Topic: WCDT: 2196-2200 (28 May - 1 Jun 2012) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread (Read 39941 times)

~~cesariojpn~~ · « **Reply #50 on:** 30 May 2012, 00:22 »

I don't like how Steampunk has mutated into the subculture of today. Alot of it is all show and don't offer any realistic "What ifs....?" Plus I got irked at one Steampunker who called herself a "Clockwork Android." I was close to smacking her and say "It's Clockwork AUTOMATON you vile wench."

snubnose · « **Reply #51 on:** 30 May 2012, 00:25 »

So ... whats Steampunk ?

Skewbrow · « **Reply #52 on:** 30 May 2012, 00:42 »

And we're witnessing a generation gap. Anyone (ok, close to anyone) under 25 (?), when facing a term they are not familiar with, would simply google for it. Whereas us of the old school...

Hennerson · « **Reply #53 on:** 30 May 2012, 01:00 »

I know the answer to this...

Before everything became 'Steampunk' the fashion was 'Vampire' but the Vampire aesthetic has always been very slim and very pale which pretty much rules out 95% of the population...

With Steampunk you get to wear all the spiffy Gothic gear your heart could desire while at the same time allowing you to eat what and go out in the sunshine without stretching the bounds of plausibility (and black spandex) beyond breaking (cf: Elves in LARP) .

Essentially it's Vampire for fat people...

Dr. ROFLPWN · « **Reply #54 on:** 30 May 2012, 01:02 »

I fucking love Mr. Farmer. He's the best there is.

pwhodges · « **Reply #55 on:** 30 May 2012, 01:08 »

Quote from: Skewbrow on 30 May 2012, 00:42

Whereas us of the old school...

Pah! I google incessantly, using my iPhone if I'm not at a computer. As your memory gets more... senior, it becomes an increasingly useful tool, quite apart from it's utility in any case.

TinPenguin · « **Reply #56 on:** 30 May 2012, 01:27 »

Last panel is another great example of Jeph using hair to show surprise/confusion.

Skewbrow · « **Reply #57 on:** 30 May 2012, 01:49 »

Quote from: pwhodges on 30 May 2012, 01:08

Quote from: Skewbrow on 30 May 2012, 00:42
Whereas us of the old school...

Pah! I google incessantly, using my iPhone if I'm not at a computer. As your memory gets more... senior, it becomes an increasingly useful tool, quite apart from it's utility in any case.

Paul, you are either young at heart, open to new uses of technology, or both.

Googling something up instead of relying on my once formidable power of recollection just makes me sad. May be I get used to it one of these days? The feeling is not so strong, when I'm looking up something I never had any need to learn, but using it to refresh a memory feels awful. And the fact that for many it is the default way of learning a bit of trivia makes me shake my head.

Mr Farmer OTOH probably never uses google search. He apparently defaults to asking his daughter, when he thinks she would know.

pwhodges · « **Reply #58 on:** 30 May 2012, 02:01 »

Quote from: pwhodges on 30 May 2012, 01:08

As your memory gets more... senior, it becomes an increasingly useful tool, quite apart from it's utility in any case.

"it's" - oops, another senior moment...

Quote from: Skewbrow on 30 May 2012, 01:49

Paul, you are either young at heart, open to new uses of technology, or both.

I've been using and programming computers since 1966 (I used one as a student to help with analysis of my engineering practicals), went into the business in 1971, and was an early adopter of the Internet (before the web started to become mainstream with the introduction of Netscape). I actually get a bit irritated by people who whine about computers as if they're something new and mysterious.

Quote from: Skewbrow on 30 May 2012, 01:49

Googling something up instead of relying on my once formidable power of recollection just makes me sad.

Are you also sad that people spend more time taking photos of places on holiday than absorbing enough of their essence to remember for real? I am, actually, even though I'm also an avid photographer.

Boomslang · « **Reply #59 on:** 30 May 2012, 02:19 »

Quote from: pwhodges on 30 May 2012, 02:01

I actually get a bit irritated by people who whine about computers as if they're something new and mysterious.

I get the impression it's more that they were ignoring it all in the hopes it was a passing fad and would just go away, and now they're confronted by the fact that they were completely wrong, should have admitted to being wrong years earlier, and now they have to spend additional years learning how everything works because that knowledge is no longer optional.

I boggle at the though of what things I will later regret not getting into when they were still hobbies and not a requirement for employment.

TinPenguin · « **Reply #60 on:** 30 May 2012, 02:25 »

Quote from: pwhodges on 30 May 2012, 02:01

Are you also sad that people spend more time taking photos of places on holiday than absorbing enough of their essence to remember for real? I am, actually, even though I'm also an avid photographer.

