Interrogation Room - alexa

#501

Why do you think South Park has been so steadily declining?

Sorry, couldn't resist. I love a good rant.

#502

Mongoose wrote: 21. What was the last thing you took a photo of?

My lunch. It was a quesadilla.

22. Please place in order of preference: Pancakes, Waffles, French Toast, Crepes, Blintzes

Crepes, waffles, pancakes, french toast, blintzes.

23. How do you feel about Michael Bay?

Do you need to ask? He is to movies what the Eagles are to music.

24. What was the last DIY science experiment you did?

I made my own beer. Science!

25. What is your favorite scar?

The missing tip of my thumb resulting from a Star Wars drinking game gone horribly wrong.

26. What is your favorite bakery in DC?

Spring Mill Bread, although I haven't been in a long time.

27. Favorite bakery iIn Atlanta?

I honestly don't know. I don't go to a lot of bakeries there.

28. Why won’t you go to Sticky Fingers?

I don't know or care what that is.

29. When are you going to procure some RS albums (see what I did there?)

When they are not $18.99 each! (yes)

30. Have you ever walked out of a movie theatre and why? What was the film, and do you regret it?

I am sure I have, but I cannot remember the circumstances. I walked out of Thor because the film caught on fire. I don't regret leaving, but I regret going back and seeing the rest of it.

#503

bea wrote:Why do you think South Park has been so steadily declining? Sorry, couldn't resist. I love a good rant.

The creators got too rich and too lazy. They insist on sticking to their one-week production schedule, which worked great in the early days, but now they are not even trying anymore. Go through and count up the number of episodes that are parodies of reality shows/specialty channels. It is astounding. The writing method has become just turning on the TV and parodying whatever happens to be on. Also, they have increasingly relied on one joke to carry a whole episode, which gets really tedious really fast (shake weight is like masturbating, haha, over and over again).

Also, they ruined Cartman, the best character, by transforming him from an obnoxious, racist fat kid who could nevertheless sell a million albums, build his own Shakey's Pizza and win the Civil War, into a pathetic sociopath who is no longer likeable or competent.

Also, they feel the need to be topical to the point of parodying movies they haven't seen, resulting in plagiarism. If you haven't seen a movie, don't parody it. The hyper-topical nature of the shows also means that they don't age well at all.

The reason I get so worked up over this is because of how much I used to love the show. It was once the smartest, funniest show on television and it has devolved into garbage. I feel betrayed.

#504

Mongoose wrote: 31. Who is your favorite Greco-Roman god or goddess?

I am fond of Pan, for his playful/evil nature.

32. Who is your favorite Norse god?

Loki because see above and his name is like my name (sort of).

33. Which Native American tribe (including those in present-day South America) do you feel most drawn towards?

I don't know any of them and I don't care about any of them. It's time to quit whining, if you ask me.

34. Are you going to watch the Oscars this year?

They are already over, old questions, and I did not watch them.

35. What is your favorite Russian-language film?

Prisoner of the Caucusus

36. Who was the band you last saw live?

It has been a long time. Hm, probably Sleepytime Gorilla Museum.

37. Why do you never call me out on being bossy?

You are not that bossy. That being said, I think this whole "ban bossy" campaign is idiotic and ironic, given that a bunch of girls are telling me what to do.

38. Who is your favorite celebrity judge?

Judge Bork!

39. What is the most exotic animal you’d consider having as a pet?

A Fox.

40. Where were you when they announced the OJ Simpson verdict? (I was in gym class)

No idea, but I was disappointed.

#505

Mongoose wrote: 41. What about when MJ died?

I don't know where I was. I don't care about him.

42. Last time you laughed?

Like, thirty seconds ago. (it involved someone saying the phrase "jerk store")

43. Do you ever drink cider?

Yes, but it is not my favorite.

44. Do you wear an eye mask or ear plugs to bed?

What am I, a rich yuppie woman?

45. What is the creepiest thing that ever bit you?

A skunk. No wait, that was you. A squirrel I guess. I do not get many bites.

46. What made you get out of your goth phase?

I was never really in a goth phase. I just liked the music for a while and went to a few clubs. It left me with college, although I still have some affection for it.

47. A friendly dog comes up to you while you’re at the park. Do you pet it?

Of course.

48. A feral cat is laying on your house stoop. Do you pet it?

Of course.

49. There’s a snake in your bedroom. What do you do?

Cook it and eat it.

50. When was the last time you listened to NPR?

The last time I was forced to because someone else in the car had it on.

51. Which classic authors do you feel are overrated?

Dickens, Austen, both Brontes, Tolstoy.

52. Food trend that is driving you nuts?

Nutrition.

53. Expressions that you abhor?

"Not so much."

54. Why always Lo Mein and never Chow Mein?

Because Lo Mein is better.

55. Brown rice, fried rice, white rice, egg noodles or rice noodles?

Usually white rice, egg noodles.

56. Do you find any boy bands to have talent?

Nope.

57. Music from 1973 that you don’t like / hate?

I'm not really into Selling England By The Pound by Genesis, because Phil Collins.

58. What did you do with those leftover sugar-free gummy bears?

I ate them and it was horrible.

59. Do you eat the nuts offered at bars?

Yes.

60. have you ever been to ab ar or speakeasy that requires a password?

I have not.

61. What was your best birthday ever like?

Scotch party and 8-s movies!

62. Have you ever mistakenly walked into the girls’ restroom?

Once or twice, but quickly discovered my error.

63. Who was the last person who made you mad? Was it Rachel Maddow?

Probably you, actually.

64. Would you ever go to Antarctica?

Absolutely.

65. What happened the last time you ate yogurt?

Nothing happened. I just ate it without incident.

66. Did we have you eat Meat Tornado?

I think that is only from P&R, but if it were real I would want one.

67. Will you please make an acrostic with your name?

Letches ogle girls all night.

68. Do you like your (real) middle name?

It is fine. Algerenon would be better.

