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Post by S'ewing S'cubie on Jul 2, 2003 6:28:21 GMT -5
Well, Diane, I'm a Blakean to the bone. To the degree that I believe religiously in something that's not religion, I believe in Blake's view of the dynamics of all creative energies...including the destructive ones. And the notion that pulling things apart is nasty and wrong is a notion that the other William (Blake) wouldn't have tolerated for a second and has said many pithy and pointed things about. Cisterns contain; Fountains overflow. You never know what is enough until you know what is more than enough. One Law for the Lion and the Ox is oppression. Sounds a bit like our William, doesn' t it? Very much. Personally, I could never fall into one philosophy over another. None of the writers, philosophers or psychologists I ever read seemed to allow for the immense diversity of the human condition, thereby rendering themselves invalid. However, I do like your Blakian piths as regards Spike. Then again, I also like Patrick Dennis as quoted in Auntie Mame below. Diane (Anything worth doing is worth overdoing.)
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Post by Nan-S'cubie Mascot on Jul 2, 2003 6:38:33 GMT -5
Through the endless kindness of Vlad, we Ascended Ones now have our stars back. I gather it was difficult to accomplish, even for our gifted Technopagan, because the system wasn't designed to handle quite so many elements as are involved in that lefthand panel for us, and then stars, as well.
But Vlad persevered and gave us back our stars.
Ad astra per aspera: To the stars through difficulties.
Thanks, Vlad!
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Post by LeeHollins on Jul 2, 2003 7:07:25 GMT -5
Hi guys! I won't be here today (sad, aren't you?) because I have yet another meeting today for this financial case we just got in. I started the discussion thread for "Help" over on the main page. I didn't leave the office until about 2:00am so I didn't watch it when I got home - I decided to sleep for a couple of hours. I know, I know - I'm letting real life get in the way of Buffy. Hopefully, we'll take a lunch break today and I can hop on over to the board then. If not, I'll get on here when I can. I haven't been on the board in like 2 days and I already miss so much! I miss you guys and I hope to be back here soon! Love, Lee
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Post by deborah on Jul 2, 2003 7:49:39 GMT -5
Alice, I'm catching up on the posts and came on your interesting catch too late to do anything with it as that part had already been locked. You said: <snip> This is, incidentally, followed by an exchange between (relatively) young vampire Mike (who looks a lot like Riley Finn) and Spike, that I can't resist quoting just for fun: Mike said, “This Angel. Angelus. He’s my sire, right?” “Seems so. Wouldn’t bring it up to him if I were you, though. Might make him try to think up a third expression an’ die of the strain.” TeeHee! Dig dig jab jab. I like, I like.
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Post by betsyAB on Jul 2, 2003 7:59:31 GMT -5
I seem to have generated a lot of questions about my new position, so I'll try to explain a bit better than I did last time. I have aquired a new civilian position with the Department of the Navy as a technical editor. The Naval Audit Service reviews various Navy and Marine Corps commands and then produces these huge reports on their findings; my job will be to ensure they spelled all their words correctly, and that they make sense. Also, with my years of military experience, I'll also be the guy the rest of the office turns to when they can't understand the latest Navy-ese term someone used in a document. It won't be exactly brain-taxing work. But who cares -- it's a cushy government job! With lots of perks, like the fact that it would take an act of God and Congress to fire me. Even if the shop were to downsize or close completely, the government would then have to find me a new job at the same level. The position is here in Washington, so I won't have to move, unless I find something I like even better elsewhere in the country -- and being that I'm in the system now, I'll always be able to move around to other positions even during hiring freezes, because I won't be a new hire. The job does require a security clearance, which is the reason I don't start tomorrow. They have to ensure I can be trusted with sensative documents, which are mostly going to be "For Official Use Only", the lowest possible classification, if they are classified at all. I shouldn't have any trouble getting a classification since I've held a Top Secret clearance since 2000 and before that, a Secret clearance since 1985. And as exciting as a Top Secret clearance may sound, no, I'm not Riley Finn. When I worked at the Naval Research Laboratory, everyone was required to have a Top Secret clearance just to set foot on the place, because they are the leading lab in developing naval research and technology, so some of the stuff they work on is pretty hot, sometimes because of national security concerns but mostly because of industrial espionage. Wish I could say that I've spent a lot of time in monster labs hidden deep underneath college campuses, but no such luck. Closest I ever came to combat was sitting off the shore of Bosnia during the height of the Serbian uprisings a few years back; our Marine helicopter crews took on enemy fire as they flew missions into the area, but the rest of us remained safely in the Adriatic Sea, miles from shore. No evil scars with fascinating stories behind them, unless you count the tiny one on my .... no, we won't go there -- just leave it at no scars. As for my regular weekend deal, I'm still active in the Naval Reserves, so that won't change. One weekend a month and two weeks a year (possibly more in the event of war), I serve as the public affairs officer for an admiral's staff in Williamsburg VA, as well as for the 14 subordinate commands under his authority. As a civilian working for the Department of the Navy and a Naval Reservist, I'll be in position to actually get two regular paychecks from the Navy. Not too shabby of a deal. And both jobs come with their perks. Anyhow, that's the details. Sorry if anyone is dissapointed. That's so awesome about your new job, Dave! I've been trying to get a nice Gov't job myself but it's a pain! The VA Hospital in Detroit is a possibility since I have a buddy who works there. I've applied, so we'll see. Wish me luck! Betsy
