Member Spotlight #7: Ask Ghost X anything

[Ⓐaron]

This is a new thing we're doing where we give a specific member a thread for a week in which they can share whatever information they want about themselves, then answer whatever questions the public asks them. It's sort of an expansion on the "Let's get to know each other" thread by, well, giving one member the spotlight. More information on the concept can be found here.

This week's participant is [member=1049]Ghost X[/member], who has elected to share the following information:

Family: Parents separated, but not divorced. Half-brother estranged .
Sexuality: Heterosexual.
Employment: Student, studying visual arts degree, majoring in painting.
Metaphysical views: Explicit weak atheist.
Political Alignment: Libertarian socialist.
Goals in life: In order of priority / likelihood:
- Survive and be healthy to a ripe old age, if not become immortal . Aging is bad for your health, so I really hope they cure that . Not afraid of death, but the act of dying itself.
- To become a professional visual artist painting things that interests me, rather than being a sell-out, despite how hard this is to achieve.
- To become a non-adversarial figurehead for Reason, who causes a movement that leads to all capable adults of the world to not have flawed thinking... (yes, this'll never happen .)
Miscellaneous:
- Currently into neo-psychedelic music.
- Play volleyball. Good at serving, bad at receiving ().
- Favourite game franchise:

Spoiler: Metal Gear

!?

Solid.
- Favourite TV franchise: Game of Thrones.
- INTJ personality type .
- Probably have some kind of undiagnosed social anxiety disorder, which seems to have developed in the last few years, and activates itself especially when aromatic Italian food is present.
- Mild allergy to mosquitoes.
- Rarely drink alcohol, but prefer red wine (especially port), and stout or dark ale. I have a weak stomach however when drinking the latter. Same with cider.
- Have not added sugar to any thing I eat or drink since roughly February.
- Work history: Kangaroo meat factory (2 weeks), Chicken hatchery (10 months), Potato and onion packaging place (6 months), Conference hall manual labourer (11 months), heavy-duty cleaner with access to top secret government sites (13 months... no aliens... feel ripped off).
- Study history: (Cert II is roughly a quarter of a diploma.) Cert II in Agriculture, Cert II in IT administration, Cert III in Financial Services (accounting).
- I've lived in the UK and Canada, and traveled around Australia a lot as a child. Would love to live in northern Europe, but can't decide which country. Whichever is the least Neoliberal with the most progressive laws . Probably a pipe dream anyway.
- Arguably have "talents" in other artistic areas as well. Would love to get better at writing, and make the most awesome music ever on the planet (), but unfortunately there are only so many hours in the day.
- Currently not interested in marriage, or children, or pets.

Feel free to ask whatever you'd like. This thread will be up for approximately a week before we move onto our next participant.

 

[Tetsujin]

What is an Explicit Weak Atheist and how do they differ from Generic Reasonably-Strong Atheists?

 

[Selphie Tilmitt]

Are you a ghost? Just asking

Spoiler

Somebody had to do it

 

[Ghost X]

What is an Explicit Weak Atheist and how do they differ from Generic Reasonably-Strong Atheists?

"Explicit" means I've thought about it, and been exposed to arguments / other worldviews (ie: in this case, religious ones ). Infants are on the other hand "implicit" atheists, because they haven't thought about it. "Weak" means I do not claim god does not exist (like "strong" atheists do), rather I simply lack belief in god (specifically because there is no evidence, etc). It is the rational position.

Are you a ghost? Just asking

Depending on how one looks at it, yes and no. I'm not "a ghost", but I am one person who is called Ghost, hence I am indeed "a Ghost". There is no shame in asking .

 

[Telcontar]

"heavy-duty cleaner with access to top secret government sites"

What did you do here? Why did they give you access to those sites?

 

[Carlie]

Oh Dawn and I are gonna have a lot of fun with this one.

Ghost what's been your favorite thing about Farscape?

 

[Ghost X]

"heavy-duty cleaner with access to top secret government sites"

What did you do here? Why did they give you access to those sites?

Because top secret government sites also need to be cleaned and maintained. I was given access because I am a good boy in the eyes of the government.

Ghost what's been your favorite thing about Farscape?

Claudia Black? Just kidding. I like that it doesn't take itself seriously. That there are funny moments amongst the more serious stuff, and cartoon sound effects.

 

[Carlie]

One does not simply kid about Claudia Black.

Favorite character?

 

[Ghost X]

Favorite character?

Probably Scorpius, I think his relationship with Crichton in the series is the most explored, and interesting, one.

 

[The Twilight Mexican]

Do you have a geographically identifiable accent from any of the places you've lived?

"heavy-duty cleaner with access to top secret government sites"

What did you do here? Why did they give you access to those sites?

Really, you of all people asked this? =P

 

[Ghost X]

Do you have a geographically identifiable accent from any of the places you've lived?

Boringly enough, my accent is local to my state. I may have picked up some pronunciation of words whilst I lived in the eastern states when I was younger, but have long since reverted. I did pick up some Canadian pronunciation of words, but soon reverted once returning here. My longer trip to the UK oddly had no noticeable effect on my accent whatsoever .

