More "War on Terror" Hysteria

Tony · 5th February 2007, 11:37 AM

http://recordsearchlight.com/news/20...be-bong-scare/

Quote:

An old-fashioned, medicine-type bottle containing a clear liquid that prompted a bomb squad response in downtown Redding on Thursday may actually be another kind of illegal device.

Sprouting a couple of bent plastic straws that snake through a rubber stopper and are taped to its sides, the bottle apparently resembles a water pipe, or bong, used to smoke marijuana or other narcotics.

"It looks like a homemade smoking device," said John "Bubbles" Marsh, a retail clerk at The Underground on Pine Street, which advertises itself as a rock n' roll department store. Marsh was shown a photo of the device taken by a Record Searchlight photographer.

"Yeah, it kind of looks like a homemade piece," Marsh said.

Still, he said, he was not 100 percent certain.

Last week, we had idiotic authorities in Boston go ape-**** over a cartoon character, not we have idiots in Redding freaking out over a home made bong. When will this insanity end?

King of the Americas · 5th February 2007, 11:40 AM

When muslim invaders take over and force EVERY American to kneel and to pray toward Mecca 5 times a day.

Fear the bong! Or hukka as they are referred to in places of that originated this terror.

hgc · 5th February 2007, 11:43 AM

Bong water levels are rising! It will kill the crops!

Seriously, that liquid explosive situation has pushed the paranoia quotient beyond all sense. White powders, clear liquids, electronic gizmos: we're surrounded by more imaginary danger than Jerry Falwell in San Francisco.

billydkid · 5th February 2007, 02:52 PM

Originally Posted by Tony

http://recordsearchlight.com/news/20...be-bong-scare/

Last week, we had idiotic authorities in Boston go ape-**** over a cartoon character, not we have idiots in Redding freaking out over a home made bong. When will this insanity end?

As though hysteria is a bad thing. America hater.

Darth Rotor · 5th February 2007, 02:56 PM

Originally Posted by King of the Americas

Fear the bong! Or hukka as they are referred to in places of that originated this terror.

Syntax error. FWIW, it is more commonly knows as a hookah.

DR

Carnivore · 5th February 2007, 04:29 PM

Originally Posted by Tony

http://recordsearchlight.com/news/20...be-bong-scare/

Last week, we had idiotic authorities in Boston go ape-**** over a cartoon character, not we have idiots in Redding freaking out over a home made bong. When will this insanity end?

Your comment about Boston raises several questions for me:

Why do you think the Boston authorities were idiotic? Was it because they acted cautiously when unknown electronic devices appeared on bridges and other public areas? If so, is it your contention that they are idiotic because they should have immediately realized the devices posed no threat? If so, is it because the devices depicted cartoon characters?

Basically I'm curious as to why you think the Boston authorities are idiots. If your thoughts are different than my guesses in the last paragraph could you please let me know how you did arrive at your conclusion? If my guesses are right, could you please explain in detail exactly what kind of mysterious devices appearing in public places ought to be routinely ignored by the authorities? I'm sure you are aware of explosives having been placed in luggage, cardboard boxes, carrier bags, childrens toys etc. Have you considered what kind of devices might be used to deliver biological agents? (A sheet of glass with a small black box attached to it would set off alarm bells for me!)

By the way, I do think the reaction to the discovery of the bottle/bong was over the top.

Tony · 5th February 2007, 04:48 PM

Originally Posted by Carnivore

Your comment about Boston raises several questions for me:

Why do you think the Boston authorities were idiotic? Was it because they acted cautiously when unknown electronic devices appeared on bridges and other public areas? If so, is it your contention that they are idiotic because they should have immediately realized the devices posed no threat? If so, is it because the devices depicted cartoon characters?

