TheBaronOfFratton

Ugh, just saw this heinous piece of "journalism" on my usual Behati trawl:

I love Behati Prinsloo. Mostly because she looks like this in a bikini, but also because her name makes me think that she’s from some made-up science fiction planet. She’s actually from Namibia which to me might as well be a made-up planet because I couldn’t find it on a map even if you told me what continent it was on. Do any of you know where it is? Yeah, I didn’t think so.

^Doug Charles (yes, I'm going to name and shame you, Doug Charles as you should be shamed), this is why I hate 'men's magazines' and why lots of non-US people think so poorly of your nation...

How about you get out a map tonight and better yourself a tiny bit, fucknut. <_<

Seconded. I dislike that stupid, flippant, wilfully ignorant style of 'journalism' intensely. Was the article at least accompanied by a nice nice photograph showcasing Behati's butt bottom infront off?

Although all interested parties have probably already seen this (donbot, Michael*?), top news from Norwich: http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/what-s-on/f...nucci_1_1364399

Kiss my face!

Jurassic Park

Jackanackanory! I had heard about this, but the fact that the story was picked up on by the Norwich Evening News just gives it that extra bit of 'sparkle' for me.

Seconded. I dislike that stupid, flippant, wilfully ignorant style of 'journalism' intensely. Was the article at least accompanied by a nice nice photograph showcasing Behati's butt bottom infront off?

I don't recall which photos they used to accompany the piece but, I'm certain, they were very nice nice...

Jackanackanory! I had heard about this, but the fact that the story was picked up on by the Norwich Evening News just gives it that extra bit of 'sparkle' for me.

Jackanackanory! I had heard about this, but the fact that the story was picked up on by the Norwich Evening News just gives it that extra bit of 'sparkle' for me.

^You know, there were lots of news feeds to choose - but that felt like the right one to go with!

The news should put Norwich on the map - I mean, as we all know, no-one had heard of Oxford before 'Inspector Morse'.

baron, knowing that your background, (and if you're interested) what is this article really about? I had this sent to me.

http://www.commentarymagazine.com/article/...killed-culture/

I generally know more about economic history than these cultural commentators, but some of his critique referencing philosophy, cultural elitism, and literature escapes me. I am hastened to say this this writer is 'full of nonsense' but I won't pass judgement just quite yet. Second, his depiction of writers in the 1930s as being totally disrespectful of the 'masses' and having a worship of 'noble supermen' seems like twaddle.

The writer is a Conservative Think Tank Academic, which leads me to suspect that this is more elaborate posturing about the 'contemptuous liberal elite'.

That said, I don't get the tendency for my people to fall so easily for dictators - given our history. Nor the British continual deference and 'forelock tugging' to the aristocracy. But then you travel the globe and see other peoples who want that 'glamour' of royalty - and figure it's just you who's out of whack...

OMG BARON

THE AVENGERS WAS AMAZING

I am dead.

I send this beyond the grave.

Loki and The Hulk were SO perfect!

I can't wait to see it again, the midnight premier was crazy!

^All that has happened this century past is that the left-wing has become just as contemptuous to the "working man" as the rich gentry of the right. When the vast majority of politicians are millionaires then you will obviously have a ruling class that does not understand the masses. That both sides belittle them, and think of them as either happy peasants toiling in the dirt and deferring to their superiors and happy for what you gift to them, or the shit on their shoes and an irritant to their sensibilities is a likely outcome.

Is that how it is in Argentina? How would you describe it in Britain?

I think the concept of 'elites' and 'the mass' is total nonsense- the actual social environment is much more complex than that. Many the 'elites' have the culture and nobility of a baked potato. Our political 'elites' are usually lawyers that post as demagogues and appeal to the lowest level. Behind them is big business and finance, which are in it for their self-interest.

Most foreigners (and many Americans) get confused at the Republican/ Democratic divide and its rather confusing dynamics. The easiest way to look at it is by 'class' (income) and density (lower population density vs. urban). There is a state thing going on too, but..

Short form:

Republicans rely on 'elitism for the Masses' as in, it's a 'fake' elitism. It pits middle class (often Christians) as the 'elite (lol)' against the poor, what are left of the unions, and all government agencies except for the military. Government employees are depicted as zero productivity social parasites. Republicans are vicious against the poor, and completely ignore issues with the 'top crust' of society. It resembles a 'sleight of hand..'

