Bio

[font=Trebuchet MS]Okay, you've brought up the universal question: What is reality? If you want a literal definition: [size=1] 1. The quality or state of being actual or true. 2. One, such as a person, an entity, or an event, that is actual: ?the weight of history and political realities? (Benno C. Schmidt, Jr.). 3. The totality of all things possessing actuality, existence, or essence. 4. That which exists objectively and in fact: Your observations do not seem to be about reality.[/size] [size=1] Idiom: in reality In fact; actually.[/size] There you go. That's about as simple as it gets. Reality is what you can see, touch, taste, etc. Something that your senses can 'sense'. In other words, what you think up isn't real, until it's converted into a tangible form. I think the better question, however, is why do you care? I think you're delving a bit too deep into basic logic. You can't understand how, why we exist. Back when I was new I made a thread that had a similar topic to this. I don't think anyone can give a logical explanation to your question. It's just too abstract. If you're atheist, chances are you believe that the universe was created through the Big Bang, and that mathematical accident caused one central point to spew matter, antimatter, and what-have-you forth to create what we know as the universe. If you're religious, chances are you believe a deity or deities created everything. Or it could be a combination of both. [/font]

[font=Trebuchet MS][font=Verdana][size=1]Sen sat down on the edge of the fountain in the middle of the village. It wasn't really meant to be used as a seat, due to the lack of space to accommodate someone's rear end, but he usually rested here anyway. Kamikasai looked at him anxiously as he put his hand into a brown paper bag, and pulled out a loaf of bread. He handed it to the fiery-haired boy, who took it gratefully. Sen took out an identical loaf for Gasuke. "Hey, thanks." Gasuke said as he started eating the bread. Sen nodded, and took a chuck from what he had bought himself. "Yea, thanks," said Kamikasai between mouthfuls. After he had swallowed the portion, Sen snatched three bottles of milk from the ground between his fingers, and passed them out among the group.The other two grunted in thanks when they received the drink. Sen took a swig, and prepared to reveal what his intentions were. [i] "Down to 1830 Dran thanks to them and Dad. Damn, he charged me way too much for wood. I'd better be right about this..."[/i] Sen cleared his throat, to get the attention of the two sitting beside him. "Where are you headed, once you're full? Where do you plan to go?" Kamikasai shrugged. "I don't know. I guess we'll have to find the thirstque-" Sen clamped his hand over his mouth quickly, and smiled casually at some villagers who stared at him as they passed by. Once the coast was clear, Sen allowed Kamikasai to continue speaking. "It wouldn't be wise to inform half the town that you're planning a revolt against the Thirstquencher Empire," he explained, "You may cause some worry among the palace, or the various guards roaming the town. And by worry, I mean 'trap the rebels in crystals of binchotite'. Not something you want to happen." Kamikasai raised an eyebrow at him. "How'd you know I was gonna say something like that?" Sen smiled, and chugged the rest of his milk. "Lucky guess," said Sen. He stood up, turned around, and faced the two before him. "Why don't we go somewhere more private to discuss such matters?" Gasuke pointed to the outskirts of town. "We could go to the forest." Sen had a flashback of what had happened to his camp that morning, and felt a crawling feeling in his stomach. "No... I'm not sure how safe even the forest is. There are a lot more places for a spy to hide." Kamikasai finished his loaf of bread, and stood up. "We could just go the outskirts themselves. That way, we're far enough from both the majority of the people and the forest." Sen smiled. "An excellent idea. Once we finish our lunch, we can head that way.[/size][/font]" [/font]

[url="http://img2.imagetown.net/57721202.jpg"][font=Trebuchet MS]Click[/font][/url] [font=Trebuchet MS] I've skinned Windows XP to look somewhat like (I think) Mac OS 9 with styleXP, just because I think it looks cleaner than the other default XP skins. My background is a World of Warcraft wallpaper called Imagination. And yes, I did change the mozilla icon too.[/font]

[font=Trebuchet MS]For the people looking to read it, you can find a version of the story [url="http://www.pitt.edu/%7Edash/perrault04.html"]here.[/url] It's a pretty short story, so I don't really see any point in buying it, unless you want it just so you can read it whenever you want. ^^ But yes, all I want to know is what Puss was muttering in spanish in one of the parts of the movie. He said it too quickly for me to hear any of the words. [/font]

