The Never Ending Toadfish Interview Cycle!

[anthrobabe]

1st of all to Bob in a Quantum State--  --- you said it right sibling! it should be mandatory(no opting out) as well. all too often the opt-out parents are the ones who won't or can't teach it(and it is often fundies) and they really need it! You stay on that soap box!

1. Would a school timetable with days dedicated to certain subjects work better than having several subjects each day (e.g. Monday:History; Tuesday:Math; Wednesday:Native language/literature...)?

I think block days would work well on a high school level- I have always broken my college classes up in one type of class per class day- I think that sort of daily immersion would be beneficial-- IMHO-I do however feel that in the lower grades the breaking up of a day in to smaller bits should stay the same-possibly beginning in Junior high a sort of modified daily block subject could be introduced so they are not dumped into it cold when the begin high school.

2. At what time of the day should school start, how long should a lesson be, how long the breaks etc.?

I think it could begin a bit later than it does already-- my daughter catches the bus in the dark for much of the school year- for one thing, teens especially are notorious(right word?) for not getting enough sleep and the more homework they have and so many of them must work to help the family-- I know teens that MUST work to help the family,their parents are ashamed but it is fact good or bad- so they go to bed later and later-of course some just stay up for the heck of it as well- they've got to sleep to 'perform' and hell just to grow properly and normally so I think later am start would be good-- 9 or 10am should be tried. I like block learning- instead of 6 or 7 different subjects a day 2 or 3 is better- I seem to learn better that way and I suspect I could have done better in high school this way as well. A school day should be about 5 to 6 hours. Breaks can be fairly short between classes but the real issue I have is in lunch/meal breaks- at my daughters high school they have a 35 minute lunch break- this is silly- they can't eat or relax at all in 35 minutes-- they wait in the line for 30 of those 35 minutes then grab the sandwich (burger, etc) off the tray and head back to class.

3. Many professions require continuing education to keep up-to-date. Should there be something like that for everyone (mandatory that is)?
If we had CE in common sense then I would say that all humans should take an annual class. CE is good for everyone-- when we stop learning we begin to stagnate. so yes I am for CE.



1: If you know about several different types of upper level undergraduate schooling in various nations (not college level undergrad but what we in the USA call High School) which works best- or would it be a combination of several types?

2: Is there anyone subject that should take presidence over all others in school?

3: If a parent(s) will not teach or allow to be taught certain things to their child(children) that are important and necessary (sex/reproductive health and education,chemical/drug/substance use-abuse-awareness, science and biology,etc) should the 'state' be allowed to override the parents desires and teach it anyway?

[Aphos]

1: If you know about several different types of upper level undergraduate schooling in various nations (not college level undergrad but what we in the USA call High School) which works best- or would it be a combination of several types?

I have had experience with both Eastern European, Western European and US professors in graduate school.

US professors are usually pretty tolerant of questions, and I think that is a very good thing.  Western Europe tolerates a little questioning, but not much.  Eastern European profs tend to be very authoritarian...listen and keep your mouth shut.

So, from my experience, the American system is best.

2: Is there anyone subject that should take presidence over all others in school?

I think there are a few core subjects that should not be ignored, but can't say that any one takes precedence.

I do wish they would teach more critical thinking in schools.

3: If a parent(s) will not teach or allow to be taught certain things to their child(children) that are important and necessary (sex/reproductive health and education,chemical/drug/substance use-abuse-awareness, science and biology,etc) should the 'state' be allowed to override the parents desires and teach it anyway?

Argh!!!  Part of me wants to say, yes, force the little b@st@rds to study it anyway.  But parents do have the right to abuse the educations of their little ones.  Sadly, the little ones are the ones that will pay the price.



1)  What is your favorite stellar constellation?

2)  What is your favorite music genre?

3)  Should Social Security be left unchanged, privatized, or eliminated?

[Swatopluk]

1)  What is your favorite stellar constellation?
Orion

2)  What is your favorite music genre?
Tonal and skilled (quite rare these days)
I have a quite varied taste, so it is difficult to name one specific genre (and in all genres there is a lot I can't stand)

3)  Should Social Security be left unchanged, privatized, or eliminated?
False trichotomy
I think a reform is needed but neither privatizing nor eliminating is an option.

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1) Who should become the next VPOTUS?

2) Will Bush/Cheney&Accomplices get away unpunished (except maybe for some travel restrictions)?

3) Ever eaten kaviar?

