The Herald: May 2008 Edition

[The Herald]

[The Herald]

This month we see a change of staff, unfortunately, due to real life issues Pandora, our beloved GMod has decided to leave her staff position. Please wish her all the best with her career and for those who wish to see the reason in her own words, please go here.

Another change to SSD this month is the rework of our Forum Policy. New is a relative term as little has been changed, but the staff feel this shows more how we judge what punishment to employ as well as making things clearer when it comes to what we expect when it comes to behaviour, for both members and staff alike.

We have introduced the literature exercises to the website too, so that our budding writers have more exposure for their practice sessions. You can view the literature exercises here.

Also, joining the Herald team are Infinite, Sev, Obsidian, Saknika, Dalton and Maggie. Please welcome them to the team if you haven't already.

[The Herald]

May begins with the sun in the sign of Taurus and ends in the sign of Gemini. Astronomically speaking, the sun begins in the constellation of Aries and ends in the constellation of Taurus.

The month may have been named for the Greek goddess Maia, who was identified with the Roman era goddess of fertility, Bona Dea, whose festival was held in May.

And this month, we have two birthday babies!

Saknika will be turning 19 on 15th, while Kay will be turning 18 on the 26th.

Congratulations, you two!

Source: Wikipedia

Stinky666 submits a lot of renders to our database, each and every one of awesome quality and they are all usable in one way or another. Every now and again though, one really jumps out at me. That's what Render Pack 17 did.

It has been given the SSD reccomended accolade so you know it's pretty slick and on top of that I thought it great enough to gain this feature too.

With a unique and interesting shape and great use of opacity this render would look great on a signature as part of a background, even on it's own with a little post-work brushing in Photoshop.

It's a .png file too so great image quality and easy to work with.

Congratulations on another feature.

Gadgetguy606 wins this months photograph of the month with Watch Downhill Speed. Whereas some may debate my decision, I'll be sticking to it. This photo has vibrant colors and ever sports a classic car off to the side. Full-view is a must, and you'll almost feel like you're standing off to the side of the car looking out over the beautiful sky yourself.

Congratulations, GG. Your photography is really improving, and it's impressive. This photograph proves it. I'd love to see more.

This month, our winner is Gadgetguy606, with his winning submission, Graphic Design for Earth Day.

This is a very pleasant poster, and I think that you did a great job with blending everything in. The text in the upper left hand corner needs to be more visible, perhaps color it differently? The effect on the balloon is magnificent. Entrancing, even. Congratulations, and I hope to see more like this from you!


Our first runner up is Stinky666 with his submission, dA ID.

This is such a nice piece, and it contrasts very nicely from white to green. I can't really suggest much more for you, but I commend you nonetheless!

Our second runner up is pandora, with her entry, No Regrets: a self portrait.

You really have an artistic talent, Barbie. She does have your face. I'd suggest making the girl thinner, and perhaps making a little more background. Très Bien!!!


I hope you liked the selection for this month, submit more images so we can have another winner next month!

It doesn't feel right. There's a bad atmosphere, you know? A bad vibe. Something's wrong with this plan. I mean, he's your dad and all, but he's also your dad... Look at all the insane stuff he's done in the past! Putting you into danger and trying to brainwash me! I just don't trust him. Hey, that water looks good; pass it over here. OH @#$%ING $#&^!! IT'S A TRAP!!

... 'nuff said. Good job, Christian/Nexxia/R3gre7/Mr. Shnookums.

So sinful. So vicious. So wicked. So wrong. So demented. So immoral. So iniquitous. So peccant. So reprobate. So disturbingly... evil. Why can't I stop watching this inane loop?! What song is that feverish stuffed cat playing?! Why is that midget-sized mouse having a seizure on the curb as if he took some bad drugs from his best friend Shanky?! Why do you leave these questions unanswered, forcing our own minds to perceive what is being displayed in so many horrible interpretations that ultimately don't make sense?!

Because you're Maggie. Congratulations!


Tune in next month for more! ;]

[The Herald]

A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow.
- William Shakespeare

However much we guard ourselves against it, we tend to shape ourselves in the image others have of us. It is not so much the example of others we imitate, as the reflection of ourselves in their eyes and the echo of ourselves in their words.
- Eric Hoffer

We've got this gift of love, but love is like a precious plant. You can't just accept it and leave it in the cupboard or just think it's going to get on by itself. You've got to keep watering it. You've got to really look after it and nurture it.
- John Lennon

The worst thing about new books is that they keep us from reading the old ones.
- Joseph Joubert

Reading makes a full man, meditation a profound man, discourse a clear man.
- Benjamin Franklin

When he who hears does not know what he who speaks means, and when he who speaks does not know what he himself means, that is philosophy.
- Voltaire

After all, most writing is done away from the typewriter, away from the desk. I'd say it occurs in the quiet, silent moments, while you're walking or shaving or playing a game, or whatever, or even talking to someone you're not vitally interested in.
- Henry Miller

