Wow, the QC characters' discussion on Twitter just made my day. ;D
Uh hu.(click to show/hide)
Hmm I dont think Elliot will do anything harmful to Marten.It's pretty unusual that I agree with Snubnose, but yeah. Especially if Padma is heading west in a couple of weeks, what has Elliot to worry or be jealous about? Perhaps he just wants to recruit Marten as a pastrycook?
Go for the guillotine, classy.Unlike the garotte, which can be dicey if the executioner chokes.
@svenbianchi if your bedroom skills were a game, they'd be Angry Birds.
Unlike the garotte, which can be dicey if the executioner chokes.
It is an interesting phenomenon for me as well.Hmm I dont think Elliot will do anything harmful to Marten.It's pretty unusual that I agree with Snubnose
I sense exposition in our future...
I sense exposition in our future...Yeah, could be another Wham Episode.
well I'm pretty sure the tweets aren't canon.
Marigold? What was her old last name?Agriculturalist.
Marigold? What was her old last name?
:?Marigold? What was her old last name?
Not her - Ms.BeauvaisHurlbut.
My money is on Elliot announcing that he likes Martin. And the hike was Padma's attempt to setup a situation to hook them up.
I believe1541has beenwas retconned.
My money is on Elliot announcing that he likes Martin. And the hike was Padma's attempt to setup a situation to hook them up.
Elliot's "in love" with "her" in 1845, the first time he appears.
We've been wondering who "[she]" is ever since
And we'll all be surprised when "her" turns out to be Faye. Elliot is upset with Marten because he thinks they're a couple and Marten is being unfaithful to her by being interested in Padma.
More proof he's only attracted to Padma and doesn't actually like her like he does Faye
I dont find it surprising that, joking or not, the first girl Marten thinks of is Faye. I still say he would date her in a heartbeat if she dumped Angus and asked him out, even though he continually says he only likes her "as a friend".Or he just thought of her because she's his best friend.
More proof he's only attracted to Padma and doesn't actually like her like he does Faye.
I dont find it surprising that, joking or not, the first girl Marten thinks of is Faye. I still say he would date her in a heartbeat if she dumped Angus and asked him out, even though he continually says he only likes her "as a friend".Or he just thought of her because she's his best friend.
More proof he's only attracted to Padma and doesn't actually like her like he does Faye.
Hi Guys,
I guess I should start with the fact that I only started reading QC about a month ago and completely fell in love. I went through 1,990 strips over the course of about six days. (There wasn't a lot to do at work that week!) Anyways, I guess I was spoiled because I'm getting anxious only being able to read one a day. That being said, I guess the best way to deal with the withdrawals is discussion!
My question is this: What's with the drama between Marten and Elliot? I won't say "it's obvious that..." because nothing in Questionable Content ever seems as obvious as Jeph makes it out to be, but it seems very likely that both Marten and Elliot are into Padma and that Elliot is jealous of how Padma's has taken to Marten so quickly, but Padma's leaving so what does it really matter? Does Elliot really need to have some jealousy freak out on Marten when Padma won't be around long enough for it to make a difference?
If only Elliot knew how great a guy Marten really is, but that never seems to matter to jealous freaks = (
I dont find it surprising that, joking or not, the first girl Marten thinks of is Faye. I still say he would date her in a heartbeat if she dumped Angus and asked him out, even though he continually says he only likes her "as a friend".Or he just thought of her because she's his best friend.
More proof he's only attracted to Padma and doesn't actually like her like he does Faye.
I think most of us are forgetting to take into account that he lives with the girl... It's not uncommon for roommates, especially ones that get along as well as Marten and Faye, to have a unique bond that you don't really share with anyone else. Faye would be devastated if she lost Marten, just like Marten would be devastated if he lost Faye, so it's not strange to me that his last words to her would be 'I love you.' (In the platonic sense.)
If anything I think his clarification in the final frame is to let Padma know he's not still pining over Faye, even though Padma doesn't know about all the drama between Marten and Faye. Most of the characters bring it up regularly and Marten is constantly having to fight off accusations that he still wants to be with her.
If Faye dumped Angus and kissed Marten, would he push her away and say "No, I only love you as a friend, don't do that"? He would kiss her back because he loves her, and has only accepted that she doesn't feel the same way. Yes, they are friends but in moments of weakness he is still sad about it and rightfully so.
Last words are normally directed at people you love like your significant other, parents, even a pet, but rarely at a random friend. The fact that Faye's name popped in his head first is telling, and Marten quickly tries to cover up what he said. He's trying to convince everyone, including himself, that he doesn't love her but it's not fooling me. If he could be with anyone, it'd be Faye.
Last words are normally directed at people you love like your significant other, parents, even a pet, but rarely at a random friend.
@Throg - Why would anyone want to limit themselves like that?You don't know much about India, do you? Just Google the word "caste system" and you'll realize the answer.
If Faye dumped Angus and kissed Marten, would he push her away and say "No, I only love you as a friend, don't do that"? He would kiss her back because he loves her, and has only accepted that she doesn't feel the same way. Yes, they are friends but in moments of weakness he is still sad about it and rightfully so.
Just sayin', of course.
Why would that apply to someone like Padma who was almost certainly born in the US?@Throg - Why would anyone want to limit themselves like that?You don't know much about India, do you? Just Google the word "caste system" and you'll realize the answer.
Why would that apply to someone like Padma who was almost certainly born in the US?@Throg - Why would anyone want to limit themselves like that?You don't know much about India, do you? Just Google the word "caste system" and you'll realize the answer.
Don't confuse religion and race when it comes to relationships pls. Many Christians won't date non-Christians either, or even outside their peculiar denomination, but that doesn't preclude them dating people with wildly variant ethno-genetic histories. As long as they have the religion in common. Also the issue of religious conversion exists - it is rather more difficult to engineer a total somatic gene-conversion, much less make it do anything other than cause cancer.Why would that apply to someone like Padma who was almost certainly born in the US?@Throg - Why would anyone want to limit themselves like that?You don't know much about India, do you? Just Google the word "caste system" and you'll realize the answer.
