ember3579

It exits your system almost entirely in about 1-2 months, if I remember correctly. Wait 3, and get a haircut. That should be about enough to do good. :thumbsup:

[/hide] So a Tesseract is basically space inside of space? If we can figure out a way to use that to effect, then we won't have to worry about limited space, especially if one spot can hold more than one "space". What I've always understood a Tesseract to be (functionally, a wormhole that you can direct where to open) seems to be wrong. Meh, I don't mind. This way can be better, really. We need to develop tech towards this, imo. However, I'm sure all of us saw The Mist. Don't want that sort of situation. :? :ohnoes:

I have a sort of phobia in reverse about heights. I could practically live in the air. Depending on how they develop air city tech, I might just do that, really. Understandably, I've always wanted to pilot an aircraft myself. I'm probably in a minority with that. Heh. \ :ugeek:

You said this EXACT same thing for furries. What's with that, anyway? I'm not too up on my Warhammer 40k knowledge. Also, whose to say that the aliens that DO pay us a "visit" aren't beneficial in some way? The mere exposure to that level of tech should get our own science decades ahead of itself. Depending on how friendly they are and the meaning of their visit, I'd imagine that we'd be working together, really. But, in the event that they're hostile, the means of defense would be entirely dependent on what they can do. If they are more air-based fighters, then going underground would be a good idea. If they have shields, focus on ways to disable or bypass them. But, unlike with zombies, the likely result of a conflict between humans and alien species outside of things like xenomorphs on a large scale would almost certainly result in humans getting their [wagon] summarily kicked. If they're an invasion force, they likely prepared for it, and figured out a way to protect against this planet's natural defenses as well as the brunt of our weaponry. Keep in mind they would have a tech level capable of warp speeds. Negating the common cold and whatever little demon-spawn that the world's governments have concocted would be child's play at that stage.

what are you a ninja? Swords are not common defence weaponry... Which is probably why he could carry it with impunity. It was retractable, so it could probably fool the bacon into thinking it was harmless. I'd have to say that this dude is extremely lucky anyway. Next time, get 2 of those. 1 to block, 1 to attack, or however you want to fight.

This is very likely. No matter what, though, I think that the outcome of the Presidential Election is going to affect this somehow. How, I'm not entirely sure, but I have my guesses. The biggest one is which one would be more willing to start WW3. Remember what Einstein said about the weaponry of this civilization in a world war? "I don't know what the next world war will be fought with, but assuredly the one after will be fought with sticks and stones." This is what I'm partly worried about.

Actually, from the same texts I was talking about in the other post, they said it would begin somewhere in mid 2009 and finish at the end of 2012, beginning a new era. Ehh... Somehow, with how the current American Presidential Election is going, this seems to be more and more likely. Just look at how screwed up the world became in the past 7~8 years. If we get shafted in the election this November, this whole Mayan thing might actually be not too far off from the truth. I'm a tad freaked out right now... :ohnoes:

I hate that too, and I'm Christian :-k it was people like that who turned me from Christianity for a while, but I made some friends and I was like "Woah! If these guys are genuine then I want to be a Christian like them!" they never force anything upon you and are just like regular people, even some really Atheist people I know like those people Most Christians are actually exactly like that, Mage. Same as the rest of the planet. It's just the vocal minority plus the media wanting any and every story they can find that gives it a bad wrap. Of course, with examples like Governor Bush being present for all the world to see, it's little wonder why people aren't exactly reassured by someone having that title.

There's also the I Am Legend and 28 Days/Weeks Later varieties. They both use viruses, and are actually not too far off from possibility. Oh, and as a little side-note, what are you going to do about food? Or even for a plan B? I can't imagine that most people would know how to operate an oil platform and maintain it, let alone survive that long in the middle of the ocean. Being in a bunker x meters under the ground isn't too much better, either. For someone who knows about solanum, you don't seem to be too keen on the long-term survival strategies.

Personally, and this is experience with this sort of thing talking, tell your parents or the authorities. Sure, turning him into one big scab with a BB gun would help, but then he could just say that you done it unprovoked and then YOU'D be the one in the [cabbage]. Preferably, do it with the physical marks still present. That way, he can't mitigate it in any way. This sort of thing shouldn't be tolerated, family or no.

