Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Exams and Mental illness
Today, while I've been waiting outside the classroom for the students of a lower semester to finish writing (so that my colleagues and I could enter for our exam) I heard a strange voice, across the corridor. It was a man, about 30 years old, mentally ill. He was trying to sell some pictures of saints. He was knocking on office doors, trying to convince other students and teachers... Nothing. Then he entered the classroom and started moaning and talking. Pretty loud. Students where complaining but the teachers did nothing to deal with it. Then I decided to do the job myself. I entered the classroom, told him to follow me. He asked me only if I support a certain football team. I answered yes (I lied, but some times people deserve more than the truth...) then and only then he decided to follow me, and I closed the door behind us. I know it's nothing special, I didn't do anything brave or something to be proud of, but I did what I felt was right, to give the students time and let them focus on their exam. Normally the teachers should do that but... whatever.
Power Rings - Orange
LARFLEEZE (AVARICE)
The oath required to recharge Larfleeze's ring has not been heard despite rumors of it being the word "mine" (a demand regularly made by both Agent Orange and his Orange Lanterns).
An orange ring is powered by avarice. According to Ganthet, "the orange light of avarice will be discovered and manipulated by a being whose greed knows no bounds." Unlike the other Corps, Larfleeze (primarily known as "Agent Orange") is the only individual to wield the power of the orange light. The story of how he came to be the sole owner of the orange power battery is detailed in the Agent Orange story-arc running from Green Lantern (vol. 4) #39-42 (April-July 2009). The Guardians of the Universe are described as making an agreement with Larfleeze long ago in return for a box containing the fear entity: Parallax. The agreement allows him exclusive control of the orange light with the condition that he remain in the Vega system. During the Agent Orange arc, Larfleeze attracts the attention of the Guardians again through an act of terrorism prompted by an intrusion from the Controllers on his home planet, Okaara. A Green Lantern force confronts him, and (after being unable to decide between releasing him and destroying him) create another deal with him at the expense of the Blue Lanterns.
Even alone, Larfleeze is a formidable opponent for the Green Lantern Corps. The power of the orange light allows Larfleeze to steal the identities of those he kills, transforming them into an Orange Lantern construct. By being in constant contact with his main power battery, Larfleeze has become one with his power source. This allows him to maintain a power level high enough to support an entire Corps of orange light constructs even when separated from it. The orange light does have a severe drawback: whoever wields it is in a constant state of hunger, unable to be satiated or to rest. Larfleeze and his constructs are shown to be resistant to magic and the abilities of green power rings, but do not retain the same protection against blue or violet rings.
The oath required to recharge Larfleeze's ring has not been heard despite rumors of it being the word "mine" (a demand regularly made by both Agent Orange and his Orange Lanterns).
An orange ring is powered by avarice. According to Ganthet, "the orange light of avarice will be discovered and manipulated by a being whose greed knows no bounds." Unlike the other Corps, Larfleeze (primarily known as "Agent Orange") is the only individual to wield the power of the orange light. The story of how he came to be the sole owner of the orange power battery is detailed in the Agent Orange story-arc running from Green Lantern (vol. 4) #39-42 (April-July 2009). The Guardians of the Universe are described as making an agreement with Larfleeze long ago in return for a box containing the fear entity: Parallax. The agreement allows him exclusive control of the orange light with the condition that he remain in the Vega system. During the Agent Orange arc, Larfleeze attracts the attention of the Guardians again through an act of terrorism prompted by an intrusion from the Controllers on his home planet, Okaara. A Green Lantern force confronts him, and (after being unable to decide between releasing him and destroying him) create another deal with him at the expense of the Blue Lanterns.
Even alone, Larfleeze is a formidable opponent for the Green Lantern Corps. The power of the orange light allows Larfleeze to steal the identities of those he kills, transforming them into an Orange Lantern construct. By being in constant contact with his main power battery, Larfleeze has become one with his power source. This allows him to maintain a power level high enough to support an entire Corps of orange light constructs even when separated from it. The orange light does have a severe drawback: whoever wields it is in a constant state of hunger, unable to be satiated or to rest. Larfleeze and his constructs are shown to be resistant to magic and the abilities of green power rings, but do not retain the same protection against blue or violet rings.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Power Rings - Red
After the tribute I've made about bat species and the soundtrack of "Batman Begins", I didn't know what tribute to start next. Well, the main themes of LOTR is a good idea, but I think that I should first make something more comics-related. So I decided to write about the various Lantern Corps of the DC comics universe.
