AzureWolf

[FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]Geez, that's pretty messed up. And to think that if she just listened to you, the matter could have been handled in a non-consequential manner. It's also funny that she put "if you steal YOU'RE DEAD!" after all of the stolen colorbars. Sorry to hear about this mishap, btw. I don't know if this is the right place, but I know some administrative person will notice and forward your complaint (or something).[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[QUOTE][b][color=black]I thought I [i]had- [/i]Birth control pills and other hormonally- based birth control methods are often used to restore the normal levels of hormones in a woman's body... curing problems with irregular menstrual cycles, cramping, and mood swings, among other things.[/color][/b][/QUOTE][FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]I overlooked your post, heh. I didn't know birth control pills are used for medical reasons like Viagra is. In fact, I'm still not going to believe it (seriously, I NEVER heard of it!), but "something not being there" and "me just not seeing it" are two different things. I guess I just never heard of it and maybe I'll look into it at some later point in time. But anyway, if that's the situation, then I don't see why it shouldn't be covered by HMO's in those cases. In other cases, for the sheer fun of sex, I don't think it is a valid point to make [U][B]health[/B][/U] companies pay for your pleasure - birth-control, Viagra, or otherwise.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]*scratches head* I'm really confused, haha. First and foremost, that comment about the female reproductive system was supposed to be a light-hearted joke. It was just a build on one of my myO entries. Secondly, references are all over the place. In the context of CHW's original post, I thought this was about "performance enhancing" drugs. In my context, though, I was saying that viagra can and is used as a regeneration drug, restoring natural function for those who have lost it (i.e., I knowingly shifted the frame). However, [B][U]within that new frame[/U][/B], birth-control pills can be seen as sterilizing, and "performance enhancing" ones can be considered regenerative. Time is [B][U]not[/B][/U] a factor! Duration is as trivial for this as it is for, say, your leg being paralyzed. It doesn't have to be a permanent thing (e.g., "your leg is permanently paralyzed" vs "your leg is temporarily paralyzed" - who cares?). Why did I shift the frame? Because I felt that CHW was looking at the dilemma the wrong way. So, in keeping with the shifted frame, I continued and built on the topic, stating that there's not going to be a female sex regeneration pill for quite some time (maybe never). BUT... Everyone went back to the original frame, and tried to superimpose the original frame onto the one I started from, which is impossible. Again, it's not for enhancement, it's for restoration of lost function. Can you say something [B][U]along the same lines[/U][/B] for birth-control? Drix, I'm not entirely sure what you mean. In your list, people have lost function or something else, and are regaining it by unnatural means. Viagra falls into this as well if you work within my frame. However, how are you supporting birth-control pills, as you even refer to your list as "procedures that would kill a perfectly normal person." I wasn't really considering people who use birth-control pills and have a condition/disease/ailment - only healthy/normal people who use birth-control pills. Again, CHW asked why "performance enhancing" drugs are supported for men but birth-control pills are not for women. I turned the tables and said that these performance enhancing drugs also have a medical benefit to them that birth-control pills just don't, regardless of how you slice them. I never said anything about the "enhancing" part of anything. "[i]I don't really condone Viagra for sexual purposes, but I understand why it is considered a health-related drug.[/i]" (btw, doesn't cardiac defibrilation have an equal chance of working or failing on a person, regardless of irregular heart pace or a normal one? And for those whose hearts aren't working, aren't they deemed dead and you are trying to revive them?)[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]I'm definately a follower. I've discovered an interesting fact about the business world when it comes to doing things: those in charge are absolute idiots and have no clue what the hell is going on. That being said, I prefer being a follower and actually having the satisfaction of knowing that I'm doing something genuine. I'm talking about business in general (I don't know if this applies anywhere else except in the work-related field). Don't even try to tell me Biz-Tech majors do real work. Yeah, I've seen your syllabi: "Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint." That's like the toughest course out of the bunch too. Granted, these leaders don't need to know how to do anything. Rather, the followers do all the work, and make things that need to happen, happen.