Maneki Neko

[COLOR=DarkOrchid][SIZE=1][FONT=Verdana]My favorite element is electricity. It wasn't always, I used to really like darkness and light for a while. I started really liking electricity when a bunch of weird crap starting happening. At first I thought it was just a buildup of static electricity, but then I started to have a special affinity for electricity I guess. Like, I was getting ready to play videogames and I had the controller in my left hand and I was wiping the screen with my right hand. All of sudden, it sent a shock through my controller, into my hand, out through my other hand, and into my screen. It felt really weird, my controller doesn't work anymore and the screen turned blue when it happened. The second weird thing is that one morning I went to turn on my light, and it shocked me really bad. All three lightbulbs, [B]BRAND NEW[/B] light bulbs, busted. They didn't shatter, but all three burnt out immediately. Anyways, I like electricity... I swear on my life that these stories are true, and even if there are perfectly practical explanations, I don't really care. It's cool to think I have a special thing with electricity. [/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkOrchid][SIZE=1][FONT=Verdana]I think the first old school game I ever played was Tetris for a really crap Macintosh, back in like '91. If you want to get technical, like on a SNES. The first games I ever saw were Megaman, I didn't play, I just watched my brother. We were renting the SNES from Blockbuster (do they still do that?). When we actually got a Super Nintendo a year or two later, the first games I really remember are like the best RPGs ever (in my opinion anyways) and they're pretty rare, I guess. My favorite was Earthbound, then there was Chrono Trigger, Secret of Mana, and Legend of Gaea. Truly legends in their time. That was my first dose of RPGs and I love them ever since. Then me and my brother got stupid and sold our SNES and all our games, for a N64. Dumbest move ever. The plus side was that our SNES system and controllers only sold for $50 altogether. But, every single one of those RPGs sold for $50 [B]EACH[/B]. Made $200 off of them... But, if you ever have a chance, you should really track down and play or buy these games. [/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkOrchid][SIZE=1][FONT=Verdana]Hooray! The new South Park DVD has just come out today. Unfortunately, you put it in to your DVD player and start watching. 12 hours later, you're still watching. Your DVD player is on repeat all, and you can't take your eyes away from the South Park awesomeness. You just keep watching, we thought you would die of starvation by now, but your head finally exploded from too much TV. You should've listened to your mom and not watched it in the first place. I wish I lived in the Ancient Greek era. [/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkOrchid][SIZE=1][FONT=Verdana]Has anyone seen this manga? I just checked it out from the library recently because I'd never heard of it before. I thought it was really good art and it had a good storyline. The biggest problem I had though, was that it was extroardinarily hard to follow. The drawings made it really jumbled I think. Otherwise, good manga.[/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkOrchid][SIZE=1][FONT=Verdana]Yay! New art. Anyways, I was watching The Boondocks and I had this idea, so I made it. [IMG]http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/_Maneki_Neko_/boondockban.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/_Maneki_Neko_/boondockav.jpg[/IMG] So, yeah. Let me know what you think about these. [/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkOrchid][SIZE=1][FONT=Verdana]There's this guy that I started working with around a month ago. We've started hanging out a lot, and we're already pretty close. We are able to talk for a really long time, and he keeps me interested intellectually and sexually (sexually technically, kissing, cuddling, etc. I'm not a slut, most of the time). Anyways the point is, I already care about him very much, and the feelings are mutual. So, what's the problem? He is in the Army National Guard, he'll be leaving in June for Basic Training and AIT. We don't want to make our relationship thingy official because he doesn't want to have me be tied down and I don't want that for him either. I stilll would really like to make it official, so I'm open to dating til he leaves or staying together long distance. Any input? Please? [/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkOrchid][SIZE=1][FONT=Verdana]I really like the ideas of this story so far. The only thing is that I think the amount of characters could maybe get a little confusing later on down the line. I've noticed with a lot of stories when there are too many characters, it's much harder for the reader to follow. Some writers can pull it off, I just think it might be a bit difficult. Aside from possibly too many characters, I think the concept sounds great. It sounds like there will be some really good relationships and social interaction, plus a good plot and storyline. Let me know when some is finished, I'd be interested in reading it. [/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]

