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Preprimary Poll in General
Law Bringer
Member # 2984
Profile Homepage #10
quote:
Originally written by Jumpin' Salmon:

Is there a purpose to this other than filling up time before the elections? Or is this a CNN/Gallup/Alec poll designed to show undecided voters how to best participate?

Anyhow, as I asked to be able to vote 3 times, here are my votes (do as you will with them.)

Dolphin - 45
Thuryl - 30

*this message supplied by the Ad Council*

For some reason, I doubt that's the way it works.

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The Encyclopaedia Ermariana <-- Now a Wiki!
"Polaris leers down from the black vault, winking hideously like an insane watching eye which strives to convey some strange message, yet recalls nothing save that it once had a message to convey." --- HP Lovecraft.
"Really, Spiderweb is just a big, steaming pool of estrogen." --- Robin
Posts: 8752 | Registered: Wednesday, May 14 2003 07:00
Drakel and Eraserhead in General
Law Bringer
Member # 2984
Profile Homepage #34
quote:
Originally written by Kingy:

I personally found TM amusing and he was comic relief, something that is good to have on these boards. Even Erasorhead, and dare I say it, Drakel were at least a slight distraction and provided some amusement.

This is of course ignoring the images which I now refused to believe exist and I don't want to dig deep in my memory because no-one wants to see that.

"Comic relief" is denigrating. I think TM is somewhat of a lonely genius: Doomed to be unable to get anyone here to understand his ideas, he holds most of the rest of the board in contempt and takes refuge from its stupidity by producing BoE/BoA scenarios with deep philosophical messages that no one beside himself gets. Who should wonder why he is a little grumbly on occasion?

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The Encyclopaedia Ermariana <-- Now a Wiki!
"Polaris leers down from the black vault, winking hideously like an insane watching eye which strives to convey some strange message, yet recalls nothing save that it once had a message to convey." --- HP Lovecraft.
"I single Aran out due to his nasty temperament, and his superior intellect." --- SupaNik
Posts: 8752 | Registered: Wednesday, May 14 2003 07:00
I'm a-leaving for a weekend in General
Law Bringer
Member # 2984
Profile Homepage #13
Yes, I'm back (in case nobody noticed), and yes, I had heaps of fun! Our host was great, her house as well, and the other visitors who came were splendid! :)

Some photos:

IMAGE(http://stuff.santharia.com/santhmoot/photo6_small.jpg)
IMAGE(http://www.santharia.com/treasures/santhmoot/pics/050_small.jpg) IMAGE(http://www.santharia.com/treasures/santhmoot/pics/21_small.jpg) IMAGE(http://www.santharia.com/treasures/santhmoot/pics/036_small.jpg) IMAGE(http://www.santharia.com/treasures/santhmoot/pics/062_small.jpg)
1. Me (left) and Gregor aka Fluffy Ramblers
2. Everyone beside me (see, someone had to take the photo, eh?)
3. Man in traditional garb carrying a lance.
4. Three people performing what appears to be a medieval-style play (we didn't get much of the plot, though)
5. The St. Martin's church in Landshut.

And the best thing? I'm going there AGAIN next week! :D :D

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The Encyclopaedia Ermariana <-- Now a Wiki!
"Polaris leers down from the black vault, winking hideously like an insane watching eye which strives to convey some strange message, yet recalls nothing save that it once had a message to convey." --- HP Lovecraft.
"I single Aran out due to his nasty temperament, and his superior intellect." --- SupaNik
Posts: 8752 | Registered: Wednesday, May 14 2003 07:00
The best thing about the Internet is... in General
Law Bringer
Member # 2984
Profile Homepage #35
quote:
Originally written by Multiple Monikers:

Moving libraries to the internet probably won't work so well, unless they make the eBooks in a format that cannot be copied and deletes itself after a certain time period, since eBooks can't be controlled as well as paper books.
All the better. Uncontrolled information will be a huge step forward anyway, and there is plenty of evidence that free electronic distribution does not substantially harm paperback sales. See The Baen Free Library.

