World's Greatest Draft (2 Viewers)

[Doug B]

I PMed thatguy right when he came up ... and he was in the FFA at the time (unless he had the browser minimized ). So we tried.

 

[Mister CIA]

Probably the single greatest athletic performance I've ever watched.

2008 100 Meter Dash Video

A Thousand Words

16.02 - Usain Bolt - Athlete

 

[Thorn]

I PMed thatguy right when he came up ... and he was in the FFA at the time (unless he had the browser minimized ). So we tried.

so did I

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

thatguy isn't here and I must run.

I'll post this a few minutes early.

Time to pick a topic I know nothing about and don't understand.

Poet/Playwright.

This guy is worshipped in Scotland almost as much as alcohol, so I'll go with him.

16.08 - Robert Burns - Poet

Robert Burns (25 January 1759 – 21 July 1796) (also known as Rabbie Burns, Scotland's favourite son, the Ploughman Poet, the Bard of Ayrshire and in Scotland as simply The Bard[1][2]) was a poet and a lyricist. He is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland, and is celebrated worldwide. He is the best known of the poets who have written in the Scots language, although much of his writing is also in English and a 'light' Scots dialect, accessible to an audience beyond Scotland. He also wrote in standard English, and in these pieces, his political or civil commentary is often at its most blunt.

He is regarded as a pioneer of the Romantic movement and after his death became a great source of inspiration to the founders of both liberalism and socialism. A cultural icon in Scotland and among the Scottish Diaspora around the world, celebration of his life and work became almost a national charismatic cult during the 19th and 20th centuries, and his influence has long been strong on Scottish literature.

As well as making original compositions, Burns also collected folk songs from across Scotland, often revising or adapting them. His poem (and song) Auld Lang Syne is often sung at Hogmanay (the last day of the year), and Scots Wha Hae served for a long time as an unofficial national anthem of the country. Other poems and songs of Burns that remain well-known across the world today, include A Red, Red Rose, A Man's A Man for A' That, To a Louse, To a Mouse, The Battle of Sherramuir, Tam o' Shanter and Ae Fond Kiss.

Burns’ original Scots verse

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And never brought to mind ?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And auld lang syne ?

CHORUS:

For auld lang syne, my jo,

For auld lang syne,

We’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,

For auld lang syne.

And surely ye’ll be your pint-stowp !

And surely I’ll be mine !

And we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,

For auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We twa hae run about the braes,

And pu’d the gowans fine ;

But we’ve wander’d mony a weary foot,

Sin auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We twa hae paidl’d i' the burn,

Frae morning sun till dine ;

But seas between us braid hae roar’d

Sin auld lang syne.

CHORUS

And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere !

And gie's a hand o’ thine !

And we’ll tak a right gude-willy waught,

For auld lang syne.

CHORUS

In English

Should old acquaintance be forgot,

and never brought to mind ?

Should old acquaintance be forgot,

and old times since ?

CHORUS:

For auld lang syne, my dear,

for auld lang syne,

we'll take a cup of kindness yet,

for auld lang syne.

And surely you’ll buy your pint cup !

And surely I’ll buy mine !

And we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,

for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have run about the slopes,

and picked the daisies fine ;

But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,

since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have paddled in the stream,

from morning sun till dine† ;

But seas between us broad have roared

since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

And there’s a hand my trusty friend !

And give us a hand o’ thine !

And we’ll take a right good-will draught,

for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

 

[thatguy]

Stepped out for a bit, just returned. Pick coming shortly.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

He shows up with 2 minutes to spare.

 

[thatguy]

thatguy isn't here and I must run.

I'll post this a few minutes early.

Time to pick a topic I know nothing about and don't understand.

Poet/Playwright.

This guy is worshipped in Scotland almost as much as alcohol, so I'll go with him.

16.08 - Robert Burns - Poet

Robert Burns (25 January 1759 – 21 July 1796) (also known as Rabbie Burns, Scotland's favourite son, the Ploughman Poet, the Bard of Ayrshire and in Scotland as simply The Bard[1][2]) was a poet and a lyricist. He is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland, and is celebrated worldwide. He is the best known of the poets who have written in the Scots language, although much of his writing is also in English and a 'light' Scots dialect, accessible to an audience beyond Scotland. He also wrote in standard English, and in these pieces, his political or civil commentary is often at its most blunt.

He is regarded as a pioneer of the Romantic movement and after his death became a great source of inspiration to the founders of both liberalism and socialism. A cultural icon in Scotland and among the Scottish Diaspora around the world, celebration of his life and work became almost a national charismatic cult during the 19th and 20th centuries, and his influence has long been strong on Scottish literature.

