blarsen Posted July 26, 2019 Posted July 26, 2019 (edited) 1 hour ago, Stargazer said: Not actually! There was a 1977 Joan Collins film, Empire of the Ants, that might have inspired it, but apparently the first occurrence was on The Simpsons in 1994. Check out WHERE THE EXPRESSION “I FOR ONE WELCOME OUR NEW X OVERLORDS” CAME FROM No, it doesn't have to be, but here in the UK with cameras all over the place, they still can't prevent crime, or find the perps any more than previously. So surveillance isn't the answer, my tongue-in-cheek response notwithstanding. During a recent trip to the UK (well, back in 2013, anyway), we encountered more violence or incipient violence than I've encountered in about the last 40 years in in the US. I really came away with two thoughts: 1) the UK really NEEDS surveillance cameras; 2) they really don't seem to help much . . . . as you mentioned. Edited July 26, 2019 by blarsen
Bernard Gui Posted July 26, 2019 Posted July 26, 2019 (edited) 2 hours ago, Stargazer said: <Stargazer shakes head in wonder> Since you are clearly not speaking from experience, let me tell you from my experience that the pay and benefits are not as rich as you seem to think. Currently, a buck sergeant (E-5) with 4 years of service makes $2800 per month. The bennies you think of so highly do not actually make up for it. Have fun trying to raise a family on that rate of pay. As for combat pay, do you really think that the extra $225 makes all that much difference? I was never in combat, but let me tell you that infantrymen being shot at might be glad of that little bonus, but it surely is NOT worth it. My son Belicosissimo returned from Afghanistan a sergeant just rolling in dough. Not. It’s taken him five years just to get his knee and head injuries evaluated for treatment. Edited July 26, 2019 by Bernard Gui
blarsen Posted July 26, 2019 Posted July 26, 2019 (edited) 1 hour ago, smac97 said: One suggestion: Leverage technology to affect preemptive health decisions. I've had a Fitbit for about two weeks, and it is already improving my daily routine. Thanks, -Smac But is it helping you handle your criminal tendencies?😉 Edited July 26, 2019 by blarsen
pogi Posted July 26, 2019 Posted July 26, 2019 (edited) 31 minutes ago, blarsen said: I'm just curious about what you would recommend in terms of 'an ounce of prevention'? I shared a link with USU78 earlier in the thread on a study of the role and effects of NPOs in the reduction of crime rates. My father is the founder/CEO of a NPO residential treatment center for troubled youth. I can’t tell you how many lives he has changed for the better. He has kept kids off the streets and out of prison by giving them an education/high school degree, addressing mental health issues and traumatic experiences in their lives, and teaching them how to foster healthy relationships. He has saved lives. That is just one small example of prevention. Edited July 26, 2019 by pogi 2
Stargazer Posted July 26, 2019 Posted July 26, 2019 45 minutes ago, Bernard Gui said: My son Belicosissimo returned from Afghanistan a sergeant just rolling in dough. Not. It’s taken him five years just to get his knee and head injuries evaluated for treatment. Sorry to hear that! I hope he gets the treatment he needs soon! Is he still on active duty or is he dealing with the VA? I'd guess the VA...
The Nehor Posted July 26, 2019 Posted July 26, 2019 1 hour ago, pogi said: I’ve only read about the movie and haven’t seen it. I’m guessing that is from minority report. Prevention doesn’t have to be about liberal governmental overreach, surveillance, coercion, or restriction of personal liberties...
