Re: Catholic Pope Benedict XVI Resigns
No problem!
NexusAstor
Unknown Person
WhiteOnmyoji
Re: Why I love the Stonewall Fleeties
Everything is a thinly veiled innuendos....in Ten Forward we forget the veil altogether.
Lorenius
Re: Catholic Pope Benedict XVI Resigns
Thank you for reminding me of that specific scandal. Benedetto has presided over so many. ;)
~J
~J
NexusAstor
Re: Catholic Pope Benedict XVI Resigns
I'm Italian and I don't know if you know about the Monte dei Paschi bank scandal, the fact that the Pope resigned is linked to the fact that the Church had its shares in the debts/covert-dealings of the MdP and their endorsing Mario Monti as the 'savior' from our economic crisis here in Italy. It never counted his health (as he's in perfect conditions) he did it as to prevent the another scandal to form and destabilize their situation. P.S. I'm a Catholic, but I can't stand this Pope... nethertheless I'm telling the facts as I know them, not as to slander him.
Seannewboy
Voleron
Re: Forum Signature Store!
Glad you like it :)
If you want to center it at the bottom of your posts, just add the
If you want to center it at the bottom of your posts, just add the
[center] and [/center][center][img]http://photoshare/user/image01.png[/img][/center]
Gravity
Re: Why I love the Stonewall Fleeties
Whaaaa we have actual discussions and there was me thinking it was all a sham and a cover for the thinly veiled innuendos :P
Lorenius
Publius Vergilius Maro (Virgil): The Second Eclogue
In the Second Eclogue, Corydon a shepherd is passionately in love with Alexis, who ignores him. This unrequited love drives Corydon to sing (in order to limit his anguish). Obviously, Alexis is also male.
[1] Corydon, the shepherd, was aflame for the fair Alexis, his master’s pet, nor knew he what to hope. As his one solace, he would day by day come among the thick beeches with their shady summits, and there alone in unavailing passion fling these artless strains to the hills and woods:
[6] “O cruel Alexis, care you naught for my songs? Have you no pity for me? You will drive me at last to death. Now even the cattle court the cool shade; now even the green lizards hide in the brakes, and Thestylis pounds for the reapers, spent with the scorching heat, her savoury herbs of garlic and thyme. But as I track your footprints, the copses under the burning sun echo my voice with that of the shrill cicadas. Was it not better to brook Amaryllis’ sullen rage and scornful disdain? or Menalcas, though e was dark and you are fair? Ah, lovely boy, trust not too much to your bloom! The white privets fall, the dark hyacinths are culled!
[19] “You scorn me, Alexis, and ask not what I am – how rich in cattle, how wealthy in snow-white milk! A thousand lambs of mine roam over the Sicilian hills; new milk fails me not, summer or winter. I sing as Amphion of Dirce used to sing, when calling home the herds on Attic Aracynthus. Nor am I so unsightly; on the shore the other day I looked at myself, when, by grace of the winds, the sea was at peace and still. With you for judge, I should fear not Daphnis, if the mirror never lies!
[28] “O if you would but live with me in our rude fields and lowly cots, shooting the deer and driving the flock of kids with a green hibiscus switch! With me in the woods you shall rival Pan in song. Pan it was who first taught man to make many reeds one with wax; Pan cares for the sheep and the shepherds of the sheep. Nor would you be sorry to have chafed your lip with a reed; to learn this same art, what did not Amyntas do? I have a pipe formed of seven uneven hemlock stalks, a gift Damoetas once gave me and said, as he lay a-dying, ‘Now it claims you as its second master.’ So said Damoetas; Amyntas, foolish one, felt envious. Nay more, two roes – I found them in a dangerous valley – their hides still sprinkled with white, drain a ewe’s udders twice a day. These I keep for you. Thestylis has long been begging to get them from me – and so she shall, as in your eyes my gifts are mean.