As well as making original compositions, Burns also collected folk songs from across Scotland, often revising or adapting them. His poem (and song) Auld Lang Syne is often sung at Hogmanay (the last day of the year), and Scots Wha Hae served for a long time as an unofficial national anthem of the country. Other poems and songs of Burns that remain well-known across the world today, include A Red, Red Rose, A Man's A Man for A' That, To a Louse, To a Mouse, The Battle of Sherramuir, Tam o' Shanter and Ae Fond Kiss.

Burns’ original Scots verse

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And never brought to mind ?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And auld lang syne ?

CHORUS:

For auld lang syne, my jo,

For auld lang syne,

We’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,

For auld lang syne.

And surely ye’ll be your pint-stowp !

And surely I’ll be mine !

And we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,

For auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We twa hae run about the braes,

And pu’d the gowans fine ;

But we’ve wander’d mony a weary foot,

Sin auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We twa hae paidl’d i' the burn,

Frae morning sun till dine ;

But seas between us braid hae roar’d

Sin auld lang syne.

CHORUS

And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere !

And gie's a hand o’ thine !

And we’ll tak a right gude-willy waught,

For auld lang syne.

CHORUS

In English

Should old acquaintance be forgot,

and never brought to mind ?

Should old acquaintance be forgot,

and old times since ?

CHORUS:

For auld lang syne, my dear,

for auld lang syne,

we'll take a cup of kindness yet,

for auld lang syne.

And surely you’ll buy your pint cup !

And surely I’ll buy mine !

And we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,

for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have run about the slopes,

and picked the daisies fine ;

But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,

since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have paddled in the stream,

from morning sun till dine† ;

But seas between us broad have roared

since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

And there’s a hand my trusty friend !

And give us a hand o’ thine !

And we’ll take a right good-will draught,

for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

You're damn lucky he wasn't my pick pal.

 

[Doug B]

I PMed thatguy right when he came up ... and he was in the FFA at the time (unless he had the browser minimized ). So we tried.

so did I

I have the browser minimized half the time I'm "in" the FFA, so PMing me isn't foolproof

 

[thatguy]

I'm going to go a little off of the beaten path with my villain and pick a man who for many years basically controlled an entire country though fear, not to mention played a monumental role in the drug problems endemic in the U.S. and many other countries. I'll post a quick writeup now before I time out, and will add to it in a bit.



Pablo Escobar - Villain

Pablo Emilio Escobar Gaviria, (1 December 1949 - 2 December 1993), gained world infamy as a Colombian drug lord and became so wealthy from the drug trade that in 1989 Forbes magazine listed him as the seventh richest man in the world. He was responsible for the killing of 30 judges, 457 policemen, and other deaths at a rate of 20 each day for two months.

 

[higgins]

I'm glad to be getting this kind of value so late...

16.09 -- Lord Horatio Nelson, Military.

wiki

Lord Nelson is simply one of the (if not the) greatest naval commanders of all-time. He twice defeated Napolean's fleet. First in the legendary Battle of the Nile, and secondly in the more famous Battle of Trafalgar.

He left a legacy of Naval dominance that was to last for another century, as well as finally ending any danger of French invasion.

Bonus pic

 

[Doug B]

Big Rocks & mad sweeney are here. I'm right after them. Nice run here

 

[Thorn]

I PMed thatguy right when he came up ... and he was in the FFA at the time (unless he had the browser minimized ). So we tried.

so did I

I have the browser minimized half the time I'm "in" the FFA, so PMing me isn't foolproof :(

You don't have it set up to email you when a new PM hits? It's

 

[Big Rocks]

16.10 Ralph Waldo Emerson, philosopher

Bio

Ralph Waldo Emerson (May 25, 1803 – April 27, 1882) was an American essayist, philosopher, poet, and leader of the transcendentalist movement in the early 19th century. His teachings directly influenced the growing New Thought movement of the mid 1800s.

Emerson gradually moved away from the religious and social beliefs of his contemporaries, formulating and expressing the philosophy of Transcendentalism in his 1836 essay, Nature. As a result of this ground breaking work he gave a speech entitled The American Scholar in 1837, which xxxx considered to be America's "Intellectual Declaration of Independence".

Considered one of the great orators of the time, Emerson's enthusiasm and respect for his audience enraptured crowds. His support for abolitionism late in life created controversy, and at times he was subject to abuse from crowds while speaking on the topic, however this was not always the case. When asked to sum up his work, he said his central doctrine was "the infinitude of the private man."

 

[Doug B]

You don't have it set up to email you when a new PM hits? It's

Don't want to have that sent to my work e-mail. It's for Serious Business only.

 

[Mister CIA]

Big Rocks & mad sweeney are here. I'm right after them. Nice run here

My head is spinning!