Democratic Elitism: Mostly catering to the upper classes, upper middle class and stroke their sense of snobbery and superiority over the 'vulgar' Christian middle class. They distinguish themselves by helping the poor but generally do so in an ineffective way.

That said, I don't get the tendency for my people to fall so easily for dictators - given our history. Nor the British continual deference and 'forelock tugging' to the aristocracy. But then you travel the globe and see other peoples who want that 'glamour' of royalty - and figure it's just you who's out of whack...

Adorno/ Hanna Arenndt did a good job profiling the 'fascist personality' in 'Origins of Totalitarianism' and 'the Authoritarian personality'.

'The personality type Adorno et al. identified can be defined by nine traits that were believed to cluster together as the result of childhood experiences. These traits include conventionalism, authoritarian submission, authoritarian aggression, anti-intellectualism, anti-intraception, superstition and stereotypy, power and "toughness", destructiveness and cynicism, projectivity, and exaggerated concerns over sex.'

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

I can sense this type of personality almost immediately- thugs, teenage boys, adult-childs, many military men and many Christians.

The love for Dictators or Aristocratic elite leadership is rooted in belief of 'The Great Men' Theory. Masses and 'Great Men'. The 'Great Men' are creative and achieve all of man's highest feats. The Masses can only work, not create. "Those with the 'best blood' will lead us to 'the final victory. We must accommodate their wishes and un-oppress the Great Men away from our mediocrity"

It's also hilariously naive belief- especially given our daily experiences and knowledge of human development. The knowledge/creative economy is proof of its fiction.

Looks good from up here doesn't it :brows:

OMG BARON

THE AVENGERS WAS AMAZING

I am dead.

I send this beyond the grave.

Loki and The Hulk were SO perfect!

I can't wait to see it again, the midnight premier was crazy!

Yes, we've been waxing lyrical about it on donbot's thread - a rare instance of it living up to expectation. Thing is now I want to see the sequel - and I know it'll probably be a few years away...

I think the concept of 'elites' and 'the mass' is total nonsense- the actual social environment is much more complex than that. Many the 'elites' have the culture and nobility of a baked potato. Our political 'elites' are usually lawyers that post as demagogues and appeal to the lowest level. Behind them is big business and finance, which are in it for their self-interest.

Money somehow allows us to see vandalism and bloodsports radically differently.

Looks good from up here doesn't it :brows:

Tell me, how is the media portraying the Eagles? Obviously I don't get much in the way of 'sports talk' regarding the AFL - but I still remember last year everyone getting themselves in a lather about Geelong being the best team EVER, and the gushing of Malthouse's last season and how brilliant the 'Pies were - even this early in the season. Haven't heard squat about your team doing that well - yet the evidence is there... <_<

^If it wasn't for that pathetic capitulation to bloody Essendon :yuckky: - which was an anomaly given the displays I've seen so far this season - then it would look even better!

Tell me, how is the media portraying the Eagles? Obviously I don't get much in the way of 'sports talk' regarding the AFL - but I still remember last year everyone getting themselves in a lather about Geelong being the best team EVER, and the gushing of Malthouse's last season and how brilliant the 'Pies were - even this early in the season. Haven't heard squat about your team doing that well - yet the evidence is there... <_<

Well, AFL media is pretty Victoria-centric at the best of times, but I think it's been suitably downplayed nonetheless. We're unbeaten, but we've not really looked like a dominant power side by any stretch so far this year. I think the story has been more of how impressive it's been to clutch wins in the face of all our injuries - most of which are our A graders. Plus, when you look at it in perspective of who we've beaten..

R1 - Bulldogs - didn't play that bad, but are kind of floundering

R2 - Melbourne - 'nuff said

R3 - Giants - 'nuff said

R4 - Hawks - most impressive win so far, but Hawks weren't firing at their best that week. Was a really strange low scoring arm wrestle of a game

R5 - Tigers - on the rise, but still some ways off being a top tier team

R6 - Roos - as above (plus, is there a more boring team?)

