Demandred's Revenge

[Demandred]

INTRODUCTION


Well, I suppose this is the perfect place to talk about the world at large. Every crazy lunatic with a computer deserves and audience, and you're it.

Expect from me movie reviews, anecdotes, world affairs, anything and everything under the sun (and outside it, too).

Enjoy, and I hope I lighten, and enlighten, your day!

[Demandred]

MOVIE REVIEW: Red Dragon


Hannibal is back in his latest, and 'first', installement.

Red Dragon is a prequel to the well-known and beloved movie Silence of the Lambs, for those of you who live under a rock. It takes you back to the days to the capture of Hannibal and how he comes to help his captor with a new murderer that appears on the scene, the 'Tooth Fairy.'

Red Dragon is placed ahead of Hannibal and a little bit behind Silence of the Lambs in terms of quality. The lighting is a little bit too bright, the plot a little too fast-paced to instill the suspence and menace present in the Silence. For all of these minor complaints, the movie will entertain you thoroughly, and manages to sicken you without the use of too much graphic violence, managing to use the imagination to paint the gruesome pictures in your head.

The acting of Ed Norton and Anthony Hopkins is consistent and done well, and the story flows very smoothly. If you enjoyed the others, it's definitely worth a look, and for those who haven't seen it, so much the better to start at the beginning! Horror buffs and massacre fans will want to catch this one.

This movie will not disappoint.


4 out of 5 :D

[Demandred]

OFF ON A RANT: Ranting Obsession


Now I don't want to get off on a rant here, oh wait, yes I do, considering it's in the damned title. I do want to rant, I want to read rants. That just goes to show the point, that we're a society addicted to the crack-cocaine that is sarcasm; we'll do anything to score a hit.

Ranting is a long standing tradition starting from way back when men first began living in cities, and the drunkard living in the street would scream doomsday prophecies until you bought him off with a sack of grain and some goat meat. This tradition is continued in such chickens as those who chopped their own heads off because they thought the sky was falling, and still can't seem to stop running around. Sounds like the standard democracy.

Unfortunately, it's taken control of our lives. Some of us even go so far as scam their rant formats from some old man going through a midlife crisis and trying to claw his way to success through HBO. Yet we sit like dogs for our master, happily licking up whatever plate scraps he tosses down for us.

Whatever happened to intellectual discourse? Whatever happened to intellect? People need to start thinking for themselves again rather than trust the information that some oafish leaders give us, advised by nerds who have IQs of 180 but probably have never chugged a beer, unclasped a bra, recklessly endangered their lives, or have anything to do with the common man. We need to stop mindlessly trusting, idolizing somebody just because they're famous. We need to start learning again!

Hold that thought. I gotta go... Dennis Miller just came on.

Of course, that's just my opinion, I could be wrong.


P.S. I sincerely apologize to Dennis Miller and the rest of the world for being such a blatant plagiarist. I couldn't help myself... :cool:

[Demandred]

Alright, what I mean by plagiarist is that I copied his format!
All views expressed in the previous rant are entirely my own,
all humor is my own, the style is entirely not mine.

I hope this clears up the confusion for some of you... :rolleyes:



BIOGRAPHY: Zeus and Hera - a Match Made in Heaven


Many people will argue that the most infamous couple was John Lennon and Yoko Ono, some might argue Bill and Hillary Clinton, and some might argue for Julius Caeser and Cleopatra... the list goes on and on. However, no couple has suffered the ups and downs, or should I say the downs and downs, of Zeus and Hera, the divine marriage of Olympians.

To say they had a rocky start would be an understatement. Incestuous relationships never seem to bother the gods, as Hera happens to be Zeus' sister. No doubt the lack of options had something to do with his choice of partner. Zeus courted her unsuccessfully, and so disguised himself as a poor cuckoo bird.
Hera felt sorry for the bird, and held it against her breast. Zeus took this opportunity to revert to his original form, and you can imagine where he took it next. To cover her shame Hera married him. It was hardly a marriage of joy.

To get back at Zeus, she convinced the other Gods during a particularly overbearing time of his to revolt against him. She drugged him and the gods tied him up. They argued over the next step, not knowing what to do, and Briareus overheard this.