[font=Trebuchet MS]Most of my childhood memories also involve head injuries. Mainly getting gashes in my head, and one where I was almost concussed. ^^ The first time I cut my head was when I was chasing my (older, imagine that) brother around the house, with a little construction paper kite depicting batman that I had made around that time in preschool. So we eventually ended up in my parents room, and since that was a dead end, my brother turned sharply, and went out. Now, you must understand that as a four-year-old, I didn't exactly have the best reaction time, and so when I turned to persue him, I ran head first into the protruding corner of the wall, cutting the top of my head, and causing me to fall to the ground. I don't remember much of it, but all I know is that I was sad because my kite had been ruined due to the blood, and that I had done the same to the carpet. Another time, when I was about 7, I was playing Red Rover with a bunch of my friends, and I had my back to the driveway (which is gravel). When one of the people ran over to try to break the link, he knocked me over headfirst onto the driveway. The final time this happened was when I was on the bus, about 9 years old, and I had stolen my friend's lunchbox as a joke. He saw that I had done it, and so he grabbed it. We were both pulling in opposite directions, (I had a window seat) when he said "Fine, take it," and let go. The sent my head into the metal bar of the window. I laughed because I thought it must have been funny, and we continued talking. When we neared the school, one of the girls told me I had blood dripping from my head. I told the busdriver, and she took me to the nurse. She then called my mom, saying something along the lines of: "He has a one-inch gash on the left side of his head, and is still conscious," which sounds more like she was describing a brutal attack in which I was bludgeoned on the head, with something hard enough for it to make sense that I would be unconscious. The last time was at my birthday party , the same year I believe, and we decided to put one person on a sheet, while the others swung it back and forth until they finally flew off. When they did this to me, I landed on my head and couldn't see straight and was pretty out of it until the next day. Yay for head injuries! [/font]

[font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=1] [left][size=2][size=1][font=lucida sans unicode]Sen sidled slowly along the wall as he approached the base of Twinpeak Mountain. He felt exhilarated, even though he knew how let down he would be if it [i]was [/i]just a soldier that had fallen from the cliff. He narrowed his eyes and stared intently into the brush on the other side of the stream. He was careful to be alert, defensive, and most of all; stealthy. His thief training was kicking in, though his usual lust for treasure was dampened by his desire to uncover a legend, or legendary hero for that matter. His ears perked up. He heard voices. And heavy footsteps...[/font][/size][/size][/left] [size=2] [size=3][b]CRASH [/b][size=1]He realized his problem too late. The two sprinting figures sharply turned around the corner,The smaller one[/size][/size][font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=1][size=3][size=1] hitting him directly, and catching the other person's side. They had hit him with so much force that he flipped like an acrobat into the air, and landed face-first in the dirt, sliding several feet. [i]"VERY smooth." [/i]His body responded from muscle memory, twisting both legs into the air and launching himself back to his feet, restoring his pride. As he did this he split and drew one of his butterfly swords, and landed holding the blade in a stab/slash ready stance. The taller figure had pulled himself up even more quickly, as his fall hadn't been as bad, and was already holding his weapon. On his right, a kid with a katana glared at him, appearing irritated with the anime style-looking lump that was forming on his head. He didn't draw his weapon, but instead looked straight at Sen, unmoving. He wasn't even really a kid; he looked to be about the same age as Sen himself, just a few inches shorter. 'Watch where you're going." he said. Sen shook his head in surprise. He kept staring at the kid, who was still standing in place like a statue. Sen looked down at his small sword, and in embarrassment, sheathed it. [i]"Sen you idiot! Remember what you're here for!" [/i]He quickly composed himself, brushing off his pants. While he did this, he managed a quick glance at the katana. "So, why are you in such a hurry to get away from Twinpeak Mountain, [i]with weapons[/i]? " he asked, trying not to ask what he really wanted to. "We just want to get back to town before it gets dark." said Gasuke. Sen looked at him in amusement. He flicked away a fly, and continued. "I don't think you're going to have to worry about that. It's barely noon," he said, "And at the pace you were going I can tell you for certain that you'd make it in time." Sen looked at them like a doctor examining a patient. he wasn't in the village often, but he was pretty sure that he had never seen the kid with the katana before. However, he couldn't be certain. "Look, we have to go," said the katana-kid, "Later." Both Gasuke and Kamikasai broke into a run and continued down the path. "Oh no you don't-" said Sen under his breath, "Wait...!"[/size] [/size][/size][/font][/size][/size][/font]

