Brasil

:::::::SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER::::::::::::::::: People, Luke Skywalker falls to the Dark Side of The Force in Return of the Jedi. madsatirist (9:11:37 PM): ::is now watching RotJ:: madsatirist (9:11:48 PM): Trilogy x2 Shinmaru007 (9:11:51 PM): :-D madsatirist (9:11:52 PM): first Star Wars madsatirist (9:11:54 PM): then Terminator madsatirist (9:11:55 PM): :-D Shinmaru007 (9:11:58 PM): I watched that earlier today, heh. Shinmaru007 (9:12:01 PM): Ooh, awesome. madsatirist (9:12:04 PM): indeed Shinmaru007 (9:12:06 PM): Going for the gold today, eh? madsatirist (9:12:12 PM): ::goes back to make chocolate milk:: Shinmaru007 (9:12:15 PM): lol madsatirist (9:12:15 PM): hellz yeah madsatirist (9:12:18 PM): see ya in a few hours Shinmaru007 (9:12:21 PM): Okay. madsatirist (11:28:12 PM): DUUUUUUDE madsatirist (11:28:28 PM): got some Star Wars related stuff to talk about Shinmaru007 (11:28:38 PM): Shoot. madsatirist (11:29:23 PM): 1 sec madsatirist (11:29:28 PM): he's at the potty madsatirist (11:29:30 PM): ^_^ Shinmaru007 (11:29:33 PM): lol madsatirist (11:29:45 PM): okay, first, madsatirist (11:29:48 PM): Force Choke madsatirist (11:29:51 PM): Dark Power, right? Shinmaru007 (11:29:54 PM): Yep. madsatirist (11:29:58 PM): k madsatirist (11:30:18 PM): so then, any Jedi or FS character using Force Choke is Dark Side or falling to it madsatirist (11:30:19 PM): right? Shinmaru007 (11:30:37 PM): Yeah. madsatirist (11:30:51 PM): Luke was Dark Side throughout the entirety of RotJ Shinmaru007 (11:31:28 PM): Yes, I've often thought that, too o.o madsatirist (11:31:53 PM): Jenn doesn't agree with me, though--doesn't agree with us Shinmaru007 (11:32:31 PM): She have any arguments against it? madsatirist (11:32:50 PM): Well, she argues that Luke is conflicted in RotJ madsatirist (11:33:03 PM): his shadow/light presentation madsatirist (11:33:05 PM): framewise madsatirist (11:33:06 PM): etfc madsatirist (11:33:07 PM): etc Shinmaru007 (11:33:17 PM): =/ madsatirist (11:33:17 PM): but he's presented in shadow so much more than light Shinmaru007 (11:33:22 PM): Yeah. madsatirist (11:33:37 PM): OH! madsatirist (11:33:39 PM): CHECK THIS madsatirist (11:33:40 PM): okay, madsatirist (11:33:42 PM): in Empire, madsatirist (11:33:52 PM): Ben and Yoda plead with Luke to not cut his training short madsatirist (11:34:02 PM): both advise him to learn to control himself Shinmaru007 (11:34:02 PM): *nods* madsatirist (11:34:37 PM): But...in Jedi, madsatirist (11:34:44 PM): when Yoda has disappeared madsatirist (11:34:52 PM): and Ben walks out to sit down with Luke, madsatirist (11:35:01 PM): Ben is telling him that he needs to kill Vader madsatirist (11:35:12 PM): while in Empire he was saying don't kill Vader Shinmaru007 (11:35:22 PM): Interesting... madsatirist (11:35:44 PM): and Emperor and Vader both tell Luke he needs to kill Vader or Emperor at the end of Jedi madsatirist (11:35:59 PM): and, Emperor was controlling/foreseeing everything in the trilogy madsatirist (11:36:11 PM): so...since Emperor is the ultimate wielder of The Force, madsatirist (11:36:29 PM): is it...is it possible that he was manifesting himself in the form of Ben in Jedi? madsatirist (11:36:39 PM): I mean, madsatirist (11:36:49 PM): this would totally shatter everything Ben says in Jedi madsatirist (11:37:14 PM): Our idea of Ben is changed Shinmaru007 (11:37:19 PM): Yeah. Shinmaru007 (11:37:42 PM): It's possible...we still don't know the full extent of the Dark Side of the Force. Shinmaru007 (11:37:58 PM): The Emperor could very well have done that o_o madsatirist (11:38:03 PM): yeah madsatirist (11:38:09 PM): what makes me think this more, madsatirist (11:38:15 PM): is how Ben appears in Jedi madsatirist (11:38:18 PM): I mean, madsatirist (11:38:21 PM): he walks out madsatirist (11:38:24 PM): and the brush moves madsatirist (11:38:32 PM): it sways as he walks past it madsatirist (11:38:43 PM): every other time in Hope and Empire, madsatirist (11:38:47 PM): he just appears Shinmaru007 (11:39:22 PM): *nods* madsatirist (11:40:02 PM): So, this supports the idea that it really isn't Ben, merely a corrupt imitation madsatirist (11:40:50 PM): and who says Star Wars' story lacks substance? madsatirist (11:40:55 PM): *cough*James*cough* madsatirist (11:40:56 PM): lol Shinmaru007 (11:40:58 PM): lol madsatirist (11:41:28 PM): and the Trilogy is based on Existentialism, too madsatirist (11:41:36 PM): the idea of actions and decisions shaping who we are madsatirist (11:41:42 PM): shaping the core essence of what we are Shinmaru007 (11:42:46 PM): Yep, that's true, especially with Luke getting the visions in Empire and then acting upon what he saw. madsatirist (11:42:54 PM): ::nods:: madsatirist (11:44:21 PM): And also, Luke leaves his first training early madsatirist (11:44:31 PM): letting his emotions cloud him madsatirist (11:44:52 PM): the path to the Dark Side Shinmaru007 (11:45:00 PM): Yep. madsatirist (11:45:03 PM): then in Jabba's Palace madsatirist (11:45:09 PM): never portrayed in light at all madsatirist (11:45:18 PM): not even upon entering madsatirist (11:45:24 PM): and as soon as he enters, madsatirist (11:45:26 PM): Force Choke Shinmaru007 (11:45:31 PM): Heh heh. madsatirist (11:45:39 PM): and Dominate Mind madsatirist (11:45:51 PM): AND, madsatirist (11:45:54 PM): his attire change madsatirist (11:46:05 PM): In Hope, white tunic madsatirist (11:46:16 PM): and Han is dressed in dark clothing madsatirist (11:46:24 PM): then throughout the series, madsatirist (11:46:31 PM): Luke's clothing gets progressively darker madsatirist (11:46:41 PM): to the point in Jabba's Palace where Han is in white madsatirist (11:46:47 PM): and often in light madsatirist (11:46:52 PM): while Luke is total black Shinmaru007 (11:47:15 PM): *nods* And it's capped off later on, when Luke dons the black glove, heh. madsatirist (11:47:20 PM): yeah madsatirist (11:47:33 PM): and also, madsatirist (11:47:35 PM): in Jedi, madsatirist (11:47:42 PM): he's looking out the window, at the battle madsatirist (11:47:51 PM): every time he turns to Emperor, madsatirist (11:47:56 PM): he is away from the light madsatirist (11:48:07 PM): and he doesn't stay at the window, either madsatirist (11:48:12 PM): he goes for the Emperor Shinmaru007 (11:48:49 PM): Yep, that's pretty much when he really gives in to the Dark Side. madsatirist (11:50:02 PM): I've got to post this on OB madsatirist (11:50:07 PM): this entire theory Shinmaru007 (11:50:17 PM): That would rock :D madsatirist (11:50:20 PM): imagine how many people would get so...disillusioned Shinmaru007 (11:50:25 PM): Heh heh. madsatirist (11:50:30 PM): excellent Shinmaru007 (11:50:48 PM): Yes, that deserves a Mr. Burns 'Excellent,' I think. madsatirist (11:50:58 PM): indeed Oh yeah. Obi-Wan in Jedi...not Obi-Wan...that's The Emperor manifesting himself as Obi-Wan. After all, The Emperor foresees everything in the Trilogy. Plus, he is the ultimate wielder of The Force in the Trilogy. He's the one controlling everything. It makes perfect sense that his powers have that capacity. I'll add more later, but everyone, Star Wars is not empty, nor is its story weak or underdeveloped. People just aren't looking hard enough. The entire basis of Star Wars is Existentialism...the idea that we are defined through action and decision. Our core being is altered by what we do. Star Wars is not deep? Hardly.

