Rag

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  • in reply to: Knock knock darlings….? #77790
    Rag
    Participant

    That’s a shame.  I realy enjoyed the books.  Was hoping the film would be good.  Ok, I’ll give it a miss.

    in reply to: Our Sci-Fi Women #77789
    Rag
    Participant

    I think that Sci-Fi in the movies has always been seen as a foray into fantasy.  For many years the ‘standard’ idea of the fantasy woman, was a gorgeous lass that the man could impress by showing his prowess by protecting her from the evil flesh eating nasties.  And having done so, obviously she fell into his arms in wide eyed adoration (of course this can be seen in all genres of film, not just Sci-Fi).

     In recent years there has been more of a movement towards the stronger woman lead.  But is this entirely to do with the empowerment of women?  I’d like to think so, but I’m not convinced.  It is widely recognised that sex sells, and the biggest consumer in the Sci-Fi market is the adolescent male.  Also society has changed in the last few decades, so that it is more accepted that men can be attracted to strong women.  So it does beggar the question, is it just a combination of the Hollywood money machine still trying to titilate the consumer demographic whilst putting a venier of ‘girl power’ on it?

     It is a cynical point of view, I admit.  But I do feel that the entrenched Hollywood moguls are less forward thinking that we would like to believe.

    I feel that to see women in more powerful (less exploitative/submissive) roles, you need to look at TV Sci-Fi.  I think that the TV industry has a younger and more forward thinking group of producers.  Series like Dark Angel, Bionic Woman, Terminator: Sarah Conner Chronicals, et al still have ‘eye candy’ leads, but are more successful in portraying women in stronger roles than the vast majority of cinema releases.

    I feel that this is more a reflection upon the conceptions of the corporate structures producing the films or series’ (and there desire to stick to the money making formula established over the years) than the thoughts and wants of the Sci-Fi fans. 

     Having said all that, I do still get warm and lesivious at the thought of Princess Leia in that gold bikini…  Did I just make a mockery of all that intellectual moralistic stuff?

    in reply to: ‘Van Helsing’ hmmm :/ #72326
    Rag
    Participant

    They’re making a sequel???? Wasn’t one enough???? I don’t see how they can make a sequel. I don’t think there are any more classic horror stories to mutilate.

    You may have guessed, but I wasn’t impressed. I mean… Van Helsing was responsible for the creation of Dracula? Please. let’s just forget about classic literature and create more pulp for the masses.

    Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy mindless entertainment as much as (probably more than) anyone. But this was a poor film. And could they have go a less sinister Dracula????

    in reply to: What have computers driven you to? #69757
    Rag
    Participant

    It isn’t the computers as much as some of the muppets they let drive them, that makes me cry. In my time working with computers (training, fixing n stuff) I have actually witnessed these acts of genius…

    Someone holdin up the mouse like a TV remote, pointing at the sceen and clicking the buttons, all the while wondering why nothing was happening.

    Someone holding the mouse vertically and waving it across in front of the screen, cursing the little arrow for just sitting there.

    And my personal favourite… Having someone call out in a training session, “Where’s the lower case keyboard?”.

    Well, there’s nowt as queer as folk.

    btw. Hi all, I’m back.

    in reply to: Role Playing Gamers? #68718
    Rag
    Participant
    Camarilla wrote:

    I have just started to play Vamp …..
    Im very fascinated by the World of Darkness.

    I heard recently that White Wolf are binning Vamp either at the end of this or next year (can’t remember which). Want to go out on a bang rather than a whimper, I was told.

    So it might be worth getting yer hands on the source books sooner rather than later.

    Dunno how reliable the source was though. Sayin that, she did seem to know her stuff. Yeah, ok… I was anoraking with a stranger.

    in reply to: International Talk Like A Pirate Day. #68410
    Rag
    Participant

    Aw nuts. Missed it! Consider my timbers right properly shivered. (that’s to both the Pirate day, and the birthday 😉 )

    in reply to: Blairs "Ministry of Truth" remind anyone of B5? #68176
    Rag
    Participant

    Lets face it, Blair is a Muppet of the first order (IMHO). He always has been and always will be.

    Yes the media has it in for him, but show me a prime minister that hasn’t had a pasting from all concerned… and rightly so, I think. I just think that Blair and his PR people are doing handling it badly, trying to be too nice. Saddy as right about Maggie. She may have been evil incarnate, but she wouldn’t have taken half the crap that ‘plastic grin man’ has.

