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Not quite a rant, but wanted to share.
My 6 year old son asked me why we have an army. (His teacher's husband came back from Iraq injured and ended up losing a finger.)
I responded (as carefully as I could) that the army helps protect us from bad people.
He said "but there aren't any bad people any more".
Just wish that were true.
Like many twenty two year olds, I think I know something about life. A lot of life seems to be looking forward down the road, seeing what's coming and making decisions with possible consequences in mind. There are some things that come at us faster than we can anticipate, or happen without our notice. The average person can see the things that are coming a mile away and act or react accordingly and can consider possible consequences as part of a decision. Occasionally, these abilities fail even for the average person. Other people seem to have these abilities to judge consequences, but choose not to use them. Now, Darwinism works for me as a theory. I think humans in our technologically advanced world have blunted it, a bit, however. We have lights that tell us when we can move our cars through intersections, stickers on our lawnmowers to tell us not to put our hands into the blades while they're running and things like that. I long for a place where Darwinism can return to the human race to remind us of where we belong and I saw a news report today that seems to indicate that there may be such a place.
Let me set the scene: it's just you, your corn husker, the field of corn and of course, the Lord. Nobody within earshot, cell phone has no service. And wouldn't you know it, that corn husker is jammed with a piece of corn stuck in the rotor. Now, your first impulse may well be to reach in there and just grab that piece of corn so you can get back to work. For most average people on an average day, however, a little alarm may go off before acting on that impulse. This little alarm may say a few different things:
1. Maybe I should shut off the machine before I stick my arm in there.
2. Perhaps, if say it isn't feasible to stop the machine, I can grab a broom or the wooden end of a hoe and maybe jab it clear.
3. Maybe I should shut off the machine before I stick my arm in there.
But this is not an average day. Whether you are an average person or not is up to you, but this is not an average day and logic has taken a vacation from your skull. You stick your hand in the rotor. Good news: the husker isn't jammed with corn anymore. Bad news: the husker is jammed with your hand now.
You holler for a while, hoping that someone will walk by. No luck. The Lord hasn't shown up yet to help you after hour one and your fingers are numb now. After talking with the Lord, weighing your options and realizing that now your husker is overheating and becoming a fire hazard, you pull out your pocket knife and start cutting away fingers. Not a happy day, especially when the husker finally does catch fire and you have to cut your own arm off. Divine Providence finally makes an appearance when you make your way to the road and a firefighter stops to take you to the hospital.
This is the point in the story that the reporter says,"But Troy (not his real name) doesn't blame anyone for this tragic incident." Who can Troy (not his real name) blame? It was just him, the corn husker, the corn field and the Lord. It's not like this was an accident; he decided to stick his hand in the rotor. He wasn't looking down the road for the sharp turn: he was adjusting the radio. The Lord didn't say,"Hey Troy (not his real name)! Put your hand in there, it'll be great!" I give him props for not going out and trying to sue the corn husker company. Because after a point, you do something ridiculously stupid and you ultimately have to take responsibility and Troy (not his real name) will at least not blame someone else. He never said,"This was stupid; this is my own damn fault." But he's getting there.
Resurrecting this wonderful thread for this:
I hate elves.
Their little stupid bodies and wisdom scores and many subraces and everything! I hate them hate them hate them!!! They are a stupid, stupid race! KILL KILL KILL!!!! Bwahahahaha!!!
Grumble grumble grumble...
Resurrecting this wonderful thread for this:
I hate elves.
Their little stupid bodies and wisdom scores and many subraces and everything! I hate them hate them hate them!!! They are a stupid, stupid race! KILL KILL KILL!!!! Bwahahahaha!!!
... wisdom scores?
Get out of here already!!!
Who the hell needs 23 lemures?You have 23 lemures? You really should look up Monte Cook's A Paladin in Hell - there is a scene in that where the clock runs out and 10,000 or so lemures attack. I've been re-reading it and wondering were the hell I'm going to get 25 Lemures from.
Wow you've got 9,975 lemures! That's alot of boosters!
*Whacks insane devils*
Hey, niw you've got zero lemures!
Miserable, poorly thought-out auto design....
Who thought this %&^&*^*!@ up?
small asian guys....
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Miserable, poorly thought-out auto design....
Last night I tried to replace the headlight buld in my wife's car, a Hona Accord. The Accord is a well-designed car in general BUT they left very little room for an adult hand to fit in around the engine. There is only enough space to fit a two inch long screw driver to loosen the screw holding the bulb. So, of course, that is where they put the damned horn! I wass tempted to rip out the horn or cut it down to make room for my hand.
