Chikara Kokoro

I'll claim #41 Water.

Recently I've been listening to Casker too much for it to be considered healthy. They have the typical bossa nova sound of pretty much every indie K-pop band, but with an additional infectious happiness that I can't help but love. The lead singer's soft vocals make me feel as though I'm relaxing in some remote coffee shop. Casker is the soundtrack for my morning routine. [YOUTUBE=모든 토요일 (Every Saturday)]qlO7G5tYIsg[/YOUTUBE] [YOUTUBE=너에게 (To You)]5LddtabDxuk[/YOUTUBE]

What I listen to really depends on what I'm studying. When studying chemistry, I listened to Mika's [i]Life in Cartoon Motion[/i] to prevent myself from falling into a spiral of despair. If I'm studying a language I'll probably listen to classical music and/or techno to stay immersed. Hearing people saying words while I'm trying to memorize vocabulary is very confusing to me. Otherwise I tend to listen to the light and fluffy music I always do- Her Space Holiday, Andrew Bird, The Bird and the Bee, etc.- because listening to familiar music makes it harder for me to get distracted.

[quote name='Ace']Honestly, I think the racial insensitivity card has been thrown around far too freely in opposition to this film.[/QUOTE] Most of my points were intended to hearken back to things that Disney has done poorly in the past. Does the fact that Disney's Mulan has little to do with either Chinese history and culture or the original poem prevent it from being an immensely enjoyable film? Of course not. Still, as you mentioned in your first post, Disney hasn't put out something of quality in quite a while. That point is, of course, debatable, but Pixar and Hannah Montana have been sustaining Disney for a while now. Admittedly I have yet to see Bolt, but I have not enjoyed a fully animated film that Disney has released on their own since Lilo & Stitch. That gives about 7 years worth of films- 5 animated movies- that do not give me much reason to put my faith into The Princess and the Frog. Thank you for your perspective on things, and I wish this post could come across more pro-Disney. I guess what it boils down to is my preference for being pleasantly surprised over being disappointed.

Honestly? When that laugh and "It's goin' be good" came at the end of the trailer I groaned... Racial sensitivity isn't exactly Disney's strong suit. I mean... voodoo? Really? I enjoyed E. D. Baker's book, and this is clearly only similar in terms of the very basic plot and name. Home on the Range has left me scarred, and it's going to take a lot more than Enchanted to restore my faith in the Disney animation department. I'm attempting to be cautiously optimistic, but it's difficult.

When I first started reading this I wasn't all that interested, but as I kept on going (especially after you developed Gilson, who I will refer to from now on as Gil XD) I just became completely addicted to the story. I think this would work best (especially for you with your artistic talents) in comic form, but either way I really hope to read more. The girl on the right looks incredibly familiar to me, but I have no idea as to why. Is that Luciana? I thought you said she had long hair?? Now I'm confused... Major kudos for setting this in Brazil, it's not a very common location (in fact, I've only read one comic set there), but one that I would love to hear more of. Is this going to be written in Portuguese then? I could probably at least attempt to read it, but it always confuses me because when I first hear somebody speak it it sounds like Spanish (but then two seconds later I realize it isn't and I get all kinds of confused). Back on topic. I like how you started with something exciting, and then brought it back to the beginning at the end. It's somewhat confusing in prose, but in comic form I think it would be good. Your descriptions are somewhat confusing at times, but once again, I think you can express yourself better with the addition of art I like the direction of the dreams, as well. Still, try to leave out verbal cliches like "NOOOOOO!!!" because they've been used so much they can come off as humorous. A better idea would to have him perhaps say "no" repeatedly, but since you're using this to come out of a dream sequence I guess it's okay. I like that Gil isn't the perfect image of machismo with the whole crying thing, but that might turn some readers off. Personally, I found him adorable, and I thought that the scenes that included him with his friends were very funny. They felt like something that would happen with my friends, which isn't something I notice often with works that people post on the internet. The grandapa character also reminds me of my own grandfather, which makes me smile, and smiling is good. :D It took me a while to warm up to the story, but after Gil goes to school and especially after Marconi's death scene (very cool) I have one thing to say... You better finish this! (in other words; keep me updated, mmk? ;)) If this is going to be in English you might want to consider getting a native English speaker to run a grammar check on your dialogue before posting your comic/story in its finished form anywhere. I'm impressed with how much you wrote and how well you did, but it might be a good idea to ask someone for help (heck, if asked nicely enough I'D be more than willing to help you). Edit: Wooow... I wrote a LOT. Sorry! I hope it helps.... ^^;

Kind of late, but I have a Macbook Pro, and on it I use the GIMP for graphics (signatures, avatars, wallpapers, etc.) and Photoshop Elements that came with my Wacom tablet for drawing. Unfortunately, the GIMP doesn't have a native format on Mac yet, and for some reason this means that, unlike on Linux and Windows versions, there is no pressure sensitivity recognition for tablets. If it weren't for that I would only use the GIMP (that's just my personal preference, though). Also, to answer jigglyness' question, Macbook Pros don't come with any image editing software pre-installed (except iPhoto, I guess, but I don't use it/know what it does ^^; ).