Basically I'm curious as to why you think the Boston authorities are idiots. If your thoughts are different than my guesses in the last paragraph could you please let me know how you did arrive at your conclusion? If my guesses are right, could you please explain in detail exactly what kind of mysterious devices appearing in public places ought to be routinely ignored by the authorities? I'm sure you are aware of explosives having been placed in luggage, cardboard boxes, carrier bags, childrens toys etc. Have you considered what kind of devices might be used to deliver biological agents? (A sheet of glass with a small black box attached to it would set off alarm bells for me!)

By the way, I do think the reaction to the discovery of the bottle/bong was over the top.

Hey carni,

Instead of rehashing 2 days worth of discussions, please read this thread:

http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=73788

Let me know if you have any additional questions.

Carnivore · 5th February 2007, 05:18 PM

Cheers, you're right, I should have posted in the other thread. Having read it, I'm pretty sure you and I disagree on the issue of the Boston PD response, so I wont rehash the discussion any further. I am still curious about whether you considered the possibility of a bioterror device rather than a bomb when deciding the Boston devices were obviously no threat?

Tony · 5th February 2007, 06:55 PM

Originally Posted by Carnivore

Cheers, you're right, I should have posted in the other thread. Having read it, I'm pretty sure you and I disagree on the issue of the Boston PD response, so I wont rehash the discussion any further.

Well, it wasn't the response per se, but the way in which they handled it. If a suspicious device has been reported, investigate it. But, as I said on that thread, I think such a situation calls for discretion. Something the authorities in Boston threw out the window at the very beginning.

Quote:

I am still curious about whether you considered the possibility of a bioterror device rather than a bomb when deciding the Boston devices were obviously no threat?

Not really.

steverino · 5th February 2007, 07:26 PM

"It looks like a homemade smoking device," said John "Bubbles" Marsh, a retail clerk at The Underground on Pine Street, which advertises itself as a rock n' roll department store. Marsh was shown a photo of the device taken by a Record Searchlight photographer.

"Yeah, it kind of looks like a homemade piece," Marsh said.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'd like to show Mr. Bubbles a real bomb next time and see if he can identify it, as he is apparantly an authority.

OMGturt1es · 5th February 2007, 11:09 PM

the picture in the article looks nothing like a homemade bong-- at least, not any that i've ever seen.

regardless, it doesn't surprise me that authorities were called. redding's population consists largely of older conservative folk that have likely never seen a real bong, let alone a homemade bong. so long as the authorities don't go running around trying to arrest some teenaged stoner for a terror "hoax", i'd think the reaction was entirely reasonable-- certainly moreso than the boston reaction...

Tony · 5th February 2007, 11:30 PM

Originally Posted by OMGturt1es

the picture in the article looks nothing like a homemade bong-- at least, not any that i've ever seen.

regardless, it doesn't surprise me that authorities were called. redding's population consists largely of older conservative folk that have likely never seen a real bong, let alone a homemade bong. so long as the authorities don't go running around trying to arrest some teenaged stoner for a terror "hoax", i'd think the reaction was entirely reasonable-- certainly moreso than the boston reaction...

You might have a point there.

steverino · 5th February 2007, 11:45 PM

Originally Posted by OMGturt1es

redding's population consists largely of older conservative folk that have likely never seen a real bong.

No? I figure every old fart in Redding has popped into Mr. Bubble's shop, at least for rolling papers.

daredelvis · 6th February 2007, 06:51 AM

Originally Posted by Carnivore

Cheers, you're right, I should have posted in the other thread. Having read it, I'm pretty sure you and I disagree on the issue of the Boston PD response, so I wont rehash the discussion any further. I am still curious about whether you considered the possibility of a bioterror device rather than a bomb when deciding the Boston devices were obviously no threat?

If I was going to make a bio-terror device, I would put it in a 784 ounce Mega Big Gulp cup. No one would take any notice of that. Reactions like the ones in Boston and this case (and the patriot act) are more small victories for the terrorists.

