You Learn Something New Every Day... Again

[Serpentine]

This is a rehash of an old thread of mine from way back. Baaaasically, what have you learnt recently?

I have just discovered the concept of Chaoskampf: the allegorical triumph of Order over Chaos in the form of a battle between a "culture hero" and a dragon. Examples include Tiamat vs. Marduk, Set vs. Apep (I think), Yahweh vs. Leviathan, Typhon vs. Zeus, and so on. As my honours thesis is all about the comparitive mythology of dragons in the very ancient Middle East, this is gonna be a term I read a lot about.

So, how 'bout you?

[Eadin]

That my English fiction professor is a Star wars fan
And phonetic transcription in english:smallbiggrin:

[Eldan]

I learned another strange case where English speaking people use the german word instead of translating it into english, even though it loses none of it's meaning. "Chaoskampf". :smalltongue:

[Midnight Son]

I learned how to drive a big rig truck. (of course, it took more than a day, but I guess that just means I learned something about driving it every day).

[Cicciograna]

I learned that starting the car on a slope is hard.

I haven't a driver licence yet.

[Lioness]

I learnt that I can make it up to level 40 in freerice...could totally make it further, but I must sleep.

[Pyrian]

I learned that the onclick event doesn't fire on the focused tabindex in response to the user pressing the enter key like it's supposed to. :smallannoyed:

[SMEE]

Well, unless the focused component is a button of some sorts, it won't.
You'd have onkeydown or onkeypress or even onkeyup to handle that.

[Pyrian]

I figured once I'd set onclick and tabindex the browser would realize it's effectively a button, but I guess not. :smallannoyed: I've tried onkeypress and it works, but requires browser-specific code, which I've otherwise managed to avoid. Maybe onkeyup... Alternatively, I can make actual buttons and override the default behaviors, although again I think I'd be making browser-specific adjustments.

Thanks, though. :smallcool:

[Mauve Shirt]

I learned that my Tuesday/Thursday classes are practically identical. Well, the subject matter. One's in German, one's not. One'll be easy, one might be easy.

[Quincunx]

I have learned how to fix my little cutting mishap with the blouse without leaving five (yes, five) layers of cloth where the buttonholes are going to be placed, which would have made decent-looking buttonholes a near impossibility. (Further lessons include "when one traces off the pattern for alterations, remember that if one SUBTRACTS the overlap for ease of alteration, to ADD said overlap back BEFORE cutting out the fabric" and "there is a reason some people prefer their patterns to not include seam allowances" and "who needs dedicated pattern weights when you have canned food" and "holy crap does this fabric fray".)

[Icewalker]

I have learned about jazz music for the past few days. I spend one hour every day studying something (separate from schoolwork or similar), with no exceptions. Been listening to some recordings about jazz music of late.

[Krade]

I learned that the Indiana Department of Health needs my birth certificate for me to get my brother's birth certificate. I thought my ID should be plenty since THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO LOOK UP MY BIRTH CERTIFICATE TO VERIFY WE'RE RELATED. This means my brother will be stuck in Arizona for at least two additional days (on top of the week he's already been stuck). Stupid government office...

[Cealocanth]

Today I learned the equation of how to find the inverse matrix of annother matrix in order to get the original matrix as an answer when multiplying two matricies.

Also, non-dairy creamer works really well as a fire starter.

[Ranger Mattos]

It was a very uneventful day. I learned that Hoth is in the Outer Rim. The nerdiness grows... :smalltongue:

[Dexam]

Today I learned that I have become an uncle again. :smalltongue:

[averagejoe]

I recently learned how to use a defibrillator. And how to perform CPR on a baby. Pretty neat, I think.

[Lioness]

Today I learnt that my Psychology class gets hyper when we switch rooms.

Also, that my teacher doesn't believe in a distinction between sex and gender, and uses gender as a way to get around saying sex in her class.

[Teddy]

I learned that my class hasn't changed at all during the summer, which is exactly the way I like it to be.

[Serpentine]

Also, that my teacher doesn't believe in a distinction between sex and gender, and uses gender as a way to get around saying sex in her class.Blegh :yuk:

[rakkoon]

I have learned that pointy haired managers exist in real life.
This made my meeting very surreal.

A brick is not a pencil.
No it is not.
No, I'm reallly sure it is not since you hired me as a pencil-expert. * sigh *

I have also learned that one boardgame evening each week gives me something to look forward to while working :smallsmile:

[Lioness]

That English teachers are witty, funny, and awesome to listen to.

Also, that I should answer the questions, and remember that characters are not real people.

[Project_Mayhem]

That you can get away with the basest, most vulgar, unnecessary profanity in a dissertation if you're quoting Sarah Kane.

[SMEE]

I just learned that someone I have plotting and planning about for years is aware of my plans. :smallamused:
Just as planned. :smallwink:

[Dogmantra]

I learnt recently (unforunately not today) that every now and then while breathing I let out a little sort of moaning noise. It's weird.

[Syka]

That someone at J&J is doing their job very, very wrong. :smalleek:

[Serpentine]

I learnt recently (unforunately not today) that every now and then while breathing I let out a little sort of moaning noise. It's weird.Is it a sort of a croak at the back of your throat? Cuz I do that too. Not as bad now as I used to be...

[Dogmantra]

Is it a sort of a croak at the back of your throat? Cuz I do that too. Not as bad now as I used to be...

It's a sort of... short "mmm" followed by slightly stronger exhaling from my nose.

[Project_Mayhem]

Is it a sort of a croak at the back of your throat? Cuz I do that too. Not as bad now as I used to be...

Frog in your throat?

*rimshot*

[Serpentine]

It's a sort of... short "mmm" followed by slightly stronger exhaling from my nose.Might be similar. We had some ads about Tourettes for a while. Got me thinking I might have it, or did in my teens... This croak thing was part of it.

[Dogmantra]

Might be similar. We had some ads about Tourettes for a while. Got me thinking I might have it, or did in my teens... This croak thing was part of it.

I worked out when it happens too. Sometimes I breathe in for a longer than usual time, hold it for a little bit, then generally when I exhale, that's when I make the noise... I can exhale then without making it though.

[Teddy]

I've learned that old habits and a lack of computer makes me miss lessons and have a lot of boredom instead. I'm still in a bit of a bad mood because of that... :smallannoyed:


I have also learned that one boardgame evening each week gives me something to look forward to while working :smallsmile:

This is so true. It makes long weeks a lot more endurable.

[Asta Kask]

This is a rehash of an old thread of mine from way back. Baaaasically, what have you learnt recently?

I have just discovered the concept of Chaoskampf: the allegorical triumph of Order over Chaos in the form of a battle between a "culture hero" and a dragon. Examples include Tiamat vs. Marduk, Set vs. Apep (I think), Yahweh vs. Leviathan, Typhon vs. Zeus, and so on. As my honours thesis is all about the comparitive mythology of dragons in the very ancient Middle East, this is gonna be a term I read a lot about.

So, how 'bout you?

Thor vs. the Midgard Serpent? There are mirrors in many Indo-European mythologies and it's fascinating to think that it might go back to Tiamat vs Marduk (which is, of course, non-IE but old enough to have been known to the Proto-IEs). I don't know anything about New World or Australian mythologies, but that could be a way to test the hypothesis - much too old to have been influenced by the Babylonians.

So, I learned today that at least one other Playgrounder shares my fascination for dusty old tomes of mythology. Not that this was surprising, but it's always fun to learn.

[onthetown]

Over the past month, I've been learning and re-learning every day that the phrases, "It can only get better from here," and, "It's going to get better after it gets worse," are very, very wrong.

Additionally, yesterday I learned how to set up a new computer all on my own. (This is a feat for me.)

[HellfireLover]

Today I learned that you NEVER say, "Yeah, I'm bored with it, do what you want" to a hairdresser.

[onthetown]

Today I learned that you NEVER say, "Yeah, I'm bored with it, do what you want" to a hairdresser.

My mom said that once to a hairdresser when I was three. "Oh, we're just bored with long hair, maybe a trim or something cute." Fifteen minutes later my hair is two feet shorter and I look like a boy.

[Eldpollard]

Reading this thread I just learned that SMEE's become a moderator. I really do not come on these forums enough any more.
I also learned some new words that I have promptly forgotten.

[Adumbration]

I've learned to officially drive a car. (Well, okay, it wasn't today, but I couldn't think of anything that I learned today, and it's a bit big thing for me, so...)

