Rachmaninoff

Welcome aboard everyone. We certainly hope you enjoy your stay. It's fun here and I'm sure you'll all enjoy the place. ;) If any of you have questions, feel free to send me a pm at any time.

And there's my final post... the Royal Police Guard is no more. :p It has been replaced with the [B]Czenoble Police[/B]. And yes the omission of the word [I]High[/I] in the new name was on purpose. So what you have is basically the beginnings of a police force that is not lead by appointed leaders only and is far more accountable for it's actions. As for the ending of my post... I left that particular detail up in the air on purpose. It seemed far too presumptuous otherwise. XP

[CENTER][img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/alexanderedward-chronicle.jpg[/img] [img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee132/Runaway511/almagest/alecialeanna-chronicle.jpg[/img][/CENTER] It had only been four months since that terrible battle over High Czenoble, but the clean up and rebuilding of the city was far from over, bringing home to all citizens what a terrible price the fighting had caused. More than just the city was being rebuilt as even the government itself was in the process of changing, something that was both exciting to Alexander and equally terrifying at the same time. Though it would be safe to say that what made him the most nervous was being caught up in helping that change come about. He had always dreamed of improving the law and procedures used by the Royal Police Guard, but he had never expected to actually have the chance to do it. When the battle had finally ended that night and the dust had settled in the next couple of days, it had been to learn that far more than the Royal Police Guard headquarters had been lost. It was as if every high ranking officer in the Guard had a target painted on them. More than ninety five percent of those who once lead the organization were dead. Even the Commander, Gaul Rosier had not survived the terrible events of that day. In the immediate aftermath, Alexander had not been looking for any form of leadership; he had only acted on what he had seen as a hesitation on others who were too shocked by the events to know what to do. Every waking moment had been spent helping to organize rescue and cleanup crews as well as coordinate with the military to restore order as much as was possible. Alexander thought little of the fact that he was essentially ordering others around, it was a matter of things needed to be done and very few were stepping forward to do it. Who was in charge was irrelevant in his mind. No one seemed to be bothered by his actions, but his thoughts that King Primas would simply appoint someone new to take over were far from correct. Three weeks later he had been surprised by a request from King Primas to him and those few left who held any form of authority, to rebuild the Royal Police Guard from the ground up. The King?s words had been clear on that. They were to revamp the current system much in the same way that the monarchy was being changed. No more would the system be unaccountable for its actions on any level. From the beginning it had been clear to Alexander that those who had no familiarity with law beyond the policy and procedures of the Royal Police Guard, they had no idea how to really go about it. They were too use to the previous status quo of how things had always worked. It had been an uphill battle as Alexander had found himself in the uncomfortable position of patiently explaining how to better organize personnel, jurisdiction, global policy, power restrictions and new guidelines for both conduct and accountability. Not that the other members didn?t understand... but rather they were not use to considering those of New Czenoble as equals, something that Alexander understood all too well. He was use to being considered[I] ?less worthy? [/I]and in light of that he also pushed for the new leader of the Royal Police Guard to be elected by the members of the city instead of appointed. Something he pointed out would give greater control to the people instead of to the government as well as open it up to more than just the wealthy. Three months after the revolution, the ideas were presented and other than a few things, they were universally accepted, the former Royal Police Guard commissioned to the new name of the [B]Czenoble Police[/B]. At the same time, it was opened up for people to be recommended for the first vote for their new Chief of Police who would assume a leadership role like Gaul Rosier had. Also, those who were interested in the position could put their name forth for consideration as well, to become the first Chief of Police. Of all things, Alexander had never in his wildest dreams imagined that anyone would recommend him, and part of him wished that they had not. But, that had been over a month ago and he had been too startled by it to object in time.[I] I only hope no one really votes for me. I?m far too young for this sort of thing. I don?t mind helping out? but I?m not sure if I want that kind of responsibility.[/I] His thoughts were cut short by Alecia entering their bedroom, dressed in a beautiful soft gown in greens much like the one she had worn to Leonhart?s birthday party so long ago. She was radiantly beautiful as always, her pregnancy only serving to bring out that inner glow. ?[B]You ready?[/B]? She asked him as she fussed with her dress a bit to get the material to hang properly, something her bit of a stomach she now had made difficult. Alexander smiled, ?[B]You look lovely.[/B]? He smiled even more at her blush. ?[B]You always say that.[/B]? She accused him. ?[B]That?s because it?s true.[/B]? ?[B]Well true or not, we?d better hurry or we?ll be late for the announcement of who was selected as the first Chief of Police.[/B]? Alecia frowned slightly at Alexander?s sigh. ?[B]You can stop that you know. We?ve discussed this already. Age has nothing to do with it, most if not all of the changes being implemented were your idea to begin with.[/B]? Alexander took her arm in his as they made for the front door to their home. ?[B]I know. I?m just hoping they choose someone else.[/B]? Alecia just smiled as they left their home. ?[B]I?m not. The city needs a change and someone who won?t ignore a person or treat them differently just because of where they were born or how much money they have, is just what the people need.[/B]? He sighed as they moved to get into the carriage waiting for them, she had a point? He only wished that his brother Thomas had survived the battle, even if it would have created a terrible conflict on account of him being a member of the Underdogs? Seeing the changes was something he knew his brother would have loved to see. Alexander pulled his thoughts back to the present as he helped Alecia into the carriage before getting inside himself, pulling the door shut behind him. A few moments later, the driver left to take them to where the ceremony was being held.