I still have yet to undergo any surgery (aside from something that happened when I was 1~2, but that doesn't count), and I haven't been put under by a doctor intentionally either. If my drug resistance is similar to my disease resistance, I'm probably gonna need a LOT more anesthesia than other people. Thankfully, unless if somebody does something overly stupid and I'm hit with something that screws me up somehow, I'm in the clear for surgeries. \ Also, I have no problems whatsoever with the sight of blood. In all honesty, I actually get a little thirsty, and start wanting a steak whenever I see some. And yes, I'm weird. :

Actually I believe they bend it, rather than breaking it. That being said, scientists have been able to "reverse" light (not just by using a mirror, hurr), but to make the light stop and go back to its source. I like to see how different people react to the invention of invisibility though. The army? Oh [garden tool], now we can kill people easier. Scientists? What a breakthrough! Normal people? Awesome, now we can sneak into womens changing rooms! Science never fails to amaze, and thats a problem. Science: given enough time and resources, anything can be done with it, as long as you keep your options wide open. Otherwise known as the portal from which 4chan's darkest imaginings enter reality if left unchecked.

I've heard of another mmo out there, somewhat different from other ones out. It's called Armada Online. From what I hear about it, it's like an advanced version of the flash game Starfighter - Disputed Galaxy. I have not been able to play it myself yet (way too big for me to dl on dialup), but it's good from what the people I know say. If you can, give it a shot. Tell me what you think!

This looks fairly good in areas with decent internet connections. One question, though. What do we get for our contribution? We have to spend money on electricity and the extra bit on the internet connection for whenever we sign up for this. We should be getting something in return, right?

You sound somewhat like me. I haven't been in any real fights for over a decade aside from sparring, though. I can tell you one thing, however. While it is a real feat to aggravate me to the point of throwing punches, I do have certain buttons that would immediately cause me to do things to the person in question that can easily result in severe, permament damage, potentially even death. Thankfully, nobody has pressed those buttons. I am worried that this upcoming year might pose problems in that department, though. From what I hear, the incoming freshmen dudes are a bunch of little horrors, to the point that they have their female counterparts one and all in constant fear of them. The school board even modified the way classes are set up in my high school so as to avert potential problems that the difference between my school and theirs' schedules would cause. This is going to be a very rough year if what I hear about this group is true.

It is my opinion as both a Christian and a member of the human race that people who would pull this [cabbage] should be publically stripped, tied, and flogged for as long as it takes to drive home the message that doing this is unacceptable. There is absolutely NO way that a true Christian would pull this. By the looks of it, you might want to just call up the board of education or some members of the federal authority in order to change this. NOBODY should have to put up with that crap for what appears to me as no more reason than "sh**s and giggles". If there's any other reason, then please share it. Depending on the reason, you might be able to bring the appropriate people up on federal charges. That way, you won't have to screw with the local courts. People who do this are why Christianity gets a bad wrap, and THEY AREN'T EVEN CHRISTIAN. :wall: :wall: :wall: Ember, your post is morbidly ironic and hypocritical. You're bashing Serephurus' school system for extracting personal information out of him, and calling it "unacceptable," when you're advocating violence as a comeback? I understand Serephurus' school caused him unnecessary trauma, but, ember, you being a Christian, why can't you accept that what happened has happened, and that was the past, now why not turn to forgiveness and faith? Being very ignorant in this post, you're the one giving Christianity a bad name, advocating violence, and not even thinking that with God, everything happens for a reason, so obviously God has a plan behind this. Please don't be ignorant. I hope, like your signature says, you'll back your opinion up, and not just fail to respond to my post. Here's the way I see it. The group of people who done this extract some form of joy from doing what they done to Sere, and will not stop unless if convinced to. As much as I hate to say it, in some cases, reasoning does NOT work with some people. These people are of that category. As such, the only way to ensure that it doesn't happen again is to show that their actions carry a cost that they do not want to pay. Based on the seriousness of these grievances, that cost has to be similarly high. Maybe, if my way is attempted, then this [cabbage] will cease. I know that this isn't a method Jesus would use, but I'm not Jesus, nor do I have his inter-personal capabilities. Hopefully this settles your complaints. Thank you for not bashing Christianity as a whole because of my, er, "forcefulness". I have seen and experienced somewhat similar problems as Sere (for different reasons, of course), and as such take more offense to things like that. Oh, and just for the record, I believe God has absolutely nothing to do with these people's actions. What humanity does is our OWN doing. As much as I hate to say it, things like this are within humanity's capabilities un-aided. -.-

... Alright, just one question. Why are they doing this specifically? This level of stupidity begs some sort of reason besides joking around, even among the most sadistic groups on or off this planet.