[anthrobabe]

1) Who should become the next VPOTUS?
It is still a bit early for me to vote in stone but I am leaning towards Obama so I think a good VPOTUS for him would be Hillary at this point--- but I haven't completely decided yet- just leaning.

2) Will Bush/Cheney&Accomplices get away unpunished (except maybe for some travel restrictions)?
Of course-- isn't that how the game is played- I scratch your back now in anticipation of needing my back scratched at some future point.

3) Ever eaten kaviar?
Yes if you count the little orange type(Salmon I think it is) that come with/on some of the rolls at Sushi bars. But something like Sturgeon - the 'expensive' kinds then no I have not.


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1) Since all Sturgeon are on the endangered species list, should we humans just do without sturgeon products(ie; K/C aviar) until populations are more sustainable?

2)Have you taken time to sit down and think about how you want your remains to be handled at the time you die? Burial, cremation,ceremony and type, etc? Do you think it is important to do this or since you will be dead do you think it's ok to figure out the basics (like pre-paid burial) and then let family/friends do the rest of the 'pomp and circumstance' since most funerals are for the 'benefit' of the bereaved.

3) Have you ever kissed a non-human primate-- (no not tongue!)? Who, when and where? Oh and if not- would you if you had the chance?

[Griffin NoName]

3) yeh my ex !

woops - back as you were.... carry on

[Bob in a quantum-state-of-faith]

1) Since all Sturgeon are on the endangered species list, should we humans just do without sturgeon products(ie; K/C aviar) until populations are more sustainable?
Yes, for wild varieties.  Harvesting of 'cultured' products should continue to be okay-- would encourage such activities.  Then, at the very least, we'd have DNA samples of the animal in question.

2)Have you taken time to sit down and think about how you want your remains to be handled at the time you die? Burial, cremation,ceremony and type, etc? Do you think it is important to do this or since you will be dead do you think it's ok to figure out the basics (like pre-paid burial) and then let family/friends do the rest of the 'pomp and circumstance' since most funerals are for the 'benefit' of the bereaved.

I've thought about it on several occasions.  If I _do_ have a say, and if I'm worth anything more than token $$, then I fully plan to rent out a smaller open-air sports stadium, and invite all the would-be ghouls---err--benefactors to attend.  Then, just as the festivities are getting started, a low-flying helicopter would pass over the heads of the attendees, and dump the ashes of my cremation out the window, and into the faces of those who would benefit themselves.  Then, an announcement over the PA, would be that that was it, that I'd spent it all on the stadium and helicopter rental, and whatever was left after that, was all donated to charity.  The food they were now enjoying was ALL they were going to get from me.   

On a serious note, if I have anything to say about it, I'll be donated to a research hospital (if they want my mouldy corpse), after anything useful was removed to help someone in need (whatever they want-- like a rummage sale, _I_ don't need any of it, now).  This should be a zero-cost to any of my surviving relatives.  If my still-living relatives object to that, or want more, then they can bloody well pay for it themselves.

3) Have you ever kissed a non-human primate-- (no not tongue!)? Who, when and where? Oh and if not- would you if you had the chance?

No.  Might.  Would depend on any relationship I have/had with the animal in question.  I've been known to snuggle/hug/be affectionate with my cats at times.  They seem to like it-- they always purr in response, with 'head-butts' and *meows* of wanting more.... ^{_{(and no, not _that_ sort of affection!  Geeze..... )}}

                                     

1) Do you currently have, or have you ever had, non-human companions?  Thoughts, comments? (if yes or no)

2) If low earth orbital habitats become popular in the next foreseeable future, and YOU had an opportunity to emigrate to one, would you?  Why or not?  _{(and by habitat, I mean something really, really huge, aka Classical Science Fiction space colony)}

3a)  When you vote*, do you select your candidate-of-choice based on Feelings/Looks/Gut or based on cold hard rational reasoning?  Or a mix?

3b) * if you DON'T vote...... why not?

[anthrobabe]

1) Do you currently have, or have you ever had, non-human companions?  Thoughts, comments? (if yes or no)

currently no home pets-- have had many in the past- cats,dogs,hamsters,birds,etc. I think pets add quality to the human life- I'm not sure exactly what they get from us but it seems to be something overall good for all species involved. I also volunteer in primate enrichment at my zoo- I got started through a university program and was hooked from day one-- I'm not sure how much enrichment and benefit I give to them -they are after all in prison for life- yes a fairly nice prison but still completely unnatural no matter how hard we try- but my life has been so enriched by their being in my life- they are companions of the most magnificent sort and if there is true blessing then it is knowing them and interacting with them- no deity required. It is actually profound at times--- we had a western lowland gorilla born in October of 2006 and that is when I truly learned the definition of awe as something outside of anything I'd ever had anything to do with- my children inspire awe in me- but I gave birth to them and so they are both in and of me and in and of themselves-- this gorilla mother (Sekani) and father (Fossey) and baby boy (Mosi) aren't in and of me and that was AWE that I never knew existed.

