least not in a scientific setting) is all...

    Started by Zuul‎, 06 Jan 2010 08:22 PM
    • Replies: 12
    • Views: 2,550
    07 Jan 2010 05:38 PM Go to last post
  5. Geez...kids, no kids, who the hell cares?

    Is this harsh divide between people with kids and without as wide as it seems on the internet? It seems like blog & forum I read ends up at some point debating who's more selfish, who's more intolerant, who's more of a drain on society. Is this...

    Started by Sarahfeena‎, 03 Jan 2010 11:09 PM
    • Replies: 19
    • Views: 1,755
    04 Jan 2010 09:39 PM Go to last post
  6. Where should antiquities reside?

    There has been more of a call of the last few years for ancient antiquities to be returned to their homeland. Such calls include returning the Elgin Marbles to Greece or the Rosetta Stone to Egypt. The Chinese government is also pursuing a policy of...

    Started by CatInASuit‎, 10 Dec 2009 07:56 AM
    • Replies: 22
    • Views: 2,764
    04 Jan 2010 09:07 PM Go to last post
  7. Slavery Reparations in the US

    Instead of hijacking further Exy's thread about governmental apologies I thought I'd ask this question in a separate thread. The subject of reparations for slavery was brought up in the other thread. My question is are US census figures accurate...

    Started by The Original An Gadaí‎, 19 Sep 2009 01:16 PM
    • Replies: 40
    • Views: 3,722
    31 Dec 2009 06:13 PM Go to last post
  8. Would you cheat if it meant you won?

    Following on from the Thierry Henry handball in the Football World Cup qualifier which won the game for France, the question is: Do you cheat if it means that you win? How honest are you. Would you admit to the cheating and possibly lose or...

    Started by CatInASuit‎, 20 Nov 2009 08:23 AM
    • Replies: 19
    • Views: 1,835
    31 Dec 2009 04:07 PM Go to last post
  9. 3 main UK political parties to hold televised debates.

    As reported here. I think we are stealing this of youse American's, aren't we? Are you happy with this as a way of determining who runs your country? Is this style of debate ever capable of producing anything more than theatre and image, rather...

    Started by ivan astikov‎, 21 Dec 2009 03:38 PM
    • Replies: 3
    • Views: 1,560
    31 Dec 2009 01:42 PM Go to last post
  10. Follow the bouncing Rush...

    If you hate Rush Limbaugh, or just enjoy watching someone be skewered, you will enjoy this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7MJVRsF6sQ&feature=related Follow the bouncing Rush.:LOL:

    Started by Oliveloaf‎, 26 Dec 2009 05:15 PM
    • Replies: 2
    • Views: 1,568
    31 Dec 2009 09:06 AM Go to last post
  11. Who are the Geek Leaders of the world? Past and Present.

    I mean those actually in power. I will list a few US Presidents to start. Jefferson was our first Geek President. A dabbler in science and everything else. Had some serious personal flaws and appears to have been the stereotypical slightly mad...

    Started by What Exit?‎, 20 Dec 2009 08:39 PM
    • Replies: 3
    • Views: 1,473
    21 Dec 2009 09:09 AM Go to last post
  12. What is Art?

    This question has led to a number of discussions in chat so I thought I'd start a thread about it. In the past, it seems, art was more delineated and had more specific purposes but with the advent of abstract art and post-modern expression it has...

    Started by The Original An Gadaí‎, 08 Dec 2009 05:18 PM
    • Replies: 14
    • Views: 1,471
    19 Dec 2009 03:36 PM Go to last post
  13. Teaching children about Alcohol.

    The latest "advice" from the Chief Medical Officer in the UK says that parents should not give their children any alcohol as exposure at a young age is more likely to make them heavy or binge drinkers. Specifically: Children under the age of...

