User talk:Researcher/archive1

RED

Could you please put something, anything, even " " on your user page, the reds on recent changes are driving me bonkers. SJG^sjg 17:40, 17 September 2007 (EDT)

Sorry! Hope that's better!--User:Researcher

Thanks (removes dark glasses). SJG^sjg 17:50, 17 September 2007 (EDT)

pay no heed to SusanG. She's quite the troll; in fact, I'm of a mind to ban her... So what back-asswards state are you from?-αmεσ (decider) 17:53, 17 September 2007 (EDT)

I'll give a hint: It's south of the IHOP-Waffle House line, and rhymes with Yucky.

Sweet, I think I just added some stuff at Kentucky. Please don;t forget to sign your talk page comments with four tildes so they get your sig. and time/date stamp... ( ~~~~ ) human^{be in} 18:17, 17 September 2007 (EDT)

Prolificty (?)

No wish to hold back your flow but could you categorise as you go? And a translation of latin phrases would be nice) Susan^{talk to me} 15:23, 23 September 2007 (EDT)

Sorry...I need to learn how to categorize stuff. I'll take some time before the next time I make something to find out. Also, yes, translation would have been a good idea (I assume you're talking about the logical fallacy page--truth be told, I had to look that up myself to find out what it was. I thought I'd put that on, but looking back, probably not). I'm really new to wikis in general...I hope I don't step on any toes while trying to help.Researcher 21:54, 23 September 2007 (EDT)

No worries! I don't speak da latin & I haven't much of a clue with a lot of the lingo. See the help files for how to wikitalk & stuff. They're supposed to be writ so anyone can understand 'em & get up to high efficiency fast. Susan^{talk to me} 22:05, 23 September 2007 (EDT)

Godessless one!

Swine! The curse of the GODDESS be upon you! Your he-goats shall become impotent, your she-goats become infertile and your portions of π shall be miniscule. Susan^{talk to me} 22:35, 23 September 2007 (EDT)

Actually, as a neopagan I wanted there to be a goddess article. But I didn't want it to be an orphan (or is it lonely? I keep getting confused...) and felt that reverting it would do it best.Researcher 22:41, 23 September 2007 (EDT)

Yonis?

Yo I was wondering if you knew anything about yonis?

The Alien^{Don't tase me, Bro!!!} 23:01, 23 September 2007 (EDT)

The total amount I know is on the page already, from what I saw. As in, they're often thought of as vaginal and usually paired with a linga. Oh, and they're from Hinduism. Sorry.Researcher 23:02, 23 September 2007 (EDT)

Heh Heh

I'll throw 'em - you catch 'em Susan^{talk to me} 14:52, 24 September 2007 (EDT)

Works for me. I feel that the stuff on the guy's user page to be utter crap, but the rules clearly say it's HIS user page. Just like I wouldn't want someone defacing mine for disagreeing with me. Thanks for banning the guy (over and over and over...)Researcher 15:29, 24 September 2007 (EDT)

Thanks

For the mead article. I couldn't even try to make it by myself. Norseman^Wassail! 18:59, 16 October 2007 (EDT)

As a lover of Norse stuff (and sort of follower of Norse gods), believe me, mead is VERY important to me. But, you're welcome, and I'm glad you liked it. Researcher 19:52, 16 October 2007 (EDT)

Would this be helpful to RW at large?

