JCC P E O P L E Interviews, Issue LII: Zapdos!

Hello!

I know I said the interview with Wocky was a one-time thing, but then I changed my mind. There was one more person I wanted to interview. That person was none other than Zapdos. She did not disappoint. It all came about like this: harpua suggested to me, "Why don't you interview Zapdos?" And I was all, "Um... YES!"

First, I talked to harpua briefly, about Zapdos, and noobs in general, then I started the interview.

This is the old format, so my dialogue is italicized; Zapdos and harpua's are not.
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So, why is it such a great idea to interview Zapdos for PEOPLE?

harpua: I think it's a good idea to integrate quality noobs into the community. Hopefully, it will motivate noob lurkers to post more and post better. She became "one of us" pretty effortlessly and quickly. We regulars already know each other pretty well, so I think it's time to get to know some other people. If new users feel like they're welcome to share themselves with us, that's a good thing, and I think something like this will send that message out. Plus, Zapdos is pretty awesome.

Who are some other noobs who you think are quality, and that you would like to encourage to post more?

Well, I don't spend a lot of time in WNU, so my knowledge is limited to people I see in Community. The ones that stand out are I Are The Internets and Frank T.--keep doing what you're doing. There were a couple, I forget their names who came in all guns blazing wanting to aggressively argue about everything--there was one in the gun thread, and another who had some odd opinions about women. We've got a pretty tight security system and are good at chasing people like that off. I think that's why we have the reputation of being unwelcoming in WNU… and we're really not. We just have a low tolerance for idiots (minus Rogue_Ten… he's been grandfathered in).

Off topic, but I don't think Rogue_Ten and darth_boy have ever been unbanned and posting at the same time, and I'm wondering what that would look like. I imagine it would be similar to putting two beta fish in a bowl together.

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So I've heard you're from Norway. Are you from a part of the country that gets midnight sun? If so, how do you deal with that?

Zapdos: No, I do not live within the polar circle. Still, there is only about one hour of darkness during the summer and it is around 3-4am, I think.

I deal with it by keeping my curtains closed in the bedroom and by driving with low beam.

Do you have superpowers from being in so much radiation?

I've been advised not to answer that.



How about the climate? I'm from California, so it's a lot warmer where I live. Do you ever just get tired of the cold or is it something you're absolutely 100% used to?

I am, of course, used to the climate, but I still can get tired when the temperature drops below -25˚C. But there's a lot of fun to it as well. My friends and I usually go to a cabin in the mountains during winter. A week of snowboarding and afterski parties is one of our yearly traditions.

So you snowboard? Any interesting stories to tell there?

Only a little, nothing extreme. Years ago I fell on a jump and landed pretty hard, hands first, and broke my left thumb. I was asked to grab a glass to see the direction my thumb was bending and it was indeed bending too much backwards. So I went into the doctors office the next day to have it x-rayed. But… I had carefully avoided using my thumb since the fall in fear of pain, so when I put my hand under the x-ray machine I managed to x-ray the wrong hand… I was told that my thumb was completely fine (of course) and I went home. I realised my mistake later that night and never went back. So now I have an untreated broken thumb. Feels fine but it's extra bendable.

Has an untreated, broken, extra bendable thumb ever come in useful?

Only as a pick-up line.



Alright, let's talk about the JC. Why did you join?

I had made a major fool of myself at the company christmas party and was down with the flu, so I was mostly staying in for two weeks. I believe I was watching ANH when I got to thinking of the upcoming trilogy, googled it and ended up here.

What is this story about the party? You willing to share that? Hint?

Even though I do have a high embarrassment threshold, I'm not sharing that one, haha sorry.

How big a fan of SW would you say you are?

I am a fan of the movies but not die-hard anymore. I don't bother to discuss or keep up with the news for the upcoming movies but I will go see them when they come out. I guess I came here for the news but stayed for the Community.

How big is Star Wars in Norway? Are there series' that are more popular, do you think?

