User talk:Sam Spade/ - archive Dezember 2004 2

thanks...

for your nice welcome, and best of luck in your election. Tobacman 17:09, 6 Dec 2004 (UTC)

Your quite welcome :) I was born in Iowa City, and have family there, altho I'm quite far away today! Glad to have you here, [[User:Sam Spade|Sam Spade Wants you to vote!] 17:13, 6 Dec 2004 (UTC)

ViP

Thanks for pulling that bogus report off ViP. I should've been watching to see if he'd reinstate it but forgot to check up. That Rebroad's a troubling one.... Very Verily 06:15, 7 Dec 2004 (UTC)

He certainly is. He recently reverted an article he had never edited before (at least not under that account) to a version nearly a month old... His explanation was rather curious as well, suggesting it had been "counter-concensus", despite it having been edited and agreed upon in the talk by at least 3 editers during that month... Stuff like that suggests to me that either that isn't his only account, or that he's getting some strange ideas from somewhere... Anyhow, despite the controversy you've had, I've found you to be a NPOV advocate, and am very glad to have you here on the wikipedia. Cheers, 10:28, 7 Dec 2004 (UTC)

Thanks

Thank you very much for the helpful links!

kalos 18:40, 7 Dec 2004 (UTC)

Your very welcome, and thanks for joining us! Cheers, [[User:Sam Spade|Sam Spade Wants you to vote!] 01:43, 8 Dec 2004 (UTC)

Haven't fogotten

In case you've been wondering, I (Juan) haven't fogotten. Life's still been busy, though- finals week. That will be over, then I'm in Mexico for a week, then I'm back. This weekend, with any luck, I'm launching a site with a new political model I am proposing. I think you will find it interesting. Juan Ponderas 05:31, 8 Dec 2004 (UTC)

Thats pretty cool, everybody I know would like to be in Mexico for a week, especially here in Germany! Hope you have a good time, and my best wishes w your finals. Cheers, [[User:Sam Spade|Sam Spade Wants you to vote!] 10:40, 8 Dec 2004 (UTC)

Too bad I can't vote

Too bad I can't vote, I won't have 3 months until Dec. 30. Good luck.--Silverback 13:23, 8 Dec 2004 (UTC)

Yeah, I donno if I like the 3 months thing, but I understand the general idea of trying to rule out sockpuppets and all... some people have long term sockpuppets tho! Sam Spade Wants you to vote! 13:43, 8 Dec 2004 (UTC)

Thanks for the welcome!

Nice of you to post, thanks for the handy links! User:Stepheno (sig added by [[User:Sam Spade|Sam Spade Wants you to vote!] 18:02, 8 Dec 2004 (UTC))

Wonderful, your quite welcome :) Glad to have you, [[User:Sam Spade|Sam Spade Wants you to vote!] 18:02, 8 Dec 2004 (UTC)

Thanks!

Thanks for cleaning up the AMA request for assistance page. It really was a big mess! Also, good luck in your election! --Neigel von Teighen 21:53, 9 Dec 2004 (UTC)

Hmm.. I don't think it was me, but... thanks anyways! Are you a members advocate? If so, glad to meet ya! Glad to meet ya either way, of course ;) I'm an advocate too, BTW, let me know if you ever need any help. I'd a real attack dog, lol Cheers, [[User:Sam Spade|Sam Spade Wants you to vote!] 22:05, 9 Dec 2004 (UTC)

Yeah, actually, I need some help. I need to know where to begin as an advocate! I'd like to start working on that. Some ideas? Thanx!

--Neigel von Teighen 23:08, 9 Dec 2004 (UTC)

Thanks

Thanks for the compliments and respect. I have no idea why I'm such a nice guy, or why I'm anything I may be. I struggle sometimes (~~can't find example where I was really mean to an anon, on a Beatles song talk page, I think~~: Wikipedia talk:Importance#From Talk:Yesterday (song)). Thanks again, and I voted for you. Hyacinth 01:05, 10 Dec 2004 (UTC)

Wow, thanks again. Your concern over potential wrongdoing is yet another mark in favor. Maybe next time you should be the one running for arbiter ;) Cheers, [[User:Sam Spade|Sam Spade Wants you to vote!] 11:42, 10 Dec 2004 (UTC)

Vote

Unfortunately, Sam, I couldn't vote for you as I have been on wikipedia for only 58 days. Looks like I have been here longer! Best of luck on your election. I appreciate your consistent efforts to improve the image of Hinduism. I have made extensive changes recently to Hindu notions of God in God, types of avatars in avatars, sin and karma.(e,g. how karma in Hinduism differs from that of Buddhism and Jainism Thanks, and good luck. Raj2004 13:16, 10 Dec 2004 (UTC)

I'll have a look, thanks for all your fine work here! I don't like that 3 month's editing to vote rule myself, I think it should be by number of edits, or some other method of identification... I understand their concerns, but wiki's come and go rather fast... Keep in touch, I'm off to read youyr edits :D [[User:Sam Spade|Sam Spade Wants you to vote!] 23:07, 12 Dec 2004 (UTC)