RED LANTERN CORPS (RAGE)
A red ring feeds on the rage of its user and anyone nearby, and is charged by the blood of those the user kills.Contrary to Green Lantern rings, which provide helpful commentary, red rings are depicted as constantly emitting violent commands ("Kill," "Rage," "Pain," "Hatred," etc.), driving their wearers insane with rage and reducing them to little more than snarling beasts. However, Saint Walker states that the rings are deliberately set to select beings with uncontrollable rage. The energy of red rings replaces the user's blood, which can then be regurgitated through the bearer's mouth in a highly corrosive form. The red ring's energy is also capable of corrupting the energies of other power rings, preventing them from functioning properly. The aura of a red ring is savage and rough in comparison to a green ring, but can be used similarly with sufficient focus, as Hal Jordan demonstrates by creating green lantern-like constructs when temporarily possessed by a red ring. The Blue Lanterns' energy is the only known power source capable of neutralizing the Red Lanterns' influences, and in combination with the Green Lanterns' energy can destroy the red ring. Removing a red ring without a blue ring present to heal the bearer results in death due to blood loss.
RED LANTERN CORPS (RAGE)
- With blood and rage of crimson red,
- Ripped from a corpse so freshly dead,
- Together with our hellish hate,
- We'll burn you all--That is your fate!
A red ring feeds on the rage of its user and anyone nearby, and is charged by the blood of those the user kills.Contrary to Green Lantern rings, which provide helpful commentary, red rings are depicted as constantly emitting violent commands ("Kill," "Rage," "Pain," "Hatred," etc.), driving their wearers insane with rage and reducing them to little more than snarling beasts. However, Saint Walker states that the rings are deliberately set to select beings with uncontrollable rage. The energy of red rings replaces the user's blood, which can then be regurgitated through the bearer's mouth in a highly corrosive form. The red ring's energy is also capable of corrupting the energies of other power rings, preventing them from functioning properly. The aura of a red ring is savage and rough in comparison to a green ring, but can be used similarly with sufficient focus, as Hal Jordan demonstrates by creating green lantern-like constructs when temporarily possessed by a red ring. The Blue Lanterns' energy is the only known power source capable of neutralizing the Red Lanterns' influences, and in combination with the Green Lanterns' energy can destroy the red ring. Removing a red ring without a blue ring present to heal the bearer results in death due to blood loss.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
At dawn look to the East
I was not used in drinking coffee, kinda gives me stomachache. But there are times when exceptions must be made.
Well here's the story, it's been A LOT of time since I last saw the sun rising so (after A LOT of coffee) I stayed up all night just to have a look at it.
Well, it was pretty cloudy, but I did manage to see the sun rising and take a picture of it. Some of you may want to know why I did this... Well it's just... you know, we complain about things we don't have, instead of enjoying our lives. Even the simplest and natural thing, like sunrise or sunset (Personally I choose sunrise, because "falling" is not my thing) is worth a minute of our life to enjoy it.
Coffee gave my nasty stomachache, but I don't care. Some sacrifices are worth making, especially when the prize is what you expect, or even more.
Therefore I'll end this post with one of my favorite quotes of LOTR (the book)
"Good Morning!" said Bilbo, and he meant it. The sun was shining, and the grass was very green.
Now that I see the picture, sun's barely visible but... whatever, it's there. :P
Well here's the story, it's been A LOT of time since I last saw the sun rising so (after A LOT of coffee) I stayed up all night just to have a look at it.
Well, it was pretty cloudy, but I did manage to see the sun rising and take a picture of it. Some of you may want to know why I did this... Well it's just... you know, we complain about things we don't have, instead of enjoying our lives. Even the simplest and natural thing, like sunrise or sunset (Personally I choose sunrise, because "falling" is not my thing) is worth a minute of our life to enjoy it.
Coffee gave my nasty stomachache, but I don't care. Some sacrifices are worth making, especially when the prize is what you expect, or even more.
Therefore I'll end this post with one of my favorite quotes of LOTR (the book)
"Good Morning!" said Bilbo, and he meant it. The sun was shining, and the grass was very green.
Now that I see the picture, sun's barely visible but... whatever, it's there. :P
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Friday, February 5, 2010
Batman and Anime
Once I used to believe that Batman could never fit in the Japanese art and point of view. I believed that an anime about Batman would be horrible. I was wrong. Because I hadn't watched "Batman: Gotham Knight".