Daredelvis

Bikewer · 6th February 2007, 07:01 AM

I wonder what they would have made of the "smoking device" we confiscated a couple of years ago. Constructed by engineering students (natcherly...), it consisted of about 12 feet of PVC pipe all connected together in a rather artistic manner, with filters, fans, and a large water chamber.

rikzilla · 6th February 2007, 07:03 AM

Originally Posted by hgc

Bong water levels are rising! It will kill the crops!

Seriously, that liquid explosive situation has pushed the paranoia quotient beyond all sense. White powders, clear liquids, electronic gizmos: we're surrounded by more imaginary danger than Jerry Falwell in San Francisco.

nominated.

BTW: Why do you hate America?

-z

steverino · 6th February 2007, 09:57 AM

Originally Posted by daredelvis

If I was going to make a bio-terror device, I would put it in a 784 ounce Mega Big Gulp cup. No one would take any notice of that. Reactions like the ones in Boston and this case (and the patriot act) are more small victories for the terrorists.

Daredelvis

This post is a mixed message. Are you saying no one SHOULD take notice of silly items like bongs and cartoon boards, or that we need to now because terrorists will now consider hiding bombs in them?

Lemastre · 6th February 2007, 12:03 PM

I think the police need a good deal of practice in responding to bomb threats. Training exercises are good for perfecting basic mechanics, but it's hard to evaluate how things will go in reality without some panic in the mix. Nobody gets panicky if they know it's a training exercise. Bongs or advertising gadgets planted by who knows who can provide a more realistic experience that may stand everyone in good stead if a real bomb shows up one day. For all I know, the cops may have surreptitiously set up both the events just reported for that very reason.

Beerina · 6th February 2007, 12:31 PM

Originally Posted by Tony

Last week, we had idiotic authorities in Boston go ape-**** over a cartoon character, not we have idiots in Redding freaking out over a home made bong. When will this insanity end?

"Oh my god, dude! Loook on TV, they found your bong! That bomb squad guy is looking at it right there!"

"OH NO! My fingerprints are all over it! Shitshitshitshitshit! Oh my god dude, what am I gonna do?!? I am so screwed now, I'm goin' to jail. God damn i..."

(Buh-LAM!!!)

"Sweet!"

hgc · 6th February 2007, 12:40 PM

Originally Posted by Lemastre

For all I know, the cops may have surreptitiously set up both the events just reported for that very reason.

How nice of Turner Broadcasting and their ad agency to pay $2 million for this exercise.

Azrael 5 · 6th February 2007, 03:54 PM

"A bong! That's a wild animal! Or did I dream it?!"

*apologies to Monty Python.

Darth Rotor · 12th February 2007, 05:51 PM

Originally Posted by Tony

http://recordsearchlight.com/news/20...be-bong-scare/

Last week, we had idiotic authorities in Boston go ape-**** over a cartoon character, not we have idiots in Redding freaking out over a home made bong. When will this insanity end?

One can argue that "the people" are being conditioned to believe in the "one moment away from things nearby blowing up" in the popular entertainment they choose.

The New Yorker has a wonderful piece on this about the show 24.

http://www.newyorker.com/printables/...9fa_fact_mayer

The two most important points in the article are

1. The "we diffuse the bomb right before it blows up" scenario is purest fantasy.

2. An Army general met with the producers, telling them that the show was a bad bit of propaganda, as it portrays an American image that reinforces the idea of Abu Ghraib and maltreatment as "normal habits." It is a symbol and a message that is damaging. There is an even more disturbing commentary on the article in terms of its influence on junior officers, and fantasy reinforcement.

The war of symbols is real, and IMO far too many people ignore it.

This latest SNAFU in Boston is more grist for the mill. Even the professionals seem to have fallen into "life imitating art."

