Retribution

[size=1]How about we get through Thanksgiving before we start thinking of Christmas, you materialistic sons of ... haha. But seriously; we're not even past Halloween, and I'm seeing signs in the supermarket with "Happy Holidays!" and little Santas sitting on boxes everywhere. It sickens me. Whatever happened to waiting until December 1st before celebrating?[/size]

[quote name='Godelsensei]Additionally, I would like to point out that Neo-Nazi demonstrators ought to be [b]gunned down in the streets.[/b'] People like that have no right to exist.[/quote] [size=1]But aren't you just perpetuating the cycle of violence and hate by doing that? What makes you different from them? They shouldn't be gunned down in the streets. They shouldn't be allowed to express their racist and hateful sentiments. If they do, I think they should be eligible for jail time, but not murder.[/size]

[QUOTE=Adahn][font=Trebuchet MS][size=2]The freedom to speak goes hand in hand with the freedom to ignore. Where do you draw the line? You've crossed the line when what you say cannot legally be ignored. As for everything else, if you can't ignore it, that's your problem.[/size][/font][/QUOTE] [size=1]I think you hit that on the head. I'd probably give those Neo-Nazis the finger, though. As for the buttons in class, I don't think the teacher is allowed to do that, unless you signed some sort of agreement that stated that you can't wear political things to school [which I highly doubt].[/size]

[size=1]I thought it was because I deleted my Cache a few days ago, but alas, I am not the only one encountering problems.[/size]

[size=1]My god. I remember the last time you posted graphics here... I was such a noob, and I thought you were some sort of master. Haha. Well, I can actually critique your work now. The [B]typography[/B] is pretty good and well positioned, but I don't like the random symbols (exclamation, heart, etc). Delete those, and also, take 'Syn' out of the corner. Stop trying to hide your name - you should be proud of it, so let it be next to the main focus of the image. The [B]background[/B] is mediocre; in short, it's too busy. The blurry effect doesn't give me that crystal feel that SPX mentioned, and instead just makes me feel disoriented. The circles are somewhat undynamic and just there, as is that curved bar. It impedes the flow of the piece. Now, I understand this was an experimental piece, and you probably haven't touched Photoshop for months, so it's a relatively nice start. It's great to see you back.[/size]

[size=1][b]Kitty:[/b] You've done a quality job on this one, I must say. Your picture, without a doubt reminds me of the Big Bang, explosions of life, our origins, all of those questions are here. Very good. Also, I find that the use of such an obvious focal point makes me feel... relaxed as I look at this. The typography is only an added bonus - wonderful choices there. It's all extremely well done. Awesome job. [b]Ozymandius Jones:[/b] The color was perfectly chosen, and the crop was masterfully done, Ozy. However, I'm not a fan of the Duplicate Stock Layer > Gaussian Blur > Overlay/Soft light effect here... or at least I think that's what you've done. The lines look too firm for such a gentle piece. The typography is pretty good; I'm not a huge fan of it, but at the same time, I cannot figure out a way to make it better. Lastly, your border is, as always, unorthodox. For sure, I like it better than your 1st round submission, but again, it's a bit too imposing for such a delicate, soft theme. [B]My vote goes to Kitty.[/B] Good show here, both of you.[/size]

[size=1]First of all, I'd like to thank Revue ahead of time for a wonderful battle. To tell you the truth, I'm extremely nervous to be battling someone of your calibur. Next, I'm posting this image two days ahead of time because I don't have much time to use the computer and make a quality image during the week. I hope you all don't mind. Finally, the image I'm posting is more conceptual rather than having a blunt message. Please understand this while you're voting... I don't want to be counted out just because my message isn't readily apparent. I was going more for the vibe. [b]A Metamorphosis[/b] [IMG]http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/6261/classical4qp.jpg[/IMG] Thank you for your time.[/size]