Hard to tell. People dress up on opening night, and almost everyone I've come across have seen at least one of the movies one time, but other than that it's not much of a culture. We don't have big arrangements, Cons, etc here. Wouldn't surprise me if series (both books and adaptations) like Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings are just as big or bigger.



So tell us about the aquarium. What kind of fish does it have?

The one I have now is very small, so I only have small, boring fish. I do have three braindamaged snaileating fish I call Gorm. Those are the only interesting fish I have at the time. When I get settled in the new apartment I'm buying a 700-900 liters aquarium and there I will have plenty of beautiful Cichlids, at least.



So what kind of music do you listen to?

Mostly older bands and artists. Dire Straites, R.E.M., Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Iron Maiden, Queen, The Beatles. Frank Sinatra, Elton John, Eric Clapton, etc at times. I never listen to the radio so I know little to nothing about what songs are popular now. I'm always the one with the afterparty music in my circle.

Do you actively think younger, more modern music is bad or is it just not to your taste?

Well, younger music is not a genre, so it does depend on what we're talking. I do not think it necessarily bad and I do not know enough of it to make a certain statement. I listen to R&B, techno, etc. in small does when the circumstances are right, but since most of the time when I'm listening to music is when I'm driving, working or relaxing I prefer more calm music, like the type I've listed above.

Do you play an instrument?

No. I played the piano when I was younger and sort of regret quitting, but at the time I do not possess any musical talents at all. I played a mean Pink Panther, though.

Why is so hard to go to concerts in Norway? Is it just the seclusion of the country?

I'm sure other norwegians will arrest me for saying this, but it seems to me like there's only about one decent concert here a year, none of which in the city I currently live in. I plan on traveling a lot in the future so I will try to catch a few concerts in other countries, then.



Speaking of travel, have you always lived in Norway? Have you ever lived anywhere else?

I have, to this day, always lived in Norway, but I am planning to take at least one year of my upcoming studies abroad but I can't seem to decide where. I am not the type to feel attachment towards places and things, so I wouldn't have a problem with moving permanently to another country, either.



What do you believe is the absolute best thing about you- whether it's a physical trait or a personality attribute or even a quirk…?

Hah, that's always a tough one. I guess it's that I don't hold grudges and easily forgive, which is a weird thing since I am also very cynical.



What do you study?

At the moment I am just working and preparing to start my studies. The plan is to master in marine biology. Big fan of everything water, so that's the dream job.



Let's talk about Norwegian politics. I know we're the JC and we'll know next to nothing about it, but I think you'll find us willing to learn. Could you give us a brief rundown of the election, who's up for what, etc… ?

I don't want to bore you all too much Norway, but I'll tell you the basics. There are several political parties, ranging from socialism to conservatism and liberalism. We've had 8 years with a leftwing coalition government. The election is (was, now I guess) september 9th and numbers indicate that we will get a rightwing coalition government this time.

Norway has free education and healthcare, right?

Yes, we have.

Would you ever trade it for a more capitalist, private market version of education and healthcare? Or do you like what's going for you now?

The rightwinged parties are all for private market, but that will be in addition to free, public alternatives. I will vote for the possibility to have that choice. It will not affect the state-owned schools, hospitals, clinics etc we have already, as I see it.

What about the prison system in Norway? I only ask because of Anders Breivik. I read that he will stay in there for about 21 years or so, then he goes free. Is that true?

He will never go free. Breivik is sentenced to 21 years "forvaring." Which means that prison guards, prison psychologists and other experts closely watches him and the question about him being released will come up in court after 21 years and he will then be sentenced to serve new years in prison. Forvaring in Norway has no upper limit in years. It is a long, complicated process and even inmates much less dangerous than Breivik will never be released. Our constitution forbids the government of changing the law with retroactive effect, so We couldn't change the law for Breivik either.



So, is there a word in Norwegian that you wish had an English equivalent? How about vice versa?

Dude, I'm sorry but my country and language isn't really all that interesting. I asked my coworker but all he could come up with was weird schoolboy insults that wouldn't make much sense directly translated.

