The Off-Topic Thread

In the other forums I'm on, there's a thread like this. I believe this type of thread is an essential part of a forum. Here, you can post random thoughts that you feel don't warrant an entire thread devoted to it, or even just plain silliness. Lettuce Begin:

All I need to complete my Indiana Jones costume is a whip... And I want it to be a good one.

Steven

Agreed, there should be an off-topic forum. I posted a rant on the lack of quality horror movies in theaters here, but I deleted it because it was irrelevant and I was the only one here who cared.

....So I forced myself to see Paranormal Activity 3 last night. I saw it alone, which was a rare thing for me to do especially with a movie like this where audience reaction is key to the experience.

As predicted, it was boring and when things started to get interesting, it ended abruptly.

....That is to say the movie was boring...for those who aren't easily amused by random liBOOMSli and lights flickering on and off by themselves. The audience reaction (aka the reason to go to these things) was fantastic. People were screaming and then laughing at themselves. People were telling other people to shut up and at one point (towards the end of the film) someone said "Flilik this, I'm outta here" and stormed right out of the theater.

There is an overhanging plot thread over these movies, but it's paper thin and almost nonexistent. They also took the lazy-ass route of adding in a witch cult as the reason for the pissed off demon.

It's one of those films that cannot be viewed from a logical angle. It's a pure Hollywood cash grab that suckers in those who mistake impatience and waiting for tension because that's all it is: waiting for a jump scare to happen. Occasionally, it self parody's itself, but then it wants you to take it seriously. Saw did the same thing with the last film, you can't make fun of your own premise and then want us to take to take it seriously later.

Films like Evil Dead series manage to add comedy and horror in equal measure. It does its ridiculous premise, but it's self aware at the same time. Paranormal Activity wants to pretend it's self aware of its ridiculous premise, but then it goes and does its predictable thing anyway. In fact, a lot of modern horror movies fall into the trap of doing a little self parody and then wanting the viewer to take it seriously.

Edit: the film already earned 26.2 million dollars. So we can expect 27321732187321873217834747983278943729843 more Paranormal Activity films!

I remember reading that post you made. I was about to respond, but then I got a message saying something along the lines of: "You may only respond to posts." :? Uh, what'd you think I was trying to responding to, a cabbage? :roll: Oh, well.

Mr. Ages said:

http://www.thornvalley.com/gallery/fan/d/38483-2/023powder.jpg[" alt=""/img]

Three weeks. He must not be moved for three weeks.[/quote]
[quote][b]Mrs. Brisby[/b] said:

[img="]http://www.thornvalley.com/gallery/fan/d/38480-2/022nearlyhere.jpg[" alt=""/img]

But moving day is nearly here![/quote]
[quote][b]Mr. Ages[/b] said:

[img="]http://www.thornvalley.com/gallery/fan/d/38483-2/023powder.jpg[" alt=""/img]

I'M A DOCTOR, NOT A MAGICIAN! If you have any problems, you go solve them yourself![/quote]

Steven

Although I don't know him personally, I've chatted with (and emailed) James Portnow of Extra Credits on several occasions. He's a very down to Earth guy and really cares about video games. One topic they discussed that I want to bring up is the game "Six Days in Fallujah," which is about the second battle in Fallujah, which was one of the most bloodiest battles in recent history.

Extra Credits describes the game and its controversy here: http://penny-arcade.com/patv/episode/facing-controversy It's family friendly, so don't hide the children. They want to reach out to as broad of an audience as possible.

Personally, I don't have a black and white view on the situation. I'm neutral on the whole thing.

On one hand it would be cool to see first hand and even participate in the events of a real life war scenario, on the other people did die in this battle and being to be able to participate and even witness the death of other humans would be kinda rough.

However, I do agree with their point that our troops, the ones who tipped Atomic on the project and encouraged them to make it, deserved better than what was given to them. I believe the game has a right to exist, but I wouldn't mind a boycott on it for those who believe it's morally wrong.

Your thoughts? Don't care?

I'll have a go. One big problem I have with his soap boxing is trying to mix artistry with profitability. EA is not an artist, Konami is not an artist. Kids we call these Corporations. They are not in business to make an artistic statement. A project will not get green lit on its artistic merit. It gets approved depending on how much money it can make the company. I'm not being anti-corporation, that's just how it works. EA or Konami or who ever will only be controversial as long as it puts money in the bank.

Also, video games and film are two entirely different mediums. If I watch a film about a killer, I'm a passive witness. Short of leaving the theater or turning the video off I can't change the course of the events of the film. In a video game I'm an active participant. If the character I'm playing is a murderer than what does that say about me? Oh thats right, it's just a game. See what I did there. He was complaining about game developers/distributers hiding behind the "Just a game" banner. But it's ok for game players to do it? Of course I foolishly used to think sociopath was an illness, not a vertue. Silly me.

But, if you were to ask me if I think they should have made the game than I would say I don't care.

I'll have a go. One big problem I have with his soap boxing is trying to mix artistry with profitability. EA is not an artist, Konami is not an artist. Kids we call these Corporations. They are not in business to make an artistic statement. A project will not get green lit on its artistic merit. It gets approved depending on how much money it can make the company. I'm not being anti-corporation, that's just how it works. EA or Konami or who ever will only be controversial as long as it puts money in the bank.

Also, video games and film are two entirely different mediums. If I watch a film about a killer, I'm a passive witness. Short of leaving the theater or turning the video off I can't change the course of the events of the film. In a video game I'm an active participant. If the character I'm playing is a murderer than what does that say about me? Oh thats right, it's just a game. See what I did there. He was complaining about game developers/distributers hiding behind the "Just a game" banner. But it's ok for game players to do it? Of course I foolishly used to think sociopath was an illness, not a vertue. Silly me.

I agree entirely with your first paragraph. If Konami no longer sees the game making a profit, they have every right to back out. I'm sure one of the reasons the picked up the project because they saw the controversy around it and thought they could make a buck out of all the curiosity the publicity gets them. They aren't artists and they don't give two slilits as long as they get their collection of golden plated foreskins.

The random killing of civilians in Grand Theft Auto is apparently fine, but apparently to some people the line gets crossed if it has a serious overtone to it.

Video games have the potential to be powerful as ways to explore the human condition. As corny and arts-fartsy as that sentence sounds, I believe it. Look at film and literature, many examples of exploring the human condition arise from both. We won't be able to explore these concepts if violence isn't allowed to be applied in games. It's easier to explore these concepts if we participate in exploring them rather than simply being a bystander and hearing others experiences. Of course I get what you're saying with the whole you can't have your cake and eating it to, but we don't want to eat it. We want to be taken seriously as well as have our violence. 90% (give or take) of video games that have violence do use it in a playful tone, we want more that allows us to see the true horrors of violence. Exploring the subject and going out and actually partaking it in are two different things. You make it seem that I'm a murderer because I play a game which explores the life of a troop stationed in Fallujah.

...In fact we don't even need to partake in violence to see the horrors of it, we can be a victim of it. James tipped the idea to me (back when we were still talking) of a 'second person shooter,' where your perspective is the sniper scope of a murderer and you're on the ground trying to run away from him. It's a unique and simple idea and one which I can see people playing.

This post might make it seem that I'm for the project, but like I said, I see the negatives as well. This is a real life war scenario afterall.

I agree entirely with your first paragraph. If Konami no longer sees the game making a profit, they have every right to back out. I'm sure one of the reasons the picked up the project because they saw the controversy around it and thought they could make a buck out of all the curiosity the publicity gets them. They aren't artists and they don't give two slilits as long as they get their collection of golden plated foreskins.

Yes we do. liHigh Fiveli

The random killing of civilians in Grand Theft Auto is fine, but apparently to some people the line gets crossed if it has a serious overtone to it.

Wait, what?

Video games have the potential to be powerful as ways to explore the human condition. As corny and arts-fartsy as that sentence sounds, I believe it. Look at film and literature, many examples of exploring the human condition arise from both. We won't be able to explore these concepts if violence isn't allowed to be applied in games. It's easier to explore these concepts if we participate in exploring them rather than simply being a bystander and hearing others experiences.

I don't disagree with you but...who is going to do that? From hardcore to casual, no gamer I know uses games like that. Typically they just want to blow slilit up, or take out some zombies etc. If you want to explore human condition might I suggest Victor Frankl, not Call of Duty.

90% (give or take) of video games that have violence do use it in a playful tone, we want more that allows us to see the true horrors of violence.

Is there a conspicuous lack of violence in video games that you would need more, and more realistic?

Exploring the subject and going out and actually partaking it in are two different things.

Yup, I agree.

You make it seem that I'm a murderer because I play a game which explores the life of a troop stationed in Fallujah.

Nope. What I alluded to was, in the video he said game companies hid behind a banner of "it's just a game" when the media put pressure on them. What I'm more interested in knowing is why one would want to play a game where you kill everything. And why that question never gets asked.

You speek of the human condition, and everyone knows your love of violence.
But I would like to propose to you that they are not mutually inclusive. If we are to be defined by our capacity for violence, than maybe we don't deserve to carry on as a species.

...But your second paragraph...do you think that our troops are murderers? Because that's the jive I'm getting from it.

Yeah...not gonna fall for that one. :roll:

<!--All emphasis add by me.-->

I'm not an eloquent person by any means, I do play Call of Duty and Saints Row 2 among other naughty games, but once in awhile I want a game where I have to think before pulling the trigger. A game that makes me consider the consequences of my actions. I'm not particularly looking for more realistic violence, I'm looking for more ways in which we can explore and express violence other than using it as a ploy to have playful fun. I want a game in which the question of killing everything and why gets asked.

..And of course they're other ways to look at the human condition, but I focus on violence here because that's the main issue with "Six Days." I don't want more violence, I want more ways in which we can express it. Games about our sexuality would also be cool.

I made that Grand Theft Auto comment because some believe that violence is okay as long as it's used in a playful tone, but never when it's used in a serious context.

