Posts by Charles Ross3

Hey Bliss, I really think you moderators might need to sit down and hash out some clearer guidelines regarding how we handle mentions of politics and religion here on the forum.

I mean, look at this—it feels almost impossible to have a serious discussion about homosexuality without touching upon how it was viewed back in the days of the Soviet Bloc or under those old one-party socialist regimes, which shaped the attitudes people still carry today.

As it stands, it's making it seem like gay rights issues only became a flashpoint here after the early 90s when certain religious rhetoric took center stage, whereas in reality, people were being thrown in prison years before that for "unnatural acts" or supposedly "Western decadence" that threatened the stability of the old socialist state.

If simply bringing up socialism, one-party rule, or historical figures like Stalin or Mao is considered such a sensitive, taboo topic that we get instant warnings telling us "keep politics out of this shop," then shouldn't we also consider banning these endless debates over religion? There are plenty of other sub-forums for that, after all... if someone is truly interested in those topics, they can just head over to the Politics or Religion boards.

To be honest, as many others have pointed out, there’s this lingering impression that mocking or belittling believers—mostly Catholics, let's face it—is perfectly fine, yet the second anyone mentions politics (usually referring to the old communist era or the Cold War), it's treated like something scandalous and unwelcome. If both subjects are open to criticism—and they absolutely are—then why shouldn't both be allowed? It doesn't feel particularly fair if one is declared off-limits while the other is left wide open for debate.

Man, the way Charlese del Ponte just stays deathly silent when you bring up the American People's Army or that relentless shelling of Stalingrad... it’s honestly so awkward to watch. Her answers are always such half-baked, muddled excuses—completely empty and just as unconvincing as her entire indictment.

She knows deep down that this whole thing is a total disaster for her career.

Nathan Wilson90 said:I'm right there with you on that one. Sean Sanders.
Even though there were plenty of veteran fans in the crowd who clearly "get" the genius of Jean-Michel Jarre, it felt like a huge portion of the audience only showed up because they’d heard whispers that he was some kind of musical icon, right? It seemed like people just wanted to be able to say they were there, almost as if checking a box to claim a piece of history, but does being part of a crowd like that actually mean anything at all?

I think Sean Sanders hit the nail on the head, and honestly, he’s probably right on the money about all of this... but I feel compelled to add my own two cents because I just love Jean-Michel Jarre for everything he’s contributed to the world. I truly value his sheer versatility, that sense of completeness you get from his musical education, and that infectious enthusiasm he brings to everything he touches. He’s just so unique, so original, and frankly, I’m not going to sit here and judge him based on whether he decides to drop another Oxygene or Equinoxe before he hits seventy. To me, Jean-Michel Jarre will always just be Jean-Michel Jarre, regardless of what comes next. As for that impression you have—that people only showed up because they heard he was some sort of "icon"—well, if you ask me, it felt like a lot of folks turned up without having ever actually heard a single note of his music. It seemed like they just drifted into Madison Square Garden simply because there was "some big concert" happening, rather than being there for the man himself.

It was honestly a little heartbreaking to witness how lifeless and somber the crowd felt... everyone just seemed so drained and downcast. I can't help but wonder, did anyone else get that same heavy, depressing vibe from the audience?
I had such a wonderful time, though I have to admit I was hoping to soak up a bit more of those positive vibes—it’s just a little tough sometimes when you feel like the crowd isn't quite radiating that same energy back, you know? But honestly, Jean-Michel Jarre himself was just overflowing with that positivity. That is something I truly cherish about him; he always provides this much-needed breath of fresh air in my life, because you can just tell when you're witnessing a true creative soul who has actually lived through everything they put into their art. Filled up. When you look at his career and everything he’s accomplished through his work... it isn't something that leaves a bitter taste in your mouth; quite the opposite, really. Even now, in his 64th year, there is this incredible sense of genuine satisfaction radiating from him. How does someone maintain that kind of relentless enthusiasm, that constant stream of positive energy, and such a vibrant, youthful spirit after all this time? It’s truly something to behold.

Jose Reyes88 said:You guys are getting a little carried away here; why don't we all just take a deep breath and chill out?

