Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
In response to the OP:
Percentages prove nothing. It is a case by case situation, and each case needs to be evaluated separately.Before determining whether or not a child should be allowed to pursue various unpleasant behaviors or activities in the home, the parents should try to understand what the child is going through, where this is coming from, and what the future ramifications are. Sometimes, it is better to seek guidance from a counselor or Rav who knows the family well, who can provide their unbiased opinion on the healthiness of the parents’ relationship with their child, and together, they can determine how to proceed. This should never be decided based on findings related to other cases, because every child is different and has different experiences, reactions, associations and feelings.
To kick a child out, or keep a child in, simply because of a percentage, or because of a statement from a Rav regarding some other, unrelated case, is irresponsible and potentially deadly.
To the OP:
Make sure you feel a connection and attraction to the person you’re dating prior to marriage. Don’t assume it’ll come afterward.And once you’re married, here’s a way to keep that marriage wonderful: Never expect, always appreciate. My wife and I live by this rule.
Thanks Goq, hope you’re doing well.
crazybrit, that’s awesome! What car will you use? You won’t meet me there this summer, although I do plan on tackling that track sometime. Also want to try Imola. I actually recently got back from doing a nice road trip up the pacific coast in a Mustang GT rental. Totally worth it.
A Zonda Revolucion or McLaren P1. And an R8 over an RS6 (sorry, crazybrit).
Wow, ICOT…what a touching, amazing poem! Thank you so much.
I’m sorry I haven’t been too active around here lately. Thank G-d, I’ve been busy. Wishing everyone here only the best.
Thanks so much for the mazal tov wishes and berachos, everyone!
I’d like to share that, thank G-d, I got engaged this past week to a wonderful, special girl. Thank you to everyone, especially those in the Poetry thread, who’ve continually given me support and kind remarks over the time that I’ve been here. May G-d respond to all your prayers, and repay you for your kindness, for the best.
Thanks, SaysMe.
just my hapence, it’s a really nice poem. I don’t have much free time these days (which is a good thing), but I’ll see if I can put that poem to some music.
Good recommendation by crisis. Also, I’d suggest looking into a brand called Laguna, which is owned by Guitar Center. I’ve played them and I think they feel great. Otherwise, I’d go with an Ibanez or Yamaha (for that kind of money).
I think if your happiness is dependent upon obtaining a certain standard, financially or otherwise, that the people you associate yourself with maintain, and that lacking in any of those areas would make you feel inadequate, you are increasing your chances of feeling unhappy. On the flip side, you may use this as motivation to succeed, which can be a healthy thing.
However, a person who can feel happy, independent of any standard that may be defined by others as necessary for happiness, will have a much easier time being happy.
Oh, didn’t realize Illustrator doesn’t let you do all that. Did you find out why it crashes?
I recently discovered a cool color adjustment tool in Photoshop, it’s under Image/ Adjustments/ Color Lookup, and try out all the options under each bar. I’ve found “FuturisticBleak” to be great for sci-fi drawings.
Anyone getting Assassin’s Creed III?
You can find lots of tutorials on the displace tool on Youtube. The best one I found was the one where the guy creates a British flag map over his fist. He explains everything really well.
Hmm, so about the crashing issue in Illustrator, maybe it’s due to a graphics card problem? Sometimes you need to adjust your graphics settings in the program to match it up with the card you have. I think re-installing it might give you those options. I had a similar issue with Photoshop CS6, and it was caused by my graphics card.
Ooh, pyrotensive’s stuff is really cool! “Mo Fresh” really stands out to me, as well as “New Moon”. And Aseo’s work is amazing, too! The one called “Gaby Dela Merced” is insanely cool. The way the helmet was done… wow. (Not to mention the awesome pink hair ^_^)
I never got the hang of speedpainting.. I like to take my time.
Ya, the Shear tool is very useful, although I rarely use it, since I do basically all of my editing in Photoshop. I really only use Illustrator for text and vector based graphics, like monograms.