Briareus was one of the Hecatoncheires, giants born of Uranus and Gaea with a hundred hands and fifty heads. Cronus had imprisoned them in Tartarus, but they were released by Zeus to help in his battle with the Titans.

Briareus, grateful still for Zeus' help, released him. Zeus took up his lightning bolt and the gods begged for mercy. Zeus hung Hera from the heavens, but her cries of pain kept him awake and so in the morning he agreed to release her if she never rebelled again. She conceded, but she never stopped troubling Zeus.

Zeus was a notorious cheat, and was just as notorious for getting caught. Hera, typical of any wife, did not appreciate this side of him. Hera was not Zeus' first wife, nor his first lover. One notable one was Leto, mother to Artemis and Apollo. She was pregnant when Zeus and Hera married, and so Hera pushed her out of Olympus and sent the dragon Python after her. Another memorable one was Io. Zeus tried to cover his affair with her by creating clouds to cover the Earth. This made Hera suspicious and so she dispersed the clouds, but not before Zeus changed Io into a heifer. He swore he had never seen the cow before in his life. Hera sent a gad-fly to constantly plague her and she was chased by the ghost of Argus Panoptes, a hundred-eyed being set to watch her. Eventually she was returned to human form, but not until she had already endured much suffering and long travel. Other lovers included Europa, Semele, Ganymede, and Callisto, almost all of who were harassed by Hera.

Zeus and Hera were hardly a match made in heaven. :umm:

[Demandred]

BOOK REVIEW: Sword of Truth Series


The Sword of Truth is a long running book series by Terry Goodkind. The story revolves around Richard, once-upon a time a woods guide but now caught up in vast struggles that threaten the world.

The characters are rich and memorable, the settings are quite satisfying and the story provides enough twists to keep it interesting. This is marred somewhat by Goodkind's obsession with raping and pillaging, but if you can endure that the books are well worth picking up.

What cannot help but be seen is Goodkind's imaginative vision. The world of the books is filled with creatures of every kind that are not isolated from each other, but rather have an interaction that creates plenty of interesting possibilities, which Goodkind explores fully.

There are times when the stories seem to take the reader for granted, and sometimes goes so far as to explain right out what the reader should be feeling, and again, there are times in which the author goes too far in his descriptions of gruesome acts.

Although it is much easier to pick up the series during later books, as opposed to the Wheel of Time series, it is advised to pick it up from the beginning. Not only are the books better understood having the background of the earlier installments but the first book in the series is a good basis for judging whether to continue with them or not.

The Sword of Truth series goes above and beyond the average fantasy series, and is worth checking out.


3.5 out of 5 :cool:

[Demandred]

All of you who read this will probably notice the changes to the post, namely the name of the thread. I simply felt that Demandred's Revenge was more in character and had a nicer ring to it than Demandred's Corner, and as you can tell from the post, I like to deal with my posts in a somewhat serious way.

You can say I'm crazy for it, but watch out! Demandred's Revenge is waiting just around the corner ... :grumbles:

Tacky, I know, but I couldn't resist.



COOL STUFF: Internet Mayhem


For those of you who live in the realm of computers, cybersurfing around in hope of one big wave, here are a few websites you might want to check out.


http://www.penny-arcade.com/

The defining site for gamer nerds on the web. The humor is very dry, and even those who only have a passing acquaintence with the gaming world will be suffocating on the floor, choking on their own laughter. Check out the comics!

Some of the classic ones (which everyone will be able to understand):

www.penny-arcade.com/view.php3?date=2002-10-11&res=l
www.penny-arcade.com/view.php3?date=2002-06-07&res=l
www.penny-arcade.com/view.php3?date=2002-05-06&res=l
www.penny-arcade.com/view.php3?date=2002-05-07&res=l

The site is filled with even more great ones like these, so go check it out now!

4.9 out of 5 !!! :D !!!


http://www.intuitor.com/moviephysics/

Another nerd site, but again with hilarious content. This website is dedicated to dissecting your favourite movies and ridiculing the use of "bad physics" in movies. I recommend looking up the bad physics of Reign of Fire and the Matrix. "The minds of our children and their ability to master vectors are (shudder) at stake."

4 out of 5 :D


http://www.whitehouse.net/

I'll let you figure it out. Keep clicking refresh for even more entertainment. Whatever you do, though, DO NOT type in whitehouse.com (unless you're really into that kind of thing).

