Happy Atheist Forum

Getting To Know You => Introductions => Topic started by: Randy on May 11, 2020, 02:15:41 PM

Title: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: Randy on May 11, 2020, 02:15:41 PM
Hello everyone,

My name is Randy and yes, I know what it means in England. I blame my parents.
I'm as atheistic as the day I was born, though I wasn't always.
I like playing the guitar, playing a LAN game with family and friends, making comic books, and a few other things.

I look forward to posting and reading replies. Maybe I'll get to know a few of you in time.
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: xSilverPhinx on May 11, 2020, 02:22:27 PM
Hello Randy!  :wave hi: Welcome to HAF!

(I didn't know what Randy meant in England until you made me google it! :grin: You learn something new everyday, heh!)
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: Randy on May 11, 2020, 02:37:47 PM
I had to work in England a few times so I learned the hard way.  :D
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: billy rubin on May 11, 2020, 02:57:20 PM
hello.

youre very polite.

that automatically makez you nicer than me.
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: hermes2015 on May 11, 2020, 03:04:10 PM
Quote from: Randy on May 11, 2020, 02:15:41 PM
Hello everyone,

My name is Randy and yes, I know what it means in England. I blame my parents.
I'm as atheistic as the day I was born, though I wasn't always.
I like playing the guitar, playing a LAN game with family and friends, making comic books, and a few other things.

I look forward to posting and reading replies. Maybe I'll get to know a few of you in time.

Welcome to HAF Randy — you certainly have a good name in my book!

Do you draw by hand, or do you use drawing software to create your comic books?
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: Tank on May 11, 2020, 04:19:52 PM
Hello Randy

Welcome to HAF I hope you get to settle in and enjoy yourself. Ignore No One tacos are not required.

Regards
Chris
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: Dark Lightning on May 11, 2020, 05:08:31 PM
Welcome!
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: Randy on May 11, 2020, 05:10:06 PM
Quote from: billy rubin on May 11, 2020, 02:57:20 PM
hello.

youre very polite.

that automatically makez you nicer than me.

Now what in the world would give you that idea? I'm glad you think so. I'm trying to earn points for the afterlife (not).
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: Randy on May 11, 2020, 05:21:28 PM
QuoteDo you draw by hand, or do you use drawing software to create your comic books?

Ah, good question! Actually I do neither. I use DAZ3D Studio which is a free piece of software for creating 3D renders. I've seen some photographic looking ones done by some. Fortunately, that isn't the look I'm going for.

Second, I take the render and touch it up in Photoshop Elements which isn't as full blown as Photoshop but isn't as expensive either and does what I need it to do.

Third, I add a couple of filters to it that give the look I want it to have. This is a consistent thing I do with all of the renders but after I've made any alterations.

Fourth, I use Comic Life 3 for the panel layout, the panels themselves, the text, the speech balloons, and background for some of the pages - usually for the chapter headings.

Finally, I email them to a friend in Australia who puts them on her website. It's free and no advertisements at the time of this writing, and I don't ask for donations. I'm pretty anonymous. If you want to look at the three I've created so far you can visit www.renderforever.com. There is a tab at the top called Wildcards. Hover over that and you'll be able to select between them.
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: hermes2015 on May 11, 2020, 06:14:53 PM
Quote from: Randy on May 11, 2020, 05:21:28 PM
QuoteDo you draw by hand, or do you use drawing software to create your comic books?

Ah, good question! Actually I do neither. I use DAZ3D Studio which is a free piece of software for creating 3D renders. I've seen some photographic looking ones done by some. Fortunately, that isn't the look I'm going for.

Second, I take the render and touch it up in Photoshop Elements which isn't as full blown as Photoshop but isn't as expensive either and does what I need it to do.

Third, I add a couple of filters to it that give the look I want it to have. This is a consistent thing I do with all of the renders but after I've made any alterations.

Fourth, I use Comic Life 3 for the panel layout, the panels themselves, the text, the speech balloons, and background for some of the pages - usually for the chapter headings.

Finally, I email them to a friend in Australia who puts them on her website. It's free and no advertisements at the time of this writing, and I don't ask for donations. I'm pretty anonymous. If you want to look at the three I've created so far you can visit www.renderforever.com. There is a tab at the top called Wildcards. Hover over that and you'll be able to select between them.

