Retribution

[size=1]I'm going to say that I'm in favor of Affirmative Action. While it would be seen as unfair to those who are getting the metaphorical 'short end of the stick,' the good Affirmative Action does outweighs the injustices of it. While America is thought to be the "land of equal opportunity," it is not. A child going to public school in inner-city Detroit will lack the support structure of a child attending a New England prep-school. Furthermore, the child will probably be raised around drug addicts, prostitutes, and gang violence, while the child attending that prep-school will probably be raised in a two parent home, living in a stable and caring home, far away from the gang violence and prostitution of an inner city. The child will have been taught from day one that success is expected and that failure is simply unacceptable. In contrast, the child raised in Detroit will be brought up with violence, sex, and drugs glorified, rather than a life of honest success. Most will aspire to become a basketball star or a drug dealer, more often the drug dealer. Now if a child, raised in inner-city Detroit, neglected and underpriviledged, happens to see above the life of crime, and aspire to achieve a 3.7 GPA and a competitive score on the SAT, why should they be turned away from Princeton or Harvard? Why should the New England prep-school child recieve that other child's spot with a 3.9 GPA and marginally higher SAT score? In a vacuum, it would seem fair that the child with the higher scores should deserve that spot. However, these things should never be taken into consideration in a vacuum. It sounds "fair" that the child attending prep-school would deserve to beat the child raised in inner-city Detroit. However, but accepting the child from New England prep-school, you have perpetuated the cycle of poverty and crime that plagues the African American community. America isn't this golden land where everyone starts out completely equal -- the child raised in Detroit was economically crippled and underpriviledged since day one, while the child attending prep-school had an economic leg-up on the competition. While both children could've worked equally as hard to surmount whatever obstacles came their way, the child attending prep-school had fewer obstacles in the way in comparison to the child attending public school. While many folks opposed to Affirmative Action favor looking at the numbers, I say in order to make a fair judgement, you have to take into consideration all factors. And here's a great quote that sums up the Affirmative Action philosophy: [I]"You do not take a person who, for years, has been hobbled by chains and liberate him, bring him up to the starting line in a race and then say, 'you are free to compete with all the others', and still justly believe that you have been completely fair."[/I] [B]- James Farmer[/B][/size]

[size=1]Actually, making a border in Photoshop is quite easy -- here are the steps: - Select the marquee tool. - Hit ctrl+a on the layer you want to put the border on. - Right click the image, go to "stroke" - Fill in border properties you'd like. And you're done![/size]

[quote name='KatanaViolet']It's funny how they say 9/11 is our generations Pearl Harbour (it was even put in Honolulu's headline). And in a way, it was. The Americans were blindsided, didn't see it coming, around the same amount of people died, then there was the propaghanda.[/quote] [size=1]9/11 and Pearl Harbor were completely different in that the Japanese attacked a military installation, while the Taliban primarily attacked civilians (granted, they did get the Pentagon too). I think that The13thMan was trying to say that an attack of two civilian-based towers is far more underhanded that attacked a military base. I'm also looking forward to seeing Flight 93. I think that the people who died deserve a tribute, and I hope that the movie does them justice.[/size]

[size=1]I'm not about to get worked up over the "Wii," but I found the name change rather hilarious. I think that the Revolution sounded much more cool, but as Charles pointed out, it doesn't matter. I do think, however, that Nintendo is going to get a few penis jokes in the near future.[/size]

[size=1]xwoodlandelf, welcome to OtakuBoards. I'd recommend you read the [b][url=http://www.otakuboards.com/rules.php]Official OtakuBoards Rules[/url][/b], as well as the sticky on top of the Art Studio to get yourself aquainted with our expectations. she_who_howls, I know for a fact I've given you a warning on critique before. Both of you, as well as a surprising percentage of the Art Studio, needs to pull their post-quality together. [size=2][b]No one is telling why they like the art, or what could be changed. As it is, you may as well not post -- saying "Oh, that's great" doesn't do anything for the artist as far as improvement. Please read what is expected of art critique on OtakuBoards, or face the consequences. I'm extremely tired of reposting the same "read the rules for critique" message, so here is the warning.[/b][/size] Very sorry if that sounded agitated or angry -- I really don't want to shout. It's just that I feel rather frustrated that no one is reading my posts. Thanks for your time and patience.[/size]

