Brasil

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Heaven's Cloud [/i] [B][color=indigo]I got one for you. I took a history class called the Black Death in college. It was a grad level class and I was under the impression that it had to do with various outbreaks of horrible diseases and there historical implications, the title for the class "Black Death" being but a reference to one of these instances. Nope, the course title descibed the class, which focused on the Black Plauge during the 1400's. Our grade for the entire class was based on an essay that was a minimum of thirty pages and had no less than forty sources. The paper could not be broad, in other words you couldn't write about how the rat population carried the plauge, you had to be very specific, such as "Sanitation and extermination proceedures for rat infestation in London" (which was my topic). I meant to withdraw from the class, but I missed the deadline. I wrote the paper in three days, two of which I spent looking for sources (I found forty-three when all was said and done but I only used three or four of them). I ended up getting my only A for the semester in that class...[/color] [/B][/QUOTE] Nice work! Kudos. I know what you mean about sources. Some papers, I just listed the books I checked out of the library, whether or not I actually used them. Mmm...thirty pages. I'm looking forward to mammoth papers like that. I'm a bit sadomasochistic in that respect. I enjoy writing papers. I wonder, if a topic like "Sanitation and Containment Procedures in London" would've been adequate. The topic is pretty narrow. Heh...depending on the instructor's comedic edge, one could incorporate Monty Python. But yeah, nice work, indeed. I'm planning my Dissertation paper/book. I may or may not go for a doctorate after my Master's, but I'm going to write my Dissertation anyway. Granted, it won't be called a Disseration if I'm not a doctorate student, but my idea intrigues me. Off-topic, weren't you a Mod before? Or am I just going gloriously, fantastically, hop hop hoppingly mad?

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Mitch [/i] [B][size=1] If you "coined" the phrase, then it's of your own design, and thereby I won't be labeled by it. As for what you said, you are right, you have crushed what I said. I tend to overlook things, it can be said. Otherwise...we can continue to go back and forth about what abstract is, and we shall keep contradicting one another. I myself tire of this. I don't believe "abstractism" is what you say it is. Something that is abstract is a lot of things--it is a combination of originality, surprise, intuition, invention, innovation, and too many other things to list. And when you get down to it, all of these things I listed themselves aren't abstract in certain situations--just as you've taken comparisons from basic works of art, such as movies and poems.[/size] [/B][/QUOTE] All righty. Twas a good and wholesome speak. Cheers!

[quote]I really don't have much to say in response lol. I see something defined such as abstract shouldn't have a venued and certain definition as you seem to claim it has; as in, having complete control of your emotions, doing everything and doing it right, and so on. How is this abstract? How is being in complete control of your emotions abstract, or how is something even labeled as ?abstractism.? At dictionary.com there is no definition for abstractism. It doesn't state these things you seem to say are ?abstractism.?[/quote] You won?t find ?Abstractism? in any dictionary?not for about 40 years. And considering you went to look up ?Abstractism,? and not finding any definition of it, doesn?t that create a VERY specialized word? So specialized that dictionaries don?t have it (yet)? [quote]Abstractism, to me, isn't some state of mind, or some certain way you have to be. I haven't learned it like this...I'm guessing you took some classes or such about it, and from it have coined this term; but to me, abstractism isn't what you say.[/quote] I have taken no classes regarding abstract thought. I live in abstract thought; I breathe it; I am abstract thought. The reason why you won?t find ?Abstractism? anywhere in any dictionary is because I coined it. [quote]And really, all it is is a word. A word put together by letters. That's all abstractism is. Just think about it...by defining "abstractism" you in turn aren't being abstract. You're conforming to this belief that, by the so-called principles you have learned of "abstractism," that this is how and what it is. When in reality...it isn't anything but a definition. You're living by this definition.[/quote] OK. What are words? Inventions of the mind. Look at that. Inventions of the mind. Look at John Milton. He coined the term ?pandemonium.? Seriously. He did. And now we find it in any dictionary we pick up. Does that mean John Milton wasn?t abstract? He created a word. His mind developed something that no other human being had ever heard of and a word that until his time, had never been seen or defined. That?s pretty remarkable. That?s pretty out of the ordinary. That?s pretty specialized thought. Pretty abstract. Again, I have not taken any classes regarding my methodology ?Abstractism.? Anything I present is of my own self-awareness. That is a criteria for Abstractism. Once a mind becomes self-aware, it begins learning at an incredible rate. [quote]My thoughts on what you have said or unfocused. I don't quite see what you're saying exactly. To me, being abstract is being original.[/quote] ?being abstract is being original? Let?s examine that. George Lucas. Was Star Wars original? Mostly, yes. Groundbreaking story and setting. Is George Lucas abstract? Definitely not. Steven Spielberg. Original? Hell yes. Abstract? Not at all. Stanley Kubrick. Original? Yeah. Abstract? Lives in Abstractism. Tim Burton. Original? Yep. Abstract? Yep. Quentin Tarantino. Original? Undeniably. Abstract? To the extent of WTF! Compare Star Wars to Pulp Fiction. Both are original, of course. But Star Wars is not abstract alone, and cannot ever hope to achieve the levels of Pulp Fiction. Why? Because while George Lucas may be original, he is not abstract. Spielberg?s greatest work. Schindler?s List. On a level of Abstraction, compare it to Reservoir Dogs. Spielberg just isn?t abstract to begin with, although he is highly original. Let?s take writing. J.K. Rowling. Harry Potter. Original? Hell yes. Abstract? Hell no. Brian Jacques. Redwall. Original? Indeed. Abstract? No. Pierre Boulle. Planet Of The Apes (original novel). Original? Oh yeah. Abstract? Oh yeah. Rowling and Jacques simply cannot stand up against Boulle?s work, because while they all are original, Boulle is an Abstractist. No normal thinker could come up with Planet Of The Apes, but non-Abstractists are very capable of creating what Rowling and Jacques have created. Simply? Originality is but a sliver of Abstractism. Claiming to be abstract simply because one is original is unwise. One is abstract because they are fully of the notions of Abstractism, not because they possess only one quality of Abstractism.