 

[Usual21]

16.07 - U2 - Musician(s)

U2 are a rock band from Dublin, Ireland. The band consists of Bono (vocals and guitar), The Edge (guitar, keyboards, and vocals), Adam Clayton (bass guitar) and Larry Mullen, Jr. (drums and percussion).

The band formed in 1976 when the members were teenagers with limited musical proficiency. By the mid-1980s, the band had become a top international act, noted for their anthemic sound, Bono's impassioned vocals, and The Edge's textural guitar playing. Their success as a live act was greater than their success at selling records until their 1987 album The Joshua Tree elevated the band's stature "from heroes to superstars," according to Rolling Stone U2 responded to the dance and alternative rock revolutions and their own sense of musical stagnation by reinventing themselves with their 1991 album Achtung Baby and the accompanying Zoo TV Tour. Similar experimentation continued for the rest of the 1990s. Since 2000, U2 pursued a more conventional rock sound that retains the influence of their previous musical explorations.

U2 have sold more than 145 million albums worldwide and have won 22 Grammy Awards, more than any other band. In 2005, the band were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility. Rolling Stone magazine listed U2 at #22 in its list of the 100 greatest artists of all time. Throughout their career, as a band and as individuals, they have campaigned for human rights and social justice causes, including Amnesty International, the ONE Campaign, and Bono's DATA (Debt, AIDS, Trade in Africa) campaign.

 

[higgins]

You don't have it set up to email you when a new PM hits? It's

Don't want to have that sent to my work e-mail. It's for Serious Business only.

fixed

 

[Doug B]

You don't have it set up to email you when a new PM hits? It's

Don't want to have that sent to my work e-mail. It's for Serious Business only.

fixed

I always screw that up

 

[Andy Dufresne]

15.16 - John Milton - Poet

 

[Ozymandias]

I'm glad to be getting this kind of value so late...

16.09 -- Lord Horatio Nelson, Military.

wiki

Lord Nelson is simply one of the (if not the) greatest naval commanders of all-time. He twice defeated Napolean's fleet. First in the legendary Battle of the Nile, and secondly in the more famous Battle of Trafalgar.

He left a legacy of Naval dominance that was to last for another century, as well as finally ending any danger of French invasion.

I was wondering if someone would get a Naval genius in the Military draft. Definitely a good pick.The overhwelming nature of this victory is shown in the following:

"Twenty-seven British ships of the line led by Admiral Lord Nelson aboard HMS Victory defeated thirty-three French and Spanish ships of the line under French Admiral Pierre Villeneuve off the south-west coast of Spain, just west of Cape Trafalgar. The Franco-Spanish fleet lost twenty-two ships, without a single British vessel being lost."

 

[Doug B]

15.16 - John Milton - Poet

Jump in with your 16.5 .

 

[Schubert Dip]

Schubert is arguably top 5 material.

You better have one hell of an argument.

Exactly. Schubert = Schit

Schubert Dip was one of my favorite albums.

 

[Abrantes]

Alright, I'm not quite sure where he'll end up, but I know I want him on my team. Gonna be a wildcard for now, although I could switch him later on.

16.01 Jonas Salk Wildcard

Jonas Salk (October 28, 1914 – June 23, 1995) was an American medical researcher and virologist, best known for his discovery and development of the first safe and effective polio vaccine. He was born in New York City, where his parents were Russian-Jewish immigrants. Although they themselves lacked formal education, they were determined to see their children succeed. During his years at medical school at New York University, he stood out from his peers not just because of his academic prowess, but because he chose to do medical research instead of becoming a physician.

Until 1955, when the Salk vaccine was introduced, polio was considered the most frightening public health problem of the postwar era. Annual epidemics kept getting worse and victims were usually children. By 1952 it was killing more of them than any other communicable disease with over 57,000 cases reported that year. The "public reaction was to a plague," said historian William O'Neill. "Citizens of urban areas were to be terrified every summer when this frightful visitor returned." As a result, scientists were in a frantic race to find a cure. President xxxxxxxxxxxxx (hey, you never know) was the world's most recognized victim of the disease and founded the institute to fund and create a vaccine.

In 1947, Salk accepted an appointment to the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. While working there, with the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, Salk saw an opportunity to develop a vaccine against polio, and devoted himself to this work for the next eight years. The field tests Salk set up were, according to O'Neill, "the most elaborate program of its kind in history, involving 20,000 physicians and public health officers, 64,000 school personnel, and 220,000 volunteers." When news of the discovery was made public on April 12, 1955, Salk was hailed as a "miracle worker," and the day "almost became a national holiday." He further endeared himself to the public by refusing to patent the vaccine, as he had no desire to profit personally from the discovery, but merely wished to see the vaccine disseminated as widely as possible.

