Seriously. I had to look up existing examples of motte and bailey for my final and I'm like, "Goddamn, America is ugly. Even when we try to be pretty, we're ugly."
Although seeing the stonework on a lot of the medieval castles always makes me think of the Newport Tower.
.....JESUS. EVEN CORNWALL AND WALES ARE PRETTY.
:lulz: England is picturesque. However, living surrounded by thousands of miles of the most awe-inspiring natural beauty in the world kinda means that when you say "America is ugly" I go :?
Cornwall isn't pretty. You're looking at a cardboard facade.
We have our nice areas, but it just doesn't seem to be the same...Maybe it's the romance of the history involving the landscapes of England (or the Old World as a whole), rather than what we have here.
We don't HAVE the ancient structures. We have rich people who build themselves castles, but is it really the same? No. Often they have a fucking Wal-Mart within a few miles of it.
Technically, we have "Smith's Castle" in Rhode Island, which looks like this.
(http://www.smithscastle.org/about_castle/images/about_castle.jpg)
(http://historicwickford.org/picts/smithscastle.jpg)
It's a pretty house, though. Right on the lake where the Great Swamp Fight occurred.
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on December 09, 2010, 05:17:05 PM
Cornwall isn't pretty. You're looking at a cardboard facade.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MnKHPQ9i-10/TFAmi_kN-pI/AAAAAAAADIg/aFJVnVCSpMo/s1600/cornwall+vinat+beach21t_470x350.jpg)
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KNwSiQHfOQs/SIgUU1hUoZI/AAAAAAAAClM/yzOAsE5NPvU/s400/cornwall+photo.jpg)
(http://imagecache6.allposters.com/LRG/21/2177/1IUCD00Z.jpg)
??
Moss Side isn't that pretty.
In fact, there are vast swathes of the country which are deprecated, concrete, wire fence, rubbish strewn wastelands. Lots of them up north and in Scotland.
It's just our Tourism Board is that good.
Quote from: Cain on December 09, 2010, 05:21:48 PM
Moss Side isn't that pretty.
In fact, there are vast swathes of the country which are deprecated, concrete, wire fence, rubbish strewn wastelands. Lots of them up north and in Scotland.
It's just our Tourism Board is that good.
Nothing in Manchester is nice. It's like the equivalent to Detroit.
Damn, even your tenement housing is picturesque. :(
See, all I have to do is go outside, and I see:
(http://oregonstate.edu/admissions/international/slideshow/slidephotos/Mt.Hood.jpg)
(http://www.cnrep.org/Images/page_images/columbia_river.jpg)
(http://www.portlandart.net/archives/St_Johns_Bridge.jpg)
(http://www.portlandground.com/sauvieisland/2005-09-11-SauvieHike0085.jpg)
(http://pauldeanno.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/mt_st_helens.jpg)
So I mean, I kinda see your point about the cute ruins.
I need to go to Portland sometime
Are you technically closer to Mt. Hood or Mt. St. Helen's?
I know neither of them are actually "close" but they're so huge both are visible.
I go outside and see this.
(http://www.shearersoftware.com/personal/pictures/2003/08/city/IMG_0524-md.JPG)
(http://philipmarshall.net/providence/Images/RI_Pvd_Shepards_1_6.jpg) (Literally, that's my work/school building)
(http://scenteddemented.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/photo15-450x337.jpg) (Historic landmark)
(http://www.projo.com/ri/providence/content/L_IMAGE.11fd101b4ff.93.88.fa.d0.635485bc.jpg) (That's a job fair at the Foxy Lady, another historic landmark strip club. Yes, I said job fair.)
For the record, I find Suu's pics just as pretty as Nigel's.
Quote from: Hoopla on December 09, 2010, 05:40:54 PM
For the record, I find Suu's pics just as pretty as Nigel's.
YOU'RE IN CANADA. YOUR ARGUMENT IS INVALID.
It's not that there's more beauty. There's beauty just about everywhere. Some places just have more /cathexis/, which means the beauty is not only easier to find but it's been built up over many many years by human thought and action.
Old Flame took me here on a date
(http://www.karpel.org/Ron/ImageFull/20031028_04_NaturalBridges.jpg)
And this is where I love to go to for my birthday everywhere
(http://aminus3.s3.amazonaws.com/image/g0013/u00012189/i00531961/4ff0c6d6986fb43dc7bfadaa3e0969fd_large.jpg)
(http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/b/3/2/highres_10303826.jpeg)
(http://www.bahiker.com/pictures/southbay/henrycowell/websize/004trail.jpg)
(http://www.mission-inn.com/images/henrycowell1.jpg)
I do love England though. I'd much rather live there. Though having a flat there, and a townhouse here wouldn't be so bad either! :wink: (not that I can afford that)
Quote from: Sir Squid Diddimus on December 09, 2010, 05:34:02 PM
I need to go to Portland sometime
Oh shit yes! Summers here are glorious. The other ten months look like this:
(http://www.geekus.org/photoblog/images/rainyPortland.jpg)
Quote from: Nigel on December 09, 2010, 05:44:46 PM
Quote from: Sir Squid Diddimus on December 09, 2010, 05:34:02 PM
I need to go to Portland sometime
Oh shit yes! Summers here are glorious. The other ten months look like this:
(http://www.geekus.org/photoblog/images/rainyPortland.jpg)
That looks like our winters here.
(http://www.beloblog.com/ProJo_Blogs/newsblog/Rain%20KB.JPG)
Quote from: Suu on December 09, 2010, 05:38:04 PM
Are you technically closer to Mt. Hood or Mt. St. Helen's?
I know neither of them are actually "close" but they're so huge both are visible.
I go outside and see this.
