Maidens of the Kaleidoscope

~Bunbunmaru News~ => Letters to the Editor => Ask a *Blank* Archive => Topic started by: Tengukami on August 13, 2011, 02:50:17 AM

Title: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Tengukami on August 13, 2011, 02:50:17 AM
(http://i55.tinypic.com/t6q8oy.jpg)

Welp, this is the final Ask A Staffer thread. It's been a wild ride.

So let's go out gloriously. Ask anything at all, literally any and all serious questions will be answered.

Fire when ready.

Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Jana on August 13, 2011, 02:50:54 AM
Thoughts on Fallout 3?

Did you get to play with the Homura mod? :>
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: E-Nazrin on August 13, 2011, 02:55:35 AM
Why is the Scandinavia region so goddamn awesome?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: MatsuriSakuragi on August 13, 2011, 03:02:53 AM
Favorite kinds of music?

What is the most important thing in life?

What is the most efficient way to keep on top of current world events?

What are some of the things that influenced your career choice?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Tamer Anode/Cathode on August 13, 2011, 03:08:02 AM
So what got you into Touhou?

Are you ever worried about being seen as unprofessional because of your interest in anime?

...what happens if we get new staffers after Ask-A-Staffer ends?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: nintendonut888 on August 13, 2011, 03:20:10 AM
If you could relive any of the eras of history you have lived, which would it be?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Tengukami on August 13, 2011, 03:35:51 AM
Thoughts on Fallout 3?

Loved it, loved it, loved it. I tried a lot of different types of runs, and my favorite remains just picking a compass direction from a location and waking until I find something. I have half the locations mapped, and have picked up items pertaining to quests I haven't even begun yet. It's just great, sprawling fun. And it keeps me off the streets!

Did you get to play with the Homura mod? :>

NO?! But I want to based solely on the name.

Why is the Scandinavia region so goddamn awesome?

Scandos have this general "I'll mind my own business if you mind yours" mentality that permeates through every aspect of society, which leads to a generally liberal attitude about things such as religion, sex, drug use and so forth. And the one thing all Scandinavian/Nordic countries have in common is a strong social welfare system; the belief that we're responsible for each other. I'd say that sets them apart from most of Europe.

Favorite kinds of music?

Anything that makes me feel something. I love all kinds of music, so long as it touches me in some way, whether through laughter, joy, or rage. And sometimes I just want a sick beat, and that leaves a lot of room open.

What is the most important thing in life?

Gratitude, probably. An avid appreciation for what you have can make you feel very fortunate, humble, and more willing to help others who aren't as well off. That, and to accept yourself for who you are, part of which entails assuming responsibility for your life. From here, anything is possible.

What is the most efficient way to keep on top of current world events?

Wire services, in particular their RSS feeds. Most browsers have extensions that will load RSS feeds from websites, and the big three news wires all have them.
AP (http://www.ap.org/)
Reuters (http://www.reuters.com/)
AFP (http://www.afp.com/afpcom/en/)

RSS feeds from these sites are also good for bringing you the top stories. If there's a subject that interests you in particular (e.g., finance, the Middle east, technology), you can just pick up the RSS feeds from those pages, too.

Or you can just visit the sites themselves when you like. But these three wire services are the ones that do the boots-on-the-ground reporting that your local made-for-TV Colgate smile anchorman reads out every evening. This way, you get the raw news without the spin.

What are some of the things that influenced your career choice?

I always liked writing, and when I was 13 we took this test called a CAT (Career Aptitude Test), where you answer a bunch of weird psychoanalytic questions, and receive a result that tells you what your ideal career would be. I don't know if they still have these. My top career pick was "journalist", and I kinda dismissed it until 2003, when I picked up a copy of the magazine I now work for, submitted an article, and got things started from there.

So what got you into Touhou?

Desuchan. Someone had posted a Rozen Maiden version of Marisa Stole the Precious Thing there, which got me interested in IOSYS, which led me to looking for lyrics translations, which led me to the Touhou wiki. There, I was sort of taken aback by all the detail and attention that a single dude had put into a shooter game. Mountain of Faith had just come out, so I tried that, and fell in love.

Are you ever worried about being seen as unprofessional because of your interest in anime?

Not really. Everyone I work with went from being sort of bemused by my interest in anime, to making a few light-hearted jokes, to asking for title recommendations. I think if you act like it's not a big deal, most people will take it that way, too.

...what happens if we get new staffers after Ask-A-Staffer ends?

The universe collapses under the weight of its own mass until the matter itself is crushed, releasing a powerful blast of energy that creates a new universe. And there's Combos.

If you could relive any of the eras of history you have lived, which would it be?

Man, so many possibilities. In France during the Enlightenment would have been entertaining, as would colonial America, Australia before it was found by Europeans, postwar Europe, 1950s America, and Japan during the student uprisings of the late 1960s.

But I really like the time I'm living in now. I didn't use to, to be honest, but I think my small corner of the world has become a better place to live in for me over the years.

Oh, that I have lived? I would like to re-experience the 70s as an adult. Those were surprisingly interesting times, but I wasn't old enough to appreciate them.
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: noodles on August 13, 2011, 08:30:13 AM
Didn't you already do one of these  >:(
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Rin Kagamine on August 13, 2011, 08:32:36 AM
You again?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Tengukami on August 13, 2011, 08:44:10 AM
Didn't you already do one of these  >:(

Indeed I did.

You again?

Me again.
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Mimachiro on August 13, 2011, 10:39:41 AM
How's the weather?

Does it feel like we've been doing this for half a year now?

What's your greatest fear?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Grand Octopus on August 13, 2011, 11:57:48 AM
Panties, stockings or garterbelts?

Why haven't you finished watching Bakemonogatari yet?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Solais on August 13, 2011, 03:25:48 PM
How does it feel that your life is Usagi Drop?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Tengukami on August 13, 2011, 03:30:55 PM
How's the weather?

Sunny and warm (warm for here, anyway, or about 15?C), with a cool breeze.

Does it feel like we've been doing this for half a year now?

Feels like a year to me, actually.

What's your greatest fear?

Dying alone. And I don't just mean in the sense of having no partner; I mean without any friends or family. It's a totally irrational fear but whenever I imagine it, the prospect genuinely frightens me.

Panties, stockings or garterbelts?

A toss-up between panties and garterbelts, with the former barely edging out the latter.

Why haven't you finished watching Bakemonogatari yet?

I don't know! Maybe because there's a lot of stuff currently airing that I'm watching. Also, the pacing of Bakemonogatari has put me to sleep on occasion. I like it, don't get me wrong. I just need to be really, really wide awake to watch it.

How does it feel that your life is Usagi Drop?

I didn't even get through the first episode of that series because it creeped me the fuck out.
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Zengar Zombolt on August 13, 2011, 04:06:13 PM
What would be the picture that would crown your life?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Iryan on August 13, 2011, 04:09:15 PM
What do you consider your greatest achievement in life so far? Similarly, what do you consider your greatest failure?

If you could punch one person currently living on the planet in the face right now, who would it be?
Similarly, if you could give one person currently living on the planet a hug right now, who would it be?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Rin Kagamine on August 13, 2011, 04:11:27 PM
How prominent is mead up there?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Thata no Guykoro on August 13, 2011, 07:20:18 PM
Why is Aya your favorite Touhou character? :V
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Solais on August 13, 2011, 08:21:33 PM
I didn't even get through the first episode of that series because it creeped me the fuck out.

Whaaaaaaat. How can such a beautiful series creep you out?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Mimachiro on August 13, 2011, 11:46:16 PM
Who's your Momi?

Who's your Hatate?

Where do you see yourself thirty years from now?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 14, 2011, 01:40:04 AM
What do you consider your personalest failings?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Esifex on August 14, 2011, 03:48:20 AM
You're a journalist - and judging by an earlier answer, I assume it's because you like writing?
Would you recommend journalism for any up-and-coming writing aficionados?

You're a Time Lord, as evidenced by the wide range of ages that you appear in in many of your latest photos. Where do you park your TARDIS? Is the Chameleon Circuit still active, and that's why no one has found it yet?

Favorite thing about being a dad?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 14, 2011, 03:07:59 PM
Who have you punched in the dick lately?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Tamer Anode/Cathode on August 14, 2011, 03:27:50 PM
What are your fondest memories of the 70's/80's/90's?