    If people don’t question what the government is doing then how will we ever know what is going on? I believe that they should justify every decision at every step. And I don’t just mean the smarmy goit and his chums. The same applies for any democratic government. And this ‘ministry of truth’ thing raises a whole lot of questions, and then quite a few more.

    I must admit, I have been out of the loop for a while (quite a while – an in case anyone is interested, I’m still kicking), so I’m not sure exactly what has been discussed about the ministry thing. In other words this is a completely uninformed point of view, so if it’s rubbish… ignore me. Many do.

    Oh, and Fatguy, he didn’t get in cos of a sympathy vote. He got in cos of the abhorrent lack of anyone even vaguely competent or trustworthy (well it is politics after all). If I had my way there would be a ‘none of the above’ box at the bottom of the ballot paper, and I’m pretty sure that it would have the overwhelming majority in most elections. Cors you people stateside could never have that… it would just confuse those poor Florida people even more. 😉

    in reply to: Hi honey, I’m home #65641
    Rag
    Participant

    😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆

    WOOO HOOOO!!!!!! I’M NOT GONNA DIE!!!!! Well not for a couple of days at least.

    Went to see the Neurologist yesterday and it’s NOT MS!!!!!! It is a Tranverse Myelitis, but hey… we knew that anyway… right? It is something that is related to MS, but the brain scan was clear so it isn’t the full blown thing (yet, it may develop into MS one day, but then again may not. And I can worry about that when it happens). The Doc actually said that my brain was normal. Poor, unwitting fool.

    Suffice it to say, I am a smiley bunny once more, inside and out.

    The symptoms could take up to 12 months to clear up, but that’s no biggie. I’ve managed 2 months, so what’s another 12. The best news is that there doesn’t seem to be any permanent nerve damage.

    And this is the first time I have ever heard of anyone going to see a doc and being told to drink more booze (he really did!!!). Truth be told I’m not 100% sure he really was a doc, but with advice like that I’ll happily go and see him again.

    The last two months have been extremely tough, what with the illness, the wranglings with 2 different solicitors (neither pleasent), the recent discovery that my kitchen floor is trying to deposit my washing machine into the flat below, no discernable income and the sounds of red bills hitting the doorstep like the pitter patter of tiny feet, oh… and the purchase of the freehold on my flat turning out to be £500 quid more than I’d been told originally, and they want the money now. Yes, this really has all hit me in the same two months. Oh, nearly forgot having a stack of boxes full of photo copy paper falling on my back at work last week (fortunately I heard em coming and managed to move just enough so that it missed the bad part of my spine). So, as I said extremely tough.

    I didn’t put in that last paragraph for sympathy, but to attempt to express how truely grateful I am for all the support and encouragement you guys have shown me recently. Not only have you helped me through troubled times, but you have also helped reaffirm my faith in humanity. It is really reassuring that there are people out there who are more than willing to show kindness and compassion to a complete stranger. You are all truely wonderful people. With my family all being so far away, it’s only been my friends round here (all of whom have been absolute diamonds), and your kind selves that have kept me going. I hope you are all now feeling that nice rosey glow that follows doing something you know to be good. You should be, coz you did. I feel honoured to call you friends (can I? Oh, go on)

    If any of you are ever in the South-East corner of England, give me a shout. Coz I owe you several pints.

    BTW. If that was all too mushy for you… Tough. I believe heartfelt sentiment should be openly expressed. Thank you all.

    in reply to: Star Control 2, Free game for Linux/9x #65541
    Rag
    Participant

    LL – Look what you’ve started!!

    It was SC2 I had. I’ll always remember waking up in my room at University at 5 in the morning to find a mate sitting in front of the PC furiously playing SC2. He’d been there since mid afternoon. I’d come back when the bar shut and told him to pi… um… go away so I could have a go before I went to bed. He was just going to get to a position he could save it. I must have crashed before he did. Not really surprising if he’d still not managed to save it 5 hours later!! 😆

    in reply to: Star Control 2, Free game for Linux/9x #65474
    Rag
    Participant

    Star control rings a bell. I seem to recall playing it back when I had a 286 (yes, many moons ago). If it is the one I’m thinking of, it’s ace!!!! crashed a lot back then though. I’ll let you know if it’s the one I knew and loved. Then I’ll see you online and dish out whuppings to those that need whupping

    😉

    [short pause]

    IT IS!!!!!! Hehehehehehehehe. Me LIKE! <huge grin> I’m gonna download it now!!!!!

