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Post by robkuntz on Jul 13, 2017 1:17:52 GMT -5
Mighty Darci always asks pointed questions; a most unusual and persistent 20-year old indeed! The story is unpublished though gathered together with my other shorts for future publication, which may be in pdf if I cannot rouse enough interest for my fiction otherwise. Well, concerning LL note books, this is rather a fictional portrayal, yes? I mean. I too could take qualities such as these and have them spurt forth from a fictional character's mind and not really believe that that is so, just maybe an ideal or some other utopian want. That is not to say that these could actually be manifest in some humans, but that as a barometer through which to measure myself as a writer, designer and human I would instead use what I specifically know of myself and not some "maybe" list which descends to naked generalization. Further how can one speak of oneself without referencing others by which to draw a comparison for determining the self? That list is more a reflection of the author's ideal as garnered from his surround, his experiences; and they are perforce his ideals alone. Are there such renaissance-humans in this life? Well yes, I've met them (both men and women) I strive to know and to do as much as I can. They were more prevalent, maybe even considered "common," in times past where thought, action and growth in life were normal/subsumed occurrences fed by mental, physical and spiritual industriousness. That gave way to the mass consumption model and the comfort of modern society and with it the fall of the "common" man's past perception of self. A thought provoking Q as always, Darci. I might have more to add later. Thank you Rob! Follow up question, do you think of yourself as or consider yourself to be one of those renaissance-humans? Or who do you think of historically as someone similar to yourself? If you would rather not answer this publicly, and I can think of a number of reasons that might be the case, feel free to pm me and I will keep it to myself. I only used the phrase due to what the original author seemed to be suggesting. I stand by my answer "I strive to know and to do as much as I can." I maintain that course by what I know of myself so there's great introspection going on. If I were to choose a historical equivalent based upon what I know (and part of what I idealize) it would be Clark Ashton Smith. But that's only expedient due to the limited knowledge I now possess, you see. In reality we become influenced and grow due to many different people and circumstances. |
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Post by robkuntz on Jul 13, 2017 1:32:44 GMT -5
I would have a problem with an "Historian" who tried to judge and compare Genghis Khan and Pol Pot as equals. Context is crucial to understanding history In reference to the above, I would even hear out the "historian" if the case put forth is solid and well-thought out. I'd hear almost anyone out who put honest time and energy into creating something new. Even if it's just a simple idea or thesis. Then try this one. In my experience (so far) I have identified two "infinities" in life: 1) The human brain which is capable of absorbing as much knowledge as is fed it (and is only limited by the perceived mortality of the human being) and 2) The Universe. No matter what numbers we throw at the universe it returns no finite registration-value (thus it appears, to date, infinite). Now. Contextualize that as I have attempted to do by the first, basic, equivalency: the micro and macro. |
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Post by sixdemonbag on Jul 13, 2017 2:51:26 GMT -5
This is a good one indeed, Rob. I actually considered the concept of infinity when MD mentioned an external observer (God?) making absolute judgements on the universe. If the universe is truly infinite (whether cyclical, multiversal, "timeless", or simulated) then who is to say such an observer doesn't exist in infinite forms as well? The classic: "Who watches the watchers?" thought experiment. Your micro/macro point is a good one, too. You could make the case that human imagination is indeed infinite, only limited by experience and perception. Both of which have no known endpoint, thus infinite. Looking at physics, there are infinities in the math all over the place, at both ends of the scale (quantum mechanics and cosmology) and in measuring distance and energy. The old: "Walk halfway between where you stand and the wall in front of you, then repeat. You will never touch the wall." The concept of infinity probably can't ever be proven empirically (because, you know, infinity) but it could be shown mathematically at some point in many ways as yet undiscovered. This complicates all these issues almost to the point of absurdity, however. So then, the question becomes, due to infinity, and if nothing matters because it's already been done an infinite number of times, is it still worth considering? Can free will and infinity coexist? Does morality even matter when everything will happen anyway? If infinity is real, then we have had this conversation an infinite number of times. Does one more time add any value? Do we even have a choice? After all, we already had this conversation in the past an infinite number of times, and will have it again an infinite number of times in the future, AND in an infinite number of places! Suddenly, we have come full circle back to classical Greek philosophy and some traditional Eastern tenets. What IS the meaning of life? What ACTUALLY matters? Nothing? Everything? Something in between? Hell if I know...  |
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Post by robkuntz on Jul 14, 2017 7:23:19 GMT -5
Remembering that human language is a symbology used only in identifying and categorizing what our senses perceive, then the term infinity is the best guess as related to that, our best way of acknowledging something we cannot really understand in simple symbology. I believe that if we were to communicate through telepathy that we'd have a closer idea of what infinity is other than as a severely abstracted description. The other point would be: can an infinity exist within an infinity? And if not then what we see in the macro and the mircro are merely reflections, or vantage points, of/for the same thing. A continuum.