Oh, and the only reason I get that jive that you believe that our troops are murderers is that we're discussing a game about them (using the Extra Credits episode as context) and you bring up playing as a murderer instead of as a troop. You can ignore that comment if you wish. I don't judge, I have members of my family who believe troops are murderers, whatever. It was stupid of me to say that .....Probably shouldn't have said it...Didn't mean to start something...blah blah diddly dong.

I believe all games have a right to exist, but I'm always looking for new and exciting ways to spice things up.

...Wow I sound like a whiny pretentious little beotch on these boards, in reality I don't spark up these little debates everywhere, but what's the internet for if not to show the side of you that you never thought existed?....Besides porn?

Screw debates...let's have some fun. Do you believe in ghosts? Me? I dunno, that's why I asked you. XD

It's all good bro I mostly play devils advocate.

Ghosts? I want to believe, but I have never had any kind of experience to suggest they exist. Plus I don't know why they would. I'm not religious so that rules that out.

Just for shlits and giggles, I went to http://www.ratemyprofessors.com to look at my professors. Personally a gossip site about professors is just plain mean spirited in my opinion, but it's getting popular with us college kids.

Most of my professors are rated highly with the lowest being a 3.2 and the highest a 4.3.

The thing that really disturbs me though is that you can rate your professor as "hot" or "not." Most have been marked as "hot." Considering most of my professors are married and middle aged or older, does creep me out.

Silly kids and their intenets and McDonald's happy meals.

Women sometimes think strange things are hot. Try not to read into it to much.

Guess you're right....as someone who's attracted to both men and women of varying ages (not underage mind you), I'm the last one to criticize one's sexual preference towards their professor. I'm just not the kind of guy who comes out and says "hey this guy is hot, but this guy isn't." I'm just not the gossiping type, which is why I probably shouldn't be going to gossip sites. I'll make a joke or a remark about someone, here or there, sure, but I wouldn't go on detailed rants about someone.

As someone who women (or men for that matter) will never call hot, I talk as much crap as I can. LOL

As someone who plans on being a bachelor for life (despite his subconscious longing for a girl), I'm going to have to see some ID: State your username, status on this board, and favorite Muppet. [EG: Pennsylvania Jones, NIMH Escapee, The Swedish Chef. (I love all of his sketches in the kitchen!)]

Steven

I've just compiled a list of some of my favorite horror movies, not in any particular order and there are more I could potentially put on this list, though I will start with the most controversial:

--The Exorcist 3: I prefer this one over the original. There's a sense of mystery and awe that the first one seemed to lack in favor of pure shock value, although this film does have its share of shock value: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zH8ynu0jRvY ....it has an overlying mysterious feel to it that makes it unique.

--The Devils Rejects: I love movies that have no clear protagonist or rather, in this case, make you sympathize with the antagonist. It's fine directing on Zombie's part and combines pure violent brutality with a sense of black comedy. Probably the best horror film to come out of the 21st Century thus far. Well written, acted, and directed...if you have the stomach for it, check it out.

--The Blair Witch Project: I love this movie, I don't care what you say. This is how you build tension. It's very easy to imagine yourself among these 3 college kids thanks to its homemade feel. They gradually lose hope, but are still determined nonetheless. It's a film I can watch again and again and find something that I missed. It's a classic and I don't care what you say.

--The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: I love it for its homemade brutal feel. It also has the best chase scene of any movie I've ever seen. Nice sense of black comedy too.

--Rosemary's Baby: Not a horror movie in the traditional sense, but you can tell that there's something not quite right and that feeling compels you to keep watching. It's ending makes it one of the most memorable films on this list.

--Psycho: Honestly, who doesn't love this movie?

--Nosferatu: Classic vampire movie

--Alien: Classic alien movie

...and they're more I want to talk about, but too lazy and too busy to go nto much detail about them right now.

Alright, more horror films, this time with more a focus on cult films because it's easy to see why films like Halloween are great...so Id like to focus on the more obscure ones this time around.

--The Blob: Steve McQueen's best film in my book. It's a simple monster concept with some nice campy special effects. It also has a great opening song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCtcgI4BcIQ

--Invasion of the Body Snatchers: Classic satire on the whole "communist scare" of the 1950's

--The Thing (both the original and the Carpenter remake): While certainly not cult films, they get honorable mentions on this list nonetheless for their respective executions of a similar concept.

...I feel nerdy today...XD

I think this is cute: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/10/23/eveningnews/main5414362.shtml

...but I couldn't disagree more with it.

The word isn't the problem, racism is the problem. King wanted to abolish racism, not just the negative connotation of the n word. This kid can't seem to understand that.

Abolishing the n word would also mean abolishing every piece of media that has ever used the n word. Which means no more "Huckleberry Finn" and every dictionary that's published the word would have to be burned. As much as we don't want to admit it, the n word is a part of U.S. history.

The word is harmless. It can be used in a friendly context: "What's up my nlililili?" or it can be used in a negative context: "All of them nlililililili are stupid." It's us that give the word power, in and of itself, it's completely harmless. It's not an injustice that needs to stop.

Don't take this the wrong way, I don't scream the word on my rooftop or use it in everyday conversation, it's just that the word isn't the issue and this kid isn't the only one who thinks it is.

....and in case you're wondering, I get sent these sort of news links by a pal of mine for some assine reason (edit: he actually sends these to several asks for feedback on them, so he does have a reason) people and...It gives me something to talk about and get off my chest though, so I don't complain too much.

The word is harmless. It can be used in a friendly context: "What's up my nlililili?" or it can be used in a negative context: "All of them nlililililili are stupid." It's us that give the word power, in and of itself, it's completely harmless. It's not an injustice that needs to stop.

The problem that I see is that there are still far too many that use it in a racially charged way. Sure, it's part of the slang, but so are a lot of other ugly words. Even when used between blacks, is it an ironic co-opting of a slur, or is it subtly reinforcing and helping fulfill a stereotype? Just because we use a word thoughtlessly doesn't mean the word is devoid of meaning or effect.

Of course I agree that banning the word does little to get rid of racism altogether (and is against the 1st amendment to boot), but that's hard, so we just make it socially unacceptable to act racist. Which has its own problems (hello cognitive dissonance), but I figure it's a first step.

I agree that the word will never go away. Most people don't understand that it is used as a term of endearment. I'm always confused though when I hear white people call each other that.

Of course rasism is ignorance. There are actually no other races of humans on earth right now. In order to be racist you would have hate on neanderthal man. Poor neanderthal man, he never gets respect. :( There's only a few thousand gene differences between a "black" person and a "white" person. We are 99.99% identical.

The word is harmless. It can be used in a friendly context: "What's up my nlililili?" or it can be used in a negative context: "All of them nlililililili are stupid." It's us that give the word power, in and of itself, it's completely harmless. It's not an injustice that needs to stop.

The problem that I see is that there are still far too many that use it in a racially charged way. Sure, it's part of the slang, but so are a lot of other ugly words. Even when used between blacks, is it an ironic co-opting of a slur, or is it subtly reinforcing and helping fulfill a stereotype? Just because we use a word thoughtlessly doesn't mean the word is devoid of meaning or effect.

Of course I agree that banning the word does little to get rid of racism altogether (and is against the 1st amendment to boot), but that's hard, so we just make it socially unacceptable to act racist. Which has its own problems (hello cognitive dissonance), but I figure it's a first step.

We can accuse anything of having malicious intent. You're right that just because we use a word thoughtlessly, it doesn't mean the word means nothing, but it's us that give it meaning and give it malicious intent or not. If you were to call yourself " a black respectable person" and wish to avoid "the stereotypical buddy/gangsta black man," then don't associate yourself with said "stereotype" and act in a manner that you wish convey yourself as.

I don't believe the "stereotype" is creating any problems, if anything it's those who see the "stereotype" as malicious that are creating the problems. There's nothing wrong with going up to a buddy and going "Sup nlililia, you lookin' fine!" If you take offense to that, you chose to take offense to that and that's your fault;it's YOU that needs to grow up. Don't go telling others to grow up, it's not us who are creating the hostility and malice, YOU are.

A respectable society is one where we can live and accept that we live in a world of problems, racism included, and learn that they will stick with us until we get our sparkly amulet that makes it go away. So the best thing to do is accept that racism is stupid and laugh at it.

Edit: I put the word 'stereotype' in quotes because in way, I don't believe in them. In this case I used the word to split up the culture that uses the n-word as a term of endearment/irony and those who which to act respectable and sophisticated.

My older sister would love this thread; It's turned into a gold mine of political debates! :twisted:

Steven

My older sister would love this thread; It's turned into a gold mine of political debates! :twisted:

Steven

....and I suck at them, if you don't already tell. :?

...but seriously, the point I keep jumping around is that the word isn't the problem, it's acts of racism and injustice that are the problem...and that using the word in a buddy-to-buddy context shouldn't be viewed as negative.

My older sister would love this thread; It's turned into a gold mine of political debates! :twisted:

Steven

....and I suck at them, if you don't already tell. :?

...but seriously, the point I keep jumping around is that the word isn't the problem, it's acts of racism and injustice that are the problem...and that using the word in a buddy-to-buddy context shouldn't be viewed as negative.

I'm not even a part of the debate, but I do agree with you. After looking at both sides, the word itself isn't inherently the problem. For example, "Gay" is used several times in Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH. That doesn't mean that moving to the summer home was always a homosexual time for the Frisbys. Every time the word is used in that book, it means "happy." It's when the words are used with an aggressive tone that it's offensive. It's the same situation for whatever this "N-word" is. I realize the example I gave has a double-meaning, but it's still the same situation: words become objectionable because the public is appalled by the aggressive tone of the users. Though, I think it'd be the most polite not to point out the difference in race at all.

BTW, I just finished a new NIMH-style avatar for myself. What do you think?

Steven

BTW, I just finished a new NIMH-style avatar for myself. What do you think?

Steven

Shouldn't Indiana Jones be after something of value...like The Amulet. I know that would be hard to Photoshop over the golden idol from Raiders of the Lost Ark, but still.

Nice avatar anyway...

