From: Angel ([email-masked])<BR>
Date: 13 February 2001<P>

Excellent Valentine commentary.  Hail to the memories of the grade school Valentines box...<BR>
<BR>
Angel
<HR>
From: Du'Doll<BR>
Date: 13 February 2001<P>

Shark<BR>
<BR>
You are a confussed little boy that is bitter, just because you have been hurt in the past.  If I was like you I would be so angry at the male race.  I have been cheated on in every realationship I have ever been in, but I am not like you.  I still believe that there are good people out there.  Oh and by the way, women do know what they want, they just never know how to go about getting it.  I know what I want, I am just waiting for it to come swimming along and devour me!!!!!
<HR>
From: Galadrial<BR>
Date: 13 February 2001<P>

Hey gang---<BR>
<BR>
           The hobbits have re-worked the Valentine's page of the garden...so if you thought you had seen it...ta da!<BR>
<BR>
            http://www.geocities.com/galadrialsgarden/holiday_splash.html<BR>
<BR>
            A very happy Valentines to the lovers and dreamers who make this place something special. And today is the last day to sub me your "Best of Blender" list...so get hopping...KEV? GUP? RIGGS? ANGEL? AND DEVIN, I know you're out there...yikes! I didn't do mine yet!<BR>
<BR>
                                           GALA<BR>
<BR>
PS---Today is Valentines Day for Dee and Riggs---you figure 100 e cards a piece?  :)
<HR>
From: gardenguru, [email-masked]<BR>
Date: 13 February 2001<P>

Ya' know what bugs ME about this "shark" guy?  He's intelligent.  Seemingly quite intelligent.  He has style (certainly, at least, poetic style).  He uses big words appropriately and, here's the big one, he SPELLS ALL HIS WORDS CORRECTLY.<BR>
<BR>
More so, nothing wrong with an edginess to poetry (although four-letter words show tokenism and that one has missed an opportunity to accept the challenge of finding a better way to express the true edginess).  Even his black and sometimes morbid metaphors, the ones that make many here uncomfortable, have a place.  Such an "edge" may inspire the better writers here to try something beyond the familiar.<BR>
<BR>
What bugs me, what really bothers me, though, is that this intense soul can't trust his written works (his poems and prose and "ramblings") to speak for him.<BR>
<BR>
For some reason, he finds it necessary to explain (defend?) his intensity, to explain his life, to spew idiotic sexist generalities, and, worse, to denigrate others.  And the blatant flirting is simply way too silly.<BR>
<BR>
I'm reminded of "Good Will Hunting" -- an intelligent young man struggling in a perpetual duel against insecurities and a giant chip on his shoulder.  The almost-hero can't find real happiness and success in himself; he must knock others while slipping in hints of his own greatness.  It comes off as pseudo-beatnik, tormented James Dean-esque.<BR>
<BR>
Ah, but I come off as pseudo-psychologist.  Enough.<BR>
<BR>
The real crime is that this possibly great writer will engage in his new battle here (and maybe go home with some ladies who fall for "bad boys") and will eventually tire of the debates or, worse, will get booted from the forum.  And will gain nothing from it.  Nor us.<BR>
<BR>
I don't understand the need to use this forum as a stage for one's ego.  It is too much of an opportunity for betterment.
<HR>
From: kevin urenda<BR>
Date: 13 February 2001<P>

M. guru,<BR>
VERY well-said...<BR>
<BR>
Mme. Gala,<BR>
I'll try my best...<BR>
<BR>
k
<HR>
From: Me aka Niki<BR>
Date: 13 February 2001<P>

2 Shark~ I especially liked<BR>
"so MucH siLenCe (and LittLe eLse)"<BR>
I think I can relate to the feeling<BR>
Left alone behind<BR>
And I cling to the only thing I have the memories<BR>
Nobody understands my pain nobody understand my way of thinking...<BR>
Is that what you meant?<BR>
I loved the last line<BR>
"if I'm so demonic<BR>
tell me why my brutal heart<BR>
    is breaking."<BR>
I'm getting the feeling your not that demonic..<BR>
So now you tell me<BR>
What's the deal with you<BR>
How did life treat you?<BR>
It looks like nobody knows who U r...?<BR>
Name pls...<BR>
:)<BR>
<BR>