It is my opinion as both a Christian and a member of the human race that people who would pull this [cabbage] should be publically stripped, tied, and flogged for as long as it takes to drive home the message that doing this is unacceptable. There is absolutely NO way that a true Christian would pull this. By the looks of it, you might want to just call up the board of education or some members of the federal authority in order to change this. NOBODY should have to put up with that crap for what appears to me as no more reason than "sh**s and giggles". If there's any other reason, then please share it. Depending on the reason, you might be able to bring the appropriate people up on federal charges. That way, you won't have to screw with the local courts. People who do this are why Christianity gets a bad wrap, and THEY AREN'T EVEN CHRISTIAN. :wall: :wall: :wall:

Apparently I'm Extraverted 11, Intuitive 38, Feeling 25, and Judging 56, ENFJ. The descriptions provided for each are in the tags below. [hide=D. Kiersy description]Even more than the other Idealists, Teachers have a natural talent for leading students or trainees toward learning, or as Idealists like to think of it, they are capable of calling forth each learner's potentials. Teachers (around two percent of the population) are able - effortlessly, it seems, and almost endlessly-to dream up fascinating learning activities for their students to engage in. In some Teachers, this ability to fire the imagination can amount to a kind of genius which other types find hard to emulate. But perhaps their greatest strength lies in their belief in their students. Teachers look for the best in their students, and communicate clearly that each one has untold potential, and this confidence can inspire their students to grow and develop more than they ever thought possible. In whatever field they choose, Teachers consider people their highest priority, and they instinctively communicate personal concern and a willingness to become involved. Warmly outgoing, and perhaps the most expressive of all the types, Teachers are remarkably good with language, especially when communicating in speech, face to face. And they do not hesitate to speak out and let their feelings be known. Bubbling with enthusiasm, Teachers will voice their passions with dramatic flourish, and can, with practice, become charismatic public speakers. This verbal ability gives Teachers a good deal of influence in groups, and they are often asked to take a leadership role. Teachers like things settled and organized, and will schedule their work hours and social engagements well ahead of time-and they are absolutely trustworthy in honoring these commitments. Valuing as they do interpersonal cooperation and harmonious relations, Teachers are extraordinarily tolerant of others, are easy to get along with, and are usually popular wherever they are. Teachers are highly sensitive to others, which is to say their intuition tends to be well developed. Certainly their insight into themselves and others is unparalleled. Without a doubt, they know what is going on inside themselves, and they can read other people with uncanny accuracy. Teachers also identify with others quite easily, and will actually find themselves picking up the characteristics, emotions, and beliefs of those around them. Because they slip almost unconsciously into other people's skin in this way, Teachers feel closely connected with those around them, and thus show a sincere interest in the joys and problems of their employees, colleagues, students, clients, and loved ones. Mikhail Gorbachev, Oprah Winfrey, Pope John Paul II, Ralph Nader, John Wooden, and Margaret Mead are examples of Teacher Idealists.[/hide] [hide=J. Butt/M. M. Heiss description]ENFJs are the benevolent 'pedagogues' of humanity. They have tremendous charisma by which many are drawn into their nurturant tutelage and/or grand schemes. Many ENFJs have tremendous power to manipulate others with their phenomenal interpersonal skills and unique salesmanship. But it's usually not meant as manipulation -- ENFJs generally believe in their dreams, and see themselves as helpers and enablers, which they usually are. ENFJs are global learners. They see the big picture. The ENFJs focus is expansive. Some can juggle an amazing number of responsibilities or projects simultaneously. Many ENFJs have tremendous entrepreneurial ability. ENFJs are, by definition, Js, with whom we associate organization and decisiveness. But they don't resemble the SJs or even the NTJs in organization of the environment nor occasional recalcitrance. ENFJs are organized in the arena of interpersonal affairs. Their offices may or may not be cluttered, but their conclusions (reached through feelings) about people and motives are drawn much more quickly and are more resilient than those of their NFP counterparts. ENFJs know and appreciate people. Like most NFs, (and Feelers in general), they are apt to neglect themselves and their own needs for the needs of others. They have thinner psychological boundaries than most, and are at risk for being hurt or even abused by less sensitive people. ENFJs often take on more of the burdens of others than they can bear. TRADEMARK: "The first shall be last" This refers to the open-door policy of ENFJs. One ENFJ colleague always welcomes me into his office regardless of his own circumstances. If another person comes to the door, he allows them to interrupt our conversation with their need. While discussing that need, the phone rings and he stops to answer it. Others drop in with a 'quick question.' I finally get up, go to my office and use the call waiting feature on the telephone. When he hangs up, I have his undivided attention! Functional Analysis: Extraverted Feeling Extraverted Feeling rules the ENFJ's psyche. In the sway of this rational function, these folks are predisposed to closure in matters pertaining to people, and especially on behalf of their beloved. As extraverts, their contacts are wide ranging. Face-to-face relationships are intense, personable and warm, though they may be so infrequently achieved that intimate friendships are rare. Introverted iNtuition Like their INFJ cousins, ENFJs are blessed through introverted intuition with clarity of perception in the inner, unconscious