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Angelus_Necare [/i] [B]In any case It looks like a movie in where you love it or you don't, wich could or couldn't be a bad thing. [/B][/QUOTE] Nice observation. :) That's precisely what Tarantino is. You either love his movies or you hate his movies. I have never heard of anyone who was totally in the middle regarding Pulp Fiction. Some of my relatives walked out of the movie theatre during it and still refuse to watch it, while other relatives are like, "Pulp Fiction!? ******* awesome!" lol. Reservoir Dogs is the same way. Either love it or you hate it.

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Mitch [/i] [B][size=1] Of course I write for myself, mostly. But considering that Harper has one masterpiece of a book, and she has mostly world recognition, wouldn't you think, if I were her, I'd want people to read more of my stuff? One of the main joys of being a writer is seeing your stuff publshed, I'd say. And seeing people's reactions to your writing. When I'm writing, I try to be a reader as well as a writer, and I often stop and read back what I wrote, see if the reader side of me likes it. Sometimes I even write a piece with the intentionsomeone certain reading it, trying to imagine if they'll laugh here, or if they'll smile here, or if they'll do anything here. This is one of the things I enjoy most about writing, seeing what other people think of my writing, and seeing what makes them laugh where I meant it to be funny, and other such things. If you want a cut reason why I write? I write because I think I am good at it and I want to get even better. Is that good enough?[/size] [/B][/QUOTE] I'm satisfied. I write for myself and I always have. Nobody can understand my writing for a reason muehehe. It's me on the page. My thought processes going, my ideas and ideals in that ink. I doubt anybody will understand Passage 50, but I don't care either way. I write for myself. I write to amuse me. If people love my work, cool. If they don't, cool. It doesn't matter to me.

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Molleta [/i] [B][color=green]I agree with Poisontongue about Nasferatu--it shames EVERY other ampire movie. I have also seen 8 1/2. A truly excellent film...words are useless. I liked Amorres Perros, but it does run a little long. A cute little comedy is "Bread and Tulips" It's about a middle aged woman who has to find herself. Let's see, I think that's all I have for today.[/color] [/B][/QUOTE] Holy ****! I didn't think anyone else here has seen 8 1/2. Rock on! There are so many great scenes in 8 1/2. I love the circus scene at the end, especially. And the balance between diagetic and non-diagetic music is extraordinary. We think Flight Of The Valkyrie is added in later to the soundtrack, but then we see the orchestra playing it in the ampitheatre during the next scene. Truly remarkable film.

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by the The Boy [/i] [B]That probably wasn?t directed at me, at least not specifically but I did complain about teachers so here is what I say to you threats. Sounds fun. Your reading the post of someone that read ahead when my class did "Romeo and Juliet" and understood most of it. [/B][/QUOTE] Oh wow. You're so advanced. Romeo And Juliet is quite possibly Shakespeare's most simple play out of the major ones read in school. Whether you interpret R&J as teen love gone wrong, or social commentary directed at paternal control, it's still Shakespeare's most basic idea. Take a look at Macbeth. Or King Lear. Or Hamlet. Or Henry V. The Tempest. R&J is child's play. But you can keep feeling so proud of yourself that you can understand it before the rest of your class. Good job. You can read and understand Shakespeare's most basic tragedy. OMG! Hmph.

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Plasma Tsukasa [/i] [B]Hmm...real great there, buddy. Participation usually means just answering his/her questions, not just interacting with people. So, pull that head of yours out of your butt, if you can tell the difference between the two...

HAHHAHA...yeah, you really have a tough time in school...you really have a tough time with your teachers... Wait till you have ME as your instructor. You think detention was bad? How about reading Beowulf in Old English? Or, perhaps...The Canterbury Tales in the original Middle English. You haven't had sadistic instructors until you have me. I'm the kind of teacher that students are either going to love or hate. I'll force you to read Gilgamesh...out loud in front of the class. Don't ***** and moan about high school instructors. They're ******* easy. College profs will rip you a new *******, much like I will do. "Your *** is mine, Wangchung."

I've gotta list Metropolis and Nosferatu. Metropolis is one of the very first sci-fi films ever made, totally silent movie, directed by Fritz Lang...circa...1922 or 1927. On the surface, sci-fi, but underneath, social commentary. Nosferatu. The greatest vampire film ever made. Kicks the **** out of any action/adventure vampire flick you'd see today. Totally realistic. Shot ON LOCATION. It really does believe in itself, a quality not apparent in too many films today. Felini's "8 1/2" It's about a director's dream (literally) to film his greatest movie ever. Half of the film takes place in reality, the other half in the protagonist's (we could say Felini himself) head. It's an excellent film and I highly recommend it if you're in the mood for Italian...art. "8 1/2" is breathtaking. Another Italian film not for the faint of heart is 1900. The director's name escapes me, but just run a search on IMDB.com. It's a long, long, long movie...about 4 and a half hours. 1900 is GRAPHIC...very GRAPHIC. There's rape, violence, death, murder, betrayal, drugs. Great cast, though. Sterling Hayden. Robert DeNiro. Donald Sutherland. I suggest asking your parents for permission before watching it. If they know what it is, they'll certainly want to be with you while you watch it. Brotherhood Of The Wolf was excellent. Jean Renoir's Grand Illusion was terrific. No villains in the entire movie, even as it takes place in a German POW camp. There are no bad Germans; there are no bad Frenchmen.

