Protheans were an empire, and I'm somewhat certain the Krogans are also referred to as an empire.

What about the Mass Effect universe? The space travel infrastructure predates the civilization using them, so the cost is reduced. Resource extraction and mining are major industries, and there are a few high-priced commodities driving exploration, as well as large finance, drug and weapons trades.

Perhaps we can agree that threatening people with whom you disagree, or telling them to kill themselves, is not okay?

What is your overall level of optimism in our ability to end the practice of shark finning and prevent the extinction of various shark species? Have you personally observed declining populations during the course of your career?

As a Hoosier who left the state some 8-9 years ago, please do. Some of the things Indiana politicians have said in the last few years are quite embarrassing.

That's very true, but it's all after they've totally trashed their environment.

So it's China?

It has to mean Westerners. There is meanwhile no end to depressing news about shark-finning, the ivory trade, and other practices directly correlating to Chinese demand for status symbols and traditional "medicine".

This is also an interesting case for medically assisted suicide, which is currently only legal in 3 U.S. states.

TL;DR an 8 year old is smarter than Senator Kevin L. Bryant

I wasn't suggesting that ridiculous should have a negative connotation...

Definitely! I just rewatched it recently and it holds up quite remarkably.

I submit Last Action Hero for Charles Dance AND Ian McKellen:

That's what I thought too, and it sounded like pure hell.

You should. Everyone has to start somewhere...

Even if you don't agree with Jon Stewart's politics, the Daily Show's routine deconstruction of Fox News is pretty satisfying.

Maybe not, but they have truly perfected the art of pushing their agenda far beyond the abilities or interest of any other network.

Gee, there are are so many people here enlightened enough to tell us this is a non-issue. I'm really glad to know how comfortable you all are with a minority being underrepresented in the industry. Now I can finally sleep at night.

Well at least they're not burning people at the stake for espousing the Big Bang Theory, so... progress?