world. Dominant Feeling prefers to find the silver lining in even the most beggarly perceptions of those in their expanding circle of friends and, of course, in themselves. In less balanced individuals, such mitigation of the unseemly eventually undermines the ENFJ's integrity and frequently their good name. In healthier individuals, deft use of this awareness of the inner needs and desires of others enables this astute type to win friends, influence people, and avoid compromising entanglements. The dynamic nature of their intuition moves ENFJs from one project to another with the assurance that the next one will be perfect, or much more nearly so than the last. ENFJs are continually looking for newer and better solutions to benefit their extensive family, staff, or organization. Extraverted Sensing Sensing is extraverted. ENFJs can manage details, particularly those necessary to implement the prevailing vision. These data have, however, a magical flexible quality. Something to be bought can be had for a song; the same something is invaluable when it's time to sell. (We are not certain, but we suspect that such is the influence of the primary function.) This wavering of sensory perception is made possible by the weaker and less mature status with which the tertiary is endowed. Introverted Thinking Introverted Thinking is least apparent and most enigmatic in this type. In fact, it often appears only when summoned by Feeling. At times only in jest, but in earnest if need be, Thinking entertains as logical only those conclusions which support Feeling's values. Other scenarios can be shown invalid or at best significantly inferior. Such "Thinking in the service of Feeling" has the appearance of logic, but somehow it never quite adds up. Introverted Thinking is frequently the focus of the spiritual quest of ENFJs. David's lengthiest psalm, 119, pays it homage. "Law," "precept," "commandment," "statute:" these essences of inner thinking are the mysteries of Deity for which this great Feeler's soul searched. Famous ENFJs: David, King of Israel U.S. Presidents: Abraham Lincoln Ronald Reagan William Cullen Bryant, poet Abraham Maslow, psychologist and proponent of self-actualization Ross Perot Sean Connery Elizabeth Dole Francois Mitterand [bleep] Van [bleep] Andy Griffith James Garner William Aramony, former president of United Way Gene Hackman (Superman, Antz) Dennis Hopper (Speed) Brenda Vaccaro Craig T. Nelson (Coach) Diane Sawyer (Good Morning America) Randy Quaid (Bye Bye, Love; Independence Day) Tommy Lee Jones (The Fugitive) Kirstie Alley ("Cheers," Look Who's Talking movies) Michael Jordan, NBA basketball player Johnny Depp (Pirates of the Caribbean) Oprah Winfrey Bob Saget America's Funniest Home Videos, Full House Julia Louis-Dreyfus ("Seinfeld") Ben Stiller (The Royal Tenenbaums) Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Matthew McConaughey (The Wedding Planner) Pete Sampras, Tennis Champion Lauren Graham ("Gilmore Girls") Ben Affleck (The Sum Of All Fears) John Cusack (High Fidelity) Fictional ENFJs: Joe Hackett, Wings[/hide] Because I'm so close to being it on the scores, I'm going to post the latter's INFJ description as well. [hide=J. Butt/M. M. Heiss INFJ description]Beneath the quiet exterior, INFJs hold deep convictions about the weightier matters of life. Those who are activists -- INFJs gravitate toward such a role -- are there for the cause, not for personal glory or political power. INFJs are champions of the oppressed and downtrodden. They often are found in the wake of an emergency, rescuing those who are in acute distress. INFJs may fantasize about getting revenge on those who victimize the defenseless. The concept of 'poetic justice' is appealing to the INFJ. "There's something rotten in Denmark." Accurately suspicious about others' motives, INFJs are not easily led. These are the people that you can rarely fool any of the time. Though affable and sympathetic to most, INFJs are selective about their friends. Such a friendship is a symbiotic bond that transcends mere words. INFJs have a knack for fluency in language and facility in communication. In addition, nonverbal sensitivity enables the INFJ to know and be known by others intimately. Writing, counseling, public service and even politics are areas where INFJs frequently find their niche. Functional Analysis: Introverted iNtuition Introverted intuitives, INFJs enjoy a greater clarity of perception of inner, unconscious processes than all but their INTJ cousins. Just as SP types commune with the object and "live in the here and now" of the physical world, INFJs readily grasp the hidden psychological stimuli behind the more observable dynamics of behavior and affect. Their amazing ability to deduce the inner workings of the mind, will and emotions of others gives INFJs their reputation as prophets and seers. Unlike the confining, routinizing nature of introverted sensing, introverted intuition frees this type to act insightfully and spontaneously as unique solutions arise on an event by event basis. Extraverted Feeling Extraverted feeling, the auxiliary deciding function, expresses a range of emotion and opinions of, for and about people. INFJs, like many other FJ types, find themselves caught between the desire to express their wealth of feelings and moral conclusions about the actions and attitudes of others, and the awareness of the consequences of unbridled candor. Some vent the attending emotions in private, to trusted allies. Such confidants are chosen with care, for INFJs are well aware of the treachery that can reside in the hearts of mortals. This particular combination of introverted intuition and extraverted feeling provides INFJs with the raw material from which perceptive counselors are shaped. Introverted Thinking The INFJ's thinking is introverted, turned toward the subject. Perhaps it is when the INFJ's thinking function is operative that he is most aloof. A comrade might surmise that such detachment signals a disillusionment, that she has also been found lacking by the sardonic eye of this one who plumbs the depths of the human spirit. Experience suggests that such distancing is merely an indication that the seer is hard at work and focusing energy into this less efficient tertiary function. Extraverted Sensing INFJs