[CurlyKitGirl]

Thor vs. the Midgard Serpent? There are mirrors in many Indo-European mythologies and it's fascinating to think that it might go back to Tiamat vs Marduk (which is, of course, non-IE but old enough to have been known to the Proto-IEs). I don't know anything about New World or Australian mythologies, but that could be a way to test the hypothesis - much too old to have been influenced by the Babylonians.

So, I learned today that at least one other Playgrounder shares my fascination for dusty old tomes of mythology. Not that this was surprising, but it's always fun to learn.

Add another one to that.

Today I learnt that I'm one level of hell of a lot more knowledgeable about music than I thought I was.

I also learnt that, including my newest arrival I now have an even 1400 books under my personal control. :smallbiggrin:
So maybe 1750 to 1900 all told.
Therefore I have also learnt that I need to take another census of my multplying population before I go back to uni.

[Cyrion]

I learned of the existance of CSE functions in Excel- array functions that let you do minif, averageif, multi-conditional countifs, etc. Excel is my chew toy!

I also learned how to do Burke's Barrage and a 4-ball Mill's Mess pattern with my juggling.

[CrimsonAngel]

My language arts teacher collects action figures and she likes lord of the rings. :smallcool:

[Asthix]

I learned today how to retain my wireless internet connection in the face of ever increasing machinations to deprive me of said access.

Also, I learned that being sick is always worse than you could possibly imagine if you haven't been sick for a while.:smallyuk:

[Castaras]

Egyptian pyramids used water to mark out the foundations of them, so that the monuments would last longer.

[Lolzords]

When going to a waterpark, cover your belongings up before you go off and do the slides. Someone stole a pair of converse today, but at least my bag containing my ipod and phone was still there.

[Cealocanth]

Today I learned how to modify a NERF Maverick to shoot much farther and more powerfully.

[Serpentine]

Thor vs. the Midgard Serpent?Almost certainly.
There are mirrors in many Indo-European mythologies and it's fascinating to think that it might go back to Tiamat vs MardukMarduk was actually a later version. It was Anu first, then Enlil, and only then did the Babylonians make it Marduk.

So, I learned today that at least one other Playgrounder shares my fascination for dusty old tomes of mythology. Not that this was surprising, but it's always fun to learn.Ooo, what sort of dusty old tomes?
...
Or did you mean me? In which case: Whoooo! :smallbiggrin:

I would like to find a hairdresser who, upon my stating that "I really don't know what to do with it. What do you think?" does not stand there dumbstruck like I just smacked her in the face with a fish.

[JoshuaZ]

I learned that some penguins can project their feces (http://www.boingboing.net/2010/08/25/penguins-that-projec.html) and so can caterpillars (http://seedmagazine.com/content/article/projectile_pooping/).

[Teddy]

Yesterday, I learned that the at least 1 month too old PIN code that I needed to activate the "free music for a full year"-programme that came with my new mobile phone still worked, despite what's stated on the instruction booklet.

Teddy vs. Moronic principles: 1-0! :smalltongue:

[Syka]

A few days ago I learned that there are jungle penguins. And they are the definition of "adorable".

[Serpentine]

Pixez plox.

[Asta Kask]

Almost certainly.Marduk was actually a later version. It was Anu first, then Enlil, and only then did the Babylonians make it Marduk.

D'oh! I actually knew that.


Ooo, what sort of dusty old tomes?
...
Or did you mean me? In which case: Whoooo! :smallbiggrin:

I meant you. And my access to dusty old tomes is sadly limited, so I content myself with dusty old webpages.


I would like to find a hairdresser who, upon my stating that "I really don't know what to do with it. What do you think?" does not stand there dumbstruck like I just smacked her in the face with a fish.

Just do this. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCwLirQS2-o)

BTW, what do you think of this? (http://www.ceisiwrserith.com/pier/index.htm)

[Serpentine]

At the moment, I'm restricted to dusty ol' Wikipedia <.< But only to get an overview!

edit: Hmmm... Needz moar sauces.

[Ranger Mattos]

That there is a difference between the leopard and the leopard cat.

[Ponderthought]

Today I learned about a variety of things that could snuff out life on earth in an instant, like Gamma-Ray Bursts (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamma-ray_bursts#Rates_and_impacts_on_life) and Coronal Mass Ejections. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coronal_mass_ejection)

It's comforting to know exactly how hostile the universe is.

[Syka]

New Zealand's Jungle Pengiun (http://www.penguin.net.nz/species/fiord/index.html) aka the Fiordland. I was watching a documentary show called Wild Pacific and it showed one of them running through the jungle. It was way too cute.

[Serpentine]

Eeeeeeeeeeeeee>.< -wait. New Zealand? :smallconfused: New Zealand is way too cold for jungle, surely. I know "jungle" is just an unscientific term for "rainforest", but it's normally associated with tropical rainforest, not temperate...

<.<
>.>

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee >.<

[Kaiser Omnik]

I learned the rules to the Carcassonne board game.

[Eldan]

Well, south america also has forest penguins.

[hamishspence]

Eeeeeeeeeeeeee>.< -wait. New Zealand? :smallconfused: New Zealand is way too cold for jungle, surely. I know "jungle" is just an unscientific term for "rainforest", but it's normally associated with tropical rainforest, not temperate...


Jungle usually refers to areas of rainforest where the canopy has been damaged, and as a result, there is a dense thicket.

Something new I learned- Britain has temperate rainforests:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temperate_rainforest

[Phishfood]

I learned that hair dye is nasty evil stuff sent by the devil. You spill it and its clear so you don't see it. By the time you CAN see it its too late and stained whatever it was on. Lucky our bathroom is crap enough you can't really tell.

[Serpentine]

Jungle usually refers to areas of rainforest where the canopy has been damaged, and as a result, there is a dense thicket.No... Just tropical rainforest (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jungle). Note the bit about technical context with the [citation needed] note? My ecology lecturers specifically stated that it's colloquial only.
You see? The $10,000-odd I've spent on my degree is totally worth it! :smallbiggrin:

[hamishspence]

I was looking at this bit:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainforest


The undergrowth in a rainforest is restricted in many areas by the lack of sunlight at ground level. This makes it possible to walk through the forest. If the leaf canopy is destroyed or thinned, the ground beneath is soon colonized by a dense, tangled growth of vines, shrubs, and small trees called a jungle. There are two types of rainforest, tropical rainforest and temperate rainforest.

which didn't specify that the bits referred to as "jungle" could only occur in a tropical rainforest.

Still, like you said, it's probably a nonscientific term "a jungle of vegetation" rather than "The Jungle".

[Dogmantra]

I learnt that I associate Divya Srinvansan's art style with Damn Good Times by They Might Be Giants so much that I get it stuck in my head every time I see my avatar.

[Quincunx]

I have heard of the rate increase in insurance premiums after last year's flood, and have learned that my property managers have chosen to counter that rise by cutting down those lovely, overhanging trees and eliminating the risk of claiming against falling tree damage. Thus does an overflowing dam lead to a clear line of fire into my computer room.

[Syka]

Well, now I know what a jungle technically is. :smallbiggrin:

I have also learned more than I wanted to know about how to film in a diner. Also, that the owners mix drinks near/at closing time. :smallamused:

[Silly Wizard]

I found out my mom plays Bioshock :smalleek: The last game she played was Super Mario Bros 3

[Project_Mayhem]

I learned that if you accidentally touch the hot metal in the oven, your going to need ice on your hand for at least the duration of Aliens before the pain stops

[Danne]

Today I learned that you can scroll through pages in a .pdf file with the left and right arrow keys. Yay for learning through random button pushing!

I also learned all about Nockers, because my brother gave me the Kithbook. But I don't have anyone to play with...

@^: Now you need to cover it with gauze or something. Cold and cover. S'how you treat burns.

[Silly Wizard]

I just found out that one of my female friends is planning to go into the porn business. I sense that there's going to be a lot of awkwardness for now on

[RandomNPC]

I just found out that one of my female friends is planning to go into the porn business. I sense that there's going to be a lot of awkwardness for now on

I just learned that if one of my friends told me that I wouldn't know what to say.

[Gwyn chan 'r Gwyll]

I just realised that if one of my guy-friends said that, it would be completely in character. That guy is insane.

[Cealocanth]

Today I learned that Nuhrndnohodin is now a viable Four Square play. This game evolves like crazy!

[Serpentine]

I am now curious about what the money's like in pornography...

[Gullara]

I found out my mom plays Bioshock :smalleek: The last game she played was Super Mario Bros 3

Now that is the discovery of the century. Is she any good.