Batman: Gotham Knight is a 2008 animated direct-to-DVD anthology film of six animated short films set in-between Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. It depicts Batman battling against the mob of Gotham City, as well as other villains. Although the producers have acknowledged that it is not necessarily meant to be canon to the "Nolanverse" and indeed any of the six segments could easily fall into almost any Batman continuity. Although all based on Japanese Anime art style, each segment has its own writing and artistic style, just as the works from the DC Universe, and with the same style of The Animatrix although some segments are connected.All six films of the feature star Kevin Conroy, reprising his voice role as Batman from the DC Animated Universe.
Batman: Gotham Knight is a 2008 animated direct-to-DVD anthology film of six animated short films set in-between Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. It depicts Batman battling against the mob of Gotham City, as well as other villains. Although the producers have acknowledged that it is not necessarily meant to be canon to the "Nolanverse" and indeed any of the six segments could easily fall into almost any Batman continuity. Although all based on Japanese Anime art style, each segment has its own writing and artistic style, just as the works from the DC Universe, and with the same style of The Animatrix although some segments are connected.All six films of the feature star Kevin Conroy, reprising his voice role as Batman from the DC Animated Universe.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Carnival
Today some pals and I celebrated carnival alongside thousands of people on the great Aristotle's square of Thessaloniki. I got dressed as a mix of Batman-Samurai-Drakula-whatever-thing. I don't have a picture to show, but try to imagine: Black clothes, Batman symbol on my chest, a black Drakula cape on my back and a utility belt with foam-spray bottles and a Katana.
My cape was the best defence I had against enemy sprays, but eventually a kid (dressed as Superman) pulled it away because he couldn't get a clear shot at me with his spray. After that I spent most of my time indoors, on a nearby cinema, with a VERY beautiful girl (a colleague of mine). I can't reveal her name but she comes from Poland and she was dressed as an Indian goddess. Very beautiful girl. I got some pictures of her, but I didn't ask her if she'd like me to post them here. Well she asked me to post them on facebook, but blogging is a different story, so I won't take that risk.
We spoke about old love stories. And we are both singles now, you know but... I just don't feel like flirting. At all. I'm a lone-ranger, ye know...
Whatever, it was a funny day, filled with foam and music and laughter, and that's what matters.
My cape was the best defence I had against enemy sprays, but eventually a kid (dressed as Superman) pulled it away because he couldn't get a clear shot at me with his spray. After that I spent most of my time indoors, on a nearby cinema, with a VERY beautiful girl (a colleague of mine). I can't reveal her name but she comes from Poland and she was dressed as an Indian goddess. Very beautiful girl. I got some pictures of her, but I didn't ask her if she'd like me to post them here. Well she asked me to post them on facebook, but blogging is a different story, so I won't take that risk.
We spoke about old love stories. And we are both singles now, you know but... I just don't feel like flirting. At all. I'm a lone-ranger, ye know...
Whatever, it was a funny day, filled with foam and music and laughter, and that's what matters.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
J. R. R. Tolkien
Today I feel like making a tribute to Tolkien. The man who created Middle-Earth and the founder of modern Medieval Fantasy. Info copied from wikipedia and personal comments follow.
John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, CBE (3 January 1892 – 2 September 1973), was an English writer, poet, philologist, and university professor, best known as the author of the classic high fantasy works The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion.
Tolkien was Rawlinson and Bosworth Professor of Anglo-Saxon at Oxford University from 1925 to 1945 and Merton Professor of English Language and Literature there from 1945 to 1959. He was a close friend of C. S. Lewis—they were both members of the informal literary discussion group known as the Inklings. Tolkien was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II on 28 March 1972.
After his death, Tolkien's son, Christopher, published a series of works based on his father's extensive notes and unpublished manuscripts, including The Silmarillion. These, together with The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, form a connected body of tales, poems, fictional histories, invented languages, and literary essays about an imagined world called Arda, and Middle-earth within it. Between 1951 and 1955 Tolkien applied the word legendarium to the larger part of these writings.
While many other authors had published works of fantasy before Tolkien, the great success of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings when they were published in paperback in the United States led directly to a popular resurgence of the genre. This has caused Tolkien to be popularly identified as the "father" of modern fantasy literature—or, more precisely, of high fantasy. Tolkien's writings have inspired many other works of fantasy and have had a lasting effect on the entire field. In 2008, The Times ranked him sixth on a list of "The 50 greatest British writers since 1945".
In my humble opinion Tolkien is one of the greatest authors ever lived. Medieval Fantasy has always been one of my favorite themes in cinema, TV, games and books. Every human being who likes Medieval Fantasy owes Tolkien A LOT, because every single story is inspired by Tolkien's books. There are so many RPGs and films and books nowadays that deal about Orcs and Elves and Dragons and similar stuff. There are many fantasy worlds, like the Forgotten Realms, that are inspired by Tolkien's Middle-Earth. Even Star Wars was inspired by Tolkien's books.