are twice blessed with clarity of vision, both internal and external. Just as they possess inner vision which is drawn to the forms of the unconscious, they also have external sensing perception which readily takes hold of worldly objects. Sensing, however, is the weakest of the INFJ's arsenal and the most vulnerable. INFJs, like their fellow intuitives, may be so absorbed in intuitive perceiving that they become oblivious to physical reality. The INFJ under stress may fall prey to various forms of immediate gratification. Awareness of extraverted sensing is probably the source of the "SP wannabe" side of INFJs. Many yearn to live spontaneously; it's not uncommon for INFJ actors to take on an SP (often ESTP) role. Famous INFJs: Nathan, prophet of Israel Aristophanes Chaucer Goethe Robert Burns, Scottish poet U.S. Presidents: Martin Van Buren James Earl "Jimmy" Carter Nathaniel Hawthorne Fanny Crosby, (blind) hymnist Mother Teresa of Calcutta Fred McMurray (My Three Sons) Shirley Temple Black, child actor, ambassador Martin Luther King, Jr., civil rights leader, martyr James Reston, newspaper reporter Shirley McClain (Sweet Charity, ...) Piers Anthony, author ("Xanth" series) Michael Landon (Little House on the Prairie) Tom Selleck John Katz, critic, author Paul Stookey (Peter, Paul and Mary) U. S. Senator Carol Moseley-Braun (D-IL) Billy Crystal Garry Trudeau (Doonesbury) Nelson Mandela Mel Gibson Carrie Fisher Nicole Kidman Jerry Seinfeld Jamie Foxx Sela Ward Mark Harmon Gary Dourdan Marg Helgaberger Evangeline Lilly Tori May Introverted iNtuiting Feeling Judging by Marina Margaret Heiss INFJs are distinguished by both their complexity of character and the unusual range and depth of their talents. Strongly humanitarian in outlook, INFJs tend to be idealists, and because of their J preference for closure and completion, they are generally "doers" as well as dreamers. This rare combination of vision and practicality often results in INFJs taking a disproportionate amount of responsibility in the various causes to which so many of them seem to be drawn. INFJs are deeply concerned about their relations with individuals as well as the state of humanity at large. They are, in fact, sometimes mistaken for extroverts because they appear so outgoing and are so genuinely interested in people -- a product of the Feeling function they most readily show to the world. On the contrary, INFJs are true introverts, who can only be emotionally intimate and fulfilled with a chosen few from among their long-term friends, family, or obvious "soul mates." While instinctively courting the personal and organizational demands continually made upon them by others, at intervals INFJs will suddenly withdraw into themselves, sometimes shutting out even their intimates. This apparent paradox is a necessary escape valve for them, providing both time to rebuild their depleted resources and a filter to prevent the emotional overload to which they are so susceptible as inherent "givers." As a pattern of behavior, it is perhaps the most confusing aspect of the enigmatic INFJ character to outsiders, and hence the most often misunderstood -- particularly by those who have little experience with this rare type. Due in part to the unique perspective produced by this alternation between detachment and involvement in the lives of the people around them, INFJs may well have the clearest insights of all the types into the motivations of others, for good and for evil. The most important contributing factor to this uncanny gift, however, are the empathic abilities often found in Fs, which seem to be especially heightened in the INFJ type (possibly by the dominance of the introverted N function). This empathy can serve as a classic example of the two-edged nature of certain INFJ talents, as it can be strong enough to cause discomfort or pain in negative or stressful situations. More explicit inner conflicts are also not uncommon in INFJs; it is possible to speculate that the causes for some of these may lie in the specific combinations of preferences which define this complex type. For instance, there can sometimes be a "tug-of-war" between NF vision and idealism and the J practicality that urges compromise for the sake of achieving the highest priority goals. And the I and J combination, while perhaps enhancing self-awareness, may make it difficult for INFJs to articulate their deepest and most convoluted feelings. Usually self-expression comes more easily to INFJs on paper, as they tend to have strong writing skills. Since in addition they often possess a strong personal charisma, INFJs are generally well-suited to the "inspirational" professions such as teaching (especially in higher education) and religious leadership. Psychology and counseling are other obvious choices, but overall, INFJs can be exceptionally difficult to pigeonhole by their career paths. Perhaps the best example of this occurs in the technical fields. Many INFJs perceive themselves at a disadvantage when dealing with the mystique and formality of "hard logic", and in academic terms this may cause a tendency to gravitate towards the liberal arts rather than the sciences. However, the significant minority of INFJs who do pursue studies and careers in the latter areas tend to be as successful as their T counterparts, as it is *iNtuition* -- the dominant function for the INFJ type -- which governs the ability to understand abstract theory and implement it creatively. In their own way, INFJs are just as much "systems builders" as are INTJs; the difference lies in that most INFJ "systems" are founded on human beings and human values, rather than information and technology. Their systems may for these reasons be conceptually "blurrier" than analogous NT ones, harder to measure in strict numerical terms, and easier to take for granted -- yet it is these same underlying reasons which make the resulting contributions to society so vital and profound.[/hide] Amazingly, both of these are very good descriptors of me. If I am a true hybrid of these two, then apparently I'm a sort of personality mix of people such as Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa, to name the more well-known do-gooders on each list. Toss in a bit of Bob Saget and Johnny Depp, and it's probably an apt description. 8-)