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The Encyclopaedia Ermariana <-- Now a Wiki!
"Polaris leers down from the black vault, winking hideously like an insane watching eye which strives to convey some strange message, yet recalls nothing save that it once had a message to convey." --- HP Lovecraft.
"I single Aran out due to his nasty temperament, and his superior intellect." --- SupaNik
Posts: 8752 | Registered: Wednesday, May 14 2003 07:00
Preprimary Poll in General
Law Bringer
Member # 2984
Profile Homepage #4
Wise Man - 8
Sir David - 8
Kelandon - 6
Aran - 3

[ Tuesday, June 28, 2005 21:20: Message edited by: Vote Arancaytar ]

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The Encyclopaedia Ermariana <-- Now a Wiki!
"Polaris leers down from the black vault, winking hideously like an insane watching eye which strives to convey some strange message, yet recalls nothing save that it once had a message to convey." --- HP Lovecraft.
"Really, Spiderweb is just a big, steaming pool of estrogen." --- Robin
Posts: 8752 | Registered: Wednesday, May 14 2003 07:00
TM Banned? in General
Law Bringer
Member # 2984
Profile Homepage #3
Ouchie... and that's my sole comment on that.

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The Encyclopaedia Ermariana <-- Now a Wiki!
"Polaris leers down from the black vault, winking hideously like an insane watching eye which strives to convey some strange message, yet recalls nothing save that it once had a message to convey." --- HP Lovecraft.
"I single Aran out due to his nasty temperament, and his superior intellect." --- SupaNik
Posts: 8752 | Registered: Wednesday, May 14 2003 07:00
Supreme Court Ruling on Restraining Order &amp; Ten Commandments in General
Law Bringer
Member # 2984
Profile Homepage #17
quote:
Originally written by Ash Lael:

Why the heck does America have a Pledge of Allegiance, anyway? What's it for?
It generates a feeling of national unity. You know, like raising your right arm in the air, etc. Heil. Very useful for fighting wars, as well as for entrenching totalitarianism without pesky protests.

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The Encyclopaedia Ermariana <-- Now a Wiki!
"Polaris leers down from the black vault, winking hideously like an insane watching eye which strives to convey some strange message, yet recalls nothing save that it once had a message to convey." --- HP Lovecraft.
"I single Aran out due to his nasty temperament, and his superior intellect." --- SupaNik
Posts: 8752 | Registered: Wednesday, May 14 2003 07:00
Supreme Court Ruling on Restraining Order &amp; Ten Commandments in General
Law Bringer
Member # 2984
Profile Homepage #13
There is one condition under which I'd be silent on a courthouse with the Ten Commandments (and "silent" as in "barely tolerate"). If there was another functional courthouse that did not sport such emblems, and that any person involved in the court proceedings could request the process be conducted there.

That, of course, is exceedingly un-economic, so on the whole we're all somewhat better off without the emblems. People can bring their own Bible/Koran/Torah/etc. if they want. Not private persons are being stripped of their religion - the state is. The state is no person, and as such does not have the right to practice a religion. I suppose I won't protest if the judge is a practicing Christian, but while in the official position of representing justice, he/she is not, technically, a person, but an institution, and therefore can't practice either, nor let it influence his/her decision.

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The Encyclopaedia Ermariana <-- Now a Wiki!
"Polaris leers down from the black vault, winking hideously like an insane watching eye which strives to convey some strange message, yet recalls nothing save that it once had a message to convey." --- HP Lovecraft.
"I single Aran out due to his nasty temperament, and his superior intellect." --- SupaNik
Posts: 8752 | Registered: Wednesday, May 14 2003 07:00
Drakel and Eraserhead in General
Law Bringer
Member # 2984
Profile Homepage #9
quote:
Originally written by Infelice:

I think that when you are banned, your account and your IP are banned. That means that you can't log onto that account and you can log onto any account on that computer. If they were other members, that member would of been caught out and dealt with (most likely banned).

So my guess is they were two different idiots.

No. Accounts are simply banned, without the IP - a banned member can make a new account from the same computer without difficulty. It is only in very severe circumstances (ie someone will keep making new accounts and posting crap) that an IP will be banned. I've never seen an IP ban in my time here, I think. But then, that doesn't get announced usually.

