I have made some changes to the Comments feature:
1) Comments are now done in a pop-up window, so you keep the blog window.
2) Comments are now moderated.
3) You no longer have to type in the twisted text to make a comment.
They are all experimental. For instance if I get way too much comment spam (promoting products/sites with software robots making "comments" on blogs), the Twisted Text may come back.
Update: Several people seem to assume that I want to moderate comments because I want to "censor" the comments or "stifle dialogue". Let me just clarify that I am as anticensorship as they come, and I would never stifle dialogue. You can say anything you like as long as it is in line with the discussion and is not incendiary or personal attacks on anybody. Flame wars are counterproductive and boring, and I won't have them.
Update II: I've found out that the pop-up comments window does not work well on some browsers, so I've changed it back.
Update III: As some point out, I can at any time delete any comments I want, this is not a big change. The reason I don't simply do that is that sometimes other people have already made comments about comments, so it is just not practical.
51 comments:
Aha, I didn't notice when I made a comment on the Mette post, that the commenting procedure had changed.
I was baffled when I couldn't see my comment in the post straight away as usually had been the case, so I pressed the "publish" button twice or even more often. Could you allow only one of the identical comments to the post, Eolake? Thanks, and have a good WE.
I use to feel free on this sight to post what I wanted to say but now I feel "censored." Was it because you didn't like my spiritual comments?
You proved you were not a racist. But now Mr Stobblehouse I fear that I cannot speak my opinion because if you don't like what I say you won't let it be seen.
I truly feel oppressed by your decision to do this but it's your site and your right. Thanks for letting me post before you started this moderation thing.
I will not be returning. Best wishes,
PBM
It's sad you feel oppressed, PBM.
I don't see any reason to disallow religious discussions if they are on-topic.
What I won't allow though are personal attacks on my readers. They are counter-productive and not relevant.
Because it delays things, I don't like to have to do this. If things ease off, maybe I'll change it back.
By the way, PBM, perhaps your life would be easier if you did not automatically assume the worst about people and situations before you have any solid data? It seems to me you *assume* somebody is a racist until proven otherwise, and you *assume* you're being oppressed until proven otherwise. See what that does to your life?
I'm surprised too that PBM would expect to be censored. My ever-trusting nature sees moderation as just that : avoiding of the extremes, such time-wasting personal attacks. I seriously doubt that Eolake blog will remind anyone of Comrade Hu Jintao's country or Project Bushistan!
Still, Eolake, I'm not sure you're 100% right about one thing : considering the promptitude and amplitude of the spam I received on the new address I posted here, I expect the moderating effect of the twisted letter thingy to need returning very soon. Nice of optimistic you to try, though.
I think it was somebody commenting on the page of "Blogging on a beutiful spring day" who said it : the internet is an anarchic system. There's no police on it. And some things, like mass-spamming robots or nomadic flamer troublemakers already are notoriously taking every possible advantage of this state of things. Delinquants alas abund.
Some degree of anarchy is the ransom of free speech. Too much anarchy drowns free speech in the background noise. Can you play the piccolo in the jungle? With great difficulty.
I too do not care for moderation as well. It's like restraining the voices that wish to be heard. I won't be returning either. I hope your life is a good one Stobblehouse.
This site was one I truly "had" liked but now I must move on.
Goodbye
What a shame Eolake, just because of a few idiots who were childish you now have to do this. There were some issues bout homosexulity I wanted to talk about but now I'm afraid you might not want to publish them.
But you gotta do what you think is right.
I'll at least keep reading what the other people gotta say, maybe I'll find some answers their.
I like you but I'm really sad now :(
Hello there, I agree with my previous commentators.
It's the same with those road-bumps: just because a few irresponsible people don't know how to behave ALL OF US HAVE TO SUFFER, which is totally unacceptable.
Please Eolake, return to the old system, you could delete offenders anyway, because you are the administrator of this blog.
Also I find this "new window" procedure irritating.
End of experiment, OK?
Ta,
Gen
I think it all had to do with Dr Pascals ongoing jokes. So many people grew weary of them but the blogmaster let him run amok because they are friends. I don't expect you to post this, but I think this is the reason why.