[45] “Come hither, lovely boy! See, for you the Nymphs bring lilies in heaped-up baskets; for you the fair Naiad, plucking pale violets and poppy heads, blends narcissus and sweet-scented fennel flower; then, twining them with cassia and other sweet herbs, sets off the delicate hyacinth with the golden marigold. My own hands will gather quinces, pale with tender down, and chestnuts, which my Amaryllis loved. Waxen plums I will add – this fruit, too, shall have its honour. You too, O laurels, I will pluck, and you, their neighbour myrtle, for so placed you blend sweet fragrance.
[56] “Corydon, you are a clown! Alexis cares naught for gifts, nor if with gifts you were to vie, would Iollas yield. Alas, alas! What hope, poor fool, has been mine? Madman, I have let in the south wind to my flowers, and boars to my crystal springs! Ah, idiot, who do you flee? Even the gods have dwelt in the woods, and Dardan Paris. Let Pallas dwell by herself in the cities she has built; but let my chief delight be the woods! The grim lioness follows the wolf, the wolf himself the goat, the wanton goat the flowering clover, and Corydon follows you, Alexis. Each is led by his liking. See, the bullocks drag home by the yoke the hanging plough, and the retiring sun doubles the lengthening shadows. Yet love still burns in me; for what bound can be set to love? Ah, Corydon, Corydon, what madness has gripped you? Your vine is but half-pruned on the leafy elm. Nay, why not at least set about plaiting some thing your need calls for, with twigs and pliant rushes? You will find another Alexis, if this one scorns you.”
[1] Corydon, the shepherd, was aflame for the fair Alexis, his master’s pet, nor knew he what to hope. As his one solace, he would day by day come among the thick beeches with their shady summits, and there alone in unavailing passion fling these artless strains to the hills and woods:
[6] “O cruel Alexis, care you naught for my songs? Have you no pity for me? You will drive me at last to death. Now even the cattle court the cool shade; now even the green lizards hide in the brakes, and Thestylis pounds for the reapers, spent with the scorching heat, her savoury herbs of garlic and thyme. But as I track your footprints, the copses under the burning sun echo my voice with that of the shrill cicadas. Was it not better to brook Amaryllis’ sullen rage and scornful disdain? or Menalcas, though e was dark and you are fair? Ah, lovely boy, trust not too much to your bloom! The white privets fall, the dark hyacinths are culled!
[19] “You scorn me, Alexis, and ask not what I am – how rich in cattle, how wealthy in snow-white milk! A thousand lambs of mine roam over the Sicilian hills; new milk fails me not, summer or winter. I sing as Amphion of Dirce used to sing, when calling home the herds on Attic Aracynthus. Nor am I so unsightly; on the shore the other day I looked at myself, when, by grace of the winds, the sea was at peace and still. With you for judge, I should fear not Daphnis, if the mirror never lies!
[28] “O if you would but live with me in our rude fields and lowly cots, shooting the deer and driving the flock of kids with a green hibiscus switch! With me in the woods you shall rival Pan in song. Pan it was who first taught man to make many reeds one with wax; Pan cares for the sheep and the shepherds of the sheep. Nor would you be sorry to have chafed your lip with a reed; to learn this same art, what did not Amyntas do? I have a pipe formed of seven uneven hemlock stalks, a gift Damoetas once gave me and said, as he lay a-dying, ‘Now it claims you as its second master.’ So said Damoetas; Amyntas, foolish one, felt envious. Nay more, two roes – I found them in a dangerous valley – their hides still sprinkled with white, drain a ewe’s udders twice a day. These I keep for you. Thestylis has long been begging to get them from me – and so she shall, as in your eyes my gifts are mean.
[45] “Come hither, lovely boy! See, for you the Nymphs bring lilies in heaped-up baskets; for you the fair Naiad, plucking pale violets and poppy heads, blends narcissus and sweet-scented fennel flower; then, twining them with cassia and other sweet herbs, sets off the delicate hyacinth with the golden marigold. My own hands will gather quinces, pale with tender down, and chestnuts, which my Amaryllis loved. Waxen plums I will add – this fruit, too, shall have its honour. You too, O laurels, I will pluck, and you, their neighbour myrtle, for so placed you blend sweet fragrance.