What do you think of me wanting to be a library professional?

How would you feel if I told you that you reminded me of one of my IRL friends?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Tengukami on August 14, 2011, 03:45:43 PM
What would be the picture that would crown your life?

My daughter. Best thing I ever did with my life.

What do you consider your greatest achievement in life so far? Similarly, what do you consider your greatest failure?

Moving to another country, learning the language, and building a career. I don't think being a father is an "achievement" per se, as it takes very little effort to actually become one. Being a good father, on the hand, that takes work.

My biggest failure would probably be my own carelessness bringing about the end of my marriage. I try to console myself by reminding myself that we got married for all the wrong reasons, in the wrong circumstances, and were pretty much living like room-mates in the last year we were together. Still, a failure nonetheless.

If you could punch one person currently living on the planet in the face right now, who would it be?
Similarly, if you could give one person currently living on the planet a hug right now, who would it be?

Haven't actually given much thought to who I would want to physically assault. I don't know what good it would do. But as far as hugs go, it would probably be my grandfather. He's pretty much at death's door, and has fought every step of the way.

How prominent is mead up there?

Sadly, not prominent at all. Icelanders like beer, primarily. Although there's this horrible concoction called Topas that is black licorice flavored vodka. Nastiest shit on the planet.

Why is Aya your favorite Touhou character? :V

Apart from also being a journalist, Aya is curious, gregarious, and "enhances the truth". She is at once mythological and modern. She has provided us with a great deal of what we know about Gensokyo. In many ways, she is Gensokyo.

Whaaaaaaat. How can such a beautiful series creep you out?

I don't know! There were just moments when my pedo alarms went off and I just found it unbearable. I recognize this is probably closed-mindedness on my part, but there it is.

Who's your Momi?

Who's your Hatate?

Where do you see yourself thirty years from now?

There are two interns at my office who are my Momiji and my Hatate. I'll sure miss them when summer's over.

30 years from now I'll be 70. So, most likely I'll be dancing shirtless on tables to "I Like To Move It" and chugging tequila like it's water in some seedy Mexican cantina. God willing.

What do you consider your personalest failings?

See above re: divorce.

Man, why do you people wanna know about my failures so much?

You're a journalist - and judging by an earlier answer, I assume it's because you like writing?
Would you recommend journalism for any up-and-coming writing aficionados?

Yes, I would. Journalism is a noble profession. Your job is to create reality. You bring to light information and truth that was previously unknown, thereby expanding the map of the known world and the human body of knowledge. If you get into it for those reasons, more power to you. If you're a narcissistic peacock who just wants to crow their personal opinions all day, well, I'm sure there's a slot on Fox with your name on it.

You're a Time Lord, as evidenced by the wide range of ages that you appear in in many of your latest photos. Where do you park your TARDIS? Is the Chameleon Circuit still active, and that's why no one has found it yet?

I have never watched a complete episode of any Doctor Who.

Favorite thing about being a dad?

Seeing her learn how to do something on her own, thanks to my guidance. There's nothing like it.

Who have you punched in the dick lately?

Vic Morrow.

What are your fondest memories of the 70's/80's/90's?

70s: Bell bottoms, punk rock, feathered hair, disco on the radio, Jimmy Carter.
80s: Pop music was actually pretty good in this decade. And the fashion, my goodness ... so many shoulder pads.
90s: I dunno, leaving America? Fuck the 90s.

What do you think of me wanting to be a library professional?

If that's what you've dreamed of doing, and that's your passion, then congratulations - you've achieved what damn few people ever will.

How would you feel if I told you that you reminded me of one of my IRL friends?

I guess it depends on what this friend is known for. If he's an all-around stand-up guy, then great. If he drinks paint thinner and snorts live ants, even better.
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Mimachiro on August 14, 2011, 10:15:57 PM
What's the wildest party you've ever been to?

Ever tried wearing Tengu geta?

When 12/12/12 comes, are you going to pull up a lawn chair with me and watch everyone panic like a bunch of babies over nothing?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: MatsuriSakuragi on August 14, 2011, 10:30:19 PM
What do you like the most about the Touhou fandom? What do you dislike the most?

What are your views on the field of psychology? How about psychiatry?

Have you introduced your daughter to Touhou?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Tengukami on August 15, 2011, 12:14:36 AM
What's the wildest party you've ever been to?

A friend of mine once put together a party that involved [NSFW follows]
a pretty sizeable collection of hallucinogens. We were all single, guys and girls, and although few people took part in the hallucinogens, just about everyone took part in the group sex
. It went on for about 40 hours, and was a helluva lotta fun, but would probably give me a heart attack if I rolled into a party like that these days.

Ever tried wearing Tengu geta?

No, but it's on my list of footwear from around the world to try. Would also enjoy hobnail boots.

When 12/12/12 comes, are you going to pull up a lawn chair with me and watch everyone panic like a bunch of babies over nothing?

With pleasure. It'll be like Y2K all over again!

What do you like the most about the Touhou fandom? What do you dislike the most?

I love seeing kids get all giddy and excited about this series. For real, this is why browsing TARC puts a smile on my face. I also love how, thanks to ZUN's rather lax policy on fanworks, there has been a plethora of creative works, from art to music to writing to other games. That the fans show their devotion through creativity is really heartwarming.

What I dislike most is the sense of entitlement that a few fans can show. Stuff like "this next game BETTER be a regular shooter/have Mima/use a scoring system I approve of" or whatever. Sorry, fellas - ZUN is one man, and he makes doujin games. That means he makes them the way he wants them. Considering pretty much none of these people bitching are even paying for the game makes the sense of ZUN owing them something all the more baffling.

What are your views on the field of psychology? How about psychiatry?

Psychology and psychiatry are complimentary, I think. Psychiatry seems to be the attempt to prove that mind science is "hard" science, like math or physics or chemistry. To me, science is science - there is no hard or soft science. Psychology I like because it's more flexible, more willing to branch into new areas and try new things. Psychiatry tests these ideas, thankfully, and has given humanity some amazing breakthroughs in how we understand ourselves, our societies, and how to treat our mental illnesses. If psychology is the trailblazer, psychiatry is the diligent road workers who straightens and evens the path behind the pioneer.

Have you introduced your daughter to Touhou?

My daughter gets bored silly watching me play, but she loves the fan videos. Especially Marisa Stole the Precious Thing; she can do the "hi ku mi" part pretty well!
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Romantique Tp on August 15, 2011, 03:56:30 AM
ZUN's original compositions. What do you think of them ?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 15, 2011, 05:13:39 AM
How much internet wackiness have you exposed Ammy Jr. to? Related to that, have you had a Leekspin/Nyancat endurance match?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Alfred F. Jones on August 15, 2011, 09:40:33 AM
30 years from now I'll be 70. So, most likely I'll be dancing shirtless on tables to "I Like To Move It" and chugging tequila like it's water in some seedy Mexican cantina. God willing.
I know various places where this could be arranged!

What do you look for in nonfiction? Fiction in general? Touhou fanfiction?

Conversely, what do you dislike in these?

How good are you at photography?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Iryan on August 15, 2011, 11:35:19 AM
What are the 1~10 rules that define your philosophy and general outlook towards life?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Tengukami on August 15, 2011, 01:01:30 PM
ZUN's original compositions. What do you think of them ?

Musically speaking? I think it varies. Many of his songs are kinda samey; variations of similar themes. But when he does a stand-out track, it's really incredible. His music has made me spellbound (if you'll excuse the pun) during parts of certain stages, such as Stage 6 of MoF or Stage 3 of 10D. Lovely stuff there, and no wonder why so many musicians have done arrangements of his compositions.

How much internet wackiness have you exposed Ammy Jr. to? Related to that, have you had a Leekspin/Nyancat endurance match?

Most of what my daughter sees from the internet is comprised of old cartoons, old Sesame Street, or simple game sites like Boobah Zone. I haven't introduced her to the seedy underbelly of the WWW, but reckon it'll only be a matter of time before she finds that herself.

I know various places where this could be arranged!

Me gusto.

What do you look for in nonfiction? Fiction in general? Touhou fanfiction?
Conversely, what do you dislike in these?