If I were Pascal or Lucid Twilight I could say or do anything and it would be alright because I was "in the click" with them and you. But you are no different than modern day America now. Tell Pascal congratulations on winning his humorous war stories and how he is now the favorite son of this blog.
Flame wars are counterproductive and boring, and I won't have them.
So is stifling a comment, unless you approve of the wording and contents. I thought you were different, but I guess you arent Eolake Sobblehouse.
How many of us will now wonder whose comments you have "handpicked" and or have deleted.(It's now a whole new world where you control the comments. Do you like having that special power?) Do you feel a power surging through your veins as you smile behind your PC? Your excuse about others attacking your readers was all just a smokescreen. Quite brillant actually.
You said once that you won't discuss politics or religion because of the firestorms they produce. Well, you can now easily just delete them and nobody will ever know the difference. Quite clever Stobblehouse.
My Uncle has a blog and moderates now, his comment posts were once large but now few are allowed to post.
He told me in private that he doesn't care for Islamic people posting comments on his Mexican site. Or any one who is Anti-Bush. He also said this way he doesn't have to deal with those "undesirables."
I am one of those undesirables too am I not? It doesn't bother me whether you post this or not because at least you read it and know that we are not all dumb hillbillies with a six grade education.
Gilligan's Boyfriend,
I'd bet my continuated presence on this blog that you can still say whatever you want about homosexuality. We all know you're not a rabid homophobe, so what would you expect Eolake to censor?
Please, talk to us about those issues, I for one am positive the discussion will be as productive and interesting as always.
One example I rely on is racism. On the discussion "About Lincoln, etc.", we had a very interesting and fruitful one. Eolake believed that discrimination based on race is wrong, but that races DO exist. Yet, when I said they don't according to science, he simply wanted to know more.
But, when he later posted a photo of his black friend making a funny face (and explaining that contrary to what looks might suggest, he's a very bright fella), somme immoderate attitudes and comments, perhaps from people with legitimate problems in their life and a need to vent, started leading us all into a very long waste of time. How many times did I have to mention the Lincoln discussion to people "wondering whether Pascal/Eolake is racist"? Lots. One should have been quite sufficient in a non-anarchic context.
I see you as the kind of people who'll always be welcome here. A calm discussion about homosexuality, with your participation, should be as interesting as those we had about euthanasia or racism last July.
Besides, the tone and choice of words of your last comment here confirm my beliefs about you. Don't be sad. Be chatty!
Gen said...
Hello there, I agree with my previous commentators.
It's the same with those road-bumps: just because a few irresponsible people don't know how to behave ALL OF US HAVE TO SUFFER, which is totally unacceptable.
Gen, I agree with you as well. I will miss posting my comments here. I've grown fond of some of the bloggers here. They were my friends.
Pascal, take care of yourself and if you ever want to contact me, I'm at Jordache40@yahoo.com. I hope you do someday. I'll miss our conversations greatly. I hope peace finally comes to your country.
I just feel uneasy about getting approval first from a man I already admired for his Domai Site and for this forum.
May all blessings come your way Pascal and Eolake. It was quite a nice road to travel wasn't it?
But it is your blog and even though I don't agree with you punishing everyone, I still respect your decision, but like Gen said, We all suffer now.
Farewell my friends.
(Pascal please contact me someday. I'll miss you the most.)
I agree with giving Eolake the benefit of the doubt - though it's his blog. :) I don't actually expect that he'll filter very much, just some certain nonsense which I've been trying really hard to ignore. It'll be nice not to have that...
Alas dear man, you now moderate your readers words? Very sad indeed.
But as was stated by the others sir, you have that option.
In my courtyard the guilty are given at least their say without the possibility of being censored and or silenced.
Good evening. Best of all to you Mr Stobblehouse and much gratitude for letting me speak freely before.
I shall find another blog to visit.
Gracefully yours, King Zod
Was it because of my name? I'm sorry if it was dude.
guess i should have chosen a different name man!
tell that mr pascal dude i think he rocks if you will? i dunno if you will or willnot allow these words?
peace my brother......and stay clothes free that all may see lol
bye bye
Lucid Twilight said...
Eolake's not punishing anybody.
