SunfallE

[COLOR="RoyalBlue"][FONT="Lucida Sans Unicode"]I think this image fits both chibi-master and Lunar, since the two of them are aways hyper and spazzing out at times. ^_~ [CENTER][B]chibi-master & Lunar[/B] [IMG]http://images.icanhascheezburger.com/completestore/2008/8/15/izgointodizn128633160632853000.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER][/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="RoyalBlue"][FONT="Lucida Sans Unicode"]Here's a little something I picked up from a member while using the chat feature over at theOtaku. Fasteriskhead is the one who posted it. It spawned from a conversation about these chats which are posted here: [URL="http://www.theotaku.com/worlds/chatlogs/view/35123/a_chatlog_in_a_different_sense_of_the_word/"][U]Click[/U][/URL] & [URL="http://www.theotaku.com/worlds/chatlogs/view/35344/adam%27s_grammar_mixup/"][U]Click[/U][/URL] Anyway, here's the video. A good reason to use spell check if I ever saw one. =P [CENTER] [YOUTUBE="Written In Haste"]aMhbYiUWbik[/YOUTUBE][/CENTER][/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="RoyalBlue"][FONT="Lucida Sans Unicode"]Perhaps you could clarify something for me. I'm getting the impression that you mean girlfriend as in you are dating. But what you're describing is what I would see as a "poor friend" doing instead of someone you're involved with. I'm sure you know the type, the ones who only have time for you if they feel like it. Because there is [I]no[/I] woman's prerogative for blowing someone off. That's just rude regardless if she's a woman or not. If they keep ignoring you and not calling you, then I'd be re-evaluating whether or not you should even continue doing stuff with them at all. If it was just a friend who didn't think to call you when things got a bit crazy I could understand, but your girlfriend? Correct me if I'm wrong, but based on what you've said, this sounds more like a relationship that you don't need. Especially since you said she's notorious for not returning calls or calling when she says she will. That comes across to me as someone who takes you for granted instead of caring about your welfare or how you are doing. Feel free to correct me if you feel I'm wrong since I can only comment based on what little I know. But the fact that you sent her an angry text message tells me that you're feeling used, so I'm imagining that I'm right on this, or at least very close.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="RoyalBlue"][FONT="Lucida Sans Unicode"]Tell us the secrets Mr. Morphy aka Basement Cat. Secrets need to be told! =P[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="RoyalBlue"][FONT="Lucida Sans Unicode"][quote name='chibi-master']Whoa! Is that really annoying to you? It would be to me! I can fall asleep anywhere despite the environment! Though I usually can't fall asleep at night...'cause I sleep so much in the day thanks to my previously mentioned talent of 'easy-sleep'.:animeswea[/QUOTE]No, like I said, I just use a towel or something to cover my eyes if I need to sleep. =P When I was still driving a semi, I often had times when I had to sleep during the day. So location isn't an issue, I just need the illusion of darkness. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="RoyalBlue"][FONT="Lucida Sans Unicode"]Hmmmm and here I see this for Raiha: [CENTER][B]Raiha[/B] [IMG]http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/funny-pictures-cat-has-noted-your-ridiculous-opinion.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] And this for Korey: [CENTER][B]Korey[/B] [IMG]http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2007/09/128338180160937500ibindansnso.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER] Not that the other images didn't fit them too. =P[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="RoyalBlue"][FONT="Lucida Sans Unicode"][quote name='The13thMan'][FONT="Tahoma"]5. I lie a lot.[/FONT][/QUOTE]You know... that explains a lot. Seriously. =P Anyway I'm sure I have plenty of weird habits but the one that sticks in my mind the most is that I have to park straight. I think it came from when I was truck driving and you absoutely had to line up perfectly when you backed in for the truck to be unloaded. So if I'm crooked, I'll pull out a bit and fix it. Though most of the time I'm pretty good at getting my car straight from the beginning. The other thing is I have to have darkness when I sleep. I have very heavy curtains to help me get this effect on my windows. If I end up taking a nap during the day for some reason, I'll put a small towel over my eyes to help shut out any extra light. Otherwise, I have a hard time falling asleep. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="RoyalBlue"][FONT="Lucida Sans Unicode"]I agree with Allamorph, I think it's a little late to be up in arms over what country is actually hosting. This was decided a long time ago so suddenly changing it isn't exactly a simple matter. I also tend to agree with the sentiment that using something like the Olympics to protest isn't the best place for it. I don't see it as dismissing the concerns, I see it as saying, this isn't the place for it. Where do you draw the line when it comes to denying a country certain things because of current or past atrocities? I imagine there are economic or other forms of sanctions that would have a better impact than denying them the privilege of hosting. The protest in my opinion shouldn't be to keep them from hosting, but against the actual problems. I think people are missing that some of us don't see hosting the Olympics elsewhere as a viable solution. I don't see that changing anything at all. Other than it would be in a different country. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="RoyalBlue"][FONT="Lucida Sans Unicode"][quote name='Rachmaninoff']I don't really have a main snack food since what I'll munch on changes so much. One month it will be something healthy like fruit where the next it's stuff like M&M's or chips of some kind. The right kind of cookies is always good, or even some tea or since it's winter right now, hot chocolate. [/QUOTE]I'm the same. What I like to snack on changes all the time. Last week it was nectarines since they finally had some at a good price at the store. This week? It's Swedish fish. o_O So it varies a lot. About the only think I never get tired of is some type of fresh fruit. I just love strawberries and pineapple. Good stuff. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="RoyalBlue"][FONT="Lucida Sans Unicode"]Maybe a few days beforehand, but otherwise, I'd rather not know. I'd end up worrying over that instead of just doing things and living my life. So for the most part, I have no interest in knowing when my time will come. It's not like I could change it, so I don't see the point. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="RoyalBlue"][FONT="Lucida Sans Unicode"]The idea is to pick a size that your readers won't have trouble understanding. As for the actual sizes allowed. Just check out this update here for what you can put up at theOtaku. [URL="http://www.theotaku.com/worlds/faq/view/936/submission_guidelines_(in_progress)/"][U]FAQ[/U][/URL][/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="RoyalBlue"][FONT="Lucida Sans Unicode"][quote name='visualkei']Wow I'm surprised that this thread isn't locked. I'm also surprised that I actually have a cat picture, too. :catgirl:[/QUOTE]Because a little silliness never hurt anyone. =P And speaking of being silly...[CENTER] [IMG]http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/2954/funnypicturesinterventiqr6.jpg[/IMG][/CENTER][/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="RoyalBlue"][FONT="Lucida Sans Unicode"][quote name='DeathKnight'][color=crimson]Granted, Obama should have put his energy plan into a speech that would widely show, beyond simple car maintenance, what Obama plans in regards to energy in America. He finally did within the last two days. I'll post it here in case someone wants to hear it.[/color][/QUOTE]Awww, now you've gone and spoiled our fun. =P [Kidding] I do agree that people are lazy, but still, those kind of statements about proper air pressure for your tires just have you going... wtf? Personally, I've been hearing the speech about solving the energy issue for a long time now. And so far not one president has really managed to deliver. So no matter what they are posting or saying... I'll believe it when I see it.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="RoyalBlue"][FONT="Lucida Sans Unicode"]Well all I can do is wish you luck with the appointment since I've never had one done before so I don't know if it's bad or not. o_O I've heard both. People who were so relieved by the pain being less once the procedure was done and others who hurt worse afterwards. Either way, I'm sure it will be nice to finally have it fixed. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="RoyalBlue"][FONT="Lucida Sans Unicode"][quote name='Rachmaninoff']Anyway... [I]*pokes Beth*[/I] I'd say this means you are next. =P[/QUOTE]I know, I know... >_> I've been swamped with a lot of moderation work lately. XP But I'm almost caught up so I plan on posting later today once I get some rest. [I]*dies*[/I] [B]EDIT:[/B] Okay the post is finally up. I know I'm a day late... >_> It's not my fault that the site was down when I had time to post yesterday. XP Anyway... next! =P[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="RoyalBlue"][FONT="Lucida Sans Unicode"][B][CENTER][SIZE="3"]Ask Me If I Care[/SIZE][/CENTER][/B] Lucia wondered briefly if someone should say something to Phaidra since it was clear that she was upset by Chris?s actions. Though like all thoughts along that line, it was quickly forgotten and she focused instead on paying attention to their surroundings and they entered the main building of the resort. She was using her communicator to follow the surveillance feed since she was still tapped into it. Lucia assumed that Nathan was doing the same as he led them through the building without hesitation. It did not bother her when Nathan and Chris along with Alex dealt with another two humans who crossed their path. She could tell that something was off about them though and she did like she always did. She got scans of the two. Lucia kept her scanner set to obtain scans automatically but she still checked to make sure it had done so. Once they were done dealing with the vampires she would review the data. It took them less than ten minutes to get to the outside of the main security room for the facility. Lucia was wondering what Nathan had in mind when he motioned for the group to come closer. ?[B]We need a different kind of diversion for this[/B].? He looked directly at Lucia. ?[B]We don?t want them setting off the alarm if we can avoid it.[/B]? Lucia nodded. ?[B]I can handle that.[/B]? She knew just what to do to get their attention long enough to keep them from being able to raise the alarm. This was one area she was familiar with, working with humans in regards to computers. ?