Roland's Merciful Modly Mash-up Random Banter Thread #221

[DataNinja]

I have never once understood this 'argument.'

It's very simple. A person has an opinion, and then they present it as fact. Usually in a tactless way that sparks outrage and actual arguments.

(I find that mentally inserting "I think" into most absolutes on the internet becomes very helpful when navigating through stuff like that. )

But, yeah, they both have their merits, their points where they're weak... and I see why they're compared, as giant sci-fi franchises with "Star" in the title.

But, really, as you said, they're trying to do different things. I like at least some material from both, but if a person doesn't like something or the other? That's their prerogative. As long as they don't try and rain on other peoples' enjoyments. (This is more of a general rambling, given that I know, based on what you've said, that you understand this. Not directed at you.)

[Peelee]

Spoiler: If you are trying to hurt my feelings, then you have succeeded

Show

Fortunately my feelings regenerate at twice the speed of a normal man's

[Fyraltari]

Spoiler: If you are trying to hurt my feelings, then you have succeeded

Show

Fortunately my feelings regenerate at twice the speed of a normal man's

Were you bitten by a radioactive optimist?

[Peelee]

Were you bitten by a radioactive optimist?

Nah, just run over by an evil car. Now, when my internal chronometer resets at midnight, it changes into an ancient vehicle, doomed to rove the streets until one night I kill my best friend.

Don't know what happens after that, though. Apparently cured?

[2D8HP]

I am 30 today! Hurray!

Welcome, Freeman of the City and Master in the Guild!

Will you be taking orphans as Apprentices or just guildmembers children?

Oh, just so you know, the custom of having the younglings speak first at Council is to give us time to think of some "wisdom", and try to remember what the subject being discussed is, so don't blow it!

Star Wars is better than Star Trek! LOL!

No, it's not.

I have never once understood this 'argument.' They aren't even the same genre. They're barely even the same media. Star Wars is primarily movies, and Star Trek is primarily a TV show.

Star Wars is a space fantasy series of movies, with some series, books, and video games, all with wildly varying quality.

Star Trek is...not EXACTLY Sci fi. It's basically the anti-Warhammer with just as much regard for realism. It's mostly known for several TV shows, and movies of varying quality. I believe the general rule is the even-numbered movies are good.

Really, the only thing they have in common is that a lot of people think they're both being run into the ground.

It's like saying that Harry Potter is better than Star Wars. They aren't even trying to be the same thing!

Harry Potter, Star Trek, and Star Wars are all inferior to Excalibur, which featured Helen Mirren casting spells.

That's right Helen "The Queen" freakin' Mirren!

There's also Logan's Run which had a scene of Micheal "Three Musketeers" York bathing with Jenny "An American Werewolf in London" Agutter, plus a scene with Peter Ustinov and many cats inside of the Capitol building.

Planet of the Apes had apes and "YOU MANIACS!!! DAM...."

The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad had:

1) Dragon
2) Cyclops
3) Giant Crossbow

and

The Seven Samurai had archery, swords, and honor.

Lots and lots of honor.

[Tvtyrant]

Thanks everyone! Only 40 years until retirement now :)

[Bartmanhomer]

No, it's not.

I have never once understood this 'argument.' They aren't even the same genre. They're barely even the same media. Star Wars is primarily movies, and Star Trek is primarily a TV show.

Star Wars is a space fantasy series of movies, with some series, books, and video games, all with wildly varying quality.

Star Trek is...not EXACTLY Sci fi. It's basically the anti-Warhammer with just as much regard for realism. It's mostly known for several TV shows, and movies of varying quality. I believe the general rule is the even-numbered movies are good.

Really, the only thing they have in common is that a lot of people think they're both being run into the ground.

It's like saying that Harry Potter is better than Star Wars. They aren't even trying to be the same thing!

How is Harry Potter and Star Wars the same thing?

[Peelee]

No, it's not.

I have never once understood this 'argument.'

Friend: I'm in a sci-fi mood, should we watch Star Wars or Star Trek?
Me: Eh, I like Star Wars better, let's do that.

