Maully

Welcome Back, Vicky! [color=green]Hermione followed the boys out of the room. "Stop! STOP!!" She yelled. We can't just go off without some sort of plan. We need to be logical about this. We should start near the observatory, since that's where we last saw her." "Good thinking, Hermione," Harry said. "We'll need our wands as well, just in case." They all went to retrieve their wands and met back in the common room. Harry opened the door and looked to make sure no one would see them, then the three of them all rushed down they hallway. They were trying to be as quiet as they could. Once in a while someone would whisper Karen's name as if to call to her. They did not want to get caught, they knew there would be strict ramifications. As they were about to reach the observatory, they heard voices. They four Gryffindores stopped in their tracks to pressed against the wall, as if hoping to melt into it. They listened. "It was this window, I'm sure. I wonder what she saw that made her lean so far," It was a female voice. Another voice responded, "Well, if you'd let someone else look, we might be able to get somewhere," and then giggles. Two girls, they went on for a bit more when suddenly Hermione recognized one of the voices. "LIz?" She stood up and went around the corner to see her new Ravenclaw friend staring out of a telescope at the same window Karen had almost fallen from. "what are you doing here?" THe girls asked in perfect unison. "Karen isn't in Griffendore Tower. We're trying to find her." Hermione answered the mutual question. "We wanted to know what she saw. She's not dumd enough just to lean to far out the window. This is Alex, she's a Hufflepuff. I told her about what happened and she wanted to come with me to find out." At this time Harry stepped forward, "Hermione, we have to find her, and she's obviously not here. Let's go." "We'll come with you! If we find her, she can tell us herself." Liz grabbed Alex's hand and pulled her along. "Why don't you just go to Prof McGonagul and ask? She's the head of Gryffindore and she's sure to know." Alex made a good point. Everyone just looked at each other. Suddenlt Harry and Ron turned and were walking down the hall again. Everyone else could just follow.[/color]

[color=green]I haven't seen the ads that you are referring to, but I imagine them... I have to side with DeathBug on this one. 9/11 was a significant event that happened during the Bush Presidency. Afterwards, there was a lot of action taken by his administration. Whether you agreed with the actions or not, it was when the vision of the administration was clear and focused. It was when the accomplished the most. Why not use your accomplishment to further your career? Had nothing ever administratively come out of the tragedy, it would be of no use to him. I don't see this as a case of "using" a national tragedy. I see it as a case of drawing attention to his time of high clarity and productivity. As I said above, though, the only thing I know about the ads is what you've mentioned of them in your introduction. Having not seen anything else of them, or the taste in which they were done, that's about all I have to say at the moment.[/color]

[quote]1) Should Huck Finn be banned from school libraries? Remember the government pays for those books (assuming it is a state school), so whether or not your parents' (and taxpayers in general) tax dollars should be spent buying such a book may be relevant to your discussion. 2) What about Junior High schools, where the kids are generally under 16?? Is it really suitable for children under 16? Remember to have a book in the school library implies that the school, in a sense, 'promotes' that book, by making it available for kids to read 3) Even if you allow Huck Finn into the libraries of schools, the final question is, do you allow him on the curriculum, that is, should Huck Finn be on the list of books that are taught in schools?? Remember, the books on this list are all deemed great works and suitable for teaching school children. They are held up as examples of outstanding literature. With all the racial tensions in Huck Finn, should that book be held up as such an example at school level??.[/quote] [color=green]Ah, trying to liven things up a bit in here, are we? Much aprreciated. Before I answer the individual questions, I would like to make a point that Huck Finn is not a racist book. Yes, it does have a shocking amount of the word ****** in it, but that does not make it racist. It is realism, as Mitch pointed out. It is a story that teaches us to see people as that, people. Not a slave or black or white or rich, see them as people. Also in the Book Huck learns to tell right from wrong. The entire book is one person helping another in a situation: Jim helping Huck escape his father, Huck Helping Jim to get to Cairo to reunite with his family, and a few more examples, but my fingers are already tired. 1) All public libraries are subsidized some way through a government system, whether it is municiple, state ot federal. To start saying that a government funded library should have a list of books they don't or won't carry is just sad and in some cases scary. As to schools, they are different than a public library, yes, in that they have a more select audience that they cater to. To tell you the truth, I never got anything from my school libraries that I didn't [i]need[/i] for a class. It wasn't the place I went to find recreational books. There are some people who do though, and a lot of those people are word hungry bookworms, I would imagine. I am getting lost in thought here. If read in its entirenty, I, personally, don't see where the book can be thought of as racist. It when quotes are removed or taken out of context that people think that the book is a racial tention. To protect the book, it should be left in libraries 2) I first read Huck Finn in seventh grade. It was on a list of recommended reading. Wierd how things change. I understood the points then, and I don't like to think that I was very much ahead of the mental standings of seventh graders, then or now... I think to have it blacklisted to middle schoolers is silly. Of course, I think blacklisting at all is silly. This question though is a valid point. There is material not suitable for younger people, I just don't think that this is it. 3)I think Huck Finn is a great literary work, and I think it holds a great many lessons, as to people and setting and history. It has a lot of potential for school lessons, but it is easily misunderstood, as this thread shows. I think it should be available, but not forced on teachers, especially those teachers that feel they wouldn't know how to handle questions about society at the time and the use of the word ******. I think i've repeated myself enough for today. [/color]