[B]Good, all you need to do is get their attention for a few minutes so Chris and Alex can get in there without them noticing.[/B]? The two looked at Nathan and then with a brief nod the pair separated and went different directions, ghosting through the walls as they moved into position. ?[B]We?ll be close by should you need us.[/B]? Nathan told her. Lucia nodded and then with a mental twist she changed to her less formal clothing before moving down the hallway to the doors leading to the security. There was a small touch pad to the side of the door and she pressed the button for attention immediately. ?[B]Who the hell are you?[/B]? A male?s voice blurted over the tiny speaker. ?[B]I?m here for your surprise inspection.[/B]? Lucia stated firmly. ?[B]There aren?t any inspections planned.[/B]? The door opened to reveal a tall muscular human. ?[B]And you sure as hell aren?t one of the staff[/B].? He looked her up and down and grinned. ?[B]But hey, I?m willing to overlook that little detail if you?re looking for some fun.[/B]? Lucia scowled and ignored the jibe. [B]?If you knew about the inspection, it wouldn?t be a surprise would it?[/B]? She folded her arms across her chest and frowned. ?[B]You?ve already failed the first part by opening the door without asking for a security code. You didn?t bother to verify if I should even be here with your superiors either.[/B]? ?[B]Cute lady, real cute,[/B]? he leered. ?[B]So tell me, which one of the guys sent you up here?[/B]? He laughed. ?[B]And don?t play stupid either.[/B]? His expression hardened as the other guy got up and joined him a look of amusement on his face. ?[B]We don?t have ?surprise? inspections in this place so your little game won?t work.[/B]? ?[B]It?s not a game.[/B]? Lucia started to respond and then fell silent when the two grunted in surprise when Alex and Chris took them out from behind. She ignored them as they dragged the bodies into a small adjoining room. A moment later Nathan, Phaidra, Sarvel and Isen joined them in the small security room. ?[B]What do you want to do next?[/B]? Lucia asked Nathan once Chris and Alex had returned. ?[B]I want you to stay here.[/B]? Lucia raised an eyebrow. ?[B]Oh? Why?[/B]? ?[B]You can guide everyone more efficiently from here. Alex and I will check out the caverns below this place while everyone else clears out the rest of the resort.[/B]? Nathan explained. ?[B]True. Doing that from here would be simpler.[/B]? Lucia thought about it and then nodded. ?[B]Alright, I can do that.[/B]? ?[B]Nall,[/B]? Nathan addressed the dragon who was sitting on Alex?s shoulder. ?[B]I?d like you to stay with Ruby and Lucia if you don?t mind.[/B]? Nall shook his head, ?[B]No I don?t mind.[/B]? He flew over and landed on the counter, Ruby joining him a moment later. ?[B]Alright, everyone ready?[/B]? Nathan asked the group. Isen gave him a flat stare before finally nodding in agreement. Something that Nathan just grinned at in return. ?[B]Lock the doors once were gone.[/B]? He told Lucia, ?[B]That should give you more than enough time to clear out should anyone come.[/B]? Lucia nodded and then waited patiently for the two groups to file out of the room before she closed and sealed the door. She wasted no time, taking a seat immediately at the security console. It took her no time at all to log into the system directly and then establish a direct link with both parties. She still wasn?t happy with actually dealing with the vampires, especially after what happened last time. But at least this time, she was doing something she actually knew how to do. Hopefully, it would be more than enough to give them the advantage they would need to deal with the vampires. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="RoyalBlue"][FONT="Lucida Sans Unicode"][quote]People don't have to agree with it, but I think that by any objective it's clearly archaic and/or backwards. In all seriousness, it's a policy of deliberate discrimination. It's open, it's transparently discriminatory and it contradicts a number of other laws (i.e. I doubt it would be okay for a company or any other government organization to harbor such a policy). In these situations it's all too easy to say "well that's the way it is" or "there are people who agree with it". But I think in this case, it's a cop out. And I think it was probably a cop out in other situations where the government actively discriminated against a group of people.[/quote]That won?t fly with people who?s religious beliefs tell them that it?s wrong. So you can?t say [I]that by any objective it?s archaic or backwards[/I]. It?s not seen that way and that?s part of what I?m trying to get at. Does it mean they are right? I don?t think so. I?m not saying that?s the way it is, I?m saying [I]?that makes it difficult to change?[/I]. That?s not a cop out, that?s seeing the truth for what it is. It?s a problem that isn?t so easily solved.[quote] That's true, but that misses my point. One day, women got the vote. Do you think on that day everyone in America agreed? Of course not. It is possible than even a large amount of people did not agree. But that did not stop the law from being enacted. Fairness and equality did prevail, even if not everyone was ready for it.