Contrary to popular belief, Oblongs isn't quite dead

[WBArchivist]

To clear up any misconceptions from earlier posts at this board, The Oblongs isn't quite dead.

In fact, Angus Oblong is alive and well, I talked to him the other day. His show is in bad shape. However, Oblongs is not dead. It is in the same situation as Batman Beyond. It wasn't picked up for another season, but it WASN'T cancelled. WB likes to keep the door open, especialy to see how good the viewership responce is. They're a manipulative bunch, those Warner Brothers are.

Why does everyone think that Marilyn Manson character is the anitchrist? I'm almost certain it's Jamie Kellner.

[Nftnat]

Originally posted by WBArchivist
Why does everyone think that Marilyn Manson character is the anitchrist? I'm almost certain it's Jamie Kellner.

So what's new? Doesn't everyone here? And I had an idea on the ng that K*lln*r was Charlton Woodchuck on A! It'd explain so much.

As for MM, it's because he's so scary, & the story of Anton LeVay ordaining him as a minister of Satan. I dunno if it's true (it did make the VH1 Most Shocking Moments thingie), but where the devil might be involved I don't wanna take chances.

But I also don't wanna believe Sammy Davis Jr. was a satanist, oh what to do.

[Calhoun07]

Hopefully, it will be revived for a mid season replacement! I loved that show!

Marilyn Manson is not the antichrist, just somebody putting on a show for a gullible public. That is why the name of the band takes it's name from two popular and seemingly different celebrity names. They are just screwing with people, and I think what they do is near genius.

[James Harvey]

John Denver said it best during a 1985 Censorship meeting that 'Parental Advisory' and Ratings are made only to appease a few certain Christian and religious people who think anything that isn't normal is sin.

[Calhoun07]

and what do they define as "normal?"

[Calhoun07]

Couldn't help noticing the Jars of Clay quote. I like that, as I listen to the band myself! Cool to see somebody else on this board shares a similar interest! :)

[WBArchivist]

Yeah- they are my favs. I think Gookie shares an interest in them too. That quote is from an unreleased song called "The New Math". It's kinda funky, in 3/4.

[James Harvey]

Something to do with the bible, that's what they consider 'normal'. Also, THE OBLONGS is now off the TheWB scheudle for now. We now get a double shot of THE PJs, STEVE HARVEY, then Nikke and For Your Love.

[WBArchivist]

I might not be a footwashing baptist, but even I know that Marilyn Manson isn't sugar and spice.

And I beleive WB is under contract to air all 13 Oblongs.

[Calhoun07]

Originally posted by DickGrayson
Something to do with the bible, that's what they consider 'normal'. Also, THE OBLONGS is now off the TheWB scheudle for now. We now get a double shot of THE PJs, STEVE HARVEY, then Nikke and For Your Love.

The Bible is full of stuff that would never get past the WB censors, would turn those Christian reviewers on their heads, and would make pastors of churches today have cornaries if they ever saw this stuff in a "Christian" movie! From nails being driven thru heads, to daughters having sex with their father, to decapitated heads being delivered to all 12 tribes of Israel, to actual examples of witch craft being practiced, to men "hung like horses" (those are the exact words from the Bible! I tell ya, the Bible has nothing on Boogie Nights!) to you name it, the Bible is the book that has the most violence and sex in it of anything I have ever seen! Normal indeed!

[Nftnat]

Eh-heh. Suddenly I'm feeling kinda non grata here. Look, people, friends (I hope), just because someone's of the religious right doesn't mean they're on some book-burning er sum junk crusade. Would it change y'all's opinion of me if I admitted that I'm of the religious right? I'd like to think we all, even I, can get along with each other. If y'all wanna have different opinions from me on Marilyn Manson or Eminem or who- or whatever, go ahead. Live & let live, right? We'll find out who's right in time. Just because I'd side with Jay Sekulow over Barry Lynn doesn't mean I'm gonna try to force my views on anyone. *whines* I'm a nice guy, really I am! If I disagree with you on something, might I discuss it with you? Maybe, & I'd have a right to; this is America. Just because I'd have freedom of speech wouldn't mean I'd have the right to be heard, i.e., you wouldn't have to listen to me. If I disagree with you, what of it? Would I advocate using the law to force my beliefs on anyone? No, I'd try what I'd try on anything I'd disagree with, from smoking to sexual preference: the friendly persuasion. I'm sure we can all get along. Maybe this is what Brainatra would call a Usenet/Chat Board Topic to Avoid Lest Flame Wars Begin. Anyway, may I stay, please? (shuffles off to stand in the corner)

Oh, & for the record, the only foot-washing experience this Baptist has ever had was in the bath or shower.