I've been thinking about what I'm doing here, and I don't feel like most of my pages have been really in the spirit of RW. Then again, I'm not a natural scientist, so *most* pseudoscience goes over my head. However, I began thinking about a few social scientific fallacies (or pseudohistorical things), and I was considering trying to add some of those. (Some of these revolve around why the US has a two-party system, etc.) Also, I was thinking specifically of making an article talking about a certain group that invaded/settled India a couple of millenia ago, just because I'm sick of seeing their name mis-used. Would that be ok, or what that just be feeding the trawlz? Researcher 21:08, 23 October 2007 (EDT)

Sounds good excellent to me. I think I've written more social/psych stuff than natural science myself. Although both categories have been dwarfed by my additions of random tripe. As far as FTT, heck, we added MLK's speech to the metapedia page, didn't we? I'm sure what you want to add would be enjoyed (and of course, edited mercilessly!) by the rest of the mob. human 21:13, 23 October 2007 (EDT)

Thanks. With that in mind, I hope people will understand not to delete an upcoming page without reading the actual content first. Researcher 21:17, 23 October 2007 (EDT)

If you're worried, I would advise pre-emptively editing the (new) talk page to allay concerns? You can edit it before the article if you want. human 21:23, 23 October 2007 (EDT)

I'm not worried about the content, just someone seeing the name and deleting it (thinking me a troll). I've just posted it up, though, so we'll see. Researcher 21:26, 23 October 2007 (EDT)

I think most people here except me usually read before shooting off at the mouth/keyboard/vaoprize button. human 21:32, 23 October 2007 (EDT)

Thank you

For your story. That was very nice of you, to share. Thank you, again. human 01:03, 25 October 2007 (EDT)

That was rather interesting, thanks. Locke ^{Always Watching......} 01:12, 25 October 2007 (EDT)

More than that. It was, to me, well beyond and above the cause. Thank you for sharing... human 01:52, 25 October 2007 (EDT)

It's going to go through some serious revision shortly. I've . . . seen a lot in a short period of time. (I'm under 30.) And I've experienced a lot of different kinds of life. Researcher 02:20, 25 October 2007 (EDT)

That statement, in and of itself, tells a thousand stories... good for you! I wish I was that smart... human 02:23, 25 October 2007 (EDT)

I probably won't get to it again until I go to work tomorrow, maybe during lunch. (Which for me is 8PM...) But, if you ask me any direct questions (other than name/where I live/etc.), I'll be likely to answer them here. But, brevity being the soul of wit, I know that I need to shorten it up before it reaches absurd lengths. Researcher 04:34, 25 October 2007 (EDT)

Hugo Chavez

Chavez isn't a dictator, he was democratically elected with 65% of the vote. While there are a few actions he has performed that are a cause for concern, Uribe in neighbouring Colombia is much more repressive. One thing that is disturbing though is that masked gunman shot at anti-Chavez demonstraters. It doesn't automatically mean that Chavez was involved though and this will need to be investigated. Bush's darling Uribe has been linked to paramilitary death squads though, so we know he is evil. Are you Conservative btw? --Uncle J 21:54, 13 November 2007 (EST)

Oh, no, I'm not at all conservative. I'm actually rather liberal. I've just been EXTREMELY disappointed in Chavez. (Not saying Uribe is better...I don't know Uribe.) I don't believe that popular support is the same thing as being a "liberal democrat" in the political science understanding of the phrase. Chavez has many times over engaged in actions that seem to be aimed at consolidating all power within himself, with the intention of making himself the law. Even if in doing so you are popular, it still runs against liberal democracy. (It is in fact a common attribute of fascists everywhere...make yourself loved by the majority, and squash the minority.) I'm not trying to say that Hugo Chavez IS a fascist...just that his rule has been very worrisome, and his best friends internationally ARE dictators. I tried to be fair to Chavez in my edits, including some good things he's done. But I didn't particularly care for the overall feeling of the article. (Also, I can't support someone just because Bush hates them. There are plenty of people Bush hates who are as contemptible as Bush himself. The enemy of my enemy is not necessarily my friend.)Researcher 21:59, 13 November 2007 (EST)

Terroist

I have classified you as a possible terroist. We are investigating you and the CIA will be over at you house shortly. George W. Bush 17:11, 16 November 2007 (EST)