Immigrant communities can be very tight (and demanding). I know it's certainly the case in Britain that many Indians only date/marry other Indians. Admittedly, this tends to be in situations where the community is such that other Indians make up the entirety of their socialising. For an example of how even second or third generations immigrants can behave in these matters, I had it verbatim from a Muslim friend who said she would never "go with" anyone who wasn't Muslim, and though I doubt that would be such an issue for Hindus, religion, tradition and or/culture can play an important part in this. Padma, however, seems very free of that kind of thing, and I really don't think that it is the matter at hand here. It is an interesting thought, though.
Don't confuse religion and race when it comes to relationships pls.
If Faye dumped Angus and kissed Marten, would he push her away and say "No, I only love you as a friend, don't do that"? He would kiss her back because he loves her, and has only accepted that she doesn't feel the same way. Yes, they are friends but in moments of weakness he is still sad about it and rightfully so.
I am still sad about the breakdown of my first marriage (that was a relationship of 23 years, so probably a stronger link than Marten's never-quite-a-relationship with Faye); but if my first wife turned up at the door proclaiming that our separation was all a terrible mistake, I would not, I assure you, fall into her arms. The world has moved on, we have moved on, and it could never be the same again. All the time, everywhere, people change; circumstances change; feelings change - so it seems odd to me that you invest so much in the unchangeability of something that was never even fully formed.
... I am still sad about the breakdown of my first marriage (that was a relationship of 23 years, so probably a stronger link than Marten's never-quite-a-relationship with Faye); but if my first wife turned up at the door proclaiming that our separation was all a terrible mistake, I would not, I assure you, fall into her arms.
If you were really drunk you probably wouldn't try to make out with her either. So there's a difference.
And yes, I know shipmanteaus are verbotten, but dammit, Farten's just too funny not to use.Most people grow out of potty humor somewhere around grade school.
If you were really drunk you probably wouldn't try to make out with her either. So there's a difference.
There is no situation where you can't drag in that comic to prop up your own prejudices, is there?
Heh: why is it so easy to overanalyze QC?
...agreed with Veronica that Farten would have been a terrible couple. It's probably just a blow to the ol' self-esteem.Am I the only one who giggled uncontrollably at this?
If you were really drunk you probably wouldn't try to make out with her either. So there's a difference.
There is no situation where you can't drag in that comic to prop up your own prejudices, is there?
As for Padma, the fact that she wants/is prepared to move across the country would seem to indicate that she has her own ideas on the topic; the sort of tight-knit groups that discourage relationships outside of the group tend to be geographically small and also tend to discourage moving hundreds or thousands of miles away.Well, Padma obviously moved to Northampton before we met her, but her forthcoming move is going back home to her family.
I got into a massive argument with Akima over the whole Indian thing back when Padma first appeared, so I'll strive not to get into it again. For now, speaking from experience, I corroborate the difficulty of outsiders enjoying healthy relationships with members of these groups, as the constant tentacle to pull back those who try to deviate from the accepted can be too much to overcome.It isn't easy to develop good relationships for anyone, in any circumstances, but cross-cultural relationships do add another layer of difficulty to overcome, I think. And in my observation, any "tentacle" pull (tentacle? :roll: ) is at least fully matched by the rejecting "push" from outside "these groups".
"A drunk man's words are a drunk man's thoughts."
"A drunk man's words are a drunk man's thoughts."
Fixed that for you.
Anyway, the forum has discussed it back and forth. We know your opinion (a confusing one from someone who also believes that he is still getting over Dora) and you know ours. But none of it has any bearing on an entirely different comic containing a line which was obviously put there for comedic purposes, and which you've interpreted the way you have because you have brought the "truth" that you took away from a totally different comic to colour your interpretation of this one.
Poor Elliot if he's interestedi in Hannelore.
If we are truly devoted to the Overanalysis Game, then we will note that Marten used the past tense: "I loved her", not "I love her". This is ambiguous but we could take it to mean that he wanted Faye to know of his feelings before he learned that a romantic relationship was impossible and began to accept that emotionally.
No, wait, that doesn't work. If that's what he meant then he wouldn't have seen the need for the "clarification" at the end.
Stoutflies, I give you points for using new comics, but then take them away for rehashing old ones that have been argued over more times than I care to think about. In my mind, both of the new comics regarding Marten and Faye are easily explained, but I can see how they could also point to what you're getting at, so I won't discount that idea. I think that's the closest I'm ever going to get to agreeing with you though, considering history, so take that fwiw.
he's making no effort to break free of the work/coffee/bar cycle other than replacing coffee with pastries.He's restarted, or at least tried to restart the band, in a conscious effort to break out of his rut and pursue what he wants from life. It's possible that he won't follow through, in which case it will be fair to criticize him for not following through, but the effort is there.
also, I think Jeph likes throwing in these details just to see people on the forum go into a tailspin.
Hopefully Marten will spur him into action ...
Gosh, I really just want to give Elliot a hug. What a guy. :(
Are you sure? Given that a Weeping Hour is the opposite of Happy Hour I would guess that the prices on the drinks go up during the Weeping Hour. After all, the weepers will scare away the regulars, and they still need to keep the cash flowing.
(although if you ask me, the saying should go more like "a drunk man's words are a sober man's 'Oh god... why would I say that?!'")Why indeed? Basically, drunks suck.
I wonder if they allow the rending of garments?
I wonder if they allow the rending of garments?
Only if accompanied by the gnashing of teeth.
Sackcloth and ashes are also available if required to replace rent garments.
(although if you ask me, the saying should go more like "a drunk man's words are a sober man's 'Oh god... why would I say that?!'")
About the comic today: I guess we all should have known that Elliott had a soft centre... :D
A guy like that weeping is a very scary sight (you might get drowned) :( Again, time for a talk between men with Marten helping someone get the woman he likes ^^.
Oh man... Elliot. Sack up please.