    Chears LL. You’re now on my Christmas card list. 😀

    in reply to: The WAR! – Who is on Who’s side? #65491
    Rag
    Participant

    Blinkin flip. Sorry ppl didn’t realise I went on that long. And that was me trying to keep it short!
    😳

    in reply to: The WAR! – Who is on Who’s side? #65490
    Rag
    Participant

    First up, I haven’t read all the posts in the thread yet. I’m still on page 2!!! But I wanted to make a couple of points before I forgot them. So I apologise to any one who has already said this… I’m not trying to steal your thunder.

    These are really more ‘replys’ to point made by people in the earlier posts.

    The subject of assassination has been raised several times, on and off these boards. I really don’t think that is the solution. Yes we could ‘wack’ him, but as it’s already been said, other worms would appear from the woodwork and step right into his shoes (I think I’m getting my metaphors in a tangle). The regime (sp?) would continue under a new name. Also, I believe that one of the Wests biggest fears was that if he was assassinated, there would be an Eastern upcry. Saddam would have been billed as a martyr and the whole situation could have exploded. I have no doubt that the Iraqi PR machine would have been able to pitch it in just the right way to really wind up the masses. This would not only open up increased hostilities politically, but also invite increased covert ‘terrorist’ attacks against the West. After all, are we not advocating covert acts of internal aggresion by doing one ourselves? That would just invite cries of ‘hypocrisy’ from those seeking ammunition. And of course, if the West are willing to take steps that radical, don’t you think they would like to have a say in who takes over? The only way to do that is to make sure you control the situation when the new ‘choices’ are made. If Mr H was to suddenly and inexplicably pop his clogs, we could have absolutely no input into the new choices. With the current course of action we will probably have the deciding vote.

    The comments about ‘it not being about the oil’ irritate me beyond belief. Of course it’s about the oil. Agreed, the humanitarian issue is a good reason. And yes he is a nasty piece of work who terrorises his own people. But if this were the real concern how can we justify other abominable acts that have happened in the modern age that have just been glossed over. Take East Temore (sp?) for example. Genocide on a massive scale and barbaric in it’s execution. We knew that it was going to happen before it all kicked off, and the Western governments reactions? To withdraw all diplomatic personnel and let em get on with it. Why? Cos there was nothing in it for us. Even with the (assumed?) imminent threat from Iraq, we would not have gone in if it were not in our immediate ecconomic interest to do so.

    As for ‘Why are the Arab nations so against our assistance‘? They are probably concerned about the same things I am. That once the War is over, that the US will leave a vast number of troops – to assist in stablising the area while the new government settle in, of course – that will end up staying there for an indefinite term. How would you like it if a nation that has had rather turbulent diplomatic relations with your own, suddenly sets up a rather large military encampment just over the border from you? I’d probably be a bit un-nerved too.

    And as for France and Germany not wanting to dive into a war. Are you really surprised? Just a few recent memories that are a bit close to the knuckle. One was an invader the other invaded. I’m not surprised they would rather find another way out of it. Hell, I agree with em. But I don’t think there was one. Not in this case. Not that would have worked.

    As for the protesters arguments that we would be killing innocents during the war. Yes, we would and let’s face it… are. But Saddams regime has been doing that every day for years. So it’s OK for it to happen, just as long as it’s not us doing it?

    Personally I am opposed to War, but recognise it’s validity. Peaceful negotiation can accomplish a lot, as long as both sides want peace and are prepared to make some compromises. I don’t believe that Saddam would ever go for both. War is an abomination, because it causes great suffering amongst the innocent, but if the innocent are suffering anyway, can we not justify the war in an attempt to stop or at the very least drastically reduce the ongoing, long term suffering?

    Pacifism is no defence in the face of an open and unrepentant aggressor. What is it that Robert A. Heinlein said about ‘open aggression’ in Starship Troopers? I may not agree with all the points he made, but he certainly made me think about my beliefs (I’m talking about the book here, not the film. If you’ve not read it, I recommend it. There is relevance to this thread… a bit).

    I s’pose what I’m trying to say is… It’s a mess. We can’t ignore a situation like this and hope it goes away. And you are not going to find a solution that will keep everybody happy that would actually achieve anything. I’m not saying our actions are right or wrong, or even if they were made for the right reasons. But I for one can’t think of a course of action that would solve the problem without leading to the point we are now.

