Mr. Niceguy

When playing The Sims (original version, complete edition) I find that, upon loading certain houses, or upon arriving in a new location (e.g., Magic Town or Studio Town) the graphics just completely disintegrate. Object don't show up or only partly show, piece of a previous location are in the screen, some screen areas are black, items appear as a house over then and then sometimes disappear again, the screen blurs over with a tracer effect as I move, etc.

I've made a short (one minute) video of my screen shots:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsaVFLl6tzs

I've googled this and found no reference to this particular error. Has anyone else seen this before? Anyone know how to fix it?

OK, for a long time I was embarrassed to admit I had ever even read this book -- I came to classify it as "New Age" and assumed people would see it as epitomizing "fluff." But, well, back in high school this is what got me into "magic" as something to actually do (instead of wonder how someone else could):

Robert B. Stone. (1976) "The Power of Miracle Metaphysics." Prentice Hall Trade.

ISBN-10: 013686709X

ISBN-13: 978-0136867098

What it teaches is basically magic using the mind alone -- no ritual, practically no tools, and no religion (other than a vague concept of "The Universal Consciousness") -- instead it has you use hypnosis based techniques to either do things directly, reach a power that can, or project your vision outward into the material universe. It does have some over the top seeming things toward the end, and the stuff about "alpha brain waves" I've decided was superfluous pseudoscience or an epiphenomenon of the trance state at best (not the cause of it). However, much of what it taught did seem to work at the time.

What I want to know it this: Is anyone else familiar with this book? Would you call it "fluff", or proto-New-Age (but not really fluff), a scam, or something with real value and insight, or what? How would you compare it to more tradition, formal, or religious thinking?

I recently answered the second version of previously deleted question: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AshVa...

Read objectively, the facts of *THAT* QUESTION is that it makes NO refference to genocide or any kind of violence, does not insult anyone, and assumed Native Americans are generally good people.

I say nothing was done wrong (anything will offend someone). Even if you think its too offensive, at worst it was niave and not disrespectful. Even if offensive, people should be allowed to explain why they see it that way (and should do so calmly) -- only those taught to be offended whould see a problem.

THIS IS BIGGER THAN THIS ONE QUESTION: Many questions disappear from here because someone disliked them, and other sites/hosts are just get stricter too. Even unpopular ideas should be allowed discussion. This is the point, why so much censorshipt? What can we do about it?

Are ideas about "gender" are becoming more accepting and fluid, or rigid

OK, I liked this question, and found it very interesting, but there weren't enough responses, and I want more, so I'm re-posting it. (Answer here or there, I don't care).

ORIGINAL QUESTION: Do you think that ideas about "gender" are becoming more accepting and fluid or are we in a period of potential rigidness and "backlash"? How does your own perception of gender influence your response to this question????

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=200710...

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AjV_c...

I think I'll put this in psychology (because it is) and in R&S (because many people see it as a religious issue) -- so I'll add, how do your religious views influence your views on gender?

Are ideas about "gender" are becoming more accepting and fluid, or rigid

OK, I liked this question, and found it very interesting, but there weren't enough responses, and I want more, so I'm re-posting it. (Answer here or there, I don't care).

ORIGINAL QUESTION: Do you think that ideas about "gender" are becoming more accepting and fluid or are we in a period of potential rigidness and "backlash"? How does your own perception of gender influence your response to this question????

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=200710...

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AjV_c...

(P.S: I don't usually post here because I'm straight and don't consider myself transgendered either -- but I thought this issue would be interesting to those here.)

Are ideas about "gender" are becoming more accepting and fluid, or rigid

OK, I liked this question, and found it very interesting, but there weren't enough responses, and I want more, so I'm re-posting it. (Answer here or there, I don't care).

ORIGINAL QUESTION: Do you think that ideas about "gender" are becoming more accepting and fluid or are we in a period of potential rigidness and "backlash"? How does your own perception of gender influence your response to this question????

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=200710...

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AjV_c...

OK, I liked this question, and found it very intersting, but there weren't enough responces, and I want more, so I'm reposting it. (Answer here or there, I don't care).

ORIGINAL QUESTION: Do you think that ideas about "gender" are becoming more accepting and fluid or are we in a period of potential rigidness and "backlash"? How does your own perception of gender influence your response to this question????

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=200710...

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AjV_c...

I think I'll put this in psychology (because it is) and in R&S (because many people see it as a religious issue).

OK, I've always had the idea "Satanic" religions were of four main kinds: Satanism (CoS / LeVay; atheistic), Luciferian (worship Satan), Demonaltry (a pantheon of demons), and Temple of Set. But a several people on R&S call themselves "Theistic Satanists," while none call themselves "Luciferians." Is there any difference between these? Or are they just different names for the same thing?

