Hello from Brazil

[Ira]

My little message to Ira:Won't you prefer to do it in private to not bore the rest with this off-topic?

Are you kidding?

I always prefer to bore AND annoy everyone.

Remember--I'm American.

[mke_sc]

You're the man, Ira! I've only suggested to talk in private because of your warning about the conservatives in this forum. As David Bowie, "I'm afraid of americans" (just kiddin', of course, but nice music), maybe George W Bush could send his troops to invade us if I don't take care with my words I know you're american, but it seems to me there are no more than a few people who (like you) argue the White House decisions, even in Democrat party. My congratulations to you, if you do so. Since the vote is not compulsory at your country, the low number of voters denotes there are only a few people who cares about what happening beyond their gardens. This is a sadness, it's a sign of times, and happens not only in the U.S., but in my country too. Ignorance seems to be the better way of self protection. Take a little bit of bread and circus and don't look to not to see. I hope I didn't say some bullshit thanks to my english.

Classic Finn: I'm just in the begining, I'm only planning and researching materials available (the windows are hard to find) before to get started. For now I have a sketch in Autocad, adapted to my own dimensions (I'm 1,93m tall). About wood you're right, we have beautiful woods here, but my conscience and local authorities can't let me take any wood I desire. Certified native wood is very expensive even here, but a cheaper alternative can be to laminate the plywood.

Marcus Keske

[Miriam C.]

What is really sad is that so many people in the world never get to see or hear of the real America, or real conservatives or real Democrats. Our voices and preferances get drown out by a calamity of racket put out by a self serving media and the BS put out by the Belt Way (Washington DC) on both sides.

Little Boxes, little boxes, little boxes Diversity is so much better.

[mke_sc]

Diversity is so much better.

You did say all! If we can exchange more about our people and ourselves... It's a vicious circle: I don't know the real America and America don't know the real World (including Brasil) beyond his frontiers. Of course, this is not a rule. And is not "USA x The Rest of the World" as your president believes. There's bad and good people in every corner of this planet, but it seems only the voices of bad people can be heard in our world. You're right. We're on the hands of the media, but in part by our own fault. Consumption is the word here. Note that I also assume my parcel of guilt.
I like these words of Martin Luther King Jr. :
"History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people." This was true in the 60's, and it's still true now.
Mankind is quickly advancing in technology, but socially retreating as human being.

Oops, excuse me if I talk too much. I'm loving this conversation...

[mke_sc]

I almost forgot: what is "BS" and "Belt Way"?

[Ira]

I always found that interesting--mandatory voting. That's how it is in my wife's native country (Venezuela).

I don't know:

Forcing people to vote doesn't make them beter informed voters. In fact, it guarantees less informed and more ignorant voters. You just have to "do the math."

It canbe argued that it's actually better that 20% of the population votes who care enough to go on their own to vote...as opposed to 100% who are just going because they're forced to. This actually guarantees manipulation of the poor and the lesser educated by dictators and fascists.

In a TRUE democracy, you're allowed to say, "I don't give a sh** so I don't want to vote."

In Venezuela, Chavez throws them a barbecue, and he gets their vote.

[rbeemer]

Marcus,

BS is an abbreviation that we use for BullShit
The Beltway is a highway that run around Washington DC(Nations Capital). Miriam is using it as a nickname for Washington DC

[mke_sc]

Calm down, Ira. I didn't say that I agree with this system. I don't like any kind of imposition. In fact, no one goes to the jail for no voting, we only must justificate if we not do it. But you're right. This can't happen in a true democracy. But in a true democracy, the candidate who takes more votes wins the election...or not? Remember first GWB mandate? (Yes, I know a little of your policy, too) Just to explain my point. Democracy could have his (local) defects, but its still the better regimen.

[Miriam C.]

I almost forgot: what is "BS" and "Belt Way"?

The Babbling Stink that comes out of the people inside the road that circles the Washington DC area. It covers a large area

I wasn't trying to stifle your voice or opinion. Just add my own. Your voice is welcome here as is everyones. Unless they want to hear my opinion on free speech and diversity.

Cover your ears.

[mke_sc]

I wasn't trying to stifle your voice or opinion. Just add my own. Your voice is welcome here as is everyones. Unless they want to hear my opinion on free speech and diversity.

I would like to hear it! This topic is becoming off-topic, but as I said I'm loving this. It's very interesting to listen you all! If this is not a good taste of diversity, free speeching and free OPINION, I don't know what is this. Maybe to me a good way to know your people better. The exchange that I was talking about.
Thanks to you and Rick for the explanation.

You people are testing my english knowledge to the limit. But it's good to train it, since I've learned it from myself.

[Ira]

What did I miss? I've been too busy publishing a magazine and getting yelled at from my wife.

And Marcus--is Brazil like the United States, where your wife only has sex with you twice a year, and only if the planets are aligned in a certain way?

BRAHMA CHOPA! (Spelling? The beer.)

[mke_sc]

What did I miss? I've been too busy publishing a magazine and getting yelled at from my wife.

And Marcus--is Brazil like the United States, where your wife only has sex with you twice a year, and only if the planets are aligned in a certain way?

BRAHMA CHOPA! (Spelling? The beer.)

Almost like this... hahaha Some things are the same way all around the world. The planets alignment, in my case, must match the sleep time of my two years old kid, Pedro.
I'm also too busy, an avalanche of new projects invaded my architecture office this month, so my teardrop plans must wait for a while.
Do you know "Brahma Chopp"? Nice beer! If I'm not wrong, this beer is sell even in China since last two years. And what about "Guarana Antarctica"?

[Bill Fernandez]

One good thing from Brizal In the RainForest Is the ACAI Berry
thats some good stuff. It grows on the Palm Trees.

Bill

[caseydog]

Regards for all and please don't fight. Politicians don't deserve our energy spending!
Marcus K

I made the mistake of posting in an "off-topc" section of a car forum. What a can of worms that opens. I haven't even looked at the off-topic forum here. I don't want to go that route again.

As for Teardrops, if you are an Architect, I am anxious to see what you come up with. There are so many really cool, lightweight and weather-resistant materials available, I'm sure you could come up with something fantastic.

I bought my first TD, to get a feel for them, and discover what I like, and don't like, before I build one. You don't seem to have that option. However, my goal is to design and build a TD that has all the character and charm of a classic TD, using the newest and lightest modern materials.

There are lots of resources here, but let your imagination soar -- then let us copy your plans.

CD

[caseydog]

What did I miss? I've been too busy publishing a magazine and getting yelled at from my wife.

And Marcus--is Brazil like the United States, where your wife only has sex with you twice a year, and only if the planets are aligned in a certain way?

BRAHMA CHOPA! (Spelling? The beer.)

Another magazine slave. What do you publish? (Just to take this thread even more off-topic.)

G