[font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=1]The hook of the fishing rod landed in the river with a soft [i]plunk. [/i]Sen sighed and leaned against the wooden railing. It creaked slightly.[/size][/font] [i][font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=1]"I guess this old bridge could use some new wood too..."[/size][/font][/i] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=1]This got him thinking about the strange vandalizing of his camp. It was too odd to be just a coincidence. No one in their right mind would leave Dran. It would be just... [b]stupid. [/b]He chuckled softly to himself. Stupid like him being so paranoid. what was there to worry about? This was just a small town in the middle of nowhe-[/size][/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=1]Sen had forgotten about fishing he felt a tug on the line, and leapt up in surprise. He peeked over to see what was on the line, when he saw something in the water. At first he thought it was the glare on the water made by the sun, but he soon realized it was different. It was part of the water.. but not, like... [i]blood. [/i][/size][/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=1]His brain made the connection. Blood in the river, coming from the direction of Twinpeak Mountain. What was up there? Just Thirstquencher soldiers, and some undiscovered treasure. But didn't the Legends of Musashi mention something about the top of that very mountain? No, he was just over anylizing the situation. Maybe a soldier had gotten a bloody nose, or possibly even fell. It wouldn't be suprising, but... If someone fell, wouldn't there be a body?[/size][/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=1]Sen walked the the other side of the bridge, and peeked over. Nothing. He walked to the shore, and looked under the bridge. Nothing there either. He stroked his chin, deep in thought. A body could get trapped by something on the side of the river, but the blood would keep flowing. Yes that was a logical explanation. [/size][/font] [i][font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=1]"I should go check it out then... do something helpful for the empire..."[/size][/font][/i] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=1]He knew he was just excusing his personal reasons for going to the mountain, but he was content to lie to himself.[/size][/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=1]"Yes... I'll do a good deed for [i]Sir [/i]King..."[/size][/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=1]He started on his way up the path to Twinpeak Mountain. His eyes darted back and forth. He was filled with a sensation of urgency. Maybe the books were true...? If they were, he wanted to be the first to meet the legendary Musashiden, if it was him, and to behold Lumina and Fusion.[/size][/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=1][i]"This is foolish. Even if it is a Legendary Hero, it won't be Musashiden. He is encased in a bincho crystal. This would be someone altogether different... and chances are he won't have either sword. [b]Assuming I'm not going insane, of course.[/b]"[/i][/size][/font]

[font=Tahoma][color=Sienna]I was wondering when a thread about this would pop up. Yes, I loved the book. The thing about it is, even if it goes against what you believe, and your views don't change, you just can't put it down. That's why it's so popular. Whether to someone the book is a revelation or a lie, the curiosity will probably eat away at them until they read more. I don't think the author would have been bold enough to simply write this book without any basis. We [i]all [/i]know that the medieval-ish age church was corrupt. It's a well-known fact. Not only that, but you can make connections with what's going on, so that it actually makes sense. And that, I think, is why this book hasn't recieved much flaming. Unless a person is either really ignorant or really naiive, they [i]will [/i]make connections, and the way the book is written doesn't make them abandon their faith in order to understand. [/color][/font]

[font=Lucida Sans Unicode] [/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=1]As Sen approached town, he could hear the river flowing peacefully. He sighed. It had been a while since he had been in town. His father would no doubt be ectsatic with joy. His stomach turned. [i]"Stupid emotions."[/i][/size] [/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=1]He walked over the wooden bridge that seperated the outskirts from the rest of the town, and gazed blankly at the villiagers that passed. A girl and a man clad in armor ran by to his right, a considerably large cloud of dust trailing them. He shook his head and turned to get another look at the girl. She seemed in some way out of proportion, but not so much that she hadn't caught his eye. He began to whistle as he strolled by the small farm houses.[/size] [/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=1]When he finally made it to the pawn shop in the main part of town, he felt a reservation for disturbing his father. He never liked the way he clapped him on the back and asked him questions. [b]So many questions[/b]. Something hit his spine sharply, and he fell over rather comically.[/size] [/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=1]"Oh, hi dad..." said Sen as he brushed himself off. The pawnbroker laughed, and extended a calloused hand to help him up. [/size] [/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=1]"I saw you standing there in the doorway while I was coming back from the bakery. You looked like you were unsure as to whether you wanted to see me, so I thought I'd initiate the conversation." he coughed feverishly, and opened the door. Sen nodded, which he used as a combination thank you/hello, and stepped inside the dimly lit room.[/size] [/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=1]He had never understood how so many things could fit in such a cramped room. Various tools along with other useless objects where both stacked along the wall. His father didn't like throwing things away. Niether did he. The pawnbroker sat down behind the desk as though Sen was a normal customer.[/size] [/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=1]"What can I do for you?" he said in his rough voice, and stared at him with the gleam in his eye that meant he wanted money. Sen composed himself, and looked back at his father,[/size] [/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=1]"I need some wood for a sign and fencing. Someone went through my stuff, and I want to be more secure." The pawnbroker looked concerned.[/size] [/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=1]"Was anything stolen?"[/size] [/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=1]"That's just the thing. Nothing was missing. All my possesions, even the ones I keep locked up, where out of place." Sen's father was silent for a moment.[/size] [/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=1]"Well, that's odd," he said disregardingly, "The amount you're going to need comes to 1,000 Dran, but since you're like a son I'll cut the price in half." Sen nodded in approval. "I'll need to find someone to get the wood for me, so it'll take a little while."[/size] [/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=1]"Thanks." said Sen, and he stepped outside. [/size] [/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=1][i]"I need to relax..." [/i]he thought, and stretched, and yawning savored the scent of the morning air and baking bread. He jogged in place for a few seconds before walking off in the direction of[/size][/font][font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=1] the river.[/size][/font][font=Lucida Sans Unicode] [i][size=1]"I haven't fished in a while..."[/size][/i][size=1] [/size][/font]