[color=green]I love the book [i]Huck Finn[/i]. I totally agree with Mitch. The use of the word ****** is in the book because it was used then. It is a very realistic work of fiction. If you can't look past the use of one word and see the true meaning of the story, I might just weep for your thickheadedness. People who want to ban the book should do a little research into Mark Twain. He was a very politcal man, and a satirist. His views on slavery are not overtly manefest in the words, but are definitely apparent. He was a Northern sympathizer, he did not condone slavery. The entire book, readers are hoping that Jim gets to Cairo and his family, and that is the direction that Twain wanted them to take. Has anyone read [u]The Prince and the Pauper[/u], another Twain work? He again takes on society and the class system. He didn't write frivolous books about nothing. He aways had a point, but put it across in a subtle, enjoyable way. The arguement of Huck being badly behaved, that makes me laugh. Huck had an abusive father and lived alone, completely fending for himself for a long time. It's not an easy life. Do people want to ban books about homeless kids now who lie, cheat, steal, or sell themselves to survive? It's not quite the same level, but I hope that I make a point. Adolescent boys are angsty... At least he's outside and not in front of a TV all the time, not that TVs were around at the time. As to banning books, is society back to that point? At my public Library they put a display of books people have attempted to ban over the years. I find it ridiculous some of the titales. Huck Finn is always among them. (On a side note, so is Farenheit 451, the irony of which I find hilarious.) To not allow people the choice of being able to read it and make up their own minds on matters such as these would be criminal. [/color]

[color=darkslategray]I [i]love [/i]Fruits Basket. Sorry, fangirl moment. Now to elaborate and explain the above point. I first picked up FB when I read about it on Dagger and Jazzlady's myOtaku pages. I thought I wouldn't like it because I usually don't really get into "girly" or romance stuff, anime or otherwise. I just picked up the first disc and promptly straight back to the rental store and got the other 3. Too much back story...sorry. Torhu reminds me of Pollyanna, one of my favorite movies and books from when I was a kid. Everytime she smiles and thinks of something happy, I think of that book and how PollyAnna always played that game where you try and find something happy about everything. Just another little correlation there, PollyAnna and Torhu are both orphans depending on the kindness of basically strangers for a place a means to live. I will freely admit to being a Kyo fan. I personally understand Kyo a lot, at least I think. He has been denied his entire life except by one person until he met Torhu. That has little to do with me though. He is a furious boy, and is highly competative, not to win, just to show that he is worthy or attention and respect. That is where I relate to Kyo. His inextinguishable need to prove that his is good enough, not better. Yuki... I really have no stance on Yuki. He is smart, athletic, good looking and praised for everything he does, except by the one person whose opinion [i]really[/i] matters, Akito. Akito has been emotionally abusive to Yuki for a long time, it seems. I identify with Yuki on the level that it is hard for me to admit my weaknesses to other people. I love shigure! I think that he is hilarious. He brings a dimension to the show that I enjoy. Always the adult, but never a serious voice of reason. He see everything that goes on and understands it, and yet he just turns it into a joke. He kind of turns the younger guys to the right direction, but doesn't push them. He allows them to kind figure things out for themselves. I think that's enough character analysis from Molly... until next time. Oh, wait, to interject on the couples debate... I think Torhu/Kyo is a better match on the level that Torhu is Yuki's first affection, for love if you will... But to the looks of it me, it lacks the fire or even the passion needed for a lasting true love realtionship. Passive love, friendship is all I see for Yuki and Torhu. Whereas Kyo has so much emotion and fire about everything it erupts everywhere. Were he to actually focus energies toward Torhu instead of trying to play off his affection, there would be nothing but passions there.[/color]

