Derald

[FONT=Trebuchet MS][SIZE=1][COLOR=Navy][quote name='Retribution']I dunno, it depends on how graphic the violence is. But I think sex appeal still sells, no matter how much of it we are bombarded with. Just because all companies advertise with attractive models doesn't mean that the public eventually becomes desensitized to that sex appeal. People still buy products promoted by young and beautiful models, not "average" people.[/quote] And here I await the day when an uber-nerd can advertise Victoria's Secret. [QUOTE=sakurasuka]We were all born nude. Fifty percent of the population has breasts, the other fifty have seen them at some point in thier life. I don't get why everyone cares. If people wouldn't pay attention to it, the problem wouldn't exist. But you see, the majority of people do pay attention to it.[/QUOTE] Sadly, if people didn't pay attention to it, we wouldn't be here today. Anyhow, I see the flagging of that image as false advertising, and I want my time back. However, on a side note, it is sad that as far as we have advanced throughout time, we still prefer to buy the product advertised with Ms. Juggs rather than the one that actually works. Can humankind not rise from indulgence in primal instinct? Later.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS][SIZE=1][COLOR=Navy]I, myself, am very slow to anger, but I do bear the full fury of hell, so to speak, when something does upset me. However, I choose to bottle up this anger and instead use it in a situation where I might actually need it, whatever that might be. As much as I don't like being angry, though, I do see it as a valuable tool of sorts, and it has, and serves, its purposes.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[QUOTE=The13thMan][COLOR=DarkOrange][FONT=Century Gothic]Ok, here's my four: 1. I rock out hard with my guitar most every day. 2. My pet cat's name is "Easy" 3. I value reason and logic above all in most situations...but not all. 4. One of the previous 3 things about myself is false. ^L^ Later. [/FONT][/COLOR][/QUOTE] [FONT=Trebuchet MS][SIZE=1][COLOR=Navy]I say #4. By saying that one of the above things is false, and I'll assume they're not, you falsify your last statement.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS][SIZE=1][COLOR=Navy]Anyways, as for Delta, I say #1. Grapefruit has a disagreeable aftertaste. Now for my 'facts.' (You will need to do some digging for this one, although it's fairly simple. Oh, and sakurasuka, please don't give it away.) 1) I am, in reality, quite an indifferent and unambitious person. 2) I like being picked at. 3) I have a like of things with six legs or more. 4) I have a certain discourse for governments of any kind. So, who aren't I? EDIT - Didn't the original post on this thread say 3 lies and 1 truth? Why the hell do things keep changing? I have reformatted my post to 3 truths and 1 lie. Sorry in advance for the inconvenience.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS][SIZE=1][COLOR=Navy]Such heated debate over people's philosophies versus scientific fact... Well, here's my point of view: It's simple. It's all about object permanence. People have established that a tree makes a sound when it falls, so even when they don't experience it first-hand, they can tell that a tree that has previously fallen has made a sound upon doing so. Even children will tell you that a tree will make a sound when it falls, regardless of whether or not someone experienced it. Object permanence is an early developmental concept, and it is simple psychology. As for the deaf woman, the same can be applied if she first experiences the event of a tree falling, and associates it with the ground vibrations, thus instating the question: "If a tree falls, and no one is around to 'feel' it, does it make a vibration?" So, in the end, this is destined to be an infinite, recurring discussion, because there are as many answers as there are opinions. So, I'll ask this question: "Does it matter? Will the fact of whether or not a tree makes a sound while falling really decide the outcome of your lives?" If your answer is "yes," then I suggest you get a life, so to speak. Sorry, I was caught up in a rant. You can disregard any of the above if you wish. Later.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS][SIZE=1][COLOR=Navy]Honestly, I have made a similar thread in the past, and all I can tell you is that the more time you spend thinking about this, the more time you waste. When it all comes down to it, there are infinite answers for subjects such as these, with no concrete way of proving them either, and there is no point in wasting your life away just thinking about them. Just live your life.