In 1963, he founded the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California, which is today a center for medical and scientific research. He continued to conduct research and publish books, including Man Unfolding (1972), The Survival of the Wisest (1973), World Population and Human Values: A New Reality (1981), and Anatomy of Reality (1983). Dr. Salk's last years were spent searching for a vaccine against AIDS. He died on June 23, 1995 at the age of 80.

 

[Doug B]

15.14 - Usual21: Jeremy Bentham, Philosopher

15.15 - thatguy: Eva Perón, Celebrity

15.16 - Andy Dufresne: John Milton, Playwright/Poet

15.17 - Herbert The Hippo: Franz Schubert, Composer

15.18 - Bobbylayne: Henry David Thoreau, Rebel

15.19 - Mister CIA: Peter Benenson, Humanitarian/Saint/Martyr

15.20 - Abrantes: Akira Kurosawa, Wild Card

16.1 - Abrantes: Jonas Salk, Wild Card

16.2 - Mister Cia: Usain Bolt, Athlete

16.3 - Bobby Layne: John Wycliffe, Religious Figure

16.4 - Herbert The Hippo: William Dampier, Discover/Explorer

16.5 - Andy Dufresne: SKIP

16.6 - thatguy: Pablo Escobar, Villain

16.7 - Usual21: U2, Musician/Performer

16.8 - John Madden's Lunchbox: Robert Burns, Playwright/Poet

16.9 - higgins: Horatio Nelson, Military

16.10 - Big Rocks: Ralph Waldo Emerson, Philosopher

16.11 - Mad Sweeney: ,

16.12 - Doug B: ,

16.13 - MisfitBlonde: ,

16.14 - Thorn: ,

16.15 - Yankee23Fan: ,

16.16 - Acer FC: ,

16.17 - FUBAR: ,

16.18 - Arsenal of Doom : ,

16.19 - Larry Boy 44: ,

16.20 - Mario Kart: ,

17.1 - Mario Kart: ,

17.2 - Larry Boy: ,

17.3 - Arsenal of Doom: ,

17.4 - FUBAR: ,

17.5 - Acer FC: ,

17.6 - Yankee23Fan: ,

17.7 - Thorn: ,

17.8 - DC Thunder: ,

 

[FUBAR]

16.07 - U2 - Musician(s)

U2 are a rock band from Dublin, Ireland. The band consists of Bono (vocals and guitar), The Edge (guitar, keyboards, and vocals), Adam Clayton (bass guitar) and Larry Mullen, Jr. (drums and percussion).

The band formed in 1976 when the members were teenagers with limited musical proficiency. By the mid-1980s, the band had become a top international act, noted for their anthemic sound, Bono's impassioned vocals, and The Edge's textural guitar playing. Their success as a live act was greater than their success at selling records until their 1987 album The Joshua Tree elevated the band's stature "from heroes to superstars," according to Rolling Stone U2 responded to the dance and alternative rock revolutions and their own sense of musical stagnation by reinventing themselves with their 1991 album Achtung Baby and the accompanying Zoo TV Tour. Similar experimentation continued for the rest of the 1990s. Since 2000, U2 pursued a more conventional rock sound that retains the influence of their previous musical explorations.

U2 have sold more than 145 million albums worldwide and have won 22 Grammy Awards, more than any other band. In 2005, the band were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility. Rolling Stone magazine listed U2 at #22 in its list of the 100 greatest artists of all time. Throughout their career, as a band and as individuals, they have campaigned for human rights and social justice causes, including Amnesty International, the ONE Campaign, and Bono's DATA (Debt, AIDS, Trade in Africa) campaign.

U2's a good band, but unless I missed it, there's at least 3 bands better still available. Their humanitarian work makes them a good wildcard though.

 

[Abrantes]

Also, added some thoughts on Kurosawa, though I could probably write a lot more.

 

[Uncle Humuna]

There are at least 3 or 4 top-10 musicians still undrafted.

At least 2 of these are probably top-5 and at least 1 is top-3.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

16.5 - Elton John - Musicians/Performers

In his four-decade career, John has been one of the dominant forces in rock and popular music, especially during the 1970s. He has sold over 200 million records,[3][4] making him one of the most successful artists of all time. He has more than 50 Top 40 hits including seven consecutive No. 1 U.S. albums, 56 Top 40 singles, 16 Top 10, four No. 2 hits, and nine No. 1 hits. He has won five Grammy awards, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award and a Tony Award. His success has had a profound impact on popular music and has contributed to the continued popularity of the piano in rock and roll.In 2008, Billboard magazine released a list of the top 100 most-frequently-charting artists in the history of the Billboard Hot 100. John was listed at #3, behind only Madonna and The Beatles.[7]

I don't care if he is gay, that queer can play.(Before you get bent out of shape, that's a take on a line from Dodgeball.)