We should so provide for old age that it may have no urgent wants of this world to absorb it from meditation on the next. It is awful to see the lean hands of dotage making a coffer of the grave.
- Edward G. Bulwer-Lytton

To be seventy years old is like climbing the Alps. You reach a snow-crowned summit, and see behind you the deep valley stretching miles and miles away, and before you other summits higher and whiter, which you may have strength to climb, or may not. Then you sit down and meditate and wonder which it will be.
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Young people are fitter to invent than to judge; fitter for execution than for counsel; and more fit for new projects than for settled business.
- Francis Bacon

Young men are apt to think themselves wise enough, as drunken men are apt to think themselves sober enough.
- Lord Chesterfield

[The Herald]

"So long and thanks for all the fish!"

I had been wanting to make this the movie of the month for a long while. For the uninformed, this is a Douglas Adam book adaptation of the same name. For the informed, this is still a Douglas Adam book adaptation of the same name.

When I watched the movie for the first time, I thought I was onto the wrong show. The beginning was something I never expected. Granted I dived right into the show without really knowing the plot (me being simply attracted by the title), the starting scenes was beyond anything within my realms of expectations.

Though, that now proved to be the most memorable scenes for me; the dolphins' chorus still echoes in my mind, after some three years.

After the opening scenes, slowly the show brings you into a whole new world, with objects and things that violates all strands of sensibility and logic. After all, which door in your world sighs when you push open it?

Couple that with an immensely melancholic and depressed robot, and the film would quickly get you laughing at its quirky reality, where mice are more intelligent than humans, where the galaxy is really a cruelly kind place (Yes, feed on that irony for a bit).

I like the film for the creativity- for the virgins you would never know what would happen next. It often wrecks your expectations and pushes you further, willing you to stretch your imagination to come up with the next absurd situation, only to be beaten again by the ingenuity of the author.

For the folks out there who haven't watched this show, I suggest you do, and be amused by this film. And remember, you can miss what everyone say or do, except Marvin.

Simply because he can't freeze; he isn't a refrigerator.

[The Herald]

A Small Trip Around the World is updating its layout with each new edition of The Herald. If you have a suggestion for the layout of this article, please send a message to Sirius Wolfsbane. If you have any other questions or comments about this article, use the previously mentioned link and title your message "ASTATW Question / Comment"



Wesley Snipes gets 3 years
Thursday, April 24


Image courtesy of cnn.com

OCALA, Florida – On Thursday, Wesley Snipes was sentenced to three years in prison due to tax evasion. The law in the United States is clear regarding tax evasion and the IRS is not afraid to send people to prison, even celebrities. Snipes’ attorneys are appealing the decision. They said he should have simply received probation or placed under house arrest.

Click here to read the full article

Olympic Games violence
Friday, April 25


Image courtesy of cnn.com

BEIJING, China – The head of Interpol warned that the summer Olympic Games, which are being held in China, are at risk for a large amount of “large attack plots.” The secretary-general of Interpol released a report stating many attack plots have been thwarted in China recently, including a plan to bring down an airliner and the many protests concerning the Olympic torch. Interpol believes that these violent groups will continue their protests at the actual Olympic Games.

Click here to read the full article

[The Herald]

Don’t you love the feeling that travels up and down your spine when you walk into the local bookstore, boredom etched across your face, when you find that sole book that seems of some interest? The feeling you receive when you walk into the checkout line, the unknown novel and some cash in your hand, and pay for the mysterious book. The feeling when you finish the book, hoping and wishing there was more.

That’s what I got with Cormac McCarthy’s “The Road.”

Not having heard of this author and only having the background that was provided on the back of the book, I was a little worried about purchasing this book. But, two days later when I was finished, I was really glad that I was.

“The Road” is the story of a world none of us should never have to know. A boy and his father are trying to survive in a world that has consumed and destroyed itself. The cities are empty, the people are gone, and the entire planet is covered with ash. You can’t see the sun, the stars, or the moon. Nothing.

And all you have is yourself.

Surviving is the new way of life. Only the strong will survive. Your entire goal is to find food, find shelter, and when the bad guys come, when the guys that plan to eat you come, is to hide.

This boy and his father do this every day for the rest of their lives.

And right what I told you is basically the entire story. There isn’t much at all to say about it. The best advice I can give you is to go out to your local bookstore or library and pick up a copy. I guarantee you you’re going to love it.

Now, as seen on the back of the book:

A father and his son walk alone through burned America. Nothing moves in the ravaged landscape save the ash on the wind. It is cold enough to crack stones, and when the snow falls it is gray. The sky is dark. Their destination is the coast, although they don’t know what, if anything, awaits them there. They have nothing; just a pistol to defend themselves against the lawless bands that stalk the road, the clothes they are wearing, a cart of scavenged food - and each other.