I learned that spending $100 on novels is even more fun when your using gift certificates.

[Asta Kask]

I am now curious about what the money's like in pornography...

I've heard it's rather good. According to Nina Hartley (http://www.thehumanist.org/humanist/10_sept_oct/Shaffer.html), who is a veteran in the field, it's the best paid blue-collar job available.

And the article is completely work-safe, in case you wondered.

[Krade]

I learned that I never want to work with produce. EVER. (See picture in spoiler)

http://i40.tinypic.com/34o790w.jpg

They found one of these at my work yesterday. I used to want to work in produce. Now? Not so much.

This spider has the deadliest venom IN THE WORLD (among spiders, anyway) and they can be found anywhere bananas are shipped to.

[Snares]

I learned that if you're playing a show on a solar-powered stage, and the sound man is so intoxicated that he falls over when attempting to get up and greet you, then the sound probably won't be very good.

Still, having no monitors whatsoever is pretty bad. The sound consisted of the guitarists' amps and that was it. I was drumming, and all I could hear was my own playing. I literally had to just hope that the other guys would follow me and that everything sounded alright from a place where you could actually hear it. It was an achievement that there was only one problem during the whole set, considering I couldn't hear either guitarist and the guitarists could barely hear each other.

Getting cut off midway through our sixth song because the stage ran out of sun wasn't great either. :smallannoyed: English weather...

[Dogmantra]

Yesterday I learnt that even if you make it very clear that you have a particular stance, people will still attempt to argue against you in some futile attempt to change your mind.

[Ranger Mattos]

More people drown in the desert than die of thirst.

[RandomNPC]

Krade, that's a smallish spider for what I'm used to. I work in a print shop and we get some of the biggest wolf spiders I've ever seen, the bodies on these things are like swollen up grapes, the big grapes with the seeds in them mind you!

Also, I hear the pay in the adult entertainment field is good, the only problem is when someone comes back from vacation, having picked up a virus, and gets a false negative on a blood test before going back to work. Heard of a few people being forced out of the industry a few years back because of it.

[Krade]

It's not the size of the spider half so much as the fact that a single bite is capable of killing you. This is not an exageration. I will hold a wolf spider in my hand before I will ever knowingly come anywhere near that thing.

[Cealocanth]

It is more likely that you'll be on an aeroplane being gnawed on by sharks, being struck by lightning, while standing knee deep in molassas, than you'll win the big money on the lottery in this lifetime.

[Castaras]

It is more likely that you'll be on an aeroplane being gnawed on by sharks, being struck by lightning, while standing knee deep in molassas, than you'll win the big money on the lottery in this lifetime.

Mathmaticians never play the lottery because they know the odds. :smalltongue:

[The Antagonist]

Hmm... I learned that it's not a good idea to refer to someone as your son and speak about "your son" in public, near others who don't realize that the person you are speaking of looks nothing like you and is close to three years older than you. I'm pretty sure half of my school thinks I'm a teen parent because they don't know my "son" is actually older than me and hates my guts.

Does that count as something worth discussing in this thread? I thought not.

In other news, I just learned the Finnish word for "contraption." I think I'll go about yelling it at people now.

[Serpentine]

I learned that I never want to work with produce. EVER. (See picture in spoiler)

http://i40.tinypic.com/34o790w.jpg

They found one of these at my work yesterday. I used to want to work in produce. Now? Not so much.

This spider has the deadliest venom IN THE WORLD (among spiders, anyway) and they can be found anywhere bananas are shipped to.Really? :confused: It looks just like a huntsman or wolfspider, both of which are pretty much harmless...

[The Vorpal Tribble]

I learned further the hypocritical ways of someone I once cared for. Not all knowledge is worth knowing...


Really? :confused: It looks just like a huntsman or wolfspider, both of which are pretty much harmless...
Yeah, that's a huntsman. Make you barf at worse. Mainly just supposed to hurt for awhile.

[Krade]

There's a possibility that I found the wrong picture. Anyways, here is an article (http://www.badspiderbites.com/banana-spider/) about the spider I'm talking about. Looking at the picture... yeah I put up the wrong picture before.

[Quincunx]

I have learned the proper padstitching technique. . .and that I threw out the last of my buckram scraps on the grounds I would never, ever again need it. Then again, I also learned that using netting as an interlining cuts down on wrinkles, so maybe I can split the difference and practice padstitching with a netting layer instead. Less good for later ironing, but better against living in a rainy climate. One way to find out. . .

[Asta Kask]

Serp? Do you know if it's true that cats are immune to funnel-web spider venom?

[Serpentine]

Supposedly everything is, except humans and bugs. You'd have to read up on it to confirm, though.

[Icewalker]

I learned (half remembered, half learned, anyway) a bit more about foot anatomy, because I totally have plantar fasciitis. The fascia being a layer of tissue connecting the heel to the toes, which can get inflamed if you put pressure on it through running or sports (or parkour) or whatnot, especially if you don't stretch your calves well. Should be gone within a week or two. But, it's not collapsing arches!

I also learned how to use neural circuitry to create a web of neurons and synapses which will compare two numbers and tell you which is bigger. The method is easily scaled up for indefinitely large numbers, and is one of the smallest circuits I've put together (If you don't count the blocks to delay a signal, there are a total of four neurons in it, plus however many it takes to input your numbers you want to compare).

[MelWhite]

Well, I learned what Chaoskampf is.

Set and Apep isn't an example (because Set is merely one of the helpers and he enters in as a positive force fairly late in Egyptian mythology.) However, the battle between The Great Tomcat Ra and Apep is an example of chaoskampf. Just for fun, here's how it was depicted on the wall of a tomb:
http://www.mydocsonline.com/pub/Cmbattles/bast3%20cat%20hunting%20snake.jpg

The place it came from misidentifies the feline as "Bast", but it's actually Ra in his tomcat form.

(Why, yes, I *am* an Egyptology nerd. I should be ashamed of myself, but I can't help it.)

[TheThan]

I learned how to make a homemade blowgun and darts. Unfortunately blowguns are illegal in my state. So I won’t be making any, any time soon.

I also learned about half of my current Warmachine (http://privateerpress.com/warmachine) cards are totally unusable under the MKII rules. Which means I have to buy another faction deck.

[Serpentine]

Well, I learned what Chaoskampf is.

Set and Apep isn't an example (because Set is merely one of the helpers and he enters in as a positive force fairly late in Egyptian mythology.) However, the battle between The Great Tomcat Ra and Apep is an example of chaoskampf. Just for fun, here's how it was depicted on the wall of a tomb:
http://www.mydocsonline.com/pub/Cmbattles/bast3%20cat%20hunting%20snake.jpg

The place it came from misidentifies the feline as "Bast", but it's actually Ra in his tomcat form.

(Why, yes, I *am* an Egyptology nerd. I should be ashamed of myself, but I can't help it.):confused:
You should be, because you're wrong :smalltongue: At least a bit. Set started out positive. He was the defender of Ra early on. It was only after the rout of the Hyksos, who favoured Set, that he began to gain his negative connotations, and was to a reasonable extent merged with Apep. Set wasn't "merely one of the helpers", he was one of (there were several) the main defenders of Ra.
http://www.joanlansberry.com/setfind/set-duat.jpg

Ra battled Apep too, but Set was the main man early on. I believe he was eventually replaced with Horus, and I think Ra did battle Apep himself on occasion, but Set was a defender before he was the destroyer. Either way, Apep vs. Ra/Set/probably Horus is, I'm pretty sure, a good example of Chaoskampf.

[Kallisti]

I learned the lyrics to a song and the words incommensurable, pulchritudinous, estival, and anacoluthia.

[Ranger Mattos]

I learned that when speaking French you are only supposed to say 'Allô' over the phone.

[Danne]

...I think Ra did battle Apep himself on occasion...

Isn't that their explanation for why the sun rises and sets every day? Ra chases Apep across the sky while they battle? Or am I remembering that wrong?

[Serpentine]

Eeeh, not quite. Ra sailed through the sky on a boat, and through the underworld on another boat, because that's what he did. Apep attacked at some point during the journey though the underworld (exactly when varies from story to story). Set, and later, Ra himself or Horus, fought off Apep, so that Ra will rise again the next morning.

[Danne]

Ah, okay. I think I did know that at one point, but it's been awhile and it all sort of blurred and faded. ^_^; Thanks for clarifying!

[Quincunx]

Padstitching with netting does work, although not terribly well since I can't shape the netting on its own, and the whole is too rough and scratchy for clothing. However, what I can do is stiffen the cloth into an immobile flat layer, and so I foresee making hats with brims that won't collapse in the rain!

