DarkOtakuBoy

The truth is, you never REALLY forget someone you care about. Time IS the best cure, but even years later when you think of that person, some of the old feelings [I]will [/I] come back in almost a shadow of what things used to be like. I went through a HORRIBLE breakup a few years back, and I mean it almost wrecked me. But what helped the most for me, is healthy venting. Writing poetry, taking up new hobbies. I got fully emerged in Ancient History and Philosophy, because it kinda protected me from the pain. A lot of people say (and told me) that a distraction only hurts you in the long run, but I had [I]so [/I] much help with healthy distractions, until enough time passed where I said to myself, "damn...I really just dont care anymore. Its not an emotional feeling, just an old memory by now." I dont know if that works for everyone. I just know it helped me cope.

Ugh. I hope I'm not too late with this topic. I don't want to dredge up old posts, but I have been away for a few weeks. Monday was really horrible for me. Working in a supermarket bakery the last few years has made me hate almost all holidays. I spent all of Feb. 14th working my butt off, and it was insane. What I really want to know is, why does everyone wait till the last minute to get their cakes and pastries for their loved one? I spent the whole day in my own private Hell of a bakery writing on peoples cakes, and filling up the front that was picked clean like vultures pecking at meat. I spent the rest of Febuary 14th taking down V-Day decorations and putting up St. Patricks crap. How appropriate. Me, ripping up paper hearts and plastic cupids, and throwing them in a garbage bag, awaiting to be crushed in an industrial sized compactor. ^_^ Lenny

Well, I almost didnt post in this thred, because I'm not really in a debating mood. So, I'm just going to give my general opinion on weed. I must smoke no more than 3 joints a year, and I have plenty of friends who more or less smokes the same amount. We kind of reserve it for the biggest of house parties or special occasions. For instance, my friends wedding was in January, so after the reception we got a little high and drunk. The point I'm trying to make is, I don't beleive it is bad at ALL if people are not stupid about it, and just use it to have a good time every once in a while. I feel that way about a lot of things; alcohol (I drink more than I smoke up, but not every week or anything), caffine, bad food, etc. If people use these as simple pleasues in life (in moderation) and not become addicted or obsessed with it, then I personally don't beleive there's a problem. I am not against weed in any shape or form, but I AM against people who would abuse it and ruin their lives. The same can be said about people addicted to eating. (We don't blame the food, after all.) I LOVE my life so much, and I take pleasure in a variety of things. I really dont know the extent of damage from three joints a year, but its probably so infinitesimal, that it can't be quantified. I'm sure the cigs or the bad food are doing MUCH more damage to me. (I have to quit cigarettes, I know.) Bottom line, however; we all put dangerous or risky things in our bodies, at least in some form. Be it fatty foods, or the occasional joint...these are things that sometimes, I beleive....just makes life worth living. =) Lenny

Oh, this is tough. As with most of my preferences, it really depends on what mood I'm in. I tend to look for substance over appearance. (Thats not to say I'm against bishies for some nice eye-candy) ^_^ The one thing I usually look for in anime plots are philosophical/sociological subtext, which [I].hack//SIGN [/I] and [I]Evangelion[/I] does beautifully as well as (to a lesser extent) [I]Wolf's Rain[/I]. You know, anime that actually says something behind all the entertainment. A lot of times I also look for fantasy-comedic elements like in [i]InuYasha[/i] and [i]Ranma 1/2[/i]. Finally, when I'm feeling romantic, I like watching dramatic love stories ([i]Gravitation[/i] and whatnot) The reason I love [i]Fruits Basket[/i] so much is because it has EVERYTHING that I look for in anime. philosophical meanings (yes, they are there. lol), fantasy, comedy, and drama. As well as some hot bishonen dudes. (which of course is just a bonus) ^_~ Dark Otaku Boy [i]The story behind the painting I drew is already told. No more tear-stains on the pages of my diary.[/i] - Nightwish