[font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=1][i]twang[/i][/size][/font][font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=1] [/size][/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=1]The knife lodged itself into a nearby tree. It had been flung with such force that it had nearly split the young oak in half. Sen walked stiffly towards the sapling and ripped out his blade, sheathing it alongside its twin. The oak creaked as though it were in agony. He dropped the herbs he had gathered, discarding them as though they were pieces of trash. He walked closer to the campsite, his temper reaching the boiling point.[/size][/font][font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=1] [/size][/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=1]"Vandals trashing my camp," he seethed, "I need a better lock for my-" Sen's eyes widened. "Where are my books?" He dug his foot into the ground as though he were a bull ready to charge, when he noticed that every single volume he possessed was stacked neatly on a table in front of his tent. [/size][/font][font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=1] [/size][/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=1]Sen looked questioningly at the books, and turned back to survey his campsite more closely. Nothing was stolen. It was simply out of place. He sighed. Whatever they were looking for they hadn't found.[/size][/font][font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=1] [/size][/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=1]"[i]At least they were neat about it.[/i]" he thought. He strode towards the table, picked up a stack of papers, and flipped through its contents. All was there, even his journal. A pouch with some spare dran was even left intact. He looked over his shoulder anxously, and tapped his fingers on the top of his walking stick. [i]"What's going on?"[/i][/size][/font][font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=1] [/size][/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=1]He quickly returned everything to where it had been, and picked up the lock for his book chest. He narrowed his eyes, and looked at the lock again. It was in perfect condition, as though someone had used the key, though he had it in his back pocket at that moment. He shook his head, and locked the chest anyway.[/size][/font][font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=1] [/size][/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=1]He took another look around the campsite. He thought the fence looked old, and could be replaced. Maybe a sign too. 'Warning, pet poison plant' could do the trick. Still, he didn't like how clean this raid was. Raids weren't supposed to be clean. Maybe it wasn't a raid. Maybe it was meant to tell him that he was vulnerable. A pawn, to be manipulated or withdrawn at any time. Maybe he was paranoid.[/size][/font][font=Trebuchet MS][font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=1][i]"I [b]should [/b]get a pet poison plant..." [/i][/size][/font][font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=1]Instead, he decided on new wood for fencing and a sign to scare away bandits. "This is [b]stupid[/b]. [i]I'm [/i]supposed to be the one doing the stealing." [/size][/font][font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=1] Walking towards Grillin Village, he didn't dare look behind him, because he knew that would only make him feel like he was being watched. [i]"What does it matter," [/i]he thought, [i]"If I'm being warned?" [/i]He clasped his walking stick tightly. [i]"Did I not do satisfactory work on Steamwood last time, or is Sir King just keeping me in line?"[/i] Sen stopped abrubtly and chuckled. He continued walking towards town with a broad grin on his face, swinging his cane as though nothing had happened. "[i]Sir [/i]King." he said to himself as though it were the funniest joke he had ever heard. "I think I'll call him that from now on. [i]Sir [/i]King. That's a laugh." [/size][/font][i][size=2] [/size][/i][/font]

[color=Sienna][font=Tahoma]It isn't really important to me. I can't imagine idolizing someone for whatever reason. Sure, if I saw Uma Thurman buying groceries, it would be cool, but I doubt I would even approach her. But that's only because she was in a good movie. Nothing more, to be honest. The only posters I ever have up is usually one, on my door, and it's usually a tribute to my current favorite game. No people. Not only that, but posters of people tend to freak me out. It always looks like they're watching you... or maybe I'm paranoid. I'm betting it's a combination. More on subject though, yes, pop culture is everywhere, and it's devouring the souls of anyone naiive enough to get too deeply involved. And on the contrary, Anime_fangurl, I agree with you. Though it's pretty bad, (yet funny) most of the episodes actually have a point, even the movie. It was proving how easily children can be influenced by stuff of that nature, while at the same time showing how much people can overreact. (obviously an exaggerated version) I especially noticed this in the South Park Movie when the news channel was talking about how the Terrance and Phillip's movie and song was pretty much the most popular thing in America, even though it was trash. (It was funny, but trash nonetheless ^^) [/font][/color]