Young Lucid Twilight,
He is punishing everybody because of a few people that posted things that he didn't like. And I think because he doesn't want anybody to express anything negative about his friends like you or the doctor from lebanon.
But it's okay, there are other sites that aren't censored.
Free speech has been eliminated here and that is scarey. I choose to go where I can speak freely and not have to kiss somebody's ass just to publish my words.
And Eolake, I don't expect you to let this be seen, but it's how I feel.
"Moderation seems to completely void all spontaneity AND integrity from this blog - an no reason was given. I will find another place to converse - in two-way mode: DIALOG, thank you. Sitting in judgement on the validity of critisism obviates a writer's credibility. Good luck."
I could not have said it better myself. No more reading here for me. At least we're still allowed to think things without that being censored or silenced altogether.
You had a good thing going until you decided to play "god."
I wanted a discussion on sexual purity but being "monitored" first I am not good with that.
I choose to go where I can speak freely and not have to kiss somebody's ass just to publish my words.
Agreed 100 percent! Now I no longer get to read what The Proud Black Man had to say. I'm black but I lack the ability to express myself with great wisdom that PBM gave.
He is a credit to our race. Damn it, that makes me angry Stobblehouse. You don't by chance have his bloggers address or some point of contact where I can reach him do you?
He was an inspiration to me.
Let me know ok? Thx.
I don't actually expect that he'll filter very much, just some certain nonsense which I've been trying really hard to ignore. It'll be nice not to have that...
Hanah,
What was it that you ignored? Just curious? Sometimes ignoring certain things makes matters worse I think.
Don't you?
I don't understand what nonsense you are speaking about? Was it about your crooked picture? Or something else?
Luv,
Lesbian Lilly
Curtis, if you and PBM will both go to stobblehouse.com and email me, I can facilitate contact.
friends, why go away? Stay awhile longer, keep saying your say. I am overly sensitive sometimes to critical voices but that is only because I forget that perfect love isn't in me. I also criticise others in my mind, and have to learn why I do this.
I hope no one leaves who's meant to stay.
Laurie
To Lady Tiger,
I'm curious about one thing : you seem to feel blog veteran Pascal has no right to make jokes, even directed at people with whom he's familiar and who don't object themselves. And at the same time, if newbies or anonymous blokes cast personal attacks for the sake of it, you feel you must defend that "human right" of theirs? Since when has verbal violence become more okay than bad humor? (If it *is* in fact bad, which is all a matter of private taste, really.)
You're free to ignore the jokes yourself, just leave others free to think otherwise. They make no harm. Pascal hasn't deliberately insulted or defamated anybody to this day, as far as I can see. And on occasions he's apologized for unwittingly upsetting others.
Another thing : this is not Hyde Park. This is a personal blog made by Mr Eolake Stobblehouse for goals expressed on the main page: cultivated discussions on themes he chooses. As such, he is akin to the captain of the ship he built, sole master on board after God. So far, I've seen him display great restraint in the use of this absolute power which is legally his as blogmaster. Normally, all are welcome to this cruise. Unless some folks start boarding only to sink the ship with a torch...
I've seen many upset comments since this moderation was instated. So it seems clear that E.S. only indends to use it to stop gratuitous accusations and flame wars, that ruin the whole purpose of a cultivated blog. I have indeed seen too many myself recently, this was getting quite tedious. And even felt like deliberate sabotage at times.
I've also checked the "serious" discussions Pascal mentioned. He appears to put much more writing effort in cultivated, informative or caring posts than on his jokes [Re. Bob Carlos Clarke or Red & Birches]. Not exactly the definition of your typical "daddy's bratty darling". This reminds me of Mozart's Tourette syndrome, which made him very misbehaved in public. Yet he was *also* a uniquely talented musician and a great asset to human culture.
I'm not comparing Pascal to an eccentric genius(!) but you get my point. Nobody's perfect, not even the best of us. Some understanding and patience are paramount to function and succeed as a society. If you please.
To all those wo want to leave : do you honestly feel you are the kind of delinquents that disturb the University (sort of speaking)? Have you been criticized for your tone before, or feel you deserve to? For the majority of you, I honestly don't believe so. I think you should feel free to leave, but also to stay. Just give Mr Stobblehouse a fair chance.