2 out of 5 :)


http://tyme.envy.com/

If you're interested in some online roleplaying, this is the place to go. It's a community of Wheel of Time fans (like Wotism), where roleplaying is encouraged and rewarded and player input counts. I cannot stress enough the absolute convenience of downloading a zMUD program. Search for it and it shouldn't be too hard to find, there will be some free versions offered.

Host: tyme.envy.com
Port: 6969
Address: 216.103.110.244

4.5 out of 5 :D


http://thesurrealist.co.uk/priorart.cgi

Recommended by fellow Wotist Malcor Sylverwood, if you haven't checked it out, check it out now! Hours of mindless entertainment await ... well, more like five minutes until you get bored, but it's still worth going.

2 out of 5 :)

[Demandred]

OFF ON A RANT: Influence of Debate


I'll skip the standard ranting intro, Miller style, and get straight into my own style from now on... :eek: I know, I know, scary isn't it? Well, I hope you live through it.

I've got a beef, and not the extra five pounds that turkey weekend put on me in the space of half a day (up here in Canada, we celebrate it a bit early). No, I've got a beef with the lack of a good, cutthroat hardcore argument over issues which can have no clear cut solution and which our opinions could have no possible effect on the outcome.

I'm a sick man. I realize this. I like getting ripped up by a good, concise, eloquantly phrased argument that knocks my own stance all to pieces. How else am I supposed to learn? The sadistic teachers at my University have this quaint notion of education being suffering. Don't get me wrong, suffering is not as good as it sounds, for the usual individual. Most people like learning by exploring issues in a group setting with general input, reading the works of intelligent men, or doing whatever it is the usual individual does.

Having holes the size of my ego being punched through my opinions is the way I prefer my education. Being shown how ignorant or biased I am so that I can grope for a better understanding of the world. Hence the proposal of topics such as the nature of the universe, and the influence of genes and environment on personality. These are very hot topics, argued by a long list of people, for as long as the issues have been around.

When people just ignore an issue, that's an itch I just can't scratch. When they don't give a basis for their opinion, that's an itch I just can't scratch. I'm not pointing the finger or anything, it's just I get a termendous amount of satisfaction from getting into the real depth of an issue. People, point out where you think I'm wrong, so that I can try to find something more right! :p

As for those who have been doing all of this, I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. "You are the one bright spot, in what otherwise would be a dull and dreary day." :cool:

[Demandred]

I'd just like to give a sort of honorable mention to nightfairy, and say thank you. It's nice to know that what you have to say is received and influencial, and hopefully appreciated. :)



MOVIE REVIEW: Rounders


Rounders is a movie starring Matt Damon and, coincidentally enough, Ed Norton, as friends who reunite after one is released from prison, and the other is drawn back into the nitty-gritty world of professional card-playing.

Matt Damon is Michael McDermott, a law student who lost everything on a game of no-limit hold 'em (a version of poker) with a card-club owner with connections to the KGB. He gives up cards and begins to dedicate himself to law, but when his old friend 'Worm' is released, he gets drawn back in. The movie is about his trials and tribulations, defending his friend and chasing after his dream.

Performances are spot-on, and the actors never miss a beat. The story is a conflicting mass of opinion and emotion of incredible depth with a veneer of casualness to it. In one sense McDermott's card-playing is seen as a destructive addiction, and yet it is his salvation from a life not meant for him. The humor is very dry and very witty, the whole story is written well and the whole movie is filmed well. Those of you who are fans of John Malkovich will absolutely lose it into hysterics with some of his lines, and his tacky Russian accent! It's one of the funniest things I've ever experienced in my life, and made a great movie even better.

The soundtrack is subtle and at the same time very expressive. I even have the track 'Glowing Glimmer' off the soundtrack because I liked it so much.

Just a note: listen to the narration! Don't miss a thing, and you'll pick up on an incredible attention to detail. Watch the movie twice if you want to, because after the second time the story that might seem vague to some people the first time watching, will suddenly come into focus much better. I cannot heap enough praise on this movie.

Rounders is one of my all-time favourite movies, and for those of you who are fans of Matt Damon or Ed Norton, or who love cards, or who love movie-going, or for anyone else on the face of the planet, watch it! Watch it now!