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by CharmedImmortal [/i] [B][size=1]Hello, I'm new here in this site and I hope I am welcome to be here. ^_^ So here i go with the topic... I started school on August 26, and ya, since school starts I was very busy. I got new teachers, friends, heavy books to carry, and stuffs. But even though i met new people, I never want to talk to them. I just want to be alone for a while until I got my first report card. The only thing that worries me is what I'm going to get in my report card when they start sending it to us. To me, U.S. History is difficult, especially the teacher is trying to be difficult with lessons and projects. But the good thing about class is that you get to do the same thing every single day. It's not a really good thing, but a boring one too. The teacher makes you take notes everyday in this section and that chapter, blah blah blah...whatever! I got sick of it! and tired of it! But at least I participate, and never once say a word to anyone excpet when the teacher talks to me. So I guess I was the most quiet one in class. After a month, the school starts sending our report cards, and I was excited and worried about it. I can't sleep at night, can't think, can't eat, and all that. I don't know why, but i think because I was worried that I might get a lower grade. But so what? i really don't care whether it's low or whatever it is, average, or high. I just want to know what my grades are. Yesterday afternoon, I finally received my report card. And guess what? I got a A for English Literature, another A for Math, an A for Science, and a B for Physical Education, and none for Service (They don't give you a grade in Service and that's kool!). P.E. was okay that I got a B on it, it's just that I can't run too much laps that they tell us. But whatever, it's just P.E. and all you gotta do was exercise and all that stuffs. My U.S. History grade was HORROR! Yea..it was. -.- That teacher gave me a C and a low participation. o.O How did I get a low participation if I never talk to my classmates? All my grades in my quizzes are high enough to achieve an A for my report card. God! what's wrong with this teacher..-.-, Ever had this problem in life? If so, share it by posting in this thread. ( I'm sorry for making this long. ^_^;..It's just that I'm used to this. Thnx. ) [/size] [/B][/QUOTE] Let me get this straight. You have no idea why...you got a low participation grade if you never talk to your classmates? It's called "classroom participation" for a reason; you participate with your classmates...meaning interacting with your classmates...meaning talking with your classmates. If I was teaching you, I really couldn't care less if you got A+ on everything. If I saw you weren't participating, I most certainly would not give you an A or B. Your instructor values class participation. Learn to participate. Simple as that. If I sound harsh...tough. Don't complain when you aren't fulfilling the class objective to begin with. The instructor expects a certain thing out of you, and you failed to provide that thing. What do you expect your instructor to do? Give you an A?

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by craig8429 [/i] [B]ahhh who hasn't turned bum papers in and gotten good grades on them, I know I have. But,besides that.....just as posion said usually the teachers don't review atricles, but hey maybe they did. But good job on your work, did you go in to the issues of mental health on the article? [/B][/QUOTE] The course on Shakespeare was a high level English course, taught by Dr. Fitter, who is arguably one of the definitive human volumes on Shakespeare. He's got a PhD in Shakespearean study. I seriously doubt a true "bum paper" would've achieved more than a C. Just to let you know. And...OK, yeah I'm SURE they read the article he submitted, when the article wasn't about ANYTHING related to the class, and still gave him a perfect score? Yeah...right. That is an example of lousy instructor performance and really, the instructor shouldn't be teaching if they: A) Read the article and still gave him a perfect score. B) Didn't read the article and still gave him a perfect score. Sure they read it... :rolleyes:

Here's something. Your health instructor didn't even read the articles turned in. You got a good grade simply for turning something in. I've done it before, and it happens especially in Health/Phys Ed classes...Health classes more than anything. Now, as for me... I've turned in total ********, 8 page papers on Shakespeare, written in 2 hours, and gotten B+ or A on them. I've written a 12 page paper comparing Dante's Inferno, Heart Of Darkness, and Apocalypse Now and gotten an A on it. I'm still revising it, adding to it, making it a scholarly article to be available for publishing. I've improvised lectures off the top of my head. I can quote verbatim, Monty Python And The Holy Grail. I'm writing an epic poem that is 52 pages long, and only halfway complete. I formed my own government with my high school friends (Viva La Cinnaminsonia). I created my own political system within Cinnaminsonia. I am in complete control of my emotions and mind. I can will myself into calm. I could go on, but I'll stop there...I'm tired. Oh, and I've got pretty much the entire English Department in my pocket. Not the most proper way to say that, but it fits. Ask and ye shall receive. You asked for other people to list success. I just did. Cheers! EDIT: Oh, by the way, if you just turned in nothing but the article, that's blatant plagiarism. Hopefully you offered some interpretation on it...not that it matters. Your instructor didn't read the assignments handed in.

First Name: Alex Age: 20 Hair Color: Dark Brown. Eye Color: Depends who you ask. Some say Hazel. It's actually a combination ring of red, green, and blue. Seriously. Height: 5'11" Wardrobe: I really don't care what I wear. I wear what is comfortable. Personality: Marxist Pythonian. Hair Style: Think..."Frodo." heh. Favorite Music Type: Beatles. Pink Floyd. Ocean Colour Scene. Jefferson Airplane. Favorite musical Band/Artist: See above. Hobbies: Writing. Teaching. Abstractism. Occasionally Gamecube.

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Mitch [/i] [B][size=1] Asuka, I mentioned that she might write in her free time right in my post. I'm not saying she isn't a true writer...but real writers keep writing and don't stop. I meant it rather lightly. Just consider it. I as I writer see that it's most important to me that people read my stuff. If I were in Harper's shoes, I'd want more of my stuff published, even if it wasn't as good. That doesn't matter. What matters is it's something people will read and like.[/size] [/B][/QUOTE] Just having people read your writing does not make you a writer. Writing just so people can read what you write does not make you a writer. If you're only writing for other people to read it, then you're not respecting yourself or the craft. And you would rather churn out inferior work than wait longer for a brilliant, earth-shattering, ground-breaking piece of literature to be created in your head? Ever hear the phrase..."let the little fish go to get the big fish"? If you're writing for other people ("what matters is it's something people will read and like"), why are you even writing? Are you even writing for yourself? I write for myself. First and foremost. I write to amuse myself; I write to provide myself entertainment. If I know I'm having fun reading/writing a story, then that's a good sign my audience will have fun reading it. That's the purpose of being a writer: to write while paying attention to yourself. Do you...when you're editing a story, do you think, "What will people think of this?" Hopefully not. I know I think "Do I like this? Do I think it works?" I base my writing off of my opinion, not someone else's.