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Post by Mighty Darci on Jul 14, 2017 21:47:03 GMT -5
I was reading the other day and the theory was that our universe is inside a black hole located in another universe which is inside a black hole located in another universe which is...
and in each black hole in our universe there is another universe and in each black hole in each of those universes there is another universe...
And that going in either direction, if one could, there would be an infinite number of steps in each direction as well as sideways and an infinite numbers of those as well.
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Post by robkuntz on Jul 15, 2017 1:05:09 GMT -5
I was reading the other day and the theory was that our universe is inside a black hole located in another universe which is inside a black hole located in another universe which is... and in each black hole in our universe there is another universe and in each black hole in each of those universes there is another universe... And that going in either direction, if one could, there would be an infinite number of steps in each direction as well as sideways and an infinite numbers of those as well. Sounds like a complicated way of stating that we exist in infinity. |
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Post by robkuntz on Jul 15, 2017 1:20:30 GMT -5
Well, at least we have no lack of subject matter! But I am skeptical of manmade time within the continuum, as well as other manmade contrivances, some necessary or automatic, like the symbology of language.Language, time and infinity create an interesting intersection in a story I began writing many years ago, novel length, called "Times". I doubt if I will ever finish it, just not enough "Time"...  |
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Post by mormonyoyoman on Jul 15, 2017 9:51:06 GMT -5
If nothing else, how about a compilation of puns you've committed and inspired on these here boards?
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Post by robkuntz on Jul 15, 2017 10:08:56 GMT -5
If nothing else, how about a compilation of puns you've committed and inspired on these here boards? Punny that you mention that... Really? Puns are like breathing, they come and go. I am in the middle of finishing a book, at 65,000 words, hope to end in 3 months at 120,000. Lots of goodies in it. Meanwhile the French translation of DATG is nearing completion (2/3) and an Italian version of The Sunken City (first Gencon D&D Tournament Adventure) will be released at this years LUCCA Comics and Games--I already have my advanced author's copies. On other fronts, trying to stay cool here.  You should do the compilation, you're way ahead of me here with that. I manage quite well being a student of the pun-master himself, Gygax. Yoyo-Man would have fit right in with us in Lake Geneva. |
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Post by robkuntz on Jul 15, 2017 10:31:36 GMT -5
Here's the prologue to TIMES
TIMES
by Robert J. Kuntz
©2009. Robert J. Kuntz. All Rights Reserved
PROLOGUE
Both the boy and girl were out for strolls. Seeking no company, they walked for spaces and then stood for others while feeding their feelings with the many singular scents and sparkling day scenes; and their reaches into the seemingly endless lands about them were timed by the falling of the trees’ many colorful leaves, these being richer for them than all the candies offered in a confectioner’s shop. They would at times gleefully stoop to fetch the more unique specimens: here a deep burgundy one; there a radiant red; or a golden one so rare; and if they found one painted with many colors, then they would not know whether to sigh or to joyously cry out loud over these latter discoveries.
