Spam

You have to buy me coffee first, I'm not that easy.

Liiieessss!! You're as easy as Jimmyore is mopey

You know what would make a killer reality show?? Jimmers & Johanski forced to be roommates. Comedy GOLD.

Agreed on both points.

Has anyone noticed that Brian now has solo merch.....?
http://www.urbanrobot.com/products/540114-brian-fallon-over-the-rainbow

I think I'm gonna write a concept album about our Spam thread.

loazis wrote:

I think I'm gonna write a concept album about our Spam thread.

Please tell us everything you have conjured up so far in terms of concept and any ideas you might have.

So far it's mostly Ferris wheels, rainy, star-filled Jersey skies, shitty exes, awkward dates, model trains and drunk ramblings connected to each other by the ever-recurring motif of a young American boy (tentatively named TimmyC) whose short and strangely matter-of-fact intense outbursts of emotions keep falling on deaf ears. Also prominently featured in some sort of bizarre, but, ultimately, arousing duet are a Scandinavian and Kate Winslet. The theme of the Scandinavian is played by a tuba, Kate Winslet's presence is announced by the sound of a recorder, and TimmyC's theme revolves around the dissonant but somehow fascinating combination of the sound of a sack of potatoes falling down the stairs and an out-of-tune musical saw.

In terms of narrative, I'm not quite sure how it will all unfold. I do know that it ends with TimmyC getting laid in the back of an old white Lincoln. It has to.

I love you

loazis wrote:

So far it's mostly Ferris wheels, rainy, star-filled Jersey skies, shitty exes, awkward dates, model trains and drunk ramblings connected to each other by the ever-recurring motif of a young American boy (tentatively named TimmyC) whose short and strangely matter-of-fact intense outbursts of emotions keep falling on deaf ears. Also prominently featured in some sort of bizarre, but, ultimately, arousing duet are a Scandinavian and Kate Winslet. The theme of the Scandinavian is played by a tuba, Kate Winslet's presence is announced by the sound of a recorder, and TimmyC's theme revolves around the dissonant but somehow fascinating combination of the sound of a sack of potatoes falling down the stairs and an out-of-tune musical saw.

In terms of narrative, I'm not quite sure how it will all unfold. I do know that it ends with TimmyC getting laid in the back of an old white Lincoln. It has to.

Sounds like a Titus Andronicus album.

Harbortown wrote:

I love you

It's like completely mutual man

Can I just go on record and state how fucking angry I am at all the Europeans whose first instinct, when seeing all the Syrians fleeing IS and their terror, is to say "We need to close our borders, we can't let them get here and take our welfare!"?

Narrow minded, bigoted sons of bitches. People are dying in boats and on shores and these privileged idiots don't even care. Ugh.

Harbortown wrote:

Can I just go on record and state how fucking angry I am at all the Europeans whose first instinct, when seeing all the Syrians fleeing IS and their terror, is to say "We need to close our borders, we can't let them get here and take our welfare!"?

Narrow minded, bigoted sons of bitches. People are dying in boats and on shores and these privileged idiots don't even care. Ugh.

While I'm not European, the majority of these "refugees" appear to be economic migrants.   They could have stayed in Jordan, Turkey, Hungary, Lebanon, etc. but apparently beggers can be choosers and those countries weren't good enough for them.  And while the media is portraying women and children the reality is a majority are young men.  And unrestrained immigration when dealing with the Middle East is not a good policy especially when ISIS leaders claimed at least some of their people are part of this mass immigration.

Now if I were a European who contributes to these social programs then I probably have issues with young men who appear to be economic migrants than actual refugees taking advantage of our system.  Culturally they'll probably have issues with our way of life, and economically they're unlikely to contribute to the system.  It's a tricky situation and to take the super progressive position that borders don't matter is naive.

What's the plan when you have ghettos filled with Syrians who aren't working?

Harbortown wrote:

Can I just go on record and state how fucking angry I am at all the Europeans whose first instinct, when seeing all the Syrians fleeing IS and their terror, is to say "We need to close our borders, we can't let them get here and take our welfare!"?

Narrow minded, bigoted sons of bitches. People are dying in boats and on shores and these privileged idiots don't even care. Ugh.

Yep
One of the many things that makes me mad about these refugee issues is how much racist propaganda bullshit some people like to make and share. If somebody is against the refugees and whatever, at least they could discuss with real facts about it! I see a lot of people, who I do not consider racist or anything, in real life, sharing just insane stuff on social media. Then some other people will believe it, get mad and share that same crap again. Adult people who cant do just a little bit research with the internet we have these days.......
http://www.vice.com/en_uk/read/kleinfeld-refugee-memes-debunking-846

runham is totally right... I am only aware of border controls in Germany and that does not mean that they close them... I think (maybe I'm wrong) that they want to check people before they cross the border...so that only "refugees" can pass and not other migrants...otherwise it is way to much to take care of...more and more are coming and if they do not make any border controls...they will lose the overview... I think it is pretty obvious that Europe is overwhelmed by this situation...

rumham wrote:

While I'm not European, the majority of these "refugees" appear to be economic migrants.   They could have stayed in Jordan, Turkey, Hungary, Lebanon, etc. but apparently beggers can be choosers and those countries weren't good enough for them.