Believe it or not, I prefer nonfiction written by an author with an open agenda. Examples of this would be Underground by Haruki Murakami and Madness Visible by Janine Di Giovanni. Both authors treated their subjects with fairness, but they had clearly taken a side in the matter and their passion for the issues their works touched on shows. I definitely prefer this over flat, lifeless, data-list nonfiction.

In fiction, I like literary fiction - stuff that defies genre, plays with reality, uses characters dealing with the line between truth and fantasy. And of course, that there's a living vibrancy that shines through in the language. Genre fiction bores me to tears, so I'm not big on reading fantasy, thrillers or science fiction, which I realize should result in the revoking of my Geek Membership card, but there it is.

In Touhou fanfiction, I tend to prefer canonically faithful stories that, within the framework of canon, create a whole new side-story that is at once entirely plausible and also entertaining. I also like being challenged to care about characters that I have no real feelings about, or might even dislike altogether. If someone can imbue their story with the spirit of Gensokyo and keep me reading until the end, the story's a success. What I dislike are hackneyed, uninspired reworkings of themes we've all seen a million times before.

How good are you at photography?

Probably average. I haven't taken enough photos to be able to say if I'm good or terrible, really.

What are the 1~10 rules that define your philosophy and general outlook towards life?

I haven't really tried to sum it up before, but the main principles of my life that spring to mind consist mainly of:

Be grateful for what you have, assume the best about the motivations of others, work to leave this world better than how you found it, and make the most of this brief time we have on this planet by all of the above.
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Tamer Anode/Cathode on August 15, 2011, 01:46:19 PM
What was your first computer? Are you able to regale us with stories of the Apple II and the C64?

What was your first exposure to anime, roughly?

What motivated you to write fics like Down on the Corner and Permission? Do you ever regret it?'

What's this "tragic yuri accident" your user message refers to?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Tengukami on August 15, 2011, 03:32:52 PM
What was your first computer? Are you able to regale us with stories of the Apple II and the C64?

My family's first computer was this bizarre desktop thing with a monitor that was yellow text on a black background. It didn't even have a floppy drive, and certainly wasn't using any operating system that I ever heard of then or since. Then in '87 we got a Mac SE. I actually used that thing for 12 years, and it never gave me any trouble. The only reason why I stopped using it was a) the screen was 9" wide, and b) the language was so outdated that if I saved a text file on a floppy and put it in another computer, it was completely unreadable.

What was your first exposure to anime, roughly?

There were a lot of localized series in the US in the 70s, like Speed Racer, Astro Boy and Battle of the Planets. But the series that really blew my mind was Star Blazers, also known as Space Battleship Yamato (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Battleship_Yamato). If ever the word "epic" was used correctly, it would be to describe the complex and deeply human story arcs that this series used. I'm not a fan of mecha today, at all, but I can say with confidence that this might even be the best anime series ever made.

What motivated you to write fics like Down on the Corner and Permission? Do you ever regret it?'

Down On The Corner (http://www.shrinemaiden.org/forum/index.php/topic,4876.0.html) was my first Touhou fanfic, and was born out of a bunch of us in IRC joking about a picture of Cirno table-humping that someone found on Danbooru. We all started talking about story ideas surrounding this image, and I felt compelled to write it.

From there, most of my Touhou fanfics have been comedies, just because they're fun to write. But Permission (http://www.shrinemaiden.org/forum/index.php/topic,5190.0.html) - the only Touhou erotica I ever did - was written as a result of a conversation in CPMC about what the difference was between porn and erotica.

I absolutely don't regret writing either. Down On The Corner was fun, and I think Permission properly illustrates the difference between porn and erotica - an important distinction, I feel, when it comes to fiction.

What's this "tragic yuri accident" your user message refers to?

Kinzo made a remark in CPMC of some other user dying in a "tragic yuri accident". I thought this was hilarious, and so yeah. Into the user message it went.
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Edible on August 15, 2011, 03:59:15 PM
some other user

I think it was Theorist.

Are you ready for some football?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Reddyne on August 15, 2011, 05:06:14 PM
Thoughts on Fallout 3?
Loved it, loved it, loved it. I tried a lot of different types of runs, and my favorite remains just picking a compass direction from a location and waking until I find something. I have half the locations mapped, and have picked up items pertaining to quests I haven't even begun yet. It's just great, sprawling fun. And it keeps me off the streets!
Have you tried/played through New Vegas or either of the first two Fallout games? Might I recommend ALL of them?

What do you think humanity has going for it and what do you think it could improve upon? How about the western Touhou fanbase? How about yourself?

As a well-traveled and experienced gentleman, do you have any sage advice for the younger forum-goers in regards to something you know now that you would've like to have known when you were younger?

When the heck are you going to make it to Otakon? :/
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Jana on August 15, 2011, 05:22:06 PM
NO?! But I want to based solely on the name.

Remember this video? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJSdTWjUUmU)

I don't know! There were just moments when my pedo alarms went off and I just found it unbearable. I recognize this is probably closed-mindedness on my part, but there it is.

That's a bit unexpected. :o

Have you ever played video games on a handheld console? Anything in particular you'd wanna try?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Tengukami on August 15, 2011, 06:02:30 PM
Are you ready for some football?

I wish I were, but every time I start trying to follow a game, I end up falling asleep or daydreaming. It'd be great to have something else to get enjoyment from, but I just don't see it in the cards.

Have you tried/played through New Vegas or either of the first two Fallout games? Might I recommend ALL of them?

Haven't tried these yet, no, and really look forward to doing so.

What do you think humanity has going for it and what do you think it could improve upon? How about the western Touhou fanbase? How about yourself?

Wow, neat question. I think all three are connected, as all three pertain to human behavior. Humans have this remarkable capacity for imagination and innovation; inventing new things and improving on things already invented. This is pretty much the cause of and solution to all our problems. On the one hand, pasteurization. On the other hand, the flamethrower (George Carlin once quipped, "At some point, some person said to himself, 'Gee, I sure would like to set those people on fire over there. But I'm way too far away to get the job done. If only I had something that would throw flame on them.'")

As for the WTC, it's as I said upthread: the creativity that fans show in honor of their favorite series is really heartwarming, while the self-entitled "waaah the game isn't how I want it and I am angry even though I didn't pay for it" attitude is kind of annoying.

For myself, I like to think I have a few things going for me: young-looking for my age, in good health, talented to some degree, compassionate. On the other hand, I can also be really self-absorbed, distrustful, and careless with my words. It's a struggle.

As a well-traveled and experienced gentleman, do you have any sage advice for the younger forum-goers in regards to something you know now that you would've like to have known when you were younger?

Yeah: take nothing seriously - and I mean absolutely nothing, the good or the bad - that happens in high school. Whether you're the bullied anime/video game nerd or the prom king, in just a couple very short years it will all amount to nothing. None of it will matter, at all, once you're outside that environment. So just enjoy it as much as you can, and make the most of it.

Also, I notice a lot of users here seem to have social awkwardness around girls. I've seen more than one user post about wanting to just talk to a girl but was nervous about doing so. To this, all I can say is: people love talking about themselves. Really, if you're wondering what you could possibly say to that girl you like from afar, try asking her questions about herself. Show an interest in wanting to know who she is and what makes her tick. I think it's a good strategy in general for anyone you're interested in romantically; you ought to really know the person you're thinking about being intimate with. But also, I think many girls are used to guys pretty much trying to fit them into the image the guy has for them ahead of time, and so they tend to appreciate it when a guy makes the effort to know who they actually are.

In a more general sense, just remember that no matter what your parents say about you or how you should live, in the end, you're the one who has to live with the decisions you make. It's better to follow your heart and argue with your parents over your choices than to bow your head and accept some miserable path they choose for you.

When the heck are you going to make it to Otakon? :/

Man, I can only hope to come next year. I honestly don't know how things will be until then. But I do, very badly, need to get back there.

Remember this video? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJSdTWjUUmU)

Now I do! I remember thinking "wow, that's a waste of a lot of mines". And that this mod looks very cool.

Have you ever played video games on a handheld console? Anything in particular you'd wanna try?

