With every advancement you need to weight the pros and cons. Do we need this verses what harm could it do?
I agree.
Modern Masters anyone? I went to an MM draft for FNM and it was very fun. My sole intention was to finish my playset of Bobs (needed 3). Not only did I finish my playset, I got all Ravnica copies which I'm very happy with. Now all I need is thoughtseize and I've got the deck built It's a very good day indeed! Went 2-2-2 in the 6 rounds of swiss. IT also ended at 2am, so my night was filled with 2s :/ My buddy top 4ed and walked out with 7 packs of MM + entry back, pretty big haul honestly :-p
I drafted a blue/green tempo... control... thing. It did well, splashing red for removal. Games just took forever. Every game I won came with less than 10 cards in my library (which I'm all for, it was just grueling rounds). Thank god I found time to trade or the night would have been significantly worse.
Also Pittsburgh got sweeped tonight by the Bruins... but that didn't really happen. The hockey off season began last week, so I don't understand why all these Boston fans are celebrating
To quote Jurassic Park "Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should" Whenever working with scientific advances you must always be aware of their implications outside of the laboratory. True, the data would not be able to be taken by government agencies the methods of gaining the information can be. Once the process is created and knowledge of it spread it cannot be undone.
But simply assuming someone could do harm using an advancement doesn't mean that advancement should cease to be found. Then again this is one of those topics that go back and forth with no real solution... At least in my eyes :/
Forensics? If you don't think it's too much of a personal question, would you mind sharing some of the research instrumentation/image processing products you got there? As maybe you know, I'm an undergrad (junior year) majoring in Physics and I'm looking into the Forensics area because I already work with image processing, electronic microscopy and photonics with an emphasis in biological materials and I find that field of research quite fascinating. Thanks in advance
As far as instrumentation I can't (That whole, competition between colleges doing research thing). My current research is in using 'underpowered' devises to make better documentation of prints then people using the expensive devises in the field. Photo technology has come a long way, and the law for acceptable prints were set back in the 70s. I personally find it weird that Joe Nobody can take a picture with a crappy camera, and it would pass the quality test to be entered into court as evidence (Current mega pixel minimum for evidence of prints is 6/8 depending). Hell most phones get that.
As far as processing products, we do most of it manually. MatLab and Python :-p from scratch cause we da best mang. That and if we do it ourselves there are more publications to be made on that end on a side note my first publication will be in a few months!!!! This is a very big thing for me (obviously) and I'll be super thrilled once it hits a journal.
To make blunt, "It is now legal for an arresting officer to, against your will and without a warrant, take a sample of your genetic makeup." If that doesn't send shivers down your spine nothing will. It violates the fourth amendment right against unlawful search and seizure. Once your DNA is put into their system it is their forever. Now put this power in the hands of a government that has a poor track record of breaking it's own laws to get it's way. What part of this scenario is good? Their is no argument for the ethical rights of this procedure. it is wholly invasive both of the person and their privacy. The law states that DNA can be taken from someone convicted of a violent crime and that's fine, but just being convicted is ludicrous.
That makes more sense to me. The bluntness helped me understand a bit more. The thing is I seem to have grown a bit numb toward the thin lines my research walks on (but that is just how it goes with identification software). If anyone recalls last summer I worked mainly with iris and face identification (we even did some work with heat signatures as a form of identification). That is the most intrusive work I've ever helped with, and judging by the think clearance form subjects had to sign, I was right to be a bit hesitant.
The only solace I get in my research is that the data we take is not connected directly too the subject in any way. AKA if the CIA came in demanding information we have to shrug our solders and say 'well, nope'.
MAGIC NOTE!