69. What is something you wish you had less fear of even though you are fearless?

Dying alone.

70. Most number of flights of stairs you’ve ever climbed?

I don't no, probably 20 ish.

71. The most number of times you’ve ever seen a film and what was it? (Topsy Turvy?)

Probably the Shining, which I watch at least once a year.

72. Have you ever baked a cake? Was it good?

Yes.

73. Do you believe in past lives? If so, what do you think you did or who were you?

Yeah, I was probably a silk merchant.

74. What is the best thing you’ve ever cooked?

Fish chowder!

75. In a crazy dystopian universe, where you could only eat one cheese for the rest of your life, what would you pick and why?

Gouda. Perfect for all occasions

76. Your top ten favorite cheeses in order?

Gouda, wensleydale, red leicester, double gloucester, sage derby, Roquefort, Danish Bleu, Chedder, White Stilton, Muenster

77. Have you ever accidentally fallen into water?

Many times.

78. What happened the last time you were dehydrated?

Hangover city.

79. Why haven’t you updated your webpage in a billion years?

It is an insane pain to do and I don't care.

80. Who would win a pogostick-off?

I would. I am amazing at pogo.

#506

What the heck did I do to make you mad?

Also, your yogurt answer especially was funny. It made me laugh aloud, which hurt.

#507

thellama73 wrote:
Mongoose wrote: 51. Which classic authors do you feel are overrated?

Dickens, Austen, both Brontes, Tolstoy.

Is the third not overrated?

Is red your favorite color or did you just pick it because it is easy?

#508

*sniff*

No one had that many questions for me.

#509

fingersplints wrote:
thellama73 wrote:
Mongoose wrote: 51. Which classic authors do you feel are overrated?

Dickens, Austen, both Brontes, Tolstoy.

Is the third not overrated?

Is red your favorite color or did you just pick it because it is easy?

No one has heard of the third, so no.

In answer to your second question: yes.

#510

Mongoose wrote: 81. What is objectively the best temperature? For winter? For summer?

27 degrees Fahrenheit.

82. Have you ever stained a shirt so badly you had to throw it away?

Often.

83. Favorite fish? (ha)

Swordfish. Delicious.

84. Do you think it’s practically a vegetable?

No, I like fish. (but I do get the reference)

85. Number of Mumblecore films you have seen?

Zero?

86. What is something that you think I should know about you but you are pretty sure I don’t?

When I was a kid I was stung by a whole nest of yellow-jackets and was allergic to stings for a while, but I am okay now.

87. Have you ever tried cat food or treats?

When I was very young.

88. Has you ice cream ever fallen off your cone?

Yes, but only after I was mostly done with it.

89. Do you think Myrna Loy has been reincarnated in any modern-day actresses?

Absolutely not. No modern actress has a fraction of her class.

90. Is Neo-Noir worth your time?

Probably not.

91. Did I tell you about the dream I had where James and I fended off cannibalistic band of marauders using only baseball bats for you while you were passed out drunk? Then you ate cherry pie with my grandpa and asked why we were so sweaty.

No.

92. What was the last dream you had?

I was trying to get across the river with my parents, but they kept breaking bones, so it was difficult. Then we went to a Chinese food restaurant where the menu was only in Chinese, and it was hard to order.

93. Do you think you’ll ever accidentally join a cult?

Probably not. I would only do it on purpose.

94. Least favorite musical?

Jeckyll and Hyde pissed me off.

95. Favorite topping/flavor for popcorn?

Lemon pepper.

96. Why haven’t you seen more Ingmar Bergman films?

Because the Seventh Seal was depressing and weird.

97. Are you going to see the documentary about the late great Roger Ebert’s life called Life Itself?

No, I don't care for him.

98. How much does pester power REALLY work on you?

I have a pretty high tollerance for annoyance.

99. Why are you contrarian?

I'm not. I don't know why you would assert such a thing.

100. How long did it take you do to this?

A thousand hours.

101. How much would someone have to pay you for you to take an aromatherapy class?

Just one class not a whole course? $50, plus the cost of the class itself.

102. Your leg gets broken in a freak meat-procuring accident. What do you do?

Walk it off.

103. If it meant ensuring world peace for 100 years, would you attend a yoga class?

Yes, but only if it were real yoga, not stretching for white women.

104. Favorite character in The Oddysey?

Menelaus.

105. Favorite character in The Peanuts?

You mean Peanuts? There is no "the" in Peanuts. Linus, I guess.

106. What is your favorite latin phrase?

Semper ubi sub ubi.

107. Why don’t you eat breakfast on weekdays?

1) not hungry. 2) less time for sleep if I did.

108. What’s the highest you’ve ever climbed in a tree?

High enough that I started to get nervous. Maybe fifty feet?

109. How do you think evolution will improve humans in the next 1000s of years? Will we finally lose our appendix? Lose our flight or flight response? Lose sensitivity to grains?

We don't have sensitivity to grains now, we are just being a baby. Judging by the people who are most successful at having kids, I would say that men will become meaner and more prone to infidelity and women will become stupider.

110. What’s the smallest plane you’ve ever been on?

The one that took me fro Amsterdam to Trondheim. The band Public Enemy was on it.

111. Have you been on a helicopter?

No.

112. What was the most haunted place you’ve ever been to like?

I have not had the fortune to be in very haunted places. Our house in California had a shower that would randomly turn itself on and off all the time though.

113. Why are you drawn to the Occult?

Because there are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in your philosophy.

114. Are we there yet?

Amazingly, no.

115. Please put the following in order of your preference with 1 being the best. If you haven’t tried a selection, just mark it as 0
a. German Potato Salad
b. Greek Potato Salad
c. Russian Potato Salad
d. New York Potato Salad
e. Southern Potato Salad

1. a. 2. d. 3. e. 4. c. 5. b.

