Ian's Top Ten Thread - Page 68

IanTheCool · 08-08-2011, 06:07 PM

7. Zheng He (1371 - 1433)
Exploration

One of the most famous explorers in the world, Zheng He is one of those historical figures which have become more legendary than strictly factual. His massive fleet sailed practically the entirely of the eastern world, spreading trade as well as diplomatic ties to China from various countries. He spread China's influence far and wide for his Emperor and created many tales to be told by Chinese families for generations to come.

IanTheCool · 08-08-2011, 06:26 PM

And just for interest's sake, check out one of his ships compared to one of Vasco de Gama's.

shained · 08-08-2011, 06:30 PM

you studying history or just a fan of the 15th century.......?

IanTheCool · 08-08-2011, 06:35 PM

I'm just working backwards. I've done all the centuries from 16th to 20th already.

IanTheCool · 08-09-2011, 11:34 AM

6. Mehmed II (1432- 1481)
Politics

Mehmed was the ruler of the Ottoman Empire and brought an end once and for all of the Roman Empire (the eastern half still existed in the form of the Byzantine Empire). By conquering Constantinople he turned the Ottoman Empire into a realm of great influence and importance in the world.

IanTheCool · 08-09-2011, 11:57 PM

5. Isabella I (1451 - 1504)
Politics

Queen Isabella is on this list for three main reason. The first may seem too localized, but she unified the kingdom of Spain, especially with her marriage to Ferdinand of Aragon. But considering Spain was one of the major world powers during the colonial era, this is quite significant. Secondly, she established the Spanish Inquisition which ended Moor dominance on the peninsula and strengthened Catholicism's hold on the Latin countries. Thirdly, she basically kicked off the colonial era by financing and setting in motion expeditions to find an eastern trading route, including one you may have heard of: Christopher Columbus.

IanTheCool · 08-10-2011, 10:41 AM

4. Joan of Arc (1412 - 1431)
Military

Joan of arc is one of the most notable female figures in feudal history. Her story is hard to imagine: a peasant girl who claims she was chosen by God to lead the French army to victory. Which is exactly what she did, turning the tide f the once English-dominated Hundred Years War before being made a martyr. On a purely factual basis, these military victories may not seem significant enough as one of the most influential people in the world. However, her legacy lives on in the form of national pride, female empowerment, and religious fervour.

IanTheCool · 08-11-2011, 09:52 AM

3. The Yongle Emperor (1360 - 1424)
Politics

The 15th century saw China's Ming dynasty reach its peak through the reign of the Yongle Emperor. Yongle did many things to restore his kingdom to greatness. He built the Forbidden City, reopened the Grand Canal, and sent the famous Zheng He on his legendary journeys which created many diplomatic bonds with other countries. He embraced and strengthened Chinese culture during his reign and showed an openness towards differing philosophies and religions (.... except for Mongolians). His reign wasn't perfect, but he reformed the countries economy, strengthened its military, and brought Chinese culture to great heights.

IanTheCool · 08-11-2011, 01:12 PM

2. Christopher Columbus (1451 - 1506)
Exploration

1492 is one of those years in which the world changed forever. It was the fateful year that Christopher Columbus discovered the Americas. The colonization of the "New World" which would follow would shape the 500 years of history that would follow. Entirely new worlds and possibilities were opened up for people on both halves of the world, though it turned out much less well for those in the western hemisphere.
Make no mistake, Columbus was a brutal man. He decimated Hispaniola, putting many of the natives to the spear or put them in shackles. But influence isn't only created by the "nice" people of the world. and because he essentially opened the world to being a global community and allowed Europe to spread and impose its influence, his discovery is certainly one of the most significant of the last millennium.