Wow, your workflow is very similar to mine, except that I do a fair amount of sculpture. Instead of Daz, I use its sister program Poser 11 to create 3D models that I then export in OBJ format to Cinema 4D, Rhino, and ZBrush to manipulate further. A favourite technique of mine currently is to slice the model in Rhino 3D version 6, and then assemble the slices to make the final sculpture in  metal or other materials. The lock-down has delayed my latest project for a life size stainless steel nude to be installed next to a swimming pool.
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: Recusant on May 11, 2020, 08:14:29 PM
Hello and welcome to HAF, Randy. Your work is interesting. I used to do a comic strip back in the dark ages, with pen and paper.  ;)

I hope that you enjoy your time reading and posting here. 

:spagwelcome:
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: No one on May 11, 2020, 08:43:16 PM
Did you bring the tacos?
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: Randy on May 11, 2020, 09:12:11 PM
Quote from: No one on May 11, 2020, 08:43:16 PM
Did you bring the tacos?

Mmmmm, tacos, my favorite fruit!
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: Randy on May 11, 2020, 09:15:32 PM
Quote from: Recusant on May 11, 2020, 08:14:29 PM
Hello and welcome to HAF, Randy. Your work is interesting. I used to do a comic strip back in the dark ages, with pen and paper.  ;)

I hope that you enjoy your time reading and posting here. 

:spagwelcome:

I'm enjoying. I'm reading a lot to see what I can add. I don't want to bring up a subject already discussed.
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: Recusant on May 11, 2020, 10:10:52 PM
 :mb lol:  This site is ancient, in internet years. No need to concern yourself that a topic has previously been discussed. It probably has, but so what?
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: No one on May 11, 2020, 10:22:01 PM
Biscuits and gravy.

Discuss.
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: Recusant on May 11, 2020, 10:28:46 PM
Not tacos, therefore inherently inferior.
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: Magdalena on May 11, 2020, 10:43:12 PM
Hello, Randy, from Atlanta, welcome.
  :computerwave:

I live in LA and I was just telling my family the other day that I wanted to visit Atlanta one day. A lot of good rappers/actors have come out of Atlanta like T.I., Ludacris, Andreé 3000, Donald Glover, etc, etc, etc.

I also like your avatar, I remember seeing that character in the movie, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.

I hope you like it here... and stay for a while.  ;)
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: Randy on May 12, 2020, 01:21:29 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on May 11, 2020, 10:43:12 PM
Hello, Randy, from Atlanta, welcome.
  :computerwave:

I live in LA and I was just telling my family the other day that I wanted to visit Atlanta one day. A lot of good rappers/actors have come out of Atlanta like T.I., Ludacris, Andreé 3000, Donald Glover, etc, etc, etc.

I also like your avatar, I remember seeing that character in the movie, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.

I hope you like it here... and stay for a while.  ;)

We do have our share of talent. :) But Los Angeles I'm sure is teaming with talent.
The avatar: You are correct. I liked the movie although I had never read the graphic novel. I've heard it is quite different from what I've read. I just thought it was a fun film to watch with popcorn.
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: Randy on May 12, 2020, 01:23:15 AM
Quote from: Recusant on May 11, 2020, 10:10:52 PM
:mb lol:  This site is ancient, in internet years. No need to concern yourself that a topic has previously been discussed. It probably has, but so what?

Now you tell me. I went through eight pages of a topic (I don't quite remember the name) about good films to see before I made my post.
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: Randy on May 12, 2020, 01:32:02 AM
Quote from: No one on May 11, 2020, 10:22:01 PM
Biscuits and gravy.

Discuss.

Ah yes, let's discuss this delicacy. :) I grew up with them. I haven't always lived in Georgia but my father was born and raised here before joining the army. When he cooked we were sure to get it in some form or fashion. He was a mess sergeant and was used to making cream beef gravy over biscuits which if they were big enough he'd call "Cat heads".