[/quote]They still had a majority agreeing in order for it to happen. Naturally people weren?t happy, but my point is that we are not to that step yet. We don?t have a majority to put an end to it. No matter how much I may want it to end; I can?t force the people in my government to simply pass the laws. Even if I think we are ready for the change, we still have to get past the silly bickering over recognizing marriage among other things. [quote] Right, it didn't used to be. But it is now. That's my point. At some stage, things need to change for the better. Holding back change based on the weak assertion that "some people just won't be able to stop hazing/harassing because it's part of military culture" is surely unacceptable. Also, we are talking about here and now, where we exist in a society that does have a variety of protections and rights. If you say, for instance, that an employer can't discriminate against a person based on their sexuality, how can you selectively apply that? This reminds me of a quote from Animal Farm:[/quote]I think I didn?t explain my point clearly enough. No one is holding back, I?m saying that a lot of people simply do not see it that way period. The numbers of people who do is climbing, but it?s not enough to make a real difference yet. Again no one his holding back, it?s a matter of not having the power to make that change. I?ve certain tried by voting against anything that is discriminatory towards gays and voting for anything that removes that discrimination. There?s only so much you can do you know.[quote] It's good that we agree on the core point, I guess. But there's a bigger issue that we don't agree on (at least, it seems to me). I do understand that change can take time. However, if a law exists that is blatantly unjust and retrograde, it should be identified as such. Softening our approach because "change takes time" ultimately doesn't help (in my view). I've compared this kind of discrimination to other forms and I think that this helps to put the situation into stark view. I might say that it took a long time for women to get the vote, but that shouldn't soften the idea that barring women from voting was blatantly wrong.[/quote]Like I?ve been saying, right or wrong is a matter of opinion. Hell, I know people who still think women shouldn?t vote, they?re just in the minority now so it?s no longer an issue. I think the issue towards gays is wrong, but a good chunk of the US does not. It doesn?t stop me from trying to change their opinion, but I still can?t force them to change.[quote] That's their choice? Either end their career because they are the victim of prejudice, or stand by and let them get beaten up? There's a third option there: investigate the matter, find the attacker and punish them appropriately. I know that the third option may not currently exist, but my argument is that it should and that it's unacceptable for it not to exist. That there is not a stronger outcry about this disappoints me greatly.[/quote]You think there isn?t? It use to be pretty much an unspoken rule that one acted like there isn?t a problem. The fact that even if the action is something I don?t agree with is actually happening, tells me that the issue is no longer being shoved under the carpet. Yes the action is far from correct, but my point was that they are at least no longer turning a blind eye anymore. It?s not the kind of progress I want to see, but you have to start somewhere. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="RoyalBlue"][FONT="Lucida Sans Unicode"][quote name='James'][font=franklin gothic medium]America would have to be one of the very few developed nations to still have an archaic and backward policy like this. And, let's face it, that's precisely what it is.[/font][/QUOTE]James, lets face it. Not everyone agrees with that. I'm not saying I don't, I'm just saying that to a lot of people, it's not backwards or archaic.[quote name='James;818236][font=franklin gothic medium]A man (homosexual or otherwise) shouldn't pretend to be anything else, he should just be who he is. And if he's gay, so be it. If other soldiers are somehow offended or uncomfortable about this, then that's just too bad - if something like that makes them uncomfortable, then I'd hate to see how poorly they perform on the field itself (because I'm sure being shot at makes you pretty uncomfortable too).[/font][/QUOTE]It's not so simple. Like women getting the right to vote, you can't just wave your hand and say, too bad. It takes time for people to accept and get use to that kind of change or at the very least accept it. After all women were once considered too stupid to understand politics well enough to vote.[quote name='James;818236][font=franklin gothic medium']Women and men serve in the military without issue and there has never really been a concern about relationships developing or anything else. The same rule should apply to gay men, obviously.[/font][/quote]That wasn't always true though. Women, at least in America, had to fight for the right to serve in the same capacity as men do. It's accepted now, but it didn't use to be.[QUOTE=James'][font=franklin gothic medium]If you are a soldier who is professional, well-trained and an expert in your field, you won't let your feelings get in the way of doing your job - this is true of all professionals, regardless of their sexual orientation. So, this policy really can't be construed or presented in any other way - it's no different from being blatantly racist. It's an archaic, socially backward, draconian policy that feels so unfitting for such a modern nation.