Have you tried the Displace tool yet? It’s really cool once you get the hang of it. It’s probably the most complicated tool to use because you have to first do all these adjustments and save your file separately before you even begin the displacement process.
How’s Painter? I’ve noticed that some people love it and some people just don’t really have a use for it.
Also, in case you haven’t seen it yet, check out this guy “Hamsterfly” on DeviantArt. Amazing work.
So I was using the Flip tool in photoshop, and apparently you can only flip horizontally and vertically.. which is limiting, to say the least. I suppose I can always rotate the selection to get the angle I want.
I love those effects in photoshop and illustrator that make your picture look like a painting, though I never put it to practical use, either.
Have you ever used the displacement mapping tool in photoshop? I think it’s under Filter/ Distort. I only recently discovered it (by browsing through photoshop tutorials) and am not completely proficient in it yet, though it’s a really cool tool. It wraps an image over a selection and acts as a skin, using the contours of the object underneath. Sorry if I’m sounding like a book, I’m really tired.
Ya, “Living as Lake Quaig” is really cool. I love “The Sundial”. It’s such a great concept, and I love how he gives the surrounding village a magical feel.
I’ve heard of ConceptArt.org, though I’ve never really checked it out till your suggestion. It’s a pretty cool place, and I can see how it can help with developing your skills. Thanks for the info!
Ah, thanks for the photoshop tip. It’s funny, I’ve never used “Flip” before.. there are some tools I never use there and some that I use all the time. I guess everyone has different preferences.
Yep, Painter is definitely super cool! Which edition do you have, 12? Isn’t it amazing how many brush types there are? Check out this brush: Distortion/ Hurricane, and try it on a drawing or pic.. it’s so awesome! Feels like you’re high lol. Enjoy it!
OOM, those artists you mentioned on DeviantArt are very impressive! Hadn’t seen their work till now. There are so many great artists there. I recently discovered this guy named Christian Gerth on there, and his work is really amazing. His fantasy settings are mind blowing.
Yea, the Painter 12 has a tool like that, but I actually have Painter 11, which doesn’t, unfortunately. I’m unclear about which tool you are referring to in the transform menu. You mean in the bar where you can choose Warp, Perspective, etc.? Because I didn’t see a reflect option there. You’re right about the new layer, but I have an addiction to creating new layers for just about everything :P. And the worst part is, I don’t name them, so I always get confused. Oh well.
QB, good to hear that Blur is helping you drive properly in other games too -P. About Fallout New Vegas, it definitely has its moments, but I just found it, so far, to be a bit dull and drawn out. Perhaps it gets better, though.
ej, thanks, I just saw some gameplay screenshots of it and it really does look great. I’ll check it out further.
Curiosity, haven’t checked out Forward Unto Dawn yet, though I’ve never been such a Halo fan. I know it’s a great game, but it just never really did it for me.
I saw a gameplay demo of the new Fable game for Kinect, it looks really awesome. But I don’t have a Kinect. Oh well.
Hello, everyone. Hoping that you all had an inspiring Chag.
notasheep, such great poems! The one about the dreamer is so true. Having lofty dreams that we truly believe we can reach is a great way to live with purpose, because, as you said, it cannot be easily broken. Your second poem was very imaginative! I enjoyed both.
SaysMe, I hope your Chag went alright.e Looking forward to hearing from you.
equeen, welcome! That poem from your friend contains many truths. We must do what we can to be honest with ourselves in our service of G-d and not let other motives get in the way of that. Thanks for posting.
puppy, thanks for coming back here to post your poem. Though I don’t know in detail what you are referring to, I wish you peace of mind and a positive outcome to whatever struggle you may be dealing with.
wanderingchana, yes, it’s definitely a great thing to have reached that number. But then again, this thread is really about the quality of its posts, not the quantity.