116. Please put the following in order of your preference with 1 being the best. If you haven’t tried a selection, just mark it as 0
a. Honey BBQ Sauce
b. Spicy BBQ Sauce
c. Hickory BBQ Sauce
d. Mustard BBQ Sauce
e. Tangy (Vinegar-based) BBQ Sauce
f. White (Mayo-based) BBQ sauce

1. e. 2. b. 3. d. 4. a. 5. c. 6. f.

117. Who is your favorite female bassist? (Not counting anyone on this site that is female and plays bass).

Joan Jett played bass for the Runaways for a while, so I pick her.

118. Which is your favorite Olympic sport to not watch?

Curling.

119. Do you think either of us could ever accidentally join a cult?

I think you already have.

120. What is the best way to eat an Oreo?

Pull it apart, lick the icing off, discard the rest.

121. Pipecleaner is sitting on your opera books. How do you feel about that? Don’t blame me, James let him get in the box.

As far as I am concerned, Pipecleaner can sit wherever he wants.

122. Is facial hair ever wrong?

No, not even on women.

123. What’s the worst way you’ve ever spent a Friday night?

I'm going to say the hospital, even though I have no memory of which night in the week that was. Let's say Friday.

124. What’s the earliest you’ve ever woken up? (Not counting nights you stayed up all night).

Woken up, or got up for the day? I have woken up as early as midnight, but I think 3:30 is about the earliest I have ever got up.

125. Why don’t you wear more green?

It's hard to find good green clothes for men.

126. the holy grail, the shroud of turin, the sword of peter, the cross of whomever, the ark of the covenant, Noah's Ark, Nicholas Flamel's philosopher's stone -- do you believe these exist?

The shroud of Turin demonstrably exists, or at least something called that does. The Ark of the Covenant probably existed at one point. No to the rest. The philosopher's stone is more of a metaphor for enlightenment than a physical object anyway.

bonus: Are we still friends? Hhah.

Yup.

#511

thellama73 wrote:
bea wrote:Why do you think South Park has been so steadily declining? Sorry, couldn't resist. I love a good rant.
The creators got too rich and too lazy. They insist on sticking to their one-week production schedule, which worked great in the early days, but now they are not even trying anymore. Go through and count up the number of episodes that are parodies of reality shows/specialty channels. It is astounding. The writing method has become just turning on the TV and parodying whatever happens to be on. Also, they have increasingly relied on one joke to carry a whole episode, which gets really tedious really fast (shake weight is like masturbating, haha, over and over again).

Also, they ruined Cartman, the best character, by transforming him from an obnoxious, racist fat kid who could nevertheless sell a million albums, build his own Shakey's Pizza and win the Civil War, into a pathetic sociopath who is no longer likeable or competent.

Also, they feel the need to be topical to the point of parodying movies they haven't seen, resulting in plagiarism. If you haven't seen a movie, don't parody it. The hyper-topical nature of the shows also means that they don't age well at all.

The reason I get so worked up over this is because of how much I used to love the show. It was once the smartest, funniest show on television and it has devolved into garbage. I feel betrayed.

As someone considering watching the show, what the fuck am I in for here? What seasons should I watch, and which should I skip?

#512

thellama73 wrote:
bea wrote:Why do you think South Park has been so steadily declining? Sorry, couldn't resist. I love a good rant.
The creators got too rich and too lazy. They insist on sticking to their one-week production schedule, which worked great in the early days, but now they are not even trying anymore. Go through and count up the number of episodes that are parodies of reality shows/specialty channels. It is astounding. The writing method has become just turning on the TV and parodying whatever happens to be on. Also, they have increasingly relied on one joke to carry a whole episode, which gets really tedious really fast (shake weight is like masturbating, haha, over and over again).

Also, they ruined Cartman, the best character, by transforming him from an obnoxious, racist fat kid who could nevertheless sell a million albums, build his own Shakey's Pizza and win the Civil War, into a pathetic sociopath who is no longer likeable or competent.

Also, they feel the need to be topical to the point of parodying movies they haven't seen, resulting in plagiarism. If you haven't seen a movie, don't parody it. The hyper-topical nature of the shows also means that they don't age well at all.

The reason I get so worked up over this is because of how much I used to love the show. It was once the smartest, funniest show on television and it has devolved into garbage. I feel betrayed.

Those are all fair and valid points.

I loved this show too - very hard. I also think it's hard to keep satire running for long lengths of time. People talk about The Simpsons, but they lost their edge ages ago too.

First season of South Park, I was still in college. We had a bar that had the big screen tv they pulled down for football games on Sunday - on South Park night - we were all there watching it on the big screen tv. Those first few seasons were amazing. I think, for me - it started the slow decline when Chef died....but that's just me.

What do you think of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia?

What is your favorite comfort food?

What was your inspiration for The Light Fantastic?

What do you hope readers take away from that book?

Which writers most influence your work?

#513

timmer wrote:*sniff*

No one had that many questions for me.

no one had that many for me either.

#514

insertnamehere wrote:
thellama73 wrote:
bea wrote:Why do you think South Park has been so steadily declining? Sorry, couldn't resist. I love a good rant.
The creators got too rich and too lazy. They insist on sticking to their one-week production schedule, which worked great in the early days, but now they are not even trying anymore. Go through and count up the number of episodes that are parodies of reality shows/specialty channels. It is astounding. The writing method has become just turning on the TV and parodying whatever happens to be on. Also, they have increasingly relied on one joke to carry a whole episode, which gets really tedious really fast (shake weight is like masturbating, haha, over and over again).

Also, they ruined Cartman, the best character, by transforming him from an obnoxious, racist fat kid who could nevertheless sell a million albums, build his own Shakey's Pizza and win the Civil War, into a pathetic sociopath who is no longer likeable or competent.

Also, they feel the need to be topical to the point of parodying movies they haven't seen, resulting in plagiarism. If you haven't seen a movie, don't parody it. The hyper-topical nature of the shows also means that they don't age well at all.

The reason I get so worked up over this is because of how much I used to love the show. It was once the smartest, funniest show on television and it has devolved into garbage. I feel betrayed.
As someone considering watching the show, what the fuck am I in for here? What seasons should I watch, and which should I skip?