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The Encyclopaedia Ermariana <-- Now a Wiki!
"Polaris leers down from the black vault, winking hideously like an insane watching eye which strives to convey some strange message, yet recalls nothing save that it once had a message to convey." --- HP Lovecraft.
"I single Aran out due to his nasty temperament, and his superior intellect." --- SupaNik
Posts: 8752 | Registered: Wednesday, May 14 2003 07:00
Avernum I: The Movie in General
Law Bringer
Member # 2984
Profile Homepage #69
quote:
Originally written by Marx' Martyr:

Replace "less intelligent" with "more toolish". Didn't I give you this "America is a good deal crappier than Europe" lecture before?
"Toolish" I'm interpreting as apathetic towards affairs that appear to not immediately concern one's daily life. Sheeple?

Oh, and I don't think I've caught that lecture before, though I'm sure you've posted it while I was here. Why is America (ie. the country, not the governmental system) crappier than Europe - are people more apathetic to issues?

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The Encyclopaedia Ermariana <-- Now a Wiki!
"Polaris leers down from the black vault, winking hideously like an insane watching eye which strives to convey some strange message, yet recalls nothing save that it once had a message to convey." --- HP Lovecraft.
"I single Aran out due to his nasty temperament, and his superior intellect." --- SupaNik
Posts: 8752 | Registered: Wednesday, May 14 2003 07:00
Avernum I: The Movie in General
Law Bringer
Member # 2984
Profile Homepage #66
quote:
Originally written by Slp006:

He's a Marxist, and apparently a die-hard one. They never seem to want to explain anything to the bourgeoisie. It's a religion, I tell you. That's his way of saying, "Repent, heathen!"
He likes to make enigmatic, seemingly random statements that wrap his ideals and person in a cloak of intellectual and philosophical superiority. Rather than any lack of such superiority, this is motivated by an apparently deep disgust for people less intelligent than him. Which most of us are, seemingly.

[ Monday, June 27, 2005 15:11: Message edited by: Vote Arancaytar ]

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The Encyclopaedia Ermariana <-- Now a Wiki!
"Polaris leers down from the black vault, winking hideously like an insane watching eye which strives to convey some strange message, yet recalls nothing save that it once had a message to convey." --- HP Lovecraft.
"I single Aran out due to his nasty temperament, and his superior intellect." --- SupaNik
Posts: 8752 | Registered: Wednesday, May 14 2003 07:00
Can anyone figure out this riddle? in General
Law Bringer
Member # 2984
Profile Homepage #38
In front of the whole court, get up and accuse the King of lying outright.

It won't guarantee you the daughter, and will in fact likely cost you your head, but at least you'll die with a feeling of moral superiority.

...

:P

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The Encyclopaedia Ermariana <-- Now a Wiki!
"Polaris leers down from the black vault, winking hideously like an insane watching eye which strives to convey some strange message, yet recalls nothing save that it once had a message to convey." --- HP Lovecraft.
"I single Aran out due to his nasty temperament, and his superior intellect." --- SupaNik
Posts: 8752 | Registered: Wednesday, May 14 2003 07:00
keygens in General
Law Bringer
Member # 2984
Profile Homepage #59
quote:
Originally written by Diarog Lethuta:

We should start an anti-keygen group. We should protest and stuff. Heck, if any of you won't do it, I will.

-- Diarog Lethuta

Yeah, you know. In a world that is falling apart as we speak, millions dying of war, violence, starvation and disease, superpowers sliding into totalitarianism, the environment getting screwed, what we need is a group to protect the starving developers of shareware products.

Get a life.

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The Encyclopaedia Ermariana <-- Now a Wiki!
"Polaris leers down from the black vault, winking hideously like an insane watching eye which strives to convey some strange message, yet recalls nothing save that it once had a message to convey." --- HP Lovecraft.
"I single Aran out due to his nasty temperament, and his superior intellect." --- SupaNik
Posts: 8752 | Registered: Wednesday, May 14 2003 07:00
What do you believe.... in General
Law Bringer
Member # 2984
Profile Homepage #2
Capitalization and grammar.

Aside from that, how do you define "good"? Successful, or beneficial?

