RoyalWe
| Favorite team: | LSU  |
| Location: | Louisiana |
| Biography: | |
| Interests: | LSU Basketball / Football |
| Occupation: | Retired Engineer |
| Number of Posts: | 4507 |
| Registered on: | 3/15/2018 |
| Online Status: | Not Online |
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We are so back, baby!!!
re: How often do you actually sit down and read a book?
Posted by RoyalWe on 2/25/26 at 11:21 am to CBandits82
Pretty much every day now since I retired (highly recommended). I read during the day, outside, with my dog.
re: How do you join Krewe of Endymion?
Posted by RoyalWe on 2/24/26 at 3:17 pm to Chucktown_Badger
quote:I was already friends with several of the guys before I became a rider, so yes, I ride the float. The Krewe handles all the logistics — they store and maintain the float, carry the insurance, arrange the tractor drivers, and keep everything running.
And what do you get for that much money? You ride on the float? Or is there a whole social club built around it?
Your membership includes a baseline bead load, which the Krewe loads for you. You can also buy additional beads through them, but most people order custom Endymion throws they really want and then supplement with stuff they source themselves. There are two designated loading days if you want to bring your own, but it’s a bit of a grind. You can’t just pull up and unload. You’re hauling boxes across a warehouse floor along with everyone else doing the same thing. It’s not exactly convenient.
There are membership meetings, usually with food, that I occasionally attend. The two big non-ride events are the Coronation and the Extravaganza. Coronation is basically a huge formal party. I’ve never gone, but I’m told it’s a great time. My wife has recently decided we should attend, so that may change. The Extravaganza happens in the Superdome the same night as the parade. They bring in legit entertainment every year — last year was Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton.
Honestly, the best part for me is the week itself. We usually spend Thursday or Friday through Tuesday with friends, including several who come in from out of state. It turns into a long weekend of visiting, day drinking, and bouncing between the Quarter and the Warehouse District. This year especially was great because of the heavy law enforcement presence. It felt like old-school New Orleans again — relaxed and safe enough to actually enjoy yourself without constantly watching your back. I made a point to thank them whenever I could.
Like anything else, you get out of it what you put into it. You can show up, ride, and go home. Or you can turn it into a full social weekend and build friendships that extend beyond Mardi Gras. We’ve already got invites from Ole Miss friends to stay with them for the LSU game this fall, and we try to find other excuses to get together throughout the year.
Nobody does this to save money. It’s expensive and objectively unnecessary. I’m fortunate to be able to do it. And honestly, there’s something fun about tossing stuffed animals to kids or handing someone a really nice set of beads and seeing their reaction. It’s excessive, it’s ridiculous, and it makes zero financial sense — but it’s a blast, and you don’t get to take it with you anyway.
re: How do you join Krewe of Endymion?
Posted by RoyalWe on 2/24/26 at 10:45 am to GeorgeTheGreek
quote:You'd be surprised at how few boobs you see and how many of those you wish you didn't see. I thought I was a "they're all unique like snowflakes and I want to see them all" until I rode in Mardi Gras.
You guys are willing to spend a lot of money just to get women to flash you.
re: How do you join Krewe of Endymion?
Posted by RoyalWe on 2/23/26 at 11:35 pm to geauxpurple
quote:There were multiple people (myself included) whose beads were not completely loaded. The front office did not care. One guy did get an "I'm sorry" in an email response, so there's that. I haven't heard a response yet. I will no longer purchase beads through the Krewe.
Beads by the Dozen
It’s a little over $2000 in fees plus another $1500 or so for throws. Whoever paid $3500 was getting skimmed for $1500. I’m told there is a waiting list to join.
re: Christians: “The only thing more powerful than hate is love“
Posted by RoyalWe on 2/23/26 at 11:40 am to Squirrelmeister
I think we’ve probably reached the natural stopping point here.
We’ve covered AoI, motive, mystery cult parallels, allegory, and Pauline language. At this stage, it seems the disagreement isn’t really about any one verse — it’s about what standard we’re using to evaluate competing models.