I'll keep reading the discussions here myself. For now, their freedom and interest appear all *but* doomed.
"Anonymous said...
My Uncle has a blog and moderates now, his comment posts were once large but now few are allowed to post.
He told me in private that he doesn't care for Islamic people posting comments on his Mexican site."
¡Hola, señor anónimo! Looks like you come from a muy open and tolerant familia, eh? Since i've fond no talented racistas here [Paco, Eolago, Lúcido Crepúsculo, ¡Nada que aficionados!] what you say, hombre, wanna bring your campeón relative aquí to give some free lessons to these amateurs? they could learn mucho estrechez from a real fanático, homie. :P
¡Madre de Dios, que pena por la religión del amor! I'm with Eolago here: some order is good. I visit Domai and this blog for distraction from being stationed in iraq, and i don't want it to become another furiosa war zone. It would remind me of work :(
Lady Tiger said...
"Tell Pascal congratulations on winning his humorous war stories and how he is now the favorite son of this blog."
Ooh, looks like maybe somebody hasn't received enough love as a child. Did you know I'm a middle son? I know the feeling!
Is this your way of saying you're looking for a friend? Go ahead, you can tell us, I promise not to laugh.
I've noticed you making some intelligent comments on another thread, so you're not ALL anger. Look at Yedi ZooKoo the other day : he showed a little bit of courage, and it paid off. I'm not the Snickering Ogre, you know. If somebody wants peace with me, by golly they're gonna get it!
So, what say you, Lady Tiger? Claws or purrs? I'm very fond of all felines, you know. (I have a cat-tiger sleeping on my lap at this very moment.)
Lesbian Lilly (hey, that's a cute name!),
Eolake hasn't consulted with me or even informed me in advance, but I'm quite sure the only goal of this moderation is to stop the recent stream of clear aggerssiveness that very recently appeared. Typically, stuff like "I say you are a racist, and I don't need to produce any proof", or "obviously, Pascals enjoys to go mock suffering bed-ridden sick people in hospitals". Some of those don't bother even reading any response and keep coming back -or sending their friends- with no intention to discuss or understand or educate, only to disturb. You don't strike me as one of that type. Neither do Proud Black Man, Apoloyon, Gilligan's Boyfriend, Gen, Terry, King Zod, Human Trash (your name had nothing to do with it, buddy), Kelly Preston, Curtis Pitts... to name only those who commented so far and felt unduly targeted.
(I'm not sure to remember the tone of Nildar's many previous comments, but he also seems to complain in a very civil manner here...)
Look, guys, I'm really sorry to appear as a source of your resentment. But some obvious flamers are clearly aiming at intimidating me to leave because they resent my style. If such was also the feeling of the Blogmeister or his regular visitors, I'd immediately consider it. But they seem to feel otherwise!
I myself don't resent any style except for direct gratuitous hostility. The rest is purely added diversity, and therefore enriching.
I've said it many times before : no matter your name, gender, age, skin tone, religion, nationality, etc... I'm always eager to meet new people and learn from each other.
Peace, y'all. Please, think it over, okay?
Look at Yedi ZooKoo the other day : he showed a little bit of courage...
It wasn't courage Mr Pascal, it was an apology. There's a difference.
But I too feel like this censoring issue is not right.
In certain areas in my life I was never allowed to say what I wanted to say for fear of being punished. Or silenced by being beat physically for expressing my views.
I had my jaw broken and my nose bloodied by my own father for standing up for what I believed in.
I'm not looking for sympathy either. It just happened. I dealt with it.
I haven't been here long but moderation to me means censorship. Eolake could have simply deleted the few that he didn't want around. Or least warn them? Maybe he did? I'm not sure. But the bottomline is "Silence of the Bloggers."
It sucks because I was starting to get intrigued by this site. I will find another place where I can freely express myself without fear of retribution.
I thought I had found it here but I was wrong. Yedi ZooKoo has left the building.
Oh, will you people crawl dewn from your crosses.