(http://www.shearersoftware.com/personal/pictures/2003/08/city/IMG_0524-md.JPG)
(http://philipmarshall.net/providence/Images/RI_Pvd_Shepards_1_6.jpg) (Literally, that's my work/school building)
(http://scenteddemented.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/photo15-450x337.jpg) (Historic landmark)
(http://www.projo.com/ri/providence/content/L_IMAGE.11fd101b4ff.93.88.fa.d0.635485bc.jpg) (That's a job fair at the Foxy Lady, another historic landmark strip club. Yes, I said job fair.)
Mt Hood is about an hour, Mt St Helen about an hour and a half, and Mt Adams is about two hours. FWIW I think those pics of Providence are very pretty!
Quote from: Suu on December 09, 2010, 05:46:53 PM
Quote from: Nigel on December 09, 2010, 05:44:46 PM
Quote from: Sir Squid Diddimus on December 09, 2010, 05:34:02 PM
I need to go to Portland sometime
Oh shit yes! Summers here are glorious. The other ten months look like this:
(http://www.geekus.org/photoblog/images/rainyPortland.jpg)
That looks like our winters here.
(http://www.beloblog.com/ProJo_Blogs/newsblog/Rain%20KB.JPG)
Yeah, pretty much! Cold. Rainy. Everybody stays home.
Quote from: Suu on December 09, 2010, 05:41:48 PM
Quote from: Hoopla on December 09, 2010, 05:40:54 PM
For the record, I find Suu's pics just as pretty as Nigel's.
YOU'RE IN CANADA. YOUR ARGUMENT IS INVALID.
I doubt what I typed counts as any sort of argument. I do happen to find prettiness pretty much everywhere though... hell, I even liked the New Jersey Turnpike.
Quote from: SARAH PALIN on December 09, 2010, 05:44:12 PM
Old Flame took me here on a date
(http://www.karpel.org/Ron/ImageFull/20031028_04_NaturalBridges.jpg)
And this is where I love to go to for my birthday everywhere
(http://aminus3.s3.amazonaws.com/image/g0013/u00012189/i00531961/4ff0c6d6986fb43dc7bfadaa3e0969fd_large.jpg)
(http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/b/3/2/highres_10303826.jpeg)
(http://www.bahiker.com/pictures/southbay/henrycowell/websize/004trail.jpg)
(http://www.mission-inn.com/images/henrycowell1.jpg)
I do love England though. I'd much rather live there. Though having a flat there, and a townhouse here wouldn't be so bad either! :wink: (not that I can afford that)
I LOVE Northern California! It's so beautiful.
This is where I'm going this weekend (two hours from home):
(http://www.pelicanshores.com/assets/images/Oregon-Coast9.jpg)
Though right now I think it's like 20 outside without a cloud in the sky...which isn't much better.
Quote from: Hoopla on December 09, 2010, 05:55:42 PM
Quote from: Suu on December 09, 2010, 05:41:48 PM
Quote from: Hoopla on December 09, 2010, 05:40:54 PM
For the record, I find Suu's pics just as pretty as Nigel's.
YOU'RE IN CANADA. YOUR ARGUMENT IS INVALID.
I doubt what I typed counts as any sort of argument. I do happen to find prettiness pretty much everywhere though... hell, I even liked the New Jersey Turnpike.
Mmm, Elizabeth.
America isn't ugly. It's got immeasurable beauty everywhere...
England is drop-dead gorgeous in spots as well, of course, their countryside is just to die for. But...the US is not ugly. It just has its armpits, like any other place, is all.
Quote from: Suu on December 09, 2010, 02:21:55 PM
Seriously. I had to look up existing examples of motte and bailey for my final and I'm like, "Goddamn, America is ugly. Even when we try to be pretty, we're ugly."
Although seeing the stonework on a lot of the medieval castles always makes me think of the Newport Tower.
.....JESUS. EVEN CORNWALL AND WALES ARE PRETTY.
If you didn't live in the butt-ass-ugly half of America, you'd feel differently.
I know this is going to sound crazy, but there are parts of Florida that are STUNNING. But I can guarantee there will be no paved roads, air conditioning, dredged blue waters, or resorts where they are.
Suu
-Often pines for Ft. Desoto Beach.
Ihave places like this right on my doorstep.
(http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee302/kaththevamp/avebury-stone-circle-10241.jpg)
(http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss325/bisleybob/Silbury_Hill__Man_made_Neolithic_Hi.jpg)
(http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp291/Pleaides_photos/Prehistoric%20Monuments/WestKennetLongbarrow.jpg)
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa202/abbie_dog/stourhead.jpg)
(http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac197/annarady/uk%20road%20trip%20plus%20copenhagen%20and%20stockholm/Picture151.jpg)
(http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm266/tedmayhem/stonehenge.jpg)
(http://i351.photobucket.com/albums/q479/dennislovatt/wiltshire/Wiltshire025.jpg)
(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc87/kpowens/WestburyWiteHorseWiltshire.jpg)
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g84/e-r_2006/0020_Longleat.jpg)
(http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb366/bette2/England%202010/Kennet%20and%20Avon%20Canal/P1000630.jpg)
So why would I want to live anywhere else?
The Chalk Downs are so cool...it really disappointed me when I found out a lot of the white horses were done in the 17-18th century.
This is the best of them, and is about 3500 years old.
(http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac298/georgieludovic/uffington.jpg)
The other one I posted was made in the 1700s, but it marks the site of a much earlier white Horse, originally carved by a triumphant Saxon Army, to commemmorate the victory of Alfred the Great over the Danes, in the battle of Ethanduan. (Which was the birth of England as a Country)
There's also this fella, not far away.
(http://i475.photobucket.com/albums/rr117/winterfool/CerneAbbas.jpg)
I love how the neopagans seemed to go absolutely apeshit when archaeologists proved that they were cut in the 16-17th century.