I'll help here - but Llama can agree or disagree with me as needed - Start at the beginning. Keep in mind that the show started out topical and it is it's "niche" - So as you watch the beginning episodes, keep in mind the years they were put out. Quit watching when you think the show jumped the shark. I personally find the first three seasons of South Park to be some of the more amazing TV that was out in the early 90's.

#515

@ llama - re: THE GOOSEY QUESTIONS:

There are questions and comments all around. I just kept tabs and numbers - have fun with this.

re: 31-40

37: What is this "ban on bossy?" I think I already hate it for the name alone.

re: 41-50:

42: Idnk the context but now I'm laughing.

44 - more giggles
46 - I can totally relate - and sometimes I still like the music

54 - why is lo mein better than chow mein?
57 - favorite music from 1973?
61 - effin awesome!
66 - are you Ron Swanson?
68 - as in Flowers for? Also - what is your middle name?
76 - I adore your taste in cheese.

re: 100-1something:

103 - LOL.
106 - Translate please?
109 - I agree - unfortunately those of us that *should* breed do not do so at the rate of those of us that should not.

110 - sweet! Did you get to smooze?
113 - Nice.

117 - good call.
120. Yes.

125 - I could help with that. I have a small passion for men's fashion....

#516

insertnamehere wrote:
thellama73 wrote:
bea wrote:Why do you think South Park has been so steadily declining? Sorry, couldn't resist. I love a good rant.
The creators got too rich and too lazy. They insist on sticking to their one-week production schedule, which worked great in the early days, but now they are not even trying anymore. Go through and count up the number of episodes that are parodies of reality shows/specialty channels. It is astounding. The writing method has become just turning on the TV and parodying whatever happens to be on. Also, they have increasingly relied on one joke to carry a whole episode, which gets really tedious really fast (shake weight is like masturbating, haha, over and over again).

Also, they ruined Cartman, the best character, by transforming him from an obnoxious, racist fat kid who could nevertheless sell a million albums, build his own Shakey's Pizza and win the Civil War, into a pathetic sociopath who is no longer likeable or competent.

Also, they feel the need to be topical to the point of parodying movies they haven't seen, resulting in plagiarism. If you haven't seen a movie, don't parody it. The hyper-topical nature of the shows also means that they don't age well at all.

The reason I get so worked up over this is because of how much I used to love the show. It was once the smartest, funniest show on television and it has devolved into garbage. I feel betrayed.
As someone considering watching the show, what the fuck am I in for here? What seasons should I watch, and which should I skip?

Seasons 1 and 2 are a little rough and amateurish, but good for establishing the characters. In my opinion the show hit its stride in Season 3 and stayed there until season 10 or so.

#517

bea wrote: What do you think of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia?

I actually haven't seen it yet.

What is your favorite comfort food?

Biscuits and gravy. Lots of gravy.

What was your inspiration for The Light Fantastic?

An article I read about the history, friendship and eventual feud between Cato Institute co-founders Ed Crane and Charles Koch.

What do you hope readers take away from that book?

I don't know if there is really a message to take away. I just hope they enjoy it and find it a good story.

Which writers most influence your work?

My favorite writers are Victor Hugo, Herman Melville and G. K. Chesterton. I don't know how much direct influence there is there, but they are the bar I measure myself against (and then get very depressed at how short I fall).

#518

bea wrote:
37: What is this "ban on bossy?" I think I already hate it for the name alone.

I have an extremely long rant on this that I don't have time to get into now. Basically, a group of celebrity women are saying the word "bossy" should be banned because it is used to belittle women and prevent them from becoming leaders. This annoys me for many reasons (the irony of bossily telling people not to call them bossy, for one) but particularly because my experience in the workplace is that women do extremely well, have an easier time finding jobs (I don't know any unemployed women) get promoted, make lots of money, and are treated with nothing but respect, and yet they still complain about oppression. When a man fails at something, it is because of a character flaw. When a woman fails at something, it is always the fault of a man.

54 - why is lo mein better than chow mein?

Because of the taste.

57 - favorite music from 1973?

Jethro Tull - A Passion Play, Yes - Tales from Topographic Oceans, Queen's debut, Bruce Springsteen's debut, etc.

66 - are you Ron Swanson?

I am not as manly as him, but politically we are on the same page.

68 - as in Flowers for? Also - what is your middle name?

As in Algernon Blackwood, and my middle name is Michael.

106 - Translate please?

It's stupid pun thta doesn't actually mean anything, but could be translated "Always where under where."

110 - sweet! Did you get to smooze?

Nah, I am not really into their music and they didn't look all that friendly.

Thank you for all the questions, everyone! This is fun!

#519

thellama73 wrote:
bea wrote: What do you think of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia?

I actually haven't seen it yet.

What is your favorite comfort food?

Biscuits and gravy. Lots of gravy.

What was your inspiration for The Light Fantastic?

An article I read about the history, friendship and eventual feud between Cato Institute co-founders Ed Crane and Charles Koch.

What do you hope readers take away from that book?

I don't know if there is really a message to take away. I just hope they enjoy it and find it a good story.

Which writers most influence your work?

My favorite writers are Victor Hugo, Herman Melville and G. K. Chesterton. I don't know how much direct influence there is there, but they are the bar I measure myself against (and then get very depressed at how short I fall).

1) you should check it out. It's like live action South Park. But still even more awesome. Somehow. (I'm also surely over hyping it.)

2) I assume with lots of sausage? I'm just taking notes for when we meet. Because when it happens I WILL cook for you.

3) The inspiration is more than interesting.

4) there should be more purpose to your writing. I loved the story, but also - I wanted to know - in the end - what I was supposed to take away from it. I want your writing to do for me what "A Prayer for Owen Meany" did for me. I think you have the talent to do that btw.

5) I'm not asking about who you hope to be (though that is important) - I'm asking who is a modern writer you admire - and if you don't have one - find one. soon.

also - linkie!!!!!!