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[quote name='ChibiHorsewoman][color=darkviolet']Yet these same companies will cover Viagra. Go figure. Is a man's ability or inability to have an errection more important than a woman's right to decide if she wants to be pregant or not?[/color][/quote][FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]I think you are mixing raisins and nuts (just seems more appropriate than apples and oranges). You are comparing regeneration to sterilization. That is, one option restores function, while the other stops natural function. What I'm trying to say bluntly is this: it would be hypocritical for a "health" company to condone "unhealthy" things (anything that makes the body act how it shouldn't can and is considered unhealthy). Also, Viagra restores not only a man's potency, but also acts to trigger a lot of emotional responses, most noticeably happiness (not THAT kind, but the assertive kind). I don't really condone Viagra for sexual purposes, but I understand why it is considered a health-related drug. Also, it's almost impossible to create a female viagra: women's sex systems are just far more complicated than originally expected. One hormone triggers a cascade, with various checkpoints. At the same time, if two hormones within the cascade are in large amounts at the same time, they may actually hinder sexual activity instead of setting off the series of events. So, administration of a few hormones and a sprinkle of a few "feel-good" chemicals just isn't the answer for women. (women are "ewww" when it comes to reproductive systems *shudders*)[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[quote name='Lore][color=#ff6600]That's interesting--[spoiler]the coma[/spoiler] idea. I know I jumped directly to the concept of [spoiler]Purgatory[/spoiler], but I haven't looked at it much, I guess. The [spoiler]coma[/spoiler] thing seems pretty well fleshed out, actually, while [spoiler]Purgatory, even dual purgatory/reality[/spoiler'] is something that I haven't looked at explaining so much.[/color][/quote][FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue] Yeah, well, that was my initial idea, believe it or not. I didn't really think about the possibility of [SPOILER]Purgatory[/SPOILER] until [SPOILER]they started talking about being sin-bound and the black wings. Being in a coma is no reason to be sin-bound[/SPOILER], haha. I guess you are right: the idea's not bad. I really never bothered to talk about (or reconsider even) that idea after I scrapped it for the current one. Wha? Are you for real? Then how did you come up with the idea if you didn't really think about explaining it? O_o [QUOTE][color=#ff6600]I guess what I'm looking at here is a [i]why[/i] question: [spoiler][i]Why[/i] are they in Purgatory? [i]Why[/i] are there so relatively few of them (compared to townspeople)? [i]Why[/i] do we not see adult Haibane? (That is, "born" as adults. [/spoiler] I'm still uncomfortable with saying anything about the Toga.) ...Dealing with numbers alone (never minding anything else), it's impossible. So what are the criteria?[/color][/QUOTE]Interesting. I see where you are going with this. Maybe it's after a huge [SPOILER]human and post-human genocide[/SPOILER]! *dun dun dun* You know, like [SPOILER]God figured he ran out of space, so he decided to make room on his harddrive again[/SPOILER]. [/bad joke] Alright, alright, in all seriousness, that's a very good point, and there has to be some kind of criteria. Also, why are you uncomfortable about saying anything about the Toga? I thought we had them down. We had their number, and were prank-calling them day and night! *cough* [QUOTE][color=#ff6600]It seems like each of the Haibane [spoiler]arrives as a child[/spoiler]. At least, as far as we see. [spoiler]They are different ages--Kuu told Reki she was glad that Reki was older than her, because otherwise she wouldn't be in the group of older Haibane.[/spoiler] But they are still (as far as we can tell from what is shown) all [spoiler]children when they arrive, albeit children of different ages.[/spoiler][/color][/QUOTE]I thought you were making a general observation at first. I didn't think you were making a conclusion from it. But I have to ask, what about Rakka? O_o Also, even if we consider her (or I just don't remember well), I do think that [SPOILER]age is important[/SPOILER], such that [SPOILER]the committed sin must have something more frequent/familiar in children than in adults[/SPOILER] [QUOTE][color=#ff6600]...there's an idea called [spoiler]Age of Accountability.[/spoiler] The idea is basically this: ... ...Anyway, I think we could draw a parallel to such an idea. Tell me what you think of the concept before I spend time developing it any further, eh?