[COLOR=DarkOrchid][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1]Yay! Now all the monkeys are flinging more feces. Unfortunately, it's every monkey, every single one. All the chimps, baboons, gorillas, etc, all of them. All the toxins in the air are making the hole in the ozone layer expand. Bigger and bigger. Then we all start to burn to death. You destroyed mankind. Double whammy is that no one is alive to know... I wish that I could learn by sticking my hand onto a book and absorbing information... [/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR]

[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkOrchid]I realize that her parents might be the first to think to tell, but I know her and she will runaway again immediately. I feel that I should best leave her alone right now, but I've been really close to her for the last three years. I know she needs help, but I don't think that she can get help until she wants it. I know how damaging meth is, I was addicted to it for a while this summer with my friend. I'm lucky enough that I don't have cravings for it. I just don't, and I've been clean since August 2005. (Yay! :animesmil ) It is a terrible drug that can tear everything apart. I know, my relationships (family, friends, boyfriends), my weight (I'm pretty small but I dropped to 84 pounds), my teeth (I didn't use for more than a month altogether and I have a chunk missing from my bottom frontish leftish tooth), and trust (I stole over $400 total in forged checks and atm cards from my dad, I have paid him back in full and he thankfully forgave me). I am not proud of the things I did or got into, I am just glad to be out of it. My friend is out of meth, I just wish my friend could get through her other things too. I like the idea of smacking her over the head though, just kidding, kind of... I also live in a pretty small town in Colorado that is now primarily known for it's Meth as opposed to anything else. You can walk up to pretty much anyone in town and get or sell some meth. It's disgusting here now. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkOrchid]I had/have (not sure right now) a best friend who has recently fallen into the hands of more and more drugs, in more and more doses, and increasingly more dangerous ones. I am talking about some serious drugs. She used to have a very big problem with meth this summer (my small town has some of the highest numbers when it comes to meth arrests, production, distribution, etc.). Altogether she has tried marijuana, cocaine, crack, ecstacy, heroine, and probably some I don't know about. When she talks about drugs now, her eyes light up, it's all she cares about at all. We aren't hanging out now because she was using me to smoke weed at my house or crap like that because my housing rules aren't strict like her parents. If I didn't benefit her in some way, she wouldn't call me. I work with her little sister, whom is also one of my good friends. She is beginning to get very worried because my friend is doing coke constantly, and said if she could she would be doing ecstacy 2 to 3 times a month. She steals money from her workplace, and didn't accept a new job because she couldn't steal from there. (No extra drug money). I am extremely worried about my friend, and fear that one day I'll get a call telling me that she died of an overdose. I don't know what to do anymore, she won't listen to me since we aren't on speaking terms at the moment. Her sister tried to talk to her about some of it, and she freaked out. A friend and I thought about going to her parents, but this will just cause her to runaway again. I would try to talk to her, but she won't listen to me or anyone for that matter because all she can hear is a lecture. I also think her parents have some idea but not really. They have sent her to detox and therapists before but I don't think they know about the harder drugs. When I think of her in 5 years, all I can imagine is her being completely strung out with no money, no job, pulling tricks to get some more dope. (Honestly, that's how bad it is. Has anyone been in this situation or is in this situation, or has some idea as to what to do? I have been around drug problems my whole life. My own (I'm clean now, have been for 7 months) and my mothers' (I live with my dad now because my mom was a coke head). I know these situations but I am at a lost, help me out please. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkOrchid]Here are my self proclamation titles. Self Proclaimed Master of Game (they call me sprinkler, cause I spit game like a sprinkler...right). Self Proclaimed Dumb*** (although others may proclaim that of me too). Self Proclaimed Clumsy Girl (seriously, bruises [I]everywhere[/I]). Self Proclaimed Sex Machine Self Proclaimed Sex Kitten Self Proclaimed Sexy Mama Self Proclaimed Cocky, Vain, Silghtly Self Absorbed Psycho Should I stop now, there's just so much more I love about me... (I am a bit cocky... no, confident). I honestly can't tell you which of these is false or fact - cause then I'd have to kill you. Just ignore me sometimes. I'm really tired, and at school, and going to work right after, so I believe I've become delirious. Now I am the Self Proclaimed Master of Ramblings too. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkOrchid]I would highly suggest getting an ACT Prep book. Last year, before I took the ACT, I took an ACT Prep class at my school. I didn't really think it would help, but I jumped my scores from a 17-20 at the start of class, and then I got a 27 on my actual ACT. The book we used was the Kaplan ACT 2003, but I think now they have the Kaplan ACT 2006. If I were you, I would buy one, and read it through from front to back. There's only a whole bunch of practice tests and also some really good tips and tricks that will help. My only other advice is to make sure you set a good pace. It's good to know how long each question is taking you and to divide the time. Like I need to be to question 40 by 10:15. Keep making time goals so that you can answer every question, whether it's guessing or not. You don't get points deducted for guessing, so do it. And don't come to school on pain killers, I should've had a score of 31 :animesigh [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkOrchid]My definition of cheating is: If you wouldn't do it in front of your boyfriend or girlfriend, it's cheating, because it's something you know would hurt them. My ex-bestfriend tried to say once that kissing wasn't cheating, she used to hook-up (only kiss and cuddle) with this guy all the time, even though she was in a serious relationship. That just seems wrong to me. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkOrchid]Lately, there has been much going on in the way of Immigration rights and such. There have been many rallies, and lots of news stories (at least in my town, I haven't read the national paper or anything lately). I was wondering what everyone's views on immigration are? I personally favor immigration and believe in an open borders poilcy. If people want to come here, then come. If we want to leave, we can leave. One of my best friends recently said something to me that was really surprising (I thought she was smarter, and nicer than this). She said something like "If their going to come to our country, they better learn the d*** language," which I do believe if you are going to live anywhere then you should know their language. She was saying this like they should have it down perfect before they even migrate here. I'm sorry if things are bad in my country, and the economy sucks, and I can't get enough food for my family, I'm gonna leave that country. Do you really think I'm gonna worry about learning a language while my family is dying? Let me know what you think. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkOrchid]I think, even if it is for someone's own good, or for the good of society, it is wrong to force anyone to do anything. Forcing someone to do something is a violation of their personal freedom. I realize that the government forces people to do things, like go to jail or go back to their own country, etc. Some of those things are good and some are bad. How often in your everyday life are you forced to do something? You may say that you are forced to do things at work or at school, but they are asking something of you and you are choosing to do those things. I don't know if forcing us to do some things is good, it may be. It's like when mom made you eat you broccoli so that you could grow up strong. Did mom actually force it down your throat, or did you eat it? (Or just throw it under the table for the dog?) What if you were allergic to it? The idea was good, the outcome bad. You still chose what to do with that broccoli. I think anytime something is forced upon someone, the outcome is bad, because [B]no one[/B] should be forced in to something. Might've gone on a small tangent maybe... :D [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkOrchid]I think personality is what really counts, but it's the looks that get your attention and attract you in the first place. When it comes to attractive guys for me, I really like tall, slender guys, not really sure why. I like pretty eyes, and hair just depends (I hang with a bunch of military brats so hair is usually high and tight). Good smiles can melt me into butter too. When it comes to personality on the other hand, I like guys who can make me laugh and smile. They know when to be serious and when not to be. They are able to talk with me about everything. We should be able to have good kisses. Just because someone can kiss well doesn't make it a good kiss. Someone that I can just sit and chill with. The thing I can't stand most is when someone argues with everything you say, or the opposite, they agree with everything you say. I'm sorry, but you need agreements and disagreements in a relationship, you know?