[Concrete]

I have learned how to find, identify, and cook several kinds of edible (And Delicious) mushrooms.
I have also learned how to identify one that tastes exactly like a burning boot smells, another that is so poisonous that a sliver the size of a fingernail in almost any dish is lethal (Or at least very unpleasant), and one that causes hallucinations.

+2 Search, Survival, Cooking and Alchemy! :D

[GodGoblin]

Today I learnt how to cook a jacket potato in the microwave!

First stab the living **** out of both sides, put it in for 4 mins, then roll it over and put back in until its soft through!

Now guess what im eating now :smallbiggrin:

[Fuzzie Fuzz]

I learned that many Emily Dickinson poems can be sung to the tune of the Gilligan's Island theme.

Yay xkcd!

[Danne]

I learned that many Emily Dickinson poems can be sung to the tune of the Gilligan's Island theme.

Yay xkcd!

*checks xkcd*

*snerks*

That's awesome. :smallbiggrin:

[Syka]

Fuzzie, I learned the same thing. Now I can't get the Gilligan's theme song out of my head. :smallfrown:

I also relearned why group work can be grating.

[MelWhite]

:confused:
You should be, because you're wrong :smalltongue: At least a bit. Set started out positive. He was the defender of Ra early on. It was only after the rout of the Hyksos, who favoured Set, that he began to gain his negative connotations, and was to a reasonable extent merged with Apep. Set wasn't "merely one of the helpers", he was one of (there were several) the main defenders of Ra.

True, that. 22nd Dynasty. However, he was not (as far as I know) ever the main figure who battled Apep. He was one of the main defenders of the boat of Ra... but it was Ra who was attacked and Ra who is credited with the defeat of Apep in the Book of Gates and so forth.


Ra battled Apep too, but Set was the main man early on. I believe he was eventually replaced with Horus, and I think Ra did battle Apep himself on occasion, but Set was a defender before he was the destroyer. Either way, Apep vs. Ra/Set/probably Horus is, I'm pretty sure, a good example of Chaoskampf.

Remember (ghoddess... I can't believe I'm discussing Egyptology on a webcomics board. What fun!) Set's attributes early on associated him with the desert (as well as with the warrior archetype), which would seem to be a fairly chaotic environment.

Horus in his struggles with Set (late in the mythology, before Set becomes redeemed and goes to live with Re-Harakte as his son) might again embody Chaoskampf.

I always liked Set. Felt a bit sorry for him and for Loki as well. It amused me no end to find out that Ramses the Great looked to Set as a personal deity.

[CynicalAvocado]

the ark in halo is an analogy to noah's ark

[Serpentine]

I know this is only Wikipedia, but it's a good overview, with sources, and if you want I can give you more when I start researching it properly:


Apep was viewed as the greatest enemy of Ra, and thus was given the title Enemy of Ra.
As the personification of all that was evil, Apep was seen as a giant snake/serpent, crocodile, or occasionally as a dragon in later years, leading to such titles as Serpent from the Nile and Evil Lizard.
...
After the end of the Middle Kingdom, the foreign Hyksos, now rulers over Egypt, chose Set as their favorite deity, since he had been protector of Ra, and was associated with Lower Egypt, where their power base was. Consequently, because the foreign overlords were hated by nationalistic groups, Set became gradually demonised, and started being thought of as an evil god. Indeed, because of the extreme level of nationalism and xenophobia, Set eventually became thought of as the god of evil, and gradually took on all the characteristics of Apep. Consequently, Apep's identity was eventually entirely subsumed by that of Set.
...
Ra was assisted by a number of defenders who travelled with him, the most powerful being Set, who sat at the helm.
...
: it was even thought that sometimes Apep actually managed to swallow Ra during the day, causing a solar eclipse, but since Ra's defenders quickly cut him free of Apep, the eclipse always ended within a few minutes.
Was ("power") scepters represent the Set-animal. Was scepters were carried by gods, pharaohs, and priests, as a symbol of power, and in later use, control over the force of chaos (Set).
...
Savior of Ra

Scepters of Was represent Set. They are held by gods, priests, & pharaohs as a symbol of power.As the Ogdoad system became more assimilated with the Ennead one, as a result of creeping increase of the identification of Atum as Ra, itself a result of the joining of Upper and Lower Egypt, Set's position in this became considered. With Horus as Ra's heir on Earth, Set, previously the chief god, for Lower Egypt, required an appropriate role as well, and so was identified as Ra's main hero, who fought Apep each night, during Ra's journey (as sun god) across the underworld.
He was thus often depicted standing on the prow of Ra's night barque spearing Apep in the form of a serpent, turtle, or other dangerous water animals. Surprisingly, in some Late Period representations, such as in the Persian Period temple at Hibis in the Khargah Oasis, Set was represented in this role with a falcon's head, taking on the guise of Horus, despite the fact that Set was usually considered in quite a different position with regard to heroism.
...
During the Second Intermediate Period, a group of Asiatic foreign chiefs known as the Hyksos (literally, "rulers of foreigns lands") gained the rulership of Egypt, and ruled the Nile Delta, from Avaris. They chose Set, originally Lower Egypt's chief god, the god of foreigners and the god they found most similar to their own chief god, as their patron, and so Set became worshiped as the chief god once again.
...
When Ahmose I overthrew the Hyksos and expelled them from Egypt, Egyptian attitudes towards Asiatic foreigners became xenophobic, and royal propaganda discredited the period of Hyksos rule.
...
Demonization of Set
Set was one of the earliest deities, with a strong following in Upper Egypt. Originally highly regarded throughout Egypt as the god of the desert, a political faction inspired an initial disparaging of Set's name and reputation. Egypt was originally split into two kingdoms: Upper ruled by Horus (and later Ra), Lower by Set. Set's followers resisted a unification of the Upper and Lower kingdoms of Egypt by the followers of Horus/Ra (with the followers of Osiris and Isis). This political split was echoed in the Osiris & Isis myth, and subsequent battle with Horus. The followers of Horus thus denigrated Set as chaotic and evil. By the 22nd Dynasty, Set was equated with his old enemy, Apep, and his images on temples were replaced with those of Sobek or Thoth. Most modern popular misconceptions of Set come from Plutarch's secondary source interpretations of Set (via the writings of Herodotus et al.), long after Set's demonization (circa 100 A.D., Roman Period in Egypt).[citation needed]

Set was further demonized immediately after the Hyksos Period. The evidence from the Nineteenth Dynasty proves that this is a more complex picture.

Most scholars[who?] date the demonization of Set to after Egypt's conquest by the Persian ruler Cambyses II. Set, who had traditionally been the god of foreigners, thus also became associated with foreign oppressors, including the Achaemenid Persians, Ptolemaic dynasty, and Romans. Indeed, it was during the time that Set was particularly vilified, and his defeat by Horus widely celebrated.
...
Nevertheless, throughout this period, in some outlying regions of Egypt Set was still regarded as the heroic chief deity.So. Set's "goodness" rose and fell through Egypt's history. However, for much of that - including earlier times - he was the heroic main defender of Ra from the serpent Apep. Ra was sometimes depicted as defeating Apep himself, but mostly it was Set, except for when Aten was around, when Set was really demonised, or when it was Set as a Horus-like figure.
If you like, we could consider it "Ra and Set vs. Apep". Either way, it's still a Chaoskampf :smalltongue:

And yeah, I like Set too. And actually he was very well respected. To nick from Wiki again:

Regardless, once the two lands were united, Set and Horus were often shown together crowning the new pharaohs, as a symbol of their power over both Lower and Upper Egypt.
...
The founder of the nineteenth dynasty, Ramesses I came from a military family from Avaris with strong ties to the priesthood of Set. Several of the Ramesside kings were named for Set, most notably Seti I (literally, "man of Set") and Setnakht (literally, "Set is strong"). In addition, one of the garrisons of Ramesses II held Set as its patron deity, and Ramesses II erected the so-called Four Hundred Years' Stele at Pi-Ramesses, commemorating the 400 year anniversary of the Set cult in the Delta.
Set also became associated with foreign gods during the New Kingdom, particularly in the Delta. Set was also identified by the Egyptians with the Hittite deity Teshub, who was a storm god like Set.
...
Nevertheless, throughout this period (in which Set was most intensely demonised), in some outlying regions of Egypt Set was still regarded as the heroic chief deity.
edit: Today I learnt that my dad was the first man in New South Wales to apply for paternity leave. He got it, more or less, but he had to go to court for it. Also he was the victim of sexism, for being the primary caregiver of a young child. People asking my sister where her mother was, and giving him dirty looks, that sort of thing.

