MTG Salvation

Quote from Shirotabi

I control a Serra Ascendant enchanted with Gift of Immortality and a Child of Alara. I cast Go for the Throat targeting my Child of Alara. Child of Alara goes to the graveyard and its ability triggers.

Will the Gift of Immortality still return my Serra Ascendant (and then itself at the Beginning of the End Step) even though the ability of Child of Alara destroyed them both at the same time?

Quote from Comprehensive Rules s603.6d »

Normally, objects that exist immediately after an event are checked to see if the event matched any trigger conditions. Continuous effects that exist at that time are used to determine what the trigger conditions are and what the objects involved in the event look like. However, some triggered abilities must be treated specially. Leaves-the-battlefield abilities, abilities that trigger when a permanent phases out, abilities that trigger when an object that all players can see is put into a hand or library, abilities that trigger specifically when an object becomes unattached, abilities that trigger when a player loses control of an object, and abilities that trigger when a player planeswalks away from a plane will trigger based on their existence, and the appearance of objects, prior to the event rather than afterward. The game has to “look back in time” to determine if these abilities trigger.

Example: Two creatures are on the battlefield along with an artifact that has the ability “Whenever a creature dies, you gain 1 life.” Someone plays a spell that destroys all artifacts, creatures, and enchantments. The artifact’s ability triggers twice, even though the artifact goes to its owner’s graveyard at the same time as the creatures.

So, yes. (The artifact in this case is your Gift of Immortality.

Hi, cme, thanks for your reply again.

Quote from cme

I'd personally go with monitors of 1920x1200 resolution (i.e., 16:10 aspect ratio) since two side by side monitors already makes for a wide viewing experience, and two wide monitors feels weird. 1200 pixels also means less scrolling down than 1080 pixels when reading web pages.

At 22", 1920x1200 is excellent - any higher becomes difficult to read anyway. It does make it a little hard to run 2 programs side by side in one monitor since 1920 pixels is basically one and a half program.

I added a screenshot to give you a sense for what you can fit on 2 1920x1200 monitors.

...

Video in the left monitor, an application and a half in the right monitor.

BTW, I know something about being old.

Thank you for the amazing amount of detailed advice on this.

Indeed, one thing I would like is to scroll less and be able to see more on my screen; but, I also don't want to be swamped by a glut of content from screens or take up too much of my desk space.

I agree that the aspect ratio of 16:10, particularly when setting up two side-by-side monitors, is ideal, not unlike not using two different-sized monitors (I discussed this with a colleague, and they recommended that I purchase (identical) two 22- or 23.5-inch monitors but not one of each.)

Unfortunately, I have ordered a 1920x1080 (i.e., 16:9 aspect ratio) Samsung monitor from this website today.

The retailer does not appear to have any 16:10 monitors, which would be somewhat closer to what I have been using (a 19-inch [38 by 30 cm] BenQ FP91G+ running at fairly low resolutions [1280x1024?]) and have become quite fond of.

Quote from MirageProphet

Well this has been troubling me for some time so I thought I should share it here.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Sorry if I disappoint in being here for you to bounce ideas off or whatever, though.

I recently read a few books on Buddhism, being new to it I wanted to know more about the religion. Although now it's making me wish I never read them to begin with. It pretty much shattered whatever notion I had about life up to now.

Now I'm not certain about getting a career, finishing college, finding a partner, or even enjoying the things I did up until I read about it. Every night I pray for sleep just to get a break from the constant thoughts in my head. I'm not really sure what to do now.

It is important to know, before you die, what you are running from, to, and why, and these transformative years have much bearing on your life; but, for the time being, do something simply something you can at least stomach doing and may have an active interest in, be realistic and pragmatic, and do your all you can and your very best, sparing no effort.

Then, after some more ageing and hopefully maturing and working out who you are and what you want, go become a monk. If you were to become a monk and then realise that it's not for you before becoming ordained (or whatever) or a few years later, you may work out that you should have finished college, which is an opportunity that many do not have.