[color=sienna][font=Tahoma][b]Name:[/b] Sen Mocha [b]Age: [/b]15 [b]Class: [/b]Thief [b]Description:[/b] [img]http://img42.photobucket.com/albums/v130/Archetype777/Rue2.jpg[/img] [b]Bio: [/b]Sen has lived most of his life relying on the Pawnbroker for pay. He won't hesitate to collect something for him, or to keep some of the profit for himself. Orphaned at an early age, he never knew his parents, and lives alone in a humble camp just outside Grilling Village. His parent's bodies were never found, leaving their fate purely to speculation. However, he isn't lonely, since he [i]is [/i]by himself most of the time. He usually hums to himself or whistles unconsciously, since he isn't used to having someone to annoy. For reasons unknown to him, he is periodically called to perform maintenance on Steamwood, to keep it functioning or to fix both the multiple malfunctions and miscalculations in the orginal design. He assumes that he's called since he has a passion for engineering, which is clear from the amount of books on physics and machinery located in a chest at his camp. Along with machinery, he is an avid scholar of mythology, and is especially interested in legends regarding Musashiden. He has been researching the subject to the best of his ability; the only reason he dislikes the Thirstquencher occupancy is restriction of available books and almost no access to the Palace Library. He has never been active in politics, and never bothered thinking about rebelling against the Thirstquencher empire due to his lack of sympathy for the "whiney fools" who want independence. He doesn't exactly support the Thirstquencher empire, but he's neutral on the matter. Regardless of his odd past, he's rather happy-go-lucky, but tends to make his own decision on what to do, ignoring the advice of others. [b]Starting Point: [/b]Inside Somnolent Forest, just outside Grillin Villiage. [b]Primary Spell/Weapon: [/b]Sword Cane (a thin but sturdy blade concealed inside what appears to be a normal wooden walking stick) [b]Secondary Weapon/Item: [/b] Butterfly Sword (at first appears to be one short blade but can split into two) [b]Items:[/b] [/font][/color][font=Tahoma][size=1][color=sienna]Antidote Mint Small Binchotite Crystal (stores three bincholon charges for himself and others) [/color][/size][/font] [color=sienna][font=Tahoma][b]Spell: [/b][u]Bincho Comet [/u]Dramatic increase in dexterity and mobility for a brief period of time. I.E. increases speed, jumping hight, can run up/across walls of reasonable height/length, less damage recieved from falling, etc. This assists his skills as a thief. He can only use this once every hour or two, and will be out of breath and extremely tired after each use until he either sleeps or takes a mint. [/font][/color]

[color=Sienna]Hilarious as always. Awesome wordplay. I've had some experiences like that, but not for nearly as long. That's something that would happen if you were using a phrase that James wasn't familiar with, though it seems that you just had him over anylize what you were saying. And for the sake of [i]not [/i]over anylizing the plushie, I'll stop right here. ^_^ [/color]

[color=Sienna][font=Tahoma]I don't really like either of them as well. Kerry hasn't really talked about doing anything, other than all the bad things Bush did. Meanwhile, Bush is getting pretty annoying in the white house. My analysis of the two: Bush: Redneck Kerry: Hypocrite (though I don't really know much about him. Disregard that if you wish) Yep, that about covers it. If I could vote, it would be for the third party guy. Wouldn't it be funny if he won? XD [i]Vote Deathbug in Election 2004[/i] [/font][/color]

[color=Sienna][font=Tahoma]Shikamaru, you [b]fool[/b]. I'm not going to resist the urge to reply to this thread for several reasons, one being the contradiction you have mentioned multiple times. Also, I [i]definitely [/i]don't agree with you trying to force your religion down other people's throats. Instead of saying that our ideas are stupid and useless, you could just say what your views are. Your second to last post is pure intolerance of other's ideals. The only purpose of this thread was to try to be a missionary of Islam, and you even share characteristics with the Christian missionaries of the middle ages and beyond that converted others by blatantly telling them that they would suffer eternally in a fiery pit if they continued to practice their own religion. After reading your post several times, I've become even more aggrivated with your blind preaching. There are so many better ways you could have could have shared your beliefs than threatening everyone with promises of hell. In short, what you said was not rediculous, it was shortsighted. You can't tell people what to believe in. EDIT: Well, that wasn't exactly relevant, was it? ^^; Alright, if I were to find out that I were to die in three days, I would do what I had always wanted to do, and live the last days as best I could. [/font][/color]

