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Post by The Herald on Dec 31, 2007 5:10:09 GMT
Once again we step into the New Year with a new edition. It's hard for me to grasp that it's been a year already since the last time that I started off the New Year with the Herald. Last years wasn't quite as lengthy, nor was it 'on time'. But that's one thing that dear Kay has become a lot better with this past year. Turning things in on time, and getting them done ahead of schedule. Also, for those that missed the memo, I'm obviously back. I left in June, yet couldn't stay gone for too long. SSD's an addiction in itself. Sucks, really. I'm happy to be back though. Car is definitely still around, she's just been rather sick lately so let's all wish her to get better and to hurry up and return to the place that loves her! My last comment is this: Thanks to all the Herald writers that have come and gone in the year 2007. Without you the Herald wouldn't have been what it was. It wouldn't of been pulled together every month. 2008 will prove to be a great year. Let's make it happen, team! ::formeonly:: Kay
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Post by The Herald on Dec 31, 2007 9:13:30 GMT
Secret Santa!It wasn't a complete success, but it turned out fairly well again this year. Thanks to those whom participated, and to E for taking the whole thing into her hands. We also hope you had a very Merry Christmas, and happy holidays! Staff ChangesWe bid farewell to Jon as the Battle Board mod. One of many former mods of the board. (Maybe it's disease infested.) Thank you for the time and effort you put forth. Good luck with future endeavors, and hopefully you'll remain around the boards. Then there's myself. Car appointed me back on as Editor of the Herald, although she is Chief-Editor. Car's been rather sick so I've taken it in my hands to maintain the Herald for January's Edition. Hopefully I shall not disappoint you all. If I do- well, boohoo. The New YearWith 2008 here it brings hope that things will pick up around the boards. Along with it, I'm sure there will be staff changes, community projects, some fun new topics, and maybe even a new skin. It's all in the works, so just hold on tightly, and enjoy the ride ( a little longer). Excellence AwardsIt's the time of year for the Excellence awards! Every year SSD hosts its own forum awards with many categories and many awards handed out to a vast variety of members. Typically the most active members are those recognized, but, if you put forth an effort in any area of the community, I'm sure you'll see yourself nominated in one of the many categories. Nominations are lasting for two weeks, as will voting. There's a few changes this year as to how it's being run, you'll soon see those. Have fun, and remember, be fair! Any questions? Send a PM my way. I think that about covers it for this edition. Enjoy the Herald and have a great month, along with New Year! Toodles, Kay
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Post by The Herald on Dec 31, 2007 9:22:38 GMT
For the start of the new year, I have chosen Mukei to be January's member of the month. Whether it is rating in the Critique board or replying to topics in Chillout, Mukei has not stopped contributing to the forum and for that alone he has done more than enough to earn this coveted position. As well as his usual duties as a moderator, Mukei is always contributing outside his own board, he finds the time to post elsewhere and help others to post too. We truly need more members like Mukei. Solidsnake Designs would like to congratulate all the January babies in the world! Happy birthday to all of you, and in particular- - Jonny, who was born on January 4th,
- Sirius Wolfsbane, who was born on January 18th,
- Vintage, who was born on January 20th,
- withaflourish, who was born on January 24th,
- And Bobby Hensley, who was born on January 25th.
Do post in our February thread if you're born in February! Okay, so I was wandering around SSD, in search for the perfect signature and avatar to give the award of being of the month, and this is what I came up with: SignatureNox, for the signature, because it is absolutely wonderful. I love the colors, and the text. Overall an amazing signature, congratulations. AvatarFor the avatar, Obsidian, caught my attention and held it very well. I looked over and over again for another that grabbed my attention, and just didn't find one. As always this decision is never an easy one. We have some very talented photographers amongst us. I only wish I could show recognition to all of you. To kick off the new year, there's only one photo that just made me stop, stare and go, "Wow!" It may not have real color, but it was made that way, infrared results in some of the best photos. This month, Kai receives Photograph of the Month for his photo: Follow. Kai, your photography has really matured, and you're turning into a wonderful photographer. Keep up the great work. Can't wait to see what you do in 2008. Well this month brought me a bit of problems, because of the fact there were not many images for me to choose from. But I got there. To start things off by far the best this month was Coastguard Antivirus, a fantastic web layout made by dlt. Click above for larger picture. The thing that got me was the design for the CD case. Very nice. I like the quote/unquote "scanlines" at the top of the design, they create a overall better effect than if you put nothing there. Keep it up! The first runner up this month is definitely Sunjo, with his scratch made duplicate of the Metroid Prime II Welcome Screen. Click above for larger image. I liked this a lot, considering the fact that you made this from scratch. This is really good. I like your brushwork, and the effect is quite tantalizing. I hope you continue to do your good work! The second runner up is none other than our very own Car (urban.cinderella)! I know this manipulation was for the Community practice but I just can't pass up nice material. Something Wicked This Way ComesI love how you added more clouds to your manipulation. You really impressed me with how you completely changed it from midday to dusk. Next time put a border on there okay? Awesome! Congratulations, 'nuff said.
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Post by The Herald on Dec 31, 2007 9:28:17 GMT
This month I'm going to feature one of the many gorgeous templates created by Sunjo and Wrighty: mAsDesigns v1. Used as the first version of Sunjo and Wrighty's forum (as the title suggests) this is one of the most beautiful templates up for download that I've seen in a while. The color scheme, whilst not original, does work extremely well. This is why I think the use of grey and blue is so popular, especially in space themed templates such as this. Taking inspiration from nature always works well, after all, she knows what's best when it comes to coloring. I really liked the small tech details on the banner, border an head/base images. They were only a small addition but really work well with the theme of the template and they repeat well as you go down the forum, not overpowering the viewer. Some may have a hard time reading the menu however as the buttons are quite small. Another nice thing about this template is that it is hosted already, perfect for those who have trouble finding a host for their files. All it needs is a title on the banner and it's done. Easy as pie. Overall a gorgeous template that everyone should rush out to download. Virtuoso: I don't celebrate Christmas, however, my birthday is 4 days later. ;] Epic: Ah you can share the spirit then!
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Bryanic: I'm on a vicious comedown so instead of quoting and taking forever I'm going to summarize exactly what I would have said:
I am right, you are wrong. You are starting to agree with me. Good. Thats a beginning. Carry on.
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Saknika: I have no idea FW, I'm fairly mactarded.
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Bryanic: You are too useless at this game. Get better then come back.
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c130: The fish speaks truth.