A successful candidate needs quick analytical powers and good judgement. He/She needs to anticipate the opinions of voters (I assume we're talking about a democracy here), sense the dividing issues and decide which sides to take on what questions, and what questions to avoid (with a respect to not just short-term popularity, but a long-term reputation as well as future consistency). The candidate needs a sense of which of his/her colleagues to rely on and which to distrust. They must be cautious in making announcements, moves and promises, but bold enough to change direction if they see see an opportunity for improvement. They need a confident appearance in public relations, and a solid, stable ego that does not need to avoid admitting mistakes.
Finally, they must never take their voters for idiots. Even if they are, this perception has a way of making itself known in one's behaviour even to the most foolish, and there is nothing a person dislikes more than being taken for a fool.

[ Monday, June 27, 2005 14:41: Message edited by: Vote Arancaytar ]

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The Encyclopaedia Ermariana <-- Now a Wiki!
"Polaris leers down from the black vault, winking hideously like an insane watching eye which strives to convey some strange message, yet recalls nothing save that it once had a message to convey." --- HP Lovecraft.
"I single Aran out due to his nasty temperament, and his superior intellect." --- SupaNik
Posts: 8752 | Registered: Wednesday, May 14 2003 07:00
i believe the small guy is coming back strong in General
Law Bringer
Member # 2984
Profile Homepage #15
quote:
edit: Graphics oriented games are mostly boring. e.g. "Myth" or "Riven": beautiful but without any kick. Graphics eat storage; polished surfaces don't let much room for your own fantasies.
Fenwik is quite right: up with independent developers!
Riven? Uh... Boring? Beg to differ...

Also, was that first one supposed to be "Myst"?

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The Encyclopaedia Ermariana <-- Now a Wiki!
"Polaris leers down from the black vault, winking hideously like an insane watching eye which strives to convey some strange message, yet recalls nothing save that it once had a message to convey." --- HP Lovecraft.
"Really, Spiderweb is just a big, steaming pool of estrogen." --- Robin
Posts: 8752 | Registered: Wednesday, May 14 2003 07:00
How did you first see or hear about spiderweb games? in General
Law Bringer
Member # 2984
Profile Homepage #21
Indeed. I got E3 on a disk back in... 2000/2001 some time. Found the website in summer 2001, proceeded to forget all about it till I got a regular internet connection late in 2002.

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The Encyclopaedia Ermariana <-- Now a Wiki!
"Polaris leers down from the black vault, winking hideously like an insane watching eye which strives to convey some strange message, yet recalls nothing save that it once had a message to convey." --- HP Lovecraft.
"I single Aran out due to his nasty temperament, and his superior intellect." --- SupaNik
Posts: 8752 | Registered: Wednesday, May 14 2003 07:00
Supreme Court Ruling on Restraining Order &amp; Ten Commandments in General
Law Bringer
Member # 2984
Profile Homepage #2
I'm agnostic, and the Ten Commandments, to me, hold no more authority than any list of principles I could write up myself (or consult on in a group of like-minded people) could, possibly less. If a legal system that is supposed to protect my rights appears to arbitrarily show (and thus implicitly demand) respect for a system of morals that neither I nor the country's constitution endorse, I feel oppressed and threatened.

The majority does not have the right to push its views on the minority. There are several well-known incidents in history of dictators getting popularly elected and proceeding to oppress and kill minorities. This must not be repeated.

I have no experience or knowledge of restraining orders (and I do not know what decision you refer to), so I'll keep silent on that.

Oh, and no. Hell no.

[ Monday, June 27, 2005 14:19: Message edited by: Vote Arancaytar ]

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The Encyclopaedia Ermariana <-- Now a Wiki!
"Polaris leers down from the black vault, winking hideously like an insane watching eye which strives to convey some strange message, yet recalls nothing save that it once had a message to convey." --- HP Lovecraft.
"I single Aran out due to his nasty temperament, and his superior intellect." --- SupaNik
Posts: 8752 | Registered: Wednesday, May 14 2003 07:00
The International Baccalaureate Program in General
Law Bringer
Member # 2984
Profile Homepage #14
quote:
Originally written by Slp006:

Has anyone heard of or participated in this horribly flawed system of "world" education? Based on the comments and topics I've seen in these boards, Spidwebbers seem to be perfect prey for it... Intellectual (or semi-intellectual, or just eccentric) individuals who are psychologically masochistic to some degree.
I have heard of, participated in, and completed that system. In my more egomanic phases, I like to call myself intellectual, though psychologically masochistic sounds off.

