Recent posts by Cmurda on Kongregate

Topic: Off-topic / World of Warcraft

I’ve got a level 70 undead warlock that would pwn Greg anyday =P, to bad we arent in the same battlegroup. Just getting ready for Wotlk!!!!!!

Topic: Serious Discussion / Which states best represent America?

Michigan, our jobs are being ported overseas with increasing numbers of people becoming unemployeed. Meaning we have a very crap economy right now (maybe the worst?). Which is pretty much how the US economy is right now (we had a sudden drop before people started reporting the US economy was in the crapper)
Secondly, we are in the middle of technological change, we have diffrent means of energy already set up, such as wind mills on our coastlines of the Great lakes, however, policy’s have been introduced here to make it a more noticeble change throughtout Michigan as a whole, which I would assume the US will eventually swithc to.

Topic: Serious Discussion / A Womans right to Choose vs a Fetus's Right to Live

To be honest, this topic has been tossed around so much. That from my standpoint, everyone is pretty set on how they feel about it. From what I have seen there hasn’t been any new arguments brought to the table, but then again, I’m not really searching for them.

As for me I pretty much say it should be a choice based on circumstance.

Topic: Music / Why is rock dominent on Kongregate

Honestly though I kindof hate the people that listen to ONLY classic rock. I think its just people worshiping the past. If any kid at my school were to aproach me with how much classic rock is the best genre ever I just tell them to shut up and go have fun listening to the same music their parents grew up listening to.

I considered classic rock just to be all the artists I liked from back in the day. Even if they didn’t come from a rock genre I.e. I would’ve considered Stevie Ray Vaughn and Eric Clapton classic rock in highschool all though they come from a more blues centered background. So, for me its not that I didn’t like other genres I just paired them all up under one genre.

Topic: Music / Why is rock dominent on Kongregate

To be honest, I like it because I grew up listening to most of it beleive it or not while driving with my parents when I was little(I’m 19). I speculate why the younger generations like it now is because 1. the whole highschool nastalgia that your not cool if you listen to it, and not everyone knows about all the artists at a young age so they think they are superior to others if they know a band that others do not and 2. The lack of music inspirations that exist today for their generations. Most of the talented artists are in the heavy metal (whatever your genre specifies as its catergorie), which is about the only other option, I don’t agree with some of the emotions/ message they try to get across but its what kids go for and what the media advertises so they can buy.

just cause its old dont mean it sucks

They never said it sucked. They were merely asking a question. I’m sure I could fine some Gregorian chants that you would say sucks and that older than Black Sabbath. So, as far as sucking goes it’s a matter of opinion.

Topic: Kongregate / Official COCAK Thread

Josh should have more time on his hands, he’s out of school for a semester. Although he is taking some online classes =P

Topic: Serious Discussion / Freedom or Equality?

There are of course historical and social issues to contend with as well (family history of success/education, local poverty/crime levels, pressure for/against schooling, etc.), which can be a lot harder to try to equal out (which of course leads us to the somewhat related Affirmative Action initiative).

I’ve thought of ways to “deal” with that, it may be hard to contend with, but for me we have an infinte amount of time if we work together and pass down traditions now. It’s kind of one of those “Why does understanding and reasoning take so long,” things

Topic: Serious Discussion / Freedom or Equality?

There are different levels of equality. There is forced equality and there is equal opportunity. With forced equality (communism), everyone is forcefully given the same wealth/success. In equal opportunity, everyone makes their wealth/success based on their own personal accomplishments. Now, as you’ve said, not everyone has an equal opportunity in the current system, but I think we’re trying to move in that direction. That’s the equality that America tends to favor in any case.

I wouldn’t want it to be forced, but I find it sad that we can have “equal opputunities,” and evidently not at the same time. Some of the systems are so falwed they are definetly not equal. It’s jsut something I like to ponder on when I ‘m bored, and be able to find a way to fix it. :/

Topic: Serious Discussion / Freedom or Equality?

I’ve long been thinking of ways to get rid of the social class structure and have everyone equal (i.e communism, but that didn’t cut it). In my mind and arguing I feel as though I’ve narrowed it down quite a bit, to just one question. Would you rather have freedom or equality for everyone?

