Shotgun

Don't forget the 6% body fat. Topless pics of Paul Ryan were at the top of the bing search list for a while.... Hey, someone finally found one, even if it's old: http://www.tmz.com/2012/08/17/paul-ryan-shirtless-abs-tomach-photo-vice-president/ But it's looking like he might be a little more shy than Mr. Obama. Such a sweet Catholic boy and all. Oh, and who can forget the famous shirtless pics of Joe Biden?

Paul Ryan, those dreamy blue eyes.... His lips move, but I can't hear what he's sayin'..... Gotta give it to Romney; he knows how to appeal to us shallow women, unlike McCain in the last election. I could almost go Republican now.

Funny, you're listening to all this dark music, and I've been on a Southern Gospel kick.

Oh, you silly limeys.

Indian Reservation?

Well given my world view, you already know that I'm incapable of viewing this in such an overly simplistic manner... I suspect that you and I are incapable of viewing a lot of things in the same way. But that's OK; it's interesting to hear from people who think differently than myself. If I consider ALL things, I could probably find immorality in any profession. But if I look at the basic idea of being a prostitute, a massage therapist, a police officer, a doctor, etc., etc., there is nothing inherently immoral about the job.

Are you referring to someone in this thread? I haven't noticed anyone in here lying to themselves. Unless, by disagreeing with me, that must mean they're lying to themselves??? Well, what does your conscience say about prostitution? edit: ...As far as lying to themselves, I recall somebody equating a massage to prostitution. My conscience says that prostitution (in and of itself) is not immoral. And I doubt that quade was lying to himself when he compared professional massage to prostitution. But I understand if you disagree with him.

Are you referring to someone in this thread? I haven't noticed anyone in here lying to themselves. Unless, by disagreeing with me, that must mean they're lying to themselves???

That article wasn't really about "potheads" in general; it was about the dangers of smoking pot from an early age. I believe marijuana should be legalized, but I don't believe it should be legal to sell or even give it to minors. Most recreational drugs (including alcohol) are more damaging to a developing brain. And I certainly won't argue that marijuana is a harmless drug, but I think adults should be able to weigh the risks/benefits for themselves.

Apparently, it's legal in Japan: Pictures here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/24/asexual-mao-sugiyama-cooks-serves-own-genitals_n_1543307.html

Perhaps I'm wrong, but I was already under the impression that most high-level sporting events already depended largely on who has more money (which affects a lot of other things). And regarding who takes more/better drugs, who decides which drugs are forbidden? Caffeine? Citicoline? Drugs affect people differently, so you might be banning one that would give an advantage to one person, while not banning another that gives an advantage to others. And does the performance-enhancing clothing affect whether it is a question of talent or training? Or is it fine for the person with more money to buy better performance-related clothing and gear?

Don't know, don't really care. I've never understood the huge appeal of spectator sports (sorry, no offense to anyone, that's just me). But, from what little I know about it, it seems like professional athletes do everything possible to "up their game," so I don't really understand why certain substances are forbidden here. If the substances are dangerous, that should be up to the individual to decide if he/she wants to take that chance.

Crack cocaine is not significantly more addictive than powder cocaine. Nicotine and heroin are both more addictive. Yeah, I don't think there is any one drug that could be classified as "the most addicting substance." Obviously some have a higher addiction potential than others, but it really depends on the individual using it. Many people experiment in moderation with "highly addictive" drugs yet never become addicted to them. Or maybe they'll get addicted to one but not others. For me, I smoked cigarettes for a long time, but I never developed a physical addiction to nicotine like so many people do. When I quit, I had no withdrawal at all, but I've seen others have a really hard time when they first quit. But I have to disagree with your statement somewhat. I do think that smoking crack cocaine is considerably more addictive than snorting powder cocaine. But I think with most drugs, smoking or shooting up greatly increases the addiction potential. Though again, it probably depends on the person.