BadBeast lives in The Shire.
Quote from: Eater of Clowns on December 10, 2010, 04:50:09 AM
BadBeast lives in The Shire.
It doesn't make me a Hobbit though!
Quote from: Eater of Clowns on December 10, 2010, 04:50:09 AM
BadBeast lives in The Shire.
Isn't that technically in New Zealand?
Quote from: Dean on December 10, 2010, 06:13:25 AM
Quote from: Eater of Clowns on December 10, 2010, 04:50:09 AM
BadBeast lives in The Shire.
Isn't that technically in New Zealand?
Only in the same way that Ancient Greece (Circa "Xena, Warrior Princess") is in New Zealand.
Quote from: BadBeast on December 10, 2010, 06:17:00 AM
Quote from: Dean on December 10, 2010, 06:13:25 AM
Quote from: Eater of Clowns on December 10, 2010, 04:50:09 AM
BadBeast lives in The Shire.
Isn't that technically in New Zealand?
Only in the same way that Ancient Greece (Circa "Xena, Warrior Princess") is in New Zealand.
Dude i totally get your thoughts man!
Like Lapuda is totally on top of Miyazaki's writing desk! :lulz:
Bad Beast, that's a really nice, uhh, pile of dirt.
And a beautiful, umm....bunch of rocks.
Quote from: Abraxas on December 10, 2010, 12:32:45 PM
Bad Beast, that's a really nice, uhh, pile of dirt.
And a beautiful, umm....bunch of rocks.
We have rocks, too!
(http://www.stonehengeusa.com/images/siteoverview8.jpg)
Quote from: Abraxas on December 10, 2010, 12:32:45 PM
Bad Beast, that's a really nice, uhh, pile of dirt.
And a beautiful, umm....bunch of rocks.
You uncultured sea dog. That "Pile of dirt" at it's foundation, is made from bits of turf, carried from every corner of Britain, and symbolically laid there by every tribe of Wykkan Cavemen that lived here, 4500 years ago.
It is the Omphalus of Britain, and along with Avebury Circle, lies at the intersection of two enormous
Hippy Ley lines. One that goes all the way from St Michaels Mt in Cornwall, to St Albans on the East Coast, and another that goes from St Aldhems, on the South Coast, to Holy Island, off the Northumbrian Coast. These straight lines of
Hippytrippyness Magnetic Earth powaah, are named after the two great Dragonslayers of British myth, St George, and St Michael, and all along one, the Churches built on ancient sites are all dedicated to St Michael, and the other, to St George. Tis said that on certain nights,
Gandalf Merlin can be seen, flying up and down along them, on his broomstick, leading the Wild Hunt, the sight of witch, leaves all who witless it, as mad as a Welshman. In 2002, a hole appeared in the top of the Hill, which was cordoned off, for safety. It was officially blamed on shoddy excavations carried out by Baldrick, and the Time Team, but really, a Dragons egg that had been laid there 5000 years ago hatched, and the Dragon was seen laying waste to the countryside for about 3 months, until Merlin collected him, on his next fly past, and laid him to sleep underneath
Mt Doom, in far off Mordor. Tintagel Castle, awaiting the return of Arthur, King of the Britons, who will ride him into battle, accompanied by his army of screeching wiccan Valkyries against Jesus and the Host of Heaven in the Battle of
Evermore, Armagideon. Something to think about while you pick the maggots out of your ship's biscuits, or splizzen your mainbrace, or whatever you Pirates do for fun. Pffft! Pile of dirt indeed.
LOL WILTSHIRE.
"Less inbred than Somerset!" is not a good county motto.
Quote from: Cain on December 10, 2010, 02:22:16 PM
LOL WILTSHIRE.
"Less inbred than Somerset!" is not a good county motto.
Oi caant read, an' oi caant wroite, but that don't reely matter,
Cuz oi comes from Zummerzet, an' oi droives a tractor!
I got a brand new combine 'arvester
and I'll give you th' key.
Quote from: Cain on December 10, 2010, 03:16:16 PM
I got a brand new combine 'arvester
and I'll give you th' key.
:mittens:
Yup, The Wurzels certainly put Somerset on the cultural map, there's no doubt about that!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAh_A7N3_mc&feature=relatedwww.youtube.com/watch?v=kAh_A7N3_mc&feature=related
They use it in an Australian zombie movie. I was damn near floored.
Quote from: BadBeast on December 10, 2010, 01:36:34 PM
Quote from: Abraxas on December 10, 2010, 12:32:45 PM
Bad Beast, that's a really nice, uhh, pile of dirt.
And a beautiful, umm....bunch of rocks.
You uncultured sea dog. That "Pile of dirt" at it's foundation, is made from bits of turf, carried from every corner of Britain, and symbolically laid there by every tribe of Wykkan Cavemen that lived here, 4500 years ago.
It is the Omphalus of Britain, and along with Avebury Circle, lies at the intersection of two enormous Hippy Ley lines. One that goes all the way from St Michaels Mt in Cornwall, to St Albans on the East Coast, and another that goes from St Aldhems, on the South Coast, to Holy Island, off the Northumbrian Coast. These straight lines of Hippytrippyness Magnetic Earth powaah, are named after the two great Dragonslayers of British myth, St George, and St Michael, and all along one, the Churches built on ancient sites are all dedicated to St Michael, and the other, to St George. Tis said that on certain nights, Gandalf Merlin can be seen, flying up and down along them, on his broomstick, leading the Wild Hunt, the sight of witch, leaves all who witless it, as mad as a Welshman. In 2002, a hole appeared in the top of the Hill, which was cordoned off, for safety. It was officially blamed on shoddy excavations carried out by Baldrick, and the Time Team, but really, a Dragons egg that had been laid there 5000 years ago hatched, and the Dragon was seen laying waste to the countryside for about 3 months, until Merlin collected him, on his next fly past, and laid him to sleep underneath Mt Doom, in far off Mordor. Tintagel Castle, awaiting the return of Arthur, King of the Britons, who will ride him into battle, accompanied by his army of screeching wiccan Valkyries against Jesus and the Host of Heaven in the Battle of Evermore, Armagideon. Something to think about while you pick the maggots out of your ship's biscuits, or splizzen your mainbrace, or whatever you Pirates do for fun. Pffft! Pile of dirt indeed.