At about noon the boy decided to sit at his customary spot, positioning himself upon a fallen tree trunk splotched with moss. He regarded the glade about him that was hedged with several tall oak trees and its green grass almost hidden under a carpet of leaves. Such times were his peace, his treasury. He listened to the faint wind as it dislodged leaves from the branches above him; and he watched these fall. Mesmerized, he did not note the girl’s approach as she entered the glade, the very place she was accustomed to sitting at, but unknowingly at different times in the past than had the boy.
Upon seeing the blue-clad boy, Sah--for that was the name she used when upon her quests, but especially when dreaming out loud within the sanctuary of her glade--stopped to watch him. Noting that he viewed the falling leaves gave her an idea; and she slowly stepped toward him while kicking her feet through the thick layer of leaves, thus signaling her approach.
Startled, the boy, Rupert—for that was his name—jumped up to stare at her. Stopping, Sah openly regarded him. They looked at each other for what seemed an eternal moment frozen in time.
Rupert finally spoke: “I’m the knight here.” He paused, but then grew bolder and quickly said, “And you should announce yourself first.”
Sah smiled as she curtsied, splaying the bottom parts of her saffron-colored dress ever so slightly and in a mannerly fashion. “I have never met a knight before. I am Sah, maiden of this glade, which I do not mind sharing…” She paused before finishing her sentence by saying “…with your noble self.”
Rupert looked bewildered. “Your glade? You joke with me.”
Sah countered this while moving to sit upon the tree trunk. “No I do not. It is a strange thing that we’ve never met, as I have been here often.” As Rupert reflected on her words, Sah reached behind the trunk and pulled forth several stones from beneath it. “And here is my proof: my ‘stones,’ all three of them, in which are contained the tales I have heard. And in my pocket is another, a fourth, whose story is unfolding even now.”
Rupert sat on the trunk next to her. “Ah. Then you should know that my ministers,” he said, motioning to the trees, “have consulted me on the past, informing me of such tales as known to them.” He paused and then dejectedly said, “But lately their leaves have been deathly silent, like there is little left to tell.”
Sah was smiling a broad smile, but asked seriously, “Their leaves?”
Rupert looked hopeful again. “Yes, they rustle in the wind and thus tell all.” He looked off into space and said, “If one only listens, that is.”
Sah seemed satisfied with this. “Then if they are speechless of late, I will tell of the ‘stones’’ tales, if you would listen, of course.” She smiled again as Rupert nodded for her to continue.
“But I only repeat these stories for those I have made the acquaintance of, and I do not know your name, sir knight.”
Rupert rose and politely bowed, “Sir Rupert at your service, Lady Sah.”
For a brief moment Sah seemed stunned as she thought about his words; but she soon rose and, again, curtsied. “I am honored for your company; and by your name, as it is one that figures prominently within the story I am about to tell.” They both re-seated themselves on the trunk.
Sah grasped the first stone and held it firmly. She closed her eyes tightly and then said, “The first stone tells of a time before now, wherein much was honorable and just, where knights like yourself and kings made pacts of blood and honored these unto death. It speaks of deeds completed and of heroes made. It speaks of very great times…”
And then, in a glade covered by leaves and imbued with the warm rays of the afternoon sun, Lady Sah recounted for Sir Rupert the following tale…
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Post by sixdemonbag on Jul 15, 2017 16:37:42 GMT -5
If nothing else, how about a compilation of puns you've committed and inspired on these here boards? So, a compundium of puns? A punpilation? (I'll see myself out...) |
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Post by sixdemonbag on Jul 15, 2017 16:39:00 GMT -5
If nothing else, how about a compilation of puns you've committed and inspired on these here boards? Punny that you mention that... Really? Puns are like breathing, they come and go. I am in the middle of finishing a book, at 65,000 words, hope to end in 3 months at 120,000. Lots of goodies in it. Meanwhile the French translation of DATG is nearing completion (2/3) and an Italian version of The Sunken City (first Gencon D&D Tournament Adventure) will be released at this years LUCCA Comics and Games--I already have my advanced author's copies. On other fronts, trying to stay cool here. You should do the compilation, you're way ahead of me here with that. I manage quite well being a student of the pun-master himself, Gygax. Yoyo-Man would have fit right in with us in Lake Geneva. Would you say he's a jack all of trades, but a master of puns? (still leaving...) |
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Post by sixdemonbag on Jul 15, 2017 16:42:12 GMT -5
robkuntz That's fantastic writing, Rob. Really looking forward to your new book. And congrats on the translations. Always good to reach "abroad" audience (almost gone...)