From my side, I haven’t seen positive evidence that establishes priority for the purely celestial model over a minimal historical one. I understand why you find the reconstruction plausible. I just don’t find that plausibility sufficient to overturn the default Jewish lineage language and messianic categories present in Paul’s undisputed letters.
We’ve gone back and forth on the mystery cult parallel point, and I don’t think similarity of pattern establishes direction. On AoI, priority remains debated. On motive, both directions are historically possible. So without clearer evidence anchoring one model earlier than the other, I don’t see a reason to prefer the heavier reconstruction.
That doesn’t make your position incoherent. It just means I’m not persuaded it’s more probable on the available evidence.
I’ve appreciated the exchange and the tone. Honestly, this may be the first time I’ve had this level of discussion on here without it devolving into ad hominem, and I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to explain your position carefully.
Unless there’s new evidence or a different angle to bring in, I’m comfortable leaving it there.
We’ve covered AoI, motive, mystery cult parallels, allegory, and Pauline language. At this stage, it seems the disagreement isn’t really about any one verse — it’s about what standard we’re using to evaluate competing models.
From my side, I haven’t seen positive evidence that establishes priority for the purely celestial model over a minimal historical one. I understand why you find the reconstruction plausible. I just don’t find that plausibility sufficient to overturn the default Jewish lineage language and messianic categories present in Paul’s undisputed letters.
We’ve gone back and forth on the mystery cult parallel point, and I don’t think similarity of pattern establishes direction. On AoI, priority remains debated. On motive, both directions are historically possible. So without clearer evidence anchoring one model earlier than the other, I don’t see a reason to prefer the heavier reconstruction.
That doesn’t make your position incoherent. It just means I’m not persuaded it’s more probable on the available evidence.
I’ve appreciated the exchange and the tone. Honestly, this may be the first time I’ve had this level of discussion on here without it devolving into ad hominem, and I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to explain your position carefully.
Unless there’s new evidence or a different angle to bring in, I’m comfortable leaving it there.
re: Christians: “The only thing more powerful than hate is love“
Posted by RoyalWe on 2/22/26 at 10:41 am to Squirrelmeister
I think at this point the issue isn’t whether your reading is possible, but whether it’s internally consistent and textually economical.
A few tensions I still see:
1. You agree “seed of David” is standard lineage language, but then read it through a pre-existing cosmology of heavenly body fabrication. That feels model-driven rather than text-driven.
2. You treat Galatians 4 as allegory in a way that seems to retroactively absorb verse 4 into it, even though Paul signals where the allegory begins (verse 21+).
3. Your argument depends heavily on Ascension of Isaiah predating Paul. But that dating is debated. Alignment doesn’t establish priority, and priority is doing a lot of work in your model.
4. You argue probability via mystery cult parallels. But that cuts both ways — repeating, history is full of upward mythologizing of real figures as well. So probability alone doesn’t settle direction.
5. Earlier you emphasized epistemic consistency and contradictions as decisive. But your model requires multiple reinterpretations of what would otherwise be read as ordinary Jewish messianic language. That seems like the same kind of harmonizing move you have criticized.
I’m not saying your position is incoherent. I’m saying it appears to require more scaffolding than the minimal historical model.
If you’re content with “agree to disagree,” that’s fine. But if we’re weighing models, I think those pressure points need stronger grounding than analogy and plausibility.
I've enjoyed the debate/discussion, so thanks for that.
A few tensions I still see:
1. You agree “seed of David” is standard lineage language, but then read it through a pre-existing cosmology of heavenly body fabrication. That feels model-driven rather than text-driven.
2. You treat Galatians 4 as allegory in a way that seems to retroactively absorb verse 4 into it, even though Paul signals where the allegory begins (verse 21+).
3. Your argument depends heavily on Ascension of Isaiah predating Paul. But that dating is debated. Alignment doesn’t establish priority, and priority is doing a lot of work in your model.