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Lamaenic: Okay people. I am going to take the view of a crazy person and I want you to prove my thesis wrong in any way you can. This is a nice little debate to spark activity, I don't want any flaming or I'll have E delete the thread. I do not believe this in any way but it is a good way to make a debate. =o
The world revolves around me. Completely. You can't prove me wrong because naturally you will not support my statement, which really proves my theory further. Everything I do and see is meant to happen, and everyone in the universe are just actors to help me through life. There are no real personal lives, only mine. When my back is turned, you aren't talking, because you have no personality.
Of course you will argue with me, because you are acting like you are real. you can flatly deny it all you want, but I know what is true and what is not. Prove. Me. Wrong.
Net: You should change your name to Artos... Lamaenic: ^SILENCE!
I kill you.
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c130: Get the hell out of this thread then. All you've managed to say so far is that asexuals are thus because they're worth less than heterosexuals. Show us a study that demonstrates asexuality as a biological response to evolutionary weakness, or shut your flapping craptrap.
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ufc: I am completely in LOVE with Maggaliscious. She actually turned me onto this site as well as whip cream during hot kinky sex!!!! Oh, BTW that being Magstuh. =] James: Hot kinky sex? Get on your hands and knees and I'll show you what that really is. Only, I play with apples. While you're tied up guess where it goes. Now picture that, and be glad I'm not using a pineapple.
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Bryanic: GEWT A ROOM. Pandora: They would love to, but with that big old pesky Ocean in between them, well, it's kind of tough.
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Kay: Ignore the alien on the loose. He tends to get a little temperamental. I seemed to have misplaced his Ritalin.
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Bryanic: I am more scared of Christian terrorists.
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sadira:I have to say I'm honestly shocked as fuck to read this thread.
I can't believe the things I'm reading here.
I'd answer, but I'll say things I'll regret later.
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Virtuoso: The Baron: Where did the screaming come from? Man: You fat American. The Baron: I'm not... fat... *wince* Pandora: WHERE IS MY SON YOU UGLY SON OF A GUN, TELL ME OR I MOLEST YOUR DOG WHEN YOU SLEEP AND STALK YOU IN THE DAYTIME!
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hippie.bl: Also, to get straight lines in Photoshop all you need to do is get the 1px pencil tool and click, then hold down shift while going in the direction you want.
c130: ...or, cleverer still, use the line tool. Y'know, the tool created to allow you to draw straight lines without fiddling about with pencils.
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Bobby Hensley: To stand while wearing your hat and staying silent is one of the most disrespectful[..] Mel: Your argument is so ludicrous it isn't even worth reading.
Why people have so much respect for the flag is beyond me. I'll stay seated, fine, but it honestly never occurred to me that I should bother to remove my hat. Who the fuck cares, seriously. If it offends you, good.
It is my right to wear my hat if I fucking want to. You can't tell me I can't. Standing is as far as I will go, just because I don't want to bother with the bitching that so many people insist on. I mentioned southerners just because for some reason they think it is SO NEEDED to "respect" our country.
I am grateful for living here, and grateful for this country, for the same things that allow me to keep my hat on during saying the pledge without being afraid of getting punished. If I was made to, I would have to. But there is a reason why we aren't forced to. There isn't any type of fucking law saying I can either not stand or stand with my hat off, and just because you were brought up around bastards who slammed their patriotic ideals and thoughts into your damned skull, doesn't mean I should give a shit.
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Bryanic: Goddamn you. I wanted to post that. I WANT YOUR BABIES.
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Epic: Why do they sterilize the needle for lethal injections?
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Bryanic: 'Ohh I'd fuck that man if he were a girl'
'Come on suck me off like Morgan freeman in the Shawshank redemption'
'That asss would be CUTE on a girl'
Gay thoughts?
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Lamaenic: You are scottish?! LAWRIE, GET YOUR DRUNK ASS OVER HERE AND MEET YOUR COUSIN!Life is a sexually transmitted disease. ~R. D. LaingMen occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing ever happened. ~Sir Winston ChurchillWhile we stop to think, we often miss our opportunity. ~Publilius SyrusI think of a hero as someone who understands the degree of responsibility that comes with his freedom. ~Bob DylanIf you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion. ~The Dalai LamaThe Argument from Intimidation is a confession of intellectual impotence. ~Ayn RandLife is like playing a violin in public and learning the instrument as one goes on. ~Samuel ButlerIf we take care of the moments, the years will take care of themselves. ~Maria EdgeworthIgnorance, the root and the stem of every evil. ~PlatoNever doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. ~Margaret Mead
This was possibly the most difficult month for me to choose the best piece of literature to feature in The Herald. I read and reread all the threads. There were so many well written and creative pieces. I changed my mind too many times. It's not easy, this part of my job. Too many entries this month fit my criteria, and they are all so different from each other. But alas, there can be only one winner per month. This time around the winner is Vintage and his piece titled "The Morning After". Why did I choose it? Because when it came down to it, I enjoyed it the most of all the pieces I read. It's inspiring. Read it and you will understand my decision. Read the rest of December's threads on the Literature board and you will understand why my decision was so difficult. Conspiracy buffs and more conspiracy buffs. This is what both National Treasure's were based on. Before you go on, let me warn you that there will be spoilers. So skip this article if you haven't watched the show. In this sequel, a conspiracy with prominent historical American character Thomas Gates leads Benjamin Gates (played by Nicolas Cage), Patrick Gates (played by Jon Voight) and others into yet another treasure hunt, though this time Ben Gates was fueled with a more personal reason. Throughout the entire show, I registered many similarities, most likely deliberate, between the first and this sequel. It seemed to work pretty well at first, but as the show continues, I start to find the similarities a bit too... suffocating. The general pace of the movie was too fast, I felt. The first movie was better because things were more "even out". In the second movie, the building up of the climax, which was when they finally found the treasure, was not very well done. There were less riddles solved and less history involved, than the first one. Considering the fact that the first show was well-liked because of its historical reference and also the many puzzles, it seemed to me as if the director was banking on the success of the first one to actually sell this sequel. Which of course it did, considering how it grossed a whelming 55% more than National Treasure, in its five day run. As usual, Nicolas Cage (who is my favorite Hollywood actor, might I add) managed to breathe life into his character. Acting wise, all the actors and actresses did very well; that I have no complaints. Though, some parts of the plot I have serious questions about. For example, how they could sneak into the President's office that easily. We are talking about the President of the world's most powerful country; I would expect a little bit more security. But of course realism in that particular scene isn't in the director's concern. In summary, it is quite an okay film, but pales in comparison with the first National Treasure. That said though, Nicolas Cage's acting was great, and I do recommend this film to anyone who is into conspiracy buffs and puzzle-solving.
