Pumpkin

[QUOTE=Godelsensei]Never. Life is too precious to throw away. If a cause is unworthy of your [i]support[/i], why should it be worthy of your [i]life[/i]? That's dying for your [i]un[/i]-principles.[/QUOTE] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2][COLOR="#993366"][b] I have to agree with Godel on this one. It's pointless to risk your life for something you truely do not believe in. Why risk your life unless your shall we say suicidal? Sadly I know some people who have just joined the army as a last resort to "die a noble death". Joining the army is a noble thing don't get me wrong, but when you join for all the wrong reasons, well that's just plain ignorant. You should fight for what you believe in, otherwise it truely to me is plain stupidity. [/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR][/B]

[FONT=Arial][SIZE=2][COLOR="#993366"][b] It is most definately possible to like and dislike someone at the same time. A great example for me would be well, to be honest, my sister. I admire her only because she's confident and she's always the first one to do things before everyone else. She's also independent and can be really generous sometimes. One time she took me to a concert with her to see N.E.R.D and has offered me and my friends rides. But then again, I really dislike my sister. She's rude. Abnoxious. Majority of the time she's not nice to me and still tries to beat me up. She's loud. She calls me a crybaby even when I'm not crying and splurs insults at me. She's too blunt with things that should be kept quiet when you just want to say shut up already. She also acts like a 12 year old kid, seriously, its true. Its almost as if she's the teenagers and I'm the adult. But oh well. She's my sister so I'm stuck with her right? It's a complicated relationship. But theres an example for you. [/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR][/B]

[QUOTE=CowTipper] Losers. What more is there to say? They are losers. I'm not exaggerating, they are LOSERS. They have NO friends, not even with each other. [/QUOTE] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2][COLOR="#993366"][b]Ummm...isn't that a bit too harsh? "Loser" I don't think qualifies as a right way to say someone with no friends. Loser according to the dictionary means One that fails consistently especially a person with poor skills. I don't see anything in there about friendship as part of the solution. Will a friend get you a job? Will a friend pay for college? I didn't think so. Plus people are so willing to judge that just if someone doesn't have friends at their school doesn't mean they don't have friends somewhere else. Anyways back to the subject. I hate to label. And yes it was done in my old highschool. We had our hicks, goths/punks, skaters, preps, populars, jocks, nerds, mexicans, honor students and outcast group. I hung out with all of these people and including the outcast group which in reality, were not really outcasts lol I guess I would have been considered an outcast if people saw where I sat, but I knew EVERYONE. I was friends with atleast four people from each table including the mexican one (its not racists they really did only allow their race to sit there, except me and few others). Our school got so into cliches that the school decided to make a school holiday where you sit at a different table for the day. Did most of us try it? not all of us. But it did make us aware of what we were doing. I never had a label. And I never want one. I never even want to label myself something either because I feel stupid when I do. Hopefully when I go to college, all this nonsense with the preps and other labels will die completely. It gets tiring because where I live, everything even online is like a popularity contest. That's sad. And whats more sad is that we have to have this discussion about it. But I know these stereotypes will be around forever, so I'll just have to ignore them.[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR][/b]

[FONT=Arial][SIZE=2][COLOR="#CC3399"] [b]Username-[/b] You username suggest that you are very creative and unique for I've never heard of the word Neuvoxetere before. Maybe it is in an anime or from a show, I have no idea except for the fact that it stands out and is different. Possibly you like being different as well. [b]Custom Title-[/b] You custom title says "Speaker Box" which I'm guessing you listen to a lot of music and are inspired by it. Maybe you bought "Speaker Box" the outkast album? One thing's for sure, music is your passion. It is a big part of your life and you feel nothing will ever replace that. [b]Avatar/ Banner-[/b] Again with the music theme, there are letters and words in the form as lyrics that suggest how strongly again you feel about music and the deeper meaning in songs. Maybe you play an instrument yourself? Also, below it says "A new change for Neuvoxetere" suggests your planning on replacing your banner and avatar sometime soon and begin a new change for yourself. [/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]