4. You argue probability via mystery cult parallels. But that cuts both ways — repeating, history is full of upward mythologizing of real figures as well. So probability alone doesn’t settle direction.
5. Earlier you emphasized epistemic consistency and contradictions as decisive. But your model requires multiple reinterpretations of what would otherwise be read as ordinary Jewish messianic language. That seems like the same kind of harmonizing move you have criticized.
I’m not saying your position is incoherent. I’m saying it appears to require more scaffolding than the minimal historical model.
If you’re content with “agree to disagree,” that’s fine. But if we’re weighing models, I think those pressure points need stronger grounding than analogy and plausibility.
I've enjoyed the debate/discussion, so thanks for that.
re: Starlink deal to jump on now! Deep dive don't read if you have attention deficit disorder.
Posted by RoyalWe on 2/21/26 at 11:16 pm to Rowdy Mcflowdy
ChatGPT summary for the wall of text:
For anyone considering alternatives to Cox, here’s a recent real-world Starlink experience:
• Previously tried T-Mobile Home Internet — good most of the time, but slowed significantly during peak evening hours.
• Starlink recently offered free equipment and installation, removing the main barrier to trying it.
• Installation was straightforward; inexpensive mesh mini routers ($40 each, some free) provided full-house coverage, including wired smart-home equipment.
• Performance has been very stable for ~2 weeks with no buffering. Speeds sometimes lower than Cox on paper, but more consistent in practice.
• Brief outage (~5 minutes) during a heavy rainstorm; otherwise reliable.
• Cox mesh pods were reportedly less reliable and required frequent manual resets.
• Cox service was cancelled with no attempt to retain the customer.
Bottom line: Starlink appears to be a viable and reliable alternative to cable internet, especially with the current free equipment/install promotion.
For anyone considering alternatives to Cox, here’s a recent real-world Starlink experience:
• Previously tried T-Mobile Home Internet — good most of the time, but slowed significantly during peak evening hours.
• Starlink recently offered free equipment and installation, removing the main barrier to trying it.
• Installation was straightforward; inexpensive mesh mini routers ($40 each, some free) provided full-house coverage, including wired smart-home equipment.
• Performance has been very stable for ~2 weeks with no buffering. Speeds sometimes lower than Cox on paper, but more consistent in practice.
• Brief outage (~5 minutes) during a heavy rainstorm; otherwise reliable.
• Cox mesh pods were reportedly less reliable and required frequent manual resets.
• Cox service was cancelled with no attempt to retain the customer.
Bottom line: Starlink appears to be a viable and reliable alternative to cable internet, especially with the current free equipment/install promotion.
re: Justice Clarence Thomas lets the media know when he will leave the SCOTUS
Posted by RoyalWe on 2/21/26 at 11:11 pm to Major Dutch Schaefer
Clarence Thomas is a great American.
$81.4B of Warren Buffet’s $84.5B net worth came after his 65th birthday. Buffet’s longevity (and early start as a good trader) and compounding interest is how he became so rich.
re: I honestly thought this was a fake statistic, but it isn’t. Tokyo budget vs NYC budget
Posted by RoyalWe on 2/21/26 at 8:25 pm to HailHailtoMichigan!
I’m amazed that you’re amazed.
Jim Simons, Renaissance Technologies.
Jim has compounded money at 66% from 1988 to 2020. Warren Buffet compounded at 22% over the same time period.
Jim has compounded money at 66% from 1988 to 2020. Warren Buffet compounded at 22% over the same time period.
re: Chatgpt analysis of congress ability to manage tariffs
Posted by RoyalWe on 2/20/26 at 11:02 am to LSU=Champions
I'm really glad they produced a government report. I feel better now.
No complaints with my Schwab accounts.
quote:Excellent response.
Freauxzen
Part of the confusion here is that people are arguing against the Hollywood version of Satan instead of the theological one.
The Hollywood version is loud, theatrical, head-spinning, furniture-flying chaos. That makes for a good movie. It’s not how most Christian theology describes reality.
