Lady Macaiodh

[color=darkblue]Curious. I think I'd rather not know. If the future was set, I couldn't stop the bad things, & I'd have no good surprises. I'd turn into quite the defeatist. Or would I be able to change things? If I could, wouldn't the "new" future be the one I saw in the first place? It's just like that whole "going back in time" thing. If I had the option, I'd rather not open that can of worms. Too stressful.[/color]

[color=darkblue]I for one have had bronchitis for about 3 months. I finally broke down & went to the doctor for antibiotics so it's starting to get better. I get either bronchitis or pneumonia every year during the winter, so I'm at least thankful it's not pneumonia. That is the [i]worst.[/i][/color]

[color=darkblue]::reads thread:: lol, you silly, silly men. I have never heard of a girl giving a negative reaction after receiving roses. It's just too flattering. You're on the right track, Jedah, now you've just gotta follow through. Good luck![/color]:2women:

[color=darkblue]Academic/Scientific: Nobel Prize for research on neurotransmitters... Heroic: Saving an intended assassination victim (like a civil rights leader or somebody) by performing miracle emergency surgery... Hollywood: Rock Star!!![/color]

[color=darkblue]Well, at least the media put their faces on TV so everyone will know what heartless bastards they are...[/color]

[color=darkblue]It's kind of hard for me to be objective about this because of where/how I was raised. I dunno... something about handguns, esp. big ones, get me kind of... excited. But the only use for them is shooting other people. I have nothing against guns for hunting (rifles, shotguns) but for someone to own a handgun [i]seems[/i] pointless, unless they plan to use it on a person. When it comes to weapons, there really is no place to draw the line, though. Too many gray areas. I, therefore, have decided to judge not in this area.[/color]

[color=darkblue]It sounds like you had one of those days where everything goes wrong. It's funny... I remember this diary I had once, when I was around 15 or so. One entry described the horrid details of the worst few days ever. Then the next entry described the beautiful details of the best few days ever (up to that point). It was like two different people talking. I'm sure you feel like crap & the stuff you described does suck, but you'll have your good & bad days. I'm sure it will be better soon.[/color]:)

[color=darkblue]In regards to trying to change things, or sit back & let them remain the same... I experienced this exact thing when I was in high school. I was discriminated against for my sexuality (though I wasn't blatant about it, there were just a lot of rumors going around about me & my two friends). For some reason, maybe because I was the unofficial leader of the group, I was targeted over & over. The principal tried to kick me out of school & other things, & I was harassed big time by my peers. So I took it to the school board. I told them of all the harassment I had received & demonstrated that it was not against the school rules to be gay or bi. It was kind of funny, because they wanted to be able to punish me but couldn't since it wasn't in the rulebook (whoever wrote it obviously never considered that a homosexual would ever attend their perfect Christian school, ironically). I left the school anyway, mid-way through senior year, but I was still allowed to graduate. A bunch of people got suspended, the principal was fired, & the school board almost totally replaced. Not only did I consider it a personal victory, but things were a lot easier in future years to the friends I left behind & others I never got to meet. Yeah, kids did continue to make fun of them some, but it was less people less viciously. And the teachers for once had to put a stop to it when they did hear about it. On the whole, things began moving in the right direction, even though gays & bis weren't really accepted yet. So sometimes things can change, if you're willing to make the effort. In my case, I would have been expelled, so I was outraged. Action was the only option.[/color]

[color=darkblue]I live in Powhatan, VA, a few miles from Richmond...[/color]