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Post by The Herald on Dec 31, 2007 9:31:38 GMT
January, thought to be named after the Roman god of beginnings and endings Janus, was known to the Romans as Januarius. It was added to the Roman calendar when they changed the number of months from ten to the twelve we know today. Originally consisting of thirty days, January now has 31 in the Gregorian calendar. In the northern hemisphere January is the coldest month of the year with plants growing very little, conserving their energy for the warmer months, and many animals deep in sleep so that they can survive the cold. In the southern hemisphere it is the complete opposite, being the warmest month of the year. The plant that represents this month is the snowdrop and, should you have been born in January, your birthstone would be the garnet.
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Post by The Herald on Dec 31, 2007 9:32:40 GMT
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" 14 dead as ice takes over MidwestDecember 10, 2007Forest Park, Oklahoma was one of the many Midwest locations covered with ice Monday morning. Storms covered much of the Midwest in ice, leaving 600,000 without power and 14 dead. Image courtesy of cnn.comOKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma - 14 are dead in Oklahoma and Missouri as dangerous conditions covered much of the Midwest in a sheet of ice. 600,000 customers are currently without power, and with more storms coming in their direction, many companies, such as Oklahoma Gas & Electric, aren't sure as to when they'll be able to restore power. A state of emergency has been declared for the entire state of Oklahoma. Click here to read the full article. UN staff injured in Algerian blastDecember 11, 2007One of the two Algerian blasts occurred in a residential area near a UN refugee post. Image courtesy of cnn.comTwo bombs exploded in Algiers Tuesday, reportedly killing 45 people. Officials told CNN 11 people were confirmed dead, and the Algerian Press Service reported there was several injuries from an apparent terrorist attack. UNHCR, a UN refugee post, told the Associated Press its building was hit by a bomb, injuring several UN members. Click here to read the full article. Midwest snow storm worsens, pummels NortheastDecember 13, 2007Repair crews work to fix power lines near Salina, Kansas. Image courtesy of cnn.comCOLUMBIA, Connecticut - A snowstorm that was responsible for 14 deaths in the Midwest moved into the Northeast, taking the death toll up to 35. Heavy snow fell in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Connecticut, causing schools and businesses to shut down and airports to cancel flights. Traffic was at a near standstill for hours on local highways, making what should have been a short drive into a three hour trek. Click here to read the full article. Possible al Qaeda "torture house" foundDecember 20, 2007The entrance to a "torture house" was found during Operation Iron Reaper. 24 terrorists were killed when the complex was found and 37 other people were detained. Image courtesy of cnn.comBAGHDAD, Iraq - 26 bodies were found buried in mass graves outside of a bloodstained "torture chamber" in Iraq. The chamber is believed to be an al Qaeda haven. The chamber contained chains hanging from the ceilings and walls and a bed attached to an electrical system. 24 "terrorists" were killed in the finding, along with 37 other people detained. Click here to read the full article. Pair arrested in connection with Christmas Eve killingsDecember 26, 2007Six bodies were found in a home in Carnation, a residential community about 20 miles away from Seattle. Image courtesy of cnn.comA man and a woman, both in their late 20s, were arrested in connection with the killing of six people, including a man and a woman in their 50s, a man and a woman in their 30s, a 6-year-old girl, and a 3-year-old boy. Police reported the victims were shot sometime Monday night. Police have ruled out murder-suicide in the deaths. Click here to read the full article.
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Post by The Herald on Dec 31, 2007 9:33:38 GMT
By the time you readers actually read this, 2007 would have ended. I sound cliche, but it is amazing how time flies. My first article for Herald was published in January 2007, under the very same topic I am doing now. Ah, the nostalgia. Now one year later, I am going to write about it again, but this time I am going to go about it in a slightly different manner. After all, I am supposed to change, am I not? 2007 had been quite the year for me. It marked the start of me taking up photography as a serious hobby, the start of a whole new schooling environment, the ending of something very dear to me, the birth of my niece and many more. If I ever had to mark a year as a "significant era so far" for myself, 2007 would have been the year. My moving on to tertiary education exposed me to a much bigger variety of people. It also opened up my eyes on many things. So as I bid farewell to this significant era of mine, I wonder, perhaps rightfully so, what would happen in the year 2008. Would there be more good things happening? Or would there be more bad things happening? Along a line more related to Solidsnake Designs, what had happened, and what will happen from now on? In 2004, SSD was in version three. It was considered by many to be the golden period of SSD. Activity was striving, popularity was booming and while there are some black sheep here and there, the community in general was pretty good back then. Then came the year 2005. To those who had been around then and now, the year, I am sure, would have been marked by the departure of our three former administrators, one of whom was the founder of SSD - Ash, Peter and Alan, in that order. Then in the year 2006, UrbanCinderella left, leaving behind her administrative chores and also The Herald. Of course, she returned in the year 2007 and is back with us now. Also, Artos was banned in the year 2007. Now, this guy generated enough love and hatred for him that he was perhaps one of the most famous men throughout SSD history, despite not having a proper administrative or moderating role (Unless you count moderator for Herald, but he was the editor and all editors were moderator for the Herald board). Towards his end, though, many considered him a changed man. And then he was banned proudly by Josh. So as 2007 ticks to an end and 2008 draws near, I wonder what would happen to SSD. Would SSD last for another three years? Or would it crumple? Why not stick around in 2008 and find out? Perhaps we will finally see version six out then. We can hope.