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS][SIZE=1][COLOR=Navy]Well... ...I did not expect this. (*walks out quietly*)[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS][SIZE=1][COLOR=Navy]Well, I don't expect that many people to know about the anime that I use as my featured set, so I'll go ahead and say that it's a series called Texhnolyze, released back in 2003, and it is currently my favorite anime. The series itself revolves around various forms of corruption in human beings and how they come into play within a human society that has come to an evolutionary dead end. That's all I'll say about this series for now. As far as relating to me, there is one character in the series, named Ichise, who was just a pit fighter, with almost no human sentiment. Later in the series, however, he comes to know a seer girl named Ran, and, in time, vows to protect her due to the kindness she showed him. It's a very nice concept, and I was compelled to use it as my descriptor on this site. For my little quote, however, I'm using a line from the intro theme of the series, 'Guardian Angel [Xavier's Edit],' which also followed the same concept as the avatar and banner set. All in all, I guess Ido see myself as a form of guardian, however corny that might sound, and I would take a bullet for almost anyone, thus my profile.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS][SIZE=1][COLOR=Navy]I have recently purchased both Texhnolyze soundtracks, due to my adoration of the series and its music, but I shall mention only one (you have to look for the other on your own). Here it is - [URL=http://www.e-anime.com/013023522725.html][COLOR=Navy]Texhnolyze OST 1: Music Only Music But Music[/COLOR][/URL] It is a very wondrous and imaginative mix of techno and instrumental music, and I, for one, am happy to have purchased it.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS][SIZE=1][COLOR=Navy]I will argue my case with this condition in mind - no trainers, tamers, or anything else; just the creatures in their natural state. By setting this condition into play, I also bring in some of the new pokemon - Jirachi, Rayquaza, Groudon, Kyogre, and Deoxys. Sure, BlackWarGreymon is indeed powerful, but think about the power of Groudon and Kyogre - they are the ancient Pokemon said to have formed land and created oceans (and they're massive). Pokemon of that calibur would not be taken down so easily - I mean, BlackWarGreymon's strongest attacks woud only translate into powerful Hyper Beams, in terms of power, and Groudon and Kyogre could easily double back and use their ancient abilities in addition to their attacks to pump out a world of hurt. Now, Rayquaza and Deoxys. Rayquaza is said to be the Pokemon which calmed the quarrel between Groudon and Kyogre, so I'd think it's safe to assume that Rayquaza would be more poweful than either of the other two. Deoxys, however, is far more powerful than Rayquaza, and can transform into different forms in order to adapt to varying battle situations. It has an attack form, which, of course, converts virtually all of its power into attack and speed. It's defense form can do the same to defense and vitality. Then it has a balanced form, which allows it to mediate between the other two forms. Strategy through this would be lethal. As for Jirachi, it just has the friggin' power to grant any one wish every, I think, thousand years. So, hey, "I wish that ____ was gone." Bam. ____ is gone. Anyways, Pearl and Diamond versions are coming out soon (they're already out in Japan), so expect even more powerful legendary Pokemon. Later.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS][SIZE=1][COLOR=Navy]Well, [URL=http://www.personaldna.com/report.php?k=imDoFtsagSEGPSc-GE-ADACD-b0c3&u=a6be2ab7b2dc][COLOR=Navy][U]here[/U][/COLOR][/URL] are my results. Although, as others have stated before, it was not all exact, it did offer some indication to how I am. Now, I have no other thing I would like to say on the matter aside from showing you my results. Later.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS][SIZE=1][COLOR=Navy]I am currently situated in a little city known as Victoria, Texas. There's nothing that would really be considered worthwhile here aside from the Victoria Mall, the Cinemark theater, and a nice little burger joint known as Jim's Big Burger (I love those burgers). Actually, I live only within Victoria county, outside of city limits, and it is very peaceful in my residence. As for city life - it could not be worse. Gangs roam back alleys every night (the police seem to have a bit of trouble controlling them), there's constant vandalism, and the schools here just, to put it simply, suck. My old middle school, when reviewed this past year for academic performance in the state of Texas, was registered as academically inadequate, and I get the feeling that my high school is not too far away from being granted the same title. Do not come here. Do not even plan to pass through here on a trip. (However, if you're ever in the area and want to see the "good" in the city, come see me first in my "safe" little "colony" outside of the city.)