Recent posts

#1

Off Topic / Re: “Truth? You can't handle t...

Last post by Funt Solo - Today at 07:00:22 PM

Some right-wing politicians being horrible ass-hats seems to me an argument for democracy, not against it.

As for "those who believe in government" - that (for me) is nonsensical. Government exists right now. It's not a belief, it's a fact. (I realize it's only a label for a particular structure, but the label and the structure both exist - really whether one believes in them or not.)

#2

Prog / Re: Prog 2381: A grizzly fate

Last post by Funt Solo - Today at 06:49:06 PM

I'm not sure that's how the creators see things though.

I'd be fascinated to hear what the writer was aiming for.

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I have wondered if Moon has to die in order for Logan and Dredd's relationship now to become even more frayed.

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Regarding plot armor - it's difficult to have any enjoyment in any story, I suspect, if one is focused too strongly on that aspect of things. And it applies to most tales.  Folk used to complain about Alpha flashbacks on the basis that there was no threat to the character - but most SD stories one would assume that Johnny had plot armor. Well, right up until they killed him, anyway.

I suppose my point is that I have to believe that Dredd is killable in order to have buy-in for the dramatic tension of any given story. (But the same is true of Tyranny Rex, even though a bunch of her just died, or Feral & Foe, or Gene the Hackman, or Sin-Dex, even though one of them appears to be sort of dead etc.)

#3

Off Topic / Re: “Truth? You can't handle t...

Last post by The Legendary Shark - Today at 06:01:51 PM

When I say "you," I of course mean the Royal you - not any specific you. The interrogative you, not the accusatory you.

#4

Prog / Re: Prog 2381: A grizzly fate

Last post by nxylas - Today at 05:17:48 PM

The Dredd story reminded me a little of the Steven Spielberg movie Duel - a thrilling chase with, as I recall (it's a long time since I've seen it), a somewhat anticlimactic ending.

#5

Off Topic / Re: Life is riddled with a pro...

Last post by The Legendary Shark - Today at 05:12:08 PM

I always have a bottle of oil-of-cloves on hand whenever I feel a twinge coming on. Also, chewing raw garlic gets rid of infections but is as uncomfortable as Hell. Alcohol can also be a boon during such trying times :-D

#6

Off Topic / Re: Life is riddled with a pro...

Last post by JohnW - Today at 05:09:49 PM

I try to avoid killing stuff

Harden your heart.
When it comes to moths the chemical route is the only route.
Exterminate the little buggers without mercy or all your quality clobber is gone to dust.
Think of your tweeds and your broadcloths; your morning suits and your evening dress.
Think of your cravats!
Think of what Worcester society will say.

#7

Off Topic / Re: “Truth? You can't handle t...

Last post by The Legendary Shark - Today at 05:04:55 PM

I find that a rather depressing attitude, even though I largely share it.

To me, such things lend weight to my argument that the current global systems are unfit for purpose. These people are supposed to be the best leaders money can buy electoral systems can come up with - and here they are using the power lent to them by the people to threaten not only a respected international body but also its employees and their families. This is an abuse of power and an insult to democracy and law. Furthermore, according to opensecrets.org, all but one of the signatories of the above letter receive or have received donations from the Pro-Israel lobby -

Tom Cotton: $237,077
Marsha Blackburn: $427,355
Ted Budd: $159,053
Ted Cruz: $1,509,359
Pete Ricketts: $161,229
Rick Scott: $371,255
Mitch McConnell: $1,953,910
Katie Boyd Britt: $102,550
Kevin Cramer: $397,440
Bill Hagerty: -
Marco Rubio: $1,013,563
Tim Scott: $378,896

(Not a signatory but interesting - Joe Biden: $4,261,010)

This, to my simplistic mind, is a species of treason; invoking the power of one's own government to aid a foreign nation in avoiding accountability for money. And while these people grub for dollars, the entire population of Gaza faces imminent and actual extermination. This is why government must go, or at least be stripped of its power to command.

But for people who believe in government, how can this not be shocking? Is this how the best leaders you can find are expected to behave? Is it normal, now, for leaders to threaten and bully and bullshit their way around the world for money and influence, with no regard for international law or the mangled corpses strewn in their wake? Believe in government, yes, by all means - but is this as good as it gets? Don't you want it to be better? They're using your power, after all, so is this how you want them to use it? Defending monsters?

#8

Prog / Re: Prog 2381: A grizzly fate

Last post by IndigoPrime - Today at 04:51:05 PM

I'm not sure that's how the creators see things though. When I suggested to Rob W that Dredd was somewhat ineffective in A Better World, he... passionately disagreed with me. (Which is fair enough. His story and all.)

I've no idea what the aim was for this latest ending. I really liked that it just dumped you into this odd little story and that Dredd was shown up a bit when out of his element (even if he's not always in stories). And then the cadet may as well have worn a red jumper. It can't even be the whole 'woe is Dredd – death is coming even for him' thing, because that's been going since the 600s in 2000 AD and he has plot armour. It's not going to happen. The only way Dredd will end is if 2000 AD ends. And even then, I doubt it would. The IP is too valuable.

So, clearly, I'm missing something obvious. Or perhaps the cruelty is the point. In which case, that kind of puts me off it even more. And that's really frustrating because if it wasn't for that last page (or even that one frame confirming Cadet Killed By Dredd #47), the story would have been so much more tense, and had a sliver of hope.

#9

Off Topic / Re: Life is riddled with a pro...

Last post by Barrington Boots - Today at 04:49:42 PM

I love that idea. My cat is doing his best but he's a fairly incompetent little guy and doesn't eat as many moths as I'd like.

Tooth still fairly grievous, but thank you for asking! Only two weeks till it can come out.

#10

Off Topic / Re: Life is riddled with a pro...

Last post by The Legendary Shark - Today at 03:57:29 PM

I wonder if you could hire or buy a pet bat?

How's your tooth situation? Improving, I hope.