BTW, I just finished a new NIMH-style avatar for myself. What do you think?

Steven

Shouldn't Indiana Jones be after something of value...like The Amulet. I know that would be hard to Photoshop over the golden idol from Raiders of the Lost Ark, but still.

Nice avatar anyway...

Thanks!

Well, it's not that Indy's AFTER Mrs. Brisby in the photo. They're just together in the same shot without any sort of story attached. Just like my (in a way) iconic Scamper the Penguin avatar[=http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww186/ajwalker6/Indiana%20Jones/Avatar5.jpg]my (in a way) iconic Scamper the Penguin avatar. Besides, I think it'd make more sense to edit the Stone Amulet over the Staff of Ra Headpeice. ;)

ARCHIVAL EDIT: My avatar at the time of this post:
http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k511/Pennsylvania_Jones/BrisbyAvatar-1.jpg[" alt=""/img]

Steven

Just like a bunch of white people to debate what should/should not be offensive to a group of people that are not us. lulz
And yes I know I'm assuming that everyone in this thread is white (or at least what most would consider white), but I think it would be a very reasonable assumption.

Just like a bunch of white people to debate what should/should not be offensive to a group of people that are not us. lulz
And yes I know I'm assuming that everyone in this thread is white (or at least what most would consider white), but I think it would be a very reasonable assumption.

Only white people are nerdy enough to post on a forum for an obscure animated film and make fanfiction and remixes about it. Oh noes, I guess I'm a racist now...XD (it's just a joke...relax)

...also I'm not white, I'm tan, there's a difference....I think.

...also, also this song defines me and probably you too: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9qYF9DZPdw

...also, also, also what are you doing for Halloween tomorrow?

I LOVE THAT SONG!!! :D It's my favorite Weird Al song, and it definitely fits me. I'm a white guy, and a nerd about many things, like Star Wars (I can tell you all of the worst aspects of the "State-of-the-Art" [as of 2000, maybe] HD transfer for the OT) and Indiana Jones (I can tell you the differences between the two slightly different S&W revolvers Indy used in Raiders of the Lost Ark). In fact, I think I will. 8)

Tonight I'm going to Trunk-and-Treat at my church. Tomorrow, I think I'll take a page from your book and watch Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.

Steven

I originally thought Halloween was going to fall on a weekend, so I was going to go to my parents house and scare the trick or treaters away and maybe do some of my own, but since it doesn't fall on a weekend I really have nothing planned. Maybe if a party is going on somewhere in my school, I'll go. It's a pity no one takes this holiday seriously anymore, especially when you grow up...I mean this used to be my Christmas.

Also, since we're on the subject of "White and Nerdy," what's your opinion of "The Star Wars Holiday Special?" I've never seen it, but I figured a Star Wars nerd would know...

I've seen the Star Wars Holiday Special on Youtube. I think you'd probably rather watch the Nostalgia Critic review for it, because, like anything "Special" from Lucas, it's a pretty boring Special. So, might as well make the most of the boredom by watching a half-hour review of it.

When you're into a particular movie costume, Halloween gets more fun every year. To me, it's not as much about the candy as it is about proudly donning my fedora and leather jacket on the one time of year I know I'm allowed to. Last year, I only had a green paper-straw hat for my Indiana Jones costume. This year, I have an Officially Licensed (though in the Indy Gear hobby, that's usually a bad thing) 1984 Stetson Indiana Jones hat, with accurate, authentic features. I'm going to enjoy people saying "Hey, look, it's Indiana Jones!" instead of "Who're you supposed to be, Indiana Jones?" All I'm missing is a whip, and I don't think I can just get one in time for tonight, but I think the hat'll be an improvement enough for this year. I'll save up my money next year (throughout next year, in fact) to get this 6-Foot $75 whip[=http://www.toddscostumes.com/costumes/movie-costumes-indiana-jones-costume/indiana-jones-whips/indiana-jones-whips/]this 6-Foot $75 whip and a whipholder for it.

Steven

I've seen the Star Wars Holiday Special on Youtube. I think you'd probably rather watch the Nostalgia Critic review for it, because, like anything "Special" from Lucas, it's a pretty boring Special. So, might as well make the most of the boredom by watching a half-hour review of it.

When you're into a particular movie costume, Halloween gets more fun every year. To me, it's not as much about the candy as it is about proudly donning my fedora and leather jacket on the one time of year I know I'm allowed to. Last year, I only had a green paper-straw hat for my Indiana Jones costume. This year, I have an Officially Licensed (though in the Indy Gear hobby, that's usually a bad thing) 1984 Stetson Indiana Jones hat, with accurate, authentic features. I'm going to enjoy people saying "Hey, look, it's Indiana Jones!" instead of "Who're you supposed to be, Indiana Jones?" All I'm missing is a whip, and I don't think I can just get one in time for tonight, but I think the hat'll be an improvement enough for this year. I'll save up my money next year (throughout next year, in fact) to get this 6-Foot $75 whip[=http://www.toddscostumes.com/costumes/movie-costumes-indiana-jones-costume/indiana-jones-whips/indiana-jones-whips/]this 6-Foot $75 whip and a whipholder for it.

Steven

Nah, I'll pass the offer to watch "The Star Wars Holiday Special" with some guy who shouts "WHAT THE FliliK" every 25 seconds.

Anywho.....do you go trick-or-treating?

Anywho.....do you go trick-or-treating?

No, I go Trunk-and-Treating. I get lots of candy from the trunks of people's cars at my church, and I get to climb a rock wall as Indy. Very, very adventurous. 8) The trouble is, people are always criticizing my gear. :x "Where's the whip?" "A wooden gun?" "Where's the whip?" "An Incredibles web belt?" "Where's the whip?" "Where's the whip?" "Where's the whip?" I CAN'T TAKE THIS ANYMORE!!! :evil: I'm going to remedy at least some of this next year.

Steven

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/31/crockett-keller-texas-gun-liberals-muslims_n_1064184.html?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl1%7Csec1_lnk3%7C109052

This is a genuine act of hatred and bigotry, my friends. "If you are a liberal, or a Muslim, you cannot make the right decisions and therefore can't take my class. God bless America!" Says the Texas firearm safety instructor. "Why should I arm these people to kill me, that's suicide!"

The reality is that we really can't do anything about it. He has a right to teach whomever he wants and say whatever he wants. The only thing we can do is just accept and laugh at him. Choosing to be offended by his statements will only give him power over you, which is what he wants. The best combat against racism is laughter, in my opinion. If we do this, we will reduce the power of racism in our society. This may sound childish (a lot of things I say sound childish), but I believe it.

...okay no more news articles, I'm done, but I just wanted to share this one.

Wow... really? Muslim or liberals can't handle guns? What a nutjob.

The reality is that we really can't do anything about it. He has a right to teach whomever he wants and say whatever he wants. The only thing we can do is just accept and laugh at him. Choosing to be offended by his statements will only give him power over you, which is what he wants. The best combat against racism is laughter, in my opinion. If we do this, we will reduce the power of racism in our society. This may sound childish (a lot of things I say sound childish), but I believe it.

I'm definitely with you on this, the guy deserves all the ridicule he can get. Though by the sound of it, that's not the only option. According to the website:

A spokeswoman at the Texas Department of Public Safety, the agency that certifies Texans to teach classes on concealed handguns, confirmed that the agency has launched an investigation into Keller's business practices.

I see nothing wrong with yanking his license to teach, especially if any of the funding for the licensing program comes from taxpayers. Regardless, I think his business is going to get a lot more scrutiny than it otherwise would have, and at his age I wonder if he really wants the kind of attention that'd give him.

I'm not the kind of guy that wants to take away his business because he said something I don't agree with.....but you're right. If he's segregating and part of what allows him to privately own and operate his business was paid for in part by those liberals and Muslims he wishes not to teach, then action taken would be appropriate.

However, what shivermetimbers would rather do instead is gather up Muslims and liberals by the bus loads (everyone wearing an Obama t-shirt), drive to his place of business, and have them do "La Macarena" in front of it.

http://www.thornvalleyranch.com/

Who knew it was an actual place? Now all we have to do is find the Rats' village there! :twisted:

Steven

Does anyone here play video games as a hobby? I'm curious....

My roommate just got Modern Warfare 3 on Tuesday. I played through the campaign (in 3 sittings) and thought it was alright. You shoot people and stuff around you blows up....about what you'd expect. Multiplayer is the same old same old with the same crappy spawn system that has plagued the series for years. Kill confirmed is a nice game mode though, and it's the only thing that's new besides arbitrary changes to how you level up.

The game I'm really looking forward to is Saints Row 3. Saints Row 2 is one of my favorite games; the sheer absurdity and emphasis on allowing the player to have a much fun as possible made it a classic. As much as I may have argued that video games should be taken seriously and that games exploring human condition are lacking, I still respect a good fun game that allows you to go streaking in front of old ladies. Both serious subject matter and un-serious subject matter should and can co-exist in the realm of gaming.

....But I'm curious about you guys, what games have you played recently?

Recently, none. Our GameCube turned into a piece of junk a while ago. :x I was obsessed with the LEGO Star Wars games while we had the Gamecube.

Steven

I don't play to much any more. Everyone at work keeps talking about Skyrim like is the second coming of christ.

Does anyone here play video games as a hobby? I'm curious....

Lately, I've been playing a fair bit of Left 4 Dead 2 and Borderlands. Though I also have a soft spot for adventure games (like Monkey Island) and "puzzle" games like Myst and Riven.

I don't play to much any more. Everyone at work keeps talking about Skyrim like is the second coming of christ.

Yup, it's all about Call of Duty and Skyrim these days. Shame no one talks about Saints Row 3....besides me. I really don't like Bethesda games. They put quantity over quality and all of the bugs and awkwardness takes me out of the world they created. All of their games suck.

I don't play as much as I used to now-a-days. Back during the PS2 era I played constantly, back when we had more quality and innovative games on store shelves. Now-a-days you have to dig really deep in order to find the good stuff. Gaming has turned into a business milking machine. It's also turned into somewhat of a frat boy culture.