[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS][SIZE=1][COLOR=Navy]Huh? No one here has mentioned barfing all over themselves yet? My worst, so far, happened around ten years ago, and it has not been rivaled since (it's still so vivid...). Well, I was in Mexico at the time, and I had not grown accustomed to the climate, as I had just moved down from New York, so I became ill. One night, my fever became so intense that I instantly sat up in my bed and unleashed a torrent of seething vomit, so vile it had to be spawned from hell itself, all over myself, my bed, the floor, and myself again. All contents of my stomach purged, it moved on to the acid, and, finally, my mother came rushing into the room, went out, came back with a bucket, and I eventually stopped. Oh man...that night still haunts me. I can still see the chunks of partially digested enchiladas in an entire spectrum of yellowish-brown color...all over me - their warm, sloppy, and rancid bits pressed against my body, giving off an indescribable odor...[/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][COLOR=DarkSlateGray]*Imagery brought to you by your ever-so-active imagination.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS][SIZE=1][COLOR=Navy]Wow...those are indeed some biting comments... I do understand that some people are a tad bit over the edge, so to speak, but this is simply a generalized statement that attacks, what I see to be, virtually anyone who would take a simple interest in one form or another of Japanese culture. I do enjoy the occasional anime (as you can see by my avi/banner set), and many times prefer it over an American show, but that's just because I grow tired of the reality shows and other shallow entertainment programs that America has to offer. However, just because I do so does not mean that I'm some anti-American heralding in some new age of Japanese rule. This, in many ways, bothers me. So I'll try using chopsticks instead of traditional silverware - by God! I'm now a bastardized Japanese enthusiast! No. I'm simply someone who wanted to try something new, and found it to be interesting.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS][SIZE=1][COLOR=Navy]Well, this certainly turned out pretty well done, and I will gladly use this set. I thank you very much, although I still have to wait and see anyone else's work and evaluate everyone's together. Your work is very much appreciated, Turdle.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[QUOTE=Boba Fett]Good intentions shouldn't, and don't, excuse poor decisions. By your pathetic logic, Nazis deciding to massacre Jews aren't open to criticism because they were doing what they thought right.[/QUOTE] [FONT=Trebuchet MS][SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkSlateGray]It's in the past, and, if I recall properly, I didn't like History class. I just don't share your feelings on such subjects, I don't share your 'sense of humanity' as much as I used to. People are hippocrites - they may say they care, but tell me, deep within you, you still feel anger, don't you? When someone harms another you 'care' for, you do feel anger towards that individual, right? So, as long as you bear those feelings for such people, you really can't say much to others regarding the subject of 'caring'. That is my logic, and it, too, is not open for criticism. Love thine enemy, right?[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT] [quote name='Boba Fett']What the Chinese did was wrong. Pure and simple.[/quote] [FONT=Trebuchet MS][SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkSlateGray]In whose eyes? Certainly not theirs. To be honest, I really don't give a damn about what happened to the dogs - in a matter of years they will be back, so it really doesn't matter. An 'act of cruelty,' you say? Well, expect many more on the way - the world is in a downward spiral, and there doesn't seem to be much that's going to change that.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS][SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkSlateGray][U]Things Learned Throughout the Years[/U] [B]Preschool[/B] (Mexico): "It sure is hot outside." [B]Kindergarten[/B] (Washington): "It sure is cold outside." That, and 'flicking the bird' is not a nice gesture. [B]First Grade[/B] (Mexico): Not everyone wants to be your friend (encountered first bully). That, and not everyone likes insects...