[size=1][B]Name:[/B] I was given the name Alexander Crowne by my parents, however legend, exaggeration, and fact have led to the nickname of Right Hand. [B]Age:[/B] Rumors range from 49 - 77 [B]Gender:[/B] Male [B]Appearance:[/B] [will edit] [B]Fighting Style:[/B] I have spent decade upon decade refining my technique, honing my ability, training, studying, learning tirelessly. My style, if you must know, is a mixture of calm refinement, calculating attack, and pacient defense. My attacks are spontaneous, and at a moments notice, I will retreat into an advantageous, or secure defensive location until my opponent is off balance. Force is sometimes necessary, for which I am most renowned. The brutality of my attacks has given me my nickname, for when I smite and vanquish with my index finger and thumb. Yes, you heard correctly. I cast magic of unparalleled accuracy and intricacy, by snapping my fingers. [B]Weapon:[/B] My weaponry is my mind, my hand, and ingenuity. A spoken spell can have several variations to it, you will soon learn, and such variations will correspond to the situation in which I cast my spell. In my repertoire, are wind, fire, water, and light spells. [B]Ace:[/B] Consider this a special occasion, that I am telling you my Ace and you still live to tell about it. Most who know about this ability have not the mental coordination to speak, as they are screaming in agony, clutching their brains in their last moments. When given enough time, I can enter the mind of an opponent and force them to do things, or if they are particularly strong-willed and manage to resist such an onslaught, I will settle for reading their thoughts. [B]Why Are You Here:[/B] I kill for knowledge. For every opponent I mercilessly smite in combat, I gain their knowledge, their education, their personal experiences. Is that not reason enough? [B]Personality:[/B] I have always been a rather cold man, and the quest for knowledge has only made me more cynical, bitter, calculating, and brutal to the world and its inhabitants. I do not massacre at random; on the contrair, I am a very restrained and checked man, only slaying those who seem to contain a specific wealth of knowledge and wisdom.[/size]

[size=1]Eh... that sort of wouldn't work, I'm guessing. Primarily because that would mean that you'd have to trust that these New Members would listen to these conselors. And what makes you think that the New Member who signs up at this Adoption place would need a mentor? It'd be the people who didn't sign up for this who would need it most.[/size]

[size=1]Suck it up, Boo. Not to be mean, but seriously, there's not going to be any rule against making Religion threads. Like Dagger said, what you've said can go across the board for much more than just this religion thread. Frankly, I think that if you were to close the 'What Religion are you?' thread, you'd need to close 'Nerds, Goths, Punks' first.[/size]

[quote name='Gavin][SIZE=1']I think the truest essence of being a Catholic person lies not only in accepting the teaching of the Pope and the Catholic Church but incorporating those teachings into your daily life to improve yourself as a human being. Despite the fact that there are a number of splinter groups to Christianity, they all share the same message of love that Christ sought to teach mankind two millennia ago, the same lesson of love can be found in almost every other religion across the world. [/SIZE][/quote] [size=1]Hey, I'm no Catholic, but someone had to say it. Thanks. People don't have to be religious, in my opinion. But please, don't be indifferent towards your fellow man; go do good works just for the sake of helping others. I'm pretty sure none of us do enough of this. The basic teaching of Christianity, or nearly any other religion for that matter, is to love thy neighbor as thyself. What better message is there than that? I think I've mentioned this before, but I believe that if you live a good life, no matter your religion or lack thereof, you will go on to a better place.[/size]