<HR>
From: the shark the [email-masked]<BR>
Date: 13 February 2001<P>

Niki,<BR>
<BR>
I'm flattered by your comments. My story is too long to tell. And too painful. I use what I've gone through for my art, and for that alone I am thankful. I only ask that people who find what I've posted and submitted to be offensive that they consider the very nature of "art" itself. Reality fuels creation, but all art is ultimately clever fiction. I take consolation in the fact that so many of the great writers - especially in this century - were at first not understood by their contemporaries. "Ulysses" could not even be published in Joyce's own Ireland. And need I remind everyone that Henry Valentine Miller could only be published in France? Alas, it seems that America is still way too philistine for the likes of the shark. But you flatter me, Niki. I have a great respect for your work, too. I have become used to hatred and misunderstanding, so it's nice to find someone who does get it in these deep and murky seas.
<HR>
From: Blender Betta splendens<BR>
Date: 13 February 2001<P>

A *true* artist may 'get used' to his/her detractors, but must also accept that people may not 'get' it.  Many an artist cannot accept that, and so become a recluse from the community by ostracism or choice.  When (IF) you become published in France, let us know.  We'll then consider you an artiste.
<HR>
From: Derrick Benson [email-masked]<BR>
Date: 13 February 2001<P>

Great site! Your story of the old people has really touched me, I wpray I find someone that special in my life.
<HR>
From: the shark <BR>
Date: 13 February 2001<P>

gardenguru--<BR>
<BR>
Nice comments. If that was an attack, it sure felt good. As to the question of my intelligence, last time I checked I tested out to 173. And I am familiar with the objections to four-letter words. All I can say to this is that you need to re-read your Chaucer and Marvell and Lawrence. The presence of expletives in poetry does not automatically render it "smut." Lack of artistry does. True art makes no apologies or pretense. I make no apologies. Judge my art on its merits or lack thereof. Do not judge me. You do not know me.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
 
<HR>
From: Kirk, Blender-Keeper<BR>
Date: 13 February 2001<P>

THERE MAY HAVE BEEN A MIXUP IN THE 'TOP THREE PICKS' BETWEEN ME AND GALA.  IF YOU WANT YOURS TO APPEAR ON THE FEB 14 SPECIAL PAGE, PLEASE READ THIS.<BR>
<BR>
So far, I have the top 3 picks from <BR>
Ali, Terry, Deevaa, Scqueen.<BR>
That's it! Either Gala has some of the rest, or they accidentally got lost and you have to resend (sorry!)<BR>
<BR>
So, since it's so late, here's what to do:<BR>
send directly to me at <BR>
      [email-masked]<BR>
Just the following information is all I want or need:<BR>
Your blender board alias<BR>
The URLs of your 3 picks.  Please make sure the URLs<BR>
are correct, though.<BR>
<BR>
This page is a really cool idea, actually. Maybe we can start a tradition.  Next time though I'll make a webpage to make it easier all around.
<HR>
From: jack<BR>
Date: 13 February 2001<P>

shark  lol ... I make no apologies. Judge my art on its merits or lack thereof. Do not judge me. You do not know me.<BR>
lol good line this  heh u walk a fine line between intelligent and naive lol good job on the bad boy lost routine did you study this tactic or does it come natural?<BR>
.............jack
<HR>
From: deevaa<BR>
Date: 13 February 2001<P>

Kirk, I think its a great idea!
<HR>
From: Ali<BR>
Date: 13 February 2001<P>

Shark~ I just wanted to say that I love your poems...I think you write very beautifully...I really feel what you are saying, in your writing...I guess that's the whole point of poetry,conveying a feeling, but your poetry has a tendecy to move me...hits a nerve or something like that...Anyway, great work...=) Love and Light, Ali
<HR>
From: the shark<BR>
Date: 13 February 2001<P>