[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkOrchid]hey_love, I was wondering if you read japanese or something? The american version of Absolute boyfriend isn't even completely released yet. Only the first is out, and the next isn't coming out until August. Not insinuating anything, I'm just curious how you read the whole series already. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkOrchid]Yeah, about my name... Maneki does mean inviting or welcoming, I know. But Maneki Neko statues are supposed to bring good luck to your home or business, etc. So they are also known as "lucky cats". So, since my name is Kat, I chose Maneki Neko because I bring luck where ever I go. Whether it's good luck or bad luck is an entirely different story. Enough rambling...more art to come. (Thanks for your comments!) [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkOrchid]Hey everyone, this is Maneki Neko's highly popular, long awaited artwork. Oh wait, it isn't either of those things. But, I don't care, I'm going to show it to you anyway... No really though, I'd like to show people my stuff and get some positive feedback and critiquing going on. Let me know what you think. (FYI: I just recently got back into art on a computer, and I haven't really done any graphic design in over 3 or 4 years. I'm also working on a school computer, only during the 4 hours I'm at school. And I'm using Photoshop Elements when I'm used to Photoshop 6.0, so be gentle...) This is the banner and avatar I just had... [IMG]http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/_Maneki_Neko_/banner1.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/_Maneki_Neko_/avatar1.jpg[/IMG] You can see the original here - [URL=http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/_Maneki_Neko_/originalcat.jpg]CLICK[/URL] This is (obviously) the banner and avatar I have now... [IMG]http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/_Maneki_Neko_/bebop.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/_Maneki_Neko_/bebopav.jpg[/IMG] You can see the original here - [URL=http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/_Maneki_Neko_/originalbebop.jpg]CLICK[/URL] So let me know what you think about them. I'll have more up as often as I can, I want this to be a continuing thread so... By the way, I'll hopefully be able to put some of my freehand drawings up when I have time. My freehand (I color only with prismacolor pencils...) is a little bit better than my graphic work, I think. I'm usually wrong so... Please be specific with critisism and praise! :D [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

I like it alot. 8.5/10. It's really simple, but the colors go well together. Lines are really smooth too.

[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkOrchid] I was wondering what everyone's views of cheaters are. Do you cheat? Have you ever? Have you been cheated on? Etc., etc. Tell me your thoughts and opinions, and I'll tell you mine... No really, I want to see if I suck... or if I'm just a normal 18 year old girl... [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkSlateBlue]I give it a 8/10. Aside from the text edges, I think the colors look really good together and it's really smooth. I really like the cool blue vibe.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1][COLOR=RoyalBlue]I am pretty much agnostic. I believe in a higher power, I just don't put a name to it. Organized religion is stupid and I don't do any religious rituals. I believe in reincarnation though. If I disagree with your religion, I will challenge it... but only because I like to make people think about obvious flaws, and ridiculous theories. To each their own though, religion shouldn't stop friendships, relationships, etc.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkSlateBlue]I just read the first book in the series (the next doesn't come out 'til August, grrr...). I thought it looked pretty interesting so I bought it, and read straight through it really fast. It's really funny, and slightly twisted. Riiko Izawa is a shy girl who is always getting rejected but then she goes on this website and buys a "lover" for a three day trial. What actually shows up is a fullsize "figure" (not doll). He falls out of a cardboard box naked on top of Riiko. That was a good drawing... Anyways, the point, Night (the lover) is pretty much there to answer to Riiko's beck and call. Also, he is mainly there to pleasure her. But then she doesn't return Night on time and now she has to pay for him, except he costs one million dollars. Not exactly chump change. Blah, blah, blah. I'm done now. But you should read it if you can, it's absolutely hilarious. Plus, Yuu Watase is freaking awesome.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[QUOTE]Originally Posted by [B]KatanaViolet[/B] Honestly, it would have to be sashimi... [/QUOTE] [FONT=Verdana][SIZE=1][COLOR=DarkSlateGray]You just haven't had really good sashimi yet I think. At least hope because good sashimi is awesome. If you get some really good tuna sashimi, it basically melts in your mouth it's so smooth. Find some!!! Didn't mean to change the subject...go on.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]