As an odd question, could Elliot be pining for Hannelore? Ok, maybe a silly question...or maybe not *attempts search fu to find picture with weird smiling Hannelore and the guy she was smiling at* I can't seem to find it right now but perhaps that was Eliot. If so, maybe he was still pining for her and when he saw her in the secret bakery with Marten, and later realizing that she wasn't with Marten, wanted to try to talk to her but wasn't sure what to say without feeling awkward. He mentioned it once or twice and Padma kept reccomending Eliot talk to him, but due to Eliotts tendency to look creepy and the tendency of the rest of the staff to alienate Marten this was rather impractical. Padma set this up in part to give Eliot a chance to talk to MArten about it...
Wait, no, I'm stupid, that wouldn't cause Eliot to cry like that at the mention of Padma. Though it does make me wonder why Eliot was so damned...insistent on dragging Marten off.
I got into a massive argument with Akima over the whole Indian thing back when Padma first appeared, so I'll strive not to get into it again. For now, speaking from experience, I corroborate the difficulty of outsiders enjoying healthy relationships with members of these groups, as the constant tentacle to pull back those who try to deviate from the accepted can be too much to overcome.It isn't easy to develop good relationships for anyone, in any circumstances, but cross-cultural relationships do add another layer of difficulty to overcome, I think. And in my observation, any "tentacle pull" :roll: is at least fully matched by the rejecting "push" from outside "these groups".
As a pretty big guy myself (6'1", 210), I'd like to point out just how much more sad it is to see a big guy cry like that than anyone else.
I seriously think Marten and Faye need to move. There's still a weirdness between them that's just not healthy.
Depends on the cryer.
Some people manage to raise it to a morose art form...
Why yes, I do have daughters...
Heck, Marten himself may decide he doesn't want to stick around, he may end up feeling too much like a third wheel. Which could lead to him getting a new roommate-Marigold...
All I know is that in this situation, I wouldn't say "tell X I love him/her," no matter how close we were, unless there were something between us. The fact that it's the first thing to come to his mind, and he doesn't seem to realize until after just what he's said, is a big red flag.
Possibly "tell her I love her but she needs to cut out the coke."
Elliot sits kind of… short on a barstool. Or else the guy really hunkers.
So... the one who ended up blubbering was Elliott. Not quite what I was expecting, but still hilarious! So we now know Elliott likes Padma. I hereby predict Man Talk where Marten plays the role of moral support, Elliott fesses up, Padma cluelessly thinks it's about something else, and hilarity ensues.as the majority I feel like I don't see it, but it could be some sort of intricate use of smoke and mirrors from my peers. :roll: regardless on how I feel, I do think some minorities celebrate their minority-ness that they separate themselves from the community they are apart of. But thats a topic entirely on its own and not deserving of the comic we are currently tying down this comic and beating the living crap out of it until it answers us instead of being like a Jane Goodall and analyzing it. Perhaps we are over analyzing, like less Jane Goodall and more Christopher Columbus (see Caribs and Arawak) who overgeneralized the people they were studying.
Or more blubbering. Whichever amuses the sadistic audience most.I got into a massive argument with Akima over the whole Indian thing back when Padma first appeared, so I'll strive not to get into it again. For now, speaking from experience, I corroborate the difficulty of outsiders enjoying healthy relationships with members of these groups, as the constant tentacle to pull back those who try to deviate from the accepted can be too much to overcome.It isn't easy to develop good relationships for anyone, in any circumstances, but cross-cultural relationships do add another layer of difficulty to overcome, I think. And in my observation, any "tentacle pull" :roll: is at least fully matched by the rejecting "push" from outside "these groups".
As one minority to another, it is highly possible your observations are at least slightly tainted by your desire for that to be true.
For comic #2022...
3. As for men crying...
- Men don't cry! Men don't blubber! We stand strong! Resolute! Uncaring to anything that may-
- *pat pat pat* Daddy, I brought you a drawing I made of you and me from the time we saved those baby bunnies <3 .
- .... baaaa huh huh huhhh...waaah huh huh uhhh
Now that Momo's bringing in an income, Marigold could afford the rent without another roommate. If she got one, it would be for the company, which is historically not a large motivation for her.
Does anyone else fell that since the "Bros" shirt has been at the bottom of the page that's it's been like an extra panel to every comic? And Works especially well with this one?
I'm not confused. And not every word spoken in QC is character development, either.WHAAAAT
Or is he really in love with Marten, and is bummed to find he's straight? :-o
As one minority to another, it is highly possible your observations are at least slightly tainted by your desire for that to be true.Uh huh...
For now, speaking from experience, I corroborate the difficulty of outsiders enjoying healthy relationships with members of these groups, as the constant tentacle to pull back those who try to deviate from the accepted can be too much to overcome.If a potential boyfriend from outside my ancestral culture used the generally perjorative (unless you're talking about a squid or something) word "tentacle" (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tentacle) to describe its influence over me, I would certainly regard him as rejecting rather than accepting it. As I said, the "push away" is at least as strong as the "pull in".
Elliott will brobably wind up crying in his Beer.
Elliott will brobably wind up crying in his Beer.
Well, surprisingly I did call it.
Ah man, now I feel sorry for Elliot.Err. Only just NOW ? :-o
Looking at Elliot again I almost wonder if what happened was that the anger was building up, as was the frustration, and some part of him wanted to tear Marten apart. But Martens trying to be nice to him, to be easygoing about it, etc. sort of disarmed him and pushed him from anger to despair. The whole 'man up' thing has a point, but also let's not forget how many people might include part of manning up to kick the crap out of Marten, and maybe when Elliot couldn't bring himself to do that he figured he was sunk.I have no idea how you managed to get such a bad opinion of Elliot. He's just a guy who isnt very socially skilled. Of course he was angry at Marten for Marten being interested in Elliots crush, but I dont believe Elliot ever, at any point, actively planned to do anything violent to Marten. That idea was clearly just played purely for laughts. So I believe Elliot simply wanted to have a mantalk about Padma - but then the realization of her leaving really hit him.
I don't actually think that's Wil. I believe we've seen a similar looking bartender prior to Wil getting a job there. Posting this as a placeholder while I do a forum dive (or while someone else does it faster and finds it first ;) ).
EDIT THE FIRST:
Ok, so here's the current strip Strip 2022 (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2022)
And here's a strip where we see Wil in work uniform Strip 1688 (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1688)
I think the cheekbones on the bartender in 2022 are higher and the eyes seem different. They don't look like the same person to me. Going to keep digging and see if I can find the strip I'm actually looking for...