Anyway, we'd have beef stew (with lots of gravy) on biscuits, the cream beef I mentioned, brown gravy, white gravy... I don't remember if there were any more. It's been quite a few years since I've had the pleasure of his cooking. My family genetically doesn't get fat it seems so no one was watching their waist line. :)
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: No one on May 12, 2020, 01:40:39 AM
I would put a good biscuits and gravy amongst the greatest breakfast foods.

When I lived in #$$^&*%$#, there was this hole in the wall little shack that had fantastic biscuits and gravy.
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: Randy on May 12, 2020, 03:09:11 AM
QuoteWhen I lived in #$$^&*%$#, there was this hole in the wall little shack that had fantastic biscuits and gravy.

Those hole in the wall places can be great! I can't remember the last one I was in as it has been well over twenty years. I've lost track.
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: xSilverPhinx on May 13, 2020, 10:43:44 PM
Quote from: Randy on May 11, 2020, 05:21:28 PM
If you want to look at the three I've created so far you can visit www.renderforever.com. There is a tab at the top called Wildcards. Hover over that and you'll be able to select between them.

Wow, impressive!  8)
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: xSilverPhinx on May 13, 2020, 10:45:57 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on May 11, 2020, 10:43:12 PM
I also like your avatar, I remember seeing that character in the movie, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.

Ha! That's where it's from! I remember watching that as a guilty pleasure as a teenager. Went off and borrowed the book from the library soon after.  ;D Oscar Wilde's writing style appeals to me.
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: Randy on May 14, 2020, 12:36:04 AM
I bought the DVD after I had seen it at the theater. I took my son with me. That was a long time ago. Anyway, I watched the DVD a few times.

I'm in a hospital bed downstairs in my daughter's house. My bedroom is upstairs but I can't use it. Anyway, the TV and the Blu Ray player are up there. I wonder if the DVD survived the move? I'm pretty sure it did. I'll have to watch it again soon.  :)
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: Randy on May 14, 2020, 12:37:29 AM
QuoteWow, impressive!  8)

I'm glad you like it. It takes several months to do one,
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: hermes2015 on May 14, 2020, 04:44:16 AM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on May 13, 2020, 10:43:44 PM
Quote from: Randy on May 11, 2020, 05:21:28 PM
If you want to look at the three I've created so far you can visit www.renderforever.com. There is a tab at the top called Wildcards. Hover over that and you'll be able to select between them.

Wow, impressive!  8)

I had the same reaction when I finally had some time to look at your work. It is indeed impressive: your style and the production are truly professional.
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: Tank on May 14, 2020, 07:09:51 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on May 13, 2020, 10:43:44 PM
Quote from: Randy on May 11, 2020, 05:21:28 PM
If you want to look at the three I've created so far you can visit www.renderforever.com. There is a tab at the top called Wildcards. Hover over that and you'll be able to select between them.

Wow, impressive!  8)

:this:
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: Randy on May 14, 2020, 07:37:24 PM
Quote from: hermes2015 on May 14, 2020, 04:44:16 AM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on May 13, 2020, 10:43:44 PM
Quote from: Randy on May 11, 2020, 05:21:28 PM
If you want to look at the three I've created so far you can visit www.renderforever.com. There is a tab at the top called Wildcards. Hover over that and you'll be able to select between them.

Wow, impressive!  8)

I had the same reaction when I finally had some time to look at your work. It is indeed impressive: your style and the production are truly professional.

Thanks Hermes. It takes me several months to make one so it isn't an easy job for one person. :)
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: Randy on May 14, 2020, 07:38:52 PM
Quote from: Tank on May 14, 2020, 07:09:51 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on May 13, 2020, 10:43:44 PM
Quote from: Randy on May 11, 2020, 05:21:28 PM
If you want to look at the three I've created so far you can visit www.renderforever.com. There is a tab at the top called Wildcards. Hover over that and you'll be able to select between them.

Wow, impressive!  8)

:this:

Thanks, Tank. :)
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: Asmodean on May 26, 2020, 11:54:31 AM
A belated hi, Randy!

You referred to your name meaning things in Old English. Well, Randi with a i is a feminine name here in Norway. I went to school with an Randi, but have not met another since, which is why I believe it to be at least somewhat rare. Still, that's nothing when it comes to things meaning things.