Mighty Max was great. Now that I've been reminded of the greatness that is Mighty Max, I've got to find the episodes on DVD. It was really a cartoon that was way ahead of its time. As some have mentioned, it had spectacular animation, wonderful character development, and a plot rarely seen--rather, rarely executed well. Max is the unexpected hero...the proper term escapes me...wow, I'm up before 10 am, lol. But yes. What I find most rewarding about Mighty Max is the Dante's Inferno influence. I had never picked up on it until I read Dante's Inferno, but think about why they included Virgil. :) Virgil acts as Max's guide through...hell, essentially. They visit chaotic worlds with overlords and such, and it is up to Max to right the wrongs...to play the protagonist. This is one reason why Mighty Max was such a brilliantly conceived cartoon, because the younger generation could connect with the sheer spectacle, while the older, more learned audience noticed the references to classic literature. All in all, and either way you look at it, excellent cartoon.

Now, keep in mind, that this is based in the Southern US either in the 1930s or 1960s. Keep this in mind. There is some language here. [center]"Meestah Kay"[/center] ?Meestah Kay! Meestah Kay!? Nellie?s shrill voice cut the heavy night air in manner similar to Butcher John?s cleaver as it goes through lamb and cow for customers in his deli. Nellie didn?t usually go running through town in the middle an? dead of night, screaming at the top of those lungs for a man. Doing it then was dangerous for a Negro, and doing that now was even more risky. But presently, that mattered little, if it done mattered at all. Nellie was in trouble, and more trouble than she cared to be mixed up with. ?Meestah Kay!? she cried, ?Meestah Kay, I be needin your help greatly! Please come out, Meestah Kay!? ?Course, Nellie?s voice sounded like dyin cats, and roused more than just her intended. Lights went on, checkerboarding the darkened houses. Some folk come to their windows, screaming bloody murder if Nellie, the banshee Negro girl, don?t shut her mouth quickly. ?What you yellin about?! You know we good folk are tryin to sleep, don?t you? Us good folk don?t need no little nigger girls wakin us up with gibberish bout Mister Kay! You get on, get out!? ?But I needs Meestah Kay!? Nellie exclaims, ?I?m in a heap of a mess and I need his help!? ?Well what did you do wrong?? ?It wasn?t ma fault, I swear it! I was just walkin down the road, mindin my business and these men started after me. I did nothin wrong, I swear!? ?Men, you say? Were you whorin yourself?? ?No, I wasn?t!?

The POV shift is a tad jarring. The first two paragraphs are second person and then we jump into third. It doesn't feel natural, unfortunately. I do see what you were trying to do, immerse the reader, but with the change, any immersive effect is lost. I would suggest reworking the opening into a third person POV. "Mrs. Wenton was assaulted with the aroma of citrus and tobacco when she entered...(etc)" Obviously, that's a very rough suggestion. You would make it more elegant, but I think that's how you can make the introduction fit with the tone of the third person narrative. Also, I would make Mr. Charmichael [i]sound[/i] aged. I know you make a mention of how he...breaks the mold, so to speak, but it's not enough to make the reader believe he's an old man, suffering from Alzheimer's. You know, this is probably because I recently watched 2001, but take a look at HAL throughout the film. His character progression goes from stable, to...deranged...to harmless and absent-minded. Interestingly, this character progression can also apply to Mr. Charmichael, provided you have an interest in pursuing it. I think we can all agree that as we grow older, we go from stable to batty to absent-minded. I mean, it's really what Alzheimer's is: someone begins degenerating into a removed state of mind, and that removed state of mind isn't adequately portrayed in this piece, I think. Mr. Charmichael seems just a bit too self-aware at the end, when we are told just how much Alzheimer's is going to hit him. To remedy that, I think if you toned down his self-awareness, the Alzheimer's would come through much more clearly. It would be almost...making his dialogue more vague. You know, yeah. Go watch 2001 and pay close attention to HAL. I think you'll be able to get an idea of Mr. Charmichael a bit better after [spoiler]HAL is disabled[/spoiler]. Hope that helped.

Anime Enema Boards? "Quite comfortable when you have the power to ban" I'd say Anime Enema.

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Solo Tremaine [/i] [B][COLOR=#503F86]In a more subconscious way, yes, that bit was written topically. James has loads of things planned for v7- the next few chapters of Enter the Net I've deliberately written to tie in with the change of the site, assuming I can actually write in OB real-time. The confidentiality joke is part of that, certainly, but more spawned from the discussion about 'breaking down the fourth wall' we were having some days ago. Everything else is pretty much as a cause of circumstance- actually [i]living[/i] inside the Boards becomes a lot more crowded than just having people visit it normally, and with overcrowdedness comes flared tempers and such.[/COLOR] [/B][/QUOTE] "but more spawned from the discussion about 'breaking down the fourth wall' we were having some days ago." I hadn't realized I had such a positive effect on people. :) "the next few chapters of Enter the Net I've deliberately written to tie in with the change of the site, assuming I can actually write in OB real-time." So my hunch was correct? Coolbeans.

Solo, you saucy and subtle fellow, you! [quote]In a strange twist of fate and reality, the members of OtakuBoards were cast into a virtual world where the rules of their old forums applied less than they had previously- each had to adapt to their new surroundings in their own way. While they revelled in their ability to fully customize themselves at will,[/quote] Now, I'm no genius, but from what I've heard regarding a new edition coming out, members' self-customization options will be increased, and a radical new design will be introduced. And, I am of the understanding that the usual Moderator Forum discussions are understood to be kept between Mods, but this really sparks my interest in what you're [i]really[/i] talking about, [quote]Deep inside its interior, behind a large metal bolted door labelled ?OtakuBoards Moderators? in white New Century Gothic font surrounded by a stylish blue and grey box, the Staff were having a very important and secretive meeting about the amount of room they have left. The details are so vitally confidential, they can?t even be explained in this narrative.[/quote] "Amount of room" could mean how many more members they can fit, true, but it can also refer to the desire for increased server capacity, right? From what James has hinted at, V7 is going to have increased capacity for various options, right? And this idea is further supported by the extreme emphasis about keeping the recent Mod Forum discussion between Mods, and to not leak information regarding V7. Also, Solo, you have access to the Mod Forum, as you are a Mod, and it's very interesting that you write, "The details are so vitally confidential, they can?t even be explained in this narrative." Hmmm...my interest is piqued now. You obviously are aware of certain changes in V7, correct; and you are obviously a very sly, creative and subtle writer. It makes perfect sense for you to tease the "real world" OBers here with hints of V7. Correct me if I'm wrong, of course, but...my interpretive skills are pretty sharp. ~_^ And I'm loving my part here. I want to lay some smackdowns on those l337 f00l2.