[Gwyn chan 'r Gwyll]

the ark in halo is an analogy to noah's ark

Is not actually. It's closer to an allusion to the Ark of the Covenant.

[Teddy]

Is not actually. It's closer to an allusion to the Ark of the Covenant.

That doesn't really make any sense, though. The (Halo) Ark was built to save species, not harbor stone tablets (metaphorical or otherwise).

[Asta Kask]

So. Set's "goodness" rose and fell through Egypt's history. However, for much of that - including earlier times - he was the heroic main defender of Ra from the serpent Apep. Ra was sometimes depicted as defeating Apep himself, but mostly it was Set, except for when Aten was around, when Set was really demonised, or when it was Set as a Horus-like figure.

*pah*

*waves copy of Deities and Demigods.*

[CynicalAvocado]

Is not actually. It's closer to an allusion to the Ark of the Covenant.

noahs ark was a structure to save all of the life on earth from the flood
the Ark was a structure to save all of the life in the galaxy from the Flood

[MelWhite]

*pah*

*waves copy of Deities and Demigods.*

Bah! Ancient history! Dead Trees! You need to get with Wikipedia and electronic bit bins!

[MelWhite]

I know this is only Wikipedia, but it's a good overview, with sources, and if you want I can give you more when I start researching it properly:

Not entirely necessary here. You can toss references out and I will go read them (grad student, here. Compulsive reader.)

In any case, Herman te Velde in Seth, God of Confusion: a study of his role in Egyptian mythology and religion (1967) makes the case for the name "Seth" as presented in the Coffin Texts as being associated with abandoning things or deserting things (p 6-7.)

Admittedly, te Velde is using Plutarch as one of his primary sources (and reconnecting this with the known inscriptions.) He claims on p. 27 that within the religion as practiced in Heliopolis (Iunu, one of the oldest cities of Egypt and the capital of the 13th lower nome), that the birth of Set within the Ennead represented the birth of confusion (a claim repeated in other sources such as the paper from Fowles (yes, it's on cultural taboos but he goes into some interesting material about the myth note: illustrations in this paper are accurate representations of ancient Egyptian art but MAY NOT BE SOMETHING YOU WANT OPEN AT WORK... if you catch my drift) : http://www.columbia.edu/~sf2220/Absence/web-content/Fowles%20in%20press.pdf )

So... what *I* didn't know was how bound up this myth was with the religion dominated by the Iunu (capital of the 13th nome) and how much of the information comes from Greek sources who are rewriting what the Egyptian priests are telling them (at the time of the rule of the Ptolemys, in 300 BC.) That raises a number of interesting questions.

[Serpentine]

He based it on Plutarch? Yeah, to nick from Wikipedia again: "Most modern popular misconceptions of Set come from Plutarch's secondary source interpretations of Set (via the writings of Herodotus et al.), long after Set's demonization (circa 100 A.D., Roman Period in Egypt)." But it does end with a [citation needed].

[Gwyn chan 'r Gwyll]

That doesn't really make any sense, though. The (Halo) Ark was built to save species, not harbor stone tablets (metaphorical or otherwise).

Oh, nevermind, you said analogy, not allusion. I was confused because of 'to' following that, not 'of'. Also, I prefer allusion's to analogies myself. Anyways, you're correct.

[Snares]

Eating cinnamon powder is a bad idea. Although it does leave your nose with a pleasant smell of cinnamon for a few hours afterwards...

[userpay]

Wait wasn't Halo's Ark built for the use of wiping out life so that the Flood couldn't spread and let evolution or what have you take its course again or something like that?

[X2]

I learned that if your cellmate wants your sandwich just freakin' give it to him. :smallannoyed:

[Teddy]

Wait wasn't Halo's Ark built for the use of wiping out life so that the Flood couldn't spread and let evolution or what have you take its course again or something like that?

Well, it was possible to remote activate the seven Halo installations from it, but its primary purpose was to save samples of every sentient species in the galaxy for repopulation after the instalations were fired. It was placed way out of reach for the instalations just for this purpose.

[CynicalAvocado]

I learned that if your cellmate wants your sandwich just freakin' give it to him. :smallannoyed:

wrong. you break your lunch tray and beat him into submission:smallbiggrin:

[MelWhite]

He based it on Plutarch? Yeah, to nick from Wikipedia again: "Most modern popular misconceptions of Set come from Plutarch's secondary source interpretations of Set (via the writings of Herodotus et al.), long after Set's demonization (circa 100 A.D., Roman Period in Egypt)." But it does end with a [citation needed].

Actually, that's the position of most modern Egyptologists -- that the basis (prayers, formulas, spells) come from the tombs and temple walls (and occasionally things like ostrika and papyrus scrolls that chanced to survive) but to help contextualize it they use writings of travelers to Egypt.

It's the anthropological notion of "otherness" ("etic" viewpoint.) I'm not going to do a diary about the things in the grocery store or going off to gas the car because I do them every day and they're trivial and non-novel (an "emic" viewpoint.) But to the traveler, these are interesting and exotic things. So, Plutarch and others are used in considering additional details about the lives of the Egyptians but (as with the Roman sources on Cleopatra) they are considered to be biased and to be written with a certain agenda in mind.

He does make a very good point about the derivations of the way Set's name is spelled and contexted (using the original hieroglyphs) in the Pyramid texts of Unis (which would be the oldest mention of Set at around 2600 BC, if memory serves.) He mentions a couple of puns (in ancient Egyptian) involving Set's name as part of the rationale here.
===========

As for something new, I learned there was a competition to improve human habits by using the notion of fun:
http://www.thefuntheory.com/

[Cyrion]

I learned that many Emily Dickinson poems can be sung to the tune of the Gilligan's Island theme.

Yay xkcd!

And so can Amazing Grace. The song Clementine is also much better, IMHO, sung to the tune of Ghost Riders in the Sky.

[littlekKID]

I learned that some high-school students still think the green parts on the map is grass

[Teddy]

I learned that some high-school students still think the green parts on the map is grass

This is the sort of morony that really hurts my brain. Now, I do orienteering, so it might have some logic explanations. (How can people not know how to read maps? :smallconfused:) :smalltongue:

[Syka]

I learned that on Tuesdays my school's dining hall gives me the means to make cheese fries.

This is not good. :smallamused::smallredface::smallfrown:

[Danne]

Today I learned that the Atlantic Ocean is named after the Atlas Mountains in Africa and that all of the continents could fit in the Pacific Ocean with room to spare.

(Am taking an Oceanography course. 'Tis interesting so far. :smallsmile:)

[pedrie123]

Well what I learned today might sound petty but true I just came to know that whipped cream is not good for cats...triggers digestion problemm..however still investigating if its true...

[MethosH]

Today I learned that you don't really want all the things you want and that sometimes you REALLY want the things you want.

[endoperez]

I learned about Gilbert and Sullivan. They wrote musicals one hundred years ago. Their musicals are still hilarious! :smallbiggrin:
I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSGWoXDFM64)
Here's a version with video footage replaced with lyrics (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYZM__VdEjk), in case you didn't quite get all of it. Like, say, the part about "in conics I can floor peculiarities parabolous"...

I'm going to have to get this on DVD,,,

[Serpentine]

You... didn't know Gilbert and Sullivan?! :smalleek:

[Quincunx]

I've learned how to waterproof most natural fibers, provided I had little intention to wash them again (wool excepted). There was no specific tutorial for linen, but the waxing method demonstrated for cotton would seem to carry over to linen as well. Tomorrow's lesson: to master the burn test and analyze fabrics of known quality but unknown composition. . .

[Eldan]

You... didn't know Gilbert and Sullivan?! :smalleek:

They really aren't well known in non-English speaking countries. I've never heard of them either until I came to this forum.

[endoperez]

They really aren't well known in non-English speaking countries.

This. I've heard parodies of some of the songs, but I didn't know the cultural context and had no way of knowing that it even was a parody.

[Danne]

Today I learned that "Norman" is a contraction of "Norseman." At least according to my English lit book.

[Copacetic]

Today I learned the ease in which one can produce thermite.

[Danne]

Today I learned the ease in which one can produce thermite.

...Do tell. :smallbiggrin:

[Pyrian]

Today I learned that "Norman" is a contraction of "Norseman." At least according to my English lit book.Practically all of those variants ultimately derive from "north" as in "northerners". :smallcool:

[Copacetic]

...Do tell. :smallbiggrin:

Off the internet.