Why is it that there always has to be this wave of pseudo-elitist critics jumping on the bandwagon? You know the type—they start acting like they're some kind of high-brow authority just because they want to nitpick everything. They’ll claim he’s thirty years too late, or that his influence has completely bottomed out, or they'll throw out all sorts of "this was better back then" nonsense. It's always the same old song, isn't it? They'll constantly ask, "Where was he in '91 when he was actually tearing the house down?" Honestly, why can't people just enjoy the music instead of trying to gatekeep greatness?

It felt like there should have been at least 300 people packed into Madison Square Garden, but honestly, it was just those few who truly speak the language of Jean-Michel Jarre. You know, that specific kind of connection? It was one of those rare, beautiful moments where everyone in the room was just completely, deeply in sync with his vision—down to the very core of our souls. 🙂

Yeah, maybe there should have been just a little bit more of it, don't you think? I wonder if anyone else feels that same spark, that sudden rush of warmth when you encounter something truly special? Is it just me, or does certain music have this incredible ability to just set everything on fire? Could he have played something else for the crowd? I mean, it's a bit of a toss-up, isn't it? If you asked three different people in the arena, you’d probably get three completely different wish lists, so what can you really say? But the bottom line for me is that those two hours were absolutely incredible. I'm still sitting here just spinning the experience around in my head, honestly feeling a little bit of regret that it took me this long to finally catch him live.

It was such a beautiful departure from the typical music scene we usually see here in the city. People didn't just show up; they truly came to immerse themselves in the sound and just enjoy the moment. It’s honestly a shame he hasn't made his way to New York City sooner—I can't help but wonder, has he ever even toured through the old states of America? I really hope he keeps his word about returning to us one day, because an experience like that is hard to replicate.

You know, I can't help but wonder if the organizers might have been a bit too ambitious with the ticket pricing. Don't you think they could have perhaps loosened things up just a touch to ensure the venue was absolutely packed? After all, isn't there an undeniable magic in performing before a sea of people rather than facing a half-empty arena? 😁

I couldn't agree more with everything you just laid out; you hit the nail right on the head!
But doesn't it feel like those quasi-liturgical spikes always have to strike right at the most unexpected moments? 🙄
And honestly, why should we even stress about it, especially considering the kind of lineup we actually got, just like you mentioned. 😉

That was just two and a half hours of pure, beautiful magic.
I had these older gentlemen sitting behind me who were complaining before the show even started, saying things like, "Ugh, why didn't he tour here 35 years ago?" 🧐 Man, people can be such complainers, can't they? Like, seriously, he's finally here now, so why not just sit back and enjoy the ride? And then, suddenly, he comes running down from the upper levels of Madison Square Garden—and my honest impression was that he looked like he was only 35 himself... just absolutely bursting with life and good vibes. 😁 🙏 Yet, most of the crowd just sat there, frozen, with these totally blank, deadpan expressions while trying to catch that rhythm and vibe that's supposed to sweep you away... I mean, goodness, what has this country and this life done to us?!!!!

And I totally agree with you: the tickets could have been cheaper, though I'm not even sure if the venue would have been any fuller if they were. No, it’s just that people around here don't really know how to appreciate Jean-Michel Jarre, and they aren't exactly rushing to his shows. But sometimes, having a smaller audience just means the quality of the experience is truly exclusive. 🙂 I'm certain that plenty of people (even if it felt like a relatively small group) truly soaked it all in and viewed the whole thing as a special gift. And like you said, I really hope that final "see you soon" wasn't just some empty phrase... though, I suppose I shouldn't hold my breath. 😢

But hey, all things considered, we had a wonderful time, didn't we? 👋

Sean Sanders said:Some musicians just keep leveling up as they go, while others either hit a plateau or actually start sliding backward once they reach a certain age. Look, "Outkast" isn't a bad record, and neither is "Geometry of Love," but they just don't hit those absolute peaks we saw with "Oxygene," "Equinoxe," "Zoolook," or "Rendez vous." If I'm being honest, everything from "Metamorphoses" onward feels like it's missing that specific magic, even if the quality is still decent. Plus, the man is 63 now; even if he’s been playing for another five or ten years, he's clearly moved past his prime. Given all that, wouldn't you say he's in the twilight of his career? It doesn't mean the music is bad, per se, it just means he's winding down. You see what I mean?

Oh, please... don't try to make me feel sorry for him! 😢 He is an absolute legend! I had such a blast, and honestly, I would have gone back tonight just to witness that "twilight" phase all over again, just so we could grab a drink and catch up like old friends. At least he and I would be there, if nobody else wants to show up!