To me, maybe this has been said before by much wiser people, but you can’t have both. With freedom, you can feel free to pursue whatever dream/ pleasure tickles your fansy. However, you’ll have multiple downsides.

1. You’ll always have someone wealthier, and more prestigous than you. 2. Not everyone will have the same oppurtunities, this may come at a surprise. But look at the educational system. Sure everyone has the same oppurtunity to get a decent education, but not all of the schools are equal. Therefore, the individuality of the situation itself has faults.

As for equality, everyone will be the same, be able to achieve the same things, and have a better, well-rounded world. You wouldn’t have people above one another (in a drawen up idea, which being put into play in the real world is subjective to change; albeit). Which brings up a question whether equality is really possible to achieve?

Under the assumption that it is possible, thinks how to word this; The brighter students/ pupils/proffessors may be detered to perform their best because the end result will/ may be equal to everyone elses (everyone’s equal). This also goes for pay, if everyone makes the same amount of money will that really improve the quality of life we pride ourselves in? If you have a brain surgeon making the same amount of money as a Mcdonalds grill person, most people would opt to have the easier job/ less work. So who would want to actually learn more, without being rewarded for it?

I’ve been argueing these points in my head for quite awhile now, I’ve thought of a structure of which equality “may” work and might decide to post it one of these days, but until then I’d liek to see what people would rather have.

Topic: Kongregate / Ultimate Kongregate Photo Topic

I looked after Nikki a few times, and she’s been on a few walks along the beach near my house. She viciously lunges herself in the direction of any dog that comes within 50 feet. Don’t be fooled by her relaxed expression in that photo—that “restraining sand” is the only thing keeping the rest of the dogs in that picture from a gruesome death.

Either that , or she glanced over and saw the other dogs butt near her face.

Topic: Serious Discussion / Choosing a Career

I can remeber ever since I was little I wanted to be the President. I know that is a very far away dream, but after going into the education I realised that parts of our (American) government are really f’d up. Thus, I was considering at one point to study law and become a Politician. I probably wouldn’t pursue it, but if I did hapeen to pursue it in the future and get elected (as a Governor or a smaller position), I would probably more than likely make the government more subjective to the people. So that the people themselves actually feel liek they have a say in whats going on. I would also like to get rid of lobbyists in general. The way I would go about this, would be to set up a coference, like in Mexico, where we have the Congress people sitting down with Ceo’s of major companies and environmentalists, in one room and etch out a potentially good plan. Right now, it’s illegal to be bribed by major corporations or groups yet we can see that it is still happening. Another thing I would have liked to get rid of was the heavy fee for getting your named placed in an election. Granted we need these in place, but as I see it now its way to high to have anyone compete in an election except the two major parties. Lastly, I would have liked to start a Pr system for a form of government. =/ Just my thoughts….

Topic: Kongregate / Kongregate Kopy

up until now, i had no idea what pogo was, and i wish i didnt because that site is made of annoying. whoever designed that place needs to be strangled.

The guy that created this site (Jim), was a manager at Pogo, If I recall correctly.

Topic: Kongregate / Kongregate Kopy

wrong. xbox live was the first to have the achievements system.

Hmm. For some reason I thought it was Pogo.

Topic: Serious Discussion / Choosing a Career

It’s very interesting to me just careers in general. I wanted to be a carpenter, and maybe a luthier for a hobby (which I am now pursueing as one). My parents would support me in whatever I wanted to do however, they told be that I’d basically be busting my a$$ for what I’d get paid. I might consider going to a Guitar maker such as Fender, Gibson, PRS and ask if I could work for them. shrugs other than that I’m pretty clueless as to what I want ot do.

Topic: Serious Discussion / Choosing a Career

I’m currently enrolled in a college, I started off going into the Mechanical/Chemical Engineering field, after internship offers right out of Highschool. Which I later decided to get out of because of math. I’m not bad at math (I was ready to go into Calculous II my first semester in College), but quickly realized that I didn’t want a field in which I needed that higher level of math. I am now in the Medical Field.

The question: I know some of you of you have already graduated from College/University and have a job in whatever you went in there for. How did you know you were in the right field? How many times did you change your major? Is there any subtle hints from what you like to do that helped you choose the career right for you?