But the startling bit was when I realized I could create it with nothing more than a few Etch-E-Sketchs, steel wool, running water, some Playdough and a sparkler or two.

Tomorrow, undoubtedly, I will post "Tody i lerned hw 2 greve 4 msing fngrs"

[Serpentine]

Today I learned that "Norman" is a contraction of "Norseman." At least according to my English lit book.Which is from "northman".
While we're at it, "viking" is actually a verb, not a noun. The Norse "went a-viking".

[Innis Cabal]

It's also a noun.

 /ˈvaɪkɪŋ/
[vahy-king]

–noun ( sometimes lowercase )
1. any of the Scandinavian pirates who plundered the coasts of Europe from the 8th to 10th centuries.
2. a sea-roving bandit; pirate.
3. a Scandinavian.
4. U.S. Aerospace . one of a series of space probes that obtained scientific information about Mars.

[Forever Curious]

I not so much "learned" but have come to terms with the fact that I make a better friend than a lover.

Oh, and that Dagorhir is quite enjoyable.

[Serpentine]

It's also a noun.

 /ˈvaɪkɪŋ/
[vahy-king]

–noun ( sometimes lowercase )
1. any of the Scandinavian pirates who plundered the coasts of Europe from the 8th to 10th centuries.
2. a sea-roving bandit; pirate.
3. a Scandinavian.
4. U.S. Aerospace . one of a series of space probes that obtained scientific information about Mars.:sigh:
Fine, I meant originally, and among European historians.

[Gadora]

I have learned that: a) during power outages, I can still access internet through my cell phone (I had assumed the cell towers would be down as well); b) reading by candlelight is hard on the eyes; and that c) it is surprisingly easy to make toast using candles.

I also learned that my sister isn't quite clear on what the word 'secret' means.

[Lioness]

Um, don't eat me.

I realised today that Sweden and Switzerland aren't the same country.

I, uh, really suck at geography.

[Asta Kask]

I won't eat you. A lot of people confuse Austria and Australia...

[Klose_the_Sith]

Today I learnt that almost everyone I know at school is sick :smalleek:


Um, don't eat me.

I realised today that Sweden and Switzerland aren't the same country.

I, uh, really suck at geography.

Om nom nom Lioness :smallbiggrin:

[Teddy]

Um, don't eat me.

I realised today that Sweden and Switzerland aren't the same country.

I, uh, really suck at geography.

Well, as long as you don't believe there are polar bears walking down the streets over here, I'll forgive you. :smallwink:

[Pyrian]

c) it is surprisingly easy to make toast using candles.:smallconfused: Don't they come out waxy?

[Mauve Shirt]

5 weeks into the semester, I finally learn a word in Arabic.

[Serpentine]

Which one?

Last night I learnt that, given the right circumstances, it's really easy to make my friend's girlfriend cry :/

[Asta Kask]

Serp! Don't punch other people repeatedly in the face. We've talked about this!

[Cyrion]

I learned that today is Elephant Appreciation Day (http://www.himandus.net/elefunteria/eday/eday_main.html).

[Concrete]

I learned that Cat Stevens is muslim.
Changed his name to Yusuf Islam.

[Danne]

Today I that the Indus Fan has partially submerged an active portion of a mid-ocean ridge. I'm a total nerd because I think that is SO COOL!

Also, my school has an Abyssal Plain named after it. Eat that, Harvard. :smalltongue:

[unosarta]

Also, my school has an Abyssal Plain named after it. Eat that, Harvard. :smalltongue:

Which one? Avernus, Dis, Minauros, Phlegethos, Stygia, Malbolge, Maladomini, Cania, or Nessus? :smallbiggrin: I really wish I could go to Phlegethos University, and hang out with all of the fiends.

Also, Harvard deserves it's own level of the great red burny place. >_>

[Danne]

Which one? Avernus, Dis, Minauros, Phlegethos, Stygia, Malbolge, Maladomini, Cania, or Nessus? :smallbiggrin: I really wish I could go to Phlegethos University, and hang out with all of the fiends.

Also, Harvard deserves it's own level of the great red burny place. >_>

None of the above. (http://dl.tufts.edu/view_text.jsp?urn=tufts:central:dca:UA069:UA069.00 5.DO.00001&chapter=T00015) :smallwink:

[unosarta]

None of the above. (http://dl.tufts.edu/view_text.jsp?urn=tufts:central:dca:UA069:UA069.00 5.DO.00001&chapter=T00015) :smallwink:

Well, I saw a chance to make a D&D reference, so what? :smalltongue:

Also, that is incredibly cool. :smallbiggrin:

[Danne]

Well, I saw a chance to make a D&D reference, so what? :smalltongue:

Also, that is incredibly cool. :smallbiggrin:

:smallbiggrin:

[hamishspence]

Well, I saw a chance to make a D&D reference, so what? :smalltongue:


Strictly, the names you listed were Infernal rather than Abyssal.

Now if it had been Pazunia, Hollow's Heart, Gaping Maw, and so on, you'd have been bang on. :smallamused:

[unosarta]

Strictly, the names you listed were Infernal rather than Abyssal.

Now if it had been Pazunia, Hollow's Heart, Gaping Maw, and so on, you'd have been bang on. :smallamused:

Shoot, it must be all of the Devil stuff I have been doing for the past week. Demons aren't very fun anyway. All they do is fight; there is no style or class. :smalltongue:

Today, I learned that Grape Sorbet isn't that bad. :smallbiggrin:
I was expecting a major puke session, but it was mildly interesting, instead of the terribly disgusting I had been forewarned of.

[Edit]: Also, aren't there infinite Abyssal planes? How does that work? :smallconfused:

[Danne]

[Edit]: Also, aren't there infinite Abyssal planes? How does that work? :smallconfused:

You mean in the ocean, or in D&D? :smalltongue:

[unosarta]

You mean in the ocean, or in D&D? :smalltongue:
Planes, not plains. I don't think there is enough room in all of the seas for that many plains. :smallwink:

[Quincunx]

There is such a thing as an industrial-scale banana peeling machine. (Even if it's just background noise, letting the Discovery Channel run for long enough kickstarts your sense of inquiry into the world.)

[Serpentine]

Cool. How's it work?

[Quincunx]

I don't yet know, as finding a picture of one is proving more difficult than finding the mention of one. Manual operators (humans) use knives but no soft-fruit peeling machine seems to use knives. Soft-fruit peelers debrade the skins with chemicals, potato peelers steam off the skins, and hard-skinned-fruit peels abrade the skin with aggregate. Now I have found mention of a banana-peeling robot (http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2009/04/20/66530/robots-are-narrowing-the-gap-with.html), which is obviously only of novelty value.

. . .maybe I should punt this over to the Discovery Channel itself, phrased in the form of a challenge. Wait, forget that. Bananas aren't expensive. I'll try abrading and steaming a blasted banana peel myself.

[X2]

I learned that sometimes the general concensus can be completely and totally right sometimes.

[hamishspence]

[Edit]: Also, aren't there infinite Abyssal planes? How does that work? :smallconfused:

It's not entirely clear whether there's infinite Abyssal layers, or less- the traditional number is 666 layers.

[unosarta]

It's not entirely clear whether there's infinite Abyssal layers, or less- the traditional number is 666 layers.

Huh. Well, that is something I just learned.

[hamishspence]

"Traditional" in this case may be "traditional estimate by sages in D&D worlds":

http://www.canonfire.com/wiki/index.php?title=Abyss

[Tonal Architect]

Today, I've learned how to use a pair of crutches in order to move, since my right foot is immobilized due to a sprained ankle. I should mention that the day before, I learned how to guide a wheelchair.

Thankfully, I'll only have to use the crutches for ten days, when I should be able to set my right foot on the ground again. Still, this is quite a bothersome situation. I'm very much pissed.

[Syka]

I learned today is Google's 12th birthday. I am a bad loyal subject.

Also, that you should never do a project on a country that shares its name with a food product. :smallsigh:

[Mauve Shirt]

Today, I learned that I can't check comic books out of the library.

[TwoBitWriter]

Today I learned that you should never really try to close out an entire chapter of your past, no matter how painful some of the memories are.

[Terumitsu]

Today, I learned how to calculate a celestial object's relative pull of gravity based upon their mass and composition. I am such a space nerd...

[Teddy]

Today I learned that programming lessons are a lot of fun when you use your newfound skill to make small strips of code that insults the intelligence of the user, rather than if you just do the tasks you were actually given.