Yeah, my first video game was Nintendo's Donkey Kong (http://fernrocks.wordpress.com/2010/03/23/nintendo-3ds-safe-technology/). I haven't been following handheld console games at all, so I don't really know what I'd wanna try. If Persona is available for a handheld, then that one.
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Janitor Morgan on August 15, 2011, 06:05:40 PM
I wish I were, but every time I start trying to follow a game, I end up falling asleep or daydreaming. It'd be great to have something else to get enjoyment from, but I just don't see it in the cards.

You did see it in the cards before, though :< (http://www.shrinemaiden.org/forum/index.php/topic,7529.0.html) [/missing the point]

Selamat pagi?

Have any interesting articles turned up in the paper recently? If so, how many of them did you write?

How's it feel being both the beginning and the end of this series?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Tengukami on August 15, 2011, 06:15:14 PM
You did see it in the cards before, though :< (http://www.shrinemaiden.org/forum/index.php/topic,7529.0.html) [/missing the point]

Aah that was fun.

Selamat pagi?

Selamat sore!

Have any interesting articles turned up in the paper recently? If so, how many of them did you write?

We're fortunate enough that even though most of our staff are freelance, they continue to submit great material, in full and on time. My pieces tend to be about current events in Iceland; newsy pieces on politics, both local and national, as well as social trends. There are two or three articles from me in pretty much every issue, whereas I post four news articles on the website every workday.

How's it feel being both the beginning and the end of this series?

Pretty good, to be honest. I never thought that my starting yet another narcissistic "EVERYONE PAY ATTENTION TO ME TALK TO ME" Ask-A-Blank thread was going to lead to this, but Kilga had the wisdom to see it as a great way for the user base to know the staff better. I'm just glad to be a part of that.
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Jana on August 15, 2011, 06:26:23 PM
Yeah, my first video game was Nintendo's Donkey Kong (http://fernrocks.wordpress.com/2010/03/23/nintendo-3ds-safe-technology/). I haven't been following handheld console games at all, so I don't really know what I'd wanna try. If Persona is available for a handheld, then that one.

There's P3P, the Persona 3 port to the PSP. They've also remade the original Persona for it, and they're working on Persona 2 as I recall.

...If you get a PSP, would you check out Monster Hunter? :D

Aside from video game stuff: Anything special you can cook? Do you cook for your daughter?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Alfred F. Jones on August 15, 2011, 06:41:01 PM
What book or story do you like so much, you wish you were the one who had written it?

Any reporters or columnists you like in particular?

Do you own a music player? If so, what is it?

What is your favourite era of history to study or learn more about?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Tengukami on August 15, 2011, 07:14:11 PM
Aside from video game stuff: Anything special you can cook? Do you cook for your daughter?

I love cooking, even if most of what I do tends to be stir fry and seafood. So yes, she eats a lot of stir fry and seafood.

What book or story do you like so much, you wish you were the one who had written it?

God, pretty much anything by Yoko Ogawa. Her voice is so pitch perfect, her word economy so precise, it literally aches to read writing this good.

Any reporters or columnists you like in particular?

I grew up watching and admiring Walter Cronkite, but as far as journalistic writing goes, there's Janine Di Giovanni, Edward R. Murrow, David Brinkley and (to a far lesser extent) Matt Taibbi

Do you own a music player? If so, what is it?

I have this Taiwanese POS mp3 player that holds like, I dunno, 50 songs tops? But that's really all I need for an mp3 player.

What is your favourite era of history to study or learn more about?

The fall of the Roman Empire. Mostly because we're learning new things about it all the time. The greatest empire the world had ever known collapsed from within and without, for many reasons, but also had residual effects on the Western world that are with us to this day. It might be a clich? to draw parallels between Rome's decline and modern-day America, but well, people make that comparison for a reason.
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Alfred F. Jones on August 15, 2011, 07:30:20 PM
Where have you traveled? Any places you'd love to go back to?

Do you like gardening?

What would you like to see change in the US over the next decade? How about Europe (particularly the EU)? The rest of the world?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Mimachiro on August 15, 2011, 11:41:36 PM
What's the most historically significant event you directly/indirectly participated in?

What do you hope to leave behind before you pass on to the next existence?

What's your favorite kind of weather?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: E-Nazrin on August 16, 2011, 03:50:39 AM
What hopes do you have for your daughter?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Tengukami on August 16, 2011, 11:06:03 AM
Where have you traveled? Any places you'd love to go back to?

I haven't traveled a lot. I went to California for a week once, spent 8 months in Qu?bec, have been to the UK a couple times, and to Bulgaria and Italy a few times. I would love to see Qu?bec and Bulgaria again, and more of the UK. Especially the UK.

Do you like gardening?

Yes, which is odd since I've never owned a garden myself. But I've done farmwork a few times, and one such farm required the care and upkeep of an herb garden. It was really enjoyable giving attention to these plants, seeing them flourish as a result, and enjoying the taste of the harvest. I think it's really good for the soul.

What would you like to see change in the US over the next decade? How about Europe (particularly the EU)? The rest of the world?

Gods, where to begin? The foundation of any change happening in America is a change in attitude about democracy and power. There's a weird sort of fortress mentality that Americans have; not just about their country v. the rest of the world, but even their state, their religion, their race, their neighborhood v. everyone. I don't know if this is a remnant from pioneer days or whatever, but I think this wagon-circling hysteria is what needs to change first and foremost. Because without it, none of the other things I'd love to see happen in America - a real social welfare system, nuclear disarmament, campaign finance reform, among other things - will ever happen or last very long.

The EU has many good and bad points. Iceland is currently in negotiations with the EU, in the process of joining, by the final vote will be with a public referendum. I'm still on the face about it. On the one hand, as members of the European Economic Area, we are bound by treaty to obey EU law, yet we have no voice in the EU parliament - joining would change that. On the other hand, I have little faith in the EU's ability to actively defend human rights, if the treatment of Muslims and refugees in Italy, France and Holland are any indication.

Globally, I think we are witnessing the absurdity of capitalism coming to fruition. For a few nations to horde most of the planet's resources and leave most everyone else to live in poverty is an unsustainable economic, political, and sociological model. The sooner the "developed" world realizes that they are signing their own death certificate with this policy, and begin to completely restructure how we distribute goods and services, the better.

What's the most historically significant event you directly/indirectly participated in?

In 1987 I took part in a massive march on Washington DC which had two demands: impeach Ronald Reagan over the Iran-Contra Affair (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran%E2%80%93Contra_affair), and divest from South Africa. Reagan, and most everyone else involved in Iran-Contra, managed to skip away from criminal charges, but the pressure we put on Congress did help to compel them to pass a much stricter divestment policy against South Africa in 1988. (NOTE: In case they didn't teach you guys this in school, and you're wondering why we were down on South Africa at the time, look up "apartheid". Or ask Pesco.)

More recently, I took part in the protests in Iceland that forced our previous government out of power, got the manager of the Central Bank fired, and got a commission together to re-write the constitution.

There are other historic events that I've witnessed but didn't take part in, like watching the first Space Shuttle launch, seeing the fall of the Berlin Wall, Lennon getting shot, Reagan getting shot, and Michael Jackson setting his head on fire and so forth.

What do you hope to leave behind before you pass on to the next existence?

Fond memories in the minds of my friends and family, the things I value with my daughter, and hopefully my little corner of the world a little bit better off than how I found it.

What's your favorite kind of weather?

Hot and sunny! Barring that, I really like when the sky is a sheet of white, it's warm, and there's no wind.

What hopes do you have for your daughter?

Happiness. One of the only pieces of advice my dad ever gave me was "whatever you do, don't put expectations on your kids". I know hopes aren't the same as expectations, but they can often overlap. I just want her to be happy, to be content with who she is, and to never give up pursuing her dreams, whatever they end up being. What more can a parent ask for?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Rin Kagamine on August 16, 2011, 07:56:45 PM
Usagi Drop also makes me feel quite uncomfortable, so you're not alone there!

Do you like/follow any sports?
Is world peace a plausibility?
What's the key to increasing cultural understanding?  Is it education?  If so, how can we make it cool to learn things again?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Mimachiro on August 16, 2011, 11:03:09 PM
Ever meet any famous people before they became famous?

Ever get to meet with a world leader before?

