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Prop

A "prop" is any item, either hand held or free standing, that is not nailed down on a theatrical or film set.

The term originates from the basic inventory of the company being the "property" of the owner.

General use is to give authenticity to a performance by adding a prop to give the actor "business". Interacting with a brush, sitting at a dressing table in a scene sets up the "suspension of disbelief" along with sets and costuming.
"The stage manager asked for all hand props to be used at rehearsal.
by Amadscientist November 18, 2009
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Forum

The word "forum" is derived from the Latin word "Fora". A large public meeting place. Similar in origin and function to other words used today when describing public speaking. "Community" and "Committee" originate from the Latin terms "Comitium" and "Comeo" and today's podium is referred to as a "Rostrum" from the original stone tribunal called the "Rostra". The people of ancient Rome would meet in the "Comitium" to listen to orators speak from the "Rostra". When the city grew larger the Roman Forum" was built to accommodate larger crowds.

Gaius Gracchus, a tibune of Rome is famous for turning his back on the Senate in the "Comitium" while speaking from the "Rostra" to face the common people gathered in the forum on the other side. From that point all orators spoke with their back to the Senate House.

Today the term "Forum" is defined as an online Internet message board section or "forum" where people leave posts with their opinion and comments. Each "forum" is separated into specific interests like, politics, news, pics etc.
"The modern forum for people to meet is on Internet Message Boards."
by Amadscientist November 18, 2009
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Rome

One of the oldest cities in the world. The birth Place of the republican political system and western civilisation.

The city began as a small settlement established by twin Brothers Romulus and Remus nearly 2,500 years ago.

"All Roads lead to Rome" refers to the fact that all roads literally began in the city of Rome and expanded out to the provinces. The Umbilicus urbis Romae, a large cone shaped monument, marked the center of the city and Republic.

Augustus Caesar added the Milliarium Aureum which stood across from the Umbilicus urbis on the Rostra (the speakers Platform for political speeches). It was engraved with all of the Provinces of the Empire at that time and the distance from the monuments.

Today the "Eternal City" is considered , perhaps, one of the most romantic locations on Earth. Ancient edifices, music, good food and a long history is what Rome is most known for.
There is no better place to fall in love than Rome.
by Amadscientist April 15, 2009
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Julius Caesar

Perhaps one of the most misunderstood rulers of the ancient world. As polarizing today as perhaps in ancient times.

Julius Caesar began his early life by fleeing the City of Rome when then Dictator Sulla asked for his death. A compromise was made and Caesar was allowed to return.

His campaigns as a Roman General are some of the greatest triumphs in Military History.

From His conquering of Gaul (modern day France)and Britain to his Consulship along side his rival Pompey Magnus, Caesar was well known and popular with the people of the Republic.

When he was assassinated by the Senate, history was repeating itself as the Roman Senate had already accomplished the same with several other rulers. This in itself may have been the reason the Republic fell and the Roman Empire began.
Julius Caesar was popular among the Roman Plebeians.
by Amadscientist April 17, 2009
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Touron

The derogatory term combines the words "Tourist" with "Moron" to describe any person who, while on vacation, commits an act of pure stupidity.

The term has its roots in the resort, park service and service industries and can easily be dated back at least as far as the mid 1970's. It is widely used throughout the US, but may not be in general use by mainstream society.

Mostly an inside "Joke", created to vent emotion when dealing with the public.

In Yosemite National Park, "Tourons" regularly block access into the park by stopping on the single lane road to take pictures of wildlife.

"Tourist, Please leave your brain before entering " was the sign in an underground cartoon in Yosemite in the late 1980s. It depicted the entrance to the park with a park service employee leaning out the gate to accept the brain of a tourist driving a Volkswagen Beetle. Another sign in the cartoon read "Night Drop".

The cartoon was seen in both park service and concessions offices during that period and reflects the over all harmless, yet critical view of people who forget how to act in public.
The "Touron" asked the Ranger when the deer were released for viewing.
by Amadscientist April 18, 2009
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Pointless Thread

"Pointless thread" is the name of a discussion thread on a number of political message boards begun by a single person known only as "Chanty".

The first one began on the "Real Time with Bill Maher" community message boards but has also been added to several others.

The thread is meant as a way for users to talk about anything without fear of deletion for going off topic. Generally speaking, a post on this thread should not have a point, but be a random thought passed to others on the thread.
The "Pointless Thread" is the most popular thread on the Real Time Boards.
by Amadscientist April 19, 2009
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Real Time with Bill Maher

The HBO original Television series with political Commentator and comedian, Bill Maher.

In 2002 Maher was the subject of controversy when on his original "Politically Incorrect's September 17 show, had guest Dinesh D'Souza disputing the Bush's label of calling the 9-11 terrorists, "Cowards". She said the terrorists were warriors. Maher agreed and replied "We have been the cowards, lobbing cruise missiles from 2,000 miles away. That's cowardly. Staying in the airplane when it hits the building, say what you want about it, it's not cowardly".

His show was canceled on ABC and Real Time premiered on HBO on February 21, 2003
Bill Maher out lasted President Bush when his show "Real Time with Bill Maher" was picked up for another season in 2009.
by Amadscientist April 19, 2009
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