Maully

[COLOR=SeaGreen][FONT=Courier New]I love cottage cheese. I eat it with meals, I eat it as a meal. It really is very tasty. When you think of it's origins, it is rather unappealing. However, the taste and strange texture of this wonderous dairy product more than make up for the thoughts haters try and install in you head of it being spoiled.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR=DeepSkyBlue]I joined long ago. September 2003 according to MyO. I used to spend literally hours a day between the two sites. I quickly made a very tight circle of most of whom I still chat with regularly today. I don't expand that circle too much anymore, I don't have the time to spend on the sites that I used to. I really like it on MyO. I became somewhat disenchanted with OB for a while, but I think I'll be making a few more rounds here than I have been lately.[/COLOR]

Uor opinons on Last of the Mohincans certainly differ, that's for sure. Daniel Day Lewis is one of the most talented screen actors EVER, in my opinion, of course. As for originality in Hollywood, dearie, that's been running thin for YEARS. I will not even lie, remakes is all their churning out. It makes me so angry that no one knows it half the time. Guess what...Guess Who is a remake of a serious and important. It makes me bored, and sometimes frustrated, but I have no ideas to make a movie out of, so I cannot fix it except to not see their horrible movies. Now, to address making movies from books, I see nothing wrong with this, I often cast characters in the books I read in my head. It's fun. I bet that a lot of the movies made that have novels listed in the credits are books many people have never heard of or read. To be inspired shouldn't be limited to one medium. If you write a good book, why limit that to a nonvisual experience?

I have a ridiculously short temper. Usually my sadism manifests itself in words though. I like to tell someone to go to hell in such a way as they'll take out a loan to buy an express ticket. I also love to make people look or feel stupid once they have crossed me in a negative way. I know, I know. It's classic slow self esteem stuff, bring people down so I can feel better, but just so you all know, I rarely start it. As for violence, I have been known to have seen a few brawls in my time, but in adulthood that has calmed down because very few people like to have criminal assault on their record.

[COLOR=SeaGreen][QUOTE]Originally post by [b]Muse[/b] Loved the movie. I saw it on opening night with my best friends, only because I'm a Terry Gilliam fan girl. Ended up loving it and realizing that Heath Ledger doesn't suck, like I originally thought. He actually played my favorite character.[/QUOTE] I am glad to find another fan girl. [i]Brazil[/i] is my favorite. I agree that Ledger was the best part of the film. I liked it, but it didn't quite meet my standards for what I think Gilliam film should be. I don't know where the reports of confusing came from. I can't be that much smarter than the general audience. I really had no trouble following the movie. [spoiler]I have to say though, the Italian guy really annoyed me, and in my thoughts Matt Damon should have stayed dead.[/spoiler][/COLOR]

