I don't believe Russian military commanders are, as a group, insane. Just because Putin gives the orders for WWIII doesn't mean they'll be carried out.

I mostly commute by bicycle, so I'm used to the idea that rain and cold require special clothing.

I still buy wax cylinders. http://www.phonographcylinders.com/ (Oh God, now I feel like a dirty hipster) But yes, my landlady gifted my an old Victrola....

Fries with melted Cheez Whiz or Velveeta, slobbered with gravy. It's not exactly like poutine.

Velveeta or Cheez Whiz is the basis for the New Jersey version of Poutine, "Disco Fries."

My uncle (in-law) was a therapist in a Canadian women's prison, and he agrees with you - usually violent women are that way because of the men in their lives.

Exactly. Non-violent crimes can cause tremendous suffering, and sometimes the only way to protect society is to isolate the perpetrators.

"My brother is alive today because of the criminal justice system." Bill Clinton, talking about Roger.

Another problem with this lyric video is the dumb, cliched lyrics.

Exactly. Society needs scapegoats.

As dangerous as this is, it's safer than riding a motorcycle with your entire family hanging on the back.

Hm. Wonder if she knows Count Saint-Garmain?

Like you've never had sex in a Methodist Sunday school classroom while the youth group you're supposedly leading is playing charades next door.

I think my favorite Charles Fort quote applies here: "For every expert, there is an equal and opposite expert."

Still the most comfortable vehicle to be in I've ever owned. There's a reason the Queen of England drives one.

The cost of everything is higher in western Europe, but they seem to do a better job of making sure everybody has enough to get by.

Globalization has lifted billions of people out of dreadful poverty. But it's led falling or stagnating wages in the West. And that's not going to change until the rest of the world catches up to us.

Like the difference between "laid off" and "fired" in the USA?

True fact: my real name (first and last) is that of another famous English occultist - which is why I chose "Crowley" as my internet handle. My parents were fundamentalist Christians (something I share with Aleister) so I'm sure the name similarity was an accident - but one I've privately laughed at since I…

I am ordained, but never practiced as a minister. It's a long story.