[/color][/QUOTE]Boy, that puts a whole damper on the [SPOILER]Original Sin[/SPOILER] thing, doesn't it? I'm just wondering (honestly no relevance and just for my own edification): in most Christian Faiths, [SPOILER]babies that die can't go to Heaven[/SPOILER], right? I think this AoA (I can do abbreviations too :p) is an interesting idea. What's your opinion about it? I mean, you say that it's to [SPOILER]console parents who have lost children[/SPOILER], so I'm assuming you don't agree with the idea. (again, all irrelevant questions, just for my edification) But as far as Haibane Renmei is concerned, I'm very intrigued. Do go on about this concept. [QUOTE][color=#ff6600]On another note, for the sake of the theory, this is a brief definition of [spoiler]Purgatory that I think roughly corresponds with our theory: [i]Purgatory (Lat., "purgare", to make clean, to purify) in accordance with Catholic teaching is a place or condition of temporal punishment for those who, departing this life in God's grace, are, not entirely free from venial faults, or have not fully paid the satisfaction due to their transgressions.[/i][/spoiler][/color][/QUOTE] *nods approvingly* I'm just a little unclear about one aspect: what does the definition mean when it says "[SPOILER]departing this life [U]in God's grace[/U][/SPOILER]"? Does that part work with or against the AoA thing? [QUOTE][color=#ff6600]I think the names of "Abandoned" living places may work with the rule that Haibane [spoiler]must only use things no longer used by humans[/spoiler] (which, working with the [spoiler]purgatory[/spoiler] concept, could be seen as a sort of [spoiler] penance/the working off as past sins[/spoiler].[/color][/QUOTE] Oh right... that makes sense, so that [SPOILER]even the houses have been used, so the Haibane aren't breaking that rule[/SPOILER]. Very good point. But as for your explanation for that [SPOILER]rule[/SPOILER], I don't know. Why would it be vital that they ONLY [SPOILER]use things that have been used by humans[/SPOILER]? Could you kind of build on what you said already, because I'm kind of getting what you are saying, but not quite. You know, bring more of those Christian examples and stuff. [QUOTE][color=#ff6600]Looking at what I have written above, it seems like the [spoiler]Age of Accountability[/spoiler] thing doesn't work with the [spoiler]Purgatory[/spoiler] thing, but it does in my mind. That idea that [spoiler]children who die before a certain age have a chance to live again/be purified/do penance/something[/spoiler] I think, it what the rough idea is. But again, just rambling, so tell me what you think, and if it works we can polish it up.[/color][/QUOTE]No-no, it's a very nice idea. You just kind of threw everything at me at once, so I'm a little overwhelmed, since this is an idea drawn from multiple angles. I mean, first you talk about AoA, and then define [SPOILER]Purgatory[/SPOILER], and then bring up what apparently has been bothering you the most (i.e., [SPOILER]Why the Haibane are Haibane and others aren't, and the numbers[/SPOILER]). It was well-written, though, since I was imagining what you were arriving at as you introduced the pieces of your puzzle. Now, I could be wrong, since I too asked if AoA conflicts or agrees with the [SPOILER]Purgatory[/SPOILER] idea, but I don't think it matters. That is, AoA [SPOILER]is your explanation for why the Haibane are so young when they enter: the criteria to become a Haibane[/SPOILER]. On the other hand, [SPOILER]Purgatory[/SPOILER] explains the town as a whole. So, it's like, one's for the gate, the other is for what's past the gates. *looks back* This was a post that really couldn't be addressed piece-wise. Ah well, you have a sharp mind: you can [U]integrate it[/U] all in your head. :p[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT] OT: This is my first time seeing the font I use on a different computer. I thought something died in the monitor. Is it unsightly on your screen too? Although my banner and avi look so fine - better than they do on my monitor. *vanity, feels wings growing* Also, your font wasn't always orange... I guess I was fooled because of your myO. (Also, excuse the eccentricity of this post: I'm around chemicals right now)

[FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]It's movement of the live-feed that gave it away: too "forced" to be a girl, and what's being forced is too girly to be a girl moving (I actually have a friend who moves like this, and he's a gay guy). Also, that room wasn't the girliest of places. A tech-head for a girl? Psh. *runs away*[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[QUOTE]Could somone tell me which one comes next in the storyline order? ans could someone tell me if thats all the other series that there are?[/QUOTE][FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]I've heard that there might be a manga that takes place before .hack//SIGN, but I never found any evidence of such a thing. Anyway, the order is as follows: 1. .hack//SIGN 2. .hack//INTERMEZZO 3. .hack//INFECTION-->MUTATION-->OUTBREAK-->QUARANTINE (i.e., the four games) 4. .hack//LIMINALITY 5. .hack//UNISON 6. .hack//TWILIGHT #'s 2 and 3 happen simultaneously: the games take place in "The World," and the OAVs take place IRL. In fact, Liminality is bundled with the four video games. As for Twilight, it's both a manga and an anime.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT] EDIT: I just realized: DDG already did a more comprehensive outline of Project .hack's timeline. Just look up a few posts.

[FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]What's production values mean? I'm not good with Hollywood lingo. I'm getting a vague sense from the context, but not quite. [QUOTE]Can anyone comment on the importance of the character called [B]Maria Ross[/B]?[/QUOTE]Yeah, Maria Ross is a sub-supporting character: she's important, but not in the long run. You can't forget/miss her. While you see her a little more here and there, her main appearance and role are in a sub-plot that starts at episode 18 and ends at episode 22 (the resolving part of the plot continues to 25, but I'm sure there are breaks in between because of the presentation style). She also... plays(?) a key role or two in episode 25. As far as prominent and foreground roles are concerned, that's it for her. As for the english voice acting, it's good and consistent most of the time. But when the characters have to emote, it just irks me, because it seems fake. Not just crying, but also angst and other stuff. I can't say I care about how well-decorated a VA is: if he/she does a bad job, I'm going to point that out. Of course, it helps that I have no clue or sense of who's who and if a voice sounds familiar.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]In the lab I work at, there's this new Chinese person. He's been here for six months now, and he has terrible english speaking skills. He approached me the other day and just started chatting. To my surprise, he's only been learning english for six months! That explains why it was so hard for him to find the words for meanings he was trying to convey. It was amusing to hear so many politically incorrect things stated so bluntly, haha... Anyway, he hates it here in the US, and wants to go back as soon as possible ([i]side note: apparently, you aren't allowed to be paid for working towards a Ph.D in China[/i]). I asked him why, and he said that there's just too much discrimination. I told him that's just not true, as I've lived here for almost all my life, and have experienced little to no discrimination (ethnic, at least). His response: "You are Asian? You are lucky, because you look like white people." -_- Irony... So, anyway, I'm wondering if ethnic discrimation is still a problem. If it is, why isn't it so... apparent these days? Is it simply being overshadowed by the whole homosexuality thing? Or is Communism in China too indiscriminating?[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]Based on the original post, I think it's just "what do you look for when you watch an anime?" Or, to repeat a thread's title, "why do you watch anime?"[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]What the?! OMG, did he just strip?! Well, pseudo-strip. And why does the dude keep feeling himself up?! This is disturbing, but there are other anime-related things out that that disturb me more. Also, it would be rather sad if that was a girl. Think about it: it's a guy and his friends simply because of the full-body suit. Girls wouldn't really need to cover themselves up, and wouldn't move so awkwardly. If it was a girl, I find it sad that someone would actually conceal themselves behind such a scary guise.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]You know, Gantz reminds me so much of this show, which I hate. I hate both of them, and for good reasons, mind you. The artworks are as homely as mud. You look at them, become mesmerized, and just wonder, "How did they manage to capture the essence of ugly?" From an artist's technical perspective, I guess that's an achievement. For a generic anime fan such as myself, I thought throwing up would just not be enough to reflect my opinion of the art. Moving past Gantz, though, I thought the Guyver just didn't make sense, and was too much of "My powers are so great, so I'll be tormented by them" and not enough of anything else. I didn't see all of it, but it would be the "badguy of the week" scenario, where the badguy is like, "OMG! I want u" and then you have the whole thing where, since he can't harm the guy, he'll harm his friends, and the girl he has a crush on. Rinse & repeat for the next episode. Of course, the badguys either got tougher, or there were more of them, but in every case, the main character wasn't in danger, but was just thrust with the same dilemma of "succumb, or have your love destroyed." Anyway, I saw this anime on bootleg VHS, and someone gave me a volume of the Guyver manga (or was it in this house when we moved in?). So, if you are unhappy with the anime, it's possible that the manga goes farther or something.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]Ah well, looks like the higher-ups got to him before anyone could bid. That was quite interesting. I'm surprised it lasted for so many days. I guess selling oneself is very similar to prostitution, which is illegal (or so I'm told). I never understood why prostitution was illegal (*recalls goods and [B]services[/B] aspect of money*). But I digress... It does make one think: if you could be free of financial woes, would you throw everything away right now for another shot at life? To completely change your life would be quite interesting, haha, but I don't think it's something I'd be willing to do.