This either has a really long answer, or a really short answer.

For the sake of brevity, and the fact it's gone 1am here in Blighty, I'll just give you the short answer:

Depends.

Are we talking as a species with specific biological traits or the societal definition?

Your guys' definition of a true man, so I guess that also means societal definition. Even though we're all from differing cultures and societies, I'm quite curious to know what your guys' definition of a true man is. I'm aware that some of the male traits and virtues are wholly universal across the world, but like I said, I'm curious about the little things that makes those views special from one another.

If it's specifically a man, that definition is a little loose. A "real man" to me is the same for what makes a "real woman" for me. Compassion, strength, courage to continue living despite any inner or outer demons. The willingness to see outside oneself and weigh matters from another perspective. Someone who keeps trying to do better, regardless of gender or lack of.

(StudentModeOn)
Hmm. Digesting this information..
(StudentModeInStandby)

I look at Destri on here. He is there for those he cares about when they need him; regardless anything else in the world his wife and family can always count on him - you can't beat that for being a true man.

I’ll be absent for a while again, but back before summer ends. See you then!

Don't forget to bring back presents!

Warm sands and cool waters to you, Grits.

See ya, Grits!


Remember to eat a lot of ice cream!

Yes, may the sand always be warm beneath your feet - and at least bring back some picture souvenirs for us!

Every body on this site has been very patient and understanding of the difficulty I have been having reading the stories I have loved so many years; or reading any larger posts in the different forums.

McB mentioned something earlier, and I thought it might be helpful for some to come to a better understanding of what I have been going through since the stroke.

I have aphasia, which is an impairment of language, affecting the ability to read or write. Aphasia is always due to injury to the brain-most commonly from a stroke.

Here is a video that may give you more information on aphasia:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-0Q56zf9EQ


When I first got back on the internet September of 2014, I was using the built in Microsoft voice software on all their computers - which works about 79% on speech to text applications; and has an absolutely terrible voice for reading (text to speech).

That terrible robotic voice makes reading fics impossible; and believe me, I have tried.

Recently I have purchased a better voice software (which actually works with my southern accent!). In speech to text it is much improved. In Text to speech it is also much more improved, but is still extremely wearing to try to use for a text as long as a story episode.

But for writing and responding to comments on this site, it has given me a huge step forward. It feels really good to be able to be involved with my friends on here, anything that makes my life feel normal again like it was before the stroke is priceless to me.

Here is an example of how the speech to text works; for anyone who may not be familiar with it:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJ0i1dHZH48








This post has been edited by mALX: Aug 2 2015, 11:03 PM

Thanks, mALX. Very educational. I'm just so glad you are back and (somehow) able to communicate pretty darn well (albeit slowly) with us.

I apologise if my quip offended...It obviously wasn't my intent...

I do know very well what you mean with that...

Apologies...

Thanks, Acadian; and thank you so much for all the help you have given me in my ability to return as well as I have, because without your prompts and reminders I would not have done as well as I have - and the others on here like SubRosa and Mirocu who have been patient or supportive through the last year, I cannot thank all of you enough for your friendship and kindness; you all are so appreciated


Here is an example of how the "Text to Speech" works, as you can hear - not good for reading stories:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_ZoAPG3LOc



Losing the ability to keep up with the stories I love on here, or writing Maxical's story - these might seem like small losses to some, but to me they are some of the ones I consider hardest; because reading has always been one of my greatest relaxation pleasures. These stories on here were like old friends, I knew the characters and loved them.

I waited for years for DE's story to reach the emerging point where the stories converge into one huge climactic moment; it is happening right now and I am missing it! Uleni is writing again, and I am missing it; Thorney has a new story up that I would love to see, especially after reading his poetry. Grits and Treydoggie have new chapters up - not to mention that the great war between Maxical and Malan was just about to take place in my story.

I don't know if I'll ever get my ability to read and write back, but if it never happens I just want you all to know how much your stories have meant to me, still mean to me. (Buffy and Teresa included).

Thank you for explaining your condition, mALX. I didn´t know you were using a voice program when making posts here, pretty nifty

Needless to say, I hope you continue to improve so that you once again can read long stories on your own and not rely on a robot to read it for you. As April O´Neill says in the first Ninja Turtles game for the NES; You have my support

Thank you for the explanation, mALX. I had no idea those programs existed, and it's great that they help you stick around even if reading longer stories is still a hassle. Chorrol wouldn't be the same without you

I'm also seconding the wish that you get better so that you can read and write on your own. Even if those programs are getting better, I really wish you wouldn't have to use them.

Thanks for the explanation mALX. Very educational. Those voice programs seem handy and I'm glad you can still join in with (almost) everything. You're as much a part of Chorrol as the emotes It wouldn't be the same without you - especially the ESO threads.

I echo mirocu and Saquira's wish that you continue to improve and that perhaps, one day, you can read and write stories again.

I feel for you, mALX. I experience similar issues every day in the real world, only it's not aphasia I have to deal with, it's deafness. Comes down to the same thing - it's a barrier to communications. Thank heavens for software that does the whole text to speech for you, I wish the speech to text thing works as well! (Google captions, anyone? Try it on any YouTube video and prepare for multiple face palm moments!)

My Internet has been acting hinky for the past six months. I'm down to one computer hardwired into the modem while I'm waiting for it to "sync with the server." Hopefully that will fix the issue and let me have consistent internet once again. I can't make phone calls without WiFi and Internet! Ugh!