[quote name='Lunox][color=dimgray'] I don't know why people rag on rap/hip-hop artists so much. Most arguments I've heard is that all they do is sing about girls, sex, or drugs, but seriously. What do you think other singers do in their free time? Get over it.[/color][/quote] [size=1]I'm with you on the rest of the argument, but no other industry is quite as promiscuous or violent as the rap industry is. Honestly -- turn on MTV(2) and you'll see women wearing nothing dancing on poles and crawling in front of men, who drive amazing cars, wear expensive clothes and excessive bling, and live in expansive mansions. I mean sure you can sing about sex and drugs and violence, but rap rarely does anything else, and it does it in such a vivid and disgusting manner.[/size]

[size=1]Well, you could try looking in [url=http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=48674&page=1][b]The Banner/Avatar Orphanage[/b][/url] to see if what you want is there. Or you could provide more information for artists to help you. As it stands, you've given a rather vague request, and no one really wants to deal with just a shot in the dark.[/size]

[quote name='Ziggy Stardust][COLOR=Sienna']Easy answer: disgusting rapper. No talent hack is maybe a better way to word it, or a contreversy whore. Every time I listen him, I think he wrote down the most random and offensive **** he could think of and put it into MakeThisRhyme.org, and than got a bunch of his tone-def friends to mash away on their keyboards and beatkits, than sang (and by sang, I mean orally farted) them in the most annoying way possible. I cannot stand him. Terrible, terrible, terrible. The only songs even close to being listenable to are songs where he imported those Aerosmith and Stevie Nix songs.[/COLOR][/quote] [size=1]Sure, he's got alot of vulgar for vulgar's sake (i.e. "Superman"), however he's also got alot of interesting, thought-provoking songs as well. How about you stop putting him down and voicing why you don't like him in a [i]civil and reasonable manner[/i]? All I hear from you right now is "whine whine." Anyway, I acknowledge his talent -- it takes alot of skill to create some of the rhyme schemes he comes up with, and the delivery isn't as easy as everyone makes it out to be, either. Furthermore, his work gets better as he gains experience -- rather than just having songs about killing his [former] wife, he's started giving some social commentary and thoughtful messages. He's also leagues better than any other rapper -- he's the only one I've seen yet to break away from the exclusively drugs, sex, violence, and materialism.[/size]

[size=1]Well, I think that you certainly improved alot over time, whatever that timespan may have been. As for the pictures themselves -- I'd recommend you really, really study the human figure. You've got it down for the most part, but if you can practice doing completely bare-bones sketches and make it look convincingly real, you'll be well on your way to getting better. Honestly, I think you're good -- you're standing on the threshold between being great and pretty good, and if you want to get to the 'next level,' you'll have to put in alot of work. It's been like that with me and graphic design. On top of proportion and form is shading -- this is probably the most important thing when it comes to making things look convincing and 3D. Basically, study how light affects objects, and try to mimic it. I don't think you'll have to much trouble with it, as you've already been doing it in a good. So good work -- keep it up, man.[/size]

[size=1]SunfallE, I think the criteria was a 1 pixel black border, and at first glance it looks like yours is two. Desbreko is just anal like that, so you'll have to change it if they are to be accepted.[/size]

[quote name='Lunox][color=dimgray'] I've only read the Newsweek article about this whole thing (that was when it actually was released, so I've forgotten some things), so I'm just here to ask a question. I'm not stating any opinions on the whole thing, because I really don't have a strong one. Why are Christians denying it so heavily? [/color][/quote] [size=1]Because it would effectively shatter the fragile basis of how Christ was crucified, and thusly ALOT of doctrine. People are also afraid of change, so breaking from a 2,000 year tradition would be difficult for some. And it is a good question that Nomad Tical asks -- how does Judas have a gospel anyway? I mean, I'd love to read it, but he in theory hung himself, right?[/size]

[size=1]Well, you could've let it die, but whatever.[/size]

[size=1]Well, I don't think the link you supplied works. It keeps redirecting me, and eventually stops, saying "Firefox has detected that the server is redirecting the request for this address in a way that will never complete." It could always be my computer, but I thought I'd let you know in case it wasn't.[/size]

[size=1]If you supplied some pictures that you'd like incorperated, you'd have more luck with request-takers out here. Just a suggestion, though.[/size]