Stargazer Posted July 26, 2019 Posted July 26, 2019 (edited) 58 minutes ago, blarsen said: During a recent trip (well, back in 2013, anyway), we encountered more violence or incipient violence than I've encountered in about the last 40 years in in the US. I really came away with two thoughts: 1) the UK really NEEDS surveillance cameras; 2) they really don't seem to help much . . . . as you mentioned. In all my life in the US (65 years worth) I've never actually witnessed a car break-in. A few months after moving here last year I got to see my very first! Very exciting, and the thief was extremely efficient. The wife is a native here, and she likes to visit London once a year. I wouldn't mind too much, but the locals don't recognize my Washington state concealed carry permit, and wouldn't let me bring even my smallest pistol here, so I'm not all that comfy with it. And the moron Mayor running London, Sadiq Khan? All he had to say about London's increasing crime was that this was a natural part of living in a big city. Acid attacks, knifings, terrorist cars running into pedestrians practically in front of Parliament, oh, the place is so lively!!! 😄 It used to be that you could walk right past No. 10 Downing Street (where the Prime Minister lives), but now the street is a security zone. I know, because back in 1971 I visited London and there was only a single Bobby standing outside the PM's residence! Several months ago a couple of perps did a daytime home invasion (not in London, actually) of an elderly couple, with the wife bedridden with dementia, and in the ensuing fight between the 80 year old man, he managed to stab one of them with the perps own screwdriver he was using for a weapon (guns are illegal of course, so why not, right?), and ended up killing him. Of course, the Brit police arrest the 80 year old and throw him in jail for murder. And only let him out after the local community put up a fuss. They took weeks to decide he wasn't going to be charged with murder. Fun times. Because self-defense is all but illegal. And any object you can carry that could be used to defend yourself with is illegal -- if they can get you to admit that this is what you're carrying it for. And be sure that if you get mugged you don't call the mugger any bad names because they'll charge you with harrassment -- that's what my stepson-in-law tells me at least. I think he's exaggerating, but maybe not. But I still love it here, really. I live in Sussex, which is about 40 miles or so from London, so it's pretty nice. Edited July 26, 2019 by Stargazer
The Nehor Posted July 26, 2019 Posted July 26, 2019 53 minutes ago, blarsen said: During a recent trip (well, back in 2013, anyway), we encountered more violence or incipient violence than I've encountered in about the last 40 years in in the US. I really came away with two thoughts: 1) the UK really NEEDS surveillance cameras; 2) they really don't seem to help much . . . . as you mentioned. I remember my run ins with organized and unorganized crime on my mission in the UK. Yeah, it was a bit of a mess back then. I imagine it is getting worse. 29 minutes ago, pogi said: I shared a link with USU78 earlier in the thread on a study of the role and effects of NPOs in the reduction of crime rates. My father is the founder/CEO of a NPO residential treatment center for troubled youth. I can’t tell you how many lives he has changed for the better. He has kept kids off the streets and out of prison by giving them an education/high school degree, addressing mental health issues and traumatic experiences in their lives, and teaching them how to foster healthy relationships. He has saved lives. That is just one small example of prevention. That is the kind of prevention. I can get behind. In my experience the primary reasons people at the bottom of the socioeconomic spectrum start to turn to criminal activity are desperation and a desire for respect and self-worth. Clear up those and you deal with a lot of it. At the middle and top of the spectrum a more common motivator is greed and I am less sure how to prevent that. 1
The Nehor Posted July 26, 2019 Posted July 26, 2019 57 minutes ago, Bernard Gui said: My son Belicosissimo returned from Afghanistan a sergeant just rolling in dough. Not. It’s taken him five years just to get his knee and head injuries evaluated for treatment. Which once again proves my theory that we like to make noise that we care about vets and children but when it comes to funding things that help them we are more.......meh.
blarsen Posted July 26, 2019 Posted July 26, 2019 40 minutes ago, pogi said: I shared a link with USU78 earlier in the thread on a study of the role and effects of NPOs in the reduction of crime rates. My father is the founder/CEO of a NPO residential treatment center for troubled youth. I can’t tell you how many lives he has changed for the better. He has kept kids off the streets and out of prison by giving them an education/high school degree, addressing mental health issues and traumatic experiences in their lives, and teaching them how to foster healthy relationships. He has saved lives. That is just one small example of prevention. Most excellent!
Stargazer Posted July 26, 2019 Posted July 26, 2019 1 hour ago, smac97 said: One suggestion: Leverage technology to affect preemptive health decisions. I've had a Fitbit for about two weeks, and it is already improving my daily routine. Thanks, -Smac Well, don't get complacent. I have had a Fitbit for about a year, and I'm not paying as much attention to it as I used to. 1
The Nehor Posted July 26, 2019 Posted July 26, 2019 1 minute ago, Stargazer said: Well, don't get complacent. I have had a Fitbit for about a year, and I'm not paying as much attention to it as I used to. I recommend drugs that suppress appetite. I did not need to lose weight and I am down 15 pounds.