If you could gather all of the world's leaders into one room (without them trying to fight each other) what would you like to say to them?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Alfred F. Jones on August 17, 2011, 03:00:45 AM
If there's anything you could tell your 16-year-old self now, what would it be?

If you could go back and watch any era of history without interacting with it, what would it be and why?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Mr_Bob on August 17, 2011, 07:18:19 AM
Which do you think is better, to let someone make their own choices, right or wrong; or for you to make the right choice for that person.  What about choosing for a group of people?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 17, 2011, 07:42:49 AM
What's the Icelandic school system like, compared to the American one?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Momiji on August 17, 2011, 08:46:52 AM
Why do I have a vague sense of dejavu with this?

PLEASE CAN YOU PLEASE SAVE ME FROM BALTIMORE T-T
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Tengukami on August 17, 2011, 12:11:46 PM
Do you like/follow any sports?

I don't follow any sports. Having said that, I love going to an actual baseball game. Unfortunately, baseball has yet to catch on in Iceland, or anywhere else in Europe.

Is world peace a plausibility?

I think that probably depends on what we mean by "peace". The UN was created to prevent war, as was NATO, and both have been largely ineffective in doing so, although NATO has been somewhat successful in preventing NATO countries from going to war with each other.

I think most wars are fought over resources. A more fair distribution of resources would most likely significantly reduce military conflicts. But I have my doubts that war will ever vanish from the face of the Earth.

What's the key to increasing cultural understanding?  Is it education?  If so, how can we make it cool to learn things again?

Education is definitely the key to cultural understanding, and it needs to be a two-way street. We should be unafraid of voicing honest, good-faith concerns about cultures we're unfamiliar with, while also listening actively to how other cultures respond.

Generally speaking, I've noticed that people tend to hate other cultures less when they're in close contact with them - people fear the unknown more than the familiar. Multiculturalist immigration policies are key to cultural understanding.

If there's anything you could tell your 16-year-old self now, what would it be?

"You don't actually need to try every drug you can get your hands on."

"Girls are going to like you a lot more if you start accepting yourself for who you are."

"Don't immediately move out of the house when you turn 18 - wait to get yourself solidly situated, home and job-wise, before doing so."

If you could go back and watch any era of history without interacting with it, what would it be and why?

The Renaissance and, by extension, the Age of Exploration. Seeing humanity wake up from centuries of pig ignorance and discovering science again, and seeing people getting excited about finding two whole other giant continents across the ocean, would be pretty awe-inspiring. I'd probably want to leave before the actual indigenous genocide began, because I would definitely want to "interact".

Which do you think is better, to let someone make their own choices, right or wrong; or for you to make the right choice for that person.  What about choosing for a group of people?

I think that depends entirely on what the choices are. I think in general, people learn best through their own mistakes, but some potential mistakes ought to be avoided altogether, especially if they could be lethal, or deeply physically or psychologically damaging.

As far as choosing for a group of people goes, I think this is the essence of government. Striking the balance between freedom of choice and protection of self is something each government should decide based on societal context.

Why do I have a vague sense of dejavu with this?

Beats me!

PLEASE CAN YOU PLEASE SAVE ME FROM BALTIMORE T-T

I was talking about Baltimore last night. Most of the things I miss regard food, and seeing lots of people of different cultures. But you can get all that in Europe. If you're interested in immigrating to Europe, your best bet is to secure a job in a European country before apply for a visa. From there, the rest is gravy.
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Mimachiro on August 17, 2011, 10:49:21 PM
If you could put any two people in a room and watch them beat the stuffing out of each other, who would they be?

If you could go out for a drink with anyone in the world, who would it be?

When you became a father of an adorable little girl, did you buy a shotgun to keep on hand for when she starts dating?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Rin Kagamine on August 18, 2011, 03:20:23 AM
"Great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, small minds discuss people."

How do you feel about that statement?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Mr_Bob on August 18, 2011, 06:49:18 AM
As far as choosing for a group of people goes, I think this is the essence of government. Striking the balance between freedom of choice and protection of self is something each government should decide based on societal context.
Yup, that was the conclusion I came to from a previous thread.  Couple other people I've posed that question to answered in favor of making the choice for the person /  group in question.
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Alfred F. Jones on August 18, 2011, 09:29:43 PM
Do you enjoy dancing? If you do, what kind of dance?

What's your favourite fic in PSL (aside from your own, of course)?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Tamer Anode/Cathode on August 18, 2011, 09:49:54 PM
What foods do you like? Which ones do you recommend?

Do you think your past experience with certain substances has left any permanent physical or mental effects? Does it motivate you more to keep your daughter away from them?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Rin Kagamine on August 18, 2011, 10:45:07 PM
What does DMC stand for?
Rank the Puella and Kyuubey in order of best-ness?
Strangest thing you've ever seen as a pizza topping?
Top 5 favorite movies?
How pedantic are you about grammar when others are speaking?
If I can make it out there next summer should I bring some mead?  Will you supply cider?
Thoughts on Henry Rollins?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Momiji on August 18, 2011, 11:57:23 PM
What does DMC stand for?
Woah, I know like two answers to this ahahaa. :D

What's the food like in Iceland?  What's some of the national fare?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: communist unity (comm-unity) on August 19, 2011, 04:43:22 AM
DMC = Devil May Cry BV

Do you think discrimination against race/religion/sexuality/gender will ever be eliminated in society?
What was your motivation to move out of the USA, back then?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Fetch()tirade on August 19, 2011, 07:52:09 AM
If you cannot answer all of these questions, please just respond to this one:

You seem to be a very popular person on MotK. Most of the active users (and maybe even some of the non-active ones) know who you are, and you have a good (or at least neutral) relationship with them. Many times your opinion or advice has been sought after concerning various matters around the world and here on the forums. How do you feel about this?

---

Now on with the others.

In your opinion, what is the most important thing (concept-wise, subject-wise, etc.) that is or should be taught in school?

What do you perceive human nature to be?

What are 5 things you miss about the States?

What is your favorite invention?

As a journalist, would you rather write a story about the big picture in general or a story about a small corner in detail?

If you could, for a day, enter spectator mode of any person (see what they see, hear what they think, but not be in control of their body or mind), who would you observe?

How soft/hard do you like your bed?

Rate your IRL grazing skills.

What is the most hilarious name you have ever seen or come up with?

Are you the real Slim Shady?

Is that all she wrote?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Solais on August 19, 2011, 01:16:50 PM
I'm in Bulgaria right now. What I should do now?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: MatsuriSakuragi on August 20, 2011, 02:13:59 AM
What other fandoms would you consider yourself a part of?

Do you still have any hobbies that you had in your childhood?

Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Tengukami on August 21, 2011, 12:59:03 AM
Sorry about the lateness of my reply! Work galore got in the way. Anyways:

If you could put any two people in a room and watch them beat the stuffing out of each other, who would they be?

Michelle Bachman and Michelle Malkin. It'd be the Battle of the Michelles.

If you could go out for a drink with anyone in the world, who would it be?

Living: Arundhati Roy. Dead: William S. Burroughs.

When you became a father of an adorable little girl, did you buy a shotgun to keep on hand for when she starts dating?

Well, my plan is to teach her self-respect and self-awareness, enough to where hopefully no skeezebag is going to be able to manipulate her. But of course I'm protective. I just have to keep in mind that when parents say "No, I don't want you to see that boy", it tends to make them want to see that boy even more, so ... yeah. It's a delicate balance.

Do you enjoy dancing? If you do, what kind of dance?

I do enjoy dancing, and my favorite step is the Nervous White Boy. You've probably seen it before, done by amateurs, but I'm a pro.

What's your favourite fic in PSL (aside from your own, of course)?

Wow, that's a tough one. Thanks for reminding me to pick up White Rose again, as I was really enjoying that. Anything by IcedFairy, of course, and Purvis' Day Planners, and that sci-fi piece Serp did some time ago. I'm sure I'm forgetting people, but don't take it personally - I really enjoy reading Touhou fanfiction in general, as I love how people treat the mythology.

"Great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, small minds discuss people."

How do you feel about that statement?

I think great, average and small minds discuss all three of these things, but I do see the point - more intelligent people tend to think beyond their own backyard.

What foods do you like? Which ones do you recommend?