I "splizzen my mainbrace" twice a day, whether I need to or not.
8) :1fap:
I'm not even entirely sure I know what "splizzen my mainbrace" means, but it sounds erotic.
Quote from: Suu on December 10, 2010, 05:27:48 PM
I'm not even entirely sure I know what "splizzen my mainbrace" means, but it sounds erotic.
You'd have to ask our Sailor friend there. They're a strange lot, with their own ways of doing things.
That puts me in mind of a filthy Maritime Limerick I just made up. :lulz:
The Captain, disgracefully drunk,
crept into the Cabin Boy's bunk,
threw the lad on the floor,
like a cheap dockside whore,
and filled up his scuppers, with spunk.
We have rocks too!
(http://www.mac-photo.com/writings/crg/columnar_formation.jpg)
I don't even have a mainmast to splizzen. :cry:
Yeah, we got rocks that really rock too.
(http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww229/TheBarRoomMountaineer/P1060059.jpg)
For all you Portland Yankspags, (Or just Nigel) here's the rock your Town was named for.
(http://i514.photobucket.com/albums/t345/zer0cool3000/18769054.jpg)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BT9GrwCAPw&feature=related
Quote from: Suu on December 10, 2010, 04:30:11 AM
I love how the neopagans seemed to go absolutely apeshit when archaeologists proved that they were cut in the 16-17th century.
wait...really?
OMFG
THAT IS FUCKING AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!
Uffington Horse is 4500 years old.
And I think English Heritage is planning on replacing Stonehenge with a Concrete replica, and keeping the original bluestones inside somewhere nice and safe. When they build the planned, controversial A36 road tunnel right underneath the site.
Quote from: BadBeast on December 11, 2010, 05:05:18 AM
Uffington Horse is 4500 years old.
And I think English Heritage is planning on replacing Stonehenge with a Concrete replica, and keeping the original bluestones inside somewhere nice and safe. When they build the planned, controversial A36 road tunnel right underneath the site.
That is fucking horrible.
I haven't read this whole thread yet, but, from what travels I have made in Britain (the island as a whole), it is gorgeous. I liked Wales (yes, Wales), the Lake District and Scotland as a whole. I spent only a few hours in London, and a week and a half in Liverpool, so that was pretty eh. But just seeing the country, even while on a train, was awe inspiring. I was particularly fond of Salisbury, where I stayed for a few nights. And it wasn't just because of proximity to Stonehenge. Out of all my favorite places in the UK though, I would have to say Inverness, Scotland (so far). It reminded me of Connemara, except that there was the occasional crossdressing busker playing the bagpipes instead of wearing pants and playing some sort of string instrument, usually harp or guitar. And it was one of those rare times that I celebrated my birthday outside of the US.
Quote from: Cervantes on December 11, 2010, 05:15:58 AM
Quote from: BadBeast on December 11, 2010, 05:05:18 AM
Uffington Horse is 4500 years old.
And I think English Heritage is planning on replacing Stonehenge with a Concrete replica, and keeping the original bluestones inside somewhere nice and safe. When they build the planned, controversial A36 road tunnel right underneath the site.
That is fucking horrible.
OK, I lied about the concrete replacements, but they are planning to build a road tunnel right underneath it. because like, you can never have enough roads, can you? :sad:
Quote from: Suu on December 09, 2010, 05:38:04 PM
Are you technically closer to Mt. Hood or Mt. St. Helen's?
I know neither of them are actually "close" but they're so huge both are visible.
I go outside and see this.
(http://www.shearersoftware.com/personal/pictures/2003/08/city/IMG_0524-md.JPG)
(http://philipmarshall.net/providence/Images/RI_Pvd_Shepards_1_6.jpg) (Literally, that's my work/school building)
(http://scenteddemented.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/photo15-450x337.jpg) (Historic landmark)
(http://www.projo.com/ri/providence/content/L_IMAGE.11fd101b4ff.93.88.fa.d0.635485bc.jpg) (That's a job fair at the Foxy Lady, another historic landmark strip club. Yes, I said job fair.)
Boston has its share of ugly, and its share of beauty. Sure, it ain't ancient, but it's nice. It's refreshing to see those spatters of colonial and post-revolution spots, and I imagine Providence is the same. Hell, I get off a bus and walk past a cemetary where veterans of the Revolution are interred every work day. Sure, it's next to a fucking Walgreens and a cell phone store, but it's there, just to remind you of where you live, and what happened there. Fuck, I know that Providence has it. My times there have been short and intermittent, but I've seen there what I appreciate in Boston.
Westerly Burial Ground looks better in person:
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/fc/WesterlyBG2.JPG)
Quote from: BadBeast on December 11, 2010, 05:25:56 AM
Quote from: Cervantes on December 11, 2010, 05:15:58 AM
Quote from: BadBeast on December 11, 2010, 05:05:18 AM
Uffington Horse is 4500 years old.
And I think English Heritage is planning on replacing Stonehenge with a Concrete replica, and keeping the original bluestones inside somewhere nice and safe. When they build the planned, controversial A36 road tunnel right underneath the site.
That is fucking horrible.
OK, I lied about the concrete replacements, but they are planning to build a road tunnel right underneath it. because like, you can never have enough roads, can you? :sad:
Still makes me mad. And still haven't read the whole thread. Also, aren't they still doing archaeology in the area? And how much traffic does the area need? I found the roads in and out of the area satisfactory when I was there, admittedly when I still had long hair.