Anyone think my Playstation 2 would like chocolates or hard candy? ^_^ Seriously though, I just don't see the appeal of Valentine's Day. Just like anatema said, I don't think I ever was in a relationship duing that day. But if in the future I am, then I still wouldn't see the big deal. People should make their significant other feel special every day of the week. Can someone really say that they are touched by getting flowers and candy from their boyfriend on a day where society is expecting him to buy a gift? A gift looses its meaning if one is pressured by society and modern custom. If I had a boyfriend, I can honestly say, I would feel more special if he gave me a gift for no reason, just because he wanted to. Aside from all that, I really only celebrate Pagan holidays. Valentine's Day is just a day where businesses can sell more product related to the holiday. I work in a supermarket bakery, and damn.....I cant tell you how many pastries and heart-shaped cakes we sell. So, I guess Valentines day is good for the economy like all other modern holidays, but its not special to me. By the way, does anyone notice over the past few years that this holiday is getting bigger? At least in my area. People now have Valentines day lights on their house. Just weird. Dark Otaku Boy EDIT: To answer Sonata's question, Beltane (thats how its really spelt...no offence, Chibi. ^_^) is a pagan feast of fertility that takes place after sunset of April 30th into May 1st. Also called, May Day. Basically its a traditional night of bonfires, followed the next day by dancing, continued feasting, and the weaving of the Maypole. For Wiccans, sex magick and other fertility rites are also performed on this night/day.

Dont forget, theres a big difference between smoking pot every now and then at say... a house party, and being a raging Pothead. I mention this because I have been accused by parents and police in the past of being a stoner, when in reality I [spoiler]smoke weed no more than 3 times a year[/spoiler], and thats not even an exaggeration. Its a stigma on society that just doesn't need to be there. Its the same difference between a raging alcoholic and being a social drinker. Also, medically speaking...being a raging alcoholic is actually worse than a raging stoner. (And I have a degree in Biology.) You know, its just....one is more socially acceptable than the other. I've also been wrongly accused by some teachers because of my "questionable" style of clothes in high school. It's like, if your attitude and interests are gothic and arcane, than your automatically considered a danger to yourself and others. lol. Its so funny, that I get questioned and accused for having blue hair and wearing shirts with dragons and graveyards on them, but they dont even FLINCH at this girl who always wore an "I AM THE GOD OF F...." shirt. Yes....with the whole f-word on the shirt. She wore it so much, I doubt she washed it. In any case, as far as I'm concerned, the school spends too much time worrying about the so-called well being of its students, and not enough time worrying about the actual text-book education that school is about. This is why, and I've SEEN it, kids getting horrible, horrible accusations...and these are very good kids being who they are. Thank the gods for college. I love it, because they dont care how you dress or what your personality type is. As I always say, its High School without all the rules.

I'm very honest when it comes to relationships and friendships. For example, I have never and will NEVER cheat on someone, because in all honesty...pardon the pun, I dont think I could live with that on my mind. Also, if I dont feel a relationship is going right, I would tell my boyfriend either we work on it or we break it off. Theres no point in lying to myself or him about our good status when one doesn't exist. Its the same way with friendships, if one of my friends is in a bad spot (too much drug use, or noticeably depressed, etc) I will be honest with him or her, that I notice a problem and will try to help if I can. In examples like that....honesty to me is [I]very [/I] important. I'm not talking about being tired and telling my mom, "If my friends call, tell them I'm sleeping." lol. That doesnt really count. I'm honest where it counts, I guess. When am I not honest? As a lot of people said, to cops. My friend used to have house parties when his mom was away, and once or twice the police were called. (long story) So, we hide the beer and pop in the chewing gum/mouth wash, they come knocking, ask us if there is any drinking and we lie and say no. The most that ever happened is the police told us to keep it down since it was late. And of course, I'll try to get out of tickets. Success rate: I guess about 50%. Finally, when it comes to questions asked about apperences and such, I have a bad (or good?) habit of telling someone to their face what my true opinion is. But only if I'm asked first. hehe. DarkOtakuBoy

