Times Roman - Status Report

[Times Roman]

Mates and Lasses,

"The time has come old Roman said
to speak of many things
of ships and shoes and sealing wax
of cabbages and kings
and why the sea is boiling hot
and whether pigs have wings"

After you have digested that valuable information, there is one last bit I want to throw in the hat.

It seems I will be leaving back for Afghanistan, and will leave this Friday or Saturday.

Back to Kabul.

The good news is I will have some time now, due to isolation, to spend quality time on the board here.

And to really focus on the gym.

I've noticed that Austinite's post count is about to catch up to my post count, and I damn sure can't allow that to happen, so this is the main reason i'm leaving. to be able to spend sufficient time to prevent Austinite from exceeding my post count. =)

Anyways mates and lasses, I'm leaving in a couple of days, and just thought I'd share.

Warm regards,

Roman

[Capebuffalo]

Godspeed Roman

[--->>405<<---]

I've noticed that Austinite's post count is about to catch up to my post count, and I damn sure can't allow that to happen, so this is the main reason i'm leaving. to be able to spend sufficient time to prevent Austinite from exceeding my post count. =)

Warm regards,

Roman

LMAO be safe buddy

[MuscleInk]

Safe travels friend.

[Times Roman]

LMAO be safe buddy

thanks mate.

Always enjoy our philosophical debates.

maybe another soon??

[Times Roman]

Safe travels friend.

Godspeed Roman

thanks to all. I'll be OK. Isolation and a lack of social contact are the biggest enemies.

[RaginCajun]

Take care gramps!

Be safe!

[kelkel]

Good luck over there! How are you isolated, if you don't mind me asking?

[Hazard]

Ill be here plenty to keep you company! I happen to have a shit ton of time lol

[bikeral]

TR hope all the best for you on your journey. looking forward to your posts while you are over there. Remember to stop by for that beer.

I know it must be tough leaving your love ones behind, make sure you take a good pic of your Harley so you can kiss it goodnight before you go to sleep.

All the best, another chapter begins.

[--->>405<<---]

thanks mate.

Always enjoy our philosophical debates.

maybe another soon??

yes i do too, another would be good! i know u will have time.

[Hazard]

yes i do too, another would be good! i know u will have time.

Taken from io9.com

Do we have free will?

Also called the dilemma of determinism, we do not know if our actions are controlled by a causal chain of preceding events (or by some other external influence), or if we're truly free agents making decisions of our own volition. Philosophers (and now some scientists) have been debating this for millennia, and with no apparent end in sight. If our decision making is influenced by an endless chain of causality, then determinism is true and we don't have free will. But if the opposite is true, what's called indeterminism, then our actions must be random -- what some argue is still not free will. Conversely, libertarians (no, not political libertarians, those are other people), make the case for compatibilism -- the idea that free will is logically compatible with deterministic views of the universe. Compounding the problem are advances in neuroscience showing that our brains make decisions before we're even conscious of them. But if we don't have free will, then why did we evolve consciousness instead of zombie-minds? Quantum mechanics makes this problem even more complicated by suggesting that we live in a universe of probability, and that determinism of any sort is impossible. And as Linas Vepstas has said, "Consciousness seems to be intimately and inescapably tied to the perception of the passage of time, and indeed, the idea that the past is fixed and perfectly deterministic, and that the future is unknowable. This fits well, because if the future were predetermined, then there'd be no free will, and no point in the participation of the passage of time."

Ehehehehehe

[Times Roman]

Good luck over there! How are you isolated, if you don't mind me asking?

due to security issues, time outside the compound is minimal. so after work, all i have to look forward to is dinner (with the same people i work with), and gym. then it's up to my room for the rest of the night. night after night. since on a small security compound, it gets real quiet after work. our party is small, with less than a dozen expats. I could run up and down the hall naked and doubt anyone would really notice unless i was also making alot of noise

Ill be here plenty to keep you company! I happen to have a shit ton of time lol

not sure what time zone you are in, but i'm 12.5+ pacific time. for most in the USA, i'm going to bed when others are waking up. But I'll keep an eye out for you!

TR hope all the best for you on your journey. looking forward to your posts while you are over there. Remember to stop by for that beer.

I know it must be tough leaving your love ones behind, make sure you take a good pic of your Harley so you can kiss it goodnight before you go to sleep.

All the best, another chapter begins.