*sob* Also, uniforms are evil. [B]Second Grade[/B] (Mexico): Became leader of a small gang of ruffians and exacted revenge on a past bully - lesson learned? Revenge is an interesting motive. This, and when struck at a certain angle in the crotch, a plastic ruler will break without harming you. Also, when trying to lift a desk, try not to fall back and hit your head on the chalk ledge. Uniforms are still evil. [B]Third Grade[/B] (New York): The American school system does, without a doubt, suck at teaching (math in third grade was easier than it was in second grade in Mexico). Extra: Girls are pretty, but they don't go for just brains. [B]Fourth Grade[/B] (New York): So not everyone sees things this blurry? So I need glasses? That's new. [B]Fifth Grade[/B] (New York): When engaged in a fight, be aware of your surroundings - the corner of a windowsill is somewhat harder than than the side of your head. Then, when moving to another state, try to get the e-mail address of the girl you like... [B]Sixth Grade[/B] (Texas): Joined band and played Tuba (hells yes), and learned that it wasn't so bad. Not many like insects, still. Being an average student coming from the Northeast will earn you the title of top student in your cluster here in Texas. Learned that a good majority of the girls here like to go for the hardworking and athletic 'redneck' stereotype...damn. [B]Seventh Grade[/B] (Texas): Although mandatory school IDs are issued, I can still get myself out of trouble by taking off my glasses, turning my shirt around, and tucking my ID into my shirt (they are worn like necklaces). Not many like insects, still. I still can't get a girl to like me - no one seems to go for the intellectual type. [B]Eighth Grade[/B] (Texas): Well, now I can finally get respect...or so I thought. Being a nerd, even if you have a decent fighting ability, does not seem to earn you respect. Well now, at least after three years I have made a handful of friends that accept my qualities - so people aren't all that bad, right? No. There will still be the 'kicker bullies. Still can't get a girlfriend. [B]Ninth Grade[/B] (Texas): Hey, even if it is right along the border, no one seems to speak proper Spanish, except for me, and I'm from up North. Soccer is fun, but it's just a game, right? Oh no, it's a friggin' lifestyle, and people on the team won't like you if you take it lightly. Still can't get a girlfriend. [B]Tenth Grade[/B] (Texas): It seems that anime-crazed girls don't like it when you tell them you like them...wtf?! Also, even if it is all last-minute, if you make a lyrics project for English II from a translated, Japanese song, and manage to make your poster interesting, and if you sing it in Japanese, you will earn an A+ for that major project. Still can't get a girlfriend. [B]Eleventh Grade[/B] (Texas): Concentrated Nitric acid is indeed more caustic than one would initially believe. Hey, I'm finally getting some respect around school - maybe I can get a girlfriend now.......damn. Learned that respectably arguing something, like about rules that hinder your work, with the teacher will still get you a refferral...unless you have the Assistant Principal on your side, because he will just dismiss it as a silly misunderstanding. Upcoming: My senior year - hope to get a girlfriend.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS][SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkSlateGray]As much as I love being picked at by the infallible opinions of others (and don't get me wrong, I'm loving the attention), I feel the need to clear my name. Regardless of what people might feel, the fact of the matter is that the Chinese were faced with a problem and did what they saw fit, and no one has the right to pass judgement on those people - they did what they thought to be right. In the end, do we not all act upon what we believe to be right? So, again, what right do we have to point fingers and cast stones? Another thing - why the hell are "we" sitting here complaining about an action that has already been executed? Do you think whining about it will bring back those dogs? If you really feel you could do something about it, then why don't you all take action the next time that something like this happens? Hell, surely if we all have the time to sit here and bicker about something that we don't like, then surely we have the time to do something, anything at all, to change things. Oh, and one more thing, as a very basic thing in this, and in many other things, I [U]am[/U] entitled to my opinion, and not once did I pick at anyone else's. Have a friggin' good time.