2) If low earth orbital habitats become popular in the next foreseeable future, and YOU had an opportunity to emigrate to one, would you?  Why or not?  (and by habitat, I mean something really, really huge, aka Classical Science Fiction space colony)

Oh heck yes- where do I sign up. Really, I think we have to take care of Earth as our one and only perm home- I just don't see us colonizing the universe. But I am so there if one of the really city size habitats is ever up and running. Just call me hamster and I'll be on that wheel. Nothing noble about the feeling of wanting to for me- purely selfish-- the entirety of the COOL factor.

3a)  When you vote*, do you select your candidate-of-choice based on Feelings/Looks/Gut or based on cold hard rational reasoning?  Or a mix?

A mix- of course I look at the person- but looks or personality alone do not a good candidate make. It is very interesting that in this election cycle I have found myself very much drawn to the two candidates who are not typical-- and I've had to really make sure that I am paying attention to the entire candidate and not just looking at the external.

3b) * if you DON'T vote...... why not?

I vote-- everytime I can-- too many people can not vote- it is too precious to waste.


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1) Why is the crime rate continuing to climb? Or do you disagree with this statement? Thoughts,opinion,etc?

2) Is is sexist to think that hot firefighter calenders (male) are acceptable and alright while many think that the female version is just another form of negative-porn? Or do you think it is all unacceptable?

3) Do you carry a checkbook-- paper checks you tear out and give to the merchant? Or do you only use a debit/check card? Do you think paper checks are oblsolete? Do you use a credit card for every purchase and then pay it all off on a monthly basis?

[Bob in a quantum-state-of-faith]

1) Why is the crime rate continuing to climb? Or do you disagree with this statement? Thoughts,opinion,etc?

It is and it is not.  ^{_{(should I leave it at that? No? Okay...)}}   There's more general crime simply because there's more people.  Since there's more people, that automatically means there's more people populating the "fringe behavior" 'slots' of behavior.  And, there are people in even "fring-ier" 'slots' that in the past were not populated at all, or only very, very rarely.  Now, we get a regular population of these extreme-behavior types.   Thus, the total number of crimes are up, as compared to previous generations.  Is the crime per-person up?  In some places, yes.  In other places, it's either the same, or has declined slightly.   Over all, it's pretty much the same, if I recall correctly. 

Is the per-person risk-factor higher or lower than previously?   Higher-- due to the total number of crimes being up, and the total number of extreme-behavior people being up.   Thus, your % chance of being a victim is up.

But, this is just a statistic.  Your locale will greatly affect your individual results.  There are still places around that have effectively zero crime rates, if you look for them.   Cities will have a higher % chance, and your location within that city will have an effect, too-- simply because there are more people within easy travel to where YOU are.

Is the Great Human Experiment degrading into a mess-o-crime?  No.  Not even a tiny bit.  We're about the same, overall, as we were in the past. 

Is our perception of ourselves 'tainted' with a view that we are more amoral than we were?  Certainly-- crime stories SELL media.   Stories about how "all is well" do not.   Which stories will make the 5'oclock news and above the fold?

2) Is is sexist to think that hot firefighter calenders (male) are acceptable and alright while many think that the female version is just another form of negative-porn? Or do you think it is all unacceptable?
Porn is only sexist, if the person(s) involved were forced, coerced or in some other way induced against their will(s) to partake.

Whatever two (or more) adults choose to do between themselves is None Of My Business, and is not porn in my book.

On the other hand, sex slavery should be abolished when and where it is found, as should child porn.  The perps should be removed from society at large, permanently.

3) Do you carry a checkbook-- paper checks you tear out and give to the merchant? Or do you only use a debit/check card? Do you think paper checks are oblsolete? Do you use a credit card for every purchase and then pay it all off on a monthly basis?

I literally can not recall when I last wrote out a paper check-- I think I remember where the darn thing (checkbook) actually is, but I'm far from certain.