Thanks Al. You know, I just went through a crash course on how to ride a harley with my son just this day. He'll be the custodian of my bike while I'm away. I may be gone for three years, so I really need someone to ride it, else it will just deteriorate over time. He usually rides one of those Yamaguze rocket thingeys that weighs only 400 pounds and goes like a kazillion miles per hour. So I told him it's time to man up and learn to ride a harley. 800 pounds with a fully pumped/stroked engine is quite the difference. Like between a sewing machine and a detroit deisal.

yes i do too, another would be good! i know u will have time.

It's on!

so how many angels can you fit on the eye of a needle? =)

[Hazard]

not sure what time zone you are in, but i'm 12.5+ pacific time. for most in the USA, i'm going to bed when others are waking up. But I'll keep an eye out for you!

Eastern standard time.....

[GirlyGymRat]

due to security issues, time outside the compound is minimal. so after work, all i have to look forward to is dinner (with the same people i work with), and gym. then it's up to my room for the rest of the night. night after night. since on a small security compound, it gets real quiet after work. our party is small, with less than a dozen expats. I could run up and down the hall naked and doubt anyone would really notice unless i was also making alot of noise

not sure what time zone you are in, but i'm 12.5+ pacific time. for most in the USA, i'm going to bed when others are waking up. But I'll keep an eye out for you!

Thanks Al. You know, I just went through a crash course on how to ride a harley with my son just this day. He'll be the custodian of my bike while I'm away. I may be gone for three years, so I really need someone to ride it, else it will just deteriorate over time. He usually rides one of those Yamaguze rocket thingeys that weighs only 400 pounds and goes like a kazillion miles per hour. So I told him it's time to man up and learn to ride a harley. 800 pounds with a fully pumped/stroked engine is quite the difference. Like between a sewing machine and a detroit deisal.

It's on!

so how many angels can you fit on the eye of a needle? =)

Three years is a long time. Be safe!

[crazy mike]

Well I'm glad that I looked in on the board tonight for a minute or two. I won't stay in long but I just had to post and tell you.... I enjoy what I've gotten to know of you and will say you're cool ! I'll give thought and prayer for your safety. I'll look forward to hearing from you soon. ...crazy mike

[lovbyts]

Best wishes, safe travels and may you find your riches.

Let me know what it's like to have so free time to hit the gym regularly and breathing room. Sounds like a great concept.

[t-dogg]

Safe travels friend.

I second this.

[Remington]

WOW!
Be safe.
Always full of vital information here.
Godspeed.

[Othello]

Hey TR

safe trip.

I will be in and out of A-stan next couple of months for a telco project with one of the operators there...well grab a beer

[ppwc1985]

Keep your head down, be safe.

[Euroholic]

Chao

[DCI]

Safe trip TR man. It's tought over there but you know what you are getting yourself into after your padt experience enjoy the gym.

[Back In Black]

Best of luck TR

On not letting Austin catch up that is

[Times Roman]

Taken from io9.com

Do we have free will?

Also called the dilemma of determinism, we do not know if our actions are controlled by a causal chain of preceding events (or by some other external influence), or if we're truly free agents making decisions of our own volition. Philosophers (and now some scientists) have been debating this for millennia, and with no apparent end in sight. If our decision making is influenced by an endless chain of causality, then determinism is true and we don't have free will. But if the opposite is true, what's called indeterminism, then our actions must be random -- what some argue is still not free will. Conversely, libertarians (no, not political libertarians, those are other people), make the case for compatibilism -- the idea that free will is logically compatible with deterministic views of the universe. Compounding the problem are advances in neuroscience showing that our brains make decisions before we're even conscious of them. But if we don't have free will, then why did we evolve consciousness instead of zombie-minds? Quantum mechanics makes this problem even more complicated by suggesting that we live in a universe of probability, and that determinism of any sort is impossible. And as Linas Vepstas has said, "Consciousness seems to be intimately and inescapably tied to the perception of the passage of time, and indeed, the idea that the past is fixed and perfectly deterministic, and that the future is unknowable. This fits well, because if the future were predetermined, then there'd be no free will, and no point in the participation of the passage of time."

Ehehehehehe

Lt. Dan says we have a choice, yet momma says it's fate. I think maybe they're both right?

Three years is a long time. Be safe!

not that scary. it's not as if I'm going to jail or anything. I get to come home regularly

Well I'm glad that I looked in on the board tonight for a minute or two. I won't stay in long but I just had to post and tell you.... I enjoy what I've gotten to know of you and will say you're cool ! I'll give thought and prayer for your safety. I'll look forward to hearing from you soon. ...crazy mike

thanks mike!

Best wishes, safe travels and may you find your riches.

Let me know what it's like to have so free time to hit the gym regularly and breathing room. Sounds like a great concept.