[Gwyn chan 'r Gwyll]

I learned today is Google's 12th birthday. I am a bad loyal subject.

Also, that you should never do a project on a country that shares its name with a food product. :smallsigh:

Republic of Mango much? I feel your pain.

[Stadge]

Today I learned how to sympathise somewhat with medieval monks who copied manuscript after manuscript, having copied recipe after recipe into my new note/cook book.

I also learned that I really want to try and make Jugged Hare one day.

[Tonal Architect]

Today, against my parents' recommendations, I've learned how to drive a car with manual transmission using only my left food to step on the pedals. Left-foot braking is one thing, but left-foot throttling is in an entirely different league.

[Cyrion]

Today, against my parents' recommendations, I've learned how to drive a car with manual transmission using only my left food to step on the pedals. Left-foot braking is one thing, but left-foot throttling is in an entirely different league.


How do you manage to do that without stalling the car? Most cars, if you let out the clutch without giving a little more gas with the accelerator, they just cough and die on you. Most impressive.

[Syka]

Republic of Mango much? I feel your pain.

Heh. More like Turkey. It's a great country to be doing this particular project on, until you realize a search for "Turkey health consciousness" yields far more results for the food than the country. You'd be surprised what combinations will get you more food-than-country results.

[Kallisti]

Today I learned that if you get very bored and toss a leaf into a spider's web, it will crawl over to the leaf and work tirelessly until it has detached the leaf and sent it falling out of the web.

[Danne]

Today, I learned how to calculate a celestial object's relative pull of gravity based upon their mass and composition. I am such a space nerd...

No worries. Today I learned all about gyres (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocean_gyre), and I can't stop gacking out about how cool they are. :smallbiggrin:

[Eon]

I learned... How to time at a swim meet! And that I never remember to put Q.E.D at the end of proofs!

[Danne]

I learned... How to time at a swim meet! And that I never remember to put Q.E.D at the end of proofs!

Will this help you remember? (http://rockpapercynic.com/index.php?date=2010-01-29)

[SpekterofDavid]

I learned that the plastic tip of your shoelace is called an aglet...And that Russian clay turns green

[Danne]

Today I learned that "soonish" is an actual word instead of one (of many) that I made up.

[Eon]

Will this help you remember? (http://rockpapercynic.com/index.php?date=2010-01-29)

It helped today!

Hmm... I learned... that... it helped!

[shadow_archmagi]

Today I learned I am a good writer

[Klose_the_Sith]

Today I learned that I have to spell "Quixotry" in a game of scrabble at least once, before I die.

[Tonal Architect]

How do you manage to do that without stalling the car? Most cars, if you let out the clutch without giving a little more gas with the accelerator, they just cough and die on you. Most impressive.

Hm, that's strange. If you release the clutch too fast, the car will behave as you described, but when released gently, the car should slowly pick up speed to the point when the clutch may be fully depressed with no unpleasant consequences such as stalling the car.

[The_JJ]

Enfeoffed is an actual word.

[Partof1]

Yesterday, I learned my math teacher isn't surprised I didn't do my homework entirely. I've never been one of those kids before.

Today I learned I can somewhat teach stoichiometry. Or at least help others figure it out thmselves.

[Danne]

Today I learned that it is a cultural faux pas in Germany to do your homework where your teacher can see it. German students are supposed to excuse themselves to the bathroom if they need more time. :smallamused:

P.S. It was one of my classmates who tried to pull that, not me.

[Gullara]

Ok I know this was posted like 3 pages ago, but I just read it now.


noahs ark was a structure to save all of the life on earth from the flood
the Ark was a structure to save all of the life in the galaxy from the Flood

I can't believe I missed this, it's just so obvious. Not to mention not creative at all. Isn't that plagiarism of something? I mean I could make a game that pretty much copies WWII and that would be ok? Impossible!!




:smalltongue:

[littlekKID]

I learnd how to row in a boat

[Eon]

You are all about to learn...

I have a date to the homecoming dance :smallbiggrin:

[Dogmantra]

Today I learned that I have to spell "Quixotry" in a game of scrabble at least once, before I die.

I once spelt quixotic. It was the best moment of my life.

[Gem Flower]

Today I learned how to do vibrato on violin.

[Ranger Mattos]

Today I learned that Harry Potter is banned in some schools "for promoting witchcraft."

[unosarta]

Today I learned that Harry Potter is banned in some schools "for promoting witchcraft."

On that note; slaughterhouse 5 is banned in almost every school in America.

Tis a shame. :smallsigh:

[Quincunx]

"almost every"? Folks, books are usually banned (and all U.S. school district decisions made) at the equivalent of city level. If there was even a plurality of districts banning a single book, it would have been noted.

In previous days I have learned that steaming an unpeeled banana does not appreciably loosen its skin. This was in the realm of "common sense" but is now confirmed by recent experiment. Thoughts on how to rig a drum for banana agitation are solicited. I do not want to use the washing machine for fear of making all subsequent washer loads smell like banana and/or gumming up unsuspected lint filters with banana pulp.

[unosarta]

"almost every"? Folks, books are usually banned (and all U.S. school district decisions made) at the equivalent of city level. If there was even a plurality of districts banning a single book, it would have been noted.

Well, I was fairly sure it was banned in most settings. However, at the very least, it has been banned somewhere (http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/frequentlychallenged/challengedclassics/index.cfm).

On that note, apparently Catch-22 is also banned similarly. :smallsigh:

[Roc Ness]

Two weeks ago I learned that an overexcessive application of Lego bricks was the key to solving any electrical problem. :smallbiggrin:

[Serpentine]

In previous days I have learned that steaming an unpeeled banana does not appreciably loosen its skin. This was in the realm of "common sense" but is now confirmed by recent experiment.What's it taste like, though?

[Ranger Mattos]

Two weeks ago I learned that an overexcessive application of Lego bricks was the key to solving any electrical problem. :smallbiggrin:

It's just like duct tape!

[Quincunx]

What's it taste like, though?

Ask someone else. Banana. Blech. :smallyuk:

[Fuzzie Fuzz]

Today I learned that "soonish" is an actual word instead of one (of many) that I made up.

What? No it isn't. Cite your sources!

I learned that I can sleep until 1:30 PM if I'm very tired.

[Klose_the_Sith]

What? No it isn't. Cite your sources!

It's in usage and circulation and therefore a word.

[Danne]

What? No it isn't. Cite your sources!

Well, my spellchecker didn't get all red and squiggly on me, so close enough. :smalltongue:

[Gullara]

Well, my spellchecker didn't get all red and squiggly on me, so close enough. :smalltongue:

On that note I learned that Google Chrome's spell checker doesn't recognize "golem" as a word. Until I added it to the dictionary that is.

[unosarta]

On that note I learned that Google Chrome's spell checker doesn't recognize "golem" as a word. Until I added it to the dictionary that is.

Today I learned that Google Chrome has a fault. This has shaken my entire world view.

:smalleek:

[Gullara]

Today I learned that Google Chrome has a fault. This has shaken my entire world view.

:smalleek:

Lies, LIES!!!

Happy place happy place

I think we can forgive Google one small thing like this. Especially considering that Chrome is otherwise great and that the mistake is correctable.

[unosarta]

Lies, LIES!!!

Happy place happy place

I think we can forgive Google one small thing like this. Especially considering that Chrome is otherwise great and that the mistake is correctable.

*rocks himself in the corner, muttering over and over again "It is a lie, Google has no faults. It is a lie, Google has no faults."*

I also learned that apparently Calculus has a symbol that is almost exactly the same as the phonetical letter for "sh", which is apparently known as "integration". Interesting.
*Feels the great need to go annoy math majors by placing a "t" before the symbol and proclaiming it is a voiceless postalveolar affricate.*

[Partof1]

Huh, google chrome actually doesn't work on my computer. At all. Though that is likely because my computer is 5 years old, probably with a virus.

[Gullara]

Huh, google chrome actually doesn't work on my computer. At all. Though that is likely because my computer is 5 years old, probably with a virus.

*shudders* How could you stand to use such a monstrosity? My computer is brand, spanking new. Tricked out, custom made, gaming components, Windows 7, glowy blueness. Oh ya, I had some money to burn before I had to start paying rent:smallcool:
I wasn't going to get nothing out of working for the summer.

[Partof1]

Monstrosity indeed. I think it's possessed, and I must burn it in a cleansing fire the moment I have an alternative.