4.9 out of 5 !!! :D !!!

Note: That's as high as a movie will get with me. Watch it now!

[Demandred]

ROLEPLAYING LOG: The Beginning


Every so often I will be updating you all on the adventures, or should I say misadventures, of a fellow named Ethen Tallawin, a young Cairhienin who fell in the wrong crowd and now follows a path few men choose and fewer survive... :eek:

You may be wondering about the background of this character, but now that I consider it, I think I'll pass on that a while. I'll leave the sorting of truth from fiction about his past in the reader's hands. It'll be more fun this way.

The roleplay takes place on A Moment in Tyme, a place I have mentioned in a previous post. If you're interested, by all means go and take a look for yourself. The setting of the roleplay is a few years after the fall of Malkier.


I'll provide you with a description of the character:

Ethen Tallawin
He has surely known hard times. His dark brown hair appears like something out of nightmare, with the word dishevelled being too mild a description. His own appearance is not far off, with most of him covered in a layer of travel dust. His clothes are simple, a dark blue woolen shirt, untucked, light brown breeches, and brown leather shoes, almost worn completely through.

Along the right side of his face runs a long, dark scar. Ending in the middle of his cheek, it stands out from from his sun dark face. It could almost be menacing, but for the sparkle in his emerald eyes, the curve of his lips giving the hint of a smile.

His constant companion is a simple leather travel bag. Slung over his shoulder, the faded green color gives hints to the wear and tear it has endured. It looks almost near collapse, from the seams that are coming apart to the various bulges that appear about to burst.


Enjoy! :cool:

[Demandred]

ROLEPLAYING LOG: Shadowed Tales of Ethen Tallawin
A Wheel of Time Roleplaying Venture


Act One: Whispers and Secrets

Scene One
A Chance Meeting?


Eduard chuckles softly, and ignores the obvious press for his name. "Enjoying the wine, young man?" He smiles softly, although it's hard to tell because of the cloak. "How would you like you to drink more of it?"


Ethen pauses for the longest time, simply staring at his new companion. Looking you up and down, his smile fades slowly but returns almost as soon as its gone. "And what might that cost me, kind Lord? Like I always tell my customers, 'The first one's free.'" Nodding as if to himself, he tips his glass and downs the one. "Though I must say, whatever the cost, it is probably well worth it."


Eduard chuckles to himself softly. "Oh, a merchant? You don't have the look of one, but I always try to endear myself to local merchants." Something in the tone of his voice suggests amusement as he picks at a piece of lint on his cloak. The serving girl returns, and puts a new glass of wine in front of him.


"And why would that be, good sir? Whatever you say, I'll not be going easy over the haggling." He cracks up into laughter, but that abruptly ends with another glance from the large men near the door. "Though, I suppose that depends on the product, at that ... I don't mean to impose, but you seem a generous fellow." Raising his glass to the serving girl, she takes it away and disappears into the kitchen. [Ethen]


Eduard takes a sip from the new glass of wine. "Ah, I do love a good Tairen red, don't you? So much better than anything you'll find from Murandy, for example." After another sip of wine, he adds, "Yes, I do try to be generous to my friends. Tell me... Where did that scar come from?"


Ethen laughs uproarishly, and not even the looks from the other patrons quells it. "Must be the Pattern's weaving you should mention Murandy ... I spent some time there with a Far Madding lady I met on the road." He cuts off for a moment as his wine is brought over, but takes up the tale almost immediately. "Well, as you might be aware, these women do not take kindly to unhumble men, and I am quite outgoing with my opinions. " The laughter picks up again, but it seems a bit tense, almost forced. "The name is Eamar Thollis, grand adventurer and even grander fool. Perhaps you would be so kind as to supply a title?"


Eduard chuckles, and nods his head. "A fine tale, Master Thollis. As for my title, I do believe Lord will suffice for the moment." He nods his head, and takes a sip. "Getting back to the wine... how would you like to earn some more?"


Ethen nods his head, and raises his glass once more to you. "More wine always sounds good, especially when it's good wine. How may I help you, Lord?"


Eduard nods his head, and smiles. "In my business, I find that Information can be as valuable as coin. So I wouldn't mind trading a bit of one for the other." He pauses for a moment, just long enough to take a sip of wine. "Tell me, how familiar are you with the Children of the Light?"