The Road is the profoundly moving story of a journey. It boldly imagines a future in which no hope remains, but in which the father and his sone, “each the other’s entire world,” are sustained by love. Awesome in the totality of its vision, The Road is an unflinching mediation on the worst and the best that we are capable of: ultimate destructiveness, desperate tenacity, and the tenderness that keeps two people alove in the face of total devastation.

[The Herald]

Justin Timberlake - Future Sex / Love Sounds

Future Sex / Love Sounds is the second studio album from Justin Timberlake, formerly of 'N Sync. The album features such hit singles as 'SexyBack', 'What Goes Around... Comes Around', and 'LoveStoned'. Future Sex / Love Sounds is also Timberlake's first album to include a Parental Advisory label.

The first single from the album, 'SexyBack', sounds like it should come from 10 years in the future, and it has a tune you won’t easily forget. 'My love' is an instant pop classic with a totally unique sound, and it is practically impossible not to like. 'LoveStoned' and ‘What Goes Around… Comes Around’ are two solid pop songs that you can enjoy over and over again. 'Chop Me Up' is also an enjoyable song that has a more urban feel to it, featuring Timbaland and Three 6 Mafia. Also at the rear end of the album is 'Losing My Way', which is a calm groove polished off nicely with the help of The Love Fellowship Choir. The UK bonus track 'Pose' ends the album on a rather funky note, featuring Snoop Dogg and even including the riff from 'Like I Love You' at 00:57, which is a nice touch.

Selling 9 Million copies worldwide, Future Sex / Love Sounds is a master class in modern pop music that demonstrates Timberlake successfully mixing pop and R&B together to create a unique collection of modern tunes. I would recommend this album to anyone, so if you haven’t already done so, have a listen!

[The Herald]

Background Information.
Tom Clancy hands out another game based around his military fiction. Rainbow Six has been around for quite some time predating Splinter Cell and Ghost Recon. The latest two Rainbow Six game have been based in a Vegas setting with everything from back roads to strip clubs. If you have played the first Vegas you’ll notice some similarities with the story lines. Vegas two is actually you playing through your mission as the first Vegas was happening. You’re playing the same timeline just different objectives and a new team.

Graphics and Audio [5/5]
Visually this is a nice game. Through the grapevine it’s said to be a bit lacking in the high def department. Some images become blocky and just look very dated. But if you don’t mind playing in 720p then you shouldn’t have an issue with the great art direction. Just about every element is made better from the first Vegas. Lighting is more unique, audio has a crisper sound to it, and generally all textures are fitting for their surroundings.

Game Play [4/5]
Single Player: Story was very short. Like 10 or so hours short. Story line however is decent. Some explosions and a few twists. A generic story, that doesn’t answer a lot of questions that were left open from Vegas One.

System-link Multiplayer: Playing the story with a friend is just better in any game period. AI is not always the best in these games, though each game that comes out advances a little bit making it more real and a little more enjoyable. There is still the occasional instance where both the enemy AI and your teammate choose to give up on war and not fire a shot at each other.

Online Multiplayer: Also generic. It was designed for MLG so it’s considered more on the professional side of FPS Gaming. In reference its nothing compared to CoD 4 so if you already have CoD and want something better, you may want to look elsewhere.


Replay Value [4/5]
The only way I can see you replaying this is to either rank in single player or if you just really like playing games a few times through. The ranking unlocks different items to customize your character. Then again most games these days don’t have much else outside of the multiplayer that is replay quality. The story is the same. A neat thing about this title is that the enemies are simi-randomly place in the maps so each time you play they could be in a completely different area than before. Another great factor is that at any time in your campaign you can have a friend jump in to play with you.

All in all Rainbow Six Vegas Two is a game most people will enjoy if they like FPS. The customization and instant ability to have a friend hop are great ways to get non fans into the series. Learning curve is nothing unmanageable. Just don’t get to use to the controls and hop into a Halo or CoD match right away.

[The Herald]

Title: Madden NFL 09
Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, PlayStation 2, Nintendo DS, PlayStation Portable
Release: United States is August 12, 2008 and the United Kingdom is on August 15, 2008
Cost: Right now, the only set cost is $89. But that is for the 20th Anniversary Collector’s Edition which is only being released for the 360 and PS3. It comes with NFL Head Coach 09, exclusive classic Madden gameplay, and other interesting Madden content. I'd expect Madden 09, when released to be around $60.

    It's the 20th Year Anniversary of the game, and on this very special cover is a very special guy, the retired Brett Farve. Maybe this will put an end to the "Madden Curse" who really knows. But, I do know the Farve could care less about this honor.

Moving on. I will begin with what I think most people care about and that is the online features of this game. Much like Game Battles there are now online leagues you can join. You can 32 of your fellow gamers can create a fantasy league online and play a full fledged season with drafts, trades, and more. This all concludes with the grand finale, the Super Bowl.

