Josh Brickman Posted September 11, 2007 Share Posted September 11, 2007 Well, I killed an elite ealier today. Caught on camera too. The way these things are supposed to work is we're supposed to have a climatic battle with DeVries spinning it after the fact. What happened is both of us came out looking pretty stupid. I think I accidently made DeVries look bad too.The short of it: He was invisible and I stepped on him. The long of it: Film crew was following him around, I was super speeding across the field and my boot vaporized his chest. Dead on impact. I didn't even notice it. So I told DeVries there was no hostile contact and they told the press the same thing and then this clip comes out.Is it just me or are novas more likely than baselines to die in these really stupid accidents? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MisterE Posted September 11, 2007 Share Posted September 11, 2007 Seems to me that it's not so much about being a nova as being an elite. The guy was on a battlefield. So were you. Its not all that surprising that one of you ended up dead.Death is often stupid - rarely clever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh Brickman Posted September 13, 2007 Author Share Posted September 13, 2007 Hmm. Maybe. I don't know, it just feels wrong that I didn't realise it. Being an elite is supposed to be important. If you go down it's supposed to be more interesting and attract more attention than a bug on a windshield. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evan-Happy Scientist Posted September 13, 2007 Share Posted September 13, 2007 Why is being an elite supposed to be important? Not knocking you, but you get paid to kill people and destroy things. Unless you like the top ten in your profession, only dedicated fans know your name. That kind of fame is rather fleeting considering the risk to your life in my opinion.Of course, I'm hardly likely to ever have an action figure either, or fansites dedicated to my exploits. That's a price I'm willing to pay for the good I can accomplish and the greater life expectancy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh Brickman Posted September 14, 2007 Author Share Posted September 14, 2007 Originally Posted By: CaduceusWhy is being an elite supposed to be important? Not knocking you, but you get paid to kill people and destroy things. Unless you like the top ten in your profession, only dedicated fans know your name. That kind of fame is rather fleeting considering the risk to your life in my opinion.Your comment answers your question. We're paid to risk our lives. Living close to death makes us more "real". Violence may not sell as well as sex, but it's interesting when people die, or when people are in danger of dying. Look in the theaters. There's always an action movie or three in. And that's what we elites are, a continuing live action thrill movie... except we're *real*. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MisterE Posted September 14, 2007 Share Posted September 14, 2007 Your fellow professional is very real right now, Mr. Brickman. He's real dead. He's got a real foot-sized hole in his chest.Odds are, one day you will end up that real too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh Brickman Posted September 14, 2007 Author Share Posted September 14, 2007 That is what they pay me for... but it's only while we're on the edge that we're really alive. I may die, but the rest of you are almost dead right now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MisterE Posted September 14, 2007 Share Posted September 14, 2007 Originally Posted By: Josh Brickman I may die, but the rest of you are almost dead right now. If that's the lie you have to tell yourself, so be it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
White Widow Posted September 14, 2007 Share Posted September 14, 2007 Amateurs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh Brickman Posted September 15, 2007 Author Share Posted September 15, 2007 Originally Posted By: MisterEIf that's the lie you have to tell yourself, so be it.Oh, it's not a lie, that's experience talking. I work for both DVNTS (elite) and DeVries (unaging people). There's no comparison. DeVries offers fun, serious money, power practice and all that, but it's not really being alive.Originally Posted By: White WidowAmateurs.? If that was directed at my fellow elite then I think I agree. His big power was invisibility and he had a camera crew following him around. If he'd been more focused on his job then he'd still be alive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MisterE Posted September 16, 2007 Share Posted September 16, 2007 You are making the assumption that you experience life in the same way as others. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TroyCampbell Posted September 16, 2007 Share Posted September 16, 2007 He made a statement that was his opinion on a subject, and you called him a liar. Was he lying about his opinion, or was his opinion a lie? Are opinions lies? Can they even be lies? Just because you disagree doesn't necessarily make him wrong. If I say that "Everybody who likes red is a jackass.", it is obnoxious and unnecessary. However, I may actually think that red is an obnoxious color and people who like it are indeed jackasses, and their like for red is just a byproduct of their rampant jackassery. He has an opinion of what feeling alive is that is different than yours. It may seem obnoxious, but it doesn't mean its wrong. Therefore, saying he is lying to himself is just being ridiculous.And just in case, jackass is an insult that can be derived from a varying range of opinions. The definition of Jackass is a foolish or stupid person. Feeling alive is a feeling inspired by, most probably, adrenaline, and therefore everyone experiences it differently (I am relating that to your previous statement, by the way). The definition for alive is (Or one of the many) full of energy and spirit. Calling someone a liar, or being a liar, has a definition that is set in stone. Liar - Someone who doesn't tell the truth. Anf further more, I do not mind the color red. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
King Felix Posted September 16, 2007 Share Posted September 16, 2007 You need to talk to The Gnostic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TroyCampbell Posted September 16, 2007 Share Posted September 16, 2007 Who is a 'The Gnostic'?And does it have to do with anything with Gnosticism? Because thats all kind of crazy talk, and I'm not sure why it has anything to do with me.Note: I knew nothing of Gnosticism until my very fast and shallow internet search. Turns out they are pre-christians who believe in a Old Testimate God. The hellfire and revenge, Abraham God, not the forgiving, Jesus Christ one. Also, that they are perfect souls trapped in a evil human body, and that Abraham God uses this world to keep them trapped. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MisterE Posted September 16, 2007 Share Posted September 16, 2007 In my opinion Josh Brickman is a liar for saying (not saying "In my opinion") that one is only alive when one is risking one's own life, and/or threatening/taking the lives of others. Fact: He did say "I may die, but the rest of you are almost dead right now". That is clearly implying that I was amongst those nearly dead right now. Fact: Since I'm not, he lied. Had he kept his statements to himself and his experiences it would have been a different matter and I wouldn't have said he lied.I hope you understand that is possible to lie to yourself. People do it all the time - usually in small ways, but they do. Sometimes they lie to themselves in big ways and get themselves or others killed.I am going to hazard a guess and suggest that The Gnostic is someone who sees the world in very stark contrasts of Good and Evil, usually with most things in the world being tainted or evil. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh Brickman Posted September 16, 2007 Author Share Posted September 16, 2007 Originally Posted By: MisterEFact: He did say "I may die, but the rest of you are almost dead right now". That is clearly implying that I was amongst those nearly dead right now.Fact: Since I'm not, he lied.Or I might be right, and you don't know what it's like to be really alive.How much living on the edge have you done? Been an elite? Something similar? I've tried your life ("you" defined as "all you who don't live on the edge"), and while it does have it's attractions (neatly summed up as "wine, women, and song"), it isn't as "real" as life on the edge is.When you're out there on the edge, the world slows down and *NOW* becomes much more real. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MisterE Posted September 17, 2007 Share Posted September 17, 2007 Originally Posted By: Josh BrickmanOr I might be right, and you don't know what it's like to be really alive.I've considered that possibility, but I think you are wrong.Originally Posted By: Josh BrickmanHow much living on the edge have you done? Enough to know the difference between an Adrenalin High and what living is really about.Originally Posted By: Josh BrickmanWhen you're out there on the edge, the world slows down and *NOW* becomes much more real. Spoken like a true addict. You've found an experience that gives you the highest high you've ever felt and you are willing to keep reaching for that high even if it kills you, or you have to kill other people to get it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Akaisha Ross Posted September 17, 2007 Share Posted September 17, 2007 If life was all about killing and death then we never would have made it here.If the only thing in your life that you cherish is death, then I pity you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TroyCampbell Posted September 17, 2007 Share Posted September 17, 2007 This conversation is ridiculous. Neither parties are going to come to equal ground, so its just two people yelling at each other.And sometimes I wonder why I don't frequent these boards more often. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MisterE Posted September 17, 2007 Share Posted September 17, 2007 Now that is a pity. While there are few guarantees that two people will get along, there is much to be learned by seeing their viewpoints. The statements made on this thread of been of use to me. I'm grateful for Josh Brickman opening up and discussing what's on his mind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TroyCampbell Posted September 17, 2007 Share Posted September 17, 2007 You're joking, right? The only thing you've done is sat there and called him a liar! It seems the only thing you've gotten out of this is that Josh is a Brickhead*!* This is not my opinion of Brickman, I just felt like making toe joke. My bad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh Brickman Posted September 17, 2007 Author Share Posted September 17, 2007 Originally Posted By: InstarIf life was all about killing and death then we never would have made it here.If the only thing in your life that you cherish is death, then I pity you.Wow, talk about putting words in someone else's mouth. The point you're attacking isn't the one I made.I already strongly implied (and now state) if I'd known Mr. Invisible was there I would have gone easier on him. It isn't about killing, or even death. Originally Posted By: MisterEOriginally Posted By: Josh BrickmanOr I might be right, and you don't know what it's like to be really alive.I've considered that possibility, but I think you are wrong.That's your problem right there. "I've considered". "I think". Less thinking, more doing. The way to experience life is to experience life, not to think about it. The reality doesn't match the thought experiment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MisterE Posted September 17, 2007 Share Posted September 17, 2007 Troy Campbell, I don't think Josh Brickman is a Brickhead. He's a competent elite and has the mission successes to prove it.Josh Brickman, there is a reason we hold addicts accountable for their actions. They don't go out (in most cases) wanting to kill someone, but when they do, they are held responsible.You went out on a mission and in the course of that mission you accidentally killed another person. Now you tell us you went on that mission for the thrill of the experience. I hope I'm not the only one who finds that small comfort.I have experienced life beyond cerebral pondering and proceed to do so. That doesn't stop me from considering my actions. I find the union of mind and body to be most fulfilling, were I can not only consider my immediate actions as they happen, but understand their longer term consequences. When it comes to for action, I act without hesitation. That's never been a problem for me.As for dead 'Mr. Invisible'; he took his chances and ended up dead. He put himself on that field of combat. Few people would consider what Josh Brickman did to be murder. They are elites and they get paid to go out and risk their lives in combat situations. I do not glorify the lifestyle though. It is no more real than thousands of other activities and professions. Your life is what you make of it. As a nova, if your life isn't real enough, blame yourself first and foremost. You have open to you possibilities most baselines only dream about. It’s up to you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
z-Kara Posted September 18, 2007 Share Posted September 18, 2007 Originally Posted By: InstarIf life was all about killing and death then we never would have made it here.If the only thing in your life that you cherish is death, then I pity you. I'm pretty sure that Josh doesn't cherish death; it's the thrill of having the Baron a step behind him. I can understand that, only with me it's the enjoyment of the body and sensual arts.And sugar - I think that life is about killing and death; you kill anytime you eat. You struggle against death by killing something else to eat, that has killed to eat and struggled against death. We're here because of killing and death. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evan-Happy Scientist Posted September 18, 2007 Share Posted September 18, 2007 I kind of thought that we are here because a man and a woman desired each other enough to risk procreation. If you are lucky, there was even love involved.As a doctor, I am in opposition to the forces of death and dying. I'd stop the killing of our fellow sentiants if I could. It seems such a waste of potential.I don't think Josh is a bad guy. He's part of a culture that exists today. I don't much like his culture, but its been around for as long as anyone can remember - this killing, death, violence, and war - and I don't think it will be going away anytime soon. So, he enjoys his job. So do I ... enjoy my job, that is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravenshire Posted September 19, 2007 Share Posted September 19, 2007 Josh, better him than you I say.Originally Posted By: Josh BrickmanIs it just me or are novas more likely than baselines to die in these really stupid accidents? Not sure. With great power comes the ability for spectacular stupidity. Still, we do tend to be brighter and more fleet of foot than baselines so I'm hoping the odds are in our favor. Me- I'm kind of squishy. That's one very good reason for me to stay out of combat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
