Wikipedia talk:Society for the Preservation of the Quazer Beast

Abject objection

I've reverted the change from "object" to "abject" in this sentence: "The Society also believes that the history of the Quazer Beast article serves as an object lesson to the perils of the Wiki model, as explained below" of the first para, as "object lesson" is correct usage, in my view. Feel free to discuss. ++Lar: t/c 03:35, 21 September 2006 (UTC)

Well I have yet to find a dictionary which gives a definition of "object" as an adjective, but I am not dictionary complete. The word "abject" is, however, an adjective, and seems to fit what the author was trying to say, which is why I made the change. I also welcome discussion from others. RoscoHead 05:56, 21 September 2006 (UTC)

You may not have had a chance to look hard enough. Try this search for the phrase, 7 out of the first 10 hits (including several dictionaries) give the meaning I have in mind. I'll ask Mac what he meant next time I see him on IRC though. ++Lar: t/c 10:13, 21 September 2006 (UTC)

Ah. American English. I have only British/Australian dictionaries, and none contain that phrase. I guess I have learned an abject lesson. RoscoHead 23:02, 21 September 2006 (UTC)

See the Oxford English Dictionary, sub "object" III: object lesson, [(a) (now chiefly hist.) a lesson in which a pupil's examination of a material object forms the basis for instruction;] (b) fig., a striking practical example of a principle or ideal. (Quotations for the first sense are American; for the second appear to be both English.) Septentrionalis 03:27, 17 November 2006 (UTC)

"Object lesson" and "abject lesson" are both real phrases and both have different meanings. An "object lesson" is a concrete example of an abstract idea. An "abject lesson" is an excessively harsh or vile punishment made to teach a lesson. For example "When the army recaptured the rebel village, they killed everyone as an abject lesson to others who might consider rebellion." —Preceding unsigned comment added by 12.214.251.195 (talk) 21:21, 22 October 2008 (UTC)

"Quazer Beast" found!

Errrden appears to be a made-up species.

I'm putting it up for deletion, but its content is here. --Gray Porpoise 00:57, 17 November 2006 (UTC)

Article content

Errrden
File:Err001.JPG
A Common Errrden
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Pyrotheria
Family:	Swindellae
Binomial name
Thirdis Errrdenae

Errrden is a bipedal vertabrae species indigenious to the North American continent. The species is a solitary, mainly nocturnal animal noted for its large pumpkin shaped head that produces an enormous amount of heat; commonly referred to as "head heat." The Errrden species is one of the most lethargic species in the animal kingdom; they spend most of the day either asleep or consuming nutrients. Interestingly enough, the main source of nourishment for errrdens is knowledge and wisdom, which is a fact that also accounts for the errrden's capacity to produce "head heat." Studies have shown that a common errrden produces an average of 110 kW of heat but will max out at nearly 1 MW during feeding periods. The processing power of the Errrden brain is on par with some of the most powerful computers known to man.

The creature is often thought to be extinct or mythical and is often equated to something similar to that of the boogeyman. However, errdens do exist and are unfortunately misrepresented as nasty, brutish animals despite their usually calm and amiable temperament. Needless to say, errrdens must be dealt with in a careful manner because they are tempermental creatures and can be easily provoked.

External Links

National Errrden Conservation Organization

Another Quazer Beast

Several months ago, I found the following creature while beachcombing for monsters on Wikipedia. The page was regrettably removed soon afterwards but, fortunately, I had saved a copy. Here's Thaloc in all its (pseudo)mythological glory. Freederick 16:17, 16 October 2007 (UTC)

Thaloc (mythology)

Thaloc is a mythological beast that featured prominently in the religious superstitions of the ancient Egyptian culture. The supernatural power of shapeshifting was ascribed to the thaloc or thalocian, who was believed to range in size and form. The thalocian was commonly portrayed in art as a winged fox or kitten, a girl with black wings similar to those of an angel or as a cat walking on its hind legs. The animal was believed to possess many powers, including the ability to steal human souls and to converse with demons and angels. It was considered by different sects as both a good and bad omen, possibly as an indicator of death similar to a grim. No official cult of worship was established; however small groups of dedicated believers still claim to converse with the creature and petition it to intercede on their behalf. Belief in the thaloc (thalocian) also prompts many to seek advice from the animal via gifts and sacrifices delivered while petitioning.

Categories: Egyptian mythology | Legendary creatures | Shapeshifting

Man-Eating Quazer Beast

For over 15 months the Man-eating tree page listed a section about a variety known as the Duñak, which is in fact another pseudo-myth.

Section Content

The Duñak is a carnivorous tree described in tribal tales from the Philippines and other areas of South-East Asia. It is said to resemble a monsoonal tree with very thick foliage and dark bark, occasionally said to have a reddish hue. It does not appear abnormal until a large animal walks under its branches, at which point barbed vines extend down from the tree to wrap themselves around the animal. The animal is then lifted up into the foliage, crushed to death, and consumed. It is said to have occasionally taken humans, but mostly does not prey on anything larger than deer and other ungulates native to the region. Some cryptophytologists believe the Duñak to actually be one of the larger members of Drosera, although would most probably not take prey larger than frogs and small mammals. Others believe the unlikely tales merely describe the hunting habits of one of the species of python native to the area.