    One thing I am sure of is this. Whether our boys (and girls) should be out there or not. They are there. And while they are there I will back them 100%.

    in reply to: Hey MB! #65486
    Rag
    Participant

    Whether it’s what Fluffy thinks it is or not. GOOD LUCK!!!
    The words ‘test results’ put the (metaphorical) willies up me at the mo.

    in reply to: Hi honey, I’m home #65485
    Rag
    Participant

    Hi all. Just a quick update for those that give a damn (and those that don’t. Just so you don’t feel left out). I’m back on my feet again, and I’m back at work. Even if it is on a part time basis. I’m still not right (some say I never have been), and still no idea what plague has befallen me, but I am feeling a million times better.

    So I should be around the boards more again. And for this alone, I humbly apologise.

    😆

    in reply to: The Jukebox #65484
    Rag
    Participant

    You said it MB. I’m going to have to compile a list and then scrub out all the dodgy ones…

    For now I’ll just go with ‘Marakesh’ by NMA (soz, New Model Army). Beautiful track that just grabs me by the heart. Yup, I’m a sentimental fool.

    in reply to: ‘Never Leave Me’ #65311
    Rag
    Participant

    Haven’t seen it yet, but… due to the miracle of friends with Sky and Video recorders, I shall soon. When I have I’ll get back to you.

    (didn’t want you to think you were being ignored, nobody likes that).

    [Wanders off with huge grin at the prospect of another video packed with Buffy, Angel and Scrubs]

    [Wanders back, remembering that the post is not posted yet]

    On a downward note, I have a friend in Florida, a HARDCORE buffy fan. And she has stopped watching both Buffy and Angel in disgust. According to her it went ‘wrong’ after the Ep we saw the week before last. Of course this could be due solely to the Angel Cordy thing, but this isn’t the right thread for that.

    I’m just counting on the fact that she may not be able to spot a well developed plot line if it had about her with an over ripe haddock.

    in reply to: Place your bets #65310
    Rag
    Participant

    And, sadly (no pun intended), unless you wanna fork out for business type hosting from one of the major ISP’s your not going to get the sort of reliability that the users demand. And even then you can’t guarantee it’ll by up 24-7. Reliable technology… It’s a dream that I don’t think will come to pass in my lifetime. Ah well. It give us something to whinge about. 😉

    in reply to: Hi honey, I’m home #65211
    Rag
    Participant

    Oooh, the cockles of me heart are reet properly warmed.

    Thank you all very much. I really do appreciate it.

    There has been no real change since my last emotional outburst, other than I have my slightly more sane head back on. When there are developments I shall let you all know. Til then I s’pose I’ll just have to back to lying on the sofa watching my new Angel DVD’s (couldn’t afford them, but I’m sick, right? Gotta treat yourself when your down? It’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it)

    in reply to: Hi honey, I’m home #65144
    Rag
    Participant

    🙁

    Well, yesterday I went to see the Doc again, and after many threats of physical violence I actually got a straight (ish) answer. My illness is still undiagnosed, but their current theory is MS.

    Me? Scared? Hell yeah!!!!!!!

    Being single and over 4 hours drive from my nearest family member means dealing with this business all on my jack.

    So this is a blatant and unashamed plea for loads of heartwarming comments (sincere or not. Right now I don’t give a Darn).

    Still, only another month and a half before I get to talk to the 8th doc they will have wheeled me in to see. A specialist this time – ooooh!!!! So only another month and half of living in my own personal hell, before I get another pompous fellow telling me ‘um, dunno chief’.

    Rag i just realized the 2 cusswords where here and figured this might be a good time to make sure that i can edit posts in this new BB! 😀 don’t forget we do have younger sadgeezers here. 😀 but believe me, i do feel for you and what you are going through!

    😳 Soz

    in reply to: 24 #65016
    Rag
    Participant

    I got season 1 on DVD, how good was that series???!!!!!
    I saw the first episode of season 2, and reached straight for the DVD remote. I was gutted when I couldn’t flip straight on to watch the next episode!!!! Damn you people with Sky. You get to see the next episode a whole week before me. This is the closest I have ever got to caving and getting Sky myself. Must resist…

    in reply to: Happy Birthday TheInvisibleLunatic #64974
    Rag
    Participant

    Yeah. Happy Birthday mate. 😀

    in reply to: Idiotic #64873
    Rag
    Participant
    FX wrote:

    images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img])

    Yeah, but what about all us weak bodied, strong minded, young (ish) men?

    Not quite close enough?

    Ahh, my shattered dreams…

    in reply to: Reasons #64872
    Rag
    Participant

    To my shame it was the movie. I am a lover of crap movies, and that qualifies as a poor film. So needless to say I loved it to bits.