You are now doing precisely what I intended: Literary interpretive debate. Yes, Lady A and Raiha, there [i]is[/i] a specific purpose--a specific definition of Assassinated Love. There is a concrete theme at the end; there is a concrete idea. However, the beauty of language is subtlety. You see, I have done with one line what it would take other people an essay to say. I have elicited response by a singular line that seems so vague and yet seems so concrete. Think about that. I strive to reveal the true power of language; to show what is possible with being as [i]concise[/i] as possible. Anyone can overload a piece with metaphors, extended similies, and hyperbolic language, but in using such...complicated structure, the underlying message becomes muted, or often, the reader has no interest in delving deeper because the language is so utterly ridiculous. There are some authors who are capable of writing an outrageous story and grab the reader...drive the reader to delve deeper. James Joyce's [i]Finnegan's Wake[/i] is one work that draws the reader in through "contemporary" language. The beauty of Joyce is how he uses slang; Finnegan's Wake needs to be read out loud in order to understand it, because your eyes would go crossed if you tried to read it silently. You see, writing is not about being outrageous. Art is not there solely for the sake of itself. While I respect the Decadent Movement, their motivations were cloudy and hazy. They contradicted themselves and were unsure of their specific purpose. Writing...is not about doing whatever comes to mind. To be a writer, you must see the whole picture. You must have a goal--a vision, if you will--and have the tools necessary to create that vision. That is a problem with many, many fledgling authors today. They may have a vision, but they lack the applicative tools to bring that vision to life. Assassinated Love was not something I slopped down on paper, and I honestly believe that the final work reflects the writing process...the refining process. [EDIT INSERT] The refining process. Literally, I went through three total, major story revisions. The first draft was a First Person Past Tense, which made no sense when you realize that the narrator would die. Plus, it sounded awkward. The second draft was Second Person Present Tense. The present tense sounded more...familiar for the story, but the constant use of "you" detracted from the magic of the idea. The third draft, which is what I posted, is the First Person Present Tense, and it works beautifully with the idea, if I do say so myself. This touches back to a previous thread when I stressed the importance of revision. [/EDIT INSERT] Every word in there means something. The meaning is not apparent, however. It does not beat you over the head. It does not try to force you into submission. It is subtle, and that is the most beautiful part of language. Not hyperbolics. Subtlety. As I said previously, and I cannot stress this enough, anyone can write or create insane material. They simply can write whatever comes to mind. But that doesn't mean it's [i]good[/i] writing. James will certainly debate me on this, but the primary reason I regard the Terminator series over The Matrix series is the attitude towards the audience. Terminator respects you. It lets you delve deeper to uncover the meaning. It's a subtle deepness, contrary to The Matrix, which beats you over the head with, "Hey, look! I'm using all these mythological names! Look at me! I'm incorporating obvious thematic material! I'm deep!" The Matrix does not respect the audience, and the only way for the audience to not feel embarrassed is if they are scholars or extremely learned people. This is why someone should not be shocked when they hear of distaste of Reloaded and Revolutions. Reloaded and Revolutions do not respect the audience. The original certainly respected the audience. It was a movie. Film, if we shall put it that way. It did not insult the audience's intelligence, and this is a curse of writing. If the reader feels insulted, they will put your writing down and go do something else. This insult comes in a variety of forms. One is the blatantly obvious presentation. It will make the reader wonder, "Why am I reading this?" And more often than not, they will put the book down. Another insult comes in the tone of the piece. For example, satirists need to be socially aware, but also removed from society. That is, able to detach themselves from the subject matter to write free from personal convictions. I would further imagine, a satirist cannot take himself seriously. The tone is a major factor of the work. The primary reason of the hatred for Monty Python's Life of Brian is the tone of the film. It's extremely sarcastic and scathing, flinging very harsh insults at a wide scope of religious figures and doctrines. Yes, it was horrible when Life of Brian was banned in several countries, and those countries missed out on a fantastic satire, but we should not be surprised. I mean, the message of the finale is Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life--even when you're getting crucified. In fact, make things [i]better[/i] by singing and whistling! It's hilarious, yes, but the tone is what enraged people. I'm sure the public would have reacted better if Monty Python didn't "make light" of deep personal convictions. However, this reaction can also be blamed on the public, as they are not sufficiently removed from themselves...in more ways than one. ~_^ Considering all that I've just spoken of, I suggest closely examining the choice of language, form, and tone in Assassinated Love. What looks like a heartless droid really isn't, and what looks like a compassionate droid really isn't. This is how both Lady A and Raiha are correct. This is a duality of literature, both from an author's platform, and the reader's interpretive platform. Good show, everyone. I hope that my reply does not deter anyone from continuing to reply, because I would absolutely love to see Raiha and Lady A have as much of a debate as possible over the true meanings of my piece. You both have strong theses and there is support for both of them in Assassinated Love.

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Raiha [/i] [B][color=royalblue]I must confess, dear, that you don't get it. Obviously she will kill him. It is her programing that she can not fight. But after she does kill him, she must question why she did it and why she was programed to do it. And then she'll either go mad or destroy her programmers.[/color] [/B][/QUOTE] All of you are correct. RPCrazy quoted me, the author, when I said that was the end of the story, and I meant it. What you see there, is Assassinated Love in its entirety...its full entirety. Raiha, excellent reply. This is precisely what I wanted you to think about. And "you" is not only directed at Raiha, either. "You" is whoever reads Assassinated Love. I want people to think. I want them to ask questions like, "well, what is the freedom here?" It is the questions that drive us, for the most part, and the answers will occasionally drive us mad. However, is it really going mad, or just not being able to exist within what we know? I may sound incoherent, but...these questions are raised by Assassinated Love. Do discuss. ^_^