No problem, Sam and continued best of luck. Raj2004 18:06, 14 Dec 2004 (UTC)

Interesting quote about ignorance of Hindusism http://www.hinduwebsite.com/hinduism/h_resilence.htm Raj2004 23:02, 14 Dec 2004 (UTC)

Sam, my sites up

http://www.originmap.org/

This is the new model I'm proposing. What do you think? Juan Ponderas 08:09, 13 Dec 2004 (UTC)

Looks interesting! I can't wait to take your test, let me know when it's available, eh? Cheers, [[User:Sam Spade|Sam Spade Wants you to vote!] 10:04, 13 Dec 2004 (UTC)

Beyond that, I'm adding a wiki. But I'll be gone in Mexico leaving tommorrow, it will have to wait. There are, however, some interesting things to write upon. One is that historical progress makes sense according to my chart. On Nolan's, it goes from low freedom, monarchy and such, to high freedom, pre-industrial revolution, and now back to low freedom (not exactly, but close). On my chart it's a more or less straight direction, but I want to chart historical governments and such to more closely examine it. Talk to you in 10 daysJuan Ponderas 04:38, 18 Dec 2004 (UTC)

Red Ensign

Thanks. AndyL 01:18, 14 Dec 2004 (UTC)

And thank you for being a great guy, andy~! [[User:Sam Spade|Sam Spade Wants you to vote!] 16:58, 15 Dec 2004 (UTC)

Your 3RR email

You emailed me about your 3RR blocking on Atheism. You sent your email after I left the house in the morning, and the situation appears to have resolved itself before I had a chance to check that account again.

Just didn't want you to think I was ignoring you. -- Cyrius|✎

I too agree and am glad about your unblocking. On the whole you have done some excellent work. I usually don't have much time during the day, otherwise would have sent you an email earlier. Dieter Simon 01:38, 16 Dec 2004 (UTC)

I also did not check my e-mail until after you were unblocked, but I am glad that the situation has been resolved now. Academic Challenger 03:20, 16 Dec 2004 (UTC)

Not at all. Things are quite alright now, afaik, and I am greatful for your thoughtful attentions. let me know if there is ever anything I can do for you! :) [[User:Sam Spade|Sam Spade Wants you to vote!] 20:25, 15 Dec 2004 (UTC)

Vote Yes For Double S!

Sam Spade RULES!!!

Vote for Sam Spade or the dirty evil trolls will come and eat your children.

I hope thats ment as a positive endorsement? Thanks, [[User:Sam Spade|Sam Spade Wants you to vote!] 12:22, 16 Dec 2004 (UTC)

More differences between Buddhism and Hinduism

see article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karma_in_Hinduism. Also, the Brahma Sutras, is an important ancient Vedantic text that reconciled seemingly at first glance contradictory teachings of the Upanishads. In it, the text refutes schools of Buddhism; see web site, http://www.swami-krishnananda.org/bs_2/bs_2-2-insy.html; Swami Sivananda, in his translation and commentary on Brahma sutras, explains the refutations. Raj2004 12:12, 16 Dec 2004 (UTC)

What do you think of the Hindutva idea of calling all religions native to India (including Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs) Hindu, or "Indian religionists"? [[User:Sam Spade|Sam Spade Wants you to vote!] 12:22, 16 Dec 2004 (UTC)

It's a broad idea. Buddhism and Jainism obviously was influenced by Hinduism and distinguished concepts of karma a little differently. It could be modified by a different term, such as how Westerners term traditions Judaeo-Christian even though Judaism differs significantly from Christianity in many ways. I think that Sikhs being called Hindus fine because they were so important for the survival of Hinduism; they saved Hinduism from Moghul oppression. In some Punjabi traditions, a Hindu man would make one of his sons a Sikh. Sikhs however, would differ in that view as they consider themselves an independent religion though they adopted concepts of karma, maya and reincarnation. However, I think a different term is more appropriate. some have called Indian based faiths Dharma based faiths. Dharma based faiths is a better term. There is a common core although the religions differ widely on the views. Buddhism: karma does not require God unlike Hinduism; no souls, but mental impressions; sunyata or voidness in niravana unlike no voidness in moksha. I can see how Buddhism is appealable to Westerners as it is extremely rational, (not to say Vedanta isn't; it is but requires concept of higher Being) and does not require the concept of God Raj2004 15:05, 16 Dec 2004 (UTC)

Yes, it is this very lack of focus on God which I find illogical and unlikeable about Buddhism. [[User:Sam Spade|Sam Spade Wants you to vote!] 15:08, 16 Dec 2004 (UTC)

Also, Sam, I would say Buddha didn't say there wasn't a God but was ambivalent about the nature of God. The great Hindu philospher, Madhva criticicized the Buddhists by criticizing the ambivalence by stating that everything that is true can't be proved by logic as humans are limited sensory beings. Raj2004 15:13, 16 Dec 2004 (UTC)

I think this lack of focus on God was intentional. Buddha, being enlightened, understood that only thru ignorance of God and focus on the self could the dissolution of the self conceivably occur, as opposed to the uniting w the atman, which can only occur thru a focus to God. I find this goal of self-annihilation terrifically unappealing, and prefer Theosis, found thru study, and the altruism and symbiosis of love for God and ones neighbors. [[User:Sam Spade|Sam Spade Wants you to vote!] 15:24, 16 Dec 2004 (UTC)