DR

5th February 2007, 11:37 AM	#1
Tony Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 13,765	More "War on Terror" Hysteria http://recordsearchlight.com/news/20...be-bong-scare/ Quote: An old-fashioned, medicine-type bottle containing a clear liquid that prompted a bomb squad response in downtown Redding on Thursday may actually be another kind of illegal device. Sprouting a couple of bent plastic straws that snake through a rubber stopper and are taped to its sides, the bottle apparently resembles a water pipe, or bong, used to smoke marijuana or other narcotics. "It looks like a homemade smoking device," said John "Bubbles" Marsh, a retail clerk at The Underground on Pine Street, which advertises itself as a rock n' roll department store. Marsh was shown a photo of the device taken by a Record Searchlight photographer. "Yeah, it kind of looks like a homemade piece," Marsh said. Still, he said, he was not 100 percent certain. Last week, we had idiotic authorities in Boston go ape-**** over a cartoon character, not we have idiots in Redding freaking out over a home made bong. When will this insanity end?
	__________________ It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. - Aristotle Go to Heaven for the climate, Hell for the company. - Mark Twain

5th February 2007, 11:43 AM	#3
hgc Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 13,014	Bong water levels are rising! It will kill the crops! Seriously, that liquid explosive situation has pushed the paranoia quotient beyond all sense. White powders, clear liquids, electronic gizmos: we're surrounded by more imaginary danger than Jerry Falwell in San Francisco.
	__________________ Bowel-shaking earthquakes of doubt and remorse assail him and wail him with monster truck force. - Cake, The Distance Was there a second singer on the grassy Knowles? - Stephen Colbert

5th February 2007, 02:56 PM	#5
Darth Rotor Salted Sith Cynic Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Rat cheer Posts: 34,264	Originally Posted by King of the Americas Fear the bong! Or hukka as they are referred to in places of that originated this terror. Syntax error. FWIW, it is more commonly knows as a hookah. DR
	__________________ Helicopters don't so much fly as beat the air into submission. "Jesus wept, but did He laugh?"--F.H. Buckley____"There is one thing that was too great for God to show us when He walked upon our earth ... His mirth." --Chesterton__"If the barbarian in us is excised, so is our humanity."--D'rok__ "I only use my gun whenever kindness fails."-- Robert Earl Keen__"Sturgeon spares none.". -- The Marquis

5th February 2007, 04:48 PM	#7
Tony Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 13,765	Originally Posted by Carnivore Your comment about Boston raises several questions for me: Why do you think the Boston authorities were idiotic? Was it because they acted cautiously when unknown electronic devices appeared on bridges and other public areas? If so, is it your contention that they are idiotic because they should have immediately realized the devices posed no threat? If so, is it because the devices depicted cartoon characters? Basically I'm curious as to why you think the Boston authorities are idiots. If your thoughts are different than my guesses in the last paragraph could you please let me know how you did arrive at your conclusion? If my guesses are right, could you please explain in detail exactly what kind of mysterious devices appearing in public places ought to be routinely ignored by the authorities? I'm sure you are aware of explosives having been placed in luggage, cardboard boxes, carrier bags, childrens toys etc. Have you considered what kind of devices might be used to deliver biological agents? (A sheet of glass with a small black box attached to it would set off alarm bells for me!) By the way, I do think the reaction to the discovery of the bottle/bong was over the top. Hey carni, Instead of rehashing 2 days worth of discussions, please read this thread: http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=73788 Let me know if you have any additional questions.
	__________________ It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. - Aristotle Go to Heaven for the climate, Hell for the company. - Mark Twain

5th February 2007, 06:55 PM	#9
Tony Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 13,765	Originally Posted by Carnivore Cheers, you're right, I should have posted in the other thread. Having read it, I'm pretty sure you and I disagree on the issue of the Boston PD response, so I wont rehash the discussion any further. Well, it wasn't the response per se, but the way in which they handled it. If a suspicious device has been reported, investigate it. But, as I said on that thread, I think such a situation calls for discretion. Something the authorities in Boston threw out the window at the very beginning. Quote: I am still curious about whether you considered the possibility of a bioterror device rather than a bomb when deciding the Boston devices were obviously no threat? Not really.
	__________________ It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. - Aristotle Go to Heaven for the climate, Hell for the company. - Mark Twain

5th February 2007, 11:40 AM	#2
King of the Americas Philosopher Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: North Central Texas Posts: 5,071	When muslim invaders take over and force EVERY American to kneel and to pray toward Mecca 5 times a day. Fear the bong! Or hukka as they are referred to in places of that originated this terror.