 

[FUBAR]

16.5 - Elton John - Musicians/Performers

In his four-decade career, John has been one of the dominant forces in rock and popular music, especially during the 1970s. He has sold over 200 million records,[3][4] making him one of the most successful artists of all time. He has more than 50 Top 40 hits including seven consecutive No. 1 U.S. albums, 56 Top 40 singles, 16 Top 10, four No. 2 hits, and nine No. 1 hits. He has won five Grammy awards, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award and a Tony Award. His success has had a profound impact on popular music and has contributed to the continued popularity of the piano in rock and roll.In 2008, Billboard magazine released a list of the top 100 most-frequently-charting artists in the history of the Billboard Hot 100. John was listed at #3, behind only Madonna and The Beatles.[7]

I don't care if he is gay, that queer can play.(Before you get bent out of shape, that's a take on a line from Dodgeball.)

considered him waaaayy back around the 10th round. Good value here.

 

[Doug B]

There are at least 3 or 4 top-10 musicians still undrafted.At least 2 of these are probably top-5 and at least 1 is top-3.

Thinking strongly about getting greedy and nabbing one of those potential top-5s as a WC if that person's not taken by round 22.

 

[Doug B]

There are at least 3 or 4 top-10 musicians still undrafted.

At least 2 of these are probably top-5 and at least 1 is top-3.

Hate to break it to you but the top ten will be dictated by who is actually drafted. Not a big fan of leading the drafters on with posts like these.

Two picks away, MB. Sweeney, then me, then you.

 

[Uncle Humuna]

There are at least 3 or 4 top-10 musicians still undrafted.At least 2 of these are probably top-5 and at least 1 is top-3.

Hate to break it to you but the top ten will be dictated by who is actually drafted. Not a big fan of leading the drafters on with posts like these.

At this point I'm pretty sure everyone is very aware of what criteria I am using to judge the category,and people still seem to be disregarding it and picking according to rock-star status, so I don't think it's going to matter much.

 

[thatguy]

There are at least 3 or 4 top-10 musicians still undrafted.At least 2 of these are probably top-5 and at least 1 is top-3.

Hate to break it to you but the top ten will be dictated by who is actually drafted. Not a big fan of leading the drafters on with posts like these.

At this point I'm pretty sure everyone is very aware of what criteria I am using to judge the category,and people still seem to be disregarding it and picking according to rock-star status, so I don't think it's going to matter much. :X

I agree it's good to have the criteria laid out but it feels like you are judging before the selections have been made. When you indicate there are still X number of top spots still out there, I feel it allows people to second guess picks they've already made and try to improve their ranking because they already know you don't approve of their choice.

There was definitely a frenzy of people in the GAD trying to figure out Thorn's mystical 6th author.

 

[Mario Kart]

15.16 - John Milton - Poet

Thought about Milton for a wild card slot. I enjoy Paradise Lost immensely.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Team Dufresne:

Scientist- Francis Crick

Novelist/Short stories- Isaac Asimov

Villain- Heinrich Himmler

Philosopher- Plato

Rebel- Spartacus

Intellectual- Francis Bacon

Leaders- Qin Shi Huang

Military- Genghis Khan

Humanitarian/Saint/Martyr- John The Baptist

Playwrights/Poets- John Milton

Musicians/Performers- Elton John

Discoverer/Explorer- Neil Armstrong

Inventor- Wright Brothers

Celebrity- Elvis Presley

Athlete- Jesse Owens

Composer- John Williams

WINNING!

 

[Uncle Humuna]

There are at least 3 or 4 top-10 musicians still undrafted.At least 2 of these are probably top-5 and at least 1 is top-3.

Hate to break it to you but the top ten will be dictated by who is actually drafted. Not a big fan of leading the drafters on with posts like these.

At this point I'm pretty sure everyone is very aware of what criteria I am using to judge the category,and people still seem to be disregarding it and picking according to rock-star status, so I don't think it's going to matter much. :X

I agree it's good to have the criteria laid out but it feels like you are judging before the selections have been made. When you indicate there are still X number of top spots still out there, I feel it allows people to second guess picks they've already made and try to improve their ranking because they already know you don't approve of their choice.

Fair enough.I probably shouldn't have quacked.