For this reason, I've taken to often leaving my camera at home. Walking around loaded with electronics can be a ball and chain at times.

Akima · « **Reply #61 on:** 30 May 2012, 02:40 »

Why did Mari-Dad need to know so desperately? Had an underling ordered a thousand pairs of high-button boots or something? Or has he been hacked by the Red Chinese?!

Skewbrow · « **Reply #62 on:** 30 May 2012, 02:56 »

Here is the problem I have with on-line encyclopedias. It hurts my pride/vanity/whatnot to be out-trivia'ed with bits of information by somebody, who doesn't necessarily have a clue. It is definitely my personal shortcoming, and the way to grow out of it is to become more adept at it myself. I guess it is obvious that I'm not there yet.

Edit: I knew that Paul's remark was not directed at me (sorry, the earlier version of this post was really badly phrased in that respect) . But may be I am "whining about computers" to some extent. The constant need to (unnecessarily) upgrade is getting to me. But for one times sake I refrain from starting yet another rant. Back to normal...

Yes, Jeph's ability to express emotions with a few lines of hair, eyes, eyebrows and such never ceases to amaze me.

pwhodges · « **Reply #63 on:** 30 May 2012, 03:09 »

That wasn't aimed at you! It was a comment on some of those I encounter (especially those who use them routinely at work, in fact!).

Stoutfellow · « **Reply #64 on:** 30 May 2012, 04:43 »

Me, I'm trying to figure out whose hat that is.

Soulsynger · « **Reply #65 on:** 30 May 2012, 04:53 »

I'd guess its Angus', though we've never seen him wear it. ...

Bachi-Atari · « **Reply #66 on:** 30 May 2012, 05:09 »

Well. Think we've learned where some of Mari-Gold's anxiety comes from.

techkid · « **Reply #67 on:** 30 May 2012, 05:13 »

Still, I'd hate to see his reaction if he were to ask about all this "yaoi" business...

Delator · « **Reply #68 on:** 30 May 2012, 05:24 »

I am absolutely buying one of those shirts.

jwhouk · « **Reply #69 on:** 30 May 2012, 06:19 »

Quote from: snubnose on 30 May 2012, 00:25

So ... whats Steampunk ?

Start here. (It is a LONG archive crawl, but it's worth it - trust me.)

Carl-E · « **Reply #70 on:** 30 May 2012, 06:35 »

Quote from: Skewbrow on 30 May 2012, 02:56

Here is the problem I have with on-line encyclopedias.

I have different issues, both nicely expressed in old xkc comics as well, if I can find them. One is the reinforced circle of rumors issue, the other is the eternally unanswered question.

Now, to find the other link...

cesium133 · « **Reply #71 on:** 30 May 2012, 07:07 »

Steven Chu invented the Scroll Lock key.

Carl-E · « **Reply #72 on:** 30 May 2012, 07:22 »

Thank you.

snubnose · « **Reply #73 on:** 30 May 2012, 07:49 »

Quote from: jwhouk on 30 May 2012, 06:19

Quote from: snubnose on 30 May 2012, 00:25
So ... whats Steampunk ?

Start here. (It is a LONG archive crawl, but it's worth it - trust me.)

Um, I was joking. Of course I know what Steampunk is. And I'm reading Girl Genius since years.

Is it cold in here? · « **Reply #74 on:** 30 May 2012, 07:52 »

Is Mr. Farmer is just so tightly wound that he's like that about everything?

I took to the Google/Wikipedia world as if I'd been waiting for it all my life (I was).

sitnspin · « **Reply #75 on:** 30 May 2012, 08:19 »

Quote from: Is it cold in here? on 30 May 2012, 07:52

Is Mr. Farmer is just so tightly wound that he's like that about everything?

If that was the case, you would think she would have reacted with a bit more aplomb.

Throg · « **Reply #76 on:** 30 May 2012, 08:51 »

Quote from: techkid on 30 May 2012, 05:13

Still, I'd hate to see his reaction if he were to ask about all this "yaoi" business...

"Yaoi. Explain it."
...
"GOD DAMN IT. God damn it, god damn it, god damn it..."

Near Lurker · « **Reply #77 on:** 30 May 2012, 09:19 »

Quote from: Skewbrow on 30 May 2012, 02:56

Here is the problem I have with on-line encyclopedias. It hurts my pride/vanity/whatnot to be out-trivia'ed with bits of information by somebody, who doesn't necessarily have a clue. It is definitely my personal shortcoming, and the way to grow out of it is to become more adept at it myself. I guess it is obvious that I'm not there yet.

The problem I have is that the alt-text led me to try it out on "leap second"...