And please, people, don't flood this with "they both go to Hell" -- I'm curious what the real devil worshippers have to say, so let them tell who they are and what they believe. (Like that will really happen...!)

I've been writing music, and have written something I've called a "mini-symphony." I need to know it anyone thinks its any good. Also, most people label it as classical, does it fit the bill?

I have version for sale but don't expect you to pay: http://stores.lulu.com/blackjar72

Instead, if you go to Finale Showcase and type in Jared Blackburn you can get them for free to hear or read (if you have Finale -- if not, I'm sorry for wasting your time): http://www.finalemusic.com/showcase/

Anyway, I'd really like some unbiased feedback -- what do think of it in terms of quality and style?

I have a professor who really pushes that the HPV vaccine should be given to men. Her reason are:

Men can get it from women, and it can be spread (by oral sex) to the mouth, larynx, and lungs. The virus may cause warts even if it doesn't lead to cancer -- these may be genital warts or warts of the oral cavity and respiratory track. Unfortunately, the problem of laryngeal, tracheal, and bronchial warts is overlooked due to the focus on cancer, but the effect on the air way can become quite debilitating or life-threatening (often ruining voice and sometimes becoming fatal in the trachea, bronchi, and lungs due to blockage of airflow). Its unknown if it cause repirator cancer, but seen as possibe (since it infects those area). The vaccine is aproved for men.

This all makes sense to me. Also, men who don't become infected can't pass it to women.

Yet its pushed only as womans' vaccine -- any ideas why?

OK, I've known a couple people who claimed to be both Christian and Wiccan at the same time. And recently I've even seen some pro- and con- articles about it. Here is a wikipedia article with links to them:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Wicca

Personally, I don't see a problem with practicing more than one religion if the beliefs aren't hostile (in this case, your interpretation of Christianity is very liberal). However, the two world views do contradict each other in many ways -- implying one must be reinterpreted to fit the other. I don't see any problem with these sorts of beliefs, but am not sure they're really Wicca (and possibly not Christian either). I suspect part of the problem is the misconception that any witch is Wiccan and any magic user is a witch. Perhaps these people should try other magic and/or a different label.

Anyway, that's my view of it -- what do you think? Does it make since to be a Christian and Wiccan? -- or even practice "Christian Wicca"?

OK, here's the story, a before an exam a friend of mine wished this girl "good luck." She responded with the following tirade/sermon:

"I'm not superstitious! I don't believe in luck, I believe in a God that gives me abilities and my own work to use them! Keep your superstitions!" and so on...

Now, anyone with a good understanding of English knows that the word "luck" refers to whatever happens outside your control (whether by cause and effect, fate, a God, etc.), and not to magical influence OF luck. Even if someone doesn't understand that, it should well known that "good luck" is an expression for wishing someone well -- take it that way is ridiculously literal minded!

Can't they see giving this kind of smart-***, condescending remark is repay good with bad -- just like returning a complement with an insult, or hitting someone for helping you? How can these people not see what there doing, or wonder why so many people find them obnoxious because of things like this?

OK, this group is found at:

http://groups.myspace.com/aforjesus

Basically, they are atheists, and so do not believe in got or the Christian doctorine of a god-man. However, they do believe in a historical Jesus, and argue that he was a wise man, a true revelutionary, and serious positive influence on the developemnt of culture. They also add that he had to be a theist because everyone was in his time, with no other option, but might nor have been a theist if born into hour world. Thats it in a nutshell for those who don't want to read the much longer presentation on the groups page.

So what do you think of these idea? -- A Jesus fan club by and for atheists.

OK, maybe this sounds ignorant, or at least niave, but I can't help be amazed that some questions on this subject are even asked. Speaking as an independent student of comparative religion, rather than an adherent of the religion, I'd understand if people didn't know the specific beliefs and practices (the sabbats, the alter, the god and goddess) -- but it amazes me that some people even need to ask some questions:

"Does Wicca come from Chamred / Harry Potter / D&D?" (Gee, are you sure the charmed ones are even Wiccan? Harry Potter, D&D, oh please!)

"Do Wiccans have special birth marks?" (Yeah, just like Methodist do....)

"Describe the Wiccan uniform." (Huh?)

I guess I should be glad people are at least trying to find out, but how did they get this mixed up? Are there really that many people who are that ignorant? Are they mostly just children? Are they all brainwashed? (They can't ALL be trolls!) Or am I just niave to expect more from people?