 

[krista4]

15.16 - John Milton - Poet

John Milton II (9 December 1608 – 8 November 1674) was an English poet, author, polemicist and civil servant for the Commonwealth of England. He is best known for his epic poem Paradise Lost and for his treatise condemning censorship, Areopagitica.Milton was writing at a time of religious and political flux in England. His poetry and prose reflect deep convictions, often reacting to contemporary circumstances, but it is not always easy to locate the writer in an obvious religious category. His views may be described as broadly Protestant, and he was an accomplished, scholarly man of letters, polemical writer and an official in the government.Paradise LostMain article: Paradise LostMilton’s magnum opus, the blank-verse epic poem Paradise Lost, which appeared in a quarto edition in 1667, was composed by the blind Milton from 1658-1664 through dictation given to a series of aides in his employ. It reflects his personal despair at the failure of the Revolution, yet affirms an ultimate optimism in human potential. Milton encoded many references to his unyielding support for the "Good Old Cause."[24]Milton sold the copyright of this monumental work to his publisher for a seemingly trifling £10; this was not a particularly outlandish deal at the time.[25] Milton followed up Paradise Lost with its sequel, Paradise Regained, published alongside the tragedy Samson Agonistes, in 1671. Both these works also resonate with Milton’s post-Restoration political situation. Just before his death in 1674, Milton supervised a second edition of Paradise Lost, accompanied by an explanation of "why the poem rhymes not" and prefatory verses by Marvell. Milton republished his 1645 Poems in 1673, as well a collection of his letters and the Latin prolusions from his Cambridge days. A 1668 edition of Paradise Lost, reported to have been Milton's personal copy, is now housed in the archives of the University of Western Ontario.In his political writing, Milton addressed particular themes at different periods. The years 1641-42 were dedicated to church politics and the struggle against episcopacy. After his divorce writings, Areopagitica, and a gap, he wrote in 1649-54 in the aftermath of the execution of Charles I, and in polemic justification of the regicide and the existing Parliamentarian regime. Then in 1659-60 he foresaw the Restoration, and wrote to head it off.[28]Milton's own beliefs were in some cases both unpopular and dangerous, and this was true particularly to his commitment to republicanism. In coming centuries, Milton would be claimed as an early apostle of liberalism.[29] According to James Tully:“ ... with Locke as with Milton, republican and contraction conceptions of political freedom join hands in common opposition to the disengaged and passive subjection offered by absolutists such as Hobbes and Robert Filmer.[30]

Very happy to get Milton this late.Keep skipping me.

When someone said there was still a top ten poet/playwright left, I assumed this was whom they were talking about. Well, I was, at least.

 

[thatguy]

15.16 - John Milton - Poet

John Milton II (9 December 1608 – 8 November 1674) was an English poet, author, polemicist and civil servant for the Commonwealth of England. He is best known for his epic poem Paradise Lost and for his treatise condemning censorship, Areopagitica.Milton was writing at a time of religious and political flux in England. His poetry and prose reflect deep convictions, often reacting to contemporary circumstances, but it is not always easy to locate the writer in an obvious religious category. His views may be described as broadly Protestant, and he was an accomplished, scholarly man of letters, polemical writer and an official in the government.Paradise LostMain article: Paradise LostMilton’s magnum opus, the blank-verse epic poem Paradise Lost, which appeared in a quarto edition in 1667, was composed by the blind Milton from 1658-1664 through dictation given to a series of aides in his employ. It reflects his personal despair at the failure of the Revolution, yet affirms an ultimate optimism in human potential. Milton encoded many references to his unyielding support for the "Good Old Cause."[24]Milton sold the copyright of this monumental work to his publisher for a seemingly trifling £10; this was not a particularly outlandish deal at the time.[25] Milton followed up Paradise Lost with its sequel, Paradise Regained, published alongside the tragedy Samson Agonistes, in 1671. Both these works also resonate with Milton’s post-Restoration political situation. Just before his death in 1674, Milton supervised a second edition of Paradise Lost, accompanied by an explanation of "why the poem rhymes not" and prefatory verses by Marvell. Milton republished his 1645 Poems in 1673, as well a collection of his letters and the Latin prolusions from his Cambridge days. A 1668 edition of Paradise Lost, reported to have been Milton's personal copy, is now housed in the archives of the University of Western Ontario.In his political writing, Milton addressed particular themes at different periods. The years 1641-42 were dedicated to church politics and the struggle against episcopacy. After his divorce writings, Areopagitica, and a gap, he wrote in 1649-54 in the aftermath of the execution of Charles I, and in polemic justification of the regicide and the existing Parliamentarian regime. Then in 1659-60 he foresaw the Restoration, and wrote to head it off.[28]Milton's own beliefs were in some cases both unpopular and dangerous, and this was true particularly to his commitment to republicanism. In coming centuries, Milton would be claimed as an early apostle of liberalism.[29] According to James Tully:“ ... with Locke as with Milton, republican and contraction conceptions of political freedom join hands in common opposition to the disengaged and passive subjection offered by absolutists such as Hobbes and Robert Filmer.[30]

Very happy to get Milton this late.Keep skipping me.

When someone said there was still a top ten poet/playwright left, I assumed this was whom they were talking about. Well, I was, at least.

I think there's a better one still remaining...