?Assassinated Love? Her eyes sparkle like Emeralds, a seductive twinkle with a fierce determination. Her honey-blonde hair glows in the early evening light. There?s an angel standing at my door, and by God, she?s beautiful. She starts talking to me, and I?m standing there speechless. ?Jason Harris,? she asks. ?Y-yes,? I stammer. ?I have very important information for you.? ?What? What is it?? ?This is best spoken of in private. May I come in?? ?Uh, sure. Come on in,? I step aside and she gracefully enters. It?s as if she doesn?t even take steps. ?May I take your coat?? ?Yes, thank you,? she replies. Her overcoat slides off her body, revealing a sky blue dress that compliments her in every way. It gives quick glimpses of her firm thighs as the fabric dances. The dress is backless, and her skin is a creamy tan. Her shoulders are sensually bare. The curves of her shoulders are matched only by the curves of her ample breasts. She glances at me, and slowly puts her fingers to my chin. ?No, no, not that,? she says and closes my mouth. My heart is thumping in my chest and I feel weak from the experience of just seeing her?admiring her. My mouth starts moving again, and I invite her to stay for dinner. ?I would like that, thank you.? I quickly set her place, and escort her to her seat. Of course, I pull the chair out so she is able to sit down. When she is comfortable, I sit at the opposite end of the table, both from etiquette and generally, I still have no idea what?s going on here. I?m having dinner with an angel. It is still shocking me. Dinner is going well. She seems to enjoy the pasta. I make an excellent red sauce. Very few dislike it. I tend to use just a touch of red wine to give it a more mature flavor. Without the wine, it tastes rather bland, and this woman deserves nothing but the best. ?So,? I ask as I twirl some angelhair on my fork, ?what did you need to tell me?? She stops. Her fork goes to her plate, and she looks up at me. ?Jason,? she says, ?my name is Lena, and I have been programmed to kill you.? ?What? This is a joke, right?? ?No, this is not a joke. You are targeted for assassination, and my serial number was drawn for the assignment.? ?Assignment? Targeted?? ?Yes,? she says. ?Holy shit?? ?It is nothing personal, of course.? ?Oh, sure, I got that much. You?re just a robot designed for killing. You don?t feel at all. It?s never personal.? ?I do not appreciate your tone, Jason. And if you would, I prefer the term, ?android,? or, ?synthetic person.?? ?So there are politically correct terms now?? ?Yes?if it is of any consolation, my etiquette protocol prohibits inhumane execution.? ?Is that supposed to make things easier?? ?I would imagine so. You should know that my etiquette protocol also requires me to allow you a last request. And yes, I do acknowledge the comical similarity to our detainment centers.? ?A last request,? I ask. ?That is correct.? ?Keep my company tonight, then.? ?What do you mean?? ?Grant me my last request. I want you to spend the night with me. Lena, it?s been a long time since I?ve had anyone, and killer robot?er, assassin droid or not, I think you?re the most beautiful woman I?ve ever seen.? I don?t know where that came from, but it?s the truth. Lena is breathtakingly beautiful. ?I am unsure how to respond to this, Jason.? ?How so?? ?This question has never been asked of me before. My previous targets? last requests were always pleas for their life, and my programmers never considered the probability of this situation when they were encoding my processor.? ?Just say ?yes,? Lena. Just say ?yes.?? ?I?very well, Jason. In accordance with my programming, I will grant your request, even though the particular specifics of your request were never accounted for.? ?Thank you, Lena.? This is unbelievable. I?m not going to be alone tonight. For the first time in months, I feel connected with someone. This is what I?ve been craving. If only Lena could know how I feel. Now, what should we do tonight? ?Lena, would you care to watch a movie with me?? ?I do not see a problem with that. Is your media player in the living room?? ?Well, it?s in my bedroom.? ?Oh, I see.? ?Lena, please, it?s not like that?well, it is like that, but?I mean?damn it.? She puts her fingers to my lips again. ?Shh. It?s all right. I understand. No need to become flustered. Let?s go to your bedroom.? She falls asleep with her arm draped over me. The movie has been over for a while now. My media player is just a dark, blank screen. I turn to look at the clock. One-thirty. I glance out the window. There?s snow falling. In the morning, there?s going to be a silent wonderland. Lena and I will have to go for a walk so we can enjoy the new paradise outside. I look at her. Her head is rested on my chest. I can smell her perfume. It?s like roses. I slowly drift off to sleep, with Lena in my arms. I wonder what tomorrow will bring. The birds chirping wake me up, but it?s not a loud awakening. It?s the peaceful and soft stirring that comes with?Heaven. I shift my right arm a bit, and Lena wakes up. She takes a moment to adjust, then kisses me gingerly on the lips. ?Shall we get up,? I ask her. ?Yes, the morning is broken.? ?Would you like to join me for a walk through the park?? ?Yes, I would.? We get dressed at a leisurely pace, as there is nothing to hurry us. It?s a weekend, so I?m off from work, and Lena doesn?t have to be back until tomorrow. The park is wonderful. The snow covers everything, blanketing it in hushed whispers. Lena and I walk along the lake path. The lake is iced over. It looks ideal for ice-skating. Lena and I sit down on a bench. I muster up the courage to say what I?ve been thinking since she walked into my apartment. ?Lena, there?s something I need to tell you, now.? ?Oh? What is it?? ?I?I love you, Lena. I loved you the minute I saw you.? ?I know. I have never said this before, either, but I have never felt this way before. My emotion chipset does not allow for this, but, Jason, I love you, too.? She puts her hand into mine. ?Do you mean that, Lena?? ?Yes, I do. I love you, Jason.? I go silent as I remember reality. ?But?you still have to complete your objective, huh.? ??yes.? Her hand grips me tighter. --- I felt that the story needs its entirety.

Mimmi, lovely post. I'm glad you went ahead with the interpretation. :) Karma, I'm glad you enjoyed it, but I do suggest you look at what Mimmi did. The sexual innuendo is merely the surface of the piece. In fact, the sexual innuendo does not relate to the true subject matter of the poem at all. ~_^

Writing sci-fi with a romantic eye? Read on. [center]?Assassinated Love?[/center] Her eyes sparkle like Emeralds, a seductive twinkle with a fierce determination. Her honey-blonde hair glows in the early evening light. There?s an angel standing at my door, and by God, she?s beautiful. She starts talking to me, and I?m standing there speechless. ?Jason Harris,? she asks. ?Y-yes,? I stammer. ?I have very important information for you.? ?What? What is it?? ?This is best spoken of in private. May I come in?? ?Uh, sure. Come on in,? I step aside and she gracefully enters. It?s as if she doesn?t even take steps. ?May I take your coat?? ?Yes, thank you,? she replies. Her overcoat slides off her body, revealing a sky blue dress that compliments her in every way. It gives quick glimpses of her firm thighs as the fabric dances. The dress is backless, and her skin is a creamy tan. Her shoulders are sensually bare. The curves of her shoulders are matched only by the curves of her ample breasts. She glances at me, and slowly puts her fingers to my chin. ?No, no, not that,? she says and closes my mouth. My heart is thumping in my chest and I feel weak from the experience of just seeing her?admiring her. My mouth starts moving again, and I invite her to stay for dinner. ?I would like that, thank you.? I quickly set her place, and escort her to her seat. Of course, I pull the chair out so she is able to sit down. When she is comfortable, I sit at the opposite end of the table, both from etiquette and generally, I still have no idea what?s going on here. I?m having dinner with an angel. It is still shocking me. Dinner is going well. She seems to enjoy the pasta. I make an excellent red sauce. Very few dislike it. I tend to use just a touch of red wine to give it a more mature flavor. Without the wine, it tastes rather bland, and this woman deserves nothing but the best. ?So,? I ask as I twirl some angelhair on my fork, ?what did you need to tell me?? She stops. Her fork goes to her plate, and she looks up at me. ?Jason,? she says, ?my name is Lena, and I have been programmed to kill you.? ?What? This is a joke, right?? ?No, this is not a joke. You are targeted for assassination, and my serial number was drawn for the assignment.? ?Assignment? Targeted?? ?Yes,? she says. ?Holy shit?? ?It is nothing personal, of course.? ?Oh, sure, I got that much. You?re just a robot designed for killing. You don?t feel at all. It?s never personal.? ?I do not appreciate your tone, Jason. And if you would, I prefer the term, ?android,? or, ?synthetic person.?? ?So there are politically correct terms now?? ?Yes?if it is of any consolation, my etiquette protocol prohibits inhumane execution.? ?Is that supposed to make things easier?? ?I would imagine so. You should know that my etiquette protocol also requires me to allow you a last request. And yes, I do acknowledge the comical similarity to our detainment centers.? ?A last request,? I ask. ?That is correct.? ?Keep my company tonight, then.? ?What do you mean?? ?Grant me my last request. I want you to spend the night with me. Lena, it?s been a long time since I?ve had anyone, and killer robot?er, assassin droid or not, I think you?re the most beautiful woman I?ve ever seen.?