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Post by betsyAB on Jul 2, 2003 8:10:13 GMT -5
Ummm, sorry if I was one of the posters who intimidated you. All I can say is that I am an inconsiderate fool who cannot walk away from an argument no matter how many people I offend. I keep hoping and trying to improve, but so far I've only improved enough to walk away three-quarters of the way into an argument when I realise, too late, what I have done. Sorry. I wish people would IM me when I walk into an unwinnable argument like the Hitler one so that I can step away before I get carried away, but I suspect that may be asking too much. Naw, it's cool, Kerrie. Let's just say I was surprised to walk into the boards, so to speak, after a short absence, and see a huge debate on the soul of Hitler! Let's just say I know when to keep my mouth shut--like Nan, I don't discuss religion and politics, or global domination--because that is when I put my foot in it! My philosophies of life are more spiritual and karmic than most people, and I have the mind set to let people live and let live. Besides, I can't argue with you people. YOU ARGUE GREEK PHILOSPHY!!! And I haven't read any of that since high school. I am totally going to have to bone up on my education to talk with you guys or my come-backs will consist of: Angelus bad, Spike not as bad! Spike hot. Me like Spike!
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Post by Anne, Old S'cubie Cat on Jul 2, 2003 8:14:58 GMT -5
Keep in mind, Betsy, that Shiva is both Destroyer and Preserver in Hinduism, and that all cultures have not regarded destruction as an absolute evil. And people have an abiding passion for it. Look at demolition derbies. Look at the crowds that surround any big building being imploded. I'm afraid I agree with them. I don't believe a passion for destruction is automatically an evil, or that a passion for creation is necessarily good. Urban sprawl is one example, and the suffering of the environment, and overpopulation are all side-effects of unlimited growth without a balancing destruction. So I see no need for Spike to give up his love of destruction for its own sake. In the destruction of the Hellmouth, and in his plain laughing joy at it, it's a characteristic he has until and (I hope) beyond the end. I think we need to be a little flexible in our definitions of good and evil in the Jossverse. I was researching Hindu deities yesterday (I do that sometimes) and - Anyway, Shiva is also Rebirth and Creativity. Interesting. Just wanted to stick that in.
That was some interesting discussion you lot had last night - mythology of all sorts.
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Post by Anne, Old S'cubie Cat on Jul 2, 2003 8:31:52 GMT -5
Whoo Hoo, a nifty title AND stars, too! Vlad is a technogenius...
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Post by Karen on Jul 2, 2003 8:39:02 GMT -5
Naw, it's cool, Kerrie. Let's just say I was surprised to walk into the boards, so to speak, after a short absence, and see a huge debate on the soul of Hitler! Let's just say I know when to keep my mouth shut--like Nan, I don't discuss religion and politics, or global domination--because that is when I put my foot in it! My philosophies of life are more spiritual and karmic than most people, and I have the mind set to let people live and let live. Besides, I can't argue with you people. YOU ARGUE GREEK PHILOSPHY!!! And I haven't read any of that since high school. I am totally going to have to bone up on my education to talk with you guys or my come-backs will consist of: Angelus bad, Spike not as bad! Spike hot. Me like Spike! You took the works right out of my mouth, BetsyAB. I have found that to keep up with alot of the discussion that I would have to read ALOT of books for the next 10 years - and RETAIN all of the information! But I'm really enjoying the discussions and learning alot. I put foot in mouth on occasion, and they just ignore me. You know how, when you're walking down the street and trip over NOTHING and look around to see if anyone saw you? Well they see the trip on the board, but pretend (most times) that they didn't see it. I enjoy everyone's comments. Especially the ones I disagree with - makes for good debate. So don't be hesitant to post your opinions - you might be surprised on the reaction you get, and how many might agree with you. If we were all of the same mind, it would get really boring real quick. It's what made for good entertainment between Buffy and Spike, et. all. See ya around! P.S. If you really mess up, you can always delete the post. I've never done this, my goofs are there for posterity. But it's a nice option. LadyDi - Congrats on reaching S'cubie status. It's along road to Master S'cubie - I know! But you'll be there sooner than you think, so try to come up with a name now, cause I'm trying to now, and time is running out. Karalee - I would help you with your name, but I'm having trouble myself. (Editing an old post, so I don't post a long, non-interruped string of posts.)