Quote from Amadi

The situation here is similar to that of Karma. When people hear the word, they assume the Hinduism version, where good things you've done in past come to help you and bad things come to haunt you. In Buddhism, there is just Karma, there is no bad Karma or good Karma. Karma can be seen as an extension of causality. Ironically, the good and bad Karma part did creep into Buddhism, and can be found in the more modern variations. Google "Wholesome" and "Unwholesome" Karma.

I find it hilarious that Buddhism itself exists in a state of impermanence, and is reborn every moment. So, yeah. Perhaps we take this conversation elsewhere if it seems worth continuing. We can probably fill a few threads with it.

Sleep is the best meditation.

I think I agree with you and find that your post, reflective of your age and wisdom, is very well written and helpful.

Quote from Chrolikai

Assuming they etb tapped like the dual colored scry lands, they would be strictly worse.

Be that as it may, they can be scry lands no. 5-8, 9-12, or whatever and they provide an option for a niche of players (e.g., budget players, if the two-colour scry lands become prohibitively expensive).

I do not think that Journey will feature mono-colour scry lands, as there are already ten scry lands and that could be mining that vein too much for now (and plainly boring). Perhaps sometime in the future they will appear, though.

Thanks for your reply.

Quote from cme

I don't think your graphics needs are very high, so any card that can drive 2 monitors at your desired resolution is likely "good enough." That said, my first stop when purchasing a graphics card is always the latest Tom's Hardware Best Graphics Cards for the Money article (January).

Good idea, thanks.

One missing piece of information is the resolution of your two monitors - if you want to run 2x 2560x1600, for example, that would eliminate a few of the lower cost cards.

Most likely two 1920x1080. I know this is a personal thing, but is that too low, particularly because I am looking at buying 21.5 or 22 inch monitors?

I am a bit old, so larger screen sizes seem daunting and may be difficult to use.

The one piece of software I'm not familiar with was Avogadro, but it appears it does not use graphics card acceleration.

Oh, that's good for me then. Thanks.

Oh, man, as I continue to read up on this graphics card, I have even less of an idea:

• http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/geforce-gt-640-review,3214.html
• http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/reviews/pc-components/3375822/gigabyte-geforce-gt-640-oc-review/

And then there's this guy's YouTube review:

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3JzSeAk14s
This makes it sounds good, but the YT comments indicate that the review/the reviewer/the product is crap.

Quote from Jay13x

That's a middle to high end graphics card, based on a quick glance at video card ranking lists. A good buy, as it'll generally last you longer than a video game console cycle.

Hey, Jay. Thanks for your reply and advice.

... though, really? Is this the Gigabyte Nvidia GT 640 OC? I know that this is an entry-level/low-end/middle-end video card, and it's not for gaming.

However, it seems that the reviews and the comments slag the hell out of this. Now, are the reviews and comments all in reference to gaming, intensive rendering or something or is it simply crap? Some of the comments question the manufacturer's decision to use DDR3 instead of something called GDDR5 (difference explained; still Greek to me, lol).


It seems that I may have to head into downtown to switch it; maybe I won't listen to the salespeople this time.

Seriously, what is adequate/sufficient for work? (The most graphic intensive things I do are probably make animations for presentations and do some informatic modelling (namely, cheminformatic and bioinformatic modelling; for instance, with Avogadro). I don't do any architectural stuff, for which, as I am told, a high-end video card is necessary.) What the heck needs an A/NZ$800-$1,000 video card, lol?

This is frustrating and I feel so stupid.


Edit:

While the slightly dearer GTX 650 chipset appears to be better than the GT 640 (per GPU Review), many Amazon reviewers are happy (though I haven't compared this with GTX 650-containing cards, much less in a consistent and valid manner). This makes me feel a little more confident about this.

Island. (I don't believe I am mistaken, but it could be one of the other three Islands from Invasion.)

