<font size=""4"">UTM: M Two One - your question(s) answered</font> <font size=""3"">Voodoo Child</font> Q: Country with: best scenery, best people, best government, best music, best food, best women. A: Hard to give one straight answer for some of these .. Best scenery – Iceland Best people – Anywhere in Scandinavia Best government – Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland Best music – Belgium Best food – Belgium (sweets) and Italy Best women – I’m particularly fond of French, Spanish and Brazilian women Q: Welcome to the modern dance hall or The Man Who Was Already Dead, and why? A: The Man Who Was Already Dead: Many of the songs on Welcome to the Modern Dance Hall are featured on this album, only reworked through orchestrated genius. While the first album was one hell of an opening to the world after their EP, their follow up is just pure mastered multi-genre music at its best. That is definitely my favorite album of all-time. Q: 10 greatest individual musicians? A: I've added them all based on the fact that if these guys were alone they could easily entertain me without the need for a full band or orchestra. Christian Schreurs Marc A. Huyghens Steve Miller J?n ??r Birgisson Les Claypool Michael Balzary Pascal Arbez Kjartan Sveinsson Jimi Hendrix Dino Campanella Thanks Voodoo Child. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- <font size=""3"">Notorious</font> Q: Why did you choose your name? A: When I was a teenager I used to go to a lot of thrasher shows with hardcore mosh pits, so I earned the nickname of Mosher of just “Mosh” for short. I was born on the 21st of October, which is also my favorite number. Q: Favorite team other then Bulls? A: NHL: Buffalo Sabres Rugby Union: Biarritz Olympique Pays Basque (Top 14) Pro Cycling: Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balaers Team Serie B: Union Sportiva Lecce Ligue Un: Lille OSC/Olympique de Marseille National: Pau Football Club German Bundesliga 2: Karlsruher Sport-Club M?hlburg-Ph?nix e.V. Eredivisie: AZ Alkmaar S?perLig: Fenerbah?e Spor Kul?b? La Liga: Club Atl?tico Osasuna Formuladeildin: B36 T?rshavn Lliga de Primera Divisio: Atl?tic Club d'Escaldes MLB: Chicago White Sox MLS: Chicago Fire AHL: Chicago Wolves NCAA: University of Illinois DEL: Kassel Huskies Le Championnat de Pro A: ?lan B?arnais Pau-Orthez If you simply meant in the NBA: I have a heavy respect for the Jazz and Raptors organizations, but I’m only a real fan of the Chicago Bulls. All Bulls - all the time. Thanks Notorious. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- <font size=""3"">Umair</font> Q: What place outside of Europe would you like to visit the most? A: Alaska. I’m sure it’s too beautiful to miss in anyone’s lifetime. Q: If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be? A: I would change the US Immigration laws so that they weren’t so full of crap. They try to keep out the people with degrees and legit means to get in and seem to care very little to nothing over people crossing the Mexican border illegally. Q: If you were president of the United States for one day, what changes would you make? A: See above for the first thing I would change. The other thing would be to attempt to build a stronger relationship with a country that seems to think we (Americans) are bad people based on our government’s decisions and actions. That would be a difficult task to accomplish, but I like to be challenged and I know I make good points without the need to insult someone or carry on subjects that the other person or people wouldn’t like. Strengthening our relationships is better then showing our dominance in changing another country’s way of life. This not only causes us problems in relationships, but also with our money. This country is corrupt and in major debt. Of all the major countries in the world, only France owes more to other countries then we do. Thanks Umair. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- <font size=""3"">Mamba</font> Q: If you had to listen to a mainstream rap artist for the rest of your life, who would it be...and don't beat around the bush or avoid the quetion, give us a good answer and why. A: I’m not too familiar with what goes on in the mainstream media these days. The only rapper I’m really familiar with right now is Mr. Lif basically because the man is a political hound and writes great material that makes sense. He doesn’t obsessively swear or rap about how much he wants to “**** bitches.” Only a few are like that anymore. Psychology note: People that swear often make up for words they can’t express. It shows a lower intellect. Also he doesn’t make up stories about how he killed people in his pretend world “ghetto life.” Ghetto actually originated in Venice and was a place where Jewish immigrants were required to live to be separated from the rest of the Italian commune. The word is actually derived from Latin. If Lif isn’t mainstream, then I can’t really answer your question because I haven’t listened to the radio or watched any music networks like MTV or FUSE in over six years. However, I think Lif must be mainstream, after all, his music was featured on one of those NFL 2K games. Q: The fattiest food you could eat all day? A: Pizza! I love pizza, hell, I’m from Chicago. Sanfratello’s, Mango’s, Uno, Gino’s East, Barraco’s .. the list could go on and on. Nothing stacks up to Chicago pizza, unless you go to Napoli or Andorra la Vella. Both cities have a great pizza joint that is excellent in quality and taste. Q: The healthiest food you could eat all day A: Raspberries, I would eat them all day if they weren’t so damn expensive when they aren’t in season. Thanks Mamba. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- <font size=""3"">Brian</font> Q: What do you think of the current situation of the United States? A: Very poor. As mentioned above in previous answers I have explained what I think is wrong. They need to have a better man in the office as well. Barack Obama in ’08! Q: What's different between Europe and North America? A: Well, prices are ridiculously high on certain things depending where you go. For instance in Lourdes, France you go to have an ice cream from this brand called Magnum (very good), but you pay 5 Euros for two small quantities. It isn’t worth the price when you think about how much that amounts to in dollars! In the US I can go to a place like Plus Horse, which tastes even better and get three times as much for less money. That is unless you go to Nice, France or any other surrounding area going into Italy’s Mediterranean coastline. They have the best ice cream in the world, hands down. Many more things of course, but that's the biggest difference. The Prices and the culture. But you already know about the culture I'm sure. Each country is different. That makes each one desirable to visit, does it not? Q: How far will the Bulls go this year? A: I say they can get to the finals if they work hard enough and keep getting solid contributions from Hinrich, Deng, Nocioni, Gordon and Big Ben. With their current roster though, I don’t see them beating a Western Conference team in 7 games. They need to be more consistent and prevent offensive rebounds for second chance points. That’s won and lost most of the games this year for them. Thanks Brian. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- <font size=""3"">Schaddy</font> Q: Have you traveled much around the Rocky Mountains/Great Plains region of North America? If so, where, and what were your impressions? A: I actually haven’t been to either part of the United States, but when I do travel to either as a specific destination I’d like to visit Utah and Wyoming most. I really want to see the Teton Range. Q: What's your take on the Bulls this year - impressions on the addition of Big Ben, improvement of the young guards and Deng, all that good stuff. Deng is a bad man, btw A: Ben Wallace is a good addition, but I think they still need a power forward that can score consistently. Deng is indeed a bad man. He has become a solid scoring threat and a beast on the boards averaging nearly 8 per game, but he obviously is not a power forward and likely won’t become one either. I’d like to get Gasol, but I don’t see it happening despite the continuous rumors going around. I can’t see the Bulls trading Deng and Gordon for Gasol as the team would die out and likely go back into rebuild mode within a season or two after more failures. I don’t want to see that happen to a team with such a great core unit of players that have come together and have bonded very well. People don’t see how well these players get along, because they don’t live here in Chicago and get the type of media coverage we have, naturally. Deng has really come together though. I’ve been really impressed since returning home because even when you just see his numbers on paper or in highlights that doesn’t resemble how good of a player he really is. You have to see him play on TV throughout an entire game or in person to have a true judgment of his talents. He is going to be one of the best players in the league I know that for sure. Gordon added along with that and Kirk Hinrich what is there not to like on that youth group? Then there’s Andr?s Nocioni who is one of the hardest working players in the league, many teams would love to have his dedication on their team. I remember in an interview with Duhon and Gordon, both players have admitted to saying that Noce is not only “the hardest working player in this league,” but the “best all around player on this team.” That’s a lot coming from those two players, especially Gordon. Andr?s comes from a different style of basketball and has only begun to adapt his game to this level of play. Expect more in due time is all I can say. Back to Ben Wallace - He had his issues early on, but I think it was simply adjusting to a new team and new staff. He was leaving behind a team of players he still calls his best friends and won a championship with them only a few seasons ago. He’s really enjoying his time here in Chicago though and you can see that before every match. He often hugs every member of the team and coaching staff on the bench before game-time. I’ve not seen that from him before, perhaps Pistons fans have when he was in Detroit, I’m not sure. Anyway, he’s a defensive threat that’s for sure, we all know that. I’d like to see his rebounding numbers go up before season end or at least booming during the playoffs. I’m sure once this team has their bearings and can find a continuous flow they’ll be golden. Q: If you could coach your own team, pro or college, who would comprise your starting five, and what style of play would you employ? A: I don’t like to give straight and plain answers especially on questions like this, but I have to say the Chicago Bulls starting five of 1995-96 would be my answer. Play them just as Phil did, same style offensive and defense. I really miss that group of players and the way they played the game. Not just Michael, but everyone. Those were the best of times, but I don’t think I’d trade what we have now to go back to that, sometimes you just have to let go. I don’t think people from other places understand what Chicagoans feel about that team. Thanks Schaddy. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- <font size=""3"">Carter</font> Q: Who is your favorite rapper? A: Mr. Lif. Thanks Carter. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- <font size=""3"">Locke</font> Q: Why am I so much flyer than you? A: You’re a Flyers fan? Man, that team sucks. Your team overpaid on Gagne! Thanks Locke. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- <font size=""3"">Bobcats</font> Q: Why does Locke always repeat the same question? A: [sabresfan]Because he’s a Flyers fan and they suck.[/sabresfan] Q: Who will win the Stanley Cup? A: Buffalo Sabres - Once they have everything back on track I think they’ll end up taking Lord Stanley in the end. They’re young, fast, and deadly. We’ve seen the signs of it last season and now they’re about five times better then before. In the playoffs with this new NHL system there is nothing more deadly then speed, speed kills in the NHL, even on the checking end. IE: Soupy smashing R.J. Umberger in the Sabres/Flyers series last season. Man that has got to be one of the biggest hits in sports history. That was sick! I say the Sabres meet the Predators or the Sharks in the Stanley Cup finals. The Eastern Conference final will likely be between Buffalo and Atlanta or Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh is on a roll, but they aren’t as tight as the Sabres are right now and the Sabres’ roster is way too deep to deny a championship run this time out. After waiting so long I’ll finally see my answers met in ’07. Q: Do you think Chicago can beat Miami (healthy) or Detroit in a 7 game series? A: Yeah I think so, especially Miami, the Bulls have their number. Detroit would be exceptionally tough for the Bulls, but I think they could pull it off in six or seven games if they play consistently. Which has really been the only thing holding them back from succeeding much further this season. Thanks Bobcats. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- <font size=""3"">Mercury</font> Q: Are you a fan of me? A: Sure, got to respect the “God of Skill.” Q: If I'm not mistaken, you traveled to many places, which is your favorite? A: Biarritz, France. The most beautiful city In the entire world. They have everything anyone could ever want. There are warm summers with the ocean coastline and surfers galore. They have the best rugby union club team in the entire world with the greatest and most dedicated rugby fans out there. Biarritz is a city with European style, but has the flair of an American one. Mostly thanks to Americans making surfing the city’s top sport along with rugby. The shops are amazing, the Basque food is delicious and the people are very friendly and open. It is simply the Basque way. When you go to France, think Biarritz before any other city. They’re also very close to other great cities like Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Bayonne. Then when you’re done with France you can just cross over with a train into Ir?n which is on the border with Spain and visit places like Donostia-San Sebasti?n. Great shops; great food; great sports; great weather. What's not to like? Q: Would you give up any Bull to get Garnett? A: I think that Deng and a first round draft pick is good enough to get KG, though contract issues would prevent that from happening anyway. Deng is young and already dominating, he would be a profitable gain for Minnesota in the coming years. Personally I’m content with Deng and the current group right now. I’m surprised nobody mentioned that the Bulls staff was actually more interested in picking up Melvin Ely then anyone else. Thanks Mercury. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- <font size=""3"">Chutney</font> Q: How would you approach the problem of ultras and fan rioting in Italian football? A: Easy - Ban of some team’s Ultras from any and all matches for two seasons if not for life. The Catania fans were over the line with that whole thing and that was the second death in that week with the officer. The Ultras only cause trouble in the stands and streets to begin with (Paris too) and as much as they give the club money for coming to the game, places like Milano and Roma don’t need these fans to survive. Milano is the perfect example with all the mafia profits coming in from Silvio Berlusconi, that son of a bitch. Believe me they would do just fine without their Ultras. Plus the San Siro is still closed for poor security check. If that isn’t enough of a sign of things to come if they aren’t banned I don’t know what is. Think about that 80,000 seater filled to capacity and a riot breaks out. We’d be hearing about thousands of deaths no doubt. Italy is a strong football country, no other compares to it fanwise except Argentina, who blow away any other. People don’t know that to many Italians football is everything in their life. If football didn’t exist anymore then they’d likely kill themselves. That’s why I love Italian football, that is the ultimate league. Forza Calcio! Forza Lecce! Q: As a Sabres fan, what do you think of Ted Nolan (his firing/Hasek fiasco, inability to find a job, and overall coaching ability)? A: When you mess with the greatest goaltender of all-time you don’t deserve another job no matter what success you’ve had with that rough team in the mid 90’s. Now he’s a part of the Islanders and I always say this and it has held up for many years now. Islanders = the place old Buffalo go out to pasture. (Satan, Zhitnik, Peca, Nolan, etc) What a loser organization. I’m glad they will be losing that team sometime in the next few years. The owners and city can’t afford a new stadium as per required by the NHL. Same situation for Pittsburgh, only they (Pens) are just a little closer to death. Q: What location do you see yourself retiring in? Biarritz, France. No doubt. Very expensive, but here’s hoping! Thanks Chutney. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- <font size=""3"">NTC187</font> Q: Who do you think will win the Rugby World Cup later this year? A: I have three picks mostly because this year seems a bit uncertain. First question is if New Zealand can perform well during the World Cup, which they really haven’t done the last few RWC. They are no doubt the strongest team in the world, but they seem to choke in the biggest matches. It is simply mind boggling really. I have to give an edge to France as the second best nation in the world. They’ll be at home and come in with a good core of players, namely one of the best if not the best 9 in the world right now in Dimitri Yachvili. Jonny Wilkinson is not what he used to be after all those injuries. Then I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Republic of Ireland in that mix at the end. Don’t ever count out the luck of the Irish. They’ve been quite solid and hold a number of players from the 2006 Heineken Cup champions Munster. Q: Will you ever follow in my footsteps and decide to finally grow some hair? A: Not on the head, man, my fianc?e likes the bald look. lol As for the face - When the NHL playoffs get underway and the Sabres are in it, I don’t shave until they’re knocked out or have won the Stanley Cup. That’s the hockey tradition really. That could go on for two months or so. You should’ve seen me last year at the end of the Hurricanes series, man I was sporting something close to ZZ Top style there. Thanks NTC187. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- <font size=""3"">J_Ray</font> Q: Down by three with 1 second left, which chance would you prefer to tie the game, Ben Wallace at the line for 3 FT's, Steve Nash 3/4's court heave, or Shaq 2 feet behind 3 point line? Why? A: Nice question - Ben Wallace with 3 free throws. No matter how bad he is at free throws, an open man taking shots in his own time is more reliable then a man who can’t shoot three pointers and will be heavily guarded or a man who is just heaving the ball and praying for an answer. Q: Which celeb would you rather be, Dennis Rodman or Prince (the singer)? A: Eesh! I don’t like Prince’s music; I didn’t like Dennis’ old lifestyle (drugs, drinking, etc). However, I’d still go with Dennis. Q: Worst injury you've ever experience, how did it happen? A: I can’t write the worst story as it is quite private, but I’ll give you this one to make up for the worst one I can’t give you. When I was a kid (around six) there was a huge storm coming with winds blowing really hard continuously. I could hardly walk without stumbling all over the place. I was trying to get back to the apartment I lived at and I wanted to get under some shelter so I hid under a staircase for a few minutes before heading upstairs. Note the outer door to the apartment was metal and kids had a hard time holding it open because it was very heavy. I started to get it open I even used my legs, but the wind was constantly strong. I yelled for help, but before anyone came there was a huge gust and as a tried to slip in the door went full force into the back of my skull and I just remember seeing blood splatter against the walls inside before I blacked out. My Mom brought me to the hospital immediately from what she told me. The doctor told her that had she not done that I’d be brain damaged or more likely dead. Now I have strange pain in the back of my head whenever someone barely smacks it as a joke. That’s why all of my friends never do that anymore after I tell them what happened. Also one time I had part of my tongue torn off, but that wasn’t as bad, just bled like crazy and didn’t require medical treatment. Thanks J_Ray. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- <font size=""3"">A13x</font> Q: Who's winning champions league this year and why A: I’d like to say Bar?a will repeat, but I’m going to have to go with Olympique Lyonnais. They’re such a dominant club and it seems that their time has come to win the biggest European football prize after winning five consecutive Ligue 1 titles. Q: What's the legal minimum # of weeks of vacation in Germany? A: I have absolutely no idea. Sorry. Q: Fastest speed you've ever taken your car A: I believe it was 132 mph on I294. Thanks A13x. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- <font size=""3"">MrJ</font> Q: Why do refs suck ass these days? A: They’ve always sucked ass. This is because they (NBA refs) give special treatment to superstar players. Been like that for years, even with Michael Jordan, sorry to say. Not to take away his greatness of course, but refs are supposed to be biased that way. The league wants it that way I guess. Q: Can you give me a brief, 2 paragraph assessment of your opinion with the Knicks A: Well they’ve definitely improved since last season, that’s for sure. There is still too much controversy and problems within the group, most notably the organization itself and not so much the players themselves. Eddy Curry making threats to leave the team just because Thomas will likely be fired is really pathetic. I mean sure he has his own opinion of the subject, but guess what? This is a professional sport where you’re being paid more money per year then most people hope to earn in their lifetime. What is there to bitch and moan about? Just shut the hell up and go to work. Not starting David Lee every night despite his hard work is already enough of a reason for me if I were in charge to fire Thomas right at this very moment. His only saving grace is making decent draft selections. I’m not saying they should let Eddy go, though some of you may not agree with that I suppose. I think the Knicks should get rid of Quentin Richardson if they can package him in a deal along with Steve Francis. Those two have not lived up to their price tags at the least. Time to concentrate on good solid players they already have like Jamal Crawford, Eddy Curry and David Lee just to name a few. I’m not sure what to think of Marbury as his numbers are down, but he seems to be very dedicated to this team. I’m sure you’d have a perspective on him though. However, I can’t see the Knicks making the Playoffs this season, but with a few changes they will definitely be on the right track for next season. Q: How do you feel about Curry versus Tyrus Thomas? A: I can’t compare them. Curry has been in the league much longer then Tyrus and also there’s the fact that Tyrus is very young and raw. Given a few years he may turn out to be a consistent player, but I don’t see him as a superstar in the least. He has butterfingers, he’s too nervous over the simplest plays. I sometimes fear he’ll miss wide open dunks. Curry has been solid for the Knicks. They’d be crushed to lose him if the organization fires Thomas because they don’t have a backup center that can perform at his level of play right now. Thanks MrJ. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- <font size=""3"">Karma</font> Q: Who's your favourite footballer of all time? A: Zinedine Zidane, the God of football. Q: In your opinion, what is the biggest difference between living in France and living in the States? A: The biggest would have to be the produce. Seriously. Dairy products in the United States taste like crap for the most part, especially our milk. A note to you all, if milk is in the freezer section it isn’t going to taste that great as it could. Milk doesn’t need to be refrigerated unless it has been exposed to light and air for too long. In France you’ll find milk in the water section packed in a bundle of six to twelve cardboard case packages. The only time you need to put milk away in the fridge is if it has been opened already. Never drink milk from clear bottles. There are chemicals in there. The cheese is good in the US, like from private farmers in Wisconsin. They make excellent cheese, but they’re pricy. However, the cheese doesn’t compare to France where even the slightest bit you put in your mouth gives you an instant rush of flavors. The bread is better in France by far and away and their cheapest produce at stores still tastes better then many of the US and Canada’s highest priced goods. They can call it French bread here at markets, but it sure as hell doesn’t taste like it. I’ve never had anything that compares to the French bread. There many other things on food, but I can’t name them all. Q: Is it just me, or do Locke's questions always suck ass? A: Ahem .. [sabresfan]He can't help it, he is a Flyers fan. The Flyers suck, all of you Flyers fans suck.[/sabresfan] Thanks Karma. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- <font size=""3"">Stockton</font> Q: Any favourite quotes? A: Many, many, many, many .. “We live like penguins in the desert, why can’t we live like tribes?” “Feel this wind and I’ve just begun to push. I have to follow the arrows pointing down towards the spiral. Along the beaten path blood stains the soil. I wither this stone and prism, prisoner to your halo.” “A hundred times every day I remind myself that my inner and outer life depend on the labors of other men, living and dead, and that I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am still receiving.” “A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.” “Any man who can drive safely while kissing a pretty girl is simply not giving the kiss the attention it deserves.” “Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more complex... It takes a touch of genius - and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction.” "Michael Jackson is such a great player." “Few people are capable of expressing with equanimity opinions which differ from the prejudices of their social environment. Most people are even incapable of forming such opinions.” “I just heard that new song from Hootie and the Blowjob.” “If most of us are ashamed of shabby clothes and shoddy furniture, let us be more ashamed of shabby ideas and shoddy philosophies. It would be a sad situation if the wrapper were better than the meat wrapped inside it.” “If my theory of relativity is proven successful, Germany will claim me as a German and France will declare that I am a citizen of the world. Should my theory prove untrue, France will say I am a German and Germany will declare that I am a Jew.” Q: As of now, is Richie McCaw the best player in world rugby? A: In rugby they usually don’t give that type of award to just anybody in my opinion. If the IRB believe Richie McCaw is the best player in the world then he truly must be the best player in the world. In my honest opinion perhaps at the very least he is the best at his position in the world. That is without a doubt. Q: Are the Jazz contenders or pretenders? A: Contenders – Simply when you have the best trio of players in the league like Carlos Boozer, Mehmet Okur, and Illini boy Deron Williams, you are definitely considered contenders. Let us not forget the Jazz’s solid bench either. I think they could make the finals; it would be funny to see Bulls vs Jazz again. Thanks Stockton. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- <font size=""3"">Sir Desmond</font> Q: If you become a mod and I get banned for posting the pictures of Hunter I have on my computer that he asked me to re-size, would you unban me at my request? A: Sure, but you’d have to download porn for me in return. Thanks Sir Desmond. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- <font size=""3"">THE DREAM</font> Q: Rakim or Nas and why? A: Rakim. I helped a bit with his bio article on Wikipedia. As mentioned by another writer he (Rakim) writes “remarkably complex rhyming schemes involving internal-rhymes and metaphors.” I agree for the most part. Not a huge fan of either, but definitely Rakim over Nas. Q: If you could spend a day with any political historical figure who it be and why? A: Political? Hmm .. I'd probably have to say Napol?on Bonaparte. Who wouldn't want to meet the greatest general in history? He did so much and gained so much power in his time. If it could be just any historical figure in general it would be Albert Einstein. The man was not only a genius, but he had an attitude and a distinct personality unlike any other. He really was the “Man of the Century.” Thanks THE DREAM. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- <font size=""3"">Mag</font> Q: Who inspires you? A: Bands like Venus and Dredg inspire me, but mostly my fianc?e. Q: Who is the most gorgeous (does that make sense?) girl in the world? A: My fianc?e, everyone that meets her tells her she’s gorgeous. She has the body, brains, face, long hair and everything I could ever want in a girl. She isn’t perfect either, but that makes it all the better. I like our disputes over bands and politics. Q: What's your favorite piece of literature, and why? A: I can’t really say what my favorite is, sorry. There are too many to name. Something that stands out though, is the novel I’m re-reading now. Watership Down. I grew up on this classic. It has everything you’d want in a suspenseful and heroic tale. Though it may seem to be for children it actually is not. I suggest it to anyone, even the 1978 cartoon movie of it. Stay clear of the remakes though, they are redesigned for kids and kill the storyline. The story from the novel is very deep though, focusing on characters designed after real World War II vets from the UK that were close friends of the author, Richard Adams. Thanks Mag. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- <font size=""3"">Omarion</font> I think you are living in France, so Q: Do you think the French are unfairly stereotyped as snobby? A: Everyone in the country is wrongfully stereotyped .. except the Parisians (people from Paris). I haven’t met one nice person from that city yet, but everywhere else everyone is very kind and welcoming to Americans and other nationalities, though closed-minded sometimes. French people are good people in general though. Just be aware that they will all eventually ask you what your take is on George W. Bush. Also, I've actually been back in the US for nearly a month now. Q: What is something positive about France, the gov't, or the people? A: For one thing they have better medical. You don’t have to pay and arm and a leg for medical treatment. For instance thyroid pills for my fianc?e over there are 2.85 Euros. My mom has the same pills and in the US she pays 84 dollars, depending on where she goes it can be even higher then that. That’s way too much of a difference in price over something like pills for the thyroid. Better to live in France, but not to die there. When you die there the government takes your money, it doesn’t go to your family members. I like that most people in France are simple and they don’t need many things to be happy, that is with the exception of Parisians who need as much as they can get (and usually can’t afford) or else they bitch and moan all day long. But that can’t let you down about the entire country. I’m sure anyone would love it. Got a bit off-topic there, but I figured you find that bit interesting. Q: What would you consider to be a successful life? A: To live a long and healthy life with the woman I love. Thanks Omarion. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- <font size=""3"">Riot</font> Q: What is some advice that you'd like to share with the young minds of this board; maybe something that you've learned from experience. A: When you find someone that you want to share your life with you will know it, it isn’t something you really have to think about first. Remember that in order to find this person you will have to go through real heart wrenching torture first from failing other relationships, but in the end you feel that it was all worth the pain and the wait. Trust me on that. If you have parents that are divorced or you have some trouble in the family that is common nowadays, don’t complain about to others. Remember there are millions if not billions of other people in the world that have it much worse then you do. If anything, be grateful every day that you have a home and shelter and that your family can afford qualities of life like food, water and many other necessities. People neglect those types of things every day, but as kids I can’t blame you because it isn’t your responsibility or even a need to care to think about those things. If anything think about the fact that your parents brought you into this world, about how they prepared themselves for you to have a home and food and all those other nice things they do for you every day. Yes, every day. Are you not fed every day and given a nice warm place to sleep? Yes you are and you also have the comfort of enjoying the Internet, obviously. So when you think about role models and look up to rappers, rockers or sports athletes, whatever, think first about your parents who think the world of you. When I think about having kids myself someday soon I think the best thing in the world would be for my child to look up to me and see me as his or her role model. I’m sure your parents or parent would feel the same way as I know I would with my own kid. You know I can’t tell you what will happen in your life exactly, but if you play the game right and be a respectful and considerate person no matter your mood you will end up having the life we all deserve - a peaceful one with love, respect, care, a roof over your head and all the other necessities. Good luck. Q: What bassists influenced or inspired you? A: Mostly Walter Janssens, Les Claypool, Pierre Jacqmin, Michael Balzary, Larry Graham, Drew Roulette and Dan Ogden. Q: If you could recommend 3 Venus songs, what would they be? A: These three are based on their different styles. That way you can find what you like if not one thing then many more. <u>Bass Shivering Bass</u>, Beautiful Days, Ball Room Thanks Riot. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- <font size=""3"">Authentiq</font> Q: Have any thoughts & advice on New Zealand? I'm going there for the whole summer with my GF before i go off to university. A: Yeah of course, simply enjoy yourselves. You’re going to one of the most beautiful countries in the world without a doubt. Visit the country from top to bottom and don’t just linger around in the cities. You have an entire summer there so you should have enough time to see the best of everything. Good luck with University as well. Q: Top 5 Footballers in the world. And Why? (rank 1-5) A: Not sure if you meant of all-time so I’ll put the current list up for you. 1. Steven Gerrard – Stevie is the best player in the world. Not my favorite player, but there is no denying his talent. He plays much better then his English national team counterpart Frank Lampard could ever hope to play, especially on the International level. When it comes to putting the ball in the net when your team really needs it, give it to Stevie. He’ll either score the goal for you or get the ball into the best possible position. He’s shown he can produce the goals you need, even from freakishly long distance, he just knows how much power he needs to make his shot accurate exactly the way he wants it. That’s just plain scary. Liverpool would be fools to ever lose this guy. 2. Thierry Henry – The best striker in the world shows it by how he plays in the fast paced rough English game. He scores almost nightly and makes it look easy. The man is a God when it comes to his position and overall play. When he’s on the pitch you just feel that unlike many other players he is always calm and in another world with his mindset. Look into his eyes and you’ll see what I mean. The man is a goal scoring freak. 3. Samuel Eto’o – The most explosive striker in the world earns his place at the third position. I don’t think he’ll be as good as Thierry Henry by a long shot, but he sure is a big talent and deserves much more respect then he currently earns. 4. Ronaldinho – The most creative football player in the world deserves high reckognition, but he sure as hell isn’t the best. He has yet to impress at all in International duty where he totally blew. Some like to say he’s better then Zizou, that is friggin’ hilarious. At his peak Zidane controlled the game at his own pace. Ronaldinho can be the best in the world, but he’ll need to continue to work hard at improving from different aspects other then handling and solid club level play. His passing improved this season so far, so that’s a step in the right direction. 5. Franck Rib?ry – By far and away the most underrated football player in the world. Had he not been on the French national team last year I couldn’t see them getting to the final. Scarface is one of the hardest working men in all of sports in general and he gives it everything night in and night out. You don’t see that in any other football player these days. Honorable mentions include Francesco Totti, Alessandro Del Piero, David Trezeguet, John Terry and Andriy Shevchenko. On the rise are Wayne Rooney, Lionel Messi and Yoann Gourcuff. Q: Favorite movies/actors? A: Movies (in no order) – The Shining, Abyss, Am?lie, Alien, Aliens, Bourne Identity, Bourne Supremacy, Bon Voyage Charlie Brown, Milo and Otis and Watership Down. Actors/Actresses (in no order) – Bill Murray, Jack Nicholson, Ed Harris, Sidney Poitier, Sigourney Weaver, Christopher Bale and Edward Norton Q: Favorite song of all time (just one)? Why? A: Going for four, eh? This was tough because Venus’ “Ball Room” was also on my mind. You don’t mix country, metal, orchestra, and indie all-together well and not have an honorable mention. Favorite song of all time is from Dredg “The Canyon Behind Her.” Invalid Video Link When I listen to the studio version all by myself I actually cry sometimes. The song is beautiful with so many emotions contained within it. It doesn’t have the same effect when I view it live, I think mostly because my thoughts can’t drift into personal emotions that the song brings out quite often. Thanks Authentiq. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- <font size=""3"">Rafy</font> Q: What do you think of the political situation in France? Be as a brief or as long as you like. A: Well I covered much of their political issues already. As for their presidency nominees for the upcoming poll, well I personally think they’re all full of crap. My fianc?e doesn’t like any of them so she’s not sure who should be best to win and neither do I. Their main goal should be to fix the debt problem which I believe is into the trillions now. Q: Which athlete do you think you resemble the most, game wise/looks wise. Basically, in any sport who do you think your game is most similar to, and then who do you think looks like you the most. A: Well in basketball I think my game is a blend between Ben Wallace and Dirk Nowitzki. Only thing is that I can’t jump all too high despite the strength in my legs and I can only dunk with one hand. Of any sport out there I think my rugby skills resemble Jonah Lomu the former New Zealand All Blacks great the best. I’m pretty fast and I have a lot of lower body power to push through opposing players on a run. I really want to play pro rugby union, but I’m already 23 and living in the United States doesn’t help me get noticed by anyone in Europe, Australia, etc. I’d like to try out with a third division club in France and see what they think. I don’t think any player looks like me in the NBA, and I can’t think of any from another sport. Maybe you can find someone that looks like me. lol However, nobody has my nose type. Q: How did you acquire such an awesome taste in music? How did you find the bands? Were they recommended to you or did you just stumble across them? A: Thanks for the compliment Rafy, I just listen to whatever scratches its way into my brain really. Usually things that are different then anything else, I believe the correct term is Avant-garde, which in French basically means to push the boundaries of normal in the arts, music, etc. Most of the bands I listen to I just stumbled upon them either at random shows or other means. I never watch television unless a sports match or the Fox Soccer Report is on so I obviously don’t discover them through MTV or any of that crap. Not like they’d play many of the bands I know of anyway. I actually discovered Venus in France through a promotion for a film called Immortel by Enki Bilal. Some of the bands and artists that were actually recommended to me were by my fianc?e. She introduced me to Doves, Elbow, Sigur R?s, Coral, R?yksopp, Michel Polnareff, BRMC, Scissor Sisters and a few more. Also I should note that Venus introduced me to ?t? 67, Half Asleep and Sharko. Thanks Rafy. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- <font size=""3"">Swish</font> Q: If the season ended today, who would be your MVP? A: Steve Nash, he's having a career year and has brought even more success to the Phoenix Suns. Q: What's your favorite thing to do when you aren't browsing JBB? A: Talking/spending time with my fianc?e. Q: Do you play much basketball? If so, what's your proudest moment on the court? A: I used to play a lot, basically every day. However, I stopped after many years of practice and games and now it has been at least five years since I picked up a basketball. I used to be pretty good, but I always knew I'd never make it to the NBA because of my height (6') and the fact that I was a power forward. That's definitely not going to work. lol My proudest moment on the court was where I finally beat a former friend of mine in a game of 21. He always fouled often and only complained if you did the same thing back. I just stuck with my game and ended up beating him with a 2 point (three point range) sky hook that totally baffled him. It just rang off the board and went in perfectly. The final score was 21 to 17. Thanks Swish.
Must say I am very surprised to see you rank Gerrard number one and leave out Ronaldo and Drogba, given the latter two have been probably the two best players in Europe this season (and far and away in England) and Gerrard has struggled to find any real consistency, especially with Rafa playing him out on the right. I know there is a bit of bias there, but if you take the recent WC and the current domestic season in account, I don't see any possible way Ronaldo isn't in the top five players in world football. I'm a big fan of Ribery, but I'd like to see how he goes in Spain or England before judging him properly.
Gerrard's should be playing center. I can't deny his skills based on this season in England. Rib?ry shines brightest in International level, I put him there based on his overall play. Drogba and Ronaldo have been great this year in England, but that's their best year. I can't say just for club play. I respect your opinion though, but this is how I feel about the players' overall play.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Just be aware that they will all eventually ask you what your take is on George W. Bush.</div> So true.LOL! Thanks for taking the time to give well thought out answers.
Awesome answers. I don't know how but I missed the deadline to submit my questions. Great job nonetheless, you definitely put some thought into these.
Since I didn't get my questions in, I'll just ask them here. 1) If the season ended today, who would be your MVP? 2) What's your favorite thing to do when you aren't browsing JBB? 3) Do you play much basketball? If so, what's your proudest moment on the court?
Questions answered, Swish. Wasn't a big deal since Voodoo Child actually did put the final date for questions for this Sunday anyway.
Best answers within the 3 people who've done UTM so far, IMO. And lol, i meant only in the NBA, but wow, thats fine. How did you have the time to get the links to each team???
Good stuff, M Two One, thanks for the answers. I think you'd really enjoy the Teton Range, it's a great area - if you do get further north, check out the Mission Range in northwest Montana.
Notorious - I really do love all those teams listed so I have the links saved to my computer at all times. Saves me time to have to look up the websites one by one. Schaddy - NP man, I'll definitely check out the Mission Range when I have the opportunity. Likely with the fianc?e since she really wants to visit more of the US. Authentiq - Sweet, movin' on up, to the East side. I finally got a piece of the pie .. Bavarian blackberry.
Most of the time, I see really long posts as full of total BS, but this was a complete exception. You honestly are one of my favorite posters on JBB, it was amazing how thought out some of the answers were, especially all of those involved with travel. Amazing stuff. . . Biarritz here I come!
