Profile for moonear

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Displayed name	moonear
Member number	5410
Title	Infiltrator
Postcount	687
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Registered	Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00

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Another year gone by... in General
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Tuesday, May 16 2006 12:27 Profile #2 Archmagus you stole my spot :mad: Well, so did 27 others :( This month, more spam :D -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
The Big Club Theory in General
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Tuesday, May 16 2006 10:23 Profile #3 God gave Adam the responsibility for naming animals. He just carried this language idea too far. Then, the Tower of Babel came along and really screwed things up. Now, we have the internet and instant translators to fix things up. -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
United 93 in General
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Tuesday, May 16 2006 10:12 Profile #74 Kel, I accept your rationale on US interventions. Slarty, your comment on parroting another's opinion is, in a large sense, true. However, I would suggest that my stating of the historians opinion, together with providing the source, is not shouting. edit: but I made these two statements in different postings so its not clear to the reader. But, in that I do not want to argue this opinion and thereby sidetrack the argument, I did a little internet searching on the author. Here is his home, Saint Louis University (it is a Jesuit University - perhaps part of the reason he is in strong defence of the catholic position on the crusades, that it was a defensive mission: http://www.slu.edu/departments/history/madden.htm here is a weblink - about one page long, that summarizes his views on the crusades, much better summary than I can do: http://www.ignatiusinsight.com/features2005/print2005/tmadden_crusades_print.html This link is also interesting in that he summarizes how the crusades have been variously interpreted through time: at the time of the crusades Catholicism viewed it as holy, the muslims viewed the knights with respect. Martin Luther and protestant reformation reinterpreted events to "a ploy by a power-hungry papacy". Eighteenth century philosphers viewed the crusades as lustful, greedy enterprises but their interpretations were influenced by their views on Christianity. Later periods were generally in favor of the crusades until post WW II, when ideology based warfane became frowned upon. The views he is espousing have developed from the 1970's onward. And here is his summary of the book I cited itself. Interesting to note that in this column he asserts that he holds to the present mainstream view of crusades evidence and is NOT challenging current thought by historians on the crusades. Rather, he asserts that current thought among the laypeople has not caught up to current thought by historians. While I would take this with a grain of salt (he may have his own bias/soapbox), he is a historian working in the field and is likely more qualified to make this statement then myself. I am hesitant to dispute this without evidence from scholars who hold opposite views (although it would be interesting to see what muslim scholars interpret the events as) vs. a layperson disputing the position. http://www.godspy.com/issues/Real-History-of-Crusades-by-Thomas-Madden.cfm For me, the most interesting part is how cautious we have to read our source material and in determining the bias behind the scholarship. A good reminder for anything we produce. [ Tuesday, May 16, 2006 10:19: Message edited by: Molybdenum ] -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
New Playable Race? in Avernum 4
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Tuesday, May 16 2006 07:17 Profile #35 I'm going to argue FOR stick figure race, can be any sex/combination of and as I play, I can imagine it to be any race whatsoever. Biggest drawback I see is vulerability to fire attacks and/or erasers (JV use ink to make that stick figure please) -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
Rentar's Keep Problem in Avernum 4
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Tuesday, May 16 2006 07:13 Profile #5 quote: I should have said, you should get the message equal to the number of the shades you killed. If you get more, then there is a bug. If it matches, then there is not one. This clarifies part of the problem - I killed three shades and I got three dialogue boxes. I need to now retest whether the battle does go on infinitum after the third dialogue box or whether I just got bored of how long it takes once you shatter the crystals. It did seem to go on forever though, much longer than after the first two shatterings. -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
United 93 in General
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Tuesday, May 16 2006 07:00 Profile #70 TM, the argument: A few people got rich but the vast majority (that returned) got nothing. was a response to the argument: The political and economic motivators at work are far too heavy to discredit altogether. It was used to discredit an argument not to advance one. Further, it is not my argument, but one of a historian who supports his contentions with historical evidence. [ Tuesday, May 16, 2006 07:05: Message edited by: Molybdenum ] -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
United 93 in General