I think they're going to re-route the A360, so that it goes underneath the A303, because that inconvenient little triangle of the A303, A344, and A360 slows the traffic down too much, because the A303 is the main trunk road from London, all the way down to Cornwall, and has a really high volume of traffic. Which all has to slow down, because of the rubberneckers gawking at Stonehenge on the other two roads.
(http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/l528/Groggy01/Stonehenge/stonehenge-map.gif)
Obligatory Stonehenge photo:
(http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa66/dracolupus/blightstonehenge2.jpg)
Quote from: BadBeast on December 11, 2010, 05:46:40 AM
I think they're going to re-route the A360, so that it goes underneath the A303, because that inconvenient little triangle of the A303, A344, and A360 slows the traffic down too much, because the A303 is the main trunk road from London, all the way down to Cornwall, and has a really high volume of traffic. Which all has to slow down, because of the rubberneckers gawking at Stonehenge on the other two roads.
(http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/l528/Groggy01/Stonehenge/stonehenge-map.gif)
That sucks dude.
Quote from: Doktor Blight on December 11, 2010, 05:57:14 AM
Obligatory Stonehenge photo:
(http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa66/dracolupus/blightstonehenge2.jpg)
This also reminded me of how much I hate that I'm going bald and have to keep my hair very close.
If and when the plans are finalised, it certainly will not go unopposed. I will certainly be getting my activist boots back on. It's not like it won't be the first time I'll have had my head split in running battles with the Police at Stonehenge. (I was at the Battle of the Beanfield in '85)
And I think there's an EU Directive involved too, because the A303 has to be upgraded and widened to comply with "Euro-route" standards. But I say fuck all that, we don't need, or even want to be to be in the fucking EU anyway. We were only in it because the Tories fucked us all over with that "Common Market" bullshit, then sold us all down the river while they were burying their snouts in the trough.
Here's a rare treat, from the Unit. "Stonehenge, who knows" A Battle Hymn, commemorating the Summer of 1985, playing Cat and Mouse with the Riot squads all across Wiltshire and the south west all Summer. Some great pics in the video too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZsIzekl2uE
Quote from: Doktor Blight on December 11, 2010, 05:28:44 AM
Boston has its share of ugly, and its share of beauty. Sure, it ain't ancient, but it's nice. It's refreshing to see those spatters of colonial and post-revolution spots, and I imagine Providence is the same. Hell, I get off a bus and walk past a cemetary where veterans of the Revolution are interred every work day. Sure, it's next to a fucking Walgreens and a cell phone store, but it's there, just to remind you of where you live, and what happened there. Fuck, I know that Providence has it. My times there have been short and intermittent, but I've seen there what I appreciate in Boston.
Boston is BY FAR my favorite city on the east coast. I have no use for the rest of Mass (or indeed for the rest of New England that isn't Maine), but I think Boston is pretty awesome.
As long as I don't have to drive in it.
Boston isn't fantastic, it just has better methods at hiding it's filth than Providence and New York.
In fact, one of my favorite bums from my time working in Boston somehow found her way to Providence. I think Boston is bussing them down like Phoenix does it to Tucson.
As for driving, Providence is partially designed like New York, so there's a grid, but half of it is like Boston and designed for horse and buggy and OMG. It's better to walk it, as long as you can handle the hills.
Sorry, I know you have hometown pride and all, but Boston is LIGHT YEARS better in every way than Providence.
Or New York, which is actually a filthy scumhole whose only purpose is to keep New Yorkers from infesting the rest of the country.
ECH's Ranking of east coast cities, from best to worst:
1) Boston
2) Savannah, GA
3) Charleston, SC
4) Portland, ME
5) Everywhere else
102369) New York City.
Yeah, NYC aside from being aesthetically challenged is also exceedingly malodorous practically anywhere you go.
Quote from: BadBeast on December 10, 2010, 06:48:45 PM
For all you Portland Yankspags, (Or just Nigel) here's the rock your Town was named for.
(http://i514.photobucket.com/albums/t345/zer0cool3000/18769054.jpg)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BT9GrwCAPw&feature=related
Neaaaaaaat!!!
Quote from: East Coast Hipster on December 11, 2010, 04:44:10 PM
Sorry, I know you have hometown pride and all, but Boston is LIGHT YEARS better in every way than Providence.
You're fucking kidding me, right?
This backwards corrupt state sucks. The only reason why I'm STILL here after the divorce is because I got into school on the free thanks to the state, and I intend to milk everything it's worth.
If I had to actually choose a place to live in within the Northeast and not given an option anywhere else, I'd probably choose New York, only because I've lived there, I love it, and the city doesn't startle me or disgust me in anyway, but my 2nd choice would be Burlington, VT, in a fucking heartbeat. As crunchy as it was, it still has the "city" feel even though it's not that big, and absolutely everyone is nice.
(http://images.travelpod.com/users/dgoff/1.1255289230.burlington-vt.jpg)
If I moved back down South, my first choice would be Savannah, hands down, even though outlying areas beyond the riverfront and downtown are a bit meh. I'd probably go back to Tampa, but I'd be REALLY FUCKING PICKY about what neighborhood, and I highly doubt I'd cross a bridge to St. Pete if I had to. That city has become a demilitarized zone since 2004, thanks to FEMA and Allstate, and I have ZERO patience for Clearwater, I have no idea how my parents do it...we've hated that part of the county since like FOREVER. I do really like Dunedin and Tarpon Springs, but the tourism in Tarpon would drive me through the roof. If I went south of the Bay, I'd probably go to Sarasota, East Coast would be St. Augustine, and the Panhandle would be Ft. Walton, but other than that, you won't catch me south of Rte 60, or anywhere along I-4. :vom:
I was talking about cities in America. Vermont doesn't qualify.