If he does indeed like Padma, then why was he talking about her within earshot when Marten/Hanners first go to the bakery? I'm going to assume Jeph hadn't decided who he would like yet, and chose Padma later on when he knew it would lead to maximum awkwardness.
I don't actually think that's Wil. I believe we've seen a similar looking bartender prior to Wil getting a job there. Posting this as a placeholder while I do a forum dive (or while someone else does it faster and finds it first ;) ).
EDIT THE FIRST:
Ok, so here's the current strip Strip 2022 (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2022)
And here's a strip where we see Wil in work uniform Strip 1688 (http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1688)
I think the cheekbones on the bartender in 2022 are higher and the eyes seem different. They don't look like the same person to me. Going to keep digging and see if I can find the strip I'm actually looking for...
It's him. He's not wearing glasses in 2022. That's why his eyes and cheekbones look different.
If he does indeed like Padma, then why was he talking about her within earshot when Marten/Hanners first go to the bakery? I'm going to assume Jeph hadn't decided who he would like yet, and chose Padma later on when he knew it would lead to maximum awkwardness.
I am guilty of overanalyzing that very point myself, but am gradually realizing the futility of such an exercise. Your theory may be as good as any.
I don't know, if Jeph plans the plot carefully enough for details like that to fit in seamlessly. I don't know, if he should? Probably he has planned the major plot developments several months ahead of time, and leads up to them so that when they happen, they make sense. But when it comes to details, playing by the ear seems to work for him.
If The Secret Bakery is supposed to be the mirror image of Coffee of Doom
Poor Elliot, though. Even his fancy garb is down in the dumps. Look how wrinkled and depressed his tie is. What nice details.
Heh, Will shamelessly exploiting his fellow human's ill luck to his artistical gain :DIt is just as well that Elliot is not like a certain other bowler-hatted young man, or he might relieve his feelings with a horrorshow spot of ultra-violence.
You can't have a guy blubbering away in a bar like that and then have things NOT work out. (Right, Jeph? Eh?)HAHAHAHAHAHA !!!
"If she had feelings for me, she would have acted on them by now"Actually Elliot is a very different person from Padma. I doubt she'd be very subtle if she would be interested in a man.
Yeah, Elliot, because you've set such a stellar example in that regard, haven't you? [...]
"If she had feelings for me, she would have acted on them by now"Actually Elliot is a very different person from Padma. I doubt she'd be very subtle if she would be interested in a man.
Yeah, Elliot, because you've set such a stellar example in that regard, haven't you? [...]
...the other dude whose name I can't recall...
That's not milk-plus he's drinking.Heh, Will shamelessly exploiting his fellow human's ill luck to his artistical gain :DIt is just as well that Elliot is not like a certain other bowler-hatted young man, or he might relieve his feelings with a horrorshow spot of ultra-violence.
That's not milk-plus he's drinking.Heh, Will shamelessly exploiting his fellow human's ill luck to his artistical gain :DIt is just as well that Elliot is not like a certain other bowler-hatted young man, or he might relieve his feelings with a horrorshow spot of ultra-violence.
Looking at Elliot again I almost wonder if what happened was that the anger was building up, as was the frustration, and some part of him wanted to tear Marten apart. But Martens trying to be nice to him, to be easygoing about it, etc. sort of disarmed him and pushed him from anger to despair. The whole 'man up' thing has a point, but also let's not forget how many people might include part of manning up to kick the crap out of Marten, and maybe when Elliot couldn't bring himself to do that he figured he was sunk.I have no idea how you managed to get such a bad opinion of Elliot. He's just a guy who isnt very socially skilled. Of course he was angry at Marten for Marten being interested in Elliots crush, but I dont believe Elliot ever, at any point, actively planned to do anything violent to Marten. That idea was clearly just played purely for laughts. So I believe Elliot simply wanted to have a mantalk about Padma - but then the realization of her leaving really hit him.
Maybe he´s into Beethoven, though ;DThat's not milk-plus he's drinking.Heh, Will shamelessly exploiting his fellow human's ill luck to his artistical gain :DIt is just as well that Elliot is not like a certain other bowler-hatted young man, or he might relieve his feelings with a horrorshow spot of ultra-violence.
I think there's still an outside chance that the big reveal here is going to be about Padma herself
[...]
Guess we'll find out tonight/tomorrow
Marten and Elliot will now engage in an (18)80's montage to work up Elliot's courage to talk to Padma.
One thing about Padma's 'cluelessness' / wilful obliviousness / subtle chain-yanking: in the comic where Marten was being dragged off panel by a grumpy Eliot, she actually did look worried. She knew something was going down.Nope. Even ignoring the fact the whole strip was more played for laughs than anything else, Padma looks rather like puzzled, then like worried.
Marten's wrong because telling her now is just going to be an awkward guilt trip no one needs. He'll have regrets either way, and doesn't need to plant that spectre in her head as well. He should have told her two years ago, but the time for honesty is over.
Weeping hour, fancy clothes provided, and now this. They think of everything in that bar, don't they? I wonder who their know-it-all is, and where he (or she) sits?Elliot sits kind of… short on a barstool. Or else the guy really hunkers.
Perhaps they have a special short barstool for him so he doesn't loom over the rest of the customers.
It is just as well that Elliot is not like a certain other bowler-hatted young man, or he might relieve his feelings with a horrorshow spot of ultra-violence.I thought Alex was cured…
I thought Alex was cured…
Nope, no good will come of Elliot speaking up now. He'll just have to suck it up, let her go, and hopefully learn the life lesson to not wait so damn long to make a move on a woman he finds attractive.
Ah yes, the QC forums. Where one week you can be talking about 2001: A Space Odyssey and the next about A Clockwork Orange.
Marten's willingness to help shows that, once again, he has no real feelings for Padma, nothing like Eliott.
Fortunately Elliot, despite his appearance, seems closer to Hannelore in his temperment. Which is of course half his problem here.