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Tuesday, May 16 2006 05:56 Profile #67 quote: I'd seriously question the motives of a Jesuit publishing that kind of nonsense - might he perhaps have credentials in culture war / clash of civilization garbage? I'd be genuinely surprised if he didn't have an agenda to peddle. At least he is a historian with refereed publications to his credit what are your qualifications? quote: I'm getting craptired of arguing with people who refuse to substantiate their claims even when they are asked to. Frankly, Infernal, it makes me inclined to take everything you say with several extra grains of salt. Cite sources or go away. I'm now firmly in this camp. Except I use the whole damn shaker. quote: The Crusades were motivated to some degree by religious fervor, but calling it a defensive, culture-based war is ridiculous. The political and economic motivators at work are far too heavy to discredit altogether. This is a load of bolshoi. The crusades were incredibly expensive endeavours which cost many noblemen their fortune and ultimately their lives. A few people got rich but the vast majority (that returned) got nothing. [ Tuesday, May 16, 2006 06:00: Message edited by: Molybdenum ] -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
Alorael have finally get a Custom Title? in General
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Tuesday, May 16 2006 05:52 Profile #85 The way is to post your arguments for inclusion in oldbie status and let Slart weigh the evidence. If you are found wanting, troll for support among your brotherhood of the web, if still found wanting no amount of effort will reward a change of status. My evidence: member number 5410, no idea when I first joined although it would be sometime between A2 and A3 under a previous account, abandoned it for much time and reclaimed status as 5410, so member number doesn't truly reflect age for me. I have rated two people and been rated by 13 so I have contributed to the health of others and been considered healthy by some. I have contributed 168 posts - but contribution is a slack term that in no way gives real value to what I have done (or not in the eyese of many. Lastly, I don't give a fig newton what Slarty's opinion is - do oldbies really care? Finally, lastly - some of the figures and events depicted above are true but others are not. I wait to be weighed -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
internet connection in General
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Tuesday, May 16 2006 05:36 Profile #30 quote: When I'm at home, I use my neighbor's wireless connection. At school I have a high speed connection through the resnet server. I'm not sure how this is classified Classification: criminal behaviour quote: I used to use my neighbor's wireless connection until he figured out how to block me, since then I got cable, while in school I use the wireless connection which seems to work fairly well. I used to shoplift from the corner store until the store owner figured out how to use a spycam. quote: quote: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Does your neighbor realize you're using his wireless? [Smile] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Not sure. To be honest, I don't even know which neighbor's it is. Until someone complains, about it, I'm assuming they are cool with it. That being said, I'm only home for a few weeks here and there, so it's not like I'm using it constantly. I hotwire cars and take then for joyrides. I only do it once a month, maybe less and haven't been caught so I'm assuming the owners are OK with it and don't bother reporting it to the police or anything. quote: My reasoning is that anyone foolish enough to have a wireless internet connection without a firewall and proper security is asking for it. He should be happy you don't trash his computer while you're at it. My reasoning on stealing software is that anyone foolish enought to produce something that has a code that can be cracked, and then offer it over the internet for downloading is just asking for me to take a "free" copy. He should be happy I haven't posted big signs on where to get this "free" product and that I haven't given away multiple copies. [ Tuesday, May 16, 2006 05:38: Message edited by: Molybdenum ] -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
United 93 in General
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Tuesday, May 16 2006 05:09 Profile #65 Has anyone read "A Concise History of the Crusades" by Thomas Madden (there is a revised edition out now, not sure of the differences) - he is a University professor - Jesuit? who writes that the crusades were a response to 400 years of Muslim expansion (often violent) that had claimed much of what had been previously Christian - for instance Palestine prior to Muslim conquest was one of the most Christianized places in the entire world. The Crusades started as a defensive war against muslim expansion and a rescue mission for Middle East Christians. [ Tuesday, May 16, 2006 05:09: Message edited by: Molybdenum ] -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
United 93 in General
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Tuesday, May 16 2006 04:54 Profile #64 quote: I'm getting craptired of arguing with people who refuse to substantiate their claims even when they are asked to. Frankly, Infernal, it makes me inclined to take everything you say with several extra grains of salt. Cite sources or go away. Chomsky's latest book IS Rogue States ;) -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
United 93 in General
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Tuesday, May 16 2006 04:43 Profile #62 quote: It isn't Chomsky's newest or most recent book, either -- he's published several new titles since then, both on politics and on linguistics. Well, what do you know. I stand corrected. It was the latest one I had read and, as only a casual reader, I don't keep up to date. Should have known better than to state without support, especially when thare are language specialists at this forum (who are no doubt familiar with his linguistic works?) As far as the US having an international presence, historically the US has avoided the world stage unless required to act in the political arean - WW II, international courts, lack of support for UN missions etc. Although they do involve themselves, it is often reluctantly and is not a primary focus of their politics and media. (my impressions). The US economy is another good example. Although there is much posturing with respect to international trade issues (tainted beef and Japan or Canada for instance) the actual value to the market place is small because the American economy is so large internally - and yes I realize that America is the world's largest agricultural products exporter. The net result is interational politics and world events are less important to the collective mindset of Americans and foreign events impact less on their day to day lives - unless massively forced on their consciousness (Pearl Harbour, 9/11) [ Tuesday, May 16, 2006 04:45: Message edited by: Molybdenum ] -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