[COLOR=SeaGreen]I haven't followed this issue much either. Am I correct in my thoughts the the restructuring is due to budget and they think it will save them money? Is a time of war a time to restructure your miltary? And if so, wouldn't it be better to grow the military as opposed to cut up bases? I'm not looking for arguements here because, as I said, I haven't followed this issue with much interest. I just don't see the manefest logic they seem to in these actions. It just doesn't seem to be be the best place to be looking to conseve money these days, you know.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=SeaGreen]The point I was trying to make was the the guy in the origonal story said it would be better to just assassinate the leader of Venezuela rather than start another war... Which I don't see either option happening, but I was just trying to make the point that assinations are not the end of the story. I wasn't trying to make a direct parallel, just show that killing off a world leader isn't a good way to avoid war. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=SeaGreen]Your grandmother probably suffers most from a fear of dying alone. Is she very independant at all? does she live by herself? It's a common fear, I don't want it to happen to me. I understand being angry about the manipulation,and it is selfish of her to try and stop your trip, but look at things in her light, she's old and alone, especially if your family leaves. I'm not saying to give in to all her whims, but be compassionate.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=SeaGreen]I believe extremism more than fumdamentalism is the word we might be looking for. At their cores, both Christianity and Islam are peace teaching faiths that promote love for people. It is people who take the minority of teachings and embrace them fiercely that we may be talking about. As for this guy, I've seen him, and while he has the right to say whatever he wants, I will use the same right to say I find him nutty. I agree with Sage, that more than he, it is the [i]followers[/i] that maybe a problem. Hopefully we don't have any rogue covert agent to do his bidding. lol Besides, does he think an assassination won't start a war? Has anyone heard of Archduke Ferdinand? Lore, I agree with you about the family lineage posting. When I read that, I laughed. Just because your ancestor were important people who had a mark in history doesn't mean you will be. Beside those men probably were [i]logical[/i] people who had morecredibility to their names.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=SeaGreen]I really enjoyed Sin City, bu t I usually enjoy Robert Rodriguez and pulp movies. What really made the movie for me, though, was [B]Mickey Rourke[/B]. In a triumphant return to film his portrayal of...crap I forgot the character name... the big guy...anyway, he was excellent. I was a little disappointed in the performance of Benecio Del Toro (one of my favorite actors too). I found him very undewhelming. Technically I though the movie was very artful in the lighting and cinematography. It works so much better in black and white than how color would have carried it. Also, the wardrobe was great.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=SeaGreen]I'd like to thank everyone who has taken the time to share opinions, whatever they may be, in my thread. Especially those with experience in adoption from any side. It takes a lot of something in you to share that kind of information with a perfect stranger. I'm feeling really good about my decision at this point, and I know it was best. I have found peace with it, with some thanks to this thread. A child should live in a nuturing environment where he is loved and wanted. While I may have loved him, I would never have been able to provide for him in the emotional or fiscal way babies need. Everyone deserves to be wanted. That's really what it boils down to. We, as a couple, decided long ago that we did not want kids, and took steps to avoid it. They didn't quite work. Anyway, back on topic. NOt wanting chlildren and finding ourselves in the state of bringing one into the world, our decision was to find someone who would [B]want[/B] and love him. I can't guarantee the we would have been able to provide that.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=SeaGreen]I actually have a copy of this book. It was given to me as a gag gift. At the time I had lots of friends and influence, you see. I have never even open the book. It may be curtious to pretend to have interest in somethiing sometimes. However to be completely false about your interest or intentions all or even most of the time should not be a goal for anyone in my opinion.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=SeaGreen]I would take... [B]Shinmaru[/B]-- Kid's wicked crazy! [B]Queen Asuka[/B]--Every house needs a pretty one, and it's great if they can hold a conversation. Is she even around much any more? I haven't seen her name since I came back online. [b]Siren[/b]--I ccould talk to him for days, I think and not repeat a topic. Our Opinions might not match sometimes, but at least we'd no why by the end of the conversation. [b]James[/b]--Every house house needs what appears to be a level headed one. Notice I said appears... I think there's a wild guy in there somewhere... [b]Mimmi[/b]--Do not separate me from the Innocence! Where are everyone's pants? and... [b]Gavin[/b] I've seen him all over the boards since I came back, and I think I'd like to know him a little better... 6 months locked in a house might do it.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=SeaGreen]It's a very depressing spot of news, that's for sure... Sadly though it is a very common occurrance. So common, in fact, that I am surprised it made the news. While level-headed people like most of us find this deplorable, thieves see it as an easy mark. and who is going to notice it's gone? Heartbroken family members. In the mindset of a thief, I could understand snatching a medal or something that looked of value, but why steal pinwheels or flowers? these things are often cheap and of no more than the sentimental value. What I find worse than this are the people who actually damage the graves. While I was in high school, there was a group of kids who went to a cemetary and took sledge hammers to tombstones and stuff like that. They were caught and punished, but what drives someone to do that?[/COLOR]

[COLOR=SeaGreen]Baz Luhrman is a tremendous filmaker. He hasn't missed in my book yet. His brilliant use of color and music in his films... I love him. I also for got to add Jake and Maggie Gyllenhal. I love them both on and off screen. Ed Harris is my favorite man in Hollywood, and I can't believe I left him off my first list. I find if weird that I can name a whole bunch of actors, but only 2 women. Is it that much harder to find a talented and appealling woman?[/COLOR]