[color=Sienna][font=Tahoma]Definitely. Paycuts are happening everywhere, mainly due to mindless spending. I'm not sure if I'm particularly well-informed about the matter, but here's what I percieve is happening: Our school is/was pretty well off compared to some of the other schools in the area. However, I don't think the school board interpreted that correctly. Many teachers are being let go, and because of the pay cuts many of our best teachers are forced to find work elsewhere, since they could only [i]just[/i] live off the skimpy pay that they had before all this happened. One of our art teachers, (who wasn't particularly experienced in the first place) is being let go. The problem is, she has cancer. She's potentially terminally ill, and she's being fired. That isn't what I'd percieve as a good day. Not only that, but next year all students will have to pay for extra-curricular activities. I know it isn't as bad as them being completely hacked off the budget, but it's still kinda aggrivating. The school is spending on some pretty useless things, such as a tile mosaic of our school's mascot, (a lion) on the entrance hall floor. That cost either $400 or $4,000. I think there were a few other options that could have had an impact on actual learning, rather than impressing visiting schools. I'd type more, but I have to go to bed. [/font][/color]

[font=Tahoma][color=Sienna]Hallelujah! Erm... I have been waiting for a sequel to Brave Fencer Musashi since I first played it. (it was one of the first RPGs of that type that I had played, so that could attribute to it) I had no idea that they were making this up until now! Just like BlueYoshi mentioned, it's the originality of the... well, original that drew me in, and from what it looks like, this will be even better. I'm getting this game, as soon as it ships to the US, and only the worst review possible can convince me otherwise. Or maybe I should wait and see... [/color][/font]

[font=Tahoma][color=Sienna]Some RO Avatars... [img]http://img42.photobucket.com/albums/v130/Archetype777/Sage_Avatar.jpg[/img] Name: Sage Female Category: Ragnarok Online [img]http://img42.photobucket.com/albums/v130/Archetype777/Rogue_Avatar.jpg[/img] Name: Rogue Female Category: Ragnarok Online [img]http://img42.photobucket.com/albums/v130/Archetype777/Novice_Avatar.jpg[/img] Name: Novice Female Category: Ragnarok Online [img]http://img42.photobucket.com/albums/v130/Archetype777/Knight_Avatar.jpg[/img] Name: Knight Male Category: Ragnarok Online [img]http://img42.photobucket.com/albums/v130/Archetype777/Hunter_Avatar.jpg[/img] Name: Hunter Female Category: Ragnarok Online [img]http://img42.photobucket.com/albums/v130/Archetype777/Blacksmith_Avatar.jpg[/img] Name: Blacksmith Male Category: Ragnarok Online [/color][/font]

[color=Sienna][font=Tahoma]I really, really enjoy this series, and I've only seen the first episode. The detail is amazing, the dubbing is great, and yea, wolves. That's a plus too. I also think they chose great voices for the characters, although the human Kiba's voice seemed awkward. I also noticed that the voice actor for Tsukasa did that little boy with the large space between his teeth. I like the idea of the wolf/human thing, but sadly, Kiba has supplied one of my friends with yet another bishy to feed upon. :rolleyes: ... has anyone else noticed his incredible resemblance to squall...? Err... yea, excluding the human Kiba, the character's appearances definitely seem to match their personalities. [/font][/color]

[color=Sienna][font=Tahoma](edited thanks to Heaven's Cloud. Seriously, I haven't laughed so hard in a while, especially at myself. XD) *facepalm* Saying that America was created 'under God' is an arguable topic. The US is supposed to be the [b]land of the free[/b], not the land of the Christians. There is no logical explination to anyone who thinks of people who believe in different things as lesser or second-class citizens. And I know for a fact that the Christian God does not tell you to spite other religions or beliefs, not unless its some pretty messed-up branch. I honestly think that 'In God We Trust' should be taken off the dollar bill, and so should every other descreet symbology such as the masonic all-seeing eye. Why? Because not everyone believes in the same thing. You can't assume it's okay to put your religion on currency, because in this world, people [i]will[/i] get mad, and they will definitely [i]not[/i] sit down and shut up. You say the US was created under God because it says so in the pledge? Well, that's another thing that needs to be edited if we want to be the truely free country we're always saying we are. Also, *points to the second post* America has no right to tell people what religion to have, or to remind people about a certain deity. This isn't the middle ages. *points to post above him* What the hell? Were have you been? America is one of the most hated countries in the world. Do you watch TV? Do you read the newspaper? We're big, sure. We're powerful, sure. But we're like the hyperactive social worker. We'll help people that don't want to be helped, and we stick our nose where it shouldn't be. I'd imagine it's annoying. [/font][/color]