MM drops tonight and we are doing a draft (only $20 for the draft and that actually gives solid prize support). I'm basically gunna walk around screaming for bobs until someone trades/sells to me (already talked with the owner and he said using cash for bobs is cool). Here's hoping I can almost finish my deck tonight
Unfortunately yes, I know about it. It might be a "breakthrough" for you and more work for labs like yours, but I must oppose this expansion of government power. Unless power is consolidated under my control, there will be no consolidation of power because that would erode my own rights. Yes sir
I must admit, I don't follow. I've been looking at purely the scientific research leading to the decision, not the legal end. Though I am a bit intrigued about how it raises government power? I assume you mean more toward the actual use for identification in it's basic form, regardless of medium? **bare with me, my legal knowledge isn't the best. I do my research following all the ethical guidelines necessary. Also this isn't a counter argument, I just don't know honestly what you're getting at :/
I like that list and hopefully you can get a hand on those sweet Bobs Deathrite Shaman is such a beast turn one drop. As far as American sports go, I am a hockey fan and a Leafs one so I was sad to see them losing on game 7 but oh well, at least they went to the playoffs and showed some skills there. I also dig American football and I support Cleveland (bad luck right? ). Baseball I don't really like but basketball I watch every once in a while. This year is Miami and San Antonio? Looks like we're in for some interesting games. I will tune in if I can.
I'm hoping for bobs. I'd much rather have the older art but they will be very hard to get around where I live :/ I like how the deck plays, just need to tweak it after testing for.. a while.
Hey, Cleveland has been making strides and might do very well this year. They are not a bad team. One of my good friends is a big Browns can and I keep myself posted on their moves (for trash talk.. ya know). And yes, it is Miami Vs. San Antonio. Gunna be an absolutely fantastic series. And the Leafs played well. I'm just chilling here in the corner while PIT gets systematically manhandled by Boston :/ At least my Wallet will stop hurting if it continues.
So my buddy is selling a bunch of his collection to pay for a wedding. He even is considering selling the Recall which is very sad for all of us (but you got to do it ya know). I'm gunna get a couple friends together to see if we can buy it from him, then give it to him as a wedding present in September when it all happens. If any of you remember, this is the friend that GAVE ME AN ENGLISH MOAT. So I figure helping him out is the least I could do. He's also selling his Reanimator deck which is going to hurt to see go. Those Seas and Deltas man :/
On a personal note. I've been getting into forensic research in my lab lately and it is very interesting. Done a lot with helping increase the quality of finger print images when it comes to identification. If any of you heard, earlier this week the Supreme Court accepted DNA swabs from finger prints as a form of identification. This is a very very large breakthrough when it comes to criminal identification, which of course affects my lab a lot. My job just got a lot harder, to say the least
I guess this preserves my $500 in Thoughtseizes but I had no plans to sell them either way so that's basically meaningless. Maybe it'll get an in-set reprint.
Yea, I feel like a pretty big idiot trading my playset away a couple years ago. Then again at the time they had been steady at like $15 and I had no real intention of using them. I know they'll be hard to find, but I'm pretty sure I can borrow some form the people at the local shop. I have like $350 in cards lent out around the shop so I think I will be able to call in a few favors.
Bowling is pretty sweet. If I happen to see a game of pro bowling on TV, good chance I'll stop to watch it for a bit.
Basically, if it's not an activity that I have an interest in doing myself, I have no interest in watching it. I am actively uninterested in traditional sports.
I loosely remember having a conversation from probably a year ago when I was talking about football with tordeck and you're general response was "The only sport I really have interest in is bowling". So calling it there seemed relevant.
Also anybody have any 'sleeper' cards they like in the new set(s). Meaning the new rav block? I generally like talking speculation so I figured I'd bring it up here :-p see what the clan mates think.
Not really different than what I've found. I really do like the knight and crucible package. I'm hoping I can get the bobs I need through mm, then I'll only need 2 thoughtseize to complete the list. I'm hoping I can finish this list up by next Friday for a modern tournament at the shop. If I can next week I'll be able to figure out a good sideboard depending on what people play at the shop.
I really wish I could fit more disruption in, I also kind of want to squeeze another land in, but I need to test first before I make up my mind.
Also for any BB fans in the house, anybody excited for the championship series? Gunna be absolutely crazy. If it doesn't go to 7 It'll be a great loss for the sport of basketball :-p
Any hockey fans? My penguins are getting rocked hard >:[ Worst part is my good friend is a huge Bruins fan so we've been at the local sports bar for the last 2 games... Let's just say I've been buying the drinks... I hate loosing bets
Sorry about that. I sometimes forget talking about American professional sports here doesn't spark to much conversation... unless it's bowling for some reason... right therestless?