Yes, it was gruelling, and yes, there were points that seemed outright ridiculous, but less so than in the previous education systems I've been in. Contrary to what previous seniors told me, I had no uncommonly extreme lack of free time except for the examination week, and I did well (38/45) in spite of being rather in the average range of the class and lacking organization skill.

I liked it. So?

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The Encyclopaedia Ermariana <-- Now a Wiki!
"Polaris leers down from the black vault, winking hideously like an insane watching eye which strives to convey some strange message, yet recalls nothing save that it once had a message to convey." --- HP Lovecraft.
"I single Aran out due to his nasty temperament, and his superior intellect." --- SupaNik
Posts: 8752 | Registered: Wednesday, May 14 2003 07:00
Two envelopes paradox in General
Law Bringer
Member # 2984
Profile Homepage #70
You risk losing half with a 50% chance. You risk winning the whole amount with a 50% chance.

x*50% - .5 x * 50%.

On the whole, it's worth it.

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The Encyclopaedia Ermariana <-- Now a Wiki!
"Polaris leers down from the black vault, winking hideously like an insane watching eye which strives to convey some strange message, yet recalls nothing save that it once had a message to convey." --- HP Lovecraft.
"I single Aran out due to his nasty temperament, and his superior intellect." --- SupaNik
Posts: 8752 | Registered: Wednesday, May 14 2003 07:00
The best thing about the Internet is... in General
Law Bringer
Member # 2984
Profile Homepage #18
The internet is what has allowed five people from all over the world (in this case Germany, Austria and California) to meet online, make a fantasy world, and gather here in Landshut for a weekend.

It's not the best the internet has done, but it's a plus point. :)

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The Encyclopaedia Ermariana <-- Now a Wiki!
"Polaris leers down from the black vault, winking hideously like an insane watching eye which strives to convey some strange message, yet recalls nothing save that it once had a message to convey." --- HP Lovecraft.
"I single Aran out due to his nasty temperament, and his superior intellect." --- SupaNik
Posts: 8752 | Registered: Wednesday, May 14 2003 07:00
Just In Time For the Elections: Political Compass! in General
Law Bringer
Member # 2984
Profile Homepage #10
Your political compass
Economic Left/Right: -9.00
Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: -8.62

Good gracious. I'm slipping, need to watch out or I'll turn into a redneck. :P

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The Encyclopaedia Ermariana <-- Now a Wiki!
"Polaris leers down from the black vault, winking hideously like an insane watching eye which strives to convey some strange message, yet recalls nothing save that it once had a message to convey." --- HP Lovecraft.
"Really, Spiderweb is just a big, steaming pool of estrogen." --- Robin
Posts: 8752 | Registered: Wednesday, May 14 2003 07:00
Great Debate Live? in General
Law Bringer
Member # 2984
Profile Homepage #9
I regret to say I will be unavailable for the weekend, as I said elsewhere. I hope this will not be held against me; I can return for further discussions next week.

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The Encyclopaedia Ermariana <-- Now a Wiki!
"Polaris leers down from the black vault, winking hideously like an insane watching eye which strives to convey some strange message, yet recalls nothing save that it once had a message to convey." --- HP Lovecraft.
"I single Aran out due to his nasty temperament, and his superior intellect." --- SupaNik
Posts: 8752 | Registered: Wednesday, May 14 2003 07:00
Debate #1 for Moderator Election in General
Law Bringer
Member # 2984
Profile Homepage #17
quote:
Originally written by Marx' Martyr:

Hypothetical Situation #2

Member A calls Member B as composing the entire population of a locale called "fagotville", populated presumably by "fagots". The resulting, tumultuous rancor demands that Member A be banned. Member C raises a valid point that "fagot" has no definition as such.

How long should both members be banned?