 

[Tennyo]

Do you plan on writing more books?

Do you have a link to the ones you already have written? I haz e reedr nao

 

[Abortedj]

I am currious about your user name. Are you the 10th ghost? The goes of number 10? A former ghost that was somehow resurrected? Is it a reference to killing an "ex" of yours (like that bitch ex of mine is now a ghost)? Of am I just missing a key reference here?

 

[The Twilight Mexican]

My theory has always been that he's the time-traveling ghost of X-SOLDIER come to our time period from the future.

 

[Dawnbreaker]

Pegging? Yay or nay?












Okay, okay, okay...If for some reason you were given the opportunity to make a speech or a lecture for five minutes on a world-wide broadcast what would you say?

 

[Ghost X]

Do you plan on writing more books?

I'd like to eventually. I don't see myself having the time in the next few years though. I'm always brain storming ideas however.

Do you have a link to the ones you already have written? I haz e reedr nao.

Here, but they cost moneys. Money that I can no longer get, since I refuse to fill in this US tax thing amazon wants me to fill in. Also, I disown the books. I think they're too superficial, and my characters need a lot more work. I want to do further world-building and rewrite them... and give GRRM a run for his money . Granted, I've got a lot to learn .

I am currious about your user name. Are you the 10th ghost? The goes of number 10? A former ghost that was somehow resurrected? Is it a reference to killing an "ex" of yours (like that bitch ex of mine is now a ghost)? Of am I just missing a key reference here?

Nope. It is a product of my childhood. I thought ghosts were cool, and the letter X was also cool.

Pegging? Yay or nay?

Nay .

Okay, okay, okay...If for some reason you were given the opportunity to make a speech or a lecture for five minutes on a world-wide broadcast what would you say?

Beating a dead horse here, but...

The source of all the preventable threats caused by humans is a flawed theory of knowledge. So, given the time, I'd research as many resources as I could that shows how to make people aware that their system of thinking is flawed, so they do not acquire the products of such a system (baseless ideology). It is these resources I'd mention in the broadcast. You can't expect to convert the irrational in 5 minutes, but you can give people the resources to do so over an extended period of time. Even extremists can be deprogrammed, although it takes years in ideal conditions. There is hope for us all*.

*There are exceptions, come to think of it .

 

[Carlie]

If we were to visit Australia and asked you to be our tour guide where would you take us and what would you talk about your country's culture and history?

 

[Cabaret]

How will your worship your chicken overlords?

What's your favourite fruit?

Do you eat your 5 a day... or is that bollocks?

As an Australian do you identify with anything British or do you want to get as far away as possible from that particular past?

Most Australians we hear about are into sports and sea based activities - what happened to you man?!

Top 5 bands for great justice.

Top 5 artists that inspire you and why.

what do you want to do with your art - hobby with love or something that gives you da monies?

What's your favourite nut?

If you took a really hot lady (so, me ) out on a movie date, what modern movie would you choose? And as an alternate what movie from all time would you choose?

Who do you think gels well in TLS?

If you were a super baddie, what would your cause be?

If you were a super hero, how would you hide your identity?

What's your favourite flower?

What gets you up and going in the morning?

 

[Ghost X]

If we were to visit Australia and asked you to be our tour guide where would you take us and what would you talk about your country's culture and history?

My favourite memories would be the walking trails through the mountains, caves, and rainforests in the eastern states, so that'd be on the itinerary. This includes, but is not limited to the Three Sisters, the Yarangabilly caves, Mount Tamborine. Unfortunately my memory limits me on the obscure names of all the other places I've been to.

Each capital city would be visited. I enjoyed my visits to South Bank in Brisbane, the Sydney Opera house and other harbour locations (crossing the bridge is mandatory). I've been to Melbourne a couple of times, but my memories are vague. State museums and art galleries are a must. I'd also take you to Canberra, to see our batshit government.

I'd probably do a detour into the life and times of Ned Kelly, the famous late nineteenth century outlaw. I've been to Glenrowan where he had his infamous last stand clad in homemade metal armour, and seen his cell and where he was hanged at the Old Melbourne Gaol.

For those sports-inclined, I'd show you an AFL game at the MCG, and a cricket game at Adelaide Oval, but not a rugby game. No one needs to see rugby . If you are there at the right time of year, I'd take you to the Bathurst 1000, which is pretty much the only racing event of the year most people are inclined to watch.

As for Australian culture and history, I'm not that knowledgeable. The last time I was forced to study it was in grade 8. I have probably learnt a lot of history, but forgotten it, as it isn't really a field of interest for me. I could give you superficial details, like when Captain Cook landed in Botany Bay (perhaps another location to visit ). That there were gold rushes, and of course our greatly racist history , which still exists with our evil asylum seeker policies (indefinite offshore detention of people, 90% of whom are found to be legitimate refugees fleeing from danger, including their children).

 

[Ghost X]

How will your worship your chicken overlords?

Treat them well, and hide my history of working in a chicken hatchery.

What's your favourite fruit?

Kiwi fruit and passion fruit. Hard to pick which. I regularly eat bananas.

Do you eat your 5 a day... or is that bollocks?

No

As an Australian do you identify with anything British or do you want to get as far away as possible from that particular past?

My maternal grandparents are British, and our government is based on the Westminster system. That's about it really. I respect British scientific history, and hate that it doesn't seem to really have carried over here. Our current conservative government doesn't even have a fucking science minister, and your conservative government has criticised the batshittedness of ours due to such (and rightfully so). I feel the whole science thing is simply a continuation of Greco-Roman culture. Socrates is my god . Father of western philosophy, etc, which ultimately led to the principles of science and Reason* .

*With help of the Arabs and Indians, of course .

Most Australians we hear about are into sports and sea based activities - what happened to you man?!

I have a superficial interest in the AFL and cricket. I also play volleyball every week. Unfortunately at the moment I'm too busy to do anything more .

Top 5 bands for great justice.

Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Tame Impala, King Crimson, and... David Bowie?

Top 5 artists that inspire you and why.

1. Leonardo Da Vinci. The quintessential renaissance man. Polymath, etc. Seeing an artwork of his in real life would be a religious experience for me. Add that to my life goals . I almost bawled my eyes out seeing a Van Gogh, ffs .
2. Roberto Ferri (NSFW) because he has the same taste as myself when it comes to lighting and subject matter.
3. Frank Frazetta because he is pretty much the fantasy artist of fantasy artists.
4. Jeffrey Smart because his artwork has a heavy emphasis on geometric composition, which I now find interesting.
5. Claude Monet because he was the instigator of modern art. Granted, I don't find him the most inspiring modern artist, which is too hard to pick, really.

What do you want to do with your art - hobby with love or something that gives you da monies?

Something that gives me the money with love .

What's your favourite nut?

Really hard question. I want to say Pistachio, but I also want to say Macadamia. Peanuts are good with anything too.

If you took a really hot lady (so, me ) out on a movie date, what modern movie would you choose? And as an alternate what movie from all time would you choose?

Modern movie (as in currently out in cinema?) would be Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, because of the good ratings (I've yet to see it). Favourite movie from all time... According to my rotten tomatoes profile, I have only three movies at 5 stars: Aliens, Terminator 2, and Toy Story 3. I don't think I'd select them to watch though. I'd rather select a movie I haven't watched. I would select Citizen Kane to see what all the fuss is about .

Who do you think gels well in TLS?

I think Carlie is the social glue everyone can attach to.

If you were a super baddie, what would your cause be?

I guess I'd become an eco-terrorist. Exterminating all those in favour of corporatism .

If you were a super hero, how would you hide your identity?

I think this would be impossible in the current world of CCTV, and such. The NSA has all my data on file somewhere, I'm certain of it. One of my superpowers would have to be wiping this data at will, so I could hide as an average citizen. I guess that answers your question?

What's your favourite flower?

Tulips, though there are many close seconds.

What gets you up and going in the morning?

An alarm clock? . I have a deep-seeded need to be a productive member of society, I guess. I want to prove myself to the world. Not being very successful at it, currently .

 

[Ami]

Writer to writer, what advice do you have? How on earth did you do the publishing thing again? Pretty sure I asked about this a loooong time ago, but refresh my hazy mind.

I know you're straight, but if you had to snog/marry/avoid any guy on here?

The same question, but for women (also Dawn and Carlie DO NOT COUNT!).

If you had to rap to a song, what would it be?

Tell us your best joke.

You, me, Dawn and Carlie in a band - what role are you? Singer, drummer, guitar, etc? More importantly, what is our name?

Would you still dwell on TLS if you became a famous artist, or famous anything?

I'm over at yours for a friendly dinner. What do you cook for me?

What's your favourite pizza?

Do Aussies drink Fosters like I do?

The zombie apocalypse suddenly happens. Run us through what on earth you'll do and how you react to this cliched, but serious news?

Is it always sunny down under?

You get to read the mind of someone here - who is it?

Same question, but with inhabiting their body.

You're now the Australian James Bond (do you have a secret service?). What gadgets do you have at your disposal?

You once said you lived in England before. What was your opinion about us before you came over?

Speaking of which, is there another country you'd fancy living in?

Why won't you play Uncharted with us?

 

[Sprites]

Favourite colour?

What's the best food dish you've ever eaten?

What food do you really hate?

When you're wound up about something what do you to to relax or calm down?

What's the most extravagant thing you've ever purchased?

What's your favourite shoe brand?

If you could be an animal what animal would you be and why?

 

[Ⓐaron]

Given the power, what changes would you make to the world/various countries?

 

[Cabaret]

(lmao - you just got Ami'd )

What's something you'd love to try but have not yet dared to? Do you think you might do it one day?

 

[Deleted member 546]

Peanuts are legumes, not nuts.

Also you named three artists I love. *brofist* I think it was you who introduced me to Roberto Ferri in the first place.

If you could cure one disease, what would it be?
If you could assassinate one person in the world (a diplomatic tower of cards, as it were), who would you take out?