As expected, the graphics have been revamped and the realistic atmosphere improved. There are new player, lighting, and stadium models. There is a new weather particle system as well as user controlled celebration dances. That should be interesting. I might pull a Joe Horn, retrieve my cell phone from behind the goal post and call my mom. But, I probably wouldn't be able to afford the fine he got. And, if thats not enough, there are new commentators! You don't have to listen to that boring Larry O'Brien anymore. Now, Cris Collinsworth and Tom Hammond from the NFL Network have come to grace us with their presence.

Something I found fascinating is how the snow that falls on the field accumulates over time. There is also said to be redesigned grass. Don't know what that means. Maybe as the game progresses the grass decays? Don't know exactly what they did to enhance it. There will also be exterior stadium views.

Here's another neat feature for you. Have you ever found it difficult to gauge your skill in Madden? Well, with the new Madden IQ addition, it calculates what the IQ of the AI should be. It does this by sending you the player through 12 various drills and grades you on them. It then uses those scores when deciding what the IQ should be. So, if you fail them all, the game should be pretty easy.

Moreover, the brand new Total Control Animations allows for amazing combination moves never seen before. There is even an innovative picture-in-picture playcall window just like on T.V. very snazzy.

There is still a lot more information to come out about this game. Including a whopping list of 85 features that are packed into this game. Its sure going to be a great season.

[The Herald]

Xbox 360 - The 'Hidden' Cost

On the surface of things, the PS3 is more expensive than the Xbox 360. However take into account the 'hidden' cost of the essential extras you'll have to buy with one (i.e. the things that come included with the price of a PS3) and you'll see that the 360 is actually more expensive than the PS3.

1. Wireless pad - If you buy the Xbox 360 core package you won't even get a wireless controller, which is slowly, becoming the next-gen benchmark. You'll be stuck with a last-gen wired pad. Unless, of course, you fork out $49.99 for something the PS3 has as standard.

2. Play and charge kit - It's easy to charge the PS3 sixaxis controller via a simple USB cable that comes bundled with the PS3 (that's expected though isn't it? It's just a cable) No such luck with the 360. You have to pay $19.99 if you want to charge up the 360's control pad

3. Wireless internet adapter - Want to go wireless online? You can, if you pay up. Unlike the PS3 (again it comes as standard with the PS3), the 360 requires an internet wireless adapter which costs a steep $99.99.

4. HD-DVD Drive - The 360 is supporting a HD-disc format that is losing the 'HD war' and you won't even be able to play movies out of the box. A HD-DVD player for the 360 will cost a massive $199.99. Fancy shelling out that much on-top of what you have already paid?

Totals:
Here is what you get when you add the above extras to the 360's RRP. Remember, the PS3 comes with all the above as standard

360 Premium Package = $349.99

360 Elite Package = $449.99

PS3 40GB = $399.99

*All prices correct as of 20 April 08*

[The Herald]

There's something I've always liked about packaging, something that makes me cringe if it is torn or something is spilled on it, with stationary especially. So when I found a section on deviantArt devoted to packaging you could say I was pleasently surprised.

It's certainly not the type of thing you think would be art, not unless you really think about it, most of the time we just rip it off to get to the goodies inside. But thought and creativity go into these bits of card, and where there is thought and creativity, there is art.



You can find the packaging section on deviantArt here.

[The Herald]

For this month's artist spotlight I have chosen Slip, a well established interface designer of ProBoards templates and admin of several forums.

---

Name: Slip (Kingshuk)
Age: 24
Sex: Male
Location: India
Website: State of Sound
Hobbies: DJing, Creative writing, debating, Web Design, Amateur Astronomy, Reading up on world history

How did you find ProBoards and why did you stick around?

It was late in 2005 that I was hunting for websites for the TV show, Charmed - thats when I discovered the Charmed Cafe forum on Proboards. I totally fell in love with the concept of a Proboard forum and in time got a gang of people together and started my very own General forum: the now-defunct LLAMA. It lasted about a year and then I hit Studio Zero. Thats what made me stick on for good. Then of course I started designing by late 2006.

You're getting a name for yourself with your slick ProBoards templates, what made you start designing interfaces?

I have always liked neatness which led to my love of glass which led to my love of polish and sleekness which led to my love of slick web templates/interfaces. I am gradually moving beyond sleek and branching into other types of web design including vector, retro, grunge and of course dark techy interfaces.

I wonder if this love for neatness goes elsewhere. Do you practice any other form of art other than interface design?

Well... I've been doing some photo-manipulation but none that I'd like to show anyone else - cos I tend to totally dig designing web templates and so I rarely want to make anything else. But yes surrealism and photo-manipulation and vector design - these are things that interest me. I love the stuff made by artists such as Oracle, Eternity, and Smangii.

It would be nice to see your work sometime.

Have you had any formal training for your art?

Never. I used to draw and paint a lot as a kid and in junior and middle school. But I kinda lost touch with it I guess. I started messing around with Photoshop 7 in late 2006 and thats where it all started.

Do you see yourself taking your interest any further? Maybe by doing a course at college/university as you haven't had any formal training?

