Retribution

[font=Arial]Hey there, kuramas! It might be helpful for others if you provided the picture or explained a bit more what you want.[/font]

[quote name='Jeremiah']Okay so I have been really busy with work this week and then I remembered that my graphic worm sub was due. I can get a good worm sub done in a couple of days. If you must keep the ball rolling however, you might want to just skip me. If you do decide to skip me, I wouldn't mind getting another slot, missing these deadlines is something I do not plan on doing again. >

[font=Arial]I'm proud of my academic ability, which I guess would translate into some measure of intelligence. No, I don't mean "I'm smart!" but I was in the top 5% of black youth in my high school, as well as around the top 10% in all of America. I'm going to an Ivy League school (Columbia) this fall. I'm proud that I'm in good physical shape, glad that my parents gave me good genes, thankful that I don't have any disabilities or crippling illnesses. I'm proud of my artistic capability, and glad that I've expanded it to areas greater than just photoshop. Whee, vanity![/font]

[font=Arial]Work hard now, because the effort you put in now pays off later in a massive way. Don't fool yourself into thinking your actions right now don't impact your future -- high school is an enormously important period in your academic career. Real life isn't too far off, no matter how it feels right now. Don't live your life with regrets... after all, what's to lose from working hard and doing your best?[/font]

[quote name='The Blue Jihad']Any of your nonsense about the conscious and [B]sub[/B]conscious is purely that. Nonsense. Anyone who's had actual experience with sex and sexual dynamics knows that there is no multi-tiered system in place.[/QUOTE] [font=Arial]Eh, that's not true and I don't need to have sex to know it. - Tier one: She's gorgeous, I want to hook up. - Tier two: I want to procreate. End of story.[/font]

[quote name='The Blue Jihad']You lost all credibility right there. Thanks for playing.[/QUOTE] [font=Arial]It's unlike you to give up... where's the destruction of all my points, the invincible rebuttal you're so known for?[/font]

[quote name='The Blue Jihad']So since we're being honest here, when's the last time you got any? If it's within a month, I'll ignore your stupid, piddly, pissant teenager ramblings and posturings.[/QUOTE] [font=Arial]Still a virgin, but sexual experience is not necessarily reflective of social facility. [QUOTE]And you call me bitterly mistaken when you've obviously got no sensible grasp on what sexual dynamics and interaction actually involve? Retri, you were bringing in evolutionary theory. If you knew how to get laid, you wouldn't even bring up evolutionary theory in a hypothetical discussion such as this.[/QUOTE] There's this complicated two-tier system called the conscious and unconscious. It's kind of abstract, but I was talking about the unconscious, which more or less run free of your direct influence (the instinctual). The second piece is the conscious, which is what you're talking about, you know, "She's hot, I'm gonna ask for her number". You're making the mistake in more or less saying the two are mutually exclusive. In addition, I wasn't talking about how to get laid. The possibility looms large that you're just trying to be snarky, and in doing so you're totally overlooking what I was talking about.[/font]

[quote name='The Blue Jihad']Man, when I see three medium length paragraphs discussing [I]evolutionary sexual dynamics[/I] when answering a question about sexual attraction...that's when I point my finger at you and tell you outright that you're overthinking things and basing your sexual advances on downright stupidity.[/QUOTE] [font=Arial]And this is where you're bitterly mistaken. I'm not sure how I can tell you this, but I'm not a one-dimensional actuary of random fact... I'm a sociable person as well. You make the assumption that because I ramble off about these things, I lack the social facility to get laid. And science has never been a suitable substitute for raw social skill when interacting with people.[/font]

[quote name='The Blue Jihad']Everyone here needs to get laid immediately. I don't think I've ever read more painful, misinformed, and inexperienced discourse on sex. I think I know why many of you are so frustrated or anal-retentive when it comes to sexual dynamics: because you're over-thinking things. Some of the best sex I've ever had happened because I didn't try to have any deeper interaction. All I cared about was focking around. If you want to get laid, thinking about evolution will not work. Thinking about gender or attraction dynamics won't get you anywhere. What [I]will[/I] get you some, however, is being relaxed and actually not caring about whether or not you get any. Care enough not to care, basically.[/QUOTE] [font=Arial]You know I love it when you’re snarky. But really, we were (or at least I was) discussing the underlying mechanism that makes you want to hit it and quit it, or stick around. I’m personally not frustrated or anal-retentive (and do you even know what that means?), and I sincerely apologize for discussing sexual attraction, sir, it'll never happen again. You’re really misled if you think I base my conscious decision making on attraction dynamics.[/font]