Who thought this %&^&*^*!@ up?
I had the same problem with my wife's Honda Civic. That's why I'm a Chevy man.
Bella Sara Charter Superscriber
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I had the same problem with my wife's Honda Civic. That's why I'm a Chevy man.
You changed your avatar!!!
Quick rant for you Aberzombie - I am pissed off about the fact that the level of violence in Iraq has decreased and yet it's not getting a lot of coverage. I suppose it's because peace just isn't as interesting as war, but come on, a lot of people (including yours truely) thought the surge was a stupid idea amounting to throwing good money after bad. Well, now that we've been proven wrong, the stubborn bastard in charge deserves credit for doing something right for a change.
I hate having to work nights at the moment...it's 6pm here and I'm just out of bed...
Don't like feeling like an dusty vampire who goes sleeping when the sun sets and goes out when the night falls.... I have to work xmas as well and I'm a bit pissed off about it.
And apart from that, don't like D&D4. Purely and simply.
I had the same problem with my wife's Honda Civic. That's why I'm a Chevy man.You changed your avatar!!!
Quick rant for you Aberzombie - I am pissed off about the fact that the level of violence in Iraq has decreased and yet it's not getting a lot of coverage. I suppose it's because peace just isn't as interesting as war, but come on, a lot of people (including yours truely) thought the surge was a stupid idea amounting to throwing good money after bad. Well, now that we've been proven wrong, the stubborn bastard in charge deserves credit for doing something right for a change.
Careful there with the political rant.
Why? A more detailed scan of this thread (somewhere between pages 20 and 40) should reveal an immense amount of politcal tirading (Is it a word? It is now!) which renders the statement above quite innocent and harmless.
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Bella Sara Charter Superscriber
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Yeah, this thread has had its fair share of political rants, and generally has been very civil. It's like the serious religious discussion thread in that regard. Besides, I'm always ragging on Aberzombie for being a rightwing nutball, so I try and post whenever I am not being a leftwing nutball and think I might agree with him.
Why? A more detailed scan of this thread (somewhere between pages 20 and 40) should reveal an immense amount of political tirading (Is it a word? It is now!) which renders the statement above quite innocent and harmless.
This thread is going to be closed if there's too much politics mixed in. I've never thought much myself of mixing politics with the boards here, it's a lose-lose scenario.
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Bella Sara Charter Superscriber
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Why? A more detailed scan of this thread (somewhere between pages 20 and 40) should reveal an immense amount of political tirading (Is it a word? It is now!) which renders the statement above quite innocent and harmless.This thread is going to be closed if there's too much politics mixed in. I've never thought much myself of mixing politics with the boards here, it's a lose-lose scenario.
Uh...unlikely. As Saern mentioned, this thread has meandered into politics before. Threads rarely get locked here, and when they do, it's usually because (a) they have an inflammatory title and (b) are full of inflmmatory posts. This thread meets neither of those criteria.
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Miserable, poorly thought-out auto design....
Last night I tried to replace the headlight buld in my wife's car, a Hona Accord. The Accord is a well-designed car in general BUT they left very little room for an adult hand to fit in around the engine. There is only enough space to fit a two inch long screw driver to loosen the screw holding the bulb. So, of course, that is where they put the damned horn! I wass tempted to rip out the horn or cut it down to make room for my hand.
Who thought this %&^&*^*!@ up?
LOL I've replaced a starter engine in a Corolla=6 hours it took me;
I've replaced a starter engine in a dodge van=1/2 hour it took me, and I was goofing around.|
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WRT politics....
I don't think this is inflammatory because it applies to both sides.
I also think it's such a chronic problem that pointing it out has no actual merit. I don't know if the instant access available on the internet has just made it more noticeable....
But I wish all those candidates would just say where they stand on the damn issues, and quit vacillating to not offend voter blocks.
Why should I vote for you? I'll just vote for the guy (or gal) with the nicest smile. Or pick my vote by throwing darts at Time magazine covers. Meh.....