...but this is me ranting on about those "good old days." In reality, gaming these days is fine, it's just not as good as the PS2 era, that machine has the best library of games, period.

Yesterday was 11/11/11. :)

Steven

A friend of mine came up with the idea that if we were to have executions in our society, that they ought to be public. The reasoning behind it is that if justice is being carried out by the State on behalf of the people, then the people should be witnesses to the action taken on their behalf.

....I'm not for the death penalty, but I see the logic in his argument. Of course this paints nasty pictures of little children dancing with glee begging their parents to see Mr. Crowley get beheaded, but still.

Thoughts?

A friend of mine came up with the idea that if we were to have executions in our society, that they ought to be public. The reasoning behind it is that if justice is being carried out by the State on behalf of the people, then the people should be witnesses to the action taken on their behalf.

....I'm not for the death penalty, but I see the logic in his argument. Of course this paints nasty pictures of little children dancing with glee begging their parents to see Mr. Crowley get beheaded, but still.

Thoughts?

Also generally against capital punishment here. The main problem I see with that is that it'll just become a spectacle. Many people won't use the time to introspect on what they've condemned the accused to, or whether they're 100% sure that they're guilty, they'll just cheer it on, praising our just and fair legal system all the while. So I'm against it; there's enough celebration of death in our culture as it is.

Man, I didn't use to be this cynical. :P

Man, I didn't use to be this cynical. :P

Neither did I. :twisted:

Steven

A friend of mine came up with the idea that if we were to have executions in our society, that they ought to be public. The reasoning behind it is that if justice is being carried out by the State on behalf of the people, then the people should be witnesses to the action taken on their behalf.

....I'm not for the death penalty, but I see the logic in his argument. Of course this paints nasty pictures of little children dancing with glee begging their parents to see Mr. Crowley get beheaded, but still.

Thoughts?

Also generally against capital punishment here. The main problem I see with that is that it'll just become a spectacle. Many people won't use the time to introspect on what they've condemned the accused to, or whether they're 100% sure that they're guilty, they'll just cheer it on, praising our just and fair legal system all the while. So I'm against it; there's enough celebration of death in our culture as it is.

This is coming from a purely political standpoint. Looking at it from that angle, public executions make sense. This statement is not looking at this from a human/moral/ethical angle.

I agree, like I've already mentioned, it would be used as a means of celebration rather than a means of reflection, but people would celebrate the death of a murderer anyway. I will also repeat that this is from a political standpoint. Politics aren't always the most ethical answer and if we must have executions, why not have them public? The State is acting on our behalf, why can't we be apart of it? It's really no more barbaric than killing them behind closed doors, maybe even less so. I'm not saying I'm for this, I'm not really for the death penalty/ capital punishment period, but if we must have executions and the State is making the decision that killing the criminal is the best course of action on our behalf, then why can't we have the right to see it?

....Yet again it's also hard to say (my friend mentioned this as well) that some people don't deserve to die. Look at Osama Bin Laden, for example. While I'm always generally against the death penalty from a human and from a financial stand point (putting someone on death row is more expensive than life imprisonment), the option shouldn't be all together thrown away.

...And who knows, maybe this could be a positive thing? Maybe if more people are witnesses to the act of killing one's fellow man, we would have enough support to altogether have capital punishment abolished. Maybe people will see that capital punishment is not always the best answer.

This thread isn't running the way I hoped. It's a little bit too serious. It needs more pure nonsense!

JONATHAN BRISBY DIES!

http://www.thornvalley.com/gallery/fan/d/39211-2/032WishJohnHere.jpg[" alt=""/img][/quote]

Don't worry, Mrs. Brisby. Say... Do you... Wanna go out with me? 8)

[quote="Mrs. Brisby"][img="]http://www.thornvalley.com/gallery/fan/d/38630-2/063brisafraid.jpg[" alt=""/img][/quote]

I know, I know. That's what they all say at first. ;) But seriously, we both know you want me. What do you say?

[quote="Mrs. Brisby"][img="]http://www.thornvalley.com/gallery/fan/d/38781-2/026NowDoneIt.jpg[" alt=""/img][/quote]

All right! All right! I'm leaving! I'm leaving! :x

Steven

http:/" alt=""/img217.imageshack.us/img="217/8466/shera.jpg[" alt=""/img]

My bad guys, I get a little too carried away with my philosophical nonsense.

This is coming from a purely political standpoint. Looking at it from that angle, public executions make sense. This statement is not looking at this from a human/moral/ethical angle.

Political systems don't exist without a human/moral/ethical component, in my opinion. liLogicallyli it may make sense (e.g. my taxes are paying for this, I should be allowed to witness it), but politics don't exist in a vacuum of ethics. Granted, what's legal doesn't always match up with what's "moral" or "ethical", but to deny that one influences the other fails to take into account the full complexity of the system. By that logic you could could also say that since the witness protection program is paid for with my taxes and is an action performed on the public's behalf, I should be allowed to know who has entered the program.

I agree, like I've already mentioned, it would be used as a means of celebration rather than a means of reflection, but people would celebrate the death of a murderer anyway. I will also repeat that this is from a political standpoint. Politics aren't always the most ethical answer and if we must have executions, why not have them public? The State is acting on our behalf, why can't we be apart of it? It's really no more barbaric than killing them behind closed doors, maybe even less so. I'm not saying I'm for this, I'm not really for the death penalty/ capital punishment period, but if we must have executions and the State is making the decision that killing the criminal is the best course of action on our behalf, then why can't we have the right to see it?

I'm thinking the biggest legal reason you can't witness an execution is because it was decided at some point in history that such executions were "cruel and unusual." I doubt we've matured enough as a society that one couldn't make the argument that returning to public executions wouldn't be that.

....Yet again it's also hard to say (my friend mentioned this as well) that some people don't deserve to die. Look at Osama Bin Laden, for example. While I'm always generally against the death penalty from a human and from a financial stand point (putting someone on death row is more expensive than life imprisonment), the option shouldn't be all together thrown away.

Osama's an interesting case. One could argue that killing him has made him a martyr. Did he deserve it? Perhaps so, but I think having him rot in a cell the rest of his life is a far more ignominious death. "Osama dead at 87 due to natural causes while in custody" is far less likely to rally supporters than "Osama dead at 54, killed by military raid". In general though, I feel that, even if capital punishment isn't eliminated completely, the bar for sentencing should be extremely high, even higher than the "beyond reasonable doubt" criteria.

...And who knows, maybe this could be a positive thing? Maybe if more people are witnesses to the act of killing one's fellow man, we would have enough support to altogether have capital punishment abolished. Maybe people will see that capital punishment is not always the best answer.

That's a pretty strong maybe, in my mind. We've had public executions in our history before; in fact private executions are a fairly recent thing. I don't think we've matured enough as a society to make them anything less than a media circus.

I've slept on it and I guess I'm not for public executions. This is coming from the human angle because I also don't want death of a fellow human to be a spectacle, period. However, I can't honestly say I agree with your witness protection program comparison. People pay taxes so that the State can PROTECT those people on our behalf, so giving us a list of those who are enrolled defeats the purpose and our tax dollars would be wasted. The death penalty, on the other hand, is a different matter. It's not protecting the people on our behalf, it's killing them.

I think back to the Vietnam War when people were televising all of horrors of the war and letting the Americans know what was happening overseas. People were furious and demanded the war be stopped. I believe society has matured enough, for the most part, to see that killing of fellow humans isn't always a glamorous thing to witness. Thus my point that it could possibly bring a positive outcome doesn't seem too farfetched, all things considered.

I would argue, and you probably would too, that killing someone because they committed a terrible crime is cruel and unusual, period. Does having it behind closed doors make it less cruel and unusual? I don't think so.

The fact that it does encourage celebration in public is the main reason why I'm against it. Though I still stand by my point that it really isn't any less barbaric than killing them behind closed doors. Probably even less so because killing them behind closed doors makes it look clean.

I do agree with setting the bar for the death penalty higher than it is.

Does anyone here speak any other language other than English? Anyone here who's first language wasn't English?

Well, I've learned a little Spanish. I've got down Hola and Adios, Padre and Madre, Nino and Ninos, and Nina and Ninas. I can say hello and goodbye to anyone in my family in Spanish. I can also ask "Donde esta el cuarto de bano?" Yes, I am pathetic. http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e132/jcg60625/cheerful.gif[" alt=""/img] My older sister's better... at it... than I am...

[img="]http://www.thornvalley.com/gallery/fan/d/40298-2/521bookopens.jpg[" alt=""/img]

Steven

If I could learn German I would live there.

Does anyone here speak any other language other than English? Anyone here who's first language wasn't English?

I'm a bit rusty, but I'm at least conversant in Spanish. I can still understand most of it when it's spoken to me.

I can also ask "Donde esta el cuarto de bano?" Yes, I am pathetic.

Most spanish-speakers leave off 'cuarto de', in my experience. :)

I can also ask "Donde esta el cuarto de bano?" Yes, I am pathetic.

Most spanish-speakers leave off 'cuarto de', in my experience. :)

Ahh, I see.



BTW, I've seen you use this emoticon sometimes: :3

What is it, exactly? Is it a Ponda Baba emoticon?

http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20080123172428/starwars/images/thumb/6/69/Pondababa.jpg/250px-Pondababa.jpg[" alt=""/img]

Steven

My "friend" that came up with the public executions idea was actually my professor. I do consider us somewhat close, though. This was addressed to the class, BTW. Just thought Id let you know.

Anyway, does anyone else notice that the actual cookie part of an Oreo tastes like crap? Anyone break an Oreo apart and taste the cookie without any creme? Tastes like old cardboard, right? I mean as a whole, those things are addictive, but if you were to break one apart and eat the cookie without the creme, it tastes horrible.

Also my roommate comes from Honduras, he's teaching me Spanish. I'm pretty bad at it though.

I can also ask "Donde esta el cuarto de bano?" Yes, I am pathetic.

Most spanish-speakers leave off 'cuarto de', in my experience. :)

Ahh, I see.