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Post by The Herald on Dec 31, 2007 9:38:12 GMT
Id I smart? Cuz yu no I gradiated the the fith grayd in only 6 yeerz *Holds up 9 fingers*No, you’re not smart. Not if you resort to talking like that. Is I a gud mowderator?I suppose so. I don’t see why not. I guess a little more effort could be throwin’ in. Id I Smexy?Learn how to speak proper English, and then I’ll answer that. Maybe. President Bush, great or greatest?Oh you mean that piece of dirt under my shoe? Sorry, I pay no attention to it. What would you give gray929's looks on a scale of 9-10 with 10 being the highest?I can't honestly give a number on any type of scale. Only because I've never seen a picture of Gray. Sorry. Is writing your strongest subject?Yes, it is indeed. Most of my teachers at school are amazed by some of the things I write because I'm always incorporating details and "large words" into my writing. I love writing so I take pride in everything I do even if it's cheesy. Which is more addicting? Youtube or crack?I'd have to say Crack. Been around longer so the addiction has been stronger and longer. Can you count how many times I've left only to return again?No, I pay no attention to n00bs. Nah, but really, I can't even count how many times I've gone and came back. So it's quite alright. Do you believe that by unlocking our minds and expanding the power of our mind, we can achieve feats such as telekinesis, super-human strength, etc? As it is said, we only use 10% of our brain. If we used 20% could we double our knowledge or the speed at which we process things in our mind?Honestly, I don't think we could. It's a personal opinion, but I think the whole telekinesis/super-human strength is only gifted to a few people- if any. As far as us using 20% of our brain to double our knowledge or the speed we process information, I don't think it really matters how much percentage we are using. I believe it depends on each individual. We choose how much knowledge we take in, and process. Unless we have disabilities holding us back. Such as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), or Dyslexia. Is there such thing as World War III, or will there be?A lot of Americans are considering the War in Iraq as our WW3. I, myself, do to a point. But I think there's a lot more history behind the first two World Wars than our current war. How many Vaults am I going to drink the day after the January edition of the Herald comes out?One is too many. Vaults are not anything to brag about drinking. They're rather nasty. What is the favorite color of most people in the world?Probably blue. Or, if it was considered a color, black, but most consider it a shade. Can I have a pony? Please?As long as I don't have to buy it, feed it, groom it, or smell it, sure. Are you pwnsomeful? XDI don't know. Am I? Is the sky made out of blue cookies? If so, are they poisonous like those weird mushrooms which I can't remember the name of?Uhh, no. It's made out of blue paint. Duh. So it's obviously toxic. What is the name of those mushrooms?Amanitas. But then again there are a lot of poisonous mushrooms. Why do they call the game squash just that? It doesn't have to do with the vegetable (or fruit, never was sure about squash), does it?I was never aware there was a game by the name of Squash. You'll have to Google that one, my dear. Nevermind, I did so. It's a game of racquet sport originally named "Squash racquet" for the squashable softballs that were used. So there ya go. Is squash a fruit or a vegetable?I love to cook. In the kitchen we consider squash a vegetable. In reality, it's actually a fruit due to the fact that it has seeds. What do you want for Christmas (or whatever holiday you celebrate)?Christmas. <3 I wanted either an iPod, a new phone (preferably the Voyager through Verizon) or a car. But those things are way too extravagant for anyone in my family other than my Grandpa. And since i haven't been around him much in the past few years, he won't get me any of them unless I come around more, which I will be. How are PC's so crappy?Everyone has their theories. Mine is they were built by Lawrie's (Bryanic) ancestors whilst being drunk. How Will I die?You'll get hit by a bus. You left your position as moderator once, do you think you'll regret becoming a moderator again?I left my position because my ability to do my job was failing because I had no time. Life has gotten boring again, and even when I'm thinly stretched I've learned how to better split my time up. In other words, no. I won't regret becoming a moderator once again. I regretted resigning in the first place. Honestly, I hope to work my way up (again) this time. If the meaning of life is 42 what does 42 mean?The meaning of life isn't 42. Therefore 42 means jack shit. How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? If that woodchuck could chuck wood, would that woodchuck chuck enough wood to define it as a woodchuck, or would that woodchuck chuck as little wood as possible so not to be a greedy wood chucking woodchuck? Would Chuck chuck his wood at the woodchuck? Would the woodchuck chuck the wood of Chuck?He wouldn't. Chuck would kill the woodchuck. Simple, really.
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Post by The Herald on Dec 31, 2007 9:40:00 GMT
Name: Maggie. Age: Fifteen. Sex: ...female. Yeah, baibai! ;oooWebsite: CHECK IT: www.water.comWhat made you join Solid Snake Designs? It was THE TOP forum to join. Lots of people to meet. I think I joined back in 2005 as a name I will not reveal. If You manage a designing forum, what is that like for you? DO I?!!!??!?!?! Do you have a role model or hero? If so, who? CLIVE CUSSLER! FOR HIS INTRIGUING NOVELS ABOUT SEAFARING GONE AWRY!!! Is designing something you would choose as a career? Uhm, no. What is your . . . .
[/i] RAINBOW. [/li][li] Drink?[/i] Orange cream soda. [/li][li] Food?[/i] anything. [/li][li] Movie Genre?[/i] Anything good. [/li][li] Reading Genre?[/i] Anything good. [/li][/ul][/b] Anything interesting you would like to add? I like to pee like a man. *Response from Lamaenic- =o*Finally, if there was one SSD member you could choose to be, who would it be, and why? Well, if I were a guy. Because I would totally want to be a guy. I would choose to have Jonny's looks (with the eyebrow piercing and everything) and Bryanic's brain (without the drunk effects).
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Post by The Herald on Dec 31, 2007 19:06:40 GMT
Wake up! What am I waiting for? Hup, two, three, four. Hup, two, three, four. What day is it? Does it matter? They all blend together anyway. Besides, I don’t have time to worry about what day it is. I need to hurry up and hurry. Shower, coffee, car, speeeeeeeeeeeeeed to every red light. Come on, come on! I don’t have time to wait five, ten or (God forbid!) twenty full seconds at a red light. What I need to do is important, and I must do it as soon as possible and faster than everyone else so that I may do more of it tomorrow and every day ever after. Wait. Deep breath. One….. Two….. Three….. Four….. Five….. Six….. Seven….. Eight….. Nine….. Ten. “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans,” John Lennon once said. So simple and yet we usually forget, swept up in a whirlwind of predictable routines, tasks that overlap and blur around the edges, each as important (or as meaningless) as the last. The question is, what will we remember five, ten, or twenty years from now? Will we think fondly about how we were prompt for school and work every day, or how neatly and efficiently we did what we were told? Surely we will think of how perfectly our shirts always matched our pants, that our teeth were always clean and our hair was always brushed. Aren’t those things important? Only as important as we make them. The other end of the spectrum isn’t any better, being unreliable and unkempt, not following through on responsibilities, letting those around you pick up your slack. No, in order to enjoy life we must give and take. Five, ten, twenty years from now I will remember pausing to watch a spider build a web. I’ll remember sitting in a public place and observing the varied ways people interact. Etched in my memory are the hundreds of sunsets I watched paint the sky. Five years ago I hiked through the forest, away from the beaten path. I walked behind a waterfall and it felt like another world. Did I make it to work on time the next day? Hell if I know. Ten years ago I joined a band and wrote some songs, the drunk regulars of the bars we played loved us, for the most part. I faced my fear of stage fright, not for the first or last time, but I fought the fear and wailed some of my favorite songs to a group of strangers. What a rush. I probably forgot to floss that night…I don’t know. Twenty years ago I discovered science fiction books and devoured one after the other, daydreaming about publishing my own sci-fi works, complete with illustrations. Maybe my handwriting on the homework I turned in wasn’t too neat, maybe it was, though. I couldn’t remember that detail to save my life. I’ve been guilty of working my fingers to the bone. I’ve also been guilty of purposely avoiding tasks, but I’m no longer torn on this issue. I take care of my responsibilities, but I go out of my way to find once-in-a-lifetime experiences as I go along. I am now an avid collector of unique moments and stories, keeping the memories like fine works of art, to be treasured and shared at my own discretion. I want my life to have a story that cannot be summed up in these few words: “School, Work, Death.” When my last day of this life arrives, and just in case my entire life flashes before my eyes in those final moments like the rumors say, I want it to be as complex and beautiful as it was to live in the first place. I’ll leave “Warp Speed” to Captain Kirk and the Crew while I take the long way home.