Uh...unlikely. As Saern mentioned, this thread has meandered into politics before. Threads rarely get locked here, and when they do, it's usually because (a) they have an inflammatory title and (b) are full of inflmmatory posts. This thread meets neither of those criteria.Why? A more detailed scan of this thread (somewhere between pages 20 and 40) should reveal an immense amount of political tirading (Is it a word? It is now!) which renders the statement above quite innocent and harmless.This thread is going to be closed if there's too much politics mixed in. I've never thought much myself of mixing politics with the boards here, it's a lose-lose scenario.
Sorry, I'm a little paranoid about that.
Sorry, I'm a little paranoid about that.No worries. It's generally a good policy.What's good? Being sorry, or being a little paranoid?
** spoiler omitted **
You would, wouldn't you? What do you know that I don't?!
People being personally offended by journalistic articles or feeling a undue sense of entitlement.
Splooooorrrrrtch
Teh governments knowses all...hehehehe*synical laughter*hehehehehe...
I hate that I'm a somniac. I want to be a nonsomniac Darn it!
I hate that I'm a somniac. I want to be a nonsomniac Darn it!
Your more of a 'Solamnic' type to me.
WRT politics....
Why should I vote for you? I'll just vote for the guy (or gal) with the nicest smile. Or pick my vote by throwing darts at Time magazine covers. Meh.....This gave me an idea: Parade the candidates around in a circular arena while voters throw darts at them from a raised platform. The last one standing wins the presidency.
I think that is what they do in Iceland or some place.
Yeah, I'd rather die than have a hemophiliac in the White House and I think this method will make sure that never happens.
"Hey, Dad...you remember when he had you in a headlock and you screamed 'I'm a hemophiliac!' and when he turned away, you kicked him in the back?"
"Heh, heh. Yeah."
"Will you teach me to fight like that?"
"Sure! First, you scream like a woman. Then, when he turns away in disgust, it's time to kick some back! When he's on the ground, you step on his neck and run like hell."
"Sure! First, you scream like a woman. Then, when he turns away in disgust, it's time to kick some back! When he's on the ground, you step on his neck and run like hell."
isn't that how every one fights?...I know i do...
isn't that how every one fights?...I know i do...
"Sure! First, you scream like a woman. Then, when he turns away in disgust, it's time to kick some back! When he's on the ground, you step on his neck and run like hell."
That's because you fight to win! ::cues Eye of the Tiger on the omnipresent boombox::
oooorah!
Not a major rant. I'm just turned off at the level of cold criticism aimed at the Superstar finalists. Much of this is coming from people with ten posts or less and so I find myself weaving conspiracy theories. Then again, I still believe in Santa and disco, so what do I know?
Constructive criticism is a wonderful thing and I've benefited greatly from it since I started writing. It can take on many tones, and I wish this contest had yielded a little more warmth in the responses. Most Paizo posters tend to exercise thoughtfulness, respect and consideration for each other's feelings and that's been palpably absent during much of RPG Superstar's run. These finalists have each worked hard to get where they are. Those in the top sixteen each beat out 49 other writers to get where they are.
Whether it's people trying to give extensive writing lessons to those who already beat them out in the contest (Why? Superstardom through association with a finalist via flexing your creative writing chops after the fact?), or those who lay hard into the contestants sans any measure of merciful tact. Some of the criticism, almost all of it helpful in a way, has also proven to be a long distance whiz in your face from a few vain, built-up bitterpusses. Thank you internet. I will say, however, that even said bitterpusses do actually seem to possess some savage skills with language...
I'm not talking about 95% of the people who offered their 2 cents. I'm talking about you, reading this right now. Yeah, you, with the Guy Fawkes beard. Down and give me twenty. I will accept small bills if that's all you have.
Look, putting yourself out there in a competition like this always has a chance of attracting a few chucked rocks to the noodle box, but it doesn't mean it has to happen. Group hug, bltches. Bring it in. If my mention of feelings seems a bit treacly to some of you, you're clearly not a regular around these parts. We try to show respect.
::Surreptitiously nudges Sebastian back behind the pillar::
Sebastian: "Now?"
Rone: (whispers) "Not yet..."
heh heh... feelings.
I will eat your head.
I will eat your head.
Brains...
I hate players that give the DM a hard time…mostly because I’m usually the DM. Especially that Clavos kid, always asking for “maps” and “backstories” and “character descriptions”. Seriously, who does those these days? It’s almost like they expect me to actually do some work or something. Kids these days.
I hate players that give the DM a hard time…mostly because I’m usually the DM. Especially that Clavos kid, always asking for “maps” and “backstories” and “character descriptions”. Seriously, who does those these days? It’s almost like they expect me to actually do some work or something. Kids these days.
