What are some of your favorite words to use in writing? (I understand this is limited greatly by context, but when context allows, which words do you feel a great joy to use either because of their form or sound or any other quality?)
Oh, beautiful question. But, because it is example-based, it is a question whose answer is too long for me to recite fully. Will you accept the following selective answer?
Also, a disclaimer: You asked about words in particular, but, because of the way I write, it is difficult for me to focus on words without edging toward greater English structure here and there. So forgive me if I seem to veer away from just words.
I enjoy certain sounds above others. I agree with Tolkien that the "-or" suffix sound is one of my favorite, especially if you soften the R to the point of most British enunciation, as well as extend it. However, here I am already getting away from words themselves, and into sounds. (But you did mention sound!) I also like the long "I" sound. I really like the--now, if I post the symbol for this, nobody will know what I mean--the "aw" sound. If you can comprehend the difference between the sounds of the words "pa" and "paw," you know what I mean. I like the "wr-" prefix sound, because to me it gives the excuse for extra richness in the R. Letter by letter, some of my favorite sounds are A, I, J, K, R, S, T, Z, and the soft J (which doesn't occur in English but is like a cross between J and Z). I'm a fan of most diphthongs--and not just because I know what that word means--because of the richness and complexity of sound they inevitably bring.
Moving on from sounds and letters, I enjoy many words on a "just because" basis, like "coin." And there are other words I enjoy on a meaning basis, like "ambition." These two are not mutually exclusive, and some words I like not only just because, but because they have a special meaning too.
Words can also taken on extra beauty in relation to their neighbors. I love long sentences that have a heavy pulse--a lyrical cadence with lots of good-sounding, fleshy words. I also love short sentences with two or three key words that punctuate an idea with the exclamatory force that only a short sentence can bring.
I could go on, and on, of course, but let that suffice as a start, and if you want to ask a follow-up question, please do.
What'd you think of the first Democratic debate?
I haven't watched any of the debates thus far. But from what I've read, I think none of the candidates were as honest, earnest, or visionary as they could have been.
What are you thoughts on the theory of Simulated Reality.
I certainly think it will eventually become technologically possible to fool people into thinking they're someplace they're not, if that's what you mean.
What's my biggest flaw?
Hehehehe. As of now, I would like to make that question my own.
I don't know much about you. At least in this community, your biggest flaw is that you resist being taken seriously, and seriousness in general. Monty Python is great, but I wouldn't want to live in their television show. You? Probably not. Most of the people who have difficulty accepting seriousness usually do so out of either deep insecurity or extreme immaturity.
And one that doesn't post lotz, which would be me.
I think that's enough of that particular question, actually. Besides, in your case, I don't know enough to venture any insight.
But I will give mine, since Hadriel asked: I have a hard time finishing things. Call it sloth, call it perfectionism, call it what you will.
Also, name some of your favorite games that came out within the last year.
Twilight Princess is the only game I actually bought in the past year, so that says something. I'm excited by Spore, but that's not actually out yet. I really loved the early Metroid games, but I have had the hardest time getting a taste for the FPS genre the series has become.
Honestly, though, I haven't done much gaming in the past year--and very little with games that are brand new.