I know they have all these surveys you can fill out, in which it helps you decide what career is right for you, but truthfully after researching some of the careers they don’t seem that interesting nor worth the time invested in studying in them. This topic is suppose to help people going into college/ universites that are undecided in what career to get involved with and for those that are undecided while still in school. Thanks!

Edit: And be sure to tell whatever field your in right now, if you feel the need to. And maybe a brief job description?

Topic: Serious Discussion / Have You Ever Been Close to Death?

I was read my last rights as a baby. I never really asked why because, it had to be something bad. =P

the closest thing now to death I’ve been was when someone shot at the Van I was in with a shotgun. It hit the radiator in the engine compartment, and I was sitting in the passenger seat.

Topic: Serious Discussion / Music

No thanks. You can keep your narrow view of art and only enjoy sonatas and concertos and broad, sweeping orchestras. Me, maybe I’ll listen to some Bob Dylan, some Dangermouse, some Clifford Brown and some Devandra Barnhart and reflect on the fact that I can enjoy and be moved by a wide variety of things. You can have your art. Just don’t tread on mine.

Words convey emotion, it’s pretty obvious. Look at poems, books, whatever you want to, you’ll get something out of it. I’m not argueing that you can’t get emotion from songs today, nor am I argueing that it’s any less enjoyful. What I am argueing, is the music, the noise in the background, isn’t developed enough to be considered musical art in its state. Take the lyrics away and you have nothing. The lyrics themselves are what hold the emotion, and the message they convey just enough os you can “consider” it art. It’s poetry accompanied by noise. Noise that has no, feelings, thoughts, or new ideas while being played. That alone is the reason why I wouldn’t consider it music, the lyrics in themselves are art, I’ll agree on that, but for the musical melody it is not.

i have absolutely no idea what you’re trying to say, or how this is relevant to what you quoted from my post. i mean that it is easier for information/music to be circulated now among the general public.

From your previous post you stated that masses could better communicate. And after reading this what would they communicate? Thoughts, feelings, perspectives? That’s what I drew my conclusion to. In which, the media sells these ideas through artists, such as Brittany Spears. My point being if what I drew my conclusion on was right, what kind of thoughts,feelings and perspectives liek Brittany trying ot convey? Or where they just putting crap on a cd and advertising it to teens.

Topic: Serious Discussion / Music

You’re totally getting off the subject. What’s the point? People who don’t listen to a particular category of music can’t distinguish between subgenres. Ok. Can you go to the Louvre and point out the different subgenres of Impressionism? Probably not. Has nothing to do with whether or not those works are art.

My point is theres no need for another subcatergory. If they sound the same put them in the same genre with no subcatergories. You don’t see umpteen amounts of subcatergories in older practices of music because theres not a need, but there is a need to do so now. Even though the fact remains people that don’t listen to it it all sounds the same to them. Obviously the reason why I’m bickering about this is because, of this individuality thing. People use these “subcatergories” to “label” their music “art” just so they can feel elite becuase they discovered some new genre, and are ahead of their times. when its the same crap in a diffrent wrapper. And in doing that they can sell many albums/records while sapping off of a carefully crafted art form.

You’re right, it’s not. The farting guy wasn’t trying to convey anything. He was farting. Attaching emotion to a random event isn’t art, it’s projection. If a guy farted a bunch of times and put it on a CD and sold it as performance art? Sure, it would be art then. It might not be very good art, but it’s art. I can think of a ton of ways that could be done as “recognizable” art – perhaps by someone like yourself, as a critique of modern music.

Oh, but it is trying to convey something. It’s conveying relief for the guy that’s doing it. For all I know he could record it, but it on a cd with no melody,beat, rythem or anything. Yet you’d consider it art, yet in many ways music at the same time. It’s an interesting perspective, but when it promotes laziness and ignorance as an excuss to proclaim it as an art. We can both see its not right. But keep trying to convince yourself this.

Topic: Serious Discussion / Music

I’m continually baffled by people who think there HAS to be some huge difference between “art” and “non-art.” It’s a label. If you look at or listen to a work, and it conveys meaning or expression to you, then that’s art for you. If it doesn’t, it’s not. Do you really think there are people who can’t be moved equally by Nirvana as by the Rite of Spring?