But it's not just only about "Medieval Fantasy", there are other, deeper themes into Tolkien's books. Themes like friendship and loyalty, despair, selflessness and sacrifice. Themes like war, like industrial age and how it affects nature. Themes like love and treason as well.
Tolkien is probably my favorite author.
| Born | John Ronald Reuel Tolkien 3 January 1892 Bloemfontein, Orange Free State |
|---|---|
| Died | 2 September 1973 (aged 81) Bournemouth, England |
| Occupation | Author, Academic, Philologist, Poet |
| Nationality | English |
| Genres | Fantasy, High fantasy, Translation, Criticism |
| Notable work(s) | The Hobbit The Lord of the Rings The Silmarillion The Children of Húrin |
| Spouse(s) | Edith Bratt (1916–1971) |
John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, CBE (3 January 1892 – 2 September 1973), was an English writer, poet, philologist, and university professor, best known as the author of the classic high fantasy works The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion.
Tolkien was Rawlinson and Bosworth Professor of Anglo-Saxon at Oxford University from 1925 to 1945 and Merton Professor of English Language and Literature there from 1945 to 1959. He was a close friend of C. S. Lewis—they were both members of the informal literary discussion group known as the Inklings. Tolkien was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II on 28 March 1972.
After his death, Tolkien's son, Christopher, published a series of works based on his father's extensive notes and unpublished manuscripts, including The Silmarillion. These, together with The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, form a connected body of tales, poems, fictional histories, invented languages, and literary essays about an imagined world called Arda, and Middle-earth within it. Between 1951 and 1955 Tolkien applied the word legendarium to the larger part of these writings.
While many other authors had published works of fantasy before Tolkien, the great success of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings when they were published in paperback in the United States led directly to a popular resurgence of the genre. This has caused Tolkien to be popularly identified as the "father" of modern fantasy literature—or, more precisely, of high fantasy. Tolkien's writings have inspired many other works of fantasy and have had a lasting effect on the entire field. In 2008, The Times ranked him sixth on a list of "The 50 greatest British writers since 1945".
In my humble opinion Tolkien is one of the greatest authors ever lived. Medieval Fantasy has always been one of my favorite themes in cinema, TV, games and books. Every human being who likes Medieval Fantasy owes Tolkien A LOT, because every single story is inspired by Tolkien's books. There are so many RPGs and films and books nowadays that deal about Orcs and Elves and Dragons and similar stuff. There are many fantasy worlds, like the Forgotten Realms, that are inspired by Tolkien's Middle-Earth. Even Star Wars was inspired by Tolkien's books.
But it's not just only about "Medieval Fantasy", there are other, deeper themes into Tolkien's books. Themes like friendship and loyalty, despair, selflessness and sacrifice. Themes like war, like industrial age and how it affects nature. Themes like love and treason as well.
Tolkien is probably my favorite author.
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Tuesday, February 2, 2010
"The Lord of the Rings" and Despair
One of the many themes we spot on LOTR is "despair".
Basically, "despair" means hopelessness, loss of hope. People who are desperate believe that there's is no reason to live for, that they've lost everything in this world and so they hate their lives. They maybe even hate themselves.
On LOTR despair is clearly reflected on two characters: King Theoden of Rohan and Denethor, the Steward of Gondor. They are both old-aged rulers and they both lost their first-born sons, therefore they believe that their line has ended and there will be nobody to carry on their legacy. Also, they both have other people to take their place (Theoden has a nephew and Denethor a second son) but they don't value them. And, in addition to that, there's a great war they must face, against a strong enemy.
Those men are overrun by despair, both of them. But there is a difference, you know: Denethor is driven mad by despair and commits suicide (sets himself on fire), while Theoden leads his army one last time against a superior force and manages to save the great stronghold and buy enough time on the battlefield until help arrives. Eventually he is killed by a stronger foe, but not before he has performed his bravest and greatest act.
Despair can lead someone to either commit suicide, or perform the greatest and highest deed of his life. One final act of bravery, valor and selflessness. One final atonement...
Basically, "despair" means hopelessness, loss of hope. People who are desperate believe that there's is no reason to live for, that they've lost everything in this world and so they hate their lives. They maybe even hate themselves.