I went to university with a Simen. It's our version of "Simon," so nothing particularly special, but we had this one German lecturer who naturally pronounced it as "Semen," which... Yeah... Them's were fun, innocent times.
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: Randy on May 26, 2020, 02:04:55 PM
Quote from: Asmodean on May 26, 2020, 11:54:31 AM
A belated hi, Randy!

You referred to your name meaning things in Old English. Well, Randi with a i is a feminine name here in Norway. I went to school with an Randi, but have not met another since, which is why I believe it to be at least somewhat rare. Still, that's nothing when it comes to things meaning things.

Randi is a feminine name here too but it is rarely used. I've met a few in my life with my moniker but not many. My real name is Randal but everyone calls me Randy. Perhaps it is kind of rare here too.

Quote from: Asmodean on May 26, 2020, 11:54:31 AM
I went to university with a Simen. It's our version of "Simon," so nothing particularly special, but we had this one German lecturer who naturally pronounced it as "Semen," which... Yeah... Them's were fun, innocent times.

:rofl: That poor guy.
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: Asmodean on May 26, 2020, 02:11:57 PM
Mhm. He lectured in English, so I was once at the back end of the following phrase;

"And Alex, you can work with semen."

Uh...  :???: Oh... Kay?

As I said, them's were the innocent times. I don't think the lecturer even noticed or gave it half-a-thought and a chuckle, or if he did, he was a FAR better troll than any other German-speaking person I've ever come across  :lol:

EDIT: ...And now I said "come" in a post about Simen. Hell. I'm going there. :sadnod:
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: Randy on May 26, 2020, 02:23:21 PM
According to South Park everyone but the Mormons are going to Hell. I'll buy you a drink when we get there.
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: Asmodean on May 26, 2020, 02:31:28 PM
Indeed. I was applying for a job as a spit-swirler down there anyways, what to swirl the spits with improper Christians on them. (This is a reference to a truly ancient thread by the way... from simpler times. Don't even remember which. Something about that Mabus guy, who was... A guy who... Trolled forums..? Canadian, I think..?)
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: Randy on May 26, 2020, 03:01:26 PM
Ah, you lost me there Asmo. Maybe I can find the thread.
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: Dark Lightning on May 26, 2020, 03:13:41 PM
Quote from: Asmodean on May 26, 2020, 02:31:28 PM
Indeed. I was applying for a job as a spit-swirler down there anyways, what to swirl the spits with improper Christians on them. (This is a reference to a truly ancient thread by the way... from simpler times. Don't even remember which. Something about that Mabus guy, who was... A guy who... Trolled forums..? Canadian, I think..?)

David Mabus!? Wow, that's a name from the dim and misty! Yes, Canadian. He sent threatening emails to PZ Myers (among others). PZ got tired of it, printed them out and handed them over to law enforcement. Thousands of pages.  :o Mabus did time in a psych ward/jail, I forget which,  and when released was told to never use the internet. He's done it a few times and again gotten spanked. Truly a troubled person.
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: xSilverPhinx on May 26, 2020, 03:16:24 PM
Quote from: Dark Lightning on May 26, 2020, 03:13:41 PM
Quote from: Asmodean on May 26, 2020, 02:31:28 PM
Indeed. I was applying for a job as a spit-swirler down there anyways, what to swirl the spits with improper Christians on them. (This is a reference to a truly ancient thread by the way... from simpler times. Don't even remember which. Something about that Mabus guy, who was... A guy who... Trolled forums..? Canadian, I think..?)

David Mabus!? Wow, that's a name from the dim and misty! Yes, Canadian. He sent threatening emails to PZ Myers (among others). PZ got tired of it, printed them out and handed them over to law enforcement. Thousands of pages.  :o Mabus did time in a psych ward/jail, I forget which,  and when released was told to never use the internet. He's done it a few times and again gotten spanked. Truly a troubled person.

I knew that name sounded familiar! :o
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: xSilverPhinx on May 26, 2020, 03:17:03 PM
Quote from: Asmodean on May 26, 2020, 02:11:57 PM
Mhm. He lectured in English, so I was once at the back end of the following phrase;

"And Alex, you can work with semen."