?EPICITY? ~Narrations Of Cinnaminsonia Passage 50. ?Mundane Destruction? Their journey was long and hard, So very long and so very hard, But now they were at the tip. They were at the topmost portion of their quest; They had reached their climax; They had reached Presai. Now they walked mysterious boards That creaked underfoot and smelled Of old beer, soda, and hot dogs of grease. Paul had taken point, His Raptorness acquiring odd glances And his tail swishing back and forth. But strangely, the passerby took Looks of a quick and almost Nonchalant nature. Perhaps, Perhaps they have seen worse horrors Upon these liquid-soaked boards? Were our heroes so odd, or not odd enough? They seemed to blend in with The freakish and beastly board walkers. Brian glanced about, Taking in all of the ones around him. He caught an eye, finding himself Locked by this penetrating gaze. He stopped, wishing to draw closer To this hypnotically glorious leather-clad being; He was drawn to it, like a moth to the flame, Like a sailor to The Sirens. He was strangely attracted to this Leathery creature of the boards. The creature continued to penetrate his eyes, Motioning with a hairy arm to come. Brian began to him but was saved, For Matt had caught sight of this happening, And in his good knowledge, Quickly pulled Brian from the beast, Dragging him away from certain temptation. Brian was safe for now, Matt understood, But Matt still was worried, As he would not be there to Guard Brian in the future. Tom, growing impatient at the walking, Desired a faster method of travel, Catching sight of a mechanical device Trolling down a passage of the boards. ?Fellows, look! A transporter!? he exclaimed, ?Let us go on it, for my footing is most tired, And I do not feel like setting foot any farther, As our quest has been a long one, And I sense an evil bunion on my toe.? The friends did agree with Tom and caught the trolley. The Conductor greeted them in a manner Of the norm for the boards, As their garb did not surprise him, For there were many more disturbations Of these boards, and a handful of men Dressed in Halloween costumes was the least Of the Conductor?s qualms. The friends, those bandmates of Wangarang, Boarded the trolley, inquiring of the Conductor A question. They asked, ?Please, sir, Conductor of the trolley, Master of the mechanical movement, Where would we find the Golden Plunger Of Presai?? The Conductor thought at this, Understanding their question But not believing it at the same time. Were they the ones the Elders spoke of? The Conductor knew of a plunger on the boards, Unsure of it being their desired plunger, He replied, ?I know of a plunger, But I know not if it is the plunger You five quest for. I shall take you up the boards To its location, but I do not Offer assurance of it being proper.? Matt thanked him; ?Conductor, my friends and I bid thee thanks For your guidance and support in our quest. We wish to call you by name, but do not know it. By chance, perchance, what be your name, So that we may call you it?? The Conductor said his name But was unheard from his fit Of hacking and coughing. ?Phlegm?yech? he muttered between His putrid and vile oral eruptions. ?Ah, so we shall then call you Phlegmyach.? And the heroes were off to the finale. The mechanical transport reeked of Rottenest meat, sour and aged sauerkraut, Spirits of an eldest nature, and the Stomach-churning stench that only Board walkers of Presai could discharge. Twas truly a most horrid smell, And Wangrang was in agony But stood their ground, For their most glorious quest was almost ended, And to fail now would have them Meet certain death or castration. They rode the vessel long, For an hour that felt like eternity, Passing horrible creatures and Robotly dragons that elicited Banshee and ear-splitting screams From those riding. Those that did not board the dragons Stood in awe of the mechanized monstrosities, Letting their grease dogs slide out of their hands, Landing on the boards with a wet splat. Sweat fell from their brow, Dampening their hair, matting it down. Their skin glistened in a disgusting Greasy biker way, sending shimmering glows Over the strange runic symbols etched into their hides. Presai was a mechanical wonderland, Filled with imaginative things, Modern day dragons, run on today?s energy. Leather-clad greasers populating the land, Freakish musicians in a head-banger band. But the quest is done; our boys are finally here, The game they?ve won; let the people cheer. The plunger is near, Its resting place lit by Crackling golden bursts of neon, Illuminating the boards with A harsh visual assault on sensitive eyes. Hark, what sounds? A barker. He yells, attracting adventurers to Test their strength and pull an Instrument of piping from a Pedestal Of Porcelain. Many attempt, and fail, For they are not ordained by Joe, And only those blessed by Joe Can attain the Golden Plunger Of Presai. The barker consoles the gullible ones, Those who believed themselves able to rip This plunger from its resting place. The barker plays no favorites, Letting the mammoth beast of men cry on his shoulder, And at the same time giving kind words to Younger folk who strived to impress their companions. The barker addresses the crowd again: ?Come, be there no man among you gatherers That can pull this plunger from its stand? Step forward those that are able; Test your might!? Another hulk giant came, Boasting a giant boast of His gargantuan strength. He sent a few pieces of gold to the barker, Then stepped up to the pedestal. He glanced back at his clan. They cheered him on. He looked back at the plunger. ?Bah,? he expressed, ?This is but a simple task, Menial in nature. I shall withdraw it easily From this stand!? His claim was ill-advised, As in gripping the plunger, he felt A painful twinge in his hands, Yet kept his hold. He yanked up, the plunger giving none. The onlookers laughed at this man, This man who had boasted so well and heartily Of his sure victory over this plunger. The man tried again with worse luck than previously. The plunger again did not budge, And this giant lost his gripping, Falling back to the ground with a Resounding crash. His clan stood silent. Had they just witnessed their compatriot Failing most horribly in a test of strength? No, that cannot be, for he is the strongest here, And there is nothing he cannot do. But the truth is most spiteful, And bit the man?s confidence off. He shrunk back into the grouping, Withdrawing from center stage. His manhood had been chopped down, Cut in twain, struck down. The barker again said to the crowd: ?Ah, the strongest one of you fails? What kind of beings are you, that Your strongest fails in a test of strength?? The crowd replied in an angry uproar, Throwing the aged beer and hot dogs of grease. The barker continued, ?Is there not one among you? I call for one of you to pull This plunger from this pedestal. Is there anyone?? ?I can.? The crowed parted, gasping at who spoke. It was Tom. The barker made sure of this: ?What do you say, young one? You can yank this plunger well? Better than the mountain of man here?? Tom replied, ?Yes, I am the chosen one,? Then motioned to his Wang armor, And the red W on his forehead. ?I have the power to pull, And have pulled many times. I shall pull here now, pulling Most well this plunger.? The crowd was silent. They had never witnessed such Strength of word, always surrounded by Drunken boasts of titans. The barker motioned Tom near. ?Now, young one, try and pull this plunger. I will give you three tries. Should you find success in three tries, I will give you wealth upon wealth, Women upon women, And hordes of juice.? Tom sent the barker to the side And stepped to the Pedestal Of Porcelain. He muttered, chanting, ?I am here now to do Joe?s bidding. Kind winds, blow me to performance.? Tom took hold of the plunger, And in keeping with the dangers, The sky turned red, the seas began to churn. Lightning shot through the sky, The mechanical dragons froze. Tom was unaware of these atmospheric happenings, Concentrating only on fulfilling the quest. He was to retrieve The Golden Plunger Of Presai. Tom withdrew the plunger easily, Sending the crowd into gasps. He turned to the barker, smiling smugly at his victory. ?NO!? a voice cried out from within the crowd. It was Alex. ?You fool!? he screamed. ?You have done what was forbidden! You have now undone the world! What man are you, that goes Following a crazy man in a fig leaf? We have given you warning enough, And yet you still did not heed our advice. The world is coming to an end now, And you are the one at fault. You did not listen to us, Disobeying our rules and casting aside our fears. Look what happens now! Look there! See that sea boiling? See the night air ablaze? The world is crumbling apart Because that plunger, The plunger that no man has ever Pulled from that Pedestal Of Porcelain, Is now separated from its home!? Tom now saw the chaos. He saw the buildings collapse, Crumbling and sending chunks Of wood and steel and brick onto The heads of innocent townsfolk. The mechanical dragons came to life, Breathing fire and brimstone down upon Those who stood in awe just minutes before. The riders of the dragons sat screaming, But their screams were not of excitement and joy. Their screams emanated from a primal fear Driven by extinction. The mechanical dragons heard the screams, Glancing back at their sources, Then spun violently, throwing them down, Some into the sand of the beach, Some into the boiling sea, Whereupon splashing, their skin became immolated, Torched into cinders. Others were thrown into condos and beach houses, Becoming deadly projectiles that caused earthly destruction Of many summer resorts. Tom was scared beyond rational thought, Only sounding, ?Oh my God.? Then words came to him, And he spoke them. ?Damn you, Joe! You deceiver, You purveyor of lies! Why did you wish this? Why did you order us upon this quest, Knowing well what the consequences were? Cursed be thy name, I spit at you! I bite my thumb at you! You are a horrid man. Show thineself, so that I may trounce upon you more.? The barker began to laugh And addressed Tom: ?Ah, so Tom is upset! He wishes to speak to Joe. Now, then, speak, Thomas, For you are looking at Joe.? Tom did not understand. ?Perhaps,? the barker continued, ?Perhaps you would prefer a Face of a more familiar nature? Perhaps the face of a loveable Band director?? The barker waved his arms about, Creating smoke and ice around him. The space glowed radioactivity around him. Maniacal laughing was heard, Then the cackling transformed into A comforting chuckle. The smoke dissipated, The ice melted into black steam, And out stepped Ed Cook. Tom was horrified. ?NO! It cannot be!? ?But it is, and it cannot be changed. Did you honestly believe that the true Ed Cook would simply HAND OVER keys to The mammoth bus, The Beast? You have been a pawn in my scheme, Nothing more. Nothing you have done was surprising to me. I have planed for everything, Planned for every contingency, For I?? The ice and smoke formed again, The center glowing a bright green, Following the same procedural happenings As moments before. A naked man covered by a fig leaf was visible. ?For I am Joe. Look to your gods. See, they can do nothing! They stand there with their hands tied, For they are no match for my power! Alex, Scottric, surely you have a magical solution To this extreme situation? You have always had a way out, Always had an emergency procedure. But now you are silent? Now you are mute? HA! You are lost in my face. Thomas, look at that horizon. See the horrors you have unleashed? Look to that gaping, black hole in the air. It seeks to suck everything here. It seeks to engulf your world. Look at the swirl, look at its vortex of vacuum. Your world is gone, Thomas!? And then, The land was pulled to the hole in the sky. Bodies were stretched to infinity, One end deep in the hole, The other still planted at the origin of life. There was no hope for our heroes, They were slurped up by the emptiness of the air. Joe stood there cackling, Admiring his evil and darkly mischievous work. He knew there was nothing to do To stop this, and this pleased him deeply. Alex and Scottric looked to each other, Understanding full well of this world?s Fate, But both knowing where the hole leads. Alex spoke, ?Scottric, I have had a most excellent adventure With you on this plane. Now our time has come. We are to meet again, In another world, In another time. See you on the other side, Scott.? Scottric replied, ?Yes, Alex, twas a most glorious run, And we shall meet again in memory, For we are both onto a new adventure.? Alex could not help but chuckle. ?Yes, a second quest, As in Legend Of Zelda or Super Mario Bros, A second quest in which the land is radically changed, Where nothing we knew before will assist us. This is a new journey ahead, And I bid thee farewell.? Alex and Scottric shook hands one last time, Then the vortex inhaled them. Alex felt nothingness for a short while, Floating with no body, but yet Having a consciousness of himself. This lasted for a few more seconds, Then he landed with a thud. He looked around. He was in a movie theatre. Various posters lined the walls, Of things that were strangely familiar to him. What was this new beginning? Whatever it was, Alex was indeed sure that His second quest was going to be fun. ?Tis End.