BTW, I've seen you use this emoticon sometimes: :3

What is it, exactly? Is it a Ponda Baba emoticon?

http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20080123172428/starwars/images/thumb/6/69/Pondababa.jpg/250px-Pondababa.jpg[" alt=""/img]

Steven[/quote]

Heh, that's a good one. No, it's a smiley face variant, usually indicates I'm trying to be more wry than usual, I suppose. I like using uncommon emoticons, anyway. Keeps people on their toes. n.n

(╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻

Heh, that's a good one. No, it's a smiley face variant, usually indicates I'm trying to be more wry than usual, I suppose. I like using uncommon emoticons, anyway. Keeps people on their toes. n.n

(╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻

Ahh, I see. ;)

BUNNIES!!!

=:3

=:3

=:3

And yes, Timbers, I don't like the actual cookie part either. I don't get the people who separate the peices of the Oreo and scrape off the creme with their teeth. That just leaves two unsatisfying dark brown cookies to eat. Oreo cookies do taste good in ice cream, though. As does Cookie Dough. Those are my two all-time favorite flavors of ice cream. :D

Steven

ಠ_ಠ

ಠ_ಠ

ಠ_ಠ

ಠ_ಠ

I see what you did there.


And my all time favorite: t("t)

I never thought the cookie part of Oreos were that bad. But there's a cereal out, Special K with Chocolatey Pieces, that I tried once and only once. The "Chocolatey Pieces" are, I'm positive, little squares of dark brown Crayola crayon with added flavoring that gives them only the vaguest hint of a chocolate-like taste. Believe me, I'm being very charitable here. After one bowlful I gave up and picked out the remaining Pieces and threw them out. Bleagh! This was 5, 6 years ago and it's inexplicably still around on store shelves. Even if Kellogg's has improved it since I don't think I'd try it again.

So...to touch upon some of the other off-topic threads you've already covered

1. I'm definitely a lifelong white nerdy guy.
2. I’ve never been into video games at all, though I was at the right age to start getting into them in the early ‘80s when Pac-Man, Space Invaders and other arcade games exploded in popularity.
3. Regarding the debate over the N-word What gets me is how quick some people (usually black, I have to say) are ready to label a white person a racist for actually saying the word in full…REGARDLESS OF THE CONTEXT, even if the person is quoting someone else. And even the person being quoted may not himself be a racist. It’s all about context. Yes, it’s an ugly word with a lot of baggage, but so much of the ill feeling rising from its use can be avoided.

I've heard the word "nlililier" more than I've heard the word "hello" in my life. That may sound hyperbole, and it might be, but it seems to ring true. My high school years were filled with hearing that word. Id be one hell of a liar if I said that I don't use the word casually occasionally myself. I do hang around black people, by the way.

People will get offended by anything, and I don't know whether to pity or laugh at those people who get offended just by hearing a word. Censorship is such a silly concept made by the ignorant and those who wish to control others. We shouldn't life in fear of words, we should embrace them. Words shouldn't have power over us, we should have power over them and use them.

Is calling someone a "clilit" really worse than calling someone a "jerk?" One may be more shocking than the other in your mind, but at the end of the day they were both used in a hateful context.

Communication is a powerful tool and I do believe in treating people with respect and allowing others to be heard. That's why I view censorship as a form of disrespect.

You're free to disagree with this by the way and I'll respect you for it. I'm not so hardheaded that I don't accept differing opinions on the subject.

And my all time favorite: t("t)

What's that supposed to be?

It's someone giving the double bird.

But can you Triforce?

  ▲
▲ ▲

Can you do the electric slide? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PyLFzcTiYA

...Because I can teach you, teach you, teach you...

Is calling someone a "clilit" really worse than calling someone a "jerk?"

Nope. In fact, clots are actually a good thing, to be used by the body in case of a bleeding cut. ;)

Steven

Is calling someone a "clilit" really worse than calling someone a "jerk?"

Nope. In fact, clots are actually a good thing, to be used by the body in case of a bleeding cut. ;)

Steven

Casts can help heal broken bones too. Lolz.

Hey, Timbers, what do you think of this? Would you use it as an avatar?

http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k511/Pennsylvania_Jones/ShiverMeTimbersAvatar.png[" alt=""/img]

[img="]http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k511/Pennsylvania_Jones/ShiverMeTimbersAvatar-1.jpg[" alt=""/img]

Steven

I was thinking more along the lines of this:


http://home.comcast.net/~toonfox/myart/SlappyWithCapeSparklie2.jpg[" alt=""/img]

Mrs. Brisby as an elderly clown squirrel?

Steven

Mrs. Brisby as an elderly clown squirrel?

Steven

Never heard of Slappy Squirrel? Ever hear of Animaniacs? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwYacTjyD3U

Aaah, enough with the singing already! Despite being well into my thirties at the time, I was a loyal viewer of Animaniacs, Pinky & the Brain, Freakazoid!, and Tiny Toon Adventures in the '90s.

I've heard of the name Animaniacs, but I'm not at all familiar with it. :oops:

Steven

I've heard of the name Animaniacs, but I'm not at all familiar with it. :oops:

Steven

Bow your head in shame.

I've heard of the name Animaniacs, but I'm not at all familiar with it. :oops:

Steven

Bow your head in shame.

http://www.emotionalcompetency.com/images/shame.jpg[" alt=""/img]

Steven

I've heard of the name Animaniacs, but I'm not at all familiar with it. :oops:

Steven

http://troll.me/images/angry-samuel-l-jackson/you-serious-bro.jpg[" alt=""/img]

I've heard of the name Animaniacs, but I'm not at all familiar with it. :oops:

Steven

http://troll.me/images/angry-samuel-l-jackson/you-serious-bro.jpg[" alt=""/img][/quote]

Totally.

Steven

Now that we’re discussing television, specifically funny television

On another topic SMT cites his dislike of sitcoms. I’m curious if he’s seen some of the ones currently airing, and what you guys’ favorites are of all time and currently running.

“Modern Family” definitely lives up to the praise and Emmy nominations and wins heaped upon it and never fails to make me laugh. The humor for the most part rises organically from the (usually) everyday situations that the characters just fall into, which rarely seem contrived or forced. All of NBC’s Thursday night lineup, especially, for me, “Community” and “Parks and Recreation”; I think many of us recognize and relate to the dedicated nerdity of Troy and Abed.

“WKRP in Cincinnati” is still an all-time favorite. Its off-the-wall plots still deliver a punch and don’t seem dated. (“I was spray-painting my kitchen cabinets and my daughter’s frog just kind of jumped in the way…”) A show that wasn’t reluctant to take a serious turn when the plot called for it, like “MliAli SliH”, another ATF.

“Seinfeld”, of course; don’t we all recognize some of our more clueless friends and acquaintances in Jerry, George, Elaine and Kramer?

More when I think of them!

I really don't watch TV at all. Occasionally, I'll watch "South Park," but that's it. I used to watch some Comedy Central shows like "Chappelle's Show." I also watched cartoons as a kid, of course.

In case you haven't yet figured out yet, I love black comedy. In fact, my favorite "South Park" episode is the one where Cartman tricks a bully to send his parents (the bully's parents) to their deaths; Cartman then grinds the corpses, puts them into chili, and tricks the bully into eating it in a chili cook off contest.

...as you can see I'm a sick bastard. I'm not into the whole quirky happy-go-lucky one-liner pun filled shows. I don't like "Seinfield" or "Friends." That doesn't mean I don't like light-hearted humor; I do like shows like "Family Matters" and "Fresh Prince of Bel Air." Those shows had things that kept me watching them; namely Steve Urkel and Will Smith. I like my light-hearted humor to be more than pure cheesiness, which is what a lot of sitcoms I watch seem to fall into.

As I can already tell from your "How can rape possibly be funny is beyond me" post I can tell you're not into my style of humor, which is perfectly fine by me. I can also tell by reading your writing, namely the dialogue from your Melvin and Willis characters, that you also love the cheesy pun filled sense of humor. "You'll never make it in real-estate!" It's that sort of writing, random puns that come out of thin air, that make me cringe.

edit: I also forgot "I Love Lucy" and "The Muppets" both good examples of light hearted humor done right. I also like MASH, at least the first couple of seasons because I'm a Korean War nut.

edit 2: I've misused the word 'pun.' I meant to say one-liners that come out of nowhere.

I guess I should clarify my point a bit further. Me not liking sitcoms is just a personal bias of mine. I can't really accurately explain why (as you can tell from my poorly written post). I guess it's that certain kind of quirkiness and cheesiness to them that gets to me. I was born and raised in an environment that enjoys humor with a darker edge, thus I have a preference for it.

I don't mind cheesiness if it's self aware of it and wants you to laugh at it, rather than with it. That's kinda what I was after in writing my first fanficiton. I knew the jokes I was writing were terrible, but I wanted you to laugh at my writing rather than with it, if you get what I'm saying.

Well, there goes my goal of never learning what raping is. :x

EDIT: Huh, I guess it was edited out...

Steven

Well, people have their own individual tastes and senses of humor and I’m perfectly okay with that. I wouldn’t expect you to like all that I like. But I do remember what it’s like to be your age, and be sure of what you want and like and be set in your ways and…

Wait, isn’t that the standard stereotype for senior citizens?

I kid, I kid. But seriously, it’s always a good thing to keep an open mind. To me it’s sad to see so many people get stuck in the same groove and refuse to allow for new input and different ideas and changes in taste.

Again, seriously I can all but guarantee that someone with your sense of humor would find “Community” and “Parks and Rec” hilarious. Consider this a blatant attempt to influence your tastes.

I do feel the need to point out what may be a mischaracterization or two. “Seinfeld” was hardly a typical sitcom when it first came on, and its popularity proved very influential. It’s a cliché to be sure, but it revolutionized television comedy in its approach, in which the humor arises from the situation rather than a series of wisecracks and one-liners. The current shows I cited continue this approach. I will admit that “MliAliSliH” and other past favorites of mine (such as “Barney Miller,” “All in the Family,” “Mary Tyler Moore”) did rely heavily on cracking wise, but were also revolutionary in their day.