[CENTER][COLOR="#CC3366"][FONT=Arial][SIZE=2][b][U]My Character Sign-Up[/U][/b] [b]Name:[/b] Imelda Socorro [b]Gender:[/b] Female [b]Age:[/b] 21. [b]Skill:[/b] Imelda is great at crying and getting sympathy from others with her naive look. She has had alot of practice in alchemy and often creates different kinds of potions or powders. One of her favorite potions will lull her victums to sleep. Usually she makes the formula into a drink and offers them a glass. When they fall asleep she will still their possessions and anything she finds to be useful. [b]Entertainment:[/b] She plays the violin as she has had many lessons at her old mansion where she use to live. [b]Appearance:[/b] Imelda is an attractive girl who has long shiny black hair that flows down pass her waist and blue eyes that stand out from her tanned skin. Her hair that is often described as beautiful is usually let down when she wants to get attention but for the most part keeps it up when performing for it seems to attract the wrong kind of attention. Her figure is slim and petite like a young girls and she looks very young for her age as if she were on the brim of 18 years. Many envy her young look but she is more that what appears. [b]Personality:[/b] At first Imelda seems like a sweet, naive and innocent young girl. She usually only shows this side of her when she is making up a story, but her true identity is much more than that. She has a very short temper and can be known to be a little bossy. Not a lot of people can stand Imelda's bitter attitudes and mood swings, but she's really a nice person at heart even if she doesn't always show it the right way. She loves to argue and thinks that with her cuteness she can get away with anything and get whatever she pleases. She is also pretty shallow and has a tendency to compete with other women and getting on their nerves. [b]Any Other Info:[/b] Imelda can be called many different names, for she has very many. In a formal greeting with someone she doesn't know she prefers to be called "Miss Imelda" or "Miss Melda" and with people she knows or friends they mostly end up just calling her Mel. She wants to get the money so that she will be richer and more desirable by all. (mind you, shes vain so this is what she thinks we'll make her a better person) [b]OOC:[/b] Unborn Lord Xion X you had the same character I had in mind, they were almost identical lol so I had to re-do mine. Just thought that was funny. Oh well. Also I love the music in the background, your right, it really puts you in the mood! BTW, Just to let you know, I changed it Dragon Warrior. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/CENTER]

[FONT=Arial][SIZE=2][b]I missed Anime Expo last year and was planning on going this year only for the fact that my boyfriend and I broke up which he was the person who was going to get me in for free. Now I have no one to go with :animecry: but I'm focusing on graduating this year and having my graduation party. We'll probably go to Water World in Concord, CA its so awesome and has about 50 water rides, a "fake" beach and river. Either that or we'll go and party in the city San Francisco! Its only like 45 mins at most away from where I live and theres a bunch of neat places I could check out there. I have to study for finals and finish up reports, after that I'm going to spend time with my boyfriend (not the guy who wouldn't take me to Anime Expo, hah jerk) and just hang out with friends. Exciting? Not really. I'll also being taken some college classes like a HipHop dance class. [/FONT][/SIZE][/B]

[FONT=Arial][SIZE=2][b]As in dream as in a goal of mine? Well you could say I've always loved English and literature. I still don't really know what I'm going to chose my profession as but I like the sound of being an author. I would love to write a fantasy novel like the Chronicles of Narnia or Harry Potter someday, and maybe get my own movie as well? I'd love to star in my own movie, direct it, and get rich and retire early. Now wouldn't that be a sweet deal? I think so. [/b][/FONT][/SIZE]

[QUOTE=Manic Webb]Actually, I'm of the belief that there's a difference between n00bs and newbies. Newbies are those young (and sometimes old), confused newcomers who might need a guide every once in a while, but eventually gain their barrings and fit in with the older members. n00bs R t3h sux0rz!!!11!1eleven I have nothing against newbs. It's the n00bs you have to look out for.[/QUOTE] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2][b]Thank god someone stated this as well. I've been trying to state theres a difference between N00bs and Newbies. Newbies = New Person N00bs = YAh I RuLe ThIs Place YER! LYKE OMG! U WILL BE PWNED!! XOXO A Newbie may make mistakes, which everyone has done on their first time at a new forum. A n00b refuses to obey the rules and post quantity of spam posts. Difference? I think so. [/b][/FONT][/SIZE]