[56] “Corydon, you are a clown! Alexis cares naught for gifts, nor if with gifts you were to vie, would Iollas yield. Alas, alas! What hope, poor fool, has been mine? Madman, I have let in the south wind to my flowers, and boars to my crystal springs! Ah, idiot, who do you flee? Even the gods have dwelt in the woods, and Dardan Paris. Let Pallas dwell by herself in the cities she has built; but let my chief delight be the woods! The grim lioness follows the wolf, the wolf himself the goat, the wanton goat the flowering clover, and Corydon follows you, Alexis. Each is led by his liking. See, the bullocks drag home by the yoke the hanging plough, and the retiring sun doubles the lengthening shadows. Yet love still burns in me; for what bound can be set to love? Ah, Corydon, Corydon, what madness has gripped you? Your vine is but half-pruned on the leafy elm. Nay, why not at least set about plaiting some thing your need calls for, with twigs and pliant rushes? You will find another Alexis, if this one scorns you.”
Lorenius
Re: Catholic Pope Benedict XVI Resigns
The timing of this following the Grammys caused an odd bit of humor on Twitter for me this morning. A friend was said something about how he was going to ignore Twitter this morning because of the news about the Pope and the Grammys. I then responded in joking surprise about the Pope winning a Grammy for his album, "Benedict Does Britney".
This then led to a series of Benedict-ized Britney Spears parody suggestions, including:
"Touch of My Hand"
"It's Benedict, Bitch."
"Oops, I Molested Again"
"Boys (The Non Co-Ed Remix)"
"Me Against The Gays" feat. The Mormons
"Gimme More (Tithes)"
I now leave you with the mental image of Pope Benedict the Nth dancing out of the Vatican suggestively with the new hit single "Baptizer" playing in the background with a bunch of Caridinals backing him up.
:lol: Marry me? That made my (Italian) morning. BTW, he is the 16th Benedict, none of which have had particularly good reigns, and Joey Rats is no exception. Quick historical note: He is the second Benedict to retire/abdicate the papacy under a cloud, Benedict IX was the other.
~J
Lorenius
Re: Catholic Pope Benedict XVI Resigns
He won't have a vote, when he steps down he becomes a non-voting cardinal (age 85). He won't be admitted to Conclave. That is not to say that he won't be able to express a preference, but he cannot dictate how the Conclave goes. According to the press (Italian not American), he will be at the vacation retreat at Castelgandolfo during the Conclave.
You have close to 120 type "A" personalities in the Sistine Chapel, that is why every conclave is like herding cats. You need to get 66% to agree on the next Pope. He cannot count on the Italian contigent to go his way (or the Western European contingent, frankly).
The elephant in the room is that his resignation is roughly about half health reasons and the other half over the culmination of the scandals he presided over as both Pope and the leader of the SCDF/Inquisition. He is not a particularly popular Pope, so his ability to influence Conclave is severely limited. John Paul II might have been able to influence a Conclave, as he was beloved by even his doctrinal enemies. Benedict does not have that luxury. Benedict is perceived as both "freddo" (cold) and "rigido" (inflexible) and is more professor than pastor.
I would not fear him hand picking his successor and bear in mind Conclaves are rarely predictable.
~Jeff
aka Lorenius
You have close to 120 type "A" personalities in the Sistine Chapel, that is why every conclave is like herding cats. You need to get 66% to agree on the next Pope. He cannot count on the Italian contigent to go his way (or the Western European contingent, frankly).
The elephant in the room is that his resignation is roughly about half health reasons and the other half over the culmination of the scandals he presided over as both Pope and the leader of the SCDF/Inquisition. He is not a particularly popular Pope, so his ability to influence Conclave is severely limited. John Paul II might have been able to influence a Conclave, as he was beloved by even his doctrinal enemies. Benedict does not have that luxury. Benedict is perceived as both "freddo" (cold) and "rigido" (inflexible) and is more professor than pastor.
I would not fear him hand picking his successor and bear in mind Conclaves are rarely predictable.