[quote name='kuroinuyoukai']When I was in school some of my teachers refused to teach evolution. (I am thirty now.) i agree with PyroGirl, in public school we have to study Darwinism and if we disagree and answer the way we believe-we flunk our tests. If Christians must learn this- why can't everyone else learn ID. You can go to a class- you don't have to believe what you're taught.[/quote][size=1] Well, I address this in a lower paragraph, but I'll say it here too. In public school, there are people from all walks of life, many of whom are NOT Christians. On top of this, there is also a clear separation between Church and State, and Public School, which is funded by the government, can be considered an extention of the State (Brasil said this earlier). Point blank, you should stop pushing your divine belief on other people. They don't want it. Darwinism is accepted scientific fact. It's a theory, with physical evidence, and I really don't understand why people plug their ears to it. It's just as real as the computer you're typing on. [quote]My question is if we all evolved from one celled organisms into monkeys..I know about the Big Bang creating the Earth. My question is who created the stuff that existed before the big bang?[/quote] What's so wrong about accepting the fact that we evolved from monkeys? Does it ever say anywhere in the Bible that evolution did not occur? Unless you're one of those literalists... >_> From what I understand, there was nothing before the Big Bang. Not heaven, not hell, not light, nor darkness. In the beginning there was God, and He created everything else. But that doesn't mean that people who don't believe in God have to study about Him. That's what Church is for. That's what Sunday School is for. Want your children to be educated about God? Send them to a Catholic school, to Sunday School, to Church.[/size]

[quote name='MistressRoxie][color=#9933ff']Retri - I read the link you had. I wish I hadn't. That's so.... Beh. *_____* Really. Really really. X_______x; You're right, it is sort of sad. :/ But I guess if I say anymore about it, I'll have someone breathing down my neck, so... jah. :X[/color][/quote] [size=1]Oh, come now, Roxie! I wanna hear some link bashin'. Besides, we'd all fight back the flamer if they dared to show their ugly Halloween hating face on the Boards. Yeah, I thought it was more funny than sad, because I like to look on the brighter side of things. Anyway - what is everyone dressing up as this Halloween? I think once I dressed up as a Ninja. Boy, was that fun.[/size]

[size=1]Yeah, I'm a Protestant Christian, and from what I know, the Catholics like to consider themselves separate from us Protestants. Heheh. I think Atheism is interesting, but I'm not about to convert. Not believeing in God seems sort of ... empty to me. On a side note, where is this supposed to go, exactly? Any point in this discussion?[/size]

[size=1]For those looking for a good ol' Halloween chuckle, go [url=http://www.chick.com/reading/tracts/1053/1053_01.asp][b]here[/b][/url]. It's hilarious, yet sad at the same time. Anyway, I love(d) Halloween, at least when I was young enough to go trick or treating. Now, I'm sort of indifferent towards it. Another time for me to steal candy from my brothers, and give away precious Reese's Cups to undeserving brats. Another holiday down, until Christmas.[/size]

[size=1]Leonardo was rather agitated by the end of the mission briefing, mostly attributed to the fact that Commander Yuri had stated quite frankly that evil could do good. Evil could love, evil simply [I]was not[/I] evil. His philosophy epically clashed with what had been said, and he had to restrain himself, with all his might and composure, from bursting out and demanding outright that he retract his erroneous logic. ?But it?s over?? he sighed to himself, as he walked to his quarters. With each passing step, a well of anxiety lay siege to his calm nature, making his heart flutter with anticipation and fear of saving the world. He and his companions, in all reality, would perish. They were a band of unrefined rookies, facing odds stacked heavily against them. And still they chose to continue. In the middle of his stride, he stopped immediately, and fought to even draw breath, his chest buckling underneath the waves of stress that washed over him. Noah passed his comrade, who was propped against the stone wall. He felt his aura pass without laying physical eyes upon him, and felt his hesitation as he kept his course, moving toward his own quarters. After the ache in his chest had subsided, he walked into his room, where he loaded a small pouch of his belongings for the trip. A light waterproof cloak, two glass vials, and a book of menial spells. He departed after lingering about, inspecting the drab room with an impassive eye, and wondering why Yuri had chosen to quarter the future saviors of the world in a stone apartment. The idea left his mind, as he had much to think about, setting off to the courtyard. To his surprise, his path converged with Nepenthe whom was carrying an equally small bag of luggage. Neither one of them opened their mouth, and instead they walked, cherishing the silence that lingered between them. He glanced at her aura, and found it wrapped up behind layers of mysterious barrier and protection from outside inspection. It was of great curiosity to him how she managed to hide so much of her aura, and with such ease as well. He fought the urge to question her about it, and instead kept his gaze straight ahead into the courtyard, to which he was approaching.[/size]