Essays (plus Christmas duties with family) are beating me to a pulp. Don't know when I can post again, by the latest it will be January 1st. So I was wondering if someone could take care of Nellie in terms of plot until I have enough time to write? I would really appreciate it.

Augh... college applications are kicking my butt... Supposing I don't procrastinate on these more than usual I'll be able to post again on Friday. Looks like I have some catching up to do plot-wise, but on to the essays! :animestun

[quote name='Rachmaninoff']Personally I think with the increase in digital media, it would be a smart move for the companies in Japan to start providing legal subbed copies one could download for a reasonable fee. I know I would pay for such a service.[/QUOTE] Deep down I agree with this. It's a good idea, but I like to preview anime that I think I might like before it's licensed. Anime like Ouran High School Host Club, in all honesty, I would never have looked at if it weren't for the buzz surrounding them on the internet. After watching the first episode of that anime, fansubbed, I knew that I would buy it as soon as it was licensed. I think internet buzz helps out the American industry at least a small amount, and maybe this is why fansubbing sites are not shut down all together. Fansubs also have an important role in saving classic shows such as Hunter x Hunter and Rose of Versailles that, despite their strong stories and characters, will never make it to the States because of "dated" animation. At this point it is clear that Kurapika will never be gracing my DVD collection, and so I'm glad for fansubs just for the reason that I do not have to live a life without him ;)

[CENTER][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/helen-chronicle.jpg[/IMG] [/CENTER][FONT="Garamond"] Nellie never associated the words bright and early with Princess Augustine, yet there they both were riding in a car on its way toward the family of some kidnapped alchemist. On a normal day, the thought of family members being kidnapped would have struck concern into her heart. In her immediate family scientists and alchemists, potential victims, were in abundance. She did not dwell on this, for this morning the princess' personal guard was still recovering. Every moment she stayed at the party and every flute of champagne she drank could be felt in her body and her lagging mind. Five hours of sleep an alert Royal Police Guard does not make. ?[B]Oh, Nellie! What have I told you about getting sufficient hours of sleep?[/B]? Augustine asked. The princess stared at her guard's face, just below her eyes, and Nellie could only assume that it was at the inevitable dark, puffy circles that had made their presence from lack of rest. The guard did not respond. After several years of working for the heiress, she knew that Augustine would continue to chatter and cluck without any outside input. In small doses, Princess Augustine was almost enjoyable to be around, but how odious she could be was made quite clear after daily contact. Surrounded by metal, Nellie let the words slip through her ears; she would become more alert the moment they left the car. ?[B]...and I thought we got rid of this boyish aspect of yours[/B],? Augustine continued. Nellie concluded that the princess must have been having either a very good or a very bad hair day to be spending so much breath on another person. She could never tell. ?[B]Women of this era are beautiful flowers, my dear. Wearing the uniform of a [I]man[/I] is unacceptable[/B]!? This argument had been held before, and it inevitably resulted in Nellie wearing the most [I]frou frou[/I], flowery dresses imaginable for weeks at a time. Still, on a day in which they would be walking through the houses of people she never heard of, Nellie would not risk mobility for the safety of someone she was paid to protect. Her hand rested over her sword- clearly designed for a woman with its thin blade and decorative guard, but with the same potential power as any other- as a reminder of the precautions she had taken for a day she felt quite uncertain of. ?[B]Allow me this indulgence just for today, Your Highness[/B].? Augustine puffed up her cheeks in a most unflattering manner, a mannerism that indicated her frustration, before responding. ?[B]Fine[/B].? [B][I]Ga-BOOSH![/I][/B] The car jolted to a halt, Nellie drew her sword out half an inch, and Augustine's hand fluttered unil it rested above her chest. Steam billowed up in thick clouds around the hood of the immobile vehicle. ?[B]What was that[/B]?!? Nellie shouted at the driver. He shrugged, recovering quickly from the shock of the stop. ?[B]I guess it broke[/B].? ?[B]You guess [I]what[/I] broke[/B]?!? ?[B]The engine[/B].? ?[B]And what should we do about this[/B]?? The driver gulped, he had heard rumors of the Royal Police Guard's violence towards people of lower classes, and he had no desire to experience that pain. He stepped out of the car, walked around to the side of the car next to the sidewalk, and held open the door. ?[B]Wait[/B]?? he intended the sentence to have more authority than how it came out. Augustine's voice reflected her confusion as she spoke, ?[B]You want me to wait outside and risk ruining my beautiful, pale skin[/B]?? ?[B]Yes[/B]?? Nellie let out a breath in a way that reminded the driver of a fire-breathing dragon in nightmares he had as a child. She stepped out of the car, her boots, the only ?fashionable? things she wore that day, slamming against the concrete. The sun was not yet above the buildings where they stood, and a breeze blew through the buildings just softly enough to not tousle one's hair. She spoke so that each word was so enunciated there was no room left for misinterpretation. ?[B]Are you sure we need to be out of the car for you to repair it[/B]?? ?[B]Yes[/B]?? She leaned against the car and looked inside at Augustine who was staring at her reflection in a small, pocket-sized mirror, smiling like a child with a piece of candy. ?[B]You can come out, Your Highness. It's a nice day[/B].? The driver offered the princess his hand, and she stepped out into the sun, parasol held as low as it could be to protect her precious skin from the sun's rays. She fidgeted from one foot to the other. The driver stared at Nellie. ?[B]Do you want me to start working on the car[/B]?? ?[B]What do you think[/B]?? ?[B]Yes[/B]...?? ?[B]If you have to, arrange for another transport. Princess Augustine can not be late[/B].? ?[B]Yes, ma'am[/B]!? He ran to the front of the car and lifted up the hood, sending even more steam spiraling skyward. Nellie looked around the street, keeping tabs on every person that walked by. Adrenaline gave her the capability to be vigilant as the princess prattled on about the potential dangers of the sun. [/FONT]