[quote]People that are more abstract than anything do live in lonliness on one hand, heh. They go against the usual, in a fashion, it could be said. They are often segragated. It's just like anything else--being black or white--being religionist or anti christian or against religion--it's just like this. People, in one form or another, will hate you for what you are, and in another fell swoop, love you for what you are. It's like this for anything, basically. Not to say that there isn't other people out there to form a group with, but still, there's an external conflict with those that don't agree with you. In this way you are given a certain label and given a certain ideal way you act and a certain way you'll probably be treated.[/quote] But do you realize how Abstractism comes into play here? How abstract thought and ?self aware? affect it? The loneliness is not a negative loneliness. Those who have achieved a sort of?abstract mastery really don?t mind being alone. I no longer fret over not having anything to do 6 nights of the week. Because I?ve become so in touch with myself, and so in touch with my mind, I?m not bothered at all by isolation. The human mind is a very powerful tool at dealing with situations, provided you know how to use the human mind. For those that hate me, I really don?t mind. They haven?t achieved the level of control that I have, so I just keep in mind that they?re stuck in basic thought and don?t know any better. If someone detests me for what I believe, who cares? No problem for me. [quote]People often don't like things they don't understand. Just look at Communisim during the time when the US and Russia were at its cold war; just look at how, after Sept. 11, people condemned people of the cause of it as a whole. People are stupid like this, and are going to always point fingers at whatever they can and fight whatever change they had.[/quote] Yep. It?s called life. I?ve dealt with it through abstract mastery. [quote]Charles called me a post modernist for a story I wrote...and the overall style I had been starting to write then. It's called "567," and it was critically acclaimed as good here at the boards by those who read it...I'll find the link and edit this post, but for nowm on with our discussion, heh.[/quote] Yeah, aye there?s the rub. The story falls more along the lines of modernist. Modernism deals with isolation and?an almost depressive quality of writing. Not melodrama per se, but it?s a more?it?s more like Eeyore from Winnie The Pooh. Upset at the lack of humanity, upset at the lack of feeling connected to society. That?s Modernism, and ?567? is more Modernist than anything else. [quote]I say "trying" because not all combinations and thoughts are going to"be" the actuality of something...or a choice at something; they will merely be tried side thoughts which are fragmented aside. I guess really "self-awarness" is most definitely a good thing to have...but really, I don't have this, I'm sorry to say. I doubt myself each and every day, I analyze things I do and take in; I'm critical of everything that I feel, touch, take in, come to conclusion to, understand. I'm also very timid...often more internal than anything else, often horrid at taking some skill which I could care less to learn and beign forced to do it.[/quote] ?I doubt myself each and every day, I analyze things I do and take in; I'm critical of everything that I feel, touch, take in, come to conclusion to, understand. I'm also very timid...often more internal than anything else, often horrid at taking some skill which I could care less to learn and beign forced to do it.? Definitely Modernist. You?re concerned with yourself in a definite negative fashion, using terms like ?doubt myself each and every day,? ?often more internal than anything else.? That?s a big sign for introverted depressive concern?aka Modernism. [quote]Yet, if you look at this, this is being "self aware" in some ways..instead of just jumping into someting, I take the time to master it within my own self. I am paranoid of it rather than just absorbent of it. I take from it what I want and discard what I don't.[/quote] ?I am paranoid of it rather than just absorbent of it. I take from it what I want and discard what I don't.? Modernist?definitely Modernist. To fully become an Abstractist, you must have total confidence in your abilities. Upon achieving total confidence in your abilities, you will then be able, without hesitation, to jump fully into something. [quote]I don't know. Even if I am more of an abstract person than anything...you still can't label what "abstractism" is. To do this is to be contradicting of the very purpose which you tell and slather. It is to not be abstract about abstract. Anyone can be abstract to a sense that they want to be...and labeling it as being "completely self aware" is not going to work in everyone's case, and really, narrowing something down like this only makes it tougher...to actually know what you're even labeling.[/quote] Let me ask you. If something is even more limited and harder to achieve, that, by definition, is abstract. [url]http://www.hyperdictionary.com/search.aspx?define=abstract[/url] Number 5 is most intriguing. You would classify abstract as ?specialized,? correct? You and I are specialized thinkers here, and the rest of OB has not demonstrated the type of thinking you and I possess, so our abstract thought, just based on OB, is ?specialized.? [url]http://www.hyperdictionary.com/dictionary/specialized[/url] The definitions of ?specialized? most certainly comply with ?narrowing something down.? As we narrow something down, it becomes more specialized, and thus more abstract. [quote]So thus, I don't really consider anything certain to be "abstract," nor do I consider any certain type of habitual behavior or action as being it. Rather, I let it be loose in my mind as possible. From what I said, I also hit with your saying that I'm not abstract because I feel "loneliness." All humans feel emotions...and to discredit these is to not use the heart as the head. We all make some decisions based upon our emotions...and even as far as you can say, you cannot control your emotions all of the time, nor can you manipulate them like a puppeteer dancing his hands merrily on a string marionette. You can't just hide them away all the time... And by hiding them away, you begin to feel empty, apathetical, drained, held in, lonely.[/quote] Seems like you?ve missed the point of abstract mastery. I, an Abstractist, do not feel pressed to live by my emotions, nor to have them affect me. Sounds cold, I know, but once you achieve that level of abstract mastery, you can control your emotions with no problem at all. It?s Computational Capacity. People have seen me do it and they?re amazed every single time. I really don?t care if they?re amazed or not; I use Abstractism because I can and because I know how to capitalize off of it. [quote]Eh. That's about enough for me.[/quote] Good show there, Mitch. I look forward to your reply when your AOL stops being a little bastard. Lol. Edit: Here is the link to "567," please read it and comment on it if you're interested enough. I still have yet to finalize it...and any further thoughts on it I'd love to hear. "567." I will review fully when I get a few minutes.