[quote name='DeathKnight']This is all distinteresting to me since I, personally, do not desire material possessions to such a degree. Things are very temporary and desiring myriads of temporary material things is a waste of the little time you and I have. That doesn't improve me as a person and probably makes me more apathetic instead of more wise, civil or otherwise. It does, however, affect my line of thought on this subject.[/quote][size=1]Desire of material possessions? I was talking more about desire to have or do anything, disregarding what others want or need. Whether that be water, a raise, or another day off, you'll [i]probably[/i] want to have that, instead of another person getting those. Now, I'm not saying you're always going to [I]act[/I] that way, but you probably would want to be selfish. That's how people are. [quote]Please pardon my sarcastic tone in the prior post. All of you might be right about humanity but I can't really find enough care to trod through the faux philosophical tripe in this thread. Teenagers are the last people I want to hear talking about how instinct-driven and selfish all of us really are in the end, lol.[/quote] There wasn't much 'faux philosophical tripe' in this thread to begin with, just you being a condesending jerk, saying that just because we're teenagers, we can't speculate about human nature. Teenagers aren't the only ones who notice how instinct-driven and selfish humans are, however the observant ones would find plenty of proof that we are.[/size]

[QUOTE=DeathKnight][color=crimson]I find it amusing that all of you can shove so many negative qualities onto your brethren with such naive ease. You sure do sound like pseudo-professors, talking about an entire sentient species in such simplistic ways, lol. I'm glad so many of you take such lengthy periods of time to study and profoundly define our species. Such productive works for minds so young.[/color][/QUOTE] [size=1]Alright, stop acting like all of this information is somehow revolutionary, new, or earth-shattering. Machiavelli's said basically the same thing about how humans need an iron fist ruling them, because they are decietful/flawed/evil/etc. And that was hundreds of years ago. It doesn't take a lengthy amount of time to read The Prince and understand what the guy was saying. It's also something rather easy to observe. Look in the past, look outside your window - we're still behaving in [relatively] the same manner. Humans by instinct are designed to want to survive and procreate. If that means looking out for numero-uno, then most of the time they will, or at least strongly consider doing that. Yes. Everyone has that trait to them. [B]Everyone.[/B] Humans want to have their own possesions. Humans want to have enough for themselves to eat first, then everyone else. Humans want to have shelter. In packed buildings where someone shouts "FIRE!" they trample one another to preserve their own life. It's selfish. There are, of course, those who decide not to act on their impulses, and behave in a more civil manner. Good for them. >_>[/size]

[size=1]I agree with ULX and Dagger alot on this. First of all, humans by instinct are just selfish creatures. Secondly, when something of this magnitude occurs, its so surreal, and I can't wrap my mind around it. The same thing happened with 9/11, but the impact and gravity of it all hit me much harder and faster because I live in DC (I could see the Pentagon's damage), and in America. We really should try to give a damn about what's going on in a far-off land. Like Gavin said - those are real people dying. It's difficult to grasp, watching a little clip of a crying family or a dead child on the ground. But we should try to grasp it, try to feel for those who are hurt, and do what we can to help.[/size]

[size=1][B]I hate people who think Nazism and/or Hitler is cool.[/B] It's really sickening to watch my peers do Nazi salutes, and then laugh about it, or make Jewish jokes and then laugh at them (...especially the ones about the incinerator). Not only is it ignorant, but callous to those who suffered and died under the Nazi regime. I'm guessing they don't understand the massive amount of life lost during those times. [b]I cringe when I see a Bush/Cheney bumper sticker.[/b] I just do. I feel like peeling it off, and reprimading the driver too. Probably my zealous Democratic side.[/size]