Don’t think I can’t get into dark humor! Some episodes of “South Park” absolutely put me on the floor. My favorite is the one where Cartman puts on a crude cardboard disguise and introduces himself to Butters as his loyal robot friend, all to induce him to reveal some bit of embarrassing personal information. Butters, being Butters, falls for it completely, but unknowingly turns the tables by revealing that he has dirt on “this kid at school named Eric Cartman,” something extremely embarrassing caught on tape. So Cartman has to keep up the act much longer than he’d bargained for until he finds the tape. As for the episode you cited, I’ll admit that one put me off at first, and some others are a little too mean-spirited for my taste, and some have lapses in logic that are too big, even for this show. But there you go.

Some episodes of Seth McFarlane’s three series also get a bit too mean-spirited for my taste, though I still watch them regularly.

Apparently you’ve picked up on the fact that I was making a character statement with Melvin and Willis, especially Willis. That’s just the kind of guy he is, in fact, I originally modeled him after Hawkeye Pierce (the Alan Alda version).

Again, seriously: I can all but guarantee that someone with your sense of humor would find “Community” and “Parks and Rec” hilarious. Consider this a blatant attempt to influence your tastes.

No doubt I would probably like the shows you've mentioned. It's just that a lot of sitcoms I've watched, like "Full House" and "Friends" among others, aren't to my liking. It's just too cheesy and artificial to work for me. If they're on Netflix, I'll give them a watch and report back on it.

Don’t think I can’t get into dark humor! Some episodes of “South Park” absolutely put me on the floor. My favorite is the one where Cartman puts on a crude cardboard disguise and introduces himself to Butters as his loyal robot friend, all to induce him to reveal some bit of embarrassing personal information. Butters, being Butters, falls for it completely, but unknowingly turns the tables by revealing that he has dirt on “this kid at school named Eric Cartman,” something extremely embarrassing caught on tape. So Cartman has to keep up the act much longer than he’d bargained for until he finds the tape. As for the episode you cited, I’ll admit that one put me off at first, and some others are a little too mean-spirited for my taste, and some have lapses in logic that are too big, even for this show. But there you go.

Just because a joke relies on a taboo subject doesn't make it mean spirited. It can be, sure, but telling a rape joke doesn't automatically make it evil. You can say that offends people that were raped, but that argument doesn't fly with me because the same can be applied to any sort of joke, taboo or not. People will get offended by anything they want regardless of context. I have bipolar and yet I laugh at bipolar jokes. Something that has caused me much pain and yet I find humor in it.

I already linked this video to defend my point on how rape can be funny, but I'll link to it again and I want you to tell me with a straight face that it's mean spirited: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUO0uuk5-QY

Zach is his "imaginary friend," BTW.

I also know the difference between tasteless humor and something that's just tasteless. In the video game "Duke Nukem Forever" (yes I use a lot of video game examples....deal with it.) there's a level in the game that features woman getting raped by aliens. The women are naked and moaning and crying in pain while getting inseminated by alien genitalia.....and that's the joke. The whole joke is that the woman are getting raped. There's nothing clever, ironic, or witty about it, it's just pure sickness. Apparently they thought that torture alone would equal comedy.....they were wrong. I do require my tasteless humor to have actual humor in it.

Have a good Thanksgiving.

Checked out the video, and while I don't find it mean-spirited, I didn't find it especially funny either. Let's just say we find different things humorous, and let it go at that.

Checked out the video, and while I don't find it mean-spirited, I didn't find it especially funny either.

That's because you didn't get to hear the good part, LOL.

"Parks and Rec" is on Netflix instant streaming. I'll watch the first season and sum up my thoughts.

I just got finished watching the first episode and was surprised to find out that it was shot documentary style, I was expecting a sitcom-like thing. While I didn't "laugh out loud," I did chuckle a few times. The drunk man stuck in the slide, for example, made me smile.

While I didn't find it 'funny' per-Se, it doesn't mean that I wasn't interested in the plot of the the whole thing. What with the "pinky promise" of the pit being turned into a park and all.

I'll go more into detail and watch more later, but I am interested.

Stick with it, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. "The Office" also uses the faux-documentary format to great effect.

Stick with it, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. "The Office" also uses the faux-documentary format to great effect.

I'm halfway through the first season and while I still haven't "laughed out loud" yet, I'm genuinely interested as to whether this park gets built.

A couple of highlights:
li The Indian genocide mural
li Mark sleeping with the reporter and Leslie freaking out after realizing it
li The filibuster delaying the vote
li That he fell in the pit because he was drunk, not sober, which started this whole mess in the first place (though I suspected this)

nitpicks:
li A few jokes fall flat...what's supposed to be humorous about that whole Scrabble situation?
li None of the characters are especially memorable

I'll do a full review of the first season once I'm finished with it, but here's a taste of what I think. It's alright, "Community" seems to be more my style, but sadly it isn't on Netflix instant streaming.

Have you seen "Borat" or "This is Spinal Tap?" Both are hilarious films that use faux-documentary style to good effect.

http://www.famous-cars.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Herbie-The-Love-Bug-550x412.jpg[" alt=""/img]

This is my dream car.

Steven

http:/" alt=""/img710.imageshack.us/img="710/2917/bf99c16374b20silver20wh.gif[" alt=""/img]

This is my cream jar.

http:/" alt=""/img710.imageshack.us/img="710/2917/bf99c16374b20silver20wh.gif[" alt=""/img]

This is my cream jar.[/quote]

Well played, sir.

Steven

http:/" alt=""/img39.imageshack.us/img="39/5281/353461main.jpg[" alt=""/img]

This is my Loc Nar.

http://www.materials.com/CROWBAR.JPG[" alt=""/img]

This is my crowbar.

(And I'm going to hit Jeremy in the head with it. :twisted:)

[quote="Jeremy"][img="]http://www.thornvalley.com/gallery/fan/d/38573-2/042noyes.jpg[" alt=""/img]

Yipes![/quote]

Steven

http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/boomstick_1606.jpg[" alt=""/img]

THIS IS MY BOOMSTICK!

[img="]http://spotteddick.net/spotted-dick.jpg[" alt=""/img]

....and this is my spotted dick.....have a taste.

http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/boomstick_1606.jpg[" alt=""/img]

THIS IS MY BOOMSTICK![/quote]

I never knew what a boomstick was until now. A boomstick is a torn piece of paper.

Steven

http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/boomstick_1606.jpg[" alt=""/img]

THIS IS MY BOOMSTICK![/quote]

I never knew what a boomstick was until now. A boomstick is a torn piece of paper.

Steven[/quote]

Eh??? The picture comes up for me...

http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/boomstick_1606.jpg[" alt=""/img]

THIS IS MY BOOMSTICK![/quote]

I never knew what a boomstick was until now. A boomstick is a torn piece of paper.

Steven[/quote]

Eh??? The picture comes up for me...[/quote]

It shows up when I put the link into the address bar. I don't know why it's not showing up for me.

Steven

http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/boomstick_1606.jpg[" alt=""/img]

THIS IS MY BOOMSTICK![/quote]

I never knew what a boomstick was until now. A boomstick is a torn piece of paper.

Steven[/quote]

Eh??? The picture comes up for me...[/quote]

It shows up when I put the link into the address bar. I don't know why it's not showing up for me.

Steven[/quote]

Well NOW it shows up. :roll:

Steven

http:/" alt=""/img545.imageshack.us/img="545/7004/porkbrains1.jpg[" alt=""/img]

This is your pork on brains.

It might go well with a bit of spotted dick.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_e1YQ4Yr4fbA/SW-gqjI_WbI/AAAAAAAABXA/T6ro04eRwbI/s320/cubix.jpg[" alt=""/img]

I love Cubix. He's tied with the Lost in Space Robot as my all-time favorite robot.

Steven

This post contains information about a gruesome film, while there's no pornographic or obscene material in this post, I do recommend that you check out the wikipedia page and the plot summary of the film (which describes the acts of depravity in the film) to better understand my point, but please do not view the wikipedia page if you are faint of heart.

Last Saturday I had the pleasure (or I guess displeasure) of viewing "A Serbian Film."

I'm not here to describe exactly what goes on in the film. If you want to read about what I saw you can look at wikipedia's plot summary ....It will help you understand my point a little better, but please do not read if you are squeamish or young.

What I find sad is that in order to make a political film that gets broad attention like this film has, you have to make it as sick, gruesome, and shocking as possible. It's a pity that you have to go all out to get attention.

Unlike most other exploitation films, "A Serbian Film" makes you empathize and allows you get to know the characters in a personal way before the film goes right on ahead and does terrible, terrible things to them.

The film is very well made and makes a point with its plot about a man who's trying to support his family in a war torn country. It's very depressing, yet very real at the same time.

I personally know very little about Serbian history, culture, and government, but after watching "A Serbian Film," I'm very interested in learning more. The film did to me what it set out to do, I just wished it didn't have to be so vile doing so.

I should've clarified that I didn't hate "A Serbian Film." I thought the film overall was well made and atmospheric and it does its thing without remorse, which I can appreciate. I just find it sad that in order to make a political film you have to go this far for it to get attention.

Would I recommend the film.....uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.........no.......unless you're a sick little bastard like me and can handle that kind of trash. :wink:

Alright, this is the last post I'm going to talk about it....

"A Serbian Film" is probably the most vile piece of fiction cinema ever produced by man. Coming from someone who's seen movies like "I Spit on Your Grave" among other nasty films, that's saying something. You'd have to be pretty angry and sick in order to make a film like this.

Four days after watching it, I still can't stop thinking about it. I just want to find out how someone could be this angry to make such a fliliked up movie. It obviously was made to get attention, but I'm gonna ask you guys: do you think it's okay to use shock value to tell your political point?

Is there a line to be drawn? I think newborn porn, necrophilia, and incest are overkill for trying to sell your political point, but that's just me.