[font=Tahoma][color=sienna][font=Verdana][color=#000000][/color][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]I've always like this stuff. I've had some first-hand experiences that [i]make[/i] me believe that such things as spirits aren't just hoaxes. And I don't mean the 'evil white sheet things', I mean genuine apparitions.[/size][/font][/color] [size=2][color=#a0522d]I don't believe in the zombies though. Stories of walking dead come from nerves reacting after a person's death. [/color][/size] [size=2][color=#a0522d]As for strange natural phenomena, like the Bermuda Triangle, I'm not sure. I think that if the cause is magnetic, it's because the magnetic poles of the earth are in the middle of switching. (yes, they do that) Otherwise, I'm not sure. A wormhole would be cool, but it's pretty farfetched.[/color][/size] [size=2][color=#a0522d]I know black holes aren't really paranormal, but they're still shrouded in mystery. We can't know for sure what happens to what is sucked in. I'm pretty sure that scientists say that if you fell in one, you would be ground away, and time would appear to move backwards. I think they're pretty interesting.[/color][/size] [size=2][color=#a0522d]I also think that there has to be alien life somewhere, wether it be bacteria or highly-advanced sentient beings. The size of the universe almost requires more life. I think it's pretty naive to think that the earth, not even a tiny speck in the universe, is the only planet capable of producing life.[/color][/size][/font]

[center][font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=black][img]http://www.otakuboards.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=18693&stc=1[/img][/color][/size][/font][/center] [font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=black]A well-fed woman dressed in expensive clothes strode to the door with an air of authority. She turned around, and clicked the button on her car keys twice. The porsche beeped, meaning it was locked. The woman smiled, and turned around to put the key in the lock of her and her husband's luxurious, oversized home when she noticed that there was blood dripping from the keyhole. Her eyes widened. She shoved the key in the lock, turned it, and flung the door open. What she saw made her gag.[/color][/size][/font] [font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=black]There was deep crimson blood everywhere; on the cieling, the furniture, and spattered on the walls, giving her visions of grotesque stab wounds. When she turned the corner into the parlor, she saw her husband sitting on a leather couch facing the plasma television. [/color][/size][/font] [font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=black]He had no eyes.[/color][/size][/font] [font=Century Gothic][size=2][color=black]He was completely drenched in his own blood, his high-end suit punctured and torn in what had to be fifty places from whatever had been used to slaughter him. Behind him were two horizontal lines of blood staining the white plaster wall. In between the lines was a series of letters written in crimson:[/color][/size][/font] [font=Century Gothic][color=black]KTSLROFIYSANOIPILG [/color][/font][size=2][font=Century Gothic][color=black]The woman screamed, and the room seemed to spin wildly around her. Behind her, she heard the antique floorboards creak. She felt a sudden, sharp pain in her abdomen, and saw her blood spray onto her late husband. Before she lost consciousness, she saw her murderer write one word on the same wall as the message. He was using her own blood. When the armor-clad man stepped from what he was doing, she could clearly see what he had inscribed: Caeser's Box[/color][/font] [size=2][color=sienna]---[/color][/size] [size=2][color=#a0522d][/color][/size] [size=2][color=#a0522d]This is going to be an interactive murder-mystery. You have to figure out the codes, and post where you think that the murderer will strike next. I made the first on easy. It's a Ceaser's Box cipher. To solve it, you form the message into a 4 by 4 box, then read down the rows. But then you need to figure out the riddle...[/color][/size] [size=2][color=#a0522d][/color][/size] [size=2][color=#a0522d]Google is your friend.[/color][/size] [/size]