    Started by CatInASuit‎, 17 Dec 2009 04:07 AM
    • Replies: 13
    • Views: 2,034
    17 Dec 2009 12:25 PM Go to last post
  14. In defense of adultery

    I don't think adultery is right, first of all. If you've vowed to be monogamous and then fail to keep that vow, that's a pretty shitty thing to do. But hey, everybody needs a defense lawyer. In American society, it seems as though just about the...

    Started by Zuul‎, 05 Dec 2009 11:00 AM
    • Replies: 15
    • Views: 2,268
    12 Dec 2009 02:05 PM Go to last post
  15. What's your go-to-the-mat issue?

    In my thread about circumcision, several posters mentioned that while they have a pretty firm opinion on that subject, it's not necessarily something they would want to get in a big flamewar over. On the other message board I mentioned, there...

    Started by Sarahfeena‎, 08 Dec 2009 11:06 AM
    • Replies: 31
    • Views: 4,247
    09 Dec 2009 10:09 PM Go to last post
  16. Christmas is just for children: Discuss

    I think it's about time people stop celebrating Christmas, except when there are children about. Conspicuous, pointless consumption. Presents for people who need/want for nothing. It's all just stupid. Give it up guys. Christmas is a big waste of...

    Started by The Original An Gadaí‎, 03 Dec 2009 01:50 PM
    • Replies: 23
    • Views: 2,576
    08 Dec 2009 04:36 PM Go to last post
  17. Comcast to buy stake in NBC--Bad Idea or Worst Idea?

    Full Story Here. Comcast Corp. (CMSA-Q) announced Thursday it plans to buy a majority stake in NBC Universal for $13.75-billion (U.S.), giving the nation's largest cable TV operator control of the Peacock network, an array of cable channels and a...

    Started by pepperlandgirl‎, 03 Dec 2009 12:33 PM
    • Replies: 6
    • Views: 1,866
    03 Dec 2009 10:26 PM Go to last post
  18. Counsellors? Help . . .

    I'm more or less at my wits' end here. My 14 year old grandson needs desperately to learn some anger management skills, he needs to see a counsellor, and I don't know how to get him to go. Any advice?

    Started by vison‎, 27 Nov 2009 05:15 PM
    • Replies: 14
    • Views: 1,879
    01 Dec 2009 01:09 PM Go to last post
  19. The Chinese room

    Suppose that artificial intelligence research has succeeded in constructing a computer that behaves as if it understands Chinese. It takes Chinese characters as input and, by following the instructions of a computer program, produces other Chinese...

    Started by Nrblex‎, 25 Nov 2009 12:37 PM
    • Replies: 7
    • Views: 2,028
    28 Nov 2009 12:38 PM Go to last post
  20. Billions here, billions there.

    Someone has put a visualisation together of the cost in billions of things like Iraq war, the global credit crisis and other things. I just thought I would share this. Just seeing the difference between what is spent on bailing banks out as...

    Started by CatInASuit‎, 27 Nov 2009 09:37 AM
    • Replies: 2
    • Views: 1,061
    27 Nov 2009 10:17 PM Go to last post
  21. On Truth

    I've been assigned to write an essay on the topic of "truth." As I'd be coming to this topic from a very specific (and somewhat limited) perspective, I thought I'd put it out there for y'all. What is truth? Why is it important? Is there a...

    Started by Marsilia‎, 23 Nov 2009 07:59 PM
    • Replies: 2
    • Views: 1,014
    24 Nov 2009 05:19 PM Go to last post
  22. Who makes the best chocolate?

    Inspired by the news that the Kraft bid for Cadbury may be countered by a Ferrero/Hershey combined bid? It doesn't matter, Cadbury's still makes the finest chocolate in the world. Ok, maybe the Swiss get a pass. You can keep Hershey's kisses...

    Started by CatInASuit‎, 18 Nov 2009 08:02 AM
    • Replies: 19
    • Views: 2,862
    24 Nov 2009 09:29 AM Go to last post
  23. Health bill sorta passes

    Anyone care?