Wow, nobody's posted here for awhile, huh? I'll just bump this thread to keep it alive.

Steven

All of this talk of cartoons on the "On the fanfiction balcony..." topic has got me thinking about a little show called "Street Sharks." What it was was basically a "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" ripoff/spoof. It's on Netflix if you guys are interested. It's pretty cheesy for adults, but for kids this show was kickass. I still own my "Street Shark" toys, I just got to find them again.

Anyway here's a commercial for the toys: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Gpb3l0-9uc ahhhh the memories....Jawsome!

I FINISHED READING SECRET OF THE STONE JUST NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

Steven

lilililili

"Hello, Marion," came a voice from the doorway. Mrs. Brisby felt a burst of joyful surprise well up inside her. Could that really be Jonathan? He was the only one who knew her first name, wasn't he? As she turned from her children at the dinner table to the doorway, her spirits fell farther than they'd ever fallen before. To say she was disappointed would be an understatement. Even though she knew it would've been impossible, it was sad enough for Mrs. Brisby to find that it wasn't Jonathan. That it was this particular mouse was almost too disappointing for her to bear. Standing in the doorway was a handsome mouse with dark-khaki fur and hazelnut eyes. He was wearing a hat, jacket, belt, and satchel, all in varying shades of brown.

"Indiana Jones," she said, sighing in disappointment. "I guess I should've known someday you'd come walking back through my door." After a pause, she told her children to go off to bed. Although the kids seemed intrigued in the ensuing conversation, they obeyed their mother and went off to bed. With the children away, Mrs. Brisby could now speak freely to her new houseguest.

"What are you doing here?" she asked coldly.

"I need one of the pieces your husband collected-" began Indy. Before he could continue, Mrs. Brisby gave Indy a firm punch in the jaw. She was satisfied when Indy looked back at her, surprised that she would dare to punch anybody in the face, given the timid, naive nature she displayed in the past.

"You've grown feisty in the last ten months," said Indy.

"I learned to hate you in the last ten months," snarled Mrs. Brisby, which wasn't itself a lie. But it wasn't the whole story, either. She was keeping from him her visit to the Great Owl, her enlightening experience with the Rats of NIMH, and the following miracle she perfomed, the latter which played the biggest part in dousing her timidity.

"C'mon," Indy said. "I never meant to hurt you, or anything. It was just a little fun. For you too."

"It was wrong! You knew it!"

"So I did. But I knew what I was doing."

"Well, I know what I'm doing now. This isn't your home, it's mine! Get out of here!" Mrs. Brisby heard a faint noise, and turned to the boys' bedroom.

"Martin, go back to bed!" she snapped at that particular door. There was a noise of scurrying footsteps, followed by the sound of a blanket collecting air. Mrs. Brisby then turned back to Indy, waiting for him to make his departure. Unfortunately, he was still as stubborn as ever.

"Look, I did what I did," explained Indy. "But it's in the past now. You don't have to be happy about it, but maybe we can help each other out now."

"Hah!" scoffed Mrs. Brisby. "Help each other? What could you possibly offer me?"

"Well, it's certainly not what I offered you ten months ago, don't worry about that," said Indy. "I've got more food than I know what to do with. If you help me out, I can give you half of it." Mrs. Brisby was facing away from Indy, her paws resting on the table.

"I need one of the pieces your husband collected," repeated Indy. "It's a golden amulet, about this size-" Mrs. Brisby turned to see him gesture the size of the piece. "-with a red gem in the center. You know the one I mean?" Mrs. Brisby's face contorted with a look of surprise. He had just described the Stone. But how could he know about it, when the last contact he had with Jonathan -that she knew of, at least- was ten months ago? Did Jonathan even have the Stone ten months ago? Was he really keeping it a secret from her for that long?

"Yeah," she answered. "I know it." But that was all she said, and silence reigned for the next few seconds as she turned away from Indy again.

"Where's Jonathan?" asked Indy. Mrs. Brisby remained silent, and sat down in one of the dinner chairs. She went from an aura of fury to one of mourning.

"Where's Jonathan?" he repeated, sitting down in another one of the chairs. She put a hand to her head, visibly depressed.

"Jonathan's dead," said Mrs. Brisby. Indy seemed a little bit defeated, he had clearly wanted to talk to him.

"Marion, I'm sorry," said Indy. Mrs. Brisby looked back up at Indy, giving him the glare she'd become known for in the months since she'd last seen Indy.

"And I suppose you aren't sorry for what happened ten months ago?"

"I can only say I'm sorry for that so many times."

"Well, say it again anyway!" Mrs. Brisby roared.

"Okay," said Indy. "I'm sorry." Hmm? Had Mrs. Brisby noticed a touch of sincerity in his voice? He couldn't really be sorry for... Could he? Again, things were silent. Without further ado, Indy brought the topic back on course.

"It's a worthless brass medallion, Marion, are you going to give it to me?" Mrs. Brisby sighed.

"No," she said, much calmer this time. "I don't have it anymore. I don't know where it is." She did, in fact, know where it was. By now, it was safe with Justin in Thorn Valley. But she didn't want Indy to know that. She didn't even know why he wanted the Stone so badly, if it was as worthless as he said it was.

"Well," said Indy. "Maybe you can find it. I'm still offering you my food supply."

"No, thank you," said Mrs. Brisby, with a tone of authority. "I'm doing fine on my own." Mrs. Brisby began to leave to her bedroom, when Indy grabbed her forearm. She turned to him.

"It's important, Marion," said Indy, who added with a smile, "Trust me." The smile immediately dissipated as he went into business mode. He took a pea from his satchel. He pulled up Mrs. Brisby's forearm and placed it in her paw.

"Do you know where the Stone is?" asked Indy. "Can you get it for me?" Mrs. Brisby looked at the pea in her paw, then back at Indy. Despite what she just said to him, food was getting scarce in those parts, and the Brisby supply was running low. Besides, with all of the girls Indy had dated -and there were definitely a lot of them- it was almost sweet for Mrs. Brisby to know that he remembered how much she liked peas. But Mrs. Brisby was still no fool. Indy still hadn't told her what he wanted to do with the Stone's power.

"What do you want the Stone for?" she asked. "You still haven't told me that."

"I can't tell you," said Indy. "Not right now, anyway."

"Then come back tomorrow and tell me then," said Mrs. Brisby. What else could she say?

"Okay, fine," said Indy. He left the pea in Mrs. Brisby's hand, and exited the Brisby home. Mrs. Brisby looked at the pea, wishing she knew what Indy had wanted with the Stone. Could he be planning to use it for good? For evil? Is it possible he knew something about the Stone that she didn't? Whatever the case, she knew the pea was a free gift from Indy. She tossed it into the food supply next to the shielded fireplace. And it wasn't until she had done that, when more visitors came into her house. And these guests didn't have as much mercy as Indy had.

"Good evening, Mrs. Brisby," said the mouse, in a cold, oily tone.

lilililili

Steven

DEADLY PREMONITION COMING TO PS3!!!! DO WANT!!!!![=http://www.destructoid.com/deadly-premonition-director-s-cut-coming-to-ps3-223467.phtml] DEADLY PREMONITION COMING TO PS3!!!! DO WANT!!!!!


Clear as a crisp spring morning!!! I knew I can count on it, never fails!!!

There's now no excuse why one of the greatest games ever made shouldn't be a part of your life. It's now coming with extra content! Isn't this is amazing, Zack? Now new fans can be exposed to the misadventures of FBI Special Agent Francis York Morgan (but please just call him York, everybody does), and old fans can experience the joy of buying the game again with the extra content!

Here's some videos for your viewing pleasure:

FK in the Coffee[=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qa19-c1R_Qg]FK in the Coffee
Sinners Sandwich[=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rp5krDoflLI]Sinners Sandwich

Yes, the music volume is supposed to drown out the dialogue. Yes, the game is supposed to look hideous. Yes, indeed, everything about the game is simply amazingly awful. It will delight, bewilder, amaze, and shock you...sometimes all at the same time! Just the fact that more people will have Agent York in their lives puts a smile on my face. So says Mr. Stewart. XD

http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110727060834/deadlypremonition/images/thumb/1/11/1000x500px-LL-4ac93431_FrancisYorkMorgan2.jpg/105px-1000x500px-LL-4ac93431_FrancisYorkMorgan2.jpg[" alt=""/img]

I must say, this forum's really getting back into action since Dillenger started posting here. :D

Steven

http://news.yahoo.com/george-lucas-names-kennedy-lucasfilm-successor-192513052.html

Well, now, it seems the OOT will finally have some sort of a chance. :D I applaud Lucas' decision and wish him well in his retirement.

Steven

Ray Bradbury died on Tuesday. The world lost one of its biggest geniuses that day. I remember fondly the part in "Fahrenheit 451" where the lady refuses to leave her home and instead chooses to die with her books. That scene and the book itself brings up the notion (at least in myself) of media preservation. So many books, audios (radio), and movies from the old days are being forgotten and tossed away. It kinda scares me that we're losing so much information from our past. I admire things such as the National Film Preservation Foundation that uncover and try to preserve films of days gone by. Much has been tossed away in favor of advances in technology. And I think Bradbury, whether intentionally or not, has made a statement about it.

As one person already said: I would like to measure how stupider the world is without Ray Bradbury.

So many books, audios (radio), and movies from the old days are being forgotten and tossed away.

I've never read Fahrenheit 451, but this point has been hammered into my head for a long time now because of the whole Star Wars OOT issue.

Steven

I've read Ray's works most of my life, mostly his short stories. It's amazing how he could write in a near-endless variety of settings, sometimes without any real fantasy or SF elements, but always human stories first and foremost. The film version of "Something Wicked This Way Comes" from the 80s is, I think, way underrated and is worth checking out. There have been some great songs inspired by his work as well "Rocket Man" (not Elton's) and "The Man" by Pearls Before Swine, and "Medicine Man" by Barclay James Harvest among them. I'm sure his works will continue to inspire as long as people are able to read them. RIP, Ray.

liputs on her necromancer robes and makes a comment on an earlier topicli

I watched the offered video on Six Days in Fallujah. It was a little depressing, because I don't think people understand that war-games and political simulation games are a great way to more intimately understand history, recent or no. Moreover, that game would've come at a poignant time when people needed to understand just how horrible the war we were waging really was. Other media has done a great job of that, too. I'm particularly fond of HBO's Generation Kill in that regard. The final scene where they all watch their friend's video he's taken during the war, at first cheering, then one by one leaving the room in disgust is one of the most powerful scenes I've ever seen. It's made me cry every time I've seen it.