I eat pretty much anything except raw onions. Recommendations? Wor Shu Opp. Man I miss that stuff.

Do you think your past experience with certain substances has left any permanent physical or mental effects? Does it motivate you more to keep your daughter away from them?

Drugs haven't left any physical effects, no. As far as mental effects, here's the thing: if I never did any drugs, and forgot where I put my housekeys one day, I would conclude I was forgetful, or stressed out, or simply misplaced them. So in the context of having taken drugs, I honestly can't tell what among my everyday oopsies are the result of drug use or not.

Now, I don't think anyone needs to take drugs. Like, at all. And I do think some of them are downright dangerous and should be avoided. However, scientific evidence seems to indicate that marijuana is less harmful than cigarettes or alcohol, so to be honest, I'd be more concerned about my daughter smoking tobacco or drinking alcohol than if I caught her smoking a joint in her room. It's my intention to talk to her about drugs, but crafting that speech in my head is tricky. Fortunately, she's only 5, so I think I have time to figure it out.

What does DMC stand for?

Darryl McDaniels, the flyest brother to rock a Kangol.

Rank the Puella and Kyuubey in order of best-ness?

Homura>everyone else.

Strangest thing you've ever seen as a pizza topping?

In this tiny village in east England I stopped in a pizza shop and saw green peas, mashed potato, and egg offered as toppings. English people are weird.

Top 5 favorite movies?

Man, this is a tough one. When I think of truly great movies, these are the first five that spring to mind:

Funny Bones
Citizen Kane
Good Fellas
Mulholland Dr
The Life Aquatic

How pedantic are you about grammar when others are speaking?

Not at all. It's rude to interrupt what someone is saying with, "Actually, it's should have" or some shit. Doing that is a great way to get people to stop talking to you.

If I can make it out there next summer should I bring some mead?  Will you supply cider?

Dude, if you come out here next summer there will be cider aplenty. I'll start brewing now. Seriously, come out here. I'll make it unforgettable.

Thoughts on Henry Rollins?

Great in Black Flag, alright in his early spoken word stuff, sort of a clownish punk rock grandpa today.

What's the food like in Iceland?  What's some of the national fare?

Iceland is pretty Americanized. These people love them some burgers, pizza and KFC. The national food (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%9Eorramatur) is only eaten by tourists.

Do you think discrimination against race/religion/sexuality/gender will ever be eliminated in society?

Probably not. It's human nature to fear/hate The Other, and people will construct all kinds of rationalisations for implementing it legally.

What was your motivation to move out of the USA, back then?

I came out here on vacation, met some Icelanders, went back home, jokingly told them I could always move to Iceland, and when they sincerely offered to help me immigrate, I thought, "Fuck it, why not? I'm still young. If it doesn't work out, I can always move back home."

You seem to be a very popular person on MotK. Most of the active users (and maybe even some of the non-active ones) know who you are, and you have a good (or at least neutral) relationship with them. Many times your opinion or advice has been sought after concerning various matters around the world and here on the forums. How do you feel about this?

Wow, thanks. I dunno, I think these people have done so much more for me than I have for them. For real, whether it's been the forums, IRC or Skype, these folks have gotten me through some pretty rough patches just by being awesome people. If anything I say, or any blowhard opinion I spout, happens to do anyone any good, then that's great. Hopefully that'll help pay back what they've given me.

Sorry for not answering the others right now - I will by the end of the thread.

I'm in Bulgaria right now. What I should do now?

Go to Varna, get to the beach, and drink some Kamenitza while snacking on fried mackerel.

What other fandoms would you consider yourself a part of?

Apart from anime? Hm. I don't really know. Maybe the Syrufit fandom?

Do you still have any hobbies that you had in your childhood?

Yep, writing. My other childhood hobbies - riding my bike, building models, playing D&D - have fallen to the wayside. But hey, nothing saying I won't pick them up again!
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Rin Kagamine on August 21, 2011, 09:00:33 AM
I've always preferred the "Devastating Mic Control" definition myself.  Yeah, I'm trying to do a Europe trip if I can arrange the funds.  Iceland Air is the cheapest way to get to Germany.  Want to hit Munich, Hamburg and Dresden, and hopefully hit Vienna down in Austria.

"Aw look, it's Henry Rollins.  He misses the 80s."
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Alfred F. Jones on August 21, 2011, 07:13:54 PM
What is your idea of a good day, from start to finish?

Is marriage for everyone?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Mimachiro on August 21, 2011, 09:23:14 PM
How many drinks does it take to get a drunk Ammy?

Fire, Water, Lightning, Earth, or Wind?

Light side or dark side?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Tengukami on August 21, 2011, 11:59:54 PM
I've always preferred the "Devastating Mic Control" definition myself.  Yeah, I'm trying to do a Europe trip if I can arrange the funds.  Iceland Air is the cheapest way to get to Germany.  Want to hit Munich, Hamburg and Dresden, and hopefully hit Vienna down in Austria.

Awesome, do stop over then. You won't have to worry about where to stay or anything. Reykjav?k's a fine little town, I'm sure you'll love it.

"Aw look, it's Henry Rollins.  He misses the 80s."

HA! Best description ever.

What is your idea of a good day, from start to finish?

Waking up after a good, long sleep, showering, breakfast with green tea, writing, meeting friends, hanging out with my daughter, coming home and chatting with my friends in Skype chat, watching something engaging, then reading myself to sleep.

Is marriage for everyone?

I doubt it's for anyone, really. I mean, unless we take the definition of "marriage" to be a celebration of the recognition that two people want to spend the rest of their lives together. Apart from that, it's entirely unnecessary, I think. But then again, you're asking the divorced guy. It's sort of like asking someone in AA what the best beer is.

Speaking of which ...

How many drinks does it take to get a drunk Ammy?

Depends on the drink. I can seem to down beers endlessly, but mixed drinks, it takes like, hm ... maybe 7 or 8 before I'd say I'm "drunk".

Fire, Water, Lightning, Earth, or Wind?

FIRE!

Light side or dark side?

I'm attracted to the shadows but walk in the light.
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 22, 2011, 10:12:56 PM
Who are you planning to administer future dick punches to?

Presuming you accept the concept, what makes a type of music significant? What types of significant music has Americastan produced/had a heavy role in in the past 50 years? What insignificant music has it produced/had a heavy role in?

Earth, Wind, and Fire?

You know what Imma ask here.

How does Ammy make a pizza? Explain in details.

Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Mimachiro on August 22, 2011, 11:06:56 PM
What goes on the Ammy sandwich?

What is the most foolish thing you did in the past? (Stuff like pranks gone wrong and what not)

If you could make something become gigantic in size, what would that be?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Alfred F. Jones on August 23, 2011, 04:46:36 PM
When you're melancholy and realize it, what do you do to pull yourself out of it, if anything?

Got any plans for more Touhou fanfiction?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Tengukami on August 23, 2011, 05:46:16 PM
Who are you planning to administer future dick punches to?

I have a pool of potential dickpunchees who are randomly selected in sets of 5. The latest drawing had Rick Santorum topping the list, but given the results of the last straw poll, this may be entirely unnecessary.

Presuming you accept the concept, what makes a type of music significant? What types of significant music has Americastan produced/had a heavy role in in the past 50 years? What insignificant music has it produced/had a heavy role in?

I think music becomes significant when it either influences or reflects emerging and significant aspects of popular culture. In the past 50 years, since we're not going back far enough to include blues and jazz, rock and folk initially had this power, but by the early 70s it had waned into a parody of itself. Punk, love it or hate it (and I know you're not a fan), was an undeniable peak of the subversive and discontent iceberg that floated through the late 70s. Since punk, only rap music has been able to have as strong and as deep an impact on American popular culture.

As far as insignificant types of music go, well, I don't think Christian rock has flourished quite as much anywhere else as it has in America. Much to the rest of the world's relief.

Earth, Wind, and Fire?

Do you remember the 21st night of September?

You know what Imma ask here.

Because you're the Doctor to me, and always will be.

How does Ammy make a pizza? Explain in details.

I haven't made pizza in ages, but when I do, I like to use any kind of spicy spaghetti sauce rather than pizza sauce, which tends to have too much sugar for my tastes. Beyond that, fresh cheeses are important, and I don't like to use just one - gouda for structure, cheddar for color, and blue cheese for bite. Anything else that goes on it is gravy.

