Re horses and technology: the sad thing is, the "anti-technology" Amish treat their horses like machines and run them into the ground, with little concern for their welfare beyond what's required to keep them useful. When they're no longer of economic value, then ssssshhhlook! There are groups devoted solely to…

Indeed. And, as I've noted, I prefer that energy to come from people I know and enjoy the company of. 10 people are fun. 10,000 people are noise.

Indeed. And, as I've noted, I prefer that energy to come from people I know and enjoy the company of. 10 people are fun. 10,000 people are noise.

I know that seemed like a clever rejoinder to you, but it's obviously not true since whether you're enjoying live or canned music, it's still a spectator activity. In both cases you can still scream, dance, wave lightsticks, whatever, and the other party (the musicians) will be oblivious to you.

The 'energy' can be reproduced (or at least well-simulated) with the right sound & lighting systems. The lighting systems, in particular, that I've designed and built are in many ways better & more exciting than those you usually see at concerts (just on a smaller scale). And my performers don't take coke breaks.

I have lots of conversations with performers on screen, especially if they're cavorting sea otters on a BBC nature show.

I wasn't referring to sound quality, but rather to the irritation level of having obnoxious neighbors, restroom lines, uncomfortable weather, etc.

I didn't say it was the same. I said it was better.

Would you rather put up with the insanity that is modern America, or have more snack choices? Because this American is ready to trade places with you any time you'd like.

There's something about enjoying music with people I actually like that no live music will ever be able to match.

Going to concerts is like going to movie theaters—so last century. Invest your money in a good home theater/sound system instead, and never have to put up with all that crap again.

This recipe has the added benefit of being water-soluble, so it should wash off your hands & such much more easily than the sticky wax in the commercial versions.

There's a version powered by D cells (yours appears to have a bizarre AC cord).

Get tough. It's very satisfying to see pushy salespeople shocked by an aggressive pushback.

I would have replaced a wife like that. Did once, actually (though, I wouldn't have done so if I'd had kids with her, since that's just evil).

The U.S. does just about everything we dump on China for. I wonder how conservatives justify that.

In my crystal ball, I see a resurgence of PC gaming.

Huh... That's what I say about sex.

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I came here to write the same thing. Fortunately, I had mine before succumbing to the parenting trap.