Could you just try one of the insults? JCCers are responsive to the most surprinsg things.

I guess my personal favorite is a word used mostly in my dialect. It's Hånstaur. Basically it means a person so fundamentally stupid that he is completely, 100% oblivious to how big a jackass he really is. I'm sure all of you know a hånstaur or two.



You are interested in books, I saw. What book have you reread the most?

I never get tired of the LOTR series. Harry Potter is high on the list as well, considering I basically grew up with the series. Other than that I enjoy reading Jo Nesbø's books and I've just bought the A Song of Ice and Fire series, so I'll start on that as soon as possible.



Okay… let's go off to la la la fantasy land, in a place where you don't have to work a 9-to-5 or whatever it is you have, what would you do? I mean, what do you really want to do to occupy your days?

Ah man.. I won't be living in Norway but I'd take my awesomest people with me. I'm guessing Australia, or somewhere with amazing aquatic life so that I can go scubadiving all the time. I would also already have taken the skydiving certificate and would spend all my days either high up in the air or under water. I'd work as a marine biologist and have a few dogs at home, but not so many that it would keep me from traveling.

Do you mind telling us a little about these awesomest people of yours?

My awesomest people are the perfect amount of lame, hilarious and trustworthy. They aren't afraid to make fools of themselves around me and I can talk with them about everything, even though most of the time our conversations aren't very serious.

What's the best diving spot in Norway?

I guess Lofoten is a popular spot for many.

And, also, what is it about diving and marine animal life that you love so much?

I've always loved water. Swimming, diving, snorkeling, watersides, or just watching and hearing it. And nobody lives underwater, which is a nice change. Plus the animal life is fascinating to study, especially in beautifully coloured reefs.

So the comment about nobody living underwater stood out to me. You consider yourself a cynic- would that be about people? Philosophy time, I guess- are people inherently kind or selfish?

I guess I can be a cynic about people as a whole. All of us combined are a pretty ****** group. Individuals, on the other hand, is different.

Alright, now let's go up several thousand feet to arguably the complete reverse. Why the sky-diving? You've got to have some guts to do that, guts that I don't know that I have.

I love heights and adrenaline. It started with rollercoasters as a kid and it just took off, I guess. The plan is to start working on the certificate this spring. I'd base jump too, but I'm pretty certain I'd be one of those people crashing and dying.

Ooooh- rollercoasters! Really quick- what's the best one you've been on?

The wooden rollercoaster at Liseberg amusement park in Sweden, I think.



Just who or what is that in your avatar? He or it has haunted my dreams.

He's a character from a norwegian animated film from the 70's called Flåklypa Grand Prix (Pinchcliffe GP in english). He's called Mysil Bergsprekken and is the psychic sidekick of the badguy in the movie. I like him because he's bat**** crazy and looks like it as well.

I absolutely muss see this movie. Do you know if it's available in the US? I must look for it.

I have absolutely no idea. It may be able to find online with english subtitles, but it could be problematic when it comes to region codes?

What does you username mean?

Zapdos is a Pokemon, haha. It started many years ago when I signed up to a forum with a friend of mine who went with the name of another Pokemon and she asked me to match it. It's one of the two usernames I use online. The other one wouldn't make much sense in english so I went with this one. Easy to remember, since I'm used to it.

Wait- you're into Pokemon?! Holy schmoly, I knew that name sounded familiar. I collected way back a long time ago… Don't know why I stopped. I think I got into Star Wars cards.

Yeah collecting was epic. I knew a weird girl who traded for cards with pretty backgrounds. Got me some pretty sweet pokemons from ripping her off.



FAVORITES

Food?

Pancakes and pizza. Can't choose.

Drink?

I'm a Coke addict. Preferably with a capital C

Song?

It changes all the time, but I never get tired of hearing Afraid to shoot strangers, by Iron Maiden

Animal?

Dog

Ancient myth?

The only mythology I can remember anything from is the norse, lol

And Historical Personality?