[color=darkslategray]Hermione had seen Karen almost fall out of the window. She had watched her leave. She wanted to go with her, but she had to stay. Upon returning to Gryffindore, the group of friends found that Karen was not there. Hermione was now really worried. Karen didn't seem well. "Does anyone know where Karen might be, she's not in the common room or her bedroom." Hermione asked Ron and Harry. "She left class really early, what do you mean she's not around?" Ron looked very worried all of the sudden. He all but leapt out of the chair to go to Karen's room. Remus was sitting nearby and soon joined them. Ron didn't even knock as he entered Karen's room. Her roomates didn't really approve, but he didn't care. "She's not here!" Ron exclaimed. "I told you that already," Hermione said to Ron as she rolled her eyes. Now everyone was worried. "we have to find her. She was actling really strange today." Everyone looked at Harry as he said this. "Harry, we can't go out, we have a curfew," Hermione tried to talk reason to him, but to no avail, the three boys were already out the door.[/color]

[color=green]I haven't read this book in a really long time, but in jr. high and high school it was my favorite. I've read it repeatedly. I would like to pick it up again. On the action it has frama and action, yes, but really it's got a deeper message. At least in my mind it did. I will say, it always did kind of feel like a creative writing assignment though. I never liked the girl, I think Cherry was what they called her. I thought that she was weak in that she would [spoiler]spend time with Pony and his friends, so long as others didn't know about it. Once Johnny killed the guy in self defense though, she wouldn't step up to help them until the end.[/spoiler] I loved Dally. He's got the dicotomy of wreckless abadon and leadership I find really interesting. [spoiler]He's the one that goes to find Johnny and Ponyboy. He also saves a bunch of people at the church. In the end, he is the ultimate sacrifice of the story. He gives away his life to make one for his friends.[/spoiler] I often wondered at the family dymanic of the story as well. Pony had two older brothers. Darry and Sodapop. They all did seem to have a familial love, but Darry seems to be the only on that feels a responsibility to the family unit. He is the only one working a job so Pony and Soda can go to school, or do whatever it is that they do. But, in the end, who seems more like family, the brothers, or Pony, Johnny and Dally?[/color]

[color=green]I cannot give you an honest first impression, because I knew what it was the moment I saw the picture. I've read a great deal about it. As far as other things, Did I think it was beautiful? Not really. I dislike the color orange, so the color scheme did not draw mein, not did the fuzzy/grainy quality. Is it art? Should it be posted in a museum? Yes, I would considerate it art, though it does not call to my tastes. If people are offended by it, that does not make it not-art. Art is meant to stir emotion, not just good ones. This piece will strike most people in some way or another. As to museums, I really don't think it shouldn't be displayed, I guess. Display it, if people don't want to see it, they don't have to go to the museum. And should art take into the consideration of ethics? Or does it reach beyond ethics and morals? As I said before, art is meant to stir emotions. Artists have a history of portraying things that are otherwise swept under rugs or ignored or covered up. A lot of artists feel they have a moral obligation to give these work to the public. They should, in turn though, be ready to deal with the ramifications of their art, and those with a distaste for it. I am not a fan of this work of art, really on any level. I just kind of feel it's icky, for lack of a better term. I am not a fan of any art containing mass amounts of body waste, human or otherwise. [/color]