For those of you who don't feel like waiting for the links, I have copied both of the stories. Just click on the hide tag and read. [hide=ABC News edition of the Anti-DUI Scare Tactic]It was a typical first period class on a Monday morning at El Camino High School in the beach town of Oceanside, Calif., when the students got the shock of their lives. A uniformed police officer walked into several classrooms and somberly announced that fellow students had been killed in a drunken driving accident. After reading a brief eulogy, the officer placed a rose on the deceased student's seat and left the room. The reaction was immediate: Some students broke into tears, others gasped in silent despair and a few became nearly hysterical. After two hours of coping with their grief, the stunned juniors and seniors were led into an athletic stadium to witness the gruesome scene as the "dead" students, streaked in blood, were pulled out of the wrecked car by local police and firefighters. That's when they were finally told that it was all part of a ruse designed to educate them about the dangers of drinking and driving. It was an extreme version of "Every 15 Minutes," a program popular in high schools around the country (the title of which refers to how often an alcohol-related traffic fatality occurs in the United States). But some traumatized students and teachers, including a popular English instructor, were still reeling, upset and angry at the deception. "It was outrageous," says one parent who declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the situation. "My daughter came home a wreck -- she didn't get over it for days. She was more freaked out than educated about drunk driving." The school was divided over the program in the first few days. "Some [of those] who were upset felt that they'd been duped some were so caught up in feeling they were tricked that they didn't get the message," says Brittany Bennett, the editor of the school paper, who played one of the dead students. "It was about half and half. I was nervous about going to school the next day -- I heard that people were angry." But Bennett says that most students, including friends of hers who sent her frantic text messages when they heard about the "accident," got the message and said that it would stop them from drinking and driving. "You need something this graphic to wake up to the fact that it's real, that this happens all the time." How Effective Are Such Programs? But despite the popularity of the program, some researchers question the long-term effectiveness of such scare tactics. "There is not much evidence that these programs have much impact on drinking and driving," says Richard A. Yoast, the director of the American Medical Association's Office of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse. "They create awareness but there is not much evidence that they change behaviors." "Education is necessary to change people's behavior, but it's rarely sufficient to do that. What works is public education, strong laws, law enforcement and people knowing about the enforcement. That combination has reduced drunken driving fatalities." In some cases, the fear engendered by such programs may even have the opposite impact, says Jennifer Bauerle, the director of the National Social Norms Institute at the University of Virginia. "The research that I've read shows that scare tactics don't work because fear tends to paralyze the intended audience, keep them upset about something that happened in the past and keep them scared about something that will happen in the future. They can't focus on the present. Sometimes fear appeals cause stress, and they increase the usage of what they're trying to change." The founder of the program can't say whether it has been proved to change behavior and not just attitudes. Dean Wilson, a police officer in Bethlehem, Pa., started the program in 1995 and has introduced it to hundreds of high schools and thousands of students. "It's difficult to measure proactive approaches like this," he says. "We can tell you that there have been no crashes immediately as a result. But long term, it's difficult to measure. If we can change attitude, then it can change behavior. We last did a survey in 1999 that showed students said they would reduce their daily or weekly drink episodes and were less likely to drive when drinking." Wilson, who was surprised to hear that students at El Camino High were led to believe for at least two hours that their classmates had died, insisted that he had not sent materials to that school. "That's not what we teach. There is always a common-sense approach. Maybe the Grim Reaper walks into a classroom and takes away a student." Lori Tauber, a counselor at El Camino High, explained that she followed the program's materials. "I'm a literal person, and I did everything by the book." She admits that the program was a little controversial and that some kids were traumatized but said that most students understood the program's importance. "Next time, we'll probably do it differently, be more sensitive," she said. "More communication, get teachers more involved." Shock Treatment But many parents seemed to support the program. Bennett's mother, Lena, explains that she was initially worried that it went overboard. "But after seeing the reaction and looking at all the things that can happen, I think the kids needed that shock," she says. "But it was rough. One of my daughter's friends who's known her since kindergarten called over here and I started crying even though I knew what was going on." Kathy Magrino, whose son went through a similar program at Davis High School in California, recommended it to other schools. "I have never had my son discuss an assembly or an event like that one. It really affected him and I am fully confident that he has never had a drink and driven. It was very successful. We did not have one parent with negative feedback." Jill Mason, who was severely injured by a drunken driver in 2004, has participated in the program at more than 30 high schools, where she describes her experience. She says she has never heard of a school replicating the El Camino High program, where the students were led to believe for several hours that students had actually died. "Usually, they are very shocked," she explains. "It's amazing. I remember being that age and not much can affect you. But I can tell that my story is getting inside of them. It's very powerful."