Quote from: East Coast Hipster on December 11, 2010, 06:30:10 PM
I was talking about cities in America. Vermont doesn't qualify.
Neither does Maine.
Maine might be the only part of America left.
Vermont is just the worst part of Quebec.
Quote from: East Coast Hipster on December 14, 2010, 02:53:27 AM
Maine might be the only part of America left.
Vermont is just the worst part of Quebec.
Oh hell no. I didn't tolerate that quacking bullshit when I was up there last year.
Fucking Quebecois... :argh!:
See? They NEED me to move there!
Vermont's gorgeous...so is a lot of western Massachusetts. And tons of New Jersey (where I go every year for training in Princeton is absofuckinglutely beautiful).
I've been so fucking lucky, in CA, I have not lived in shit-ugly places since Big Bear (and before then, I admit we lived in some FUGGGGLY places in So Cal, my dad calls it the armpit of California, and he's not very far off). To wit:
(http://pics4.city-data.com/cpicc/cfiles22628.jpg)
Big Bear Lake, CA: Where I lived for 7 years in jr. hi, high school and as a young adult.
(http://www.kpapartments.com/images/americanriviera.jpg)
Santa Barbara, CA: Where I lived for 4 years going to undergrad.
(http://www.cinevidia.com/images/stories/rancho_palos_verdes.jpg)(http://www.cherylhummel.com/images/manbeach.jpg)(http://images.topix.com/gallery/up-2QUIR2FFVJC0C3CC.jpg)
Rancho Palos Verdes, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, CA: where I moved to when I graduated from UCSB.
(http://www.physci.ucla.edu/research/xiao/img/UCLA_1.jpg)
UCLA: where I got my masters (that building is where I defended my thesis)
(http://www.sandiegoconcierge.com/images/San-Diego-photo2.jpg)(http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h183/Jenne73/sunsetatourhouse2.jpg)
San Diego: where I live now (that last one is the skyline from my backyard).
Still doesn't beat the views around the Lizard.
(http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo252/Newlyner/Lizard%20Peninsula%20Cornwall/PICT0024.jpg)
Or Tintagel
(http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee6/elenways/places/tintagel.jpg)
Or the Durdle Door, in Dorset,
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f380/davec223/_DSC5937_edited-1.jpg)
That Island on the horizon, to the right, is Portland.
Sure it does. I think touristy, come visit us! photos can be found on the 'net easily for pretty places. I tried to pick more run-o'-the-mill pix (the one of the SD harbor's more schticky and the one of Big Bear, too) though, instead of the SHINY tourist-trappy ones.
There's a ton of breathtaking scenery in England, and there's a FUCKton in the US. There's a shit-ton more VARIETY to be sure. But you're going to find beauty in any place that's preserved raw nature or even enhanced it. Take for instance this pic of my kiddo when we were at Glass Beach, because it's something *I* took, with a fucking iPhone for chrissakes, but the raw beauty of everything totally pops out:
(http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h183/Jenne73/710vacationphoto4a.jpg)
My point is, if the beauty of a place "survives" the glamorizing of the photo, you really have a true gem to behold. And there's PLENTY of that to be had everyfuckingwhere. Even a hellhole like Afghanistan still has some gorgeous left in it.
If I moved back to Narragansett and went to the main campus, my neighborhood would look like this:
(http://www.nacsetac.org/images/Narragansett/NarragansettSurfn.jpg)
(http://www.asergeev.com/pictures/archives/2004/372/jpeg/20.jpg)
Quote from: East Coast Hipster on December 11, 2010, 04:44:10 PM
Sorry, I know you have hometown pride and all, but Boston is LIGHT YEARS better in every way than Providence.
Or New York, which is actually a filthy scumhole whose only purpose is to keep New Yorkers from infesting the rest of the country.
ECH's Ranking of east coast cities, from best to worst:
1) Boston
2) Savannah, GA
3) Charleston, SC
4) Portland, ME
5) Everywhere else
102369) New York City.
I'd rank Portland ahead of Boston, but I'm biased as a born-n-raised Mainer. And I've had some bad traffic experiences in Boston.
But Maine, in general, has some very pretty scenery. We've got a little bit of everything. Old forests. Hilly plains. A couple of scenic mountains. Mt. Katahdin and Mt. Cadillac. Tons of high, rocky cliffs along the ocean. Tons of remote islands. There's the whole mountain region of Western Maine.
I've traveled quite a bit throughout the U.S> I've been to quite a few cities. But, there's nothing quite like Maine. We have our problems for sure, but, I can't imagine living anywhere else.
RWHN, I say that alot about CA. I can move up and down the coast, but away and not IN CA, I could not envision it. But then I visited places like Lyons, France and Vancouver, BC...and I could imagine it all of a sudden. I think I just need to be near water.
Quote from: Rev. What's-His-Name? on December 14, 2010, 04:07:32 PM
Quote from: East Coast Hipster on December 11, 2010, 04:44:10 PM
Sorry, I know you have hometown pride and all, but Boston is LIGHT YEARS better in every way than Providence.
Or New York, which is actually a filthy scumhole whose only purpose is to keep New Yorkers from infesting the rest of the country.
ECH's Ranking of east coast cities, from best to worst:
1) Boston
2) Savannah, GA
3) Charleston, SC
4) Portland, ME
5) Everywhere else
102369) New York City.
I'd rank Portland ahead of Boston, but I'm biased as a born-n-raised Mainer. And I've had some bad traffic experiences in Boston.
But Maine, in general, has some very pretty scenery. We've got a little bit of everything. Old forests. Hilly plains. A couple of scenic mountains. Mt. Katahdin and Mt. Cadillac. Tons of high, rocky cliffs along the ocean. Tons of remote islands. There's the whole mountain region of Western Maine.