[color=green] I have to agree with you, Shin. I cannot think of another ending more fitting. [spoiler]It's kind of funny how death can give immortality, isn't it. It's like they say in the movie The Sandlot, Heroes get remembered, but legends never die, or something like that. I love that movie. Back to the topic at hand though. I also think a bit like DeathBug. I wish that there was more follow up on the others. The series is called Cowboy Bebop afterall, not Spike the bounty hunter. I wish there has been more story put into the end of all the other characters.[/spoiler][/color]

[color=green]Hermione did not return to the dining hall. Instead she went directly to the astronomy room. She didn't want to face the inquiry she knew awaited her. The letter and the expression on the professors faces was enough to frighten anyone. [i]What is going on? and why is someone out to get me? What could I have done wrong?[/i] Hermione was so engrosses in these thoughts that she positively jumped when Karen tapped her on the shoulder. "Are you alright, Hermione?" Karen asked with genuine concern in her eyes. "I've been worried since you didn't come back to the dining hall." "How would you know she didn't come back, you took off yourself," Ron said with a sneer. Karen paid him no attention. She just noticed the stricken look on Hermione's face. "You're frightened, aren't you." Hermione nodded. "Stick with me, Hermione. I'll do everything I can to help you find out who is sending those letters." The girls smiled at each other. "Ah, well, isn't that sweet? I would stay away from her if I were you, Karen Black. She seems a menace to be close to. She might set you on fire." THe girls turned to face Draco Malfoy. "Must we have every class with this twit?" Hermione said in retort to Malfoys remarks about her. "Twit, eh? I'll have you know that I come from one of the greatest and most pure Wizarding families in society. I am not a twit, and I will teach you to respect those that are better than you, Miss Granger." Malfoy drew his wand. The commotion had caught the attention of the other students and a large crowd was gathering around the two students who had locked eyes with each other. Both felt bent on silencing the other forever. Hermione reached for her wand, but just as she was about to draw it, a hand touched her arm. It was Harru. He shook his head at her. "Draco, you're causing a stir again. You know that good members of society find other ways of dealing with things." He shot Draco a frosty stare. Draco sneered back at him. "This is twice you've come between me and teaching lessons, Harru. Are you switching sides here? Why don't you just go live in the Gryffindore house? You've never struck me as such a loser before, but if this is with whom you are planning on spending your time and energies..." "Draco, I want to keep you out of trouble. I don't want you, my oldest friend, to be expelled for nonesense. Don't be so easily insulted, and if you are going to be so sensitive, don't instigate things!" Everyone one was staring at Harru. Draco backed down and walked back to his desk. "Harru, That was great!" Karen exclaimed. "Yes, thank you, although I think I could have handled him." Harru gave hermione a sidelong smile. "Ignore Draco, Miss Granger, he doesn't know any better." Remus at this point stepped in and took Hermione's hand, "You told him off rightly, Hermione. You handled yourself very well." As Hermione smiled and hugged Remus Harru smiled at Karen and walked back to his table just in time to hear draco muttering threats about the entire Gryffindore house.[/color]

[color=green]I have been really excited to see this movie for quite some time. I just am not exactly sure what to expect from it. I, too, was disappointed to hear that he ahd settled for subtitles. Gibson is a skillful director, as he has proven with projects like BraveHeart. There has been controversy surrounding this film for a really long time now. I think that part of that is to drum up some word of mouth. I am kind of excited to see how much of a stir it may or may not actually make. The Story of Jesus is one that Hollywood has been doing for a really long time. Each is the same, or barrely different. I am anxious to see what may sset this one apart.[/color]

[color=green]I have to agree with Mitch on Atticus Fitch. He is a man of respectible moral character. I love that book, and most things about it, but Atiicus is definitely a highlight. While on the subject of the book, I like Boo Radley's character. I find him very intriguiging. Not a lot is really outright said about him, but so much is implied or symbolized through him. Now I must go and read that book again! My favorite character is Ponyboy from [u]The Outsiders[/u]. It's my favorite book. I think that the fact that He and Johnny were forced into a self-defense situation and for self preservation had to become stroger people. I think SE Hinton does a really good job with character development.[/color]