~Jeff
aka Lorenius
Odioshi
Bren
Re: Why I love the Stonewall Fleeties
I think Stonewall is very much a haven for a lot of us from the crazy of the outside world. We come here to have fun and escape it all for a while. In this day and age where it's so easy to be bombarded with so much negativity, places like these are all the more important, imo. :)
Araa
Re: Catholic Pope Benedict XVI Resigns
FYI guys, this is really bad news.
My strong bet is that he chose to retire so that he can (unofficially) choose the next pope. Odds are we'll end up with a young Ratzinger+.
My strong bet is that he chose to retire so that he can (unofficially) choose the next pope. Odds are we'll end up with a young Ratzinger+.
WhiteOnmyoji
dtjohnsonanimated
Why I love the Stonewall Fleeties
Whenever I play, and especially when I can get on Vent (when my connection is decent) I love the fun and conversation with the fleeties. Now it has gotten needlessly heated for some strange reason time to time, but generally just a fun and informative exchange with intelligent and level-headed people from across the globe.
For those who might not know, here in Southern California recently a former LAPD officer killed two innocent people and took down another officer in my home town of Riverside. It's been flooding the news here for days, and naturally they are hyping this thing up like crazy to drive the ratings. This has the unfortunate effect in my area among my general tax bracket of stirring up some rather frightening opinions.
There are those of course who are your general conspiracy theorists who thinks this is all faked -somehow- by Obama to take their guns away. A few over-grown punks who are delighted about the idea of someone targeting cops because it sounds so like a bad 1980's action flick. And of course there are those surprisingly many people who have read his publicly posted manifesto and believe that the murder of 3 uninvolved and innocent people was somehow justified. THAT, is the most frightening of all.
You cannot reason or debate with these people on any intellectual level. These are basically the same that think 9/11 was committed by the Bush administration (some have even tied Obama into it using some of the most amazing cognitive gymnastics I have ever had the displeasure of experiencing), that our government is putting mind-control chemicals in our water supply, is planning mass genocide of most of the African and Eurasian continents, and that every scientist on the planet is somehow in the pocket of the CIA and federal government to hide "the truth" (aliens, killer asteroids, a structurally collapsing planet, etc.). When I go out for a drink at my local gay bar this is what bombards me from every angle... and is a primary reason why all my money goes into savings so I can move ASAP.
This is why I love you all. I can have nice, intelligent conversations wuth people that have a generally scientific perspective. There is an open exchange of information and opinion that is civilized, entertaining and riddled with gay sex innuendo. I guess it comes from enjoying media that wishes to explore the better aspects of our nature and a glorious future that can be attained with hard work and open minds. Still, it sucks I am limited from playing, but when I'm back on it will be with a vengeance.. and really makes me want to meet you all in Vegas :lol:
For those who might not know, here in Southern California recently a former LAPD officer killed two innocent people and took down another officer in my home town of Riverside. It's been flooding the news here for days, and naturally they are hyping this thing up like crazy to drive the ratings. This has the unfortunate effect in my area among my general tax bracket of stirring up some rather frightening opinions.
There are those of course who are your general conspiracy theorists who thinks this is all faked -somehow- by Obama to take their guns away. A few over-grown punks who are delighted about the idea of someone targeting cops because it sounds so like a bad 1980's action flick. And of course there are those surprisingly many people who have read his publicly posted manifesto and believe that the murder of 3 uninvolved and innocent people was somehow justified. THAT, is the most frightening of all.
You cannot reason or debate with these people on any intellectual level. These are basically the same that think 9/11 was committed by the Bush administration (some have even tied Obama into it using some of the most amazing cognitive gymnastics I have ever had the displeasure of experiencing), that our government is putting mind-control chemicals in our water supply, is planning mass genocide of most of the African and Eurasian continents, and that every scientist on the planet is somehow in the pocket of the CIA and federal government to hide "the truth" (aliens, killer asteroids, a structurally collapsing planet, etc.). When I go out for a drink at my local gay bar this is what bombards me from every angle... and is a primary reason why all my money goes into savings so I can move ASAP.
