Profile for Stillness
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Displayed name | Stillness |
| Member number | 7723 |
| Title | Lifecrafter |
| Postcount | 701 |
| Homepage | |
| Registered | Thursday, November 30 2006 08:00 |
Recent posts
Pages
| Author | Recent posts |
|---|---|
| Video Game Addiction in General | |
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Lifecrafter
Member # 7723
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written Wednesday, July 4 2007 08:30
Profile
I do strongly consider what doctors say. But I do not consider them to be the final authority. I almost never take what doctors prescribe, save the time I mentioned above when I was in agonizing pain. I find natural solutions which I view as far superior. For example, some years ago I was continually have chest pains that felt like what I thought a heart attack might feel like. So, I go to a doctor. He runs tests and to my relief tells me my heart is fine. The problem - heartburn. He gives me some sample drugs that the drug company has given him and a prescription for the drugs, Prevacid I think. I did research on what causes heartburn, changed my diet and other habits, and threw that garbage the doctor gave me where it belonged. No more heartburn and no damaged liver or whatever side effects that junk threatened. He also recommended that I get more exercise because of low good cholesterol because I might really have heart problems if I don't. So, the doctor diagnosed me. That's good. He warned me about a future problem and gave me a solution to it. Excellent! Where he failed is in giving me the drug when that only masked the problem which was something I was eating that my body didn't like. 2 out of 3 is a "D." And that's just about how I rate modern medicine and I give it consideration accordingly. Doctors have their place, but they are human. And they absolutely profit from drug companies. I think you should do some research on the relationship. It's not paranoia or conspiracy theory. It's in the popular media. They reward doctors that push their drugs. I can't remember all of the details, but if you can't figure it out I'll look it up. I know there have been stories on NPR about it. If I had listened to the doctor I would probably have to take prevacid for life. The pains I was having were terrible - paralyzing even. Heartburn can also damage the sphincter above your stomach. (Who knew heartburn could be so serious?) I wouldn't have heartburn (maybe) but I would be reliant on a drug for digestion, one that could do damage in another area and wouldn't cure me. As it stands I am drug-free and heartburn free. You tell me what you think is better. And maybe you can also tell me why my doctor didn't let me know what I found out on my own. Does he not know how the digestive system works? If he doesn't, why should I trust him to give me answers? If he does and didn't tell me, why should I trust him to give me answers? Paranoia? No, experience and knowledge, my friend. Live and learn. Posts: 701 | Registered: Thursday, November 30 2006 08:00 |
| Video Game Addiction in General | |
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Lifecrafter
Member # 7723
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written Wednesday, July 4 2007 02:01
Profile
I don't know what reading warning labels has to do with anything. Nick, I'm not completely anti-drug. If someone has a serious life-threatening medical condition or a disease which won't let them function normally that's a different story. I had a tooth extracted a few years back and experienced more pain than I thought possible. I would've taken crack to get rid of it. Fortunately I had a prescription for tylenol 3. But, I'd do some very deep research and explore many alternatives before i ever took drugs if it meant long-term or life long use. I don't trust drug companies or anyone that wants my money with my health. The one thing I do appreciate is that they're honest about their drugs being addictive and dangerous. What I'm talking about is folks that take drugs before going to a social event because they don't socialize well. Posts: 701 | Registered: Thursday, November 30 2006 08:00 |
| Video Game Addiction in General | |
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Lifecrafter
Member # 7723
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written Tuesday, July 3 2007 15:01
Profile
I was teasing Kel about dancing. Alcohol doesn't kill people. Misuse and abuse of it does. If you look back at my comment I used the word "moderation." Even then I still don't agree with using alcohol to aid oneself in social situations. I just think it's superior to some of the stuff put out by drug companies, which definitely kills and maims people through normal use. I would take a sip of wine before I'd pop a pill. At least wine can actually be good for you physically. Using a washing machine doesn't handicap you mentally or physically. Not all shortcuts are bad. If you need a substance to get along with people and you can't quit it without going through withdrawel, that's bad. Posts: 701 | Registered: Thursday, November 30 2006 08:00 |
| Video Game Addiction in General | |
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Lifecrafter
Member # 7723
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written Tuesday, July 3 2007 06:47
Profile
You don't like dancing?!? You're probably too uptight. Relax a little. Feel the music. Posts: 701 | Registered: Thursday, November 30 2006 08:00 |
| Video Game Addiction in General | |
