oshi

Hetero couples can get married and divorced on a whim. They can date for three months, decide that they're "meant for each other" and tie the knot. They can have three children that they don't want, and then they can decide that they "made a mistake" and get a divorce, despite the fact that they then have thrown three kids into an unstable environment, and effected their lives in an unchangable way. Whereas a gay couple has to fight this hard, just to be able to gain the right to visit their loved one in a hospital? To share the same life insurance plan? What is wrong with this, now, hmm? Gays can barely adopt--even though there's no evidence that kids living with gay parents are negatively influenced. I don't think that marriage means anything right now, anyway. My parents are married, and have been for twenty years, so I have a good example of it to guide me. But it's not about religion anymore. Firstly, it's about love, and second, about laws. You shouldn't get married unless you're in love, and if you love each other enough to get married, you should have the right to. I guess I'm pretty open-minded about this kind of thing. I read an article a while ago about a French couple. They were brother and sister. However, they were perfect for each other. They're both very happy, and they have a lovely, healthy child. As long as your actions are not hurting anyone--which rules out pedophilic "relationships" and incest abuse--you should not be forced into the same mold as everybody else. Everyone lives a different life, and everyone has different views. This shouldn't be a matter of religion--because everyone's take on that is different, too.

I don't really think there's that much sexual activity in it, actually. Not compared to most manga. I mean, Akimine Kamijyo seems to put a lot of effort and toning into Yuya's cleavage, but compared to Tohru Fujisawa (GTO), that's nothing. A couple of bloody noses can be a good thing, however they're acquired. ;) One thing I really liked about the manga series is the drawing style. The anime changed that, too. Why can't they just let these good things be? The biggest thing that bothers me is that the enemies now change into monsters. And not even cool monsters. Big ugly ones. Blech.

I've read the series--keep with it. It gets really deep and dark; but it's not like other manga where it's totally unbelievable. It is fifteen books, but there is supposed to be another follow-up thingie (I'm not sure if it's another series or what) on the characters out there somewhere. It's hard to really like any of the characters, but I think that's just because they're portrayed realistically. Their faults are as evident as their strengths. My favorite character is Masao. I don't know if you've gotten to him yet. Not really sure why he's my favorite . . . most interesting, maybe? oshi

I've been following this manga (I'm up to the fourth; the fifth's out right now at Waldenbooks, but I'm broke!), and I really like it. The drawing style is somehow unique, although the artist tends to draw people's legs a bit short, in my opinion. The character designs are a little cliche--well-meaning doofus, somewhat ditsy, overreacting female companion, and evil, cool, chauvenistic villain--but it's entertaining. However, a friend of mine bought the first couple of DVD's, and after watching the first episode, I just couldn't stand it anymore. The anime completely skewed the whole plot! The enemies actually turn into MONSTERS! I couldn't believe it. I had such high hopes. All crushed now. The anime also rearranged things like when certain characters are introduced, how they are introduced, and it gave away plot twists that I hadn't even gotten to in the fourth book--right away in the first episode. I resolved not to watch any more of the anime before I read more of the manga. Am I making the right choice? Has anyone seen this before? The one thing I will say that the DVD's have going for them is the outtakes of the voice acting. Imagine Benitora saying this is an Eric Cartman voice: "Ah, Mibu Clan? Ah, I think I've heard that name before . . . ." oshi

Hmmm, Friday the thirteenth is not a bad-luck day. It was introduced as a lie to try to convert pagans to Christianity. Freya is the Goddess of Love, and her day is Friday; thirteen is her number. So of course, it was turned into a day of ill-fate and misfortune. Personally, I haven't had any more bad luck than I usually do--it's probably a Mercury retrograde. It's always a Mercury retrograde. If the evil is growing within you, I'd suggest seeing a doctor. They can usually take care of that with an animal tranquilizer. *wink* oshi