For now, speaking from experience, I corroborate the difficulty of outsiders enjoying healthy relationships with members of these groups, as the constant tentacle to pull back those who try to deviate from the accepted can be too much to overcome.If a potential boyfriend from outside my ancestral culture used the generally perjorative (unless you're talking about a squid or something) word "tentacle" (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tentacle) to describe its influence over me, I would certainly regard him as rejecting rather than accepting it. As I said, the "push away" is at least as strong as the "pull in".
Edit: I was unnecessarily confrontational in tone. Fixed.
Fortunately Elliot, despite his appearance, seems closer to Hannelore in his temperament. Which is of course half his problem here.
Sir, that may actually be the best possible ship that could come of this. Why didn't I [removed by moderator -- forum rules]?
Ah yes, the QC forums. Where one week you can be talking about 2001: A Space Odyssey and the next about A Clockwork Orange.
It's Kubrick all the way down...
Dr. Strangelove?[/i]I'm surprised nobody brought it up when Clinton's hand was a plot point.
Nope, no good will come of Elliot speaking up now. He'll just have to suck it up, let her go, and hopefully learn the life lesson to not wait so damn long to make a move on a woman he finds attractive.
Are we assuming that Padma wasn't in a serious relationship, then when it ended she said "in three months I'm moving to L.A. because I'd like to do something different now". Maybe Elliot never got a chance to do anything, she was with someone and then before you know it she was planning on leaving
Of course, it would be funny to discover that part of the reason Padma is leaving for LA is because she has an arranged marriage waiting for her...
...Naaaahh. That'd be too Bollywood for Jeph.
Marten's willingness to help shows that, once again, he has no real feelings for Padma, nothing like Eliott.
Oooh! I actually agree with that... Marten may have considered her a possibility, but hadn't gotten nearly to the point Elliot's at.
We might have been distracted by Faye's "Addams Family" movie reference in the midst of her Faye-rage.Dr. Strangelove?[/i]I'm surprised nobody brought it up when Clinton's hand was a plot point.
Elliott will brobably wind up crying in his Beer.
Well, surprisingly I did call it.
Yep you did; although honestly, your use of the word* "brobably" makes me want to cry in my beer myself. Ugh.
I'm disappointed that you were right, only because it caused me to have to look at that post again.
* "word" in a very loose sense
Methinks that if he chose to do that, Marten would dissuade him in short order.
Or did it? I mean, yeah, he's got a good friend in Faye, but his relationship with Dora went down in flames (pardon the pun) and now he's oh-fer with Padma.
It'd be troubling if you suddenly were not confrontational.Why thank you!
If your automatic reaction to a choice of words is to put it through a filter about whether or not it's "offensive" rather than "descriptive" or "evocative," you really need to turn off the Politically Correct Decision Matrix.My reaction to writers' choices of words is: "what meaning, emotional tone etc. did they intend to convey?". My reaction to "tentacle" when used as a metaphor for influence is: "this writer regards the influence as malign". The dictionaries I consulted to check my initial reaction back me up on this. Every one, in supplying examples of this kind of use of "tentacle", offered such usages as "the tentacles of organized crime", "the tentacles of corruption", etc. The Oxford American goes so far as to give: "An insidious* spread of influence and control: the Party's tentacles reached into every nook and cranny of people's lives." People are entitled to their opinions, and entitled to express them, but also wholly responsible for what they say, and how they say it. Playing the "political correctness" card is a cop-out.
Equally, though, you don't overcome your fear of falling of the bike by trying to jump on it as it's about to board a plane to the other side of the country.
Dude, did Elliot really expect her to puts the moves on him first?
If she was ever into him in the first place she def stopped being into his pansy ass when he sat back and waited for her to read his mind.
Elliot's an idiot because if he should realize by now that most women aren't going to make the first move, [...]Uh-hu. Also, Padma is exactly the type of woman who would.
Marten's willingness to help shows that, once again, he has no real feelings for Padma, nothing like Elliot.He has been interested in Padma for HOW long ?
Honestly, I think I agree with Elliott to an extent. You can usually tell if someone likes you in that way, unless you're fairly thick. [...]Gaaaa. We talk about PADMA here !
Why would anyone give up a stable job with good income (not to mention options to advance) and a healthy circle of friends indefinitely just for family and taking care of grandma?
Dude, did Elliot really expect her to puts the moves on him first?
If she was ever into him in the first place she def stopped being into his pansy ass when he sat back and waited for her to read his mind.
Neuroses of the Majii?
Whereas I'm sure the place she's going to also has stable jobs with good income and new potential circles of friends.
Family is the number one priority for many people.Quite so. Some of us would feel profoundly shamed if we didn't look after Granny within the family for any but the most serious medical reasons.
[...]
Why would anyone give up a stable job with good income (not to mention options to advance) and a healthy circle of friends indefinitely just for family and taking care of grandma? This smells fishy and I sense there is more to it than has been let on.
Family is the number one priority for many people.Quite so. Some of us would feel profoundly shamed if we didn't look after Granny within the family for any but the most serious medical reasons.
Whereas I'm sure the place she's going to also has stable jobs with good income and new potential circles of friends.
The Porn industry isn't exactly booming right now.......
Poor Elliot. They want you or they don't.Or they want you but don't want you to know that because they think it's complicated and all will end in misery. Or they don't know how much they really do want you until someone else has you, and then it's Too Late until you get dumped, at which time they're in another relationship. Which, if they've since let it drop that they did want you at some point, they now are bent on demonstrating how much better this new hook-up is than yours and theirs could ever have been.
I'm also going to take this chance to say I loathe playing "the game".With WOMEN ?
And yet, we still haven't seen cross-neck guy appear again in the strip.
I'm also going to take this chance to say I loathe playing "the game".
We also don't know exactly how Padma and Elliot get along. It's heavily hinted that he, Padma and Sam have gone on hikes before ("You always name them Bitey." (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2019)) and she invited him (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2013) so they most likely have a friendship outside of work....
I wonder how Momo feels, watching all this and knowing how much her social protocol database could help. The SPDB probably says not to volunteer advice. She waited until Angus was wondering out loud what to do before she offered a suggestion, and that was for someone she knew relatively well.