NOMTW, hope you’re doing well and that your classes are going ok.
shopping613, I’m sorry to see how much you’re hurting, but it’s great that you can express yourself so well in poetry. Hoping that things are looking up for you. Sometimes, when G-d seems to be hiding from us, He is really behind the scenes preparing plans for our deliverance from suffering and struggles into peace.
ym613, that’s a very beautifully written poem. Thanks for posting.
just my hapence, wow, that’s a really well written poem! Its imagery is so clear, and the word choice adds so much to it. Thanks for posting!
notasheep and just my hapence, beautiful poems! You both have real talent. And welcome here!
blabla, I’m sorry you’re feeling down. But I’m glad you’re back and writing your heartfelt poetry again, I really missed it, it’s so full of emotion. I hope G-d helps you see things in a better perspective, and that things get better for you.
SaysMe, I had you in mind in all my prayers. I really hope that things turn around for you and those feelings of hurt and guilt don’t plague you anymore. Wishing you only better times ahead.
Syag, I’m glad to see you back here.
NOMTW, hope you’re managing with all your work.r
kapusta, Luna, Think first, I hope you’re all doing well.
Absolutely, oom. I wasn’t going to address it anyway. So.. who do you follow on DeviantArt? Are you part of any groups? It’s hard for me to go through all the submissions by all the artists I’m following, there’s so many! I skim them and check out the the ones that stand out most. Photoshop question for you: is there a way to create a reflection of something, by use of a tool, besides by just copying and pasting an altered version of it onto a new layer? Because that would be so helpful. Thanks!
QB, maybe a little Blur can get your driving skillz back up to “awesome” -). I’m in middle of Fable again, actually. Also in the middle of Driver: San Francisco, and I never finished Fallout New Vegas.
Gotcha. Yep, photoshop is definitely the most comprehensive art program out there. I use Illustrator only when working with typography that can’t be done in photoshop. Also, the Pen/Direct selection tool in Illustrator is sooo useful. That’s so funny you follow artists on DeviantArt.. I have some art on there myself ^_^. And I follow tons of artists there too! Some of them are truly amazing. It is so inspiring to see how much one can learn and grow in art skills, and especially from just browsing other people’s art. I also love the contests they have every now and then. I mainly have digital car concept art and 3D model renderings on my profile there. Are there any other sites you’d recommend checking out?
Hi, NOMTW! Glad to see you back here. Hope your school work isn’t too stressful! It’s good to take a break every now and then, it helps boost your energy. Amen to your wonderful bracha, and the same to you as well!
y613, no problem. I enjoy finding meaning in people’s words, especially in poetry that so obviously comes from the heart. Hope to see more from you!
SaysMe, hope things only get better for you. Wishing you much strength in pulling through your schoolwork, and whatever you may be dealing with.
oom, do you use photoshop to actually draw? I rarely do. I mainly use Sketchbook to draw, then photoshop to do touch ups or adjust things. Also, have you used Illustrator at all? I used to use it a lot, but I realized that almost everything Illustrator does, photoshop can also do. Do you have art posted anywhere online? I love seeing other people’s art, because that is where inspiration comes from! ^_^
SaysMe, sorry to hear that school work is giving you a hard time. It’s especially difficult at this time of the year, as I can say from personal experience. I hope you are able to get through it all well. Good luck.
y613, that’s a very deep poem. Sometimes we need solitude to collect our thoughts and find a new perspective on something that is bothering us. It’s also a good way to temporarily escape from our interpersonal difficulties, but eventually, we know we have to face those people and hope that they learn how to show the care and concern that we wish for.
just my hapence, very beautiful poem! A wonderful message, and written so well. Welcome to the thread.
OOM, well it’s fun even using pre-made textures too ^_^. But yes, I suppose if you’re a real purist, you would do everything from scratch. But then again, using a tablet in itself is kind of “cheating”, since you can undo and redo and stuff. My favorite effects in Painter are the fire, hurricane, and shattered glass. But Painter is especially cool because you can download custom paint brush types online and use them in the program.