(thank you ChibiHorsewoman; you said that perfectly.) oshi

While the story of Ceres is not bad (not bad at all), the anime and how it was done . . . was terrible. I've only read the first two of the manga, and it was more than enough for me to want to see the anime. However, after watching the anime, I sort of decided that I no longer had any desire to read the rest of the manga. It's not that the plot turned out badly; I just kind of lost interest. I'm really enjoying Fushigi Yuugi as it keeps coming out; Yuu Watase has a very good sense of humor--especially about herself! oshi

What kind of skills are you looking to strengthen? Celtic magick is steeped in legends, so it would probably do you a lot of good to look them over. Are you trying to stay only in Celtic, or are you okay with learning other types, too? Because Silver Ravenwolf is probably the best writer around, with a lot of books geared toward teaching and just plain understanding magick. Out of any author, I'd recommend her if you're beginning. Also, for help with will and intuition, Tarot cards, Ogham sticks, rune stones are all good. Only thing is, they all need to be used with responsibility. You have to remember that if someone really believes in one of your readings, you might potentially ruin their life--whether your reading was accurate or not. If you're just learning, try making an assortment of cards with different symbols on them: triangle, square; things you recognize and have meaning. Have someone else cover them one at a time with a cloth, and then you concentrate, and attempt to see what shape they are without removing the cloth. Trust me; it sounds a bit out-there, but in time it gets very easy to do. oshi

I love to write; I live to write--and a huge part of writing involves creating characters that you like enough to be able to write. To me, a character needs to be well-rounded and personal, with quirks, specialties, and unique traits, but also a believable being. They need likes and dislikes, habits, and other little, mundane things that help to make them who they are. When I looked at it, I realized that I actually have a process that I go through to create the inhabitants to my internal worlds. First, I acknowledge the purpose for forming another character: are they supposed to be the protagonist, or a minor character's wife? Then I pick out a name. I have to like the name, because it will become the embodiment of that character. I don't usually like to pick common names, just because Tom or Frank doesn't sound very interesting to me. (I like Peter, though, for some reason. :)) Then a birthday, and I use astrology to help me with the rest of it. This is really the most important part. There's a plethora of traits to run through, and depending on what fits and what doesn't (though it usually all does), I can sculpt a character out of a name and a date. Like magic! Then I like to draw them. I'm not yet very good at descriptions, so this gives me a way to identify them and illustrate what exactly it is that's going on in my head when I picture them. Drawing them in different poses gives me an idea of their posture, movement, and disposition, too; as well as improving my drawing skills. Actually writing them into the story comes in at any point between these little checkpoints, I guess. But I usually follow this pattern with all of my main characters. How do all of you make up the people who become your best friends? *grin* I know battlers and RPGers can relate; you've got to love to write to commit to a word-based game. oshi

My wish list, eh? Well, I don't come into money often, so my list might be a bit long. I mostly want manga; I LOVE manga, but I can't afford it . . . . Paradise Kiss: I want this manga to keep coming out! The fifth one is supposed to be here soon, and I've got all the ones up to it. The artwork is gorgeous, detailed, and unique; the characters are easy to love and keep you guessing; and while the story may seem to revolve around a shallow world of fashion and beauty, the personal lives and pasts of the characters makes it interesting, deep, and worthwhile. And Isabella will be on the cover! Trigun: the manga, not the anime; a friend of mine stayed up every night until midnight to tape the entire series off Cartoon Network--if I go and buy it now, she'll kill me. I've seen the second book in stores, but it's 16 dollars instead of the usual ten. Phooey. The artwork is sketchy and stylized, and might not be the best-drawn of the rest of my collection, but Vash is such a sweetheart that it makes it all better. Besides, I would buy that manga just for the chibi-Vash pictures. He's so cute. The story I can't really comment on; I have it basically memorized so that it means: it's a good story. The Twelve Kingdoms: (or maybe it's the Ninth. Or the Twelvth. Something like that.) I saw a sample episode on a sampler CD, and it was really interesting. The animation was good, and the voice acting was better than most--but I've never heard of it before, and I haven't seen it since. If I do see it, I probably won't be able to get it anyway . . . . *tear, tear* That's it for me, right now. I'll have more. I love anime/manga. oshi