I will not answer for T2 because I don't play it anymore (except Limited) but Modern looks promising as far as Wizards support goes (something that is quite different with Legacy and Vintage). With the recent bannings, Jund lost a lot of its potency and the meta is up for grabs right now. There are a lot of not-so-expensive decks that are interesting and strong (and some of them aren't combo). For instance, cheap on manabase there are plenty of MBC, Monowhite Death and Taxes, Soulsisters and variations of RG Zoo or Green Stompy, RDW is bonkers too. Infect is still a thing as is Robots. There are some control variations, Ritual Gifts (more combo-y but still control, in my opinion), UWx, Miracles and so on. Tron is still going somewhat strong (but more commonly in Mono U now).
If you wish, I can post some sample lists from some archetypes that you like (i.e., if you like to play some sort of control).
I'm never actually worried about 'budget'. I have a lot of the cards in the meta already and anything I don't have shouldn't be to hard to obtain (as long as its justifiable), just don't know what is 'popular' right now. The fact that you say it is up for grabs is kinda cool. The brewer in me alllllways loves hearing that and 'archetypes that I like' doesn't work. I love playing any deck. I've love spending a few minutes on a turn with infinite options, and I also love tapping manna and creatures with blinders on. Both are fun :-p I've yet to find a specific arc type I don't like playing. Well at least in the last year I've grown to like them all!
Modern is a lot of fun, but right now WotC is choking it with their micromanagement. Most of the banned list decisions are fine, but some of them need to be reversed.
Also, Modern is currently a PTQ-only format. There's little incentive for B&M shops to run Modern events and SCG isn't going to pick it up unless they can guarantee a consistent showing that is comparable to their Legacy Sundays.
The legacy Sundays have been showing decline over the past year though haven't that? I read somewhere that it isn't always going to be legacy anymore which truly stinks. Sometimes I worry it might actually fail soon and that makes me le sad
I do want to get into modern and since I have most of what you need already it shouldn't be to hard... Just need to study the meta for a bit. I do not own thoughtseize and only own 1 bob though so I am lacking there. At least I got the goyfs?
Wizards said they would use modern masters to print cards too powerful for standard or those which use mechanics they aren't willing to reprint. Thoughtseize doesn't fall into either of these. It also doesn't fit the requirements for mythic being a basic utility spell. Yes it is one of the best at what it dose but it's not mythic. So I feel within the next 2 years we will see it printed at rare in a standard set. Not until snappy rotates though. This should make availability skyrocket and cost plummet.
At least I can dream.
This isn't that far fetched, the re-printing I mean. We'll see. I'm just a bit embarrassed I got rid of them a year ago :/
So I'm at a bit of a crossroads here... I haven't picked up cards in a few months and I'm not sure what I want to do. How are Standard and Modern as formats right now? I'm trying to get back into regular play down at a local shop but being out of the loop for so long has me a bit confused. Is standard a 'fun' format right now? Same with modern? Any cards/decks that look promising? I know that is incredibly vague but I'm just not entirely sure what I want to do at the moment. I'm just so burnt out from the last semester I'm trying to force myself into a state of general relaxation and magic has always helped with that, and Minecraft but I play that game to much as it is...
Sorry for not being around. My life has been going to hell and back constantly over the last few months and I'm finally getting it back in order. I won't bore you guys with the details, we'll just leave it as I was averaging 3.5 hours of sleep a night since mid February, and certain events causing lack of mental stability turned me into an emotional wreck when... "**** got reeeeeeal". Also ended up having to sell a bunch of cards to make rent and what not because I couldn't work as much as I wanted over the semester.
But now summer is here, and I'm back to working full time! So that means magic How has everyone been? And hello to any new people that don't have a clue who I am (I'm not that important anyway so don't worry)
The new legendary rule change seems... odd to me. I'm assuming it means there will be a somewhat legendary theme coming up in the next sets, which could be cool. I'm honestly not a fan of the rule, and I'm sure you EDHers are in big WTF moments right now. Playing with the new rule is going to be... interesting.
Land rule makes me sad because they just made it easier for people without adding much. Idk, maybe simpler is better? bleh
New sideboard rule is weird as hell. Again they made it a bit easier to understand I guess... I doubt I'll be going to 75 game 2 anytime soon lol
Put roughly, over the course of the entire Swiss portion of a SCG Open the thinning effect of including Farseek in your deck will affect about two draw steps.