[size=2][color=sienna]A lot of this draws from [i]A Detective's Story,[/i] as you can no doubt tell. Maybe there'll be a second part or something. I actually typed this up on the OB itself, so it's kind of awkward. Oh well.[/color][/size] [size=2][/size][center][font=Lucida Console][size=3][color=darkgreen][/color][/size][/font] [/center] [center][font=Lucida Console][size=3][color=darkgreen][b]The Rabbit Hole[/b][/color][/size][/font][/center] [i][size=2]Click, Click, Click.[/size][/i] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=2]The rapid succesion of keystokes continued as it had for hours. The man sitting in front of the terminal would not give up so easily. This lead had been of more use than he had expected. The power of this person's skill had also suprised him. [/size][/font][font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=2]Trinity.[/size][/font] [font=Lucida Console][size=2][color=darkgreen]Error. Please restart computer.[/color][/size][/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=2][color=black]The monitor dimmed as the computer rebooted for the fifth time in minutes. This 'Trinity' was a damned good hacker, that was for sure. From what he could tell, she was even better than him, and he had always thought he was the best.[/color][/size][/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=2]The man logged back on to the internet, and started typing rapid fire.[/size][/font] [font=Lucida Console][size=2][color=darkgreen]Error. Please restart computer.[/color][/size][/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=2][color=black]"****!" said the man as he switched the terminal's power back on, "Fine, I'll play your game." The man browsed until he had found what he was looking for. The chatroom.[/color][/size][/font] [font=Lucida Console][size=2][color=darkgreen]## UNAUTHORIZED USER LOG ON:[/color][/size][/font] [font=Lucida Console][size=2][color=#006400]WHITE_ROOK > I am looking for someone.[/color][/size][/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=2][color=black]There was no response for some time.[/color][/size][/font] [font=Lucida Console][size=2][color=darkgreen]WHITE_ROOK > How far does the rabbit hole go?[/color][/size][/font] [font=Lucida Console][size=2][color=#006400]RED_QUEEN > How far do you think it goes?[/color][/size][/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=2][color=black]The man smiled and shifted in his chair.[/color][/size][/font] [font=Lucida Console][size=2][color=darkgreen]WHITE_ROOK > I can't know.[/color][/size][/font] [font=Lucida Console][size=2][color=#006400]RED_QUEEN > Then let me show you.[/color][/size][/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=2][color=black]The man seemed disappointed. He had expected a line about a white rabbit.[/color][/size][/font] [font=Lucida Console][size=2][color=darkgreen]WHITE_ROOK > Tell me.[/color][/size][/font] [font=Lucida Console][size=2][color=#006400]Where is Trinity?[/color][/size][/font] [font=Lucida Console][size=2][color=#006400]RED_QUEEN > Down the rabbit hole.[/color][/size][/font] [font=Lucida Console][size=2][color=#006400]WHITE_ROOK > And where exactly is that?[/color][/size][/font] [font=Lucida Console][size=2][color=#006400]RED_QUEEN > Wherever you want it to be.[/color][/size][/font] [font=Lucida Console][size=2][color=#006400]All you need to do is follow.[/color][/size][/font] [font=Lucida Console][size=2][color=#006400]WHITE_ROOK > Follow the white rabbit?[/color][/size][/font] [font=Lucida Console][size=2][color=#006400]## USER LOG OFF RED_QUEEN ##[/color][/size][/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=2][color=black]"Damn it!" The man yelled, spilling his coffee. He slowly got up, and looked out the window. For the first time, he noticed a club that was across from him. The White Rabbit. [/color][/size][/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=2]The man squinted. He didn't remember that ever being there. The club's name was even broadcasted on a garish neon sign. "I'm not [i]that [/i]stupid." he muttered.[/size][/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=2]He thought the evening's events over in his head. [i]And now the club...[/i] "Oh, he's good."[/size][/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=2]Once the man gained entrance to the club, he immediately began searching for anyone that looked suspiscious. There was no real way of knowing, but it was always best to make sure. His hand brushed by his holstered gun. [/size][/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=2]"Hello, Flint."[/size][/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=2]The man turned around. "Who are you?"[/size][/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=2]"Who do you think I am?" said the woman before him.[/size][/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=2]"I never knew that Trinity was sarcastic." he grinned. "I didn't know [i]he [/i]was female either. And why were you so direct? I heard that people usually have to solve riddles. You made me buy a copy of [i]Alice in Wonderland [/i]for nothing."[/size][/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=2]"What a shame."[/size][/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=2]"Indeed." Flint shifted. "What do you want?"[/size][/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=2]"I could ask you the same. You've been prodding me for quite some time now." said Trinity.[/size][/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=2]"I decided to find out for myself why everyone who seems to solve your riddles disappears."[/size][/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=2]"You'll find out soon enough." she replied. [/size][/font][font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=2]The man felt the walls begin to close in. He reached for his revolver. [/size][/font][font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=2]She caught his arm. [/size][/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=2]"You said that you wanted to see how deep that rabbit hole goes...?" Trinity began. "Yes..." said Flint, "Though I assumed it was a metaphor."[/size][/font] [font=Lucida Sans Unicode][size=2]"Come with me."[/size][/font]

[font=Tahoma][size=2][color=sienna][size=2]I don't know, really. I like to look at my horoscope sometimes for amusement (it isn't right very much). For the signs, I've found that although descriptions are vague, they're usually true.[/size][/color][/size] [size=2][color=#a0522d]So I guess I'm undecided. I don't really care that much. Horoscopes and signs are fun things to look at when I'm bored.[/color][/size][/font]

[color=Sienna][font=Tahoma]I sadly haven't read any of these, but one of my friends is completely absorbed by them. We have similar interests in books, but it just seemed too stereotypical fantasy for me. Besides, when I grabbed the book from him and read a paragraph, one of the words I came across was 'chickenshit'. I found that a highly amusing new insult for some reason. I've considered reading these for a while, but they seemed a bit old fashioned... I don't know why. Maybe I should try to read the first one and then see how it is. [/font][/color]