I've traveled quite a bit throughout the U.S> I've been to quite a few cities. But, there's nothing quite like Maine. We have our problems for sure, but, I can't imagine living anywhere else.
I'd rank Portland higher if it were on the correct side of the Kennebec River, but it loses points for being in Northern Mass.
but I agree, when it comes to REAL Maine, there's really nowhere else quite like it. The only place in America that I think is as good or a little better is Washington State, the western half of which shares alot of similarities with Maine but with much bigger mountains and milder winters. But the people in Maine are top-notch. I wish I could make even close to enough money there, I'd probably give serious consideration to moving back.
Quote from: Jenne on December 14, 2010, 04:54:28 PM
RWHN, I say that alot about CA. I can move up and down the coast, but away and not IN CA, I could not envision it. But then I visited places like Lyons, France and Vancouver, BC...and I could imagine it all of a sudden. I think I just need to be near water.
Yep. Once you've lived near the ocean, it is kind of weird to not live near the ocean. The first 18 years of my life was way up in the Northern Wastes of Maine. Pretty far from the ocean. But then I did my undergrad and grad studies in parts of Maine just a short drive away from the ocean. Dunno what it is about it, but I like knowing it isn't far away.
Quote from: East Coast Hipster on December 14, 2010, 05:24:17 PM
but I agree, when it comes to REAL Maine, there's really nowhere else quite like it. The only place in America that I think is as good or a little better is Washington State, the western half of which shares alot of similarities with Maine but with much bigger mountains and milder winters. But the people in Maine are top-notch. I wish I could make even close to enough money there, I'd probably give serious consideration to moving back.
That is definitely one of the negatives of Maine. Earning a living. I've managed to carve out for myself a good little niche thanks to getting to know the right people. But many others end up doing as you've had to do and find work elsewhere. If LePage and the new GOP State House can find a way to attract more industry and jobs to Maine, I'll tip my hat to them. But somehow, I don't think it's going to happen.
My whole state looks like this
(http://image1.masterfile.com/getImage/NjAwLTAwMTcxMDQ4bi4wMDAwMDAwMA=AIm1Lk/600-00171048n.jpg)
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAWN-UH!
I dunno, I thought Key West was pretty cool when I was there for my Honeymoon. There was a neat bird/wildlife sanctuary there. Have a picture of my wife holding a tiny owl.
Quote from: Sir Squid Diddimus on December 14, 2010, 07:46:24 PM
My whole state looks like this
(http://image1.masterfile.com/getImage/NjAwLTAwMTcxMDQ4bi4wMDAwMDAwMA=AIm1Lk/600-00171048n.jpg)
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAWN-UH!
That's actually very pretty. And there's parts of the Keys that make me sorta wet.
Har har. I giggled and gagged while typing that. But I really do like me some awesome beach-type scenery.
Quote from: Sir Squid Diddimus on December 14, 2010, 07:46:24 PM
My whole state looks like this
(http://image1.masterfile.com/getImage/NjAwLTAwMTcxMDQ4bi4wMDAwMDAwMA=AIm1Lk/600-00171048n.jpg)
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAWN-UH!
Except for when it looks like this...
(http://petrix.com/beaches/images/caladesi1.jpg) That's Caladesi Island, near where my parents live. You can only get there by boat, so it's just about untouched. It's rated one of the nation's top beaches because of it.
(http://www.diandy.com/weblog/uploaded_images/CaladesiIsland-15-774401.JPG) Also Caladesi. My brother fishes for reds in the creek mouths.
THAT is some awesome stuff. But then I loved midstate Louisiana, too. It stunk to high heaven, all that swampland, but damn it was beautiful to behold.
The only issue is that you have little guys like this that can cause the occasional problem. Which actually isn't so bad, because they keep the tourists away.
HEBBO!
/
(http://animal.discovery.com/fish/stingray/pictures/stingray-picture.jpg)
Especially when they get this big in the Intracoastal:
(http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/04/photogalleries/stingray-pictures/images/primary/1_STINGRAY_461.jpg) This pic is actually from Thailand, but we've seen them get 6' in diameter. Easy.
Tourists in FL are scared of stingrays?
:lulz:
In STT they sell snorkeling packages where the draw is the opportunity to swim with and feed the rays.
I think they're adorable.
As you know, they're just sea kitties, really. They like to brush against you and be touched...just, ya know, don't step on them.
Quote from: Suu on December 14, 2010, 08:40:37 PM
I think they're adorable.
As you know, they're just sea kitties, really. They like to brush against you and be touched...just, ya know, don't step on them.
Or get stabbed in the heart by them?
Quote from: Doktor Phox on December 14, 2010, 08:42:01 PM
Quote from: Suu on December 14, 2010, 08:40:37 PM
I think they're adorable.
As you know, they're just sea kitties, really. They like to brush against you and be touched...just, ya know, don't step on them.
Or get stabbed in the heart by them?
You have to do something remarkably stupid for that to happen. I can't even IMAGINE.
Stabbed in the heart, and you're to blame
You just stepped on a sting ray!
Quote from: Suu on December 14, 2010, 08:47:27 PM
Quote from: Doktor Phox on December 14, 2010, 08:42:01 PM
Quote from: Suu on December 14, 2010, 08:40:37 PM
I think they're adorable.
As you know, they're just sea kitties, really. They like to brush against you and be touched...just, ya know, don't step on them.
Or get stabbed in the heart by them?
You have to do something remarkably stupid for that to happen. I can't even IMAGINE.
Swimming directly above one worked for Steve Irwin. The details elude me, he
might have been was probably agitating it.
"Look at this little beeauty! if I try and poke him, like this, he might show us his. . . . Aaaargh!"