I'm currently listening to music by the Renaissance composer [B]Johannes Ockeghem[/B], specifically this: [URL="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aU1cJEFJESU"][U][B]Missa L'homme armé[/B][/U][/URL] L'homme armé was a French secular song from the time of the Renaissance. It was the most popular tune used for musical settings of the Ordinary of the Mass: over 40 separate compositions entitled Missa L'homme armé survive from the period. L'homme armé is well remembered today because it was so widely used by Renaissance composers as a cantus firmus for the Latin Mass. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong on that Allamorph. :p Anyway, instead of getting waaay off on a tangent... I'll just suggest checking it out if you like choral work. It's a nice simple soothing piece to listen to.

[quote name='indifference'][COLOR="Indigo"]Now as for anime, most of the time I prefer it, especially for action sequences. Action is just all that much sweeter if it's you know... in motion. So for stuff like Bleach or Naruto, manga is a turn off since I'd rather see those moves in motion instead of on a flat piece of paper. Stories like say Fruits Basket can go either way since the lack of action makes it more appealing for both formats. Overall, considering that I watch far more anime than I ever read manga, I'd have to go with the statement that most of the time I prefer anime. And yes it depends on the series, naturally. [/COLOR][/QUOTE]That's how I see it, action better in anime format, more story/character development can go both ways. I tried reading some Naruto manga and the lack of animation was a turn off. I just prefer that kind of stuff to be animated. But stuff like Fruits Basket and Case Closed, I like both. Yes the animation is nice, but at the same time both of them are enjoyable to either watch/read. And yes in the end, unless I really like a show... I prefer the anime. Though there are exceptions to that, heavily edited stuff like Yu-Gi-Oh... I can't stand the anime but really like the manga.

If anything I'm sure this only confirms that NOT having them as a roommate will be a good thing. He sounds utterly ridiculous with his accusations and melodramatic declaration that you "can't" have visitors over. I mean did he even attempt to ask if you knew where things were? Or did he just go straight to blaming you? I think an explanation of whether or not he actually checked to make sure his own friends don't have the stuff is in order. And even if they have checked and looked around, flying off the handle to accuse you is silly. Especially if they've been so foolish as to not lock up on a regular basis. That moves it into self-inflicted problem in my mind.

[quote name='Japan_86'] What are your opinions? You think that employers should forbid relationships between co-workers? Why or why not?[/QUOTE]There has to be some level of restriction if co-workers are in a relationship. In this case, either seperate shifts or seperate locations. In the long run, it's better that way, especially when it's a case like you've mentioned where they are abusing their position. So on some level, yes, they should be forbidden. In general [[SIZE="1"]outside of work[/SIZE]] I don't think relationships should be forbidden, but they definitely should not be allowed to spill into the workplace. Plus with one being a manager, that's a serious breach in that I'm sure company policy would forbid what they are doing. In that case, they shouldn't be allowed to work together, period. I know that as a teacher, I am expressly forbidden to be involved in teaching a student if there is any form of a relationship. I'll pick on Beth a bit here as an example: if she were to decide to attend the University of Utah... Policy would dictate that since we are dating, she could not take any class that I teach. Guidelines like that are just common sense really, to avoid potential problems just like you mentioned. Anyway, I'm sure that plenty of people can handle a situation like that in a professional manner, but unfortunately those that can't, like the two you mentioned, make rules prohibiting relationship between workers necessary in my opinion. So I'd go above their heads and report them for the behavior. If they get fired, it's their own fault really.