It's not really meaningful in an argument at all, because your opinion can't be wrong, but I can still see situational value in saying you like one over the other. Same for Harry Potter.

And same for apples and oranges. Of course I can compare them, I want a snack and those are both viable options!

[DataNinja]

It's not really meaningful in an argument at all, because your opinion can't be wrong, but I can still see situational value in saying you like one over the other. Same for Harry Potter.

I mean, I think that's what Mystic Muse was getting at. Opinions are valid, but objectively declaring one better really doesn't have much value.

"I like Star Wars better, so let's watch that" is good. It's all tastes, and is using that to make a decision. It's not saying "the other choice is an inferior production", just "this is my preference".

Though, I have a really big feeling that we're just all agreeing past each other at this point.

[Peelee]

I mean, I think that's what Mystic Muse was getting at. Opinions are valid, but objectively declaring one better really doesn't have much value.

"I like Star Wars better, so let's watch that" is good. It's all tastes, and is using that to make a decision. It's not saying "the other choice is an inferior production", just "this is my preference".

Though, I have a really big feeling that we're just all agreeing past each other at this point.

I'm apparently very good at argumentative agreement.

[Fyraltari]

Seven Samurai created the action movie genre. Beat that.

Nah, just run over by an evil car. Now, when my internal chronometer resets at midnight, it changes into an ancient vehicle, doomed to rove the streets until one night I kill my best friend.

Don't know what happens after that, though. Apparently cured?

Is that some kind of Stephen King reference?

[Peelee]

Seven Samurai created the action movie genre. Beat that.



Is that some kind of Stephen King reference?

You, my friend, need to watch more Futurama. Greatest show ever made. Though they do have a fairly subtle running gag about French being a dead language, so I understand if you object to it.

[Fyraltari]

You, my friend, need to watch more Futurama. Greatest show ever made. Though they do have a fairly subtle running gag about French being a dead language, so I understand if you object to it.

I watched the first episode and wasn't very much invested. Maybe I'll give it another try but I have a lot of other shows to watch first.

[Peelee]

I watched the first episode and wasn't very much invested. Maybe I'll give it another try but I have a lot of other shows to watch first.

It takes several episodes to really find its footing, but once it does, it's fantastic. Just incredibly clever, I cannot speak highly enough of it. If you do decide to try again, let me know before you hit The Luck of the Fryrish, Jurassic Bark, and Game of Tones. Or your real-life friends. You may need a shoulder to cry on.

[enderlord99]

How is Harry Potter and Star Wars the same thing?

They aren't. That's the point.

[Grey_Wolf_c]

It takes several episodes to really find its footing, but once it does, it's fantastic. Just incredibly clever, I cannot speak highly enough of it. If you do decide to try again, let me know before you hit The Luck of the Fryrish, Jurassic Bark, and Game of Tones. Or your real-life friends. You may need a shoulder to cry on.

I think I watched a dozen episodes before giving up on it as not sufficiently funny and way too zany for my tastes. About the only episode I enjoyed is the one with Fry & 100 coffees, and then only the payoff of that particular subplot, which mostly is a funny background event while the other characters are doing... something, can't remember what.

I think it was the first time where I decided I was no longer interested in stories where the main character is a moron. I find it hard to enjoy the Simpsons, for the same reason.

Grey Wolf

[DataNinja]

I'm apparently very good at argumentative agreement.

I've noticed, based on other threads. Which... I mean, there are worse things to be. Of all the problems in the world, I don't think that "agreeing too strongly" is that bad.

You, my friend, need to watch more Futurama. Greatest show ever made. Though they do have a fairly subtle running gag about French being a dead language, so I understand if you object to it.

Oh, man, I love Futurama, or, at the very least, the pre-(first?-)cancellation seasons. Didn't really get as much into the later ones. Admittedly, it may be in part because of the sci-fi veneer, which I'm a sucker for, but, I very much found myself laughing throughout all-

It takes several episodes to really find its footing, but once it does, it's fantastic. Just incredibly clever, I cannot speak highly enough of it. If you do decide to try again, let me know before you hit The Luck of the Fryrish, Jurassic Bark, and Game of Tones. Or your real-life friends. You may need a shoulder to cry on.