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Post by The Herald on Dec 31, 2007 19:08:41 GMT
This possibly being the shortest book I have ever read short of Green Eggs and Ham. The story takes place in Washington, where the main character and his family lives. One thing about our hero, Shawn. He has cerebral palsy. Yes. He can't control a single muscle in his body, he can't talk, he can't eat, he can't even sit on a toilet. He is completely and one hundred percent dependent. But he is probably the smartest fourteen year old in the world with cerebral palsy, because he remembers every thing he hears down to the last sigh. And it doesn't hurt at all that he's aware of everything that is going on around him. But he can't tell anyone about his smartness. "I'm fourteen. I have cerebral palsy. I think my dad is planning to kill me." His loving Pulitzer-Prize winning father has decided it would be best to end his "pain" of his seizures. The trouble is, Shawn loves his seizures, they are a way for him to escape his body. But he can't tell his father that, he can only watch as the world around him tenses when his father reveals the logic of it on national television, and right down to the stunning ending, with such a large cliff hanger it could have been an accident. Terry Trueman's novel is sure to please and awe, giving the reader something to think about along the way. Do our "brain dead" youth actually know what's going on?
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Post by The Herald on Dec 31, 2007 19:10:12 GMT
Starring: Jamie Foxx, Chris Cooper, Jennifer Garner & Jason Bateman Director: Peter Berg (also known director for The Rundown) This action packed film takes you into the depths of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia that you've never seen before. It gives you an upfront view of an American facility before, during, and after an attack. When terrorists start shooting up an open baseball game, which leads to a suicide bomber detonating in the middle of the field. U.S. Government Agents Ronald (Foxx), Grant (Cooper), Janet (Garner) and Adam (Bateman) are on the move to see what they can do. A five day secretive trip into Saudi Arabia is planned out to try to find the madman behind the horrendous bombings. While some Saudi authorities are a bit welcoming to outside help, they quickly learn that there are others whom are not. A lot of them consider it a local matter, and are opposed to such interference from an outside source. With their five days running out quick, the FBI agents soon realize that without cooperation from their Saudi counterparts they're in for a suicide mission- or a pointless one at that. Hope is found in Saudi Colonel Al-Ghazi (Ashraf Barhom) who helps them crack the secrets and search for evidence. As unlikely allies, they help lead the team to the front door of the killers. The team find themselves in a do-or-die situation. How does it end? Do they all make it out alive? Well, watch the movie to find out. This movie really makes it crystal clear of how scary and how serious things are over in the Middle East. I highly suggest this movie. Five stars
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Post by The Herald on Dec 31, 2007 19:12:16 GMT
Independent films seem to be everywhere. There are pros and cons to the independent side of the industry. Pros include unique perspective, artistic integrity and interesting new actors and actresses. Cons include pretentious, preachy scripts, directors with holier-than-thou attitudes and inexperienced actors and actresses. There is a payoff when weeding through independent films, looking for that diamond in the rough. Every once in a blue moon a meaningful, creative and mesmerizing film is made, something that makes me glad I strayed from the “Popular New Releases!!!” section of the local Hollywood Video, or a film that makes me glad I bothered to explore the Independent Film Channel. Elephant (2003), directed by Gus van Sant, held my attention. It was just meant to be background noise while I checked up on SSD. Instead, I watched it in its entirety. The reviews I’ve found online on this one aren’t all kind, but I’m not worried about published opinions. I can only speak for myself. The major complaint about this film is its lack of answers surrounding the students’ actions. While it frustrates me as well, it does not take away from the profundity of what takes place. It stands as it is, a fictional story of two high school boys who concoct an elaborate plan to shoot their classmates and teachers. The movie follows the paths of several high school students through their typical day. It builds a slow tension that creeps up slowly until the climax of the film, which is the execution of the plan. The film speaks for itself. I don’t think it needs answers to make it great. It poses important questions and sparks thoughts on a subject most would rather sweep under the carpet. It could happen in any town, and that scares us. Really, though, what can be done about it? They are already searching students at the front door like criminals. This film says to me, “This happens. This is something that occurs every so often. So what are you going to do to prevent it from happening again? Probably nothing. It’s a true tragedy.” 5 out of 5 stars.
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Post by The Herald on Dec 31, 2007 19:13:09 GMT
A mecha anime, that quickly pulls you in and sends you through a storyline that seems familiar and then not at all. The whole story orbits around a young man named Renton, who is only 14. He lives with his grandfather who is a mechanic, and dreams of joining a renegade team called Gekkostate. One day the opportunity to join this team just falls upon him when the pilot Eureka crashes into his room. He gets the chance to join this team and quickly jumps on board. Shortly afterwards he finds out that it isn't what he thought it was at all. And the only thing keeping him happy is the presence of Eureka. It reminds me a lot of Zoids, which is an old time favorite. If you have the time and are looking for a mecha anime, with a love twist, the search for the meaning of life, and right from wrong, well, I suggest Eureka Seven.
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Post by The Herald on Dec 31, 2007 19:15:02 GMT
xv. Dolph muttered to himself and grabbed the bottle of vodka, drinking deep. He imagined a mosh pit and started to flail wildly. Vodka splashed the walls. (music) “Was Bist du Doch nur ein Tier!!!”