We also don't know exactly how Padma and Elliot get along. It's heavily hinted that he, Padma and Sam have gone on hikes before ("You always name them Bitey." (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2019)) and she invited him (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2013) so they most likely have a friendship outside of work....
Ug... I just got a sick feeling in my stomach after reading this...
Could it be that Padma brought Marten along knowing it would bother Elliot in an attempt to get him to finally open up? In my experience us guys are pretty bad at hiding our feelings from the one's we're interested in, so Padma probably knows... Maybe she's tired of the charade and wants Elliot to speak up. Since her announcement that she was leaving didn't do it, she's trying one last ditch effort by bringing another guy into the picture.
Long shot, yes, but ridiculously plausible. I hope for Marten's sake this isn't the case = (
New theory:
Cross-neck guy is Pizza Girl!
We also don't know exactly how Padma and Elliot get along. It's heavily hinted that he, Padma and Sam have gone on hikes before ("You always name them Bitey." (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2019)) and she invited him (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2013) so they most likely have a friendship outside of work....
Ug... I just got a sick feeling in my stomach after reading this...
Could it be that Padma brought Marten along knowing it would bother Elliot in an attempt to get him to finally open up? In my experience us guys are pretty bad at hiding our feelings from the one's we're interested in, so Padma probably knows... Maybe she's tired of the charade and wants Elliot to speak up. Since her announcement that she was leaving didn't do it, she's trying one last ditch effort by bringing another guy into the picture.
Long shot, yes, but ridiculously plausible. I hope for Marten's sake this isn't the case = (
Neuroses of the Majii?
I want to write a story now where I can steal this for a title. There's some kind of great story in there somewhere.
In the real world, it is pretty obvious within the first 6 months whether you have a chance or not. ... Girls will rarely say they're not interested, they'll just do what they consider to be nice and avoid the issue. ... (big turnoff, girls like to play "the game"), all he had to do is indirectly check to see if she's interested.
Poor Elliot. They want you or they don't.Or they want you but don't want you to know that because they think it's complicated and all will end in misery. Or they don't know how much they really do want you until someone else has you, and then it's Too Late until you get dumped, at which time they're in another relationship. Which, if they've since let it drop that they did want you at some point, they now are bent on demonstrating how much better this new hook-up is than yours and theirs could ever have been.
There are many, many variations, but these come immediately to mind for some dang reason. Love lives are rarely simple except for people like Pre-Faye Swen.
It'd be troubling if you suddenly were not confrontational.Why thank you!
QuoteIf your automatic reaction to a choice of words is to put it through a filter about whether or not it's "offensive" rather than "descriptive" or "evocative," you really need to turn off the Politically Correct Decision Matrix.My reaction to writers' choices of words is: "what meaning, emotional tone etc. did they intend to convey?". My reaction to "tentacle" when used as a metaphor for influence is: "this writer regards the influence as malign". The dictionaries I consulted to check my initial reaction back me up on this. Every one, in supplying examples of this kind of use of "tentacle", offered such usages as "the tentacles of organized crime", "the tentacles of corruption", etc. The Oxford American goes so far as to give: "An insidious* spread of influence and control: the Party's tentacles reached into every nook and cranny of people's lives." People are entitled to their opinions, and entitled to express them, but also wholly responsible for what they say, and how they say it. Playing the "political correctness" card is a cop-out.
*My emphasis.
I'm also going to take this chance to say I loathe playing "the game".With WOMEN ?
Isnt that kind of ... being a spoilsport ?
(http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/anti_mind_virus.png)
What's the deal with every character from the Secret Bakery being astonishingly boring.
In the real world, it is pretty obvious within the first 6 months whether you have a chance or not. ... Girls will rarely say they're not interested, they'll just do what they consider to be nice and avoid the issue. ... (big turnoff, girls like to play "the game"), all he had to do is indirectly check to see if she's interested.
None of the women I dated in college fit your stereotype. Just thought you should maybe know that not ALL women are manipulative and like to "play the game" or are overtly obvious about their reactions to people they're interested in.
You instantly taking offense over trivialities fits "politically correct" attitudes, so if you dislike the hat, do something about it rather than call it a cop-out.I regard "politically correct" as no more than an insult used in an attempt to delegitimise somebody else's position. In my opinion, it says far more about the people who use it, than those to whom they're attempting to attach the label. Use of the term is very frequently associated, as in this case, with asserting the privilege of deciding what is a "triviality", and feeling entitled to assign other people's concerns to that category. Pained demands to be given the benefit of the doubt, rather than taking responsibility for what is actually said, are another very common feature.
Okay, I'm a bit lost - how does "game playing" fit in with the fact that Padma's clueless and Elliot is Mr. Timid when it comes to romance? I'm getting more of a "two ships passing in the night" vibe than I am that Padma's playing a game.
Okay, I'm a bit lost - how does "game playing" fit in with the fact that Padma's clueless and Elliot is Mr. Timid when it comes to romance? I'm getting more of a "two ships passing in the night" vibe than I am that Padma's playing a game.
I can actually easily imagine him becoming a different person when a friend is physically threatened.
Marten needs more male friends. Basically he's got Steve and Pintsize. Now, a fellow moper may not be what he needs.
Look at it from her point of view. A confident and comfortable stranger walks into her place. He's been through a break up recently, but he's no creep, he's good people. She's feeling despondent because she feels she is obligated to leave and, even though there is a guy there that she knows damned well is into her, she wants to have her last days in this place be memorable. She can't ask the big lug, cause she can't stay, she can't be what he wants her to be even if she wants to. She has obligations. Sure, she could find some creeper, like Steve, but she wants someone who is tender maybe. There he is, Marten. Right there. So, she asks him on a hike, a very personal thing, tells him she's leaving. All the subtext is present, "We ain't got much time hun, let's make memories," she says in not so many words.You put an extremely sensible person in the place where the actual comic shows PADMA who is noticing irrelevant details but missing the big picture all the time.
Sorry to disappoint, but this is no troll.
He's been banned, for a post now removed from sight.
Oh I agree, very nicely done, Marten. A bit of payback for all the ways she's wound you up over the years.
And she's less likely to hit you in retaliation now...