[COLOR=SeaGreen]I'm sure everyone has heard that Julia Roberts is the only Hollywood actress who can fill seats with just her name attached to a movie. She's the only actress studios will bank anything on. My question is this: Who puts your butt in a seat at the movie theater? Who are the people you would go and see, no matter how bad the previews look? I'm talking actor/actresses, directors, writers, anybody. I want to hear about them. Conversely, who repels you? I hate Bruckheimer post 1995 and Micheal Bay. I'll ellaborate in a minute. Since I'm asking, here are some of my answers. I love Ewan McGregor. I think he's very talented and has decent taste in projects. Kevin Spacy-- Usual Suspects started it, but his list of stuff I admire goes on. Ryan Gosling--Forget that he was on the Mickey Mouse Club, IMO no younger actor does brooding or angry like him. Scarlett Johansen-Gorgeous and quietly talented. I want her as a roomate. She seems very real. Terry Gilliam--He's a director if you don't recognize the name. He's doing The Brothers Grimm this summer. His other films 12 Monkeys, Brazil,Almost anything Monty Python, Time Bandits... The List goes on, I'm sure you know who he is. ON to Bruckheimer and Bay... I hate them because they'd rather blow things up than think about things. I like adventure movies just as much as anyone, believe me. I just don't think quality explosions and depth of plot are mutually exclusive. These men do not appear to share me opinion. I guess Bruckheimer may be trying to be thinky with his CSI series (all 309 of them) but where are the big explosions and exciting camerawork? CSI (first one) has some interesting camera work, but not "exciting." Mutaully exclusive...[/COLOR]

[COLOR=SeaGreen]I agree with Azure, broadening one's mind is hardly a bad thing. As to Urban Legends, I'm a big fan of the old ones that are pretty debunked, like sewer gators and dogs in microwaves. Not that I condone putting a dog in a microwave, that's not what I meant at all. Pop rocks and Pepsi Cola... It feels funny in my mouth. Frankly I'm still looking for Jimmy Hoffa. Guy's gotta be somewhere, ya know.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=SeaGreen]To answer Azure's question, I already wonder what he'll be like... Our adoption though is what they call semi-open. We have personally met the people who adopted our baby, and they are wonderful. We even got to observe them with him at the hospital and they were so incredibly loving and grateful. I am bittersweetly happy to have enriched their lives so much. As to the semi-open. We and the other couple correspond and we'll get pictures and stuff, but we will probably have no direct contact with the child unless he initiates it. I thought it was neat though, the adoptive couple took pictures of us so he could know what we looked like and see where his features came from. I'll truthfully say that it is incredible how fast a maternal bond forms once the child has left your body... I didn't second guess my decision, but it was very difficult to put pen to paper, after only 24 hours with him.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=SeaGreen]Due to certain events that have recently taken place in and around my life, I am curious to know the geeral thoughts of people on adoption. Any experience stories, from any point of view, are also very welcome. I December I found out that I was pregnant. It took me completely by surprise. I never in my life planned on having children. That is a personal choice of mine, and I don't want anyone to second guess that. Please keep any, "How can you not want kids," thoughts to yourself. Also, we are not in a place financially or in terms of maturity that we can adequately care for a child. I know, if you wait til you can afford kids, you'll never have any. To either complicate or simplify matters, the pregnancy was the result of my long term relationship. To shorten the story and spare myself the retelling, we decided on adoption. We found a very excellent couple who will be able to provide as we can't. I had the baby about 3 weeks ago. I never had a harder time signing my name to a piece of paper as that final relinquishment page. We made the right decision for us, I know that. I guess I am looking for success stories from any end, just to give me some more peace of mind.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkOliveGreen]Anime, like television shows in America, are made for different audiences. Animation is a medium. It is an all-emcompassing term. Just like there are kid shows and sitcoms that appeal to an older audience, anime is also geared to different people. Take DragonBall for example. It's a never ending series that repeats itself, very much like Pokemon. It can do that because it has a young target audience who don't really care about redundancy. Compare those to, say, Fruits Basket which has a teen target. It doesn't repeat as much and there's more depth of character. Further still on the spectrum are things like BoogiePop Phantom and Vampire Hunter D. Both very dark and Mature in their themes. Anime in general is not made for kids or adults. It's TV, and certain show are for certain groups.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=SeaGreen]Love at first sight is tricky, but yes, I think it exists. It happened to me. I fell in love with my significant other the day I met him. He walked in, I thought him to be gorgeous and then he started to talk and that was it, I was forever connected to him. I say that five and a half years later. There is always attraction at first sight, which is not the same. The connection must go deeper than that, and mine did. That's not to say anyone else in the world will be as lucky as I have been, but at least one case does exist.[/COLOR]