Jack,<BR>
<BR>
You're too cynical for my blood, buddy. And that's saying something. You're not funny, either.<BR>
<BR>
Ali,<BR>
<BR>
What can I say? I'm an admirer of you, too. Your fresh optimism reminds me of something I lost long ago. I've even shed a tear or two reading your stuff, something I haven't done since I left my ex.
<HR>
From: gardenguru<BR>
Date: 13 February 2001<P>

Gosh, shark, I'm not sure I "judged" you.  I said you denigrated people (individuals and whole cultures).  Which you did and still do.  No "judgement".  I said you use sexist remarks.  Which you did and probably still will.  No "judgement".  I said you were an "intense soul".  Which you have admitted in so many words.  No "judgement".  I said you "explain and defend your intensity".  Which you've already done in many ways.  No "judgement".  And you "blatantly flirt".  No "judgement".  <BR>
<BR>
I said that I am reminded of a movie and its main character. Which I am.  No "judgement".<BR>
<BR>
I did say that you are "seemingly quite intelligent".  This may be, forgive me, a "judgment".  I also said that I believe you will "tire of these debates here or get booted".  Probably another judgement -- not so much of you but, rather, of the circumstances.<BR>
<BR>
Your "art" does, indeed, merit critical reading.  I've said that.  But, as you say, I do NOT know you.  That's why I offer my perception of what you say in your intentionally dramatic comments posted here.  You are, as you plan, a provocateur.  You provoke comments and, yes, judgement.  Not just on your poetry but on your comments themselves.  You wallow in the good words and philosophically dismiss the critical.<BR>
<BR>
By the way, I checked with MENSA and I can't find a "shark" on the membership list.<BR>
<BR>
I also called my good friends Chaucer and Lawrence (I'm afraid I don't know Marvell).  They sure did use sexually explicit (for the times) language in their writings.  But, they tell me, they NEVER lowered themselves to insulting peoples nor self promotion.<BR>
<BR>
I don't remember suggesting you apologize for your poetic work.  That would be silly.<BR>
<BR>
I do not wish to "attack" you.  That's definitely not my point.  I can see the deep philosophical bent in you.  Which reminds me of a favorite saying of the Master, Confucius: "Humility is the final achievment".
<HR>
From: gardenguru<BR>
Date: 13 February 2001<P>

Forgive me, all, for my soapboxes and dissertations.  Tell me, please, if I'm exhausting you.
<HR>
From: the shark<BR>
Date: 13 February 2001<P>

Not at all, Mr. Guru. Your observations are fascinating and well-presented. You're obviously quite intelligent yourself.<BR>
But I must ask you, how in the world have I denigrated cultures?! 
<HR>
From: jack<BR>
Date: 13 February 2001<P>

ah shark lol its quite the reverse im sure<BR>
.........jack
<HR>
Date: 13 February 2001<P>

I would like to know what Happens to the old stuff that goes under the new submissions?
<HR>
Date: 13 February 2001<P>

I would like to know what happened to a poem that is called to be with you by [email-masked]<BR>

<HR>
From: B.K.<BR>
Date: 13 February 2001<P>

Shark: Since when did misogyny become art. You set women back hundreds of years and owe us all a very big apology. Then you try to reverse it to sensitivity, what bull droppings. Any woman that deals with you has to be very weak minded or apat to repeat what your hiker said...YOU NEED HELP!
<HR>
From: the shark<BR>
Date: 13 February 2001<P>