[color=darkblue]Yeah, it was madly windy yesterday in Virginia (isn't that where you said some others showed up?) so I doubt anyone did this on purpose. Plus, like you said, no footprints. I think you should listen to Justin. God does give us all types of little surprises to remind us of the wonderful imagination he has. Just look at the platypus.[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Vegitto4 [/i] [B]But enough about that. I honestly want to know what goes on in the mind of a gayperson. it's kind of weird to me, so i woudl liek to udnerstand. Keep the discussion going. [/B][/QUOTE] [COLOR=darkblue]Think about it like this. When kids grow up, they don't think in terms of sexuality or sexual preference. The first time I was really attracted to a girl, I was about 8 or 9. I thought to myself, "She's really pretty & nice. I like her." Not "I'm bisexual." I didn't even know there was a difference, really. It was exactly the same as when I had my first crush on a guy about a year earlier. I had the same feelings, thoughts, & desires for both. The only difference was that one was male & the other female. It didn't even enter my mind. All I knew what that it felt good and exciting. I'm sure you remember the first girl you ever really liked. It's wasn't a "decision" you made to be straight, it was just a beautiful feeling for a beautiful girl. One day, she was just there, in your thoughts & heart. It's the same with gays. They just start noticing people they are attracted to. In fact, it's not until much later that people "realize" they're gay, since most little kids haven't been explained the concept yet. Only when they're older is it made known to them that their romantic feelings, which are natural to them, have a different [i]label.[/i] So in reality what goes on in their minds is no different than what goes on in yours. This is my take on it, so, others feel free to add on.[/COLOR]

[color=darkblue]Even though Vegeta's pride is one of the most fascinating & appealing things about him, it has also been a hindrance to him rising to the levels of power that he wanted. I touched on it in Gokents' thread "Natural Talents & Abilities" so I won't repeat myself, but if you want to know my opinion, read that post of mine. Another thing to add is that the more Vegeta lets go of him pride throughout the series, the happier & less stressed he becomes. I think Vegeta's pride is more "ego" than "self-esteem."[/color]

[color=darkblue]Goku has actually explained this before, & this is my theory. Goku, upon getting amnesia as a kid, forgot all his "barbaric" Saiya-jin tendencies & learned to live as a human. He had the capacity to love, have compassion, grow emotional attachments, etc. While the Saiya-jins have many honorable characteristics, there is a bit of a difference. For example, say Goku was losing an important fight. The fate of the world rests upon it. Not only does he remain determined, but he has hope (a very non-Saiya-jin emotion) that good will win in the end & has more incentive because it's not just about winning or losing, but about protecting his loved ones. With Vegeta, on the other hand, it would be more of a pride issue than anything (there are some exceptions, but this is his basic personality). Plus, having watched a lot of the original DB, Goku seems to just have more fun with fighting than anything. The fact that Goku remains pretty childlike in his sense of humor & things such as this also makes him a better fighter. He doesn't get all bent out of shape like Vegeta. Also, Goku gets more powerful out of necessity, where Vegeta just can't stand anyone being more powerful than him (pride again). Goku has said on numerous occassions that the ultimate power comes from the unification of mind, body, spirit, & [i]emotion[/i] which Vegeta just doesn't have. He's too much of a loose cannon, & Goku is much more in touch with his emotions, while Vegeta denies them a lot. Actually, I think that if Vegeta had grown up on earth, too, he would be just as powerful as Goku, if not more.[/color]

[color=darkblue]I've noticed that more people are coming out than ever. But I do notice a difference between guys and girls. For the most part, when a girl comes out, people perk up & listen. They want to know more. I've been asked to kiss a girl in from of my male friends so many times, it's ridiculous. But when a guy comes out, it's more like a "stand up for your rights" thing. A statement, or what have you. It's like "Hey, I'm gay, I'm not ashamed of it, & there's nothing wrong with it." It seems like males have to stand up for themselves a lot more than females. And I for one have never heard of a female being beaten or killed because they were gay. I guess that was what I was trying to point out (and I found many responses to be very insightful). Also, I'd like to point out that homosexuality is a lot less "choice" than it is the nature of the person. I have yet to meet someone who just "decided" to be gay. I was wondering... if anyone feels like talking about it, what are some forms of discrimination you have witnessed toward gay people, whether it happened to you or somebody else?[/color]