The first card I possessed and a card that would be the basis of many of my decks. I don't think I would retain the exact card (which I marked) that I was given by a then friend of mine (drifted apart), but I would keep an Island with same illustration.

For others, the choice of card might depend on the reason for divesting yourself of all but one card. For me, however, the only card that I am particularly (or remotely) attached to is Island; the other cards involved much buying or trading, but that was either for the sake of play or collecting.

It seems that I have too many computing issues.

I have a 15-inch Toshiba laptop that all too frequently overheats. I presently have a crummy cooling pad that I purchased as your chain electronics and IT store, but it simply doesn't do enough to prevent it from overheating and shutting down (:uhh:).

I have heard good things about the Zalman NC2000, but the retailed from which I intend to order doesn't appear to stock it. From these options (and a second page), could anyone suggest one to order? I have heard of good things about this place in Oz, and I'll have mates send it or bring it over.

Many thanks.

Quote from Jay13x

I (believe) that is the major difference. DVI does not include sound.

That said, check the monitor you want before getting a video card. Bighaben is right, DVI is cheaper. If your monitor is DVI, it'd be better to get a cheaper DVI video card and buy and adapter for HDMI if needed (like if you're running it to a TV or a monitor with built-in speakers).

Yeah, thanks.

HDMI is more or less DVI but can carry sound signals. This is only relevant if I buy a monitor with built-in speakers. While that sounds awesome, I do have speakers.


Anyway, yesterday, I bought a Nvidia GeForce GT 640 video card. I didn't really do much research and had one criterion: reasonable enough for work while costing no more than $100 or close to $100 (I don't have a budget as such, but I don't see why I need to spend more than I have to).

I returned home and have done some 'research' (nothing rigorous or thorough), and I have noted this:

• http://www.cnet.com.au/10-things-to-know-before-buying-a-video-card-240091461.htm
• http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/20/nvidia-geforce-gt-640-review-roundup/
• http://techreport.com/review/23179/review-nvidia-geforce-gt-640-graphics-card

(Edit: All I understand is I don't have any idea what this precisely means.)

I have two weeks to return this if there's something better and this is totally crap. Advice is, as ever, appreciated.

Quote from Ophidian Eye

I'm not one to criticize what a person does with their own body, but I do have a question: are piercings like the one that opens into that gentleman's nasal cavity healthy? It seems like particulates would be able to bypass physical safeguards like hair follicles, but is the piercing really any worse than breathing through the nose?

Depends how this is done, but I am speaking theoretically. Though, regardless of where it is located, you have many of the same risks (e.g., allergies, infections, [other] immune issues). Other potential specific issues which require more specific knowledge include tendency for the piercing to be torn out (depending on the type of jewellery used) and shattering the cartilage (depending on whether the piercer and the subject are both silly enough for it to happen).

If this is about the Pauly Unstoppable guy, I am assuming that the expander is 'closed' (with transparent plastic). If not, yeah, that doesn't seem like a good idea.

As for tattoos, I'm of the mindset that a tattoo should transcend passing fancy or whim. I wouldn't get a tattoo unless there was a deep significance linked to it.

Yeah, but circumstances change too. For instance, Angelina (Jolie) used to have a tattoo of Billy Bob's name on her left upper arm.


Has anyone here who wears a bra with a metal underwire or has piercings (besides earrings) needed a defib? Or anyone with piercings or tattoos have any medical imaging done? How did that go?

Quote from Bitsy

I plan to get a huge back tattoo and maybe sleeves up to my elbow. I'm going into social work and while its cool to look a little unique I know I'll have to at least appear to conform to social norms.

I have done voluntary community work as well as youth representation (in my, you know, younger days), in collaboration with social workers who work for local authorities, etc. You may be interested to know that most of them have tats!

IMO, while it might look bad in a few years and in certain settings, tats on a social worker can look fine and add to some of the hipness and edginess of the social worker.