I think next week against the Bombers, away from home will be a massive challenge. Say what you will about them (), but they're one of the big improvers this year.. although they've been pretty hard hit with injuries too. I have a terrible feeling it'll be our first loss next week, but it'll be interesting to see how long we can keep holding out. We'll get a few of our guys back towards the end of the season, but any more and we might just buckle

It's a been a pretty interesting year so far though. The gap between the top sides and the middle sides has most definately narrowed, and there's not any one team who's got that air of invulnerability about them.

^I'm not confusing the 'ruling classes' with being in any way elite - except one: money! It's what allows (as in Britain anyway) a group of youths to smash windows and abuse the staff of an establishment and get away with it all in the name of "jolly japes and good fun", because you are landed gentry or the scion of multi-millionaires. Or to pit animals against each other to the death in the name of "traditional country pursuits". David Cameron has done both these things (as part of Oxford University's 'Bullingdon Club', and fox-hunting). Yet if a 'working class' youth was to smash some windows, or take part in what is another "traditional country pursuit" that of badger-baiting then he'd get pretty short shrift from the law-courts.

Money somehow allows us to see vandalism and bloodsports radically differently

I think that there is a stronger belief of responsible upbringing with the upper classes. It involves a certain kind of civic education, culture and also incooperates higher expectations towards human excellence. But the screw-ups of the ultra-rich screw up terribly!

They have money and power but no duties. Such a state of mind will lead them to have no real sense of obligation (besides, occasionally sprinkling cookie crumbs to the poor). These people go through life chasing whim after whim while not truly grasping that they don't deserve to possess the unlimited freedoms money can bring. They reflect little, and never develop a full understanding of themselves and their place in the world.

The spoiled Adult- Child is a kind of human monster that is created by an upbringing that is essentially materialistic, affluent, undemanding and irresponsible.

I'm sensing you feel strongly about that .

I'm sensing you feel strongly about that .

I do believe that the practice of 'noblesse oblige' is appropriate :-)

^

The spoiled Adult- Child is a kind of human monster that is created by an upbringing that is essentially materialistic, affluent, undemanding and irresponsible.

Well, AFL media is pretty Victoria-centric at the best of times, but I think it's been suitably downplayed nonetheless. We're unbeaten, but we've not really looked like a dominant power side by any stretch so far this year. I think the story has been more of how impressive it's been to clutch wins in the face of all our injuries - most of which are our A graders.

I think next week against the Bombers, away from home will be a massive challenge. Say what you will about them (), but they're one of the big improvers this year.. although they've been pretty hard hit with injuries too. I have a terrible feeling it'll be our first loss next week, but it'll be interesting to see how long we can keep holding out. We'll get a few of our guys back towards the end of the season, but any more and we might just buckle

It's a been a pretty interesting year so far though. The gap between the top sides and the middle sides has most definately narrowed, and there's not any one team who's got that air of invulnerability about them.

I got to watch the Carlton/Collingwood game live though, so I can attest to how much better my team look (and, conversely, how much worse the 'Pies look ). But I've not had the opportunity to see your team in full flow yet. I was just surprised that they weren't being spoken of highly yet but, given your breakdown of their games so far, I can kind of understand why now... Then again, being that they're all the way out there on the west coast I can see how Victorians might have forgotten about them!

^I guess so. It's quite difficult to judge on the meagre information provided by the weekly hour-long round-up...

I got to watch the Carlton/Collingwood game live though, so I can attest to how much better my team look (and, conversely, how much worse the 'Pies look ). But I've not had the opportunity to see your team in full flow yet. I was just surprised that they weren't being spoken of highly yet but, given your breakdown of their games so far, I can kind of understand why now... Then again, being that they're all the way out there on the west coast I can see how Victorians might have forgotten about them!

Ah yes.. it always amuses me when they make a point of saying how tough a road trip it is for a Vic team to fly all the way over here and play for their away games, yet fail to appreciate that we do the same thing every other freakin week

By the way, I don't know if you'd be interested in catching up on games you've missed after the fact, but aussierul.es always gets them up relatively quickly

Has this Behati avatar always moved ? Also, I know you said you prefer comedy oriented comics, but do you have any thoughts on the Hulk movies? I don't know much about his comics as I'm not as well versed in Marvel, but it seems to me that the movies protray him as basically like just a giant ogre . He also seems actually too big in the movies to me. I much preferred him in the Planet Hulk movie (which may be based on a comic) since they actually let him talk, show some character development and had an interresting story too.