I’m baffled by you thinking there isn’t. So basically what your telling me is if it has noise (its the music thread) and it moves someone then its art. So if I’m in a bathroom stall in public and some guy farts, and let’s figuratively say theres another in there guy with a fetish for farting and it moves him emotionally, it certainly moved me emotionally by being disgusted, its art? No, it’s not. It’s some guy farting in a bathroom stall. But under your opinion it can easily be considered art, and it’s alright to put it on a cd, advertise it and sell it to the mass public. Interesting to know our youth are listening to that.

Topic: Serious Discussion / Music

I think if you put a contemporary music lover in a room and played him/her something that sounds like Nirvana and something that sounds like Pantera, they could tell you which was alternative and which was metal. I don’t get your point.

Well, I’m sure your contemporary friends would argue diffrently. Nirvana is grunge in the Alternative genre, Pantera is in the metal genre. Your crossing over two diffrent things. Talk with DarthNeader and he’ll tell you metal is a diffrent genre than rock. So if you’d like to compare artists lets stick them in the same genre. Grunge doesn’t have any subcatergories from what I know, metal does. Tell me the diffrence between Iron Maiden and Tool. Same genre’s diffrent subcatergory, whats the diffrence?

Topic: Serious Discussion / Music

popular music is vulgar music; nowadays, the masses can communicate amongst themselves more easily, and companies can package and sell it.

Really? Tell me what Brittany Spears communicated. From what I can see, nothing. Yet she still made a living.

Topic: Serious Discussion / Music

So you’re saying there’s a huge difference between Beethoven and Chopin? I doubt the casual listener could tell.

No, but what your telling me is the casual listener can tell the diffrenece between 4 almost identical subcatergories under one main genre just enough where they can make it an individual style of music and place it in their own subcatergorie and label it as art. But yet these same people can’t do it with key figures in musical development? It sure beats me.

Topic: Serious Discussion / Your Views Changed

I think this thread should be stickied. So people in the future can post on the specific topics.

Topic: Serious Discussion / Music

@ Phoenix- It was from this thread

You bring up a good point as far as music that can inspire movements. For instance, Ode to Joy, was played while the Berlin wall fell, student protestors in china choose it as their freedom statment when protesting at China’s Tiananmen square.

Music today maybe could get away with that with music with lyrics take those lyrics away and theres nothing there.It lacks the emotion and bulk that’s needed to convey anything, but liek Cpasley said, it’s more about emotion than skill. Really? If this is true why doesn’t it inspire anything.

I would admit it would be cool to see someone popular in todays world, so skilled in an instrument that people would think he/she has actually sold their soul to Satan because he posses so much skill thats beyond this world. That’s what happened to a violinist named Niccolo Paganini, he was so amazing on the Violin that woman would actually faint when he came on stage. It’s not on wikipedia, but if you read one of the biographies on him, you’ll see it.

Edit:

@ Cpasley: Like it or not, for instance, Kurt Cobain was one of the founders of the alternative rock genre – calling him the godfather of grunge is nothing but appropriate.

Granted in his time there was a diffrence in the music being played, but compare that to all the crap today and it all sounds the same. It’s little bit more distorted, he’s singing deeper. Who cares. It sounds the same don’t put a new label on it, so you can ship it out the window and sell it as something new. Which is basically what your telling me to do.

Topic: Serious Discussion / Music

Being a virtuoso is about skill, and music isn’t about skill anymore; it’s about emotional content.

It’s always had that emotional aurora around it. But since when do we let an art slack to such a point where little or no effort is needed for it to become mainstream. Especially one that has a major effect on people. I can’t argue with the point that not many people aspire to the word virtuoso, yet if one of them dies we can label them as “the God of rock,” “Godfather of Grunge” so and and so forth, putting them in this place almost as prestigious as a virtuoso. For the most part if it’s simple, which 9 times out of 10 it is, can we really consider it music? I’m talking about those underground groups that will eventually make it mainstream because they have found their own way of being untalented, yet can sell millions of records for some odd reason.