United 93 in General
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Monday, May 15 2006 11:34 Profile #44 quote: EDIT: That book is not new. The copyright date on it is 2000. Yes, I read it back a few years. I should have said his newest book (or more properly his most recent book). Always an interesting read. Much of his material can also be found on the net at various sources. TM: quote: but I will further this: America already realizes that its time in the sun is over. We've already been shoveling our resources in droves to the orient, and every middle-class suburbanite realizes how out-of-place s/he has become. Wow, what a blanket statement and likely unsupportable. I would venture to say it is more correct that the vast majority of American suburbanites are blindly unaware that their nation is in decline. I wonder too that America's strong reaction to 9/11 has a lot to do with their relative isolation from world events. Hostorically, America has kept itself out of international politics when possible and is genrally uninterested in its neighbors (even close ones like Canada) unless the neighbors have something of interest/value to themselves. 9/11 was an international event ont he American stage - an unwelcome interuption in blissful ignorance. [ Monday, May 15, 2006 11:43: Message edited by: Molybdenum ] -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
United 93 in General
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Monday, May 15 2006 08:07 Profile #39 Jewels: quote: I leave this topic open for comments on the movie, the events of 9/11, respect for the lost, and even some good old Bush bashing which is not far from my sentiment today. In that vein, Noam Chomsky has released a new book, suggesting the US is a rogue state - see review here. http://www.medialens.org/articles/book_reviews/dc_nc_rogue_states.html Likely a good read from a left wing political perspective. -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
Rentar's Keep Problem in Avernum 4
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Thursday, May 11 2006 09:09 Profile #0 OK, I replayed the Rentar battle, this time maxing out the skills of my adventurers and shattering the crystal when given the opportunity. Now the battle continues, with several more opportunities to shatter/hide/hold up high the crystal. How is this possible after having shattered the crystal? This seems like a bug to force you to do one of the other tasks and in my mind is illogical. Also, after several rounds of shattering, Rentar finally gives the option of talking/fighting to the death. Instead of choosing an option I chose to hit the check in the corner, closing the dialogue box (in effect choosing to kill Rentar quickly before escape is possible). Now the battle does continue ad infinitum. I realize that both of the above scenarios are improbable events from the standpoint of the adventurers but it is still annoying just the same. -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
Post Chat Snippets Completely Out Of Context in General
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Thursday, May 11 2006 05:48 Profile #10 I: I enjoy using your tool profusely. -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687* \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
Fluffy Turtles : The origins in General
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Wednesday, May 10 2006 18:51 Profile #19 Keto: quote: Call him "Fallopian." What if the plush beaver is a her? "Vas Deferens ?" [ Wednesday, May 10, 2006 18:54: Message edited by: Molybdenum ] -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
A real poll in General
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Wednesday, May 10 2006 18:45 Profile #29 Dinti: quote: Fluent in English, fluent only in English, and proud of it! Hoorah For me, "in English, only in English, and not even good enough to be proud of it" Also, Prophet, what exactly is a foriegner , is that an obscure Valish term? Perhaps Klingon? :confused: [ Wednesday, May 10, 2006 18:46: Message edited by: Molybdenum ] -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
"Policing" ourselves? in General
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Wednesday, May 10 2006 09:24 Profile #94 Brain cramp -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
A real poll in General
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Wednesday, May 10 2006 09:13 Profile #13 quote: Oh, sure attack the English skills of the foriegner. It isn't like it's my fourth language and something I still haven't fully mastered. We attack this all the time here. So, if you're posting here suck it up. :) Seriously, I saw a play on words coming and couldn't resist my inclinations. Meant to be humorous not condemming :P -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
"Policing" ourselves? in General