And if you have been made a temporary administrator due to Drakey's absence, how long do you ban them both for? A day? A week? Permanently?

Suppose you have an inexplicably asinine and likewise incorrigible grudge against Member A, and Member C has a public association with him. Does that influence your decision?

Inquiring minds want to know.

Why do I get the feeling this situation is very far from being "hypothetical"?

The situation has of course great potential to be handled wrongly. In fact, the way you describe it, it probably has been.

To wit: Intentional meaning should count. If in the context it appears that Member A either falsely inferred member B was homosexual, or worse denigrated him for actually being so, then that counts as harassment as well as bad language. Previous offenders risk temporary banning, members known to be otherwise responsible should just get a very stern warning.

"Fagot", however, is an insulting term whatever the definition. For that reason, I would support a warning of varying severity to the person involved, but no ban. That would have nothing to do with the term however, rather the conflict in general.

---

Member C is not involved in the conflict and has committed no breach of the CoC as far as I'm aware.

Finally, "grudges" must not influence a decision, but it is of course unavoidable that a person's behaviour is interpreted by looking at previous actions. If the member is known as a usually well-behaved jokester, that should be judged much less harshly than someone who blows his lid every second post.

---

No, no ban in most circumstances. At most a week's cooling-off period. As for the moderator's decision... no reaction except for a verbal warning. This concerns member behavior, not directly posted content, and the moderator has no control of the former. Editing out the word seems like a very petty thing to do, unless requested to do so by an offended member.

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The Encyclopaedia Ermariana <-- Now a Wiki!
"Polaris leers down from the black vault, winking hideously like an insane watching eye which strives to convey some strange message, yet recalls nothing save that it once had a message to convey." --- HP Lovecraft.
"I single Aran out due to his nasty temperament, and his superior intellect." --- SupaNik
Posts: 8752 | Registered: Wednesday, May 14 2003 07:00
It is that time of the month again in General
Law Bringer
Member # 2984
Profile Homepage #128
You're catching up on Alorael then. :D

But so am I... wouldn't be surprised if I got on the top ten again, in spite of being offline for nearly two weeks this month.

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The Encyclopaedia Ermariana <-- Now a Wiki!
"Polaris leers down from the black vault, winking hideously like an insane watching eye which strives to convey some strange message, yet recalls nothing save that it once had a message to convey." --- HP Lovecraft.
"I single Aran out due to his nasty temperament, and his superior intellect." --- SupaNik
Posts: 8752 | Registered: Wednesday, May 14 2003 07:00
My girlfriend is dead... in General
Law Bringer
Member # 2984
Profile Homepage #40
quote:
Originally written by Eagle, the author soul:

My girlfriend is dead... killed by a drunk driver... I... I don't know what to say... I-I didn't have a chance to confide our commitment before she got herself killed. I curse alcholics, I curse them all. I feel grief... that's all I do, feel grief...

For her I have made this speech and sent it to her closest friend:
Sends my love to Nicole, who has sadly died this day. It was such a brief love we had, yet a strong one. I shall pray you get to heaven as I knew you believed in it.

My condolences.

Six months ago, a member of an online community I'm in was murdered, and though we had hardly talked, it was a great stab to all of us including me. It is no less, perhaps more, painful to experience the death of someone you never met in person, because it reminds you of the distance that lies between us all.

That brief a relationship must be even worse to lose, because you will never know what might have become of it otherwise. It is really an awful coincidence, as if life had cheated you somehow. :(

As for her, she is hopefully in a better place. With long-term illness, it's so easy to speak of "relief" or "better this way" - but what to say when a young person dies, completely unexpectedly, through no fault of her own?

Try to forgive the driver. He is probably a very sick man, and had no intention of this happening. What remorse he feels is not relevant; I'm sure she would want you to forgive.

And that's all I can say.

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The Encyclopaedia Ermariana <-- Now a Wiki!
"Polaris leers down from the black vault, winking hideously like an insane watching eye which strives to convey some strange message, yet recalls nothing save that it once had a message to convey." --- HP Lovecraft.
"I single Aran out due to his nasty temperament, and his superior intellect." --- SupaNik
Posts: 8752 | Registered: Wednesday, May 14 2003 07:00

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