    Started by vison‎, 08 Nov 2009 11:50 PM
    • Replies: 9
    • Views: 1,365
    24 Nov 2009 07:10 AM Go to last post
  24. In what situation(s) would you commit an act of violence?

    That is to say when does the end justify the means with regard to using physical force? Having read/seen quite a bit of late about the Provisional IRA and other terrorist groups (for example the Red Army Faction) I, somewhat naively perhaps...

    Started by The Original An Gadaí‎, 09 Nov 2009 04:55 PM
    • Replies: 12
    • Views: 1,409
    20 Nov 2009 09:36 AM Go to last post
  25. The nature of your deity

    As an atheist, I have long wondered what believers think their god is like. Since most of the professedly religious people on this forum are Christians I suppose my questions will be primarily directed at them. How do you “see” the god you...

    Started by vison‎, 15 Nov 2009 10:54 PM
    • Replies: 17
    • Views: 1,579
    18 Nov 2009 08:46 PM Go to last post
  26. Misrepresentation of gender online

    We've all heard the jokes before, right? The Internet. Where men are men, women are men, and cute thirteen-year-old girls are FBI agents. How common do you really think that is, though? And when it occurs, what's the motive behind it? I...

    Started by Nrblex‎, 18 Nov 2009 12:35 PM
    • Replies: 5
    • Views: 1,723
    18 Nov 2009 05:46 PM Go to last post
  27. Mellophants and spirituality/religion

    I'm curious who here is a self-professed what (religiously). I'm an atheist. I have, however never read a Richard Dawkins book, nor ever intend to. I keep up some of the traditions of my Catholic upbringing because a) it's easier and b)...

    Started by The Original An Gadaí‎, 09 Nov 2009 04:44 PM
    • Replies: 20
    • Views: 2,548
    18 Nov 2009 01:06 PM Go to last post
  28. Is it still true that a woman has to work twice as hard as a man...

    to get the same recognition? I ask because I was watching the new drama The Good Wife. In it, an older female lawyer is mentoring a younger one, and makes this statement. Now, I'm not a lawyer, but I do work with a lot of directors and VPs at...

    Started by Sarahfeena‎, 30 Sep 2009 09:39 PM
    • Replies: 11
    • Views: 2,103
    16 Nov 2009 08:45 PM Go to last post
  29. On soda fountains and water cups

    Weirdly enough the melodramatically named thread at the SDMB Teaching a 4 year old to steal lit off a debate in chat over whether or not it's stealing to get a cup for water at a restaurant and fill it with soda. Here in the US most fast food...

    Started by Exy‎, 16 Nov 2009 05:00 PM
    • Replies: 6
    • Views: 1,697
    16 Nov 2009 07:58 PM Go to last post
  30. Can you win too much money?

    The latest Euromillions lottery has just paid out £90 million, approx $150 million, to two sets of winners, one a syndicate of 8 people and a married couple. But can winning too much money affect your life so adversely, that you would wish you...

    Started by CatInASuit‎, 11 Nov 2009 10:39 AM
    • Replies: 11
    • Views: 1,355
    13 Nov 2009 05:22 PM Go to last post
  31. 20th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall

    Twenty years ago the Berlin Wall fell. For obvious reasons that is big news here. Unfortunately I was only nine years old at the time. That mean that while I remember it I couldn't tell you where exactly I was when I got the news. During the more...

    Started by Feirefiz‎, 09 Nov 2009 03:03 PM
    • Replies: 13
    • Views: 1,791
    11 Nov 2009 11:50 AM Go to last post
  32. The gorillas in the midst.

    Most of you must have seen this vid or a variation of it, but what are it's implications to human cognitive behaviour?

    Started by ivan astikov‎, 06 Nov 2009 04:04 PM
    • Replies: 3
    • Views: 1,465
    11 Nov 2009 11:43 AM Go to last post
  33. The new Berlin Wall

    U2 performed at a free gig last night in Berlin, with 30,000 free tickets that were snapped up in hours when they were released. Of course, they erected a new Berlin wall to keep everyone else out. The reason given was to protect the businesses...