Sometimes that's all ya need
On the note of SCG opens, I'll be in DC in 2 weeks playing at that one. Looking at either Bant control or mono-4C black (crpyt ghast with return and revelation). For legacy probably just gunna play jund because I'm comfortable with it now. Any ideas on something else for standard? Or legacy. I could play TES but it doesn't seem all that good right now :/
I got 2 weeks to decide, and am willing to go into the event on almost no practice time, at least a week though. (It is my 21st birthday next week, so going to DC with my friend is more of a party for me anyway... aka doing well will be met with praise, but also flopping will be okay too)
My friend cracked a Library at gold rush in Charlotte... Lucky dude! What's up everyone? I'm going to be super post-lite the next thread probably due to come of my classes, I'm spending 60+ hours a week in a lab working on hardware... so yea, not entirely enough time for magic. Though I claimed a triple monitor set up and can stream whatever I want on my other screen I've watched so many speed runs lately I feel like I'm not even speed-running myself anymore, just watching other people. Anybody here actually in to speed running games?
Chains of Mephistopheles - 1B
Enchantment
If you're going to draw a card, don't.
Discard a card instead, then draw a card.
Yes, actually draw that one. You don't have to repeat this whole thing.
But if you couldn't discard a card, instead you get to put the top card of your library into your graveyard.
Oh, unless it's your first draw in your draw step, then you can draw. If you read this far, you just win the game. Chances are, though, you've already scooped.
I won!
I had chains played on my in a legacy event a couple months ago. neat little mono black does everything deck. TES don't like chains >_>
Been playing Path of Exile quite a bit. My Marauder is up to level 38 and still in hardcore, though I've come so very close to dying many times... Has anyone in here picked it up?
Heading to Atlanta for the SCG Open this weekend. I'd like to play Crypt Ghast and have turn 4 or 5 Griselbrands, but I have a feeling there'll be entirely too much RDW getting played. Even if there isn't, it would probably be good to be playing red and take advantage of all the players trying new stuff. So I'm looking at playing Gruul.
I have no idea what to play for legacy. I've been playing Smallpox because of how well it preys on RUG Delver, but with the Deathrite Shaman inundating the format it didn't make a single spot in the top 16 from the last open.
For standard I'm toying with 5 color MonoBlack with ghast, lilly, return, revelation.. lots of random **** I probably shouldn't play, but I'm trying it >_>
For legacy, I like Jund. It is quite good. I really want to play Goblins but with decay running around it isn't the best choice. Show and Tell is always a good time too :-p. Though whenever you play legacy, I've realized you go off the mainstream a lot though so make some crazy food chain emrakul or something >_>
I agree.
Modern Masters anyone? I went to an MM draft for FNM and it was very fun. My sole intention was to finish my playset of Bobs (needed 3). Not only did I finish my playset, I got all Ravnica copies which I'm very happy with. Now all I need is thoughtseize and I've got the deck built
I drafted a blue/green tempo... control... thing. It did well, splashing red for removal. Games just took forever. Every game I won came with less than 10 cards in my library (which I'm all for, it was just grueling rounds). Thank god I found time to trade or the night would have been significantly worse.
Also Pittsburgh got sweeped tonight by the Bruins... but that didn't really happen. The hockey off season began last week, so I don't understand why all these Boston fans are celebrating
............. WHY IS THOUGHTSEIZE SO EXPENSIVE
But simply assuming someone could do harm using an advancement doesn't mean that advancement should cease to be found. Then again this is one of those topics that go back and forth with no real solution... At least in my eyes :/
As far as instrumentation I can't (That whole, competition between colleges doing research thing). My current research is in using 'underpowered' devises to make better documentation of prints then people using the expensive devises in the field. Photo technology has come a long way, and the law for acceptable prints were set back in the 70s. I personally find it weird that Joe Nobody can take a picture with a crappy camera, and it would pass the quality test to be entered into court as evidence (Current mega pixel minimum for evidence of prints is 6/8 depending). Hell most phones get that.