Ethen immediately sits up straight, masking the action but taking a sip of wine, and muttering about uncomfortable seats. "You know quite a bit already don't you?" His gaze turns to yours, a hard look on his face made even harder by the scar running down it. "Or do you? Perhaps not ... I may know a bit about the Children of the Light, and I may know a bit more quite soon. What is it that you seek?"


Eduard chuckles softly, and smooths out his cuffs. "I know quite a bit about the Children of the Light, and about a few other subjects, as well. About you, on the other hand, I know very little. Only that you are brash, and boastful, and quite possibly the right man for the job." He lowers his voice, and glances for a moment at the men by the doorway. "Just what are you willing to do for money, boy?"


Ethen mulls over his wine in answer. He glances up for a brief moment, and says, "Many people look to the Light for salvation, when it's money that's the cure-all." He returns to his brooding over the wine, idly swirling the wine around.


Eduard smiles, and pushes back his cloak. "Good answer, boy. And an appropriate metaphor, as well." He takes a sip of wine, finishing the glass. "I don't suppose you recognize me, do you. It's just as well. What I want you to do is attach yourself to the Children of the Light. Not those pathetic little soldiers - they don't know a thing. Look for a Lord Daemien Saighan, and others - the men with the power, and the knowledge. Learn whatever you can, but don't make it obvious." He idly plays with the empty wineglass between his two hands. "I'll pay you, of course. You'll need money to buy clothes so that you fit in. But for all of this, I expect results."


"That's quite the task. Results is it? And I suppose the consequences of failure would be ... unpleasant?" Fits of laughter begin to bubble up and are fought down, his lips quirking up and being forced in place. "I've got nothing better to do than risk my fool neck. And, the wine is excellent. Is there something specific I should be looking for?" [Ethen]


Eduard shakes his head. "If I knew these things, I wouldn't have to send you, now would I?" His face becomes serious for a moment, and he adds quietly, "Of course you are right. The first thing I would do is cut off your money. Then I'd expect a full refund. And if you couldn't pay me back, well... Some things are better left unsaid." He pulls a small sack out of the folds of his cloak, and tosses it up, quickly snatching it out of the air before anyone else can grab it. Pointing a finger at Ethen, he says, "No unneccessary extravagances, understood? And if you're found out, I'll make things even more unpleasant than the children."


Ethen clears his throat, leaning back in his chair and looking up towards the ceiling. Softly, ever so softly, he says, "That just might work ... " The level of his voice returns to normal, and he continues, though he does not end his study of the intricacies of ceiling design. "I may know a way to go about it, but I might have to call in some of your other ... resources? I'm guessing you have them. How might I get in touch with you should the need arise?"


Eduard leans back in his chair ever so slightly. "How resourceful... You're on the job for five minutes, and you already have a plan. Tell me, and then I'll decide how much to tell you."


Ethen seems to struggle with himself, but slowly nods after a time. "I like this. Like a game of stones, move and counter-move. Alright." He raises his glass to take a sip, and seems surprised to find it empty. "Well, I've been making some overtures to a 'little soldier' about some unrelated business matters. To get close to a Lord, I'll need to be in confidence. Surely if I expose some plot untowards the Lord, he would hold me in high esteem? The details still need filling in, but I might be requiring the use of some strong arms, if you could find them. And perhaps someone who doesn't mind taking a few wounds?"


Eduard chuckles softly. "An interesting idea. I'll consider it. Until then, you may contact me at this address." He slides a sheet of paper across the table, and smiles. Then he sets the cloth sack on the table. "This should keep you for a while. When you need more, I will espect you to tell me what the last of it was spent on."


"It's all falling into place," he says as he begins tapping out a little tune on the table. He reaches over and takes hold of the sack. He opens it up in front of himself and takes a peek inside. "Should it work, I expect to be paid better." Another chuckle escapes him, this one small and subdued, and he smiles ever so slightly as he meets your eyes. [Ethen]


Eduard nods his head. "But of course. When you bring me information you shall, of course, be well rewarded. Just how well depends on how useful the information you bring me is."