What goes on the Ammy sandwich?

Corned beef, Swiss cheese, saurkraut, Thousand Island dressing and rye bread, preferably grilled.

What is the most foolish thing you did in the past? (Stuff like pranks gone wrong and what not)

I was actually not much of a prankster, although in terms of sheer folly, shoplifting is near the top of the list. So much risk for so little return is just not worth it.

If you could make something become gigantic in size, what would that be?

The portion of tax dollars that goes to the social system of the United States.

When you're melancholy and realize it, what do you do to pull yourself out of it, if anything?

Sometimes I enjoy being melancholy - it can be a good time to reflect, lick my wounds, and be lazy. When I don't find it enjoyable, I like to get out and be social somehow. Forcing myself to go and meet and talk to people, even when I really don't feel like it, seems to always do me good.

Got any plans for more Touhou fanfiction?

Yeah, I started this thing about Sanae trying to fit in Gensokyo. It's kind of a sad piece, in a way, but we'll see where it goes.
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Mimachiro on August 23, 2011, 11:28:24 PM
What was your craziest childhood belief?

Does your daughter have any? What are they?

Ammy vs. an Oni: who wins?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 24, 2011, 02:43:09 AM
What was your path through Joinalism like? How did you get educated, how did you get your start, what kinds of things have you done both noteworthy and on the whole, and so on?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Tengukami on August 24, 2011, 11:37:58 AM
What was your craziest childhood belief?

When I was 6 or 7 I watched this Disney movie about a guy who gets electrocuted while working on a computer and so becomes a computer himself, mentally. I decided to try the same thing with a toy robot I had. I did not get the results I expected.

Does your daughter have any? What are they?

I'm not sure if my daughter has any, as she isn't talking yet, but she does engage in a lot of imaginary play, so she very well might.

Ammy vs. an Oni: who wins?

They say tengu can outdrink oni, but I think oni are probably fiercer in combat. So, let's call it a draw.

What was your path through Joinalism like? How did you get educated, how did you get your start, what kinds of things have you done both noteworthy and on the whole, and so on?

For me it started by picking up a copy of the magazine I now write for, and sending in an article of my own. It was a new publication at the time (2003), so it was relatively easy to get printed there if you worked hard and could write well. I just kept at it, making my own assignments and such. When we started attracting the attention of the Icelandic media (they had written us off as a "tourist paper", because we're in English, and they were frankly surprised when we'd scoop them on actual news, or point out flaws in their own coverage), things began to take off.

I worked for a year as a correspondent for AFP in Iceland, which was definitely handy when Bobby Fischer moved here, and when whaling began to make a stink. But being a wire service "runner", as correspondents are called, is not an easy job, because you can get a phone call any time to go report on anyone or anything, with a deadline of about an hour from getting the assignment. It was a fun year, but I'm glad I don't do it anymore.

Some of my personal favorite stories that I've covered include the investigation into a murder on the now-closed NATO base, digging deeper into the methodology of a group that was claiming Iceland had zero corruption, an extensive piece I did about city planning (actually more interesting than it sounds) and of course a number of interviews I was able to conduct with people I admire, among them Jello Biafra and Richard Stallman.

I actually have no education in journalism. I'm a high school graduate. That I got the break I did can be attributed to sheer, blind, dumb luck.
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 24, 2011, 01:39:52 PM
Have you managed to accrue any local infamy via the work you've done?
What is the research and creation process of the hour-long notice to submission for a story like?
When you say you could get a call at any time, does this mean you were on call 24/7?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Tengukami on August 24, 2011, 02:02:47 PM
Have you managed to accrue any local infamy via the work you've done?

I have made a few enemies, yes. No one particularly powerful or important; just local flunkies and mid-tier politicians who aren't really active any longer. I experienced much more infamy when I got involved in politics rather than journalism.

What is the research and creation process of the hour-long notice to submission for a story like?

The basic structure for a timely news piece is the Inverted Pyramid - you start with the most immediate core of the story in the beginning of the article, and then work your way outwards as the article moves along.

Let's say, for example, that the Ministry of Fisheries has lifted the moratorium on whale hunting. The first person I need to get quotes from is the minister, directly. I then need to talk to who this decision immediately affects - the Marine Research Institute, the head of the Icelandic Tourist Board (whale watching is pretty big business; whale watching groups hate whale hunters), the Icelandic branch of the IFAW, and so on.

Quotes gathered, I then need to gather my own research material. How many whales are being hunted? What impact does this have on the environment? What about on tourism? Are we hunting an endangered species? How endangered?

Now, quotes take precedent over research, so if the story needs to be out ASAP, I'll put together an article based on the people I spoke to. This article gets immediately sent out over the international press wire. As I gather more research, the story is updated.

Many people criticize "instant journalism" for putting quotes over research, but the internet has allowed journalists to be able to update a story endlessly. On the other hand, the first story gets the most eyeballs, so if research later uncovered directly contradicts assertions made in the first release, it can be overlooked. This is why it's important to give important updates as much attention as the first release.

When you say you could get a call at any time, does this mean you were on call 24/7?

Yes, that's exactly what it means. I never received any late late phone calls, but I have been called away from my family to go scurry down to the airport and wait for an insane, anti-Semitic, has-been chess player to land in Iceland, hop in an SUV without a word to anyone, and immediately drive away. Good times.
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 24, 2011, 05:38:57 PM
You have no idea how fascinating this is to me.

Have you garnered any fame?

How many of those quick research articles were you typically required to do per day?

What is your present and hopefully more relaxed work like?

Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Alfred F. Jones on August 24, 2011, 06:13:50 PM
What's your favourite and least favourite parts of being a journalist?

Why is Aya so awesome? How about Hatate?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Tengukami on August 24, 2011, 09:06:05 PM
Have you garnered any fame?

Yeah, sort of, for a little while there anyway. First, when I started my own political party based on immigration law reform (which later merged with an existing leftist party) and then for becoming the first foreign-born member of parliament in the country's history. This got me a lot of media attention, as well as a lot of people writing some frankly libelous things about me on their blogs. I just kept doing what I was doing, and with time, the public fascination wore off and I went back to journalism.

On the bright side, I was able to make a number of significant and positive changes to immigration law in Iceland. I've been asked to write columns about immigration, to speak about racism and multiculturalism, and still get contacted by immigrants looking for advice. I'm more than happy to do that, especially now that I do this more or less non-descriptly.

I enjoyed my moment in the sun, and am proud that I was able to help make things an eensy bit better while I had the power to do so. I don't miss it, though. That much attention really doesn't suit me.

How many of those quick research articles were you typically required to do per day?

Per day? For AFP? Not many. They're only interested in stories of international or regional importance, which in Iceland doesn't happen very often. But at my magazine I'm doing four or five news stories for our website every day. So that's nice.

What is your present and hopefully more relaxed work like?

Apart from the aforementioned daily news pieces, I write longer articles for the print version. These are typically news wrap-up pieces, investigative pieces, and in-depth pieces. I have done, and still do, travel pieces, music reviews and food reviews, but not as often.

What's your favourite and least favourite parts of being a journalist?

Most favorite part: adding more territory to the common map of human information, no question. And it's a great rush to be able to scoop other sources; to get that information to the public before anyone else does. It's an amazing feeling to see that happen, especially if it's a story that actually affects people significantly.

Least favorite part: the pay isn't that great, interview subjects can complicate articles (although with the advent of digital recording, they can no longer deny saying what they said if you have a recording) mostly by hemming and hawing about how much to divulge, and it irks me a bit to see people dismiss "the media" as some sort of monolith that they don't need to pay attention to - people who live their lives in a state of utter ignorance, refuse to inform themselves, and yet seem to have an opinion on everything. I consider it an insult to my profession that such people exist.

Why is Aya so awesome? How about Hatate?

Aya is awesome because she perfectly combines the mythological with the modern and taught us much of what we know about Gensokyo, but also, I really admire her spirit. Despite the depiction of the tengu snapping panty shots of various maidens, her interviews are actually funny, engaging, and clever. She makes her subjects feel defensive and off-guard, which tends to get some interesting responses. It's not a style I'd use, but I admire her for it. It's pretty ballsy.