z-Kara Posted September 20, 2007 Share Posted September 20, 2007 Originally Posted By: RavenshireMe- I'm kind of squishy. That can be fixed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stonefish Posted September 20, 2007 Share Posted September 20, 2007 Meh, it pays well. Does anything else really matter? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravenshire Posted September 20, 2007 Share Posted September 20, 2007 Originally Posted By: Caramel BathThat can be fixed. You are the second woman to tell me that. The first time didn't end well ... it was unsatisfying to say the least. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeleForce Posted September 20, 2007 Share Posted September 20, 2007 Originally Posted By: Josh BrickmanIs it just me or are novas more likely than baselines to die in these really stupid accidents? Common Sense isn't a Nova power, which is a shame. I've seen some might stupid Novas out there in the past couple a months. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
z-Kara Posted September 20, 2007 Share Posted September 20, 2007 Originally Posted By: RavenshireOriginally Posted By: Caramel BathThat can be fixed. You are the second woman to tell me that. The first time didn't end well ... it was unsatisfying to say the least. If your next time is with me, then it won't be unsatisfying. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh Brickman Posted September 20, 2007 Author Share Posted September 20, 2007 Originally Posted By: RavenshireJosh, better him than you I say.Thank you.Originally Posted By: Caramel BathOriginally Posted By: RavenshireMe- I'm kind of squishy.That can be fixed. :Josh waves his hand:Right here Caramel. I'd love to be fixed by you.Originally Posted By: StonefishMeh, it pays well. Does anything else really matter?Yeah, it does. Ideally (and for novas, realistically) you should be doing something you enjoy and also make money at. There's things I can do that make more money. It's a nice bonus to get paid to work out with my other powers off the field. But even if it pays better, that's all it is. Life is too short to waste it at a job you don't like. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
z-Kara Posted September 20, 2007 Share Posted September 20, 2007 Originally Posted By: Josh Brickman:Josh waves his hand:Right here Caramel. I'd love to be fixed by you. Well, it's been a while since I tried my hand at castration. I'm sure I still have the snippers here somewhere though...I kid. I'm so out of practice I wouldn't want to neuter someone; I'd probably clip the wrong thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh Brickman Posted September 20, 2007 Author Share Posted September 20, 2007 Ow. Shot down again. Not that this will stop me from trying again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
z-Kara Posted September 20, 2007 Share Posted September 20, 2007 Originally Posted By: Josh BrickmanOw. Shot down again. Not that this will stop me from trying again. If I thought it did, I'd wouldn't say such things. Keep the faith, sugar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravenshire Posted September 20, 2007 Share Posted September 20, 2007 Originally Posted By: Caramel BathOriginally Posted By: RavenshireOriginally Posted By: Caramel BathThat can be fixed. You are the second woman to tell me that. The first time didn't end well ... it was unsatisfying to say the least. If your next time is with me, then it won't be unsatisfying. We are sooooo talking about different things. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
z-Kara Posted September 21, 2007 Share Posted September 21, 2007 Originally Posted By: RavenshireOriginally Posted By: Caramel BathOriginally Posted By: RavenshireThat can be fixed. You are the second woman to tell me that. The first time didn't end well ... it was unsatisfying to say the least. If your next time is with me' date=' then it won't be unsatisfying. We are sooooo talking about different things. [/quote'] Give me an hour and we won't be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
White Light Posted September 21, 2007 Share Posted September 21, 2007 Originally Posted By: Caramel BathGive me an hour and we won't be. Uh.. Did.. What? Hi. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
z-Kara Posted September 21, 2007 Share Posted September 21, 2007 Originally Posted By: White LightOriginally Posted By: Caramel BathGive me an hour and we won't be. Uh.. Did.. What? Hi. I'm teasing, sugar. I know he's with you. Sorry... it's the nature of the beast... my beast anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stonefish Posted September 28, 2007 Share Posted September 28, 2007 Originally Posted By: Josh BrickmanYeah, it does. Ideally (and for novas, realistically) you should be doing something you enjoy and also make money at. There's things I can do that make more money. It's a nice bonus to get paid to work out with my other powers off the field. But even if it pays better, that's all it is. Life is too short to waste it at a job you don't like. Meh, jobs are for money. Time off is for fun. It's a silly ass dream to think otherwise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.