That was a really good and informative article. Personal Anecdote: I actually use Google plus quite a bit, with the introduction of the "Collections" feature. I've actually created a collection that has over 4,000 people following it and often times the comments will create some pretty good conversations. I use Google plus as a sort of news stream type tool. It has an active community you just need to reach out and find what you want to talk about. For example there are communities on Landscape Photography which I've shared photos with and the cool thing about that is you get constructive feedback from other users. I use Google plus more than facebook but I guess I'm weird like that, haha.

"We all love anecdotes". I think the guy in the video approached the situation from a very rational and reasonable point of view. He does help put things in perspective for me. It will certainly be interesting to see how all of this plays out. The Chinese experiment with a command/market economy certainly is fascinating. Thanks for the link.

I've heard there was something like 4 million new investors (Chinese people) in the Chinese stock market in May alone. The government had been really pushing investment in the markets recently. Do you think that has any impact on whether or not this is a serious problem?

I think that Vox article is a good introduction to some of the issues that China is dealing with at the moment.

What in particular did you want to know more about?

I've been trying to talk to people about China's bubble for about a month now. It has been all over CNBC this morning. I'm amazed that so many people are unaware of the issues facing Chinese markets at the moment. They are just now waking up to it as the shit hits the proverbial fan. This shares a lot of similarities to how the United States, Japan and others have handled their issues in the past (not well at all). It is fascinating to see the same mistakes made over and over again.

I'd say "The Rover". It is a more recent entry into this realm of story telling but watching the movie it definitely tells the story through showing and not telling. A major plot line is based around the question of "Why is this man so intent on getting his vehicle back". In it they show the lengths that he goes to and the movie does a good job at illustrating the fact that something, maybe his humanity, is lost. All though in the end you can see that he does demonstrate a connection to that humanity in the relationship he builds with Pattinson's character. The movie is a fairly atmospheric drama.

Each season of Deadwood is a bit of a self contained story. Deadwood will completely satisfy you, maybe. The only thing you'll want more of though is the show. It did feel like there were still stories to tell but I highly recommend that you give it a chance.

For me it has to be Total Annihilation. The game was, for me, an introduction to modding and the community that arises from that type of thing. When I was younger and the game still had a thriving community I would sift through thousands of different units, add them, debug some issues that arose and essentially give the game a second life. I remember I had perfected a copy with a nice balance between Core and Arm units and I shared it with all my friends. We would spend a lot of days after school on that game and I have a lot of fond memories. I lost the copy and unfortunate so did all my friends. I bought it on Gog a few years back but it just isn't the same, maybe I'm just not the same anymore, heh.

I agree with you on it being more of a slice of life type show with light SciFi. I got over it quickly too and grew to actually really appreciate the show on a few different levels. I've heard other people mention similar thoughts about the Indian woman (Kala). What was it in particular that caused you to skip over her story?

Yeah, I was throwing around the Fat Tire idea but wanted to get some more info first. Thanks for the reply!

I currently ride a Surly Pacer frame with custom components. I'd say it is a pretty good little bike for riding around the city. I used to have a LHT, man I loved that thing and rode it all over the place but I ended up selling it to my friend who I'd hope would use it to lose weight and ride with me. He didn't', sadly. I tried to buy it back but he refused and I don't talk to him much these days.

I've been thinking about getting something like a Surly Troll. Have any of you had any experience with that type of frame/bike? I kind of wanted to do some heavy touring that may involve some "off the beaten path" type riding. I'm not a surly snob or anything (I do love their frames though, haha) so I'm open to any suggestions.

Want to hear something funny? I suffered a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) back in 2012. I was jumped by some kids and smacked with a 2x4 off of my bike. I was one of three cyclists this happened to that year and the police did nothing. Anyways, A lot of people always say "I bet you'll wear a helmet now". I've put thousands of miles on my bike and just don't particularly like helmets for a variety of reasons. People don't seem to understand that in most situations a helmet isn't required. I remember reading awhile back that the #1 injury for people who compete in the tours was a broken collarbone (could be wrong on this, if I am please let me know). This was before they started to require helmets for the full length of the race.

Hello, I am a recent unemployed traveller who loves bicycling, wandering and all kinds of trekking. I recently got back from a 2 week trip in the US Southwest and hit up Bryce and Zion National parks as well as some white water rafting near Moab, UT. I also play the Banjo as well as Guitar, Piano and Didgeridoo.