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Post by Karen on Jul 2, 2003 8:43:49 GMT -5
Through the endless kindness of Vlad, we Ascended Ones now have our stars back. I gather it was difficult to accomplish, even for our gifted Technopagan, because the system wasn't designed to handle quite so many elements as are involved in that lefthand panel for us, and then stars, as well. But Vlad persevered and gave us back our stars. Ad astra per aspera: To the stars through difficulties. Thanks, Vlad! I took one class of web design. I understand enough of it to really respect all the work that goes into it. Vlad, thanks for taking the time to work on the seemingly minor stuff. Sometimes it's the minor stuff that gets either adds to or gets in the way of our enjoyment.
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Post by Anne, Old S'cubie Cat on Jul 2, 2003 8:45:41 GMT -5
You took the works right out of my mouth, BetsyAB. I have found that to keep up with alot of the discussion that I would have to read ALOT of books for the next 10 years - and RETAIN all of the information! But I'm really enjoying the discussions and learning alot. I put foot in mouth on occasion, and they just ignore me. You know how, when you're walking down the street and trip over NOTHING and look around to see if anyone saw you? Well they see the trip on the board, but pretend (most times) that they didn't see it. I enjoy everyone's comments. Especially the ones I disagree with - makes for good debate. So don't be hesitant to post your opinions - you might be surprised on the reaction you get, and how many might agree with you. If we were all of the same mind, it would get really boring real quick. It's what made for good entertainment between Buffy and Spike, et. all. See ya around! What Sandy said, me too. Just jump right in, you never know what will spark someone else, and extend the discussion. Joss Whedon is a genius, look at all the things we find to discuss from a couple of TV shows. I am constantly amazed and enlightened.
And before I forget again, Hi BetsyAB, good to see you again, and Hi all the new people. This is a good place, they don't bite here - much...
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Post by deborah on Jul 2, 2003 8:45:43 GMT -5
I think Spike is more like a dog than a cat. Dogs are more social animals; and Spike is not a solitary critter. If anyone is interested, I'll finish developing my list of Jossverse Characters As Dog Breeds. I already have Angel and Spike and Buffy and Wesley figured out... Gail I've always seen Spike as a cat; a black panther to be precise. It's that feline grace with which he moves. That's why I've always thought of *that walk* he does, that special Spike walk, as the panther walk.
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Post by Karen on Jul 2, 2003 8:48:52 GMT -5
Pattitis: that dreaded infection that causes someone to post long, uninterrupted strings of replies to the board. It's usually accompanied by an itchy rash in unmentionable places due to long periods of sitting in front of a computer, a desire for blooming onions and the overwhelming need for lengthy discussions of a certain naked vampire. Cure? None at this time. Nobody seems to want one. Who does this insane thing?
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Post by Anne, Old S'cubie Cat on Jul 2, 2003 8:53:56 GMT -5
I think Spike is more like a dog than a cat. Dogs are more social animals; and Spike is not a solitary critter. If anyone is interested, I'll finish developing my list of Jossverse Characters As Dog Breeds. I already have Angel and Spike and Buffy and Wesley figured out... Gail OK, I'll bite (ha ha), what breed of dog is Spike? Is Wesley a collie? I could see Watchers being collies. I don't know much about dogs, except collies, but this is fun!
Actually, cats are social, just on their own terms, and since I'm cat-biased anyway... To me, Spike is a cat. On the negative cat characteristics side, cats are more likely to play with their food than dogs, and Spike does enjoy the hunt, maybe even more than the kill.
I think a case could be made either way, which just goes to show the complexity of the characters.
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Post by Karen on Jul 2, 2003 8:59:57 GMT -5
OK, I'll bite (ha ha), what breed of dog is Spike? Is Wesley a collie? I could see Watchers being collies. I don't know much about dogs, except collies, but this is fun!
Actually, cats are social, just on their own terms, and since I'm cat-biased anyway... To me, Spike is a cat. On the negative cat characteristics side, cats are more likely to play with their food than dogs, and Spike does enjoy the hunt, maybe even more than the kill.
I think a case could be made either way, which just goes to show the complexity of the characters. I'm leaning more towards Spike as a cat. But agree the case could be made for both. He did act like a puppy dog where Buffy was concerned.
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