[quote]Well said, well said. [/quote] Thanks. I?ve lived in Abstractism and Marxist Pythonianism long enough that I can talk about it ad nauseum. Heh. [quote]Abstract thought, to me, is the way things shall progress further in their manners. Just look at governments today--communism, democracy, others of the sort--they were all embelished by people, who, during their times, were seen as radical, and who, during their times, thought radically and abstractly. This may be a horrid example...but it serves its purpose.[/quote] Listen to that, folks. Your country is based on someone?s or some group?s abstract thinking. The USA wouldn?t be here today if it weren?t for some radicalist Abstractist thinkers like Jefferson and Franklin. Britain wouldn?t be what you know if social reformists like Shakespeare and the constantly changing Royalty hadn?t voiced their opinions. The following example is a despicable one, but Germany would not be in the familiar state of today had Hitler (undeniably the most radical thinker of all) failed in rising to power. Russia would most certainly not have had such political reform had Karl Marx not opened his mouth. To survive, the world DEPENDS on abstract thought, thus depending on Abstractists and Marxist Pythonians. Something to think about before you judge Abstractists. EDIT: And it was a very astute, relative, and intelligent example, Mitch. [quote]Many people don't seem to like abstract thought, yet it's the main thing in a writer's principle in my opinion. It's something that tells a good story.[/quote] In this sense, Abstractism becomes a creative force. To be successful at a creative profession, one must continually invent new and fantastic ideas, re-invent themes and literary styles. Creativity relies on Abstractism. How many cookie-cutter movies are truly enjoyable? And then compare those cookie-cutter movies to films like Adaptation. Charlie Kaufman IS the Abstractist?s screenwriter, and kicks the **** out of a lot of big-name Hollywood blockbusters. Or look at Quentin Tarantino. (KILL BILL?THIS FRIDAY :D) He is Abstractist in nature, in creative origin, and has made some of the greatest films ever made. Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs?films that basically say ?**** you? to conventional, cookie-cutter, ?basic thought? cinematography and filmography. [quote]Poetry itself is almost completly abstract thoughts strung together, yarned into strings and fragments which form a whole.[/quote] Yep. Abstractism as creative force. [quote]Charles has said I am a post modernist. It's a nice name. It basically shows what I am--I think ahead, outside of the box. I dig into things as deep as I can, I become a reaper and shredder of everything I own in my head. Rather than just accepting things and ploying my faith to them, I let them fester in my mind, fragment into other thoughts which lead to other thoughts which lead to even more thoughts.[/quote] Er, well?post-modernism isn?t really being fragmented for the sake of being fragmented. It is the loss of reality due to fractured perspective and different viewpoint. Compare it to The Usual Suspects. The ?reality? we are presented with probably isn?t the ?true reality? of the story. It?s told through a character?s flashback, so due to that character?s disposition, the story we?re seeing isn?t the ?true? story of what really happened. We?re seeing it through a filter. Kurosawa?s Rashomon?prime example. A story told through multiple viewpoints doesn?t allow us to truly see what really happened. [quote]I'm a parabola. I try to see the deepest, most hitting roots of something and apply it to everything I know.[/quote] ?No. Do or do not. There is no try.? If you know you are hitting the deep roots of a topic, then you are not trying; you are doing. Knowledge of one?s self, mind, actions, and processes?self-awareness is a key in Abstractism and Marxist Pythonianism. Do not know that you?re trying. Know that you?re doing. [quote]Most people don't quite understand this...but I know exactly what I'm doing when I think things out so fine and finite and give them their own identities.[/quote] Such is personal, self-aware mind control. Becoming one over the mind leads to control yet unheard of among basic thought. [quote]I sound so much like a hopeless romantic lol. I suppose that's what most poets/abstractees are. They live in the lonliness of deceptively understanding something to its full.[/quote] We all were hopeless romantics at some point. My hopeless romantic side disappeared upon becoming Abstractist. I know that sounds a bit cold, but I assure everyone, it is as positive as anything can be. Unfortunately, so many will never feel what it feels like to be in total control of their mind and emotions, control to the point that an extended 2-year single-hood in college doesn?t even raise an eyebrow. And Abstractists do not live in loneliness, per se; they think on a wavelength unique to them. Fully developed Abstractists do not feel sadness or loneliness. They simply be. Tis sweet to know of my profession?instructor of minds. I will be an excellent professor.