As far as processing products, we do most of it manually. MatLab and Python :-p from scratch cause we da best mang. That and if we do it ourselves there are more publications to be made on that end
That makes more sense to me. The bluntness helped me understand a bit more. The thing is I seem to have grown a bit numb toward the thin lines my research walks on (but that is just how it goes with identification software). If anyone recalls last summer I worked mainly with iris and face identification (we even did some work with heat signatures as a form of identification). That is the most intrusive work I've ever helped with, and judging by the think clearance form subjects had to sign, I was right to be a bit hesitant.
The only solace I get in my research is that the data we take is not connected directly too the subject in any way. AKA if the CIA came in demanding information we have to shrug our solders and say 'well, nope'.
MAGIC NOTE!
MM drops tonight and we are doing a draft (only $20 for the draft and that actually gives solid prize support). I'm basically gunna walk around screaming for bobs until someone trades/sells to me (already talked with the owner and he said using cash for bobs is cool). Here's hoping I can almost finish my deck tonight
I must admit, I don't follow. I've been looking at purely the scientific research leading to the decision, not the legal end. Though I am a bit intrigued about how it raises government power? I assume you mean more toward the actual use for identification in it's basic form, regardless of medium? **bare with me, my legal knowledge isn't the best. I do my research following all the ethical guidelines necessary. Also this isn't a counter argument, I just don't know honestly what you're getting at :/
I'm hoping for bobs. I'd much rather have the older art but they will be very hard to get around where I live :/ I like how the deck plays, just need to tweak it after testing for.. a while.
Hey, Cleveland has been making strides and might do very well this year. They are not a bad team. One of my good friends is a big Browns can and I keep myself posted on their moves (for trash talk.. ya know). And yes, it is Miami Vs. San Antonio. Gunna be an absolutely fantastic series. And the Leafs played well. I'm just chilling here in the corner while PIT gets systematically manhandled by Boston :/ At least my Wallet will stop hurting if it continues.
So my buddy is selling a bunch of his collection to pay for a wedding. He even is considering selling the Recall which is very sad for all of us (but you got to do it ya know). I'm gunna get a couple friends together to see if we can buy it from him, then give it to him as a wedding present in September when it all happens. If any of you remember, this is the friend that GAVE ME AN ENGLISH MOAT. So I figure helping him out is the least I could do. He's also selling his Reanimator deck which is going to hurt to see go. Those Seas and Deltas man :/
On a personal note. I've been getting into forensic research in my lab lately and it is very interesting. Done a lot with helping increase the quality of finger print images when it comes to identification. If any of you heard, earlier this week the Supreme Court accepted DNA swabs from finger prints as a form of identification. This is a very very large breakthrough when it comes to criminal identification, which of course affects my lab a lot. My job just got a lot harder, to say the least
Yea, I feel like a pretty big idiot trading my playset away a couple years ago. Then again at the time they had been steady at like $15 and I had no real intention of using them. I know they'll be hard to find, but I'm pretty sure I can borrow some form the people at the local shop. I have like $350 in cards lent out around the shop so I think I will be able to call in a few favors.
I loosely remember having a conversation from probably a year ago when I was talking about football with tordeck and you're general response was "The only sport I really have interest in is bowling". So calling it there seemed relevant.
Also anybody have any 'sleeper' cards they like in the new set(s). Meaning the new rav block? I generally like talking speculation so I figured I'd bring it up here :-p see what the clan mates think.
4 Deathrite Shaman
4 Dark Confidant
4 Tarmogoyf
4 Knight of the Reliquary
Instant (5)
2 Abrupt Decay
3 Path to Exile
Sorcery (10)
3 Thoughtseize
4 Lingering Souls
3 Inquisition of Kozilek
1 Crucible of Worlds
Planeswalker (4)
4 Liliana of the Veil
Lands (24)
1 Vault of the Archangel
1 Gavony Township
1 Tectonic Edge
1 Bojuka Bog
1 Horizon Canopy
2 Stirring Wildwood
4 Verdant Catacombs
4 Marsh Flat
2 Misty Rainforest
1 Temple Garden
1 Godless Shrine
2 Overgrown Tomb
1 Forest
1 Plains
1 Swamp
(sorry for weird formatting, I couldn't fix it)
Not really different than what I've found. I really do like the knight and crucible package. I'm hoping I can get the bobs I need through mm, then I'll only need 2 thoughtseize to complete the list. I'm hoping I can finish this list up by next Friday for a modern tournament at the shop. If I can next week I'll be able to figure out a good sideboard depending on what people play at the shop.
