Dagger

I must admit, I don't like Hillary Duff at all. She doesn't strike me as a particularly good or interesting actress, and she doesn't seem to really have a talent for comedy. Maybe I'm lacking in the sense of humor department, but Lizzie McGuire is one of the least funny shows I've ever seen.... and it tries pretty dang hard, too. I feel the same way about her that I feel about Avril Lavigne. Her image seems somewhat manufactured. ~Dagger~

Yeah, I would love some kind of notification. It would be really helpful, especially for people who have really long Friends lists. Anyway, it's great to hear that you're working on it, as well as other new features. Yipee!! ~Dagger~

I love the books, I really do. They're among my favorites of all time. But when it comes to the movies, I'm not a purist. It would simply be impossible to make a movie that adhered perfectly to the book from which it was adapted. You could certainly try, but the results usually aren't that good. Just look at the Harry Potter films. Anyway, I thought that Peter Jackson did a lovely job in making Fotr and TTT. The part with Aragorn and Arwen was implied within the books, and stated directly in the appendices, like Sara said. It's not as thought the script writers added that for the hell of it. I like Bombadil as much as the next guy. However FotR would have been about four hours long if they'd included that part. Besides, I don't think even Peter Jackson could have done justice to such a memorable character. ^__^ There are only a few things I would have changed. I really didn't like the wargs in The Two Towers; I always pictured them as being giant wolves--and slightly more intelligent than the movie made them out to be. But whatver. No biggie, right? Although I admire the actress who plays Eowyn, and I think she's very talented, I didn't take very well to her portrayal of Eowyn (who, incidentally, is my favorite character). Eowyn's supposed to be a cold, lonely beauty. For lack of a better word, I thought that the film made her seem too....warm. Heh. ~Dagger~

Yup. This is a poem I wrote a while ago and finally decided to post. Tell me what you think! ..... Please? ^____^ [B]Past Lives[/B] I am fearful passion tracing my mind. distant stars flung far a glimmering net to hold the sky. I am the killing angel sword of blood and teeth of steel the stamp, the oath, the vow, the seal invisible I fell on writhing night-caught dreams. I am immortal-eyed fire inside O hell-bound soul black and velvet night and coal-- die once, die twice redeem my life. I am alive entangled so my rapturous song grows heavy, the longer I go with hollow love to hold me.

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Queen Asuka [/i] [B][color=hotpink][size=1] And I hate how everything is done with computers nowadays. I miss the old traditional ways of art...[/color][/size] [/B][/QUOTE] It's too bad that computers are taking over hand-drawn animation. But I've got to admit, I'm pretty blown away by the latest crop of CG-integrating anime. For example, the animation and color in Full Metal Panic are just astounding. The only thing I don't like is when an animated show or movie relies on cool CG effects rather than its characters, storyline, and plot. ~Dagger~

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by maladjusted [/i] [B][size=1] You are a new artist, trying to make money, and about 10,000 brats decide to rip you off and not buy your stuff. Instead, they feed off of some obscure man who actually bought your CD and is now sharing it on Kazaa. This makes you feel very good. Smile.[/size] [/B][/QUOTE] That was well phrased, my friend. ^_^ Anyway, it's my opinion that think that both the RIAA and file-sharers are being rather greedy. You bring up an excellent point. However, bear in mind that some new artists (such as Kittie) originally became famous because their songs were popular online. I don't advocate stealing--I just wanted to say that everything has its pros and cons. When it comes to file-sharing, a responsible person will probably decide that the bad outweighs the good. ~Dagger~

Yep... pinecones, sunflowers, snowflakes, and even the coastlines of certain islands are all fractals. Pretty cool stuff, neh? ~Dagger~