Bernard Gui Posted July 27, 2019 Posted July 27, 2019 2 hours ago, Stargazer said: Sorry to hear that! I hope he gets the treatment he needs soon! Is he still on active duty or is he dealing with the VA? I'd guess the VA... He's been homeless for 5 years, but is now getting his head together, finally getting to see doctors, and has registered for an EMT course at a local community college. Thank heaven, but we shall see. 4
Scott Lloyd Posted July 28, 2019 Posted July 28, 2019 On 7/26/2019 at 3:56 PM, smac97 said: One suggestion: Leverage technology to affect preemptive health decisions. I've had a Fitbit for about two weeks, and it is already improving my daily routine. Thanks, -Smac I've had mine since Christmas. Do you want to be my Fitbit friend? We can do virtual races through the Sierras and such.
thatjimguy Posted July 28, 2019 Posted July 28, 2019 I would say the perfect answer comes from the Laminates that were so converted that they buried their weapons and refused to even defend themselves rather than shed the blood of anyone...and the enemies weren't even of the church. 1
Calm Posted July 28, 2019 Posted July 28, 2019 (edited) On 7/28/2019 at 4:43 AM, thatjimguy said: I would say the perfect answer comes from the Laminates that were so converted that they buried their weapons and refused to even defend themselves rather than shed the blood of anyone...and the enemies weren't even of the church. They had committed to no shedding of blood because they saw their previous killings as murder and in repenting swore never to kill again. Iirc I read somewhere eons ago they had participated in ritual killings of prisoners of war most likely*****, it was not just killing enemy combatants they felt the need to repent of doing. Another possibility is the reason they saw their previous acts as murder was because their motivations for their wars of aggression were hatred with an intent to commit genocide by destroying the Nephite people——rather than acting out of a need for defense——and greed to acquire Nephite wealth. And when they saw others dying in defense of them, they were “desirous” to take up the sword again to prevent others’ deaths***, but others refused to accept their sacrifice. Instead they allowed their sons to shed blood. So it couldn’t be shedding blood in and of itself that they had a problem with. They weren’t pacifists, but reformed murderers who had sworn never to kill again. *****references the idea of the murders were actually human sacrifice, including going to war to get captives to sacrifice: https://www.fairmormon.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/2006-Brant-Gardner.pdf see the antinephi Lehites section ***https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/53.13?lang=eng#12 Edited July 30, 2019 by Calm 4
blarsen Posted July 28, 2019 Posted July 28, 2019 On 7/26/2019 at 4:56 PM, Stargazer said: ISeveral months ago a couple of perps did a daytime home invasion (not in London, actually) of an elderly couple, with the wife bedridden with dementia, and in the ensuing fight between the 80 year old man, he managed to stab one of them with the perps own screwdriver he was using for a weapon (guns are illegal of course, so why not, right?), and ended up killing him. Of course, the Brit police arrest the 80 year old and throw him in jail for murder. And only let him out after the local community put up a fuss. They took weeks to decide he wasn't going to be charged with murder. Fun times. Because self-defense is all but illegal. And any object you can carry that could be used to defend yourself with is illegal -- if they can get you to admit that this is what you're carrying it for. And be sure that if you get mugged you don't call the mugger any bad names because they'll charge you with harrassment -- that's what my stepson-in-law tells me at least. I think he's exaggerating, but maybe not. But I still love it here, really. I live in Sussex, which is about 40 miles or so from London, so it's pretty nice. I read about that case. Astonishing that any government could make "self-defense . . . all but illegal". Brits are really going off track in a bad way when they give this kind of leeway to a perpetrator. What on earth are they thinking about?? Governments should be all about defending their law-abiding citizens, but should realize that the 'governed' never give up their right to self-defense.
Stargazer Posted July 29, 2019 Posted July 29, 2019 13 hours ago, blarsen said: I read about that case. Astonishing that any government could make "self-defense . . . all but illegal". Brits are really going off track in a bad way when they give this kind of leeway to a perpetrator. What on earth are they thinking about?? Governments should be all about defending their law-abiding citizens, but should realize that the 'governed' never give up their right to self-defense. London is paying for their stupidity.
The Nehor Posted July 29, 2019 Posted July 29, 2019 9 hours ago, Stargazer said: London is paying for their stupidity. I wonder about Britain. I am convinced they are going to be hard hit when their exit from the EU comes but when the EU as a whole collapses (as I suspect it will) they may end up getting the better deal.
