Paul Santos World

I've been sayin...

2007-08-21T09:19:00.000-07:00

It takes the Turks to really recognize the right combination of partying and academics:
#1 Party School
#5 Best College Library

TurkishPress.com
West Virginia has best US university ... for a good party

Remember the whole Librarian/Libertarian thing from freshman year? Yup...I'm still at the library, and we're going to throw a party for everyone on the Owens wing in celebration of our pair of top 10 designations. Goes to show that beer and books are not mutually exclusive!

Look forward to more Paul Santos posts as we gear up for Election 08. You know I have an opinion on how things are shaping up, so stay tuned.

Race and Religion in America

2004-10-21T17:15:00.000-07:00

Excerpt from term paper, by Paul Santos

The year is 2004. The month is October. And the day is Thursday. Our country should no longer be thinking about race as a "dangerous topic," but unfortunately we do. There was a time when "race" meant only a sprinting contest. Today, it means something much, much different. Many people don't even think of the sprinting contest part. They think only of "race" as in human variations in evolution. In the dictionary, the word "race" actually has 17 unique definitions, and therefore unique interpretations. One of the more obscure definitions of "race" is, and I quote, "a distinguishing or characteristic quality, such as the flavor of a wine." Clearly, our country has avoided straight talk about this topic, and are paying for this today.

To read more, please contact author.

Santos' Squawkbox: October 2004

2004-10-14T23:00:00.000-07:00

Get at me.
Voice your thoughts on this thread.
Hit me up with comments.

The Problem With Voting

2004-10-14T22:47:00.000-07:00

A lot of people have been discussing the positive aspects of voting. I'd like to take a moment to shed some light on the "dark side" of the democratic process--the side that the media is afraid to point their cameras at, or write about in their newspapers and magazines and othe printed material. The shadows of elections are rarely covered by radio reports with their microphones, or internet news agencies and their keyboards. With the current economy, I think that a lot of news people (in any of the aforementioned media outlets) are literally fearful for their jobs, and abstain (in a non-sexual way) to cover what's REALLY happening.

Issue Number 1: Voting Happens In Places You Wouldn't Expect
Ever thought about *WHERE* you'll vote this year? Usually, you imagine voting in a large room with marble floors and tall columns reaching up, two, maybe three stories. And there is stained glass, with the afternoon sun casting colors across the freshly-mopped floor. You notice that there is Latin engraved into the seal in the center of the floor. To the North and East are doors, and they appear unlocked.

Well, WAKE UP CALL. Chances are, you won't be voting in some beautiful insitution of democratic splendor. I've heard that some people vote in schools (with kids running around!!!), in dingy public services offices, and even FIREHOUSES. Tell me, what would happen if there was a fire on November 2, somewhere near our university, and someone was in the middle of voting? Do you really think you'd vote for John Kerry in the midst of a fire? Of course not--that's an easy vote for Bush, automatic. Let's start thinking about this issue.Comments welcome.

Issue Number 2: You Can't Vote if you aren't American
Obvious? Not really. Tourists have to pay the same tolls on our roads. They have to pay the same taxes on our food. And they have to serve in the same jails if they commit a crime in our country. Can you imagine being an American in, say, Australia, and you were visiting with a friend on election day. The friend says to you, "Hey, I'm going to vote AND YOU CAN'T COME." Can you even picture that? Of course not. No other civilized country, on this earth anyway, would be as disrespectful as our country is to its tourists. Tourists are a real source of income for our country. I have heard stastics that our national tourism income is in the BILLIONS (that's right, with a B) of dollars. Simply put, Tourism is good for our economy, and therefore for the American worker. John Kerry will fight for the tourists' right to vote, and there's one more reason to vote for JFK II. Comments

Issue Number 3: Don't Make a Mistake Because You Can't Fix It
In simple terms, there is no "UNDO" button an hour after you've gone to the polls. Be warned...know that if you make a mistake, the mistake shall be cast, and counted among all other votes that are not mistakes. One of the things that I hope gets instituted soon is some sort of system that would enable you to dial a 1-800 number to modify your vote. So, at the polls you would get a unique number identifying your ticket (maybe it's your SS#). When you get home, and realized that you made a mistake, you could dial the number, punch in your unique code, and change your vote. Could you then change it AGAIN, if you thought that your change was a mistake? Probably not. We have to draw the line somewhere.Comments