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[quote name='Retribution][size=1']Your second point is somewhat funny in the respect that you're arguing that intellect gives you a soul and a lack of it means you don't. I'm not sure if you were making that claim, but that's what it seemed like, and the claim is a rather presumptuous one.[/size][/quote] [FONT=Lucida Console][SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkSlateGray]No, I was not making the assumed claim. As a matter of fact...I am starting to believe that people are becoming like these dogs. Look at the news - all the perversion in the world, all caused by people's inability to restrain their own primal urges...So, in that sense, I could believe that some people are on the same footing as the very animals they perceive as a threat. You see, the ability to see the difference between "good" and "bad" are what make people human. Dogs, on the other hand, can only be trained and conditioned, giving them no choice in the matter. That key word, "choice," to me, is a deciding factor in the determination of whether or not Fido has a soul. You can have all the intellect you want, but it's worthless if you cannot make choices. Then again, one would have to be in my mind to see where I'm coming from. I simply do not have the ability to fully communicate my feelings through mere words.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Console][SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkSlateGray]Why is this in the media?! Oh wait, that's right - people tend to see animals as other people. How could I have been so foolish?! Of course people are going feel sad for a mass slaughter of such a being...except me. Let's see here - when it comes down to it, animals are no more than organic machines with their own individual niches in the ecosystem. Furthermore, the dog has been bred throughout the years to be 'domesticated' (another term for 'stupid') for its use as a 'companion' to the human, and, by doing so, warping its place in the ecosystem. Now, not only is this absurd, but the dog population has been rapidly rising due to its popularity as a 'pet.' Then, by acquiring infectious diseases, and by having no [I]true[/I] purpose anymore, it becomes an imminent threat to the inhabitants of the overrun area. The people merely solved an equation and executed an appropriate, if not convenient, solution. And to the animal rights activists out there: Face it - animals do not have souls; they are not people. Animals are governed by nothing more than basic, primal instinct. If an animal appears to 'show emotion' then understand that emotions are simply responses triggered by neural synapses in the brain in accordance to the current stimuli level in a situation. Now, I apologize if I offended anyone, but this truly is a 'pet'-peeve of mine.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Console][SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkSlateGray]Well then, I guess I could answer a few questions... [B]1)[/B] My natural hair color is dark brown. [B]2)[/B] I have never done anything to my hair except wash it and have it cut. [B]3B)[/B] I never want to dye my hair any color - it's simply unthinkable. [B]4)[/B] I could not be happier with my current hair color. [B]5)[/B] I just let my hair grow out, nothing more. [B]6)[/B] This is something I really just don't think about. So, all in all, I'm happy just having my hair. In fact, I'll let my attached photo speak for itself (it's one of the few in which it's grown out, and please disregard the background). Later.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Console][SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkSlateGray]My full name is Derald Francisco Vogt Mata. I recently looked into some name databases, and here is what I came across: [B]Derald[/B] - [QUOTE]DERALD was not found in this database.[/QUOTE] This was pretty much the sum of all searches regarding my first name, as it was also not even [I]related[/I] to any word in any language I searched through. [B]Francisco[/B] - [QUOTE]Gender: Masculine Usage: Spanish, Portuguese Pronounced: frahn-SEES-ko (Spanish), frahn-THEES-ko (Spanish) [key] Spanish and Portuguese form of Franciscus (see [B]FRANCIS[/B]). A notable bearer was Francisco de Goya, a Spanish painter and engraver. The name was also borne by Spanish dictator Francisco Franco. [B]FRANCIS[/B] Gender: Masculine & Feminine Usage: English Pronounced: FRAN-sis [key] From the Late Latin name Franciscus which meant "Frenchman". Saint Francis of Assisi, the founder of the Franciscan order of friars, was the son of a wealthy merchant who renounced his father's wealth and devoted his life to the