    Started by CatInASuit‎, 06 Nov 2009 06:19 AM
    • Replies: 1
    • Views: 783
    06 Nov 2009 06:59 AM Go to last post
  34. New study: Illegal downloaders spend more on music than any other group

    At least in the UK: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/illegal-downloaders-spend-the-most-on-music-says-poll-1812776.html The survey, published today, found that those who admit illegally downloading music spent an average of £77 a...

    Started by Taumpy‎, 01 Nov 2009 02:10 PM
    • Replies: 19
    • Views: 2,131
    05 Nov 2009 07:12 PM Go to last post
  35. Roman Polanski arrested

    After several years residing in France, Roman Polanski has been arrested on a journey to Switzerland pending extradition to the USA for the charge of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor. He fled America over 30 years ago from a charge of...

    Started by CatInASuit‎, 28 Sep 2009 07:01 AM
    3 Pages
    1 2 3
    • Replies: 105
    • Views: 9,422
    04 Nov 2009 06:59 PM Go to last post
  36. "Buy land, they're not making it anymore"

    First who really said this? I have seen it attributed to both Twain and Will Rodgers. Second, why do people still not understand this? I talk to people and they do not understand ballot issues for states to spend money buying up land for parks,...

    Started by What Exit?‎, 04 Nov 2009 08:37 AM
    • Replies: 2
    • Views: 1,428
    04 Nov 2009 03:08 PM Go to last post
  37. Did Obama make a tactical mistake in supporting Jon Corzine so strongly for reelection as Governor of New Jersey?

    The race was close but: * Green groups (traditionally Democratic leaning) and most independents were decidedly unhappy with Corzine. * Few felt he did a good job on the economy or creating jobs or helping on property taxes. * There was...

    Started by What Exit?‎, 04 Nov 2009 09:10 AM
    • Replies: 3
    • Views: 1,062
    04 Nov 2009 09:47 AM Go to last post
  38. Rape is not about sex, it is about power

    I'm very, very used to hearing people recite this litany. I've read it, people have told me it, and I've seen people say it about 500 times on the SDMB. I'm not taking the issue up to debate it (although if that happens, that's cool too). What...

    Started by Exy‎, 15 Oct 2009 12:28 PM
    • Replies: 15
    • Views: 3,002
    30 Oct 2009 08:40 AM Go to last post
  39. Poll Poll: Speed Cameras: Yay or Nay?

    I'm not a motorist but when I read threads on various message boards it seems the issue of speed cameras, ie cameras that are used to automatically ticket you when you're doing over the speed limit, is a rather divisive one. If they are accurate I...

    Started by The Original An Gadaí‎, 18 Oct 2009 11:44 AM
    • Replies: 12
    • Views: 1,713
    29 Oct 2009 11:29 AM Go to last post
  40. The Vinegar Tasters - An Allegory

    I was browsing around and came upon a classical Chinese painting called "The Vinegar Tasters". According to Wikipedia it is an allegorical painting discribed thusly: The three men are dipping their fingers in a vat of vinegar and tasting it; one...

    Started by Dangerously Unqualified‎, 28 Oct 2009 09:11 AM
    • Replies: 5
    • Views: 9,711
    29 Oct 2009 11:01 AM Go to last post
  41. Michael Jordan's son wants to wear Nike shoes, but his college team has contract with Adidas

    Interesting story about Michael Jordan's younger son Marcus, who is a freshman at Central Florida University. He's on the basketball team, and wants to wear his dad's Nike shoes. However, the team has a contract with Adidas, and that company...

    Started by Sarahfeena‎, 23 Oct 2009 12:39 PM
    • Replies: 18
    • Views: 16,162
    29 Oct 2009 06:21 AM Go to last post
  42. Anthropomorphisation couldn't be more wrong!