I really, really, really like their song "This Love." I think they have a unique, new quality to them--and their songs are actually catchy without infecting your head! That's always a plus in my book. I also like the guy's voice a lot. He's got a good range, and uses it with a nice unpredictability. I don't think you need to worry quite so much about people disagreeing strongly with you. As far as I can tell, this is a discussion board, not a pick-each-other-apart board. Relax! Everyone's entitled to their own opinions. Unless their opinion is stupid. :D oshi

Well, my school district just got a supervisor (or whoever's in charge of this kind of thing) who must be from Alaska or something. We just had about a foot of snow IN ONE NIGHT, and all the other schools around us were closed the next day. We didn't even have a two-hour delay. So the chances of me ever getting to see what I'd do during a week of snow days? Slim to nuttin'. But I did have a slightly similar lapse of sanity after being quarantined for a week with mono. Then I caught it again! You can't catch a virus twice! I must be very special. oshi

I know exactly where you're coming from. My kitten (19 year old kitten) has been gone for about three weeks now. I'm taking this harder than when my grandfather died. He had gone into kidney failure, which meant that he wasn't retaining any water at all anymore. It got so bad that he couldn't walk or even meow. But he wasn't in pain. We took him to the vet, and that's what he said. Putting him to sleep was not an option for me. So we took him home, and he lasted about a week and a half longer. He was with us when he left. But you sound like you don't quite know what's wrong. You must care, if you're willing to give up your vacation (no question there, right?), so find out what's wrong, and be optimistic. It might not be anything at all. One time, my cat had just eaten part of a houseplant. He gave me the biggest scare of my life, but he was okay. Have hope. And do what feels right. It might not seem fair, and it might hurt a lot, but do what you think is the best possible solution. If you want to talk, PM me. I can't write anymore now, I'm trying really hard not to cry. oshi

I love bumper stickers. We ordered a bunch of them, plus magnet backings (because we might not always want them on the car), and painstakingly attached the magnets to the backs. Then we found out that the bumper on our car is plastic. What?! How is a plastic bumper going to protect us from impact?! It's plastic! Like a Tupperware cup, or something! Anywho . . . These are some of my favorites: "Things just haven't been the same since that house fell on my sister." "Heavily medicated for your safety." "HONK if you've never seen an uzi fired from a truck!" "Buckle up! It makes it harder for the aliens to suck you out of your car!" "We're creating enemies faster than we can kill them." and, an all-around good'un: "Celebrate Diversity!" That's my bit. Oh, and ChibiHorsewoman is right. Kali is a Hindu Goddess. She's a nasty one, but she's good to have on your side on occasion. :) oshi

Mine's not really a food. You should never, ever taste this. I tickled someone in the armpits once, someone who really, really, really, needed a shower. They had tried to cover up the smell with a nice, thick coating of deodorant (Secret), and it got on my fingertips. Being the oblivious one that I am, I didn't notice. Then, in my unsuspecting state, I ate a Dorito. There was cheesiness left over on my fingertips. I licked them. Bottom line: liquid B.O., Secret deodorant paste, and Cooler Ranch Dorito chip stuff. ALL ON THE TIP OF MY TONGUE. I just don't tickle people anymore. oshi

I don't know how many there are, actually. There are a lot (we own all except the most recent one), but there is absolutely no repetition--the story is still unfolding, and we're on maybe the thirteenth or fourteenth volume. It's a good one :) oshi