And many people who have never used illegal drugs feel perfectly justified in discussing the dangers of using illegal drugs. Of course, it's possible to learn about the dangers of something without actually trying it or even being around it. But I think too many people use very limited information to think they know enough to have an authoritative opinion. That's exactly what wuffos say about skydiving. I'm not really sure what your point is. Are you a crack cocaine whuffo who is trying to discuss the dangers of crack cocaine? Nope, but at least I have been around "those people" enough to know what I'm talking about. I'm gonna guess that I have far more experience with "those people" than you do. And, no offense, but you sound like you have pretty limited information. I must have missed it when you were describing your experience with people addicted to crack. How many N.A. meetings have you attended, again? I've been to a number of NA and other twelve-step meetings. I have friends who have long been clean/sober through NA, AA, and on their own. NA is not particularly informative about drugs; it's informative about how to stay off of drugs if you want to use their program. I've learned a great deal about drugs and addiction over the years, and I find NA meetings and literature to be a generally poor source of factual information. But I do think the program is helpful for many people who want to stop, and I'm grateful that some of my friends found help there. Anyhow, one of the unfortunate things about illegal drugs is that it's difficult to have an open conversation about them. So I think I've said as much as I'm going to say on a public forum.

And many people who have never used illegal drugs feel perfectly justified in discussing the dangers of using illegal drugs. Of course, it's possible to learn about the dangers of something without actually trying it or even being around it. But I think too many people use very limited information to think they know enough to have an authoritative opinion. That's exactly what wuffos say about skydiving. I'm not really sure what your point is. Are you a crack cocaine whuffo who is trying to discuss the dangers of crack cocaine? Nope, but at least I have been around "those people" enough to know what I'm talking about. I'm gonna guess that I have far more experience with "those people" than you do. And, no offense, but you sound like you have pretty limited information.

And many people who have never used illegal drugs feel perfectly justified in discussing the dangers of using illegal drugs. Of course, it's possible to learn about the dangers of something without actually trying it or even being around it. But I think too many people use very limited information to think they know enough to have an authoritative opinion. That's exactly what wuffos say about skydiving. I'm not really sure what your point is. Are you a crack cocaine whuffo who is trying to discuss the dangers of crack cocaine?

And many people who have never used illegal drugs feel perfectly justified in discussing the dangers of using illegal drugs. Of course, it's possible to learn about the dangers of something without actually trying it or even being around it. But I think too many people use very limited information to think they know enough to have an authoritative opinion.

No it won't. But think of the naive teenager who bows to peer pressure and takes that first hit off a crack pipe at a party. Have you ever been to an N.A. meeting? If not, you should. While going to an NA meeting might be interesting, and might give one a new perspective on drug abuse, NA is hardly an authority on drugs. All you're going to hear is the perspective of people who became addicted to drugs. Many people experiment with drugs - even crack cocaine - and do not become addicted. But you're not going to hear from these people at an NA meeting. Sort of like forming your opinion on alcohol from AA meetings. It would probably give you the idea that alcohol was such a dangerous and addictive drug that it should not be legal. (Actually, it is a very dangerous and addictive drug, but most people prefer to have the option to use it while putting up with all the crap society has to deal with because of it.)

Many (most?) cases of rape come down to the old "he said / she said" thing, unfortunately. So I couldn't support capital punishment in that situation.

they will simply cease to exist in the only search engine anyone uses. Hmm... I guess I'm not anyone.

Well, unless the person consented before going to sleep. (Hey some people like some kinky stuff.) I think you just exponentially increased the number of "rapes" that happen at any given moment.

Like others have said, I think it depends on the people/situation. And I don't know enough about the Assange case to have an opinion there.

If your stalker friend happens to be shah, all you have to do is gain a few pounds.

I Misspoke—What I Meant To Say Is 'I Am Dumb As Dog Shit And I Am A Terrible Human Being'

The two most recent autobiographical books I've read were by two very different people - skydiving's Dan BC and Rick Springfield (the musician/actor). But I noticed that both of them talked a lot about using visualization and considered it a huge contribution to their success. And they are both very successful people, so I tend to believe them. I have used visualization in a slightly different way - mostly to deal with chronic pain, anxiety, and depression, but it's probably been the most useful tool I've found. Though I've recently started using a self-confidence/performance-enhancing visualization CD that might be more along the lines of what you're talking about, and it's helping me a lot so far.