Definitely a good wind-up, but what is interesting is that it worked! Faye wasn't all "Pfft! I've got Angus booty to keep me warm!"It was nice to see she still cares. Even if Angus is fulfilling all her romantic and sexual needs, it's good to see there's still a niche for Marten in her life that she would be sorry to see empty.
Well of course-her relationship with Angus is still relatively new and untested. Her emotional bonds with Marten on the other hand, are well-established, long-standing and deep. Marten has pretty much proven himself as a stalwart friend, Angus has yet to do so on many levels. Of course Faye will react with trepidation at the prospect of her close friend leaving.You would think.
Frakkin godsdamn cutest haircut ever.
And Faye's hair looks nice too.
He's been banned, for a post now removed from sight.
Are we sure Elliot is a bouncer? As far as I can tell, the only reference to it was by Wil in strip 1883, and Wil could have been talking about a different guy names Elliot. I ask because unless Jeph has already said so elsewhere I just don't see Elliot being the sort of person who could handle 'bouncing' people.
What, you can't see him physically escorting one person to another place without violence ensuing? Like we've just seen him do?
While I agree with his take on Marten never taking charge on anything, the wild sex proposition never happened. It'd also make Marten sad and mopey when she left because Marten doesn't run around having guilt-free sex like a douchebag. He would get emotionally attached to her as he should.
Well of course-her relationship with Angus is still relatively new and untested. Her emotional bonds with Marten on the other hand, are well-established, long-standing and deep. Marten has pretty much proven himself as a stalwart friend, Angus has yet to do so on many levels. Of course Faye will react with trepidation at the prospect of her close friend leaving.You would think.
The reality is that she's shown a considerable indifference to Marten lately. Some of that is his own fault, I grant you. I'll even go so far as to say it's natural for a person in the early stages of an intense relationship, but... it has been a bit dissapointing to see the growing distance between Faye and Marten. From that perspective I'm glad to see that she still has the time for him.
You banned him? Now I go back to being the most unliked person on the forum again :(.Hu ?
Well of course-her relationship with Angus is still relatively new and untested. Her emotional bonds with Marten on the other hand, are well-established, long-standing and deep. Marten has pretty much proven himself as a stalwart friend, Angus has yet to do so on many levels. Of course Faye will react with trepidation at the prospect of her close friend leaving.You would think.
The reality is that she's shown a considerable indifference to Marten lately. Some of that is his own fault, I grant you. I'll even go so far as to say it's natural for a person in the early stages of an intense relationship, but... it has been a bit dissapointing to see the growing distance between Faye and Marten. From that perspective I'm glad to see that she still has the time for him.
yay, more Faye and Marten! I've been interested to see where the Marten/Padma thing would go, if anywhere...but most of the people from tSB just didn't hold my interest.I find that I prefer to believe this. :)Well of course-her relationship with Angus is still relatively new and untested. Her emotional bonds with Marten on the other hand, are well-established, long-standing and deep. Marten has pretty much proven himself as a stalwart friend, Angus has yet to do so on many levels. Of course Faye will react with trepidation at the prospect of her close friend leaving.You would think.
The reality is that she's shown a considerable indifference to Marten lately. Some of that is his own fault, I grant you. I'll even go so far as to say it's natural for a person in the early stages of an intense relationship, but... it has been a bit dissapointing to see the growing distance between Faye and Marten. From that perspective I'm glad to see that she still has the time for him.
I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that just because you don't see it, doesn't mean it isn't there. We haven't exactly seen much of them interacting, but we only see a little sliver of what goes on in the QCverse. They've remained close through A LOT of shit, and Marten stayed close to Faye when he was in a relationship and she was not. I find it hard to believe much would change if the roles were simply reversed.
Dude, did Elliot really expect her to puts the moves on him first?
If she was ever into him in the first place she def stopped being into his pansy ass when he sat back and waited for her to read his mind.
We're talking about a comic where Dora went for Marten here.
You instantly taking offense over trivialities fits "politically correct" attitudes, so if you dislike the hat, do something about it rather than call it a cop-out.I regard "politically correct" as no more than an insult used in an attempt to delegitimise somebody else's position. In my opinion, it says far more about the people who use it, than those to whom they're attempting to attach the label. Use of the term is very frequently associated, as in this case, with asserting the privilege of deciding what is a "triviality", and feeling entitled to assign other people's concerns to that category. Pained demands to be given the benefit of the doubt, rather than taking responsibility for what is actually said, are another very common feature.
You banned him? Now I go back to being the most unliked person on the forum again :(.Hu ?
I'm fairly sure thats me.
Not that I would want to start a competition, or anything. You can totally have the title if you want to.
To hear my thoughts on the subject I direct you to 0:09 - 0:13 of this video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmMyqgtGQ4M&feature=related).
3. I laughed at punchline panel #5, both from the way Marten has flustered Faye and how Faye has dropped her contractions to signify she is flustered. And Marten does have a good point... :-D
If a live action QC went into production right now I'd say it's all but a given Michael Cera would be cast as Marten. Awkward protanganist is pretty much his market niche these days. He should probably do an action adventure film or something else against type.
Paranoid, yes, we have been jumping to conclusions about Elliot. It's never been stated that he's the same Elliot who bounces at the Horrible Revelation. If he isn't, then there are two large people named Elliot running around town, which is entirely possible.
Pintsize would either be voiced by Billy West or by someone seemingly being cast against type. "Haha, the dad from Full House plays a little robot who swears a lot."(Bob Saget's stand up work isn't exactly clean from what I've heard, but most people don't know that.)
Dr. Strangelove?[/i]I'm surprised nobody brought it up when Clinton's hand was a plot point.
Is Mr. Jacques contemplating a spinoff comic? ;)
My appy-polly-loggies,Dr. Strangelove?[/i]I'm surprised nobody brought it up when Clinton's hand was a plot point.
OK, I know this is late, but...
Three (http://forums.questionablecontent.net/index.php/topic,26592.msg1029224.html#msg1029224). Fucking (http://forums.questionablecontent.net/index.php/topic,24620.msg1034290.html#msg1034290). Times (http://forums.questionablecontent.net/index.php/topic,26647.msg1033711.html#msg1033711). I even linked the scene!