[QUOTE=Havokio][COLOR=Indigo]Hah! Mine, I believe I was 12, was getting my *** kicked by someone half my size (he knew tae-kwuan-do, I knew nothing) , then having my pants removed, and having to walk 13 blocks home. Not in a dream, this accually happened.[/COLOR][/QUOTE] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2][i]That would seriously suck, I wouldn't know cause I've never really lost a fight, yet that is. Anyways, I'm not the type of person who gets easily embarrased so its really hard for me to pick out a specific moment. The most embarrasing moment I think would have to be in Middle School in 7th grade. One day it was really rainy so all the 6th, 7th and 8th graders all sat in the Gym, I mean it was packed full and we had lunch on the bleachers. I saw that my shoelace was untied so I bent down to tie it only to have my friend elbow me and me slip on my shoelaces, I ended up rolling down atleast 6 steps or more of bleachers infront of atleast 200 kids. A lot of the 8th grader boys saw me and started cracking up while the girls rushed up to help me. Whats worse, is I landed flat on my face and it made a loud noise. Luckily, not EVERYONE noticed, but a lot of the older people did. There is a guy who use to laugh everytime he saw me and stare. It's really humiliating. But then again, I was a big klutz in those days. [/i][/FONT][/SIZE]

[QUOTE=Emme888] Is is just school, or is it like this everywhere?[/QUOTE] [SIZE=1]Presidential Elections, Schools, etc. Everything is included in this, since people like to compete. Its a natural instinct, I guess when your running for office for something, some people can take things a little TOO far. Just be sure that you don't get to opsessed with winning, that you forget the reason WHY your running. Your suppose to run for a good cause, but sadly most people just care about the shiny gold award or praise they get afterward. Thats life for you. [/SIZE]

[quote name='Retribution][SIZE=1']Maybe a little bit, but I've only been here a year, so who am I to say? I agree with you that the post quality in the Arena really is below-par for most RPGs, but whatever -- it doesn't really bug me too much. As long as there are a few good RPGs every now and then to join that have good quality, I'll be silent.[/SIZE][/quote] [FONT=Georgial][SIZE=2][i] I agree with this. I've only been here one year too. (Don't believe me? Look at my profile, yeah its true I don't have as many posts, but hey I got a life you know) but there are alot of incomplete RPGS roaming around, It just means you have to dig for the interesting ones. Don't judge a book by its cover though, and as for anyone complaining, well just suck it up and deal with it. If you don't like the RPG, then don't join it. It'll fade in time. By the way there is a difference between N00bs and Newbie. A n00b can be just as old but acts like a total retard. Example? (Not saying Baron is a retard mind you) Well..look below. (I've seen decent new members, but I admit they are few and rare) [/i][/FONT][/SIZE] [QUOTE=Baron Samedi][size=1]OH EM GEE SO U LYKE, JOYND ONE!!1111 [1!!] RPG LYKE U NO AGES AGO AN IT WUZ LYKE GUDD AND LYKE NOW U THINK ALL TEH RPGS ARE CRAPEY!?!?! LYKE D00D DAT WUZ LYKE ONE [1!!!!] RPG AN THERE HAS ALWAYZ BIN LYKE G00D RPGS AN LYKE BADD ONEZ HEY SO LYKE BROWZE THRU TEH, Y NO, ARKIVEZ AND COMPARE THE LYKE, RATIOS AN ALL. HAHA FLAM SPAM SPAM.[/size][/QUOTE] [FONT=Georgia][SIZE=2][i]For once, I have nothing to comment on. I'm speechless. :wow: lol [/i][/FONT][/SIZE]

[FONT=Arial][SIZE=1][b] I guess you could say people have picked out a song for me. I don't know why but it just happens to be [u]Just a Girl by No Doubt[/u] and although I don't think it suits me as much anymore, I am still a kid at heart. And playful at that. but still get treated like one sometimes, and you could say that makes a rebellious side to me :animeangr [U]Just a Girl - No Doubt[/U] Take this pink ribbon off my eyes I'm exposed And it's no big surprise Don't you think I know Exactly where I stand This world is forcing me To hold your hand 'Cause I'm just a girl, little ol' me Don't let me out of your sight I'm just a girl, all pretty and petite So don't let me have any rights Oh. . . I've had it up to here! The moment that I step outside So many reasons for me to run and hide I can't do the little things I hold so dear 'Cause it's all those little things That I fear 'Cause I'm just a girl, I'd rather not be 'Cause they won't let me drive Late at night I'm just a girl Guess I'm some kind of freak 'Cause they all sit and stare With their eyes I'm just a girl Take a good look at me Just your typical prototype Oh. . . I've had it up to here! Oh. . . am I making myself clear? I'm just a girl I'm just a girl in the world. . . That's all that you'll let me be! I'm just a girl, living in captivity Your rule of thumb Makes me worry some I'm just a girl, what's my destiny? What I've succumbed to Is making me numb I'm just a girl, my apologies What I've become is so burdensome I'm just a girl, lucky me Twiddle-dum there's no comparison Oh. . . I've had it up to Oh. . . I've had it up to Oh. . . I've had it up to here. [/b][/FONT][/SIZE]