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]Haha, how romantic (in the [url=http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=romantic]Merriam-Webster Dictionary[/url] sense, not the "love" sense). It's kind of neat, but stupid as hell. I guess that is the essence of the word "romantic," haha. I guess he wants to change his life at a dramatic level, but on such a whim... I wonder what he's going to do if no one bids.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]Information about the original airing for FMA is also sparse. From what I've gathered from various forums (take the value of posts as you will, heh), FMA was originally planned to be 52 episodes, but the last episode was scrapped without any explanation. After the 51st episode aired, rumors spread like wildfire that a 22-minute 52nd episode would just not be enough if what was intended was going to happen. So, here comes the movie. Many people speculate (READ: [U]SPECULATE[/U]) that it's the missing 52 episode, placed as a movie so the length is justified. Based on what I saw in the teaser (trailers are longer, and more coherent), it seems more like a side-story, but I could be wrong, as (FMA ending spoiler) [SPOILER]you don't see the armor Al is supposedly in move[/SPOILER]. Personally, I loved FMA and would prefer the story not to be touched in any way, shape, or form. However, there's the other side of me saying that they could easily make another season because of what happens at the end. Likewise, there's no reason that the movie couldn't address those events. But again, based on the teaser, I'm skeptical.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]You shouldn't watch episode 28 (aka Unison) until [B]AFTER[/B] you've finished all four games in the set. It just wouldn't make sense, and pretty much spoil a few of the twists that .hack//SIGN ends with. It's also going to make you wonder, "Who the hell are these n00bs?!" Haha... Also, I hear Bandai will be re-releasing .hack//SIGN. Whether or not that means episode 28 will be available another way, I don't know. However, for a company to knowingly keep part of the story away from people just because they were a little late to the series or didn't want the limited edition version is messed up, and I wholly approve of just d/ling it if you can't grab it. DarkOtakuBoy, are you sure it wasn't GIFT that was put in the limited edition version? I find it hard to believe that such a core episode (28) would be kept from anyone.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[QUOTE=Lore][color=#ff6600][spoiler]It actually seems to 'fit' the feel of the series better than FGiWD? being merely a younger Haibane Reki. I don't think it actually matters that Reki didn't start out cynical and jealous--we can, like, totally work around that!... She doesn't need to [i]arrive[/i] angry, but she could easily go through the same steps of hurt/rejection/closing-off-ness in the town as she did outside it. Or outside the town as she did in it. Or whichever way you want to look at things.[/spoiler][/color][/QUOTE][FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]Haha, those last two sentences made my head spin. That was a rather simple and logical solution... I guess I'm really in total disarray. *scratches head* I think being unsure about what's true and what I made up is making it hard to think straight, haha. Does it really [SPOILER]fit better with the feel of Haibane Renmei[/SPOILER]? Cool. ^^ [QUOTE][color=#ff6600]I'm on a lab computer, I don't have my notes! Augh![/color][/QUOTE]Wait, you have notes? O_o Smart way to keep thoughts organized, I guess, but you really never made note (pun intended) of you doing that. Do you make notes for other animes you see (what few there are)? [QUOTE][color=#ff6600]Do you have examples? What other theories did you have, and why didn't they work?[/color][/QUOTE]Well, I'll just talk about the most solid of all of them. If you actually find it interesting, I'll share others, but really, after this one, they all go downhill. My vision of Gaihe was [SPOILER]that it was actually a pre-death world[/SPOILER]. What I mean is, [SPOILER]none of the Haibane have died yet, but are just a moments away from annihilation[/SPOILER]. So, you have a situation where [SPOILER]they are given a chance to appreciate the life they were going to throw away (or lose). Those that do understand what they should be doing, and start appreciating life, fly back to the real world for another shot. Since the Haibane do age at Gaihe, I thought up the idea that they are in a coma IRL and awaken when they have their Day of Flight (see: near-death experiences)[/SPOILER]. I say that because people usually [SPOILER]awaken from near-death experiences appreciating life more[/SPOILER]. Problems with this idea? Well, the biggest one: [SPOILER]the Haibane age[/SPOILER]. I know it sounds hypocritical, but it was a working idea until we see [SPOILER]Reki's cause of death. It just seems like coma is a really unlikely candidate for a person who was directly impaled by a train[/SPOILER] (sorry for putting it too bluntly - even I'm cringing a little, heh). In addition, we have two other problems: [SPOILER]the Day of Flight and the townspeople. To