 

[krista4]

thatguy isn't here and I must run.

I'll post this a few minutes early.

Time to pick a topic I know nothing about and don't understand.

Poet/Playwright.

This guy is worshipped in Scotland almost as much as alcohol, so I'll go with him.

16.08 - Robert Burns - Poet

 

[krista4]

I'm going to go a little off of the beaten path with my villain and pick a man who for many years basically controlled an entire country though fear, not to mention played a monumental role in the drug problems endemic in the U.S. and many other countries. I'll post a quick writeup now before I time out, and will add to it in a bit.Pablo Escobar - VillainPablo Emilio Escobar Gaviria, (1 December 1949 - 2 December 1993), gained world infamy as a Colombian drug lord and became so wealthy from the drug trade that in 1989 Forbes magazine listed him as the seventh richest man in the world. He was responsible for the killing of 30 judges, 457 policemen, and other deaths at a rate of 20 each day for two months.

Oooooo, really good one. Didn't think of him!

 

[thatguy]

I'm going to go a little off of the beaten path with my villain and pick a man who for many years basically controlled an entire country though fear, not to mention played a monumental role in the drug problems endemic in the U.S. and many other countries. I'll post a quick writeup now before I time out, and will add to it in a bit.Pablo Escobar - VillainPablo Emilio Escobar Gaviria, (1 December 1949 - 2 December 1993), gained world infamy as a Colombian drug lord and became so wealthy from the drug trade that in 1989 Forbes magazine listed him as the seventh richest man in the world. He was responsible for the killing of 30 judges, 457 policemen, and other deaths at a rate of 20 each day for two months.

Oooooo, really good one. Didn't think of him!

Thanks. An unnamed adviser tipped me off to him.

 

[flysack]

16.10 Ralph Waldo Emerson, philosopher

Bio

Ralph Waldo Emerson (May 25, 1803 – April 27, 1882) was an American essayist, philosopher, poet, and leader of the transcendentalist movement in the early 19th century. His teachings directly influenced the growing New Thought movement of the mid 1800s.

Emerson gradually moved away from the religious and social beliefs of his contemporaries, formulating and expressing the philosophy of Transcendentalism in his 1836 essay, Nature. As a result of this ground breaking work he gave a speech entitled The American Scholar in 1837, which xxxx considered to be America's "Intellectual Declaration of Independence".

Considered one of the great orators of the time, Emerson's enthusiasm and respect for his audience enraptured crowds. His support for abolitionism late in life created controversy, and at times he was subject to abuse from crowds while speaking on the topic, however this was not always the case. When asked to sum up his work, he said his central doctrine was "the infinitude of the private man."

He also was the first person known to have used the word "celebrity" in its current meaning.

 

[Ozymandias]

15.16 - John Milton - Poet

John Milton II (9 December 1608 – 8 November 1674) was an English poet, author, polemicist and civil servant for the Commonwealth of England. He is best known for his epic poem Paradise Lost and for his treatise condemning censorship, Areopagitica.Milton was writing at a time of religious and political flux in England. His poetry and prose reflect deep convictions, often reacting to contemporary circumstances, but it is not always easy to locate the writer in an obvious religious category. His views may be described as broadly Protestant, and he was an accomplished, scholarly man of letters, polemical writer and an official in the government.Paradise LostMain article: Paradise LostMilton’s magnum opus, the blank-verse epic poem Paradise Lost, which appeared in a quarto edition in 1667, was composed by the blind Milton from 1658-1664 through dictation given to a series of aides in his employ. It reflects his personal despair at the failure of the Revolution, yet affirms an ultimate optimism in human potential. Milton encoded many references to his unyielding support for the "Good Old Cause."[24]Milton sold the copyright of this monumental work to his publisher for a seemingly trifling £10; this was not a particularly outlandish deal at the time.[25] Milton followed up Paradise Lost with its sequel, Paradise Regained, published alongside the tragedy Samson Agonistes, in 1671. Both these works also resonate with Milton’s post-Restoration political situation. Just before his death in 1674, Milton supervised a second edition of Paradise Lost, accompanied by an explanation of "why the poem rhymes not" and prefatory verses by Marvell. Milton republished his 1645 Poems in 1673, as well a collection of his letters and the Latin prolusions from his Cambridge days. A 1668 edition of Paradise Lost, reported to have been Milton's personal copy, is now housed in the archives of the University of Western Ontario.In his political writing, Milton addressed particular themes at different periods. The years 1641-42 were dedicated to church politics and the struggle against episcopacy. After his divorce writings, Areopagitica, and a gap, he wrote in 1649-54 in the aftermath of the execution of Charles I, and in polemic justification of the regicide and the existing Parliamentarian regime. Then in 1659-60 he foresaw the Restoration, and wrote to head it off.[28]Milton's own beliefs were in some cases both unpopular and dangerous, and this was true particularly to his commitment to republicanism. In coming centuries, Milton would be claimed as an early apostle of liberalism.[29] According to James Tully:“ ... with Locke as with Milton, republican and contraction conceptions of political freedom join hands in common opposition to the disengaged and passive subjection offered by absolutists such as Hobbes and Robert Filmer.[30]

Very happy to get Milton this late.Keep skipping me.