People in many places in the world are being beaten or killed because of their race or beliefs, and you call it "oppression" or "suffering" just because Mr. Stobblehouse is excercising his right not to let people be rude to others while they are in his house?
This is not censorship, you are perfectly free to make your own blog and say what you will.
Further, as witnessed on this very page, Mr. Stobblehouse has never given us any reason whatsoever to believe that he will block any comments which are on-topic and civil in tone.
signalroom said...
friends, why go away? Stay awhile longer, keep saying your say.
Sweetheart it's because most don't like having to ask permission to speak.
I hope no one leaves who's meant to stay.
This doesn't make any sense to me?
You lost me there.
I've seen many upset comments since this moderation was instated.
No one wants to have duck tape wrapped around their mouth and ripped off only when they are willing to agree or kiss someones ass as one of the other people said.
I know that I don't want to feel that way.
I find it amazing that Dr Pascal has stirred up so much turmoil in my opinion because of his silly wisecracks all the time. The guy never stops. People just got tired of it I guess. And this isn't mean't as a slam agaisn't the man okay? Please let me say this before you delete it.
I fear that I cannot speak my opinion because if you don't like what I say you won't let it be seen.
Mr Proud Black Man I understand what you said. And though I'm not African descent I kinda understand your feelings about racism a little better now. This is like reverse discrimination without the color effect.
I do remember that controversial photograph that Stobblehouse had posted that caused an uproar.
He totally didn't understand why he received all the negative remarks about it.Wow. I was even shocked by that.
But nothing ever stays the same does it? People change. Rules change. Slavery still exists. Yes even in the 21st century.
I willnot post here either after today. Even if the blog master deletes it after he reads it.
So much for freedom of speech ha ha. Oh, I forgot, this isn't America. It's just one lonely speck on the planet.
Black Panther said...
Oh, will you people crawl dewn from your crosses.
No crosses here. Simple truth has been explained.
yedi zookoo said...
"It wasn't courage Mr Pascal, it was an apology. There's a difference."
You don't even realize that apologizing reveals true moral courage in a person? Well, if it feels so natural to you, it makes my compliment to you even greater. :-)
What you tell about your life just confirms it. You're the OPPOSITE of a wimp.
You do as you wish, just know you'll have my respect in any case.
"Eolake could have simply deleted the few that he didn't want around. Or least warn them? Maybe he did?"
Yes he did. More than once. Including an appallingly naive and genuinely racist comment, BTW. But apparently it was with too much leniency, and some abused it.
"No one wants to have duck tape wrapped around their mouth"
Um... you know, it is actually called "duct tape". Used to repair leaking ducts, not to torture poor ducks.
And I find this very symbolic right here and now. The aim is not to rip anybody's facial feathers, just to repair some faulty "plumbing".
I think I've shown a great many times that I fully welcome civilized opinions contradicting mine. Look at Ron on the Bob Carlos Clarke discussion. Which always remained a very civil debate, because the man has excellent manners.
Former Reader said...
"I willnot post here either after today."
That's what you said the last time you changed nicknames. And the time before that. And the previous. And...
You've become so transparent it's embarrassing.
I even think I've guessed who you really are. But your name doesn't really matter. Only the person behind it. You keep morbidly coming back. Why don't you REALLY move on with your life and seek elsewhere a friendlier company that would finally bring you some serenity, S.L.? You're just hurting yourself by lingering in bitterness like this. Just... be happy, you know? That's all I wish for you. Or anybody else for that matter.
Let's go back to Jan. 5 and an entry about a church service. Somebody said that "Every voice is welcomed here unless someone starts calling people names then I think Mr Stobblehouse has the right to delete it and or moderate comments."
That person was Proud Black Man-- the same one who immediately started crying "CENSORSHIP!" when Mr. Stobblehouse decided to do exacyly that.
Everything must be in moderation from drinking to sex.
Very nice, Stephanie B.
I'd add that timely moderation will spare one a diet. And not just with food. It's simply about avoiding harmful excess, as a general life principle.
I see my jokes and my serious posts as mutually moderating each other. And I consider people free to moderately disagree with me about this. :-)
This discussing brings to my mind Yello's classic album You Gotta Say Yes to Another Excess.
Pascal said...