[color=green]My Senior Prom theme was Titanic. For God's sake, did everthing in 98/99 have to do with that freaking movie? Anyway, it was alright. I went with my boyfriend at the time, but it was close to our breakup, so I paid little attention to him. My favorite thing about my Senior Prom was my dress. It was $20 dollars, and went thruogh 3 Proms that year with me. Mostly the stupid thing was fun because all my friends were there with me. Prom for my high school was a [b]huge[/b] deal though. The town would come out and watch. They would set up bleachers at the entrance, and just watch the arrivals. They decorations were all out as well. The afternoon before the dance there would be an open-house so everyone could come and see them before they were all torn up. Personally, I never understood all of that.[/color]

[color=green]I figured that my post ending would be misinterprated. When I was talking about the family, I didn't mean anything about homosexual family units. I have no problem with this, actually. It is the bigomist and the pedophiles that will use the findings and orders of the courts in their favor, much to the derailment of the definition of family itself. As to marriage, as I said before, I am for gay marriage in and of itself, but to make such a decision is short sited. When the Maine courts made their decision, within a week there was an appeal made by a man who was in prison for illegal puligamy. His grounds, if the constitution held up that the state cannot ban marriage between any two people, then he could not be in the wrong. He had several wives and 30-something kids, I believe. How sacred can marriage be at that point? I've noticed that the separtion of church and state has been brought up here. That clause says that the church cannot rule the country and the country cannot rule the state. Saying that, even if gay marriage is pushed through, many churches would still not perform the cermonies, nor could the government force them to. Boba, that's what I get, so, everyone, what's wrong with civil unions? Boba, also, not only do we use the same font, Boba Fett was always my favorite Star Wars character.[/color]

[color=green]Forgive the ignorace on my part, but could someone please elaborate on the difference between a Marriage and a Civil Union are for me? I have to say that I waffle on this subject. I would like to see gay marriages become legal. Then I think of the long term effects of it. If gay marriage is legalized, it will set a precident in the courts for other non-traditional marriages, which even supporters of gay marriage think of as wrong. I think while it would do a service for the gay community, it would undermine a lot of structure in the family sector.[/color]

[color=green]I feel that everyone should feel free to share their faith with anyone. That said I also think that they should be mindful of the reactions of others. I do not think that free speech should be limited on matters such as these. That would just weaken the freedom of religion part of the amendment. Feel free to practice whatever religion you want, just don't talk about it. I am a Christian, but not of the in-your-face sort. I don't mind learning about other religions, in fact I find it rather interesting. I am rather grounded in my faith, so you are not going to convert me, as I am not trying to convert you. I'm not a big fan of the Fire and Brimstone set. Those that tell people they are going to hell if they do not convert to something this instant. Faith is different for each and every person, and it is deeply personal. I respect people with a faith that is deep enough to just have to share it with others. I find religious discussion interesting and highly charged, sometimes rather volatile. Everyone has a different take, and often they refuse to respect the position of others. As for Public displays of religion, I'm fine with them. People have the right to wear or say what they want, just don't be offended when people ignore you. I say that because they will. People tend to block things out they don't want to take notice of, like a difference of opnion or faith. It's such a touchy subject so much of the time, that a lot of people just don't want to deal with it. If the faith felt by a person is strong enough that said person want to display it, more power to them. [/color]

[color=green]I can usually look past animation if the plot is good. One case I couldn't the was Kikaider. I have heard that it's an excellent show, but I just never really got into it. and it was mostly due to the animation. I feel that animation styles are an important asset to an anime. It helps set the tone of the show. You said you didnt like Lupin III. I find the animation , while a little rudimentary, suits the show. The animation can enhance the realism of the setting and the characters in the show. Cowboy Bebop has a very realistic tone set to a sci-fi futuristic setting because it looks like it could be real. Lupin has a set of goofy characters and goofy plotlines that cal for the less developed sense of realism and seriousness. I think that was my problem with Kikaider. It was a serious show, but didn't have serious animation to go with it. It had a simplistic animation to go with a very complex plot.[/color]