    Much later I heard they had turned it into a series, so I thought I’d check it out. Wasn’t sure about the new lass, Sarah Michelle summink, but instantly loved the style of it. The one liners were what really dragged me in. It was just a fantastic balance of humour, action, loveable characters and above all… it was fantasticly scripted.

    in reply to: Computer gamers #64871
    Rag
    Participant

    Yeah, a long time ago tho. I seem to recall the first level was really more of a tutorial. I thought they held your hand through it. Can’t remember whether it was text prompts or a voiceover, but I’m pretty sure you have to sample the DNA of some obscure looking blob shaped beasties to get better jumping ability or summink. Then you can get to a ledge or something you couldn’t reach before. Hang on…

    God I hate being right all the time…

    This should help[/url]

    in reply to: What do you think of the new SadGeezer.com? #64862
    Rag
    Participant

    Well, I’ve had a chance to have a bit of a nose about, and quite frankly, Mr Geezer, I’m quietly impressed. Suffice to say there were several “ooh’s” and virtally no “oh’s”.

    Crackin job and my heartfelt congrats to all involved. Pay no heed to those festering nosebleeds that dis your fine work.

    You may now all smile smugly to yourselves and feel that rosey glow of self congratulation. You are allowed.
    😉

    in reply to: Columbia #64861
    Rag
    Participant
    Flamegrape wrote:

    People can’t sell Columbia wreckage. It’s against federal law.

    They shouldn’t, but it isn’t going to stop them. If there is a profit to be made, the scum will be there to make it. The more misery involved the higher the profit and the more vultures that want ‘their own piece of history’. Capitalism at it’s best my dears.

    The world is full of sick bastards, and I’m afraid there isn’t a great deal we can do about it.

    in reply to: Dear Sad, Please don’t touch the site anymore. #64860
    Rag
    Participant

    yeah, but a Siren with a banded ass… like wow!

    Oh, soz. Banned ass. My bad.

    in reply to: The Pledge of Allegiance #64859
    Rag
    Participant
    ”The wrote:

    If you wish to follow a faith, you should …

    I know I’m being dead pedantic, but I think you probably meant ‘religion’ not ‘faith’.

    Faith is a belief in something bigger than you are, and never hurt anyone.

    Religion is the bundle of strictures and doctrines that screws the whole thing up.

    Faith never started a war, Religion is behind most of them.

    Oh, and ‘theFrey’… 100% with you on the fluffy CD thing. 100%

    in reply to: The New SadGeezer.com, Special Features #64820
    Rag
    Participant

    Looks great!!! Awaiting it with fervent anticipation and bated breath… which isn’t as easy as I make it look.

    in reply to: Where is LORD OF THE RINGS? #62267
    Rag
    Participant

    I’m with the voices of descent on this one. While I would love nothing more than to natter (or type) for hours about the film/book/world, it’s not Sci-Fi. It does bug me when people lump fantasy in with Sci-Fi. It has a perfectly good genre of it’s own. There is nothing even vaguely sciency about it. Granted it is fiction, but that is where the similarities end.

    That’s why I didn’t vote for it (or spider-man) in the polls.

    in reply to: doyal died of overdose #64480
    Rag
    Participant

    That’s all new to me too. I liked Doyle’s character and was shocked at his abrupt departure. It does explain why it was so sudden. I just thought it was young Mr W keeping us on our toes. So does that mean that Wesley was or wasn’t already predestined to join the show. Was he written in to fill Doyle’s space or was he already written in.

    Sadly showbiz doesn’t appear to be the most nurturing or balanced of environments. He’s obviously had problems for a while. It’s a shame he couldn’t get his head straight in time.

    in reply to: DON’T LET IT HAPPEN!!! #44124
    Rag
    Participant

    That’s a fair cop Guv. Guilty as charged.

    in reply to: DON’T LET IT HAPPEN!!! #44122
    Rag
    Participant

    quote:


    Originally posted by ADM:

    So DS9 adds up too being the biggest cock-up in Star Trek history, no actually the biggest cock-up in Sci-fi history…


    Sorry mate, but I think Andromeda and when Battlestar Gallactica reached Earth rate way above DS9 in Sci-Fi embarrasments, along with many others. Granted, it was a bland, boring attempt at trying to steal B5’s crown. But I don’t think it rated quite as bad as that.I was concerned they were ‘pushing the boudaries’ with a black and a female captain in DS9 and Voyager.