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Lifecrafter
Member # 7723
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written Monday, July 2 2007 18:56
Profile
quote:Both are good. The millionaire who worked hard for every dollar is a very different person from the one that has it handed to him. They're both millionaires, but chances are the former is better with money and is going to do a better job at holding on to it. In the same way the person who works at their problems and overcomes through effort is a different person from the one that is handed a quick-fix via drugs. As far as chemicals aiding you to work it out on your own, that's a bit different. I wouldn't do it, but that's a little better. It just seems like a slippery slope sliding towards medicating all your problems away and not gaining life-coping skills. quote:I am nervous in a crowd. I pop a pill. I do fine in a crowd now. That is instant. It no more solve the problem than a bucket fixes a leaky roof though. Maybe you don't hear all of the scandles involving the drug industry and the FDA. I just heard another a few hrs ago over some drug that increased the risk of heart failure that the drug company and the FDA was aware of but did not notify the public. Or maybe you ignore the long list of side effects the rattle off in the commercials. quote:If you're taking a drug that makes you less shy, I guarantee that is not all it's doing. It changes brain chemistry. And the point of me bringing this up was that this is not hypothetical. It is absolutely a real drug. Take Paxil for example. The scary thing is not just the long list of side effects worse that the problem it's supposed to be solving but this: "Don't stop taking Paxil CR and Paxil before talking to your doctor since side effects may result from stopping the medicine, particularly when abrupt. Symptoms some patients have reported on stopping Paxil CR and Paxil include: dizziness, sensory disturbances (including electric shock sensations and tinnitus), abnormal dreams, agitation, anxiety, nausea, sweating, mood fluctuations, headache, fatigue, nervousness and sleep disturbances." So, if you take paxil for "social anxiety" you have to keep taking it or ease off to minimize withdrawel symptoms - one of which is anxiety. Welcome to the world of drug addiction. Enjoy your stay. quote:I'm not saying it's wrong or right. I would not do it. I speak regularly before audiences and I'm nervous every time. I use the nervous energy and do other things to deal with it and minimize it - like good preparation and focusing on the audience instead of myself. Those things make me a better speaker. I have a sense of accomplishment when I do well. Drugs have side effects. I checked your link and beta blockers have a ton. There's no way I sacrifice my mental or physical health for some immediate calm when practice, preparation, and something as simple as taking deep breath can make me a good speaker. Posts: 701 | Registered: Thursday, November 30 2006 08:00 |
| Video Game Addiction in General | |
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Lifecrafter
Member # 7723
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written Sunday, July 1 2007 20:53
Profile
Apart side effects which can be worse than the problem, I don't think chemicals are the solution for shyness. I'm a bit of an introvert myself. When I'm at a social event I force myself to get up, get out, and speak to people. It takes effort but gets easier with practice. It's very rewarding though. Granted, some may be shyer than others, but drugs don't really make a problem go away. They just give instant gratification. That is never as good as results that come from patience and effort. Natural trumps artificial. If I just had to take something, I'd just go with tried and true alcohol to lower inhibitions. That's still a cop-out, but at least alcohol does not harm you in moderation. That's my opinion. I'm very much anti-drug/pro-nature. To each his own though. Posts: 701 | Registered: Thursday, November 30 2006 08:00 |
| Video Game Addiction in General | |
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Lifecrafter
Member # 7723
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written Saturday, June 30 2007 23:08
Profile
Good link, Randomizer. I posted on that thread before I saw this one. I like Synergy's definition, except I think that "mood-altering" is redundant as any activity alters your mood. So I would think that an addiction is "a pathological relationship to any exeprience that has life-damaging consequences." When you see some of the comments on that thread it's easy to see the pathology and the life-damaging effect. There was no question in my mind that I was addicted. If you don't like the label "addict," (in which case I would ask what's makes the obsessive behavior of some people with games different from the behaviour of someone with an "accepted" addiction) then you are still left with games occupying a very bad place in many peoples lives. That's undeniable. And anyone who thinks the drug companies can't come up with a creative way to market some drug for addictive behavior underestimates their greed. They have drugs to help you if you feel you're too introverted. I can't remember the name of it, but I remember seeing the ridiculous commercials. Posts: 701 | Registered: Thursday, November 30 2006 08:00 |
| WoW in General | |
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Lifecrafter
Member # 7723
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written Saturday, June 30 2007 22:26