OOC: Duo, this is tons of fun, but can we give the story a shot in the arm? When are we going to get to the guts of OUR story...this day to day stuff is kind of killing me!! IC [color=green][size=1]As the Gryffindores walked into the Great Hall, they found Harry already seated. The ran to him to ask what had happened. "Well, nothing bad, but I don't think I can tell you until tomorrow. I have a meeting with an older student. If that goes well, then I'll tell you." As they couldn't argue with that, they all sat down to eat. Hermione almost squealed when she saw Liz walk through the door. She ran off to talk to her. Ron stared as she scampered away, "Strange one, she is." "She's just excited to meet a new friend, leave her alone, Ron!" Karen yelled defensively. "I notice you haven't left Harry's side since you met him." Hermione met Liz practically at the door. "Hello, would you guys like to sit with us? I know people usually sit with their own houses, but I'd really like it if you'd join us!" Liz and Alex smiled and accepted the invitation. Just as dinner was beginning a loud noise grabbed everyone's attention. It's was owl's shriek. As it was not a normal time for mail, everyone watched to whom the olw would go. It landed directly in front of Hermione. She looked nervously at the bird and everyone stared at her. Harru came over from his table as Remus took the letter from the bird and handed it to Hermione. She reluctantly took it from him and looked at it nervously. "Do you know who it's from?" Harry asked her. Just as she was about to say, "No," Professor Dumbledore removed the letter fro her hands. "Miss Granger, do you know who would have sent you this letter?" "No, sir. I don't. I don't wish to open it either. Not after the last time." "May I have your permission to inspect this mail? "Of course, Professor." "Would you care to come to my office with myself and Professor Mcgonagal right now?" She nodded and departed with them. As they reached the office Professor McGonagal looked at Hermione with a worried look. "Miss Granger, I am worried about these letters. When I heard about the first one, I thought it may have been a prank, but if this is the same type of letter, then two in one day is particularly distressing." The two women turned to look at Dumbledore who had the letter turning this way and that in mid-air. He had it open itself and it promptly burst into flames. All three of them watched the ashes fall to the ground without surprise. "Mis Granger, please, promptly notify us at any receipt of post on your part from now on. You may now return to dinner." Thw two Professors stayed behind to discuss things as she left.[/color][/size]

[color=green][b][i]You were in my house earlier. The priest asked me to help you. Now you are in my realm. You were not sent here to talk to me about Tilion. I have already been sent a messenger about Tilion, and you have no power to negotiate. You are here for other reason, Gamaliel. I am God, Child, and I know that you are a servant of evil. What are your intentions here?"[/b][/i] Gam was struck by the candidness of God's comments. She almost laughed at the way He conducted Himself. He acussed her of evil, and yet made her feel alright with that, all in one sentence. "God, I apologize for my informality. I do not know how to adress you." [b][i]God will do.[/b][/i] "I am here, God, with intentions to end this war. I am falling in rank in Satan's army, and it is due to the inclement war. I wish to regain my rank and I cannot do that if this war continues. I am here on a mission that was meant for my death. I am surely going to be killed if the war continues, adn I am looking out for myself by coming here." [b][i]I do not want this war either, Gamaliel. I will only fight to save My peoples and and My realm. Lucifer will not corrupt Heaven.[/i][/b] "I look to end this war, by any means," Gam said resolutely. [i][b]Any Means? You are not to be trusted, by my side, or even your own in such a case. Why would you think that I would help your selfish ends?[/b][/i] "If you don't help me, I can beome quite a thorn in your side...or the side of some of your servants and allies..." [b][i]DO NOT THREATEN ME, GAMALIEL! If I felt you to be that much of a threat, you would never leave this room...Not a bad fate for one such as yourself.[/b][/i] "I am just one mortal, but you do not want this war, and neither do I. I bring you an Aliiance of need and desperation, not one that I want to happen to want.[/color]