Many of them are highly educated who left good homes and good lives. They're fleeing not because they want to, but because they have to. They're escaping terror, not death. Jordan and the other countries aren't nearly as stable and there have been plenty of reports of Syrians ending up as slave laborers in, for example, Turkey. Sweden and Germany offer permanent residency to many refugees, why wouldn't they strive for that?

Quote :

Now if I were a European who contributes to these social programs then I probably have issues with young men who appear to be economic migrants than actual refugees taking advantage of our system.

But you're not. I'm a European who contributes to these social programs and I don't have an issue with refugees seeking help here. You're talking out of your ass when you're talking about people "taking advantage" of our system. 

Quote :

Culturally they'll probably have issues with our way of life, and economically they're unlikely to contribute to the system.  It's a tricky situation and to take the super progressive position that borders don't matter is naive.

Again, you're full of shit. All studies show that immigration is a long term investment and western Europe (as well as the US) would not do nearly as well without it. We need the added population, considering the native birthrates are so low.

As far as culture is concerned, I've worked at refugee centers. The notion that they don't want to integrate and become part of our society and culture is absolutely ridiculous and completely unfounded. What do you think they're gonna do? Steal your christmas tree?

Quote :

What's the plan when you have ghettos filled with Syrians who aren't working?

Again, many refugees are highly educated. We'd only have to teach them the language and put them to work.

Anya_TGA wrote:

runham is totally right... I am only aware of border controls in Germany and that does not mean that they close them... I think (maybe I'm wrong) that they want to check people before they cross the border...so that only "refugees" can pass and not other migrants...otherwise it is way to much to take care of...more and more are coming and if they do not make any border controls...they will lose the overview... I think it is pretty obvious that Europe is overwhelmed by this situation...

Another one lost to right wing propaganda and scare tactics. Bloody shame.

What is there to suggest that Europe is overwhelmed besides your own fear? WWII Europe saw a massive wave of refugees migrating too, and we handled that just fine.

Harbortown wrote:

Anya_TGA wrote:

runham is totally right... I am only aware of border controls in Germany and that does not mean that they close them... I think (maybe I'm wrong) that they want to check people before they cross the border...so that only "refugees" can pass and not other migrants...otherwise it is way to much to take care of...more and more are coming and if they do not make any border controls...they will lose the overview... I think it is pretty obvious that Europe is overwhelmed by this situation...

Another one lost to right wing propaganda and scare tactics. Bloody shame.

What is there to suggest that Europe is overwhelmed besides your own fear? WWII Europe saw a massive wave of refugees migrating too, and we handled that just fine.

Your attitude to unchecked immigration is exactly what happens when you have a couple decades of peace in Europe.  You think human nature changes and people with different religious beliefs, skin color, morals and values, etc. will suddenly get along.  It's naive, it's unrealistic, and expecting everyone who arrives to learn the language and to more or less accept the way of life in Europe (equality between men and women, science,  drugs, sex, homosexuality, etc) even though it is viewed completely different than it is in the middle east is just irresponsible.  It's an invitation to conflict.  I applaud you and your well intentions, but I think a healthy dose of realism is what you need as well.  Part of the reality is realizing that there are Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, etc who are more than capable to take on these refugees (not the economic migrants) and culturally are a better fit for these middle easterners.  Whether you want to admit it or not, western society advanced beyond stone age thinking over centuries of spilled blood and it's the sort of gradualism that makes evolution possible in human society.  When you take on huge number of people who are indoctrinated into outdated religious beliefs there will be significant resistance.

rumham wrote:

Harbortown wrote:

Anya_TGA wrote:

runham is totally right... I am only aware of border controls in Germany and that does not mean that they close them... I think (maybe I'm wrong) that they want to check people before they cross the border...so that only "refugees" can pass and not other migrants...otherwise it is way to much to take care of...more and more are coming and if they do not make any border controls...they will lose the overview... I think it is pretty obvious that Europe is overwhelmed by this situation...

Another one lost to right wing propaganda and scare tactics. Bloody shame.

What is there to suggest that Europe is overwhelmed besides your own fear? WWII Europe saw a massive wave of refugees migrating too, and we handled that just fine.