I definitely think it’d be good to learn animation. There are a variety of animation programs, so start with the simple ones. I recommend Anime Studio. It’s a very easy to use 2D animation program, and costs maybe 30 dollars. And yep, it’s a cyclops smiley.
What are your favorite Photoshop tools? I find myself constantly using Clone, Magic wand, and Dodge/Burn. I’m also always playing around with contrast/saturation.
repharim, great advice and information, thanks.
blabla, so glad you’re back here with your amazing poetry! I love both. The teacher one is especially inspiring since I’m somewhat in a teaching position this year. It really shows how much a teacher can do, and the responsibility for one’s students.
OOM, yep, Photoshop and Sketchbook are my absolute favorites! I have Corel Painter as well, and use it occasionally. But Painter differs from Sketchbook in that Painter is much, much more adapted to creating digital art that mimics traditional paints and painting techniques. Whereas Sketchbook is more of a general drawing and painting program. I use Painter when I need to put certain effects, such as flames, smoke, water textures, etc. into my artwork. Painter is TOP NOTCH when it comes to effects and paint brush variety. Seriously, nothing else even comes close! But if you don’t need all that, it’s not worth it.
I get what you’re saying about the Bamboo vs. the Intuos. I guess whatever you feel most comfortable using is the best option for you. Have you taken some art/ digital manipulation classes? I’m curious about what you’ve learned, since it’s always interesting to hear another person’s thoughts on a particular subject ^_^. By the way, have you thought about learning animation besides art? Because that could expand your career options, since many things that require artists also require animators,(for example, advertisements) so it’d be good to know both.
repharim, thanks for your info about game development. I’ve heard that before, as well as that it is a very competitive field. I chose not to go into that when I first got my BA, though I really wanted to. I also wanted to be a car designer, which is not practical at all.
QB, maybe OOM and I could split the artwork -).
Goq, I feel so sad for what you’ve gone through, but seeing how you continue to make the most of what you were given, and how you were able to write this out to your brothers, takes incredible strength that most people don’t even come close to having. And that gives all of us inspiration. So thank you for writing this, and may things only get better and better for you.
I’ve said this recently, but I feel I can say it again: G-d tests the people He loves. And there is no question in my mind that He loves you very dearly.
Hi, Think first! Thanks for checking in on us, and for the bracha. Hope all’s well by you.
Hope everyone had an inspiring Yom Tov.
enlightenedjew, I’d be using a PC. You’re right, I’m sure I can find it cheaper on eBay or Amazon. Sometimes Steam has great deals if you purchase from them, but I prefer getting the actual CD to a digital download. The combat issues definitely won’t deter me from getting Skyrim, I love the environment and feel of the game.
OOM, that’s really cool. What programs do you use so far for your designing? I’d recommend getting Autodesk Sketchbook Pro, and of course Photoshop. I use both very heavily for 2D designing. The Bamboo tablets are great, too! I have the Intuos 4. I really want a Cintiq, but I’d have to sell all my belongings to be able to afford it. If I may ask, why do you like the Bamboo more than the Intuos?
It may help to look at it this way: G-d knows how special and meaningful your prayers are, so He is sending something that may cause you to falter and lose concentration, thereby giving you an opportunity to elevate your prayers even more if you can overcome that inconvenience. G-d sends tests to those He loves.
I try to, and usually I can, but sometimes it can be very difficult. What really helps with forgiveness is realizing that in the bigger picture, everything that happens is for our good, and there is no reason to be upset at someone else.
avhaben, you are unfortunately missing out on an important truth: Asking forgiveness, and in fact, apologizing, is NOT dependent upon being right or wrong.
Curiosity, I get what you’re saying about the combat issues in the Elder Scrolls games. Those games seem to put a lot more focus in their environments, which are outrageously detailed, and exquisite. I guess every game has its strong points and weaker points. Personally, I love the melee combat in Zeno Clash. It feels so real. And the environment is pretty cool, too. Wish they’d make a second one.
repharim, wow, I think game development is really cool! I’m wondering what QB was wondering..