He splashed a lantern and the flame surged. In that moment, he caught a glimpse of a figure in the shadows. He stopped dancing. “Who the fuck are you?!” (music) “Was Bist du Doch nur ein Tier!!!”He threw his bottle at the figure as it pulled from the shadows, but it shattered uselessly behind the stranger. Martin slit Dolph’s throat before he could let loose a tattle tale scream. He stuck the knife in his gut next and watched the blood gurgle from Dolph’s mouth and throat before his lifeless body slumped to the floor. The music followed Martin down Headstone Road, and carried forward to his quarry ahead. xvi.
The female Council member from our base in Scranton lay in a puddle of her own blood only a few feet from the tunnel entrance. She’d been dead for hours. The two male Council members were killed in their sleep three hours before she met her demise. That was all Martin’s doing. He was a deputy, and all deputies were also inevitably assassins. He’d waited for the search party. They knew the Council would want them to prioritize protecting the secret of the tunnel above an immediate burial, so they opened the door in the floor that led to the tunnel road. They rushed down the ladder and descended into pitch black. Martin stepped out of the blackest of shadows and swiftly, quietly killed the search party of four. There would be more, but he didn’t need to wait around to kill them all. Besides, he had to make up for lost time. When he first entered the tunnel, he’d been hours behind us. Now he could close the distance within the hour, and we had no clue how close he really was. We stopped for a twenty minute nap, and we napped in shifts. The fine hairs on the back of my neck were standing. The break was a risk we might never have taken if I weren’t so sure it was my brother that was following us. I knew I had to face him eventually, and the sooner I did the better off everyone would be…I think. I couldn’t be sure. I was not looking forward to the confrontation. It tied my stomach in knots to imagine it. I remember Tree telling me it might be a choice between killing him and killing my brother. I knew the right thing to do, but I wondered if he was stronger than me. He certainly had the disposition for killing family. I was not like him. I was nothing like him at all. Trained to kill, I doubted I was prepared for the repercussions of committing murder; mainly I dreaded the emotional and psychological repercussions. Also, I feared he might succeed in intimidating me. Hopefully I wouldn’t regress to being a child again when I saw his familiar face. Would it be so familiar? It had been years since I’d seen him last. He would probably look significantly different. Tree woke from his nap and we were on our way again. “We’re not moving fast enough,” I said. “We can’t endure a dead run for long. Our only chance is pacing ourselves so we have energy for the rest of our trek…and energy for a confrontation.” Yes, energy for a confrontation. “Let’s wait then. He’s close by now, I’m sure. I dreamt about him just now, but I can’t remember the details. It was vivid, though. I can practically feel him breathing down my neck.” We built a fire and made seats out of our rolled up sleeping bags. He put his arm around me. We didn’t speak for some of the longest moments I’d ever known. The longer we waited the more I emotionally and physically pulled away from Tree. I shrugged his hand from my shoulder and leaned away from him, staring back into the darkness from which we came. I didn’t know then, but Martin observed me from the shadows for quite some time, pleased with the increasing obviousness of my insecurity and impatience. It wasn’t like me to be outwardly vulnerable. While I struggled with the waiting game, Martin was trying to decide if he should follow us without revealing his presence for another whole day, shoot me without a warning, or simply step into the light and wait to see what transpired. He shot me. He clipped my shoulder with a bullet. The knife was Martin’s specialty; pistol shooting was not as natural to him. He holstered his pistol, unsheathed his knife and closed the distance between us quickly. By the time I could finally see his face I’d placed three bullets in his chest. His knife clattered to the floor as he stood wide-eyed and stunned. My brother really hadn’t changed a bit. To me, he still looked like he did when he was 13, just a little bit sharper around the edges, a little bit leaner. He started to spin counter-clockwise on his left foot’s heel, but gravity claimed him before he completed the first revolution. I was losing blood, and my grip on consciousness relaxed as I, too, fell. xvii. When a dream came to me this time, it was very clear. I was seeing the night Martin ran away, and I was seeing it through his eyes, through his mind: The husky was howling and mom and dad were trying everything to shut him up. Having that dog was going to end up getting the whole family killed. It was too big a risk. Belle’s bleeding heart would get her killed too. I needed to get away, fly under the radar. Since she refused to save herself I would have to accept the loss. “Goodbye, mom, dad, Rebelle,” I said out loud. From the highest point in town, I saw the explosion. In that moment, the last bit of humanity in me died. I sighed with relief.
Everything was moving along perfectly until the day I was deputized. She was there. Belle at fifteen. I saw her and then she was gone. I obsessed over the fact that she was alive and well. I’d mourned her already. She was the only thing in this world that could make me human again. I would have to convince my superiors that she was a threat.
As it turns out, she eventually became a legitimate threat. I was recruited specifically to hunt her. How did we know she was a threat? We had a spy working at her base, of course. Belle was given an assignment that would make her privy to certain secrets. That’s where I came in. The Citizens owned a copy of a book that never should have been printed. Disguised as a fiction novel and published just before the revolution, it spelled out the Government’s plans and even explained in great detail how the Civil War and Holocaust were a distraction to keep the Citizens occupied.
‘See, sister? I, too, am privy to secrets. I know what is “wrong” with the sky. We are not underestimating our enemy this time, Belle. That book will burn, and you will extinguish alongside it, you and your friend Leaf… Branch… whatever.’
I never once entertained the notion that I would fail. I left a bomb on a timer at the Pennsylvania base. I was hoping that a second search party didn’t get dispatched before the bomb demolished the base. Upon overtaking my sist-- I mean-- the two treasonous Citizens I would continue forward to destroy the New York base, but not before searching for and finding the book in question.
When the bomb finally blew, I felt a very slight shaking of the earth. I was waiting for it, and for that reason I felt the subtle vibration that meant no going back, only forward.Everything went black for me after I dreamed Martin’s thoughts. I remembered killing Martin, and then everything went black. And then someone was kneeling over me. “Belle, wake up. Belle, wake up!” As I slowly regained consciousness, the dream images regained clarity. The words I muttered were rapid fire. “I was him I was him I was him and I knew all his thoughts. We need the book, Tree!!! Somehow that book is THE answer. Where, Tree, where did his soul go? If it disappeared, where did it go? Where did it go? I was him and there was nothing there, it was empty, it was…black. It was empty and it was black. It was black. There was no light, it was empty. It was…” “You’ve lost a lot of blood, Belle. Look at me.” I relaxed as much as I could on the hard ground and looked him in the eyes. “You’re going to be ok,” he reassured me. “Since when has anything ever been ok?” I spoke coldly and looked away from Tree. The saga continues next month...