My absolute favorite is "The World" by Yuki Kajura. (sorry if I spelt her last name wrong.) and from what I understand from the lyrics, its about being so afraid of the real world and its trials and tribulations, that you lock yourself in your room and loose yourself in a false RPG world. It also begs the philosophical question; if your life is too sad and your videogame becomes your reality, who is to say that the world you loose yourself is less valid than the reality that we all know? As a student of philosophy, and a fan of .hack//SIGN...I really appreciate the song in all its depth. ^_^

For me, the answer isnt really clear. It depends on the series and it depends on what mood I'm in. I love the [I]Fruits Basket[/I] manga more than the anime. The artwork is phenominal, and I almost got to the point of drooling, looking at Yuki in the manga. ^_^ I also think the story in [I].hack//Legend Of The Twlight[/I] manga is far better than the anime. (to my surprise, no less) I also want to point out, I hope they never make [I]Diabolo[/I] into an anime, I dont think they can do the manga justice. On the other side of that coin, I enjoy [I]Peacemaker, Inuyasha, Gravitation [/I] and a host of others as animated series rather than their respective manga. For a variety of reasons depending on the anime; including the music tracks, the voice overs which I've gotten used to, and storylines. Dark Otaku Boy

[quote name='Gravy Train']Okay Morpheus, let's see. In nature, all animals mate with animals of the opposite sex. So, humans doing the opposite would go against that. I don't see how to make it any easier to understand.[/quote] Ah, but most everything humans DO goes against nature. From building roads and cities, to genetic engeneering. Pretty much every techological advancement these past 200 or so years. I personally believe nature is indifferent to these things and evolution compensates (to a point) for each and every discrepancy. I also hate to bring this up, but whats so wrong about "un-natural" intimate relations when the human population is so high? Believe me, the Earth will suffer for the many [I]other [/I] things we do, like nuclear proliferation, if we dont cut it out, but homosexuality isnt one of them.

[QUOTE=Morpheus] DOB: Marriage is a bout rights. Right to be in thehospital room when your significant other is unconscious, Cheaper insurance, etc.[/QUOTE] I understand that. All I'm saying is, its not for [U]me[/U]. I dont agree with the ideology of marriage. You gotta understand, I know I sound like an Anarchist, but dont confuse that with cynicism.(I've been a punk rocker from the age of 14 to 17. lol. some of those thoughts still dwell within me, even a couple years later) In any case, I just find it messed up in a society where we need a piece of paper like that to gain rights like seeing a loved one on their death bed. Love is love. Thats what I beleive. I dont need no organization to tell me otherwise or put limits on it

[QUOTE=sinna]Try this one: I am what you cannot see, I am what you cannot flee, I am what kills you If nothing else does. What am I?[/QUOTE] I'm thinking its "time", right? you cant see time, you can flee it, and if nothing ELSE kills you, time will. Here's an one I heard as a kid. I hope this is less obvious than my last one. ^_^ [I]What happened in 1961 that will not happen again for over 4000 years? [/I]