[QUOTE=Gun Preacher]recently i have met a old friend of my who i had deep deep deeeeeeeeeeppppp feelings for. and on the second day i was at my new school after being kicked out of my old one and i had asked her to be my girlfriend and my mom thinks i rushed into a relationship so what should i do what my mom wants our stick to my heart and see were it goes from here.[/QUOTE] [size=1][B]Rule number one when it comes to relationships:[/B] Don't ask your parents for advice. Never. It brings pain and stress upon yourself. Honestly, you tell your parents something wanting their two cents in return, you get the whole dollar back. The contant nagging, the smirks, their adding in their thoughts when they're not welcome -- all of that stresses things more than necessary. That's just my personal experience, maybe you have one of them newfangled 'cool' moms.[/size]

[QUOTE=Chabichou][COLOR=#004a6f]Interesting. I spend a lot of time on OB on the computer labs on campus. The are 4 labs I can go to, with around 40 computers each. It would be a problem of the person being banned kept on creating new accounts in public computers. Let's say I got banned from OB, and my I.P was banned when I was using one of the school computers. Would that affect other people who log into that computer and try to access OB? What would be done in the situation when siblings visit O.B? If one of them was banned and had his/her I.P banned too, what would you do to accomodate the other siblings?[/COLOR][/QUOTE] [size=1]I think public computers in the same lab would be within the same IP range, and would all be banned. Yes, it'd affect others using that computer. And I don't believe OB makes any accomodations for siblings, as the cases are too few and far between. Theoretically, we could just ban the username, but they could create a new one, which is why we IP ban in the first place. Basically, we kill 'em all and let the internet god sort them out.[/size]

[size=1]Are you talking about your wallpapers on theOtaku.com? If so, this is not the correct place to deal with those wallpaper submissions. Honestly, I wish I could be of more help, but I'm not all that familiar with the inner-workings of myO anyway. I'll move this to the Suggestions and Feedback forum - perhaps someone there can help you.[/size]

[QUOTE=Raiyuu][font=Trebuchet MS] Maybe 'soul food' is the food that really perks you up when you're feeling down? [/font][/QUOTE] [size=1]I'm almost positive you know what soul food is. ;_; Soul food was the food that black slaves were given, usually the leftovers of their master's meals. I'm not exactly sure how it got 'soul' in there, but us black folk do some really, really weird stuff and I'm assuming this isn't an exception. Soul food is much more than what you listed, Raine14. You have collard greens, yams, potato salad, chitlins (;_; Gross...), cornbread, macaroni and cheese, corn... The list goes on. [/size]

[quote name='NekoSama101']I think Rob Zombie, Marlyn Mansion, and Michal Jackson are very similar. They're all musicains and they're all i bit messed up in the head. just a little tiny bit (sarcasm). anyways, that's my oppion and one day, it'll be worth a lot.[/quote] [size=1]I know that at least Manson is a very learned guy. He attended pretty nice schools (private Catholic, if I'm not mistaken) as he was growing up. I've also seen an interview with him, and he sounded extremely rational and insightful. I can't stand his music, but that doesn't mean he's crazy. I can't really speak for Rob or Mike, though. I think LostLightbulb is right -- after liking his music, you sort of forced yourself to like it just because you're a fan of him. I'd recommend objectively reviewing it -- plot, acting, directing -- and see what you think of it then.[/size]

[size=1]Before getting to the complaints, [B]be sure sure you read the rules - not just the [u][url=http://www.otakuboards.com/rules.php]Official OtakuBoards Rules[/url][/u], but also the section-specific stickies.[/B] These specific rules give you greater insight as to what precisely each forum is for, and what is expected of you in each. I think you might be speaking of the ratings in the Arena -- if you had read the sticky on why they're in place, you'd understand the reasoning behind moderators closing threads without ratings. Rather than have us assign you a rating and editing it ourselves, we just close it and leave it up to you to reopen it with your own rating.[/size]

[size=1]The biggest problem I see in the top images is that the jaw is drawn too wide. In the colored version near the top, I'd also recommend moving his nose and eye to the right a bit to narrow up his face. As for the lips, well, all anime characters just have a line there, so I'd say you're doing just fine. As for the bodily proportions and shapes, you're doing an absolutely terrific job.[/size]