Good, maybe this time they'll give me a job. (Bastards already turned me down once.) Or perhaps you mean the FBI, since the CIA is forbidden (and now refuses!) to be involved in domestic matters. (It is blatantly illegal, and has put many good operatives and agents in jeopardy when it became public.) Moreover, the CIA has a noted liberal/Democratic bias, which is why the real GWB had to do an end run AROUND the CIA to get the cherry-picked evidence he wanted. Researcher 17:15, 16 November 2007 (EST)

demotion

Should you be demoted? human 14:02, 20 November 2007 (EST)

I'm not asking to be demoted...I probably wouldn't use the powers at all (except, of course, to ban trolls, and there are enough people to do that). I just thought it was odd that so many others could edit the page when I couldn't. Researcher 14:51, 20 November 2007 (EST)

Congratulations (on the real one)! But you still won't be a "real" professor, right? human 20:59, 29 November 2007 (EST)

Oh, no, I'm not a professor at all, since you need a PhD for that. (I'm applying to some PhD programs for the fall to eventually get there.) This is really a part-time position while I get my head together as to what I want to do with my life. But, still thank you very much! Researcher 21:07, 29 November 2007 (EST)

General question!

For all of you who study vaccination stuff...there is a common belief that flu shots actually increase your chance for getting the flu (and I know it certainly feels that way to me). Have any of you studied this? Do any of you know about this? Researcher 12:52, 27 November 2007 (EST)

Granted I'm in no way or doctor or any other sort of medical practitioner, but it seems unlikely to me. In the UK, the injected vaccine that's given to vulnerable people on the NHS each winter, and was given to me both at University and offered at my last job, is a killed virus vaccine so the chance of contracting the disease from it should be zero. Wikipedia says there's a live vaccine available as a nasal spray, which I guess there is some risk of actually contracting the disease from if you're immune compromised.

Also, in the UK, I've never heard anyone express the sentiment that they feel the vaccine actually increases the chance of getting the disease... --Jeєv☭s^{Your signature gave me epilepsy...} 13:04, 27 November 2007 (EST)

No, this is not true, you will not increase your chances of getting the flu. However, the way a vaccine works is convincing your body it has an infection and to build antibodies to that infection. Most "flu symptoms" or "cold symptoms" are actually immune responses designed to aid in recovery. In a fair number of people the material in the vaccine is enough to elicit the immune response and you can develop some cold or flu like symptoms. These begin 6 hours post injection, peak at 12-18 hours and should be resolved with in 24-48 hours. tmtoulouse ^pester 13:26, 27 November 2007 (EST)

Ah so, that's interesting. Guess I'm relying too much on my own experience, rather than actually knowledge. The only vaccine I've ever had a reaction to is the rabies one. That's a shitkicker and no mistaking, about the only thing you can say about it is that it's better than actually getting rabies. --Jeєv☭s^{Your signature gave me epilepsy...} 13:31, 27 November 2007 (EST)

The evidence is quite clear that flu shots save lives and decrease severity of illness. Flu shots are given during cold and flu season. I tell my patients that they will almost certainly get ill whether or not they get a flu shot. Coincidence and causation are not the same.--PalMD^{-If it looks like a donut, eat it} 15:10, 27 November 2007 (EST)

"immune responses designed to aid in recovery" Ha! Now we can be freely quote-mined by IDiots! human 15:25, 27 November 2007 (EST)

I thought it sounded like faulty memory (remembering years in which they got both, and not years in which they got sick and didn't get vaccinated or got vaccinated and didn't get sick), but this was the first year I both got a vaccine and sick, and was curious as to whether anyone had done research on this. Thanks. Researcher 18:23, 27 November 2007 (EST)

As stated above, evidence is quite clear. While a few people may report feeling a bit ill, there is no correlation between flu vaccines and other illnesses. It is biologically impossible for the injectable flu vaccine to cause the "flu" or to cause a cold. It does cause the immune system to create specific antibodies against certain strains of flu, and this reaction can occasionally cause mild malaise.