I really wish I could fit more disruption in, I also kind of want to squeeze another land in, but I need to test first before I make up my mind.
Also for any BB fans in the house, anybody excited for the championship series? Gunna be absolutely crazy. If it doesn't go to 7 It'll be a great loss for the sport of basketball :-p
Any hockey fans? My penguins are getting rocked hard >:[ Worst part is my good friend is a huge Bruins fan so we've been at the local sports bar for the last 2 games... Let's just say I've been buying the drinks... I hate loosing bets
I'm never actually worried about 'budget'. I have a lot of the cards in the meta already and anything I don't have shouldn't be to hard to obtain (as long as its justifiable), just don't know what is 'popular' right now. The fact that you say it is up for grabs is kinda cool. The brewer in me alllllways loves hearing that
The legacy Sundays have been showing decline over the past year though haven't that? I read somewhere that it isn't always going to be legacy anymore which truly stinks. Sometimes I worry it might actually fail soon and that makes me le sad
I do want to get into modern and since I have most of what you need already it shouldn't be to hard... Just need to study the meta for a bit. I do not own thoughtseize and only own 1 bob though so I am lacking there. At least I got the goyfs?
Tell me about it...
This isn't that far fetched, the re-printing I mean. We'll see. I'm just a bit embarrassed I got rid of them a year ago :/
So I'm at a bit of a crossroads here... I haven't picked up cards in a few months and I'm not sure what I want to do. How are Standard and Modern as formats right now? I'm trying to get back into regular play down at a local shop but being out of the loop for so long has me a bit confused. Is standard a 'fun' format right now? Same with modern? Any cards/decks that look promising? I know that is incredibly vague but I'm just not entirely sure what I want to do at the moment. I'm just so burnt out from the last semester I'm trying to force myself into a state of general relaxation and magic has always helped with that, and Minecraft but I play that game to much as it is...
Sorry for not being around. My life has been going to hell and back constantly over the last few months and I'm finally getting it back in order. I won't bore you guys with the details, we'll just leave it as I was averaging 3.5 hours of sleep a night since mid February, and certain events causing lack of mental stability turned me into an emotional wreck when... "**** got reeeeeeal". Also ended up having to sell a bunch of cards to make rent and what not because I couldn't work as much as I wanted over the semester.
But now summer is here, and I'm back to working full time! So that means magic
The new legendary rule change seems... odd to me. I'm assuming it means there will be a somewhat legendary theme coming up in the next sets, which could be cool. I'm honestly not a fan of the rule, and I'm sure you EDHers are in big WTF moments right now. Playing with the new rule is going to be... interesting.
Land rule makes me sad because they just made it easier for people without adding much. Idk, maybe simpler is better? bleh
New sideboard rule is weird as hell. Again they made it a bit easier to understand I guess... I doubt I'll be going to 75 game 2 anytime soon lol
Sometimes that's all ya need
On the note of SCG opens, I'll be in DC in 2 weeks playing at that one. Looking at either Bant control or mono-4C black (crpyt ghast with return and revelation). For legacy probably just gunna play jund because I'm comfortable with it now. Any ideas on something else for standard? Or legacy. I could play TES but it doesn't seem all that good right now :/
I got 2 weeks to decide, and am willing to go into the event on almost no practice time, at least a week though. (It is my 21st birthday next week, so going to DC with my friend is more of a party for me anyway... aka doing well will be met with praise, but also flopping will be okay too)
Adding Marshall to the news room and LSV to the coverage makes it so much easier to listen to aswell
I won!
I had chains played on my in a legacy event a couple months ago. neat little mono black does everything deck. TES don't like chains >_>
For standard I'm toying with 5 color MonoBlack with ghast, lilly, return, revelation.. lots of random **** I probably shouldn't play, but I'm trying it >_>
For legacy, I like Jund. It is quite good. I really want to play Goblins but with decay running around it isn't the best choice. Show and Tell is always a good time too :-p. Though whenever you play legacy, I've realized you go off the mainstream a lot though so make some crazy food chain emrakul or something >_>