Profile
I have never played WoW, but I was a Dofus addict. I will never ever play another MMORPG. I think they can literally be as bad as any hardcore drug as far as addictiveness and life-destroying power. My wife complained many a night about the empty spot where there used to be a husband in bed. Fortunately I have very little desire to play anymore. I find games that have actual endings to be much more fulfilling. And then there is real life ... that's what I like to get high on. Posts: 701 | Registered: Thursday, November 30 2006 08:00 |
| Reccomend other RPGs in General | |
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Lifecrafter
Member # 7723
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written Wednesday, June 6 2007 04:33
Profile
Nope. EVNova is easily in my all time top 5. There's nothing I know of quite like it. It has a special place in my heart along with dragon warrior and geneforge. Posts: 701 | Registered: Thursday, November 30 2006 08:00 |
| Amateur historians in General | |
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Lifecrafter
Member # 7723
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written Tuesday, June 5 2007 09:45
Profile
It seems Nalyd is, but if not OK. Posts: 701 | Registered: Thursday, November 30 2006 08:00 |
| Amateur historians in General | |
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Lifecrafter
Member # 7723
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written Tuesday, June 5 2007 09:12
Profile
I don't know Nayld, but the fact that there were large lizards and the fact that there are legends in various parts of the world looks pretty suspicious to me. Posts: 701 | Registered: Thursday, November 30 2006 08:00 |
| Amateur historians in General | |
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Lifecrafter
Member # 7723
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written Tuesday, June 5 2007 08:44
Profile
OK, so we are seeing some basis in reality for these mythologies though. Posts: 701 | Registered: Thursday, November 30 2006 08:00 |
| Amateur historians in General | |
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Lifecrafter
Member # 7723
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written Tuesday, June 5 2007 08:41
Profile
I don't know about the wacky evanglicals you're talking about, but the Bible certainly is full of symbolism, poetry, alusion, parables, foreshadowing and many other literary tools. It's always very clear when it's using them though. For real people and events it references other events and gives dates and geneologies to identify them. Posts: 701 | Registered: Thursday, November 30 2006 08:00 |
| Amateur historians in General | |
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Lifecrafter
Member # 7723
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written Tuesday, June 5 2007 08:35
Profile
How do you know there isn't some basis in reality for all the dragon/large lizard accounts? What would you expect to see regarding large lizards in human history if they did exist early on, but died out? Posts: 701 | Registered: Thursday, November 30 2006 08:00 |
| Amateur historians in General | |
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Lifecrafter
Member # 7723
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written Tuesday, June 5 2007 08:17
Profile
How do you know they aren't interconnected? Posts: 701 | Registered: Thursday, November 30 2006 08:00 |
| Amateur historians in General | |
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Lifecrafter
Member # 7723
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written Tuesday, June 5 2007 08:01
Profile
There are more than six flood stories. There are oral traditions that have passed down a story of a flood from many parts of the world. The simplest explanation is that there was a big flood. Where there's smoke... Posts: 701 | Registered: Thursday, November 30 2006 08:00 |
| Amateur historians in General | |
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Lifecrafter
Member # 7723
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written Tuesday, June 5 2007 06:14
Profile
I very rarely edit. And when I do it's never to change the post, but only to correct some grammar or something. If I have regrets I use another post to express them. Posts: 701 | Registered: Thursday, November 30 2006 08:00 |
| Amateur historians in General | |
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Lifecrafter
Member # 7723
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written Tuesday, June 5 2007 03:45
Profile
How true. For that reason, the only one I can stomach is the Geneforge series, which is awesome. I tried the others and see the storyline quality, but it falls just short of being enough to make up. To be fair I think I may be a bit sick of exploring dungeons with my fighter, my mage, and my healer. "Let's take the loot from the empty grave with bones on the outside. Oh no! Who could have predicted a shade/ghost/spirit/zombie would defend it?" So it's not you, it's me (in case anyone involved with the games sees this). On the other hand, playing the role of a shaper is one of the most satisfying gaming experiences I've had. It's original enough to pull off low quality visuals. The new Nethergate is cool and fairly original, but I don't know if it's quite enough to get me to go into my pocket. I'm thinking that the Geneforge engine makes it more bearable as well. (I don't really know what I'm saying, but I'm talking about the way you move about and do stuff. I think you all say "engine"). Posts: 701 | Registered: Thursday, November 30 2006 08:00 |