When someone said there was still a top ten poet/playwright left, I assumed this was whom they were talking about. Well, I was, at least.

I said it, but it was not him. This is the world, not the Anglo Saxon Sphere. But Milton is just outside the top 10.

 

[Doug B]

Mad sweeney, are you ready? You already have the category I am getting ready to pick.

 

[shining path]

I have to hand it to you guys for keeping this thing going as long as you have.

 

[thatguy]

16.10 Ralph Waldo Emerson, philosopher

Bio

Ralph Waldo Emerson (May 25, 1803 – April 27, 1882) was an American essayist, philosopher, poet, and leader of the transcendentalist movement in the early 19th century. His teachings directly influenced the growing New Thought movement of the mid 1800s.

Emerson gradually moved away from the religious and social beliefs of his contemporaries, formulating and expressing the philosophy of Transcendentalism in his 1836 essay, Nature. As a result of this ground breaking work he gave a speech entitled The American Scholar in 1837, which xxxx considered to be America's "Intellectual Declaration of Independence".

Considered one of the great orators of the time, Emerson's enthusiasm and respect for his audience enraptured crowds. His support for abolitionism late in life created controversy, and at times he was subject to abuse from crowds while speaking on the topic, however this was not always the case. When asked to sum up his work, he said his central doctrine was "the infinitude of the private man."

He also was the first person known to have used the word "celebrity" in its current meaning.

:honda:Of your own post a while back.

 

[Doug B]

Sweeney timed out ten minutes ago ... and I'm almost certain he's not going here:

16.12 - Thomas Malthus, Intellectual

The Reverend Thomas Robert Malthus FRS (13 February 1766 – 23 December 1834) was an English scholar who did influential work in political economy and demography.

Malthus came to prominence for drawing attention to the potential dangers of population growth: "The power of population is indefinitely greater than the power in the earth to produce subsistence for man". As an Anglican clergyman, Malthus saw this situation as divinely imposed to teach virtuous behaviour: he regarded optimistic ideas of social reform as doomed to failure. He thus presented to the reader a dystopian, negative, view of the world, in contrast to the eutopias of writers such as Rousseau ... A disaster occuring as a consequence of population growth outstripping resources is [now] known as a Malthusian catastrophe.

Malthus placed the longer-term stability of the economy above short-term expediency ... [He] became hugely influential, and controversial, in economic, political, social and scientific thought. Many of the later evolutionary biologists read him, particularly Charles Darwin ... for whom Malthusianism became an intellectual stepping-stone to the idea of the survival of the fittest. Malthus remains a writer of great significance.

Influence

At Haileybury, Malthus developed a theory of demand-supply mismatches which he called gluts. Considered ridiculous at the time, his theory foreshadowed later theories about the Great Depression, and the works of economist and Malthus-admirer John Maynard Keynes.

Malthus's position as professor at the British East India Company training college, which he held until his death in 1834, gave his theories considerable influence over Britain's administration of India through most of the 19th century, continuing even under the Raj after the Company's dissolution in 1858. The official response to India's periodic famines (which had occurred every decade or two for centuries) became one of not entirely benign neglect: the authorities regarded the famines as necessary to keep the "excess" population in check.

A distinguished early convert to Malthusianism, British Prime Minister Xxxxxx, after reading the work of Malthus promptly withdrew a Bill he had introduced that called for the extension of Poor Relief. Concerns about Malthus's theory helped promote the idea of a national population census in the UK ... In the 1830s Malthus's writings strongly influenced Whig reforms which overturned Tory paternalism and brought in the Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834.

Before Malthus, commentators had regarded high fertility as an economic advantage, because it increased the number of workers available to the economy. Malthus, however, looked at fertility from a new perspective and convinced most economists that even though high fertility might increase the gross output, it tended to reduce output per capita.

The article linked goes through great lengths to outline the continuing and present influence of Malthus's ideas and writings ... but there's spotlighting galore therein.

 

[Doug B]

I have to hand it to you guys for keeping this thing going as long as you have.

We finished the Great American Draft. These things don't have to go through a death spiral.

 

[krista4]

DCThunder's selection via PM.

16.13 Molière - Playwright/Poet

 

[thatguy]

Moliere is the person I was referring to a few posts back. Easily top ten IMO.