OOM, cool, what type of concept art do you enjoy doing? I’ve been in school for the past few years for industrial design, and have lots of experience in conceptual art for objects and environments, both in 2 and 3 dimensions. I’m now focusing more on graphic design and typography. The first thing I’d recommend doing if you want to do digital concept art of any type is to get a Wacom tablet. Trust me, it’s worth the money ^_^.
Regardless of how one finds out this information, it would first be crucial to determine WHY one is seeking it: Is it for reasons of maturity, knowing that a capable wife may enrich their marriage and will inspire oneself to grow in his own dedication to provide a caring, healthy environment at home, or is it based in laziness and selfishness, in which case one is merely seeking a wife that will essentially “take care” of everything, thereby making his OWN life easier? Once that is determined, one’s focus may greatly change, which can make this dilemma easier to solve.
Nice, BaalHabooze! I’m not into rap, but you definitely strung those lyrics together nicely.
This is more of a poem than a rap, but it also has to do with repentance and Yom Kippur:
Year after year, through toil and strife
My deeds are weighed, it’s a circle of life
Fear imbues my mind as the day comes near
What will be with me, I cannot bear
Who will live, and who will die
Who will laugh and who will cry
All my sins I throw away
I’m changing my ways, it’s Judgement Day
To whiten the black, to cure the disease
Asking forgiveness, down on my knees
My body trembles, I’m numb from fear
Sound of repentance pounds in my ear
Who will live, and who will die
Who will laugh and who will cry
All my sins, I throw away
I’m changing my ways, it’s Judgement Day
I really, really want to get Skyrim, but I’m also waiting for it to go down in price. I dont like spending more than 25 dollars on a game. Also been thinking about getting Rage.. has anyone played it?
Luna, that’s really nice, and very true. Glad to see you back here!
Hi, kapusta! Good to see you back here. How are you?
Hey QB -). Isn’t LA Noire also on your list, or did you finish it?
Anyone play Quake growing up? That was my favorite. And what are all your favorite racing games? I like NFS Hot Pursuit, Underground, Blur, and GTR.
Puppy, great poems, both of them. And they both contain good messages we can use every day. I really like the second one by Jaoquin Miller about how we view others.
Smile E. Face, that is such a nice poem! Beautiful, positive message. You are so right, everything depends on our focus and attitude, and that alone can make the difference between everything going “wrong” or everything going “right”.
Silent One, that is really beautiful. I can feel your heart in it. I’ve been wondering how you’re doing. Hope you’re ok.
I used to play MMORPG’s a lot, but they all just seemed to get repetitive. Although there are a few that really stand out. I now prefer simple FPS, racing, and some RPG’s.
Thanks for posting that poem, puppy! It’s really nice. The first two lines are so true, especially in reference to our potential. We sometimes convince ourselves that we don’t have what it takes to do something, when really, if we tried, and believed in ourselves, we can accomplish so much more than what we think.
Aurora, welcome to this thread! I’ve read some posts of yours in other threads and I am completely inspired by your outlook and dedication to grow in Judaism. Wishing you only success in your journey.
No problem, SaysMe. Hope school goes well for you. Yom tov is around the corner.
ym613, that is really a beautifully written poem with a wonderful message. Did you write it? Using the woven cloth as a metaphor for the true meaning of life’s ups and downs fits so well, because it shows how things that seem to bad (knots), are really, in the bigger picture, for our good. Thanks for posting!
Thanks for posting, ICOT, good to see you back here.
How’s everyone doing? It’s been a while since there’s been some poetry here. SaysMe, blabla, ICOT, NOMTW, Think first, Luna, hope you’re all ok.
Achdus, REGARDLESS of the cause, is a good thing. If it isn’t necessarily for a great cause, that does not take away from the fact that many Jews got together and did something that they all felt connected to, in a positive way. We have so little achdus, unfortunately, that we CANNOT be picky about what to get together for and what we can’t. Thinking that achdus is only worthwhile for something YOU feel is good defeats the whole point of achdus! Because then, you will only strive for it when it is something you happen to think is right, which is the OPPOSITE of what achdus is all about. Real achdus is getting together with people, regardless of your personal opinion.
Also, it is not for anyone to decide what manner of saying prayers is considered right or wrong. Only G-d knows who is sincere and who isn’t. And if someone feels closer to G-d through song and dance rather than to cry, then that is what he should be doing. If that isn’t how you feel selichos should be said, don’t do it that way. Don’t diminish the level of holiness that other people may have achieved in a way that they feel elevated with.
Toi, your scenario actually brings up the truest explanation for the mitzvah of Kibud Av V’em, which is that of hakaras hatov. One should honor his parents, on a most basic level, because they brought him into this world, and for that, he should show them hakaras hatov by giving them honor. Your case illustrates this point at an ideal level since that is all the father has done for this child. Normally, there are ENDLESS things that parents do for their children that warrant respect and honor. So not only is your case not contrasting what I’ve said, it is actually bringing out the most basic understanding for what Kibud Av V’em really is, and showing how those FEELINGS of hakaras hatov should be there, even if all they’ve done for you is bring you into this world. So yes, one is obligated to do this mitvzah whether he feels it or not. However, the highest form of fulfillment is when he does it with feeling. And welcome back, I haven’t seen you here in a while. I was wondering how you’re doing- http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/toi-hope-everything-is-ok
Wolf, I am sorry I didn’t mention this till now, but I wish your mother a speedy recovery.
brotherofurs, I appreciate your post, and I understand where you are coming from. I am very aware of such an opinion, and I have asked many people about it, which is how I came to what I said. Clearly, doing a mitzvah solely because G-d commanded us to do so is a level in itself. However, it is not the same as FEELING the mitzvah. There is a difference between doing things by rote and doing things with true understanding and feeling, which is a distinction I didn’t make in my last post.
Doing a mitzvah by rote would be an example like you gave, like putting on tefillin without thinking about it. Let’s analyze that mitzvah: Is there a logical reason we put on tefillin? Something about it that makes complete sense to us? I don’t think so. We do it because G-d said we should. Perhaps there is something mysteriously holy about it which is beyond our understanding. But we do it anyway. Such a mitzvah is a borderline “Chok”, a mitzvah which we don’t understand. Now, for such a mitzvah, the reason we do it is because G-d said we should.
However, there are many, many mitzvos in the Torah that DO make sense to us. Like Wolf’s example, honoring your parents. Other examples would be returning a lost object, loving your neighbor, giving charity, etc. Those are things we fully understand WHY G-d wants us to fulfill. It is because the Torah is a guide for how we should ideally treat people, and that is something morally correct. It makes sense to us. For THOSE mitzvos, doing them without feeling, solely because G-d said we should, is VERY VERY much lacking. On an ideal level, we would want to fulfill those commandments because we understand that they make us better people, they give the beneficiaries happiness, and that is TRULY emulating G-d. Because G-d is only kindness, and He bestows kindness upon us all the time. Why does He do that? Because it is right. It is good. So too, we should bestow kindness on others in order to emulate G-d. NOT simply because He said we should. I hope this distinction is clear enough.
Wolf, actually, you fulfilled the mitzvah at its highest level. Doing a mitzvah without feeling, and only because G-d told you to do it, is NOT AT ALL what we should be striving for. We should do it because we truly FEEL it. G-d wants us to love fulfilling His commandments, and the truest form of that love is attained when we understand and appreciate the reasons behind the commandments. Not when we are simply told to do them, without thinking. When you are able to fulfill a mitzvah simply out of your basic sense of proper conduct, and not only because it is a commandment, you have attained that high level. G-d wants it to become second nature. We should all fulfill Kibud Av V’em the way you do.