The Force of Modifying Behavior

[minime]

My best interest is banking at a bank rather than a savings and loan--if I had a choice between those two only.

That depends, I suppose, on where you live and what you mean by "savings and loan." A mutual savings bank has some qualities of a user-owned credit union. I've heard that S&Ls are more vulnerable and fail more often than commercial banks. But there's always the FDIC.




Anyway, with this efficient "vape" device, I'm more addicted to nicotine than ever. How do I get off the stuff?

It depends on what I want and what I need. I'll elaborate if you like. But then I'm sure when you want to know my opinion, you give it to me.


Me mum and dad and two brothers all smoked cigarettes for years and then quit, basically because there is nothing to it but to do it. I know legions of others. Alcohol, pills, even heroin.

It could be that you're addicted to being addicted. Addicts are often treated by replacing one by another less addictive substance.

There is nothing more ironic than people who insist on saving the world, and in a way which is simply impossible, when they can't even do the very first thing, the very simplest thing to save themselves. Could it be that the two are related?

Some people are addicted to conflict. What is the replacement for that? Sorry, rhetorical question. Love, baby. Only love. Find an object to crave above others, and then others as well. A tree, a rock, a cloud.

Is this what you meant, Sounder?

[Karmamatterz]

You seem to be saying, in your hyperbolic way, that it's okey-dokie for people to mass consume as much and however they like—as some 'God-given American right'—without regard to the environment and the health and well-being of anyone.

I know your intentions are coming from a good place in your heart. Have you considered why yours and Evil's messages aren't being "heard" by the masses?

I don't believe there is any god that has granted me the right of anything but free will.

What gives you the right to anyone how they should live or what they can eat? You and your comrades are going to have to try a different approach to your messaging if you expect the masses to listen, and change their minds. You're making too many assumptions about what people think. Most humans want a clean environment, clean water and fresh food. How all of us go about living together is not that hard, after all we've organized ourselves for centuries into civilized societies for the most part pretty well. Forcing people to eat and live your lifestyle means you think you know best for all and have assumed dictatorial powers to mandate. Is that the new "democracy" our children should expect? Dictatorship?

We all have to work together. The message matters.

There is nothing more ironic than people who insist on saving the world, and in a way which is simply impossible, when they can't even do the very first thing, the very simplest thing to save themselves. Could it be that the two are related?

Thank you.

[Elvis]

I don't believe there is any god that has granted me the right of anything but free will.

Exactly. It's all about your free will.

Have you considered why yours and Evil's messages aren't being "heard" by the masses?

I haven't spoken to the masses. Maybe that's why they don't "hear" me.

What gives you the right to anyone how they should live or what they can eat?

Where the hell did I say that? Oh right—I didn't.

You're making too many assumptions about what people think.

Where are you getting all this? Do you really think "we" are gonna grab a bite of steak off your fork and throw out the plate?

Forcing people to eat and live your lifestyle means you think you know best for all and have assumed dictatorial powers to mandate.

My lifestyle? Stop, my sides are splitting!


I seem to remember talking about frivolous lawsuits against scientists. Now I'm forcing you to live some "lifestyle" and stopping you from bathing.

[Elvis]

It depends on what I want and what I need. I'll elaborate if you like.

No thanks—if you're happy with your banking choices, I'm happy for you.

Addicts are often treated by replacing one by another less addictive substance.

I suppose so, but, as I wrote, I didn't do that. And gosh, I never tried "just quitting"! Why didn't I think of that.

Me mum and dad and two brothers all smoked cigarettes for years and then quit, basically because there is nothing to it but to do it.

That great! You are a better person than I.

[minime]

It's easy to see that you have reached your wit's end--literally speaking.

Comments two and three are bitter sarcasm. I'll let them pass except to say that I have a cup of coffee every morning, and attempts to give it up have been unsuccessful. I'm enjoying one now. But cannabis is my drug of choice. You might say I'm addicted, although I have done completely without for two five-year stretches in the past decade, punctuated (twice) only by two grams given me as gifts. That will end shortly as I have retired out of necessity, and plan to grow (decriminalized) Northern Lights autofem (2oz, 65 days) under lights. I imagine I'll remain pleasantly stoned for the duration. No guilt. No shame. No judgment.

Re banking: In my opinion, anyone who keeps more than a few dollars in the bank (or S&L) does not know how to handle their money. Bank accounts, when handled properly end up costing the institution money, while giving me great flexibility doing the business of living. Putting my money in an S&L then would be doing my community a disservice, while banking is an act of subversion.

Similarly, I have presently 10 credit cards, all with a zero balance, with credit limits for all in the mid-five figures. This in spite of the fact that my income is a meager $400/month. I came into possession of these basically because I was offered cash (in the form of statement credits) of $200 on the average for signing up. I have three such offers in the glove box of my van totaling $550. Basically, I use each one once a year or so to keep them active, and watch as they continue to raise my credit limits. The plan is to keep them in a drawer until I go terminal, and then charge them to the max for the benefit of my heirs.

So, you see, making sweeping statements about what is right, and what everyone needs to do can be--and often is--counterproductive.

Anyone?

[seemslikeadream]

I had to pay off my mother's credit cards when she died, from her estate before anyone got any money

[minime]

I had to pay off my mother's credit cards when she died, from her estate before anyone got any money

Anyone who leaves an estate does not know how to handle money.

[seemslikeadream]

to handle steal money.

my mother never stole a thing in her life or death, that's just who she was and I would not go against her wishes

but then again I believe the spirit does not die

[minime]

to handle steal money.

my mother never stole a thing in her life or death, that's just who she was and I would not go against her wishes

Ha!

You imply that I advocate stealing money rightly owed to major multinational corporations. Horrors! You might as well be working for them. Perhaps you are.

Besides being rich with irony, your implication is unfounded. However, it is true: I care more for my family than the powers behind the powers that be.

Whatever gets you through your life is all right.

[seemslikeadream]

what gets me through the night is being accountable to what my mother believes not what I believe not what you believe

stolen money is bad juju

[minime]

what gets me through the night is being accountable to what my mother believes not what I believe not what you believe

Of course. Hope all is well with you and yours.

[seemslikeadream]

have you asked your heirs how they feel about your plans? I guess that would be all that matters

[minime]

have you asked your heirs how they feel about your plans? I guess that would be all that matters

How would they ever know?

I'm surprised at your interest. When the core of the forum repeatedly advocated to end the world as we know it (many), advocated genocide (wombat), advocated assassination (justdrew), foolishly asserted that everyone hates women (willow), where were you then to make corrections?

When riddler proposed suicides, you were here then, and criticized him openly. I'll grant you that. Good for you.

But this? Strange that this offends your delicate sensibilities when genocide does not.

Well, YMMV as they say.

[seemslikeadream]

oh I didn't know that you were not going to inform them of your plans, how would they know not to pay the bills you left?

delicate sensibilities when genocide does not

well I was the only one here to start a thread about genocides but whatever I am sure you will come up with another issue ....did I see you post in that thread?

1900-2000: A century of genocides
Postby seemslikeadream » Thu Mar 01, 2012 3:02 pm
viewtopic.php?f=8&t=34123

up next nuclear accidents?

oil spills?

immigrant children in cages?


Islamophobia American Style?

Boston bombing suspects?

I've been posting about things that bother me for 14 years here

Your Mileage May Vary

mine sure does

6 ways mushrooms can save the world
viewtopic.php?f=8&t=17594

[minime]

If there is no estate, there are no bills. It's just the way it is.

You're against genocide in theory. Who knew?

Well, slad, as always, it's been real.