Hatate I like because she's the diligent investigative reporter. She's not interested in scooping anyone (how could she, anyway?) but she does take her time crafting a piece and getting all the facts lined up. Very few journalists will or even can do this today, so for that, she deserves props.
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Hello Purvis on August 24, 2011, 10:47:26 PM
Yeah, sort of, for a little while there anyway. First, when I started my own political party based on immigration law reform (which later merged with an existing leftist party) and then for becoming the first foreign-born member of parliament in the country's history. This got me a lot of media attention, as well as a lot of people writing some frankly libelous things about me on their blogs. I just kept doing what I was doing, and with time, the public fascination wore off and I went back to journalism.

I'm not about to let you get away with not elaborating on this. (After failing to wiki this up and pull a gotcha. Too many to sort through)
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Mimachiro on August 24, 2011, 11:29:14 PM
[REDACTED]

When is Tenma going to ask you a question?

What's your favorite form of travel?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Tengukami on August 24, 2011, 11:53:22 PM
I'm not about to let you get away with not elaborating on this. (After failing to wiki this up and pull a gotcha. Too many to sort through)

I'll be happy to PM you links. For now, I'm not going to link to any incredibly identifying material on this site, though. I would ask others who want to play "Who's Tengukami?" to do the same. Plenty of you know who I am already; I just want to keep that info off-site, that's all.

When is Tenma going to ask you a question?

Oh, I'm sure Lord Tenma has bigger fish to fry.

What's your favorite form of travel?

Train. It's nostalgic, romantic, kinda sexy, and also gives you the combined blessings of unimpeded travel, safety, and taking in the scenery. Love traveling by train.
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Mimachiro on August 25, 2011, 12:14:30 AM
I'll be happy to PM you links. For now, I'm not going to link to any incredibly identifying material on this site, though. I would ask others who want to play "Who's Tengukami?" to do the same. Plenty of you know who I am already; I just want to keep that info off-site, that's all.
Understood. :3

Ever had first hand experience with a natural disaster?

What's the best thread on all of MotK?

What's the craziest thing any of your previous girlfriends has done? (Either with, without you, or against you)
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Tamashii Kanjou on August 25, 2011, 01:55:10 AM
Is this thread made of diamonds yet?  :3
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Tengukami on August 25, 2011, 02:01:12 AM
Ever had first hand experience with a natural disaster?

Yes. When I was just about two years old, Hurricane Agnes swept up the east coast of the US so far, that it caused a heavy rainstorm that resulted in the flooding of a river that ran through my home town. The flooding was so bad that bodies were unearthed from graveyards and sent downstream, to be deposited on sidewalks and streets of the town. My first earthquake was actually in Maryland; there was a tremor in the early 80s, so slight and short that we thought the hot water heater was making noises. Then there've been the earthquakes here, and a few eruptions. None of the earthquakes I've ever been in caused any damage, and the only eruption that affected me directly was the Eyjafjallaj?kull eruption, as the ash cloud moved over Reykjav?k. I got killer allergies from that.

What's the best thread on all of MotK?

Fightest's Characters, music, personalities (http://www.shrinemaiden.org/forum/index.php/topic,2084.0.html) is top tier stuff.

What's the craziest thing any of your previous girlfriends has done? (Either with, without you, or against you)

On a tangible level, an ex of mine participated in protest demonstrations in Copenhagen that got her arrested. She's done a lot of other pretty daring stuff in that vein. Probably one of the bravest people I know.

Is this thread made of diamonds yet?  :3

Look again; the diamonds are now pomegranates!
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Rin Kagamine on August 25, 2011, 03:07:44 AM
PROTIP: his real name is Tengu "The Kami" Amaterasu
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Mimachiro on August 25, 2011, 09:42:08 AM
Why does a chicken cross the road in Iceland?

Fork or spoon?

Did you smoke a big ol' cigar the day your daughter was born?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Alfred F. Jones on August 25, 2011, 09:43:23 PM
What, to you, are the qualities that make a good person? The qualities that make a good man, that make a good woman?

What things have you learned about the other staffers in their respective question threads that you particularly appreciated learning?

What last words would you pass down to humans in the upcoming generations? How about to this fandom and this forum?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Esifex on August 27, 2011, 09:28:11 AM
Hmm, following a set of questions like that makes me feel a little silly for deciding to ask this, but eh.

Do you have any hats? If so, which ones are your favorites? What compelled you to buy hats if you have them? If you don't, why not?
Should hats be a form of currency?

By our powers combined, you are...?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Tengukami on August 28, 2011, 12:55:25 AM
PROTIP: his real name is Tengu "The Kami" Amaterasu

You told! >:(

Why does a chicken cross the road in Iceland?

With great caution. These people can't drive. I doubt they're even aware that the funny stick coming out of the steering column is for making a turn signal.

Fork or spoon?

SPOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!

Did you smoke a big ol' cigar the day your daughter was born?

No, but I did cut her umbilical cord. WITH MY TEETH.

OK, not with my teeth but with surgical scissors. Still, that's something I can lord over her for a lifetime. "I cut your cord, you know! Don't tell me you have to listen to your music loud!"

What, to you, are the qualities that make a good person? The qualities that make a good man, that make a good woman?

A good person is able to put themselves in the place of others and treat them with respect and compassion. This can take so many forms, like giving someone your last cigarette, donating to charity, or diving in front of a bullet to save someone else's life. It's just a way of living, and I don't see much difference between what makes a good man or a good woman in that regard.

What things have you learned about the other staffers in their respective question threads that you particularly appreciated learning?

What I think has been great about this experiment is that every staffer has been very sincere and forthcoming. It's been a real pleasure to see even very guarded staffers shrouded in mystery and intrigue speak so frankly about themselves. I hope it's made everyone feel closer to them.

What last words would you pass down to humans in the upcoming generations? How about to this fandom and this forum?

"Friends don't let friends listen to James Taylor."

Barring that, "Above all else, love one another. Life is incredibly short, and in this brief time you have here, live as you truly want to live, but try to leave this planet a little better than you found it."

Fandom:  "Keep creating!"

Forum: "A forum is only as good as the posts in it. Don't wait for good content; make it."

Do you have any hats? If so, which ones are your favorites? What compelled you to buy hats if you have them? If you don't, why not?
Should hats be a form of currency?

I have two hats: a straw fedora-type thing and a wool cap. I really need to get an ushanka in time for winter. That would be my favorite, because it keeps me so damn warm in the winter that I hardly need a coat at all.

Hats should indeed be a form of currency: the bigger they are, the more valuable they become. That guards of Buckingham Palace would be able to retire in style.

By our powers combined, you are...?

COLONEL Planet. I outrank that blue-skinned freak.
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Mimachiro on August 28, 2011, 11:13:29 AM
Are trees falling?

What do you do when you lose power in your household?

How prepared are you at a moment's notice for any kind of emergency?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Tengukami on September 01, 2011, 05:20:49 PM
Guess I should answer these before the thread gets archived.

Are trees falling?

Probably!

What do you do when you lose power in your household?

This hasn't happened to me in years. But I do have plenty of candles, just in case.

How prepared are you at a moment's notice for any kind of emergency?

In my home and at my job, I know where to immediately go in the event of a big earthquake. Pharmacies sell simple respirators in the event that a volcanic eruption sends ash our way. I'm also on the third floor, in case there's a flood. Still not ready enough for an asteroid striking the Earth though.
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Iryan on September 01, 2011, 06:34:12 PM
In my home and at my job, I know where to immediately go in the event of a big earthquake. Pharmacies sell simple respirators in the event that a volcanic eruption sends ash our way. I'm also on the third floor, in case there's a flood. Still not ready enough for an asteroid striking the Earth though.
What about a zombie apocalypse, an alien invasion, or telemarketers?
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Tengukami on September 01, 2011, 06:35:11 PM
What about a zombie apocalypse, an alien invasion, or telemarketers?

I am prepared for all three of these in the same way - chainsaw-mounted flamethrower.
Title: Re: Ask A Staffer Final Round - The Askening: Tengukami
Post by: Mimachiro on September 01, 2011, 10:17:12 PM
How old does your daughter have to be before you teach her the art of using the chainsaw-mounted flamethrower?