    Star Trek is the essence of formulaic Sci-Fi. It always has been. They found a formula that worked and have been, broadly, sticking to it since then. And the reason it has worked so well it there is a hardcore fan base that love what they have been doing.

    I think the movie going public is in general a different kind of animal. They have seen Star Trek movies already and, as it’s already been mentioned here, they weren’t all great. There are so many other films coming out that are different and groundbreaking. People aren’t going to see everything, and they already have an idea of what to expect with Star Trek movies. If you had a choice of 2 movies, one you thought would be a bit naff, one that looks pretty good, which would you choose?

    The Star Trek producers need to come up with something inovative and new. They have been trotting out the films of the series for so long now, it’s getting boring. And the films are good enough to carry it.

    Maybe a saga of films, lifting elements from all the series, but not centering upon those characters. But on a bigger scale than they tend to think at the moment. I think they have done so many episodes that they are trapped into one way of story telling. It’s all too… I don’t know… encapsulated.

    Or may be just lay off for a bit. Go more underground. Head back towards regaining it cult status a bit more. Regain credibility. That wouldn’t make the shareholders happy.

    in reply to: We got UK dates yet? #64430
    Rag
    Participant

    Tha’s wierd. I’m sure I posted a reply a couple of days ago. Ah well. To summarise… Thanks Headge.

    And on to matters new. Woo-hoo!!! Two weeks today! UK Sky start the new series! About bloody time too.

    in reply to: Hippies Brew Beer #64205
    Rag
    Participant

    Happy New Year folks!

    Yeah, I know it’s a bit late. But first it was still New Years eve. Then I kept slurring my words and couldn’t see. Then I had a crashing headache and still couldn’t see. And then it was now (and that’s the long version).

    Have a crackin’ 2003.

    in reply to: Not that it matters now but i had a birthday. #64202
    Rag
    Participant

    quote:


    Originally posted by mary beth:
    i am sorry that i don’t get to post as much as i want


    God! Don’t appologise! It sounds like your having a rough patch yourself. It’s obvious how much the moderators here care about what they do, and the people who post here. And I really respect you all for that. But it does concern me when I here comments like yours above. Don’t ever be sorry for concentrating on the important things. We’re all big boys and girls. We miss you when your not around, but don’t waste your time freting about us when you can’t be here as much as you’d like.

    Take care of yourself first, worry about us when everything is calmer.

    We’ll be here.

    [ 06-01-2003: Message edited by: Rag ]

    in reply to: The Clone Wars have begun. #64783
    Rag
    Participant

    I don’t see how they are going to stem the tide now though. That’s the trouble with science. For any discovery to be taken seriously, the proof and theories have to be published. Once that’s done anyone is able to pick up those publishings and do their own research. It’s a lot easier to make the breakthrough if you have the starting point.

    Once it becomes apparant that something can be done, some power/money hungry sonnova… is going to come up with how it could help him and stump up the cash to do it. Morals and ethics are conveniently ignored and get to worry about the concequences after the event.

    As for the stigma and bigotry? Undoubtedly. Human beings generally fear things they don’t understand, and hate things they fear. Especially if they feel threatened by it. But what could we find threatening about an army of genetically engineered super men and women, designed to be better than us in every way? Whether this be fact or not.

    No, I think this could all get very messy unless the current proceedings are handled very carefully. I don’t think we, as a society, are geared up to deal with clones yet. We need more time to prepare ourselves.

    in reply to: Mice get cured #64773
    Rag
    Participant

    quote:


    Originally posted by ADM:

    It makes you wonder if the missing is actually an ape or some kind of pig monster!!!ADM


    The prospect of an interbred species of Apes and Pigs is only slightly less scarey than the Rat-Spiders. Maybe the Rat-Spiders are breeding them…

    Sorry, I’m back in the real world again now.

    All this raises the age old debate of where do advances in medical issues take us? And what should be the ethical stand point on such matters?

    Is this related to this topic? I think yes, but in a vague attempt at practicing what I rant, I feel a new thread coming on.
    (Dunno how to link to a new thread yet… Would one of you lovely Mods be so kind as to help out here please? Thanks)

    Back on topic tho… I honestly don’t think it will be too long before we get vat grown organs. Genetics and suchlike are so advanced these days that I believe it is only a matter of time before it is established why organs are rejecting and steps taken to prevent the process from occurring. I reckon it will be in our lifetimes anyway.

    What then? 2000ad style organ legging?