Well maybe if you just cared a little more I would not have to ask for that stuffs...you should just give it to me off hand...POOPIE HEAD!!!
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Not a major rant. I'm just turned off at the level of cold criticism aimed at the Superstar finalists. Much of this is coming from people with ten posts or less and so I find myself weaving conspiracy theories. Then again, I still believe in Santa and disco, so what do I know?
Constructive criticism is a wonderful thing and I've benefited greatly from it since I started writing. It can take on many tones, and I wish this contest had yielded a little more warmth in the responses. Most Paizo posters tend to exercise thoughtfulness, respect and consideration for each other's feelings and that's been palpably absent during much of RPG Superstar's run. These finalists have each worked hard to get where they are. Those in the top sixteen each beat out 49 other writers to get where they are.
Whether it's people trying to give extensive writing lessons to those who already beat them out in the contest (Why? Superstardom through association with a finalist via flexing your creative writing chops after the fact?), or those who lay hard into the contestants sans any measure of merciful tact. Some of the criticism, almost all of it helpful in a way, has also proven to be a long distance whiz in your face from a few vain, built-up bitterpusses. Thank you internet. I will say, however, that even said bitterpusses do actually seem to possess some savage skills with language...
I'm not talking about 95% of the people who offered their 2 cents. I'm talking about you, reading this right now. Yeah, you, with the Guy Fawkes beard. Down and give me twenty. I will accept small bills if that's all you have.
Look, putting yourself out there in a competition like this always has a chance of attracting a few chucked rocks to the noodle box, but it doesn't mean it has to happen. Group hug, bltches. Bring it in. If my mention of feelings seems a bit treacly to some of you, you're clearly not a regular around these parts. We try to show respect.
::Surreptitiously nudges Sebastian back behind the pillar::...
I'm getting real sick of reading "Here's how I would have done it." and "You should have written it like this."
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Not a major rant. I'm just turned off at the level of cold criticism aimed at the Superstar finalists. Much of this is coming from people with ten posts or less and so I find myself weaving conspiracy theories. Then again, I still believe in Santa and disco, so what do I know?
Constructive criticism is a wonderful thing and I've benefited greatly from it since I started writing. It can take on many tones, and I wish this contest had yielded a little more warmth in the responses. Most Paizo posters tend to exercise thoughtfulness, respect and consideration for each other's feelings and that's been palpably absent during much of RPG Superstar's run. These finalists have each worked hard to get where they are. Those in the top sixteen each beat out 49 other writers to get where they are.
Whether it's people trying to give extensive writing lessons to those who already beat them out in the contest (Why? Superstardom through association with a finalist via flexing your creative writing chops after the fact?), or those who lay hard into the contestants sans any measure of merciful tact. Some of the criticism, almost all of it helpful in a way, has also proven to be a long distance whiz in your face from a few vain, built-up bitterpusses. Thank you internet. I will say, however, that even said bitterpusses do actually seem to possess some savage skills with language...
I'm not talking about 95% of the people who offered their 2 cents. I'm talking about you, reading this right now. Yeah, you, with the Guy Fawkes beard. Down and give me twenty. I will accept small bills if that's all you have.
Look, putting yourself out there in a competition like this always has a chance of attracting a few chucked rocks to the noodle box, but it doesn't mean it has to happen. Group hug, bltches. Bring it in. If my mention of feelings seems a bit treacly to some of you, you're clearly not a regular around these parts. We try to show respect.
I have to say I'm disappointed with this post. You know, I liked the Jade's other posts, but this one is a let down. It just didn't excite me - I felt the hook just wasn't there. If I was writing the post, I probably would have laid off on the personal perspective, less of the cuddly stuff. I would have toughened up the language. And how could he post a typo like "bltches". Didn't anyone notice that? How come no on has commented on that, it ruins the message for me, but the judges just let that go? What about the word count? And what was with the Sebastian bit? That just didn't make sense. The criteria for letting that one through confuses me.
I'm sorry, that was really wasted opportunity. I could have written that much better.
Aubrey, I don't know how you did it, but you edged out James Keegan for best satirical post of 2007--and just before the polls closed no less!
I'm getting real sick of reading "Here's how I would have done it." and "You should have written it like this."
Yeah, that's the one.
(shakes off the chill)
*RANT* ARHGH! the anguish of the hours before the girl I love comes over for a date is driving me BONKERS!