5th February 2007, 02:52 PM	#4
billydkid Illuminator Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Blanchester, OH Posts: 4,930	Originally Posted by Tony http://recordsearchlight.com/news/20...be-bong-scare/ Last week, we had idiotic authorities in Boston go ape-**** over a cartoon character, not we have idiots in Redding freaking out over a home made bong. When will this insanity end? As though hysteria is a bad thing. America hater.

5th February 2007, 04:29 PM	#6
Carnivore Salad Dodger Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Manchester UK Posts: 1,384	Originally Posted by Tony http://recordsearchlight.com/news/20...be-bong-scare/ Last week, we had idiotic authorities in Boston go ape-**** over a cartoon character, not we have idiots in Redding freaking out over a home made bong. When will this insanity end? Your comment about Boston raises several questions for me: Why do you think the Boston authorities were idiotic? Was it because they acted cautiously when unknown electronic devices appeared on bridges and other public areas? If so, is it your contention that they are idiotic because they should have immediately realized the devices posed no threat? If so, is it because the devices depicted cartoon characters? Basically I'm curious as to why you think the Boston authorities are idiots. If your thoughts are different than my guesses in the last paragraph could you please let me know how you did arrive at your conclusion? If my guesses are right, could you please explain in detail exactly what kind of mysterious devices appearing in public places ought to be routinely ignored by the authorities? I'm sure you are aware of explosives having been placed in luggage, cardboard boxes, carrier bags, childrens toys etc. Have you considered what kind of devices might be used to deliver biological agents? (A sheet of glass with a small black box attached to it would set off alarm bells for me!) By the way, I do think the reaction to the discovery of the bottle/bong was over the top.

5th February 2007, 05:18 PM	#8
Carnivore Salad Dodger Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Manchester UK Posts: 1,384	Cheers, you're right, I should have posted in the other thread. Having read it, I'm pretty sure you and I disagree on the issue of the Boston PD response, so I wont rehash the discussion any further. I am still curious about whether you considered the possibility of a bioterror device rather than a bomb when deciding the Boston devices were obviously no threat?

5th February 2007, 07:26 PM	#10
steverino Illuminator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Seattle, Washington Posts: 3,688	"It looks like a homemade smoking device," said John "Bubbles" Marsh, a retail clerk at The Underground on Pine Street, which advertises itself as a rock n' roll department store. Marsh was shown a photo of the device taken by a Record Searchlight photographer. "Yeah, it kind of looks like a homemade piece," Marsh said. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I'd like to show Mr. Bubbles a real bomb next time and see if he can identify it, as he is apparantly an authority.
	__________________ "Ferchrissakes I am not Jewish..."- Darth Rotor "Well, my nipples are pink. I've never looked at my own butt-hole, but I hope it's pink too." Mycroft "In the military, a gay man might see a wiener, and we all know that when a gay man sees a wiener, he goes into an uncontrollable frenzy of lust."- Marquis de Carabas

5th February 2007, 11:09 PM	#11
OMGturt1es Muse Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Elk Grove, California Posts: 851	the picture in the article looks nothing like a homemade bong-- at least, not any that i've ever seen. regardless, it doesn't surprise me that authorities were called. redding's population consists largely of older conservative folk that have likely never seen a real bong, let alone a homemade bong. so long as the authorities don't go running around trying to arrest some teenaged stoner for a terror "hoax", i'd think the reaction was entirely reasonable-- certainly moreso than the boston reaction...
	__________________ “Science is an integral part of culture. It's not this foreign thing, done by an arcane priesthood. It's one of the glories of the human intellectual tradition.” - Stephen Jay Gould