[size=1]Mellow, please elaborate on what you like and dislike. Just saying it looks "abstract and beautiful" helps no one. [i]What about it makes it look abstract and beautiful? Is there anything that could be changed to make it look better?[/i] Ask yourself those questions while critiquing someone's work. Everyone should be reading the Art Studio Rules before posting. Keep this in mind. Thanks.[/size]

[size=1]?Amuro Ray and subordinates John Takker, Sean Arrow, Anthony Delon, and Gunnery Captain Christopher Paul, report for patrol. I repeat?,? the intercom droned. The message cracked in its dry monotone before winking out of existence. Amuro and his patrol squad suited up and began the rounds without incident. The days devoid of action had begun to wear holes in the mind of the Federation ace pilot. ?Sir, there?s motion down the street, suspected to be hostile. What is the recommended course of action?? The world began to spark with life as the message poured through Amuro?s cockpit speakers. Quickly he replied, his Newtype body subconsciously preparing for battle. ?Any radar or infrared contact?? ?Shit! He?s right down the street! Hostiles incoming!? Chris yelled franticly, ?Tanks, open fire!? Seconds later he and Anthony died in a burst of fiery red passion. The colossal explosion ripped through the air, the light and shockwave bursting upon the Gundam. ?Arrow, Paul, attack them head on ? I?ll flank if you give me enough time, move!? With adrenaline surging through his veins, Amuro upped the throttle to full and shot down the street. The street behind him was left in complete chaos ? several rounds had already smashed into the surrounding skyscrapers, and civilians had not evacuated the surrounding area. When Amuro strafed onto the road behind the Zeon squad, he was greeted with the death of his diversionary teammates. Shock fought to take hold of him, but his Newtype berserker mind overrode all cause for fear. ?Federation base, this is 1st Lieutenant Amuro Ray reporting three inbound hostiles approaching you. Declare a state of emergency. Send reinforcements ? I don?t know their ability. Out.? Switched to his beam rifle, he took aim and fired four shots into the backs of the enemy before they took cover behind the adjacent buildings. He was unsure of the damage he had wrought, but his flanking position had bought him at least two direct hits. Following suit with the Zeon attackers, he took cover behind the nearest building and kept his rifle aimed towards their position. They were plotting a course of action, well aware of their pinned location. Meanwhile, the Federation base was dispatching seven more GMs towards the reported location of the Zeonic intruders. ?Alright men, I need two of you to run down parallel streets towards their location. The rest of you, flank them on perpendicular streets and lay down cover fire. They can?t take all of us. Ray out.? The plan was set into motion with amazing precision and skill. The two diversionary GMs shot down the street, laying down fire as they went. Simultaneously, the others covered them with their weapons. Independently, Amuro ran from behind with his gun at the ready. They had three directions to deal with, and only three suits. With his scanners set to maximum, Amuro assaulted their pinned location, hoping to scatter their numbers.[/size]

[quote name='Desbreko][color=#4B0082']I did another fatty update just now. Great batch this time; almost all of them went up. And I also added a big set of Scrapped Princess avatars that I made (as well as a few Slayers avatars I missed last time), to coincide with my watching the series again.[/color][/quote] [size=1]Call me OCD, but seeing all those avatars in the gallery make me feel all clean and [i]accomplished[/i] even if I only contributed a small fraction. You finally got around to it... after like nine years. But it was definitely well worth the wait. [IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y170/retri_trib/radioheadavatar1.gif[/IMG] [b]Category:[/b] Music [b]Name:[/b] Radiohead [b]EDIT:[/b] And ... there's not a problem with it being 10px shorter than 80, right? ;_;[/size]

[QUOTE=James][font=franklin gothic medium]As a little tidbit to this discussion, it's worth noting that marriage was not always a religious institution. In fact, organized religion adopted marriage as a part of religious tradition not so long ago. Originally, marriage didn't involve love or religion, it was simply an economic agreement between families (where a wife was "sold" to the husband and his family). So originally it was essentially a business deal between families, where a family member was literally sold and became the husband's property. This is why I find all of the talk of marriage's religious significant to be funny these days. I'm often surprised at how few people know the history of these things.[/font][/QUOTE] [size=1]I'm going to assume that your comment wasn't directed at my post, as you called it a "little tidbit," and I can't really see any connection between what I was saying and what you were saying. And yes, talk of marriage's religious significance is odd, now that you mention the whole history of it.[/size]