IanTheCool · 08-12-2011, 12:08 AM

1. Johannes Gutenberg (1398 - 1468)
Innovation

With all of the scientists, explorers, and military and political leaders which have shaped this past century, its oddly humbling that a simple printer from Germany stands above the rest. And all because of his one invention which changed the world forever: the printing press. This seemingly basic invention was simply supposed to make Gutenberg's life a little easier. Instead, it began a massive revolution of ideas and knowledge.
A&E, in their Biography of the Millennium special, selected Gutenberg as the most influential person of the entire millennium, from 1001 - 2000. And hearing their reasoning, it makes sense. The printing press allowed ideas to spread and essentially gave birth to the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, and any other ideological movements since the 15th century. Scientist's discoveries were able to be published, common people were able to read the bible for themselves, philosophers were able to teach their philosophies to many. This also took the dispersal of knowledge away from those in power, putting it into the hands of the people.
Johannes Gutenberg is most definitely the most influential person of the 15th century, but may very well be the simple most influential person of the last one thousand years.

**JBond** · 08-12-2011, 01:04 AM

Yeah, but how many Indians did he kill?

Alien · 08-12-2011, 03:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IanTheCool

This seemingly basic invention was simply supposed to make Gutenberg's life a little easier.

Lazy bugger...

Deexan · 08-12-2011, 06:51 AM

His descendants are also some of the greatest minds of the modern age; see: Steve Guttenberg.

Ramplate · 08-12-2011, 07:29 AM

I really like these century lists you do. I keep thinking I'll get a few of my own going but... I'm lazy

so far.

I have been thinking of a different twist on the Top Ten Lists (because everyone knows - I'm twisted)- I think I'm going to get a few together first to see if the concept works

IanTheCool · 08-12-2011, 10:44 AM

nice comments guys.

Thanks Ramp. They're getting tougher now that I'm outside the scientific revolution.

IanTheCool · 08-14-2011, 12:43 PM

The Ten Best Movie Sequels

10. Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan (1982)

Star Trek is one of the most legendary television shows of all time, so there were a lot of expectations when the franchise decided to take its adventures to the big screen. Unfortunately, Star Trek: The Motion Picture was a huge disappointment and did not have a whole lot of cinematic value. A few years later however, they came back with Wrath of Khan and blew their expectations wide open. Star Trek was back with a strong narrative, a great villain, and heart-pumping emotion. Khan to this day is considered the best of the series. And for a franchise that contains 11 movies and 5 tv shows, that's saying something.

IanTheCool · 08-15-2011, 10:52 AM

9. Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991)

The first terminator took the science fiction genre by surprise. It was a relatively small film with a large concept, one which audiences really held on to. Seven years later, there was a lot of hype around its sequel, and when T2 was finally released it gave audiences a lot more than they expected.
T2 did something very interesting by switching Arnie's iconic villain role into being the hero, and giving us another equally good villain for him to go up against. T2 was also a marvel of special effects at the time and is one of the pioneer films of CGI. But more importantly, Cameron managed to give a lot of depth to the story, seen through the relationship between the terminator and John, and even John and his mother. It also deals with the question of fate and whether or not it is ours to control (a philosophy which the next film in the series completely decimates and reverse, but that's a rant for another time...). One of the most beloved sequels of the last twenty years without a doubt.

PG Cooper · 08-15-2011, 11:02 AM

Love T2, might be my number one sequel.

IanTheCool · 08-16-2011, 11:41 AM

8. Dawn of the Dead (1978)

Horror movies are notorious for having a slew of awful sequels. Nightmare on Elm Street, Friday the 13th, Halloween, etc. But George A. Romero, in his sequel of Night of the Living Dead, actually managed to make a better film than his ionic first entry into the series. Dawn of the Dead is considered not only one of the best zombie films ever made, but one of the best horror films ever made. Dawn of the Dead reached for more than its predecessor, through acting, script and social satire.