#520

thellama73 wrote:
bea wrote:
37: What is this "ban on bossy?" I think I already hate it for the name alone.

I have an extremely long rant on this that I don't have time to get into now. Basically, a group of celebrity women are saying the word "bossy" should be banned because it is used to belittle women and prevent them from becoming leaders. This annoys me for many reasons (the irony of bossily telling people not to call them bossy, for one) but particularly because my experience in the workplace is that women do extremely well, have an easier time finding jobs (I don't know any unemployed women) get promoted, make lots of money, and are treated with nothing but respect, and yet they still complain about oppression. When a man fails at something, it is because of a character flaw. When a woman fails at something, it is always the fault of a man.
I diss agree with lots of this - but I am too far gone to *right now* say which parts I disagree with. Most clearly.

54 - why is lo mein better than chow mein?

Because of the taste.

how is one taste different from the other? I always go rice.

57 - favorite music from 1973?

Jethro Tull - A Passion Play, Yes - Tales from Topographic Oceans, Queen's debut, Bruce Springsteen's debut, etc.

My favorite Jethro Tull is Thick as a brick. I had it in full fold out vinyl glory. It was one of the MANY losses I cried buckets over when my appartment burned to the ground.

66 - are you Ron Swanson?

I am not as manly as him, but politically we are on the same page.

68 - as in Flowers for? Also - what is your middle name?

As in Algernon Blackwood, and my middle name is Michael.

106 - Translate please?

It's stupid pun thta doesn't actually mean anything, but could be translated "Always where under where."

110 - sweet! Did you get to smooze?

Nah, I am not really into their music and they didn't look all that friendly.
Thank you for all the questions, everyone! This is fun!

\

#521

bea wrote:
1) you should check it out. It's like live action South Park. But still even more awesome. Somehow. (I'm also surely over hyping it.)

Ok!

2) I assume with lots of sausage? I'm just taking notes for when we meet. Because when it happens I WILL cook for you.

There is a delicate balance. Too much sausage and the gravy loses its essential gravy-ness. Too little and it becomes watery.

3) The inspiration is more than interesting.

4) there should be more purpose to your writing. I loved the story, but also - I wanted to know - in the end - what I was supposed to take away from it. I want your writing to do for me what "A Prayer for Owen Meany" did for me. I think you have the talent to do that btw.

The book I am working on now has a theme of personal choice over destiny. In other words, we are responsible for our own happiness by our approach to life, not our circumstances. I think to a certain extent that theme runs through all my books, including the Light Fantastic.

5) I'm not asking about who you hope to be (though that is important) - I'm asking who is a modern writer you admire - and if you don't have one - find one. soon.

I admire Neal Stephenson for his world-building abilities. That is something I wish I was better at. I admire Neil Gaiman, but more as a storyteller than as a writer. (if that distinction makes sense)

also - linkie!!!!!!

#522

that distinction does make LOTS of sense.

I still think A Prayer for Owen Meany - is a good read for you.

It is hands down, my personal "Greatest Novel of the 20th Century"

Please do me this one favor - promise me you will read it.

#523

bea wrote:that distinction does make LOTS of sense.

I still think A Prayer for Owen Meany - is a good read for you.

It is hands down, my personal "Greatest Novel of the 20th Century"

Please do me this one favor - promise me you will read it.

Okay. It may take me a while to get to it though. I have a lot of half finished books lying around I need to get through.

#524

A Prayer for Owen Meany is indeed one of the greatest American novels ever penned. The last four pages paralyzed me.

#525

Bea: In RE: Ron Swanson:

We joke that we are like Ron Swanson and Leslie Knope respectively

#526

I can see the similarities goosey -

#527

llama is up? I've been waiting for this since we started...but now I need to think about what I want to ask

So you're a writer. How did that happen? Was it something you always wanted to do?
Were you the type that always had to write something, or were you a late bloomer?
What do you like most about doing it?
Are you happy?
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
What do you think is the greatest invention of the last 200 years?
Name something that is overrated, and something that is underestimated.
If you could have any trait that you lack, which would you choose?

#528

FZ. wrote: So you're a writer. How did that happen? Was it something you always wanted to do
Not really. I was always sort of good at it, and I just sort of fell into it because people kept offering to pay me for it. I started writing novels when someone pointed me in the direction of National Novel Writing Month and I thought it would be fun to try. I've done one every year since.

Were you the type that always had to write something, or were you a late bloomer?
Definitely a late bloomer. My mom once assigned me a creative writing project as a kid, because she was worried I wouldn't know how to do it, and I plagiarized the first page of Shogun. I only started writing voluntarily in my late teens, and only started writing novels in my late twenties.

What do you like most about doing it?
I like coming up with ideas. Ideas are fun. Making those ideas into coherent books is hard, though.

Are you happy?
I have always been a generally happy person. I have my down periods, but yes, I would say that in general I am quite happy.

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
I would like freedom to be more highly valued than it is.

What do you think is the greatest invention of the last 200 years?
The greatest invention of all time is undeniably the printing press, but in the last 200 years, I guess it would have to be the internet.

Name something that is overrated, and something that is underestimated.
I think parades and fireworks displays are vastly overrated. Yodeling is underestimated. Have you ever heard such sounds of pure joy as yodeling?

If you could have any trait that you lack, which would you choose?
Why are you implying that I lack traits? Do you think so lowly of me? I guess tact would be the answer, but I think the most important trait is perspective, and I like to think I have it, at least in a small way.

#529

Why is Calvin Coolidge the best president?

#530

Epignosis wrote:Why is Calvin Coolidge the best president?

He's not. Grover Cleveland is.

#531

I would like to say thank you to FZ for very difficult and thought provoking questions, and to Mongoose for very numerous questions.

#532

What is your favorite big cat?

who is your favorite musical diva?

PBS or NPR?

Who is your favorite scientist (living)

Who is your favorite scientist (dead)

#533

Pitch each of your books to me in 140 characters or less.