Your attitude to unchecked immigration is exactly what happens when you have a couple decades of peace.  You think human nature changes and people with different religious beliefs, skin color, morals and values, etc. will suddenly get along.  It's naive, it's unrealistic, and expecting everyone who arrives to learn the language and to more or less accept the way of life in Europe (equality between men and women, science,  drugs, sex, homosexuality, etc) even though it is viewed completely different than it is in the middle east is just irresponsible.  It's an invitation to conflict.  I applaud you and your well intentions, but I think a healthy dose of realism is what you need as well.  Part of the reality is realizing that there are Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, etc who are more than capable to take on these refugees (not the economic migrants) and culturally are a better fit for these middle easterners.  Whether you want to admit it or not, western society advanced beyond stone age thinking over centuries of spilled blood and it's the sort of gradualism that makes evolution possible in human society.  When you take on huge number of people who are indoctrinated into outdated religious beliefs there will be significant resistance.

Its funny you mentioned those Arabic Nations. You know why? Because they are not taking any refugees: http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/09/04/rich-arab-nations-syria-refugees_n_8089414.html
So just go to the lands that wont take you, right?And places like Hungary where they put families with little children to live in shitty camps, train station floors and once in a while police beats some of them. Yeah, another good idea...

rumham wrote:

Your attitude to unchecked immigration is exactly what happens when you have a couple decades of peace.  You think human nature changes and people with different religious beliefs, skin color, morals and values, etc. will suddenly get along.  It's naive, it's unrealistic, and expecting everyone who arrives to learn the language and to more or less accept the way of life in Europe (equality between men and women, science,  drugs, sex, homosexuality, etc) even though it is viewed completely different than it is in the middle east is just irresponsible.  It's an invitation to conflict.  I applaud you and your well intentions, but I think a healthy dose of realism is what you need as well.  Part of the reality is realizing that there are Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, etc who are more than capable to take on these refugees (not the economic migrants) and culturally are a better fit for these middle easterners.  Whether you want to admit it or not, western society advanced beyond stone age thinking over centuries of spilled blood and it's the sort of gradualism that makes evolution possible in human society.  When you take on huge number of people who are indoctrinated into outdated religious beliefs there will be significant resistance.

Again: What is there to suggest that Europe is being overwhelmed?

As far as your other fears are concerned, that's what integration is for. We need to spend more money on that bit so as to prevent immigrants from just being bundled up with other immigrants in the poorer suburbs. It's when they have no choice but to live amongst each other, away from society, that they experience difficulties in being absorbed into their new culture.

Sami wrote:

rumham wrote:

Harbortown wrote:

Anya_TGA wrote:

runham is totally right... I am only aware of border controls in Germany and that does not mean that they close them... I think (maybe I'm wrong) that they want to check people before they cross the border...so that only "refugees" can pass and not other migrants...otherwise it is way to much to take care of...more and more are coming and if they do not make any border controls...they will lose the overview... I think it is pretty obvious that Europe is overwhelmed by this situation...

Another one lost to right wing propaganda and scare tactics. Bloody shame.

What is there to suggest that Europe is overwhelmed besides your own fear? WWII Europe saw a massive wave of refugees migrating too, and we handled that just fine.

Your attitude to unchecked immigration is exactly what happens when you have a couple decades of peace.  You think human nature changes and people with different religious beliefs, skin color, morals and values, etc. will suddenly get along.  It's naive, it's unrealistic, and expecting everyone who arrives to learn the language and to more or less accept the way of life in Europe (equality between men and women, science,  drugs, sex, homosexuality, etc) even though it is viewed completely different than it is in the middle east is just irresponsible.  It's an invitation to conflict.  I applaud you and your well intentions, but I think a healthy dose of realism is what you need as well.  Part of the reality is realizing that there are Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, etc who are more than capable to take on these refugees (not the economic migrants) and culturally are a better fit for these middle easterners.  Whether you want to admit it or not, western society advanced beyond stone age thinking over centuries of spilled blood and it's the sort of gradualism that makes evolution possible in human society.  When you take on huge number of people who are indoctrinated into outdated religious beliefs there will be significant resistance.

Its funny you mentioned those Arabic Nations. You know why? Because they are not taking any refugees: http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/09/04/rich-arab-nations-syria-refugees_n_8089414.html
So just go to the lands that wont take you, right?And places like Hungary where they put families with little children to live in shitty camps, train station floors and once in a while police beats some of them. Yeah, another good idea...

That's right, I mentioned those oil rich middle eastern countries for the very reason that they are doing nothing to help with the refugee situation. You would think that countries directly in the middle east that have plenty of resources to help these refugees would open their boarders for their fellow muslim brothers and sisters.