This is why I love you all. I can have nice, intelligent conversations wuth people that have a generally scientific perspective. There is an open exchange of information and opinion that is civilized, entertaining and riddled with gay sex innuendo. I guess it comes from enjoying media that wishes to explore the better aspects of our nature and a glorious future that can be attained with hard work and open minds. Still, it sucks I am limited from playing, but when I'm back on it will be with a vengeance.. and really makes me want to meet you all in Vegas :lol:
[Event] Return to Defera
[article]285[/article]
Over the next 4 weekends, we’ll be hosting events to take us back to the Defera Invasion zone. Each weekend, we’ll take on a different area; starting with the City, then the Power Plant, and finally the Temple. The last weekend will be dedicated to taking on the Probe and eliminating all 7 Elite Tactical Assimilated Gorn.
If you joined the game after Season 5, took a break then or are just new to the game, all this content will be new to you! Both Starfleet and Klingon Defense Force players are welcome to attend. Whenever possible, we'll travel as a group, then split into teams when necessary.
All the events are being run at similar times so that the same group of people can come week after week. The times very slightly so we can run the missions during the Fleet Marks Event which increases the Fleet and Omega Marks that we’ll earn. This will be a great way to earn some Fleet and Omega Marks!
On top of the Marks, we’ll be collecting special crafting pieces unique to the Defera Invasion zone; [Fibo-Nerual Interface Cabling], [Cybernetic Armature], & [Nanopower Capacitor]. With these three crafting supplies, you can craft a [Fractal Remodulator] which remodulates your weapons in 3 seconds instead of the 4 the replicated Frequency Remodulator takes! As well, you can craft [Presequenced Frequency Randomizer – 3 Pack]. These consumables immediately remodulate your weapons. They’re great for STFs!
Secure the City
February, 16th 12:00 PM Eastern | 9:00 AM Pacific | 5:00 PM Greenwich
February, 17th 7:00 PM Eastern | 4:00 PM Pacific | [18th] 12:00 AM Greenwich
Missions we'll complete:
If available, pick up these [Zone Wide] missions:
February, 23rd 11:00 AM Eastern | 8:00 AM Pacific | 4:00 PM Greenwich
February 24th 6:00 PM Eastern | 3:00 PM Pacific | 11:00 PM Greenwich
Missions we'll complete:
If available, pick up these [Zone Wide] missions:
March 2nd, 12:00 PM Eastern | 9:00 AM Pacific | 5:00 PM Greenwich
March 3rd 7:00 PM Eastern | 4:00 PM Pacific | [4th] 12:00 AM Greenwhich
Missions we'll complete:
If available, pick up these [Zone Wide] missions:
March 9th, 11:00 AM Eastern | 8:00 AM Pacific | 4:00 PM Greenwich
March 10th, 6:00 PM Eastern | 3:00 PM Pacific | 11:00 PM Greenwich
Missions we'll complete:
Accolades we'll complete:
Over the next 4 weekends, we’ll be hosting events to take us back to the Defera Invasion zone. Each weekend, we’ll take on a different area; starting with the City, then the Power Plant, and finally the Temple. The last weekend will be dedicated to taking on the Probe and eliminating all 7 Elite Tactical Assimilated Gorn.
If you joined the game after Season 5, took a break then or are just new to the game, all this content will be new to you! Both Starfleet and Klingon Defense Force players are welcome to attend. Whenever possible, we'll travel as a group, then split into teams when necessary.
All the events are being run at similar times so that the same group of people can come week after week. The times very slightly so we can run the missions during the Fleet Marks Event which increases the Fleet and Omega Marks that we’ll earn. This will be a great way to earn some Fleet and Omega Marks!
On top of the Marks, we’ll be collecting special crafting pieces unique to the Defera Invasion zone; [Fibo-Nerual Interface Cabling], [Cybernetic Armature], & [Nanopower Capacitor]. With these three crafting supplies, you can craft a [Fractal Remodulator] which remodulates your weapons in 3 seconds instead of the 4 the replicated Frequency Remodulator takes! As well, you can craft [Presequenced Frequency Randomizer – 3 Pack]. These consumables immediately remodulate your weapons. They’re great for STFs!