Books! Yay! I've got three recommendations: 1. [B]Timeline[/B], by Michael Crichton Timeline is, in my opinion, this author's best book. Although not exactly a work of literary genius, it's tightly plotted, well-researched, and captivating. The basic story deals with a group of people who have been send back through time to the Middle Ages. Here, it differs from similar books, by presenting a very gritty, realistic examination of life in medieval times. I'd recommend Timeline to anyone. 2. [B]Deerskin[/B], by Robin McKinley I can't claim to like all of Ms. Mckinley's books, but Deerskin is an old favorite. It's a novelization of an obscure fairytale, written in dreamy, lyrical prose that flows beautifully and is simply a joy to read. The protagonist, a lonely princess named Lissar, is a strong character, very easy to empathize with. Her story is heartrending, yet ultimately uplifting. I don't want to spoil anything--but not everyone will enjoy this book. It deals with some pretty dark subject material. However, fans of fantasy will almost certainly love Deerskin. 3. [B]The Neverending Story[/B], by Michael Ende I can't emphasize how amazing this book is. I've read it at least 10 times. Although technically a children's novel, I think anyone could enjoy it. The main character is Bastian, an unhappy, insecure young boy who thinks very poorly of himself and is neglected by his father. All this starts to change when he accidently comes to possess a magical book. The Neverending Story is literally one that you won't want to end. It takes a lot of traditional fantasy elements and turns them into something original and incredibly compelling. If I had to compare it to another book, I'd say that it has a lot in common with The Phantom Tollbooth. The Neverending Story, however, is a little darker and more profound. That's all for now! ~Dagger~ Edit: [B]Neverwhere[/B] (Neil Gaiman), [B]Good Omens[/B] (Neil Gaiman and Terry Prachett), and [B]Ender's Game[/B] (Orson Scott Card) are also amazing books. I just wish that I'd thought to recommend them first. ^_^

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by wrist cutter [/i] [B] Have you ever heard the quote "A butterfly beating its wings in China may cause a hurricane on the other side of the world"? [/B][/QUOTE] That's called chaos theory, and it's pretty fascinating. Speaking of which, I find fractals pretty amazing. They're beautiful, incredibly complex images, and yet they're created purely from equations. Even more amazing is that these seemingly abstract patterns occur all over the place in nature. If you've seen a picture of the Mandelbrot or Julia set, you know what I'm talking about. ^_^ There is nothing I, as an sometimes short-sighted fifteen-year-old, appreciate more than being given a little perspective. The sky at night, the wind that heralds a sudden storm, the beauty of falling snow.... it sounds corny, but those things remind me that the best way to live life is to simply let yourself go and enjoy it. ~Dagger~

I liked GC's first album (partly because the band comes from the same area as me, and I knew about them before most other people), but then they went really mainstream. They were never a punk group--borderline pop/punk, and that's stretching it. Their songs make for easy listening, although they aren't exactly interesting or innovative, and I can't stand to listen to more than a few in a row. I love the guitarist's makeup..... but that's just cause I'm weird. GC's second CD, by the way, was terrible. ~Dagger~

I've always loved Disney songs. For example, even though I had pretty mixed feelings about the historical inaccuracy of Pocahontas--I still ran around singing "Colors of the Wind." One of Beauty and the Beast's main charms is its catchy and touching music. Same goes for The Lion King. That's why they've both been wildly successful on Broadway. I don't like the new Disney art style either. It doesn't have the charm or beauty of older movies, such as Sleeping Beauty. When I complain about American animation, it's not the old movies I'm thinking of--those are classics. It's the new ones. They may be decent, and perhaps I'm prejudiced, but they aren't great. The best Disney animated film I've seen in recent years is The Emperor's New Groove. It was cute as well as very amusing. I just wish that the people at Disney would put more effort into attracting audiences to traditionally animated movies--and pay more tribute to the great films they made in the past. ~Dagger~