me, when I saw the Day of Flight, it doesn't look like they go past the walls, but instead, reach the skies. As for the townspeople, think about it: if that town is supposed to serve as simply a means to make one appreciate the life they have, what's up with the townspeople? For the Toga, you can have someone stuck in a coma for the rest of their life, but that leaves little room for the townspeople[/SPOILER]. Benefits of this idea? [SPOILER]You could consider that the Haibane don't fly up, but past the walls, so outside would be the real world. So, you can explain what's beyond the walls, and what is going on. In addition, it explains the Toga pretty soundly, heh. I actually still hold a little affinity for this idea, but the limbo idea using Purgatory is a bit more solid logically[/SPOILER]. Anyway, so that's my best shot at Gaihe. I think I have another one around here that uses a lot of Calculus for proofs and the like, so I know you'll want to hear that one next. ;) j/k What I like about your idea, though, is that it addresses the flaws of the [SPOILER]Purgatory[/SPOILER] theory without introducing inconsistences or conflicts with it. To use the examples above, [SPOILER]the townspeople are just that: townspeople. This is a town, not just a Purgatory. To appreciate life, you need to appreciate others, and be around those who appreciate life already[/SPOILER]. I was too lazy to sort the spoilers from the nonspoiler text, so everything is black, heh.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT] EDIT: w00t, you didn't reply to this yet! Awesome, haha. Anyway, I just wanted to add that, one of the biggest things that lured me into thinking of this idea was that the places where the Haibane reside are called [B]Abandoned[/B] Old Home and [SPOILER][B]Abandoned[/B] Factory. It gives off the vibe of a dead town inhabited by spirits. The Haibane are just transient beings? That's what my idea was trying to point towards[/SPOILER]. Also, another problem was that my [SPOILER]coma[/SPOILER] idea doesn't at all explain the charcoal feathers. How would you explain those with this idea?! Anyway, I'm in no rush for a reply. I know you are busy, and so am I. More importanly, I'm having a ball discussing this anime. I can't say I've enjoyed an anime discussion this much for months - nay, [B]at least[/B] a year. People can talk in the abstract sense for hours on end, but when you get down to physical examples, the tangible pieces of an anime that those broad concepts should apply to, few can genuinely continue the conversation. ^^ Oh, one last note (was just looking back at previous posts): now that you have actually seen Haibane Renmei, was your "feel" for the series accurate? I remember how strange that was for me, for someone to "know" HR and key in on a few important points. Weirdo.

[FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]While the idea sounds neat, I do have just one concern: what is going to stop the newbies who start annoying threads and introduction posts from going to random threads and posting, "OMG! WHY CANT I LIEK, TOTALLY CREATE THREADS TO SAY HI?!" If I had to choose between having random, unrelated posts (along with mods' unrelated posts correcting members) in a thread, and just having separate spam threads, I would choose the latter.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[quote name='Lore][color=#ff6600]Yes, I definitely agree that Reki [spoiler]committed suicide, and that was why she arrived sin-bound[/spoiler']. Ah, and now that you mention it specifically in that context, I guess there is something in Christian theology about that. I'm not sure what, specifically, but yeah--I understand what you were asking now, heh.[/color][/quote][FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]O_o Really? Well, it makes me feel better knowing that I wasn't a raving lunatic the whole time. But also, I'm pretty sure the notion I had about it was somewhat wrong. [QUOTE][color=#ff6600]I'm not really sure what you mean. Could you reword that, maybe?[/color][/QUOTE]I didn't bother to make it clear what were my assumptions and what were facts. Well, we both agree that Reki [SPOILER]committed suicide[/SPOILER], so we'll just take that as a fact. Now, (loosely) based on how she behaves in Gaihe, I assumed that [SPOILER]the pre-Gaihe Reki (aka FGiWD?) chose suicide after not being able to get help from others[/SPOILER]. So, the two different sides of the FGiWD? [SPOILER]reflect Reki's feelings alongside the pre-Gaihe Reki[/SPOILER]. Why? Because, if my assumption is true, then there are similarities in their situations. Assumption: FGiWD? [SPOILER]relies on others, they fail her, and so she commits suicide[/SPOILER]. Extrapolation from assumption: Reki, [SPOILER]cynical from "feelings" of her past life, refuses to rely on others, therefore fails to accept help, and almost chooses suicide (aka missing her day of flight)[/SPOILER]. So ultimately, the FGiWD? serves to [SPOILER]tell more about Reki's previous life before Gaihe[/SPOILER]. Unfortunately, as you can see, my idea requires that Reki was [SPOILER]a meany from day one[/SPOILER], which I now know to be untrue. But, if she was, I think it's a pretty sound idea, don't you think?

[FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]Gah, how frustrating. I've tried to take a test since this thread was made, and everytime, something would go wrong. First, I would get to the disclaimer page and then the next page would be an error. Now, I click on a test and just get taken back to the page I was already on! I'm tempted to say that I'm pissed off at this test, but I'm worried that it's part of the test to get very mad at 404 errors and the like. Anyway, I'm not going to jump the gun at taking sides. These are certified persons who made these tests and did these experiments. Unlike Solo, I don't have enough of a background in psychology to judge for myself if this thing is legit or not (never had a single psychology class, ever. T_T). [B]I'm not saying that anyone here except Solo doesn't have enough knowledge in this wacky stuff to make a conclusion - only that I don't.[/B] As vague and arbitrary as it may seem, it doesn't mean that the method is wrong. Also, judging by reading what little is available, it sounds like a factor of error has already been taken into consideration. Also, based on reading people's results and the stuff on the website, it sounds like the term "bias" was used just to attract attention. The test itself, however, seems like a predisposition to relate certain things with certain generalizations. Just because categories are used for specific words doesn't explain (to me) how a bias is created. I just don't understand how, just because you immediately think of a guy when you think of a job, creates a bias in a situation.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]Bee Train has a winning formula when it comes to anime. You always start in the middle of things (technical term is [i]in medias res[/i]). So while things did happen before the viewer's start point, you don't know what those things are. As the story moves forward, random fragments of what happened before are tossed here and there. The piece-wise recreation of the missed climax introduces another climax that has a different (but not necessarily better) impact on the viewer. I significantly prefer this kind of climax, but other people may not, heh. .hack//SIGN has to take the silver when placed next to Bee Train's other animes, as Noir clearly packs the best punch when it comes to revelations, heh. So, to answer your climax, no, there's nothing to watch before .hack//SIGN. Sit back and pick up the clues that lead to the answer. If you don't figure it out, everything will be revealed at the end. Still, it's fun trying to figure out what went down, heh.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]If an anime can make you feel anything, that's a good thing. Well, unless it's disgust, haha. But experiencing something is the essence of entertainment, not just experiencing happiness. You'll be happy later that you experienced [i]something[/i], regardless of whether it was bad or good. Don't know if that made sense, but moving on... Watching Lain in one go is definately to your advantage. However, I have to warn that it's a lot to take in at once. If there's an episode that leaves you contemplating a great deal, don't jump to the next episode thinking that it'll address your concerns. Instead, turn off the Telly and muse over it for a while. Think about the show, and while you don't have to come to any type of conclusion, just letting things sink in is very helpful. I'm not saying that you should do it after every episode, but just after any episode you think you need more time to digest. More than likely, the next episode is only going to put more on your mind. Hope that helps. And no, I did not steal this idea from someone else and then find it to work wonders.