Biblically, the problem isn’t primarily “The Exorcist.” It’s much more ordinary. It’s deception. It’s temptation. It’s disordered desire. It’s the very human experience Paul describes: “Why do I do what I hate?” That tension isn’t about levitation — it’s about a will that doesn’t always cooperate with reason.
After the Fall, Christianity teaches that something in us is bent. We don’t need demons to explain every bad decision. We’re perfectly capable of choosing poorly all by ourselves.
So when someone on a forum throws out “that guy is possessed,” that’s usually rhetorical exaggeration, not a formal theological claim.
If you’re picturing Satan as needing constant theatrical possession to advance some grand plan, that’s the Hollywood script. The Christian view is far more boring and far more unsettling: subtle influence, normalized disorder, and humans who freely participate in it.
Like I said, subtlety is the point.
quote:
1. The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist
2. Spiritual warfare/demonic possession/etc are not only real, but common
Does the latter not utterly undermine the former?
1. That line is from The Usual Suspects, not the Bible. It’s pop-culture theology, not Scripture. The quote implies the devil’s power increases if people deny his existence.
2. Christianity does affirm spiritual evil exists and that deception is real. But “common” doesn’t mean “obvious.” The New Testament—especially Paul—talks about spiritual conflict mostly in terms of deception, false belief, temptation, and corrupt systems. It does not present theatrical possession as the default mode.
If you read the Gospels carefully, the dramatic possession scenes often happen when demons are reacting specifically to Jesus’ physical presence. They recognize him immediately and react. That’s a concentrated confrontation, not a description of everyday life.
#2 only undermines #1 if you assume visibility and influence move together. They don’t.
Something can be widespread and subtle at the same time. In fact, if deception is the strategy, subtlety would be the point.
re: Christians: “The only thing more powerful than hate is love“
Posted by RoyalWe on 2/17/26 at 10:14 pm to Squirrelmeister
Similarity isn’t the same thing as priority.
Even if AoI contains a celestial descent narrative, the key question is still dating and textual layering. What specific evidence places the celestial-crucifixion section before Paul rather than around or after him? Not just possibility — what data fixes that timeline?
On Osiris — parallels establish thematic similarity, not genealogical dependence. Similar patterns across religions don’t automatically establish direction of development. To use that as prior probability, you’d need evidence of transmission into Second Temple Judaism or early Christianity, not just analogy.
As for likelihood — I’m not convinced that “celestial first ? historicized later” is inherently more probable. We also have well-documented cases of historical figures being mythologized upward. That pattern is at least as common.
So I think the issue remains this: what positive evidence establishes that the purely celestial model predates the historical-Jesus tradition, rather than being one competing strand among several in the late first century?
Without that priority established, the mythicist model remains possible — but not more probable.
Even if AoI contains a celestial descent narrative, the key question is still dating and textual layering. What specific evidence places the celestial-crucifixion section before Paul rather than around or after him? Not just possibility — what data fixes that timeline?
On Osiris — parallels establish thematic similarity, not genealogical dependence. Similar patterns across religions don’t automatically establish direction of development. To use that as prior probability, you’d need evidence of transmission into Second Temple Judaism or early Christianity, not just analogy.
As for likelihood — I’m not convinced that “celestial first ? historicized later” is inherently more probable. We also have well-documented cases of historical figures being mythologized upward. That pattern is at least as common.
So I think the issue remains this: what positive evidence establishes that the purely celestial model predates the historical-Jesus tradition, rather than being one competing strand among several in the late first century?
Without that priority established, the mythicist model remains possible — but not more probable.
re: Congressional resolution seeks federal recognition of Mobile as birthplace of Mardi Gras
Posted by RoyalWe on 2/17/26 at 6:26 pm to OysterPoBoy
quote:You beat me to it. Poor Mobile.
Mobile has has short man syndrome.
quote:I just started using this on my iPhone and so far it's solid.
UHF on his iphone
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