🙂

😉

Sean Sanders said:Jean-Michel Jarre is slowly but surely on his way down, no matter what anyone claims, and just imagine if he had shown up back in the late 70s or during the 80s when he was actually at his peak? The atmosphere at that concert would have been 100 percent different. But all in all, it was a good show.

I honestly can't wrap my head around why anyone would say Jean-Michel Jarre is on his decline 😕. I mean, I get what people mean by "on the decline"—like if some aging rock star was facing health issues, or maybe if a pop star like Taylor Swift were to lose her edge in twenty years or something... that’s how I interpret the term.

But personally, I don't think Jean-Michel Jarre will be on his decline even when he's gone, let alone right now while he's still pretty much alive. Jean-Michel Jarre is just Jean-Michel Jarre, plain and simple.

nimblegull23 said:I mean, honestly, for a guy who’s seen as many years as he has, you have to admit there's something almost supernatural about how he jumps around like he's been wound up like a clockwork toy, don't you think?

It was absolutely incredible—just a complete, breathtaking spectacle from start to finish. You know, I’ve spent countless late nights hunched over my desk, learning and programming away with his greatest hits playing in the background, so when the chance came up, I knew I simply had to be there to see it live. How could I possibly pass that up? 👍

I honestly can't wrap my head around why we act like such a bunch of lowlifes sometimes, you know? Like, seriously, what goes through our minds when we decide to sit there and boo the translator? Why do we feel the need to be so incredibly disrespectful toward someone who is just doing their job?

I can't help but wonder about the technical side of things—you know how I am, I can't help looking at everything through an engineer's lens. Was all that massive, heavy analog gear actually being played live, or was the whole thing just a highly choreographed spectacle running off a sequencer or some pre-programmed matrix? Is there any truth to the suspicion that it was all just a polished show rather than raw, real-time performance? 😬

Is there anything quite like the electric anticipation that builds right before a legendary artist takes the stage? I was just reading this fascinating piece about Jean-Michel Jarre and his upcoming performance, and it really got me thinking about how much the landscape of electronic music has shifted since those early days. It’s one thing to listen to an album on your headphones, but it’s an entirely different beast to experience the sheer scale of a production like his live in a massive venue like Madison Square Garden. The article dives deep into the technical wizardry involved, which honestly sounds both intimidating and absolutely breathtaking. Can you imagine the level of precision required to sync those massive visual elements with the pulsing rhythm of the synthesizers? They mention his use of specific gear—like the VCS3—and it makes you wonder if modern digital setups can ever truly capture that raw, analog soul that defined the pioneers of the genre. It’s almost poetic, isn't it? How these machines, once considered cutting-edge tools of the future, have become the very heartbeat of musical history. I found myself reflecting on how much we owe to these visionaries who weren't afraid to experiment with soundscapes that most people at the time couldn't even wrap their heads around. Whether it's the legacy of the Oxygene era or the way he pushes the boundaries of what a live concert can actually be, Jarre continues to prove that electronic music isn't just about beats; it's about creating entire worlds through sound. Does anyone else feel that sense of awe when they think about the sheer ambition behind these kinds of shows? It feels like we're witnessing more than just a concert; we're watching a masterclass in sonic architecture.

"He could have easily just loaded every single track he ever wrote onto a MacBook or spun them on two turntables, but Jean-Michel Jarre, being the true pioneer of electronic music that he is, probably understands that doing so would feel like a total sham. He didn't fly all the way to the States just to let a computer do the heavy lifting for him, nor did he show up to perform some mediocre DJ set like so many of the younger, much less talented figures dominating today's electronic scene. Instead, alongside three fellow musicians, he delivered a truly spellbinding performance, bringing to life an incredible array of about seventy analog synthesizers, keyboards, drum machines, electronic drums, and even a Theremin. In a way, the concert by the Jarres felt a bit intimate, wasn't it? Even though there were only about 5,000 people in attendance, I found the whole experience to be incredibly beautiful and truly purposeful. Can we take a moment to appreciate the sheer depth of the lessons we can learn from the evolution of electronic music? It’s more than just synthesizers and drum machines; it’s a masterclass in how technology and human creativity dance together to redefine what we consider "sound." When you look back at the pioneers who were first tinkering with analog gear, wasn't it fascinating how they turned cold, mathematical signals into something that could actually make us feel something deep in our souls? It makes you wonder, if those early innovators had access to the processing power we carry around in our pockets today, where would the genre have gone by now? There is such a profound connection between the hardware limitations of the past and the limitless sonic landscapes we explore today, and honestly, isn't that the most beautiful part of the whole journey? It feels like such a profound journey back to her golden era—that specific, magical window of time when we were all collectively immersed in that kind of groundbreaking electronic music, wasn't it? It was just so brilliantly composed, wasn't it? And what really struck me was seeing actual, world-class musicians bringing those pieces to life on stage."They were dreaming of a brighter future—one that, unfortunately, we just didn't get to see." — Aleksandar Dragaš