    Based on a drunken epiphany I had while reading webcomics and chateing alone - you know, a typical Thursday. Webcomic in question: Which inspired me to make this comment: similar story with dolphins, really - i want to be able to rape,...

    Started by AllWalker‎, 08 Oct 2009 07:20 AM
    • Replies: 11
    • Views: 1,971
    26 Oct 2009 08:51 PM Go to last post
  43. Is Mexico being destroyed by the USA? (Outgrowth of a chat discussion)

    In chat recently, we had an interesting concept raised. The statement was made that Mexico is being destroyed by the USA. When asked how that was happening, one poster replied that the cartels making money by smuggling into the USA was bad. ...

    Started by Clothahump‎, 13 Oct 2009 02:52 PM
    • Replies: 21
    • Views: 1,948
    26 Oct 2009 08:43 PM Go to last post
  44. Football coach uses hand holding as punishment, or let's reinforce homophobia in public schools.

    http://advocate.com//News/Daily_News/2009/10/19/H_S__Coach_Uses_Hand_Holding_for_Punishment/ Apparently as a punishment for fighting, a high school football coach in Colorado had two of his players hold hands and run laps while the other...

    Started by Taumpy‎, 22 Oct 2009 09:31 AM
    • Replies: 7
    • Views: 4,318
    26 Oct 2009 07:28 PM Go to last post
  45. Is it immoral for a business hiring mostly ex-cons to use that as an advertising draw?

    The impetus for this thread is yesterday's story from the Wall Street Journal about Felony Franks, which can be found here. In short a Chicago businessman who had been using ex-cons for his resturant paper supply business got the idea to open a...

    Started by OtakuLoki‎, 14 Oct 2009 02:24 PM
    • Replies: 17
    • Views: 1,443
    23 Oct 2009 01:29 PM Go to last post
  46. On Bisexuality

    Some years ago in Savage Love it seemed as though every time someone wrote in asking for advice and mentioned a bisexual partner, Dan would tell them that all bisexuals cheat and that, really, bisexuals should only date one another to save everyone...

    Started by Zuul‎, 17 Oct 2009 10:53 AM
    • Replies: 29
    • Views: 3,045
    23 Oct 2009 06:55 AM Go to last post
  47. Should Obama win the Nobel Peace Prize

    Apparently for his 9 month contribution for "his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and co-operation between peoples". Ok, he has certainly captured the imagination of people out there in terms of his position as POTUS....

    Started by CatInASuit‎, 09 Oct 2009 07:56 AM
    2 Pages
    1 2
    • Replies: 50
    • Views: 4,411
    20 Oct 2009 01:57 PM Go to last post
  48. Who Will Watch the Guardians?

    This is coming out of chat this afternoon. Myrna was bringing up police brutality blogs, and then linked this video. Warning: The video is shocking and disturbing and shows at least one murder. It is rightfully disturbing and almost an hour...

    Started by OtakuLoki‎, 17 Oct 2009 07:33 PM
    • Replies: 11
    • Views: 1,600
    18 Oct 2009 01:00 PM Go to last post
  49. Is China's economy about to implode?

    As I understand it, China's rapid growth has been dependent on exporting cheap goods to the West. Further, even before all this mess, there was speculation that China was expanding too quickly, and this wasn't sustainable. With the economic...

    Started by CRSP‎, 09 Mar 2009 10:32 AM
    • Replies: 3
    • Views: 997
    17 Oct 2009 07:31 PM Go to last post
  50. Why hasn't Obama lifted the American embargo on Cuba?

    I believe the old argument is not to support the human rights violations, but it is just hypocritical today with all the other countries we continue to do business to. I could understand it with Bush, and his old timey "communism is still evil"...

    Started by beebs‎, 16 Oct 2009 04:11 AM
    • Replies: 2
    • Views: 1,647
    17 Oct 2009 10:17 AM Go to last post

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