I dislike the RIAA as much as anyone else. However, I've got to admit that their lawsuit strategy is working pretty well. They're trying to strike fear into the hearts of downloaders, and for all I know, it may be working. Look on the bright side. Kazaa may not be the best of options anymore, what with viruses and subponeas, but the music industry is hemorrhaging money, and this has only partly to do P2P programs. Lawsuits aren't going to put them back in the black. Some music companies are starting to cut CD prices as low as $12. I've always been able to find discount CDs for around that much, but it's cool that the regular prices are finally going to drop. It used to really infuriate me that I could buy an anime DVD, along with extras, from a big retailer like Amazon.com--for less money than a 14-track CD from the music store at the nearest mall. So although I think that the RIAA is being invading our privacy with this whole suing business, they're also making steps in the right direction, and music lovers should be happy about that. ~Dagger~

I see so much of my friends at school that I generally save evenings and weekends for pursuing my own interests. If you're having fun, then it doesn't matter who you're with, even if it's just yourself. That being said, it sounds like you're pretty dissatisfied with your current situation--which is quite normal for a 13 year old. Middle school is a time when many people start to mature and grow out of their old friendships. There's nothing wrong with this, but it can get lonely at times. You should try to hold onto the friends you have now. You don't have to spend every minute of your spare time conversing with them--just don't push them away, either. If the people you do enjoy spending time with are acquaintences rather than friends, make an effort at becoming closer to them. It certainly can't hurt, and you'll probably be a lot happier for it. I wish you the best of luck with fixing your old friendships as well as forming new ones. In the time being, if you have the urge to talk politics, religion, or anything else that goes beyond normal teen topics, go ahead and PM me. Everyone loves a good conversation, and I'm no exception. ^__^ ~Dagger~

I like Freckles (from Kenshin). It's just so bright and happy. Fukai Mori (an Inuyasha ending song) is also really great. I can't quite describe what sets it apart, but I love it. The Tenchi opening song is good too. Probably my favorite anime opening or ending song is Hiru no Tsuki, from Outlaw Star. Some people may say that it doesn't really fit the show, which I respect, but it's an incredibly beautiful, haunting piece of music (both in terms of lyrics and melody). The English translation (which I got off theOtaku.com's fantastic Outlaw Star site) is: One soundless midday, The wind was fresh and clean, And the flower petals swayed as if they were asleep. This serene feeling... Tell me, what's the name that people give it? Tell me a story that's locked away in the white sand of the Moon, Let me hear it as gently as light shining down. Nice stuff, neh? ^_^ ~Dagger~

I agree with you that some people get obsessed with anime. I can't think of a single kind of obsession that would be healthy for the..... um, obsessor. Yeah, I just made up a word. Anyway, as the Greeks used to say, strive for the "golden mean." That just means that moderation in all things is the way to go. Whether your hobby/passion/pastime is anime, video games, Star Trek, knitting, horseback riding, or whatever.... remember, there can be too much of a good thing. ~Dagger~

Hmm... in all honesty, if I resembled any animal in particular, it would probably be a deer. Of course, if I had the choice, I'd rather be like a wolf or a hawk or something. But oh well. I say I'm like a deer because I'm skittish, I like to nibble all the time (ya know, grazing), and I like to be surrounded by people. Although the term "herd" isn't normally used in a positive sense.... ~Dagger~

Yeah, it's true that parents can be overprotective in that regard. Also, kids tend to be a lot smarter than any parent gives them credit for. However, there are pedophiles and the like out there, and even though it's annoying, parents are just trying to do their job. I usually try to keep my online life and my "real" life as separate as possible. It makes things a little simpler, and probably safer. ~Dagger~