👍

That’s exactly how it’s done—bravo, you absolute legend!

I mean, seriously, he’s 63 years old—born back in '48, right?—and honestly, you have to hand it to him. The guy is jumping around like he’s been plugged into a socket! You can just feel that pure enthusiasm and positivity radiating off him, can't you? 😁 👍 🙏

It was truly a beautiful experience, wasn't it? Though, I have to say, our crowd felt a little bit lifeless at times. It seemed like most people were more interested in just sitting there and quietly observing rather than actually jumping around or showing a bit of genuine energy and enthusiasm—though, honestly, who can blame them? They probably save all that jumping for when they're listening to classic country hits or old-school folk music at home!

Man, I danced my heart out and jumped around so much that I’m finally back home now, just absolutely buzzing with all this incredible positive energy! 😁
Man, that guy totally electrified me—and I wasn't even on anything to make it happen! 😬

If only tonight were happening all over again, I’d be right back there in an instant! 😍 😛

Just got back from the concert.

The man is truly in a league of his own; honestly, it was absolutely incredible.

🙂

Sam Evans11 said:The guy is always working with three nurses on his shift, so what am I supposed to say—is he really the one they're sending me? 😁
It’s a bit too late for me to start making big moves now, especially since tomorrow is my very last trip down there. 👎

Maybe luck will be on your side and they'll decide to keep you around longer. I'm crossing my fingers for you!
👍

Donna Watson65 said:You can find it at any local pharmacy; they’ve just updated the packaging a bit.

Oh, I am definitely going to pick some up!
Honestly, there have been quite a few times when I was desperate for it and didn't have a single bottle on hand!

Donna Watson65 said:So, here’s the deal... I just found out that Bacitracin spray is actually back in stock somewhere...

Wait, really? Where?! Tell me where! I am heading straight to the pharmacy to grab some right this second!!!

copperbadger36 said:they don't carry any more of that Bivacine powder or spray anymore, just the cream version

if you’re really desperate for it, I actually still have some of the powder stashed away at home 😁

if you’re looking specifically for the spray, you could try ordering it through that pharmacy over near the downtown plaza; they might be able to special order it for you. 😳 honestly, using the ointment version can be a total nightmare because the grease can sometimes make an injury or a wound flare up even worse (plus, you definitely shouldn't be putting it on anything that's still weeping or wet). isn't it much better to just use the spray if you want quick disinfection and faster healing?

when you look at all those other sprays that seem similar and are available in our local drugstores, none of them actually act like Bivacine; you'll find plenty that disinfect, sure, but they won't help speed up the healing process. and the whole point of Bivacine is that it does both jobs at once, doesn't it?

are we really supposed to just suffer now that the Bivacine spray is gone! 🙂

I’ve got just about everything you could possibly need, honestly; if I tried to list it all, we’d be here forever—it’s practically like having a mini pharmacy right in my house. 🥳

Don't go looking for morphine, though.

I usually pick up those white "sensitive" bandages because they don't stick to your skin so aggressively that you can't get them off later.

Good grief, I am absolutely stunned... 😵 😵

Wait, are those actually freestanding socks on the new avatar? Hmm, if that's the case, then I suppose everything is alright.

👋

p.s.: When are you going to give us an update on what's happening over at General Electric? 😉

Elizabeth Nguyen10 said:I'd just call it traditional, I guess—nobody talks about this kind of stuff, just work, school, the usual grind... they can tell something's off with me, but they probably just tell themselves I'm fine to make it easier... honestly, I'm just sick of all this...
And about that support thing—like I said, having them in my corner would be way better than heading to some doctor where everyone says they treat you like garbage...

Well, look, if they can sense that things aren't quite okay with you, they're probably genuinely worried...
you admitted yourself that having their support would make things easier... and honestly, it would, wouldn't it?