Here is a different problem I have with homosexuality. I hope this doesnt seem like a rant. First of all, I'm gay. (well, bisexual leaning towards the gay side. but whatever. I dont like labels) In any case, this means to me that I have a certian gender preference. Its what I'm attracted to. its what I find not only attractive, but also emotionally connected to. I came out not too long ago, around 17 years old give or take a few months, and nothing changed with my friends. As a matter of fact, I told my friends that I had something important to tell them and they were on pins and needles all night until I finally got the [spoiler]balls[/spoiler] to tell them. They were pissed at me because they thought I was gunna tell them something groundbreaking, and they were like, "what?? thats it?? who CARES" lol. I found this awesome that they didnt even (and still dont) SEE it as an issue. I didnt, to this day, lose one friend. I was lucky. Not everyone is. My point is though, I grew up with my friends and we have been friends for almost ten years. I'm still the same person they knew. What I dont understand about MOST homosexuality is that whole "flaming" thing I've seen at clubs. They come out of the closet and then decide to feed into the lifestyle. You know the stereotype. That "gay" accent, the hand gestures, slang, etc. Well, its all true among so many homosexuals. Other gay people have asked me in the past (seriously, not joking with me) "Why dont you like Cher?" or "OH my GAWD....ewww you are SO not wearing trendy clothes! Goth is like, SO last year" And I think, damn....since when did homosexuality have to mean a lifestyle? I really believe that so many of those types of people have given us a bad name. Like that whole "Gay Pride" crap. I dont have pride in my preferences. I have pride in my accomplishments. But of course, the public sees the (very) vocal minority and assumes we all talk, act, and yes...even walk, a certian way. The sad part is, most of them do, and its so hard and SO frustrating to meet a gay or bi dude who is "real" and not trying to be "fabulous". This is why I only have one gay friend. Dark Otaku Boy EDIT: Since gay marriage was brought up, I wanted to give my opinion. I'm against it. Weird for a gay guy to say that, but the truth is I'm against[B] all [/B] marriage. See, I'm against any institution who tries to dictate love - a biologial emotion - via politics and religious dogma. This is just me. I fully understand how it works for people of certian faiths, and would support your freedom for it. But even if I was straight, I personally would NEVER get married.

Well, I always wanted to cosplay but I've never been to a convention. Living here in New Jersey, I would have to travel too far to go to one. (Thought about starting a con of my own at a local hall, though.) Anyway, I'm going to cosplay next Halloween (can we [I]call [/I] it cosplay if its for Halloween? lol), and I'm gunna try to dress as Tsukasa, or maybe Elk, from [I].hack[/I]. I have to admit though, I dont know where to even begin even though they are seemingly easy pieces to put together. I have no skills when it comes to that, so I'd imagine I would have to do a lot of window shopping and make-shift substitutes. I cant sew, but by God, I can cut and paste-together with the best of them. ^_^ As for "glomping", of course I heard the term, but I'm not FULLY sure what that is. If its like "moshing", I've done that quite a bit at rock gigs Correct me if I'm wrong, but the term "glomp" started with [I]Ranma 1/2[/I] , right?

I would pay one million dollars to see the origin of the universe, so I can finally stop reading all those Stephen Hawking books and having all those late-night drunken "insights" with my friends as to what constitutes the meaning of existance. Seriously, though. I dont think theres anything else I would want to see or know more about, then to finally understand the origin of reality. Quantum physics and cosmology are a little side hobby of mine, so that would be the ultimate prize. ^_^ But knowing me; I would pay my money, see the origin of the universe/existence, understand how it all began.....then be horribly disappointed. Dark Otaku Boy

[QUOTE=Baron Samedi][size=1] You come upon two old men guarding two old doors. One door leads to safety, One door leads to Death. One of the Guardians will always lie, the other tells only the truth. Using one question directed at one Guardian, how do you find out which door you should enter?[/size][/QUOTE] Years ago, I also heard that riddle with two computers, so I'm thinking its the same answer. [B]Answer: What door would you tell the other guardian not to go through? [/B] Somehow you get the same answer no matter which guardian you ask, right? Me and my friends tried SO hard to figure out how it exactly works and couldn't. (again, i heard it with computers and trap doors instead of guardians. but it sounds like the same riddle.) My riddle: (sorry if its too easy) A man is driving fast down a road in a jet black car, duing a town-wide power failure. And his headlights were broken. A man in all black, black hood and everything is walking on the newly paved black road. The man in the car, about to hit him, suddenly stopped short and he avoided hitting the man in black. How did the man in the car know to stop?