Uh...  :???: Oh... Kay?

As I said, them's were the innocent times. I don't think the lecturer even noticed or gave it half-a-thought and a chuckle, or if he did, he was a FAR better troll than any other German-speaking person I've ever come across  :lol:

EDIT: ...And now I said "come" in a post about Simen. Hell. I'm going there. :sadnod:

:lol:
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: Recusant on May 26, 2020, 08:58:28 PM
Markuze (aka "Mabus") was released from his probation and the restrictions on his internet use were lifted. This under the condition that he continued with counseling, as I understand it. Perhaps there was something about complying with their course of treatment, including taking his meds.

Anyway, he's back online and makes an appearance now and again at his old haunts. His most recent visit here was in February of last year. He tried to register an account under the name "atheistkiller" which I recognized as one of his pseudonyms. His registration was rejected because he's been banned under other names here.
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: Tank on May 26, 2020, 09:28:56 PM
Quote from: Recusant on May 26, 2020, 08:58:28 PM
Markuze (aka "Mabus") was released from his probation and the restrictions on his internet use were lifted. This under the condition that he continued with counseling, as I understand it. Perhaps there was something about complying with their course of treatment, including taking his meds.

Anyway, he's back online and makes an appearance now and again at his old haunts. His most recent visit here was in February of last year. He tried to register an account under the name "atheistkiller" which I recognized as one of his pseudonyms. His registration was rejected because he's been banned under other names here.

Maybe we should let him in and stick him in the Anteroom for old times sake?  ;)
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: Randy on May 26, 2020, 10:02:50 PM
I miss out on all the fun.  >:(
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: Dark Lightning on May 27, 2020, 02:20:06 AM
Quote from: Recusant on May 26, 2020, 08:58:28 PM
Markuze (aka "Mabus") was released from his probation and the restrictions on his internet use were lifted. This under the condition that he continued with counseling, as I understand it. Perhaps there was something about complying with their course of treatment, including taking his meds.

Anyway, he's back online and makes an appearance now and again at his old haunts. His most recent visit here was in February of last year. He tried to register an account under the name "atheistkiller" which I recognized as one of his pseudonyms. His registration was rejected because he's been banned under other names here.

OK, a little more factual than what I remembered.
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: Icarus on May 27, 2020, 06:11:27 AM
With a slight mod for spelling Mabus, we could have Mobius which is something that is twisted.
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: Randy on May 27, 2020, 09:44:22 AM
He sounds bent. Was he violent on here? "Atheistkiller" sounds a little scary. I know he didn't get to use that name here but he sounds like the kind of guy who would be threatening.
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: Asmodean on May 27, 2020, 03:22:38 PM
He was actually rather a sad persona of what seemed to be a pathetic man.

Don't take my words as derogatory - they are said more in pity than any other emotion.
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: Recusant on May 27, 2020, 05:35:47 PM
He reserved his personal threats to prominent individuals. He also issued more generalized proclamations along the lines of "all atheists must die" or similar. His rhetoric was often vile though not particularly impressive. He's maybe toned it down slightly but still harps on the same themes.

RationalWiki isn't a particularly reliable source, but their article on him will give more detail and seems fairly accurate, if you're curious.

"Dennis Markuze" | RationalWiki (https://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Dennis_Markuze)
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: Randy on May 27, 2020, 05:56:15 PM
I'm glad it's just words although I wouldn't be surprised if he took it to the next level. He sounds like a scary individual. I have a bipolar daughter-in-law who refuses to take her medication. She gets violent.

Anyway, I'm glad he's gone although I'm not worried if he did show up. He'll just get banned again.
Title: Re: Hello from Atlanta. :)
Post by: Tank on May 27, 2020, 07:22:04 PM
Quote from: Randy on May 27, 2020, 05:56:15 PM
I'm glad it's just words although I wouldn't be surprised if he took it to the next level. He sounds like a scary individual. I have a bipolar daughter-in-law who refuses to take her medication. She gets violent.

Anyway, I'm glad he's gone although I'm not worried if he did show up. He'll just get banned again.

He's not very creative. His accounts generally never even get activated.