Has anyone else read this manga? It's one of my very favorites. I think the author's name is Hiroaki Samura. Blade is the only manga I've heard of by this artist, but it's an incredible one. It's got such a unique drawing style, intricate plot, and twisting storyline that it's hard to wait until the next one comes out. They're still printing it right to left, so it's pretty costly--but it's also worth it. It's about Manji and Rin, and how their lives seem to be drawn together by Rin's wish to avenge the lives of her parents. I won't say any more, because anything can give away pieces that are just better if you get them on your own. My favorite character is Anotsu Kagehisa. I just liked his looks at first, but now he's just intriguing all around. Any comments? oshi

I've seen bits and pieces of both 009 and Kikaider--I just couldn't make myself watch the whole show. I don't like how they're drawn. I could just never get into the plot because I was always staring at how their mouths are pasted onto the sides of their faces. I like more visual detail, I guess. oshi

Whenever I get money (about once a year), I go to the store to see what manga I can get with it. X always has about the fourth, then the second, then some other one, but never the first, so I've never read it. I have seen the movie, and I was really disappointed. It kind of turned me off for the whole series. But I don't mind CLAMP in general. I actually liked reading my sister's Card Captor Sakura: Master of the Clow. And I liked Chobits the manga well enough, but the series is annoying. There is an entire episode where Chi looks for panties. Listening to it in English is a very bad idea. ". . . left, right, left, right, left, right, left, right . . . ." ". . . panties, panties, panties, panties, panties . . . ." Not so great a time. oshi

All of my scars are from cooking. What does that tell you? I have one shaped like a crescent moon on my right pointer finger; I got it from a lousy can of cream of mushroom soup. I still like the soup, though. :) Then I have one little one on the palm of my hand from when I was cutting an apple. I have a lot of tiny ones that are healing as we speak, but then there's the burn mark along the inside of my elbow from a cookie sheet. I think I need some maid-service, or something. I can't do this crap on my own. oshi

It's definitely both! You can't get anywhere without the littlest bit of talent--works that are forced are just not as good as works that come with feeling and emotion, with a flow from the mind to the hand. You can practice all you want, but if you have no talent, you're probably going to stop anyway. It's discouraging. I think that you have to practice even if you have talent, because otherwise you never progress. An artist's goal should be to constently get better, constantly reinvent their way of looking at things, and become more whole as a person. People who are not artistically motivated find other ways to fulfill themselves: like by looking at other people's artwork. And either way, if you don't practice, you shouldn't be considered an artist. True artists have a real need to make art. It's not just something to pass the time. It's a weird urge. You get antsy if you can't at least doodle on your homework, or something. It's both, but how much of each is needed for a good result varies from person to person. oshi