[size=1]A memory stood out in Narote?s cluttered mind. The Nibelhiem incident. The energies of the past wracked through his brain, bidding him no moment of solace. Even in his dreams was he plagued, with flashes of painful memory, words of Father and Mother, and most prevalent of all, Nibelhiem. There was no way to clear the thought, and an irresistible pull to the area settled upon him, magnetizing him. After a week of transit, he stood within the mansion ? and the magnetic pull was irresistible. He craved to research Geostigma and its effects; after all, it was what Sephiroth had succumbed to. He followed the mystical pull, feeling a higher power at work as he took each silent step of his. He moved to open another door, but before doing so heard dialogue. It was Yazoo and Loz, as well as a few others. Drawing his blades, he kicked down the door and jumped towards them with every intent to kill. ?What the?!? The pair flipped apart, saving each of their lives by millimeters. Immediately they drew their weapons, and almost relatiated. ?Do not attack! We mean you no harm!? ?It?s a trap. I know it is ? where?s Kadaj?? ?Narote ? we want you to kill him.? Stunned, he sheathed his weapons, but was still prepared to use Materia if they showed signs of betrayal. Taking a moment to glance around the room, his eyes happened upon several others, all of which who looked like ex-SOLDIERs, or at least strong enough to be one. ?I don?t understand. If you could tell me what you were saying?? [/size]

[size=1]Leonardo did not have to conclude any conversation before heading off to bed ? he had remained relatively silent during the friendly exchanges. The entire thing felt awkward to him; openly talking with complete strangers, giving others his background and intimate events in his life. To top it all of, Leonardo was too shy for his own good, so it was natural he observed rather than interact. He had slipped away after finding Noah as a potential friend, content that his day had been a successful one with that event crowning the rest of his achievements. Finding someone with so close a bond was rare, and if a bond between auras developed to be strong, the pair would become stronger both mentally and physically. He walked at his leisurely pace into his quarters, and took his time undressing, and putting everything in order for tomorrow. Satisfied that all his belongings were accounted for and ready, he blew the candle out next to his bedside, and let the darkness envelop him. The next morning, he would rise early to have another walk around the grounds.OOC: Sorry for the length ? but there?s not much to say. If anyone wants to interact with him in the morning, go ahead.[/size]

[quote name='Howlingvampire4']lol, ok I guess I should repronounce what I meant. I mean, like to uh, make my drawings look more like a real anime, instead of when I color it, it looks terrible :animesigh Also, when I try my paint, it won't color some parts in, So, I heard that some programs help u do that. So, like I asked before, does anyone know any besides the GIMP?[/quote] [size=1]Hey there, Howlingvampire4... I'll try to answer your question. Well, ideally GIMP would be what you're looking for. Really, that's the only free art software that I'm aware of that'll effectively color in a scanned picture. But since that doesn't work... You can check into [B]Paint Shop Pro[/B] or [B]Photoshop[/B], but both are programs that you have to pay for. You could download their trial versions (lasts 30 days, I believe) from Download.com and searching for Paint Shop Pro or Photoshop. Techincally, you could pirate the software, but that's illegal, and only baddies do that. I hope I helped you out a bit.[/size]

[size=1]I would recommend letting Kitty go onto the next round by default. If we don't crack down now, then people with late submissions in subsequent (and even more important) rounds will have a reason to complain. Besides, I have a feeling Kitty would win, even with voting, so save us a few days time.[/size]

[size=1]Hm. My two favorite seasons are summer and winter. And with good reason, too. Summer is a favorite of mine due to the fact that I'm out of school for its entirety. Right there is an underlying reason as to why I adore the season. I automatically associate it with fun and happiness. But the weather's great too. Hot weather - I find it lovely for some reason. It sucks to sleep in, and the constant sweating, but I enjoy the warmth. Winter - like everyone else already said, it (can be) snowy, romantic, enjoyable, and fun. I detest the cold, though. No matter what everyone else says that you can just "put on more layers," your face is still freezing off, you have a cold clogging your nose, and it's almost ... painful to go anywhere not swaddled and wrapped up tightly. That just sucks. But the snow, and Christmas make up for it wonderfully.[/size]