[CENTER]Gall Impudence; effrontery Bitterness claims one's soul Deep resentment; unparalleled Presumptuousness [/CENTER]

[quote name='Sabrina'][FONT="Tahoma"]Anyway, Phaidra has taken over Lucia's kitchen! I can just imagine her look of confusion when she returns and realizes what happened. Hehe! [/FONT][/QUOTE]Well now... considering that this is in Nathan's profile/sign up... [INDENT][SIZE="1"]Nathan has an incredible soft spot for peach cobbler?preferably with real butter.[/SIZE][/INDENT] He'd better hope she isn't making pie when he comes over to see what Lucia wanted. Though I get the impression that he'd socialize over tea and cake just the same. What will really be fun is Lucia's reaction, I can see Ruby getting excited but Lucia? Now [I]that's[/I] going to be fun. :p

[quote name='Morpheus']If the waiter/waitress doesn't pull minimum wage, their wages are supplemented to that level. Rarely happens.[/QUOTE]Depends. That's how it's suppose to work, but it's hard to prove that one's employer actually followed through if they didn't get enough tips to pull it to minimum wage. It's kind of a problem around here, at least for some people I know. Though I'm sure most of the time the system works correctly.

School dictates my sleep schedule, though usually it's one of sleeping during night hours and being awake during the day. It all depends on what I need to do each day. Most of the time I don't stay up too late though, I'm use to getting up early and practicing before I do anything else. That's how I like to start my day so that's what I usually do. Go to bed in time for me to be rested for practice in the morning, my day just doesn't feel right if I don't start it like that. I hate missing morning practice, even if I'm sick and can't help it.

[quote name='Felix Freeman'][SIZE=1] I want to thank her for that because if I wasnt turned to the OB, my life wouldnt be as interesting as it is now.[/SIZE][/QUOTE]>_> I'd have to agree with that and blame/thank Crystia in the same breath. She started it with introducing me to anime then myO then to members there... which lead to joining here and so forth. If someone had told me what would happen because of that before hand, I would have laughed. Now the laugh is on me I think. Though I'm not complaining. XP

[quote name='Aberinkula'][SIZE="1"][COLOR="DarkSlateGray"]:p The jokes on you Ace, I've laready got a girlfriend. And yesterday we got Girl Scout Cookies, and guess what, a GIRL brought them over. Who wins now? :p[/COLOR][/SIZE][/QUOTE]Girl scout cookies vs girlfriend and homemade cookies... No contest really. You guys [I]should be[/I] jealous since Aaryanna [I]can[/I] bake, just ask Des since he got a batch made by Beth and Aaryanna. Heh. And guys, trust me, they're good. Seriously though, like Aaryanna mentioned, I would miss all the hilarious stuff going on around here. Not sure if I'd miss the head banging from pranks though. XP

Right now I'm listening to works by Giovanni Gabrieli specifically this piece: [URL="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRnNHhA_fXg"][U]Canzona in the 1st Tone for 10 parts[/U][/URL] It's just fun and light to listen too, for this style of music.

[quote name='Gavin'][SIZE="1"]One of the other things about tipping, based on a conversation I've just had with Crys is the truly paltry minimum wage over in the States, I can understand tipping in a situation where your waiter is only making about $7 an hour, but over here, minimum wage is nearly $14, so it's sort of unnecessary.[/SIZE][/QUOTE]You think that's bad, for those working in the food industry, actual waiters and waitresses, an employer can consider tips as a part of their employees wages. Which means they can legally get away with only paying them $2.13 an hour in direct wages. So no tips means they get paid just about nothing since that's often a huge part of their actual wage. So I'm sure you can imagine just how unpopular someone who doesn't tip is. So unless the service is absolutely dismal, I always leave a 15% tip when I go out to eat. Unless there are more than eight of us since a lot of places at that point automatically add 15% to the bill. Similar to that service charge you're talking about I imagine.

[quote name='Aberinkula;810570][COLOR="DarkSlateGray"][SIZE="1"] But the problem is, one of my friends is going for forensics, and he's the kind of person who would think I'm copying him. But that's not the case, so I'm paranoid about that. And I know, I can still change my path for college, but I'd rather not so... I'm at a loss.[/SIZE][/COLOR][/QUOTE]What your friend thinks is irrelevant really. You can't let what someone else thinks stop you from doing what you're interested in. You're still young, but my advice is to not worry over what others might think of what you choose to study.[quote name='Aberinkula'][COLOR="DarkSlateGray"][SIZE="1"]Anyways, I'd like to know, from you guys, what it takes to enter those two professions, Criminal Justice and Forensics. How many years of college will I have to go through, what classes I'll have to take next year, what I need to qualify, and what mentality I need to walk into class with, is what I'd love to have help with finding. Thanks guys, and sorry if this thread feels a bit too ranty.[/SIZE'][/COLOR][/quote]You might be better off asking an adviser at your school or even checking into what programs are available at those colleges that are closest to your location. Failing that, google is your friend for hunting down information. :p

A family huh? If so... I think it's a given that we're all nuts here. Just ask anyone who was forming AIM chat groups when the site was off line during the switch to the different theOtaku version. It's like many of us are addicted to this insane place. XP In general, when someone quits coming around or quits posting, I do wonder what they are up to. Especially if I don't see them on AIM or MSN anymore. But like others have said, I figure that real life became the main focus in their lives. So though I wonder what's up, that's about all there is to it.