[/font][/QUOTE]I agree with the first part but not the second. Only that modern or not, rights for gays over here is something that is slowly being fought for. It use to be a lot stricter so even though it's got it's issues, it is slowly moving towards acceptance, even if that move is painfully slow. Personally I have no issues with them serving since I think that's a dumb reason to exempt someone from the military.[quote name='James'][font=franklin gothic medium]In most other developed nations (like Australia, Israel and any number of others), this isn't even a question nor an issue. Sexuality doesn't even come into discussion - why should it? It's like determining someone's worth for the military based on eye colour or ethnic background; it's totally irrelevant. What matters is whether or not an individual can do the job they were recruited for. If they can't - for any reason - they should not be in the military. It's as simple as that.[/font][/QUOTE]Like I said, that's not how a lot of people see it though and it's not that easy to get someone to see it differently. [quote name='James'][font=franklin gothic medium]What a terrible message the defense forces are sending here. "We can't help that there are bigots among you, so we have to discharge the victims." Those who harass, attack or bully another officer for any reason should be punished. Even if that means punishing dozens of people. Why? Because it's [i]right[/i], not because it's convenient or inconvenient. The idea, then, should be that no matter what another person's views, they would be discouraged from acting on them because they know it's wrong and they know they will face punishment. This concept would surely be applied in any other circumstance, whether it's racial or religious vilification. That there's still a double-standard is truly haunting, from an outsider's point of view.[/font][/QUOTE]Well even if it's stupid, until they have the power to go after those who would harm them, they are doing them a favor by kicking them out. Not much of one, but until the stance against gays change what else can they do? I'd rather they do that than stand by and let them get beaten up.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="RoyalBlue"][FONT="Lucida Sans Unicode"]No one is saying you only watch reality shows CrimsonKnight. It's more of personal taste in shows and I quit watching reality shows because all they did was get dumber and dumber and even more stupid over the years. I rarely last more than ten minutes if I happen to catch one since I find them painfully stupid. So I end up switching to something else. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="RoyalBlue"][FONT="Lucida Sans Unicode"]Des is the master of interesting videos so I present two versions of the same thing. o_O [CENTER][YOUTUBE="Cat in the kettle"]wOy2QCssTaI[/YOUTUBE] [YOUTUBE="Cat in the kettle (other version)"]OOY1Okg0RV4[/YOUTUBE][/CENTER] I'm going to have a hard time looking at Chinese food in the same light now. XP[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="RoyalBlue"][FONT="Lucida Sans Unicode"]You've already told them what you think, so at this point there isn't much left to do since you can't make their decision for them. I do not endorse any form of drug use and yet at the same time, like DeathKnight just said, sometimes the best lessons come from finding out it doesn't work firsthand. So you made your point already, hold your ground and wait. Though if you bring it up again, you might want to be a bit less hostile. The more you push and disagree in a negative manner, the less likely they are to ever listen to what you think. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="RoyalBlue"][FONT="Lucida Sans Unicode"]So, is it tenth reply or tenth post? Because if it's the tenth post... I just snagged it. I need clarification on that Shy and I need it nao! =P[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="RoyalBlue"][FONT="Lucida Sans Unicode"]You know Darren, using [B]all caps[/B] to advise someone to avoid marriage does make you look [B]very[/B] cynical. ^_~ No need to shout for your advice to be heard you know. So slow down and ease off the shouting okay? Anyway... In my opinion, you're better off getting counseling from someone who really is a counselor Lonley Fighter. There are a lot of programs out there that will help people in your type of situation and they're far better qualified than anyone here. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="RoyalBlue"][FONT="Lucida Sans Unicode"]The two pipsqueaks might be guilty of talking too much but that's about it. =P Anyway, I too liked the cheeky and crazy manner of Korey's demise. That actually had me laughing out loud at it. Especially when he fell in the pit and his loot was taken by Des. Heh. That was just perfect.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="RoyalBlue"][FONT="Lucida Sans Unicode"][quote name='Rachmaninoff']Since I watched the trailer for Diablo III I've taken up playing [B]Diablo II Lord of Destruction[/B] again. Even though I've put way to many hours into this game I still enjoy playing it. Plus I never did beat the game with some of the classes that are available so I'm playing it from that angle, taking a class I never used and building a character.[/QUOTE]Hehe, I'm guilty of doing the same thing, seeing that trailer has me playing the game again. I'm not building a new class character though. >_> I'm just working on getting the nerve to finally beat the Hell level. It's just that I don't want to play with the boss in the desert.^^ He's such a royal pain in the rear![/FONT][/COLOR]