Quick, 10-minute, 2-pager. [center]"Getting Wilde with Animals and Sisters"[/center] I find that the most important aspect of the English Decadent Movement is their desire to change their society. Their dedication to the cause, while misguided from misinformation, is commendable. They stick to their guns, so to speak, even when threatened with castration, or publicly humiliated. While their movement may have only lasted for ten years, this attitude of ?we?re here and we?re not going to take it? lives on. It?s very interesting to read about Oscar Wilde?s exploits and look at current celebrities. By ?current,? I mean in the last thirty years, of course. When I read of the Decadents disregard for morality, Animal House comes to mind. Likewise, when I read of Wilde dressing in drag, I imagine D. Snider of Twisted Sister, an 80s hair/heavy metal band. Snider certainly fits into the motif of Wilde and his Decadence cronies. The Decadents essentially said to the Romantics of the time, ?we?re not going to take it.? Twister Sister?s most famous song, ?We?re Not Gonna Take it,? is a modern-day translation of the ideals and values?or lack thereof?of the Decadent Movement. Wilde used make-up, and adopting Snider?s ?look? meant being caked in women?s rouge, eyeliner, and lipstick. I would further say that Snider is the modern-day Wilde. This comparison with D. Snider is strengthened when we examine how dedicated the Decadents were to creating a new form of art. One cannot deny the shock value of what the Decadents were creating. They were writing poetry that was grotesque and obsessed with matters of the flesh. When we look at what Twisted Sister was writing during their days, we find lyrics filled with innuendo and disturbing obsessive motifs. The video to ?We?re Not Gonna Take It? features a son transforming into D. Snider and sending his father down the stairs. It is the ultimate act of rebellion; to overthrow the overbearing father. Interestingly enough, Animal House works back into this idea, as the actor who played the overbearing father in Twisted Sister?s video is Mark Metcalf, who played a similarly overbearing ROTC drill instructor in Animal House. Surely, Wilde and the Decadents viewed the Romantics as overbearing drill instructors. It was a rigid structure, never allowing for deviation while one stayed ?within the system.? In Animal House, this idea is exercised. Flounder is only able to challenge the maniacal ROTC instructor when he is removed from the situation. He fights the system from the outside, which is very similar to the Decadent Movement. Through independent publications like The Yellow Book, the Decadents spread their ideals throughout England. The Romantics refused to give them a platform and also refused to acknowledge their ideas, so the Decadents took it upon themselves to wreak havoc with what the Romantics knew. This has a striking similarity to the finale of Animal House. Bluto and his Delta brothers are going to be expelled, and the majority of them are content to sit there and feel sorry for themselves. They have no idea of what to do, of how to fight back against Dean Wormer?s militaristic empire. However, Bluto refuses to sit around, eager to get revenge on those forcing them into an undesirable situation. Chaos ensues as the Deltas disrupt the school?s homecoming parade and because of their actions, public morality is degraded, which was the primary criticism of proponents of the Decadent Movement, ?perversity, unwholesomeness, and morbidity.?

Mimmi, I would really, really love to see you continue that StarBucks thesis. Please do. ^_^ Since this poem has gotten such a nice response, I figured I'd put my scanner to good use and scan the actual notebook page I wrote Stars Bucking on. The editing process is very interesting... [img]http://wookieeluv.250free.com/StarsBuckingPage1.jpg[/img] [img]http://wookieeluv.250free.com/StarsBuckingPage2.jpg[/img]

[b][u]General Awards[/b][/u] [b]Overall Member of the Year:[/b][size=1] Charles[/size] [b]Male Otaku of the Year:[/b] [size=1]Semjaza Azazel[/size] [b]Female Otaku of the Year:[/b] [size=1]Sara[/size] [b]Staff Member of the Year:[/b] [size=1]Semjaza Azazel[/size] [b]Funniest Member of the Year:[/b] [size=1]Charles[/size] [b]Most Opinionated Otaku of the Year:[/b] [size=1]Not voting on this one, lol.[/size] [b]Most Likely to Be Here in Two Years:[/b] [size=1]Adam[/size] [b]Best Newbie:[/b] [size=1]Arcadia[/size] [b]Best Oldie:[/b] [size=1]James[/size] [b]Most Likely to Become a Staff Member:[/b] [size=1]Not voting here, either.[/size] [b]Most Improved Member of the Year:[/b] [size=1]Baron Samedi[/size] [b]Favorite Banned Member:[/b] [size=1]Rick Hunter[/size] [b]Thread of the Year:[/b] [size=1]Kill Adam[/size] [b]Silliest Thread of the Year:[/b] [size=1]How the James Stole Christmas[/size] [b][u]Random Awards[/b][/u] [b]Avatar Award (Best Avatars Overall):[/b] [size=1]Charles[/size] [b]Signature Award (Best Signatures Overall):[/b] [size=1]Charles[/size] [b]Best Location (Best Specific Location):[/b] [size=1]PoisonTongue...Cinnaminsonia forever.[/size] [b]Best Otaku Couple:[/b] [size=1]Charles/Japan_86[/size] [b]Best Looking Otaku:[/b] [size=1]Babygirl[/size] [b]Otaku Clique of the Year:[/b] [size=1]Adam?s Angels[/size] [b]Best MyOtaku:[/b] [size=1]Charles[/size] [b][u]Otaku Writers[/b][/u] [b]Poet Laureate:[/b] [size=1]Charles[/size] [b]Writer of the Year:[/b] [size=1]Solo Tremaine[/size] [b]Orginal Story of the Year:[/b] [size=1]OB: Enter the Net (This was beating the other competitors by the largest margin I have ever seen. Let?s just say it wins now, and not leave poor Solo in suspense. Okay?)[/size] [b]Role-Player of the Year:[/b] [size=1]N/A[/size] [b]Brawler of the Year:[/b] [size=1]N/A[/size] [b]RPG of the Year:[/b] [size=1]Kill Adam[/size] [b][u]Social Otakus[/b][/u] [b]Otaku Social Member:[/b] [size=1]Japan_86[/size] [b]Entertainment Otaku:[/b] [size=1]Semjaza Azazel[/size] [b][u]Otaku Anime[/b][/u] Entire Anime section is N/A [b][u]Otaku Gamers[/b][/u] [b]Otaku Gamer of the Year:[/b] [size=1]Semjaza Azazel[/size] [b]Nintendo ?Mario? Award:[/b] [size=1]Shinmaru...Nintendo Whore ;)[/size] [b]Sony Award:[/b] [size=1]Tommy Vercetti[/size] [b]X-Box Award:[/b] [size=1]PoisonTongue[/size] [b]PC Gamer of the Year:[/b] [size=1]DeathKnight[/size] [b][u]Otaku Artists[/b][/u] [b]Best Graphic Designer (Banners, wallpapers, etc.):[/b] [size=1]James[/size] [b]Best "Traditional" Artist (Drawings, paintings, etc.):[/b] [size=1]Sara[/size] [b]Best Spriter:[/b] [size=1]N/A[/size] [b][u]Series Otaku[/b][/u] [b]Series Otaku Member of the Year:[/b] [size=1]Desbreko[/size] [b]Square/Enix Member of the Year:[/b] [size=1]Zidargh[/size] [b]PokéPlaque (Pokemon):[/b] [size=1]N/A[/size] [b]The Triforce Award:[/b] [size=1]Desbreko *cough*Des' MyO*cough*[/size]