[/hide] [hide=NC Times edition of the Anti-DUI Scare Tactic]OCEANSIDE ---- On a Monday morning last month, Highway Patrol officers visited 20 classrooms at El Camino High School to announce some horrible news: Students had been killed in car wrecks over the weekend. Classmates wept. Some became hysterical. A few hours and many tears later, though, the pain turned to fury when the teenagers learned it was all a hoax ---- a scared-straight exercise designed by school officials to dramatize the consequences of drinking and driving. As seniors prepare for graduation parties Friday, school officials are defending themselves against allegations that they went too far. At assemblies where speakers talked about the dangers of drunken driving, some students held posters that read: "Death is real. Don't play with our emotions." Michelle de Gracia, 16, was in physics class when an officer announced that her missing classmate David, a popular basketball player, died instantly after being rear-ended by a drunken driver. She felt nauseated but was too frozen to cry. "They got the shock they wanted," she said. Some of her classmates were hysterical, prompting the teacher to tell them immediately the death was staged. "People started yelling at the teacher," she said. "It was pretty hectic." Others, including many who heard the "news" between classes, were left in the dark until the 26 missing students reappeared hours later to enact a fatal traffic accident. Carolyn Magos, 15, thought there might have been a gang shooting when she saw clusters of kids crying in the hall. "You feel betrayed by your teachers and administrators, these people you trust," she said. "But then I felt selfish for feeling that way, because, I mean, if it saves one life it's worth it." The stunt was a twist on a program called Every 15 Minutes, which was designed in the early 1990s, when someone was killed an average of once every 15 minutes in alcohol-related accidents. By 2006, the frequency dropped to once every 39 minutes, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, which is not associated with the program. In California, the state Highway Patrol, local law enforcement agencies and schools use the curriculum authored by the Every 15 Minutes Organization, based in Lehigh Valley, Pa. Here's how the program normally works: Students chosen to symbolize the dead are pulled out of their classes by someone in a Grim Reaper costume while their obituaries are read aloud. A few hours later, they reappear in ghoulish makeup to enact a traffic accident at an assembly. Rescue workers whisk "victims" from a mangled car to a hospital or morgue. The "dead" then spend the night at a hotel isolated from friends and family before returning the next day for an assembly with parents and professional speakers. At El Camino, the students who were in on the secret shunned the Grim Reaper skit. "We didn't want kids laughing at it," said Michelle Molin, 17, a junior. "It's like Halloween." El Camino officials agreed to try to give students the experience of real grief. They defend how they handled the exercise. "They were traumatized, but we wanted them to be traumatized," said guidance counselor Lori Tauber. "That's how they get the message." The school had counselors on standby to calm kids who were visibly upset but didn't anticipate the power of cell phones to spread the word. Before class, a freshman who knew her sister was playing dead sent text messages to her friends saying the girl had been killed. Word spread quickly among the school's 3,100 students, many of whom clustered between classes crying. Even administrators who knew about the program thought there had been a terrible coincidence. "I got a call from the principal's secretary saying, 'I heard one of our Every 15 Minutes students was really in an accident!' " said Tauber. "And I was like, 'No, they're right here.' " Dean Wilson, executive director of Every 15 Minutes, said he didn't endorse the hoax. He knew of only a handful of schools where students were told a death was real. In 2002, a high school in Eagle Grove, Iowa, north of Des Moines, used a hoax death to "step up" the program, said Mark Kay. His son, Aaron, dropped out of sight after school, while his brother messaged friends asking if they'd seen him. The next morning, students were invited to view a coffin in the school foyer where the boy was playing dead. Oceanside schools Superintendent Larry Perondi said he fielded only a few calls from parents, while the PTA chapter said it had not heard any complaints. Wendy Reynolds, a former prosecutor who spoke at El Camino High about her experience being orphaned by a drunken driver, said most students would benefit. "I think we save lives if one kid makes a better choice every time he gets in a car," she said. Perondi said the program students got the message. "We did this in earnest," he said. "This was not done to be a prankster."[/hide] Personally, despite how they might try to sugar-coat this, it should NOT be attempted. The only reason that they are doing this is because they have no idea what it feels like to have a loved one die. Additionally, I think that there should be laws forbidding this sort of tactic. The emotional trauma outweighs the potential benefit. As has already been said, this is only teaching the kids to not trust authority figures.