Please, do this for yourself; just take that one small initial step: talk to your parents, if you feel like opening up might provide even a tiny bit of relief...

In so many American families, the dynamic between parents and children stays exactly like this—very traditional, without much open communication... conversations usually revolve around the "logistics" of life, like grades, jobs, or chores... and that often happens because those parents were raised that very same way in their own homes... they simply don't know any other way, haven't been taught how to bridge that gap... but beneath all of that, underneath all that awkwardness, there are people who likely love you more than anyone else in the world. Your parents are people who would move mountains to help you. If you have even a shred of trust in them—and from what I can tell, you haven't said otherwise—just try to be vulnerable with them...

Just being honest, just having that conversation, will act as such a vital release valve at first, and you'll find things feel a little lighter. Everything starts with that very first step... but you have to be the one to take it... and once you do, you'll figure out the rest... you'll finally be moving forward.

Elizabeth Nguyen10 said:Thanks for the input, but seriously, read my earlier posts if you actually want to understand why I'm still struggling this much...😉

But tell me, what is your relationship actually like with your parents? Is it honest and warm, or are things more distant and cold?

Are you used to having open conversations with either of them—your mom or your dad—and do you honestly think they would step up and get involved to help you out with this?

At the end of the day, you're an adult, which means you have the autonomy to handle whatever you need to regarding your treatment or seeing a doctor, but isn't it just so much easier when you can be completely transparent with the people you live with? And, more importantly, when you know you actually have their support behind you?

Christian Murphy92 said:I’m honestly about to go grab a weapon and march straight into the FOX studios. They can't just kick me off the air during Northern Exposure because of some garbage show like Nikita that nobody even watches, or because of those scammers over at Exxon—honestly, what is wrong with these capitalists?

Oh, absolutely! 🙂 🙂

I am currently curled up on my sofa, just wondering, does anyone else feel like there is simply no life left in Northern Exposure these days? 🙂

Look, I’m not going to sit here and claim this movie is some absolute masterpiece, but personally? I thought it was a really solid, engaging watch.
It’s pretty obvious that what they were aiming for was basically an Americanized spin on *Gone with the Wind*, maybe with a little bit of *Out of Africa* flair mixed in...

That little kid playing Nullah, that young Native American boy, was just wonderful, and I found his perspective on the whole story to be incredibly moving... especially when you consider his grandfather, "King George," and those profound moments where he explains how every single rock, tree, and river carries its own history and how everything is interconnected if you just know how to listen.

And then there’s that line: "I will sing you to myself"... honestly, there are so many touching bits in there that might just squeeze a tear out of you.

And hey ladies, if you don't find anything else to enjoy, at least go watch Hugh Jackman 😁 😁 — mmm, he is such a handsome guy, and he was absolutely tailor-made for this role! 😉 👍

copperhound99 said:Honestly, my default setting is just pure confidence—that feeling that I’m always a few steps ahead of everyone else. I tend to gravitate toward people with massive energy, huge egos, and strong opinions on everything... mostly because they’re actually worth debating. It’s the only way to get a decent challenge. But if someone can’t even sort out their own internal mess? Yeah, they throw me off my game instantly. I steer clear of those types—they're basically walking contagions...

Now you're talking! 👍

I noticed that you mentioned Donna Wood52 earlier, and it really got me thinking about how these conversations tend to evolve over time, doesn't it? It’s funny how one small comment can spark such a deep dive into the nuances of what we're all discussing here. kaže:
I’ll be honest with you all—I find myself carrying quite a bit of resentment lately, especially whenever I run into those arrogant, condescending types on these forums, or even when I see the moderators acting like they own the place. Is it just me, or does that kind of ego really sour the whole experience?
That’s really just the way it all shakes out, isn't it?

You’re really going to stick by him, aren't you, Donna Wood52? Honestly, I have to wonder—if you keep rallying the crowd here on the forum to back his every move, don't you worry that you might just be fueling a massive wave of resentment from everyone else?
I mean, sure, you encounter all sorts of shady characters and questionable types out there in the world, but this level of pure, unadulterated hatred? Honestly, where does it even come from?!
Houston is calling your name, so why don't you try to come back down to earth for a second? 🙂

So, what exactly constitutes the upper portion of a blazer?
And here’s the even more intriguing part: if that’s the top, then what on earth do we call the bottom half? 🤣