Return to Unfiction unforum
 a.r.g.b.b 
FAQ FAQ   Search Search 
 
Welcome!
New users, PLEASE read these forum guidelines. New posters, SEARCH before posting and read these rules before posting your killer new campaign. New players may also wish to peruse the ARG Player Tutorial.

All users must abide by the Terms of Service.
Website Restoration Project
This archiving project is a collaboration between Unfiction and Sean Stacey (SpaceBass), Brian Enigma (BrianEnigma), and Laura E. Hall (lehall) with
the Center for Immersive Arts.
Announcements
This is a static snapshot of the
Unfiction forums, as of
July 23, 2017.
This site is intended as an archive to chronicle the history of Alternate Reality Games.
  

The time now is Sun Nov 17, 2024 10:40 pm
All times are UTC - 4 (DST in action)		 View posts in this forum since last visit
View unanswered posts in this forum
Calendar
 Forum index » Archive » Archive: Perplex City » PXC: General/Updates
[Update] Sentinal June 19 2006
View previous topicView next topic
Page 1 of 2 [26 Posts]   Goto page: 1, 2 Next
Author Message
Macavity
Entrenched


Joined: 25 Jul 2004
Posts: 883
Location: UNSC Comm Relay Station Alpha, West Shokan, NY

 		[Update] Sentinal June 19 2006
New article, VFE, and letters:

Quote:


Video Competition Reviewers Dismiss Popular Winners
By FELIX BLAKE

The results from the recent, Earth-based Video Competition were released last Tuesday, but how did the final awards reflect the opinions of Perplex City's own intelligentsia? The Academy's Social Sciences department distributed entries to a select group of film critics, social commentators and cultural anthropologists as part of their continuing Earthology program. Today, three of them comment exclusively in the Sentinel.

Waldo Gnatek, a renowned critic from the influential-if-elitist Perplex City Review, spoke highly of what he saw. Musing on Ashley In Wonderland, he described it as "deeply evocative of 'otherness', and seems to delicately imply the yin of wonder with the yang of alienation. Positively existential -- although the rabbit gave a fidgety performance and never really settled into the role." He had kind words, too, for The Hitchhiker's Guide To Perplex City. "Most impressive by virtue of its directorial ambition and artistic guts -- who else would dare experiment with such a searing shade of magenta? Darkflame has produced, undoubtedly, an elegant and restrained encapsulation of the unknown. Where is Perplex City? Merely somewhere else. Where, then, is Earth? For us, somewhere else also. Both somewhere else, then, but else from one another. A koan worthy, I think, of Gyvann. And of course, only a philistine could miss the conceptual strength of the closing sequence, aptly illustrating that the wonder of the Receda Cube is all that lies unknown within it. It is easier to describe what it is not, than what it truly is. Do you see?"

Jenni Kwon, editor of the Sentinel's Arts section, was also privileged to view some of the entries. "It's a mixed bunch and it's hard to know what to make of it. My personal highlights? Well, Difficultly Lethal looked like it had potential, but I'm really pretty busy as it goes and get distracted easily, so at seven minutes it was a bit 'epic' for my liking. I watched it at three-times normal speed, so some of it might have gone over my head, but overall... what video was I talking about again? Oooh, a squirrel!"

She continued: "Some videos left me cold, I'm afraid, with too many one-dimensional characters who I couldn't really begin to identify with. Not so with The Joy Of Perplex City! I think anyone could see that this was a puzzle-solving protagonist who conducted her affairs with extreme enthusiasm at all times, with the occasional moment of bemusement thrown in for good measure. A mature and nuanced performance, by any measure."

Advertisement

Many critics privately aired concerns regarding the taste and decency of submitted videos, and Kwon agreed wholeheartedly with their opinions. The first-placed video, Perplex City, Meet South Park, came in for particular criticism, for its crude language and ultraviolent content. "What I want to know is, how can the town of South Park avoid the complete social breakdown it seems to be facing? From what I've seen, and counter to the title, I'm sure Perplex City has no desire to meet South Park whatsoever. It's distinctly opposing the ethical foundations of our city, and very troubling indeed."