    The cure for cancer is like the medical holy grail. Are they really that close to a cure? I would love to think that they are. And if they can use these methods for sorting something as horrible as cancer, what else will they be able to modify this process to do? The prospects are mind boggling, and just a bit scarey. People are all waving their arms about GM crops. What are they going to say about direct manipulation of the genes inside the human body?

    in reply to: Buffy: The Cartoon Slayer #64427
    Rag
    Participant

    quote:


    Originally posted by ADM:

    You’re right about Dawn, she can’t be in it, ADM


    They will will probably write it off as “the created memories of her part in the adventures”.

    I s’pose they thought that the kids would be confused it they only saw more recent series with Dawn in, and then the cartoon just ignores her existence. And lets face it, it’s gonna be dumbed down and cleaned up for the teenies. It’s not often you get adult oriented cartoons these days.

    I’ll watch it (if it stumbles into my eyeline), but I’m not expecting it to become the centre of my universe.

    in reply to: Christmas Loot! #64213
    Rag
    Participant

    I got a couple of bits and pieces (DVDs CDs etc), but mostly cash. I’m off on holiday in Feb and was slowly getting into a mild state of panic over how I was going to be able to afford it all. Several cheques later… Woohoo!!! Sorted.

    in reply to: Not that it matters now but i had a birthday. #64199
    Rag
    Participant

    Happy Birthday MK (hope you feeling better and a bit snugglier after the above comments) and to ADM… and in a coupla days… me.

    Don’t get too down cos people forgot your birthdays (or in most cases, didn’t know). A few years back EVERYONE forgot my birthday. Friends and family alike. That’s the trouble with having your birthday on New Years Day. Far too many hang overs kicking around. It doesn’t mean we love you any less…

    So to all those whose birthdays have ever been forgotten…

    Happy Birthday

    in reply to: To Bitch or not to Bitch. #62244
    Rag
    Participant

    quote:


    Originally posted by SadGeezer:
    Sometimes that works against me (ie I don’t have the nerve to contribute because I might say something stupid) but on the whole I think we have got it right.


    And he runs the show around here!!!

    No one should hold back saying their piece simply because someone might think what they say is daft.

    I think Sad is right. I think this is the best set of Sci-fi boards I’ve found, which is why I keep coming back. And that’s down to the people that post here. There is a minimum of flameing and inane bitch slapping. The majority of the posts are intelligent, thought out posts that obviously come from the heart.

    So for all you lurkers out there. Don’t just spectate, POST! Your opinion may not mesh exactly with every one elses, but it’s still valid. And I for one will not slap anyone down for having the (metaphorical) balls to put their thoughts and feelings up here (but I do reserve the right to disagree with you at times ). The more people posting, the more diverse the points of view, and the more interesting it is for everyone.

    So pick a topic and get stuck in.

    If I kept my gob shut every time I though I might say something daft, I’d rarely speak.

    in reply to: DON’T LET IT HAPPEN!!! #44106
    Rag
    Participant

    quote:


    Originally posted by snooklepie:
    and fear the ridicule that they are likely to get if they admit to going to see the film, so they don’t go. very sad.
    (please guys, let’s keep this one civilised!!!)


    Then those people are f… (oh, hang on. Civilised… Soz)… jolly silly. Why avoid doing something you are going to enjoy because someone may mock you? This all comes back to the social stereotyping in Snook’s aforementioned thread. What happened to individuality and freedom of though and action? I firmly believe that the stigma will remain until the fans stop acting like it is something sordid, and start… but this is the subject of the other thread.

    I think the poor box office figures are due to waining interest due to the previous films being a bit hit and miss, and probably more so to LOTR. Jackson is responsible. He made a couple of films that are so well put together and polished that it makes most of the others look a bit tacky (IMHO anyway).

    Based upon the previous films, if you had enough cash to go and see one movie this Christmas, which would it be?

    Cinema goes in fads. At the moment it seems to be heading into adaptations of books and comics (LOTR, Harry Potter and Spider-man have all made big cash. Dare Devil and the Narnia movie are hot on their heals. I reckon that this is the way it’s gonna go next).

    Also, I dunno about everywhere else, but the first thing I saw on it was a trailer before LOTR last night. Other than that I have seen two posters and nothing else And one of those was at the cinema). If Joe Public isn’t excited by numerous flash trailers they aren’t going to see it. They can’t just rely upon the fan base to fill all the showings.