Mitch is correct. Abstract thought is the most important aspect of the human existence. For those of you that don?t live in abstract thought, you will never fully understand what abstract thought is. Abstract thought is?for lack of a better phrase, ?thinking outside the box.? Abstractists live in a world totally unlike your own. We look at things from a totally different perspective; our minds work in a totally fractured way. Er, our minds work in a way that looks totally fractured to you. We understand it completely. The way I see it, is that until you fully realize WHERE and HOW those confused looks are coming from?what their origin is?you will always be rooted in basic thought. When someone you know talks for hours upon hours about things you never thought of before, when that person speaks in a way you can?t quite comprehend, presenting ideas and ideals that you have never heard before, you are talking to an Abstractist. [QUOTE]?Who are we? We are you. We are Marxist Pythonians. A small band of Rebels fighting against the Imperial Empire. We defy by questioning. We are Marxist Pythonians. We secede from the Union to form our own glorious yet tragically flawed Cinnaminsonia. We are Marxist Pythonians. We declare war on the Delranian Republic just for the hell of it.?[/QUOTE] That is Abstractism. But do not confuse Abstractism with self-imposed social removal, and do not accuse Abstractists of being aligned with poseur social rejects; we?re not. Abstractists and Marxist Pythonians fully understand who they are, how they think, where they are going, who we are talking to, what we are talking about, how our minds work, how to control our minds. Not to sound pompous or disrespectful (as that is not encouraged among Abstractists and Marxist Pythonians), but Abstractists and Marxist Pythonians are hyper-advanced thinkers. I go as far as to say, Abstractists and Marxist Pythonians are the evolution of the human mind.