I just thought it might be interesting and helpful (especially for any new writers who come to this forum) for more experienced writers--or readers!--to share their advice here. I hope this thread isn't similar to any others. I tried to check, but it's getting a little late, and my vision's not so good as it usually is. ^_^; Anyway, back to the topic at hand. I've noticed that a lot of fanfic authors complain about writer's block, so my first tip will deal with that problem. Writer's block often strikes unexpectedly, right in the middle of a good story. One moment you'll be typing away, the next you'll be staring at a half-filled page, suddenly out of ideas. This may not work for everyone, but I've found that the best way to overcome writer's block is simply to write. Okay, that sounded like a no-brainer. Allow me to elaborate. In other words, the next time you sit down to work on another fic or chapter, just begin typing whatever comes to your mind. If nothing comes to your mind, just begin typing. At this point, it doesn't matter how bad it turns out. The important thing is to get your creative juices flowing (so to speak). After a little while, you'll start to get back into your fic, and the writing will come more easily. Your words will begin to flow more naturally, and everything will sound a lot better. So take advantage of this, and write as much as you can. Once you finally stop, print out what you've written, and go over the whole thing with a pen, making corrections. You'll probably have to revise the first part, as it's likely to sound pretty forced. But now that you have the rest finished, this should be a lot easier. Anyway, that's my method. I look forward to hearing about other people's writing habits and routines--so please post! ^___^ ~Dagger~

Much as I love Sephiroth, I liked Kuja better.... mainly because his motives were more human. Sephiroth wanted to take over the world, while Kuja just didn't want to die alone. Also, I found Kuja a more interesting and complex character (especially because of what happens between him and Zidane at the very end). Sephiroth, on the other hand, is rather insane. His life story is pretty tragic, but in the game itself, he's a pretty one-dimensional character. ~Dagger~

To answer this question, I think we need to mark the distinction between book smarts and true intelligence. If by book smarts, you mean the ability to recite obscure historical facts and perform mathematical calculations faster than the average Joe, I would have to say that common sense is more important. True intelligence is being able to uncover the significance of those seemingly random facts and annoying word problems. An intelligent person may have an expansive vocabulary, but he or she focuses on the content of books, rather than how many difficult words he or she can spell correctly. I guess my vote goes to common sense, since the phrase book smarts implies a certain lack of actual "smarts." ~Dagger~

Just ask him his name! Or, when you see him in the hall or something, make up an excuse to talk to him. Ask him what that night's homework is, or something. Not too hard, right? Try to get a conversation going from there, and ask him his name. Find out if you have any mutual friends. But most importantly, relax. It's not worthwhile to get stressed out over some guy who may or may not turn out to be nice. ~Dagger~

Heh, well, who could blame you? I have to say that I liked Kindom Hearts more for the gameplay and the FF cameos than for its character development. The storyline was pretty solid, although rather predictable. I just wished that they'd taken the time to flesh out the relationships between Kairi, Riku, and Sora..... especially Riku and Sora, as you said. ~Dagger~

My choice would have to be Hiei. He's incredibly powerful, but he has serious style. Plus, he's mastered multiple weapons, from his fists to his (very cool) katana. And who wouldn't love the Black Dragon Wave? Pulverizing your enemies into oblivion.... definitely the way to go. When it comes to Yu Yu Hakusho, Hiei's fights tend to be the shortest and the cleanest. In Maze Castle, he killed his opponent in about 5 seconds. It was almost anticlimactic. ~Dagger~

Well.... it's possible that someone reported your fic to the admins, for whatever reason. Unfortunately, it doesn't matter how well-written a fic is--if it breaks the rules, then chances are that it'll be taken off. The admins don't have time to screen every single entry themselves, so they leave it up to individual readers to report fics. That's probably why your fic wasn't taken off immediately. You have my condolences, but there's not much anyone can do about this kind of thing. Guidelines are guidelines, and they're there for specific reasons, not merely to torment innocent writers. Maybe you could try posting your fics on MediaMiner.org, which I've been led to believe has far fewer rules than ff.net. ~Dagger~

I've always wanted to do archery. Perhaps I'll look into it more seriously now; everyone here really seems to enjoy it. On the topic of fencing: one of my friends went to the fencing nationals for several years in a row (she was really quite good), but then gave up the sport. Silly girl. ~Dagger~