On LOTR despair is clearly reflected on two characters: King Theoden of Rohan and Denethor, the Steward of Gondor. They are both old-aged rulers and they both lost their first-born sons, therefore they believe that their line has ended and there will be nobody to carry on their legacy. Also, they both have other people to take their place (Theoden has a nephew and Denethor a second son) but they don't value them. And, in addition to that, there's a great war they must face, against a strong enemy.
Those men are overrun by despair, both of them. But there is a difference, you know: Denethor is driven mad by despair and commits suicide (sets himself on fire), while Theoden leads his army one last time against a superior force and manages to save the great stronghold and buy enough time on the battlefield until help arrives. Eventually he is killed by a stronger foe, but not before he has performed his bravest and greatest act.
Despair can lead someone to either commit suicide, or perform the greatest and highest deed of his life. One final act of bravery, valor and selflessness. One final atonement...
Monday, February 1, 2010
Charlie
Last Weekend was pretty good. One of the things worth-mentioning is that HUGE full-moon we had last night. I mean really huge! I don't remember having seen it like that before... Unfortunately I didn't took any good pictures, my phone's camera's good... but not that good.
Another remarkable thing was playing LAN "Medal of Honor" with my pals. Vaggos, Mime, Pike, Mits, Tasos and Mois. I swear, it was the funniest hour of the whole weekend! We did SO much crazy stuff, that we couldn't stop laughing. Seriously! Saturday was kinda weird, but in the end I went for beer and darts with Gkavos, Vaggos Lakis and Tasos, and later we had a "Mythology" match with Mits. I didn't see Pike Mois and Mime, they were on a "secret" mission. ;)
I also saw Mime's new puppy! What a lovely dog! Really adorable.
And last, but not least, I saw an old friend of ours! Paralis (or Charlie). I met that guy about 5 years ago, at third grade of High School. He is the best artist I ever met, and now he's gone even better! We haven't seen him for years, but now I got his number. You know, I really appreciate those young people who come here from other countries (Charlie came from Germany) and they go to Greek school, fighting harder than anyone else to learn the language, and then they try to do something good, to succeed here. Charlie tried 2-3 times to join a School of Arts, but he wasn't accepted. He even applied to Marvel and DC, but they told him he should learn better English (they did like his art, though). I'm glad to know he is ok and he is trying for a better life. He lost his friends on the goat-village where he lives because they told him to stop studying and drawing and work with the goats. I tell you what, that boy didn't come here from Germany to become a goat-boy! You know... I somehow like people from other countries/cities more than the villagers I grew up with. Most of my friends come from a different country, or another town (Pike and Mois are obvious exceptions). Mime, Asami, Charlie, Steel, Vaggos... they come from another place, and they rock!
Another remarkable thing was playing LAN "Medal of Honor" with my pals. Vaggos, Mime, Pike, Mits, Tasos and Mois. I swear, it was the funniest hour of the whole weekend! We did SO much crazy stuff, that we couldn't stop laughing. Seriously! Saturday was kinda weird, but in the end I went for beer and darts with Gkavos, Vaggos Lakis and Tasos, and later we had a "Mythology" match with Mits. I didn't see Pike Mois and Mime, they were on a "secret" mission. ;)
I also saw Mime's new puppy! What a lovely dog! Really adorable.
And last, but not least, I saw an old friend of ours! Paralis (or Charlie). I met that guy about 5 years ago, at third grade of High School. He is the best artist I ever met, and now he's gone even better! We haven't seen him for years, but now I got his number. You know, I really appreciate those young people who come here from other countries (Charlie came from Germany) and they go to Greek school, fighting harder than anyone else to learn the language, and then they try to do something good, to succeed here. Charlie tried 2-3 times to join a School of Arts, but he wasn't accepted. He even applied to Marvel and DC, but they told him he should learn better English (they did like his art, though). I'm glad to know he is ok and he is trying for a better life. He lost his friends on the goat-village where he lives because they told him to stop studying and drawing and work with the goats. I tell you what, that boy didn't come here from Germany to become a goat-boy! You know... I somehow like people from other countries/cities more than the villagers I grew up with. Most of my friends come from a different country, or another town (Pike and Mois are obvious exceptions). Mime, Asami, Charlie, Steel, Vaggos... they come from another place, and they rock!
Oh, that Exodia was drawn by Charlie within 10-15 seconds, I still got it, after 5 years. Means a lot to me. It's the only thing I have to remember him, but now I got his number too. We are not gonna "lose" him again.
Oh, and by the way, after coming to Greece he got the same name I have! :)
Oh, and by the way, after coming to Greece he got the same name I have! :)
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