Very nice, Stephanie B.
thank you pascal. i couldn't believe so many people left this blog because of moderation?
your name seems to be one of the reasons they left? or am i mistaken?
or was it really about things that were not important?
i don't know all the details coz i haven't read all the posts or archives. you do seem to be likeable, but i don't know you or even the others? maybe i shouldn't say at all?
i don't want to offend anyone.
it's just a shame that so many left is my point. this site is wonderful because i have always admired domai. and i'm not a lesbian either.
i'm glad mr eolake does not present women inserting things into themselves you understand? like the porn people do. his photos are beautiful and gracefully displayed. makes me feel good about being a woman :)
Just... be happy, you know? That's all I wish for you. Or anybody else for that matter.
That's a very sweet sentiment pascal. it really is. for some happiness is so fleeting. it's hard to keep a hold of......isn't it?
peace and happiness to you honey!
That person was Proud Black Man-- the same one who immediately started crying "CENSORSHIP!" when Mr. Stobblehouse decided to do exacyly that.
That's good, blame the black guy. They do that a lot here in Chicago.
We all look alike too don't we?
Please stop thinking that just because some are not caucasion that we don't have feelings and needs just like other people.
BTW, e x a c t l y.
Yes, I believe in moderation and being cival towards one another. I believe in equality and education and being kind towards one another.
Mr Stobblehouse has been more than fair here.
We need more Martin Luther King in our world.
The immense amount of intensive arguing here shows that this blog is now undergoing the natural process of being cleaned-up, a thing which I've noticed to happen in almost any chat room or thread I've been attending.
It's a fruitful process, which will lead to a new generation of smart comments (Hyde Park Corner).
Eduardo Guerero I love your language mixture so much!
And, to me, even the elaborately-chosen screen names of some people are worth a visit of this blog.
Take care all, and happy commenting .
TTL, I'm not sure I got your Yello point. Do you mean about that "cut-out" logo? Please explain... if you don't fear sparking another uproar, of course! ;-)
Stephanie B,
As George Washington would say, "I cannot deny it, it is in part about me".
In spite of the fact that I am from four different origins and two cultures, and met with daily xenophobia since age seven here in Lebanon, some people seem to interpret my equal-treatment attitude as discrimination, and my light spirit as that of a hypocrite who has never really met with hardship.
As I said in another post, I can understand the promptitude of some to draw conclusions. When you're a black person raised in some parts of the USA for instance, swiftly suspecting racism or spotting mean jokes may very well be imperative for your survival by warning you about some dangerous people. So I just point out that in the present case, such reflexes are wasted because it's simply a matter of cultural disparity. Some understand it, some don't. With a neighbor, I make every effort to end up in good terms. I've found out that attempting the same on a much-visited blog is illusory: too many folks coming and going.
The same thing happened to Eolake : he posted a photo featuring a black friend of his making a face, and one in B&W featuring a black young man and two white girls flirting. This somehow managed to light some radars' red alerts, and got the blog on the brink of DEFCON2!
There are also some intense reactions every time the topic of religion is approached below the safety orbit, causing occasional crashes.
It's the price to pay for reaching a large number of people : because of simple statistics, there will always be some who disagree with you, sometimes bitterly, and even rigidly in a few cases. I'm beginning to understand why all politicians need to lie more or less. Complete sincerity would never get them elected, it seems!
So you're not mistaken : it was in part about some not liking me, and essentially about things far less important then some perceived them. Don't feel the need to like me now : just stick around and make your own informed opinion over time.
I've heard too much about 100% of all convicts being innocent, or all the patients in a mental institution swearing they're perfectly sane. Or that kind of people claiming to loathe racists... "but also blacks or jews". So I'm not playing that pointless game of denial. Let the truth speak for itself.
"i have always admired domai. and i'm not a lesbian either."
Naah! I'm not going to make a parallel with the previous paragraph! ;o)
The truth is, many women are in you exact same case. Admiring the innocent beauty of naked women does not imply you cease to be hetero... in case you are, of course! Sexual orientation's never been an issue here anyway.
Last week, I saw a circus act with a man making slow acrobatics. Golly, the guy had muscles like I hadn't even seen on greek statues! I'm male, and hetero, but I wasn't hesitant about commenting on the esthetics of this man's body.