At least twice a month, I do a very involved Invocation with Magick Circle and all. Not including the Sabbats....they are special nights in themselves. Now I'm kinda new at this, but once about 8 months ago I had the most awesome (and at the time scary experence.) I make it my ritual to deeply meditate after the rite and reflect on nature or my life, etc. But this one time, during meditation, I fell dead asleep. (as I often do, considering how relaxed you get in that state) Anyway, to make a long story short, I woke up sometime in the middle of the night and was utterly paralized. it was like my body was asleep but my mind was active. I was completly aware and wasnt dreaming, lucid or otherwise. I mean, I could read the poster on my wall, I could see the titles of my books. I was 100% aware. I started to feel this force, this being standing by my door. THAT, I didnt see except with my minds eye. I really just cant explain this, except in my mind I knew a red robed hooded figure was standing by my door gazing back at me. I could SEE it with my mind. I would have bet my entire livelyhood on that fact. Eventually I forced myself to a "regular" state and was able to move and the feeling of someone being there left. Now, what was this? Who knows. Not being able to move after sleep is a slightly common thing called catatonics, when your mind wakes up before your body. And considering that I did an in depth ritual and then meditated, I could have self-induced hallucinated. (which would be awesome if i could do that whenever i wanted. hehe) Or, maybe I did reach another level of reality/astral projected. Or maybe my invocation worked well. I had strange experences since then while doing my pagan rites, but never anything that tangible. Maybe one day it will happen again. ^_^

[QUOTE=AzureWolf][FONT=book antiqua][SIZE=2][COLOR=blue] DarkOtakuBoy, are you sure it wasn't GIFT that was put in the limited edition version? I find it hard to believe that such a core episode (28) would be kept from anyone.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/QUOTE] No, it was UNISON. I know because I checked a bunch of websites and stores before I bought the limited edition the box set, and episode 28 (UNISON) isnt available on the regular volume 6 DVD and not available on the regular box set. (plus, I find it kinda weird that many .hack//SIGN fans never seen it. Maybe UNISON was aired on Adult Swim, I'm not sure. But as far as I know, GIFT is available only with .hack//QUARANTINE. Its definately not on the limited edition box set. I agree with you, its rediculous that the ending of the show is a pain to find, and costs a lot, if you cant find a good deal on Amazon or the like. But if you think about it, its JUST like them to do something like this. Dont get me wrong, I love all things .hack to death, but damn do they know how to market! ^_^

[B]1. Bad Religion[/B] : In my opinion, the single best punk rock group alive. With intellectually political, scientific, and sociological songs, its hard to imagine another group so intellegent and insightful. Favorite songs include [I]Fertile Crecent[/I], [I]Yesterday[/I], [I]Athiest Peace[/I], and [I]1000 More Fools[/I]. But seriously, this is one of those rare groups in which I love every single song almost without exception. Best album was the 1989 "SUFFER" album, which has never been topped before or after. [B]2. DIO[/B]: When I talk about Dio, I mean most everything that Ronnie James Dio has done. His own band, a few Black Sabbath albums, and his early work with Ritchie Blackmore's, Rainbow. most of Dio's work is fantasy based; with song subjects about wizards, dragons, and other medieval topics. The music also has a subtle fantasy sound, especially in the Rainbow albums. Great songs from those years are [I]Temple Of The King[/I], [I]16th Century Greensleeves[/I], and [I]Man On The Silver Mountian[/I]. With Dio, I tend to think, the older the music the better. his new stuff is bordering on generic metal, but he did redeem himself with the 2000 album "Magica", which is a concept album and tells a fantasy story. [B]3. Nightwish[/B]: Wow. Talk about a class by themselves. From Finland, their genre can be best described as gothic metal opera. Like Dio, who's work was a big influence for Nightwish, a good portion of their songs are based in fantasy. I never heard a band like this in my life. lol. Huge orchestral backrounds, mixed with drums and electric guitar and bass, and to top it ALL off, a professional opera singer doing the vocals. I just recently discovered them and have been buying and downloading like crazy. If I had to pick one favorite song by them, it would be impossible, seeing how it depends on what mood I'm in. but songs such as [I]Elvenpath, Wishmaster, [/I] and [I]Dead Boy's Poem[/I] rank right up there. [B]4. Type O Negative[/B]: Gothic music at its finest. I only listen to them at night, because that is when they are best enjoyed. ^_^. I'm not really that much of a fan of their newest album, "Life Is Killing Me", but I think most everything from "Bloody Kisses", "October Rust", and "World Coming Down" is awesome and so wonderfully depressing. They are not for everyone, but if your a fan of arcane slow gothic rock, then its just gold. Atmospheric, is the only way I can describe them. Reminds me of being in a foggy graveyard at night. ^_^ [B]5. Metallica[/B]: What can I say about them? They have been a favorite of mine since I was 13 years old. "Ride The Lightning" is one of the best 1980's heavy metal album of all time, with "Master Of Puppets" as a close second. Now, unlike most Metallica fans, I dont hate "Load" and "ReLoad". Sure, its different. Vastly. (Play [I]Four Horsemen[/I] then play[I]Until It Sleeps[/I] and you would think its a different band) But that said, I just happen to like both styles and it depends on what mood I'm in, as to what I'll listen to. I will say, I DETEST "St. Anger", I'm not seeing nearly enough talent vocially, and tell me that it doesnt sound like Lars is banging on trash cans?? I couldnt get any of it, except [I]Invisible Kid[/I] Honorable Mentions: Iron Maiden, Yngwie Malmsteen, Dead Kennedys, Ozzy, any 80's power metal, and White/Rob Zombie.