Knerys · 08-16-2011, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IanTheCool

The Ten Best Movie Sequels

10. Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan (1982)

Star Trek is one of the most legendary television shows of all time, so there were a lot of expectations when the franchise decided to take its adventures to the big screen. Unfortunately, Star Trek: The Motion Picture was a huge disappointment and did not have a whole lot of cinematic value. A few years later however, they came back with Wrath of Khan and blew their expectations wide open. Star Trek was back with a strong narrative, a great villain, and heart-pumping emotion. Khan to this day is considered the best of the series. And for a franchise that contains 11 movies and 5 tv shows, that's saying something.

Nice.

PG Cooper · 08-16-2011, 01:23 PM

Love Dawn of the Dead too.

Starwars411 · 08-16-2011, 03:41 PM

Dawn of the Dead is definitely in my Top 5 Horror Movies.

Also, good choice with T2.

Alien · 08-16-2011, 05:10 PM

I think it's hard to top T2.

IanTheCool · 08-16-2011, 05:41 PM

By the way, number 1 is exactly what you think it is.

IanTheCool · 08-16-2011, 06:04 PM

7. The Road Warrior (1981)

The Road Warrior, sequel to the 1979 apocalyptic action film Mad Max, is the fulfillment of what many believe Mad Max should have been. The sets and costumes manage to bring this new anarchist society to life much more than its predecessor, and its action scenes are among some of the best ever filmed.

08-08-2011, 06:30 PM	#1678
shained Y.N.W.A Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: liverpool, england Posts: 3,381	you studying history or just a fan of the 15th century.......? __________________ Liverpool Football Club You'll Never Walk Alone Letterboxd

08-12-2011, 01:04 AM	#1686
JBond Feed me Join Date: May 2000 Location: SR388 Posts: 67,491	Yeah, but how many Indians did he kill? __________________ The due date for Round 135 of the CS Film Club is Monday, May 20th, 2013. 59 out of 64 Hugo Award winners completed. "Die Hard 5 makes Die Hard 4 look like Die Hard 1" - Doomsday

08-12-2011, 06:51 AM	#1688
Deexan Integral Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 10,323	His descendants are also some of the greatest minds of the modern age; see: Steve Guttenberg. __________________ I'm about to drive in the ocean, I'm about to swim from something that's bigger than me SoundCloud Twitter

08-12-2011, 07:29 AM	#1689
Ramplate Muwahahaha!...Hamster. Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 25,653	I really like these century lists you do. I keep thinking I'll get a few of my own going but... I'm lazy so far. I have been thinking of a different twist on the Top Ten Lists (because everyone knows - I'm twisted)- I think I'm going to get a few together first to see if the concept works __________________ "When I said 'nuke the Chinese' I meant put the take out in the microwave!" "We're not spies, mate. I don't even speak Russian." "What?" "I don't...Am I speaking Russian? How come I'm speaking Russian?"

08-15-2011, 11:02 AM	#1693
PG Cooper Raging Bull Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 6,134	Love T2, might be my number one sequel. __________________ PG Cooper's Movie Reviews Our Youtube Channel CS! Recod Holder: Quickest Review in the Film Club (2 hours 19 minutes). April 18th, 2013, 9:24 PM-???? "Terminator 2's a pretty awesome movie."- Paul Thomas Anderson

08-08-2011, 06:07 PM	#1676
IanTheCool Executive Lego Producer Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 13,385	7. Zheng He (1371 - 1433) Exploration One of the most famous explorers in the world, Zheng He is one of those historical figures which have become more legendary than strictly factual. His massive fleet sailed practically the entirely of the eastern world, spreading trade as well as diplomatic ties to China from various countries. He spread China's influence far and wide for his Emperor and created many tales to be told by Chinese families for generations to come.

08-08-2011, 06:26 PM	#1677
IanTheCool Executive Lego Producer Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 13,385	And just for interest's sake, check out one of his ships compared to one of Vasco de Gama's.

08-08-2011, 06:35 PM	#1679
IanTheCool Executive Lego Producer Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 13,385	I'm just working backwards. I've done all the centuries from 16th to 20th already.