-how dare you.
(Jurassic Bark admittedly never really resonated as much with me, but, maaaaan, Luck of the Fryish brings on The Iron Giant levels of emotion.)

[Anonymouswizard]

No, it's not.

I hace never once understood this 'argument.' They aren't even the same genre.

In short, most people don't have a massive amount of exposure to the science fiction and fantasy genres, and therefore see the two as similar because they both take place in space. I've never seen a deep need, such as most of the people on this forum, participate in the argument.

The thing is, once you've experienced such things as The Reality Dysfunction, Revelation Space, Caves of Steel, The Skylark of Space, Leviathan's Wake, and Footfall* the idea that Star Wars and Star Trek are Alok he is laughable. But when you haven't you pick up on the superficial similarities (FTL travel, beam weapons, human looking aliens, and so on) rather than the stylistic and thematic differences.

* Focus on books because I have a tendency to read science fiction over watching it.

Thanks everyone! Only 40 years until retirement now :)

This thread is just fill of optimists isn't it.

Seven Samurai created the action movie genre. Beat that.

Nosferatu created the idea of vampires dying from sunlight.

[Peelee]

I think I watched a dozen episodes before giving up on it as not sufficiently funny and way too zany for my tastes. About the only episode I enjoyed is the one with Fry & 100 coffees, and then only the payoff of that particular subplot, which mostly is a funny background event while the other characters are doing... something, can't remember what.

I think it was the first time where I decided I was no longer interested in stories where the main character is a moron. I find it hard to enjoy the Simpsons, for the same reason.

Grey Wolf

At the absolute least, I recommend those three episodes previously mentioned. Also, two more specifically for you if you're interested in my recommendations, Parasites Lost (Season 3, Ep 2) and The Devil's Hands Are Idle Playthings, Season 4 Episode 16. That second one was the original series finale, and did that ever deliver. Both of them ask the question, "what if the main character was actually brilliant?" so I think you may get some enjoyment out of those. Plus, the Robot Devil is one of the most fun characters. You may dislike his zaniness, though.

Oh, man, I love Futurama, or, at the very least, the pre-(first?-)cancellation seasons. Didn't really get as much into the later ones. Admittedly, it may be in part because of the sci-fi veneer, which I'm a sucker for, but, I very much found myself laughing throughout all-

-how dare you.
(Jurassic Bark admittedly never really resonated as much with me, but, maaaaan, Luck of the Fryish brings on The Iron Giant levels of emotion.)

I'm not even a dog person, but Jurassic Bark was just a Mike Tyson punch to the gut. I understand the dislike some have for the renewed seasons, though I don't agree myself, but I really loved how Game of Tones was able to bring out the same tears that Luck of the Fryrish did, except happier. And I don't even know if I'll be able to watch it again now that I'm a parent.

[Tvtyrant]

Jurassic Bark is my depression episode. Need a good cry? Bam! Catharsis.

I remember watching it with my Dad and him getting enraged while bawling "that wasn't funny at all!"

[Teddy]

I am 30 today! Hurray!

Hooray! Congratulations on the survival streak!

I threw away my winter fur last week in a pond with plenty of debris. There's video evidence of this debacle, but it's best if it... just remains to just few eyes to be seen.

I hope it was more of a hilarious debacle than a painful one at least.

I love water, I love swimming, but honestly, this summer hasn't started well on that forte. I live on top of a steep hill, so, of course all of the lakeshores are at the bottom of said steep hill. The swim doesn't feel rewarding at all, when you are an utter sweat ball the time you get back home.

Aww, that's a shame. I don't have any hills, but the closest bathing place is roughly 5 km from my home (this might sound ridiculously close to some, but it is actually quite far by Swedish standards), so it's nowhere I just run down to. And when I have to make a dedicated trip in order for a swim, it doesn't happen very often. I much prefer our ancestral farm in that regard, it's only 15 metres from the door to the water. Going up there in the summer always equals lots of swimming!