[font=Arial]I have a white 30GB iPod video, but it was a long and rough road to that point. It all started off with this 75MB (yes, MB) sandisk mp3 player. I think it held like ten songs and required software you had to install, so I wasn?t too crazy about it. It worked well, though, and was durable so I stuck with it for a year or so. My acute case of technophilia got the best of me, and I just [i]needed[/i] a better mp3 player. But since I was also a rebel without a cause, I refused to succumb to the iPod hype. I got a Zen Micro, made by Creative. Worked pretty well for a week, then the headphone jack broke. I sent it back for repairs, and they gave me a refurbished one. It worked alright for another two months before the headphone jack gave out again. I sent it back a third time, and it wouldn?t sync with my computer, so I stepped on it in a fit of rage and swore off Creative forever. I saved up my pennies for my iPod, which took a while when you have to get a warranty as well. But it was worth every nickel and dime, I?ve had no problems to speak of and I?m almost at the one-year mark. I love you, Apple.[/font]

[quote name='Dagger']Studies of this nature can yield interesting** results, but I don't think they should ever be taken as an actual explanation for what goes on in a modern society. There are just too many factors.[/QUOTE] [font=Arial]I acknowledge that, but to say ?there are too many factors? is to essentially forsake any further scientific inquiry. We can draw conclusions, albeit limited ones, and continue to build our body of knowledge. And yes, there are some theories out there that are supported by the scientific community that attempt to account for our behavior in relationships. For instance, the passionate beginning to most relationships (honeymoon period) is allegedly an evolutionary device for procreation. And once this passion dies off, a deeper, long term attachment settles in, again supposedly to keep the two parents together to increase the chances of that child having a safe upbringing. Certainly there are outliers, but I think it accurately describes a fair number of the population. As for attraction, there?s some legit research out there as well that?s been widely acclaimed. Granted, we are extremely complex, but we?ve already learned so much about the mind and anthropology. You?ve got to at least lend an ear to the theories that attempt to make reason out of our actions.[/font]

[quote name='Sojiro47'][FONT="Book Antiqua"]Coming from a random side of this most fetishes actually come from sub-conscious (sp) memory of our childhood. I don't remember the article I read it in (and I'm98.65% sure it wasn't anything like the Sex Curved IQ article), but it used the example of foot fetishes. The article said that infants who slept at the the foot of parents' beds or spent most of their time playing by their parents feet between the ages of birth and 2 years of age generaly had foot fetishes. Retribution's post just reminded me of that.[/FONT][/QUOTE] [font=Arial]That?s possible as well, although Freudians would argue something slightly different. Basically there?s these ?psychosexual stages of development? we all have to get through as a child. The first is oral ? you derive enjoyment from oral stimulation i.e. drinking. The second is anal ? you have power to decide whether or not you?ll poop. The list goes on, but the idea is that if you somehow do not progress from one to the next like a ?normal? infant, you will develop a fixation to the stage you failed to bypass. There?s no foot stage, so obviously Freud has gaps (and is wrong in many respects anyway). I haven?t really studied fetishes at all, so you might be right.[/font]

[font=Arial]Actually, a fair amount of sexual attraction into long-term relationships can be explained by evolution. I won't bore you with it, since no one really cares, but it's there. As for personal preference about who you're attracted to, I would argue it's partially nurture. Your previous experience and preconceived notions probably play a massive role in that. And, typical of the brain, there are parts we have absolutely no idea what's happening in there.[/font]

[quote name='Gavin'][SIZE="1"]But really, all this thread is going to do is make people who agree seem really bitter and shallow.[/SIZE][/QUOTE] [font=Arial]This bothers me. Why is it people are afraid to admit they are on some level superficial? [i]Humans are shallow creatures[/i], and it's based in evolution. I mean, c'mon, drop the PC card. Lunox - I see what you mean, and it's glorified by beer/car commercials. Certainly it's objectifying to see the everyman getting lucky with a stellar girl... or at the very least it's degrading/devaluing that woman's beauty. However seeing an average Joe with a gorgeous woman isn't sexist in real life, that guy is just a lucky man.[/font]

[font=Arial]Hey Darkshadow and Amnesiac, try to describe more what you mean. One line assessments, no matter what they say, never really help the artist. And remember, be constructive![/font]

[quote name='Darkshadow290']Nice ^.^, really cool[/QUOTE] [font=Arial]I'm glad you think so, but what about the art makes this "really cool"? Try to describe what you like so that the artist knows what they did right, and what they could improve on. Thanks! :p[/font]