I'd love to do a masters-level course in graphics design. Although designing is not even remotely related to my field of study: Biotechnology and Immunology (in which I am aiming to start a PhD soon), I'd love to do a design course as well, a bit later perhaps.

That sounds very intense! Tell us a little bit about the man outside of the internet, what do you do when you aren't online and studying biotechnology?

I love talking. Seriously, I am like that guy who chats incessantly all the time everyday! I love hanging out with my friends a lot - I just make friends very easily And I totally love music - all genres almost - Rap, R&B, Pop, Alternative, Rock, Country, Trance, House...

And just for fun, please tell us your favourite...
- Movie(s): A Walk To Remember, Good Will Hunting, The Shawshank Redemption, The Hours, Atonement, Star Wars
- Colour: Blue
- Book: "The Fountainhead" by Ayn Rand
- Artist/Band (Music): three-way tie between Green Day, Shania Twain, and Armin van Buuren
- Artist (Art): Jimmy Bjorkman (interfaces) and Smangii (vector)
- Author: Agatha Christie
- Genre of Music: its a tie between Electronica/Dance and Alternative Rock
- Food: Fish & Chips

Thank you for being our artist in the spotlight Slip!

[The Herald]

Name: Blinksys
Age: 17
Interests: Karate, Building PCs, PC Gaming, Game Design (Yeah I fit the nerd category perfectly)
Website/Portfolio: Currently I don't have an online portfolio. However, I did upload a game I made a long time ago. It's a lot like a tamagotchi - take a look. The Living Dot. I have oodles of Vb.net games like this lying around, this is my favorite to show off.

When did you first get involved with the coding scene? What or who influenced you to join in?
Way back in early grade school I used to play paper and pencil games with my friends. So when we saw a "Learn To Program Basic" application that advertised allowing you to program games we went berserk. We thought our paper games could be made to work on the computer (it wasn't that simple though). We all chipped in and bought it, I ended up being the only one who used it. I have been programming ever since.

That is a very neat story of when you first learned to code! Did you encounter any difficulties at first? What did you do to overcome them?
I aimed really high and much of what I wanted simple wasn't possible with my skill level. Pretty much every language I've ever used has so many annoying little things that bother me.

Talk to us about Enalia. Whats it about? What features did you code for it and how do they work? Enalia is a Macronation and a roleplay. Basically the forum represents a real place (Enalia) and it's run entirely by the members (aka Democracy).

The main feature I coded for it is the miniprofile. I don't do Proboards codes much so it took quite a bit of trial and error. What I was able to do though is create a rank based off of the post count and the karma (called social status), which people really seem to enjoy.

What languages do you know? Are there any others you are currently learning or would like too?
Once you've learned the concepts of coding you don't really "learn" languages anymore. In school I was shown turing and it was just a matter of looking up syntax. That said these are the languages I'm most fluent in: Java, VB.net, Javascript, PHP, Darkbasic

Recently I just started learning C#. It's a lot like VB.net and is really quite nice for making applications.

One thing I noticed with you is you tend to code applications rather than scripts people would use on their Proboard. Is there a reason? Do you find them more interesting and fun to code?
Yea, I prefer them because that's what it's going to be in the business world. If I ever want to make money I'll need to create distributable products. I also just love to create games, something that goes beyond Proboard hacks.

The PokerRoom is a great example of this. It was supposed to be an applet that plugs into proboards and allows the members to play poker online together. Sadly, I still haven't gotten the networking code working properly.

Yeah, the PokerRoom was a great idea. Any coders around the Proboards scene you like or have helped you?
Wrighty is a good guy and great coder, Kahless and Aaron from wA have both helped me code proboards and are fine coders.

And don't forget iAlex, this guy shows up out of nowhere all the time with great new codes. I can't even guess how many forums he's at.

Not a bad list right there. All of them are great coders. Could you possibly pursue this hobby in the future? If not, what do you want to be?
Just recently I was accepted into university for a bachelor in computing so it's pretty much settled now XD. Even if I don't get a job specifically in programming it's a great hobby to get into.

Have any advice to offer to people interested in getting into coding? Is it better than designing?
In terms of proboards I like designing much more. But once you take coding to a certain level it opens up worlds, especially if you enjoy making games.

For people getting started my advice is to find someone in real life who can help you out and offer and advice. So many times I would of loved to have such a person.

If you could live on any planet, which would you choose and why?
Etruox Prime. They only have a population of about 49,000
and most of them are incredibly smart. Plus it never snows.

What do you want to be written on your gravestone?
I'm still alive, you know.

haha, thank you for your time Blink.
Thank you!

[The Herald]

KAZARACT.

"Thanks for leaving yourself open to decapitation my friend"


Well we have a treat for you today. I suggest you run. Fast. You'll die of the horror where the spotlight hits this month. Meet Kazaract, a very popular "deviator" on deviantArt.

Check out his page.

kazaract.deviantart.com/

Check out his msn.

[e-mail]

Check out his style.