Secure the City
February, 16th 12:00 PM Eastern | 9:00 AM Pacific | 5:00 PM Greenwich
February, 17th 7:00 PM Eastern | 4:00 PM Pacific | [18th] 12:00 AM Greenwich
Missions we'll complete:
- [Easy] Automated Aggression
- [Easy] Modus Operandi
- [Medium] Locked In
- [Medium] Peer Pressure
- [Hard] Knowledge is Key
If available, pick up these [Zone Wide] missions:
- [Zone Wide] Borg Beatdown from Captain Kuzmina
- [Zone Wide] Culling the Collective from Captain Kuzmina
- [Zone Wide] Defeating Drones from Captain Kuzmina
- [Zone Wide] Plumbing Power from Railuk
- Hero of the Deferi
February, 23rd 11:00 AM Eastern | 8:00 AM Pacific | 4:00 PM Greenwich
February 24th 6:00 PM Eastern | 3:00 PM Pacific | 11:00 PM Greenwich
Missions we'll complete:
- [Easy] Power Hogs
- [Easy] Cooler Heads
- [Medium] Closed Off
- [Medium] Power Play
- [Hard] Getting to the Bottom of Things
If available, pick up these [Zone Wide] missions:
- [Zone Wide] Borg Beatdown from Captain Kuzmina
- [Zone Wide] Culling the Collective from Captain Kuzmina
- [Zone Wide] Defeating Drones from Captain Kuzmina
- [Zone Wide] Plumbing Power from Railuk
- Power Trip
- Reclaimer of Defera
March 2nd, 12:00 PM Eastern | 9:00 AM Pacific | 5:00 PM Greenwich
March 3rd 7:00 PM Eastern | 4:00 PM Pacific | [4th] 12:00 AM Greenwhich
Missions we'll complete:
- [Easy] Higher Ground
- [Easy] Preservation of Knowledge
- [Medium] What's Mine is Mine
- [Medium] Conflicted Order
- [Hard] Uninvited Guests
If available, pick up these [Zone Wide] missions:
- [Zone Wide] Borg Beatdown from Captain Kuzmina
- [Zone Wide] Culling the Collective from Captain Kuzmina
- [Zone Wide] Defeating Drones from Captain Kuzmina
- [Zone Wide] Plumbing Power from Railuk
- Preserver of the Preservers
March 9th, 11:00 AM Eastern | 8:00 AM Pacific | 4:00 PM Greenwich
March 10th, 6:00 PM Eastern | 3:00 PM Pacific | 11:00 PM Greenwich
Missions we'll complete:
- [Hard] Counter Offensive
Accolades we'll complete:
- Subjugator of Champions
- Tyrant Lizard Slayer
Re: [Poll] Should we change the Fleet Uniform?
In addition to the three basic variants for fleet members (Sci, Tac, Eng), may I suggest an Admiralty variant for members of the fleet leadership? Something with a gold accent or somesuch, in addition to division color?
We've discussed this in the past and usually settle on not doing so. We don't want to separate or elevate the leadership too high over the general membership.
Ereiid
Re: [Poll] Should we change the Fleet Uniform?
I happen to like the current uniform, but certainly understand the drive for a redesign. On the balance, I'm pretty neutral, all things considered.
At the very least, may I make a suggestion:
In addition to the three basic variants for fleet members (Sci, Tac, Eng), may I suggest an Admiralty variant for members of the fleet leadership? Something with a gold accent or somesuch, in addition to division color?
Think of the c. 2379 Starfleet Dress Uniform, as seen at the Riker-Troi nuptials, where division colors are part of the uniform, but Picard's variant minimizes the division color.
At the very least, may I make a suggestion:
In addition to the three basic variants for fleet members (Sci, Tac, Eng), may I suggest an Admiralty variant for members of the fleet leadership? Something with a gold accent or somesuch, in addition to division color?
Think of the c. 2379 Starfleet Dress Uniform, as seen at the Riker-Troi nuptials, where division colors are part of the uniform, but Picard's variant minimizes the division color.