[quote name='Lunox'][font="trebuchet ms"]How do you feel about ugly guys who date pretty girls, or when ugly girls date pretty guys? I have no problem in the world about it at a primal level, but lately I get irritated when I see uglier guys always getting together with gorgeous girls due to the sexist connotations. Even in the media, the average Joe is being glorified, getting hot chicks, and winning in the end. But when was the last time we saw an average Jane getting all of it? Even shows/movies that have what's supposed to be an average girl all have beautiful actresses behind the character, and when the character is ugly, the actress is great looking in real life. Any thoughts?[/font][/QUOTE] [font=Arial]You're more likely to see an ugly guy with a gorgeous girl than the other way around, although you're not likely to see either until the couple is like 25+ in age. To put it simply, guys are more motivated by the physical and visual rather than emotional/intangible. Therefore men seek out a physically attractive partner, and even though few will admit it, it's one of the most important criteria in finding "the right one". Women, on the other hand, are a bit more expansive than that. They tend to look for personality and emotional connection to a greater extent than a typical man would. But don't get me wrong, women are into physical attractiveness as well, and don't really move away from it until their late 20s. Although I admit, whenver I see a fugly dude with a really attractive girl, I always think "How did [i]he[/i] end up with [i]her[/i]?" and then "Man, I totally look better than him". So in short, I'd say I feel bitter towards them lol. As for seeing a hot guy date a fugly girl, I see it as a gesture of pity, to be frank.[/font]

[quote name='Charles']I've never stopped believing. Santa and Jesus ftw![/QUOTE] [font=Arial]This reminds me of that grand Journey song. [size=4]Don't stop believin' Hold on to the feelin'! Streetlight peeeeeeeople[/size][/font]

[quote name='Aaryanna'][COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]*laughs* That's so me. I was the same as your youngest brother, somewhere between five and six I was totally saying... Duh! Santa, easter bunny, tooth fairy... all of them are your parents![/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE] [font=Arial]And how does your mother feel about this?! I remember a kid told me Santa wasn't real. I got mad, so I told him "You're getting coal" and walked away feeling smug. Ha! That'll teach you![/font]

[font=Arial]I believed in Jesus pretty ardently until I was 15 or so. My decline of faith was rather odd. My sophomore year I became a rather passionate Christian, and felt a relatively thorough bond with a higher power. My junior year, I took Christian Ethics, and it was the best class I've ever taken. My teacher pushed us to defend our previously held beliefs, and I began to question all that I held as law. My teacher also heavily emphasized social justice and exposed to us the ugly truths of the world. I think this more than anything led me to question the "Life is inherently good and fair" mantra and in turn lose faith. I no longer believe in Jesus, although I would like to believe there is a higher power or guiding force in the universe.[/font]

[quote name='Dagger']It depends, obviously. Of course I prefer talking to friends and family in person (with the phone & email coming second and third, respectively). But if it's someone who I will probably never be close to--e.g. a brief acquaintance or a superior--I'd much rather use email. I hate IM. ~Dagger~[/QUOTE] [font=Arial]So... I guess now would be the best time to ask if could I get your number? ;D[/font]

[font=Arial]Communicating in person is the best way to do things most of the time. You have inflection and tone, which can paint your words with sarcasm or seriousness, which all too often gets lost in text. You have facial expression as an added hint... not to mention talking to a physical entity is much more satisfying than an abstract one. There's also body language, which can be its own mode of communication at times, but it's usually used in conjunction with speech. Face-to-face exchanges are far more complex than any of us really realize, and we process it extremely quickly. Telephone is fine for relaying information and staying in touch. You still have inflection, although it can be a bit garbled. But sometimes the person isn't answering when you need them to, or their phone dies at the worst possible time. But at least you can ask cute girls for their numbers and if you're lucky, you'll get them. Fun! IM is good for communication when you're already on the computer. Talking on the phone and working on something else just don't work... at least not for me. For the love of god, don't send me a text message. I hate them. They're so inefficient... you end up exchanging as many words in 10 texts you would have gone through in a minute. Extremely inefficient, extremely expensive, and should only be used when you simply cannot call someone.[/font]

[font=Arial]Too lazy to bold the rhymes. Have fun. I am beautiful and black fist raised to the sky a black panther mentality grew up on a salary of pennies to the dollar your rent leaves, then borrow I constantly consistently drop kids til tomorrow Prolifically spit and then swallow the fate of my race slave trade in modern day a solemn gray folds over me and my limited life cannot truly end this and we end who? end me and you cannot hold me back I stay up, stay violently ill with the lyrical attacks Stay tyrannical and slay your ego, son Can't play with me though, run from me Get you jump and seize your pride, buddy I'm unstoppable It's impossible to top the fully perfected Kid, I'll seize your spirit and blow it away you're stay's overdue and I'll tow you away There's no other way to defeat this Repeat this verse and finish what's begun A sober gun, you were the boss but it's over son That about it, no more rematch, I've won.[/font]

[quote name='The Blue Jihad']In fact, ****, man, English majors got *the most* action, second only to art students, cause most art students were bi and got ****** up way more frequently than English majors.[/QUOTE] [font=Arial]That's what I was thinking, but you learn new things every day.[/font] [center][IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y170/retri_trib/englishmajor-1.jpg[/IMG][/center]

[font=Arial]The same article was on [url=http://www.ivygateblog.com/blog/2007/08/sex_on_campus_art_students_did_it_all_for_the_nookie.html][b]IvyGate Blog[/b][/url], except in a far funnier format. I highly recommend it. I need to date an artist... hm...[/font]