"My soul has lost hope
these eyes no longer see,
my heart cannot cope
with you so far from me."

Kazaract has had alot of publicity on dA lately, and is one of the best writers I have ever met. One thing about his literature is that it's basically evil. He has written some happy poems but I tell you, emo slice-slice doesn't compare to his macabre. It is a style that only certain people can master, and one that only one could dare utilize. And that one is right here, and we get to get inside his head . . . .

Q:So? Tell me. What made you begin writing?

A:I needed a way to vent out my feelings, I've been alone all my life so I've never really had anyone to talk to.

Q:What inspired you to write such gory literature? Alot of people like it.

A:Lonliness creates, at times, an ill mind. I have come to grow sick of humanity in general. Specifically those people who choose lust over love and break people's hearts for their own pleasure.

Q:Well said. Do you think you draw any of your content from real life experiences?

A:Well, unfortunately, the majority of my content, the sadistic and depressing comes from my own life and past. I've had to deal with a person I truly loved dieing as well. That spurred the flood of depression.

Q:That's understandable. Tell me, what is it like being a writer that is held in such high esteem?

A:I honestly never much cared if i were to become popular or not from it, I figure as long as my writing can entertain to some degree, it's good enough. Though I have to admit it's not so bad having people like it so much either. If nothing else, I might be remembered for my writing. . . .

Q:When did you start writing?

A:My first poems started to come out steadily around the 6th grade actually.

Q:Really? Were they so much death and violence then as they are now?

A:There was at first less violence, but the death was still there. Though, it wasn't morbid. Somewhat like as if I were a soldier, just doing my job.

Q:Do any other writers inspire you as well as your life experiences?

A:Well I do have a liking to Edgar Allen Poe, but aside from him, I've never much read on other people's poetry.

Q:Except mine, of course . I agree, E.A.P. was an excellent writer. Do you like to write in a specific area? One that brings the flow of literature to your pen, or do you like to write anywhere?

A:Well I didn't mean friends in that one . I like to write mostly directly to my DA, i'll make poetry there from scratch the majority of the time. Otherwise I write at school in spare time or at my desk with tones playing in my mind.

Tell me. . .

Q:Pen or Pencil?

A:Pen, all the time

Q:Same here. Notebook or Binder?

A:Notebook mostly, but not in it. I tear out the paper and keep it with me then put them all together in a folder in my desk.

Q:Boxers or Briefs?

A:er . . . Boxers XD

Q:You sure? Those briefs are pretty comfy . . .
When do you usually write? Evening, midday, etc

A:I prefer my boxers. yes. XD I write in the midday usually, though occasionally near the night.

Q:What is the most rewarding thing about writing?

A:It helps me relieve the stress I suppose, but it also helps me get the feelings out that I'm too shy to admit in person.

Q:You? Shy? I need to read your stuff again . . .What are some interesting things about yourself that you think everyone should know?

A:Hm . . .I may be a sadist, but I'm still a very caring and compassionate person. If you need something, let me know.

Q:I'll be sure to. I'd like to thank you for setting aside the time to do this interview. Before I let you go, got any hints on new content you are releasing on your deviantArt?

A:Yes, actually. Expect a flow of blood stained romance that some of us might love to sink our teeth into ;]

Q:Hahah. I'm drooling. Thanks for the oppurtunity to dissect your feelings, Kazaract!

A:Thanks for leaving yourself open to decapitation my friend.


That is it for an awesome interview with a master. Check out his deviantArt for more exciting stories and poems. ><Lamaenic><, signing off.

[The Herald]

Dialog. It's a big deal. In the literature world today, dialog plays a massive part in the way we perceive things and can create or destroy our outlook on something.

Perhaps it's because as a people we talk too much on the whole, or it could just be that dialog makes a story a story. Would there be a movie if Charlton Heston had never said "Get your paws off me, you dirty stinking ape!"? I think not!

The words we speak and write will inadvertently affect the world around us whether we know it or not. Telling someone how you feel about them is a classic example of dialog. It captures both the creation and destruction of the sense- knowing and not knowing what would have been. This is an incredible example of dialog, and is used in almost every lifestyle.

So how does one go about using dialog to spruce up their pieces? Where would one begin to speak in a story, how would you make it just right? Well, with a few basic guidelines for dialog, you'll no doubt have a mightier story from a greater pen than many.

• Try and put descriptions in your dialog, keep it trimmed though. Too much of a good thing.
  
• Don't repeat. Instead of saying "she said" over and over again, try new phrases instead such as "she replied" or "she droned".
  
• Put feeling into the speaker, make them heard. Unless you're doing a soliloquy, try and have someone for the speaker to speak to.
  
• Don't rush. Imagine yourself in the situation-what would you say? What would you do?

Here I'll show you an example or two of good and bad dialog.

Let's start off with no dialog, as you'll no doubt start off with it anyways.

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The man looked at the dog and frowned. Sighing, he picked it up and took it outside. After it finished, he went inside and cleaned up. His son came down and petted the dog. The dog licked his face.