Issue Number 4: Don't Go to the Polls if You're Hungry
To me, voting is a lot like donating blood. It's the right thing to do, and it will help people, especially if you have O- blood type. The big difference, though, is that after you donate blood, you get to have orange juice and cookies. At the voting booth, however, you get nothing. You'll wait in line forever, then you wait in line again, and then you actually vote. After all that, it would be nice to have a cookie for the ride home or something. They should appreciate that we're even there, helping out by donating our votes to the country. It would be interesting to get some companies involved to donate food to the polling places.Comments

Issue Number 5: You Can't Know Everything
I know you've heard that many times throughout your life: "Paul, you can't know everything!" is like a broken record in my life. This couldn't be more true come Election Day. I'll tell it point blank:You're going to have to make a lot of guesses on the ballot.You're going to see a lot of names you haven't heard before, and you're going to be voting for governmental positions that you couldn't even have imagined. Plan on NOT knowing anything (that's the only thing you can be sure of!).Comments

Santos' Squawkbox: September 2004

2004-09-30T13:59:00.000-07:00

Get at me.
Voice your thoughts on this thread.
Hit me up with comments.

The #3 #5 Paul Santos On Earth

2004-09-28T09:51:00.000-07:00

It's about time. So many years of my youth were cast in obscurity, living with my step-dad in little old Spencer. Well, no more. Paul Santos is ranked as the ~~third~~ fifth most popular Paul Santos on earth, as listed by Google. For all those non-believers who said that I'd never get anywhere, humm deez.

What You Don't Know About Paul Santos CAN Hurt You

2004-09-27T11:03:00.000-07:00

I've noticed a lot of misconceptions about my character and my history, especially as we begin these final, mudslinging weeks prior to the Presidential Elections in the United States. Many of these misconceptions can lead to not only injured feelings, but also injured limbs, so allow me to take a moment to "clear the air", if you will:

Myth #1: Paul Santos is a Libertarian
False. Paul Santos is a LIBRARIAN. Big difference. When I'm not partying at DTD, I'm either not studying, or working at Evansdale Library in the Circulation Department. My position as a librarian in no way affects my political standing.

Myth #2: If you take the letters that make up the name "Paul Santos", you can spell "Nap Ass Lout"
True. There are thousands of anagrams that can be gleaned from my name.

Myth #3: Paul Santos always plays the Norse because Norsemen gain favor the fastest
False. False. False. I am sick and tired of people looking for excuses as to why I waxed their asses in the AoM tournament. For the last time, Norsemen probably gain favor the SLOWEST of all cultures. Norse have to fight or hunt to gain favor! It's true that Hersirs gain favor very slowly by just being on the map. However, if you are only using myth units, they gain no favor at all for fighting. Get off deez nutz.

Myth #4: Paul Santos is a tool of the Democratic Party
Not quite False, and not entirely True. I wouldn't describe myself so much as "a tool," but as a simple machine. Like a lever, inclined plane, wheel, screw, wedge, or pulley. If you still don't get it, take this quiz. Paul Santos has also been known to support causes "owned" by the Republican party, and will be extremely vocal about his stance. Patriotism is his most proud cause, and Paul Santos seeks to enlighten members of all parties (including the Republicans) of the merits of true Patriotism.

The Spanish Prisoner (1998)

2004-09-22T15:49:00.000-07:00

Mystery. Intrigue. Young secretaries. Government agencies. No, I'm not talking about the latest scandal in the White House, I'm talking about the film "The Spanish Prisoner," starring many people that you've never heard of, save for a very serious Steve Martin ("The Jerk," "The Jerk," and "The Jerk", to name but a few of his classics). Written and directed with Hitchcockian flair by David Mamet ("Heist", "State and Main", and most recently, "Spartan" with Val Kilmer), The Spanish Prisoner tells the story of a brilliant economist who has created "The Process," a mathematical equation that will guarantee his company vast sums of money. Things start to take a turn for the worse when he's caught in a web of intrigue, where nothing seems to be what it appears. It's an entertaining movie if you enjoy a good thrill, and if you're content with not knowing the full story until the credits roll.

The lead actor is actually bland enough to be believable in his role as the economist, and Steve Martin's mysterious character lights up the story. Mamet's direction recalls the subtle hand of Hitchcock, eliciting moments from "North by Northwest," or "Strangers on a Train." The plot did hinge on one too many coincidences and too-fortunate turn of events, but as a study in crafting a false world that seems all too real, it's a masterful stroke. For those who are looking for a more concrete, yet still exciting story of subterfuge and danger, rent Mamet's "The Heist," starring Gene Hackman and Ricky Jay.