1. Illegal. 2. Warranty Void. 3. Illegal. 4. Dangerous to your system. 5. Illegal. 6. Did I mention it's illegal? You do realize that if any of your systems malfunction...you're screwed out of official company repairs? Frankly, Mod Chipping (not OB ModChipping ^_^) is one of the dumbest things I can think of. I mean, who in their right mind would voluntarily destroy or potentially destroy their expensive gaming console, simply to be able to copy games? Apart from that whole Copyright thing, it's just idiotic. You've already bought the systems, which would have set you back about 200 dollars on average, per system...so, what's another 40 dollars going to hurt? Also, considering just how long places like Hollywood Video and Blockbuster let you keep games for, there's no reason at all to pirate games. Plus, if you really love a game, there's a thing called Used Games at GameStop. I'm not getting drawn into this, but Hells Fire, you made a bad move.

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by James [/i] For example, I really hate the fact that I have to allow two hours to get to and from school each day. That's basically four hours of travelling each day. It's a pain in the butt, because it's such a big waste of time. Usually I use my travel time to read over notes or to do some work in my journals...but still, it becomes old very quickly.[/quote] It sounds like you take the train or speedline, but parking is a hassle...oh man it's a hassle, haha. At Rutgers, there is one parking lot for Rutgers students...and that same lot is also used by Rowan and Camden County College students...so...it's quite the jungle. [quote]And of course, there are things about school that I don't like. I dislike some projects. And I dislike the approach of some tutors. However, I don't dislike the tutors themselves or anything. Actually, it's just a question of me not necessarily enjoying the way they teach...or the way they teach isn't really helpful to me specifically, if that makes sense.[/quote] This is an important point. In my Sociology Of Education course, the instructor knew nothing about how to teach. She had very little charisma and stage presence and often read from Powerpoint presentations. But talking with her outside of class, she's a really nice person. So, that's the odd balance, I think, in most educational institutions. Some instructors can be horrible with classroom management, but you can't hate them entirely, because they're quite pleasant. But then again, that brings up a questionable area. They're putting on a false mannerism in the classroom, which many students will see right through. Understandably, the level of trust in the classroom will deteriorate. Interesting, huh? [quote]I mean, I don't like it when a tutor sits there and monitors everything I'm doing and holds my hand the whole way. I find that annoying. It slows me down. I prefer tutors who take more of a hands off approach -- if I want help, I'll ask. But I don't want to be spoon fed. Of course, a lot of students are quite happy to be spoon fed. So I understand that everyone has a different feeling about that.[/quote] I'm somewhat in the middle, I think. On one hand, some instructors who are really relaxed and easy-going are great; I love those teachers. But then again, one of my current instructors, Dr. Lutz, is very...demanding. He goes so fast in class and covers so much and really, the level of attention he requires is insane. And by "he requires," I don't mean he tells us to pay attention. "He requires" means that he goes so quickly if you drift off for a second, you're lost for the next five minutes. But I love it just the same. There are instructors who are brilliant at what they do, whether relaxed or hyperkinetic, for lack of a better term. [quote]Generally though, on balance, school is a positive thing. I'll have a degree at the end and [b]I'll have gained a lot of knowledge and experience.[/b] And of course, I'll have made a lot of friends. So it's a pretty good experience overall. But as with all things, there are definitely times that I dislike. It's the same with anything though. But it doesn't mean that I stop appreciating the benefits gained from education. Education is really, really important.[/QUOTE] The bolded text is the key phrase here. From knowledge and experience comes skill. ^_^

[url]http://www.gamespy.com/previews/january04/swbattlefront/[/url] I was reading this earlier. The scope of this game sounds amazing. I think my favorite section is when they describe the cross-system link idea. If they would be able to get Xbox to connect to PS2 and PC, that would be spectacular. The entire premise of Battlefront is brilliant, too, and the video...my god...it's breathtaking.

Mimmi, RPCrazy was referring to your first line of your original reply. I strongly suggest that you take the idea presented there (the first sentence of your initial reply) and run with it. ~_^ I find that you will be most rewarded for digging deeper with that thesis.

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by rttocs77 [/i] [B]I'm not sure if this is where I would do it, but I suppose here is better than nowhere... I would like to apologize to everyone for snapping at ya'll. I was just on edge because this and some political subjects are things I feel strongly about it. I know it was inappropriate to say some of the things I said and I apologize if I hurt anyones feelings. In the future I will try harder to improve my post quality and will stop myself before I make any personal attacks. --Scott [/B][/QUOTE] Apology accepted for the most part. But, keep this in mind. Strong personal convictions or not, foul language is not condoned, nor is it accepted. You let your emotions cloud your judgement. Your emotions blinded you. Something to think about. I hope you make a conscious effort to improve your attitude, personal devotions or not, because rttocs77, you have been wholly arrogant and indignant for as long as I've been following your posts...and I've been following them for quite some time. So, since you say you are going to change for the better, I am expecting a radical change of attitude, an almost 180.