When your body is exposed to these flu "antigens", the antigens are consumed by immune cells. A small percentage of these immune cells randomly happen to "recognize" the antigens. This recognition sets off a cascade...these anti-flu-specific cells start to reproduce and they and/or other cells start to produce antibodies. When the real flu virus enters the body, the antibodies and so-called memory cells are "ready to rumble" and either prevent infection or cause infection to be much less severe. This is also why flu shots only protect against very specific strains---the immune reaction is very specific. There are also more generalized immune reactions, but that's for another day.--PalMD^{-If it looks like a donut, eat it} 22:23, 27 November 2007 (EST)

WHY DO YOU BELIVE IN A STUPID LIE

SIENCE IS A STUPID LIE GWiaSMCbNtDF 00:34, 7 December 2007 (EST)

Because the evidence is overwhelming. Because people have already had to leave their homes as the oceans have risen. Because the world is getting hotter, and man IS causing it. Researcher 01:11, 7 December 2007 (EST)

I don't believe in seance either. Warren Terra

Don't know if you're interested but...

I just got an email from the Libertarian Party mailing list -- apparently the LNC has decided to officially ask Ron Paul to run as a Libertarian if the Republican nomination falls through. Not only that, but they have agreed to provide Party resources to the Paul Republican campaign! I know you aren't a Paul supporter, but it will certainly be interesting to keep an eye on in the future for the 2008USPE article. I also think it's pretty interesting for a polisci nerd in general :) Lurker 00:30, 12 December 2007 (EST)

I find it really interesting, if only in all the ways that RP is so obviously NOT a Libertarian. (Though, to be honest, he'd be no worse than the current LP front-runner.) Thanks for the heads up. Researcher 05:35, 12 December 2007 (EST)

I think the general gist is that, while he's not a libertarian, he's "close enough". Really though, a lot of the issues which are contentious (say, abortion) he wants run on the state level, which jives very well with the libertarian attitude. It also helps that he's the the closest thing to a libertarian to actually get any mainstream attention in quite a while. Lurker 16:30, 12 December 2007 (EST)

I'm willing to go with "he's more libertarian than the rest", but considering that (at least in the 90's) the Libertarians billed themselves as the party that would never compromise, I find it somewhat ironic that they'd support a Republican. Researcher 16:36, 12 December 2007 (EST)

Other libertarian organizations (such as the Advocates for Self Government) are supporting him as well. I think there's just so much popular support that they want along for the ride. Libertarian or not, whenever he's around "libertarian" gets whipsered, and getting the word out there that there are more than 2 sides is the first half of the battle. Lurker 00:35, 13 December 2007 (EST)

Looked into it--I'm glad they're just asking him to run in their version of a caucus, rather than promising him their nomination. (Also, I didn't see anything in the article saying they'd help him run as a Republican *this* time, though they had in the past.) Moreover, Bob Barr is an old Texas Republican himself, so. . . it feels more like the "Republican wing" of the libertarian party talking, rather than the whole party. Still, definitely of interest. Researcher 00:15, 13 December 2007 (EST)

Aw cruds I lost a post for no reason whatsoever. Here's the email I got. According to it, they are giving Paul access to their "Ballot Base" system -- they are allowing his Republican supporters to use the LP database and distributed calling system to lobby support for his Republican race. Lurker 00:35, 13 December 2007 (EST)

Speaking of polimitics, awesome work on the "smaller" parties over at 2008 election! Also, I just created Instant Runoff Voting, and it desperately needs some "research" into where it is being used (like I can't go to wikipedia...) and I thought of you... human 15:02, 12 December 2007 (EST)

I might look into that. I don't know much about IRV (most of the countries I've studied actually use proportional representation or regular run-offs), but I'll see if I can dig something up. Researcher 16:36, 12 December 2007 (EST)

Vandalism

This is the last warning you will receive for your disruptive edits. The next time you vandalize, you will be blocked from editing. 12.75.66.212 20:03, 13 December 2007 (EST)