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Post by The Herald on Dec 31, 2007 19:16:22 GMT
Well guys I'm going to start posting my book in the Herald to get more views =D I hope you enjoy it, I completed a chapter and a prologue this month. Prologue: Jake shrugged through the crowd, stoning himself as he shoved children out of his way. He knelt down on the gritty pavement, his stony hands clasping around his mother's frail ones. She lay there, a bullet wound bleeding through her flowered blouse. "Stay with me, Ma," Jake said in his deep voice. He heard screaming but didn't care. All of his attention was focused singularly on his mother. A siren sounded, but it sounded far away. "Oh, Jake, baby, my sweet, sweet baby." Her brown eyes squinted as if she were too far away to see him. Removing one of her hands from his, she stroked his brown tear-streaked face. "I love you honey. You remember that now." She was smiling faintly, even in the face of death. "No Ma. Don't talk like that. I won't let you die. I WON'T LET YOU DIE!" He was sobbing now, weeping. Wives fainted around him, being caught by their husbands. But no one did a damn thing to help out. "I love you Ma. Don't leave me." His mother's smile widened, a sad expression in her eyes. "Oh baby, I see him. It's Jesus. Oh baby He's here!" With that she closed her eyes, her body suddenly relaxed. Jake felt himself being torn away from his mother's body, heard people shouting, but he was in another world. "MA!!!! No, no, no . . ." He tore away from whoever had hold of him and ran, just ran. He didn't care where, he even knocked over a few people. He just ran. The leaves crunched under his feet, the cool autumn air whipping around his face. Slowing down, he found his way to one of the park's benches. With a fleeting and incredulous look at the sky, he cradled his head in his hands, devastated to no end. Jesus had indeed come that day. Chapter 1 Jake stood to attention, welcoming the black-clad guests into the house. For once in his life, he wished his mother wasn’t so popular. He stood with his black suit and made somber faces at anyone who cared to look as they came in the door, but his mind wasn’t really on the wake to come. He had his thoughts set back to when he was a child, back when he was Jakey Dunson. Oh how he missed those times, the simpler times, when he could nuzzle into the protective side of his do-business mother; how he wished he could do the same now, but to no end would it help him. He swept his eyes around the early noon lawn, painfully remembering that it was his mother who had mowed it not even a week before. She was alive. She was alive and he saw her die. That one thought, that one realization slammed into him like an oncoming bus. She wasn’t coming back. That struck him harder than the grand scheme of things. He didn’t want to believe it, but he had no choice. He felt a hand on his back, and turned around to see his cousin Tyrone standing in the open doorway of the house. He had a knowing look on his face and ushered Jake into a rough embrace-pulling back and finishing with a traditional jive. “It’s cool, cuz. She done made her peace with God. It’s not how she woulda wanted to go, but she knew that was as good a time as any. Come on in. Ain’t no one needing you to help them inside.” He turned around and walked into the house. He took one last look around the lawn, and stepped inside, wiping the tears from his eyes as he shut the door. Inside there was a lot of hustle. The neatly decorated den was nearly full with people, and it angered Jake to see them all. They were sitting on his Ma’s chairs, drinking from her antique glasses, eating in her sitting room. If Desire Dunson had been alive, she probably would have died again from the shock of the scene before her. That isn’t to say that everyone was enjoying themselves. Indeed, they seemed still shaken by the overall shock of her death. As if on cue, Desire’s sister Gloria, a thoroughly large woman with curly brown hair, shuffled over to Jake and wrapped her arms around him. “Oh Jacob,” she sobbed, “I can’t believe it. What did she ever do wrong?” She kissed him on the forehead and tugged at his earlobe. “How are you holding up?” "I guess I’m okay," Jake began. "It’s okay to cry, boy. Let it out, oh I love you so much. You best not leave me too." She hugged him again, the force of it nearly suffocating him. He ran his hand over his head, feeling down the cornrows tightly clinging to it. “She was strong in the end, Auntie. She didn’t let anything out, and neither will I. I’m gonna stay strong for my momma.” Gloria smiled at him, brushing her hair out of her eyes. “I’m so proud of you right now, I hope you know that, Jacob.” She seemed to nod, and looked him in the eyes. There was a moment’s silence between the two, and Gloria gave a jerky nod and released him. He patted her arm and turned away and walked to the kitchen, dodging the family members coming his way. As he turned into the kitchen, he saw that it was already occupied. A young woman was seated with a little girl at the kitchen table, her eyes red and puffy. She was a beautiful woman, with taut lips and long brown hair. She wore a metallic-gold lipstick with matching fingernail polish, and it seemed to bring out her African features more than anything. Jake entered the kitchen and pulled up a chair beside her. “Crazy party, huh?” She asked, stroking the girl’s hair. “Tell me about it. It’s my Ma’s, you know.” He gave her a small smile. “I’m sorry for your loss.” She did indeed look sorry, as she dabbed her eyes with a tissue. “Desire was a very nice woman.” “How did you know her?” He asked, getting up and opening the refrigerator. He reached in and pulled out three sodas, and handed two to the woman and girl. “She babysat Abbey here. Abbey, what do you say to the nice man for giving you a drink?” The little girl didn’t miss a beat. “Thank you, mister.” She said, batting her eyelashes. “You’re welcome.” He smiled at the child, and looked up at her mother. “And what might your name be?” She smiled, and let out a breath. “I’m Lexus. This is my baby girl Abbey, but you already knew that. You must be Jacob.” She stood up to shake his hand. For the first time Jake actually realized how beautiful the girl before him was. She had a sweet smile, and her voice was deep and kind. “Yeah, that’s me,” he said, taking her hand. There was a crackling noise as Abbey opened her soda. “How long did you know her?” He asked as he sat back down. Lexus crossed her legs over one another. “I met her a couple of years ago at the post office, when we moved here. She became one of my closest friends, we’d talk about everything together.” She shuffled her position in her seat. “I know it is an odd relationship since she was so much older than I am, but she was just so understanding of my problems, and I could open out to her at any time.” She blushed, and gave a slight cough. “I can’t help but feel somewhat guilty about her death . . . . .” Jake leaned forward. “What do you mean?” His voice seemed a little harsh even to himself, and he softened it. “If you have any idea why my mother was murdered, please tell me.” Lexus swept her hair off her face. “I only meant that since I suggested that a walk in the park would be good for her, I feel as though I killed her.” She glanced at the floor, tears streaming down her face. The drink on the table remained untouched, and Abbey grabbed it and started drinking it. Jake sat back. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you. I was only anxious about what you said because the business with her being shot and all. I hope you can forgive my ignorance.” He smiled at her, and she smiled back. He was about to ask where she lived when Tyrone came into the kitchen and motioned him to come to begin the wake. Jake looked back at Lexus. “Hey, write down your number, for me, would you? Just leave it sitting on the counter. I gotta go start off this thing.” He stood up, and shook her hand once more. “It was nice meeting you, Jacob. I hope you get over okay.” She pulled out a small notebook from her purse, and Jake smiled. Waving at Abbey, he walked into the den to begin the wake, and for the first time since before his mother’s death, he had a spring in his step.