Leap second -> Second -> International System of Units -> Metric system -> Decimal -> Numeral system -> Writing system -> Symbolic system -> Anthropology -> Humanities -> List of academic disciplines -> Academic discipline -> Knowledge -> Fact -> Experience -> Concept -> Philosophy.

...goddammit.

(...redirect to "Damnation" -> Divine judgment -> God -> Deity -> Nature -> Phenomenon -> Experience GODDAMMIT!)

Method of Madness · « **Reply #78 on:** 30 May 2012, 09:35 »

Reminds me of the Wiki Game.

Blood-Tree · « **Reply #79 on:** 30 May 2012, 10:22 »

So... is Jeph introducing all the cast's parents now?

What will happen when he runs out of Moms and Dads? Will there be Uncles and Aunts? Will there be cousins?

Will there be Grandparents?!

Where will this madness end!

Throg · « **Reply #80 on:** 30 May 2012, 11:04 »

from your avatar, with HannerZalgo.

cesium133 · « **Reply #81 on:** 30 May 2012, 11:12 »

The Zombie Apocalypse occurs and we get to meet Faye's dad...

Blackjoker · « **Reply #82 on:** 30 May 2012, 12:15 »

Quote from: cesariojpn on 30 May 2012, 00:22

I don't like how Steampunk has mutated into the subculture of today. Alot of it is all show and don't offer any realistic "What ifs....?" Plus I got irked at one Steampunker who called herself a "Clockwork Android." I was close to smacking her and say "It's Clockwork AUTOMATON you vile wench."

I think part of it is this, I remember reading the idea that steampunk, especially victorian style is partially a kind of nostalgia for times past which might explain why it seems so popular now. Then again part of me thinks its popularity might also be from all the tabletop games that are using it in various elements.

Kaa · « **Reply #83 on:** 30 May 2012, 12:40 »

At Dragon*Con last year, the question "What Is Steampunk?" was answered thusly:

Steampunk is what happens when goths discover brown.

I forget who said it, but it seems fairly accurate.

Method of Madness · « **Reply #84 on:** 30 May 2012, 14:09 »

Quote from: cesium133 on 30 May 2012, 11:12

The Zombie Apocalypse occurs and we get to meet Faye's dad...

Nope, he shot himself in the head, he'll never be a zombie.

Hennerson · « **Reply #85 on:** 30 May 2012, 14:29 »

Quote from: Blackjoker on 30 May 2012, 12:15

I think part of it is this, I remember reading the idea that steampunk, especially victorian style is partially a kind of nostalgia for times past which might explain why it seems so popular now. Then again part of me thinks its popularity might also be from all the tabletop games that are using it in various elements.

The first game I remember that could be 'Steampunk' was called Space 1889 by Frank Chadwick of GDW published in 1988 (which makes me feel very old)...

It was one of the most innovative settings I've ever seen in an RPG (although the mechanics were a little clunky) combining the writings of Edgar Rice Burroughs (along with a hint of Bradbury's Martian Chronicles) and a good dollop of real world colonial history. Apparently it's experiencing a bit of a renaissance which pleases me because it was such a different game.

I'd recommend Space 1889 to anybody looking for something a bit unusual.

cesium133 · « **Reply #86 on:** 30 May 2012, 15:59 »

Quote from: Method of Madness on 30 May 2012, 14:09

Quote from: cesium133 on 30 May 2012, 11:12
The Zombie Apocalypse occurs and we get to meet Faye's dad...
Nope, he shot himself in the head, he'll never be a zombie.

Yeah, that's a good point. No zombie-Faye's-dad, then.

~~mustang6172~~ · « **Reply #87 on:** 30 May 2012, 18:12 »

I like Marigold's t-shirt. Let's make that happen.

Quote from: techkid on 30 May 2012, 05:13

Still, I'd hate to see his reaction if he were to ask about all this "yaoi" business...

Wait, is "yaoi" a thing now?

St.Clair · « **Reply #88 on:** 30 May 2012, 18:42 »

My guess is that Mr. Farmer just now heard about this thing through some side channel, and is ticked off because either:
He had the idea years ago, but never did anything with it, and now it's this whole thing, a genre and/or fannish industry, and he's not getting any fame or money off of it;
or
Something has come along that he never imagined but which fits his interests perfectly, and now he "has to" drop everything and spend hundreds of dollars and/or hours getting up to speed in his new life-consuming hobby.

jwhouk · « **Reply #89 on:** 30 May 2012, 18:53 »

Or, of course, the answer is 3.) We never will find out.

jwhouk · « **Reply #90 on:** 30 May 2012, 18:54 »

Great, Jeph's out of the country again. NOW what are we gonna get?

