Axis Mundi X discussion

Michelangelo considered himself a sculptor. DaVinci considered himself an inventor. Oddly enough, Alice Cooper considers himself a botanist. Anyway, my point is that those people are most often recognized for their accomplishments in other areas.

So what’s your unrecognized trait/ability/interest? I’ll be honest – I think I’m drop down, drag-@$$ funny. I have an odd sense of humor, and not many agree – I’m sure if you polled my co-workers, you’d hear adjectives like “efficient”, “surly”, or “withdrawn”, but not a whole lot of “funny” - but there you are. I’m also extremely interested in linguistics. Like the fact that linguists haven’t been able to determine the origin of the Basque language – that crap is fascinating to me.

So what about you?

This is an interesting question, Rusty. I found myself characterized at work recently as someone who "could get things done", e.g. knew how to push within the system and, uh, get things done. That was surprising. I hadn't thought of myself that way. I'm usually desperate to make sure shit gets done, to make sure the program runs well, so I cover my bases, so to speak.

Your comment about linguistics was interesting. Outside of GR I'm next to the only one I know with an interest in ancient history and literature. I guess not many people know that about me. Same with my interest in art in general and art museums. I'm not an expert in either area and I keep both pretty much to myself, I guess.

My primary function in life at the moment (what I do for monetary reimbursement) Is to look at broken machinery poke it with my finger and then just walk away. With all the onlookers that are suppose to be able to fix this stuff looking scared. I return a few moments later, with an obscure tool and then everything purrs like NB. But I however am not known as the "magic machine man" I am known as the asshole that you best keep your distance from. This is a title that my minions exploit to get little perks... any time they ask for something they know they shouldn't have "Oh Nick requested it..." Bam they walk back to the control room with (Cookies, banana cream pie, new chairs, an espresso machine!) This ask and receive seems to work for everyone under my charge except for one. No humidifier, No skin treatments. If I thought I could get away with it I would ration her air supply. Not enough to kill her, just enough so that she is busy gasping for air instead of talking.


I would like to someday be like a Da Vinci. Invent and build some cool superthingy-o-matic. But I will slave here until I am 45 then I am done.

I definitely consider myself an artistic person, and claim incompetence in most other areas that aren't strictly academic... but truth be known I have an uncanny touch with both machines and animals. Horses calm down under my touch, dogs stop fidgeting, cats somehow know I am friendly to them. Sewing machines start functioning again, computers stop misbehaving, cars that won't start rev suddenly when I turn the ignition.

Of course, it's not fulproof, and I try not to talk about it, because the gods are fickle that way. But among the Luddites of my family, I am considered to be one of the techno geniuses of the 21st Century. That always makes me laugh. Especially since I barely know enough to get what I need to done on the damn things.

But it's all relative, isn't it?

Amongst my colleagues I am known as the unflappable, unsurprisable, slightly grouchy one....if they only knew!! I am like a swan....all serenity above the water, all hell breaking loose underneath!
I am a teacher, but I have a fascination with ballet and have read widely and deeply about its history...few know that.
I think most people would define themselves differently from the way in which others perceive them because it is always hard to be objective about yourself.

About the office, I'm known for bringing up unappetizing bits of conversation usually just before lunch. Sucking chestwounds? Sure. Hygiene habits of my pets? Always a good bet. It's what I do.

see how that does not in any way surprise me?

My unrecognized strength is that I'm tall. But to the ordinary eye, I'm 5'4". So no one knows.