[B]Gavin[/B] - You do a nice job of conveying both a sense of being lost and the city being the music of life. But at the same time, it seems to clash with itself. In all honesty, as it's been mentioned, it seems like two different poems. [B]Allamorph[/B] - Nice clean imagery in your poem, as it's been said, it's like the city is the one telling the tale instead of a person. I don't like how the first and last line are the same, but still, it tells a very concise tale and it's easy to imagine the city. My vote goes to [B]Allamorph[/B].

[B]Kathy[/B] - I'll just admit it upfront. Dixieland wins. I served an LDS mission in Dallas, Tx and that bit about it really gives the poem a personal touch I can relate to. The feeling of being excited about revisiting places you care for. [B]Darren[/B] - I can also relate to the being stuck in a classroom wanting out, but unlike the other touch, that one just reminds me too much of being stuck in a class. It is nice, but it doesn't really stand out in my mind. Anyway, I vote for [B]Kathy[/B].

[B]Treble[/B] - Nice and simple and to the point, making you feel that in order to truly understand, one has to go to the ocean. [B]8bit[/B] - Yours does a nice job of putting a more personal story into the poem. Though I find that a little distracting from a personal perspective, not for the actual poem. Both poems have elements that I like better than the other, I like the simple nature of Treble's and the more serious in 8bit's. I vote [B]Treble[/B].

[B]Crystia [/B]- The thing that brings your poem together the most is the hint of ice. The shortness of the season's between only reminds me of how short spring summer and fall can be here in Utah. It feels like you're telling the story of seasons from the perspective of where you live, something I can relate to. [B]Beth[/B] - Your poem is more about someone experiencing and cherishing the seasons. Something I can also relate to since what makes them so enjoyable in the first place is what a person gets out of it. It speaks of the seasons making one feel alive. Of the two, and believe me this isn't an easy choice, I feel more connected to [B]Crystia[/B]'s poem so she gets my vote.

[B]Aaryanna[/B] - There isn't much to tell that hasn't already been said. The issue with the duplicate word, only describing the mountains, etc. But all together it has a nice simple flow that is beautiful to read. [B]Prem[/B] - You've heard it already so I won't repeat it. But I do agree with Allamorph, channel that creativity into your stories, you've got a lot to work with there. For the simple beauty of[B] Aaryanna[/B]'s poem, she gets my vote.

Welcome aboard instantnoodle13. It's fun here and I'm sure you'll enjoy the place. If you ever have any questions feel free to send a PM in my direction. In the mean time, take a look around and have fun. [B]EDIT:[/B] Allamorph, don't you dare start that with me too. XP

[quote name='Allamorph;810204][FONT=Arial]Between the two albums, my hands-down favorite chart is Floodlights, from their first album, Hybrid Awaken. Wall Of Sound is a much more cohesive album; I think Lunar was experimenting around with their first one, and kinda settled down for WOS, which makes it the better of the two.[/FONT][/QUOTE]I agree, the second album is the best in my opinion and since it's been brought up, I'm listening to [B]The Unknown (TWH Remix)[/B] I rather like this one and how the one before it [B]Interlude[/B] just flows right into it as if they were meant to go together. [quote name='Allamorph'][FONT=Arial]Incidentally, Cryptic Light (also on HA) was the inspiration for [URL="http://www.otakuboards.com/showpost.php?p=778560&postcount=90"][COLOR="Blue"]this[/COLOR][/URL'] post, way back when. If you listen while reading, it makes more sense.[/FONT][/quote]Interesting, I'll have to pull that song up and re-read that post later when I have time. :p Just to see what you are talking about.

When I'm totally worn out mentally, usually anything [I]but[/I] music is what I end up doing. I literally spend so much time on music in some form that sometimes that silence is what works best. When it's my turn to use the car I share with my other brothers... I'll head up one of the canyons to get away from the noise of the city. If I can't do that, then reading or watching something works as well. If I'm not too mentally tired, then very calming and peaceful music works. Stuff like this [B]Nocturne No. 2 in E-Flat Minor, Op. 9 No.2[/B] by [B]Chopin[/B]. Here's a link: [URL="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvxS_bJ0yOU"][U][B]Music[/B][/U][/URL] Serenely beautiful and usually just the thing to help me feel more rejuvenated.