The **** is a vector arcade game? Is that something you old people had?

My favorite old video game is Madden 2005. That was the year Michael Vick was completely unstoppable. Man, that guy could run.

Technically, this is not a question.

You are dead to me.

I recently learned that voter turnout in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is ninety-nine percent, making it the most democratic nation in the world. What could be done to bring the level of democracy in the USA closer to DPPK levels?

Those numbers are assuredly false. However, some countries do have mandatory voting, and they naturally have very high turnout. We could try that. If nothing else, it would be fun to see all the politicians have to deal with the nonvoting half of the country that they never care about under the current system.

The correct answer is 'Tempest'.

They have that in the DPPK. Everyone must vote, and to keep things simple, there's only one candidate on the ballot!

I don't mean to name drop, but I once responded to a dumb comment proposing mandatory voting, and David Lewin (yes, the David Lewin), offered a witty aphorism in support of my position. I really wish I could remember it.

Oh, I get the question now. I'm going to go with 'Othello.'

Then you probably offered more of a "bon mot" than an "aphorism." An aphorism is, almost by definition, particularly memorable. At best, I'm willing to give you credit for "clever turn of phrase" or, potentially, "witticism."

Mayo,

do we need the Tobin tax?

Mayo
Is it better to live in the ascendancy of a civlization, or its descent? Which are we in right now?

After reading half of the Wikipedia intro, I'm 100% sure that we do not.

To know that we are leaving a world better than that which we inherited is the great dream of all peoples throughout history. And we're clearly in an ascendancy now. Poverty is way down! Lifespans are way up! Hunger is way down! Standard of living is way up!

Mayo,

How can we realistically trim down gun violence in America?

Mayo,

Two questions:

First, in the old days was this sort of thing known as a "containment thread'?

Second, which party is more likely to party like it's 1999?

Sorry, I thought of a third question. Have you ever told Dids to check his privilege?

I don't fully know. Better treatment of mental illness is key. Better economic and living situations for the poorest is key. Not sensationalizing violence on the news would be great.

This isn't a popular view, but I truly do think that all the violence in TV, movies, video games, etc. is a contributing factor. It's one of the million things that leads to the very macho, very confrontational culture that we have in America. I don't really know how to change the fundamental American Ethos, though.

And yeah, strong gun control obviously needs to happen. If there are fewer guns, there will be fewer shootings. I believe that with all of my heart.

I believe this thread is somewhat closer to "the well" of old.

Democrats. GOP has old straight religious white guys. Democrats have literally everyone else. No contest.

I have not. Dids is a good guy.

Mayo, what are your 3 favorite essential oils?

I'm from Kentucky. I am legally required to say "Coal Keeps the Lights On™" whenever anyone mentions oil. I don't like it, but it's the law.

Mayo, what's with that Miracle Whip ****?

I would like to read a statement.

I would hereby like to apologize for my previous inopportune comments regarding Miracle Whip and the Kraft Foods Corporation. Miracle Whip is not, as I allegedly stated, "a so-called food made primarily from octopus snot," nor is it "poison." Miracle Whip is an FDA-recognized nontoxic foodstuff which has been a beloved staple of the American diet since 1933, and Kraft Foods has been feeding America's hunger since 1903.

I would like to apologize for anyone who misconstrued my statements. On the advice of counsel, I will not be answering any questions on this subject at this time. Thank you.

Mayo, what's the ratio of male/female in you?

It's very fluid.

Mayo, why does the USA army always go to the middle east?

"Why do you rob banks?"
"Because that's where the money is."

Mayo,

Peak Oil: good thing or bad thing?

I think good. Fossil fuels are terrible for a bunch of reasons. Their supply dwindling will inspire smart enterprising people to make safer nuclear power, better solar cells, and who knows what else. People are smart. People will figure it out.

Mayo, how much do like mayo?

3.50