[quote name='Lore][color=#ff6600]Remember, from the very beginning of the series, Reki was always upset about[/color] [spoiler]people always leaving her[/spoiler'].[/quote][FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]Right, right. I see what you are talking about with the situations you cited. To my knowledge, Reki was [SPOILER]sin-bound (aka, black winged)[/SPOILER] since the moment she arrived at Gaihe, so I wrongly assumed that meant [SPOILER]she always behaved cold and unwelcoming[/SPOILER], but there really is no indication of that. Besides, as Rakka demonstrates, [SPOILER]having black wings doesn't immediately equate to being a meany[/SPOILER]. Confusion on my part, heh. Which brings up a good question: does Reki [SPOILER]have black wings throughout the entire series and hides it using that thing the... "teacher Haibane" gave her[/SPOILER]? If not, when do you think she lost them? I'm wholly satisfied with your FGiWD? explanation. I will now adapt it and claim it as my own (regardless of the ? sign). :p [QUOTE][color=#ff6600]I have no idea if FGiWD? [spoiler] had wings[/spoiler].[/color][/QUOTE]*snaps fingers* I'm going to be angry and just paint them in if they aren't there, since the idea I had kind of crumbles provided that [SPOILER]Reki was not necessarily a meany from day one[/SPOILER]. Well, just to mention the idea a bit, I'm convinced Reki [SPOILER]committed suicide. Killing yourself is like, bad, because you commit a sin you can't repent[/SPOILER]. So, she came to Gaihe [SPOILER]with black wings[/SPOILER]. The FGiWD? steps in as [SPOILER]a reflection of Reki's mental state[/SPOILER], since what you see is very similar. That is, [SPOILER]she seeks help from others, can't find any, and commits suicide[/SPOILER]. As a [SPOILER]Haibane, our FGiWD? friend, who is now Reki, is forced to seek help, refuses any given, and commits a different kind of suicide[/SPOILER]. Did that make sense? Do you agree with the [SPOILER]suicide[/SPOILER] part at least? [QUOTE][color=#ff6600]...before I can say anything about the Toga, I need to know who they are, exactly. That is, what information are we given in the story? The Official guy at the Temple place knew the [spoiler]hand signals and could communicate with them, yes? [/spoiler] Was he one of them?[/color][/QUOTE]I just group all the weirdos that have those really strange masks as the Toga. I don't know if that's a correct assumption to go with, but it sums the weirdos in one word, so I like it. As for what information is given, I think that was everything. At least, if there was anything else, it didn't stand out as much as the key facts you mentioned. What is up with those masks anyway? I wonder if their freaky design has any significance. Also, [SPOILER]they are the only ones allowed to interact with the outside world[/SPOILER]... that doesn't really support my idea of "what are the Toga?" but it's interesting that you brought it up. I wonder why that is so? [QUOTE][color=#ff6600][spoiler]My original thought here was that the Toga were such "failed" Haibane.[/spoiler] There wasn't a lot of good reason for this...[/color][/QUOTE]Bingo! Haha, I didn't really think much about the Toga until that one time I mentioned before. I thought, "[SPOILER]that's odd, it seems like he's got a backpack under the garb, or...[/SPOILER]" After that, all the little tidbits we were given about the group flooded my mind, and I was always suspicious. Which was distracting, admittedly, since I was always thinking, [SPOILER]"Oh, they have to tell us the truth about them now. No? How about now?"[/SPOILER] To explain the head Toga's explanation about [SPOILER]failed Haibane losing their wings[/SPOILER] when I think otherwise: maybe [SPOILER]they lose all their feathers, but they don't lose the wing structure that's on their backs, because it does look like they are hunching over[/SPOILER]. [QUOTE][color=#ff6600]I was talking with Robb about this last night, and he suggested that the Official was [spoiler] such a failed Haibane. I personally can't remember if he had his halo and wings, although I think he did have wings (or at least wing covers?) [/spoiler] When I asked about the Toga [spoiler]not talking, he said it was to keep the people in the town from getting any information about the outside world.[/spoiler] Which makes sense, I think.[/color][/QUOTE]Just the Official? What about the rest of them? I agree with the Official, since I think that was the person [SPOILER]leading Rakka to between the walls to do the job[/SPOILER]. Do you have a different idea about the rest of them? And how do you explain the [SPOILER]wing thing if the Official guy has them[/SPOILER]? Why is he different from the others if he is the only one? As I mentioned before, I never thought much about the whole [SPOILER]talking to the outside[/SPOILER] aspect of the Toga before, so I'm not sure. I thought that they couldn't so [SPOILER]no one would remember them by sound[/SPOILER] or something. However, if we can derive a good explanation about the [SPOILER]inside-gate and outside-gate relevance[/SPOILER], then I'm willing to consider another reason for the Toga [SPOILER]not talking[/SPOILER]. In other words, what is [SPOILER]beyond the walls? Is that where the Haibane go when they fly? And why are the Toga the only ones allowed to interact with that world?[/SPOILER][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue]Yeah, they are special stages for the game. They'll give you special items when you go there that you can use for exclusive trades later on (or maybe in one of the other games).[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]