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There is a way to make this a bit more readable, and one of them involves dialog. Here is an example of bad dialog.

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The man looked at the dog and frowned. "Damnit, Jacob", he said. He picked it up and took it outside. "Why do you have to do this in that damn house?" he said. After it finished, he went inside and cleaned up. "WhoooEEEE that stinks." His son came down and petted the dog. "Did he do anything wrong, daddy?" he said. The dog licked his face.

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Now there are several problems with this dialog. To start off with, it was repetitive. Try not to use too many "He said"s in the piece.
Also, the paragraph wasn't formatted correctly. With correct utilization of dialog, this would have been at least three paragraphs long. There is also no immediate description after dialog. you want to try that and avoid putting them afterward. Here is an example of decent dialog.

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The man looked at the dog and frowned. "Dammit Jacob,"he said, sighing. "Why do you have to do this in the house?"

He picked the barking dog up and carried it outside. When the dog finished its work he brought it back inside and cleaned up the mess.

"P-U that stinks." The man said, pinching his nose.

"Did he do something wrong, daddy?" his son piped up from the bottom of the staircase. He began to pet the dog, which licked his face excitedly.

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That is a fine example of dialog. As I said before, utilizing dialog creates a finer environment for other readers. It provides more meaning to your piece, and more understanding of what lies in the story. Tune in next month for a special poetry edition!

[The Herald]

We're going to take a quick look at some well-known modern post-hardcore bands this month. Sorry, no Fugazi here. Post-hardcore is generally characterized by intricate guitar instrumentation and harsh vocals with a tinge of melodic attributes. Think punk rock meets experimental rock.

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At the Drive-In (1993–2001)
Formed in El Paso, Texas by guitarist Jim Ward and vocalist Cedric Bixler-Zavala, At the Drive-In were one of the pioneering post-hardcore acts in the '90s, well known for their spastic and energetic live performances, metaphorical lyric premises and one-of-a-kind guitar riffage. They displayed a unique blend of indie rock and hardcore punk in their first two studio albums, Acrobatic Tenement and In/Casino/Out, until the band was met with critical mainstream success with their heavy-hitting, dynamic final release, Relationship of Command.

At the Drive-In went on indefinite hiatus in 2001 due to the musical constraints Bixler-Zavala and guitarist Omar Rodriguez-Lopez felt within the band, shortly going on afterwards to form the dub group De Facto and art rock outfit The Mars Volta.

Watch "Quarantined" from Relationship of Command

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The Fall of Troy (2002–present)
Consisting of guitarist Thomas Erak, drummer Andrew Forsman and bassist Frank Black from Mukilteo, Washington, The Fall of Troy exhibits unpredictable and rabid song structures mostly revolving around Erak's violently fast guitar playing. The band showcases their heaviest work on Doppelgänger and the Ghostship EP, but leave behind much of the aggression on their latest album Manipulator for an intricate and experimental approach with their music, boasting a wider range of musical talents and influences in a hard fashion.

They are currently recording the follow-up record, which is described by Erak as "cohesive, challenging and epic" and an overall return to their avant-garde roots displayed on their pre-Manipulator albums.

Watch "Ex-Creations" from Manipulator

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Thrice (1998—present)
Dustin Kensrue and Teppei Teranishi founded Thrice while they were still students in high school, but little did they know that they would gradually become a driving force behind the post-hardcore movement throughout the following decade of their careers. They've been known to donate their own album sale proceeds to charities and non-profit organizations, but obviously more known as respectedly skilled musicians that aren't afraid to defy genres and go the extra mile, as shown on their latest double album release, The Alchemy Index.

Consisting of four EPs (one for each element: fire, water, air and earth), it's without a doubt unlike any other ordinary release, as each volume features the band in a near completely different genre and style for each element. The "fire" EP, of course, is the heaviest of the volumes, leading into the tranquil, relaxing digital rock of "water". "Air" more or less sounds the most atmospheric and varied of them all, while "earth" is a straight-out folk rock acoustic session with the band, almost as if they were featured on their own darker version of MTV Unplugged.

Watch "Digital Sea" from The Alchemy Index

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The Blood Brothers (1997—2007)
As another band originating from Washington, The Blood Brothers are a fan favorite amongst scenesters, and avant-garde art rock enthusiasts. Johnny Whitney's high-pitched and blood-curdling shrieks oddly make Jordan Blilie virtually sound like a baritone in comparison, together arguably providing post-hardcore's most unique vocal performance.

While the group's discography progressively evolved throughout the decade of their existence as the members slowly displayed deeper musicianship, they disbanded after expressing concerns to move forward into seperate paths. This was made true with the formation of several new bands and projects shortly after breaking up, which includes Jaguar Love and Past Lives, the latter featuring most of the original members from The Blood Brothers.