08-09-2011, 11:34 AM	#1680
IanTheCool Executive Lego Producer Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 13,385	6. Mehmed II (1432- 1481) Politics Mehmed was the ruler of the Ottoman Empire and brought an end once and for all of the Roman Empire (the eastern half still existed in the form of the Byzantine Empire). By conquering Constantinople he turned the Ottoman Empire into a realm of great influence and importance in the world.

08-09-2011, 11:57 PM	#1681
IanTheCool Executive Lego Producer Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 13,385	5. Isabella I (1451 - 1504) Politics Queen Isabella is on this list for three main reason. The first may seem too localized, but she unified the kingdom of Spain, especially with her marriage to Ferdinand of Aragon. But considering Spain was one of the major world powers during the colonial era, this is quite significant. Secondly, she established the Spanish Inquisition which ended Moor dominance on the peninsula and strengthened Catholicism's hold on the Latin countries. Thirdly, she basically kicked off the colonial era by financing and setting in motion expeditions to find an eastern trading route, including one you may have heard of: Christopher Columbus.

08-10-2011, 10:41 AM	#1682
IanTheCool Executive Lego Producer Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 13,385	4. Joan of Arc (1412 - 1431) Military Joan of arc is one of the most notable female figures in feudal history. Her story is hard to imagine: a peasant girl who claims she was chosen by God to lead the French army to victory. Which is exactly what she did, turning the tide f the once English-dominated Hundred Years War before being made a martyr. On a purely factual basis, these military victories may not seem significant enough as one of the most influential people in the world. However, her legacy lives on in the form of national pride, female empowerment, and religious fervour.

08-11-2011, 09:52 AM	#1683
IanTheCool Executive Lego Producer Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 13,385	3. The Yongle Emperor (1360 - 1424) Politics The 15th century saw China's Ming dynasty reach its peak through the reign of the Yongle Emperor. Yongle did many things to restore his kingdom to greatness. He built the Forbidden City, reopened the Grand Canal, and sent the famous Zheng He on his legendary journeys which created many diplomatic bonds with other countries. He embraced and strengthened Chinese culture during his reign and showed an openness towards differing philosophies and religions (.... except for Mongolians). His reign wasn't perfect, but he reformed the countries economy, strengthened its military, and brought Chinese culture to great heights.

08-11-2011, 01:12 PM	#1684
IanTheCool Executive Lego Producer Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 13,385	2. Christopher Columbus (1451 - 1506) Exploration 1492 is one of those years in which the world changed forever. It was the fateful year that Christopher Columbus discovered the Americas. The colonization of the "New World" which would follow would shape the 500 years of history that would follow. Entirely new worlds and possibilities were opened up for people on both halves of the world, though it turned out much less well for those in the western hemisphere. Make no mistake, Columbus was a brutal man. He decimated Hispaniola, putting many of the natives to the spear or put them in shackles. But influence isn't only created by the "nice" people of the world. and because he essentially opened the world to being a global community and allowed Europe to spread and impose its influence, his discovery is certainly one of the most significant of the last millennium.

08-12-2011, 12:08 AM	#1685
IanTheCool Executive Lego Producer Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 13,385	1. Johannes Gutenberg (1398 - 1468) Innovation With all of the scientists, explorers, and military and political leaders which have shaped this past century, its oddly humbling that a simple printer from Germany stands above the rest. And all because of his one invention which changed the world forever: the printing press. This seemingly basic invention was simply supposed to make Gutenberg's life a little easier. Instead, it began a massive revolution of ideas and knowledge. A&E, in their Biography of the Millennium special, selected Gutenberg as the most influential person of the entire millennium, from 1001 - 2000. And hearing their reasoning, it makes sense. The printing press allowed ideas to spread and essentially gave birth to the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, and any other ideological movements since the 15th century. Scientist's discoveries were able to be published, common people were able to read the bible for themselves, philosophers were able to teach their philosophies to many. This also took the dispersal of knowledge away from those in power, putting it into the hands of the people. Johannes Gutenberg is most definitely the most influential person of the 15th century, but may very well be the simple most influential person of the last one thousand years.