My gym time has bbeen sucking lately. with a 10hour/day job, and three hour commute round trip, it's hard to stay focused. lost alot of weight....

WOW!
Be safe.
Always full of vital information here.
Godspeed.

muchos gracias mate

Hey TR

safe trip.

I will be in and out of A-stan next couple of months for a telco project with one of the operators there...well grab a beer

You can find me at the Baron hotel near the airport in Kabul. it's a security compound. can't remember if they serve alcohol. I'll be bringing two bottles of spirits with me from Dubai....

[Times Roman]

Keep your head down, be safe.

safety is a given. it's isolation that can make you crack!

Chao

onyahasayo

Safe trip TR man. It's tought over there but you know what you are getting yourself into after your padt experience enjoy the gym.

yep. second time now

Best of luck TR

On not letting Austin catch up that is

yeah, can't let that happen!

[bass]

let the war begin. I mean your and Austi

be safe there brother.

[thisAngelBites]

Bon voyage, Roman. I just looked and Kabul is 3.5 hours ahead of London, so us UK peeps will be around to keep you company.

[austinite]

Good luck times!!!!!! Stay healthy my friend.

[Times Roman]

Bon voyage, Roman. I just looked and Kabul is 3.5 hours ahead of London, so us UK peeps will be around to keep you company.

I always enjoy your intellectualism, Angel. I'll be in touch!

Good luck times!!!!!! Stay healthy my friend.

Will do mate. You are one of the true Gentlemen here at the board. Always honored to speak with you!

[DCI]

I presume you will do a log of your experiences over there? It will be interesting to see the differences from last time to now

[Times Roman]

Yeah, that's right. I had that thread called Roman's Kabul Blog. Maybe I'll start a new blog. Give me something to do.

[EverettCD]

Good luck to you TR. Stay safe over there.

[Times Roman]

if anyone is interested, this is where I will be staying initially (for the first few weeks or so)

Safe and secure housing, lodging and accommodation in Kabul, Afghanistan by Baron hotels. Stay and see places in Kabul, Afghanistan with Baron Hotels

[AD]

if anyone is interested, this is where I will be staying initially (for the first few weeks or so)

Safe and secure housing, lodging and accommodation in Kabul, Afghanistan by Baron hotels. Stay and see places in Kabul, Afghanistan with Baron Hotels

looks good:

Security Features:


Most secured lodging arrangement in Kabul
Security is provided by US Private Security Company
The entire compound is surrounded by a 4 meter high perimeter wall
5 guard towers as well as dedicated exit & entry control systems
Security cleared & approved by UN and other agencies
24 hour closed circuit TV (CCTV) for observation
Sniffer dogs at both exit & entry points

[probuild42]

TR, I wish you safe travels and hopeful future on your journey!! I also must say thanks for the advice on MSM my joints are feeling good after a few months of steady use. Look forward to seeing you around!

[MuscleInk]

thanks to all. I'll be OK. Isolation and a lack of social contact are the biggest enemies.

I could use a week or two of isolation me thinks.

[Giggle]

Hi Times - I'm so glad I heard and got to wish you a Godspeed. You've always been so kind to me!
Be well.

[Times Roman]

TR, I wish you safe travels and hopeful future on your journey!! I also must say thanks for the advice on MSM my joints are feeling good after a few months of steady use. Look forward to seeing you around!

Glad the MSM worked out for you!

I could use a week or two of isolation me thinks.

I could do two weeks of iso in a heart beat. Wait til that becomes years....

Hi Times - I'm so glad I heard and got to wish you a Godspeed. You've always been so kind to me!
Be well.

I try to be kind to everyone...
....especially you! =)

looks good:

Security Features:


Most secured lodging arrangement in Kabul
Security is provided by US Private Security Company
The entire compound is surrounded by a 4 meter high perimeter wall
5 guard towers as well as dedicated exit & entry control systems
Security cleared & approved by UN and other agencies
24 hour closed circuit TV (CCTV) for observation
Sniffer dogs at both exit & entry points

when you enter, you have to enter through a series of doors known as a dead man room or dead man doors. Two steel doors. You go inside. First one closes behind you. Second one is still closed. You are now trapped. Then you get physically searched. Once they are satisfied you are "weapons free", then the second door opens and you are able to go inside the hotel. These dead man rooms are very common for any building an expat tends to travel to.

[DCI]

Yeah, that's right. I had that thread called Roman's Kabul Blog. Maybe I'll start a new blog. Give me something to do.

Certainly be interesting in seeing the developments