5th February 2007, 11:30 PM	#12
Tony Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 13,765	Originally Posted by OMGturt1es the picture in the article looks nothing like a homemade bong-- at least, not any that i've ever seen. regardless, it doesn't surprise me that authorities were called. redding's population consists largely of older conservative folk that have likely never seen a real bong, let alone a homemade bong. so long as the authorities don't go running around trying to arrest some teenaged stoner for a terror "hoax", i'd think the reaction was entirely reasonable-- certainly moreso than the boston reaction... You might have a point there.
	__________________ It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. - Aristotle Go to Heaven for the climate, Hell for the company. - Mark Twain

5th February 2007, 11:45 PM	#13
steverino Illuminator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Seattle, Washington Posts: 3,688	Originally Posted by OMGturt1es redding's population consists largely of older conservative folk that have likely never seen a real bong. No? I figure every old fart in Redding has popped into Mr. Bubble's shop, at least for rolling papers.
	__________________ "Ferchrissakes I am not Jewish..."- Darth Rotor "Well, my nipples are pink. I've never looked at my own butt-hole, but I hope it's pink too." Mycroft "In the military, a gay man might see a wiener, and we all know that when a gay man sees a wiener, he goes into an uncontrollable frenzy of lust."- Marquis de Carabas

6th February 2007, 06:51 AM	#14
daredelvis Graduate Poster Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Houston Posts: 1,867	Originally Posted by Carnivore Cheers, you're right, I should have posted in the other thread. Having read it, I'm pretty sure you and I disagree on the issue of the Boston PD response, so I wont rehash the discussion any further. I am still curious about whether you considered the possibility of a bioterror device rather than a bomb when deciding the Boston devices were obviously no threat? If I was going to make a bio-terror device, I would put it in a 784 ounce Mega Big Gulp cup. No one would take any notice of that. Reactions like the ones in Boston and this case (and the patriot act) are more small victories for the terrorists. Daredelvis

6th February 2007, 07:01 AM	#15
Bikewer Philosopher Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: St. Louis, Mo. Posts: 9,528	I wonder what they would have made of the "smoking device" we confiscated a couple of years ago. Constructed by engineering students (natcherly...), it consisted of about 12 feet of PVC pipe all connected together in a rather artistic manner, with filters, fans, and a large water chamber.

6th February 2007, 07:03 AM	#16
rikzilla Ninja wave: Atomic fire-breath ninja Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 5,001	Originally Posted by hgc Bong water levels are rising! It will kill the crops! Seriously, that liquid explosive situation has pushed the paranoia quotient beyond all sense. White powders, clear liquids, electronic gizmos: we're surrounded by more imaginary danger than Jerry Falwell in San Francisco. nominated. BTW: Why do you hate America? -z
	__________________ "You have not experienced Shakespeare until you have read him in the original Klingon." -Chancellor Gorkon "inside Mr .Skinny lives a big man" -pillory (18 Jan 2007)

6th February 2007, 09:57 AM	#17
steverino Illuminator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Seattle, Washington Posts: 3,688	Originally Posted by daredelvis If I was going to make a bio-terror device, I would put it in a 784 ounce Mega Big Gulp cup. No one would take any notice of that. Reactions like the ones in Boston and this case (and the patriot act) are more small victories for the terrorists. Daredelvis This post is a mixed message. Are you saying no one SHOULD take notice of silly items like bongs and cartoon boards, or that we need to now because terrorists will now consider hiding bombs in them?
	__________________ "Ferchrissakes I am not Jewish..."- Darth Rotor "Well, my nipples are pink. I've never looked at my own butt-hole, but I hope it's pink too." Mycroft "In the military, a gay man might see a wiener, and we all know that when a gay man sees a wiener, he goes into an uncontrollable frenzy of lust."- Marquis de Carabas Last edited by steverino; 6th February 2007 at 09:59 AM.