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by cloricus [/i] If you would like I can quote your whole paragraph. Though I normally just quote snippets because I except people to read pervious posts so I can keep the size and layout of my post within reason. [/quote] Ah...quoting snippets...I advise against that. It doesn't serve to strengthen your argument. It serves to make people wonder why you didn't quote an entire passage. For example, one cannot base a thesis on a singular line of Shakespeare's Othello, and if one can, then it demands skill which you do not seem to possess. No offence. Basically, it's a rule of literary interpretation. Here comes Teacher Alex. It looks extremely questionable in literary essays when someone isolates a specific sentence and bases a long and involved point on it. Snippet quotes lead to a greater possibility of interpretive malpractice. Surely you will admit that. Even close readings of passages no longer than 10 lines will not survive if the writer only concentrates his focus on one line. It will simply not do. You are understanding this basic literary convention, correct? I trust I am explaining it sufficiently? [quote]Also if you wish to believe I have a conspiracy against you that is your right, a weird one though. The same applies to similar accusations further down the page in relation to America and Bush; and to clarify I only dislike actions taken by the above people in some cases; some of which I am extremely against but apart from the odd joke I have no grudge against the people or places themselves.[/quote] So..."Terrorist In Chief" has no deeper meaning? C'mon. And Cloricus, do explain why all of a sudden were you disagreeing with me in so many places after a few particular threads? Nintendo DS, perhaps? Communication, perhaps? Surely you admit the suspicion has a logical and reasonable basis here. Also considering, that you are the reigning king of conspiracy theories, always setting an accusing eye on others before examining yourself--quite arrogant--you should be more aware before you say things. "I have no grudge against the people or places themselves." [url=http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?s=&postid=547535#post547535]Here?[/url] [url=http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?s=&postid=546868]What about this?[/url] [url=http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?s=&postid=530629]This?[/url] Do I really have to continue this? I found those posts only in the first 4 pages of your post history, and judging by your track record, that post attitude doesn't end with just those I listed, either. [quote]I do not use Lindows; I use debian 3.0r1 (2.6.0, 4.2.16), mandrake 9.0 (4.2.16) and slackware 9.1 (2.6.1), windows 2k, xp pro, 98(se), freebsd and mac. I also personally use a smart office XP keyboard for future reference. Now I believe you need to think up a more logical and factual argument instead of lashing out in the way you have, it keeps everything on topic and more civilized. [/quote] Hmm...I don't really have anything to say to this because you really let me have it. How about this. Similar to just spouting off film history (which I can do quite extensively), you just spouted off techie knowledge that is quite irrelevant here. My point with the "Lindows" comment was not an invitation so you could attempt to belittle me with your "superior" computer knowledge, Cloricus. If anything, you further demonstrate immaturity. Think about it. You have essentially gone off on a tangent here. You were the one who posted an entire point that was entirely off-topic, and then you criticize me and play Mod? Something does not make sense. Forgive me for enlightening you, but I'm closer to a Mod than you are. I'm talking to a very nice selection of them right now, in fact. I go to school with the Site Admin. Does it make any sense for you to attempt to assume a mantle of authority here? [quote]For extra credit I'd like to note that you can get the instructions off the internet with relative easy and mostly off the shelf parts which I'm sure would be much cheaper than buying a kit from your local store and in states where it is legal to own one you wouldn't have a problem getting the harder components as you could argue that it was your right to own them. Also I don?t think purchasing crack cocaine is possible at your convince stores either.[/quote] Again, I request that you read with comprehension. I will quote my previous post. [quote][i]PoisonTongue[/i] Cloricus, I'll make this simple for you. When you can purchase nuclear weapons at a convenience store, or in a slum of Camden, NJ, your comparison will be valid. For now, however, thanks for playing.[/quote] Do note where I said, "at a convenience store, or in a slum of Camden," and remember what the subject matter was: cigarettes and coke. Now, examine how I phrased my sentence. The convenience store referenced the cigarettes, and the slums referenced the coke. It's elementary grammar and structure, really. And your point about the hardware store again bears no relevance on the topic at hand if you are trying to weaken my argument. If you don't recall, you brought up nuclear weapons first and I debunked it. Shall we have a look? [quote][i]Originally posted by PoisonTongue[/i] Meaning, making something legal/illegal is not going to help the problem. It just means more people are going to do it openly, such in the case of legalization. Do we really want more people taking a hit off of a severe narcotic?[/quote] Your reply, [quote][i]Originally posted by Cloricus[/i] Just because it's legal to own a nuclear weapon in a state of America does that mean the people there do it? Really that argument is silly because people will still have the same response (with education of its effects) than they would have before when it was illegal, in fact the only thing that would change would be that it wasn't a rebellious thing to do.[/quote] Again, do realize that you made mention of nuclear weapons before I did. Here was my reply, just to make things clear. [quote][i]PT[/i] Cloricus, I'll make this simple for you. When you can purchase nuclear weapons at a convenience store, or in a slum of Camden, NJ, your comparison will be valid. For now, however, thanks for playing.[/quote] Satisfied? I thoroughly debunked your ill-advised comparison to nuclear weapons, and yet you continue to ignore that. I would strongly advise you to re-think your course of action here, Cloricus. [quote]I direct you to another [url=http://www.otakuboards.com/member.php?s=&action=getinfo&userid=4905]user[/url] that has the same tendencies but does not seem to be trying to change them. I am sorry to people if I seem like that though I do try to make sure everything is/was supported and "nice."[/quote] I can link to, as I have done previously in my reply. Take a look at it. You have presented yourself in a much more negative light than I have. [quote]The law is there for you to see, I was merely linking to a place that backs up that that situation exists and shows you where to look to see it so people would not dismiss my argument which has happened before. It was an example nothing more so it?s linking was just to hold it up in relation to the real topic. Education under current methods doesn?t work was the out line of that part in my last post. Too go into detail: Personally I have noticed that education methods used on myself and friends to do with drugs (though not exclusively; same applies to cancer, stds and personal health) are very ineffective as they do not show the effects of some ones actions in stead point to statistics and lists of bad things that ?may? happen. This is the basic outlay off all education attempts on these subjects that I have ever seen and being in high school and this age we basically get a new one every week. All I am saying is that these methods don?t work and a suggestion on how they might work if at all.[/quote] People do not dismiss your argument solely on lack of evidence; they dismiss your argument due to unfounded logic, ill-advised and naive statements, arrogance, and generally a hypercritical attitude towards others when there is clearly improvement needed on your part. That is why they dismiss your arguments. As I have mentioned to DeathBug, who very well grasps the concept now, you are not representational of the whole, Cloricus. Do keep that in mind. Your opinions have no standing anywhere but your Unix...Linux...Mac...whatever system. And for you to take this insolent tone with OBers who present a differing opinion is very misinformed and is something you need to work on. [quote]Defining, and expanding. Or arguing. Not to sure to be honest as your original comment wasn't too focused or I missed it completely, so either way I added my opinion to it. Maybe I should have taken you up on ?If you want me to clarify further, I will.?[/quote] Considering how I have established that you read with very little comprehension, I think it is safe to say that my points were very clear, and you either did not see and/or understand them, or chose not to. [quote]Disease has nothing to do with how society acts unless you have a different meaning too [url=http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=Disease%20]Dictonary.com[/url]? Society?s practices are at fault; anything else is really just excuses. (I'm not pointing to any particular societies as it happens all over the world.) PT also asked for an example, one of the top of my head is lack of work for every one, lack of support if there is not work and by support I don?t mean cash I mean means to live and help learning to change their trade to some thing in demand. If you don?t have work you don?t have money so you are already fulling into depression. [/quote] Since you so graciously provided the definition, which I assume you intend to use to debunk my argument that decay and disease are closely correlated, let's examine the definition, shall we? I find the second entry most intriguing. [quote]A condition or tendency, as of society, regarded as abnormal and harmful. [/quote] Ahem. This says that "disease" can be defined as a state of degeneration of society, and a state of degeneration is decay. Thank you again for proving me correct. [quote]Of course I don?t say I could change society and I can?t put up a better model than the one I know in Australia and some northern EU countries but until some one does these problems will happen.[/quote] I could have sworn I posted a link to just that. Yes, in fact I did. Please see above links for further details. [quote][spoiler]If you wish to argue more please do so in PM as we have both put forward our arguments and further posts on (off) the subject would just be spam, thank you.[/spoiler][/QUOTE] Playing Mod, eh? I refer to my above statements, but I'll copy and paste right down here in case you don't feel like reading again. [quote]You were the one who posted an entire point that was entirely off-topic, and then you criticize me and play Mod? Something does not make sense. Forgive me for enlightening you, but I'm closer to a Mod than you are. I'm talking to a very nice selection of them right now, in fact. I go to school with the Site Admin. Does it make any sense for you to attempt to assume a mantle of authority here?[/quote]

DeathBug, nice piece. It plays upon the horror cliches well, but toning it down just a tiny bit would suit even better. It's really just a matter of editing a few sentences that are dispersed throughout the piece. [quote]In horror movie logic, killing that beetle was the signal for thousands of similar beetles to come swarming out of the sink [/quote] I'd suggest something like... "Now I've done it. No avoiding it now. Killing that beetle was...etc" If you go through the piece, looking for those phrases and figure out a more subtle way to say it, this work will...work even better. One thing the writer must keep in mind, is that the reader isn't totally stupid. And especially when you're writing a story that contains cheesy horror movie cliches, the reader will know precisely what you're talking about, what cliche you're mocking, 90% of the time. Even moreso when you mention LeatherFace. But overall, nice work. I enjoyed it wholeheartedly. Just consider my editing suggestions.