French-Canadian Guest Strips. 3 (6.8%)
Guest strips that involve rioting after a hockey game. (Yeah, Vancouver, I went there.) 1 (2.3%)
Isn't that what they call "Socialized Medicine"? 0 (0%)
Yelling Bird FINALLY takes over the strip. 7 (15.9%)
Little HAAAATTS! YESSSSSSSS 4 (9.1%)
Space Ham! 0 (0%)
Er, Waffles? 0 (0%)
Okay, I'm meme'd out. 7 (15.9%)
Sven runs into a girl who has ABSOLUTELY NO INTEREST in him. (Cue the redhead) 9 (20.5%)
Dora has control issues. 1 (2.3%)
Weird stuff happens. It always does, of course. 8 (18.2%)
Something else entirely, of course. 4 (9.1%)

Total Members Voted: 44

iduguphergrave · « **Reply #91 on:** 30 May 2012, 20:15 »

RE: Poll: I'm assuming Cosettes dad became and EMT out of necessity when they couldn't afford any more ambulance trips.

~~mustang6172~~ · « **Reply #92 on:** 30 May 2012, 20:20 »

Quote from: BoDJangles on 30 May 2012, 18:21

Quote from: mustang6172 on 30 May 2012, 18:12
Wait, is "yaoi" a thing now?
Since at least when I was in high school... damn, six years ago already. Ladies like to watch cute scrawny boys make out, apparently. Who woulda thunk it.

I've been out of high school for eight years. That must be the difference.

jwhouk · « **Reply #93 on:** 30 May 2012, 20:22 »

Quote from: iduguphergrave on 30 May 2012, 20:15

RE: Poll: I'm assuming Cosettes dad became and EMT out of necessity when they couldn't afford any more ambulance trips.

No, he already was an EMT before she was born.

~~cesariojpn~~ · « **Reply #94 on:** 30 May 2012, 20:38 »

Quote from: Blackjoker on 30 May 2012, 12:15

Quote from: cesariojpn on 30 May 2012, 00:22
I don't like how Steampunk has mutated into the subculture of today. Alot of it is all show and don't offer any realistic "What ifs....?" Plus I got irked at one Steampunker who called herself a "Clockwork Android." I was close to smacking her and say "It's Clockwork AUTOMATON you vile wench."

I think part of it is this, I remember reading the idea that steampunk, especially victorian style is partially a kind of nostalgia for times past which might explain why it seems so popular now. Then again part of me thinks its popularity might also be from all the tabletop games that are using it in various elements.

Then explain to me the random sticking of gears on items in a non-functional form? I once saw Steampunk Gear Pasties on one cosplayer, and the amount of NERDRAGE I had to quell......

cesium133 · « **Reply #95 on:** 30 May 2012, 20:47 »

Okay, I definitely should find a more productive thing to do on a Wednesday night, but here ya go (though I'm not gonna do more than one verse of it, and I sort of got lazy toward the end of that verse...) Plus I've never actually played any PS3 games, so I selected one from the Wikipedia article based on how many syllables were in the name...

"All my vices are devices"(to the tune of "All My Exes Live in Texas")

(click to show/hide)

Omega Entity · « **Reply #96 on:** 30 May 2012, 22:38 »

Quote from: mustang6172 on 30 May 2012, 20:20

Quote from: BoDJangles on 30 May 2012, 18:21
Quote from: mustang6172 on 30 May 2012, 18:12
Wait, is "yaoi" a thing now?
Since at least when I was in high school... damn, six years ago already. Ladies like to watch cute scrawny boys make out, apparently. Who woulda thunk it.

I've been out of high school for eight years. That must be the difference.

Been out for something like 11 years, but my best friend of the time was into it before then, I think, and she was a grade behind me.

celticgeek · « **Reply #97 on:** 30 May 2012, 22:40 »

Apparently the baristas have taken to tasting the coffee in front of the customers to prove that the drinks are not poisoned?

DSL · « **Reply #98 on:** 30 May 2012, 22:51 »

Probably unconscious/uncaring on Faye's part. The customer's reaction is one of two background things I like about this comic. The other is that, apropos of Dora's accusation, the baked-goods case is empty.

~~cesariojpn~~ · « **Reply #99 on:** 30 May 2012, 23:11 »

Quote from: celticgeek on 30 May 2012, 22:40

Apparently the baristas have taken to tasting the coffee in front of the customers to prove that the drinks are not poisoned?

Momo set the precedent.

THESE FORUMS NOW CLOSED (read only)

Poll

MOTY MOTY, MOTY, can't you see? Sometimes your polls just hypnotize me...

Author Topic: WCDT: 2196-2200 (28 May - 1 Jun 2012) Weekly Comic Discussion Thread (Read 39941 times)