Shame really, I was looking forward to him getting eaten by a huge Salty.
Quote from: BadBeast on December 14, 2010, 09:15:53 PM
"Look at this little beeauty! if I try and poke him, like this, he might show us his. . . . Aaaargh!"
Shame really, I was looking forward to him getting eaten by a huge Salty.
I was sure it was going to be a snake bite that got him. I remember hearing something about the first aid kit for the production crew being 98% anti-venom.
Quote from: Doktor Phox on December 14, 2010, 09:18:53 PM
Quote from: BadBeast on December 14, 2010, 09:15:53 PM
"Look at this little beeauty! if I try and poke him, like this, he might show us his. . . . Aaaargh!"
Shame really, I was looking forward to him getting eaten by a huge Salty.
I was sure it was going to be a snake bite that got him. I remember hearing something about the first aid kit for the production crew being 98% anti-venom.
Get bitten by a snake in Oz, and they'll have anti-venom into you really quickly, and you'll probably be fine. I don't think anyone's actually died from a snake or spider bite there in decades. But get bit by a Salty, and that's pretty much it. There's no anti-venom for those things. People have a better than 50% chance of surviving a bite from a Great White, but not a big Salty.
ETA. And seeing as the Bloke pretty much made it his career to chase the buggers around the swamps of Northern Oz, so he could
take them home, and keep them as his pets, I felt pretty sure he would meet his end in the jaws of a dinosaur sized Croc, that he was trying to hypnotize, or some stupid shit like that.
The North Coast of Australia apparently is a very pretty...but very brutal place.
Quote from: Suu on December 14, 2010, 10:45:04 PM
The North Coast of Australia apparently is a very pretty...but very brutal place.
And vast too, and it seems everything that lives there, has the capability of killing any interloper, with teeth, or poison, or stings. I can see why 90% of Australians live within 20 miles of the coast. What with spiders, snakes, and dropbears (see below) on the land, and Sharks, Box Jellyfish, and Crocodiles the size of sauropods in the water, it must be enough to drive strong men to drink!
(http://i.imgur.com/BmFeJ.jpg)
In all fairness, you KNOW he stuck his finger up a ray's ass before that happened. Dude had it coming.
ETA: and didn't it happen while he was on the boat? I thought the ray jumped out of the water and spiked him, which would really be a sign from god.
Quote from: Doktor Phox on December 14, 2010, 09:01:01 PM
Quote from: Suu on December 14, 2010, 08:47:27 PM
Quote from: Doktor Phox on December 14, 2010, 08:42:01 PM
Quote from: Suu on December 14, 2010, 08:40:37 PM
I think they're adorable.
As you know, they're just sea kitties, really. They like to brush against you and be touched...just, ya know, don't step on them.
Or get stabbed in the heart by them?
You have to do something remarkably stupid for that to happen. I can't even IMAGINE.
Swimming directly above one worked for Steve Irwin. The details elude me, he might have been was probably agitating it.
Like so? (NSFW)
http://images.encyclopediadramatica.com/images/thumb/a/ac/B00SteveIrwin.jpg/553px-B00SteveIrwin.jpg
Quote from: East Coast Hipster on December 14, 2010, 11:21:31 PM
In all fairness, you KNOW he stuck his finger up a ray's ass before that happened. Dude had it coming.
ETA: and didn't it happen while he was on the boat? I thought the ray jumped out of the water and spiked him, which would really be a sign from god.
Nah, not so dramatic. He swam over the top of it, a bit too close, and from behind, and the Ray thought he was a fat, loudmouthed, greasy pisstaking Shark or something, and Irwined him, right in the heart.
If they dig under stonehenge will they open the Pandorica?
Quote from: Nigel on December 14, 2010, 11:37:58 PM
Quote from: Doktor Phox on December 14, 2010, 09:01:01 PM
Quote from: Suu on December 14, 2010, 08:47:27 PM
Quote from: Doktor Phox on December 14, 2010, 08:42:01 PM
Quote from: Suu on December 14, 2010, 08:40:37 PM
I think they're adorable.
As you know, they're just sea kitties, really. They like to brush against you and be touched...just, ya know, don't step on them.
Or get stabbed in the heart by them?
You have to do something remarkably stupid for that to happen. I can't even IMAGINE.
Swimming directly above one worked for Steve Irwin. The details elude me, he might have been was probably agitating it.
Like so? (NSFW)
http://images.encyclopediadramatica.com/images/thumb/a/ac/B00SteveIrwin.jpg/553px-B00SteveIrwin.jpg
:lulz: :lulz: :lulz: :lulz: :lulz:
Quote from: BadBeast on December 14, 2010, 09:35:26 PM
Quote from: Doktor Phox on December 14, 2010, 09:18:53 PM
Quote from: BadBeast on December 14, 2010, 09:15:53 PM
"Look at this little beeauty! if I try and poke him, like this, he might show us his. . . . Aaaargh!"
Shame really, I was looking forward to him getting eaten by a huge Salty.
I was sure it was going to be a snake bite that got him. I remember hearing something about the first aid kit for the production crew being 98% anti-venom.
Get bitten by a snake in Oz, and they'll have anti-venom into you really quickly, and you'll probably be fine. I don't think anyone's actually died from a snake or spider bite there in decades. But get bit by a Salty, and that's pretty much it. There's no anti-venom for those things. People have a better than 50% chance of surviving a bite from a Great White, but not a big Salty.
ETA. And seeing as the Bloke pretty much made it his career to chase the buggers around the swamps of Northern Oz, so he could take them home, and keep them as his pets, I felt pretty sure he would meet his end in the jaws of a dinosaur sized Croc, that he was trying to hypnotize, or some stupid shit like that.
Good point, but I figured he would avoid being done in by his namesake, because it would be too cliché.