GodDAMNed kids nowadays, don't listen to their elders, don't even CLICK the goddamned links...
[sigh]
OK, I know this is late, but...
Three (http://forums.questionablecontent.net/index.php/topic,26592.msg1029224.html#msg1029224). Fucking (http://forums.questionablecontent.net/index.php/topic,24620.msg1034290.html#msg1034290). Times (http://forums.questionablecontent.net/index.php/topic,26647.msg1033711.html#msg1033711). I even linked the scene!
Indeed.Dr. Strangelove?[/i]I'm surprised nobody brought it up when Clinton's hand was a plot point.
OK, I know this is late, but...
Three (http://forums.questionablecontent.net/index.php/topic,26592.msg1029224.html#msg1029224). Fucking (http://forums.questionablecontent.net/index.php/topic,24620.msg1034290.html#msg1034290). Times (http://forums.questionablecontent.net/index.php/topic,26647.msg1033711.html#msg1033711). I even linked the scene!
GodDAMNed kids nowadays, don't listen to their elders, don't even CLICK the goddamned links...
[sigh]
As for the couch ... mebbe Faye got tired of trying to move it up/down (the forum never settled that) the stairs for Dora?Well, Dora has moved out of the building to another town, so I guess it would have to be down now. Maybe it's too big to fit in Dora's new place?
Indeed.uuuggghhhhhhhhhhhh...
Glad to see Faye get some payback for that butt crack she made.
He would get emotionally attached to her as he should.
I don't think this is indifference, I think it's pretty normal relationship dynamics.
Dude, did Elliot really expect her to puts the moves on him first?
If she was ever into him in the first place she def stopped being into his pansy ass when he sat back and waited for her to read his mind.
We're talking about a comic where Dora went for Marten here.
yeah, and see how well that worked out? If a dude doesn't put the moves on you first hesjustnotthatintoyou.
It is not always puns.Indeed.uuuggghhhhhhhhhhhh...
Glad to see Faye get some payback for that butt crack she made.
Puns. It's always puns.
I would argue that Marten WAS that into Dora, it's just Dora went completely off the reservation. Couldn't deal with the shit from her past and it blew up in her face. I have a hard time putting that on Marten.Yes. This is why I hear a strange grinding noise whenever I see Dora whining about Marten's lack of direction, etc. I think it's my teeth. The idea that Marten was ever 'settling' for Dora was pretty much a product of her underwhelming regard for herself as a romantic interest. The truth is that she'd have been a whole lot happier had Marten been less into her. They might even still be together, except, you know, Marten would've dumped Dora because he wasn't that into her. If that sounds crazy, well…
Looks like Faye wants to keep Marten.
Happy weekend everybody !
I was wondering how long it would be before the Farten 'shipping began.
BTW, y'all are wrong about who gets to decide what is a troll. "Troll" does not mean "person with unpopular, ill-devised opinion"; it means "person who posts inflammatory opinion with the intent of provoking a negative response". As direct intent is required, only a poster can decide whether or not he is trolling - though of course he can lie about his motive later.
**** WTF is going on with the footnotes?
It's also possible that the brown piece of furniture isn't a couch; it might be a recliner or a loveseat (two-person couch).
** Well, anyone can "decide". I decided the poster was a troll, for example; but my decision meant diddly-squat.
Sometimes it is about nuns. With guns.Fixed, for the Emperor!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/Mr_Rose/Public/dxffid.jpg)
Yes. This is why I hear a strange grinding noise whenever I see Dora whining about Marten's lack of direction, etc. I think it's my teeth. The idea that Marten was ever 'settling' for Dora was pretty much a product of her underwhelming regard for herself as a romantic interest. The truth is that she'd have been a whole lot happier had Marten been less into her. They might even still be together, except, you know, Marten would've dumped Dora because he wasn't that into her. If that sounds crazy, well…
He [...] never went out of his way to show how special she was,
Or will the nuns from the suns with guns of fun put our buns on the run because of puns?** Well, anyone can "decide". I decided the poster was a troll, for example; but my decision meant diddly-squat.
Well, you can choose to regard a poster as a troller and not engage him/her/it ... Which I've found conducive to my sanity on this and other forums. No need to bring a bag of troll food.
Also, will the nuns with guns be after our buns because of puns?
Don't forget the Huns.
If a German convent issues tasers to the sisters for self-defense, would they be Hun nuns with stun guns?Well, in this case, you'd better run...
On the run from one ton nuns with stun guns who shun our fun puns about hun buns...
On the run from one ton nuns with stun guns who shun our fun puns about hun buns...
FTFY
And here I thought someone would decipher my plea for help, not run u-muck.
Insensitive bustards.
Yes. This is why I hear a strange grinding noise whenever I see Dora whining about Marten's lack of direction, etc. I think it's my teeth. The idea that Marten was ever 'settling' for Dora was pretty much a product of her underwhelming regard for herself as a romantic interest. The truth is that she'd have been a whole lot happier had Marten been less into her. They might even still be together, except, you know, Marten would've dumped Dora because he wasn't that into her. If that sounds crazy, well…
Just wondering, who would be ok with their significant other still living with the person they were in love with, and being opposed to moving out?
The fact it lasted as long as it did is a testament to Dora's patience. He didn't want to move out, never went out of his way to show how special she was, etc. It was just "Ho hum, I'm in a relationship but don't want my life to change at all". Past issues or not, it would be a tough situation for any girl to swallow.
Are you sure it isn't an erosseat?It's also possible that the brown piece of furniture isn't a couch; it might be a recliner or a loveseat (two-person couch).
*agapeseat
Are you sure it isn't an erosseat?It's also possible that the brown piece of furniture isn't a couch; it might be a recliner or a loveseat (two-person couch).
*agapeseat
Well, you can always flip the cushions over (http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1610)...
Robotics and The Three Laws in the QC universe
If Marten was truly in danger of harm when Elliot hauled him off, then does this illustrate the lack of the 3 Laws in QC robotics, given Momo's inaction at the time?
Or did Momo sense no actual threat of harm, and thus was not compelled into action?