*daunted by the responses* Glad you're all so interested! Since there are so many of you, this might take a few posts over time! I started doing this stuff partly because it ties in to my religion, but it's also a invaluable character-shaping tool. I can do this same thing with all of my characters. I pick their birthday, and then right away I have certain traits that I can go off of to flesh 'em out. It's really cool. I go by numerology (although that involves math, which I don't really like and thus tend to stay away from), and this Celtic tree system, and bloodtype profiles, and name profiles/meanings, and even this thing I found that says the first letter of your name tells how you are . . . in bed. *snikker* Dagger: March 1, 1988 You are a Pisces, born on the Day of Artistic Sensibility, in the Week of Spirit (the same week as one Eiri Yuki :)). You are extremely artistic, bringing out as many details as possible--and somehow making none of the details contradict. However, as is obvious in your interest and talent in writing, you are an escapist (all writers are, if they love it). You are easy to read, making others more comfortable around you, and also have a good sense of how to make others happy. Materials are not overly important to you, as you will gladly share what you have if another needs it--but this can cause you to be taken advantage of by those who see the opportunity. You may make promises that you later regret, and with your emotional personality, it might be obvious that you resent having made some promises. 1988 is the Year of the Dragon, adding to your Pisces perfectionism and generally making you everybody's best friend. Dragons are attractive to a full range of people, because they are ethical, intelligent, and exciting people to be around. However, you can be naive (a Pisces trait that may be enhanced), and might have a tendancy to be somewhat overbearing in certain situations. You are a wood-earth Dragon, which makes you enjoy being around other people more than most Dragons, and also brings your patience levels to a more stable place. You enjoy working on projects, and are especially focused on details in aspects of your life that are important to you. Also, on a personal note, you're one of the few Pisces people who hasn't made a poor impression on me. You share your birthday with a particularly stunning example of one of those (insert foul word), and I'm really, really, really, really glad to find that you're not like him at all. Tom222666: October 24, 1987 You are a Libra-Scorpio (same as me), born on the Day of Sensational Detail, in the Cusp of Drama and Criticism. You are a perfectionist, charismatic and attacting many people to you. Your dramatic nature is steeped in art and form, but you can be very critical of yourself and other people. You think out your ideas carefully, checking for holes and ways to improve them, before ever mentioning them to anyone. You can switch back and forth from being objective to subjective, or mental to emotional, and this can cause problems within yourself as the two ways of dealing with life collide. You may take on more than you can handle, because you like to have things for yourself to do your own way. 1987 is the Year of the Rabbit. This makes you tactful and precise, and you are able to express yourself well, but you may be too secretive for other people and lean toward gossiping too much. You are a wood-fire Rabbit, which emphasizes the two polarities within you. You quickly change from good-natured to irritated, and it can be difficult for others to follow your moods. Dragon Warrior: May 31, 1987 You are a Gemini, born on the Day of the Cutting Edge, in the Week of Freedom. As it's name suggests, you value your freedom to act as you please very highly. This can mean that you dislike censorship, are interested in traveling the world, or even that you don't like being told when to come home at night. You dislike too much stability, often finding yourself bored and wishing to change your environment. You are very capable of doing this; you are very capable of doing just about anything you set your mind to--and won't take any crap on your way there. You can get easily irritated by obstacles, and usually lash out with sarcasm. Your biggest weapons are your words. You are also a Rabbit, making you more tactful than other Geminis, but Rabbit also makes you much more touchy than your Geminian twin would be. You're a wood-fire Rabbit, which attracts many people with your possible leadership abilities and makes you more passionate about what you believe in--sometimes letting reason sit on the sidelines. Okay, I need a break. Kevin, Darkest Moment, Arcadia, rttocs77, BlackShadowmon, shahi (*deep breath*), Sir Kyle, and Shinken--be patient, I'll get to you. I'm glad to have so much to keep me busy! oshi

This is really good and involved, but I think it would be better if it was presented as a short story. You rhyme scheme is inconsistent, and that makes the flow a bit jerky and hard to read. You could either change the lines and make them fit together like that, or you could just rearrange it in story form. It's got a good moral--it could be one of the creepy Grimm's fairy tails. oshi

I love GTO; a friend of mine has the manga up to the 17th issue. It's actually a good story--as well as being hilarious and lewd--because the artist doesn't wrap everything up at once. That's also why it's not repetitive. Even though he does manage to do the same thing every time, the ride there is just too entertaining to be redundant. And he's such a . . . I don't even know the word. Onizuka. That's the only way to describe him. I think it's funny, too, that in Yu Yu Hakusho, Kuwabara's kitten's name is Eikichi . . . . oshi

I love the Twilight Zone; I sit and watch the marathons on SciFi and then I get all weird. The Outer Limits is good, too, but the episodes aren't as succinct and biting as the Twilight Zone. The new one on UPN has totally lost the concept of the show. It's not about glam and graphics. It's psychological. Purely. I mean, Rod Serling was smart enough to realize that super-movie crap would only clutter up the storyline, and take away from the deep meanings and morals of each story. The new one is all about sex, too. Books by Rod Serling are pretty good, too. He wrote all the stories himself, for which I highly respect him. oshi