[quote name='Panda']The thing that I think takes the crown for most uncool thing I do for entertainment is karaoke. I am not a singer but I love to sing. I love to sing cheesy 80's power ballads! Oh well, at least it's not something like watching paint dry.[/quote] Hehe, I'm guilty of the same exact thing. Theres a nightclub by my house that has a karaoke bar and the rest of the club calls us "Geek Cafe". I also love to sing 80's metal there, but what makes it even worse for me is, I am beyond horrible. If Ozzy were dead, he would be spinning in his grave. =(

Alright, this is going to be very difficult to explain. My religion is Dark Neo-Paganism. Neo-Paganism is basically what it sounds like...."new paganism". Modern applied sciences are added to the old world ideals of paganism. (For example, the many gods and goddesses are just something called "Thoughtforms", or avatars of one universal consciousness.) Of course, theres still the idea of Karma, and basic Wiccan things such as a Banishing, a Magick circle, and Invocation. Unlike pure Wicca...which puts a big emphasis on correct ritual, Neo-Paganism believes that the idea of using the right color candle or the right stick of incense, or even speaking a spell is just whats called "psychodrama". Just to get in the right mindset. The only Magick tool that is vital is our own brain. The Pagan Sabbats are still celebrated (Yule, Beltane, Samhain, etc.) and I beleive are all Celtic in origin. Neo-Pagans beleive that these days (nights, in [I]Dark [/I] Neo-Paganism) have built up a Thoughtform, or power, all its own, considering how long they have been around. The universal consciousness at work. The "Dark" aspect is just a term that applies to those who feel more comfortable in nature, during the night. "Wicca by moonlight", to put it concisely. For people who have a naturally dark personality. Also, I wanna point out that dark doesnt mean evil, as so many people have associated the two. I dont want to sum everyone up in a neat little package, but neo-paganism beleives there are 4 MAIN personality types[U]. Dark Evil, Dark Good, Light Evil, and Light Good[/U]. [B]Dark Evil [/B] are basically Satan Worshippers, murderers, etc. [B]Dark Good [/B] is reserved for people who feel comfortable worshipping nature in the dark and have an affinity to the night. (ie. me. lol) Another example would be a policeman who takes on the graveyard shift because he feels more comfortable wandering while most of the world is asleep, would be considered this.[B] Light Evil [/B] would be those who act in the name of good to commit bad acts. Abortion Clinic bombers, TV Evangelists, etc. Finally [B]Light Good[/b] would be those who feel comfortble in the light, the sun, warmth, etc. Good Christians, Green Witchcraft, someone who enjoys gardening and daytime outdoor activities would all be considered this. Of course, these are VERY quick limited examples and its not always this black and white. ^_^