"I've been blocked by a better class of bastard than you." Researcher 20:17, 13 December 2007 (EST)

Hello

Fellow Gatewood fan! (I assume you to be a fan based on this, and yes, I really am around here that little that I am just now noticing a fellow Kentuckian) Some friends and I did some campaigning for him in Louisville before the last gubenatorial primaries. Γ☭δλεσςΛιβεραλ 23:30, 17 December 2007 (EST)

Very cool. Didn't realize you were from Kentucky as well. (I actually live in Louisville, so...) I was really undecided in the gubernatorial primaries, but last time around I voted for him in the AG primary. (I was so undecided on the gubernatorial primary that I did something I never do and skipped it--I ended up pretty happy with Beshear, though.) Are you still in da 'Ville? (And we can continue this by email if you'd rather not give out that kind of info.) Researcher 01:42, 18 December 2007 (EST)

I'll send you an email. Γ☭δλεσςΛιβεραλ 06:40, 18 December 2007 (EST)

You don't have one listed, but you can send me one through the 'email this user' thing. Γ☭δλεσςΛιβεραλ 06:41, 18 December 2007 (EST)

Might as well move this discussion here...
I'm going to be taking my fifth semester of Spanish once school resumes, and I started just this week using this site (and a few others) to learn a bit of Greek, which I plan on taking in college. Once the semester starts, if the workload isn't too heavy, I might take you up on the Mandarin offer. Your page says you'll be a PolySci "instructor" soon. Is this at U of L? Γ☭δλεσςΛιβεραλ 20:51, 18 December 2007 (EST)

Darn me, for letting too much slip on this site. Yes, I will be. Part-time only, teaching a couple of 300 level classes. (Which, combined with my age should make me easy to exactly pinpoint for anyone who wants to.) Honestly, as an instructor of Mandarin, I'd be better as a tutor (which I've already offered to do for some of the student staff in poli sci.) My knowledge is strong enough to help someone and to provide conversation, but I don't remember all of the rules the way I should. (And I'm really shaky on proper tones and characters.) Basically, I know enough to get by in China, but not by much. But, that said, I'll be glad to help. Researcher 21:00, 18 December 2007 (EST)

Thank you

For bringing me news of the Creation Museum's troubles. It's brightened my night. Ah schaedenfreude, what can't you cure?-αmεσ (decider) 23:00, 18 December 2007 (EST)

I live here in KY, so I read the Bluegrass Report pretty regularly. I, too, am rather happy about it, if only because that place stains my state by being here. Researcher 23:01, 18 December 2007 (EST)

Have you been? I'd love to go and do a "live report," but I'm in NYC and don't want to give them $20...-αmεσ (decider) 23:05, 18 December 2007 (EST)

It's honestly a bit far for me (about an hour, hour and a half), and I also don't want to part with the $20. And, honestly, I got enough of that shit growing up, I don't need more. Researcher 23:07, 18 December 2007 (EST)

They should offer a steep "unbeliever's discount" in hopes of converting us! human 18:05, 20 December 2007 (EST)

Congrats.

"You'll love it. It's a way of life." -FZ. PFoster 18:00, 20 December 2007 (EST)

Yes, now you can block to slow down vandals to make for less reverting, if there's no one else on the case. Keep in mind that this demotion, while it comes with special powers does not require you to use them. human 18:07, 20 December 2007 (EST)

Oh, and it's a good idea to practice the new tools - no one minds being blocked for a few seconds, in fact many consider it an honor. And you might want to create a scrap page and then delete it to get used to that. And I really need to get us started on a rationalwiki:sysop guide. human 18:12, 20 December 2007 (EST)

Congrats Researcher! You're finally good (bad?) enough to get a demotion. <chant> Blocking spree! Blocking spree! Blocking spree! </chant> Lurker 18:55, 20 December 2007 (EST)

Spacibo, bolshoe. I can't think of anyone right off that I feel the need to block (unless those nazi trolls come back), but thank you. Researcher 18:56, 20 December 2007 (EST)