He'll be at the Monte-Carlo circus festival, for those interested. Look for a solo number, with a man in white pants, whose head is shaved and who has some golden motives glued on his back and head. He looks almost like a body-builder, but you'll soon see that HIS muscles are pure steel.
Glad to hear you like the DOMAI spirit. It's all about pure beauty. Check out the links on Domai's main page, and last friday's newsletter, for more details about that.
Although not ALL erotica or porn is ugly, it's true that they frequently seem bent on portraying women as mere sex objects, vulgar flesh dolls. It's not only opposite to Eolake's photos, I feel it's often an insult to the beauty of normal sex, too. They give arguments to puritans for condemning sex in general as an ugly thing. :-(
Heck, Eolake's photos even make me feel good about being a man with an average body!
Beth, thanks also to you. It feels good to see some people understanding what I truly mean and preach. The perspective of trading thoughts with you and Stephanie makes me glad I decided to stick around.
flip dog said...
"That's good, blame the black guy. They do that a lot here in Chicago.
We all look alike too don't we?"
Well, I definitely don't think so. Discerning faces in an ethnic type one hasn't often seen just requires some attention effort (just ask a Chinese about Americans!!!). I'll never mistake some of my fave actors, like Will Smith, Eddie Murphy, Morgan Freeman, Chris Tucker... And more people will probably make such effort too, if Barack Obama becomes President. (I'm a little torn here. What to hope for? Hillary or Barack? A black or a woman? Both would be an inspiring premiere in their respective way.)
I'm wondering, flip dog... do you support positive discrimination rather than equal treatment? It's probably necessary in the biased social system of the USA, but not as much on an open-minded blog I believe.
Heck, being a Lebanese and with all the attacks I've received, it hadn't even occurred to me once to blame it on racism! Maybe I'm too trusting sometimes?...
"Mr Stobblehouse has been more than fair here."
Considering he's made ME some remarks at times, I'm in a good position to confirm this.
"We need more Martin Luther King in our world."
Amen, brother. "I've had a dream". The Reverend was a priceless asset to Humankind.
Gen said...
"And, to me, even the elaborately-chosen screen names of some people are worth a visit of this blog."
Yup, we've even had the honors of a "Friend of Bush and Co". Didn't have a lot to say in defense of Dubya's politics, though...
I'd say that this creative variety is symptomatic of an above-average intellectual level. I'm tempted to pick myself something more original one day. And yet... "just Pascal", like Elvis, Madonna or Paris, hey it's got style too! Plus, it evokes the peacefulness of the Easter Lamb, and I like that.
Gen said...
The immense amount of intensive arguing here shows that this blog is now undergoing the natural process of being cleaned-up
Alot of it wasn't really arguing was it Gen? Many good points were made also. I don't think it was all bad? I do however miss a few of the readers that left.
(Like that King Zod guy. I'm sure he wasn't really a king but I liked him. Even Apoloyon, which BTW I think is a name for a high-ranking Demon in the book of Revelations. Gotta look that one up.)
That Proud Black Man had some interesting points but at times I didn't understand him. I hope he is happy at whatever he does?
I wish everybody happiness honestly. Life is too short ya know? You gotta make everyday count.
Keep sticking around Pascal. You're a faithful customer (smiles) with intelligence.
Thanks, Mr N.
I too will regret King Zod. Authentic or not, I loved his style!
To my knowledge, "Apolloyon" has at least two meanings. One is a high-ranking demon. The other is "place of desolation", which is probably how he meant it since he's never sounded to me like a worshiper of Satan. Just like a guy rather pessimistic about Earth, perhaps a goth... Hope I haven't missed a chance of lifting up a depressive person's spirit? I did try.
"Gen said...
Eduardo Guerero I love your language mixture so much!"
Gracias, amigo. Hey, that's just my style!
Perdón for not staying and causar, these are busy times in el desierto del Iraq. (¡Caramba, i'm BUSHED! ¡Ha, ha!)
Hasta la vista, muchacho.
Ah-ha!
