A lurker comes out of hiding

does it depend on whether or not the cat has made the grade?

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we are limited in our ability to understand
by our ability to understand

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RebelAAmerican.Zen[Deist
... to learn ... to think ... to live ... to laugh ...
to share.

Thanks Very true. As an artist I would have to label "Intelligent Design" as abstract; an installation piece Neuro

What is a cat's favorite color?Why purrrrrple of course. Welcome to the Purple Zone.CZPThis message has been edited by purpledawn, 10-21-2005 07:35 PM

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"The average man does not know what to do with this life, yet wants another one which lasts forever." --Anatole France

There's an FAQ?

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People who think they have all the answers usually don't understand the questions.

hahah

Neuro, can we talk? I wanted to let you know that there is a certain vocal minority in this forum who object strenuously to the use of smiley faces. It's an important issue.

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"Turning out pigs for creationists makes me blue and blurry."--Brad McFall

Robin, we can.I am dismayed that there would be such a crowd. Are they like a roving gang, set to strike at the use (and forbid, misuse) of the smiley faces?I wish that you elaborate further, since this is a concern.Neuro

LOL! I don't know if I should be afraid or strangly aroused (Avatar looks like a warrior class so I should tred lightly)Neuro

I won't name names, or dot any i's, but there are those among us who feel that the very concept of a smiley face, which is supposed to indicate one's tone, is a symptom of a decline in writing skills which they find degrading. These people argue that one should be able to make one's tone quite obvious by one's choice of words, and if you can't do that, it means you are a crappy writer.Of course, one must also consider the reader. He or she might very well be a crappy reader, and will interpret one's jokes as solemn professions of belief.But the purest artist--you are an artist, I believe--is the humorist who laughs silently at his own jokes.However, some people can be guilty of being half-ironic, of playing both sides of the fence, not making it clear when one is joking and when one is not--and these people are, in my view, evil. That's the worst trick in the world--and the most cowardly.So, as you can see, this issue of smiley faces is controversial and admits of no easy answer. I just wanted to let you know it is an issue.

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"Turning out pigs for creationists makes me blue and blurry."--Brad McFall

You are very correct on this. I silenty laugh at my own quips and some times out load as to let the present audience know that it was, indeed, a joke. My humor is not taken to most with a sore stomach and tears down the cheek, but rather a puzzling look or maybe hint of consern. Ah the "no lose situation" irony, said by only the craftiest of folk. To the gallows with them. For me the smiley faces are a must to my online social experiences. Many a time I will use sarcasim to make a point and many a time I did not use the controversial smiley faces. This action combined with my former girlfriends has lead to much regret.Example:Girlfriend: I think I am gaining weight
Me: Yea, you are huge!
Girlfriend: ....I know I broke a rule to not give anything but good reviews on a women's weight, but my point was lost with the lack of a smiley face. To clear up the confusion I had to type about three paragraphs and use multiple smiling face graphics. So using them for me is a life saver.Neuro

Our illustrious leader, Percy, has provided us with a variety of special effects - e.g. bold, italics and, of course, smilies. Now, some of our more **ahem** stuffy members underuse those special effects. Therefore, in order to keep the universe in balance, it is necessary for some of us to overuse them. If we didn't, the universe would tip over, with disastrous consequences for the Cosmology forum. So, I think we should put together a duty roster to make sure that at least one of us "over-users" is standing by at all times. For safety's sake, you know.

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People who think they have all the answers usually don't understand the questions.

I would have to agree. This should be setup at once, as we don't want to distrupt the very balance of the universe! Now, if you know of any studies into the ratio of "smiley face use to non smiley face use" (as to keep the balace) and if there is an equation one might use to check such ratio. Thanks in advance. Neuro(edit: radio to ratio)(ABE: I also just noticed the "Disable Smilies in This Post" option, this needs to be brought up as well)This message has been edited by NeuroCycle, 10-22-2005 12:29 AM

Well, well, well...

Para, your latest Avatar is, well, chilling.