Debit card or cash.  Cash most often, these days.  I even pay my utilities with cash mosttimes.

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1) Jelly doughnuts?  Or plain?  Glazed?  Choco? Creme-filled?  What is your favorite type of toroidal fat bomb? _{Or, if *shudder* you don't actually like doughnuts, what's wrong with you?} 

2) Coffee?  Tea?  Both, neither?  What is your favorite beverage of choice-- which one do you partake of most often, when and why.

3) American style Pasta (completely cooked until soft) or Aldente?  Why?  ^{_{(and we won't even consider those who *shudder* don't like pasta.... truly we won't.  Just leave it blank, and we'll all light a candle for you....)}}

[The Meromorph]

1) Jelly doughnuts?  Or plain?  Glazed?  Choco? Creme-filled?  What is your favorite type of toroidal fat bomb? Or, if *shudder* you don't actually like doughnuts, what's wrong with you?  
Glazed, to match my eyes.

2) Coffee?  Tea?  Both, neither?  What is your favorite beverage of choice-- which one do you partake of most often, when and why.
Both. Coffee first thing, Coffee at work, Tea at home after I get in. But San Pellegrino (water)is my favorite beverag - I buy it by the case. A friend odered it for me at a fancy restaurant in Tunbridge Wells, and I fell in love with it at first sip.

3) American style Pasta (completely cooked until soft) or Aldente?  Why?  (and we won't even consider those who *shudder* don't like pasta.... truly we won't.  Just leave it blank, and we'll all light a candle for you....)

Al Dente, of course. Boiled soft reminds me of Fried Okra. 

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1. How many friends have you 'lost' for something you did?

2. Have you ever eaten a flower?

3. Have you ever been the place a cat preferred to sleep?

[pieces o nine]

1. How many friends have you 'lost' for something you did?
Friends, none. Acquaintances, yes.

Boyfriends, that's another category, and one that goes both ways...


2. Have you ever eaten a flower?
Yes. Glazed organic violet petals and such on petits fours.


3. Have you ever been the place a cat preferred to sleep?
Most of my life. Wouldn't have it any other way. (Hmmm, I see that this question relates back to #1: interpreted as an unforgivable fault by a humorless *ex*boyfriend.)


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Do you generally listen to favored cds start-to-finish? Or is your Ipod / cd changer / other set to play selectons at random?

Do you let your food touch? (!)

Wildflowers or hot house blooms?

[Bob in a quantum-state-of-faith]

Do you generally listen to favored cds start-to-finish? Or is your Ipod / cd changer / other set to play selectons at random?

Start-to-finish, even of one or two songs is not exactly to my liking.  Got into that habit, back in the days when LP's were King, and Record Changers were the Latest tech.   8-track players, too.   I was smart, tho, I recorded my own 8-tracks off of purchased LP's.....

Never was much for editing. 

Do you let your food touch? (!)  Sure! Why not?  I've been known to pile it all together on the plate, higgledy-piggledy.  I'm always up for trying a new "mix".  Last night, I was finishing off a mac-and-cheese, and for the last plate, thought, "why not" and dumped some plum preserves on top, just for a "new" flavor.  Was okay.  Wouldn't want the whole thing that way, but a single helping?   I'll probabily do it again, sometime.

Wildflowers or hot house blooms?  Wildflowers, or anything else that doesn't need direct attention by anyone (other than wild insects/birds/animals).   Am a big fan of local plants or the so-called "native varieties".    These plants evolved to actually live in the local area, and are used to the weather 'round here.  No need for watering, plant-food, etc. 

Indoors?  The only plants I have are gifts, that because I'm stubborn, I keep alive.  Except for the rye grass pot, which is for the cats to munch on.   For instance, I still have a "peace lily" that I was given when I accidentally removed the first finger and most of my left-hand thumb (since sewn back on).  It's been re-potted 3 times so far, and is showing signs of needing a larger pot soon.   Once in a great while, it will bloom.  Usually after I've forgotten to water it for a couple of weeks, and it partially wilts.  I suppose, it "thinks":   "Oh, Crap!  Drought!  We must reproduce, Just In Case!"  Works every time: about a week after I rehydrate it and "bring it back to life" it will sprout several flowers....  I just have never deliberately tried it.

                                           

1) Since, obviously, you use a PC/mac on a regular basis, are you considered the local "computer guru" where you are?  Or does someone else keep your computer "housed and fed" for you?