[QUOTE=ChibiHorsewoman][color=darkviolet] Okay too lazy and busy to cut paste and edit what I pasted prior but the part in there about [b]teaches that a mutually faithful monogamous relationship in context of marriage is the expected standard of human sexual activity; teaches that sexual activity outside of the context of marriage is likely to have harmful psychological and physical effects; [/b] There are plenty of people out there having sex before marriage who are still mentally healthy. As well as children born out of wedlock who are perfectly sane. It shouldn't be taught that you're going to have issues if you have sex before you're married. It goes right up tehre with saying that sex is bad and sex is only done in order to pro create. Maybe not complete BS, but enough BS for parents to be worried.[/color][/QUOTE] [FONT=Arial][Size=2][b]I have to agree with this paragraph above me, its a load of BS. Yes we should list the negatives of sex, but as far as being abstinent, that is the students decision to make. If they chose to have sex, they should be telling about how they can keep safe but telling a kid they will lose everything by having sex before marriage is awful. I was never told anything like that in sex education classes, thank god, but if I did I know it would only force more kids into doing it seeing as they will now view it as almost "illegal" in a way which is why kids go out and illegally drink alchohol. Because it's fun to do things your not suppose to right? I also don't agree with them saying having a kid out of wedlock is bad, I know plenty of people who are not married and have children. They seem perfectly fine to me, of course its not something people dream of, but its not the end of the world. Its your decision to make. As far as how I learned about sex pretty young, from school abut mostly from friends. School talks about sex as if its a bad thing but your friends talk about it the opposite. I'm sure people know what I'm talking about. I learned enough to know that being safe is the best way, and sex education is where a lot of people learn about the details because my parents never taught me anything. It's worse when your parents tell you, I think. School should provide valid information but not alter someone's decision. I do think its a good idea to encourage abstinence which they still do in Sex Ed, but as for saying sex is bad, is the only thing that really bugs me. Your not evil if you have sex before marriage. Infact one of my teachers have even stated, only do it when your ready. And thats what should be taught. It's your choice to make. [/b][/FONT][/SIZE] [QUOTE=ChibiHorsewoman][color=darkviolet] THe logic I'm going by is that if you tell a kid not to do something because it's wrong they're still going to do it anyway. You may as well just tell them to go ahead and have sex, but use a condom. Obviously you didn't read it that way. That way maybe They'll think twice before having sex in the first place because when they see the condom they'll think of mom. I don't think I said anything wrong. [/COLOR][/QUOTE] [b][FONT=arial][SIZE=2] Most parents would view this as a bad idea or as Siren has stated "handing them the condom and telling them they can have sex" not trying to pick fights here, I see the point of that also. But I also see where Chibi is coming from, if my parents were open to me about sex, I probably would have had a different view about it. I know plenty of people who have had parents who are involved and I have to admit, it works quite well. They might NOT like it, but wouldn't it be better to know what your kid is up to and know that they get tested and are being protected? Its a lot better then being shunned or told your bad for doing something. It makes it easy to talk to your parents about having sex. I know I will be more open with my daughter (if i have one) about pregnancy etc. It's better to know then not know. Hope that makes some sense...[/SIZE][/FONT][/b]