Took me a while to find it because of the orthograph, but there it is :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollyon
All you've ever wanted to know about the name Apollyon but were afraid to ask (probably with good reason, too!).
It should be noted that very early on, judeo-christiannism has "borrowed" names worshipped by other cultures to demonize them. As in Isaiah 14:12, "shiny son of Dawn", making of roman minor divinity Lucifer (bearer of the Morning Star) the leader of God/Yahve's enemies and rebel angels.
I think a lot of those demon names are just made-up folklore intended to induce reflex suspicion against other cults. Defamation of the competition, in a way.
Gen, perhaps I may express this natural process in a more... "popular" manner:
THE VIRTUAL MEETING HOUSE
There once was a man named Stobblehouse
Who built himself a nice internet house
He then opened it up
To any cultivated chap
And soon many smart discussions arose.
But that's the problem with any cyber-inn
All kinds of people may freely wander in.
One day an unworthy guest
Snuck in, made like a slimy pest
And plainly started talking mean.
"Mask" loved walking around with a frown
Those he disliked, he kept putting down :
"Dr Jekyll has got no right to jest.
Lucid Twilight is too young. I request
The meanies I don't like be cast out on the lawn!"
And while, in the kitchen, he spat into the food,
Some well-behaved guests started catching the mood
Forgetting they were still newcomers in the house
They started harrassing good Mr Stobblehouse
And the host was too kind to simply treat them rude.
But with time, the griping became less and less scarce
Some newbies acted like the house was always theirs.
Eolake wouldn't shout
He just said : "You'll stay out
If at the door I do not see an honest face."
It was weird, I tell you. Many got to believe
They were never welcome, and that they had to leave.
This was not true. It all depends.
They need respect the host's friends,
And must agree to all like gentlemen behave.
The troll just left to hide under a bridge
Some also felt they stay they must abridge
In truth, few of these were nasty
But with the departure of those judging hasty
Not a single houseguest would again his teeth cringe.
(Shamefully plagiarized from Dr Sooth.)
To my knowledge, "Apolloyon" has at least two meanings. One is a high-ranking demon. The other is "place of desolation", which is probably how he meant it since he's never sounded to me like a worshiper of Satan. Just like a guy rather pessimistic about Earth, perhaps a goth... Hope I haven't missed a chance of lifting up a depressive person's spirit? I did try.
Place of desolation? Wow. I didn't know that. Thanks for the interesting explanation of that name. Sad though, I wish darkness wasn't around (mentally) that is.
If I could contact them I'd ask them back. All of them, but it's not my blog so I have no right here.
But with the moderation I think they willnot return. Who knows? Some just are uncomfortable about it. And with Eolakes confession it appears that some had a point. No offence Eolake.
I'm beginning to understand why all politicians need to lie more or less. Complete sincerity would never get them elected, it seems!
I agree with you son. Complete sincerity would be nice but in this dog eat dog arena of politics, it would only cause more harm than good wouldn't it?
I wish we had honest people to govern our countries. I really do.
We can always hope I suppose. Yes?
Paxil said...
"We can always hope I suppose. Yes?"
Yes. We needn't be naive to keep hoping. It is possible to be lucid and realistic without becoming bitter.
I've had many excellent opportunities to turn bitter, but chose to deliberately waste them! :-)
Ref: At 2:05 AM, Pascal said...
Doctor, you certainly are a wise man, and also a clown. I think any deeper understanding of our existence will lead to this combination (Einstein).
Gen is saying Doctor, you certainly are a wise man, and also a clown
This is meant as a compliment!
These were wonderful verses which you built on my comment, Rick Lime.
:-)
Gen is saying
"This is meant as a compliment!"
Okay, then I'll take it as one. :-)
There's a famous photo that proves Einstein occasionally clowned around too. Plus, he was notoriously very fond of pretty women!
And a good friend of comic genius Charlie Chaplin.
Charlie Chaplin.
Long time ago. The days of silent films. Glad they could finally add sound. Or else I'd probably never watch anything lol.
Charlie did both : silent and talking movies, and always excellently.
His parody of Hitler in The Dictator (filmed **before** WW2) is incredible. The final speech scene is highly unrealistic, but very moving, which I think was the sole intention.
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