2) You have a chance to go on an All Expenses Week vacation, to Anywhere in the World.  The catch is that you must go by yourself.  Would you go?  Where?   Why? (or why not)

3) You've just been given a chance:  you can have total Creative Control of your very own, no-holds barred TV show, complete with a staff of writers (you select) actors (you choose) and so on.

Or else, you can Star in a TV show, but someone ELSE will dictate your role.   

Which would you choose?

[anthrobabe]

1) Since, obviously, you use a PC/mac on a regular basis, are you considered the local "computer guru" where you are?  Or does someone else keep your computer "housed and fed" for you?

Computer guru and I are not the same entity. I manage fairly well-- but when something really goes bad- that's me yelling down the hall ; "Bill! would you come to dispatch please? I need help."

2) You have a chance to go on an All Expenses Week vacation, to Anywhere in the World.  The catch is that you must go by yourself.  Would you go?  Where?   Why? (or why not)
Africa-Uganda- Mountain Gorilla territory---- that would be a dream, even alone.

3) You've just been given a chance:  you can have total Creative Control of your very own, no-holds barred TV show, complete with a staff of writers (you select) actors (you choose) and so on.

Or else, you can Star in a TV show, but someone ELSE will dictate your role.   

Which would you choose?

The first option. It would star Johnny Depp and Naveen Andrews and I would be the love interest(I'm the boss so I can star as well as have creative control)    Seriously-- I would choose the first option and it would probably be along the lines of extreme animal activist television, starring Johnny Depp and Naveen Andrews who just happen to fall madly in _____ with the very hot anthropologist......


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1) In your opinion what is the best movie EVER! numero uno movie that everyone must see and that you will watch over and over and never get enough of.

2) In your opinion what is the worst movie EVER! big stinky of all that should be buried and forgotten and left to become dust in the wind.

3) Can you watch movies in a foreign language with out subtitles or your native language voice over and enjoy them as well as other movies? Is it more than a simple 'language' barrier?

[Swatopluk]

I don't want to spoil it for others, so I will answer only parts.
I do not think there is a single best movie but I think there could be an inofficial canon (what became of that thread btw?)
If there indeed is a single worst movie of all time, it should be seen (exceptions only for people that really could not bear it or would turn into violent maniacs as a result). I guess it would be either a propaganda piece and/or terror-prawn (look for 'zombie' 'cannibal' 'holocaust' etc. as a title hint or character names like 'Ilsa'). Were there any rumors that Paris Hilton will play Juliet opposite John Wayne Bobbit as Romeo? personal prejudice: something out of B/L-ollywood could also have a chance.
---
Concerning foreign movies without subtitles or dubbing: Provided I can see it with enough info once, I have no problem to do it again without.

No new questions from me. The next one may try his/her luck with the previous.

[Sibling Chatty]

OK, I am NOT a big movie fan...Like 'em, prefer books.

1) In your opinion what is the best movie EVER! numero uno movie that everyone must see and that you will watch over and over and never get enough of.

I can't watch ANYTHING forever, but I DO love Blazing Saddles to distraction. (Yes, Mel Brooks humor. Also love Young Frankenstein, Producers, 14 Chairs, etc.)

2) In your opinion what is the worst movie EVER! big stinky of all that should be buried and forgotten and left to become dust in the wind.

Surf Nazis Must Die. Had to tolerate the noise from it while watching/participating in Rocky Horror one midnight showing. Blech.

3) Can you watch movies in a foreign language with out subtitles or your native language voice over and enjoy them as well as other movies? Is it more than a simple 'language' barrier?

I have 'problematic' hearing. I do well with subtitles in MY language, much less others. Dub overs ONLY if previous speaking parts are TOTALLY out, otherwise I can't distinguish anything. I am NOT proficient at languages AT ALL, so I need all the help I can get. So, can you see why I prefer books?



1. Favorite fiction author (any genre)?

2. Favorite non-fiction author? (yes, any genre)

3. Worst book by a previously good author??

[Scriblerus the Philosophe]

1. Favorite fiction author (any genre)?
Pratchett, of course! Though Gaiman is a very close second.

2. Favorite non-fiction author? (yes, any genre)
Immanuel Kant? I really like his ethics theory.

3. Worst book by a previously good author??
I like Mercedes Lackey. Can't lie, she's my literary vice.
Elvenbane was terrible!  Positively horrible!
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1. Who is your favorite comedian?

2. Silliest landmark you've ever been to (voluntarily or otherwise)?

3. Records, tapes, CDs or MP3s--which is your favorite format?