[CENTER][FONT=Arial][SIZE=2][COLOR="#990066"] [B]Name:[/B] Enai P'attou [B]Age:[/B] 23 [B]Gender:[/B] Female [B]Race:[/B] Twi'lek [B]Homeworld:[/B] Ryloth (But lives on Tatooine, see below) [B]Affiliate Order:[/B] Old Jedi Order [B]Rank:[/B] Jedi Knight [B]Class:[/B] Jedi Consular [B]Lightsaber:[/B] She weilds a single lightsaber that is a light purple. It has a silver handle that has a cresent mood on the side of it and vines that run up and down where the handles are. [B]Lightsaber Style:[/B] Soresu- Level one [B]Force Powers:[/B] Improved Heal Knight Valour Force Shield Improved Force Barrier Force Whirlwind [B]Appearance:[/B] [URL="http://www.rpgplanet.com/starwars/art/sysnoootlesfinal.jpg"]Click[/URL] She looks alot Aayla Secura only with has light purple silver looking skin, light pink lips and crystal blue eyes. She has beautifully long lekkus that she ofter ties up or leaves down in a headwrap of purple or silver. She is often mostly seen wearing her jedi robe and underneath it a top that ties around her in black straps and long black pants. [B]Biography:[/B] To Mr. I'ckra & Mrs. Shevali P'attou Ryloth Date Unknown Dear Mother and Father, I have not spoken to you in many years, centuries for what it feels like. I know I left when I was a child, and that the only way to be saved was for me to be sold into slavery. I despised you at first, but as time has gone I've become acceptive of what happened. Taxes were too high, and money was tight. I moved on and no longer feel the need to seek vengence, but that does not mean I forgive you. When I left my home of Ryloth, Lord Keldmoni a Neimoidian with a bad attitude, yes you remember him do you not? Took me into his care on the home planet, except that this care was torture. I learned how to dance, sing, and entertain guests at the nightclubs all across the galaxy. But my home now is on Bestine, Tattooine. For me, money was not an option, I danced for food. I hope you know how much I have suffered. I was not free, and how much I longed for the day that I would be once again on my own, but had not a coin to support my funds. One day, Kaldmoni got angry with me because I had refused to go with an eager rodian who wanted me to dance for him and his friends in a private room in a cantina. I have more dignitie then that, but of course Keldmoni didn't like this. Somehow I managed to throw floating objects at his forehead knocking him backwards breaking a table. A fight soon broke out. I could hear the echo's of Keldmoni's curses through the crowd and soon knew if I had stayed any longer, I would surely have been beaten to death. Fearing for my life, I fled only to be followed by a hooded stranger. This stranger turned out to be a Trandoshan man with green scales and big blue eyes. He smiled at me warmly and told me he had come to help. Little did I know this incident would change me forever father, for I know you always told me stories where one incident would change a pesron's life for the better. This ended up being just like one of those stories. He was a Jedi that was a part of the Galactic Alliance. He was suppose to be a slave trader as most Trandoshans but is one of the few that has rebelled against it. That was when I first met my master, Obiski Ishorox. It didn't take me long to use my force, for I had found out I had a gift like Aayla Secura, you remember her don't you mother? I never would have dreamed of being in the footsteps of my idol. It wasn't long before we had harsh training on Tattooine. Years of harsh training, but in the end it all was worth it. My master Obiski was later killed in a raid by tusken raiders, they had pulled him into a trap. His death is much of a mystery to me, but I miss him dearly, for he was more like a father to me then anyone since you two were never around. I arrived at the Jedi Academy where I attended Soresu classes, they were timeconsuming but have done my mind well. I hope to one day become a great fighter and prove to you that I was someone special, and could not be replaced. One day you will regret the day you gave me up, and hear the stories of my victories. Goodbye Mother and father until the time comes when we shall see eachother's face once more. Sincerely, Your daughter Enai P'attou P.S. I would love to see my pet gnort T'orvic once again. [B]Personality:[/B] Enai is very strong minded and believes that defensive strategies are viewed as weak to others, but to her is a powerful tool necessary in any battle. Her views on life are displayed in the way she speaks very lucidly. Although she has had a tough life, she is a happy and cheerful person who is always willing to lend a hand. She will almost always back someone up but that does not mean she is very trusting. Enai finds it hard to trust others because of her difficult past that she has never fully let go, and can get aggressive when pushed. Most of the time she is laid back and easygoing. Using the force has always been her greatest asset, and she is proud to show it. [B]Other:[/B] I've never played the KOTOR games, but I've learned alot about races from playing the Star Wars Galaxies MMORPG and facts. Also, this RPG is awesome. I love how you set up everything. [B]Final Question:[/B] You said to hold off on biographies until later, when do we find out if we get an apprentence? BTW, I'm still confused about what timeline era we're at so sorry if my bio doesn't make complete sense. [/CENTER][/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR]

[quote name='Juuthena][size=1']Why not? But I think it's moreover lust than love...[/size][/quote] I kind of have to agree with Juuthena on this one. I'd prefer to fall in love with a friend anyways since thats what I'm use too, and told that's the best way. You can be lovers and friends all at the same time. That doesn't mean you can meet someone and build a long lasting friendship either, but I don't consider that love at first sight. Call me realistic, but its the looks that they are attracted too, not the person. But hey, thats only me.