Watch "Laser Life" from Young Machetes

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HORSE the band (1998–present)
Armed with a Korg MS-2000 to replicate the 8-bit atmosphere prominent on vintage Nintendo video games, HORSE the band are as experimental as they are tongue-in-cheek. In 2006, they abruptly dropped out of the middle of their touring schedule to record an EP dedicated entirely to pizza, completing the concept with the band's own cover of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles theme. If that weren't enough to slate the band as unpredictable than most, they proceeded to fire their manager and entire crew, continuing on to book their own 40-country world tour beginning in 2008.

Their musical style can be deemed as typical post-hardcore when stripped down, but due to their heavy usage of Korg keyboards, they've distinctively become the leading image of the "nintendocore" genre.

Watch "New York City" from A Natural Death

[The Herald]

Music Artist Review

Aerosmith are a band who have been around for many years now. They released their first album way back in 1973. Currently signed with Columbia Records/Sony Music, the band were singed with Geffen records for at least eight years, arguably their most successful period. Whether Geffen can be attributed to this success or not is unknown.

The members of the band have changed a bit over the years as you would expect from a band that has been around for so long, nothing major though. Former members are Ray Tobano, Jimmy Crespo and Rick Dufay. These three have only amassed ten years in the band between the three of them, compared to Steve's thirty-eight years. The current line-up being Steve Tyler on lead vocals (if you claim to know anything about rock music you must have knew that), Joe Perry - lead and rhythm guitar, Brad Whitford - rhythm and lead guitar, Tom Hamilton bass guitar and Joey Kramer on the drums.

In my view Aerosmith produced their best music between the mid-eighties to early nineties. In 1987 the band released the album Permanent Vacation which went a very impressive five times platinum, it included the songs Rag Doll, Dude Looks Like a Lady and Angel. Secondly, in 1989 they released Pump which has great songs including What It Takes, The Other Side, Love In An Elevator and Janie’s Got a Gun. Pump went an even more impressive seven times platinum. In 1993 they released another successful album, Get a Grip. It includes the songs Crazy, Shut Up and Dance, and Eat the Rich, also going seven times platinum.

Although Aerosmith haven’t made a new album since 2006, on November 1st 2007, the band began working on their final studio album of their present contract with Sony. It is thought that the new album will be a mix of re-recorded tracks left off of previous albums as well as brand new material.

If you haven’t listened to Aerosmith before, I recommend all the songs mentioned above. After thirty-eight years Aerosmith still maintain a high level of popularity, a testament to their music.

[The Herald]

What is your name?: Josh Brown
How old are you?: 16

"Hogsmesh Ubershlong."

How did you find out about SSD? Through Lamaenic and Dalton
Do you have a hobby with designing, writing, photography or programming? Writing, playing games
If so, how long have you done this? 16 years
What is your favorite thing about SSD? I like the individuality allowed here
Tell me, where do you live? Liberty, SC
What's it like there? It's okay, I guess, it's small and quiet

What is your . . . .

• Favorite color?

Blue
[/li][li]Favorite movie?[/b] Super Troopers
[/li][li]Favorite book?[/b] Odd Thomas
[/li][li]Favorite Actor?[/b] Adam Sandler
[/li][li]Favorite Singer?[/b] I don't have a favorite singer, but my favorite band is Breaking Benjamin[/li][/ul]

Finally, what is one interesting fact about yourself that you would like to share with us? Umm.... I have the amazing ability to play and beat any game within 24 hours, (not including the Zelda games, evil that they are, >.<)

[The Herald]

8 Teens Charged With Beating 16 y/o Girl (Phil Rants)

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   I will begin with this video, a rant by sxephil on the beating of a girl by eight teenagers. The video of the beating which Youtube has been trying to remove struck the tube hard. Many people such as sxephil posted video responses to it, venting their feelings on the situation.

Elephant Paints Self Portrait

    A very interesting video. I never realized the true intelligence of this amazing animal. The animal care takers trained the elephant how to paint with a paintbrush, then showed him how to draw him/herself. I guess he learned it through repetition of seeing the image a lot and practicing the strokes. Very cute.

Laker Kobe Bryant attempts massive stunt...and succeeds!

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    Is this video real? You decide. When asked about this, Kobe responded by saying "It's Hollywood baby." Sort of open ended. I for one believe it is fake. There have been many analysis videos of it trying to prove the legitimacy of it.

Smosh Sued for $20 Million

    Youtube's #1 most subscribed came out with a very good April Fools joke on the 1st of April. I will admit after watching the video, I did beleive it. But then when I went to the site to look at all the items for auction, I knew it was a joke because it said Anthony's hair sold for $1 million and a few other weird things. The page is still up and is pretty funny. Video isn't too funny as it had to be serious to pull it off. Great work Smosh!

Andrew Johnston - Britains Got Talent 2 (1st Audition)

    This is a beautiful video of a young 13 year old kid from Britain who entered a talent show there. He has little self confidence due to bullying he receives at his school. His voice is truly amazing. Many of the audience members couldn't help but cry. Watch and enjoy!