<div class="quote_poster">M Two One Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Gerrard's should be playing center. I can't deny his skills based on this season in England. Rib?ry shines brightest in International level, I put him there based on his overall play. Drogba and Ronaldo have been great this year in England, but that's their best year. I can't say just for club play. I respect your opinion though, but this is how I feel about the players' overall play.</div> Ribery shines brightest internationally? Ronaldo just captained his country and was far and away the best young player at the WC (got robbed of the best young player award because of the incident against Rooney and England without a doubt, politics). He has established himself as an integral part of ther Portuguese national team since he was a teenager, and to captain a powerhouse football nation at 21 is quite incredible. I am a big fan of Ribery, but until he proves himself in one of Europes power leagues I don't think you can rank him in the world's top five players. Ronaldo has 15 goals from a wing in the EPL this season. 15!! There is only one other player in Europe who can dictate a game from a wide area like he does and that's Daniel Alves from Sevilla. But yeah, it is all opinion, I just think you're biased. Ronaldo is in contention for every major individual award this season in England and Europe, and is a massive reason why United look like wrestling the title back from Chelsea.
<div class="quote_poster">Sir Desmond Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Ribery shines brightest internationally? Ronaldo just captained his country and was far and away the best young player at the WC (got robbed of the best young player award because of the incident against Rooney and England without a doubt, politics). He has established himself as an integral part of ther Portuguese national team since he was a teenager, and to captain a powerhouse football nation at 21 is quite incredible. I am a big fan of Ribery, but until he proves himself in one of Europes power leagues I don't think you can rank him in the world's top five players. Ronaldo has 15 goals from a wing in the EPL this season. 15!! There is only one other player in Europe who can dictate a game from a wide area like he does and that's Daniel Alves from Sevilla. But yeah, it is all opinion, I just think you're biased. Ronaldo is in contention for every major individual award this season in England and Europe, and is a massive reason why United look like wrestling the title back from Chelsea.</div> I have nothing against Ronaldo in the slightest, he's definitely on the rise. I personally think Rib?ry was the best young player at the WC because he created almost every move in the central midfield for France. With his speed he blew by just about anyone that dared to cross him. Zidane was there to help of course, but he wasn't what he used to be. Ronaldo had a monster midfield to help him move the ball up for Portugal. I actually predicted Portugal to get to the World Cup final and face the Netherlands. Too bad they bombed out. I don't see how you have to "prove yourself" at a major club like the Milanos or Arsenal, Chelsea, etc just to be considered a great player. He's proved himself enough by playing at an average 7.7/10 level over the last year in International play. From what I remember Ronaldo was only averaging a 6.5/10. While still great that dwarfs in comparison to Rib?ry who has one of the highest play averages in the International level. I'll have to check when they release that type information again over here, likely during the next stretch of Euro qualifying. Whenever any highlights come up for France matches, the thing you're always going to hear is "Rib?ry played stellar again." If the man wants to stay at Marseille instead of selling his soul to Inter or an English club then so be it. All the more credit to him. I remember there were reports in Italy that Inter were shooting a 42 Million Euro purchase price Marseille's way after another bid was rejected. The deal never made it to worldwide news, mostly because he ended up staying with the French club. Still, that's a huge bidding price. Inter can't take everything away. Clubs like them are why football is slowly decaying. You read about it all the time in major magazines. Sure I've been a bit biased I won't disagree with you, but so are you and so is everyone else when that type of question is presented to us. However, I've made my points clear. We all have our own opinions of players. Again, I love Ronaldo, amazing he's scored so many goals at his position, but Rib?ry impresses me all the same and works harder then any other football player. He creates a lot of chances with the ball and dictates the tempo. He's one of the most unselfish players out there. Goals alone do not make you a star, that is only in the media's eyes IMO. BTW, could you have imagined if Ronaldo actually ended up going to Real Madrid?
I just don't see how you can judge a player purely internationally, as if you do that, then Gerrard is nowhere near the top five players in the world. To prove yourself as the best in the world, I think you need to be doing the business week in week out in a big league (not just a bunch of friendlies and the odd major qualifier), and the French Ligue isn't on par with England, Spain and Italy.
Wow! Great answers M Two One <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">When you find someone that you want to share your life with you will know it, it isn?t something you really have to think about first. Remember that in order to find this person you will have to go through real heart wrenching torture first from failing other relationships, but in the end you feel that it was all worth the pain and the wait. Trust me on that. If you have parents that are divorced or you have some trouble in the family that is common nowadays, don?t complain about to others. Remember there are millions if not billions of other people in the world that have it much worse then you do. If anything, be grateful every day that you have a home and shelter and that your family can afford qualities of life like food, water and many other necessities. People neglect those types of things every day, but as kids I can?t blame you because it isn?t your responsibility or even a need to care to think about those things. If anything think about the fact that your parents brought you into this world, about how they prepared themselves for you to have a home and food and all those other nice things they do for you every day. Yes, every day. Are you not fed every day and given a nice warm place to sleep? Yes you are and you also have the comfort of enjoying the Internet, obviously. So when you think about role models and look up to rappers, rockers or sports athletes, whatever, think first about your parents who think the world of you. When I think about having kids myself someday soon I think the best thing in the world would be for my child to look up to me and see me as his or her role model. I?m sure your parents or parent would feel the same way as I know I would with my own kid. You know I can?t tell you what will happen in your life exactly, but if you play the game right and be a respectful and considerate person no matter your mood you will end up having the life we all deserve - a peaceful one with love, respect, care, a roof over your head and all the other necessities. Good luck. </div> ^ that was probably one of the best posts I have ever read on JBB