This... This is one of the single most disgusting things that I have ever seen a United States school do. The "people" who done this should be flogged on national television for this [cabbage]. They have no clue what it is like to hear that someone you care about died, then be told a short time later that it was all a hoax. Remember that Sago mine fiasco? Kind of like that, only with the life and death part of the story reversed. I can also say with authority that if they were to try that in my neck of the woods, the offending parties would bleed for it. The people in here do NOT take things like this lightly.

True, handguns really are almost exclusively used for anti-human artillery. However, I believe that this doesn't mean they should be outlawed. If I remember correctly, a good majority of the firearms used to commit crime are obtained illegally. Also, as the second point the OP states, a gun in the hand is worth more than a cop on the phone. It takes time in order for a cop to make it to your house. You could be dead by then. Also, handguns are perfect for self defense because they can be kept in almost any place you can think of, and they don't need a whole lot of room to swing around. If you remove the normal person's ability to defend themselves from the criminals, then they gain a new title: cattle. We need to actually enforce our current laws before we implement any new ones.

This sounds a lot like my school, minus the huge fight part. We never really had any of that happen, YET. You see, we're getting like 200 new Freshmen next year, and from what I hear, almost every dude in that class is a complete [bleep]. Fights happened over at the middle school almost constantly thanks to these dudes. They even have most of the girls of the same class scared out of their minds. If I'm lucky, me and the people I had problems with in the previous years will agree that we need to teach these little snots some manners. At the very least, they'll be kept busy, and I'll be generally left alone. What REALLY worries me is if they decide they want to go after my sister or one of my friends. I am not entirely sure WHAT I'd do in that situation, aside from it ending with an ambulance.

Fighting with a weapon doesn't make you weird, it makes you a coward. I can beat someone with a 4 ft. metal pole too but whats the need when I can defend myself? man up. I fail to see how using something that makes you better at doing something makes you a wuss so that you can tell him to 'man up'. Maybe you should man up and stop telling people to man up on a forum. Seriously, man up and create a different way to tell him to grow up then by saying 'man up'. I don't know whether you're ragging on him or agreeing with him... Meh, I'm optimistic. Thanks for backing me up! :thumbsup: Anyway, to properly describe my situation, I live in the middle of Nowhereland, West Virginia. Almost ALL of the people who like to make my days Hell are bigger and stronger than me by at least 150%. If I were to take on ONE of them on my own without something in my hands, then it would be optimistic for me to last 30 seconds. Besides, 1) you don't get the point anyway, and 2) if they want to try and gang me, then I should at least get some leeway with the overall "manliness" level of the fight if I were to actually attempt to defend myself. You wouldn't think twice about carrying some kind of close combat weapon if you had to deal with people of the sort that I have. Thank you.

I've never really had too many problems that would require payback. However, whenever someone DOES cross the line, I make it known. I imagine that I am one of the few dudes on this planet that can use the infamous Glare of Death that a lot of women are known for. Couple this with my uncanny ability to verbally scare someone, and I can usually stop most of the things that go on by myself. If not, then I am friends with some of the strongest people in the entire school. I'd imagine a lot of the teachers and even the principal would vouch for me if it came to that, thanks to my generally nice attitude to people who don't act like jerks. I also have some minor training in martial arts, which should give me at least enough of an edge to put me above a few of the [wagon] in this county. If I were allowed to carry around a ~4 ft. long metal pole, well, I could probably handle just about anything. I do EXTREMELY well when I have a weapon, even more so than other people. I don't know why, but it's more natural for me to fight with something in my hands, and even better if that something can be used in a sword fashion. I'm weird like that. :anxious: :-w :-$ ;)