By the way, I don't know if you'd be interested in catching up on games you've missed after the fact, but aussierul.es always gets them up relatively quickly

Has this Behati avatar always moved ?

Also, I know you said you prefer comedy oriented comics, but do you have any thoughts on the Hulk movies?

I think, with The Avengers, that Hulk finally looked the part. CGI-wise he was as near perfect as you can get, I suppose (it's kind of hard to quantify what an 8ft green musclebound guy should look like ). And he wasn't completely brainless either - they managed to put across that he had some sort of understanding about what was going on...

As for general representation, well, as you can appreciate over a 50 year period Hulk has been through different phases. When I first started reading comics as a boy Bruce Banner was 'compos mentis' - so to speak- whilst in Hulk form. Then they separated into two different entities. And then he turned grey. Then I had sex and stopped reading comics.

When I came back to reading them I only really went back to the X-Men (which were always my favourite anyways) and so I don't know what's happened since? They're always advertising other titles within though, and I saw that whole World War Hulk thing was going on - and there was about 10 of them! He's red now, isn't he?

I havn't read too much more than X-Men on the Marvel side, though I must admit that the 90s-present storyline makes me wonder if even the writers are confused at times . I don't know about the color thing since I haven't read any of his. I meant to edit my post and say that I haven't seen the new movie yet . Outside of that cartoon movie, I've only seen The Hulk, Planet Hulk and Incredible Hulk. I didn't get The Hulk since he didn't seem to have any opposition other than planes and tanks but then he had a mutated foe in the Incredible Hulk and I still didn't get it. Though I didn't know anything about Thor either, I surprisingly his recent movie although the Hulk's seems more popular (and I assume without Portman's name on it, the casm would be bigger although its interresting to see Hopkins given the Oldman treatment of never mentioned in any of the commercials). I don't know anything about the Avengers or who their opposition is, so I'm only struck by how excessive seeing all of them together seems . Like I said, that's not knowing what their opposition is as the X-Men are a big and powerful group obviously but I'm familiar with their opposition.

Baron!

Lookie!

I have a emoticon now!

I havn't read too much more than X-Men on the Marvel side, though I must admit that the 90s-present storyline makes me wonder if even the writers are confused at times . I don't know about the color thing since I haven't read any of his. I meant to edit my post and say that I haven't seen the new movie yet . Outside of that cartoon movie, I've only seen The Hulk, Planet Hulk and Incredible Hulk. I didn't get The Hulk since he didn't seem to have any opposition other than planes and tanks but then he had a mutated foe in the Incredible Hulk and I still didn't get it. Though I didn't know anything about Thor either, I surprisingly his recent movie although the Hulk's seems more popular (and I assume without Portman's name on it, the casm would be bigger although its interresting to see Hopkins given the Oldman treatment of never mentioned in any of the commercials). I don't know anything about the Avengers or who their opposition is, so I'm only struck by how excessive seeing all of them together seems . Like I said, that's not knowing what their opposition is as the X-Men are a big and powerful group obviously but I'm familiar with their opposition.

And, yes, the problem with "origin" stories in general is that you would then have to create an origin for the foe too. In the Marvel universe of course, super-powered people are walking about all the time - but if you're setting it "here" (so to speak) then you have to have something as equally fantastical happen to produce a worthy adversary. In Hulk's comics there are plenty of Hulk-level villains to go up against. He can't always be running away from General Ross and his endless supply of Army vehicles/weaponry to throw about!

Baron!

Lookie!

I have a emoticon now!

I'd put yours next to mine - but I'm afraid it'll look a bit facetious?!?! ( :baronlamesign: )

^When did I say that? It doesn't sound like me. I take comics very seriously!

I got something you said totally wrong, I just need to find it . Of course, I only mentioned it just to give assurance that I remember the answers to my previous questions .

*edit* Yeah, I put the name in the search and found it. This is the one I misinterpreted somehow...

^No, I never judge popularity on what you think!

Besides, you know the arbiters of popularity on here are Lost_Soul for VS matters and Theron for "what all men want"!

But when I was living in the Sta