[COLOR=darkblue]First, I'd like to apologize to anyone who would disagree with anything I have to say. Second, if any mods find this thread too risque', feel free to delete it without any hard feelings. This has been bothering me for awhile. Lately, it has been seen as exciting to witness or hear about lesbian action. Lesbians are "in" these days. Girls are coming out as gay or bi more often than ever. It is seen as a turn on for many guys. Yet although the stigma against homosexuality has decreased, it is much more socially acceptable for females to be gay than males. Society's perspective--two girls getting it on: sexy, a turn on. Two guys getting it on: nasty, perverted. I'm not saying that everyone thinks like this. I'm saying that's the general opinion, from what I've personally witnessed. (This thread was inspired by something that happened today.) In my opinion, saying that it's okay for girls to be gay but not guys is completely hypocritical. However, it is usually straight guys who say this, [i]in my experience[/i]. I have yet to meet a girl who had a problem with [i]anybody[/i] being gay, but I've met tons of guys who are seriously threatened by the idea of a gay male coming anywhere near them. Apparently, the idea is totally offensive. I was wondering from a "straight male" perspective (or anyone who has an idea): why is this such a persistent point of view? What's the big difference between guys and girls in this area? I personally have never seen it. I'd also like to point out that I've grown up in a mostly conservative state & really don't know about what's going on elsewhere concerning this issue. This is my experience. I sincerely hope it's better in other places. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=darkblue]I don't know if this has been announced already or not, but the I-Channel has finished up with Z and has started on GT. I've never seen it before last night, so I don't know how far into the series it is. The episode was about a big red robot being fought by Big Trunks and Little Goku, with Pan and numerous others trapped inside the robot. It was being controlled by some pink wrinkled weirdo. Goku and Pan destroyed it by simultaneously blasting it's "heart", Goku from the outside and Pan from within. There were also some weird blue guys singing into radio microphones, if that helps refresh your memory. At the end, Goku showed everyone the dragonball he got from the endeavor. So all subsequent episodes will start from there. Does anyone feel like telling me how far along it is, & what I've missed? Briefly. It airs for me at 10:30 Sunday nights, but it's probably different everywhere so check your local listings. In Japanese with no subtitles. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=darkblue]I was watching today's episode (Empty Planet) & to demonstrate to Buu how long an hour was Piccolo made an hourglass materialize out of thin air. Poof, it just appeared. I didn't know he could do that kind of stuff. How & when did he learn it, or was this just completely random?[/COLOR]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Cyke [/i] [B][font=trebuchet ms][color=darkblue]You know, I love it how some people put tags on certain types of relationships. They state that online relationships work based on age, and that those involved are more prone to cheating on each other because of the distance that keep them apart.[/color][/font] [/B][/QUOTE] [COLOR=darkblue]I know you were responding to what others said as well, but I feel the need to clarify what I was talking about, since I was practically stupefied when I wrote that. I wasn't saying that teenagers are too immature to maintain a long distance relationship. I was pointing out that, at this age, guys & girls are thinking more seriously about sex than ever before & it can be frustrating not being with the one you love. Also, I'd hope that most people in this situation, if they think they can't handle seeing other people IRL & not being overwhelmingly tempted, will end the relationship before the actual cheating occurs. Once the people are [i]mature[/i] enough (notice I didn't say "old enough"), I think it's possible for these things to work out. Age really isn't as much of an issue as it would seem. I have a friend who has had an online boyfriend of 2 or 3 years. They have never met in person, but are making plans for the future & are truly in love. I can tell these two are going to make it.[/COLOR]

[color=darkblue]Yeah, I was pretty sure that was it. Well, as we all know, it's pretty hard to make a living playing music. How rigorously have you pursued it? I've made a few bucks here & there performing, but I always ended up getting side-tracked. I haven't played a show in a couple of years. I think you're in a pretty good position to pursue it in your spare time, though. That's what aspiring musicians have to do when they're first getting into the business. You're in a new town so you'll have to hit the right type of "clubs" (or what-have-you), shows, & music stores to meet others like yourself. Put up ads on the bulletin boards describing the type of musicians you want (this is how my friend Jessica & I started our second band). Try to have fun with it & don't take it too seriously at first. If it doesn't work out, you'll still have your backup plan. And you'll have a great time in the process. If you think the band is going somewhere, cut a demo (less expensive than you think) & send it to every club within a hundred mile radius (exaggerating, but you get what I mean). You might have to harass them a bit, but they're used to it. The odds are you'll most likely get a show. And remember... Sublime's "Robbin' the Hood" was recorded on a simple 4-track in Bradley Nowell's living room, & now it's a cult legend! You don't have to give up your dreams just because you need to look out for yourself. Delian: Heh, a good drummer is what I always have the hardest time finding, especially a female one. When are you coming over? As for the singing, lol, sorry but I'm [i]always[/i] the vocalist! I was born for the spotlight baby. Don't sound half bad, either.[/color]:naughty:

[color=darkblue]One issue here is controlling the whole "lust" factor. People in internet relationships have the potential to get to know each other intimately, as long as the truth is being told. In a way, it's even less superficial because it's based more on intellect and personality than anything else. But say you really start to fall for the person. Naturally at your age (16 or 17?) your going to want to look at her, kiss her, touch her... This will be very frustrating. The built up sexual tension will most likely give you the roving eye (hence the desire to cheat, etc.). The lack of the physical is the biggest hinderance to these things working out (feel free to disagree, people). This is something that you both are going to have to decide to deal with, if it's worth it to you. My advice is, go ahead & "date" (for lack of a better term) over the net, but keep your options open. If you are meant to be, it will work out in the end. Yeah, this post is all screwy, I'm a dead-tired zombie.[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by James [/i][B][color=#808080] I think Governments need to invest more money on things like homeless shelters. Shelters need to be more numerous...and they shouldn't simply be a place for people to eat and sleep; they should provide incentives and job counselling for the homeless. I think we should be giving the homeless a sense of pride and enthusiasm for employment, which they may not otherwise have. [/color] [/B][/QUOTE] [COLOR=darkblue]This is actually a big problem for the homeless here in Richmond. First, most local shelters are only open from November to March. Second, there are only about 2 or 3 year-rounds with at most 40 spaces each (usually less). Third, emergency shelters are only open when the temperature drops to 25 degrees F. Fourth, there is an unspoken etiquette that is strictly followed in getting a space (decided on a daily basis by the people who work for the shelter); the order is as follows: 1)Women with children, 2)Reserved spots, 3)Young adult women, 3)Grown women, 4)Young adult men, 5)Grown men. God forbid that you are male & show up 15 minutes after check-in begins. There just won't be a spot. Even reserves lose their spot if they're a few minutes late. There just simply isn't enough room for everyone, not by a long shot. Sleep shelters close at around 5:30 A.M. Everyone from all the shelters then moves to the day shelter (there's only one), which opens at 8. Richmond is seering in the summer & freezing in the winter, so it's a lot more crowded during those seasons. The day shelter is used for showers (reservation required), laundry (ditto), & visiting social workers. The social workers do all they can to help with assisted living, job searches, government aid, etc. but there's only two on staff per day. You can all see the problem here. But Richmond can't even afford to keep the DMVs open. There have been so many budget cuts this year, mostly because of the drought & the terrorist attacks (we're pretty close to D.C.) that the governor has more important things to worry about than homeless people.[/COLOR]

[color=darkblue]What is the job you just took, & what was it you really wanted to do? Do you think your dream was unrealistic? Is it possible that you could still do it one day? Heh, I'm still gonna be a rock star. Why don't we just start a band?[/color]

[color=darkblue]I've gotten tons, both in snail mail & over the net. I always throw them away. Once I did send one over e-mail, because it was promising a specific thing & I just sort of did it as a joke. It didn't come true, obviously. I got so many from random strangers that I eventually opened another e-mail account. The only people who have it are you Otakuans & about a dozen or so others. Feel very privledged, everyone. I hardly ever give it out, because of spam like chain letters. Let my junk mailbox field them.[/color]

[color=darkblue]I read about this one in some random newspaper. A man--Man A--was hospitalized with a near-fatal concussion which he received in prison. When the attackers--Man B & Man C--were questioned, the following story was told: Man A had a pet spider that somehow escaped from his box & was found by Man B, who took possession of it. Man A confronted Man B demanding the return of his spider. The attack ensued when the spider specifically told Men B & C that he didn't want to go back with Man A because he (the spider) was being molested by Man A. Apparently, Men B & C believed the spider & decided to take matters into their own hands. Vigilante justice is served again.[/color]

[color=darkblue]Okay, yeah, I've calmed down a bit. Maybe you guys are right & he does want to help people. But that's not the way it came across at all. Rather, it sounded like he thought homeless people were beneath him. So maybe we should consider the way we say things before we go running off at the mouth about things we have no real knowledge of, hmmm?[/color]