| Amateur historians in General | |
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Lifecrafter
Member # 7723
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written Monday, June 4 2007 20:43
Profile
The diluvian account is not meant to be interpreted as a parable anymore than the gospels are. In fact one gospel has Jesus lineage traced unbroken to Noah (and to Adam). Everyone postflood traces back to Noah. He is nowhere in the Bible regarded by anyone as anything other than a real person. You are correct about the details, but I don't see how you get "parable" from them. They read like a ship's log. And this line that you all are drawing between spirituality and reason is artificial. Faith is based on reason. The Bible strongly encourages wisdon and reason It's only incoherent if you don't really know what it's about. Then it seems like a collection of random stories and lessons. The truth is that every book carries a theme central to all of them. Then there are minor themes. Once you know these the picture becomes clear. (I'm always amazed by the intellectual depth on a forum for video games). Posts: 701 | Registered: Thursday, November 30 2006 08:00 |
| The Simplest Path in General | |
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Lifecrafter
Member # 7723
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written Friday, June 1 2007 12:45
Profile
OK. I guess I thought you were going to tell us what was unique about the book. All of our ideas by definition contribute to our view. Reading this book, for example, effected you to such an extent that you created a thread to tell us about it. Why? Posts: 701 | Registered: Thursday, November 30 2006 08:00 |
| The Simplest Path in General | |
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Lifecrafter
Member # 7723
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written Friday, June 1 2007 11:51
Profile
"Do not murder" is clearly constructive. I don't quite see how interest in celebrities is quite as clearly destructiive. I'd like to hear that. This is curious to me because it seems to be an attempt to establish some sort of absolute morality absent the traditional means of establishing such absoluteness (e.g. religion) while at the same time attacking religion. Who's to say which "memes" are constructive and which are destructive? You say "original sin" is destructive I say the opposite. Is there a test? Posts: 701 | Registered: Thursday, November 30 2006 08:00 |
| The Simplest Path in General | |
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Lifecrafter
Member # 7723
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written Friday, June 1 2007 10:32
Profile
I'm reading you loud and clear, but I'm still missing the novelty. The idea of the original sin should make one tolerant and forgiving and give a realistic view of ones shortcomings. We all have them. If you know can acknowledge that then you're better for it. It shouldn't make you suspicious. As far as self-worth that's also off. What we're unworthy of is everlasting life, as death is the penalty for sin. It's a gift. But the Bible is very clear that God appreciates good activity, even saying he would be unrighteous to overlook it. It also encourages people to recognize goodness in others. I find it to be extraordinarily rare that anybody but a Christian can understand the Bible. This illustrates that fact. I love the terminology though ... "memeplex." Posts: 701 | Registered: Thursday, November 30 2006 08:00 |
| The Simplest Path in General | |
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Lifecrafter
Member # 7723
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written Friday, June 1 2007 09:08
Profile
How do you free yourself from memes if you don't identify them? What is the difference between a meme and an idea? You know what I hate, when people say, "X is ok as long as I don't hurt anyone." That's gotta be a viral idea. I reckon that's a clash of relativistic v absolute ideaologies, though. The funny thing is that X often does infringe on other people's freedom. (Like when my neighbor smokes hurting himself and me when his fumes waft in through my window). Posts: 701 | Registered: Thursday, November 30 2006 08:00 |
| The Simplest Path in General | |
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Lifecrafter
Member # 7723
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written Friday, June 1 2007 08:53
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This is awkward to say, but Kelandon and SoT made my points for me? One might as well doubt Alexander, Augustus or Aristotle. Posts: 701 | Registered: Thursday, November 30 2006 08:00 |
| The Simplest Path in General | |
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Lifecrafter
Member # 7723
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written Friday, June 1 2007 02:48
Profile
He's specifying "viral memes," which "insist" on being spread, not because they are good ideas, but because they invoke fear or some other emotion. I'm curious as to his take on this because it seems like the point, as someone else mentioned, is just not to have bad ideas. Does the book give some novel way to identify these memes? If not it would seem uninspired. And yes, Jesus did exist. The Bible is not the only historical reference to him. Whether you believe he is what it claims is another subject. Posts: 701 | Registered: Thursday, November 30 2006 08:00 |