Harbortown wrote:

rumham wrote:

Your attitude to unchecked immigration is exactly what happens when you have a couple decades of peace.  You think human nature changes and people with different religious beliefs, skin color, morals and values, etc. will suddenly get along.  It's naive, it's unrealistic, and expecting everyone who arrives to learn the language and to more or less accept the way of life in Europe (equality between men and women, science,  drugs, sex, homosexuality, etc) even though it is viewed completely different than it is in the middle east is just irresponsible.  It's an invitation to conflict.  I applaud you and your well intentions, but I think a healthy dose of realism is what you need as well.  Part of the reality is realizing that there are Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, etc who are more than capable to take on these refugees (not the economic migrants) and culturally are a better fit for these middle easterners.  Whether you want to admit it or not, western society advanced beyond stone age thinking over centuries of spilled blood and it's the sort of gradualism that makes evolution possible in human society.  When you take on huge number of people who are indoctrinated into outdated religious beliefs there will be significant resistance.

Again: What is there to suggest that Europe is being overwhelmed?

As far as your other fears are concerned, that's what integration is for. We need to spend more money on that bit so as to prevent immigrants from just being bundled up with other immigrants in the poorer suburbs. It's when they have no choice but to live amongst each other, away from society, that they experience difficulties in being absorbed into their new culture.

"What is there to suggest that Europe is being overwhelmed?"

The very fact that Germany for example who spear headed the "we'll take all your refugees" movement is now closing their boarders for starters and turning away the people they said they would take in.  Additionally, EU countries are hosting emergency sessions with each other to figure out how to handle all these people.  

Again you make it so simple.  Germany is supposedly going to take on 800,000 refugees (in reality the number will be closer to a million once they send for their families).  Estimates put housing, feeding, and medical expenses at 10,000 euros/person so we'll put an annual hosting fee around 10 billion Euros.  Then you need to somehow find a way to teach a million refugees German so the kids can go to school and parents can work.  After that you need to find them work so they can integrate into society.  Currently Germany has about 2,000,000 unemployed people.  Who gets first priority for any job growth in Germany... if there is any?  Then you have reports from Lebanese leaders that 2% of these people are ISIS members, how do you weed out these 10,000+ radicals?

So you see how this can get very complicated and expensive fast when you're talking about mass immigration?  It's a major strain on both resources and infrastructure and it puts their own population at risk (whether you want to admit it or not). Honestly, I don't blame a country like Denmark for not getting on board with Germany's policy.

Should Europe, The United States, Canada, Japan, Russia, etc help? Absolutely. They need to provide financial resources to these middle eastern countries who have taken refugees in. They need to take in a responsible amount of refugees. And they need to put pressure on the oil rich nations in the middle east nations who are currently doing nothing to help alleviate the refugee problem.

rumham wrote:

Sami wrote:

rumham wrote:

Harbortown wrote:

Anya_TGA wrote:

runham is totally right... I am only aware of border controls in Germany and that does not mean that they close them... I think (maybe I'm wrong) that they want to check people before they cross the border...so that only "refugees" can pass and not other migrants...otherwise it is way to much to take care of...more and more are coming and if they do not make any border controls...they will lose the overview... I think it is pretty obvious that Europe is overwhelmed by this situation...

Another one lost to right wing propaganda and scare tactics. Bloody shame.

What is there to suggest that Europe is overwhelmed besides your own fear? WWII Europe saw a massive wave of refugees migrating too, and we handled that just fine.

Your attitude to unchecked immigration is exactly what happens when you have a couple decades of peace.  You think human nature changes and people with different religious beliefs, skin color, morals and values, etc. will suddenly get along.  It's naive, it's unrealistic, and expecting everyone who arrives to learn the language and to more or less accept the way of life in Europe (equality between men and women, science,  drugs, sex, homosexuality, etc) even though it is viewed completely different than it is in the middle east is just irresponsible.  It's an invitation to conflict.  I applaud you and your well intentions, but I think a healthy dose of realism is what you need as well.  Part of the reality is realizing that there are Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, etc who are more than capable to take on these refugees (not the economic migrants) and culturally are a better fit for these middle easterners.  Whether you want to admit it or not, western society advanced beyond stone age thinking over centuries of spilled blood and it's the sort of gradualism that makes evolution possible in human society.  When you take on huge number of people who are indoctrinated into outdated religious beliefs there will be significant resistance.

Its funny you mentioned those Arabic Nations. You know why? Because they are not taking any refugees: http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/09/04/rich-arab-nations-syria-refugees_n_8089414.html
So just go to the lands that wont take you, right?And places like Hungary where they put families with little children to live in shitty camps, train station floors and once in a while police beats some of them. Yeah, another good idea...

That's right, I mentioned those oil rich middle eastern countries for the very reason that they are doing nothing to help with the refugee situation.  You would think that countries directly in the middle east that have plenty of resources to help these refugees would open their boarders for their fellow muslim brothers and sisters.  

Allright. I misunderstood your point. Sorry

wow great, our state saves money for around 60 millions on grants for students, that's great and what will they do with the money...oh wait...yeah build a useless tram....

I wish the USA was more willing to realize how beneficial Amtrak could be.