poor. Later in his life Francis apparently received the stigmata. Another saint of this name was Saint Francis Xavier, a missionary to eastern Asia. Two other famous bearers were philosopher and scientist Francis Bacon, and explorer and admiral Sir Francis Drake. This name is occasionally used for girls. [/QUOTE] Hmm...Spanish dictator, stigmata bearer, scientist, explorer...and all the while meaning "Frenchman." [B]Vogt[/B] - [QUOTE]German: occupational name for a bailiff, farm manager, or other person with supervisory authority, Middle High German voget, Late Latin vocatus, from Latin advocatus, past participle of advocare ?to call upon (to help)?. The term originally denoted someone who appeared before a court on behalf of some party not permitted to make direct representations, often an ecclesiastical body which was not supposed to have any dealings with temporal authorities.[/QUOTE] "Supervisory authority" and helping those in need of representation...I kinda like it. [B]Mata[/B] - [QUOTE]Portuguese and Spanish: habitational name from any of numerous places in Portugal and Spain named Mata, from mata ?wood?, ?forest?. Catalan: topographic name from mata ?scrub?. Hungarian: from a pet form of the personal name Máté (see Matthew). [/QUOTE] So...a bit of "Matthew" mixed in with some wood/forestry and scrub...hmm... So, all in all, I have quite an interesting combination of names...except for my first name, which has absolutely no meaning...curious...[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Lucida Console][SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkSlateGray]Ah, yes, my current avatar and banner set begins to grow out of season, so to speak, and I ask that someone please make a new set. The image to be formatted for the new avatar is the first attachment on the left. For this I need to have some of the excess background removed before resizing, after which all I require is an image with the character in view, but at the same time centered so that some stairs are showing (and, please, do not include the Japanese text). The image to be formatted for the banner will be, of course, the second attachment. Now, for this image I need to have the section with the pre-existing text removed, then I need for the faces to remain as intact as possible without ruining the effect the image has to begin with. After this, it's all a matter of careful resizing to the existing limits on banners. Aside from this, I shall ask that no text be added onto the avatar and banner, the restructured images shall suffice. Now, if you wish to go through with this task, I thank you so very much.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS][SIZE=1][COLOR=Sienna]Hmm...the end of the world? It can't be on a Tuesday, that's just lame. Now, if it were on a Sunday, or maybe on some holiday, I might consider it...or not. Aside from that, to say that the world will end on 06.06.06 is rather stupid, to say the least, seeing how 1) the dating system was a creation of humans, and not everyone is on the same system, 2) no one really knows the "evil" number, as "666" was just assumed to be evil - there is no solid evidence that the number is "evil," and there have been speculations that the number might actually be something like "616," or something of the like; and 3) there seems to be a new apocalyptic prediction almost every year, and it's really nothing new. I'm going to watch The Omen, and just have another ordinary day. Later.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS][SIZE=1][COLOR=Sienna]The best way to avoid betrayal is, of course, not having anyone to trust in the first place. However, that would indeed mean that you'd feel a bit isolated from the rest of society and, as [I]everyone[/I] knows, "no one wants to be left out." I have dealt with betrayal in the past, on many instances due to a girl that caught my eye. My friends and I talk about her, and it's "agreed" that they have no interest in her, so I finally decide to talk to her, but one of my "friends" has already set up plans for the both of them, and then this "friend" decides that it would be in both our best interests to stop being friends. I inderstand that he made the first move, but then he no longer wants to be friends? This little "friend" of mine then becomes an overprotective primitive, threatens to attack me, and has no time for other matters. Thankfully this occurred most often when I was only in the 4th and 5th grade, and since then I have learned not to go out and make friends, but to rather let them come to me. There have been other instances dealing with betrayal, but I feel I have communicated the point accross.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]