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Wednesday, May 10 2006 09:09 Profile #92 Zeviz: quote: I like seeing some serious discussions here, but having 5 threads dealing with genocides, fascists, and murderers near the top of page 1 is way too much for a board dedicated to computer games. Lightening up the discusssion, check out these links. Not for the weak... then again, times sure have changed... what Americans were willing to do in WW2 to lampoon the enemy... imagine if we made a cartoon like this today about Iraq! Once again... an original WW2 cartoon that they don't show much today! Here's some Looney Tunes for you (take that Japan!) www.youtube.com/watch?v=K...search=ww2 And don't think Disney is innocent either (right in der Fuehrer's face!) www.youtube.com/watch?v=e...20commando [ Wednesday, May 10, 2006 09:23: Message edited by: Strontium ] -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
Yom HaShoa in General
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Wednesday, May 10 2006 08:15 Profile #91 quote: I know what you mean. You mean that you don't want to start an argument about Alexander the Great and therefore derail the topic. Why not? This started out as a topic remembering Holocaust Memorial Day. -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
A real poll in General
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Wednesday, May 10 2006 08:10 Profile #3 I'd like to see you get board then get flamed and end up a pile of ashes. :D -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
Yom HaShoa in General
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Tuesday, May 9 2006 09:59 Profile #87 French military strategy post WWI was formed as a response to the horrible losses suffered during WWI and looked to the success of trench warfare as a defensive strategy. It was flawed in that near the end of WWI the major powers were exploiting strategies to confound trench defence. Thus, the French were prepared to fight a defensive war not an offensive one (flawed thinking). Germany was gearing for an offensive battle in which blitzkreig would rely on rapid capture of forward positions and disruption of the enemy (blitzkrieg as originally formulated was not about capturing territory). To that end it was the only power at the start of WWII to have entire mechanized divisions (France was beginning the process at the behest of De Gaulle, a young tank general at the time). However, it was still be rejected as a strategy by the more senior staff. French strategy also expected the Germans to come through the low countries and were totally surprised by the German assault through the forests to the south (read some military history from German generals, they were surprised at how far they advanced, the lack of losses and the missing opposition too). French armor for instance had superior manouverability and armor to the Germans, but lacked radios, and good communication is a key to winning a fluid battle. ITs my understanding as well that Germany was well advanced in rearmanent and the allies were struggling to catch up, so delays in the start of actual war were thought to benefit the allies - which proved untrue. There are other factors that played into Germany's hands as well. The capture of Czechslovakia without a fight was one - Czech standing army was almost as large as the German army (but not near so modern) and a battle for Czech would most certainly have caused losses in time, munitions and equipment. Also the country itself had some advanced military production facilities to assist the German campaign for instance. The allies distrust of the Soviet Union prevented them using the Russkies as allies (throughout the war). Like anything else this was a complicated matter, there wasn't a single tipping point but a confluence of many factors, including luck/good fortune that resulted in the history as we know it. [ Tuesday, May 09, 2006 10:02: Message edited by: Strontium ] -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00
Yom HaShoa in General
moonear Infiltrator Member # 5410	written Monday, May 8 2006 07:47 Profile #82 Further to my previous post, tables to support my contentions. quote: Population and industrial capacity Population in 1939 Steel output in tons UK 47.961.000 13.192.000 France 41.600.000 6.221.000 USSR 190.000.000 18.800.000 USA 132.122.000 51.380.000 Germany (including Austria) 76.008.000 23.329.000 Italy 44.223.000 2.323.000 Japan 71.400.000 5.811.000 In population and in industrial capacity , the allies, even after losing France, were stronger than the axis powers. Population and industrial capacity by the British Empire Forces Population in 1939 Steel production in tons (1939) Canada 11.682.000 1.407.000 South Africa (white) 2.161.000 250.000 Australia 6.807.000 1.189.000 New Zealand 1.585.000 -- India 374.200.000 1.035.000 The British Commonwealth and Empire possessed further resources for war. Canada and Australia had significant industries, and their populations, like those of New Zealand and white South Africa, were well-educated and physically and mentally capable of providing high-quality recruits. These 4 self-governing 'dominions' followed the British lead and declared war 1939. , from http://www.euronet.nl/users/wilfried/ww2/1939.htm Germany was not an econmic powerhouse without peer. quote: Relative Strenght at 10 May 1940 German France England Allies Belgium/Holland Inf. div. 119 - - 119 - Motor. div. 7 - - 7 - Tank div. 10 - - 11 - Airborne div. 1 - - - - Total div. 136 - - 137 - Tanks 2580 - - 3000 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bombers 1562 143 »Total 1150 » Planes, » of this 500 » in France » station - » » » Total 160 Planes » » » Fighters 1016 764 - Scouting Planes 501 396 - Other Planes 555 396 - Total Planes 3634 »2613« from same source as above. Not 1939 data when the allies actually had greater advantage in numbers but still, you will note that the Allies had an edge in tanks and men. And, if you do any reading at all on the quality of tank design, in many respects French tanks were the best in the world. Much of the problem for the allies resulted from not modernizing military strategy NOT from having inferior forces. -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687 \| Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00

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