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by cloricus [/i] My English teacher says stooping to this level in a debate is a sign of not understanding the topic and/or not having an opinion strong enough to stand up to that of whom they are rebutting.[/quote] Cloricus, do you read? Do you read with any comprehension or attention to detail? I notice you [i]only[/i] quoted [i]one[/i] sentence there. Perhaps you did not read the entire paragraph? Here, I shall quote it in its entirety. [quote][i]Originally posted by PoisonTongue[/i] [b]rttocs77, shut your mouth. You have no right at all to speak to anyone in that tone, and wiccansamurai certainly did not deserve that level of arrogance. I think you should take some time for self re-evaluation. You have never demonstrated any positive quality in attitude or in post, as well. I am inclined to say that you are the moron here--and a very uneducated moron, at that. Perhaps it would suit you to get banned, so that you can politely excuse yourself from OB. In fact, once I am able to speak to Charles, this issue will be raised again. Yes, again. Think about that. Let it sink in.[/b][/quote] Cloricus, why did you misquote me? Obviously, there is intelligent motive and basis of fact to what I was saying. But you conveniently left all that out, just in some vain attempt to make yourself look superior. Let me ask you, are you holding some grudge? Are you getting pissy that I made you look bad on numerous occasions? Also, I do believe you have absolutely no room to talk and criticize others for supposed immature behavior, when you yourself are the king of immature arguments. Think about that before you open your mouth or set your fingers down on that Lindows keyboard. [quote]Just because it's legal to own a nuclear weapon in a [url=http://www.dumblaws.com/states/states.php?State=Utah]state[/url] of America does that mean the people there do it? Really that argument is silly because people will still have the same response (with education of its effects) than they would have before when it was illegal, in fact the only thing that would change would be that it wasn't a rebellious thing to do. For example E's are a really big problem in the gaming community in Australia; they wouldn't be there if they didn't have the following two effects, it being illegal and prolongs how long you can stay awake. If it was legal gamers never would have started taking it and just stuck to extreme doses of caffeine. (It's much cheaper than E's and LSD too...) Another example is legal personal use of weed in some states of Australia; marijuana is a problem in all the states except the ones where its legal.[/quote] Cloricus, I'll make this simple for you. When you can purchase nuclear weapons at a convenience store, or in a slum of Camden, NJ, your comparison will be valid. For now, however, thanks for playing. "http://www.dumblaws.com/states/states.php?State=Utah" Something strikes me as odd here. You have very rarely demonstrated competent and informed opinion about anything other than computers, and even then about computers, you come off as condescending and rude. In fact, you come off as condescending and rude in the majority of your posts, regardless of subject. Do you actually expect us to take you more seriously when you post that link? You have an extremely Anti-American stance. If not Anti-American, then Naive Anti-Bush. Your values and ideas border on conspiracy theory, as well. Frankly, I cannot take you seriously at all, and this "support" of yours only further proves your immaturity in that you include such inane material, thinking it boosts your strength of argument. Get real. [quote]Several posts have also championed education as the complete fix, but if you think in the way of all current methods that are used you are just joking. Being 17 and seeing all the drug education it does nothing and probably only a few people would take notice so its effects are minimal; that doesn't mean that every one ignoring it is a smackhead it just means that the current education doesn't have the effect that's wanted. I know in my example of nuclear weapons I stated that education was probably the reason behind people not owning them but remember people know the full effects of what they can do and have seen the damage they did during testing and used as a weapon instead of just being told like we are about drugs. Personally the only education I think works in this case is demonstration of real world effects, like graphics and interviews with people in the safe injecting room in Sydney or in the gutter in Melbourne.[/quote] Do clarify, as I cannot effectively distinguish purposed speech from unfocused rambling here. Are you implying that the only "Education" I suggest are the corny class assemblies you seem to refer to? [quote]Being 17 and seeing all the drug education it does nothing and probably only a few people would take notice so its effects are minimal[/quote] Seems like it. [quote]The root is social problems; would some one seriously take drugs they knew would have a bad effect with excessive use if their life wasn't that bad any way? (Escapism.) And if we allow people to become like that then isn't society to blame for not doing enough?[/quote] Are you disagreeing with my point? You seem like you wanted to, but... [quote][i]PoisonTongue[/i] The problem lies at the root. And that root is diseased. Awareness and education, and most importantly, support, are going to treat the root. The bandaid application is merely cutting off limbs...stripping the tree bare. Not a very worthwhile solution, if you ask me.[/quote] What do you think that "root" is? "Social problems," you say. What are social problems? They are very closely correlated with social decay, and decay is closely correlated with disease. You tried to argue here, I think--but you only further developed my point. Thanks, I think.

Drix and I have long since wanted to start our own discussion on OB, in the Lounge here, and felt that with V7 launching within a few weeks, now would be a very good time to inject some true quality into the Lounge. Now, this isn't necessarily going to be a debate, nor are we going to agree with each other all the time. This is going to be a discussion. I am inclined to present one topic, but in the course of the thread, that one topic might, and probably will, springboard into other topics, so here goes. The main purpose of Drix and my thread here is to discuss social conventions. Social conventions can range from gender roles to class issues, from what is taboo to widely accepted. The question here is, why are these social conventions created? What drives them? This discussion is going to be a civilized one, of course. Right, Jordan? ;) It seems to me that social conventions are merely handed down from generation to generation. We are imbued with certain values that seem immutable. While this isn't a bad thing, it certainly can allow for social stagnation. Change is an important part of existence. Surprisingly, this existence is not limited to human existence. The animal kingdom goes through many changes, whether biological or simply organizational. But I think the primary focus here is human existence, as we are all human...hopefully. My question to you, Jordan, is why do you think some groups hold on to certain values, while casting aside others? I have provided my introduction and such, and I'd be interested in hearing your side. EDIT: I've gotten a few questions about this. This discussion is primarily Drix and myself. We have been wanting to do something like this for a while now. So, if anyone wants to post here, please PM myself or Drix beforehand and we'll discuss it. I know I would like to keep this as focused as possible, and I'm sure Jordan feels the same way.

Haha, thanks, Amibasuki. No worries. The way I see it, I have always been destined to become a teacher. I've always had stage presence, interest in literature and writing, and generally, just a love of being around people. That's why I dig education so much. Human interaction...being able to plant the seeds of something wonderful. I tell ya, people accuse me of being an Idealist, but their minds are so damn closed that they have no idea what I'm talking about. One of the most beautiful things in the world is the look on someone's face when they get what you're talking about, whether it's after 30 seconds, or after a 30-minute lecture. Their face lights up, their eyes widen, their jaw drops...there's this look of joy. Anyone who says...that can't exist, or it won't exist, or it doesn't exist, simply because those able to elicit that kind of response are so enthusiastic about it...really disappoint me greatly.