#534

Mongoose wrote:What is your favorite big cat?
Ocelot (look at his tufted ears!)

who is your favorite musical diva?
Yma Sumac

PBS or NPR?
Both are horrible violations of liberty, but I guess I'll take NPR.

Who is your favorite scientist (living)
I was going to say Neil DeGrasse Tyson, but he just said that the private sector can't handle scientific research, so I am off him. This is really hard for me because I am not a science guy. Is economics a science?

Who is your favorite scientist (dead)
I have been reading a ton of Thomas Szasz lately, and while he was not strictly a scientist, he exposed the lack of science in what is widely regarded as a scientific discipline (psychiatry) so I will choose him if you will allow me.

#535

insertnamehere wrote:Pitch each of your books to me in 140 characters or less.

Pandemonium - A science fiction retelling of Paradise Lost.

Errant Heirs: a Character Study in Five Parts - Five distantly related strangers discover the are the potential heirs to a vast fortune.

On Lethean Shore - A young man discovers he is the reincarnation of a powerful wizard and is being pursued by a fanatical cult.

Yuletide Tales - A short anthology of tales for Christmastime.

The Light Fantastic - Two friends rise to wealth and power as gas-lighting entrepreneurs, but love, lies, and fame test their relationship over the years.

#536

Why do birds suddenly appear, every time that you're near? (Is it because you walk around with birdseed in your pocket?)

#537

I want to read On Lethean Shore.

Do you like progressive electronic music?

#538

thellama73 wrote:
On Lethean Shore - A young man discovers he is the reincarnation of a powerful wizard and is being pursued by a fanatical cult.

You can cults, man.

Historically, what was your favorite cult to learn about?

#539

Epignosis wrote:I want to read On Lethean Shore.

Do you like progressive electronic music?

The opening poem to On Lethean Shore is one of my favorite pieces of writing of all time.

L, can you make me a pun using the word "ocelot"?

#540

Mongoose wrote:Why do birds suddenly appear, every time that you're near? (Is it because you walk around with birdseed in your pocket?)

As far as I know, this does not happen.

Epignosis wrote:I want to read On Lethean Shore.

Do you like progressive electronic music?

Very much. Tangerine Dream, Klaus Schulze, Jean Michel-Jarre, Kraftwerk, you name it!

Mongoose wrote: Historically, what was your favorite cult to learn about?

I am fascinated by suicide cults like Heaven's Gate, because it is such a hard mindset for me to understand.

Mongoose wrote: L, can you make me a pun using the word "ocelot"?

I won't just make one, I'll make ocelot of them!

#541

If I put out an album of progressive electronic music, would you listen to it and tell me what you think?

#542

Epignosis wrote:If I put out an album of progressive electronic music, would you listen to it and tell me what you think?

Yep.

#543

thellama73 wrote:
FZ. wrote: So you're a writer. How did that happen? Was it something you always wanted to do
Not really. I was always sort of good at it, and I just sort of fell into it because people kept offering to pay me for it. I started writing novels when someone pointed me in the direction of National Novel Writing Month and I thought it would be fun to try. I've done one every year since.

Were you the type that always had to write something, or were you a late bloomer?
Definitely a late bloomer. My mom once assigned me a creative writing project as a kid, because she was worried I wouldn't know how to do it, and I plagiarized the first page of Shogun. I only started writing voluntarily in my late teens, and only started writing novels in my late twenties.

What do you like most about doing it?
I like coming up with ideas. Ideas are fun. Making those ideas into coherent books is hard, though.

Are you happy?
I have always been a generally happy person. I have my down periods, but yes, I would say that in general I am quite happy.

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
I would like freedom to be more highly valued than it is.

What do you think is the greatest invention of the last 200 years?
The greatest invention of all time is undeniably the printing press, but in the last 200 years, I guess it would have to be the internet.

Name something that is overrated, and something that is underestimated.
I think parades and fireworks displays are vastly overrated. Yodeling is underestimated. Have you ever heard such sounds of pure joy as yodeling?

If you could have any trait that you lack, which would you choose?
Why are you implying that I lack traits? Do you think so lowly of me? I guess tact would be the answer, but I think the most important trait is perspective, and I like to think I have it, at least in a small way.

Thanks for answering. I'm really enjoying reading your answers to everyone's questions. And I really envy you for being able to write. I guess I'll settle for reading. I hope to check out one of of your books one of these days.
Hey, I agree with you both on the printing press and fireworks

Yodeling, no so much

And I'm glad you liked my questions.

What type of group would you say you associated yourself with in high school? Were you an outsider or a part of the popular circles?
If you weren't a writer, what would you do? or like to do even if you're not skilled for it?
what would you like to learn that you haven't yet?
Is there a research question that you'd like to study or explore?
Who would you rather meat for lunch: Karl Marx, or Bill Gates?

Oh, and a comment about an answer you gave Bea earlier: I think women, even though they've come a long way in terms of rights, still make less money compared to men in the same position, are far less likely to be in high ranks and management positions in almost all fields, even though they constitute at least 50% of the population, so saying there's been progress is one thing, but saying we've reached equality in opportunities and rights is another, and is sadly wrong.
Just wanted to throw my two cents.

#544

FZ. wrote: What type of group would you say you associated yourself with in high school? Were you an outsider or a part of the popular circles?
I didn't go to high school, but I was a pretty introverted kid. I had a few friends but mostly kept to myself or hung out with my sister.

If you weren't a writer, what would you do? or like to do even if you're not skilled for it?
I tried to be a composer for a while. I would have liked to do that, because music is great.

what would you like to learn that you haven't yet?
God, everything. Chemistry, about fifty languages, architecture, painting, botany, medicine, and on and on.

Is there a research question that you'd like to study or explore?
Not really. As an economist, I have done a lot of this sort of thing and the conclusion it has led me to is to be skeptical of empiricism.