The meanest thing I've ever done is an easy pick from a very long list. In high school I got a "love letter" from someone who, at the time, I didn't find to be an acceptable person to shower me with affection. His letter was littered with spelling and grammar mistakes. So I corrected it is red ink and gave it back to him. At the time when I was a horrible elitist, I felt really amused by the act, but now, several years later, I feel really awful about it. That boy mustered up his courage to be nice and tell me he thought I was worth his time, and I just dismissed it because I thought I was better than him...

One day while out for a drive, my boyfriend and I found a tiny kitten in the middle of the highway. We pulled off and she came running right over to the car. We took her home and bathed her and gave her some milk. She was so cute and tiny. I named her Mini-cat. I took her into my home, and things seemed fine, but a few weeks afterward that she started with some problems. She seemed to have bowel control problems. Poo would just ooze out of her. As she was super sweet, I took care of her and took her to the vet and just cleaned up after her. Once I got pregnant though, she had to go and cat feces is especially dangerous to little unborn people. I miss my Mini. ;_;

With just a scan of the first page of replies, I hope that you see that the idea of losing it when you're ready is not crap. No one should be forced or pressured to lose their virginity. Sure, sex is fun or whatever rationalization you may put behind it, but there are consequences too. I'm not just talking about the STD commercials you see, or even that risk, though it is a hefty one. Sex, before your ready can lead to serious emotional cosequenses for you. If you say that detached sex doesn't affect people, talk to the people who casually have sex with multiple partners and ask them if they've ever loved someone or if they ever will. Besides that, look at all the disfunctional homelives created by knowledgeable and unknowledgeable sex. Sex has consequences. With that in mind, how can you say it's weird to be as careful as you can be about it by staying a virgin. As to virginity, that subject is the same and different. I have the highest amount of respect for someone who has kept their virginity for whatever reason they did. I, myself, did not. I don't know if you care to know that or not. It's been out there on this board before in a thread not unklike this one. Sex is an individual experience. Even the people involved in the same act together are not having the same experience. In retrospect, I hate waited a long time, and I hate the way I lost my virginity. I have more than once thought back to it and been absolutely ashamed of myself. It is a noble act to be picky, and one should not be ashamed, nor should anyone try to shame them for such an idea.

Well, let's hope that this first post of my return is worthwhile. As James said, windfarms are an eyesore (paraphrased, of course). They also due quite a bit of environmental harm, actually. Birds and bugs are killed by the hundreds each year by existing wind turbines, thus having a large negative effect on the local ecosystem. That, of course, is only a single downfall. Given time to do more research I am sure I could find thousands of articles for and against all alternative energy sources. Personal or single house solar panels and wind turbines seem to be rather successful. Sure, some of the energy used in the home is coming from the large companies, but when the items in the house are turned off, it is recharging itself. Many people are actually selling electricity [I]back to the electric company[/I]. Thus helping the environment and lessening their bill... think about that one. I think that too many people are leaving it up to governments and companies to make moves in the right direction. Personal responsibilty helps in this situation. Not to be preachy, but whoever it was that was talking about conservation is right. Recycling on a small or large scale needs to increase. That's whether you are talking about fuel consevation or land conservation. You can go to landfills in America and find readable newspapers from the 70's. Really, nothing is breaking down... It just sits there until they put a golf course over it. Fusion would be a tremendous asset, but I don't see it being feasable in the immediate future, at least not from the reports I've seen. As for drilling in Alaska, well, I'm torn on that. I realize there is an enormous amout of oil there, but to open that can of worms 1) doesn't help us learn to conserve for the long run, and 2) disturbs a National Land Reserve. But it would help alleviate what I'm paying for gas right now...