Hmm... methinks that Nellie will be traveling with the Princess (would that be in New Czenoble or High Czenoble?). Anyone who wants to bump into either one of them (hopefully not literally) might be able to come along :D

[B]Claimed.[/B] I could use some work on making line art (I tend to let the color speak for the image/cover up my sloppy line work ^^; ). [B]Edit:[/B] I've finished the sketch, but the line art is taking me a while to finish. It'll be up soon. [B]Edit #2:[/B] Done! This was a lot of fun because the visor and the hair reminded me of my old Sailor Moon fan art days. Lunox, if you let me know what the character's color scheme is I'd love to color this image (I need the practice :D) [URL="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/Pomato/Lunox_character.png"][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/Pomato/Lunox_character_thumb.png[/IMG][/URL] My character's name is Carma. She's a bodyguard/assassin, and she uses throwing knives (not kunai) as weapons. Obviously her makeup and outfits are quite colorful, and her outfits, much like her personality, leave little to the imagination XD [URL="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/Pomato/carmatopple.jpg"][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/Pomato/carmatopple_thumb.png[/IMG][/URL][URL="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/Pomato/Carmalicious_Character_Sheet_by_Pom.jpg"][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/Pomato/Carmalicious_Character_Sheet_by_-1.png[/IMG][/URL]

[CENTER][IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/helen-chronicle.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/dawlish-chronicle.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/daedalusavatar.jpg[/IMG] [/CENTER] [FONT="Garamond"]Being the only female amongst the four children of Daedalus Almagest led to many aggravating moments for Nellie. The current one seemed to double her usual frustration in dealing with Almagest men. After almost two hours, she and Dawlish were still arguing about clothing choices. She knew that he would look stunning in the light green outfit she bought him for his last birthday, yet he refused to admit it. She was cursed to be surrounded by males who knew nothing of modern fashion. In the middle of this argument, Nellie and Dawlish?s father, yet another example of poor fashion sense, came to the doorway of the room. Dawlish greeted Daedalus coldly, and Nellie resisted the urge to scold him for doing so. The amount of time Daedalus spent with his children would never match that which he spent with his machines. Nellie accepted this as truth since a young age, and she wondered how it was possible that her brother had not done the same. She touched her father?s arm. ?[B]We were just discussing possible outfits for tonight. Weren?t we, Dawlish?[/B]? Dawlish nodded. She began to walk her father out of the room. They would already be late to the party, and she decided that celerity was the most important factor of the moment. She turned to her brother, one of the few people who could equal her in stubbornness. ?[B]Put on that navy monstrosity if you must, but be quick about it![/B]? Closing the door behind her, she faced her father. She wondered if he had any nice looking clothes in his other than the military outfit he currently wore. Nellie imagined that there must have been, and with no other thoughts she was left to wait without anything in her mind. The silence that rested between them filled her lungs, nearly suffocating her. ?[B]How is work going?[/B]? she asked. ?[B]Good[/B],? Daedalus replied. ?[B]Good.[/B]? The silence resumed its attempts to remove all of Nellie?s breath. She tapped her foot. What seemed like an eternity later, Dawlish left his room, victorious, wearing a navy blue suit and matching top hat. She looked at the ceiling and smiled. ?[B]What will I ever do with you?[/B]?[CENTER] ---------------------------------[/CENTER] When they arrived at the birthday party, now already well underway, Nellie made sure that Dawlish?s hideous hat was checked at the door. She saw the desire to work on his machines in his eyes, an expression that reminded her of their father. Nellie smiled and touched his hand. He sighed. ?[B]I will be counting the minutes until this ends, Nellie.[/B]? ?[B]You do that. I, on the other hand, will be talking with people. Be good.[/B]? With this last command she departed from her eldest brother?s side in search of her youngest. Harrison, with his overwhelming desire to become a member of the Royal Police Guard, never failed to amuse her. She had a feeling that this night she could use all the amusement she could get. [/FONT]

Today I'm going to be trying to finish up NaNoWriMo and I have auditions tomorrow, but with any luck I'll be able to post soon. I also wanted to throw in that, mostly due to my character's occupation, I'd like to know more about the royal family and their lifestyle. Not sure if that's something being saved for later on, but I would like to know anyhow ^^;