ION:
The wax plug hasn't gone away, so today I spent most of the time at work wearing an ear plug in the other ear to balance out the hearing (or lack of it). It was quite a fun experience, even if my ear doesn't enjoy having these cheap single use plugs in it for such extended periods of time. With my normal noise cancelling headphones, I was practically deaf sitting at my desk, which means minimal distractions! The lunch restaurant sounded like everyone spoke in hushed tones while eating, an effect further empowered by the fact that cutlery sounds made it through the earplugs mostly undampened. The commute back home was actually quite pleasant in its silence, and the evening city life almost felt like being out in nature, despite the cars and people around me.

[Peelee]

Jurassic Bark is my depression episode. Need a good cry? Bam! Catharsis.

I remember watching it with my Dad and him getting enraged while bawling "that wasn't funny at all!"

That shot from Bender's Big Score was pretty funny though.

But yeah, in JB, they even got the perfect song to make it just that much sadder. Impressive as all get-out.

ETA:

Hooray! Congratulations on the survival streak!

That's my new go-to line for birthdays. Shamelessly stealing it.

[Mystic Muse]

How is Harry Potter and Star Wars the same thing?

They aren't. That's the point.

Yes, exactly. Star Wars and Star Trek have similar names, only vaguely similar settings and...that's about it.

Which is why it bugs me when people say one is better than the other. You might prefer one over the other, and that's perfectly fine! But one can't really be said to be "better" in most merits because they aren't trying to be the same thing. The only real comparison points are comparisons that can be drawn between literally any media.

[Kyrell1978]

I am 30 today! Hurray!

Happy Birthday!!

Yes, exactly. Star Wars and Star Trek have similar names, only vaguely similar settings and...that's about it.

Which is why it bugs me when people say one is better than the other. You might prefer one over the other, and that's perfectly fine! But one can't really be said to be "better" in most merits because they aren't trying to be the same thing. The only real comparison points are comparisons that can be drawn between literally any media.

But.....but.....my internet fight.

[Anonymouswizard]

It just occurred to me that I've never posted a picture of my food to this forum. Time to rectify that.

Spoiler: Last Week's 'Ramen'

Show

Yeah, I know those are Udon noodles, I couldn't find the proper ones.

Also, I've got a hankering to try Korean Barbecue. Might be time to see if I can come friends into an outing on Saturday.

[Peelee]

But.....but.....my internet fight.

Come at me, bro.

It just occurred to me that I've never posted a picture of my food to this forum. Time to rectify that.

Spoiler: Last Week's 'Ramen'

Show

Dang that looks good! Now I want ramen tonight...

Also, I've got a hankering to try Korean Barbecue. Might be time to see if I can come friends into an outing on Saturday.

If you come to Birmingham, I can get you some of my MIL's bulgogi. Dang tasty, I tells ya.

[Teddy]

A thunderstorm just hit us, and I'm sitting at first row counting the seconds between lightning and thunder while the rain hits the windows, smearing the outside world to a blur. It's so cosy I want to stay up all night just enjoying it.

ION:
Finally got the wax plug out by diverging somewhat from the safety instructions for my ear cleaning implement. I'm amazed there's even room for so much stuff in my ear. Also, being able to pinpoint the direction of sounds is a very underrated ability. This marks the end of this live tweeting session about my body's workings. Teddy out!

[Anonymouswizard]

And now I, finally, get to tell people that it's the twenty fifth anniversary of the day the world was cursed with me.

And I'm worried about the potential gifts one of my friends has got me already. I know she browses the 'not in searches' section of Amazon.

[Tvtyrant]

And now I, finally, get to tell people that it's the twenty fifth anniversary of the day the world was cursed with me.

And I'm worried about the potential gifts one of my friends has got me already. I know she browses the 'not in searches' section of Amazon.

The what section of Amazon?

Also: Bros bros bros bros.

[DataNinja]

And now I, finally, get to tell people that it's the twenty fifth anniversary of the day the world was cursed with me.

Well, Happy Curseday.

And I'm worried about the potential gifts one of my friends has got me already. I know she browses the 'not in searches' section of Amazon.

I wouldn't be worried. It seems like it'd be very hard to find something in a section where you can't search.