[QUOTE=Lix][size=1][color=slategray]Thank you for the comments! I never really thought about that, but he [i]does[/i] look like the drummer from the School Of Rock. O.o What I do in Photoshop still mystifies even me... most of the time everything is experimental, so I wouldn't be able to tell you how to do anything. ^_^;; Ah, yes, here are some more. These ones are a little older, things I did in the past that I never put up for comments. First one: [B]Dead Rose[/B] I don't really know where I got this idea, but I found this [I]lovely[/I] picture somewhere on the internet. I give total credit to whoever drew it, I just happen to be using it for a banner. I mainly just altered a bunch of colors on this one, but I've still grown fond of it in the time I've had it for my signature. [IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v177/ShadowFox71/DeadRose.jpg[/IMG] Second one: [B]Ceres Banner[/B] This is another one I made awhile ago. For some reason I am really drawn to it, so I've kept it on my computer for a long time. I don't really know why, but it just appeals to me. [IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v177/ShadowFox71/Aya_banner.jpg[/IMG] Tell me what you guys think.[/color][/size][/QUOTE] [SIZE=1] [b]Dead Rose : [/b] This one is gorgeous, I love it. I want to steal it now lol. It looks kinda like shes eating the rose though, but even that looks cool. The black and white with only the red rose, classic. The text could be more detailed I suppose but I like it how it is. Don't even think about changing anything. [b]Ceres Banner[/b] : First off, I love Ceres. I love the image and the background, very cliche and cute. I don't know why the stripe is there though, it seems to block where any text might go. Thats the only thing that looks a bit out of place, but it still looks great. Wonderful banner and you did a really great job! [/SIZE]

I came to this subject while reading the post "Infamous Prom" and got me thinking about Graduation. I know for one that I'm glad and excited to be graduating and to be out of highschool. I can honestly say that it hasn't been the "best experience of my life". I wanted to know what you all think. To those who are graduating this year, what are your thoughts? Do you have any regrets or wish you could go back and do something that you never tried? Are you sad about leaving? To those that are still in highschool what do you think about graduating and how do you think you'll react? To those who've already graduated, what were your plans for when you graduated highschool and did you get to furfill your dreams? If not, what happened instead and how do you view your over-all experience? Would you ever want to go back and do it over again? What would you do differently? Please share your thoughts.

[quote name='x kakashi x']I'm not in horrible shape, but truth is, I'm not incredibly strong lol. I doubt I could run a mile in a good amount of time, or do a certain amount of push-ups on direction. But I'm not fat, so I guess as far as that goes I'm not extremely healthy, but healthy enough to eat my donuts with the weezing :cool:[/quote] This is kind of true for me also. I'm actually not in the best shape right now, and funny thing is was thinking on going on a diet tomorrow. I've never been considered "Fat" or "Chunky" but every once in awhile I can get out of shape. I usually run on my treadmill for about an hour or two hours a day for a week and stop drinking soda and junk food really helps. It helps to cut down your midnight snacks too which I've seriously been munching on the worse stuff, potatoe chips and peanut butter. Candy is a no-no, hard to say no to that stuff. It only takes a week for me to get into shape if I really try hard enough, I really need to work out my arm muscles, infact I think I'm going to go do all that right now! Laters.