This daemon engine has reverted to windows 98, with the gray, rectangular windows and everything, having never been on windows 98, or any os other than XP, and my brother managed to get the status bar stuck at the top of the screen. And that was just this summer.

[Gullara]

Monstrosity indeed. I think it's possessed, and I must burn it in a cleansing fire the moment I have an alternative.

This daemon engine has reverted to windows 98, with the gray, rectangular windows and everything, having never been on windows 98, or any os other than XP, and my brother managed to get the status bar stuck at the top of the screen. And that was just this summer.

Wait, wait, wait... Windows 98? You are a brave man. :smalltongue:

[Partof1]

No, its OS is XP, but it shifted to the colours and patterns of 98, despite having never been in contact witn 98.

Possession by daemons is the only explanation.

[Gullara]

No, its OS is XP, but it shifted to the colours and patterns of 98, despite having never been in contact witn 98.

Possession by daemons is the only explanation.

Oh. There is a setting to make it look like 98. Have you tried looking at that?

[Fuzzie Fuzz]

No, its OS is XP, but it shifted to the colours and patterns of 98, despite having never been in contact witn 98.

Possession by daemons is the only explanation.

Huh. My mother's laptop did the same thing. It seems otherwise fine though. I wonder what caused that? The XP-looking settings don't seem to even be on the computer anymore. I found the dropdown menu where the old square dialogue boxes are selected, but it won't let me add anything to that menu.

[KerfuffleMach2]

I recently learned that the AC coolant stuff they put in cars tastes incredibly nasty.

[Skeppio]

I recently learned that the AC coolant stuff they put in cars tastes incredibly nasty.

WHAT?!? Why would you put that to your mouth? :smallyuk:
I hope you've learned a valuable lesson.

[KerfuffleMach2]

WHAT?!? Why would you put that to your mouth? :smallyuk:
I hope you've learned a valuable lesson.

Accident at work. One of the things I do is install hitches onto vehicles. I was installing one on a 2010 Caravan. And right where one of the bolts go, there's the AC line for the back of the van. I didn't quite push it away enough, the hitch pinched the line open, and that coolant stuff sprayed out right into my face.

I've had that taste in my mouth all day. Horribly nasty stuff.

On a related note, I've also learned that current Dodge, Chrysler, and Volkswagen minivans all ride on the same frame.

[Skeppio]

Ohhhh. Sorry to hear it. Other than the bad taste, are you okay?

[Terumitsu]

Today I learned how long I can put off getting something to eat if I am presented with an interesting problem. Now, I will try to learn restraint when attempting to solve said problem for next time.

[IthroZada]

I learned a Russian museum of erotic... stuff.. claims to have Rasputin's member and that it measures 30cm. But that's just their claim, no authentication.

[Cyrion]

I learned that salt prevents fleas from jumping, which then prevents them from reproducing.

(Context- a discussion about household chemistry with another chemistry teacher, and he brought up one way to fight off a flea infestation, though it's messy and you have to put up with salt all over stuff for about a week.)

[Sipex]

Oh. There is a setting to make it look like 98. Have you tried looking at that?

Second this. Right click the task bar and click properties. Click 'start menu' and change it back to 'start menu' from classic start menu. In addition, right click your desktop, click properties and change the theme.

Also, to fix your task bar location, right click it and uncheck 'Lock the taskbar' (you might have to go into properties for this). Once this is done, hold-click the taskbar and drag your pointer down to the bottom of the screen.

[Danne]

Today I learned that all-nighters really, really suck. :smallfrown:

[Gullara]

Today I learned that all-nighters really, really suck. :smallfrown:

The next day

[Skeppio]

I pulled an all-nighter once to make an Iron Avatarist entry. Big mistake. If I recall, I did win something for it, so there's the silver lining.

My random learning: I learned that my manager and firm takes "Hey, I'm going back to Uni next year, thus I'm going to be leaving the firm by Christmas" a hell of a lot better than I thought. :smallbiggrin:

[Klose_the_Sith]

Today I learned that all-nighters really, really suck. :smallfrown:

I'm painting most of a 40k 1500 point army in the week before a tournament, while maintaining my social life.

All-nighters ROCK :smallcool:

[blunk]

I learned that "whatupg.com" is, rather ironically, registered to a Greek guy in Minnesota.

Also:

Today I learned that all-nighters really, really suck. :smallfrown:http://www.antiaging-systems.com/PRG-8/adrafinil-olmifon.htm

[IthroZada]

Even though it was announced a few months ago, I just learned Joss Whedon will be directing the Avengers movie.

[Gullara]

I'm painting most of a 40k 1500 point army in the week before a tournament, while maintaining my social life.

All-nighters ROCK :smallcool:

:smalleek: That is an impressive feat. That could be anywhere from 40 to 70 figures right?

[Klose_the_Sith]

:smalleek: That is an impressive feat. That could be anywhere from 40 to 70 figures right?

Well, I've been mech'ing up my marine army. It's broken down into 25 infantry, a hero in oversized armour, two tanks and a drop pod.

It has been fun, it has been fun :smallwink:

[KerfuffleMach2]

Ohhhh. Sorry to hear it. Other than the bad taste, are you okay?

Yeah. Didn't go anything other than fog up my glasses and make me wanna rip my tongue out.

[Gullara]

Well, I've been mech'ing up my marine army. It's broken down into 25 infantry, a hero in oversized armour, two tanks and a drop pod.

It has been fun, it has been fun :smallwink:

Ah, ok. What little experience I have with Warhammer has been with Orks and Tyranids. So lots of guys:smallbiggrin:

[Klose_the_Sith]

Ah, ok. What little experience I have with Warhammer has been with Orks and Tyranids. So lots of guys:smallbiggrin:

Ah, yes. I think trying to paint that many models in a week would just cause me to spontaneously catch fire and die :smallwink:

[DeadManSleeping]

I also learned that apparently Calculus has a symbol that is almost exactly the same as the phonetical letter for "sh", which is apparently known as "integration". Interesting.
*Feels the great need to go annoy math majors by placing a "t" before the symbol and proclaiming it is a voiceless postalveolar affricate.*

This isn't random! They're both derived from an old form of S. The integration symbol is there to mean "sum". The integral symbol was adapted to calculus by Gottfried Leibniz, but I couldn't tell you when IPA included it.

Oh, I learned something new today as well. I learned that a few years ago, I was such a jerk that even people who were "friends" with me were only that way because they were also social outcasts. I knew I was bad, but really, that's just awful. I'm glad people tolerated me long enough to help me get socialized, because I'm better now (or, more likely, I'm now a kind of jerk that people are used to and thus interact with more positively).

Or, in less personal terms, I learned that you shouldn't stop talking to jerks just because they're jerks. They'll become less annoying if you keep interacting with them, as long as they're even slightly able to recognize social cues. Being personable takes practice for some people, but they need the opportunity.

[blunk]

It's a new day!

I learned that shorted equities have a margin requirement of $5/share, if that is greater than 30% of the value of the share. Good to know on low-priced securities.

[unosarta]

This isn't random! They're both derived from an old form of S. The integration symbol is there to mean "sum". The integral symbol was adapted to calculus by Gottfried Leibniz, but I couldn't tell you when IPA included it.

Yay, I learned something new! Still, it seems really strange for me. :smalleek:

[Gadora]

I learned that the word 'mana,' when used in reference to a magic system, comes from Maori.

[Pyrian]

...Huh. I'd always kind of half-wondered why magic was powered by bread from heaven. :smallwink:

[Anuan]

I learned that the word 'mana,' when used in reference to a magic system, comes from Maori.

Which is strange, considering that for most classes in most games, you don't get Mana for killing people.

[Cristo Meyers]

Here's one that I never knew:

Chipmunks chirp, and it's annoying as hell.

Never really thought about it until I had a small family of them outside our window, making more sound than the flocks of birds...

[Danne]

Today I learned that my textbook apparently can't come up with a better antonym for "dense" than "less dense."

...And, for that matter neither can I. XD

[Pyrian]

Rarefied.

Also tenuous, thin, sparse, dilute...

[Amiel]

The original allegorical struggle had Apep (primordial chaos and darkness) against Ma'at (universal truth, light and order), Serps :)

I have discovered that a Rubik's cube has 43,252,003,274,489,856,000 possible configurations.

With 6 colored sides, 21 pieces and 54 outer surfaces, there's a combined total of over 43 quintillion different possible configurations. To put that into perspective: if you turned the Rubik's cube once every second, it would take you 1400 trillion years to go through all the configurations. If you had started this project during the Big Bang, you still wouldn't be done yet.