4 out of 5 Hersirs

Friday Night Fever

2004-09-20T09:12:00.000-07:00

As my loyal readers know, Paul Santos will be spending 10 days visiting and paying homage to the US's most valuable allies in freedom: France and Germany. I just came across this incredible event that takes place in Paris every Friday night (except when the streets are wet) at 10pm: Paris Roller. 15,000 people flaunt skates and speed through closed-off boulevards for 3 amazing hours. You'd better believe that Paul Santos and his lady will be there. I'd like to say that we'll be skating on Friday the 5th, but jet lag may prevent us from operating at full strength. If not the 5th, then Friday, November 12th, find us at Montparnasse train station, with skates, at 10pm. If anyone wants to meet up holla back.

What You Need to Know About Paul Santos

2004-09-17T22:27:00.000-07:00

Politics
Paul Santos is a patriot, first and foremost. He loves this country, and envisions a future without Bush. Paul Santos dreams of a regime change in Washington, and looks forward to the day when the great Warrior John Kerry sits in our Oval Office. At his side will be the handsome and dashing John Edwards, fighting for our freedom, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. Just like the French.

Religion
Like John Kerry, Paul Santos is a Catholic. He believes that we all share this earth during our life, and after death, we share the same heaven. Allah is God, and God is Allah. We worship the same God, and call Him by different names.

Sports
Kobe Bryant didn't do it. OJ did. And Dick Butkus has the greatest name ever.

Rounders (1998)

2004-09-17T08:28:00.000-07:00

Despite the fact that this movie will undoubtedly encourage countless bad poker players to move to Las Vegas for "the big win," I enjoyed it from front to back. Part of my fascination with this film is its suggestion that there are countless underground high-stakes poker games in and around NYC at any given time. It's not surprising, but it does reveal how much of Gotham City is invisible to straight edgers like myself. The bad influence of Ed Norton (in one of his more DeNiro-esque efforts) upon Matt Damon's "leave it all behind" character is fun to watch, though a bit predictable. The real gems in this movie, though, are the supporting actors of John Turturro (as Joey Knish) and John Malkovich, with an over-the-top performance as the Russian gambling kingpin "KGB."


4 out of 5 Hersirs

BATMAN

2004-09-13T10:38:00.000-07:00

Protester Dressed As Batman Scales Buckingham Palace

This man is a genius.

He lives in a lair.

Eurotrip

2004-09-13T09:39:00.000-07:00

Well, won't be as fun as that movie but hopefully it'll be all it's cracked up to be. First up is Gay Paris, then to Berlin, the East side (eastsidaz in tha hizzouse!), where my potna-n-crime runs a dope-ass club 8mm. Peep the site, it's ill. Anywho, taking off on November 5, thru the 15th. The trip will be blogged, in the proud tradition established by the singular MENTZER.

Speaking of which...Big shouts out to MENTZER, runnin thangs over at his dope blog, don't front! Going to meet up with THE MAN, aka GP2, and hopefully get some AoM in at a hotspot. Speaking of which, Paris has a million wi-fi spots. Their plan is to post antennae outside Metro stations and get blanket coverage. Y'all know what that means...rockin the EGYPTIAN/GREEK/NORSE steez ANYTIME AND ANYWHERE. hot ta def!

All for now, keep up the comments! OMAR, i have NO IDEA what you're talking about, but your comment was HILARIOUS! keep them coming!

New AoM Scenarios Design Contest

2004-09-01T22:04:00.000-07:00

Check it out, Heroes of Mythica. We got three months to design the sweetest scenario of all time. Are y'all wit me?! LOne_Prodigy and Macednian234 I know you're down with this. I'm picturing a blend of the Egyptian Nile (think desert and narrow strip of water) with a plateau of grass for Hillforts, etc. You see what I'm sayin? Word. Audi 5000. Holla holla.

Take off, eh?!

2004-09-01T17:54:00.000-07:00

Funny that I should call my first entry "Take off, eh?!" but indeed it is appropriate. One of my online gaming buddies is off on a trip to the Land of John Kerry (France, for all those who are Playa Hatin on Bush), but first he making the rounds in the Island of Leprechauns (when are they going to make a Irish add-on for AoM?!), visiting family and beer factories.

Apparently he's got some connections, because he sent me this awesome picture that I call "Hangin' with Mr. Galway", and they must have really hit it off because James let Mike hold his FLUTE.

Anywho, looks like my man is having a good time. Meanwhile back at the ranch, starting up classes at WVU ain't the flavor, potna! The good side of it is that my network connection is about 10 times faster, bad side is that I spend less time gaming, the good side is more time partying at DK since rush is on, and that means free beer. it's not guiness but it's free. Nat lite. Whatever, i'm ending this post. Lata.