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Post by The Herald on Dec 31, 2007 19:17:21 GMT
Life without, without what? Love? Desire? Ambition? Strength? No, none of these, I am talking about the deep sad Life, without a purpose, without the Herald. For months I went without my beloved SSD, and Herald, I found myself lost, no reason or desire to write. No motivation to continue my loved art. Even sitting down to just write anything at all, ended up with horrible paragraphs, and soon I found the only writing I could do was essays on short stories such as Greasy Lake. And while these essays for Literature class were full of meaning and understanding, it was not fulfilling. I miss my reason to get up and write, I missed the desire to get on SSD. I had a Life without, as I began to call it. Things grew dull, as I found meaningless tasks to fill my time, as to not draw attention to the fact that I had a Life without. Some nights, I can clearly remember finishing articles for the Herald and just having something hitting me, and having to get up to type it out, or seeking any article I could do for the Herald. After a short bit of a Life without, I even became a random visitor that wrote things for the Herald, but it only showed me what I was missing, and it soon passed where I didn't visit at all. Around November, I began to have the urge to write again, as things in my life were winding down, and the semester was drawing to an end. And I came back, to notice changes, and it made my Life without more evident. And now, that I am back, and on the Staff of my beloved Herald again, I find I am writing more and more. Just randomly, something pops in my head, and I run with it, and it may end horribly, but it may end amazing. Never again, do I want a, Life Without.
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Post by The Herald on Dec 31, 2007 19:18:46 GMT
The simultaneous recognition, in a fraction of a second, of the significance of an event as well as the precise organization of forms which gives that event its proper expression… . In photography, the smallest thing can be a great subject. The little human detail can become a leitmotif. - Henri Cartier-Bresson In case you do not know, Henri Cartier-Bresson is considered by many to be the father of what would become street photography. He is also one of the co-founders of Magnum Photos, founded in 1947. I purposefully picked the quotation above because it best describes how I feel about photography. Photography, as with all art forms, has different meanings to each individual. For me, I definitely prefer event and street photography. Capturing the moment means more to me than anything else. A photograph can capture one particular fleeting moment and make it eternal. That is the magic of photography, and that is what I wish to do. Therefore to me, I don't really care how my photographs get printed or turned into prints. The process, many argue, would improve your understanding of the art. Yet to me, that shouldn't be what photography is about. Photography should never be about how you can do a million and one things to the photograph be it in the darkroom, or in Photoshop. What do you think? Send in your thoughts about what photography means to you, and it will be published next month!
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Post by The Herald on Dec 31, 2007 19:21:08 GMT
Can’t remember what I was supposed to do so like: Oi Polloi‘Punx and skins/having a laugh. checking our balls out/in the fucking bath’ - Deek, lyrical maestro. Oi polloi have been round a long time. Anti fascist vegan anarcho punk and one of the greatest punk bands you will ever listen to, oi polloi hail from my home town of Edinburgh. Known for their incendiary live gigs and their self run ‘Island of punk’ on Crammond – total class, Oi Polloi mainly focus on punk and skin unity, booting in fascists and having a laugh. Tomorrow I’m going to go see them, for maybe the 5th time - should be good, I’ll get wasted and dance to such classic tunes as; ‘Let The Boots Do The Talking’, ‘Bash The Fash’ and ‘Whole New Ballgame’. There is no higher pinnacle of the live gig, and they frequently hand out whiskey and energy drink to the crowd – result! I’ll tell you how the gig is next month, maybe - if I can tear myself away from the Swedish prostitute I found beaten and shit-faced in the gutter tonight – Siobhan you sweet sweet bitch. Right but until then I need to go get some antiseptic for all these cuts on my hands.
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Post by The Herald on Dec 31, 2007 19:22:03 GMT
Many people say that music and politics are entirely inseparable, but I say those people are BASTARDS. Hippies and punks and scum of society. Shiftless layabouts that never heard toe tapping classics like ‘Hit me baby one more time’, now that’s MUSIC. Bland and unobjectionable – just how I like my women. Let’s take a quick look at some ‘political’ music: Bad Religion: Politically charged, ridiculously over articulate, and verging on COMMUNIST. These bastards should be beaten like a gong. Consider this excerpt: can't you feel it, can't you see it the promise of prosperity, it's overwhelming you and me it afflicts us like a disease, ubiquitous compelling too we cling to you like crazy glue, and inject such a potent seed it's best for all humanity,
Anti capitalist, anti pioneering spirit, anti AMERICAN. Those...BASTARDS. These unpatriotic fucks are corrupting our children. Think of the children! Even their name represents a lack of faith in our great God who laid down the rules for liberty in this great country. Contrast these commie bastards with real political music: U2: You know that band that did all that stuff about Africa? Good work! Quiet, unassuming, forceless – that’s how political music should be. Take the song Vertigo by U2 for instance, a good bit of woahing and yeah yeah yeahing - that’s what it’s about. If you have to protest do it quietly, so you don’t wake up the neighbors. And the best bit of the whole protest is that the money disappeared quietly into where it was most needed – the velvet pocket of some well deserving capitalist out to make honest money, no matter how illegal it might be. I think it can be seen from this article that un-equivocatably music and politics are a BAD COMBINATION, like drugs and teenagers, condoms and intercourse, love and marriage – terrible terrible combinations. A woman isn’t for life – she’s for Christmas. Every time you look into a girls eyes and think you see love, what you are really seeing is her writing down the password for the lock on your soul. Get wise men, go for the stupid and the unattractive - then you know they won't fuck with you. But I digress. Fuck political music, fuck it in the ear.
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