    I don’t think Nemesis will do as well because of these factors, not because of any stigma attached to the series.

    in reply to: message board awards #64173
    Rag
    Participant

    quote:


    Originally posted by ADM:
    Rag me ol china, FX is of the female variety, and a very nice looking one at that (I’ve seen the pics)!!!
    ADM


    ****!!! Soz FX. Still easy mistake to make. Those female variety geezers are getting everywhere these days.

    Cheers for the heads up mate. So where are these photos then? It would be nice to put faces to names, and avoid similar slip ups in the future

    in reply to: LOTR:The Two Towers #64150
    Rag
    Participant

    … and the BBC did the first four books. ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’, ‘Prince Caspian’, ‘The Silver Chair’ and ‘the Voyage of the Dawn Treader’. All available on vid from BBC Worldwide. All available from Amazon at just under a tenner (UKP) each.

    Aren’t I full of interesting facts today? (Still dead busy)

    in reply to: LOTR:The Two Towers #64149
    Rag
    Participant

    OK… How behind on the goss am I?

    Narnia.com[/url]

    You can tell I’m having a busy day at work can’t you…

    in reply to: LOTR:The Two Towers #64148
    Rag
    Participant

    Yeah, saw it last night, and I’m still buzzing from it. How good was Gollum? No no no. Much better than that!!! And Helm’s Deep… WOW!!!! Damn good thing I’m going to see it again on Saturday.

    As for the Narnia thing… The Beeb (BBC for those who don’t speak Rag) did the first few books a few years back. They ran one each Christmas for a few years. Exceptionally high quality IMHO. I’m pretty sure that I’ve seen the vids about so you should be able to get hold of them if you are that interested. The did ‘The lion..’, ‘Dawn Treader’ and I think ‘A horse and his boy’ (it was a while ago now, and my memory isn’t what it used to be). Don’t expect a similar carnage level to LOTR, it was for kids, but I found it thoroughly entertaining. A real flash back to when I read them as a kid.

    While we’re on the subject. Did you know…

    There are plans to write sequels (or re-write the originals, not 100% sure which) to the original series. Needless to say there is a certain amount of controversy about this. It appears that they are going to try and ‘Harry Potter’ it. HP is making big bucks and there is plenty of space in the band wagon. I s’pose they could have chosen worse material to do it with.

    And…

    (it’s really more of the same story) There is talk about making Movie versions of the books. The Lewis estate don’t appear to be too keen on the idea (probably worried that it’ll be ‘Hollywooded’). But you never know… Watch this space.

    in reply to: So what is the draw? #54019
    Rag
    Participant

    Cheers people. I think the general response is more than enough for me to give it a go. Just have to wait until I get a HUGE pay rise before I can go out and buy em all.

    I didn’t actually dislike the first 2 movies. I was more confused than anything else (it doesn’t take much). The slab toppling scene did have me quietly chuckling (looks like I have the right sort of sense of humour then).

    One last question before I rush off to blockbusters then…

    Am I right in saying that Season 1 was just 4 movies? Or at least a number of Eps that have been stuck together into movie form for the purposes of the DVD releases? I’ve had a bit of a surf, and can only find reference to season 1 movies and season 2 box sets.

    Once again, thanks for all your enthusiastic replies. I’ll let you know as soon as I have been converted to the cause. It won’t be long. I’m a will power free zone.

    (and Logan – you really don’t want to be tempting me into a theological debate [well you mentioned religion, that counts in my book]. I love em, but they do tend to drag on. 6 1/2 hours is the current record. It was light when we left the pub )

    in reply to: Christmas party?? #64145
    Rag
    Participant

    This has all gone quite.

    I thought it was a crackin’ idea. And the posts seemed to support this…

    So is it gonna happen? I’m not going to be around for the actual Christmas period (going to see the folks up north), so I’m going to suggest December 30th, or some point shortly after new year.

    in reply to: VR is back #64764
    Rag
    Participant

    Yeah, but that’s not going to be practical for a few years yet (in anything other thand R&D anyway). Plus the risk of any powered exoskeleton, if they get it wrong, it could break limbs. If I go looking at a new car, I’d rather it didn’t end up with a trip to casualty. But I’m picky like that.

    Saying that I don’t suppose it would be too difficult for them to mock up a ‘form’ of the car (basically a cars shell) and map the spacial co-ordinates of the VR sim to the real space co-ords of the form. That way you could actually touch the car and see and feel the selected colours and fabrics. You could even get in and see it from the inside. That would be cool to see (purely from a tech-head point of view).

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