Pushing his chair away from the table, he stands, and takes a hold of the sack of money and shoving it roughly into his bag. "I'll be staying at the Red Haired Wench for the next day or two, if you were intending to have me followed. Actually, if you were, I'd appreciate it if they escorted me." Leaning in slightly, he whispers, "It's trouble travelling alone in this city lately." With that, he gives a wink. [Ethen]


Eduard chuckles, and shakes his head. "I wouldn't have you followed. That would attract attention, and that's something neither of us want. If you need an escort, I suggest you hire your own. Or perhaps you should work on befriending the children, so they can protect you."


With a nod, and a glance to either side of the common room, he says, "Well, a great pleasure m'Lord. You've made a good deal ... I'm the kind of man where things just seem to fall into my lap. I'll be in touch." Slinging his bag over his shoulder, he bows to the barkeep, and walks out the door. A serving girl walks up to you, hands on hips, and asks, "Will you be paying his bill? He's got a bit of a debt built up over the last three days." [Ethen]


Eduard scowls slightly, but nods his head. "Yes, I'll pay the bill." Then, to himself, "If he doesn't deliver, he's in enough trouble already."

[Demandred]

COOL STUFF: Darwin Awards


I'm sure many of you have heard of the Darwin Awards.
For those of you who have any consideration for the human condition, I suggest you stop reading at this time.

For those who haven't heard of them, the Darwin Awards are for those who better the evolution of the species by being so stupid that they kill themselves off and thankfully do not pass on these ignorant traits to future generations.

It's the most depraved, guilty pleasure I've ever had. There's nothing, or should be nothing, funny in the way people suffer these tragic fates and face their untimely demise. Yet I cannot help but read on in horrified disgust about the ways people can off themselves through idiocy.

A young man who was bored and wanted to see how close he could stick his face to the passing train and not get hit. A Croatian who tried to open a grenade with a chainsaw so he could use the explosives to make fireworks. An American who shot himself to death while trying to explain gun safety to his wife. The terrorist who did not provide enough postage for his letter bomb, and it was marked "return to sender," and when he received it he openned it up.

You could always take these stories with a grain of salt, since some of them are incredible to say the least. It's always a difficult task to seperate truth and fallicies in what you read. Frankly though, the possibility allows me to sleep at night.

It is entertaining nonetheless, it all depends on your sense of humor. Some will find this amusing, and there will be those offended by it. Just don't say I didn't warn you.

www.darwinawards.com


4 out of 5 :D

[Demandred]

Some of you may wonder how I find the time to do as many movie reviews as I do, or where I find the money for it. The fact of the matter is, working at a movie theatre has its perks (free movies being the only one... :( )



MOVIE REVIEW: The Ring


The Ring is a movie about a movie, but not just any movie. This movie plays like someone's nightmare, and after it finishes the phone rings, and a voice answers, telling you that you will die in seven days. The Ring tracks the progression of one particular woman who becomes exposed to this tape, and her battle with her fate.

This movie should be seen in the theatre, or barring that, when it comes out at least watch it late at night with all the lights out. Just like the Mothman Prophecies, it will only be good the first time around, but just like the Mothman Prophecies, it will be a great first time.

The story, for those who have seen Feardotcom, is very similar to this, but is much better executed (so I'm told). Comparison in quality to it is similar to comparing The Sixth Sense to The Others. There's just no contest.

I'm not normally one for the cheesy suspense/horror flicks, but I quite enjoyed this one. Sure, there's cheese, but they don't drown it like a bowl of Kraft Dinner. It doesn't treat itself too seriously, this movie knows what it is and instead of trying to be something else it takes its role and runs with it. Its just tacky enough to keep you entertained, and just serious enough to keep you in suspense.


3 out of 5 :cool:

[Demandred]

ROLEPLAYING LOG: Shadowed Tales of Ethen Tallawin
A Wheel of Time Roleplaying Venture


Act One: Whispers and Secrets

Scene Two
Twists Within Twists


Ethen enters his room to discover a sealed letter sitting upon his desk, awaiting his arrival. He ponders idly whether or not it has been opened already, as he pushes the wax seal open and unfolds the message.