I like the scientists, like Einstein, Newton, da Vinci, etc

Aquatic animal?

Ummm… I do find the dolphins and sharks pretty interesting.


Pancakes? Have you perchance seen our pancakes and waffles forum?

Yes, Myke linked me to it. But it's not open for posting anymore, is it?

Sadly, no, not open. At least, I think not.

Shame Would have been my favourite forum

What would be the absolute perfect pancake meal? What would have to come with it? Would there be anything in it? What temperature? Syrup cold or hot? Syrup at all? What else?

Most of the time I eat northern european pancakes, the thin kind. To make them perfect they must be light-brown and come right from the pan. I eat them with blueberries, sugar and sometimes with bacon on the side.

I have never made american pancakes myself, but I've had them served with hot syrup several times. Delicious.



Just why does Norway not really celebrate Halloween all that much, anyway? Do the kids go trick or treating?

Some go trick or treating. It's just not the culture here I guess. When talking about it people (old people) always say, "halloween is a silly, american tradition". We're boring that way



What's your birthday?

It's October 21st.



If you could be any fictional character, but you had to stay here on Earth with all of Zapdos' stuff, friends, identity, home, etc… what character would you be?

So I'd have my own identity but adopt the abilities of the character? I guess I'd like to be someone with a serious case of The Smarts, like dr House, Sherlock Holmes or Walter White.

Walter White? That made me think of another question…

If you had three vices, what would they be? Be specific- if a drug, which drug?

When you say "if you had", you mean if I were to pick three vices that I currently don't have, or mention three of my current vices? Just for clarity

Well, if you don't mind talking about your vices, that is, sure, mention three of your current ones.

I assume everyone I first meet is an angel. I am not cynical.

lol

Sorry to ruin that for you, then. Well, I swear a little more than I want to, I don't eat so healthy and I have a tendency to sleep in and be a little lazy at times.

Those aren't even bad, now that I read them over.

You know what! I'll give this one a little time and I'll get back to you with a better list

I looked up a list of vices, since I'm sure I have many vices that are such big parts of me that I'm not even aware of them anymore. And I decided that I swear much more than I'd like to, I can be pretty selfish at times, and I do actually have an addiction.

Hmm. What's your favorite swear?

Probably Satan. I don't think you use that as a swear in english?

Nope, we don't. What's the Norwegian word? Or is it just "Satan?"

It's Satan. Just pronounced a little bit differently.



What if Star Wars Episode VII were to film on location somewhere in Norway? Where should they film, if they wanted to showcase someplace very beautiful as some planet in the GFFA?

Well, they already shot the Hoth scenes here, because ice planet lol. But actually, there's a lot of beautiful places in Norway. My personal favourites include the Pulpit Rock, the Geirangerfjord and Lofoten.

Pulpit Rock: http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lkt64bPwgM1qe9vdto1_500.jpg
Geirangerfjord: http://iliketowastemytime.com/sites/default/files/geirangerfjorden-norway-hd-wallpaper.jpg
Lofoten: http://www.mauriziorellini.com/data/photos/57_1norvegia__isole_lofoten_095.jpg

Lofoten, especially, looks like another world… absolutely surreal, yet beautiful.



Alright, Zapdos… If you were stuck in an elevator for 96 hours, and all conventional food sources were used up, meaning after a while, you would have to resort to cannibalism, what seven JCers would you choose, if you were some weaver of fate, to be stuck in the elevator with you?

Would I eat all seven of them? Because I don't normally consume that much food in 96 hours. I'd want some of my favorites there for amusement/conversation, so I'd guess I'd pick Harps, SLG, Prenn and it wouldn't be right if I didn't name drop you after all this time. So that's four. And I'd want Tom to make some music. Internets would be pretty damn useful as well, for, you know, the internets. And I don't want to eat someone I like. And I definitely don't want to eat someone creepy. So, since there can't be a name drop without mentioning Jabba-Wocky I guess he'll serve as food.