[QUOTE=Desbreko][color=#4B0082]New banner! I'm watching The Slayers right now, so of course it features my favorite character from the series, Zelgadis. He's a great character; he's calm and cool, always going for what he wants, never liking to waste time, and yes, harder than a rock. (Gotta love AC/DC, by the way; great song.) And plus, he's a badass swordsman [i]and[/i] sorcerer. There's just tons of reasons to love Zel, heh. Anyway, about the banner itself, it was rather slow in the making. First off, it was hard just finding a decent quality image of Zel with the right sort of look that I wanted for the banner. The background came surprisingly quick after I grabbed an image of -- what else? -- some rocks off Google Image Search and monkeyed with it, using various effects until it looked how I wanted. But the text was the real pain. In my banners of late, I've grown to like the format of having a single character image combined with text and a background. It makes for a clean, uncluttered look, I think. But the problem I run into a lot is how to make the text stand out from the background nicely without taking too much focus off the character. Ideally, I think the main focus of the banner should be the character, with the text being secondary, and the background being just that -- a background, and hence meant to draw the least attention. So of course I ran into this problem with Harder Than a Rock. Right off the bat, I knew which font and colors I wanted to use, and the look I was going for (rock-like, obviously). And I achieved that with some success after a while, but the text stood out way more than the image of Zel did. Eventually I ended up playing with the brightness/contrast levels of the text and character image, as well as making the text 15% transparent, to finally get things ending up as they are now. What do people think, then? I think it turned out pretty good, but I'm not about to rule out the posibility that it could be made better. (I've already gone back and added another effect to the text since first putting the banner in my signature.) Anyone see anything that you think could use tweaking?[/color][/QUOTE] Alright just got to say one thing, I love that picture. He's got that bad *** attitude that makes it seem like he's challenging you to oppose. Very nice since it goes with your saying "Hard as a rock". Also I love Zelgadis too, so I have to say the background matches him perfectly. This is coming from a die-hard slayers fan. The only thing I could ever pick out from this banner that could be possibly wrong is the text. It's pretty dark but then again you said you wanted people to look at the picture which works since, when I first looked at it thats where my eyes first drifted off too. The texture you made that makes it appear rock-like and the font itself is perfect, thats the only thing that I could really pick apart about it. But its not even that big of a deal, to me, its practically perfect.

[SIZE=1]Interesting that the creator of Samurai Champloo made Cowboy Bebop since the time era's are so different from one another. This one is in the feudal era and Cowboy Bebop was futuristic. It's hard to imagine them from the same creator. Anyways, I saw what I think was the first episode on AS on accident, atleast I think it was the first episode, where [SPOILER] the two men were going to be executed and escaped. And the girl threw fireworks to scare everyone off. [/SPOILER] The animation and fighting scenes are pretty amazing. I have to admit, this seems a whole lot like Cowboy bebop in its fighting style, and I'm sorry to all the Kenshin fans, but I hated Kenshin. It's all action with no plot to me, the fighting style isn't even all that impressive. This guy clearly beats the Batosai by far. Also, has anyone noticed but the guy who [SPOILER]kept snapping back that guy's fingers[/SPOILER] looks a lot like Spike from CB? His attitude is the same as well. If only they were to meet eachother, hah now that would be a sight. Hope to see more and looking to see if I can get my hands on the subbed version of this anime. It looks awesome. [/SIZE]

[QUOTE=SunfallE]Well I'm pretty sure I've commented on what a great place this is before, but now that I've been a member for just a little over two months I look back and realize that it's far more amazing that I could have ever anticipated. At first I enjoyed it as the people posting here were having actual discussions instead of the usual, one word, broken english or other spamming I saw on most of the forums I had been to. As [B]Otaku America[/B] put it. It was definately a breath of fresh air. But then I started to explore a little further into the other aspects of Otaku. Like theOtaku and myOtaku. theOtaku is absoutely amazing with all the stuff you have access to: Articles, Cosplay, e-cards, Fan Art, Quizzes, Reviews and Wallpapers. I love checking out the new info and stuff there. ^_^ myOtaku is also absoutely amazing. Once I figured out how some of the stuff worked, having an online journal that you share with friends and family is so much fun! I don't think there are words capable of describing just how amazing this place is. In many ways, it's like an online community and family that you didn't even realize existed. So to those of you who created this amazing place you have my eternal grattitude. ^_^[/QUOTE] Everything SunfallE says is true, although I'm considered new around here still, its not as if I don't see that things are really different. I use to post on AO (Animeonline.net) before it went downhill, now people talk like this "YAH I totally PWN you N00bs" is most of the conversation and somehow led me to this forum by accident. I haven't really left since. I even tried out Minitokyo.net, and thats the most repetitive forum ever with no bases besides "Whats your fav anime?" It's really important to not just care about the number of members you have, and more about the content thats within it. That's what AO use to be about until they went bad. Please don't ever become like them. Oh and by the way OB has cured my...oh well maybe you don't want to know.