Thanks, Sam for pointing out Theosis. I didn't know about that: Interesting quote from Theosis wikpedia article. "Naturally, the crucial Christian assertion, that God is One, sets an absolute limit on the meaning of theosis - it is not possible for any created being to become, ontologically, God or even another god." That sounds similar to distinction between Advaita(union with Brahman, one with Brahman and Srivaishnavism(Ramanuja); union with God, but always retains essence of individuality); for Ramnuja: we become like God save for 2 things, Atomic Size, limited creativity.

cited from http://www.nalanda.demon.co.uk/vedanta.htm#The%20Theist%20Revolt

Madhva on the other hand would agree completely with Theosis; we can never be united in any manner with God; always separate. Raj2004 18:24, 16 Dec 2004 (UTC)

Yes, yet again the fools who try to separate the world religions are proven wrong by the symmetry of doctrines. Lately I have had jehovas witnesses coming to my door attempting to convert me. They ask me "how can you know it is true" when I say something of God. I reply to them "there are many ways, but I will tell you two of the best. #1. Compare all teachings and doctrines, and find what is agreed to by all. This is likely to be true. #2. I pray and ask God personally. So far, he has never lied ;) [[User:Sam Spade|Sam Spade Wants you to vote!] 18:34, 16 Dec 2004 (UTC)

Thanks again Sam, as always for your wisdom. Best, Raj2004 19:17, 16 Dec 2004 (UTC)

Thanks

Thanks for the welcome. I'm glad to be aboard. Thanks for the useful list o'links, too. Rachel 17:19, Dec 16, 2004 (UTC)Rachel

Glad to have ya! Let me know if there is anything you need, questions, etc.. Cheers, [[User:Sam Spade|Sam Spade Wants you to vote!] 18:18, 16 Dec 2004 (UTC)

tattvam asi

Sam, I am not as conformtable writing an article on tattvam asi. However, this site may help. http://www.sanskrit.org/Shankara/shankar3.html You may want to ask user Lord Surya. He seems to be more familiar with Vedanta.

Thanks, and happy holidays. Raj2004 13:37, 17 Dec 2004 (UTC)

Yes, and for you and yours as well! I'm going to try Talk:Hinduism, I'm sure there will be some experts there! The concept interests me, but I know way to little to write it myself... God be with you,

[[User:Sam Spade|Sam Spade Wants you to vote!] 13:45, 17 Dec 2004 (UTC)

thanks for welcome

Thanks for welcoming me. --Joep Zander 18:10, 16 Dec 2004 (UTC)

The more users, the better, thats what I say! Let me know if theres anything I can do to help you find your niche, happy holidays, [[User:Sam Spade|Sam Spade Wants you to vote!] 18:18, 16 Dec 2004 (UTC)

Changing policy

Can you tell me on which pages one can propose changes to wikipolicy, pariticularly ArbComm policy? Thanks.AndyL 13:22, 17 Dec 2004 (UTC)

Here are some leads:

You may also want to discuss it on the english only Wikipedia:Mailing list, a huge % of important descisions are made there, sad but true. What did you have in mind?

[[User:Sam Spade|Sam Spade Wants you to vote!] 13:38, 17 Dec 2004 (UTC)

See Wikipedia talk:Arbitration policy comments AndyL 13:58, 17 Dec 2004 (UTC)

Good luck

Hey Sam, just wanted to wish you good luck on the arb. committee vote. You got mine!

By the way, you still involved in the fascism article? Haven't checked it in a while, wonder how it's going. Wally 19:58, 17 Dec 2004 (UTC)

Me either, I'm mainly focused on overhauling the brahmin article at the moment, but lets have a look at fascism in the near future, eh? Thanks for your vote, [[User:Sam Spade|Sam Spade Wants you to vote!] 20:05, 17 Dec 2004 (UTC)

Charles Darwin

User:Fastfission and others have been on a crusade to delete the mention of Charles Darwin and Abraham Lincoln sharing a birthday. I have remained civil but others have been flaming. FastFission posted a biased comment on RfC which I have made neutral (I hope). Would you be interested in supporting my side? If so, please start at Talk:Charles Darwin#Summary. Of course, that's my side, but the other side is strongly represented in the rest of the Talk page.Thanks Vincent 04:35, 19 Dec 2004 (UTC)

Thanks for your support! Vincent 23:59, 19 Dec 2004 (UTC)

Regarding the spam filter

Sorry I can't be of more help, but I'm not comptetent in that area--I didn't really have any role in setting up the spam filter, and I wouldn't know how to change it. Sorry, but best wishes, and merry Christmas to you too. Best, [[User:Meelar|Meelar (talk)]] 20:32, Dec 20, 2004 (UTC)

I think its solved now, maybe thats why the wiki was down earlier? Cheers, [[User:Sam Spade|Sam]] Spade wishes you a merry Christmas! 21:03, 20 Dec 2004 (UTC)