Using Technology to Deepen Democracy, Using Democracy to Ensure Technology Benefits Us All

Friday, October 15, 2010

For Ben Goertzel



For an explanation, look to the Moot for the prior post...

1 comment:

jimf said...

Good old Madge.

From my e-mail archive:

Subject: Open those eyes, little brother! (Re: Enturbulated MEST)
Date: 6/7/2007 11:15 AM

In
http://www.transhumanism.org/mailman/private/wta-talk/2007-June/018706.html
Michael Anissimov wrote:

> I understand all these messianic leader examples, but in my opinion,
> transhumanists are, in fact, too smart and critical of such things to
> ever let a messianic leader of any type emerge among us. . .
> I don't think we have a problem of being entranced by an actual human being.
> Transhumanists are *so* paranoid about such things, I just don't see
> us taking anyone who bills themselves as a messiah very seriously.

Bagheera replies:

Mowgli, sweetheart, I hate to have to be the one to
break it to you. . .

"You're soaking in it!"

-- Madge the Manicurist, in the old Palmolive
TV commercials

----------------------------------

subject: Rodney Dangerfield sez (Re: Open those eyes, little brother!)
Date: 6/7/2007 12:37 PM

In
http://www.transhumanism.org/mailman/private/wta-talk/2007-June/018710.html
Michael Anissimov wrote:

> This is totally disrespectful, from the subject line to the quotes to
> the tone. . .

Tone 40, my boy, Tone 40!

> Disrespecting a fellow human being in this way only brings shame to
> yourself.

Ah, unless, presumably, it's done for a Higher Purpose.
Or when der Fuhrer becomes justifiably angry with Lesser Minds (TM).

----------------------------------

Subject: Every step you take, every move you make, every vow you break...
Date: 6/12/2007 11:07 PM

In
http://www.transhumanism.org/mailman/private/wta-talk/2007-June/018899.html
Michael Anissimov wrote:

> Every person I meet can teach me something new. . .
> contrary to this weird persona you're projecting onto me.
>
> I guess I should be flattered that you are compelled to respond to
> every little thing I write on this list, even if it's not directed
> towards you. You're giving me the attention that I crave oh so badly.

Well then. Found on a blog:

"Madge also made for excellent and lasting camp: Gay men of
three decades have especially enjoyed telling one another,
Madgelike, just how much "you're soaking in it," whether
"it" was a metaphor for something emotional, political,
fashionable or simply circumstantial. It's a gentle reminder
that things aren't quite what they seem, Miss Thing.
It's comeuppance. It's surprise. You think you're above all
that, but you're soaking in it. Madge knows."

http://wizbangblog.com/2004/02/18/cultural-icon-passes.php