[color=green]As Hermione struggled to get her broom off the ground she heard a yelp. She looked to see Neville rising off the ground. Several students gasped as Neville flew high into the sky, only to plummet down, striking several surfaces on the way down. Hermione and others ran to the boys side. "Neville, are you okay?" She asked him. Madame Hooch pushed her way thruogh the crowd of students and tried to help Neville up. As she did she noted that his arm was broken and declared that she would be taking him to the imfirmatory. As she left she barked on order to stay on the ground. The group of Gryffindore friends were standing aroung, very concerned when they heard Malfoy's voice beclaring Neville to be an idiot. "Look, it's Neville's remebral..."[/color]

[color=green]I really like the first one. I think she has a realism to her. She is well proportioned and I like her outfit. It seems strange to me to say a girl with wings has a realism... She's my favorite of the three. The second one is well drawn, and I like the crease lines in her clothes (you have a good eye for detail). I like the jacket too, it's a nice little accessory. I really like the third one too. It's fun. I love the style you've drawn her in, and her cute little wings to counter her "naughty" outfit. I also love her shoes... All-in-all, Fine work![/color]

[color=green]I always find PETA really good for a laugh. They always find new and interesting ways to be outlandandish. In all actuality, I respect that fect that they will never back down from a stance (even if it is crazy). I don't enjoy how PETA is so hardline about making their beliefs [i]everyone's[/i] beliefs/ Ianderstnd that there are people who feel in such a way as to give an animal a dirty look is barbaric, and I don't offer them a steak simply because I do eat meat. I simply see it as part of the natural food chain, although we are the only species in the food chain to mass produce, herd and alter the animals we eat the most of. Live as you see fit, and allow me to do the same, please. I had a roomate in the dorms one year. She was an active member of PETA and a vegan. She used to hang up propaganda all over our room and give me articles on the mistreatment of animals and the inhumanity of how animals are slaughtered. It can turn your stomache, really. I almost had a guilt complex about it for a bout a half a second.[/color]

[color=green]I really enjoyed this movie myself. I had never heard anything about it until it arrived at the video store. I promptly took it home, and watched it twice consecutively. I thought the animation was really well done, yes. But it was the story that drew me in. I found the whole thing really tragic. I also like the fact that it showed that a one time chance meeting can alter your life forever, without the other person ever realizing what they've done to you. I found the reporters amusing at times, especially when they [spoiler]cry out, "This is real!" as bullets and fire swarm around them[/spoiler]. I found the entire experience of watching it appealling. I highly recommend it.[/color]

[color=green]I [i]love[/i] The Twilight Zone. I always have, although when I was younger, it scared me a bit. There have been a lot of great episodes mentioned in this thread, including two of my favorites, "Eye of the Beholder" and Japan_86's favorite with the guy adn his glasses...(can't remember the title, sorry) There are so many worth while episodes, really, and most having some sort of social commentary attached to them. It really is just a really intelligent and entertaining show. A couple of my other favorite episodes are the [spoiler] one where the men are in the diner with the "fortune telling machine" at every table. They start to fall prey to it and believe everything it tells them. They finally snap out of it, but then, at the end that old couple walks in... That was great! The other...The one with the small town after a nuclear bomb had been dropped (I've noticed that there are a lot of nuclear references, but I guess it fit the time...) and their "leader" determined what food was/wasn't good to eat. Then the Army comes in...[/spoiler] I didn't put the end to these in, even in the spoilers. If you know what they are, great, you're a true fan![/color]

[color=green]I have to agree with Semjaza Azazel here. When I was younger, everyone hated going to school for school. School was a place to see and be seen. That seemed a common sentiment around me all the way through most of high school. If I could just get rid of the books, school would be [b]great![/b] Now that I am older and have horrible study habits, I miss school. I miss learning, although you never totally stop that, I miss being driven to learn. Hopefully for the people posting about how much they hate school, they will have some enlightenment. We, however cannot force them to do so. Something else I miss about school, a free public education. My tuition costs in the fall are going to be astronomical. They are really trying to start hammering home that a college eduaction is a priviledge.[/color]