That's why I'm cutting my 10 year old dreadlocks off and growing new ones. My current dreads are freeform and not what you would consider neat. They're also a rainbow of colors!

I was considering a how do you wear your hair thread, as it could be interesting to discuss that (how do all y'all think about that?).

For now, I can only say that I would never wear my hair in dreadlocks. It's neither part of any of my cultures (for instance, I am not a Rasta, a Sufi, a Spartan), and it's not a good look, at least for me.

Quote from Nai

Honestly, I have no tattoos or piercings. While I find them attractive, and have contemplated getting an ear pierced, I've never had the interest in doing so and have never seen a design I'd be interested in placing on my body.

To each their own, Nai, to each their own.

I think that is a perfectly valid and healthy attitude to tattoos and piercings (the relatively modest ones and the more bizarre alike).

Quote from rxavage

I plan on finishing my sleeve this year; used to have quite a few piercings and 0ga plugs, I stopped that nonsense a long time ago but I've kept my ampallang and apadravya, which I've had since 18.

Sorry, what?

Quote from IcecreamMan80

One tattoo I drew myself on my right shoulder, (a professional tattoo artist did the work, I only drew the design)

Probably be my only one. I feel like a tat should be meaningful, and not just whimsy.

I have a couple friends with tattoos they regret. Laser removal is very expensive.

Not only painful for your wallet, but I hear it's like 136,457,937 times more painful than getting inked in the first place.


So, who doesn't have a tattoo, piercings, or both? I don't have tattooes and I don't have any freaky piercings. Such is life for personal conservatism/'simple living' and professional conformity as well as lack of any personality or anything to express!

I was peeping at someone's Facebook and I saw the most mental (no pun intended) thing ever; namely, a guy with a hole-in-chin piercing and transparent expander.

So that prompted me to look it up and I found this: http://www.unfinishedman.com/wild-and-extreme-body-modifications/ (IF EATING, DO NOT CLICK)

Sheesh, that's creepy (though Rick Genest from, like, half a minute in 47 Ronin is there too and, while my rabbi (I am sure that it's not actually prohibited and, in fact, it was probably a common thing) and grandparents can't approve of the choices that guy has made, it's not that bad (or it could be worse)).

Of course, whatever floats their boat...


Anyone here got any body modifications or any opinions on them?

What I think is particularly gross is old people and tats. As you age, the tension or elasticity of skin changes, causing it to stretch. This isn't something that happens with age but also changes in weight too could do this. Honestly, besides, like, conforming for your life as in prison, I don't think tattoos are really that wise an investment.

WRT piercings, I am not as opposed. If I were, I'd be a hypocrite.

Quote from sirpsychosexy

It means a lot, precise values are not needed. The doc said it was once really bad and now, not so much. So there you go.

Glad to hear that, and good for you! I suppose the optician/optom knows best anyway.

The doc? (GPs, ophthalmologists, and other medicos don't do this type of work. :confused:)

Quote from bakgat

Basically any reply to warning is considered flaming via pm. They PM you just don't let them catch you PM them back.

Oh, don't be ridiculous (is this a joke? If so, my apologies!) or try to get a rise out of staff. They do their best and they do well, and they deserve some iota of respect.

Quote from Sene

You are the worst mod I've ever seen.

I respectfully, Sene. In and of itself, it's irreverent and, feh, who cares. You all should be bigger men (and women?) than that.

If there is more to it and it itself is inflammatory or indecent, then perhaps that would be flaming.

If there is more to it and it is genuine criticism or a proper argument and not simply petty bickering, with evidence and examples, then that should be taken as bona fide feedback for the greater good of the site. What are your thoughts?

Quote from Iso

I think another part of it is simply that people think it's okay to flame via PM because other users can't see it since it's not on the main board. (It's not okay, however.)

Lols.

Oh, by the way, thanks for seriously discussing this. I really didn't know that this was an issue.