[Calhoun07]

Perhaps we got into the Christains and movies thing because of a post on the AniGen board about a Christian perspective on Shrek. While I would hope that isn't the view held by most Christians, I was only pointing out that the Bible has more stuff in it that would cause the heads of these Christian reviewers to spin their heads around a few times. And as for the WB censors...well, they deserve any shot I take at them and I make no apologies to them!

If my comments offended anybody's religious persuasion on this board, I apologize to them! Nothing personal was meant to be directed to nobody.

[WBArchivist]

Let's keep it in perspective, guys.

Jesus says "I am the way, the truth, and the life." The bible is no more than a love letter to us - and sure there is stuff in there that isn't politically correct. But if one truely understands why it's there then it wouldn't be as offensive. There isn't one aspect of humanity that isn't addressed in the good book.

So before we get out our shotguns, let's remember what we are arguing about.

And as a born again Christian who saw Shrek, I'd say there are bigger issues worth spending time on. You know. World peace. Hunger. The like. Besides, I enjoyed Shrek. Designs bad. Screenplay good. Katzenberg funny. Overall a satisfying movie-going experience.

PS - I applaud you, Nftnat.

[Craig Marinaro]

Ehm...it's great that so many folks have been coming over from the WF Boards, but it's been my observance (speaking solely for myself, not for the rest of the admin staff) that many members of those Boards can be rather aggressive in promoting their beliefs. That discussion style is fine over there, but we tend to promote a somewhat more friendly / good-natured atmosphere on these Boards. So if we could kinda be a bit more gentle in the future, it'd be appreciated.

And Nftnat, if there's anyone on this Board who's going to harass you for being religious, *THEY'RE* the ones who aren't welcome. In fact, I know there are several people on this Board who are quite devoted worshipers. If either Romey or Gookie were here, I'm sure they'd be super-quick to jump to your defense. Personally, I'm a Catholic, albeit not the most devoted one in the world. I also don't care for Manson, and believe that a lot of films these days go too far. Sex and violence are all well and good, but so many films are being built solely around those elements these days, and have absolutely no substance besides them. The price of freedom is eternal vigilance, as they say. I don't think one has to be religious to be of the opinion that certain films are trashy (ask Brainatra! ;). And I don't find those elements offensive in and of themselves so much as I find the misuse of those elements offensive.

And I know there are people here who would disagree with a lot of the things I find trashy (i.e., I know someone had a Tom Green quote in their signature at one point...I can't stand the guy). But that's cool. Let's just all get along, huh? 'Cuz if a flame war erupts on *THIS* Board, people are getting booted, no questions asked. And when people are booted, they can't get into *ANY* of the TZ Boards, including the WF and TTTP. And the booting system on this Board is much more difficult to outwit than the old one. So be good. ;)

-C
Official ToonZone Grumpy Authority Figure Who Confiscates Your Action Figures When You Play With Them in Class. So Nyah.

[WBArchivist]

Just to clear all that up, the "footwashing baptist" line was a reference to To Kill A Mockingbird, in which the footwashing baptists are the folks who think gardening is a sin. Then again, it's kind of an inside joke...

So all you Boo Radelys ought to get out and read somemore!:)
J/K
(another Mockingbird reference. You pick it out)

[The Mad Hatter]

Too true. There can be a lot of ribbing around here, but most people here are a pretty accepting sort. Myself, I'll certainly consider/take seriously/respect all opinions given... well, those that don't involve Family Guy. Bleh. :)

Oh, and Craig, you're not the only one who can't stand Tom Green. Ugh. Extreme grossouts aren't inherently funny. Not too fond of Manson either, then again he's so cartoonish I've never been able to take him seriously. But pop culture has been ignoring him for a while, so all is well.

[Nftnat]

Well, thank y'all for the kind words. As to flame wars, hah, I'm still recovering from the last one where Belchie & I got into it with Hatter & Penrose politically, & have no desire to get into another one. Who knows, maybe I'll post onto WF someday. (1 thing @ a time; I still haven't posted onto Alethia's Road Rovers mb yet) And I can't stand Tom Green either, not that that's any surprise to anyone.