Who would you rather meat for lunch: Karl Marx, or Bill Gates?
I am going to take your typo literally and say I would eat Karl Marx, because Communism is my most hated thing in the whole world.

Oh, and a comment about an answer you gave Bea earlier: I think women, even though they've come a long way in terms of rights, still make less money compared to men in the same position, are far less likely to be in high ranks and management positions in almost all fields, even though they constitute at least 50% of the population, so saying there's been progress is one thing, but saying we've reached equality in opportunities and rights is another, and is sadly wrong.
Just wanted to throw my two cents.
That's fine. I disagree. There are still people who discriminate against women, true, but there are also people who discriminate against men, or white people, or Americans. No one is ever going to be totally free from prejudice. The "women make less than men for doing the same job" is a bogus statistic, just drawn from comparing the average wages of men and women, which says nothing about "the same job." There may be reasons other than discrimination that fewer women are in management positions. I think it is wrong to assume discrimination without evidence.

It's important to acknowledge that there are areas where women have vast institutional advantages over men as well. Women are given child custody by default, even if they are the worse parent. Women are able to falsely accuse men of rape, ruining the man's life, often without consequence to themselves. Women are able to terminate men's children without consulting them. Women host panel discussions called "Are Men Necessary" to everyone's amusement (can you imagine "Are Women Necessary?" "Are Jews Necessary?" "Are Blacks Necessary?") So equal treatment goes both ways.

None of this has anything to do with "rights," by the way.

#545

thellama73 wrote:
FZ. wrote: What type of group would you say you associated yourself with in high school? Were you an outsider or a part of the popular circles?
I didn't go to high school, but I was a pretty introverted kid. I had a few friends but mostly kept to myself or hung out with my sister.

If you weren't a writer, what would you do? or like to do even if you're not skilled for it?
I tried to be a composer for a while. I would have liked to do that, because music is great.

what would you like to learn that you haven't yet?
God, everything. Chemistry, about fifty languages, architecture, painting, botany, medicine, and on and on.

Is there a research question that you'd like to study or explore?
Not really. As an economist, I have done a lot of this sort of thing and the conclusion it has led me to is to be skeptical of empiricism.

Who would you rather meat for lunch: Karl Marx, or Bill Gates?
I am going to take your typo literally and say I would eat Karl Marx, because Communism is my most hated thing in the whole world.

Oh, and a comment about an answer you gave Bea earlier: I think women, even though they've come a long way in terms of rights, still make less money compared to men in the same position, are far less likely to be in high ranks and management positions in almost all fields, even though they constitute at least 50% of the population, so saying there's been progress is one thing, but saying we've reached equality in opportunities and rights is another, and is sadly wrong.
Just wanted to throw my two cents.
That's fine. I disagree. There are still people who discriminate against women, true, but there are also people who discriminate against men, or white people, or Americans. No one is ever going to be totally free from prejudice. The "women make less than men for doing the same job" is a bogus statistic, just drawn from comparing the average wages of men and women, which says nothing about "the same job." There may be reasons other than discrimination that fewer women are in management positions. I think it is wrong to assume discrimination without evidence.

It's important to acknowledge that there are areas where women have vast institutional advantages over men as well. Women are given child custody by default, even if they are the worse parent. Women are able to falsely accuse men of rape, ruining the man's life, often without consequence to themselves. Women are able to terminate men's children without consulting them. Women host panel discussions called "Are Men Necessary" to everyone's amusement (can you imagine "Are Women Necessary?" "Are Jews Necessary?" "Are Blacks Necessary?") So equal treatment goes both ways.

None of this has anything to do with "rights," by the way.

1. Were you home schooled? Would you do that again if you had the choice (assuming you didn't, back then)?
2. Skeptical of empiricism? hmm, so what would you use instead?
3. Haha, to my typo. Sorry. Why would you eat something you hate?

4. The wrongs that you mentioned don't justify the wrongs I mentioned. I disagree that it's not based on evidence, but since you're skeptical of empiricism, I can't use that kind of evidence...But basically, if you have a man and a woman in the same position and one makes 2/3 of the other, I'd say that qualifies as injustice and prejudice. And again, the fact that there is prejudice elsewhere doesn't diminish anything, nor does the fact that women have advantage over man in all the aspects you mentioned. If anything, it stems from the same problem of how women are treated and perceived. If that changes, I assume so will the things you mentioned, that I agree, suck.

#546

FZ. wrote: 1. Were you home schooled? Would you do that again if you had the choice (assuming you didn't, back then)?
Yep! I did have the choice, and would absolutely do it again. It was awesome.

2. Skeptical of empiricism? hmm, so what would you use instead?
Logic. Observation is of course necessary as well, but the way statistical models are used are very easily manipulated to get the result you want.

3. Haha, to my typo. Sorry. Why would you eat something you hate?
So that he would not be around any more to spread his ideas.

4. But basically, if you have a man and a woman in the same position and one makes 2/3 of the other, I'd say that qualifies as injustice and prejudice.
But that 2/3rds number isn't true, and even if it were, it depends on what you mean by "the same position." There are many factors that influence pay. If the man asks for a raise and gets it because he asked, and the woman doesn't ask for a raise and doesn't receive one, is that prejudice? I don't think so. If the woman and the man have the same job title, but one does a better job than the other, is it unjust to pay them differently? I don't think so. If they have the same job title, but one has expressed the desire to quit work and raise a family, is it unjust for the employer to pay less for an investment that won't be as likely to pay off? I don't think so. The truth is we don't know the specifics of these situations, and we don't know the reasons behind pay differences.

#547

thellama73 wrote:
FZ. wrote: 1. Were you home schooled? Would you do that again if you had the choice (assuming you didn't, back then)?
Yep! I did have the choice, and would absolutely do it again. It was awesome.
I wish we could do that with our kids. At least one of us would have to quite working, and none of us really want to do that, and mostly, I don't trust myself to give my kids everything they need to know. But I truly admire those who do (and do it well)

2. Skeptical of empiricism? hmm, so what would you use instead?
Logic. Observation is of course necessary as well, but the way statistical models are used are very easily manipulated to get the result you want.
While that may be true, it's still the best option we have, in my opinion. Probably like democracy, monogamy etc' ...
3. Haha, to my typo. Sorry. Why would you eat something you hate?
So that he would not be around any more to spread his ideas.
Well, I actually would like to meet him, so if you find him, let me know before you eat him.