Others, like Shane Stone, the 22-year-old entrepreneur and editor of off-the-wall men's mag Balls Are The New Cubes, disagreed. "Man, you've gotta check that movie out. The dude got his ass kicked! Don't try and tell me that isn't quality viewing. My friends and I are still quoting "I'M BRITISH!" at least ten times a day. Is anyone quoting The Joy Of Perplex City? I don't think so. And you know why? Because it doesn't have any dialogue, sure, but also because no-one gets their ass kicked."

"Props, also, to Mysteries Of The Cube," added Stone. "It's a little, y'know, 'Cube-heady', but at least they tried to include something vaguely resembling an explosion, and used a nice hard-rocking soundtrack. As for Cubed, well, Gyvann said, 'Doubt not that the Cube speaks, nor that its voice is heard.' Well, I think this masterpiece aptly demonstrates that we ought not doubt it runs around, looks mad, kicks ass and smokes smelly cigars. Sick!"

All the videos, and their awards, can be viewed here.



Quote:

Tally Scores Big, Hits Top of Leaderboard
By KATE BREWSTER

The predicted shake-up of the leaderboard failed to happen in spectacular fashion last Tuesday. Overhyped by both the Sentinel's leaderboard correspondent (yours truly) and PCAG statistician Samara Jones, the 5150 points awarded to digital video auteurs proved insufficient to provoke major changes among the top 50. Last week, the Sentinel predicted it would be a "decisive and disruptive moment" in the competition, "shattering the calm" of the traditional hierarchy, with Jones going as far as to say it would "definitely shake things up."

Instead, only a minor reshuffle occurred at the top of the board, although a new leader has now emerged for unrelated reasons. Tally has embarked on a solving spree and now sits in first place, wielding a hefty 200 point bonus from the London PCAG games. As a result, she's dominating perpetually fierce competitors such as Oliverkeers13, MikeyJ and Guin.

Advertisement

Samara Jones provided analysis: "The flaw in my earlier reasoning is now all too apparent. Yes, there are players out there who are getting big bonuses, but in most cases, they haven't got the solid foundation of card solves to build upon. Similarly, there's a great pack of players with a terrific number of solves, but they aren't chasing these extra points to get the edge on their rivals. It's easy to talk about the long-standing leaders as if they're insurmountable, but the truth is that both he and Oliverkeers13 only came fifth in the PCAG tournament. There's a whole troop of players with much larger bonuses out there, and when they can combine those with a competitive roster of solves, they'll be unstoppable -- just like Tally."

A big welcome to this week's top contenders who truly put the "ease" in "newbies" -- PerplexHero leads with 2464 points, while Marki and aptcox are both keeping pace with more than 60 solves each. On the monthly leaderboard, a familiar posse put the "nuke" in "newcomers," with CMF leading by points -- 8562 of them -- and BlueCorpse leading by cards solved, with 176 to his name so far.

Check back next week for the latest updates on all the leaderboard action!




Quote:

View from Earth: Reading to Live
By SUSAN REYNOLDS

Susan ReynoldsI have a great passion for reading, and from what I understand about the way of life in Perplex City I assume this passion is something that most Perplex City inhabitants share. It has been proven that reading improves not only intelligence in general but advances language and communication skills, as well as developing creativity and expanding imagination. It is this on which I have based my assumption that the majority of Perplexians, who hold all of the above qualities in the highest of regard, must be avid readers.

There has been much speculation in this column as to the reason why Earth children seem far less intelligent than their Perplex City counterparts. While I believe there are many reasons for this, I do believe that an unenthusiastic approach to reading has much to do with this. I daresay that children in Perplex City enjoy and embrace reading as much as adults, and probably like nothing more than regaling their friends with the next thrilling installment in their current tome or novel. On Earth you are far more likely to overhear children discussing who argued with who on "Big Brother"* or who wore what to which movie premiere.

I work in a small community library, and it saddens me how few children and young people come through our doors. Recently two young teenage boys visited the library and promptly took to pestering the members of staff and the public. When asked to stop they exclaimed that there was nothing to do. Amazed at this, I commented that they were in a building that contained books encompassing pretty much any subject they cared to mention, and they could pick up and dip into any of these hundreds of books for free! The response I got to this was a simple one: "Reading's boring."

Advertisement

As I and I'm sure many people reading this, Perplexians and Earthling alike, cannot fathom why anyone would not want to immerse themselves in the world of literature, it is hard to think of a solution to combat the problem of the non-reading masses. The only way of doing this, as far as I can see, is through simple encouragement.

Recently on Earth there has been much discourse about a fictional work by Dan Brown, "The Da Vinci Code." This has been a bestselling book on Earth for quite some time now, but despite its bestseller status, many literary-minded people do not think it deserving of this title. In fact, I can guarantee that there will be many groans from Earthlings reading this, appalled that I have even mentioned the book at all, let alone in an article about the virtues of reading.

I would agree that the book is certainly not a literary masterpiece. However, millions of people have picked this book up and read it, and this in many instances has led people on to read another book and another, and so on. I think this is fantastic! Similarly the Harry Potter books have divided people on Earth into similar fractions -- those who love it and those who think there are more worthy children's books out there.

Again, it is my view that anything that encourages children to pick up a book and start reading has got to be a good thing. Perhaps in Perplex City, where the average IQ is obviously a lot higher than here on Earth, there can afford to be a bit of literary snobbery, but here on Earth that is not something that we should, or can afford to encourage. If people discover a love of reading, it should not matter from what source it originated, what matters is where it takes them. I finish with a quote from a children's author who started writing with the very purpose of encouraging children to develop a love of reading, and is a statement that I think should be in every classroom around the world and maybe even in Perplex City too: "The more that you read, the more things you know. The more that you learn, the more places you will go."

*"Big Brother" – Earth reality TV show. NOT "The Lab."




Letters:

Quote:

THE GLOVES ARE OFF

I first would like to give my congrats to everyone on the leaderboard. I admire your dedication and wish you the best in locating the Cube. I was only recently informed about the Cube's dissapperance [sic]. I was in my local Rhino and a sales cleark [sic] informed me that a percious [sic] artifact had gone missing and was reported to be somewhere on Earth. I was so intrigued by this story that I bought a starter kit. That was 7 days ago... I am now on a mission. I will not only try my hardest to find the Cube, but I will be the first American to Achieve [sic] top 10 status. I will lead the USA in solving the Receda Mystery [sic] and work diligently in finding the whereabouts of the Receda Cube. This is my goal, I've set it for now, it will be accomplished. The United Kingdom may have a head-start, but I have the determination and willpower to see that the USA will reign supreme.
The_Solver, Earth

P.S.- Bring it on, Red [sic] coats.

Ed. Note: This letter has been chosen as the Sentinel's Star Letter of the Week. The author has accordingly received five points on the Perplexcity.com leaderboard, as will future recipients of the Letter of the Week prize.


EVEN MORE POETRY

Having seen all of the various poetical offerings of my Cube-hunting peers on Earth, I offer this humble limerick to add to the collection:

There was a mysterious Cube.
It fell through a dimensional tube.
From the place of its birth,
It traveled to Earth
And is sought now by Cube-hunting rubes.
PFC Peter Walker, Earth


WHO'S THE BIASED ONE?

I have become once and for all disgusted with the Sentinel's outrageously biased reporting. The sensationalist and invasive treatment of Douglass Finlay in his council candidacy is nothing short of horrifying. I have canceled my subscription, and you can be quite certain that I shall not be renewing it.
Roger McLennan

_________________
You are likely to be eaten by a grue. If this predicament seems particularly cruel,
Consider whose fault it could be, with no match or torch in your inventory...
NP: Erase The Truth

PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 3:59 pm
 View user's profile AIM Address Yahoo Messenger MSN Messenger
 Back to top 
European Chris
Unfictologist


Joined: 19 Jul 2005
Posts: 1264
Location: London's trendy Whitechapel
Quote:
On Earth you are far more likely to overhear children discussing who argued with who on "Big Brother"


All I'm hearing is 'blah blah blah'.

Vote Nikki (she looks like a kilingon)



_________________
http://www.hayfestival.com/archive/2006/05/blasphemy-debate.aspx
The internet, giving the entire world a license to opine, since 1989.
http://littleatoms.com/

PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 4:03 pm
 View user's profile Visit poster's website
 Back to top 
duckiemonster
Unfettered


Joined: 10 Dec 2005
Posts: 554
Location: Oxford, UK

 		There's also this.

Quote:

New Comm Link to Earth Announced

The Academy and Mind Candy have announced plans for a celebration to inaugurate the opening of a new data connection to Earth. The event is planned for mid-August in San Francisco, in the United States. Cube hunters from around the world will be invited to attend the festivities. Academy sources have declined to comment on the nature or purpose of this new link, citing security reasons.

_________________
duckiemonster.com w00t!

PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 4:07 pm
 View user's profile
 Back to top 
cassandra
Entrenched


Joined: 25 Mar 2005
Posts: 831

 		Also:

Quote:
* Nuru Jeered at Match
* Giant Ruby Found
* Finlay Camp Goes Quiet
* Surge Delays Match
* Velasquez Mulls Contract
* New Holiday Traditions


Quote:

Champaign Sparkles

Controversial PCAG phenom Myra Champaign set a fantastic bar for next year's championship competition last night in a showy exhibition match against Oliver Pohele. Champaign has said she is "determined to improve on last year's performance." (Full text)


Quote:
Futures
By Madame Bianca, for the week of June 19

The Archer (June 11 - July 10)
You finally give in to peer pressure and try that new game everyone says is so terrific. Sadly, because you put it off for so long, your skills are weak compared to your friends', and your efforts will result only in mockery.

The Half-filled Jug (July 11 - August 10)
Your garden will show signs this week of being infected with some sort of wasting illness. Don't wait it out, pumpkin, call in a professional at the first sign of mottled leaves, or you won't have a garden to speak of for much longer.

The Dragon (August 11 - September 10)
Just when I thought you'd gone onto the straight and narrow you have to go off and do something like that. You should give me one good reason why I shouldn't just wash my hands of you and leave you to your own miserable devices from now on.

The Three Balls (September 11 - October 10)
I never thought I'd say this, but things have become a little too unpredictable for even you. Drama and spontaneity are wonderful things, but they don't buy the groceries or fold the laundry. Consider fostering some humdrum routine, dumpling, for your own good.

The Dice (October 11 - November 10)
You will be reunited with a childhood sweetheart. Don't get trapped into a long conversation, though. At first glance, it may seem the old magic is there, but upon prolonged contact, it is terribly obvious that your old flame has become a raging bore.

The Maze (November 11 - December 10)
An unexpected stroke of fortune leaves you with a staggering amount of fresh citrus. It won't stay fresh forever, though. I highly suggest you make a few jars of marmalade to keep their sunny flavour for months to come.

The Apple-Thief (December 11 - January 10)
Let not the foundations be of marble, let them be of samite and of scarlet... And to all thy warriors and their leaders thou shalt give the sacraments and orders, for thine army shall most surely perish, and thou too, shalt perish with thine army.

The Hand (January 11 - February 10)
An absolutely unforeseeable series of events will leave you sunburnt, embarrassed, and bereft of baked goods. Hey, at least you'll have an interesting story to tell at cocktail parties for the rest of your life.

The Baby (February 11 - March 10)
I know your feelings are smarting right now, darling, but you should consider the source. Perhaps you're being a bit more sensitive than the situation really requires. One simply can't expect tact from a Dragon, you know.

The Eagle (March 11 - April 10)
You need some good old barbaric physical exertion to clear your head. If you start today, you can still participate in the Gambol. Failing that, you should probably find a good pick-up Wheel team and take it from there. Just stop with the thinking for a while.

The Spider (April 11 - May 10)
This week, you will be haunted by the melody of a song your mother sang to you when you were very small, but you won't be able to remember the words. Keep it to yourself. I think you'll find yourself very red in the face if you discover what that song is among polite company, poppet.

The Wave (May 11 - June 10)
Good news, sunshine! Suddenly this week you'll find a new perspective on a riddle that's been itching your brain for weeks now. Sadly for you, it's still the wrong perspective. Too bad.

And remember, pear trees can't bear apples.


PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 4:12 pm
 View user's profile
 Back to top 
cassandra
Entrenched


Joined: 25 Mar 2005
Posts: 831

 		Wait, a new link? What kind of link?

tell the Academy I need info for vacation planning reasons! Razz

PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 4:17 pm
 View user's profile
 Back to top 
duckiemonster
Unfettered


Joined: 10 Dec 2005
Posts: 554
Location: Oxford, UK

 		Apple-Thief is from The Fall of the Serbian Empire by Helen Rootham
_________________
duckiemonster.com w00t!

PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 4:18 pm
 View user's profile
 Back to top 
European Chris
Unfictologist


Joined: 19 Jul 2005
Posts: 1264
Location: London's trendy Whitechapel

 		http://www.cheapflights.co.uk/flights/San-Francisco/Heathrow/

Maybe not.
_________________
http://www.hayfestival.com/archive/2006/05/blasphemy-debate.aspx
The internet, giving the entire world a license to opine, since 1989.
http://littleatoms.com/

PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 4:21 pm
 View user's profile Visit poster's website
 Back to top 
poozle
Entrenched

Joined: 15 Aug 2005
Posts: 1090
duckiemonster wrote:
There's also this.

Quote:

New Comm Link to Earth Announced

The Academy and Mind Candy have announced plans for a celebration to inaugurate the opening of a new data connection to Earth. The event is planned for mid-August in San Francisco, in the United States. Cube hunters from around the world will be invited to attend the festivities. Academy sources have declined to comment on the nature or purpose of this new link, citing security reasons.


Right, wheres my credit card, I've got a flight to book Wink

Just kidding, i couldn't afford that much just to go to San Francisco for a live event, although why they need a new link.....

PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 4:22 pm
 View user's profile
 Back to top 
Sminki
Boot


Joined: 10 Mar 2006
Posts: 18
Location: Birmingham, UK

 		Yay, my article! Have to say I'm really surprised that they published that - it hardly has anything to do with Perplex City/Earth comparisons or links (well maybe very tentitively), must have been a slow news week.

By the way, I just re-read it and can't believe I forgot to mention that the children's author quoted at the end was in fact Dr Suess. Rolling Eyes

PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 4:41 pm
 View user's profile
 Back to top 
eeeqz
Veteran


Joined: 27 Jan 2006
Posts: 104
Location: Leics/Kingston upon Thames

 		Goddamn it!! I'm going to San Francisco next week, why not next week Mind Candy, WHY Bang Head ??!
_________________
Quot Homines Tot Sententiae...
Proud member of the Caine Johannson Dream Team Fan Club
http://www.perplexcitytrades.com/eeeqz

PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 4:50 pm
 View user's profile Visit poster's website MSN Messenger
 Back to top 
Ashin
Veteran


Joined: 22 Nov 2005
Posts: 140
duckiemonster wrote:
There's also this.

Quote:
The event is planned for mid-August in San Francisco, in the United States.


Woohoo! Only an 8 hour drive away!

(and that's assuming I don't eat, pee, or need to fill up on gas)

I wonder why they chose San Fran over LA.

PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 4:52 pm
 View user's profile
 Back to top 
achenar
Veteran


Joined: 25 Apr 2006
Posts: 112
Location: Newcastle, Australia
Ashin wrote:


I wonder why they chose San Fran over LA.


Doesn't smell as badly. Wink

And I'll echo all those 'dammits'. I could technically afford to fly to San Fran (it's about $1700 AU to LA from Sydney, for any Aussies, I think) - but only if I want to fall behind on my uni debts.

..someday I'll go to a live event. Someday.

PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 6:12 pm
 View user's profile AIM Address
 Back to top 
mac_monkey
Decorated

Joined: 25 Feb 2006
Posts: 250

 		They chose San-Fran because thats where ARG-Fest will be held at the same sort of time. Not a coincidence methinks.
_________________
Now Playing: Super-8

PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 6:19 pm
 View user's profile
 Back to top 
rlp6028
Veteran


Joined: 20 Apr 2006
Posts: 76
Location: Bryan, TX USA

 		Sad Texas needs a live event so I do not have to travel a couple of thousand miles in my own country to attend one.
_________________
"Give me an army of West Point graduates, I'll win a battle. Give me a handful of Texas Aggies and I'll win a war!"
--Gen. George S. Patton

www.perplexcitytrades.com/rlp6028

PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 7:29 pm
 View user's profile
 Back to top 
isca
Veteran


Joined: 15 Apr 2006
Posts: 131
Location: Newport, Wales

 		Sminki wrote:
Quote:
Yay, my article!


With reference to Mr Brown....Groan!

Well done on getting published.

PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 7:40 pm
 View user's profile
 Back to top 
Display posts from previous:   Sort by:   
Page 1 of 2 [26 Posts]   Goto page: 1, 2 Next
View previous topicView next topic
 Forum index » Archive » Archive: Perplex City » PXC: General/Updates
Jump to:  


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You can download files in this forum
You cannot post calendar events in this forum



Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group