Transform your band into the most fearsome fighting force your school has ever seen. BECOME Marxist Pythonians. Spread Pythonian propaganda everywhere. Try to convert EVERYONE in the school to Marxist Pythonianism. If cheerleaders treat you badly, hit them back doubly hard. Same goes with the muscleheads. Don't use conventional weapons; that could take years and cost millions of lives. No, this kind of behavior requires action so perverse, so despicable, so irresponsible, and your band is just the people to do it. Do this. Football games. Play the wrong songs at the right times. Instead of Notre Dame Victory at a touchdown, play the theme to Star Trek. When the team masses together to celebrate the win, play a porno beat. Don't fight them physically, fight them on their own turf. Fight them at the game. Destroy their minds (TRUST ME...IT WORKS!!!). Follow them around with your instruments, playing ominous notes (death marches work). About the bus, bring your instruments onboard. Especially if you have BIG Tubas or Sousaphones...trombones work, too. Name your instruments, then place them on the seat next to you. If the cheerleaders ***** and moan, "ordering" you to move it, reply, "What? No, [insert instrument's name] is sitting here. He doesn't want to move, and I'm not about to get him up. Go sit over there. [insert instrument's name] isn't moving." Cheerleaders never like it either, if you act rowdier and more...geekish than ever. Get a band geek who plays Dungeons And Dragons. Make sure they talk about Kito The ElfMage the entire trip, every trip. Your band is already stigmatized as weirdoes and social outcasts. Embrace it. Run with it. The best way to destroy your adversaries is to act like they label you. GEEK OUT! GEEK OUT!

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Justin [/i] [B]Dear, dear craig...then why did Jesus say in Matthew 28:19 & 20 "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the ending of the world." ? If you think there's no need to preach the Gospel, you're ignorant. If you think Jesus only tried to teach those who would listen, you're more ignorant. Jesus was killed because he preached to everyone, not just those who sought Him out. Did the people Peter preached to on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2 want to hear his message? Absolutely not! They thought he and the rest of the apostles were drunk--indeed, they were...drunk on the Holy Spirit. And what happened? Three thousand, I think, were added to their number that day. If we're only supposed to preach to those who want to hear, then why did Paul go into places where no one had ever heard of Jesus, proclaiming His name to the Gentiles without fear? Please, tell me now why it is we shouldn't preach the Gospel. Educate, oh, great prophet, on why you're more right that God. You have caught an abnormal amount of my interest now, my friend. Please, educate me. -Justin [/B][/QUOTE] Perhaps, because Jesus was a politician? And the Bible was essentially political propaganda? :smirk: -PoisonTongue

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Syk3 [/i] [B]I'm surprised poisontongue isn't posting here, hmm. I think I need to address the fact that you should not be discussing here whether or not you want pt for mod. Critique the artwork, first of all, and at the most make a small side note about it. [/B][/QUOTE] I suppose I should lol. The stuff looks great, Jenn. The "Complete The Set" one looks a bit funky, though...weird stretch or compression marks when the image changes. Maybe using a Cube Rotation effect would fix that distortion. Possibly a Vertical Scroll would work. Dissolve would look cool. Sounds like Jordan is all for the action figure superhero idea. He's sending me a picture later. I've been working in Photoshop on some concept designs and such. I'll give you an update later.

I'm nothing but a fool. I've got bells on my pointy hat And a scepter with a grin, I laugh and joke, And clown and smile And make merry with my kin. They laugh at me, they do. But they don't know What's really going on. They think I'm only Having harmless fun, But I'm one of the Jesters, I'm one of the fools. And when our day comes, We're going to rule. Come to my side, Come to the side of the Jesters. --- And to the mods, Even though I may harshly rip, I still strive for a pleasant trip, Thus I let the Censor run.

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Drix D'Zanth [/i] [B]WW2, this is short and simple. I suppose I could sum it up in a few words, maybe an essay if you REALLY wanted.. Well, in short: No. [/B][/QUOTE] Yep. One word. No. lol. Trust me, if you people knew Natalie like I do, or saw the convos that Drix here has seen, you'd want in on the mind-nuke and mind-slaughter of her. She's an isolated, removed, head in the sand, naive little girl. And she's in college. And has accused me of not living in reality. I am reality. lol. Drix and I aren't bored per se, we just revel in the total mental destruction of young Natalie. What do you say, Drix? Should I post some of the convos I emailed you?

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Raiha [/i] [B][COLOR=royalblue]So you're better than me, Better writer, Better thinker, Better looking even. And because I want respect I'm weaker than you, Weaker minded, Weaker bodied, Weaker spirited. But by my refusal to be a doormat, Maybe I'm saying something else. Something that can't be fully expressed by words, Or even shown by actions. You can kiss my natural asian åss.[/COLOR] [/B][/QUOTE] Alas, such is epic and such is what I write. This is what my Muse spoketh, And this is therefore what I shall pen. Behold upon this and fear, For my pen is drawing near, Coating you in ink so black, Turn away, Raiha, you must turn back, For my word is most destructive, But always is constructive. Sadly you can never see, What kind of writer you need to be. So keep your childish mentality, Keep writing in that banality, For you are a tiny child. You stay in ways unbecoming, While I am strictly humming A pleasant little tune. Go live in your teenage wasteland, Get lost, for all I care, For you?re just a little child, Who shaves her pubic hair. She bitches, moans and cries, But damn it girl, dry your eyes, Leave your woes behind, And cast away that disturbing mind, And for once live with logic. Someone crits your writing, Gives you a bad review? And the best reply you have only is ?**** you?? Yes, you say know the craft, But your style is just so daft, Why not learn to write? Now I go into more true epic form. And Raiha did say, ?I took AP History.? But if she doth know anything, She would surely realize that Her College level course was Indeed instructed by a college professor, But that said college professor taught HISTORY, not English nor Creative Writing. So, Raiha?s defense of her crap Falls on most deaf ears, as The one giving her praise Did not study English Nor study the craft. He studied History and thus instructs In his content area, which, Being History, is most Dissimilar to English and the craft at hand. And Raiha, when met with true crit, Overreacts in a most childish manner, Displaying in a manner most unbecoming Of any living being, a manner that Would result in massive damage In any other society. But we live in civilized thought, Or so we all think we do, But as Raiha so well portrayed Childhood at its primal peak, We see that we are far from good. Perhaps, Raiha will learn and grow, And understand the conventions of the craft, But until that day comes, She can kiss my Marxist Pythonian ***.