6th February 2007, 12:03 PM	#18
Lemastre Critical Thinker Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 381	I think the police need a good deal of practice in responding to bomb threats. Training exercises are good for perfecting basic mechanics, but it's hard to evaluate how things will go in reality without some panic in the mix. Nobody gets panicky if they know it's a training exercise. Bongs or advertising gadgets planted by who knows who can provide a more realistic experience that may stand everyone in good stead if a real bomb shows up one day. For all I know, the cops may have surreptitiously set up both the events just reported for that very reason.
Lemastre Critical Thinker Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 381	__________________ ”The trouble with our Texas Baptists is that we do not hold them under water long enough.” –– William Brann

6th February 2007, 12:31 PM	#19
Beerina Sarcastic Conqueror of Notions Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: A floating island above the clouds Posts: 23,835	Originally Posted by Tony Last week, we had idiotic authorities in Boston go ape-** over a cartoon character, not we have idiots in Redding freaking out over a home made bong. When will this insanity end? "Oh my god, dude! Loook on TV, they found your bong! That bomb squad guy is looking at it right there!" "OH NO! My fingerprints are all over it! Shitshitshitshitshit! Oh my god dude, what am I gonna do?!? I am so screwed now, I'm goin' to jail. God damn i..." (Buh-LAM!!!**) "Sweet!"
	__________________ "Great innovations should not be forced [by way of] slender majorities." - Thomas Jefferson The government should nationalize it! Socialized, single-payer video game development and sales *now!* More, cheaper, better games, right? Right?

6th February 2007, 12:40 PM	#20
hgc Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 13,014	Originally Posted by Lemastre For all I know, the cops may have surreptitiously set up both the events just reported for that very reason. How nice of Turner Broadcasting and their ad agency to pay $2 million for this exercise.
	__________________ Bowel-shaking earthquakes of doubt and remorse assail him and wail him with monster truck force. - Cake, The Distance Was there a second singer on the grassy Knowles? - Stephen Colbert

6th February 2007, 03:54 PM	#21
Azrael 5 Philosopher Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Yorkshire,Uk Posts: 5,032	"A bong! That's a wild animal! Or did I dream it?!" *apologies to Monty Python.
	__________________ "I achieve these results through a mixture of magic,misdirection,suggestion and showmanship"-Derren Brown

12th February 2007, 05:51 PM	#22
Darth Rotor Salted Sith Cynic Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Rat cheer Posts: 34,264	Originally Posted by Tony http://recordsearchlight.com/news/20...be-bong-scare/ Last week, we had idiotic authorities in Boston go ape-**** over a cartoon character, not we have idiots in Redding freaking out over a home made bong. When will this insanity end? One can argue that "the people" are being conditioned to believe in the "one moment away from things nearby blowing up" in the popular entertainment they choose. The New Yorker has a wonderful piece on this about the show 24. http://www.newyorker.com/printables/...9fa_fact_mayer The two most important points in the article are 1. The "we diffuse the bomb right before it blows up" scenario is purest fantasy. 2. An Army general met with the producers, telling them that the show was a bad bit of propaganda, as it portrays an American image that reinforces the idea of Abu Ghraib and maltreatment as "normal habits." It is a symbol and a message that is damaging. There is an even more disturbing commentary on the article in terms of its influence on junior officers, and fantasy reinforcement. The war of symbols is real, and IMO far too many people ignore it. This latest SNAFU in Boston is more grist for the mill. Even the professionals seem to have fallen into "life imitating art." DR
	__________________ Helicopters don't so much fly as beat the air into submission. "Jesus wept, but did He laugh?"--F.H. Buckley____"There is one thing that was too great for God to show us when He walked upon our earth ... His mirth." --Chesterton__"If the barbarian in us is excised, so is our humanity."--D'rok__ "I only use my gun whenever kindness fails."-- Robert Earl Keen__"Sturgeon spares none.". -- The Marquis