Well, lets see. Aside from the obvious videogames, anime, and manga I'm a Star Trek nut. For some reason that I cant fathom, Star Wars isnt considered uncool (where I live), but say that you like Star Trek and your automatically branded a "geek." I think its because of those con's where everyone is cosplaying as Spock or Worf. -_^ My gothic lifestyle. Lets face it, listening to metal, dressing in all black with silver jewlery, liking arcane art, and writing poems isnt what I would call "mass appeal." I get so sick of going to a club, and hearing some trendy pretty-boy say something like, "ewww.....your a GOTH?? Thats SOOOO 1996" jerk. lol. I study a LOT. On my own time. Everything from Japanese to Quantum Physics. Sadly, I cant think of anything more unpopular in this day and age as voluntary learning. Finally, my religion. Which I consider to be Dark Neo-Paganism. (and no, dark doesnt mean evil) But even still, I guess any Pagan/Wiccan religion isnt exactly "cool." Maybe I'll post more about this on the religion thread. So yeah, I'm just one big plethora of geekness. ^_^

[QUOTE=Dagger IX1]Certainly, gay/bi males are the biggest secondary audience for yaoi/shounen-ai anime. But in Japan, yaoi/s-ai shows and OVAs primarily target women. One of the main reasons so many yaoi-themed anime have been coming out lately (or are scheduled to air soon) is that female fans, who are not normally big spenders when it comes to DVDs and other anime merchandise, tend to buy a lot of yaoi-related goods. So these series and OVAs are heavily marketed toward women, but that doesn't preclude them from being enjoyed by male fans. It's like how Maria-sama ga Miteru has won over an enormous straight male fanbase, thanks to its lesbian undertones, although Marimite is strictly shoujo. :) ~Dagger~[/QUOTE] Thank you for clearing that up, Dagger! ^_^ So, conversely, the reason why shonen anime like Gundam Wing was able to get a large female fanbase is because of the bishonen characters, right? I guess the walls of all genres eventually get broken over time, and theres an exception of every rule. I also wonder about Rumiko Takahashi's work. She seems to me like she doesnt pay attention to genre stereotypes, because her work (granted, I only saw Ranma 1/2 and Inuyasha) tends to be a mix of both. Also, as a quick aside, I recently read in a magazine that most Japanese horror (anime, manga, and live action movies) are widely shoujo. Seems obvious, now that I read that, but I haven't thought about that before. In any case, thats facinating to me. Such a difference to the male dominated American horror counterpart.

[quote name='Dagger IX1']As a second example, you can safely assume that all boys' love (yaoi/shounen-ai) anime are shoujo.[/quote] You think so? I dont wanna nit-pick about genre's, but I'm wondering if the creator's intentions of such series as Gravitation, dont have homosexual males in mind (in regards of the fan-base) as well. There are a lot of (including me) gay and bisexual otaku who follow those shows (lol, at least in my college.) I realise though, that its still considered a very small group or fanbase when looking at the big picture. I hope I made this clear. I know anime, but I'm not really good at categorizing things into groups. lol.

Ture, Quincy...and I spent MANY months in Italy, and I've seen evidence of that first hand, your right. Europe (and the rest of the world) doesnt see it even as an ISSUE. But the thing is, in America....there are formats in which the F.C.C. cannot touch. One is Satellite radio, (i hope Howard Stern rocks over there!) the second and more on topic, is Cable TV. Shows like South Park which still gets bleeped is not because of laws and restrictions and standards, but because of sponsors. the network is afraid of losing their source of revenue and acceptance to the mass media. Even though the ironic thing is most adults 18 to 25 WANT to see and pay for vulgar programming. (me included) With this trend, its a matter of time before "mass America" follows this lead and gets out of the Dark Ages Of Psudo-Morality. At least....I hope! Len