[Sharklady]

> Just to clear all that up, the "footwashing baptist" line was a reference to To Kill A Mockingbird, in which the footwashing baptists are the folks who think gardening is a sin. <

I remember that. They were the folks who told that nice neighbor of Scout's and Jem's that she ought to be indoors praying instead of outside tending her flowers. Which always made me want to yell at them, "Hey, arrogant jerks; if God wanted us to be spending all our time inside, why'd He take so much trouble to make the outdoors beautiful?"

[Nftnat]

Now that sounds totally whack. They should've considered Genesis 2:15 Oh, why do religious people in the media generally turn out to be jerks?

[The Mad Hatter]

Oh, why do religious people in the media generally turn out to be jerks?

Part of it may be just the sheer fact that people with the most extreme views tend to be the loudest, and so generate the most coverage. And with that coverage, people think that their views are more mainstream. Also, a lot of the religious righters who turn out to be jerks have a heck of a lot of money, so those folks tend to be influential, unfortunately.


As to flame wars, hah, I'm still recovering from the last one where Belchie & I got into it with Hatter & Penrose politically, & have no desire to get into another one.

YOU'RE still recovering?! I almost needed therapy after that one. :o

[WBArchivist]

Somehow the people who know the least get the most attention. I don't really understand it. Popularity in the media is pretty much fate and dumb luck. So who ever gets lucky gets to share his opinions!

I can't wait till a creation vrs. evolution debate starts here. These are fun! ;)

Funny how this conversation has nothing to do with the oblongs anymore. If only I hadn't made that anitchrist comment...

Take care, all.

[I.R Joey]

I'm a Christian too, and quite honestly I know that some of the stuff in the Bible (especially Judges) could not make it to network TV, or into a kids cartoon. Examples might be a fat king getting stabbed so hard his skin swallows the knife, or the bellys of pregnant women being ripped open. And the Bible didn't go into details thankfully (imagine water turning into blood and the after effects)

I think the debate comes to violence and sex that is gratuidese (God's judgement is completly justified, as he is punishing wrong.) But yeah the whole that looks diffrent that must be demonic or evil thing is definately a thing with many Christians. Being an artist myself (and A Sci-fi author,) I do get it. once I was sitting in a church and someone said to me "You know people here may think you're drawing demons" I said. "Let them."

But oh well.

[Calhoun07]

I have an associates in Theology, and when I was going to school for it, I would get "preached" to by other students (and even one dorm supervisor) about my interest in Star Trek. And also for my interest in science fiction over all. And they would tell me that the aliens looked like demons. Well, I never thought of it that way. I am still not bothered by science fiction, but I kinda let my interest in it subside a little while I was in school as to not upset people who might be weaker in their faith.

I think it is Paul who said, and I am paraphrasing here, that all things are lawful, but not everything is expedient. Paul also taught that if a brother takes offense in a liberty you enjoy, to basically give up that liberty. No reason in letting one of your liberties wind up being somebody elses' stumbling block.

As for the creation v. evolution debate BRING IT ON!

[I.R Joey]

Creation vs. Evolution.

Both are equal parts faith IMO. A Creationist must say that an unseen power (being) formed what we see and live in (a teleology.) The Evolutionist (athiest kind) must admit that a "god" made this world. Yes they are athiest but for all of nature to fall into place the way it has "chance and condition" and even evolution itself must take on almost sentient qualitys IMO.

But enough of that.

As for the whole Star Trek thing I might not have been that yielding (though maybe I should be), I honestly would just shrug it off tell them my opinion and go on with what I was doing regardless of others opinion. But I really should consider what Paul said, though he was talking about food offered to idols, it applys here as well.

[The Mad Hatter]

Evolution vs. creationism: erf. These arguments get pretty pointless pretty quickly, mainly because both sides think the other is so silly that no common ground can be found, and it quickly devolves into a shouting match. Me, I tend to think that God designed life to evolve, but does that ever placate the argument? Nooooooo.

(Calhoun's quandary, and the fact that Paul said to give up liberties)

I can't really agree with you there. Your sci-fi interests weren't hurting anyone at all, and I assume that you weren't flouting them in people's faces. They were the ones who were so intolerant of things beyond the norm that they thought utterly harmless things were evil. I realize my scripture is weak and anyone with even a vaguely knowlegable familiarity with the Bible could kick my butt, but let's take Paul to an extreme. Let's say you were in a situation where everyone was hassling you for simply being a Christian. Should you give that up just to placate them, even though you being a Christian doesn't harm them in the least? Of course not. So why should you have to give up sci-fi?

Mind you, I understand why you did, since you had to at least get along with the people you lived with. But it was still entirely wrong and irrational of them to give you a hard time about that.