08-12-2011, 10:44 AM	#1690
IanTheCool Executive Lego Producer Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 13,385	nice comments guys. Thanks Ramp. They're getting tougher now that I'm outside the scientific revolution.

08-14-2011, 12:43 PM	#1691
IanTheCool Executive Lego Producer Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 13,385	The Ten Best Movie Sequels 10. Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan (1982) Star Trek is one of the most legendary television shows of all time, so there were a lot of expectations when the franchise decided to take its adventures to the big screen. Unfortunately, Star Trek: The Motion Picture was a huge disappointment and did not have a whole lot of cinematic value. A few years later however, they came back with Wrath of Khan and blew their expectations wide open. Star Trek was back with a strong narrative, a great villain, and heart-pumping emotion. Khan to this day is considered the best of the series. And for a franchise that contains 11 movies and 5 tv shows, that's saying something.

08-15-2011, 10:52 AM	#1692
IanTheCool Executive Lego Producer Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 13,385	9. Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991) The first terminator took the science fiction genre by surprise. It was a relatively small film with a large concept, one which audiences really held on to. Seven years later, there was a lot of hype around its sequel, and when T2 was finally released it gave audiences a lot more than they expected. T2 did something very interesting by switching Arnie's iconic villain role into being the hero, and giving us another equally good villain for him to go up against. T2 was also a marvel of special effects at the time and is one of the pioneer films of CGI. But more importantly, Cameron managed to give a lot of depth to the story, seen through the relationship between the terminator and John, and even John and his mother. It also deals with the question of fate and whether or not it is ours to control (a philosophy which the next film in the series completely decimates and reverse, but that's a rant for another time...). One of the most beloved sequels of the last twenty years without a doubt.

08-16-2011, 11:41 AM	#1694
IanTheCool Executive Lego Producer Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 13,385	8. Dawn of the Dead (1978) Horror movies are notorious for having a slew of awful sequels. Nightmare on Elm Street, Friday the 13th, Halloween, etc. But George A. Romero, in his sequel of Night of the Living Dead, actually managed to make a better film than his ionic first entry into the series. Dawn of the Dead is considered not only one of the best zombie films ever made, but one of the best horror films ever made. Dawn of the Dead reached for more than its predecessor, through acting, script and social satire.

08-16-2011, 01:23 PM	#1696
PG Cooper Raging Bull Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 6,134	Love Dawn of the Dead too. __________________ PG Cooper's Movie Reviews Our Youtube Channel CS! Recod Holder: Quickest Review in the Film Club (2 hours 19 minutes). April 18th, 2013, 9:24 PM-???? "Terminator 2's a pretty awesome movie."- Paul Thomas Anderson

08-16-2011, 03:41 PM	#1697
Starwars411 Darth Smith Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Charleston, WV Posts: 5,293	Dawn of the Dead is definitely in my Top 5 Horror Movies. Also, good choice with T2.

08-16-2011, 05:10 PM	#1698
Alien Space traveler Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: 314 Pi Avenue Posts: 20,823	I think it's hard to top T2. __________________ Gamertag: Seraph31 \| Twitter: Seraph_31 Space travel's in my blood There ain't nothing I can do about it I always flirt with death I could be killed, but I don't care about it Je suis le roi des Dauphins!

08-16-2011, 05:41 PM	#1699
IanTheCool Executive Lego Producer Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 13,385	By the way, number 1 is exactly what you think it is.

08-16-2011, 06:04 PM	#1700
IanTheCool Executive Lego Producer Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 13,385	7. The Road Warrior (1981) The Road Warrior, sequel to the 1979 apocalyptic action film Mad Max, is the fulfillment of what many believe Mad Max should have been. The sets and costumes manage to bring this new anarchist society to life much more than its predecessor, and its action scenes are among some of the best ever filmed.