Ah B.K.... For one thing, the shark ISN'T any "one thing." I am indeed something that should disturb you, but I'm also a furry teddy bear. I'm a collection of all the contradictions that anyone who is ALIVE out there contains within themselves. I have nothing but love for the women of the world. Sometimes I don't know what to do with all this love. My heart bleeds daily, and if that occasionally makes me appear to be anti-woman, then I can bear no responsibility for that. As Walt Whitman said (though not about the shark), "I contain multitudes."
<HR>
From: Kirk, Blender-Keeper<BR>
Date: 13 February 2001<P>

shark, from one high-IQ-on-paper-at-least guy to another, tread lightly man.  You've probably grown up noticing you're smarter than most of the folk around you, but your poetry sounds like you're going through the same stage of angst as a lot of other smart people.<BR>
<BR>
Gang:<BR>
The Valentine's Day Picks page is up, see the link on the front page. <BR>
<BR>
Speaking of the frontpage, I revamped it a bit. All the past issues are now in a select box, it was just getting to big and cluttered. Feedback welcome.<BR>
<BR>
Just had some of my current winter fav, milk + kahlua + bailey's, (I'm surprise how tipsy a mug of that can make me) and I was still able to code up the new front page and the perl script to do the bounce (well, it's a pretty trivial script, but still)
<HR>
From: scqueen (your conscience speaking)<BR>
Date: 13 February 2001<P>

and Kirk ~ would the above drink indicate a slipping diet or<BR>
just an occasional treat?
<HR>
From: scqueen<BR>
Date: 13 February 2001<P>

P.S. I like the revamp, but at first I thought you'd done away with the Blender Board! Dammit, give us some kind of warning before change - you know our lives depend on it :-)
<HR>
From: Kirk, Blender-Keeper<BR>
Date: 13 February 2001<P>

PS if you think you're a blender (semi-) regular, and you had three picks you wanted to see on the Valentine page, e-mail me and I'll see about adding them in
<HR>
From: the shark<BR>
Date: 13 February 2001<P>

Kirk,<BR>
Criticism well-taken, man. Sometimes the shark gets too big for his britches. You've made me thirsty. I'm going to make a run for the liquor store now.
<HR>
From: Kirk, Blender-Keeper<BR>
Date: 13 February 2001<P>

scqueen:<BR>
sorry about that. Yeah, I rearranged the frontpage a bit (wasn't planning to ahead of time) I try to make it roughly reflect what I most want people to use.<BR>
<BR>
And my diet's not very fascist. A mug of the above ain't violating the rules anyway.  I mean, above all it needs to be a sustainable diet, one I can live with for the rest of my life. And is life without milk and kahlua and bailey's really worth living?  Still, I've lost...mmm, about 12 lbs since Jan 1.  <BR>
<BR>
I'm not as vegetarian as I thouhgt I could be either.  Still no red meat, and not that much meat over all, but I just can't give up a "Colorodo Chicken" burrito grande from Boca Grande.  
<HR>
From: Spirit's Joy <BR>
Date: 13 February 2001<P>

Shark, hey I see you for who you are, even through all of your words and painful memories.  Sometimes the pain feels like you will never be able to make it through the day, let alone the night.  But you know what, there are people out there that just want to help you.  I don't know you personally, but I am praying for you.  You may not care at all about what some "religious" freak says on the Love Blender, but prayer is more powerful then any human could even imagine.  I love the person you are because God made you in His own image.  The hard core attitude that you try to portray can't hide the pain that you must be feeling.  Keep fighting, don't let the shark of your ocean pull you down under the waves.
<HR>
From: the shark<BR>
Date: 13 February 2001<P>

Spirit's Joy,<BR>
<BR>
Thanks, man. You've given me something to think about. It's good to see that people like yourself are out there in this messed-up world.
<HR>
From: PT Barnum<BR>
Date: 13 February 2001<P>

Theres A New Sucker Born Every Minute
<HR>
From: Galadrial<BR>
Date: 13 February 2001<P>

WhoooooHoooo!<BR>
<BR>
Mr Guppy!  Do I count SIX picks!<BR>
<BR>
And Mr. Terry!   Wow....<BR>
<BR>
Thanks to all for the Valentine's special---it was interesting to see what would turn up...<BR>
<BR>
And thank you Kahuna, for letting us, and setting up a cool page!<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
                                   Gala
<HR>
From: the shark<BR>
Date: 13 February 2001<P>

Mr. Barnum,<BR>
<BR>
I just want to say that I saw your circus with my little nephew last summer and was really impressed. You really know how to put on a show! And those clowns on the unicycles never fail to crack me up... 
<HR>