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Post by sixdemonbag on Jul 15, 2017 16:53:51 GMT -5
mormonyoyoman was supposed to go to Lake Geneva, but he had to "walk the dog" instead (Aaand I'm out...)
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Post by mormonyoyoman on Jul 15, 2017 17:06:54 GMT -5
And then, in a glade covered by leaves and imbued with the warm rays of the afternoon sun, Lady Sah recounted for Sir Rupert the following tale… You CAN NOT STOP THERE! Hurry up with that novel. Put it on Kindle so the post office can't lose it. Now now now! Tonight! |
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Post by mormonyoyoman on Jul 15, 2017 17:08:21 GMT -5
mormonyoyoman was supposed to go to Lake Geneva, but he had to "walk the dog" instead (Aaand I'm out...) I overshot Wisconsin and ended up in Alaska. |
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Post by robkuntz on Jul 15, 2017 18:27:52 GMT -5
If nothing else, how about a compilation of puns you've committed and inspired on these here boards? So, a compundium of puns? A punpilation? (I'll see myself out...) Arrgh! Good one! |
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Post by robkuntz on Jul 15, 2017 18:28:35 GMT -5
mormonyoyoman was supposed to go to Lake Geneva, but he had to "walk the dog" instead (Aaand I'm out...) I overshot Wisconsin and ended up in Alaska. Overshot? You sling-shotted! |
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Post by robkuntz on Jul 15, 2017 18:30:57 GMT -5
robkuntz That's fantastic writing, Rob. Really looking forward to your new book. And congrats on the translations. Always good to reach "abroad" audience (almost gone...) Another good one. You and Yoyo should combine your wits and write that compundium. Half and Half so to speak... |
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Post by robkuntz on Jul 15, 2017 18:32:15 GMT -5
And then, in a glade covered by leaves and imbued with the warm rays of the afternoon sun, Lady Sah recounted for Sir Rupert the following tale… You CAN NOT STOP THERE! Hurry up with that novel. Put it on Kindle so the post office can't lose it. Now now now! Tonight! Sure. Hurry up he says from tippity tappity talk... |
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Post by Admin Pete on Jul 15, 2017 19:47:36 GMT -5
Here's the prologue to TIMES TIMES by Robert J. Kuntz ©2009. Robert J. Kuntz. All Rights Reserved PROLOGUE , I hope you finish this at some point, this is excellent and I was hooked completely with this sample. It seems that you have combined the traditional fairy tale form with fantasy and then you are taking it to novel length instead of a short story. |
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Post by robkuntz on Jul 16, 2017 4:42:25 GMT -5
Here's the prologue to TIMES TIMES by Robert J. Kuntz ©2009. Robert J. Kuntz. All Rights Reserved PROLOGUE , I hope you finish this at some point, this is excellent and I was hooked completely with this sample. It seems that you have combined the traditional fairy tale form with fantasy and then you are taking it to novel length instead of a short story. Thanks PD and sixdemonbag for the compliments. Always looking to see what I can do amongst what I must do to survive in this day and age. Novel length works really drain the monetary resources while I'm working on them, and then there is no real guarantee that they will be published, so sometimes you take thousands of dollars to live in between and piss it down a drain afterwards. One cannot survive on artistic pleasure alone! Not being born with a silver spoon in my mouth but yet imaging a full fledged writing career is a challenging combination, mostly unachievable by even the best or most tenacious of writers. Compare the extremes--Poe and Lord Dunsany, for instance--one, always poor, the other born into an opulent family, a Barony. I fall somewhere in between and only so due to some lucky circumstances and a will to continue and better myself. There is no doubt that a good 80% of what I wanted to see published will never be published, so I am cherry-picking at this point in time. There's some good stuff in store around the corner as I make a few more runs around the cape. |
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Post by robkuntz on Jul 16, 2017 4:46:09 GMT -5
Here's the prologue to TIMES TIMES by Robert J. Kuntz ©2009. Robert J. Kuntz. All Rights Reserved PROLOGUE , I hope you finish this at some point, this is excellent and I was hooked completely with this sample. It seems that you have combined the traditional fairy tale form with fantasy and then you are taking it to novel length instead of a short story. Three stones, three stories, and then the mysterious fourth stone... |
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Post by Mighty Darci on Jul 18, 2017 16:42:41 GMT -5
robkuntz, I really hope you finish this and publish it at some point. A novel length fairy tale, if we are lucky maybe others will follow you and do the same. I feel sorry for the multitudes who are unfamiliar with fairy tales.