mfbukowski Posted July 31, 2019 Posted July 31, 2019 On 7/26/2019 at 9:02 AM, smac97 said: Right, right, right. Because I am curious as to how you would finish that sentence. Are you seriously suggesting that a peaceable society does not rely on law enforcement and the military being willing to do violence on our behalf? I rely on rough men being willing to do violence. So, in fact, do you. Such is the price of living in society. The men and women who honorably serve in the military and in law enforcement deserve our gratitude and respect. Thanks, -Smac A 357 under the pillow doesn't hurt.... 1
smac97 Posted July 31, 2019 Posted July 31, 2019 4 minutes ago, mfbukowski said: A 357 under the pillow doesn't hurt.... Or a Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm with personal protection ammo in its 17-round clip. After all, when seconds count, the police are minutes away! Thanks, -Smac
mfbukowski Posted July 31, 2019 Posted July 31, 2019 2 hours ago, smac97 said: Or a Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm with personal protection ammo in its 17-round clip. After all, when seconds count, the police are minutes away! Thanks, -Smac Yep That's mo' bettah! 17 round clips are illegal in Cali of course.... But then there's what's UNDER the bed ... just in case of zombie invasions of course ... 1
Stargazer Posted July 31, 2019 Posted July 31, 2019 On 7/29/2019 at 10:13 PM, The Nehor said: I wonder about Britain. I am convinced they are going to be hard hit when their exit from the EU comes but when the EU as a whole collapses (as I suspect it will) they may end up getting the better deal. I get to watch it live and in person! 😄 The anti-Brexit ("Remainer") types are clutching their heads like the guy in that Edvard Munch painting and screaming "We're all going to die!" Meanwhile, Norway sits outside the EU and nevertheless trades pretty freely with the EU countries and is doing just fine. The fears are that suddenly the UK won't be able to trade with anyone on November 1, the day after the current Brexit deadline. Which is patently ridiculous, since the UK is an important trading partner with Germany and France. Suddenly, France will refuse to sell wine and cheese to the UK, and Germany will interdict the export of Volkswagens and Audis? Yeah, right. All the EU has to do is give the UK the same or similar deal that Norway already gets, but no, the deal that the Prime Minister's government worked out makes the UK pay 32 billion Euros in alimony and then the UK still has to obey EU regulations for several years (it's called "Leave without actually leaving, and paying for the 'privilege'"). The EU is making the deal as horrible as possible in order to force the UK to stay, or if that fails, to punish the UK for leaving. It's hard to tell what the country actually feels about it all. The Remainers claim that if the referendum was repeated, "Stay" would win. But I am doubtful, because there are folks over here now who voted "Remain" but who have changed their minds because of the awful "our way or the highway" deal that the EU has made, and are thinking like the American colonists thought back in 1776. If Boris Johnson (new PM) does what he says he might, which is to force another general election, it's no telling what will happen. It makes US politics look rather peaceful in comparison! We are living in "interesting times" indeed! 1
USU78 Posted July 31, 2019 Posted July 31, 2019 14 hours ago, smac97 said: Or a Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm with personal protection ammo in its 17-round clip. After all, when seconds count, the police are minutes away! Thanks, -Smac My elegent Ruger 9mm is a much better option ... and was manufactured in my once-upon-a-time mission.
USU78 Posted July 31, 2019 Posted July 31, 2019 7 hours ago, Stargazer said: I get to watch it live and in person! 😄 The anti-Brexit ("Remainer") types are clutching their heads like the guy in that Edvard Munch painting and screaming "We're all going to die!" Meanwhile, Norway sits outside the EU and nevertheless trades pretty freely with the EU countries and is doing just fine. The fears are that suddenly the UK won't be able to trade with anyone on November 1, the day after the current Brexit deadline. Which is patently ridiculous, since the UK is an important trading partner with Germany and France. Suddenly, France will refuse to sell wine and cheese to the UK, and Germany will interdict the export of Volkswagens and Audis? Yeah, right. All the EU has to do is give the UK the same or similar deal that Norway already gets, but no, the deal that the Prime Minister's government worked out makes the UK pay 32 billion Euros in alimony and then the UK still has to obey EU regulations for several years (it's called "Leave without actually leaving, and paying for the 'privilege'"). The EU is making the deal as horrible as possible in order to force the UK to stay, or if that fails, to punish the UK for leaving. It's hard to tell what the country actually feels about it all. The Remainers claim that if the referendum was repeated, "Stay" would win. But I am doubtful, because there are folks over here now who voted "Remain" but who have changed their minds because of the awful "our way or the highway" deal that the EU has made, and are thinking like the American colonists thought back in 1776. If Boris Johnson (new PM) does what he says he might, which is to force another general election, it's no telling what will happen. It makes US politics look rather peaceful in comparison! We are living in "interesting times" indeed! Blow up the Chunnel! Reclaim Calais! Plantagenet forever!
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