tcpip: (Default)
Diary of a B+ Grade Polymath ([personal profile] tcpip) wrote2006-12-15 11:56 am

Environmental Issues, ALP and DLP, Gaming updates

If I ever had doubts that Libertarians didn't include a sizeable selection of the wilfully ignorant, the recent discussion on global warming have put my concerns to rest. Special kudos to [livejournal.com profile] evil_genius for his noble attempt to provide educational links. On topic, the Brits have experiencing the hottest weather since their records began in 1659.

Still we have our own issues in Australia; where a wave of bushfires has swept Victoria and is now in Tasmania. All during last week Melbourne's air was of full of smoke and included the hottest day in 53 years (keep in mind it snowing here less than six weeks ago). So now our own nutbars come out, not only those who wrongly claim that ban on alpine cattle farming is a cause of the fires, but now the Federal Forestry Minister who blames too many trees!

The new Labor leader Kevin Rudd confused himself over whether he really rejects socialism. Meanwhile "clever" ALP preference deals initially seemed to suggest the election of two DLP Councillors later revised one. Rank-and-file Labor supporters are not happy; sensible alternative is both above the line preferential voting and Robson Rotation.

In that most enjoyable social experience that is gaming, [livejournal.com profile] recumbenteer has taken over France in Diplomacy just as we're about to crush the rabid English bulldog. On a related topic spent an very enjoyable (albeit very drunken) evening at Trades Hall bar for [livejournal.com profile] anthanum's going-to-Sydney gathering. I believe I ended up on video explaining GNS Theory and later more dramatically giving the Orcish point of view. Playing Everyway Aesheba tonight with the "Melbourne Role Playing Salon" and AD&D Norman Britain on Sunday. Have also recently purchased Chivalry & Sorcery (3rd edition) and the Lord of the Rings RPG. Still writing out several hundred words a day for the Dragon Lords RPG.

[identity profile] tcpip.livejournal.com 2006-12-15 08:55 pm (UTC)(link)

People don't like being told they're wrong. They get exceptionally pissed off when their error is proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

See, this is the bit I don't get. I like being introduced to a new knowledge. Maybe they still have a high school approach to knowledge tests.. you know, if you don't know something or your knowledge is wrong you fail and failure is bad etc.

Of course, part of it for my part probably comes down to not holding strong views on subjects I don't much about...

[identity profile] evil-genius.livejournal.com 2006-12-16 04:14 pm (UTC)(link)
"Mankind have a great aversion to intellectual labor; but even supposing knowledge to be easily attainable, more people would be content to be ignorant than would take even a little trouble to acquire it."
-- Samuel Johnson (1709 - 1784), quoted in Boswell's Life of Johnson

even in this age of virtually free limitless access to information(at least in the developed world). Most choose to remain ignorant.

"There is no expedient to which a man will not go to avoid the labor of thinking."
-- Thomas A. Edison (1847 - 1931)