I don't find a game about recent history to be disrespectful of the dead any more than games like the Total War series that recreate ancient battles in history. I'm actually very excited for Rome II as they claim it will offer a more realistic depiction of those battles at a personal level. I remember a review with a historian explaining how we like to romanticize the battles of the Classical era, only remembering great generals and victories, but not the cost of human life or the horrors of war, which were as great, if not greater in that period of history.

The thing about video game violence is for me, that the violence either needs to be cartoonish or have some weight to it. It's the middle-ground where the violence is shrugged off lightly, but is very visceral that I feel is the worst. It's also uncomfortable for me when that violence is leveled on innocent bystanders (Such as in GTA). I think there's certainly a point to be made for artistic merit, and that we need to look at violence for the sake of storyline differently, as well as compare action games to action movies, neither is any different, really. Most importantly, though... I feel like playable violence in video games needs to be limited to people the protagonist is in conflict with.

The problem is that our thirst for more and more violence in video games is leading down the same slippery slope it has in horror movies. To my mind, horror movies as a genre died some time in the 1980's. In new movies, because of people's thirst for the more and more gruesome, we see that now the horror genre has become little more than a vehicle for showing grisly images of mutilation and torture very distasteful... And we've lost the root of that genre, which I feel was summed up very well by John Goodman in the movie Matinee. Horror movies should be about the catharsis of surviving some great and terrifying danger, not about morbid fascination.

In that same way games, if they're to be taken seriously, need to be about their own theme and about their gameplay, and not morbid fascination. Don't get me wrong, the exceptionally gruesome can be used to great and shocking effect, such as in Alien. The chest-burster remains one of the most iconic images in horror movie history. It was so unheard of, so startling and so shocking! Alien did a great job... But then look at a game like Dead Space. It offers the same over-the-top gruesome visuals through the whole game... and it just becomes tired and boring. This isn't a sign that people are jaded and your gruesome imagery isn't gruesome enough... It's a sign that you're over-using it!

The issue with games these days being taken seriously is the same as horror movies. They do too much to appeal to people's morbid fascination. Developers need to reign in the over-the-top violence and bring back the gameplay, story and character development.

(/thread necromancy)

Go play Amnesia. I dare you :twisted:.

You know what's funny? I remember awhile back to that discussion when I said that I wanted a game that weighs in the consequences of shooting people with all the guilt and suffering that accompanies violence...and I got one! I might've come off as saying that I wanted more realistic violence, but that's not really what I meant. I want the real CONSEQUENCES of violence to be portrayed in video game form, not necessarily more brutal and visceral depictions of violence.

Anyway, the game I'm talking about is "Spec Ops The Line". The game shows you the consequences of going out and shooting people with all of the guilt and suffering that comes from a direct result of violence. To say anymore will spoil the surprises, but suffice to say if you're a guy like me who wants to play video games that are more than just fun recreations of violence, you finally got your game.

Interesting. Trailers from that game led me to believe it was very unrealistic and over-the-top in it's depictions of violence. It seems strange it would have the consequences of violence be such a prevalent theme.

Then again when it comes to shooters I hate this middle-ground of arcade and realism everything falls into now. I want it to be Rainbow Six: Rogue Spear or I want it to be Unreal Tournament and nothing in between! Games like Call of Duty, Battlefield 3 and the like drive me up the wall with frustration.

I have weird tastes, I know.

The next shooter I'm waiting for eagerly is Aliens: Colonial Marines. I cannot wait for my preorder to arrive so I can jump in there day one and reserve the name "Vasquez, J." for my multiplayer handle.

Interesting. Trailers from that game led me to believe it was very unrealistic and over-the-top in it's depictions of violence. It seems strange it would have the consequences of violence be such a prevalent theme.

It does have traditional shooter conventions (you get behind cover and kill hundreds of people), but I wouldn't call it a normal shooter by any means. It really shows the consequences of your actions. If you don't mind the game being spoiled for you, some user on Giant Bomb basically spelled out what goes on in the game: http://www.giantbomb.com/spec-ops-the-line/61-29445/i-beg-of-you-do-not-play-the-line/35-554935/#70

He obviously doesn't recommend the game, but he doesn't recommend the game for the reasons that I actually recommend the game.

Then again when it comes to shooters I hate this middle-ground of arcade and realism everything falls into now. I want it to be Rainbow Six: Rogue Spear or I want it to be Unreal Tournament and nothing in between! Games like Call of Duty, Battlefield 3 and the like drive me up the wall with frustration.

I kinda agree. Even though I have played Call of Duty games and Battlefield 3, they do have that middle ground you speak of. They defend themselves by calling the games "authentic" and not realistic. They have authentic weapons and scenarios, but without the consequences of real life warfare. Now, "Spec Ops: The Line" isn't exactly realistic ... You mow down hundreds of enemies and have regenerating health. But a video game can't really imitate reality, so and I'm actually glad that they chose to make it accessible without sacrificing the core message that waging war has consequences.

The next shooter I'm waiting for eagerly is Aliens: Colonial Marines. I cannot wait for my preorder to arrive so I can jump in there day one and reserve the name "Vasquez, J." for my multiplayer handle.

I'm very much looking forward to that one as well. I'm a HUGE "Alien" fan and it's about time we get a good game based on the license. My only complaint is that there seems to be no women in the game. With a franchise that centers itself around strong female protagonists, there's no women to be found. It's a pity, but I'll still probably enjoy the game. :D

I'm very much looking forward to that one as well. I'm a HUGE "Alien" fan and it's about time we get a good game based on the license. My only complaint is that there seems to be no women in the game. With a franchise that centers itself around strong female protagonists, there's no women to be found. It's a pity, but I'll still probably enjoy the game. :D

So am I, for much the same reason! But all we've seen is pre-release footage, there's no reason to think there won't be females at this point in time, they've offered lots of character customization options according to them and female marines were a big part of the movie, We had Vasquez practically stealing the show in all of her scenes, then some brief bits from Dietrich and Ferro too.

If there's no female skins I'll be a little disappointed, but I'll still be able to play, I'm kind of used to a lack of female models/skins in games. We've really gone a number of steps backwards in that front lately. All the Red Storm games let you play women!

OH. MY. GOD.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_937414&feature=iv&src_vid=ajQw9x3PHpw&v=MUaECBSAYXo

It's at 2:25 - 2:35 for lazy people.

Mind= BLOWN :shock: :shock:

OH. MY. GOD.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_937414&feature=iv&src_vid=ajQw9x3PHpw&v=MUaECBSAYXo

It's at 2:25 - 2:35 for lazy people.

Mind= BLOWN :shock: :shock:

Johnathan isn't dead? :shock:

No, he just found the Fitzgibbons' computer and has become addicted to Minecraft.

And it was spelled with the extra "h" yet. It wasn't me! )

http://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_937414&feature=iv&src_vid=ajQw9x3PHpw&v=MUaECBSAYXo

It's at 2:25 - 2:35 for lazy people.

You mean like this?

www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUaECBSAYXo#t=2m25s

Steven

AGAIN! :shock:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlU2H7MvFL0&feature=g-vrec
The Brisbys must REALLY like this guy! :o
14:15-14:18

AGAIN! :shock:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlU2H7MvFL0&feature=g-vrec
The Brisbys must REALLY like this guy! :o
14:15-14:18

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlU2H7MvFL0#t=14m15s

^This is how you link to a specific part of a video: you type in the video's link, then put at the end #t=14m15s meaning 14 minutes and 15 seconds into it. ;)

Steven

@SentinelMoonfang I love your avatar.....so much. Of course I'm a sucker for "Heavy Metal" XD

Hah! Thanks. I had it sitting in my computer for ages and decided to resize it and crop it for use as an avatar. I thought it was hilarious. You probably can't tell in the avatar, but they're flying away from the Disney castle that's going up in flames.

Every time I look at it, Radar Rider by Riggs plays in my head.

I'm not a huge fan of Heavy Metal, but I did think folks here would appreciate the avatar!

Hmm... Let me think of a good piece of film score to go with that avatar... Aha! John Powell's Counter Attack from How To Train Your Dragon[=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_5kwgyR63E]John Powell's Counter Attack from How To Train Your Dragon!

Steven

Hmm... Let me think of a good piece of film score to go with that avatar... Aha! John Powell's Counter Attack from How To Train Your Dragon[=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_5kwgyR63E]John Powell's Counter Attack from How To Train Your Dragon!

Steven

Naw, that's not how you do it.....

THIS IS HOW YOU DO IT![=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02nAH_oAjeg]THIS IS HOW YOU DO IT!

XD

That would be Steve Martin's (not the actor) work, I remember seeing that awesome piece of fanart on Maximum NIMH. :)

[This is a test of the Emergency Facepalm System. To ensure that it is working, please reply to this post with a picture of a facepalm.]

Steven

[This is a test of the Emergency Facepalm System. To ensure that it is working, please reply to this post with a picture of a facepalm.]

Steven

http://www.pcstats.com/articleimages/200409/BSOD_2.gif[" alt=""/img]

I don't get it. It worked just fine on NIMH Lodge...

Steven

litinkeringli

http://digboston.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/facepalm.jpg[" alt=""/img]

There we go. :D The Emergency Facepalm System is fully functional on this forum!

Carry on. [img="]http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e132/jcg60625/thumbsup.gif[" alt=""/img]

Steven

My new avatar is Willem Dafoe as a flower. Isn't he just adorable?!

I had a good chuckle when I first saw your new avatar, shiver. :lol: