Official Great Works Draft (4 Viewers)

[TidesofWar]

60.08 Wilt Chamberlain Has Sex with 20,000 Women (Wildcard)

In his 1991 biography, A View From Above, Wilt Chamberlain wrote that he had had sex with approximately 20,000 women. "At my age," he wrote, "that equals out to having sex with 1.2 women a day, every day since I was fifteen years old." Chamberlain's claims ignited a wave of public criticism (and skepticism), to which he responded, "I don't see all this lovemaking as any kind of conquest; all I'm saying is that I like women, people are curious about my sex life, and to most people the number of women who have come and gone through my bedrooms (and various hotel rooms around the country) would boggle the mind."

"I was just doing what was natural - chasing good-looking ladies, whoever they were and wherever they were available" and pointed out he never started a relationship with a married woman.

from resurrection to reams-o-erections. stylish.Strangelove greatest film, greatest comedy, cept its not a comedy. Producers (orig) greatest pure comedy. album ratings suck. film @ 11. nufced

 

[El Floppo]

ugh... completely swamped.

I'll throw out the rest of my picks right now, but won't be able to get to judging- even a prelim tiering- until the end of the week at best.

sorry.

 

[El Floppo]

58.10 Buildings/Structures- Haussmann's Paris Plan, Baron Georges-Eugène Haussmann (1852-1870)

From Wiki

The Haussmann Renovations, or Haussmannisation of Paris, was a work commissioned by Napoléon III and led by the Seine prefect, Baron Georges-Eugène Haussmann between 1852 and 1870, though work continued well after the Second Empire's demise in 1870.

The project encompassed all aspects of urban planning, both in the centre of Paris and in the surrounding districts: streets and boulevards, regulations imposed on facades of buildings, public parks, sewers and water works, city facilities and public monuments.

Haussmann's approach to urban planning was strongly criticised by some of his contemporaries, ignored for a good part of the twentieth century, but later re-evaluated when modernist approaches to urban planning became discredited. His restructuring of Paris gave its present form; its long straight, wide boulevards with their cafés and shops determined a new type of urban scenario and have had a profound positive productive influence on the everyday lives of Parisians. Haussmann's boulevards established the foundation of what is today the popular representation of the French capital around the world, by cutting through the old Paris of dense and irregular medieval alleyways into a rational city with wide avenues and open spaces which extended outwards far beyond the old city limits.

Arguably the most imporant/influential modern Urban design... makes Paris what you think of Paris, and not a maze of medieval streets. IIRC, a big part of this design had to do with allowing troops easier access through the city to deal with uprisings.I gave the go-ahead for urban design when I became judge.

 

[thatguy]

Folks, not sure if this has been completed or not, not sure if you found someone to finish for me, but I apologize for not checking in for the past week or so. Some #### came up in my personal life that has taken precedence... Anyway, sincerest apologies.

 

[TidesofWar]

Folks, not sure if this has been completed or not, not sure if you found someone to finish for me, but I apologize for not checking in for the past week or so. Some #### came up in my personal life that has taken precedence... Anyway, sincerest apologies.

Good luck - I vote we wait for you to finish, if you want to

 

[Fennis]

With the midweek holiday up here in The Hat of the United States, I would like everyone to know that I will be posting Composition rankings sometime at the end of the week. If that is too close to the 4th, I will wait until next Monday to post them...please let me know what you'd prefer.

Happy Canada Day.

 

[Abrantes]

With the midweek holiday up here in The Hat of the United States, I would like everyone to know that I will be posting Composition rankings sometime at the end of the week. If that is too close to the 4th, I will wait until next Monday to post them...please let me know what you'd prefer.

Post the rankings whenever you'd like. What's on July 4th, anyway?

 

[El Floppo]

59.11 Buildings/Structures- Schindler Chase House, Rudolf Schindler

I need more time to go into this one, which continues to influence me almost as much as it did when I first studied it as an undergrad... hopefully when I get back. Schindler was an amazing blend of Modern and Craft... continuing and extrapolating from what his former boss, Frank Lloyd Wright was doing (please see his Lovell Beach House too- another of my favorites) with his free plan... experimenting with what might be called free-program as well. Pictures just aren't going to do this justice.

Image 1

Image 2

Image 3

Interior 1

Interior 2

Wiki does an ok, but odd job giving an overview:

The Schindler House, also known as the Kings Road House or Schindler Chase house, is a house in West Hollywood, California designed by architect Rudolf Schindler. The Schindler House is considered to be the first house built in the Modern style. [1]

The Schindler House was such a departure from existing residential architecture because of what it did not have; there is no living room, dining room or bedrooms in the house. The residence was meant to be a cooperative live/work space for two young families. The concrete walls and sliding glass panels made novel use of industrial materials, while the open floor plan integrated the external environment into the residence, setting a precedent for California architecture in particular.

Site

After completing the Hollyhock House, Schindler and his wife Pauline vacationed in Yosemite in October 1921. Inspired by the trip, Schindler returned to create a design for multiple families to share a modern living area, much like the camp site.

[edit] Architecture

The Schindler House is laid out as two interlinking "L" shaped apartments (referred to as the Schindler and Chase apartments) using the basic design of the camp site that he had seen a year before. Each apartment was designed for a separate family, consisting of 2 studios, connected by a utility room. The utility room was meant to serve the functions of a kitchen, laundry, sewing room, and storage. The four studios were originally designated for the four members of the household (Rudolf & Pauline Schindler and Clyde & Marian Chase). The house also has a guest studio with its own kitchen and bathroom. The house, at just under 2,500 square feet (230 m2), sits on a 20,000-square-foot (1,900 m2) lot.

Instead of bedrooms, there are 2 rooftop sleeping baskets. The baskets were redwood four post canopies with beams at mitered corners, protected from the rain by canvas sides.

[edit] Construction

When Schindler first submitted plans to the local planning authorities, they were denied, citing this radical, at the time, new method of construction. After many trips to the local planning office and extensive talks to convince them of its merit, the Building department granted him a temporary permit, meaning that they reserved the right to halt construction at any stage.[2]

The house is built on a flat concrete slab, which is both the foundation and the final floor. The walls are concrete tilt up slabs, poured into forms on top of the foundation. The tilt up slabs are separated by 3 inches (76 mm), filled with concrete, clear glass or frosted glass. The tilt up panels act as the hard sheltering wall at the back of the house, and a softer permeable screen at the front. Schindler had long been fascinated by the construction method of tilt up concrete slabs, having done extensive research on them in his early days working for Ottenheimer, Stern, and Reichert. He was now intent on using this method for the new home he was designing, along with friend, Clyde Chace.

With Schindler as architect and Chace as builder to save costs, construction began in November 1921. Construction was complete by May 1922, with a total cost of $12,550. The landscaping, furniture and sleeping baskets remained to be completed. The Chaces and Schindlers shared the house from the summer of 1922 until July 1924 when the Chaces moved to Florida.

 

[El Floppo]

I don't really understand everything going with my last pick... but it's shocked and awed me more than anything I can remember. I wanted to throw it out there as something most of us in the field are drooling over that's current and which might not see the light of lay-person day, especially here in the States. From the guys that brought you the Bird's Nest stadium in China (amongst many, many others)

60.10 Buildings/Structures- Caixa Forum Madrid, Herzog de Meuron (2008)

I'll try and come back to give this one more justice when I get time... here's the Google Image page

The CaixaForum is located in the heart of the city’s cultural district, facing the Paseo del Prado, in close proximity to the Prado, the Reina Sofia and the Thyssen-Bornemisza museums.

Conceived as an urban magnet, not only for art-lovers but also for the building itself, the architects lifted the building off the ground, in apparent defiance of the laws of gravity, to draw visitors inside.

The museum is housed in a converted 1899 power station, one of the city’s few remaining examples of historically significant industrial architecture, that was acquired by the Caixa Foundation in 2001.

An insignificant gas station was demolished to create a small plaza between the Paseo del Prado and the new CaixaForum. The classified brick walls of the former power station are reminiscences of the early industrial age in Madrid, while the gas station, a purely functional structure, was clearly out of place.

A 24 meter high vertical garden, designed in collaboration with the botanist Patrick Blanc, takes up one wall of the square.

“The garden establishes a connection with the Botanical Garden and the landscape of the Paseo del Prado.”

Jacques Herzog

“The only material of the old power station that we could use was the classified brick shell. In order to conceive and insert the new architectural components of the CaixaForum Project, we began with a surgical operation, separating and removing the base and the parts of the building no longer needed. This opened a completely novel and spectacular perspective that simultaneously solved a number of problems posed by the site.

The removal of the base of the building left a covered plaza under the brick shell, which now appears to float above the street level. This sheltered space under the CaixaForum offers its shade to visitors who want to spend time or meet outside and is at the same time the entrance to the Forum itself. Problems such as the narrowness of the surrounding streets, the placement of the main entrance, and the architectural identity of this contemporary art institution could be addressed and solved in a single urbanistic and sculptural gesture.”

Herzog & de Meuron

The separation of the structure from the ground level created two worlds; one below and the other above the ground. The "underworld" buried beneath the topographically landscaped plaza provides space for a theater/auditorium, service rooms, and several parking spaces. The multi-storied building above ground houses the entrance lobby and galleries, a restaurant and administrative offices.

There is a contrast between the flexible and loft-like character of the exhibition spaces and the spatial complexity of the top floor with its restaurant/bar and the offices.

The new CaixaForum will house expanded programming that includes music, literature, film, and social and educational programs, similar to the mix at its sister center in Barcelona.

The opening show includes 37 works by contemporary artists such as Cindy Sherman, Cornelia Parker, Richard Long, Anselm Kiefer and Georg Baselitz (until April 6, 2008).

 

[Abrantes]

55.06 Mitosis; Walther Flemming (Scientific Discovery)

56.15 Isolation of Insulin; Frederick Banting, Charles Best (Scientific Discovery)

57.06 Morse Code; Samuel Morse (Invention)

58.15 Magnetic Tape Audio Recording (Invention)

59.06 Integrated Circuit; Jack Kilby (Invention)

 

[Abrantes]

Guess I still have to figure out a philosophical/political idea.

 

[rodg12]

Guess I still have to figure out a philosophical/political idea.

Procrastination???

 

[Tirnan]

MisfitBlondes' Pick

60.07 Scientism (Philosophical Idea)

The term scientism is used to describe the view that natural science has authority over all other interpretations of life, such as philosophical, religious, mythical, spiritual, or humanistic explanations, and over other fields of inquiry, such as the social sciences. The term is used by social scientists like Hayek or Karl Popper to describe what they see as the underlying attitudes and beliefs common to many scientists. They tend to use the term in either of two equally pejorative directions:

1. To indicate the improper usage of science or scientific claims. as a counter-argument to appeals to scientific authority in contexts where science might not apply, such as when the topic is perceived to be beyond the scope of scientific inquiry.

2. To refer to "the belief that the methods of natural science, or the categories and things recognized in natural science, form the only proper elements in any philosophical or other inquiry," with a concomitant "elimination of the psychological dimensions of experience". It thus expresses a position critical of (at least the more extreme expressions of) positivism.

In its most extreme form, scientism is the faith that science has no boundaries, that in due time all human problems and all aspects of human endeavor will be dealt and solved by science alone.

"In essence, scientism sees science as the absolute and only justifiable access to the truth."

Not to get snooty (well, actually..) but I don't think this means what you think it does. Scientism is not a view that many take seriously, even the most hard core of scientists.

I disagree. I would even go so far as to say most people rely on science over traditional religion for interpretation of events in the modern era. For example, angels and atoms. Most people have never seen either, but willingly agree to accept these as true items based on their viewpoint. Scientism is a great pick and I think may be the single most prevalent religion of our era. Grats to the team of Chawa and MfB.To go a step further to make a point. The vast majority of the sheeple are so ignorant that they will simply follow the viewpoints fed to them blindly. they know nothing of evolution, sub atomic particles, quantum mechanics, or even simple biology, yet their in home evangelical (TV) will tell them what and how to believe. They take the existance of atoms on the same blind faith that others take the existence of angels. Tell me who the real fool is in this scenario?

We have good reason to trust the word of scientists. They've been pretty good to us. Plus, if we're truly suspicious, we can become scientists and conduct the experiments ourselves. They have no place to hide. However, science still has limits, and even the best scientists (particularly the best scientists) will tell you that.

I'm not arguing the validity of Science overall (but there is a ton of non repeatable science out there aka voodoo science), but the blind faith that so many show in science and thus defending another persons pick of Scientism. If for example you take the currently in vogue climatology studies, results and differing viewpoints are all over the map. There is as much proof that the earth is cooling as that it is warming at the moment. The future forecasts seem to be riddled with non errors in method and results to the point that they are worthless (unless used to make political hay).I think it was a fair pick. True you and I can view (or even split) an atom with appropriate equipment (thus making it a repeatable experiment and valid science), but I don't think either of us can give a true climatology change forecast (or for that matter decide which infomercial vitamins are truly the best for us).

I agree about good scientists expressing limits.

 

[timschochet]

As in art, I really don't believe I am qualified to judge El Floppo's buildings. Is there someone else who will accept this task?

 

[thatguy]

Okay, not sure what I owe, but I have a wild card in mind... not sure if it will stand, but you all can let me know what you think:

The amazing feats of the survivors of the crash of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 on October 13, 1972.

This is the story of the Uruguayan Rugby Team whose plane crashed into the Andes Mountains. They survived for over two months by eating the meat of their dead teammates and friends. Eventually, two of the men climbed out of the Andes and the group was rescued.

 

[rodg12]

Heading out for most of the evening. Will update the site with any further picks/rankings when I return.

thatguy - I see no problem with you latest Wildcard pick fitting the category.

 

[TidesofWar]

Okay, not sure what I owe, but I have a wild card in mind... not sure if it will stand, but you all can let me know what you think:The amazing feats of the survivors of the crash of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 on October 13, 1972.This is the story of the Uruguayan Rugby Team whose plane crashed into the Andes Mountains. They survived for over two months by eating the meat of their dead teammates and friends. Eventually, two of the men climbed out of the Andes and the group was rescued.

Tasty pick! Gives you a leg up on the competition, I should say.A meaty selection, for sure

 

[Bonzai]

I'm not arguing the validity of Science overall (but there is a ton of non repeatable science out there aka voodoo science), but the blind faith that so many show in science and thus defending another persons pick of Scientism. If for example you take the currently in vogue climatology studies, results and differing viewpoints are all over the map. There is as much proof that the earth is cooling as that it is warming at the moment. The future forecasts seem to be riddled with non errors in method and results to the point that they are worthless (unless used to make political hay).I think it was a fair pick. True you and I can view (or even split) an atom with appropriate equipment (thus making it a repeatable experiment and valid science), but I don't think either of us can give a true climatology change forecast (or for that matter decide which infomercial vitamins are truly the best for us).I agree about good scientists expressing limits.

It's a fair pick, I just don't think it's a very good one. I don't think it's fair to call modern society's acceptance of science as "blind faith". For one, any person who takes the time can replicate a scientific experiment. Secondly, science has a history of producing great results, so we have good reason to trust those who speak on its behalf. Lastly, there's not enough time in the day to confirm everything ourselves, so at some point you have to take another's word for it. That's not faith, it's just being reasonable, and I think that's the attitude of modern society at large. In my view, it's a very small minority that takes the extra step into some type of dogmatic "science is the be all end all" view that is scientism.

 

[timschochet]

Continuing with the third tier of plays:

6 pts

Edward II

The Caucasian Chalk Circle

Phedre

Les Miserables

Phantom of The Opera

A few notes: I know I'm going to get a lot of argument here from those who love Les Miz and Phantom, as I do. These have been the two biggest shows of the last two decades, and they are both magnificent. As I explained before, neither is one of my top ten musicals, though they're right there at 11 and 12 respectively. I gave my reasons earlier; to recap, I believe the musical quality, while excellent, is just a little too repetitive in both shows. I also believe both shows have slightly weaker 2nd acts (but only compared to the musicals I rank above them.)

The other three plays are all masterpieces by three of the world's greatest playwrights: Marlowe, Racine and Brecht (though I am not a fan of Brecht.) They are placed here because I could not find a higher place for them.

 

[TidesofWar]

Okay, not sure what I owe, but I have a wild card in mind... not sure if it will stand, but you all can let me know what you think:The amazing feats of the survivors of the crash of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 on October 13, 1972.This is the story of the Uruguayan Rugby Team whose plane crashed into the Andes Mountains. They survived for over two months by eating the meat of their dead teammates and friends. Eventually, two of the men climbed out of the Andes and the group was rescued.

I am now starting to have trouble digesting this pick

 

[timschochet]

7 pts

Titus Adronicus

An Ideal Husband

Arms and the Man

West Side Story

Fiddler on The Roof

Titus is one of the Bard's least known works. It is also his bloodiest. An Ideal Husband and Arms of The Man represent the two greatest playwrights of modern British history both at their prime. For sheer wit and thoughtful dialogue, it is hard to outdo Wilde and Shaw.

West Side Story and Fiddler on The Roof are two of the most iconic musicals in Broadway history. The first is of course a modernized version of Romeo and Juliet, but it is the score by one of America's greatest composers, Leonard Bernstein, that makes it so memorable. While Fiddler has a great score as well, it is more the storyline, based upon the tales of the 19th century Jewish writer Sholem Aleichem which gives it strength: also the notable performance by Zero Mostel, a Broadway legend, as Tevye.

 

[timschochet]

8 pts

The Miracle Worker

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead

The Knights

A Chorus Line

Jesus Christ Superstar

We're getting to the point (already past it in fact) where the quality of plays is so splendid, and the difference so thin, that I admit this becomes somewhat of a subjective endeavor. All of these plays are magnificent.

I'm not a great fan of Tom Stoppard, but there's no denying Rosencrantz is one of the great absurdist plays ever written. The Knights is a masterpiece by Aristophanes. The Miracle Worker, which originally featured Anne Bancroft, is one of the best suspenseful plays in American history.

The two musicals listed here are flawless. JCS brought Webber and Rice their first fame, and it remains lyrically thought provoking and musically phenomenal to this day. A Chorus Line, recently revamped for Broadway, is chock full of show stopping numbers and a great critique of Broadway itself.

 

[timschochet]

9 pts

Six Characters In Search of An Author

The Bachhae

South Pacific

Lysistrata

The Orestiea

It's a crime that any of these works should be at 9 points out of 20. This grouping includes three of the greatest Greek tragedies ever written, the third best musical ever, and another of the great modernist comedies. Those of you who made these selections deserve a higher ranking and I don't know what to tell you.

 

[timschochet]

10 pts

Glengarry Glen Ross

Oklahoma!

The Recognition of Shan####ala

Marat/Sade

An Enemy of the People

Take what I wrote in the previous post and just repeat it here, only double. Oklahoma!, Rodgers and Hammerstein's first masterpiece, is the most influential musical ever. The Fennis/Krista selection represents the very best of Indian theatre, which in itself is a large and profound genre. Marat/Sade and Glengarry Glen Ross are two of the finest modern plays ever, and Ibsen's work is also the height of theatrical drama.

 

[timschochet]

I will post the first two tiers later. I haven't completed ranking them yet. But I do want to point something out: as I stated before, I very much disagree with how Oliver Humanzee ranked the albums in terms of separating works by the same artist. There is a "Beatles" among the playwrights, and I think you all know who that is. If his works tend to dominate the higher rankings, so be it.

 

[Tirnan]

Tough category to judge Tim, I agree that there are so many good ones that it just feels like some stuff falls too low.

Acting performances, movies, albums, songs, novels, non fiction books, plays, poems are all incredibly hard to rank and rate.

 

[krista4]

Continuing with the third tier of plays:

6 pts

Edward II

The Caucasian Chalk Circle

Phedre

Les Miserables

Phantom of The Opera

A few notes: I know I'm going to get a lot of argument here from those who love Les Miz and Phantom, as I do. These have been the two biggest shows of the last two decades, and they are both magnificent. As I explained before, neither is one of my top ten musicals, though they're right there at 11 and 12 respectively. I gave my reasons earlier; to recap, I believe the musical quality, while excellent, is just a little too repetitive in both shows. I also believe both shows have slightly weaker 2nd acts (but only compared to the musicals I rank above them.)

The other three plays are all masterpieces by three of the world's greatest playwrights: Marlowe, Racine and Brecht (though I am not a fan of Brecht.) They are placed here because I could not find a higher place for them.

Phedre was a MisfitBlondes pick that I should rank. I had not yet mentioned a tier for it yet.

 

[BobbyLayne]

MisfitBlondes' Pick

60.07 Scientism (Philosophical Idea)

The term scientism is used to describe the view that natural science has authority over all other interpretations of life, such as philosophical, religious, mythical, spiritual, or humanistic explanations, and over other fields of inquiry, such as the social sciences. The term is used by social scientists like Hayek or Karl Popper to describe what they see as the underlying attitudes and beliefs common to many scientists. They tend to use the term in either of two equally pejorative directions:

1. To indicate the improper usage of science or scientific claims. as a counter-argument to appeals to scientific authority in contexts where science might not apply, such as when the topic is perceived to be beyond the scope of scientific inquiry.

2. To refer to "the belief that the methods of natural science, or the categories and things recognized in natural science, form the only proper elements in any philosophical or other inquiry," with a concomitant "elimination of the psychological dimensions of experience". It thus expresses a position critical of (at least the more extreme expressions of) positivism.

In its most extreme form, scientism is the faith that science has no boundaries, that in due time all human problems and all aspects of human endeavor will be dealt and solved by science alone.

"In essence, scientism sees science as the absolute and only justifiable access to the truth."

Not to get snooty (well, actually..) but I don't think this means what you think it does. Scientism is not a view that many take seriously, even the most hard core of scientists.

I disagree. I would even go so far as to say most people rely on science over traditional religion for interpretation of events in the modern era. For example, angels and atoms. Most people have never seen either, but willingly agree to accept these as true items based on their viewpoint. Scientism is a great pick and I think may be the single most prevalent religion of our era. Grats to the team of Chawa and MfB.To go a step further to make a point. The vast majority of the sheeple are so ignorant that they will simply follow the viewpoints fed to them blindly. they know nothing of evolution, sub atomic particles, quantum mechanics, or even simple biology, yet their in home evangelical (TV) will tell them what and how to believe. They take the existance of atoms on the same blind faith that others take the existence of angels. Tell me who the real fool is in this scenario?

Tirnan,It has been a real treat having you participate. You have a fascinating perspective on a number of issues, and made one interesting pick after another.

On behalf of the entire draft, thanks for not dying.

 

[timschochet]

Continuing with the third tier of plays:

6 pts

Edward II

The Caucasian Chalk Circle

Phedre

Les Miserables

Phantom of The Opera

A few notes: I know I'm going to get a lot of argument here from those who love Les Miz and Phantom, as I do. These have been the two biggest shows of the last two decades, and they are both magnificent. As I explained before, neither is one of my top ten musicals, though they're right there at 11 and 12 respectively. I gave my reasons earlier; to recap, I believe the musical quality, while excellent, is just a little too repetitive in both shows. I also believe both shows have slightly weaker 2nd acts (but only compared to the musicals I rank above them.)

The other three plays are all masterpieces by three of the world's greatest playwrights: Marlowe, Racine and Brecht (though I am not a fan of Brecht.) They are placed here because I could not find a higher place for them.

Phedre was a MisfitBlondes pick that I should rank. I had not yet mentioned a tier for it yet.

Arggghh. I thought I had weaned all of his plays out. Sorry. Ignore this ranking please.

 

[Abrantes]

I really wish Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead was higher, but I can't justify ranking it above Lysistrata, for one. Lots of good stuff in this category.

 

[Abrantes]

MisfitBlondes' Pick

60.07 Scientism (Philosophical Idea)

The term scientism is used to describe the view that natural science has authority over all other interpretations of life, such as philosophical, religious, mythical, spiritual, or humanistic explanations, and over other fields of inquiry, such as the social sciences. The term is used by social scientists like Hayek or Karl Popper to describe what they see as the underlying attitudes and beliefs common to many scientists. They tend to use the term in either of two equally pejorative directions:

1. To indicate the improper usage of science or scientific claims. as a counter-argument to appeals to scientific authority in contexts where science might not apply, such as when the topic is perceived to be beyond the scope of scientific inquiry.

2. To refer to "the belief that the methods of natural science, or the categories and things recognized in natural science, form the only proper elements in any philosophical or other inquiry," with a concomitant "elimination of the psychological dimensions of experience". It thus expresses a position critical of (at least the more extreme expressions of) positivism.

In its most extreme form, scientism is the faith that science has no boundaries, that in due time all human problems and all aspects of human endeavor will be dealt and solved by science alone.

"In essence, scientism sees science as the absolute and only justifiable access to the truth."

Not to get snooty (well, actually..) but I don't think this means what you think it does. Scientism is not a view that many take seriously, even the most hard core of scientists.

I disagree. I would even go so far as to say most people rely on science over traditional religion for interpretation of events in the modern era. For example, angels and atoms. Most people have never seen either, but willingly agree to accept these as true items based on their viewpoint. Scientism is a great pick and I think may be the single most prevalent religion of our era. Grats to the team of Chawa and MfB.To go a step further to make a point. The vast majority of the sheeple are so ignorant that they will simply follow the viewpoints fed to them blindly. they know nothing of evolution, sub atomic particles, quantum mechanics, or even simple biology, yet their in home evangelical (TV) will tell them what and how to believe. They take the existance of atoms on the same blind faith that others take the existence of angels. Tell me who the real fool is in this scenario?

Tirnan,It has been a real treat having you participate. You have a fascinating perspective on a number of issues, and made one interesting pick after another.

On behalf of the entire draft, thanks for not dying.

No doubt. We owe you a solid for hanging in there. Y'know, for us.

 

[krista4]

If rodg is the MVP of the draft, Tirnan is a close second.

Watching Jaws on TV right now--HBO East.

 

[Genedoc]

MisfitBlondes' Pick

60.07 Scientism (Philosophical Idea)

The term scientism is used to describe the view that natural science has authority over all other interpretations of life, such as philosophical, religious, mythical, spiritual, or humanistic explanations, and over other fields of inquiry, such as the social sciences. The term is used by social scientists like Hayek or Karl Popper to describe what they see as the underlying attitudes and beliefs common to many scientists. They tend to use the term in either of two equally pejorative directions:

1. To indicate the improper usage of science or scientific claims. as a counter-argument to appeals to scientific authority in contexts where science might not apply, such as when the topic is perceived to be beyond the scope of scientific inquiry.

2. To refer to "the belief that the methods of natural science, or the categories and things recognized in natural science, form the only proper elements in any philosophical or other inquiry," with a concomitant "elimination of the psychological dimensions of experience". It thus expresses a position critical of (at least the more extreme expressions of) positivism.

In its most extreme form, scientism is the faith that science has no boundaries, that in due time all human problems and all aspects of human endeavor will be dealt and solved by science alone.

"In essence, scientism sees science as the absolute and only justifiable access to the truth."

Not to get snooty (well, actually..) but I don't think this means what you think it does. Scientism is not a view that many take seriously, even the most hard core of scientists.

I disagree. I would even go so far as to say most people rely on science over traditional religion for interpretation of events in the modern era. For example, angels and atoms. Most people have never seen either, but willingly agree to accept these as true items based on their viewpoint. Scientism is a great pick and I think may be the single most prevalent religion of our era. Grats to the team of Chawa and MfB.To go a step further to make a point. The vast majority of the sheeple are so ignorant that they will simply follow the viewpoints fed to them blindly. they know nothing of evolution, sub atomic particles, quantum mechanics, or even simple biology, yet their in home evangelical (TV) will tell them what and how to believe. They take the existance of atoms on the same blind faith that others take the existence of angels. Tell me who the real fool is in this scenario?

The existence of atoms makes a number of testable hypotheses that have been tested time and again hundreds of thousands of times over. That's what science does - make testable, falsifiable hypotheses. It's not taken as a matter of faith, it's taken as a matter of fact based on the extensive amount of data supporting the conclusion. The existence of angels to the believers is not testable and not falsifiable. It's simply taken as a matter of faith, period.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Tough category to judge Tim, I agree that there are so many good ones that it just feels like some stuff falls too low.

Acting performances, movies, albums, songs, novels, non fiction books, plays, poems are all incredibly hard to rank and rate.

Pretty sure you meant to add et al at the end...or paintings.

 

[krista4]

If rodg is the MVP of the draft, Tirnan is a close second.

Pretty sure I'm ranking the drafters...step off!!!

Sorry.

 

[Uncle Humuna]

If rodg is the MVP of the draft, Tirnan is a close second.

Watching Jaws on TV right now--HBO East.

 

[krista4]

If rodg is the MVP of the draft, Tirnan is a close second.

Watching Jaws on TV right now--HBO East.

 

[wikkidpissah]

the only musicals that deserve to be ranked among the pantheon of straight(sic) plays are the Big Three (Cabaret, Fiddler & West Side Story), for their combination of musicality, choreography, cultural import & success, and Oklahoma which, though inferior to the B3, changed to way musicals were presented/considered. all others (even my favorite, the ignored Sweeney Todd - the score being one of the half-dozen great comps of the 20th C) are to be found wanting in at least one of those aspects & are, therefore, not even close to being worthy of double-digit scores.

speaking of theater - absolute TRRRRAVISHAMOCKERY that neither of Peter Shaffer's major plays - Amadeus, Equus - were selected here. respectively, the most soaring & gut-wrenching experiences i've had in a theater. Amadeus (also the 2nd best film not selected) was soooo much better than the movie &, tho Abraham was better than McKellen (i hear the immortal Frank Finlay - the greatest actor nobody knows - was the best), Tim Curry's tortured fool of a Mozart ranks with The Great Zero's 60s tours-de-force & Pacino's Pavlo Hummel as the greatest performances of the modern stage. shame on you. nufced

 

[ScottNorwood]

Going to see West Side Story in a few weeks. Is it going to be gay?

 

[Uncle Humuna]

Going to see West Side Story in a few weeks. Is it going to be gay?

 

[TidesofWar]

Going to see West Side Story in a few weeks. Is it going to be gay?

Yes - You'll love it

 

[ScottNorwood]

Going to see West Side Story in a few weeks. Is it going to be gay?

Yes - You'll love it

I'd dunk on you any day, sweetcheeks

 

[Fennis]

Anyone know who won the US Open in 1986, 1993?

 

[krista4]

Going to see West Side Story in a few weeks. Is it going to be gay?

 

[Fennis]

the only musicals that deserve to be ranked among the pantheon of straight(sic) plays are the Big Three (Cabaret, Fiddler & West Side Story), for their combination of musicality, choreography, cultural import & success, and Oklahoma which, though inferior to the B3, changed to way musicals were presented/considered. all others (even my favorite, the ignored Sweeney Todd - the score being one of the half-dozen great comps of the 20th C) are to be found wanting in at least one of those aspects & are, therefore, not even close to being worthy of double-digit scores.speaking of theater - absolute TRRRRAVISHAMOCKERY that neither of Peter Shaffer's major plays - Amadeus, Equus - were selected here. respectively, the most soaring & gut-wrenching experiences i've had in a theater. Amadeus (also the 2nd best film not selected) was soooo much better than the movie &, tho Abraham was better than McKellen (i hear the immortal Frank Finlay - the greatest actor nobody knows - was the best), Tim Curry's tortured fool of a Mozart ranks with The Great Zero's 60s tours-de-force & Pacino's Pavlo Hummel as the greatest performances of the modern stage. shame on you. nufced

I almost took Sweeney Todd, instead I got sucked into guess the #1 Musical. Shame on me. Oklahoma! makes me want to commit a murder/suicide.

 

[Abrantes]

If I'd chosen a musical, it would probably have been Hedwig & The Angry Inch. Wonder how that one would be ranked.

 

[Uncle Humuna]

Going to see West Side Story in a few weeks. Is it going to be gay?

INSULTS!!!!I challenge you to a dance!

Basketball court under the freeway at midnight.

 

[Tirnan]

MisfitBlondes' Pick

60.07 Scientism (Philosophical Idea)

The term scientism is used to describe the view that natural science has authority over all other interpretations of life, such as philosophical, religious, mythical, spiritual, or humanistic explanations, and over other fields of inquiry, such as the social sciences. The term is used by social scientists like Hayek or Karl Popper to describe what they see as the underlying attitudes and beliefs common to many scientists. They tend to use the term in either of two equally pejorative directions:

1. To indicate the improper usage of science or scientific claims. as a counter-argument to appeals to scientific authority in contexts where science might not apply, such as when the topic is perceived to be beyond the scope of scientific inquiry.

2. To refer to "the belief that the methods of natural science, or the categories and things recognized in natural science, form the only proper elements in any philosophical or other inquiry," with a concomitant "elimination of the psychological dimensions of experience". It thus expresses a position critical of (at least the more extreme expressions of) positivism.

In its most extreme form, scientism is the faith that science has no boundaries, that in due time all human problems and all aspects of human endeavor will be dealt and solved by science alone.

"In essence, scientism sees science as the absolute and only justifiable access to the truth."

Not to get snooty (well, actually..) but I don't think this means what you think it does. Scientism is not a view that many take seriously, even the most hard core of scientists.

I disagree. I would even go so far as to say most people rely on science over traditional religion for interpretation of events in the modern era. For example, angels and atoms. Most people have never seen either, but willingly agree to accept these as true items based on their viewpoint. Scientism is a great pick and I think may be the single most prevalent religion of our era. Grats to the team of Chawa and MfB.To go a step further to make a point. The vast majority of the sheeple are so ignorant that they will simply follow the viewpoints fed to them blindly. they know nothing of evolution, sub atomic particles, quantum mechanics, or even simple biology, yet their in home evangelical (TV) will tell them what and how to believe. They take the existance of atoms on the same blind faith that others take the existence of angels. Tell me who the real fool is in this scenario?

Tirnan,It has been a real treat having you participate. You have a fascinating perspective on a number of issues, and made one interesting pick after another.

On behalf of the entire draft, thanks for not dying.

Thanks BL, I am just me and doing my best to keep the ticker working.I have to admit that I really enjoyed this draft. Some new things to appreciate, some new perspectives on things I knew about, and in many cases just the sheer joy of rediscovering the things that I "knew" already. The picks were excellent and enjoyable, the arguments usually interesting (although I hate when we have to stoop to using clubs on an internet forum), and I feel my life is a little richer for having participated.

More often than not I am wrong, misinformed, or just opinionated. Its nice to dig into stuff and realize that I really need to give a little more time to Monet, that I still don't like Jackson Pollock (but it seems to be the genre not the one mans work), or the discovery of a work (new to me) as potentially one of the most beautiful pieces of music I have heard "The Lark Ascending (Symphony No 2) by Ralph Vaughn Williams". All of this was because of this draft.

With a second shot at life, I would like to highly encourage each of you to stop and really see what is going on around you. I didn't see a light at the end of the tunnel or anything like that. I just came close to checking out. I am trying to spend more time and energy appreciating life instead of trying to plow through it.

 

[Fennis]

I have to admit that I really enjoyed this draft.

Clearly, you're doing it wrong.

 

[Bonzai]

Thanks BL, I am just me and doing my best to keep the ticker working.I have to admit that I really enjoyed this draft. Some new things to appreciate, some new perspectives on things I knew about, and in many cases just the sheer joy of rediscovering the things that I "knew" already. The picks were excellent and enjoyable, the arguments usually interesting (although I hate when we have to stoop to using clubs on an internet forum), and I feel my life is a little richer for having participated.More often than not I am wrong, misinformed, or just opinionated. Its nice to dig into stuff and realize that I really need to give a little more time to Monet, that I still don't like Jackson Pollock (but it seems to be the genre not the one mans work), or the discovery of a work (new to me) as potentially one of the most beautiful pieces of music I have heard "The Lark Ascending (Symphony No 2) by Ralph Vaughn Williams". All of this was because of this draft.With a second shot at life, I would like to highly encourage each of you to stop and really see what is going on around you. I didn't see a light at the end of the tunnel or anything like that. I just came close to checking out. I am trying to spend more time and energy appreciating life instead of trying to plow through it.

These are the insights you can't get from science.