Written on thick, fine parchment, sealed with a flaring sunburst in yellow wax

The Children of the Light are always glad of the help of men who choose to dedicate their lives to the Light's service, in whatever mode. You will be compensated handsomely for the services you have offered, if you can perform them abley. If not, our association will end. You will work directly in -my- service, and not that of any other officer of the Children. The things that you report to me will not be told to any other Children of the Light, save those I may send to have it from you. For the time being, your presence in Cairhien will serve my purposes well. In the future, however, I may call upon you to move. Should you not be able or willing to do this, our association will end promptly. If at any time I find that you have given information meant to be reported to me to another person, Child of the Light or no, punishment will be swift and final. If I find that you have witheld things from me, the same will apply. If, however, you perform your task with skill and zeal, you will be justly rewarded.

Currently the Children in Cairhien are under the control of Lord Captain Aggamon Kaeried, and Head Ambassador Soraya Jassar. I would like you to watch both of their actions, as well as those of the nobility of Cairhien, and report on their success in establishing the Childrens' presence in that country. Of course, you must report any activities of the Shadow immediately. Keep your eyes and your ears open, and your mouth shut.

In the Light,
Lamont Coleridge
Anointed of the Light
Lord Captain of the Vanguard of the Rising Sun


Ethen smiles ever so faintly at having his message responded to so promptly. "It seems I can kill two birds with one stone." Laying the letter on his bed beside him as he sits, he places his chin in his hand, thought evident on his face. "How can I make this work ... ?" He sits there for a long time, mulling over his choices, the small faint smile long since gone.

Ethen suddenly sits up straight, the light of something in his eyes. He grabs up the letter and stuffs it into his travel bag, his constant companion. "It seems I'm going to have to take a trip." He stands and heads to the door with purpose...

[Demandred]

SOUL OF A POET: Various Personal Selections


Voices

Voices to echo through the ages
too low to be heard above the noise of more useless chatter

This sea of bright eyes see only shadows
playing on the river of time

These lights don't leave impressions in the darkness
But only memories in the mind
of how brightly they shone.


Next Seat Over

The girl next to me
Drinking in my soul
The sweet splendor of this nectar
Checkers my toes
Grows to full bloom
Petals of your smile fall to the floor
Pedestals to kneel down and worship you

Grows to outrise, outshine your soil
Forget your roots
Won't you let a little light shine down on me?

Won't you move a little closer?


Silent Creatures

These silent creatures
Lurking amongst us

These hidden features
Scream our names
but we don't listen

Silent screams on deaf ears
Hidden pain draws up these tears
that stream down our souls
Fill up these holes
in our minds

Come, drink from these wells
Taste these tears
Smell these fears
Fears of you
Fears of me
Fears to be

This key locks them in
Won't you let them out?

Turn away
Hide your guilt from yourself
The hilt of your blade rests
In the chests
Of these people underfoot

These silent creatures
They live among us
Let them see the light
Free from eternal night
that you cast down on them

Won't you let them out?


The Walls

Blood pours from these pores
Into these lands I have toiled
Across these sacred grounds, the walls
come tumbling down

The forces stand at St. Peter's gate
Ready to rend this heaven asunder
With authority of lord and crown,
They tear these hard-built walls down
They tear these hard-earned walls down

This trumpet blast to my ears
Because this sign of strength feeds their fears

[Demandred]

To all of you who thought I might be dead, I'm truly sorry. I didn't want to disappoint you .... I just figured that I would make an appearance, because I've missed this place. :cry: Alright, enough of that before I embarass myself.




MOVIE REVIEW: Bowling for Columbine


This, to say the least, is one of the best movies I have seen in a long, long time. It challenges you to consider the problems of gun violence in an entirely new way.

The film is made as a documentary, starting off with the shooting at Columbine (which coincidentally occured on my birthday...) and delving into roots of what caused those kids and numerous other people to turn to murder. The statistics that it presents will have you shaking your head in disbelief, and the film gives very good support to what the maker of the film Michael Moore believes to be at the heart of the problem.

That isn't to say that the movie doesn't have its faults. Sometimes it runs off unto tangents not really related to the subject at hand (although they are interesting), and every now and then it will seem to run in circles, going over points it has already made. For all of it though, you will walk out of the movie theatre feeling that you have just been exposed to something very profound and meaningful.

Appreciate it for what it is, a great documentary that will question a lot of your prejudices. Just know what you are getting into and you will have a good time. The long and short of it is that you should see this movie.


4.5 out of 5 :D