[Calhoun07]

Just let my self control what I was reading when certain people were around and such. I really didn't change any of my interests, just made me watch what I said around certain folks and stuff. Out of sight is out of mind. Yeah, I allowed my interest to wane just a little, but I never lost my interest in sci fi.

Paul was talking about another brother being bothered. Obviously, another brother would never be justfiably offended by your Christianity.

[Sharklady]

> And they would tell me that the aliens looked like demons. <

My reply to that would be; And how do you know what demons look like? 'Ever meet any face to face?

Re a creationist/evolutionary debate: we had one of those once. Over a year ago now, but I'm in no danger of forgetting.
It never turned into a shouting match, but we fired so many posts at each other we maxed out the board. And when the dust from that crash had settled, we kinna decided it would be safer to drop the subject before our collective civility got strained to the breaking point.

I can't say I'm overly eager to give it another go.

[I.R Joey]

You guys seriously crahed the forum arguing over this. LOL, I love you guys but, geesshh how'd you get that intense.

[Danielle]

Originally posted by I.R Joey
Examples might be a fat king getting stabbed so hard his skin swallows the knife, or the bellys of pregnant women being ripped open. And the Bible didn't go into details thankfully (imagine water turning into blood and the after effects)

When I learned the story of the stabbed king (who was named Eglon and was the grandfather to Ruth, BTW), I stood up, stepped calmly outside, and threw up. Especially when we got to the part of his intestines spilling out (EEEEWWW!)

But there are things worse than that (King Saul cutting up pieces of dead cow and sending it to each of the tribes, for example. Or the story of how Abshalom, son of King David, died.)

By "Bible", do you mean Old/New Testement, or also Prophets and Writings?

[DR. BELCH]

Much of Shakespeare wouldn't get past today's censors either--the blood and guts of Macbeth and Hamlet, or the Freudian symbolism and crass sex talk in Cleopatra (Cleo talks at one point of walking about in Anthony's clothes with his sword at her hip, while Antony, completely drunk, is dressed in her tunic.)

As for Bible-thumpers being nuts, that goes for just about any group. There's always some extremist making it difficult for the rest. I'm currently furious with Vermont Sen. James Jeffords for his decision to leave the Republican party, thus giving the Democrats a slight edge in Congress. They'll use this against us for the next few months, if not all of G.W. Bush's term. There'll be allegations that the Republicans are weak, incompetent, falling apart, and lacking strong leadership (although the Dems are just as fragmented and squabbling, if not more so).

As far as religion goes, I could probably pick apart each and every one using some odd tenant in their teachings. In another thread I mentioned that there are no great Lutheran comedians, which I find strange--it's mostly Jews working the Vegas strip, with Catholics a close second. We Lutherans just aren't funny people--we're actually quite a humorless and stodgy lot. :rolleyes:

[Sharklady]

> You guys seriously crashed the forum arguing over this. LOL, I love you guys but, geesshh, how'd you get that intense. <

As has been mentioned, the creationist/evolutionary debate is something a lot of people feel strongly about. That's why it's on so many lists of "subjects to be brought up with caution."

> They'll use (Jeffords' defection) against us for the next few months, if not all of G.W. Bush's term. They'll be allegations that the Republicans are weak, incompetent, falling apart, and lacking strong leadership (although the Dems are just as fragmented and squabbling, if not more so). <

In other words, it'll be politics as usual. I've seen no great variation in it in all my 44 years.

> We Lutherans just aren't funny people--we're actually quite a humorless and stodgy lot. <

Ironically, that's the attitude Garrison Keillor has been getting laughs out of for years now.
Tho it's open to debate whether he's a 'comedian.' He describes himself as a 'humorist', and defines that as "a comedian on valium."

[Calhoun07]

Not too many people know who Garrison Keillor is. I love his work and his show. I actually got to meet him at the Ground Round one late night at about 12:30 am in St. Paul, MN. He came in, and I said the the person I was with, joking of course as I didn't seriously think it was, "That's Garrison Keillor." It was. Could tell as soon as I heard him talk. Even got his autograph, which was cool.

Sorry, I had to tell that story here. I don't know anybody who knows what I am talking about when I tell that story!

[Sharklady]

Which is pretty much what you wanted to hear, isn't it?

This seems like a good place to share a joke Keillor told on a recent PHC show, regarding an ill-considered statement made by Gov. Jesse Ventura:

"When he was training to be a Navy SEAL, Mr. Ventura learned how to hold his breath for seven minutes. We Minnesotans wish he would do that a little more often."