4. But basically, if you have a man and a woman in the same position and one makes 2/3 of the other, I'd say that qualifies as injustice and prejudice.
But that 2/3rds number isn't true, and even if it were, it depends on what you mean by "the same position." There are many factors that influence pay. If the man asks for a raise and gets it because he asked, and the woman doesn't ask for a raise and doesn't receive one, is that prejudice? I don't think so. If the woman and the man have the same job title, but one does a better job than the other, is it unjust to pay them differently? I don't think so. If they have the same job title, but one has expressed the desire to quit work and raise a family, is it unjust for the employer to pay less for an investment that won't be as likely to pay off? I don't think so. The truth is we don't know the specifics of these situations, and we don't know the reasons behind pay differences.
A. I disagree on the numbers being wrong, but I see no point in arguing about this any further, because we won't settle it.
B. All men that make more than women, are just better at their jobs. Sure.
C. While I agree that if a men asks for a raise and gets it and a women who doesn't, doesn't get it, it's not prejudice, I think the deeper, culturally important question is why do more men ask for a raise and women don't. If it's because they fear the consequences, that's a problem. Moreover, just because women didn't ask to have the right to vote back when they couldn't, didn't make it right, just as it wasn't right for minorities to not have the same opportunities as whites.
D. Since men can't get pregnant yet, it will always be the women who will be the more "risky" investment. But if we expect human kind to have continuity and families to grow, we have to give women the same opportunities and benefits we give men, more so, since women are already paying a higher personal price in their careers for being those who give birth.

Sorry for dragging this discussion. Feel free to stop me anytime you want

#548

FZ. wrote: A. I disagree on the numbers being wrong, but I see no point in arguing about this any further, because we won't settle it.
Why do you disagree about the numbers? Is it because you have researched it and know how the number is calculated? Because I have and I do.

B. All men that make more than women, are just better at their jobs. Sure.
That is not remotely what I said, and you know it.

C. While I agree that if a men asks for a raise and gets it and a women who doesn't, doesn't get it, it's not prejudice, I think the deeper, culturally important question is why do more men ask for a raise and women don't. If it's because they fear the consequences, that's a problem. Moreover, just because women didn't ask to have the right to vote back when they couldn't, didn't make it right, just as it wasn't right for minorities to not have the same opportunities as whites.
I agree with your last sentence. The rest of your post is speculation. Why would you assume that women are afraid to ask for a raise? (or more importantly, legitimately afraid. If they are afraid for no reason, that is not discrimination.)

D. Since men can't get pregnant yet, it will always be the women who will be the more "risky" investment. But if we expect human kind to have continuity and families to grow, we have to give women the same opportunities and benefits we give men, more so, since women are already paying a higher personal price in their careers for being those who give birth.
I completely agree that women should have the same opportunities and benefits as men. I am not disputing that. I am disputing bad math and bad statistics that casts women in the role of perpetual victims when we don't actually have much evidence for that being the case.

#549

thellama73 wrote:
FZ. wrote: A. I disagree on the numbers being wrong, but I see no point in arguing about this any further, because we won't settle it.
Why do you disagree about the numbers? Is it because you have researched it and know how the number is calculated? Because I have and I do.
No, I didn't calculate the exact numbers, and when I disagreed it wasn't about the exact numbers, but about the general idea. What I do have are court cases and verdicts given regarding incidents of that nature (that are true for where I live). For example, a woman and a man, both working in a big department store, both in the same position, working the same hours and the woman was making 70% (a little more than two thirds) of what the man was. Now we get back to the question of what each of them was asking when they made their negotiations for a personal working contract. While the woman actually only asked for 3500, the man asked for 6000 and got 5000. So we address the first question of why did she ask half of what he did. If you don't see that as stemming from a cultural problem, I don't really know what to tell you. If you are your cultural socialization is consistently planting the seeds of you being the worst choice for a job (you'll leave to have babies, you'll leave early when your kids are sick, you're not as qualified because you don't put as many hours as men, etc'), you either don't think you deserve that much, or you fear you won't get the job if you ask for that money.
In that specific case, the woman actually found out that the man was making more than her and went to the boss to ask them to equate her salary. She was naturally declined because of the terms of the starting negotiation. This is just one example. There are so many more, and lots of them, with the gaps existing for different reasons. Those are the ones that reached the court. I assume there are a lot more that don't because women aren't even aware.

B. All men that make more than women, are just better at their jobs. Sure.
That is not remotely what I said, and you know it.
I do know

C. While I agree that if a men asks for a raise and gets it and a women who doesn't, doesn't get it, it's not prejudice, I think the deeper, culturally important question is why do more men ask for a raise and women don't. If it's because they fear the consequences, that's a problem. Moreover, just because women didn't ask to have the right to vote back when they couldn't, didn't make it right, just as it wasn't right for minorities to not have the same opportunities as whites.
I agree with your last sentence. The rest of your post is speculation. Why would you assume that women are afraid to ask for a raise? (or more importantly, legitimately afraid. If they are afraid for no reason, that is not discrimination.)

D. Since men can't get pregnant yet, it will always be the women who will be the more "risky" investment. But if we expect human kind to have continuity and families to grow, we have to give women the same opportunities and benefits we give men, more so, since women are already paying a higher personal price in their careers for being those who give birth.
I completely agree that women should have the same opportunities and benefits as men. I am not disputing that. I am disputing bad math and bad statistics that casts women in the role of perpetual victims when we don't actually have much evidence for that being the case.

#550

I hope you are not offended by anything I posted, FZ. I really do like and respect you, and I simply enjoy spirited debate.