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Post by robkuntz on Jul 19, 2017 4:25:57 GMT -5
robkuntz , I really hope you finish this and publish it at some point. A novel length fairy tale, if we are lucky maybe others will follow you and do the same. I feel sorry for the multitudes who are unfamiliar with fairy tales. And a romance as well, though that, perhaps, is not so apparent. About, "if we are lucky maybe others will follow you and do the same." I am following in some past, and greater, footsteps--a quote from my New Ethos in Game Design: ... "Just a mere glance at the history of games’ epic march through time shows us that as soon as adults got their hands on games that not only did these get structured, ruled, re-ruled, boxed and codified, but that they were then considered to be superior to children’s fancy. The same affront happened with “literature”; and it took many scholars, including the brothers Grimm, to salvage the gems of folk and fairy tales from the pits of history where the literati of the day had left them to rot, excepting for an occasional author the equal of a Stevenson or a Leskov." ... My penchant is to always return to, and continue to summon, that earliest enchantment we experienced and indulged in as children. |
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Post by mormonyoyoman on Jul 19, 2017 5:46:47 GMT -5
Three stones, three stories, and then the mysterious fourth stone... That would probably have been Keith Richards, though an argument could be made for Ian Stewart. |
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Post by robkuntz on Jul 19, 2017 6:05:17 GMT -5
Three stones, three stories, and then the mysterious fourth stone... That would probably have been Keith Richards, though an argument could be made for Ian Stewart. Bad YoYo, bad... |
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Post by Mighty Darci on Jul 19, 2017 6:11:41 GMT -5
robkuntz , I really hope you finish this and publish it at some point. A novel length fairy tale, if we are lucky maybe others will follow you and do the same. I feel sorry for the multitudes who are unfamiliar with fairy tales. And a romance as well, though that, perhaps, is not so apparent. About, "if we are lucky maybe others will follow you and do the same." I am following in some past, and greater, footsteps--a quote from my New Ethos in Game Design: ... "Just a mere glance at the history of games’ epic march through time shows us that as soon as adults got their hands on games that not only did these get structured, ruled, re-ruled, boxed and codified, but that they were then considered to be superior to children’s fancy. The same affront happened with “literature”; and it took many scholars, including the brothers Grimm, to salvage the gems of folk and fairy tales from the pits of history where the literati of the day had left them to rot, excepting for an occasional author the equal of a Stevenson or a Leskov." ... My penchant is to always return to, and continue to summon, that earliest enchantment we experienced and indulged in as children. Folk and fairy tales are romance IMO, and I hope many authors will return to " that earliest enchantment we experienced and indulged in as children." |
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Post by mormonyoyoman on Jul 19, 2017 6:41:09 GMT -5
That would probably have been Keith Richards, though an argument could be made for Ian Stewart. Bad YoYo, bad... Yo-yos good. (Well, except for those "clutch" bandalores.) Grandpa Chet can be a real stinker, but yo-yos are inherently Chaotic Gooder. |
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Post by robkuntz on Jul 19, 2017 6:44:47 GMT -5
Yo-yos good. (Well, except for those "clutch" bandalores.) Grandpa Chet can be a real stinker, but yo-yos are inherently Chaotic Gooder. You can't always get what you want, but if you try real hard: YoYo!! |
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