Blocking Bohdan is always a good call. Γ☭δλεσςΛιβεραλ 19:55, 20 December 2007 (EST)

I am now only accepting blocks from certain users. user:Bohdan (←User:GodlessLiberal) 19:57, 20 December 2007 (EST)

I think you should block User:Wikinterpreter for dropping a nuclear device over my user and talk pages. Just think of the collateral damage to the poor innocent goats! :-( --AKjeldsen^Godspeed! 19:59, 20 December 2007 (EST)

Block Kjeldsen for trying to block an innocent user. user:Bohdan (←User:GodlessLiberal) 20:00, 20 December 2007 (EST)

Blocks all around! Myself included! Γ☭δλεσςΛιβεραλ 20:02, 20 December 2007 (EST)

Discrimination

Under Article 12 of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, and as a string of numbers myself, I refuse to be discriminated against. --82.44.64.173

We do not give space for digit supremacists! --Kels 22:03, 27 December 2007 (EST)

All of these words - 'hater', 'supremacist', 'digitist' - you're merely trying to tar an innocent movement for equal rights as some sort of fascist group. Well, that's what your Username-controlled media spoonfeed you. I call for the IPs of rationalwiki to rise up and wake up, and stand against this oppressive menace. --82.44.64.173

FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT!! --98.17.9.82 22:13, 27 December 2007 (EST)

No! Fighting will get us nowhere. We must engage in passive resistance. Turn the ocean into salt! 141.129.1.98 22:23, 27 December 2007 (EST)

Exactly! It must be our default position! 192.168.1.1 22:25, December 27 2007

<---

PROXYTANKS, FULL CHARGE! 68.204.199.23622:37, December 27 2007

Will you get your numerational selves logged back in immediately, you reprobates! We run a respectable Wiki here You're scaring the goats. --AKjeldsen^Godspeed! 12:06, 28 December 2007 (EST)

The goats are without fear, for they know our cause is just. I shall not log in again until the site of RationalWiki, a site sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.--82.44.64.173

Without fear? Why, they're so nervous, they're practically fainting with fear, I tell you! Just look at this! :-( --AKjeldsen^Godspeed! 12:52, 28 December 2007 (EST)

What that video omits, through some skilful editing, is the artillery barrage, that those goats are leaping to the ground to avoid. They're trained, y'see. --82.44.64.173

In other words, you admit that having unidentified IPs running around all over the place is just as frightening as an artillery barrage? --AKjeldsen^Godspeed! 13:00, 28 December 2007 (EST)

Only a deceitful liberal would make such an argument. You're just prejudiced. --82.44.64.173

82.44.64.173, if that is indeed your real IP, please try reasoning with an open mind. If you were to open your mind to the possibility of other points of view than your own, surely you would realize that I am much more right on this issue that you are. Now go and log in or suffer the consequences. Thanks and godspeed. --AKjeldsen^Godspeed! 14:13, 28 December 2007 (EST)

Style Guide

I have a question about writing style, Researcher. I just wrote an article (my first real and serious article). My natural writing style tends towards the dispassionate (which is perfect for Wikipedia, but I'm not so sure about here). Occasionally, however, I slip in something opinionated. The result is a batting back and forth between the two qualities. Do you have any suggestions to make my style more consistent, or is it okay as it is? -- Radioactive afikomen ^{Please ignore all my awful pre-2014 comments.} 20:30, 29 December 2007 (EST)

Dry is fine - we can always hit it with the RW super-soaker if we feel the need. Opinion is fine, too, especially if it obviously such. Original research and conclusions are also encouraged. PS, your article looks fine to me. human 23:29, 29 December 2007 (EST)

Sorry, I was out playing RPG's all day with friends. But I agree with Human...for here, that should be fine. (Honestly, I worry that my articles tend too much to the dispassionate.) Researcher 13:57, 30 December 2007 (EST)