[quote name='Panda']I don't consider myself a drinker. I will have a margarita when I go out for Mexican food or have a (yes, singular) drink if I go out with friends. Usually a gin and tonic or if I am feeling like something sweet then a mudslide. I am a lightweight when it comes to drinks. One drink and my cheeks get flushed and I look tipsy even if I am not. :animeangr [/quote] This pretty much explains it for me. Panda and I have the same problem, I get tipsy WAY too easily or either my cheeks get all red and people constantly ask me if I'm drunk lol. I enjoy Kahlua, Margaritas, and Dacquri's although weak are really quite good. I know they are girly drinks, but I can't keep down a beer for some reason, its just way too strong. I can't even handle a Cosmos, blah those are bad. Oh and by the way, California has the law of 21 and over also, and I'm almost 18. So that gives you a kind of hint ^^ but no I don't drink often. On few occasions actually.

[QUOTE=Ozymandius Jones][COLOR=DarkOrange] Well, it actually makes sense to release the movies in the order that Mr. Lewis wrote them in, I believe, because The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe is where Narnia begins changing, actually. All the books after come as a result of it. And since the [i]main[/i] story starts there, releasing the prequel, [which I do agree with it explaining more] first seems silly.[/COLOR][/QUOTE] [SIZE=1] Ah so thats how it works eh? Well I read the Magician's nephew first before The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. It's funny that this is being brought up because I've been reading the series again, I never did finish it when I was younger. I'd have to agree that The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is my LEAST favorite out of the series, I really enjoy The Boy and His Horse and would love it if they made a high-tech movie out of that one, imagine seeing Calormor? *shivers* Too bad I can't check out the trailer but I definately think they ought to go for all seven movies. Hopefully this one will be a hit so that they continue, now that Star Wars's last movie is coming out, there could be a chance of that. [/SIZE]

[QUOTE=Momiji Love][SIZE=1] [B]ANYTHING by Jesse McCartney.[/B]One because he is a Barbie who can't sing,and two because [B]Beautiful Soul[/B] makes my Blondie Boy all depressed over his ex because that was her favorite song.[/SIZE][/QUOTE] [SIZE=2][FONT=Comic Sans MS] I just have one thing to say, Momiji Love you rock! 1. [b]Beautiful Soul - by Jesse Mccartney[/b] : Pop is dead. I agree iwth Momiji on this one, he looks like a barbie. I hear the backstreet boys are even coming back, he seriously looks like Aaron Carter! ew! Just please come back from where you came from. The sad thing is he debued on TRL at #1 last time I checked. Forshame. Anything he sings is bad. 2. [b]Oops I did it again - Britney Spears[/b] : I dislike Britney with a serious passion. Her music is horid, her voice is scratchy and can't sing worth beans and she just annoys me. But most of all this song does more than any of the others. It's just so stupid its painful. 3. [b]Ashlee Simpson - Pieces of Me [/b] : I hate this song. It has no dept. "On a monday I am waiting on a tuesday I'm fading and Wednesday I can't sleep" Why are you counting the days? Thats soooo hardcore ashlee, seriously, think up some better words. Her voice doesn't even sound all that good. And thats the three worst songs. [/SIZE][/FONT]

[QUOTE=Box Hoy]You see, the problem with Bush is that he may tell us what he's doing and the benefiets but he really leaves up to us to see the negatives and then he realizes what he has done and trys to compinsate by repeating the process. Those losing their jobs will have tons of experience in the military to find another job at a still open base or continue on with their lives. We can only hope that the 40 Billion goes to something other than the war like schools or social security.[/QUOTE] [SIZE=1] I can see both the sides of this problem. There is also something like this happening in California, the governor is cutting back alot and hopes to save billions of dollars by doing it. Its all going to transportation too, which I feel should go to things listed above like Medical Care. [b]Retribution[/b] may be right when he says that they may be cutting off the bases to save money for other purposes, maybe ever FOR the war itself. But how do we know if its actually going to go for a good cause? How many times have we been told we we're going to do something and it being changed at the last minute? You never really know where all that money is going to, but the least we can do is think that its going into a good cause. But [b]Chibi[/b] is right about one thing, why the hassle if the bases cost more to close then to keep open? [/SIZE]