08 Jul 03
Originally posted by RussThat's what I like to see! a little patriotism (as opposed to nationalism, which is rarely positive).
Yep, I think I will add an England/Scotland/Ireland/Wales code to the country list. I would rather have a St. George's cross myself. 😉
-Russ
08 Jul 03
Originally posted by belgianfreakwell, as a little into: scotland still is a country. the uk is not a country and never was. Great Britain / the UK (slightly different entities, but let's not get into that) are a collection of entities united into a single body under the rulership of a singular King/Queen. Post Cromwell, that kingship became titular, while the government (which allleges to rule in the name of the crown) really runs things.
An aside. What makes a country a country? For ages Scotland was part of the UK, but didn't have it's own government. Was it always a country in it's own right? If yes, does that mean that once a place is a country (as Scotland was) it always is? But it could be argued that Wales was never a country in it's own right, only a province. Now that ...[text shortened]... what makes a country. Or is that what the Basque (sp?) sepratists (Spain) are trying to show us?
Regardless, Scotland retained its status as a seperate country, with seperate legal, educational, social and religeous systems. Ireland is clearly troubled these days so we'll leave that hot potatoe alone (PS: don't metion Cromwell to an Irishman!). Wales is a principlaity of England (sorry guys, but thats the legal situation) since about the 12th century (don't quote me on the date).
None of the recent 'parliments' or 'assemblies' actually alter the country status of the constituant uk nations. They are however a wise shift from centrilised government. Hopefully soon england will also have local assemblies so that politics / polititians start to remember their duty is to represent the people, not the political parties. Unfortunately, the larger the political system, the less likely the populous can influence them. I mean, do you think Al Gore c.f. George W really represents America? I think not...
08 Jul 03
Originally posted by ToeGood point. It all comes down to "statistical analysis" once you leave the realm of "Province" or "State". At smaller levels of governance, local 'activists' seem to rule. aka, most communities in Washington and Oregon states are liberal, most in Idaho, Wyo. and Utah are conservative. California is beyond analysis. Your point is excellent. The added quirk of "electoral college" in US makes it seem even more weird. "Electoral College" gives a fighting chance for states off the ocean by 500 km. Population Density seems to determine voting proclivity. Don't ask. Just is.
Unfortunately, the larger the political system, the less likely the populous can influence them. I mean, do you think Al Gore c.f. George W really represents America? I think not...[/b]
08 Jul 03
Originally posted by RussWell it seems that I am still UK 🙁
Each UK component country now has their own flag too.
[I have invented some new ISO codes, as they are not represented]
-Russ
Oh well, americans don't know the difference anyway.
(queue various 'duck' / 'apology' type of comments...)
Perhaps I DID put UK down after all!
08 Jul 03
Originally posted by ToeAye Laddie, We american's know not ass from walkin' stick! ye be safe among us lad! Mike
Well it seems that I am still UK 🙁
Oh well, americans don't know the difference anyway.
(queue various 'duck' / 'apology' type of comments...)
Perhaps I DID put UK down after all!
09 Jul 03
I'd like to take this opportunity to set the record sparkling clean; I am not really from Brunei. However, many of the cool flags of obscure places don't show up, and some ne'er-do-well took Pitcairn, so, to my horror, I was forced to scroll through the list, until finally settling on the most obscure locale represented, which is hardly obscure at all...I'd have done better to put up the flag of my home state of Maine 😉.
06 Sep 03
Originally posted by RussThanks! I just turned mine on!
Please consider visiting the 'my profile' page and switching on the option to show your country's national flag against your profile.
A flag will be rendered against your name in the player tables (should get quite colourful), and on your profile page.
If, for any reason, your flag doesn't appear - send feedback and I will rectify the situation.
-Russ
06 Sep 03
Originally posted by Coach Pre
Thanks! I just turned mine on!
Hi Coach Pre,
It must be quite an ordeal reading all those posts and all these threads. I mean being a new member and such ...
Welcome to the site and I hope you will have as much fun as I'm having both playing and posting on this great chess site !!
Ivanhoe or
IvanH or
Joe
06 Sep 03
Originally posted by ivanhoeThanks, I really appreciate it. I'm having a great time and it's pretty cool to get the feel of the other players. I hope I'm not talking to much. This is all new to me.
Hi Coach Pre,
It must be quite an ordeal reading all those posts and all these threads. I mean being a new member and such ...
Welcome to the site and I hope you will have as much fun as I'm having both playing and posting on this great chess site !!
Ivanhoe or
IvanH or
Joe