Let's talk about the JC (besides namedrops, that is)… in your eight months here so far, what post has made you laugh the hardest? Or which user? Or both?

I never remember this stuff… But usually it's the good burns and one liners, though I can't remember specifically. I do like most of Ender's posts. I don't even have to agree with him, I just enjoy the way he expresses his opinions.

Oh no.

I don't know if I should publish that.

Do you know what position you've put me in here?

Hehehe. You're in charge. Make the right choice.

Okay.

Forgive me, JCC, she knows not what she does!



You get to ask yourself one question and answer it. Go.

I guess I'd ask myself what my name is, so that you don't have to call me by my username all the time?
It's Maia.



Let's talk a little about science and spirituality… I like to get to know people's opinions on two subjects:

1.) Is there a god? what is your spirituality, if any?

I was raised a Christian, but I think I've fallen off that wagon long ago. I prefer not to discuss religion, since it rarely leads anywhere, so I won't argue either God's existence or inexistence. There might be a god for some, and not for others.

2.) do you think we'll ever get off this rock? Could "warp" or faster-than-light ever be a reality?

No, I don't think so. I hope so, of course, but I can't see it happening.

Do you consider yourself an optimist or a pessimist?

Realist. Which I guess leads to more pessimism than optimism.



Who are your awesomest people on the JCC, and which extreme sport, even if it's one you haven't yet done yourself, would you go on with each of them individually?

Well, I think I'd choose after who would fit the most on this one.

You were from California, right? Ever gone skiing? If not, I think it would be pretty hilarious to take you snowboarding. Or anyone else wouldn't be able to stand up straight. And I think I read that Mortimer Snerd is a scuba diver, plus he's a fun guy, so it would be cool to go diving with him. And, if I were to go sky diving with someone from here I think I'd go with Myke. I think (not sure) that he's done it a couple of times already, plus I already know that he's a cool guy, so.

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I hope you enjoyed reading! And I hope you enjoy posting with Maia around the community. Welcome to the Community, Maia!

I am in the process of restoring old PEOPLEs. Unfortunately, I did not save the old PEOPLE threads, so they're all truncated. If you were a PEOPLE interviewee and you saved your issue, please let me know. It would be greatly appreciated. Otherwise, these will be restored by going the (very) long way around.

Past Issues

1. FamousAmos
...
50. tom
51. Jabba-wocky

Thanks for dropping in,
~Coruscant

 

Zapdos

I'm happy that you've found this place interesting enough to stick around. To more good posting!


Sent from my iPhone 5... take that, Wocky!

 

this was maybe the best 'people'.

genuinely laughed out loud.

and i like ender's posts too.

 

Great stuff - and also, eminently readable. Like, in the literal sense.

 

This is more like it.

 

Ctrl+F "Darth Guy"

Eh, I'll read it later.

 

Didn't you have a list of people you promised interviews to? Are we going to pretend that didn't exist?

 

This interview was my idea, so if you want to bitch at somebody, bitch at me.*


* but it would be better if you didn't bitch.

 

Great taste in music - welcome Zapdos - good interview.

 

Admin not namedropped = Thread locked

 

Awful. No name drop. Shove those Norwegian pancakes up your cooter !!!

 

Where's the tl;dnr version?

 

i didn't forget anyone. i'm saving my best for the 2023 "ohmygod i've been here 10 years" anniversary thread. just sit tight.

 

Smart move. So how do we properly pronounce your name?

 

/ˈmʌɪə/

hahaha i don't know what else to say

 

This interview was actually a good read. And I didn't know what a Zapdos was before this lol.

 

Zapdos is like one of my favorite fellow noobs and a hella fun person to talk to, so the fact that this interview went so great is no surprise to me.

 

Probably the single best interview in the last several years.

 

What happened to me being next?

 

Very nice! Good to get to know more about you, Maia. Also, I think I'm going to start using "Satan" as a swear word. It could be a kind of invocation, like "Beetlejuice."

Satan.
Satan!
SATAN!!1111!!

 

Did it work?